July 30, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

•EFCC quizzes Saraki’s wife again for five hours •Nigeria is seventh largest in the world, says UN report •Ekiti PDP faction alleges forgery of signature •Oil sector probe: El-Rufai gets dossier on NNPC •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3291 THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

P7 P2 P9 P2

Bakassi gone for good, says Buhari NEWS Page 7

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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Nigeria’s envoy visits Sijuwade’s family in UK •SEE ALSO PAGES 4&5

Dignitaries send condolences Chiefs dismiss death reports From Olatunde Kazeem, London Bureau Chief and Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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IGERIA’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), Dr Dalhatu Tafida, yesterday visited the London home of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, to commiserate with his family on the passing on of the foremost monarch.

Tafida said he visited the family, including Oba Sijuwade’s son Adetokunbo, and spent about one hour with them. The envoy condoled with the family on behalf of the Federal Government and told them they could ask for consular support —should the need arise.

At Oba Sijuwade’s home were his wives, children and an unnamed traditional ruler from Osun State, according to a source present during Tafida’s visit.

Efforts to reach Adetokunbo, who stays in Banyan House in the upscale neighbourhood in Lensbury Avenue of Southwest London, were not successful last night. Calls to his phones were Continued on page 2

•A crowd of residents at the gate of the palace in Ile-Ife...yesterday.

SOME FACTS •It is normal for chiefs to deny the death of an Ooni because certain rites must be performed before the news is broken to the public by those assigned to do so.

•Parts of all the trees in the palace must be cut as a sign of a bad omen •The appearance in the palace of a particular chief signals the death of an Ooni

•The late Oba Sijuwade

Air Force cuts Boko Haram’s supply routes •Army names new GOCs

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HE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intercepted supplies to Boko Haram insurgents along Nigeria-Cameroon borders.

NAF said last night that it seized over 4,000 drums and several plastic containers filled with petroleum products meant for the insurgents.

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WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS EVER RETURN?

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

NAF spokesman Air Commodore Dele Alonge broke the news in a statement in Abuja.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) through its intensified and persistent efforts in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) has intercepted over 4,000 drums and jerry cans of petroleum products and other smuggled items.

“The items, suspected to

•President Muhammadu Buhari (left) receiving a gift from President Paul Biya after their meeting at the Unity Palace in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Continued on page 2

•ENERGY P15 •SPORTS P24 •POLITICS P45 •N/HEALTH P47 •PROPERTY P50•FOREIGN P59

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

NEWS

•Suspected Boko Haram militants

•A wooden canoe containing supplies to Boko Haram intercepted by the Air Force.

•Some of the items seized from insurgents...on Tuesday

Arrests as Air Force cuts Boko Haram’s supply routes Continued from page 1

be supplies meant for Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) were confiscated from the smugglers in Pepe, DashinHausa, Belel Bilachi, and Konkul villages, all located on the Nigeria-Cameroon borders on Tuesday, 28 July 2015.

“The NAF was able to achieve the recent feat through its air patrol activities, covering both land and water, on the Nigeria-Cameroon borders.

“The NAF has continued to identify and destroy BHT camps and resupplies by employing surveillance and combat aircraft. Intelligence gathered revealed that these efforts have greatly strained the supply efforts of the BHT.” There was a massive shake-up yesterday in the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Maj-Gen. Tukur Buratai appointed new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for commands and

divisions.

He also named new Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) to manage the Army Headquarters.

Also appointed were new Corps Commanders, Special Task Forces Commanders, a new Commander for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to tackle Boko Haram, new Brigade Commanders and new Defence Advisers in Nigeria’s foreign missions abroad.

The Deputy Commandant of the National Defence Col-

lege, Abuja, Maj-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, has been named the GOC, 1 Mechanised Division, Kaduna; Maj-Gen. L.C. Ilo replaces Maj-Gen S.M. Muazu as the GOC 2 Mechanised Division, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Maj-Gen. Muazu has been moved to Infantry Corps, Jaji as Commander.

The new GOC, 3 Armoured Division, Jos, Plateau State, is Maj.-Gen. H. Umaru and Maj-Gen M.A Koleoso has been moved to

Motion: 22 APC Northern senators ‘working against Buhari’

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WENTY-TWO Northern senators elected on the All Progressives Party (APC) platform have been identified as “teaming up with the opposition to work against President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling party”.

The senators allegedly teamed up with 46 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators in the Red Chamber to pass a confidence vote in the leadership of the Senate under Dr. Bukola Saraki and

Ike Ekweremadu, a PDP senator.

Thirty-five APC senators were among the 81 who purportedly endorsed the vote of confidence in the principal officers of the Senate.

The Nation learnt yesterday that 22 of them are from the North, according to the list attached to the motion moved on the floor of the Senate by Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

The 22 senators are: Anyanwu, who promoted the

Motion; Abdul A.M. Nyako;Isah Hamma Misau; Kabiru Gaya; Adamu Aliero; Abdullahi Adamu; David Umaru; Ahmed Rufa’I Sani; Tijjani Yahaya Kaura; Ahmadu Abubakar and Malam A. Wakili.

Others are: Abubakar Kyari; Sabo Mohammed; Dino Melaye; Abdulrahman Abubakar; Binta Masi Garba; Mohammed Goje; Muhammad U. Shitu; Salihu H. Egye and Aliyu S. Abdullahi.

The senators have been accused of working against the party on which platform they were got elected into the National Assembly.

The leadership of the Senate has been working against the position of the ruling party since inception.

It disregarded the APC’s advice that those who were shut out on May 29 be accommodated as principal officers for peace to reign.

As against legislative

take charge as Commander at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Minna, Niger State.

Maj-Gen Koleoso takes over from Maj-Gen Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin, who was recently appointed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He was formerly the Director of Administration at the Defence Headquarters.

Maj-Gen. Edet, formerly the Commandant, Nigerian

Nigeria is seventh largest in the world, says UN report

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IGERIA is one of the six countries whose population will exceed the 300 million mark in less than two decades, the United Nations (UN) has said in a report.

The other countries are: China. India, Indonesia, Pakistan and United States (U.S.) Listed as one of the 10 largest countries in the world, the

Continued from page 1

many indigenes and residents were denied entry by the guards.

The chiefs said the Ooni “is alive and in good state of health”.

The Royal Traditional Council, comprising all traditional chiefs and title holders in Ile-Ife, maintained that Oba Sijuwade was hale and hearty.

Speaking with reporters at the House of Chiefs within the palace, the Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, advised people to disregard the

report in the media that the monarch had died in a London hospital of an undisclosed illness.

The Secretary of the Council of Ife, the Ladin of Ife, High Chief Adetoye Odewole, also said the Ooni spoke to the chiefs on telephone few hours earlier.

He said: “As I am speaking to you now we, his chiefs, have not heard anything like that. This is not the first time such rumour will be carried about our father. They did it in 1984, also in 2004 and now these people are coming up with another rumour. Oba Sijuwade is in sound state of health.”

The Chairman, Ife Development Board, Prof.

Muheeb Opeloye, was attending to visitors.

He advised youths at the palace gate not to panic because the Ooni was alive.

When the Private Secretary to the Ooni, Mr. Saka Awojoodu, was approached by a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN) to react to the development, he simply said, “I have nothing to disclose.”

Mr. Bisi Oduyemi, one of those who was at the palace, said he came to find out whether the news of the monarch’s passing on was true.

“I am here to find out whether the story of the Ooni’s death was true. I heard the news on radio during the newspaper review this morning but I am here to confirm this from the palace chiefs and unfortunately, they are not forthcoming,” Oduyemi said.

Another resident, Mrs Idayat Akinrolu, said she abandoned her house chores to find out the authenticity of the story from the palace.

The state government and the Osun Council of Traditional Rulers have yet to react to the development because they were waiting for official announcement by Continued on page 58

Nigeria is said to have a population believed to be growing the most rapid.

Going by the UN report, Nigeria has the potential of dislodging the U.S. as the world’s third largest in another 35 years.

“Among the 10 largest countries in the world currently, one is in Africa (Nigeria), five are in Asia (BangContinued on page 58

Oil sector probe: El-Rufai gets dossier on NNPC

Continued on page 58

Nigeria’s envoy visits Sijuwade’s family in London answered, but he kept saying: “I will call you back.”

Crowds besieged the palace in Enuwa, Ile-Ife yesterday. As early as 9am, hundreds of people had gathered at “Ile Oodua” the sprawling palace of the monarch.

Relations of the monarch and reporters were allowed into the palace and received by members of the Royal Traditional Council, but

Army Training Center (NATRAC), Kotangora, has been named new GOC, 81 Division, Lagos.

Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru has been moved from 13 Brigade, Calabar, Cross River State, where he was the Brigade Commander, to take charge as the Acting GOC, 82 Division, Enugu.

He will be taking over from Maj-Gen S. Yusuf, who has been redeployed to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Training and Operations.

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

•El-Rufai

K

ADUNA State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai yesterday got a dossier of corruption in the Nigerian National Pe-

troleum Corporation (NNPC).

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Hajiya Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, handed over the dossier on the sharp practices in the Corporation to him at the Government House in Kaduna.

El-Rufai is one of the four governors appointed by NaContinued on page 58

Saraki names members of four standing committees

S

ENATE President Abubakar Bukola Saraki yesterday named chairmen and members of three special committees and one ad-hoc committee.

The three committees are: Selection; Rules & Business; and Ethics and Privileges.

The ad-Hoc Committee is Publicity.

Senator Ibrahim Gobir

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

(Sokoto East) was named as the chair of the 18-member Selection Committee, believed to be one of the juiciest in the upper chamber.

Continued on page 58

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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NEWS

How Ooni of •An ancient town’s place in history

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•Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu (2nd right) President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (right); CEO Famfa Oil, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija (left), MD/CEO, UBA, Mr. Phillips Oduoza (2nd left) and CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mrs. Parminder Vir (3rd left) at a gathering of Nigerian business leaders hosted by Elumelu to discuss entrepreneurship and investment opportunities in Nigeria with Steve Case, American billionaire, founder of America Online, and one of President bARACK Obama's Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship and his wife Jean Case, CEO of the Case Foundation at Heirs Place in Lagos... yesterday.

•Ambassador of Swizerland to Nigeria, Dr. Hans-Rudolf Hodel (left) congratulating one of the beneficiaries of the Training/ Internship of Nestle-Swizerland partnership, Mr. Adebayo Aweda Lukmon during the news conference on Nestle Technical Training Scheme by Nestle Nigeria and Embassy of Switzerland, in Abuja... yesterday. With them are Head Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Dr. Samuel Adenekan (third right), Head Human Resources of Nestle, Mr. Sola Akinyosoye and Executive Manager-Stakeholder Relations, Mrs. Marie Owoniyi (right).

PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

•From left: Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos,Prof. Babajide Alo; Head of Department, Finance Department, Prof.

Ester Adegbite; Head, Discussion Planning Committee, Dr. Charles Onyeiwu and Prof. Rufus Olowe during the Department of PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE. Finance’s second annual policy discussion and analysis Forum in Lagos... yesterday.

•From left: Publisher, Africa Today, Kayode Soyinka, the candidate for Common wealth Secretary General , Sir Ronald Sander, President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Dr Frank Jacobs and Managing Director, Bank of Industry, during the EPA conference in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN.

ORUBA has a rich tradition.

The age-long culture gives form, content and predictability to the beliefs of its people. The custom has been inherited from generation to generation. The symbol of the unity of the race is kingship. Its cradle is Ile-Ife, the cherished sacred abode of its progenitor, Oduduwa.

Whenever any Owooni (Ooni) Adimula joins his ancestors, the news is not broken without following the due process of culture. Ooni is the property of Yoruba race. He is the custodian of the household of Oduduwa, its shrine and the protector of its legacies. Therefore, it is absolutely a taboo for any prince, royal family and palace chiefs to break the news without clearance or approval from the appropriate traditional quarters.

The announcement of the Ooni’s death is a traditional role conferred on his brother, the Oore of Otun and Mobaland, a son of Oduduwa and one of the 16 foremost monarchs in Yorubaland. The reigning Oore is Oba Adedapo Popoola, an economist and chartered accountant.

After ascertaining that the Ooni has waja (died), the palace chiefs are expected to inform the Oore. The Oore will mourn his passage in a traditional way. He will not waste time in breaking the news to other Oduduwa children, especially the Alaafin, the descendant of Oranmiyan Akinorun, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the Oba of Benin, the Onipopo of Popo, the Onisabe of Sabe, and the Owa Obokun Adimula. The Oore will also carry along the Ajero Asotemaru, the Alara and the Obalufon Alayemore.

The foremost rulers will break the news to their towns and vassal towns.

Days of mourning will be declared.

The attention of the towns and villages will focus on Ile-Ife, the Orirun, where their kings obtained their legitimate crowns.

In ancient times, a celebration will be proclaimed, with its characteristic visitation to the cradle by monarchs, accompanied by their chiefs and families. The palace chiefs will play dominant roles during the burial ceremony.

They will also play dominant roles during the selection of a new prince for the prestigious throne.

After the new Ooni is crowned, Yoruba monarchs will accord him automatic recognition and respect. He may visit selected palaces of his brother obas in the spirit of brotherhood. As a prince, the history of the race must be on his lip. He is expected to be factual. In the days of yore, the Ooni was the custodian of knowledge.

Thus, during the early days of colonial era, Owooni Derin Ologbenla, the Ooni of Ife, who doubled as the Baale of Oke-Igbo, was the only son of Oduduwa, whose testimony could be trusted when the foreigners were trying to resolve the rift between the Awujale of Ijebuland and the Epe monarch over land. The Ooni declared that Epe and Ikorodu were extension of Ijebuland. His evidence was upheld by the British.

Also, only the Ooni’s voice was trusted by the colonial masters in ascertaining the authenticity of claims and counter-claims to royal crowns by the children of Oduduwa. In those days, there was no rival between the Ooni and the Alaafin of Oyo empire.

While the Alaafin’s empire extended from Ilorin, where Afonja rebelled against the suzerain, to Popo and Sabe in the present-day Republic of Benin, he still regarded Ife as his ancestral home. Thus, there was no friction, but cooperative governance, based on history and traditional consultations.

But, neither Ooni nor Alaafin could prevent communal clashes and wars that ravaged Yorubaland for over 100 years. The wars were motivated by

By Emmanuel Oladesu Group Political Editor

expansionist tendencies and desire for autonomy. The old Oyo empire was weakened by the Fulani warriors who assisted Afonja to sustain his rebellion against Alaafin. Later, these intruders who wanted to run over Yorubaland to dip the Koran in the Lagos Lagoon were stopped by the Ibadan powers.

Also, Ife caved in, following the onslaught by Modakeke in a rebellion fuelled by Oyo vassal towns in the days of Owooni Abewela.

Tradition has it that, when Ife was dispersed, the lot to “re-assemble” the ancient town fell on Olubuse, the great warrior, who invited dispersed people who had gone to sojourn in Ifewara and Ifetedo and its environs for the historic war of liberation. Olubuse Ere invoked the spirit of his forefathers, urging them to rise in defence of the cradle. He regained Edun Abon, Ipetumodu and other towns and silenced the Modakeke insurrection.

However, after his death, Owooni Ajagunlaforikan Ademiluyi renewed contract with Modakeke. It was in the early days of the colonial rule. He coveted the colonial purse, with an intention to enlarge his wealthy coast. Then, rulers received stipends from the authority, based on the population of their towns. But, when war broke out between Ife and Modakeke, Ife was again under siege. The acrimony pervaded in Ile-Ife and Modakeke until 1930 when an eminent prince, Adesoji Tadeniawo Aderemi, ascended the throne.

Aderemi’s coronation in 1930 was a turning point. It connected the past with the present. According to historians, as he was being crowned, a rainbow was said to have appeared. The palace was worried by the curious sign. Herbalists and other ancient fathers of secrets were assembled to in-

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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NEWS

f Ife’s death should be announced •The late Ooni with the then Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo at a book presentation in Lagos in 2001.

•The late Ooni with the late Emir of Kano, Emir Ado Bayero at the International airport in Lagos in 2003.

All the Ooni •’The late Ooni (in glasses) listening while Otunba Adekunle Ojora was moderating the cutting of teh 80th birthday cake of Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo (second right) in 2008. With them are the late Oba’s wives.

terpret the signs. In unison, they congratulated Aderemi as they paid homage. The Ooni was informed that a prince had been born into the royal family. When a search was conducted, it was discovered that the son of Ooni Adelekan Sijuwade Olubuse 1 had given birth to a son. He was named Omo-Oba Okunade. The old people gazed into the future and told the king that he would live to an old age and prosper. They did not rule out the reality that a successor had been born.

Okunade Sijuwade was born into opulence. He was born with silver spoon in his mouth. When he was a student of Abeokuta Grammar School, he flaunted his background as a royal prince of the cradle. The principal, Canon Israel Oludotun Ransom-Kuti, was a disciplinarian. But, when he wanted to flog Okunade after committing an offence, the prince objected. He told Kuti: “I am the future Ooni of Ife.” Kuti was a highly respected Yoruba man. He was versed in the history and culture of the race. Before he was transferred to Abeokuta Confederation, he had served as principal in Ijebuland.

The principal took the young prince to his office. He made enquiries about Okunade’s claim. When he found out the truth, he exclaimed: “I will not cane the future Oba of Yoruba.” The old teacher admonished him to behave well henceforth, saying that anybody who aspired to lead Yoruba must not be found wanting.

After leaving Abeokuta, Sijuwade worked in his father’s company and in The Tribune before going abroad for higher studies. He returned as a big boy-a sales manager with Leventis Motors. He made money and ventured into private business. He recorded huge success. He became a philanthropist. His best friend was Bobo Doherty.

In December 1980, Sijuwade ful-

• Oduduwa •Osangangan Obamakin • Ogun • Obalufon Ogbogbodirin s• Oranmiyan •Ayetise • Obalufon Alayemore (Obalufon II) • Lajamisan •Lajodoogun • Lafogido • Odidimode Rogbeesin • Aworokolokin •Ekun • Ajimuda •GboonijioO • Okanlajosin •Adegbalu • Osinkola •Ogboruu • Giesi • Luwoo • Lumobi • Agbedegbede • Ojelokunbirin • Lagunja •Larunnka •Ademilu • Omogbogbo • Ajila-Oorun • Adejinle • Olojo • Okiti • Lugbade •Aribiwoso •Osinlade • Adagba • Ojigidiri •Akinmoyero (1770–1800) • Gbanlare (1800–1823) • Gbegbaaje (1823–1835) • Wunmonije (1835–1839) • Adegunle Adewela (1839–1849) • Degbinsokun (1849–1878) • Orarigba (1878–1880) • Derin Ologbenla (1880–1894) • Adelekan Olubuse I (1894–1910) • Adekola (1910) • Ademiluyi Ajagun (1910–1930) •Adesoji Aderemi (1930–1980) •Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II (1980-2015)

‘Ascension to Oodua’s throne should’nt be controversial’ Excerpts from the coronation speech of Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse ll delivered on Saturday, December 6, 1980

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T is with the greatest pleasure that I and my people welcome you to this occasion in the an-cient city of Ife, the place from where the sun rises, the place where history began. Half a century ago. Ife witnessed an occasion of this kind when my immediate and revered predecessor, late Sir Adesoji Aderemi was crowned. May I at this juncture pay tribute to his illustrious memory.

His long reign was peaceful and full of solid achievements for Ife and the Yoruba race in particular, and Nigeria as a whole. A giant among the traditional rulers of this country, a veteran nation builder, late Sir Adesoji Aderemi was a source of pride to, and a fountain of inspiration for all Ifes and most especially to myself and indeed the entire people of Nigeria. May God grant him eternal life.

It is of some importance to point out that ascension to the throne of Ife should not be controversial as it is of the most central significance for the entire Yoruba people at home and abroad.

I like therefore, to salute the kingmakers of Ife, who were unanimous in their decision to select me to sit on this great and most ancient throne. More importantly, I warmly salute His Excellency, Chief Bola Ige, the Governor of Oyo State and his executive council for their prompt decision in accordance with the Chieftancy Laws of Oyo State.

I wish to seize this opportunity to thank my wellwishers all over the world and above all, I thank the entire people of Ife for their love and support. This new life is for me a call to duty, a call to the service of our people.

Whatever personal sacrifices may be involved cannot be nearly as great as the tremendous challenge ahead.

Nobody anywhere doubts the central importance of Ilefilled his destiny. He had prepared for the throne in advance. It was a great privilege for him to succeed Aderemi, a former member of the House of Representatives and minister. In fact, he contributed immensely into the rehabilitation of the palace during Aderemi’s reign. Prince Sijuwade was

Ife in the history of the West African sub-region. Ife is the cradle of the Yoruba-speaking people throughout the world; indeed the origin of homo sapiens. The great Oduduwa lived here. We today are treading on the grounds upon which he treaded. The dynastic ramifications of Oduduwa’s descendants both within and outside Yorubaland are very well-known.

Eighty -eight years ago (in 1892), my grandfather Ooni Olubuse I ascended this throne and reigned till 1910.

He championed the struggle that welded together the warring factions here and re-established Ife unity. The point here is that each age, indeed each reign, is confronted with its own peculiar problems which it tackles using the materials and methods of its times.

My grandfather lived up to the challenges of his times.

Bearing the brunt of warfare, he decidedly destroyed strife and established the basis of an enduring peace in its place. He was succeeded by Ooni Ademiluyi who perfected the peace building in a way which he believed it should be.

Late Sir Adesoji Aderemi once told me in England on his way to the United States of America that my grandfather was a great inspiration for him and that was part of why he decided to become Ooni of Ife. The late Sir Adesoji Aderemi contributed enormously to the progress of this town and you can see many of the good things he has done in Ife among which was the establishment of the great University of Ife. Today our challenge is not less nor can our determination and dedication be less than the highest, just because we have no internal warfare or human aggressive forces against which to contend.

a king-in-waiting. Yet, there was no rivalry and mistrust between him and Sir Aderemi, who had ‘adopted’ him as a son.

One of his rivals during the obaship tussle was Dr. Ademiluyi, a respected surgeon. But, Sijuwade’s popularity, charisma and carriage dwarfed them

all. The emerging political class was competing for the attention of the traditional rulers. During the formation of the Egbe Omo Oduduwa, which later became the Action Group (AG), Oba Aderemi was the patron, along with Pa Akinola Maja and Olowo of Owo, Oba Olateru-Olagbegi. The

Alaafin, Oba Adeniran Adeyemi, was a fanatical supporter of the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC).

Ooni’s support for the Egbe and AG gave the party an edge.

Thus, when he passed on, the political forces were at play again. The former AG Publicity Secretary, the late Chief Bola Ige, was the governor of Oyo State. The late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, the Odole of Ife and his wife, Mrs. Dideolu Awolowo, had given Sijuwade their blessing. The coast was clear for him to mount the throne of his forefathers. The coronation was celebrated throughout Yorubaland and beyond. In attendance were traditional rulers from all parts of the country. Even, Queen Elizabeth of England sent a representative.

After the ceremony, he embarked on tour of Yorubaland. He visited Oyo, Ekiti, Owo, Akoko, Ijebu, Remo, Egba, Benin, Popo, Sabe and Yoruba in Brazil. He donated to palaces, homes and schools. Oba Sijuwade made HID Awolowo the Yeyeoba of Ile-Ife and later, Yeye Oodua of Ile-Ife. But, crisis soon broke out in his kingdom. There was resumption of hostilities between Ife and Modakeke. Many people lost their lives. Buildings were in flames. Many houses were deserted.

Travelers had a nightmare passing through Ife. Yoruba mourned over the fate of the cradle. It was a wide departure from the reign of Aderemi, who had married Segilola from Modakeke.

But, historian cannot blame Oba Sijuwade. The acrimony dated back to the reign of his illustrious grandfather, Oba Adenekan Olubuse. Peace did not return until a separate local government was created for Modakeke. Also, crisis broke out between the Ooni and other obas- the Alaafin, Owa and Soun of Ogbomoso- over the chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. The crisis was resolved when osun State was created. Ooni became the permanent president. The chairmanship is now being rotated among other first class obas.

However, Ile-Ife lost its bid for the capital of Osun State, to the consternation of Oba Sijuwade. The factorscentrality, as it were, past role of Osogbo as the headquarter of Osun Division and government preference favoured the rolling steel city. But, a local government with its headquarter at Enuowa, Ile-Ife, was created to compensate for the loss.

The tension between Alaafin Layiwola and Oba Sijuwade also intensified. Both made antagonistic claims as the overlord. Yoruba obas kept silent. Oba Adeyemi said he is the leader of the Oyo empire. Oba Sijuwade said the empire had ceased to exist. Recently, the Ooni upgraded some community heads into Obaship.

His authority was not questioned.

Oba Sijuwade and the Oba of Benin, Omo N’oba Uku Akpolokpolo, also clashed. The Benin monarch had disputed the historical claim that Oranmiya’s children ruled Benin Kingdom. Some historians from Benin alleged that the legendary Ife prince escaped from Benin when he was about to be apprehended for an offence. The Olowo-Eko took sides with the Benin monarch. Oba Sijuwade cried foul. He said even Oba Akenzua acknowledged his Ife connection. He explained that, up to the 1930s, the official language at the palace of the Oba of Benin was Yoruba. Turning to Yeyeoba Awolowo at a ceremony in Lagos, he said: “You are the Yeyeoba of Yoruba, which extends to Benin.”

Oba Sijuwade also had to contend with political crises in Osun State between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

He was also unable to forge unity and cohesion in Yorubaland, which has been bitterly divided by the pursuit of antagonistic interests by members of the political class.

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NEWS

Petitions: Wike, Akpabio fail to stop hearing

R

IVERS State Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and former Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio have failed to stop hearing in the petitions challenging their elections.

In a ruling yesterday, the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal refused an objection by Wike to stop hearing in the petition by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Dakuku Peterside, challenging the result of the last election.

The Akwa Ibom State Legislative Election Tribunal, on

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Tuesday, also refused a motion byAkpabio, now a senator representing Akwa Ibom North West, to stop hearing in the petition by the APC and its candidate, Inibehe Okori, challenging his victory in the polls.

In its ruling yesterday, the Justice Muazu Pindiga-led Rivers tribunal refused to strike out the petition by APC and Peterside.

Wike argued, among others, that Peterside lacked the locus standi to file the petition as he was not allegedly a valid candidate for the election.

The governor faulted APC’s

notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in relation to its congress, alleging that it was issued less than the 21 days stipulated by law.

He challenged the constitution of the tribunal and its decision to sit in Abuja.

Justice Pindiga held that the notice to INEC was validly issued, noting that the tribunal was duly constituted by the president of the Court of Appeal.

On its sitting in Abuja, he said it was for security reason, adding that this did not render the tribunal incompetent to hear the petition.

The tribunal deferred other issues, relating to competence of the petition, for determination during hearing in the petition. This, it said, was in line with Paragraph 12(5) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, which directs tribunals to take matters challenging hearing in a petition to be determined at trial.

The tribunal will rule on Friday on a motion by Wike’s party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the competence of the second ground of the petition, which asked the tribunal to strike out some paragraphs on account of the alleged in-

‘Saraki’ll lead team to military, IDP camps’ •Senate seeks committee on rehabilitation of Northeast

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MOTIONS were high yesterday as senators expreessed concern about the continued devastation of the Northeast by Boko Haram insurgents.

This followed a motion by Senators George Thompson Sekibo (Rivers East) and 35 others on the need to establish a Presidential Intervention Committee for the rehabilitation of the Northeast.

After a two-hour debate, the Senate resolved to write President Muhammadu Buhari to establish the committee.

It also resolved to send a delegation, led by the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, to visit military command centres and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to obtain information

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

on the general feeling at the centres.

The lawmakers condemned the continued assault on the Northeast and other parts of the country by the Boko Haram insurgents.

They urged the President to do everything constitutional to eradicate the Boko Haram insurgency.

The Senate Committee on Special Duties was mandated to monitor the well-being of all internally displaced persons.

It hailed the military and other security agencies for their sacrifice and the sustained efforts to rid the country of insurgents.

Sekibo, in his lead debate, noted with dismay the infrastructural damage

caused by the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast, especially in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

Sekibo said that the “security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government as provided in Section 14(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Many senators including Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Mohammed Ali Ndume, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Abubakar Kyari, Binta Masi Garba, Emmanuel Bwacha, Kabiru Gaya, Barnabas Gemade, David Jang, Ben Bruce, Nelson Effiong, Olusola Adeyeye, Godswill Akpabio supported the motion.

Senator Binta Garba urged the Senate to find out what happened to the over N80 billion

said to have been realised by the Presidential Committee on IDP. She said the Senate should ask how the funds were disbursed and who was holding part of the funds.

Saraki described the motion as one of utmost importance, saying what is happening in the Northeast is a challenge to the country.

He said Buhari had shown commitment and determination even through his appointments.

The Senate, he said, has a role to play in the fight against insurgency.

On the visit to military and IDP camps, he said it would afford Senators the opportunity to see things for themselves.

Saraki said he is optimistic that the war against insurgency would be won.

competence of the second ground.

The second ground states that the election was invalid because it allegedly did not comply with the Electoral Act (EA) and INEC Manual and Guideline for the election.

But the PDP contended that the petitioner should have limited its argument of noncompliance to EA, without including INEC Manual and Guideline.

On Tuesday, the Akwa Ibom tribunal, led by Justice Goddy Anunihu, refused Akpabio’s motion, challenging its jurisdiction and held that the tribunal had the jurisdiction to hear the petition.

Justice Anunihu said Akpabio’s contention that Okori was not an APC candidate was premature and could not be decided at this stage but as the trial progresses.

He further held that Akpabio’s claim of Appeal Court rulings on the issue of the oath of witnesses were contradictory, adding that there was significant substantial compliance with Okori’s witness statements as deposed.

The tribunal chair therefore struck out the preliminary objection.

On Akpabio’s claim that Okori’s witness statement were not deposed before a competent authority, the tribunal ruled that the stamp and signature used by the secretary of the tribunal clearly stated that she was acting as commissioner of Oaths and therefore Akpabio cannot fault Okori’s witness statement.

•From left: Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Dr.Masa'ud Kazaure, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Dr.MacJohn Nwabuola, Executive Secretary, Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, Executive Secretary National University Commission (NUC) Prof.Julius Okojie and other officials briefing State House correspondents after their meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja...yesterday.

USAID: HIV spreading in rural communities From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

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HE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has decried the spread of HIV/AIDS in rural communities.

Its Country Director, Dr. Susan Coleman, spoke when she led a delegation of USAID Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), and Family Health International (Fhi 360) on an advocacy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday.

Dr. Coleman said the disease was still rampart among rural dwellers and called for improved effort at fighting it.

She noted the need for improved and sustained sensitisation and awareness in communities, as the disease seems to be spreading among them.

“There is need to step up the control of HIV/ AIDs in the rural communities; the fight against the disease is yet to be won.

Many people in the rural communities are still being infected; therefore there is need for sustained sensitisation.”

She said USAID had supported over 600,000 in Nigeria, especially orphans and vulnerable children in its 10 years in the country.

The director said the agency would continue to partner the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure improved standard of living for orphans and vulnerable children.

Five local government areas were selected for the test-run of the Agencies’ Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s (OVC), programme.

The delegation was on its way to inspect the project sites for the takeoff of the pilot scheme.

Deputy Governor Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo said the government was concerned about the welfare of orphans and vulnerable children and pledged government’s partnership with the agency to ensure success.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

Police arraign ‘fake doctor’ employed by Fed Govt

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44-YEAR old man, Martins Ugwu Okpe, who allegedly cloned his friend’s credentials, with which he got employment as a doctor for about nine years in the Federal Ministry of Health, has been arraigned by the police.

Okpe, arraigned on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, was accused of stealing certificates of Exemption issued by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level), belonging to Daniel Davidson George.

•Court remands 44-year-old in prison From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

A five-count charge was brought against him.

He was charged, among others in the five-count charge, of claiming ownership of the certificates and tendering them before the Federal Civil Service Commission in Ebonyi State and was offered a temporary letter of appointment, dated August 30, 2006.

He was arrested last June.

A recent verification exercise conducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) on June 4,

2015, allegedly exposed him.

Okpe was said to have chaired the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja chapter.

Count one of the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/296/ 2015 reads: “That you Martins Ugwu Okpe, male, aged 44 years, of the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on or about March 13, 2006, at an unspecified hour in Karu Abuja of the Abuja Division, committed stealing; and did steal certificates of Bachelor of Medicine and National Youth Service

Corps Exemption dated February 8, 2005, with serial number 000027400, property of Mr. Daniel Davidson George, being the certificate awarded to him by the Senate of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, dated August 29, 2002 and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Law.” Okpe, of average height, was dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a white T-shirt, embossed with the sign: “Africa against Ebola,” produced by the Federal Ministry of

Health’s Ad Hoc Committee on Ebola Virus Disease, where he served during the outbreak of the disease last year.

Okpe pleaded not guilty.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole granted the accused bail in terms and conditions agreed upon by the prosecution and defence lawyers, Malik Taiwo and O. O. Otemu.

Taiwo filed a counter-affidavit to Okpe’s bail application but withdrew it yesterday.

Justice Kolawole admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in the same amount.

The judge said the sureties, who should be either federal or state employees, must be

•Okpe

on not less than Grade Level 12.

He ordered that Okpe be remanded in Kuje Prison, Abuja, pending his compliance with the bail conditions.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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NEWS

Tumultuous welcome for Buhari in Cameroon

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AOUNDÉ, the Cameroonian capital, was in festive mood yesterday after President Muhammadu Buhari and his entourage arrived at the VIP Wing of the nation’s international airport at 10:50am for a two-day working visit.

He was received by President Paul Biya.

From the airport to his hotel room - which is about 25 minutes’ drive - Cameroonians and Nigerians thronged the road to welcome the Nigerian delegation.

They danced and waved to Buhari and his entourage.

Shops and buildings by the roadside were shut.

Snipers were strategically positioned on top of high-rise buildings by the roadside.

The two nations’ flags and banners were hung on the two

•President: no going back on Bakassi Peninsula ruling •Leaders hold closed-door meeting on security, others From Augustine Ehikioya, in Yaoundé

sides of the road.

After the exchange of pleasantries at the Cameroonian State House called “Unity Palace”, the two leaders held a closed-door meeting.

Besides security issues and Boko Haram threats, they also discussed bilateral relations between the two countries.

But after the meeting, Buhari declared that Nigeria as an abiding nation had to live with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, which ceded the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon.

He spoke during

an interactive session with Nigerians residing in Cameroon.

Some of them complained that they were being treated as foreigners in Cameroon since the ICJ’s ruling.

“Since Nigeria allowed the case to go to court and we lost, we have to abide by it,” Buhari said.

He assured the four million Nigerians residing in Cameroon of his commitment to look after their welfare and safety.

His words: “Fellow compatriots, permit me to say, as I have done during my inauguration on May 29, 2015, I am committed towards bringing positive change to Nigeria and I will do

everything possible to achieve that. Despite the numerous challenges confronting us, the future of our country is very bright.

“You all know very well that your fellow Nigerians are resilient, hardworking and patriotic. These qualities have always seen us through our most difficult national challenges and they will do so now.

“However, this government’s job is to see that we unite and work together for the common good of our country.

“The recent economic downturn occasioned by the fall in oil prices at the global market, which drastically affects our

national revenue, is a serious cause for concern to us.”

He said adequate measures would be put in place to minimise the shock of the downturn on the economy through diversification.

Buhari added that his administration would “fight corruption before it kills Nigeria”.

The President assured that the security challenges confronting Nigeria would soon be a thing of the past.

He advised the gathering to be patient and vigilant to ensure that youths were not misguided into joining terrorist groups.

“We must also support our gallant security and military

•Buhari

personnel as they fight to defend our country,” he said.

Stressing that “Nigeria’s relation with Cameroon is one of the closest in the sub-region”, he said that the Federal Government “places prime importance on the political, socioeconomic and security cooperation between the two countries”.

The President responded to questions and comments from the citizens at the gathering.

Atiku, NLC faction hail resolution of House leadership crisis From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

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ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Joe Ajaero-led Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) faction have hailed the peaceful resolution of the House of Representatives’ leadership crisis.

Atiku, who spoke in a statement yesterday through his media office in Abuja, noted that the amicable outcome of the tension in the House was in line with his position that compromise and accommodation were necessary in ending the deadlock.

NLC faction, in a statement by its Deputy President and General Secretary, National Union of Textile & Garment Workers (NUTGTWN), Issa Aremu, called on members of the National Assembly to settle down for legislative work.

He said the citizens were looking forward to progressive legislations for national development.

Atiku said the opposing sides in the House have demonstrated maturity, wisdom and sense of patriotism by finally arriving at a workable compromise.

The former vice president added that in any compromise, “you win some and lose some of your demands”.

He explained that he was constantly disturbed by how the crisis was adversely affecting the change agenda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

He hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his fatherly role in the resolution of the National Assembly crisis.

The former Vice President explained that there should be no rivalry between the Executive and Legislative arms and that both should be united by the common goal of offering efficient service delivery to Nigerians.

The APC chieftain said: “As a stakeholder, I am committed to promoting harmonious working relationship between the two branches of government. I was once in government, and I knew why harmony and cooperation are essential in the success of presidential system of government.”

The former vice president urged the lawmakers to see themselves as partners in progress in the implementation of the change agenda.

He called on the warring parties to put bitterness behind them, and direct their energies towards the success of the governing APC administration.

The NLC faction hailed the Senate and House of Representatives for the new spirit of reconciliation, which led to their successful resumption of legislative business on Tuesday. It added that they “must swing into action immediately”.

The statement reads: “The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, closes the chapter of acrimony with his commendable apology to Nigerians for the unparliamentarily conduct of the recent time.

“Labour is encouraged also with the remark of the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki that “leadership is secondary. Primary responsibility is good governance”.

“This renewed sense of compromise by legislators should be reflected in their work ahead.

“The renewed reconciliation must now pave the way for real legislative business, which the Senate under the leadership of Senator Saraki has commendably started with the screening of the service chiefs as submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“More than ever before, the Eighth National Assembly has enormous tasks ahead given the unacceptable level of poverty in the land, factory closures and mass unemployment.

“Nigerians look forward to progressive legislations for national development, wealth generation, enhanced productivity, protection of domestic industry, ensuring dignity of labour, creation of jobs and decent wage among others.

“Real reconciliation among legislators must start with good laws for good governance.

The NLC said the anti-corruption crusade of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must be fair and just.

“All Nigerians acknowledge the renewed effort of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC under the chairmanship of Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde in investigating and prosecuting proven cases of corruption. There certainly cannot be development with pervasive corruption.

“However, labour urges EFCC to be fair and just in its dealings with suspects and avoid the pitfall of avoidable perception of bias.

EFCC’s investigating and prosecution processes must be transparent and fair,” the statement said.

From left: Vice President, All African Heritage Association and Director of Yoruba Heritage Award, United States (U.S.) Ms. Trenette Ogun; President, Women Arise Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; President of All African Heritage Association Mr. Olusegun Adekonye and Publisher, Laveronica Magazine Ms. Vera Okei at the presentation of “Human Rights Crusader of The Year Award” to Dr. Okei-Odumakin by the All African Heritage Association in Lagos...yesterday.

EFCC quizzes Saraki’s wife for five hours

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OR the second time in a week, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday quizzed the Senate President’s wife, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Saraki.

She was grilled for another five and half hours, making her appearance before EFCC’s crack investigators a cumulative record of 11 hours.

But Mrs. Saraki said the antigraft agency only had a chat with her and not interrogation.

According to sources, she arrived at the EFCC office at 10a.m and left at 3.35p.m.

Mrs. Saraki’s supporters, including senators, who were with her on Tuesday, were absent.

It was learnt that she spent the day responding to “follow up questions on the statement she wrote on Tuesday”.

A source in the commission said: “We have had preliminary investigation with Mrs. Saraki, but we are yet to conclude our findings.

“We will still do more work on what she said on oath and crosscheck a few things before we can establish whether or not there is a prima facie case against her.

“Certainly, the investigation has not been concluded at all.

We will brief the public as appropriate.

“We may still invite Mrs. Saraki when necessary.”

But Mrs. Saraki said she only had a chat with EFCC investigators and not an interrogation.

The Special Assistant (Print Media) to the Senate President, Mr. Chuks Okocha, who spoke

Oyegun exonerates APC from petition

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LL Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Chief John OdigieOyegun said yesterday that the party was not responsible for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) invitation and interrogation of the Senate President’s wife, Mrs. Toyin Saraki.

Senator Joseph Waku last week accused APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party of masterminding the invitation of Mrs. Saraki for alleged money laundering.

Addressing reporters at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja yesterday, Odigie-Oyegun insisted that his party was innocent of all the accusations leveled against it on the matter.

He said: “I want to assure you without doubting that the APC absolutely has nothing to do with this. She is not on trial by the way. It is an investigation that has to do with the Senate President’s wife.

“You saw all the speculations in the media. As a matter of fact, this could have been triggered by the opposition party itself; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has its branch in Kwara state.

“They have to be nudged to denounce that they were not the originators of the petition or whatever triggered this investigation.

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

on her behalf, said: “Her chat with the EFCC was concluded on Wednesday and she is cooperating with them.

“Anytime they want her, she will honour the invitation.”

On Tuesday, Mrs. Saraki promised to cooperate with the EFCC and she asked the antigraft commission to adopt global best practices.

The statement said: “As a citizen with utmost respect for

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

“We are completely, totally, absolutely innocent of it. What we have not done like in the PDP days, is to rush and interfere with the processes of the EFCC, which our president has made quite clearly: everybody should be ready to carry out their legitimate functions without interference.

“The EFCC is doing what it thinks it has to do.”

Odigie-Oyegun explained that the Southeast has not lost out in the sharing formula of the House of Representatives.

According to him, the sharing process was yet to close with the emergence of Femi Gbajabiamila as Majority Leader. He noted that all the geo-political zones would be taken into consideration.

His words: “Sharing process is not over, even in the House of Representative. It is not yet over and all these will be taking into consideration when other positions in the House are been distributed. I have no doubt at all about that.”

On the Southwest producing two principal officers in the House, Odigie-Oyegun said: “In real life, there is no perfection. In real life, there are ups and down. What is important is that the system functions.”

higher standard of democratic accountability, Mrs. Toyin Saraki visited the EFCC at their invitation.

“Mrs. Saraki made herself available to assist the commission wholeheartedly with any lawful enquiries they may have.

“Mrs. Saraki will continue to cooperate with EFCC and she hopes for a prompt and positive resolution in the satisfaction of this enquiry.

“Having placed emphasis on the importance of accountabil-

ity, transparency and diligent reporting, Mrs. Saraki maintained that she has always operated within the law and to the highest standard of global compliance in all her activities.

“Mrs. Saraki affirmed her willingness to assist the EFCC and expect that the spirit of this enquiry will follow global standard and principles of open democracy, transparency and impartiality that the EFCC and other similar organisations around the world are founded upon.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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NEWS

•Lagos State Governo AkinwunmiAmbode (seventh left), Secretary to the State Government Tunji Bello (sixth left), Chief of Staff to the Governor Olukunle Ojo (left) with excos and members of the Island Club of Nigeria during Ambode’s investiture as patron, at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

Bamidele defends Buhari From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

Ekiti APC petitions NBC for ‘abuse’ of state media T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in A FORMER member of the Ekiti State has petiHouse of Representatives, tioned the Nigeria BroadOpeyemi Bamidele, has casting Commission (NBC) defended President Muhamfor alleged “professional madu Buhari on the delay in abuses, deliberate falseappointing ministers and hood and inciting broadaides.

Bamidele, at a thanksgiving casts” on the state media.

In a petition dated July 24 and prayer session to mark by its Publicity Secretary, his 52nd birthday in his IyinTaiwo Olatubosun, the APC Ekiti home yesterday, connoted that although the demned the Peoples DemoBroadcasting Service of Ekicratic Party (PDP) and other ti State (BSES) was fined critics of the President, who N500,000 by the NBC this accused him of being “slow year, broadcasting regulaand clueless.”

The birthday was celebrated tions were still being violated. by members of Bamidele’s The party told the NBC political family, Ekiti Bibiire Coalition, who celebrated the that “there was no change virtues of the All Progressives in the misuse of the stations to haunt political oppoCongress (APC) chieftain. nents” as some proAccording to him, Buhari cannot take action on impulse grammes, especially a Yoruba newspaper review proand need to take his time before assembling a winning gramme, were being used for “hatchet jobs”. team.

According to the petition, Speaking through the Director-General of his Cam- stories which did not appear paign Organisation, Ropo Ige, in any newspaper were beBamidele said Buhari was taking his time to assemble people of integrity who would drive his vision to bring the expected change in GUN State Goverthe system. nor Ibikunle Amo“President Buhari must learn sun yesterday said from past mistakes. Looking at what happened in the last few the state’s monthly wage bill had hit “almost years, he has to take his time N9billion”, following into avert mistakes.” crease in staff strength, pensioners, others.

Amosun said the fee for the West Africa Senior School Certificate ExamiFrom Ernest Nwokolo, nation (WASSCE) for puAbeokuta pils has risen from OGUN State Governor N466million to Ibikunle Amosun has orN496million due to surge dered the closure of dozens in enrolment. of shops and houses in OnThe governor spoke at ikolobo, Panseke and Quarry his Oke Mosan office, Abeareas of Abeokuta, the state okuta, the state capital, afcapital, for indiscriminate ter swearing–in transition dumping of refuse on road committee chairmen for median. the 20 local governments.

Amosun directed officials He said the WASSCE fees of the State Environmental may jump to N500million Protection Agency (OGEPA) next year. and security agencies to arrest Amosun said there was the landlords and residents, need for the state and local who live around the areas. governments to “think out The governor gave the of the box” on how to efdirective after visting the fectively meet the increasareas yesterday.

He said dumping of refuse i n g n e e d s o f r e s i d e n t s on road medians had become amid dwindling federal allocation and internally punishable by law. generated revenue. “ I have ordered the cloThe governor said he sure of all shops and houses would create local council which are within 50m range development areas from of any road median around the existing 20 councils to Onikolobo, Panseke and fast track development in Quarry road and those arrural settings, adding that rested will be charged to commissioners would be court tomorrow,” he said.

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

ing relayed on the programme “Lati Inu Aka” to mislead and misinform the public and malign political opponents.

The statement said: “Sequel to our February 16 letter on the above subject matter, we are aware that the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (BSES) was fined N500, 000 for the infractions bordering on professional misconduct.

“Sadly, the stations have not desisted from this unprofessional broadcast as they have continued to feed the public with lies against opposition members.

“The station’s DirectorGeneral, Lere Olayinka, once again exhibited his habitual unprofessional conduct by approving fabricat-

ed stories against my person, for the private producers and presenters of a popular Yoruba newspaper review programme ‘Lati Inu Aka’.

“In the newspaper review on the radio station presented by the duo of Biodun Ilori and Kayode Falegan, they read the false story that Lere Olayinka had earlier circulated in an online junk newspaper.

“They lied that I, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Ekiti APC Publicity Secretary, has a big sore on my leg which they attributed to a spiritual attack as a result of my media criticisms of Governor Fayose over which a spiritualist had asked me to beg the governor for forgiveness. The date of this offensive broadcast was Friday July 24. Time was 8:15am to 9am.”

Olatubosun regretted that the “offensive broadcast” had caused him embarrassment “as many family members and friends panicked over my health while others see me as a traitor who is begging Governor Fayose secretly while attacking him openly”.

He added: “There is no iota of truth in the story but a fabricated lie from Lere Olayinka and his boss, Governor Ayo Fayose.

“The presenters of the newspaper review are in the habit of reading any story presented to them by Olayinka even if it is not in any newspaper.

“Our party in an earlier petition complained about this and we are again bringing their activities to your notice so that appropriate sanctions could be applied.

This is an abuse of state power and bastardisation of media professional ethics.”

Amosun: wage bill, WAEC fees hit N9.5b

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Landlords arrested in Ogun

•Transition committee chairmen sworn in From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

appointed soon.

He said despite the daunting financial challenges, his administration was paying workers, not indebted to WAEC and executing capital projects

that would further bring investments and development.

According to him, his “most virulent critics know that the administration has done quite well but are unwilling to admit it publicly”.

Amosun urged the chairmen, including Adesina Baruwa (Ijebu-Ode), Tolani Timothy (Ikenne), Olaniyi Opanuga (Odogbolu), Omisanya Awoniyi (Sagamu) and 16 others not to use their new positions to pursue personal business.

Ondo APC pledges support for Deji

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EADERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State yesterday visited the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladesuyi Aladetoyinbo, with a promise to support his reign for the development of Akure, the state capital Led by its Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, the APC said it would work with the traditional council.

Kekemeke, who spoke on behalf of the APC leaders, said: “President Muhammadu Buhari is a man of integrity.

“We want to change Nigeria and Ondo State and we know you on board as an agent of change.

Kekemeke described Oba Aladesuyi as a person of integrity, noting that APC

•Monarch seeks Akure minister From Damisi Ojo, Akure

members are for progress and development in all spheres of life.

His words: “Kabiyesi, we have many things in common to develop your domain.

“We know by next year, we will be working together because APC is forming the next government in Ondo State.

“We want to have a traditional rapport with the palace to have a common goal to develop Akure and the state.”

Kekemeke condemned the protest by commercial motorcycle operators in Akure, noting that APC

would not support the destruction of public property.

Responding on behalf of the monarch, the Asamo of Akureland, High Chief Rotimi Olusanya, called for peace among APC members to facilitate development in the state.

The monarch said: “We want the APC slogan “change” to reflect in Akure.

“We are not happy that since the exit of Chief Olu Falae as minister, Akure has not been considered for any political office at the centre.”

Oba Aladesuyi urged President Buhari to appoint an Akure indigene as minister.

‘Ajimobi didn’t bar reporters’ From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has denied reports that Governor Abiola Ajimobi restricted reporters from covering activities in his office.

It said the report was a clear misinformation and misinterpretation of a routine process.

A memo by the governor’s Special Adviser on Security, Segun Abolarinwa, barred some reporters from the Press Centre of the Governor’s Office.

The APC, in a statement by its spokesperson, Olawale Sadare, said the reports as circulated by a section of the media were misinterpretation of a routine accreditation exercise.

He said: “Our party was dismayed when a senior correspondent of a national daily called to inform us about the development and immediate inquiries revealed that no order barring journalists from the Governor’s Office.

“However, we would like to put it on record that what happened was normal security procedure being coordinated by the appropriate authorities.

“The memo called for concerned media partners to undertake routine accreditation.”

Award for governor’s aide From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

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ORMER Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Isiaka Olayinka Kolawole, was among those awarded the Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria.

The award was conferred on him at the Royal Tropical Hotel, Abuja where the institute’s President/Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof.

Mike O. A. Nwaubani, presided over the investiture.

Nwaubani urged the awardees to uphold the institute’s professional integrity and comply with the ethics, values and standards of the association.

Kolawole, who recently completed an Oxford Finance Program for Senior Executives at SAID Business School, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, thanked the institute for the award.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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NEWS

Ekiti PDP faction alleges forgery of signature on cheque •Elders declare support for Faleye

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HE crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State deepened yesterday as the faction loyal to Governor Ayo Fayose claimed that the cheque issued to pay for the rent of the party secretariat was forged.

The party was given an eviction notice by the landlord, Ropo Adesanya, following unpaid rent.

Power supply to the building has been disconnected by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) due to unpaid bills.

Adesanya, a two-term PDP state chairman, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) a month ago.

Adesanya, who said the party should pay him N1.5 million for rent owed, added that he was shocked when he (Adesanya) was “issued” a dud cheque.

The Ekiti PDP Elders’ Forum, led by Clement Awoyelu and party chairmen in the 16 local governments, have declared support for the chairman of the faction loyal to Fayose, Idowu Faleye.

They also backed Fayose who they said was offering the people and the party the right leadership.

The elders accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of masterminding the internal strife in the party.

Faleye is in a battle for

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

the control of the party with Tunde Olatunde, who heads a faction, which has 14 State Working Committee (SWC) members elected in the March 2012 state congress.

The Olatunde faction had in May “removed” Faleye on the grounds that his appointment violated the PDP constitution.

According to the elders, APC chieftains were sponsoring the factional crisis to destabilise the PDP. Awoyelu said: “We view Tunde Olatunde and Secretary Tope Aluko as moles because they are being financed by the APC and other external forces to destabilise our party.”

Clearing the air on the signature forgery mess surrounding the cheque issued to Adesanya, Awoyelu, who spoke through a forum member and former state chairman, Bola Olu-Ojo, said the development was intended to embarrass the party.

Awoyelu alleged that the bank where the party’s account was domiciled refused to honour the cheque because a change of signatories was carried out “without the chairman’s authorisation”.

He said: “The cheque was not honoured because there was change of signatories without authorisation.

• Olu-Ojo (second left) addressing reporters...yesterday.

“That cheque was forged because the signature was not the chairman’s signature.

“This was a calculated attempt to embarrass the party because he (Adesanya) has left the party for the opposition (APC).”

Responding to questions on why Faleye had not been operating from the party secretariat, Awoyelu claimed that he (Faleye) comes there regularly “but in certain situations one needs to be security-conscious”.

On the position of the Ola-

tunde faction that Faleye and the state youth leader were from the same ward, which runs contrary to the party constitution, Awoyelu said the SWC did not have the final say on the issue but the State Executive Committee (SEC).

He explained that the SWC passed the decision to the SEC for ratification, which would then be forwarded to the national secretariat.

Awoyelu said party elders have intervened by holding

Ambode: we’ll enforce safety rules

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AGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday reaffirmed his administration‘s determination to enforce safety regulations and laws to minimise loss of life and property.

The governor spoke at the World Safety Day Celebration, organised by the State Safety Commission.

He said building collapses, fires, boat mishaps and other avoidable accidents were becoming rampant because people disregard safety regulations and guidelines.

Represented by Deputy Governor Mrs. Oluranti

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

Adebule, Ambode said there was need for stakeholders to ensure total compliance with safety regulations and measures.

“I believe that time has come for stakeholders, including relevant government agencies, to rise up to this challenge.

“It is not enough to have regulations and standards, they must be enforced and complied with to prevent avoidable loss of lives and property,” the governor said.

Ambode warned that relevant provisions of the laws

would be applied against erring individuals and government officials implicated in any icase of negligence or compromise.

Describing the theme: Building a Culture of Prevention on Occupational Safety and Health as appropriate and timely, the governor said though accidents are realities of life, “we can by our action and safety consciousness reduce their frequency and the degree of fatalities when they occur”.

The commission’s Director-General, Mrs. Dominga Odebunmi, said there was an increase in public awareness for safety as a result of vig-

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•Decries noise pollution

By Oziegbe Okoeki

to look into illegal dredging, the only way is to pick them up and make them face the penalty.”

Sola Giwa (Lagos Island 1) said:”Water is a blessing to Lagos, it should not turn into a disaster.”

A-six man ad hoc committee, led by Adebayo Osinowo (Kosofe 1), was set up to review the activities of dredgers in the Lagos Waterways.

Other members are Tobun, Rotimi Olowo (Somolu 1), Setonji David (Badagry 2), Mojeed Fatai (Ibeju Lekki 1), Nurudeen Solaja-Saka (Ikorodu 2).

The Assembly called on the Ministry of Information to embark on public enlightenment campaign to sensitise the public on the danger of noise pollution.

The House called on Ambode to direct the General Manager of the State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), to discharge the statutory responsibility conferred on it by Section 9 (a) of the state Environmental Protection Agency Law, 1996.

Tobun decried the high level of noise pollution arising from the blaring of music by vendors, street party organisers and outdoor advertisers as well as indiscriminate use of horns by motorists and cyclists.

He decried the high culpability of churches, mosques and other faithbased organisations.

The member representing Alimosho 1, Bisi Yusuf, said the best way to go about the issue is to ensure the proper enforcement of the existing

peace meetings with the two factions but “the Olatunde faction has not been cooperating to ensure the resolution of the crisis”.

He said party elders would continue to work to resolve the crisis, maintaining that “Faleye remains the authentic chairman” of the party and enjoys the backing of majority of members in all wards, council areas and senatorial districts.

Chairman of the Forum of PDP chairmen in the 16

local governments Kola Lawal said the group supports Faleye, adding that there was no place where a meeting was held to remove him (Faleye) from office.

Awoyelu was joined by senior party members, including former House of Assembly Speaker Olatunji Odeyemi, former Secretary Gboyega Akinola, former Vice Chairman Bodunde Daramola, former Assembly member Gbadebo Ibuoye, among others.

‘Aregbesola, pride of Ijesa’

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•Ambode

orous sensitisation and advocacy.

Investigate illegal dredgers, says Lagos Assembly HE Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to direct appropriate ministries, departments and agencies to probe the activities of illegal dredgers.

The resolution followed a motion by Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1), who said the activities of the illegal dredgers posed dangers to the state.

The lawmaker urged the House to call on the governor to direct appropriate agencies to stop dredging, mining and reclamation temporarily.

Funmilayo Tejuosho (Mushin 1) said: “The issue of illegal dredging is always discussed in this Assembly.

“I think the government needs to clamp down on illegal dredgers and prosecute them.

“The government needs to set up a surveillance team

PHOTO: ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA

regulation.

Yusuf said: “When some people are praying, it will seem as if God is deaf and you begin to wonder may be God won’t answer their prayers if they don’t shout.

“We should call on these faith-based organisations to allow to God rest. The existing regulations should be enforced.”

Member representing Oshodi/Isolo 2 Emeka Idimogu said: "We should use a persuasive approach in addressing it because we all made noise during the campaign and noise has become a part of us, we can't change it overnight," he said.

The House, in its resolution, called on the Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture to ensure that the use of public address systems are discouraged within communities.

HE Ijesa Society, an elite society representing Ijesa sons and daughters, has described Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as a pride to the Yoruba nation.

The society’s president, Tunde Aluko, said Aregbesola is a torch bearer, who has represented Ijeshaland well.

He said it was the duty of all Ijesa and Osun indigenes to support the administration.

Aluko added that contrary to wrong impressions created by cynics, the governor’s passion for rapid development informed the level of financial commitment to various projects across the state, without jettisoning workers’ welfare.

He hoped that the financial challenges confronting the state would soon be over, adding that the governor is creating a legacy that would outlive him .

The governor described the visit as "huge and significant at a time some people were sponsored to rubbish our achievements".

"This is an elite association which is acknowledging our government as having performed significantly," Aregbesola said.

He reiterated his displeasure about the salary situation, adding that the challenge would soon be over.

Youths caution monarchs From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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GROUP, Yoruba Youth Congress (YYC), yesterday cautioned traditional rulers in the region to desist from partisan politics and work for the development of the Yoruba.

Its National President, Dapo Adepoju, who spoke with reporters in Akure, the Ondo State capital, advised the monarchs to learn from their mistakes and desist from trading Yoruba interest for their personal gains.

He decried the roles of some monarchs during the March 28 presidential election, where some of them compromised the interest of the Yoruba for monetary purposes.

As custodians of culture and traditions, Adepoju said the monarchs should be neutral and abstain from any act that can mar their reputations.

The YYC President appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to make youth empowerment a priority of his administration.

He expressed YYC’s support for the Federal Government’s anti -corruption crusade, which according to him, is the antidote for the eradication of the menace.

“Yoruba youths are behind the Federal Government in its bid to recover looted funds. YYC delegates have met with the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, on the need for the government to make youth empowerment its priority.

“We are hopeful our suggestions and ideals will be considered for possible implementation," Adepoju said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

10

NEWS

Shooting as rivals clash over motor parks in Warri

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HERE was confusion yesterday in Uvwie and parts of Warri South local government areas of Delta State when a group said to be loyal to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa attempted to take over the leadership of Uvwie Public Motor Park.

Okowa’s loyalists clashed with another group said to be loyal to the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, Henry Baro.

Both groups reportedly engaged in a gun battle.

The gun battle was said to have spread to other motor

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

parks in the local government area.

Eyewitnesses said there were serious exchanges of gunshots yesterday at motor parks near Jakpa Junction, Effunrun Roundabout and the main park on the Effunrun/Sapele Expressway.

Yesterday’s hostilities disrupted economic and sundry activities in the area and parts of Warri South Local Government Area.

Shops were shut, espe-

cially in areas close to the hostile zones.

The violence at Uvwie was linked to the cold relationship between Baro and a member of the House of Representatives, Evelyn Oboro.

The lawmaker, a close ally of the governor, is said to have disputed the election of the member representing Uvwie in the House of Assembly.

At the end of yesterday’s confrontation, the faction loyal to Okowa, led by Francis Ariyor, who contested the Peoples Demo-

cratic Party’s (PDP’s) local government chairmanship ticket with Baro in the party’s primaries last year, had displaced Baro’s loyalists, led by Napoleon Adibu.

It was learnt that the new development was part of the plot to remove Baro, who has been at loggerheads with Oboro.

A statement by the Uvwie Local Government’s Secretary, Uvwie Emete Julius, urged the residents to go about their lawful duties.

It said the local government’s authorities would

resolve the disputes.

The statement said: “The attention of Uvwie Local Government Authority has been drawn to the incursion of some persons into the Uvwie Central Motor Park this morning.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Constitution, in Schedule Four, Section One and sub-section E vests the powers to establish and manage motor parks in local government areas. Consequently, the chairman, Henry Baro, on March 20, established the Uvwie Pub-

Man arraigned for alleged forgery

Pensioners seek extension of verification

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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OME pensioners of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Prisons on verification in Edo State have pleaded for an extension of the deadline.

The verification for Edo and Delta states’ pensioners ends today.

There was a large turnout of pensioners yesterday at the verification venue when our reporter checked.

Many of them said scores of others were on sick beds and could not get to the venue.

Others said they were calling for an extension because of low awareness about the verification, adding that they would not want their colleagues to lose their benefits.

A pensioner, who gave his name simply as Elder Sam, described the verification as an avenue to fish out ghost pensioners.

He hoped the varification would ensure prompt payment of pension.

The Director-General of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Nellie Mayshakpens, assured that those who missed the current verification would be screened at a later date.

Mayshakpens described the turnout as impressive, adding that all pensioners at the venue would be screened.

Edo mulls court option over DPR fund

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DO State Government may soon seek legal redress to compel a refund of the money due to it from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

Governor Adams Oshiomhole said this yesterday in Benin, the state capital, at a Federation Account Allocation Committee’s (FAAC’s) PostMortem Sub-Committee’s national seminar on the role of gas in Nigeria’s economy.

Oshiomhole said Nigeria could not continue with “business as usual”.

He added: “We all know that the DPR is not a revenuecollecting agency. The DPR is a regulator. Assuming, without conceding that the DPR is a revenue collecting agency, which section of the constitution empowers the DPR, like any other institution, to deduct money from source? That is clearly a criminal breach of the letter and the spirit of the constitution. I am sure that President Muhammadu Buhari will not tolerate further breach of the constitution...”

lic Motor Management Committee vide a letter...

“The headship and/or chairmanship of the aforementioned committee was placed on Comrade Napoleon Adibu. He is still recognised as such.”

Police spokesman Celestina Kalu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the command acted on intelligence report that hoodlums were plotting to shut down the council.

She said some suspects had been arrested over the shooting.

•From right: The senator representing Akwa Ibom Northeast, Bassey Albert; Senate Minority Leader and senator representing Akwa Ibom Northwest, Godswill Akpabio; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus and senator representing Akwa Ibom South, Nelson Effiong, after Akpabio was adopted as Senate Minority Leader

F

15 die in Cross River auto crash

IFTEEN people were feared dead yesterday in an auto crash at Odukpani, Calabar-Ikom highway.

The victims were occupants of a Lagos-bound 18-seater bus belonging to a popular transport company.

Eyewitnesses said the bus collided with an oncoming truck.

It was gathered that three of the people were unconscious, following the crash.

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

They were reportedly conveyed to Benin General Hospital.

The dead were deposited in the mortuary.

The dilapidated road has been a source of worry for residents.

Sveral fatal accidents have been recorded on the road.

Edo IRS seals 20 firms for unremitted taxes

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HE Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) has sealed over 20 companies in the Hospitality sector for alleged nonremittances of the consumption taxes collected on behalf of the state government.

Addressing reporters in Benin, the Director of Tax Intelligence and Enforcement Department of EIRS, Mr. Victor Okube, said over 70 companies in the sector had been identified for fail-

T

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

ing to comply with the Hotels and Event Centres Occupancy and Restaurants Consumption Law of Edo State, otherwise called the Consumption Tax. Okube said: “The establishments sealed off include Royal Kada Fried, De Mariot Hotel Limited, Meridian Lodge, Koso International Hotel, Anna Vinni Bar and

Restaurant, Indigo Lounge, Dema Suit and Hotel, Aso Phil Carwash and Bar, Hotel De Eto and Tomline Royal Centre.

The director said the enforcement was meant to ensure that operators in the sector complied with the state’s tax law, which became effective in 2011.

He added that the agency’s cashless collection and payment policy was still in force.

Okube said collection agents of the sealed establishments should remit the consumption taxes into designated Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) bank accounts or pay via Point of Sales (PoS) machines with Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards.

He urged them to obtain government treasury receipts on presenting bank tellers for payments.

Calabar dredging project chief: I’m not afraid of probe

HE Managing Director of Calabar Channel Management Limited (CCM), Mr. Bart Van Eenoo, has said his company is not afraid of a probe instituted by some maritime stakeholders.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Eenoo urged those doubting the capability of his company to execute the contract to ask questions, instead of maligning the company.

The company chief said he was at the headquarters of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos to pay for the Calabar channel con-

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

tract.

He said the company had competent manpower of about 8,000 workers, including those recruited from Boskalis and Dredging International of Belgium.

Eenoo wondered why detractors portrayed CCM as incapable to execute the project.

The company chief said the CCM consortium, led by Messrs Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited (NGET), had the world’s number one dredging company - Royal

Boskalis of Holland and Westminster Dredging - as its partners.

He said this showed the seriousness CCM attached to the project.

Eenoo said CCM had not demobilised from site, as reported, adding that contrary to the claims by the Calabar chapter of the Shippers Association, its office is located at 101, Ndidem Usang Iso Street in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

According to him, the importance CCM attaches to the project, considering its economic significance to the nation, the Northcentral,

Southeast and Southsouth, made its technical and financial partners to fund the project until a week ago when the NPA started paying for last year’s fourth quarter certified invoices for works executed.

Eenoo said: “Even when we were not paid, as provided in the contract agreement, our technical and financial partners were funding the project to ensure that there was no lull in activities. So for, a group of persons are alleging that we are not on site and that our address is unknown. That is sheer mischief.”

20-YEAR old man, Freedom Kadiri, has been arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate’s Court sitting in Benin, the Edo State capital, for alleged bank forgery and parading himself as a soldier.

The suspect, who lives in Kaduna, is accused of presenting a fake cheque of N1,158,000 at a first generation bank at Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.

Police prosecutor, Sylvester Omor, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said Kadiri committed the offence on June 30.

The accused was charged with alleged forgery and impersonation.

Kadiri pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Omor said the offence is punishable under sections 467 and 109 of the Criminal Code Laws of the defunct Bendel State on Nigeria, 1976, as applicable in Edo State.

The presiding Magistrate, C. A. Nwoha, granted the accused bail and adjourned the matter till August 18 for hearing.

Ex-MEND leaders, others hail Buhari on Boroh From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

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ORMER commanders of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide yesterday hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Maj.-Gen. Paul Boroh as the Coordinator for the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

They said the appointment, which followed agitation among stakeholders in Niger Delta, showed the Buhair as a listening President.

In a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare, IYC described the appointment as the first step in resolving the knotty issues bedevilling the programme.

The statement congratulated Boroh on his appointment and urged him to pay outstanding tuition fees and allowances of beneficiaries of the amnesty undergoing trainings abroad.

“We also call him to consult with critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta region on the future of the Amnesty Programme and take decisions that affect the future and the overall development of the Niger Delta region,” IYC said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘The present challenges we are facing should not deter us from growing our economy. It shouldn’t stop us from investing. It’s just a passing phase. Other countries that we refer to as developed started from somewhere’ •President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote

Foreigners, BDCs abuse forex transactions, says CBN

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HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) has said because of the ease of accessing foreign exchange (forex) in Nigeria, foreign businessmen particularly Ghanaian businessmen who access forex from Bureau De Chnages (BDCs) abuse the system.

Speaking at the 20th Seminar for Finance Correspond-

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst.

Editor) and Collins Nweze

ents and Business Editors on the impact of crude oil prices on external reserves and exchange rate management in Nigeria yesterday in Calabar, Cross River State, its Director, Monetary Policy, Mr. Moses Tule said the CBN has discovered that

•Dismisses economic strength as illusion “Ghanaian businessmen come to Nigeria to source for forex because they believe it is easy to get it in Nigeria.

As much as $1 million can be demanded by these foreign businessmen from BDCs.” He warned that the “private sector must not be

• From left: Product Manager/Consumer Banking, Sterling Bank, Mr. Ayodeji Fisher; Head, Marketing, Dana Motors Limited, Mr. Jimoh Olawale; Head, Consumer Banking, Sterling Bank, Mr. Gbenga Adegoke and Financial and Corporate Sales Manager, Dana Motors Limited, Mr. Shoaib Ahmed, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dana Motors Limited and Sterling Bank in Lagos…yesterday.

Rice investors decry Customs’ action on retrospective duty

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ICE investors and im porters are unhappy with the action of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), sealing their warehouses over alleged nonpayment of N23.60 billion excess importation levy. The sealed companies include OLAM, Stallion, Masco Agro, Ebony Agro and Conti Agro (Milan).

The bona fide rice investors have in the past alleged that the quantum and the basis of allocation of quotas for last year were not in order, and were issued late after all the imports were made and goods sold, implying there was no real “excess”.

It would be recalled that following the confusion that trailed last year’s quotas, quotas for this year were also issued, canceled and later reissued again.

The implementation of the policy received a lot of criticism predominantly around the fact that the process followed was not in accordance with the Presidential Directives.

Rice investors are concerned that the recent action of NCS is based on the said unfair allocation of quotas and they are being subjected to unwarranted harassment notwithstanding their substantial investments into the rice industry.

On May 26 last year, former President Goodluck Jonathan granted approval for investors with rice milling capacity and verifiable backward integration programme to import rice at 10 per cent duty with a levy of 20 per cent for a period of four years.

The objective was to encourage proven investors in the rice value chain while addressing the supply gap effectively. The Ministry of Finance issued a circular dated July 8 last year

By Lucas Ajanaku

to this effect. Several Millers certified as bona fide by the Ministry of Finance commenced imports based on the undoubted authenticity of the circular.

However, the subsequent sequence of events led to a chaotic environment, with the rice importers highlighting several problem areas: The 2014 allocations made by the Ministry of Agriculture was not valid as its was not made as stipulated by the President (to be made by an Inter Ministerial Committee); the allocations were made late, after 6 months from the stipulation in December 2014, too late to meet the country’s rice demand for the season.

There was a six month gap with no communication to investors on allocations which created uncertainty in the market; the quotas were imposed with retrospective effect, after the importers had already cleared the shipments and delivered them to their customers, based on incurred landed costs. This is legally questionable.

Others include: the allocations were inadequate and not commensurate with the investments made in Nigeria by integrated rice millers – bona fide investors received low/negligible quotas relative to new companies with no proven track record. Some of the affected importers operate the country’s largest integrated rice production facilities; the clear written stipulation of the President was that only the existing investors with existing rice milling capacity and verifiable backward integration programme should be given the allocations, whereas the Ministry of Agri-

culture (acting unilaterallyin contradiction of the circular) issued quotas to several companies with no proven investments, at the cost of existing millers.

The rice importers paid to NCS all the stipulated duties on all shipments, at the point of import (as stipulated by the circular for eligible investors) The United Nations Food & Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has estimated Nigeria’s rice imports to be 2.9 million tonnes this year. However, the national gap determined by the Ministry of Agriculture was set much lower at 1.5 million tonnes in 2014. The imports made by the bonafide investors/millers in 2014 were well within the import estimates. If the imports were not pro actively made by the investors, the nation’s demand would have been met through smugglers, as was the case in 2013.

Sensing that something was seriously wrong, the former Presidency called for the cancellation of this year’s quotas and a full review of the 2014 implementation under the leadership of the Vice President.

However it seems that the issues were no resolved, leaving the new administration with a problem to be resolved on priority.

The recent action of NCS sealing the warehouses of these companies, compounds the problem to a new level of complexity.

During a time when the country is battling with issues relating to fiscal problems and low oil prices, it is critical for the new government to put matters to rest in a fair and equitable manner thereby allowing for the momentum on private sector investments in the nation’s food security to flourish.

predatory in their activities and should be patriotic for the economy to grow.”

Tule noted that Nigeria is the only country in the world that funds BDCs and advised that since “achieving its objectives, the CBN should have withdrawn from funding the BDCs” and left them to source for their forex as other countries around the world do.

Tule cautioned: “If we do not control our consumption pattern, we will not have a naira, because you cannot plan on the volatility of the price of crude oil alone. We need to change our structure of production to avoid a further forex crisis, and we need to be very careful how we share money from Excess Crude Account (ECA).”

The CBN director also expressed concern that as the country approaches the end of the year, there has not been any implementation of capital projects across the country noting that “when a government does not execute capital projects, there is no future for the country. Execution of capital projects such

as hospitals, roads and bridges help to reflate the economy with the jobs they create and the opportunities they provide.”

Tule also said for the first time, the CBN contributed N2 billion for the rebasing of the economy last year. This amount he said is different from what the Federal Government and other agencies contributed to the exercise.

In spite of these contributions, he said the economy is living on the illusion of being strong as some sectors considered informal were not captured in the rebasing exercise yet the country brags of being the largest economy in Africa.

When asked to comment on what was responsible for the growth of the external reserve since the advent of the Buhari administration, Tule said: “The increased is because of Buhari’s directive, and the fact that he stood his ground, that all revenue collecting agencies must remit all revenue into the Federation Account with the CBN and close all other accounts.

We cannot build reserves in a culture of impunity.”

In his presentation, the Chief Executive Office, Financial Derivatives , Mr. Bismarck Rewane said Nigeria’s external reserve and foreign exchange rate crisis is tied to both resource and management problems as “resources are dwindling and management of these is not improving.”

He said N2 trillion was spent on subsidy over time till 2012 for the importation of between 12 and 15 million litres of petroleum products, which did not make sense.

The naira he said is “technically undervalued” and one way to address this crisis is to “get rid of subsidy.”

The country he said “must align spending with earnings and the right people should be put in place to execute this. If subsidies are not removed, it will make the adjustment more painful.”

The CBN he said has to be independent and autonomous, and if faced with difficult situations that goes against the grains of sound monetary policy, the best thing for the CBN governor to do if his advise is not accepted is to quit, because the policy environment has to be consistent.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

12

BUSINESS NEWS

DPR seals 22 petrol stations in FCT

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HE Department of Pe troleum Resources (DPR) , Abuja has closed 22 filling stations in Abuja and its environs for undue profiteering.

Of the 22 filling stations, 19 of them ,according to the DPR yesterday, were sealed for selling above N87.00 per liter, two were for diversion of petroleum products while the remaining one was grossly under-dispensing and selling products massively in jerry cans.

The stations are to remain sealed for at least one month

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

in addition to forfeiting their bridging claims as directed by the Federal Government.

Head, Public Relations, Mohammed.B. Saidu, who issued a statement said: “Petroleum product marketers and depot owners are hereby warned to operate within the guidelines governing petroleum sales and distribution or face the wrath of the law. The exercise shall continue until normalcy is restore.”

The affected filling sta-

tions are Kalasma Nigeria Limited, Zuba, F.C.T. was sealed for selling of PMS at N 110/litre and it was not captured on on latest Depot Manifest. Inyas Nigeria Limited, Kaduna Road, Niger State was sealed for selling of PMS at N110/litre and not captured on latest Depot Manifest. The DPR also sealed Jibeco Nigeria Limited, Kaduna Road, Niger State for selling of PMS at N 110/litre. It is captured on latest Depot Manifest.

Ahmis Nigeria Limited

Kaduna Road, Niger State was sealed for selling of PMS at N 110/litre but it was not captured on latest Depot Manifest.

Kelvin Energy Limited Kaduna Road, Niger State was sealed for selling of PMS at N105/litre and it was not captured on latest Depot Manifest.

DPR, according to the statement, sealed B.B. King Nigeria LimitedKaduna Road, Niger State for selling of PMS at N105/litre. It was not captured on latest Depot Manifest and others.

Port Harcourt, Warri refineries begin preliminary production

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HE Management of the Nigerian National Pe troleum Corporation (NNPC) said the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries have been successfully restreamed after a nine-month phased rehabilitation exercise conducted by its in-house engineers and technicians.

In a statement, NNPC said

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

both plants have commenced preliminary production of petroleum products after successful test-runs, noting that while PHRC is ramping up its operation to about 60 per cent of its 210, 000 barrels per day (bpd) name plate capacity, WRPC production is pro-

jected to hit 80 per cent of its installed 125, 000 bpd capacity.

The NNPC said the Port Harcourt Refinery is projected to boost the nation’s local refining capacity with a product yield of five million litres of petrol per day while Warri Refinery would contribute 3.5 mil-

lion litres to local refining capacity.

Providing insight into the rehabilitation exercise, the it noted that it had to adopt the phased rehabilitation strategy after the Original Refinery Builders (ORB) who were initially contacted for the project came up with unfavorable terms.

We ‘re ready for probe, says Calabar dredging project chief

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ANAGING Direc tor, Calabar Chan nel Management Limited (CCM), Mr. Bart Van Eenoo has declared that his company has nothing to hide and is not afraid of any probe as canvassed by some maritime stakeholders.

In a statement yesterday, he urged anybody who is in doubt about the capability of his company to execute the contract to come forward and

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

ask questions instead of the smear campaign embarked upon against his company.

According to him, he was at the headquarters of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Lagos where he came to process payment in respect of the Calabar Channel Management contract.

He said the company has a capable manpower of about

8,000 workers some of whom were recruited from Boskalis & Dredging International of Belgium and wondered why the detractors would portray CCM in bad light and as being incapable to execute the project.

Besides, he said, the CCM consortium led by Messrs Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited (NGET) has world number one dredging com-

pany-Royal Boskalis of Holland and Westminster Dredging as partners which proves the seriousness CCM attaches to the project.

He said CCM had not demobilised from site as erroneously reported and that contrary to the claims by the Calabar chapter of the Shippers Association; its office which is visible; is on 101, Ndidem Usang Iso Street, Calabar, Cross River State.

Power transmission peaks at 4662Mw

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HE Management of Transmission Com pany of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday announced that the National Grid Transmission has recorded another peak of 4662megawatt (Mw) of electricity.

Its General Manager, Public Affairs, Seun Olagunju, in a statement, said the new peak was attained at 08.00pm on Tuesday.

The statement recalled that TCN management had announced the attainment of the previous peak transmission of 4656Mw on 15th July

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From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

this year.

Power generation and transmission have been recording new peaks above 4500Mw following improvements in gas supply to the generating stations as well as equipment/infra-structure upgrade and enhanced human capacity of system operators.

TCN assures that it would continue to work at enhancing the capacity to transmit more power to the electricity distribution companies.

Dogara rues non-listing of telecom, oil firms on NSE

HE Nigerian Stock Ex change (NSE) would have been more vibrant if multinational oil and gas and telecommunication companies were listed, the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara has said.

Dogara who spoke yesterday while receiving members of the Nigeria- United Kingdom Capital Market Project in his office applauded the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the stock exchanges of both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The Speaker while lamenting the refusal of the multinational oil and gas and telecoms companies to list on the stock exchange, said there was no justification for such.

According to him, big companies in these two major sectors must have to list on the capital market to make capital available for investors, create employment and deepen

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

the market.

He said the House may consider passing a law that will compel multinationals in oil, gas and telecommunication sectors to list certain percentage of their value on the stock exchange.

His said: “Apart from capital inflow sought, the market needs to be deepened, as most of the big international companies in Nigeria are not participating in the NSE. This is sad because these companies account for a huge percentage of revenues in oil, communication and energy.”

Dogara assured that all areas of value-added partnership aimed at wealth increase and redistribution, as well as the creation of employment and economic diversification, will have legislative interventions.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Why govt should invest in oil industry, by SPE •Brown, marginal fields, others ought to be explored N IGERIA’S oil and gas industry needs huge investments to be competitive and stand firm in times of global oil price crash, the Chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Nigeria Council, Mr. Emeka Ene, has said.

He said in the short term, huge investments can be made in the brown fields (fields which production have dropped substantially due to age), marginal fields and independents.

In Ene’s view, investors and operators need to do infield drilling and work-over on all the brown fields, wells that have been developed already to get cheap barrels. Through this approach, he said, Nigeria could

Stories by Emeka Ugwuanyi

increase oil production by up to 2030 per cent. That is what the country needs now to boost its production, he argued.

Ene said Nigeria’s oil industry lacks the required investment that will make it competitive like other oil producing countries, adding that this period of low oil price is the best time for the government to invest in and attract investors into the industry.

He said common business sense requires investing in period of low price and selling in period of high price, lamenting that Nigeria is not

doing but depleting the reserve it has.

He said what makes other oil producing countries thick is that they invest heavily in their oil industry in periods of downturn and reap heavily when oil price is high. It is natural that oil price falls at certain periods and rise again with time, he said, adding that when the price of oil goes down, the cost of production per barrel goes down and that is the best time to invest, he added.

Commenting on what Nigeria should do in a period of low price as being experienced now, Ene said: “Supply and demand in the oil in-

dustry has not changed. Currently, supply exceeds demand but if you look at the forecast by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), we expect that by 2016, the gap will start to narrow.

“So this is a time for Nigeria to actually do the opposite of what it is doing, which is to invest. If the country doesn’t invest, when demand will exceed supply, we will not have the barrels to meet that demand. Common business sense tells us that we buy low and sell high.

This is the time to invest in our industry.

“As we speak, Kuwait is investing $34 billion over the next three years in its oil industry to improve production; United Arab Emirates (UAE) is doing $36 billion, Saudi Arabia is also doing the same thing but in Nigeria, we are cutting back on our investments by over 30-40 per cent.

To counter the effect from further oil glut, Nigeria is to take action by investing in its oil industry to boost

production and become a competitive market place.”

He said diversification of our economy is in order but it is not what can be achieved overnight but investing in the industry for tomorrow’s profit can start now.

“Diversifying the economy is a great idea but it requires coordinated efforts to achieve. Right now, we are facing challenges of restructuring and reforming the industry to be leaner, more efficient and to produce cheaper barrels at a time when the industry is low so that we position the industry to reap the benefits when the industry is high.

“We need to look at brown fields, marginal fields and independents. All the brown fields, wells, that have been developed already, we need to do infield drilling, work-over, and we get cheap barrels. Through this we can increase our production by up to 20-30 per cent just by investing in that.

That is what we need to know as a country, there is need for campaign to boost production. Short term oil gain should be the target,” he added.

Techno Oil eyes 5m cylinders yearly from N3b plant

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•From left: Chairman of Sponsorship Committee, SPE Nigeria Annual lnternational Conference & Exhibition (NAICE 2015), Debo Fagbami; Mr. Ene; and Event Manager, SPE Nigeria Council, lnnocent Ohimor during a press conference on the forth coming 39th edition of SPE Nigeria Annual lnternational Conference & Exhibition in Lagos.

Power firms target September for adequate gas delivery

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NVESTORS in power sector are banking on the appointment of key government’s officials in September to get gas to improve electricity supply, The Nation has learnt.

It was gathered that investors who bought the 10 power plants built under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company of Nigeria (NDPHC) on behalf of the Federal Government, and the successor companies from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), believe that President Muhammadu Buhari will appoint people who would formulate policies that would help power firms to access gas for optimal performanance .

The Chief Executive officer, Abuja Power Station, Abaji, Jammel Jammal, said the September date slated for appointment of ministers and heads of parastatals by the president would determine where the pendulum swings in the nation’s energy sector.

He said investors in the gas powered plants are waiting for the president to appoint officials that would fix the pipelines in order to ensure the turbines access gas for power generation. He said many of the plants have not been accessing gas due either to pipeline breakage or what he described as collocation - that is lack of prox-

By Akinola Ajibade

imity between where the pipelines and the turbines are located.

He said his firm has the capacity to generate 500 megawatts (Mw) of electricity but the company has not been generating power since March this year, due to lack of gas.

He said: “We in Abuja Power Station plan to resume production in September, that is six months after we stopped electricity generation.

Our decision is based on the statement by President Buhari that he would appoint members of his cabinet in September. When the president appoints his ministers, the sector would witness positive developments.”

Jammal said the pipelines and other components vital to the distribution of gas to the power plants are bad, stressing that the appointment of key officials that would manage the sector is the only thing the investors are waiting for. “It is on record that those contacted by the past government to secure the pipelines have been stopped. However, there is need to hire people that would fix and protect the gas pipelines from vandals,” he added.

Also, the Chief Executive officer, Sahara Power Company (owners of Ikeja Electric and Egbin Power Plant), Kola Adesina said activi-

ties in the sector will be improved if President Buhari fixes the sector’s infrastructure. He said gas is a feedstock in the sector and urged the government to give provision and usage of gas priority in order to improve power generation and supply.

He said the problems facing the sector are many, adding that gas is the major one. According to him, the industry is looking up at the new government to tackle infrastructure problems especially gas to improve electricity generation.

He urged stakeholders to see power as an economic and not political issue, arguing that it is by doing the right pricing mechanism or model that the power firms will benefit as well as gas producers, and consumers.

The spokesman, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Yakubu Lawal said the company has built the power plants under its custody, stressing that gas is delaying the take -off of the plants.

He said the company does not concern itself with gas production and distribution, stressing that it has successfully carried out its mandate of building and preparing the plants for investors to take them over, upon meeting all the criteria prepared by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) for the sale of the plants.

ECHNO Oil Limited has said its cooking gas cylinder manufacturing plant being built at Lekki in Lagos will produce five million units of cylinders yearly.

The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder manufacturing plant valued at over N3 billion, according to the company, is expected to create no fewer than 1,000 jobs.

The company said the machines, fabrication and construction of the plant, are being monitored in strict compliance with regulatory standards as stipulated by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and Cotechna, among others.

Its Executive Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Nkechi Obi, said the plant was being constructed in partnership with a European firm, which has built similar plants in over 15 African and Asian countries.

She said her company embarked on the project as part of its contribution to the Federal Government’s drive to deepen LPG consumption and encourage more Nigerians to embrace the use of the commodity, which is clean, safe and affordable.

Although the use of cooking gas has increased by about 36.8 per cent in the past three years in the country, over 80 per cent of households still rely on kerosene, firewood and other energy sources that are not environment friendly, she said, adding that Nigeria has a population of over 170 million people, yet it has less than one million cooking gas cylinders in circulation.

“The huge capital expended annually on the importation of LPG cylinders is a monumental loss to this country. With the completion of this project, Nigeria will curb this huge capital flight, which is estimated at N5 billion annually and further reduce the depletion of our foreign reserves,” she said.

Obi said she is hopeful that the manufacturing plant would assist in checking capital flight suffered

by Nigeria in importing cylinders adding that the huge kerosene subsidy estimated at over N150 billion annually, would be saved. Accord-

ing to her, the plant will save the government funds expended yearly on importation of LPG cylinders from India, China, Turkey and other Asian countries.

“This gap is what Techno Oil has positioned itself to provide solution to by making sure that high quality LPG cylinders are produced locally. The plant will be completed by November this year. We have the capacity to cater for the need of the Nigerian/West African populace. Hence, we do not foresee any organisation importing cylinders in the nearest future,” she said.

Obi said there was need to exploit Nigeria’s huge gas reserves estimated at over 187 trillion cubic feet (Tcf). She lamented that Nigeria still ranked lowest in subSaharan Africa in per capita usage of LPG, consuming 1.1kg compared with Ghana at 3.0kg. South Africa consumes 5.5kg, while Morocco consumes 44kg per capita, she added.

She also appealed to the government to handle the issue of awareness and also provide enabling environment, financial and infrastructural incentives, while the private sector undertakes the projects. Government should do a one-off subsidy intervention by subsidising cylinders to households. We also commend the government for the Central Bank of Nigeria’s small, medium enterprise (SME) facility.

“Cooking gas users find it extremely difficult to refill their cylinders. Sometimes they travel as far as 200km before they can access facilities to refill their cylinders.

Our desire is for government to provide incentives for investors to build refilling plants and terminals and DPR to incorporate LPG plants in all mega stations within reach of communities so that people can refill their cylinders with ease and at affordable cost.

“In furtherance to our advocacy in the last five years, to increase the number and popularise cooking gas usage among women, we have distributed over 50,000 units of gas stoves at discounted prices through market women across the country, and also donated to some indigent households,” she said.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

ENERGY

More oil workers lose jobs as glut takes its toll on Nigeria

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ORE workers will lose their jobs in the oil and gas sector as the full impact of continued drop in oil prices comes to bear on the industry, the President, Association of Outsourcing Professionals of Nigeria (AOPN), Dr Austin Nweke has said.

Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria(PETAN), Mr. Emeka Ene says that over 6,000 jobs were lost in the oil services segment of the industry as at first quarter of this year.

Many oil firms have lost their expatriate workers to recession because they are unable to raise enough money to maintain them.

Nweke said the highly technical workers such as geologists, engineers and others have lost their jobs, adding

Stories by Akinola Ajibade

that those in maintenance and security may lose their jobs if there is no improvement in the sector.

He said the outcome of a research titled Challenges in the Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria conducted by AOPN shows that losses to oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other untoward practices contribute to a shrink in turnover and profits of players in the industry.

He said: “From the research, oil and gas firms are ready to keep low income workers such as security and maintenance officers. They are contract staff which the oil companies outsourced. They are needed to secure assets such as pipelines and oil installation equipment, among others. Going by the current develop-

ment in the industry, many companies would have no choice than to prune down the number of workers they outsourced.”

He said clerical officers will also be affected since the companies would not like to maintain a moderate expenditure. According to him, contract workers are easy to get unlike the highly skilled workers such as engineers and technicians, stressing that oil firms can sack such workers and employ new ones when the need arises.

He said recession in the global market has worsened the problems of oil companies operating in Nigeria, with resultant effects on their employees adding that outsourcing companies are owed by their clients due to the bad economy, and many of them are not ready to compound their woes.

GE’s Angbazo is American Business Council president THE President and Chief Executive Officer, GE Nigeria, Lazarus Angbazo has been elected president of the American Business Council (ABC) in Nigeria.

The American Business Council was set up with the core objective of promoting the development of commerce and investments between the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Nigeria while also providing a forum in which American business executives in Nigeria and other business executives with American interests may identify, discuss, and pursue common interests affecting their activities.

The ABC was conceived as more of a “think tank” rather than the duplication of the NigerianAmerican Chamber of Commerce (NACC) with which it has a synergistic relationship with the President of NACC invited to all ABC functions and activities, including Board meetings.

Membership of the ABC includes but is not limited to Coca Cola, IBM, Schlumbeger, NCR, Pepsi, KPMG, Capital Alliance,

Dubri Oil, Mobil, Procter and Gamble, Intel, Motorola and many others.

The ABC has since its inception in February, 2007, focused on three broad areas where it hopes its impact would be felt in the medium and long term development of Nigeria and they include Education, Infrastructure and Institution Building. Angbazo’s election thus fits perfectly into the over-all aim of the council since GE is in the forefront of helping to rehabilitate Nigeria’s infrastructure from oil and gas to health and power amongst others.

Angbazo said: “It is an honour to have been elected by my peers to serve. The focus of the ABC, aside from promoting business between the US and Nigeria, remains to aid Nigeria’s development in Education, Infrastructure and Institution Building. These are areas where GE has unique expertise and I will work with members of the board as well as of the standing committees to make this happen.” Angbazo takes over from Dick Kramer who has led the American Business Council since its inception in 2007.

Nigerian Content chief hails EWT on vessel fabrication

•From left: Manager, Media and Communications, ExxonMobil Nigeria, Mr. Oge Udeagha; Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Mr. Austin Avuru; Upstream Treasurer, ExxonMobil Nigeria, Mr. Anibor Kragha; and Executive Director/General Manager, Business Development, ExxonMobil Nigeria, Mr. Enyi Onokala during the 2015 Energy Outlook Series organised by ExxonMobil Nigeria in Lagos.

Price fall: Oil majors hold back $200b spending

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LOBAL oil and natural-gas producers have delayed $200 billion of investment in more than 45 projects following the slump in crude prices, according to Wood Mackenzie Limited.

According to Bloomberg, the deferrals “create a substantial hole in

the industry’s investment pipeline,” accounting for about 20 billion barrels of reserves, the Edinburghbased researcher said in an e-mailed report.

Brent crude prices have dropped by half in a year after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Coun-

tries (OPEC) decided to maintain output to defend market share amid a global supply glut.

More than 50 per cent of the affected reserves are in deep-water projects, while almost 30 per cent are in Canadian oil sands, the report showed.

‘Why we plan energy centre in Nigeria’

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HE Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council and the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) have said the objective of building an energy centre in Nigeria is to encourage the growth of local content, capacity and capability in the oil and gas industry as well as other sectors of the economy.

The multi-million dollars project will provide opportunities for production of local content materials used in the sector. It is an initiative of SPE and PETAN, and the centre would complement the efforts of the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) established to drive the use of local content (human and materials) in the nation’s energy sector, the Chairman, SPE Nigeria, Emeka Ene said.

Ene said the centre is a product of collaboration between the SPE and

PETAN, adding the two institutions decided to come up with the initiative in order to enhance the growth of the industry, by developing the skills of stakeholders across the value chain.

He said the centre would be cited within the University of Port Harcourt, which donated one hectare of land for the project. “Apart from the fact that the centre would provide opportunities for research into local content materials, it would assist in knowledge sharing among various professionals in the industry. There is going to be interactions between the professionals in the industry and the academia that are expected to bring their wealth of experience on board for the growth of the industry. The industry thrives on collaborations among bodies whose roles are critical to the development of onshore, offshore and deep offshore initiatives.

In this case, PETAN and SPE will provide major technical and professional inputs that are necessary for the growth of the sector. We strongly believe that there would be a cross fertilisation of idea that would help in developing technology in the sector.

Ene, also the President of PETAN, said latest technologies used by both the local and international oil firms will be showcased at the centre, which would boast of museum, conference halls, meeting rooms, learning rooms, and hotel.

“We are going to replicate the centre in universities across the country. We have done the ground breaking ceremony of the proposed energy centre in the University of Port Harcourt. We are expectant of the success, which the centre will record. Major oil service companies- local and international have promised to buy into the initiative.” he added.

THE Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Denzil Kentebe has commended the Energy Works Technology Limited (EWT), a subsidiary of the Nestoil Group for fabricating the first 90mm stainless steel clad vessel in Nigeria.

The asset also known as a separator was designed for Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited’s (SPDC’s) Soku Field Development plan, which is internally clad with 316L stainless steel, with internal proprietary separation devices and weighs 83 tons.

Speaking at the commissioning of the project, Kentebe hailed the growth of EWT within the past five years from a light fabrication company to one of the foremost pressure vessel, process equipment manufacturers and heavy fabrication yards in Nigeria.

While pledging the Board’s commitment to help companies like EWT further develop their capacity, he commended operators especially SPDC, Total and Seplat that put work in the facility and charged other operators to support all service providers that have demonstrated competence and invested in developing their capacity in Nigeria.

He praised his predecessor, Dr. Ernest Nwapa for laying a good foundation and driving laudable programmes, acknowledging that many of these Nigerian Content successes were birthed before he assumed leadership of the NCDMB. He assured that the Board under his leadership will continue to implement already established frameworks and initiate programmes that will build on the accomplishments. He reiterated

that investments like the ones made

by EWT were critical to achieving the Board’s vision to use Nigerian Content as a platform to industrialize Nigeria and also Government’s aspirations to create jobs and empower Nigerians on the back of oil and gas projects.

He added that the Board “will continue to promote the establishment and utilization of Nigerian facilities and Nigerian owned assets. We will also leverage the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) to implement Capacity Development Initiatives that will create opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, marine, subsea, drilling and well services and all other activities across the value chain.”

The Managing Director of EWT, Mr. Emeka Nnadi credited the success of the project to the determination of SPDC, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and NCDMB to fabricate the 90mm stainless steel clad vessel in Nigeria even when the capability was novel to local services companies.

“With this achievement, EWT has acquired the technical know-how of forming, assembling, welding and testing all ranges of thick welled pressure vessels,” he said.

He also stated that all activities relating to the execution of the project were carried out by Nigerians, which demonstrated that Nigerian Content was viable and its impact on the Nigerian economy was worth the price.

He announced plans by the company to begin motivating and supporting small scale fabricators to attain sophisticated capabilities as growth of this category will have a multiplier effect on the aggregate in-country potential.

Britain awards oil, gas licences to boost exploration BRITAIN awarded 41 licences to drill for oil and gas in the North Sea, the government said, with oil majors Shell and ENI among the successful bidders.

The awards marked the end of Britain’s Oil And Gas Authority’s (OGA) latest licensing round. They brought the total number of licences granted under the round to 175, making it one of the largest in the last 50 years, Reuters reported.

Britain’s North Sea is one of the world’s most mature and therefore costly areas to explore for oil and gas. The high number of licences is-

sued shows the government is trying to attract as much exploration activity as possible to help dampen a rapid decline in North Sea production.

“Licences are just a start, and industry, government and the OGA now need to work together to revitalise exploration activity across the basin and convert licences into successful exploration wells,” said OGA Chief Executive Andy Samuel.

Italian oil company ENI was awarded three licences, covering 23 blocks, while Shell received one licence to explore 10 blocks, government data showed.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Eradicating hepatitis in Nigeria

Bad boys back • Lagos Governor and Commissioner of Police should crush the new highway robbers NCE upon a time, Lagos was a city as model for gangster robbers.

Christmas season was a season of joy for them because they raided banks, markets and homes of the well-heeled.

The major arteries like the Third Mainland Bridge, Ikorodu Road, Mile 12, Agege Motor Road and quite a few others were always parked with cars crawling in traffic snarls and rippling with fear.

The hoodlums bore sophisticated arms and defiant hoods or naked faces. They shot into the air, broke into banks, hacked into private homes, held whole streets hostage or a whole swath of a major road.

They operated for as long as they wanted and left without dread of any arrests of the police. Sometimes the police knew but recoiled from attack because they were ill-equipped for the sophisticated weaponry of the lawless men.

With the deployment of heavy arms, other surveillance infrastructure as well as personnel, the gangsters have retreated and are rare. But a new set of bad boys now parade the streets and major arteries.

They do harm. They threaten, steal, rob, maim, and introduce what was once a history to the profile of the city’s crime.

But this trend has been on the rise in the past year. With the coming of the dispensation of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, they are trying to take advantage of a government about to settle down. They have been working with relentless defiance in some parts of lagos.

They include, Oshodi-Oke and Oshodi – Isale, Mile 12, Iyana Oworo, Mile 2/

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Apapa axis, CMS, Apongbon and Ijora Bridge.

The bad boys are quite clever and imaginative in their devilry. They take advantage of the general fear of traffic commuters. So they pick a car or van, and they ask the driver and the other occupants of the vehicle to wind down their side glasses. If they do not obey, they threaten to do harm. Sometimes they place their hands in a pocket and threaten to zip out a gun or knife. If the commuter does not oblige, they actually bring out the weapon and brandish it.

This immediately inspires a mortal fear in the victims. Those who yield and wind down their glasses are compelled to do away with their valuables, including money, cell phones, laptops, jewellery and other valuables.

Some of them hold guns and others knives. In quite a few happy instances, they have no weapons and the threats are nothing but bluster. But there is no way of telling an empty threat from a real monster.

Their rhetoric often are loaded with street epithets and delivered in the base register of a warrior and faces of extreme skullduggery. The irony is that this happens sometimes in broad day light in presence of other commuters or at night, also in the presence of other commuters. But the victim bears his or her ordeal alone as though on a lonely street.

The worry about this trend is civil silence. Other commuters are afraid for

their own security and so do not help the victim, who is painfully one of them.

The other point is that the cases are not reported to the police, and that creates official ignorance of the scale of crime as well as of the hot spots. Knowledge has been spread by word of mouth mostly, and that is how it is becoming common knowledge.

The commissioner of police has started to step up police presence in some of the major places of horror, especially the Third Mainland Bridge.

But a lot more needs to be done, as most of the areas are still nests of evil for the vermin of society. The governor will work with the police, and that is how the scourge can go away and Lagos can return to the quiet it deserves.

‘The commissioner of police has started to step up police presence in some of the major places of horror, especially the Third Mainland Bridge. But a lot more needs to be done, as most of the areas are still nests of evil for the vermin of society.

The governor will work with the police, and that is how the scourge can go away and Lagos can return to the quiet it deserves’

Arepo again!

•The pipeline vandals must be stopped before the place escalates to a state within a state

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ARELY six weeks after the contract for the protection of pipelines at the Arepo area of Ogun State awarded by the Goodluck Jonathan administration to men of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) was terminated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), a major fire incident erupted, following a clash between two rival gangs whose members stormed the corporation’s facility in the area to scoop fuel on July 22. Many of them were said to have been killed in the fire that erupted in System 2B pipeline. The NNPC subsequently cut off supplies to the affected pipelines.

Arepo, Ogun State, has become notorious more for the activities of pipeline vandals that continue to ply their illegal trade there than for the peaceful settlement that it is supposed to be.

Indeed, the activities of the vandals have continued to cause nightmares to residents there, some of whom had died

‘These impunities and corruption must stop now that there is a new government in place. The country cannot continue to bleed from all angles. So, the Buhari administration must give the marching orders to the relevant agencies to wake up to their responsibilities’

in cross-fires between the vandals and security men.

A similar fire incident occurred barely a month ago when vandals struck in the area, and another incident about six weeks ago when vandals ambushed and shot, in cold blood, five policemen deployed to secure the area. In September 2012, vandals killed three members of staff of NNPC who were sent to repair vandalised pipes there.

Between September 2012 and April 2013, about four incidents of vandalism occurred in Arepo, claiming several lives.

The question now is: who is responsible for protecting the area after the pipeline security contract awarded to the OPC was terminated? Obviously no one appeared to be in charge and the vandals simply had a field day, given reports after the fire incident. Two examples buttress this point. One, rescuers reportedly had problems getting to the scene not only because of the raging fire, but also because of fear of attack by the vandals. Secondly, two photojournalists who went there to cover the incident were abducted by the vandals who mistook them for security agents. They were brutalised and merely escaped death by the whiskers. We do not know if there were others that were not that lucky.

This impunity should not continue. The country cannot keep tolerating the existence of a state within a state. Why should hoodlums keep holding the country to ransom? How could the nation have been living with so many fires in the same place without the authorities

seeking a permanent solution to the problem? Part of the reasons though is the government’s unseriousness. For instance, rather than see the problem for the security challenge that it is, the Jonathan presidency turned it into ‘job for the boys’ by putting the security of the pipelines in the hands of ethnic militias.

Fuel pipelines are national assets and should be so treated by the government.

Arepo has become a haven for pipeline vandals apparently because the illicit trade has been found to be lucrative by those involved in it. Yet, the nation loses whenever the vandals smile to the banks. But the situation in Arepo merely reflects the shoddy handling of the country’s cash cow, the oil sector.

These impunities and corruption must stop now that there is a new government in place. The country cannot continue to bleed from all angles. So, the Buhari administration must give the marching orders to the relevant agencies to wake up to their responsibilities. Technology has made surveillance of such critical infrastructure like the pipelines easier.

So, why is it not possible for the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) to take advantage of this to monitor activities in the pipeline corridors?

In addition, the government must be ready to arm the relevant security agents with the sophisticated weapons befitting of their assignment. Yes, the vandals are usually well armed; they cannot be seen to overwhelm the state which naturally should be in control of the instruments of coercion.

S

IR: No rational man boasts of anything if his health condition is at stake. Suffice to say that good health remains the most precious possession that ever comes to a man regardless of his/her status or age. Tuesday July 28, the world over commemorated the 2015 World Hepatitis Day. The event, which is observed annually was inaugurated by World Health Organization (WHO) under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) to raise global awareness on hepatitis or a group of infectious diseases known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, and to encourage the prevention, diagnosis, as well as the treatment of the disease.

The first global World Hepatitis Day was marked on May 19, 2008 through the effort of the World Hepatitis Alliance in collaboration with various patient groups. The commemoration received an international endorsement following the adoption of a resolution during the 63rd World Health Assembly held in May 2010. The date of the event was later changed to July 28 of every year by the Assembly, in honour of the birthday of Nobel Laureate Baruch Samuel Blumberg – the man who discovered the hepatitis B virus.

There is an estimate that hepatitis affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide thereby causing acute or chronic disease and killing close to 1.4 million people every year.

Currently, approximately 500 million people worldwide are believe to suffer from either hepatitis B or hepatitis C. If left untreated or unmanaged, hepatitis B or C can lead to advanced liver scarring known as cirrhosis and other complications including liver cancer or liver failure.

While many people worry more about contracting diseases like HIV than hepatitis, the reality is that every year, at least 1.3 million people worldwide die as a result of either hepatitis B or C faster than they would in the case of HIV/AIDS. Needless to say that, hepatitis is indeed a deadly disease. Considering this fact, it is pathetic and devastating to note that many hepatitis carriers are yet to realize that they are living with the disease.

There’s therefore need for collective support as regards creation of awareness on this silent killer known as Hepatitis. The World Hepatitis Day provides an opportunity to focus on raising awareness on the different forms of hepatitis, their common causes and how they are transmitted; strengthening prevention, screening, and control of viral hepatitis and other related diseases; increasing hepatitis B vaccine coverage cum integration into national immunization programmes and coordinating a global response to hepatitis.

No doubt, all hands are expected to be on deck towards ensuring that this killer disease that has been a colossal societal menace for decades now is duly eradicated.

• Comr Fred Nwaozor Lagos

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 30, 2015

18

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: The reversal of the unpopular policy of reassigning candidates by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) by the Federal Government is commendable. The message in the failed policy is that those at the helms of affairs should consult widely before arriving at their decision (s) and consider the unintended consequences of their action(s) on the life chances of those at the receiving end. At all times, the rights of all citizens must be respected while parties to an agreement must stick to the agreement without changing the rule in the middle of the game. What can we learn from this? We need to understand why some universities remain short of candidates (needy) in a country where there are more candidates than available spaces.

Yearly, about 1.6 million Nigerian youths purchase application forms sold by JAMB to compete for a little below 500,000 admission spaces! These candidates pay about N5,000 to obtain forms. Yet, JAMB did not see a moral burden in collecting their monies, setting examinations and grading them using the same standard. The public universities are over-subscribed more than their carrying capacities while private universities remained short of candidates. In the 2015 UTME application statistics, the top 10 by first choice are University of Ilorin (105,032); University of Benin (71,273); Nnamdi Azikiwe University (70,430); University of Nigeria Nsukka (66,577); University of Lagos (62,125); Ahmadu Bello University (56,858); University of Ibadan (46,812); Bayero University Kano (45, 464); Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife (43,037); and University of Uyo (40,005).

In the same 2015 UTME applications, only 15,000 of the 1,436,837 million candidates sought admission into 48 private universities. Of these, Covenant, Babcock and Afe Babalola universities had 3, 144; 1,985 and 1, 247 applicants respectively. Others had below 600 applicants with some like Southwestern University, Well Spring University and Kwararafa University having

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JAMB: Lessons from policy reversal less than 10 candidates each! Those who chose polytechnic as first option in the top 10 institutions are a little above 10,000 candidates. The top 10 institutions in Colleges of Education had 13, 944 candidates who made them their first option.

The 2015 UTME performance statistics showed that 455,639 candidates scored 200 and above; 663,570 scored 190 and above; 931,559 scored 180 and above; 1, 205,992 scored 170 and above while 1,353, 509 scored 160 and above. Only 122,091 scored below 160. In the form purchased by candidates, those who could not meet the cutoff for the university of first choice can still use same score for their preferred polytechnics or colleges

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of education. JAMB has set the minimum cut-off for Universities at 180 while polytechnics, Colleges of Education and others had theirs pegged at 150. It means that candidates can still make it to other tertiary institutions and not only Universities even if they fall below cutoff points.

Obviously the quest for university education is topmost from the statistics. University education in Nigeria determines where you get to in formal employment (for employment, promotion, discrimination). We need to increase the space for competition in our public universities since affordability will continue to chase Nigerian youths from private universities who

charge exorbitant fees. Everything boils down to infrastructure needs.

If private universities spend less on power generation and other materials, tuition will go down. Those establishing universities must do feasibility studies and needs assessment of their community. For instance, University of South Africa (UNISA), one of the 23 public universities in that country, provides opportunities to more than 400, 000 students across South Africa, Africa, and other parts of the world. It is ranked high in Online Distance Learning (ODL) Education. The present configuration of Distance Learning Education in Nigerian Universities will at best deliver on the unintended objective of prolif-

erating mediocrity. Hence, Nigeria must develop infrastructure in Distance Learning to provide the much needed educational space in public universities. The Buhari led-administration must revisit the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) NEEDS Assessment report. The report showed that public universities have a shortfall of 60,000 lecturers and dilapidated infrastructure. Unfortunately, only N200 billion of the N1.3 trillion agreed by Federal Government since 2013 had been released. While all these are important to increase access, parents must learn to make their wards explore other available opportunities in Polytechnics and Colleges of Education. After all, I attended the Polytechnic, Ibadan before gaining admission into University of Ibadan. Today, I hold a Ph.D of the University but I am better equipped as a trained Mass Communication student because of the practical exposure at the polytechnic.

• Dr Oludayo Tade, Ibadan.

PMB: Save our investment in cement sector

IR: Our hearts bleed as we make this passionate appeal to you as father of the nation, our last hope in this lingering callous and inhuman matter of life and death.

We are a group of new entrant Investors in the cement sector, licensed by the Federal Government under the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua to import, package, grind and produce cement locally in a backward integration policy programme effective 2008.

Our sin is that we answered government clarion call after a rigorous pre-qualification exercise to help reduce cement prices which went as high as two thousand, two hundred naira (=N=2,200). To sustain this policy and widen the investment space in this sector, government set up a program to be followed.

But as soon as we commenced importation and the building of local plants which coincided with the death of President Yar’Adua, an industrial giant in the sector petitioned the Federal Government and the licences were IMMEDIATELY withdrawn, and the programme stopped, occasioning untold economic hardship and default in various local and international contracts.

It may be of serious concern to you, dear President, to note that over 10 vessels already laden with cement at high sea under the licence were not allowed to berth.

This episode marked the saddest point in our business lives, as all efforts to allow these vessels berth were rebuffed. Suffice it to state that all our members had met Federal Government requirement on backward integration policy under late President Yar’Adua. But all

these were jettisoned under former President Jonathan with impunity in favour of few individuals.

Based on the capital intensive nature of cement business, we borrowed heavily in billions from local and foreign banks to meet our patriotic duty to our country. But, unfortunately, the cement so imported were callously not allowed to come into this country by fiat, including those awaiting discharge at the ports. Based on this unbelievable act by the past government and their cohorts, our businesses, families, integrity, banks and the economy had been ruined as we cannot repay our loans, sustain our employees and redeem our collateral which had been seized by banks and AMCON. All attempt to get Federal Government intervention or bailout has met brick walls as the past government was an accomplice in this “Man’s inhuman-

ity to man”.

Our members have been in various courts seeking redress for losses ranging from N5Billion – N17Billion as damages.

Since our participation was on the invitation of the Federal Government who mindlessly ruined our lives and business with impunity, our prayer are that – an approval to be paid damages and cost of products to enable us meet our obligation to local and foreign creditors and resume production; that government approves intervention fund of N20 billion for all the affected companies to revive their factories, generate employment, make cement available and affordable.

• Chief Reagan Ufomba National Secretary, Cement Producers Association of Nigeria – CEPAN

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

19

COMMENTS

Nigeria- Canada relations

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HEN Nigeria hosted the Commonwealth in 2004, there were series of events lined up culminating in the summit which was graciously declared open by Queen Elizabeth II. One of the events was a lecture on the evolution of the commonwealth by Professor Lalage Bown from the United Kingdom.

At question time Ambassador Olisemeka, former Permanent Secretary and later Foreign Minister of Nigeria surprised some of us when he said the Commonwealth had no meaning or relevance to him simply because his son could not secure a student visa to go to Canada for university education.

I studied for my Ph.D. in Canada at Dalhousie university between 1967 and 1970 . I was an Izaak Walton Killam Scholar, the equivalent of the British Rhodes scholarship which was highly sought after in those days. I was very young, having graduated at the age of 24 from the University of Ibadan. The commonwealth ties in those days were very strong to the effect that as a commonwealth citizen I did not need a visa to go to Canada.

When I finished my studies, Professor Jack Ogelsby from the University of Western Ontario came to Halifax, Nova Scotia to offer me a job and to file for what is called landed immigrant status for me so that I could legally work in Canada. Life was good in those days! After a year, I left to go to the University of the West Indies in Barbados, another commonwealth institution, after which my mother put pressure on me to return home.

I came home as a friend of Britain, Canada and the West Indies, places where I had studied and worked. I was particularly fond of Canada. I was one of those who founded what we called the Maple Club of Nigeria bringing together Nigerians who studied in Canada. By stroke of luck or coincidence I was asked to go to Canada to open a Nigerian University Commission office in Ottawa in 1978 when Nigeria embarked on expansion of its universities. Furthermore I voted in the election that brought the mercurial and unconventional Pierre Trudeau to power as a young prime minister of Canada.

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MERICA is a country of contradictions. It is a country that you cannot really place when it comes to certain issues. The United States (U.S) means well for the world, speaking in terms of peace and defence of human rights. These are issue that are dear to this global cop. It watches over the world to ensure that countries follow the straight path, while it does not always take that path. When it pleases America, it throws the rule book away and bares its fangs to show its might.

America is the global cop because it answers to no other country; it plays by its own rules, whether the world likes it or not.

When America wants to show that it is America, it does the unthinkable, leaving the world wondering what the Yankees are up to. It does not do that because it wants to dare the world; it does it because it believes that it is all for the expansion of the people's right to exercise their God given freedom to be what they want to be.

But truth be told, it crosses the limit of human freedom in its quest to expand the people's freedom to belong; to do whatever catches their fancy, no matter how weird or immoral. America does not condone immorality. It holds the marriage institution sacrosanct. This is why it does not look kindly at its philander-

472 DAYS AFTER

STILL WAITING FOR CHIBOK GIRLS’ RESCUE

In the late 1980s when I was special adviser to the minister of external affairs, I had occasion to meet Canadian prime ministers and foreign ministers like Jean Chretien and Joe Clark and as chairman of Nigerian-Canada Chamber of Commerce I hosted a few of their ministers when they visited Nigeria.

Years later I helped register the Nigerian-Canada Chamber of Commerce and I was foundation chairman.

My children, two of which were born in Canada in the 1970s, also went to University of Toronto, Dalhousie University and Ryerson University.

I say all this to show how close my relationships have been with Canada. My personal story mirrors the warm relations that happily existed between Canada and Nigeria. The bitter interlude of the Abacha years when Canada took a principled stand against the brutal dictatorship of military rule did not do irreparable damage to the good diplomatic relations then existing between our two countries.

Nigeria has always found Canada a good partner because Canada has no imperialistic tendencies in her relations with other countries and has always supported African aspirations during the struggle for decolonization and against institutionalized racism of the defunct apartheid regime in South Africa. Canada along with Nigeria, Australia, Guyana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia constituted a commonwealth ministerial committee on apartheid and I remember the role of Mr Joe Clark the former prime minister who later became foreign minister played in putting economic pressure on South Africa between 1988 and 1991. I participated in these meetings held in Zimbabwe, Australia and Canada.

Unfortunately for inexplicable reasons, our relations with Canada has apparently become merely tolerable if not hostile from the Canadian side. I say this because it takes approximately 54 days for a Nigerian to get a visa renewed to travel to Canada.

Your passport remains with the Canadian visa office during which time you cannot go to any other country making one feel trapped! This has been my experience in these last 50 days and I find it galling

that I am confined to my country through the activity of a friendly foreign mission. Yet any Canadian wanting to come to Nigeria gets his or her visa within three or four days. That is the instruction Jide given to all Osuntokun Nigerian missions in countries of potential investors.

Diplomacy operates on the principle of reciprocity.

It seems that the Canadians are not playing by the rules of the game of international relations. In my case, I have a daughter and her family living there and grandchildren that I want to see. What harm can somebody of my age do to a country that has been good to me and my family? I understand that Nigeria is now a country with security concerns regarding the activities of the hoodlums in the north east but certainly a country like Canada can separate wheat from the tares!

I appeal to the Canadian mission in Nigeria to review its visa regime and our government should step in and appeal to the Canadians to behave as a friendly nation we all know it to be.

‘Unfortunately for inexplicable reasons, our relations with Canada has apparently become merely tolerable if not hostile from the Canadian side. I say this because it takes approximately 54 days for a Nigerian to get a visa renewed to travel to Canada’

In gay they trust ing leaders. They are made to stew in their own juice - a philanderer can never last in American politics. He is sooner shown the way out of office before he knows it.

If America is so concerned about family life, does it not follow that it will uphold the God ordained way of building a family, which is through marriage between man and woman? There are no two ways to building a family and there will never be.

God, according to scripture knew us before He created us. He knew our needs; he knew that man cannot exist without a woman and vice versa. So, He created woman to complement man. And the amazing thing is that He created woman from the rib of man. ''He who finds a wife finds a good thing'', says the Bible. A wife as we all know is a woman. A man, no matter how much he disguises himself as a woman as former Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha did in order to escape from London about 10 years ago, cannot assume that role.

If this is the case, can a man morally, socially and legally speaking marry a man? God frowns at the act and so it is a taboo for a man to take a man as wife. We cannot rewrite the law of nature by legislating on an abominable act like this. There is no law that can confer legality on an act for which the Creator destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. It was for this indecent act that He wiped out a generation. If today humanity cannot learn from that then it will never learn from anything.

Man cannot under the guise of civilisation go against God's will. Any one that does that will end up destroying himself - and with his own hands too. Why will a man marry man? Is it for the want of women? Women abound everywhere. All a man needs do is to search well and he will get the flesh of his flesh. This is the path laid down by the almighty for man. If man decides to deviate from that path then he should be ready to pay the price.

The U.S. has chosen the way it wishes to go on this matter. Its Supreme Court has approved what the world now refers to as same sex marriage.

What the U.S. judges, in their wisdom, have done is to overrule God's decision that a man cannot marry a man. Now in the U.S a man can marry a man and a woman can marry a woman if the parties so wish. Homosexuality is everywhere in the world, but those who practice it do so in hiding. In many parts of the world, gays and lesbians do not come out in public to profess their homosexuality because it is a thing of shame. Families with homosexuals keep the secret to themselves. They hide it from outsiders because it is not something to be proud of that either our son or daughter is an homosexual.

The U.S can do whatever it likes with itself on this and other issues. If it feels that homosexuality is something to be proud of, that is its choice. But is there no contradiction in what it is doing considering that it refers to itself as God's own country? Its motto is : ''In God we trust''. Can the U.S trust in God and be doing what

is contrary to the will of God? That is food for thought for America. We are concerned here that it tried to sell the same sex marriage deal to President Muhammadu Buhari during his visit there a few days ago.

As powerful as the U.S is there is a limit to how it can impose its will on other countries on certain matters. On the same sex marriage issue, the U.S knows too well that there is nothing it can do if other countries do not wish to go that way. In Nigeria, it is a sin for a man to marry a man or a woman to marry a woman. Our civilisation has not reached that stage. We are a civilised people but there are certain things which our civilisation cannot undo and same sex marriage is one of such things. This is why homosexuals ply their trade under cover here.

That homosexual has not been born that will come out in public and parade himself as such. f he does that his family tree will be traced in order to as certain if madness runs there. People will simply look at such person as mad and dismiss him with a wave of the hand. The question that has been agitating my mind is are homosexuals born or do they become homosexuals by choice? Whatever it may be, it is a 'detestable'' practice as the Bible says. So, every sane man must refrain from it the same way

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

as our president declared to his American counterpart, President Barrack Obama, that there is no room for the legalisation of same sex marriage here. Why will Nigeria legalise the practice when the Bible warns : ''Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. Do not defile yourselves in this way, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled. For all these things were done by the people who lived in the land before you, and the land became defiled. And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited the nations that were before you''.

With this biblical injunction, need we say more on this matter?

America should live with the choice it has made and let us live with our own choice too.

‘In Nigeria, our civilisation has not reached the stage where a man will marry a man or a woman will marry a woman. This is why homosexuals ply their trade in hiding here’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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COMMENTS

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OVERNORS Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti and Nyesom Wike of Rivers are two of a kind. They share some parallels.

Both are men greatly admired by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife. For the former, Jonathan was prepared to risk everything including honour and his presidency. Leaving nothing to chance during Fayose’s gubernatorial battle in June 2014, he deployed his Minister for Police Affairs Jelili Adesiyan, junior Minister of Defence, Musliu Obanikoro and Brigadier General Aliu Momoh to lead a contingent of 12,000 mobile police men, 15,000 NSCDC personnel, 26 sniffer dogs, two aircraft at a time the nation lacked resources to confront Boko Haram that had seized a sizable portion of our territory and holding about 300 school girls abducted from their dormitories in captivity. Fayose went on to secure a landslide victory through what is today known as ‘Ekiti-gate’, defeating Fayemi, the high achieving incumbent in all the 16 LGAs of the state. For the latter, in an election marred by violence, supporters of Patience Jonathan, some of whom once described her as ‘messiah’, ensured he won by a wide margin of 1,029,102 votes to Dr Dakuku Petersides’s measly 124,896 votes to secure a victory now being hotly contested at the election tribunal in Abuja. In return, the duo loves the ex-president and his wife in equal measure. They could follow Jonathan and his wife into battle blind-folded. For Jonathan’s March 28 failed re-election bid, Fayose fought without grace. He was like the proverbial stubborn fly that follows the corpse to the grave. He was ready to sink with Jonathan. And for Wike, fighting Jonathan’s personal wars was a greater honour than serving the nation. As Minister of Education, while universities and polytechnics went on strike for close to a year, he was able to create time to be in Port Harcourt every weekend mobilizing thugs and ex-militants to, as he put it ‘ensure the president was not disgraced in South-south’. And he delivered on his promise. Of the 1,584,768 total votes cast, Jonathan secured 1,487.075 to Buhari’s paltry 69,238 in Rivers.

Both Fayemi and Amaechi set high standards in the delivery of the dividends of democracy. And since Fayose and Wike who effortlessly secured landslide victories without agenda have very little to offer in terms of clear policy perspective, their common strategy was to start attacking the integrity of their predecessors in office right from the inauguration ground. Fayose first

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Like Fayose, like Wike claimed the “N3.3bn new Government House is Fayemi’s show of wickedness to Ekiti people,” He further claimed the facilities in the lodge which he described as “out-of-thisworld luxury” were provided for Fayemi, his wife and children. He also alleged “what was spent on their bedrooms, toilets and bathrooms will be in the region of N100m”.

But in a live interview monitored in AdoEkiti the Thursday after his inauguration, Fayose invited all, the Islamic and Christian prophets in Ekiti, for the cleansing of the Government House. At another thanksgiving service held at the Ado Ekiti Central Mosque the following day, he informed the congregation “I am for the masses. I’m not in a hurry to go to the Government House. Those who want to go there can go there and enjoy themselves; how will governor put electricity in his house and the whole town is in darkness?” Fayose was not done. “Shouldn’t such funds expended on the hilltop edifice have been used to resuscitate the moribund textile factory in Ado-Ekiti that was turned to lock-up shops to provide employment for our teeming youths?” He had asked his audience.

Like Fayose, like Wike. The only difference was while Fayose’s tantrums was about the alleged N3.4billion his predecessor spent in building a new governors lodge, Wike’s antics was about the vandalized Rivers State Governors Lodge. While addressing his congregation during a post inauguration thanksgiving service on Sunday, May 31, he said: “As I speak with you, everything has been vandalized. I will not enter the Government House in the next two or three months. There is no vehicle in Government House, not even one”. He continued “all the

HE recent Transaction Implementation Agreement to fast-track the completion of the Aba Geometric Power Plant project represents a giant leap towards achieving the dreams of the pioneer industrialists who conceived an Enyimba City that was appropriately dubbed the Japan of Africa. That was before things started falling apart. As everyone with a passing knowledge of the history of industrial development in Nigeria will attest to, erratic power supply was top on the least of factors that retarded Aba’s march to greatness.

Thus, there was a huge sigh of relief when Professor Barth Nnaji’s Geometric Power and his partners initiated the Aba Independent Power Plant (Aba IPP) project under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, the first in the country to co-opt the concept of the Independent Power Plants, IPP, as a veritable model for guaranteeing steady electric power supply.

Sam Ohuabunwa who, at the time, was president of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group explains what happened: “Professor Nnaji sacrificially took up the challenge by the visiting president of the World Bank, James Wolfensohn, to establish the project in order to meet the critical need of industrialists as well as ingenious low- and middle-scale manufacturers like shoemakers who were being thrown out of business by awful power supply from the national grid”.

Ohuabunwa should know: aside being president of NESG, he was founding chairman of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals Plc and holds the distinction of leading his colleagues at Neimeth to successfully carry out the first management buy-out in the history of corporate Nigeria.

However, in spite of the commitment of the sponsors of the Aba IPP, avid followers of events did not need to look too far to realize that the project was being hindered by Nigeria’s traditional hiccups: skyrocketing costs due to price instability, skewed political considerations and personal interests of public office holders to the extent that at some point, doubts began to creep into the project.

Yet, those familiar with Nnaji’s track record never lost any sleep over the viability of the project. His stature as a global scholar of repute and his catalytic role in fast-tracking Nigeria’s present power sector roadmap apart, there has always been the reassuring historical antecedent that his Geometric Power was the first in recent memory to complete an IPP project in Nigeria. Interestingly, the 22 megawatts station is located in the Federal Capital City of Abuja. In fact, as Echeme Nnanna Kalu, erstwhile chairman of the Aba Chamber of Commerce has observed, the Aba venture was designed to be a model of how the public private partnership (PPP) could be carried out in the Nigerian power sector without the Federal Government committing itself unduly to the highly expensive sovereign guarantee.

Given that enviable track record, history will simply be

bullet-proof doors, furniture, crested carpets, curtains and windows had been stolen by the former administration”. The following day, Wike took some selected journalists and some PDP stalwarts including national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; former deputy governor of the state, Engr. Tele Ikuru; former Minister of Sports, Dr. Tammy Danagogo the state chairman of PDP, Chief Felix Obuah, among others to the residential quarters, offices and the banquet hall where key furniture, television sets and electrical accessories had been vandalized. Chief Felix Amaechi Obuah soon followed with a statement which “unequivocally condemns such childish and criminal action of former Governor, Amaechi”. Then the Rivers State Police Command issued a statement claiming the recovery of three coaster buses, two 306 Peugeot, two hummer buses and one 306 Peugeot’ parked in a unauthorised yard’, which turned out to be mechanic garage.

Reacting to Wike antics, Amaechi implored the Rivers people to ask Wike whether he was conversant with ‘what was in his former bedroom before now, to conclude that the bedroom was looted?’ or whether he spoke ‘with or review with the Permanent Secretary of Government House, who is the chief accounting officer’. And finally Amaechi wanted the Rivers people to know “that on Friday, May 29, Wike had barred some key officials of Government House, including civil servants from accessing the place. 48 hours later, he started shouting ‘vandalisation and looting’; I left the place intact. If there’s any vandalisation or looting in Government House after I left, Rivers people should ask Wike what happened.” It is Wike’s words

against Amaechi’s. One thing that is not in doubt however is the fact that Rivers is home to many thugs and militants who often operate freely. And from the targets of various acts of violence before and during the election, it was clear Wike commands their loyalty.

In the interim, Wike has secured N30 billion loan in 30 days. Asked to justify a policy of N1b a day by Wike’s administration, one of his top officials told Channel Television reporters something to the effect that, the governor should be praised for achieving so much within a month with the loan.… “This office when we moved in had nothing. Even the central carpet had been taken away…”

I hope Fayose, who has been chasing Fayemi around the country for allegedly spending N3.4b to build a new government house knows he owes him an apology in the light of his ‘30 days governor N30b loan’ soul mate whose expressed reason for the huge loan is rehabilitation and furnishing vandalized government lodge. But Fayose has more to worry about. By October, he would have spent one year in office, enjoying the luxury including the N50m bed he had claimed Fayemi designed for the comfort of his family.

‘The moribund textile industries’ remain moribund. Ado Ekiti like other Ekiti towns remain in darkness while contrary to his undertaking, he has been sleeping in ‘governors house lit up with electricity.’

To borrow Fayemi’s apt description of Fayose’s theatrics at the height of his persecution, the antics of Fayemi and Wike have been more of ‘comedy of errors and theatre of the absurd’.

‘I hope Fayose, who has been chasing Fayemi around the country for allegedly spending N3.4b to build a new government house knows he owes him an apology in the light of his ‘30 days governor N30b loan’ soul mate whose expressed reason for the huge loan is rehabilitation and furnishing vandalized government lodge’

Aba’s date with history

By Emma Agu repeating itself when the 141 megawatts Aba Geometric Power Project is commissioned in November. Any doubt about that impending milestone has been erased with the entry of Afrigem Integrated Utilities Limited as core investor following the signing of the TIA in July. The agreement details Afrigem’s investment, the milestones for the restructuring of the existing debt stock of Geometric Power, recapitalization and also, the restructuring of the company. These are expected to help fasttrack the completion of the remaining work left for the plant to takeoff in November and start the generation, transmission and distribution of quality electricity power to the residents of Aba and the neigbhouring towns in Umuahia.

Coming in the wake of the resolve of Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, to restore Aba to its historical position as the industrial epicentre of the east, the agreement co-opting Afrigem as core investor, could not have come at a more auspicious time. It is also not surprising that the corporate sector is enamoured by the progress made so far. Ohuabunwa, Nnanna Kalu and Cliff Eneh, have all given the thumbs up to the project. Their endorsements speak volumes of the strategic importance of the Aba IPP. Kalu is a scion of the Nnanna Kalu business dynasty that bestrode Aba’s corporate firmament, for years dominating the paper conversion sector in West Africa with their Star Paper Mills. For his part, Eneh, a former engineer with the Texas Power and Light Corporation in the United States was also with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) before becoming a lecturer and engineering consultant in Lagos.

To appreciate the profundity of the agreement and the unfolding reality, we only need to remember that many a laudable project had floundered at the knees of insolvency and narrow business aspiration because the original promoters chose to hold on to 100 percent of nothing. But by broadening the ownership base of the company, Nnaji and his partners have laid credence to that patriotic zeal already stated by Ohuabunwa. Besides, by this watershed arrangement, the original promoters of Aba IPP have enacted an investment masterstroke: not only will Geometric Power become one of the most highly capitalized private sector power companies in the West African sub-region, the company will be availed of the expertise of Afrigem which already has a 720MW pipeline of energy solutions project in the West African sub-region.

And to think that Afrigem intends to increase the plant capacity from 141MW to 341MW by 2018 makes it all the more reassuring

that a fundamental socio-economic transformation is being orchestrated in the land of the rising sun!

This, no doubt, is the most salutary news coming out of the south-east in the past decade or so. Aba’s restless machines will soon rev back to life; that’s a spectacle we can’t wait to behold. At its pristine industrial season, Aba never sleeps. Many skilled youth among them clothiers, shoemakers, bag manufacturers, artisans of every colour and description spend restless nights striving to meet huge orders from various parts of West Africa. What Nnaji and his compatriots have told us is that we are about to return to the ‘good old days’! With commerce and industry booming, transporters, food vendors and sundry business brokers will witness a boom. And with the city ever busy, the Enyimba City will reactivate its traditional zero tolerance for crime. One can begin to imagine the huge multiplier effect when the foreign nationals from Cameroon, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire etc that boosted Aba’s thriving commerce but were driven away by insecurity and faltering supplies begin to stage a predictable comeback. I can see branch managers of banks in Aba smiling in anticipation. Put succinctly, the entire value chain will be driven up several notches.

In this unfolding spectacle special commendation should go to all the stakeholders whose undying confidence in the project, in spite of the risks associated with such investments, provide the anchor for this promise of restoring Aba and environs to their erstwhile status as the Japan of Africa. When the plant is commissioned in November, Geometric Power and its partners, the creditors: Diamond Bank Plc, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc as well as the new core investor, Afrigem will have their names distinctly emblazoned in gold as the ‘investment doctors’ that, when hope was fast receding, donated their personal blood to restore life to a precocious industrial patient called Aba. For Barth Nnaji, this outstanding scholar who has rubbished the notion that professors are mere theoreticians, this great patriot, ebullient ‘economic engineer’ and industrial catalyst, the imminent consummation of the Aba IPP will not be the end of it all. Nor will it be the beginning of the end. It simply means a crystallisation of his remarkable audacity to plunge headlong into uncharted waters, to set the pace in redefining the frontiers of national industrial renaissance. As Aba awaits its November date with history, an exultant Nnaji should do well to be guided by the dictum that the reward for hard work is more work.

•Agu, is a fellow of both the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ)

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

21

COMMENTS

T

ODAY, what most of us Nigerians regularly experience and know is poverty.

Our national Bureau of Statistics says that about 70% of us are living in “absolute poverty” – meaning that we are barely keeping alive with just about one U.S. dollar a day. In many days during any month, many of our families cannot be sure of as much as that one dollar. The days are gone when parents who sacrifice to give their children education can hopefully wait for those children to graduate and come back to help. It is sad to watch bright young graduates roam the streets jobless endlessly. It is sad to see pictures of some others of our bright youths among terrorist desperadoes.

But it has not always been like this in our country. When I was a boy in secondary school and later in the University College Ibadan in the 1950s, we youths of my generation lived in great hope. Commonly, as we were writing our final examinations in Trenchard Hall, we had letters of employment in our pockets. In my case, as in the cases of many of my friends, the minibus sent for me by my employers was waiting outside the exam hall, and by evening I was a highly-placed employee of a prestigious secondary school. Two weeks later, as was commonly the case, my employers asked me to sign some papers to receive a loan to buy a car. Days later, I was learning to drive my car. And meanwhile, I and my university sweetheart, who had just graduated too, were planning our wedding. My house was filled with the younger boys from my father’s polygamous family – young boys bubbling, happy because big brother had come back from UCI to help them with their own education. Life was orderly, predictable and filled with hope – and with determination to succeed in life, and to help others to succeed.

All this life of reasonable certainty and hope was rooted in the constitutional and political arrangements which upheld regional and local development enthusiasm in all parts of our country. My Western Region, under Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s leadership, was doing better than the Eastern and Northern Regions, but the Eastern and Northern Regions too (under Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sir Ahmadu Bello respectively) were doing well. I had close friends from all over Nigeria, and with my friends it was usual fun to brag about progress in our respective regions and to tease one another. The eastern boys could never stop bragging about Dr. Azikiwe

T

HE proponents of the restructuring of the Nigeria nation are unrelenting. Some youths, with almost uncontrollable emotion, in collaboration with some sleepy-eyed conservatives have continued to remind us of the opportunism that pervades the political space of this country.

The doctrine of restructuring Nigeria started in 1951, mostly in the Western Region. The doctrine was a self-serving political gimmick which unfortunately and unashamedly took notice of the natural resources of the three major components to which politicians divided Nigeria. In the Western Region stretching from Lagos to Asaba, the economy was buoyant, relying mostly on cocoa, kolanut, forest resources and human capital. In like manner, the Eastern block starting from Onitsha to Calabar and Port Harcourt was bountifully endowed with palm produce (palm kernel, palm oil and palm kernel oil).

The North, a thoroughly agrarian society grew groundnut, millet, other grains, etc.

The North therefore constituted the food basket of the nation. In terms of relativity, the economies of the three regions were buoyant enough as to be able to sustain a reasonable level of standard of living.

Together these primary products earned appreciable foreign exchange. As of this

‘Minus our sluggish judicial system, there is nothing wrong basically with the present system.

Problem is our institutions are not strong enough and we have not been led by the leadership that a nation like ours deserves’

We Nigerians lost it – can we recapture it? and about a town called Aba where young folks like us were visibly generating a mini industrial revolution. The northern boys could never cease bragging about Sir Ahmadu Bello and the generally upbeat transformation he was championing in the North.

And we from the West could never stop beating our chests about Chief Awolowo and our “first in Africa” region.

In my home Division in the Western Region, there was only one secondary school when I started secondary school in 1951; by the time I returned home as a graduate teacher in 1961, there were secondary schools in almost all our tens of towns and villages.

We did not have mineral oil and its enormous revenues in those days, but region by region, locality by locality, our people were vibrantly engaged in a common push for progress and prosperity – and the results were showing everywhere.

In my uncontrollable enthusiasm for my country, the first big thing I did as History tutor when I started to teach in 1961 was to organize to take about 20 of my students on a trip to see our country –from the West, to the North, and to the East, back through the Midwest part of the West. For me and my students, one of our greatest “achievements” on that trip was that, in Kaduna, Sir Ahmadu Bello allowed us to the Premier’s office and shook hands with each of us.

Unhappily, since 1962, and until now, we have gradually and foolishly thrown away all this hope-filled scenario. It all started when the politicians who controlled our Federal Government at independence decided that the regions were too strong and too independent and needed to be subdued under Federal Government’s control. Targeting the strongest of the regions, the Western Region, they embarked on their ill-advised crusade against the regions in 1962. They disrupted, subdued and broke up the Western Region.

But the crisis they thus initiated spiraled out of hand, generating military coups, genocidal pogroms, an outright civil war, and federal administrations (military and civilian) hellbent on federally micro-managing all the

affairs and resources of our country. Oil began to pour out its revenue bonanza in these years, and that created, for the controllers of the Federal Government, an added incentive to seize control of all our country’s resources.

To sustain the total federal control, the controllers of the Federal Government decided to begin to use part of the oil revenues to bribe, buy, subvert and emasculate the elite from all over Nigeria, so as to get them to surrender to the agenda of total federal control. Public corruption thus became a tool of governance in our land.

However, at three different times during this growth of insanity, sanity and hope tried to resuscitate. Two of the three times had military origin. First, in 1975, a young military officer named Murtala Mohammed seized power and surprisingly launched into a spirited war to kill public corruption and the widespread indiscipline that accompanied it. Some of his methods were difficult to understand, but his sincerity shone out brightly. Unfortunately, within months, he was killed. Secondly, in 1983 December, another military officer, Muhammadu Buhari, stepped in and, again, hit hard at corruption and indiscipline. Within months again, he too was flung out.

The third attempt was from civilian sources. As soon as Chief Awolowo’s resignation from the Civil War cabinet made him available for politics, a powerful movement of intellectuals, professionals, working people and masses of citizens began to form around him. Although the initial intellectual seeds of this were of Yoruba Southwest origin, it quickly evolved into a broadly based Nigerian national political party named Unity Party of Nigeria. The UPN turned out to be a party with a huge difference – intellectually powerfully rooted, with a very thorough sweep of Nigeria’s problems and needs, and with a focused vision of, and dedication to, Nigeria’s prosperity, power and greatness in the world. The UPN very clearly spelled out how it would employ the oil bonanza to achieve these laudable objectives – and that would have, as a side effect, subdued public

Nigerian thoughts corruption. But yet again t h e hoped-for revolution was aborted, to make room for a very aggressive version of t h e kleptocracy.

Banji Akintoye In short, a culture of sectional manipulations, corruption and indiscipline has reigned over our country since independence, and every attempt to push it off has failed.

As things stand today, most Nigerians have no understanding any more what it is to live under a good government, to have disciplined and respectable rulers, serious development programmes, national, regional or local objectives, politicians who engage in politics for patriotic service rather than for the purpose of enriching themselves, elections that are truly free and fair, electoral officers, police service, secret service, judiciary etc, that professionally and loyally serve the interests of Nigeria and Nigerians.

We have lost it all. The important question now is: Can we recapture it? It is a question for President Buhari first and foremost – he stands again on the battle front. But it is also a question for every Nigerian.

‘As things stand today, most Nigerians have no understanding any more what it is to live under a good government, to have disciplined and respectable rulers, serious development programmes, national, regional or local objectives...’

Much ado about restructuring

By Deji Fasuan time, the early 50’s, crude oil and gas have not been discovered in commercial quantity.

The major advocates of restructuring (the West) thought that the bounties of nature in form of agricultural products would continue. In part therefore it was a self-serving political doctrine which by today’s calculation and climate change is no more realistic.

Coincidentally, apart from changing political situation in the country, the economies of the major component units began to change dramatically. The eastern block which also comprised peoples other than those in the Ibo states suddenly found themselves in the fortunate circumstance of having crude oil, literally in their compounds and near homesteads. Almost at the same time, the production of primary exports began to shrink dramatically in the West and in the North, making the proponents of restructuring less vocal in the West, but the seed of the political slogan has been planted.

With the full integration of the Nigerian economy, export of crude oil and gas took the front burner resulting into about 8085% of our foreign exchange earnings. Yet, the remnants of the political opportunism of yester-years persist. The resurgence occurs occasionally before and during national elections when ‘migrant’ politicians move from one political party to another. For example during the last dispensation in Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan thought vainly that the best way to ‘capture’ the West was to inform the politicians that he would implement the reforms recommended by

the last Confab, including what the West and Eastern blocks called ‘restructuring’.

Indeed during the campaign, tribal chieftains in the South-south and their collaborators in the South-west pleaded passionately for restructuring.

Unfortunately our national rulers who gave tacit support for such misadventure were hoodwinked and manipulated.

During the last Confab, the delegations from South-west were loudest in favour of restructuring the Nigeria polity. I was wondering what kind of restructuring would take place considering the level of representation even of the states in the West at the Confab. For example, by sheer manipulation, Ekiti was represented by five members, Ondo nine, Ogun 19, inclusive of the opportunists called Civil Society Groups. In a restructured Nigerian society, the imbalance even in the West would be so obvious that we would be exchanging one imperialism with another (with Ekiti five and Ogun 19!). This of course is totally unacceptable.

The above reference is in fact a minor issue compared with the near-catastrophe that will befall a section of the Nigeria society, if ‘restructured’. Restructuring in its entirety means annexing, managing of internal resources and unlike the present system where the components of the federation dip their hands in to the national till, a restructured Nigeria bordering on confederation will make the federating units assume authority on all matters, except defence and external affairs while contributing funds to the national treasury.

I keep on wondering whether our politicians in West, some of whom have gone round the parties, ever appreciate the near disastrous condition of our resources,

cocoa plantations and our palm produce.

For example, Nigeria once third producer and exporter of cocoa, (behind Ghana and Ivory Coast), is today at the bottom of the international league including Brazil.

Where will the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) come from to sustain a confederating Western Nigeria?

I observe some young people who found themselves (husband and wife) at the National Conference now declaring themselves itinerant professors and making themselves available for incoherent lecture circuits in Nigeria. I am amused by the repetitive position of aged, if not saline Afenifere stalwarts who over the last 70 years have said nothing new.

Apostles of ‘true federalism’ and ‘restructuring’ remind us of the 50’s and 60’s in the Western Region. In spite of the economic growth and funds available to government, development efforts and projects did not go round in the region. In my part of the region, Ondo Province, now Ondo and Ekiti states, there were no tarred roads, no pipe-borne water, only one hospital and no government sponsored educational institution. Is this the ‘true federalism’ we want?

With all the above, one would ask what does the country need to survive as a nation? Minus our sluggish judicial system, there is nothing wrong basically with the present system. Problem is our institutions are not strong enough and we have not been led by the leadership that a nation like ours deserves. We only hope the present dispensation will bring out the change in our country and a quick adjudication of the problems that arise in the administration of the country.

• Fasuan, MON, JP writes from Ado-Ekiti

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

educationdeskthenation@gmail.com

The Ogun State Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) has come and gone, but its fallout lingers. Parents and private school proprietors are not happy that the examination coincided with the beginning of the long vacation. It was held between July 21 and last Tuesday. Did the government breach any law by conducting the examination when it did? ERNEST NWOKOLO (Abeokuta) reports.

A basic exam of controversy •Cross section of public schools pupils in the examination hall.

T

HE 2014/2015 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for Junior Secondary School (JSS) pupils in Ogun State ended on Tuesday.

But private school operators and parents are not happy that the examination took place when schools were on holiday. They argued that the children were too young to be left alone in school then for one week just to write the examination.

The Ministry of Education’s announcement of the examination in the middle of the month hit private and public secondary

schools like a thunderbolt. The timetable came after virtually other states had written BECE between May and last month. Some have even released the results. The Ogun examination was held between July 21 and Tuesday, which coincided with the beginning of the long

‘

vacation. The arrangement did not go down well with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS).

Many parents came from outside the state for their children’s graduation only to be confronted with the BECE issue. Their hope of

The Ministry of Education lamented the delay in the examination, blaming it on the ‘disruption of the academic calendar’ by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the country last year INSIDE

NGO makes case for Maryam Abacha American varsity

returning home with their chldren for the vacation was dashed. The pupils had to be left behind to write the examination.

The unified exam, introduced in the state two years ago, was designed to make room for the selection of successful pupils into

A NON-Governmental Organisation (CITARNGO) wants President Muhammadu Buhari to call the National Universities Commission (NUC) to order and save over 1000 Nigerians studying at the Maryam Abacha...

-Page 27

WAEC warns schools, parents against malpractice -Page 39

CAMPUS LIFE

’

the Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) cadre.

The Ministry of Education lamented the delay in the examination, blaming it on the “ disruption of the academic calendar” by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the country last year.

But NAPPS with over 50 private schools under its umbrella, insists that it was unfair to its members for government to fix the examination during the long vacation. It said it was not the first time the state would take such harsh decision without considering the proprietors’ •Continued on page 26

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

‘Our fears over delayed results’ -Page 29

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

26

EDUCATION

JAMB succumbs to pressure

UNILORIN FILE Kwara, UNILORIN resolve differences over mini-campus THE Kwara State government and the authorities of the University of Ilorin, have resolved the controversy surrounding the temporary relocation of an agency of the state government to the university's mini-campus.

At a meeting with the management of the university, a delegation of the government led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold, explained that the relocation was a temporary measure expected to last not more than three months.

Gold, who regretted the inconveniences and controversies generated by the development, assured UNILORIN authorities that the government holds the university and other federal agencies in the state in high esteem and would never strain the relationship.

Responding on behalf of the university, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, expressed optimism that the status quo subsists pending the 90-day request by the government.

Ambali thanked the government for the promptness with which it handled the matter and seized the opportunity of the meeting to invite Kwara State Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed, to the university's upcoming 40th anniversary.

A basic exam of controversy

•ASUU accuses board of compromise

T

HE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), finally yielded to pressure by parents and candidates who are kicked against the Board’s directive to some candidates to write the postUnified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) other than the universities of their first choices.

The development followed wild jubilations in the streets of Akoka, Lagos by the Association of Tutorial School Operators who trooped to the streets.

The new JAMB directive placed on some universities, including UNILAG, University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin and Imo State University, from conducting the postUTME for any other candidates other than those recommended to them by the Board, has been provoking public outcry.

JAMB PRO Mr. Fabian Benjamin, told The Nation that the Board decided to respect the the wishes by Nigerians as well as individual candidates, and would accord them the opportunity to fight for available slots.

Benjamin said the redistribution of the candidates to other deprived universities would not stop, noting that affected candidates could as well write the post-UTME tests in their universities of first choice and still proceed to where they were redistributed to take part in their screening.

He said: "JAMB as a responsible and responsive body wouldn't have closed its ears against the cries of its candidates. But the redistribution still holds and the advantage is just that these candidates who have been redistributed have chances of writing post-UTME in two places."

Benjamin added that JAMB is only interested in ensuring that the

candidates were offered admission, rather than wasting their high scores concentrating their efforts on an institution which might not work out eventually.

Similarly, the National President of the Association of Tutorial School Operators, Mr. Oludotun Sodunke, who led the students to challenge the new policy in court, said the victory belonged to Nigerians and the responsiveness of a new government and the support by the media.

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has asked JAMB Registrar, Prof Dibu

•From left: Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe; Chairman of occasion, Prof. Etim Essien; award winner/ lecturer, Prof. Oye Gureje and Prof. Akin Mobogunje, at the Nigeria National Merit award winners lecture with the Theme: Hubris Humility and the Humongous Lessons of the Brain; by Prof. Gureje at the University of Ibadan.

Chairman of Ogun State NAPPS Dr Abayomi Jiboku, said the government is not fair to the body. According to him,the association is already used to government's policy somersault. In this interview with ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA, he speaks on the delayed exam and other issues

‘Govt unfair to private schools’

•Continued from page 25 interest.

A parent, Mrs Layade Eyinade spoke of how the examination affected her child’s plans.

Like most mothers, Eyinade, thought BECE would start by midMay and finish by the first week of last month. Earlier, she had mapped out how her son Jide (not real name), a JSS 111 pupil of Charis International School, Oke-Ata, Abeokuta would spend his holidays According to her, Jide is in love with saxophone, so she registered him for a three-month training for the musical instrument at a centre in Lagos for N60,000.

She did not stop there; she also bought a saxophone worth N40,000 for her son and waited for BECE to commence and finish at the envisaged dates for private schools, but it never happened.

Eyinade said:"The delay in the conduct of the examination affected me in more than one ways. I have N60,000 in Lagos for my son to use the three-month break to acquire skills on how to play a saxophone and I had done so believing the examination would have come earlier than now as was the case in previous year but it didn't happened.

“Since the session was prolonged, my son can't undergo the training again, because he had lost two months to the extended academic session and when I contacted his instructor if my money could be refunded, he said that wouldn't be possible as my son's failure to come for the training did not emanate from him."

Eyinade, who wondered why the government delayed the exam lamented how it had further drained

By Adegunle Olugbamila and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Ojerinde to stop promoting a policy to favour private universities and exploit the poor.

Chairman of ASUU University of Ibadan Chapter, Prof Segun Ajiboye, said JAMB's relevance in Nigeria ends when universities started conducting their own post-UTME examinations.

He stated the Senate of universities determines the type of students to admit within set of approved criteria open to all candidates.

Ajiboye spoke on a television programme monitored in Ibadan on the recent policy of reallocation of candidates by JAMB. Ajiboye alleged that the JAMB boss has been compromised by investors in private universities whom two percent of the applicants picked as

preferred choice of institution.

He said: "JAMB's concept of 'needy' institutions needs deconstruction here. Needy universities are basically private universities in Nigeria who charge exorbitant fees with less than required manpower.

In the 2015 UTME applications, 15,000 of the close to 1,436,837 million candidates sought admission into 48 private universities. Of these, Covenant, Babcock and Afe Babalola universities had 3, 144; 1,985 and 1, 247 applicants respectively.

Others had below 600 applicants with some like Southwestern University, Well spring University and Kwararafa University having less than 10 candidates! If not doing the bidding of private universities, JAMB ought to be open with its policy from the point of sale of the forms.

JAMB must tell us how many public universities are under-subscribed."

OW did NAPPS receive the news of the Basic Certificate Education Examination?

We are used to what is happening now because even assuming the exam was written on time, the results would not come out at the time that you would like to make use of them for promotion. So, we have just been writing the exam for the sake of writing it. It did not really matter if we did not write, because we have our own NAPPS exam which of course, is more of quality in standard and we rely more on it to effect our promotions.

"Now, we would be resuming in September and the results would not come out until maybe October or early November. Would the results not be belated by then? As far as NAPPS is concerned, we have never been using the results of that examination in promoting our students. It is just that we have to

H

write it since we are approved by the Federal Government.

Is the Ministry of Education being fair on private schools in the state?

Of course not! Let me use my school as an example. We have written our exams; we have got the students ready to go home with their parents.

All of a sudden, the government said they wanted to start writing their exam from Tuesday, July21, when the school authority and PTA have decided that today (Saturday, July 18) we would be vacating and parents would come back between July 27 and 30 to collect their report sheets.

We have parents all over Nigeria; those that come all the way from Kwara, Plateau, Abuja, who want to collect their children. Will I now say no, they cannot? because the ministry has just given a directive? So, I have told the ministry officials that they should go back and give it a consideration, because I cannot stop my parents from picking their

children today.

And what does this say about government's approach to private schools?

"Of course they (government) are being unfair to private pupils and the truth is that public schools manned by the state government are treated as public entities.

“We are private schools. We cannot afford to be lackadaisical or loose in our approach to treating matters that relate to the education of these children, because these parents have brought their children to private schools, knowing full well that there is nothing to write about public education. So, we cannot afford to disappoint them.

“We need to give them the value for their money and all the seriousness they deserve. So, we cannot do things the way the government does it, because they believe they are running public institutions.

her financially as she had to make provision for the child's upkeep in the course of the exam.

A parent and resident of Abeokuta Mr Odeyemi Kehinde, described the extension as a mixed bags.

He said he wanted to send his

daughter to where she would learn beads-making during the holiday but added that that is already a forgone issue, as two months have already been lost due to the delay.

He said since his daughter is in a boarding school, he had to bear her

feeding and accommodation in addition to providing other things she would need during the exam.

A parent Mrs Aliu had come to pick her daughter Doyin on her graduation at Taidob College, Asero Estate, Abeokuta when she

‘Since the session was prolonged, my son couldn't undergo the training again, because he had lost two months to the extended academic session and when I contacted his instructor if my money could be refunded, he said that wouldn't be possible as my son's failure to come for the training did not emanate from him’

heard the announcement. Despite repeated appeals by the school management to consult with the school PTA before final decision, Mrs Aliu vowed to damn the consequence.

"I'm going home with my daughter," she told The Nation reporter angrily. "That is not our fault as parents. We have been waiting for this exam for long but we don't know why the Ministry (of Education) is behaving this way," she added.

But along the line, she reversed herself.

"Maybe we should wait for the PTA decision first."And then she added:"But this is painful! I came with my people all the way from Oyo to pick my daughter for the long holiday and we had to drive through the heavy rain to be here. This means I would be taking my daughter home for the Eid-El-Kabir, and bring her back to school by Monday since exam would begin the next day.

However, for Mr Wole Awonuga, whose son is a pupil of Sacred Heart College, Abeokuta, the delay brought no additional cost to him.

Other parents, who spoke to The Nation, condemned government, saying it was holding private schools hostage and hinging its excuse on lack of funds.

The Director of Education and Support Services Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Folasade Oresegun, said the delay, which disrupted the academic calendar , was caused by the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease last year.

Mrs Oresegun said the disruption followed series of breaks observed during the outbreak of the disease last year and the recently concluded general elections early this year.

"There was a need to complete the scheme of work before the examination," hence the propriety of the slight delay, she added.

Nonetheless, Oresegun maintained that the exam was still conducted within the 2014/2015 academic session.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

27

EDUCATION

AOCOED graduates 3028 •Ambode promises workers of tertiary institutions better welfare

L

AGOS State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has promised that his administration will not look the other way on improving workers’welfare in state institutions.

To this end, workers also owe the government an obligation to ensure industrial harmony by engaging in constructive criticism, the governor added.

He spoke at the 35th convocation of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) Oto/Ijanikin Lagos.

Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, spoke against the background of the appeal by the AOCOED Provost, Mr Wasiu Bashorun Olalekan, for increased monthly subventions in the institution to enable it meet its obligations.

Adebule said the government had put machinery in place to find lasting solutions to the industrial crisis at the Lagos State University (LASU), noting that the latter’s days of challenges are over.

“The issue of Lagos State University would be resolved amicably.

We are going to solve whatever problem in that institution. Our governor is committed to that.

Whichever way it goes, I want to assure you that the government would not just keep its hands folded and allow the university to continue in crisis. We shall bring lasting solutions to it. Don’t forget that the process of peace is at certain stage now. We are at it and by the grace of God, we shall get it done.

“As a government, we will not take the issue of workers’ welfare for granted,” Adebule continued.

“We will also pay prompt attention to issues that may be brought to our attention before they degenerate into industrial dispute. I therefore urge academic and non-academic unions to take advantage of this opportunity and ensure industrial peace and harmony.”

Given teachers’ noble role in the society, Adebule said the profession holds the key to facilitating socio-economic and technological development.

On this score, she assured of government’s stance on strengthening the capacity of state-owned colleges of education through quality teacher delivery.

“This is in line with our commitment to make significant investment in our youths the best opportunity to complete globally through acquisition of the right skills and competencies in our educational facilities,” Adebule stressed.

“There is no doubt that any nation that wants to develop would continue to train and produce quality teachers and Lagos State is not oblivious of this fact. What we have done today is the demonstration of our belief in that fact. We shall continue to produce quality teachers to take care of our primary and secondary schools in the state.”

She urged the graduands not to halt their education at NCE, but proceed to graduate and post graduate levels.

Despite dwindling education, particularly at basic level, Mr Bashorun said AOCOED has managed to maintain the best standard in teacher education anywhere. He praised the college Directorate of Quality Assurance set up to ensure standards are strictly adhered to.

Another area towards workers’ productivity is the job audit which management of AOCOED does

By Adegunle Olugbamila

with National Council for Colleges of Education (NCCE), and which expectedly is impacting on workers’ productivity.

Bashorun thanked stakeholders and past administrations in the state whose continual support have improved infrastructure in the nearly three decade-old institution.

Nonetheless, he craved, from the government, increase in the college monthly subvention in order to enhance industrial harmony.

“This (subvention) has continuously threatened the peaceful industrial harmony in the college.

“We earnestly appeal to His Excellency for 65 per cent increase in the college monthly subvention and immediate bail out to get the college on a pedestal level,” Bashorun pleaded.

“AOCOED needs this bailout for immediate survival as it will help us settle outstanding debts accrued from third party deductions and also fulfill its obligations on personnel emoluments.

Other requests, according to Bashorun included; pension liabilities, completion of the now abandoned administrative building; reclamation of swampy land in the college and the delayed approval of AOCOED master plan.

Others were pending requests for a Certificate of Occupancy for a land allocated to the college since 2009; as well as rebuilding of the college perimeter fence when it is eventually pulled down owing to the ongoing expansion of Mile 2,/ Badagry Expressway.

The Executive Secretary, NCCE, Prof Monday Tommy Joshua, described AOCOED as “our son in whom we are very pleased,” noting that the full accreditation of all programs is “a great feat”.

“A few months ago,” he recalled, “I interacted with all provosts of colleges of education and I shouted at them. I warned them not to teach without bringing out results. But here (AOCOED) the college matriculated and graduated its students as at when due. This is worth commending.”

The NCCE scored the college 29 programmes 100 percent, ditto for the 16 academic programmes run in affiliation with the Ekiti State University by the National Universities Commission.

T

• Dr Adebule (2nd right), in a handshake with the Best Graduating Student of 2013/2014 set, Mr Okegade Oluwaseun. With them are Mr Bashorun (left) and Prof Joshua.

•Cross section of the graduands.

NGO makes case for Maryam Abacha American varsity

A

NON-Governmental Organisation (CITAR-NGO) wants President Muhammadu Buhari to call the National Universities Commission (NUC) to order and save over 1000 Nigerians studying at the Maryam Abacha American University in Niger Republic (MAAUN) from international ridicule.

Executive Secretary of the organisation, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, who made the call in Abuja, urged President Buhari to intervene in the face-off.

He said the hoopla over MAAUN was needless as several officials from government agencies in Nigeria had already given credence to the institution.

Spokesman of NUC, Ibrahim Usman Yakasai last week warned students and parents against

From Tony Akowe, Abu

patronising MAAUN. Ibrahim had accused the university of among other things, offering admission to students who lack the basic requirements to gain admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

MAAUN runs programmes, such as Nursing, and Medical Laboratory Science on part-time which, the NUC considers unacceptable.

Countering NUC’s position, Yakubu told reporters that there were no fixed and sacrilegious criteria anywhere in the world, adding that what some countries or institutions may accept as criteria, may not attract others owing to one reason or another.

He said MAAUN had given admission to about 1000 Nigerians, a bulk of which come from the North, add-

ing that this is better than allowing them roam the streets and constituting nuisance through insurgency, armed robbery and other atrocities.

"It is untenable for NUC to make this stance when all correspondents between the university and the Federal Ministry of Education recognised the university on one hand and other correspondents between admitted students and other individuals and the Ministry (of education) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognised MAAUN on another," he said.

He wondered why the NUC would contradict itself and other institutions, urging President Buhari to intervene and stop the embarrassment caused owners of the university who named it in honour of the wife of the late Head of State Gen. Sani Abacha.

‘Faulty recruitment, others affecting teacher HE Acting Vice-Chancellor "Recruitment of academic staff into training’ of Adeyemi Federal Univerpublic education institutions at all

sity of Education (AFUED), formerly Adeyemi College of Education (ACE),Prof Olukoya Ogen, has identified faulty recruitment of teachers and negative perception of the teaching profession as the problems mitigating against teacher education in Nigeria.

Other factors, Ogen said, were inadequate funding and poor deployment of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), lack of professionalism caused by government neglect and inadequate exposure on the part of staff with weak research base.

He said this at the AOCOED 35th convocation, where he was the guest speaker.

Speaking on the theme: The Nigerian college of education system and the quest for aqality,excellence and relevance, the former provost said for quality to be ensured in the preparation and training of teachers, colleges of education should be well-

By Ajose Sehindemi

funded like universities and polytechnics, professionalism should be ensured and ICT fully deployed.

His words: “The way society perceives teachers should change as it is only teaching at higher levels of education that is socially acceptable, while those at the foundational levels derided, which is why young people with other alternatives are averse to the idea of teaching given the poor image of the profession”.

Ogen continued: "More than 60 per cent of teachers in the education sector are ill-equipped, ill-trained, illmotivated and unqualified for the system because teacher education is unable to attract the best brains into the system. Students admitted to read education courses are not only of low quality, some are even reluctant students who only enrolled for teacher training because they have no other choice.

levels is no longer based on time honoured rigorous process as merit has been jettisoned for other considerations in filling of public offices as departments and faculties no longer have a say in the recruitment of staff as ministries now direct Provost and Rectors to 'admit or appoint bearer", he added.

He called for teachers to be motivated with better pay and improved conditions of service that would not only help retain them but also attract new entrants.

For colleges of education to remain relevant, Ogen said they must improve on their internally generated revenue, develop an ICT infrastructure robust enough which will incorporate several aspects of e-governance and motivate academic staff and re-orientate them to re-invigorate research.

On the theme, Bashorun said teacher education in the 21st Century must shift from mere adminis-

• Prof Ogen

trative pre-occupation to the promotion of intellectual truth,exposure,interaction and professionalism.

The chairman of the event and a professor of Early Childhood Education, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ajike Osanyin, called for change of attitude from teachers, noting that teachers should be proud of themselves.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

28

EDUCATION GRADUATION

GRADUATION

GRADUATION

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HE NATION Editor Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, has described private school operators as ‘strategic stakeholders’ in the nation’s quest towards quality education delivery.

To this end, their roles are indispensable in view of the dwindling infrastructure in many public schools nationwide.

Speaking at the graduation of SOFUNIX International Schools, Iroko Town in Ota, Ogun State, Mr Omotoso said their role behoves they uphold global best practices to justify the cost of private schools.

Mr Omotoso, who spoke on: The place of private primary and secondary schools in the growth and development of education sector in Nigeria, traced the evolution of private schools to the era of missionary schools when moral values were taught and reinforced through Religious Studies.

He noted that most public schools started well until politics and misplacement of priorities,among other factors, put them at the risk of dearth of infrastructure, workers’ and students’restiveness, all of which added up to weaken its foundation.

According to him, promoters of private schools should be encouraged by governments and parents, who should create an enabling environment for them to thrive.

Parents, he said, should ensure regular discharge of financial obligations. Nonetheless, operators

•Sofunix School Proprietor Mr Sola Oni (middle) flanked by wife and Director of Studies, Mrs Olufunke(left); and Mr Ajadi at the event.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUMI

Praises for Sofunix Schools as ‘stars’ graduate •English Language award instituted

By Adegunle Olugbamila

must also also ensure high standard as a justification of the amount charged as fees.

Omotoso commended the Board,

Management and staff of SOFUNIX International Schools for adopting global best practices as reflected in the quality of workers, moral upbringing of pupils and students, co-

Command Day Secondary School graduates 381

C

OMMAND Day Secondary School, NAFRC Oshodi, has graduated no fewer than 381 pupils.

The event was chaired by a Lagos- based businessman Chief James Alfred.

Addressing the outgoing pupils, the school’s Commandant, Lt.-Col. Edwin Emere, thanked the Commander Nigerian Army Education Corps, Maj.- Gen. Dapo Adebayo for his support and advice which he said had been instrumental to the school’s development.

He warned graduands against engaging in acts that might tarnish the image of their parents and that of their alma mater.

The guest speaker, Mr. Yusuf Aremu, implored them to listen to their teachers and ensure that they engage in research to excel. He enjoined them to believe in themselves and wait for nobody before they act.

The overall best student, Adenuga Eniola, thanked the school management for providing a conducive learning environment.

The 16-year-old pupil urged her contemporaries to be more determined and make sure they excel in their career.

curricular activities, class work and the tidy school premises.

He urged the graduating pupils to take advantage of the strong foundation they have acquired to distinguish themselves in future.

Corroborating Omotoso, Registrar and Chief Executive, Chartered

Graduands bid Dansol farewell W

•Col. Emere presenting a gift to Eniola.

ITH 10 awards in his kitty, Ochulo Onyebueze Ochulo stood tall among the 106 graduands that made up the 19th set graduated by Dansol High School, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The 16-year-old won prizes for being the overall best graduand, as well as topping subjects such as Physics, Economics, and Geography. He also won the best class captain award for SS3 as well as Mr Excellence award.

For the amiable, easy-going teenager, the secret of his success was the motivation he got from loved ones and close friends.

"We thank God for the prizes. What motivated me was the counsel from my parents, my intimate friends who believed in me and who told me that I could do great things; my family

• Graduating pupils of Ansar-Ud-Deen posed for a photograph.

A

NSAR- Ud-Deen Girls' High School in Itire, Lagos has graduated 23 pupils in the 2014/2015 academic session.

Speaking during the valedictory/ prize-giving day, the Principal Alhaja Risikat Yussuf, congratulated the graduands, praising them for their contributions in the development of the school and their dedication to studies.

She described them as a set, which laid a good example and demonstrated strong commitment to community service and charity.

Yussuf urged them to make the

Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr Adedeji Ajadi, who doubled as the special guest of honour on the occasion, praised the schools’ management.

Ajadi, who was particularly excited by the pupils’ versatility in the English Language, instituted a yearly prize for the best pupil in English Language in Senior Secondary School III. In his welcome address, the Proprietor, Mr Sola Oni, explained that workers and pupils were reminded of the substance and essence of the schools’ core values which include - academic excellence, moral values, perseverance, professionalism, innovativeness, selfless service and endurance.

These values, Oni noted, defined the guiding principles that would enable the schools realise its vision and mission.

He congratulated the outgoing pupils, urging them to remain good ambassadors of the schools.

Many former pupils of the college participated in the ceremony which featured the induction of the new graduands into SOFUNIX International College Alumni Association.

Side attractions included news casting, drama and choreography.

Prizes were awarded to deserving pupils, workers, staff, parents and some individuals who have contributed immensely to the schools’ development in the period under review.

Ansar-Ud-Deen graduates pupils

By Safiyyah Abdur-Razaq

school proud and follow the footsteps of the past pupils of the school.

She counselled them to be bold, creative, collaborative, ingenious, passionate and treat others honourably and respectfully.

An alumnus of the school and Justice of Ogun State High Court, Justice Ayooluwa Babawale, urged outgoing pupils to always remember the virtues they were taught. She

told them to be hard working and aspire to make their mark in life.

In a lecture titled: 'The role of Muslim youths in nation development', a lecturer in the Department of Languages, Lagos State University (LASU) Dr Kadijah Olaniyan told graduands to take advantage of their youth, health, riches, time and life.

She said the youthful stage is the best gift and the best time of life which requires people to be responsible for their actions and inactions.

"To be a part of the national development process, you have to seek knowledge, preserve your faith, ensure healthy friendship and make a list of what you want to achieve in life," she said.

"Learn a craft, be focused and consistent, keep your chastity, honour your Hijab, do not compromise your faith.

“Create and join a worthy cause in your community, choose good role models, reduce the time you spend on social media and television, abide by the rule of law, be the best in whatever you do and mentor someone," she added.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

members, my teachers, they are really wonderful," he said.

Ochulo described his time at Dansol as "character forming" and "destiny shaping", and said he would miss his friends and teachers who made his secondary education worthwhile.

Ochulo hopes to get scholarship to study Chemical Engineering in a foreign university.

Founder of the school, Mrs Adun Akinyemiju, is confident that Ochulo and the other 105 graduands would excel in the university because of the solid foundation she said they received.

"When they are out in the university, they can face any rigour, any situation because they have been taught to study and stand firm in God. It is a combination of the two. The quality is sound; they are taught; we don't skip anything, we are thorough. They have learnt how to study, so they can be on their own; wherever they are," she said.

The Principal, Mr Esan Oladapo charged the graduands to showcase all they had learnt.

"They have been prepared in the last six years on the challenges ahead of them outside the four corners of the classroom in the secondary school academically, morally, spiritually, and behaviourally. And we are confident today as we are sending them out that they would go out there to make positive influences on their generation to the glory of God," he said.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, who described himself as a certified member of the Dansol Family, because all five of his children passed through the school, congratulated the school, graduands and their parents for their good fortune. His counsel to the graduands, was for them to put God first.

"You must put the Almighty God as your cornerstone. With God ordering your steps, you won't fall or falter. The Almighty God will bless you and your way would be blessed," he said.

The event featured a lot of dancing, exhortation by guest minister, Bishop Aniete Etukudo, prayers, presentation of prizes to the graduands, special awards to dedicated parents, among others.

When engineering students go social

Thugs attack union leader Page 31

THE NATION

Page 34

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Page 29

All is not well at the Faculty of Law of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Three months after graduating students wrote their final examination, the faculty is yet to release their results to enable them proceed to the Law School. The affected students blame it all on what they call the faculty staff’s laziness. DAMILARE FAMUYIWA reports.

•A cross section of OAU Law students at an event on campus.

‘Our fears over delayed results’ OW does it feel to complete a Law programme beyond the stipulated time and yet, one’s expectation to being called to the Bar is deferred? It appears not to be a good experience. This is the predicament of the graduating Law students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

It is three months after the Law students wrote their final examination, but the results have not been compiled. The students have been in a state of dilemma, since the deadline for enrolment at Nigerian Law School closed on July 17.

Some graduates of the faculty told CAMPUSLIFE that it was not the first time the insitution would unnecessarily delay students’ results. A former student, who simply gave himself as Temitayo, said: “OAU has a problem with getting its students ready for law school on time. Even to moblise its graduates for National Youth Service on time has been a challenge for the school. This drag-footing seems to be a culture in the school. Maybe that is why our students don’t perform excellently well when they get to the Law School, because while other students are attending classes, OAU students will be busy with settling

H

•OAU Law students’ results yet to be compiled down.”

After spending six years for a five-year course, Shade, one of the affected staff’s students, attributed the delay in processing their results on the Faculty laziness. “We are definitely going to be sent to the worst campuses and given poor accommodation.

I really do not understand this school,” she said.

A student, who simply gave his name as Bidemi, said: “The faculty should process our results as quickly as possible and send our names to the Law School. The most important thing now is to enrol for our Bar programme on time. We are not even bothered about the location of the campuses again; even if it is Kano or Yola, we would all be glad to go.”

Another student, who gave his name as Yinka, said students’ long essays had not been marked by the lecturers, which, he said, may be the reason students’ results were still being delayed. “We do not even know those who are going to be moblised for the Bar programme and those that are not,” said.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the delay may have been as a result of ongoing Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) strike and the forced mid-semester break announced by the school management. Many students saw this as untenable excuse for the school’s failure to send their names to Law School.

Reacting, an affected student, who simply identified himself as James, said: “That is not an excuse. The faculty had up to 10 weeks before the NASU strike started. It should be noted we were supposed to have gone to law school if the faculty was willing to speed things up. It is just appalling our future is being put in hold by the lazy staff.”

A student said schools, such as (UNIBEN) have already sent the names of their University of Benin graduates to the Nigerian if Law School before their final examination, which comes up in September. “Meanwhile, our matric numbers are not even recognised on the Law School’s website. This is bad. Staff of the faculty must change their ways, if not, their laziness would continue to affect students’ performance at the law school,” the anonymous student said.

When asked about the consequences of failure of the school to mobilise students for the Bar programme, Ebuka, one of the final year law students said: “Everybody will suffer for this indiscretion, including the set of students coming after us. This is because none of them would be able to go to law school for one full year after graduation. All we are saying is, let our lecturers mark our papers, upload our results and mobilise us for law school.”

Another student, who gave his name Oluwaseun, lamented: “I think it is irresponsible for the faculty to take us through the waiting game. It does not speak well of the school and there are no excuses that can validate it.

Since April after our final examination? I pray we can still make law school this year.”

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the affected students have approached the faculty leadership to make enquiries about their fate but it was learnt that the faculty gave no definite answer to allay the fears of students.

The Dean, Prof Olu Adediran, urged for calm, saying the students’results would be released soon. He said: “The students will see their results soon, but I cannot confirm when the results will be released. But, we have forwarded the names of the students to the Law School for enrolment.”

•‘Save Nigerians from prion disease’-P32 •The Nation/AfricanLiberty.org Essay Winners -P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

30

CAMPUS LIFE

The deregulation of cut-off marks

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AST Wednesday, a couple of parents called me from the University of Lagos to vent their anger against the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). One parent said I should use my “good office as a columnist” to advise the Federal Government to sack the Registrar of the board Professor Dibu Oyerinde. I could not immediately make meaning out of what he was saying because of background noises, but he later called back after finding a quieter place. That was how I knew about the demonstration of students and some parents that took place at the gate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

And what was the angst all about? The authorities of UNILAG and their “co-conspirators (JAMB) suddenly changed the goal post in the middle of the match,” was how another parent puts it. The “match” he was referring to was the pegging of the varsities cut-off mark at 250 instead of the 180-200 that had been the norm in the past. The board had earlier pegged a national cut-off mark of 180 for varsities and 150 for polytechnics and colleges of education.

Justifying the new policy which gives varsities the liberty to fix their cut-off marks to fit their “peculiarities,” the board’s head of media, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said the new policy aims to ensure that Nigerian universities admit only the top best, as done globally. He explained that it was working to ensure that the nation’s universities are among the best in Africa and “perhaps the world in the next ranking, and to also utilise the available spaces to admit more candidates, bearing in mind the admission criteria of various needy institutions”.

He maintained that “the nationally accepted cut-off mark is to serve as a guide and pruning mechanism to give the tertiary institutions qualitative and manageable candidates from a pool of candidates desirous of tertiary education. The board wishes to state that no candidate would be denied any right to aspire to tertiary education even as it is aware that some universities have their own admission cutoff marks acceptable by the board for courses they offer. Please be informed that the board ensures that these institutions

apply these cut-off marks uniformly across all candidates without discrimination.”

While I’d like to be on the same page with Dr. Benjamin on a varsity’s right to admit the top best, I however have a problem with the way it is being conveyed. There are criteria used in ranking varsities apart from the quality of students. A major problem we have in this part of the world is how to communicate policies, even where we have a bona fide case.

In its 2015 global varsity ranking released on July 17, the Center for World University Rankings used the following criteria: Quality of Education, measured by the number of a university’s alumni who have won major international awards, prizes, and medals relative to the university’s size (25 per cent); Alumni Employment, measured by the number of a university’s alumni who have held CEO positions at the world’s top companies relative to the university’s size (25 per cent); Quality of Faculty, measured by the number of academics who have won major international awards, prizes, and medals (25 per cent); Publications, measured by the number of research papers appearing in reputable journals (five per cent) Others include: Influence, measured by the number of research papers appearing in highly-influential journals (five per cent); Citations, measured by the number of highly-cited research papers (five per cent); Broad Impact, measured by the university’s h-index (five per cent); Patents, measured by the number of international patent filings (five per cent).

For the records, no Nigerian varsity is on the top 1,000 varsities in the world. In Africa, South Africa has five, Egypt four and Uganda one respectively. The criteria above shows that we have a long way to go especially in critical areas like the quality of our faculty, research and curriculum.

It is quite instructive to note that quality of education, alumni employment and quality of faculty together carries 75 per cent in the ranking criteria. So for us to have these “top rated” students that we are seeking

Pushing Out with

Agbo Agbo 08116759750 (SMS only)

•aagboa@gmail.com

‘Beyond this cut-off mark issue, I believe we may gradually be witnessing a new trend where varsities are subtly setting standards on how they intend to play in the future’ we equally need “top rated” faculty and a top rated quality of education. If we look ourselves straight in the eyes and tell ourselves the home truth, we are nowhere near that at the moment, and it is not cut-off marks that will bring us there. The rot in our educational system goes deep down; right to the primary level.

Some of the major problems we face at the moment remain the carrying capacity of varsities and the spread of students seeking admission. This is a national problem that transcends the powers of authorities of varsities. For instance, the security situation in the country has made many parents reluctant to send their children to certain parts of the country. The implication is that varsities in those areas will remain fallow. They may choose to drastically reduce their requirements to attract students.

The Registrar of UNILAG, Dr. Taiwo Ipaye tried to explain the institutions dilemma this way. There are 32,000 applicants eligible for screening while the school has capacity for only 9,000. Ipaye pointed out that the JAMB considered a lot of options at its 2015 Combined Policy Meeting held on July 4, as a way out for the candidates.

“JAMB had during that meeting adopted a policy whereby candidates of universities with surplus applicants for the UTME are reassigned to other universities with lower number of candidates, than their capaci-

ties. This will be beneficial to needy universities; as this will ensure that they will have more candidates to admit. This policy has been implemented with immediate effect and consequently, the eligibility for post- UTME screening in the University of Lagos like other universities in country, has been determined by JAMB. In effect, only candidates, whose names were forwarded to the University of Lagos by JAMB, are eligible for the 2015/2016 post-UTME,” she said.

Still on the policy, Prof Ojerinde said what the board is implementing is “actually helping the candidates not only to get admission but to get it on time. The big universities are overloaded. Can you imagine 8,000 students seeking for admission to study law in a university that will take only 250 candidates for law? The remaining 7,750 candidates will wait endlessly and hopelessly till the end of the admission.

“Or imagine 7500 candidates seeking for medicine in a university. Of these 7,500 candidates, 2000 scored above 250 in the UTME. The university has a carrying capacity of only 150 candidates for medicine.

The remaining 7,350 who scored above 200 will be wasted. Particularly, 1,750 candidates who scored above 250 will be wasted while other universities either do not have enough candidates or high scoring candidates…”

The question remains: was this policy effectively communicated to candidates and the public before implementation? Candidates and parents say it wasn’t communicated. If this is to be the case can JAMB explain the essence of asking candidates to indicate their preferred institutions only to have JAMB “redistribute” them for whatever reasons?

One of the aggrieved parents who called questioned why it should be JAMB’s problem that 500,000 candidates applied for 1,000 spaces in Lagos even when there are 5,000 spaces to be filled in Imo or Abia State Universities. “They should respect our right to choose,” he added.

Beyond this cut-off mark issue, I believe we may gradually be witnessing a new trend where varsities are subtly setting standards on how they intend to play in the future.

Our educational system, as presently run, is in a dire strait and it behooves on parents to ensure that they get the best for their children or wards, and not always wait for the government. This is my candid advice.

UNILAG has now set a standard that others will definitely follow in future. The bottomline is that we are witnessing the beginning of the deregulation of cut-off marks.

Emmanuel Adewusi is a student of many firsts. He is the first and only son of his parents; he finished as best student in Accounting in secondary school. The Lagos Island-born student made another first abroad, finishing as Best Graduating Student at the Cyprus International University. He tells ABIOLA OLARINDE how he achieved the feat.

‘I almost abandoned my studies because of money’

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HAT is your education background like?

I attended Command Secondary School in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State in 2007 and I left the school as the best student in Accounting. Because of this, I enrolled for Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria programme in 2008. I was in ATS 3, which is close to becoming an Associate Accounting Technician (AAT), when I left Nigeria for Cyprus to pursue Bachelor’s degree. Now, I just graduated from the Department of International Relations at the Cyprus International University.

What informed your decision to leave Nigeria for Cyprus to study?

When I was in secondary school, I had wanted to study abroad. I needed a location that would develop my intellectual capabilities. I initially applied to study at a university in Canada but I was denied visa.

So, I decided to change my direction to Cyprus. I prepared by reading about Cyprus and International Relations as a discipline.

Then, I hooked up with an old secondary school mate, who was already in Cyprus. I believe it was a good opportunity to fulfill my dream of studying abroad. God planned it that way.

You emerged the best graduating student

at the convocation of Cyprus International University. How did you achieve it?

I never thought being the best graduating student. I just came to study and have a first degree. But, my effort started yielding results; both lecturers and students recognised it. I was encouraged by their kind words. Every member of the university acknowledged my brilliance and calls me “best”. But, the feat comes with expectations and responsibilities. There are a lot of brilliant Nigerian students. One Ufot Ekong broke academic record in Japan recently when be solved a five-decade old mathematical equation; another Nigerian bagged his third First Class in Law from University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. I feel happy painting Nigeria in good light in Cyprus with my academic achievement.

What are the challenges you faced while studying?

What I saw as a challenge was leaving my parents in Nigeria to study in foreign land.

But, my motivation was reinforced by the success of my pursuit. International Relations was a new discipline to me and I resumed late in the semester. I had to study minimum of six hours daily to catch up with my mates.

At the end of the semester, my Grade Point Average (GPA) was 3.74, which was the

lowest in my class. Recovering from that became another challenge for me. Though I caught up and became the best graduating student, but I never recovered from that experience. I learnt the first semester matters a lot in achieving academic excellence.

Finance was another challenge I faced but I can’t explain how I survived it. I almost lost concentration on my studies. I started to think being the best in the class was not enough if one did not have money. My hours of reading reduced and laxity set in. I overcame this when I told my parents the truth about my well-being. My dad encouraged me and that geared me up.

There was a time the safety of Nigerian students was the topic in Cyprus. How were you able to cope?

It was not restricted to Nigerian students alone; it was actually about safety of all international students. But, Cyprus is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, because of its low population and presence of United Nations (UN) Peace-Keeping Forces. I think the concern was raised because of the late Gabriel Soriwei, a Nigerian who was killed by hit-and-run vehicle. The matter is still in court and it would be a breach of judicial protocol to comment on it. Gabriel was a victim of

•Emmanuel

circumstance in my opinion, but Cyprus is a safe place to study and live.

What are your plans after school?

I am planning to specialise in Human Rights and International Law. I am also interested in International Security and Diplomacy. I will start my Master’s programme in September in International Relations but I will carefully select my specialisations.

What is your advice for students at home and in the diaspora It is disheartening that Nigeria is portrayed as a bad country outside, because of our political, economic and educational challenges. But, students should not add to the problem. No matter where we are on earth, we must make positive impacts and make our country proud of us.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

31

CAMPUS LIFE The 1,000-capacity auditorium of the Delta State University (DELSU) came alive last week for a beauty pageant organised by the Faculty of Education to mark Students’ Week. ESE OKODUWA (400-Level Home Economics Education) reports.

A faculty’s memorable week

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LL roads led to the 1,000-capacity auditorium of the Delta State University (DELSU) in Abraka last Friday, where they witnessed a beauty pageant. It was the grand finale of a Students’ Week by the Nigeria Universities Education Students Association (NUESA). The new queen and king were crowned at the event to represent the association.

The expansive hall could not contain the huge crowd that came to witness the coronation of the new faces of NUESA. The pageant is believed to be the biggest social event on the campus.

The event, which was organised in collaboration with K5 Civic Centre, started with an awareness rally at the faculty during which members of the association distributed flyers about the pageant. This was followed by a debate in which students from various departments of the faculty participated.

The theme of the debate was: Politics on campus: Gain or pain. One of the debaters, Prince Umunna of the Department of Political Science, advocated the need to redefine campus politics to be a veritable platform for breeding leaders for the nation and not an avenue for hooliganism.

The Dean of Faculty of Education Prof. E.B. Oghuvbu, represented by the NUESA Staff Adviser, Prof C.N. Ikeoji, advised the students to desist from taking part in examination malpractice, noting that the faculty is having highest number of students facing sanction for various kinds of malpractice. He praised the NUESA executive for its effort in redeeming the image of the faculty.

The beauty pageant had 15 students – eight ladies and seven boys - contesting for the grand prize. During their first outing, the contestants appeared in casual wears. The ladies were clad in white t-shirts and black shorts, which exposed parts of their bodies; guys wore jeans with polo shirts to match. They walked in measured steps amidst applause by members of the audience.

The contestants were called one after the other for the stage act, during which they sang and danced to showcase their talents in

‘I am happy for winning the beauty pageant. While I believe I have all it takes to win the contest, I was initially reluctant to join the fray because I felt it would be a tight contest.

Thank God, I become the queen at the end’ music. They also hit the runway with traditional attires to showcase the nation’s rich culture.

Making the final parade, the ladies looked gorgeous in their beautiful flowing gowns, while the male contestants looked cute in their well-tailored suits. As they filed out, their gait drew ovation from the audience. Each of the contestants walked before the judges and members of the audience for them to be assessed.

At the end, the judges announced Emeka Emmanuel of the Department of Political Science as Mr NUESA, while Miss Joanna Kparabor, a student of English Education Department, was crowned Miss NUESA. Joanna described her success as unbelievable, noting that she reluctantly joined the contest. She said: “I am happy for winning the beauty pageant. While I believe I have all it takes to win the contest, I was initially reluctant to join the fray because I felt it would be a tight contest. Thank God, I become the queen at the end.”

The event was ended with a football match, where students of Physical Health Education Department beat Science Education Department to win the Dean’s Cup. Also, certificates were presented to the members of NUESA executive.

NUESA President, Carlos Nwaokobia, hailed his colleagues in the executive for their support, appreciating other students for the event.

•Joanna and Emeka after being crowned as Mr and Miss NUESA

•The contestants during the parade

A peace meeting called by Benue State University (BSU) Students Union Government (SUG) President Nathan Tavishima ended in chaos as he was beaten up by thugs. JOSHUA OBELLE (300-Level Mass Communication) reports.

Thugs attack union leader

W

HAT was supposed to be a peaceful meeting among students of the Benue State University (BSU) in Makurdi on Wednesday, last week ended in a fracas. The Students Union Government (SUG) President Nathan Tavishima, who convened the meeting, was beaten up by some youths, who he referred to as thugs.

What led to the attack on the union leader could not be confirmed, but CAMPUSLIFE gathered that it might not be unconnected with the ongoing strike by the local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has been on strike in the past four months.

It was learnt that the union leader called the meeting to mobilise students to reach out to their striking teachers to softpeddle But a few minutes into the meeting, some ‘thugs’, who are allegedly working for a political party in the state, arrived in a vehicle to disrupt the meeting.

Some of witnesses, who spoke to our correspondent, said the incident happened at 8am, while Nathan was addressing the students. A witness said Nathan was speaking on the union’s plan to meet and pleading with their teachers to suspend their action for students to return to school, when the ‘thugs’ pounced on him.

Some of the ‘thugs’ are identified as a BSU graduate of Political Science and a student of Department of Education, who is also executive of Community of Tiv Students (CTS).

Nathan said he wrote to security agencies in the state and the campus about the meeting, stressing that it was not convened as a protest. He said: “As I addressed the students, some group of people I believe are thugs, disrupted the meeting and started shouting on me. Before I could explain what the meeting

was about, they had started beating me. Some slapped and pushed me on the ground.”

In the ensuing melee, CAMPUSLIFE gathered that students at the meeting felt embarrassed by the attack on their president. Tempers rose as the students challenged the intruders, leaving a tension-soaked atmosphere on the campus. But, it was gathered that Nathan pleaded with the angry students not to fight to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The school security officers arrived at the scene to chase away the intruders, but the meeting was immediately cancelled.

At student of Mass Communication, Mary Anyogo, described the incident as shocking, saying the intruders’ conduct showed they were sent by unnamed persons in the state to disrupt the meeting.

Anthony Akor, a student of Public Administration, said the attack on the union president was barbaric. “I am not happy by the incident but students should remain law-abiding no matter the level of provocation. We should hope that ASUU and government would reach a compromise, so that we can resume on time,” he said.

Nathan said he had lodged some complaints at the Department of State Service (DSS), police, and the school security office for investigation. The union leader urged Governor Samuel Ortom to look into the matter, because the assailants dropped his name during the attack.

The campus was shut by the lecturers on March 9 over the non-payment of their salaries by former Governor Gabriel Suswam.

Governor Ortom made a plea to staff and students to be patient as he is exploring ways to resolve the matter.

Ondo students elect leaders From Richard Adura-Illesanmi and

Yomi Ayeleso AAUA

A

STUDENT of Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Adeola Iwakun, has been elected the president National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS).

He defeated three others in an election held at Eji Oba High School in Akure at the weekend. The exercise was held under tight security.

Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Yusuf Abdulrahman, who announced the results described the process as free and fair.

Adeola described his emergence as divine, praising members of the association, who had confidence in him and elected him. He promised to make members’ interests his priority.

Adeola, a 400-Level Religious and African Culture student, appealed to his opponent to join him to move the association forward.

Also elected were Olamabamiji Oladapo, vice president; Tosin Akinbulumo, general secretary; Oluwafemi Sanni, assistant general secretary; Tosin Amuniu, public relations officer and Eunice Adewunmi, Senate president.

Others were Olalekan Fasonranti, Deputy Senate president; Ezekiel Afere, clerk; Adedokun Omomowo, Chief Whip, Debo Dare, Special Duties and Adedotun Adewale, Treasurer.

The elected officers have been inaugurated.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE Beauty queen organises spelling contest O fewer than 150 secondary pupils gathered last Friday at the Political Hall of Bekwarra Local Government Council in Cross River State to participate in a screening held in preparation for a spelling competition organised

by Comfort Literacy Intervention and Capacity Enhancement Foundation.

The foundation is a pet project of Miss Comfort Ogon, the reigning queen of the council. About 28 secondary schools were approved to take part in the exercise.

Speaking at the event, Comfort,

N

Visiting lawmaker promises to support centre

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From Oladele Oge NYSC ENUGU

demic excellence must be maintained by the university, advising that its recruitment and admission processes must be based on merit.

“For the institution to be ahead of its counterparts, the quality of its education and research must be fully established,” he said.

During his inspection of the research agency established in 2004 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Utazi observed that there were meaningful research being carried out at the Centre with little funding, adding that the activities must be made known to promote the nation’s innovation and technological transformation.

He called on the Centre’s Director, Prof Fidelis Opara, to get the list of equipment needed by the

Centre to improve and lead astronomical research in the continent for Senate’s approval. This, he said, would back up his request to the Federal Government to support the Centre’s projects.

Opara urged the lawmaker to persuade the government to provide radio telescope for the Centre to record space information, weather and track crimes, such as kidnapping, bombing and robbery.

The director said one of the aims of the Centre was to train young Nigerians on astronomy and space research, noting that over 10 secondary schools had benefited from its training.

The lawmaker was optimistic that the administration would give education and research agencies support, pledging the National Assembly’s cooperation.

•Sabo (right) receiving the award from the students on behalf of the VC

N

From Sarah Dandaura and

Monday Ikpe NSUK respect for their good comportment, promising his support for their activities.

The students presented the VC Most-Friendly Vice Chancellor of the Year by NUBESS members for his friendly disposition toward the students.

Earlier, the outgoing president of the union, Inalegwu Itodo, informed the VC representative that the students were committed to ensuring that vices were eradicated on the campus.

who is also a CAMPUSLIFE reporter at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), said she was satisfied by the turnout, saying the competition would address pronunciation challenge among pupils.

After the screening, 17 students were selected for the grand finale.

The selection started with a preliminary written test, followed by an oral spelling session.

Comfort said the grand finale would feature the launching of the foundation.

I

S there a disease that can make a young girl to reach menopause before age?

Yes, says Prof Henry Onwubiko. He said prion disease can cause the condition.

If a young girl contracts the infectious disease, he said, she would immediately reach her menopause.

Onwubiko, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), stated this when he delivered the university’s 96th inaugural lecture last Thursday.

He said the disease, which has no cure, could lead the sufferer to infertility and infect both humans and animals.

Some of the symptoms of the disease, he said, include loss of weight, lack of brain co-ordination, convulsion and inability to sleep at night.

He said: “The prion infection has been detected in some parts of Europe and Africa, where about four million infected cattle have been destroyed.”

He urged the government to ensure that cows and other animals that could infect human beings with the virus are properly screened by veterinary doctors before they were killed for consumption.

He added: “Prion infection can be contracted by eating meat of infected animals or coming in contact with infected human beings.

Every human being and animal has

From Oladele Oge

UNN prion in the body, but when it is infected or corrupted, it becomes abnormal and deadly to the body.

Abnormal prion causes mad cow disease in cattle, scrapie in sheep and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in human.”

The lecturer said prion disease was yet to be detected in birds, dogs, rabbits and horses. He urged the government to build and equip ultra-sensitive technique laboratory for detection of pathological prions and recruit experts to avert the looming vulnerability.

“My advice is that, the government should bring experts in this field together to start work on how to protect the country from impending danger of prion deadly infection. Prion is 100 per cent deadly and fatal than Ebola and HIV,” he said.

According to the inaugural lecturer, his research on prion decease was cited in Nature Methods, a prestigious journal, because of the interest the global science community has in research on the disease.

In his remark, the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Benjamin Ozumba, represented by his deputy for Administration, Prof Edwin Igbokwe, described Onwubiko as erudite scholar whose works have been cited in global journals.

•Freshers taking the matriculation oath

VC hails Benue students on peace

ASARAWA State University, Keffi (NSUK) ViceChancellor, Prof Mohammad Mainoma, has praised the commitment and peaceful disposition of Benue State students studying in the varsity, urging them to continue to toe the path of academic excellence.

The VC made the statement when members of National Union of Benue State Students (NUBESS) paid him a courtesy visit in his office. They presented an award to the VC. Mainoma, represented by his Special Assistant, Mr Yahaya Sabo, said the students earned his

CALABAR

‘Save Nigerians from prion disease’

•Sen. Utazi (seventh from right) inspecting a project at the Centre

HE lawmaker representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Chukwuka Utazi, has visited the Space Science of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to collaborate with the Centre to achieve its objectives.

Receiving the lawmaker, who graduated from Political Science Department, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, said the institution was proud of its alumnus, hoping that the lawmaker would use his position to attract more federal presence to the institution and its host communities.

He said: “The Governing Council and members of this great citadel of learning are proud of you.

We hope you would contribute meaningfully to the progress of our nation and your alma mater.”

Utazi said the culture of aca-

From Richard Enake

His successor, Daniel Okwa, eulogised Mainoma for what he called the VC’s transformational leadership.

He said: “We appreciate how the Vice-Chancellor has transformed our school within eight months of his leadership. He has shown that he is a performer and transformer.”

Members of the union, who visited the VC, included presidentelect of National Association of Idoma Students (NAIS), Joseph Agada, outgoing NAIS president, Christian Okwori and Chairman, Beyond Boundaries Legacy Leadership Initiative, Daniel Omaga.

Varsity begins law programme, matriculates freshers

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HE management of Adeleke University, in Ede, Osun State has enjoined the newly-admitted Law students to face their studies to have smooth academic sail in the varsity.

The Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Oluwole Amusan spoke during the varsity’s matriculation at the university hall.

He said: “I urge you to aim for the best and work hard to achieve excellence. You all must shun keeping bad companions and desist from act that can cut short your academic pursuit.”

Amusan also used the opportunity

From Adelayo Babarinde ADELEKE to appreciate the unwavering commitment of the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Dr Adedeji Adeleke.

Meanwhile, the university has started its law programme. This is coming after the assessment and verification by the National Universities Commission and Council for Legal Education.

The event was graced by principal officers, including the deans, directors and family members of the students.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE

Students win Corps members’ debate

C

ORPS members serving at the College of Agriculture and Animal Science in Kaduna State have held competitions for the institution’s students.

The contest featured quiz, debate and scrabble.

The auditorium was filled when the debate came up between departments of Animal Health and Animal Production, with the topic: Animal health more than animal production deserves more societal attention.

Representatives of the Animal Health Department argued in favour of good health, saying sound health was God’s best gift to mammals. Without a sound health, there can never be production, they argued.

The Department of Animal Production debaters posited that there was no need for health service if animals were bred under normal circumstance. “Production boosts economy of the country and with proper prevention, the health practitioners would be rendered useless.

Do animals in the bush need health service to survive?” Promise Zamani, one of the debaters, argued.

There was excitement among members of the audience as the debaters exchanged ideas. The debate was followed by quiz between the Higher National Diploma (HND) 1 and II classes.

The scrabble contest was held at

•The Corps members with the winners after the event

From Kemi Busari NYSC KADUNA an open space outside the hall, with enthusiastic students watched the players - Samuel Jonathan, representing the college and Joseph Elaigwu, NYSC team – slugging it out.

At the end of the contest, the judges announced the final result.

Animal Production Department won the debate contest with 18 points as against 14 points scored

by their Animal Health counterparts.

HND 1 class defeated HND II in the quiz, while the school team beat the NYSC team 356-103 in the scrabble contest.

Lauding the initiative, the Deputy Provost, Mr Muhammed Abdullahi, enjoined students not to forget what they learnt in the competitions. He said the school would ensure such contest is held periodically.

2015 The Nation/AfricanLiberty.org Essay Winners We are pleased to announce the winners of an essay organised by The Nation and AfricanLiberty.org powered

by Network For a Free Society.

A total number of 248 entries were received from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Tanzania. The highest score recorded is 82 per cent.

The grading was based on the following: • Understanding and discussion of the topic (50 per cent) • Organisation, presentation and style (20 per cent) • Grammar (20 per cent) • Originality (10 per cent) It must be noted that the general assessment shows an increase in the quality of the entries, which is better compared to entries received last year. We believe the authors of winning entries substantially understood the topic of the essay but some of the entries were completely incoherent.

All entries identified government control and regulations as being a restriction to job creation, although they also showed some weaknesses in their understanding of views they expressed. Some entries that made good points were written incoherently. Some identified their sources and credited authors whose work they lifted, but others did not attribute their sources to support their points for originality.

The following winners should contact Mr. Adedayo Thomas at adedayo.thomas@gmail.com or phone: +234 802 223 9554 to redeem their cash prizes. Winners from first to fourth position have, in addition to their cash prizes, full scholarship to African Liberty and Language of Liberty Entrepreneurship Camp (SYPALA) at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Kenya from August 12 -16, 2015 .

WINNERS FIRST POSITION - $1,000 (George Ayittey Platinum Prize): Oluwase Babajide Victor Urban and Regional Planning, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, Nigeria and

CONSOLATION PRIZES Cosmas Orjiakor Victor Electrical / Electronic Engineering Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna (KADPOLY), Nigeria

Udoh Charles Rapulu Department of Law Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Obiekezie Chidiebere Victor Department of Economics University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka

SECOND POSITION - $700 (Anthony Fisher Gold Prize): Justin Vasco Alla Department of Economics University of Malawi, Chancellor College Malawi

Linda Agutu University of Nairobi Kenya

and Akhimien Oseluese Joy Medical Laboratory Science University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State, Nigeria THIRD POSITION - $500 (Franklin Cudjoe Silver Prize): Salome Nthenya Nzuki Department of Gender and Development Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya.

FOURTH POSITION - $300 (CAMPUSLIFE/The Nation Media Bronze Prize): Kelvin Adesua Depart of Sociology University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Nigeria

One of the Corps members, Aisha Ibrahim, described contest as educative, saying: “The idea behind the contests was to encourage public speaking, promote the spirit of sportsmanship and interaction among students and their lecturers.

We purposely made this our Community Development Service project.”

Other members of the CDS group include Habiba Muhammad, Sola Mamadelo, Musa Suleiman, Aisha Muhammad and Aliyu Ibrahim.

UN Centre sensitises youths on vocational training

T

HE Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Multipurpose Hall was filled, last week, as students, youths, professionals, members of academia and politicians gathered to mark the maiden United Nations (UN) World Youths Day, with the theme: Skill acquisition: Panacea for youth unemployment.

The event was organised by the college chapter of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (UNESCOUNEVOC).

The UNEVOC Co-ordinator, Dr Amina Idris, said the Centre was set up to reduce the rush for white-collar jobs and to train youths to be selfreliant. She said Centre had objective to provide vocational skills, competency, capacity building and staff development.

The aim of vocational enterprises and innovation, she said, is to close gap in skill acquisition and training youths for work and opportunities. She said: “I see bright future ahead of youths, who acquire useful skills. They will be the driving force of the economy.”

The Rector, Dr Margaret Ladipo, said skills acquisition remained the panacea for youth unemployment.

Any youth, who acquires skill, she

From Mark Orgu YABATECH said, will enhance his ability to make informed choices in employment opportunities.

The Rector said the event was to raise awareness on the importance of investing in skill acquisition to reduce unemployment.

Speakers at the event included Nollywood actors Mrs Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde and Hon. Desmond Elliot, who charged the youths to follow their passion and dream to make themselves independent after school. They said the only way to success was to abide to acquire adequate skills.

Joshua Udensi, a participant, said the event could motivate students to be employers of labour, stressing that skill acquisition would solve job crisis facing the nation.

The UNEVOC Coordinator at YABATECH, Dr Fumilayo Doherty, said the aim of the Centre was being achieved gradually.

Other guests at the event included Deputy Rector for Academics, Mr Innocent Akhuemonhkan, his Administration counterpart, Dr Mau’ruf Adebakin, Registrar and Ms. Charity Amapakabo.

Abubakar Yabagi Akote Mass Communication Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria Abiodun Mary Depart of Business Administration National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Lagos, Nigeria Morufat Adenike Department of Public Administration Kwara State Polytechnic (KWARA POLY), Ilorin Nigeria

•From left: Dr Idris, Dr Ladipo and other speakers with participants

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE University of Calabar (UNICAL) Vice-Chancellor Prof James Epoke will end his five-year tenure in December. His administration means different things to various students. Some praise him; others which he had done more. EMMANUEL SHEBBS (Graduate School) and STANLEY UCHEGBU (Graduate of Accounting) write.

How will he be remembered?

P

ROFESSOR James Epoke had his job cut out for him after he was appointed Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) almost five years ago.

He was sworn in on November 30, 2010.

Having been part of the administration of his predecessor, Prof Bassey Asuquo, as the Dean of Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Prof Epoke knew he had a huge task to build on Asuquo’s achievements and make his own mark.

When he assumed duty, his mantra was: “The quest for academic excellence”. Pronto, he unveiled his plans and means of achieving them.

This was contained in his development masterplan.

Barely a year on the saddle, Epoke’s administration hit a glitch in August 2011. A final student of Public Administration, Chima Agba Kalu, was murdered on the campus, which led to violence that left properties worth millions vandalised by rampaging students. The school was close for six months.

When students returned, they were welcomed by beautiful facilities and pristine environment. The school introduced innovations into many activities, which were done manually. By this feat, the VC won many students’ hearts. Besides, some students said the VC listen, accommodate and respond to matters on time.

Some, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, described Epoke’s effort to increase the rating of the school as unique.

Jeffrey Essienobong, a Medicine and Surgery student, who has spent 12 years on the campus, said the university has never had it so good before Epoke came. He said: “I still remember when the school was seen

as a place where facilities were in dilapidating state. When Prof Epoke came, the whole place became friendly arena.”

Sandra Onwurah, a 400-Level Management Science student, said the VC started to change the story of the school immediately he assumed office.

Sandra said: “Barely five years in office, Prof Epoke brought his wealth of experience to bear in administering the institution. We have witnessed drastic changes both in academics and infrastructure.”

To Margaret Onen, a Post-graduate student, the VC’s policies have positively impacted the lives of students and lecturers. She said provision of wireless Internet bandwidth to students has resulted in stress-free learning. “The provision of free wireless Internet service within the campus shows Prof Epoke’s drive for innovation and research,” Margaret said.

Bassey Umoh, a lecturer at the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, said the image of the university has soared within the country and worldwide, noting that the VC’s creativity improved the rating of the school.

Students pointed to establishment of Bassey Andiah Institute for African and Asian Studies, Senator Ita Enang Block, construction of faculties of Engineering and Education, among others as some of commendable feats of the VC. Dr. Dave Ugwu, a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Public Policy and Administration told CAMPUSLIFE that the upgraded of the school’s Information and Communication Technology system made computation of students’ results easy. “Students now see their

•The Bassey Andiah Institute of African and Asian Studies building

•The new Faculty of Education building

results on time and certificates are issued immediately after graduation. That is a good story to tell,” he said.

A final year student of the Faculty of Allied Medical Science, Michael Uwakwe, hailed the Epoke administration for upgrading hostels, saying the move had encouraged learning.

He said: “The renovation work embarked on by the VC has given Malabo hostel plaza a new shape and restore the beauty of academic area. The hostel is not noisy as it used to be and students no longer inhale generator fumes from traders around the hostel. We can now read very comfortably in the hostel unlike before.”

A member of the Students Union Government (SUG) told

CAMPUSLIFE, who pleaded for anonymity, urged the VC to remove “bad people”, who intrude into the union’s affairs, from the system.

“The VC should not allow these backbiters to soil his last days in office. I will advise him to look into the students’ welfare and stay away from sycophants,” he said.

While the VC wraps up his tenure, some part-time students are, however, not happy with the school. Their complaints range from certificate issuance and participation in the Nation Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. CAMPUSLIFE learnt that some students, who graduated years ago, had not been given their certificates.

A part-time student, Desmond Archibong, said he graduated from

the Faculty of Education in 2012, but he had not been given his certificate, because he could not get exemption letter to stop him from going for National Youth Service.

He said: “We were asked to fill the mobilisation form at my department with the promise that we are going to get exemption letter not to participate in National Youth Service.

Up till today, we are yet to get it.

The VC must solve the problem before he leaves.”

Ben Ikahi, president of Part-time Students’ Association, wants the VC to approve mobilisation of parttime students for the National Youth Service. He said: “We are being short-changed, because we pay so much to study. We want the VC to extend participation in NYSC to part-time students.”

The Faculty of Engineering of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) was a beehive last week when students marked their week, which culminated in the crowning of an Igwe and his Lolo. KINGSLEY AMATANWEZE reports.

E •The students during the old school day

•The Igwe and his lolo

NGINEERING students are perceived as unsociable. While their colleagues may create time to in socialise, it is believed that engineering students prefer to spend their time, working mathematics and drawing machine designs. To prove this notion wrong, the students of Faculty of Engineering of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), last week, organised a social week.

The event, tagged Engineering Week, featured interesting activities, including old school day and cultural day.

The event started on Monday, with the students putting on different shades of suits and ties. This was followed by old school day on the second day, during which the students adorned various old attires.

On Wednesday, the students appeared in sport jerseys. The following day the event reached its climax as the students held the cultural day, which featured traditional dance and coro-

When engineering students go social nation of the faculty’s Igwe (king). David Eze, a 300Level Electronics Engineering student, was selected as the Igwe. He took the title Igwe Ezeabunike 1 of Faculty of Engineering.

Ozioma Onyishi, also in 300-Level Electronics Engineering, was crowned the lolo (queen). This rite was performed by a group of lolos from other faculties.

David’s coronation rites were performed by a group of students, who are members of traditional council of the school and Ohaneze Ndigbo. He described his selection as divine, noting that the cultural day was significant to the faculty.

“This event has brought unity among students. It has also promoted our cultural and traditions,” he said. The Igwe promised to play his

role in line with tradition to bring positive changes to the faculty.

He added: “I believe the real reason I was selected to be the Igwe is to foster the growth of our culture and traditional values. Another is to bring about a healthy relationship and unity between the staff and students of the faculty.”

Before the expiration of his tenure, David said he would make move to build a quadrangle at the faculty for students’ use.

In an interview with CAMPUSLIFE, president of the engineering students, Uzondu Obillor, a 500-Level Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering student, said the social week had significant values to the students.

•Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE

I

TAKE a cue from the great poet William Ernest Henley in his work titled: “The gods are dead”. The second stanza of the literary masterpiece resonates well with the utter neglect and despondency that have come to characterised Nigeria’s football as well as the effort of our forgotten heroes.

Playing for one’s fatherland is one of the greatest accomplishments any professional footballer would ever dream of. However, not many get this opportunity as the team is only for the best of talents who have shown the quality they possess on the football turf either in their club or other platforms. Over the years, however, starting from 1945, when the first Nigerian football set up was assembled with the name “red devils”, it had been a bitter sweet experience, a phase which has seen many football stars represent the country at one stage or the other, with many regretting ever taking such decision. This is so because they have not only been neglected or abandoned but utterly forgotten.

This neglect is well pronounced and has seen many of our football ‘gods’ journey to their early grave.

Notable though, most of the individuals who have been victims of this apathy are mostly players who represented the country in the 60s to early 70s when true patriotism and vigour for the game was at its peak, though with little financial reward compared to what is obtainable in the present football environment. These ‘gods’ aren’t just lying dead but angry at the lack of support meted out to them and their family after their demise having sacrificed their sweat and energy on the altar of patriotism for the country with many languishing

“I

told the President that he should do everything possible to carry the youths along. I suggested he could move a few of his important public functions from campus to campus. I mentioned how American presidential debates and major presidential interactions are often held in a university community with students in attendance. I observed that this helps to inspire the youths in no small measure. Any government that has the youths behind it will ultimately succeed.”

The above expression is an excerpt of Dele Momodu’s Pendulum in Thisday of Saturday, July 18. Apart from knowing Momodu as the CEO and Publisher of the highly influential Ovation International magazine, I equally follow him on social media as well as read his regular column where he churns out political commentaries as a demonstration of his patriotism for the Nige-

Soccer: The gods are angry in poverty while others died, leaving behind families in dire need of help.

The list of these fallen heroes who have been victim of this greatest neglect is endless but some readily come to mind. One of the most tragic of all was 25-years old Samuel Okwaraji who collapsed ten minutes from the end of the 1990 World Cup qualifiers game against Angola at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos in 1989 and died as a result of congestive heart failure.

Okwaraji was a lawyer who had equally obtained a master’s in International Law from the University of Rome. In his honour, only a bust statue of him was erected at the National Stadium, venue of the disaster.

Another instance is Orobosan Adum, a goal keeper who played in the Nigerian premier league for Warri Wolves and was assaulted by thugs suspected of be fans of Enugu Rangers. He slumped and died three days later on May26, 2009 of internal haemorrhage during training. The culprits responsible for his death have since not been brought to book.

Holland World U-20 and Beijing Olympics silver medallist, Adefemi Olubayo, lost his life in a car accident in Greece few weeks to his wedding ceremony. Once dead, the only recognition granted him was a banner during an international friendly to honour him. Rashidi Yekini, born on October 23, 1963, was also a party to this neglect.

Goals father, as he was fondly called, led the attack line of the Super Eagles for 14 years and eight months

between 1984 and 1998. During the period, he played 58 international games for the Super Eagles and scored a whopping 37 goals, a record which stands unequalled since he hung his boot in 1998. Until his demise in Ibadan on May 4, 2012 at the age of 48, no national monument or reward has been accorded him. That is pretty sad and disgusting for a nation that claims to recognise the role of sports in national development.

The list cannot be exhausted as others, including Mudashiru Lawal, Thompson Oliha, Endurance Idahor, Alloysius Atuegbu, Best Ogede, Sam Ojebode, John Ikoroma, Orobosan Bobsam Elejiko and Amusa Shittu, arejust a fraction of football icons whose service to their father land has gone without any reward.

The crux of the issue has been the blasé attitude on the part of the government and administrators in properly immortalising these fallen heroes, a phenomenon not obtainable in other clime as the ‘gods’ are well appreciated with incentives that make it easy for them to give their all to their country.

The Zambian national team immortalised their heroes who died in Equatorial Guinea in a plane crash while on their way to a World Cup qualifier against Senegal on April 27, 1993. Till date, Manchester United still celebrates their heroes who lost their lives in the Munich crash of 1958,Marc VivienFoe of Cameroon is still beinghonoured today after slumping in a confederation cup match. Infact, an

award of the best goal keeper from Africa was created in his honour in far-away France. Ference Puskas, the Hungarian great, is still highly honoured after his demise. Why then is the Nigerian case so different? Though one might argue that some of these players do not deserve any compensation due to their extravagant lives during their active years, it should also be noted that the majority of them never really had any financial or formal education which would have helped them in planning a sacred financial future.

In tackling this issue, it is expedient that football authorities nationally or a state levels should begin to look at ways of creating sustainable reward system for sportsmen who have given their very best to their nation. The first process should be the need to educate current players in all cadre of the game on financial literacy.

The pay package of players in this present football climate is quite attractive and as such, they should be taught the rules of money so they don’t become a liability to the country after retirement.

It is also important that a reward system is put in place for the family of deceased footballers so as to help ease some financial burden on the family after the demise of their bread winner. In doing so, administrators can offer cash reward or educational scholarships to the children of the deceased. An insurance scheme should be in place for players in all cadre of the game so as to create a secured future for

By Friday Ohikhuai

I

them in the likelihood of any injury, especially in a contact sport like football as seen in other climes.

It won’t also be out of place if exinternationals are put on a pension scheme to help them have a source of income when they finally retire from active football.

The above propositions will not only help secure a better future for our heroes but will go a long way in encouraging young players, especially the youth who wield enormous capacity to go the extra mile in giving their all for the country.

While the football ‘gods’ of other nations are resting peacefully, many Nigerian ‘gods’ are in a sombre mood with the level of impunity, maladministration as well as the alarming level of misery that confronts their families. It is time to do the right thing and put the smiles on the faces of our football ‘gods’ again.

•Jennifer, Mass Comm., OFFA POLY

In defence of Dele Momodu’s proposition

By Idris Alao rian project. His recent article in that column has caught my attention like never before. I’m referring to “An Afternoon with President Buhari”. That article, indeed, is an eye-opener for anyone who wants to maximise the nation’s youth population for al-inclusive leadership.

My concern stems from the above excerpts. As the Students’ Union president of the University of Ilorin and a youth advocate, I’ve been reflecting deeply on how to add value to the bridge that links the governments with students of tertiary institutions.

In a general term, youths are considered the greatest asset of any nation. However, the youth affairs as handled by previous regimes in the

country, especially their manner of relation with this asset, calls for urgent attention by President Muhammadu Buhari, not only to right the wrongs, but to restore hopes. Dele’s brilliant proposition has given the guide to the governments on the very first step to take.

This is a sharp contrast from the old order of inviting students’ leaders to governments’ houses, ostensibly to buy them over, and by so doing, making them poor sycophants. Such practices are inimical to the survival of our democracy.

Isn’t it so shameful that this practice has remained a recurring decimal for youths in a great country called Nigeria? It has been said and rightly so, that the president of Nigeria is the most difficult president to see. In our own case, we do not demand for meeting the president,

rather we urge the president to consider the merit of Dele’s proposition and come down to various campuses of Nigerian universities. Irrefutably, this will open a new vista in our democratic experimentation and goes to show that the president is a youth-friendly; not one of the selfish exploiters that only reckon with youths during electioneering.

As far back as 1976, higher education has played a crucial role in the presidential debate process in the United States. So far, only 19 out of 30 presidential debates since 1960 have been held on college campuses. The first presidential debate to be held on a college campus was in 1976 between President Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter at Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall of the College of William and Mary. The debate brought national prominence to the

Is Davido promoting drug abuse?

T was May 2014 at the World Economic Forum which took place in Abuja. With keen gusto, I watched with how the likes of Ramsey Noah, Charles Novia and other entertainment icons, on various panels, discussed how to proffer solution to economic challenges facing Nigeria and Africa. Not that they are experts in the field of economics but because the industry which they belong has contributed immensely to

By Jennifer Umeh

the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

Also, on 22 January, 2015, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo – popularly known as D’banj – was invited to perform at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland by Tony Elumelu’s Heir Holdings in order to celebrate Africa’s entertainment industry. Nigerian entertainment industry has contributed immensely to the socioeconomic development of the entire nation. It has helped in no small measure to rebrand the battered image of the country, bringing to the fore the mazing talents that abound in our part of the world.

After he released his 6th album titled The Ascension, Nigeria pop star, Tuface Idibia, continued to maintain impressive ranking on the billboard under the world album category as at July 2014. Nigerian artists have continued to lord it over their counterparts across Africa. This affirms the growth of our entertainment industry over the years. From secular artists to gospel musicians as well as our exploits in the cinemas, the mes-

sage is loud and clear that our creative industry is on the path to prosperity.

But sometimes one cannot help but wonder at the moral questions raised by the content of our music videos.

Raving pop star, Davido, is an artist who had done incredibly well for himself, bagging a flurry of awards and recognitions from far and near.

For his creative contributions to the Nigerian music scene, Davido belongs to the league of those that are taking Nigeria to the next level through music. In 2013, the skelewu crooner partnered with Guinness for the Guinness World of More Concert, amongst other high profile events both in Nigeria and in Diaspora. He has also won a retinue of awards, including BET, MTV Africa, Channel O and so on. But his recent hit song titled fan mi where he featured American rapper, Meek Mill, leaves much to be desired of the award winning singer.

Shooting gun and encouraging cocaine transaction in a music video is particularly misleading and encourages a propensity for drug abuse

among the youths.

The Oxford Universal Dictionary defines music as, ”that one of the fine arts which is concerned with the combination of sounds with a view to beauty of form and expression of thought or feeling.” Going by the very terms of this definition, it therefore means that the viewers and majority of Davido’s fans will be greatly affected by the gospel of drugs preached by the singer. What is baffling is that majority of his fan are youths who not only relish the spark of his music but go a step further to emulate his steps as role model.

Davido is clearly not the only culprit though. In contemporary times, a larger chunk of our music video is not teaching the youth moral values; they only fan the embers of decadence and moral depravity. In Nigeria music video, the costume worn by the girls are indecent and provocative, fuelling the alarming rate of wantonness in our society today. The boys are not exempted from this act.

Some of them throw naira and dollars around, thereby promoting fi-

school and town. This is an amazing culture that must be imbibed.

The staging of important public functions on campuses is an opportunity to shine an international spotlight on Nigerian universities, increase their recognition and prestige and attract opportunity for scholarship and laudable projects. No holds barred for President Buhari to implement the proposition given the roles played by the youths in the elections that saw his emergence.

In my humble opinion, the president may give consideration to the University of Ilorin as the University prepares to celebrate her 40th Anniversary in October 2015.

•Idris is Students Union Government president, UNILORIN

nancial crime through their music.

Few years ago, Olu Maintain rocked our airwaves with his yahoozee album and Olamide has not ceased to feed us with his bado philosophy.

I believe it is expedient to sensitize people especially the youths on the danger of drug abuse.

The recent moves by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to investigate drug use by Davido is a great way to send a strong message that hard drugs have anti-social implications on its users. They should extend it to Nollywood in order to stop inducing and influencing Nigeria youths into drug addiction. Performing Musician Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) should put stiffer measure on ground to prohibit unwholesome videos.

Finally, Nigeria media especially, broadcast media, should be regulated by Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to stop broadcasting and promoting unwholesome music.

That way, the infiltration of unhealthy values promoted by music artists can be nipped in the bud.

Friday has just finished National Youth Service,

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

36

CAMPUS LIFE YABATECH matriculates 5,049

T

HE Yaba College of T e c h n o l o g y (YABATECH) in Yaba, Lagos was agog, last weekend, during the matriculation of freshers held Sport Complex.

Administering oath on the students, the Registrar, Ms Charity Amapakabo, advised them to be obedient to the school rule and shun unruly behaviour.

She said the college does not allow any student to possess firearms, adding the school frowned at vices, including drug abuse, cultism and sexual harassment.

The Rector, Dr Margaret Ladipo, charged the students to use the opportunity to strive for excellence, saying management would ensure strict compliance of the school regulations. She advised the freshers to abide by

From Mark Orgu

YABATECH the oath they took and display good behaviour.

“You must desist from social vices and examination misconduct,” the Rector advised.

The college matriculated 2,416 freshers into its Higher National Diploma (HND) and 3,035 students for National Diploma (ND).

The Rector added: “You have been chosen out the over 110,000 candidates, who applied to study at the college.

You must exhibit maturity and pursue academic goals with discipline and good behaviour.

Every student must have 75 per cent lecture attendance to be allowed for examination.”

Some of the freshers, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, promised to use the opportunity to achieve their dreams.

•Freshers at the ceremony

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor

08061522600

‘Entrepreneurship key to Nigeria’s prosperity’

H

OW Nigeria can be a prosperous nation was the focus of discussion at a conference organised by the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State chapter of the African Students For Liberty (ASFL) last weekend.

Speakers at the event with the theme: Fundamental of a prosperous society, included the Director of African Liberty Organisation for Development, Mr. Adedayo Thomas, a popular blogger and entrepreneur, Japheth Omojuwa, a management expert, Olaleye Rosiji and an Executive Board Member of Students For Liberty, Moronfolu Adeniyi.

Rosiji told the participants to think beyond the four walls of the varsity, advising them to embrace entrepreneurship by developing their skills. He said they should not allow the condition of the society to limit their abilities but to deploy their talents to change the condition of the society.

He said: “You need to maximise your potential, lead and make the best out of yourselves to have a prosperous society. You don’t need a university certificate to become an entrepreneur. The only thing you need to do is to discover your potential and see how it can be fitted into the society’s expectation.

From Olugbenga

Adewunmi FUNAAB Money is not a requirement to become an entrepreneur, but a sense of fulfillment.”

Omojuwa, a FUNAAB alumnus, said students should not to wait until their graduation before they could engage themselves in productive ventures. Narrating his experience, the blogger told the participants how he started Omojuwa.com while he was an undergraduate at the university. The news website, he said, has grown to become one of the biggest brands on social media.

Omojuwa said the nation would be prosperous if young people could develop their skills to achieve prosperity.

He advised the participants against wrong notion of giving back to the society, noting that the best way to give back to the society is to dream big and become successful.

He also cautioned the youth against wasting time on trivialities, noting that any time lost could not be regained. He said: “Your activities should not be an excuse for failure if you manage your time properly. Except you have small dreams, nobody can cover his entire dream.

The bigger dream is, the better we explore our minds to

achieve more.”

Thomas, who spoke on Principle of individualism, said inventions and innovations that turned the world around were conceived by individual.

He said the idea of collectivism would only result in laziness and lack of innovation.

Giving example, Thomas said successes achieved by Sound City, a musical channel on digital television that unlock opportunities for many Nigerian hip-hop artistes, would not be possible if its owner, Tajudeen Adepetu, did not conceive the idea alone.

“It is the collection of prosperous individuals that makes a prosperous society. If each individual in a society succeeds, such society can be said to have achieved prosperity,” Thomas said.

Moronfolu gave participants tips on how they could benefit from SFL Local Coordinator Programme.

The chapter ALSO President, Oladimeji Oguntoyinbo, hailed the participants for attending the event, hile praising members of the executive for the success of the conference.

Participants at the conference included FUNAAB students and their colleagues from other institutions, such as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta and Federal College of Education, Osiele.

When engineering students go social •Continued from page 34

He said it held to revitalise Igbo culture in the faculty and to rejig social life of students.

“The event was organised to boost social life of engineering students. The cultural day was to show students the beauty of Igbo culture, even as engineers,” he said.

Martin Okpara, a 300-Level Metallurgical and Materials Engineering student, applauded the faculty’s leaders for the event. He described it as the best cultural event on the campus, noting that he had never witnessed a colourful celebration of culture since he was admitted into the school. He said such event would help students to maintain a healthy academic competition.

Martins said: “It was the first engineering week in which students willingly participated. It was fun since the first day. If it is

sustained, I believe this kind of event would help us to ease off academic stress accumulated from strenuous activities.”

Victor Anene, a 300-level Electronics Engineering student, shared similar views. He said: “The event was remarkable, because of the enthusiasm of students to participate in it, especially the first year students. We are not in school only for academics, we have got to socialise. It will help in no small way, if we balance the two areas.”

The last day of the week featured a dinner and award night, where the students organised a beauty pageant to select Mr and Miss Engineering. Some students were honoured for their exceptional academic prowess and extra-curricular activities. Students were led to the show by the recentlyreinstated Students Union Government (SUG) president, Peter Oji.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

37

CAMPUS LIFE GRADUATION

GRADUATION

Parents urged to support wards

P

ARENTS have been advised to pay more attention to their wards’ creativity as this will help them explore more their creative abilities.

Addressing parents at the musical concert and prize-giving day of Mind Builders School, Ikeja, the Chairman, Mr Tim Akano, dwelled on the benefits of achieving greatness at an early age.

He underscored the importance of parents placing more emphasis on their children’s ability at a very tender age and helping them nurture same so that by the time they are teenagers, they would have gotten ideas of what their lives’ fulfillment entail.

Akano identified some global icons such as the world’s richest man, Bill Gates who started early enough. He is optimistic that Nigerian children can achieve same only if they are fully supported by both their parents and school.

The earlier a child starts developing a passion to be creative, it gives him a better chance to attain a reasonable height at a very young age, he noted.

“Parents,” he said, “we need to concentrate more on their ability. We need to find out the truth and observe some attitudes in them. As young as they are, we need to help them nurture those skills so that by the time they are of 20 years, they can create something, “he advised.

The pupils thrilled their parents with drama, renditions, and choreography, among others.

The best graduating pupil, Akadiri Oluwanimisokan expressed his hap-

By Jane Chijioke

piness for making his parents proud.

Oluwanimisokan, whose dream is to be a Petroleum Engineer, was one of the two pupils who received scholarship by Mr Tim to study Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Coding at the New Horizon Summer ICT Academy.

The best pupil in Primary Five, Abiola Komolafe and best behaved,

Chinonso Amechi in Primary Four received tablets. The tablet, according to Tim, would equip them with ICT skills even at tender age. He pledged to henceforth award outstanding pupils in moral and academic performance.

Mind Builder’s Education Director, Mrs Bola Falore, who spoke on “Unity in diversity”, the theme of the graduation, said there was a need to awaken the spirit of togetherness in the minds of the young scholars.

GRADUATION “Nigeria offers a grand example of how diverse people can come together to build a great nation. We must find a way to reconcile our ever shrinking world with its ever growing diversity. In short, we must find a way to live together as one human family drawing inspiration from our national anthem” she said.

Falore advised the graduands to utilise what they had learnt and remain good ambassadors of their alma mater. She thanked parents for their constructive criticism as well as workers for their collaborative efforts.

•Pupils of Mind Builders entertaining guests with Ballet.

• Dr Jiboku (2nd left, mid 2nd row) with Pastor Stella and husband, Prof Ayeni, Pastor Simon Danmole (left) and other guests and graduands of Taidob.

T

HE graduating students of Taidob College, Asero Estate, Abeokuta in Ogun State, have been assured of a brighter future going by the sterling foundation laid by their alma mater.

Their parents, on the other hand, need not fret as Nigeria and the world would soon witness their children's exploits anywhere they found themselves.

This was the message handed down to the institution by the Vice-Chancellor, Littoral University (Institute Littoral Des Etudes Professionelles Superieures (ILEPS), Republic of Benin Prof Ayeni Oyebode.

Going by Taidob's track record over the last 20 years, Ayeni is optimistic that Taidob graduands would fly like eagles.

Ayeni spoke at the school’s graduation/prize giving day. His speech was titled: "Generation of greatness: Education the tonic of being the best.”

He challenged the graduands whom he described as “great leaders, potential generals, governors, senators and presidents,” to go forth and live their dreams.

"We are here to witness the transformation of future champions that are already being groomed," Ayeni said.

To attain greatness, Ayeni urged them to be determined, be flexible to counsel, focused, committed and hardworking.

He admonished them not to think Taidob is the end to learning but fur-

Taidob graduands assured of ‘brighter future’

By Adegunle Olugbamila

ther seek knowledge that would make them self confident among their contemporaries.

“Acquiring knowledge is a continuous exercise. Knowledge is having information and understanding of some things, while education is to have a clear picture of what is blank,” he said.

He lamented over the-not-too encouraging performances of Nigerian students in major entrance examinations, attributing the development to poor or inadequate facilities, poor teaching methodology, I don't-care approach by parents, and students' addiction to the internet, among others.

He said he was not surprised that a good school like Taidob, endowed with good teachers and students as well as a versatile proprietor, all transform into good products.

Ayeni said Nigeria, the biggest oilproducing country needs to borrow a leaf from Ghana which commits 27 per cent of her budget to education as against Nigeria's 10 per cent.

The school Proprietor, Dr Abayomi Jiboku said he is fulfilled because the seed he planted many years ago are now germinating.

"I feel very good, highly motivated and on top of the world. I feel fulfilled because the dream of so many years back is now becoming a reality.

"The large crowds we are experiencing is only making us realise that we are acceptable to the generality of our parents. We are fulfilling and indeed we have fulfilled one of our major vision and mission of the school, which is to impact knowledge to all manners of Nigerian boys and girls, irrespective of their economic status, sex, and ethnicity. We have been succeed-

ing to make a total person out of every individual student, because it is not only in academics but we are also going into making sure that the nonacademic aspect of the curriculum is pursued with all seriousness.

The event featured presentation of prizes to deserving graduands and scholarships to winners of the annual Dr Abayomi Oluwatosin Jiboku's Foundation.

Pray, schools told

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

C

HAIRMAN of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of Peaklane Primary School, Alagbole, Lagos State, Mr Gboyega Oloniyo, has charged schools to instil virtues of honesty and prayer in their pupils to achieve a high success rate.

He said the institution was successful because of its emphasis on prayers by the students and management of the school.

Speaking to The Nation at the school's Valedictory and prize-giving day for the nursery school and primary six, Mr Oloniyo said: "There is value for money in Peaklane. Here, we have a total school where they give them total education. Not just being built for the present but for the future. They pray a lot in this school.

If you see these children praying, you would think they are in a prayer cantonment and that is the essence of what the lord is doing in their lives, which is why this day is a success.

This is a school that builds them to fear the lord."

Dancing to music from a live band with other parents and well-wishers, Oloniyo expressed his excitement over his son, Oluwademilade Oloniyoset’s graduation.

He charged the pupils to: "Be honest in life.

“Honesty is a very expensive thing and you do not expect it from a cheap person. The children we are building in this school are responsible and it is expected of them to go out and manifest such and be the change agents that Nigeria is really waiting for. Of course, honesty comes with a cost so they should be ready to pay the price."

The school's Director, Mrs Ify Nwachukwu, was in high spirits, about passing out her "rising stars and releasing them into the next level."

She said: : "Always take responsibility for creating the future of your dreams, the future that we can all be proud of. As you move to the next phase, be diligent in your studies, be disciplined, obey your parents and always listen to wise, godly counsel. Your foundation would surely be tested so make up your mind to stand firm. Don't allow yourselves to be influenced negatively, rather, be agents of change."

The ceremony featured dance presentations, farewell messages, award presentations and an exhortation by Rev Samuel Wright, who told parents about their increasing responsibilities in the growth of the children.

In his message titled: “Arrows in the hand of God,” Wright said: "Parents, teach them in the way they should go. Teach them values of patience, endurance and good things, pray with them every day. Let them know that academic and financial excellence are not the most important things in life, but a relationship with God."

• Cross-section of Peaklane Schools’ Primary Six graduands. Inset: Mr Oloniyo

38

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

39

EDUCATION

Old students institute scholarship awards

F

ORMER Coordinator of the Ondo State Information Technology Development Centre (SITDEC), Akure Tunji Light Ariyomo, has led his friends and former school mates to their almamater -Aquinas College Akure (ACA), to institute a yearly scholarship aimed at re-introducing the spirit of competitiveness among pupils in the school.

The group under the auspices of ACA Old Students Association(ACAOSA) 88/89 set of which Ariyomo is president gave out prizes, awards and scholarship to deserving pupils numbering over 120.

Thirty-three of the awards were merit based category targeted at the overall best three pupils in each arm while a special category comprising of 10 indigent pupils also went home with a special yearly scholarship support.

Ariyomo also announced a special 'Dare-Dunning' scholarship prize for a pupil of the school, Master

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Olawumi Fisayo, who came first in the national JETS competition in Nigeria.

He named the award after a former principal of the secondary school, Mr. Enoch Dare and its former cleric, Rev. Father Dunning.

The award saw the group paying all associated fees of the beneficiaries directly to the school while books worth over a million naira ranging from science, commercial and art literature to exercise books and stationery that included mathematical sets and other related articles were handed over to the beneficiaries in the presence of their parents amid jubilation.

Ariyomo, who spoke to The Nation after the event, identified the need to promote positive competition as well as address the plight of indigent students as some of the motivating factors for the gesture.

He thanked the school’s Principal, Pastor Ayibiowu Babasola and

• Ariyomo dancing to a cultural rendition by students of the school.

his management for their focus on excellence while also thanking his school mates in the 88/89 set for rising up to the occasion in kind and cash.

The chairman of the scholarship

committee of ACAOSA 88/89,Dr. Demola Akinsorotan, explained to the audience that the scholarship programme was the fulfillment of a major campaign promise that Ariyomo made to members of the

88/89 set during the campaign period for election as president of the association.

Founded in 1951, Aquinas College is the first secondary school in Akure.

WAEC warns schools, parents against malpractice

N

ATIONAL Head of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, Charles Eguridu, has issued a warning against parents and schools that engage in organised malpractice, saying they would be caught and dealt with.

He gave the warning at a WAEC road show on examination malpractice sensitisation, at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos.

Eguridu said parents and schools that engage in mass cheating are liable to dire consequences, including persecution by the state.

To this end, he said WAEC had employed greater measures in combating malpractice, some of which are biometric technology, which

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

identifies each candidate by fingerprint, encrypted method of storing examination questions, such that they cannot be accessed by unauthorised personnel as well as impromptu inspection of examination centres while exams are ongoing.

The WAEC boss decried the increasing wave of examination malpractice in Nigeria over the last four years.

According to WAEC statistics, in 2011, 4.65 per cent of the total candidates that sat for WAEC engaged in malpractice; in 2012, it increased to 7.15 per cent, jumped to 7.75 per cent in 2013 and last year, 8.39 per

Pepsodent NDA drives oral health awareness in schools

E

FFORTS to boost oral hygiene among school-age children is proving effective through the Pepsodent Oral Health Schools' 21-day campaign.

The programme being implemented by Unilever's Pepsodent toothpaste brand in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and the Federal Ministry of Health, involves visits to about 2,000 primary schools across the nation.

At the launch of the campaign at Central Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos, Mr David Okeme, Brand Building Director, said the choice of children to drive a programme on oral hygiene was hinged on the fact that the firm believes in their pressure power to convince their parents and others to change once they learn healthy oral habits.

To stimulate their interest in oral hygiene, he said the Super Dentists cartoon characters (Doctor Dee Dee, Star Smile, Mighty Bite and Bristle) introduced by the firm would help the young ones adopt the habit of brushing twice daily morning and night.

In addition to brushing with an advanced toothpaste, the Pepsodent Triple Protection 123 would protect against cavities, stains and bad breath; he advised the pupils to floss daily to remove plaque from between the teeth, avoid snacking on sweet or acidic foods and drinks that can cause cavities and wear away tooth enamel, and make regular visits to the dentist for checkups and advice on oral hygiene routine.

Underscoring the importance of the campaign, the NDA President,

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Dr Bode Ijarogbe, said children are more vulnerable to dental cavities because they consume a lot of sweetened food.

He said: "Children are the ones that have flair for sugar-based products like sweets, cakes, chewing gum, candies, chocolates and even some of the syrups that are taken as medicine. But in this case, we refer to fermentable sugar, that is, sugar that can be acted upon by the bacterial in the mouth.

"Normally, everyone has bacterial in the mouth and other parts of the body. But as regards formation of cavity, the bacterial in the mouth only becomes very dangerous in the presence of fermentable sugar-based diet.

The sugar acts as diet for the bacterial and produces a by-product of diluted acid which eventually results in cavity formation, resulting in holes which gradually becomes larger and eventually into tooth ache.

"And if this is not quickly addressed, it results to severe pain which could lead to loss of manpower at work for adults and school absenteeism for the child. The kids are the major target in this programme because they have more cravings for sweet foods. And when these children adopt the habit of a healthy oral lifestyle, they can then spread the message to their parents.

Mrs Ukandu Kate, Central Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos, said her pupils have improved on their oral hygiene unlike the past where many of them rarely brushed their teeth.

cent of the 1, 692, 037 candidates who sat for the examinations were found culpable of examination fraud.

Eguridu said an increasing statistics of malpractice would create a stain on the integrity of WAEC certificate in the international realm, engender mediocres in a society where perpetrators are not prosecuted and undermines the nation's education system, making it difficult for education policies to be monitored.

He said: "As a people, our shared and most cherished values appear to rest on the platform of hypocrisy, because what we witness in our private world is in contrast to our values. Those who rig elections are not children, they are parents.

When electoral officers falsify elec-

I

T was a memorable day for pupils of the scout group in Omololu Primary School, Lagos when they marked the centenary anniversary of the Scout Association in Nigeria.

In their excitement, the pupils decked in their scout uniforms, displayed parades, grand howl, chorography and a drama centered on safety.

The Scout was formed by Barden Powell in America which was generally accepted in Nigeria in 1915.

Assistant Chief Environment and Health Officer, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mrs Odusanya Ifeyemi, enlightened the pupils on safety measures to abide to in school.

Speaking on the topic: “General golden rules on safety in schools,” she advised the school to have safety plan which should be discussed with both pupils and member of staff of the school in order to guide them during emergencies. She urged •Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode(middle) with the convener of Activate Youth Camp, Mrs Kikelomo Omooba(5th left) and Rev(Mrs) Magret Olateju (5th right) with participants of the Activated Youth Camp during the opening at Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls Secondary School, Sabo, Yaba.

tion results and we expect something different from children, that is hypocrisy. The present trend of examination malpractice among our youths is a negative symptom of the endemic corruption in our society. An attempt to curb examination malpractice without first addressing the general scourge of society would be meaningless."

He appealed to candidates to avoid situations that could implicate them in the examination hall, so that their future would not be jeopardised.

"I appeal to you as leaders of tomorrow, your tomorrow lies in your hands. As up and coming generation, please take a decision to be different. Don't join the rat race in

• Eguridu

examination malpractice, because even if you win the race, you remain a rat. WAEC does not fail anybody. Whether you pass or fail, the choice lies with you", he said.

School celebrates 100 years of scouting

By Jane Chijioke and Aderenike Gbadebo

pupils to report any case of fire to any teacher around rather than attempt to put it off themselves.

"If you see an abandoned luggage, bag, object or parcel, do not pick it up and report to a teacher straight away. Always stay calm when you hear a loud unusual noise, do not run around but lie flat on your face," she warned.

Ifeyemi urged the staff to monitor play grounds, and watch for bullying and other forms of violence among pupils.

She noted that the government would ensure safety in schools to provide a healthy learning environment.

She urged the school to have a Safety

Prefect, who would inspect the school for risk objects, document incidents in the school as well as have a first aid box with a professional first aider to attend to injuries daily.

Chairman, School Based Management Committee Mr Austem Igwonobe suggested that the state government should create an additional exit gate for the school.

He also requested for security at the school gate to monitor pupils' entry and exit and a safety club.

Scout leader of the school, Ojekale Oladipupo said the group is a voluntary organisation which teaches honesty and prepares one for future challenges. He lamented that except state governments that usually donate uniforms, the Federal Government had not done anything for them.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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EDUCATION The Provost, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Noforija Epe, Prof Olu Akeusola, made history when his first tenure was renewed by the Lagos State government in the 20-year-old institution. In this interview with ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA, Akeusola, 52, says administrators of tertiary institutions can only be better off if they learn to look beyond government funding and leverage on their expertise to attract investments from other sources.

Y

OU are making history as the first Provost of MOCPED to be reappointed. Did you see this coming?

Let me tell you the genesis of the entire thing. I was expecting it and I was not expecting it.

As a human being, I felt I was growing bigger than MOCPED. I came to MOCPED with the sole ambition of turning the place around, and that if my achievements could speak for me, it could lead me into better achievements that might launch me into political appointment or something at the national level.

If you could recollect, MOCPED was a jungle when I came in, and I decided to use my national and international influence to make the place better.

So, how did the journey into your second term begin?

Unfortunately, my first tenure would end on Saturday, August 1. I was looking forward to seeing what the Lagos State government or the national body would do. I had the ambition of returning to NOUN (National Open University of Nigeria) where I came from to do something better. I also had the ambition of looking towards the Lagos State Government for a better appointment. However, the thinking of the college and the state happened to be in consonance with the proposal that we wrote to Lagos State Governor that we want • to take the college to the next level.

His Excellency was sworn in on May 29, but on first of June, he called us for a meeting and told us to come with a solid proposal talking about the past, present and future that could be instrumental to the development of every other sector in Lagos State. So, I wrote a proposal which is anchored on taking MOCPED to Open and Distance University. Based on my qualification as a professor of Comparative Grammar and the immediate past Dean of School of Arts and Social Sciences of NOUN, I make bold to say I am a specialist of ODL. To me, Lagos is a Centre of Excellence, and the best state in Nigeria for now. If Lagos State has 10 per cent of Nigerian population, 10 per cent per capita income in Nigeria and 10 per cent of monetary value of Nigerian budget, then Lagos could be the first to have Michael Otedola Open and Distant learning (MOODL University). That is my thinking.

What did you meet on ground upon your assumption in 2011?

When I came in, I was welcomed into a glorified secondary school, a replica of that old teacher training college where they had only one auditorium, where the only storey building happened to be given by TETFund(Tertiary Education Trust Fund). where the UBE (Universal Basic education) blocks and others were in shambles.

I then told myself this is meant to be a college of education that could compete favourably well with other colleges of education not only in Nigeria but globally. So, I decided to approach both national and international donors that would be instrumental to developing the infrastructure we definitely need in developing the college.

I make bold to say that I tried within my limits. There are some agencies of the Federal Government that were instrumental into developing MOCPED. First, is TETFund. TETFund has been very magnanimous towards us. The majority of the things we have here were done by TETFund. The other is the Nigeria Communications Commission which gave us lots of computers to develop our ICT (Information and Communications Technology) system. Some of our international partners from Saudi Arabia where I happened to be a visiting professor also gave us some other things. I’m grateful to all of them.

But, how were you able to achieve this when other managers in tertiary institutions still complain of inadequate funds or inability to access TETFund grant?

Let me explain it this simple way. There is nothing in a post than the person that occupies a position dictates how the position would be run. The majority of our leaders and chief executives have what we call inferiority complex. Some of them are not well prepared for the position they are occupying. I’m sorry but that’s the truth.

Some CEOs are simply wheelchair chief executives. I have spent 21 years as a lecturer and director in a college of education. I’ve been into the university system, risen to a position of a professor, been a dean of a faculty before becoming a provost. So, I’m not the kind of person that could be intimidated by anybody.

I have faced a lot of people and rigours. Fortunately or unfortunately, I’m from Lagos. I am socially inclined, and academically endowed. I know what to do when to do and how to do it.

I put everything in place and develop my goals and objectives, and I have the strength to follow things up.

Aside TETFund, some of them say government’s funding has never been enough. A majority of our CEOs, especially those in universities, have the tendency of tapping only one source without thinking of other sources simply because the Federal Government is extremely generous to them. TETFund grant happens to be very fine and solid but it has rules. If you are not ready to follow the procedures, you may not be able to get what you want. But the moment you are ready to comply with the due process, you keep on getting whatever you want and however you want it.

Let me note this, a majority of what I had despite that Federal Government was controlled by PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) then, and I happened to be from a government institution controlled by a state belonging to APC (All Progressives Congress), I could get whatever I want simply because there is no discrimination in the academia. TETFund is purely academic

How I stabilised MOCPED and I have to give kudos to those managing it because they have no bias about political parties.

Looking back, are there things you couldn’t achieve in your first tenure that you would love to correct now?

(Cuts) You are wrong. I decided to develop a 60-item project20 for workers, 20 for students and 20 for the development of the college. I set a four-year rolling plan for myself and came with a kind of checklist. Whatever I’d planned to do for the four years, I finished everything within 24 months. So, I have done extra within the last two years. There was nothing that I promised that I was going to do within the last four years that I have not done. That is why I was even tired ab initio about becoming the provost again because I didn’t see what I really wanted to achieve. But when the new dimension of taking the college to the next level came, I saw it as a new challenge. That I can key into.

We have made a proposal to the state government and it is for the government to take our proposal. We want to start a university of ODL with at least six to eight faculties that will be human and per capita development institution. Remember, no university is for learning alone. It is research based that could be instrumental into formulating some new technological and developmental ideas for the betterment of the society.

MOCPED has a history of being crisis-ridden. Did you ever step on toes in your attempt to restore sanity?

Governments have been contributing to the problem of tertiary education management. Let’s go down memory lane.

MOCPED was established 1994, and has so far had four different provosts who left owing to one factor or the other. Unfortunately, some of them, were administrators whose best could only be seen in the ministry rather than colleges of education.

One of them was from the university system and was applying university theory to solve challenges in colleges of education system. Most of those I earlier mentioned neither had orientation nor tradition as an educationist. In my case I did not perform any miracle. I only capitalised on my background.

So, what made your own tenure different?

I was a student of college of education for three years, before becoming an administrative officer. I was a lecturer in a college of education for between 19 and 21 years. I was a union leader and I happened to be the secretary for COEASU (College of Education Academic Staff Union) Constitution Drafting Committee that the union still uses till date. So automatically, I know the system. It was after all that time that I decided to go into the university. So, when I came (to MOCPED), it was just a question of happy reunion like coming back to join my family.

All the antics of union leaders then, we were the people planning it. So, it’s just like putting my experience into focus.

When you want to be an administrator, you hold both the carrot and stick. You must be ready to blow hot and cold at the same time. You must learn to strike and retreat. You must understand people and let them understand you. You must be able to say that my punishment is corrective and not destructive.

But, you cannot say your experience was a smooth sail?

It’s not as if I never had my challenges. But my theory is very simple. Do I destroy what I’d been able to build? I happen to be one of the grandfathers of COEASU. Then, do I want to make myself the rebel of yesteryears by becoming conservative today? Do I want my colleagues with whom we’ve been in the struggle together to criticise me on what we once critisied about past leaders?

You recall that we went for a tribunal the other time.

Some people in the government actually wanted me to come up with the names of people that had been disturbing me to get rid of them. I now asked: ‘If I happened to be same age with Barrack Obama (American President) who did not ask for the crucifixion of his critics, why do I want the government to sack critics for me?’ And what is that thing we call academic liberty and genuine critisism? Can we all reason and think same way? How do I demonstrate to them that I’m handling things with objectivity?

The secret of my governance is that none of my rules is a norm. My discipline or punishment are corrective and not to witch-hunt or destroy. Let me place it on record that since I’ve been in MOCPED for four years, I’ve never sacked anybody out of vengeance or vendetta.

Could you mention some of your achievements?

They are numerous. I got to the college in 2011, and they have only had one convocation since existence. But I’ve organised two convocations making the third one. My tenure attracted the first digital e-library. I also brought the

‘When you want to be an administrator, you hold both the carrot and stick. You must be ready to blow hot and cold at the same time. You must learn to strike and retreat. You must understand people and let them understand you’

•Prof Akeusola

first digital language and laboratory to the college. We now have a new administrative block. I have lots of buildings to my credit.

We now have 750-seater ICT (Information and Communications Technology) hall. I facilitated it. Overall, we have been able to place the name of MOCPED on national and international arena. It is for you to go there and see things for yourself.

What of mistakes?

The mistake I committed, If I had my way, I would commit same mistake. In order not to hurt my colleagues and staff, I kept on hurting myself and hurting the system, but I enjoyed it. There were lots of people I tolerated even though I was told not to have tolerated them. But it is for the harmony and peace of the system.

If I should say I want to keep on sacking people because of one mistake or the other, my sacking that person would have been tantamount to sacking about 10 others - wife, children, dependants and relatives. But if I keep on tolerating them despite that they are hurting me and the system, perhaps they might repent someday.

You had a very rough background; looking at yourself now, what have you learned from your past experience?

I’m from Epe in Lagos. My father happened to be Akeusola Egemoni. I did not pass the Primary 6, G2 exam. I failed Form 3 twice, and I was withdrawn from secondary school to learn how to be a radio mechanic at Aiyetoro here in Epe. I failed school certificate about three times. But, can I tell you something; I was rascally. I was dependant on the wealth and fame of my father. I was carried away, saying that I could make it without education.

I entered the Lagos State College of Education (now Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education) in October 1983. My father died in November 1983 and everything died with him. So I had to pick the pieces of my life together. There, I realised I had some innate intelligence that I’d not been tapping. Something in me told me that is the secret of your success. I just had to rediscover myself and that is why I am who I am now.

What do you want people to remember you for in MOCPED? MOCPED? that I came and saw and conquered. I saw a jungle and I turned it into a city. Go to MOCPED at night time, if you do not see a small London, call me a liar.

Early this year, MOCPED had issues bordering on nonremittance of money on degree programmes it runs in affiliation with the Ekiti State University. This is an opportunity to lay the problems bare.

The truth is EKSU programme is a compound programme.

I was appointed as MOCPED provost for an NCE degree-awarding institution. But I came into a system where the college has entered into affiliation with EKSU. In consonance with the agreement, EKSU is to moderate everything they do upon payment of necessary money. The programme started in 2007.

When I came in 2011, I realised they have never taken any results to EKSU and they have been indebted to EKSU because they were not paying regularly. It is not as a result of the college collecting money and not remitting but students have been defrauding the college. The students operated several fraudulent accounts, whereby they pay the money that would have accrued into the college account into their own account.

So staff would just assume when they brought the teller that students had paid. So when I came on board, I carried out a forensic auditing and discovered these faults. That was when they started calling me ‘Kowope’ (accountability first).

The bank wanted to take some of the students to court, but I said no. I’m not ready to destroy them, but let the affected students pay the money back and conclude their programme or go away. So those who were able to pay, we collected their money. Others simply left. And that happened to be the accumulation of the debts that we had with Ekiti.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

44

SHOWBIZ

Air France unveils Kunle Afolayan as Ambassador •To back filmmaker’s next movie

A

MIDST cries that Corporate Businesses are not supporting the Nigerian motion picture industry otherwise called Nollywood, the art of notable actor and filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan got a boost on Wednesday, when Air France inked a partnership with him and his next movie, The CEO. Excited, Afolayan shared the news on the social media shortly after the deal: “It’s all about hard work and God. I have just been appointed as the ambassador for Air France and the deal covers several projects of mutual benefits. Thank you to all family, friends and fans for your support so far. Ire lojo gbogbo.”

The deal is coming on the eve of his new movie, The CEO; another work which pundits say will further stamp the filmmaker as a promoter of cross cultural stories and pedant for technical details.

The new film, for which Afolayan said he will hit location next month, will be starring top stars from Anglophone and Francophone countries, including Nigeria, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Kenya and South Africa.

Part of the deal will be for Air France to fly the cast and crew round these countries where the film will take its locations.

The airline will also be showcasing previous works of the filmmaker on the inflight entertainment.

By Victor Akande

The ceremony at the Victoria Island office of Air France had friends and colleagues of the filmmaker in attendance. They include veteran filmmaker, Tunde Kelani, Chairman of the newly approved Audio-Visual Rights Society (AVRS), Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Founder and CEO of Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Chioma Ude and Associate Producer/Communication Director of The CEO, Seun Soyinka among others.

Speaking during the ceremony, Jean-Raoul Tauzin, General Manager, Air France/KLM said his company is proud to have Afolayan joining the Air France family as a brand ambassador. “If you are familiar with the Air France environment, we have been in Nigeria since 1946, serving the country, serving its citizens, and we are very pleased that we have someone very famous and international to represent our brand. As you may know, Air France has been sponsoring the Cannes International Film Festival since 1980 and we are very proud to be a partner of the Festival de Cannes to develop the industry of entertainment and art in France. Therefore we are very convinced that with the help of Kunle Afolayan, we will be able also to develop as much as we can, a partnership between Air France and Nollywood in Nigeria,” said

• MI

• Esther Ohali, Ali-Balogun, Afolayan, Ude and Soyinka

Tauzin.

Signing the MOU with Afolayan, Commercial Director, Air France/KLM, Arthur Dieffenthaler recalled that he met Afolayan at the ‘Nollywood Paris Film Festival’ earlier in the year, and that he was wowed by his the filmmaker’s level of attainment in the Nigerian film industry, as well as his recognition garnered on the international scene. “…And after discussing about his movie and possible business partnership, I could see that there was a connection” Dieffenthaler said, adding that, “And as you know in Air France, connecting is what we do: we connect people throughout the world. We have also been connecting Nigeria for almost 70 years with the rest of the world. And that’s who we are.”

For Kunle Afolayan, it was about his call as a filmmaker and someone who understands the importance of branding. He recalled that his Golden Effects company, which deals in audio-visual productions has in the last 10 years, done quality films that are rich in culture, while also bringing everybody to-

• Dieffenthaler, Afolayan and Tauzin

gether; including brand association with several companies.

He however described his deal with Air France as something very new and unique.

“I remember in 2009 when we wanted to shoot The Figurine, we approached quite a number of Airlines because there were parts to be shot in Germany and we tried to see how to make that happen but again we had to change the script because we couldn’t make it happen. This journey

started in Paris and the very moment they engaged me, I just started talking my passion,” he said.

“Air France did something quite overwhelming for me.

I was meant to go to Los Angeles and those who invited provided an Economic Class ticket. I tried everything possible to upgrade that ticket, but I couldn’t afford to, because it was quite expensive.

And as I was making enquiries, I got a call from Air France that they were will-

MI urges students to follow social trend

Islamic choral singer, Omotayebi, in double celebration

By Kunle Akinrinade

By Nwagbara Chidinma

T

OP Nigerian rapper and new boss of Chocolate City, M.I Abaga has lauded the contribution of digital devices to the advancement of the Nigerian music industry.

The artiste whose new single, Monkey, has almost turned a street anthem, stated this while addressing students at the second edition of the Edge Series Students Summit 2015 with the theme, “How To Drive A Digital Economy”.

“Gone are the days whereby people struggle to have songs on their phones and other devices. Songs can now be downloaded for free.Even albums can be sold online which makes things easier and accessible.” MI said.

According to him, “the music industry can be regarded as the next big thing in the world. Musicians are now brand ambassadors, which authenticates the fact that the music industry is one to be reckoned with.”

The prolific rapper further urged the students to pursue their dreams and never relent.

M.I rounded off his presentation by giving the audience a tidbit performance of Monkey.

The event which lasted for hours had speakers that challenged the students to be proactive in following social trend. They include International Communication Consultant, Gina London; Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria and Kabelo Makwane, among others.

ing to upgrade me all the way to Los Angeles. That ticket was not a sponsorship ticket; they paid over one million Naira to get it for me without signing anything.

That was before we had reached any agreement on our partnership. And I said to myself, this means that these people (Air France) actually have the interest of, not just me, but the Nigerian entertainment industry at heart.”

• Omotayebi

F

AST-rising Islamic choral singer, Aminat Balogun-Babalola, aka Omotayebi, is set for a two-in-one celebration; launch of her new album entitled Esan and award ceremony for her supporters.

The event will hold on Sunday August 9, 2015, at the Anchor Events Centre, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking on her musical odyssey, the talented crooner said: “ I have been singing for about 24 years now. I started as a band leader in an Islamic School at Itire, a suburb of Lagos and I had recorded three albums before I underwent another tutelage under a popular Islamic singer, Alhaji Kamordeen Odunlami, aka Aiyeloyun for three years before I left his band to pursue a solo career once again.”

“Aiyeloyun taught me to be obedient, patient and tolerant and he was the one that gave me the moniker-Omotaiyebi. He also took me to a music label to record the al-

bum, Oju Ayo and I will forever be grateful to him for nurturing me into a better artiste. “ Omotayebi described her new album as a product of painstaking composition, rehearsals and fusion of wisdom-laden lyrics taken from Quran.

“I do not want to disappoint my teeming fans, who have come to reckon with my career. This new album will no doubt touch many lives and inspire people to conduct themselves well and expect appropriate reward in return. The album also contains soullifting tracks that would restore hope to those in a quandary. It is an album that speaks for itself in terms of quality lyrics and outstanding production. The album contains tracks such as Such is Life and Nkan Laiye among others.”

“I am also using the event to appreciate my fans and supporters. To this end, an award ceremony will also be held on the day to thank those who have supported my career in the last 24 years. I have enjoyed tremendous support from people who believed in me and it won’t be a bad idea if I appreciate their efforts at encouraging me to succeed in my career.”

The beautiful singer denied reports that she was involved in a bitter rivalry with one of her colleagues over leadership tussle in Islamic Musicians Association of Nigeria (ISMAN).

She said: “I am not quarrelling with anyone. I am a well trained child with a good knowledge of Quran and the dictates of Allah. I relate with my colleagues very well and those who know me can attest to my friendly disposition towards my colleagues.”

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THURSDAY JULY 30, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

AKWA IBOM POLITICS After the opposition to his emergence as the governorship candidate of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and his subsequent election as governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, an erstwhile banker, is faced with an uphill task of making good his campaign promise to industrialise the state and generate employment for youths. Correspondent UYOATTA ESHIET looks at the task ahead of the governor.

Will PDP fulfill its promises in Akwa Ibom?

F

OLLOWING the pace of infrastructural and socio-economic development witnessed under former Governor Godswill Akpabio, one of the major campaign issues during the recent governorship election in Akwa Ibom State is the industrialisation of the state. Indeed, it was one of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s major campaign promises. But, as the new government settles into office, the popular question is: Can Emmanuel walk his industrialisation talk?

A cross section of indigenes are optimistic; they believe Governor Emmanuel is on the right track in his bid to reposition the state from a near 100 per cent civil service status to an industrial hub in the Southsouth region. The Chairman of Standford Microfinance Bank Limited and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Idem Ultimate Limited, a Communications Company, Mr. Unyime Idem, said Governor Emmanuel’s body language in the first one and a half months of his administration shows that he is on course.

Idem said the state is lucky to be in the able hands of a technocrat and banker, who will deploy his vast contacts and language of communication within the financial world to draw investors to the state.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, said Emmanuel was working out the modalities to fulfill his main campaign promise. He said: “To this end, Emmanuel has constituted a technical committee for the realisation of the Ibom Deep Sea Port with a three-year deadline for completion. He has also constituted technical committees on agriculture and food sufficiency, foreign direct investments (FDI) and has appointed internationally-acclaimed experts into sensitive positions to drive the industrialisation programme.

He has equally laid the foundation for a vehicle assembly plant in the state, in partnership with an Israeli company. The governor has also within the first one month in office visited the moribund Peacock Paint industry at Etinan with a view to resuscitating it.”

A lawyer and public affairs analyst, Mr. Vincent Essien, noted that though the previous government had firmly established the state as a significant economic and political destination in Nigeria, the scenario that made that so is no longer there. He said: “The eight-year tenure of the former governor coincided with a tremendous leap in federally-distributed revenue accruable to the state. During that era, the state became the highest earner in the federation, earning a staggering $2 billion in the period 2011-2014 alone (discounting revenue earned from 2007-2011), in federally-collected revenue alone, discounting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and income from other investments. The figure exceeds the annual budget of some African countries.”

The impact of this huge inflow can be seen in massive investments in infrastructure such as roads and highways, the airport, two new luxury hotels, a magnificent stadium, the Tropicana Entertainment Project, the new Government House. But, ironically, not a single industrial project was contemplated in the whole eight years, despite the former governor’s promises to the people.

Essien maintained that the much-touted ‘uncommon transformation’ of the immediate past Akpabio administration was driven by an expenditure profile that was clearly unsustainable, and probably generated a huge and

•Map of Akwa Ibom State

The eight-year tenure of the former governor coincided with a tremendous leap in federally-distributed revenue accruable to the state. During that era, the state became the highest earner in the federation, earning a staggering $2 billion in the period 2011-2014 alone (discounting revenue earned from 2007-2011) yet undisclosed debt portfolio. Essien said indications are that monthly collectable revenue from the federation account will fall below N12 billion per month, compared to N20-22 billion per month during the last administration. This was augmented by N260 billion earned from the Excess Crude Account (ECA).

For the state to move forward, indigenes are

calling for very prudent management of its resources in the days ahead, because of the prospects of dwindling resources facing it.

They are questioning the rationale behind the 20 commissioners recently cleared by the state House of Assembly and sworn into Office by Governor Emmanuel.

They called for a database of the state’s hu-

man and material resources, to assist the government in socio-economic planning and development. The state also needs to gather near accurate data on her physical and material assets, especially land and other public immovable and movable assets. The goal is to grow internally-generated revenue (IGR) and de-emphasize the collection of monthly rent from the federation account.

Essien noted that if reports that the monthly federal allocation that accrued to the state in April and May 2015 was below N10 billion are true, then its financial position must be approaching critical levels. Citizens have also called for an urgent pruning of the costs of governance, from the top to bottom, as well as the introduction of property taxes and a reform on the personal income tax system, to shore up the state’s revenue.

The lawyer said it is imperative for the government to set up a single account into which all collectible revenue must be domiciled. He said it is unwholesome for several government agencies to be maintaining several accounts.

He added: “Government must end the yearly junketing of all manner of people on state funds to the United States of America for the Akwa Ibom summit and to Jerusalem for Christian pilgrimage, as these constitute a waste of state funds.” He said government must reduce the number of aides and policemen attached to government officials, and their travel costs, and evolve pragmatic strategies to dis-entangle the state from the burden of retaining the executive jet.

Essien also called for the establishment of an Akwa Ibom Diaspora Fund (AIDF), saying the state could leverage on the financial capacities of thousands of indigenes abroad who are keen to contribute to the development of the state.

He said the state government must establish a special office for international cooperation to engage with multilateral and bilateral agencies that may wish to support its programmes. He equally called on the governor to consider the establishment of an Akwa Ibom State Reserve Fund backed by law. He said: “Imagine the benefits of saving just 10 per cent of the average state revenue between 2011 and 2015, this would have translated to over N120 billion today, minus interest and investment benefits.”

Other stakeholders have called on the governor to embark on an audit of most on-going infrastructure projects, saying this will trim the state’s liabilities. They advised the governor to re-negotiate the terms and funding structure of such projects and explore the options of public, private sector partnership (PPP), particularly the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) model of PPP or completely terminate the unviable projects. One of such stakeholders, who does not want to be named, said: “We need to evaluate the benefits of constructing a second runway at Uyo airport, which services barely eight commercial flights per day, when the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, arguably the busiest airport in Africa, has managed on one runway with well over 200 flights a day. The Uyo stadium is a fantastic facility, but why do you spend big on an outdoor facility, which can only handle two sports — football and track and field.

Stakeholders also want Emmanuel to investigate why the two billion dollars Federal Industrial investments in Akwa Ibom State (the • Continued on page 46

THE NATION THURSDAY JULY 30, 2015

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POLITICS

There’s nothing like back-tracking, as the APC is doing ‘everything possible within available resources to meet up with its election promises ’

Mohammed: APC ‘ll deliver on its promises

T

HE National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said that Nigerians can only hold the party accountable on its manifesto, rather than on the issues articulated at a roadmap organised by the party as a prelude to the recent general elections.

The APC spokesman who spoke recently in Lagos against the backdrop of insinuation in some quarters that the APC may have started double-speaking on its campaign promises and terms of deliverables, said the party’s manifesto is the only binding document for electoral promises and that it will be wrong for Nigerians to judge the APC with the roadmap.

Mohammed noted that political parties are only rated with two main documents and these are the party’s

constitution and its manifesto.

He said roadmaps are like talkshops, where all manners of people from different professional and political leanings are brought together to look at current socio-economic and political situation in the country with a view to providing workable practical solutions.

Reacting to some reports of alleged double-speak or what some Nigerians have termed back-tracking on campaign promises by the ruling party, Mohammed said: “There’s nothing like back-tracking, as the APC is doing everything possible within available resources to meet up with its election promises.’’

On the issue of energy, the APC spokesman noted that what the party came up with at the roadmap was embedded in its manifesto. He urged Nigerians to endeavour to look through the party’s position on the

provision of energy in its document.

Section 2.1 of the APC manifesto stipulates that the party would: “Undertake an urgent power audit of Nigeria’s energy needs; ensure Nigeria meets all its power needs within the next 10 years; encourage power generation companies to build a new generation of power plants; extend our national and regional power grid and gas pipelines to improve energy generation, transmission and distribution across the country; increase Nigeria’s refining capacity so that we can shift more of our gas supply to domestic power stations to end erratic power supplies; expand the rural electrification programme and promote the use of independent ‘offgrid’ renewable energy schemes for isolated communities; and encourage development of sustainable renewable energy taking account of

regional factor endowments.”

Mohammed said that the President Buhari has approached the issue of security tactically, noting that results of the recent moves by the president will soon yield positive results.

He said Nigerians should begin to look at the impact of the president’s effort to end the insurgency in the northern part of the country from the critical perspectives. He noted that the issue of insurgency had gotten so bad that the approach adopted by President Buhari is what can bring a lasting end to it.

The APC spokesman reassured that the Buhari-led administration will not go back on its words and that the party will make Nigerians feel proud at the end of the day.

Emulate Murtala, group tells govt

A

•From left: Vice Chairman, Lagos Island Club, Asiwaju Adeyinka Sogunle; the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Chairman, Lagos Island Club, Mr Oladipo Okpeseyi (SAN); and the Deputy Speaker, Hon Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, when the club members visited the Speaker in his office.

Can Emmanuel take Akwa Ibom to next level?

GROUP, the Movement of Intellectuals for Justice (MIJ), yesterday urged the political class to emulate the virtues of former military Head of State Gen. Murtala Muhammed, who was asassinated on February 13, 1976.

The group noted that President Muhammadu Buhari, who worked under the former leader as governor, is on a rescue mission.

The group said in a statement by its leader, Hon. Isaac Oyebade, that the kind of patriotism demonstrated by the late Gen. Muhammed is required by the current administration.

He urged the country to reflect on the contributions of the former military leader to socio-economic and political development and the significance of his decisive intervention 40 years ago.

Oyebade recalled that Muhammed initiated a credible transition programme, which his successor, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, implemented between 1976 and 1979.

He said: ‘The Kano-born General, Murtala Ramat Muhammed took over power from Gen. Yakubu

•Emmanuel • Continued from page 45 Nigerian Newsprint Manufacturing Company, NNMC, Oku Iboku and the Aluminum Smelter Company, ALSCON) failed in spite of the fact that the two firms enjoy a near absolute monopoly. Thirty years on, the NNMC plant still lies comatose in Itu, enmeshed in a muddled BPE transaction. ALSCON is also embroiled in a tussle between the worst possible adversaries, the Russians and Americans. It is currently under International Arbitration between Russian company, RUSAL, and American firm, the BFIG group, following a Supreme Court ruling.

The least the people of Akwa Ibom expect from the new government is to find a way to get involved in these processes. They believe that

ing local vehicle assembly plants under the new auto policy.

The state could also grow its economy by creating value, improving standards and infrastructure. For instance, stakeholders say a hub for the fish industry could be created at Oron. This includes providing ultra-modern fishing and ferry terminals with cold storage, developing a modern pier, reviving the museum, and developing fishbased cuisines that can attract tourists and develop water sports.

Besides, border towns such as Ikot Ekpene and Ukanafun could be made to benefit from the proximity to the commercial towns of Aba and Ariaria in Abia State, as Asaba in Delta State is benefitting from its proximity to the commercial city of Onitsha in Anambra State.

The new administration has also been advised to de-emphasise its grand or “uncommon” projects, because government is also about providing basic needs of the people, such as houses, schools, hospitals and a social infrastructure that allows the citizens to access them.

Gowon in a bloodless coup on July 29, 1975. He presided over a revolutionary government that wage war against corruption and other forms of indiscipline in the society.

“Before he assumed the reins as the Commander-In-Chief, he was a civil war hero and minister of communications.

“The lesson of 40 years ago is that the war against corruption is still an unfinished business in Nigeria and the current administration should redouble its effort.”

•Murtala

Gaidam refutes report on Boko Haram

Stakeholders also want Emmanuel to investigate why the two billion dollars Federal Industrial investments in Akwa Ibom State (the Nigerian Newsprint Manufacturing Company, NNMC, Oku Iboku and the Aluminum Smelter Company, ALSCON) failed if the state government can get them to work, they will certainly earn premium benefits, including employment, taxes and growth in local business, calling on the governor to pull some strings behind the Federal Government.

At the state level, close to 10 industries established under the Clement Isong administration lie abandoned. Governor Emmanuel has visited Peacock Paints and has promised to set up a committee to bring it back into operation. It used to be one of the highly rated paint brands in Nigeria. To bring Peacock Paints back on stream, Governor Emmanuel has been advised to engage with the local paint manufactures in the state and guarantee them supplier’s status. The same probably goes for Sunshine Batteries. At least, if government can assure investors that all public vehicles in the state would be powered by batteries from the plant, it will be a win-win situation for all the parties. Governor Emmanuel has also been enjoined to explore the possibility of working with emerg-

• Mohammed

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

•Gaidam

T

HE Yobe State Government has refuted media reports that Boko Haram insurgents are in control of five local governments areas in the state.

The government, in a statement signed by Abdullahi Bego, the Director of Press Affairs to Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam, noted that the reports were false, misleading and totally out of context of what Gov. Gaidam said to the National Economic Council meeting.

He said: “While security is still a concern and more work needs to be done, there is not a single local government council in Yobe under the sway or control of the insurgent Boko Haram.

“In the course of his brief to the National Economic Council, His Excellency Governor Gaidam has recounted a point in time when two out of the 17 local government areas of the State had come under the pale of Boko Haram. That was several months ago.

“Governor Gaidam has noted, however, that as a result of the gallant and salutary intervention of our nation’s armed forces and other security agencies, those two local government areas, namely Gujba and Gulani, were freed and liberated from insurgent stranglehold.

“His Excellency the governor did of course ask for additional troops and weaponry to be deployed to Yobe State. He made this request only within the context of the need to sustain the momentum against Boko Haram and ensure that terrorists and insurgents are denied a chance to further harm our people.”

He reiterated Gaidam has on many occasions commended the armed forces and other security agents for doing a commendable job under very challenging circumstances. “Their determination to root out Boko Haram and free our state from terrorist, insurgent and criminal activity is not in doubt,” he said: adding the determination has been further reinforced by the recent changes in the military made

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

47

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

H

AVE you ever bothered to know how sensitive you are to certain foods? Are you experiencing intestinal gas, abdominal pains or diarrhoea, after eating some foods? Or your system seem intolerant to such foods?

The fastest explanation for this feeling is sensitivity or allergic reaction to these foods.

Food intolerance occurs when a person has difficulty digesting a particular food. According to the Founder, Amelia’s Organics, Titilayo Oduye, food intolerance is sometimes confused with or mislabelled as food allergy. Food intolerances and allergies involve the digestive system and the immune system. With food allergy, even a microscopic amount of the food has the potential to lead to a serious or life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxix (a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death).

Mrs Oduye made this known at a day seminar to throw more light on the issue. Participants cut across practitioners, parents, medics and laboratory scientists.

According to Mrs Oduye, who spoke along her United Kingdom (UK) based counterpart, Dan Gounden, Regional Sales Director, Omega Diagnostics Group Plc, food intolerance means that individual elements of certain foods cannot be properly processed and absorbed by the digestive system.

Those affected frequently suffer from inability to digest fructose or lactose; histamine or gluten intolerance (celiac disease) is less common.

Mrs Oduye explained that in the case of food allergies, the immune system plays a decisive role – it overreacts, resulting in strong allergic reactions such as itching, erythema and swelling. “In contrast, the immune system plays no part in food intolerance; here the body is simply unable to digest or absorb certain substances in the food. The inability to digest histamine is an exception, which can occur with (pseudo-allergic) reactions that are similar to allergic

How to manage food sensitivity

•Professor of Ophthalmology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, Adebukunola Adefule-Ositelu (third left), Gounden (fourth left), PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS Mrs Oduye (fifth left) and other participants.

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

reactions,” she said.

Food intolerances, she said, are caused by the partial or complete absence of activity of the enzymes responsible for breaking down or absorbing the food elements.

“These deficiencies are often innate. However, they can sometimes be diet-related or can arise due to illness,” she explained.

What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?

Symptoms of food intolerance She said fructose and lactose intolerance are manifested primarily by gastro-intestinal symptoms such as a bloated feeling, flatulence, stomach ache, nausea or diarrhoea.

In the case of celiac disease, symptoms of vitamin and iron deficiency, general malaise and oedema may also be evident. The inability to digest histamine ap-

pears more similar to an allergy, and among other things may result in skin erythema, itching, shortness of breath, swelling or cardiac arrhythmia.

Mr Gounden added that food intolerance could be the underlying causes of some illnesses such as Gastro-intestinal; Respiratory (Asthma, breathing difficulties),

Neurological (Migraine, headaches) Dermatological (Eczema, Acne and Psoriasis), Musculoskeletal (Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis), Psychological (Depression, Panic attack, ADHD), Weight gain/ obese and others including bloating, lethargy and general feeling of Malaise.

The way out according to the duo, is to find out one’s food tolerability. How? “By going for immunoglobulin tests (IgG) as IgG tests could be a useful diagnostic tool in addition to current testing protocols if they prove inconclusive. Elevated IgG levels to specific foods can be associated with food intolerances. Elevated IgG levels are associated with increased systemic inflammation. And there is evidence to suggest that IgG Food Intolerance could be exacerbating symptoms in certain chronic conditions. IgG microarray Food intolerance test, i.e, Foodprint 220+ is effective for this,” they said.

Birth attendants get video to aid delivery

T

O reduce errors in birth delivery by traditional birth attend ants (TBAs), especially in the rural areas, HACEY Health Initiative (HHI), a non govermental organisation (NGO) with focus on safe delivery, has come up with a video to aid birth delivery.

Its Director-General, Rhoda Robinson said the initiative was a necessary intervention to prevent maternal deaths and ensure safe delivery.

Robinson spoke at the inauguration of the Project Agbebi, a safe motherhood programme aimed at reducing pregnancy-related deaths in rural area, at Ibafo, Ogun State, said one out of 13 women die weekly at child delivery.

The programme, which is the flagship of such initiative, was supported by the Australian government.

“The project will help traditional birth attendants (TBAs) known as Agbebi to increase the rate of safe delivery of expectant mothers in the rural areas. It is a maternal childbirth interventional programme funded by HACEY Health Initiative (HHI),” she said.

The video, she said, is a tool for TBAs to refresh their knowledge and also orientate their patients. “We discovered that one out of 13 expectant women die weekly due to childbirth complications in Nigeria. We

By Faruk Hamzat

think that is preventive. This can be done by providing adequate care and information to expectant women and healthcare providers,” she added.

According to Robinson, the highest cases of pregnancy complications are in the rural community. “This is why we came to Ibafo community to launch project Agbebi. We realised that working with grassroots women where the problem is more rampant is key to stopping the maternal mortality,” she explained.

She said TBAs are the first point of contact of pregnant women in the community. “Understanding the limited resources they have in the society, it is difficult for most women to go to hospital because they cannot afford it or it is far from their home,” she said.

Robinson urged the TBAs to refer expectant mothers to the hospital immediately they face any difficulty during delivery.

Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Jonathan Richardson assured of his government’s support for the programme to reduce maternal mortality to the barest minimum.

He said mortality during childbirth remained a very serious issue across the world, adding: “Globally 800

women die daily from complications at childbirth, which can be prevented.”

The HHI, he said, has taken responsibility to train TBAs in hygienic practices to reduce the transfer of germs from birth attendants to expectant mothers.

According to him, Nigeria has a rather high figure of childbirth mortality.

“We are very happy that this work is going on well. The video is an educa-

tional work to spread the word about childbirth mortality,” Richardson said, adding: “We have provided them with basic medical kits that are used in best delivery practices.”

A birth attendant at Ibafo, Mrs Mercy Olatunde, showed appreciation for the impact of the HACEY Health Initiative (HHI) to the TBAs and the society at large.

Watching the video with her colleagues, according to her, “refreshed

•Australia High Commissioner, Mr Richardson with Agbebi Coordinators

their brain and made them know their boundary when delivering expectant women of their babies”.

She also noted that the body educated TBAs on how to maintain cordial relationship with doctors and nurses.

“Many pregnant women have poor hygiene and this training has helped us to stop the transfer of disease from mother to child. We now impact our neatness to mothers,” Olatunde affirmed.

48

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

NATURAL HEALTH

Understanding and treating bad breath (Halitosis)…3

U

NTIL I began to receive readers’ response to the first two columns in this series last week, I did not realise many people in Nigeria. suffer from bad breadth.

Through telephone calls or text messages and emails, I was told of how they try to clean their mouths many times a day, how they often change toothpastes and tooth brushes and of their other breath-improving efforts, which seemed to bear no positive fruit. It all goes to confirm the point that bad breadth does not originate in the mouth alone. It may come from the sinuses of the nasal cavity, the throat, the wind pipe and the lungs, the digestive system, diabetes or kidney failure and, among other sources, from an overgrowth of bacteria in the stomach and intestine.

In the small chart which appears else where on this page, Paul and Patricia Bragg show us in their book, THE MIRACLE OF FASTING, what Helicobacter pylori havoc bacteria can do to the intestine. This, which appears picture, is a child’s toy when it is compared with a more comprehensive chart I received as a gift from Mrs. Sola Sowemimo, one of her take- aways from the CANCER DEFEATED Conference in Mexico a few years ago. This chart details possible damage in every small finger-length of the digestive tract, which is more than 20 feet long. It suggests, as well, homeopathic/biochemic or tissue salt which may be taken to heal any damage.

The causes of such damage are legion. And the result of the damage may register, in part, in bad breadth. I will mention only in passing today irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), in which the subject may pass as many as 10 small stools in one hour, Diverticulosis, in which the intestine develops bacteriafilled pouches or intestinal blockage. What I feel more urged to address today, in the light of the feedback of the last two weeks, is that spiral- shaped bacteria, helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which have been implicated in stomach and duodenal ulcers as well as cancers of many forms.

We owe our recognition of these bacteria and our capacity to deal with them to a medical great named Dr. Barney Marshall. He was not happy with the way his colleagues treated bad peptic (stomach) and duodenum ulcers. They surgically removed damaged tissue and inactivated may acid-producing pumps in surviving tissue. Dr Marshall believed stomach acid was not the cause of his ulceration, but a bacterium named H. pylori. When they would not listen to him, he scraped off a surgically excised stomach tissue into a baker of water and drank the contents. And sure enough, he developed peptic ulcer which he successfully treated to the shock of his colleagues and annoyance of the drug industry. For at that time, millions of dollars had been invested to develop two popular antacids, targamet and another one and this would be wasted if the medical community accepted Dr Marshall’s proposal that antibiotics would heal ulcers. He almost lost his license. Today, orthodox medicine adopts a TRIPLE TREATMENT PROTOCOL, which involves two antibiotics and one acid suppressant. H. pylori, has incredulously resisted antibiotics and many orthodox physicians in Europe and the United States are increasingly turning to herbal formulas.

Helicobacter Pylori To start with, there are about one billion bacteria, including H. pylori, in one milliliter (ml) of fluid in the colon. In the small intestine, there are about 10,000 in one ml of fluid.

But these bacteria may overgrow their population in what is known as small intestine bacteria overgrowth (SIBO).

These bacteria eat up sugar and carbon and produces lots of gas, in particular hydrogen sulphite. This gas may find an exit in the breadth. SIBO may have many implications for health, including (a) intestinal bloating, (b) diarrhea (c) poor nutrient absorbtion and (d) malnutrition. The small of hydrogen gas in the breadth, which some diagnostic laboratories can capture, is a symptom of SIBO. When bacteria from SIBO migrate outside the intestine after weakening it, sepsis (poisoning) may occur and organ failure may follow in tow. H. pylori activity in stomach ulcer and stomach cancer can cause bad breadth as well. And this is why bad breadth which defies oral hygiene and has become chronic shouldn’t be treated with kid gloves.

Japanese experiments

I

N 2006, the Japanese assembled 326 subjects for a study of H. pylori links with their condition. They studied the saliva of each subject of these, 251 had bad breadth while 75 did not. No intestinal illness was found in them all. The 251 had bacteria which cause bad breath. In addition to these bacteria, six per cent of the subjects had H. pylori in their saliva. These six per cent exhibited markers of gum disease which include,” bleeding, tooth mobility, methyl mercaptan (gas which causes bad breadth.” In the 102 subjects with gum (periodontal) disease, about 16 per cent had H. pylori colonies in their mouths. While the authors thought H. pylori may not cause bad breadth, they believed it was associated with halitosis and gum disease. While H. pylori infections in the mouth and in the stomach are still not well linked, many studies suggest that “bacteria in the mouth can lead to heart inflammation” for this reason, some doctors advise that “chronic bad breadth may be a good reason to look for H. pylori in your G.I tract, before the bac-

the orthodox triple therapy for H. pylori bacteria, bacteria eradication grew from 86 per cent to 100 per cent.

When they tried zinc and carnosine therapy on stomach damage caused by Non Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the damage reduced by 75 per cent. In the small intestine, zinc and carnosine caused a 50 per cent reversal of NSAID- related damage. Besides zinc and carnosine, cranberries are also helpful although they are known better for their protection of the urinary tract. A compound found in cranberries, called Anthocyanins, works in the stomach the way it works in the bladder by preventing germ adhesion to tissue, without which germs cannot survive and multiply. Like zinc and carnosine, cranberry improves the effectiveness of triple therapy protocols.The list of natural ulcer remedies isn’t over.

Among the remainder are cabbage juices, licorice, DGL, high dosage vitamin C (5,000 mg daily), green tea, grape seed extract, aloe Vera juice, Carqueja. The University of Stanford found that cabbage juice eliminates H. pylori, over about 14 days. The therapy has been replicated worldwide with similar results.

In the United States, scientists of Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of Michigan Medical School researched with mice treated with proton (acid) pump inhibitors (PPi) They found that, with lower acid levels in their stomachs, the mice grew more bacteria and more inflammation than did untrea ` t pharmaceutical antibiotics.

But according to SMART PUBLICATIONS physicians such as Dr. Manfred Kist warn about misguided use of antibiotics.. as director of Germanys National Reference Center for Helicobacter pylor;, “ Dr. Kist claimed in a Reuters article that many gastro enterologists don’t gather enough information before treating H. pylori infected patients with antibiotics” Dr Kist said: “This trend will lead to increased drug resistance of H. pylori.” He said between 40 and 50 per cent of patients had become resistant to Metronidazole, one of Germany’s three standard anti H. pylori drugs. This is an upswing from 30 per cent in the 1980s. As Smart Publications suggest, “new sources of anti H. pylori drugs are needed which is why the new research slowing that herbal extracts can eradicate the H. pylori bacteria is so exciting”

H. pylori spread

T teria create future problems that are far more serious than halitosis.

R. Julian Whitaker provides us an insight into H. pylori and how it may affect or damage our health.

The stomach requires an acidic environment to carry out its job. This environment is between 1 and 2 on the pH scale. The pH scale is graduated 1-14. Seven is the median or neutral point between acidity and alkalinity. Anything below 7 is acidic, above it alkaline. The body performs optimally at a blood pH of about 7.4. The urine is slightly acidic to kill germs. The saliva is alkaline. Stomach acidity permits the production of enzymes such as pepsin, which digests proteins, converting complex proteins from peptides to peptones. Peptones would be converted later in the intestine by protein-digesting enzymes to amino acids, building blocks of all molecules and cells. In many ways Mother Nature prevents stomach acid and pepsin from digesting the stomach- tissue first, the stomach skin has a protective lining. A hydrant or water film covers this lining. Above this lining is a bicarbonate or alkali layer. And above this layer is a mucous sheet over which digestion takes place.

Thus, if acid were to seep through the protective mucous sheet, the bicarbonate layer would neutralise it. The hydrant layer below feeds the bicarbonate layer above and provides extra security against acid infiltration. While it is true that stress of all sorts and emotional disturbances may weaken this arrangement, H. pylori has been found to create the biggest detriment. Many germs cannot stand stomach acid and are killed in it. But H. pylori has an unusual ability to thrive in it, according to Dr. Whitaker, it damages the mucous membrane and burrows into the stomach lining, causing irritation, inflammation and pain, especially when acid flows down through the passageway it creates in part of the mucous and the bicarbonate layers. A leading cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer, H. pylori is now implicated in the stomach cancer.

D

Treatment As suggested earlier, many orthodox drugs are failing and, now, there is a recur to herbs. One of the leading natural options is zinc, an immune and wound- healing agent which is reported to have proven to be as effective as PEPCIDE, a popular antacid in the reduction and promotion of the healing of ulcers. Some studies have suggested zinc to be even more effective when it is combined with CARNOSINE, an amino acid. Zinc and carnosine combination is reported to also kill H. pylori while healing ulcers.

When Japanese researchers added zinc and carnosine to

e-mail:johnolufemikusa@yahoo.com or johnolufemikusa@gmail.com

HE bacterium is spreading word-wide. About 30 million Americans are reported to have contracted it. Even here in Nigeria, its prevalence is suspected among the poor who live in overcrowded neighborhoods and houses.

In Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria, a study was carried out by the Department of Medical Microbiology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye/the Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan/ Department of Chemical Pathology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan/Department of Pathology, Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta. The subject was the synegic severity of H. pylori and HIV co-infections in Dyspeptic patients and its sero prevalence by social economic and environmental factors. The study examined 109 serro positive HIV patients suffering from dyspepsia (digestive system pain) for the presence of H. pylori antibodies. They were among 230 patients, who were attending out-patient clinic of Sacred Heart Hospital, Abeokuta, Nigeria. About 47.4 per cent had H.pylori and HIV antibodies “with synificant H. pylori IgG “more women than men were afflicted.

The International Journal of Green Pharmacy reports that, in developing countries, more than 80 per cent of the adult population is H. pylori – infected.

It says: “Gastro – intestinal (GI) problems are the most common and widespread health complaint among the general populace. Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a vague feeling of discomfort in the upper belly or abdomen. This may include a feeling of heat, burning or pain in the area between the navel and lower part of the breast bone. Indigestion may be triggered by eating spicy, fatty or greasy foods, eating too fast, overeating, drinking too much alcohol, emotional stress etc. other causes of indigestion are gallstones, gastritis, stomach or intestinal ulcers, uses of drugs such as antibiotics, aspirin and NonSteroidal Anti-inflamatory Drugs (NSAID).”

From the foregoing, it is clear that health is earned. Germs forever seek to live and thrive in the human body. They must be continually eliminated if the body is not to become degraded. Diet provides a good means of doing this. Not many women cook today with curry and thyme. Curry contains curcumin which kills intestinal micro-organisms, including H. pylori and respiratory system germs. Ditto garlic.

Last week, this column added ECLIPTA ALBA to the list of herbs useful for liver, gall bladder, spleen and kidney health. For people, who are familiar with the concept of WARFARE IN NATURE, these herbs are no decorations.

We abhor the odour of garlic, for example, to our own detriment. The challenge against intestinal malaise today is to rise immediately to tackle H.pylori and other micro-organism ravaging the system.

Tel: 08116759749, 08034004247, 08116759749

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

49

BUSINESS

Chemstar: Nigeria’s operating environment hostile

T

HE Group Managing Director/Chief Execu tive Officer, Chemstar Paints Industry Nigeria Limited, manufacturer of Finecoat and Shield Paints, Dr. Emmanuel Aderemi Awode, has described the first half of this year as difficult and not very good for the manufacturing sector in the country.

He blamed the poor performance of the firm and others on declining value of the naira, Boko Haram insurgence and other challenges facing the business environment, lamenting that all these have taken a toll on sales volume.

He spoke during the firm’s half year Sales Conference, a forum where the company took stock of its operations and activities in the last six months. The event took place at the weekend at Bezer Hotel, Sango, Ogun State.

According to him, the company was able to record a marginal increase during the period over that of last year in its sales profile and turnover.

He said the forum is designed to review the firm’s activities and business operations, with a view to planning effectively for the

By Lucas Ajanaku

remaining six months of the year.

He said: “But, despite the harsh economic environment, the company was still able to post a marginal increase over what it made in 2014.

“We have very marginal increase for 2015 over 2014 and that is expected considering the fact that 2015 has not been a very good year for manufacturers. This half year sales conference is critical to our operations considering the economic situation in the country and the need for us, as a company to plan and restrategise for the remaining part of the year in order to have a successful financial year in 2015.”

He said Boko Haram, recent fuel crisis and the general elections greatly affected the manufacturing sector. He expressed optimism that with the new government that is determined and passionate about moving the sector forward by creating a friendly business environment, the company would be able to post better results for the remaining part of the year.

• From left: Deputy Managing Director, Chemstar Paints Industry Nigeria Limited, Mr. Adedayo Paseda; Mr Awode; Head, Human Resources & Admin, Mrs. Toyin Roberts and General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Mr. Fola Laguda during the conference.

He said management has however mapped out strategies to combat the harsh business environment.

He appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the provision of infrastructure to spur economic development, saying the resources that

IIM to unveil Data Access Intervention Initiative (DAII)

T

HE Institute of Infor mation Management (IIM) has unveiled an improved and efficient mode of access to quality information it called Data Access Intervention Initiative (DAII).

The programme, according to the president and chairman, governing council, IM, Dr. Oyedokun Oyewole, is part of its core aim at providing solutions to data and records security,as well as improving access to information for effective service delivery in the society.

He said this will enable organisations, policy makers and technology developers to experience enhanced access to data, utilisation, knowledge sharing and reach well informed decisions.

He said: “With DAII, indi-

By Temitayo Ayetoto

viduals and organisations will be able to access reliable and accurate information to meet their information needs. DAII is ultimately expected to facilitate industry movement, to connect citizens to various sectors like health care, education, real estate and so on.”

The official launch of the intervention programme is slated as part of the agenda for the forthcoming induction and investiture ceremony dated August 1 at the main auditorium, University of Lagos.

The programme themed Information Management as a Tool for Economic Recovery and Business Recovery in Nigeria will address the vital need for government to focus on the role played by information management in

raising the country’s economic bar and meeting information needs.

Dr.Oyewole noted that the success of the administration on good governance and effective delivery of campaign promises, depend on appropriate information management.

He further urged the government to gear up its level of commitment to increasing transparency and access to information, by ensuring that appropriate resources are utilised to facilitate data and information sharing among the various government agencies. He also stressed the need for government to ensure that all agencies are accountable for service delivery through proper scrutiny of necessary preparations and choices which shape their plans.

NIHOTOUR, varsity to certify tourism workers

T

HE National Institute for Hospitality and T o u r i s m (NIHOTOUR), Covenant University, Ota and Winigroup Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct capacity development trainings of over 100,000 workers in Nigeria hotels to promote tourism in Nigeria and make Nigeria a tourist nation.

NIHOTOUR was set up by the federal government to oversee capacity development of workers in the hospitality industry in Nigeria in order to enhance the quality and efficiency of senior functionaries in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The MoU is for four years and renewable afterwards.

NIHOTOUR shall ensure senior functionaries in the hospitality industry acquire international professional certification in hospitality from Covenant University in conjunction with Winigroup

and Association of Business Executives (ABE), United Kingdom to enhance the quality and efficiency of professionals and functionaries in the hospitality industry.

Director General of NIHOTOUR, Mrs. Chika Balogun said they chose Covenant University, a premier private institution based on its commitments to academic excellence. “The training for the acquisition of international professional certification (IPC) shall be carried out by Covenant University using the Association of Business Executives (ABE) Curriculum which was developed in the UK and in application worldwide,” she said.

Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Charles Ayo said it is a welcome development and step forward to upskill those working in hotel and tourism industry with up-to-date professionals certification that would raise the Nigerian

tourism industry to enviable heights and attract foreign direct investments (FDI).

Vice Chairman, WiniGroup Limited, Mr. Tim Akano said “Winigroup shall, in collaboration with the Association of Business Executives (ABE), United Kingdom supply the content, the professionals to teach from UK and the United States, using the SAP online infrastructure (including customised learning tablets with internet from Datawind of Canada.”

ABE, a professional membership body and examination board which develops business and management qualifications provides progression routes to bachelor degree and Masters programmes worldwide. It has long established relationships with universities across the world who value students with ABE qualifications as the students possess the necessary study skills and background knowledge to succeed.

should have been ploughed back to the business and create more jobs were being spent by manufacturers on running the factories, providing electricity, taking care of access roads to their factories and purchasing fuel.

He lamented that the

firm’s half year expenditure rose astronomically due to infrastructural decay such as bad roads, high import duties and the general rise in production cost, which in turn affected the profit margin.

He said: “If the government could come to our as-

sistance by fixing the infrastructural challenges, we will be able to use the money spent on these facilities to improve our manufacturing and employ more workers, thereby reducing the high rate of unemployment in the country.”

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PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

NIESV urges Buhari to name estate surveyor as housing minister

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HE Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has said that the country will be well positioned to solve its housing problems if a professional from its rank or from the built environment is appointed as the next Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

The Chairman, Lagos branch, NIESV, Mr. Offiong Ukpong, made this known in his inaugural speech at the investiture of the new executive council of the branch, recently. He regretted that over the years, the government had neglected the input of estate surveyors and valuers as land economists in decisions and policies pertaining to property transactions, the environment, national assets and investment.

“If Nigeria shall be among the 10 most developed economies in the world by 2030, then we must begin now to be more pragmatic in handling issues of our country, towns, cities and villages,” he said.

Ukpong added that the tenure of the council under his stewardship would focus on advocacy to place the profession of estate surveying and valuation where it ought to be. “Land economics is greater than money economics and prominence should be given to land

Stories by Muyiwa Lucas

economy in the country,” he stated.

A former President of NIESV, Mr. Bode Adediji, said the country’s real estate sector was the worst in the world in terms of practice and regulation. According to him, if there is any sector in our country that has been so reluctant to change, it is the real estate sector. Comparing the sector here to others in the world in terms of governance, practice, regulation, and its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product of the country, Adediji scored it as “the worst” in the world.

“This is sad because it should have been the sector that from one regime to another should have been used as a platform to create employment for the young people, either as architects, engineers, town planners, electricians, bricklayers or others; but unfortunately, this country has depended up till this moment on two main areas, which are not sustainable, petroleum and trading,” he lamented.

He, therefore, challenged the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari not to ignore pressure groups and reinvent the nation. “We have a land area

of 973,000 square kilometres with a population of 173 million people; it is an aberration for such a nation to be asking others to feed her.

While would Thailand for instance, feed us when we are not lame, deaf and dumb? I know there are vested interests but the earlier we are able to surmount self-interest to the general interest of everyone, than we would see the light,” he added.

Adediji, who is also the Principal Partner, Bode Adediji Partnership, said Buhari could not afford to repeat the mistake of past regimes by appointing ministers that did not fit into certain ministries that were critical to the development of the country.

“For sectors like agriculture, please put someone who is committed and who knows all about agriculture. For housing, please pick professionals from the built environment comprising architecture, estate management, town planning and surveyors, among others, and who have had practical pedigree in production and not in rent-seeking capacity, and charge them with the duties,” he said.

He also called for a shift from the current rent economy, adding that the country must engage in property development, facility management, project management and venture capital.

NIoB praises WTC Abuja quality HE Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has praised the quality of work and innovation put into the World Trade Centre in Abuja, stating that the project is a true representation of a 21st century development. The commendation came during a courtesy call by the executive members of the Nigerian Institute of Building (Abuja chapter) to the World Trade Centre Abuja.

The Group Managing Director, Churchgate Group, Mr. Vinay Mahtani, promoters of WTC Abuja, spoke on the need for key stakeholders within the real estate industry to be innovative, adding that in an increasingly complex and challenging world of construction, only the best practitioners will be able to deliver the performance necessary for success time after time. He praised the officials for the visit and stressed that the partnership between the institute and Churchgate Group will be further strengthened.

Speaking on the rationale for bringing the WTC to Abuja, Mahtani stated that the organisation’s aim is to build a city within a city, where people can live, work and play in a composite location. According to him, “the WTC Abuja features AAA offices, luxury residences, upscale shopping and hospitality that offers unparallel luxury and comfort to those seeking a lifestyle above

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the rest.

“Occupants or tenants do not have to bother about the infrastructure challenges within the Abuja metropolis as services such as electricity, water, utilities, security and road network are all taken care of once you enter the World Trade Centre Abuja”, he stated.

The Vice Chairman, NIoB, Abuja Chapter, Mr. Oghagha James, stated that the WTC Abuja is a 21st century development that will be envy to other African countries.

Oghagha said that the institute is ready to partner with individuals and private organisations such as Churchgate Group who share in the ideology of NIOB. “It is imperative to give the community the confidence that the buildings that are being constructed are functional, safe and comfortable on a consistent basis and are of global best practice,” he said. He urged government and the private sector to support builders and other relevant stakeholders in delivering quality housing that addresses the needs of the Nation.

Churchgate Group, established in 1968, is a developer of luxury commercial buildings and multifamily residential towers. With nearly a half century of business success in Nigeria, the Churchgate Group has embarked on the most iconic real estate projects in subSahara Africa.

NIQS holds two-day workshop

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TWO-DAY national workshop on Measurement and Cost Management of Engineering Infrastructure Projects, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) begins today at the Universal Hotel, Enugu. The workshop ends tomorrow.

According to the institute’s Secretary for Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Jide Oke, the workshop would dwell among others on the Challenges of Cost Management of Projects in a Dynamic Economic Setting, Measurement and Cost Management of Railways, Allied Transportation Networks, Concrete Bridges, Box culverts, drains, kerbs and associated works.

It will also examine issues of preliminaries, site clearance and earthworks and the cost management of these items of works in

engineering projects With eminent resource persons and professionals in the sector, who have held their own over the years, the seminar will x-ray the entire gamut of measurement and cost management of heavy mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering (MEP) projects as well as the Cost Management of Airport Construction projects.

The event is expected to be graced by construction industry professionals such as quantity surveyors, engineers, architects, builders and officials of government agencies (MDAs) and procurement officers and would also beam searchlights into Bills of Quantities and other Engineering Models in the Costing of Engineering Projects in Nigeria.

Ogun to develop shopping malls in all senatorial districts

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• WTC, Abuja...commended by NIOB

Fed Govt inaugurates 12-man committee on affordable housing

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HE Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr George Ossi has inaugurated a 12-member Ministerial Committee to develop a blueprint for affordable housing in Nigeria. This, he said, was due to the wide gap in the affordability of houses in the country.

He said that the delivery of adequate and affordable housing in Nigeria as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution is yet to meet the desired expectations which has resulted in inadequate stock as a minimum of one million housing units per annum was still being expected in order to reduce the deficit and avert a housing crisis by the year 2020.

The Permanent Secretary disclosed that currently, about 600,000 housing units are being developed annually through the PPP arrangement, 240,000 affordable housing by the Federal Housing Authority, 240,000 low cost

From Bukola Amusan,Abuja

housing units under the prototype housing scheme as well as the development of new towns and cities in the states of the federation.

He noted that home ownership will truly give Nigerians a stake in their communities and constitute the first major capital investment and life ambition of individuals. He said a strong housing and construction sector can help to generate social benefits to the citizens.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the committee, and Director, Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry, Mr Aithelbert Muoka, said the committee will work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in them and hoped that relevant au-

thorities will find its recommendations useful and implementable.

The committee’s terms of reference include to collect relevant information on housing delivery in Nigeria and make recommendations on appropriate housing delivery methods and models. The committee is also expected to make recommendations on measures and strategies towards adequate housing delivery in Nigeria and also recommend appropriate funding mechanism.

It will also recommend measures to be undertaken by governments towards achieving affordable housing delivery in Nigeria as well as determine the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders in housing delivery in Nigeria and make any other recommendations as appropriate.

The committee has four weeks to conclude its assignment.

N order to boost commerce and encourage self employment the state, the Ogun State government says it would replicate the type of big shopping malls already constructed in the Ogun Central Senatorial District in the Ogun West and Ogun East Senatorial parts of the state. The state also disclosed that it has successfully graded and compacted with culverts a total of 1,235.20 Kilometres of rural roads spread across the 20 local government areas of the state. Besides, government had already completed the construction of the shopping mall located in Shapon market, Abeokuta South Local Government Area, while those in Isale Igbehin, Itoku and Omida markets, all located within Ogun Central Senatorial District have reached advanced stages.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr Kayode Ademolake, who made this disclosure through a statement signed by the Agency’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ayokunle Ewuoso, said government’s decision to start the construction of the shopping malls in Abeokuta was borne out of the fact that markets located within the Ogun Central Senatorial Districts were demolished to give the

rights of way for the “Ogun Standard” roads while none was demolished in the Ogun East and Ogun West Senatorial Districts to give rights of way for the roads constructed there.

“These big shopping malls that we have in Abeokuta will be replicated in the two remaining senatorial districts. Government decided to have these pioneer shopping malls in the state capital because many markets were demolished to give the rights of way for the construction of the road while no market was demolished in the other two senatorial districts. That notwithstanding, government will replicate the shopping malls in the remaining districts,” Adamolake noted. He pointed out that the allocation of the already completed shopping mall located in Sapon market was been delayed because government wanted to ensure that there was fairness in the allocation, adding that as soon as the process involved were completed, government would begin allocation.

On rural roads, Ademolake assured that in spite of the feat recorded by government as regards infrastructural development during its first tenure, government was more poised to continue with the feat so as to make life more meaningful for the people.

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4TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING JULY 24, 2015 (SHAWWAL 8, 1436AH) PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO.

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he Government of Kano State Board (SPHCMB) coordinates and oversees the congratulates the entire Muslim Ummah implementation of the joint immunization for concluding the Ibadah/worship in the programme in the State. month of Ramadan and celebration of Eid ElFitr for the Year 1436 A.H. In continuation with It worthy to note that the routine immunization the delivery of impeccable services inherent in coverage has risen from 37.7% in 2012 to 81% the execution of qualitative projects/ in 2014. Vaccine security and logistics had been programmes/policies across all sectors that are insured in 2014, which saw the procurement geared towards positive transformation of the and installation of 5 large 10 cubic meter walklives of the citizenry in the State, the Kano State in-cold rooms worth N36,250,000.00 to cater for Executive Council held its 4th meeting under the 5 zones satellite cold stores to ensure the distinguished chairmanship of His adequate storage of vaccines commodities.

Excellency, the Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR. During the sitting, a number of Impressed by the level of progress recorded, the resolutions were made and approvals granted two tripartite partners have agreed to extend for the execution of some vital projects towards their contribution to the immunization fund for the advancement of the State in many respects. another year i.e. 2016. Similarly in continuation His Excellency, In his opening remarks, the Chairman Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR of the fulfillment of the earlier MoU, the welcomed members to the fourth meeting and SPHCMB and the two partners had developed the 2015 Kano emphasized the need to continue with the re-structuring of Routine Immunization Plan totaling N481,907,950.00 having been Government organizations, as well as embark on job auditing, job satisfied with the financial report of the year 2014. placement and job description to allow for good planning.

During the fourth sitting held on July 24, 2015/Shawwal 8, 1436AH, Twenty nine (29) memoranda were presented before the Council by MDAs for deliberations and ten (10) were approved with a financial commitment of N360,937,272.00, (Three hundred and sixty million, nine hundred & thirty seven thousand, two hundred and seventy two naira only while others bordered on policy issues. a.

MEMORANDUM ON THE SETTLEMENT OF EXPENDITURE INCURRED IN RELATION TO THE ACTIVITIES OF CONSUMER PROTECTION COUNCIL / TASK FORCE ON COUNTERFEIT AND FAKE DRUGS The State Government in its efforts to fight the use of substandard commodities, the Consumer Protection Council in collaboration with Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs had conducted series of surveillances/raids and successfully impounded fake/ unwholesome confectionary commodities worth over fifty million Naira. On that, the agency requested for the approval of the Council of the sum of N1,550,000 as expenditure incurred in the process of conducting the exercise.

Accordingly, Council graciously approved the release of the trimmed sum of N1,194,000.00 for the incurred expenditure.

Council equally, approved the destruction of the impounded items. The Kano State Government has over the last 5 years impounded, seized and destroyed fake, substandard and counterfeit items worth over 5Billion Naira. b. MEMORANDUM ON REQUEST FOR COUNTERPART FUNDING FOR THE TRIPARTITE AGREEMENT ON ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION STRENGTHENING PROGRAM Concomitant with Government objectives, which led to the signing of a Tripartite Memorandum of Understand (MoU) with Bill & Melinda Gates and Dangote Foundations for the strengthening of routine immunization services in the State for 3 years (2013 – 2015), the State Primary Health Care Management

Equally, Council noted with delight the report that Kano is rated the 1st in the implementation of the programme for one year without recording a case of polio transmission case.

Consequently, the partners also went further by contributing their share into the immunization fund at the SPHCMB based on the agreed formula contained in the MoU i.e 65% KNSG, 17%.5 Gates and 17.5 Dangote Foundations. The amount to be made by each of the 3 sponsors of the immunization campaign based on the 2015 plan therefore translate to the sum of N313,240,167.50 for KNSG, $414,345 for Gates & Melinda and N75,617,696.72 for Dangote Foundation.

In view of this, the Ministry of Health requested Council to approve the release of the sum of N313,240,167.50 as State Government share for the implementation of the Routine Immunization programme for the year 2016 which the Council approved. c.

MEMORANDUM ON REQUEST FOR FUNDS FOR THE PRINTING OF VARIOUS APPLICATION FORMS FOR LAND TITLE DOCUMENTATION The Ministry of Land and Physical Planning submitted a request for funds for the printing of various application forms for documentation. The forms are mainly used for processing applications for various titles by the allottees in respect of regrants, re-certification, occupancy permit, extension, conversion of customary right to statutory right of occupancy.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the sum of N3,660,000.00 to the Ministry for the stated purpose. d. MEMORANDUM ON REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM NIGERIA FOOTBALL LEAGUE CLUBS FORUM, KANO In its manner of magnanimity, the State Government extends some financial support to clubs, which was initiated and adopted by the previous administration since 2000. Sequel to that, the Ministry

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of Information submitted a request for financial support to 18No. Clubs with a view to encouraging sporting activities among the teeming youths in the State in the sum of N500,000.00 to each of the 18No. Clubs.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the sum of N500,000.00 to each of the 18No. Clubs totaling N9,000,000.00 as financial support. e. MEMORANDUM ON REQUEST FOR FUNDS FOR THE PAYMENT OF ELECTRICITY BILL TO KEDCO IN RESPECT OF 3NOS BOARDING SCHOOLS FROM MINISTRY OF EDUCATION This request for funds is from the Ministry of Education for the payment of electricity bill to Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) in respect of 3No. Boarding School. The schools have been disconnected from enjoying electricity by KEDCO as a result of accumulated outstanding bills as follows: i.

GSS Karaye ii. GSS K/Maiyaki iii. GTC Kiru TOTAL

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N1,886,275.20 N516,162.43 N1,180,598.30 N3,583,035.93

Consequently, Council considered and approved the release of the sum of N3,583,035.93 to the Ministry of Education for the settlement of outstanding bills to KEDCO in respect of the 3No. Schools herein referred. f.

MEMORANDUM ON REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM 9NO. STATE SPONSORED CABIN CREW TO ENABLE THEM UNDERGO TWO WEEKS CONVERSION COURSE IN 747/767 AIRCRAFT This is a request for financial support from 9No. State sponsored Cabin Crew to enable them undergo two weeks conversion course in 747/767 Aircraft. This is part of the requirement for any Airline to engage the services of trained cabin crew and Kabo Airline indicated interest to re-train the cabin crews at a cost of N120,000.00 each x 9 = N1, 080, 000: 00, thereafter will employ them to start operation during this coming Hajj exercise.

In line with the human capital development policy of the state government through youths empowerment initiatives/ programmes by sponsoring State indigenes to train in various fields both at home and abroad, Council considered and approved the release of trimmed sum of N900,000.00 being Government assistance for conversion course in respect of the 9No. State Sponsored Cabin Crew to enable them access the proposed employment offered by Kabo Airline.

In a related development, another request for funds for the proposed additional training to State sponsored Cabin Crew by Azman Air Service, in preparation for their indoctrination by the company as stipulated by regulatory authorities was presented to the Council in the sum of $93,150.00 equivalent to N18,630,000.00. Council in the same spirit considered and approved the stated sum to cover a selected 10No. Trained Cabin Crew out of the 44No. already sponsored for the training/ employment by Azman Air Services Ltd. g. MEMORANDUM ON REQUEST FOR FUNDS FOR THE REPAIRS OF 800KVA PERKINS (2ND STANDBY) ELECTRICITY GENERATING SET AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE This is a submission from Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport on request for funds for the repairs of 800KVA Perkins (2nd standby) electricity generating set at Government House, which developed a problem and requires replacement of the defective items, costing a total sum of N2,373,000.00.

On that note, Council approved the release of the sum of N2,373,000.00 for the replacement of the defective components on the 800KVA Perkins (2nd standby) electricity generating set at Government House. h. MEMORANDUM ON PROPOSAL FOR THE REENGAGEMENT OF MESSRS. YOMOD GLOBAL RESOURCES NIG. LTD AS FACILITY MANAGER OF THE 2NO. 8-

PASSENGER OTIS ELEVATORS AT GIDAN MURTALA SECRETARIAT COMPLEX The State Government in its efforts to provide a conducive working environment and improve other facilities associated with offices, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted a memorandum for the re-engagement of Messrs.

Yomod Global Resources Nigeria Ltd as facility manager for the 2No. 8-passenger Otis Elevators at Gidan Murtala Secretariat Complex for a period of another one year.

Cognizant of the importance of the Gidan Murtala Secretariat Complex and to bring comfort to the workers in the complex, Council approved the renewal of the facility Management Services for the 2No. 8-passenger Otis Elevators at Gidan Murtala Secretariat Complex for a period of one year from July, 2015 to June, 2016 at the sum of N2,077,068.12. i.

MEMORANDUM ON REQUEST FOR FUNDS FOR THE PAYMENT OF FINES AND COMPENSATIONS TO 100NO. PRISONERS AND 13NO. UNDER-AGED CONVICTS In line with one of the cardinal objectives of the Administration to ensure good Administration of Justice and guaranteed fundamental human rights of its citizens, the need to extend some social/humanitarian gestures to the convicts/minor who are incarcerated due to their inability to pay sundry meager fine or whose characters are rehabilitated and showed remorse of their past actions cannot be emphasized.

Pursuance to that, Government approved the release of the sum of N5,000,000.00 for payment of petty fines and compensation to 100No. prisoners and 13No. under-aged convicts drawn from prisons and Goron Dutse Remand Home after satisfying conditions for atonement of their crimes and eventual release. j.

MEMORANDUM ON REQUEST FOR FUNDS FOR THE PARTICIPATION AT CALABAR INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPO, 2015 The submission is from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives on request for funds for the State participation at the Calabar International Tourism Expo, 2015. The Tourism Expo is a partnership between Citenigeria, Nigeria Development Corporation, Cross River Tourism Bureau and other Agencies.

The sum of N780,000.00 is required to cater for the State delegates attendance. Toward that, Council approved the release of the stated amount to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives to enable the State delegates participate at the Calabar International Tourism Expo, 2015. k. MEMORANDUM ON PLEDGE FOR THE DONATION OF A VEHICLE MADE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF KANO STATE TO FCE, KANO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The need to sustain the existing good relationship with NonGovernmental Organizations, especially Allumni Associations, Council approved the procurement of 1No. 18-seater Toyota Bus at the sum of N8,600,000.00 for allocation to Federal College of Education, Kano Alumni Association as a gesture of the State Government to the Association.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY The council has endorsed these useful phone numbers provided by the security agencies in case of any emergency. Accordingly, members of the general public may contact KAROTA for breakdown of vehicle(s), traffic congestion, accident or illegal/ wrong parking on 08091626747, the State Police Command on 08032419754 or 08123821575 and the State Fire Service on 07051246833 or 08191778888.

SIGNED: Hon. Commissioner of Information, Youth, Sports And Culture, Kano State

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 29-07-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 29-07-15

SEC, others sign on to direct cash payment

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NVESTORS in the Nigerian capital market would now be credited directly the net proceeds of stock market transactions and their dividends as capital market stakeholders yesterday affirmed commitments to key initiatives that would further enhance market integrity and efficiency.

The Capital Market Committee (CMC), the umbrella body of all capital market stakeholders under the leadership of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), yesterday launched the electronic dividend (e-dividend) portal, which will automatically transfer dividends to a shareholder’s bank account, with a commitment to see to the take-off of the direct cash payment of transaction proceeds to investors’ accounts as early as January 2015.

As against the current general practice whereby the payments for investors’ transactions go into the accounts of the brokers for onward disbursement to their clients, the general practice under the ‘direct cash settlement’ will be to send the net proceeds direct from the clearing and settle-

•launch e-dividend portal

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

ment system straight to the investors’ accounts while the existing practice of payment through brokers will become exceptional cases.

The e-dividend will facilitate payment of dividends into any type of bank accounts including current and non-current accounts, bypassing a major obstacle that currently limits payment of dividend warrant into current or quasi-current accounts. The e-dividend portal was developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS).

Speaking at a press briefing at the end of the second quarter CMC meeting in Lagos, director, general, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, said the launching of the e-dividend portal and the direct cash payment would improve investors’ confidence and help in deepening domestic and foreign investors’ participation in the Nigerian stock market.

According to him, the edividend portal would ensure that investors get their dividends as at when due and would also help to reduce the unclaimed dividends, which currently stand between N70 billion and N80 billion.

He said arrangements would be made to ensure that all relevant officials and users are well educated on the use of the e-dividend portal while investors in Diaspora would also be provided with online mandate form to ensure verification of identity and payment of dividend.

Head, Business Process, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), Mr. Samuel Olukemi explained that the e-dividend portal ensures that no investor would be charged for mandate validation while it also enables payment of dividends not only to current accounts as previously done but also to savings accounts held by investors.

“Dormant accounts would also be able to receive dividends but would require reactivation in other to enable withdrawals,” Olukemi said.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 29-07-15

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MONEYLINK

FCMB posts N77.4b half-year revenue

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CMB Group revenue rose 11 per cent to N77.4billion in the half-year period ended June 30, 2015. However, its Profit Before Tax (PBT) dropped 14 per cent to N9.6 billion.

In a statement, the bank said the period witnessed increased business momentum, with total assets growing 15 per cent to N1.22 trillion, and up five per cent. It said customers’ confidence in the lender remained strong, as deposits grew four per cent to N785.8 billion, during the period.

The diversification of FCMB across commercial banking, investment banking and wealth management, provided some cushion as earnings from non-banking activities proved more resilient.

FCMB Limited - the commercial and retail banking subsidiary of FCMB Group, continued to validate its increased drive into retail. Its retail group contributed 21 per cent, representing N1.7 billion of FCMB’s PBT.

Moody’s Assigns First-Time Ratings to Access Bank

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Stories by Collins Nweze

It said the retail group also grew deposits by 21 per cent to N431.2 billion, or 54 per cent of total deposits.

The bank acquired 260,000 customers in the first half of this year.

“The bank continued its drive of inclusive lending, granting just over 9,100 new loans to micro-enterprises.

FCMB’s credit card offering saw increased patronage, with over 17,000 cards issued in the first half of this year,” it said, adding that corporate banking activities were constrained by scarcity of foreign exchange and tight monetary policy which affected trade finance, foreign exchange trading and lending activities.

In the first half of 2015, the bank’s UK wholesale banking subsidiary, FCMB Bank (UK) Limited, broke even after 14 months of operations as a deposit-taking institution. FCMB Bank (UK) Ltd’s profit contribution is expected to continue improving,” the statement said.

Managing Director of FCMB Group

•GMD FCMB Group, Ladi Balogun

Plc, Peter Obaseki, said: “The economy has entered a higher risk level with inflation climbing to 9.2 per cent, fiscal and trade deficits, as well as, declining Gross Domestic Product growth rate below four per cent as at first quarter 2015 from 5.94 per cent as at Q4 2014; broad money supply (MM2) contracted by N380 billion in June, from N19.19 trillion in May, to N18.81 trillion”.

Ecobank Nigeria appoints Aboh chairman

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HE Board of Ecobank Nigeria has elected Mr. John Oche Aboh as its Chairman. Mr. Aboh who was recently appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director, brings with him a wealth of Experience in Management in the Financial Services Industry, professionalism and integrity that has earned him global respect.

Mr. Aboh has over 30 years work experience in the banking industry; working at senior management and Board levels in large Nigerian banks, such as Citibank, United Bank for Africa, Wema Bank, First Bank of Nigeria and former Oceanic Bank International. He holds a B.Sc in Finance from the Uni-

appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the bank. Mallam Imam has extensive banking experience having served in different capacities in several banks, including NAL Merchant Bank, Sterling Bank and Enterprise Bank. He is a Fellow, Chartered Institute of Management, UK. Fellow, Institute of Credit Administrators, Honorary Senior Member, Chartered Institute of Bankers, Member, Institute of Directors and a Member of Bank Directors Association of Nigeria. Mallam Garba Imam holds a B.S.C(Hons) Degree in Sociology and also a Masters of Social Science from Brimingham University United Kingdom.

versity of Nigeria, Nsukka, an MBA from the University of Jos and an AMP from the Harvard University, Boston Massachusetts.

He is taking over Olor’ogun Sonny F. Kuku, who retired from the Board after over 11 years, five of which was as Chairman. Olor’ogun Kuku is one of the founding members of the Ecobank Group. Under his tenure as Chairman of the Board, the Bank made remarkable progress in growing its market share by rising from the number 13 industry position in 2010 to Number six in 2015. He is leaving the Board on a solid footing as one of the leading banks in Nigeria.

Also Mallam Garba Imam has being

CCESS Bank Plc, with operations across major cities and commercial centres in Sub-Saharan Africa, the UK and China, yesterday announced its first-time credit rating by Moody’s Investors Service.

Moody’s, a top three global leading rating agency, assigned first-time foreign currency issuer and local currency deposit ratings of Ba3 with stable outlooks to Access Bank Plc. It also assigned Access Bank a Counterparty Risk Assessment (CRA) of Ba3 (cr)/Not Prime (cr).

The ratings are underpinned by a b2 Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) which measure an issuer’s standalone financial strength. According to the agency, “Access Bank’s b2 standalone profile reflects (1) solid asset quality metrics, underpinned by tangible improvements in loan underwriting standards and risk management in recent years; (2) robust capital and liquidity buffers, sup-

ported by sustainable internal capital generation; and (3) a stable liability structure predominantly funded with deposits.”

The agency said these strengths are balanced against Nigeria’s challenging operating environment, which takes into account the strong growth potential of the system and institutional and structural weaknesses, as well as the concentration risks on the Bank’s books, including to the oil and gas industry.

However, the agency noted that Access Bank is very well positioned to weather the macroeconomic challenges and they expect its standalone credit profile to remain resilient.

According to Moody’s, the longterm deposit and issuer ratings of Ba3 reflects the Bank’s Systematically Important Bank (SIB) status in Nigeria as the 5th largest bank in the industry.

Sterling, Dana Motors partner on auto loan Scheme

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TERLING Bank Plc and Dana Motors Limited yesterday launched an auto loan alliance promo to allow customers own new cars under flexible repayment options.

Qualified customers, under the promo that would run for 90 days, would be able to own new KIA brands with five years warranty and free fuel voucher worth N35,000.

Head, Consumer Banking, Sterling Bank, Gbenga Adegoke said at the launch of the promo in Lagos that the partnership was borne out of an alliance between the two institutions who put the interest of their customers at the top of their priority.

Adegoke said the auto finance campaign comes with attractive fixed interest rate of 20 per cent, loan tenure that allows convenient and flexible repayment and free services, inclusive of

spare parts and labour for maintenance.

“Other benefits are prepayment of insurance premium, free car registration and full tank at pick up of the vehicle,” he added.

The Product Manager and Retail Assets (Individual), Sterling Bank, Mr Ayodeji Fisher said “this strategic auto campaign has the following features,20 per cent minimum equity contribution,48 months tenor, free tracker, equal monthly installment, no hidden fees, and fixed monthly repayment throughout the duration of the facility”.

Fisher said DANA was chosen because it is the sole distributor for the famous KIA brand of vehicles in the country, has invested in a modern state of the art workshop in Nigeria where the cars are built to KIA quality standards and the availability of spare parts and auto workshops in various outlet of DANA motors nationwide.

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS 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 HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

126.04 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,744.73 1,104.77 112.34 121.16 1.67 1.2399 1.3035 0.7543 1.1801

125.82 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,744.73 1,104.00 111.75 120.30 1.62 1.2337 1.3035 0.7424 1.1801

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

AFRIPRUD TRANSEXPR BETAGLAS CHAMPION ETRANZACT ETERNA MOBIL FCMB FLOURMILL FIDSON

2.77 1.00 39.50 5.11 3.18 2.24 150.00 2.70 28.00 3.21

2.99 1.05 41.47 5.36 3.33 2.34 155.98 2.80 28.98 3.30

0.22 0.05 1.97 0.25 0.15 0.10 5.98 0.10 0.98 0.09

LOSERS AS AT 29-07-15

PORTPAINT UAC-PROP UNITYBNK BERGER NASCON MANSARD CAP VONO GLAXOSMITH AIRSERVICE OANDO

O/PRICE 4.60 10.05 2.21 10.31 6.70 2.66 39.90 1.24 42.00 1.98 12.96

C/PRICE 4.16 9.55 2.10 9.80 6.37 2.53 37.95 1.18 40.00 1.89 12.42

Inflation:April

8.5%

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

CHANGE -0.44 -0.50 -0.11 -0.51 -0.33 -0.13 -1.95 -0.06 -2.00 -0.09 -0.54

FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) May 28, 2015 Interbank ($/N)

199.00

$1

Black Market ($/N)

215.00

$1

$28.2b

London Inter-bank Offered Rates (LIBOR) Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$67.91

Money Supply (M2)

GAINERS AS AT 29-07-15

SYMBOL

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

Tenor

16.5%

12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15

Overnight (O/N)

14.683

76.583

1M

15.033

15.977

3M

15.809

17.177

6M

16.493

17.908

Tenor 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 6 Months 12 Months

May 27

May 28

Rate)%

Rate (%)

0.1735 0.2147 0.2615 0.3841 0.6709

0.1715 0.2108 0.2626 0.3857 0.6744

Nigerian Stock Market Indices 27 May Statistics 5 May All Share Index 34,649.3 29,383.93 Mkt Cap (NGN’bn) 11.8 9,804.36 Deals 3,385 3,714 Volume (mn) 564,28 377,75 Value (NGN’mn) 6,087.80 6,568.66 GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Transaction Dates 03/02/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014

Amount Offered in ($) 500m

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m

400m 350m

399.97m 349.96m

Tenor

Feb. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

12.44

T-bills - 182

13.85

T-bills - 364

13.92

Bond - 3yrs

15.92

Bond - 5yrs

17.22

Bond - 7yrs

16.59

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

56

NEWS JAMB laments poor enrolment in colleges of education From Blessing Olaifa, Assistant Editor, Abuja

J

OINT Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar/Chief Executive Prof. Dibu Ojerinde yesterday decried the spate of poor enrolment in education courses in the nation’s Colleges of Education.

Prof. Ojerinde, who advocated the need for scholarship awards to students to address the problem, maintained that the position of JAMB on admission procedures in recent time was informed by the need to eliminate delay and wastages from the system.

He spoke in a paper titled: “Integrity in Admissions to Colleges of Education in Nigeria”, organised by the AntiCorruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) in Abuja.

The don noted that there was the urgent need to encourage students to enroll in the Colleges of Education.

The JAMB boss, in statement by the Head of Advocacy and External Relations of ACAN, Mr. Sina Babashola, said he was encouraged to enroll at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo in the 1960s because of the five pounds stipend given to students in Colleges of Education then.

“I want to suggest that the Federal and state governments should give every student pursuing education courses scholarship to encourage them. I am very sure that Colleges of Education will not be able to cope with the number of enrolment into education courses in the country,” he said.

He explained that as a result of poor enrolment in the Colleges of Education, “back-door enrolment” called regularisation has turned to a serious problem confronting teachers’ education in the country.

Ojerinde, while stressing the urgent need for the colleges to address the challenges posed by the regularisation, stated that last year alone, there were 8,688 regularisation cases in 15 Colleges of Education.

He added that the College of Education, Nsukka, Enugu State topped the list of institutions with 1,175 worst cases of Regularisation. Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State, came last on the log with 400 cases.

The JAMB Registrar noted that the board’s new admissions procedure was meant to reduce the delay and wastage in the system.

His words: “Those candidates, who took examination last year, did not know their fate until July this year, when they are supposed to have resumed in September last year”.

Reps to probe failed vehicle recycling project

W

HY has the End of Life Vehicle (ELV) recycling plant project initiated by the Federal Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) failed?

What were the factors that hindered the project, which was initiated in 2012 to recycle rickety and abandoned ve-

From Ugochukwu UgojiEke, Umuahia

hicles using Japanese technology?

What became of the N100 million approved by the Japanese government for the feasibility study on the ELV recycling plant in Abuja when in 2012, John Gbassa, president of Kaiho Sangyo Nigeria Limited, visited the former Minister of State for

Trade and Investment, Samuel Ortom?

These were posers the House of Representatives was concerned about yesterday.

A motion entitled: ‘urgent need to investigate the seemingly abandoned project for the recycling of abandoned vehicles littering Nigerian roads’ was adopted.

The House, in adopting the prayers of the motion sponsored by Nicholas Osai (PDP-

Delta), resolved that its committee on Commerce and Industry, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Environment, would investigate the abandoned project when constituted.

To secure major highways in the interim, the Green Chamber told the FRSC to remove abandoned vehicles and take them to designated centres pending further action.

•Deji of Akure Oba Aladesuyi Aladetoyinbo (middle); Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State chapter Mr. Isaac Kekemeke (second left) and others when Kekemeke led APC team to visit Oba Aladetoyinbo in his palace in Akure ...yesterday.

PDP calls for removal of DSS boss for ‘partisanship’

T

HE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the removal of the DirectorGeneral of the Department of State Services (DSS), Alhaji Lawal Daura.

According to the party, Daura was the chairman of the Intelligence Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the last presidential election campaign.

Addressing reporters shortly after the party’s National Working Committee meeting yesterday, the party’s Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, accused the DSS under Daura of harassing, arresting and detaining members of the PDP. Secondus cited instances of arrest and detention of PDP members and electoral officials in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States where the party’s victories in the last governorship election were being challenged by the APC at the tribunals.

The party chair said: “We wish to bring to the attention of Nigerians and the international community the activi-

Party cuts staff strength, salaries by 50 per cent

B

ARELY two months after losing political power at the centre, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced a reduction of its secretariat workers’ salaries and allowances by 50 per cent.

Similarly, members of the National Working Committee (( NWC) will also be receiving only 50 per cent of their allowances, even as they have been directed to cut the number of their personal workers’ also by 50 per cent.

The number of security personnel attached to NWC members is also to be slashed by half.

The party’s Research Directorate has also been abolished and functions of the Directorate transferred to the Peoples Democratic Institute.

The directive was conveyed to workers of the secretariat vide a memo dated July 29, 2015 and signed by the National Secretary of the PDP, Prof. Wale Oladipo.

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

ties of the APC government.

We have observed the government of the APC, especially the DSS in the past few months.

The DSS has continued to harass, arrest and detain PDP

The copy of the memo, which was obtained by our correspondent, entitled: “Reorganisation and Restructuring of Staff at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party”, stated: “Furthermore, establishment staff who would remain are required to obtain individual letter of revalidation from their state chapter within one month of this circular as to their suitability for service at the national secretariat”.

According to the memo, the measures were taken at the 406th meeting of the party’s NWC held on July 29, 2015.

Some of the secretariat staff who spoke to our correspondent in confidence said the decision was taken following the workers’ demand for furniture allowance.

According to them, the NWC members had, a few weeks ago, paid themselves fat furniture allowances running into billions of naira without taking the workers into consideration.

members as well as officials over election petitions pending before tribunals in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

“There is no reason for the harassment because it is against all known laws. We call on President Buhari to call the DSS to order because the nation is gradually tending

towards anarchy.

“Daura was the chairman of APC’s Intelligence Committee during the last presidential election campaign. As a member of the APC, he is partial and partisan. He cannot be fair to the opposition. We call on President Buhari to review his appointment”.

United Kingdom court jails Nigerian for rape

A

LONDON court has sentenced a 38-yearold Nigerian, Olaoluwa Ibrahim, to eight and a half years in jail for attacking and raping a woman in the street of London, according to agency report.

The court ordered that Ibrahim be deported back to Nigeria after serving his sentence for rape.

A detective, Adam Knott, attached to the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, told the judge that the convict ap-

proached his victim as she got off a night bus in Maida Vale after spending the evening with some friends in central London.

It was gathered that Ibrahim tried to engage his victim in a conversation, but she ignored him and kept on walking home.

Ibrahim on seeing that his advances were turned down, grabbed his victim and pushed her into a driveway where he forcefully had canal knowledge of her before stealing her phone in June 24, last year.

At a renewed hearing of the case in the Old Bailey yesterday,

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

the convict who resides at Relf Road, Peckham, pleaded guilty to rape and theft.

The convict had initially denied the attack until detectives’ uncovered DNA evidence. He then alleged that he had consensual sex with the victim, before changing his story again and admitted to rape and theft.

According to the police, the victim gave evidence in the case through a video link from Australia, where she now resides.

The judge, in his ruling, said Ibrahim should be deported back to Nigeria after serving his

sentence.

Detective Knott said Ibrahim since his arrest had shown “no remorse or honesty”.

He said: “I would like to reassure the public that attacks of this nature are extremely rare.

When they do occur, we do everything we can to bring the offenders to justice.

“Ibrahim has shown no remorse or honesty from the point of arrest and his deception continued throughout the trial, putting the victim through the trauma of having to recount her ordeal in court. I hope it is

of some comfort to her to know he will now spend a considerable amount of time in prison before being deported.

“He is a genuinely dangerous offender and I am pleased he has been removed from public life.”

Knott added: “I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence to come forward safe in the knowledge that they will be listened to, the case will be thoroughly investigated and we can provide bespoke victim care depending on individual needs.”

Ex-NIMASA D-G Omatseye is shipowners president

A

FORMER Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) DirectorGeneral Temisan Omatseye has been elected the African Shipowners Association (ASA) president for the next four years.

Others elected are Mr Stanley Ahorlu of Ghana as First Vice President; and Mrs Caroline Masala Second Vice dresident. They will be assisted by 10 directors from other African countries.

Omatseye, in his first official assignment led ASA and key players on the continent’s maritime sector to the African Union(AU) heads of state meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where the Decade of African Maritime Development was launched

Reps urge Fed Govt to address tanker accidents From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

T

HE House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government to address the increasing tanker accidents in the country.

Evelyn Oboro (Delta-PDP), in a motion, noted the spate of petrol tanker accidents recently, leading to fire outbreaks.

The House resolved to constitute an adhoc committee to meet with the leadership of the tanker drivers, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and other relevant bodies to find ways to curb these accidents.

She said: “Sometimes in March, a tanker, which was ascending Odo Eran Road, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, suffered a brake failure and descended backwards from the hilly terrain. The tank compartment snapped off and exploded upon hitting the ground.

Some 33,000 litres of fuel spilled into the meat market and caught fire, leading to the loss of three lives and destruction of property worth millions.”

She recalled another incident “when a tanker laden with Automotive Gas Oil ( AGO), also known as diesel, crashed in Idimu area of Lagos State, destroying over 35 houses and 80 shops in the resultant fire outbreak.”

Speaker Yakubu Dogara called for a vote and it was overwhelmingly supported by members.

•Ibrahim

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

57

NEWS Ahmed: salary crises to be resolved soon

K

WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has assured that salary arrears in tertiary institutions and government agencies would be resolved within two months.

Speaking at a meeting with heads of tertiary institutions at the Government House, Ilorin the governor said the state’s and Federal Government’s efforts to end the hardship caused by salary arrears would start yielding fruit next month.

He urged workers to be patient, as the state government was working to resolve the matter.

Ahmed said his optimism followed the expected bailout from the Federal Government, which he added would restructure the loans owed by the states and free up additional funds for pay salaries and other obligations.

Niger schools aren’t fit for animals, says governor N IGER State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello yesterday decried the condition of public schools.

He said they were substandard.

The governor condemned the poor environmental condition of most public schools when he visited Maryam Babangida Girls Science Secondary School, Bosso, Minna.

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

He said: “We’ve visited schools where animals would not like to live in the hostels and dogs wouldn’t eat the food being served pupils.”

Bello said past administra-

tions neglected public schools. He promised to embark on the rehabilitation of the schools.

His words: “It’s unfair to blame pupils for failing external or final year examinations when they study in filthy environment and receive sub-standard teaching.

“It is also not right to blame teachers for poor performance without providing them tools to aid teaching.”

The governor assured pupils and teachers of his administration’s determination to provide better learning and teaching conditions.

He warned teachers not to hide under the present deplorable condition to shirk their duties.

Kwara to partner institutions

T

JOGS 72 Club loses member

T

HE death has occurred of Mr. Olusogo Odusote, a member of JOGS 72 Club, an affiliate of Ijebu-Ode Grammar School Old Boys Association (JOGSOBA).

He died, following the Jos Water Plant chlorine gas explosion last Saturday.

A statement by the President, JOGS 72 Club, said Odusote, who was a Physics lecturer at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State was in Jos to defend his PhD thesis at the University of Jos when the tragic incident occurred.

It said a funeral programme would soon be announced by the family.

•The late Odusote

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

W

HAT could have been a major fire was curtailed yesterday at the complex housing airlines and agents’ offices at the cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

The incident occurred in the morning in the offices of some airlines.

It was learnt that the fire was noticed by some security workers.

The fire, which started at 1.25am, was brought under control by the combined teams of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Fire Service and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

No casualty was recorded in the incident.

The cause of the fire could not be ascertained at the time of going to press last night but Federal and state authorities are investigating the incident.

‘Nigerians should join change train’

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

HE Kwara State government is prepared to collaborate with professional training institutions to make its workforce effective.

It said it would not allow the financial challenges to affect the training of civil servants.

Governor AbdulFattah Ahmed, who spoke at the inauguration of a training school, Goshen International Business School, Ilorin, said training remained his administration’s priority.

He urged training institutions to increase their research to expand the frontiers of knowledge, especially in commerce and technology.

According to him, this would assist the state as it prepares to diversify its economy through agriculture, small and medium-scale enterprises (SME) promotion, solid mineral exploitation and renewed investment drive.

Fire put off at MMA cargo terminal

A From left: Zonal Chairman, Eti-Osa/Ibeju, Allied Trucks Transporters Association of Nigeria (ATTAN), Alhaji Saka Yusuf Titilofe; Unit Commander, Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC), Epe, Mr. James Oluwole; President, Allied Trucks ATTAN, Mr. Joseph Arotiba; Unit Commander, FRSC, Lagos Island, Mr. Sodeeq Abdulrahman and Unit Commander, FRSC, Lekki, Mr. Istifanus Ibrahim, during a Stakeholders’ meeting between FRSC and ATTAN in Lagos…yesterday.

Police parade 42 suspected criminals

T

HE Kano State Police Command yesterday paraded 42 suspected criminals.

They were arrested for offences, ranging from cattle theft to armed robbery.

Police Commissioner Ibrahim Idris, who addressed reporters at the headquarters in Bompai, said Yahaya Sale, 30, of Soba in Hunkyi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, with a 10-man gang, at Falgore

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

forest in Kano, attacked people and stole domestic animals.

He said investigation showed that the suspects were rustlers, adding that during an operation, three members of the syndicate were arrested and later arraigned.

According to him, one of the rustlers was killed dur-

ing an encounter with the police and many of them were still in the forest.

Idris said a gang of six hoodlums led by a woman, Hauwa Mustapha, robbed a victim at Dambare quarters of N147,000, a Mercedes Benz car and other belongings.

He said the suspects were arrested in Jos, Plateau State and upon a search, two locally-made pistols, nine ammunition and a knife were re-

covered from them, adding that their accomplice was at large.

The police commissioner said officers and men attached to SARS CID, Kano, while on patrol on Zaria Road, arrested Zubairu Garba and Sunday Jatau of Kaduna State, who terrorised travellers on the Zaria/Kaduna Expressway by wearing police uniform, robbing motorists.

Governor queries HOS for lateness

J

IGAWA State Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar yesterday queried the Acting Head of Service (HOS), Alhaji Na’Annabi Ahmad, for reporting late in office.

A statement said the governor queried the acting HOS, who is also a permanent secretary (Administration) in the Office of the Head of Service, for not being on his desk by 9am.

The governor gave the di-

From Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

rective when he visited the secretariat a few minutes past 9am and ordered the closure of the gate.

He decried the attitude of the acting HOS and many senior civil servants, who came late.

The senior public servants Abubakar found on their desk were the Permanent Secretary (Administration and General Services), Alhaji Inuwa Tahir;

Perm Sec (Government House), Alhaji Muhammad Sambo Musa; Perm Sec (Local Government Service Commission), Alhaji Muhammad Bako Gangare and Perm Sec (Deputy Governor’s Office), Alhaji Abdu Umar Adamu.

Five other permanent secretaries were said to be on official assignments outside Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.

The governor directed that warning letters should be given to absentee-directors.

Chamber makes case for women, youths From Jeremiah Oke, Ibadan

T

•Governor Abubakar

He said his administration would not condone lateness, absenteeism and laxity.

Kogi West, Central meeting with Audu deadlocked

A

MEETING convened by the Kogi West and Central Forum For Equity and Justice, with ex-Governor Abubakar Audu, to discuss power rotation among the three senatorial zones, has ended in a deadlock.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled the governorship primaries for the last weekend in August and the election for late November.

The forum was established to push for power shift from Kogi East Senatorial District, which has dominated the political scene since the state was

created on August 27, 1991.

Kogi West has seven local governments and Kogi Central, five. Both senatorial zones account for 12 of the 21 councils. Kogi East has nine.

The pattern of voting, following the introduction of the permanent voter cards (PVCs) and card readers, showed that Kogi West and Central accounted for 55 per cent of the total votes cast during the recent elections, while Kogi East had 45 per cent.

The forum, which is costeered by the triumvirate of former Health Minister, Prof Eyitayo Lambo, ex-don at the Ahmadu Bello University,

Prof. Yusuf Aliyu and elder statesman, Alhaji Idris Yusuf Tawari, aims to ensure that justice is done to Kogi West and Kogi Central, which have allegedly suffered neglect in the last two and a half decades.

Held at Audu’s Asokoro home in Abuja, the meeting had a 10-man delegation of five delegates each from Kogi West and Central. They included former General Officer Commanding Third Armoured Division, Maj.-Gen. Julius Olakunle Oshanupin, President of the Okun Development Association, Babatunde Paul Fadumiyo and ex-

N All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship aspirant for Eredo Local Government Development Area (LCDA), Comrade Ogunkelu Oluwaseun Oluwadaunsi, has urged Nigerians to embrace Federal Government’s change mantra.

The politician said President Muhamadu Buhari cannot change things alone.

Oluwadaunsi, who addressed reporters yesterday in Lagos, regretted that despite Nigerians’ vote for change “some people, who won on the platform of change, have decided to make change impossible, because of their selfish and parochial interests by fraternising with the opposition to cause confusion and distort the wishes of Nigerians”.

governorship aspirant on the platform of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the old Kwara State, Dr. David Atte.

Also on the delegation were Alhaji Yusuf Tawari and Alhaji A.G. Usman, who served as commissioner under Audu in 1992, all from Kogi West.

The delegates from Kogi Central included Audu’s deputy during his stint as governor from 1999 to 2003, Chief Patrick Adaba, former Special Adviser on Education to Audu in 1992, Prof. Angela Okatahi and Prof. Yusuf Aliyu.

HE chairperson of Ibadan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Kemi WaleOlaitan has urged the government at all level to support women and youths in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

She spoke at the closing ceremony of the ICT Skills Acquisition Training for traders in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Dr Wale-Olaitan noted that African women have been short-changed. She said that the initiative was part of her efforts in empowering women in a male dominated society.

According to her, our society is dominated by men and she is trying her best to ensure that women are in leadership position.

Her words: “I am a woman, I have travelled to many countries in Africa and discover that women have been so far short-changed, I decided to organise this programme in order to help our women.”

58

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

NEWS Saraki names members of four standing committees Continued from page 2

Senators Abubakar Kyari, Fatima Raji-Rasaki, Ibrahim Rafui and Mathew Uroghide are members.

Senator Babajide Omoworare, representing Osun East Senatorial District, will chair the Rules & Business Committee and Senate Leader Ali Ndume will be his deputy.

Others members of the Omoworare-led committee are: Kabir Marafa (APC Zamfara Central), Barnabas Gemade (APC Benue) and five other senators.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu, representing Imo East Senatorial District, was announced as the chairman of the 11-member Ethics & Privileges Committee with Deputy Senate Leader Bala Ibn Na’Allah as deputy. The committee’s other members include: Senators Tayo Alasoadura, Binta Masi Garba, Olaka Nwogu, Dino Melaye, Peter Nwaoboshi and Jeremiah Useni.

The Ad-Committee on Publicity is to be headed by Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West Senatorial District).

Senators Ben Bruce, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Shehu Sani are to serve on the Publicity ad-hoc Committee.

According to the announcement, Senator Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto East) is to chair the Senate Services Committee, considered one of the juicy committee in the upper chamber.

Other members of the committee include Abubakar Kyari, Raji-Rasaki, Ibrahim Rafui and Mathew Uroghide.

The Senate President on Tuesday began the constitution of the Standing Committees to enable it carry out its functions effectively.

He disclosed at plenary on resumption that forms would be distributed to senators to indicate interest in their choice committees.

Saraki added that every lawmaker has the liberty to belong to more than one committee, adding that they were free to also make suggestions after studying the forms.

His words: “Senators are advised to fill the forms indicating their interest in belonging to the committees of their choice and it is a maximum of five committees per senator.

“The forms will be distributed by the Clerk. You can also take a look at the form and make your submissions to the leader of the Senate.’’

Oil sector probe: El-Rufai gets corruption dossier on NNPC Continued from page 2

tional Economic Council (NEC) to investigate the management of the accounts of the NNPC and the Excess Crude Account (ECA) by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The committee of four has a mandate to unravel the whereabouts of the N3.8 trillion not remitted to the Federation Account by the NNPC between 2012 and May as well as the $2.1bn said to have been deducted from the ECA without proper authorisation by the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).

In her presentation yesterday on how billions of dollars of oil revenue not remitted to the Federation Account by the NNPC, the NEITI chief said about 160 million barrels of oil, valued at $13.7 billion, were stolen between 2009 and 2012.

Calling on the Federal Government to privatise the nation’s refineries, Hajiya Ahmed said there was no proof that the $11.631 billion subsidy payment captured from 2005 – 2012, was remitted into the Federation Account by the Corporation.

Hajiya Ahmed said: “Crude product swap of $866m was lost from 2009 to

2011 and $82.43m in 2012.

Total amount expended on subsidy payment from 2005 to 2012 as captured, $11.631m have been paid to the NNPC. However, there is no evidence this amount was remitted to the Federation Account.”

El-Rufai alleged that the NNPC had been sponsoring media publications against him for recommending the scrapping of the corporation.

El-Rufai had urged the Federal Government to ‘kill NNPC before it kills Nigeria’ at the Seventh Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture Series in Abuja, as part of celebration marking the 91st birthday anniversary of Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka.

The governor said yesterday: “NNPC has become a monster and too powerful.

I will continue to fight NNPC till it dies for Nigeria to survive. It is either Nigerians kill NNPC or NNPC will kill Nigeria.

Since I called for the death of NNPC, the corporation sponsored articles to attack me.

“But, I am telling the NNPC that my skin is thicker than an elephant. The NNPC can’t bribe us (the four governors),” El-Rufai assured his guests.

Motion: 22 APC Northern senators working against Buhari Continued from page 2

practice that only ranking members should be appointed as principal officers, two new senators – Godswill Akpabio and Abiodun Olujimi were named by Senate President as Minority Leader and Deputy Chief Whip on Tuesday.

An APC senator, Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara

Central), who raised a point of order, was ruled out of order by Saraki, who said the senator was crying more than the bereaved. House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara bowed to the wish of the party by naming those recommended by the party as principal officers when the Green Chamber reconvened on Tuesday.

•From left: Marcello Schermer, host, Lagosstartupweek, Olumide Olayinka; Head of Pulse, Rixhard Tanksley, guest speaker, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, special guest, Prof. Pat Utomi and MD, Nielsen West Africa, Lampe Omoyele at the opening ceremony of Lagosstartupweek, a week with Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs and Innovators in Lagos.

Nigeria is seventh largest in the world, says UN report Continued from page 2

ladesh, China, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan), two are in Latin America (Brazil and Mexico), one is in Northern America (US), and one is in Europe (Russian Federation).

“Of these, Nigeria’s population, currently the seventh largest in the world, is growing the most rapidly,” said the report. Consequently, the population of Nigeria is projected to surpass that of the United States by about 2050, at which point it would become the third largest country in the world.

The report also projected that by 2050 the populations of six countries are expected to exceed 300 million: China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the United States.

The in its latest report released yesterday has projected the world’s population to reach 8.5 billion by 2013, 9.7 billion by 2050 and exceed 11

billion in 2100, with India expected to dislodge China as the most populous around seven years from now and Nigeria overtaking the U.S. to become the world’s third largest country around 35 years from now.

Moreover, the report showed that during the 20152050 period, half of the world’s population growth is expected to be concentrated in nine countries: India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the United States, Indonesia and Uganda.

Wu Hongbo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, whose department produced the 2015 Revision of World Population Prospects, the 24th round of official UN population estimates and projections, noted that understanding the demographic

changes that are likely to unfold over the coming years “is key to the design and implementation of the new development agenda.”

UN member states are currently in the process of crafting a successor agenda to the landmark Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which wrap up at the end of this year. A new framework, focused on poverty eradication, social inclusion and preserving the health of the planet, is set to be adopted at a special UN summit, in New York in September.

According to the report’s projections, the current world population of 7.3 billion is expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100.

“Most of the projected increase in the world’s population can be attributed to a short list of high-fertility countries, mainly in Africa, or

countries with already large populations,” the report said.

At present, China and India are the two largest countries in the world, each with more than one billion people, representing 19 and 18 per cent of the world’s population, respectively. But, by 2022, the population of India is expected to surpass that of China.

And with the highest rate of population growth, Africa is expected to account for more than half of the world’s population growth over the next 35 years.

During this period, the report said, the populations of 28 African countries are projected to more than double, and by 2100, 10 African countries are projected to have increased by at least a factor of five: Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Somalia, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia.

Nigeria’s envoy visits Sijuwade’s family in UK Continued from page 2

the palace chiefs.

A source at the palace, who preferred not to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, confirmed that the monarch was dead.

According to him, it was normal for the chiefs to deny Ooni’s death because certain traditional rites had not yet been carried out before the news of the monarch’s death was received by the public.

For instance, he said parts of all the trees in the palace must have been cut as a sign of a bad omen to authenticate the news.

He also said once a particular traditional chief enters the palace his appearance would be a harbinger of the death of the Ooni after which, he said, none of the traditional property would be allowed to be taken out of the palace.

Condolences from prominent Nigerians were pouring in yesterday, though some were cautious.

House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara expressed shock over the passage of Oba Sijuwade.

He described his passing as a monumental loss to the nation.

Dogara, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, said: “I join our countrymen and women to

mourn the demise of the Oni who was a father to all.

Nigeria has lost one of its most respected and revered tradituonal rulers.

“The late monarch has lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation. I pray God to give his family and the Ife Kingdom, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“I use this medium to also commiserate with the government and people of Osun State over the death of the revered monarch.”

Former Osun State Governor Isiaka Adeleke described the late Ooni of Ife as an epitome of intellectual kingship.

In a message issued on his behalf by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Olumide Lawal, Senator Adeleke said the late Oba Sijuwade represented a rare class of traditional rulers, who gave monarchy a touch of panache, glamour and graceful candour.

The Asiwaju of Edeland recalled his interactions with the late Ooni of Ife during his tenure as the first governor of Osun State between 1992 and 1993.

He described him as a royal eagle in all its ramifications, who has “flown home” in a blaze of glory. He prayed to God to grant him eternal rest and those he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.

Adeleke urged the people

of Ile-Ife and Osun to roll out the drums and give the foremost monarch first class burial.

Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN) mourned with “our Yoruba brothers and sisters over the sudden pass of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade”.

In a statement by its President Chief Udoka Udeogaranya, the group said: ”Oba Okunade Sijuwade was one of the few top class traditional rulers on the continent of Africa, whose fame and riches is known and recognised throughout the four corners of the world and truly, he was ‘King of Africa’.

“Oba Okunade Sijuwade was an Oba of Obas in the Yoruba nation and while other traditional rulers sought to visit Mr. President, Presidents sought to visit Oba Okunade Sijuwade and he would always put the needs of the Yoruba nation first and foremost.

“We urge the sons and daughters of Odua to put aside all their differences and come together and ensure that Oba Sijuwade received a befitting burial and chart a united course for the betterment of the Yoruba nation.

“We condole with the Yoruba nation over this irreplaceable loss and that the Almighty God will grant them the fortitude to bear the

pains.”

The media reported widely the foremost monarch’s passing on at St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London on Tuesday.

But contrary to that report, the hospital said the Oba was not its patient.

Officials of St Mary’s hospital said the Ooni who was registered as King Sijuwade on their record was last admitted in July 2014.

Two administrative staff of the hospital, who work at the reception and the accident and emergency departments, said the king had not been admitted at all this year to the hospital. And so they would not have an up to date information regarding his well being.

•Dr.Tafida

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

59

FOREIGN NEWS

President Erdogan in China to boost trade, investment

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RESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdo?an began an official visit to China yesterday with a visit to the Monument to the People's Heroes in Tiananmen Square, where he placed a wreath. A group of ministers and about 100 members of the business community accompanied Erdo?an along with Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci and Energy Minister Taner Yildiz.

He then travelled to the National People's Congress for a private meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang.

Erdo?an later held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, after which both presidents spoke to the media.

The three-day trip is Erdo?an's first to the country as president, and follows a previous visit in 2012 as prime minister.

Since his first election win of 2003, diplomatic relations -- established between the two countries in 1971 -- have significantly improved, peaking over the last 10 years through several high-level bilateral vis-

its.

Erdo?an's state visit is expected to focus on Turkish trade links with the world's second-biggest economy.

NATO member Turkey entered discussions in 2013 with the China Precision Machinery Export-Import Corporation (CPMIEC) for its first anti-missile system and chose the company as a preferred bidder with a contract worth $3.4 billion in 2013.

The agreement, however, is not signed yet between the two parties and the future of the deal is a matter of debate.

While the sides enjoy outwardly friendly relations, Turkish public sentiment has been inflamed by reports that members of the Uighur minority native to China's northwest have been restricted in practicing their Islamic faith, particularly during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which ended in mid-July. Turks and Uighurs share close linguistic, cultural and religious ties.

Turkey suggests a special

Afghan intelligence: Taliban leader Mullah Omar dead

A

•Chinese President Xi Jinping, (R) shakes hands with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as they attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China...Yesterday PHOTO:EPA

free-trade zone that will enable Chinese firms to carry out all kinds of trade and production in Turkey, said Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci during the bilateral talks he held with Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng in Beijing on Wednesday.

Turkey wants to initiate a process to remove all the obstacles to trade between Turkey and China, stated Zeybekci, adding that both countries want to improve their bilateral relations based on a win-win principle.

Underlining Turkey's and China's objective of boosting trade relations with joint activities, Zeybekci said that they launched work to form a new Chinese Action Plan to be implemented between 2015 and 2018. In reference to the existing trade relations between the two countries, Zeybekci also said that Turkey wants to improve its exports to China to the level of China's exports to Turkey.

President Erdo?an is also due to visit Indonesia as part of a four-day Asian trip.

French migrants in mass attempts to reach England

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IGRANTS rushed the tunnel linking France and England repeatedly for a second night yesterday and one man was crushed to death by a truck in the chaos, deepening tensions surrounding the thousands of people camped in this northern French port city.

To get to the tunnel, migrants must cross a busy highway, scale or cut through barricades and fences, and pry open cargo doors or crouch in the freight cars that cradle the tractor-trailers. It's not clear how many have successfully made the 35minute journey to Britain, but Eurotunnel said it had blocked more than 37,000 attempts since January. Nine people have died trying since June.

A

There were wildly conflicting totals of people involved Wednesday, ranging from 150 to as many as 1,200. But French authorities and the company agreed there had been about 2,000 attempts on each of two successive nights.

British Home Secretary Theresa May said "a number" of migrants made it through overnight.

Attempts have been increasing exponentially as has the sense of crisis in recent weeks, spurred by new barriers around the Eurotunnel site, lack of access to the Calais port, labor strife that turned the rails into protest sites for striking workers, and an influx of desperate migrants.

Many British officials are alarmed at what they see as a potential influx of foreigners, while French officials are concerned about the makeshift Calais tent camps derisively called "the Jungle."

"This exceptional migrant situation has dramatic human consequences," said French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. "Calais is a mirror of conflicts tearing up regions of the world."

About 25 migrants were seen getting off a public bus in Calais on Wednesday with a police officer who left them by the side of the road. Several said they were returning from a night of trying to cross the Channel. "(We) come from train here

and tomorrow, inshallah, try again in the train," said an Eritrean who would not give his name as he planned further attempts to reach England.

The man killed overnight, believed to be a Sudanese man in his mid-20s, was crushed by a truck as he tried to stow away, Gilles Debove, a police union official told The Associated Press.

The delays were causing mayhem for truckers on both sides of the Channel. Cargo trucks were backed up overnight in Calais for several kilometres (miles) leading to the loading zone, some of them stuck on a highway overpass above one of the many makeshift migrant camps.

Israel demolishes settlement in West Bank

I

SRAELI bulldozers began demolishing a contested housing complex in a West Bank settlement yesterday as the prime minister's office announced the "immediate construction"

• Netanyahu

of some 300 new units at another location in the same settlement and advanced plans for about 500 new units in east Jerusalem.

The move, which is likely to draw international rebuke, comes amid a standoff in the Beit El settlement, to the north of Jerusalem in the West Bank.

The standoff escalated sharply yesterday, after the Israeli Supreme Court rejected a petition to overturn its initial ruling to demolish a complex in Beit El and ordered the destruction completed no later than today.

The complex was deemed illegal because it was under construction without prior

Israeli authorisation.

The military moved in and removed protesters holed up inside, but hundreds of Jewish settlers gathered at the scene and some fought with Israeli forces, who responded by firing water cannons at the protesters.

Tempers are high among some in the settler community as it marks a decade since Israel's "disengagement" from the Gaza Strip, when Israel in the summer of 2005 withdrew all its civilians and soldiers from all of the settlements there and also from two in the West Bank.

Israel initially promised to build the 300 housing units

in Beit El three years ago, when it ordered the removal of other buildings constructed on private Palestinian land.

The new units announced

by Benjamin Netanyahu's office are both in Beit El and elsewhere, including areas in east Jerusalem, which Israeli leaders say are inseparable neighbourhoods of Jerusalem.

They say these neighbourhoods will remain a part of Israel under any future peace agreement, but the Palestinians consider them settlements and say construction there is illegal, a position backed by the international community.

Pakistan: Militant leader killed in shootout

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AKISTANI police have killed the leader of an al Qaeda-linked militant group that has repeatedly carried out deadly attacks on the country's Shiite Muslim minority in recent years, authorities said yesterday.

Malik Ishaq, the head of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, was killed during a shootout after armed men on motorcycles ambushed

a police convoy that was transporting him between prisons in Punjab province, Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department said.

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi is known for targeting Shiites in Sunni-majority Pakistan, including a series of bombings in early 2013 that left more than 160 people dead in Balochistan province.

Ishaq was detained by authorities soon after those attacks.

In the clash with police early Wednesday, the motorcycleriding attackers freed Ishaq and two of his sons in the ambush, but police responded with gunfire that killed the terrorist leader, both of his sons and 12 others, authorities said.

The other militants fled the

scene, according to the Counter Terrorism Department. Six police officials were injured, it said.

Police had taken Ishaq and his two sons to another prison to assist in identifying confiscated arms and explosives, authorities said. The ambush was reported to have taken place around 3 a.m., during the return journey.

FGHANISTAN’s main intelligence agency says the reclusive Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar has been dead for more than two years.

Abdul Hassib Seddiqi, the spokesman for Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security, said Wednesday that Mullah Omar died in a hospital in the Pakistani city of Karachi in April 2013.

“We confirm officially that he is dead,” he told The Associated Press.

The confirmation comes two days before the Afghan government and the Taliban are to hold their second round of official peace talks in Pakistan.

The Afghan government says it is investigating reports that the reclusive leader of the Taliban, Mullah Mohammad Omar, has been dead for more than two years.

The Taliban could not be immediately reached for comment on the reports, which swirled around the Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday after government officials, speaking anonymously, said that Omar’s death had been confirmed.

Omar, the one-eyed, secretive head of the Taliban and an al-Qaida ally, led a bloody insurgency against U.S.-led forces after they toppled him from his rule in Afghanistan in 2001. He has not been seen in public since fleeing the invasion over the border into Pakistan and has been declared dead on a number of

occasions.

Zafar Hashemi, a deputy spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, made the announcement at a hastily called news conference Wednesday in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

“We are aware of the reports of the passing away of Mullah Omar, the Taliban leader,” Hashemi said. “We are still in the process of checking those reports, and as soon as we get confirmation or verification, we will inform the Afghan people and the media.”

A Pakistani security official, speaking on condition of anonymity as he wasn’t authorised to brief journalists, called the circling rumours “speculation” designed to disrupt peace talks.

The rumours come two days before the next round of talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives is due to be held in Pakistan. A senior government official confirmed the meeting will take place in the resort town of Murree, where the first round was held on July 7.

If Omar died, it could complicate the peace process as it removes a figurehead for the insurgents, who until now have appeared to act collectively but are believed to be split on whether to continue the war or negotiate with Ghani’s government. Ending the war has been a main priority for Ghani since he took office last year.

• Mullah Omar

Zimbabweans linked to illegal lion hunt appear in court •American dentist expresses regret over lion killing

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WO men arrested for illegally hunting a protected lion are in court on yesterday in Zimbabwe to face poaching charges.

The Zimbabwean men - a professional hunter and a farm owner - are accused of helping an American tourist hunt the lion named Cecil.

The two appeared at the Hwange magistrate's court, about 435 miles (700 kilometers) west of the capital Harare.

Defense lawyer Givemore Muvhiringi says the proceedings have been delayed by several hours because prosecutors are "making their assessments."

Zimbabwean police said they are looking for the American tourist, identified as Walter James Palmer, who allegedly paid $50,000 to track and kill the animal.

Palmer, a dentist living in the Minneapolis suburb of Eden Prairie, said in a statement that he was unaware the lion was protected, relying on local guides to ensure a legal hunt.

Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority and the

Safari Operators Association said in a joint statement that the farm owner did not have a hunting permit. The lion was skinned and beheaded.

The professional hunter's license has been suspended and the trophy from the lion hunt has been confiscated, the joint statement said.

Cecil, recognisable by his black mane, was being studied by an Oxford University research program.

Meanwhile, Walter Palmer, a dentist from Minnesota whom Zimbabwean authorities say they are seeking for their investigation, has expressed regret over the killing of the animal.

Palmer says he thought everything was above board with the lion hunt he paid to go on earlier this month.

But the lion that he and his local guides hunted down and killed wasn't just any big cat, according to Zimbabwean officials.

It was Cecil, a beloved resident of Hwange National Park and a major tourist draw for Zimbabwe.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

60

CITYBEATS I invested N2m in drug trafficking, says suspect A 44-year-old man, Chidi Chibude, has reportedly told anti-drug agents that he invested N2 million in drug trafficking to enable him make N4million profit.

Chibude, who was arrested by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, said he sold his only property in Enugu to raise the N2million.

He was arrested while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to China.

A statement by NDLEA quoted him saying: “I am married with a child. I used to sell clothes and my business was flourishing in 2007.

My problem started in 2008 when I lost all my three big

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

shops. I see it as a spiritual attack because I lost everything I had laboured to acquire over the years.

I sold the only property I have in Enugu with the hope of relocating to Lagos. Unfortunately, I listened to wrong advice and invested my last savings in cocaine business. They assured me that I could earn twice the amount I invested in the deal but I am regretting my action.”

The suspect said he did not know that drug trafficking attracts death penalty in China, adding: “I never thought of it. My entire attention was on the N4 million profit I would have made from my trip. I am so worried now about my wife

and daughter.”

NDLEA commander at the stet airport Mr Hamza Umar said the suspect ingested 1.185kg of whitish substances that tested positive for cocaine.

He said: “We discovered from our investigation that the suspect sold his property in Enugu and invested the proceeds in drug trafficking due to wrong counsel from friends. He was apprehended during outward screening of passengers on Qatar flight. The cocaine found on him weighed 1.185kg”.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade, who described drug trafficking as criminal, warned that those who seek wealth from crime would pay the price for their action.

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

Two foreigners charged with $8.8m fraud

By Adebisi Onanuga

T

•Chibude

“NDLEA is combating drug trafficking with every resource at its disposal. Drug trafficking is criminal and the gains of a drug-free society is priceless. The lesson to be learnt from this case is that those who seek quick wealth from drug trafficking will end up in prison custody” Giade said.

S

Health workers suspend strike

By Wale Adepoju

of Health to verify the matter, but the result we got was that the money is still being processed.”

He said the workers alleged that the hospital management had collected N250 million, adding: “How is this possible? Nobody can give what it does not have.”

FMC Medical Director, Dr Yewande Jinadu, said the call duty allowance of the striking workers would be paid as soon as they go back to work.

She continued: “Fifty percent will be paid immediately they resume and the other half with their salary. This was the agreement we reached with them.”

She explained that the delay in receiving the promotion arrears for 2013 and last year was cause by the wrong titling of the fund by the Budget Office.

“The phrase CONMASS was

used as title. This means consolidated medical salary structure and it is for the doctors and not health workers who are grouped under Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS),” Jinadu said.

However, the Chairman of the National Union of Allied Health Professionals and JOHESU of FMC, Ebute Meta Mr Adekunle Shehu said there is no going back on the strike until the management accedes to the demands of the workers.

He said the unions carried their parent bodies along before going on strike.

Shehu said the hospital had yet to pay workers, despite receiving the money for call duty allowance from the health ministry.

Other federal institutions, especially Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), have paid their workers, he said.

The workers, he said, would not resume if any of them is suspended or threatened as “an injury to one is an injury to all.”

Shehu alleged that the file for the promotion arrears could not be found at the Budget Office.

The hospital, the management and state MHWU are being economical with the truth, he claimed Achonwa said said though the state MHWU maintained that the budget office has not paid the call duty allowance, FMC MD stated that management has received it.

This, he said, made the workers to insist that the budget office should write to tell them that the promotion money has not been released.

“It is difficult to tell the workers to go back to work when they discovered that something is fishy,” Achonwa said.

Lagos to prosecute woman, 70, others for child abuse

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HE Lagos State Government is to prosecute a 70-year old woman for applying pepper on a 12-year-old boy’s private part for allegedly stealing her money.

The government will also prosecute another woman who used two children she brought from the village to assist her in trading for begging.

The children were brought to the Ministry of Women Affairs

Court dissolves 22-year N Igando Custommarriage ary Court in Lagos

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•From left: Director, School Admin, Education District VI, Lagos Mrs Ajoke Gbeleyi, Out-going TutorGeneral, Education District VI, Mrs Iyabo Osifeso, Tutor-General/ Permanent Secretary District I, Mrs Florence Ogunfidodo and Director, School Admin, Education District I, Mrs Uzondun at a Leadership Training in Seychelles

TRIKING workers of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute Meta, Lagos have suspended their six-week action.

Branch chairman of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union (MHWU) Comrade Julius Achonwa told The Nation that the workers have reported at their duty post.

The strike was suspended following a “return to work order” by the association’s parent body, MHWU Federal Area Council, Lagos.

MHWU chairman for Federal Area Council, Lagos Comrade Stephen Ibe had on Monday said there was no basis for the strike which started on June 22 over unpaid promotion arrears for 2013 and last year.

Ibe said investigation by the union showed that the Federal Government had not paid the money to the hospital. As such, the strike is illegal and uncalled for, he said, adding: “I personally with my executive went to the Budget Office of the Federal Ministry

HE Lagos State Government has preferred a four-count charge of $8.8million fraud against an Indian-Briton, Deepak Khilnani and an Indian, Dr Sushil Chandra, before an Ikeja High Court in Lagos.

They were alleged to have duped a firm, Green Fuels Limited, the money in 2008.

Khilnani, a chartered accountant, who was not in court was represented by his counsel, Kayode Ajekiigbe.

The prosecutor, Akin George, alleged that the defendants “fraudulently tricked Green Fuels Limited to pay greater sum for a machinery purchased from Gentec Limited than it would have paid for such machinery.”

The defendants were also accused of making false statement to the Corporate Affairs Commission “knowing same to be false, with intent to defraud the shareholders and members of Green Fuels Limited.”

The offences, according to the prosecution, contravened Sections 390(6), 421, 422 and 436 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C17, Vol.2, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.

Khilnani’s counsel, Ajekiigbe told Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye that his client was absent because he had not been served formally. Ajikiigbe said he was in court because of a publication he read in a newspaper.

George replied that the defendants’ counsel was in court because they were aware of the charge.

Justice Ipaye adjourned the matter till August 12.

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) after they were rescued in Badagry, Ajangbadi and Maza-Maza, by government officials and policemen on Tuesday.

WAPA Permanent Secretary Omobolanle Ogunmola said the ministry swung into action following a text message on how the 12-year-old boy was being abused.

“Our team went to Badagry

to rescue the boy who attends Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School. From the information gotten from the school, the suspects are old. The woman is around 70 years and the husband, over 75 years, so we could not arrest them, but that does not mean we are not going to prosecute them. We are going to prosecute them. We will take custody of the boy and take him to school in one of our transient homes,” she

said.

Mrs Ogunmola said there was zero tolerance on child abuse and domestic violence, adding that government would not hesitate to prosecute people who violate the rights of children.

She implored parents not to release their children to live with others without proper investigation to avoid their being used as domestic servants.

yesterday dissolved

the 22-year-old union of Mr and Mrs Godfrey Obioma.

The court’s president, Mr Hakeem Oyekan said efforts to reconcile the parties failed, adding that their marriage has broken down irretrievably.

“Both parties cease to be husband and wife. They are free to go their separate ways without hindrance,’’ Oyekan ruled.

The petitioner, Mrs Joy Obioma, had sought the dissolution of the marriage over what she called her husband’s nonchalant attitude.

“My husband has never been responsible. He smokes Indian hemp every morning in our children’s presence. I can’t remember the last time he gave me some money to cater for our needs.

“I have always been responsible for our children’s upkeep and necessary things in the house still he doesn’t give me peace of mind,” she said.

The 42-year-old trader described her husband as “violent” adding that he always threatened to kill her with a ‘dangerous weapon.’

“I usually thought he never meant all he said because of the things he sniffs and

By Basirat Braimah

smokes but when he poured acid on me, I became scared and I have been having sleepless nights. There was also a day he almost stabbed me with a bottle, Mrs Obioma said.

She said her husband once burnt their house and ran away.

The mother of four said: “He was in Ghana for years and even when he returned, he still shirks his responsibilities. My husband never referred to me as his wife but an “international prostitute” in everyone’s presence which is very embarrassing. He disturbs the neighbourhood whenever he is around.”

She pleaded with the court to dissolve the union, adding that she no longer loves him. The petitioner said she could not continue to live with the respondent.

Obioma admitted smoking Indian hemp but denied ever treating his wife violently.

“I still love her. We were made from heaven to be a couple and no one can separate us,” he said.

The marriage produced four children between ages 10 and 20.

Nurse, assistant docked for alleged unlawful abortion

By Ruqayat Jimoh

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HE police have arraigned a 64-year-old Nurse, Taiwo Ogunlana, and 35 years old Kafayat Oyekola, before an Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for alleged unlawful abortion.

The Nurse, who runs Anu Medical Centre at 41, Church Street in Dalemo, Sango, Ogun State, and Oyekola of Arogundade Street, Aboru, Lagos, on June 6, allegedly did unlawful abortion for Oluwakemi Awoniyi, 31.

The offence, according to the prosecutor, Mr Cousin Adams, contravenes Section 145 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

The charge reads: “That you Taiwo Ogunlana, Kafayat Oyekola, on June 6, 2015, at Oke-Odo area of Lagos State, in Lagos State Magisterial District, did unlawfully carried out abortion on one Oluwakemi Awoyemi, 31, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 145 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.”

The accused persons pleaded not guilty.

Their counsel, Mr. Alli Abba, urged the court to grant them bail in liberal terms.

Prosecuting police, Inspector Adams opposed the bail application. He said the victim is still in hospital.

Magistrate Nurudeen Ayeni granted the accused N100,000 bail, with two sureties each in the like sum. He adjourned the case till August 31.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

CITYBEATS

Court remands serial rapist

By Ruqayat Jimoh

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HE police have arraigned a 30-year-old applicant, John Otuma, before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for the allegedly murder of a woman, Abisogun Arinola, 29.

Otuma was alleged to have unlawfully had carnal knowledge of Arinola without her consent in his black Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with registration number FST 299 CM. The defendant, a post graduate student at the University of Lagos was said to have assaulted Arinola in his Lexus SUV on July 11 on Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi.

Otuma and Arinola were said to be friends and classmates.

Otuma on May 11 also been arraigned before Magistrate Abolarinwa of Court 7 for alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl.

Police prosecutor Emmanuel Eze applied that the defendant be remanded in prison custody, pending legal advice from The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The defence counsel, C. Oseni, prayed the court to grant his client bail in liberal terms. He added that his client might die because he has been in custody for 21 days before his arraignment.

His plea was not taken.

Magistrate Ope-Agbe ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody for DPP advice.

She said the court has no jurisdiction to grant bail on rape matter. The case was adjourned till September 17.

•Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Energy Mrs Iyabo Obasa assisted by the Executive Secretary Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area Hon Lookman Omotosho to plant a tree at the council.

61 CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

‘Nigeria polio-free feat unprecedented’

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OTARY International District 9110 Governor Otunba Bola Onabadejo has described as unprecedented the nation’s polio-free year.

If the tempo is maintained for the next two years, Onabadejo said, the country will be removed from the list of countries that are polio-prone.

To mark the historic event, he planted a tree.

He spoke at a briefing at the group’s headquarters in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

He said: “This is the day we have been waiting for, to see that we didn’t see any recurrence of polio. Since 1985, we started the journey of polio eradication in the country. Today, Nigeria is off it. It is significant and that is why we are marking it.’’ He said the last case of polio virus infection was recorded in Kano State on July 24, last year.

He said the organisation’s aim was that the country’s name is knocked off the list of endemic countries, adding that this was achievable with better surveillance, non-complacent on its efforts on immunisation and more enlightenment.

Onabadejo, who promised at his installation to ‘’stamp out polio’’, explained the importance of the tree planting. He said any one who planted a tree expected it to grow and mature and that

•From left: District Governor Nominee, District 9110, Rotary International, Mr. Wale Ogunbadejo; Dr Funsho; Onabadejo and Alabi planting a tree PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

By Joseph Eshanokpe

this was possible with daily watering, noting that Rotary’s members would not rest on its oars of care to achieve this laudable goal.

Former District Governor Tayo Alabi, who described the day as joyful, said the Rotary family was happy because it fulfilled the promise it made to Nigerians that it would eradicate polio from the country.

He recalled that 10 years ago, there were 1000 cases of polio, but that by last year, the figure had been

drastically reduced to six.

Since 2014, he said, no case had been recorded.

“And so, it is a day of joy,’’ he said, adding that the body’s periscope is trained on 2017, when, it hoped, Nigeria would be declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Chairman, Nigeria National Plus Committee Dr Tunji Funsho described the event as ’a great day’, adding that Rotary’s 20-yearold dream had been achieved. He said the feat did not come easy and there were some chal-

lenges which they eventually surmounted. Thanking their donors, partners and his colleagues for their support, he said their contributions were unquantifiable. So far, he said about $1. 5million had been spent on polio eradication. He also thanked the government for its support, saying that Rotary wants more of its support.

He urged parents to ensure that their children were immunised.

Funsho added: “We have proved that it can be done.

If we become complacent, it won’t be good.’’

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

63

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

SPORT EXTRA PLAYERS’ SELECTION POLICY

Oliseh denies making U-turn S

UPER Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh has denied report of him making a U-turn on the caliber of players that will feature for the Super Eagles in subsequent matches.

Oliseh, on the day of his unveiling as the new coach of Super Eagles announced that only players in top division clubs of credible leagues will henceforth be invited to the team’s camp.

However, there were reports on Tuesday that the

Nigeria coach has made a dramatic U-turn on such decision, but the former Super Eagles captain has denied the report.

“Only first division players are eligible to play for the Super Eagles. Only exceptions are Under 23, Under 20 players and goalkeepers! No U-turn as some claim!” Oliseh declared on his twitter handle on Wednesday.

“The best players in the first division are used to a

certain tempo and competition standard, and we need this tempo for the Super Eagles, that is why we made such decision.”

Oliseh is expected to announce his first group of invited players – all home based – in the first week of August ahead of the CHAN qualifiers against Burkina Faso, and a week later, a list of overseas based players for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania.

• Oliseh

Falcons, Dream Team depart for crucial games today

P

LAYERS and officials of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, and the U-23 National Team will fly out of Nigeria on Thursday for their crucial second legs in pursuit of 2016 Olympic Games tickets.

Siasia’s wards won 2-1 against Congo’s Red Devils in Port Harcourt and have no illusions as to the fact that plenty odds will be put in their strides by the hosts in notorious Pointe

RESULTS Int'l - Club Friendlies Rayo 1 - 0 Real Sociedad Al-Ain 0 - 4 Hull City Atalanta 3 - 3 Novara Lechia 1 - 2 Juventus Napoli 5 - 1 Cittadella Genoa 0 - 0 Piacenza Leipzig 2 - 0 Ingolstadt Academica 0 - 3 Nacional Besiktas 5 - 0 Zavrc Atalanta 3 - 0 Renate Leverkusen 4 - 0 Levante Eintracht 1 - 6 Frankfurt Guingamp 0 - 1 UNFP FC Angers 0 - 0 Chateauroux Twente 1 - 2 Olympiakos Lucon 0 - 2 Nantes Racing 1 - 2 Gijon Covilha 1 - 2 Tondela

Noire. Danjuma’s ladies played a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in Abuja and are also equally braced up for expected fierce reception by the hosts in Bata.

The Falcons will fly into Malabo at about 3am on Friday aboard CEIBA ariline, and then proceed to mainland Bata by 7am. The team is scheduled to have the official training at the Stadium Nkoatoma de Bata

on Saturday, ahead of Sunday’s clash between the two strongest women’s football –playing nations in Africa.

The Dream Team, gold medallists at the Men’s Football Tournament of the Olympics at the Centennial Games in Atlanta 19 years ago, will be led by the man who took the team to silver at the Olympics in Beijing seven years ago.

They will fly aboard Ethio-

pia Airline to Pointe Noire, to arrive just after noon.

Already, leaders of the Nigerian community in CongoBrazzaville, who mobilized Nigerians in that country and provided useful tips for the Super Eagles before a 2-0 win against the Red Devils in the same city in November last year, have swung into action to back the Dream Team all the way.

Nigeria's contingent leaves for AAG Aug. 31

T

HE Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC), AlHassan Yakmut, has said the

• Okagbare

country’s contingent to the All Africa Games would depart for Brazzaville on August 31.

Yakmut told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday that the contingent would converge in Abuja before travelling to the Congolese capital for the 11th edition of the games.

He said that Nigeria would feature in 19 events, including athletics, at the continental championships.

He said that the welfare of contingent was top on NSC's priority, stressing that the commission would ensure that the athletes were ad-

equately cared for.

“The Federal government has released funds, which will be channelled towards the AAG, World Youth Games in Samoa and preparation towards the Olympics.

“Athletes’ welfare will be our priority; the funds will be channelled towards their accommodation, feeding and flight, among others.

“We will ensure that the money given by the Federal Government will be used judiciously. It will be irresponsible if the money disbursed

by NSC to federations is not used appropriately," he said.

Eaglets thrash Team Nigeria UK 9-0

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OLDEN Eaglets, Nigeria's U-17 team, recorded a flattering 90 win over Team Nigeria UK (soaring Eaglets) at the Abuja National Stadium yesterday.

Emeka Ebere scored a hat trick, Suleiman Abdullahi got a brace. Other goal scorers for the Eaglets were Chinedu Madueke, Kelechi Nwakali, Orji Promise and Gavi Thompson.

"The match was just another opportunity to test and evaluate our players as we build towards the World Cup in Chile, but we are not flattered with the scoreline," noted Eaglets coach, Emmanuel Amuneke. It was good these boys came around from overseas and try to possibly find their way into the team and we are going to sit down and evaluate them."

Team Nigeria UK, according

to Coach David Doherty, would hopefully put up a better performance in the next game fixed for the same venue today, adding that some of his boys were not at their best since this was their first time in the country.

Yesterday's match was handled by Referee Odey Benjamin and he was assisted by Peter Bwamba and Hulda Nkwocha, while Hannah Elaigwu served as reserve referee.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed FIFA -licensed referee Abdullahi Shuabu to officiate today’s game between the two teams. Idowu Adepoju and Bose Momoh have also been appointed as the assistant referees and Philip Ihembe as the reserve referee.

VSO teaches kids table tennis skills

T

HE Director of Value Sports One (VSO), Adelaja Ijadola has said that the holiday Children Mini Table Tennis Pilot Programme for kids is meant to teach them the basics of the game.

Ijadola noted that the IkosiIsheri Local Government gave their full backing to the event by partnering VSO, which is of immense to the participant. However Ijadola revealed that the exercise would restart when the public schools resume from the long vacation.

He said: “The programme, endorsed by Executive secretary Of Ikosi Isheri LG, Hon. Kazeem Bamishe Afolabi will commence fully when the students resume and it will involve all the public schools under Ikosi Isheri LG. The programme will also extend to other parts of the state to generate employment opportunity for youths in sports.”

In the same vein, Ijadola stated that the event would be an avenue to promote the Vision One Million Children Table Tennis Education, which is a new innovation designed by the VSO patron, Olufemi Olugbile.

According to Ijadola, Olugbile is an ITTF sports science member and has helped to ensure that VSO table tennis programmes are science-driven.

www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

L

AST week, President Muhammadu Buhari concluded a four-day official visit to Washington at the invitation of President Barack Obama. The official visit, the first in recent years by a Nigerian leader, was hailed by the Nigerian media as a huge success. The day after the visit, the World Bank (IFC) announced a soft loan of US2.1billion to Nigeria for the reconstruction of the war ravaged Northeast of Nigeria. The timing of the WB loan was politically-significant, as it was probably already in the pipeline before the president’s visit to Washington. The high point of the visit was the private discussion between the two leaders, which focused on global terrorism (Boko Haram) and the widespread public corruption in Nigeria, over which there is much global concern. President Buhari also addressed the US business community in Washington, as well as some of the over 300,000 Nigerians in diaspora in the US. Expectations here about the possible benefits of the visit are quite high. The Nigerian public is upbeat that President Buhari’s visit to Washington will mark a turning point in bilateral relations between the US and Nigeria. President Obama promised that the US will assist Nigeria recover its stolen money laundered in the US. But in Washington there was probably less euphoria about the possible outcome of the visit. While American diplomats in Nigeria and a lot of American scholars have been profuse in their expression of goodwill and friendship towards Nigeria, it is by no means certain how much of this feeling is shared by the American establishment that has grown weary of Nigeria’s serial failure. President Obama has visited some African countries. but to show his displeasure, he has not yet visited Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa. In recent years, relations between the two countries have been somewhat strained over a variety of issues. US officials have publicly rebuked Nigeria for the alleged human rights abuses by the Nigerian military in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents. Pleading a Congressional law against countries with a record of human rights abuses, the Obama government has refused arms supplies and sale to Nigeria. From the Nigerian perspective, this has made the prosecution of the war against the insurgency more difficult. Supply of American attack helicopters to Nigeria is vital for the success of the war against the insurgency.

The US has withheld this. President Buhari has promised to address this American complaint regarding human rights abuses in Nigeria.

Of course, the Nigerian military and security forces should be more professional and humane in their military offensive against the BH insurgents, despite the latter’s savagery. There is some evidence that the Nigerian military have often been brutal in dealing with non-combatants in the war, detaining and even shooting some unarmed civilians. This is wrong. It is bound to be counterproductive as it alienates the local civilian population and drives them into the arms of the BH insurgents. However, it is, perhaps, necessary to remind the US about the savage manner its armed forces conduct-

T

HERE is corruption and there is impunity; then there is corruption meshed with impunity. Hardball will want to wager that corruption is perhaps the most versatile noun in its class. That act of impairing the integrity of a process or thing lends itself to numerous other meanings and interpretations and all of them vile.

Here are some samples: the word corruption can also be interchanged with bastardisation, defilement, destruction, deterioration, decomposition, debasement, depravity, adulteration, bribery, wickedness, putrescence… One can go on and on. In other words, corruption is as bad as they say it is.

Now when you combine this with impunity, which means simply to escape punishment; the result would be too difficult to contain in any one word.

This scenario seems to capture the matter between Interstate Electrics Limited, owners of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and Geometric Power (GP), owners of Aba Integrated

TODAY IN THE NATION

VOL. 10, NO. 3291

‘In Nigeria, our civilisation has not reached the stage where a man will marry a man or a woman will marry a woman. This is why homosexuals ply their trade in hiding here’ LAWAL OGIENAGBON

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Buhari’s visit to Washington

•President Buhari ed its war in Vietnam, which stirred the conscience of the world. There has also been international concern over the inhumane manner detainees in the US military base in Guantanamo in Cuba are being treated. Nor is Israel, America’s strategic ally in the Middle East, being denied US arms supplies despite the savagery of the Israeli Defence Forces in its past military operations in Palestine and Lebanon. The Jonathan government responded to these double standards by actually asking the US to withdraw its military training team from Nigeria, a rebuff which the US resented deeply. By the time the Jonathan PDP government was ousted from power in May, military collaboration between the two countries had virtually ceased.

In addition, persistent and strong condemnation by the Obama US government of widespread and increasing corruption in Nigeria, though justified, was openly resented by the Jonathan PDP government as undermining its moral authority in Nigeria. The US played no role in the defeat of Jonathan in the presidential election, but there can be little or no doubt that it was happy to see that government go. Under Jonathan, relations with the US were so strained that only a new government could repair the damage. The situation presents the Buhari government and the Obama US administration with new opportunities to take the first tentative steps towards normalising relations between their two countries.

However, there is no point in being starry eyed about bilateral relations between the US and Nigeria. The situation calls for a meas-

ure of realism on both sides. Over the years, relations between the two countries have moved like a roller coaster, with periods of cordiality between them, followed quickly by short spells of policy differences and open hostility. On the Nigerian side, the refusal of the US to sell arms to Nigeria during its civil war was considered an unfriendly act by a country that Nigeria considered a friend and ally. In fact, President Nixon had to be restrained by the Harold Wilson British Labour government from recognising the secessionist state. This created a deep mistrust in Nigeria about the attitude of the US towards Nigeria. Then, again in 1975, or thereabouts, after the hurried withdrawal of Portugal from Angola, the Nigerian military leaders were irritated by the diplomatic but ungainly pressure by the US on Nigeria to recognise the Western backed FLNA movement as the new government in Angola, instead of the MPLA, which was backed by the progressive African states. In response, the Nigerian military leader, Murtala Mohammed, warned the US that ‘Africa has come of age’ and should not be dictated to by foreign powers. This rebuff, and the nationalisation of British Petroleum holdings in Nigeria in 1976 by the Obasanjo military regime, angered the US and removed any illusions it may have had that, if necessary, Nigeria would not hesitate to oppose US policy in Africa and act in its own perceived national interest. One American analyst described Nigeria’s response to the post-colonial situation in Africa as ‘muscular’, a remark which shows a misunderstanding of Nigeria’s African policy, particularly on the process of decolonisation in Africa. Very few American policy makers really understand that, in spite of its internal contradictions, Nigeria is fiercely independent, that it does not like being treated as a ‘client state’, and is resentful of any heavyhanded external pressures.

In addition, the US has not been consistent in its opposition to military rule in Nigeria. It tended initially to maintain an attitude of benign indifference to military regimes in Nigeria, but it limited military assistance to Nigeria to training its ECOWAS forces in Liberia and Sierra Leone. In 2003, total US military assistance to Nigeria was only US$7m. It was only in recent years, after the excesses of the brutal Abacha military regime in Nigeria, and the return to civil rule, that relations with the US began to improve. The US began to accept that its overarching national interest in Nigeria and,

HARDBALL EEDC’s two-year-old impunity Power Project (AIPP).

As the story goes, in May 2004, GP entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to build an integrated power project in Aba. The MoU came with a concession of a ring-fenced area of the Aba metropolis and Ariaria districts. These contiguous areas would be the off-takers of the power generated by the project.

In April 2005, GP upgraded the MoU into an agreement between it, the Federal Government and the National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA).

And with the unbundling of NEPA in 2005, a further supplemental agreement was reached between GP, FGN and all the unbundled successor company of NEPA including the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and EEDC. Further, as part of the agreement, the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) in

2006 registered Aba Electricity Distribution Company Plc (Aba Disco) at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as the 12th distribution company.

Both the BPE and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated are shareholders in Aba Disco.

With all these seemingly proper procedures, why is there now a long-running dispute between GP and the EEDC? Hardball seems to have no other explanation than IMPUNITY, yes with capital letters. According to a series of SOS sent out by GP, no sooner did Interstate acquire licence for EEDC to distribute power in the five states of the Southeast than it moved into GP’s Aba metropolis and Ariaria district and physically disrupted the ongoing projects. Thus for most of two years, GP has been unable to meet on its delivery targets with huge attendant costs.

indeed, Africa, is in promoting democracy, and offering support for the development of physical and social infrastructure in Nigeria.

It provided annually some $7 million to prodemocracy organisations in Nigeria during the Abacha regime to strengthen the struggle against military rule in Nigeria. America’s hope is that stronger Nigeria-US relations would impact more positively on the growth of democracy, stability, and prosperity in Africa. In this regard, there is a mutuality of interests between the two countries which, in recent years, and from the perspectives of the US, has been brought to the fore by the increasing role and expansion of Chinese influence in Africa. The US is concerned about this development which has the potential of reducing America’s considerable political, strategic, and economic power in Africa. It is in this light that recent renewed US interest in Nigeria and Africa should be viewed.

As far as bilateral economic relations are concerned, the US, under President Bush, gave Nigeria considerable financial assistance to fight the HIV/AID scourge, including a substantial financial grant in 2003. The US financial contribution made a substantial difference to the success of reducing HIV/AIDS prevalence in Nigeria. There is also the US sponsored African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) which is supposed to promote African exports to the US market. In 2000, Nigeria was among the top 10 exporters to US. But this programme has not made much economic impact in Nigeria as, under AGOA, African exporters are still constrained by quantitative and qualitative restrictions. The US has virtually ceased to import oil from Nigeria. It is now a major oil producer and exporter. China and India have replaced the US as the largest oil importers from Nigeria. Nigeria is also one of the largest importers of wheat from the US. President Obama has committed his government to assisting Nigeria and other African countries with solar energy, badly needed, particularly in Northern Nigeria where electricity supply is much lower than the national average. But Nigeria cannot expect from the US any significant financial assistance. ODA flows from the US to Nigeria have averaged annually less than US$100m in the last decade. Before then, it was even lower, averaging less than US$30m. In contrast, ODA from the UK in 2006 was US$1,031m as against the ODA from the US of only US$167. ODA from the EU in the period was US$248m.

It is important for the two countries to strengthen their bilateral relations in areas where they can both identify a mutuality of interests, such as in security and economic cooperation. But while the US can make a contribution towards securing the muchneeded change in Nigeria, it is the responsibility of Nigerian leaders to take the initiative by introducing domestic measures that will propel the country forward and redirect Nigeria’s economic strategy and development in a more progressive way, The US, on its own efforts alone, cannot secure Nigeria. It cannot end corruption here. This is the responsibility of Nigerian leaders.

• For comments, send SMS to 08054503031

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above Apparently, the overwhelming impunity of the Goodluck Jonathan era was working very well for EEDC so it would not obey legally binding agreements and all entreaties even from the regulator failed so far. Impunity.

Here is a telling statement from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC): “In view of the above mandate and the pending transfer of the ownership of the EEDC to Interstate Electrics, it is important to reiterate, for the benefit of doubt, the existence of a legally valid and binding lease agreement dated April 28, 2005 between the Federal Government of Nigeria, Geometric Power Aba Limited (GPAL), Aba Power Limited (APL), and PHCN. While the encumbrance on the property purchased by EEDC is unrelated to the issue ownership of EEDC, Interstate Electricity as the new owner is legally bound to respect the lease agreement which it is inheriting along with the purchase of EEDC.” You see why the impunity here is the heedless kind?

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