The Nation July 12, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Bayelsa appoints First Lady Perm Sec

Cabinet okays Bill to overhaul oil sector

NEWS

NEWS

Page 4

Page 59

•It’s routine, says State Government

•NNPC to be unbundled in draft PIB

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 2184 THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

EDO 2012

N150.00

•IG warns officers not to aid rigging •Don’t intimidate voters, Clark warns •Reps divided over troops deployment MORE ON PAGES •7,000 NSCDC men for poll •AND 10, 21, 43-44 & 64

‘It was a harrowing experience for NNPC’ From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

T

HE crowd kept surging into the Amphitheatre of the NNPC Tower, Abuja. The business of the day was an unusual one - a commendation service for those who died in the June 3 Dana Air plane crash in Lagos.

Their long faces and all-black dresses were metaphors for the sad reality that never again would they see the deceased; except in dreams.

Relatives of the victims could not contain themselves. They kept wiping tears with handkerchiefs all through the ceremony.

The crash killed five members of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) staff. They are: Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Levi Ajuonuma, Assistant Director and Abuja Continued on page 2

•Children of the late Mr Anthony Nwaokeagbara and his widow: Christopher (left), Nnabuike, Ezinne and widow Rosemary...yesterday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Fake voter’s cards flood Edo Oshiomhole gives Jega samples Commissioner of Police removed

Justice Mukhtar: I will fight corruption •Senate clears CJN-designate

A

From Joseph Jibueze and Osagie Otabor, Benin

W

ITH the Edo State governorship election just 72 hours away, there were allegations yesterday that fake voter’s cards are in circulation.

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate Governor Adams Oshiomhole presented copies of the fake cards to the Chairman of the Indepedent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega.

Oshiomhole alleged that the cards were printed at Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area, under the supervision of a senator, who he did not name.

The governor also tendered fake INEC security tags, which he said were to be given to thugs by opposition parties.

He said he had intelligence report that the thugs were to be given fake police and army uniforms.

Oshiomhole spoke at the final stakeholders’ forum organised by INEC for Saturday’s governorship election.

His words: “We have intelligence reports that a party, which has a history of rigging, has sewn army and police uniforms.

“You have a task to ensure that those with uniforms are genuine.

“Our people are used to the presence of solContinued on page 4

•ALL SMILES: Justice Mukhtar...yesterday

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

FTER about two hours of grilling, the Senate yesterday unanimously confirmed the nomination of Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Justice Mukhtar, who was screened by the Committee of the Whole, answered questions on national and judicial matters.

She will be inaugurated as CJN on Monday, according to the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Affairs, Senator Joy Emodi.

Justice Mukhtar told the Senate that she was determined to flush out corrupt judges from the system.

The CJN-designate, however, noted that there is corruption in every system, adding that she cannot pretend that the judiciary is free of the problem.

Asked how she intends to address the problem, Justice Mukhtar said that as Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), she would initiate internal cleansing to

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

flush out corrupt judges.

Her words: “Corruption is in every system of our society and I cannot pretend that it is not in the judiciary. What I intend to do to curb this is leading by example and pray that others will follow.

“As Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), I will encourage internal cleansing, based on petitions. But that is not to say that I will condone frivolous petitions. Each petition will be looked at on its merit.

“I will also seek the cooperation of my colleagues in the council to ensure that discipline is ensured accordingly.”

On poor perception of the judiciary by the public, Justice Mukhtar said that she is saddened by the development.

She promised to improve and restore the confidence of Nigerians in the judiciaContinued on page 4

•SPORTS P24 •EDUCATION P25 •POLITICS P43 •NATURAL HEALTH P45

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

2

NEWS DANA AIR CRASH

‘Why we gave money to Iju residents’

•Dana to give update only on Tuesday and Friday

D

ANA Air has explained why it gave money to some residents of Iju-Ishaga, outskirts of Lagos, where the June 3 crash happened.

The airline, in an update on its website, said the money was meant to palliate their suffering.

The airline said: “Dana Air would also like to clarify that its gesture of presenting cheques to the families of the 9 ‘severely affected’ residents of Iju-Ishaga, is a palliative measure to assist them in securing the preferred temporary accommodation of their choice. Of the 9 families in this category of affected residents (as per Lagos State Emergency Management Agency classification), 7 accepted the cheques while 2 requested that the gesture be explained. Prior to the gesture of Tuesday, July 3rd, the airline had provided relief materials to all affected residents and, in conjunction with LASEMA, had made advanced efforts in securing accommodation for the families.

The decision to monetise the gesture at this point is based on the request by the affected families at a meeting between them and Dana Air officials on Thursday, 28th June, 2012. The company maintains contact with all the families and has given assurances that our Insurers will give adequate compensation to all residents who have been affected in varying degrees.”

The company said it would no longer give daily updates on its website.

It said: “In order to provide up to date information on the status of the ongoing response by Dana Air to the tragic accident of June 3, 2012, the company will now be providing updates to the media, and on our website, on Tuesday and Friday each week.”

On the insurance payment to the families of the victims, the airline said: “Insurers of Dana Air are sparing no efforts in processing claims in accordance with the law.

Cheques are being issued to the families towards interim payment of $30, 000 each, after completing legal verification of documentation and next-of-kin status. Completed claim forms submitted to Dana Air’s Crisis Management Centers (CMC) in Lagos and Abuja have been forwarded to our insurers for processing. We are in contact with all the families and have advised that they visit the chambers of Yomi Oshinkoya & Co, Solicitors appointed by our insurers, to complete advance payment formalities.

“To facilitate the payment process, Dana Air had deployed 3 dedicated toll-free lines, manned by trained personnel, to a Crisis Management Centre in Lagos and Abuja, and public announcements were made in the national dailies and local radio requesting affected families to come forward with details of the Next-Of-Kin, especially those whom the company had difficulty reaching.

The airline will continue to provide

Wake-keep for Anyene Six today A WAKE-keeping service is to be held today at Ndiowu, Orumba Local Government Area of Anambra State for the Anyene Six, who died in the Dana Air plane crash of June 3.

Onyeka Anyene, a lawyer, his wife Maimuna and their four children, Kamsiyonna, Kainetochi, Kaimarachi and Kobichime perished in the crash.

They will be buried tomorrow at their residence in Ndiowu.

At commendation service was held last month for them at the Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The late Maimuna and her children, who were based in the U.S., came to Nigeria to attend her brother’s wedding ceremony.

Sympathisers have continued to besiege the Ndiowu family house of the Anyenes since the plane crash that claimed more than 153 lives.

This, a family source said, was because the late lawyer was loved by all and sundry not just because of his personality but because of his benevolent nature.

He was said to have frequently dispensed gestures to widows and other less privileged persons. It was also said that no fewer than 200 pupils and students were on his scholarship scheme at the time he died.

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

these services until all claims have been addressed and settled.

“Dana Air appreciates that the statutory payments cannot compensate for any of the precious lives lost in the accident but we hope that it will lessen the pains of the families knowing that they are not alone in these extremely difficult times.

“Dana Air is maintaining contact with all the families, and will continue to offer all necessary assistance to them. “ Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing and Dana Air continues to co-operate fully with and offer all support to the investigating authorities. “ Dana Air shares in the pains of the affected families and continues to engage the Lagos State Government and the management of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital to expedite the process of identification of bodies, so that the families can lay their loved ones to rest. As per last update from the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH on Tuesday, July 3, 2012, more DNA samples have been collected and will be sent to the UK for testing today. We will provide further updates as we get them.”

•The NNPC Dana Air plane crash victims

• Children of the late Levi Ajuonuma, Obina(left), Rebecca and Emmy… yesterday

• Children of the late Deputy Manager, Brass LNG, Ibrahim Nagidi ...yesterday

‘It was a harrowing experience for NNPC’ Continued from page 1

Assistant Director and Abuja Zonal Operations Controller of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. Anthony Nwaokeagbara, Manager, Pipelines and Depot Projects, NNPC, Mr. Olukayode Okikiolu, the late Deputy Manager, Planning, NAPIMS, Mr. Inusa AhmedAbba and Deputy Manager, Brass LNG, Mr. Ibrahim Nagadi.

The late Abba-Ahmed’s son, Fayasal, who flew with his father, also died in the crash.

NNPC’s Lanre Fatokun lost his beautiful wife Anjola and two children - Olaoluwa and Ibukun. He stayed away from the ceremony, because he could not stand the grief it would induce. He works at the NNPC Transformation Office.

The former Group General Managing Director of the corporation, Funsho Kupolokun, who “drafted” the late Ajuonuma into the NNPC, fought back tears. Kupolokun, an engineer, alluded to a poet who said “death will always come unwelcome”, noting that even in death, man would feel better doing the right thing.

He recounted how NNPC employed the late Ajuonuma.

He said: “I said ‘Levi, let’s sit down and talk’ and we spent one-hour in his office in Surulere and I took him through and he was convinced that it was the right thing that should be done. From the moment he got convinced, he was more with it than myself. Once he believed in something, he went on with his best.”

Kupolokun said Ajuonuma was humane.

His words: “He had time for people. He stood by everybody. I pray we all have time for his wife, his chil-

dren and his family. Remember what the GMD said; we should stand by them. We will stand by them. We must try to stand by them. Levi was one man who stood by his former boss. He reminded me of my birthday.”

Kupolokun almost breakdown at this point. He went on: “I am a very emotional person and I cannot stand events like this. When you look at all these people and what has happened.

They were cut down in the business of doing their normal jobs. They were all in the cause of earning their living.”

But, as soon as Kupolokun subdued the emotion, he recalled his late former subordinate’s love for big shoes.

He said: “And one thing I remember about him, he liked very heavy shoes. The heavy shoes I have in my bag were all bought for me by Levi.

And each time I wore these shoes, I would say ‘Levi, these your Abdul shoes, they are making me uncomfortable.’”

The Manager, Pipeline and Depot Projects, Mrs. Chioma Njokwu, who is now acting in the capacity of the late Nwaokeagbara, said she had been having insomnia since the accident. She wondered what the enormity of the late Nwaokaegbara family’s pains would be if she was so traumatised.

Njokwu said the late Nwaokoeagbara was a repository of knowledge.

She said: “Tony was a great guy.”

At this stage, she bowed out of the stage, saying: “I can no longer continue, please.”

The Group Managing Director, NNPC, Andrew Yakubu, announced that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Ma-

•Widow of the late Nwaokeagbara, Rosemary… yesterday

dueke and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry were at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presenting the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). He said Alison-Madueke promised to join the ceremony midway, but she never made it to the event.

Yakubu said: “Some of us worked side by side with them only a couple of months ago. Their passing away has been a very harrowing experience for us, not only in the NNPC, but the entire oil and gas industry.’’

He regretted that the corporation had not held the ceremony before yesterday due to the inability to get the bereaved families together.

The Acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs of the NNPC, Mr Fidel Pepple, said Ajuonuma left big shoes behind that would be difficult for anyone to fill.

He said: “Ajuonuma was not just a boss but a friend. He had a knack for getting things done quickly.’’

After the tributes that were showered on the late NNPC workers, the condolence registers opened for them were released to their families, ending a grim, but necessary occasion.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

NEWS DANA AIR CRASH Who were they?

•Ajuonuma

Victims from the NNPC family •Dr. Levi Ajuonuma •Kayode Okikiolu •Ibrahim Nagidi •Anthony Nwaokeagbara •Inusa Ahmed-Abba •Faysal Ahmed-Abba •Mrs. Anjola Fatokun •Olaoluwa Fatokun •Ibukun Fatokun

The late Dr. Levi Chibuike Ajuonuma was born on December 2, 1959 in Enugu, although he hailed from Ideato South in Imo State.

Ajuonuma had his early education in Enugu, proceeded to the United States of America for further studies at Huntington College, Indiana, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, a Masters of Arts and PhD in Mass Communication from the University of Minnesota in 1983 and 1987.

He was married with children.

•Okikiolu

•The Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mr Andrew Yakubu (left), with his deputies at the Commendation Ceremony ...yesterday

The late Olukayode A. Okikiolu was born on January 22, 1963 and hailed form Egbado North in Ogun State and was married with children.

Okikiolu obtained his School Certificate from the Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro, Ogun State in 1978; proceeded to Baptist Academy Lagos in 1980 for his A’ level Certificate, later graduated from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1986.

He joined the services of the NNPC in June 2007. Between February 1993 and April 2007, the late Okikiolu worked with the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, where he held several positions in purchasing and supply.

•Ahmed-Abba

• Widow and children of the late Inusa Ahmed-Abba ...yesterday

Heavens blaze forth the death of princes

I

WONDER why even the black people of the world have continued to parrot the prejudiced insensitivities of the “white” people to the extent of labeling every evil or negative event or phenomenon “black”! Anyway, black or white, Sunday, June 3 came as destined by God, “before the foundations of the earth”! But before it came, it was preceded by a horrendous road traffic disaster on Saturday, June 2, along the infamous Lagos-Ibadan “disaster zone” euphemistically named expressway to hell! About twenty two articulated vehicles known as trailers in common parlance and mammy wagons were incinerated. Many Nigerians and perhaps foreigners died! I was caught in the monumental traffic snarl caused by that tragedy! “No comets were seen”. Neither government nor any of its duplicated agencies said a word or did anything! Then on “black Sunday, another twenty five, tankers and other articulated vehicles were reduced to ashes very close to the tragedy of the previous day. “No comets were seen” because those involved were “beggars”. As the day wore on, terrorists struck in Bauchi killing many persons including a woman heavy with a child! A few hours later, an airliner operated by Dana crashed and burst into flames, killing all passengers and crew, whilst those “beggars” on the expressway were still burning. Immediately this tragedy occurred, there was “breaking new”! Some electronic media houses “suspended routine programmes and sent their reporters and camera men running to the scene of the mayhem.

There was no breaking new! No prince died in the disaster. About 24 hours later another group of “beggars” were blasted to hell by possibly the same group of terrorists, this time in Borno State. Well, there was no need for breaking news or any such special attention! No “princes were involved”! If the “beggars” reckoned that by succumbing to death at the

By Ola Majoyeogbe

same time as the “princes” they might get some attention. They have discovered how sadly mistaken they are!

Poor folks.

Meanwhile, virtually every other news worthy item was relegated to the background. The President shut down the Presidency, which was rather idle any way! Flags were flown at half mast by Government and those of its agencies that had not embezzled the funds meant for the purchase of flags. A special session of the non-performing Federal Executive Council was held in honour of the victims of the plane crash. Some emergency contractors made away with lots of public funds, designing the giant manifest of the air crash victims for the Executive Chambers of the Federal Government. Radio and television stations virtually refused to return to normal programmes and the news papers, eight days after the crash, have found nothing else to write about!

My hearts goes out to all the victims of the air crash; all of them. My heart goes out also to all the relatives and friends of the faithful departed. I sincerely grieve for those families who lost so many loved ones, including whole families; father, mother and children. I am deeply touched by the tragedy of sudden death for those who were on official duty. I grieve even more for those whose remains would never be positively identified.

I grieve for husbands who lost their wives. I grieve for wives who lost their husbands. I grieve for the estimated 200 Nigerian students, whose scholarship was being funded by one of the victims of the avoidable death. I salute the President, his Ministers and other officials who have displayed elaborate empathy with victims and

‘

I sincerely grieve for those families who lost so many loved ones, including whole families; father, mother and children. I am deeply touched by the tragedy of sudden death for those who were on official duty. I grieve even more for those whose remains would never be positively identified. I grieve for husbands who lost their wives. I grieve for the estimated 200 Nigerian students, whose scholarship was being funded by one of the victims of the avoidable death

‘

their loved ones. I grieve even more for those nameless “beggars” who were minding their own business and going through extremely hard times in their poor and rundown neighbourhood before the “princes” came crashing on them. I grieve even more because since they are beggars, nobody would give them their dues.

Some of them are already complaining rather loudly in the media, print

and electronic. My advice to them; save your breath! “No comets are seen” “when beggars die”. They should not be engaged in the unpardonable indiscretion of equating themselves with those who travel by air.

They should not forget that they have no shoes and those who like them had no shoes until recently have forgotten what it is like not having shoes!

Before and since the air disaster, more people have died than the victims of the air crash. Not even dysfunctional Local Government offices have been shut down in their honour. They are “beggars”. No flags would be flown where they exist at all. When Government officials and politicians mouth such inanities as “Democracy is for the people” the beggars should know that “all animals are equal but some are more equal than others”.

How true it is what Shakespeare wrote centuries ago. “When beggars die, no comets are seen but the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes”.

Adieu, all the princes and beggars who have departed suddenly courtesy of lack of government. Let all the shoeless people mourn the princes but remember their own for whose death, “no comets are seen”! I can guarantee them without any fear of contradiction that though on planet earth “no comets are seen” the Lord God who created all is aware that they too are on the way home! Adieu princes, particularly the young princes who most probably do not yet know sin. Adieu, the “unknown Nigerian” lying in an unmarked shall grave! William Shakespeare, let your spirit rise and take a bow, for this piece of prophetic sagacity namely that “when beggars died, no comets are seen. But the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes”! How true! How true!

•Col Majoyeogbe (retd) is a security consultant and public affairs analyst.

The late Inusa Ahmed-Abba was born on September 11, 1959. He hailed from Kano.

Ahmed-Abba graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from University of Lagos, Akoka in 1985. He had his early Quranic and western education in Ringim in the then Kano State.

Ahmed-Abba was as DM, Planning PSC from July 2007 till his transition; Supervisor, Market Research Crude Oil Marketing Department, COMD, February 2004 - June 2007.

He was married with children.

•Nagidi The late Nagidi Ibrahim Muhammad was born on June 10, 1963. He hailed from Lokoja, Kogi State and was married with children.

He obtained his School Certificate in the Government Secondary School, Ogaminana, 1974 – 1980, bagged his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 1983 to 1985; earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar between 1999 to 2000.

From December 2008 to 3rd of June, 2012, he was the Acting Contracts and Procurement Manager, Brass LNG. Between November 2006 to April 2008, he was also Senior Contract Specialist responsible for EPC Contracts Formation activities. From August 2006 to November 2006, he was Supervisor Materials Management Services in Research and Development in Port Harcourt.

•Nwaokeagbara Anthony Nwaokeagbara, an engineer, was born on May 9, 1956 into the family of the Nwaokoagbaras of Obehie-Asa Community in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.

He attended Asa Grammar School from 1970 - 1974, the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu from 1974 - 1978.

Nwaokoagbara joined the services of the then Petroleum Inspectorate of NNPC (now Department of Petroleum Resources of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources) on August 4, 1980. He rose from the position of a Petroleum Inspector 1 to an Assistant Director and Zonal Operation Controller of the DPR Office in Abuja.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

NEWS Portsmouth set to cancel Kanu’s contract

C

•Sierra Leone First Lady Sia Nyma Koroma, welcoming Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Presidential Villa in Freetown during the former Lagos State governor’s condolence visit to President Ernest Bai Koroma (centre) who lost his mother…yesterday

Fake voter’s cards flood Edo Continued from page 1

diers. The Army should not wait for police to invite them.

They should work together and be fully armed.

“We prefer more security to ‘undersecurity’. They should make others understand that weapons are for criminals.”

The governor urged Jega to punish parties involved in buying up voter’s cards and rejected the decision that voters should stay 300 metres away from polling units.

The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate, Solomon Edebiri, called for armed security operatives at polling units to prevent thugs from snatching ballot boxes.

He said ex-militants were being trained to cause disturbances during the election.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Charles Airhiavbere requested an amendment of the Electoral Act that would make governors drop their security personnel three months before the election.

The PDP candidate alleged that voter’s cards had been cloned and that vigilance groups are to assist in bringing people from neighbouring states.

‘

We have intelligence reports that a party, which has a history of rigging, has sewn Army and police uniforms

’

Airhiavbere urged security agencies to monitor the former Niger Delta militant leader, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo and vigilance groups.

The INEC Chairman confirmed that the cards and tags presented by Oshiomhole were fake.

He said: “These are fake.

Anybody who comes with this will be surprised. The pin numbers are different.”

Also yesterday, a new Commissioner of Police, Mr Femi Adenaike, was posted to Edo State to take over from Mr Olayinka Balogun.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, ordered the posting.

Adenaike was a Commissioner of Police in charge of federal operations at the Force

Headquarters, Abuja.

Police spokesman Frank Mba confirmed the development. He said Adenaike and Balogun swapped positions.

Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers were also swapped, Mba said.

“It is just a temporary arrangement for purposes of the election,” he added.

Jega explained that the commission created 5,513 voting points in 2,627 polling units, to hasten voting.

The INEC Chief debunked text messages being circulated that INEC has changed the venues of some polling units and collation centres.

He said: “INEC has not changed any collation centre.

Any change in collation centres is cancellation of election.”

The INEC boss said movement would be restricted, adding: “I am satisfied with the preparation and will ensure that all goes well. What we have done is to ensure that adequate protection is provided.

“The best personnel have been recruited for this election.

We will ensure that each local government has an Electoral Officer and a Resident Electoral Commissioner to monitor the election.

ASH-STRAPPED English Championship side Portmouth FC’s administrators are investigating whether they may have grounds to cancel former Nigeria international Nwankwo Kanu’s contract after revealing he is in Nigeria.

Administrator Trevor Birch may call in the PFA over the striker’s absence, which has raised hopes the Cup final goal hero may have shot himself in the foot by failing to report for the start of pre-season training.

Kanu is one of a number of senior players Pompey simply have to move on if they’re to be in decent financial shape for a takeover.

Birch told The News: ‘Kanu is back in Nigeria, that is the understanding from his legal adviser, who I have been speaking to. I don’t actually know why he hasn’t come back. You will have to phone him and ask him.

‘What I do know, though, is we have not reached a compromise and he was due back on Monday along with the rest of the contracted players. Then he just didn’t turn up. I was down at the training ground both Monday and yesterday and Michael (Appleton) is very angry, which is understandable. Kanu must turn up for training, so this is a breach of contract. Whether it is sufficient enough to terminate his contract I don’t know at this stage, we will have to wait and see. He will have to be disciplined, though. What we intend to do is an internal matter. I cannot talk about that.

However, if it is a continued absence we will have to bring in the PFA.’ Other players appear close to moves - Lue Varney to Leeds and David Norris to Sheffield Wednesday remain possibilities - but others do not appear to be attracting any interest.

Bayelsa appoints Jonathan’s wife, 17 others Perm Secs

F •Prof. Jega

“The challenge is for you to have agents on ground. We have laptops and projectors where results will be entered and displayed electronically for all to see.”

The INEC chairman blamed politicians for abusing the voter’s register given to them to send wrong messages to voters.

He said photocopied voters cards would not be allowed and warned that anybody caught selling or buying voter’s cards would be prosecuted.

Jega, who ordered the removal of campaign posters and billboards in public places where voting is to take place, warned state broadcast stations against announcing results that have not been officially released.

IRST Lady Dame Patience Jonathan made history yesterday - the government of Bayelsa State appointed her permanent secretary.

This is the first time the wife of a President has been so appointed into a position reserved mainly for senior civil servants.

But Dame Jonathan is not the only appointee of the Seriake Dickson administration, there are 17 others, according to a statement by Head of Civil Service Mrs Gloria Izonfo.

President Jonathan was Deputy Governor and Governor of Bayelsa although his was hails from Okirika in Rivers State.

The other appointees are Mr.J.E. Oye, Samson Ayibeboa, Mrs. Antonia Koroye, Ziwari Billie, Buruboyefa John, Mrs Dikuro Ayebameh, Serge Williams, Olu Kuruom, G.I.Izein, Mrs.Philomena Alodie, Dr. Omietimi Kojo, Ese Izonebi, Ohougha Maythias, James Clinton, Mrs. Linnet Tebepah, Moses Teibowei, Dr. A. Sanayi and Vivian Odiwei.

Following the announcement on the state radio, it became the talk of town in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Government sources said her

From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

appointment was informed by her long service transferred from the Rivers State Civil Service to the Bayelsa Civil Service.

Justifying the appointment of Mrs Jonathan, the statement said: “By the Constitutional power conferred on the state Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, in section 203 sub section 2c, Dame Patience Jonathan and Seventeen others were elevated to the position of Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service”.

Dame Jonathan obtained the National Certificate of Education (NCE) in Mathematics/ Biology in 1989 from the Rivers State College of Education and a Bachelor of Education in Biology and Psychology from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

She worked in Teaching, Banking and as a Sports Administrator in the State CivilService. She was First Lady of Bayelsa State.

Mr. Mackson Iworiso, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dickson on Media and Public Affairs, described the appointment as routine action in the Civil Service.

I will fight corruption, says Justice Mukhtar at Senate screening Continued from page 1

ry.

Said her Ladyship: “Indeed, as it is now, it is very bad and I’m saddened. I will try - I don’t want to sound like a broken record here - I will try to make sure that the confidence reposed in the judiciary as it were before is restored.

“I will try as much as possible to ensure that the bad eggs that are there (Judiciary) are flushed out. There will cleansing by the NJC, based on petitions.

“It is sad that the ordinary man in the street thinks and feels that he cannot get justice and this is because of the situation we find ourselves.

“I will ensure that this perception is improved.”

On terrorism, she said there is no law to deal with terrorism cases in the country.

According to her, once a law is passed, the judiciary will comply to deal with anybody found guilty of terrorism.

Justice Mukhtar said she was aware that Nigerians are very anxious to see that terrorism is curbed.

“We can only do that if there is a law, but right now there is no law on terrorism.

Hence, I would say the ball is in your court and the court of the executive.

“Once a law is passed, the judiciary will make sure that it complies with it and make sure that it deals with anybody found guilty of the offence,” she said.

But Senate President David Mark reminded her there is “Terrorism Prevention Act 2011”.

On plea bargain, Justice Mukhtar said there was “no harm in it if it is done in good faith and in good con-

science”.

On the establishment of special courts on terrorism she said: “My take is that rather than establishing a court just for that purpose, it would be better if a judge of a court is designated to hear and take these matters.

“If a court is created as time goes by, the offences may continue to go down (diminish) and if a court is specifically set up for that, there will not be much for the judge to do.

“In my view, once a judge, or two judges or even three in a judicial division are designated to deal with these offences, I think it will suffice.”

On frivolous injunctions by judges, Justice Mukhtar said: “It is true that right from the time of Hon. Justice Mohammed Uwais, there have been directives to judges to be very cautious on granting injunctions.

“In fact, the National Judicial Institute, on many occasions, conducted hearing on this particular issue but somehow, down the line, some judges will not heed the advice and directive they have been given.

“The National Judicial Council will ensure that whenever any judicial officer contravenes the law or contravenes the directive given to him, with the cooperation of my colleagues, such an officer will be dealt with.”

On bail for those accused of terrorist acts, she said: “If a judge finds that there is nothing to warrant the remand of a person accused of terrorism, the judge will be at liberty to release him on bail.

“But we will partner effectively with the authorities to ensure we curb this and to ensure that unnecessary

granting of bail is stopped.”

Justice Mukhtar said it would be unfair to single out the judiciary for blame for prison congestion.

“To say that it is the judiciary that should be blamed for congestion in prison will be most unfair,” She said.

Emodi, at a news conference, praised President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing Justice Mukhtar CJN. She said: “The appointment of Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, a woman, to head one of the three arms of government in Nigeria for the first time in almost 100 years of the country’s existence and 52 years of Nigeria ’s Independence is a victory for Nigerian women.

“This is a great moment in history. By this action, President Goodluck Jonathan has added a new dimension to his promise of gender inclu-

sive government and promotion of women. He has indeed lifted Nigerian women to greater heights and left an indelible mark in the annals of this nation.”

She noted Justice Mukhtar’s appointment was based on merit and not on federal character as she was also the first woman to become a lawyer in the North and first woman to be appointed Justice of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Dahiru Musdapher will bow out tomorrow as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) after attaining the mandatory age of 70 years.

A Valedictory Court Session will hold in his honour at the premises of the Supreme Court in Abuja.

The session will mark his last ceremonial function as the CJN, crowning a glorious career spanning over four decades.

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

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

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NEWS

Budget for defence inadequate, says Rep Koko

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HE Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Aminu Musa Koko, has said the budget for defence should be improved to aid the fight against insecurity.

Koko, who spoke when he led his committee members on a visit to the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral O. B. Ogunjimi, in Calabar, said the N10 billion allocated to defence

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

in the 2012 budget proposal is inadequate.

He said: “Issues like sea robbery, bunkering, insecurity in the North are giving everybody sleepless night and should be arrested. To do this, enough funds should be made available.

“The Federal Government should look at the budget and in subsequent ones, step up the allocations.

We in the House are trying to see how additional funds could be made available to defence.

“The budget for Navy, Army and Air Force is too meagre. The Executive should collaborate with the House on how we could carve out an entirely workable budget for defence.”

He lauded the Navy for policing the maritime boundaries well.

He said: “Honestly, Navy is do-

ing well, considering its lean resources. What we are emphasising is that N10 billion allocated to defence is grossly insufficient.”

He said his committee will look into all the challenges of the Eastern Naval Command of the Navy to aid it discharge its roles well.

He also expressed dismay over the abandonment of the Navy Hospital in Calabar for almost thirty years.

•Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu and Head of African Programme at Chatham House, London Mr. Alex Vines during a lecture delivered by the governor...yesterdayPHOTO: NAN

Fayemi, Orji: no justification for killings

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi and Abia State Governor Theodore Orji have said there is no justification for the violence in Plateau State.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Gyang Dantong, the Majority Leader of Plateau State House of Assembly, Gyang Fulani and others died in the bloodbath.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, Fayemi described the massacre of over 100 persons as “wicked, callous ungodly, barbaric , unacceptable, and highly reprehensible”.

Killing of mourners at the funeral of their loved ones, according to him, is the highest height of bestiality and inhumanity.

Fayemi charged relevant security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the weekend’s mass slaughter are arrested and brought to justice. He expressed sadness over the humanitarian crisis triggered by the latest Plateau bloodbath which has seen many people move to states considered to be safer.

Activist urges Fed Govt: save us now From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

SOCIAL critic, Adebiyi Odekanyin, has said the Boko Haram menace is capable of bringing the country down, if not properly handled.

Speaking with reporters in Oyo, Odekanyin said corruption has also put the country on the edge.

He said: “Today, Nigeria is a widowed state and urgently clamouring for remarriage. How do we do the remarriage? It is the posture of humanity generally to discard the truth, sincerity and godliness. But since truth cannot be destroyed, Nigeria needs an urgent Sovereign National Conference to decide her today and tomorrow.

“President Jonathan acted as a doctor who does not know the cause of ailment of his patient before applying remedy. In a word, the President could best be described as Emperor Joseph of Austria, who always took a second step before the first.”

He urged the President to ensure a Sovereign National Conference was convoked.

He said: “Otherwise, Nigeria with her 150 million people and over 450 diverse ethnic groupings, which makes the country the most complex in the world, may till their soil to the point where the gods will snatch their hoes and cutlasses.”

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He lamented the non-implementation of reports of the Prince Bola Ajibola-led Commission of Inquiry and the retired Maj-Gen.

Emmanuel Abisoye-led Panel of Inquiry into the incessant ethnoreligious violence in Plateau State.

He noted that the implementa-

tion of the reports would have assisted in nipping the mindless killings in the North-Central state in the bud. The governor called for the investigation of an alleged complicity of security officials in the killings that took place in villages in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

Fayemi advised security agencies to re-adjust their strategies to tackle the sophistication of the masterminds of the violence, mass murder in Plateau and other parts of the North.

He expressed dismay with the impunity which the perpetrators of the violence carry out their nefarious and dastardly acts.

Orji, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue, urged security agencies to contain the violence.

Orji described the death of the law makers as painful, especially at a time when their contributions were needed most.

He said the acts of the extremist Muslims were destroying the economic potentials of the country and urged them to put a stop their senseless acts.

Violence in Plateau worrisome, says Lagos ACN

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HE Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has decried the violence in the North.

The party described weekend’s killings in Plateau State as worrisome and said decisive actions must be taken urgently to save the country from plunging into total chaos.

In a statement in Lagos by its Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Joe Igbokwe, the party said it was disturbed by the rampant spate of killings and destruction mostly carried out by the sectarian group, Boko Haram.

The party said: “We are saddened by the fact that Nigeria has plunged into a state of nature where human life has become so cheap and valueless that reports of mindless killing has become so prevalent in the country today. We are riled that in the face of this rising state of

insecurity and pogrom, the federal government has been so pathetically helpless in meeting its primary responsibility of ensuring the security of lives and properties of hapless Nigerians. We are peeved that with each day, the perpetrators of these mindless killings become more daring and the Federal Government become more powerless in dealing with them.

“With the gory nature of the recent mass killing in Plateau State , one would have expected a responsible government to move in and ensure that those responsible for this mass murder are roped in or at best held in check to prevent further assault on a peace loving people. But with reports of more attacks and more killings, we are being forced to ask what this government is waiting for before it unleashes its fangs against those that have sworn to kill, maim

and destroy others for whatever grievances they have with the Nigerian system. Our fear is that Nigeria is degenerating into a vast killing field and a predatory enclave where people prey on others and go unpunished. We dare state that never has the country become so unsafe and insecure for its citizens and even as we acknowledge we are not at war, we see the present as more dangerous than in a war situation.

“We charge the federal government to either ship up or ship out because Nigerians cannot continue to bear the brunt of these senseless killings for ever while the federal government looks on helpless. we want firm and decisive action to end these rising spates of killings and other forms of insecurity that bedevil the Nigeria nation presently. Nigerians are tired of the empty posturing of the federal

government as the country turns to a vast empire of bloodletting. We are tired of fruitless promises that are met with more horrendous attacks on innocent Nigerians and we fear that Nigerians, having lost confidence in the capacity of this government to protect them, will resort to self help if these attacks continue. We warn that such will worsen the situation and lead us to a borderless state of violence where every Nigerian is a potential victim.

“We warn the perpetrators of the present violence in Nigeria that no one holds the monopoly of violence and they should not push their luck too far. We warn the federal government that it cannot continue raveling in inaction while Nigerians fall hapless victims to remorseless killers. We want it to move straight to action or leave the way for Nigerians to solve their problems themselves.”

Bishop to Boko Haram: you’ve no monopoly of violence THE Methodist Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese and the immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi State Chapter,Revd. Godfrey Agupusi, has said the Boko Haram sect has no monopoly of violence.

The bishop expressed worry over the continuous bombings of churches and the wanton destruction of lives and property of Christians in the North.

He said: “If the reprisal attack by the Christians living in the North would put a stop to the bombing of churches by the Boko Haram, that is good and if that is what they needed, then they will have more of it.

“They should have more of it because no one has monopoly of violence. The nation has been calm, Christians and others has been calm over this thing. Praying to God, it is not that we can’t react.

It is not that we can’t carry arms, it is not but if you get to that stage, the world will know that single person or group have no monopoly of violence”.

On state of emergency, he said: “For now, it is not necessary that a state of emergency should be declared in the North. Now, for him to declare a State of emergency in some states will bring disunity in the nation.”

Facebook, CNN partner for U.S. presidential race

By Wale Ajetunmobi

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ABLE News Network (CNN) and Facebook have entered into a partnership for the coverage of the American 2012 presidential campaign.

The partnrship will offer an interactive and uniquely social experience for CNN’s on-air, mobile and online audiences and Facebook’s more than 160 million U.S. users.

Facebook and CNN, said a statement, are teaming up to take the pulse of the American electorate and amplify the voices of the social site’s users as they share their thoughts and feelings on candidates and critical issues facing the country ahead of Election Day. This innovative multi-platform partnership will include: “I’m Voting” Facebook App Facebook and CNN will launch an interactive, engaging “I’m Voting” Facebook application. The app will enable people who use Facebook to commit to voting and endorse specific candidates and issues. Commitments to vote will be displayed on people’s Facebook timeline, news feed, and real-time ticker.

The app, which will be available in English and Spanish, will enable people to share their commitment to vote and support of particular issues or candidates with friends and will provide a way to see how many of their own friends they’ve enlisted to support those issues or candidates.

These commitments will be visually displayed by U.S. state on an interactive map.

The app will serve as a “second screen” for CNN’s America’s Choice 2012 political coverage. Via on-air, online and mobile segments, CNN personalities will use the app to ask Facebook users the most important questions driving the national dialogue and report on their answers.

CNN Washington bureau chief Sam Feist said:“This partnership doubles down on CNN’s mission to provide the most engaging coverage of the 2012 election season.”

Facebook’s Vice President, Corporate Communications, Joe Lockhart, said: “By allowing citizens to connect in an authentic and meaningful way with presidential candidates and discuss critical issues facing the country, we hope more voters than ever will get involved with issues that matter most to them.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

NEWS 60,000 pilgrims for Umrah ABOUT 60,000 intending Muslim pilgrims are expected to perform this year’s lesser Hajj (Umrah) in Saudi Arabia, DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren has said.

Speaking at a meeting of aviation stakeholders on 2012 Umrah in Ikeja yesterday, Demuren said NCAA would ensure that designated airlines complied with international safety standard for the operation.

According to the NCAA boss, any airport or operator that failed to meet the basic requirements would not be allowed to participate in the operation.

New SANs emerge today From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

THE Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) will release the list of new Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), today.

A source confirmed that “the list is being compiled after evaluation of their performances to determine those that will be qualified for the exalted rank”.

The committee had invited 71 applicants for interview.

Teachers to begin indefinite strike in Lagos , Cross River, Benue T EACHERS in 13 states have been called out on a strike from July 2. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has given the strike green light to teachers in Lagos, Cross River, Kebbi, Ekiti, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, Abia, Nasarawa, Enugu, Benue, Kogi and Delta.

The NUT, which is the umbrella union of teachers, accused the states of failing to implement the Teachers Enhanced Salary Structure (TSS).

The strike is to be indefinite, according to the NUT President, Mr. Michael Alogba Olukoya. He said the teachers have run out of patience, three years after the agreement was signed between the union and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) that 27.5 per cent teachers’ enhanced salary scale would be paid.

Olukoya spoke with reporters after the NUT’s 81st Founder’s Day and 2nd Annual Memorial Lecture in honour of the late Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti.

• Demand enhanced pay

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

He said: “We have been patient enough. So, I’m saying it with authority and we have been given the mandate since last Thursday that by 23rd of this month, if any state is still reneging, teachers there should go on strike until otherwise directed.”

He differed with Minister of Education Prof Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, who said only three states were yet to implement the scheme.

Olukoya said the union has exhausted all efforts to convince the teachers that there was significant difference between the payment of Minimum Wage and the 27.5 per cent teachers’ enhanced allowances.

According to him, the union signed the agreement

with state governments in 2008 when it was agreed that the implementation of the scheme would begin in 2009.

He said: “If by 23rd of this month we still have any state that has not paid this money to our teachers, in such state, there will be strike. There is no going back on that because this is an agreement reached in 2008, and the entire leadership of the Union agreed that it should take effect in 2009.

“If by now some states are saying that the Governors’ Forum is illegal, if they are saying that because they paid minimum wage, I want to say it for the sake of emphasis that there is a world of difference between minimum wage and 27.5 per cent teachers’ enhanced salary paid to teachers.”

The NUT President urged the

Federal Government to nationalise the condition of service of teachers as with other professions, and make it attractive to the best brains.

The Coordinator of the NUT wing in the Federal Unity Schools, Mr. Emeka Okonta, also hinted that the Federal Government was yet to implement the scheme.

Prof. Rufa’i urged teachers and other stakeholders in the education sector to complement the efforts of Federal Government to transform the education sector.

She said the poor quality of education outcome recorded in recent years was attributable to the poor quality of teachers, among others. She said Government would not leave any stone unturned to quality teachers’ education and development.

She said: The quality of any educational system is determined by the quality of the teaching-learning process, which in turn depends on the quality of its teachers.

Committee grills Lawan’s colleagues in secret From Dele Anofi, Abuja

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HE Gambo DanMusa-led House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges yesterday questioned other members of the ad-hoc committee on the management of fuel subsidy regime.

The commiittee has attracted criticisms over its decision to conduct public hearing in secret. It, however, appeared to be bent on holding the meeting behind closed doors. Journalists were not notified of the session, unlike earlier meetings.

Businessman Femi Otedola appeared before the committee a forthright ago. He refused to entertain questions from the Committee, insisting that the meeting must hold in public.

Oct. 23 date for Ogbulafor AN Abuja High Court yesterday adjourned the hearing of a suit filed by the Independent Corrup Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Vincent Ogbulafor to Oct 23.

The ICPC is prosecuting Ogbulafor, Jude Nwokolo, Henry Ikoh and Emeka Emmanuel on a 16-count charge of alleged involvement in N170 million fraud.

The ICPC alleged that while serving as the Minister of State for Special Duties in 2001, Ogbulafor connived with the others to float three fictitious companies through which they perpetrated the fraud.

They were alleged to have used Henrichiko Nig. Ltd, DHL Consultants and Chekwas Industries to syphon N82.6 million, N11.5 million and N6.2 million, respectively in 2001.

Ogbulafor was alleged to have used his position as the head of the National Economic Intelligence Committee, set up to verify debts owed local contractors, to pass several alleged forged documents as genuine.

He was alleged to have relied on the forged documents to certify that the three companies successfully executed jobs worth N104 million.

He was also alleged to have collected kickbacks of N2 million and N28 million from two businessmen, Chuks Ebiulah and Chris Nwoke, respectively.

•Women Senators-Nenadi Usman(left); Aisha Al Hassan, Nkechi Nwogu, Zainab Kure, first woman Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN) Justice Aloma Mukthar, Christy Anyanwu, Helen Esuene and Remi Tinubu after Justice Mukthar’s confirmation at the National Assembly, Abuja...yesterday PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

Four held for Oshiomhole’s aide’s murder

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CTING InspectorGeneral of Police M o h a m m e d Abubakar yesterday confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the murder of Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s aide, Mr Olaitan Oyerinde, in Benin.

Oyerinde , Principal Private Secretary to Oshiomhole and Deputy National Secretary of the NLC, was on May 4, shot dead in his Ugbor, Benin residence by unknown persons.

President Goodluck Jonathan ordered the police to ensure that the killers are fished out.

Abubakar, speaking in Benin shortly after address-

From Joseph Jibueze, Benin

ing officers and men of the Police Zone 5 ahead of Saturday’s Edo governorship election, said: “Yes, I can confirm that the police have arrested four suspects in connection with the killing of Oyerinde and investigation is continuing.

I think this calls for Kudos for the Nigeria Police, he said.

On Oshiomhole’s rejection of the police investigation report into the alleged attack on his motorcade on AuchiWarrake road in April, the police chief said the police had the constitutional responsibility to conduct in-

vestigations.

“We have come out with our report and we stand by the report of our investigation until otherwise proven.

Abubakar said: “We were not part of the accident. We have interrogated those involved and have given their statements to the police.

“And based on their statements, the police came to the conclusion we arrived at,’’ he said.

Abubakar added that “whether anybody dismisses it or not, that is not the issue .

“The facts available to us now inform us of what we have said, and if any body has anything contrary, he should

be able to come forward to defend it.

“We cannot allow people to sit down and make statements they don’t have facts about.

“If you have evidence to say it was A, B, C or D, you must be ready to prove it.”

Oyerinde, 44, was shot dead in the presence of his wife on May 4 by four gunmen who invaded his house located in Ugbor area, Benin City around 1 am.

They first tied the security guard while two of them forced their way through the front door and made straight for his bedroom, but it was Oyerinde’s brother-in-law they found there.

Sylva aware of Oct 1 bombings, court told

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ORMER Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva had information on the October 1, 2010 bombings in Abuja, a Prosecution Witness told a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday.

The witness also confessed to being part of the people that bombed Warri, Delta State on March 15, 2010, during a post amnesty meeting.

The Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) claimed responsibil-

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

ity for the attack.

The witness, a middleaged man was testifying in the separate trial of Edmund Ebiware over the twin bombings before Justice Gabriel Kolawole.

Ebiware was specifically accused of withholding information on the planned attack by not using reasonable means to leak the information to the President and Peace Officer to foil the

planned attack.

He was charged with Charles Okah and Obi Nwabueze over their alleged involvement in the Independent Day Abuja twinbombings. The fourth accused person, Tiemkemfa Osuvwo, died in Kuje Prison Led in examination-in-chief by the Prosecution counsel, Alex Iziyon (SAN), the witness said “On October 1, 2010, Edmund called me and say he wants to see me. Stanley said I should be very careful. I re-

ported what I was told by Emmanuel Hallison to “boy loaf” and Victor Ben. I reported to Sylva, told Zion Amanda; then serving as secretary to Brass Local Government who is close to Sylva.

“Under cross-examination by the counsel to the accused, Gordy Uche, the PW4 confessed that “I was arrested in connection with Oct 1 bombings.

The matter was adjourned till July 19 for continuation of trial.

Reps raise alarm over insecurity From Dele Anofi, Abuja

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HE House of Representatives has expressed concerns over insecurity in the country, warning of a likely nationwide protest following attacks on harmless citizens in some parts of the country including the Fedral Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the lawmakers, the protest may be spearheaded by women across the nation.

The Chairman, House Comittee on (FCT), Emmanuel Jimmeh gave the warning during a security summit in Abuja. He lamented that notwitstanding being the Center of Unity, Abuja has joined the league of terror cells in Nigeria.

Saying that the situation is unacceptable, Jimmeh noted that if practical steps are taken, terrorism and kidnapping would sooner than later become a thing of the past I the country.

“We can avoid this pending nationwide disgraceful status by picking the pieces from practical approach to our current national security challenges, especially terrorism and kidnapping,” he added.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

7

NEWS

NYSC: Ogun Assembly seeks court order for indigenes’ redeployment T

HE Ogun State House of Assembly yesterday urged the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to secure a court order that would enable the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from the state to be posted to violence-free parts of the country.

This followed a motion passed by the lawmakers during their plenary in response to the killing of innocent persons, particularly in the North.

The legislators were reacting to the killings in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and some other towns in the state in which scores of residents were murdered by members of the Boko Haram sect and Fulani herdsmen.

The motion called for a court order that would mandate the NYSC national secretariat to redeploy Ogun indigenes to safe regions. Remmy Hazzan (Odogbolu) moved the motion, with support from many lawmakers.

Hazzan noted that urgent steps should be taken to protect the youths.

“The Attorney-General must get an order of a court of competent jurisdiction within days to compel NYSC authorities to rede-

•Ex-minister alleges strange movements in Southwest

‘Provide security for corps members’

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HE wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, yesterday urged the Federal Government to provide tight security for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the volatile northern states.

She spoke at the state NYSC orientation camp in Iseyin during a welcome party she organised for the Batch ‘B’ corps members.

Mrs Ajimobi noted that the crisis in the North is saddening, saying Nigeria needs God’s intervention to prevent further civil unrest.

She frowned at the idea that corps members should serve in their states, saying the objective of the scheme would be lost if the proposal is allowed to sail through.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta and Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

ploy Ogun State indigenes posted to violence-prone states in the North to safe locations,” Hazzan said.

Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo (Ifo II), Job Akintan (Yewa North II) and many lawmakers supported the motion.

They said incessant killings in the North are frightening and that there is

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

The governor’s wife advised the corps member to be ambassadors of peace wherever they find themselves.

Mrs Ajimobi noted that youths who serve their fatherland diligently would be rewarded in the future.

She said: “I would advise that in line with the prevailing security situation, you should go about your activities peacefully and be messengers of peace wherever you find yourselves. I implore you not to see yourselves as strangers in this land. We are all one indivisible entity though our tribes and tongues may differ. Oyo State, therefore, is your home.”

need to pull Ogun State indigenes from death zones.

A former Minister of Power and Steel, Elder Wole Oyelese, yesterday alleged that there are strange movements of people in the Southwest.

He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to avert a bloodbath in the region.

In a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) chieftain advised the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on Immigration and Customs along the nation’s borders, especially in the North.

By acting fast, Oyelese said the nation would keep terrorists away from Nigeria, cut their line of supply as well as prevent future attacks on innocent citizens.

Though he said the deci-

sion would negatively affect neighbouring countries in the North, the former minister added that the step is necessary because of the incessant killings in the North.

He said: “This is what emergencies are all about.

There is no time for sentiment or a situation to play the big brother.”

In the face of escalating insecurity, Oyelese noted that it would be foolhardy for any Nigerian to remain complacent.

The former minister wondered when military hardware and bullet proof vests became part of the paraphernalia of Fulani herdsmen.

He said: “Given what has just happened in Plateau State, it is now more than ever clear that our country is under invasion and the government, if it must survive, must wake up and take decisive action. We cannot lose any more of our citizens.”

Oyelese said it would be unwise to still believe that the Boko Haram insurgency is a Nigerian affair.

According to him, it is obvious that some foreigners are capitalising on the lack of patriotism among many Nigerians as well as the failing system to unleash terror on the country.

‘No unviable community’ll be recommended for council’ From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

THE Chairman of Osun State Local Government Creation Committee, Prof. Mojeed Alabi, has said any community that is not viable would not be recommended for a local government.

The committee chairman spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, during an interactive session with stakeholders and communities.

He called for the creation of new local government areas, saying the state cannot afford to create local governments that would depend on allocations from either the federal or state governments for survival.

Alabi advised community leaders to be meticulous in their memorandum, saying only this would enable his committee to do an effective job.

He said the committee would ensure that it does not make any mistake that could make its effort end in futility.

I’ll reabsorb sacked workers if Oyo people approve, says Ajimobi

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday said he would reabsorb the 3,000 workers who were recently sacked by the government, if the residents want it so.

The government sacked the workers for alleged age and certificate falsification.

Their sack was based on the implementation of a report compiled by a consultancy firm the former administration under Adebayo AlaoAkala hired to probe the work force.

Ajimobi spoke in his office in Ibadan when he inaugurated a panel that will review claims of wrongful termination of appointments by some of the workers.

The panel is headed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adebayo Mutalubi Ojo. Its members include a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Commissioners for Establishment, Training and Finance; Special Advisers on Media, Public Affairs, Education, Due Process, Political and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, who is the Secretary.

The governor said despite his desire for a clean, efficient and public service, he would reabsorb the affected workers if the people want them back.

“We, as a government, will not on any occasion release or sack any innocent person.

It is ungodly and indeed a sin against God and man. But if anyone defrauded the system, has stolen and falsified his credentials and you say we should temper justice with mercy, you are inflicting great damage on the system, which will soon destroy

its whole fabric.

“But I say once again, ours is a listening government. If this is the consensus of the good people of Oyo State, that anyone who has stolen government money; anyone who falsified age; anyone who falsified certificates; anyone who is a ghost worker; that we should leave them in the system, so be it. We will respect the wishes of our people. But I must tell you: if we do this, the state will not move forward,” he said.

The governor explained that the decision to implement the audit report of the Alao-Akala administration’s probe panel was to ensure that the public service regains its reputation as one of the best in the country.

Ajimobi added: “In our quest for efficient service delivery, we have devoted time to motivating the public service. We have restored regular training, within and outside the country, for our civil servants. There is no gainsaying the fact that more of our public servants have gone for training abroad in the last one year than they had done in preceding years. We have ensured regular payment of salary, not later than the 25th of every month, regardless of how late the federal allocation is received.

“If we have established that some people falsified their certificates and are certified to be ghost workers, are we saying we should keep them in the system? Yes, we must temper justice with mercy, but in doing that, what impression do we give the thousands of diligent, upright workers in the system; those who struggled to have genuine certificates and have never for once defrauded the system?”

•From left: Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi greeting the Director, Commercial, Balton CP Limited, Mr Tunka Kocyigit (right) during a visit by the AGCO management team to the governor in Ado-Ekiti. With them are: Managing Director, Africa and Middle East, AGCO Limited, Mr. Nuradin Osman and Director, Strategic Development, Africa and Middle East, AGCO Limited, Mr. Paul Austin.

ACN’ll solve power problem, says Lagos party chair

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AGOS State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Chairman, Otunba Oladele Ajomale, yesterday decried the crisis in the energy sector and assured Lagosians that the party would end epileptic power supply, if voted into power at the centre.

He said: “The problem created by the inefficiency of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) is confronting the Goodluck Jonathan administration. If there was steady electricity, artisans and peasants would be rescued from joblessness; there would be increased productivity. The restoration of electricity is mass empowerment. It will reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria.”

An ACN chieftain, Olawale Oshun, noted that outages are ruining the economy.

He urged state and federal governments to revamp the

•Council donates transformers

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

power sector, while local governments should relieve the states of the power generation burden.

According to him, the states alone cannot be the agents of development.

Oshun, who is also the leader of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), spoke at the distribution of seven KVA transformers to communities in Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos.

The transformers were donated by the council chairman, Mr. Jide Jimoh. Each of them cost N3.2million.

The council chairman noted that the new transformers would revive businesses in the area, adding that the PHCN has no excuse not to supply electricity in the coun-

cil.

Ajomale, who was represented by the Assistant Publicity Secretary of the Lagos ACN, Chief Funso Ologunde, urged the communities to protect the transformers and prevent them from vandals.

ACN grassroots leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders at the ceremony, which held at the council secretariat, decried the dilapidated federal infrastructure littering Yaba and other local governments.

A wheel chair was presented to a disabled, Mrs. Feyisara Bakare.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony included a former Mainland Council chairman, Chief Tayo Oyemade; Yaba Council Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Bola Lawal-Olumegbon; Chief Tayo Soyode, Apostle John

Ojo, Alhaji Bola Balogun, Leader of Legislative Arm, Mrs. Bola John, Council Secretary Adedoyin Durojaye, Council Manager Babatunde Ojikutu; Chief Imam of Mainland, Alhaji Sabis Lawal; the Baale of Iwaya, Chief Muritala Oloko; former Lagos ACN Treasurer, Mr. Bola Balogun; and Yaba ACN Chairman Quadri Farayola.

Ajomale said the community welfare package has marked out ACN as a party of grassroots people.

The politician said the party would do more for Nigeria if it becomes the party at the centre.

Jimoh justified the procurement of the transformers, saying: “The major difference between a developed and underdeveloped country, rural area and urban centre as well as buoyant and comatose economy is the presence or absence of electricity.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

8

CITYBEATS

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

Man, 35, arraigned for alleged murder, arson

By Precious Igbonwelundu

A 35-YEAR-OLD man, Toheeb Sodiq, has been arraigned before a Yaba Magistrate's Court for allegedly killing no fewer than four persons.

He was said to have committed the offence between February and July, and also torched household property belonging to one Abdulmalik Sodiq at Mushin and absconded.

The accused, popularly called "terrorist" was charged before Magistrate O.S. Aka-Bashorun but his plea was not taken because the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter. His arrest was said to have been made possible following a tip off.

It was gathered that the Police embarked on a manhunt for him after he allegedly killed his last victim on July 3.

It was alleged that Sodiq shot dead Adetayo Ogunyemi, Amusa Adisa, Niyi Ehidero and Okon Ekaete at Fadeyi and Mushin in Lagos. He was said to have confessed to the crime. The offence is said to contravene Sections 409 and 221 of the Criminal Laws of the Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

Magistrate Aka-Bashorun ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending the outcome of legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

He adjourned the matter for the DPP's advice.

Two charged with robbery

By Tumininu Owolabi

TWO MEN, Gbenga Adesanya and Idris Anna, have been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate's Court for alleged conspiracy and robbery.

Prosecuting Inspector Samson Ekikere alleged that the accused while armed with gun and other dangerous weapons robbed Mathew Adimu of a laptop worth N120,000, a Blackberry phone worth N85,000 and two Gold chains valued N100,000, all totaling N305,000. Ekikere alleged that the accused committed the offence on June 6, at OkeOdo, a Lagos suburb.

The offence, he said contravened Section 1(2)(a)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act 398, vol. XXII Laws of the Federation 1990 as amended.

Adesanya and Idris pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate T. Akanni granted the accused N100,000 bail each with two sureties in the like sum.

She adjourned the case to August 22.

C

Widow accuses firm of complicity in husband's death T HE widow of Ademola Lawrence Adedeji, who reportedly died in police custody, yesterday refused to absolve Rites Food Limited of complicity in her husband's death.

At the inquest into her husband's death before Lagos State Chief Coroner Tajudeen Elias, Mrs. Cecilia Adedeji, a mother of three, accused Rites Food's Chief Security Officer (CSO)of conniving with the Police to scuttle efforts made to secure her husband's bail.

On February 9, the late Ademola, a major distributor of Rites Food products since 2008, was arrested at the company's premises where he

By Segun Balogun

went to buy products, for alleged issuance of dud cheques. He reportedly died in custody that same night, barely two hours after his wife left him "in good health" at the Ikeja Police Station.

"We tried all we could to secure his bail but the police told us to bring N1million," she said. "His friend wanted to even deposit a brand new car, they refused. When I called the CSO [of Rites Food] he said I should either comply

examination, Police Counsel Cyril Ejiofor tried to convince the court that the late Adedeji died of cardiac arrest, citing an autopsy report to buttress his claim.

He said upon developing complications, the late Adedeji was rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where medical personnel tried, unsuccessfully, for one hour, to save his life. He told the court that the autopsy conducted by Dr. Fedeyile

Court denies driver bail for allegedly hitting Judge

C

AN an accused be denied bail because the complainant is a judge? This is the situation in which a commercial driver accused of hitting Justice Adeniyi Adebanjo of the Lagos High Court, has found himself.

Magistrate A.O. Adegbite sitting at the Tinubu Magistrate's Court in Lagos, on Monday, held that she could not grant him bail because he is accused of "an attempt to kill a judge".

The Magistrate said: "I lack jurisdiction to try the case since the driver is accused of an attempt to kill the judge."

The ruling followed the transfer of the case to the court.

Monday's verdict was the second time 33-year-old Quadri Kasali would be denied bail for the bailable offence.

He was initially arraigned before Chief Magistrate M.A. Ladipo, also in Tinubu, on March 5 and was ordered remanded in prison custody.

His bus and driver's licence were seized by the court.

The matter was adjourned to April 3, but on that day it was not heard because of the absence of Ladipo, who was said to be held in traffic. On the next adjourned date, the case could also not be heard because the magistrate reportedly travelled on official engagement.

Kasali is standing trial for allegedly hitting the judge thrice with his bus with registration number XA242KLK, on March 1.

In April, a rights group, Against Injustice (AI), took up the driver's defence and pursued his bail. Its actions yielded no result because of the magistrate's inability to sit on two occasions.

The group alleged that Kasali's aged mother had taken ill and was hospitalised on

•Governor Babatunde Fashola (middle), his Deputy, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (right), Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs Olusola Oworu, (2nd left), and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Oluranti Adebule at the third celebration of Tradesmen and Artisans Week... yesterday.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

By Precious Igbonwelundu

learning her son is being detained. AI accused Justice Adebanjo of abuse of judicial powers, alleging that he has used his influence to prevail on the magistrate not to grant the accused bail.

Kasali's alleged offence was said to be contrary to, and punishable under Section 228(2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

Kasali pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned last March 5.

The truth of the matter, according to AI, is that "the driver stopped on the road to drop passengers as usual with 'danfos' and the Judge got out of his car somewhere in the traffic build up and yelled at the driver to get down from his 'danfo'.

"The driver was wondering who he was and since it was a new 'danfo', he did not want to be robbed and he drove off.

"He never touched the judge nor did he run him over three times as the judge alleged. The judge must be a bionic man to have survived such an impact."

Magistrate Adegbite adjourned the case to August 13, meaning that the accused would have spent five months in prison custody since his arrest.

Lagos to empower cooperatives to OOPERATIVES in Lawal said agricultural create jobs cooperatives Lagos are to be are

empowered to promote food production, employment and decent work.

Addressing a media a briefing to mark the International Day of Cooperatives, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal said cooperatives are relevant for capacity-building and tapping

with police demands or leave my husband in custody." counsel to Rites Foods, Bambo Adesanya (SAN), while cross-examining the widow, who wept intermittently interrogation, claimed that his client was accused wrongly since Mrs. Adedeji was not at the police station where her husband died. He said there was no compelling evidence to claim that the company killed her husband.

Also during the cross-

revealed the late Adedeji died of cardiac problems.

Ejiofor told the court that a petition sent to the Inspector General of Police (IG) by the bereaved family was found to be "lacking in merit" after investigation by the IG's office, which also relied on the autopsy report."

Mrs. Adedeji insisted that her husband had no health challenge and refused to accept the autopsy report. "It took three months before I was allowed to see my husband's corpse. Nobody notified me that any autopsy will be done.

I don't even know the result of the autopsy," she said.

A step brother of the deceased was also cross-examined before the magistrate adjourned till July 18.

By Daniel Essiet

the productive potential of groups - including women, men and youths.

Most of the cooperatives, he explained, have pooled and harness credit and other capital resources, thus enabling productive employment in different spheres of the economy.

instrumentals in addressing challenges facing small producers along the value chains. The government, lawal said provides subsidies to cooperatives to purchase input and seeds for farmers.

He said there are 12,000 registered cooperatives societies with a total capital base of N40 billion and landed properties.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

9

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

10

NEWS THE BATTLE FOR EDO 834 observers for poll From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

E

IGHT hundred and thrity four observers have been deployed for Saturday’s election by the Project Swift Count (PSC).

The group’s 1st Co-Chair, Dafe Akpedeye (SAN), made this known at a briefing in Abuja yesterday.

Eight hundred of them will be stationary observers, the remaining will move across the state.

He said the observers concluded their training last Saturday in 29 centres.

His words: “PSC’s plan to observe the election is in line with its vision and mission, which is to build voters’ confidence in the electoral process, promote free, fair, peaceful, credible and legitimate elections in Nigeria.

“PSC will hold an interactive session with members of some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Benin before the governorship election.

“As in the other elections it observed, PSC will use the swift count methodology to observe Saturday’s governorship election,” he added.

‘We trust Oshiomole’

•From right: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Attahiru Jega, Abubakar, Commader, 4 Brigade, Brig-Gen Abel Umahi at the meeting...yesterday

From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

T

HE National Coordinator, Ijaw Monitoring Group, Joseph Evah, has advised Ijaw in Edo State to vote for Governor Adams Oshiomole of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Evah, in a statement yesterday, described Oshiomole as the new face of hope in the Southsouth.

Evah told his kinsmen to “mobilise and support Oshiomole to show that Southsouth people appreciate good and committed leadership.

The coordinator said the only strategy left for the people of the Niger Delta to survive the test of time is to elect visionary leaders into office.

He said the ACN candidate epitomise visionary and purposeful leadership.

Group supports governor

A

GROUP, Youth Initiative for Empowerment and Transparency in Leadership (Yiet Nigeria), has endorsed Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s re-election bid.

In a communiqué at the official unveiling of the group in Abuja, the Chairman, Fanny Amun, said following its fact-finding mission to Edo, Yiet-Nigeria resolved to endorse the candidature of the comrade governor and his deputy, Pius Odubu “as the most preferred candidates for the election.”

The group, however, appealed to all candidates to ensure strict compliance with the electoral laws before, during and after the election.

It expressed confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Prof Attahiru Jega, will deliver an election that will be fair and transparent..

IG warns officers against aiding rigging

I

NSPECTOR-GENERAL of Police Mohammed Abubakar yesterday read the riot act to officers, warning them against aiding rigging during Saturday’s governorship election.

Addressing men and officers at the Zone 5 Police Headquarters, Benin, Edo State, he said indiscipline would not be tolerated.

He said each officer would be held accountable for his action.

The police chief said the officers’ task is to ensure that voters and voting materials are safe.

Voters, who choose to stay back to protect their votes, should not be molested or harassed, he warned.

“If they decide to stay, they have a right to stay,” he said.

Earlier at a stakeholders meeting, the police chief said movement would be restricted on Saturday, except for those on duty.

“In this election, vigilance

F

NSCDC deploys 7, 000 officers From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

T

HE Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ade Abolurin, has ordered immediate deployment of 7, 000 officers and men of the Corps to Edo State.

The deployment, Abolurin said, is to ensure effective coverage of all nooks and crannies of the state as well as encourage synergy and collaboration with other security agencies.

The Commandant-General, in a statement in Abuja by the NSCDC spokesman, Emmanuel Okeh, directed that personnel from neighbouring states such as Kogi, Benue, Delta, Bayelsa, should be deployed to complement the personnel at the Edo State Command and Zonal offices.

He said Special Forces from the Headquarters, Abuja, comprising the Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Unit, the Nuclear, Bio-chemical and Radioactive Team, Technical and Operational staff as well as Dog Section for crowd control and orderliness have been deployed to monitor both pre and postelection situations.

From Joseph Jibueze, Benin

groups are not going to be used as security agents.

“Political thuggery will not be tolerated. Anyone arrested will not be locked up in Edo, you will be taken to Abuja where you belong. We are taking this very, very seriously.

“We are prepared; we are ready and we shall guarantee the security of all on Saturday.”

Addressing the police officers, Abubakar said the allowances of the officers have been brought to Edo. He said: “I have brought the allowances you will be paid for this election. This means we do not expect any compromise from anybody.

“This election is a test-case for us to see whether we can get our acts right and conduct a free, fair and credible election.

“We expect you to stand

firm and be polite. You will not molest or harrass anybody.

“We shall not tolerate any form of indiscipline from any officer.

“If you allow yourself to be used by anybody for purposes other than ensuring security during the election, you will have yourself to blame.

“If you do what is right, we will reward you. If you don’t, you will be punished.

“We shall hold every officer accountable by name just as you are posted in operational order by name.”

Abubakar said there should be no misunderstanding with other security agencies participating in the election.

He said: “Your job is to ensure that people freely choose their leader on Saturday. If they decide to stay after voting, they have a right to stay.

“Ensure that INEC officials

and materials are guarded.

Once you do this, you have done your job.”

At the stakeholders meeting, the police chief said the restriction would be strictly applied to everyone, irrespective of political status.

He explained that the 300 meters distance, which must maintained from the polling units, does not apply to voters who want to protect their votes.

“The 300 meters is applicable to those who have nothing to do,” he said.

At the police headquarters, Abubakar inspected a guard of honour mounted to welcome him.

He took time speaking to the guardsman one at a time, adjusting their caps for those whose headwear was not well-placed, and positioning their ties well.

After the inspection, he said to the hearing of everyone within: “I am not impressed at all.”

Clark to security agents: don’t intimidate voters

Ex-JTF man warns against rigging ORMER Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta Maj-Gen Charles Omoregie (rtd) has warned against electoral fraud and violence in Saturday’s election.

Omoregie, who is the Chairman, State Neighbourhood Watch Committee, in a statement yesterday, said: “In view of Saturday’s governorship election, the State Neighbourhood Watch wishes to advise members to refrain from acts and activities that could jeopardise the smooth conduct of the election.

“This advice has become imperative because of its strategic importance to our nascent democracy.

“For the avoidance of doubt, anyone caught perpetuating violence during and after the election will be punished.”

•Vigilance groups banned

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

•Clark

T

HE Ijaw National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, yesterday warned security agents not to allow themselves be used to rig or intimidate the electorate.

Clark advised the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair and credible election to repose the confidence Nigerians have in the commission.

In a statement in Warri yesterday, Clark said his concern for the Edo election came from the fact that he is an elder statesman and an advocate of an egalitarian society, where peace, equity, justice prevail.

“I am a stakeholder in the development of Edo State. As the first Pro-Chancellor of the University of Benin and Chairman, Governing Council of the institution under the

Samuel Ogbemudia administration, I also presided over many institutions in the defunct Midwest region and the old Bendel State,” he said.

Clark said when President Goodluck Jonathan visited Benin City to campaign for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, he said the election would be credible, free and fair.

“So let the people cast their votes according to their conscience. Nobody,regardless of his status, should rig the election in the name of Mr. President.”

He urged security agencies to ensure an election devoid of killings and violence, adding that this should be the

guiding spirit behind the election.

“In other words, the police, soldiers and other security agents should not allow themselves be used or manipulated by anybody, either to rig or favour any candidate.

“All they need do is to maintain peace and order,” Clark said.

The Ijaw leader noted that every Nigerian in Edo State should be given equal opportunity to cast his/her vote without intimidation or molestation.

“Mobilising the armed forces or the police to oppress or intimidate political opponents or voters is counterproductive to democratic growth.”

Reps divided over troops deployment in Edo

M

EMBERS of the House of Representatives yesterday failed to decide whether or not to discuss troops’ deployment to Edo State for Saturday’s governorship election.

The Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, rescinded his earlier ruling on a motion raised under a matter of urgent importance by Bimbo Daramola (Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Ekiti) Daramola said there was no constitutional provision backing the President’s ac-

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

tion of massive deployment of troops in any part of the country, without a serious crisis beyond what the police could handle.

Before the lawmaker could proceed, shouts from the floor put an end to the motion.

Daramola was unable to back his argument even as the Speaker failed to protect him.

The Speaker eventually ruled that further debate on the motion would not be al-

lowed.

At this point, those in support of the motion, mostly from the opposition raised their voices, shouting no! no!! no!!!.

The Speaker put it to voice vote but could not produce a clear winner.

Tambuwal, nonetheless, ruled in favour of those against the motion.

The Minority Leader, Femi (ACN, Lagos) cited Order 11 Section 77 to remind the Speaker the consequences of his decision.

He said since the vote was

not clear, the Speaker ought to call for division on the matter.

The Speaker, however, ruled against the point of order and continued with the business of the day.

Moments later, the Speaker apologised for a mistake he made on Order 11 Section 77, cited by Gbajabiamila.

Tambuwal said he missed the word ‘if’ to mean ‘in’ and that as a consequence of that mistake, he had to reverse his earlier ruling and that the motion would be taken today.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira eases on strong dollar demand

T

HE naira eased to its lowest in a week against the United States’ dollar on the interbank market on renewed demand for the greenback and despite large forex sales by a unit of Royal Dutch Shell.

It fell to N161.30 to the dollar on the interbank, erasing recent gains and compared with its N161.05 close on Tuesday.

The naira firmed by 1.2 per cent last week, after a surge of inflows from foreign investors positioning to buy treasury bills and the central bank’s dollar sales to banks.

“Demand from some banks buying dollars for their customers was quiet large yesterday, sucking the bulk of dollar liquidity in the market and pushing the naira value down,” one currency dealer said.

Traders said Shell sold about $100 million to some lenders on yesterday, but it was not sufficient to absorb demand.

On the bi-weekly foreign exchange auction, the Central Bank of Nigeria sold $180 million at N155.87 to the dollar, compared with the $163 million sold at the same rate on Monday.

“There are speculations that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) plans to sell dollars in the market this week and this could support naira recovery, otherwise it would be another round of depreciation,” another dealer said.

‘With the addition of the three million metric tonnes line, Dangote Cement is capable of producing 6,000 tonnes per day, and ranks among the biggest in Africa and one of the largest in the world.’

- President Goodluck Jonathan

Fed Govt raises tariff on T wheat import

HE Federal Govern ment has approved a new tariff regime for the importation of bread ingredients, the Finance Minister and Co-ordinating minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said.

She said the government okayed the removal of the 10 per cent import duty on gluten enzymes used in making bread and other confectionery, adding that tariff on wheat importation has been approved. She said the measures are part of efforts to encourage cheaper production of cassava bread in the country.

At a briefing at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja yesterday, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala and the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, noted that the incentives would enable cassava farmers, cassava flour millers and the masterbakers to key into the government’s cassava bread initiative.

She said going by the Presidential directive, the ministry would be favourably dis-

• Scraps duty on bread input From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

posed to easing taxes and tariffs on similar imported input that would boost the cassava bread policy intended to grow the economy and provide more jobs for Nigerians, adding that the government intends to set up a Cassava Bread Fund that would be used to support the value chain created in implementation of the cassava initiative.

“There are two main incentives that we want to talk about, first of all, in the production of cassava bread, there is a need for cassava enhancing enzymes. These are used in the process of the production of the bread. We do not have the cassava enhancement enzymes here in sufficient quantity to help us meet the demand, she admitted, “therefor, much of it is imported and it forms a good part of the chunk of the production of this bread, she

added.

“What we have decided with the support of Mr President, is that in the value chain of production of cassava bread, that the import duty rate for these enzymes should be reduced from 10 per cent to zero per cent. Cassava enhancing enzymes duty rate will be reduced from 10 per cent-zero per cent.

“I think this will help immensely with the cost of production of the bread.

“The second initiative is that there is going to be a levy on the importation of wheat and we are planning that part of this levy will be worked out and put in a fund to be called the Cassava Bread Development Fund and the whole idea is that the Fund will be used to support the development of the value chain up to the point of actually baking the bread.

“Research on how to get the cassava bread to the 40 per cent

cassava flour content that we want with experimentation because this have not been done before, since Nigeria is probably the first country doing this, we have gotten the 20 per cent, it’s very nice and edible. We have experimentation at 40 per cent, so this fund is going to help our bakers and our millers to produce us bread in the quantity needed and other developments along the cassava value chain will be supported from this fund.

“The fund is being constituted at the moment and we hope to have the relevant agencies and ministers as part of the committee to manage the fund with the secretariat in the fiscal affairs department of the budget office.”

The move, she explained, “ are in continuation with what has been announced in the budget, during the budget presentation by Mr President.“ Adesina said it is another effort by the President to grow the economy and reduce our dependency on the importation of wheat.

About N635 billion is spent on wheat annually.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil - $123.6/barrel Cocoa - $2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold - $1,800/troy ounce Rubber - ¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -12.6% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -14.18% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $34.6b FOREX CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

-

0.2958 206.9 245 156.4 1.9179 241 40.472

• From left: Managing Director, Med-View Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole; Snr. Special Assistant to the President on Aviation Matters, Capt. Shehu Usman Iyal; Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Dr. Harold Demuren and Managing Director, Kabo Air, Captain Saidu Mohammed at Umrah Aviation Stakeholders meeting with NCAA at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos ... yesterday.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

LNG boosts output

B

RITISH pump gas prices extended falls yesterday as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals boosted output ahead of fresh shipments and Utility Centrica prepared to bring back its South Morecambe gas field from maintenance.

Gas for delivery fell by 0.30 pence to 56.50 pence a therm as North Sea production rose and withdrawals from mid-range storage sites stepped up a gear, on top of greater imports from the Netherlands.

Weekend gas, according to Reuters, dropped by 0.75 pence to 55.55 pence, pulled lower by similar drivers.

“The system is more comfortable today so prices are coming off a bit more following yesterday’s sell-off,” a trader from a European utility said.

Gas prices plunged seven per cent on Tuesday after a last-minute move the previous day by the Norwegian government to prevent a lockout of striking offshore workers that could have shut down the country’s entire oil and gas production.

Gas for immediate delivery bucked the downward trend, rising slightly to 56.25 pence, up by 0.15 pence on the day after the transmission network was undersupplied earlier in the morning.

Imports via the Dutch BBL pipeline rose to just shy of 10 million cubic meters/ day, while mid-range storage sites pumped out at similar rates.

Both LNG terminals at Milford Haven - South Hook and Dragon - in Wales were outputting gas into the transmission system.

Dragon expected to receive a delivery on Sunday.

Point Carbon analysts forecast day-ahead gas prices to trade little changed during the day with Thursday’s demand expected to be stable.

Centrica extended maintenance work at its South Morecambe gas field by one day to Tuesday, although the field was still not outputting on Wednesday.

‘Riggers sought evacuation before deadly Chevron blast’

C

HEVRON Corporation left workers pleading to be evacuated from a gas exploration platform off Nigeria, which kept drilling while smoke poured from a borehole until an explosion killed two people as the rig became engulfed in flames, according to accounts from four of the platform's workers.

Chevron, the second largest United States oil major, said it did not receive requests to evacuate the KS Endeavour rig and that staff on board had the right to call a halt to work if they believed conditions were unsafe.

"There were no evacuation requests received before the KS Endeavour incident occurred," the US energy company said

in an emailed response to questions from Reuters.

Testimony from some of the 154 workers who were present alleged that, instead of addressing fears that equipment failures and smoke presaged disaster, Chevron flew extra staff to the platform just before the January 16, this year, blowout.

Chevron said a nationwide Nigerian strike that included staff at airports had disrupted its normal crew changes, but that at no time were approved safe manning levels exceeded.

The fire that followed the blast burned on the rig for 46 days until March 2. Chevron drilled a relief well to stem the gas leak, sealing it on June 18.

It said in an email to Reuters on July 2, that an investigation

with the Nigerian authorities had concluded that an entry of high pressure gas in the wellbore had caused the failure of equipment and fire.

The two who died in the explosion, were the installation manager for the rig, Bruno Marce, a French national, and Indian driller, Albert Devadas.

They worked for KS Drilling, a subsidiary of Singapore-based KS Energy, a sub-contractor employed by Field Offshore Design Engineering (FODE) Limited to drill a gas exploration well for Chevron off Nigeria.

Asked to respond to the principal points of the allegations, Chevron said it was at no time asked to evacuate staff and that all personnel present had the

power to order a work stoppage if they felt they were in danger.

"Our employees and contractor are fully empowered to exercise stop work authority (SWA) when they sense an unsafe work environment," Chevron said, explaining that an SWA gives anyone aboard a rig the power to order a stop to operations in the event safety guidelines are breached.

"At no time was an evacuation initiated by anybody on the rig before the incident occurred," Chevron said.

The union said it believed workers were worried they would lose their jobs if they quit the rig without permission.

"It appears the Endeavour workforce were reluctant to

abandon the rig after the evacuation request was denied for fear of losing their jobs," said Jake Molloy, head of OILC, the offshore energy branch of the RMT, which had members on the rig.

Molloy said the installation manager's efforts to prepare lifeboats demonstrated that the danger was known.

The company said it had launched a prompt, full rescue effort and the evacuation had been orderly and structured, although it acknowledged fishermen had picked up some workers.

"Search and rescue operations began immediately upon being made aware of the abandon ship alarms being sounded," it said. Nearby vessels were directed to aid the rescue.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

12

BUSINESS NEWS

NICON Insurance owes Fed Govt N12.3b, say Reps

T

HE House of Repre sentatives yesterday uncovered four years unpaid insurance claims to the Federal Government by NICON Insurance amounting to about N12.3billion.

Ironically, federal agencies equally owed the insurance company premium of N1.3billion.

The discovery was made at the on-going investigative public hearing on insurance

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

of government assets and property where some of the insurance companies managing the $46billion assets of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) offshore were grilled by the lawmakers.

The questioning of the insurance companies followed report of over $137.4million inflated pre-

mium and unwholesome practices in the appointment of underwriters for the NNPC portfolio.

Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Abdulmumin Jubrin, who observed the anomaly, complained about the delay in the payment of insurance claims owed by most of the insurance companies handling government assets and property.

Noting that the development should not be swept under the ground, he added: “The Committee will address all the issues by providing for adequate fund for insurance of government property by next year.

“As we plan for the next Appropriation for 2013, we will make very strong case for insurance of all government assets because they are big market for the insurance

Engineers seek new funding for power HE Nigerian Society of the project, and late payprojects ment penalties.

Engineers (NSE) has

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called on the Federal Government to remove the procurement of infrastructure for power projects from the budget.

The body suggested that government should institute a five-10 year funding cycle, arguing that it is the only way to sustain investment in the sector and ensure completion of projects.

NSE President, Mustapha Balarabe Shehu, who made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Olusola Akinniranye, in Abuja, said the annual budget structure does not allow the power projects to

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

be funded properly.

He said: “The nature of power projects are such that designs and construction stages normally exceed twothree years and the whole project cycle can be up for five years conservatively from feasibility to detailed design and construction.

“The annual budget for projects in Nigeria comes with great deal of uncertainty in the allocation and amount thereby resulting in delayed payment to contractors and consultants, frequent project argumentation, delayed completion and therefore utilisation of

“To mitigate these problems, the Federal Ministry of Power or the TCN in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Finance, should develop a financial budgeting mechanism for projects with construction duration that transcends annual budget process.

Shehu expressed optimism that the TCN would deliver on its mandate, adding that availability of power will generate multiple wealth creation effects in the country, reduce unemployment through increases in small scale businesses, as well as reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria.

industry”.

In his presentation, the Executive Director of NICON Insurance, Mr B. Samuel, regretted non-payment of premium worth N1.3billion by some agencies. He, however, complained about the Nigerian Insurance Association (NIA) that suspended the affected company without fair hearing.

On his part, Oye Odukale, Managing Director of Leadway

Assurance Limited, informed the Committee that NNPC offshore assets increased from $23billion to $46billion.

He said NNPC has $70million claims delayed by slow documentation and additional $100million that it has not been fully advised on.

He, however, commended Leadway Assurance for being diligent in the management of the NNPC insurance policy.

Lagos budget records 75% implementation

By Miriam Ndikanwu

• Fashola

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HE Lagos State Gov ernment has said its N492billion budget for this year has recorded 75 per cent cumulative implementation in the first half of the year.

The Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), who stated this shortly after the quarterly budget review meeting, yesterday said it was an improvement on the first quarter performance and a sign of continuous progress in the state.

He said as against 65 per cent performance in the first quarter, the second quarter

improved to 85 per cent.

“At the end of both quarters, the cumulative budget performance was at 75 per cent. It showed that the trend of budget performance is upward and that whatever we have lost in the first quarter, we are catching up on the performance.

“It is not where we want to be. Our aim is to be at least at 90 per cent. But when one contextualises it in the environment that we operate, one cannot help but salute the effort of the civil servants of the state.

“It shows that we are clearly making progress both on paper and in actual life.

For us, it is not time to lay at ease, but it is the time to rally everyone together. We cannot lay at ease but we must continue despite the difficult time. I see the opportunity ahead if we do not give up and also allow peace to reign, by loving and respecting one

another. There is too much to be done and to gain. There will be nothing less until we get to the promise land”. he Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ben Akabueze, said the capital expenditure performance rose by three per cent in the second quarter, assuring that the government would intensify efforts to complete on-going projects in the remaining part of the year.

“In terms of revenue performance, the revenue is performing at 85 per cent. We will continue to make all necessary effort that is required.

“Overall, it is an improving trend in our budget performance despite the challenging times we are now. It is a good report card. Our singular most important limiting factor is our revenue.

“If we get the revenue, we know what to do. Yes we have the programme and the capacity to deliver them. We will continue to focus on the area of revenue generation,” Akabueze said.

Caverton designated AgustaWestland AVERTON Helicop service centre wholly indigenous operator ters has been ap in the region working to glo-

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pointed as the authorised service centre in Nigeria

by AgustaWestland, a leading manufacturer of helicopters for military and commercial operations.

A statement from Caverton Helicopters, a wholly indigenous company, said by this development, the firm becomes the first company to be appointed by a major aircraft manufacturer as its authorised service centre in Nigeria and the entire West African subregion.

The Service Centre will provide greater flexibility and after-sale support to op-

erators of AgustaWestland Helicopters, by delivering spare-parts, maintenance, and repair services, stated a release by AgustaWestland.

“Having an authorised service centre in Nigeria will save domestic operators valuable time and resources and will ultimately lead to the transfer of skills and technology into the Nigerian aviation knowledge pool,” said Mr. Adeniyi Makanjuola, the Executive Vice Chairman of Caverton Helicopters.

“We welcome this opportunity. This designation, further cements our position as a

bal standards of industrial airworthiness and reliability.

We are confident that the breadth and depth of our service portfolio and local expertise will meet the regions’ needs as the market expands.”

AgustaWestland, the Anglo-Italian helicopter company owned by Italy’s Finmeccanica, has a rich heritage that dates back to the beginning of the aviation manufacturing industry. The company is renowned for the design and manufacture of premium helicopters ranging from the single-engine to three-engine rotary aircrafts.

NEMA targets terrorism, flood, conflicts, HE National Emer stating that, the mandate to others gency Management coordinate disaster manageAgency (NEMA) has ment in all its ramification

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unveiled the National Contingency Plan (NCP) to adopt a multi-hazard model to address occurrences, such as flood, conflicts, terrorism, drought and epidemics.

NEMA’s Director-General, Alhaji Mohommed Sani Sidi, made this known at the official presentation of the National Contingency Plan to Stakeholders on Disaster Management in Abuja. He said in recent years, there has been a shift among emergency response stakeholders towards preparedness in coping with emerging natural and human induced disaster.

He said: “The preparedness mechanism of the NCP is anchored on eight sectoral pedestals, namely, water, sanitation, hygiene and

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

Health (WASH)and sexual reproductive health/HIV AIDS, camp coordination and management.”

He said the agency adopted the “the multi-hazard scenario approach so as to accommodate predictable and non-predictable hazards, including effects of climate change, adding that it is becoming difficult in recent times to adequately model the complete range of changes to accurately anticipate its impacts in Nigeria.

Alhaji Sidi explained that the multi-hazard contingency plan is a first step towards mitigating the impact of quick onset disasters when accurate forecasting is difficult and impact level could not be ascertained,”

in Nigeria is vested on the NEMA. He said the multi-scenario based contingency plan ensures that coordination of humanitarian players and resources towards effective management of disaster is guaranteed under established guidelines as provided in the National Disaster Management Framework (NDMF).

Sidi said the presentation is quite timely bearing in mind that the country is presently faced with multiplicity of hazards such as flood, conflicts, terrorism, drought, disease, epidemic, insect infestation and general food insecurity, as a result of the security challenges in the northern part of the country.

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INDUSTRY HALF YEAR REVIEW TAKEHOLDERS in the manufacturing and industrial sector have scored the performance of the economy low in the first half of the year.

They listed insecurity, budget delay and the inadequate energy as the major challenges militating against the manufacturing sector.

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OPS scores economy low possible conditions given by the banks. Collateral requirements were far beyond the capacity of many borrowers.

The few firms that were able to get credit did so at intolerable rates.

The CBN monetary policy tightening in the second half of the year worsened the situation.”

He said firms also lamented the recurrent upward review of lending rates even on existing facilities, adding that this created planning and costing problems for the firms.

Unstable power The continued shortfall in power supply is the biggest constrain to growth.

They described the epileptic power supply as the major problem facing the manufacturing sector in the country.

Chairman , Apapa, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr John Aluya said the main stumbling block to the manufacturers is unstable power supply. “ We have been saying this again and again that the unstable power supply is the most unfavourable enemy of the manufacturing sector.”

“There is nothing industries can do about it if the government does not take care of the menace. And this means that the country’s manufacturing sector will continue to suffer,”Aluya said.

Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Muda Yusuf also pointed out that power supply constituted a major setback as firms reported that the most unbearable energy cost was a consequence of the appalling state of the power sector. consequently the escalating cost of diesel (AGO), LPFO, aviation fuel and gas eats into profit margins of many firms.

Budget delay The Organised Private Sector (OPS) also flayed the delay by the Federal Government in implementing the 2012 Fiscal Budget. They said this was having a negative effect on the economy.

President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry,(LCCI), Mr Goodie Ibru, lamented that the delay of the budget, which was passed on March 15 and approbated by the President on April 13, had a number of far-reaching implications for the economy. He expressed concern that budget delay had become a recurring phenomenon in the country.

He noted that the public sector was a major driver of economic activities by virtue of the configuration of

Insecurity

•Olusegun Aganga, Minister for Trade and Investment

By Toba Agboola

the economy and resource allocation.

Director-General, Nigeria Chamber of Commerce , Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr John Isemede expressed concern over the delay in the budget. He said it was already affecting the economic development of the country.

He said the construction industry, which is driven principally by public sector expenditure, may be further depressed as a result of Federal Government’s delay in implementing the 2012 budget. He also noted that the payment of many contractors was dependent on the conclusion of the budget process.

Access to credit Ibru noted that funding remained a major problem for many investors in the period under review.

He observed that the cost of fund in the economy was high and access to credit is a serious problem, with

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rising incidences of many small businesses now resorting to finance companies and money lenders where they pay between 60 to 120 per cent interest per annum, depending on their desperation.

He said the situation could be largely ascribed to the tight monetary policy of the CBN and the harsh economic conditions which is affecting the quality of loans.

He observed that collateral cover requirements by banks, which are sometimes as high as 200 per cent, is capable of impeding access to credit, slowing down the tempo of economic activities and inhibiting intermediation in the financial system.

Ibru said it is important to address these concerns if the desired synergy between the public and private sector is to flourish.

Director General, LCCI, Mr Muda Yusuf said: ”The second most critical problem reported by firms during the year was access to credit and the high cost of funds. Many firms could not access credit due to the im-

‘The second most critical problem reported by firms during the year was access to credit and the high cost of funds. Many firms could not access credit due to the impossible conditions given by the banks’

National Assembly opposes foreign aid ENATE President David Mark has said the National Assembly is unequivocally opposed to aid. He said the resistance is because of the unfavourable strings always attached to it.

Speaking at the National Assembly and private partnership forum organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and industry (LCCI), he said government alone cannot provide all the needs of the people and there is need to look else where for development fu “I believe that PPP will deliver more sustainable development solutions than most of the current development aid interventions we have in the country.

This is principally because more attention will be given to sustainability and return on investments than the regular aid interventionists,” he said.

He said if the PPP is properly managed, many unemployed youths will be off the streets, children will have access to quality education; fewer rural dwellers

•Ibru

By Toba Agboola

will struggle to come to urban areas in search of white collar jobs and it will increase mechanised agriculture in rural areas.

Mark also identified diversification of the economy, adequate funding of infrastructure, identification and selection of priority projects, foreign direct investment and capacity development, as measures to save the economy.

He said another option for Nigerians, is to attract Foreign Direct Investments, but it must not seek just any kind of foreign investment.

He said for the PPP to have meaningful impact on the lives of the people in a variety of ways, we need to diversify our economy to allow for a robust inclusion of non-oil sector in economic development.

The clarion call for economic diversification recognises that the country’s over reliance on crude oil for revenue generation is a hindrance to economic growth.

The OPS said the rising state of insecurity and Nigeria’s poor ranking in the Global Peace Index(GPI) is affecting the country’s suitability for investment by foreigners despite the Federal Government’s drive to attract such investments.

They noted that the North, which was the region most affected by the violence, had become least attractive to investment.

Aluya said: “It is a shame that our country is going down in terms of security of lives and property. No right thinking investor that is aware of the situation would want to come to Nigeria to invest no matter what the Federal Government says.

“And that is because security is very essential for investments and businesses to thrive. Look at what is happening in Borno State, Yobe and now Kaduna, do you think any foreign investor would want to invest in those places?

Similarly the DG, LCCI, Muda Yusuf said the government’s foreign diplomacy would yield no result unless peace is restored in the country.

“The world is a global village, anything that happens anywhere in the world is known in other parts of the world. So, Boko Haram insurgency and bombings in the North are now a global phenomenon. It would certainly discourage foreign investors.

“The infrastructure to support their investment is not there. It is not just about security. The goal of an investor is good return on investment.

Unless an investor is sure that his return on investment is guaranteed, he will not come.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Associates and member of the National Economic Intelligence Committee, Ayo Teriba, however,

said foreign investors would only be discouraged from the region affected by the violence and not necessarily the whole country.”

High cost of doing business President/Chairman of Council, Institute of Directors, IoD, Mr Thomas Awagu, lamented the high cost of doing business in Nigeria, saying it has brought to the fore the need to reposition Nigeria to make it competitive in the global economic landscape.

He said there are enormous challenges confronting the country and that it is necessary that these challenges be harnessed to grow investments and help create jobs in the country.

He said: “There are enormous challenges confronting us today as a nation. These challenges include insecurity, corruption, poor infrastructure and unemployment, among others.

“Nonetheless, we at the IoD Nigeria believe that a lot of hope exists for the nation to realise its potentials and be transformed to its desired status, given the nation’s inherent potentials and resources.

“It is our conviction that the aforementioned challenges present a need for us as citizens and friends of Nigeria to explore ways of making our country more competitive on the global scene and attract necessary investments and create jobs.”

Awagu emphasised the need for the creation of an enabling environment and significant investment in economic infrastructure. These he said, would help in addressing the current challenges confronting the country, help promote competitiveness and fast-track sustainable economic growth and development.

Exchange rate/Macro economic Yusuf complained about the volatility of the exchange rate and the challenges it posed for business operations, especially planning further hoping that the same would not happen in 2012.

“For the government to realise its aspiration of economic transformation, it would be useful to address the varied concerns and challenges that have been highlighted by the private sector players in this report.

SON creates help desk at Computer Village

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S part of efforts to save members of the public from the incessant loss of hard earned resources through the purchase of sub-standard products, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has created a market help desk at the popular Computer Village,Ikeja, Lagos.

Director General of SON, Mr Joseph Odumodu , who was represented by the Director-in-charge of Technical Services, Mr Damian Agbanelo, informed members of the Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association (PAPDA) that the decision to float the help desk was informed by the need to flush out dealers of sub-standard products from the market.

Besides, he said the desk would equally furnish customers with details of genuine dealers who are only in the business of the sale of quality products, thereby discouraging the activities of touts.

Odumodu said a country can witness meaningful development in an environment where sub-standard product sales thrive, adding that each time an unsuspecting member of the public purchases a sub-standard item, its the nation that is losing resources.

Again, he said the inauguration of the market help desk was part of the agency’s mission of its zero tolerance campaign to sub-standard products, hence, the need for operators in the market to partner with SON. He said the efforts of SON to rid the country of sub-standard products was in line with the Federal Government’s transformation agenda aimed at ensuring that the country does not become a dumping ground for all manner of products.

Also speaking, the President of PAPDA, Mr Iyke Nwosu said the relationship between the association and PAPDA will certainly take Nigeria to the next level, stressing that the help desk will further help consumers have value for their money.

In a related event, leaders of the 65 registered markets within Lagos Island have joined hands with SON in its campaign of Zero Tolerance to substandard products to flush out all non-conforming, life endangering and fake products.

This resolution was the outcome of a market sensitisation programme organised for the market leaders in Lagos in conjunction with the Co-ordinator of the Mar-

kets on the Island, Alhaja Raliat Adetayo.

Addressing the market leaders, Regional Coordinator for Southwest, Mr Adebayo Adegun said the forum was aimed at informing, educating and enlightening the market leaders on the imperative of standards and the dangers posed to the nation and its people by the manufacturing, importation and distribution of substandard products.

Odumodu informed the market leaders of the various initiatives by the government through SON including the opening of help desks in major markets to provide assistance to consumers in products purchase and receive complaints with a view to monitoring products performance. Such help desks, he said have become operational at the Alaba International Market and the Computer Village in Lagos.

He stated that a survey of markets have been carried out to identify where substandard products are prevalent and urged the market leaders to do soul searching with a view to avoiding the negative consequences of standards enforcement in their markets and warehouses.

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INDUSTRY

MAN: Manufacturers invested N638b in 2011 M

ANUFACTURERS invested N638 billion in various sectors of the economy in 2011, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said.

Director-General of MAN Olayinka Akande, who disclosed this in Lagos, also said that the value of industrial production increased to N130 billion in 2011 from N54.8 billion it achieved in the previous year.

Akande said the capacity utilisation in the sector experienced a marginal growth from N47.5 per cent to 48.9 per cent.

He said local sourcing of raw materials dropped from 51.4 per cent to 45.76 per cent in the period under review.

“Besides, employment generated by the sector also grew marginally from 966,395 in 2010 to 1.1 million in 2011.

“On the downside, the manufacturers’ respective warehouses recorded higher stock levels, as unplanned inventory rose from N14.52 billion in 2010 to N23.28 billion last year,” he said.

Akande said average electricity supplied by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to industrial consumers per day in hours

Stories by Toba Agboola

dropped from 9.7 hours to 6.7 hours.

According to him, average interest rate benefitted from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Bank of Industry (BoI) intervention scheme was at seven.

Akande said the challenges besetting the manufacturing sector include weak infrastructure, particularly in the area of power supply; inconsistency in fiscal, and trade policies; multiplicity of taxes and levies; dearth of long-term fund/high cost of fund and smuggling. Others are faking Nigerian products; insecurity of lives and property; persistent congestion at the sea ports and low patronage of locally made products.

He urged the government to give prominence and high priority to the development of infrastructure.

His words: “On the issue of electricity, all power generation, transmission and distribution systems should be upgraded and expanded.

In addition, more investment should be encouraged in the Independent Power Project (IPP)

through provision of adequate incentives by the government to private investors.

“Gas utilisation at both the industrial and domestic fronts should be expanded through adequate investment in gas gathering and distribution infrastructure, while its utilisation for power generation is encouraged through the establishment of more thermal power plants.

“To facilitate free flow of goods and persons, government should rehabilitate the existing road network, construction of new ones should be given priority and the railway system should be completely overhauled and privatised.

“The Federal Government should put in place a revolving intervention fund to meet the long-term funding needs of the manufacturing sector which most deposit money banks are unwilling to provide.

“Government should revive the ailing core industries, especially iron and steel and encourage more private investment in the petrochemical and aluminum sub- sector.

Unilever supports state-owned schools

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NILEVER PLC has launched the Unilever Employee Volunteering Programme. This is a part of the Unilever Connect Initiative through which employees volunteer their time to teach students in stateowned schools weekly.

It also officially inaugurated the various projects it has embarked on in renovating Olusosun Primary School, Ojota.

The programme, which kicked off in February at the Olusosun Primary School, is a voluntary initiative where Unilever employees signed up as volunteer teachers visiting the school twice a week to teach English Language, Mathematics and Computer Education to Primary four, five and six pupils.

Also, Unilever PLC helped in the renovation of nursery play ground, leveling and planting of grass on the school field renovation of block B which consists of four classroom and a school fence.

Others are construction of drainage system, building of dinning hall which is the first of its kind in Lagos

Traders seek special grants for farmers

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HE National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTs) has advocated the need for the government to provide special grants to cassava peasant farmers to minimise wastages in their yields and cut unnecessary overhead costs associated with transporting their produce to urban cities for processing.

The grant, according to the body, could be disbursed through arrangements with veritable Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) who are agric oriented or farmer organisations (including cooperatives) in order to ensure that such investments are well managed and economical in approach.

National President of the association, Mr Ken Ukaoha, said in order to make such investments achieve the desired objectives, it should be made in consideration of locations so that processing mills are not far away from the raw materials as is usually the case.

He said: “Across Nigeria, there is • From left: Director, Technical Service, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr Damian Agbanelo; President, Phone and Allied Product Dealers Association,Computer Village, Mr Lyke Nwosu and Director of Enforcement, SON, Mr Louis Njoku at the inauguration of the market help desk at the Computer Village, Ikeja ,Lagos.

Privatisation: Ukraine bids for Ajaokuta Steel

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HE Ukrainian government has indicated interest to take over the moribund Ajaokuta Steel factory under the Federal Government privatisation programme.

This development came as the Federal Government said it was doing everything possible to tackle all critical issues impeding the successful privatisation of the steel industry.

Ukranian Ambassador to Nigeria Serhii Khanenko submitted the request of his country when he led a delegation of investors on a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in Abuja.

Khanenko said Ukraine was interested in exploring areas of partnership with the Federal

Government in the development of its solid mineral resources as well as reactivation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.

He said the Ukrainian investors were ready to inject over $2.6 billion into the company.

He expressed hope that the project would be given to the Ukrainian government.

Minister of Mines and Steel Development Mohammed Sada said as part of the way forward for the sustainable growth of the steel sector of the economy, the Federal Government was poised to remove any bottlenecks in the privatisation of the steel industries.

He described the visit as not only timely but important considering that President

Goodluck Jonathan had given timelines on all outstanding issues affecting the nation’s steel industries in order to move forward.

“Government is working proactively towards ensuring that interests of various stakeholders are brought on board for the development of Nigeria’s steel industries”, he disclosed.

Sada said the present administration is determined to tackle all critical issues impeding the successful privatisation of the steel industries.

The Ukrainian firm, Reprom Company Limited, which is to handle the project, said it has $2.65billion to execute the project with the production capacity of 3.9 metric tons per annum.

Bus Holding Company Ltd and their Nigerian partners, Anglo-African Land Development Limited met in Lagos last week to finalise arrangements for the importation of the buses to boost mass transportation.

ZhongTong Bus Holding Com-

pany Ltd as a standardised joint stock company has a long history of manufacturing of large and medium sized buses for over 40 years and it is one of the first listed companies in the Chinese bus industry.

With complete bus manufactur-

State, building of library and donation of books and computers to the school.

Managing Director, Unilever PLC, Mr Thabo Mabe, said Unilever works to create a better future for everybody and to also make a difference.

He said this is the reason why Unilever Foundation was launched earlier in the year to make their Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) actions touch more lives. He said Unilever intends to touch one billion people across the world by 2020 by improving quality of life through provision of hygiene, sanitation, access to clean drinking water, basic nutrition and enhancing self-esteem.

He also said the Unilever volunteer teachers signed up to support the school system and to contribute in their own small way to build our future leaders even though they are not being paid extra for it.

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Orelope -Adefulire praised the efforts of the members and staff of Unilever PLC for contributing to the development of the state in an hygienic way and for investing in future generations.

a large glut of cassava in rural communities as farmers are not able to sell because of very low prices and lack of market for a crop like cassava which is an annual crop.

“Farmers are frustrated and most times end up not even harvesting the crop at all because of not being able to cover the cost of production.

So, what the 40 per cent cassava flour in bread initiative will do is to reverse this long standing trend thereby creating markets and better prices for small scale farmers “Small scale farmers’ cooperatives should be supported through grants to set up small scale processing mills at their village levels across Nigeria to reduce massive post harvest losses.” they suffer and the high cost of transportation to the nearest mills usually far away in the capital cities”Government should use the initiative to create small scale processing units in cassava farming communities across Nigeria under a PPP arrangement.

Export promotion committees to be upgraded

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HE Federal Government has urged the 36 states to upgrade the existing export promotion committees to export promotion agencies to complement the work of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) towards improving value addition activities.

This was contained in a 16-Point Communiqué adopted at the just concluded fifth Meeting of the National Council on Trade and Investment (NCTI-05) held at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna, Niger sState.

In the communiqué, the Council also recognised the importance of skills acquisition in industrial development but noted that several agencies appeared to be involved in the establishment and administration of skills acquisition centres.

The Council, therefore, urged the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to strengthen liaison with these agencies outfits.

The Council took note of the ongoing campaign by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment to encourage Nigerians to patronise Made-in-Nigeria products and directed that the matter be referred to the National Economic Council for consideration and endorsement to fast-track the implementation of the programme.

The council praised the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment (FMTI) in addressing some of the challenges of Trade and Investment through various initiatives.

It noted the lack of effective synergy amongst the agencies and urged that related activities be harmonised for more positive results.

Firm to import new range of buses to boost mass transit

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NEW range of mass transit buses are to be introduced into the automobile market courtesy of a bi-lateral relationship between a Nigerian firm and a Chinese bus manufacturing company.

Representatives of ZhongTong

ing technology from Dutch Bova company and International advanced production line, ZhongTong Bus Holding Company Ltd has helped to provide solution to mass transportation problems in 24 African countries with the main markets in Algeria, Egypt, Morroco, Mali, Ghana and South Africa.

The West African Market Deputy Sales Manager of the Chinese Company, Mr Jakob Quin said his company in Collaboration with their partners in Nigeria would promote the new range of buses in Nigeria to help resolve the lingering mass transportation problems in the country.

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Exorbitant rents •Federal agencies should not pay rents enough to own buildings

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NIMAGINABLE expenses capable of impeding institutional advancement have become the hallmark of governmental agencies in the country. Otherwise, how can it be rationalised that the National Productivity Centre, NPC, paid an accumulated rent of N1.2bn in the last four years on its rented three-storey building with about 16 offices and a mini-conference room located at Jabi Area of Abuja. This amounted to a yearly rent of N300million?

Also, a fellow agency under the Ministry of Labour and ProductivityIndustrial Arbitration Panel, IAP, paid over N600million rent on its two floors (with a mini-conference hall) located in the Central Area of Abuja,

‘There is no doubt that more of what has just been exposed in these two agencies under the labour and productivity ministry happen in many other government ministries and agencies. It is even too bad that this kind of squandering of public funds is going on in the labour ministry that claims that the country cannot afford more than the pittance of N18,000 minimum wage. What a shame!’

just opposite the National Mosque, within four years.

This unbelievable rent is nothing but recurrent wastage by agencies of government. The amount being paid as rents by these two agencies in a year is enough to build and maintain a modern edifice of attraction anywhere in Abuja to house both agencies. Why the government has left this undone in the past four years is something that should arouse public interest.

Dr. Paul Bilia, NPC’s director-general, recently bemoaned the struggling state of the centre since 1978 when it was established. He publicly affirmed also that NPC had only four operational vehicles to service the entire country just as it suffers from low patronage from government and the private sector. The truth is that with this kind of public consumption, it may take a long while, except there is a positive change, for the centre to find its feet.

Hajia Hajara Usman, the IAP registrar, has her own tales to tell, including high rent, lack of adequate office space to handle over 3,000 industrial disputes and that of holding caucus meetings on parties to disputes, in the last four years. The problem of exorbitant rent is no doubt hampering efficiency of this agency but the question must be asked: Who authorised the payment of these outrageous rents? Who are the owners of such properties that are immorally depleting government’s scarce re-

sources? Why is it difficult for government to contemplate or even show seriousness in the direction of building offices for its agencies despite recent increase in public revenue? Those directing the affairs of these agencies are either too ingrained in the on-going corruption on sordid rent payment or may lack the courage to halt the ugly trend for fear of stepping on powerful toes that may lead to their being sacked from their positions. Unfortunately, men and women in public positions of authority in the country rarely resign until they are disgraced out of office.

We know that such outrageous rents would not have been paid by the people involved if the money was to come directly from their pockets. There is no doubt that more of what has just been exposed in these two agencies under the labour and productivity ministry happen in many other government ministries and agencies. It is even too bad that this kind of squandering of public funds is going on in the labour ministry that claims that the country cannot afford more than the pittance of N18,000 minimum wage. What a shame!

The President Goodluck Jonathan administration must demonstrate sufficient commitment to its avowed resolve to reduce unnecessary public spending. Perhaps, it can start by halting the current profligate rents being paid by its ministries and parastatals.

Xenophobia in Ghana •FG must move to protect Nigerian investors in that country

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HE insalubrious treatment reportedly inflicted on Nigerian businessmen by the government of Ghana is making mincemeat of the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) Protocol. The protocol allows for integration and fraternity in all spheres among citizens of countries in the West African sub-region. The objective of this protocol, to which Ghana is a leading signatory, is being undermined through a policy that is injurious to nationals of other countries, particularly Nigerians.

Recently, the Ghanaian authorities came up with a policy that makes it mandatory for all foreigners in Ghana, notwithstanding the size of their business, to have an initial capital of $300,000, and to employ 10 Ghanaians before they can start any business in the country. This xenophobic policy sounds the more ludi-

‘The Federal Government must intervene and protect the dignity of its law-abiding citizens conducting legitimate businesses in Ghana. Nigeria must, through the ECOWAS, fight for the abrogation of this inimical and anti-foreign investment policy’

crous in a world that is witnessing abysmal recession. Even in a more developed clime, businesses that can fulfill this draconian $300,000 capital deposit can be counted on one’s finger tips, not to talk of Ghana that has a crawling economy.

Most businesses require less than a thousand dollars to establish. Does it make sense now to insist that owners of such investments, because they are foreigners, should look, forcefully, for $300,000 deposits? This policy is discriminatory and it could not be said to have been made in the best interests of Ghanaians and their growing economy.

What could have informed this irritant policy in an economy that largely depends on foreigners’ money to blossom can still not be fathomed. Perhaps more confounding are the reported cases of the policy being enforced mainly against Nigerians engaging in lawful businesses in that country.

The Ghanaian authorities have commenced closing shops belonging to Nigerians in Accra, the Ghanaian capital, for allegedly operating ‘illegally’. Noncompliance with providing the laughable amount has suddenly become an offence to be enforced against Nigerian traders alone by the host country. Over 50 shops belonging to Nigerian traders have been reportedly closed in connection with the policy.

Curiously too, nationals of other West African countries, including Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Niger Republic and Mali that equally own shops in Accra are reportedly not affected by this inexplica-

bly flagrant harassment that is in breach of the ECOWAS Protocol. This is a disservice to Nigerian investors who dominate the electronics, banking, real estate, textile and garments, telecommunication and tourism sectors in Ghana. It is a sadistic policy witch-hunt against Nigerians that are contributing hugely to the foreign investment profile of Ghana.

The current hostile business practices against Nigerians should be contested at the governmental level. Though, it is not the first of its kind in view of the fact that some Nigerian companies suffered a similar fate in form of high tariff in the past in Ghana; the way this latest incident is diplomatically handled will go a long way in determining whether it will be the last or not.

The Federal Government must intervene and protect the dignity of its lawabiding citizens conducting legitimate businesses in Ghana. Nigeria must, through the ECOWAS, fight for the abrogation of this inimical and anti-foreign investment policy. This is a country that Nigeria gave as loan, over $100,000,000 in the spirit of good neighbourliness during the administration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. Is this a good way of repaying Nigeria’s good deeds?

Ghana should not be allowed to ride roughshod over the supposed ‘giant of Africa’ under whatever guise. Something must be done fast to force Ghana to stop its anti-Nigerian policy and make it show civility by complying with the letters and spirit of the ECOWAS trade treaty.

Will Egypt’s generals yield?

RESIDENT Mohamed Morsi’s call to reconvene parliament is likely the first of many clashes with Egypt’s military, which is at risk of overplaying its hand.

In the first of what is likely to be a series of confrontations between Egypt’s new elected leader and the country’s armed forces, President Mohamed Morsi has called for a parliament disbanded by the generals to return to work, pending the election of a new representative body under a yet-to-be-written constitution. As with much about Egypt’s transition from autocracy to democracy, the controversy over the legitimacy of the People’s Assembly is overlaid with legal issues. The Islamist-dominated assembly was dissolved last month by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, but the council acted pursuant to a finding by Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court that a third of the assembly’s members had been elected illegally. (On Monday, the court reaffirmed that ruling, describing it as binding and final.)

In reconvening the People’s Assembly, Morsi insisted that he wasn’t flouting the decision of the court but rather reversing an executive action taken by the military council in the absence of a civilian president. Indeed, the overarching issue in this dispute is whether the armed forces are prepared to yield power to the elected representatives of the Egyptian people.

So far the evidence is mixed. The military council accepted the election of Morsi, the candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood who defeated a former prime minister under Hosni Mubarak.

But it dismissed the assembly and asserted the authority to make budgetary decisions and to veto a presidential declaration of war. It also has reserved the right to challenge a new constitution as inconsistent with “the revolution’s goal and its main principles.” And on Monday, responding to Morsi’s reconvening of the assembly, the council released a statement expressing confidence that “all state institutions” would respect the constitution and the law — an oblique warning to Morsi and members of parliament.

Like the military in Turkey, the Egyptian armed forces see themselves as a bulwark against Islamist extremism. Less nobly, they are also determined to preserve their outsize role not only in Egypt’s national defense but also in an array of governmental and economic activities.

To some extent, the military’s power — along with economic realities — may have inclined Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood to a more pluralist and moderate course. But if the generals overplay their hand, they will lose popular support and antagonize Egypt’s allies, including the United States, which provides the military with $1.3 billion a year in assistance. Both Congress and the Obama administration have put the generals on notice that those funds are in jeopardy if the transition to democracy is thwarted. An attempt to shut down a reconvened parliament would be interpreted inside and outside Egypt as just such an obstruction.

P

– Los Angeles Times

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

S

IR: In recent times, the Nigerian state has witnessed more reverses in her fortunes, than the last five decades has brought, and the situation does not appear as one to abate anytime soon. Ever since the British colonialist emerged from nowhere, disrupted our organised pre-colonial systems of governance, took over the management of the country, and later abandoned the infant nation when they had had enough, the ship of the Nigerian state has continued to meander aimlessly.

In the last 13 years, we have been in the business of democracy, moving from one dispensation to the other, and shuttling between different leaders of varied and somersaulting idiosyncrasies.

Sadly the testimony of our democratic trial so far can at best be described as one with so much motion, yet no movement. Promises continue to pile, hopes gallop in a

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The ship of state is adrift rising and falling manner, hunger flourishes unrestricted, long-cherished values dwindle, lies replace the truth, deceit become commonplace, mediocrity is celebrated over intelligence, corruption becomes the national roadmap, hence 53 years of the peoples’ expectations remain stillborn.

Inevitably, while other smaller nations celebrate the successes of their tomorrow, we remain stuck in the pains of yesterday.

As we found ourselves within the purview of time, May 29, 2011 was supposed to produce another

golden opportunity to our political powerbrokers, to right the wrongs of yesterday, but the reality has proven otherwise. Like the proverbial dog that would not heed the hunter’s whistle, the government took off on a very wrong foot that advisedly should not have been considered in the first place i.e. the push for a six year single term. Clearly, no one needs the hindsight of prophesy to know that with the myriad of challenges staring us in the face, that was the least of our problems. Rather it only quickly reminded Nigerians of

from industry knowledge was based on a fountain of ignorance and makes the country a laughing stock before the international community. From all indications no research has been able to link base station emissions to radiation.

Perhaps responding to a vexatious question from the National Assembly the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Dr. Eugene Juwah of the NCC, explained that the regulator follows the Act setting up the Commission and other international standards to superintend the telecommunications industry.

The Nation of June 26, captured his remarks: “The major cause of the conflict comes from the fact that NESREA Act came four years after the establishment of the NCC. So, adequate care was not taken to harmonise certain conflicting issues that were inherent then, but moves are on to resolve those issues.

“The issue of setback of five metres is not in any Act. They are contained in our regulations. The law empowers us as regulators to make regulations and they become subsidiary laws.

“As a regulator, our Act empowers us to regulate services and infrastructure and that is the main

focus of our regulatory mandate for telecommunications industry.

So, we have a right to set standards about size and setback of masts, among other matters.

“As a matter of fact, the radiation from a telecommunications mast is less than what we get from our television. This is empirical that can be measured. So the issue of pollution is very minimal.”

But why would the House Committee on Environment goad the activities of an ancillary agency instead of touching base with the House Committee on Communications and probably compare notes?

The answer will be found in the tardiness with which certain things are being handled in the House.

Two examples will suffice. The NIGCOMSAT Bill and The Telecom Electromagnetic Frequency Bill recently sneaked through some rounds of reading at the House of Representatives with the NIGCOMSAT Bill actually getting to the Senate. The Bills did not go through any public reading nor were inputs invited from stakeholders, thus attracting random condemnations.

There were widespread fears that both bills could jeopardise the status of the laws already existing in

that evil they thought they had long put behind them, the Third Term Agenda of the government before the last.

And then the state of insecurity in the country worsened, so much so that a week would not go by without innocent lives being lost.

Then came the fuel subsidy crisis, one huge crisis that saw the country occupied for a whole week.

While this was on, a series of lies serialised as the truth, took over the airwaves especially that of the government-owned media. The federal government in collabora-

The NCC, NESREA tango over telecom masts

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IR: Where does somebody begin the story of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Environmental Standard Regulatory Agency (NESREA) which festered for a time before medications became expedient?

The sealing up of a particular base station in Abuja and the opening of same, and the re-sealing of that very base station seemed to have brought the differences between the two government organisations to the fore and of course also heightened the noticeable effects of such differences on the entire communications industry. When you shut a base station you shut down the ability of phone users depending on that station to communicate.

Mainly on issue was the distance of base stations from dwelling apartments. While the NCC approval to operators is five metres, NESREA says only 10 metres is safe enough for people living near base stations. NESREA canvasses a position that harmful effects of base station especially radiation could be a health hazard and therefore has to take all actions including shutting base stations in order to protect the Nigerian people.

Militant and near patriotic as NESREA action was, that position,

the various sectors while some critics sought to know the experts and consultants employed by the House members before embarking on such lawmaking odyssey.

It is the considered opinion of this writer that the patriotic responsibility of the law makers is to make laws that will foster the development of their people, not the NESREA type which came four years after the Nigerian Communications Act to create tension and unnecessary distraction but for the timely intervention of the supervising ministers.

• Osalumese Anegbe Port Harcourt, Rivers State

tion with the neighbour to neighbour gang, spent millions of naira of tax payers’ money trying to convince the people of the Eldorado that awaits them once they support the subsidy removal.

The start of the New Year has seen this country move precipitously from one crisis to the other, such that a week would not go by without Nigerians being fed with one bad news or the other. It has since become a case of One Week, One Trouble. The government itself has become a government of probes, and characteristically once the probe commences, all those indicted quickly turn around to accuse those who indicted them of demanding for a bribe and the rigmarole continues. Where serious minded countries like Egypt and Tunisia have taken their destiny in their hands, sentencing former corrupt leaders to imprisonments as much as 20 years and life, we would rather welcome ours with thanksgiving in churches and Eagle Square-type jamboree.

Today, our political landscape and leadership has since become a huge joke. So bad is the situation that if innocent Nigerians are not bombed in their homes, then they are bombed in the church or a rickety plane may equally help do the bombing.

Here is a country where those in power have never shown any seriousness about improving the lot of the people and the people themselves appear to care less whether things would ever change. No wonder we keep going round in an unending circle.

• Olusola Adegbite, Esq. Town Planning Way, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Attention, Glo

S

IR: This is to bring to the notice of the management of Globacom and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that I have not been able to access my Blackberry services for about four days now, yet my subscription has been debited.

As if that was not enough, another subscription renewal fee has again been debited, while services are yet to be restored.

The billing of customers by the former on services not provided is

in contravention of relevant laws guiding the sector. It has caused losses to my business and personal relationships due to non delivery of messages.

Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC), the operators and other stakeholders must work to ensure that consumers get value for their money.

• David Okon, Ilupeju, Lagos

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Edo State election: Softly, softly

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ATURDAY, June 14, election to choose the next Governor of Edo State will take place. Even though Edo State is just one of the 36 states in Nigeria, the fairness and transparency of that election may decide the fate and future of Nigeria.

Edo State people like to describe their state as the heartbeat of Nigeria but whether one agrees with this or not, this prophecy may become a reality on Saturday. The current Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, from all indications and testimonies seems to have earned the second term. To an outsider, it appears the traditional leadership of the state as epitomised by the palace and the hierarchy of chiefs of Benin is on the side of the incumbent governor not for any reason other than the fact that he has performed creditably well as evidenced by the infrastructural and physical transformation of not only Benin City but the state as a whole.

Oshiomhole’s personality and persona rather than strictly his political party the ACN is what is attracting massive support to his candidacy for governor. The ACN of which he is a member has shown the stuff of which it is made by the sterling and robust performance of its governors in the south-western part of our country. One has to visit Lagos to see what is possible. Lagos is not a flash in the pan; Kayode Fayemi, Rauf Aregbesola and Ibikunle Amosun have demonstrated that with judicious management of their states paltry allocations from the federal distributable pool of resources, an ideologically driven party can accomplish much.

Oshiomhole’s support comes not only from the traditional leadership in Edo State but also from the rank and file of labour; the intelligentsia in the universities, the press and even the pulpit appear to be on his side.

‘For those who may, in the political tradition of Nigeria, want to muscle their way through and use force to get their way, they must have a rethink and allow wisdom to guide their judgement because elections are not just about power but about people also’

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N the early days of Adams Oshiomhole’s administration in Edo State, many of us who are indigenes were impatient with him. We wanted him to move at a faster pace, forgetting that Rome was not built in a day. Nobody should blame us for our attitude, which was informed by what our state experienced in the hands of Lucky Igbginedion, a former governor who many of us do not want to remember.

But can we ever forget Lucky? With this name, we thought he would bring luck to our state, but we turned out to be unlucky with him. For eight years, he governed the state as his fiefdom. Edo became the private property of the Igbinedions, who fed fat on the state, while the people pined away in abject penury. Edo became a failed state under Igbinedion because nothing worked.

There were no infrastructure which the people could point to as undertaken by Igbinedion during his eight years in office.

They were the years of the locust which no true son of Edo will ever pray for again. So, when Oshiomhole was sworn in on November 12, 2008, after the 18-month interregnum of former Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor, the people were in a hurry to see him perform.

When after some months they saw no meaningful signs of development, they started complaining. I must confess that I saw reason with them. I too believed then that Oshiomhole should have started walking before crawling. Like many others, I didn’t know the enormity of the problems he inherited, which slowed him down in the early days of his administration.

While we complained bitterly and loudly, Oshiomhole took his time planning and strategising on the way out. The state had become prostrate from the bleeding of eight years under Igbinedion, who rather than build infrastructure, chose to go abroad partying not with his own money but with funds to which he had free access.

The state capital, Benin temporarily shifted to London, New York and Johannesburg under the mustachioed governor, who loves the good life and saw Edo as part of the jolly ride. This was the state

Oshiomhole does not come from the south and central parts of Edo State where 70% of the people live. Rather, he comes from the less populous minority northern part of the state. What could have been a disadvantage has proved useful to him. This fact allows him to stand aside from all ethnic considerations and to see the trees from the political forest of Edo State. He has therefore been able through judicious allocation of scarce resources to take care of the well-being of the state and its physical and infrastructural transformation. The result of this sterling performance is the attraction to his candidacy of people from all geo-political areas of the state with scarce consideration of ethnicity.

Oshiomhole’s campaign, in spite of threat to his person and to the leadership of the ACN has been further strengthened by what Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his colleagues, the indefatigable and young Fayemi and the tempestuous Aregbesola, the cool and collected Fashola and politically astute Amosun have brought to the campaign in Edo State.

Interestingly, previous political leaders of the state like governors Oyegun, Lucky Igbinedion, and even at an unguarded moment, retired General Ogbemudia are on the side of Oshiomhole. Of course, we know that Oshiomhole would not have a free ride; he is being challenged by a retired army general supported naturally by the PDP and its big guns like the President of the country, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, but most importantly, by people like Anenih, the so-called “Mr. Fix it”, who must have convinced PDP hierarchy that Edo State is winnable and may also be thinking in the traditional Nigerian parlance of delivering the state to PDP in readiness for 2015. This sharp contrast between a people’s movement and the desire by muscular political elite to capture the state is what makes the situation dynamite.

In politics, anything is possible. The flag bearer of PDP is a retired Major General who is not well known in the state. He is running against a former national leader of the labour union, who on his own merit will be a formidable presidential candidate in Nigeria. If the election is free and fair, Oshiomhole will win hands down.

And this is the point, where we have to tread very softly if there is any possibility that the will of the people may be obstructed.

Nigeria’s democratic credential will be tested at this

coming election. To deploy troops in a contest in which a retired army General is a candidate, to my mind, is a terrible mistake.

The election is a civil matter and the military, as much as possible, should not be involved. It is also dangerous for a c i v i l i a n administration to be dependent on the military for its Jide effectiveness. The Osuntokun lesson from our history is that we shouldn’t do this.

Finally, if the election should hold and it is absolutely transparent and open, whoever wins will no doubt be acceptable to the generality of the people. But for the sake of our future and the future of our country, we must tread softly, softly, and allow the will of the people to decide the outcome of the election. For those who may, in the political tradition of Nigeria, want to muscle their way through and use force to get their way, they must have a rethink and allow wisdom to guide their judgement because elections are not just about power but about people also. We have enough problems in this country right now, we cannot and we must not add to them. This is why we must all be seized with ensuring that election in Edo and any other state must not only be free but must be seen to be free and fair.

‘Interestingly, previous political leaders of the state like governors Oyegun, Lucky Igbinedion, and even at an unguarded moment, retired General Ogbemudia are on the side of Oshiomhole’

The Oshiomhole magic in Edo

Oshiomhole took over from Osunbor after a long legal battle. Now, Oshiomhole is a veteran of many battles. Before his political foray, he had waged several battles on the labour front. He endeared himself to the people with the way he conducted himself then.

As a labour activist, Oshiomhole was more of a critic than a political leader.

People were eager to see how he will marry labour activism with political leadership.

Thus they wanted him to perform a miracle within weeks of assuming office.

Oshiomhole saw it as a slow and steady race, but many believe that it is a short burst, like an hundred metre dash that should be completed in nano seconds.

As an indigene, I was worried by the statelessness of Edo, which was brought about by the misrule of Igbinedion. Anything to reverse the situation within a short time would be welcomed by me. Oshiomhole was aware of the mumblings of the people.

He knew that all eyes were on him and that their impatience was caused by their disenchantment with the past.

He knew that a lot was expected of him because to whom much is given, much is expected. Oshiomhole put his shoulders to the plough and did not look back. He too was in a hurry to satisfy the people’s yearnings, but the men of yesterday, some of whom were still in power then in the legislature, had their own agenda, which was to frustrate all his efforts. If he took a step forward, they ensured that they pulled him back by two steps to stop him from delivering the dividends of democracy.

But because the forces of darkness can never last, Oshiomhole prevailed over them at the polls and since then the story of our state has been changing for good. With what Oshiomhole is doing, Edo is gradually returning to the frontline to which it belongs in the comity of states. He has fought the political godfathers and godsons and dislodged them from a political terrain which they hitherto considered their exclu-

‘What the people can do for Oshiomhole is to return him to office in Saturday’s election so that Edo can remain the heartbeat of the nation’

sive preserve.

Many did not know the battles Oshiomhole fought to place Edo where it is today. From the position of a state that does not work, he has made it a reference point in governance. But a lot, as he also knows, remains to be done. Compared to where the state was in May 2007 and where it is now, one can safely say that ‘Edo is working again.’ Edo has always been a working state. As part of the Western Region under the legendary Awo it worked; as Midwest Region under Osadebey it worked; as Midwest State under Ogbemudia it worked; as Bendel State under Ambrose Alli it worked; as Edo State under Odigie-Oyegun it worked. Unfortunately, the son of Igbinedion turned back the hand of the clock with his misrule.

If Lucky Igbinedion today sees what Oshiomhole has done he will cover his face in shame. But does he have any shame?

That Oshiomhole is today putting infrastructure in place in many parts of the state shows that where there is the will, there is a way. What any leader needs to make things happen is commitment but where that is lacking, the state suffers. The people of Edo are happy with what is happening in their state today because of the changes taking place there.

Many may not be in the same political camp with Oshiomhole or even like his politics, but they cannot shut their eyes to the development taking place in many parts of the state. Even though I believe it is too early to start marking Oshiomhole’s script when he has just served only three of the eight-year term he is constitutionally entitled to, we cannot but praise him for the good job he has so far done in such a short time in order to encourage him to do more.

As he himself said recently, “the reward for good work is more work.” This may be why his party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has endorsed him for second term. He has constructed roads; built schools and hospitals; empowered the youth and provided water. These are some of the basic things which Igbinedion could not do in eight years. What happened to all the allocations his administration collected

on behalf of the state from 1999 to 2007?

What did his administration do with the money?

It is a pity that a state so blessed like Edo had the misfortune of being governed by someone like Igbinedion, Oshiomhole has rewritten the story of our state from what it was under Igbinedion to what we are seeing today. It all has to do with being righteous. Righteousness, the scripture says, exalts a nation, and where the righteous rule, the people are happy.

Edolites are happy today because they have a righteous leader in Oshiomhole. He may not be a saint, but who is among us, but he has displayed saintly qualities with his righteous leadership. Even the opposition acknowledges this. Former Governor Samuel Ogbemudia while congratulating Oshiomhole on his third anniversary said: “His Excellency has started well; he will need to complete many of the projects in order for us to have a total picture of his grand intention. I call on my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to offer him stiff opposition on the basis of superior programmes.”

That is the issue: superior programmes.

Can the PDP provide superior programmes to beat Oshiomhole in next year’s election in the state? If the party has what it takes to do that why didn’t it show it during the Igbinedion years? Oshiomhole is riding high in Edo today because the centerpiece of his administration is service to the people. The people have for many years been neglected by their leaders in the political equation. To them, the people did not matter until Oshiomhole came to power.

We can only pray for Oshiomhole to end well as he has started well so that Edo’s glory will shine perpetually. What the people can do for him is to return him to office in Saturday’s election so that Edo can remain the heartbeat of the nation.

Enter her ladyship

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ITH her confirmation by the Senate yesterday, Justice Mariam Aloma Muktar has become the first woman Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Justice Muktar has always

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net

been a pacesetter on the Bench, among women since she was called to the Bar in 1967. She is the first woman Justice of the Court of Appeal (JCA), the first woman Justice of the Supreme Court (JSC) and now the first woman CJN. On her shoulder now lies the onerous task of piloting the judiciary between now and 2014 when she will retire.

Like some of her predecessors in recent times, Justice Muktar is assuming office during one of the lowest points in the life of the judiciary. Nobody seems to believe anymore in the judiciary except those who have the money to buy justice. For long, we have been talking of corruption in the judiciary, but nothing concrete has been done all these years to bring those involved to book. These “bad eggs” as Justice Muktar called them during her screening by the Senate are giving the judiciary a “bad name.” They are the ones responsible for the public’s perception of the judiciary as a place of anything goes.

Her task is to change things. Does she have what it takes to do that? I believe she has. Women are known to be tough administrators and from the look of her, Justice Muktar is not going to be different. She cuts the image of a no nonsense judge, who will not allow anyone to undermine her authority. She has promised us a “change” in the public perception of the judiciary as corrupt and rotten. We look forward to that “change” between now and 2014 when she will retire. All the best, Milord.

SMS ONLY: 08099400204

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12 2012

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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ITH the bloodletting going in parts of the north in the last one year, it is foolhardy of any patriotic and resourceful public servant to post other people’s children to the trouble spots of the north. But then are we not a nation where our leaders and the square pegs they put in round holes live in self denial?

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Nnamdi Okorie Affia, says youth corps members posted to Kano, Bornu, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna and Plateau have nothing to fear since adequate arrangements have been made for the security of their lives and property. He didn’t tell us who made the arrangement.

Echoing him, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi in the face of self-evident general insecurity that had in the past led to the indiscriminate killings of indigenes and corps members tells the fresh 1,350 youth corps members posted to his state that Bauchi is safe. He admonishes the youths to ignore the negative media report about happenings in his state.

Even Jonah Jang of Plateau, whose state, after many years of reprisal killings, remains a theatre of war that only this past week end consumed over a hundred lives including that of a senator and the majority leader of the state assembly, did not admit his state was unsafe.

While admonishing his people to create an enabling environment for the corps members to render their free service to his state, all he has in terms of security arrangement is an appeal to the corps members to be vigilant.

The federal government, speaking through Labaran Maku, the information minister says President Goodluck Jonathan places premium on the lives of corps members. But neither the federal government that has been unable to protect members of its own security forces deployed to contain the rampaging Boko Haram members, or the governors of the failed states who live more outside their troubled states or behind iron bars has been able to provide convincing reassurance to the agitated youths.

It has therefore taken the protest of the corps members and the House of Representative resolution calling for their redeployment from the perceived volatile states of Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau Kano and Kaduna to expose Brig-Gen Okorie-Affia’s hypocrisy and eye service. Who is the DG trying to please if one may ask? After

O

N this year’s Democracy Day, this writer visited a mini-exhibition showcasing proudly Delta products.

The venue was the Convention Centre in Asaba, the Delta State capital. It was an exhibition to complement a seminar on Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) held to mark the Democracy Day. Like a typical Nigerian seminar, there was so much talk at the podium. The theme of the event was how to leverage on the micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) to drive the new policy thrust of the Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan administration which is ‘Delta Beyond Oil’. The concept of Delta Beyond Oil is the new thinking in the state that has a rich history as well as a rich repository of crude oil. But oil is a nonrenewable resource and like all such resources, there is heightened anxiety that someday, the oil wells may dry up.

Worst of it all, global experience has shown that in nations where there is undue dependence on crude oil (or any extractive product), there is a likelihood of what is now called the ‘resource curse’ or the ‘Dutch Disease’, a term coined in 1977 by The Economist to describe the decline of the manufacturing sector in the Netherlands following the discovery of vast natural gas fields in 1959. The sweet taste of petro-dollar deceived the Dutch and the country abandoned its thriving manufacturing industry and was not smart enough to re-

‘Manufacturing and farming hold no attraction. Why bother to manufacture even a needle when we can conveniently import shiploads of same? Why farm when we can import grains, fishes, meat, etcetera from all over the world?’

The betrayal of NYSC spirit all, the President himself has publicly attributed his failure to visit the trouble spots in the north to insecurity.

The travails of these poor corps members who face the hazards of travelling around the dangerous corridor of Boko Haram insurgency, incurring in the process, avoidable expenses would have been greatly reduced if we have trained social engineers instead of soldiers trained to be loyal agents of the state, which tragically in our own case is presided over by thieving greedy enemies of the people.

The NYSC scheme has for years suffered from our penchant for putting round pegs in square holes. Most of the past DGs of the scheme have been soldiers. Soldiers are no doubt a patriotic lot, but they can hardly manage themselves in war or peace. Being adept in regimentation and indoctrination to make soldiers out of ordinarily rational human beings does not qualify them for preparing our youths for the challenges of tomorrow, a task that is best performed by trained social engineers.

This is exactly why the scheme has achieved its objective in reverse. One of such core objectives is the ‘encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity’.

This has been achieved though, except that as former graduates of the scheme, the common tie between members of the executive, legislative, judiciary and the fourth estate of the realm, is greed.

As musician Lagbaja recently observed, Babangida, Abacha and Obasanjo are our envoys. The elite are all the same. Neither the political, economic, judicial elite, nor mem-

bers of the forth estate of the realm can cast the first stone. We created, celebrated and legitimised the cynical reigns of Babangida, Obasanjo and Jonathan just as those who wrecked the banking and capital market sectors were our creation.

And as for the scheme’s objective of ‘inculcating discipline in the youths, raising their moral tone, removing prejudice, eliminating ignorance and developing a sense of corporate existence and common destiny of Nigerian people’, there is a consensus on this by those benefiting from the present chaos, again all graduates of the NYSC. They constitute the core of the vociferous opponents of restructuring of the country, with a superstructure that can curtail their activities as political and economic parasites.

It is true that the NYSC has always been mired in controversy since its inception about 40 years ago. But it is equally true that like everything else in the society, the NYSC under PDP has been reduced to just another avenue for stealing. There is very little to show for its annual budget of over N70 billion.

The corps members allowances are hardly paid as at when due. The substandard kits procured from Chinese and Indian firms, for our kids hardly last beyond their three weeks orientation period. Participating youths have had to buy their vests, shoes and shirts. Successive DGs know of this yearly rip-off by the scheme officials but continue to live in denial.

Beyond reducing the scheme to an avenue for patronage, some of the policies such as drafting of all corps members to teach in schools are a disservice to the youth as it is a

Uduaghanomics and poverty alleviation

By Chioma Ugbechie invest the petro-dollar in other productive ventures. The dependence and heavy concentration on crude oil exploitation thus asphyxiated the primary sector and over time resulted in a weakened economy. It happened to Yemen, Venezuela, Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria.

In Nigeria, with our legendary lust for easy money and showy lifestyle, the matter is worse. Nobody wants to till the earth, weave a hat, stay at the loom to make fabrics, grow rubber to produce latex, cultivate palms for palm produce or engage in any meaningful manufacturing venture. It is a hard path to tread, a difficult road to travel. But it was never so. In those days, the nation’s economy ran on the engine of a strong primary sector.

The Naira was strong. Manufacturers and farmers got commensurate rewards for their efforts. Financial institutions were too willing to finance manufacturing even at the micro-levels. Cooperatives were strong and effective. These days, everything has gone awry.

Manufacturing and farming hold no attraction. Why bother to manufacture even a needle when we can conveniently import ship-loads of same? Why farm when we can import grains, fishes, meat, etcetera from all over the world? There is a gradual but sustained inclination to import just about everything we consume including those things we don’t need. The leadership is not helping matters. Successive Nigerian presidents, governors, cabinet members, policy-makers, private sector elite and the burgeoning army of latter day bourgeoisie drink, eat and wear the exotic.

It is total paralysis of a once pristine value system. But one man is saying ‘enough is enough’. Uduaghan is reversing the trend at least in his state. Somebody called it ‘Uduaghanomics’. It is an economic concept

that gives impetus to micro, small and medium scale enterprises. It is bottom-up economics which empowers the skilled artisans, the poor, the peasants and rural folk. Such empowerment does not only end with providing the right environment, it also involves giving them access to funds to start their businesses and grow existing ones. The state micro-credit scheme which fuels the MSMEs is under the purview of the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation. The scheme has revived the dying agro-business, the indigenous fabric industry, jewellery production among others. Much more, it has proved the most potent tool for poverty alleviation. It has even become an effective counterfoil to capital flight. If in doubt, ask Madam Ireyeesorieseone Woods Okumagba, the Itsekiri spice-maker who leveraged on the state micro-credit scheme to turn around her spice-making skills into a moneyspinning mill. She now exports her spices to earn foreign exchange. Not only her, others have courtesy of interest-free loans from the state become employers of labour in various fields. Cassava flour, honey, fresh palm wine, human-size catfish, hybrid fingerlings and seedlings, locally-made fruit processors, delicately woven hats and colourful fabrics from local looms, an assortment of colourful beads and footwears formed the proudly Delta products on display at the exhibition ground which added substance and significance to the seminar. The scheme has created over 90,000 jobs. It has created wealth and birthed peace by actively engaging the youths who yesterday were up in arms against the society especially the exploitative oil companies in the state.

Professor Mohammad Yunus, the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner who was jointly honoured with his Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, once said that it is possible to

betrayal of the spirit of NYSC. And for the unimaginative minds behind the retrogressive policy as well as the governors who instead of investing in training of teachers wait for cheap NYSC labour, they can take a look at the Obama fiscal Year 2013 budget on education.

America plans to produce world highest number of university graduates by 2030, 17 years from now. Obama is starting in 2013 by helping 10 million indigent students by making provision for $10,000 tax cut per each student for parents in the next four years. He is providing for the training of 100,000 science and mathematics teachers over the next decade. And he is going to spend $850m to retrain elementary and secondary school teachers.

Except for Lagos State that mooted the idea of deploying graduates of agriculture to the state farms, many of the governors fritter away the huge monthly free allocation they share instead of investing on education or agriculture. What stops each state from having its own farm to produce variety of products for consumption and sale? Why can’t the NYSC manufacture its own kits instead of depending on Indian and Chinese substandard products? With the skilled manpower churned out every year, what stops the states from setting up laboratory diagnostic centers in Local Government headquarters, engineering road construction firms in the state capitals that will benefit the immediate communities and become training ground for the corps members?

Unfortunately, besides Boko Haram, it is this lack of resourcefulness and selfishness of the governors as well as the type of hypocrisy demonstrated by the current DG that provide additional ammunition to those who have argued that the 40 year old social engineering effort of the military has outlived its usefulness.

‘We created, celebrated and legitimised the cynical reigns of Babangida, Obasanjo and Jonathan just as those who wrecked the banking and capital market sectors were our creation’ banish poverty from society. “The one message we are trying to promote all the time is that poverty in the world is an artificial creation. It doesn’t belong to human civilization, and we can change that, we can make people come out of poverty …. so that people start believing that we can create a poverty-free world”, he told Adam Smith, the editor-in-chief of Nobelprize.org shortly after he was announced the winner.

This is exactly what Uduaghan is doing, fighting poverty not through charity but by empowering ordinary people to enable them unleash their innate capacities and talents to achieve impactful results. Uduaghan may not have won the Nobel Peace Prize for his revolutionary anti-poverty programme, but as three-time winner of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) award for excellence in microcredit management for SMEs growth, he stands on the dais of history as the man who dared to end poverty among his people. The Delta State micro-credit scheme is something Professor Yunus would be proud of.

• Ugbechie writes from Asaba

• Gov. Uduaghan

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

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NATIONSPORT THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

U

SA Track and Field officials and US Olympic coaches are confident of achieving their goal of a 30-medal haul from the London Olympics after watching competitors qualify over the past 10 days.

"There's a real opportunity for that," US Olympic men's track coach Andrew Valmon said. "We have a strong team. If we are clicking on all cylinders anything is possible."

A blend of talented veterans, some hoping for a return to the medal podium, and top newcomers advancing from the US Olympic Track and Field Trials staged at Hayward Field give the Americans a chance to improve on 2008 disappointment.

"That is a reachable goal," USA

I

RRESPECTIVE of what happens, Oscar Pistorius is sure to attract a lot of attention when he takes to the track in his Olympic debut in London.

Johannesburg – Whether Oscar Pistorius crashes out in the heats or progresses to the final of the men's 400 metres sprint, he is sure to attract plenty of attention when he takes to the track in his Olympic debut in London next month.

His participation at the Games is a victory in itself for the 'Blade Runner', as his victorious battle to compete with abled-bodied athletes will be crowned with an appearance

P

HILLIPS Idowu today claimed he is happy to be the “invisible man” of British athletics as he insisted that injury was not the reason he has not competed for six weeks.

Olympic triple jump silver medallist Idowu has competed just three times in 2012, with his last appearance coming in Eugene, Oregon on June 1.

The 33-year-old struggled to hit top form with leaps of 16.43 metres and 17.05m before seemingly injuring himself when he fouled with his third attempt. He took no further part in the competition.

Idowu subsequently withdrew from meetings in Oslo and Paris and the Olympic trials in Birmingham, with UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee declining to clarify Idowu’s situation due to issues of “medical confidentiality”.

However, ahead of his return to competition this weekend in the London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace,

Track and Field chief executive Max Siegel said of 30 US athletics medals. "I'm confident we will have a good showing in London.

The athletes performed well. We have a strong team."

Americans claimed 23 medals from athletics at Beijing with seven golds, nine silvers and seven bronzes. But the 2008 US men produced only 14 medals, the second-fewest at any Olympics, and only four golds, the fewest of any Olympics.

And most of the disappointments at the trials came on the men's side.

Walter Dix, second in the 100 and 200 meters at last year's worlds and third in the same events at the 2008 Olympics, failed to qualify in either after a leg injury.

on the greatest stage of all.

He made his first steps towards realising his dream when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) declared Pistorius eligible to compete against abled-bodied athletes in May 2008.

This followed an earlier ban by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) after tests conducted at the Cologne Sports University ruled his Jshaped prosthetics gave him an unfair advantage.

Pistorius, however, challenged the findings and after further tests by his “own” scientists, CAS ruled in his favour.

Given little time to qualify after the ruling, Pistorius failed to book his place at the Beijing Olympic Games later that season and had to wait another four years for his dream to become a reality.

Following his entry into the 400m and 4x400m relay events, the debate as to whether or not he should compete has been reignited.

Regardless of the reasons given in both sides of the argument, however, Pistorius’ struggle to realise his dream has been the embodiment of the Olympic creed.

“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle,” the creed reads.

Idowu insisted his lack of competition was merely precautionary so as not to jeopardise his chances of Olympic glory on home soil.

“I have not mentioned anything about an injury to be honest, so noone has heard the words come out of my mouth, or from my coach, or any of my team,” said the 2009 world champion, who missed out on Olympic gold by just five centimetres in Beijing.

“So I have let that rumour mill stir itself and it has given me an opportunity to focus on my preparation for the Games, which I feel has gone really well.

“Every year I never compete in every meet I put down as scheduled. I put my name down as an option for competitions that I may want to do through the year, but there are times when things go really well and you feel like ’Okay, I can take a step back.’

S

• Keshi

UPER EAGLES boss, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has reacted swiftly to the call by former national team skipper, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, that Chelsea star, John Mikel Obi should be recalled to the national team, insisting that there was never a time the player was out of the national team scheme of things.

“We may have played some games without Mikel but he has always been part of the team and I must tell Nigerians that I have been in touch with the player. On the day of the Nations Cup draws in South Africa, I and Mikel spoke for over 40 minutes on various aspect of football and I was impressed with his patriotism for Nigeria and the success of the national team. We must be careful not to bring division and hero worship into the national team. Mikel has said again and again that he has no problems with the national team technical crew and I don’t have any problems with him either, so calling for his recall to the team is unnecessary, because he has always been a part of the team”, Keshi who spoke from Benin City said.

The Eagles boss warned that such calls will mean that the other European based professionals who were not invited for the June games against Namibia, Malawi and Rwanda were not important in the national team, which he said is far from the truth.

“We have a lot of players who were not part of the last games like Obafemi Martins, Obinna Nsofor, Ogbuke Obasi, Emmanuel Emenike and more. These pla yers are as important and very good to our ambition of building a strong national team for Nigeria and I have been in touch with all of them, so we must avoid division in the national and respect the decision of the coach.

Keshi concluded by saying that no matter the amount of pressure, he would make it a point of duty to invite only the players needed for particular games and if Mikel is relevant he would surely be called up.

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By Innocent Amomoh

A

NY Nigerian athlete that wins a gold medal in the London 2010 Olympic Games may smile to the bank with as much as N3.2million if NationSports findings at the secretariat of the National Sports Commission (NSC) is anything to go by. We further scooped that a silver medalist will be rewarded with N2.4 million, while bronze medalists will receive N1.6million, this amount will be paid in dollars and immediately at the events venue.

According to the proposal from the Commission, this will be a way of motivating the athletes and ensuring that they put in their best in the games. When Nationsports enquired from a chieftain of the Commission Abba Yola on this, he refused to be categorical about the actual amount, but said that what has been proposed will be bigger than what the athletes got at the All African Games in Maputo “ you know that we gave N1.6million for every gold medal won at the All

From Andrew Abah, Abuja African games, and N1.2million for Silver medals, and N600,000 for all bronze medals won. You should know that the higher the competition the higher the money.

At the All African games the money was given to them at the venue of the games, we are also proposing same for the Olympics which is higher than the All Africa Games”. He expressed optimism that the countries contingents would surely turn the tables in the Games, as they have prepared adequately for it right from the on set. He refused to stick out his neck on the colour of medals that he is expecting from the athletes, but insisted that country would not be disgraced. He bemoaned the none qualification of the country's football team for the games, but said that the commission takes solace on the qualification of the male basketball team for the games, and sees them as the team to beat at the Games.

• Mikel

ITH over 840 teams been drawn into groups, defending champion, Apapa’s Lawal Akapo Street will this weekend begins its title defence as the season five of the MTN Lagos Street Soccer Championship kicking off across the state.

With the eyes on the trophy, the Sikiru Isholatutored side gave an insight to what to expect this season during the novelty match against 2009 champion at the opening ceremony over the weekend with a 1-0 win and the team is hoping to repeat the feat it achieved last year.

Captain of the team, Azeez Ajadi believes the team would be unstoppable this season. “Having tasted success last season, we cannot afford to miss out this season because we want to consolidate on our victory. For this season, we are going to work hard to ensure that we retain the title we won last year and to also become the first team to do that this season. My teammates are ready and we are ready as well as team. I also want to thank MTN Nigeria Plc for keeping faith with the championship coupled with the ingenuity of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for working hard to ensure that more teams take part in the championship,” Ajadi said.

Also, Chief Coach of Pashi Street football team of Lagos Island, Hassan Tairu has appealed to the organisers to employ the services of certified referees to handle officiating of the championship.

Tairu, who tutored the Pashi Street football team to win the winners in 2009, said that the only challenge the competition faced in the previous editions was lack of competent referees.

“I want the organisers of Lagos Street Soccer competition to ensure that matches in this year’s editions are officiated better than what we had in the previous editions. We can only have a good competition if officiating of the tourney is fair,” he said.

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THE NATION

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

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

INSIDE

Lead City Varsity rejects suspension

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

Education plays a key role in achieving gender equality, one of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Meeting the goal also has implications on poverty reduction. KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE and RAMAT MUSA report on the challenges and the efforts to fulfil the goal

THE Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan has kicked against the suspension of its operating licence by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

It claims that it is not running illegal programmes as claimed by the regulatory body. The university is challenging the NUC to an open debate on the matter.

-Page 27

US envoy advises youths YOUTHS have been advised to assist in the development of the nation.

The United States (US) Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Terence McCulley, gave the advice at the quarter final round of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) in Victoria Island, Lagos.

-Page 37

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

UNICAL’s SUG bounces back FOR 10 months, students union activities were in a limbo at the University of Calabar (UNICAL). Without a union to act as their voice, students were deprived of a common platform, making them look like fish out of water. All this is now over with the restorate of their right to unionise. In exercise of that right, they have elected new officers. The road to the election was long and thorny.

-Page 29

•Mrs Ifedi (Third left) and Melissa Ford (middle) with some of the participants.

Female students prepare to lead B

Y 2015, the world hopes to have achieved eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), one of which is gender equality. However, three years to the deadline, the United Nations (UN) reports challenges to the fulfilment of the goal.

These challenges, listed on the UN website, include limited opportunities for education for the girlchild and poverty, which hinders education.

The international body is also worried that men outnumber women in paid employment, while more women are relegated to more vulnerable forms of employment and over-represented in informal employment, with its lack of benefits and security; consequently, they are overlooked for top-level jobs most of the time.

In Nigeria, a group, the Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE), which challenges undergraduates to positively influence their communities, has discovered the stereotypes to be true. From its activities, working with student teams from 44 universities and polytechnics across Nigeria in the past 11 years, the Country Manager of SIFE Nigeria, Mrs Adesuwa Ifedi, said the number of female students taking on leadership roles in the team has been low.

"However, due to cultural orientation of young women and social stereotypes in our communities, over the last 10 years, the ratio of male to female students who have been engaged on the SIFE programme has been at an alarm-

• The students in a networking session with a mentor, Lucy Kanu

ing seven to three. With the ratio of female team leaders even lower at just one in every 10," she said.

For the few that hold leadership positions on the teams, Mrs Ifedi said they are likely to be relegated to stereotyped roles of Welfare Coordinator. Few are presidents or project managers, positions that require employing good leadership and management skills.

In interviews with The Nation, some female undergraduates and corps members shared their experiences battling these stereotype and cultural orientations.

Kemi Ayeni, a final year electrical engineering students at the Uni-

versity of Lagos enjoys the support and respect of her male classmates, and the monitoring by her lecturers. However, when she went on internship, she found she had to work harder to convince them that she could work like men.

"The boys in my class have this high expectation of us. You cannot afford to fail as a girl so the pressure is more. Our lecturers really monitor us. They don't expect us to come late to class, and they expect us to do things properly. But when I went on IT in a factory I was the only girl. There was just this expectation that, as a girl, I couldn't do certain things. I had to

due to cultural orientation of ‘ However, young women and social stereotypes in our communities, over the last 10 years, the ratio of male to female students who have been engaged on the SIFE programme has been at an alarming seven to three. With the ratio of female team leaders even lower at just one in every 10

’

work hard to prove them wrong.

When they asked questions and I answered, they were surprised I knew it," she said.

Her friend, Mariam Abdusallam had a similar experience.

"During my IT, we had to climb masts and ladders. When I did it in public, people actually stopped to stare at me. Some even chided me and others for allowing me to climb the mast, knowing I am a girl. We had to explain that I was on IT and had to climb the mast," she said.

As a student of Performing Arts at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Sheyi Adeoye, a corps member, was under pressure to bow out of the race for the position of Speaker of Parliament of her department, an election she finally won because of her perseverance.

She said: "I was the first female speaker at the faculty level. We were three females among 22 males (in the race) that alone was a great challenge. At a point one of females had to drop out. Many people discouraged me that the • Continued on page 26

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

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EDUCATION FUNAAB FILE

VC seeks partnership with FCE THE Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof Olusola Bandele Oyewole, has reiterated the need for the intensification of a collaboration with the Federal College of Education (FCE), Osiele, Abeokuta, in security, staff exchange, linkages, and academic development.

The Vice-Chancellor stated this when he paid a courtesy call on the Provost of the College, Dr. Adetayo Ajayi.

Oyewole said: “Nigeria is at a point where leadership should be responsive to the needs of our time and I believe that we (himself and the Provost) have that same great vision, to move our institutions forward”.

The Vice-Chancellor pointed out that “our students live in the same community. We have many things to do together such that if we have to develop our people, and our community, we need to collaborate”.

Buttressing the need for collaboration, especially in security, Oyewole said: “We share the same security challenges. We need to collaborate on that and this is the more reason I invited our Chief Security Officer (CSO), to interact with your CSO”.

Canvassing patronage for the justcompleted University’s International Scholars’Centre, the Vice-Chancellor added: “Whenever you have external examiners and seminars, you don’t need to go to town. We have a 24-room en-suite hotel, which will comfortably accommodate them”.

Responding, the Provost, Ajayi, expressed the readiness of FCE to work with FUNAAB in academic and administrative endeavours.

“We have serious challenges, following the withdrawal of our security personnel as a result of Federal Government’s policy on outsourcing some services. I want to assure you that we are ready for collaboration on the issue of security”, he said.

The Provost added: “We used to screen our candidates, but we are going to resuscitate it now”.

He, however, appealed that graduates of the College should be accorded special consideration for direct entry admissions into the University as well as improving on the opportunities of members of staff of the College enjoying Sabbatical Leave in FUNAAB. Ajayi described the visit as “the beginning of many good things to come for both institutions, recalling that FCE was the first tertiary institution in the state.

“We have been striving for excellence and we believe we have not disappointed all the tiers of government because if you go to public and private schools today, 70 per cent of the teachers are from FCE," he added.

The Provost assured that FCE will “continue to sustain and even improve on our tradition of excellence”.

•The Minister Prof Ahmed-Rufa’i (second left) inspecting some new equipment for TVET training

T

‘Why govt is supporting technical education’

HE establishment of polytechnics in the country was aimed at producing middle level manpower and skilled labour for the various sectors of the economy.

But, over the years, there has been the argument that polytechnics are deviating from their core objective. This led to the introduction of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training programme by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in polytechnics to return them to their primary assignment of providing technical and vocational education.

Conscious of the importance of the scheme and the need to address the problem of inadequate and obsolete training equipment, President Goodluck Jonathan approved about N12.4 billion for the supply of equipment to all polytechnics, to be funded from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

Education Minister Prof Ruqayyatu

Ahmed-Rufa’i said, while inspecting some of the equipment at Kaduna Polytechnic, one of the benefiting institutions, said: “The need for modern equipment was predicated on the fact that scientific advances, technological changes and innovations have become the basis for the economic performance of any country.

“The ability to harness the potential of new scientific and technical knowledge and diffuse such knowledge widely has become a major source of competitive advantage, wealth creation and improvement in the quality of life.”

According to the her, the scheme is expected to provide the complement of TVET equipment in line with NBTE accreditation requirements. She pointed out that the government has

devoted efforts to ensuring that polytechnics and universitiesare retooled.

Ahmed-Rufai noted that the nation has “been experiencing a kind of education collapse right through the system in the past; right from primary school to university”, stressing that the government was doing its best to ensure that things are corrected.

To Prof. Matthew Ajibero, the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, another institution that benefitted from project, the provision of the equipment will, no doubt, impact positively on the polytechnics to achieve their mandate which is to produce skilled manpower for the development of the nation.

He said: “You cannot train people with good skills without equipment and this is what has been lacking in the institutions. It is a welcome development which

shows that the government is matching its words with action, this time. For the first time, we are getting it right. Equipment were not only supplied, but they were installed and those to handle them have been trained. There has been regular monitoring to ensure that everything is done perfectly.”

Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State, Dr. Celestine Njoku, shared the same view.

He said: “Equipment are paramount in technological institutions because they are meant to produce; they are practical- oriented; students need to have both psychomotive, cognitive as well as affective skills when they use the new equipment. What is lacking in our country is the psychomotive and affective skills; the equipment will be used to design, fabricate to come out with research ideas to produce. They will also give the students a sense of fulfilment so that they can practise in the world where they find themselves, because, if they become self reliant when they use these equipment it will help them to change others.”

Similarly, the Rector of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo in Ondo State, Dr. Ajibefun Igbekele, said the installation and training component of the project is commendable.

He said: “The implementation of this project is different because of the installation and training component. In the past, we get equipment and we cannot use them because the personnel don’t have the knowledge of how to handle them. It is not the same with this project. The training is a right step in the right direction and such monitoring on the use of the equipment as initiated by the NBTE should be continuous.

“Education was abandoned for a long time, but, thank God, the administration is turning things around for the better. The government is getting it right with this intervention and the equipment will go a long way to make positive impact. They will assist students in practicals so that on graduation, they can set up on their business and this will reduce the unemployment rate in the country.”

Female students prepare to lead •Continued from page 25

position is not meant for a woman.

But I wanted to break the record.

There is this saying that a lady cannot handle the parliament but with God I won the election."

Ironically, when given the opportunity, Mrs Ifedi noted that the few female students that have occupied exalted positions reserved for men, have been instrumental in empowering women in their host communities, underscoring the UN's position that women must be empowered to increase their participation in all facets of life.

To increase the rank of women who are educated, and economically

and politically empowered to change their communities, SIFE organised a women empowerment forum at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Thursday, last week, where accomplished women counselled the about 150 female undergraduates in attendance to set goals, follow their dreams, ditch labels and work hard.

One of the mentors, Mrs Bernadine Okeke, the Executive Vice President in charge of private banking at FirstBank Plc, told the young ladies that discrimination does not exist in Nigeria. She urged the girls not give excuses but to be creative, plan and work hard.

She is an African-American who

has been married to a Nigerian for 32 years.

Using herself as an example as a woman who has succeeded among many male counterparts, she said there was no problem about living in Nigeria as she had spent 27 of married years in Nigeria and counselled girls not to feel helpless.

"Think creatively and strategically. You must prove you have the ability to conceptualise. If you want to be a leader, you must have certain traits - authenticity, being steadfast in upholding principles, and giving credit to others," she said.

Former NTA news anchor Mrs

Adesuwa Oyenokwe also challenged the girls not to live on excuses, which make men to stereotype women. She frowned at the practice of many women seeking pity because of pregnancy, or other women-related issues, and urged them to be ready to work like men.

Another speaker, Prof Olabisi Aina, Dean, Faculty of Social Science at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, said to achieve the empowerment the world seeks for women, the girls must be increasingly involved in lifting up other women, especially those in the rural areas.

Oyewole noted that FUNAAB had

• Bayelsa State Governor Hon. Seriake Dickson (right) presenting a souvenir to the president of the Historical Society of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Akinwunmi (left) when the society visited the government house in Yenagoa P HOTO: LUCKY FRANCIS9

“... thanks to a steady stream of raw, sorry, human material!”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12 2012

27

EDUCATION

LBS MBA students undergo 10-week internship

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OUR MBA students from Lagos Business School (LBS) are participating in the second edition of the African Markets Internship Programme (AMIP) which started July 9.

Organised by The Tony Elumelu Foundation (AMIP), it is designed to help improve the competitiveness of Africa's private sector businesses while introducing some of the world's brightest young business talent to executive suites across Africa.

This is the second time LBS MBAs are participating in the

• From left: Prof. Abiodun Adesanya, Dean, College of Environmental Science, Bells University, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi and Prof. Kunle Ade Wahab, who delivered the lecture organised by the college.

T

Lead City Varsity kicks against NUC suspension

HE Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan has kicked against the suspension of its operating licence by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

It claims that it is not running illegal programmes as claimed by the regulatory body. The university is challenging the NUC to an open debate on the matter.

The NUC had last week suspended the licence of the institution and six other private universities, citing poor management of courses and operation of illegal courses, among others, as the reasons.

Addressing reporters at the institution in Ibadan at the weekend, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Onabajo and the

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Jide Owoeye, described the suspension as arbitrary.

The regulatory body and the institution have been at loggerheads over the running of Law programme culmination in a case at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan. The Federal High Court, Ibadan last year had ordered the commission to recognise the Law programme while affirming that the programme was duly accredited by the NUC in its judgment last July. But the NUC has appealed the judgment.

Onabajo said the university was yet to receive any commu-

nication from the NUC over the matter.

Also maintaining that the university has not breached the NUC regulations to warrant the suspension, Owoeye recalled that the institution was ranked third best among the over 30 private universities graded by the same NUC in 2007 under Okojie and challenged him to an open debate on his claims.

"If he can create an opportunity for a forum, we will tackle the issues one-by-one. If there is anything he succeeds in proving that the university does not have, I can assure the world that it will be provided within two weeks," he said.

new AMIP internship programme which began last year.

During the 10-week programme, the students will be working with Africanowned or operated businesses in Abuja and Lagos, Accra, Dakar, Douala, Kigali, Lusaka and Nairobi.

They are expected to work on short-term, high-impact strategic projects during the duration of the internship.

The interns are: Uzoma Okoro, Chukwuka Nwagbara, Funmilola Oshodi and Irene Kayoma.

This year, AMIP has included private-sector-facing public sector entities such as Capital Markets Authority, Nairobi, regulator of Kenya's capital markets, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Abuja, Nigeria as host organisations.

Other participating schools include: University of Ghana Business School; Centre Africain d'Etudes Supérieures en Gestion (CESAG), Senegal; the University of Capetown Business School, South Africa; London Business School; and IESE, Spain.

'Education should be more affordable'

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OVERNMENTS at all level have been advised to make education in Nigeria affordable.

The Manager Africa Study Group of Leeds Metropolitan University, Crist Tagg, gave the advice in Abuja at the launch of the new study group partnership with Leeds Metropolitan University.

From findings, Tagg said many Nigerians are interested in studying but cannot afford

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

the fees. He said the leadership of the school are in Nigeria to woo would-be students who may be interested in studying, but do not have enough awareness about the institution.

He said: "I have found out that many eligible students in Nigeria are not being encouraged to study and many can-

not afford education. Government should make education more affordable. This will help have a large number of Nigerian children in school.

"Our efforts in Nigeria are to get more Nigerians to understand the way Leeds Metropolitan University works and have them study there."

Founded in 1824, Leeds Metropolitan University has over 29, 000 students from 122 countries.

Pharmacy council lauds Benue Varsity

T

HE Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has expressed satisfaction with facilities for the training of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) medical students.

PCN’s Prof John Aguiyi also expressed confidence in the ability of Chief Medical Director(CMD) of BSUTH Makurdi, Prof Orkuuga Malu, the turn around the young

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

medical institution to a world class.

Aguiyi gave his assessment shortly after inspection of facilities at the hospital as part of the council visit to Benue state. He also suggested that only officers from Assistant Director upwards should man the Pharmacy department.

Responding, Malu said the institution offered best services and is customerfriendly.

He noted that the advice of the Council would be useful to the growth of the hospital.

He, however, said the institution is young with the pharmaceutical department barely one year and appealed that the council should judge the hospital according to its age.

Pupils receive talk on rights

By Ramat Musa

P

UPILS of Abina/ Omololu Primary School, Surulere, Lagos were given a talk on their rights and when they are been breached.

This was during a campaign organised by the Scout Unit of the school.

The head of Scout Unit Dapo Ojekale, who spoke to The Nation, recalled that a similar event was held last year with some National Drugs law enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officials visiting to educate the children on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.

He said the event was necessary to start grooming children against societal odds to empower them to cultivate new orientation as they grow up.

He said: "We need to give them (children) new orientation; so they don't get contaminated by the prevailing corruption in the society. I'm positive that what the children need are new mindset to change the existing situation for the better."

The Headteacher Mrs Ansike FC said: "It is when a child knows his right that they can stand to demand for it. Children should not be left in dark and should be allowed to express themselves. It is noted that this days children are neglected and are allowed to go about the street without getting education which they have a right to.''

• Pupils of Abina/Omololu Primary School, Surulere at the event.

PHOTO: RAMAT MUSA

UNIUYO VC urges govt to enforce food security laws

T

HE Vice Chancellor (VC) University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Prof Comfort Ekpo, has urged the government to ensure the enforcement of food security laws.

Prof. Ekpo said the institution would establish contacts with foreign universities to set up quality control laboratory to curb food poison-

ing in the country.

The VC spoke at a stakeholders' workshop on food and industrial safety at the Onyema Ugochukwu Hall of the university.

She assured them that the university would seek foreign partnership in this regard based on need.

He said: "Considering the request of the Department of

Microbiology, this university will seek collaboration with other universities to establish quality control laboratory, to make our school the centre of such research."

The vice-chancellor challenged participants at the workshop to come up with strategies that could help to reduce the high incidence of food poisoning in the coun-

try.

In her welcome address, the Acting Head of Microbiology department, Dr Comfort Etok, said the workshop was organised to create public awareness on dangers of consuming unsafe food water and their products.

She observed the high risk of microbial contamination

of food from production through storage marketing to consumption stages.

She noted that children stand the risk of contracting water borne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid from micro-organisms due to developing immune systems which impede their ability to fight infection, among others.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

EDUCATION BABCOCK FILE

EKSU FILE Medical College gets donation

Media centre coming THE management of Hope Channel International, the television station of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has visited Babcock University (BU), Ilishan Remo, Ogun State to inspect the campus and verify its readiness for establishing a global high-tech media centre.

Speaking during a visit, the President of the organisation, Brad Thorp represented by the Vice President, Finance, Elder Gideon Mutero said they were highly impressed with the facilities and “expansive resources already in place at Babcock University.”

He said the church is seriously working on how to set up a media centre in the church’s West Central Africa Division.

In his response, the President/ Vice-Chancellor, BU, Prof Kayode Makinde praised the foresight of the media organisation, noting that Babcock does not just have the ideal facilities but also has an invaluable need for the centre.

“With over 350 media students, 24 churches and several ministerial students amongst others, Babcock has so many assets with which to run with the vision,” he said.

Varsity meets community THE management of Babcock University has engaged its host community on matters of mutual interest and concerns.

At a community relations parley tagged ‘Town and Gown Forum’, the two parties expressed their feelings candidly, while sharing information aimed at better relations.

In his speech President/Vice Chancellor, Prof Makinde thanked the community for its support to the university. He listed Babcock’s laudable achievements and the niche it has carved for itself in training and education.

The Chairman of Ilishan Development Council, Otunba Olu Osibodu; Ikenne Local Government Chairman, Hon Olufemi Sunday Adeniji; Ikenne Divisional Police Officer, and other representatives of Ilishan praised the university for contributing to the development of the community, adding it should do more.

Students receive First Aid training BABCOCK University in conjunction with St John Ambulance have certified 64 students of Public Health and four workers for completing an intensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.

The participants were presented with their certificates by St John Ambulance represented by the Commissioner and National Chief Examiner, Dr I. Patrick at the Wilfred Ralley Auditorium of the institution.

During the exercise, Dr Patrick said a division of St John Ambulance would open in Babcock and underscored the importance of First Aid skills.

“First Aid has been described as the first point of call in terms of emergencies and accident. It is not just the work of health professionals; every one should have the skill in case of emergency,” he said.

In his speech, the Babcock President/Vice-Chancellor, Prof Makinde represented by the Senior Vice-President, Prof Iheanyichukwu Okoro, thanked the organisation for the training.

While presenting the certificates, Dean, School of Public & Allied Health, Prof. Dora Akinboye, encouraged the graduands to apply their knowledge in love.

• From left: First class graduate of Languages at the Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Miss Ogechi Agim, her mother Mrs Juliet Agim and her twin brother, Onyeka, a graduate of Computer and Information Systems of the same institution at their graduation.

ASUP wades into Akwapoly row

T

HE Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Zone D has waded into the lingering crisis between the management of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic (Akwapoly) and the institution's branch of ASUP with a charge to the management to hold the olive branch.

The union noted that management has victimised and harassed its members, especially by refusing to allocate courses to the branch Chairman, Paul Ibara and withholding N0.6 million of union dues.

The union also frowned at the level of insecurity and maladministration as well as non remittance and deduction of union dues up to N3.6 million to appropriate coffers by the management of the institution.

These are part of five-point resolution ASUP members adopted at the

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

end of it executive council meeting.

They said: "Union, therefore, resolved that management should ensure that courses are allocated to Comrade Ibara Paul failure of which ASUP will take further legal steps.

"Union condemned the continued victimisation and harassment of the chapter chairman and other members of the union. Union resolved that both the non-remitted dues and no deducted ones be remitted to the union's account."

The teachers urged management to desist from pedalling rumour against their members over the kidnap of the Rector of the institution.

They also canvassed compensation for Ibara and Mr Nsikak Affia for the false accusation over the Rector's saga.

Reacting to the claims of the ASUP members, the institution's Rector, Sylvester Akpan, said he could not comment on the ASUP matter because the case is in court.

He stated that a parallel executive of the union instituted a court action against the union.

The Rector stressed that his administration is guided by discipline to achieve excellence.

According to him, those who are opposed to this are against the progress and development of the polytechnic, which he said is ranked fourth best in the country by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Akpan added that any lecturer who claims to be deprived of courses to teach should find out what the problems were.

UI dept celebrates golden jubilee

I

T has been a busy week for members of staff and students of the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan (UI) as they celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Highlighting the achievements of the department to reporters during a pre-event briefing, the Head of Department, Prof Adeniyi Togun said it has contributed its quota to development through training and research.

He traced the history of the department from inception in 1962, when it was called Agricultural Biology, to the present day when efforts are being made to improve its facilities to deliver cutting-edge training for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Togun said: “The Insect Museum in the department with over 5,000 species of insects remains the centre of excellence in Africa south of the Sahara.

“The department also has a plant diagnostic laboratory as well as a toxicology laboratory. Other

F

research equipment include controlled temperature/humidity cabinets, growth chamber which is obsolete and not functioning.

Equipment also include scanning electron microscope (obsolete & non-functioning), other types of research microscopes with phased cooled incubators, chromatographic equipment, suction samplers, portable leaf area metre, pH metre, centrifuge, spectrophotometer, and many other items of equipment constructed and adapted locally.

“A small departmental library with over 300 volumes is run by the department.

“This library merely supplements the facilities in the faculty and main university libraries with a large number of volumes on aspects of crop protection and environmental biology. There is also a departmental crop garden for teaching and research.”

Other activities held during the week included an exhibition of the department’s heritage, symposium,

• Prof Togun

and inter-university quiz competition To end the events, an anniversary lecture entitled: Revamping Nigeria’s agriculture will be delivered by Dr. Kanayo Nwanze, President, IFRA, Rome, tomorrow at the Trenchard Hall of the university. It will be followed by a dinner and awards in the evening.

THE family of a renowned neurologist, the late Prof Benjamin Olukayode Osuntokun has donated books and notes containing his academic works to the College of Medicine of the Ekiti State University (EKSU).

The event took place at the Anatomy Department of the college.

His widow, Prof. Olaboopo Osuntokun, said if he were alive, he would have worked for the College of Medicine to be the best in the country, adding that he had love for his people and the medical profession.

Mrs Osuntokun, who hoped that the books would encourage students and workers of the College to work hard, endowed a prize for the best student in Basic Medical Sciences in the College in the name of her husband.

The Pro-Chancellor of the University and younger brother of the deceased, Prof Akinjide Osuntokun, promised to donate to the endowment.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Patrick Oladipo Aina, said future generations would benefit from the immense knowledge of Prof. Osuntokun through the donated works. He added that the late Osuntokun was a role model worthy of emulation.

Students for symposia, others STUDENTS of EKSU are to participate in lectures, symposia, essay writings and internship by the National Youth Forum Network.

Toyosi Akerele, founder of the RISE Youth Forum Network, said this during a courtesy visit to the EKSU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oladipo Aina.

The RISE Network founder said the one-year programme involving all universities would reform students, enhance their leadership traits as well as discourage cultism.

Toyosi, who claims her organisation has spread to 23 states, said the programme was necessary to discover the potential of EKSU students and give them positive orientation that would make them good leaders.

Aina commended the group founder and assured her that the institution’s students would participate in programmes that are in line with the vision of his administration.

Don chairs committee of deans PROF Wale Adesina of the Faculty of the Social Sciences has been elected as the Chairman of the Committee of Deans.

The appointment, which takes effect from April 30, this year, has been approved by the Vice-Chancellor, who congratulated and wished him a successful tenure.

PDP chieftain canvasses moral education to end Boko Haram hostilities

UNCTIONAL education and good moral upbringing of youths is the antidote to religiously-motivated killings by Boko Haram in parts of the north, a former acting national chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Abubakar Baraje has said.

Speaking at the graduation of Baraje Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Ilorin, he urged the government to ensure the provision of quality and functional education.

He said: "The intention is to give a good foundation to these youth

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

and they will not misinterpret whatever they read and nobody can hoodwink, misguide and hypnotise them. Because I believe it is the misguided ones that are turning the name of Islam upside down.

"What we are doing here is to build a future for Nigeria. A future where the youth will not only be given education but functional one for that matter, an education that

will enable him live peacefully with any Nigerian or anybody causing any harm. To prove that Islam is a religion of peace, to prove Islam preaches welfarism, to prove that people who are killing and maiming in the name of Islam are totally being misguided and misled.

"Once morality is inculcated in them from their youth. They will never misunderstand any act of knowledge given to them. Therefore, it is expected that the prod-

ucts of this centre will understand the true meaning of Islam and exhibit the true principle of Islamic relations.”

Baraje said the school will, in future, offer secular education.

"This school will eventually be secular and it is going to be affiliated with ABU and Al-Hassan University in Egypt. We are already on with the applications to these institutions. It is to promote education, but beginning with Islamic education. My intention is to ensure that the morality of our youths has solid foundation," he added.

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FUTO immortalises ex-VC Onwuliri

Writing a test in tears

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

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THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0802-455-0354 email: ladycampus@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

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

email:-campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

After a 10-month ban, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has returned with a bang, electing new leaders to pilot its affairs. EMMANUEL SHEBBS (500-Level Political Science), ISAAC MENSAH (400-Level Medical Laboratory Science), DAVIDSON MADUAGWU (Geology), EMMANUEL AHANONU (400-Level Political Science) and STANLEY UCHEGBU (400-Level Accounting) report.

•Students casting their votes during the election

UNICAL’s SUG bounces back F

OR 10 months, students union activities were in a limbo at the University of Calabar (UNICAL). Without a union to act as their voice, students were deprived of a common platform, making them look like fish out of water. All this is now over with the restorate of their right to unionise. In exercise of that right, they have elected new officers. The road to the election was long and thorny.

The SUG was proscribed last August, following the mysterious killing of two students behind Hall 4 Hostel. These students’ death led to a violent demonstration in which some properties were destroyed.

The vandalised properties included the Graduate School building and staff quarters. The protest lasted for two days. It took the intervention of riot policemen from Calabar, the Cross River State capital, to restore calm.

The action led to the universitys’ closure for six months.

When the institution was opened in February, the authorities banned union activities and directed students to pay N10,000 each for the destruction. The management promised to restore the union if students signed an undertaking not to foment trouble again.

On May 4, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof James

Epoke, announced plans for the deproscription of the SUG and inaugurated the Calabar University Electoral Committee (CUECO) to conduct elections. The committee was headed by Dr. Idaka Idaka.

Idaka promised that the committee would follow constitutional provisions in discharging its functions, saying: “We do not have any interest in tribe, faculty, department or place of origin. We will conduct a free and fair election to make sure that a legitimate executive council is presented to the students.”

The release of the names of eligible candidates marked the beginning of political cam-

paigns, which were regulated by CUECO officials to prevent violence. Next was the Manifesto Day, which allowed the aspirants to meet students face-to-face and sell their programmes.

The event took place at the Chinua Achebe Theatre Art’s auditorium and was attended by students and members of staff, including the Dean of Student Affairs (DSA), Prof Eyong Eyong.

Penultimate Thursday was the D-Day. The election took place in the 25,000-capacity Hogan Bassey Pavilion.

•Continued on page 31

•Corps member builds school in Zamfara•Students give praises at Hosanna Night-P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Pushing Out

Having a sense of History (2)

with

Agbo Agbo 08052959489 (SMS only)

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AST week, this column dwelt on the need for the next generation of Nigerians to have a positive sense of history and efforts being made by the Lagos State government to make the subject compulsory at the basic level, we concluded by saying it is positive move. I will conclude by giving more insight why it is necessary to have historical consciousness.

For those who may not know, History also serves as a platform for moral contemplation. Studying the stories of individuals and situations in the past allows a student of history to test his or her own moral sense, to hone it against some of the real complexities individuals have faced in difficult settings. People who have weathered adversity not just in some work of fiction, but in real, historical circumstances can provide inspiration that can galvanise an entire nation, the case of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) by the Buhari/Idiagbon regime in the 1980s and Sir Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of Great Britain’s singular role in rallying his people to confront Nazi Germany during the Second World War readily comes to mind.

In galvanizing a nation, no singular attitude is necessary than having a sense of identity, history provides this, which is unquestionably why all modern nations encourage its teaching in varied forms. Historical data include evidence about how families, groups, institutions and whole countries were formed and about how they have evolved while retaining cohesion. In my study of American History, I discovered that for many Americans, studying the history of their family amount to the most obvious use of history, for it provides facts about genealogy and a basis for understanding how the family has interacted with larger historical change. Histories that tell the national story, emphasising distinctive features of the national experience, are meant to drive home an understanding of national

•aagboa@gmail.com values and a commitment to national loyalty.

Perhaps a key area we need to have a positive sense of the subject is in the area of good citizenship. Most Nigerians will agree that we have a citizenship crisis in the country today. This is the most common justification for the place of history in school curricula.

Sometimes advocates of citizenship history hope merely to promote national identity and loyalty through a history spiced by vivid stories and lessons in individual success and morality. But the importance of history for citizenship goes beyond this narrow goal.

History that lays the foundation for genuine citizenship returns, in one sense, to the essential uses of the study of the past. It provides data about the emergence of national institutions, problems, and values which offers evidence about how nations have interacted with other societies, providing international and comparative perspectives essential for responsible citizenship. Furthermore, studying history helps us understand how recent, current, and prospective changes that affect the lives of citizens are emerging or may emerge and what causes are involved.

More importantly, studying history encourages habits of mind that are vital for responsible public behaviour, whether as a national, religious or community leader, or even a civil servant.

One salient feature of an advanced country is the ability to see the importance of nearly every discipline in the development process.

Where we see the study of history in Nigeria as “irrelevant”, an advanced country will tap into the mind of the historian and use his analytic mindset for progress, for instance in

‘Southern students should not leave the North’

the business world. In the United States, Britain and France, there are historians that undertake historical research for businesses or public agencies, or participate in the growing number of historical consultancies. These categories are important to keep the basic enterprise of history going, but most people who study history use their training for broader professional purposes.

Employers in these countries deliberately seek students with the kinds of capacities historical study promotes. The reasons are not farfetched: students of history acquire, by studying different phases of the past and different societies in the past, a broad perspective that gives them the range and flexibility required in many work situations.

They develop research skills, the ability to find and evaluate sources of information, and the means to identify and evaluate diverse interpretations. Work in history also improves basic writing and speaking skills and is directly relevant to many of the analytical requirements in the public and private sectors, where the capacities to identify, assess, and explain trends is essential. Historical study is unquestionably an asset for a variety of work and professional situations.

But history particularly prepares students for the long haul in their careers, its qualities helping adaptation and advancement beyond entry-level employment. There is no denying that in our society many people who are drawn to historical study worry about relevance. In our changing economy, there is concern about job futures in most fields.

Historical training is not, however, an indulgence; it applies directly to many careers and can clearly help us in our working lives.

We started this column last week with the fallout of the renaming of UNILAG by the federal government and the comments of Dr, Kayode Fayemi Governor of Ekiti State and Senator Babajide Ojudu also from Ekiti State.

They tried to explain why students of UNILAG took to the street oblivious of who was being honoured. The late Chief MKO Abiola is a historical figure and the annulled June 12, 1990 election is also a historical event, but till date I have not come across a detailed historical analysis of what transpired, prior to and after the annulment, except newspaper reports by various groups

which are often biased depending on who is writing it. But the fact remains; there was an election, a “perceived” winner and an annulment. We may have to wait for the statutory limitation period of 50(?) years to elapse before official documents are declassified for historical and public consumption.

This notwithstanding, I am confident that we can make progress as a nation when we stop seeing the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates that gave birth to Nigeria as a mistake, it may have been a “mistake” then, but ever since, more than 350, sometime, odd ethnic groups have had trade and diplomatic relations which have been historically proven by competent and qualified indigenous and foreign historians.

I have interacted with undergraduates from our universities and what amazes me is that most of them know very little about this entity called Nigeria, some cannot recite the National anthem or the National pledge! Worse still, some do not even know the number of states we have in Nigeria, yet these are supposed to be “intellectuals” that have spent four years in a university. A British child is taught British history from the basic level which invariably leads to love for country and the Union Jack (the British flag), the same goes for an American child who will tell you in an instant who Abraham Lincoln or John Adam was.

Today we are faced with a daunting security challenge that has shaken our unity and collective source of value to its foundation. I am referring to the Boko Haram issue which has already affected one of the last remaining vestiges of our unity, the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) programme, and we ask ourselves how we got here in the first place. But the question I feel we have to ask is this; has it happened before? It has, and historically conscious citizens will remember the Maitatsine uprising of the 1980s, but then it was not as complex as what we are grappling with now and there were no Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) then. In the midst of all these, it amazes me that some “leaders” without a sense of history sit comfortably in Abuja unaffected by all the bloodshed going on. Is it not time we sit down and see how to put our house in order and have a positive sense of history?

There was excitement at the Nigerian French Village when the students went to the polls to elect new leaders. GILBERT ALASA (300-Level Foreign languages, University of Benin) reports.

Ebenezer Olosunde is a graduating student of Human Anatomy at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and the immediate past national president of the Anatomical Students Society of Nigeria (ASSON). He spoke to TAIWO ISOLA (200-Level Human Anatomy) on his tenure.

H

OW did you manage to be elected the national president of ASSON given that you are not from the north?

It is because I was determined to make changes in the association and delegates from various institutions believed in my programmes. The presidency of the body is zoned and in 2011, it was the turn of north. I represented my university. At first, four of us contested for the post in the University of Maiduguri but I won. I represented the university and also won the national presidency.

What were on your agenda then?

I had a five-point agenda which included uniting ASSON and its mother body, Anatomical Society of Nigeria (ASN); introduction of Industrial Attachment for 200-Level and 300-Level students of Human Anatomy in Nigeria, among others.

What are your achievements?

I was able to integrate ASSON with ASN. Students also benefitted from the seminars we organised to educate and enlighten them on how to make money from Human Anatomy as a discipline. For the first time in the history of the association, students of Human Anatomy studying in Nigeria know that there is a na-

•The new students’ leaders with principal officers of the French Village

•Ebenezer

tional body that connects their local association to ASN, which is our professional body.

What were the challenges you encountered during your tenure?

It is the dearth of cadavers in our various chapters. This is centre to our training as students of Anatomy.

There is also communication gap among the executive members of the association. Personally, I could not face my study because I would either be here or there attending to challenges of our members. I would miss lectures and exams. But I was able to surmount these challenges.

At French Village, new dawn

T

HE Nigeria French Village was in election mood last week. The campus was shaken as students held political gatherings and discussions at various locations.

Leaving the rigours of academic work for in the elections, students demonstrated their resolve to enthrone the union leadership that will represent their interest.

The committee set up to administer the polls was led by David Adeniran, a student. Other members included Sunday Alabi, from Obafemi Awolowo University

(OAU), Gilbert Alasa, University of Benin (UNIBEN), and Wale Ajibade.

The students were drawn from each class of the school. About 27 aspirants purchased the nomination forms, but only 21 scaled the screening hurdle.

To avoid rowdiness during the elections, all the 23 universities in the French Village were directed to produce five delegates, who were in turn asked to bring valid identity cards of National Association of French Language Students (NAFLANS) as well as evidence of

payment of school fees as prerequisite for voting. The voting delegates were duly certified by the electoral commission before the election commenced.

Before then, however, a primary election was held in each of the contesting universities from the same geo-political zone. In the Southwest, it was a keen battle between Alex Osho of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Nafiyu Oloore of the University of Ibadan (UI).

•Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE The Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) has renamed a Conference Centre after its late ex-Vice-Chancellor, Prof Celestine Onwuliri. CHISOM OJUKWU (500-Level Chemical Engineering) reports that the gesture was in recognition of his achievements.

FUTO immortalises ex-VC Onwuliri T was a sober moment for the members of the senate, staff and students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) penultimate week.

They gathered at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chaplaincy (STACC) on the campus to bid the final goodbye to their former Vice-Chancellor, Prof Celestine Onwuluri, who died in the Dana airplane crash last month.

Onwuluri, during his tenure as FUTO VC, was a patron of the Chaplaincy.

Also, the university organised a requiem mass for the late VC, which was part of the elaborate funeral arrangements put together by his colleagues, family members and ecclesiastical affiliates in Abuja, Onwuluri’s hometown in Mbaise and the Vatican City.

The remains of Prof Onwuluri were brought to Imo State via Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, and accompanied by dignitaries, such as the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu; Senator Chris Anyanwu and diplomats, who escorted the widow and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof Viola Onwuliri.

The entourage was received at the airport by the university delegation led by the FUTO Pro-chancellor, Dr. Vitalis Abba, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Cyril Asiabaka.

As Onwuluri’s remains were being moved to the campus, thousands of people, including members of staff and students led by Reverend Father Longinus Chinagorom, waited to bid the former VC farewell.

Earlier, a brief service of songs was conducted by Onwuluri’s colleagues in the Governing Council, in which Dr. Abba eulogised the late professor. He said Onwuliri was hardworking and a resolute leader who carried his followers along in all issues.

Dr. Abba added that the late professor erected numerous structures in the university “which have made life easier

I

for officers of the university and the students.”

Afterwards, the International Conference Centre, which is one of Onwuliri projects, was renamed after the late VC to immortalise him.

Then, the members of the university senate led by Dr. Abba proceeded to the Conference Centre to hold the 361st session. Professors and all decorated members of the senate participated in the traditional farewell procession round the corpse of the ex-VC, after which the session commenced.

Prof Asiabaka, who extolled the virtues of Onwuliri, said: “The landmarks he has laid in this institution are indelible and remain the memory of his charismatic personality. He was a great man.”

Dr. Orje Isegh-Nor, the Registrar, took a roll call of members. After the mention of Onwuliri three times with no response, a motion was moved and passed for the removal of the late Prof Onwuliri’s name from the senate register. Before the senate concluded the session, Kennamdi Onwuliri, first son of the deceased and an engineer, thanked his late father’s colleagues for their support, saying “today, we have been reassured that our daddy left a large family behind.”

At 3:23pm, the requiem mass began.

Six priests, knights and ladies of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) and Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM), members of the Christian Women Organisation (CWO), Christian Men Organisation (CMO), STACC Chaplaincy Council and FUTO Women Organisation (FUTOWA) were in attendance. The readings were taken by Dr. Abba and Prof Asiabaka.

In his homily, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Innocent Osuagwu, who stood in for Most Reverend Anthony Obinna, the Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, described the late Onwuliri as a good Catholic. He said as a Knight and the

•The widow, Prof Viola Onwuliri (third left) with her children during the requiem mass

•Students at the service of songs held for the late ex-VC Onwuliri

patron of KSJI, Prof Onwuluri, until his death, was devoted to the cause of the religious group. “Everybody knows that, without him, this church wouldn’t have gotten to this remarkable stage it is at the moment,” Fr. Osuagwu said, adding: “He did the same thing with the church in Amuzi, his hometown.”

The priest consoled the deceased’s widow and family, saying “because the late professor had lived such a devoted life of service in the house of God, his death was a transition to glory and not a tragedy.”

Most Rev. Obinna, who arrived

later, spoke words of consolation to the family and friends of the late Onwuliri.

Former student union president of FUTO, Obinna Anyanwu, said it was a general opinion among the FUTO students that Prof Onwuliri was the most student-friendly VC in the history of the school.

The widow, Prof Viola, sang Marian Hymn, which she said was the favourite hymn of her late husband.

She told the gathering that her husband died with his rosary in his hand and body intact.

UNICAL’s SUG bounces back

Essay contest for undergrads

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•Continued from page 29

The exercise began with the accreditation of voters. Earlier, Dr Dave Ugwu, the moderator of the election, warned: “No impersonation will be allowed in this election. Rigging will not be condoned either. Only accredited students will be allowed to vote.”

However, as in the case with elections, the electoral process was marred by intrigues and disqualification.

But students said the poll was free and fair.

Imah Ayi-Ekpenyong and Israel Andem were the two candidates that contested for the SUG president; three candidates battled for the Vice President. One of them, Gladys Iyang, was screened out because she did not meet the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) required to stand for the election.

Also, a few days to the election, an aspirant for the post

Emmanuel Akakabota, 500-Level Electrical and Electronics Engineering, said: “It is good that the International Conference Centre was named after Prof Onwuliri. It is such a good way to immortalise such a man who did so much good for us as students.”

Christy Nwauzor, 400-Level Information Management Technology, who is the Acting President of the student union, said: “He was Prof Viola’s best friend. We could all see that she was special to him and, most of us, girls always envied their relationship. Prof Onwuliri was a colossus of my time, we will miss him.”

•Aspirants’ supporters during the Manifesto Day

of Secretary General, Paul Ekanem, withdrew from the race, citing personal reasons.

The elections started at 10am and ended at 2:30pm.

The counting of votes followed immediately at the old Senate Chambers. The agents, independent observers and UNICAL security operatives were the only ones allowed into the counting room.

As the counting of votes went on, the contestants’ supporters outside the chamber jubilated intermittently over the rumour that their candidates were leading.

After the counting, Idaka declared the results.

Ekpenyong was elected

president, having polled 519 votes to defeat Andem, 228 votes.

Irene Utene emerged VicePresident, with 390 votes to beat Ada Chris, 362 votes. Peter Karabgara is the Director of Information; George Aniekeme, Director of Welfare. Other executive positions were filled unopposed.

Eyong also read the result to the candidates supporters outside the chamber. He praised the students for exercising patience during the counting of the ballots. He said: “Students, you now have new SUG leaders. The election was free and fair as you all can testify. I advise every one of you to work with the

new executive whether you voted for them or not. The winners of election must equally carry all the students along.”

A student, Kelechi Nwosu, said: “I don’t actually believe that there was a loser in the election. People that won the election should not think they have the world in their hands.

They should be loyal to the students because leadership is all about service to the electorate.” Another student, Anthony Abang, said the election was free and fair.

The president thanked the students for “having confidence in me and I promise not to disappoint them.”

H E N a t i o n CAMPUSLIFE in collaboration with AfricanLiberty.org and Network for a Free Society, is calling for entries into an essay competition. Details are as follows: Topics: •The Predatory State: Its Origins and Implications for Economic Growth •Statism (State Interventionism) or Free Markets: An essential ingredient in Africa’s Economic growth?

•Protectionism or Trade: Alternatives for Africa’s economic growth Note: Applicants are expected to choose one of the topics above. The format of the text should be in MS Word and not more than 1,500 words.

Interested students should please request for the background material from Adedayo Thomas at adedayo.thomas@gmail.com and copy Wale Ajetunmobi at ladycampus@yahoo.com.

On the first page of the completed essay, please write your full names, department, year of study and name of institution. Also include your email address and GSM line.

Send your entries to adedayo.thomas@gmail.com

and copy ladycampus@yahoo.com.

Entries will be received between June and July 20, 2012.

Prizes: 1st - $1,000 and scholarship to 2012 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy at the Catholic University in Quelimane, Mozambique from August 8- 11, 2012 2nd - $700 and scholarship to 2012 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy at the Catholic University in Quelimane, Mozambique from August 8 to 11, 2012 3rd - $500 and scholarship to 2012 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy at the Catholic University in Quelimane, Mozambique from August 8 to 11, 2012 4th - $300 and scholarship to 2012 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy at the Catholic University in Quelimane, Mozambique from August 8 to 11, 2012 5th - $100 We have eight consolation prizes of $50 each.

Announcement of winners: August 2, 2012. All entries will get a free CD “Ideas for a Free Society” containing 100 textbooks on various field of studies.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

32

CAMPUS LIFE Repositioning UNN: The journey so far

Groups hold symposium on patriotism From Dayo Ojerinde AAUA

O

N June 9, 2009, Prof.

Bartholomew Okolo became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The baton was transferred to him by Prof Chinedu Osita dimma Nebo, who served the school for five years, as the 12th Vice-Chancellor.

Experience in the country has shown that most public officers would throw lavish parties in celebration. But that is not the case with UNN, as the school administration has chosen to remain calm and use the period to evaluate the progress made so far.

According to the Chairman, Senate Ceremonial Committee, who also doubles as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the ViceChancellor, Prof Obi Njoku, “the VC, who is a professor of Bioprocess in Applied Microbiology and Brewing, sees this period as a moment of reflection. To him, the occasion affords the administration an opportunity to look back, take stock and match set goals with results, even as the mandate entrusted on him remains two years to elapse.”

Prof Okolo is the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the institution, which is the first indigenous university in Nigeria, having been established on October 7, 1960. Before he assumed the position, he was the Chairman of National Organising Committee of the 22nd edition of the Nigeria University Games (NUGA), hosted by UNN in 2008, a role which observers testified was well executed.

Dean of Students Affairs, Prof.

Okpan Oyeoku, said the present administration has put the university in the world academic map.

He said this was achieved partly because of the 24 hours Internet access which was introduced at the inception of the current administration. This gave members of the university community an opportunity to interact with people across the globe, conveniently and at little or no cost.

“For us in the department of Student Affairs, we have endeavoured to ensure students enjoy unparalleled and uninterrupted peace and improved comfort in the hostels and the environment in the past three years.”

He said the present administration has succeeded in renovating about 14 hostels which were hitherto in bad condition. According to him, some of the renovations carried out included changing of leaking roof sheets and damaged windows, changing of the toilet facilities, fixing of interlocking tiles at each students’ relaxation spot among others.

In addressing the issue of constant power supply on campus, the Okolo-led administration provided solar energy and electricity generating sets. A Masters’ student, Mabel Okaka, who resides in Odili Postgraduate Hall, said: “Power problem is a nationwide crisis.

T

HE National Association of Science Students (NASS), University of Calabar (UNICAL) chapter, has held its elections. The students gathered at the Hogan Bassey Pavillion to choose their leaders.

The delegate lists were made available to various representatives duly nominated by their departments. “Anyone who sees his name on the list will know that he has been nominated as a del-

•The UNN gate

By Wale Ajetunmobi

UNN management has tried its best to look at alternative source.

Even though we don’t have 24 hours steady power supply on campus, I praise the school authority for its efforts in augmenting PHCN’s efforts. In the hostels, for instance, we have a generating set that works between 7pm and10pm when there is no power supply.

This has helped many of us to carry on with our studies in the night without much stress.”

Also, according to the school, the present administration has “designed an effective and comprehensive water solution that would ensure the university community and its environs have water.”

Commenting on this, Kelvin Gadzama, a Mass Communication student, said: “We usually have steady water supply. Even in the occasion that hostel’s reservoirs are empty, the school quickly responds by deploying water tankers to supply water to us.”

On academic excellence, Prof Njoku noted that the university has in the past three years used its inaugural lecture series, which has been constant unlike in the past, to give UNN visibility and excellence.

“We have also organised public lectures that have apparently enhanced productivity among staff and introduced staff and students in various research areas and also showcased what we have done,” he said.

Prof Ike Ndolo, a lecturer in the Mass Communication department, praised the VC’s drive for fund. In an interview, he said: “The school has a way of getting funds from private individuals and from corporate organisations. The Vice-Chancellor is more than a VC himself, a man who goes after funds for developments. So, he knows where to get them.”

Meanwhile, as it should be expected, criticisms have trailed the ongoing projects of the Okolo-led administration. Critics say the administration is biting more than it can chew. They said a lot of projects are going on at the same time. They fear the VC may not be able to fin-

•Prof Okolo

ish the projects before the expiration of his tenure.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Uzoma Asuzu, dispelled their fear.

“Well, I don’t know why people should say that. You have seen what is on ground as per the number of completed projects, so you should judge for yourself. We told ourselves that every project we have started must be completed. They should also know that we have a target and we must meet our target within the set time. So, we are not lazy about it.”

Highlighting some of the projects, he said: “We are building an international scholars’ village. It is an 80-bed-room self-contained facility for our international collaborators. There is also the data centre going on near the library. At the Enugu campus, there is the CBN project going on which is about N6.8 billion and the CEMAC building which is almost completed. We are about to start our Institute of African Studies which will be somewhere around the main gate. At the completion of the GS building, one should expect a world class facility and standard auditorium with all the public address system and ICT equipment installed, which is one of its kind in all of Africa.”

On the beautification project going on in the school, he said: “Aesthetics is an important aspect of education. We travel out and know

Science holds election From Emmanuel Shebbs and Davidson Maduagwu UNICAL

egated by his department,” said a member of the electoral committee, Gerald Udeh.

The voting process lasted for 45 minutes amid tight security. All the positions were contested un-

opposed except the office of the General Secretary, which had Joseph Itagbor and Effanga Kokoete slugging it out. However, Joseph defeated Effanga with 102 votes.

A student of the faculty, Ebotin Inyang, advised the elected officials to ensure the interest of students remained their watchword.

what a university environment should look like. The environment should be such that would encourage scholarship and learning. So, there is the need for landscaping so that the environment would look neat and nice.”

Confirming the private sponsorship of some of the programmes, Prof Asuzu said: “Yes, that is an important aspect that this administration is doing because we have been encouraged to get involved in public private partnership. Because people are seeing what we are doing, they are encouraged to come in and help. For instance, the data centre, worth several millions of naira is being sponsored by the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil Limited, Ifeanyi Uba. Also , the Chairman of Ibeto Group, Chief Cletus Ibeto has pledged to build a state of the art diagnostic centre at the Enugu campus. The university has also enjoyed support from the Federal Government through the Education Trust Fund (ETF), the Federal Ministry of Education, Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Google Incorporation and MTN Nigeria.”

Some of the on-going projects which are nearing completion include the department of Economics building, Data Centre, Personnel department building, Information and Public Relations building. Others are the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Enugu campus administrative building.

Some other new projects that have reached advanced stage include the medical centre, the Institute for Financial and Capital Market Studies, the new Centre for Excellence in Vocational Technical Education and the Local Government Training Institute.

There is also the SHELL-UNN Centre for Environmental Management and Control (CEMAC) and the new International Scholars Village which have been completed.

From all indications, the mileage covered under the present administration led by Prof Okolo should better be appreciated, especially as at a time when stakeholders in the education sector decry the state of tertiary education in the country

GOD bless Nigeria Initiative (GBNI) in collaboration with Nigerian Flag Foundation have organised a public symposium with the theme: My country, my Nigeria: The emergence of a new Nigeria. The programme, which was held at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, (AAUA) was attended by the students and youth groups.

Chief Executive Officer of Leadership Without Boarder Initiative, Jafferey Abidoye challenged the youths on patriotism. He said the youths must provide alternatives to the present bad leadership. “Our leaders have failed us, we cannot afford to fail our generation,” he said.

A Public Relations Consultant, John Kolawole, stressed on the need for Nigerian students to brace up for the task of building a new Nigeria. He said: “The youths in this country must be baton takers.

We need to make a move in creating a better Nigeria. Government alone cannot do it. We must put our energy into use until we make a change.”

The initiator of the programme, Olusegun Akinsehinde, 400-Level Biology Education, said: “The objective of the programme is to reawaken the patriotic spirit of the Nigerian youths, with a view to putting our youthfulness in use for our country.” The participants thanked the organisers for the symposium.

Mass Comm students hold fashion show From Modestus Diko OOU

THE department of Mass Communication, last Thursday, held the first fashion show in Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU). Students from OOU campuses came together to witness the event, which was held at B3 Sport Café, Ago Iwoye.

It featured 11 fashion designers, 20 models on the runway and over 1000 attendees. The publisher of Acada Youth Magazine, Biodun Caston Dada, was in attendance.

Also artistes from within and outside the campus were at the programme.

The night was fun-filled with designers showcasing new wears, shoes and bags. Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, a 400-Level Mass Communication student, Olufemi Penzer, said putting the event together was challenging. “We spent days and nights to ensure the event was a success and I thank God we achieved our goal,” he said.

A model, Yewande Okelola, 400Level Mass Communication, said it was remarkable for her being on the runway. “It was fun when people kept screaming my name.

Unlike other fashion shows I perform outside, this one has given me an edge here in school and I hope to continue to do my best.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

33

CAMPUS LIFE

Union lauds governor

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HE national president of Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG), Jeremiah Genesis, has praised the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, for his education strides. Jeremiah made the remark while addressing stakeholders that attended the national executive meeting of the union held at University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) recently.

He equally used the occasion to

From Emmanuel Shebbs UNICAL

call on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ministry of Niger Delta to channel their efforts to enhancing education in the region. He said: “Education should be paramount to every one of us. We call on President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to ensure education is affordable to all.”

Corps member builds school in Zamfara

A

•The MAUTECH students praying during the Hosanna Night

Students give praises at Hosanna Night

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HE Winner’s Campus Fellowship at Moddibo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola, last Saturday held a festival of praise for Christian students in the school with the theme Hosanna Night.

The programme, which always comes up every semester, was tagged NAGODE, a Hausa word for thank you.

A large crowd of students, who defied the security challenges in the state, attended the programme.

Speaking, Chris Enemaku, 300-Level Building, and pastor in charge of the fellowship, stated that Hosanna Night

From Philips Ogbaje MAUTECH

was a night dedicated to thank God in a manner pleasing to Him, for the numerous blessing upon the congregation and His protection in spite of the many security challenges faced

by Christians in the state.

Quoting Luke 19:28-39, Chris advised Christians to praise God always as the action attracts more blessings. Choirs from different fellowship groups including Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students, Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students, Deeper Life Campus Fel-

lowship and Winner Campus Fellowship among others performed various praise songs.

The high point of the occasion were performances by upcoming Christian artistes. Gifted Finger group, comprised G. Wills, Stan P and RD, thrilled the gathering with rendition of worship songs. The chairperson of the organising committee, Yvonne Ikoli, 300-Level Chemistry, thanked God for the success of the event. She said the programme was enlarged to include choirs from other fellowship groups not to compete but to praise God together.

•Group of LASU students’ leaders after the workshop

Workshop for students’ leaders

A

CTION Aid Activists in conjunction with Education Students’ Representative Council have organised a one-day workshop for students’ leaders in the Lagos State University (LASU).

The programme, which was held at Hall 1 in the faculty of Education, was tagged Building rights consciousness amongst leaders.

The event was graced by lecturers, past and present union leaders and civil liberty organisations.

Speaking on Underfunding education and attack on student unionism: Time to fight back, Mr Hassan Taiwo, the National Coordinator, Education Rights Cam-

From Musbaudeen Shekoni and Jamiu Yahya LASU

paign (ERC), said none of the Nigerian leaders was ready to salvage public education from the multifarious problems militating against it.

He said the problems range from infrastructural defects, mismanagement, brain-drain and mass failure in national examinations.

Hassan said students witnessed series of sustained attacks on their fundamental rights and freedom as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. He condemned suspension and proscription of students’ unions and

enjoined students’ leaders to stop hobnobbing with the school management, government officials and politicians in order to defend the interest of students without any fair of intimidation and victimisation.

Ex-president of LASU students’ union, Lai Adebayo, highlighted the various ways students’ leaders in all universities could employ to drive home their demands.

Speaking on the topic Best practices and tools of engagement in students’ unionism, he enumerated the method to include lobbying, boycotting, petition, media intervention, protest and demonstration and partnership.

CORPS member serving in Zamfara State, Ayomide Adeleye, has built a primary school for residents of Furfuri Village in Bungudu Local Government Area of the state.

He raised N10 million for building the school, in addition to donating building materials worth N600, 000 to the community. Ayomide, who graduated from History at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, said he was motivated by his desire to see the standard of education improve in the country.

He said: “I was not comfortable seeing the children waste away on farms instead of going to school. I realised that children were discouraged from going to school in Furfuri because the only primary school around was very far from them. So, a large percentage of them find farming as a ready alternative to school-

From Tolu Akinwole NYSC GUSAU

ing.”

Adeleye also distributed books to 100 pupils in Gusau, the state capital. The Corps member, who was deployed to the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gusau, organised a three-day language workshop for the pupil with the theme “English language as an effective medium of teaching and learning in Nigeria.”

He, however, disclosed that sourcing funds for these projects was challenging. Adeleye urged Nigerians to co-operate with corps members as they try to give back to their country. Adeleye, who nurtures the ambition of teaching in a Nigerian university, said his driving force was to contribute to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the government.

Dept inaugurates exco •Kwara State students too

T

HE newly elected members of the Mass Communication Students’ Association (MACOSA), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) chapter, have been sworn in.

The ceremony took place at the Lecture Room 1 at the Faculty of Communication and Information Science.

A lawyer and journalist, Mr Mahmoud Abdulraheem, administered the oath of office on the incoming executive, led by Ayodele Olubuse.

Others include Misturat Sulyman, Vice President, Tunji Oyeleke, General Secretary, Tracy Mustapha, Welfare Director, Abiodun Olatunji, Sport Director, Mojisola Komolafe, Treasurer, Josephine Bankole, Public Relation Officer (PRO) 1, and Abdullahi Ajanaku, PRO II. Anuoluwa Akindoyin and Hameed Muritala were respectively appointed as the Editor and Deputy Editor of UNILORIN Watch, the department’s editorial board.

Head of Department Dr. Azeez Luqman told the executive to build on the legacies of their predecessors and try to surpass their achievements.

Ayodele appreciated the department’s lecturers and promised to build on the legacies of their predecessors.

In a related development, the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS) has inau-

From Michael Adebayo UNILORIN

gurated new leaders. The inauguration was held at the Igbomina Secretariat, Ganmo Ilorin. Past and present leaders of the association attended the ceremony.

The outgoing president of the association, Abubakar Basambo, while giving account of his stewardship, thanked God and Kwara State students for giving him the mandate to serve them.

Chairman of NAKSS electoral committee, Abdulwasiu Alausa, administered the oath of office on the elected officials. Sworn-in included Azeez Bamgboye; President; Olamide Olanrewaju; Vice President (Administration), Simbiat Akande; Vice President (Special Duty); Babatunde Ayuba; Director General; Ibrahim Feruke, Deputy Director General; and Jamiu Mohammed, Treasurer.

Others are Habeeb Yusuf, Auditor General; Abdulazeez Ahmed, PRO 1, Omoniyi Oloyede, PRO II; Isaac Leabo, PRO III; Lateef Fasasi, Sport Director; Ridwanullahi Ibraheem, Welfare Director; Oluwaseun Adeoti, Social Director, Kehinde Mohammed, Social Director; Salihu Mohammed, Senate President; Shuaib Saka, Deputy Senate President; Adedeji Adewale, Senate Clerk; Saheed Issa, Senate Chief Whip; Abdul Hameed Adeoye, Chief Judge; Wasiu Oloru, Registrar, and Abdulrasheed Kolawole, Advocate.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

34

CAMPUS LIFE Some Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) students participated in a three-week leadership training organised by the Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS). DAVID OSU (300-Level Urban and Regional Planning) attended the graduation.

•Participants writing the SOD exam

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HE Chapel of Grace on the Bosso Campus of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA) was filled up. Students from the Bosso and Gidan Kwano campuses moved in large numbers to the venue for the 2012 graduation of the School of Destiny (SOD).

The school was set up by the Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS) to train and mentor students in leadership and administration. The programme, which always comes up during the second semester, was held for three weeks.

This year’s event was tagged: Rebuilding the broken walls. It had seven classes that taught Business Ex-

•The fellowship choir ministering

Onward Christian soldiers ploits with Integrity, The Church, Kingdom Relationship, Proselytism and Outreach, Prayer and Revival, Purpose, and Strategic Leadership and Administration.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the tutors were students of the institution.

At the commencement of the three-week programme, the fellowship officials, Kingsley Ijike (500Level Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Wada Ocheja, 500Level Physics, said the programme was specifically created to help stu-

dents discover their divinely-ordained purposes, and walk in the pathway of fulfilment, thereby, leaving a legacy useful to others.

Congratulating the FCS leadership for the feat, the keynote speaker at the graduation, Pastor Patrick Ogunleye, who is an alumnus of the institution, said SOD was a medium through which FUT MINNA students could be empowered and equipped to face the reality of the world and make impacts.

He urged participants to use the knowledge they garnered to im-

prove humanity.

Admonishing the students to be visionary, he said: “There is nothing that we ever want in life that our mouth cannot deliver; the problem is that we have taken our words very lightly and many times we don’t follow our vision.”

One of the trainees, Margaret Obari, 300-Level Survey and GeoInformatics, said: “My shallow understanding of leadership has been boosted. I have learned how to administer the affairs of people with diverse interests. As a woman, I

After writing the entrance exam into the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), some applicants told JASPER DADA, who was at the institution’s Okuku campus, that the clumsiness of the process would affect the test’s outcome.

hope the training would empower me to impact and leave a trail in the world.”

Another trainee, Abuka Enyo, 100-Level Computer Science, told CAMPUSLIFE: “During the Business Exploits and Integrity session, I learned how to initiate business and make it enterprising. I have a dream to create jobs for people globally. For now, I will scout for capital to start up and establish myself.”

After the presentation of certificates to the participants, the choir group of the fellowship mounted the podium to praise God for the success of the programme. Gifts were given to the best students in each class.

Writing a test in tears

A

LTHOUGH Osun State University (UNIOSUN) is relatively new, but it is popular among admission seekers.

Last month, the school conducted a test for applicants that scored 200 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam. Some candidates, who wrote the post-UTME, recalled that the campus was besieged by a mammoth crowd of admission seekers.”

The exam was to be in two batches at the institution’s six campuses. This made some applicants, especially those from far places, to relax and read more to pass the entrance test.

However, there was a downpour on the exam day at Okuku campus, which made the batch arrangement to change. When the applicants learnt of the development, they thronged the campus en masse to write the test on first-come-first serve basis.

The exam officials and security operatives on the campus had a hectic time controlling the crowd of applicants. The poorly coordinated process made some prospective students, prepared and unprepared, to express fears on the outcome of the test.

Oluwatosin Omokehinde, from the north, said: “I did my best even though we were stressed during the exam. I am expecting the best .The conduct of the exam was not okay because people were pushing one another. Some of the candidates who

‘I was able to answer all the questions, despite the disorderliness of the process. We expected the exam to be organised but it was not. Personally, I see UNIOSUN as an institution with a difference; so, next time, I expect them to improve.’ were Batch A are in the hall now with people in Batch B. They should have screened the candidates before allowing them into the examination hall.

But the supervision of the examination was good because, to the best of my knowledge, there was no cheating. I believe there should be improvement next time because many of us were affected by the conduct of the exam.”

Dolapo Onibudo, a candidate from Lagos, told CAMPUSLIFE: “I was able to answer all the questions, despite the disorderliness of the process. We expected the exam to be organised but it was not. Personally,

•Applicants listening to instructions from exam officials at Okuku campus

I see UNIOSUN as an institution with a difference; so, next time, I expect them to improve.”

Mutiyat Yusuf, who came from Ilorin, said: “The post-UTME test was okay. I thank God it was a success as I am expecting the best from it. I was supposed to write with the Batch A, but due to the heavy rain, I could not get to the centre at the time. I had to write the test with Batch B. If the arrangement had not been changed, many of us in Batch A would have missed the test, that’s if some did not miss it. May be we would not be able to finish the exam due to time factor.”

The results of the post-UTME have been released.

•Omokehinde

•Mutiyat

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

35

CAMPUS LIFE

O

Our thought was joy But, its democracy of coy Politics without principles Wealth without work Right without responsibilities Fuel hike today, tomorrow worker strike Economy and social maladies And malaise no remedies Executive corruption and no judicial arraignment Hmm! Poverty promotion policy And we are in democracy?

As a nation and people, we have come of age. We have our share of military and dictatorial government, which one way or the other, enhanced development in certain sectors but contributed largely to the problems bedeviling Nigeria today.

On May 29, 1999, we all assumed we have succeeded sending the uniform men back to the barracks.

When the former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar announced his plan to return power to the civilians, citizens expressed hope that Nigeria would rise again and that our vote would count; press would be free, and our rights will be protected by the incoming political class.

After the swearing in of civilian government, the reality dawned on us that the politicians who were clamouring for the democracy are

Does Nigeria have democracy? worste than the coupists. Our leaders have developed the art of massive looting of public treasury.

They weaken the judiciary and appoint judges that will dance to their tune if only to protect their loot. In present day Nigeria, it is not out of place to say a politician is richer than a state. Yet, there is mass poverty in the land.

Primary schools are infested by reptiles because the parents of the pupils that would have attended the schools are poor. Tuition fees in our higher institutions are strangulating yet democracy is said to be a government centered on the people. Electricity in Nigeria is as regular as darkness. A night in the city would have been mistaken for an eclipse. What about water? Except in the raining season, which is the only period Nigerians get free water, public water is as scarce as absence of government.

The dividends of democracy do not mean producing good roads or to secure our lives and property, rather it is an organised precipitation of corruption, electoral violence and poverty. The basics of governance have been reduced

to who gets what in election in Nigeria. This is sad.

Beginning from the 80s to the late 90s, there were mass agitations for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. The demonstration was based on the premise that civil rule was the impetus for national development after the military wrought mass poverty in the land. In fact, democracy is a working ideal of governance and it is working in many countries. But why is it not working here in Nigeria?

Claude Ake posited that “Africa needs democracy not only because democracy is desirable in itself but because it will greatly facilitate development.” Alas, many African countries, including Nigeria, have it. But there is no development. Thirteen years after the return of democracy in Nigeria, we are still talking about hope, which had been dashed ab initio.

There is clearly no direction the nation is leading in its democratic odyssey. Our leaders are visionless even though many of them can see clearly. Nothing is working in the nation expect acute pov-

erty which itself has become a good citizen of this country.

No job for our graduates, security of lives is down to zero, ethnoreligious faceoff brews and we are told from the Aso Rock there is one “Transformation Agenda” that will change our country.

What kind of transformation agenda are they talking about when my brother, who went to observe his youth service in the North was mowed down by our supposed brothers in the region?

What agenda is it when the president, who wants to fight corruption, has failed to declare his own assets and worth? How can an agenda that sows the seeds of discord in ruling party be a uniting factor in Nigeria?

In fact, I don’t believe the agenda has human angle because no single Nigerian that is impoverished by government policies has come out to say his condition has been improved since the inception of the Jonathan administration. The only thing we enjoyed from the government was subsidy and insensitively, it was removed on January 1, 2012 by a government that rode

By Nurudeen Yusuf on the back of the commoners to office. When we exercised our rights and protested, armoured tanks and soldiers were sent to disband as if we are criminals. What is now democratic in all of these?

The democracy we long for is sincere representation of people, which will engender equality, peace and justice. It is not the kind that will further impoverish the land and make the people to be servant in their country.

Nurudeen, 200-Level Islamic and Common Law, LASU

Our parents must be good examples to us

By Esther Adeyemo

M

ORAL is concerned with the judgment or principle of right and wrong behaviour and the goodness or badness of human character. It is the standard of goodness and evil that governs an individual behavior and choices. It involves the exhibition of customs, norms, ideas, feelings, thoughts and personali-

ties that are in built of a person in the society. Though, morality is completely subjective; what is acceptable today may be wrong tomorrow.

Every time a value is born, existence takes a new meaning. If one dies, part of the meaning pass away. For instance slave trade used to be good trade in the past but it is wrong today. Also abortion, which every culture considered as a grave crime in the past is being legalised in many countries. This decline of moral standard has posed a threat on youth in the societies.

Nations, today, suffer from societal illness that includes corruption, mismanagement, kidnapping, assassination, robbery, cultism, drug and sex abuse. The youth population is the most affected.

This goes to show the extent to which the decadence has eaten deep into the societal fabric.

According to psycho-analysis

theory pronounced by Sigmud Fraud, the personality of individuals is classified into three units: id, ego and super ego. Each of these plays its functions and interacts with others to bring out a definite form of behaviours in a person.

Meanwhile, these components that build up the personalities of human beings are developed from influences of the society and government, religion, culture, tradition and self-conduct.

In the past, a child must attain the age of six before being enrolled for primary school. During the age of 0– 6 years, children learn morals like courteous greeting and fear of God directly from their parents.

In today’s world, they are left at the mercy of kindergarten homes, where they may pick up bad behaviours and limiting the love and affection that exist between parents and their child.

Also, the mass media has contributed to the moral decadence among

Attaining girl-child education by 2015 A CCORDING to the dictionary, literacy is said to be the ability to read and write to a competent level. It has also been described as a powerful tool in eradicating poverty and engendering societal progress. In order to create awareness and to encourage governments to put strategies in place to promote literacy among their citizens, the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) adopted, in 1965, every September 8 as the International Literacy Day. This was a day set aside for checking records of what countries have done to reduce illiteracy as well as a day for propagating literacy amongst the world’s illiterate community.

In Nigeria, research shows that 54 per cent of the country’s population still cannot read and write. About eight million children are out of school for reasons such as poverty, hunger, discrimination.

The policy on education in Nigeria we are told, places importance on the need to promote literacy and continuing education for youth and adults who never attended schools as a way of achieving mass literacy and formal education. With such substantial percentage of the citizens still don’t have access to education the government has work to do to reduce the number.

By Geraldine Okolie It must ensure there is a change in policy because if previous policies have worked, there would have been an improvement.

However, if the government still measures the dimension of the problem with the yardstick of yesterday, I’m afraid, the 2015 target for education would be a mirage. If people are educated, there will definitely be a development.

The UNICEF, at the Global Action Week in New York last year, says education of women remains the key to sustainable economic development. It said 53 per cent of all children out of school were girls. They are denied the right to learn in their countries. Poverty, exploitation and armed conflict magnify the risk girl-child face even in school, forcing many to stay back home in fear of their safety.

According to UNICEF’S Associate Director of Education, Susan Durstan, “if the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are to be achieved by 2015 deadline, we must step up efforts to ensure that more girls and women have the opportunity to learn. We have evidence that investing in girls’ edu-

cation yields high returns.”

Girl-child that has access to education will not only improve her life but also bring change to her family and the society as well. Giving quality education to women and girl-child is a highly effective tool in fighting poverty and disease.

According to the report, UNICEF and its partners are working to overcome barriers preventing access to education through Back to School Campaigns, School Fee Abolition, Child-friendly Schools and Early Childhood Education. The Back on Track programme of the body is intended to bring educational opportunities after crises, including establishing child-friendly spaces, which create an environment where children are protected from sexual exploitation and other kinds of abuse.

UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and grow from early childhood through adolescence. It is the world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries.

UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and protection of children from violence, sex exploitation and HIV/AIDS. Geraldine, HND II Mass Communication, FEDPOLY OKO

youth in the society especially in the liberalising of social norms that are used to regulate the behavior of young men and women in the society. In the past, there were programmes used to promote moral values such as reward of obedience, consequences of stealing, immoral dressing, stories and drama to promote cultural heritage and so on. But those programmes have disappeared.

Nowadays, we see nude photographs on television and newspapers.

In addition, loss of religion and cultural heritage also contribute to the moral decadence in the society.

Some religious leaders regard sin as mistakes which can be committed continuously. Culture and traditions which helped to reduce immorality are being destroyed to embrace the so-called civilization.

In the past, chastity used to be a virtue. Presently, women see themselves as being foolish to be a vir-

gin.

It is generally believed that human beings are require to display positive character that can bring about peaceful co-existence among the various people of the society, be it socially, morally, religiously and culturally. Failure to impose morals among people, most especially youth who are seen as the strength and dignity of society directly leads to destruction.

Imposing moral values cannot be effective except all stakeholders such as parents, corporate organisations, and the society in general join hands together with the government to fight moral decadence that has become a menace and a threat to the societal existence. In conclusion, our parents must be good moral examples to us if the society must be rid of immorality.

Esther, HND II Mass Comm., BIDA POLY

How safe is our airspace?

L

AST month, a Lagos-bound Dana plane, MD-83, carrying about 153 passengers crashed at Iju-Ishaga, a suburb of Lagos. It was a black Sunday as the magnitude of the tragedy hit the nation like a thunderbolt: there were no survivor! In a period of 10 years, Nigeria has had series of plane crash, with many began to ask: what exactly is the problem with Nigerian aviation sector?

To the best of my knowledge, those who invented the airplane ensured the object defies the law of gravity, which states that “anything that goes up must come down.” An airplane is built as the fasted means of transport. In the air, it is sustained by engines that push it forward and the wings that help it to soar in the air for as long as the journey lasts and then come down.

At the same time, this does not rule out the fact that a plane cannot crash or disintegrate in mid air because we have to keep in mind that it defies the Newtonian natural law of gravity that is typical to planet earth and it is not natural. But this can only happen when there are technical problem due to old age or if an inexperienced pilot is steering it.

It is pertinent to note that most of the air crashes that happened between 2002 and 2012 could have been avoided

By Louis Edet if the right things were done. Many of the airplanes owned by local operators are second-hand. After the Dana crash, reports had it that the crashed MD-83 airliner owned by an American was grounded for a year before it was sold to Dana Air. Nigeria has thus become a dumping ground for fairly used items or in our own parlance, tokunbo.

Asked what was his take on the Dana air crash, former Aviation Minister, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, said: “It tells you that our skies are no longer safe and that we have gone back to the pre2006 level of degeneration and rot when it comes to aviation and air safety in Nigeria. It tells you that since 2007, something has gone very wrong and there has been a slow but systemic dismantling of all the standards, re•Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

36

CAMPUS LIFE Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Vice Chancellor Prof Bamitale Omole marked his first year in office last month. Some students believe there is no cause for celebration, but others give the VC the thumbs up. They spoke to SIKIRU AKINOLA and KEMI BUSARI (200Level Political Science)

VC in students’ court

O

N June 24, last year, Prof Bamitale Omole assumed office as the 10th Vice- Chancellor (VC) of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IleIfe, Osun State.

Students still remember how Prof Omole became OAU’s helmsman and the scintillating performance of Juju maestro King Sunny Ade during the handing over. Sunny Ade entertained the crowd that thronged the Oduduwa Hall, venue of the ceremony.

All though when Prof Omole was named the VC, staff and students thought he was related to the former VC Prof Wale Omole, whose tenure ended abruptly on July 10, 1999.

The former VC’s tenure was cut short following an invasion of the campus by cultists who killed the then Secretary-General of the Student Union, George Akinyemi Iwilade (aka Afrika) and five others. But they later got to know that the two are not related.

Last month, Prof Bamitale Omole clocked one year in office.

Students expressed mixed feelings over events in the school in the last one year.

At an interactive meeting shortly after he became VC, Prof Omole promised the students that their

union, which was proscribed on February 23, 2011, would be restored. By last June, the promise had not been fulfilled, despite several reminders from the students. “The management has been insensitive in this regards. Why should there be no student union on the campus?” said a 300-Level Chemistry student, who craved anonymity.

Though the university has established a Rapid Response Squad, a security outfit, to provide 24 hours security service to the community, students said the security challenge in the institution has not disappeared as thieves and cultists were still having a free run on daily.

Israel Fagbemigun, 300-Level Microbiology, said Prof Omole has not been carrying the students along in decision making, especially in the preparation for the Nigerian University Games (NUGA) and the 50th anniversary of the institution. He urged the management to restore the students union so that students would not be marginalised in the scheme of things.

A former union leader, Eniayo Akintujoye, also said Prof Omole’s administration has systematically kept students in abeyance given the proscription of the union. The 400Level Law student observed that

•The Awo Hall where the VC was inaugurated last year. Inset: Prof Omole

‘The management has been insensitive ...Why should there be no student union on the campus?’ there is no cause for celebration because “lecture theatres are still in shambles and there is no review of the curricula that are outdated.” He, however, praised the VC on the wireless Internet project.

Samuel Akingbola, 300-Level Political Science, praised the VC for not increasing the school fees. He said:

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

“Just within 365 days in office, we are talking about infrastructural development like the renovation of buildings, repair of street lights and even new identity cards for us. All these point to the success he has achieved in a year.”

Damilola Esan, 200-Level Education student, said the VC achieved a

giant stride in the area of academics and welfare. His words: “Prof Omole has done well in terms of power supply, water supply and general students’ welfare on campus.”

Also, Gboyega Olajide, 400-Level Mechanical Engineering, said the VC should be commended for maintaining a smooth academic calendar.

At the time of filling this report, the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) is on strike over the nonimplementation of the agreement it reached with management. Members of the body have staged a series of demonstration, which disrupted academic activities.

At French Village, new dawn •Continued from page 30

At the end of the process, Nafiyou won with a single vote margin. But Alex refused to step down.

On manifesto day, students trooped in their numbers into the expansive French Village auditorium to listen to the programmes of the aspiring candidates, who were locked in a battle to win the support of their colleagues.

The manifesto reading almost come to an abrupt end when one of the candidates from UNILAG, Alex, took to the podium and observed a minute silence for the late UNILAG VC, Prof Babatunde Sofoluwe. This drew the ire of non-UNILAG students, who wondered why the candidate wanted to use the name of the late VC to whip up sentiments. The venue turned rowdy but members of the electoral committee, who moderated the manifesto event, controlled the

situation.

The next day was the D-Day. Voting started about 4pm after a talk show anchored by Dr. Tijani Mufuatu, a lecturer.

Tto ensure transparency, the election results were announced at the polling centre immediately the voting process was ended. Nafiyu was returned as the president, having polled 35 votes to beat first runner-up, Chisom Alozie from Abia State University, who polled 34 votes and Alex with 33 votes.

Other winners were Anne Agbor, Vice-President, Ozioma Anyawuike, Secretary General, Aishat Alaya, Director of Socials, Godlove Ugwuezumba, Director of Finance, Ebele Nwosu, Treasurer and John Ochu, Director of Public Relations.

Also, the elected coordinators for political zones are Robinson Umeh, Southeast, Yaouba Ousmanou, Northeast, Noel Sanni, Southwest, Jamilu Waziri, Northwest, Jonathan Lubem,

North Central, and Stephen Ahamefule, South-south. Students that spoke with CAMPUSLIFE said the exercise was transparent.

The elected officials were sworn in at the Administrative Block of the school. In attendance were the Director-General, Prof S. O. Aje; his deputy, Prof Matthew Alawode; the Registrar, Remi Fatunwase, and members of staff.

Prof Aje advised the student leaders to be responsible and discharge their duties with the fear of God. He charged them to toe the line of value-creation and servant-leadership in the course of their administration.

In his acceptance speech, Nafiyou promised to revitalise the student body by promoting French language in Nigeria and opening up opportunities for students through networking, conferences and periodic seminars and public enlightenment campaigns.

How safe is our airspace?

•Continued from page 35

forms and measures that we put in place to save the lives of our fellow Nigerians and to improve the quality of aviation and flying in our country when we were there.” This goes back to right thing not being done.

If we have serious people at the helms of affairs, this tragedy would have been prevented. My heart goes to the families that lost loved ones in the crash. I imagine the shouts of the different versions of the Jesus name by the victims before the crash. The Muslims among them would have screamed Subhanallah because of the anxiety of going to die such

a painful death in seconds.

Some of the passengers would have asked: “God is this how I am going to die? God, why me?” Imagine them thinking of their loved ones as they are approaching the building. I imagine their feelings as the plane collided with the building and burst into flame; the black smoke; the burnt cadavers.

Of course, it is possible that some survived after the collision but gave up the ghost while waiting for rescue team. Imagine those who had travelled with loved ones. Among the corpses found under the debris was a mother clutching her daughter firmly to heself.

For those who died in the

comfort of their homes, may never have dreamed to travel by plane even in nearest future.

Alas, the object killed them. We pray for the souls of all those who died in this crash, including those children who did not understand what was happening. May God grant them eternal rest and grant their families the fortitude to cope after their demise. As we also pray for the Nigerian aviation sector not to witness such tragedy again, government must go beyond rhetoric and reform the sector for good.

Louis, 400-Level Philosophy, UNIPORT

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

37

EDUCATION

US envoy advises youths on development

Y

OUTHS have been advised to assist in the development of the nation.

The United States (US) Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Terence McCulley, gave the advice at the quarter final round of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) in Victoria Island, Lagos.

He describeds students as drivers of change, saying their ideas could engender the needed economic development in the nation.

He said US believes in the potential of African students, a fact which made President Barack Obama to make youths in sub-Sahara Africa the key factor in fostering unity and economic development in the sub-region.

He said: "Young leaders, you are the future of your country and each decision you make, each interaction you have all have a great impact on you and your family and your community. Don't choose disobedience and corruptible character. The

•From left, Olumide Olayinka, senior partner KPMG, Amb McCauley, US Ambassador to Nigeria; and Adesuwa Ifedi, Country Director, SIFE Nigeria.

By Wale Ajetunmobi

challenges you face will make your future goals difficult but not impossible to achieve."

The envoy condemned corruption in government, describing it as an obstacle on the path of Nigeria's progress. He said: "A corrupt

leader ignores the consequent of his action. All the money siphoned by Nigerian leaders to fund lavish lifestyle are enough to feed

100 million Nigerians, who live below $1 per day."

Advising the students to develop the skills they learned from the programme, McCulley said: "Don't let your mistakes weigh you down because they are experiences nobody can teach you. If the road to success is easy, then everyone would take it. As a leader, fair treatment of other is a honour of integrity. By investing in youths, SIFE is investing the future of Nigeria."

Earlier, Chairman, SIFE Nigeria, Olumide Olayinka, said touching people's lives through adequate education was the driving force of the NGO. Among those who attended the event were: the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in US Embassy, Melissa Ford; the Embassy Press Officer, Deborah Maclean; Chief Executive Officer, Gordon Barrett, Taizir Ajala; Executive Director, Fate Foundation, Osayi Alile Oruene; and Marie Phido, Head, Sales and Marketing, KPMG.

NECO chief receives Pillar of Education award

T

HE Chief Accountant (Finance and Accounts), National Examinations Council (NECO), Dr James Adesokan Ojebode, has been conferred with the Pillar of Education award by the Federation of Oyo State Students' Union (FOSSU).

The ceremony was attended by some educationists, administrators, and political functionaries.

FOSSU is a movement founded over a decade ago for the promotion of socio-cultural and educational development of the state.

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

Chairman of the occasion and former commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, Dr Ismaila Adebayo Adewusi, said the award was for the recognition of the recipient’s sterling leadership qualities and humanitarian gestures in education, social empowerment and rural development.

"One inalienable fact of life is that good name and character come before recognition. This award shows that people are not unaware of your selfless services and con-

tributions. It is my humble view that this award will certainly trigger many others, as our people continue to drink from your ocean of kindness" The Special Adviser to the Oyo State governor on Youths and Sports, Comrade Godwin Obode, and Caretaker Chairman, Oyo East Local Government, Muthair Adegboye Adekunle, noted that Ojebode's unparalleled passion for education development was enough justification for the award.

Former and current students' union leaders in their

Lagos First Lady, others get awards

A

WOMEN body WITED has honoured 44 women including the wife of the Lagos State governor Mrs Emmanuella Fashola for their assistance to the organisation.

The event held at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Fashola lauded the proprietors of 25-year-old group for championing the cause of girls in science and technical education which was dominated by men for years. She nonetheless expressed hope of gender equation by 2020.

She said: "In Nigeria we hope to achieve this (gender parity) by 2020. However, it requires more commitment to

By Sampson Unamka

new and innovative teaching methods and techniques that will attract our female children to subjects such as mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, and geography and computer science.

"The truth is that, more need to be done; aside from paper work and proffering solutions, we must put into practice our findings, monitor the progress and draw up the statistics to prove that women can make the positive change required in the industrialisation of our country.

"As role model, you can champion this course by sharing your success story and experiences, which will serve as

a strong motivating factor and inspiration for young girls to tread this part and also facilitate the process of national industrialisation and technological advancement of our country with the aim of contributing to our gross domestic product (GDP)."

She wondered that with achievements by women as engineers, computer experts, among others, there is no justification for her not to be in the world map of industrialised nations. Other recipients were: former and current rectors YABATECH, Chief Felicia Abimbola Odugbesan; Dr Margaret Kudirat Ladipo; and WITED National Co-ordinator Mrs Frances Emeliemuwa Osiki.

Fed Govt launches empowerment scheme for corps members

T

HE Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties and Social Development Matters Sarah Pane has launched a Discovery Empowerment programme for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The initiative was launched in collaboration with the Discovery Cycle professionals to empower youths against challenges facing workers.

She said since the inception of the NYSC in 1973, over two million members have been trained with over 100, 000 corps members passing through the scheme yearly.

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

"Today," Pane said, "the scheme faces several overwhelming problems, which include poor quality of tertiary education graduates; and as a result, the Discovery Empowerment Programme was introduced to increase the intellectual process and the capacity building of our future leaders."

She said since the inception the scheme has failed to transform to produce youths who would be employable, noting that it is aimed at giving training to corp members.

She said the training would involve professionals, who would educate them on what they want to do after their service either to further their education abroad or applying for jobs in a corporate body.

She thanked the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration for its support for paying the fees of some of the students. She urged other corporate and professional bodies to take a cue from it..

She said the body targets 3,000 corp members in the FCT and at least 1000 corp members in every state for training.

goodwill messages described Oyebode as a pathfinder, morale booster and a mentor.

National President, FOSSU, Ahmad Olansile, said the honour was deserved based on the track records and impact of the recipient in public service and communities in the state.

He said: "We are highly

elated and proud to identify with you as pillar of education in Oyo State. Through your kindness, you have rekindled hope of the hopeless, and empowered the need, and, indeed, improved socioeconomic lives of the teeming impoverished populace in the state and the country as a whole."

IBBUL FILE Teachers get training MEMBERS of the academic staff of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) have received a two-week capacity building training on the use of advanced technology in teaching.

The workshop was approved by the university's Senate Committee on Academic Development and Quality Assurance Monitoring (SCADQAM) and the Lapai Centre for Learning Communities headed by Osita Aniemeka, an academic staff in the Department of Mass Communication of the institution to improve classroom delivery.

Speaking at the closing ceremony at the Boardroom of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, the Chairman of the SCADQAM, Prof A. O. Olorunsanya, who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Education and Arts, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Tajordeen, said the training is critical for the actualisation of the world-class vision of the university.

He said the Committee has been given the mandate to ensure quality assurance of every activity of the university, hence the training to expose the staff to the use of Starboard, which he described as a flexible, dynamic and interactive ICT tool.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

38

EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS

UNILORIN FILE

110th inaugural lecture today THE 110th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) holds today at its auditorium.

The lecturer is Prof. Adekunle Bashiru Okesina of the Department of Chemical Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, UNILORIN. He wil speak on Chemical Pathologist: The final judge in health and diseases.

Don wins photography award MR Adesina Adegbite of the Department of Performing Arts, UNILORIN, has won the best photograph for the second "Nigeria Photography Award" in culture.

Adegbite won the award following the nomination of his photograph with three other nominees, who submitted their works for the award.

In a letter of notification to the Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs, the award winning photographer stated: "While appreciating the university for providing us with a highly challenging atmosphere for creativity to thrive, I hereby dedicate the Award to the Department of Performing Arts and the university as a whole."

School holds graduation THE UNILORIN Secondary School will host the university community and parents to its annual graduation and prize giving programme which comes up on Thursday next week at the school premises.

T

APPROACHING DEADLINES 2012 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for International Students, University of Ilorin, Nigeria, University of Ilorin offers Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for foreign nationals Applicants in various subject, Nigeria 2012 Study Subject(s):Applied Sciences (Engineering and Technology, Medicine, Agriculture); Science (Science, Communication and Information Sciences, Physiology and Anatomy) and Humanities (Arts, Business and Social Sciences, Education and Law).

Course Level:Postdoctoral Scholarship Provider: University of Ilorin Scholarship can be taken at: Nigeria Eligibility: The candidate for the fellowship should: i. Be a non-Nigerian; ii. Possess a Ph.D ; iii. Submit a well articulated research proposal in any of the disciplines listed above; iv. Possess excellent communication skills and be computer literate.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes, Scholarship Description: As part of her efforts in building a global academic environment, the University of Ilorin offers a variety of Research Fellowships to qualified scholars of foreign nationals to carry out relevant developmental researches. The fellowship is tenable in the following disciplines: Applied Sciences (Engineering and Technology, Medicine, Agriculture); Science (Science, Communication and Information Sciences, Physiology and Anatomy) and Humanities (Arts, Business and Social Sciences, Education and Law).

How to Apply: By post and Email

Scholarship Application Deadline: Before of 15th September, every year.

2012 Scholarship for International Students at University of Ilorin, Nigeria Undergraduate and Masters Scholarship program for national and international students at University of Ilorin, Nigeria 2012 Study Subject(s):Any Subject, Course Level:Undergraduate and graduate Master's Scholarship Provider: University of Ilorin Scholarship can be taken at: Nigeria Eligibility: i. Undergraduate: Applicant must meet the admission requirements of the University i.e. 5 credits 'O' level or its equivalent for candidate seeking admission to the first year of the first degree programmes and two 'A' level plus 3 'O' level credits (or its equivalent) for candidates seeking admission into the second year of the programme. ii. Graduate: Applicants must meet admission requirements of Master programme of the University i.e. Second Class Honours, (Upper Division) or the equivalent in the bachelor degree. Additional Requirements a.

Evidence of medical fitness and b Submit evidence of proficiency in English Language.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: University of Ilorin, Ilorin, offers scholarship opportunities for International Students in any field of their interest. The offer is opened to both undergraduate and graduate up to Master level.Target Group: International Students within and outside Africa.

How to Apply: By post and Email Scholarship Application Deadline: Before 27th September, every year, 2012 Newcastle University Nigeria Scholarships for Postgraduate Students, UK

Newcastle University offers Postgraduate for Nigerian Students, UK 2012 Study Subject(s):Courses offered by Newcastle University, Course Level:Postgraduate Scholarship Provider: Newcastle University Scholarship can be taken at: UK Eligibility: You could be eligible to apply for a NU Nigeria Scholarship if: You have been offered a place on any postgraduate degree programme in the faculties of HASS, SAgE or FMS You are a Nigerian national and have been assessed as international/overseas for fees purposes. You have an First Class Bachelors degree from a recognised Nigerian University and satisfy all other requirements You intend to register to start your studies during the 2012-13 academic year You are a self-funded student and not in receipt of other University or external awards Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Open for Students of Following Countries: Nigeria Scholarship Description: The International Office is delighted to announce 2 Newcastle University Nigeria Scholarship (NU Nigeria Scholarship) awards. These are available for high achieving Nigerian students applying for entry onto postgraduate taught degree or research programmes within the Faculties of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences (HASS), Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE), and Medical Sciences (FMS) commencing their studies in September 2012. Each scholarship will have a value of £3,000, payable towards the first year of tuition fees.

How to Apply: By post Scholarship Application Deadline: 30th June 2012

Okonjo-Iweala laments state of education

M

INISTER of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has raised the alarm over the deteriorating state of education.

The development, she said, has reached a point where students on graduation, could not demonstrate the necessary skills to make them employable or innovative in the labour market.

Mrs Okonjo-Iweala spoke at a lecture entitled: Science and technology: The key to Nigeria's transformation, which was part of the Second Prof Barth Nnaji Biennial Lecture series, at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

She said there was need to put in place mechanisms to improve the quality and facilities available for teaching as well as for research at the tertiary level.

"These measures are not limited to simply increasing funds available; collaboration between higher institutions (national and international), a more limited focus in research programmes offered, and an improvement in the culture of maintenance are all measures that will help deliver this end.

"In the case of university research, findings should be competitionbased, to provide incentives to enhance efficiency and strengthen col-

laboration with industry."

Mrs Okonjo-Iweala further lamented that the nation's higher institutions were plagued with inadequate science and technology facilities and poor materials for practical skills development.

"Many laboratories lack the basic equipment for thorough scientific research. How, for example, can a computer science graduate not understand the basics of writing software codes? Nigeria is churning out thousands of science and technology graduates each year, but several of them are under-employed, going into the banking and non-scientific sectors," she said.

She noted that policy makers

•Mrs Okonjo-Iweala

should be aware that few countries could achieve development goals, such as economic diversification, food security, poverty reduction, without the scientific , engineering and technical capacity to handle 'the challenges.

UI to start diploma in automotive studies

HE Distance Learning Centre, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Ibadan(UI) and Mag Ben Technology are to kick-off a diploma programme in automotive studies.

Its Director, Distance Learning Centre, Prof Bayo Okunade, said this during its matriculation.

He said: “Early next year, we want to start a diploma course in automotive studies. We started with 32 students; now we have 262 because of the evidences from the past participants and we are hoping that the fifth batch will be larger."

Okunade, who said the programme was introduced to produce competent workmen, added that only competent students stand a chance of gaining admission.

"This programme has received good turnout since its inception because we make sure they (graduands) are competent. At the end of their programme, our students are not given certificate of participation, but of competence. After this batch, we are going to a higher level; those of them who have prerequisite can go for diploma.

"In this country we lack competent work men who would give value for money. So, we thought we should retrain our mechanics, carpenters, bricklayers instead of having to import equipment. We want people, who can execute the project and at the same time give customers value for money.

This is fourth batch and there will be another one before the end of this year. The lectures are received at dif-

By Seun Olalude

ferent locations of the country while practical are done at various workshops. They are taught in formal ways," The Managing Director, Mag Ben Limited, Mr Gbenga Agbana, said the programme has helped to reduce unemployment and enhanced self- reliance for graduands. He reiterated the commitment of the group to ensure that quacks in the auto business are educated.

He said: "We have 10 centres; yet there are hundreds of Nigerians still patronising quacks.

People and organisations can afford to spend millions on their vehicles; but who are the people handling these vehicles for them? Quacks! So, we saw that the only thing we could do is to train most of these people in auto technics and to make sure they are capable of handling the machines.

UI Deputy Registrar, DLC, Mr Kehinde Oladiji, congratulated the matriculants for making use of the opportunity extended to them by the institution. Two of the matriculants Messrs Michael James and Ganiyu Oladimeji, expressed confidence that the training would move them up the next level.

"My friends who came for this programme never remained the same. So, I also wanted to move to higher level," James said.

Oladimeji, another student who joined the automobile profession in 1994, said he enrolled for the programme in order to be conversant with latest vehicles.

•Cross section of mechanics during their matriculation in UI

ABU VC lauds town planners for award

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ICE-CHANCELLOR Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, has praised the Town Planners Registration Council (TOPREC) for conferring the best award on the institution's Urban and Regional Planning Department.

Speaking after receiving the Best Planning School Award at the weekend at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, Mustapha, who was accom-

panied by the management staff of the university, said the award is a thing of joy and pride not only to the Urban and Regional Planning Department, but the university. meanwhile, in a statement by the Media Consultant to the ViceChancellor, Mallam Waziri Gwantu, Mustapha thanked the management of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETF) for assisting the department with N30 million for the establishment of a high

tech laboratory based on the progress on its the implementation of the strategic plan which the university worked out in 2004 in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation.

The Vice-Chancellor said the department is about to sign a memorandum of understanding with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on the application of the geospatial application programme.

39

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

EDUCATION

Ooni calls for emergency in education • Alma mater honours Omoworare, others

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ONI of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, has called for a state of emergency in the education sector.

He spoke at the awards of St. John's Grammar School, Oke-Atan, Ile-Ife, Osun State as part of the school’s golden jubilee.

The monarch, who was represented

by Atilade of Fashina Ife, Oba Oladoyin Ogunwusi,blamed the spate of violence in the country on the collapse of the school system resulting in the high rate of illiteracy, said he would rather all stakeholders declare emergency in the country's education sector.

At the event, a law maker, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, Senator Babajide Omoworare and three others were honoured by the school.

The gesture, which formed part of the school's Golden Jubilee was in appreciation of the quartet for their contributions to the uplift of the academic and infrastructural development of their alma mater, according to the management.

The school, founded in 1962 by the late Rev. Father Fabian Cloutier, a French Canadian Catholic Missionary, was said to have contributed immensely to the upbringing of many men and women in Ile-Ife

By Adegunle Olugbamila

community and the neighbouring villages. As a result, the school's old students' association has remained committed to reviving its old glory.

Senator Omoworare, Dele Alabi, an engineer and the association's President, Chief Sunday Bolaji, were conferred with the award of excellence.

Omoworare, who passed out from the school in 1984, recently renovated the administrative block, which houses the staff room, school hall, and sports store, among others.

He equipped the offices with furniture and supplied a borehole to ameliorate the water scarcity that had one of the school's albatross for years.

The lawmaker said reforming the school system is a business for stakeholders, including parents, guardians and philanthropists, as, adding government alone cannot resolve all the challenges.

"Like every other parts of the world, education is too important to be left in the hands of government alone for control. There is need for us all to rise up to the occasion and bail out these schools from their terrible status. When we have a welleducated society, we can begin to talk about crisis-resolution, job creation, war against corruption and better governance," he said.

• Senator Omoworare displaying his award. With him is Oba Ogunwusi.

He canvassed support for education, assuring of the state of good works and dividends of democracy, especially quality of education for youths. He reminded the gathering of the education tablet Opon Imo, which is the recent innovation from the Governor Rauf Aregbesola-led administration to develop model schools that would make learning and teaching attractive to the students and their teachers.

Presenting the award plaque,

the Atilade of Fashina Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, thanked the recipients.

The Principal of the school, Mr Femi Makinde, also an alumnus, praised his colleagues for their support, encouraging others to return to their former schools and replicate same.

"With this gesture, we must understand that alumni associations for schools are too important to be neglected. We must also note that

it is not until we become senators or governors that we can give back to our school. It does not have to be in cash at all times, even if we can just be visiting for inspection and we report whatever we find to other old students who might not have time to visit, we might just be doing a great job. Without education, the crises facing Nigeria cannot be resolved and the best way to return the education sector to the old glorious days is for us all to take the bull by the horns," Makinde said.

Council to host graduation

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JEROMI/IFELODUN Local Government Education Authority, Lagos and its schoolbased management committee, has organised graduation/valedictory for Primary 6 pupils.

Over 4,000 pupils in public schools under the Ajeromi/Ifelodun LGEA will be hosted to a graduation.

Like their counterparts in private schools, the event is being organised to acknowledge as well as motivate children in public schools

" One of the main reasons of organising the graduation is the fact that there are many kids in Lagos who have chosen to stay away from school or failed to complete their primary school education; hence the need to celebrate our pupils and also encourage them to complete their secondary and tertiary education. The best pupil will be rewarded and a year book will be launched", said Adewale Adeogun, the counci's Executive Secretary on education.

College ends Spelling Bee contest

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• Principal, Idi Araba Junior High School, Lagos, Mrs Cole Mercy Iyabo, handing over the trophy to the winner at the school’s Inter-house Sports Competition in the school

MOTAYO College, Ogijo, Ogun State at the weekend held its fifth annual Spelling Bee competition at the school hall.

Twelve primary schools all domiciled in Ogijo/Shagamu axis, participated in the competition. They were: Exblun Nursery and Primary School; NNPC Nursery and Primary School; Omotayo Montessori School; Cannan City Nursery and Primary School and Glory land Int' School. (pls supplylocation) Others are Philips' Int' Group of Schools; Temsbol Montessori School; Chosen Generation Nursery and Pri-

By Tokunbo Ogunsami

mary School; Calvary Nursery and Primary School; and His Will Basic Education and Greater Future Nursery and Primary School.

The college proprietor Omotayo Opanubi, an engineer, said the competition was organised to promote academic excellence among primary schools in the area.

Exblun Nursery and Primary emerged topped others,while Philips' Int' Group of Schools and Calvary Nursery and Primary School, emerged first and second runners-up.

80,000 pupils for Indomie art competition

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O fewer than 80,000 children drawn from over 1,000 schools in the country are expected to jostle for prizes including N1.5 million scholarships at the first stage of the second season of the Indomie Interschool Art Competition.

Tagged My mum like no other, the event entails schoolchildren, 12-years or younger, making drawings of their mothers, which are then submitted through their schools for consideration and reward.

According to Mr Tope Ashiwaju, Public Relations Manager, Dufil Prima Foods, Plc, makers of Indomie, the competition was instituted for fun and engage the skills and ingenuity of children.

"We were looking to come up with an idea that would encourage the children to explore their artistic sides and enable them express their love for their mummies while fostering the spirit of healthy competition. But we also wanted a break from the norm, so, instead of settling for a quiz show or contest, Indomie inaugurated the 'My Mum like no other' Art Competition where the children could have fun expressing them selves and be rewarded for it,” he said.

In addition to the 950 schools registered in Lagos and its environs, Asiwaju said there are 160 schools in Abuja

By Medinat Kanabe

The schools commended Indomie for the initiative, saying it has energised their academic work and given the children an exercise they eagerly devoted time and energy to.

Speaking to reporters, the Proprietress, Precious Feet Nursery and Primary School, Surulere, Mrs. Paulina Akporu, said she has observed the zeal with which the children have approached the competition.

"While our pupils have always enjoyed their schoolwork, we have noticed that their eyes light up whenever they are asked to bring out their paper and pencils.

“We are grateful to Indomie for an idea like this which has helped the children discover the talents within them that may have otherwise remained hidden."

Nine-year-old Chukwuemeka Dubem, like many of his peers, drew a sketch of his mother in traditional attire. His attention to detail has already stood him out in the competition.

Dubem, who wants to be an artist, said his brother taught him how to draw.

Another pupil, Umar Farouk Mohammed of Lively Kiddies' Nursery and Primary School, Itire, Lagos, may also get a chance to prove himself. His sketch of his mother was praised by his mates and teachers.

•One of the drawings by Umar

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

40

EDUCATION

S

Firm plans training centre for school heads

TARDARD Mandate International (SMI), a firm that provides schools with support services, is set to establish a centre where school heads can learn how to effectively run their schools, its Chief Executive Officer, Pastor Nelson Ayodele, has said.

He said the institution, which will focus on honing leadership and management skills of the administrators, would fill the leadership training gaps that many seasoned teachers appointed as heads have.

“Our ultimate goal is to set up an institution known as Centre for Leadership and Administration for teachers who are being prepared for headship positions.Most of those who become head teachers never really get training in leadership, management and administration.

We find that in developed countries before being appointed heads, you get training so we decided to start training,” he said.

However, Ayodele said the Heads of Schools Summit (HOSS), which the firm organises yearly meets such

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

training needs.

During this year’s edition of the summit at the Mainland Hotel, Lagos participants from about 70 schools from parts of the country left the three-day programme armed with useful information on how to position their schools for greater visibility. In line with the theme: Leading for higher results, the school owners and administrators heard from seasoned educationists how they could employ strategic thinking and leadership skills in improving the ratings of their schools, as well as the performance of their employees and pupils.

Mr Lere Baale, in a paper entitled: Strategic planning for generating excellent business result underscored the importance of strategy, urging the school heads to identify the unique attributes that can sell their school to the public. Baale pointed out that rather than trying to serve every-

‘Our ultimate goal is to set up an institution known as Centre for Leadership and Administration for teachers who are being prepared for headship positions.

Most of those who become head teachers never really get training in leadership, management and administration’

body, schools should identify their own markets and create services to fit their target audience.

"If you provide sufficient value, irrespective of cost, people will come. Money is not usually the reason why people don't patronise your school. It is because they are paying but they don't see the value," he said.

In employing strategy, he counselled them to take advantage of opportunities in the market place, integrating technology in teaching and learning, meet the needs of the people in the school's locale, identify and compete with other schools seeking the same target audience.

However, strategy alone is insufficient to create the dream school.

Baale said school administrators must take a step further to create a transformation roadmap, which they would co-ordinate and implement.To execute their strategy, Baale advised them to build their vision, allocate resources for the project, and provide reward for other players, among others.

On the essence of the programme, keynote speaker, Dr Femi Ogunsanya, told The Nation that administrators should be open to new ideas if their schools are to grow.

Ogunsanya, who is also the Proprietor of Oxbridge College, Ikeja, added: “It is an opportunity for heads of schools to learn new things because when you keep doing things you are familiar with, you won't grow.But when you open up, then you can always find key issues htat will help you get to the next level.”

•A cross section of the school heads at the event

15-year-old wins Quranic competition •School holds graduation, Walimat

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FIFTEEN-YEAROLD Abdulsamad Obaditan, a pupil of the Alhikmah Islamic Learning Centre, Agege, Lagos, has emerged winner in the yearly Quranic competition by the AbdulQuadri Olohuntoki Mosque, Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos.

He scored 98 points to win a 32inch flat screen television ahead of 11-year-old Abdul Roqeeb Adelumola and 10-year-old Abdul Salam Olawale Amuda, who won a washing machine and generator.

The 41 contestants, who received various gifts and certificates were given questions in Mujawwadah and Tajweed (theory and practical) at the Auditorium Three at Centre for Management Development (CMD) Magodo GRA, Shangisha.

The participants, 28 boys and 13 girls came from Oyo, Ogun, Kwara and Lagos states. The Chairman, Management Committee of the AbdulQuadri Olohuntoki Mosque, Ibrahim Tajudeen, explained that the programme, which was started last year, was aimed at heralding the Ramadan.

He applauded Imam Abass Abdulrahman and their parents for their commitment and improvement in the project.

"We have tremendous improvement as we vividly recall that the number of contestants have risen from 21 last year to 41; parents are fully involved while the participants have shifted from Ketu to Ibafo (Ogun State), Oro (Kwara State,) Ibadan (Oyo State) and Badagry as well as our base here in Ketu and Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos," he said.

Imam Abdulrahman told reporters that he and the Muslim community in the mosque were moved by the social menaces indulged in by some youths to plan the programme, said: "We deliberated on the menace of social miscreants and the risk of Muslim youths are likely to expose to and arrived at the project we are all gathered here to witness."

The special guest of honour, Sheikh Habibulah Adam El-Ilory, who was represented by Alhaji Abdulwahab Kuranga, commended the organisers for deeming it fit to take the youths away from the streets, assuring them of some divine rewards.

He, however, frowned at the poor attitude of government to the exercise, saying that if it where to be in Egypt, "Their government officials would have been well represented at forum like this."

He charged parents and guardians not to relent on their care and con-

cern for their wards.

He urged individuals and corporate bodies to be more involved in the programme and related ones that could improve the society, believing that nothing expended on Allah is ever wasted.

One of the sponsors of the gifts, Abdulfatai Olohuntoki, said they were only instructed by their late father to be so involved. "We were mercilessly bound to Islamic tenets by our father while alive and thus find it difficult to part with it. As a matter of fact, we are ashamed of the little gifts, we shall improve on them next year," he said.

Meanwhile, the TMM Group of Schools, Odo-Ona Elewe, Ibadan, Oyo State will on Sunday, July 15, this year hold its Seventh graduation ceremony, Fourth Walimat Al-Quran, end-of-session party and awards of certificate and prize giving day.

The event will hold at the Abbey Technical College, Odo-Ona, Elewe Orita Challenge, to be chaired by Alhaji Dhkrilahi Yusuff.

Expected as Father of the day is AbdulHakeem Aderinto, an engineer; mother of the day will be Alhaja Kudirat Lamidi, while the special guest of honour is Pastor Olowolayemo.

EDUTALK

with

Are there really barriers?

O

NE of the reasons I am glad I attended a girls-only sec-

ondary school is that I graduated believing that I could achieve anything as a girl. We did everything by ourselves. If we needed to act a male part in a drama, be it the role of a father, president, or soldier, we did it without batting an eye-

Kofoworola

Belo-Osagie Kofosagie@yahoo.com 08054503077 (SMS only)

lid. We beat drums, played the trumpet, participated in sports, held leadership positions - anything that we needed to make our closed society as normal as possible during term time.

It was during my undergraduate years that I first noticed the stereotyped roles women were expected to play. I remember wondering why the Sister’s Co-ordinator of my campus fellowship had to prepare meals for the president and take it to his room or ‘office’. I even openly questioned it and got no satisfactory answer beyond “that is how things are done.”

And, it was not only in my school. I visited a dear friend in her hostel in another university and she told me to accompany her to the market to buy frozen chicken. When I asked what the party was about, she said as the Welfare Secretary of her fellowship, it was part of her responsibility to cook for the president. I told her to introduce me to him so I could join him in enjoying the meal. But she did not find it funny. It was not that I was joking either. I wondered why the President had to enjoy such privileges when in the first place we were all students. I had books to read as much as he did, so why would I have more time to prepare food for him than he would for himself?

Cooking is only one of the few stereotyped roles women are expected to fulfil. But when it comes to occupying leadership positions, some roles are perceived to be too sensitive for women. In many cases, when they hold such positions, they are likely to face opposition from not only the males, but the females they lead as well. They have to learn to deal with such situations with tact.

While the United Nations(UN) says that the situation is getting better and women are gradually having a say politically and economically, it says this is happening because of concessions – quotas and special arrangements – driven by government policy. This means we are not yet there. Women should be able to hold leadership positions because they deserve it and are qualified for the roles. It should not be because of a deliberate effort that they should be involved.

For this to be the case, the way we train the girl-child has to change.

As she learns to cook and clean, she must also learn that she can be the best in all she does and can succeed in any field. Her decision to participate in any activity should be driven by her interest, not by cultural stereotypes that she cannot do it. Male siblings growing up around her should also learn to respect her ability to enjoy the same privileges as they. The boys should be involved in cooking and cleaning as well so they don’t think it is a woman’s job, while she should clean the cars, polish shoes, and iron her father’s clothes.

When it comes to taking responsibilities, the girl-child should not be excused just because she is a girl. She should be able to work as hard, think and execute tasks given to boys around her. It is true that there is a limit to the amount of physical burden she can bear compared with a boy, but that is relative and can be dealt with creatively in other ways.

Also, physical strength is not the only instrument that can measure how hard someone can work.

‘I remember wondering why the Sister’s Co-ordinator of my campus fellowship had to prepare meals for the president and take it to his room or ‘ office’. I even openly questioned it and got no satisfactory answer beyond “that is how things are done’ From my Inbox Re: Are you a good parent?

Hi Kofo, I really do appreciate your column in the papers. I would love to be a friend. You are my role model. Sammykings, Warri.

Re: Ekiti and its teachers Is there a way for comments to be published without phone numbers or with partial numbers? I have sent a couple of texts to you which have been published. The last was on the Ekiti teachers’ assessment test. I was dismayed to get an angry phone call from someone castigating me for my opinion. Please if you must publish this, don’t put my number.

Thanks. 0807— Why are these Ekiti teachers afraid of exam? Just because they are incompetent and lack proficiency! Teachers in Lagos have been tested severally and none was sacked or demoted, but they are being subjected to enhancement workshops, seminars and training. Some Ekiti people despite their education are not matured politically. Daramola Wole.

42

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

POLITICS

43

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

BATTLE FOR EDO

•• A large turnout at the mega rally of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.•• Oshiomhole

On Saturday, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole will slug it out with others as he seeks re-election. The election promises to be a battle royale between the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with reporters, Oshiomhole speaks of his chances in the election and cautions against rigging. LAWAL OGIENAGBON was there.

‘It will be suicidal for PDP to rig’ Y

OU and other candidates have met with INEC officials in Abuja, are you sure INEC will provide a level playing ground at the polls?

I believe INEC chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega recognises that the whole world is going to be watching how he conducts this election. I am sure he also recognises that some of us have made our names and, therefore, we are known outside Nigeria and not a few outside Nigeria are also watching. The international community, European Union, United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) as our development partners also have a duty to see whether things are improving and the starting point is Edo State. The 2011 elections under Jega were better than the previous ones under Prof Maurice Iwu. Therefore, I have reasons based on his pedigree to believe him when he says, ‘I am going to ensure that elections are free and fair. I also believe that because this is an isolated election, he will not have any excuse not to focus on all the specific details. I am sure after working in INEC for some time, he knows the good, the bad, the ugly in his own organisation. I am satisfied with the arrangements; I am satisfied with the way he has dealt with some of the issues that we have raised. And like I said also, under Iwu, not one person was penalised in INEC for electoral abuses even though everybody knew all the terrible things that happened. For me, it is heartwarming that a number of PDP people are being prosecuted for criminal breach of the Electoral Act. This shows that that sense of impunity is fading away and we need to build on that.

We also drew his attention to the illegal activities of PDP procuring cards and destroying those cards. Again, this points to two things, if it was before, PDP doesn’t need to buy cards, all they need to do is carry ballot boxes, have ballot papers distributed to them beforehand and then they use their homes as voting centres and write the results in the comfort of their living rooms; and if they can’t announce locally, they can get Abuja to announce. But now it is clear that PDP is going through severe difficulties as those old tactics are not working; not only because Jega is changing the rules but because we are also increasingly aware of what they are doing and we have the capacity to stop them.

INEC is doing its best but PDP is also doing its worst in terms of insisting that the vote must not

count. While the President has warned them against ballot stuffing, rigging, thuggery, they have resorted to buying cards, because they know they cannot win votes, therefore every card they have bought, they believe, it’s a vote lost to ACN. Has adequate security been provided for this election?

In the area of security, I believe that when a man talks you can read his eyes; I believe that President Goodluck Jonathan made it clear during his visit to Edo that he won’t condone electoral malpractice. I remember him saying ‘we will not allow ballot snatching, thuggery, manipulation.’

In Edo, only PDP has been found guilty of rigging; they rigged me out, they rigged so many other people. We have never been found rigging but several courts of law found PDP in Edo State rigging election. So, when he delivered that message at the forum, he was talking to those people who have always been known to be rigging. I also think it was important that the President emphasised that he was voted for by Edo people. He said: ‘I thank Edo people for voting for me,’ he did not say, ‘I thank PDP members,’ because he knows that PDP members are not capable of delivering the votes he got in Edo State particularly when you look at the results of the National Assembly and House of Assembly elections, it is clear that PDP’s influence in this state is not more than 15 per cent across the three senatorial districts. And even where the leader of PDP comes from, the senatorial district accounted for about 14 per cent of the votes but even at that ACN had won election in substantial parts of that area, so if you discount those, PDP influence in Edo can be reduced to about nine per cent and that can’t deliver them regardless of what they do. I think the Commander-inChief sent out clear signals when he said, ‘I have spoken to the army chief, the police chief and I have told them we will not tolerate electoral

fraud.’ They have assured him that they are prepared and we have seen already the military displaying a show of force, going round to sound a note of warning to would-be riggers and arsonists or thugs that they should steer clear. If you ask me, I think I am satisfied that at the level of leadership including political leadership, there is a conviction that the Edo election should be an example that Nigeria is capable of conducting free and fair elections. So, if you ask me if I trust, I will say yes, my trust level is a lot higher than it was before.

It seems ethnicity is going play a vital role in the poll?

People, who have nothing to fire the imagination of the electorate, resort to ethnic sentiment.

We can’t deny that Oshiomhole’s administration has built roads, schools, health centres and is building a central hospital. We can’t deny that Oshiomhole’s administration has provided water to some rural and urban communities. We can’t deny that Oshiomhole’s administration has extended electricity to many villages that didn’t have across the three senatorial districts. We can’t deny that school children now have beautiful furniture; you can’t deny that changes have occurred in some fundamental ways. Now, you can’t also deny that PDP has been in power for 10 years and in those years they have not been able to build one good school; they were not able to build one good road; connect any rural community with electricity or build hospitals in those 10 years.

They were not able to show that in Benin City they constructed one drainage to deal with flooding; they are not able to deny that in 10 years Benin City was an abandoned territory which is why they prefer to construct a bypass so that people can bypass the city because you couldn’t pass the city particularly during the rainy season.

When I started working they said I was only working on Ring Road; when we extended it

‘As for rigging, the common language of PDP in Edo and other places is rig and let them go to court. And I say here, they won’t survive rigging because the people will not go to court, the court will be at the polling booth, and the collation centre, it will be summary trial’

outside they said we were only working in Benin City; and now that we have jobs everywhere they can no longer sustain those arguments. So what cards do they have left to play? They had to necessarily fall back on ethnicity. I cannot change who I am, I cannot change where I was born and so they feel that this is one area that will benefit them.

The day I presented myself for reelection at the palace of the Oba, he asked them to pray and said that my work in Benin has already campaigned for me. He went on to say, ‘in fact, by your action, you are the Bini candidate.’ This took place in the palace. Compare that to Airhiavbere, when he went, the Oba said to him, ‘I have been seeing you on television since you retired and I will continue to see you on the television. Bye bye.’ Who knows Benin interest more than His Royal Majesty? He has made the point that he wants someone who will unite the state. He said he wants a governor who will unite the entire state. If he says he wants a governor who will unite the entire state, why did he emphasise that? He emphasised that when he must have seen the advertorials where someone like me is being described as stranger. So if a man is seeking a position and he is already playing up the ethnic card, is that the man to be entrusted with the task of uniting the state? It is not what Airhiavbere says that matters, it is who is listening to him?

Who believes him? Who trusts him? Lastly on this ethnicity issue is that the appointments I have made since I came in, my actions have shown whether I am a man who believes in discrimination. In my first budget, I said I will devote 70% to the development of Benin City.

People here are angry that I devoted that percentage to Benin City, what about the other two senatorial districts. But I said I have a four year mandate, we will go one-by-one and Benin is the capital.

So, the ethnic card is not working; if it was working, they will not be buying cards for Bini people.

The palace is being accused of partisanship. Is the palace partisan?

I don’t think anybody has accused the Oba of being partisan and the Oba has never said ACN is building roads; ACN is a party. Maybe if he supports a party then you can say he is partisan.

•Continued on page 44

44

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

POLITICS

Edo, remember Lucky Igbinedion

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HEN a political party is seeking the votes of the people in a democracy, its most potent weapon is its scorecard, especially if that party has had the opportunity of governing the area for which it is seeking votes once again. So, one would have thought that when the chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by President Goodluck Jonathan, set for Edo State to campaign for the return of the state to their party on June 30, they would have come, armed with the long list of accomplishments of the first governor of the state in this democratic dispensation in 1999, Mr Lucky Igbinedion. Mr Igbinedion is a member of the ruling party.

But the PDP big men did nothing of the sort. Rather, they came emptyhanded as it were, and began to tell the same cock-and-bull story of what they intend to do if elected on July 14. That is their style; even at the federal level where President Jonathan now holds sway. Most of the goodies the party has for Nigerians are not about now; they are about some uncertain future. None of those who came with the President made any appreciable reference to the two terms (of eight years) that Mr Igbinedion squandered. And the billions that ended in the bottomless pits that could have been some people’s pockets. So, Edo people’s minds have become some tabula rasa on which a fresh beginning would now be inscribed concerning what the PDP stands for and what to expect from its governor if voted into office!

No doubt, the President has the right to campaign for the party’s candidates. But then, there are times when people at that level should rise above petty partisan politics and act like true statesmen. Please pardon me if I am being unnecessarily demanding of the President. But, Edo State is one place where I least expected he would join the fray to campaign for the PDP. At best, he should have sent the vice president to the state to represent him. My reason is this: there is little or nothing to lay claim to by the ruling party at the centre as the achievements of its former governor, Mr Igbinedion, for the eight years that he was governor. That was one important thing a president and statesman should first have considered. A campaign that the President would lead is one that is credible; where issues would have dominated as against rabblerousing that the PDP entourage embarked on in the state.

So, the billions that Mr Igbinedion wasted in those eight long years have gone down the drain, just like that? But that is the PDP for you. As far as the party is concerned, it’s all politics. Everything is politics in the ruling party; and that is part of why we now have a monster in our hands that appears even larger than the government that created it. That is why we have been in all motion, no movement in the last 13 years. What a pity!

When in 2003 Edo people, like other Nigerians were to elect another governor, even Mr Igbinedion’s father, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, did not contest the fact that his son did not do well; rather, he turned the entire thing into a costly joke: “if a child fails exams, he should be allowed to repeat the class.”, a euphemism for returning him for a second term. That was a time when it was clear to even the blind that if performance was the yardstick, Mr Igbinedion would never return to the government house. But this was even somewhat conciliatory. Chief Tony Anenih, alias ‘Mr Fix It’ announced to the world in a manner that was highly contemptuous of the Edo people that “there was no vacancy in the Government House” in Benin City at that time, when one would have ex-

•Igbinedion

By Tunji Adegboyega

pected the PDP itself to ask for a break to go and put its house in order.

Like the PDP, it did not occur to Chief Igbinedion and Chief Anenih that millions of Edo indigenes’ lives had failed with Mr Igbinedion’s first four years and some of them may never recover from that failure.

More were to fail with him again by the time he completed his second term. If Mr Igbinedion had done well as governor, that was what the President and all those who followed him to Benin to campaign for a return to PDP ‘mainstream’ should be marketing. ‘Mainstream’ has become a nebulous concept in Nigeria as it no longer has any intrinsic value save the nuisance value that comes with it.

In eight years, Mr Igbinedion could not maintain existing roads even if he could not build new ones. Education was abandoned; healthcare and social infrastructure virtually collapsed during his administration.

Such was Mr Igbinedion’s lacklustre performance that by the time he finished his second term, he and his government and party had completely disengaged from the Edo people. His was an era of ‘there’s no money’. Yet it did not occur to him to do financial reengineering in a way that would make the state spend less on recurrent expenditure which stood at about 80 percent against capital votes of about 20percent in his days; a thing Comrade Oshiomhole has since adjusted to 65 percent in favour of capital expenditure against 35 for recurrent. What this shows clearly is that where, ab initio, the government is interested in the greatest benefit for the greatest number, there would always be a way.

Since the incumbent governor’s assumption of office, bulldozers that had hitherto been lying idle have been busy in the state, with the construction of numerous road projects, urban, rural and intra-state; renovation of dilapidated primary and secondary schools; renovation of hospitals and the construction of new ones. Also, for the first time, the perennial flooding being experienced in the state capital, Benin, is being vigorously addressed, with the N30 billion first-phase drainage project in the city. The result is that Edo State is being transformed into a huge, sprawling construction site that should be the envy of anyone who truly loves the state. It is the kind of thing a president-statesman should even commend, if not outwardly, at least by refusing to be dragged into a desperate struggle for ‘recapturing’ a state, to use the PDP’s expression.

Now, the same President was assuring that the election would be free and fair. He even expressed optimism that his party’s candidate, Major-Gen. (rtd) Charles Airhiavbere, would win the election. Obviously, he has forgotten

or chose to ignore where Edo people are coming from. However, let no one be intimidated by President Jonathan’s presence in the state to campaign for the PDP candidate. If he knew Edo State was so important to the party, he ought to have used his good offices when Mr Igbinedion was governor, to impress upon him the need to govern well; that is if truly, it is all about free and fair election. Some people may be asking whether one can give what one does not have. I doubt myself; in which case, the President cannot be an asset to anyone in the present circumstances; at best, he is an electoral liability. What are his (the President’s) own antecedents? If he did not call Mr Igbinedion to order when he should have, and he is now sticking his neck for their party’s candidate only on account of party affiliation, then he should hold himself and his advisers responsible for whatever shame might attend the party’s failure at the polls, if the ruling party eventually loses on Saturday.

One person I cannot forget to commend is OmoN’Oba Erediauwa, for his principled stance in this matter. It is when people in his kind of position who should speak up at critical junctures of their people’s history have eaten from both sides of the divide that they find it difficult to speak coherently. Honestly, the Benin monarch has significantly changed my impression about the traditional institution in this country. The truth is, in this matter, there cannot be ‘neutral belongation; you either belong in or you belong out’ (to borrow the expression of one of my seniors in the university when he was contesting the student union election). I may be wrong, OmoN’Oba has reminded us all, particularly the contractor-monarchs, that we used to have a culture of integrity ever before the advent of the White Man in our land.

It is only that we are dealing with people who have no sense of shame.

If the PDP people have any sense of shame, it should have been obvious by now. They would not have been this desperate to govern the same Edo State that they messed up only a few years back. That they want the state at all cost means one or two things; they are either taking the people for fools or they are bent on rigging the election, as usual. That is why the people should not go home until they have known the result of the election, at least at the polling booths.

They must be ready to police their votes because that is what is to be done when dining with the devil.

Governor Oshiomhole deserves a second term not because he has failed in his first term as in the case of Mr Igbinedion, but because he has done exceedingly well. One good turn, they say, deserves another. It is in the PDP that people who failed are not even given a slap on the wrist, but told to ‘repeat’ over the popping of champagne.

‘It will be suicidal for PDP to rig’ •Continued from page 43

But he says, ‘Comrade Oshiomhole has worked’ or ‘Oshiomhole respects tradition’ or Oshiomhole has addressed the problem of flood,’ ‘he is rebuilding Benin City.’ I am not aware that the Oba has ever said ACN. If a royal father has a son or subject that has distinguished himself, there is nothing in the book that says he cannot acknowledge that his subject or son is working, there is nothing partisan about that.

3,500 soldiers have been deployed in Edo for the election. Do we need soldiers to conduct free and fair elections?

We need military presence. We need the army particularly in the light of PDP’s threat to announce bogus results.

For them to be able to announce such results, they must carry out thuggery through firearms to shield those they are going to use for such an exercise.

With the clear directive of the President, who said: ‘I have consulted with the military and the police and they told me they are ready,’ in the next few days we saw the army on the street, giving effect to the president’s commitment. As the chief security officer of Edo State, I am relieved by the presence of the military on our street.

Whatever you have to say, the military remains one institution you have to respect. With all the corruption we see on the street, you can’t find soldiers collecting bribe when they are deployed, that is my experience in Edo State. I think that the presence of the military is to give effect to the president’s commitment. We encourage Edo people to welcome them to make them feel at home wherever they are deployed. We need security to guarantee ‘one man, one vote.’ I also hope that as we get rid of godfatherism in our political space and we continue to improve on transparency in our elections, we will get to a point that it will become obvious that we don’t even need military for elections, but we are not yet there. In any case, what is the difference between a mobile policeman carrying AK-47 and a soldier? What distinguishes civil from the military is the weapon. Once you are armed, you are no longer civil.

Those who call for police should know that there is no difference. I feel we need the army, the police, and even the state security officers to monitor the elections. Don’t forget, under the rules, the SSS are entitled to a copy of the election result and they are entitled to be present at voting and collating centres. And if they put Nigeria first as they have said, then we need them. You know in the past, police will drive you away and allow PDP to just carry the ballot boxes. There is no rigging of election without the use of the security agencies. In Edo we need them. And let’s not talk about the army as if it’s a foreign army; it’s not an invading force. These are Nigerians who are committed to the defence of our territorial integrity. We have no business going to Liberia to restore de-

mocracy, go to Sudan to maintain law and order while in our own country things are getting out of hand and we want them to watch. They should complement the efforts of the police.

What will happen if this election is rigged?

As for rigging, the common language of PDP in Edo and other places is rig and let them go to court. And I say here, they won’t survive rigging because the people will not go to court, the court will be at the polling booth, and the collation centre, it will be summary trial. This idea that some people have monopoly of rigging the election, then you can go to court to sort things out will no longer hold.

The issue will be determined summarily at the polling booth. Jega has assured us, once you finish counting the vote, announce the results and when you have announced the results, give copies to the agents. Then take them to the nearest collation centre. Like we saw here in the election for the House of Representatives, INEC used a university teacher as a returning officer. The lecturer happened to be a PDP sympathiser. When he saw that the PDP was losing the election in Ovia Local Government, he changed 1,000 votes to 11,000. That lecturer is facing trial now. The only reason that lecturer is alive is because the army and the police were present otherwise our people would have used self-help; you rig us out, then we rig you out of life. Just go out and look at the faces of Edo people, especially the young ones, put this question to them: if they rig this election, what will you people do? They will tell you that in the first place, it is either we all survive or we don’t.

Some of us can’t relocate so we must make this place work. When you create a conducive environment for criminality, crime will continue to thrive. The rule of law allows us to prevent the commission of crime. If you see an armed robber wanting to rob, you can prevent him and when you are preventing you don’t put powder on his face and dress him like an angel. When you use self-help to arrest, sometimes you go further to settle the matter. Edo people have gone through too many election riggings and we are no longer ready for it. We are absolutely determined and ruggedly prepared for whatever.

They are boasting they are going to announce fake results, they are spending money to procure cards and influence things and so on. We had a meeting in Abuja and PDP was complaining about some electoral officers that are coming to Benin and the INEC chairman asked them: how did you know? Who gave you the list of the electoral officers because these are lists that are yet to be published? It shows you that PDP has people deep inside who still feel that Nigeria should continue to be buffeted in this state but again the good news; Jega said I am going to investigate. In the final analysis, there is a saying that ‘The price for liberty is eternal vigilance.”

• Former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida (left), former Senate President Ken Nnamani and Special Adviser to the Vice President on Political Matters, Abba Dabo during the public presentation of a book title The Story of a -*PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE humble lilfe in honour of Tanko Yakassai in Abuja.

45

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

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CLINIC DAY ‘Immunotherapy is best treatment for prostate enlargement’

HERE is a better way to treat prostate enlargement, without side effects, a Canadian-based consultant and researcher, Dr Lawrence Olagunju, has said.

It is called immunotherapy; it treats the disease through inducement, enhancement, or suppression of the immune system. In the end, it could shrink the disease.

According to Olagunju, over 60 per cent of men above 40 have symptoms of prostate enlargement without knowing it, and most of them opt for surgery because they do not know of other alternatives.

For such men, he said, immunotherapy is the best option.

The patient, he said, could be treated naturally, because surgery has physiological and psychological effects, which could kill a sufferer.

He said: "In using immunotherapy to treat prostate enlargement, the fear of the surgeon's knife with its psychological scare is removed while cost, in the long run, is minimised.

"Basically, there are many who cannot afford the cost of surgery for prostate enlargement and therefore resort to self help or in a worst case scenario,

Stories by Wale Adepoju

abandon themselves to fate," he said.

With immunotherapy, Olagunju said, all that is required is a reactivation of the body cells through natural means and the prostate will shrink.

He explained: "Researchers have found that abnormal growth in prostate tissues often corresponds to deficiencies in glutathione enzymes. One of such is glutathione Stransferese, which has several sub-types. The balance of these sub-types varies from normal prostate tissue to hypertrophic or hyperplasic prostates to cancerous prostates.

"Immunotherapy researchers have identified that deficiencies in these enzyme system heightens the development of both an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer.”

He said: "The objective of immunotherapy treatment strategy for prostate enlargement is to use several Immunotherapy tools available to balance these

•Olagunju

sub-types of glutathione enzymes by changing intracellular glutathione (GSH).

When this is achieved, the GSH's function of maintaining

cellular redox state ensures that the prostate cells are healthy. Hence, the prostate tissues become healthier.Moreover, glutathione modulation heightens the function of Dendritic cells (a type of B-cells responsible for activating T-cell).

These cells then recognizes prostate antigen when activated. Once activated, they induce the NK-cell (a type of T-cell) that targets prostate antigens, destroys them and restore normal function of the prostate gland. Positive result of this strategy can be observed within 30 days of administration."

He identified ignorance of the patient about the progression of prostate enlargement as the major problem.

"Unfortunately, many people do not know the symptoms of prostate enlargement, thereby making it difficult for them to seek medical help in good time," he said.

Olagunju has been a consultant with a medical research institute for more than 10 years.

On the symptoms, he advised men who are over 40 to look out for some signs. They are urinating twice or more at night, hav-

ing start-stop urine stream, hurrying to the rest room to urinate, weak urine stream, having dribbling or leaking urine or high PSA. He said by not seeking medical help in time, a patient may have bladder or kidney damage, which is life threatening.

But with immunotherapy, the body cells are reenergised to shrink the enlarged prostate without the need for surgery.

Also, a patient will not need to pay a high cost as well as avoid psychological stress. Immunotherapy as a method of treatment focuses on making the body cells active to respond to its natural duties of protecting the body, he said.

"The body is built in such a way that it is meant to take care of itself. When the body cells are weakened, it begins to fail in its responsibilities and sickness creeps in. When any form of ailment is noticed, the ideal thing therefore is to find which of the cells that are malfunctioning or dead and reactivate them. To that extent, most of the ailments threatening mankind today have been discovered to be easily curable with healthy body cells. In a nutshell, immunotherapy emphasises on strong and healthy immunity," he added.

NAFDAC boss praises herbal care •Firm celebrates anniversary, holds awards

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HE National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has lauded herbal experts for supporting the health care system.

Its Director-General, Dr Paul Orhii said the use of herbal medicines locally and worldwide has increased.

Orhii, represented by Mrs Esther Amuta, spoke at the Kedi Health Care awards and anniversary.

Orhii said: "In recent years, the World Health Organisation (WHO) states that over 70 per cent of the world's population depends on herbal medicine products as a primary source of health care."

He said the Federal Ministry of Health mandated states to establish traditional medicine boards in 1994 to enhance the development of herbal medicine and facilitate their contributions to the healthcare system.

"Since inception, NAFDAC has encouraged the acceptability and accessibility of traditional medicine through its regulatory efforts," he added.

President, Kedi Health Care Products, Mr Williams Zhao praised the government for giving them the platform and the enabling environment to operate.

He thanked stakeholders for their efforts, which made it possible for the firm to produce and deliver qualitative herbal medicine.

He said though the company had some economic challenges, it was able to overcome them. It

provides quality services in the highly competitive market of herbal products, he added.

He said Kedi would establish Chinese clinics in the country to enhance its partnership with the government and the sector, and improve healthcare.

Zhao said the company has over 250,000 distributors nationwide. They also have branches in the United Kingdom, Dubai, United States, Malaysia and other parts of Africa.

The company's Southwest Regional Manager Prince Samuel Okunade said the company not only makes available qualitative herbal products, it also provides jobs to empower people.

"An example of such is the award in which over 47 cars and eight houses were given to some distributors who excelled in 2011," he said.

P r e s i d e n , F i d s o n Pharmaceuticals, Mr Fidelis Abayae, said the acceptance of Kedi products is a boost to the sector, especially with the support of NAFDAC to ensure that only quality pharmaceutical herbal products produced with the highest safety standards are given to people.

He commended Kedi, which has given out over 130 cars and houses, under six years of operating in Nigeria.

He said the company has empowered some people and contributed positively to the country's economic growth.

•From left: Managing Director, Health Forever Limited, Otunba Olajuwon Okubena; a Haematologist, Dr Doyin Dosunmu and Dr Doris Gbemiloye of Genotype Foundation, during a get-together with people living with sickle cell at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

PHOTO: OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA

Nigerians urged to drink more milk

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IGERIANS have been urged to drink milk daily and regularly for good health.

According to the wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, milk is good for the young and old because it maintains the body, heart and soul which equals to welness.

Mrs Fashola, who spoke at the flag off of Peak’s Drink everyday campaign in Lagos, said milk helps the skin and students’ brains to be at alert.

“Milk also helps to boost our energy because of the essential

nutrients present in it,” she said.

Consultant Nutritionist Mrs Sherese Ijewere said milk provides power, beauty and strength when taken daily and in the right quantity.

“It can be taken hot, cold or warm.

It contains protein, which builds bones and muscle tissues. Milk also has calcium, which supports the teeth, bones and muscle. There is Vitamins D and A, which is ensures that people have healthy skin, and good vision. Also, milk has magnesium, potassium and folic acid among other minerals and vitamins which strengthen the body,” she added.

Mrs Ijewere said milk helps in rehydration, adding that it can be in different forms, such as yoghurt, cheese and ice cream.

Deputy Managing Director, Frisland Campina, WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Peter Eshikena, said Nigerians don’t drink enough milk.

According to him, the country only consume eight and a half killogrammes of milk per capita compared with Holland’s 320kg.

“Chad takes 22kg of milk yearly while Ghana like Nigeria consumes eight and a half killogramme of milk,” he added.

46

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

NATURAL HEALTH

For big sister, as she crosses the rubicon (3) T

HE rains are here in full force. Traditionally, July is when the rain hits hardest. Many people were swept away by floods in July last year. Last Tuesday, July 10, was the first anniversary of one of the worst rains in Lagos. One man and his wife were swept away in their Jeep, and their bodies were recovered days after in different parts of Lagos. Snakes, uprooted by floods from their homes in shallow rivers, ponds and marshland, bit some people who waded through the floods, and they died after. One man who climbed a tree, to avoid being swept away in a flood, sighted a snake at the tree top, jumped into the fiery flood and was carried away. The rains brought too many harrowing stories than the heart could hold. This column wondered then: could underground water have risen higher, to join water from melting Antartic ice cap? Compounded by blocked or inadequate drainage, could this be an unfolding of preditictions that coastal towns and cities would disappear when a land mass, once sunken, rises from the Atlantic, displacing water which would overrun these low lands?

While we contemplate this, we cannot forget this is the season many people like or hate for various reasons. Umbrella makers and sellers, shoe menders, shower caps and raincoat vendors, tea and pepper soup sellers, among other groups, are enjoying peak business. Fruit sellers, because many fruits are blood and body cooling by nature, are experiencing business slacks because practically everyone needs something to warm himself or herself up. This is a hell of a time for constitutionally weak people, like my very good acquaintance who cannot bathe with cold water or survive 30 minutes in the rain. At the sight of the gathering clouds or distant flashes of lightening or roars of thunder, he rushes home from wherever he is, to the warm bossom of his wife. When I say "constitutional weak", I refer to people who, at the cellular level, do not have enough of every substance which each of about 100 trillion cells in an adult body needs to have to be in optimal health. Recomposing the blood and the cells to make them hit peak performance is, therefore, not a bad idea for such people.

Lest we forget, this series is a response to the question of a reader of this column, Mrs. M, who has just turned 70, regarding what nutritional supplements people of that age need to take with food to extend their lives, and be pain and disease free.

The rain

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NE of the weakest points of many people, old or young, at this time is the respiratory or breath ing system, the lungs in particular. The coming of the rains means vegetation is greening up and pollen, like the mushrooming mushroom in its season, fills the air and the fields. Inhalation of pollen aggravates breathing difficulties in people who are susceptible to it, which is why bee honey is contra-indicated for asthmatics except, perhaps, if taken in homeopathic doses.

Germs which had lain dormant in hot, dehydrating weather, protected by chitinous covering, breaks free in wet weather to restart their lives. The lungs of many people, for many reasons, are cold, not warm. Ambient cold temperature or cool weather worsens this condition. The body may respond by driving the blood circulation inwards, to warm up vital organs, including the lungs, which is why, deprived of adequate warmth from within, the skin feels cold, and piles of clothes have to be worn to keep warm. That's why old people are fond of sweaters, snuff, hot tea, coffee, spirits (hot drink), the good old hot water bottle, and warm or hot baths. Interestingly, I used to be a warm bath person up till about 10 years ago when the rising cost of electricity, among other factors, midwifed an adjustment. Now, I can even sleep all through a cool night, sans clothes. What I still cannot stand is air-conditioning over a long period. My body appears to want to freeze. For my friends, who in this season, are under the weather and must sleep under the blanket, bathe warm or hot water, return to Coffee Mate, or who are coughing, sneezing, running noses, clearing blocked or bleeding, infected noses, or whose bronchitis and coughing have worsened, or whose asthma attacks are degenerating, I have a few words.

The system is COLD and CONGESTED, is BREEDING GERMS, requires DETOXIFICATION, DECONSTITUTION and WARMING up to improve IMMUNE FUNCTION and improve ENERGY OUTPUT. The bottom line is that ENERGY is LIFE, anything without enough energy to power it is cold, weak, lifeless, a prey to predators. Imagine what would happen to the earth if the fire burning inside it were to burn out, or if the sun were to come to the end of its life and die. It, too, would die! That's what happens to us when the body's heating system goes off. Cold, congestion, germs, deconstitution, energy loss and disease, among others, are a network of events which, in different ways, are illustrated by two reports I received on FACEBOOK last week, and which I'd like to share. But I would like, before doing that, to quickly share the recipes I have discussed with some of my friends who are having prob-

enza and sore throat." The place of detoxification is eminently underscored by the following reports I received on the facebook last week.

First Report

S

lems with either their breathing, or suffering from some ailments, such as arthritis, which tend to flare in the cold, rainy season:

Congestion

I

F you block one nostril and exhale through the other, and the air doesn't flow freely, you probably have a nasal blockage somewhere, a symptom of inflammation, perhaps, in other parts of the body as well. That's not for today. I am looking, rather, at Dr. Catherine Northrup's suggestion about possible implications of Subnormal sodium levels in the blood. Subnormal sodium level may follow overconsumption of potassium, prolonged abstinence from sodium or low blood sugar. Low blood sugar triggers low calcium, low oxygen, low protein and low sodium. Low sodium, in turn, triggers leakage of blood plasma into tissue, which may reduce blood volume. Plasma leaked into tissue may cause migraine (brain), glaucoma (eyes), asthma (lungs) or bronchitis (bronchioles). The ensuing congestion, in the lungs, for example, may cause deoxygenation, microbial germ proliferation, endo and exotoxin build-ups, inflammation, air passage blockages, coughing and those other symptoms associated with bronchitis and asthma.

Traditionally, Golden seal root or Echinacea or the proprietary brands of both herbs are used to eliminate the germs, while herbs, such as Mullein, a demulcent, and fenugreek is used to loosen or dissolve phlegm build-up for expectoration. These days, there are more ''heavily'' compounded proprietary brands, such as Amazon Lung support, Bell's Breathing Relief Tea, Shark Liver Oil and Bell's Decongesting Tea. They house several herbs for lung health. Amazon Lung Support, for example, comprises seven, and is used for bronchodilation, asthma, bronchitis, emphesema, pulmunary sarcoldosis and upper respiratory tract infections.

To curb blood plasma leakages, Sea-salt is added to meals or it may be taken with a glass of water or fruit juice. The Natrum (sodium) series of biochemic, homeopathic cell salts taken on empty stomach also help.

These are Natrium phos. Natrum mur, and Natrum Sulph. Ferrum phosphate, another of the 12 cell salts, breaks blockages, tackles inflammation, oxygenates and provides homeopathic organic iron, which is deficient in many old people and a cause of headaches, tiredness and anemia. Kali Sulph complements Ferrum phos.

It oxygenates the inside of the cell, while Ferrum phos. is active on the outside. Where Jobelyn, the antioxidant blood and immune builder joins forces with them, as in sickle cell therapy, the lungs are well airated. The better, still, when Cayenne and /or Gingko biloba, powerful movers of blood is in the train. Together, they build blood count, provide oxygen, generate heat and drive blood circulation. FENUCREEK breaks phlegm. Sodium thins down mucus congestion, and frees the lungs. In their HOMEOPATHIC CELL SALT REMEDIES, Nigey Lennon and Lionel Rolfe suggest: OR ASTHMA: "The main remedy ... is Natrium Sulph. But in this complex disorder, specific con ditions often call for other remedies. Silica helps when the condition is aggravated by a dusty atmosphere. Nervous asthma is helped by Kali Phos. Bronchial asthma accompanied by yellow sputum calls for Cal. Phos. Kali. Phos. in frequent strong doses is the remedy for laboured breathing. Kali. Mur is indicated when there are stomach or bowel upsets.

FOR BRONCHITIS: "When bronchitis first comes on, take ferrum phos. In the second stage, add Kali Mur. If you have green expectoration, take Kali Sulph and Natrum mur. Ferrum phosphate and Kali mur should be taken for all chronic condition: colds, coughs, influ-

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e-mail: www. olufemikusa@yahoo.com

ENT by my 1964-1968 'O'Level classmate at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, Adekunle Onifade, it is entitled: C-CAUTION. Possibly written by Josephine Q Carrena, it reads: "Bottled water in your car is very dangerous!

"On the Ellen Show, Sheryl Crow said this is what caused her breast cancer.

"It has been identified as the most common cause of the high levels of DIOXIN (capitals and emphasis mine) in breast cancer tissue.

"Sheryl Crow," oncologist (cancer doctor) told her: 'women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car' "The heat reacts with the plastic of the bottle which releases dioxin into the water.

"DIOXIN" is a toxin increasingly found in breast cancer tissue.

So please be careful and do not drink bottled water that has been left in a car "Pass this on to all the women in your life. This information is the kind we need to know that just might save us. Use stainless steel canteen or a glass bottle instead of plastic. Let every one who has a wife/daughter know, please. This information is also being circulated at Walter Reed Army medical Centre. No plastic container in microwaves. No plastic water bottles in freezers. No plastic wrap in microwaves.

"Dioxin chemical causes cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to cells in our bodies.

Don't freeze plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxin from the plastic.

"Recently, the Wellness Programme Manager at Castle Hospital was on a TV programme to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said the combination of fat, high heat and plastic releases dioxin into the food. Instead, he recommended using glass, such as pyres or ceramic containers for heating food.

"You get the same result, but without the toxin. Please let us not only educate ourselves only as women, but present a common call against production of plastic bottled water, but glass bottled water. Meanwhile, talk to the retailers and wholesalers not to stack bottled water in the sun". Comment.

IOXINS are in all plastics. A few months ago, this column asked: HOW SAFE IS YOUR BOTTLED WATER? It showed that, worldwide, plastic bottling companies are required to indicate at the bottom of plastic bottles how safe their bottles are.

The indications are certain numbers which denote safe, unsafe, dangerous etc. No plastic bottle carries these numbers in Nigeria! So, all kinds of unsafe bottles are used in food packaging. Plastic bottles have expiry dates. These are not indicated. Long after they have expired, these bottles are used to sell palm oil, groundnut oil, all sorts of drinks. These bottles are exposed to direct sunlight. So are those of packaged bottled water.

Even if we can avoid all these, what of plastic water tanks and the new booking culture in home and restaurant kitchens which has abandoned leaf wrappers for food and gone for cellophanes to wrap pounded yam, moinmoin, agidi, eba, amala, fufu etc. What of dioxin from carpets and mattresses? How many people wrap mattresses with heavy blankets to prevent inhalation of dioxin rays? There is, indeed, in Nigeria not just fire on the rooftop but on mountain top. Dioxin is not only in breast tissue but in all tissues ... brain , eye, lungs, name it. Since we live in a plastic world, only by helping the body get rid of poisons through detoxification can the many health dangers of dioxin and other poisons be avoided or minimised.

D

Second report The result of an international report, it reconfirms the structure of the human brain as a soft computer- like keyboard. If a key underfunctions or overworks, the body misbehaves. The point at tissue is a microfirm found in cat's faeces and in vegetables, which is present in the blood of many people. In the brain, it strikes a letter key in the "keyboard", which predisposes women in particular to suicide. The research isn't surprising because, compared with Africa, the cat is a common pet in Europe where many women end up killing themselves.

Of interest to aging people should be the fact that shortage of stomach acid, pancreatic enzymes, systematic enzymes and friendly bacteria in old people account somewhat for why these microfirms are not killed by the body in the digestive system, and they end up in the blood which takes them to the brain or elsewhere. So, this is the age to supplement with stomach, pancreatic and intestinal digestive aids. Now, the report:

Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

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e-Business HALF YEAR REVIEW

Subscribers still grapple with poor service A

N1.17 billion fine, steady decline of the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a ‘threatening’ Oronsaye report, an Econet/Bharti Airtel tussle and an NCC/NESREA faceoff; it had been a momentous first six months of 2012 across the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

In the first half of the year, operators and regulators attempted to address multiple regulations and taxation, slow Internet connectivity, inadequate power supply, insecurity of telecommunications infrastructure, rights of way issues, and registration of SIM cards, among other challenges, in the sector.

But poor Quality of Service (QoS) was, perhaps, the most challenging for operators and subscribers; sticking out among other challenges in the sector like a sore thumb.

As the subscribers complained of inability to make and receive calls and loss of valuable airtime in the process, operators also lamented that poor connectivity was robbing them of subscriber trust and loyalty.

This was a recurring decimal in the first half, forcing the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to establish minimum parameters of service quality, or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as industry benchmarks for QoS. Failure of some of the operators to meet the KPIs earned them a N1.17billion fine. MTN and Etisalat were fined N360 million each; Airtel got N270 million and Globacom, N180 million.

IT While the telecoms sector was lamenting poor services, the Information Technology (IT) sector said it was facing ‘hard times.’ Vice President of the Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria (ITAN), Mr Amos Emmanuel, admitted that the past six months was ‘tough’ for the industry.

“This is one country where government is measuring success without a commensurate relationship with development of local capacity, patronage of local services and products or reasonable political agenda that offer enabling operating environment to industries and businesses, which could have given boost to the demand that the IT sector deserves,” he said.

He was, however, optimistic that the next six months “would have properly shaped our U-turn from the IT industry’s bearishness that had lasted over three years.”

•Mrs Johnson Stories by Adline Atili

CDMA In terms of sectoral development, it was a difficult first six months for the CDMA sub-sector. The sub-sector witnessed consistent drop in its subscriber base from 4.4million in January to 3.9 million in April.

Data for the months of May and June were, however, not available at the time of writing this report. The fixed wired/ wireless sector did not fare well either. Out of 2.3million connected lines as at April 2012, only 566,758 lines were active, with total loss of 121,575 lines in four months.

Given the dynamic nature of the Global system for Mobile Communications (GSM) sector, subscriber base of the four players in the sector hit 96.6million in April, up from 91million in January,

•Juwah

with total connected lines estimated at 120.5million.

ICT The Ministry of Communications Technology, however, assured that it had set in motion a number of initiatives to fast track development of the ICT sector.

According to the minister, Mrs Omobola Johnson, harmonisation and finalisation of a policy document that will be the bedrock of ICT development in the country was already in place.

“Following the unveiling of the draft policy and wide consultations with stakeholders, the finalisation of the document will be ready soon,” she said.

To improve quality of service in the telecoms industry, the minister said since the beginning of the year, several collaborations had been entered into by the min-

‘In the first half of the year, operators and regulators attempted to address multiple regulations and taxation, slow Internet connectivity, inadequate power supply, insecurity of telecommunications infrastructure, rights of way issues, and registration of SIM cards, among other challenges, in the sector’

istry for the benefit of subscribers. In collaboration with the Ministry of Works, she said the ministry in the first half of the year, had successfully achieved new Right of Way guidelines that will ensure QoS delivery in the industry.

Additionally, the ministry is in talks with the Ministry of the Environment on guidelines for deployment of base stations for enhanced service quality. As part of roadmap for the remaining half of the year, Mrs Johnson announced that the ministry is in the process of facilitating build out of a robust, ubiquitous and cost effective broadband network aimed at increasing broadband penetration in the country.

“These guidelines will facilitate the accelerated roll out of a broadband infrastructure that includes a connected national backbone, regional rings, metro rings and fibre-to-the-cabinet that should increase broadband penetration from six per cent to about 20 per cent by 2015,” she said.

The minister added that before the end of the year, two incubation centres-in Abuja and Tinapa, Cross Rivers Statewill be developed to provide enabling environment for software development.

On local content development, she said: “The Ministry is also focused on increasing domestic value added in the ICT industry. We are currently working on local content guidelines that will be issued towards the end of 2012, which will result in an increase in domestic value added to the ICT industry.”

Till date, registered email accounts in government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have hit 69,000, as part of the ministry’s drive to ensure migration to the .ng country code domain name.

On the part of the NCC, increase in regulation and enforcement on quality service delivery by the operators, which it started at the beginning of the year would be intensified in the remaining months of the year.

NCC’s executive Vice Chairman, Dr Eugene Juwah, who spoke through the Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Reuben Muoka, said before now, there was no clear-cut regulation. He added that a robust regulation guiding the measurement and monitoring of QoS in the network, in addition to the proposed Mobile Number Portability scheme that would commence towards the end of the year, would ensure operators live up to their responsibilities to subscribers.

The operators on their part, while appealing to the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for steady growth of the sector, have promised continued investments and improved service delivery in the remaining months of the year.

Expert makes case for local content development

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HE Federal Government has been urged to support Information Technology (IT)-driven projects that enhance employment opportunities and economic growth.

President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Mr Demola Aladekomo, who made the call in Lagos, noted that government agencies should use Nigerians and local firms to execute projects instead of importing products and solutions, thereby boosting job creation in other countries.

He said: “Importing payroll software into Nigeria is a crime against humanity. Any government agency doing that

is working against the interest of Nigerians. It is a massive concern, and all of us should condemn it.

“There is no doubt about it. IT is the major tool for change and innovation today with massive potential to contribute to economic growth and development, and to improve the lives of the people.

“For Nigerians to fulfil their potential and diversify the economy away from oil, Nigeria needs to move beyond consumption and activity. Promotion of local content development in IT is crucial to growing the economy.”

Aladekomo emphasised the need for

the government to encourage projects, such as outsourcing and call centre operations to create jobs for Nigerians.

He said in carrying out its advocacy efforts, NCS adopts a national outlook in line with its commitment to accelerating the pace of IT development and promoting digital inclusion.

The NCS boss added that the organisation is committed to facilitating the development of an information and knowledge-based economy in which Nigerians deploy and exploit IT to gain significant social, economic and educational benefits and fulfil their potentials.

In achieving this, Aladekomo said NCS, a platform for the advancement of IT in Nigeria, annually organises events such as the Nigeria Information Technology Exhibition (NITEX) 2012, the Computer Science/Information Technology Research and Development Workshop and the International Research Consortium on Information Technology Innovations, designed to promote Information and Communications Technology solutions that employ local capacity to improve the lives of Nigerians and move the nation forward.

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e-Business Airtel partners Police on security

Experts advocate A integrating IT in building E XPERTS have advocated the need for developers to adopt ‘intelligent building system’ in building edifices and multi-tenancy complexes.

They urged surveyors to be at the vanguard of charting a new direction for the development of Information Technology (IT)compliant building infrastructure, which they say had become imperative as a way of uniting diverse solutions within a building and ultimately lowering costs.

At the annual Continuing Professional Development lecture organised by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in Lagos, Managing Director of a systems integration firm, Resourcery, Mr Tani Fafunwa, defined an intelligent building as one that has its heating, ventilation and air-

Stories by Adline Atili

conditioning (HVAC); fire alarm; security and power source, all inter-connected and controlled from a single point through technology.

Fafunwa explained that in traditional buildings, each of the mentioned facilities operate as an independent entity but in intelligent buildings, they are fully integrated and work as a unit.

“For example, if a smoke detector system sounds an alarm in the event of a smoke, the fire control subsystem will communicate with the HVAC system which would automatically close air vents. This in turn will signal the security subsystem to unlock all doors so tenants may exit the building.

“Building developers, mostly

home owners and tenants demand tremendous value and performance from their facilities. This clearly means that such properties must provide cost effective, productive, safe and conducive working environments.

“To achieve this, however, requires operational efficiency that generates cost savings on one hand and enhanced services which translate to comfort and higher productivity, on the other hand.”

Chairman of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, Nigeria, Mr Austin Onawo, said gone are the days when surveyors see smart buildings as a thing of the ‘future.’

According to him, the time had come for incorporation of IT into building plans for efficiency and safety.

IRTEL Nigeria has promised to support and collaborate with the Lagos State Police Command on security of lives and property.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rajan Swaroop, who described the art of policing as a collective responsibility of all, assured that the Telco would proactively engage the state police, as well as collaborate with them to promote public good.

“I am sure you will agree with me that the art of policing is a collective responsibility. Airtel appreciates this fact that is why we proactively engage the Lagos State Police Command and we are always willing to collaborate with them to promote public good.

“In the past, we have done quite a lot to support the Nigeria Police.

At present, we have quite a few projects with the police. And since policing is an ongoing concern, we will continue to partner with them to protect lives and property in Lagos,” he said.

He said this while hosting the Lagos State Commissioner for Police, Mr Umar Manko, who visited him at Airtel headquarters in Lagos.

Manko praised Airtel for supporting the state police command in maintaining peace and order.

He said: “I value the relationship the Lagos State Police Command has with Airtel that is why I decided to make Airtel my first place of call. Indeed, this is a testimony to the shared relationship with Airtel and I want to thank them for their assistance thus far.”

UN Award fuels technologies

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HE United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in partnership with the African Innovation Foundation (AIF), has announced the 2013 Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA). The prize aims to support efforts to develop new products, increase efficiency and drive cost-savings on the continent.

In pursuing those aims, the organisers expect increased commercialisation of research and development (R&D) outputs in Africa; increased funding of start-ups; adoption of new and emerging technologies; accelerated growth of an innovative and dynamic private sector; and increased economic activity and African-led development that results in lasting impact.

In a statement, the organisers said researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators will be invited to propose projects that unlock new potential in Africa under one of five categories: ICT applications; agriculture and agribusiness; health and well-being; environment, energy and water; and manufacturing and services industries.

Chairman, Walter Fust said: “The IPA team believes the best way to build Africa’s capacity is to invest in local innovation and entrepreneurship.”

The organisers are optimistic the prize will mobilise leaders from all sectors to fuel African innovation; promote innovation across Africa in key sectors of interest through the competition; promote science, technology and engineering as rewarding, exciting and noble career options; and encourage entrepreneurs, innovators, funding bodies and business development service providers to exchange ideas and explore innovative business opportunities.

Globacom expands recharge options

G •From left: Deputy Inspector-General of Police (C Department), Mr Kachin Udoji; Globacom's Head of Public Sector Mr Tunde Amunikoro and Commissioner of Police in charge of Police Cooperative Society, Mr Oshodi Glover, at the launch of Globacom Closed User Group facility in Abuja.

MTN, Etisalat support education

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HIEF Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Steven Evans, has reiterated the company’s commitment to driving sustainable educational development and equipping youths with skills and knowledge for nation building.

At the Africa CEO Roundtable and Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) organised by ThistlePraxis Consulting in Calabar, Cross River State, Evans said the company’s CSR initiative is focused on education, for the achievement of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

“At Etisalat Nigeria, we believe that education is the bedrock of development, and is a prerequisite to development of the economy, in addition to access to food and health care,” he said.

He said the ‘Adopt-A-School’ initiative, career counselling and mentoring scheme, Etisalat Teacher Training Programme, as well as the Etisalat CSR Centre in partnership with the Lagos Business School, were among various CSR interventions in education.

Evans highlighted the fact that the Federal Government had demon-

strated commitment to achieving the MDGs, especially with regards to education.

He urged other corporate organisations to partner with the government in helping to facilitate a revival of the sector.

MTN Nigeria has also pledged support for the nation’s educational development through programmes and initiatives aimed at encouraging scholarship.

The company’s Human Resources Executive, Mrs Amina Oyagbola, stated this in Lagos, at the closing ceremony of the 21 Days of Y’ello Care, its CSR and staff volunteerism initiative, observed annually across all operating units.

With the company’s commitment to improving the nation’s education sector, the 2012 edition of 21 Days of Y’ello Care was focused on improving the falling education standards, providing an enabling environment for learning and promoting gender equality in education by investing in the education of the girl child.

“The focus of this year’s activities was inspiring and empowering learning, under the theme: Investing in Education for all. We sought to achieve this goal through vari-

ous activities which are aimed at promoting a reading culture among school children, providing necessary educational materials to encourage learning and promoting gender equality in education by investing in education of the girl child,” Mrs Oyagbola said.

Part of activities lined up to mark the programme included the GCE (Girl Child Education) pledge which required staff members to make pledges to support education of the girl child; the Y’ello Spelling Bee, which gave school children opportunity to improve their learning ability; the library upgrade project under which the company upgraded libraries in 15 schools across the country; and the BeNice initiative, which involved donations of books and other educational materials, as well as the traditional Y’ello Basket for staff members to make donations in support of the project.

While listing the achievements recorded this year, Mrs Oyagbola said, among other accomplishments, six reading clubs were set up in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt; teaching activities were held in 67 schools across the country, even as over N400,000 was raised toward the girl child education.

LOBACOM’S international top-up cards are now available in over 400,000 outlets in the United Kingdom (UK), United States (US) and Canada, the company has announced. This makes it possible for Glo subscribers to recharge instantly while roaming abroad or receive instant airtime from friends and family overseas.

The company said the Nigerian expatriate community in North America and Europe which is estimated at over five million can get instant access to Glo international mobile top-up cards through its expansive retail distribution network in these countries; adding that top-ups can be bought at Point of Sales (PoS) terminals, retail stores and online through the TransferTo website which instantly transfers credit directly to the phone of the subscriber.

Globacom’s Executive Director, Adewale Sangowawa said the move was expected to further improve the connection between Nigerians in the Diaspora and their loved ones through international airtime transfer.

“We are excited that Glo subscribers who are roaming abroad can now easily pick up top-up cards and recharge their phones, thereby staying connected to business associates, family and friends both at home and abroad.

All they need to do is to buy the cards at the nearest retail store or recharge online,” he said.

Sangowawa said with over 350 roaming partners in 165 countries worldwide, including major commercial hubs, such as the UK, US, France, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, India and China, the company’s prepaid roaming footprint had spread to over 50 destinations worldwide.

Visafone rewards customers

V

ISAFONE is rewarding customers with free airtime as part of its commitment to adding value to their lives and redefining freedom in communication.

The initiative, according to the company, is aimed at giving customers who buy a new Huawei 2857 data-enabled handset, free N500 recharge card voucher at any Visafone outlet nationwide.

In a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Joseph Ushigiale, the free airtime was to reward customers and show the brand’s commitment to their welfare and aspirations.

Managing Director, Mr Sailesh Iyer, explained that a customer who buys a Huawei 2857 dataenabled handset automatically

qualifies for a SIM card and free N500 recharge card, adding that the scheme is also applicable to all existing subscribers who wish to change their handsets without having to buy a new SIM card.

The mid-end phone has features such as FM radio, UCweb Browser, torch and a large memory to store text messages as well as contacts.

Additionally, the company announced it has repackaged its EVDO data plans to give customers value and unlimited access to the Internet at highspeed. According to the Visafone boss, “With the new plan, customers will get 2GB data for one month along with EVDO modem at N6,999 and 3GB for two months with EVDO modem at N9,999.”

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EQUITIES

Equities recover N42b

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11-7-12

CTIVITIES closed sturdier at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday with increased volume and value. Market capitalisation gained N42 billion, representing 0.60 per cent appreciation, to close higher at N7.104 trillion. Also, the index improved by 133.24 absolute points, representing 0.60 per cent appreciation to close higher at 22,253.71 points.

This performance according to market operators, showed positive outlook. They noted that volume has been growing outward in recent period.

Gains posted by some highly capitalised stocks including Access Bank (1.32 per cent), Unilever (3.23 per cent), United Bank for Africa (4.89 per cent), GT Bank (1.27 per cent), Guinness (0.89 per cent) and Zenith Bank (five per cent) had a greater impact on the upturn.

The shares of UBA, which

A

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

ranked as number two on the gainer’s list, surged to a two month high after the bank said pre-tax profit for the first half of the year more than doubled to N31.84 billion.

As a top tier bank, it rose by almost five per cent to N4.29 by close of trading, at a value of N141 billion and helped to lift the index.

Market analysts attributed the bank’s improved performance to operational efficiency, as its total operating expense dropped by 12 per cent in the period under review.

According to analysts at GT Asset management Limited, “UBA’s net asset per share currently stands at N4.23 and trades at a price to book value of 0.97x.”

Analysts said second quarter results boosted activities in the banking sector, as buyers responded to

impressive earnings by select banks.

CCNN caved to supply pressure as it lost full points with closing sentiments that could lead to further losses today. Ashaka Cement also shed less than 1.0 per cent, though bids and offers were fairly matched at close of the session. Dangote Cement and Lafarge Wapco, however, recorded no change trading less than 100,000 units each in spite of robust demand for both stocks.

Profit taking shaved off 4.9 per cent from Dangote Flour; also heading south in the food and beverages sector were Cadbury, Flour Mills and Nascon.

In all, investors traded 392.804 million shares worth N3.050 billion across 3,909 deals. The Finance services sector as usual thrilled as the most sought after stock with 304.132 million shares worth N1.671 billion in 2,139 deals.

Brokers launch new qualification scheme

T

HE Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has introduced a new professional qualification scheme that will enable undergraduates and those who aspire to work in the financial services industry to obtain initial qualification and proceed to qualify as chartered stockbrokers.

Speaking at the media presentation of the CIS Professional Diploma in Securities and Investment yesterday in Lagos, president, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Ariyo Olushekun, said the introduction of the new qualification scheme was in response to the yearnings of several non-finance professionals and undergraduates who were desirous of obtaining qualifica-

tion as chartered brokers or certified investment and finance professionals.

With the CIS Professional Diploma in Securities and Investment, anyone with a minimum entry requirement of five ‘O’ level credit passes including English and Mathematics or a non-finance graduate can undertake the professional diploma as preliminary stage to enter the CIS professional examination. Upon successful completion of the professional diploma, candidates can proceed to the final stage of the CIS professional examination.

Olushekun said the new professional diploma would serve as foundation for anyone wishing to start or

progress his career within the financial services industry. He added that it has been designed to provide participants with overview of all key areas of securities and investment.

He pointed out that undergraduates can now start and even complete the CIS professional examination before graduating contrary to the previous provision that set first degree and equivalent qualifications as minimum entry requirement into the CIS professional examination.

“With this new programme, an important gateway has been created to meet the demand of a teeming population of Nigerians who have been itching for an alternative entry route into the CIS professional qualification scheme,” Olushekun said.

He added that the basic qualification provides attractive terminal value for employees working in financial services industry and would further enhance the professionalism in the industry.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11-7-12

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MONEY LINK

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OREIGN reserves dropped to $36.49 billion in July 10, from $37.46 billion three weeks earlier, losing about $970 million within the period.

According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) website, the reserves stood at $37.46 billion as at June 15, 2012.

The reserve, which opened the week on Monday at $36.5 billion was $37 billion as at July 4, 2010, and were up to $68 billion in August 2008 before the global financial crises impacted negatively on it.

The apex bank had consis-

Foreign reserves shed $970m in three weeks Stories by Collins Nweze

tently maintained that inflow into the reserves was not consistent with the oil prices and, this underscored 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

reliance on monetary tightening measures.

Analysts said the decline in reserves will weaken the naira against major world currencies.

The local currency yesterday, eased to its lowest in a week against the dollar on the interbank market on renewed demand for the dollar.

It fell to N161.30 to the dollar on the interbank, erasing recent gains and compared with its N161.05 close on Tuesday.

conserving resources and withstanding external shocks.

The apex bank has also said there is 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

CBN: Nigeria lags behind in payment penetration

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said the country is lagging behind South Africa in the area of formal payments’ penetration. In a report detailing the international benchmarking for financial inclusion, the apex bank said Nigeria has 36 per cent formal payment penetration, as against South Africa’s 59 per cent and Kenya’s 52 per cent.

It said Nigeria is behind Uganda by 34 per cent, Ghana, 28 per cent, Tanzania, 13 per cent, Rwanda, 12 per cent and Zambia, 8 per cent.

By Akinola Ajibade

On mobile payment, the apex bank said Nigeria scored 0 per cent in term of mobile payment transactions, Mexico, 25 per cent, Indonesia, 40 per cent, Brazil, 43 per cent, South Africa, 46 per cent, Kenya, 46 per cent and Malaysia 60 per cent.

CBN said: “Despite the high penetration of mobile phones in Nigeria, the use of mobile banking is yet to gain momentum. This is underscored by the fact that mobile payment is relatively new and yet to achieve

mainstream status.”

The banking watchdog said the Nigeria is a midfield player in Africa in terms of access to formal savings product, compared to Malaysia. The banking watchdog added that Malaysia has 2,063 savings accounts per 1000 people, while Nigeria has 461 savings accounts to 1000 people.

Others are Kenya, 381 savings accounts to 1000 people, Indonesia, 505 savings accounts to 1000 people, South Africa, 839 savings accounts to 1000 people, and Mexico, 1,096 savings ac-

counts to 1000 people.

Speaking on the issue, an official, Shared Services Office, CBN, Chidi Umeano, said the process of financial inclusion has just started in the country. He said with time, the country would progress in formal payment penetration.

He said the apex bank has licensed mobile payment operators, introduced cashless economy programme, provide Point of Sale(PoS) terminals among other initiatives to reduce the figures of the unbanked population in the country.

BBC, Powerlight hold business luncheon

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OWERLIGHT Communications and BBC Advertising, member of BBC Worldwide, will next week, hold a business luncheon in Lagos to showcase the various opportunities inherent in the joint arrangement.

A statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Powerlight Communications,

Kayode Akinyemi, said the event will be attended by the BBC’s Vice President, Europe, Africa and Latin America, Sean O’Hara, Katie Waxman, BBC Advertising Director for Africa and other top management staff of the Corporation.

Guests expected at the event are captains of industry from the various sectors suchas: bank-

ing, telecommunications, oil and gas, advertising practitioners, manufacturing, media and others.

The event is expected to bring to light the various potential opportunities Nigerian businesses stand to benefit from the venture and new programme offerings dedicated to Africa.

Another statement from Katie

Waxman, the BBC Advertising Director for Africa, reads in part: “Please join the BBC and our new local advertising representative, Powerlight Communications, on Tuesday 17 July for an exclusive insight into commercial opportunities around new and relevant content across BBC World News, Digital and Lonely planet.”

FGN BONDS 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

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

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

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 11-7-12 SYMBOL

ZENITHBANK UBA UBN PZ DIAMONDBNK PAINTCOM EVANSMED LIVESTOCK MAYBAKER UNILEVER

O/PRICE

14.01 4.09 4.09 15.18 2.30 2.30 0.86 1.35 1.82 31.00

C/PRICE

14.71 4.29 4.29 26.39 2.41 2.41 0.90 1.41 1.90 32.00

O/PRICE 11.41 22.30 6.70 5.70 2.08 2.53 2.41 7.85 0.68 0.71

C/PRICE 10.84 21.19 6.37 5.42 1.98 2.41 2.30 7.50 0.65 0.68

F

home ownership scheme for couples. In a statement, the bank said it is now possible for couples wishing to have their own house even in the midst of competing needs for the scarce resources.

It said owing a home requires couples to observe a strict saving regimen that is followed to the letter.

Also, some form of contributory scheme is adopted to shore up capital for building a home.

The bank said these little contributions become millions of naira providing homes of different shapes and sizes for many Nigerians. It also said that the bank can step in with its mortgage products designed to give loans to people to own their homes.

“The mortgage market offers various products and services that are designed to

meet specific needs. Couples can now access mortgage loans under FirstBank’s Joint Mortgage product to realise the all-important feat of becoming landlords. Joint Mortgage has been created so that couples can finance the purchase or construction of residential properties by pooling resources to access higher mortgage amounts,” the bank said.

The product also supports other partnerships, such as investors or friends who wish to purchase property together. In a joint mortgage, repayment will be structured in a manner that the parties will not necessarily pay equal amounts but the ratio will depend on each person’s financial capacity.

However, in case of default, liability becomes joint and several. Each party becomes liable for the entire outstanding sum.

CHANGE 0.57 1.11 0.33 0.28 0.10 0.12 0.11 0.35 0.03 0.03

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

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

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

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

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

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

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

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

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

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

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE

0.70 0.20 0.20 1.21 0.11 0.11 0.04 0.06 0.08 1.00

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

LOSERS AS AT 11-7-12

SYMBOL FO ARBICO DANGFOUR CCNN BAGCO TRIPPLEG LONGMAN ROADS JAPAULOIL CONTINSURE

Sanusi

FirstBank supports mortgage IRST Bank of Nigeria Plc financing has introduced a joint

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Currency OBB Rate Call Rate

Governor,

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

•CBN

DATA BANK

Tenor

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

To safeguard the value of the domestic currency, foreign reserves are held as formal backing for the domestic currency.

Feelers from market participants suggest mixed outlook for the naira. In the short run, it is expected that the naira will remain relatively stable, at both official and parallel markets, and that the CBN would continue to support the currency in the official market.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 122.23 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 105.188 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.74 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.09 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.95 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,710.85 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 8.95 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,355.73 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 122.10 1015.15 0.72 1.09 0.93 1,710.53 8.51 1.33 1.80 7,737.53 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

56

NEWS

100 faint as police disrupt NLC congress in Abakaliki O

RGANISED Labour yesterday had a raw deal in the hands of of mobile policemen operating in an Amoured Personnel Carrier (APC).

Its members, who were holding a delegate congress at the Bishop Mcgretric Pastoral Center Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, were hurriedly dispersed with teargas canisters.

The congress was organised by the State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

More than 100 NLC who were at the venue of the congress staged to pick their leaders for the next three years, fled the scene to safer havens Many of them slumped while trying to escape the clash that ensured between the workers and the police.

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

A High Court Sitting in Abakaliki had on Monday granted injunction in a suit filed by the Special Adviser to the Ebonyi State Governor on Labour Relations, John Nwaokerekwu and the chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), Godwin Okafor, restraining the NLC from going on with the congress.

Through the Office of its Head of Service, the government, announced on Monday morning on the Ebonyi State Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC), the cancellation of the delegate conference.

It cited security reasons.

At about 11am yesterday, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, visited the venue of the congress and warned members of the union to discontinue with the congress, urging them to postpone the election and resolve all the legal issues associated with the election first.

The Nation learnt that the leadership of the union insisted staging the election, which it began at about 12 noon with the accreditation of more than 500 members.

Some officials of the State Security Service (SSS), who were at the venue, observed the peaceful conduct of the accreditation.

But there was twist at about 12.30pm when a team of mobile policemen stormed

the venue, forcing the NLC leadership to hurriedly lock the entrance.

The policemen fired teargas canisters into the venue of the congress, where the lodging facility and the computer center of the Catholic Church are located.

Reverend Sisters, who were working at the tailoring and kitchen department of the center, students of the computer center and other visitors all ran to safety.

It took the intervention of labour leaders and other Reverend Sisters to revive an asthmatic student who collapsed during the crisis.

The policemen later returned to their command for reinforcement, while the labour leaders continued

with the accreditation of the delegates for the election.

The reinforced policemen returned at about 3.30pm, as the votes were been counted.

They started shooting guns and teargas canisters into the congress. The shooting went on for more than 30 minutes.

More than 100 delegates were said to have collapsed.

It took the intervention of the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Rt. Rev Michel Okoro and other Rev Fathers, who raced to the scene to plead with the mobile policemen to sheath their swords.

The cleric persuaded the NLC chiefs to postpone the congress to avoid the loss of lives, while they open a line of communication with the government.

Ojukwu’s shoes fit only for the brave, says monarch

UNMEN yesterday killed a nursing mother and her four children in Yong village of Tafawa Balewa Local Government in Bauchi State.

They were killed in her farm near her house.

Bauchi Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ladan confirmed the incident in an interview with reporters yesterday.

One of the children was reported to have died later in the hospital Our correspondent learnt that the tragedy occurred in the early hours of yesterday.

Ladan said their bodies were found on the farm with gunshot wounds.

Husband of the deceased, Mr. Luke Jumtuk, said his wife and children were killed while working on the farm behind his house.

Luke appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the security situation in the area.

G

Abimbola, Omolayole for Olivet Heights’ AGM

•’I did’nt make son Igbo leader’

R

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

F

ILLING the vacuum created by the exit of former Biafran warlord, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu is heightening tension in the Southeast, especially in Anambra State.

Nawfia monarch Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, who gave an insight into the qualities of a likely replacement, said that somebody who exhibits the bravery of the late Ikemba Nnewi could step into the shoes.

Nwankwo, stirred the hornet’s nest after the death of Ojukwu, when he allegedly gave the late Ojukwu’s second son, Emeka (Jnr), the traditional title of Ikemba II in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area.

Speaking with The Nation yesterday in Awka, the royal father said: “Anybody who wants to be the Igbo leader should prove it with this Boko-Haram scenario.

“A lot of Ndigbo had been killed in the Northern part of this country in recent times through the instrumentality of this Islamic sect. If Ojukwu had been alive in his prime, this is the kind of situation he would have loved to showcase his mettle.

“You cannot sit down in the comfort of your home, while Ndigbo are being slaughtered like cows and you want to lead the people, it is not possible.

“I don’t see anybody as Ojukwu’s replacement.

Anybody who wants that toga of Igbo leader should earn it.

The leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Raph Uwazuruike has equal opportunity to be that.

“And that is if he can prove it in the next few years.

Ojukwu did a lot of things in Nigeria to prove himself without any fear or favour which earned him that status.”

Woman, children killed in Bauchi

•Amosun (right) receiving Adejumo to ACN... yesterday. With him is the party chair , Alhaji Tajudeen Bello (middle).

Amosun promises to leave lasting legacy GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday promised to leave a lasting legacy in line with the manifesto of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The governor spoke at a campaign rally in Ota in continuation of his campaign tour of local governments ahead of the July 21 local government poll in the state.

The campaign took him and other party to Yewa South, Ipokia, Ado-Odo/Ota and Ifo local governments.

Amosun noted that this is the least the electorate expected of him.

The governor received a former Secretary of Yewa South Local Government, Alani Adejumo, into the ACN. Amosun said: “The ACN is a party that the people love and we owe it a duty to the people that voted us into power to perform. We came into office because our people want us to be here. By the grace of God, that confidence will not be betrayed. We will deliver to expectation.

“I can assure you that we will leave a lasting legacy in the state.

All I want from the people is for them to vote for candidates of the

O

•Receives PDP defectors into ACN ACN in next weekend’s election. This will ensure that all those things our people need are brought to our attention promptly.”

At Ipokia, the governor assured the people that 25 of the 500 transformers recently purchased to boost electricity supply in the state would soon be installed in the local government.

He explained that the delay in the installation of the transformers was because of the government’s determination to ensure that the transformers are installed immediately upon delivery.

A woman who recently gave birth to a set of triplets, Bose Akinde, presented the babies to the governor who immediately made provisions for the welfare of the babies.

With the governor were ACN state Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello; the Secretary, Chief Abimbola Awofeso; as well as the Ogun West Senatorial District Chairman of the party, Daniel Adejobi.

Lagos PDP crisis deepens over George’s leadership FACTION of Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday asked the former national deputy chairman, Commodore Olabode George (rtd), to step aside as the leader and arrowhead of the party in the state.

The aggrieved group alleged that the former military governor of Ondo State rented a crowd to attend the recent defection from the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to PDP at the Ikeja secretariat of the party.

The faction complained that the corrupt charge which led to George’s imprisonment for two years have dented the image of

A

Faction alleges crowd renting at defection

•

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

the party as an organisation led by an ex-convict.

In a statement in Lagos, the ‘Concerned Members of the Party”, described the defection as a show of deception to mislead the public and PDP national leadership about an imaginary enlargement of coast in Lagos State, pointing out that no ACN leader defected to PDP with his followers.

The group’s Publicity Committee chairman, Chief Onita Coker, lamented that Lagos PDP leaders rented area

boys to justify the fake assertion by George that he has grassroots support in the Centre of Excellence.

He said: “It will be mindboggling why this same man believes that Lagosians will be keen on coming under his leadership after adding more inglorious qualifications to his series of faolures”.

Coker added: “A lot of people are not willing to support a change that an exconvict will spearhead. We are appealing to Chief Olabode George to step aside and let Lagos PDP move forward towars winning the seat of power in 2015. In lieu of this,

the leadership at the national level should advise him to take a back seat.

“Our party in this state is blessed with highly knowledgeable and resourceful leaders wbho are not only prominent Lagosians, but also have the pedigree within the elite in the society who are most willing to dedicate their resources and time towards achieving our lofty objectives.

It is clear to the whole world that Chief Bode George is a spent force whose only aim is vindictive and not progressive towards the cause of our great party”.

E N O W N E D academician, Prof.

Wande Abimbola and foremost industrialist, Dr. Michael Omolayole, are to add glamour to this year’s edition of the Olivet Baptist High School alumni association’s NEC/ AGM. The two-day event, to be chaired by the Chairman of First Bank, Prince Bola Afonja, will see the two men giving keynote addresses.

According to the Chairman, Organising Committee for the event, Mr. Lukman Ibrahim, the NEC meeting/AGM would hold tomorrow at the school library.

A special gala nite to honour senior members of the association who left the school in the 50s will take place on Saturday from 6pm at the Jubilee Hall.

The National President of the association, Mr. Olusegun Ahmadu, noted that since the 60s, Olivet Heights has been a domineering force in the academics and sports in Nigeria.

Presenter Gawat missing

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

A

POPULAR Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) presenter and master of ceremony, Alhaji Rasak Gawat, has been declared missing.

Gawat, the Chief Executive Officer of Gawat Communications, is famous for his dawn programme during the Ramadan fast, E ji Sari, where he distributes gifts to the callers.

He was last seen leaving Ikeja where he attended a meeting about 5pm on Tuesday.

The Nation learnt that he was kidnapped about 11pm on the Eko Bridge on his way to his Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island home. According to the source, nothing was removed from his car.

“Shortly after he was taken away by unknown men, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) towed the vehicle to their office. It was when they tried to call some of the numbers on his mobile phone yesterday that it was discovered he had been kidnapped,” the source said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

57

NEWS Fashola approves N119m bursary

Oyo to arrest pupils roaming streets

T

HE Oyo State Government yesterday ordered that pupils found roaming the streets during school hours should be arrested. It said this would curb truancy.

The government urged stakeholders to adopt schools and rehabilitate their structures to modernise them.

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Adetokunbo Fayokun, spoke in Ibadan, the state capital.

She decried the deplorable state of education and the condition of infrastructure in public schools.

Fayokun, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashiru Bello, inaugurated the administrative block of Queen’s School, Apata,

•Govt calls for adoption of schools From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

Ibadan. The project was financed by PZ. The commissioner described education as a tool for development and a weapon to banish ignorance.

She said: “The ministry is seizing this opportunity to appeal to old students, community leaders, parents and philanthropists, in the spirit of public private partnership, to adopt schools in their areas through the rehabilitation of buildings and provision of instructional materials.”

The commissioner said the government would transform education, adding that there is need for all to

collaborate with the government.

Mrs Fayokun said: “The pupils, for whom the transformation is meant, must be seen to be ready, mature in minds and serious with their academics. The teachers and school administrators, who are change agents, must be seen to be committed to move education forward.

“The time of roaming the streets has gone. The time of indolence is no more. What is worth doing at all is worth doing well. Arrangements have been concluded to rid our streets of indolent students. Any pupil found on the street will be arrested and punished.”

The commissioner hailed

former Minister of Industry, Mrs Onikepo Akande, for developing the school.

Mrs Akande said she asked PZ Foundation to promote education to also enable her give back to her alma mater.

She said: “The issue of education has been a serious concern to me. There is need to reposition education and rehabilitate old and dilapidated structures in our schools. This way, we shall redeem education and bring it back to reckoning.”

The school’s head teacher, Mrs. Aderiyike Adekanmbi, said: “We had appealed on some of our needs to some companies but they did not respond (except PZ).

We feel enthused. This is a practical demonstration of your love.”

By Miriam Ndikanwu

•Fashola

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has approved over N119 million as university tuition fees and bursary to the 2006/2007 and 2008/ 2009 sets of indigenes studying in tertiary institutions across the country.

In a statement in Lagos, the Secretary of the state scholarship board, Mrs Yetunde Jegede, explained that verification for the release of Verve

World Population Day: NPC seeks Ekiti support on data

T

HE Ekiti State Office of the National Population Commission (NPC) yesterday called for improved cooperation with the government to enable it gather reliable data on the population of the state.

A federal population commissioner in the state, Chief Fola Adedayo, addressed reporters in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on the World Population Day on Monday.

The commissioner noted that the essence of collecting and interpreting data on population is to enable governments at all levels to know how the people are faring and the need for adjustments, where and when necessary.

Reading the message of the NPC Chairman, Eze Festus Odimegwu, the population commissioner noted that there is need for states to improve their relationship with the commission because the “data generated has no meaning unless it is put to use by constituent governments”.

Adedayo urged the government to ensure improved uses of the data on the state, especially on health.

He said the commission has carried out surveys, besides the usual headcount, adding: “But the results are just lying there, not attracting any useful attention

•Experts call for safe motherhood, others From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti and Yinka Aderibigbe

from the government.”

The population commissioner advised governments to use the “various data for relevant planning purposes instead of ignoring them”.

Adebayo added: “They (governments) should be interested in our activities and they should support us.”

Experts yesterday called for greater attention to reproductive and safe maternal health matters at the World Population Day celebration in Lagos.

The event, organised by the state’s Bureau of Statistics (LBS) of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, held at the Public Service Staff Development Centre at Magodo, Lagos.

Experts from the academia, the NPC and the global population fund agency, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said avoidable maternal and child deaths would be reduced if people, especially women, have avenues of making informed choices on health matters.

The Head of the Lagos Office of the UNFPA, Dr Omolaso Omosehin, noted that global concern shifted to re-

productive health this year because investing in improved health for women and babies has far-reaching benefits for nations.

Speaking on: Population and Development Indicators: Problems and Prospects, Omosehin explained that since leading causes of maternal deaths are preventable, mothers should be prevented from dying during childbirth.

He, however, said 800 women die daily in pregnancy or during childbirth from complications that are often preventable.

Omosehin said this year’s theme: Universal access to reproductive health services, is aimed at enabling women in developing countries, especially those in rural areas, to make informed choices that could prevent unwanted pregnancies and risks involved in childbirth.

The UNFPA chief said global attention has shifted to family planning, improved antenatal and obstetric care and HIV/AIDS services, among others.

The NPC Federal Population Commissioner for Lagos State, Mrs Roli George, said this year’s theme is to address the approximately 222 million

women in developing world.

Such women, she said, want to prevent pregnancies but lack modern contraceptives.

According to her, such a development has left the world with an average of 53 million unwanted pregnancies and approximately 358,000 women who die worldwide from pregnancy-related causes.

Mrs George expressed concern over Nigeria’s population growth, saying the NPC would intensify enlightenment campaign on birth and death registration.

She said: “NPC will continue to provide information that could be used to prevent unwanted pregnancies, which could threaten the lives of women and ensure the girl-child is given a quality life. We will continue to work with every state, every local government, to ensure that expectant mothers get quality treatment and to prevent a life-long illnesses that follow childbirth.”

In a paper, Lagos State population: asset or liability, Dr Ismail Shittu said the population of the state, which has positioned it as a megacity, has become an economic asset with a huge potential for internally generated revenue

Lawyer sues Ondo NLC over rally for Mimiko

A

N Akure lawyer, Mr. Morakinyo Ogele, yesterday filed a suit at the Ondo State High Court against the Chairman of the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mrs Bosede Daramola, over a recent rally organised by the union to support Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s second term ambition.

Last week, the lawyer sent a letter to the NLC leader,

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

asking her to state how much was spent on the solidarity rally.

Ogele said he is acting under the Freedom of Information Act, which allows every Nigerian to have access to information in the interest of the public.

Other defendants are: the NLC and the ruling Labour

Party (LP).

The lawyer is praying to the court to “compel the first defendant to furnish the applicant with (details of) all the money received by the first respondent from the deduction of salaries of Ondo State civil servants and the expenses of the council from the first respondent since she assumed office as the chairperson of Nigeria Labour Congress Ondo State Council till date”.

Osun to replicate Lagos skill centres

O

FFICIALS of Osun State Government yesterday visited some skill acquisition development centres in Lagos State to study the model and replicate same for youth empowerment.

Osun State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Mofolake Adegboyega led a team of the officials on the visit.

She said they were on a learning visit to

By Miriam Ndikanwu

Lagos State to develop facilities that would enable the state to tackle rising unemployment.

The commissioner said the Rauf Aregbesola administration is operating skills learning centres where about 620 youths are trained on short-term basis.

She said the model centres would be used to run long-term programmes that would last between six to nine months.

He is also asking for “the total money spent on the solidarity rally staged on June 26 in support of the LP government led by Dr. Mimiko”.

The lawyer said he is legally empowered under the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to initiate the action.

Ogele criticised Mrs. Daramola for not responding to a letter that earlier directed her to give detailed information on how the resources of the union were being managed.

He said: “Despite a letter despatched to the first respondent to let the applicant have access to the accounts of the second respondent, the first respondent has refused to do this.

“The first respondent is under obligation to declare the state of account of the second respondent to the applicant.”

(IGR) that could engender effective planning.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget Mr Adebayo Sodade said Lagos State would continue to champion universal access to reproductive health.

LBS Director Mr Lai Tinubu said the government began marking the world population day last year as part of its commitment to using the indicators generated by population data for economic planning and social re-engineering.

Cards to the awardees would begin today at the scholarship board in Agege at 9am.

Mrs Jegede said 2,257 students would benefit from the awards.

According to her, the 2006/ 2007 awardees will receive their fourth, fifth and sixth awards while the 2008/2009 set will be paid their third and fourth awards.

The scholarship board chief urged the students to attend the event with the original copies of their documents.

These include bursary award letters, progress reports duly stamped and signed by their school authorities, their school identity cards and two passport photographs.

Jegede said the payment of bursary in the last five years of this administration has been consistent, despite the state’s lean financial resources.

She noted that while students in the Law School and Maritime Academy would collect N200,000 bursary, students in other institutions, apart from Lagos State University (LASU), would collect between N20,000 and N50,000, depending on their courses.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to notify the general public that the following documents got lost in transit; International passport no.

A00765790 dated 27/3/09, National Identity card and Driver’s License belonging to Mr. Mashood Tajudeen Olaide Adetela at 10, Ige Street, off Apata, Palmgrove Lagos State. All efforts made to trace them proved abortive.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

58

NEWS CPC candidate steps down for Oshiomhole From Osagie Otabor, Benin

C

ANDIDATE of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Roland Izevbuwa yesterday stepped down for the Action Congress of Nigeria candidate, Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

He said Oshiomhole has proven to be sincere and has the ability to effect progressive change in the state.

Izevbuwa, who spoke through the State chairman, Godwin Erhahon, said they have surrendered their votes for the ACN. The CPC candidate said they have not forgotten the pains the PDP inflicted on the state through misrule and looting.

He said: “Hopeful as we are in this governorship race, we are cautious that posterity will query us, if we end up splitting the votes of the progressives.

“This will pave the way for the agents of exploitation and retrogression to win as a result of the failure of the progressives to team up.

“We breathe air of freedom and dignity as the comrade governor rules our state with the courage and candour of a “saviour” from whom hope and freedom flow to the oppressed.

“We are not surprised that PDP remains arrogant even in its notoriety as we are aware that it actually never won any election but has always rigged its way to power.”

T

Cross River assures Akwa Ibom indigenes of safety

HE Cross River State Government has assured Akwa Ibom State indigenes living in the state of safety.

This followed fears of victimisation by Cross River indigenes in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment which ceded the disputed 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom State.

But the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Ita, told reporters in Calabar yesterday that indigenes of Akwa Ibom resident in Cross River State need not nurse any fear.

He said the state would continue to host them.

His word: “There is no reason for anyone to flee Cross River State or be afraid of his job because Governor Liyel Imoke had said in his state-wide broadcast after the judgment that the state will

Akwa Ibom council chairmen hail judgment

L

OCAL Government Chairmen in Akwa Ibom State have hailed the Supreme Court judgment on the 76 oil wells dispute between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

The State Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Ubong Ekefre, said the judgement was in good faith and obeyed the principal of natural justice and regards for constitutional law.

Ekefre said the controversy behind the 76 oil wells should not have degenerated into a court case, if the Cross River State GovFrom Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

continue to maintain its peace loving status.

“We will remain hospitable to every resident or visitor, irrespective of the

ernment had taken time to study the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment on the handing over of Bakassi to Cameroon.

He said the ICJ judgment had safely taken Cross River State out of the littoral states.

“The decision to cede Bakassi to Cross River was in the first place, a great injustice to Akwa Ibom and a political decision in the times of militocracy in Nigeria.”

The Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government urged Cross River to develop its natural resources, which are abundant and equally create a peaceful environment for business with Akwa Ibom and other states.

state you come from.

“We are known as the state with the warmest smile and knowing the character of the governor, he is not petty and will not go after anyone.”

Some Akwa State indigenes who spoke to The Nation expressed fear over the outcome of the ruling.

They said most Cross Riverians had started becoming hostile to them.

‘Blame Obasanjo, Duke for loss of oil wells’

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Cross River State has alleged that Tuesday’s Supreme Court verdict which ceded the disputed 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom State further exposes the connivance of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and “his cohorts” in the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon.

The party alleged that

•Obasanjo

T

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

Obasanjo, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke and their “fellow clansmen” connived to cede Bakassi to Cameroon for pecuniary gains.

The State Chairman, Hilliard Eta, told The Nation in Calabar that the matter clearly revealed how Obasanjo and “his cohorts”

mutilated and redrew the map of Nigeria (Bakassi) to reflect their interest.

He said the apex court only acted based on the documents before it.

According to him, it is this mutilation that brought about the controversy in the ownership of the oil wells between the two sister states of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

ACN hails indictment of Rivers council boss

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Rivers State yesterday hailed the House of Assembly’s report of “massive” looting of funds by the Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government, Cassidy Ikegbidi.

The members of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges which investigated Ikegbidi, recommended his suspension.

The committee chairman, Ewor Nname Robinson, urged the lawmakers to suspend the chairman.

Robinson declared that the suspension of Ikegbidi was imperative, in view of the “monumental financial recklessness.”

The party said: said: “Laying the report for debate is long

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

overdue. The belated release goes a long way to proving that the lawmakers have woken from their slumber and alive to their oversight functions.

“We warn against attempt to politicise the monumental fraud against Ikigbidi. There are already surreptitious moves to find an escaperoute for the indicted chairman, which may have prompted postponement of debate on the submitted report.”

“We urge the lawmakers to publicly identify corrupt members of the council, rather than a blanket assessment of everybody.”

Police kill three robbery suspects From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

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HE police in Rivers State yesterday killed three robbery suspects, who attempted to rob a bullion van in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Two policemen were injured.

The policemen were conveying an undisclosed sum of money from a bank at Agip junction to Rumuolumeni.

It was learnt that there was an exchange of fire.

Two supects were killed on the spot, one of the hoodlums ran into the swamp behind the State School of Health Technology, Port Harcourt, where he died.

The robbery suspects operated with a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), with registration number: Lagos: FH 946 KRD .

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Joshak Habila, said it happened around 3 pm.

Items recovered from the hoodlums included two AK47 rifles, four number plates and unspecified rounds of ammunition.

NNDC to partner Rivers

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HE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said it will consolidate on the long standing partnership with the Rivers State Government to develop the 160 million capacity Syringe Manufacturing Company in Port Harcourt.

Its Managing Director, Dr Christian Oboh, said this when he visited the factory.

“NDDC is proud to be associated with you; we are going to make more contributions to ensure that the factory grows.

“With what I have seen, I think I have more hope now in Nigerian projects, if Nigerians can do these here, it means it could be extended to other places.”

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

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ir, I always experience vaginal dryness and this makes sex painful. I understand it happens to women sometimes but me I am always dry – Chioma Dear Chioma, yes vaginal dryness is common but the causes are many such as hormonal changes (a decrease in oestrogen levels often as a result of menopause in older woman), medications (allergy and cold medicines containing antihistamines as well as asthma medications can have a drying effect inside the body), insufficient sexual arousal, irritants (some women are allergic to chemicals in soaps, hygiene products, dyes, perfumes etc. and their bodies react through vaginal dryness) and anxiety (stress and other emotional factors can affect a woman’s libido, leading to dryness). Treatments for dryness vary, ranging from vaginal oestrogen inserts and other oestrogen medications to vaginal moisturisers and lubricants. Lubricants are the most common solutions because they are easy to obtain and apply. Brands such as Probe lubricant and Climax Burst Lubricant effectively eliminate dryness – Uche For years I have enjoyed sex without needing enhancers. But for the past three months, I have not been able to get an erection and when it comes, it is very week. I am 62 years but I still desire an active sex life. Do I need Cockstar or Max Width and are they safe for me? Madueke Dear Mr Madueke, it is likely that you are experiencing agebased erectile dysfunction which happens due to the shrinking of the blood vessels as humans get older. Cockstar is a good, safe and natural erection enhancer that will facilitate greater blood flow to your penile tissues to give you solid erections inspite of your narrowing blood vessels. Max Width on the other hand is an organ enlargement cream – Uche I have problems with my wife and my pastor referred me to you.

The problem is premature ejaculation. I don’t last long and cannot satisfy my wife. And then there is no energy for second round. My wife is really angry but won’t say it – Kingsley

Its okay Kingsley. The solution is a simple one. Apply Power Plus Delay cream on your penis minutes before intercourse and you will last long before ejaculation. To get stamina for second round, take Libigrow Libido Shots. It is a natural male performance supplement that gives energy for up to 12 hours of non-stop sex - Uche Last year I bought Size Rx penis enlarger from you and I really liked it. Do you still have it? I have also been hearing about your dating service. Do you set people up? Edwin Yes Edwin, we still have Size Rx. As for our dating service, it is an online service and it is free. We don’t set people up. This is how it works. Go to www.zeevirtualmedia.com , click on dating and register.

Upload a nice picture of yourself and present yourself decently. No vulgarity is allowed. And then you can browse and interact with registered members. Interested women will respond and you just might meet someone you like – Uche Sir please my woman always complains. I need an erection cream and adult movie to help put me in the mood to perform and satisfy her. Which one do you recommend?

A good erection cream to aid arousal is the Dickalicious Arousal gel. It is also edible so it is good for oral sex as well. And a good feature adult film that you and your wife will like is Savanah’s Love Letters and Lick it Up - Uche Can one combine Mega Me Enlargement Cream with a Penis Pump for faster results? Andrew Yes you can Andrew. Penis Pumps give both short term and long term results whereas Mega Me Enlargement Cream is for long term enlargement - Uche I really like Size Rx penis enlarger. It is working well for me. You guys are really trying– Mazi Thank you Mazi. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

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NEWS

NNPC to be unbundled in draft Petroleum Industry Bill

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HE Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved the new draft Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The weekly meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, which focused on the draft bill, lasted over four hours.

The bill, which has been in the works for close to 15 years, is the amalgamation of 16 laws in the oil and gas sector.

The draft bill is expected to be sent to the National Assembly in the next few days after some of the observations and inputs made are effected.

The draft seeks the unbundle of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into five companies.

The companies are National Oil Company, National Assest Management Corporation, National Frontier Exploration Services, National Gas Company and the Host

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Community Fund.

Minister of Information Labaran Maku briefed State House correspondents at the end of the meeting. With him were Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke and Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina. Maku said the council meeting which was a special one, focused on the presentation of the PIB. Maku noted that the bill seeks to ensure competitiveness and promote rapid development of the sector.

The new bill, he said, proposes revolutionary changes which includes the unbundling of the NNPC and the interest of the host communities. “It will make our industry transparent and accountable”, Maku said.

Alison-Madueke who shed more light on the bill, said: “The new bill looks at new

areas that were quite critical and, first of all, they are the Inspectorate, the regulatory agencies for the oil and gas sector to ensure that they are independent and that they can actually do the regulations. We also looked, of course, at the unbundling of the NNPC, which has been very critical, created out of the old NNPC, a National Oil company which will be Independent, it will be a registered company which will have shareholding and it will be ceded acreages and will be also, as we implement the PIB, take over current infrastructure in the oil and gas sector; refineries, depots and certain downstream entities as well as production sharing contracts.

“We created an asset management corporation as a holding company, which will operate an asset management company that will be a competitive private sec-

tor driven company, and it will hold what is today the joint company hydro carbon asset of the nation. We expect, of course, that as time goes on that the company will operate essentially along the line of private sector with the right profit and loss centres to give the federation the right return on investments in the hydro carbon sector.

“We looked at a couple of new agencies as well; the National Frontier Exploration Services Unit that will reside in the new Petroleum Policy Bureau which will be a technical arm of the Minister’s secretariat. This would be a unique department reporting directly to the Minister. It is expected that it will very robustly drive the seismic data acquisition for our various inland sedimentary basins.

“I will assure you that for the next few years, we will have a continuum in that

House report: Jonathan breached procurement act

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HE House of Representatives has indicted President Goodluck Jonathan over what it called “persistent and serious breaches of the Public Procurement Act 2007.”

A report by the House’s joint committees on Public Procurement headed by Jumoke Okoya-Thomas and Committee on Legislative Compliance headed by Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, which had the mandate to investigate particulars of breaches of the Public Procurement Act 2007, has recommended that the House “take appropriate action as is commensurate with the violation of an Act of the National Assembly.”

Ironically, the president has sent an amendment to the House, seeking to become the head of the National Council on Public Procurement. But members at plenary on Tuesday, refused to allow the bill titled:

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

“Public Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill, 2012” be mentioned.

In the report, Jonathan is being accused of refusing to constitute the National Council on Procurement. It states: “ that the failure of the president to constitute the National Council on Public Procurement contravenes Section 1 of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.”

However, the President is seeking to amend the same section he is being accused of violating.

The amendment proposed by the President to section 1 of the Principal Act, states: “The Council shall consist of (a) the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (“the President”)’, who shall be the Chairman of the Council with inherent power to delegate.”

The President also sought

to remove the element of “competitive selection” from Section 7 of the principal Act, as well as amend sections 17, 35 and 54 to align with the new proposal.

Meanwhile, the committees also criticised the manner in which the DirectorGeneral of the Bureau of Public Procurement. “the method of appointment of the Director-General was not in conformity with Section 7 of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

Such appointment could not have been made on the recommendation of the National Council on Public Procurement since the Council did not exist.

“In general, it is the considered view of the Joint Committees on Public Procurement and a legislative Compliance that the Presidency has not demonstrated sufficient will and intention to comply with the pro-

vision of the Act. “The committee therefore recommends that the House takes appropriate action as is commensurate with violation of an Act of the National Assembly.”

But the power play continues yesterday with sources alleging that the Presidency is trying to induce members with cash gifts in order to get them to back the Procurement amendment bill.

However, members are insisting that the report of the Joint Committees on the breaches of the procurement Act by the President must be considered before the amendment bill is read on the floor.

Members are angry that the president has shunned the House’s resolution for him to constitute the National Council on Public Procurement but is bringing an amendment that will put him fully in charge of all procurement processes.

particular enterprise, which I have always said is very critical if we are going to continue indeed to diversify our hydro carbon base in the country. We created a very interesting fiscal regime and framework which has been of great interest to operators in the oil and gas industry, both foreign and indigenous.

Suffice to say that we have tried to ensure on balance, that Nigeria will accrue somewhat more revenues in the oil and gas sector as we go forward.

“We have also created a National Gas Company (NGC) within the framework of the PIB, which will absorb the former Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) along with the former infrastructure. This gas company will drive the gas for power and gas for industry that are absolutely critical for our economy as we go forward.

“Existing parastatals, such as Petroleum Trust Develop-

•Alison-Madueke

ment Fund, Petroleum Equalisation Fund, the Petroleum Training Institute, the National Content Development Management Board will continue to exist, until they are no longer necessary.

“A new Petroleum Host Community Fund which again will take care of the participation of the host communities of oil and gas communities in the country”.

Court orders INEC to delete PDP chief Mustapha’s name from record

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FEDERAL High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to desist from further recognising and relating with Bode Mustapha as the National Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The order was granted by Justice Charles Archibong in furtherance of the court’s judgment on May 2.

This voided Mustapha’s appointment on the grounds that his nomination by a faction of the party that was allegedly close to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in Ogun State, was unlawful.

The judge had, in the May 2 judgment, declared that Mustapha “is not a valid nominee nor could he have been validly elected for the Office of the National Auditor of the PDP zoned to Ogun State in accordance with the Constitution of the party because he is not qualified as an accountant or

By Eric Ikhilae

nominated by at the state congress of the party conducted by the Dayo Soremiled Harmonised Executive Committee”.

In Mustapha place, he ordered the PDP and its principal officers to appoint Alhaji Fatai Adewole Adeyanju, being a qualified chartered accountant and nominated for the office at the state congress organised by the Soremi-led Executive.

Ruling yesterday on an application by the Adebayo Dayo-led Ogun PDP Executive Committee, Justice Archibong directed INEC to “rectify its records, pertaining to the election in March 2012 of the officers of the National Executive Committee of the second defendant (PDP) by deleting the name of Bode Mustapha and replacing it with the name of Fatai Adewole Adeyanju as the National Auditor of the second defendant”.

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NEWS Boko Haram: Immigration gives hotels HE Oyo State command directive on foreigners of the Nigerian Immi-

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gration Service (NIS) has directed hotels operating in the state to file regular reports on foreigners lodging with them or risk sanction.

The Comptroller of the NIS in the state, Mr. Joseph Olaitan, said this has become necessary because of the increasing menace of the Boko Haram sect.

He gave the directive yesterday at an interactive session with the hoteliers at the command’s headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan.

Olaitan said there is a law requiring hotels to supply such information to the NIS, adding that it would not hesitate to deal with defaulting ho-

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

tels.

The NIS boss said the influx of foreigners must be monitored to ensure security in the country.

Mr. Olaitan urged the hotels to document the international passports of the foreigners and other documents that would show their status in Nigeria as well as the conditions attached to their visa or resident permits.

“The state of the nation today calls for extra vigilance.

Hence this meeting with you because you habour foreigners.

The command is taking this step to improve security in Oyo

State and Nigeria. Don’t cover up foreigners. Allow the Immigration to know that they are around. We have no other country. We must protect it.

Open your doors to them as long as they can identify themselves. You must put patriotism above business interest.

“There is a law that makes it a duty for hotels to file reports on foreigners to the Immigration. If you fail to supply the information, you will be contravening the Immigration law. The call to you is to collaborate with us to enhance national security so that we can move Nigeria forward,” Olaitan said.

Jang incapable of governing Plateau, says Useni Govt: ACF BOT’s chair’s comment disturbing

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HE Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT), Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Lt-Gen. Jeremiah Useni, has said Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State is incapable of governing the state.

He added that he is the major problem of the state.

Useni blamed Jang for the discrimination among the ethnic groups, bad governance and refusal to listen to advice from the stakeholders.

Speaking with reporters in Abuja, the ACF chairman lamented the insecurity in the state.

He noted that Governor Jang remains the constitutional leader of the state, so he should be held responsible for the people’s safety.

Useni said: “For now, I don’t think the governor is capable of governing the state, unless he changes. The last time when the state was on fire for eight days, he was in India. We have advised him, but he doesn’t listen to advice. When you go out, the press ask you questions, but the governor doesn’t take advice.

“No matter how clever you are, you should take advice. Despite the wisdom of King Solomon, he still took advice from his people.”

He went on: “Even within the

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

state, he discriminates against his party’s opponents; discriminates against the opposition.

There is tribal discrimination. If you go to Plateau, unless you are from du, which is Jang’s place, you are not recognised. Even within the du, you must be loyal to him; otherwise, you are a second class du. The rest of the Berom are third class. This is how it is. So, Jang is the problem of Plateau State.”

Useni, who is also the Chairman, BOT, Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), lamented that some of the civil servants are being owed four months salary, adding that those that were paid were only given half salary.

He blamed the governor for spending N4 billion of the state resources in building a new governor’s house, rather than proffering solution to insecurity.

“They owe people in the local governments four months salary. Even if they pay, they will pay half salary and you are building a new Government House for N4 billion when people are suffering.

You are taking N4 billion loan for water, N4 billion loan for agriculture without taking care of your workers,” Useni said.

According to him, the Federal

Government has been of assistance to restore peace to the state, but Governor Jang has not been cooperative.

He urged him to wake up to his responsibility and collaborate with the stakeholders to end the crisis.

Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication Mr. Yiljap Abraham described Gen. Useni’s comment as “very disturbing words from our very respectable, philanthropic and experienced leader. A former governor, former minister and father of many. We are talking of terrorist attacks on noncombatants, children, women and the aged and what we hear him talk about are issues of religion and government appointments!

Chief Useni would say no such things. Maybe his words of sympathy to the victims are just late in coming, but he could not say such things at this time of national indignation over the evil visited upon his own people in Plateau State. He can neither belittle the issues at stake nor so belittle himself in the eyes of the very people he had sought their political support to represent them. Plateau people surely are very confident they will defeat the evil of terror attacks and enter their destiny.”

Certificate forgery case against Suswam dismissed

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Federal High Court in Makurdi, Benue State, presided over by Justice Marcel Awokulehin, has dismissed the forgery case brought against Governor Gabriel Suswam by Mr. Terver Kakih.

Suswam defeated Kakih in the last Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) primaries. He polled 974 votes against his opponent’s six.

The latter filed a case of forg-

From Uja Emmanuel,Makurdi

ery and non-qualification against the former and the PDP at the Federal High Court, Makurdi.

After a protracted litigation, judgment was delivered yesterday.

Justice Awokulehin held that he who alleged must substantiate his allegation, adding that the plaintiff failed to prove his

ACN lawmakers in Benue Assembly boycott debate

Kwankwaso to build N31.4b flyover, roads From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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ANO State has approved N31.4 billion for the execution of projects in the state. Prominent among them is the building of five kilometres of roads in 14 local governments at the cost of N23.9 billion, Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has said.

He spoke with reporters after the weekly executive council meeting at the Government House, Kano. Kwankwaso said the companies awarded the contracts would be required to handle some small projects in the Kano metropolis as part of their corporate social responsibility.

allegation of forgery beyond reasonable doubt.

On the issue of primaries, the judge said the defendant (PDP) had proved that there was a valid ward congress where delegates were elected for the governorship primaries in Makurdi, and Governor Suswam emerged as the party’s standard bearer.

Justice Awokulehin dismissed the case and asked the parties to bear the cost.

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From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) lawmakers in the Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday boycotted the debate on the amendment of the Standing Rules of the assembly during a plenary session.

The Nation learnt that the ACN members boycotted the debate because the Deputy Speaker of the House, Dr. Stephen Onmeje, moved a motion that there was need to have a deputy majority leader, while time was not ripe for the opposition members to have a deputy minority leader.

‘No bomb blast in Bauchi NYSC camp’

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AUCHI State Government yesterday said there was no bomb blast at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)camp at Wailo, 63 kilometres from the state capital.

The Commissioner for Information, Mohammed

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

Dhaminna, who spoke on behalf of the government, told reporters in Bauchi that the rumour was the handiwork of mischief-makers whose aim was to cause confusion in the state.

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www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 7, NO. 2184

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘‘‘For those who may, in the political tradition of Nigeria, want to muscle their way through and use force to get their way, they must have a rethink and allow wisdom to guide their judgement because elections are not just about power but about people also’’’ JIDE OSUNTOKUN

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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HERE could be many complaints about “Editorial Notebook” – every notebook has its foibles – but, dear reader, permit me to say that breaking promises isn’t its forte.

Since I promised that the “Electoral Manual” published on May 17(remember it?) would be updated as we move closer to another general election, a lot has happened.

Then, it all seemed like eternity, but right here before our very eyes is the Edo State governorship election. Isn’t it time to update the manual for the benefit of all those politicians who desire to win elections?

With an election just a few hours away, no serious politician worthy of his people’s vote will have his mind on the campaign field.

All that is left is perfecting the strategies that have been carefully developed by experts, including leaders and fix-it veterans, to ensure victory.

If your aim is to unseat the incumbent, ensure that you have the “federal might” behind you. Get the President and his deputy to fly in and address rallies in the capital city.

They do not need to tell the electorate what your party plans to do or what it has done to win their votes; all they need do is boast that soon, the state will be recaptured by mainstream forces.

Many will be wondering how you intend to pull it off, despite the wide acknowledgement of your opponent’s sterling achievements, which are celebrated at palaces, on campuses and right on major streets in cities and villages.

On the eve of the election, get your party chiefs to impress it on the authorities that it is time to flex their political muscle. Deploy troops. Residents will wake up to discover that they have been encompassed by soldiers.

A battalion will drive round cities in war gears – the all-green camouflage, bushy helmets, glittering boots and all that – yelling, singing war songs and raising their guns.

Women will be scared by the “show of strength” and kids will be crying. Many will be asking: Are we at war? Did the President approve this? What abuse of power and privilege is this? Is the Chief of Army Staff a party to this nonsense? Whose army? An army of “anything goes”? Where is the National Security Adviser; still settling down? Why can’t they go to Jos where their colleagues flee at the sight of shooting herdsmen? Outrage.

Don’t give a damn. Anyway,the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will explain that the troops are to check any security problem which may arise during the election, and that they are not to interfere in the exercise.

Your opponent will urge the people to be bold. They should come out to vote and protect their votes. Poor fellow. He won’t know that the troops are to be deployed in areas where his party is strong so that on voting day, they will just start shooting to keep residents indoors. Disenfranchised. Of course, all will be smooth where you and your party are strong.

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

Again, the manual (As Edo votes)

•National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki

The electorate almost exterminated, your party leaders will keep boasting: “We’ll take that boy out.” Many arm-chair critics will then begin to grumble, saying: “We have never seen this before; can there be an election without the electorate?” “We shall surely protest this with our blood.”

Remain calm. Heaven won’t fall. There will be pressure on you to change your strategy by people who will warn that they see bloodshed ahead. Don’t listen. Can you make omelette without breaking eggs? What’s wrong in smashing some heads for your head to wear the crown? INEC will surely reply your opponent, saying he should stop crying wolf where there is none. In fact, politicians will be warned to stop making wild allegations they can’t substantiate.

Hit the town with cash. Buy up as many voter’s cards as you can get. Forget about the cost; you don’t spare any thought for cost when you are fighting a war; do you? Again, there will be bitter criticisms of your action.

Don’t bother. INEC, ever willing to be seen

as the unbiased umpire, will ask for proof of such fiendish transactions. After all, he who alleges must prove, the agency will assert.

Just move on. Bombard the electronic media with pictures of bad roads which, you will claim, the incumbent has not been able to fix in three years. People will shout that you are hitting him below the belt and that some of the roads have been fixed. They will call you liar, thief, rogue and 419. “Wasn’t your party there for almost 10 years?” Don’t listen. Isn’t this normal in politics? When has subterfuge ceased to be a war strategy?

And talking about subterfuge, you can get some experts – your opponent will call them illiterates, imbeciles, emergency pollsters and more terrible names – to announce that they have conducted an opinion poll, which clearly indicates that you will win the race.

They will pile up figures upon figures and redraw the political and administrative map of the state to justify their intellectual exertion, which your opponent and his supporters will dismiss as dubious. The extremely angry ones among them will shout that the opinion poll is nothing short of a criminal enterprise to scupper the election and drench the state in blood. That is their opinion. Isn’t it often said that the majority may have their say but the minority will have their way?

The caprices of politics, you know.

After the opinion poll, you then ask your party chiefs to write the result in Abuja. Keep the document; it is to be announced on the election day (miles and miles away from the voting and collation centres) as the authentic result of the election. You can be sure announcing the result in the state won’t be an easy task as people will rise in protest, saying the most popular candidate of all has been unjustly defeated. Apparently nobody –except INEC - will remember that it often happens that the most popular candidate fails to get the prize.

There will be reinforcements from nearby military formations. The Navy will be on standby. The Air Force will send into the sky the remnants of its Alpha jets. Tension. Re-

HARDBALL

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RACTICALLY the whole of Jos and its environs are on war footing. With worrisome regularity, the city these days explodes into an orgy of violence, arson and sometimes meaningless bloodletting. These explosions used to be few and far between more than a decade ago; but while the government and its security services slept, the problem festered badly until it now seems everyone is a member of one militia or the other, thereby evoking images of Rwanda.

Today, at short notice, violence, mayhem and killings can be procured off the shelf at the drop of a hat. And while people are dying in scores, the polemics on the Jos crisis has steadily shifted from the straightforward issue of law and order to the more arcane matter of defining whether the hat dropped is Christian or Muslim, or even political, as some people now suggest. However, the problem of assigning a political undertone to violent conflict is that killings unfortunately tend to be viewed more sympathetically and are sometimes excused.

Don’t let Jos be Rwanda With last weekend’s disturbances in Jos it is perhaps now time for Nigerians to compel their government to forget disingenuous interpretations of what complexion the killings have assumed, and to take its job of safeguarding life and property more seriously.

To continue to drag its feet is to risk the conflict expanding uncontrollably until it engulfs the security forces mandated to quell the unrests; for in the final analysis each security officer is either a Christian or a Muslim. It is unwise to tempt fate and assume that the security men’s training transcends their idiosyncrasies. Jos is brimming with soldiers and policemen, but like the United States is discovering in Afghanistan, Nigeria is beginning to understand that the more troops you send to a trouble spot, the more assignment troublemakers find for them. The question is, therefore, valid: how many security agents are really ever enough?

This dilemma may explain why rather than ensure the apprehension of culprits and their speedy trial, the government has sought to get to the root of the problem by identifying the factors fuelling the disturbances. This in itself may not be inappropriate. Sadly, however, not only has the Federal Government over the decades been insincere in tackling the crisis, it is taking nearly all of eternity to get to the root. But it will undoubtedly in the end discover that there is no single explanation to explain the conflict that has engulfed Plateau State. The conflict has all the elements of religious, social, political and economic grievances. And while it may be intellectually profitable to assign weights to these various factors in order to find a roadmap out of the conflict, the fact remains that what unifies these factors into one huge conflict is the government’s lack of will to punish the crimes perpetrated on the Pla-

main firm. Don’t give a damn. Tell your party chiefs to advise the Presidency to congratulate you after INEC must have pronounced the election “free and fair with minor hitches, which we will surely learn from and correct next time”. Electoral observers – an army of your sympathisers sprinkled with some thugs - who must have been registered by INEC will also proclaim the election a free and fair exercise. Are there elections without hitches?

All calm, you can now think of coming into office. Issue a statement calling for reconciliation. No victor; no vanquished, you will say, adding that your victory is a victory for democracy. “Everybody is a winner.” Meanwhile, your opponent, the bookmakers’ choice, will assemble a team of big lawyers, Senior Advocates they are called, to challenge your well deserved victory. Never mind. He has a lot of legal technicalities to contend with. There will be adjournments and rulings and more adjournments. Another bulwark is Section 285, which bars litigants from taking election disputes beyond 180 days – a very useful law, which many legal giants have condemned as obnoxious and shameful. Who cares?

By now, you should be thinking of how to celebrate your victory. Ask your pastor to fix a date for you to thank God for making it all possible; the miracle of your victory – against all odds and logic. Order colourful uniform Ankara dresses for your supporters. Get set to dance like a village masquerader on its first day at a festival. The song: He’s a miracle working God He’s a miracle working God He’s the Alpha and Omega He’s a miracle working God If you find this manual a good companion – I bet you will – please, remember the copyright is mine.

Plateau bloodbath

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HERE seems to be no end to the madness that has gripped Plateau State by the throat, threatening to asphyxiate the beautiful land of beautiful people in so ugly a manner.

Forget about the various security meetings that have been held since last weekend when unknown (?) gunmen struck in two local governments, killing over 100 residents. The grim but inescapable task of burying the dead became a more nightmarish venture when the assailants stormed the mass burial in a hail of bullets. In the ensuing stampede, Senator Gyang Dantong and Hon Gyang Fulani died.

Consternation. Condolences. Condemnation. My heart goes out to the President who has issued as many as 10 of such condolences recently. Isn’t it time we had a Minister of Condolences to free Dr Goodluck Jonathan of such morbid assignments so that he can face the task of stopping further bloodshed?

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above teau.

As last weekend’s flare-ups showed in all its ugly and disturbing details, the crisis will not abate anytime soon. With mutilated corpses turning up in unusual corners, it is in fact threatening to become a war of attrition. If the problem is not isolated and tackled with all the vigour and sensibleness that only the FG that controls the security forces can muster, it is a question of time before other states and regions are sucked into its bloody vortex. Surely we do not need to be reminded that Nigeria’s disintegration has been foretold by a few leading foreign think tanks. We must put the lie to this frightening prophecy. It is now time to set up dedicated tribunals in Jos or Abuja, but applying Plateau State laws, to deal with those who foment violence on the Plateau and their sponsors, no matter how highly placed. The Jos crisis, we must have no illusions, is quite unusual. We need unusual methods like the death penalty to knock it into a cocked hat.

•This article was first published on January 11, 2011

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