July 17, 2014 by The Nation

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OSUN 2014 Chibok girls’ parents: we never

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requested to visit Aso Villa

EPRESENTATIVES of the Chibok community in Abuja have said the 12 fathers and five girls, who spoke with Pakistani girl-child education activist Malala Yousafzai, never requested to meet with President Goodluck Jonathan or any government official.

From Grace Obike, Abuja

The Borno State indigenes said they only received the invitation to meet with the President yesterday after the girls and the parents had returned to Chibok. The parents were said to have been invited through a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Chibok communi-

ty in Abuja, signed by the Chief of Staff to the President. The community described as “unfounded” the Presidency’s accusation that the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners discouraged the parents from meeting with the President. A statement yesterday in Continued on page 4

WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15?

President seeks $1b loan for arms, ammunition From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sani Onogu, Abuja

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is asking the Senate to approve a $1 billion (about N165) loan for the fight against Boko Haram. The President said he needs the cash to upgrade military equipment and for training as well as logistics for the Armed Forces. The Federal Government voted N968.127 billion for defence in the 2014 budget. Continued on page 4

APC: Jonathan has begun war against opposition •SEE ALSO PAGES 2&3

Five more governors on sack list, says party PDP dismisses claim

From Yusuf Alli and John Ofikhenua, Abuja

HE battle line was drawn yesterday between the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency. APC Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun accused President Goodluck Jonathan of declaring war on the opposition with state-sponsored impeachment proceedings. He said the impeachment of Admiral Murtala Nyako as the governor of Adamawa State was “unacceptable”. He alleged that members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly were induced with $300,000 as part-payment to impeach Nyako. He said a N500 million offer had been dangled before Nasarawa State lawmakers to remove Governor Tanko Al-Makura and N75million per lawmaker to sack Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Odigie-Oyegun alleged that Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were out to remove APC governors in Borno, Nasarawa, Edo, Osun and Rivers states. Continued on page 2

THE FIGURES

$300,000 N500m N75m

•Part-payment of the cash allegedly voted for Nyako’s impeachment •The cash said to have been moved to Nasarawa to fuel Al-Makura’s ouster •The money reportedly offered Edo lawmakers to sack Oshiomhole

•NO WAY: Youths protesting over rumoured impeachment plot against Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura in Mararaba…yesterday.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

‘

We know it has been the dream of the ruling PDP to rule for 60 unbroken years, not minding if Nigeria becomes a desert ...Their evil machination has manifested in Ekiti. It manifested yesterday in Adamawa. They have carried it to Nasarawa and they have Edo, Osun and Rivers in their sight

’

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

NEWS NYAKO’S IMPEACHMENT

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As the country moves towards the 2015 general elections, President Goodluck Jonathan appears to be showing his true colour. Tuesday's impeachment of Murtala Nyako, the commencement of a similar plot to remove Nasarawa State Governor Umaru Al-Makura and several developments on the political scene, say analysts, suggest that Nigeria is fast turning into a one-party state, reports Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI

ITH the impeachment of former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the commencement of the process of removing another governor of the same party in Nasarawa State, Tank Al-Makura, Nigeria may be heading for a one-party state. Nyako was impeached on Tuesday by the House of Assembly, after 18 of the 25 members consented to the contents of the report of the panel which indicted him for alleged financial recklessness. His deputy, Bala Ngilari, resigned on Tuesday morning . His purported letter of resignation was read ahead of the day's plenary by the former Speaker, Umaru Fintiri, who was sworn in as acting governor. Following this development, the PDP has taken over the state. Members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly on Tuesday began impeachment proceedings against AlMakura, who is also of the APC. The House directed its Clerk, Ego Maikeffi, to serve Al-Makura with an impeachment notice for alleged gross misconduct and misappropriation of funds the day before. The notice was signed by 20 of the 24 lawmakers during a sitting presided over by the Speaker, Ahmed Mohammed. The 16count charge borders on alleged extra-budgetary expenses by the governor. The plot to remove Al-Makura has been on for some time. The PDP has been angling to carry out the impeachment for over a year , using members of the Assembly, which is dominated by the opposition party, which was the ruling party before it was defeated by the APC. Indeed, Al- Makura’s Special Adviser on Special Duties Mohammed Abdullahi , alleged that members of the Assembly collected about N30 million each for the impeachment. Aside from Adamawa and Nasarawa, a political crisis allegedly being fuelled by the PDP is simmering in Edo, Rivers, Ogun and a number of other states controlled by the APC. In Edo State, for instance, following a string of defections from the APC to the PDP, a crisis over the control of the Assembly has ensued. The House is now polarised along party lines and can hard-

•People protesting the plot to impeach Nasarawa State Governor Al-Makura at Mararaba in Nasarawa State… yesterday. PHOTO: NAN.

ly function. The allegation is that the former APC members who defected to the PDP were financially induced to do so. In Rivers State, the PDP made an unsuccessful attempt to unseat Governor Rotimi Amaechi in May, last year, when eight lawmakers in the Assembly joined the camp of the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, bringing to 13 the number of anti-Amaechi lawmakers. But, the attempt to impeach the Speaker, who is loyal to Amaechi, backfired and so the process was stalled. The situation in Rivers now is one of uneasy calm, but the PDP, it is believed, has not given up. With these developments, the opposition party is being emasculated in the power equation, as the country approaches the crucial 2015 general elections, no thanks to the machinations of the ruling PDP. This is made possible by the willingness of the ruling party to muscle its way through, using the financial wherewithal available to it from its vantage position. The convener of the Nigerian Voters' Assembly, a civil society group, Moshood Erubami, believes the PDP is getting ready to slam a one-party state on Nigeria. He said: "Unfortunately when you look at the President and his mien, he looks so gentle, but when you see his body language and manifestations, you will know that he is a man that Nigerians should beware of. My fear is that the after-effect of all this anarchy might wake the military up and nobody can predict the end of the saga." A Lagos-based lawyer and the immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Monday Ubani, described Jonathan's latest antics to neutralise the opposition before 2015 as "absurdity of the highest order." Ubani declined further comment, saying it is a bad omen for the general elections. Nyako's crisis is premised on his attempt to pilot the ship of state against the direction preferred by his former benefactors. He was removed, following a prolonged political crisis that started with the bickering within ruling PDP over control of the state between him and then National Party Chairman Bamanga Tukur. Observers say Nyako would have been sitting pretty as governor, but for his conflict with the party that brought him into office and his hard, rebellious posture against Jonathan. Erubami said: "Nyako was not a thief when he was dancing to their tune, but since he joined the APC, he has become a thief. By extension, all the governors that defected to APC are now rogues and must be given rogue treatment. But, they should not

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

NYAKO’S IMPEACHMENT

h Nyako down, Al-Makura under threat?

• Another scene of the protest against the plot to impeach Al-Makura at Mararaba in Nasarawa State… yesterday. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN.

‘PDP’s desperation to take over Nasarawa’ll fail’ N

ASARAWA State Governor Tanko Al-Makura has said the move to exterminate the All Progressive Congress (APC) before 2015 elections will not succeed in Nasarawa State. The governor spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Abdulhamid Yakubu Kwarra. He spoke with reporters in Jos, the Plateau State yesterday. Kwarra said: “The Federal Government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are on a mission to kill all opposition parties before 2015 election in a desperate move to win election in 2015. With the rising political profile of APC, the chances of PDP and President Jonathan in forget that Nigerians are not stupid; we know whose script is being played out. Very soon all their strategies and tactics would come home to roost. "It is a very big threat to our democracy because the process through which Nyako was impeached is very much unconstitutional. The man went to court before the committee started sitting, but they ignored it. Where the rule of law is set aside in preference for personal ambition is an anathema

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos,

2015 is getting slimmer each day, it is obvious PDP or President Jonathan has no chance at all, hence they have launched a persecution of the major opposition party APC to achieve their aims. They are now instigating Members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Tanko AlMakura, just as they did in Adamawa State. “But, I want to assure them, they will not succeed in the case of Nasarawa State because the people who elected Al-Makura are going to come out to resist this impunity. Nigerians should know that this is the 9th impeachment move on Governor Al-Makura.

to democratic norms." He told The Nation on Tuesday that: "We know those who are writing the script. It is not strange; we have witnessed a situation where seven legislators attempted to impeach a speaker in an assembly that has over 15 members, all in bid to remove the governor. We are hearing about Nasarawa now. So, where they cannot rig elections, what they do is to impeach?" Elder statesman and Second Repub-

They have tried it eight other times, but this is the first time they are making move to serve impeachment notice on the governor. “If the move is borne out of malice, it will definitely fail, but if it is based on genuine cause, that is only way it will succeed. But in doing so, the law makers should make sure they do not abuse the procedures. What we saw happened in Adamawa State in the name of impeachment will not stand. I see the judiciary reversing the whole thing because it was done in clear abuse of legal procedures.” Kwarra, who is former Majority Leader of Nasarawa State House of Assembly, said: “The relationship between the Executive and the legislature in Nasararwa State has been mutual in

lic politician Alhaji Tanko Yakassai noted that whosoever advised Nyako and his deputy to shun the invitation extended them by the investigating to defend themselves did not give them a good advice. His words: "It was not really helpful because in a matter like this you need to give your own side of the story. Maybe the people have made up their mind, but at least posterity would know what you have to say.

the last three years. This impeachment move is based on external factor; it is all about 2015 election. PDP is just desperate to take Nasarawa State from the grip of APC. “The authority in Abuja wants it by all means and at all cost. They are threatened by the formidable opposition party in this country and they are doing everything to retain power, despite the fact that they are a collateral failure with all the challenges and parts of their master plan is to destabilise APC control states. “What PDP is doing amounts to a declaration of the war on the people of Nigeria and they way they are going about it, the thing may consume all of us if care is not taken.”

This is because when you are accused of committing a crime and you keep quiet, whether you like it or not it would be deemed that you are guilty. Your defence might not make much difference, but it would be on record forever that this was your response." Yakassai does not believe that Nigeria is heading for a one-party state. "Nigeria is not the kind of country that would end up with a one-party state," he said, adding that what hap-

pened in Adamawa and what is happening in Nasarawa is a continuation of the PDP crisis. "Nyako was a member of the PDP and Tanko Al Makura was also a member of the party before he crossed over to the defunct CPC just before the 2011 election and got elected. So, it's a continuation of the PDP crisis," he said. Nevertheless, Yakassai said it is unfortunate that the crisis in Adamawa reached this stage.

APC: Jonathan has begun war against opposition Continued from page 1 He said the President, who had become “obsessed” with his re-election aspiration in 2015, was ready to destroy the country. Odigie-Oyegun, who spoke at a crowded press conference in Abuja, said the APC will resist any moves by the President to return Nigeria to the “dark days”. He said: “Events in Nigeria in the past few weeks point to a return to the dark old days of state dictatorship, lawlessness, impunity and repression. “Our freedoms are being emasculated, our economy being run to the ground, and our only hope of bringing about change - our democratic expression - is being smothered before our very eyes all because President Goodluck Jonathan is so obsessed with re-election in 2015 at all cost that he is destroying not just all our key institutions but indeed the entire country.” The APC National Chairman said the party was being pushed to the wall and would fight back. He added: “At this critical juncture of our history and despite our desire for restraint and mature engagement with President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), it is evident that inaction is no longer an option and we must resist. “Indeed keeping quiet in the face of the ceaseless and unrelenting reckless violations of all known laws of the land and the Constitution will

amount to complicity in the lawlessness and impunity that has become the norm under President Goodluck Jonathan. We know it has been the dream of the ruling PDP to rule for 60 unbroken years, not minding if Nigeria becomes a desert land in the process. “Their evil machination has manifested in Ekiti. It manifested yesterday in Adamawa. They have carried it to Nasarawa, and they have Edo, Osun and Rivers in their sight. “In the states mentioned, all of them opposition strongholds, President Jonathan and his party have abused national institutions, resorted to a crude use of force and engaged in unprecedented financial inducements to achieve their objectives. “All these anti-democratic tactics come under the umbrella of power with impunity!” Odigie-Oyegun said: “But there is a bigger problem. President Jonathan is obsessed with his re-election in 2015, and he does not mind if Nigeria is destroyed in the process. “He does not care whether every institution of state, be it the military, the courts, INEC or any other one, is destroyed. All that matters now is his re-election. “This explains why he has embarked on this war against the opposition, this war against all of Nigeria. “Having bastardised the army, the police, the courts, aviation and the electoral commission, he has now moved to the next level: Impeachment. Every impeachment or threat of it in re-

cent times has the imprint of President Jonathan. “As we speak, the Governor of Adamawa, Murtala Nyako, has been impeached at the instance of the President and his party. They have moved to Nasarawa, their next stop, while Rivers, Edo and Borno, all APC states, are not being spared the destabilisation that precedes their newfound weapon.” He attributed Nyako’s impeachment to the exgovernor’s defection to the APC. He said the President was guilty of allegations of extra-budgetary expenditure with which Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State is being threatened with impeachment. He added: “What was Nyako impeached for? Offences he allegedly committed five years ago. Those offences were not impeachable when he was in the PDP. But the moment he decamped to the APC, they became impeachable. “The entire ‘impeachment’ of Governor Nyako is so fraught with irregularities, bias, judicial contradictions and in violation of every procedural and constitutional provision that it is the worst manifestation of impunity. “We intend to mount an immediate and rigorous challenge to this gross injustice to the party and people of Adamawa State. “What is Governor Al-Makura of Nasarawa being threatened with impeachment for? Allegations of extra-budgetary expenditure, the same offence that President Jonathan has committed many times. “In fact, on only on the 10th of July 2014, the

Senate passed a resolution asking President Goodluck Jonathan to prepare and submit to the National Assembly supplementary budget to cover the over expenditure in the sum of N90.693 billion (US$585 million) for PMS subsidy 2012 and the sum of N685.910 billion (US$4.430 billion) for Kerosene (DPK) subsidy expended without appropriation by the National Assembly in 2012 and 2013!” A livid Odigie-Oyegun gave insights into mass bribery of lawmakers in Adamawa and Nasarawa states to impeach their governors. He said: “In Adamawa, each member of the State House of Assembly was allegedly given US $300,000 as part payment to impeach Governor Nyako; some N500 million has allegedly been moved to Nasarawa to induce the state’s lawmakers to impeach Governor Al-Makura, and in Edo, each lawmaker has allegedly been offered N75million to impeach Governor Adams Oshiomhole. “Now, who is guiltier of gross misconduct than a President who is frittering away our commonwealth to induce perfidious legislators to impeach state governors? Who is guiltier of gross misconduct than a President who deploys troops to harass, intimidate and arrest the opposition during an election? “Who deserves to be impeached for gross misconduct more than a President who uses national institutions against the opposition, and shuts airports arbitrarily? Continued on page 4

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Jonathan seeks $1b loan for arms

Jonathan promises victory over terror

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan maintained yesterday that his administration owes Nigerians victory over Boko Haram. He spoke during the inauguration of the 26-man Victims Support Fund Committee, headed by Gen. T.Y.Danjuma, before the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja. Stressing that evil will never prevail over good, Dr. Jonathan said no effort would be spared by his government to bring the individuals responsible for crimes against humanity to justice. But he called for the support of all Nigerians for the security agencies in the war against terror. He said: “We owe Nigerians nothing but victory over terror. The life of every Nigerian is precious and we will continue

to work round the clock to put an end to this insurgency.” “I call on all Nigerians to stand together in support of our security agencies against terrorism. They are working night and day under difficult circumstances. It is unfortunate that when our security personnel prevent 1000 attacks, it is the one attack that succeeds that makes headline news and tends to portray our security agencies as not doing enough. It is part of the realities we have to deal with.” “The menace of terrorism has emerged as one of the most complex and challenging problems confronting governments in different parts of the world. Terrorists aim to cause social dislocation, spread fear and panic among the populace and

disrupt government activities. But they never win. They have not won in the Middle East, in the USA, in China, in Columbia, in Italy, in the United Kingdom, in Kenya, etc. And they will not win in Nigeria. And, with the support of all Nigerians, we would ensure they do not win in Nigeria. Good must prevail over evil.” The President spoke about how it began “on December 25, 2009, when a 23-year-old Nigerian attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his underwear on Northwest Airlines Flight 253, on his way from Amsterdam to Detroit, Michigan, United States”. “Although his plan failed and the lives of 289 passengers were saved, it was one incident that finally confirmed that a few Nigerians had finally embraced terrorism as a way of life. Now

girl-child education and, most importantly, one who has suffered a similar fate as their daughters. “In the course of their interactions with Malala, neither the parents nor the escaped girls asked for a meeting with the President or any government functionary. Rather, the narrative back home was to persistently ask why the President had not visited them in Chibok

since the abduction. “It is obvious that 12 fathers and five girls only constitute about two per cent of the parents of the abducted schoolgirls and the 57 girls that escaped. Therefore, the parents decided on their own to review the announced visit, which they first heard of, like every other person, during Malala’s speech. “This resulted in their decision to revert to other family

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Continued from page 1

Jonathan made the request in a letter entitled: “Tackling ongoing security challenges:

•Dr. Jonathan

we could no longer deny that terror has arrived our country with its ugly claws deployed!” He added: “The year 2009 appears to be a tragic turning point. Boko Haram, an assemblage of heartless individuals, took it upon itself to bring evil upon our country. They have in their mission, turned women to Continued on page 68

Chibok girls’ parents: we never requested to visit Aso Villa Continued from page 1

Abuja by the Abuja Chibok

Community spokesman Dauda Iliya, said: “These parents and escaped girls did not come to Abuja at the instance of government or its representatives for a meeting with Mr. President but on the full understanding that they were coming to meet with Malala, an advocate of

members to incorporate every stakeholder on the matter as well as avoid discord and suspicion on the change of plans from the original mission to Abuja. They reached out to the Malala team and, through them, to the Presidency, to request for a new date for an expanded and more representative meeting ...to meet with the President. Continued on page 68

The need for urgent action.” The letter was sent to the Senate and the House of Representatives. The letter was read yesterday by Senate President David Mark at plenary. He noted that the approval of the fund, which would be sourced from external borrowing, would enable the armed forces to confront insurgency more forcefully. The letter said: “You are no doubt cognizant of the on-going

and serious security challenges which the nation is facing, as typified by the Boko Haram terrorist threat. “This is an issue we have discussed at various times. “I would like to bring to your attention the urgent need to upgrade the equipment, training and logistics of our Armed Forces and security services to enable them more forcefully confront this serious threat. “For this reason, I seek the concurrence of the National Assembly for external borrowing of not more than $1 billion dollars, including Government to Government arrangements, for this upgrade.”

New SSG for Adamawa

OLA, the capital of Adamawa State whose governor was impeached on Tuesday, was calm yesterday as a massive security cordon was woven around it. Acting Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri took the first step into his three-month stay yesterday, with the appointment of a university lecturer, Prof. Liman Tukur, as Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Fintiri also voided all political appointments made by impeached governor Murtala Nyako. While administering the oath of office on Tukur, the acting governor said the new wind of change would bring succour to the people of Adamawa State. Fintiri promised that his administration would include all shades of opinion. He said although the Econom-

•Tight security in Yola From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

ic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had not reopened the state’s statutory Allocation accounts, he had ordered the payment of salaries for June and the May shortfall. He promised to pay the two months outstanding from 2012 when the workers were on strike and the former governor had to apply the no-work-no pay rule. Fintiri said the state consolidated revenue account is indebted to the tune of N6 billion. The acting governor received a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) delegation from the House of Representatives at the Government House. The leader of the delegation and member representing La-

Continued on page 68

Nyako’s impeachment: APC will go to court, says Odigie-Oyegun

•From left: Saraki, Odigie-Oyegun and Bunni...yesterday

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

ATIONAL Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, yesterday said the party would challenge the impeachment of Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako in court. Nyako himself has vowed to head for the court. Odigie-Oyegun said: “I don’t know how much I can say to that your question because I think if we are not already in

From Yusuf Alli and John Ofikhenua, Abuja

court, I think we should be. “But it is clear that there was no due process. Even as loose as the provisions are, they did not have the patience and decency to abide by them.” Asked to be specific, Oyegun said: “For example, just to take the basic one: the law provides that the governor must be perContinued on page 68

APC: Jonathan has declared war on opposition

Continued from page 3

“President Jonathan’s desperation knows no bounds, and he is willing to set a record of presiding over the greatest number of impeachments under his tenure. “Before Nyako’s impeachment on Tuesday, a total of five impeachments have been carried out in all of the 15 years of the Fourth Republic. But between now and 2015, President Jonathan is championing five impeachments, in Adamawa, Nasarawa, Edo, Rivers and Borno.” Odigie-Oyegun expressed concern that the military had been compromised to do the President’s biddings. He said: “In doing so, he is subverting hitherto respected national institutions. The Army has been so compromised that it can no longer be trusted by anyone to be neutral. The army has been so abused that it now carries out police duties. “Soldiers were deployed to guard the residence of the Chief Judge of Adamawa while the impeachment proceedings were on. Soldiers were deployed to guard each member of the impeachment panel. Soldiers were also deployed to guard the venue where the panel sat. “In Ekiti, soldiers were deployed to hunt down the opposition and prevent them from

APC’s allegation unfounded, says PDP

wild allegations and lies; never has an opHE leadership of the Peoples DemFrom Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja position resorted to supporting insurgency ocratic Party (PDP) has denied the discredit and blackmail institutions of govand instigating violence through their utallegation that the impeachment of ernment, particularly the legislature, the terances for political capital; never has an the Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nycitadel of democracy and stronghold of the opposition taken it upon itself to continue ako was instigated by President Goodluck will of the people and ultimately set the to insult and attack the person and office of Jonathan and the PDP. stage to destabilise the polity. the President and government institutions In a statement yesterday by its National “We note that this onslaught against the for parochial interests. Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the legislature is not spontaneous. Nigerians “We in the PDP believe in democracy and PDP described the allegation as wild and may indeed recall the vicious attack on the the principle of separation of powers as enunfounded, adding that it was meant to National Assembly early this year wherein shrined in our constitution. As such, we cause confusion and incite the people the APC also raised a false alarm that fed- have never and will not for any reason whatagainst the President, the PDP and institueral lawmakers were being induced with soever interfere in the activities of the legtions of government. millions of dollars to defect to the PDP. islature at any level. The All Progressives Congress (APC) ac“We invite Nigerians to note the anti-dem“Our advice to the APC is that resorting cused Jonathan and the PDP of instigating ocratic and anti-Nigeria actions of the APC. to blackmail and unfounded allegations and bankrolling Nyako’s impeachment and Indeed, never in the history of this country will not help them. They must understand the gale of impeachment threats hanging has an opposition constituted itself into a that in a democracy, the will of the people over other APC governors. rebellion against our dear nation and its and the rule of law are paramount. The PDP said: “While we do not wish to corporate existence. “Nobody is above the law or above the join issues with a party that has become “Never in the history of this country has will of the people. Also they must note that notorious for falsehood, deceit and blackthe opposition sought spiritedly to cause the law does not exonerate an erring offimail, we wish to alert Nigerians that this is confusion to destabilise our nation using cial simply because he is in the opposition”. part of the orchestrated plot by the APC to moving around freely, in con- the words of Salami, JCA on denly slammed shut just to shutting the airport has suddentravention of the nation’s con- page 176 in the case of Yusuf v punish opposition leaders who ly vanished as the private plane Obasanjo (2005) 18 NWLR (Pt. had converged on Ekiti for Gov- bearing former Governor Ali stitution. ernor Kayode Fayemi’s cam- Modu Sheriff was allowed to “In Osun, soldiers are again 956 96@174-5) “It is up to the police to pro- paign rally. They had to travel land at the airport on Monday, to be deployed to shut down the the same day the governor had state and go after the opposi- tect our nascent democracy and all night by road to Lagos. “In Borno, under the guise of to travel by road to Kano to see tion. not the military, otherwise the “By using the military for democracy might be wittingly ensuring security, the Maidug- his brother who was involved election duties, President or unwittingly militarised. This uri Airport has been closed for in an accident on the same road. “Obviously, President Jonathan is clearly disobeying is not what the citizenry bar- several weeks; hence the Borno a court order as the Court of gained for after 1999. Conscious Governor and the people of the Jonathan is fast turning Nigeria Appeal had ruled as far back as step or steps should be taken to state, including the pilgrims into George Orwell’s Animal 2005 that the involvement of the civilianise the polity and there- heading for lesser Hajj, have Farm, where some animals are military in the conduct of elec- by ensure survival and suste- been forced to travel by road to more equal than the others. “Welcome to Nigeria of PresKano to board their flights. tions is an aberration and, there- nance of democracy.” “However, the reason for ident Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, “The Akure airport was sudfore, unconstitutional. Indeed in

where the only people who are deemed to be true Nigerians are those under the umbrella of the PDP, where the only people worth protecting are PDP members!” The APC National Chairman reminded President Jonathan and the PDP that political greed had always derailed the nation’s democracy. He called on all friends of Nigeria to prevail on President Jonathan to apply the brakes in his “obsessive” quest for power. Oyegun said: “We have raised the alarm several times that President Jonathan’s obsession with his re-election is a clear and present danger to our democracy. “Today, we say this President’s obsession with re-election is threatening the very existence of our nation. “Never in the history of our dear nation has any President waged war on the country the way this President is doing. Never in the history of our country has any President desecrated national institutions like this President is doing to the very institutions that sustain democracy. Continued on page 68

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THE NATION THURSDAY JULY 17, 2014

NEWS

•Dr. Olajumoke and his wife, Remi, cutting his 70th birthday cake with special and physically challenged scouts, after donating the building at Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos State...yesterday

Olajumoke donates building to Scouts on 70th birthday

ENATOR Bode Olajumoke has donated a four-bedroom apartment to the Lagos State Scout Council as part of activities marking his 70th birthday. The building, located in-

side the Baden Powell Training Centre at Ibeshe, Ikorodu, is for the use of Lagos State Disabled and Special Scouts. Dr Olajumoke said he was giving back to the society, especially to the physically chal-

NEPC, Elumelu Foundation partner for increased agric exports

HE Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and The Tony Elumelu Foundation have signed a one-year partnership by improving its share of the global, non-oil export market and increasing agricultural export. The move, it was learnt, was meant to create a more competitive Nigerian economy. In a statement in Abuja, the NEPC said under the new agreement, the foundation provided the council with a technical advisor, Maureen Ideozu, through its Elumelu Fellowship Programme. Besides, two associates from the Elumelu Professionals Programme Lawi Laktabai (a Congolese) and Jean-Yves Mutanda - are working with key NEPC officers to increase agricultural products’ exports. NEPC’s Chief Executive Olusegun Awolowo said the council is benefitting from the public good initiative of the Tony Elumelu Foundation. He said the consistent input from the embedded Elumelu Fellow and visiting Masters’ interns were valuable to the strategic repositioning of the council. Awolowo said: “I am very

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

pleased with this partnership as we jointly work towards the socio-economic development of our country and the diversification of our economy.” Among her numerous responsibilities, Ms. Ideozu will work directly with Mr. Awolowo to increase Nigerian private sector participation in global trade and liaise with the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, other government agencies, as well as private sector organisations to implement the NEPC’s strategic plan. “The Elumelu Fellowship offers me an opportunity to contribute to increased competitiveness in by unlocking opportunities for Nigerian companies in a manner that equips them to compete globally,” Ideozu said. The Tony Elumelu Foundation’s Chief Executive Wiebe Boer said the organisation was committed to implementing solutions that would improve the operating environment for its private sector.

Cleric to Nigerians: forsake sins

HE District Superintendent of the Apostolic Faith Church in West and Central Africa, Rev Adebayo Adeniran, has urged Nigerians to repent from their sins. The cleric said it has become necessary for all to genuinely turn to God to enable the country surmount its sundry challenges. He said the nation cannot continue in sins, corruption and other vices and still ex-

By Nneka Nwaneri

pect God’s grace. According to him, a nation can only thrive in peace and unity. Adeniran decried the amalgam and massive proliferation of houses of worship, adding that these amount to nothing, if the hearts continue to accommodate sins. Holiness, the cleric said, is not about mode of worship or the magnificence of structures.

lenged, to give them a sense of belonging. He said: “This land was donated by Justice Adeoba 10 years ago. It has been lying fallow. So, I decided to build the four-bedroom chalet to

help the disabled Scouts in Lagos to have a place to live whenever they come for training in the institute.” Lagos State Scout Council Commissioner, Chief Joseph Tawose, thanked Olajumoke

for the donation and his assistance for the growth and development of the national and Lagos State Scout Council. The Chief Commissioner of Scout in Nigeria, Olori Omo Oba Olusoga Sofola-

han, hailed Dr Olajumoke for his sundry philanthropic gestures. She urged other wealthy personalities to emulate the senator, adding that wealth would not be taken to heaven.

FEC okays N1.3b feasibility contract for standard rail T HE Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved N1.3 billion contract for the feasibility study of a standard rail gauge system in six corridors of the country. Information Minister Labaran Maku and his Transport counterpart, Umar Idris, broke the news to State House correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, was also at the weekly briefing. Maku said the rail corridors were identified under the 25year strategic railway development policy of the Federal Government. Umar said the contract includes studies of the viability of the rail project and identification of business and economic activities along the selected corridors. The feasibility study, the minister said, would also involve identification of the rail stations along the route and the environmental impact assessment. He added that the length of the six rail lines would be 4,430 kilometres, which will be com-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

pleted within six months. Umar listed the corridors as Kano/Dai/Jimbia, an approximate distance of 354 kilometres; Ilela/Sokoto/Jega/Kontagora, 408 kilometres; Aba/ Ikot Ekpene/Itu/Uyo/Uduopkani/Calabar, 340 kilometres; Kano/Nguru/Geshua/Damaturu/Maiduguri/gamburu Ngala, 707 kilometres; Calabar/Ikom/Obudu/Ogoja/ Katsina Ala/Wukari/Jalingo/ Yola/Maiduguri, 1,669 kilometres;and Port Harcourt/ Aba/Umuahia/Enugu/Lafia/ Jos/Bauchi/Biu/Maidiguri, 550 kilometres. The minister said the seven corridors earlier awarded had been completed, adding that the contract will soon be awarded for the construction of the standard rail lines. According to him, the rail corridors were carefully selected to cover areas with strong economic potentials, such as mining, petro-Chemicals, solid minerals deposits, agricultural zones, linkages to airports and state capitals. Umar said: “We want to ensure that within the next 25

years, government will put in more efforts to ensure the development of areas through funding and public-private partnership arrangements. “The scope of work to be carried out by the consultants will include detailed studies to enable them establish the viability of these projects, bring out the technical, economic and financial models to establish the viability of the projects. “They are also to provide proposals for the alignment and connections of the urban and commercial settlements along the proposed routes. “They are equally to carry out detailed surveys and designs of the selected alignments to identify potential train stations and other rail base infrastructure to incorporate them into the design.” Others, he said, include the environmental impact assessment and identify the rail stations, workshops and other rail base infrastructure along the route, including engineering design and the bill of engineering measurement and the tender document for the award of the contract in due course. Aganga said the United Na-

tions Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) had established two regional offices in Nigeria and Ethiopia and placed the two countries under the accelerated intervention programme for industrial development. The project, he said, is in recognition of the potentials and the industrial development efforts of the two countries in Africa. According to him, the two African countries have shown the strongest and highest potentials for industrialisation on the continent. “Through this action, UNIDO has not only associated itself with the unparalleled and rapid transformation taking place in Nigeria but has clearly endorsed Nigeria’s industrial revolution plan,” Aganga said. He said UNIDO had also established an investment and technology promotion office, called the ITPO in Nigeria, to fast-track Nigeria’s ability to attract industrial investment and support for the sector. Maku declined to speak on Tuesday’s impeachment of Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako and the impeachment moves against Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura.

Prosecutor reviews ‘link’ between UK aid, Ibori

RITAIN’S leading fraud prosecutor is evaluating a material alleging that the United Kingdom (UK) aid might have been channelled to companies linked with convicted former Delta State Governor James Ibori, a top government lawyer said yesterday. “As part of that review, it (the Serious Fraud Office) is examining whether there is

any indication of an offence falling within the criminal jurisdiction of England and Wales as opposed to criminal jurisdictions overseas,” Solicitor-General Oliver Heald said in a written response to a parliamentary question. “No formal decision has yet been made in relation to this matter and no investigation has been opened.” The Serious Fraud Office

confirmed it had received material from the government’s Department for International Development (DFID) in February but said it was too soon to say whether or not it would launch an investigation. A full-blown investigation could be an embarrassment to Prime Minister David Cameron, who brushed aside criticism at home, last year, to increase development aid -

aimed at alleviating some of the world’s most abject poverty - by nearly a third to $19 billion at a time of austerity at home. Ibori, who governed oil-producing Delta State from 1999 to 2007, was jailed for 13 years in Britain in 2012 after pleading guilty to 10 counts of money laundering and fraud in one of the biggest embezzlement cases seen in Britain.

THE NATION THURSDAY JULY 17, 2014

NEWS

•President Goodluck Jonathan (fourth right) and Vice-President Namadi Sambo ((fifth left) with members of Presidential Committee on Victims’ Support Fund at the inauguration of the committee at the Presidential Villa in Abuja...yesterday. STORY ON PAGE 4 PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

Why Jonathan shouldn’t contest in 2015, by Igbokwe

RO-DEMOCRACY activist Comrade Joe Igbokwe yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to jettison his reelection bid because it is not in the nation’s interest. He said the harassment of the opposition, the Boko Haram insurgency and impeachment of opposition governors underscored the President’s desperation to retain power. The activist said these are among incidents that put democracy under threat. Igbokwe, who addressed

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

reporters in Lagos, stressed that if the quest for power was anchored on good performance, Dr. Jonathan is unfit for a second term because his handling of national affairs had been tragic and disastrous. The activist urged the President to respect the zoning in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that Jonathan’s plan to rule for 10 years may break up the country.

The President has not declared his ambition for a reelection, but individuals and partisan groups have endorsed him for a second term and are urging him to publicly declare his interest. Igbokwe said: “Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, from the South ruled Nigeria for eight years. It was also expected that the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, from the North, would rule for eight years, all other things being equal. But he died after two years in office. President Jonathan, Yar’Adua’s erst-

while vice-president from the South, took over the mantle of leadership. It was expected that he would complete the first term of Yar’Adua’s tenure and step aside for the North to complete their eight years. “Against protests from the North, Jonathan sought another term and got elected. By 2015, he would have ruled for six years. Seeking another term of four years will endanger our polity and create ethnic and religious tension, as we are witnessing now. We

are in a democracy and, if we are still one country, there is need for equity and justice. Jonathan’s ambition to rule Nigeria for 10 years may break Nigeria.” The activist criticised the Federal Government for waging war against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in its desperation to make the PDP retain power. He said the Presidency and the PDP have an agenda to decimate the opposition through crude means, citing

the power plays in Ekiti, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Rivers and Edo states. Igbokwe regretted that the PDP-led Federal Government is concentrating much effort on the emasculation of the opposition, instead of fostering good governance in the last 15 years. He alleged that there was a curious media censorship and an affront on freedom of association, movement and expression by the Federal Government.

Writers honour Dare at 70

ODAY, a star cast of writers honours journalism teacher, Prof. Olatunji Dare, with the public presentation of a book of essays to mark his 70th birthday. The book, to be publicly presented by Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, is titled Public Intellectuals, The Public Sphere & The Public Spirit: Essays in Honour of Olatunji Dare. It is edited by Dr. Wale Adebanwi. The event will hold at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, from 11am. Besides Gen. Danjuma, who is the chairman and chief presenter of the book, others expected at the ceremony include Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Adams Osh-

iomhole (Edo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Chief of Staff to Edo State Government House, Patrick Obahiagbon; the cream of the media, the cream of the academia and other distinguished Nigerians. The contributors, among the best minds in Nigerian journalism and academia, include former Chairman of The Punch, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, who wrote the Afterword; Prof. Bayo Williams, Lanre Idowu, Dr. Doyin Abiola, Chidi Onuma, Adidi Uyo, Odia Ofeimum, Dapo Olorunyomi and Kunle Ajibade. Others include Prof. Niyi Osundare, Dr. Sina Odugbemi, Prof. Olu Obafemi, Dr. Taiwo Oloruntoba-Oju, Prof. Lai Oso, Dr. Ismail Ibraheem,

•Prof. Dare

Ms Aje-Ori Agbese, daughter of iconic columnist, Dan Agbese, Dr. Ndadeyo Uko and Dr. Ebenezer Obadare. The other contributors are Kole Odutola, Dr. Wale Adebanwi, conceiver and editor of the volume, Segun Ayobolu, Ogaga Ifowodo, Taiwo Abioye, Akin Aadesokan, Tunde Oladipo and Olakunle Abimbola.

Senate confirms Chidoka, don as ministers

HE Senate yesterday approved the nomination of Federal Road Safety Corps’ (FRSC’s) Corps Marshall Osita Chidoka and a University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) don, Dr. Abubakar Olerenwaju Sulieman, as ministers. Both candidates will represent Anambra and Kwara states in the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Senate President David Mark urged them to bring their youthful vim, vigour and new ideas to bear in discharging their assignments. Mark said: “I urge these two confirmed nominees that as young men, they should bring new ideas on board. They should not go there and just fall in line and not per-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

form. “We expect that they will perform, because before us, they have performed very well. So, we hope that when they go there, they would perform very well too.” The Senate endorsed the two ministerial nominees by President Goodluck Jonathan after grilling them on their experiences and plans for their new assignments. On the values he brought to the FRSC in the last seven years, Chidoka said he expanded and opened the organisation to the world through personnel, infrastructure, training, facilities and operational vehicles.

He said: “From 11,000 workers, 170 patrol cars, 17 ambulances and a budget of N6.5 billion in 2007, today, we have 800 patrol cars, 20,000 personnel, N30 billion budget and 375 V-Sat equipment connecting all units of the FRSC across the country to the headquarters.” The former FRSC chief explained that with the automation of the agency’s operations, it could provide statistics on the number of deaths resulting from accidents and the states with the highest road crashes and fatalities. He said the FRSC had become data and knowledgedriven adding that this made some West African countries, such as Ghana and Sierra Leone, to seek its help to set up similar outfits.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

NEWS

Ekiti Tribunal begins sitting as APC alleges plot to burn INEC office

HE Election Petitions Tribunal set up to hear grievances relating to the June 21 Governorship Election in Ekiti State yesterday began sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. The Chairman of the threeman panel, Justice Mohammad Siraj of the Federal High Court, Jos Division, was the only Judge who appeared at the inaugural sitting on the premises of the High Court complex. A motion ex-parte filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to compel the Independ-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

ent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow it (the APC) inspect the materials used for the conduct of the election was struck out by Justice Siraj on the party’s request. APC’s counsel said it withdrew the petition because events had overtaken the demand, adding that the parties joined in the application were different from the parties in the substantive petition filed against the respondents’ action for the

withdrawal. Although the APC lead counsel, Alhaji Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) was absent at the inaugural sitting, he was represented by Kabir Akingbolu. Security was strengthened around the premises of the High Court. Armed policemen barricaded the courts entrances including the dual carriageway facing the court. The state APC said it has uncovered a plot to burn the INEC office in Ado-Ekiti. The party, in a statement,

said: “We have it from reliable source that plans are being hatched to have ‘strange fire’ occurrence at the INEC office in Ado Ekiti and all the materials relating to the just concluded election will get burnt. The fire incidence would be blamed on some faulty power surge. But why would any person or persons want to set the ballot papers of a ‘free and fair’ election on fire, especially now that the APC has decided to test the result with the tribunal? Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.”

Ogun APC hails Osoba at 75

•Aremo Osoba

HE All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State chapter has felicitated with former Governor Olusegun Osoba on his 75th birthday. APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Sola Lawal, described Osoba as a prominent son of Egbaland, whose contributions to the development of the state as a son, politician,

Oyo to local govt workers: be dedicated

Lagos committed to quality education, says commissioner

AGOS State Commissioner for Education Mrs. Olayinka Oladujoye has said the government’s commitment to the provision of quality education is unshaken. Oladunjoye spoke yesterday at the 2014 Stakeholders’ Forum of the Advocacy Committee on Special Education

Matters at the Events Centre, Agidingbi, Lagos. The commissioner said the need to accommodate children with special needs informed the state government’s decision to establish the inclusive schools, adding that parents should take advantage of the opportunity and not hide their children with

disability at home. Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Education, Science and Technology Wahab Alawiye-King, pledged the continued support of the House to education, noting that children with special needs also have the right to quality education.

The General Manager of the State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA), Dr. Babatunde Awelenje, highlighted the various challenges of children with special needs, adding that 98 million pupils living with disabilities constitute the group of those who are marginalised in the society.

Lagos Oracle University graduates students

HE Lagos State government yesterday graduated the first batch of 50 graduates under its Workforce Development Programme (WDP) designed to equip them with information communication technology (ICT) skills . Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs Olusuyi Williams said the initiative is a trail blazer as other organisations have started

By Lucas Ajanaku

borrowing a leaf from it. Mrs Williams said Governor Babatunde Fashola has directed the Ministry of Science and Technology and allied agencies to engage original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), such as Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco to develop training programmes to allow “our citizens to benefit from the state’s engagement with all our ICT partners,

especially in skill transfer to the population of unemployed graduates.” She said: “The Lagos State government has identified ICT as a sector with potential for high growth and employment generation and an area that can help in reducing the prevailing level of graduate unemployment with its attendant social ills. “I am glad to report that

under the Human Capacity Initiative, which we launched off seven weeks ago, we have successfully completed training for over 45 lectures from universities, colleges of education as well as polytechnics in the state and over 76 employees of the state including unemployed graduates under the WDP Programme whose graduation ceremony we are doing today.”

Detained Ibadan businessman petitions NJC From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

ETAINED Ibadan businessman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pelly Foam Industry, Mr. Dapo Davies, has petitioned the National Judicial Council(NJC) for the alleged bias of Justice Aderonke Aderemi of the Oyo State High Court, who issued the bench warrant for his arrest. In the petition dated July 14, the Pelly Foam chief, said: “Justice Aderemi’s bias against me has intensified and manifested in worse forms” ever since she got wind of the earlier petitions, as the Judge “interpreted the petitions to mean contempt of court and summoned me to appear before her even though I do not have any criminal charges filed against me. “On July 2, 2014, she issued a bench warrant on me and ordered that I be remanded in the prison. I immediately filed an appeal against the order. The appeal has been fixed for November 18, 2014 for hearing...Despite this fact, Justice Aderemi continued as if my appeal did not matter or that the appellate court is subservient to her court.”

governor and leader is commendable and worthy of emulation. The party said the former governor laid a solid foundation on which the Ibikunle Amosun government is rebuilding the Gateway State. The party said: “Chief Olusegun Osoba is a politician and statesman whose zeal for the growth of Ogun State in particular and Nigeria in general is exemplary. He weathered the storm in the dark days of the Gbenga Daniel administration to ensure the emancipation of the people of the state from the jaws of a brutish government renowned for its illegality, injustice and maladministration.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Oyo State Local Government Service Commission has urged local government workers to be dedicated to their work. The commission’s chairman, Chief Lasisi Ayankojo, spoke during a tour of the state’s 33 local government councils. The commission began the tour yesterday with four local governments in Oke-Ogun, such as Iwajowa, Iseyin, Itesiwaju and Kajola local governments. According to Ayankojo, the visit indicated the commission’s readiness to live up to its statutory responsibility of ensuring conducive working atmosphere for the local government workforce. He said the Abiola Ajimobi administration has impacted positively on lives of the people through execution of many projects and programmes.

Omuooke wants own council

By Seun Akioye

MUOOKE-Ekiti has urged the Ekiti State government not to merge it with the proposed Ekiti North East Local Government Development Area. In a statement made available to our correspondent after a meeting at the Palace Square in Omuooke -Ekiti, the community pleaded with the government to give it a council of its own. According to the secretary of the community, Hon. Gabriel Oni , the community was once granted a local government called Ayeyewa Local Government during the Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo administration in 2002. According to Oni, when the local government committee was inaugurated in 2014, Omuooke Ekiti was among the first set of communities to write to the committee to request for the confirmation of Ayeyewa Local Government earlier created with the necessary papers forwarded to the committee. “We were, however, taken aback when Ekiti North East LCDA was proposed to be created with Headquarter in Kota-Ekiti and OmuookeEkiti was carved alongside when Omuooke people had never for once agreed to join any community to ask for a Local Government. “We are not prepared to accept Kota-Ekiti as the headquarter as Omuooke-Ekiti is an ancient town and the commercial nerve centre of the Ekiti East Local Government, so it has all it takes and has the wherewithal to have an autonomous local government,” Oni added.

PDP urges residents to shun local govt referendum

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

KITI State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged residents to shun Saturday’s planned referendum on the creation of 18 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). A statement by the Publicity Secretary, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, in Ado-Ekiti, the capital yesterday described the referendum as “an exercise in futility”. Oluwawole said the move by Governor Kayode Fayemi was a contempt of court. The statement reads: “The proposed referendum is an illegal act, as it not following the due process expected of such an exercise. The legal matter over the constitution of EKSIEC is still in court. “Apart from the matter of the constitution of EKSIEC being at the Supreme Court, Ekiti PDP has also gone to court challenging the creation of the new LCDAs and that is still in court. “Any action taken by Fayemi, EKSIEC and the Ekiti State House of Assembly on the matter is null and void and we are calling on the people of the state not to waste their time going out on Saturday for any referendum. It will end up a sheer waste of time and resources. “It is going to be an exercise in futility and we are calling on the people of Ekiti State not to allow themselves to be used, as the incoming administration will not recognise any such illegal act...”

Oyo unveils plan to promote locally-made products

YO State government, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Japan International Cooperation Authority (JAICA) are to promote agro-based locally-made products. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership, Mrs Folake Akinleye, spoke

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

this at a meeting with the local government chairmen yesterday at the conference room, Head of Service Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Akinleye said: ” The products to be promoted include shear butter, tomato, black soap, cassava, melon, ofada rice, palm product. “ The programme was initiat-

ed by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, which was modelled after a project similar to it in Japan where they place much priorities on products that have an advantage over the other. So, the government decided to help the people that are working without any mechanised imput and help them grow their business, finance them and help them to market their product.”

THE NATION THURSDAY JULY 17, 2014

NEWS OSUN 2014

INEC plans heavy security deployment for poll •792,200 registered voters get PVCs •19 candidates cleared T Reps summon commission over alleged chaotic voter cards’ delivery HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will deploy heavy security in the August 9 governorship election in Osun State just as it was in Ekiti State. State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Segun Agbaje spoke in Abuja yesterday at an event tagged: “Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room.” The event was a platform provided by a group, the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), for civil society organistions to assess the level of INEC’s preparedness for the Osun election. Agbaje said the decision was informed by Osun’s heightening security situation, arising from the unfriendly utterances of the major political players. “There will be improved security deployment. I cannot say the level of security deployment in Osun will be less than that of Ekiti. This is because of the utterances of the political leaders and the heavy threat of violence,” he said. But the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday sued President Goodluck Jonathan to

HE House of Representatives has resolved to invite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to appear before its Committee on Electoral Matters with progress reports on the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards’ in all the states where the exercise is ongoing. INEC is also to explain to the lawmakers the modalities for distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards’ in all other states before the 2015 elections. This was sequel to a motion brought under urgent From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

a Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, where it is seeking an order restraining the President from deploying soldiers to Osun during the election. Joined in the suit is the Attorney-General of the Federation. According to the originating summons filed by M.A. Banire & Associates, the legal chamber of the National Legal Adviser of the APC, Dr. Muiz Banire, the suit was brought pursuant to Order 3, Rules 1, 6 and 9 of the FHC (civil procedure) Rules 2009; Sections

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

public importance by a member, Yakub Abiodun Balogun (APC, Lagos), on the alleged haphazard distribution of Permanent Voter Cards by the INEC and the imminent disenfranchisement of eligible voters in some states. Lawmakers supported the passage of the motion at plenary when the Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal, who presided, called for a vote.

217 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. The party is contending that by provisions of the 1999 Constitution, it is ultra vires for the President to deploy members of the Armed Forces in Osun State for the election. The REC, however, said of the 1,407,222 total registered voters, INEC had distributed Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to 63 per cent, translating to 792,200 of the registered voters. He said 1,250,569 of such PVCs were received from the INEC headquarters as at July 11.

Agbaje said 19 candidates had been cleared to contest the election. He said no voter would be allowed to cast the ballot without a PVC. He assured that as against the case in Ekiti, any voter with valid voter card will be allowed to vote. The REC, who said his commission would engage in its final phase of PVC distribution on July 26 and 27, assured that INEC has done all it can to ensure that the Osun election serves as an improvement on the Ekiti poll and a prelude to the perfect job it en-

visages in 2015. “The Anambra case was not as bad as being portrayed. If Ekiti is said to have been an improvement, we want to build on that improvement with the Osun election to ensure that we have the best in 2015,” he said. The REC said aside the security challenge, INEC was working on ways of overcoming the challenge of the state’s prevailing political culture of violence, where all the politicians see election as a do-or-die affair. He said although non-sensitive electoral materials have been deployed since last Thursday, the commission would allow the release of the sensitive materials from the state’s branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from August 6. Agbaje said about 7,000 mats had been ordered to complement available bedding facilities provided in all the Registration Areas Centres (RACs) to afford INEC officials the minimum comfort preparatory to their deployment to the field.

Governor’s wife to women: be part of new success story By Sina Fadare

HE wife of the Osun State Governor, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, has enjoined women to unite and key into the transformation agenda of the state’s current administration in order to be part of its success story. Mrs. Aregbesola spoke in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, at a rally tagged: “Women in Politics” organised by her office and Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. She said the “moving train of development is going through the state” and they cannot afford to be indifferent. The event, which was held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, was attended by political office-holders, party chieftains, lawmakers, civil society groups, market women among others. Mrs. Aregbesola noted that the only way to ensure that the ongoing transformation continued unabated is to ensure that Governor Rauf Aregbesola emerged victorious in the forthcoming governorship election. She enjoined them to always champion crusade for peace by warning their children to shun act of thuggery and violence in the coming election. Expressing her appreciation over women’s support for her husband over the years, appealed to them to do more by voting for him in the next August election, so that jointly, they can take the state to the land of promise where equal opportunities and abundant welfare abound. Governor Aregbesola, who also spoke at the event, expressed optimism in women, stressing that his administration has been recognising their role since inception. He added that his harmonious relation with women has given him courage, confident and tenacity to forge ahead against all odds.

LP candidate eyes victory ABOUR Party (LP) governorship candidate in Osun State Alhaji Fatai Akinbade has vowed to defeat Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, at the Au-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

gust 9 poll. Akinbade, who said that the Osun people are now wiser, said no amount of money doled out or any form of inducement could sway the electorate.

•From left: Osun State Deputy Governor Titi Laoye-Tomori; first civilian Governor of the state, Senator Isiaka Adeleke; Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, during Aregbesola’s re-election rally in Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Ilesa.

PDP ’ll win Osun poll, says Sambo

ICE President Namadi Sambo has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win the August 9 governorship election in Osun State. Sambo, who spoke in Abuja yesterday in his capacity as chairman of the

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

party’s governorship campaign committee, maintained that the election in Osun would follow the Ekiti State’s trend where the PDP won the poll. According to him, the Fed-

eral Government will ensure a peaceful, free and fair election in Osun, adding that the mandate was taken through the “back door” by the sitting governor. “We are looking forward to have a peaceful election in Osun State and I want to assure you that the mandate

that was taken through the back door will come back to the PDP as it was seen after the election in Ekiti State. “The people of Osun will now have the chance to choose for themselves where they belong and they belong to the PDP,” he added.

Indigenes, others in U.S. support Aregbesola’s reelection bid

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has received praises as Nigerians in United States (U.S.) gathered at the Radisson Hotel, New York to support his re-election bid. The event, which was organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-USA, New York Chapter, was attended by Osun indigenes and Nigerian residents in the U.S. The gathering was addressed by Mr. Dele Alade, Mr. Tony Isama, Alhaja

Adenike Oyejide, Prof. Adesegun Labinjo, Alhaji Hammed Famuyide and Princess Titi Arojojoye. Others are Mr. Henry Adesanya, Mr. Kehinde Kolawole, Ambassador Denis Antoine, a personal friend of the governor and many others. The speakers outlined the achievements of Aregbesola in office and praised his exceptional love for the Osun people, the Yoruba and Nigeria. Aregbesola was hailed for his education policy, the

building of world-class schools and provision of learning materials and equipment in the schools, including laptops for pupils. On agriculture, the speakers, including Ambassador Antoine, testified to the massive large-scale mechanised farming going on in Osun State in collaboration with international partners to make Osun the major food producer and supplier for consumers not only in Nigeria but also in the West African region. Also, speakers including

Alhaji Famuyide, Prof. Labinjo, Princess Arojojoye and Alhaja Oyejide, testified to the good roads with drainage systems constructed by the state government. Aregbesola was also praised for youth employment by giving jobs to tens of thousands of youths, which in turn reduced unemployment and crimes. He was also hailed for his magnanimity in working with people of Osun State irrespective of their political inclinations for the progress of the state.

The speakers alluded to the peace that has reigned in the state since the governor took over, banishing the days of politically motivated killings. The governor’s empowerment, health and safe environment programmes were also highly praised. Aregbesola was described by Alade as a man who has the fear of God and has tremendous love for his people. He likened Aregbesola to Chief Obafemi Awolowo that the governor is a disciplined and down to earth man who is working almost 24 hours a

day to see how he can make life better for his people. He said Aregbesola is not in the category of Nigeria politicians that expend most of their time in pursuing women of easy virtues. He urged the people of Osun to massively vote for Aregbesola on August 9 so that he can continue the great work he is doing. He said the people cannot afford to allow the enemies of progress and people of questionable characters to take over the government in Osun.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Chadian guards arrested for alleged robbery

PERATIVES of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested some Chadians who work as security guards in some parts of the city for alleged armed robbery. Jamal Nasiru, Ahmed Mohammed, Umaru Abubakar and Sale Abubakar, according to the police, were caught with four pump-action rifles, locally made pistols, cutlasses and charms. The suspects, who have been securing lives and property in Omole, Magodo and similar highbrow estates, are being detained in SARS’ cell. Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, according to sources, got a tip-off about the escapades of a notorious armed robbery gang terrorising residents of Magodo, Omole and neighbouring estates. The informants, it was learnt, also alerted the police that the same gang had been operating on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. Sources said that they hatch their ploy by placing dangerous objects on the highway to puncture tyres of unsuspecting motorists whom they eventually rob, following which they raid the popular Kara cattle market. Following Manko’s directive, the Officer in Charge of SARS, Abba Kyari, a Superintendent of Police (SP) investigated the matter and led his team to arrest the suspects. It was gathered that upon further investigations, the receiver of their loot was arrested by a

‘My wife sneaks out at night’ •Man, 75, seeks marriage dissolution

“M

•The suspects with the weapons ... yesterday

•Police recover four rifles, other weapons By Jude Isiguzo

joint team of policemen from Isheri Police Station and SARS. A police source said: “A joint team of SARS and other men from the Isheri Police Station first arrested their buyer with many laptops at Ojodu Berger. The said buyer took the police team to Omole Estate and Kara cattle market in Ogun State, where the other suspects were arrested. “The four notorious Chadian robbers have confessed to having been terrorising Lagos/Ibadan Expressway by the long bridge/Kara cattle market for a long time. They also confessed that they attacked several houses at Magodo and Omole estates before we arrested them and recovered four pump-action guns, locally made

pistols and cutlasses, among others. Several laptops stolen from Magodo residents were equally recovered. “All the robbers are Chadians who came to Lagos for security jobs before forming the deadly robbery gang. Three members of the gang are still at large and efforts have been intensified to arrest them. One of those on the run was still working as security man in Omole Estate; he escaped after some members of his gang were arrested. Some of their criminal receivers, including one Atom Haruna, have equally been arrested”. In their confessional statement according to police sources, the suspects claimed they went into robbery because their salaries were poor.

One of them was quoted to have said: “We are paid N15,000 every month as security men and was not enough to take care of our needs. We were trying to think of other things to do to make more money when our gang leader, Mustapha, who is now on the run, told us how lucrative armed robbery could be and convinced us to form a gang. That was how we started operating until we were arrested. But we do not steal from the houses we guard, but in other homes in the estate.” Manko re-assured residents of the safety of their lives and properties, urging residents to conduct proper security checks on those they want to employ as guards in their homes to avoid falling into the hands of armed robbers.

Y wife doesn’t inform me before leaving the house. She frequently talks about a particular man. I suspect she is having extramarital affair because she stays late out. She once took a mattress to her shop, according to her, for her relaxation. On several occasions, she sneaked out at night. She is never available, but I no longer need her because my first son prepares good food. If she is still with me, she may kill me.” These were the words of 75year-old Taoheed Okunade while praying the Customary Court at Alagbado, a Lagos suburb, to end his 15year-old marriage with his wife, Folashade. Okunade, who also accused of constantly fighting him, also said the woman had no respect for him. Their union, he said, is blessed with four male children - Saheed (15), Quadri (12), Lukman (9) and Faruq (7). Obviously shocked,

By Basirat Braimah

Folashade, 30, told the court: “I do not have an idea of what my husband is talking about. He has never been responsible for our children’s upkeep. For over two years, I have been responsible for his treatment. I really don’t know what he is trying to do because we ate from the same plate before coming to court. “In fact, we shared the same bed last night. His siblings continuously plead with me not to abandon their brother; but if he wants dissolution, no argument. I only want him to refund all the money I spent on him during his sickness.” Okunade, however, told the court that because of his financial situation, he would not be able to cater for their children, but said he wanted the marriage dissolved. The Court President, Olubode Sekoni, adjourned the case till July 28 for judgment.

Churches hold revival

HE United Aladura Churches will hold a three-day programme with the theme: “Peace and prosperity in a God-fearing nation” between today and Saturday in Lagos. The programme, which will be hosted by the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), kicks off with a revival service at the Gymnastic Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, by 5pm. It will be followed by a seminar on Friday at the CCC, 4, Celestial Church Street, off Amaraolu Street, Agidingbi, Ikeja by 12 noon. The programme will end on Saturday with a thanksgiving service by 12 noon with eminent personalities in attendance.

NEWS (SHOWBIZ) MTN Music + app: Top celebs grace launch party

•From left: Marketing Manager, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Mr Sampson Oloche, Amstel Malta brand ambassador, Mikel Obi, Amstel Malta Brand Manager, Hannatu Ageni-Yusuf and Nollywood actor, O.C Ukeje at an event

Mikel Obi parties with fans over Amstel Malta deal

T was a short ceremony, but the early arrival of fans spoke volume about the man coming to dinner. Super Eagles star, Mikel Obi, walked into a roaring applause, accentuated by the DJ’s music as he arrived the Nigerian Breweries HQ bar, in Lagos, on Monday evening. His mission was to spend some time with top executives of the company over drinks and canapés, having been endorsed as ambassador for the Amstel Malta brand alongside Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji. Rising to the occasion, friends and clients of the company were invited to the evening of fun, where

By Victor Akande

the Chelsea FC star spoke to reporters about what his pact with the brand entails. “My contract with Amstel Malta is to promote the brand and make the brand even bigger. As you can see, I’m here with the Amstel Malta family. I’m very happy and proud to be a part of this family. The future is looking bright. All we need to do is to work together and I am hundred percent sure we can achieve success to make this brand bigger,” he said. Mikel and Genevieve are the protagonists of the new Amstel Malta commercial, which was unveiled during

the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in February. Image from the commercial has gone viral, spotting both stars on a jet scene in South Africa. Mikel, who noted that he grew up taking the Amstel Malta brand, told reporters that working with Genevieve on the commercial of the beverage was fun. He also described the actress as an amiable personality. Asked when he will be getting married, the footballer said the time might be near as he had been in a serious relationship of late. ‘I’ve been dating seriously for two years now. I’m in love. I’ve found love,” he said repeatedly.

N exceptional convergence of stars swelled the profile of mobile telecommunications company, MTN, last Friday, when the company launched its much-anticipated song application called MTN Music+. The glamorous event, which held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, played host to great names such as Don Jazzy, honcho of Mavin Records; Reggae legend, Ras Kimono; Limpopo crooner, Kcee and the legendary Reggae fusion singer, Diana King, who were among the celebrities out to witness the launch of what promoters called the biggest music app ever. Hosted by Beat FM OAP, Olisa Adibua, the strictly-by-invitation show, which had guests swaying to great music by DJ Sose and DJ Neptunes, also featured great performances from OritseFemi, HarrySong, Olawale, as well as the official release of NaijaNinja, Sound Sultan’s latest effort, Ishe in which he collaborated with Ghanaian rap champion, Sarkodie. The high point of the show was the per-

•Praiz performing a duet with Diana King

By Victor Akande

formance by Nigerian R& B vocalist, Praiz, and international dancehall & Reggae artiste Diana King. The duo performed the remix of Mercy, the well-acclaimed hit single originally done by the former. Other celebrities at the event included: Couples Tiwa Savage and Tee Billz and Wizkid and Tania Omotayo; Kennis Music boss, Kenny Ogungbe; celebrity designer, Emmy Collins; celebrity stylist, Lilian Unachuwku; UK-based music artiste, Waliyah Abiola and music artiste, Dr. SID. The list also had Sean Tizzle, Harry Songz, Skales, Saeon, Gbenro Ajibade Gideon Okeke, Tee Y Mix, Vina, Stephanie Coker, Destiny Amaka, Nedu and YAW of Wazobia FM, fashion publicist, Ono Bello as well as MTN Project Fame alumni, Olawale, Monica and Immaculate. MTN Music+ app is a converged music streaming and download platform optimised for mobile and online access and socially enabled to accommodate crossuser activity.

BUSINESS

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘The June deadline is by the corner; Mr. President’s word is a bond. We must generate more power; we are prepared to assist all our agencies in making sure that the ball keeps rolling. We can’t afford to fail in our duties.’ •Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo

Peugeot to build cars in Nigeria

Emefiele emerges ECOWAS Central Banks Governors’ chair

SA Peugeot Citroen, will start producing cars in Nigeria this year with a local manufacturing partner, the French carmaker said yesterday. The Paris-based Peugeot firm will begin building its 301 Sedan in small volumes at a plant operated by PAN Nigeria Limited in Kaduna, the company said in a statement. The vehicle will be produced from semi-assembled kits of parts shipped from Peugeot’s plant in Vigo, in Spain. Nigerian production of additional models, such as the 308 compact and 508, may follow later, Peugeot said.

From NdukaChiejina (Asst.

Editor)

HE Governor of the Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) , Godwin Emefiele has been elected chairman of Committee of Central Bank Governors of the ECOWAS sub-region. Emefiele, who was elected by fellow central bank governors from ECOWAS countries at the 31st meeting of the Committee of Governors of the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) in Abuja yesterday, hinted that the January 1, 2015 date for the commencement of the sub-regions monetary union may not be feasible. He lamented that “over the years, appraisals have continued to show that the level of macroeconomic convergence in the Zone has remained inadequate relative to the set targets.” He said since 2009, no two countries satisfied all the four primary convergence criteria consistently for two consecutive years. “Accordingly, we have missed several launch dates for the monetary union,” he said. This development he said “may have informed the decision of the Heads of State and Governments to approve the Modified Gradualist Approach to monetary integration by 2020.” He noted that the performance of Member States’ on the convergence scale, relative to that required for the establishment of a monetary union was still inadequate. Also member countries’ business cycle synchronisation in terms of real GDP, inflation, broad money and interest rates remained weak, and their level of institutional preparedness for the monetary union remain inadequate, he added. He then urged other central bank governors, “to objectively examine the numerous challenges before us, assess the state of preparedness of member states for monetary integration at short notice, and realistically appraise the directive of the Heads of States and Governments for a Modified Gradualist Approach to monetary Integration by 2020.” He said their role “is to honestly appraise this directive and design strategies to ensure a sustainable monetary union in the zone.” In doing this, Emefiele urged other ECOWAS countries, “to think outside the box, realistically assessing and providing innovative options as well as the costs and benefits of implementing the Modified Gradualist Approach.” He however said that member countries “have continued to make remarkable progress towards the establishment of a common market and the implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Integration Protocols and Convention as well as significant progress towards the reforms of their financial systems.”

• The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele (left) addressing members of the House of Reps Committee on Banking and Currency, at a meeting held in the House of Reps New Building, Abuja ... yesterday. With him is CBN Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu.

EU grants Nigeria N3.4b to boost power T

HE European Union (EU) approved yester day a N3.4billion grant to Nigeria for the power sector. The grant is meant for the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), dedicated to improving access to modern and sustainable energy sources in Nigeria. The grant was jointly announced by the Federal Ministry of Power (FMP), the European Union (EU) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für I n t e r n a t i o n a l e Zusammenarbeit yesterday. At the event, the EU Ambassador, Michel Arrion, said the release of the funds showed the European Union’s commitment to ensure that a greater number of Nigerians get access to electricity, as well as to a lasting part-

From Vincemt Ikuomola, Abuja

nership with the government and other donors in the power sector. The Permanent secretary, Ambassador Igali, while inaugurating the event, said part of the government’s transformation agenda is to improve the supply and efficiency of electricity for Nigerian households and businesses, thereby improving the livelihoods of a greater number of the people. He praised the EU, GIZ and the other development partners in their support of the power sector. The Country Director to

GIZ, Dr. Thomas Kirsch, said the EU funding will greatly help to support the implementation of the Nigerian transformation agenda, and scale-up activities aimed at improving access to energy supply for the population. The Nigerian Energy Support Programme aims to improve the conditions for investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and rural electrification. The programme commenced in 2013 with about N2 billion support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The N3,4 billion additional funding will allow

NESP to continue to advise Nigerian institutions on the enabling policy, institutional and regulatory framework conditions at the Federal level, support improved rural electrification planning in five states and set up various demonstration projects, providing business models to increase energy access through sustainable energy resources. Also, NESP will initiate and support vocational training and capacity development in the electricity sector. The EU contribution to NESP is part of the N9billion grants in the Energising Access to Sustainable Energy in Nigeria (EASE) Programme, agreed with the Nigerian Government in February, 2014.

FRC indicts NAFDAC for non-remmitance of N1.439b to Federation Account

HE Fiscal Responsibil ity Commission (FRC) has indicted the National Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), for failing to remit N1.439 billion operational surplus to the Federal Account as required by Law. Speaking on issues relating to NAFDACs Audited Financial Statements in Abuja, yesterday, the Head, Policy and Standard of FRC, Mohammed Ola Tijani, said the body has reviewed NAFDAC’s accounts from 2007 to 2009 and has “discovered that you have to pay N1.439 billion to the federation accounts as demanded by law.”

Tijani said a close look at NAFDAC’s account indicated that the agency generated N491,252 million surplus in 2007, N857,132 in 2008 and N607,680 in 2009, but paid N64, 048 million to the federation account in 2007, N93 million in 2008 and N105,000 respectively. He said NAFDAC’s account books also indicated that the 2007outstanding stood at N427,204 million, N763,565 in 2008 and N502,680 millions in 2009. In his speech, the Acting Chairman of FRC, Barrister

Victor Chinemeren Muruako, said that NAFDAC would be sanctioned if it delays the payments. ”I would have appreciated it if the D-G of NAFDAC himself was here, I will only appeal to your management to hurriedly pay this money to government’s purse, failure of which will make us to write damaging reports on your agency,” he warned. He said: “The Federal Government needs this monies to build infrastructure and create employment for our youths. We will not relent in our efforts to assist government to recover all monies

outside.” NAFDAC was however given the grace to come up with a date the money would be paid. The representative of NAFDAC and Director of Finance and Accounts, Ademola Mogbojumi, said his entourage will take the message back to the DirectorGeneral, Paul Ohi for prompt action on the matter. The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, Section 2, makes it mandatory that government agencies, such as NAFDAC should remit certain percentage of their operational surplus to the Federation Account.

and provide succour to the under-privileged members of the society The telco said the initiative marks a significant milestone in it’s history of CSR interventions in the country, noting that ‘Airtel Touching Lives’ is a responsive CSR intervention targeted at providing timely aid to underprivi-

leged Nigerians irrespective of their gender, background, or geographical locations. Theprogrammeseeks to identify underprivileged persons with specific challenges, pains and struggles, with the ultimate objective of providing the needed help to empower and enrich the lives of these individuals.

Speaking at the unveiling yesterday, the Managing Director/CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, described the programme as a timely, deliberate and responsive CSR initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged Nigerians and tackling the various challenges confronting millions of people.

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

Airtel unveils unique CSR initiative

N a move to realise its corporate vision of be coming the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians, as well as connect emotionally with telecoms consumers across the country, Airtel Nigeria, has announced a major CSR intervention, Airtel Touching Lives,to enrich Nigerians

SON gives phone importers seven days ultimatum By Ajose Sehindemi

HE Standards Organisa tion of Nigeria (SON) has given phone importers up to July 22 to register their brands with it,or they would be confiscated. The agency said the measure will significantly reduce the number of sub-standard phones, check economic saboteurs, as it seeks to review agreement with the Phone and Allied Product Dealers Association of Nigeria (PAPDAN). This was made known by the Head of Intelligence and Directorate Compliance, Bede Obayi,at a briefing yesterday in Lagos. Obayi said this became necessary in the face of the recent seizure of over N200m sub-standard phones imported to the country by Trinity Technologies and Communication, over the weekend in Lagos. He said,acting on a tip-off and despite the agreement it has with PAPDAN to monitor the influx of sub-standard phones, SON was surprised to see the fraudulent acts going on in the company and the area. “The company,whose owner is a wanted baron, imports large quantity of unbranded handsets into the country and was busy labelling them with popular brands in the market thereby deceiving the unsuspecting innocent buyers,”he said. He explained that the phones being cloned were ‘H Mobile and DSD brands, stating that an examination of the items, revealed that they have different names on the package and phones,which was why they were confiscated. He said the importers of the phone brands are economic saboteurs who are sabotaging the economy of the country,causing hardship on the citizenry. He said the agency will go across the country to ensure that standards are being met, adding that faulty products will be destroyed.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS INDUSTRY

industry@thenationaonlineng.net

Is the implementation of the new cargo clearance and documentation procedure known as Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) meeting the expectations of members of the organised private sector (OPS)? At a dialogue, experts and stakeholders from the public and the private sectors highlighted the challenges facing operators through the system. Assist. Editors CHIKODI OKEREOCHA and OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE report.

‘How efficient port system can boost business’

OR members of the organised private sector (OPS), particularly those who interface with the portss, the fear of gridlock at the nation’s ports is the beginning of wisdom. Because of the chaos at the ports caused by persistent congestion, most members of the OPS, cut across the Nigeria Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (NACCIMA), and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), have been counting their losses. Some members of NACCIMA, whose shops and businesses are located in and around Apapa, Lagos, The Nation learnt, have been forced to close shop due to congestion and lack of access to their offices. For them therefore, the one-day national dialogue on ‘Unlocking Shipping Gridlocks at the Ports: Stakeholders’ Initiative’ held in Lagos, could not have come at a more auspicious time. For one, the dialogue organised by NACCIMA in continuation of its advocacy role, brought together relevant stakeholders from the public and private sectors to brainstorm and proffer solutions to the challenges faced by importers and exporters at the ports, particularly in the wake of the recent introduction of Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). It was a response to complaints by the OPS, most of who say the new clearing procedure has been a pain in the neck due to alleged shoddy implementation. The PAAR, a new customs’ clearing procedure, was introduced in December last year, replacing the Risk Assessment Report (RAR) previously issued by former service providers. The new regime essentially sought to change the customs clearing procedure from analogue to electronic for speed, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, seven months down the line, the new procedure may have failed to meet the expectations of members of the OPS, especially those in the import/export business. For instance, the Chairman of the Export Group of NACCIMA Mr. Oluyenuwo Olabisi has long been lamenting that congestion and long queues of vehicles at the ports arising from poor implementation of the PAAR regime is taking a huge toll on their businesses. He said containers laden with export products are sometimes turned back due to long queues, leading to huge losses as products loose their freshness and cannot meet internationally accepted standards for exports. Olabisi is not alone in his frustration over the situation at the ports. The Chief Executive of Harlink Investment Limited, Alhaji Liadi Nofiu, who is into the exportation of produce is also screaming blue murder. Lamenting the unbridled

corruption at the ports despite the PAAR, he noted that exporters can only get their containers into the ports in preparation for exportation after one form of extortion or the other. He called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to check corruption at the ports, which he said is affecting export business. The new customs clearance procedure also left sour taste in the mouths of clearing agents. Earlier, clearing agents under the auspices of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan over what they called ‘challenges associated with the issuance of PAAR by the NCS.’ In the petition signed by its National President, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, the customs agents said PAAR is supposed to be issued before the arrival of goods, but that in most cases, it was issued weeks and months after the arrival of goods at the port. This, he said, negates the objective of the establishment of the PAAR regime and drastically slow down the activities of clearance that necessitates the build ups and tension at the ports. Amiwero noted that the process of the issuance of PAAR has become associated with delays that resulted to the payment of huge demurrage to shipping companies and rent to terminal operators by importers and agents. He said it takes between 20 and 48 days before Customs is able to generate PAAR on a consignment. “The economic impact is high cost of clearance and delays, which will eventually lead to possible closure of most factories due to inability to access the available stocks from the Ports,” he said. He further pointed out that most goods in the port have no PAAR to clear them, which is why they accumulate huge demurrage and rent. According to him, this is what forces importers to look for alternative through diversion of cargoes to

‘

Some bad eggs in the organisations critical to cargo clearance fail to respect the rules of engagement in the business of shipping. Such individuals are averse to the deployment and use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), which reduces human contact to the minimum.

‘

•Containers at Apapa Port. neighbouring West African ports to reduce delay and cost, which is detrimental to the economy. “In a bid to reduce the time by Nigeria Customs in the issuance of PAAR, most PAAR issued could not be transmitted into Customs server, which stalls procedure for normal clearance process thereby constituting delays that attract demurrage and rent,” he said. That is not all. Amiwero also said most PAAR issued are with lots of discrepancies without resolution mechanisms put in place to address them, especially with the centralisation of PAAR process in Abuja. “The PAAR issued against the prerelease goods are now generating tension as most PAAR have a lot of discrepancy,” he stated in the letter, copied to the Minister of Finance/ Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and former Acting Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Sarah Alade. However, going by the quality of submissions and recommendations by experts and stakeholders who were resource persons at the event, participants are expectant that most of the lapses in the implementation of PAAR would be resolved. And when this happens, the thinking is that this would help achieve the objective of the National Export Strategy (NES), which essentially provides the blueprint for competitiveness and development of the country’s export sector. Anchored in strong public-private dialogue, the blueprint strengthens the links between export development and socio-economic growth, which was why the NACCIMA dialogue was seen as a welcome intervention. It could not have been otherwise considering the observation made by the Coordinator of Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders (SNFF), Chief (Dr.) Osita Chukwu who lamented that when PAAR was introduced, it was as if the challenges have been overtaken. Unfortunately, the system, he said, failed. He identified some of the challenges as issuance and renewal of licences to agents, revocation of licences of agents when there are issues without proper investigation, etc. He therefore, advised that the process of renewal of licence needs to be properly and fairly handled. The shoddy implementation of PAAR has also not gone down well with the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF). Its Deputy National President, Mr. Ugochukwu Nnadi observed that part of the impediment to the smooth operation

of the new regime is that “there is too much incentive for shipping companies, which encourages them to delay release of goods so that demurrage can be charged.” This, he said, explains why the 21 days life line for shippers is not strictly adhered to. He identified other hurdles in the smooth running of the ports to include the enactment of new laws without abrogation of the old ones, which usually causes confusion that leads to delay in consignment, corruption at the exit gate due to sharp practices by port users, incessant breakdown of Customs server, which disrupts operations, ineffective use of Etransaction. The Freight Forwarders insisted that this must be reinforced. Mr. M. O. Oyebola, who represented the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), noted that the gridlocks in the ports are caused by ships’ congestion at the port approaches and harbour, congestion of cargo at the terminals, congestion of vehicular traffic at the port gates and port approaches, including human traffic congestion at port gates and processing points. He said activities of all the major actors in the shipping business contribute to the gridlock in one way or the other, whether NCS, shipping agents/ companies, ports and terminal operators, regulatory agencies, freight forwarders, banks, shippers, etc. Oyebola, however, pointed out that the greatest contributing factor to the shipping gridlock is the human factor, which cuts across all the actors in the shipping business. Said he: “Some bad eggs in the organisations critical to cargo clearance fail to respect the rules of engagement in the business of shipping. Such individuals are averse to the deployment and use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), which reduces human contact to the minimum. He concluded that the gridlock in the port industry must be unlocked in order not to strangulate the nation’s economy.” For Amiwero, the nation’s inadequate infrastructure particularly at the ports must be addressed. The National President of NCMDLCA said NPA has a lot of role to play to reduce the gridlock by utilising some part of the money collected to develop the ports and upgrade the infrastructures. “All charges at the ports must be attached to services and this has been the bane of the infrastructural decay at the ports. The essence of port reform is to improve efficiency and eliminate congestion,” he argued, listing some of the major challenges at the ports to include delay in scanning of goods, no holding bay, rickety trucks, and PAAR operation, which has the effect

‘

As long as the roads are bad, there will continue to be rickety trucks. No owner will want to buy a new truck that will get spoilt on bad roads. Truck terminals have been identified but there is need for a political will on the part of the government for it to see the light of the day

‘

of Nigerian cargoes being diverted to other ports. The National President, Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Chief Remi Ogungbemi, aligns with Amiwero on the need to address infrastructure deficiency at the ports. As he observed, the volume of transaction at the ports has increased, and there must be infrastructural development to compliment it. “As long as the roads are bad, there will continue to be rickety trucks. No owner will want to buy a new truck that will get spoilt on bad roads. Truck terminals have been identified but there is need for a political will on the part of the government for it to see the light of the day,” he said, noting that space is a major factor and as at today there is no befitting bay or park. “Parking of truck on the road is not good but the truck owners have no choice,” he added. Olabisi could not agree less. He said, for instance, that since the creation of the Lagos Port about 37 years ago, there has not been an additional port. He observed that a structure had been put upon the old rail line that connects it to the port and all that need to be done is to remove the structure and link the rail line to Iddo Terminal, which is less than 100 kilometres. “This will enable some of the goods to pass through the rail line and reduce the traffic on the roads,” he said, adding that another practical solution to the congestion is for the tank farms to go and for the Snake Island to be developed into a major port. The President, Shippers Association, Lagos State, Jonathan Nicole said there is need for Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to be used to access cargoes from their 36 regional offices across the world while an electronic system of manifest be introduced for use at the ports by Customs and shipping agents.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

INDUSTRY

NEXIM Bank boosts regional trade through sealink project

PERATORS in inter and in tra-regional trade in West and Central Africa, whose businesses have long been hampered by poor transportation infrastructure, can now heave a sigh of relief. This is because the Sealink project, an initiative by Nigerian ExportImport Bank (NEXIM) to establish a direct coastal link between the two regions, may take off soon. The project, expected to promote regional investments in trade, enjoys the endorsement and support of various regional bodies across West and Central Africa, including Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce (FEWACCI), and the Maritime Organisation of Central Africa (MOWCA). To realise the project, NEXIM Bank, in partnership with the management of Sealink Promotion Limited and other government agencies in the West and Central Africa Subregion, announced a private placement offer to individuals and corporate organisations within the subcontinent. The announcement was made in Lagos at an investors’ forum organised by Sealink to herald its plans to tackle the problem of transportation that has hindered the growth of business within the subcontinent. Under the new offer, a total number of 89,036956 ordinary shares will be opened for subscription at a

•Floats $60m private placement to buy shipping lines By Chikodi Okereocha and Toba Agboola

price of $0.70 per share with each private individual entitled to buy a minimum of $14,000 worth of shares. The offer, which strarted since March 24 is expected to close on September 30. The Managing Director and Chief Executive of NEXIM Bank, Roberts Orya, explained that the offer was a private placement and not a public offer targeted at institutional investors and high network individuals. He said the Sealink project, a public-private initiative, will enjoy some concessions from the governments within the two regions in terms of priority berthing or some other forms of engagements. “We are watching it very closely to ensure that we don’t have people that will come from the backdoor and hijack the initiative, so at the end of the day when it comes to the issue of allotment, it is the Board of Sealink that will do the allotment so we will be able to identify who and who have subscribed,” Orya said. He also said soon, the shares would be segregated into different classes with class ‘A’ principally reserved for the organised private sector. “It is the private sector that are trading and so they will get priority, then we have some government agencies like Nigerian Maritime Administra-

tion and Safety Agency (NIMASA) or the likes that want to invest in it, we can give them the class ‘B’ shares while the class ‘C’ will be reserved for some foreign investors that want to have a little stake so that at the end of the day we are not just localised,” he explained. At the Investor’s Forum, Chairman of Sealink Promotional Company Limited, Mr Wilson Attah Krofah said the idea behind the project is aimed at ensuring that the barriers that are most common in both land and air transportation are settled through ease of convenience, which sea transportation offers. He added that aside the need for a quick transportation, the essence of the project was to create jobs for people within the sub-region. He explained: “The initial share capital we are looking for is 60 million US dollars. This money is intended to buy shipping lines to carry goods, passengers and cargoes along West and central Africa. But part of it will be used as working capital, which runs to a total of $24million. Our target is to get money from private individuals who will be owners of the shipping line because we want the shipping business to be owned and run by private individuals from West and Central Africa so that we can have the control on how the shipping line is run.”

Krofah noted that the aim was to encourage trade within West and Central Africa to ensure the creation of jobs and wealth for the sub-continent. “As you know, a lot of investors are coming to Africa because they believe there are opportunities here,” he said. adding: “As indigene of the sub-region, we should take full advantage of the opportunities particularly within the sub-region. “Otherwise, the continent will be exploited by foreigners and people in other sub-regions. Based on this, Sealink Shipping line has come to encourage us to trade among ourselves.” He noted that operators in the subregion have so far been trading by road, which creates a lot of problems because of numerous barriers cross countries. “Even by air, there are safety issues, but when you go by sea, there are no barriers,” he added. However, the Director-General, Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA Dr. John Isemede stressed that the benefits of bilateral trade agreements will remain on paper if there were no vehicles and support from the governments in the effective movement of goods and people across regional borders. Dr. Isemede praised NEXIM and FEWACCI for the initiative, noting that for countries to trade effec-

Association seeks partnership with govt to save SMEs

HE Business Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) has advised the Federal Government to partner with it to save Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from collapse. Its President Mr Bamidele Odunowo gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. He said insecurity, bankruptcy, dearth of infrastructure were the major causes of failure of businesses in Nigeria. “We are insolvency practitioners; we are concerned that a lot of SMEs are on the road to insolvency, but we will make sure we use our services to •From left: Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Muda Yusuf; President, Alhaji Remi Bello; Life Vice President, Mrs Magaret Adeleke; past president, Otunba Femi Deru; council member, Mrs Onari Duke and her counterpart Prince Dapo Adelegan at a seminar in Lagos.

‘Operating environment unhealthy for manufacturers’ T

HE operating environment re mains challenging and it has affected the productivity and competitiveness of manufacturers who have to contend with rising production costs due to structural and institutional problems. The Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Yusuf, who stated this in Lagos, said though the challenges persisted, they did not deter foreign direct investment into the country, as investors daily explore the country for investment purposes. Yusuf told The Nation that the economy has continued to post relatively good growth figures and has offered a large market for consumer goods. He however, regretted that leveraging on these opportunities is still a herculean task for investors, especially the indigenous entrepreneurs. He listed some of the challenges facing indigenous entrepreneurs in the country to include lack of electricity supply, insecurity and lack of access to credit. While noting that the power situation is still a major problem for businesses across all sectors,

Stories by Okwy IroegbuChikezie

he said energy cost remains a major threat to business sustainability. He said expenditure on diesel and other fuels has continued to increase despite the power sector privatisation, lamenting that profit margin of most firms is yet to improve due partly to rising cost of alternative power supply. He said the chamber’s 2014 Business Environment Survey revealed that key sectors in the economy like construction, agriculture, manufacturing, oil & gas, have experienced poor growth. He therefore, called on the National Electricity Commission (NERC) to urgently address the growing concerns of consumers over outrageous electricity bills. According to Yusuf, most Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) spend considerable sums on payment for power never supplied. He called for the review of fixed charges, insisting that it is an un-

fair demand on power consumers. Hear him: “Manufacturers, especially SMEs, still have major challenges such as worsening power supply, lack of access to credit, influx of fake and substandard products, and regulatory infractions, among others. He said with cost of fund generally hovering between 20 and 30 per cent, not many businesses can generate turnover to match the cost.” The LCCI DG also decried the security situation in the country, noting that it has assumed a global and disturbing dimension with implications on investment evidenced by declining investors’ confidence across the broad spectrum of domestic, foreign and prospective investors in the economy. This, he said, is aside from the negative impact on the image of the country globally. According to him, a number of businesses have been relocating from the troubled spots in the country, coupled with several abandoned projects and escalating humanitarian crisis.

tively there must be a multi-purpose vehicle that will promote the cost advantage factor. “Today is a new chapter in the history of Nigeria where we are talking of transformation agenda, which encompasses the transformation of individuals and infrastructure in order to compete favourably with other parts of the world,” he said. Chairman, House of Representative Committee on Banking and Currency Hon. Jones Onyereri while commenting on the economic importance of the project and the role of legislation in facilitating trade integration, said it is a project that the government will be fully committed to support. He noted that it is an avenue to generate employment for the teeming unemployed youth in the country. He said: “For this project, as legislators, we are going to look at how our people will be empowered economically despite the challenges that we have.” Onyereri noted that since the project is a public-private partnership, it will be well run. “The government is a bad manager. As far as the legislative protection is concerned, we will ensure that we constantly review the Act that established NEXIM basically to give it the legal framework that will ensure that they go ahead of their core mandate,” he promised. The sealink initiative is another landmark of NEXIM Bank. It is expected to offer a unique and compelling investment proposition in the fast growing West and Central African region.

support them so that we rescue (them), we restructure (them). “But we need to work with the banks; we need to work with government; we need to work with the stakeholders and creditors. “We have the skills; we have the expertise, and we want the government and all the people to realise that there are professionals who can help. “And that they should not give up on SMEs; and the banks should not, that is, those who are providing credit, and state governments that are partnering with those providing credit - the financial institutions should not give up.“

10 firms for Abuja exhibition

OT fewer than 10 exhibitors and 50 cars will future in the next automobile exhibition scheduled to hold in Abuja, organisers of the Abuja International Auto Exhibition have said. According to the Director of Mfv, the company handling the auto exhibition, Mr Emasuen Efosa, the exhibition would be bigger than the past exhibitions. He noted that “visitors would have value for their patronage’”. Efosa said substantial amount would be removed from the cost of the cars at various show rooms.

“There would be reliable information about cars, their maintenance and genuine dealers, while other service providers will interact with visitors,” he said. He also said that component parts manufacturers, producers of lubricants, air-fresheners and other stakeholders in the automobile industry would interact with visitors on issues affecting the industry. The last exhibition also held in Abuja with Stallion Motors representing Hyundai, Honda, Porch, Nissan and Skoda. Dana Motors represented KIA.

Nigeria holds attraction to Chinese investors

HE Consul-General of the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, Mr Liu Kan, has said there are presently more than 65,000 Chinese nationals living and working in Nigeria. He said the increasing number was an indication of the growing interest of Chinese investors and citizens in Nigeria. He said: “Today, more than 65,000 Chinese citizens live and work in different parts of Nigeria. Presently, hundreds of Chinese State-owned and Private enterprises are investing and creating employment opportunities for Nigerians. “This is asolid evidence that the

strategic partnership between China and Nigeria is deepening more and more by the day.” The consul-general also said there was a growing cooperation between both countries in the areas of politics, economy, infrastructure, agriculture, communication, education and cultural exchanges. Liu said the visit of the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Nigeria in May, this year, had consolidated relations between the two countries. The envoy said the Premier’s visit had afforded both countries the opportunity to further strengthen relations in their areas of cooperation by injecting fresh energy in the bilateral relations between the two nations.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

SSANU warns against removal of minimum wage from exclusive list T HE Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has warned against the removal of the Minimum Wage from the Exclusive Legislative list. It gave this warning in response to the just concluded National Conference recommendation that the Minimum Wage should be excluded from the Exclusive Legislative list. It also underlined its strong opposition to the scrapping of local governments as the third-tier of gov-

Stories by Toba Agboola

ernment, warning that any attempt to uphold these two recommendations will be met with a nationwide industrial actions. SSANU President, Comrade Samson Ugwoke, who addressed a press conference on the decision reached at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union at the Enugu State University

Nigeria to export skills

of Science and Technology (ESUT), said the Confab should also address other contentious issues in the constitution, including those that have not been adequately taken care of before now. Comrade Ugwoke said: “SSANU NEC-in-session commends the Federal Government for convening the National Conference and reiterates its position that the National Con-

ference should address key issues of national unity, equity and justice. It should also address and accommodate issues that have been contentious in the constitution, including those that have not been adequately taken care of. ” The union advised that the Federal Government should address the recommendations of the conference

thoroughly, adding that they should be those that will address fundamental issues relevant to the survival of Nigeria as a nation as well as enhance economic growth, peaceful co-existence and national security. “SSANU is strongly opposed to the removal of minimum wage from the Exclusive list and the scrapping of local government as the third tier of government. Any attempt to uphold these recommendations will be met with nationwide industrial actions,” Ugwoke said.

• ITF to open three auto training centres

HE Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Dr Juliet ChukkasOnaeko has said the country will soon export its skills. She said this in Lagos when she led her team on a courtesy visit to the office of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA). She said this would be achieved as soon as ITF met the target of training two million people yearly, adding that some of them would be sent abroad to improve on their skills. She said there was the need to know more about the ITF-NECA Technical Skills Development Project (TSDP) which kicked off in 2009. The DG said her four-point agenda include: “Training of two million people yearly and finding ways to get them employed, full automation of ITF business process, to achieve maximum contribution in our ITF training contribution from our employers, which is why I came to NECA, and to achieve maximum efficiency of SIWES payments to our students.” Mrs. Chukkas-Onaeko said 69 million youths, who make up 52 per cent of unemployment rate among the 70 per cent youths,

would be reduced if its yearly target is achieved. She said more training centres that would add to their already existing 32 offices would be opened. She sought partnership with organisations and stakeholders to make it possible. Mrs. Chukkas-Onaeko said an agreement had been reached with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) on a survey to determine new skills in developed countries and how Nigeria could tap into it. She said UNIDO would submit the report in January, next year to ITF, and the method to be used would be made available to employers as the research and survey method would be looked at before arriving at any conclusion. She said ITF would do more to assist Nigerians, by providing skills the would make them employable. “The Northeast will be focused on for training to make the people there acquire skills that will be beneficial to them as training will be customised to suit themm,” she said. Welcoming the ITF helmsman, NECA’s Director-General Mr Segun Oshinowo said it was good that ITF would train two million people yearly. He how-

• From right: Director, Human Resources, ITF, Folunsho Samuel; Dr Chukkas-Onaeko and Head, Inspectorate and Revenue Compliance Department (Director), Josephine Gbadamosi, during an interactive session with correspondents.

ever said the panacea to unemployment goes beyond skills acquisition, noting that an enabling environment and market for products must be settled. According to him, the ITF/ NECA Technical Skill Developmental Project (TSDP) is one way to address unemployment. Oshinowo said the over N3 billion spent on the partnership since inception was justifiable as the training with equipment given to the skills acquisitors is worth it. The Director, ITF/NECA TSDP project Mrs Helen Jemerigbe said 1570 youths had been trained under the scheme, adding that train-

ing is between six months and one year. She said the major challenge facing the scheme was that of inadequate training centres. ITF also announced plans to set up three automotive and parts training centres. The centres, according to the ITF, is expected to help drive the Federal Government’s policy on automobile industry. Already, 35,000 youths have been trained under the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP). They have been equipped with skills in various trade areas, including: Welding and Fabrication, Plaster of Paris (POP), Autotronics, Garments Making, Poultry, Information

and Communication Technology (ICT), Cell Phone Repairs, Rice Milling, among others, she said. Mrs Chukkas-Onaeko also said ITF carried out tracking after the training to ascertain the usefulness of the skills acquired by the trainees as well as inculcate in them the spirit of entrepreneurship and cooperative formation. At a parley with reporters, she said: “The tracking revealed that a number of cooperatives were formed while 1,647 trainees gained employment with both the public and private sectors of the economy. In addition, 1,002 of the trainees became employers of labour.’’

Doctors’ strike: Fed Govt urged to engage mediators

HE Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has advised the Federal Government to engage external mediators to resolve the crises between it and doctors in the public hospitals. The doctors, under the auspices of the Nigerian Medical Association, have been on strike for two weeks over failure by the government to meet their demands. Peeved by the doctors’ insistence on continuing with the strike after their negotiation team had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government, the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu had, during an interview with journalists in Abuja, called for a public debate with the doctors. He said: “That is why I said maybe we should have a high-powered debate before the public. Let each side state what their issues are, let’s take it one by one.” But the MDCAN President, Steve Oluwole, described the call for debate by the minister as a demonstration of frustration by the Federal Government. He said: “This is a novel proposal by the minister of health. It is of little use second-guessing while this unusual method of solving industrial dispute was proposed or contemplated. “The gallery of the public is unlikely to be sufficiently informed

and grounded on the issues to play unbiased umpire between the minister and the NMA debater-in-chief. The theatre of debate may, however, not do either party much good. “While the frustration of the Ministry of Health in coming to a quick resolution of the problems is not difficult to perceive, it should not come to its wits end because of the decision of the delegate meeting of the NMA to continue with the strike,” he added. Oluwole noted that though the negotiating team of the NMA signed a MoU with government, the term of the agreement, according to him, was not acceptable to the majority of the doctors, which led to continuation of the strike. “There is, therefore, a very unfortunate impasse that is unlikely to resolve as long as both sides maintain their positions. Thus, a third MoU that will resolve differences appears a difficult objective to achieve,” Oluwole added. He therefore, advised that since the negotiation team had met twice without fruitful result, “bringing in external mediators may be helpful. Such mediators may include respected doctors who will bring their experience in administration and standing in the medical profession to bear on both sides. Without doubt, solution should be found within days

not weeks for all sides to preserve their obligations to society.” Meanwhile, a fresh crisis is brewing in the primary healthcare sector where medical personnel are grumbling over alleged attempts to stagnate their professional growth at Level 16 as against Level 17 for others in the federal and state governments. The personnel argued that the ongoing review of the scheme of service for local government employees would put them at a disadvantage

as it was skewed against doctors in the sector. In a statement by the Concerned Primary Health Care Physicians in Benin, the group said if the review was allowed to stay, it could discourage donor agencies, including UNICEF, WHO and others, from giving support to primary health care activities, especially as Nigeria is a signatory to the Alma-mata Declaration of Primary Health Care in 1978. “There is no evidence that the Fed-

eral Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria and Association of Medical Officers of Health were consulted. In fact, the local government doctors were deliberately sidelined by the Local Government Service Commission and NULGE while other cadres like nurses and Community Health Practitioners Association were consulted,” they claimed.

Aturu’s death shocking, says labour

ABOUR has described the death of human rights activist and lawyer Comrade Bamidele Aturu as a blow to it. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in a press statements said the death of Aturu, at 49, last week at a Lagos hospital was a shock to them. The NLC in a statement by the President Comrade Abdulwahed Omar said Aturu was not only the lawyer of the Congress, but also a resourceful ally of the labour movement, a comrade who committed his life to the struggle for a better society. “Aturu worked with the NLC on several projects, including repre-

senting us at the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC), as well as researches on trade union and workers rights, aside consistently standing as our counsel at various civil and industrial courts in different parts of Nigeria at very considerate costs, most times spending his money to fund his transportation,” Omar said. He said Aturu did not only represented the Congress and its affiliates, but also represented workers whose rights were violated by their employers, especially at workplaces where the rights of workers to belong to trade unions were violated. He lamented that Aturu’s death was a big blow to unionism, add-

ing that he was one of the most authoritative labour lawyers in the country. He said: “He midwifed the formation of the National Association of Labour Lawyers to encourage other lawyers, especially young lawyers to take interest in labour law and the selfless defence of workers rights. “Aturu was among the formidable legal minds who did not only support the struggle against removal of oil subsidy in court, but joined the labour movement in several street protests. In pursuit of this, a court ruled in the suit he filed on October 2009 that deregulation was illegal, unconstitutional, and of no effect whatsoever.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Sowing the wind ... •The Jonathan administration signposts a recourse to desperate action in the build-up to the 2015 general elections with the impeachment of Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako

N Tuesday, Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako was impeached by the House of Assembly with more than two-thirds of the members voting to uphold the guilty verdict passed on him by the seven-member Panel set up by the Acting Chief Judge of the state to investigate the 20point charges of gross misconduct levelled against him. Brazenly, too, Nyako’s deputy, Bala Ngilari , was supposedly made to resign, thus paving the way for the emergence of House Speaker Ahmadu Fintiri as Acting Governor for three months. Rather than resolve the political logjam that has gripped the state in the past few months, the impeachment has deepened the crisis confronting and threatening the survival of democracy in the country. The impeached governor has indicated he would be challenging the process adopted by the legislature in court for failure to satisfy provisions of section 188 of the constitution. Governor Nyako pointed out that the Notice of Impeachment was not served on him as prescribed by the constitution, thus rendering invalid the constitution of the panel of inquiry, its report and the adoption of same by the assembly. We are worried that President Goodluck Jonathan and his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have been identified as sponsors of the assembly men’s move in order to incapacitate the All Progressives Congress (APC) to which Nyako had defected from the ruling party. A court process seeking to invalidate the defection of the PDP governors had earlier been dismissed by the court. To underscore the deep involvement of the president in the process, the matter came up during the last sitting of the Council of State where elder statesmen sought withdrawal of the charges. Neither the • Jonathan president nor his party, nor indeed the nebulous stakeholders in the state heeded the call. It is unfortunate that the Federal Government has resorted to the same old tactics adopted by previous ruling parties to the detriment of the health of the Republic. In the First Republic, the ruling Northern People’s Congress (NPC) saw the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo who was Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Parliament as the irritant and devised various means of silencing him. The NPC went into an alliance with the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), a breakaway faction of the Awolowo-led Action Group (AG) in order to keep the most popular politician in the Western Region out of circulation. Awolowo was arrested, put on trial before the Coker Commission of Inquiry on corruption charges and charged to court for treasonable felony. The plot was to destabilise him and his party ahead of the regional elections. It worked. Or so it seemed in the interim. Awolowo was jailed and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola installed premier of the region. It was the beginning of the end of that Republic as it led to a chain of actions beyond the control of the federal and Akintola’s regional governments. Following the military take-over of government, Awolowo was released by the Gowon regime and installed Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council. Akintola and the NPC leader, Sir Ahmadu Bello, were killed in the coup of January 1966. In the Second Republic, the Shagari government first left the major political parties -

the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP), but went after the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). In Kaduna where the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) had secured more than two-thirds of the seats, the party chose to oppress the government of Alhaji Balarabe Musa, insisting that the list of commissioners would only be approved if members of the NPN were nominated. Eventually, he was impeached in 2001 on grounds of running the ministries with special assistants. Also, to depict lack of respect for the Rule of Law, the Majority Leader of the Great Nigeria Peoples Party-controlled Borno State, Alhaji Abdulrahman Shugaba was brazenly deported by agents of the Federal Government in the bid to weaken the state government and the party. Under the Obasanjo administration, five state governors were illegally removed from

office. In Bayelsa State, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was deployed to abduct slate lawmakers until they agreed to remove Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in 2005. In Plateau State, only eight members of the House sat as Governor Joshua Dariye was impeached. So, in place of the two-thirds majority prescribed by the constitution, one-third was made to perform the task. And, in Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose was hounded out of office by the EFCC, ostensibly acting on the directive of the Federal Government. In the process, there emerged three governors at a time, two Speakers of the House of Assembly and even two Chief Judges. It was enough to pave the way for the Obasanjo government to achieve its aim in appointing a retired General, Adetunji Olurin, as administrator of the state. In Anambra and Oyo states, Governors Peter Obi and Rashidi Ladoja fell under the same hammer. Realising the danger of sitting in Awka to conduct the impeachment proceeding as required under the law, the proObasanjo legislators relocated to Asaba

where they performed the nefarious act. It took the intervention of the superior courts of the land to denounce and reverse the action of the state legislators. Similarly, in Oyo State, Ladoja was impeached by a fraction of the assembly men who sat in a hotel and effected the decision with the then president’s support. Ladoja’s deputy. Adebayo Alao-Akala, was sworn in as replacement The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan and ultimately the Supreme Court frowned at the procedure adopted by the lawmakers. The impeachment was upturned by the Supreme Court that held it was wrong to have published the Impeachment Notice in newspapers in place of serving it personally on the accused; but that was after Ladoja was put out of political circulation for almost one year. In the Nyako impeachment case, it is reprehensible that the PDP lawmakers could fall into the errors of their predecessors. Despite previous rulings that established that there could be no constitutional cover for breach of procedure, the Adamawa legislators went ahead to abridge Nyako’s constitutional rights. As Nyako has argued, the impeachment notice was not served on him, thereby denying him the right to fair hearing. The legislators were in such a hurry that they failed to thoroughly investigate the 20count charge. Whereas the constitution grants the panel up to three months to conduct forensic investigation into the charges, it had turned in its report within four days. We support Nyako’s decision to challenge the verdict in court and warn President Jonathan to desist from following a ruinous path that had set fire on previous Republics. Moving from Adamawa to Nasarawa and probably Edo and Rivers states controlled by the opposition may set the country on fire. The president is powerful under the 1999 Constitution, but is not all-powerful. The plan to charge Nyako with treason for allegedly levying war against the country shows that Nigerian leaders learnt no lessons from political history. It is recourse to Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa’s move to crush Awolowo politically. If it did not work then, Jonathan’s attempt to open war flanks in four states at a time is doomed to fail. There are, however, lessons to be learnt by the opposition figures from the Nyako saga. It is calamitous for a politician to move alone without his associates. Nyako failed to carry members of the assembly and critical politicians who would have rallied round him along in his decision making. The fact that he, at a point, appointed more than 1,000 special assistants and made his wives key aides is enough to win him odium from the people. Yet the house did not exercise the rule of law and the principle of fair hearing before flushing out the chief executive. President Jonathan should desist from misusing his powers as it amounts to sowing the wind. He may end up reaping the whirlwind

‘We support Nyako’s decision to challenge the verdict in court and warn President Jonathan to desist from following a ruinous path that had set fire on previous Republics. Moving from Adamawa to Nasarawa and probably Edo and Rivers states controlled by the opposition may set the country on fire’

Hamas is playing a dangerous game with Gazan lives

O FAR Hamas’s military campaign against Israel has been a dismal failure. Thanks in part to Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system, some 1,200 rockets fired at Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other cities have caused only one Israeli death and a few other casualties. Attempted commando attacks via the sea and a tunnel were stopped short, and a drone that ventured into Israel was quickly shot down. Yet Hamas on Tuesday rejected an Egyptian ceasefire proposal that was supported by Western governments and the Arab League and had been accepted by Israel. Why would Hamas insist on continuing the fight when it is faring so poorly? The only plausible answer is stomach-turning: The Islamic movement calculates that it can win the concessions it has yet to obtain from Israel and Egypt not by striking Israel but by perpetuating the killing of its own people in Israeli counterattacks. More than 200 people, including a number of children, have already died in Gaza; Hamas probably calculates that more deaths will prompt Western governments to pressure Israel to grant Hamas’s demands. So far, the tactic is not working. Secretary of State John F. Kerry on Tuesday condemned Hamas for rejecting the cease-fire and “us[ing] the innocent lives of civilians . . . as shields.” But Hamas’s commanders, who have burrowed into underground bunkers, appear to be doubling down. They are urging civilians who have left their homes to return, including some 15,000 who evacuated the northern part of Gaza in response to Israeli warnings. The cease-fire proposal was answered with a new barrage of missiles aimed at central Israel. To be sure, the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu has more incentive than Hamas to agree to a cease-fire, even though a majority of the Israeli public probably opposes it. Israel has little to gain from a prolonged conflict; a threatened ground invasion of Gaza would cause heavy casualties on both sides and, if it destroyed Hamas, leave Israel with the problem of finding a new government for the territory. Mr. Netanyahu is seeking the renewal of the truce that ended the last Israel-Hamas mini-war, in 2012. That would end attacks on both sides while allowing for a gradual opening of Gaza’s border for civilian trade. Hamas’s rejection reflects its weakened position compared with two years ago. Egypt’s military government has shut down most of the crossborder tunnels that Hamas depended on for weapons as well as revenue, making it impossible for the Gaza administration to pay its workforce. The Islamists sought relief by forming a unity government with the secular, West Bank-based Fatah movement, but that did not lead to the payment of salaries or the reopening of the border with Egypt. Following the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers last month, Israel arrested dozens of Hamas’s operatives in the West Bank, making their release another objective of the missile attacks. To its credit, Israel has used sophisticated technology, including targeted text messages and dummy warning missiles, to minimize civilian casualties. But innocent people will inevitably be killed in attacks on launchers and missile factories that are purposely placed in densely populated areas. The right response of the international community is not to surrender to Hamas’s despicable tactics but to continue insisting that it unconditionally accept the ceasefire proposed by Egypt. – Washington Post

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

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, might have effectively made a tacit admission: his February, 2013 African Cup of Nations victory came only through sheer luck and providence. He came on board in November, 2011 promoting the usual Nigerian football musical chartbuster starring the weather-beaten title track, “Building a New Team.” As Nigerians eagerly expected the emergence of a formidable squad, his team remained “work in progress.” Almost three years on, the music has not changed. After crashing out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he described his collection as “a very young team.” Only sheer luck and providence could have, 16 months ago, given a title as big and competitive as AFCON to a team which even today still

Nyako’s impeachment, an ill-wind

IR: The gale of impeachment that has started blowing may be the ill-wind that will not do the nation any good. A careful analysis of the allegations of wrongdoing, the basis of which the Adamawa State House of Assembly impeached the the Governor, Murtala Nyako will reveal that some of the impeachable offences date back to as far as 2007. Pray, where were the House members when Nyako was carrying out the assault on the people of Adamawa since 2007? I would have been happy if the impeachment had been borne out of a genuine concern for the good of the people. Regrettably, the action of the lawmakers was merely a product of politics of intolerance as orchestrated by the ruling PDP. • Chris Agbiti Esq; Abuja

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Super Eagles: The coach we do not need remains a young, new work-inprogress over other teams that were not only good and established but also solid, compact and ready. FIFA, the world’s football governing body, never expects a young team at the World Cup. That is why the Under-17 championship was put in place. The world does not expect a new team at the highly competitive global show. The Under-20 tournament has been institutionalized for such teams. The football family does not deploy so much time and resources just to watch works-in-progress in action. That is why nations have the option of not registering to participate in the competition. Administrators, organizers, analysts, commentators, enthusiasts, die-hards and fee-paying spectators converge at multi-billion dollars state-

of-the-art stadia, sports studios, viewing centres and family lounges to watch a football world war being prosecuted by nations’ best generals and formidable armies. There is perhaps nothing shameful in being beaten at any stage at the World Cup. There are several strong and exceptional teams but only one would go home with the title at the end of the day. Defending champions Spain, with all their “world-class” stars, were humiliated and did not go beyond the group stage. Former champions, Italy and England, fared no better. But when it becomes easily discernible that a nation’s woes were consequent upon ego-inducing man-made factors, including going to a world war with the best generals shut out of reckoning, nothing

could be more disheartening. Genuine title-chasing teams at the World Cup are not only complete, formidable and loaded up to the hilt, but also operating at full capacity. Unlike works-in-progress, they not only parade a strong field, but also maintain a quality bench. Unlike Nigeria’s Super Eagles, they substitute a Pele and bring on a Maradona; they take off a Messi and introduce a Ronaldo. Yet, Nigeria left behind the country’s hottest attacking and striking property in the close season, Ike Uche, with the coach giving certain excuses and reasons that were better told to the marines. With Coach Keshi’s comments after Osaze Odemwingie came on to change the complexion of the game against Iran, we now know what it means not to play to instructions under

the “Big Boss.” Imagine Arjen Robben being left out of the Netherlands team on such questionable grounds! Whether he is retained or not, whoever emerges as the next Super Eagles coach (local or foreign) should focus on the real deal of preparing for Nigeria a squad that is, at any point in time, solid, compact and formidable. Denmark did not even qualify for Euro 1992. They were only invited to take the place of disqualified warring Yugoslavia only 11 (!) days to the commencement of the competition. But because they had a standing army, they went all the way to clinch the title. Some ex-internationals and commentators have counseled that we focus now on the 2018 World Cup. That is why we do not need a coach that will embark on building a “new team.” That notion is a fallacy, as a national team, like life itself, is a continuum. Or else, I feel cool to prophesy again, that by the time the next edition in Russia comes around, we will still be building a new team. • Dele Akinola, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Mr President: Act presidential!

IR: Kudos to the Nigerian security agencies and INTERPOL for the arrest of Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, the alleged mastermind of the Nyanya killings of our people. It is an excellent job! Our security agencies must equally step up efforts to have Shekau located and arrested. Is Shekau really operating from Sambisa forest with internet access? Which service provider is available for his use? With internet usage, all users are traceable through technological efforts. Shekau is traceable since he uses internet and uploads videos regularly. Are the planted bombs being

detonated miles away from Sambisa forest actually coming from the forest? How are the terrorists able to move across several check-points in states under emergency to cross to other states with weapons and explosive materials? The terrorists have abducted more of our daughters and mothers after the Chibok incident. How are they able to move their captives across states under emergency? Where are our abducted girls? Furthermore, unless President Jonathan becomes presidential by bringing the sponsors of terrorism to book, the battle is yet over. The devils have wreaked terrible havoc

on our dear nation and have continued to kill us with impunity despite previous arrests of terrorist leaders such as Kabiru Sokoto and others. President Jonathan had said previously that he knows the sponsors of terrorism in the land. As our Commander-in-Chief, we believe him. The time to act is now! So long as the terrorists have access to political, financial and material supports through their sponsors, they will continue with their devilish activities. The arrests of Kabiru Sokoto and others (and now Ogwuche) should remove the dark veil protecting sponsors of terrorism. When the supplying wells of

terrorism are dried up, the protective cover of terrorism will be blown off. There is no doubt that our dear president loves the nation. The terrorists have continued to attack us with impunity because President Jonathan has failed to be presidential. As the father of all, he must deploy the required political will to deal with the sponsors of terrorism without any regard whatsoever to whose ox is gored. This is the only way to bring the efforts of our security agencies to fruition. This is the way to victory! • Akinlolu, Abdulazeez Adelaja University Of Ilorin.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

COMMENTS

Rambling thoughts

HATEVER happens to man is for his own good, says the Bible. Man is the creation of God and we are wonderfully made in His own image. Our purpose in life is to praise God and give him pleasure. If things are hard how can we give God pleasure? Yet in all things He says we should give Him thanks. If we are diligent in serving him, we will eat the fruit of the land. We cannot do anything outside God’s plan for our lives. Man is so totally insignificant in the cosmos made up of the sun, planets, moons, and stars both known and unknown. We sometimes think too much of ourselves and we forget that we can plough and sow and plant seeds but that it is God that waters our efforts. We sometimes get carried away by our earthly achievements and victories but we forget that life itself is transient, and short and that the life hereafter is what is eternal. We plan for tomorrow, for next year even for next decade forgetting that the Supreme Being to whom we owe our lives can at any time say our time is up. Some people are very optimistic about life and that is a good attribute to have but in our African environment, pessimism seems to be more rational way of perception. As religious people particularly as Christians, we know all will be well because in spite of all our problems as a people and as a nation we have an advocate with the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ who by the assumption of our sins and paying for them with his own life has become our final propitiation of our sins before Almighty God. I personally have so many reasons to thank God for all His blessings most of which I do not deserve. If God were to treat us men the way we treat others, no one would be left alive yet God gives us a long rope to pull. It is futile for us to assume that we are working of our salvation on our own. It is through His grace and through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ that salvation is available to the righteous and even to the unrighteous if he repents. Life itself is a mystery. Sometimes one asks why are we here? Why do we go through all the troubles after being born, sitting, crawling and walking, going to school, getting educated, getting a job, getting married and repeating the cycle of giving birth, marrying off our daughters and taking wives for our sons, getting old and infirm and then die. I suppose this is why General Charles De Gaulle said, “Old age is like a plague and it is bound to affect everybody”. This is perhaps why the epicureans or the sceptics in ancient Greece believed that man should create a private life for himself in which public interest had a small or even negative part and that a public career could even mean an actual misfortune. In other words, because of the futility of

F the government has its way, it would have decreed that the campaign for the release of the abducted Chibok girls be stopped. It tried to do something like that through the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mbu, who it uses for such dirty jobs when the burgeoning czar banned the bring back our girls protest in Abuja. Their backdoor method of trying to stifle a lawful protest fell flat on its face when the nation rose as one to condemn the ban. The police through the Inspector-General, Muhammed Abubakar, promptly reversed the annoying order. Since then, Mbu has remained quiet, but that is not to say that we have heard the last of him. For sure, he has his uses and whenever the need arises, he will be tapped to do what he knows best to do. But, why is the government afraid of the bring back our girls campaigners? Are they doing anything wrong campaigning for the release of the abducted 217 Chibok schoolgirls, who are spending their 94th day in captivity today? Shouldn't the government be encouraging the campaigners instead of being averse to what they are doing? Elsewhere government would encourage such campaigners by lending them a hand instead of distancing itself from what they are doing. The reason for its action is obvious. It does not believe in what the group is doing because it never

94 DAYS AFTER

WHERE ARE THE ABDUCTED CHIBOK GIRLS?

trying to change one’s society an individualistic life of “women, wine and song” would be preferable. But to live a riotous life because of the uncertainties of life and because death is a certainty for all mankind would negate the purpose of God for our lives. God has given all of us talents and there is no one that was born without a talent. It is left for us to find out what special gift God has deposited in us in order to try and exploit it for the good of mankind. And when God creates man, he always makes them in duplicates. If one man does not exercise his God-given talent, another would be called to replace him. To come to a pedestrian level, it is not all of us in Nigeria or the rest of the world who can benefit from higher education or who in fact needs it to get on in life especially in the materialistic environment of Nigeria where one does not need higher education or education at all to get on. I recently told a friend of mine that if his grandchildren are good in football, he should ensure that they are not discouraged because after all, our native born football coach is being promised N10 million every month as a salary which is higher than the legitimate salary of our president. Nobody earns this kind of salary except managing directors of multinational oil companies. In the late sixties, the Beatles, a musical group of young people of my age then had a hit record with the title of Money can’t buy me love. This may be true of English society but not necessarily true globally. I know for sure that money cannot buy happiness. May I take this opportunity of these rambling thoughts to appeal to all our leaders to commit themselves to a higher calling of doing something for our country and leaving the country better than how they met it? They should commit themselves to being lives’ changers rather than perpetuating evil and poverty in our land for after all, what gain would anybody have if he gains this whole world and loses eternity? All the three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam clearly say that whatever we sow, we shall reap and that if after our lives our maker were to ask us, you saw me hungry you did not feed me, you saw me thirsty and you did not give me water to drink. And we shall ask, when did this happen? Then He would say as long as you saw your fellow human beings hungry and thirsty and you did not assuage their thirst and hunger, you did same to me and He God will visit us with retribution. Traditional African religions also subscribe to this credo. We Nigerians whenever we travel to the West, to America and Europe in particular, we are always smug and self-congratulatory about how religious we are compared to the

western world that has lost its religious bearing. What we perhaps do not understand is that Christian ethics of being your brother’s keeper have been internalised in the western society unlike in our society where we go to churches and mosques and then treat our fellow human beings as trash. Our politicians and leaders are generally uncaring for the Jide masses; rather they Osuntokun exploit the masses and do not plan for their future. Their reason of being in public life is their personal financial aggrandisement at the expense of the masses and generality of the people. Let me also reiterate the fact that we are here today but gone tomorrow. Where are our leaders of the first republic? Where are the rich people of yesteryears? They have gone to their makers and many of them are not remembered for anything today except those who by their deeds live in the hearts of those of us who are still alive. This same question will be asked of us in future, it will not matter who you are- the president, governor, professor or pastor. How would our epitaph be written? It will not matter how much money you made or stole, what will matter is how you changed the society. I pray that I and others who find ourselves in leadership positions would think not about how to rip off the society but what we can contribute to the society in the immortal words of J.F. Kennedy, “ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country” and in doing this, we will be laying up treasures in heaven where moth or other kinds of pest will not be able to destroy it. This is my appeal to all Nigerians particularly our leaders and those who for now find themselves controlling the reins of government. This is the only way our republic will endure not only after the elections of next year but till the end of life on this planet earth. A do or die politics of winning at all costs may sound attractive now but in years to come the futility of not building our national edifice on a rock will become apparent. Therefore a carefully designed architecture and an edifice built on proper engineering and moral ethics is what will endure.

Campaign of calumny believed that the girls were abducted. Even when the news broke, the rescue of the girls was not its paramount concern. It was busy asking itself is it true (?) when it should have launched a rescue operation for the girls. Na lie don turn to na true and the government is looking for a scapegoat to hang its tardiness on. That is the way of our government. People's life means little or nothing to it. It is only interested in getting their votes during elections after which they may go to hell for all it cares. There is nothing to show that the government cares about the fate that befell the Chibok girls and their families. The government is simply just not bothered. To the government, it is as if nothing happened in Chibok on April 14. So, it will not take it lightly with any one or group that tries to remind it that something happened that day in that remote community. This is why the government is bitter with the champions of the rally. There should have been no need for such anger, if government has the interest of its citizens at heart. Nigerians love their government, but all they want is for the government to come clean with them. But, where government acts as if it has something to hide, it creates room for suspicion. By calling the campaigners name, is the government saying it is happy with what happened to the Chibok girls? If it does not want the campaign, what else can be done in its own view to keep the girls' abduction alive un-

til they are rescued? We are asking these questions since it seems the government considers it a cardinal sin to draw attention to the issue. Should the girls' parents keep quiet and pretend that their children were not abducted? Isn't it unfair that the government which should be consoling them is the one calling them names and trying to gag them from crying out over what happened? I am sure that if the government has its way it would frame up the campaigners and even the girls' parents all in a bid to paint them black before the world. It has taken the first step towards that with the statement credited to the State Security Service (SSS), last week, that the bring back our girls campaigners are up to no good. According to its spokesperson, Mrs Marilyn Ogar, who I believe is also a mother, the campaign has become a franchise with different divisions into groups, giving each other specific assignments. "If it is not a franchise but an ordinary movement seeking or acting to put more pressure on government and security operations to release these girls, there would be no need for the group to have tag, insisting that members must have a tag and be properly registered. We know that they have bank accounts and also know that they want to go to Asokoro Extension and simulate some force movement where they will have foreign media and say they are marching into Sambisa Forest and Chibok. We hope that genuinely you don't go to hire peo-

‘Can the SSS prove its damaging claim? If it can, it should make public the group’s bank details and put the campaigners to shame. If it cannot, it should withdraw the statement and apologise to the group’

ple to come and claim to be the parent of the child you did not give birth to, so, it is a franchise..." he SSS is free to do its job, but in so doing, it should not use its privileged position to turn facts on their heads. Can the SSS prove its damaging claim? If it can, let it make public the group's bank details and put the campaigners to shame. If it cannot, it should withdraw the statement and apologise to the group. The SSS knows what to do if its claim is true and I know that if the allegation is true, it would have since descended on the group and show the campaigners to the whole world for what they truly are! But, in the circumstance, it cannot do that because its claim beggars belief. The group, to borrow the SSS’ word, has the franchise to defend itself, so we will not do that here. Suffice it to say that the group has denied the allegation, shifting the burden of prove to the SSS.

Dare @ 70 : Matters arising

henever Dr Olatunji Dare writes under the above headline, you know that he has a wide range of issues to touch in short strokes. When I started reading him in The Guardian many years ago, I never knew that one day I would find myself in the same organisation with the journalism legend. I do not know whether to call it a meeting because there was no opportunity to chat with the professor and drink from his fountain of knowledge. It was at the Ikeja High Court premises shortly after his resignation from the The Guardian. His exit did not go down well with the company's management, which decided to deal with him. The company ejected him from his quarters, but being a

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204, 08112661612

firm believer in the rule of law, Dare went to court. As a court reporter, I got wind of the case and my colleagues and I went to cover it. We did not quite succeed in our mission because the lawyers had other plans. They wanted an amicable settlement of the matter and so covering it was out of the case in order not to jeopardise the peace process. I have never told Dr Dare this; so he may be surprised reading it here today on his 70th birthday. Between that day in 1995 and now, I have come to know Dr Dare better. In the about eight years of this paper's existence, he and his fellow scholars, Prof Adebayo Williams, Prof Ropo Sekoni and Prof Moses Makinde, among others, have played a vital role in our short but rich history. As Editorial Adviser, Dare goes through the paper with a fine tooth comb, pointing out errors and suggesting ideas on how we can stay ahead of the competition. Besides, his human relations is super. On several occasions, he has called to wish me well. That is Dr. Dare for you. About a month ago when he arrived in the country on vacation from his United States (U.S) base, he, as usual called to say he is in town. ‘’Alhaji, eku ile’’, he said in his booming voice, and I answered, ‘’prof, eka bo sir’’. Happy birthday, prof; or is it daddy?!

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

COMMENTS

EMOCRACY, the new god worshipped by most nations of the world has many variants. It ranges from its original 5th century Athenian mob rule of all free born male adult to 1949 George Orwell’s 1984 imaginary world where citizens have only obligations without rights as the state controls the citizens’ thoughts, the number of children they have, the type of education the children received, their daily movement and when to die and where to be buried to today’s participatory democracy which in spite of its celebrated attributes, is nothing but a rule of privileged group to protect the disproportionate privileges extracted from society. A nation’s variant of democracy is defined by actions of the leaders and the apathy of the led. Our 15 years democratic experiment has produced leaders such as Obasanjo and Jonathan, who are intolerant of opposition, the press and who instead of recourse to compromise would employ the awesome power of state to achieve their objectives which range between desperate bid to hold on to power through ‘do or die election’ to the protection of their group who have confiscated our common patrimony. The two leaders, along with other PDP elected leaders since 1999, have defined our own variant of democracy. Of the 23 PDP governors that emerged at the onset of the 4th republic in 1999. 17 were either in jail for corruption, on the run from justice or facing proceedings in court over abuse of office. Those who have served their terms and a few who still have criminal charges hanging on their necks have been accommodated through presidential amnesty that has integrated them back into the system as elected senators, appointed ministers or members of the on-going Confab. Of course prominent in this list is Ayo Fayose whose recent victory in Ekiti governorship election in Ekiti came through highly induced 200,000 voters, out of a population of 1.7 million people, a development which Femi Falana says has returned his Ekiti compatriots to Egypt for the next four years. Tragically, all the nation has to show as dividends of our own variant of democracy is arrested development, infrastructural decay and massive corruption. Those who had called attention to this in the past were dismissed as ‘an army of sponsored and self-appointed anarchists who criticize the president out of ignorance and abuse him out of mischief’. And now with 2015, in mind, the president has gone ahead to hire the best image makers money can buy to change reality through subliminal

Democracy vs. our cherished values psychological warfare. We have been told to accept the presidency’s war against his perceived enemies in the Yoruba land, in Adamawa, Nasarawa and Rivers as ‘driven by love of God and nation’; that the president has solved our energy crisis despite the fact that many of the the 120 million Nigerians the minister of power said could not be supplied with electricity run their cheep Chinese-made generating sets on N95 per litre fuel. And that as the war by insurgents which has led to the abduction of helpless women, school girls and mindless killing of ordinary Nigerians become more vicious, we are told the president has fought the criminals to a ‘stand still’. Billions of naira that would have gone into developmental efforts has been deployed by the president’s unidentified promoters on prime-time television slots and other forms of media to change reality. Perhaps more threatening to our survival as a nation is the on-going desecration of the culture and values of our federating nationalities noticeable in recent times mostly in the Southwest where those suspected to have criminal records have been imposed on the people as leaders without giving a damn about how the people feel. Cultural values are the pillars of society. This perhaps explains why the colonial masters that conquered us as different nations were sincere enough to have advocated the building of our own variant of democracy around the value systems that had sustained our different nationalities for centuries before

UDDENLY, the Ekiti governorship election has formally endorsed, so to speak, a strange and damning concept into our lexicon, especially for those in the South West, as the guaranteed alley way to electoral victory.The intriguing concept is ‘stomach infrastructure’, hitherto an alien term to this part of the world. It is at once a concept which will make Chief Obafemi Awolowo turn in the grave; for the apostles of mainstream politics and winning power by any means, the era of come and chop politics is finally reaching out to the only remaining bastion of egalitarian comportment in the country. Predictably, it has emboldened congenital and pathological lying politicians to purvey the dubious notion that the strange outcome of the Ekiti election is set to be repeated in Osun. In other words, a social pact between a government and citizens has become anarchronistic; what is now needful is a carefully contrived gimmick of exploiting hapless citizens’ soft underbelly to foist a crude and uncultured parasitic reign. Mercifully, this will turn out a pipe-dream after all, at least not in this part of the country. Even for the Ekiti fiasco, it is only a matter of time before the bubble bursts and Osun in three weeks, will keep hope alive for the South-west. But let’s examine this strange concept a little deeply and why it will meet its waterloo in Osun. In what manner do we accommodate what ought to be the backbone of democracy, the ‘social contract’ in the age of what is now known as “infrastructure of the stomach”? The question is crucial now. The concept of a social contract should be the engine room of a democratic process. The social contract lays out the obligations of those who command the executive to those who elected them into office in the first place. There ought to be no contradiction in complimenting infrastructure of the stomach (the immediate quick-fix) with the long term duties and commitments inherent in a social contract. In just a few weeks down the road, the issue of “stomach infrastructure” as opposed to or in relation to the obligation of a social contract could be a determining factor in the governorship election in the state of Osun. Could be? Time will tell. Since infrastructure of the stomach is now in the lexicon, what should be the response of those who feel obliged to lay the foundations for long - term development? In the case of Osun, the jury is no longer out. The verdict is clear that the incumbent governor has spent the past three and a half years laying the foundation for sustainable development. There ought to be no conflict about defining this as the real reason, the raison d’etre for being in office. In Aregbesola’s case, he kick-started the process of a social contract in Osun State from a very low base. He continues to implement the development effort at a time when the fiscal climate is very much against the required cash-flow of the state governments. Nigeria’s quasi-federalism means that the states cannot ex-

the advent of the European fortune-seekers. For instance, Clifford in 1921pointedly told Nigerians that “real national self-government must be obtained through local tribal institutions and the indigenous forms of government…the natural experiences of their innate political genius”. Oliver Stanley in 1945 reiterated this when he said the objective of Nigeria federal arrangement was “to see the various territories develop themselves along the lines of their own national aptitude their own culture and their own tradition”. Their advocacy stemmed from their discovery that social organizations in many African societies were highly developed before the European fortune-seekers came to Africa in search of gold and glory. For instance among the Yoruba nation, the people didn’t need Robert Michels’ ‘sociological study of oligarchical tendencies of modern democracies’ to realize centuries ago that to prevent the king from becoming an oligarch because of the apathy of the people, the ‘Ogbonis’ secret society must serve as a counter-force to the power of the king. They did not need a resort to Machiavelli’s advise to the Prince to know that the king maker is the first victim of the new king if he wants a peaceful and uninterrupted reign. Centuries before “central values systems’ of Parson’s ‘structural functionalism’ or David Easton’s input, output and feedback functions in his ‘systems analysis’, Yoruba tells you that enito jale lekan, to daran bori, aso ole da

bora {a once convicted thief attracted only contempt in Yoruba society}. And as a way of feedback, the sins of the fathers must be visited on the sons. It is this cultural, practice that aided Yoruba social organization which P.C Lloyd admitted was superior to that of Europe as at the time of their coming. This has come under serious erosion in recent years. It is today facing additional threat as President Goodluck Jonathan employs all forms of strategies including desecration of our values in his battle to capture the Yoruba nation in 2015. Even ex-President Obasanjo who has always prided himself as a Nigerian leader recently said he felt diminished as an indigene of Ogun State to have Buruji Kashamu, a man he claimed has criminal cases to face in the US, imposed by the president as PDP leader in the South-west. Kashamu and Fayose might have not been indicted by any court, but it is a fact recently confirmed by a senior US official that Kashamu still has a case to answer in the US courts, just as it is a fact that EFCC has dragged Fayose to court over billions allegedly spent on a non-existent poultry projects before his impeachment as governor of Ekiti State. That they have these cases are enough to disqualify both for position of leadership in Yorubaland. The same argument holds for the Minister of Police Affairs and Iyiola Omisore, current PDP governorship candidate in the coming Osun State governorship election. The former allegedly fled Nigeria following the brutal assassination of Chief Bola Ige in his house as Minister of Justice and Attorney General while the latter was in fact in police detention from where he was awarded a senate seat. Their celebration by the president and PDP as leaders along with offspring of those who for pot of gold betrayed the cause of the Yoruba in the past demonstrates the president’s disdain for the Yoruba and their cultural values.

‘More threatening to our survival as a nation is the on-going desecration of the culture and values of our federating nationalities noticeable in recent times mostly in the South-west where those suspected to have criminal records have been imposed on the people as leaders without giving a damn about how the people feel.

Aregbesola: Social contract vs. stomach infrastructure By Bola Oke ploit, process their own resources and use it to develop their states. It is also a difficult time to operate a development process when the almighty allocation from the centre is dwindling all the time. This represents a multi-dimensional dilemma. Forwithout a sound structure, even the hope of increasing internally generated revenue (IGR) as a counter-balancing force becomes forlorn. Nevertheless, in a dicey situation Aregbesola has punched above his weight. He has in a very tight fiscal environment, recreated the development framework associated with a progressive, social democratic government. At every stage, the development thrust under Aregbesola has been innovatively integrative. There is a clear focus of achieving a multiplier effect with each policy thrust. A good example is the school feeding programme. This involves feeding 300, 000 pupils every school day at the cost of N3.6 billion per annum. It is a transparent programme since it can be verified simply by going to the schools themselves. The programme has led to an exponential increase in enrolment figures. The socio-economic benefit here is seminal. In addition, a multiplier effect is triggered off. Food production has consequently gone up in geometric proportion. There is a clear gain as a result in terms of the purchasing power of the farmers. This is a clear case of financial employment and poverty alleviation mixed up in line with a policy of thrust to construct the foundations for self-sustaining economic development. The fiscal injection into the economy of the state is far more than can be achieved by any immediate “infrastructure of the stomach.” The students consume 15, 000 whole chickens every week and it is served twice. They consume 400 tons of fish every week. 35 herds of cattle are also consumed every week. The financial empowerment to poultry and fish farmers is important. It means that the rural economy is receiving a boost. In addition, 3,007 women cook the meals for the students. They are paid directly through the banks and were given seed capital to start-up. In no way is this initiative any different from the model associated which the founder of modern micro-finance Muhammed Yunus used and which won him the NobelPrize. The school feeding programme also has a link with the

health sector. Hundreds of thousands are now receiving proper, healthy, and nutritious meals for the first time. The long term gains in terms of a healthy mind in a healthy body will be profound. For a start, there will be less pressure and stress on the health infrastructure. This is the policy thrust that the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the late highly esteemed professor Olikoye Ransome Kuti amongst many others has, been advocating for decades. In fulfillment of the need to cement the social contract, the thrust of the Aregbesola programme has been to lay the foundations for self-sustaining development. On the widely copied O’Yes scheme alone, over 40,000 cadets have been empowered with entrepreneurial skills. As with all things Aregbesola, there is always the synergy lurking there somewhere. The 200 kilometres of roads constructed under his watch translates into opening up the rural economy. This means that farm production will go up, as the farmer can now evacuate his or her produce for onward sales in the urban markets. Again, this is a gain for the farmers, as well as for their individual and collective purchasing power. There has also been a profound gain for the rural economy of Osun State by opening up roads and linking it with farm gate purchases for the O’Meal programmme. The social contract is well and alive in Osun State. From a tight economic base, all the stakeholders have benefitted across the board. This spans critical sectors such as teachers, civil servants, those in the transportation sector as well as those in the agrarian economy. Students for example, have seen their bursary go up in adjustment to inflation. The bursary has been raised to N10,000 fiat while medical and law students receive N20 000. Osun State indigenes in the law school get N100,000. Osun has become a hub for progress. This means that by carrying out his obligations to all sectors, Aregbesola has protected and then enhanced the living standards of those who gave him a mandate. We may care to recall that when he was seeking re-election, Bill Clinton boldly asked the voters “are you better off today than you were four years ago?” Aregbesola can and should confidently do the same. By providing the infrastructure for self-sustaining development across all sectors in the state, he has actually tendered to the issue of the infrastructure of the stomach. The infrastructure of the stomach is best nourished not just by the provision of today’s meal, but by the execution of well thought out policies to insure the provision of a meal everyday.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

COMMENTS

HESE days, I am often profoundly puzzled whenever I look at Nigeria. From all significant indications, Nigeria is gradually deconstructing. Commonly, what held together fairly well only yesterday is today markedly disintegrating. And the most troubling part of it all is that nobody – no Nigerian of note – seems to be aware or care. The politicians go about their nebulous games of politics with their usual crookedness and vicious manipulations while the country they lead or hope to lead crumbles inexorably. These days, when one sees pictures of Nigerian leaders or rulers in any gathering, it is as if one is watching people in a funeral event. Nigeria is disintegrating. Our very best ploys at self-deception have become too fragile to hide that fact. This past Monday, July 14, TV stations worldwide carried scenes in which Boko Haram hoodlums – really looking like the worst of hoodlums – mocked the “Bring Back Our Girls” demonstrations by the rest of us Nigerians. Watching that sickening satyr, no self-respecting person would wish to be counted among Nigerians. A friend who watched the news in faraway California grabbed his telephone and called me and asked, “Listen, is there no government left in your country?” No, there is nothing substantial left in Nigeria, except, of course, the royalties and rents from the oil of the Niger Delta. Those fees are now the totality of what we call Nigeria. If they were to disappear, or even seriously diminish, Nigeria would vanish im-

‘There is nothing substantial left in Nigeria, except, of course, the royalties and rents from the oil of the Niger Delta. Those fees are now the totality of what we call Nigeria. If they were to disappear, or even seriously diminish, Nigeria would vanish immediately’

EAR Oby, Please permit the easy familiarity and by way of introduction suffice it to say that I am older in natural age than your illustrious self and hence my sense of entitlement. This letter has been prompted in part by online posts I stumbled upon wherein one of the numerous anonymous online regime supporters labelled you as ‘ewu Hausa’ and yet another wondered why you were carrying the Chibok ‘abduction thing’, ‘on your head’ as if you were Hausa. I also get a feeling that this sentiment is gaining some currency in Nigeria’s increasingly polarized atmosphere. Ordinarily these kinds of comments, being so inane ought not to elicit any other reaction but disgust, indignation and pity for the authors’ small minded inhumanity. However we live in strange but by no means uncharted times. Times where reason appears to be taking flight from the souls of otherwise presumed reasonable people and where those who take directions from them have shut their eyes and rely only on their ears to follow a direction, which if only they opened their eyes, will discover is headed to an approaching cliff edge. Unknown to the small minded lot, by highlighting your involvement in an endeavour you could have easily ‘siddon look’, they are ensuring your place in the hallowed chamber reserved for those whose world view and consequent actions are guided by an understanding of the true essence of humanity. A hallowed chamber where greatness is a prerequisite- the greatness that is measured not in figures or plaques but in the enduring and sincere appreciation of humanity and including those not present at the time of your actions; in short, character and actions that will stand the test of time. In these times especially given the atmosphere of orchestrated dehumanization, it is tempting to feel discouraged for many reasons. Like me, you must sometimes wonder, how it is that it is so easy to fool people. At times you may even in confusion self-debate whether you are the one fooling yourself because how can so many people be so foolish, so myopic and hence so easy to beguile with self-serving and insincere partisan rheto-

Nigeria: Way out mediately. Participation in politics, all of governance, service on the judiciary, the police, the other regulatory agencies, and most of what we call business – all are underpinned and motivated by the sharing of bounties and grafts from the oil revenues. A real country no longer exists here. About three months ago, we were elated when our president inaugurated a National Conference. Many of us hoped that a National Conference would sort out many of our deadlocks and tangles. It is not happening. Nothing so constructive is possible in Nigeria. After bruising its path through some decisions that seemed fairly valuable, the conference has now capped everything with an overwhelmingly disastrous decision – namely, the decision to increase the number of states in the Nigerian federation from 36 to 54. Yes, 54 states! For years now, there has been no doubt that having as many as 36 states has been hurting our country. It resulted in small weak states that the federal establishment has easily been able to roll over and subdue; states incapable of developing their resources or resisting poverty among their citizens. This has distorted out federation, increased poverty among our people, and generated widening insecurity and conflicts. In spite of these experiences, our National Conference has now decided to increase the number of states. And we all know why. Most of the persons gathered in the conference are politicians or aspiring politicians whose only serious desire is to create more opportunities for themselves to become state governors, deputy governors, commissioners, advisers, contractors, etc. It is about creating more outlets for sharing the oil money. Nigeria’s well-being is not a consideration – because, of course, Nigeria and the citizens of Nigeria do not exist as far as most of our politicians are concerned. Naturally, a lot of informed Nigerians are speaking out – and most of them are proposing that the mirage called Nigeria be terminated, in the interest of all concerned. Among such statements by prominent Nigerians, I am looking at a few right now. Some days ago, one of our most promi-

nent citizens, former vice-chancellor of one of our leading universities, Professor Ango Abdullahi, granted a public interview. From his chosen angle in Nigeria’s political life, Professor Abdullahi has been undoubtedly one of our most successful politicians. But, in the bruising tensions and conflicts of the politics of a Nigeria that has no core of values, no generally accepted game rules, and no commonly shared goal, he is becoming exasperated. It is therefore not surprising that he is now saying that he would gladly accept the breaking up of Nigeria – in fact, that the Hausa-Fulani leadership of the Arewa North would gladly subscribe to the dissolution of Nigeria, if that is what others want. As things stand today, I don’t think that there is much doubt about the wish of Nigerians. If Nigerians were asked today about their wish concerning Nigeria’s future, most are likely to agree that the failed experiment of Nigeria should now be given up (peacefully), and that the brutalized and suffering peoples of Nigeria should be given a chance to re-discover hope for themselves in smaller countries of their own. We have come that far. I also have before me a piece written by another Nigerian intellectual who writes: “It is high time we dissolved this big beast called a country”. He adds that Chief Awolowo and his contemporaries “believed a big, strong and prosperous Nigeria like the emerging United States would take its rightful place on the world stage and be the pride of Africa and the black world. Instead ever since, Nigeria has stubbornly refused to be anything other than a global disgrace. Now is the time to split the country...We want a good-bye-to-all referendum now. And the National Conference sitting in Abuja should make itself useful by setting a date for one. Enough is enough”. However, there are two big questions about our parting. One concerns the sharing of the huge oil revenues; and the other concerns the fact that large numbers of citizens now live beyond their ethnic homelands. Professor Abdullahi touches upon the first, and his position is that the oil does not belong to any one section of Nigeria, but to

Gbogun gboro Nigeria as a whole. Significant Northern leaders have said repeatedly that it was Nigerian money that developed the Delta oil industry, and that they will go to war rather than lose the oil. The bottom line to the oil situation, therefore, is that if we are to be able to part peacefully, we must find a generally acceptable solution to the sharing of the oil revenues. Two years ago, a Nigerian scientist resident in the United States offered a constructive solution to this problem. His proposal is that Nigeria’s parting settlement should include a clause providing for continued sharing of the oil revenues among the new countries for an agreed number of years (five or ten years) after the parting. Each new country would thus have an assured amount of oil revenue for a number of years as it strives to take off. For the implementation of this, an international commission, participated in by the United Nations, will be charged with the revenue receiving and sharing, for the agreed number of years. Among the pluses of this arrangement, it will bring peace to the Niger Delta oil industry – peace that it has lacked for decades. For the second question, the solution will have to be a cast-iron agreement for the protection of folks where they live and choose to remain in the new countries. According to countless intellectuals who have explored this subject, no non-Yoruba folks have any reason to fear in the new Yoruba country. The other countries will need to follow suit.

Letter to Oby Ezekwesili By Edo Ukpong ric. All sorts of inanities and yet there are willing ears to listen but sadly there is little appetite to allow the brain in between to process the plethora of ‘information’ and perhaps worst of all, the seemingly easy ability of people to subdue their conscience on the altar of foisted partisan sentiments. Please do not be discouraged and I will go into history to furnish examples that will hopefully hearten you in these trying times. You will of course know that in the heyday of racial segregation in America, some white folks stood with the blacks in condemning segregation and fighting for its abolition. Other whites sneeringly and malevolently derided them as ‘blacks lovers’ and other ‘abuse’ names. In the meantime there were several blacks who did not see the need to confront the system, especially those who felt well adjusted or those not living in the American south and indeed many saw segregation as a southern problem which did not really affect them directly ‘unbearably’. In the long run though, good will always be good and even the white people today are thankful that some of their number actually fought against what everybody now agrees as evil. They are thankful because you cannot, on account of racial segregation of the past, classify white people generally as evil since some white people also opposed that evil at that time. So tomorrow, the lot castigating you today will thank you for saving them from a general classification as condoners of evil because you are fighting evil on their behalf! I say condoners of evil because I also take the view that failure to recognize evil as evil and fight it with every might and conviction is tantamount to condoning same which only emboldens evil. If you were a white woman in that bus with Rosa Parks, you would have risen to her support and protested against your fellow whites who sought to oppress her. If there was a

white woman like that in that bus what do you think humanity in general will make of her today? Will we have known her name? YES and for the right reasons. The others in that bus have since been consigned to the dustbin of history, a fate that undoubtedly awaits your persecutors. The struggle to abolish apartheid in South Africa was not only fought by blacks. Neither was the apartheid system sustained by whites only. The bitter truth is that blacks participated actively in enforcing apartheid. Today we acknowledge the whites who fought the apartheid system as superior human beings. Superior in the sense that many of us know that whilst we abhor apartheid because we are black, we are thankful that we were not put to that test of exhibiting superior humanity if roles were reversed. Paradoxically, we recognize that those who support or fight causes on objective moral basis are cut from a different cloth. A cloth we all can have but which the promoters of divisiveness use every trick available to muddy its colour and make it unappealing to the weak in mind to adorn. The seeming ‘success’ of the promoters of hate, division and evil is however a pyrrhic one because when tomor-

row comes, the truth will subdue propaganda. That tomorrow cannot be impeached or chased away – it must and will come and it is irrespective of whether you or myself or indeed the ‘other guys’ will be there. My comrade, when tomorrow comes, by which time all the propaganda and abuse will have faded, humanity will recognize that putting pressure on a government to do it’s job or pointing out the many failings of that government in other areas has nothing to do with religion, section or seeking to tarnish a regime’s image, it is about answering NO to that famous question posed by Ursula K LeGuin – ‘if you know that the beautiful manner of living you yourself enjoy is built on the foundation of misery deliberately imposed on innocents, can you in conscience do nothing? Those who persecute and harass you for following your conscience only do so today and unknowingly or not caring demean their humanity for tomorrow. When ‘they’ accuse you of all sorts of ulterior motives, ‘we’ know it is only a reflection of their world view and disposition. So please remain steadfast, we are not all fooled! And long may you live! • Ukpong is a legal practitioner

‘My comrade, when tomorrow comes, by which time all the propaganda and abuse will have faded, humanity will recognize that putting pressure on a government to do it’s job or pointing out the many failings of that government in other areas has nothing to do with religion, section or seeking to tarnish a regime’s image, it is about answering NO to that famous question posed by Ursula K LeGuin – ‘if you know that the beautiful manner of living you yourself enjoy is built on the foundation of misery deliberately imposed on innocents, can you in conscience do nothing?’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

When the Osun State Government re-classified primary and secondary schools into elementary, middle and high schools in 2012, many pooh-poohed the policy. But, a visit to Benin Republic has shown that the system is not strange, after all, reports SINA FADARE

• Pupils eating their mid-day meal in an elementary school in Osogbo.

RE-CLASSIFICATION

Like I Osun, like Benin

T is a policy those in the opposition love to hate. When the Osun State Government reclassified schools in 2012, they descended on the Rauf Aregbesola administration, describing the policy as a ploy to destroy education. But, there is nothing strange about the policy which is also being implemented in Benin Republic. In the exercise, primary schools were renamed elementary schools, and stopped at Grade 4 (Primary 4) instead of the former Primary Six. Junior Secondary Schools are now called Middle Schools and have pupils from Grades 5 to 9 (Primary 5 to Junior Secondary School 3); Senior Secondary Schools were replaced with high schools catering for SS1 to SS3 pupils. For smooth implementation, schools were merged along the various levels. The elementary schools accommodate 900 pupils; middle schools between 900 and 1,000; the high schools are designed to accommodate 1,000

INSIDE

Cyber cafés no longer handle UTME registration -Page 26

‘

All schools in Benin Republic since independence wear the same Beninoisie khaki. While the primary school pupils wear knickers, the secondary school pupils wear trousers. All the students have the badges of their schools on their uniforms. There is no room for the use of any unconventional dress like hijab, beret, etc, in any public school in the country

for each of the three grades 10-12 (SS1-SS3). The government also introduced school uniforms for the three levels. In the public school system, only three uniforms exist, irrespective of the school's location. Justifying the re-classification, Governor Rauf Aregbesola said the system was introduced to reposition education, which was in a sorry state when he took over in November 2010. His Deputy and Commissioner for Educa-

CAMPUS LIFE

We don’t study under trees, say Imo The other pupils side of Apete

’

tion, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, said the system was tailored after the American education model, which advocates that children of the same age group should learn together. Nevertheless, criticisms trailed the exercise. Last year, there were protests in Osogbo, the state capital, and other areas over the policy. The protests had religious undertone. Christian groups were opposed to the merger of schools founded by mission• Continued on Page 26

•A 10-page section on campus news, people etc

bridge -Page 47

-Page 29

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

EDUCATION

Cyber cafés no longer handle UTME registration •Election may affect exam date •No going back on CBT, says JAMB boss

ITH effect from next year, cyber cafés will no longer be accredited as centres where candidates can register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Prof Dibu Ojerinde, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matricu-

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

lation Board (JAMB), said registration should now be done at the 156 centres that would be used for the Computer Based Tests (CBT). To this end, Ojerinde, who delivered the keynote address at the

opening of a three-day national conference on Science, Technology and Mathematics Education, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Monday, warned prospective candidates of the dangers of registering in cyber cafés. Should they run into trouble with processing their examination and results, the JAMB boss said they would have themselves to blame. The Registrar said JAMB has given registration to the 156 centres

•Nursery graduands of Scholastic Hall School, Opebi pose for their photograph after their graduation party.

to minimise the atrocities perpetrated by operators of unapproved cafés. Speaking on the theme, Application of new technologies in Science, Technology and Mathematics Education, Ojerinde said that there is no going back on full migration of the UTME from paper to Computer Based Test (CBT) from next year. To this end, he said preparations are in top gear to ensure that the CBT/UTME is successful. He said: "There is no going back to our proposed all CBT for our UTME come 2015. I want to assure the public that we are working round the clock to ensure that we record huge success during our 2015 all computer test. "We are creating more centres nationwide in addition to the existing ones that we have been using before now. This is to ensure a successful migration into the CBT mode as well as ensure that the candidates are carried along. "We are looking forward to having about 1.6 million prospective candidates registering for the examination nationwide, including the visually impaired, who we have also taken into consideration as we prepare for the examination." Despite his optimism, Ojerinde said the board has faced some challenges in migrating to CBT. He said many skeptics in the system have opposed the move because they could not fathom how the technology would work with erratic power supply and lack of electrifi-

• Ojerinde

cation in rural areas. He also claimed there is a local and international conspiracy threatening the development of CBT in Nigeria. Poor budgetary allocation, he explained, was also making it difficult to meet its obligations. With the general elections holding next year, the JAMB Boss said the date of the examination may be brought forward from April to March. Earlier in her welcome address, the Acting Head, Department of Science and Technology Education, organisers of the conference, Uju Esiobu said the meeting was to afford educators of Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) and practitioners to brainstorm on how to use ICT to enhance STM education.

Like Osun, like Benin • Continued from Page 25

aries with Muslim schools and viceversa. There was also disaffection over the change of single-sex to coeducation schools under the policy. In Benin, which borders Nigeria on the west, the same policy is being run. As in Osun, schools are classified as elementary, middle and high schools. All the schools also wear the same uniforms. Benin’s was adopted as a national policy following an Educational Forum in 2007. Mrs Laoye-Tomori explained that Osun adopted the policy following recommendations of a summit held in February 2011, which sought the repositioning of the education system such that pupils would enjoy quality education, irrespective of their background. Benin’s Minister of Education (Secondary) Fructeuex Sylvan, said the country’s policy was adopted because of the interest in creating an egalitarian society where the children of the rich would not have access to quality public education at the expense of the poor. Like Osun, Benin also faced opposition over the policy, but of a different kind. Fructeuex said some powerful and rich people wrote to the government to discontinue the policy. "But the government was resolute to make a success of it by providing equal platform that reduces the gap of human capital development," he said. The policy, he said, would last till 2025 before it could be reviewed for continuity or change. But, Benin did not have problems with religion like Osun. In Benin, Fraucteuex said, religion has no place in educational policy neither are religious scholars given any prominence. There are Christians, Muslims, and adherents of African Traditional Religion throughout the country. Most adherents of the traditional Yoruba religious group are in the south of the country; other African Traditional Religion beliefs could be found in the north. Muslims are mostly concentrated in the north and southeast. Christians are

prevalent in the south, particularly in Cotonou, the economic nerve centre of the country. These religions do not interfere with the education. But, there are differences in the operation of the policy. Benin’s differs from Osun’s in that at the elementary level, pupils spend six years and not four; four years middle school rather than five; four years in high school as opposed to three. In all, the pupils spend 13 years in primary and secondary schools in Benin the Osun’s 12. Language of instruction is also different. In Benin teaching is in local languages, spiced with little or no French as the official language. But, in Osun, like most part of Nigeria, teaching is in English right from the elementary stage.

UNIFORMS There are, however, similarities in school uniform. According to Director of programmes of the National Radio/Television, Marcelle Brigitie Adelakoun Ipaur Houssou, the practice preceded the 2007 education reforms. "All schools in Benin Republic since independence wear the same Beninoisie khaki. While the primary school pupils wear knickers, the secondary school pupils wear trousers. All the students have the badges of their schools on their uniforms. There is no room for the use of any unconventional dress like hijab, beret, etc, in any public school in the country," she said. Fructueux said the policy was introduced to achieve equality in the school system. "The schools started using the

same uniforms since independence, thereby creating a level of egalitarian lives among the students. The Government of Benin Republic has made it difficult to distinguish between the child of the rich and the poor. It is this policy that made the government to declared education as free and compulsory in the country since 2007. The rich who want to send their children to private school are free to do so," he said. He said the country did not experience crisis as far as uniforms are concerned. However, he said parents buy the uniforms. In Osun, the government collaborates with a private contractor to produce the uniforms. "The uniform is bought by the parents but the model of sewing is provided by the Government through the schools as the rules must be followed," he said. Osun and Benin also practice free education up to high school.

School feeding Osun has a robust feeding programme for all its elementary schools which costs N3.6 billion yearly. Mrs Laoye-Tomori said the project started with the feeding of 155,318 Grades 1 to 3 pupils in April, adding that it was expanded to include Grade Four pupils. By December 2013, she said enrolment had increased by 25 per cent. "The data presented by the National Bureau of Statistics, by December 2013 shows that the State of Osun has the highest enrolment figure of public primary school pupils in the country," she said.

• Pupils in an elementary school in Benin Republic.

In Benin, school feeding is only done in the rural areas to encourage poor parents to send their children to school. This, according to the Minister, led to an upsurge in enrolment of pupils in public schools by 100 per cent.

Reforms: to be or not to be Given the challenges the education reforms in Osun have faced, the question is whether they should be continued or scrapped. Educationists who spoke with The Nation favoured the new policy but called for proper implementation. For Mrs. Foluke Akintunde, a teacher in the state, the reforms are welcome because they have improved school infrastructure. "As an insider who has put in about 22 years of teaching in various schools across the state, l can authoritatively say that some of the schools were not equipped. If the on-going policy will give a face lift

‘As an insider who has put in about 22 years of teaching in various schools across the state, l can authoritatively say that some of the schools were not equipped. If the on-going policy will give a face lift to the poor infrastructural amenities in most of the schools, it is a welcome idea’

to the poor infrastructural amenities in most of the schools, it is a welcome idea," she said. An executive of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) in the state, Mr. Olu Adepegba, says implementation is key. "The initial inconveniences notwithstanding, if you are expecting better equipped schools, we should support the government so that all what it has on the drawing board would be achieved in not too long a distance. I am sure the policy will open a new window of opportunity for the children of the state who will be educationally equipped to challenge their counterparts anywhere in the world," he said. A former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, Prof. Olasupo Ladipo, who hailed the policy said it would enable the government to equip the schools better. His words "There are too many schools which are not well equipped. Education is expensive and schools should be wellequipped to enable students have access to quality education. "There are too many schools which are not well -equipped. Education is expensive and schools should be well-equipped to enable students have access to quality education.” • Additional contribution by Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

EDUCATION Ogun seeks road safety in schools

•Mrs Abike Dabiri Erewa (second right) presenting an award endowed by General Manager, LAGBUS, Mr Babatunde Disu (left) to Kolawole Ojoodide, overall best graduating student (Academics) of King’s College, Lagos (second right) and Francis Ihejirika, overall best in leadership and character (right) at the school’s speech day and graduation. PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO

Tough counsel for Bridge House graduates F OR graduands of Bridge House College, located in Ikoyi, Lagos, it was good to finally graduate from the sixth form school, especially with the knowledge that by next month, they would be resuming in various universities in the United Kingdom, where they would be free from their teachers' restrictions and parental watch. They had gained the required academic credits as well as some life skills studying for one-year University Foundation Programmes (UFP) and two-year A Level programmes at the feet of dedicated workers of the college. They looked resplendent in their black and royal blue outfits and were in high spirits throughout the event held at the Intercontinental Hotel recently. However, in future, as they remember the sweet memories of that last day - the special class songs, presentation of academic/behaviourial awards to deserving students, and the merrymaking that characterized the day, it would be hard to forget the hard-hitting words of Mrs Ibukun Awosika, the guest speaker. Mrs Awosika, founder, The Chair Centre Ltd, told the youngsters in clear

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

terms that they should realise they are privileged because their parents are affluent, and not because they have anything. She said this knowledge should spur them not to rest on their oars but to seek to build on the foundation their parents have laid. "Parents are here today but they wont always be here. It is the things that you learn now that will help you later. Life is cool and you should enjoy life. But you must enjoy life with responsibilities and understand the sacrifices your parents made to bring you here," she said. She told parents present that they were guilty of over providing for their wards, a situation that made them unable to aspire to success on their own. She urged them to tabulate their expenses and show their children so they know how much was expended on them. While studying outside the country, Mrs Awosika warned the students not to think that they are protected from Nigeria's poor image but ensure they work to correct the ills in the society. "You may have two passports but

the best you can be is a Nigerian. Working Nigeria out from your generation to the future is a goal you need to achieve. No matter how good you are, you cannot be rated ahead of your nation," he said. She also encouraged them to dream big, be diligent, and embrace hard work. In her speech, the school's Director, Mrs Foluke Abdulrasaq, praised members of staff and family and friends who stood by the school in its 10 years of existence. She was particularly full of praise for Mrs Elizabeth Osuno, the school's pioneer Director of Studies, who retired on the day the event. "Mrs Osuno, the pioneer director of studies, is not just a teacher; she is an administrator per excellence. That we as women worked together for 10 years is a testament to her quality," she said. The graduation, which doubled as an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the school, was chaired by Ambassador Ahmed Buba Marwa, former military administrator of Lagos State, while wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, was the Special Guest of honour. Other dignitaries on the high table included CEO of Sahara Group, Mr Tonye Cole, and Dr Leke Pitan.

HE Ogun State government has announced that it would soon start road safety education in secondary schools. To this end, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Mr Segun Odubela said road traffic education would be infused into school curriculum to improve safety consciousness among young ones early in life. Odubela made this known at the grand finale of the third annual TRACE Club Quiz and Essay competition among secondary school pupils in Abeokuta. He said the state would get the opportunity to pressure the National Council of Education (NCE), which is the highest policy-making body in curriculum development, to infuse road traffic education into the curriculum when it hosts the council's meeting next month. "Fortunately for us, Ogun State is hosting the National Council of Education in August this year. God willing, we will ensure the inclusion of road traffic education in the curriculum," Odubela said. In his welcome address, the Corps Commander of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps

Lagos schools urged to be security conscious

AGOS State Government has advised Principals and Head Teachers of its secondary and primary schools in the state to be safety and security conscious in their schools. The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoja and the State Head of Service, Mrs. Josephine Williams gave the advice in Lagos over the weekend at an interactive session with the schools managers in the state. They noted that the advice became imperative in view of the prevailing security challenges in some parts of the country. They noted that the government was concerned about the security of pupils and students in their schools adding that everything must therefore be done to prevent any security breaches in public schools in the State hence the renewed call on schools' managers to be security conscious. They both concurred that the lives of the pupils and students are entrusted into the care of the school managers from the time they assembled in the Schools in the morn-

AOCOED wins award

HE Provost, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education Otto/Ijanikin (AOCOED) Otto/Ijanikin, Mr Wasiu Olalekan Bashorun, has thanked the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola for recognising the efforts of the college in the state's tree planting exercise which started seven years ago. On Monday, Fashola presented the college with the 'Best nurtured tree' award (tertiary Institution Category). Bashorun received the award on behalf of the college at Alausa secretariat, Ikeja. Addressing the workers and students same day during the tree planting exercise, Bashorun who was represented by the Dean, School of Vocational and Technical Education, Oluwole Isiaka Adeshina, said the award is a challenge to do more. "It is a good one for us. It simply means government recognises us for what we have been doing. Therefore, we see this as a challenge for us to improve on our performances," he said. Bashorun said tree planting has become a culture at the college and is done outside the designated date. He said: "AOCOED in the last six years has taken tree planting exercise beyond being a yearly thing; It

• From Left: AOCOED Dean of Student Affairs Mr Albert Bajulaiye; a Chief lecturer in the college, Mrs Bolanle Somoye, the PRO Mr Odunayo Adebowale; Mr Bashorun; College Librarian Mrs Omotayo Oluwole, and the outgoing Registrar, Mr Bola Disu displaying the award at Alausa Secretariat. PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES By Adegunle Olugbamila

has become more of a ritual. We have started to mark significant occasions and ceremonies with planting of trees and this is evident in the various trees that dot the college premises and serve as rendezvous for numerous students of our great college. In his speech, Fashola who was represented by the Deputy Provost, Mr

Wole Ajose, said through the tree planting campaign, Lagos is playing its little role to protect the earth. "It is not news that the global environment has been ravaged by ecodegradation leading to climate change. This is a cumulative effect of years of environment negligence on man's part. It is therefore expedient that we put in our best efforts to re-

By Adebisi Onanuga

(TRACE) Ayo Sangofadeji said the goal of the competition is to create awareness and prepare the future generation to be safety conscious on the road at all times. "For us, TRACE has succeeded in creating a roadmap through competitive learning by involving as many students as are willing and encouraged to imbibe basic road safety education that will remain a guide for all their undertakings on the road," he said. Urging the government to expedite action on the processes to infuse road safety education into the school curriculum, Sangofadeji noted that children are vulnerable to road crashes and as such learn to be safety conscious at a tender age. At the end of the competition, Optimum Success College, Ilaro came first in the quiz category. It was followed by Poly Staff College Ilaro and Iganmode Grammar School Ota in the second and third positions. The Essay category was won by Methodist High School Ogbe, Abeokuta, which dwarfed runners up, Advance Bridge College, Sagamu and Merciful Comprehensive College Obada.

habilitate the environment. "Apart from the aesthetic value of the trees, the health and environmental benefits are also innumerable. This exercise has also generated 75, 168 employment opportunities for horticulturist, pruners, gardeners, welders, tanker drivers, security personnel, down to water boy, all of who help to keep the trees alive," he said.

By Mojisola Clement

ing till afternoon when schools closes for the day hence the managers should be security conscious at all times so that the state will not experience serious security breaches as being experienced in some states in the country. They advised the school managers not to allow any strange person within their school without challenging such a person, adding that they should report such activity to the appropriate security agency that is better trained and equipped to handle the problem. "I wish to specifically charge principals of Boarding Schools not to release their students to anybody that is unknown to them and the child, even the drivers except their parents. Schools' Managers should always be conscious of the next person beside you. Government is concerned about our safety, security and the general well being of every Lagosians," Olukoga enthused The Head of Service stressed that the renewed call on Schools' Managers to be security conscious was not informed by any suspected imminent untold security breaches in the state stressing that the need for people to be security conscious at this particular time in the nation's development cannot be over emphasised. She added that it is imperative for everybody to learn from the experience of what is happening in other states so that such will not happen in Lagos State, adding that Schools' Managers of the state primary and secondary schools should continue to inform the pupils/students to also be more aware of what happens within their surroundings. Mrs. Williams urged people to desist from spreading unverified security related text messages to their friends, family members or neighbours as they cannot do anything about the contents of the message but rather forward such messages to security agencies who can do something about such text messages. She disclosed that the government would step up the improvement of infrastructure in our schools, particularly perimeter fencing of schools to beef up security in the schools. The Head of Service implored the school managers to always educate their pupils/students not to pick what does not belong to them and whenever they observe any strange item they should report same appropriately just as she urged the schools' managers to also educate their staff and even food vendors on the need for safety and security consciousness.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

EDUCATION Private school owners seek education bank

EKSU FILE

Affiliates scale NUC accreditation FOR the first time in the history of Ekiti State University (EKSU), all degree programmes of her affiliate Colleges of Education in Lagos and Oyo States have scaled the accreditation conducted by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The Colleges of Education concerned are: Adeniran Ogansanya College of Education (AOCOED), Oto-Ijanikin, Lagos and the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo. The 16 programmes in AOCOED had full accreditation while 12 of those in Emmanuel Alayande College of Education had full accreditation and six, interim. None was denied. The NUC accreditation teams were at the two colleges in April to assess the degree programmes offered by the university in the Affiliate Colleges. The EKSU Vice Chancellor, Prof Patrick Oladipo Aina said the feat was as a result of the university’s quality assurance policy, which cut across all programmes at the main campus and at affiliate institutions. Aina pointed out that the positive development was a reflection of the vision of the EKSU management to evolve a world-class university with quality graduates who will be sought after in the global employment market.

New dept seeks students THE EKSU Vice Chancellor Prof Patrick Oladipo Aina has called on interested candidates with potential in the Media and Arts to take advantage of the newly established Media and Theatre Arts Department of the university. Aina, who praised the candidates, who have shown interest in the course, said the university management has invested substantially in human and material resources to ensure quality of teaching and learning in the new department. He expressed optimism that a great number of professionals and interested talents in the Media and Theatre Arts industry would benefit from the quality training available. Head of the new department, Dr. Kola Oyewo said admission is still ongoing in the department while arrangements had been put in place for the smooth take off of academic work.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

• Branson (middle) mentoring Eseoghene (left) and Yammama.

Young entrepreneurs learn from Virgin boss

T was an experience of a lifetime for two young entrepreneurs Eseoghene Ise Odiete and Nasir Abdulqadir Yammama when they got the privilege of learning from a distinguished business man, Founder and Chairman Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson. The duo got the opportunity to be mentored by the business mogul after winning the Enterprise Challenge, a competition organised by the British Council and Virgin Atlantic in Partnership with Zenith Bank. The online competition for Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18-35 and living in Nigeria or studying in the United Kingdom (UK) took place in three stages that required contestants to write an essay on their entrepreneurial journeys, created a video pitch for their businesses or business plans, and defend their plans before a panel of experts in Nigeria and the UK. Eseoghene, who runs Hesey Designs - an online store selling Africaninspired accessories, which also helps to empower and mentor other young African women, emerged the winner from Nigeria; while Nasir Abdulqadir Yammama, a Postgraduate student at Middlesex University in London, won with a business plan for a mobile phone app called Verdant to help crop farmers won from the UK. During the mentoring session between the winners and Sir Branson in London, they learnt about the magnate's life and business experiences and left there feeling fulfilled. Eseoghene described the experience as awesome. "It was an awesome experience meeting and learning from Richard Branson; one that will change my life and business and take it to a whole new level. I am super grateful for the opportunity," she said. On his part, Yammama said he had learnt new things from the whole experience. "The Enterprise Challenge has been a remarkable competition

Pupils urged to obey traffic laws

UPILS of Abina Omololu Primary School, Surulere, have been given a new assignment: to obey and enlighten others about the traffic laws. They were enlightened about how to use the road at the 4th Abina Omololu Scout Jamboree held last Wednesday on the school premises. Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Unit Commander, Oshodi, Mr Sulaimon Oseni said the children should learn to observe all regulations that apply to them and other pedestrians when using the road. Oseni, who was represented by Mr Ajayi Adebowale, also counseled them to be ambassadors of the FRSC and persuade their parents observe all traffic rules while driving. "This lecture is not only for people that are driving but for children also to ensure their safety as road users. My advice is that children should see themselves as the good ambassadors

HE National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) have called for the establishment of the Education Development Bank (EDB) in Nigeria. NAPPS urgED the Federal Government to set up the bank to enable promoters of education access loans easily. The demand was contained in a communiqué by NAPPS after its maiden three-day education summit at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. They also want the government to include private school teachers in the teacher re-training programmes; extend free enrolment for standardised certificate examination and waive or reduce taxes levied on private school operators. It was also resolved that the provision of Section 122 of the National Policy on Education (NPE) be fully implemented by government. The stakeholders further urged the government to include private school pupils/students in the distribution of educational materials. Presenting the communiqué after the summit titled: Repositioning private schools for quality education, the Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Chief Diekivie Ikiogha said the event was timely. He said the purpose of the event was to brainstorm and review the numerous challenges facing the education sector. He said it would also help to provide solutions and develop the implementation plan to bring about the desired change. He noted that private schools have "the capacity to promote and sustain quality education in Nigeria.” He, however, maintained that all private education providers should ensure strict compliance to educational policies in order to achieve qualitative education. Delegates at the summit identified some challenges facing private schools, such as poor managerial skills by proprietors, school managers and administrators and double taxations by the national, state and local government. The stakeholders also discussed preservation of values and ethics among pupils, teachers and other school personnel. The communiqué read: "Deliberations at the summit further resolved that proprietors should develop business, financial and operational plans and create a governing board for sustainability of school operations. "Proprietors should also focus more on the challenges of indiscipline amongst children, parents and teachers as well as sponsor education advancement related bill at the National Assembly."

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

which I thoroughly enjoyed. I believe it has not only developed my skills but exposed me to a whole new way of looking at things from writing to pitching and presentation. Also, the calibre of people I have been able to interact and network with is the absolute thing every aspiring entrepreneur and innovator wishes to associate with. And Meeting Sir Richard Branson was a priceless opportunity that I will continue

‘Innovation has been an important part of Virgin's heritage and I was pleased to see so many young Nigerians keen to embrace new ideas through the competition’

to value immensely. I have been able to acquire so much wisdom and inspiration that I feel ready and bound to exceed all expectation,” she said. Sir Branson said Virgin Atlantic is delighted to have supported the Enterprise. "Innovation has been an important part of Virgin's heritage and I was pleased to see so many young Nigerians keen to embrace new ideas through the competition. Many congratulations to Ese and Nasir who had fantastic business plans and I'm sure will have very bright futures," he said. Over 1000 young Nigerian entrepreneurs entered the competition which was organised by British Council in partnership with Virgin Atlantic and with financial support from Zenith Bank to help talented young Nigerians develop their entrepreneurial skills. In addition to their meeting with Richard Branson, the winners each received a £5000 grant, courtesy Zenith Bank to help them develop their businesses, a fully-funded scholarship to attend a five-day entrepreneurship foundation course at the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship in South Africa, and two return tickets to the UK.

Eight schools for Glasgow 2014

IGHT Lagos schools that participated in the '30 Days to Go' to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games which holds from July 30 -August 3, got the opportunity to learn about sports. Pupils of Idimu Junior High School, Idimu; Magbon Alade Senior Grammar School, Ibeju Lekki; Abesan Senior High School, Ipaja; Oregun Junior High School, Ikeja; Girls Senior High School, Agege; Igando Junior Grammar School, Igando; Government Senior College, Surulere; and Federal Science Technical College, Yaba, had been participating in the Commonwealth

By Jane Chijioke

Class Team activities for some time. At the event, the participating schools competed in debates, quiz, track and filed events, football and the others through grants provided by the British Council. The Commonwealth Class project has helped to support young people's education about the world around them and facilitate dialogue between teachers and young people across the globe; so that together they will come to have a greater knowledge and understanding of the Commonwealth and its values and shape the Commonwealth of the future.

By Oluwatosin Olawale and Oluwaseun Akinola

of the FRSC," he said. Also speaking, Mr Kolade Olademeji of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), urged the pupils to be very careful while using the road. A parent, Mrs Ebolg Ike, urged the pupils to be careful when crossing the road. The school's head teacher, Mrs. Elizabeth Obilana, also advised the pupils to obey traffic rules and be conscious when crossing the road. She added that the event was to celebrate the Scout jamboree for 2014 and infuse lectures on safety into the programme. She explained that it informed the presence of the FRSC and VIO officials at the programme. Scout Group Leader, Mr. Ojekale Oladipo who also teaches at the school, said the Scout Movement was started in England by Lord Borden Powell in 1907 and came to Nigeria in 1915.

• Mrs Obilana, Ojekale, a parent, Mr A.O. Adebayo and Mr A.O. Falade of the VIO, and Mr Adebowale at the event.

*CAMPUSES

‘Mystery’ fire at Awolowo Hall

*NEWS

Freshers’ moment of joy

*PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 31 Page 41

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

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

Man caught with ‘explosives’ in OAU

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan (IBADAN POLY) have joined residents of Apete in calling on the government to repair the bridge linking the school to the community. OMOLARA OMONIYI (HND II Mass Communication) reports.

•Adebayo displaying the items found on him

What was the mission of Rasak Adebayo, a stranger caught in Awolowo Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State? Students claimed he wanted to blow up the campus; the management said he is deranged, reports KEMI BUSARI (Political Science).

IS mission to the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, was not clear, but Rasak Adebayo, a non-student, was found with materials students suspected to be explosives. He was caught at noon on Sunday while attempting to open one of the doors to the Awolowo Hall.

•Continued on page 30

•The wooden pedestrian bridge before it collapsed

The other side of Apete bridge

•Community mistakes students for Boko Haram-P32

PETE Bridge in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is in the news again. The bridge collapsed in 2011 after a flood that killed many. The bridge was the only link between Apete and communities, such as Ijokodo, Agbaja and Sango. After it collapsed, residents built a makeshift wooden bridge to reconnect Apete with neighbouring communities. On June 28, the makeshit bridge collapsed, killing 10 persons, following a downpour. It was the second time the bridge would collapse since it was built three years ago. The collapsed structure connected The Polytechnic, Ibadan (IBADAN POLY) to Apete. For its proximity to the school, Apete is the choice place for students who prefer to reside off-campus. The number of students living in the community is unknown, but it is believed that many, who could not secure accommodation on campus, are staying there. Through the wooden bridge, students accessed the campus in less than 10 minutes. But since its collapse, they have been spending more time and money getting to school. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the makeshift structure

•Continued on page 30

•Cross River students sack leaders for alleged misconduct-P41

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

The dilemma of tertiary Pushing education (II) Out

OME of the challenges confronting universities in Nigeria, especially in the 21st century include, among others, university administration, admission of students, teaching and learning using ICT, violence among students and the increasing wave of crimes in university campuses, coping with the increasing demand for university education as well as funding for research by scholars and equipping universities with facilities to meet the yearnings of the universities communities and beyond. Of these challenges, the increasing demand for university education, funding for research by scholars and equipping universities with facilities are critical. Varsities often resort to constantly reviewing fees charged as a way out, but the fees issue – as has become evident - has economic, moral and emotional components which we have been unable to successfully disentangle in Nigeria. In some cases, fees are reviewed without recourse to detailed explanations to why. In my piece The fees palaver (June 12, 2014), I did mention the case of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile Ife, which was closed recently following protest over fees hike which the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bamitale Omole, said had become inevitable. He said the N5, 300, which the university charged for 10 years was no longer realistic because inflation and the current economic realities had made the charges “ridiculous.” OAU, it would be recalled, recently increased the charges of its newly admitted students from N37,150 and N42,150 to N 82,400, N92,700 and N95,700 (acceptance fee inclusive), depending on the faculties. The fees for old students of the institution were also increased from N5,300, N7,800, N10, 300 and N12,800 per session to N19,700, N30,700 and N33,700 for different faculties respectively. Unlike other institutions who do not take the pains to explain the rationale for whatever action taken, the OAU authorities at least tried to give reasons – even though those reasons might not go down well in some circles – for the new fee regime. The VC had explained that high inflation rate

•Continued from page 29 became impassable last year when parts of it broke. To prevent disaster, the wooden bridge was closed, forcing students to take the Ajibode route, which is about 20 minutes to the school. Before it was repaired, motorists cashed in on the situation to exploit students, who spend hundreds of naira on transport fare on the long journey. Students and residents felt relieved when the government mobilised a contractor, Nairda Construction Company, to reconstruct the concrete bridge last year. But the students and the community are complaining that the pace of work is slow. Residents repaired the wooden structure and restricted vehicles’ movement on it, pending when the concrete bridge would be completed. When the wooden bridge collapsed, the

and efforts of the management to with sustain the academic standard in the university necessitated the increment. 08116759750 “Precisely during 2004/2005 academic session, the university ad(SMS only) ministration reviewed the charges •aagboa@gmail.com paid then, which were in line with the economic realities of that time. The charges are still being paid to date after 10 years. It is evident that the current economic realities have made fees, adjusted for inflation, rose by 20%. In those charges unrealistic and unsustainable.” Britain tuition fees, close to zero two decades He also dwelled on the issue of purchasing ago, can reach £9,000 ($15,000 a year). This diesel, paying electricity bill and comparing goes to show the problem is universal, but fees paid in other federal universities which the critical issue here is others are looking made “charges paid by students in OAU not for solutions while we simply abhor change only ridiculously low but have become very thinking the world is static or waiting to unsustainable if our university is to survive.” move at our own pace. The myriad of unemployed graduates we These are cogent reasons unless we pretend not to live in present day Nigeria. Weeks have in the country has been a wakeup call later it appeared the university authorities for years and from all indications, the govfinally put on their thinking caps and started ernment has not done enough to address this exploring other ways of grappling with its crisis. We are where we are because policy own dilemma. Cashing in on the enormous makers fail to see into the future, especially goodwill – especially from its alumni mem- in the area of employment dynamics. In the bers - it sent out emails soliciting for sup- same report, the newspaper also pointed out that in the standard model of higher educaport. ”Do you know that Great Ife has over one tion, people go to university; earn a degree hundred thousand (100,000) graduates? Imag- which guarantees them an entry ticket to the ine if every one of us gave at least N1000 a professional classes and ultimately a climb year, there would be N100 million available up the corporate ladder. But as it rightly pointed out, automation is annually for the development of our alma mater. Just imagine the ease with which we beginning to have the same effect on whitewould build a 500-seater lecture theatre which collar jobs as it has on blue-collar ones. It costs N75 million (approximately)…” part quoted a study from Oxford University which says, 47% of occupations are at risk of being of the email read. To me, that is thinking even though it is automated in the next few decades. As innonot a guarantee that all the 100,000 graduates vation wipes out some jobs and changes othwould give or that all the 100,000 are still ers, people will need to top up their human alive today, but at least someone conceived capital throughout their lives. But a critical the idea which might end up addressing some look at our varsities and polytechnics show critical needs. Things are changing so rap- clearly that we are still stuck in the past as idly that we need creative tools to address the curricula of most of the courses offered these challenges as is becoming evident that in our institutions show. Most are totally at government alone cannot solve all prob- variance with current realities. I had the shock of my life recently when a lems. The Economist report I made reference to graduate of computer science told me he has last week pointed out that America govern- never used a computer before! When I probed ment funding per student fell by 27% be- further to know what instructional material tween 2007 and 2012, while average tuition he used during the course of his studies he

Agbo Agbo

said they were mainly notes from his lecturers and some textbooks if he had the fortune of coming across them. He is however job hunting looking for the “highest paying” company to work in. It is only an individual who lives in denial that would question how technology has forever changed the way things are presently done. But it is sad that most of our institutions are still in the analog age. But the world has moved on, thanks to technology, especially the internet which the magazine predicted “will upend higher education.” This is how it described the scenario: “Now the MOOC, or “Massive Open Online Course”, is offering students the chance to listen to star lecturers and get a degree for a fraction of the cost of attending a university.” Some readers would be familiar with Coursera, which says it has over 8 million registered users. Though its courses are free, it reportedly bagged its first $1m in revenues last year after introducing the option to pay a fee of between $30 and $100 to have course results certified. Another, Udacity, has teamed up with AT&T and Georgia Tech to offer an online master’s degree in computing, which is less than a third of the cost of the traditional version. Harvard Business School will soon offer an online “pre-MBA” for $1,500. This is where the change gets dicey. If this trend catches there is the likelihood it will disrupt different universities that are not fully prepared to embrace the change. The prediction is that the big names will be able to sell their MOOCs around the world. But mediocre universities may suffer the fate of some in the newspapers industry. Were the market for higher education to perform in future as that for newspapers has done over the past decade or two, universities’ revenues would fall by more than half, employment in the industry would drop by nearly 30% and more than 700 institutions would shut their doors. The rest would need to reinvent themselves to survive. Though painting the scenario from a western perspective, we have a lot to learn here because we now have more federal and state varsities that still depend fully on over stretched public sector funding. The crises we’ve been witnessing in the sector should serve as a wakeup call to creative action.

The other side of Apete bridge students and residents, took to the streets, destroying properties. The timely intervention of the Operation Burst team saved the day. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that residents used various means to draw the government’s attention to their plight. A resident, who simply identified herself as Mrs Folasade, berated the contractors for what she called the slow work pace. A meat vendor, who gave his name as Ibrahim, said: “Apete has suffered a lot in terms of infrastructure, despite its closeness to the Polytechnic. The roads are laden with potholes; no electricity and residents live in fear of armed robbers, who are taking advantage of the situation. We are urgently

in need of help from the government.” Secretary to the state government, Mr Ismail Alli, attributed the delay in completion of the concrete bridge to climate condition, citing design revision and project alteration as part of the problem. Adesola Mohammed, a student living in Apete, said: “The people that are supposed to save students from inconveniences are the ones who have closed their eyes to the plight of students. The best we can do is to plead for a quick repair of the concrete bridge to make movement easy.” Hakeem Adeboye, another student, said: “They left the bridge like that until it claimed lives. This should make them to move into action and complete the main bridge being

constructed.” Last week, the government said it has constructed a pedestrian bridge on the river which has since been opened. Commissioner for Works Mr Bimbo Kolade told reporters that though the bridge is strong enough for vehicular movement, it would only be used by pedestrians for the meantime, until the completion of the main bridge. Kolade assured residents that another pedestrian bridge would be constructed on the other side of the bridge in two weeks. According to him, the second pedestrian bridge, on completion, would serve pedestrians and commercial motorcyclists with the exception of vehicles.

Man caught with ‘explosives’ in OAU •Continued from page 29 The incident happened barely three days after a fire in the hostel, which students suspected to be an act of sabotage because its source is unknown. Students’ credentials and several other items were burnt in the inferno that razed Room 107 in Block 7 of the hostel. Students described the stranger as a bomber. Adebayo was clad in a dirty long cloth and shorts. His hair was unkempt. Items found on him included a stove with new wick, a plastic bottle containing suspected mixture of inflammable liquids, some old newspaper pages and used recharge cards of all mobile networks. The stranger, who feigned insanity, was said to have claimed to be a recharge card vendor.

Eyewitnesses said Adebayo was caught by a student returning from church, who suspected his movement. “He stalked him till he stopped at Awolowo Hall annex (Block C), where he attempted to open the door. At that point, the stranger was challenged on his mission in the hostel,” a student who simply identified himself as Felix said. When Adebayo could not explain his mission, it was gathered that the student alerted other occupants of the hostel. Students said the items found on the stranger showed “beyond doubt” that he was up to mischief. Felix added: “His explanations were incoherent and we could not make out any logical conclusion from his statement because he was feigning insanity, but the items we found on him made us conclude that he was responsible for the fire in the hostel on

Tuesday, last week. We concluded that his mission was to do the same when we would have gone out to watch the final match between Germany and Argentina today (Sunday).” After minutes of questioning, students released him to security officials, who transferred him to Moore Police Station. Mr Olanrewaju Abiodun, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), denied the stranger was a bomber. He, however, confirmed that “a mentally unstable man” was apprehended by the school security personnel with a stove, kerosene and water. He said: “Because he could not explain himself properly, the school security operatives believe he is mentally unstable and handed him over to the police. We want people to know that the objects found with the stranger were not explosives.”

•Adebayo with copy of the old newspaper

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE There was a fire at the Awolowo Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, last Tuesday. The occupants described it as mysterious and an attempt by the management to eject them. AFEES LASISI reports.

OR more than 30 minutes last Tuesday, students and fire fighters battled to save Room 107 in Block 7 of the Awolowo Hall at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in IleIfe, Osun State, from being razed by fire. The incident, according to witnesses, occurred at 11pm when the occupants went to watch the World Cup match between Argentina and Netherlands in the Postgraduate Hall. Some students, who were around the building, noticed the fire and raised an alarm. Their alarm attracted the attention of viewers in the Postgraduate Hall and porters, who called the institution’s fire service. Before the fire could be put out, most of the items in the room, including students’ credentials, had been burnt. Some parts of the wall also got cracked. The cause of the fire could not be ascertained immediately but some of the hall’s occupants said it could have been caused by candle light. There has not been power supply to the Halls of Residence since the management ordered students to leave the campus, following their protest over fee hike. An occupant of the room, who did not give his name, said: “I left the room around 8pm and came back after the match only to see that our properly had been burnt. I cannot estimate my loss until I settle down but I know that all my documents are in the room.” He also denied that his roommates left a lit candle before they went to view the match.

•Awolowo Hall

•Charred materials left in the room after the inferno was put out

‘Mystery’ fire at Awolowo Hall One of the students, who saw the fire, described it as strange, saying: “The first thing I heard was the creaking sounds. I thought it was a disturbance by rats which have formed a colony in the hostel. Later, I realised that it was a fire when I saw thick smoke coming out of the room. That was when I raised the alarm and got people to salvage the situation.” Some students said the fire became intense because the fire fighters did not respond immediately, saying the security personnel on duty brought only one fire extinguisher, which did nothing. “None of the fire extinguishers we saw were working,” said a student, who simply identified himself as Segun.

•Students’ credentials burnt The management on June 18 ordered students out of the campus and announced an that the institution has been closed indefinitely because of the protest. Some students felt the decision was harsh, having paid for accommodation on campus. They stayed back. Some of them are not sure about the cause of the fire but students believe the management may have planned the incident to evict students from the hall. A student, who gave his nickname as Choco Milo, said it was difficult to believe that “ordinary candle flame” or stove could cause such damage.

He said: “We are still investigating what really happened that night. An expert that assessed the magnitude of the damage to the wall of the room said it was beyond what candle or stove could cause. So what caused the fire?” Speaking to our correspondent on telephone on Monday, the institution’s Public Relations Officers (PRO), Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, dismissed the allegation as illogical and unreasonable, wondering why the management would destroy the school property. He said the management had begun an investigation into the incident. He said: “We have ordered the

students to vacate the hostels after their protest a few weeks ago. The good students have since left and gone back to their parents but those around are miscreants. So, it is illogical and unreasonable for anyone to attribute the cause of the fire to the management. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bamitale Omole, is a responsible man, who is doing everything possible to protect lives and property on the campus.” While the source of the inferno remains a puzzle for management and students to unravel, the question on the lips of many is: what caused the fire when there was no electricity supply to the building and students claimed they did not light any candle?

Three years of hard work The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology in Owerri (FUTO), Prof Chigozie Asiabaka, has given an account of his three years stewardship in office. MOHAMMED SANI (500-Level Public Health) reports.

ROFESSOR Chigozie Asiabaka had his job cut out for him, following his appointment as Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) three years ago. Having been part of the administration of his predecessor, the late Prof Celestine Onwuliri, as the Dean of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, he knew he had a task to build on Onwuliri’s achievements and make his own mark. When he faced members of the university community on assumption of office, his mantra was: “The quest for excellence”, which perhaps showed he knew the task ahead of him. Pronto, he unveiled his plans and how to achieve them. The first step was to provide infrastructure to complement his academic plans. On June 26, when he met members of the university community again, he listed his achievements during his 1,095 days in office. The title of his speech at the third anniversary was: The audacity of change: Consolidating the culture of excellence. The celebration, which lasted for four days, started with a thanksgiving mass at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chap-

•The School of Engineering and Engineering Technology building completed by the VC

laincy, FUTO. The presiding clergy, Reverend Father Eugene Ike, congratulated the VC on his achievements so far and prayed that he would realise the FUTO of his dream. The VC also held an interactive session with students, unveiling plans to address their accommodation challenges. He reiterated his determination to create a conducive environment for learning, noting that his administration had concluded plans to construct four hostels - two for male and two for female - as part of the Presidential Special Intervention in public universities. At the state of the university address to the 21st general assembly, Prof Asiabaka said: “As a visionary leader, I am a firm believer in measuring progress and success. How should we know if FUTO has made progress, if our shared ambitions and objectives are fulfilled? “Obviously, we will measure progress by asking the following questions: is our graduation rate increasing? Is our student applicant pool increasing? Are the credentials of our applicants stronger and competitive enough in the job market? Are we receiving more important private donations? Is our reputation increasing as evidenced by national ranking? Everyone of

us must do everything possible to nourish the positive momentum we already established. I am very sure with full confidence that we will.” The VC’s achievement included but not limited to the establishment of a Centre for Human Development, completion of FUTO’s guest house, inauguration of NDDC Hostel, completion of new School of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SEET) complex, rehabilitation of FUTO Road 1, and beautification of the university. Others are construction and furnishing of Nuclear Energy Research Centre, supply and installation of laboratory and teaching equipment in departments, full computerisation and development of and installation of solar streetlight. These achievements, according to the VC, are result of being focused and determined to make change. On the university-host community relations, Prof Asiabaka said his administration was doing its best to engage the locals productively, with a view to promoting a sustainable development and aligning the community’s interest in its policy. The VC condemned the recent disruptions of uni-

•Prof Asiabaka

versity activities through invasion of the campus by some hoodlums, who vandalised property worth millions. His interaction with students brought various challenges to the fore, as students criticised handling of campus security, internet connectivity, uploading of result online, cancellation on green file fees, school fees and water supply. In his response, the VC noted their concern and shows his readiness to do his best in addressing students’ complaints. The VC frowned at students, who did not pay their fee on time, compelling the authorities to bar them from writing their semester examination. Prof Asiabaka said some of them may have used their fees their parent gave them to buy phone and other materials. Prof N. C. Nwezeaku, Director of Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, praised the VC for the construction of FUTO staff quarters, which he said would boost lecturers’ productivity. The president of Students’ Union Government (SUG), Wisdom Chimezie, hailed the VC for finding time to interact with students. He promised students’ support for the management.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE Don urges review of gender balance •Hails UNILORIN first woman DVC

NITED-Based professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies, Omofolabo Ajayi, has urged the government to re-examine gender values. Ajayi, who is of Kansas University, made the call while delivering a lecture titled: The gender space of knowledge: interrogating Nigerian women in the academia at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN). She said women played vital role in the advancement of the education, adding that the feminine gender was making great strides in different fields of knowledge, including sciences, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Ajayi also congratulated Prof

From Zaynab Yusuf UNILORIN Sidikat Ijaiya on her appointment as the first female Deputy ViceChancellor (DVC) of the university, adding that the appointment was a recognition of Ijaiya’s scholarly achievement and personal integrity. Prof Ijaiya succeeded Prof Felix Oladele as DVC (Research, Technology and Innovation) at the 240th special meeting of the Senate on July 1. Prof Soyinka wished the new DVC a successful tenure, saying that the university had taken a huge step in gender equity.

Edo villagers get free medical HE University of Benin treatment (UNIBEN) chapter of the Fed-

eration of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) was in Ottah-Igbanke, a village in Edo State on a free health mission. The outreach, which was organised last Sunday at St Francis Catholic Church, had over 150 villagers benefitting from the medical exercise that featured medical check up, counselling, drugs and mosquito nets distribution. The president of the association, Paul Orobosa, said the aim of the exercise was to reach out to the less privileged. “Many people especially rural dwellers hardly present themselves for medical check up. We deemed it fit to bring the outreach to their village so they can enjoy good

From Eddy Uwoghiren UNIBEN

health and stay healthy. We also distributed mosquito nets to help them fight malaria, which has become a pandemic,” he said. Medical doctors from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) were on ground to offer free counselling to the villagers. One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Osaivbe Idehen, praised the students for the gesture. She encouraged them to extend the outreach to other villages. Emmanuel Imana, a 200-Level Medicine student, said the outreach gave him opportunity to practise what he learnt in class.

• From right: Ifedi, Ms Mojekwu, Obioma and Ms Oremeyi Akah, representative of Verve International, after the press conference

Exploring students’ entrepreneurial skills H UNDREDS of students from 35 higher institutions on Tuesday converged on the expansive Zinnia Hall of the Eko Hotel and suites for the opening ceremony of the 2014 Enactus Challenge. The four-day event with the theme: See possibilities, will be concluded tomorrow with presentation of various projects undertaken by team of students across higher institutions. The best team will have the chance to represent Nigeria on the World Challenge coming up in October in Beijing, China. Enactus is a non-profit organisation engaging students in entrepreneurship, with the aim to proffer innovative and sustainable solutions to challenges facing hu-

By Wale Ajetunmobi and Mojisola Clement

man communities worldwide. The organisation’s objective is being achieved in partnership with First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Sahara Group and Verve International. Addressing reporters on the event, the Enactus Country Director, Mrs Adesuwa Ifedi, said the participating students were engaged in processes of identifying possibilities and supported to creatively work in teams to design plan of action to solve challenges and transform lives in communities. She said: “In the last 12 years, we have had opportunity to work with some amazing and talented young Nigerians who have taken actions to create change in their communities. If this army of passionate youths can be assisted to transition into social entrepreneur, rather than blending into the crowd of unemployed youths, they possess to change the cause of this nation.” The event featured contest on “Light up Nigeria”, an alternative energy project developed to inspire Enactus teams to explore the opportunities available to provide sustainable solution to power challenge in the country. Head of Corporate Communication, Sahara Group, Mr Bethel Obioma, who spoke on the innovation, said the energy firm threw the challenge on students to come up with solution through researchbased effort. He said the best team

•Participants at the conference

Niger Delta varsity hosts medical conference T HE Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) has hosted the eastern zonal conference of the Christian Medical and Dental Association Students (CMDAS). The three-day event with the theme: Latter rain, took place at the Living Faith Church, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. It was attended by medical students from all teaching hospitals in eastern part of the country. Welcoming the participants, President of the NDUTH chapter, David Adika, said it was high time medical students returned to the

From Caleb Anuaobi ABSU

founding values of the profession, advising them to remain focused. National Mission Secretary of the association, Emmanuel Ajayi, who spoke on: Character of the kingdom, said medical students should come to terms with the present realities of the profession, saying they should exemplify Jesus Christ in their dealings. Highlights of the conference were

academic seminars, report of mission activities by the various schools, case studies and choir ministration by the host school. The conference ended with prayers for Nigeria, the medical profession and the teaching hospitals in the eastern zone. Jerry Okoro from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital said the programme was enriching. “I really enjoyed the academic segment and case studies session. I am going to put to practice what I have learned.”

Community mistakes students for Boko Haram

OME 300-Level students of Mass Communication at the Kogi State University, Anyigba, were on Saturday mistaken for members of the Boko Haram sect while on a trip to Amalla community in Enugu-ezike Local Government Area of Enugu State. The students who arrived at the

From Johnson Onoja KSU community at about 3pm were on assignment for Oral Community newspaper. On arrival, the students were directed to the palace of the traditional ruler. According to one of the students, Kelvin Eze, on getting to the pal-

ace, the palace minister suspected the students to be members of Boko Haram and was about calling for their arrest. Later, a call was put through to their Head of Department for confirmation of the students’ status. The students were later received and allowed to carry out their assignment.

would be engaged by the firm to develop the project, which, he said, has potential of solving Nigeria’s energy crisis. Explaning FCMB’s “Skills that empower and enhance livelihood”, Ms Uche Mojekwu, head of Communication and CSR department, said the bank had trained disadvantaged women and youths to transform from being economically dependent to becoming financially independent. Through the intervention, she said, businesses will be strategically expanded and exposed to international market, where the beneficiaries can generate wealth from their local produce. Verve International partnered the Enactus teams across campuses to work out method that will promote cashless payment system through its “My Cashless Campus” competition. The event also featured Women Forum and Innovative Summit, where Prof Pat Utomi delivered the keynote address. Ifedi said the aim of the organisation was to establish a partnership needed to export and take the innovative idea of the students to global arena, where they will help to achieve positive transformations. The participating institutions include Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Federal Polytechnic in Mubi (MUBI POLY), Kogi State University (KSU), Ayingba, Ekiti State University (UKSU), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, University of Lagos (UNILAG) and University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), among others.

UNN graduates 40 Vet doctors

ETERINARY Council of Nigeria (VCN) has inducted 40 fresh graduates of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, warning them to shun unethical practices. The council’s Registrar, Dr Marcus Avon, issued the warning during the 35th oath-taking ceremony of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, saying the licence issued to the graduates was for one year and subject to renewal by the council. “The probation licence given to you to practise will expire in 2015. If any of you is found wanting within this one year, his or her licence will not be renewed. You are expected to obey the ethics of the profession as well as respect your senior colleagues in the profession,” he said. He congratulated the parents of the graduates for investing in the education of their children, saying education was vital to development. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, said he was optimistic that the graduates have been

From Moses Oyediran UNN found worthy in character and learning by the university. “I have no doubt that this university, having found you worthy in character and learning by conferring this degree on you, expect you to be good ambassador to the university. The oath you have taken today requires you to use your scientific knowledge and skills acquired for the benefit of the society. The university appreciates the contributions of VCN in training of our veterinary students,” he stated. Prof Vincent Shoyinka, Dean of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, urged the new doctors to adhere to the ethics of the profession at all times “I congratulate you all in your status as members of VCN, the faculty is grateful to VCN especially on the full accreditation of the faculty. I urge you to obey ethics of the profession so as to give the society the best as well as earn integrity for yourself,” he said.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Teen author fights vice in book •PAGE 34

PAGE 33

‘Money shouldn’t becloud your reasoning’

‘We want new master plan for Aba’

•PAGE 40

•PAGE 38

OME now snicker, but August has remained a remarkable month in Igbo land. It is a time women gather, assess their challenges and those before their communities and start resolving them. So many health centres have been built after the August convergence. Dilapidated schools have been touched up and brought back to life. Intractable feuds have also been settled at the gathering and everyone returned home cheerfully. In Imo State, the women are counting down to this year’s edition. Many will come in from every part of the world and join their home counterparts in every local government area of the state, with the wife of the governor playing a prominent role. It lasts through the month. Preparing for the August meeting is no mean task, especially for the average woman who will strive to keep up appearance. It is also a trying time for the men as they have to work hard to meet the needs of their wives. This is because their husbands’ social and economic status is reflected in the women’s appearance during the August meeting. Indeed, this has provided critics with barbs to throw at the August meeting backers. They say quite a measure of vanity has slipped into the annual convention and that the women have found a whole month to flaunt their real or imagined clout and glamour. Still, no one can deny that out of the yearly get-together have come many dividends. For instance, most community projects like health centres, markets, schools, women development centres and settling of some frictions among some members of the various communities or members of a household are often conceived and funded by women groups after every August meeting. Women have been identified as agents of development and during such large gatherings, communal challenges like poverty, diseases and sometimes communal crisis are tackled by the women who usually influence their husbands to assist in community development projects. The August meeting, which is compulsory for all women, also affords the women the opportunity to re-unite after years of separation and build stronger ties between the women at home and those based abroad. Also, misunderstandings and business matters involving Igbo women in the cities are resolved during August meetings and appropriate punitive measures are taken to discourage acts that

•Governor Rochas Okorocha (third left), his Deputy, Eze Madumere (right) with some women leaders at the last edition of the August meeting

August, a time women build From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

could endanger the unity of the women. It is also during the meetings that issues of scholarship to deserving brilliant but indigent students and empowerment programmes for widows and other vulnerable women in the society are conceived and implemented. The beauty of the August meeting is that it helps to bring the people together to tackle their problems unanimously under the Igbo aphorism Igwebuike or unity is strength. Some regret that the annual convergence is not quite what it used to be. They say manipulative politicians may have hijacked the fixture to further their interests. It is also said that governors’ wives have become too visible, and that the meeting has become no more than political assemblies. The women are also said to seize the

opportunity to show off their good looks, wealth and even power. Another regrettable deviation in the August meeting is the high expenditure involved in the preparation of the month-long event. Average women are forced by peer pressure to borrow money or pressurise their husbands to do so

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in order to meet up the standard set by the politicians. It is also painful that with the introduction of partisan politics in the running and organisation of the gathering, most people with different political views are no more comfortable to attend or allowed to fully participate in the

When great minds gather, they can canvass for peace and development in the society. It is highly important for people to come together, not just the women but also the men and youths to brainstorm the challenges confronting the society

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proceedings. No everyone is a critic. Commenting on the gains of August meeting, Sir Peter Okala, a community leader, said the gathering together of the women will lead to the galvanisation of ideas for the future and development of the various communities where the women belong to. It is good that women gather to share ideas and experiences. He said: “When great minds gather, they can canvass for peace and development in the society. It is highly important for people to come together, not just the women but also the men and youths to brainstorm the challenges confronting the society.” He, however, added that, “but one major disadvantage is allowing the gatherings to be sponsored by mischievous politicians who hijack it to cause disunity and disaffection. Some of the women who •Continued on page 35

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Teen author fights vice in book A

T 16, he wrote an inspirational book. At 18, he is already in his second year at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. What will he do next upon graduation or even before? It is not the easiest of tasks grasping the phenomenon called Vincent Anioke. When did he start preparing for authorship or even leadership? But this much is clear: the teenage writer looks set for the heights. In his 547page book, “Whirlwind of Metamorphosis”, he tackles some of the nation’s most distressing challenges: kidnapping, cultism and family tribulations. He is studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at it he hopes to keep writing in order to help bring about change in the world, starting with his native Nigeria. Vincent was born in Enugu on August 26, 1996. He started writing the book at the age of 15 while in the Nigerian Turkish International College, Abuja where he developed a passion for Mathematics and writing. While in primary school in Enugu, Vincent won prizes for his academic excellence. Twice he represented Nigeria at the International Mathematics Olympiad, and was the overall best student in his school’s graduating class of 2012. His “Whirlwind of Metamorphosis” was recently presented to the Nigerian public. At the

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From Chris Oji, Enugu

launch, chairman of the event, former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, in a recorded message, praised the writer for producing such a monumental work. “I cannot tell you how impressed I am about this book. For being a matured writer, this is tremendous. For a young man, it is extraordinary,” Nnaji said. The professor of Engineering applauded the writer’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Uche Anioke who guided their prodigious son to the path of greatness. Nnaji congratulated Vincent, hoping that he would write more books. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bora Farms and former Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area, Hon. Herbert Oji, spoke in a similar vein. Oji said it is impressive that a young man at the age of 15 started writing such a captivating book, concluding it at16.The former council boss described Vincent as a literary giant and mathematician, pointing out that his achievements across the two fields, is a measure of his intelligence. “It is amazing and we are very proud of him. It is a credit to Enugu State. He took off from there and came to Abuja. Now, he is in the United States studying at MIT,” Oji said. Whirlwind of Metamorphosis

It is amazing and we are very proud of him. It is a credit to Enugu State. He took off from here and went to Abuja. Now, he is in the United States studying at MIT

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received more accolades from the book reviewer, Professor Frank Asogwa who is Dean, Faculty of Law, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). Asogwa said the book makes for scintillating and captivating reading, while capturing the travails and tribulations of the Nigerian society. Although the author would be 18 years this August, Asogwa assured that adults would find the way he captured things in the Nigerian society quite amazing. “It is amazing in the sense that you pick a copy of the book and you find out that he is somebody who has given a lot of thought to Nigerian society. We take things for granted. Nigerians read a lot but the converse is the case. Nigerians don’t read,” Asogwa said. On the impact the book would make on the lives of Nigerians, the Law Professor stated: “It will influence people to think twice, He addressed parents. He addressed youths. He addressed Nigerian society and once you read the book, you need to think twice on burning and topical is-

sues he raised in the book.” Here are excerpts of a telephone interview with the author: Where did you get the inspiration to write this book? At times when I am just walking around or sitting at home, I really get ideas about people’s lives and things like that and when the idea comes, I like to write about it. I do like watching television. There was one night I was watching the news with my parents and there was a kidnapping on television, someone who had been kidnapped. So, I was with them when they were talking about it. And I just had to imagine what it felt like to be kidnapped. And so, from there, I wanted to write a story about someone who has been kidnapped and how it will affect the family. From there I felt the passion to write about Nigeria’s problems and how the problems of our country can affect the family. So, it is there on TV that I just became inspired to write about our problems in the country. At what age did you get inspired to write? I have been writing short, short

•The author, Vincent

stories since primary four. Then I was about 7 or 8, but I wrote this particular book when I was 16. Do you have other books in the pipeline? Yes, I have a lot of them. There are some I have begun and have not finished. There are some I am just starting right now. I have a lot on the line. How do you manage to cope with your studies and then writ•Continued on page 40

August, a time women build •Continued from page 33

could ordinarily not afford to attend the meeting can go to extremes to attend in order to show off, a situation that has resulted in some married women doing all manner of evil just to meet up. They now attend the meeting for the mere reason of showing off their cars, clothes and jewelries. “It is also significant to note that after August meetings, most families are thrown into chaos because the women return home to mount pressures on their husbands after the display of wealth they were exposed to during the August meeting.” For Mrs. Grace Ejerenwa, a woman leader in Mgbidi, Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, something urgent should be done to reposition the

August meeting in order to achieve the set goals of the founding members. This is so because the concept, she said, has been swallowed by partisan politics. She said: “August meetings these days are no longer what we used to know them for. In the yesteryear, every woman is allowed equal opportunity to contribute her idea towards solving the problems of the community. No one was discriminated against or anyone treated as a sacred cow. “All women were equal and spoke in one voice. But today, many families discourage their women from participating in August meetings due to the non- pleasant results which had led to the breakdown of many families.” She further said that religious groups that now frown at the conduct of the women during the gatherings have also withdrawn majority of their members from attending the meetings. “Most churches now see August meeting as a sinful gathering which is attended by all manner of evil and as such bar their women from participating. It has actually turned to political jamboree, where the rich and fortunate ones intimidate the poor women among them,” she said. A clergyman, Reverend Mathias Izuka called for a return to the old ways of organising the August meeting. “In the past, our women were al-

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The chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum and Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji (middle), his Ebonyi State counterpart, Martin Elechi (left) and Anambra State Deputy Governor Dr. Nkem Okeke after a meeting. PHOTO: OBI CLETUS

ways eager to return home to be part of the event. The men are also happy to release their wives to be part of the event but this is no longer so because politicians have hijacked the August meeting,” he said. For instance, the grand finale of last year’s August meeting in Imo State which was held at the Heroes Square, was a huge political gathering; with the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha and his cabinet members in attendance. A quick look at the women in attendance revealed that they were all powerful and successful women who could fit into the power play and open display of material wealth of the day. There were no widows or indigent women in the forefront. The few that might have summoned the courage to attend were “swallowed” by the euphoria of the event, leaving one to ponder if August meetings are still tools for community development in the hands of Igbo women. Although at the event, Governor Okorocha showered praises on the women for their resilience, steadfastness, creativity and accommodating spirit, he said August meeting under his watch has seized to be some sort of political jamboree, adding that his administration has evolved some innovations with a view to adding value to the gathering of families, communities and the entire people of the state.

August meetings these days are no longer what we used to know them for. In the yesteryear, every woman was allowed equal opportunity to contribute her idea towards solving the problems of the community. No one was discriminated against or anyone treated as a sacred cow…All women were equal and spoke in one voice. But today, many families discourage their women from participating in August meetings due to the non- pleasant results which had led to the breakdown of many families

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

“T

ODAY being his birthday, instead of Comrade Ogah partying with friends and family at home, he decided to spend it with the lessprivileged in his community.” Those were the words of Senator Emmanuel Onwe while inaugurating a 300KVA transformer at Amagu Ikwo in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The transformer was one of the new projects executed and donated to various communities in Ikwo Local Government Area by Comrade Chinedu Ogah (OON), founder of Chiboy Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) as part of activities to mark his 38th birthday. Ogah, who was accompanied by former Senator representing Ebonyi Central, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, former member representing Ohaozara/Ivo/Onicha Federal Constituency, Darlington Okereke, top government functionaries at the state and local government levels toured round the council to inaugurate the projects executed by his foundation. The projects carried out and donated to various individuals and communities were two 300KVA transformers in Agubia Ikwo and Igwelodohia Amagu Ikwo, three boreholes and two town halls and cultural centres, among others. He also donated 200 bags of cement for the building of a modern town hall in Nwakpu Alike community to be named after the state governor, Martin Elechi. Receiving the team at Nwakpu Alike, a community leader and proprietor of the famous Folks Technical College Ikwo, Chief Francis Igwe described Comrade Ogah as a peacemaker who has brought peace to Ndufu-Alike and the entire Ikwo Local Government Area. Leaving Nwakpu Alike commu-

•Ogah, wife (middle) with guests and the physically challenged

Foundation lifts communities, the less-privileged From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

nity after inaugurating the projects, the team moved to St Theresa’s Catholic Church for the inauguration of a borehole after which a 300KVA transformer was inaugurated at Agubia community. Comrade Ogah described the community as the engine room of Ikwo politics, stressing that the provision of the transformer was a fulfilment

of a promise he made to the community in 2011. After the inaugurating the project at Agubia community, the team proceeded to Igwelodoha-Amagu where another 300KVA transformer was also inaugurated in addition to a mini-bridge known as Apina which was also inaugurated to ease the suffering of the people of the area who have been having trouble crossing the river. At Ohatekwe, a borehole and a town hall executed by the foundation was inaugurated, even as a

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medical team was on ground to give free medical treatment to members of the community. Comrade Ogah explained that the free medical treatment was simultaneously ongoing at three different locations in the area. Another town hall and borehole was also inaugurated at NdiofokeAmagu by the team after which it proceeded to Item-Amagu cultural centre for the grand finale of the event. At Item-Amagu cultural centre, 20 wheelchairs were given to the

We have, in the past, built 120 bungalows for widows in the state among other achievements… What matters in life is the legacy one left behind. That is why I preferred to celebrate with the less-privileged people in order to alleviate their suffering as much as we can. We have no choice but to help them

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•A borehole Ogah built being inaugurated

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has assured members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state that they would be given a free hand to choose their candidates for various positions in the 2015 election, adding that the party will not impose any candidate on them. Okorocha spoke at the party’s rally organised by the Owerri Federal Constituency at the Freedom Square while meeting with party chieftains and senior government officials. At the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Anwuka, Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Jude Ejiogu and a host of others. Governor Okorocha maintained that he would not rest until Imo is made better, noting

physically challenged while six motorcycles were given out to some youths to empower them, while one Mr. Friday Nnabu was given a Toyota L300. Also, 35 sewing machines were given out to women who have been trained in fashion designing. The widows in the area were not left out as they received 100 bags of rice, wrappers, and cash. Speaking at the event, Comrade Ogah revealed that the foundation was determined to give hope to the hopeless and to inspire those that want to be inspired. He also disclosed that his foundation has secured job opportunities for members of the community in both the state and federal civil service, including recruitment of 215 youths into the Nigerian Police in the last recruitment exercise with the help of the governor. “We have, in the past, built 120 bungalows for widows in the state among other achievements. “What matters in life is the legacy one left behind. That is why I preferred to celebrate with the lessprivileged people in order to alleviate their suffering as much as we can. We have no choice but to help them,” he said.

APC’ll not impose candidates on electorate, says Okorocha that “this is the government of the masses, by the masses and for the masses. I will never choose or impose any candidate on APC but will allow the masses to make their choice.” He commended the party stalwarts in Owerri Federal Constituency for their doggedness, even as he warned the aspirants against destructive propaganda. He said they should rather present their work plan to the people. Only those approved by majority of the people will be accredited for primaries coming up in October. Governor Okorocha stressed that the bulk of his achievements in the past three years lay in the actualisation of ‘freedom’ for Imo people from what he called ‘the party of oppressors to party

of the masses’ and ushering them into greatness and achievements. “The chain has been broken and the people are free. Imo children no longer pay school fees, kidnapping is gone, no more traffic congestion, intimidation is gone because the chain is broken,” he stated. Continuing, he said: “A vote for APC is a vote for sustainability of free education, community government council, more infrastructural development, good road network, transformation of more rural areas to modern cities, quality healthcare delivery, enhanced agriculture and many other dividends of democracy already achieved in the state.” The governor disabused the

minds of Nigerians to the effect that APC is a party of Boko Haram, pointing out that it is the only party that seeks for the needed change in the leadership of Nigeria and to give the people a sense of belonging. Presenting the aspirants to Governor Okorocha, Prince Madumere, who noted that APC is the fastest growing party in Nigeria, thanked Governor Okorocha for establishing the Freedom Square and other laudable projects in the state. He assured him of a formidable team in Owerri zone that would attract numerous supporters from their wards to join the moving train of the Rescue Mission in making Imo better. The Chief of Staff Chief and Commissioner for Special Duties

who is also the APC Apex leader in the Owerri Federal Constituency, Sir Jude Ejiogu thanked the Governor for coming to wipe away the tears of Imo people, pledging the peoples’ continued allegiance to the party. Speaking earlier, the Chairman of APC in Owerri Federal Constituency, Apostle Hillary Ihebom said APC has come to stay in Imo State. He assured the governor that they would fulfill their promise to stand by him and would not do anything that will bring down the party irrespective of oppositions. Highlights of the occasion were the public presentation of the APC aspirants vying for political positions at the local, state and federal levels in the constituency and a march past by supporters.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

HAT do you not know about Aba? Home of creativity and showpiece of local technology, where virtually everything made can be re-produced. But what do Aba people think of their famous vibrant city? They want a new face, one with beauty and allure. They want the commercial hub of Abia State restored to the master plan and beautified. Once a farmers’ town, Aba has grown into an economic giant in the Southeast, serving as a gateway to some Southeast and Southsouth states. This growth has overstretched its amenities, building pattern and distorted the colonial master plan. People now build on every available space including waterways, leading to flooding during torrential rains. The distortion of the original master plan has not only contributed in defacing the city, it has equally affected the aesthetics of the eastern commercial pride. It will be recalled that the state governor Theodore Orji in 2012 during a press briefing, threatened to pull down 1,800 buildings allegedly built on sewer lanes which were obstructing free flow of water through the canals. Orji said that efforts he had made to build the city had been stalled by flooding, which resulted from the blocking of drains and sewer lanes, alleging that those whose houses were built on drainages did not get approvals before erecting such structures. The state governor, did not stop at making such policy statement, he went further to constitute a taskforce on environment and allied matters headed by Rtd. Capt. Awa Udensi whose legal framework or mandate was to demolish all manner of illegal structures in the state, including houses or structures built on waterways which are still ongoing. Apparently worried by the ugly sight and reported cases of economic loss associated with occasioned flooding Town Planning Practitioners who are trained in the science and art of spatial ordering of land use for the purpose of creating a well ordered, beautiful and functional environment in the state initiated annual luncheon to brainstorm and foster ways of assisting the government in making the state habitable and conducive for its citizenry. In a lecture “Urban Planning in Nigerian Cities” delivered at the event by Dr. Kingsley Chijioke Ogboi of the department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, he examined the overwhelming challenges of urban planning in Nigeria and the

When town planners gathered in Aba, Abia State, only one thing was on their minds: how to make the Enyimba City one to adore. SUNNY NWANKWO reports

•A part of Aba

‘We want new master plan for Aba’ consequences of planlessness, mirroring Abia State situation. According to Ogboi, the situation in Aba reflects vividly the environmental conditions in many Nigerian cities which has led to “wild” sprawl and disorderly urban growth in many Nigerian cities despite the existence of urban laws, he attributed to poor infrastructure (or lack of them), uncontrolled housing developments and land uses. Ogboi, listing disorderliness and chaotic urban settlements, poor sanitary condition, urban congestion compounded with traffic gridlocks, crime and urban violence, threat of disease outbreaks due to squalor con-

ditions, environmental degradation among others as some of the consequences of planlessness and poor urban development said that Aba as a city that has laid its foundation on commerce and with huge potentials including population and development, it needed to improve on its business environment and city management, develop adequate infrastructure. According to the guest speaker, cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dublin etc have been able to stand the taste of time because they are well planned and effectively managed, adding that the more a city improves in planning and basic infrastructure

and amenities, the more it will continue to attract investment that will in turn accelerate the growth of that city. He expressed hope that a joint partnership of private sector experts/ entrepreneurs and government in planning and would help to meet the challenges posed by urban development. The chairman House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Eziuche Ubani and chairman of the occasion lauded the group for such initiative, adding that the event has provided room for intellectually-stimulated discussions that could turn around the fortunes of the city. Hon. Ubani in a paper titled “Mainstreaming Climate Change Response in Urban Planning”, recalled “Going back in time, we can say, in relation to the question, we can say that urbanization proceeded

in a deliberate and orderly manner in the 1940s. Early patterns of development in Aba for example, indicate that the chaos in spatial management was not envisaged by colonial administrators as clear roles and powers were given to planning professionals by extant ordinances and statutes. The crisis we have in urban management cannot be divorced from the general crises of growth and development of Nigeria, where decay hugs development in equal intensity.” The lawmaker who noted that the issue of climate change could be addressed through a planned housing system or arrangement called on town planning practitioners to use more techniques of planning human settlements and land use practices to address issues of climate change in the country. •Continued on page 39

62 traffic offenders convicted A

•Igwe of Ogui Nike, Enugu State, Igwe Tony Ojukwu (middle) with members of National Association of Catholic Corpers (NACC) during a courtesy visit to the Igwe in Enugu. PHOTO: NAN

MOBILE court set up by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aba Unit, has tried and convicted 62 persons for road traffic offences, the Unit Commander Mr. Chika-Ero Akachukwu has said. But he added that the offenders were not remanded in prison because they all opted to pay fines. The Aba unit commander while reviewing the activities of his command in the past six months disclosed that out of the 12 crashes recorded in different locations under his command, one person died, while 29 others sustained different kinds of injuries, unlike in 2013 where 18 crashes were recorded, injuring 78 and leaving 7 dead within the same month under review. The Aba FRSC boss attributed the cause of most of the accidents to both human and mechanical faults

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

as he noted that most drivers do not carry out routine check on their vehicle before setting out on the road which put their lives and that of their passengers at great risk. He urged drivers to report promptly to their mechanic(s) whenever they noticed any abnormality to avoid human induced road mishaps. According to him, there is a continuous road safety continuation exercise going on at different motor parks and continued spontaneous checks on vehicles by men of the corps on the expressway aimed at checking the excesses of both commercial and private car owners using the expressway.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Chime, others for youths’ award E

•Governor Chime

NUGU State Governor Sullivan Chime has been listed among nine people to be honoured by Nsukka Youths, a forum in Enugu North senatorial zone. The governor will receive an award for good governance while the others will be honoured for their efforts in lifting the profile of the state and its people. The award will be given at the Continuing Education Centre (CEC) Niger Hall, University of Nigeria. In a statement jointly signed by the forum’s chairman, Eze John and secretary, Ugwueze Cornelius, the youths noted that Chime’s vision and commitment in office have endeared him to the people of the senatorial zone.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

They also stated that the transformation in the state in terms of good road network, education, agriculture prompt payment of work-

‘

ers salary, maternal health delivery system, infrastructural development among others showed exemplary leadership of the governor. Others on the youth forum’s honours list include members of

The transformation in the state in terms of good road network, education, agriculture prompt payment of workers salary, maternal health delivery system, infrastructural development among others showed exemplary leadership of the governor

‘

the National Assembly, Senator Ayogu Eze, Hon. Ifeaanyi Ugwuanyi and Hon. Mrs. Stella Ngwu. Some others are M/D CEO, Peace Mass Transit, Evang. Samuel Onyiishi, Chief William Agbo vegetable oil mogul, Chief Mrs. Sera Adukwu, Chief Tony Ugwu, former Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Area, Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Chief Eugene Odoh, and the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Vita Abbah, among others. A bimonthly newspaper of the youth forum, Youth Voice The award will feature launching of the maiden edition of a bimonthly newspaper Youth Voice will be launched on the day of the awards.

‘We want new master plan for Aba’ •Continued from page 38 Abia State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Renewal, Elder Godwin Nna, represented by the permanent secretary, Elder Bernard Ogbonna however expressed the desire of the state government to partner with stakeholders/professionals in the planning and development of cities to tackle the challenges of physical planning in the state and the country at large. Elder Ogbonna, the permanent secretary of the ministry stated that it has become imperative for government to synergize with individuals in the private sector to bring development into the state. “All the years, physical planning and implementation of plans in this country have been left in the hands of successive governments, coupled with total loss of political will to plan, and lack of proper awareness of the public on the gains of physical planning have left a yawning gap between urbanization and committed efforts to arrest its challenges. “Involvement of the private sector and collaboration among stakeholders in the practice of the physical planning will inject new impetus towards catching up with the demands of the livability of our settlements. This approach will undeniably, capture the whole essence of physical planning which is to create human settlements that are orderly, functionally efficient, economically viable and esthetically pleasant for living, working recreating and circulation. “It will also lay credence to the necessity of a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges of physical planning development in the state and perhaps in the country as a whole.” In an interview the chairman Local Organizing Committee, Elder Nelson Nwaosu said that the choice for the theme “Consequences of planlessness in our cities” was to “beam our searchlight on the implications of absence of not having planned cities and its resultant effects on economic and physical development.” The LOC chairman said that in line with the vision of NITP, “we

•Hon. Eziuche Ubani (second left), DGM, ASEPA, Elder Ogbonna Benard and other participants at the event remain committed to our vision, which is provide aesthetically pleasing and very functional cities, as to create employment, draw investors that will usher in improved economic status of the state in particular and the country in general.” Earlier in an address, NITP Abia State chapter chairman Mr. Lekwa Ezutah listed four cardinal functions of town planners as people trained to arbitrate between activities and space, deal with the physical layout of communities; make proposals and initiate policies designed to make life comfortable, enjoyable and profitable, project future space needs and accommodate them to ensure the environment created today will meet the demands of tomorrow and people that places public interest over individual interest with respect to location of various land uses. Ezutah however expressed hope that the luncheon would provide the needed platform for planning professionals to brain storm and interact well on how to develop a planned physical environment and also to see the need to protect same. In a unanimous resolution at the end of the event, they agreed as thus; that the city of Aba can be improved to its former glory that will attract investors, be security friendly and as such, orderly planned if all the stakeholders join hands with government and town planners to make it achievable. It was also agreed that master plan is the pre-requisite of orderly development of major towns in the world; Aba in Abia State inclusive, adding that the old master plan by the colonial masters is no longer dependable because it has been overtaken by the present population.

•Some participants at the event According to them, the old Aba master plan cannot cope with the population which has been swallowed by the number of people that settled in Aba and as a result overstretches social amenities. “We are asking and requesting for completely fresh and new Aba master plan that will take recognizance of the present population of Aba as to provide the required facilities. “When the master plan is opera-

tional, we will upgrade some the areas that presently exist without adequate access road and facilities. So that they will be upgraded and of course those that cannot be upgraded completely can now be relocated to a more appropriate place. “It is presently being done in Abuja today whose suburbs were not completely planned before people overwhelmly entered to settle their. So what FCDA are doing today is to upgrade, that is what

we may do to those areas that are presently built without proper plan. “We are not going to embark on the demolition of peoples’ houses because they built ignorantly, we are rather going to upgrade; upgrading means, if you don’t have access road around your area, access road will be provided for to the best of the ability of the environment,” a spokesman of the group stated.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

‘Money shouldn’t becloud your reasoning’

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji has urged the Ukwa Ngwa people in the only senatorial zone that has yet to produce a governor in the state not to throw away their opportunity. The governor cautioned against allowing politicians from other zones of the state to lure them with cash gifts. He told them that aspirants could come from other parts of the state, dangling cash before them. If they take their money and vote for such people, they will fail to have one of their own in the Government House next year. The governorship seat has been zoned to the zone in the forthcoming general elections in 2015 by the governor, who has maintained that equity, fair play and justice demands that the people of that area should produce the governor of the state after his tenure. Speaking in Umuahia during the one-million-man solidarity march organised by the Ukwa-Ngwa Progressive Forum, Orji told them that when they get what they want, money will follow, but if they put money first, they may ruin their chances of getting what they want. Orji used the occasion to reiterate his earlier declaration that the office of the governor should rotate among the three zones of the state saying the people of Ukwa-Ngwa should be at the forefront of the battle. The governor noted that as a product of rotation it would be unfair on his part not to promote it to the advantage of the south zone, adding that the northern part of the state had ruled the state followed

•Governor Orji (right) addressing the crowd at Goverment House Umuahia

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

by the central where he comes from, “So it is the turn of the south to rule the state this time around”. Orji said that there is no reason why the Ukwa-Ngwa political bloc should not produce the next governor since they have individuals that have proved their competence in politics and other spheres of life. The governor said, “I believe in equity, I believe in fairness, what I want from you is your support; I am not changing that decision since it is the right thing to be done for every side of the state to have a taste of governing the state since we all have equal share in the state. “It is achievable and it is the right thing; and when you are on the

right cause nothing will happen to you. I want it on record that Theodore Orji made power to shift to Ukwa-Ngwa and after that it will be a template for power rotation in the state”. Orji, however, charged the people of Ukwa-Ngwa extraction to brace up to the challenge so that it would not be snatched from them, and advised them to go home and put their acts in order and avoid division among them. He said, “It is up to you to allow the power to be taken away from you; and if you throw it away it will be too long before you get it again; I don’t say yes in the afternoon and say no in the night; this is a policy that will bring peace and harmony”.

‘ It is up to you to allow the power to be taken away from you; and if you throw it away it will be too long before you get it again, I don’t say yes in the afternoon and say no in the night; this is a policy that will bring peace and harmony

‘

Teen author fights vice in book •Continued from page 34

•A medical doctor reads Comrade Chinedu Ogah’s blood pressure at an outreach the latter organised in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

ing? Yeah, if you just have time, let’s say about two hours in a day, you do it. In just two hours it will accumulate. My writing, I do it about one or two hours every day. I spent the rest of the time, may be about 12 hours or more in a day studying. So, writing is what I do about one hour or two hours a day but over time it begins to accumulate. Do you have a role model in writing? Yes, I have two. One is Stephen king. He is an American writer. The other one is Chimamanda Adichie, the famous Nigerian writer. I read her book, Americana and I was so blown away by it. Are you proud to be a Nigerian? Yes, I am very proud to be a Nigerian. Most of my stories now are focused on the country. The next book I am going to come out with is different from this one. It is going to talk about poverty. The characters will be broken in

that kind of way. There is this fear that you end up as a writer than an engineer. Yeah. I hope so. In future, maybe I have a job in an engineering company or along these lines. But on the side, I have always cherished writing. It is a balanced I maintained in the past and it is balance I intend to maintain throughout my life. Can you tell us the role your parents played in your writing career? Well, I don’t think I will have the interest or urge to write if I didn’t grow with the kind of books that they gave me that I read. And the more stories that I read, the more I wanted to write my own stories. So, they supplied me with the materials that inspired the passion. They always inspired me. Does writing run in your family? I believe so. I know that my father writes a lot too. And ever since the book launch, my younger brother has been trying to write his own book. But I think his own purpose is to make money.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

•Graduands taking the oath

O fewer than 40 graduates were inducted into Pharmacists Council of Nigeria by the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Ibadan. The induction ceremony was held at the Large Lecture Theatre of the Faculty of Pharmacy last week. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Isaac Adewole, represented his deputy on Administration, Prof Emilolorun Ayelari, said the faculty had demonstrated great commitment to meeting the manpower needs of the nation’s pharmaceutical sector in its

•From L-R: Mohammed, Mr Victor Adegoroye, Prof Ayelari and Prof Babaloa at the event

40 take pharmacy oath From Hammed Hamzat UI over 30 years of existence. The VC said the faculty’s dedication to excellence had resulted in the establishment of the Centre for Drug Discovery, Development and Production (CDDDP) through MacArthur Grant for Excellence.

The Dean, Prof Chinedum Babalola, congratulated the graduands and their parents, saying the faculty had produced great professionals with local and international recognitions. Mrs Fayo Williams, who delivered the induction lecture titled: From lab to enterprise: cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset, advised the

graduands to be creative and learn new skills to make them employable. Mrs Williams noted that there was need for a paradigm shift as a result of high unemployment rate in the country. The Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Mr Elijah Mohammed, charged them to discharge their responsibilities with

professionalism. Mohammed decried the problem of brain drain that had led to the shortage of pharmacists in the nation’s pharmaceutical sector. He assured the graduating students that his administration would reposition pharmacy registry for effective service delivery and institutionalisation of good pharmacy practice in Nigeria. Abiola Adenike Ola emerged best graduating students and was awarded the PCN Prize.

Cross River students sack leaders for alleged misconduct

EMBERS of the legislative arm of the National Association of Cross River State students (NACRISS) have held a session to discuss issues affecting the association. By the time they rose from the sitting, which was held at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Old Senate Chambers, member removed the parliament’s leaders for misconduct. They scrutinised finances of the association by setting up as committeee led by Bassey Abba. Members unanimously passed a resolution to impeach the Senate President, Francis Obono, who had been initially suspended for alleged financial misconduct.

From Emmanuel Ogar UNICAL The motion for the impeachment was moved by Emmanuel Omang and seconded by Dominic Effiong. The students also claimed that the Senate President violated Section 32 of the association’s constitution. A new leader was chosen. He is Okanga Ogbu. Reacting to his removal, Francis said: “I don’t know the reason you are asking this question. When you have something better, you can find out time to talk to me. For now, I’m still the Senate President. If any person has been impeached, I am not the one. Whatever you heard is mere rumours.”

Members also impeach the Vice President, Juliet Manyo, for allegedly participating in an illegal demonstration calling for the removal of the Personal Adviser on Students’ Affairs to the Governor Liyel Imoke, Mr Hilary Bisong, and usurping the powers of the president. The impeachment letter made available to our correspondent reads: “Without prejudice to the constitution; following the discrepancy, gross misconduct as reported by the house committee on fact-finding on the Vice President for violating section 53(2), Article A, B, C, D, E, F and H, that the irrelevant demonstration was not approved by the association’s

president and Legal Adviser, such groups shall be suspended indefinitely…” The General Secretary, Sunday Obi, was also indicted for breaching the constitution and got suspended indefinitely for taking part in the protest. Reacting, Juliet said: “Those senators are impersonating the recognised principal officers of the senate. Whatever they are doing is simply not right. They don’t have the right to impeach me. I am not even bothered about that. They are just a faction of the senate. Those who claimed to impeach me are those that are given stipends by Philomena Agweye, the suspended president. Even as I speak,

I have not received any notification of the so-called impeachment.” All efforts to reach the suspended General Secretary were futile. A former member, who pleaded for anonymity, frowned at the crisis rocking the association and called for dialogue among warring factions. “Must we fight over everything? What kind of politics is this? When we were in the union, we did not misbehave as these crops of students are doing. I will advise all of them to return to a round table discussion to settle all their grievances and stop washing their dirty linen in the public, ” he said.

Post-graduate students elect leaders

•The elected Post-graduate executive members with Prof Epoke (middle) and other members of management

Teaching practice orientation for students

S a prerequisite for the teaching practice programme for all prospective student-teachers, 200-Level students of the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), have participated in a one-week orientation. The orientation was held at the Education Lecture Theatre of the university. Speaking during the programme,

From Afis Odeyemi UNILORIN the guest speaker, Dr A.T. Alabi said: “Teaching provides an individual the opportunity to observe oneself. It goes beyond standing in front of a class with a chalk or a marker in your hand and talking to the students. Teaching requires a whole lot of technicalities and ad-

equate experience.” She enjoined the students to be dutiful during the exercise, stating that teaching was a very rewarding and fulfilling profession. The Sub-Dean of Students Affairs Unit of the university, Dr Abdulraheem Yusuf, encouraged the students to comport themselves responsibly.

EMBERS of the Postgraduate Students’ Government (PGSG), University of Calabar (UNCAL), have elected executive to pilot union’s affairs for a session. The new leadership is led by Eyong Oduba Ikwa as president and Ime Ubokobong Okon, VicePresident. Others are Okebugwu Emeka Onyekachi, Secretary; Julius Prisca Itagbor, Assistant Secretary; George Akaninyene, Financial Secretary; Ubaba Mercy, Treasurer; Etan Michael, Director of Welfare; Inegbedion Akhere Paul, Director of Socials; Williams Iniobong, Public Relations Officer and Essien Emmanuel, Provost. They have since been inaugurated at the CES Auditorium of the university. The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Eyong Eyong, represented by Michael Ebule, congratulated the new leadership and hailed the electoral committee for organising free and fair transition. In his speech, the outgoing president, Anthony Attah, noted he had a challenging tenure. Despite the challenges, Attah said his administration recorded

From Isaac Mensah UNICAL

meaningful achievements including installation of functional sporting and internet facilities at the Postgraduate Students’ Hall as well as the hosting of Nigeria Centenary Lecture. Anthony advised his successor to consolidate on the gains of his administration. In his acceptance speech, Eyong expressed gratitude to students for finding him worthy to lead the union, saying his administration was committed to bringing a new lease of life to members. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof James Epoke, assured the new administration of the university’s support in their quest to secure a secretariat. The university Bursar, Mr Peter Agi, advised the new leadership to have harmony of interest, strategy and objective as well as operate an open administration. A student, John Bassey, said: ‘’Eyong Oduba Ikwa has been a student unionist from his undergraduate days. I believe in his ability to bring radical transformation to Postgraduate Students’ Government.’’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE The Imo State University (IMSU) has matriculated no fewer than 5,000 freshers, CHIDIEBERE ENYIA (300-Level English and Literary Studies) and EMMANUEL AHANONU (Political Science) report.

HE ceremonies marking the matriculation of the Imo State University (IMSU) put a lot of shine on the event. Many freshers had more time and space to host their friends and family members. The matriculation was decentralised and held simultaneously across faculties. The institution does not have an auditorium that can accommodate all the students at the same time. No fewer than 5,000 of the about 100,000 applicants were admitted. Instead of the Registrar, Mr Godfrey Aniche, to administer the oath on the freshers, each faculty officer performed that duty on his behalf. The dean of each faculty represented the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie. The event was held between 10am and noon. The freshers were in blue academic gowns. The ceremony lasted for 40 minutes at the Faculty of Business Administration, where the Dean, Prof P. U. Akanwa, urged the students not to deviate from their primary aim on the campus. He said: “You are admitted into IMSU at a time of great privilege and opportunity, revival and renaissance; when we are rising from the ashes of infrastructural neglect.” To improve the state of facilities, the VC said: “The state government is currently building six academic blocks spread across the Orlu and Owerri campuses, while also improving on the main access arterial road on the campus.” Advising the freshers, he said: “It is time for you to begin to chart your own courses, to find your own paths, to make your own decisions, and even meet new friends who may determine the direction of your development in the coming years. Manage the new freedom that has been given to you. You must shun cultism, examination misconduct, indecent dressing and all similar

•Some of the matriculants

Freshers’ moment of joy vices”. Mrs. Jane Amaechi stood in for the Registrar to administer the matriculation oath after their Heads of Departments (HODs) presented the freshers. At the Faculty of Humanities, the outgoing Dean, Prof Jasper Onuekwusi, told the students to strive for excellence. He described the freshers as “children of the dawn of a new vision”, saying they came at a time the school was undergoing academic revolution. As the IMSU is a non-residential institution, students were made to swear to an oath that they would

be responsible for their accommodation. Emmanuel Chimodo, a student of Political Science, who led freshers in the Social Science Faculty, urged the students to reject invitation to joining unlawful groups whose activities are to disrupt academic activities. Collins Akaluso, 100-Level Marketing, said his admission was miracle. He said: “I never knew today will come to pass and I really thank God for making it reality and expect his grace to guide me through as I look forward to graduate with first class.”

Ruth Wilfred, a student of Management Department, who was admitted after six years of writing post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), said: “I am very happy that I finally made it. I have been writing post-UTME since 2008. But I thank God that my effort paid off this time and I am ready to labour for excellence.” After the oath, the freshers moved out of the hall and engaged in photo ops. Canopies were mounted at every point on the campus, while music blared from different angles as the students celebrated with their friends and family members.

Some students’ associations and campus fellowships also took time to woo new members. The celebration was in full throttles in the afternoon; Kegites Club entertained the students with “gyration songs” and palm wine was freely distributed to all. A parent, Mr. Jona Mbawho, whose son was matriculated, said: “These are part of the frills and thrills on campuses but a serious student should not be carried away. If anyone is carried away with these excitements, he would have himself or herself to blame at the end of the day.” He advised parents to monitor their wards’ academic performance all the time.

Igbo culture at its best Igbo Students at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) have celebrated the best of their culture, reports STANLEY UCHEGBU (ACCOUNTING).

Y their dressing, they could be mistaken for Dramatic Arts students on rehearsal. Clad in various native attires, they moved in a procession to Malabo Square for Igbo Day celebration. The celebrators are students of the University of Calabar (UNICAL). The cultural festival of the Federation of Igbo Students (FIS), UNICAL chapter, is held yearly by the students to preserve the heritage of their fatherland. The event was graced by lecturers and eminent Igbo indigenes in Calabar, among who were wife of the Cross River State Governor Mrs Obioma Imoke, who was represented by Mrs Ifeatu Ezeagwu, Vice-Chancellor, Prof James Epoke, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (VC) (Academics), Prof Austin Obiekezie, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Eyong Eyong and Director of Centre for General Studies, Dr Chike Ekeopara. The VC hailed the students for turning out at the fiesta, stressing that Igbo remain one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. The future of the ethnic group, Prof Epoke said, depends on the enthusiasm of the youth

•Members of the cultural troupe after the performance

to propagate its culture. He said many people copied foreign cultures to the detriment of their rich heritage, noting that advanced nations such as the United States spent so much to maintain and preserve the cultural heritage of its people. The VC said Igbo customs and tradition were rich in values that could transform the nation, adding that parents must employ every possible means to transfer these values to their children so that Igbo culture would not go into extinction. The FIS president, Ekene Odimegwu, noted that Igbo language had survived despite the incursion of alien cultures in the land. He said: “In UNICAL, Ndi Igbo were

known for academic excellence and their efforts to promote unity. We unite, promote and provide a platform for unity, peace and harmony among all students.” The event featured a dancing session, where the FIS troupe displayed Igbo cultural dance steps to entertain the guests. The troupe moved the guests and students into excitement, which made some of them to rain wads of naira notes on the dancers. Igbo’s cuisine was the official menu of the day. Guests and students were served Abacha (African salad) dish with Ugba– a delicacy made from cassava. The food is popular in eastern part of the country. It is made from dried streak of cassava (Abacha) with fer-

mented oil bean seed (Ugba). It is served to welcome visitors. Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to people that aided the cause of the association and launch of the FIS almanac. Amaka Adigwe, a student, told CAMPUSLIFE, that there were many values non-Igbo people could pick from the event. Some students who could not hide their excitement praised the leadership of the association for sustaining the event. Ekene added: “Culture is life. The Igbo culture and language will not go extinct if it is passed on from old to young ones.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

Youths, the future beckons

have come to realise that there is always the last chance to learn the truth. The truth would definitely set one free. The truth about our country’s political activity must be told. I don’t know the actual truth but somebody knows the truth. Whether it is All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Musiliu Obanikoro or Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, I don’t know either but I know that someone knows what majority of Nigerians do not know. The nub of this piece is not the rightness or wrongness of claims and counter claims of our leaders but how it affects our destiny as a people. I am bothered by the fact, that when our peers in other developing countries will be handed a progressive nation with well-defined national goals, we would be handed a failed state with aimless goals. Handing over of leadership is not a choice; it is an established natural law that nothing can change. Those nations with enlightened leaders are conscious of the inevitability of death; that is why they mentor the youth to take over. Our leaders seem ignorant of this fact of life, that is why they chose to be part of the problems of Nigeria rather than being part of the solutions. Why should we be engrossed in myopic politicking when our health system is amongst the worst in Africa, our education is deteriorating every day, corruption is escalating on exponential scale and employment is killing our national potentials, insecurity and terrorism creeping into

our national life? The Boko Haram issue is a complete mockery of our national dignity and it is actually a manifestation of degenerations in every stratum of our national architecture. I believe strongly that some people are working day and night to disintegrate this nation. Unfortunately for us, they are more purposeful and better co-ordinated than our leaders across board. They are more dedicated to their mission than our leaders and even more disciplined. Asiwaju Tinubu made a mistake in 2011 by opening the Southwest to the PDP rather than Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), with which the progressive could work with in finding alternative governance for the country. He allowed himself to be misled by the old Afenifere/ NADECO caucus whose agenda since after June 12 remains diabolic. The same folks are his greatest enemies today when he chose to merge with Muhammadu Buhari’s CPC. Maybe Buhari’s tear in 2011 is what is haunting us today. Achievements of Tinubu in our national life are too significant to be made feeble by anybody, not to talk of Obanikoro. Asiwaju did not only provide the Southwest with a performancebased leadership template, he also courageously engaged the ruling PDP in battle of idea, making the ruling party to promote some modicum of idea. If it took the PDP to mobilise substantial components of the national security apparatus to ‘intimidate’ Ekiti people to win the election, it only

implies that Asiwaju and his party have not failed. It connotes too that the ruling party truly needs to engender purpose-based leadership and respond to yearning of the citizens. But then, Obanikoro and his principal should know that it weakens the moral character of the military to be employed in domestic issues. What should matter to an average soldier must not be local politics, but securing the nation from external aggression. Once we involve soldiers in local matters, we would have destroyed the last apparatus of our national unity. Ambassador Obanikoro would earn the respect of the youth if he could channel the energy of our soldiers to checkmate security challenges facing us rather being used to chase politicians. He is a politician, so we cannot say he shouldn’t play politics. But there should be limits to political desperation. If the junior minister could express an opinion that Boko Haram mess was created by Tinubu’s friends who promised to make Nigeria ungovernable for this government, then it speaks more of political desperation. Perhaps, Obanikoro knows something we don’t. In a saner country, he would have been questioned. It means he is abetting crime against innocent Nigerians. I will conclude by appealing to all political gladiators to employ decorum in their utterances and know that politics can only take place when there is peace. We should borrow from aphorism of Magareth Fuller, which says: “Men, for the sake

By Habeeb Whyte of getting a living, forget to live”. If you have to destroy the nation to govern it, it only indicates one thing: foolishness. To the youth, I want us to see beyond loyalty to personalities in politics, so we can begin to evolve progressive principles. If we demand good governance, they will be compelled to give it. Our population is made up of over 62 per cent youths, which means Boko Haram kills six youths out of every 10 victims. When 10 people died in road crash, six youths may be involved. When 10 people vote, six youths would be among. Let us appreciate our strength and give our fatherland a secure future. I leave you with a mind full of hope. If it is to be, it is up to you. Habeeb is a student of Nigerian Law School, Abuja

A rebirth of our consciousness

By Benjamin Idoko

EMORY is so vital and delicate. Its preciousness makes it a needed feature of a computer and a vital part of the human physiology. Physically, people ‘forget’. Digitally, files ‘delete’ from memory. People ‘recall’ after gaining consciousness of what transpire around them but electronically, the computer ‘restores’, that is, to bring back lost information. It is natural that humans grow from babies to

adults and then come of age. During these stages of human development, we often find ourselves doing things that may hurt or please those around us. A question is put forward: “why on earth will someone live as though he is a computer system that needs to be refreshed always before it works properly? If I would say, he’d been affected by a virus. Judas’ brain, perhaps storage unit, is almost full to the brim with little or no memory to save information and limited processing speed. Thoughts of his present condition, secrets, financial status, and health weigh him down. Other peoples’ secrets are all enclosed in his memory. Always drunk and on hard drugs, he is often haunted by grievances and problems of all sort. The evil deeds he has committed are boomeranging. Feelings for others he could not express. He can’t think straight any more. Sometimes, he acts as though he is going crazy, with weird styles of dressing. Life to Judas has been turbulent like the sea waters. His habits are spiral in nature just like the spring. His subconscious has reached its breaking point and elastic limit almost exceeded.

With dirty deals been executed, he has trampled upon lives to pave way for him to get to the top. Always fighting, he is full of envy and anger. Fear of being caught visiting diabolic places plagues him. Words, he could not utter. Plans and dreams have been dashed away. Properties worth millions he has stolen from both the church and from people have become an eternal yoke on him. The bribes he has given and collected; the countless lies been told; the hearts he has broken due to his lustful desires pretending to be in love; the unredeemed pledges; unpaid credits; images and notices declaring him wanted have taken a toll on him. All this thoughts and deeds in form of a virus are all encrypted in him. On this breezy and cold morning, Judas thought to himself within some micro-seconds. And he recalls the words of a preacher saying: “make way for the Son of God is coming soon”. He then exclaims in a low tone and said: “I wish I have no memory of all my life.” All this traits demonstrated by Judas, who is a young man, describes the situation of the Nigerian youth. Through a rebirth of our consciousness, instincts, beliefs, character, school

of thoughts and attitude, our youths needs to wake up to the reality of their time. This is to re-awaken the youths to the challenge that much work is waiting for us to do and bring about the desired positive change in policy, governance, moral decadence of our dear country Nigeria. This will, nevertheless, create a new Nigeria that is void of bad governance, corruption, tribalism, drug abuse, religious sectionalism, cultism, nepotism, terrorism, unemployment, lawlessness and above all youthful exuberance. To start with, the change begins with the individual then collectively with the immediate family and largely with the community and by extension the country as a whole. Finally, in the last quote by our beloved literary genius, Prof. Chinua Achebe, in his book “There was a country”, he said: “…the task before the Nigerian youth is to transform this country Nigeria to a nation”. As Prof. Dora Akunyili would rather say: “Good People, Great Nation.” Benjamin, just finished from Physics Education, UNIAGRIC Makurdi

Nigeria @ 100: What hope for the youth?

N January 14, this year, Nigeria attained 100 years of existence. One hundred years in which its people have lived together as one howbeit reluctantly and the federal government of Nigeria had rolled out the drums to celebrate such a ‘historical feat’. The union called ‘Nigeria’, which was unceremoniously solemnised by the British colony with their own agenda uppermost in their minds, has weathered the storm to be where it is today. However, 100 years down the line, could we possibly say that we are close to our destination? Have we fared better together in the last 100 years? What hope for the future generations? Why all the in-fighting? Are we celebrating only our togetherness at the expense of our peace? While these and many more questions beg for answers, the journey into another 100 years is clouded by uncertainty. On a yearly basis, Nigeria has continued to plummet in many sectors of the economy as predicted by expert agencies. For instance, the Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC), a Lagos-based financial advisory firm, stated that the unemployment rate is expected to increase further by about two per cent up from the current 23.9 per cent. According to the same report, external reserve is expected to deplete further to $40 million while recurrent expenditure is projected to increase to 72.71 per cent of total government spending. Thus, at the start of a new century of existence, the country is already battling with over a century of spill over challenges from the previous century and this is not in any way a good omen for the leaders of tomorrow and indeed

the nation at large. An overview of the achievement of the country in the last century leaves much to be desired. Apart from the togetherness of a largely heterogeneous people, there is hardly any other strong indication that the marriage of the Southern and Northern protectorate in 1914 championed by Sir Lord Lugard is blissful. At 100 years, Nigeria is one of the world’s poorest countries, with the majority of the population living on less than $1 per day, despite the fact that Nigeria is one of the world’s biggest exporters of crude oil. At 100, even though we are the 9th largest producer of crude oil in the world, yet we pay heavily for its purchase and even experience scarcity of the products. At 100 years, petrol and fuel are said to be subsidised yet it is barely affordable for the average Nigerian that lives on approximately 1 dollar a day while a few opportunist at the corridors of powers are feeding fat from such subsidies. At 100 years, Nigerian youths are roaming the streets as a result of a growing unemployment. Youth restiveness is geometrically on the increase. The result of this is evident in all the crises besetting the country at the moment. Perhaps, the major challenge of this new century is the direction in which the leaders of tomorrow are headed. Majority of the social vices besetting the country today are perpetrated by youths. Youths who have been overly neglected by successive governments in terms of their well-being. Youths, who have been misled by the ruling class and used as veritable instruments in the achievement of selfish objectives and abandoned after the

achievement of those selfish goals. At 100, Nigerian youths of this new century cannot be compared to youths before amalgamation and attainment of independence. Nigerian youths immediately after amalgamation were concerned with championing the cause of independence. The likes of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa, Agunyi Ironsi etc devoted their lives to the creation of the Nigerian state. After the attainment of independence, they became agents of change and ensured that they put the country in the right direction of greatness. However, the story has changed. Successive youths after the attainment of independence have refused to lay solid foundations for youths after them as it was laid for them and this resulted in poor developmental activities and the likes in the country. This also led to the struggle for survival by successive youths and the desire to acquire wealth and become rich irrespective of the methods employed in acquiring such wealth. The result is the complete neglect of a hitherto progressive state. At 100, almost one in every four Nigerian youth that is willing, able and capable to work is unemployed yet it is expected that these crop of youths will spearhead a new Nigeria where justice, fairness and equity stands supreme. If, at 100 years, a father still cannot walk on its two feet and is still crawling, then it behooves on the children to fend for them and refuse to crawl at their old age like their father. It is high time that the youths of this present dispensation came together and put together a workable blue print that would tackle this mirage called unemployment that is currently ravaging our beloved country.

By Philip Okorodudu Corruption in high places would not allow governmental plans concerning its citizenry to work hence people of like minds are needed to come together and work as a team to proffer solutions to the problems facing the youths and the society in general. We must rise to the challenge of freeing this generation and century from the ills of the society. We must borrow a leaf from those who struggled for the independence of Nigeria and fought to make Nigeria the best among its equals. Their dream must not die. We cannot sell the future of generations yet unborn for peanuts like the current crop of leaders have done for we have active consciences that pricks us and motivates us to do exploit. The time to save our country is now for a stitch in time, saves nine.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

Nursing students review role in politics

HE role of nursing students in politics was the heart of discussion at a seminar held last week at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). A guest speaker, Prof Adenike Ojo of the Department of Nursing Science, said if the students could be involved in politics, problems facing the profession would be solved. Prof Adenike, who spoke on The Nurse and contemporary politics, highlighted the challenges facing the

From Eddy Uwoghiren UNIBEN profession. He decried the rivalry between nurses and community health workers, who were assuming the role of nurses in rural areas. He urged nurses to accept others without prejudice, adding that the competition for supremacy among nurses was hindering progress of the profession.

Dr A. Osasuyi of the Department of Nursing Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, spoke on the causes and effect of peptic ulcer. Dr Osasuyi stated that government must provide employment for the population, adding that the major cause of the disease was hunger. Highpoint of the event was the launch of the Nigeria Universities Nursing Students Association (NUNSA) Almanac.

Awards were later presented to deserving staff of the department including Dr F. E. Okafor, Mrs Bolaji Osagie and Dr Florence Adeyemo. Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, praised the department for organising the seminar. “I have listened to the agitations of the nursing students of which the issue of internship for graduates of nursing topped the list. I will take their agitations to the floor of the National Assembly for deliberation,” he stated. The Head of Department of Nursing Sciences, UNIBEN, xx, called on the Federal Government to consider the plight of nursing students, stating that graduates of nursing be allowed to undergo a one year internship like their colleagues in the medical and dental disciplines.

He lauded the management of the university for supporting the growth of nursery education in Nigeria. “Most of our achievements are tied to the developmental strides of our Vice-Chancellor, Prof Osayiuki Oshodin. Upon his assumption of office, we lacked accreditation. His effort succeeded in our moving to a permanent site and procurement of learning materials. During the last accreditation exercise, the accreditation team was impressed by the level of infrastructural development in the department. “ The seminar which held at the lecture theatre II of the School of Basic Medical Sciences had in attendance participants from the Igbinedion University, Okada and Delta State University, Abraka.

Youths donate blood to mark Donors’ Day

Y •Prof Adeyemo being presented with a gift by leaders of the Nursing students

Students elect hall leaders

ESIDENTS of the male halls of residence at the Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkungba (AAUA) have elected new leaders. Three students contested for the post of chairman. They were Ademiku Funbi, 400-Level, Public Administration, Sulaiman Muheeb, 300-Level, History and International Studies and Akinyemi Samuel, 300-Level, Law. Aspirants for other positions were unopposed. During the campaign, Ademiku said: “As a public administration student, I know what it takes to administer

From Segun Odunayo AAUA people and make them work together for the sake of this community.” Suleiman urged the students to vote for him, saying he would use innovative ideas to turn around the state of the hostels. The election took three hours to be concluded and results were counted immediately. Ademiku Funbi had 68 votes, Suleiman Muheeb 65, while Akinyemi Samuel polled 15 votes. Ademiku was declared winner by the electoral Chair-

man, having polled the highest number of votes. In his remark, Ademiku thanked the students for their votes and promised to represent their interest. Other elected executives included Olawale Adebayo, Public Relations Officer; Omosehin Moses, General Secretary; Toheeb Nojeem, Welfare Director and Bunmi Charles, Treasurer.

OUNG people have been urged to be active in voluntary blood donation. The State Co-ordinator of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NTBS), Calabar Centre, Dr Wilfred Ndifon, gave the charge during a voluntary blood donation exercise held on Monday to commemorate the World Blood Donors’ Day. Dr Ndifon said: “Apart from voluntary blood donation being a noble act, it helps to make blood available and affordable to people who are in need of it. Thus, it plays a very great part in saving life. Those who donate blood also derive some benefits from the exercise.” Speaking on the theme: Safe blood for saving mothers, Mr Okanga Ngim, said several people were in dire need of blood every day. “There are a lot of people who

From Johnpaul Nnamdi CALABAR need blood to survive. Their health depends on you and I because when we donate blood, it becomes available and affordable,” he stated. He lamented the low turnout of donors, which according to him, was caused by ignorance. Ngim said a donors’ club, Club 25, had been established in higher institutions to create more awareness on voluntary blood donation. Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Odey Emmanuel, 300-Level, Library and Information Science, University of Calabar, said curiosity made him become a regular blood donor. Emmanuel who is also the president of Club 25, UNICAL chapter, encouraged other students to join the club and donate blood regularly.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

•A donor being checked by a medical personnel

Youth authors book on values

YOUTH, Chris Oshundun, has written a book entitled: An orientation course in national values: An urban innovative version. The author said the work was aimed at promoting national rebirth. He highlighted different approaches to national transformation in any country, saying there was need in value re-orientation among individuals and groups. Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Oshundun said the publication was his own way of contributing to effective leadership. “It is our own way of contributing to the leadership of this nation. It is a tool for change, as well as a challenge to the government. The major focus of the project is infusing civic, social

From Jennifer Umeh OFFA POLY and ethical values into the national values. I believe that when there are national values, then there will be changes to our approach to certain issues and our ultimate goal is to seek the support of all stakeholders to play their own role” he added. He said the book was motivated by the Nigeria Education Research and Development Council (NERDC) curriculum. “Having done our own part, we want people to help promote it. If corruption is to stop, then there should be a change to what people believe in. What you believe in determines what drives you and that will influence your actions, “he said.

The writer explained that most of the problems faced by the nation today emanated from the home front. saying “many parents, for economic reasons, do not have enough time for their children. If this book is introduced to schools, it will be an extension of the home, especially with the moral aspect of it.” He stated that when a child lacked social values, they become a threat to the society. “The state of a nation, to me, is the reflection of our value system. So aside the government and schools, even religious groups would benefit from the ideas in this book. It will be a complement to what religious leaders have been doing. If they can integrate these values into their preaching, then it would in turn help to contribute greatly to the society,” he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

‘NUC should monitor faith-based varsities more’

ITH their level of organisation and strong hold on their students, faith-based universities have the potential to enhance nation building, if better monitored by the National Universities Commission (NUC). This is the view of Dr Fatai Aremu, a teacher at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN). Delivering a paper at the Special

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Departmental Seminar Series of the Department of Political Science, UNILORIN with the theme, Political consequences of non-state provision of university education: A focus on faith-based universities, Aremu said though the private universities do well with moral and religious training of students, they are deficient in providing training on political

consciousness He said: “I think they are in a very good position to help the country because they are well organised, and they have very strong control of their studentship, but I don’t think the Ministry of Education or the NUC has done enough in supervising, monitoring or requesting the faith-based universities to help in inculcating in their students the

•From left: Prof Rahamon Bello, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG); Alhaji Kasali Adegoke, Alhaji Mubashir Ajanaku, Dr Abdulafiz Oladosu, a senior lecturer at the University of Ibadan, and Alhaji Zakariyah Thanni at a lecture organised by the UNILAG Muslim Community. PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

right political attitude that will be helpful for elections, and for political activism. The faith-based universities are very efficient in training their students religiously to be morally upright but in terms of political consciousness or political attitude, they are doing nothing and it is because the Ministry of Education and the NUC are not demanding of them to do these things.” Aremu blamed the trend on the failure of the NUC to consider the peculiarities of the private providers of tertiary education as distinct from state/public universities To foster nation building, Dr Aremu also suggested that the curriculum of the citizenship education course be strengthened to emphasise nationally-appreciated values, and ethnic and religious tolerance. The Director, Institute of Education, UNILORIN, Prof. A. Abdulkareem, praised Aremu has for reviving the lecture that has been moribund for some time despite busy schedule. “We in the Faculty of Education especially Educational Management, we must be partners in progress. If this kind of thing is happening; if we come together, we will be able to cross fertilise ideas,” he said. Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Noah Yusuf, praised Aremu for doing justice to the topic of the lecture, which will now hold every month.

Kogi Poly honours governor, three others HE Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada, was honoured with three others at the third convocation of the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, last Saturday. He was conferred with the fellowship of the institution along with the Executive Secretary of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Dr Masa'udu Adamu Kazaure; Senator Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha, and Dr Ismaila Isa, the institution's pioneer rector. The polytechnic also graduated 9,880 students from the 2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2011/2012 and the 2012/ 2013 academic sessions. A breakdown of statistics of the graduating students who were

•Graduates 9,880 students From James Azania, Lokoja

awarded diplomas and certificates showed that 1,759 were from the 2009/2010 academic session; 2,050 from 2010/2011; 2,850 from 2011/ 2012 and 3,221 from the 2012/2013 academic session. Reeling out a list of achievements since inception, Chairman of the Governing Council, Fidel Gandy Ayegba, said the school at a point came under the threat of closure. "The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) threatened to close down the polytechnic because of dominance of non-science and en-

gineering-based programmes. Today, God has given us a 'new song' and our polytechnic has become a centre of international excellence in engineering and technological courses," he said. On his part, the Rector, Prof Mathew Idowu Ajibero, praised the state government, students and workers of the institution for the sustenance of peace, which he said afforded the polytechnic a near unbroken record of non-closure. "Your Excellency, I am happy to inform you today that Kogi State Polytechnic enjoys sustained peace

and tranquility which equally manifested in the whole state under your dynamic and purposeful leadership. There is love, harmony and concord among staff and students. This peaceful atmosphere has resulted in the development that is taking place in the polytechnic. "I am happy to inform you that since 2006, except the ugly incident of April 19, 2013, carried out by enemies of progress, this polytechnic has not been closed down for one day as a result of strike or students' crisis. In that incident, we lost our beloved colleague, Mr. Nathaniel Abimaje. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen," he said.

New head for French Village

•Prof Adebisi

HE Federal Government has appointed Prof. Raufu Adebisi as the Director/ Chief Executive Officer for the Nigeria French Language Village, the inter-university centre for French Studies in Ajara, Badagry, Lagos State. Adebisi, who assumed office on June 18, was until his appointment, a Professor of French at the

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State. He had his early education in Ghana before returning to Nigeria for his secondary and tertiary education. He studied French at ABU and was employed by the university as an Assistant Lecturer on graduation. His masters and PhD were also earned at the university, where he became a professor in 2004. He was sponsored to undergo a basic certificate course in Chinese language in 2008 by the Chinese Government. He held various positions in the university, including the Head of Department and Acting Dean, Coordinator. Adebisi will serve for a term of five years.

By Jane Chijioke

lawmaker representing Constituency I Eti-Osa LGA in the Lagos State House of Assembly, said the natural environment (including trees) needs to be preserved to mitigate the effects of climate change. "When trees are cut down or forests are cleared, the earth becomes poorer. Tree gives life, improve life and sustain life. "It is no news that the global envi-

VC warns against plagiarism THE Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof Olusola Oyewole, has lent his voice against plagiarism, describing the practice as academic fraud. Oyewole, who spoke at the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) Seminar, said plagiarism is ugly and ethically and morally wrong and warned that it is punishable by suspension or expulsion. To check plagiarism, the vice chancellor said the university has subscribed to Turnitin, a software that can assess the originality of an academic work and identify whether it was stolen from other sources. Delivering a lecture titled: Mitigating the practice and peril of plagiarism: Turnitin Before Turning Out, Prof Isaac Daniel of the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, said plagiarism had several definitions, quoting Wikipedia as "wrongful appropriation, stealing and publication of another author's language, thought, ideas or expression and the representation of them as one's own original work.”

Part-time to stay AUTHORITIES of the FUNAAB have defused fears of an impending scrap of the university's parttime programme. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole, told students and workers at an interactive meeting that the programme was being re-organised for better results in line with the official regulations by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Represented by the Deputy ViceChancellor (Academic), Prof Adekojo Waheed, Oyewole said: "Your programme is valid. We admitted you and we can't leave you mid-way." The Vice-Chancellor said at the moment, According to him, "We are running in line with the guidelines of NUC as we already got approval to continue to run the part-time programme. We are not running illegally.” He added that the part-time programme will now be supervised by the Office of the ViceChancellor. The Vice Chancellor also debunked the rumour of tuition fees hike. He added that as approved by the Senate of the University, the 2013/2014 Academic Session for the part-time degree programme would commence tomorrow with the registration of students.

Dept shines

•From left: Oso, Abdulazeez and Alimi at the tree planting campaign.

Fashola urges LASPOTECH to preserve trees HE Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has urged the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) community to care for trees in their environment. The governor spoke at the seventh tree planting campaign, which had as theme: "Life is Better with trees.” Fashola, who was represented by Hon Kazeem Ademola Alimi, a

FUNAAB FILE

ronment has been ravaged by ecodegradation leading to climate change, this is the cumulative effect of years of environmental negligence on man's part. It is therefore expedient that we put in our best effort to rehabilitate the environment," he said. Underscoring the importance of the exercise, Fashola said that the regeneration of the environment is a critical component of his admin-

istration as "the environment is everything and everything is the environment.” Three trees were planted beside the Library complex of the polytechnic by Alimi, with the assistance of the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, and the Rector, Dr Lawal Abdulazeez. Bello, who was represented by Mr Adetokunbo Oso, noted that the government has been able to sustain the environment through the tree planting campaign launched in 2008.

THE Department of Soil Science and Land Management (SS&LM), College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), has won the maiden edition of the FUNAAB Students' Union (FUNAABSU) Inter-departmental Football Championship. The Final match between SS&LM and the Department of Water Resources Management and Agrometereorology (WRM&A), College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM) ended 1-0 with Tola Shonubi, on Jersey No. 9, scoring the lone goal at the 46th minute. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole, represented by the Assistant Registrar, ViceChancellor's Office, Mr Bamidele Akindele, said that the Management was committed to the allround well being of the students. The Football Championship featured 37 teams from Colleges. Department of Microbiology (MCB), College of Natural Sciences (COLNAS), took the third position.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS

AAUA FILE

VC’s Sports contest begins THE seventh edition of the annual Inter-Faculty Sports competition of the Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko, tagged: "ViceChancellor's Cup", has kicked off at the university Sports Complex. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi, declared the event open on behalf of the VC, Prof. Femi Mimiko. Ajayi noted that the university places premium on sports because it's a reliable avenue to build character and leadership in their students, who are major players in nation building. Ajayi urged sports men and women to continue to display conduct that portrays the university in good light and brings out their leadership potential. He thanked the Sports Unit for organising the event in a professional manner, urging participants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship. In his address, the Chairman of AAUA Sports Council, Prof. Jacob Ogundari, said the event helps to discover talents that would represent not only the university but also the nation. This year's event features interfaculty football matches and 4X400M and 100M open races.

AAUA gets IFTRA membership THE AAUA's Faculty of Education and the Institute of Education, have received the associate membership of the International Forum of Teaching Regulatory Authorities, (IFTRA) and the African Forum of Teaching Regulatory Authorities. AFTRA is a subset of IFTRA; and their core aims are to promote the professionalisation of teaching globally, set international standards for the profession and facilitate cooperation among member nations for the benefit of the education systems of the various countries. AAUA was granted membership during the third Teaching and Learning in Africa Conference and fifth roundtable held in Accra, Ghana in last month, where AAUA was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Sunday Amuseghan. In recognition of his active participation, Amuseghan, who is also the Secretary-General of Committee of Deans of Education in Nigerian Universities, was nominated among other delegates to attend the IFTRA conference to be held in Toronto, Canada, in November.

CU, ILEPS sign MoU

HE Vice-Chancellor Covenant University (CU), Otta, Ogun State, Prof Charles K.Ayo, has said Indigenous solutions are the best measures for addressing myriad of challenges in Africa; therefore CU would open its door for collaboration with any institution that believes in the philosophy. Aside this, partnering not only with world-class universities but young and aspiring institutions towards joint research publications constitutes one of the numerous strategies in which CU hopes to achieve its mandate: ‘Vision 20-22: One of 10in10’ (meaning being ranked as one of the best 10 universities globally by 2020), which it coined during her 10th anniversary in October 2012.

APPROACHING DEADLINES INSEAD Need-Based Scholarships for International Students, 2015. Applications are invited for need-based scholarships available for international students to study MBA programme. Preference will be given to candidates residing in emerging/developing countries and for those who will have limited access to loans. The value of scholarship is •12,000. Selection will be based on financial need. Applications must be submitted by 16th July 2014 for December 2015 Class. Study Subject(s): Scholarships are awarded for studying MBA programme. Course Level: Scholarships are available for pursuing masters program. Scholarship Provider: INSEAD Scholarship can be taken at: INSEAD campuses Eligibility: Candidates must demonstrate proven financial need and be able

to provide evidence of their financial accounts. You may be asked to submit additional documentation during the application process. Preference will be given to candidates residing in emerging/developing countries and for those who will have limited access to loans. Scholarship Open for International Students: International students can apply these need-based scholarships. Preference will be given to candidates residing in emerging/developing countries and for those who will have limited access to loans. Scholarship Description: The INSEAD Need-based Scholarship(s) category groups the applications for scholarships that will be granted to those who demonstrate and prove significant difficulty in raising sufficient finances for the INSEAD MBA Programme and may be limited in accessing loans. Priority will be given to candidates with a marked socio-economic disadvantage. To be considered

for any one of these scholarships (listed below) only one application is required. Successful candidates will receive only one of these awards. The awards are: IAF Diversity, INSEAD Alumni Association (IAA), MBA Class Reunions, Greek Friends of INSEAD, Financial Aid, the Gabel Family and the Bischoff Family, INSEAD Diversity, Ian Potter '93D and Family Endowed Asia, MBA '89D Endowed, Antonio Borges Endowed, Deepak and Sunita Gupta Endowed, Sam Akiwumi Endowed and the Russian Alumni Scholarships. For some IAF Diversity scholarships the alumni will actively encourage those receiving an award to make their own contribution to the Alumni Fund in the future. What does it cover? Average scholarships amount •12,000. Selection Criteria: Applicants will be selected on the basis of need. How to Apply: Apply and submit essays online (one application for all

awards). In addition, please forward supporting documents (no originals or legal certification required), irrespective of campus choice, to the MBA Financing Office. List of documents required: 1. Proof of salary (latest salary slip or a letter from your employer); 2. Bank statements for the last three months that will reflect your checking and savings accounts. On-line overview is accepted. 3. If you have extenuating/exceptional circumstances in the past year (supporting dependents' education, medical care, bankruptcy, etc.), provide relevant documentation. Copies can be sent by e-mail: Finance-MBA.FB-at-insead.edu or by fax or by regular mail. Scholarship Application Deadline: Supporting documents have to be submitted by July 2014 21 (Round 2) and by 26 September 2014 (Round 3) for December 15 Class.

Why we made our students vegetarians, by Babcock VP By Medinat Kanabe

•Prof Okoro

TUDENTS of Babcock University, Ilishan Remo in Ogun State who may have been hoping for a reverse in the decision by the university management to introduce meat in their meals, again have had their hopes dashed. The management emphasised that it will not back pedal on its decision hinging same on the tradition of the owner of the university. The seventh Day Adventist Church, which abhors meat consumption for its members. According to the Vice-President (VP) of the university, Prof Iheanyichukwu Okoro, meat diet exposes people to cancer, and other diseases and above all, shortens life. Okoro, who spoke with The Nation in his office, said the church felt it should introduce vegetarianism in all its institutions because the church has adopted vegetarian diet officially, therefore its institutions also must follow suit. "The Seventh Day Adventist Church, owners of Babcock, is not just only concerned about the spiritual well being of people but the physical and it has been shown without doubt in all scientific literature that vegetarian diet is superior to any meat diet. I can tell you with the vegetarian diet that they are taking, they look healthier than when they go home," he said. By Adegunle Olugbamila

Ayo made this known during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CU and the Institut Littoral Des Etudes Professionnelles Superierures Littoral University (ILEPS) at the CU Senate mini chamber. Backing his claims with some Biblical scriptures, Ayo said: "In Africa, we have a peculiar problem, and foreign solutions may not fit into this perfectly well. Then looking at both institutions located in Republic of Benin and Nigeria respectively, we can collaborate to address major challenges in Africa better that world-class universities in Europe or America." The occasion had in attendance high profile members of both universities including the two registrars- Dr Olumiyiwa Oludayo (CU) and Mr Ayen kayoed Ezekiel (ILEPS) as well as its Vice-Chancellor Prof Ayeni Oyebode.

According to Okoro, members of the church are allowed to eat only 'clean meat' in accordance with Biblical injunction. "They are not allowed to eat pork, dog, camel or vulture meat because they are unclean meat,” he said. For students who are complaining, he said management understands their point of view because that is what they eat in their homes. "But ask them if they are not healthier with what they eat here than what they eat at home. If they will not say it, their parents say it all the time," Okoro added. He also spoke on dress culture in Babcock. "Students generally like to do

whatever they want, but this is a Christian institution. We believe in modesty in everything we are doing. If you look at a Muslim woman, she believes her body must not be expose, so she dressed decently. What the church is saying is dress well, not expose parts of your body that should not be exposed. Don't expose parts that will stimulate the opposite sex to rape you. Both for boys and girls we want decent dressing," he added. He said students can go out of the school with an exeat. He said if a student must go out, his or her parents must be contacted to know if they are aware that their ward is going out. If parents respond in the affirmative, the student will then tell the school authority where he or she is going

and when he or she will be coming back. "It has to be weekend because if you must miss the class the process is very long. They should just know that it is for their own good." On the fee structure of the school, which ranges from N700,000 to N2million (for Medicine) per session, Okoro denied that the fees are outrageous, considering the cost of providing quality education. "The fee is okay if you look at what we give to them. We bought computer equipment for N130 million and we used N150 million for Medical School accreditation. The money that students are paying cannot be too much for what we are giving them,” he added.

•Pastor Stella, Mr Ayeni, Prof Ayeni, Prof Ayo and Dr Oludayo displaying the MoU document after signing.

Others in the CU team were: CU Coordinator (International Students); Dr Olujide Adekeye; Director Financial Services, Pastor Deji Okubanjo and Head Legal Team Mrs Ebe Oni. Ayeni was accompanied by his wife Mrs Stella, ILEPS' Head, Legal Team Solomon Adigun Lawal, and some students of the university. Ayo said it might not be out of place to strike a deal with ILEPS regardless of several MoUs CU has signed with world-class universities. He added that it is neither about age nor size of the institution in question, but how its vision aligns with CU's. "No one knows it all," Ayo continued, "coming to the Biblical injunction that says one will chase a thousand and two would put 10,000 to flight. It is not really about the size of an institution, it is about the intention and aspiration of that institution. This is a long envisaged collaboration. Ayeni has always been around so it's like two minds coming

together to solve a major problem in the black race and that is part of the mandate of CU. "One of the parameters considered for ranking world class universities, is looking at the international presence of faculty and staff. Even in publication, joint publications are rated higher than one within the university. So, we are hoping for a greater collaboration with Littoral University. Dr Olumuyiwa said though ILEPS is a young university in a Frenchspeaking country; yet shares in the CU vision. “CU will be willing to partner with any university that shares her vision of raising a new generation of leaders. We will also subscribe to a relationship in which CU’s valuespossibility, mentality, spirituality, sacrifice, Integrity, lifelong learning align with ours. So it's not only about other universities spotting us; it is also about CU spotting those institutions

that share in our ideals, values and principles. That is one striking features of this collaboration.” Expressing his joy, Ayeni described the link as a marriage of an eagle (CU) and an eaglet (ILEPS). “With this ILEPS can see far ahead. The cub of a lion is always a lion. We are sure of getting there. This great university will be our mentor. When you are down, you need somebody that is up to raise you. You can see farther when you stand on the shoulder of somebody that is already on top. The move has been on for some years; but now it no longer matters how many years it has been. The journey of a million years begins with a step. Today, it has become a reality,” he said. Ezekiel said:“The journey has just started. We are also hoping to start flying like CU graduates. We are hoping to share in the CU vision of rising fast. If CU mandate is to emerge one of the best 10 globally, then we should be hoping to rank as one of the best 20 by the target year," he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

EDUCATION

We don’t study under trees, say Imo pupils

Bakare decries rot in education From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

OME secondary school pupils in Imo State have debunked reports that they study under the tree because their schools lack furniture. The pupils, who attend Comprehensive Secondary School in Atta Njaba in Njaba Local Government Area of the state, said in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to deputy governor, Mr Uche Onwuchekwa, that the report, published by an online blog 247ureports blog, was false. Speaking when the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, visited the school, its senior prefect, Master Samuel Okoro traced the report to the visit of an unnamed politician last year, who gathered the pupils for a group photograph under a tree. In his remark, Madumere, who described the news as disheartening said the state government, under

• Prince Madumere and Dr Ejiogu and the pupils during the visit. By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Owelle Rochas Okorocha, had constructed a new building for the school to replace the dilapidated one he met at the start of his tenure. "It may interest one to know that before the inception of this administration, one of these school buildings got dilapidated and on assumption of

office of this government an eightclassroom block was erected to replace the dilapidated one. As such the students were all well accommodated in the new blocks. It is most disheartening and beats one's imagination how some disgruntled Imo citizens could concoct lies aimed at deceiving innocent students and citizens of Imo state," he said.

The deputy governor reiterated the government's resolve to give Imo people the best in education. He further said no amount of blackmail or falsehood can make the governor lose focus. Madumere was accompanied by the Commissioner for Education (Secondary) Dr Uche Ejiogu and the Njaba Local Government Chairman.

Educationist calls for curriculum review

IMPLY look at this scenario: An illiterate auto mechanic perfectly fixes the car of a Mechanical Engineering graduate, who is the illiterate here. This was a poser by Mr Alex Ogendegbe, a lawyer and Managing Director of White Hall College, Agege. Ogedengbe lamented that education in Nigeria has been attached to certificates, where its holder cannot translate it into practice. Speaking at a briefing at the

•School celebrates 10th anniversary By Jane Chijioke

school premises to announce the school's 10th anniversary celebrations, Ogedengbe said the context in education in Nigeria no longer solve the societal needs. He said: Education in Nigeria in the 60s and 70s was able to satisfy the immediate problem, where companies were looking out for a certificate holders with expertise,

but today the problem is that the education our universities is giving does not address the challenges in our society anymore. We are only chasing papers printed by printers. Most of our graduates have certificates, yet are not employable". Nonetheless, Ogedengbe is still optimistic "I can't agree with people who say that Nigeria education is falling. For me, the content in education is

increasing. Strike action by teachers and lecturers is not the issue; our country can do even more if we get to understand the contextual meaning to solve the problem of the society,” he said. Going down memory lane, Ogendegbe recounted the challenges he faced in establishing the school in September, 2003. He said the reason for its establishment was as a demand by parents whose wards had attended its vocational school (pre-campus). "I wanted to have a school where pupils can actually be solution providers in any field of their choice,” he added. Ogedengbe also recalled how accreditation issue and facilities became a problem at inception. However, he said within that year of take off, the school got accreditation by necessary agencies, noting that same year(2003/2004) the SS3 pupils wrote their WASCCE. The surge in enrollment, Ogedengbe explained, forced the management to start considering a permanent site for the school. He said In January 2007, the school eventually relocated to its permanent site in Fagba. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Ogedengbe announced that a symposium, with the theme: "Security in school, religious, public places: Chibok in retrospect,’ will be held on the school sport jamboree/ inauguration of the alumni the following day, as well as a award/ dinner party for the graduands and their parents at Seven Star Event Centre, Ikeja on July 26.

‘Children need extra-curricular activities’

By Mojisola Clement

children develop better physically and mentally. "Children do not have to be limited to the class, they need extracurricular activities to add more fun to their learning. Above all, extracurricular activities also contribute positively to their physical well being as well" Ogunbiyo said. The pupils took part in no less than 25 events which includes: march past, running, boat race, loonier, arm wrestle, dart game, road race, keg toss, egg tray, and table tennis, among others.

• Pastor Bakare

Pupils relax at resort, zoo

• Some of the children during the Taekwando exercise

T was celebrations galore for pupils of Greenville House as they were declared winners at the Third Annual Inter-house sport of Brilliant Esteem Private School Ifako Ijaiye Lagos, last Thursday. The feisty encounter between the two houses was a highly competitive one which eventually left Greenville House with 22 gold medals, ahead of Greenedge that pulled 14 gold medals. Mrs Mary Ogunbiyi, who doubled as the Director of the school and chief hostess, said the event is ideal because it helps

ATTER Rain Assembly Pastor Tunde Bakare, has called on the government to improve on the standard of education, a step which he believes could produce the best brains to take over the nation. Pastor Bakare spoke in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, during the graduation/prize giving day of Bloombreed High School in which the fiery cleric was the chairman. He said there was need to act fast to rescue the sector from crashing, adding that well funded qualitative education by governments is what Nigerians need. "Every child desire qualitative education, but one thing people must know is that nothing important or qualitative is cheap; we need to revive our public schools. Government needs to do more if truly education is for us all. "I want to thank Mrs. Olufunke Sunmonu, the Proprietress of this school. She started the school without the intention to make profit but the desire for quality to help prepare students to achieve academic excellence and successfully meet the professional and personal challenges they will encounter for life. Replying, Mrs Sunmonu said the school authority was set to begin Bloombreed University in Port Harcourt towards actualising its dream of becoming the best citadel of learning of Africa. Mrs. Sunmonu said: “We are committed to giving students an allround education to develop every aspect of their lives to enable them reach a level of personal and professional success upon which they will contribute to the transformation of their localities, the Nigerian nation and the world at large. "To further realise our objective, we have decided to establish Bloombreed University, our school is a British Council accredited independent, Christian, coeducational and residential high school. We are looking for avenues targeted towards providing opportunity for every child to access first class education."

One of the highlights of the events was the Taekwando presentation and the Atilogu dance which saw parents gleaming with pride and swaying to the beats of the drumbeats. A parent at the event, Mrs Olasunbo Oladimeji, said she really enjoyed herself and prayed for a better future for the school. Eniola Bankole, a Basic 1 Pupil and a member of the winning team, expressed so much excitement by the victory. "My house won, I am so glad for this victory" Bankole said.

UPILS of Abbot Day Spring Schools let their hair down during their yearly excursion at the Whispering Palms resort and Q-brat zoos and Garden in Badagry. The event was organised in partnership with a tour company, D'groove Entertainment and Communication. Tour coordinator Mr Benjamin Awogbayila, enlightened the pupils on the benefits of the exercise to their all-round education. At the Whispering Palms owned by Prof Femi Pearls, the pupils visited the mini zoo, slave museum, gym, restaurant, games village, lagoon front, and coconut

By Jane Chijioke

dispensary. They also enjoyed paddle boat and bicycle rides. After having fun pupils visited Qbrat zoo and Garden in Okoafo, Badagry where they saw various kinds of animals. Proprietress of the school, Mrs Ayansiji, advised parents allow their wards to partake in extra curricula activities as it helps to develop the child. She also advised educationists not to limit education to classrooms alone. In appreciation, the pupils expressed their satisfaction and thanked their parents for the financial support.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

EDUCATION EDUTALK

Kano recruits 998 teachers

O improve the quality of education, the Kano State government has recruited 998 school teachers. Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has distributed letters of appointment to the newlyemployed teachers in Kano. They are among the 8,000 indigenes employed in the last three years. Kwankwaso explained that of the 998 employees, 500 would man 300 modern physics, chemistry and biology laboratories, as well

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

as the 100 computer centres and libraries in secondary schools. He said 364 others are to teach in 44 Schools for Arabic Studies, while the remaining 134 have been posted to 22 technical schools. The governor charged them to be committed to their jobs to move the state forward. Praising the government for engaging the youths, the United States of American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, said education and employment

are important to them. The state commissioner of Education, Tajuddeen Gambo, said the determination of the present administration's policy on education is yielding positive results, adding that this would surely improve teaching and learning in state schools. Two of the employees, Abubakar Abdullahi and Fauziyya Shehu Ahmad, thanked the government for the offer, assuring that they would work beyond expectation.

• Pupils taking the test.

NAPPS organises unified exam

HE National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has come up with a new initiative called the Unified Examination, which held for the first time in Lagos State last week. The examination was conducted among member schools within Agege/Ikeja axis. The examination was written by Primary 3-6, JSS1 and 2, and SS1 and SS2 pupils. Primary school pupils wrote English, Mathematics and General Paper. At the Junior Secondary School (JSS) level, the pupils wrote English, Mathematics, General Paper (comprising Civics, Social Studies, Basic Science, Basic Technology and ICT); while at the Senior Secondary level, they wrote English, Mathematics, General Paper (comprising ICT, Civics, and relevant subjects in the science, art and commercial disciplines. At LAGOOZ Schools situated in Agege, the pupils were seated as early as 8:00am to take the examination, which is aimed at preparing, testing and getting pupils used to the pattern of public examinations they would face in their terminal classes. However, as with any new endeavour, the examination encountered teething problems as question papers did not get to the centres in good time. One of the affected centres was Brighter Hope Schools, Agege. The question papers did not arrive until some minutes to 10 am. Augustine Awuje,

By Mercy Michael

chief invigilator of the centre, also complained that some of the OMR answer sheets were incomplete, among other imperfections. "Aside the late arrival of question papers we are also facing other problems such as incomplete shading papers, the sitting arrangement between junior and secondary school pupils is also a problem. I also think there is a need for more training as most invigilators and teachers are not well informed about the process of the unified examination," he said. Defending the examination, Alhaja Olatundun Ogunmuyiwa, chairperson of NAPPS Agege pupils (in charge of 12 centres), said such occurrence is common with pilot projects and would be addressed. "This is the maiden edition of the unified exams and we have encountered some problems in the area of logistics which we have noted. One of the problems we are facing is the collation of questions papers to various centres because all questions are packed according to the schools. This challenge may make some centres to start later than 9am, but we are on top of the situation," she said. Adetoke Gbemisola, an SS1 pupil of the LAGOOZ Schools described the initiative as a welcomed development. "I think it is a welcomed idea because our teachers will know more about our capabilities and

‘The unified exams will also ensure that quality control is guaranteed, in the sense that, unified examination removes over reliance on teacher's assessment alone. It also guides against favouritism and mediocrity’

as pupils we will also be able to learn more. I hope to develop more in my studies and I think this exam will help prepare me. When I initially heard about the exams, I was afraid because I didn't know what to expect but I am seeing it as an opportunity to development," he said. Adebowale Adeola, who also is an SS1 pupil of the same school, is confident he would pass. "It is a good idea and it is going to prepare us for external examinations that we will face in the future. I am confident about my chances and I know the exams will help to prepare me and my quest to become a medical doctor in the future," he said. Otunba Yomi Otubela, Lagos State NAPPS president, said the examination hasmany benefits, including: engendering healthy rivalry among member schools, assisting the association to obtain scholarships from and partner with local and international bodies; inspire schools to cover the syllabus adequately and increase productivity and performance among other things. He said: "NAPPS unified examination has the ability to curb mass failure by exposing the pupils to the rudiments of sitting for external examinations organised by independent bodies long before their final examinations. In this way, pupils would have gained the mastery of sitting for final external examinations such as WAEC, JAMB and NECO. "The unified exams will also ensure that quality control is guaranteed, in the sense that, unified examination removes over reliance on teacher's assessment alone. It also guides against favouritism and mediocrity. NAPPS unified examination will ensure that teachers complete their scheme of work on time since the pupils will be made to face external examinations at some time. The exams can also be used as a measure of performance for teachers and even schools since results can be benchmarked."

with

The junior I bullied yesterday

ULLYING, the unfortunate act of intimidation of a weaker person by a supposedly stronger person, happens at all levels and in all spheres of life. But it is more Kofoworola common in the school system, particularly at the primary and Belo-Osagie secondary levels. Kofosagie@yahoo.com Of the two levels, it is worse 08054503077 (SMS only) in secondary schools, especially those with boarding houses. It is also more pronounced in public schools, where students do a lot of activities on their own, than in private schools, where they are more sheltered by the workers. As a boarder in my secondary school days, at the Federal Government Girls' College, Benin, I experienced bullying, though I did not recognise it as that. During water scarcity, we had to search farther from our dormitories for water. Most times, the search took us close to the school's first gate, a distance of about 400 metres from the closest dormitory. Other dormitories were farther down - almost one kilometre away. The seniors were housed in the farther dormitories. But they would force us to carry their buckets of water all the way to their dorms, where you ran the risk of being sent on other errands. In fact, back then, any junior that ventured past Six Taps to the typing pool building was already in the vicinity of the group of four (now five) dormitories located in the part of the school called old site, where the seniors were resident. It was a dangerous place to be. I remember straying to the area as a JSS 1 pupil. I stuck out like a sore thumb in my blue check (SS1-SS3 seniors wore red house wears). From their verandahs, various seniors called to me, "blue checker, come here!" The SS3 senior was the queen. But since I did not know which senior was in SS3, I answered the one who looked biggest and immediately be reprimanded for ignoring the small-looking SS3 girl. That over, I was sent to fetch water, wash plates, lay beds, collect an item from another house, and do all kinds of odd jobs. I ended up spending hours running errands until a compassionate senior helped me to escape. But that kind of bullying pales significantly when compared to other more wicked acts seniors mete out to their juniors. I can remember as an SS1 student, a senior punished me and a friend because the Head Labour Prefect, who was our friend, punished her own friend. We were left kneeling down until past midnight - about three hours past our bedtime. After releasing us, she made us to scrub her corner that night before going to bed. Cases where seniors send juniors to the tuck shop to buy snacks without giving them money are also common; or where they beat juniors black and blue or give weird punishments like telling juniors to sleep under the bunk bed for the night, squat for hours; clear large portions of grass (and end up with blisters), among others. Some seniors do it because they were victims as in their junior days. But I can tell that it does not pay to be wicked. I would not consider myself as a wicked senior back then, but if I can turn back the hands of the clock, I would retrace my steps and be much kinder to my juniors. This is because in real life, there is no such thing as senior or junior. A person that was years your junior in school could become your boss tomorrow. It happens all the time. Life deals with us differently. That junior may be more fortunate - get a scholarship, rise very fast because he is creative or lucky, or has good family connections. What happens then, when you come face-to-face with that junior you bullied, and she is now your contemporary or your boss. It is worth giving a thought. Teachers and parents should counsel secondary school seniors not to maltreat their juniors. If they do, they are sowing tares that they would definitely reap in large quantities in future. A word is enough for the wise.

But I can tell that it does not pay to be wicked. I would not consider myself as a wicked senior back then, but if I can turn back the hands of the clock, I would retrace my steps and be much kinder to my juniors. This is because in real life, there is no such thing as senior or junior. A person that was years your junior in school could become your boss tomorrow. It happens all the time

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY JULY 17, 2014

POLITICS Editorial Adviser and member of the Editorial Board, Vintage Press Ltd, publishers of The Nation newspapers, Dr. Olatunji Dare, is 70 today. Dare has witnessed the political evolution of Nigeria as a scholar, journalism teacher and social critic. In this interview with Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI and Correspondent MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, he reflects on his role in the June 12 struggle. He also speaks on the Jonathan Administration, the National Conference and next year elections.

‘Jonathan was unprepared for governance’ W HAT is your assessment of political reporting in Nigeria? Political reporting in Nigeria has matured over the years. We now have a political desk staffed by qualified people, people with university degrees — not just a first degree, but master degrees and occasional doctorate degrees — manning the political desk. Most of the reports provide insights, but a good number of them are commentaries, rather than reporting. I will like to see more reporting about what is really going on in the political arena. I will like more attention given to trends, rather than events. Are there lessons Nigerian political reporters can learn from the way it is done in other climes, particularly the United States of America? One of such areas has to do with opinion polls. I read recently in the papers that opinion polls favour the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, winning the forthcoming governorship election with a margin of 80 per cent of the votes. What are the parameters used in the opinion polls to arrive at that figure? How did they come about it? Do they have accurate data on the national census? There is no accurate census data in Nigeria. So, an opinion poll is only as reliable as the population census. And when you base your opinion polls on an imperfect and inaccurate census data, you cannot get a good opinion poll. Sometimes, the media conducts online polls, which are very unscientific. Sometimes you interview people on the streets and term them as majority of the people. But the truth is that such respondents don’t represent the total population. You were actively involved in the June 12 struggle. You took some risks in the positions you canvassed in the editorial and opinion pages of The Guardian newspaper. What was your motivation? My motivation was rooted in the editorial policy of The Guardian newspaper. It is a liberal newspaper, committed to the rational discourse of the situation, believing that government has a role in developing the economy. Again, it believes that government is obliged to take care of the most vulnerable in the society. The cardinal principle of The Guardian newspaper’s editorial policy is its belief in the rule of law. You can change it and until you do so, we are going to follow the policy of the paper. You left The Guardian because you were told to apologise to the late General Sani Abacha. Can you recall what happened then? The Guardian had taken its decision on the matter even without consulting me. The newspaper was shut at the time. I got a letter at my residence on Opebi Street, Ikeja, Lagos. The letter stated that we were going to Abuja the following day. They did not state the agenda, but I found out that it was a process connected to reopening the paper. I had discussed it with my family prior to when I got the letter. When they brought the letter I was not even at home; it was my 14-year old son that received the letter. When I came home, he told me I had a letter that was connected with what we had discussed. They enclosed a return ticket to Abuja in the envelope. As I opened the letter, my son was looking at my face. He said, dad you cannot go on this trip; if you go you are finished. I said, yes son, I know I can-

not go. But I asked him if he knew the consequence of my not going. He said yes, and I also asked if he was prepared for the consequences of my not going, and he said yes. So, I did not go. They went to Abuja to see Abacha, who kept them waiting for about eight hours. And when he finally emerged to see them, what was supposed to be a private audience was made public. They rolled out the camera, and the whole thing was shown on NTA. They apologized and came back and the paper was unbanned. I did not want to act on the basis of hearsay, so I went the next day to where they were holding their meeting, at a temporary office in Apapa. Some people were even angry to see me. They thought I had come to report for duty, after the paper had been unbanned. So, I called out the Managing Director and requested that he should tell me what happened in Abuja. He told we what happened and I handed him my letter of resignation. As he read it, I could see him fighting back tears; he said he was also going to leave, but not immediately. He said when the paper was fully back on its feet, he would leave. He said he admired my courage. I said no, there was no courage involved. That it was self preservation and not courage. Following the death of Gen. Sani Abacha and later, Chief Moshood Abiola, the country returned to civil rule in 1999. What is your assessment of the situation so far? Nigeria has managed to put up the trappings of democracy. We hold elections and there is State Assembly, National Assembly, but democracy is more than elections. What has been absent is the spirit of democracy. Take, for instance, the nomination of people for ministerial appointment. They tell them to bow and go; thereby undermining the process. Besides, the National Assembly cannot do a thorough job of scrutinizing whether they are qualified for such an office, since their portfolios are usually not stated. Again, you say people should declare their asset, but the declarations are classified. It is in the process of declaring asset that the public scrutinizes. But when the whole thing is classified, the purpose is defeated. The President once asked how many times he would declare his asset. But nobody knows what he puts in his asset declaration. The irony of the Nigerian situation is that about 10 per cent of the population gulps about 90 per cent of the resources of the country. The legislative and the political class take more than 70 per cent of the national resources. You have public officers down to local government officials, earning wardrobe allowance. Are we saying they will not wear any cloth, unless they get ward robe allowance? They even get a hardship allowance. This is the only country in the world where I know making law is considered a hardship. In addition, when people file election petitions at the tribunal, it takes about four years to resolve. And by the time you resolve it, the occupant of the office in question would have stayed their illegally. At the end of the day, he goes home free, with nothing happening him. One of the problems with Nigerian politics is that political parties do not have ideological orientation. Is ideological politics still possible in Nigeria?

Yes, though General Ibrahim Babangida had a hidden agenda, but I think he was up to something in his two-party system: a little to the right and a little to the left. The conservative element would congregate around the party a little to the right and the liberal and social elements would go to the one a little to the left and campaign on that basis. In his own case, he created the parties. He did not allow them to emerge. But with the emergence of the APC, the country has become more or less a two party state. What is your view on this? Yes, the Labour Party (LP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) are clones of the PDP. The APC, on the other hand, is a coalition of strange bed fellows. I suspect that many of the people who flocked to the APC did so more because of opportunism than conviction. Now that they are in the APC, they can embrace whatever ideology the APC stands for. That will help, but it is still a marriage of convenience. I remember vividly what the late Prime Minister of Pakistan Ali Bhutto said when six or seven opposition parties came together and formed a group for the purpose of the election in the country. He said they were like seven cats with their tails tied together and pulling each other in different directions. We see that tendency more within the APC, than the PDP. How will the two-party system affect next year’s election? Some of the people who migrated from the PDP to the APC have migrated back to the PDP. If the APC were to lose the forthcoming election in Osun State, as they seem to have lost in Ekiti State, you’ll probably witness more migration from the APC to the PDP, especially now that they are talking of infrastructure of the stomach. The PDP is the big brother that can provide the infrastructure of the stomach, despite manifest failure in so many fronts. People are saying that Governor Kayode Fayemi lost because he did not connect with the people. Has Jonathan connected with the people? But Jonathan has the money and the resources to buy this election. What are the conditions that will guarantee free and fair election in Nigeria? When observers come to monitor elections, they go to the polling booths, see whether it is peaceful, whether the elections go smoothly. But election can be rigged at three stages, before, during and after. The before focuses on the ballot papers; are the ballot paper clear to the voting audience? Can the average person navigate through the ballot paper on his or her own? The collation and announcement of the result of the election, plus the run-off election is another process. Are the law enforcement agents well positioned to do their job or to intimidate the voters? If the atmosphere is not conducive for a free and fair election, you cannot in that circumstance say the election is free and fair. Election is a complex process and it cannot just be the voting process alone. Even before then, the compilation of the voters’ registers is also important. In many cases, we have under-aged persons registered to vote. What is your assessment of the Jonathan administration? The Jonathan administration re-

•Prof Dare

‘The Jonathan administration reminds me of the encounter with the unprepared and the unforeseen. We did not foresee Boko Haram coming; we did not foresee many of the problems that Jonathan is grappling with. But, Jonathan seems to be attending to them with very little preparation’ minds me of the encounter with the unprepared and the unforeseen. We did not foresee Boko Haram coming; we did not foresee many of the problems that Jonathan is grappling with, but Jonathan seems to be attending to them with very little preparation. With the global economic collapse, he came up largely unprepared. The result is the drift we are witnessing; hopping from one programme to another without completing any. Today, it is agricultural revolution, tomorrow it is industrial revolution, with little or no synergy. With this pattern, the result has been dismal. So, Jonathan has no grasp of policy, his ability to coordinate the function of his ministers is highly suspect. The way he retains those of them that have fallen short of public expectation is of concern. See how long it took him to act on Stella Oduah. Abba Moro who organized the Immigration recruitment exercise that claimed many lives is still there. Somebody woke up one day and said Chibok girls had been located and that a substantial number of them have been rescued. Only to turn around and say they were misled. The national army misled? And the guy is still there and you are the commanderin-chief. You have the National Security Adviser; we have a Minister of Defence, none of them has offered to resign. People are clearly not fulfilling the demand of their offices. Jonathan has not been decisive; today he says one thing and another day he says another thing. And because he is not coordinated, ministers get away with their acts. In your view, what is responsible for the current Boko Haram insurgency in the country? It is difficult to say. I suspect it

was the Jonathan administration’s decision to send troops to Mali that triggered it off. He did that without clearing with the National Assembly, which was a breach of the constitution. A northerner once told me that there are different categories of people masquerading as Boko Haram insurgents. There are those who are religious zealots; they want to turn Nigeria into an Islamic state. There are also some criminal elements in Boko Haram; these are people who capitalize on the insecurity to extort money from the people. They are those who are used to settle scores by politicians, hiding under Boko Haram. Do you have fears that Nigeria may break up? I have said often and again that without radical restructuring, I do not see a future for Nigeria, as presently constituted. Before the crisis in 1966, each region had its own constitution; the East, the West and the North. Each region had its judiciary, and we had a federal police, but there was also local police. Today, Nigeria is a centrally administered, and there is no semblance of federalism. Incidentally, the National Conference is currently discussing regional autonomy. Do you see it becoming a reality in the years to come? The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, is insisting on regional autonomy. The people of the Southwest are equally saying it is regional autonomy or nothing. Only the North is kicking against it. This is because it fears losing access to the resources at the centre. They forgot that the North was once a region that enjoyed all the benefits of regional government.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

NATURAL HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Many men in their 40s are suffering from prostate enlargement without knowing what to do. WALE ADEPOJU reports that the condition is treatable, if detected early.

Men above 40 prone to prostate enlargement

AN prostate enlargement be managed naturally? The answer is Yes. According to a traditional medicine practitioner, Dr. Olasunkanmi Azeez, the Managing Director of Qumas Herbs Nigeria Limited, eating one type of food or another probably won’t prevent an enlarged prostate, often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or relieve its symptoms, but a healthy diet can help. Several men from 40 years and above are vulnerable to prostate enlargement. Dr Azeez said a study in urology found that men who ate a lot of cereals and some types of meats had an increased BPH risk. He said, “but a diet that is low in starches and meats and high in vegetables and polyunsaturated fats seems to be best for preventing BPH and relieving its symptoms. “It is important to remember that just because a supplement is labelled “natural” doesn’t always mean it is safe. The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) doesn’t regulate herbal remedies like it does drugs. That means no one can be totally sure that what’s listed on the label is inside the bottle. Also, herbal remedies can cause side effects, and they can interact with other medicines you take. So it is advisable to carry you practitioner along when taking supplements for the condition.” According to him, it is a disease common in senior citizens. “It is not cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer. In suferers, it causes severe pain, anxiety, discomfort and loss of consciousness in men”, he said.

By Wale Adepoju

This condition, he said, affects the male organ known as prostate gland which produces semen, the male coloured fluid that nourishes and transports sperms during ejaculation. Dr Azeez said prostate condition af Azeez, who is the chairman, Herbal Therapy Society of Nigeria (HTSN), Lagos State chapter, said application of special herbal therapy against prostate enlargement and prostate cancer can provide remedy for the ailments. He said a prostate case not detected early enough can degenerate, saying that men in their 40s and 50s are dying of prostate problems. “Men in this age bracket are expected to go for tests particularly prostate scan, to confirm their status and go for early intervention if it is confirmed that they are having prostate enlargement challenge,” he said. Azeez said medical doctors find it difficult to diagnose the causes, adding: “It cannot be unconnected with ageing and changes in the ratio of male hormone testosterone level that stimulates prostate growth”. He identified hormonal imbalance as one of the major causes, adding that this occurred among men who enhance their sexual performance by taking drugs, thus activating the level of their testosterone hormone beyond the normal. The traditional medicine practitioner said sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhoea,

syphilis, and staphylococcus among others may degenerate into prostate enlargement if they become chronic if untreated on time. He said the prostate is about the size of a pea during childhood. “But it grows a bit and at the age of 25, it develops fully. Part of the danger associated with prostate enlargement is that a man may not be able to urinate due to enlargement of the prostate gland,” he said. He said people plagued with prostate enlargement are usually unable to maintain a flow of urine. “Men often experience a break during urination, and dribbling at

the end. Other symptoms include recurrent pressure to urinate, increased frequency of urination at night, urgent need to urinate, inability to empty the bladder, blood stained urine, weak urine and urinary tract infection.” He advised men having this condition to avoid condiments and alcoholic beverages because it lessens bladder irritation which may promote infection. They should avoid cold conditions or allow urine to accumulate before passing it. Diagnosis, he said, can include Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

Seven benefits of eating Walnuts

FTENTIMES, the simplest foods are best for your health, and this is certainly the case for nuts, in which mother nature has crafted a nearly perfect package of protein, healthy fats, fibre, plant sterols, antioxidants, and many vitamins and minerals. Among nuts, the case may be made that walnuts are king, as research shows they may boost your health in a number of ways at very easy-to-achieve “doses.” Eating just seven shelled walnuts a day may be all it takes to take advantage of their beneficial properties.

Seven top reasons to eat walnuts Walnuts belong to the tree nut family, along with Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, and pistachios. Each has its own unique nutritional profile. One-quarter cup of walnuts, for instance, provides more than 100 percent of the daily recommended value of plant-based omega-3 fats, along with high amounts of copper, manganese, molybdenum, and biotin. Some of the most exciting research about walnuts includes: Cancer-fighting properties Walnuts may help reduce not only the risk of prostate cancer, but breast cancer as well. In one study, mice that ate the human equivalent of 2.4 ounces of whole walnuts for 18 weeks had significantly

smaller and slower-growing prostate tumors compared to the control group that consumed the same amount of fat but from other sources. Overall the whole walnut diet reduces prostate cancer growth by 30 to 40 per cent. According to another study on mice, the human equivalent of just two handfuls of walnuts a day cut breast cancer risk in half, and slowed tumor growth by 50 percent as well. Heart health Walnuts contain the amino acid I-arginine, which offers multiple vascular benefits to people with heart disease, or those who have increased risk for heart disease due to multiple cardiac risk factors. If you struggle with herpes, you may want to avoid or limit walnuts, as high levels of arginine can deplete the amino acid lysine, which can trigger herpes recurrences. Walnuts also contain the plantbased omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is anti-inflammatory and may prevent the formation of pathological blood clots. Research shows that people who eat a diet high in ALA are less likely to have a fatal heart attack and have a nearly 50 percent lower risk of sudden cardiac death. Eating just four walnuts a day has been shown to significantly raise blood levels of heart-healthy ALA,

Improved reproductive health in men One of the lesser-known benefits of walnuts is their impact on male fertility. Among men who consume a Western-style diet, adding 75 grammes (a bit over one-half cup) of walnuts daily significantly improved sperm quality, including vitality, motility, and morphology.

and walnut consumption supports healthful cholesterol levels. Separate research showed that eating just one ounce of walnuts a day may decrease cardiovascular risk, and among those at high cardiovascular risk, increased frequency of nut consumption significantly lowers the risk of death. Rare and powerful antioxidants Antioxidants are crucial to your health, as they are believed to help control how fast you age by combating free radicals, which are at the heart of age-related deterioration. Walnuts contain several unique and powerful antioxidants that are available in only a few commonly eaten foods. This includes the quinone juglone, the tannin tellimagrandin, and the flavonol morin. Walnuts contain antioxidants that are so powerful at free-radical scavenging that researchers called them “remarkable,” and research has shown that walnut polyphenols may help prevent chemicallyinduced liver damage. In another study, researchers found that nuts, especially walnuts, have potent antioxidant powers. Walnut polyphenols had the best efficacy among the nuts tested and also the highest lipoprotein-bound antioxidant activity. The researchers concluded: “Nuts are high in polyphenol

test and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) test which are simple clinical procedures for detecting prostate enlargement through the use of finger digits. He said prostate enlargement worsen when the sufferer can no longer empty the bladder, hence the need for a catheter to draw urine. “But the danger of this is that bladder infection is most likely. Prostate enlargement can lead to death, especially if it is left untreated and becomes chronic. But no matter the magnitude of the ailment, herbal medicine has a remedy,” he said

•Walnuts

antioxidants which by binding to lipoproteins would inhibit oxidative processes that lead to atherosclerosis in vivo. In human supplementation studies nuts have been shown to improve the lipid profile, increase endothelial function and reduce inflammation, all without causing weight gain.” Weight control Adding healthful amounts of nuts such as walnuts to your diet can help you to maintain your ideal weight over time. In one review of 31 trials, those whose diets included extra nuts or nuts substituted for other foods lost about 1.4 extra pounds and half an inch from their waists. Eating walnuts is also associated with increased satiety after just three days.

Brain health Walnuts contain a number of neuro protective compounds, including vitamin E, folate, melatonin, omega-3, fats, and antioxidants. Research shows walnut consumption may support brain health, including increasing inferential reasoning in young adults. One study also found that consuming high-antioxidant foods like walnuts “can decrease the enhanced vulnerability to oxidative stress that occurs in ageing,” “increase health span,” and also “enhance cognitive and motor function in ageing. Diabetes The beneficial dietary fat in walnuts has been shown to improve metabolic parameters in people with type 2 diabetes. Overweight adults with type 2 diabetes who ate one-quarter cup of walnuts daily had significant reductions in fasting insulin levels compared to those who did not, and the benefit was achieved in the first three months. •Culled www.articles.mercola.com

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

NATURAL HEALTH

Good cheers… Odukomaiya, and my friend in Kano

HERE is always something somewhere these seemingly gloomy times to give us the good cheer. Last Thursday, I hurried out of Prince Henry Odukomaiya’s 80th birthday media ceremony at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, after the review by Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi of a book written by some of his “boys” and friends in journalism. Prince Odukomaiya gave me my first journalism job at The Daily Times on March 8 1971, and I was to have the privilege and honour, with Alternative Medicine, to look after his health in his mid 70s. I was advised of the event three days earlier and it coincided with an appointment made two weeks earlier with someone from Kano. I couldn’t keep that appointment, and, so, had to reschedule it for last Saturday. It was a meeting which brought the good cheer. My guest was a woman whose case I mentioned in passing a few weeks ago in the column which discussed Dr. F. batmanghelidj’s ideas about HIV/AIDS. As a reminder, Dr. Batmanghelidj says there is nothing like HIV, that what has been mistaken for it are DNA fractions from dilapidated cell nucleus which does not have a full complement of essential amino acids and Zinc to maintain it. That is a good fraction of this matter which was not ignored in nutritional ideas shared with my guest. Alongside that, is the fact of an immune system overburdened with large scale infestation of bacteria, viruses, candida and other micro-organisms. It was cheering news to hear from her that her CD4 count had climbed from under 300 to 750, and that her doctor, surprised, says she has turned negative. While I rejoiced with her, I was uncomfortable, at the same time, with the heavy graying coating on her tongue, the oral thrush, a sign of intestinal overgrowth of candida. When candida overgrows its bounds in the intestine, it may cross into the bloodstream and settle in choice organs, including the kidneys, ovaries, heart e.t.c and cause systemic candidasis which drains the body of oxygen and energy and increases the acid load in the blood. Of course, this load will cause the loss of calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and other alkaline agents, to prevent an acid bath of the organs by an acidic blood. I have revisited this case to bolster the confidence of three readers of this column recently diagnosed by their doctors to be HIV positive. Two of them are a mother and her daughter. The third is a woman who was suffered for many years from bilateral polycystic ovaries. That meant she had many cysts in both ovaries. Accordingly, she couldn’t ovulate. Recognising the role candida especially plays in these matters, she was advised to undertake an aggressive parasite cleanse which involved herbals such as Olive leaf, Bellaco Capsi, Oregano Oil, Golden Seal Root, Pau d’Arco e.t.c. Soon, she began to ovulate and became pregnant. But, unfortunately, the pregnancy was ectopic. May be the fertilised egg was too weak to complete its journey to the uterus. It was in the process of trying to get pregnant again that HIV diagnosis came up. For all these women and many more, I say there is hope.

My friend Dr. Sam Asomugha reminds me whenever we share experiences on subject to quote him as saying categorically that all diseases, whether degenerative like cancers or diabetes, or infective like HIV, have been proven in many studies to manifest alongside or from large-scale population of bacteria, viruses, fungi, including candida and other yeast species and worms. The worms may be as tiny as those which are said to be extracted during an eye bath by itinerant native eye doctors and reported to dart hither and thither in a bowl of water in which debris from the therapy are collected. Worms in the body may be as big as flat worms such as fasciolopsis which can damage the liver, pancreas or prostate gland, and against which the proprietary product Amazon A-P is designed. I had called Dr. Asomugha in respect of Walnut to share a user experience of parasite cleanse. Two of the constituents of these products are Wormwood and Walnut hull. A man who had been suffering from itch in the scrotal sac was advised to try it. About three days after, he called to express gratitude. Wormwood and Walnut hull (shell) go together in many anti-parasite formulas, including Parasite formula, mentioned last week, and intestinal Freedom one of Dr. Asomugha’s favourites. I mentioned walnut last week in the second portion of the column in Ramadan 2014 as a nut worthy of inclusion in the diet when the fast is broken. I mentioned, also, two work

subordinates of mine who had mental problems and were advised to take the walnut leaf tea to calm and strengthen their brains against pressure. That stemmed from the signature tune of the walnut: its two lobes and a partition membrane resemble the two hemispheres of the human brain and the partition membrane. Mention was made as well of how Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte of France solved the problems of his soldiers, drunken, shooting and killing one another. He had walnut orchards planted throughout France and legally compelled all alcohol sellers to provide their clients two walnuts free. Then, it wasn’t known that the walnut was a rich source of essential fatty acids which tone and protect the brain. Now, the University of California has done research which shows the walnut can restore fertility to infertile men and intervene positively in breast and prostate cancers. To this report last week, a reader of this column in Shagamu, Ogun State, elder Kayode Adeniji, said in a text message response to the column: “One thing I would like to know was that when I was a boy in the village, my father would burn the shell of the walnut and make coal of it. What he did with it I never asked though I moved very early to begin education. What do you know the ebu is used for? Ebu is the Yoruba word for herb powder. In earthen ware pots placed on stoves, these herbs (whole plant, leaves, bark, fruits, seed e.t.c) are swirled with wooden turners till they burn to ash. There must be other processes, such as freeze drying, through which the black walnut hull is decomposed to powder (ebu) in technologically advanced societies. For thousands of years, black walnut hull has been used by herbalists for healing purposes, especially for the elimination of parasites from the human body. The black walnut hull makes itself amenable for this purpose through its chemical compounds among which are tannis juglone and iodine. Tannins help plants protect themselves against insects and other harmful organisms. Juglone, found in almost all parts of the walnut tree, is a powerful agent of the black walnut. So toxic is Juglone to many plants that they do not grow near the walnut tree. And iodine? Humans need it for their thyroid glands to produce thyroid hormones, a deficiency of which can cause metabolic and other health problems apart from goitres. Iodine affixes itself to harmful organisms in the human body and annihilates them. When all these and more are rolled out, they provide a powerful cleansing agent in the black walnut hull. Thus, black walnut hull has been found to support healthy digestion, bowel regularity, oxygenate the blood, balance blood sugar, normalise cholesterol, detoxify the system among its other functions. The walnut, now in season, is cheering news. As Mr. Charles Olusegun Akintobi said on hearing the news: “We are richly blessed… we have everything, but we hardly realize so”.

Chibok girls inside and outside Sambisa forest (2) •Continued from last week

Inside the forest T is from the few Chibok girls who have escaped and from other escapee women abducted before or after them that we obtain faint picture of goings-on in the forest. It is some of these stories which keep my head awake at night when certain events, such as rainfall, a stormy wind or cold bring their plight back to my memory. •One of the girls said she was raped by seven men in one day and then tied to a tree, hands and legs, for three days. An escaping abducted boy freed her and another girl tied to a tree beside her. •Another girl said 15 men raped her in one day. •Another girl said they had no beds and slept on leavescovered earth. Whenever the American drome airplane was sighted, trying to map their location, the girls were instructed to lie on the forest floor and cover themselves with green foliage to avoid detection. Disobedience could bring death. •One Christian girl who bluntly refused to recite the Koran was buried alive in a pit saves for her head. As a warning to other girls, the victims head was bombarded with a hail of stones until she died. •Another captive said she and seven other women abducted before the Chibok girls bore children for the leader of the Boko Haram in the forest, Shekau, when she escaped and got home with her own child, her family was unkind and unwelcoming, contrary to her expectation. Her family saw the child as a satanic child and did not want him around them. As a mother, she couldn’t throw her baby away. There is no doubt that many, if not all of the women have been sexually brutalised. That is the hallmark of soldiers under tension. When they take a town during war, some of them go looting while others go after the women. Some women get pregnant in the process. It surprises many men, not women that such pregnant women keep their babies. That is the maternal instinct at work. The baby grew in the woman, giving her a new experience of life as mother, not in a man. I remember a diplomatic row between Britain and a North African Arab country, I suspect was Morocco in the 1970s or 1980s. An Arab couple raised their two daughters born in Britain to adolescence but did not want them to marry British boys. They arranged a home going holiday after prearranging husbands for these girls back home. The couple sneaked back to Britain leaving their daughters behind. Next day, the village chief summoned the girls and introduced their husbands to them. It was a harrowing experience for these girls. After about four years, British journalist on their trail, following newspaper reports instigated by the friends

of these girls, found them in a mountain range. Britain demanded their release since they were British citizens. But the Arab government would let go only if the girls left their children behind. Meanwhile, each of these girls had had two children in their forced marriages. The girls agreed to stay with their husband and children. Thus, their lives would change forever! The girls and women in Sambisa Forest are not different. I always imagine how terrified they would have looked on finding themselves in a forest, and when the men made for them. Some would have fought back and be killed. Others would have cried and cried after the first man came, and cried still when more men came in a seemingly endless row. Why me? In the hearts of these girls, many serious questions of life or existence will rage. So will they in their parents’. These questions will include: why is this happening to me? Does God exist? Why does he allow all these atrocities, if He does and he is love? Today is not the time to address these questions and more. Today, we must chase away the fox. On the morrow, we rebuke the chicken. Suffice it, however, to say today that God is perfection and Justice. Nothing happens by accident. We wonder why certain events occur only because we view a short span of our existence. Today, we reap the harvest of seeds sown yesterday. Nature is a theatre of warfare where “carelessness avenges itself bitterly”. If security warnings were heeded, and these girls missed their examination for one year, it is possible they would not be captives in a forest of horror today, abused by savage men and dehumanised. Who knows, what will be, will be! And this will lead us back to the role of our “yesterday” in our lives “today. Yesterday, in this context, will include previous earth lives. Of previous lives, the Bible is rich in instructive beacons despite the attempts of Emperor Justinian at the Bishops Conference of Constantinople in AD 553 to expunge belief and teachings about re-incarnation from this Christian reference book. We still hear of ‘I knew thee before I formed thee in thy mother’s womb”, of Prophet Elijah returning to this earth before the birth of Jesus Christ. Today, the heart is sore. Nevertheless, we must give God the honour of perfection to be able to find answers to question of…’why me’ which will be well addressed some day. For perfection in this regard means our experiences have to be what they are because of certain reasons which we can then seek to discover. An unfeeling nation Nigeria roars only when experience or memory is fresh. Today, the thieves, thugs and killers of yesterday are returning to power everywhere. A few months ago, Nigeria was

filled with shouts of Bring Back Our Girls. Today, many people would appear to have forgotten about them. “you are on your own”, we often hear. Even the government would appear not to be interested in their future. What I had thought would have happened, even as these girls escape from the forest in ones and twos is that the governors of their states, their Christian leaders and the President will receive them and their folks in audience to publicly sympathise with them and to salute their courage. Wouldn’t the President have received the Super Eagles at the Presidential Villa if they won the World Cup? Following tradition, wouldn’t he have drowned them with cash? Couldn’t the government have thought of a rehabilitation programme for these girls. This rehabilitation could have involved sending them to special trauma centres abroad which can help them out of dehumanising memories of life in Sambisa forest oh no, Nigeria has no time for such matters. Rather, we play football with Iran in the World Cup. It has been forgotten Iran trained the Nigerian whiz kids of Boko Haram. It has been forgotten, too, that an Iranian escorted a ship load of arms for Boko Haram to Lagos Ports. In the days of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa in the First Republic, Nigeria would have long broken diplomatic relations with Iran for these unfriendly acts. We are a cold, unfeeling nation where easyone is on his own. Soon, we may witness this as the 2015 general elections draw near. I suspect Boko Haram sponsors, handlers and foot soldiers will be granted state pardon, and the treasury key will be given to them by way of “compensation” they are demanding for unleasing homendous mass murder on the nation. In the talks that would follow, they would demand key cabinet positions in the next government. All these may be conceded to them in exchange for a second term PDP ticket for President Ebele Jonathan. Before then, James Ibori would be brought home to complete his prison term in Nigeria. As he is doing so, he would be granted State pardon so he can contribute his quota to the President’s re-election. The girls would have been traded in and so would have been all the people Boko Haram has murdered in cold blood. The lesson would be simple for all to read. In Nigeria, you are on your own. Are Chibok girls and their parents listening? Brave girls! More than 60 of them escaped from the forest of horror last weekend. Suspecting that Boko Haram may be losing steam, Emurs immediately asked the Sultan of Sokoto to meet them to discuss ceasefire. The terms, of course, would include amnesty and compensation. President Jonathan may budge if the settlement involves second term ticket. In that case, there may be no need to bare the fangs of the Army which, currently is enlarging. Chibok girls, in or out of the forest, you are on your own!

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

e-Business

NCC urges Customs to stop substandard phones’ import

HE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged men of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to tackle the influx of fake and substandard mobile phones into the country. Speaking in Lagos, its Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Eugene Juwah said the duties of the regulator do not extend to monitoring the importation of mobile phones, but type-approving and placing the list of the type-approved mobile phones on its website and availing the NCS of a copy too. According to him, the issue of fake/substandard mobile phones is complex as the phones find their ways into the country through the

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

various entry points. Experts have argued that aside factors, such as base transmission station (BTS) and metropolitan optic fibre cable (OFC) vandalism, the quality of service (QoS) problem in the country has been associated with interference arising from low and substandard mobile phones. He said: “Well, on the issue of phones, it is very difficult. We don’t control the import of phones. All sorts of phones come into the country. “NCC has always been in talks, discussion and information sharing with the Customs Service and it is really their duty (to stop un-

bridled importation of mobile phones). They have our list of approved phones but phones come through smuggling and other means. You have to bear that in mind. A lot of the cheaper phones come through smuggling. The bigger phones such as Apple phones come through specific distributors and they come to the customs too. The small phones can contribute to the issue of QoS because they are not approved, they are not well manufactured and they come from the grey markets into Nigeria “We have on our website, a set of approved phones and I think the NCS has them too. So the entry point in Nigeria should control phones. NCC cannot go from indi-

vidual to individuals asking them: ‘Which phone are you using?’ and confiscating them (if they are discovered to be fake/substandard). So that is the issue of interference that comes from the quality of phones.” Juwah said the QoS issue is a complex web of issues ranging from multiple taxation/regulation to criminal invasion of BTS by unscrupulous elements and even agencies of government to shut them. Arguing that the QoS in the country is not the worst, he said the NCC sanctions the operators to keep them on their feet, insisting that if the telcos meet the minimum key performance indicators (KPIs), the experience on the network will

be better than it is. He urged the telcos to plough substantial part of their earnings into expanding the network so that the problem of congestion will become a thing of the past. Juwah said the QoS of telcos is far better than that of both the banking industry and the power sector. He said: “Telecoms sector QoS is better than that of the power sector. Can you talk about power? We want an improvement in service. That is why we sanction operators. We want an improvement in service, so we have mandated minimum standard. If they achieve this minimum standard, everybody will be happy. When the fail to achieve this, we penalise them.”

MainOne takes connectivity to Abuja

AINONE’s connectivity solutions have been okayed by the administrative staff of the National Assembly at its Third Business Engagement Series for players in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in Abuja. The session had “The broadband evolution: Driving reliable connectivity & network solutions for improved business productivity” as its theme. According to a statement, the platform is MainOne’s platform to showcase its solutions portfolio in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The session provided practical insights into the dynamics of reliable connectivity to businesses, the role of MainOne as a one-shop provider of enterprisefocused network solutions and how this has enabled easy communication for government agencies and businesses aimed at lowering costs, increasing security, and enhancing

employee productivity. In his welcome address, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for MainOne, Folu Aderibigbe, said the engagement was aimed at showcasing the company’s superior connectivity solutions via its regional, metro and global fibre optic networks, its world-class IP NGN network and Data Center services. He emphasised that MainOne is a clear leader in the provision of innovative telecom services and network solutions anchored on an Internet enabled fibre network. Its Northern Region Manager, Gimba Mohammed, who gave the keynote presentation, noted that MainOne is continuously expanding its reach to bring innovative services to more customers, especially with the completion of its Tier III Data Centre, reputed to be the largest commercial facility in West Africa, with a 600-rack capacity in Lagos.

SAP Africa, ActivEdge partner on mobile solutions

AP Africa, the market leader in enterprise application software, has announced a deal with ActivEdge Technologies, an SAP OEM (original equipment manufacturer) certified partner, to drive innovative mobile solutions to fulfil the growing needs of the financial services industry in West Africa. SAP West Africa Managing Director, Richard Edet, said the ActivEdge Technologies OEM partnership will help SAP to further penetrate the thriving financial services space in West Africa. “SAP intends to become the platform of choice in mobile commerce banking and a trusted advisor to the banking industry in West Africa. This partnership will allow ActivEdge to build its own intellectual property in rapid response to market demands and thereby help SAP grow its market share in the region,” he said. According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ActivEdge Technologies, George Agu, the

By Chikodi Okereocha

partnership means that banks in West Africa can now enjoy the benefits of a comprehensive mobile platform at an affordable price. The partnership will enable banks to grow their market share, provide flexible and convenient services to the growing mobile customer base and the unbanked population. As part of the partnership, ActivEdge Technologies is certified to offer the following SAP solutions: SAP Mobile Banking, SAP Mobile Inclusive Banking, SAP Mobile Consumer Payments, SAP Mobile Remittance, SAP Mobile TopUp and SAP Mobile Payments. Mr. Agu said prevailing trends in the local banking sector show that many banks are still looking at mobile commerce simply from transactional viewpoint. He said that most banks run the risk of missing the enormous mobile commerce opportunity unless they change the way they conduct business.

Venema Advies, TruShield partner on cyber security

ENEMA Advies Nigeria Limited is partnered TruShield for the delivery of security services, arguing that as organisations change and data becomes more critical, it is foremost important to have a robust security system in place. “Venema Advies consultants and engineers have in-depth, industryspecific expertise securing IT platforms and core systems to overcome common operational challenges seen at enterprises, banks, credit unions, loan servicers, and other financial institutions. Our best-of-breed products and managed services take the pressure of compliance and enterprise risk management off your shoulders,” it Chief Executive Officer, Dick Venema said in a statement. He explained that TruShield’s Continuous Security Monitoring

(CSM) Managed Service gives the user the power of a 24/7/365 security operations centre armed with the latest technology and staffed with a team of certified experts, at a cost that will work within your budget. “Within our risk assessment suite, our TruShield Vulnerability Modeling (TVM) technology strengthens your vulnerability management program by giving you a custom-tailored, graphical analysis of risks on your network, exposing weaknesses traditional scanning overlooks. “Our Threat Protection services give you advance warning of cyber threats affecting your competitors— and helps prevent them from affecting you. And our suite of Incident Management services helps you put the fires out when the worst does happen,” he added.

• From left: Director, Corporate Affairs, Iyiola Ayoola; Chairman, Evcarts Planning Committe, Jide Awe; Prof Adewunmi and Chairman Conference, Moses Braimah, during the NCS’ press conference.

NCS seeks digital approach to national challenges T HE Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has urged the Federal Government to seek digital solutions to the multi-faceted challenges confronting the nation. Its President, Prof David Adewumi, said it is improper to deploy analogue technology in the digital age to proffer solutions to the social, economic and security challenges facing the country. Adewumi, who spoke on the sideline of a press conference held to announce its 25th National Conference slated for Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, said the simple ubiquitous deployment of close circuit television (CCTvs) across the country could just be the game cahnger. He said: “We need a digital approach to solving all our problems in this country. though security issues are

not supposed to be discussed on the pages of newspapers, I think the simplest example that could be drawn is the deployment of CCTvs across the country. “If a criminal commits a crime, it will easy to track the criminal down wherever he might go. All that is needed is just to play the video and that will be all. This technology has worked in other countries of the world. There is no reason for it to fail in this country.” He said this year’s conference theme will be Building a knowldeg-based economy in Nigeria: The role of Information Technology, adding that it underscores the vital role of IT in driving development in any economy.

He said: “NCS has always being at the forefront of new innovative engagements and the adaptation of cutting-edge technological solutions. We are committed to facilitating the deployment of digital and internet based technologies to not only drive improvements but to change and redirect our energy on how Nigeria’s economy is defined, organised and delivered. “We build thought leadership through emphasis on relevance and significance in using IT to enable inclusive and sustainable development. We are committed as a professional advocacy group to advancing the interests of the IT industry and profession and the nation as a whole.”

How to boost mobile money uptake, by Ericsson

BOUT three years after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licensed firms to do mobile money, the uptake has been nothing to write home about. But technology firm, Ericsson has said offering incentives to subscribers is one way to encourage the boom in the initiative designed to complement the financial inclusion strategy of the apex bank in the country. The firm urged operators and financial institutions to consider a loyalty programme to improve activity in dormant mobile money wallets Its Head, Mobile Commerce Sales, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, (EMEA) Rajiv Bhatia said airtime could be used to drive the uptake and use of mobile money services in countries where its growth has been sluggish such as Nigeria. He explained that operators and financial institutions could replicate the loyalty programme of credit card providers, through the use of airtime to encourage consumers to use mobile money. He said: “There is an untapped opportunity to drive activity and loyalty

in mobile money using mobile prepaid airtime. Airtime can be used to incentivise use in ways such as encouraging people to have a minimum amount of money in their wallets and rewarding them with better data and airtime bundles for usage of their mobile money wallets.” According to him, Africa is a leading market for mobile money and that millions of people without access to banking services were signing up to use mobile money services. Operators and financial institutions are battling to trigger activity in dormant wallets. Rajiv explained that the slow growth of mobile money in South Africa was a result of the expansive automated teller machine (ATM) and bank infrastructure available and how this network had done much to address the needs of the population to access and remit cash. “Yet, there are millions more, who are still unbanked. There are fantastic opportunities to grow this business especially among the migrant population, which still uses informal means to remit cash. Banks should

forge closer ties with operators, who have an expansive distribution network to encourage adoption and drive usage,” said Bhatia. He emphasised that transparency, education and trust were key to growing the mobile money ecosystem in Africa. According to the World Bank, almost half the world’s adult population – some 2.5 billion people – are unbanked, the majority in emerging markets. For countries where financial inclusion is low, mobile money solutions such as e-money accounts and e-mobile wallets offer a fast way to improve financial inclusion and close the gap. Bhatia said: “We estimate that by 2016, the m-commerce market is expected to reach $800 billion worldwide. Countries, such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are already feeling the impact of greater financial inclusion. Today, around nine million Ugandans use mobile banking to exchange, save and spend money, instead of handling cash, reducing both the risk of theft and the need to travel.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

MONEYLINK

BDC guidelines to conserve forex reserves, says CBN

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated that its modifications to the guidelines on the regulation of Bureaux de Change (BDCs) in the country are aimed at conserving the country’s foreign reserves, among other objectives. The its Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele who spoke during an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency explained that modifications had to be made on the guidelines following observations that the current operations of BDCs

FirstBank rewards customers

Stories by Collins Nweze

in the country had deviated from the objectives for which they were lisensed in the first place. Emefiele observed that many operators were only interested in widening margins and profits from the foreign exchange market, regardless of the prevailing official and interbank rates. He said a cross-country survey of BDCS done by the CBN revealed that 93 per cent of them were in breach of the objectives and provisions of the guidelines. He also said majority of

the BDCs had no good accounting records, many had no adequate sales document and lacked audit trail. While urging the House of Representatives to support the policy of the CBN, the apex bank boss said the lender’s expectation is to have in place BDCs that are well-capitalised, properly structured and can effectively perform the roles of BDCs in the economy. Chairman, House Committee on Banking and Currency, Hon. Jones Chukwudi Onyeriri, noted that the

•Emefiele

Committee respected the autonomy of the CBN but will work with the apex bank to ensure that it delivers on its mandate in the overall interest of Nigerians.

June inflation hits 10-month high at 8.2%

IGERIA’S consumer inflation rose for the fourth straight month in June to hit 8.2 per cent, a 10-month high, driven by higher food prices, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said. It said food prices, the biggest contributor to the headline index, jumped 9.8 per cent year-on-year in June, after rising 9.7 per cent the previous month. “Prices were pushed higher as a result of higher prices in the bread and cereals, meats, fish, and dairy groups,” the NBS said in a statement. Reuters report showed that consumer inflation rose from eight per cent in May and had crept up from a five-year low of 7.8 per cent in October due to rising food prices. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it wants to keep inflation between six and nine per cent this year and has a longer-term goal of reducing it to around five percent by the end of 2015.

The apex bank plans to hold its monetary policy meeting next Tuesday to set interest rates and is sure to take rising inflation into account. Analysts expect rates to remain on hold at 12 per cent but say the tight-

ening cycle could resume if the inflation outlook worsens. The statistics office said early in the week that it expects the economy to grow by at least 6.2 per cent this year following a solid first-quarter perfor-

mance. Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane said the rise in inflation will not change the monetary policy stance of the CBN.

Wema Bank records N1.7b profit EMA Bank Plc yesterday announced its half year 2014 unaudited financial results, with a 266 per cent increase in Profit Before Tax (PBT) to N1.7 billion. This, the lender said, demonstrates the impact of efficiency gains it achieved in the last six months. Speaking in Lagos, the bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Segun Oloketuyi, said: “We are pleased to announce that WEMA Bank continuedto demonstrate strong improvements in profitability and balance sheet efficiency in the first half of 2014. Our Profit Before Tax leapt 266 per

cent to N1.7 billion and the Bank’s Net Interest Margin has improved to 7.7 per cent reflecting a more efficient restructuring of our deposit mix in favour of cheaper funds. We continued the process of redeploying our resources into higher yielding assets while keeping a close eye on operating expenses. Loans and advances grew by 17 per cent from December 2013 whilst our cost of funds continues to reduce. He said the lender had secured trade lines from foreign correspondent banks and development finance institutions to support our trade finance, the real estate sector

and SME lending. Oloketuyi said the Project LEAP, is the lender’s strategic transformation agenda, and has continued to provide it with efficiency gains. These, he added, have led to improvements throughout the second half of the year putting the bank on course to produce better performance and commensurate returns to shareholders by the end of the year. “The goal is to continue our organic expansion programme and establish presence in areas that have significant growth potential, while making significant investments in alternative channels and diversifying the Bank’s product offerings.“

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGET FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,663.89 1,663.89 1,05.92 1,087.30 1.3451 1.3635 1.0178 1.1855

167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,663.89 1,663.89 119.71 1,087.00

GAINERS AS AT 16-07-14

SYMBOL

12.0%

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

154.73

155.73

Pounds Sterling

264.9442

266.6565

171.05

179.60

8.55

Money Supply (M2)

N15.9 trillion.

140.15

147.15

7.00

Euro

209.4116

210.765

0.75

0.78

0.03

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N16.76 trillion

Swiss Franc

172.2668

173.3801

Yen

1.5201

1.5299

CFA

0.3021

0.3221

238.3011

239.8412

24.9375

25.0995

Riyal

41.258

41.5247

SDR

238.5318

240.0734

3.43

0.10 4.58

ABCTRANS

0.87

0.59

0.02

HONYFLOUR

4.40

4.50

0.10

117.60

119.85

2.25

0.58

0.59

0.01

LOSERS AS AT 16-07-14

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Rate (%)

Overnight (O/N)

10.500

12.175

12.101

13.328

13.225

14.296

14.-85

1.80

1.71

-0.09

UPDCREIT

10.47

9.95

-0.52

NNFM

19.75

18.77

-0.98

1.25

1.19

-0.06

AIRSERVICE

2.34

2.23

-0.11

CONTINSURE

1.17

1.12

-0.05

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

OANDO

27.70

26.57

-1.13

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

JBERGER

67.00

64.28

-2.72

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

AIICO

0.83

0.80

-0.03

DANGSUGAR

9.36

9.05

-0.31

COSTAIN

Currency

US Dollar

176.80

MAYBAKER

Monetary Policy Rate

$110.44

3.33

SYMBOL

8.2%

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

172.22

JAPAULOIL

CBN EXCHANGE RATES July 15, 2014

Inflation: June

0.05

MOBIL

WAPCO

Amount Sold in ($) 305.4m 279.08m 342.8m

1.05

TOTAL

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Amount Offered in ($) 350M 300m 350m

$38.3bn

1.00

AFRIPRUD

Transaction Dates 7/14/14 7/9/14 7/7/14

Foreign Reserves

C/PRICE

IKEJAHOTEL

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS)

CHANGE

O/PRICE

NPFMCRFBK

DATA BANK

Bid Price

1.3361 1.3635 0.9999 1.1855

IRSTBANK has announced winner of the grand prize of a completed four-bedroom detached duplex in Lekki, Lagos after the draw of the Big Splash promo which took place yesterday in Port Harcourt was announced. Other prizes also won at the draw were three brand new Toyota corolla cars, cash prizes of N50,000, refrigerators and standing cookers. Declaring the event open, the Group Head of Retail Banking Southsouth of FirstBank, Mrs. Rosemary Asiegbu, said: “The ’Big Splash savings Promo was designed to reward customers for their patronage and loyalty to the brand over the years. It is also a platform for enhancing savings culture in the nation and encouraging the youths as well as the unbanked to embrace the financial services system. “This year’s promo was designed to coincide with the commemoration of our 120 years anniversary of memorable banking services in the country and as such, we have kept our promise to customers by holding the bi-monthly and quarterly draws regularly where we have given out over N35million cash prizes among many other mouthwatering prizes.” To ensure transparency during the draws, the selection process was under the supervision of the national lottery regulatory council. The bank also partnered with world class consultants, KPMG to ensure world best practice are aligned with. The draw is fully automated and it randomly selects winners who would take home various prizes. The e-draw is also audited from the back end to ensure that the numbers are not pre-selected.

WAUA Yuan/Renminbi

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

July 4, 2014

July 7, 2014

T-bills - 91

9.98

10.00

T-bills - 182

10.00

10.07

T-bills - 364

10.22

Bond - 3yrs

11.26

11.37

Bond - 5yrs

11.36

11.41

Bond - 7yrs

11.77

11.86

FOREX RATES

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 15-07-14

Core investors seek to divest from Continental Reinsurance

HE majority core investors in Continental Reinsurance Plc is seeking to fully divest their shareholdings in the holding company that holds 50.6 per cent equity stake in the insurance company. Regulatory filing obtained yesterday by The Nation indicated that the core investors, which indirectly hold 50.6 per cent equity stake in Continental Reinsurance, have started the full divestment process. As the news of the potential significant change in the shareholding of Continental Reinsurance hit the stock market, retail investors scurried to offload some of their shareholdings and pressured

•Investors panic as share price dips by 4.3% Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

the company’s share price down by 4.3 per cent. According to the report, ECP Africa Fund II PCC and its partners, which form the ECP Fund II Consortium, are exploring the opportunity for the divestment of their interests in C-Re Holding Limited. a Mauritiusbased limited liability company wholly owned by the ECP Fund II Consortium. C-Re Holding Limited is the majority shareholder in Continental Reinsurance, currently holding approximately 50.6 per cent of the issued share capital of the

company. The Nation learnt that Continental Reinsurance has already notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) of the potential divestment. Stakeholders have advised shareholders to exercise caution when dealing in the company’s shares until a further announcement is made. Continental Reinsurance’s share price dropped by 5.0 kobo from N1.17 to close at N1.12 per share. The downtrend was against the overall stock market position, which consolidated its upswing with average gain of 0.14 per cent yesterday.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

NEWS ‘Why robust policy on reproductive health is necessary’

‘Okorocha’s APC membership is blessing’

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

OVERNANCE can improve greatly if policy makers take into cognisance issues relating to security and health of women and children, Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget Ben Akabueze has said. He said government at all levels should pay greater attention to reproductive health problems of the people which is a leading cause of ill-health and death in pregnant women. Akabueze spoke at the commemoration of the World Population Day by the Lagos State Government held at the Public Service Staff Development Centre, Magodo on the theme: "A time to reflect on Population Trends & Related Issues". The commissioner who was represented by the permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Bayo Sodade, said over 100 million women in the world today who are interested in spacing or limiting their pregnancies, lack knowledge of, or access to family planning. Head , Lagos office , United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Dr.Omolaso Omosehin , in his paper titled "Investing in Young People" said healthy, educated, productive and fully engaged young people could help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty because they are and are more resilient facing societal challenges.

Pro-Amaechi lawmakers defect to APC From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

WENTY-five of the 31 lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly, who are loyal to Governor Chibuike Amaechi, yesterday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Making their declaration in Port Harcourt when 13 of them sat , Leader of the House Chidi Lloyd said they have ceased to be members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Lloyd said, they should be referred to as APC members. He said: “The 25 pro-Amaechi lawmakers have asked me to declare our formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Henceforth, 25 of us should be referred to as All Progressives Congress (APC) members.

Baptists partner firm From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Department of Youth and Student Ministries of the Nigeria Baptist Convention (NBC) has partnered a United Kingdom (UK) firm, AHEAD Strategies, to curb unemployment. NBC and the firm are organising a two-day workshop from today at the Bowen University, Iwo in Osun State, with the theme: "The practical intervention for solving youth unemployment". Addressing reporters at the convention's headquarters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the Director of the Department of Youth and Student Ministries, Rev. Samuel Olaleye, said unemployment is of concern to the NBC, adding that it cannot keep quiet while the ugly trend continues.

"This is why we have signed a

•A den of the suspected kidnappers being demolished...yesterday.

Suspected kidnappers’ den demolished in Anambra

NAMBRA State government demolished yesterday two buildings belonging to suspected kidnappers at Okija in Ihiala Local Government and Uruagu in Nnewi North Local Government. The buildings were allegedly used for kidnap by the suspected abductors. Governor Willie Obiano has since assumption of office demolished nine buildings suspected to be used for kidnapping. He vowed to rid the state of kidnappers and other criminals and inaugurated “Operation Mkpochapu”. A source said Police Commissioner Usman Gwary and the Special Adviser to the

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Governor on Security, Chikodi Anara, led the demolishing team to Okija and Nnewi. At Umuatuegwu, Uhuobo village in Okija, the team pulled down a storey building and a bungalow belonging to the late Chief Pius Osuchukwu, which was allegedly used by two of his sons to keep abducted victims. The source said one of them called “Akwaa” is still at large, while his elder brother is now in police net. The Nation learnt that the two suspects are the sons of the deceased’s first wife, Mrs. Rosaline Osuchukwu, who is also late.

Her funeral will hold tomorrow. Gwary alleged that the gang kept kidnapped victims, including the Access Bank manager and cashier, in the buildings. “Others kept in the buildings included the manager of Julius Berger Plc, who was on holiday, a member of the House of Assembly, Dr. Emeka Aniebonam, the manager of CCC Construction Company, among others.” Gwary and Anara hailed the officer in charge of the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS), James Nwafor, for his efforts in fishing out criminals. The police commissioner said the gang used the building to make over

Police arrest kidnap kingpin in Aba

OLICEMEN from the anti-robbery unit of the Aba Area Command in Abia State have arrested Mr. Chinkata Otimgba for allegedly masterminding kidnapping in Aba and its environs. Although the report about his arrest was still sketchy, it was learnt that he was brought from Port Harcourt to Aba by the police on the order of ACP Wagbara Peter, the Area Commander.

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

Otimgba, an indigene of Ohuru Amangwu in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, who is also accused of advance fee- fraud, is reportedly on the wanted list of the Inspector-General of Police Task Force on Heinous Crime, Abuja. He was accused of abducting an ex-permanent secretary, Emenike Ihekwaba, in Imo State in 2012. The victim

is still missing. A source said Otimgba’s wife was arrested and his Lexus sport utility vehicle (SUV) impounded after he escaped arrest when the task force stormed his country home. A kidnap victim, Prince Agu, was said to have been tied and blindfolded behind Otimgba’s hotel (Chegals Hotel) at Amangwu village in Obingwa Local Government.

Sponsorship Package for Osun Osogbo Festival

N200million from the victim. At Uruagu Nnewi, he said the demolished bungalow belonged to a kidnap suspect, Jude Okeke, who was killed in gun battle with the police last year. Gwary said the deceased was one of the suspected kidnappers, who trained other notorious abductors in the state. He said the building was used to keep kidnapped victims, including the Chairman of Emeka Offor Foundation, Sir Tony Obi, the Chairman of Nnewi Parts Dealers called Iroko, the former chairman of Nnewi North Local Government, Mr. Ernest Obiora, among others.

N its tradition of supporting the celebration of Osun Osogbo festival Seaman’s Schnapps, a premium brand on the stable of Grand Oak Limited, distillers of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks is set to make this year’s celebration a memorable experience for all Osun indigenes, visitors and Africans in Diaspora starting from August 7 to 23. The celebration of Osun Osogbo festival is a period of stocktaking and assemblage of all sons and daughters of Osogboland and most especially Yoruba speaking people both in Nigeria and Diaspora. Receiving Seaman’s Schnapps at a news conference held at Eko Hotel, Lagos; His Royal Highness, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, The Ataoja of Osogbo, declared that, “Seaman’s Schnapps is an official prayer drink for Osun Osogbo Festival,” and he gave his royal

blessing for the company to continue to grow and prosper. Similarly, the official Festival Marketing Consultant, Infogem Limited’s Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Ayo Olumoko Esq said Seaman’s Schnapps was the oldest and one of the major sponsors of the festival for over 20 years. He disclosed that the choice of the brand was because of its proven integrity among other brands. Speaking at the event, Grand Oak’s Senior Brand Manager, Seaman’s Schnapps, Mr. Nnamdi Ezeani revealed that, “Seaman’s will showcase its new Seaman’s Schnapps centenary pack which is a pack of celebration that symbolizes and commemorates 100 years of nationhood of Nigeria as the original number one prayer drink and symbol of unlimited blessings of our country during the festival.” Ezeani also noted that Seaman’s Schnapps and Osun Osogbo Festival have a strong

historical link which makes the brand to be committed to the festival. His words: “The festival was commenced in 1984 and Seaman’s was launched in 1984 that tells you this is the match made in heaven. The festival is unique because it epitomizes the concept that Seaman stands for. It is a celebration of our rich cultural heritage and it is a source of pride to us not just the State of Osun but the country called Nigeria.” The 2014 Osun Osogbo Cultural Festival will be hosted by Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, Olanipekun Larooye 11, in conjunction with Osun State Government in August. The cultural festival which has been widely described as a leading platform for cultural tourism development in the state and Nigeria will feature interesting pre-festival events such as Osun Tourism Ambassadors (State Government) (June – July 20) and Ataoja’s Youth Football Challenge (July 16 – August 12).

The Nation gathered that police’s effort to arrest him paid off on Monday when, acting on a tip-off, Wagbara mobilised the squad to Port Harcourt. Sources said efforts were on to arrest members of the suspect’s syndicate. Police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna confirmed the arrest on his mobile phone.

By Oziegbe Okoeki

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha’s membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been described as a blessing to the party. The Special Assistant to the Imo State Governor/Lagos Liaison Officer, Alfred Ononugbo, who spoke on Tuesday in Lagos, said: “Okorocha is a blessing not only to Imo State but also Nigeria”. He said the defection of the governor from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the APC would not affect his electoral fortunes “because he is not serving the indigenes (Imolites) as a party, he is serving them as a person, but on the platform of a party.” Ononugbo said APGA was nothing when Okorocha joined the party in Imo State. “But he took them to electoral victory. He has a robust style of leadership and I think that is what has endeared him to the people.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, OKONKWO EMMANUEL NUEL hereby confirm that I am one and same person as SAMUEL IFEANYI OKONKWO. All former documents remains valid. General public should please take note. PUBLIC NOTICE ADEYEMI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyemi, Adebimpe Tejumola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okemakinde, Adebimpe Tejumola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

This is to inform the general public that I have transferred the full ownership of my Volvo 580 1996 model with Chassis number YUILS5729T2304345 through sale to Mr. Maliki Taiwo Idris of Nigeria Customs Service .Mr. Maliki Taiwo Idris will henceforth be the owner of the said car. General public take note.

Signed: Akerele Wilson ademola

CAVEAT EMPTOR

We Solicitor of MRS. ESTHER OLUFUNKE ADEYEYE of 14 Sesan Muyegun Crescent Ijeshate do with her instruction and authority make this publication that her property at FLAT 3 IN BLOCK 25 OF L.S.D.P.C MEDIUM INCOME HOUSE AT ALAPERE IS NOT FOR SALE

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

NEWS Amaechi: I remain committed to the people

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the living standard of people in the rural areas. The governor said his administration is determined to finish strong. Amaechi spoke at his “Meet-the-People tour” of seven communities in Ikwerre Local Government Area. The communities visited were Igwuruta, Ipo, Omademe, Ozuaha, Omuanwa, Ubima and Omerelu. The tour, according to him, is in furtherance of the administration’s opengovernment policy. He said: “As we enter the last lap of our administration, it is imperative that we go round to see what governance gaps remain in our quest to guarantee the lives of present and future generations. “This is a non-partisan and non-political tour. We want all parties, persons and interests to please join us in this critical interaction, as we make our final push to complete our mandate and deliver on our

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

promises to the Rivers people.” The governor condemned the attack on his supporters and their property at Igwuruta by thugs sponsored by the leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The thugs destroyed vehicles owned by Amaechi’s supporters, before men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SAS) chased them away. The car of one of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chidi Wihioka, was damaged by the “frustrated” attackers. At Igwuruta, the governor said the visit was to bring government closer to the people and discuss ways to ensure more development impact on rural dwellers. He announced the building of two more model primary schools in the area and unveiled plans for empowerment programmes. Amaechi urged the people to participate in the voter registration and vote for the APC. “Permanent voter registration will soon commence.

Shell raises alarm on oil theft in Bayelsa

Saraki, Ogbeh, Gbajabiamila, Melaye warn Jonathan

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

HELL Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) raised the alarm yesterday on rising crude oil theft in Okordia/ Ikarama, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa

State. Its Media Relations Manager, Precious Okolobo, lamented that the communities had become notorious for illegal bunkering and other forms of oil theft. He said 11 crude thefts occurred in Ikarama and Okordia this year. Okolobo said the latest incident, which happened on June 11, resulted in the spillage of 600 barrels of oil into the environment. Explaining how the incident occurred, he said: “The Joint Investigation Visit (JIV), comprising representatives of the community, government regulators and security agents, government and SPDC officials established that unknown persons removed a valve at the manifold, causing a spill of about 600 barrels of oil. “SPDC is concerned about rising crude theft activities in Okordia/Ikarama. The SPDC JV is concerned at the increasing trend of oil spills caused by third party activities in Okordia and Ikarama axis of Bayelsa State, where 11 sabotage and crude theft incidents have been recorded so far this year.”

From Yusuf Alli and John Ofikhenua, Abuja

• Amaechi with his supporters at Ubima...yesterday

I urge you to register and wait for next February, when you will vote to elect credible leaders of your choice. If politicians know that your votes count, they will give you anything you need from them. That power of gover-

nance is in the hands of the electorate. Don’t sell your votes,” Amaechi advised. At Ipo, the governor promised to ensure the building of the Airport-Ipo-Omademe road and to give scholarship awards. Also, at Omademe, Ozuoha

and Omuanwa communities, the governor pledged to facilitate the completion of on-going internal roads, construction of a model Health Centre at Omuanwa and empowerment of the people to reduce poverty in the area.

Confusion in Adamawa: Ex- Deputy Governor denies resignation

HERE was a twist to the Adamawa State crisis yesterday following denial of resignation by exDeputy Governor Bala Ngilari. Ngilari claimed that he was forced to send a letter to the ex- Speaker of the House of Assembly, Umaru Fintiri, who is now the acting Governor. There were indications last night that some forces in Abuja and Adamawa State were pushing for the inauguration of Ngilari as the Acting Governor instead of Fintiri, who was sworn in on Tuesday. The sacked Governor Murtala Nyako last night said Ngilari had not resigned and

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

should be made acting Governor. Ngliari reportedly opened up on how the deputy speaker now the acting Speaker, Kwamoti Laori invaded his official residence with a group of soldiers and ordered him to tender his resignation letter as “directed from above.” The embattled Deputy Governor was quoted as saying: “The truth is that I have not sent any letter of resignation to the governor up till now because the representative of the House of Assembly only came to my house yesterday asking me to tender my resignation and he asked me to address the letter to the

speaker of the Assembly which I did. “When the lawmakers led by the deputy speaker met and asked me to write the resignation, I wrote it to the governor but later on they came and said that I should change it and addressed it to the speaker. The sacked Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, demanded the reinstatement of his deputy as the authentic acting governor of the state. Nyako made the demand in a statement in Yola through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to the purported resignation of the deputy governor of Adamawa state, Barrister Bala James Ngillari which was supposedly read on the floor of the State House of Assembly. “We wish to state categorically that Section 306 (5) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended requires that the deputy resigned not to the House of Assembly but tothe Governor. As at the time the supposed resignation was said to have been tendered in the House, Murtala H Nyako was the governor of Adamawa state. “No such was written to him, none was received by him and none was approved by him. It should therefore be known that in the eyes of the law, the deputy governor has not resigned. Barrister Bala James Ngillari is still the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State. “This clarification is necessary to avert another subversion of the constitution, since the order processes relating to the impeachment saga have all been in contravention of the constitution and the law.We wish to observe that the continued abuse of the constitution and the law of the land will spell doom for our democracy.”

FORMER Governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki yesterday warned President Goodluck Jonathan against using impeachment to terrorise the opposition. He said the President and his advisers should forget the idea that impeachment plot against any governor will make the presidency popular and dreaded. Saraki, who spoke with reporters on the sideline of a World Press Conference by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, said the President should live above partisan interest because he is leading a nation. He addressed reporters alongside a former National Chairman of PDP, Chief Audu Ogbeh, the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and an anticorruption campaigner, Hon. Dino Melaye. Saraki said: “I think it (impeachment) is also a misplacement of priority. Though we are speaking as individuals but it is key now to speak as Nigerians. “We all live in a global world; we know what is happening all over the place. I think there is need to show more responsibility. Elections will come and go but this country Nigeria must stay together. “What they are concerned about now is election. I have been an Executive Governor before. There is no president since the time of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo till date that acted this way. I speak for the interest of this country. “Those who are advising the President let them go and check it. You think after the impeachment, you make the president popular? No. You are just playing with the ambition of people on ground. “I think there is need for responsibility because once you are elected, you are elected for everybody, those that voted you and otherwise. That is why we have a President.” On his part, ex-National Chairman of PDP, Chief Audu Ogbeh accused lawmakers of trivializing impeachment clause in the 1999 Constitution.

Vehicle owners get ultimatum THE Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands have warned owners of abandoned vehicles parked at Ogbere/Sango Otta and Agbowa stations to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction two weeks after this publication. The vehicles are Honda Accord FB 971 EKY, Toyota Carina BJ 85EKY, Omega Opel GH 157 KJA, Toyota Carina DN 654 EKY, Toyota Corolla AT 126 KSF, Mazda EX 726 KED, Opel Asconal KP 115 AAA , Gulf red in colour LNDG 262 AJ and 10 other motorcycles.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

NEWS 27 killed in Boko Haram attack

‘Pay Kogi workers’

A GROUP, Kogi State APC Restoration, has called on the Peoples Democratic Party-led administration to pay the backlog of salaries owed teachers and workers. The teachers are on strike to protest the non-payment of their salaries by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). In a statement by its coordinator, Mohammed Abubakar, the group said: “We call on the PDP leadership to pay the salary arrears of teachers and also allow continuous payment of full salary at the councils. “The PDP government should correct the abnormalities, because the people are yearning for development and change of leadership. We have seen the light at the end of the tunnel and God is about to set us free.”

O fewer than 27 people were killed when some suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Sabon Gari village in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. Sources said the attack took place at 6pm on Tuesday. Seven others also died in an attempt to bury their dead yesterday morning when the terrorists regrouped and opened fire on residents at the Sabon Gari cemetery. Fleeing residents said many people were injured during the attack. A relative of one of the deceased, Mallam Iliyasu Ibrahim, said his cousin was among those killed on Tuesday. Ibrahim said two of his sisters were missing. Police spokesman Gideon Jubrin could not be reached but a top security source said:” More than 20 people were killed on Tuesday and Wednesday twin attacks on Sabon Gari village by suspected terrorists.”

From James Azania, Lokoja

•The premises of the Nigerian Televiion Authority (NTA) Channel 9 in Calabar sealed off by the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service...yesterday. PHOTO: NAN SEE STORY ON PAGE 66

Appeal Court sets aside Offa monarch judgment

German abducted in Adamawa

GERMAN was abducted yesterday in Gombi, Adamawa

State. Armed men on motorcycles kidnapped the man in front of his house. The German reportedly works as the head teacher of a technical school. “The abductors laid siege to his house. As soon as he came out and was about to get into his car, two persons on foot approached him and pointed a gun at him. “They carried him away on their motorcycle,” a neighbour said.

NYCN congress in September From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

HE Court of Appeal sitting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday set aside the 2012 judgment of the high court dismissing the counter-claim of one of the claimants to the Olofa of Offa stool. In its cross appeal, the Anilelerin ruling house approached the court, praying it to declare that there is no rotation to Olofa’s stool; a declaration that only Anilelerin ruling house exists and a declaration that the State Gazette of 1970 is not statute-barred. The Court of Appeal also declined to comment further on the matter as it is before the Supreme Court. The appellate court af-

HE hope of ending the lingering crisis in the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) was reignited yesterday as the Federal Government backed a fresh election by the Congress Planning Committee (CPC). The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Student Matters, Jude Imagwe, who met with the CPC in Abuja, fixed the congress for September. At the congress to be held in Abuja, the CPC chairman, Uzor Ifeanyi, said the foundation laying of the proposed youth village will be laid to mark NYCN’s 50th anniversary.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

firmed the existence of two ruling houses in the ancient town. The two ruling houses are Anilelerin and Olugbense. The appellate court in July, last year declared the selection and installation of the Anilelerin candidate, Alhaji Mohammed Mufutau Gbadamosi, as the Olofa of Offa as illegal. The state High Court sitting in Offa in 2012 dismissed the counter-claim of Anilelerin ruling house as statute-barred, though the trial court had declared legal Gbadamosi’s selection and installation.

Mr. Justice Suleiman Akanbi of the High Court said: “The people of Offa and honest kingmakers, guided by their conscience, are to determine the Olofa of Offa. “The gazette, which gives room for the two ruling houses to exist, was ominously silent on rotation. “What then is the business of the court to do otherwise?” But in a unanimous judgment, the three-man panel, led by Justice A. G Mshelia, said the “manner in which the judge handled the counter-claim was inequitable and perverse”. Other members of the panel include Justice A Jauro and Justice R.N Pemu.

The judgment, which was read by Justice Pemu, added: “The aspect of the judgment that says the counter-claim is statue-barred is hereby set aside”. On the gazette (Exhibit J), which was made by the military government of Kwara State in 1970, the appellate court said it was decided in the earlier judgment of this same court, adding that that is covered by issue estoppels. The court added “that the issue is now before the Supreme Court in the appeals by the deposed Oba and that by kingmakers. “That issue is the paramount issue and the court can no longer decide on it.”

NSCDC officials invade JAMB office

One of the officials...yesterday

OME Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers in Kogi State attacked

workers of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Lokoja yesterday. The armed NSCDC officials stormed the office at 10am, dragged out guards and took them away on the allegation that JAMB refused to engage their services. The NSCDC claimed that SPITEC, the security outfit contracted by JAMB to guard its office, was not registered with the organisation. The invasion was led by RSM Jegede, who allegedly ordered his men to shoot any worker who refuse to ‘cooperate’. When the JAMB state coor-

From James Azania, Lokoja

dinator, Daniel Agbo and some workers pleaded that the issue was being handled by the headquarters, the officials attacked them. They were said to have shut the office after beating up some workers, including an expectant mother. Another worker, Miss Victoria Tachio, was reportedly beaten up and her clothes torn. Agbo condemned the “commando-like manner officers of the corps”, saying it was crude and uncivil.

Showing reporters bruises on his body, Agbo said he fell three times, even as “one of them pointing his rifle” at him. He said cash from sales of scratch cards and forms, mobile phones and other personal effects were carted away by the attackers. When reporters approached the NSCDC state commander, Dayo Adesuyi, his men barricaded the road, shouting abuses. One of the officers, Akusebio T. O, threatened to deal with them. The Sun correspondent, Emmanuel Adeyemi, was attacked.

APC flays PDP over opening of Maiduguri Airport

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised the opening of the Maiduguri International Airport by the Federal Government for former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sherriff. The Defence Headquarters a fortnight ago claimed that the restriction on the facility at the airport was due to military use in line with the operations against Boko Haram insurgents. The “military use” led to

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

the denial of 286 pilgrims, who were going for the lesser Hajj (Umrah), access to the airport. APC’s National Secretary Mai Mala Buni, who spoke in Damaturu, Yobe State, accused the Federal Government of being bias. “It is unfortunate and unacceptable for government to employ selective justice through politics in the use of public institutions and infra-

structure built with public funds. “Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima and Senator Ali Ndume were denied take off from the airport but the authorities reopened the airport to Sherriff to facilitate his defection to PDP. “This is a repeat of what happened during the Ekiti governorship election where APC governors were refused landing at the Akure Airport,” he said. Buni noted that the PDP

government was orchestrating primitive politics, which does not speak well for the development of democracy. “I think government must stop this dirty politics and concentrate on issues that will improve the lives of Nigerians, instead of these brazen abuses of public office with impunity.” The national secretary said instead of the PDP to get serious about the insecurity, collapse of institutions and infrastructure, corruption and unemployment, the party is

receiving those who have failed to actualise their selfish goals in the APC. “We are happy that politicians with personal interests have realised the APC’s commitment to national agenda and are leaving the party. “Let me assure you that in the APC there are no vacancies for political jobbers who do not have the interest of the people at heart. “We are happy Nigerians have seen these politicians and will decide next year.”

Kaduna bans tax collection agents From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

THE Kaduna State government has banned tax collection agents operating on township roads and highways. A statement yesterday by the Commissioner for Information, Ben Bako, said though the government was not averse to the collection of approved taxes and levies, there was the need for an organised modality for such collection. It reads: “It has been observed with concern the activities of some tax collection agents in township roads and highways in Kaduna State. The agents stop vehicles and motorcycle drivers collecting money. The situation has led to traffic hold-ups on our roads and complaints from the general public on the modalities of the operation. “In view of this therefore, the operation of these agents collecting such monies and fees on the township roads and highways in the state is the hereby banned.”

Funeral tomorrow A community leader,Pa Reuben Ayoola Olaifa, aka Engineer is dead. He died on April 28 at 77. A spokesperson for the family, Pastor Bolatitio Olaniyan, said there would be a Christian wake today at 9, Temidire Street, Adekile, Ibadan (Ile Gate), at 5pm. A funeral service will hold tomorrow at Cathedral of St. Peter’s Church, Aremo, Ibadan from 10 am. His remains will be interred at St. Peter’s burial ground. Guests will be entertained at Olubadan High School, Adekile, Ibadan.

•The late Olaifa

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS Syrian President Assad sworn in ROCLAIMING the Syrian people for 3rd term winners in a "dirty war" waged by

outsiders, President Bashar Assad was sworn in yesterday, marking the start of his third seven-year term in office amid a bloody civil war that has ravaged the Arab country. Looking confident and self-assured, occasionally making jokes, Assad declared victory over "terrorism" and said countries that supported the Syrian opposition "will pay a high price." The grandiose ceremony at the presidential palace in Damascus caps what has been a recent reversal of fortune on the battlefield for Assad's forces battling the rebellion against him. In the past year, the 48-year-old leader has managed to seize the momentum in the civil war, with his troops making steady advances on several fronts against outgunned rebels bogged down in infighting. Syrian state TV broadcast what it said was a live ceremony Wednesday during which Assad took the oath of office. The TV showed Assad arriving at the People's Palace in the Qassioun Mountain, the scenic plateau that overlooks the capital from the north. A band played the Syrian national anthem after which Assad was seen walking a red carpet past an honor guard into a hall packed with members of parliament and Christian and Muslim clergyman. Wearing a dark blue suit and a blue shirt and tie, Assad placed his hand on Islam's

holy book, the Quran, pledging to honor the country's constitution. "I swear by the Almighty God to respect the country's constitution, laws and its republican system and to look after the interests of the people and their freedoms," he said to thunderous applause from the audience. He then launched into a speech in which he praised the Syrian people for holding the vote and for "defeating the dirty war" launched on the Syrian people. "They wanted it to be a revolution but you were the real rebels," he said. "They failed in trying to brainwash you, or break your will." Throughout the crisis, Assad has maintained that the conflict that has torn his nation apart was a Western-backed conspiracy executed by "terrorists" - and not a popular revolt by people inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings, seeking democracy and disenchanted with his authoritarian rule. As the conflict slid into civil war, Assad refused to step down and last month, he was re-elected in a landslide victory in a vote dismissed by the opposition and its Western allies as a sham. He won 88.7 percent of the ballots cast in the first multicandidate elections in decades. The voting didn't take place in opposition-held areas of Syria, effectively excluding millions of people from the vote.

Palestinians flee after Israel warning, airstrikes

H •Assad...yesterday

Syria's civil war, now in its fourth year, has killed more than 170,000 people and displaced one third of the country's population. Reflecting the security threat surrounding Assad, the inauguration ceremony was for the first time held at the presidential palace and not in the Syrian parliament as has been the tradition. Assad's wife, Asma, was also in the audience Wednesday, sitting alongside several women in the front row. "Congratulations for your victory and congratulations for Syria and its people who have defied all kinds of terrorism," Assad said. He mocked Arab and regional backers of the Syrian rebels fighting to topple him.

25 SAA passengers injured in turbulence

WENTY-FIVE passengers were injured when a passenger jet travelling from South Africa to Hong Kong hit severe turbulence yesterday, South African Airways spokesperson Tlali Tlali has confirmed. Tlali said flight SA286, which took off from Johannesburg, encountered severe turbulence in the Kuala Lumpur airspace. He said the crew of the flight immediately requested medical assistance for the passengers, which was arranged and ready on arrival of the aircraft in Hong Kong. He said there were 165 passengers on board, besides

NEWS

the 25 passengers who were injured. Three crew members also needed treatment. Local Hong Kong television channels have reported that several ambulances were on the tarmac when the four-engine Airbus A340-300 touched down and several were transferred to city hospitals. There were unconfirmed reports that two of the injured were in a serious condition. Report says it is unclear at this stage whether the aircraft was damaged. SAA, which is the biggest airline in Africa, has an excellent safety record.

UNDREDS of Palestinian families, their children crying, fled yesterday, as Israel intensified airstrikes on Hamas targets, including homes of the movement's leaders, following failed Egyptian cease-fire efforts. Before the renewed bombardment, Israel had told tens of thousands of residents of border areas to evacuate their neighbourhoods. The Palestinian death toll in nine days of fighting rose to 204, with some 1,450 wounded, Palestinian health officials said. On the Israeli side, one man was killed and several people were wounded since the fighting erupted on July 8. The renewed bombings came a day after Israel initially accepted an Egyptian truce proposal that called for a halt of hostilities. That was to be followed by talks on the terms of a longer-term cease-fire, including easing Gaza's seven-year-old border blockade by Israel and Egypt. Hamas rejected the plan and instead launched more rockets at Israel. The militant group views a significant easing of the blockade as key to its survival, but does not believe Egypt's current rulers - who deposed a Hamas-friendly government in Cairo last year - can be fair brokers. As Cairo's effort collapsed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Hamas will pay a high price for rejecting the truce offer. The website of the Gaza Interior Ministry said Israel warplanes carried out dozens of air strikes before dawn yesterday, targeting 30 houses, including those of senior Hamas leaders Mahmoud Zahar, Jamila Shanti, Fathi Hamas and Ismail Ashkar. Zahar was a key figure in Hamas' violent takeover of Gaza in 2007,

Jonathan promises victory over terror

Continued from page 4

widows and reduced children to orphans. “They have killed and maimed and struck fear into law-abiding citizens. They have destroyed villages, attacked property and terminated people’s livelihoods without a care in the world. They have engaged our security agencies in a meaningless warfare that has wasted unimaginable human and material resources.” “The reality today is that, we are confronted with individuals whose minds have been so twisted and tutored to believe they are doing God a service.” “For those who take pleasure in seeing innocent human beings in pains, to see limbs being shattered and blood flowing in all direction after terror attacks, we say, you shall have no hiding place. Nigerians will expose you. The people of conscience around the world have rejected you.” Jonathan praised the countries backing Nigeria to fight the insurgency and this country’s neighbours for their cooperation. He said: “This has given us more fillip and we are confi-

dent that the days of Boko Haram are numbered. It is now just a matter of time. Our war against terrorism is gathering momentum. When you read about bombing incidents in the mass media, they may come across to those not directly affected as mere statistics. As the old proverb says, when you carry another man’s coffin, it looks like an ordinary log of wood.” “But to us, fathers and mothers, and the families of the victims, they are not just numbers. They are human beings – sons and daughters, uncles, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters and indeed, fathers and mothers! They are Nigerians!! They are individuals with dreams and aspirations, noble Nigerians who love their country.” According to him, the Victims Support Fund Committee will help to mobilise collective efforts and resources in support of the victims. He urged Nigerians and nonNigerians, individuals and cooperate bodies, to give generously to the Fund. The committee is to •identify sources and ways of raising sustainable funding to support victims of terror ac-

tivities; •develop appropriate strategies for the fund raising; •ascertain the persons, communities, facilities and economic assets affected by terror activities; •assess and determine the appropriate support required in each case; •manage, disburse and/or administer support to the victims as appropriate; •address related challenges as may be appropriate; and •advise the Government on other matter(s) necessary or incidental to support victims of terror activities. Noting that the insurgents appeared to be having upper hand, the Chairman of the Committee, Gen. Danjuma said the war against terror was taking too long to win. According to him, it is a war that must be urgently won by the Federal Government. He said: “One thing we will not do is to go to Sambisa forest. The commander-in-chief will lead and we will follow the commander-in-chief.” “But, seriously, this war must be brought to an end. We must win this war immediately. It is taking too long. I called it civil

war when it began; people say it is insurgency. The insurgents appear to be having an upper hand at this very moment. They pick and choose where to strike. They are even holding positions and displacing us. We must win this war Mr. President; we must do so immediately.” “We will raise the fund, we will disburse it. I promise you we will do so diligently and transparent but we must win this war, Mr. President. May God bless our country.” Giving the vote of thanks, National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki, assured the committee that the Federal Government would win the war against terror. He said: “Sir, you gave me a very difficult task after Gen. Danjuma’s statement. The only thing I will do is thank them for agreeing to serve and assure them that we will win the war.” “But there are some very hard choices that would have to be made. We have to been more concern about the lives of a few versus the condition of a few million. The decision has to be made soon. This is not the first time we have been challenged by very senior Nigerians about the need to end this.

APC: Jonathan has declared war against opposition Continued from page 4

“Never in the history of our country have our people been so divided along ethnic, religious, political and social lines, with poverty rising astronomically in the backdrop of a claimed rapid growth in the nation’s GDP. “We warn that excessive political greed will always have its consequences. Any student of Nigeria’s contemporary history will realise what acts of impunity and

desperation to win elections at all cost did to the country in 1965, 1983 and 1993, just to mention but a few. “We call on all friends of Nigeria to prevail on President Jonathan to apply the brakes in his obsessive quest for power, because every action has consequences. “It is time for those who can still get the ears of this President to remind him that his ambition is not worth the destruction of a

whole country. All those who can must act now before it is too late!” The briefing was attended by party bigwigs, including Deputy National Chairman Shuaib Lawal; National Secretary Mai Mala Buni, one-time Minister and former National Chairman of PDP Chief Audu Ogbeh; a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; Senator Bukola Saraki; Minority Leader in the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabi-

amila; ex-Deputy Governor of Bauchi State Alhaji Mohammed Garba Gadi, National Vice-Chairman (North-East) B. D. Lawal; National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed; National Organising Secretary Senator Osita Izunaso; National Publicity Secretary of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties(CNPP) Osita Okechukwu; anti-corruption crusader Dino Melaye and other members of the party’s National Executive Committee.

while the other three were members of the Palestinian parliament elected in 2006. Many Hamas leaders have gone into hiding since the beginning of the Israeli offensive. Alongside the air strikes, Israel also told tens of thousands of residents of the northern town of Beit Lahiya and the Zeitoun and Shijaiyah neighborhoods of Gaza City, all near the border with Israel, to evacuate their homes by 8 a.m. Wednesday. The warnings were delivered in automated phone calls, text messages and leaflets dropped from planes. The Israeli military said in its message that large numbers of rockets were launched from these areas and that Israel plans to bomb these locations. "Whoever disregards these instructions and fails to evacuate immediately, endangers their own lives, as well as those of their families," the message said. On Wednesday morning, hundreds of residents of Zeitoun and Shijaiyah were seen walking in the streets, carrying small bags with belongings. Older children carried smaller ones, in their arms or on their backs. Some of the women and children cried, looking terrified. The Wafa Rehabilitation Center in Shijaiyah, which cares for 15 disabled and elderly patients, received several calls demanding the patients evacuate, said its director, Basman Ashi. He said an Israel shell hit near the building, causing damage to the second floor, but no injuries. Ashi said he won't evacuate because his elderly patients have nowhere to go. Four foreign volunteers - from England, the U.S., France and Sweden - have set up camp at the rehabilitation center to deter the military from targeting it.

APC will go to court, says Odigie-Oyegun Continued from page 4

sonally served. Was he served personally? “Secondly, there was a subsisting court order, which should have stopped the impeachment process until the governor’s petition was disposed off. But they went ahead. “There are a lot more other but when our lawyers go to court, you will see that. Concerning allegation of gross misconduct, it was the most fair- less impeachment procedure on record up to date. “I have no doubt in my mind that any properly constituted legal tribunal is going to reverse the process. We are going to vigorously challenge what has happened in Adamawa State.” Oyegun was however taken to task by reporters on why APC had to blame President Goodluck Jonathan for the impeach-

ment of Nyako after the former governor publicly absolved the President of complicity. Oyegun insisted that there was no contradiction between the party’s position and Nyako’s purported statement. He added: “There is no contradiction there. The governor did what he had to do. But we will agree as a party what to do when the need arises for us to do it. There is no contradiction, the governor is a governor, the party is a party. That is a bit different. “On the loose provision of the constitution, our legal luminaries and representatives will look into it. “In this nation, you know what happens, when the weakness of the law favours those who have the hammer in their hand, they use it to the fullest possible effect.”

New SSG for Adamawa

Continued from page 4

murde, Numan, Demsa federal constituency, Anthony Madwatte, said he was happy to see a PDP man at the seat of government. Nyako was an All Progressives Congress (APC) governor. Yola and its environs remained calm despite the heavy presence of armoured cars, military and Police personnel. There were also Air Force men and Civil Defence

personnel on the streets. It was learnt that Nyako had pleaded with his supporters during a solidarity visit two days before the impeachment, that there should be no demonstrations on the streets. He pleaded with his teeming supporters to wait for the final outcome of the case in a competent Court of law should the House impeach him.

‘We never requested to visit Aso Villa’ Continued from page 4

“Their request is also in recognition of the huge opportunity of a meeting with the President for the first time, after over 90 days of the tragic abduction. “...The community, therefore, required better consultations, structure and formality, as against an instant advocacy request. “It is totally misleading, unjust

and without foundation to hold the citizens’ platform #BringBackOurGirls or any individual responsible for the decision made by the 12 parents and our community. We, therefore, take full responsibility for our decision and welcome the formal invitation by the President as a follow-up to the Malala’s visit which we received this morning.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

NEWS RAMADAN KAREEM

Ramadan 20, 1435AH

Group condemns military invasion of Mosques

USLIM Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the military over “the constant raids on mosques which have become a recurring decimal in the Southeast.” Men of the Nigerian Army on Monday raided some mosques in Aba, Abia State. They arrested the Chief Imam of Aba Central Mosque, Alhaji Bashir Idris and 14 others. Although the Chief Imam and 12 of those arrested were free after interrogation the 144 Battalion, Asa in Ukwa West council area of the state, two teachers of the New Horizon Academy, which is attached to Aba Central Mosque were not released. The MURIC Director Prof Ishaq Lakin Akintola, condemned the zealousness of the security operatives based in the Southeast. Flimsy excuses, he said, are being used to persecute Muslims and northerners resident in their midst. “We affirm that this is con-

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

trary to the spirit of brotherhood expected among fellow Nigerians. It is also a usurpation of the Allah-given and fundamental human rights of Muslims and Northerners residing in the southeast as enshrined in Chapter IV, Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that “every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereto or exit therefrom.” MURIC described the raids on mosques as deliberate desecration of the sanctity of a place of worship. Akintola said: “By constantly raiding mosques, Nigerian soldiers are setting a bad precedent. Also by molesting Imams and Islamic scholars, Nigerian security agencies are engaging in religious stigmatisation, ethnic profiling and undue scape-

goatism. “These actions are not only most unethical but also highly unprofessional. They stand in contradistinction to international best practices among security agencies around the world where the focus is on intelligence gathering instead of the manifestation of Stone Age security gimmicks and dictatorial Gestapo tactics. “The allegation that the two detained teachers were storing bomb-making chemicals is spurious, baseless and unfounded. MURIC therefore demands the immediate release of the two teachers, the Chemistry teacher, Abdul Rahman Sani and the headteachers, Abdul Majid Abubakar. Who does not know that chemicals are needed to teach chemistry? Instead of keeping them incommunicado beyond 48 hours, the duo should be arraigned in a properly constituted court of law if anything is found against them.”

LASU students visit psychiatric hospital

EMBERS of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State University (LASU), Anthony campus, has visited the workers and patients of the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Yaba. The students were enlight-

By Fatimah Abdul

ened on factors that could being admitted into a psychiatric hospital. Some of these are inability to sleep for a week or two, constant headache, something crawling sensation in the body and social deviance. They were advised to avoid

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

Indebtedness (2)

S stated yesterday, the intention of rectifying material indebtedness by proxy must be in the name of the debtor and the source of funding must be pure. As for moral indebtedness, it may come in form of promise or reciprocation of good deed. In Islam, promise, especially a voluntary one is a debt, which must be paid. For instance, a deferred dowry in marriage is a debt that must be paid no matter how long it takes. Ditto is the case of an orphan’s property under one’s custody which is promised to be returned. Both must be paid as at when due based on fear of Allah. There are many other forms of promises. All these types of debts are between man and Allah. They need no witnesses except where evidence is required. The one, which requires witnesses, is contained in chapter 2:282 of the Qur’an. It is about money and other material matters. This verse (the longest in the Qur’an) deals extensively with the issue of indebtedness and emphasizes the documentation of such a debt between the creditor and the debtor in the presence of witnesses who must append their signature to the document. It does not matter whether the debt in question is between a husband and his wife or between a mother and her daughter. The intention is to create a peaceful co-existence, within the Muslim community, which no debt should interrupt. It is better not to make promise than to change one’s mind after making a promise without informing the person to whom promise is made. Another form of debt is the boycott of sexual intercourse either by the husband or wife for an untenable reason. From the day a marriage is consummated a knot of legitimate sexual indebtedness has been tied. And except for a very cogent reason which must be understandable to both parties, no one of them should boycott intercourse deliberately. Ramadan fasting, therefore, or any religious activities in the sacred month should not be used as an excuse for refraining from intercourse without getting the consent of the other party. Whoever does that has deviated from the fulfilment of a major promise.

sudden fall, infection, accident, addiction to drug and alcohol and brain injury/tumour as these could make them vulneerable to mental disorder. The matrons and nurses urged them to tell others to stop stigmatisation of psychiatric patients. Ramadan Committee chairman Adegbenro Sulaiman said the students earlier visited the National Orthopeadic Hospital, igbobi and the Home of Destitute in Ebute Meta. Sulaiman said the visits made them saw a different world and thus appreciate God.

According to the campus Amir, Alayo Kehinde household gifts food items and the holy Quran presented on the ocasions.

Journalists to pray for Gawat

USLIM Media Practitioners of Nigeria, (MMPN), Lagos Branch organising a special prayer for Alhaji Aremu Gawat, a frontline Muslim broadcaster, who was declared missing two years ago. The Chief Missioner of AlFatiu Quareeb Society Worldwide, Sheikh AbdurRahman Adangba, will deliver lecture at the event. The event to hold on Saturday at the NTA Channel 10 Mosque, Tejuoso, Lagos. According to the Coordinator of the body, Alhaji Warith Solanke, the prayer is meant “to call public attention to the need to remember our brother and his family in prayers in this month of Ramadan and always.” “We equally want to remind the authorities to enhance security of lives and properties in the country,” he said. He wondered why there has not been no information about Gawat, two years after his disappearance.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

ear sir, my name is Kanayo and I do patronize your product. My wife turned 50 years this year and her period stopped. Since she stopped menstruating, she no longer has interest in sex and when we do manage to have sex once in a while, she does not enjoy it. Please do you have any medicine that can bring back her period? Also I need medicine that can improve her sexual urge. Thanks – kanayo Dear kanayo, your wife is experiencing what is known as menopause. This is normal. It usually starts around the age of 50 although in some women, menopause happens earlier than 50 and for some, it happens a little after. But as from around the age of 50 or late forties, nature assumes a woman is done with having children and is no longer in need of her monthly ovulation. So ovulation stops. Once the female body stops releasing eggs monthly, she stops menstruating. That is what menopause is. But every woman experiences it eventually and the symptoms are many, such as lack of interest in sex, vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, irritability, weight gain, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, depression etc. Unfortunately, we cannot reverse the course of nature and stop menopause. What we can do however is to recommend supplements and lubricants that can help women like your wife maintain a healthy interest in sex and enjoy it too. To restore sexual desire, I recommend a libido booster. Max Desire or Pink Elevate Female Libido Enhancer will help her. These supplements can be taken daily to ensure sexual interest at any time. They can also be taken on a case by case basis and start to work within one hour of consumption. But for best results, these supplements should be taken daily. As for the vaginal dryness, a simple lubricant or orgasm gel will do. Ask for the 69 Nipple and Clit Stimulating Gel or the Colt Slick Lubricant– Uche My oga, good morning sir. I just want report back on that penis enlarger wen you recommend for me. I don dey use that Men’s Club enlarger for two months now and my

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

RIPPLES Lack of buyers: CHELSEA LOWER MIKEL’S ASKING PRICE

That’s the result of playing like a PREGNANT WOMAN IN BRAZIL

VOL. 9, NO. 2,910

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

his article by me on fiscal federalism was first published in this paper in May. It was a preview of the emerging controversy at the National Conference over resource control. There is now a complete deadlock at the conference between the North and the Southsouth delegations on the issue. As was widely expected, and as I observed in my column in this paper a few weeks ago, the issue of fiscal federalism is proving to be a hard nut to crack at the National Conference. It is still being debated at the committee level and it was reported that the committee had agreed tentatively on the reduction of the federal share of the national revenue by some 10 per cent to be distributed among the states and local governments. But there were press reports also last week that the northern delegation had circulated a 47-page position paper at the conference rejecting all claims to oil resources by the oil producing states, particularly in the Delta region. Specifically, the position paper is demanding that all minerals, including oil, should remain under the exclusive list of the Federal Government and that the previous dichotomy on offshore and onshore revenues be restored. In effect, the northern delegation is giving notice in advance that it will oppose the principle of derivation as the basis for sharing the national revenue, particularly the oil revenue, which accounts for over 80 per cent of the total national revenue. The North’s position is evidently an opening gambit in what is going to be a very contentious issue at the conference. After all, the oil-bearing states already receive 13 per cent of the oil revenue in partial recognition and acceptance of derivation as a principle that cannot be totally ignored in revenue sharing. There has so far been no official response from the oil-bearing states to this northern position paper. But it can be assumed that the oil-bearing states, particularly in the Niger Delta, will vehemently reject the North’s position on the issue as totally unacceptable. They can expect support from the Southeast. But the position of the Southwest on this issue is not altogether clear. For reasons of political expediency, the Southwest delegation is refraining from taking a position openly. But it should, as a matter of principle, take a position, and not wait for the North and Southsouth delegations to slug it out between themselves. After all, the outcome of the dispute will have financial consequences for the Southwest too. At the Obasanjo Reform Conference of 2005, the Southwest delegates were willing to support an increase of additional revenue for the oil states from 13 per cent to 19 per cent, but this modest increase was rejected out of hand by the delegation from the Southeast and

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Fiscal federalism at the National Conference

•Justice Idris Kutigi, Chairman, National Conference

Southsouth, which insisted on nothing less than 25 per cent of the total oil revenue. It was on that dispute that the 2005 Conference broke down completely. The irony of the present dispute over revenue sharing is that until 1966 when the military seized power, revenue sharing among the three regions was based on 50 per cent derivation. This was generally acceptable to all the parties concerned and was in conformity with the principle of revenue sharing in a truly federal system. But all this was before oil revenue became so dominant in the total national revenue. Before independence in 1960, the British colonial power took a great care to ensure that all frictions on revenue sharing were resolved. Between 1946 and 1958, the four commissions set up by the departing colonial power recommended that 50 per cent of total revenue be shared on the principle of derivation, that 35 per cent be shared by

the regions, and only 15 per cent to the Federal Government. In fact, in 1964, after independence, the Binn Commission reduced the allocation of the Federal Government from 20 per cent to 15 per cent. This was the basis of revenue sharing among the federal and regions before the military seized power in 1966. Under the military, the share of the Federal Government in total revenue was progressively increased. Oil had become a major factor in national revenue. The process of the erosion of the principle of derivation for revenue sharing began with the military Decree 13 of 1970, which reduced by 5 per cent the revenue shared on the basis of derivation. In addition, the decree transferred all the revenue from off shore oil wells to the Federal Government. Between 1976 and 1979, the military regime reduced by a further 20 per cent, the revenue distributable on the basis of derivation. In 1981, the Shagari regime made a further reduction of 20 per cent on revenue sharing on the basis of derivation. With this, revenue distributable on the basis of derivation fell from 50 per cent at independence to only 5 per cent. When the military returned to power in 1984, revenue sharing on the basis of the principle of derivation was further reduced to 1.5 per cent. It should also be noted that virtually all the leaders of the military regimes, except the Obasanjo regime, who undermined the principle of derivation as the basis for the sharing of the national revenue, were from the North. This further complicated the problem, as most of the oil is located in the Delta region. In 1992 the Babangida military regime decided that the share of the Federal Government in national revenue would be 48.5 per cent, the states 24 per cent, the local governments 20 per cent and the balance of 7.5 per cent was to be held by the Federal Government as special fund. In effect, the total share of the Federal Government in the national revenue, over 80 per cent of which is from oil

HARDBALL

AKE a casual look at the Lagos traffic — or at traffic in any Nigerian bustling city or town for that matter — and you might just glimpse the metaphor for the country: disorganised people, directionless leaders. Watch that danfo or taxi cab driver that darted out of its legit lane and headed against traffic, honking and blaring all of the way. Then with equal drama and flourish, it veers back into the legit lane, after gaining some 100 or 200 metres. Normally you’d expect the traffic police or any agent of the law to apprehend him. Besides, you’d expect drivers on the legit lane would at least block the cheat, if only to teach the morals that cheating does not pay. What, however, do you find? The danfo driver makes a triumphal entry, with people in the right lane sheepishly giving way. Even while zooming on the wrong lane, the traffic warden, if any, happily cuts a deal and waves the rascal on to more future mischief. The public looks on helplessly — and everyone chokes happily ever after! But that is even the literal picture. The symbolic picture is more telling. For starters, with due respect to the decent

Traffic as metaphor infinitesimal number among this wild breed, danfo drivers behave — and proudly — as the worst crust in society. They know it. The society too knows as it rewards them with scorn. Yet, they reserve the right to boss the very best on the road, with dire risk of vehicular or even bodily damage to their betters. That is a sound metaphor for Nigeria’s governance. As a rule, only the very worst are good enough for high office: the cretin, the megalomaniac, the conceited. Yet, the society suffers them gladly, so much so that there is hardly any sense of wrong or right. The leaders throw down anything; and the people just lap it up with obsequious love. As the danfo driver recklessly dashes to and fro in the traffic, daring his betters by all standards to do their worst, so do temporary occupiers of office dare the people, their supposed masters, to go jump into a lake.

LAWAL OGIENAGBON

exports, was 56 per cent. Now, this is a massive negation of the principle of derivation and of fiscal federalism. It is totally unacceptable and the oil-bearing states are right in demanding a drastic review of the existing formula on revenue allocation as it hurts the financial viability of the states (37) and local governments (774) very badly. While the Federal Government gets over 56 per cent of the total revenue, the states get less than 1 per cent each and the local governments even less. The issue is not even about the financial profligacy, or massive corruption of the Federal Government, or its colossal financial mismanagement. The issue is that this imbalance in revenue sharing between the states and the Federal Government has been a persistent source of friction between them, as it places the other tiers of government in the federation in an invidious situation of having to rely on the Federal Government for financial bail outs. This runs counter to the principle of fiscal federalism, which should be based on the recognition that both the Federal Government and the federating states are co-ordinates, equal in all respects to one another. It is in the interest of the states for the Federal Government’s share of the national revenue to be reduced so that individually all the states, including the northern states, can get more from the total national revenue. The position of the northern delegation is obviously based on political expediency, on the expectation that power will revert to the North in 2015. If the situation was reversed, and most of the oil was located in the North, there is no doubt that the northern delegation would insist on the principle of derivation as the basis for revenue sharing. However, there is one issue on which the littoral oil-bearing states stand on a weak wicket. It is that of their claim to offshore oil as well as onshore oil. These states cannot legitimately claim exclusive ownership of offshore oil, the proceeds of which should be shared by both the states and the Federal Government. This position was affirmed at the UN Law of the Sea Conference of 1982 in which I participated when I was Ambassador at the UN and which the northern delegation referred to in their position paper. The littoral oil-bearing states cannot claim 50 per cent of the revenue accruing from offshore oil as offshore resources belong to the entire country and should be shared equally among them. Neither can the Federal Government claim exclusive ownership of revenue from offshore oil. After all, without the states there can be no Federal Government. There is no provision in the convention agreed at the UN Law of the Sea Conference vesting total ownership of offshore oil in the Federal Government. It should be possible for these huge differences over revenue sharing to be resolved at the conference. What is needed all round is compromise and a spirit of give and take on all sides in the overall interest of the nation.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above The popular word is impunity. Sure, a carryover from the military era, but the civil-ruleera version is germinating fast and taking firm roots, despite the pretence at democracy. As for the traffic warden schmoozing with traffic criminals, so has the order of the Nigerian state made its peace, for a huge and hefty bribe, with the few but loud felons, leaving the generality of the people numb and helpless. Worst still, the skewed morality appears to have weaned the people of their supposed outrage and condemned them to subversive thoughts of “joining them” if you can’t “beat them”. Of course, a value-neuter society is doomed; just as a value-neuter state faces eventual decay and extinction. The buzz words: a failing and failed state. How about this for a ruthless clincher? Abuja is Nigeria’s glittering federal capital. But A-bu-ja, given a certain tonal bent in Yoruba, simply means (illicit) short-cut. That is what traffic in Nigeria is all about — and that is the overweening symbol of contemporary Nigeria as it stumbles along.

•This article was first published on June 23

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