July 31, 2015 by The Nation

Newspaper of the Year

•Report on anti-Buhari posture unsettles Senate •EFCC grills ex-NIMASA DG, Chime’s Chief of Staff •Reps to IG: re-open Ige’s, Giwa’s, Rewane’s killings •No more division in House, say Dogara, Gbajabiamila •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3292 FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

By Our Reporter

don for Lagos last night. The development came on the heels of a visit by members of the Ife Traditional Council to Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the Okefia Government House in Osogbo, the state capital. For the second day running, the chiefs, led by the Lowa of Ife, High Chief Joseph Ijaodola, dismissed the

P5 P7 P5

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

death of the Ooni as a rumour. The passing on of a frontline monarch in the mould of the Ooni is not announced until 30 days after his demise, a source said. At the meeting, which lasted for about 10 minutes, was the Council’s Secretary, Chief Adetoye Odewole and high-ranking government Continued on page 4

N150.00

Nigeria seeks neighbours’ help to fight terrorists

Ooni: Aregbesola, Ile-Ife chiefs hold talks ARRING the unforeseen, the remains of foremost monarch Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, will be flown back home from London, this weekend, The Nation learnt yesterday. It was also learnt that Adetokunbo, the eldest son of the royal father, was billed to leave Lon-

NEWS Page 11

CBN’s deadline for debtors expires

From Augustine Ehikioya, Yaounde

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday rounded off his two-day visit to Cameroon, urging Nigeria’s neighbours to join the anti-Boko Haram war. He said Nigeria and the neighbouring countries must stand together to defeat the terrorists. The President spoke at a dinner held in his honour at the Unity Palace in Yaounde to close his working visit to Cameroon. According to him, countries in the sub-region cannot af-

•The late Oba Sijuwade

Continued on page 4

•INSIDE: BANKS REJECT FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS P12 ACCESS BANK GETS NEW CHAIR P12

71 captives rescued as troops smash Boko Haram camps Why war was tough, by ex-CDS Badeh From Yusuf Alli and Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

KINNY men and women. Frail old people and ailing young boys and girls. They were all excited to be free — thanks to troops who subdued two Boko Haram camps in Chuogori and Shantumari, Borno State. The seizure of the camps was spearheaded by troops from 21 Brigade and Nigerian Army Engineers. In Kashingeri, Wale, Kushingari and other camps, 151 Task Force Battalion troops rescued 71 civilians from the terrorists’ camps. Amid the success, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, yesterday listed why the war had been tough. He said: •the military’s equipment was not enough; •some fifth columnists in the military and other security agencies were leaking operational plans to the insurgents; and •when the insurgency broke out in the Northeast, the military had been overstretched. The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, said troops dislodged insurgents from two camps yesterday and rescued 59 from three others. In a statement last night, Col. Usman said: “As part of efforts to rid Nigeria of WILL THE Boko Haram terrorists, CHIBOK troops of 21 Brigade and GIRLS EVER elements of Nigerian RETURN? Continued on page 4

•Two soldiers at one of the camps raided by troops ...yesterday PHOTOS: MILITARY

‘

I was waiting for death...they often threatened to kill us

’

•An underground hole where insurgents hide weapons •Some of the rescued people...yesterday

•POLITICS P10•BRAND P13 •AGRIC P16 •SPORTS P24 •INDUSTRY P47 •FOREIGN P60

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NEWS •From left: President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and Deputy Director, United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Enoh Ebong at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dangote Oil Refinery and USTDA in Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: SANUSI RAHMAN

Testy times for Ministry of Health These are no ordinary times for the Ministry of Health. Petitions are flying here and there. An employee, who joined the ministry as a medical doctor, has been discovered to be fake and is being tried by the police. He is said to be the arrowhead of the petitions. OLUKOREDE YISHAU examines the crux of the matter

N all his years in the civil service, Linus Awute has perhaps never faced the sort of challenge he is facing now. The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health is being accused of one wrongdoing or the other. The man identified as the arrowhead of the attack on him was known as Dr Davidson George. He joined the ministry in 2006 as a Medical Officer 11 on grade level 13. He was due to be promoted as Assistant Director in Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, a parastatal of the •Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (right) discussing with the President & C.E.O, Walmart - Europe, Middle East, Federal Ministry of Health. But, it Africa & Canada, Mrs. Shelly Broader (left), Chief Executive Officer, Massmart Holdings Limited (Walmart), Mr. Guy Hayward has turned out the man Awute and (2nd left), Store Operations Director, Massdiscounters Head Office, Mr. Richard Fuller (2nd right) during a meeting with the others have addressed as George in governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday. the last few years is actually Martins Ugwu Okpe. He is now remanded in prison pending when he will be able to meet the bail conditions slammed on him after he was arraigned on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He 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. 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 tem•From left: Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, President, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy; Ms. Funke Opeke, CEO, Main One Cable porary letter of appointment, dated Company - Guest Speaker; Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, CEO, Zinox Computers, Chairman of the occasion, Ade Popoola, and Chairman, August 30, 2006. Count one of the charge marked: Board of Fellows of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Olumide Akintayo during the Board of Fellows mid-year meeting dinner in Lagos...yesterday. 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 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 with•From left: President, Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria ( OAAN ),Charles Chijide; Chairman, Board of Trustees drew it later. Justice Kolawole admit(BoT), OAAN, Jas Oyekan; member of Board, OAAN, Babu Akinbobola and Registrar, APCON, Alhaji Garuba Bello Kankarufi ted the accused to bail in the sum of at the inauguration of OAAN House in Lagos...yesterday.

N1 million with two sureties in the same amount. The judge said the sureties, who should be either federal or state employees, must be on not less than Grade Level 12. He ordered that Okpe be remanded in Kuje Prison, Abuja, pending his compliance with the bail conditions.

When trouble began Trouble began for Okpe when three of his colleagues – Dr. Adebayo Williams, Chidozie Godwin and Abdulazeez Umar, in a petition titled: “Unbecoming Behaviour of Dr. George Davidson Daniel” to the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission on May 13, asked for the investigation of his professional claims. They complained that “Dr. George, who claims to be a trained medical doctor in such a way that is unbecoming of his profession, has been involved in blackmailing, character assassination and mudslinging”. The petitioners said Ugwu was using the certificate of a medic with a Mission in Jos, Dr. Davidson Daniel. The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) forwarded the petition to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the body in charge of keeping the records of all medical practitioners in the country. The council discovered that it has a doctor named George Davidson Daniel in its archive, but the picture sent to it from the Ministry is different from the one sent in its archive. On June 4, the Registrar of MDCN, Dr. A. Ibrahim, in a letter to the Chairman of FCSC, Deacon Joan Ayo, confirmed that Ugwu was impersonating Daniel. The council wrote: “Records available to the council revealed that this Dr. Davidson Daniel George is an impostor as he is impersonating another Dr. Davidson Daniel who is the genuine doctor and currently undertaking his residency training in Jos, Plateau State. Council summoned and interacted with the genuine doctor who gave some vital information on the impostor. Council has reported the matter to the law enforcement agency as a case of impersonation, with the genuine doctor deposing to a statement with regards to what happened between him and the fake doctor whose real name is Mr. Martins Ugwu. As it is, Mr. Martins Ugwu is an imposter. You may therefore wish to take further actions to deal with this matter in accordance with the provisions of the law.” On June 5, the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), in a letter to the Chairman of FCSC, confirmed that the real George Davidson Daniel graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bach-

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NEWS

•Okpe speaking when he was paraded at the police Headquarters. With him is Deputy Force PRO Shogunle.

I never opted for clinical services to avoid damage that may occur. I went into administration and research. It is in the health services, research and statistics that all the fraud in the health sector is found. I have great remorse but it’s my desire to save my country that pushed me into this. I have great passion for Nigeria Okpe

This Dr. Davidson Daniel George is an impostor as he is impersonating another Dr. Davidson Daniel who is the genuine doctor and currently undertaking his residency training in Jos, Plateau State. Council summoned and interacted with the genuine doctor who gave some vital information on the impostor

I got a little peace when I saw him on the network news yesterday because I am getting some justice. I thought with the normal Nigerian way of doing things, it will be swept under the carpet...But the truth is that that peace will be complete if either Martins or one of his family members calls me to tell me sorry George

The gang that he (Okpe) has created in nine years in the ministry is desperate to rewrite the success story of the Ministry of Health and the world report on the success of Ebola Virus containment in Nigeria. They started this... through intimidation as they believed that Ebola fund can be shared or allocated to them. When it failed, they resorted to cheap blackmail Awute

MDCN

•Dr. George speaking at a news conference. With him is Awute (right).

elor of Surgery in May 2002. The latter was signed by the Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Prof. A. G. Bakari. After its investigations, FCSC wrote Awute asking him to hand over the suspect to the police for further investigation and prosecution. Okpe was thus placed on suspension pending his dismissal from the Service.

The whistleblower? Okpe initially dismissed the allegation against him claiming he was being victimised because he was exposing the rot in the ministry. At another point, he said he joined the ministry with a friend’s credentials so as to have enough facts to expose corrupt people in the ministry. When the deputy spokesperson of the police, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abayomi Shogunle paraded him at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on July 7, Okpe, who confessed to the crime, said he was 44 and father of five. He said: “I never opted for clinical services to avoid damage that may occur. I went into administration and research. It is in the health services, research and statistics that all the fraud in the health sector is found. “I have great remorse but it’s my desire to save my country that pushed me into this. I have great passion for Nigeria. I participated in the Ebola mission and much more and have not even been paid. “Severally there were biometrics verification but I survived them. I was the NMA chairman since 2008. Federal Ministry of health, I don’t think it has the mechanisms for that. The ministry is porous.” The police explained that Okpe abandoned his real identity and became Dr George Davidson a friend from who he stole photo copies of his certificates with which he gained employment in the ministry. Before he was exposed he claimed to have unearthed fraud in the disbursement of the N1.9b Ebola intervention fund. In his petition, he claimed that the ministry spent N900

million on isolation tents. He accused the Director, Health Emergency Response and Disaster Management, Akintunde Kehinde, of initiating vouchers of N28.2 million to pay for the decontamination of First Consultant Hospital in Obalende, which had already been done by the Lagos State government. He also alleged that N63.5 million meant for the training of volunteers in Liberia and Sierra Leone were unaccounted for. But Kehinde, in a statement to the Police, agreed that the Lagos State did the contamination of the hospital, and that on realising this, the funds were returned to the ministry. The petitioner also alleged that the Project Director, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDC), Prof. Nasidi Abdulsalam, of withdrawing N63,581,250 million for pre-departure training of Nigerian volunteers who left the country on December 5, last year for Liberia and Sierra Leone. He claimed that the African Union Commission paid for all the expenses. He also claimed that N30,769,000 million was withdrawn from the Ebola account for a treatment research group on Ebola, adding that N14,415,000million was expended on a meeting for 15 people. Awute last month told The Nation on phone that he had nothing to hide and would cooperate with all law enforcement agencies to investigate the allegations. He expressed confidence that at the end of the day, the truth would emerge. He said: “I have come to the realisation that prisons are built for men and if that is where I belong, I should be put there. But what I know is that I have been transparent in the handling of the Ebola funds. I deserve honour and nothing more for my role in containing the virus.”

The police invasion of the ministry His petition elicited some reactions from the police, which stormed the

ministry to effect the arrest of Kehinde, Prof. Abdulsalam and Awute. That was on June 10. The officers accused these men of failing to honour invitations to defend themselves over the allegations of mismanaging the Ebola funds. The permanent secretary and the NCDC boss were not around when the police came calling. Kehinde was picked up from his office and dragged to the third floor. The police team was resisted by the workers who felt the manner of the arrest was arbitrary. The workers prevented the police from whisking him away. They followed the team to the car park and blocked the exit. The private security guards were ordered to lock the gate so that the team would not be able to go out. At a point, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to the Federal Secretariat, Mr. John Eleke, approached the team and tutored them on the need to allow the arrest go through a proper channel to avoid chaos. He suggested that the director should be taken to police post within the secretariat, which the workers agreed to. He was later allowed to report to the police himself.

When will peace cometh? Though Okpe is now being tried, the ministry is yet to know peace. This forced Awute to write a petition to Inspector General of Police Sunday Arase on July 6. This was after the police had arrested Okpe while investigating him. Awute, in the petition, said: “The purpose of this letter is to further request for your intervention to protect my life and the monumental achievements of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the health sector. The gang that he has created in nine years in the Ministry is desperate to rewrite the success story of the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Report on the success of Ebola Virus containment in Nigeria. They started this at the

onset, through intimidation as they believed that Ebola fund can be shared or allocated to them. When it failed they resorted to cheap blackmail and so their motive and trend of impunity were put to question for proper investigation. That was how they started to circulate documents blackmailing me ostensibly seeking to thwart or disrupt the investigation of the criminalities of the gang in the Ministry headed hitherto by the fake Doctor. They have condoned away the fake doctor’s family. The members of the gang are the one now bailing him and executing his plans in the Ministry since the fake Doctor is now suspended and barred from entering the Ministry’s offices.”

The real Dr. George The man Okpe impersonated for years is Dr. George, who is on residency training with the University Teaching Hospital, Jos. They both hail from Orukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State. He said he was dazed when the Dental and Medical Council told him on the phone that Okpe had been using his credentials to work with the ministry. He said: “He didn’t forge it. It was the photocopy of my NYSC discharge certificate. It was part of my documents that I took to Abuja with him. My family has been concerned; even I consulted with members of my family before I went for the press conference. And they gave me their full blessings. Their concern is that you are not to be seen bringing your fellow village man down, it is a taboo. That’s was why when they spoke to me, I said I need to talk with members of my family and they gave me the go ahead and that was why I was a bit comfortable and given the fact that I was a bit on the reserve side, I didn’t really want to face the press. But none of his relations has spoken with me, even though I believe I deserve some apologies from them.” George said he has some peace now that justice is being done.

“I got a little peace when I saw him on the network news yesterday because I am getting some justice. Since this thing happened, nobody has called me and I thought with the normal Nigerian way of doing things, it will be swept under the carpet. So, I said let me move on. But when I saw it, I got some peace, even with my wife; we got some level of joy. But the truth is that that peace will be complete if somebody calls me- either Martins or one of his family members to tell me sorry.” He said despite his closeness to Okpe, whom he said is a distant relation, he never encouraged him to visit the house he built after joining the ministry. “Since he built his house, I have not known the house. The Police asked me that question and I told them he has not given me that opportunity to know his house even when I tried to. He has not given me that opportunity and I said, well I don’t need to push further, he has his reasons,” George said. On the education qualification of Okpe, the 44-year-old medical doctor said: “He is intelligent. I think he may have something higher than secondary school certificate. But I know he didn’t go to the University. You can discuss anything with Martins, he is good.”

Will justice be served? Once Okpe meets the bail conditions, he will be out, but the case will continue and what happens after will be of utmost interest to many. The MDCN will sure be watching this case with serious attention. It initially said it was dissatisfied with police handling of Okpe’s case and took up the matter with the Inspector-General of Police. It complained that in the past prosecuting police officers have never called the council’s investigators to court as witnesses, leading to cases stalling in court. The council is prosecuting some 40 cases of quacks in courts.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NEWS Ooni’s remains to be flown home Continued from page 1

officials who hail from the ancient Ile-Ife city. Others at the meeting were: the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Babajide Omoworare,who is from IleIfe; the former Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Sikiru Ayedun and the former Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth, Sports and Special Needs, Mr. Biyi Odunlade. The arrival of the chiefs at the Government House drew the attention of many, who thought they had come to officially break the news of the Ooni’s death to the governor. But the Lowa told the governor that the monarch was •House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara (secon left) and Leader of the House Femi Gbajabiamila (second right) addressing reporters after the meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus at the Green Chamber at the National Assembly…yesterday. With them are Deputy Speaker Lasun Yusuff (left), Olabode Ayorinde and other members of the House. PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Report on anti-Buhari posture unsettles Senate

OME senators were yesterday troubled by the report that 22 All Progressives Congress (APC) senators have teamed up with the opposition to work against President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling party. The Nation published the report, which was brought to the attention of the upper chamber by Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume as a matter of privilege. Ndume, who tendered a copy of the publication on the floor of the Senate claimed that it breached his privilege as an APC Senator from the north. He claimed that the report was meant to “distort and

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

take us away from the legislative functions and duties we were all elected to do”. He added: “Everyone and each of us elected Senator is entitled and qualified to be Senate President. It is just that all of us cannot be Senate President. It happened that Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki emerged Senate President on June 9th. “For me, I still want to be Senate President. I have to say it. I still want to be Senate President. “I contested for the position of Deputy Senate President. I did not contest to lose the election. I contested to win the election. Senator Ike Ekweremadu was elected.

“I was the only person that collected signatures to impeach him (Ekweremadu) in the 7th Senate. I wanted him impeached for reasons we discussed. “This drama cannot continue. This drama cannot go on. It has gone beyond persons. It has gone beyond what we can continue to tolerate. Only one person can be Senate President. “If Senators say that I will not be Senate Leader, I will not be.” Before he tendered the publication as evidence of his claims, Ndume prayed the Senate to investigate the circumstances of the report. Senator Dino Melaye, who was inaugurated Chairman, Senate Ad-hoc Committee on

Media and Publicity yesterday, held a briefing where he condemned the report. Melaye described the report as “most wicked, ungodly and unacceptable”. He noted that it was unfair to single out some senators to accuse and label them enemies of President Buhari. He added that it was “satanic for anybody to claim that those who appended their signatures in the confidence vote in the leadership of the Senate are enemies of President Buhari”. He said that the Senate had not received any communication from President Buhari that was not accorded expeditious consideration. Melaye claimed that the reContinued on page 59

Nigeria seeks neighbours’ help to Win Boko Haram war Continued from page 1

ford to falter in their resolve to rid their domains of terrorism. He said: “We recognise that none of us can succeed alone. In order to win this war, we need the collective efforts of each one of us, standing together as a formidable force for good, to defeat and end these acts of terror against

our people.” He also told guests at the dinner hosted by President Paul Biya that the security situation in the region presented an opportunity for Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin to work together for their common security, peace and socio-economic development. Buhari said: “Let me assure all of my relentless pursuit of

all possible means to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity, protect the lives and property of our citizens as well as my commitment to continue to collaborate with Cameroon and our neighbours within the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. “The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to respecting international

norms to resolve this matter and to restore normalcy to all the affected areas as soon as possible.’’ Buhari, who earlier met his host privately, thanked President Biya for providing refuge to Nigerians, who had fled their homes to Cameroon because of the insurgents. He praised Cameroon for Continued on page 59

alive and kicking. Ijaodola, who maintained that the Ooni was hale and hearty, regretted that Oba Sijuwade was often a target of negative publicity. He noted that the Ooni had been declared dead many times in the past by the media. The high chief said: “We were all shocked when we heard the rumour. If at all such an incident had happened, the traditional council would be the first to know and to break the news to the entire public. “Sixteen of us are his chiefs and when he was travelling out, he didn’t look like he was going to die and should Continued on page 59

Ban Ki-moon urges fight against corruption

NITED Nations (UN) Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon has called on all countries of the world to fight money laundering, sign and ratify the UN Conventions against corruption and transnational organised crime and human trafficking. He stated that criminal trafficking networks thrive in countries where the rule of law is weak and international cooperation is difficult. In a message to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Ki-moon charged every nation to also provide meaningful assistance to those in need, includ-

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)

ing the protection and access to justice and remedies. He said: “I applaud the donors who have enabled the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons Fund to assist thousands of people. At the same time, I urge greater contributions to help the many million other victims of this crime move forward with their lives. “Every country must join together to overcome this transnational threat by supporting and protecting vicContinued on page 59

71 captives rescued as troops smash Boko Haram camps Continued from page 1

Army Engineers yesterday cleared a notorious terrorists’ camp at Chuogori and Shantumari, Borno State. “During the offensive operations, the fleeing terrorists left underground silos. “In addition, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion conducted operations on Kashingeri, Wale and Kushingari Boko Haram terrorists camps today. During the raids, quite a number of the terrorists were killed; a Landrover vehicle and a tipper were recovered. “The troops also rescued 59 civilians that were held cap-

tive by the terrorists and cleared the camps.” Some of the captives told The Associated Press that they were in the clutches of the extremists for as long as a year. "I was waiting for death ... they often threatened to kill us," said Yagana Kyari, a woman in her 20s, who said she had been kidnapped from her village of Kawuri and taken to a militant camp in Walimberi, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of Maiduguri. Kyari said they often went Continued on page 59

Buhari’s U.S. visit: ‘Ex-minister, others stole $9b, not $6b’

NOTHER prominent citizen has spoken of the “mind-boggling” fraud in the oil sector. Queen Zainab Duke-Abiola, the Akasoba of Kalabari land in the Niger Delta, said she had evidence from the White House that a former Petroleum Minister stole $9.3 billion. In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Mrs. DukeAbiola, one of the late Chief Moshood Abiola’s wives, said: “According to the infor-

From Adeola Oladele-Fayehun, New York and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

mation available to us, the minister stole more than $9 billion; not Australian dollars, but US dollars.” “And what I am saying is that the money should be used to develop the Niger Delta. Use this to help the impoverished Niger Deltans,” she added. When asked how she could prove this allegation, the queen said she was in Wash-

ington DC during President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit, and that she met with White House officials who revealed the information to her. “My relationship with White House is over 30 years. Americans are very eager to make sure that the money gets back. They want Nigeria to use that money for education,” she said. Mrs. Duke-Abiola insisted that Buhari’s delegation to Washington DC was aware of the exact amount stolen by the former minister. “Oshiomhole said it’s about $6 billion. Information available to me states that the minister and her associates siphoned away $9.3 billion. I’m watching the game that they’re playing. If they don’t publish the evidence, I have document to support this,” she said. The Akasoba insisted that members of the presidential delegation were focusing on the $6 billion allegedly stolen by a minister in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s

cabinet, leaving out “the remaining $3.3 billion” because some people from a section of the country are involved. Said Mrs. Duke-Abiola “If Buhari is not sure of his fact and figures, he should go back to Washington DC. If I read in the papers that they say $9 billion, I would keep quiet. But why are they saying only $6 billion?” The Akasoba, an Ijaw, advised that when the money is recovered, it should be used to develop the Niger Delta. “All I want is that this money should be used to help the less privileged, especially in the Niger Delta. Give these people fishing nets. Build some bridges for them. Clean up their rivers so they can fish once more, so they can have food on their tables once more. Build cottage industries for them. Put up little clinics as much as you can. In fact, we’re talking about $9.3 billion, so build a John Hopkins hospital. Build a UCH replica in the Niger Delta. If there’s some extra money use it to

help other regions,” she said. Mrs. Duke-Abiola spoke of her shock when she received the evidence from the White House. “Some people said that much money couldn’t have been stolen”, she said, adding: “I was one of those who didn’t believe. When they gave me the document, I was shocked. I have sent it to the appropriate Niger Delta elders. So, we know that nobody is accusing anybody wrongly,” she said. Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Monday alleged that a minister, who served under the former President stole $6 billion. He quoted United States (U.S.) officials to support his claim but did not name the particular minister. Oshiohmole, told State House reporters shortly after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja: “The PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) destroyed the country. I mean from the lips of American officials; senior officials of the State Department said one

minister under PDP cornered as much as $6 billion. “The man said even by Washington standard, that is earth-quaking. “So, PDP is a party that presided over the liquidation of our nation; destroyed all our institutions; converted the Armed Forces commanders to use them as if they were political thugs; converted NTA to a party megaphone; destroyed the SSS; went after opposition as if we were rabbits to be pursued into our holes; compromised even student unions and destroyed everything that you can think of; and elevated religion to a state affair. “Under the party, Israel became a place you visit every week; they placed pastors against mallams, placed North against South, East against West - just to retain power; elevated Obas and Obis with dollars.”

ADVERT HOTLINES

08023006969, 08052592524

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NEWS DSS DG not our member EFCC quizzes ex-NIMASA DG, ex-Governor APC: Chime’s Chief of Staff T T HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday grilled a former DirectorGeneral of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi and Mrs, Ifeoma Nwobodo, who was the Chief of Staff to the former Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sullivan Chime. It was learnt Akpobolokemi was invited by the EFCC in connection with billions of contract awarded during his tenure. Sources said Akpobolokemi, who arrived at the Lagos Office of the EFCC at about 10am, was still being questioned as at press time. A top EFCC aide said: “We invited ex-DG of NIMASA and some top officials of the agency for award of contracts, and some projects running into billions of Naira. “We are also probing the Public Private Partnership

We have so many petitions against the ‘former governor. But since his Chief of Staff was central to the coordination of government activities, we need to hear from her first ’ From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

agreements between NIMASA and some companies during Akpobolokemi’s tenure. “There were allegations on the alleged mismanagement of the domiciliary accounts of NIMASA. But all these are in the realm of allegations. “For logistic reasons, the interrogation is being done in Lagos for strategic reasons, especially bringing of evidence, such as the files and counterinterrogation of officials. “I think we may grant Akpobolokemi and other officials of NIMASA administrative bail because the inves-

tigation is really a comprehensive one.” An aide of Akpobolokemi said: “The ex-DG of NIMASA personally went to EFCC to honour the invitation of the commission. He was not arrested as being insinuated. “Also, as I speak, he has given full cooperation to the EFCC on the allegations against him. I am aware that these allegations are baseless. They arose from internal politics in NIMASA.” The ex-DG of NIMASA in February joined issues with the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the alleged PPP contracts. He said: “The PPP project

has also made it possible for the agency to provide suitable platforms to the relevant security agencies collaborating with us to fight piracy and other sundry security breaches in our waters. “Memoranda of Understanding have been signed and are being implemented between the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force and NIMASA.” Meanwhile, the EFCC appeared yesterday to be closing in on ex-Governor Sullivan Chime with the invitation of his former Chief of Staff, Mrs. Nwobodo. The invitation of Mrs. Nwobodo was said to be the

beginning of a comprehensive probe into the administration of ex-Governor Chime. The EFCC source said Mrs. Nwobodo arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja about 9.30am to respond to issues against her and the administration of Chime. The source added: “The former Chief of Staff was immediately ushered into the interrogation room to meet a team of crack detectives. The sundry allegations border essentially on conspiracy, money laundering, and misappropriation of public funds and abuse of office. Responding to a question, the source added: “I think her invitation is the beginning of some allegations against the administration of ex-Governor Chime. “We have so many petitions against the former governor. But since his Chief of Staff was central to the coordination of government activities, we need to hear from her first.”

No more faction in the House, say Dogara, Gbajabiamila

OUSE of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara has said the Eighth House is set to work for Nigerians. He said lawmakers in the lower chamber knew that Nigerians were tired of the prolonged face - off over leadership in the House. Dogara spoke yesterday at the conclusion of a meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus on Wednesday night. The meet-

•’We’ll take care of Southeast’s interest’ From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

ing ended about 12.15am yesterday. He said: “There are no more factions in the House. What we have today is a group of lawmakers loyal to the House leadership and our great party. “It is only in unity that we can positively contribute to

the change we all worked for and move Nigeria forward towards our desired dream of a greater nation”. He also said the Southeast geo-political zone, which was not represented in the new leadership because it has first-time lawmakers would be taken care of. “We are working on that to see how the zone will be com-

pensated,” he added. Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila said the division in the House was over. He assured that those perceived to have lost out, especially the Southeast, would be compensated. “There are no longer factions in the House; whatever happened earlier is now behind us and we are

ready to serve Nigerians to the best of our ability. It is not right to play the ethnicity or regional card for now but they will be compensated.” Abiodun Faleke (Lagos) said: “We are no longer fighting as you can see; we are now ready to work with other legislators and move our country forward.” Abdulmunin Jibrin (Kano) said: “This meeting has healed all wounds. There is nobody here that is nursing any anger or ill-feelings any longer.”

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied the allegation that the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Lawal Daura, is a card-carrying member of the party (APC). In a statement in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party challenged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to publish any evidence it might have to confirm the allegation, adding: ‘’After all, it is trite that he who alleges must prove.’’ ‘’In the absence of that, the PDP must call another press conference to publicly apologize to Nigerians for engaging in barefaced lies,’’ it said. APC expressed shock that the PDP had started exhibiting symptoms of hallucination so soon after its gravy train derailed. ‘’We know that the psyche of the PDP has been badly affected by its loss of power at the centre. Even the party itself has admitted that much. That situation has now been compounded by the fact that the party is broke. It is, therefore, not a surprise that it is no longer able to think straight. The reality of its new situation is just beginning to dawn on it. ‘’But we warned the PDP early on that being in opposition is not a walk in the park. We warned that while the party was used to eating its bread with butter on both sides, it will now be lucky to even have bread to eat,’’ the party said. It warned the PDP to spend more time on patching its tattered and battered umbrella than acting as a cog in the wheel of progress of the new Administration.

‘Hold power companies accountable for erratic supply’

•From left: Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr Linus Awute and Director Public Health, Fmoh, Dr B. Okoeguale, during a news conference and official launch of the National Policy on Viral Hepatitis, which was part of activities commemorating the 2015 World Hepatitis Day in Abuja ... yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Senate: Fed Govt must recover N585b import waivers

HE Senate yesterday urged the Federal Government to recover over N585 billion lost to rice importers through waivers between 2011 and 2014. The upper chamber similarly called on the government to stop granting waivers to importers of rice and agricultural products. The motion on the issue was sponsored by Senator Rafiu Ibrahim (Kwara South). The Senate invited

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

the Governor of the Central Bank, Comptroller General of Customs and the Ministry of Finance. The officials are to appear before an Ad Hoc Committee set up to shed more light on the status of waivers with the view to working out modalities for recovery. The committee, headed by Senator Adamu Aliero, will scrutinise the waiver, concessions and grant policies under

the last administration. Senator Ibrahim lamented what he described as the flagrant abuse of the waiver policy, which according to him, crippled the Federal Government’s local rice production policy. He regretted that instead of punishing defaulters, the Goodluck Jonathan administration rewarded them with multiple waivers, particularly towards the tail end of the administration. Ibrahim cited an instance in

which the last administration granted import duty waivers to amounting 10 rice and palm oil importers of N150 billion in 2011 alone. Others that contributed to the debate blamed the Customs Service for poor enforcement of the relevant import duties. Senator Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto North) argued that the N585 billion lost to import duty waivers was enough to make a difference in the finances of the 36 states.

NON-GOVERNM E N T A L organisation (NGO), Good Governance Initiative (GGI), has urged the Federal Government to hold power Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and Generation Companies (GENCOs) accountable for poor power supply in Nigeria. Its President, Mr Festus Mbisiogu said the new investors in the country’s power sector had failed because the people were yet to enjoy a stable power supply since the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in September 2013. He spoke at a briefing in Lagos on erratic power supply in Nigeria. Mbisiogu said only the government and investors, who collect taxes have been benefiting from the unbundling. “There is no difference in power supply since the takeover and now,” he said. He urged the Federal Government to be stringent with the 10 DISCOs and five GENCOs so that they could deliver on their memorandum of understanding (MoU), which they signed. He identified bureaucracy, inefficiency and corruption as factors affecting electricity generation and distribution. Stringent measures, he said, must be taken to make the generating and distribution companies work effectively. Mbisiogu said although

By Wale Adepoju

there was a successful takeover of the defunct PHCN by investors, but Nigerians are yet to reap the benefit of its privatization in the sector, as there is no steady power supply. “Everywhere people go there is deafening noise from generating sets. This should not be the case,” he said. He said the transfer of ownership to core investors is expected to increase significantly the present 4,000 mega watts being generated. Quoting the Bank of Industry’s (BOI’s) statistic, he said: “About 65 million Nigerians lack access to electricity.” He enjoined President Muhammadu Buhari to unravel the mystery behind the delay in providing adequate electricity. The bulk of production, Mbisiogu said, was carried out overseas and shipped back to the country as finished goods. He said Nigeria can produce 40,000 mega watts by 2020 with the DISCOs in good condition. He recommended that the government should review its relationship with the investors and task them to deliver at least 5,500 mega watts of electricity before the end of the year. “The government should demand a timeline of performance from the investors,” Mbisiogu said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NEWS

Prepare for digital age, media chief tells journalists

•Momoh at the event.

From left: Makanjuola, Idowu, Osoba, Amuka-Pemu, Asiodu and Momoh at the lecture.

OURNALISTS must embrace digital journalism and platforms offered by the Internet to attract a larger audience, if they are to be relevant in the 21st century media business, the Managing Director of Independent Newspapers Limited, Mr. Ted Iwere, said yesterday. Iwere spoke while delivering a lecture entitled: “Today’s Newsroom, Tomorrow’s Newspaper: How to Survive and Thrive in the Internet Age”, organised in honour of the Publisher of Vanguard, Sam Amuka-Pemu, on his 80th birthday celebration. A book, Voices From Within: Essays on Nigerian Journalism in honour of Sam Amuka – which is a collection of essays by prominent Nigerian newspaper columnists – was also presented at the event. It was edited by the Managing Director of Diamond

By Seun Akioye

Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), Lanre Idowu. The launch was chaired by former Ogun State Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba. Iwere said newspapers’ managers globally were at a crossroad on how to re-invent themselves in the face of alternative sources of news provided by the social media through the Internet. The Internet, he added, is one of the greatest innovations that have helped to advance journalism. But the media chief noted that the platform was the biggest threat to the survival of newspapers globally. Iwere said unlike newspapers, the social media could access and produce news free from the constraints of deadlines and the increasingly expanding online audience could

‘500m people live with hepatitis’ From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

IVE hundred million persons globally are living with hepatitis, according to a World Health Organisation’s (WHO) report. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute, said the 2013 report showed that the disease was responsible for 1.44 million deaths globally. Awute, who spoke at a news conference yesterday as part of activities marking this year’s World Health Day, added that about two billion have been infected with hepatitis B virus, Though there was no available figure on the number of death in Nigeria, the Permanent Secretary said reports have showed the prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis A and B, he said, are both vaccine preventable. Awute said Hepatitis C is not, but has a new drug treatment that has shown to have high cure rate. Viral Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by Hepatitis virus A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis A and E cause acute infections. Awute revealed that despite its high prevalence, awareness was low about the disease as most people infected are unaware and are at risk of developing liver problems.

access the editions of the newspapers for free. The guest lecturer said the challenges posed by the rising popularity of the Internet as the alternative source of news had ensured that the old mantra of “print first, digital second journalism” could no longer compete with the new demands of the online audience. Iwere asked: “What do the readers need? The online audience wants papers that won’t parrot what they already know on social media 24 hours ago. Practitioners must pursue a new vision, develop a multi-media mindset and unify the newsroom.” He added that for Nigerian newspapers to survive the onslaught of the new media, practitioners must embrace “the print last mindset”. The Internet, the media chief said, offered journalists the ability to do

more, to build a bigger audience and to improve the reportage of events by adding audio and video platforms to the stories. Iwere said it was imperative for editors and media managers to step up their acts, by creating a digital newsroom, which must be mobile ready and have a responsive website. “News reports in the newspapers must move beyond just breaking the news, but involve analysis of the news and journalists must be multi-skilled: able to use the tools that the digital media offers,” the media chief said. The book reviewer, Prof. Ayo Olukotun, described it as “significant chronicles of landmark articles, rich insights on various aspects of journalism”. Among those whose articles feature in the book are Mohammed Haruna, Debo

PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Adesina and Gbemiga Ogunleye. Dignitaries present on the occasion included Chief Phillip Asiodu, former member of House of Representatives Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Editor of The Nation Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, The Nation Editorial Board Chairman Mr. Sam Omatseye, Mr. Dare Babarinsa and Gbenga Adefuye. Also at the event were Sam Nda-Isaiah, Eniola Bello, Nosa Igiebor, Debo Adesina, Ademola Osinubi, Prince Tony Momoh, Frank Aigbogun, Comfort Obi, John Momoh, Mike Awoyinfa, Felix Adenaike, Senator Bode Olajumoke, Louis Odion, Tony Iyare, Ayo Adebanjo, Muhammed Fawehinmi and Fred Agbeigbe. The Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff Gbenga Makanjuola. The guests hailed AmukaPemu, describing him as a mentor and one of the finest columnists in Nigeria. Former Information Minister Prince Tony Momoh said the celebrator “is an unprecedented social critic who always managed never to get into trouble”. “This is because before he describes someone as ugly, he

would first describe how ugly he is himself,” Momoh said. A former chieftain of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Ayo Adebanjo, called on the veterans of journalism to ensure that they leave a legacy for the current crop of journalists. “Eighty per cent of the success recorded by NADECO were due to the journalists of the era. We didn’t give them envelopes to fight our cause. They were honest and forthright,” he said. But it was a vintage AmukaPemu, popularly called Uncle Sam, that took the spotlight when least expected. When asked to give his remarks, Amuka asked the audience to “rise up for prayers”. As the guests were contemplating if the veteran journalist was up to some antics, he confounded his audience by offering a most unusual prayer. He said: “May you live to be 80 years and above, may you have profound praises and tributes showered on you while you are alive and when you die, there will be nothing more to say to you.” He ended his remarks by screaming a popular refrain: “There is God o.”

Reps to IGP: reopen Dele Giwa, Ige, Rewane, other killings H OUSE of Representatives yesterday directed the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) Mr. Solomon Arase to reopen investigations into unresolved cases of high profile political and extra-judicial killings in the country. The purpose of the reopening, according to the House, was to bring the culprits of the unresolved killings to justice. The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of the prayers of a motion by a member, Kingsley ChindaIn, entitled: “Need to Undertake Further Investigations into Cases of Extra-Judicial Killings and Other High Profile

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Murders”. When the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, called for a vote, the motion which was overwhelmingly supported by members and consequently adopted by the House, was referred to the committees on Police Affairs, Public Safety and National Security (when constituted). The committees are to monitor the investigations of the cases and present an interim report to the House within four weeks.

Chinda, while presenting the motion, noted that the extrajudicial killings were allegedly being carried out by men of the police and personnel of some other security agencies as well as unknown gunmen. The lawmaker urged the police to be more alive to their responsibilities in the prevention of crimes and proper investigation. Chinda expressed concern that the efforts of successive governments in tackling the problem of extrajudicial and other high-profile killings had largely been ineffectual

and short of the expectations of Nigerians. According to him, people now live in fear and despair because the trend had continued unabated. Chinda said the several cases of extra-judicial and unsolved killings in the country included the killings of Dele Giwa, Alfred Rewane, Bola Ige and Funso Williams as well as some traders at Apo (popularly known as Apo Six), invasion by mobile policemen and armed soldiers of Ogoni land and Odi community in Bayelsa and others.

Amnesty chief assumes duty Electoral process requires improvement, says INEC boss

RESIDENTIAL Amnesty Programme’s Coordinator BrigGen. Paul Boroh (rtd) assumed duty yesterday with a promise to aid efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari to consolidate on peace, safety and security in the Niger Delta. Brig-Gen. Boroh said his immediate priority would to be ensure that beneficiaries of the programme, who were thrown out of schools and training centres for lack of funds, return to school. “Mr. President is keen on the smooth and efficient running of the Amnesty Programme. He also wants things done properly. “I am going to quickly look into the issues of beneficiaries, who are out of schools or training centres as a result of default in payment of fees and allowances. We are going to sort out these issues very fast and stabilise the programme,” he said. Hailing the achievements of the programme so far, the new coordinator sought the full cooperation of its beneficiaries as well as critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta.

NDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) still required improvement, notwithstanding the success recorded at the last general election, its Acting Chairman, Amina Bala Zakari, said yesterday. INEC news bulletin quoted Zakari as making the assertion at a workshop organised by the commission in Abuja for accredited observer groups on lessons learned from the polls. The commission’s boss, who was represented by a National Commissioner,

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Lawrence Nwuruku, said the INEC in a bid to improve on its 2015 performance, had “subjected the election to a thorough review through series of debriefing sessions with all the monitors deployed for the elections”. The commission, Nwuruku added, also reviewed reports submitted by the state electoral officers as well as held a postelection retreat with Resident Electoral Commission-

ers (RECs), directors and department heads and members. She acknowledged that “observers’ reports on the 2011 general election were like guide book for the commission’s preparations for the 2015 general elections”. Mrs. Zakari added that the “business of election observation is a critical one, which requires professionalism”. The acting chair, who expressed delight at the existing cordial relationship

with domestic and foreign observers, urged the participants at the workshop to brainstorm, share experiences on lessons learnt with special emphasis on pre- and post-election activities to improve the quality of the electoral process. “We are working together as a team in complementary manner to produce a comprehensive report that will guide the commission in future elections. Let us all be a part of the solution. We must continue to succeed together,” she said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NEWS Police seize 234 motorcycles

•From left: Treasurer, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), The Nation Chapel, Tajudeen Adebanjo, Chairman, Lagos State Council, Deji Elumoye, National President Waheed Odusile, Acting Chairman, The Nation Chapel, Adekemi Ojobo and Adviser Adeyinka Aderibigbe when Mr Odusile visited the chapel PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN .... yesterday.

Walmart group visits Ambode

AGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday received a delegation from Walmart Incorporated, a leading global brand in retail supermarket. He said the state is ready to support and assist them establish presence in the state. Receiving the delegation led by the President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada, Ms Shelley Broader, Ambode said the presence of the Walmart brand in Lagos would not only create jobs but boost the state’s economy. He said the success story of the brand, which operates in 28 countries with over 2.2 million employees, will be beneficial to the state’s growth. “That summaries the reason why Walmart has to berth in Lagos. We are committed to expanding the business scope for Walmart and like I said I am interested in having your brand signature in Lagos. “As we speak, we have a population of over 21 million people and four million are middle class. “We have youths craving for jobs and whatever it is that we do, we want to make sure that we attract as much investment in Lagos that can help us take our youths off the streets,” he said. Ms. Broader acknowledged the investment opportunities in the state, adding that the group is ready to expand its horizon and create jobs. “We are incredibly excited and proud to be in Lagos. Just looking at the burgeoning economy and at the growth in this market is very exciting and now Walmart operates in 28 countries and our mission is to lower the cost of living to help people save and live better.”

Man commits suicide in Ondo A MAN, Damilola Ibitokun, has reportedly hung himself at OriOke farm in Ero town, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State. Sources said Ibitokun, popularly called Seven Feet, because of his height, was sighted by neighbours and passers-by on his way to the farm. He was said to be shouting that he was going to commit suicide, holding a rope in one hand and a sharp knife in another.

It was learnt that efforts to dissuade him failed because he threatened everyone with the knife. Sources said most people did not take him serious because he was a drunk. His widow, Muibat, said she and the deceased had been sleeping in a church in the last few months because of an undisclosed family problem. According to her, her husband left the church on Tuesday evening on the excuse

that he was tired of sleeping in the church. She said: “We’ve been sleeping in the church for some time now. “But on Tuesday evening, he just decided that he was going home to sleep. “In the middle of the night, he rushed back to the church, shouting and banging the door. “He asked for the whereabouts of the man who was fighting me. But I told him nobody was fighting me. “He went back home. But

some minutes later, some of our neighbours called me that my husband was shouting and running around that he was going to commit suicide and that nobody should stop him.” The deceased’s son, Ayomide, described his father’s death as shocking. He said his father was restless throughout the night, until he took his life. The remains of the deceased have been buried after some rituals were performed by the community.

Tribunal grants Isiaka access to INEC’s documents

HE Ogun State Election Petition Tribunal yesterday rejected bids by Governor Ibikunle Amosun and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gboyega Isiaka, from accessing the materials used in the April 11 election. The tribunal granted Isiaka’s prayer to have unfettered access to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) documents used during the election. Tribunal Chairman Justice Henry Olusiyi said Isiaka’s prayer succeeded and was

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

granted because it has considerable merit. According to Justice Olusiyi, Amosun’s counsel Olumide Ayeni was unable to convince the court how the granting of Isiaka’s prayer would be prejudice. Isiaka’s counsel Funminiyi Adeleke argued that INEC’s documents would assist in the determination of the substantive petition before the tribunal. Adeleke argued that granting the application would be in line with the applicant’s

right to fair hearing as well as strengthening justice. But, in opposing the application at the time, Ayeni argued that it was grossly incompetent and that the tribunal also lacked the jurisdiction to entertain it The counsel also reckoned that the application sought to embark upon a fishing expedition for evidence, thus rendering it an utter and complete ruse calculated to mislead the tribunal. He explained that all documents being sought by the applicant have been in his custody as demonstrated by the available information

before the court. In granting the application, Justice Olusiyi said the issue for determination was resolved in the affirmative in support of the applicant. “Counsel to the first respondent failed to show how granting the application would prejudice him. “There’s considerable merit in the application, it succeeds and is hereby granted,” he ruled. The tribunal, however, directed that Amosun’s and APC’s representatives should be available during the inspection, which should be concluded in seven days.

Five private hospitals closed in Ekiti

HE Ekiti State Ministry of Health has shut five private hospitals for not complying with the government’s operational guidelines. The hospitals are Devine Citadel Hospital, Ado-Ekiti; Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Maternity and Hospital, Emure-Ekiti; Emmanuel Medical Clinic,

Church programme HE Livingstone Christian Centre will hold its second year anniversary from August 5-9. According to the host, Pastor Ebunoluwa Olufemi, the theme of the programme is “For all things are yours” (1Cor 3:21). Olufemi said there would be healing, salvation, deliverance,

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

restoration and blessings. “Anointed ministers of God including Pastor Femi Emmanuel, Pastor Sanjo Odunayo, Pastor Bisi Akande and Pastor Funsho Popoola, will minister. “The programme comes up at the King’s Seed High School Building, 53 Oyewole Road, Off Araromi/Mulero Bus sto, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos,” he added.

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

Emure- Ekiti; Lexical Clinic, Ise-Ekiti and JOA Medical Centre, Ado-Ekiti. The Director, Hospital Services and Training, Dr. Kola Adu, who led the ministry’s monitoring team,

said any hospital found wanting would be face the law. Adu said the clinics were shut for operating in an unhygienic environment, using unqualified and inadequate personnel as well as non-registration of their facilities and failure to renew

their operational licences. He cautioned patients against patronising unlicenced private clinics and warned other private health facilities to properly register and renew their operational licences, saying that the government would punish erring proprietors.

ONDO State Commissioner of Police Isaac Eke yesterday said 214 motorcycles have been seized, following the government’s ban on commercial motorcycles. Commercial motorcyclists, popularly called Okada, have been at loggerheads with the government over a directive that they must get new number plates. They were alleged to have destroyed some government property and uprooted flowers on Oba-Adesida/ Oyemekun Road. Eke, who spoke after the launching of Safer Highway Patrol Vans, said no motorcycle must be seen on Akureroads. “For now, the governor directed us not to allow any motorcyclist carry a passenger even if the said passenger is a relative. “We have informed our officers too that anyone riding a motorcycle must always be in uniform.”

Lagos agencies to vacate rented apartments By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

LAGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has directed head of government agencies occupying rented apartments to relocate to the main ministries within seven days. The directive, contained in a circular No. 072 dated July 24, was signed by the Head of Service, Mrs. Folasade Jaji. The circular reads: “Realignment of office accommodation of ministries departments and agencies”, “Sequel to the HOS circular Ref. NO: CIR/HOS/15/ Vol.1/065 on creation, abolition and re-alignment of ministries, departments and agencies of government in Lagos State, it is hereby notified for general information that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has directed that all affected MDAs are to commence relocation to their new offices with immediate effect from July 27 August 3.” The affected agencies are Motor Vehicle Administration Agencies (MVAA) on Lateef Jakande Road; Lagos Water Regulatory Commission, Allen Junction; Law Reform Commission, Ikeja; Lagos State Safety Commission, Magodo; Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Ikeja. Others are Audit Service Commission, Ogba; State Valuation Office, Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Board, Ikeja; Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Office, Ikeja; Audit Service Commission, among others.

Row over Akungba-Akoko stool

INGMAKERS in Akungba-Akoko in Akoko Southwest Local Government Area of Ondo State have debunked the report by Mr Akin Osemawe. The kingmakers said their Chairman is High Chief Jacob Oluwaborieke, the Olubaka of Ibaka quarters in Akungba-Akoko and

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

that Osewa was speaking for himself and his sponsors. They faulted the claim that the kingmakers had selected Sunday Adeyeye to fill the vacant stool after consulting the oracle. The kingmakers said such claim was laughable, noting that the selection had

been done and concluded under Chief Oluwaborieke since 2007, where Prince Isiaka Oseni from the Ole ruling house was picked as the Alale-elect. They explained that they followed due process in selecting Prince Oseni and this was subsequently affirmed by the court judgment on December 20, 2013, deliv-

ered by Justice Adeyeye of the Ondo State High Court, Ikare-Akoko. The kingmakers warned Osemawe against misleading the public. They maintained that Prince Oseni remain the alale-elect and appealed to Governor Olusegun Mimiko to confirm and approve his nomination.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

I am a fraudster, not herbalist, says suspect From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

HE police in Ondo State yesterday paraded a man, Lanre Ologunagba, for allegedly defrauding two persons of over N1million. The victims were identified as Immaculate Okechukwu and Mercy Ndenaemi. Ologunagba (32) was paraded with 36 others, who were arrested for various offences. He was apprehended when one of the victims complained to the police. Ologunagba, who disguised as an herbalist, confessed that he was not a herbalist but a professional fraudster. He said he was arrested, following a call from some people that his work has failed and needed his attention. Ologunagba said he had worked for a woman who wanted to have good sales in her business. He confessed that he collected N400,000 from the woman. The Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, said Ologunagba collected N1,288,000 from the victims. Eke said items recovered included N55,000, two clay pots, one mat, shards of broken clay pot and two pieces of white clothes.

One killed in Oyo power surge •Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle); Lowa of Ile-Ife, High Chief Joseph Olasoji Ijaodola (left) and Senator Babajide Omoworare during the Ife Traditional Council’s visit to the governor on the rumoured death of the Ooni of Ife at the Government House, Osogbo...yesterday.

Labour to Osun workers: resume now

ABOUR leaders in Osun State have directed workers to resume immediately. Entering into a new agreement with the government yesterday, the team leader, Jacob Adekomi, who is the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, said the suspension of the industrial action was in the state’s interest. In the Memorandum of

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Understanding (MoU) signed by the labour leaders and government representatives, workers are to expect payment for February salary from Monday. Adekomi threatened that NLC would resume its strike, if the Monday agreement was not honoured. Directing workers to re-

sume immediately, the NLC boss said the government had renewed its commitment to workers’ welfare. The Chief of Staff to the governor, Gboyega Oyetola, said the government had never reneged on its agreement with labour. He said the salary crisis was due to a shortfall in the Federal Allocation, which according to him was not peculiar to the

state. Thanking workers for their understanding, Oyetola assured them that all arrears would be paid immediately funds are available. The workers went on strike to protest the non-payment of February salaries as part of an agreement reached with the government. The government said the payment was based on the availablility of funds.

Three kidnap suspects arrested in Ekiti

HREE more kidnap suspects had been arrested in Ekiti State, Governor Ayo Fayose said yesterday. The governor spoke yesterday at the inauguration of the executives of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, under the chairmanship of Samuel Agbede. He said reports showed that commercial drivers were used by kidnappers to abduct innocent people. The governor said his collaboration with security agencies had been yielding results. He urged drivers to cooperate with his administration to curtail the activities of kidnappers and other criminals. Describing drivers’ unions as important stakeholders, Fayose urged them to be security conscious in the performance of their duties. He said: “Three more kidnap suspects were arrested yesterday. The moment you

•Drivers warned against complicity •Fayose : I want to be governor for life From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

suspect anything, let the police know. We thank God that our efforts to combat kidnapping and other crimes are yielding fruit. “I want to praise you for contributing to the state’s development but don’t allow yourselves to be used by evil doers. You can see that some kidnappers were paraded recently. Information from them revealed that they have been using some of your members.” Fayose noted that he wants to be “governor for life” by leaving behind legacies that would keep him in the minds of people. Drawing inspiration from the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Fayose said he built the Adetiloye Hall and Fountain Hotel within the

Trade Fair Complex in AdoEkiti where the event was held. He said even though the political leader had died, his legacies still speak for him. The governor told the audience that he was a bus driver in Ibadan for three years. He urged drivers to believe in themselves that they can make it. “I was once a driver like you and I want you to learn from me. Being a driver doesn’t mean that you can’t be successful in life because many young people are not ready to pay the price to climb the ladder of success,”, he said. Fayose hailed drivers for their “unflinching support”, promising to repay them by supporting their unions morally and financially. “You are my people but if you break the law, I will

hand you over to the police. Our rules and the rules of the union say when you drink, don’t drive and when you drive, don’t drink. “When the particulars of your vehicle expire, go and renew them. Let us keep within the ambit of the law and when you drive, don’t speed,” he added. Agbede explained that job creation and poverty alleviation would be the major policy thrust of his tenure in office. He explained that the inauguration of the new RTEAN executive was consequent upon an election conducted by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the association on November 27. The RTEAN National President, Musa Isewele, said Ekiti had been selected as one of the state to pilot the union’s projects, including driving academies, ultramodern motor parks, and housing schemes for members.

Lagos Assembly approves N59.3b budget for 57 local councils

HE Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday approved a budget of N59, 287,974,102 for the 20 local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs). The House gave the approval, following a debate on the report submitted by the ad-hoc committee headed by the Chief Whip, Rotimi Abiru. The House observed that most councils and LCDAs performed poorly in the area of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), among others. It, therefore, recommended the need to shore up their

Most councils and LCDAs performed poorly in the IGR, hence their reliance on Federal Allocation. Their overhead estimate was bloated to the detriment of capital expenditure.” By Oziegbe Okoeki

revenue generation drive to meet the needs of the people. A breakdown of the budget showed that Ifelodun LCDA got the highest vote of N1,632,880,355.48, followed by Apapa Local Government with N1,624,051,414.28. Agege Local Government

got N1,459,916,003; Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government, N1,557,825,411.00; Ikeja N1,001,105,683.16; Lagos Mainland N1,589,879,806.22 and Mushin Local Government Area, N1,139,863,539.33. Submitting the report of the committee, Abiru said the decision to scrutinise the

budget of the councils was in consonance with Section 3 of the Local Government Council Committee Law, 2007. “Most councils and LCDAs performed poorly in the IGR, hence their reliance on Federal Allocation. “Their overhead estimate was bloated to the detriment of Capital Expenditure.” In passing the budget, members urged the councils to explore all revenue sources and block leakages. They also urged them to give priority to capital expenditure so as to ensure physical development at the grassroots.

NE person was killed and property worth millions destroyed by power upsurge in Awe, Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State. The deceased, a student of the Government Technical College, was said to be charging his phone, when the incident occurred. A source said: ‘’The phone was shattered. The deceased hit his head on the wall when he was blown away by the velocity of the voltage.” The destruction followed the high power voltage supplied by the Ibadan Electrici-

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

ty Distribution Company (IBEDC). Items destroyed include industrial generators, laptops, circuit breakers, televisions, ceiling and oscillated fans, as well as other household appliances. Some residents said: ‘’We thank God that though many things were destroyed, no live was lost. “Who will bear cost of these damages now? We expect IBEDC to be more proactive.’’ IBEDC’s Business District Manager could not be reached for comments.

Amosun warns cultists Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

GUN STATE Governor Ibikunle Amosun has warned cultists that his administration will fight them. Amosun gave the warning at an environmental sensitisation tour of Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu. The governor said Ogun would no longer be a comfort zone for criminals, assuring that he would personally lead the operation to rid the state of cultists and criminals. According to him any cult member arrested would be prosecuted. Amosun said:”I’ve been informed about the upsurge in cultism.I will not allow that.I will personally lead the war from school to school and one area to another to arrest them.We are ready for them. “This will not be a comfort zone for cultists, kidnappers and robbers.This is a warning.Whoever you are,once you are caught ,you are going to face the law.The provision of law and order is my number one priority as the governor.”

SSANU calls for Ojerinde’s sack

HE Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) has described the over ruling of the reallocation of candidates by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as unacceptable. SSANU Chairman , University of Ibadan (UI), Wale Akinremi, in a statement, said: “We are not happy with the JAMB policy. It is unfair to parents and children. JAMB has tormented Nigerians financially and psychologically. Where was the Ministry of Education when Prof Ojerinde led JAMB to implement this unsuitable policy initially? Now the ministry has overruled it, which is not acceptable to us. “We suggest that the Federal Government find someone to punish. If JAMB leadership cannot do the job given to them by the Federal Government, why can’t they resign? “We are imploring the Federal Government to remove Prof Dibu Ojerinde as the JAMB Registrar. He has overstayed his relevance because he is not rendering

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

quality leadership again. “We believe he is acting out a script. Why is he relocating people to private universities? Taking people from one region to another. Not all parents are rich, everybody is struggling in this country. “The children of those writing JAMB today are children of the masses. We are also advising the Federal Government to prove what led to the implementation of the policy initially. “This is a sabotage to embarrass the Federal Government. If the government cannot sack Prof Ojerinde, at least he must be suspended and probed now. “Was Prof Ojerinde not equipped with all materials and skills to handle the assignment given to him by the Federal Government? “If he has any challenges during the performance of his duty, he should have told his employers. So many people have paid for their lives with the blunder he has committed, therefore he should be sacked.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31 , 2015

FRIDAY JULY 31, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Alhaji Yahaya Bello, 40, from the Kogi Central, is seeking to govern the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He speaks on his chances of securing the party’s ticket to contest the November 21 poll and his plans, if elected. JAMES AZANIA reports.

HY are you contesting for the Kogi State governorship seat? First, I will like to say pointedly that this is not about me, but about us. By us, I mean the teeming youths and progressive elders of Kogi extraction. It is a movement whose time has come. I have decided to run because we need change in Kogi State. There is no one alive who loves Kogi and her people who will dispute that we desperately need change here. The next thing of course will be to define the kind of change we have in mind. Simply put, Kogi needs change from the old ways of doing things, to the new. We must totally get rid of the existing status quo where the people were treated as if they lived to butter the bread of the few in power. We must replace it with a new paradigm, where both in word and in deed, the government serves the interests of the people. We must get the government and those running it to be accountable to the people. Government must tremble at the approach of the people and not the other way round, where the people run into the bush to avoid being run over by those we have entrusted with the management of government. As an aspirant, one can easily identify three areas of pressing change that I represent just by being in this race. I mean three critical areas in which my candidature brings to the table much-needed qualities which none of my co-aspirants can match. Like I said, we need to get the government of Kogi State serving the interests of Kogi State. When you look at me, and you juxtapose my challengers in APC as a party, and my opponents from the other parties, especially the PDP, by the grace of God, even my worst adversary will acknowledge that I have put out key strategies;

Bello: Why I want to govern Kogi Quite apart from these strategies is the fact that everyone can confirm that my undying love for this great state is an inner driving factor that will not let me rest until I have delivered over and above my campaign promises action plans that will transform Kogi State on implementation. In addition, like President Muhammadu Buhari, who is my leader, mentor, father and example, I have not only mapped out my strategies, I have put out a trackable time line in my accountability pact to achieve them. Anyone who has read that accountability pact knows that I and my team divided it into the 100 day promise, the annual checklist, the halfway milestones and approaching the finish line. This is to make it easy for Kogi people to know our direction from day one, and hold us accountable if we derail. Quite apart from these strategies is the fact that everyone can confirm that my undying love for this great state is an inner driving factor that will not let me rest until I have delivered over and above my campaign promises. Demographic: Simply put, I am undoubtedly the youngest aspirant. As a young man who just turned 40 a few days back, I am a bridge between old and young, tested ideas and innovative approaches, cultural norms and technological advancements. By the grace of God who has blessed me so much so early, I am a bridge-builder; old enough to sit with the elders of my people and young enough to run with our youth. All of this mean one thing, and one thing only, I am mature enough to relate with both ends of the demographic spectrum in Kogi State, and to provide leadership to the satisfaction of all. Unity too. I represent something

unique in the political mix. You are contending with former Governor Abubakar Audu. How do you hope to overcome the challenge? We are in a democracy and as such any qualified citizen of Kogi is welcomed to the race. Sincerely, I do not see Prince Audu or any other aspirant as constituting a challenge. Rather, I see him and everyone else as co-aspirants and sincerely hope for the good of the state that the best man is chosen to fly our party’s flag during the general elections. My supporters, fellow kogites and I have all identified that there is need for a change in the way of governance of the state going forward. I, Alhaji Yahaya Bello clearly fits in the muchneeded future of Kogi and I sincerely believe I will win clearly in a free, fair and credible primary elections any day. Our commitment to steer Kogi along a new and better direction will be clearly evident in the polls of both the primaries and general election by God’s grace. I therefore reaffirm that I do not see him or anyone else as a challenge and I and many other kogites are of the opinion that Prince Audu should have taken the honorable path of progressing to be a national statesman like the Oyegun’s, Akande’s and Tinubu’s of our time who have become national leaders steering our party to greatness. What are your plans for the state? I and my team, having identified the numerous challenges of our state, have come up with workable and quick to achieve plans, these

are: Education, health, job creation and youth engagement, infrastructure and utilities, productive public service and pension reforms, Education should not be a luxury but a right. Globally, people agree that every child has the right to an education. Prioritizing investments in education is therefore the smartest thing to do. Why? Because education gives people the skills they need to help themselves out of poverty and into prosperity. In order to dramatically revamp the educational system of the state, my team and I have come up with a number of strategies, by studying what has worked and what has not in Kogi and other states. The promise is that upon implementation, our action plans have been carefully engineered to deliver rapid and sustainable improvements in our educational sector from primary to tertiary level. The broad categories of this plan includes: conditional cash grants, school meal vouchers, full and partial scholarships, early childhood/ youth leadership development, school-based child health interventions (free and subsidized healthcare for remaining and progressing in school), new school infrastructures and educational materials, additional teaching resources, incentivised vocational and apprenticeship schemes, training and re-training of teachers, among others. The Universal Basic Education Act, the Child’s Right Act and other federal and state legislations provide sufficient legal backing to do right

Adejare Adegbenro is the son of the First Republic politician, Alhaji Dauda Adegbenro. In this interview with reporters, he speaks about the people’s expectation of the Buhari administration.

‘Nigerians should be patient with Buhari’

ow will you assess President Muhammadu Buhari’s two months in office? The government being led by President Muhammadadu Buhari has done remarkably well, given the short time of its existence in office. And the reason I am saying this is very simple because we are in a complex society. When you have a government that means to work for the electorate, the first thing you need to do is to be realistic and to be objective. By so doing, you need to understand the magnitude of the problem that is on the ground, diagnose it and then you start to apply treatment to it. I will give you an example.You are talking about going into the treatment without knowing the root causes of the ailment. Who do you need to tell you that the system in Nigeria is not working? What works in Nigeria? Why don’t you think of the filth, mismanagement and corruption and those who steal? It even goes beyond that. So, we need to have a reorientation in everything. But he was given a handover note before his assumption of office… Yes, I know people will be quick to say Buhari was given a hand over note before his inauguration by the previous government so he should hit the ground running. When was it given and what was he given?

Now, another reason I said he has done remarkably well is that we have countries that are not faithful towards our government. The government like the United States of America is not friendly to us, if it were, there would have been so much assistance of collaborations that could have solved a lot of our national problems. But what happens? Today, they are going to sell this to us, tomorrow they are no more selling to us. Yet, with this cat and mouse posture, we still maintain diplomatic relationship with them. Then, what can we do? Is that the reason why he has been slow in taking actions? When they say this man is slow, they fail to appreciate the fact that he needs to understand the problem that is on the ground before acting. In the handover note, what they will tell you, and what he will find in the office after the swearing in at the Eagles Square will be a different ball game entirely. The information he never had before the inauguration, now he has it. The reality is now dawn on him. He needs to articulate it. And people complain that he has not constituted his cabinet without checking how much he has saved for the country in the process. Besides, if Mr. President, who we all agree is Mr. Clean and incorruptible,

he will need equally clean lieutenants that will compliment his effort at moving the country forward on a clean slate. Do people know that those they are touting to be fit for some positions are not as clean as they think? So, how can I assess the government that is given four years tenure in two months? So, for me, personally, it is so far so good for the government of the day. In fact, Muhammadu Buhari is a success story by the grace of God. Can we attribute his age to his slowness? I do not care about his age. My concern is for Nigeria to work. If the President of Nigeria is to work from the intensive care unit of a hospital, God forbids, and he would give direction on how the country would work, so be it. I need political maturity, sincerity of purpose and dedication, which, I am convinced, this gentle man, Buhari, possesses. I am a Nigerian. I don’t want to be described as either a Yoruba, Ibo Hausa or Itsekiri. I am a Nigerian and I need somebody who feels for Nigeria. And let me tell you one thing, when I see Buhari, I see somebody who feels for Nigeria and who is ready to make the system work in the country. I now understand that Buhari is a man of very few words, but great actions.

•Adegbenro Buhari is somebody nobody can compromise through sycophancy. If you think that by singing his praises he would go out of his way to patronise you unduly, that would amount to winking at somebody in the dark. Meaning you are wasting your time. So, I pray to God to spare his life and give him sound health to be able to take us to the path of honourable society. We pray that God gives him the courage and wisdom to succeed because if this man fails in his efforts at cementing the unity of this country further, I do not see a Nigeria again.

•Bello by the Kogi child. We shall take full advantage of them to do so. Health, as we say and believe, is wealth. We intend to enrich our people greatly in this area. Firstly, we plan to adequately refurbish and equip the existing health facilities to international standards. Secondly, we shall propose a 500-bed referral hospital of international standards under a Public-Private Partnership with reputable private investors. This will give Kogi State the muchneeded healthcare institutions capable of handling the most severe of health challenges while removing the bulk of the financial burden from Kogi people. Upon completion, it shall not only be the destination of choice for Kogites in need of quality healthcare, but it will put Kogi on the map for health tourism.

APC crisis worries Delta group By Adebisi Onanuga

HE Delta State APC Professionals (DAPCP) has expressed concern over the disaffection that the election of principal officers of the National Assembly (NASS) has been causing in the hallowed chambers. In a statement issued in Lagos and signed by its assistant spokesman, Frank Eghomien, the group described the development in the NASS as a national embarrassment. The DAPCP is a body of cardcarrying and loyal members of all All Progressive Congress (APC) dedicated to politics with integrity and professionalism. It also claim to represent the voice of the voiceless and a stakeholder in the APC project among others. The group which claimed to have been monitoring events in the NASS since inauguration June 9, 2015 lamented that the behaviour of the elected representatives of the people over mundane issues when they should be facing their legislative duties. “Our representatives at the NASS have continued to behave in a manner very much below the standards Nigerians expected of them, over mundane issues unrelated to their primary legislative duties”. “The most national embarrassment from the hallowed chambers is the unabated brouhaha over the election of the Senate President and the Speaker, as well as the Principal Officers of NASS” , it further noted. The group said a review of events in the NASS has made them to articulate a position on what it described as a “worrying national political malaise”.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

NCAA issues 14 days ultimatum to debtor airlines T HE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has read a riot act to all debtor airlines that have shown apathy in remitting the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charge (CSC) to the Authority. The spokesman of the Authority, Fan Ndubuoke, in a final notice to airline operators, yesterday, said the Regulatory Authority would act in line with the 14 days ultimatum given to erring airlines. He said failure to comply with the directive of remittance of the outstanding payments; the Authority shall enforce the provisions of section 27(3) of the Civil Aviation Act.

• To publish names of debtor airlines By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

He said NCAA would take all measures contained therein to enforce the collection of the debts, adding that the names of the debtor Airlines and amount owed, shall be published in at least five national dailies. The names of the promoters of these airlines, directors and other related parties will be included in the publication upon the expiration of this ultimatum. Ndubuoke said these measures would be taken in fur-

therance of the Federal Government’s directives on recovery of public debt. It is to be noted that the offending airlines have failed to offset the accumulated debts despite several appeals, reconciliation meetings, visits and reminders. The NCAA wishes to reiterate to the Airlines that section 12(1) of the Civil Aviation Act.2006 provides that “there shall continue to be a 5 per cent air ticket contract, charter and cargo sales charge to be collected by the Airlines and paid over to the Authority.”

Importantly, the Authority wishes to inform the general public that the 5 per cent Ticket /Cargo Sales Charge represents charges collected at source from the travelling public by Airlines on behalf of the Civil Aviation Agencies. However, its non remittance as at when due is tantamount to a breach of trust and a violation of the above provision, he said He stated that the Authority is issuing the ultimatum to the operators who have collected but failed to remit same to the Authority, saying they should do so within 14 days. In addition, NCAA will continue to implement the “no payment no service” financial policy to ensure complete clearance of the indebtedness

‘Customs action aggravates rice industry’s woes’

• Dikko

HE ongoing dispute between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and large rice investors in the country reached a new level yesterday when NCS threatened to close down one of Nigeria’s foremost international hotels-The Intercontinental Lagos. Regarded by industry observers as a sledge hammer approach, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) threatened that it may shutdown the Intercontinental Hotels Lagos, following the nonpayment of retrospective duties by the hotel’s parent company, Milan Group. This was made known yesterday by Wale Adeniyi, Na-

tional Public Relations Officer of the NCS. Stakeholders expresed regret at the highhandedness of the NCS, saying the Customs unit is acting against the rule of law that require that a determination be made by the judicial system for the resolution of the dispute. Some of the investors have lodged cases in courts, and hence the claim that the action of NCS is outright subjudice, illegal and unauthorised. The sealing of a global hospitality chain like the Intercontinental Hotel for no apparent legal non-compliance is likely to cause massive adverse effect for Nigeria’s image, apart from the acute embarrassment and inconvenience for its guests. In a highly debatable move, NCS is demanding retrospective duties from the rice investors for imports pertaining to 2014, while the investors have claimed that the quota allocations did not comply with stipulated regulations, issued late only by December and were also biased against bonafide investors. It may be recalled that following the confusion that trailed 2014 quotas, quotas for 2015 were also issued, canceled and later reissued

again. The implementation of the policy received a lot of criticism from the rice industry, as the Presidential directives were not complied with in the process. The affected rice investors have invested billions of naira in the rice value chain have been catalysts in Nigeria’s recent initiatives to be self sufficient in rice production. The immediate past Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina had said in August 2014 that, “our rice today in terms of total value added is about750 billion Naira since we started in 2012.” The stakeholders, who aske d that their identity be veiled, said the NCS action will slow down the momentum that is building in the area of food security at a time when the economy is struggling from the impact of lower oil prices and foreign exchange woes. Apart from the Intercontinental, NCS actions and threats included closure of several unrelated industries promoted by the rice investors including factories that partner global multinationals and are driving industrial growth and employment. With no clarity on import quotas for 2015 as well, Nigeria may once again open

CBN deadline to bad debtors ends today

HE deadline given by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to delinquent debtors to pay back their loans or have their names published in three newspapers ends today. The apex bank had directed banks and discount houses in the country to give their delinquent debtors three months of grace with effect from May 1, 2015, to turn their accounts from non-performing to performing status. It is expected that from tomorrow, the banks will begin the publication of the names of the affected debtors and make forwarding such names to the CBN for other sanctions, including stopping the affected borrowers from accessing for-

By Collins Nweze

eign exchange from the official window and Bureau De Change. The CBN had also directed that at the expiration of the grace period, the financial institutions should publish the list of delinquent debtors that remain non-performing in at least three national daily newspapers quarterly. The apex bank stated this in a letter posted on its website entitled: “Recovery of Delinquent Credit Facilities” which was signed by the Director of Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins. It further said: “The Central Bank of Nigeria has observed the rising trend of non-performing loans (NPL) in the industry. In order to ensure that the indus-

try NPL ratio does not exceed the prudential limit of five per cent and to improve the credit culture in the banking industry, banks and discount houses are directed to observe prudent credit underwriting and monitoring standards. “Furthermore, banks and discount houses are required with effect from May 1, 2015, to: Give the delinquent debtors three months of grace to turn their accounts from nonperforming to performing publish the list of delinquent debtors that remain non-performing in at least three national daily newspapers quarterly (the delinquent debtors are those whose accounts have been classified lost and include the persons, entities, directors, subsidiaries and other related parties).

itself, only to be fed by smugglers through the borders, ironically denying NCS its rightful revenue. They expresed optimism that the new administration would adopt a progressive and forward-looking approach to ensure continued rice production operations by the affected investors.

‘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

ARCO vs NAOC: Court urges NAOC to obey order • Serves reminder on Agip

HE Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital has advised Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), to obey the ruling of Justice Lambo Akanbi on the matter between it and ARCO. Sheriff of the court, Ayo Agboola was at the company’s facility at Obrikom, in Omoku, Ogba\Egbema \Ndoni Local Government Area of the state co convey the court’s advice to the company. With him was the appellant’s lawyer, Beluolisa Nwofor , A senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who was represented by two lawyers from his chambers and the branch Chairman ARCO National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) workers, Kingsley Okara. ARCO Group PLC, a local engineering firm and a contractor to AGIP Nigeria Limited, had sued Agip over alleged unlawful transfer of ARCO on-going contract to ‘’Plant Nigeria Plc’’ a foreign contractor, without due process and regard to the provisions of Nigeria’s Local Content Act 2010. The matter is on-going. The

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

court at its last sitting in June 30 this year, had urged parties to maintain status quo, pending the determination of the court, and adjourned the case till October for hearing. The order has reportedly been served on parties. The fimr has however reportedly ordered ARCO workers out of all Agip, gas turbine facilities in Obob,(Obrikom), Ebocha and Kwalle all in Rivers State ARCO maintained for Agip and handed over to Plant Nigeria company, despite the court order coupled with the fact that the contract agreement is yet to be expired. The sheriff informed the Senior Security Officer (SSO), Obob Land Area Operation, C. A.D. Edward-Odoi that he was directed by the Federal High Court to come and ask AGIP, to allow ongoing contract it has with ARCO Group Plc to continue and that its workers not be withdrawn from Agip facilities pending the determination of the case before it.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

MONEYLINK Banks reject foreign currency deposits

EPOSIT Money Banks (DMBs) are no longer accepting deposits in foreign currencies, The Nation learnt yesterday. The foreign currency deposit rejection directive, may not be unconnected with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) order stopping the use of dollar as means of payment locally. It is also in line with the regulator’s move to curb the dolarisation of the economy, given that many Nigerians now pay house rents and school fees within the country, with dollars. The CBN also pushed the message harder when it said that customers receiving cash through Western Union and other money transfer windows must be paid in naira, instead of the currency in which the cash was sent. But CBN Director of Com-

Stories by Collins Nweze

munications, Ibrahim Mu’azu told The Nation that deposits are still acceptable into domiciliary accounts. He said any lender rejecting foreign currency deposits may have ulterior motives and should desist from such act. He urged banks to be more specific in giving instructions to their customers to avoid ambiguity. “I can assure you that domiciliary accounts are still valid for transactions. There is no new regulation on how such accounts should be run,” he said. Some banks are already communicating to foreign currency rejection policy to their customers, insisting that they no longer take deposits in other currencies, except naira. An email from the Customer

Services Unit of Sterling Bank Plc, signed by its Head, Customer Experience Management Group, Titilayo Ogundipe regretted that it will no longer accept foreign currency deposits because of ‘significant cash holdings’ within the domestic banking sector. “We regret to inform you that we will no longer be able to accept foreign currency cash deposits from you. This is as a result of current market developments which have led to significant cash holdings within the domestic banking sector. We apologize for the inevitable inconvenience arising from this action and assure you that normal services will be restored as soon as possible,” Ogundipe said. The CBN had in April, reminded all banks of the consequences of the rising trend of currency substitution and

AfDB, Africa50 drive $830m infrastructure devt fund

T •CBN Governor Emefiele

Godwin

dollarisation of the economy. The CBN, in a circular issued by its Banking Supervision Department, warned all banks to desist from collecting and using dollars for transactions. It reiterated that the Naira remained the only legal tender in the country.

Access Bank gets new chair

•Belo-Olusoga

CCESS Bank has ap pointed Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga as its Board Chairperson. She suc-

ceeds Gbenga Oyebode, who has retired following his successful completion of the maximum term limit as prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Code of Corporate Governance for Banks and Discount Houses in Nigeria. In a statement, the bank said her appointment took effect from July 30, 2015. “The appointment of Mrs Belo-Olusoga followed a thorough selection process by the Governance and Nomination Committee of the Board led by Mr. Emmanuel Chiejina, a NonExecutive Director.”. Mrs Belo-Olusoga joined the Board of the Bank in November 2007 as a Non-Ex-

ecutive Director. Until her recent appointment, she was the Chairperson of the Credit and Finance Committee and member of the Board Committees on Audit, Governance and Nomination, Risk Management and Remuneration. She was formerly an Executive Director at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and was at various times responsible for Risk Management, Corporate and Commercial Banking and Transaction Services and Settlements. She is a graduate of Economics from University of Ibadan and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigerian and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the statement said.

“I am glad that Mrs BeloOlusoga will be succeeding me as Chairperson. Her significant board experience; knowledge of our dynamic industry and personal qualities will be highly beneficial to Access Bank,” Oyebode said, adding, ‘‘I consider it a great privilege to chair Access Bank, an outstanding financial institution at a time like this. I look forward to working with its great team in transforming it into the World’s Most Respected African Bank’’. By this development, the Board is now comprised of 15 directors made up of seven Executive Directors and eight Non-Executive Directors, two of whom are Independents.

HE new and innovative infrastructure invest ment platform promoted by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa50, has decided that 20 African countries and the AfDB provide an initial $830 million in needed for infrastructure development in the continent. The decision was reached at its Constitutive General Assembly in Casablanca, Morocco early this week. At the meeting, it The founding African countries are Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, The Gambia and Togo. While this first closing was available only to African countries, it is anticipated that the second and subsequent closings will be available not

only to African countries that are yet to invest in Africa50, but also non-sovereign investors both in Africa and outside Africa. The second closing is expected before the end of 2015. Speaking at this historic event, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, President of African Development Bank and current Chairman of the Boards of Directors of Africa50, said “the large presence of African States and their financial commitments are a testimony to a shared vision to find new ways to accelerate the provision of infrastructure. Africa50 will be a step change for infrastructure financing and development in Africa”. Africa50’s is meant to promote long-term savings within and outside Africa for the financing of commercially viable infrastructure projects across Africa.

Standard Chartered gets global recognition

TANDARD Chartered Bank has said it won 17 country and six regional awards at the Global Finance Magazine’s 2015 Best Consumer Digital Bank Awards in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. A statement by the bank quoted its Chief Executive Officer, Retail Banking, Karen Fawcett, as saying, “We are delighted that Global Finance has recognised our industryleading digital banking capabilities. What is central to our efforts is creating convenience for our clients, so that they have access to banking anytime, anywhere and using whatever channels they prefer. “We have invested heavily in technology and have been infusing a strong digital service culture among our staff. By being digital by design, our digital processes are end-toend, so that clients have access to the same, seamless experience and high quality of service, whether they engage with us through mobile, online, phone banking, at the branches, or Automated Teller Machines.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS BRANDS & MARKETING

e-mail: adedejiademigbuji@yahoo.com /mobile line: 08131075667

Production and marketing of a local gin without a brand name, the International Standards Organisation (ISO) certification, portends great danger to consumers. There are fears that many consumers will suffer the effect of the uncertified and unlabelled gins that go with various acronyms, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

Rising dangers of unlabelled local gin O

GOGORO, kai-kai, OR, AKPETESI, is a West African alcoholic drink, brewed locally. With no brand name, label and product content information, as well as International Standards Organisation (ISO) certification, the local gin has attracted somewhat creative brand names across regions and culture. But, health experts believe Ogogoro, Kain-kain or akpeteshie dangers it poses to the health of ifs consumers. In Ghana, it is also known as akpeteshie. It has various names in Nigeria, such as Sapele Water, kain-kain, Sun gbalaja, Egun inu igo (meaning the Masquerade in the bottle), push-me-I-push-you, and Sonsé (“do you do it?” in Yoruba language). “Ifs local brewers can adapt some of these fantastic and creative names as brand names with label and content information. These brand names will win brand name awards any day, but the dangers of consuming this local gin and the health effect, are a topic for another day,” says the Chief Executive Officer, Kush Media Limited, Mr. Yemi Kushimo. Distilled from the juice of Raffia palm trees, an incision is made in the trunk and a gourd placed outside it for collection, which is collected over a day or two period. After extraction, the sap is boiled to form steam, which subsequently condenses and is collected for consumption. But this production process has been faulted as the active ingredient in ogogoro, ethanol, which concentration within the drink is very high, and said to be of a great health risk. As a result of the concern over unlabelled local gin, the Federal Government a few

weeks ago banned the consumption of the locally brewed gin, popularly called Ogogoro in all parts of the country as a result of the rising health hazards. Of more to the government was a recent report of deaths that trailed the consumption of the local gin in Rivers and Ondo states. The government confirmed that the death toll in Rivers State had risen to 38, while 18 people died in Ode-Irele, Ondo State, following the consumption of the local gin. The Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, Dr. Paul Orhii, in his reaction to the death of 38 persons in Rivers State, said the recent incidents in Rivers and Ondo states were associated with the consumption of locally made gin. According to him, considering the risk in the consumption of locally made gin, it has become imperative to “warn the public to desist from the consumption of unregistered locally made spirits (Ogogoro) and other unregistered bitters.” He also warned that the government “would confiscate all illegally brewed alcoholic beverages” across the country. “The symptoms suffered by victims include vomiting, abdominal pain, blurred vision, headache, dizziness and loss of consciousness with subsequent sudden deaths of 18 victims.” According to a brand expert at Products Label Intelligence, labelling of local gin gives the product an identify, and shows how socially responsible a brewer is. In the case of those who died in Ondo State, the analyst said, no producer will be held responsible because there was no identified maker of the Ogogoro. “The main function of labeling is to pro-

• Ogogoro (local gin).

vide a form of distinction to assist people differentiate one product from the next. The information on labels contains all the relevant data about that particular product. Labeling is greatly used in beverages and food products, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products and electronics, among others. So, if any one died, or suffered any health hazard as a result of consumption, someone can be held responsible,” said the analyst who works on a alcoholic brand. He said labelling is essential in beverages and food products. “This kind of label is the simplest and significant method of communicating information about products between sellers and buyers. It is the main means through which buyers tell apart individual brands and foods so as to make good buying

choices. When food products have been labelled, users can now see vital information live quantity and quality, features and also expiry date. It also includes instructions like safe handling and storage,” he added. Meanwhile, with the dangers posed by consumption of unlabelled local gin, the Director General of Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mrs. Dupe Atoki, said the agency had deepened civil and consumer education to prevent them from consuming unwholesome products, noting that emphasis must be centred on creating a clear means of identification for the registered brands to forestall a recurrence of that episode. She explained that the consumers must heed instruction given to them to avert unnecessary deaths.

Bluebird Communications celebrates 20th anniversary

EADING advertising firm Bluebird Communications Limited (BCL) is 20. It celebrated the milestone with pomp and ceremony in Lagos. A play titled: “Eniyan”was staged at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. The play literally translated “Human Being”, directed by celebrated a playwright, Wale Oguntokun, was rendered in an exciting style, syntax and substance, laced with a pulsating dance, music and well-rehearsed flow fit for a distinguished audience of corporate big wigs in businesses. Present at the event were the Managing Directors of Richardson Oil and Gas, Mr Akin Osuntokun; his Skye Bank counterpart, Mr Timothy Oguntayo; Wema Bank MD, Mr Seun Oloketuyi; Toyota Nigeria Chief Executive, Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo, First City Monument bank (FCMB) MD, Mr Ladi Balogun, among others. The Director, Convention on Business Integrity, Soji Apampa, spoke on issues affecting businesses in Nigeria. Fusing character and core values, Apampa said: “It is profit plus social impact that translate to sustainability, and palliatives only bring temporary relieves,” urging individuals and corporate organisations to invest in corporate social responsiblities (CSRs). Although Apampa was not specific, he urged the rich to learn from the allegorical characters of

• Ogunmefun (fifth left) and others cutting the anniversary cake.

Eniyan – strength, beauty, wealth, and character, among others. A Media Executive of the firm, Saheed Lawal, said the BlueBird’s letter is from Hannah, a narrative that made some guests to shed tears. They lauded BlueBird’s Communication’s Group Executive Vice

President, Mr. Kunle Ogunmefun, for his heart of gold. Hannah, a beneficiary of Ogunmefun’s large heart, praised him for the gesture. Her emotional letter of appreciation, read by Mrs Dele George, the care merchant and daughter of Dr Ogbemudia, former

governor of old Bendel State and Proprietress of Little Saints Orphanage, was an icing on a ‘good’ cake that flowed with artistic excellence, treatise of good corporate practice and commitment to a larger community. Hannah, one of the two daugh-

ters of a highly placed society personality along with her sister, were driven out of their homes late at night. To cut the long story short, the two siblings became inmates of the Little Saints Orphanage. The elder of the two girls were adopted by Mr. and Mrs Ogunmefun, who saw her through high school and university with flying colours and by this September, the young girl will obtain her master’s in the United Kingdom. The young girl painted pictures of what their life could have been, the several denials that the families of the Ogunmefuns have suffered and the solid foundation that was laid for her future, future families and the larger society and said, “Thank you for providing us a home and a future,” the girl said. Testimonials for Ogunmefun and his team on partnership beyond business flowed; his focus, and his tenacity (and the nickname, Panaki). Among the testimonies were that of the Group Managing Director, FCMB Group, Balogun, and that of Bluebird Communication’s first client, Leadway Assurance and others. So far, BlueBird Communications has recorded some successes. It has established four subsidiaries Intenciti Media, the media planning and buying arm; DigiEngage, a digital marketing and online business; Ribbons – perception managers; and Pro-Vision Media.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

Brandnews

EXMAN’s executive targets 25 per cent growth D ISTURBED by the challenges facing its members, Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) has resolved to tackle them. Its President, Dr Rotimi Olaniyan spoke after the group’s second Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abeokuta. He said the problems include dwindling revenue, reduced margin, and slow growth. Olaniyan said the agenda of the new Executive Council include the growth and profitability to increase the sector’s market size. He said its targeted 25 per cent growth rate could be realised given the six critical goal areas set up to drive the process. He said this would be achieved in the next one year and to achieve these, the body would only worry itself about six critical goal areas. “First is revving the industry and basically protecting the industry from non-professionals, and secondly, it is about thought leadership. This is putting in place initiatives that would ensure that we maintain cutting edge as a practice and professional service industry,” he said. Other areas, Olaniyan believed, could spur the intended growth rate include improving the internal training capacity and focus on client engagement. “We will focus on client engagement as a critical issue. It is time for us to set up a proper forum to to engage with clients and bring them up to speed with the challenges that we all faced,” he added. According to him, “Everybody in the experiential marketing industry is complaining; we have reduced margin; we have payment compensation terms that we don’t feel is adequate to cover our op-

• Olagesin Stories by Adedeji Ademigbuji

erational cost, not to talk about the little profit at the end of the day, which we can use to reinvest. So, there is a need for us to do some work in that area,” he said He, however, promised that in the next 30 days, the new leadership would unveil a document that would show the output that would be used to measure their performance in office. EXMAN’s immediate past president, Olagesin said his two years as foundational president had been

• Salami

fantastic. According to him, “it is never easy to take up the responsibility of leading a new association and starting from scratch. It has been very interesting, challenging as well as enjoyable, because laying the foundation and structure that would guide us going forward was never going to be an easy task.” The other new executives are Vice President, Wole Olagundoye; General Secretary, Kehinde Salami; Financial Secretary, Kayode Idowu and Publicity Secretary, Abiodun Oshinibosi.

mated Teller Machine (ATM) terminals, customer digital identity on websites hosting confidential information like insurance, pension and taxation web portals and staff identity on workforce mobile service. the General Manager, Products & Innovation, MTN Nigeria, Aisha Umar-Mumuni, said: “MTN Token provides the highest level of security authentication available because it does not transmit the users’authentication details on the Internet. MTN Token will drastically reduce the high rate of electronic fraud cases that cost the Nigerian economy over N40 billion in 2014.”

Aisha explained that with MTN Token, the user’s safety was guaranteed because their password is not exposed anywhere online and only the user or identity owner knows the password. Even service providers (Banks, e-Commerce and MTN, among others), would not have access to the password as it is stored only in the SIM. The service also provides the convenience of having a Single Sign-On (password) for all different service providers. This means that users of MTN Token will be required only one password for their various online requirements.

Firm introduces new App

LOT Systems has introduced to the market to deepen customers experience and convenience while transacting business. Slot’s Managing Director, Nnamdi Ezeigbo, said: “As we are all aware, we now live in an era where business transactions are carried out electronically. In essence, you don’t need to be present before you can engage in the business of buying and sell-

VERY business needs to deliver excellent customer service regularly. This is important, particularly in a business where the customer can vote with his wallet. If my wallet gives me voting right, and I do not like the service at a restaurant, I would leave. If I have a lousy experience ordering online from a company, I would switch loyalty. If a service station treats you like a pawn, what would you do? Having had several bad customer service experiences, I decided to dig into the subject so I would know if I am on the right side or wrong side. You know that customer service is the deal you get before, during and after you have purchased and used a phone, gas cooker or ATM. A good customer service should provide an experience that meets your “expectations”. It should “satisfy you”. However, a bad customer service can generate complaints. Like this one. I am not the only one. You have attachment to Smartphones. Therefore, the thought of not having a phone for four days, for me, is unfathomable. What if there is a need to reach me urgently? What if there is a place I need to go, a call I need to make and a work I need to do. Anyway, I left my phone at the service station for one day. It was a new phone. Why would it, in the name of Bill Gates’ Microsoft, trip off? Why would it freeze? Why would it not perform at the optimum level? To seek redress, (warranty coverage is my assurance), I visited one of the Nokia Care service stations in Lagos. The first shock I got was that the phone would be in custody for four days. The centre would not give me a “loan phone” to use while the phone is undergoing software upgrade. I disagreed. I attracted the attention of one of the manager, a South African.

MTN unveils Mobile Token TN Nigeria has launched the MTN Token. It is a SIM-based authentication service that enables the verification of subscribers’digital identity and transactions via their mobile devices. MTN Token, which was launched at the just-concluded Tech+ Conference and Exhibition sponsored by MTN, is expected to meet the needs of customers who want a fool-proof validation authentication platform for performing services that include cash-less payment on e-commerce websites, financial transactions on e-banking portals, card-less transactions on Auto-

Nokia Care: Is that customer service?

ing. As a company we are aware of this new reality, hence the creation of Slot.ng and the Slot App.’’ He continued: “With Slot.ng, you can buy all your quality phones and accessories online using the Slot App; it’s like having the 50 Slot shops nationwide at your fingertips. With this new service from Slot, we want to ensure that our valued customers get a whole new shopping experience and

also get value for money.’’ Ezeigbo further said to start, all one needs is to download the Slot App free Google store, click and it takes you to the online store where one can buy his or her phones, accessories, laptops and ipads, from the comfort of their home or office and have it delivered to them within 24 hours of payment. “It’s stress free and it’s convenient,” Ezeigbo added.

He calmly handed me over to an engineer. In 30 minutes, the engineer upgraded the software of the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL. Still, the phone failed to perform at the optimum level. Besides, two very important features, “Cortana and Quiet Hours” that came preloaded with the phone were missing. Using the phone to activate the features, a dialogue box asked me to buy them with my debit card. I disagreed. Going back and forth over this issue, I visited Nokia Care six times. Care had vanished. Where was the former engineer who upgraded the software? “He is busy”. Could I speak with the South African? “He’s gone out”. Speechless, I looked at the ceiling. What would I do? Wait. I waited. I watched. I discovered that the employees at Nokia Care service station lack universal skills every support member needs to improve interactions with customers. I noticed skill gap such as a lack of attentiveness, time management, willingness to learn and the ability to handle surprises. Gregory Ciotti in 15 Customer Service Skills that Every Employee Needs said the willingness to offer these skills shows the customer three important things: “You care about getting it right. You are willing to keep going until you get it right. The customer is the one who determines what right is”. I would get it right. I would keep going. I would determine what is right. In my contemplation, two South Africans and a Nigerian walked in. There was an air of importance around them. I was on my feet all the while. The Nigerian accosted me. I shared my experience. He apologised. He fixed the phone. I checked to ensure it was “right”. It was right. We exchanged numbers. We shook hands. We parted ways. The customer wins. However, if customer service is done “right,” every business can win too.

Team Meddlelane wins contest

EAM Meddlelane has emerged winners of the edition of Fayrouz L’Original competition, grabbing the coveted N4 million grand prize. The jury, comprising ace photographer, Kelechi Amadi-Obi; make up expert, Rhema Akabuogu from House of Tara; creative fashion designers, Mai Atafo and Kunbi Oyelese announced Team Meddlelane winner after a keenly contested competition against their opponent Team Hai. Team Meddlelane will enjoy fashion opportunities, including an automatic entry to show-

case their designs at the Lagos Design Fashion Week while contending team Hai which came second went home with N1.5 million. Notable faces at the event include Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Walter Drenth; Corporate Media and Brand Public Realtions Manager, Nigerian Breweries, Edem Vindah; Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi, Zaaki, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Toke Makinwa, Dotun, Adunni Ade, Gbenro Ajibade, Reekado banks, Dare Art Alade, Ebuka Obi Uchendu, Lamide Akintobi, Omalicha, Moet Abebe, VJ Adams, Tunde Demuren, and DJ Sose.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31 , 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

Boosting fish production with integrated rice-fish farms There is growing interest in researches aimed at improving fish farming globally. Part of the outcome is integrated fish farming approach championed by the University of Ibadan (UI),which involves the use of earthen ponds to raise fish and rice, and using poultry and piggery wastes for fish production. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

O boost fish production, the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan has introduced a technology known as fish-ricepig-poultry integrated aquaculture. It involves the use of earthen ponds to raise fish and rice. It utilises the waste from, poultry, piggery and agriculture for fish production. At the end, the farmer benefits from meat, eggs, rice, and fish. The project occupies an expansive area. For farmers, students and researchers it is a model integrated fish farm with rice grown inside a fish pond. It has been drawing local and international tourists who come to see a demonstration farm where fish is cultivated and integrated with some agricultural products such as rice, pigs and poultry to optimise yields. Speaking on the farm, the Head of Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Prof Bamidele Omitoyin, said the fishrice-pig-poultry integrated aquaculture project involves using ponds to raise fish and rice and using the waste from pigs and poultry as feed for fish. At the end, he said the practice reduces the cost of production and maximises streams of income for the farmer through sale of fish, rice, eggs and pigs. Omitoyin said the agriculture sector is faced with the challenges of producing more food for ever increasing population while simultaneously tackling issues of environment conservation and sustainability. Tackling these challenges,he added, has given impetus to the West and Central Africa Research for Agricultural Development (CORAF/WECARD)-sponsored project on the development of viable and sustainable integrated aquaculture systems with agriculture production for resource poor farmers. His words: “This project has two components, namely; Integrated Production of Fish and Rice cum Poultry and Integrated Production of Fish and Rice cum Pig. The first component is led by a research team from the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University Ibadan in collaboration with Njala University in Sierra Leone and University of Beau in Cameroon. The second component which is also involves collaboration between the three institutions is led by the research team from Njala University, Sierra Leone. These projects are specifically designed to address the challenges related to decreases in capture-fisheries and the need for accelerated rice, poultry and pig production in West and Central Africa. It started in June 2013 and the project duration is three years. “ According to him, the major regional target was to improve techniques on integrated cropaquaculture-livestock production systems and subsequent up-scaling and out-scaling to countries of the West and Central Africa sub-region while the target beneficiaries are 600 integrated rice-aquaculture cum livestock farmers out of which 30 per cent are women and youth. He said the approach gave birth to the establishment of two dem-

• Some of the University’s Fish Ponds

onstration plots within the country. “Two adaptive research plots were established on the University of Ibadan fish farm, one for each of the components.” So far, he said over 500 farmers have been trained in Nigeria, exceeding the original 200 farmers expected to be trained in the project document for both components. Also,he said over 700 hundred students have been trained through this process out of which 300 are females. Explaining the reason for growing rice inside a fish pond, Omitoyin said the rice that is planted inside the fish pond benefits from nutrients which come from fish excreta. In addition, he said the aquatic weeds of rice also get reduced due to fish presence. In turn, he said the fish benefits from the favourable micro climate created by the presence of rice plants. However, he said rice requires nutrients in the form of inorganic fertilisers which the fish waste provides whereas fish needs nutrients in the form of organic form. The essence of integrating them, he explained, is to allow the circulation of nutrients in different forms. He said poultry litter from the poultry farm is recycled into fish pond. The droppings of poultry birds, he added are used to fertilise the pond. To achieve this, he said the chicken waste from the poultry unit built near the pond is washed down through the delivery channel as organic fertiliser for the growing of rice. This, he added, helps farmers to avoid spending money in buying chemical fertiliser. The ponds also receive pig dung. This waste, he explained acts as excellent pond fertiliser and raises the biological productivity of the

• Prof Omitoyin

pond and consequently increases fish production and boost rice growth. To help the process, the pigsties are constructed in such a way that the washings are drained to the pond through a delivery channel. Omitoyin said the project could be started on one acre of land. He said would- be fish farmers will be taught to integrate rice with fish, poultry or piggery to increase production of yields. This model, according to him, would help farmers to realise so much profit from their investment than running a simple fish farm. Because of the success of the project, UI invites stakeholders and farmers to come and see the demonstration farm. The farm is used to train extension officers, farmers and students on aquaculture. Agriculture and fisheries students also go to the farm for school attachment.

Omitoyin noted however, that space, labour and capital must be integrated and properly utilisfor optimum farm output. He stated that fisheries and aquaculture is a big source of incom, and added that there are lots of business opportunities in fish farming. The farm is part of the one million United States Dollars CORAF/ WECARD project meant for University of Ibadan in Nigeria, Njala University in Sierra Leone and Buea University of Cameroon. Some of the project activities include: rehabilitation and re-stocking of abandoned ponds; develop capacity in sustainable integrated aquaculture techniques and tackle poverty and unemployment among poor vulnerable especially women and children. In one of the fora, the university’s WECARD training grant coordinator, Prof Emmanuel Ajani said the research into integrated farming was farmer-generated and meant to tackle challenges of monoculture source of income to farmers. He revealed that based on the success of the research into and implementation of findings of the aquaculture integration, the department had been called upon to train 5,000 farmers in Nigeria in the art of poultry-fishery-rice or pig-fishery-rice integration depending on demand. “This integrated farming has been helping and will continue to help alleviate poverty and create wealth, as well as employment,” Ajani said. The project cover sustainable integrated pond-based aquaculture with rice and poultry production and economic, social and environmental assessment. It deals with poverty eradication and grassroots

empowerment through sustainable integrated aquaculture development: fish and rice cum piggery production. The projects are expected to boost fish production in Cameroon, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. It is expected that when the 1million US dollar project ends after 3 years, enough information on integrated fish-poultry-pig and rice farming will be available to help government and other institutions develop this vital poverty alleviation sector. The project have three main components, “the development of suitable integrated fish-rice-poultry production technology through participatory research, expansion of the integrated aquaculture production in a community based demonstration plot and institutional strengthening and integrated capacity building of all stakeholders. The Project Director, Dr. Olapade Oluwafemi Julius said the essence of the project is to reduce poverty amongst grassroots dwellers. Meanwhile, a profitability study on Integrated Aquaculture with Rice and Poultry Production in West and Central Africa (SIARPESEA project) conducted by the university showed that Integrated fish farming is more profitable than unitary system of farming as it ensures a spread of financial risk for its varied and diversified nature in rearing of fish, animals and crops; A Comparative analysis of biological productivity and yield of Integrated Aquaculture system (IAS) with conventional fish pond system showed that mean Food Conversion Ratio and Specific Growth Rate of 1.90± 0.18; 3.96±1.02 (convectional system) and 1.25±0.22; 3.16±0.29 (IAS) were recorded respectively. The total yield of rice harvested after 12 weeks in the paddy area of the pond in IAS was 20kg which can be extrapolated to 3.3tonne/ hectare. Extrapolated figures between 1.63t/ha and 2.3t/ha was recorded in conventional system of rice production. Mean egg production of 52±1.50eggs per day and 53±1.0eggs per day were obtained in IAS and convectional system respectively. Water was about 17 times more efficiently utilized by integrated system of rice production than conventional irrigation system. Mean phytoplankton recorded in unfertilised pond was 12.71x 106/l, while 78.18X106/l was recorded after 12 weeks manure loading. Mean zooplankton population in the unfertilised pond was 15.4X106l, and 67.4X106 after 12 weeks of manure loading. Four adopted schools have been selected for the project intervention in Nigeria with infrastructure almost at 80 per cent completion in two of the selected adopted schools. The project has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP-Nigeria) on fingerlings multiplication and dissemination of the integrated fish farming across twelve states in Nigeria;

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

Wanted: A blueprint for profitable cocoa farming

HE Chief Operating Officer, Centre for Cocoa Development Initiative, Mr Robo Adhuze, has called for a blueprint that will make cocoa farming profitable. He appealed to investors to pump funds into cocoa production and help to position the industry as a viable area for economic growth, wealth creation and employment. To create a robust industry, Adhuze said the industry needed nurseries, processing facilities, more training for cocoa farmers and increased extension services that the association provides to

Stories by Daniel Essiet

make a sustainable impact on the industry. He said the sector needed assistance to help attract more youths to the industry, considering that the average age of cocoa farmers is 60. He said young farmers need all the assistance to sustain their interest in the cultivation of the commodity, which should include access to fund, land, fertiliser and other chemicals at a highly subsidised rate. He said there was need for the government to pursue a transformative initiative aimed at

empowering farmers to become more productive and secure for the future of cocoa. He said cocoa farmers needed more support and that they should be paid a fair price. Given the varied issues facing farming communities, he stressed that the right strategies would help turnaround the sector. He said some local cocoa farmers had abandoned their land, which they considered unproductive, following poor yields of their cocoa trees that have a life span of between 25 and 30 years, calling for assistance to enable them replace them.

Govt urged to improve food safety standards

CALL has been made to the government to work with operators in the livestock meat processing sector to improve food safety standards. Deputy Director, Directorate of General Management, Agricultural and Rural Management Institute (ARMTI), Dr. Ademola Adeyemo, said there was need for private enterprises in the meat sub-sector to to improve food safety. He urged the government to strengthen regulations to ensure the private sector changes its working practices to ensure food safety and that the meat industry take more responsibility to ensure public safety. According to him, operators were focusing on profit, adding that it is time food safety takes a

Stakeholders to Buhari: Be committed to agric

• From left: Dr Orhii; Dr Oduntan and Director, Registration and Regulatory Affairs, NAFDAC, Dr Monica Eimunjeze, displaying a pack of natnudO Chicken during a certification visit.

NAFDAC okays Hatchery Chicken

MO Farm Sieberer Hatchery, producers of natnudO chicken, has been certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Speaking during a factory tour by the Team of NAFDAC, the Director-General, Dr. Paul Orhii said the company’s production is in line with international standards and best practices and should be emulated by other players in the industry. “What I am seeing today are the kind of facilities we have seen only in developed countries and which I had prayed will one day be available in Nigeria. “This facility has now made it possible for Nigerians to enjoy high quality locally produced chicken which is guaranteed to meet their protein needs.” Orhii pledged that the agency will work with Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies to ensure they record more successes in the quest to eradicate the consumption of unwholesome chicken in Nigeria. “I want to assure you again of government’s support to the local Poultry Industry and also of our commitment to educate Nigerians

on consuming farm fresh frozen chicken. Appreciating the NAFDAC team for their commendations, the Group Managing Director Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan said it was the desire to provide good quality poultry products for Nigerians that led them to invest in building state of art facilities. He said: “The company has been a front runner in innovation in this industry, introducing first designer eggs – natnudO Super Eggs in 2010 enriched with Vitamin E and Selenium enriched with Organic Selenium and Vitamin E and was highly recommended for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. “They are also great for all adults that lead an active lifestyle. The nutrients in natnudO super eggs works together to aid improved memory and learning capabilities in children, improved “Brain, and visual developments in babies and infants, a balanced immune system, good skin, eyes, hair and also slow down the ageing process. “We have gone further to introduce more affordable poultry prod-

ucts – natnudO Quarter Chicken and natnudO Half Chicken packs so that every Nigerian can have access to quality poultry meat. He advised Nigerians to encourage indigenous industries by patronising their products.

more prominent place. He said there should be programme to make food business and their employees aware that the products meant for consumers’ plates should be free from elements which nurture the spread of diseases and ensure safety of the products. He said quality assurance schemes should help not only to raise awareness of safety, they hygiene but also food fraud. Adeyemo called for incentives for businesses to encourage cooperation on food safety and for the industry to correct a business that takes irresponsible risks. He urged health authorities to pay more attention to tackling food fraud, urging the strengthening of meat and livestock inspection and supervision.

TAKEHOLDERS have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to avoid policy somersault on the agricultural sector. They spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital during a town hall meeting on agriculture. They urged the government to ensure more commitment to agricultural development, noting that policy inconsistency by successive governments had affected reduced foreign direct investments. Kwara State Chairman, Agriculture and Allied Employees Union of Nigeria (AAEUN), Mr. David Ehindero, said the government must not pay lip service to agriculture. He noted that agriculture is a strategic sector that can transform the economy and create massive jobs, urging for greater commitment from the government to agricultural development. He said farmers are not wellfunded, adding that past funding intervention of the government did not really reach farmers who are the target for the funding. “The government should not make agriculture a political jamboree. Government should focus in areas that Nigeria has comparative advantage which is agriculture. Ehindero added that “the government should ensure that the good policies of the past administration should be continued. Agricultural personnel should be well taken care of in terms of tax relief, loans and incentives.” The Chief Executive Officer, AgroNigeria, Mr. Richard-Mark

From Adekunle Jimoh

Mbaram appealed to Buhari to appoint as a matter of urgency a minister for agriculture. His words: “There should be no policy somersault. We have the Agricultural Transformation Agenda which is a well-thought out strategy for reforms in agriculture. “It has worked for the past four years and it is the basis for which we feel that the new government should build its agriculture. Implementation of it should be strictly in accordance with what is captured. “We do need an agriculture minister like yesterday. Agriculture is a different ministry from others. You could afford not have other ministers but you cannot function effectively with a permanent secretary as the leader for the agric ministry. “The need for government to apportion sufficient resources to the agricultural sector in terms of budgetary funding cannot be over-emphasised. “We insist that minimum of 10 per cent of the entire budget of Nigeria should be allocated to the agricultural sector. We must start from the next budget. We have signed to the Maputo declaration. “For all we know, we have been implementing that position in the bridge. Nigeria has at no point allocated up to five per cent of its entire budget to agriculture. The sector is in dire need for funding.” He also called for adequate funding of agriculture, saying the Federal Government should make available at least 10 per cent of the national budget for the agriculture sector.

Investment drive: Ugwuanyi’s kinsmen donate land N a bid to support Govenor State in this all important for agriculture Enugu Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s investcommercial agriculture, I appreci-

ment drive for Enugu State, his kinsmen have donated a large expanse of land, covering 680 hectares to the state government for commercial agriculture. The representatives of five autonomous communities in Udenu Local Government Area of the state comprising Ohom Orba, Agu Orba, Imilike Etiti, Imilike Agu and Ezimo, made the donation during a courtesy visit on the governor at the Government House, Enugu. The governor hails from Orba in Udenu Local Government Area. Presenting the offer, the leader of the delegation, Albert Edoga, a lawyer, said the gesture was borne out of their collective desire to assist the government in actualising its lofty dream of boosting the state Internally Generated Revenue

(IGR) through investment promotion in agriculture and other viable options within the state. He disclosed that the land, which is surrounded by five streams, has the natural potentials to produce cash crops such as pepper, rice, cassava, ose-nsukka, maize, yam and other agro-products, adding that they have decided as a people to engage the government constructively for mutual benefits. In his response, the governor thanked them for their collective and individual efforts and willingness to assist the government in commercial agriculture, adding that the gesture speaks volume and is typical of what the people of the area can do. “Since it has pleased you to willingly assist the government of

ate your kind gesture. 680 hectares of land with natural endowment like streams is massive and attractive for commercial agriculture. I believe we are now better positioned to take agriculture to the next level in the state,” said Ugwuanyi. Other prominent members of the delegation included: the Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, Hon. Amechi Nwodo, Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Hon. Solomon Izuchukwu Onah, the former PDP governorship aspirant in Enugu State, Hon. Chinedu Onuh, former Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Godson Nnadi, Ifeanyi Ossai, a lawyer, traditional rulers and representatives of the youths, among others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

NLC seeks end to indiscriminate waivers •African govts ‘should prioritise security’

HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to review the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) so as to eliminate indiscriminate granting of waivers to importers who abuse such provisions in the Act. NLC faction President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said the removal of such waivers would help boost manufacturing, as it would encourage the local production of goods and address the instability in the foreign exchange. He said over the last decade, the Nigerian economy has grown impressively, but lamented that the economic statistics have never been in tune with the social reality, as unemployment and poverty soared to an unprecedented 23.9 per cent and 72 per cent, respectively in recent years. He added that it is apparent that the economy has grown without benefiting the people. He told The Nation that ending the country’s electricity woes, will require the new administration to develop a framework and strategy to deal decisively with smuggling as

Stories by Toba Agboola

well as putting an end to counterfeiting made-in-Nigeria goods. “We demand a macro-economic policy regime that will address stability in the currency exchange regime, progressive tax administration and the management of the Customs and Excise duties in the manner that will promote local production of goods and services. We must bid goodbye to the destructive regime of duty waivers,” he said. Ajero urged President Muhammadu Buhari to concentrate his efforts on expanding the frontier for job creation through value-added activities in agriculture, mining, mineral processing and industrial manufacturing. Ajaero pointed out that the growth and development of the real sector, and increased value addition in manufacturing, are critical for creation of jobs, poverty elimination and for building a virile and sustainable economy. He urged the government to develop immediate framework and strategies to deal decisively with the

hydra-headed challenge of smuggling, electricity failure, faking and counterfeiting of made-in-Nigeria goods. “Also, our effort to develop as a nation may not materialise except we resolve the lingering energy crisis in our country. As we have seen, privatisation has not in any way improved the supply of electricity to industries and homes across the country,” Ajaero said. According to him, this has led to factory closures and impoverishment of Nigerians. “This therefore, demands special attention to address the challenges of electricity supply in the country in particular and, in the immediate term, apply accelerated solution for industrial power needs,” he said. In a related event, NLC faction President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, has urged African governments to make the issue of security a priority, especially in the east and west of the continent. Wabba made the call at the opening of a two-day annual meeting of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Africa Human and Trade Union Rights Network.

The theme of the meeting is, “Insecurity and Threats to Peace in Africa and the Migration Challenges in Africa.” Wabba said armed conflicts and insurgency in Africa had assumed a new and dangerous dimension that no country could be said to be safe. ‘It is true that insurgency in Africa, particularly in the West African Subregion and some parts of East Africa, has affected a lot of workers. In Nigeria, we have lost teachers and health workers because most of them live in the rural areas. “Therefore, if there is an attack by these insurgents, certainly the workers will be on the frontline so, we have lost a lot of them. It is time for African leaders to stand to up in unity and collaborate to end this menace,” he said. He said insurgency in Nigeria escalated due to a lack of political will to respond to the issue effectively when Boko Haram started, while the military was not initially strengthened to respond effectively. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr Clement Illo, said government had developed a migration policy that would address the challenges of migration in a more coherent manner in Nigeria.

•From left: Assistant General Counsel, Pfizer Inc, Ms. Angela Wasunna; Partner, Anadach Group, Dr. Egbe Osifo–Dawodu; Director, Global Security, Pfizer, Dr. Pierre Souverain; Director, Corporate Affairs & Health Value, Pfizer, Margaret Olele and Partner, Anadach Group, Dr. Enoma Alade, at the Intellectual Property Workshop held in Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos.

NUPENG okays railway haulage of petroleum products

HE National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), said it has no objection to the use of railways for haulage of petroleum products across the country. The South-West Chairman of the Union, Mr. Tokunbo Korodo, told newsmen in Lagos that it is a good development as long as Nigerians would not be deprived the right to get the products at the approved

prices. “We do not have any objection to any mode of distribution so far it will get to the masses at a reasonable price. Whether they use train or they use helicopter to distribute the products, we cannot kick against it because we know that there is no way a train can get to all the filling stations. “They will still park somewhere and use our trucks to get the prod-

ucts to any retail outlets. Even, the locomotive driver that drives any train loaded with petroleum products to any destination will, automatically, become my member,” he said. Korodo said the union will create another branch that will be added to the existing one, adding that it is a welcome development if that will be the best way. He noted that the best and fastest way to distribute petroleum prod-

ucts is through pipeline, adding that government is running away from it due to the activities of vandals. “It is sad that our security agencies cannot protect the pipelines,” he said, asking, “If the security agencies cannot protect our pipelines, then what is the fate of the ordinary Nigerian?” NUPENG had on June 1 asked the Federal Government to rehabilitate railways for petroleum haulage.

TUC urges Odusile to fight for NUJ members’ welfare

HE Trade Union Congress (TUC) has congratulated the new National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Waheed Odusile, urging him to use his position to fight and improve the welfare of journalists. In a congratulatory letter signed by the Secretary General of the union, Comrade Musa Lawal, the TUC said: “On behalf of the President, the National Administrative Council (NAC) and entire members of the Congress, we hereby heartily con-

gratulate you on your recent election as National President of the NUJ. We also felicitate with your union on the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections.” Lawal said an overview of Odusile’s election manifesto leaves TUC persuaded of his ability to take the practice of journalism to greater levels in Nigeria. “We trust that you would ensure the entrenchment of professionalism and high ethical standards in the practice of journalism in the country, bearing in mind

the fact that mismanagement of information does no society any good,” he said. The union implored Odusile to work assiduously to improve the welfare of the NUJ members. “Taking into cognisance the risks involved on the job, a good insurance programme that guarantees the future of journalists would be a welcome initiative. “We also urge you to make the issue of training and re-training of journalists a priority during your tenure

to ensure that journalists in the country stand tall among their counterparts in other parts of the world and sustain the respect the profession commands globally,” Lasal advised. He said the congress is particularly disturbed that several journalists, who are also heads of families, are owed as much as 10 months salaries at a time when their counterparts in other countries are being well taken care of. This is very improper, and we hope your administration will rise up to the challenge,” the union said.

Union prescribes measures for employment generation

HE Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) has challenged the Federal Government to help bring down the cost of production and improve infrastructure in order to promote industrialisation and employment in the country. Speaking at the 35th yearly general meeting of the AFBTE in Lagos, the association’s President, Paul Gbadebo identified high cost of manufacturing as a barrier to competitiveness of local products, saying it makes imported products more attractive to consumers. Gbadebo also deplored the state of infrastructure especially power supply, road network and rail service, calling on the new government to invest in infrastructural development. He also identified other factors necessary for improvement of the economy to include, enforcement of corporate governance and best practices in order to combat corruption, ensuring access to long term credit for genuine manufacturers and reduction of bank lending rate. Others are securing the nation’s border against illegal imports, tackling insurgency in the northern part of Nigeria, checking multiple taxation, and streamlining activities of regulatory agencies. He, however, alerted manufacturers to brace up for challenges that will arise from the devaluation of the naira and dwindling oil revenue. The Executive Secretary of AFBTE, Aderemi Adegboyega, identified impunity, official high handedness, and insensitivity on the part of regulatory agencies as factors that affect the manufacturing sector negatively. “The kind of things we want the government to do include creating a situation where multiple taxation would be avoided. Regulatory agencies should be supporting our businesses. The government here should ensure that our raw materials are sourced at prices that are reasonable. We should be able to source finance from the banks at cost that will be helpful to the manufacturers”, he said. He also said a level playing field should be provided in terms of access to finance, infrastructure and government patronage, lamenting a situation where one has to “know” someone in government or a bank before they can be attended to. Reflecting on measures adopted by the Federal Government to improve the economy, he said the recent removal of 41 items from foreign exchange list may not achieve the desired aims unless the government can prevent smuggling of the products. “The truth is those goods might have been taken away from the list, but somehow we still find them in the market. And because we find them in the market, it means some people are bringing them to the market without paying duties. And when they don’t pay duties it makes such duties to be very cheap and people would buy such products anyway. It does not really confer any advantage”, Adegboyega said. He also sought introduction of a special foreign exchange regime for the manufacturing sector. “The cost at which manufacturers get finance from the banks now is not helpful. Government can support manufacturers in terms of access to funds. Also in terms of cost of machinery and moratorium, and the leave period that is granted to manufacturers of goods in terms of taxation”, he added.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL

LETTER

A breakthrough indeed •Discovery of vaccine for prevention of malaria among the young is a great relief, but a call to duty for African scientists and governments to adequately fund researches

EWS that scientists have at last resolved the puzzle posed by malaria in the past centuries has been well received all over the world. The fact that Europe has endorsed the findings and a vaccine produced for the purpose by GlaxoSmithkline has been licensed by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) must have brought relief for many in Africa. By last year, not less than 20 researchers were said to be approaching a breakthrough in the quest to come up with a vaccine that could prevent the disease. Malaria has been a major source of worry for parents, especially in Africa, who usually have the unpleasant task of burying their children lost to malaria. The young ones are the most vulnerable as they are exposed to the fury of the Plasmodium parasite responsible for transmitting the deadly ailment that claims the lives of about 600,000 young ones in Africa every year because they are yet to come up with the immunity required. The high mortality rate made malaria the leading killer disease in the continent and thus a major challenge to all - governments, employers, workers, civil society groups, medical authorities, scientists, families, traditional authorities and the general public. In many of the least developed countries in the continent, treatment of the patients remains a huge challenge as the drugs are either unavailable or unaffordable. They are thus forced to rely on age-long herbs that have not benefited from advances made in science. While the

efficacy of the herbs is not in doubt, there are genuine concerns about appropriate dosage, toxicity and side effects. There have been suggestions that multinational drug manufacturing companies in the West have blocked final endorsement of local researches, this might not fully explain the lethargy by the authorities and thus the slow pace of advances. Malaria is not ravaging only the young ones, adults have not been spared either. Although they largely survive, so many man-hours are lost by workers who come down with it. The continent loses so much of its inadequate resources to treating the sick, thus necessitating the quest for a vaccine. The endorsement by the European authorities is a critical step forward but it is not time to halt research. The adults, too, deserve a relief. Besides, the mosquitrix still calls for fine-tuning as it has to be regularly reinforced to be effective. Careless parents could forget to top it up, thus leading to failure. The region deserves to free resources for the challenge of development and the scientists must continue until they achieve a total breakthrough on an ailment that was once the nemesis of colonialists and missionaries from Europe. Many took ill and died before they could receive help. And, that was at a time that there was actually no potent cure. It is an irony that the theatre for waging the scientific war is mainly in Australia, Europe and North America; not much is being done, let alone achieved in this wise in Africa that is bearing the brunt. This

attitude must change if we expect the world to respect us. African medical challenges deserve more serious attention by her scientists, backed by the governments. It is not enough to complain that research efforts were being frustrated by European authorities and the World Health Organisation. African leaders must take the lead in the crusade for relevant development. Local research efforts into other largely tropical diseases such as the sickle cell anaemia must be stepped up, while the spread of those ailments and diseases hitherto considered foreign, too, must receive adequate attention. While we welcome this cheering news, we note that the challenge is still enormous. It is not yet time to drop the guard.

‘The endorsement by the European authorities is a critical step forward but it is not time to halt research. The adults, too, deserve a relief. Besides, the mosquitrix still calls for fine-tuning as it has to be regularly reinforced to be effective. Careless parents could forget to top it up, thus leading to failure’

Succour for a blind man •Governor Ambode’s humanitarian gesture for the columnist should be an example

PART from being a commendable demonstration of personal compassion, the intervention of the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, in the sad situation of Mr. Wole Falodun is a striking expression of his understanding of institutional integrity. It is impressive that the Lagos State Government responded to the news of Falodun’s plight within 24 hours. After PUNCH Metro on July 22, 2015, reported Falodun’s troubles following a problematic eye surgery at the Lagos Island General Hospital, Ambode promptly directed that he should be invited for a discussion. Falodun, a former correspondent of Radio Nigeria and an ex-columnist who in the 1970s wrote the popular column Waka About in the defunct Lagos Weekend, reportedly went blind as a result of a surgeon’s error during a glaucoma operation in 1995.

‘It must be appreciated that Ambode’s logic of sensible continuity is a remarkable departure from the familiar path of unreasonable discontinuity commonly adopted by political helmsmen in the country. It takes a humble appreciation of the reality of predecessors and successors in government for a governor to decide to give effect to promises made by a previous holder of the position’

According to the story, Falodun had sought the help of the then Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and had a meeting with Tinubu in February 2002 following a letter he wrote to him in May 2001. Tinubu had reportedly promised that the state would take care of Falodun on humanitarian grounds, specifically through financial support and by ensuring the education of his three children through the “state scholarship board and other convenient options”. These promises are yet to be fulfilled 13 years after, the report said. It is a measure of the sensitivity of the Ambode administration that its immediate response came through a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello, which said: “According to the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government is to establish contact with Mr. Wole Falodun and collect details of promises made by his predecessors in office and ensure that they are forwarded to him for immediate action. The governor said the promises were not personal, but made on behalf of the state government.” Significantly, the SSG’s statement also said: “This singular move is a demonstration of the commitment of this administration to the plight of its citizenry and it will ensure that promises made to Lagosians are fulfilled.” It must be appreciated that Ambode’s logic of sensible continuity is a remarkable departure from the familiar path of unreasonable discontinuity commonly adopted by political helmsmen in the

country. It takes a humble appreciation of the reality of predecessors and successors in government for a governor to decide to give effect to promises made by a previous holder of the position. In particular, the beauty of Ambode’s intervention is that it is not driven by any implication of the liability of the state government arising from the alleged negligence of the doctor who performed the surgery that went awry. While Falodun’s present circumstances are unlikely to be the same as they were when the government at the time promised to help lighten his burden, it is expected that the Ambode administration will nevertheless address his current state of affairs with a sense of seriousness. It is unfortunate that Falodun’s eye problem was ironically and terribly worsened in the course of medical treatment. However, it is hoped that, with the assistance of the state government, he would be able to cope better with his physical disability. Certainly, there is a lesson for medical workers in Falodun’s pathetic tale. In the delicate business of surgery and in the delivery of medical remedies generally, health personnel cannot care too much or be too careful. The consequences of human mistakes in the context of health care can be agonising as Falodun’s case has shown. It has been a long wait for Falodun, and now that a listening administration is willing to act and give much-needed succour, there should be no further delay.

Resolving the Senate crisis IR: It is disheartening to note that the credibility crisis befalling the Senate may not be over so soon going by the latest confirmation by the police of an alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Orders used for electing the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The report, which was said to have been submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari, was said to have found the management of the National Assembly and the Clerk, Salisu Maikasuwa, culpable. Acting on a petition by Senator Sulaiman Hunkuyi of the APC, the police had earlier quizzed both Ekweremadu and Maikasuwa over the allegation. The petitioner had claimed that some parts of the 2015 Senate Orders were different from the ones ratified by the 6th Senate in 2010, which was used by the 7th Senate as Standing Orders in 2011. Despite denial of falsification by the Senate leadership, some senators who served in the 7th Senate have disowned the 2015 edition of the Senate Standing Orders (as amended) just as members of the current 8th Senate across parties have denied being part of the amendment process. No doubt, the 8th National Assembly has been riddled with acrimony from day one thus affecting its credibility for a nation that is seriously yearning for good governance. The crisis in the Upper Chamber has created avoidable tension and wreaked havoc by putting the APC leadership in disarray, making it virtually impossible for the legislators to do any significant work since inauguration in June. We expect both the Senate President and his deputy to have stepped aside by now while further investigations continue since the police investigation has established that the rules used for their elections were allegedly forged. Unfortunately, politicians in this part of the world do not seem to be sensitive to such calls to allow for transparency and diligent investigation. Rather, what we heard after the police report was submitted was that the Senate unanimously passed a vote of confidence on its president, his deputy and other principal officers appointed by the various caucuses of the chamber following a motion sponsored by 81 senators from both the APC and PDP! The crisis in both chambers of the National Assembly could have been avoided if members had obeyed and honoured the arrangements put in place by their political party; afterall they were voted into the parliament on that platform. The principle of party supremacy should have faithfully been observed and upheld. What those who have decided to work against the instructions of their political parties fail to realise is that they are gradually destroying their political future in the sense that by such disobedience, many people would perceive them as being untrustworthy, inconsistent and over-ambitious. Hence, what looks like a temporary gain could actually be a colossal loss for them on the long run. As a way forward, the Buhari administration should ensure that those found culpable in the forgery saga are made to face the full wrath of the law within a reasonable time. The APC should explore a more decisive way to call their members to order in the interest of the nation as we cannot continue this way. The business of legislation is too sensitive, important and strategic to democratic governance that it should be sacrificed on the altar of mere party politics. • Adewale Kupoluyi Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

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

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •General Manager (Abuja Press) Kehinde Olowu •AGM (PH Press) Tunde Olasogba

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) •Press Manager Yomi Odunuga Udensi Chikaodi •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Legal Counsel John Unachukwu •Group Business Editor Simeon Ebulu • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye •Group Sports Editor Ade Ojeikere •Acting Manager (sales) •Editorial Page Editor Olaribigbe Bello Sanya Oni

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: Few days ago at a crowded market in Damaturu, the capital city of Yobe State, North Eastern Nigeria, a 10- yearold girl blew up herself, killing over 15 people and injuring several others. This occurred on the heels of the bombing in Biu, Borno State which was also perpetrated by a woman. Wrought by discrimination and bias, the society, especially in the third world, has dealt the girl-child a rough blow even before birth. In India, for instance, the country accounts for the termination of about 10 million female foetuses over the past 20 years while female infants are still found dumped in dump sites in large numbers. In Nigeria, the story is not different as women continue to endure all sorts of humiliations for giving birth to girlsthe so-called weaker sex. It is the belief that female children drop the family names for their marital names, thereby terminating their ancestral lineage. In her journey through life, the girl- child undergoes a lot of harrowing experiences ranging from sexual harassment to early marriage and low level of schooling. Others include but not limited to exposure to violence, HIV infection, maternal death and vesico-vaginal fistula. It has been more than a year now that over 200 girls were abducted from their hostel at the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, an event that has remained indelible in the minds of parents and empathizers alike. The drama that unfolded after the dastardly act made Nigeria a laughing stock among comity of nations. Till date the girls are still in captivity save some of them that were bold enough to flee from their abduc-

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

Girl-child as endangered specie tors. Although child marriage is against the law in many countries including Nigeria as international treaties forbid the practice, it is estimated that over 51 million girls are forced into early marriages yearly worldwide. Quite often, in most African countries, parents of child brides are driven by factors such as pressure to conform to age old traditions like preservation of chastity and economic considerations to give out their young daughters in marriage. It is not uncommon also in poor developing countries, for poverty-stricken parents to settle debts by offering their underage girls as payments. And as a result of the age gap existing between the child brides and their spouses, they are often exposed to domestic violence and other forms of abuses. Invariably, these early marriages deny girls the opportunity for quality education in addition to depriving them of their childhood. Among the more than 100 million children not in school, approximately 40% are girls. In Nigeria, women and girls constitute 60% of the illiterate population. Also, most young wives are burdened by growing up responsibilities, household chores, rearing of children, and consequently do not get a chance to in-

teract with their peers or carry on friendships outside the household. This put them in a state of complete dependency on their husbands. Equally, child brides often suffer from Vesico- vaginal fistula, a medical condition where there is an opening between the uterus and the bladder because the pelvic bones do not have sufficient time to develop before getting pregnant. This often leads to abandonment or divorce by their husbands and ostracization by their communities as urine continuously leak from their bladders, leading to offensive odour oozing out from the victims’ bodies.

Female Genital Mutilation is another heinous infringement on the rights of the female gender. It is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, most commonly before puberty starts. The procedure is traditionally carried out by a woman with no medical training. Today, of all girls and women’s fears, that of being raped is the darkest. At least one in three girls and women worldwide has been beaten or sexually abused in her lifetime. Sexual violence is the abuse of women’s or girls’ bodily integrity and this includes incest, indecent

assault of young girls, rape, sexual harassment and child pornography. Incest which had hitherto been an abomination in the olden days Africa is now common as even fathers these days sexually abuse their young daughters. Therefore, it is essential that all hands be on deck to make sure that the girl child dwells in a world where, from childhood, adolescence to womanhood, she is educated, acquires essential life skills and employment thus fulfilling her leadership potential and becoming an asset and inspiration to her family, community and the world at large. Also, appropriate legislations on the protection of the girl child should be put in place and strictly adhered to and punitive measures taken against those found violating these laws. The time to act is now! • Bilkis Bakare Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

Tyranny of oil marketers in Ogbomoso

IR:Independent oil marketers in Ogbomoso have become a clog on the wheel of progress in the town, and the earlier men of conscience make their voices heard the better for the town and its economy. As at the time of writing this report, these shylocks have stopped selling fuel and making life difficult for the people, adding to the agony which the economic recession in the country had imposed on the people. The cartel has formed a parallel government in the town and determining the spate of business. In actual fact, since multinational

oil companies like Total, Oando, Texaco, Master Energy, and even NNPC have closed shops or working skeletally, independent oil marketers have been employing their majority and unity to cheat the customers. Instead of selling at the normal price of N87 per litre, they sold between N110 and N105. In spite of that, they still ration the selling of the products. At times, when the task force visits the town, the visit is used as an excuse not to sell at all as being witnessed at the moment. Meanwhile, they have fuel in their stations. In the past, people believed that a

prominent traditional ruler in the town, who doubled as an oil dealer was behind the invincibility and power wielded by the marketers. However, having leased out his filling station to the NNPC, the situation has not changed. There is no doubt that people are fed up with the murderous activities of the marketers and no one can say precisely what the reaction of the people will be if the actions are not checked; this makes the appeal to the concerned authorities imperative. • Abdulsalam Olalekan, Ayedaade, Ogbomoso.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015 16

COMMENTS

Beasts of no gender Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040 O be a ‘modern’ feminist, if not a defect, is at least a fetish; like porn. The ‘modern’ feminist is that woman who dulls down to an artificially created set of sexual-political sensibilities, in order to satisfy her emotional lust for being perpetually ‘oppressed.’ Like porn addicts, paedophiles, rapists and racists, such woman is an emotion junkie – infinitely handicapped yet propelled by her lust for unearned benefits. And when she seems truly deserving of sought benefits, gluttony and wile pervert her claims until her agitation attains the tenor of a ruckus, much like the ghastly cries of feral cats jostling for the largest chunk of carrion flesh. To do pioneer American feminists justice, many of them have publicly repudiated the ideas they once held: Betty Friedan now talks of the importance of the family. Judy Goldsmith (former president of NOW) deplores the feminization of poverty due to easy divorce laws, and Susan Brownmiller, author of Against Our Will: Men, Women and Rape, laments the effects of sexual liberation and the feminist adoption of the lesbian cause: “We tried to make people proud of who they were” says Brownmiller, “...but then the sadomasochists came out of the closet and became proud of themselves.” Unfortunately, Nigerian feminists, always five leap years behind the American sisterhood, have not seen the light yet and attempt to pervert State and Federal policies even as they lay to waste, the traditional family. Feminists, without doubt, should not enjoy the natural ‘privilege’ of having children. They

are taking care of that anyway – as you read; the “Free the Nigerian Woman” movement is working assiduously to achieve total liberation from patriarchal fetters for the Nigerian woman and girl-child. However, like their foreign feminist heroes, the feminism they propagate presupposes and necessitates male blame. It espouses man-hating as an intrinsic part of its modus operandi thus institutionalizing misandry as a central tenet of its crusade. Although, many a Nigerian feminist will contend that “the feminism we espouse does not require man-hating, we simply choose to liberate the Nigerian woman from servitude and patriarchal dominion…”; reality tells differently. Feminism cannot exist without man-hating and that is the cold-hard truth. Blaming socialization for women’s predicament constitutes the worst of feminist claptrap. The socialization-learned rolessex stereotyping feminist argument to excuse feminists’ claim to perpetual victimhood has no basis in fact. If social forces and upbringing have such a profound effect and influence on women’s choices then they must also have a profound effect and influence on men’s choices – if considered within the feminist parameters that both male and female gender are created as equals. This means that nobody, anywhere, under any circumstances, is capable of making a ‘free choice.’ The concept is arrant nonsense; if it had any validity then none of us could be held morally or personally responsible for the consequences of our actions. Picture a society that operates by this belief

AST week, as the protests raged about the new policy of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (Board), I remembered Mathew 22:14, “many were called, few were chosen.” The policy, which seeks to redistribute candidates whose UTME scores are less than the demand of their institutions of first choice, which have limited spaces to other institutions within the same location, which have spaces but not applicants ruffled a few feathers. If there is anything that practically demonstrates the truth of that saying that many are called but few are chosen, it is the annual Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organized by JAMB. Annually, over one million sit for examination but less than half of them stand a chance of being admitted, not because they will not pass, but because there are not enough spaces and in most cases, few notable institutions with limited spaces are jam-packed while others do not have applicants. Formerly University Matriculation Examination (UME) until 2010, when the entrance examinations into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and monotechnics were merged into what is today known as UTME, the platform allows candidates to sit for one examination and have a fair chance of getting admitted into any higher institution in the four categories. Though it was criticised at first, that initiative has, today, become commendable. By merging the two examinations, not only did JAMB, under the leadership of the incumbent Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, relieved the country of the huge resources it expended on the two separate exams; parents were saved money spent on two examinations and candidates were saved of stress and needless journeys to write the two examinations. Three years after, JAMB again stepped forward to

‘Did the protesters really look deeply into the policy before taking to the streets? Do they prefer to waste time and money on post-UTME examinations when already departments have set cut-off marks that affected candidates did not meet or try their luck elsewhere where there are spaces?

system: thousands of men locked up in prisons could use the same defense for shooting, robbing, raping, drug dealing and so on. Why not argue for example, that the culture of masculinity, a background of poverty, and a materialistic and religiously intolerant family makes them behave in anti-social ways? Individual men are held responsible for their decisions and actions, so how can feminists legitimately claim that women should be exempt from personal responsibility? Misandry and demonization of men, has devalued men’s worth to the extent that it has made society blasé about the disposability of men and the boy-child. This is responsible, for example, for the shocking bias in the lack of attention to men and boys’ health in general while the mass media and health advocacy groups perpetually obsess about women’s health and the girl-child’s. The idiocy of this mindset is that while girls are badgered with crucial health information even before puberty, boys, with whom they engage in random acts of sexual misdemeanor and experimentation are virtually ignored. The cultural and institutional misandry perpetuated by the feminist aggravates the destruction of the family system and denies the boychild the comfort of an external role model especially when he has to seek outside his family for his role models. This is one reason boys are perpetually in trouble; due to the lack of positive male role models in their lives, they would get what they could from TV, violent films and video games. All they need is someone whose exemplary footsteps they could follow but the society provides them only men they could dumb down to. A recent analysis of 2, 000 mass media portrayals of men and male identities, found that men were de-

picted mostly as villains, aggressors, perverts, and philanderers. From this stock-pile of anti-heroes, the boy-child is expected to navigate for a good male identity. Promoting the image of men as juvenile, mean and stupid is cynical and exploitative; which makes the tide of inverse sexism that has swamped out television screens for instance, even more appalling. In modern Nigeria, boys and young men have a dire lack of good role models; especially if they are raised in a single-parent home, as one in eight children now are. The situation is worsened by the lack of positive role models in government, and the perpetuation of overwhelmingly negative images of men by the media and feminist scholarly research. Ultimately such portrayals lead to negative social costs for society in areas such as male health, rising suicide rates and family disintegration. Women need to be thought of as ‘victims.’ Without the banner of victimhood to rally around, feminist coffers would run dry, career feminists would be unemployed and mortgages would go unpaid. Hence thousands of professional feminists can’t just declare victory and go home, because without the feminist movement they would have no homes to go to; they would have no jobs, no families and no job prospects. And neither would they have a platform from which to pound their ideological drum. The irony of feminism’s ‘forever

feminism’ is that the sense of perpetual victimhood precludes the concept that the members of the victimized group, women, could actually rise above their assigned position in society and meet that society, and be part of that society, on equal terms. To do that would mean taking personal responsibility for their choices and the condition of their own lives. Instead, feminism has designed an ideological crutch to serve as the average woman impediment to self-actualization. Feminism has gained a monopoly on the subject of gender studies. Men don’t have a gender identity anymore, only women have a gender identity and an intrinsic value to society and this sentiment is perpetuated by carefully articulated propaganda and research. The concept of authoritative, strong, independent, passionate and intelligent manhood is persistently repudiated except it exists to serve the feminist cause. So when a young boy reaches the age where it’s appropriate for him to be initiated into manhood, we find the whole idea of “reaching manhood” laughable. On the flipside, a new womanhood is fast evolving. Stripped of its swathe of fortune and status symbols, it reveals a kind of corpse in future argument with itself, a dead voice hollering and bearing witness to its own achievement, passionate in self-love and incest with its past.

‘On the flipside, a new womanhood is fast evolving. Stripped of its swathe of fortune and status symbols, it reveals a kind of corpse in future argument with itself, a dead voice hollering and bearing witness to its own achievement, passionate in self-love and incest with its past’

JAMB: Opposing a beautiful idea at infancy By Adebayo Alao introduce another innovation in the public examination sector, the Computer Based Test (CBT). This too, like every new development in Nigeria, was greeted with criticisms and opposition, with nearly everyone becoming instant experts on how CBT could never work in Nigeria. But the JAMB Registrar, a professor of Education Measurement, despite the criticisms of the CBT scheme, was undeterred and led the examination body to achieve what has today become first of its kind in public examination and testing in Africa. Explaining the reason behind JAMB’s decision to embrace CBT, Professor Ojerinde had, in a lecture at the University of Ibadan, stated that JAMB introduced Computed Based Testing (CBT) because it would curb examination malpractices, reduce the waste of resources and the need to follow the technological trend in examination. “Everybody is going technological and if Nigeria decided not to join, I’m sorry we will be left behind, so we should do CBT. It is the answer to exam malpractices,” the JAMB boss had stated. Today, UTME candidates get their results same day they finish the examination or within 48 hours. Before CBT, candidates would travel hundreds of kilometres to check results after three months of writing UME or PCE. Is CBT a success or a failure? Did it fail as most Nigerians feared it would? I leave the public to judge. While the merger of the UME and PCE and the introduction of the CBT are not the only achievements recorded by Ojerinde, they will remain important landmarks in the life of the board and the country. But he has achieved both amid distrust and opposition from most quarters. Therefore, when I saw the protests that erupted at the University of Lagos regarding the new JAMB policy, which is capable of reducing the wastage of high scores and making candidates wait endlessly for non-existent opportunities, the first thought that came to my mind was - are we not being impatient with Ojerinde again? I looked for answers to the ugly situation that has seen parents and candidates affected calling for the sack of the JAMB Registrar. What exactly is the crux of the matter? Where did JAMB get it wrong with that policy being protested at? And is it true that JAMB will make N1 billion

from the redistribution exercise? The JAMB Registrar is a technocrat in every senseof the word, having successfully headed the National Board for Education Measurement (NBEM) and later the National Examination Council (NECO), which today is the only truly-Nigerian examination body for secondary schools. Ojerinde, as the pioneer NECO Registrar, was able to weather different storms and turn NECO into a viable body. Therefore, when he and other board members at JAMB as well as the leadership of all tertiary institutions in Nigeria sense a danger and make plans to avert it, Nigerians should trust them. But that appears not to be the case in the present situation. According to the explanations offered by JAMB and the Registrar in separate press statements, the board consulted with the representatives of tertiary institutions to discuss the problems candidates face on admission and possible solutions. Without being told, Nigerians know the biggest problem candidates seeking admission face is that of limited spaces. In 2014, the JAMB Registrar stated that only 35 per cent of the 1,735,892 candidates that wrote the UTME in 2013 were admitted; pray what happened to the rest? Many are called, but few are chosen? If hundreds of thousands of candidates pass UTME annually and fail to secure admission because there are limited spaces in the institutions, whose responsibility is it to find a solution? JAMB; of course, which must be why the policy was adopted. And the Board has also disclaimed those selling cards for candidates to check the institutions they are redistributed to saying that the checking is free. Shouldn’t we look elsewhere for scape goats? The JAMB Registrar explained that the board considered candidates’ scores, choice courses and locations of universities of choice, among others, before re-allocating them to federal, state and private universities with enough spaces. But did the protesters really look deeply into the policy before taking to the streets? Do they prefer to waste time and money on post-UTME examinations when already departments have set cut-off marks that affected candidates did not meet or try their luck elsewhere where there are spaces? A lot of questions beg for answers but the protests and criticisms might end up being another case of opposing a beautiful idea at its infancy. • Alao writes through adealcommunications@gmail.com

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

COMMENTS ‘Nothing great will ever be achieved without great men, and men are great only if they are determined to be so’ — Charles de Gaulle HE high-pitched political temperature in the country is subsiding. And its being feverish initially was a consequence of the avoidable quagmire in the National Assembly and the broad perception that President Mohammadu Buhari is politically apathetical; and added to this is the widely held notion that his government is quite slow in bringing about the desired change that Nigerians are yearning for. Many mischievous politicians also tried to create, in the public domain, a phantom frosty relationship between Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the President, using the wrangling that arose from the leadership elections in the National Assembly as plank. The public waited with baited breath to know the feelings of Asiwaju. To them, he needs to dispel or confirm the rumour making the round on the concocted cold relationship between him and the President. That opportunity, since the new Federal Government’s inauguration, presented itself when the two great men met at the Presidential Villa one evening during the month of Ramadan in company with some other invited party leaders. At the end of that day’s Ramadan break, Tinubu was the cynosure of all eyes and the pressmen feasted on him for news. He spoke eloquently; calling on Nigerians to be patient with the PMB government whilst also reiterating his confidence in the president’s style of governance. And just three days ago, the duo met again within the same Presidential Villa precinct and the smirking of Pull-Him-Down (PHD) politicians that saw him as the greatest threat to pursuit of their ambitions in the corridors of power ended in shame. Their pastime of PHD suddenly becomes a nightmare, especially coming at a time that PMB met warring Honourable members and subsequently held a meeting with Asiwaju, which culminated into seeming denouement on the House of Representatives crisis with the emergence of Hakeem Gbajabiamila as House Majority leader. Obviously, any continuing recalcitrance against party position, after the meeting with PMB by the Speaker Yakubu Dogara group, could end dismally. The public is watching how far Bukola Saraki could go with his Senate-Presidency that he got through subterfuge and his continuing subversion of party directives/position. The reading of this column is that the trust reposed in PMB needs the political sagacity of an Asiwaju and it is good that the public has seen through their last meeting that there is a solid synergy between the duo despite

08110000117

The Buhari-Tinubu Synergy the treacherous antics of envious politicians. The meeting earlier in the week of these great Nigerians and the way it doused the political temperature in the land, without sounding immodest, confirms yours sincerely’s strongly held position that Tinubu remains the most-sought-after politician and perhaps, the most influential one of the progressive hue in contemporary Nigeria. There are two very recent examples to buttress this fact from notable personalities that should know. Prince Tony Momoh, accomplished journalist and former Minister of Information, in a recent interview titled: ‘How Tinubu lured five governors out of PDP’’ that was published in the Vanguard newspaper edition of July 27, 2015, underscores the political significance of Tinubu, unlike emptily lousy others, to the birth of this new dawn where he said: ‘…That is why we can never underrate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the success that we achieved in the 2015 election that produced this government. Tinubu is an excellent crowd mobilizer, very highly proactive and exceptionally digital politician. He was the one who knew how he wooed the five governors of the New PDP and brought them into the APC. You cannot underrate Tinubu’s contribution to the success of the emergence of this government. We should give kudos to Tinubu because of his role in the influence that brought the PDP governors into APC. He wooed Saraki and Atiku and he knew how he went into the PDP and played all those games. I would tell you that two politicians that should be respected most in Nigeria today are Tinubu and Bisi Akande.’ Another sampler: Colonel Sambo Dasuki, immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA), in an interview titled: ‘Dasuki denies

ITH the May 26 Judgement of the Supreme Court that affirmed Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the winner of the August 9, 2014 governorship election in Osun, the state’s PDP knew it has come to the end of the road in its long sustained but futile bid to come to power in the state. It therefore had to devise some unconventional means to unseat the governor. On Sunday June 14, one of the leaders of the party in the state called a meeting of party bigwigs, stakeholders and loyalists at the party’s secretariat for the purpose of repositioning the party for next elections after its brutalisation and crushing defeats in elections since 2011. But to their chagrin, they were told by the frustrated politician to brace up to his plan of action of making the state ungovernable, if they ever hope to win any election in the state. However, Osun State Security Council got wind of the plans and read the riot act to them on June 19 after its emergency meeting. The first stage of the plan was to import thugs and hoodlums into the state in the week starting from June 22. These thugs were to unleash mayhem in the name of protesting delay in payment of workers’ salaries and pensions. The ‘protest’ was to be accompanied with killing, looting and arson, both of public and private property. An NGO was formed a week before the rioting to be the arrowhead of the felony in order to give the thugs a façade of legitimacy. Justice Olamide Folahanmi Oloyede’s petition asking for the impeachment of the governor would have fitted perfectly into the dastardly plot. Coming after the mayhem, destruction and state of insecurity, the petition would have provided a comfortable ground for some of the legislators who had allegedly been promised money and positions if they should carry the impeachment through. When the state Security Council aborted the subversive protest with its sabre rattling, the bottom has been knocked off Oloyede’s petition and has therefore been denied the impetus to compel the impeachment of the governor, as it would have been if the mayhem had been carried out. The PDP, unrelenting and disappointed that the petition lacked any force, decided to give it a fillip. This, as it were, would be the stage three which was eventually carried out on Tuesday July 7 but it was stillborn. The ‘protesters’ made up of known PDP members and local leaders, a very tiny section of the retirees on the payroll of an Ife politician (about 50) and sundry thugs (local and imported) had gathered around Ola-Iya junction in Osogbo (the area is a hotbed of progres-

maltreating Buhari after 1985 coup,’’ that was equally published in the Vanguard newspaper of July 23, 2015 also disclosed the undeniable political importance of Tinubu where he said: ‘I pleaded in 2011 with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the presence of Bisi Akande to accept Muhammad Buhari as the joint presidential candidate for ACN and CPC.’ He further stated: “In the belief that Yoruba and southwesterners are never religious fanatics, especially regarding politics, me and my group suggested that Tinubu should be a running mate to Buhari. When other elements opposed that proposition, Tinubu team therefore recommended a Buhari-Osinbajo ticket. Unfortunately, the ticket failed to stick as Pastor Tunde Bakare was eventually pushed forward by other forces.” Four years after, these covetous ‘other elements’ surprisingly but expectedly embraced the Tinubu option and the rest is now history. It is understandable if some people are begrudging Tinubu but they need to acknowledge the fact that he towers above not only the politically resentful people but also his treacherous associates. The political ignoramuses might deride him; the grovellers of hitherto never-do-well centrist governments are used to impugning his character, but that

is the man still standing like the rock of Gibraltar. Asiwaju has the power and tactics of political liberation; he is imbued with a rare economic skill, being a shrewd accountant with vast international experience. This man of unquantifiable goodwill has an uncanny nerve for discovering a talent, which was reflected in the membership of his mostly wellendowed cabinet team, which he assembled during his eight-year rein as governor of Lagos State. Indeed, Charles de Gaulle was right by saying: ‘Nothing great will ever be achieved without great men and men are great only if they are determined to be so.’ Tinubu is a successful determined political risk taker of our time. The difference between Tinubu and the rest in the political arena is that he sees possibility where others remain political jellies. His often-talked-about political superiority complex does not mean pride, although it might appear to be so in the eyes of the mischievous among politicians and the so-called pretentious technocrats turned overnight politicians that want to see it so. Tinubu feels a higher esteem over the obstacles he desires to surmount and he is blessed with the rare courage of overcoming them, with enough energy reserved for any eventuality. It is with this kind of uncommon valor and acuity that he deployed in handling the devilish rascality of politicians/friends/associates that strive futilely, on a daily basis, to bring him on his kneels. PMB should always read between the lines so that these envious political zealots will not keep Tinubu and others that are truly for him away from the seat of power. This column is particularly elated that notwithstanding the indignant blackmail of political buccaneers against Tinubu, he is still waxing stronger within the nation’s political firmament as a dependable torchbearer of the progressives across the federation: And more importantly, Asiwaju has proved to be a truly loyal ally of the PMB administration through his recent unflinching public assurance to Nigerians that with a bit of patience, this government at the end of its allowed ‘honeymoon’ will deliver on promised positive change.

‘This column is particularly elated that notwithstanding the indignant blackmail of political buccaneers against Tinubu, he is still waxing stronger within the nation’s political firmament as a dependable torchbearer of the progressives across the federation: And more importantly, Asiwaju has proved to be a truly loyal ally of the PMB administration through his recent unflinching public assurance to Nigerians that with a bit of patience, this government at the end of its allowed ‘honeymoon’ will deliver on promised positive change’

After the failed ‘coup’ in Osun By Mike Ogundele sive activism). However, Aregbesola, the master tactician and a good student of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu took the wind out of their sail. While going to his office that morning, he turned the trip into a carnival as he slowed his convoy to acknowledge cheers from the people on the route, who trouped out to greet him. Women, men, children, traders, artisans, commercial motorcyclists, just everybody within the vicinity came out to mob his convoy. Some were weeping. Other were praying loudly and openly for him while others were cursing his enemies. When the convoy reached Ola-Iya, which is a market place, the crowd surrounding him had become tumultuous, swallowing and overwhelming the miserable protesters who had gathered in the place before. Possibly out of fear and or shame, many of them took to their heels on being overwhelmed. And so, Aregbesola rode to the office triumphantly that day, overwhelming and shaming those who thought they could ambush and embarrass him. To add salt to injury, the story that went to town that day was how Aregbesola rode triumphantly to office and how his enemies put tail between hind legs and fled – ran away as in fright. Interestingly, while signing a memorandum of understanding with the state government before calling off its industrial action, the state’s NLC denied that its members participated in the farcical protest of July 7, claiming that the charade was politically motivated. The body of pensioners in the state also claimed that the union did not participate in any protest, that Governor Aregbesola’s administration had treated retirees very well before the financial crisis that engulfed the whole nation, and not Osun alone. Also, the chairman of the state’s vendors association also signed a statement, denying that his members were attacked by Aregbesola’s supporters. Lastly, on July 28, Justice Oloyede refused to appear before the house committee set up to investigate her claim. Apparently, she has developed cold feet. There are unconfirmed reports that the state’s Judicial Commission is unhappy about

her petition, which has put the judiciary into a bind. They were shocked to find that a judge displayed open political partisanship, something unheard in the history of the judiciary. Her not appearing meant her petition is dead. For all practical purposes, therefore, the plan by the PDP to remove Governor Aregbesola from office through subterfuge and conspiracy may have failed. The first lesson we must learn from this is that if God is with someone, no matter how formidable his enemies are, he would overcome them and put them to shame. Secondly, politicians must accept that a democratically elected governor, that is popular with his people and has not committed an impeachable offence, can only be changed through tenure expiration, losing election or by a competent court of law. Thirdly, a new dawn has come to Nigeria where only values like credibility, integrity and a track record of unblemished public service will commend a candidate to voters. It is my hope that the defeated candidates of PDP will accept their destiny and try to amend their ways, instead of working to destabilise Osun State. If, with all the support they got from former President Goodluck Jonathan with cash, dogs, masked gunmen and other security operatives, they could not unseat Aregbesola in Osun, what makes them think that they could overthrow him now? • Ogundele writes from Osogbo, Osun State

It is my hope that the defeated candidates of PDP will accept their destiny and try to amend their ways, instead of working to destabilise Osun State. If, with all the support they got from former President Goodluck Jonathan with cash, dogs, masked gunmen and other security operatives, they could not unseat Aregbesola in Osun, what makes them think that they could overthrow him now?

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31 , 2015

â&#x20AC;˘Siasia

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES

Group hopeful on APC’s chances in 2019

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

Abia poly to get N200m skill centre

Three hospitals for upgrade in Nsukka

•PAGE 27

PAGE 25

•PAGE 37

•PAGE 40

The grim memories of the 2012 overflow are still fresh, but a fresh deluge is threatening to reenact them in the state. NWANOSIKE ONU reports

•The Orakwu-Abatete Bridge flooded

inset: a boy wading through flood water at an erosion site in Amikwo

Again, floods threaten Anambra has overflowed its banks. In Awka, Amikwo community has been flooded, while some of the residents have started moving out of the area for fear of drowning. One of the residents of the area, Comrade Obi Ochije, who chairs 20 villages of Ezinano, was in tears when he spoke with The Nation, saying that a security man nearly drowned. Most shops have been destroyed. No fewer than 10 houses, farmlands and an electricity transformer have been submerged in AguAwka community. Speaking with The Nation, the state chairman of Labour Party (LP), Chief Luke Ezeanokwasa from

ARELY three years ago, much of Anambra State was washed away, as were several other parts of the country. Farmlands and homes were swept off. So were barns and livestock, to say nothing of human lives lost. 2012 was the year of the floods. Sadly, residents are getting a hint of a repeat. In such communities as Awka, the state capital, Onitsha, its commercial hub, Obosi, Oraukwu, Nise, Nibo and Abatete, there is a sense of the deluge all over again. The bridge along OraukwuAbatete Road in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state has collapsed. Ezigbo River

Mili Ezigbo Bridge between Abatete and Oraukwu has been submerged and the danger is that people who ply the route could drown anytime because the bridge is no longer visible

Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area said the Mili Ezigbo Bridge between Abatete and Oraukwu has been submerged.

He said that the danger is that people who ply the route could be drowned anytime because the bridge is no longer visible.

Ezenokwasa said that the people of Anambra expect Governor Willie Obiano to use the N75 billion cash and in investments left by his predecessor Peter Obi to alleviate the sufferings of the citizens, but so far, that is not the case. He said if the state government fails to give urgent attention to the Oraukwu-Abatete Bridge, the death toll in the area will be very alarming. Another area of concern is a 1km road in Amawbia and Nise, behind the Governor’s Lodge, which has become impassable every time it rains. •Continued on page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•A half-submerged transformer which poses danger in Awka

Again, floods threaten Anambra the state, the government in Anambra could not clean the perennial drainage channels, it is shame” Ezeanokwasa said. For Comrade Obi Ochije, it was an appeal to Obiano to come to the aide of the residents as some of the people are finding solace in nearby villages. “Building flyovers by Obiano is good in Awka, but it will be suicidal after building the flyovers there are no persons to ply on them when flood [would have swept off] everybody.” “The governor is trying his best but he should not allow the people to all die through flood; the Obunagu Road links Amawbia Bypass which is an important road to the people.” Governor Obiano defied the rain to visit one of the flooded areas in Ngozika Estate in Awka where the house belonging to the retired As-

We can see that the rains are here and causing havoc here and there. People should desist from dumping refuse and blocking drains because it contributes to what we are witnessing. Anyone caught in the act will contend with relevant laws and where found guilty will be punished

sistant Inspector General of police (AIG), Ikemefuna Okoye was submerged. Obiano sounded a note of warning that his administration would not hesitate to pull down structures erected on water channels in the state. Again, he threatened to enforce

the prosecution of anyone whose structure causes such blockages. The governor, who was disturbed by the situation of resurgent flooding in the state, said that his admin-

Man dies in rum-drinking contest

•Sand dealers protesting with their tipper trucks against an alleged increased levy imposed on them by the Anambra State government, in Awka

istration would look into its causes. “We have cautioned our people to observe basic rules and guidelines when embarking on the construction of their buildings. “We can see that the rain are here and is causing havoc here and there. People should desist from dumping refuse and blocking drains because it contributes to what we are witnessing. Anyone caught in the act will contend with relevant laws and where found guilty will be punished.” The governor expressed sympathy with the retired AIG, Ikemefuna Okoye whose house was among the ones submerged and instructed that the occupants be lodged in a hotel for few days, while remedial measures were made to check the flooding.

MAN, simply identified as John, who reportedly staked a N500 bet to prove he could drink 20 sachets of rum, died before spending the money. John who was said to favour a particular brand of rum, reportedly said he could indulge his tastes and make some cheap money in the process. He died in a suburb of Aba popularly called Amanmong. An eyewitness said everything seemed to be going well as John started drinking and that people even cheering him on with handclaps. The witnesses said the man kept going, his eyes on the N500 prize money. At the tenth sachet, John was said to have asked for a break. He was obliged and later continued. “At the 15th sachet he sat down and leaned on the wall of the shop where the competition was taking place,” it was said. John was said to have taken the 20th sachet and staggered home. He was declared dead in the morning. His corpse has been deposited at

The eight-hour rain in the state on Monday, which spilled to Tuesday, exposed all the leakages in the state, with most of the residents rendered homeless. Ezeanokwasa said, “Fear has gripped the residents of Amikwo, in Awka South Local Government Area as gully erosion and flooding are threatening buildings.” “Many no longer drive into their houses as roads have become impassable, even the popular Keke Napep and commercial motorcycle no longer ply the area and residents park outside to trek to their homes” “Some of the streets mostly affected in Awka are Obi Ochije avenue, Rebecca Nwobu road, Evans Ebbe street and Annunciation road” “Our party frowns that after increased illegal and multiple taxes orchestrated by agents masquerading as government revenue collectors in Amikwo and other parts of

•Continued from page 25

inset: a vehicle stalled in on a flooded road

At the 15th sachet he sat down and leaned on the wall of the shop where the competition was taking place. He continued till he gulped down the 20th and staggered home. He was declared dead in the morning

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

a nearby mortuary. Sources said they were not surprised that the drinker died that •Continued on page 37

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT Group hopeful on APC’s chances in 2019

GROUP of All Progressives Congress (APC) members has hinted of the party’s bright chances in the next elections four years away, saying it will win most of the seats in the region. Comrade James Chibuzo Chikwendu, chair of a new association, the All Progressives Congress State Assembly Candidates Forum, Southeast Zone, said this in Aba, Abia State’s commercial nerve, during the inauguration of the group’s state leaders. Chikwendu who was the Obingwa West State Constituency candidate in the last election, said the group was set up to garner support for the President Buhari administration and ensure the party did not lose its supporters at its various ward. He said it has become necessary to carry their supporters along on the activities of the party to enable them work collaboratively ahead

•Members of the group From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

of 2019 general election. Chikwendu regretted that the party did not have a good showing in the Southeast in the last elections, but he lauded party mem-

bers for doing their best in the elections. The zonal chair of the group also praised President Muhammadu Buhari’s drive to recover looted funds. Those elected to positions in the new organisation’s Abia branch in-

clude: Hon Odoemelam Chidiebere Victor (State Coordinator); Hon. Chibuzo Chima Zaccheus (Assistant State Coordinator); Hon. Mrs. Kalu Ifeyinwa Victoria (Secretary), and Hon. Ochemba Ugochukwu (Publicity Secretary). Others are Hon. Uba Omenazu

(Assistant Publicity Secretary); Prince Ibekwe Victor Okpara (Treasurer), and Hon. Ben Ezuma (Financial Secretary). Chikwendu urged the officers to be committed to the party and work in harmony with its leadership in the state.

Imo intensifies battle against kidnappers The arrest of a dreaded kidnap suspect and his accomplices underscores increased efforts to root out outlaws in the state, reports OKODILI NDIDI

•The suspects

kidnappers, especially this dreaded Vampire, but today he is in security custody and we have to commend and encourage our security agents for the good job of ridding the state of all criminals. This criminal has been terrorising Imo State, where he has killed several people including a Commissioner with the Service Commission and many others. “We have set up a combined task force that will henceforth track and apprehend kidnappers anywhere they are hiding in the state. The task force will also tackle the issue of cult activities in some parts of the state, especially in Ohaji-Egbema where

IDNAPPING, a major challenge in the region, especially Imo and Anambra states, will soon be a thing of the past, pledged security chiefs in Imo after a meeting with the state governor Rochas Okorocha. It was not the usual rhetoric of security agencies, which were often not backed with commensurate action. Already the Department of Security Service (DSS) has recorded a major breakthrough in the war against kidnapping with the arrest of a most wanted crossborder kidnap kingpin, 29-yearold Henry Chibueze, known in the underworld as Vampire. His name, according to security sources, instills fear in the heart of families of victims who have heard stories of his vicious operations and often part with huge sums of money without informing security agents. The efforts of the security agents to rid the state of the kidnappers and other undesirable elements has also been boosted by the state government with the donation of ten brand new Hilux Vans to aid their operations. Governor Okorocha who described the arrest of the notorious kidnapper and members of his gang as a huge relief, stated that, “Imo has been under the siege of

Imo has been under the siege of kidnappers, especially this dreaded Vampire, but today he is in security custody and we have to commend and encourage our security agents

cultists are killing innocent citizens. And we have warned hotel owners to verify the identity of the people they accommodate

because any from now any hotel or building where a kidnapper is arrested will be pulled down”. The DSS Director, Francis

Ejiofor, confirmed that ‘Vampire” was responsible for series of kidnappings in neighbouring countries of Cameroon, Niger and Ivory Coast, where he resides. According to Ejiofor, who paraded the suspect alongside other alleged members of his gang, before the state governor and journalists, disclosed that the suspect was arrested after an operation in the state. He said that the victim of the last operation was released after the family paid N15 million as ransom. In his words, “This suspect Mr. •Continued on page 28

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•The Hilux vans presented to the police to boost operations

Imo intensifies battle against kidnappers Henry Chibueze, known as Vampire, engages in kidnapping from Nigeria to Cotonou, Niger and Ivory Coast. He is a vicious kidnapper and kills his victim at the slightest suspicion that security operatives are on his trail. When he learnt that he was in the state and had kidnapped a woman we waited until he has collected the ransom and released the woman and we went after him. “We traced him to a hotel close to Owerri where he was planning to kidnap the Tribunal Judges who were lodged there but our men stormed the place and he escaped with gunshot wounds to the home of his native doctor in Abia State where he was picked up. Another member of the gang who provides security cover for the gang is an Army deserter, Akeem Bello, who still uses his Identity Card to navigate security check-

•Continued from page 27

We traced Vampire to a hotel close to Owerri where he was planning to kidnap the Tribunal Judges who were lodged there but our men stormed the place and he escaped with gunshot wounds to the home of his native doctor in Abia State where he was picked up

points.” The DSS boss attributed the successful smashing of the notorious gang to the support of the state government, assuring that the Department will end incidents of kidnapping in the state in no distant time. The suspect, while providing gory details of his criminal activities in his five years of operation, said that he has lost count of how many victims he has killed because the family failed to pay up the ran-

ESIDENTS of Umuahia, the Abia State capital, continue to grapple with traffic gridlock, thanks to transporters who prefer to load passengers on the roadside, rather than the park provided for them. But are the uncooperative drivers alone to blame or is the state government also at fault for not enforcing its own directive? The Umuahia Motor Park, otherwise known as Aba Park, has been in existence since the cre-

som or delayed the payment. He particularly recounted how he wiped out the entire family of his girl friend, who he said absconded with his N45 million. In his words, “yes I killed my girlfriend and her parents because she stole my N45m I kept in my house. I went to her family house in Lagos and when she saw me coming she ran into the house I went in and shot her and other people in the house. She died in-

stantly but I don’t know how others died. ”I started kidnapping business five years ago and I joined the business because my people did not train me. I am from Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State. I have killed many people but I don’t want to be released now. I want to stay in custody for many years so that my brain will cool down. I live in Abidjan with my wife and only daughter. I don’t know if she is aware that I have been arrested because she does not know the kind of business that I do.” But another member of the gang, Bello, who deserted the Army, in his confession, denied knowing that Vampire was a kidnapper. “Yes, I am a soldier and I have not been dismissed. I ran away from Boko Haram in Borno State and I was using my car to do town service when I carried him one night; I didn’t know that he was a kidnapper until I was arrested.”

•The suspected chief kidnapper, Vampire

Abia transporters shun park From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

ation of the city. Travellers to any part of the country always patronised the park, even though it remains as ugly as ever, without any facelift.

One-time governor of the state, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu promised to touch up the park. He never did. Neither did his successor Chief Theodore Orji. Towards the end of the latter’s administration, he directed that commercial vehicles especially those on inter-state routes should be moved to

Umuahia Modern City Motor Park just outside the city, while operating in the capital should do so from Aba Park. This directive was strictly adhered to by the intra-city commercial vehicle operators until the exit of the government of Governor Orji. As he departed, the transporters simply kept away from the park. This has been causing traffic gridlock in Umuahia, as they have started loading passengers along the road instead of the motor park, while the park is left without any activity. The residents of the city have been complaining about the behaviour of touts who direct drivers to park and load on the road, rather than

the park. One of the traders at the motor park, who gave his name as simply Okorie, said that he wondered why the former administration failed to compel the transporters to move to the motor park as it directed before, which made luxury buses and other interstate transporters to start loading at the motor park along the expressway. Okorie said that where the motor park is located is not wide enough and that transporters loading their passengers along the road have narrowed down the road, thereby causing traffic jam on a daily basis. •Continued on page 37

Passengers who are supposed to enter the transport vehicles come to the road to enter the vehicles and any refuse they generate which are normally dumped into the refuse bins located inside the parks, are now being dumped along the road or into the drains along the road

•The transporters at work outside the park

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

PAGE 29

Ikot Uduak erosion: A disaster waiting to happen

INSIDE

OR residents of Ikot Uduak community in Calabar Municipality of Cross River State, erosion has become a real threat to their lives and property. The residents now live in fear of the erosion, which they say can no longer be ignored. It is a disaster waiting to happen. Hundreds of lives are at stake if nothing is done to check the situation urgently, residents fear. It was gathered that already, not less than 30 families have been forced to relocate as several more have to do same if they should be safe. Many cannot afford to move or have nowhere elsewhere to go to. According to the Village Headelect of the community, Princess Efioanwan Asibong, it has become a nightmare for the people of Ikot Uduak as they can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed for fear of the danger of the erosion and landslide. She said: “We now live in fear knowing the speed at which erosion is eating our houses. Many have been forced to abandon their houses while some have lost property worth millions of naira to this, we don’t know what else to do but to cry out to His Excellency, Prof Ben Ayade to come to our rescue. “As a young girl who grew up in this locality, even when my ancestors were still on the throne of Ikot Uduak, this whole place was plain land. There was nothing like erosion or landslide eating up any portion in the area . “What you are looking at started about 12 years ago and the administration of Donald Duke tried so much to handle the situation by constructing a drainage which helped to reduce the problem then but they couldn’t complete the project as it was stopped mid way. “I have also tried to stop people from harvesting sand from the location but all my effort seems not to be effective, which is why we are also calling on the Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu who has been going round some of these sites to also visit the one at Ikot Uduak because we now live on the edge. “We have written an appeal letter to the Deputy Governor, Ministry of Lands and the Mayor of Calabar Municipality appealing to them to come to our aid before its too late because we now sleep with only one eye closed. We need government inter-

•A house ravaged by erosion at Ikot Uduak

•Another house affected by the gully erosion From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

vention in this community and we have also concluded plans to submit letters to NEWMAP(Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project).”

•The entrance to Ikot Uduak eaten up by erosion

Also speaking, secretary of the community, Mr Ekpeyong Efiwatt, appealed to the government to help them salvage what is left of their ancestral home before they lose it completely. He said: “We know the last admin-

istration did a lot in different rural areas but our community was totally left out for the past eight years. Nothing was done here because if the Imoke administration continued from where Duke stopped, this problem wouldn’t have escalated to this level.

“We also want them to help prosecute people who harvest sand from that location to avert the looming danger.” SEE PAGE ON 32

Day Sabongida-Ora DESOPADEC: Intrigues, Bayelsa communities’ politics and fight over unending war with Agip honoured IG Arase a law over oil spills as Ojeagbase PAGE 31

PAGES 32-33

PAGES 30-35

• YOU HAVE STORIES FOR US? PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07066954441 OR 08123521990

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT REVIEW

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Azaiki’s gift to public discourse By Precious Dikewoha

HOUGHTS on Nigeria is the latest offering from Prof Steve Azaiki, ex-Bayelsa State Secretary to the State Government (SSG). It is a five-part book. The first part deals with governance and politics; the second centres around the Niger Delta; the third is made up of tributes to great Nigerians; the fourth are views on international and contemporary matters; and the last part is made up of interviews on issues largely around the Southsouth, resource control and so on. The book, which is a collection of Azaiki’s published articles, essays and interviews, contains his emotional piece on the passing of his sister, Cecilia Zifawei. As expected of such piece, it drips with emotion. It shows the moment must have been one of the most painful in his life. The emotion displayed in the piece confirms the fact that the deceased was like a mother to Azaiki. His “My Three hours with Goodluck Jonathan” is a detailed account of his meeting with the former President at the Presidential Villa and issues related to the meeting. Some of the issues that came up during the meeting include Almajiri education, second Niger bridge, power challenge and so on. Another article, which will remain relevant for a long time to come, is “Confronting Poverty and Social Insecurity in the Niger Delta”. It espouses the issues in the Niger Delta and how corruption has not made impossible to tackle the challenges facing the region. Azaiki’s intellectual prowess comes into play in “Why the Hostage-Taking Industry must collapse”. It is an x-ray of the hostagetaking, which started in the Niger Delta but has spread to other parts of the country and seems to have defied all efforts to curb it. Two pieces, which those leading the fight against insurgency, are bound to gain from are “Nigeria at War: The case for State of Emergency” and “State of Emergency against Boko Haram”. They are both about the Boko Haram menace. Written before the kidnapping of the Chibok girls, the pieces paint the gory picture of the insurgency challenge and suggested ways to deal with it. Azaiki’s concern in “Political Conference of Hope” is on the vexed issue of how to arrive at a working configuration to move Nigeria forward. Aside his tribute to his sister, Azaiki’s offering on former President Shehu Shagari is worth delving into. Titled “Alhaji Shehu Shagari: The Moral Leader of Our Nation”, it is a fitting tribute to Nigeria’ first Executive President. It is an expression of the high esteem in which he holds the respected statesman. So many writers have examined the Da Vinci Code from different perspectives. It is no surprise

that such spiritually-stimulating subject is bound to attract such responses. Azaiki tried to review some of the these diverse views in “The Vinci Code: Was Jesus married?” His desire to help solve the myriad challenges facing the country led him to the formation of the National Think Tank. So, the piece “Call to Service: The National Think Tank – Mission Statement” points out why the body was formed. It shows that strategic planning, being very critical to success of any nation, was the main reason for the organization, which provides a platform to assist government in the formation of its policies. His piece “Let Mandela Go” reviewed the rare honour and privilege of meeting Madiba in 2007 when former President Thabo Mbeki introduced him to the world icon. The new about the late Madiba’s health provided him the opportunity for the review. In the piece, he leaves no one in doubt that he saw Madela as great and fulfilled man, who fought the good and had nothing to lose departing in peace. Also touched in this book are issues quite germane and connected to the Niger Delta, oil theft, kidnapping, constitutional conference, Bok Haram, leadership, politics, agriculture, patriotism and many others that have impacted positively on the people and country. Azaiki shows that he is a highly detribalised Nigerian who has continually called many’s silence in time of danger into question. In this book, he has given so much to the country expecting nothing in return. This book indeed is a document of history.

Bayelsa communities’ unending war with Agip over oil spills

OUTHERN Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State has gradually become synonymous with oil spills and related incidences. The council, which is a major host to oil installations operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), has large portion of its environment polluted by oil slicks. The frequency of oil spills in the council has no doubt affected negatively the image of NAOC and raised questions on double standard modus operandi of oil companies operating in Nigeria. Recently, an oil spill site belonging to Agip in Azuzuama, Southern Ijaw, exploded into an inferno and consumed over 12 lives who were there for a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV). Though Governor Seriake Dickson barked and ordered a forensic investigation to determine the cause of explosion, there are no signs that real probe in that spirit, which the governor initially reacted, is ongoing. The victims may have also died in vain. As the state is mourning the tragedy, another leakage of crude oil has been reported in Agip’s OssiamaOgboinbiri and Ogboinbiri-Tebidaba pipelines. The pipeline traverses Keme-ebiama,Okpotuwari and Ondewari community environment in the council. The pipelines have recently become notorious for oil spills and most of the spills are said to be caused by equipment failure. It seems the company’s pipelines have collapsed and due for change. The Environmental Right Action (ERA) in its latest report signed by its State Officer, Mr. Alagoa Moris, commented on the pipelines. It said: “The crux of the matter here is the increasing number of oil spills along this pipeline; even though the pipeline Right Of Way contains three different oil bearing pipelines. “And, while some of the spills were officially attributed to equipment failure incidents; others were reported as third party interference cases. The Environmental Rights Action have investigated and reported quite a good number of spills along this pipeline”. Recently, a spot on the pipeline was reported to be bubbling seriously with a spill. Describing the seriousness of the spill, ERA’s report said: “It was surprising to see the spot the crude oil finally came out with fury; bubbling and with the characteristic rising and falling movement of a boiling pot, accompanied by a familiar sound”. But the Project Officer, Ondewari Health, Education and Environment Projects, Mr. Tontiemote Yeiyei, confirmed that the seriousness of the spill forced Agip to return to site. He said the company’s representatives were accompanied to the site by delegates from Ondewari, Okpotuwari and Keme-Ebiama. He said: “They excavated the spot where crude oil was still coming out from the ground. Incidentally; that spot was only the soft spot where the crude

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

oil found its way to the surface; the main ruptured spot on the body of the oil bearing pipe was a little bit away from where the crude oil was gushing out on the ground. “Everyone present saw that, even though the Aqua-rap was still on the body of the pipe, the crude oil was escaping from the pipe. The Agip technicians tore open the Aqua-rap before the main ruptured spot was properly identified”. He said apart from an official whom Agip representatives claimed was from the National Oil Spill Detection Regulatory Agency (NOSDRA), no representatives of other regulatory agencies like the ministry of environment followed Agip to the spill site. He added: “Even though it was obvious that the cause of spill was equipment failure; we demanded to hear from the Agip representatives. Unfortunately they failed to be categorical about that information; they only told us that they will go and examine the photos they took of the ruptured spot and it is the outcome laboratory analysis which would say whether the spill was as a result of equipment failure or third party interference. “They then promised returning to site the next day, being Wednesday. And, although no documents were signed and we were not comfortable with their statement of going to do laboratory analysis before telling us cause of spill; because we were confident of what we saw; we took it as they said; with the hope of carrying out a proper JIV and repairs on Wednesday’’. Another mysterious fire Agip promised to return on Wednesday, July 22. But before they could make good their promise, a consuming fire descended on the spill site. Environmental experts are becoming curious over incessant fire outbreaks in spill sites belonging to Agip. On Wednesday morning, residents of the communities reported a thick smoke emanating from the impacted environment. Youths of the three communities were said to have tried to put out the fire. It was gathered that two persons one each from Ondewari and Okpotuwari were arrested by the Oil and Gas Task Force operating in the local government area and were taken to Yenagoa, the state capital for further investigation and interrogation. Following the fire incident, Agip suspended the agreed visit. Crude oil spreads Despite the fire, communities linked to Ogboinbiri River woke up to see crude oil all over their environment. Gbarain community downstream the river was the first to raise the alarm. A resident, Boro Jonah said: “As I speak with you our river is covered with crude oil and we are really surprised; as we don’t know where this oil slick is coming from”. Also, the Keme-Ebiama community along the same river confirmed that the

•The site on Sunday

•Booms found in the environment when ERA first visited

•Nimiemi Morris, trying to trace the spill poin during ERA's first visit

•Fishing water course devastated due to the spill

spill has spread to its environment. The Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) of Keme-Ebiama, Mr. Columbus JohnBull said: ‘’The River right in front of our community has been covered with crude oil. We have no doubt that it is spreading from the spill point in our community environment. “Already, it has impacted our swamp, ponds and lake in the bush and now; it has spread to the river. As bad as the scenario is, we are trying to see how we can also capture the incident by taking photos and video shots’’. On July 25th, representatives of NAOC returned to the spill point for repairs. They were reportedly escorted to the area by four armed security operatives. But there Walsh a problem. A serious disagreement ensued between the communities and the firm’s delegates. The communities questioned the modalities adopted by the firm to chantry out the JIV and repairs of the

ruptured spot. They complained that there was no sign of a JIV team and JIV forms. Besides, the three communities demanded N400,000 each from Agip for bush entry. The CDC Chairman of Ondewari community, Mr. Charles Igoniwari, accused the company of not doing the right thing. He said: “What we are demanding is that, before going ahead with the repairs we need to experience the normal JIV process. Incidentally Agip is not here with the JIV forms and, how do they expect us to conclude and leave this site without filling and signing the JIV report which we ought to sign here at the site? “We want to ensure the essential details about the spill incident are documented before anything else. That is the demand and stance of the three communities. And, rather than complying with the just demand, Agip is now adopting the method of passing through the state government to intimidate us.

“They thought we are ignorant of what the procedures are that is why they want to intimidate us but we won’t succumb to the pressure; they should rather do the right thing’’. On the demand for money before the JIV and repairs, he said: “Yes, we were demanding that money as part of the bush entry, site fee that even Agip cannot say our demand is out of place. Although the amounts may vary, Agip normally pay in other places too when community persons assist them during such visits to site when spills occur. “That demand has nothing to do with our main demand. Our main demand is that Agip should follow ‘due process’. We want the JIV carried out before going ahead with repairs. “They are not here with the JIV forms for us to fill. The regulators are not even here. Ours shouldn’t be different, we want to see the JIV form filled and signed here at the spill site. That is our main demand”. But on July 26, Agip was said to have

returned to the site, a situation that triggered just another round of disagreements between the firm and the communities. Yeiyei, who was among the representatives of Ondewari community at the site, confirmed the fresh dispute. He said: “There was disagreement between the communities and Agip on the volume of spilled crude oil. And, none of the Regulatory Agencies was represented at the site. “We were made to understand that the State Ministry of Environment and NOSDRA were not with us at the site because of the recent explosion which led to the death of their staff at Azuzuama. “Agip estimated the spilled crude oil to 80 barrels only and the communities rejected that estimate because how they came up with the estimate was unclear. Besides, we witnessed the volume of crude oil spewing from the spill site even before Agip came for confirmation and, even after confirmation; the spill continued.

“Based on our experience we thought the volume was far more than Agip’s estimated volume. The disagreement resulted into a heated argument and, Agip wanted to resort to the use of force because they came with armed military men. However, at the end of the day, we agreed for the volume spilled to be 100 barrels. “And, while those who ought to sign from each of the communities and Agip signed their columns; the spaces meant for the regulators remained blank. For that reason, the signed JIV forms were not released to the communities; as Agip promised to take the forms to the regulators to sign before letting communities have their copies. That was how the matter ended’’. ERA’s observations ERA in its report insists that the volume of oil it observed spewing into the environment was very high. the volume of crude oil being spewed into the environment was very high. It said from when it got the information to when it visited the site, there was over 14 hours of continuous leakage. Part of the report said: “The combined initial pressure, volume and time before the pressure was reduced was responsible for the heavy volume of crude oil spewed into the environment and, its eventual spread; aided by the terrain and already rising flood levels in the environment. “The connecting swamps and rivulets facilitated the spread of the crude oil into the one-way flowing Ogboinbiri River from Keme-Ebiama axis and downstream it continued. This should explain the experience of the Gbarian people; about their river being flooded by crude oil from unknown source. “When ERA visited first, the presence of booms in the environment confirmed Agip’s earlier visit; even though the actual spill point was yet to be discovered then. “The burning of spill site is regrettable and, this has been part of the reason why community leaders have often urged their youths to mount security at spill impacted sites until JIVs are concluded. “ERA was reliably informed too that, suggestion was made by community representatives that the spill site be guarded. This was made during Agip’s visit to the site on 21st July, 2015. But, the idea was discouraged by Agip representatives, may be due to financial implications such security services may attract”. The report added: “The alleged attempt by the state government to encourage the distortion of the JIV process is unacceptable. Such efforts, if true; is against the government’s public pronouncements; of protecting the communities and our fragile environment to ensure sustainable development. “Government cannot be absolved from the sailing mutual distrust between oil companies and communities; without taking sides government should apportion blame whether it is

due communities or oil companies. The State Government should rather initiate positive steps to gain the confidence of our communities negatively impacted by the oil industry activities around them. “While no spill is a good spill, it is more in the interest of government to support the communities where such equipment failure spills occur. The people of Keme-Ebiama, Okpotuwari and Ondewari in this instance deserves sympathy and encouragement; not intimidation through the paraphernalia of public office”. ERA, therefore, demanded that Agip should respect the due process expected of a JIV process in the current incident. It asked the communities to sign the JIV report and demand their copies. It asked community leaders and representatives to be properly informed about what is obtainable from any process or activities between their community and oil companies to avoid making unrealistic demands. “ERA is aware of the fact that oil companies not specific to Agip alone do engage the services of community youths during repairs at spill sites. How much exchanges hands for such transactions is what ERA cannot say because the facts are not readily available. “Agip should promptly follow-up repairs with clean-up, relief materials and compensation; with the same interest the company has shown in getting the spill point repaired with a view to put on the line for production purposes”, the report said. It is most unfortunate that this special incident was fraught with several twists. The signing of JIV reports at the site leading to the conclusion of repairs poses questions. ERA’s posers ERA in the report raised some posers. The report said: “First of all, can the JIV forms signed at the site on Sunday [26th July, 2015] really represent a JIV report even when the regulators were not at the site to make independent observations? “Secondly, has it been the practice for Regulators [NOSDRA, DPR, SMoE] to sign JIV reports in which they didn’t have firsthand experience of total impacted area, volume of spill and spread? “What about other communities like Gbaruan and Lobia that have complained about the spread of Crude oil into their environment? Would it not require another JIV to get the proper thing done? This is because for ERA the spilled volume was more than 500 barrels based on what ERA captured on video clips during ERA’s visit on 16th July, 2015 and when Agip actually shut down the line. “Even after shutting down, crude oil continued to spew into the environment; it didn’t stop automatically because the flow line was shut down, the residual pressure would continue to cause the spill for sometime.” The impacted communities are waiting for Agip to respond to the posers.

Police right to stop Tompolo’s MEND meeting, says CENTREP A

S debates continue to rage in the Niger Delta over the botched meeting of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, the Centre for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged, has said the police acted lawfully in sealing off the venue. The meeting was convened by a founding member of MEND, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), who afterwards explained that his intentions were genuine and that the meeting was not to restart crisis in the

From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

region. Executive Director of CENTREP, Oghenejabor Ikimi Esq, who conceded that the former agitators were entitled to peacefully assemble and fraternity, maintained that the Police have a right to stop such meeting, if it is deemed capable of causing a breach of the peace. Ikimi was reacting to the statement signed by Spokesperson of the Ijaw Youth Council

(IYC), Eric Omare, which condemned the deployment of policemen to the venue of the meeting. He said: “We disagree with the (IYC) said claim root, stem and branches as the seal off of the venue of the said meeting by the police was constitutional since the said meeting was a threat to public safety and public order owing to the tension same had generated within the Niger-Delta Region and the entire country as many Nigerians believed that said meeting was a gathering of disgruntled contractors, oil

thieves and political marauders and buccaneers. “While we are not patronizing or holding brief for anybody or group, we concede that the Niger Delta ex-militant leaders under Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) has a right to peacefully assemble and associate or fraternise with one another. “However, Section 45 of the same constitution which talks about restriction

and derogation from fundamental rights says that nothing in Sections 37, 38, 39, 40, and 41 of the constitution shall invalidate any law reasonably justifiable in a democratic society a) in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health or b) for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons. “In other words, the above right of the exmilitant leaders to assemble together and to associate with one another can be restricted by law enforcement agents on grounds of public

safety and order as done in the instant case by the Nigeria Police, and as such they should be commended for carrying out their statutory duties of maintaining law and order rather than being vilified for no just cause “It is in the light of the above constitutional provision that we strongly differ with the respected Ijaw youth body on the police abortion of the above meeting. “We however call on ex-militant leaders to shun similar gatherings in the future that may be inimical to public order and safety, more strongly when the Federal Government has assured Nigerians of her intentions to continue with the Amnesty programme,” Ikimi said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Day Sabongida-Ora honoured Arase as Ojeagbase T HE sleepy community of Sabongida-Ora, headquarters of Owan West Local Government Area of Edo state was agog last weekend as members of the community grouped out in their thousands to honor their illustrious son, who is the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase. Arase’s mother hails from the Owan community and he grew up among his maternal relatives, after the death of his father, who was a scion of the prominent Arase family of Benin City, in Oredo Local Government Area. The event attracted Governor Adams Oshiomhole and other prominent Nigerians from all walks of life and there was heavy presence of security operatives. The massive blanket of security thrown over the community prompted one of the curious locals to ask our reporter whether Arase would now be operating from Sabongida-Ora. The event, which was organized by the OraEkpen Development Association (ODA), was also attended by many notable sons and daughters of the community, traditional rulers as well as top politicians from across the country. Among other dignitaries present were former deputy governor of the state and Chief of State to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe; Senator Oseriemen Osunbor; Senator Roland Owie; Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe; Senator Ehigie Uzamere; Senator Yisa Braimoh; Sir Arumemi JohnsonIkhide and Amb. Moses Ihonde. Others included National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Chief John Oyegun, who was represented by Prof. Dennis Agbonlahor; Mr. Mike Okogie; APC Governorship candidate in River State, Peterside Dakuku, amongst others. Speaking at the occasion, President of ODA, Prof. Sam Ifijeh Ahonkhai, said the event was to celebrate their son who rose to the pinnacle of his chosen career based on merit, hard work and service rendered without blemish.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Prof. Ahonkhai said the choice of Holy Trinity School as the reception venue was carefully selected because it was the secondary school that moulded the character of Arase and helped shaped his future. He described Arase as a man who is forthright, diligent dependable and full of integrity. Ahonkhai called for prayers from Nigerians so that Arase ‘s tenure would witnessed tremendous milestone in the Nigeria Police Force. Chief Sam Ifidon, a maternal uncle of the IG, recalled how Arase’s late mother helped pay his school fees after their father died. He urged Nigerians to pray for the IG and always tell him the truth because the public would assess his performance as the head of the Nigerian Police Force. On his part, the IG said his late mother was disappointed that her only surviving son opted to join the police instead of seeking employment in the civil service. Arase recalled how his late mother taught him that sacrifice, diligence, perseverance and complete reverence to God were indispensable ingredients of future success. According to him, “Sabongida-Ora has made my life. I can only promise three things in return. Firstly, in my line of duty, I shall continue to project those values that will edify this community and I will never engage in anything that will bring our communal values and the image of the community into disrepute.” “Secondly, to my relations who raised me, I will not let you down. I shall continue to keep the bond and hold onto your hands and hearts as we jointly continue to walk through the journey of life. “I promise to give back to Sabongida-Ora and Owan land what the community has given to me. It is in furtherance of this that I incorporated the Madam Mercy Igbe-Arase Foundation which has been awarding scholarships to deserving Owan West and East undergraduates to enable them

•””””””””””””

fulfill their dreams and make their youthful age and future as worthy of celebration as mine.” Governor Adams Oshiomhole who graced the occasion with his wife, Lara, said Arase became IG by reasons of his unique qualities and not political connection. He said, “The IG recognize that those called troublemakers are meant to be protected. There is a lot we can learn not from the fact of being an IG but even from delicate political environment, you can do your job without descending on innocent citizens. You represent the finest tradition of an Edo man with courage, determination to do your job without minding

whose ox is gored. “If you are being oppressed, you can count on him. “He needs all the support, all the prayers he can get from Edo people. Let it not be said that the challenge of policing Nigeria become more difficult because of people from Edo State. He is serving under a President who is a no-nonsense man, who will not tolerate anything you call indiscipline. He is an IG at a time of profound changes in the psyche and governance of our great nation.” The IG and his wife, Agharese, were later decorated with the title of Ojeagbase of Ora Land.

Harvest of promises at Odi festival

N the 50s, a buffalo terrorised Odi, the Ijaw community in Bayelsa State which was invaded by soldiers in 1999 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The blood-thirsty buffalo used to appear in the community from a nearby forest. It would attack the residents and on a number of occasions kill people in the area. But eventually, the animal was killed on July 27, 1957. To commemorate the freedom of Odi from the animal invasion, the community celebrates the feat every year. The festival is called Odi Ogori Ba Uge. But this year’s event was not about the festival. It has so much to do with the presence of Governor Seriake Dickson and his promises to the Odi community.

Dickson inaugurated the festival, but used the occasion to give the people something to hope for. Dickson promised to complete work on the renovation of the abandoned Odi General Hospital. He said the work would be completed soon to improve healthcare delivery in the area. The hospital project was initiated by a previous administration. But Dickson re-awarded the contract when he took over the government. He maintained that the decision to reaward the contract was based on his policy of completing every peopleoriented project within the limits of available resources. The governor also promised to construct a civic centre for the people of the area. He urged the community leadership to provide land for the construction of the centre. In fact, he the

government would award contract for the project and mobilise workers to site within the next three weeks. Dickson did not stop there. He pledged to support Odi financially in sponsoring the festival. The governor also promised to build a befitting pavilion for the community to hold its social functions. The governor also unveiled an art work depicting a hunter and the killer of the buffalo. He promised to give one million naira each to the two sculptors, who are students of the state-owned Niger Delta University (NDU) for doing what he describes as a beautiful job. Dickson described Odi as one of the biggest communities in Ijaw land. He acknowledged that the people have been supportive of his administration right from its inception and,

therefore, deserved more dividends of democracy. He commended the community for honouring the heroic exploits of their fathers, which culminated in the killing of the rampaging Ogori (buffalo) some decades ago. Dickson appealed to the people to resist any temptation that will divide them. He asked them to always be united front to attract more development to the area. Dickson paid a courtesy visit on the Amadaowei of Odi, Chief Shine Apre where the palace spokesman, Chief Millionaire Asangba poured encomiums on him for his developmental strides in the community and the state at large. Chairman of the 2015 Odi Ogori Ba Uge Planning Committee, represented by its Secretary, Mr Amaitari

Melo, gave a brief history of the festival. He noted that the buffalo first appeared at the Mission Primary School in the community in 1953. According to his account, the animal killed a total of five people and injured many others before it was gunned down on July 27, 1957. He highlighted some needs of the community to include the renovation and proper equipment of the Odi General Hospital, lack of steady electricity supply and the financial burden of sponsoring the annual festival. Member representing Kolokuma/ Opokuma and Yenagoa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Douye Diri and the Chief Whip of the House of Assembly, Mr. Tonye Isenah, lauded Dickson for carrying Odi and their local government area along in his administration.

Niger Delta Amazon’s passion for healthy kidneys

ULIE Donli, an Amazon of the Niger Delta region described by her friends as amiable and generous woman hails from Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. She wears many caps. In fact, she has served in different professional capacities as legal practitioner, Legal Adviser and Company Sectary of the Nigerian Capital Market Institute, an affiliate of the Security and Exchange Commission, Abuja. At some point she was appointed the Executive Assistant to the Bayelsa State Governor, Government House. But now she is a principal Partner in a top legal firm based in Abuja. Donli, however, loathes kidney diseases and has a passion to create a better living and easier access for treatment of persons diagnosed of kidney ailments. Donli, was driven to delve into humanitarian service after watching her mother die helplessly of kidney-related problem. Her mother was diagnosed with an end stage renal disease. Her both kidneys later collapsed and stopped working. Donli, said her mother

Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

was on dialysis at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) where she had a transplant. She could not survive it as she died in 1984. She established Julie Donli Kidney Foundation, after the incident to reach out to victims of kidney problems. Donli said: “I watched my mom go through this very difficult and painful stage of the ailment for three years. I realised that the timeline for her would have been quicker if we had no money. “After the experience, and now with the foundation, I am just so passionate about people undergoing dialysis. I want to see as many people as possible go through dialysis when they should, at a very cheap and affordable rate. I am passionate about making sure that kidney is prevented and nobody suffer from it. It is easier to prevent than to attempt to cure it.” Niger Delta Report gathered that at the last count, over 38.6million Nigerians including people living in the region are suffering from kidney

ailments with cost of treatment beyond most persons diagnosed of the disease. While many families have lost loved ones to the kidney ailments, others have struggled over the years under heavy financial burden to sustain the lives of their loved one. Recently, the foundation a healthy kidney awareness campaign. Over 1000 Participants attended the event and 203 persons were screened for their kidney health free of charge. 2500 handbills were distributed. A two-kilometre kidney health awareness walk was also carried out. The Board of Trustees of the foundation called on the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Abuja, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, used the occasion to call on business community and corporate organisations in the country to partake in the campaign for healthy living for persons diagnosed with kidney ailments. A Patron of the foundation, Mr. Collins Adeyemi Pman; President and Consultant Epidemiologist Dr. David Adesanya presented the

certificate of conferment as Patron of Julie Donli Kidney Foundation to Gwarzo who gladly accepted it. Donli later invited the official launching and fundraising of the foundation. Gworzo thanked the Board of Trustees and assured them that SEC would live up to their corporate social responsibility in partnering with the foundation.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

DESOPADEC: Intrigues, politics and fight over a law

NDICATIONS that the planned restructuring of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission may not be easy appeared after Governor Arthur Okowa presented an executive bill to the House of Assembly for amendment of its law. Okowa’s predecessor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, also failed a similar attempt. DESOPADEC is very dear to the people of oil-bearing communities in the state, despite its shortcomings and turbulent eight-year existence, they see the commission as a half bread that is better than none. It was against this background that Ijaw youths threatened to shut down oil facilities in Warri, Ogulagha, Egbema, Odidi, Batan, Ogbe-Ijoh and other parts of the state over part of the new law that they view as being against their interests. DESOPADEC came into existence in 2005, pursuant to Section 162(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, which deals revenue paid into the Federation Account, which provided for the development of oil producing communities. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had directed states receiving the 13 per cent derivation fund to establish agencies, similar to NDDC, to cater for the communities. Yet, the commission was not constituted until the last weeks of the exGovernor Ibori administration in 2007. Uduaghan, who succeed him, incessantly complained of financial shortfall emanating from give half of oil revenue to the commission. Chief Wellington Okirika, a founding member of the Host Communities Oil and Gas of Nigeria (HOSTCOM), which fought for the creation of the commission, was made the chairman, while Andi Osawota, lawyer, was appointed secretary. In 2009, Uduaghan appointed a commissioner to oversee the activities of the commission due to infighting between board members, allegations of administrative ineptitude, financial recklessness and corruption. Yet, reports of mind-boggling expenditures on hotel and medical bills continued. Uduaghan once cried out over a bill of over N10million presented to the commission for the treatment of malaria which was beautifully wrapped in the medical term Plasmodiasis. It was not only such scandal that dogged the commission under the Okirika-led board.

From Shola O’Neil, S-South Regional Editor and Aiwerie Okungbowa, Asaba

Due to the huge fund accruing to it, top official of the state government and House of Assembly members inundated chairman and other members with financial requests. A member of the Assembly abandoned his legislative duties and ‘decamped’ to the commission headquarters in Warri as soon as he became chairman of the House Committee on DESOPADEC.

Allegation of underpayment It was against this backdrop that at the expiration of the three-year tenure of Chief Okirika board in July 2010, a caretaker committee headed by Mr Reginald Bayoko, was set up to clear its mess. After cleaning the Augean stable, a new board-led by Oritsua Kpogho, was inaugurated, with Henry Offa, Joseph Ogeh, Michael Diden, Johnson Boro, Rev.Chukwudi Eke, Benedicta Osakunih Izuegbu, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro (now Deputy Governor) and Dr. Peter Egedegbe representing the various nationalities. Through all these processes, the leaders of oil-bearing communities had constantly checkmated the government and commission; they raised alarm when they felt the government was taking step detrimental to the commission and their interests. In spite of their close watch, rumours of underpayment to the coffers of the commission were rife; there were also allegations of government ‘releasing funds with the right hand and taking it back with the left hand’. Various sources say the past administrations underfunded it by N300billion. It was against the backdrop that Uduaghan’s amendment bill faced stiff opposition from the oil-producing communities. While some accused Uduaghan of attempting to cover up alleged misappropriation of its fund, contractors who had executed jobs for the commission feared sinister plot to avoid payment for jobs they did. However, the resistance against the Uduaghan amendment bill has been a child’s play when compared to the vituperations and reactions toward Okowa’s. The incumbent governor hails from the non-oil producing Ika area of the state and it was against this backdrop that some parts of his bill were viewed with intense scrutiny and

Community youth leader denies report

HE Chairman of Oghareki youth in Oghara, Delta State, Mr. Favour Ededey, has dissociated himself from Niger Delta Report’s story on the quarrel between the traditional ruler, HRM, Noble Oyibo Eshemitan, Oreki III and the community youth leadership. The Oghareki community youth chairman, in a statement, confirmed that an alleged N200m oil royalties crisis had been looming in the community, but said that he did not grant any interview on the matter. He said he would not contest what his cochairman, Mr. Ejiro Efetoborem, said in his interview with The Nation. The crux of the matter is a government’s directive lifting ban on youth activities in the twin communities of Ogharafe and Ogharaeki. The battle line is drawn between executive members of the subsisting youth organisations and the traditional institution. The pre-ban leaders of the youth groups, want to continue in office following the lifting of the ban, but the traditional ruler (Ovie) of Oghara, Noble Oyibo Eshemitan, Oreki III, wants a new youth’s body elected based on new guidelines. The net effect of the monarch’s plan will see the removal of the executive and usher in a new group, a situation the subsisting youth group find intolerable.

suspicion, particularly in the face of rumours that he planned to scarp the fund to free up fund for the development of his area and the state capital. His bill proposes the scrapping of the office of the executive secretary, while appointing a managing director, with executive powers to carry out day to day running of the commission. The hazy details of how the MD would be appointment led opponents of the bill fearing an ominous plot and agenda. They prefer the old system where communities have a voice in appointees The amendment recommends: “The MD shall be the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer…responsible for the day to day running of the commission… Executive Director shall be in charge of the three directorates.” “What this means”, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, spokesperson of the Ijaw Wellhead and Flowstation host communities youths, told Niger Delta Report, “is that management of the oil fund is again shifting back into the hands of the governor and politicians who have being mismanaging the oil revenue over the past decades.” Also, the replacement of ‘Oil Pro-

Suspected pipeline vandals nabbed in Delta

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

HE Ughelli Pipeline Surveillance Vigilante team in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have arrested three suspected vandals in connection with oil pipeline explosion at Ighwrenene community. The ring leader is still at large. A source, who spoke with our reporter on the ground of anonymity, said after the arrest of the suspects, they were handed over to the Joint Task Force, JTF, 222 Battalion, Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli. The source added that one of the suspects confessed to the crime and gave useful information. It was gathered that the suspects were apprehended at Affiesere community in the early hours of last Thursday by after an ambush was laid for them. All efforts made to get the reaction of the Commanding Officer of the 222 Battalion, Agbarha-Otor, Lt. Col. Mathew Oyekola failed.

Delta targets 50, 000 jobs in four years From Shola O’Neil, Warri

•Protesting Ijaw host communities

•Stakeholders struggling to enter the House of Assembly chambersvenue of the public hearing

ELTA State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has set a 50,000 direct job milestone for his administration in the next four years. Okowa, according to a statement by his media team, said he aims to achieve the lofty target through its empowerment programmes, tagged ‘Prosperity for all Deltans’. The governor spoke on Tuesday when the National Working Committee of the PDP in the Southsouth led by its Chairman, Dr Cairo Ojougboh paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba.

ducing Communities’ with ‘Oil Producing Ethnic Nationalities’ is a contentious issue in the proposed law. Ijaw, Itsekiri and Isoko host communities view it as a move to rob them in favour of the governor’s area. Documents sourced from the commission indicate that Itsekiri produces about 29 percent of the state’s oil; closely followed by Ijaw and Urhobo with 27 and 23 percent respectively with (12) Isoko and Ndokwa (nine) percent. In view of the above, the southern part of the state accounts for 68 per cent of the state’s oil revenue, while the central and north have 23 and nine percent. This too explains why the south is against part of the bill which provides for the appointment of directors from across the three senatorial districts on equal basis. A leader of the Delta Ijaw Oil Producing Communities, Chief Favour O Izoukumor, who spoke with Niger Delta Report when he led a protest to the House of Assembly, explained: “What this means is that although the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Isoko produce the bulk of the oil revenue, we will be at disadvantage in the sharing of position, as it is already being done.

“The bill does not address the present injustice were Urhobos have three commissioners, Ndokwa has two and Ijaw, Itsekiri and Isoko together have one each on DESOPADEC board. What this means is that the people that produce about 70percent of the oil revenue enjoy less than 40percent appointments, employment and contracts while those with will barely 30 enjoy over 60percent.” The Urhobo ethnic group, on their part, viewed the amendment as a move to rob them of their right to produce the executive chairman of the commission. By the provisions of the existing law, the position is rotated among the oil producing nationalities. With the Ijaw (Okirika) and Itsekiri (Kpogho) having produced chairmen, the next in line is Urhobo.

Public hearing turned public combat But no arena has produced as much anger towards the amendment as the public hearing, which was dogged by protest, scuffle and violence. Blood literarily flowed at the House of Assembly with various interest groups clashing among themselves and with secu-

rity operatives. The Chairman, HOSTCOM Delta Chapter, Benjamin Eweta sustained injuries from attacks by members of a faction of HOSTCOM. Police had hectic times containing stakeholders who insisted on being part of the public hearing. In more than one occasion, they police had to wield the stick and throw punches. Proceedings suffered incessant disruptions as various interest groups held entrenched positions refusing to budge. Inside the chamber, the Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Hon Dennis Omovie, threatened to send those who breached the peace to jail. In a presentation, on behalf of Host Communities Oil and Gas, Ndokwa Chapter, former Speaker, Dr Olise Imegwu, noted that the problem with interventionist body was not its structure, but inadequate funding. A leader of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Isoko Elders and Leaders Forum (I3S), Mr Amorighoye Mene, argued that the interventionist body has been unfair to the three ethnic groups, adding that projects and social works to benefitting communities should be based on volume of oil produced by

such communities. Izuokumor, agreed with that position and also reaffirmed his group’s opposition to the bill’s lack of equity in representation on the board of DESOPADEC. He also rejected the overbearing influence of the State government in the affairs of the interventionist agency.

Who produces what, how much? An underlying grievance brought to light in the latest attempt to amend the DESOPADEC is about the production of each ethnic nationality. Some of those who spoke at the public hearing and others who confided in Niger Delta Report expressed concern that their groups were not credited with their true production value. For instance, a representative of Ndokwa Elders and Leaders Council, Mr Oyibosochukwu Nwabueze, noted that the current nine percent allocated to the Ndokwa nation is incorrect. He said available data suggested that Ndokwa nation contributes 18 per cent. He urged the legislators to investigate the reduction. The Ijaw and Itsekiri also expressed

New District Governor for Rotary Club THE Rotary Club District 9140 Nigeria has installed a new District Governor for the 2015/ 2016. She is Rotarian Ijeoma Pearl Okoro. Rotary Club District 9140 comprises of Rotary Clubs in eleven states of the Southsouth and Southsast. Rotarian Ijeoma succeeded HRM Noble Eshemitan with effect from the July 1. HRM Noble Eshemitan is the paramount ruler of Oghara kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State. The new District governor was installed at Aztech Arcum Event Centre, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt. The colourful installation ceremony featured oath taking by the new district governor, investiture, lecture, cutting of cake, music among others. Dignitaries who graced the installation ceremony are Rotarian Mike Omotosho, the District Governor of Rotary Club District 9125, Rotarian (Otunba) Bola Onabadejo , District Governor of district 9110, Rotarian, Akabom Enebong, District Governor

elect, of district 9140. Others include Rotarian Olaoluwa Olugbodi , Rotary Global History Fellowship(RGHF) Zone services coordinator, League of past District Governors from district 9140, among others. The guest speaker, Prof. Chris Nwamuo, Director Bassey Andah Institute for African and Asian Studies, University of Calabar emphasised the need to embrace peace even in the face of the security challenges the country is passing through. He affirmed that peace start with individual stressing that it is the duty of every individual to create peaceful arena which will spread out to other parts of the country and the world at large. The outgoing district governor 14/ 15, HRM Noble Eshemitan in his valedictory address said that for the past one year there are no cases of Polio in Nigeria. The monarch expressed his delight for having the opportunity to serve humanity through the Rotary club. He thanked all those that made his tenure as the district governor a

success. He concluded his speech by with this phrase; ‘in Rotary, we look for solutions not excuses’. The new District Governor, Rotarian Ijeoma, said she joined Rotary club by divine invitation on September 20, 1999 because of her zeal to serve humanity. She thanked the district members for believing in her ability to be a servant leader. She encouraged Rotarians to continue to support humanity without counting the cost. While giving a highlight of her plans for the year, she said: “This Rotary year there is micro credit scheme program organized by the ddistrict. Also, there would be mentoring for the youths because they are gift to their parents and the community. Rotary D9140 shall continue to support Rotary foundation in the course to end polio in Nigeria.” There was also the cutting of the installation cake by the new district governor flanked by the past District Governors, among other activities to spice up the installation ceremony.

suspicions about the 23 per cent allotted to the Urhobo ethnic nationality. An anonymous source hinted that the figure was inflated by former Governor James Ibori to favour his kinsmen, to which he also allotted three (highest) commissioners slots. An Ijaw further said, “Before Uduaghan became governor (2007), the Ijaw had the highest production; how did the Itsekiri jump from number two to one? Did they discover new oil wells in Itsekiri land?” An Itsekiri leader insisted that Ijaw are not a close second as records indicate, insisting that oil wells in Jones Creek, Odidi and other parts of Warri South West Local Government Area are owned by the Itsekiri of Omadino.

Okowa’s peace shuttle, suspension of ultimatum Worried by the avalanche of opposition to the bill, Okowa tried to calm fray nerves by meeting with the various interest groups. “We are not repealing the old law. It is not a new bill. The amendment we are proposing is to structure DESOPADEC in line with the NDDC (Niger Delta Development Commis-

sion) model. “This is democracy and I am not expecting that the amendment bill will come out exactly as we proposed it. There will be public hearing and people will make their contributions. I don’t believe in forcing the hands of the legislators,” he explained. Last Friday, two days before the expiration of the Ijaw’s ultimatum, he met with traditional rulers and leaders of the Ijaw Oil Producing Communities. A reliable source at the Friday meeting disclosed that Okwa expressed shock at opposition from the Ijaws, who passionately supported him during his race to become governor. “One of the revelations from our meeting with the governor was that some prominent members of the House of Assembly are trying to take advantage of the bill for their selfish interests.” It was gathered that the Ijaws reaffirmed their opposition to the change of nomenclature of the law to oil producing nationalities, instead of communities and they also insisted on fair representation, overbearing influence of government official and

misapplication of fund accruing to each group. “A situation whereby a member of the board, because of his powers, corners funds for a particularly group to his group would not be tolerated. We have made that absolutely clear.” Based on the meeting with the traditional rulers, the Ijaw youths agreed to suspend their ultimatum. Confirming the development, Izoukumor told Niger Delta Report, “Due to the intervention of the Ijaw traditional rulers and some Ijaw leaders, which culminated in a meeting with the governor, the traditional rulers pleaded with the Ijaw Oil Producing Communities and those that gave the ultimatum to shelve the ultimatum and give room for further dialogue.” Mulade also confirmed the development, adding that the group had relaxed its warning to foreign missions and urged oil firms to go about their normal duties. At the time of going to press, peace had returned to the state, yet many are skeptical that the controversies will continue unabated regardless of the final outcome.

Ikot Uduak erosion: A disaster waiting to happen •Continued from page 29

•Rotarian Ijeoma Pearl Okoro

A landlord in the area said: “We now live one day at a time as the disaster of having our houses swept away can happen at any time. Unfortunately, most of us have nowhere else to go. “When I came in here almost two decades ago, things were not like this at all. What you are looking at today started almost 10 years ago. Then Mr Donald Duke was governor and he tried to control it, but since he left, nothing has been done. Since then it has continually expanded. It is high time the government took this matter as an emergency because that is exactly what it is. “Many people that I came in with to build here have left with their families for the fear of this problem which showed no sign at all because this place was a plain land that was duly surveyed by qualified surveyor and building plans approved by the Ministry of Lands. “We park our vehicle on the main road or some times other areas because the area is no longer accessible. We are calling on the government to help us because the suffering is too much. “Business here are failing and people have closed shop because the area is no longer motorable, nobody can come into this area with a vehicle anymore.” Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ben Ayade, Mr Christian Ita, said: “The government is reaching out to the Federal Government with a view to getting assistance to address the issue. The governor being very proactive has written to the president for assistance to tackle that ero-

•Princess Asibong

sion site and other sites threatening homes, properties and lives in the state. We hope to hear from the Presidency very soon.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Group cleans Warri for Mandela From Shola O’Neil, Warri

RADERS, tricycle operators in the Ugbuwangue area of Warri metropolis in Delta State recently carried out a special cleaning of the community and its market in commemoration of the birthday of late former South African President Nelson Mandela. The event tagged ‘Sweep for Madida’ was in celebration of the Nelson Mandela International Day as declared by the United Nations. The cleanup was organised by an NGO, the Concerned Itsekiri Social Media Activists (CISMA), in collaboration with Warri based OAP and jazz music promoter Omatseye Atsenuwa of Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri to mark the 97th post-humous birthday of of foremost anti-apartheid icon. The cleanup exercise started from the Ugbuwangue market area through to main entrance of Ugbuwangue and tricycle park and the recently constructed pedestrian bridge. The United Nations set aside every July 18 as Mandela Day to marked the birthday of the great African. Individuals and group are expected to set aside 67 minutes to a special cause that impact on others in celebration of the day. In an address delivered by the coordinator of CISMA, Prince Onesan Oritseweyinmi Jerry, the group called on elected and appointed officials of the government to imbibe the spirit and character displayed by the late Mandela. They urged politicians and elected officials residing in Ugbuwangue community to facilitate the speedy completion of the the pedestrian bridge and market for the use of the public. He said: “We wish to appeal to the Honourable Commissioner of transport Hon. Vincent Uduaghan, Political Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Omimi Esquire, Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area. Hon. Mofe Edema and others to kindly facilitate the installation of hand rails on the pedestrian bridge and other finishing touches before commissioning. “We also plead that efforts should be made to facilitate the completion and usage of the Ugbuwangue market as it is fast becoming an eyesore.” Also speaking, the Director of publicity of the group, Mr. Gedu Godwin Toju, thanked the traders, tricycle operators and participants at the clean up exercise for turning up in their numbers to support the group. He urged the Ugbuwangwe community to reciprocate government’s kind gesture of siting the state’s first ever pedestrian bridge in the community by taking ownership and encouraging its use. He said: “CISMA is deeply pained to see students and other pedestrians dashing to cross the ever busy road, risking their lives when a simple stroll on the bridge will take them across”

•Members of group

•Members of group sweeping of the street

Insecurity: Immigration reads riot act to expatriates in Edo

S part of efforts toward effective security of lives and property and preventing terrorist attacks in Edo State, the State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has read the riot act to expatriates and aliens working in the state. The NIS, in the warning, which was also handed to employers of expatriates, vowed to strictly enforce the new Immigration Law of 2015 and punish any expatriates or company that employ them if the law is violated. The warning was issued at a stakeholders meeting organised by the NIS, where the aliens and companies were intimated of some of the stiff penalties introduced in the new immigration law. Top hierarchy of the NIS present at the meeting frowned at refusal of some companies to pay departure and arrival notification fee of expatriates in the state. Only seven companies were said to be up to date in the payment. Assistant-Comptroller General of Immigration, Zone G, Emmanuel Gbuuga, in his speech urged the foreigners to respect Nigeria’s immigration

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

laws just as Nigerians respect other countries’ immigration laws. The ACG said it was inappropriate for foreigners to move about the country without carrying their passport, an action he said would no longer be tolerated. Emmanuel charged foreigners to always carry their international passports with them and stopped making excuses that their international passports are somewhere in Lagos or Abuja. The ACG said the command was not out to embarrass foreigners, but to make them understand the need to obey the laws. He warned business owners to only employ documented aliens in the country as a way of boosting security. Ogbuuga explained that the command want to know what immigrants are doing across the country as well as monitor their activities. “If you have a guest who is a visitor, he has no business to work here. If you want to work, you must make sure you are regularised within three

Edo State Immigration Comptroller, Alana Olusegun, Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, Emmanuel Gbuuga and Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Operations, Mrs. Teresa Agwai at the stakeholders meeting.

months, if you want to invite an expert, you are given a temporary work permit.” “We have a new act that has not been launched. Some of the penalty there are stiff. We are doing it in conformity with other laws. As we respect immigration laws of other countries, we also expect that our laws should be obeyed. I be-

lieved that we must operate within the armbit of the laws. Whoever breaks Nigeria laws will pay the penalty.” Edo Immigration Comptroller, Alana Olusegun, warned expatriates to pay close attention to sections stipulating new penalties when the new laws are violated. According to him, “There is

need for anybody who comes into the country to be monitored especially at hotels. We have been asking hotels to render returns on lodgers. “Any law made by the service is geared towards security. We want to make expatriates understand the new provisions and new penalties in the Immigration Law. We know why

they are here and there is need for us to tell them what awaits anyone that violates the laws. “The idea of asking foreigners to pay arrival and notification fee is for security purposes. The hoteliers are not security conscious. You give us information and we work on it. It is a very simple practice.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

HE first time I knew he existed was in the dying days of the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration. It was in far away Atlanta, United States. Black, tall and lanky Gabriel Odidison, 21, cut the image of a hip-hop star. He actually sings. The tale he had to tell that night was tear-inducing. His story: “I finished secondary school in 2009. It was one of the most depressing years of my life. I was very young. I finished secondary school at 15. I am 21 now. I tried to get into college in Nigeria, Lagos to be precise and it was very hard. My parents were not rich but we were managing.” He paused. Shed some tears, bowed his head and took some seconds before continuing: “To cut the long story short, I left home in 2002 because I could not get into school. My parents loved me but they were ashamed of me because every one of my siblings was in school. I was the only one left at home. I woke up one morning and asked my mother for food one day and she told me all my siblings were in school and I was here asking for breakfast. So, I got tired. I loved singing. So, I went out to find a record label. I had an uncle who worked for a record label. I tried that for a year. It was hard but I believed that some day it would be well. I woke up everything morning believing that somehow I would get something to eat and I ate and grew tall and big.” His dream of making it on the streets of Lagos did not work out. He decided to seek a way to further his studies like his siblings. He felt an aunt could help and to her he went. That was in 2013. Odidison went on: “I talked to my aunt about getting into school. She asked me to send her my WAEC result. My WAEC result was really good. I sent it to her and she said: ‘Always be by your phone. You might receive a phone call.’ Like two days later, I received a phone call. I think the woman I spoke with, her name is Dolapo, Auty Dolapo. She said you just earned a committee scholarship to study in America. When I heard the news I was like how? She asked me ‘what is your name?’ I thought it was a scam. So, I said ‘my name is Steve.’ She asked me where I lived and I said I lived in Lekki. Meanwhile I was living in Ketu. But she already had my details. So, she told me to come to Lekki Phase 1 in two days. So, two days later when I got to Lekki, I thought it was going to be like now you have the scholarship, go to America. But I realised that we had to take an exam every two weeks in preparation to come here. When I heard that, I thought I would not make it. I thought I had lost my intelligence those years of waiting after secondary school.” Now, he is a junior at Marist College in the United States, where he majors in Business and Finance. For this, he has one man to thank: Kingsley Kuku, who was the Special Adviser to Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people and matters

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

Dreams alive again

‘

What becomes of the Amnesty Programme with Boroh in charge remains to be seen. Boroh, who reminds me of the late Ijaw icon, Isaac Adaka Boroh, will want to show his style. There will certainly be some changes •Odidison

of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. That day when Odidison was speaking he knew Kuku’s days in office were numbered since the man who appointed him had been defeated by Muhammadu Buhari. But what he perhaps did not understand was the effect of the change on his dream of earning a degree in America and someday returning home to give back to the Niger Delta where he hails from and Nigeria, his fatherland.

‘

May 29 soon came and Kuku vacated the office. One month passed, second month passed and there was no replacement for Kuku. Unlike other government offices, the Amnesty Office is not your typical civil service setting. Yes, there are civil servants working there, but it relies on consultants to do most of its activities. With no head to give instructions, civil servants were the only one getting paid. Consultants, ex-militants and students overseas were left unpaid because

LAST WORD

there was no co-ordinator to give approval. The office is directly supervised by the Presidency. Each time I had cause to think about the absence of a head to make that office continue to function, Odidison always came to my mind. I also remember other students who were with us in Atlanta in May and the fear of their dreams dying was a major concern for me. It got to a head for me when Lufthansa sent home 13 pilot-trainees being sponsored by the Amnesty Office. The reason: they could not meet their financial obligations to the airline. Then there was another incident of some students in South Africa ‘abducting’ their food vendor because their allowance was not coming from home. Ex-militants who could not get their monthly stipends also blocked the East-West Road. And there were fears things could become bad if no head was appointed for the agency soon. It was this sort of fear that turned me to an ex-militant last week, so as to drive home the seriousness of the matter. I felt I needed to speak like one of those affected. Mind you it was not that there was no money in the office’s kitty, but there was no one to give instruction. If Pa Edwin Clark should be believed, the office still has N5 billion. My joy knew no bounds when four day after my piece ‘An ex-militants letter to the president’, Brigadier-General Paul Boroh (rtd.) was named the Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme. A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said Brig. Boroh’s appointment takes immediate effect. Boroh has now taken over the responsibilities of the former Special Adviser on Niger Delta. To show that the President was not insensitive to public outcry over the absence of a head for the office, the statement said the appointment of Boroh “is to lead to the speedy resolution of recent hitches in its implementation such as the non-payment of outstanding allowances to ex-militants”. The hitches could have killed the dreams of the likes of Odidison. Their dreams are alive again. The trainee-pilots can go back to complete their training. Hope is alive again for the not less than 2,000 students abroad studying for one degree or the other on the bill of the programme. Some 30,000 ex-militants, who also depend on the stipends, can now be hopeful. My final take: What becomes of the programme with Boroh in charge remains to be seen. Boroh, who reminds me of the late Ijaw icon, Isaac Adaka Boroh, will want to show his style. There will certainly be some changes. If the views of Hajia Rahamah Sani, my Kanobased social worker friend, are anything to go by, the programme should be scrapped and not one kobo should be spent on ex-militants, who in her reaction to my column of last week, had sabotaged the economy. I disagree with Hajia Sani. The programme should be sustained. It may be refined and made better.

KAZEEM IBRAHYM

Better days ahead for Akwa Ibom rural dwellers?

ESPITE the widely celebrated uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom State, about 80 per cent of the people still live in the rural areas. And in abject poverty. They lack infrastructure and other good things of life. The roads in the urban centre are smooth, but coarse in the rural areas. The Ministry of Rural Development says it is interested in making life more meaningful for the rural dwellers. During an inspection tour of the rural areas by the ministry, the first point of call was the Ikot Abia-Enyie in Nsit Atai Local Government Area where a bridge measuring about 20 meters had been abandoned due to shortage of funds. The bridge is instrumental and strategic to the wellbeing and the development of the people because if completed it will connect several villages together with the help of a nearby river. The river, popularly called “Atang River”, is also useful. It is the main source of water to the people but not without its demerits. For instance, in the last one year, the river had claimed the lives of eight pupils. The chairman of the village council, Chief Etop Umanah, said the pupils drowned in the water following the downpour which led to the river overflowing its bank while returning from school. Atang River divides Ikot Abia-Enyie village into two; with all the facilities in the area - a health

centre, a primary and a secondary school, located at the other side of the river. Umanah stated that it was the custom of the village to wait for the pupils and women at the bank of the river during the schools’ closing hours whenever there was downpour. He explained that it was unfortunate that before the men from the village could get to the river to rescue the pupils, the water had already carried them away. According to Umanah, the bodies of the pupils were recovered three days after. He revealed that in the preceding year three pupils and a pregnant woman died in the same river, noting that as the pupils tried to come back from school, the pregnant woman was trying to make her way back from the health centre. His words: “This village, Abia-Enyie lost eight children to Atang River this year as they were returning from school following a downpour which aided the river to overflow its bank. Last year, we lost three pupils and a pregnant woman in the same manner. “The village is one village; it is split by this river. All the facilities of this village – a health centre, a primary and a secondary school are all sited at the other side of the river. We cannot stop the children from going to school.” But speaking during the inspection of some facilities in the rural area, the State’s Commissioner of Rural Development, Mr. Ekong Sampson, told reporters that the Akwa

Ibom State government was ready to end not only the pupils’ death, but all the deaths associated with Atang River. According to him, it pained the government to see Akwa Ibom children perishing in river as he assured the people that government would embark on remedial measures to end the carnage before work on the bridge was started and completed. He words: “That is why I have chosen to come here by myself. I am really touched by what I have seen. We will make every effort to ensure that infrastructure is brought to this community and to every other rural space in the state. And our approach is to go there and see things by ourselves in order to have a first-hand purview of their problems. “The state government is committed to transforming our rural space because we all come from villages. The state government is committed to recreating the villages; we are committed to making lives better for those who live in our villages. We shall give government an update about what we have seen here.” The representative of the company handling the bridge project, MT & G International Services Limited, Mrs. Tukubor Okpoyo, said the project has been running for three years. Even when there is still so much work to be done at the project site, Mrs. Okpoyo said the company had received 50 per cent funding and 90 per cent of work already completed.

Her words: “I can only tell you we have the will and the expertise to complete this project. The issue of why it has not been completed is strictly an issue of funding. Unfortunately funding has been interrupted. We hope and we are looking forward to resuming project here as soon as we are funded.” To enhance the living condition of the people living in the rural area, the Ministry of rural development, according to Commissioner Sampson, has put forward a Rural Development Master Plan (RDMP) which if adopted would serve as a compass for sustainable rural development. The RDMP embodies five critical components, namely: rural electrification; rural water supply; rural security; rural road network and bailey bridges; and special rural development interventions. Part of the rural security network will be the rehabilitation of some collapsed police stations in the rural areas particularly police stations in Ikot Umiang in Mkpat Enin and the one in Ikot Okoro in Oruk Anam local government area. Also the Anwa Urua market in Oruk Anam is part of the initiative. The government plan to give it a face-lift so as to serve the rural dwellers better. The commissioner noted that the government was committed to rebuilding the market so that it can serve as a source of employment for the teeming youths. Are the good times here? Time will tell.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Abia police tackle cultism From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

schools. In an address entitled The Devil Called Cultism, Onyeke listed the dangers of cultism to include truancy, pain, permanent disability and death, among others. Onyeke who described cultism as an ill wind that blows no good, said students who engage in it end up losing their lives. He added that the sensitisation exercise was part of proactive strategies of the police to

Man dies in rum-drinking contest •Continued from page 26 way. A friend of his, who refused to give his name, said John succeeded in embalming himself with the hot drink, adding that poverty in the country had a part to play in his friend’s suicidal demise. He said that people have been having such competitions around the suburb. “However, we have never seen or heard of anyone drinking 20 sachets of [that rum] before”. If the economy had been in good condition I don’t think any rightthinking man would like to embark on such a dangerous venture just to earn some money to feed his family.”

HE Abia State police command has mounted a campaign against vice by sensitising secondary school pupils on cultism and other anti-social behaviour. It was in compliance with the Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase’s directive. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Udeviotu Ezekiel Onyeke who represented the Commissioner of Police, Joshiak Habila during the sensitisation in Umuahia

•Continued from page 28

tackle vice. He said that the anti-cultism campaign would continue in all schools in the state, noting that there is a high rate of cult activities in communities where High Schools and tertiary institutions are located. He advised the students to report suspected cult activities in their areas and within the school environment to the nearest police station and their school authorities who will invite the police to come and take care of the situation, stressing that registering with known social

He called on the administration of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu to decongest the Aba Road which has been choked up by the commercial transporters who should have been using the motor park to operate. Another stall owner at the motor park, Mrs Ibe complained that the use of the road as loading bay by transporters has been helping to increase the quantity of refuse generation in the city of Umuahia and called the present government to do something if they want the city to be clean. Mrs Ibe said that passengers who are supposed to enter the transport vehicles come to the road to enter the vehicles and any refuse they generate which are normally dumped into the refuse bins located inside the parks, are now being dumped along the road or into the drains along the road.

There is a high rate of cult activities in communities where there are High Schools and tertiary institutions... Students should report suspected cult activities in their areas and within the school environment to the nearest police station and their school authorities

Three hospitals for upgrade in Nsukka

NUGU State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has authorised the upgrade of three hospitals in Enugu North senatorial zone (the Old Nsukka District) to enable rural dwellers receive adequate medical care much quicker. The state Commissioner for Health Dr Samuel Ngwu made said this when he led a delegation of the state health management board to some of the hospitals in the zone. They were on a fact-finding mission, it was said. Ngwu said both the Nsukka District hospital at Nsukka and Comprehensive Health Centre, Amalla Orba in Udenu Local Government Area would be upgraded to the status of General Hospital, so as to better cater for the health needs of the people. Enugu Ezike District Hospital will be upgraded to a specialist hospital. The state commissioner for Health assured that work would commence in earnest as the state government intends to leave no stone unturned in actualizing its focal agenda of providing basic health facilities to the citizens and other Nigerians residing in the state. He said the affected hospitals after the upgrading would equally provide relief for commuters travelling to and fro the East to the Northern part of the country, in emergency health situations. He demanded the cooperation of both the traditional rulers and council authorities of Nsukka, Udenu and Igbo Eze North local government areas in securing the equipments and properties of the contractors that will handle the projects as soon as they move to site. Ngwu who was accompanied on the tour of the fact finding mission by some management staff of the state health board including, Dr Nnamchi Roberts, Dr Okechukwu Osai, Dr Hillary

We have seen and we have been briefed of the challenges of electricity and water supply bedeviling these hospitals. I assure you that the present administration in the state under Governor Ugwuanyi will tackle all the challenges head on, the health of the people is one the major focus of his government

Abia transporters shun park

•One of the hospitals

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Agbo, Dr Ossai and Mr Emeka Nebo, the public relations officer, of Enugu Ministry of Health, lamented the dearth of facilities and equipments in most of the hospitals and restated the commitment of Governor Ugwuanyi in ensuring that the state hospitals are adequately equipped. His words: ’We have seen and we have been briefed of the challenges of electricity and water supply bedeviling these hospitals. I assure you that the present administration in the state under Governor Ugwuanyi will tackle all the challenges head on, the health of the people is one the major focus of his government’. The Chief Medical Director of Nsukka District Hospital, Dr Joseph Nnamani disclosed to the •Continued on page 38 •Another hospital to be upgraded

and humanitarian organisations like Red Cross Society, Scripture Union, among others, would help them use their time to contribute meaningfully to the society. Principals and students of some of the schools (Ibeku High School, Government College, Umuahia, Isieke Model High School, Amuzukwu Girls Secondary School, among others, expressed their happiness over the gesture of the police, describing it as impactful and timely.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•Some of the participants at the programme

Battle to end genital mutilation in Ebonyi From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

tice and implored the participants to be open and sincere during the discussion as that will enable them achieve success. A UNICEF resource person, Elder Ude Agwu, enlightened the people on the dangers of the practice and defined Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting as “the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons”. While revealing that an estimated number of over 130 million girls and women alive in Africa today have undergone FGM/C, Elder Agwu regretted that the act has been deeply entrenched as a social and cultural norm in many places and advised Ishielu people to put an

ESIDENTS of Ishielu Local Government Area have declared the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) a taboo, saying that it has created enormous problems in the lives of their young girls and women. Therefore, any person who engages in it in the area will be severely punished, they pledged. The agreement was reached during the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) statewide awareness campaign on “Abandonment Of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting” practice in all the communities of the state held at Ntezi Town Hall in Ishielu council. The open community dialogue on FGM/C, a UNICEF sponsored project,was organised by National Orientation Agency, Ebonyi state, in collaboration with critical stakeholders/partners from the state. These include Ebonyi State Ministry of Information and state orientation, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Child Protection Network, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Local Government social welfare officers,as well as health officers of each Local Government Council. Disclosing the essence of the programme, the State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ebonyi State, Dr. Emma Abah stated that it is a strategy of UNICEF towards discouraging the practice of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the world by dialoguing with people on the adverse effects of the practice, not just on children and women but on the entire society and the need for them to completely abandon it for a better and healthier lifestyle. Dr Abah noted that to further promote and intensify the campaign against FGM/C in Ebonyi State, UNICEF empowered NOA and other relevant stakeholders to collaboratively and systematically engage the affected communities on societal dialogue and as well empower same to act collectively to end the bad practice. The NOA boss disclosed that they intend to dialogue with the people on why the FGM/C practice was still prevalent in the community, despite previous campaigns against the evil prac-

Such mutilation is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening procedure that causes unspeakable pain and suffering on victims. Some of its short and long-term effects include chronic pain, infections, increased risk of HIV transmission, anxiety and depression, birth complications, infertility and, in worst cases, death

end to the menace, irrespective of where it came from. Another resource person, Mrs. Nnenna Elekwa, a lawyer, described Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting as a dangerous and potentially life-threatening procedure that causes unspeakable pain and suffering on victims and recounted the short- and long-term effects to include

chronic pain, infections, increased risk of HIV transmission, anxiety and depression, birth complications, infertility and, in worst cases, death. She therefore called for a collective decision by the people to abandon the practice, insisting that suchwill ensure that no single girl or family will be disadvantaged. The representative of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Barrister Mrs. Chidiebere Otu-odo enlightened the participants on the legal implications of the act thus, “FGM/ C is a fundamental violation of women’s and girls’ rights It violates the rights to health and to physical integrity, to be protected from harmful traditional practices, to be free from injury, abuse and degrading treatment. Furthermore, girls usually undergo the practice without their informed consent, thus depriving

them of the opportunity to make independent decisions about their bodies.” She further warned that, henceforth, no form of alteration should be made on the genitalia of any female child in Ishielu LGA, insisting that any alteration whatsoever amounts to mutilation or cutting. In her contribution, the Director, Social Welfare Department, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ebonyi State, Mrs Christiana Ogbu encouraged the people to ensure that they put into use every information brought to themby the UNICEF team while Mrs Azu Udu Chinenye reminded them that the concerted efforts by UNICEF to put an end to the evil practice is for their good, especially as they are the people to suffer the effects accruing from the act. The participants brainstormed on various issues raised during the dialogue on why the earlier messages against FGM in Ishielu LGA did not yield expected fruits, the effects of the practice on the people, factors that pose as barriers to the abandonment of the practice, way forward and possible individual/collective contributions to the stoppage of the acts. A communique issued at the end of the dialogue and presented by Chairman of the communique drafting committee, Mrs Anyim Veronica shows that the reason FGM/C has persisted •Continued on page 40

Hospitals for upgrade •Continued from page 37

•Wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi receiving blessings from the fiery Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, when she led some women leaders to the Christ the King parish, GRA, Enugu to partake in the clergyman’s 20th anniversary of his priesthood.

commissioner and his team that they go through hell in fuelling the hospital generator set on a daily basis for use, since power supply from PHCN was cut off, based on the hospital’s over N2.3m indebtedness to the organisation. The Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Area, Hon Charles Ugwu and Hon Cornelius Ezeugwu of Igbo Eze North council area pledged to ensure the safety of the project contractors as well as that of all site equipment.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Ikpeazu urged to extend road upgrade beyond Aba W

HILE road rehabilitation in Aba, the commercial nerve of the Abia State, has impressed many, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has been urged to extend the upgrade to other neighbouring towns. A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Elder Goodluck Njoku made the appeal, even as he hailed the governor for his efforts. Njoku described the de-silting of drainage and rehabilitation of roads as a boost to trade and mark of good governance. “You can see that the governor has lived up to his words to change the face of the city. Road rehabilitation is going simultaneously in every part of the city including Umuahia, Umunneochi and Arochukwu. Aba has become a huge construction site. You can see the dredging of the Aba River which is a very laudable step because it will check the problem of flooding in Aba. There have been lots of improvements in these areas.

Road rehabilitation is going simultaneously in every part of the city including Umuahia, Umunneochi and Arochukwu. Aba has become a huge construction site. The dredging of the Aba River is a very laudable step because it will check flooding in Aba

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

The issue of multiple taxation has been a hydra -headed problem and waste management has received a great attention. I com-

mend his Gov. Ikpeazu’s efforts; he started on a good and should keep the flag flying.” The PDP chief also enjoined residents of the state to support the ongoing rehabilitation efforts

by disposing their waste at designated points. Said he “Residents of the state, particularly Aba, must play their part to enable the governor actualize his vision for the state. I know that expectations are too high, but people must be patient. Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu is a man of remarkable experience. He has been very outstanding in all his endeavours in life. I am sure he will put up a team capable of achieving his good intentions and be able to work out something for the good of the state. Though there are great challenges but Gov. Ikepazu has the capacity to overcome them.” He advised the governor to ensure that Aba town is decongested through embarking on development of satellite towns which would open up areas and opportunities for the residents of the state. “I believe Aba town is over populated, there is a great need to open up and develop other areas close to Aba to decongest the

•Governor Ikpeazu

town. Adjoining towns like Owerri-Nta, Obehie, Osisioma Ngwa, Umuoba would perfectly fill the gap. It is not good that development has been concentrated in Aba urban since the town was founded. Gov. Ikpeazu, being the man I know, has a great vision for the state. I am not speaking for him but I know that he has a burning desire to transform Abia state to the next level.”

‘Buhari’s US visit shows Nigeria on path to greatness’

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

committee set up to organize World Igbo Conference, Ikonne said that the President’s visit to America will open new vista of opportunities for the country. Ikonne said that the conference is a concept of Igbo Stakeholders that will come together to deliberate on how to move the Igbo nation forward for the benefit of the people of the zone. According to the former governorship candidate of the defunct ACN, the Committee has been making consultations with different stakeholders across Igbo land, with the mandate to bring Ndigbo together to seek the way forward politically, economically and socially. Ikonne said, “One of the basic questions we will want answers to during the conference, is the place of the Igbo man in today’s Nigeria and how to ensure that the political wind that is blow-

CHIEFTAIN of All Progressive Congress [APC] in Abia state Prince Paul Ikonne has said that the reception accorded President Muhammadu Buhari in the United sates of America shows that Nigeria is on the path to greatness. Ikonne said that it is also a clear indication that Nigeria is no longer viewed from the negative point, but ranked among honourable nations of the world. He called on Ndigbo to support the administration, adding that soon, positive results of his visit would begin to unfold for the benefit of the people of the country. He congratulated the President for what he described as a successful trip to the U.S. and expressed happiness over his recognition by the international community. Speaking with The Nation in Umuahia after a meeting in Enugu as a member of a ix man

Nigeria is no longer viewed from a negative point, but now ranks among honourable nations of the world. Ndigbo should to support the administration. Soon, positive results of Buhari’s visit would begin to unfold for the benefit of the people of the country

ing across nation is favorable to the Igbo nation. The history of the Ndigbo places them as a people who have little or no regard to kingship, but this group is of the opinion that the Ndigbo of this generation can now appreciate the place of a King, where the

king has been known to have been tested and trusted by the people”. He described Dr Ogbonnaya Onu as the rallying point of an Igbo man, stressing that he has never stop to praise Ohaneze Ndigbo for their steadfastness and poise to move the Igbo nation forward.

Ikonne said that he told the Committee that Igbos in the North massively voted for president Muhammadu Buhari and called all Igbos to support the government of Buhari which he described as the best thing that has happened to the Igbo man. On why they visited Dr Onu, Ikonne said that it is because he has been rated as an outstanding Igbo personality who can be seen as a symbol of Igbo identity and integrity. He said, “Though we have a lot of Honorable Igbo sons across the globe, Onu’s integrity is second to none, which is the reason why we called on him first to tap from his wealth of experience and fountain of knowledge and wisdom”. On the nature of the conference, Ikonne said that their mandate was to ensure that all Igbo stakeholders are consulted over the plan to hold the World Igbo conference, which will be the first of its kind.

•Sector Commander, Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra, Mr Sunday Ajayi (middle); Commander, NDLEA in the state, Mr Sule Momodu (third right) addressing officers of the Joint Team at the Corps’ state headquarters in Awka

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•The Abia State Polytechnic Management with Board members of Tertiary Education Trust Fund after their visit to the polytechnic in Aba, Abia State

Abia poly to get N200m skill centre From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

to the business community. “We hope that the project when completed will help the young boys doing business in Aba and its environs to get proper training on the modern way of doing business and improve their skills on how best to produce some of the things that they are producing in order to remain relevant and the aim for which TETfund wants to establish this center is to sharpen their skills and promote boy-child education through skill acquisition. It is expected that the students at the end of their training will be awarded with a certificate which will enable them have the capacity to bid for job offers and have a certification that will back their skills. “We hope that this venture will reverse the trend in the southeast;

N200M facility is to be built at Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, where business people can acquire skills and be certified. The centre will be set up by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), said its Southeast Representative Mr Chinedu Onu, a lawyer, who led a delegation from the agency to the institution. Onu said the project will be private sector-driven, the centre managed by a director appointed by the agency, while the teachers will be drawn from the state polytechnic. He said, “After carrying out a research, we discovered that most of the male folk in the southeast in business lack formal education. They enjoy doing business than going to school. You know that Aba is the centre of commerce and business activities where majority of these young boys come to exercise their technological prowess and that is why we thought it wise to partner with the Abia State Polytechnic management to establish the center here which is very close

The skill Centre project will be private sector-driven, will be managed by a director appointed by the TETFund, while the teachers will be drawn from the state polytechnic

where boys in the region prefer doing business than going to school. It will make them think with their brain and as well, use their hands to earn a living for

Battle to end genital mutilation in Ebonyi

•Continued from page 38

in the area included; ignorance, non-challant attitudes of the government towards the issue, strong belief in cultural heritage, initiation into womanhood, belief that an uncircumcised females are highly promiscuous and low publicity on the issue. They appealed that government and NGOs should intensify health education and resolved as follows: that the practice is bad and has negative effects on the girl child and should be stopped, that traditional rulers should make pronouncements against FGM/C and that everybody in the local government must join the crusade to end the practice. The programme was largely attended by Traditional Rulers, Head Teachers of mapped primary schools, women groups, Religious Leaders, Community Based Organisations, Community Social Organisations, the Press and youths from the dif-

The practice is bad and has negative effects on the girl-child and should be stopped. Traditional rulers should make pronouncements against it, and everybody in the local government must join the crusade to end it

ferent communities in the Local Government Area. A monarch, Chief Walter Ebe and Pastor Ali Daniel in their separate reactions, thanked UNICEF and NOA for bringing the laudable programme to the community and promised to cascade the message to all nooks and crannies of the LGA.

•Some participants at the event

themselves.” He further used the opportunity to plead with the Abia State Government to award contracts to the institution’s graduands and to spon-

sor a few of them and encourage more persons to embrace the exercise and pointed out that their area of focus would be on engineering; mechantronics, building tech among others. In his response, the acting rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Uche Ikonne thanked the team for choosing the institution as a preferred place to site the project. Ikonne said that he would do everything within his power to ensure that project was sited on the institution’s campus and thanked TETfund for the numerous projects they have helped the school to build. The rector later took the team round the institution’s engineering, fabrication and entrepreneurial labs where the prospective students were expected to have a practical knowledge of the areas they would be trained on.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31 2015

COMMENTARY

“S

URELY, Allah does not change the situation of a community until that community is ready for a positive change” Q. 13:11

Preamble The Nigerian mass media throbbed, last week, with the shocking news of an unprecedented scandal allegedly perpetrated by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in relation to post JAMB examinations and admission into Nigerian Universities for 2015/2016 academic session. The strange game is tagged ‘JAMBGATE’ by this column (The Message).

The Shocking News According to the shocking news, which spontaneously caused a national brouhaha, JAMB had surreptitiously shortchanged thousands of Nigerians by unilaterally changing the choices of applicants for admission into certain Universities without the knowledge of those applicants. For instance, names of applicants who made Universities of Nigeria, Lagos, Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, Benin, Calabar and others their choices of study were sent to certain private Universities or public Universities far away from the ones they chose without any recourse to them. It was a monumental fraud typical of the impunity with which the immediate past Nigerian Federal government was known. The cat was first let out of the bag at the University of Lagos where hundreds of parents and their wards resorted to protests even as some of them took JAMB to court. Anyway, enmeshing in such a scandalous act is not strange about JAMB.

In Retrospect In the 2009 for instance, the University Matriculation Exam (UME) in Nigeria was subject to serious controversy when the poorest results ever released by that body almost caused a revolution. Much to JAMB’s embarrassment, the spokesmen for the Board later revealed that the machines which optically graded the papers had erroneous answers and the JAMB changed some students’ scores by as much as 15%. Ever since, there has hardly been a year without some examination skirmishes continually paving way to public loss of confidence in that Board. Surely, something fundamental is wrong with JAMB which requires sanitization.

FEMI ABBAS ON femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

Of JAMBGATE and Nigerian Law School

Point of Departure Unlike in the past when the test of the prowess of the legal profession in Nigeria was accentuated by the Nigerian Law School, the real accentuation of Law practice in the country today, in grooming the practitioners of that profession, has become an instrument of power in the hands of a few who hold sway in that School. Through the use of that power the children of the poor have been tacitly declared personal non-grata in the Law profession. For instance, out of about 6000 students of Nigerian Law School in 2013/ 2014 session, only about 2000 were able to cross the huddle of the Bar exam. Although that cannot be strictly attributed to administrative policy the conditions laid down for enrolment in the Law School are strict enough to dissuade some students from concentration.

Objective Decentralisation

•JAMB Registrar Prof Dibu Ojerinde haunting today Nigeria like a demonic spectre. It seems that the customers of the Jonathan’s era of scandalous impunity are yet to realize that a clement wind of CHANGE has begun to sweep our dirty country clean hence the current JAMBGATE. Were the government of impunity still in place, the JAMBGATE saga would have, as usual, been upheld to justify the usual ‘under the table’ deal that would have forced thousands of qualified University admission seekers to either go to private University or forget University education altogether. That is Nigeria for

you a country in which sanity, until two months ago, was an aberration and impunity was the rule.

Information

Reacting to the alleged scandal, the Federal Ministry of Education ordered an immediate reversal of that obnoxious act which was not known until the affected candidates had reached their post JAMB examination centres. Although the ministerial intervention was welcomed as a momentary relief for the affected candidates and their parents, analysts think that the highly embarrassing case must not end there. They contend that the scandal should be officially investigated by an independent body and the culprits be brought to book. To some observers, that scandal was part of the usual ‘under table’ bunko by which most Nigerian public office holders are known and which gave Nigeria the international appellation of a ‘corrupt nation’.

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was established in 1977 by the then Federal Military Government of Nigeria. It has since become Nigeria’s official Entrance Examination Board for candidates below the Advanced Level (A/L) education seeking admission into all Universities in the country. Before then, the existing federal universities in Nigeria (numbering seven by 1974) conducted their own ‘concessional’ entrance examinations and admitted their students according to their individual policies. With time, however, that system of admission was observed by the federal government as having limitations through a waste of time and resources in the process of administering the examination especially on the part of the candidates. The Committee of Vice-Chancellors therefore felt concerned about the general clumsiness in the coordination of admissions into the nation’s universities especially when the problem of admission into the universities became more acute with the establishment of additional six universities in 1976 by the Federal military government.

Observers’ Thought

Duties of JAMB

The similitude of that scam, according to those observers, was like the case of the so-called fuel subsidy removal which Goodluck Jonathan government callously forced on the already wretched masses of Nigeria to further deepen their abyss of penury in 2012. The end result of that evil policy was a monumental official scam that is still

In addition to its functions, JAMB is also supposed to undertake the following duties statutorily: Conducts the Universities Matriculation Examination (UME) and sends the results to Universities chosen by the candidates, so that each university selects and recommends candidates to JAMB for admission.

Reaction

populace for granted. Like JAMB like Nigerian Law School For good observers of education in Nigeria, JAMBGATE could not have come as a surprise. What JAMB did to cause uproar last week is what the Nigerian Law School has been doing in recent time. As a matter of fact, it was as if JAMB borrowed an idea of a ‘profitable’ venture from the Nigerian Law School. How many Nigerians know today that the Nigerian Law School that was once the right of every Law graduate in the country to be qualified for practice has become a privilege for just a few?

•Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Mahmud Mohammed Allows each university to conduct tests/interview termed screening for candidates (since . . .) before selecting those to recommend; Conduct similarly, entrance examination for candidate applying to Polytechnics and College of Education; Admits qualified candidates by Direct Entry to Universities that recommend them; Allows these institutions that operate Remedial Programmes to admit successful candidates, but announced in 2007 that it was counseling such from 2008. (For further information, please, see Perspectives on the History of Education in Nigeria, 2008).

Key Departments of JAMB JAMB consists of eight key departments which statutorily carry out the day-to-day operations of the Board. These are: 1. Office of the Registrar which is headed by the Chief Executive who is appointed by the President, Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Education. The Registrar is responsible for the execution of policies of the Board and the day-to-day running of the affairs of the Board. By law, the Registrar shall hold office in the first instance for a period of five years and shall be eligible for reappointment for the same period as the president may be pleased from time to time. It is through this process that all applicants do register and get printed results online.

Comment With JAMB becoming the gateway to tertiary education in Nigeria that examination body must live up to its responsibilities by upholding the national trust reposed in it and by utilizing that trust to propel the potential greatness of Nigeria as a foremost African country. It is pertinent for JAMB to understand that any failure on its part is Nigeria’s failure in all spheres of life since without qualitative education any nation can be pronounced dead. Thus, with such a strategic position, JAMB must know that it cannot afford to take the Nigerian

The original objective of decentralizing the Nigerian Law School was to enable the Law Students from each geographical zone to attend the Law School in his or her zone with convenience. But this was changed by the authorities of that School who are now allocating Law School campuses arbitrarily to those students irrespective of their zones of origin and depriving them the right of changing their allocations if they are not satisfied. For instance, students from the Southwest of Nigeria who wanted to attend the Lagos Law School were arbitrarily posted Yola, in Adamawa despite the Boko Haram threat to lives. And those from the North-West who chose Kano were posted to Enugu campus without an option. The cost of this alone especially for indigent students is distractive enough. Yet, these students will still be forcefully posted to anywhere for in the country for National Youth Service after their call to the Bar. What kind of country is this?

Unaffordable Charges The exorbitant, unaffordable levies charged for reseat in the Bar exam have prevented thousands of potential Lawyers from becoming legal practitioners. The imposed cost of feeding per meal alone is enough to scare away any prospective Law student from enrolling in that School. Eventually, thousands of University graduates in Law who are unable to realize their dream by passing through the Law School have become like marauders roaming the streets of Nigeria like Egyptian gypsies of yore, after five years of rigour in the University. What kind of country is this? And in this case, what is the difference between JAMB and the Nigerian Law School?

Autocratic Song The song of these days, as far as the Nigerian Law School is concerned is that ‘the Law Profession is not for the Poor’. And to emphasize that oppressive song, the tuition and other fees in that school have been taken beyond the affordability level of an ordinary Nigerian. Besides, all sorts of oppressive polices are being regularly formulated to reduce the number of Nigerian Lawyers drastically and to discourage new entrants into the profession. Thus, the Law profession in Nigeria is gradually becoming an exclusive right of the senior practitioners in the profession whose children are seen and treated as their heirs apparent. For how long will this be allowed in a country that claims to maintain human rights and freedom of exercising such rights? God save Nigeria.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

THE NATION

SOCIETY

For information on how to feature on this page, contact:

E-mail:societygirlontop@gmail.com Tel :08060829778

•From left: Mr Lemi Olalemi; Mr Aina; Bukola Onanuga; Ogun State Deputy Governor MrsYetunde Onanuga and Otunba Biodun Onanuga

• Daughter of the deceased Miss Minna and her father, Mr Afolabi Salami

Fond memories of a mother

T is often said that “sweet are the memories of the righteous”. So it was when prayers and a reception were held in honour of the late wife of a renowned Engineer, Afolabi Salami. Mrs Kaarina Salami died on May 29. She was 67. Her remains were buried on June 24, at Sundskajen. Limhamn, Malmo, Sweden. She was an inspiration to many, home and abroad. The Marina, on Osborne Road, Foreshore Estate in Osborne Phase 2, Ikoyi, Lagos, venue of the reception was filled to the brim. There were personalities from both the private and public sectors. Many foreigners also attended the ceremony. Solar Entertainment Disc Jockey supplied jazz music–in the spirit of the ceremony, obviously. Mr Salami in a white native dress, sat among his friends and family members. His daughter, Minna, sat with her friends and relations on another table. Mr Salami and Minna went round to exchange pleasantries with their guests. To Minna, her mother’s death has left her in pains. The widower described his wife of 40 years as a “admirable”. Other guests and family members spoke about the deceased. Managing Director, Lotus Capital, Ikoyi, Mrs Tayo Ogbebor, who is a relation of the deceased, described the late Mrs Salami as “precious” and “one in a million”, saying she was someone who you looked forward to seeing. “You can never

be around her and not feel her love,” she said. She she would miss her presence, Mrs Ogbebor said, praying that God would give her the strength to bear the loss. Another relation and Managing Director, Bola Frances Enterprising Limited, Mrs Aderonke Sanyaolu, said the deceased was not only an aunt but also a source of inspiration to her. Mrs Sanyaolu, who could not hold back her tears, wiped her face with a white handkerchief, describing her as an amazing person who encouraged others. “She was always there for you to talk to, she was good and easy going. A lot of times you could say you want to see her for 30 minutes, but you would find yourself there still discussing comfortably with her hours later. She was an adult that we could always run to; she was a fun to be with and she was a best friend that would be greatly missed”. Principal, Unique Architects, Debo Aina said the late Mrs Salami adapted herself as if she was a Nigerian. The Group Managing Director, Hoten Engineering Limited, Biodun Osodi, described the late Mrs Salami as a good wife of a dear friend, whose friendly disposition and care would be missed. Chief Pius Akinyelure described her as one with a homely disposition. Chief Jibowu Owoade, who has known the late Mrs Salami for about 40 years, said she was humble, generous and loveable.”

•From left: Otunba Babajide Rogers; Mr Wale Edun; Mr Shola Alabi and Mr Adebisi Adesina

•From left: Chief Owoade; former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Mr Kayode Soyembo; Mr Goke Omisore and Prince Adelowo Adedeji (sitting)

A lioness roars in service

M •From left: Mr Opena Anobili; his wife Idowu Anobili, presenting an award to Mrs Ade-Ojo. With them is her husband Chief Michael Ade-Ojo; Stella Agbogun and Dame Adetope Tychus at the event

RS Idowu Omolola Anobili has been installed as the District Governor of Lions Club 404B-1 at the Knot Events Centre, Yaba, Lagos. She promised to lead an exciting year full of landmarks. She adopted ‘Lifestyle of Service’ as her theme for the year. At the event, there was a fund raiser of N60million to build an eye centre in Badagry, Lagos. Also,there were awards for members. A Platinum Lifetime Award was given to Lady Taiwo Ade Ojo, wife of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elizade Motors Limited Chief Michael Ade Ojo.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

SOCIETY COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS

House of Representatives member (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Ondo State) Hon. Bode Ayorinde marked his 55th birthday and the 30th remembrance anniversary of his mother. He also inaugurated his constituency office, reports LEKE AKEREDOLU.

Good speaker or great speaker; your choice!

•From right: Prof Ibiyemi; Prof. Samuel Oyewole, Deputy ViceChancellor; and Dr. James Faleye, Guest Lecturer

•Ayorinde, supported by his wife Adejoke cut his cake

Double celebration for a lawmaker

ODE Ayorinde, the Pro-Chancellor of Achievers University in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, has celebrated his 55th birthday and the 30th anniversary of the death of his mother, Mama Alago Ijanrensola Ayorinde.

The day also featured the grand opening of his constituency office on Aruwajoye Street, Owo. The simplicity of the birthday ‘boy’ was the major attraction, pulling politicians from across parties to the two-day event. Though Ayorinde’s birth-

day was on June 22, it was held the weekend after. The events began with members of the Governing Council led by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tunji Ibiyemi, who visited the School of the Blind in Owo to donate to the lessprivileged. Then they proceeded to the expansive hall of Achievers’ University for Ayorinde’s birthday lecture. Students of the university ushered him in with loud chants and praise. The lecture titled: Politics and economic development in Nigeria:The change phenomenon,was delivered by Dr James Oladunjoye of the Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. It was well attended by tradition rulers, and academicians. Dr. Oladunjoye is one of Ayorinde’s old students, he described him as one from whose milk of knowledge he benefitted tremendously. A Professor of Law, Demola Popoola, who taught Ayorinde at the Obafemi Awolowo Univer-

sity (OAU) chaired the event. The event was attended by the Ondo State Chairman of All Progressives Congress(APC), Mr. Isaac Kekemeke;Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Senator Titus Olupitan; Chief Olusola Oke, Chief Alaba Isijola, the Owo Local Government Women leader, Mrs. Akinrogbe, among others. Kekemeke, who inaugurated the constituency office, praised Ayorinde for not diverting from the ideology of the party, which is to make government responsible to the masses noting that the office will serve as link between the people and the lawmaker. The celebration continued at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Igboroko-Nla Street, Owo. Ayorinde decked in ofi attire was ushered into the church with his wife, by members of the Man O’war in a parade. The expansive church hall could not contain all the guests who graced the occasion, so additional canopies were erected.

Wedding of the son of the Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche, Ikekpere Victor and Nnnenna Chibuzo Nwafo Nweke at Hoare Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Yaba, Lagos last Saturday.

•From left: Bride’s parents Mr Nwafo Nweke his wife Ebere; Lagos State Governor Mr Akinwumi Ambode; the Couple Ikekpere and Chibuzo; Ogun State Deputy Mrs Yetunde Onanuga and parents of the groom His Eminence Dr Samuel Kanu Uche and his wife Florence.

•Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)Sir Bassey Dan-Abia,and House of Assembly Member Akwa Ibom State Rt Hon Nse Ntuen and Sir Sunyiekekere Inokon.

•Prelate Emeritus Methodist Church Nigeria Dr Sunday Ola Makinde (right) ; Secretary of Conference of the church Bishop Chibuzo Opoko (left) and his daughter Pamela.

O you know we sometimes settle for ‘good’ when we can be ‘great’? O yes we do. Sometimes we don’t put as much effort LANRE OLAOLU AMODU into what we do because ( Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. we think we have noth07034737394 ing (physical) to gain. @lanreamodu However, when we invest ourselves into any activity, the knowledge and experience we gain become ours for life. We have to develop the attitude of being the best at whatever we do, whether we are rewarded or not. Excellence is not an action but a way of life. If you are given any task, do it so well that little or nothing can be added. Excellence is the best bargaining chip you can have. I heard the true story of a man who chose to engage in vigorous self-development and to put his best into all he did at work. While his colleagues stylishly escaped responsibilities, he gladly took them up. While his colleagues mocked him for always “being available,” he was busy developing himself. Without them realising it, he was becoming indispensable in the organization. One day, he told the management of his place of work that he was quitting and there was confusion! An emergency board meeting was convened and he was asked to renegotiate the terms of his employment; the board was willing to give him a raise and even a better position just to retain him in the organization. Imagine that! In relation to public speaking, you also have a choice to make. You either go the extra mile to become outstanding or you vanish in the crowd as ‘yet another speaker.’ I listened to a speaker some time ago and I was left unsatisfied after his presentation. He delivered a good speech but I wished he had made it a great one. So, instead of writing the points he was making, I found myself writing what made him good instead of great. Here are my observations: •Facts without proofs: the speaker made brilliant points, but he couldn’t convince us that the principles actually work. If he had cited examples of those who achieved success by using those principles, we would have benefited more from the presentation. Fact without proof is like wind without rain. •Expression without experience: the speech was eloquently delivered. The speaker was quite expressive, but he obviously didn’t have any experience to fall back on. It is actually easy to know when someone is speaking from a wealth of experience and when he/she reads up the topic just for presentation. •Presentation without passion: when a speaker is not passionate, there is no way his/her speech can ignite fire in the audience. An unmotivated speaker will turn a great speech to a good one any time any day; in fact he can do worse. •Definition without depth: if a speaker has 15 minutes to speak and he spends 10 minutes giving definitions, when should we expect the substance of the speech? Depth is not only how much you understand your subject matter; it is also how much you can make your audience understand it. Always speak from an overflow and never from reserve. •Volume without Value: public speaking is not about how much you say, but how valuable your words are. Someone can deliver a 20 minutes speech with only 2 minutes value with someone else can deliver a 5 minutes speech with 20 minutes value. It is not about the number of points you make; it is about the relevance of your words to your listeners. Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

The Head of Department (HOD) of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis and Radiography, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Prof Remi Ajekigbe, discusses cancer with Health Reporter OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA.

‘There’re bizarre causes of cancer’ M

ANY Nigerian women with breast cancer often delay going for treatment early because they believe they are ‘attacked’, and conclude that it is a spiritual matter. Could this assumption be true, and are they justified? According to a Radiologist and Oncologist Prof Remi Ajekigbe they are actually right, but whether their postulation is right or not, they should always come to the hospital to get the lump examined, and treated, if confirmed cancerous. Explaining some of the creepy causes of cancer, the professor with over four decades of treating cancer said there are numerous unorthodox causes of cancer. He said one of the unorthodox ways which cannot be proved is encountered by patients. “It is called ofa in Yoruba language while in English I call it evil arrow.” Why does he tow this line of thought? Prof Ajekigbe explained that when he was having his interview to become an associate professor, the then Vice Chancellor (VC) asked him the cause of cancer in a rhetorical question: “Is it not evil arrow that is causing cancer?” He answered: “All the books we read are written by white men and all the cancer patients shown in the books are whites. Evil arrow was not mentioned in any of the books but our people here do mention it; but sir that cannot be proved.” Prof Ajekigbe recalled, “The V. C looked at me in the face, pointed a finger at me and said it cannot be written off either.” He further said:“The then deputy VC in Academic and Research (name withheld) then shared her experience with me. She said she attended a party and while she was discussing with somebody there, someone else

was coming to say ‘hello’ to her but she did not know the fellow had evil intention. But the fellow she was discussing with was also very high in spirit, they both looked at each other in the face and the oncoming woman went back. Then she told the deputy VC that if that woman had come in, the deputy VC would have had cancer of the breast. I just told them that I did not know. People say it and they still say it up till tomorrow but that is one of the unorthodox ways of having cancer.” On his personal view, Prof Ajekigbe said honestly, he did not know how to test that in the laboratory and, “those who say they know have never come to enlighten us because they say they see what we cannot see. It is more of metaphysics than science.” And what does he suggest Nigerians do immediately they notice any unusual lump on the body? Prof Ajekigbe said any lump, thickening or unusual growth in any part of the body- tongue, breast or any part at all should be reported to the doctor. Any natural orifice discovered in the body should be reported to the doctor. An orifice is a bleeding in any part of the body. If there is a change in your voice or absence of the voice, go to your doctor, it could be cancer of the larynx. If you notice any unusual thing in your body, go to your doctor. “Because cancer does not respect anybody and it can come at any age. Even children do have cancer. The best way to manage cancer is to detect it early,” he explained. He said this is based on his experience, because should the patient present it early, the chances of healing the cancer is very high. Prof Ajekigbe who is the Head of Department (HOD) of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis

and Radiography, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) said 75 percent or more of, “Our patients present their cases late and this is why we appeal to all our other ‘doctors’ either in the church, mosque or native doctors that emphasise that they can cure. We medics are not telling them not to pray for their clients but that they come to the hospital first, later the clerics can pray for them.” He clarified some assumptions on telecommunication masts as the cause of cancer. According to him, there is something called ionising and nonionising radiation. “And the Bible made mention of cancer indirectly. It talked about a woman with the issue of blood. It could either be cancer of the cervix or cancer of the endometrium. “Jesus Christ ordered the bleeding to stop and it did. At that particular time, the words of Jesus Christ were radioactive. It would deliver what we call haemostatic dose of ionising radiation to the bleeding tumour. People around would not see it because radiation can neither be seen nor smelt. Do not forget that the Bible said there is power in the word, so the power in the word of Jesus Christ at that particular time is the power of ionising radiation. This is a scientific explanation for masts as suspects in cancer formation,” he explained. Throwing more light, Ajekigbe said the mast is also radioactive but it is non-ionizing radiation.Nonionizing radiation is not as dangerous as ionizing radiation. Telephone and microwave are nonionizing radiation. “When you put your phone in your ear and you are listening to the caller, molecules are vibrating in your head. The molecules vibrating in the head can cause many things

because of the radiation effect. It may not cause cancer fast as ionizing radiation but it may also lead to it in the nearest future. We pay a price for everything in science and nature; old people would not be as pretty, fast, strong and energetic as before. Even the make-up women use they would pay a price for it when they get old,” He advised that women should be very careful with cosmetic products because they all have expiry dates. Once expired, they should be disposed off. “Some of these things we rub on our body are Carcinogens. We pay price for being civilised even with the food we eat. We do not eat direct foods from the farm again. Modern foods contain so many addictives, though additives make the food sweeter but we pay price for it. This is why cancer cannot go. They talk about aniline dye in garment industries; these are colours and chemicals that cause cancer. On the viability of local concoctions for the treatment of cancer, Ajekigbe said: “Before I studied Medicine, I studied Pharmacy and I was a pharmacist before I went to medical school. In the study of Pharmacy, there is a study called Pharmacognosy which is the study of medicinal plants. Even in the drugs of white men they use seed, back, roots, leaves and flowers of trees. The only difference is when and how the whites want to use it. Till date, we boil so many things and we drink. But in developed places the active ingredients are made into tablets. The scientists, doctors and pharmacologists are all researching on how to do this. “We are not saying the native drugs are absolute nonsense. They work. To me, our brothers and sisters in native drugs are not cooperating as they

•ProfAjekigbe

should. When you go to them for something, they demand money, for a research you want to do. They do not understand that you do not get money for research; the money collected must be accounted for. It is not to make you rich or buy vehicle for you, it is to make you work. After the work, you are going to publish the result in journal. It is in the journal that we can acknowledge the contribution of the ‘babalawo’. The traditional practitioners see it as a means of money making.” He added: “For instance, there is a traditional aphrodisiac. The Hausa man call it ‘burantashi’, it is for the male organ to be strong. When you ask a Hausa man on how to get the ingredients that you want to conduct a research he would just smile. He would not want to disclose the ingredients. There is nobody who would use your idea and not acknowledge your contribution. The only thing we medics do not know how to go about is the incantations.”

Fed Govt urged to reposition PHC system for better access •Expert calls for universal health coverage By Wale Adepoju

•Jaiyesimi

HE Federal Government has been advised to reposition the Primary Health Care (PHC) system, which is closest to the grassroots, to ensure unhindered access to medical treatment. According to an Associate Medical Director, Nethermayne, Basildon, Essex, United Kingdom, Prof Rotimi Jaiyesimi, this will make Primary healthcare Centres (PHCs) effective, and as such, healthcare better and disease prevention easy. Jaiyesimi, who spoke in Lagos, said if the PHC system is made to be functional, it would be able to

render most care, especially in the area of curative and disease prevention because it is closer to the people. He called for its better funding, adding that the present three percent of the country’s budget dedicated to healthcare is too poor. “It can be six percent but I would recommend 10 percent because health is wealth,” he said. Jaiyesimi, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, said secondary and tertiary facilities should handle only referrals and other serious health problems. “I am passionate about the PHC because that is where about 70 percent of problems, such as diarrhoea, anaemia and hypertension, among others are treated. Expectant mothers too can be attended to at the centres,” he said. The PHC system, he said, should be well-equipped to meet international standard as stipulated by the World Health organisation (WHO), adding: “Adequate infrastructure across the 774 local government of Nigeria is necessary to make treatment easy.” Jaiyesimi said the midwifery

scheme under Jonathan administration was a step in good direction, adding that such programmes should be sustained as nurses are important to effective healthcare delivery. He said the PHC system has worked more effectively under former late Health Minister, Prof Olikoye Ransome-Kuti as it handled communicable and non-communicable diseases so well. To achieve unfettered access to healthcare at all levels, he advised the Federal Government to make available to Nigerians universal health coverage (UHC) so that the rich and poor can benefit. “The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should be involved in the UHC. The private sector also have a role to play. A token sum of money can be deducted from the call rate charges of telecommunication providers to act as premium for each enrollee in the scheme because almost everybody uses telephone nowadays in Nigeria,” he said. The professor said this would also reduce health tourism. Jaiyesimi said political will is needed to make this work.

• Managing Director, TOS Funerals Mrs Taiwo Ogunsola (right) in Draknsberg, South Africa, being congratulated by the Director, National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc (NFDMA), Dr Carol Williams and her sister, Mrs Sade Balogun for receiving International Award of Excellence given by NFDMA; and the conferment of District II Governor on her, for extraordinary work done in the aftermath of the Lagos church disaster on September 12, last year with the award plaque.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

HEALTH

Pharmacists tackle drugs counterfeiting

TAKEHOLDERS are search ing for ways to end anti-counterfeiting of drugs in Nigeria. They met at the Bi-monthly meeting of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) in Lagos, with the theme: Pharmaceutical anti-counterfeiting Restrategising the war, to plan. A retired Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police (AIG), Mr Alex Okeke, who was guest speaker, said anti-counterfeiting war was still raging, but that time would tell if it would ever be won because “regulatory and enforcement are inadequate”. Pharmaceutical counterfeiting, he said, has reached a new level, which makes it necessary for a new war to be waged. Besides, efforts should be made to bring the menace to a manageable level as it presently impacts on other facets of life. He said a serious attempt was made 30 years ago to put the problem in check but it failed. The retired AIG said there was another futile pursuit during the Babangida administration when a case of poisoning was reported. The exercise, he said, was hampered as the then Minister of Health, Prof Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, could not come up with the fund required to fight the problem as the health budget was too low and the ministry under-funded. “We also discovered there was a lot of undercurrent. It was shortly after that the decree, which estab-

By Wale Adepoju

lished the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was promulgated and Prof Osuide was appointed the Director-General,” he said. He said lack of capacity development and encouragement as painted by a serving official of the agency, was also responsible for the lackluster performance of NAFDAC. “The agencies in-charge of enforcement and regulation should be encouraged, motivated and wellsupervised to do more,” he recommended. Okeke said the critical message on counterfeiting fight should be hinged on safety, adding that this would make people handle the issue with more seriousness. “Counterfeiting, which is less than one percent of the actual market value in Nigeria, has become a scourge to the business and practice of pharmacy. It is 10 percent in emerging economy and 30 percent in developing world,” he said. Drug barons, he said, have abandoned their narcotic and hard drug business to join the faking business because it is lucrative with very little danger involved, adding: “The business is estimated at $200 billion.” He identified poor funding of the health system, poorly regulatory system and ineffective distribution channel as factors aiding drug counterfeiting. Counterfeiting, he said, has seri-

ous implications on public health because patients are denied quality medications. “Also, most people who take fake medicines may experience treatment failure, increased hospital admission, prolonged hospital admission and development of resistance,” he said. He enjoined stakeholders to collaborate with NAFDAC, adding that there have been too much of division among key players in the fight to rid the country of fake drugs. Managing Director, Neimeth Pharmaceuticals, Mr Emma Ekunu urged more collaboration. He said: “We can get information with cleverness from sources to uncover who imported what. We should have a plan. By strategising, we would find a new way to combat the problem. If we collaborate the menace would be brought to a manageable level. Counterfeiters only fake products that are doing well. But they can be deterred.” He identified infidelity as another thing killing the industry, adding that sales representatives are making money at the expense of the drug manufacturers. He said the entry barriers to gaining access into the pharmaceutical industry must be raised to maintain standards. This will whittle down small players if the bar is raised, he added. He said the big question, which must be answered by key players is: “Are they winning the war?”

HEALTH TALK with Nutrition: Impact of food on health Introduction

UMAN beings and animals derive their entire make up (constituents of their body) from one source: all of our tissues, muscles, organs and so on, are derived from the earth. That is to say, what is found in us is also found on the earth that you stand on. The make-up of the earth is also our make-up. Your table salt (sodium chloride), zinc, water (H2O), sulphur, ammonia, protein fat, vitamins, nitrogen, oxygen and so forth that make up our tissues and body are all from the earth. This is why when a person dies, he or she simply split up into these different chemicals and return to the earth from where those chemicals came from originally. The cycle of earth replenishment continues and fertility of earth to feed earth inhabitants goes on as a result. This is the reason that if the earth is polluted, our food, air and water gets polluted then our body get polluted and then we fall ill as a result. We then fall ill because we may have eaten the food that our body needs that is now polluted for us. If the air gets polluted, the air thatwe breathe in is polluted and our tissues and organs get “polluted” and we fall ill. The same thing goes for water which is crucial for our survival.

The problem of pollution

•From left: Consultant Physiotherapist, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Uthman Layi-Anjorin; Principal Lani Group, Ani Bassey; Tade; Mrs. Alaba Gbadebo; Gbadebo and Umeh at the event.

Parents advised against isolating cerebral palsy kids

ARENTS have been advised to treat children born with cerebral palsy (CP), a brain problem causing inability to control muscles, with love. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Benola cerebral palsy initiative, AVM Femi Gbadebo, gave the advice at a national cerebral palsy programme in Lagos. He said children living with this condition are just like any kid, and as such, should be showed care. He said CP is caused by a problem in the brain, adding that it has no known cure yet. Gbadebo said people have very little understanding of the condition, saying that it is often misconceived. “Our understanding of CP was from our son, Olaoluwa” he added He lamented that some parents have been withdrawing their children from school because of their disability. Moreover, isolating a child with CP would not help matters but worsen it.” CP, he said, affects people in different ways. “Some are blind and cannot talk while other talk and see. Our son falls in the category of those that cannot talk and see but he always smiles.” A consultant clinical psychologist at the Department of Psychology, University of Lagos, Dr Charles Umeh, said CP is a non-progressive neuro-

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha and Faruk Hamzat

developmental condition initiated early in life but persists into adulthood. Besides this, it could lead to loss or impairment of motor functions. Many scientists, Umeh said, are now making research on how CP patients can age gracefully. “People’s misconception is that those living with CP would not get old but the situation is different now as they live like anybody else,” he said. The senior lecturer said people with CP are weary of their future because they are not shown love. He said: “Their fear for the future is so much. When you relate with them they are not often seen to talk about the future.” He spoke of children with CP, especially one to five months old, not being able to move their heads and always have trembling legs. “When they are between 10 to 36 months, they would not be able to sit or stand without help. They often have early-onset arthritis and increase pain,” he said. Others are physical problems, such as difficulty in walking, dental health challenges. There is also long-term effects of drugs use, he added. His words: “People are not looking at them as people who have

sexual needs. They cannot even express themselves so they resign to fate as if this world is not for them.” Most CP children, he said, have low self esteem, so they reject compliment thinking they are mocked. “They feel insecure and inadequate often’’ Umeh urged parents not to isolate their children due to any disability because the only way to learn new things is by mingling with peers. “When they are restricted from social lives, they begin to get tired of life,” he added. Chief medical social worker, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Titi Tade said: “One billion people live with disabilities (15 per cent of world population) out of which 17 million have CP in the globe. “Zero to three years is the best time to teach a child. Once missed, it is difficult to catch up. Instead of doing this, most parents are busy looking for cure and they lose this period.” She said those with CP have needs and wants that are largely ignored because of religion, ignorance, culture and unwillingness to accept diagnosis. Tade, who spoke on Coping with the complexities of ageing, said nobody is without disability.

There are various ways by which our food and water may be polluted. 1. a) Chemical pollution. This can be via insecticides such as organophosphates that farmers use to control pests. b) It may also be industrial discharge from the factories and manufacturing houses that got discharged into the water ways, seas, lands and air. c) Chemical pollution may also come from transport such as air planes that discharge fuel and combustion products into the air. It may also be oil pollution into the sea by ships that sank or even the product of combustion in the course of ordinary transport. We should not forget the very common ones that pollute us by the day and nights: cars. 2. Biological pollution: This may come from industrial activities, laboratories such as was the case in foot and mouth disease and avian flu. 3. Pollution may also come from radiations from energy and industrial activities or even human negligence such was the case of Chernobyl nuclear accident. Food and water pollution may arise due to direct human additives such as attempts to legally preserve food by means of different chemicals and biological agents that the governments have approved. On the other hand, if the food that we eat does not contain appropriate nutrients that we need, though it comes from the earth, we will become unwell and remain unwell until those chemicals are replaced in our body.

The problem with food There are four areas in which our food may be a problem for us: 1. If we eat too small an amount at a given time or over time. Too little is not good enough. 2. If we eat too great an amount at a given time or over time. Excess is bad. 3. Failure to eat the right thing or right components that we need: such as vitamins or even water: those things that come from the earth. 4. If our food does not contain the right amount of what we need: As we know in elementary school, our

Dr Joel Akande Infertility Specialist and Consultant 08188343865 managementlease@yahoo.com

food must contain the right balance that is appropriate for the individual. Right amount of protein, right vitamins, water, carbohydrate, trace elements like zinc, magnesium, iodine, calcium, salt, fat and so on. Our body system requires all these to function properly and to generate the right amount of energy.

The issue of fast food Fast foods are simply to be avoided as much as possible. They are what they are called: fast food that will help you to accumulate fat in perhaps, the fastest way. The truth and reality is that this message may not be received by all. On some occasions such as family outings, or in case when we are in dire need of food and we could not reach our favourite kitchen, we may indulge in fast food. The critical thing however is that it should not be a habit or a frequent replacement of our natural meals.

Body food processing Now, the human body acts like a perfect machine. In a machine, if you put in a raw material, it gets processed by the machine and you get a product. Your product may turn out as energy. There may be some waste product too. We as humans, behave in the same way, as living beings. Our food is the raw material that our body needs. The ultimate product that we want is the energy to function. The one we don’t want is our sweat and the one that goes through the toilet/bathroom: the waste products.

The foundation Further, we get our body makeup from our parents. Therefore, what we are and our future is determined by what our parents have eaten (including illegal drugs and alcohol) or what the parents failed to eat. Our future is already decided even before we are born. As a child and an adult, the way we behave, what we look like, our shape and health all depends on the food we take or the food that we did not take as mentioned above. The consequences of unreasonable nutrition or poor meal intake: a) Low energy: if we fail to eat the right amount that our body needs, we may not have enough energy to see us through our daily needs. Average male adult weighing 70kg, requires about 2500 Calories per day. Average adult women requires about 2000 Calories. Children and elderly require much less. If we fail to take the right amount of food, the body will start “eating” up itself and the person may lose a lot of weight and then die. On this account, we need qualified medical doctor, nurses and nutritionists to help us determine the amount of food and energy that we need. •To be continued

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS INDUSTRY

industry@thenationaonlineng.net

Africa’s abundant resources will make other continents envious. But the continent cannot harness these to achieve sustainable development through high value added activities. Instead, it remains a raw materials supplier and a destination for finished products. Expe0rts at the 1 st International Business Development Summit organised in Lagos by the Institute of Business Development (IBD), point the way forward for Africa’s industrialisation, reports, Assistant Editor CHIKODI OKEREOCHA.

Charting a course for Africa’s industrialisation T HE statistics are inspiring and intimi dating. Africa offers a consumer base of more than 900 million people. And the demographics bode well for the continent as a market, as more than half its population is under 24 and highly entrepreneurial. The continent also boasts of tremendous agricultural and mineral resources, holding, for instance, 60 per cent of the world’s uncultivated arable land. It is also rich in oil & gas, complimented by a growing middle class with spending power, and an increasingly stable polity. Regrettably however, Nigeria and other economies in Africa have not been able to harness these resources to achieve sustainable development through technology-intensive, high value added activities. At moment, the continent is largely a raw materials supplier, with little or no value addition via processing. Africa consumes mostly imported finished products and the situation, according to development experts, constitutes a stumbling block to Africa’s quest for industrialisation. “We are basically raw materials exporting people; we are supplying raw materials, we don’t process them into finished products. We sell at a pittance to other industrialised countries that process them and sell back to us at cut throat prices. We don’t have a choice,” President/Chairman of Council, The Institute of Business Development (IBD), Mr. Ifeanyi Obibuzor, said, pointing out that the arrangement creates jobs for citizens of the processing countries, leaving citizens of raw materials-endowed economies in Africa poor. Obibuzor made the remarks in his welcome address at the 1st International Business Development Summit for Africa 2015 held last week in Lagos, Nigeria. Obibuzor, who was one of the experts drawn from across Africa to brainstorm on how to harness the continent’s abundant human and natural resources for sustainable development, described the theme of the summit, ‘Business Development in Africa: Regional Integration for Sustainable Comparative Advantage’ as “apt and timely.” He said there’s no better time for such thought-provoking seminar aimed at overhauling African economies with clear shift towards technology-intensive, high value added activities than now. He stated that Africa must look towards processing their primary products into finished goods rather than remain basically a raw materials exporter. For a start, Obibuzor said African economies must make conscious and concerted efforts to develop their science and engineering infrastructure base. According to him, a robust science and engineering infrastructure base, which consist of the capabilities and physical plants that allow a prolific machine and equipment design and production to take place in the country, is the tonic to stimulate job creation through the proliferation of industries. He said the acquisition of endogenous capability in science and engineering infrastructure would also enable African economies produce basic necessities of life including, but not limited to food and shelter. The IBD Council Chairman observed that Nigeria and indeed, Africa’s failure to develop her science infrastructure base is responsible for some of the challenges it is currently facing such as inability to refine and distribute crude oil, translate her agric policy into actual measurable production of food items in sufficient quantities, and outright sale or abandonment of strategic industries in the iron and steel industry. It is also responsible for the unacceptable level of unemployment with its obvious implications, as well as inability to keep the factories/industries, which are employment creators, running. “The old factories cannot be sustained due to lack of endogenous capacity to

•From L-R: Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, IBD, Mr. Paul Ikele; IBD Journal Committee Chairman, Mr. Victor Egu; President of World Federation of Business Development Organisations, Dr Mohammed G. Kafafy; LOC chairman, Mr. Ogochukwu I, Mr Mathew Williams and Mr. Ewomazino Omidi.

reproduce spare parts,” he said. As Obibuzor explained, the first component of national engineering infrastructure involves the development of well-motivated technical manpower and experts, through local and overseas training, in order to raise the required critical mass of development engineers, technologists, technicians, and managers who possess the necessary knowhow and practical skill. The second, he said, involves the establishment of many sectoral Engineering Infrastructure Development Complexes (EIDCs), which develop technologies by research and development (R&D) and by technology adaptation; and the generation of associated private sector satellite industries. According to him, there is need to deliberately and carefully encourage, nurture and protect private-sector owned satellite industries and tertiary industries until they mature and thrive. He said they are essential parts of the national engineering infrastructure. While noting that although, the Nigerian government has, over the years, been undertaking some important elements of the national engineering infrastructure initiatives, which are highly commendable such as the Ajaokuta Iron and Steel Complex, Aladja Steel Project, Oshogbo Machine Tools, and the Aluminium Smelter Project, among others, he said such initiatives must be vigorously pursued, completed, and put to full and efficient production. Obibuzor was emphatic that “Unless African economies evolve endogenous engineering infrastructure they will continue to pay all the moneys to foreigners and that is what we call capital flight.” He said devel-

oping a robust engineering infrastructure would resolve the crisis in Nigeria’s power sector, for instance. “We have a problem with electricity. We can’t generate, transmit or distribute. These are engineering. If we have indigenous capability to design and repair machines that will generate, transmit, and distribute power, we can translate that to other sectors,” he told The Nation on the sideline of the seminar. He, however, pointed out that the task of developing Africa’s engineering infrastructure must be done by government because it takes a long gestation period. “There must be commitment from the top to the last person. We must get our priorities right; if we get it right every other thing will follow. That is why I call it ‘Premium Mobile’ (the first thing that moves every other thing). If we develop our engineering infrastructure you multiply chances of jobs in the industries,” he admonished, adding however, that what is required is the political will. Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, IBD, Mr. Paul Ikele, could not agree less on the need for governments in Africa to muster the necessary political will to develop the continent’s economy on a sustainable basis placing emphasis on areas where it has comparative and competitive advantage. “We have a lot of resources; we have the manpower, but we are not harnessing it,” he said, pointing out that the problem of Nigeria, which is three fold, namely corruption, dearth of infrastructure, and insecurity, also confronts other African countries. “The problem of Nigeria is also the problem of Africa. Nigeria is a giant, but because of corruption, insecurity and under-devel-

‘

We are basically raw materials exporting people; we are supplying raw materials, we don’t process them into finished products. We sell at a pittance to other industrialised countries that process them and sell back to us at cut throat prices. We don’t have a choice

‘

opment of infrastructure, her development is hampered. But let us not bother ourselves about these challenges. A journey of one thousand miles starts with a step. We need to create competitive advantage in areas we have the strength. From there we can see how we can resolve areas we have weaknesses,” he told The Nation. Mr. Ikele explained that while last year’s summit was focused on Nigeria, the institute decided to focus on Africa this year because “Africa is the next level of the world. We want to bring Africans together; lets us know what we have and then plan on how to develop them.” He said the idea of the summit came up from what happens in the United Kingdom (UK) where the ‘City Week’ is held every year, drawing up about 2, 500 participants mostly intellectuals and government officials to discuss everything about the UK and the European Union with the aim of finding solutions to their peculiar problems. President, World Federation of Business Development Organisations (WFOBDO), Dr Mohammed Kafafy, admitted that the potential in Africa is indeed, huge. While pointing out that Africa is of increasing strategic interest to the global economy, he said China and India, for instance, are rapidly increasing their business dealings with the continent and are often beating out American and European firms. “Africa offers a consumer base of more than 900 million people. While more than half of Africa lives on $1 or less a day, the other half does not,and they are hungry for products and services. Even among the poor, there are surprising opportunities,” Kafafy, who was keynote speaker at the seminar said, noting that the demographics also bode well for Africa as a market, as more than half its population is under 24. “Whilst Europe’s population will lose 60 million people by 2050, Africa will add 900 million - creating opportunities,” he projected. Kafafy, an Egyptian, said although, the risks of investing in Africa remain high, just as they are for most emerging markets, but that the perceived risk is much greater than the real risk. He however, said the key is the management of that risk. He also stated that as part of minimizing the risk, the culture of strategic alliance should be imbibed in Africa.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

INDUSTRY ‘Nigeria got $30m grant from Korea in two decades’

Expert urges judicious use of $2.1b World Bank grant

HE Federal Government has been urged to use the $2.1 billion World Bank grant to Nigeria for the rebuilding of the North east zone devastated by the activities of Boko Haram insurgents, a Development Expert/Public Analyst, Mr. Benjamin Ogbalor, has said. The World Bank grant was sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the World Health Organisation (WHO), for the rebuilding of Nigeria’s North east region in terms of infrastructure and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who are now more than one million. But Ogbalor said with the grant, government is now in a vantage position to develop the region particularly now that the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents are in disarray with no territory and cohesion. He said emphasis should be on creating and encouraging entrepreneurs and the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that have the capacity to

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

revamp the economy. While insisting that the grant must be used to stimulate the economic regeneration of the region and train people in vocations that would make them entrepreneurs, Ogbalor encouraged government to optimize outcome from the grant. He insisted that even war torn countries such as Iraq and Syria never stopped the production of oil. He advised government to create incentives in the North eastern part of the country to attract investors to respond to the challenges of rebuilding the region. He also urged government not to spread the grant thinly over several areas, noting that if that is done the impact of the grant will not be felt. He said agricultural sector should benefit largely, as the climatic conditions is best suited for it. “The impact of women and

•Buhari

youth at the micro level is huge, their capacity to optimize what they are doing is high because they support the family and lift families out of poverty,” the public analyst added.

Industries urged on Research, Development

NDUSTRIES that are the end us ers of research results must take interest in the generation of knowledge, former Director-General, National Office of Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Prof. Umar Bindir, has said. Bindir made this remark in Abuja during the week while delivering a keynote address on the occasion of the inauguration of the NOTAP-Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship. Bindir, who is currently the Secretary, Adamawa State Government, explained that industries must contribute to the generation of relevant knowledge to engender technological development. According to him, industries that are the end users of research results

must take interest in the generation of knowledge from tertiary institutions and on the proper application of research results. “We discover that there is a wide gap between the academia and the industries and in filling this gap, the fellowship is initiated so that industries will take a keen interest in the technological development in the country. “Nigeria must emerge as knowledge and learning society built on values; everywhere, universities are sustained and their research results are utilised for technological development. The way forward is for us to commit ourselves and understand that our knowledge institutions must work for Nigeria and their outputs and inputs must be measured,” he

said. The NOTAP chief noted that Nigeria is not challenging her institutions very well to ensure that they work on problems that are peculiar to the country. “These three aspects must be done in this frame work of change so that we can to tackle our food problems, our water problems, infrastructure problems, and many others,’’ he said. Bindir stressed that Nigeria cannot solve these problems by using the same kind of thinking used when it created the problems. “We need to be strategic in solving these problems and the fellowship scheme is one intervention that we belief will proffer the solution that will solve our technological problems,’’ he said.

Firm gets ISO Certification By Temitayo Ayetoto

•Odumodu

HE Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has certi fied Una & Associates Estate Surveying and Valuations firm, having conformed to necessary prerequisites of quality management system of the International standards Organisation (ISO). Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the firm, Mr. Pat Una, was presented an NIS ISO 9001: 2008 certificate by Director, Management Systems Certification, SON, Mrs. Oluremi Ayeni, She represented the Director General of SON, Dr.

Joseph Odumodu. The NIS ISO 9001, 2008 standard is an approval issued to companies who display competence at providing services that meet client’s needs and regulatory modalities. It enables firms and industries to enjoy robust and global recognition in offering applicable solution to challenges associated with business management quality. Una described the feat as “fulfilling”, adding that the firm was the first to achieve such in the industry. He said: “We’ve made history as the first estate surveyor and valuation firm to be certified. It is gratifying and humbling to see that we can.” He explained that the firm has been committed to offering quality estate surveying and valuation services to its clients in the last 16 years. According to him, the process of ISO certification kickstarted in 2013 with immense investment in capital development, infrastructure, time and resources. The system, he said, was subjected to rigorous examination before certification by SON auditors at the end of the assessment. He said: “The greatest of the challenges has been building a team in 15years; having a team of committed, dedicated and trustworthy people who are ready to learn. The requirements for ISO is 250, starting from the infrastruc-

ture, human capital, training, auditing, documentation and others.” Meanwhile, he urged aspiring firms with the right business discipline to come on board, noting that the procedure requires stern discipline and transparency. Speaking during the presentation, Mrs. Ayeni said the achievement will not only list the firm among leading class of companies with efficient management framework, but also engender sustainable growth, which the organisation is on course to achieve. Emphasising the imperativeness of quality management, she said: “We commend your effort and we actually want others to emulate this as we aim at sustainable development in our nation. Permit me to remind you that the service you are rendering is extremely important to this nation. We are at a very crucial stage in our national development; whatever we do from this time forward, we want to ensure that the growth we achieve either at company level or national level is sustainable.” She added that the system will be placed on six months surveillance to ensure complete sustainability and effectiveness. She however, noted that any act of non-conformity should be rectified under a specified timeframe or will otherwise attract withdrawal of the certificate.

HE Ambassador of the Repub lic of Korea to Nigeria, Mr. Noh Kyu-duk, has said his country provided around $30 million in grant and technical cooperation programmes to Nigeria in the last two decades. The envoy, who disclosed this in his remark on the occasion of the handing over ceremony of the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology, in Lokoja, Kogi State, said the extended grant focused on education, governance, agricultural production and other areas. Harping on the importance of technical and vocational education in nation building, he said when the youths are equipped with updated skills and technologies, jobs would be secured, income generated and poverty reduced to a great extent. Commending the Nigerian government on its pledge to build one vocational training centre in each state, he said Kogi State is at the forefront in that direction and remains Korea’s strongest development partner in that regard. He enjoined the Nigerian government to pursue an aggressive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policy framework, saying without a strong policy drive to beef up the TVET in the 1960’s and 70’s Korea’s economic growth would have been seriously hampered.

From James Azania, Lokoja

He admonished the Kogi State Government on the proper management of the facility for the desired to manifest. His words: “Without making the best use of these facilities and proper operation and management of this centre, our real mission of producing excellent human resources for the socio-economic development of Kogi and Nigeria may prove difficult”. He stressed on the need to strengthen the existing good relationship between the two countries, saying he envisaged the centre developing into a regional centre where it will be providing quality vocational training not only for Nigerians, but also neighbouring countries. Kogi State Governor Idris Wada described the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology as a model for technical and technological training that is equipped to produce the best technical manpower to support industrial revolution in Kogi State, Nigeria and indeed the whole of Africa. “This institute is a world class institute and every effort will be made to ensure that graduates from the institute are of world standard and will be able to compete favourably with their peers in any part of the world”, Capt. Wada said.

Fed Govt to establish commodity corporations

HE establishment of commod ity corporations in the coun try will promote greater private sector participation and ownership, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Abdulkadir Musa, has said. Speaking in Abuja during a consultative meeting of stakeholders on the proposed establishment of commodity corporations, Musa said the forum was timely, as government was concerned about issues bordering on agric-commodity development as a way of diversifying the nation’s economy. “It is important to state that the global market conditions and unsustainable fiscal deficits show that the government can no longer sustain a high level of public expenditures. The liberalisation option of commodity trade should be sustained and encouraged in order to promote greater private sector participation and ownership,’’ he said. Musa said the ministry was saddled with the mandate of developing agricultural commodities from processing, packaging, quality certification to standardisation, storage and marketing. He recalled that commodity boards were established in 1977 as a key trade policy on export of agricultural commodities. The objectives of the boards, Musa said, were to purchase agric-commodity from farmers and later sell to large buyers while providing incentives to farmers to enable them increase their acreage. The boards also ensured that farmers adopted new technologies in production to increase yield. “It was, however, clear that the operation of those boards involved very high administrative costs, unbearable taxation on farmers, gross under-pricing of agric commodities, political interference and non-sustainable infrastructure,’’ he said. The permanent secretary said with the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in 1986, government policy direction changed in favour of economic liberalisation that included the trading of commodities. As a result of this, he said the liberalisation witnessed lack of req-

uisite experiences, which resulted in the loss of overseas buyers’ confidence in Nigerian agricultural produce for not meeting the minimum international requirement. Musa added that in an effort to address the challenges, the dissolution of the marketing boards required the establishment of a market structure to fill the unintended vacuum created. He further said the Federal Government established the Export Commodities Coordinating Committee in 1989 as an inter-ministerial body with members drawn from different ministries. He said the committee had brought sanity into the agric-commodity business with the introduction of standards in conjunction with key stakeholders. “I am pleased to inform the gathering that the financial obligation of Nigeria to the International Commodity Organisation to which Nigeria is affiliated has been settled to date. “The payment of counterpart funding for counterpart programmes conceded to the country is being settled,’’ he announced. On his part, President, Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN), Dr Victor Iyama, urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide loans and grants to farmers. He said government must be involved, adding that it should, however, allow stakeholders to drive the process. “The government is in the position to support nationals in confronting stiff international economic competition. There should be greater reliance on private sector solutions than on direct government solution whenever and wherever possible. The open market system is far more desirable especially for the upliftment of the farmers,’’ Iyama said. According to him, the benefit of trade liberalisation and the scrapping of the commodity boards was that farmers will now get premium price for their commodities. Other benefits, he said, are increase in employment opportunities in the agric-commodity sector, increase and expansion in agricultural commodities production and inflow of foreign exchange into the economy.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31 , 2015

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS SHOPPING

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

sms : 07035302326 Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

Shoppers are becoming uncomfortable with charges they pay for parking cars in malls. They have described such charges as needless. TONIA 'DIYAN reports

NE after the other, they hopped into their cars, amid complaints. This is crazy. Oh ! Owners of malls are taking undue advantage of us, by collecting car park charges from us. Why must we pay for parking space in malls where we shop regularly for our personal and corporate needs? asked some of the shoppers as they drove out of Ikeja City Mall in Alausa, Lagos State. Neither did they return greetings from the security men, who waved to them probably to collect money from them, nor offer some smiles. Indeed, they wore a sad look, suggesting that they are not happy with the charges imposed on them by management of various malls in the state. The above summed up the frustrations of shoppers in malls located within the Lagos metropolis. Be it malls in Ikeja, Lekki, Surulere, and other areas in Lagos, it is the same story. Being the nation’s commercial nerve centrres, Lagos has witnessing a flurry of activities which include buying and selling of mercandise, online payment for goods and services, delivery of products at the doorsteps of people who have paid for them among others. It was therefore not suprising to see people, especially the high fliers in the society going for shopping to satisfy their urge for classic materials. Across the various malls visited by The Nation Shopping, in the state, shoppers are quick to express their disappointments over what they termed illegal parking charges levelled on them by malls’ owners. To this group of people, the charges was a tool used by the management of malls to extort money from them. Bade Suleiman, a shopper at Leisure Mall, Suruelere in Lagos Mainland, said he was not comfortable with the ways they were being charged for parking space in malls. He said he was paying N200 per hour for using the car space provided by the management of the mall. Hear him: ‘’ I do not understand the rationale behind the N200 we ( the shoppers) are being charged for using car space in thee mall. I have

IDIMALL.COM! What is this concept all about and why have you come into the Nigerian market? www.gidimall.com is an e-commerce platform where a peron can shop for a wide variety of products and services. On this platform, such a person is also allowed to list his products for sale and sell to millions of Nigerians online, as well as earn an additional source of income when he joins our GTeam programme (www.gidimall.com/gteam). All he needs to do is refer a buyer and manage that relationship for constant purchases from gidimall.com and he earns an income every time he shops on gidimall.com. It is a platform where buyers, sellers and offline sales partners meet to offer value to each other. We have been in business since October 2012 and over the years have spent time evolving the platform and user experience while putting in place, structures and framework for scalable growth. What has been key for us is consistent customer experience and this has kept us in business. What additional values do you bring to shoppers? Just like any other e-commerce marketplace, we offer a platform

•A Shopping Mall car park, Lagos

Angst over car park charges been shopping in the mall for long, and my car has never been stolen either or outside the mall. It is with this mindset I go to malls in Lagos and beyond. Whether I’m shopping spree or not, I always believe that my car is safe.Why must I pay N200 for using the car space provided in the mall since they are making money from me? He asked. Another shopper, who identifed herself as Brahiyat Haruna, said it was wrong for owners of malls to charge them for using their car parks. He said paying for car space in the malls does not guarantee the safety of his car. While some shoppers are frowning at the charges, few others said there was nothing wrong with the levy imposed on them for using car space. Aremu Ayo, a shopper, said it is not right to pay for a car space in a mall where he buys goods and further helps them to improve on their business. He said he goes to malls to buy their

products, and therefore, should not be made to pay for parking space. ‘’ Sometimes, shoppers buy products at a far higher prices due to taxes and other government’ levies. Yet, are made to pay for car park. This is not good enough. While this lasted, some people said there was nothing wrong in asking shoppers to pay for car space in malls. Nurudeen Babatunde is one of such people. A middle aged man from Lagos, Babatunde said there was nothing wrong in the charges which shoppers pay for using car parks within the malls. He said there was nothing wrong in shoppers paying for parking space within the malls. "After all, it costs only N200 to park a car at the mall, I think the charges are moderate.A shopper can only be asked to pay more charges if or she spend more than an hour in the mall.." According to him, if people can

spend thousands of naira to buy goods in the malls, payment for car space of N200 per hour should not be a problem to them since they are paying for the safety of their cars. He urged people not to stay too long in the malls to avoid being charged huge amount of money for using their car parks. ‘’I do not see the need to spend more than an hour in a mall. If we do not want to pay highly for car park, then the best thing for shoppers to do is conduct their transactions as quickly as possible.’’ he added. According to mall administrators in Lagos,who spoke to The Nation, on condition of annoymity, there is need for shoppers to pay charges for using car park in the malls when one considers the problems they create for other users of the malls. He said: ‘’For instance, parking spaces are congested, making it difficult for other shoppers to enter in or-

der to conduct transactions. On a good day, we accommodate 1000 cars because the land is almost two plots. Some park for three or four hours, while it is just 15 minutes for others. The N200 fee we charge is, however, for single entry. Once you drive out, you will have to pay again if you have any reason to come in." Sander Norman, a Manager in Ikeja City Mall, said: "If malls do not charge for parking, people would take undue advantage of them, by leaving their vehicles for hours. If people can drive to Victoria Island to buy goods, and pay about N200 as toll gate fee, they should be able to do the same here," he said. It would be recalled that a mall was closed in Lagos in 2012 when shoppers protested the payment for car parking. Will another mall(s) be shut against for the same reason? Time will tell.

‘Gidimall will be an online trading hub in Africa www.gidimall.com is one of Nigeria's fastest growing Online Retail store with primary focus on customer satisfaction, genuine products. It delivers a shopping experience that a shopper would ordinarily enjoy when he goes to a shopping mall. In this interview with TONIA 'DIYAN, the mall's Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Osamede Evbakhavbokun, speaks on the mall's features and its plan to become the hub for online shopping across Africa. Excerpts: to buy and sell. We do not just provide you with technology, we work closely with you, support you to grow your business as a seller, and ensure the best experience for every buyer.For buyers, we offer Next day delivery within selected cities or money back guarantee plus several flexible terms of delivery allowing you select that which suits you. Payment on delivery nationwide plus flexible returns policies are also available. ForRetailers (B2C) & Wholesalers (B2B), we provide a robust and reliable, easy –to-use, cloud based technology platform to whoever wants to sell via desktop and mobile channels from anywhere in Nigeria. What is your unique selling point that you feel will keep your clients coming back to you?

Great offers and discounts for online shoppers. We have a very robust reward system that offers buyers unique opportunities. This include offerring our buyers added value by making our ‘pick – up and drop – off to Service Centers’ free for all customers in Lagos. We understand that Lagos is a busy place and not everyone can make out time to go to Service Centers if their appliances need servicing. With the understanding of this challenge, we provide this service free to all customers who purchase any appliance under warranty from us for the first 12 months. To enjoy this service, all a client need to do is to simply give us a call and send us his order number and we will come pick it up from anywhere in Lagos and drop it off at the Service Center for

him, free! For a token fee, we will also pick up the appliance from the Service Center and deliver to your location outside Lagos. For us, this is a key differentiation since it shows that we care for our customers and strive to maintain a relationship with them, even after they have concluded their transaction with us. For example, you get a discount voucher when they register as a customer on Gidimall.com. And when you place an order and it is fulfilled, you get an instant discount for your next order. You also get further discount by referring friends to the site. We also encourage our customers to leave reviews for further discounts. This is true value for shoppers! So far, what challenges have you faced?

•Osamede

We have faced challenges like that of inventory Management: This is the same with most eCommerce stores in Nigeria. The Issue of out of stock is a recurring decimal in our e-Commerce space with sellers not sending in frequent updates on their stock position. This has been a huge challenge and we have been able to manage this through the launch of our vendor portal which sellers can use as an inventory management tool for their continue on page 50

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31 , 2015

SHOPPING Wines of South Africa celebrates Nelson Mandela Day in Lagos

Attitude to work

RADE businesses and wine enthusiasts gathered to savour great tasting wines at the Wines of South Africa Grand Tasting event held to commemorate Nelson Mandela Day at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event afforded guests the opportunity to enjoy new wine releases, lively music and a feast of finger-licking canapés, while networking and meeting with people of great minds. The experience was comparable to any wine tasting event in the world. The tasting event is a prelude to the Cape Wines showcase and fair in Cape Town, South Africa later in the year. The Wines of South Africa Grand Tasting,now in its third edition was in partnership with Spronks Creation Limited; organisers of Nigeria International Wine and Spirit Fair (NIWSF). It aimed to showcase quality wines from over wine producers and over 200 wine brands from different regions in the Cape Wineland of South Africa. The event brought more than 20 wine producers from South Africa to Nigeria to interact with consumers, distributors and wholesalers as well as people in the hospitality and tourism industry. This year’s event started with a professional wine course training session led by Wine Advisor, Brad Coetzer, from renowned

TRUE VALUE 360

•From left: Mr. Matome Mbatha, Market Manager, Wines of South Africa (WOSA), Mrs. Aderonke Sobodu, Managing Director, Spronks Creations Ltd; the Event organisers, Ambassador Mokgethi Monaisa, South African Consul-General in Nigeria and Chief Newton Jibunoh, Environmental Crusader and Adventurer celebrating Nelson Mandela Day at the Wines of South Africa Grand Tasting event held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos

education company ‘Under the Influence’ in partnership with Beverage Intelligence. The course which came with a professional certificate was opened to trade businesses such as hospitality and tourism operators like restaurants, pubs, lounges and food and beverages managers,portfolio managers, gourmet and a business-to-business session with wine distributors and wholesalers. Speaking at the event, South African Consul-General in Nigeria, Ambassador MokgethiMonaisa, remarked that, “This is indeed a great day and we are happy to celebrate Nelson Mandela this way. Today is his birthday. Remember that when he died he was 95 years old. So he would have been 97 years today. For the past four years, we’ve brought Wines of South Africa to Nigeria. I have been here for four years; I hope you will remember me as the man who brought WOSA to Ni-

geria. WOSA has made us proud. This is a clear message from South Africa that our agro industries are real alive. We don’t only produce vegetables and end there but our industry is so advanced that we do produce wines. And we do compete with the greatest in the world.” “Today we are celebrating Nelson Mandela. Since 2010, the United Nations declared this day an international Nelson Mandela Day. They also called upon everybody in the world; individual, companies and organisations to spend 67minutes of their time on this particular day to acknowledge the 67years that Nelson Mandela spent fighting for the right of the people. And indeed, we have been spending today in history; all of us we have done something for 67minutes. Now this particular 67minutes we lived to drink wine. Let’s drink to that”, he enthused. Wines of South Africa

(WOSA) represents all South African wine producers who export their products. WOSA, was established in its current form in 1999, has over 500 producers on its database, comprising all the major South African wine exporters. It is constituted as a not-for-profit company and is totally independent of any producer or wholesaling company. It is also independent of any government department, although it is recognised by government as an Export Council. WOSA’s mandate is to promote the export of all South African wines in key international markets. Traditional markets include the United Kingdom, Germany Sweden and the Netherlands. More recently, WOSA has also been developing markets for South African wines in the United States, Canada, Russia, and Asia. WOSA is funded by a levy per litre on all bottled natural and sparkling wines exported.

‘Gidimall will be an online trading hub in Africa continue from page 50 brick and mortar stores and also use that same channel in expanding their business to sell online to millions of Nigerians. We also now offer API integration for large organizations What are some of the benefits of online market places like gidimall.com? For most market analysts, key benefits of online marketplaces can be seen from 2 main angles – the perspective of the buyer and that of the online seller. At gidimall.com however, we see it from 3 perspectives – buyers, online sellers and offline sellers who take part in our gteam program. Online shoppers are no longer limited by time and space. They can shop for favourite items anytime and anywhere in Nigeria using their computers or smartphones. No long queues, less stress. There is a wider catalogue selection where buyers have an opportunity to browse through a wide variety of products in a few minutes. This when compared to having the task done by visiting physical stores would have been practically impossible or take them weeks to have same done. I must say online shopping is cheaper than buying in person if you are dealing with the right store like gidimall.com! Sellers Saves time and cost –Marketplaces have drastically reduced the time and cost it takes to set up a businesses. With our portal, sellers can list their products in minutes to have an oppor-

tunity to sell to millions of Nigerians via our portal at no set up cost. Fulfilment: Managing fulfilment which is a huge task is one of the main reason why most brick and mortar stores do not go online. Using our shared infrastructure and working with our logistics partners, seller have the opportunity to manage their shipping like never before. They can decide to ship items themselves, use any of our courier companies to ship nation - wide or have gidimall.com handle delivery for them (within Lagos). Job creation for Sales Consultants:Because we have built an ecosystem, we have offline sales consultants who help drive sales for our sellers for a commission which we manage. Engaging these sales consultants have created a massive job creation window like never before and it is open to as many sales partners as possible. Interested candidates can join our team of successful sales partners by sending their resume to gteam@gidimall.com. What is your vision for the next few years? The vision is clear. To become a global brand and an engine of trade in Africa. How do you help entrepreneurs sell their products on your platform? To help entrepreneurs sell their products on our platform, sellers must first create those products online by visitingwww.gidimall.com/ sell. This is as easy as A.B.C plus we provide excellent

support. Once done, they begin to receive orders. Once there is a sale, all they have to do is to have the item packaged and to drop it off at the nearest drop off location of our partner courier companies and the item is shipped. This can be done from anywhere in Nigeria and details of our partner courier companies, pricing and address can be found in our Seller Portal. What do you stand to gain bringing buyers and sellers together? We charge areferral commission for completed sales made on the platform of which a large chunk of this commission is also used to empower our sales consultants who help drive offline sales and as such drive the success of our partners. This is what we can call a win – win for all stakeholders. Who are the selected Nigerian businesses that are allowed to put their products for sale on your website? All kinds of businesses are invited. Big, small, individual sellers of products and services etc. There are almost no limits to the kind of products we list and sell. However, there are some products we do not sell. A detailed list of businesses that we do not list can be found in our terms and conditions section of our website which can also be found during seller registration. Businesses we cannot list are usually those dealing in highly regulated, items e.g. Fire arms, drugs etc. How have you been able to build that trust for your

kind of business? Simple. We deliver and we stand behind our brand. This has earned us the trust of our customers over the years. Our initial customer base were bank staff and the fact that we remain consistent and constantly surpass expectations is why we have been in business despite stiff competition. You stated on your site that you ‘give out great offers’, how regular are these offers/deals? Our discounts are all year round and this is aside discounts and campaigns organized by us in partnership with our sellers. Some of these regular discounts include: instant N1,000 discount voucher when you register as a customer on gidimall.com, instant discount for your next order when you complete an order and it is fulfilled satisfactorily, further discount when you refer friends and •After enjoying your product, you are encouraged to leave a review to get further discount. Is there anything else you would like to talk about? www.gidimall.com has just launched her Seller Portal where sellers of great products in Nigeria can grow their business by selling to millions of Nigerians every day, as well as take advantage of the unique features the portal has to offer. The platform can be used for inventory management, order and fulfilment, for both online and offline sales etc. With gidimall.com, the opportunities are endless. Start shopping and selling in minutes.

HIS is a column that promises to discuss, mould and shape societal values. It seeks to protect the By Kemi Otegbade interests of consumers, truevalue360@gmail.com citizens and other broader relevant topics, such as decadence of educational systems, unemployable job seekers, trading ethics et al under the column: 'TRUE VALUE 360'. It is an interactive column as suggestions, complaints; daily experiences are welcome. This week's edition is Attitude to work. The attitude of our people to work is below international standard. Workers seek any opportunity to shirk their duties and responsibilities, yet want their pay without earning it. This is possible because of the past Nigerian problem of unaccountability and lack of or improper enforcement of law. But I say CHANGE is here. No matter how mockers or charlatans decide to misuse the word Change. Unaccountable means: Impossible to account for, free from accountability, not responsible. Who and who have been unaccountable in our clime? Which set of people have the wrong attitude to work? That an employee who gets to work late, sleeps on the table and who is absent at work for no tangible reason? That public servant who lays bad examples to subordinates by turning the office to private entertainment centre during working hours; that public servant who does not know anything about work load and target etc. and does nothing day in, day out. Wrong attitude to work persists because these personnel are allowed to get away with laxity. The same people go abroad and obey all the rules because they will not keep their jobs if they misbehave and in the long run, they will starve or get thrown out of their apartments for nonpayment. It is obvious that Nigeria and Nigerians are undergoing a re-orientation as it is obvious that lack of discipline and accountability to basic rules have pushed the economy to a groaning level. If a driver keeps coming late and the principal misses serious appointments, there is no justification for the driver to get paid. If he persists, he should be fired. A non-challant worker if allowed to get away with the attitude will contaminate other responsible personnel. He/she should be relieved of the duties. Same goes for public servants and political appointees who do not live up to their responsibilities. As long as we allow unaccountability, irresponsibility and impunity to thrive, the workforce and the various institutions will collapse. My take: There should be a confidential methodology where erring and lazy staff can be reported unanimously to an independent inspector or even the chief executive. And appropriate punishment should then be meted out.

‘Wrong attitude to work persists because these personnel are allowed to get away with laxity. The same people go abroad and obey all the rules because they will not keep their jobs if they misbehave, as in the long run, they will starve or get thrown out of their apartments for non-payment’

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31 , 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 30-07-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 30-07-15

Skye Bank grows profit by 47% in first half

KYE Bank Plc rode on the back of improve ments in the underlying commercial banking business and early gains from the recent integration of the acquired Mainstreet Bank Limited to drive a well-rounded performance in the first half of this year. Key extracts of the unaudited report and accounts of the bank for the six-month period ended June 30, 2015 showed that gross earnings rose by 33 per cent while pre and post tax profits rose by 47 per cent and 52 per cent respectively. Skye Bank’s share price rose by 1.98 per cent to N2.06 per share as the earnings report was released yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Gross earnings rose to N85.2 billion in first half 2015 as against N63.9 billion re-

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

corded in the corresponding period of 2014. As an indication to increased business momentum, the bank’s net interest income also grew to N30.2 billion as against N25.5 billion in 2014, a growth of 18 per cent. Similarly, net fee and commission income rose from N10.6 billion in 2014 to N14.1 billion, showing an increase of 33 per cent. Profit before tax rose from N7.3 billion in first half 2014 to N10.7 billion in first half 2015, representing a whooping increase of 47 per cent. Profit after tax rose from N5.79 billion to N8.8 billion. Earnings per share thus increased from 44 kobo to 62 kobo. The balance sheet position of the bank also emerged stronger with shareholders’ funds rising from N131 billion to

N141 billion. The bank also capital buffer improved with other reserves of N52.3 billion, compared to N43.5 in 2014, an increase of 20 per cent. Commenting on the results, group managing director, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, said that the bank was beginning to harness the business potentials, synergies, and opportunities from its recent acquisition of the defunct Mainstreet Bank Limited. He assured customers and other stakeholders of the bank of good returns as well as adequate protection of their investments. He added that the bank would continue to work towards improving its business performance on a sustainable basis for the benefit of its stakeholders, while maintaining transparent disclosures, professionalism, and good governance.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 30-07-15

THE N

THE NATION FRIDAY JULY 31, 2015

POLITICS

People deserve the leaders they elect, the so-called ‘stomach infrastructure I don’t know where it has impacted on the people ’

Hon. Funminiyi Afuye of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a former Minority Leader and Majority Leader of the Ekiti State House of Assembly between 2007 and 2011. He also served as Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation and later, as Commissioner for Integration and Intergovernmental Affairs in the Kayode Fayemi administration. In this interview with ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA, Afuye believes that a wrong party is now in power in Ekiti and that the people have not fared better under the Ayo Fayose administration.

‘We’re paying for Fayose’s stomach infrastructure’

T has been a year since your party lost the governorship election, how has life been as an opposition party? It has been an interesting experience and another learning curve in life. I don’t think it is the best thing to lose power just like that. However, since the serial loss recorded in the governorship election, National Assembly election, State Assembly election, it has personally given me the opportunity to reflect on why we are where we are. There is no doubt about the performance of the APC government but the reflection and the information received while engaging the people revealed that politics go beyond physical appearances. The common refrain everywhere that we turned to is that we were elitist while it has become a recurring decimal of opinion, I think it is worth interrogating that while we were performing, the people said they didn’t feel the impact in what has been euphemistically referred to as “stomach infrastructure”. We got the policy but we lost the politics. A comparative parallel to be drawn is to be found in the book of Bill Clinton, “My Life”. He stated clearly that when he was Governor, everybody ac-

knowledged him as a performer. He lost the bid for second term and started interrogating why he lost. It will shock you that some of his closest friends confronted him that ‘Bill, when did you ask of my family last’. As simple as that, that was his offence. Others said he was too busy to father his daughter, others said he was too ensconced and buried in his work and he didn’t know that people were around him including his staff. They said he brought what they called “outstaters” into critical positions and those people were far away from the people that they didn’t know the sociology, the chemistry of the people. That was how Clinton lost while he performed exceedingly well in terms of policy. Juxtaposing this scenario with the perception of our people, I think the conclusion can be drawn that while the government was right on performance, it was wrong on primordial, interpersonal , local, native relationship. Bill Clinton clearly asserts that it is the combination of events that leads to success in politics. All of us were guilty with the benefit of hindsight. How will you assess the performance of the Fayose adminis-

tration so far? Let it be clearly stated that Governor Fayose cashed in on our weaknesses and the people followed him, he won the election fair and square although there was intimidation using the federal might. I was a victim. I was arrested and incarcerated while we were doing symbolic sweeping rally. A lot of our members were intimidated including the (then) governor. I was charged with terrorism, innocent people arrested and taken to Abuja in an attempt to ensure that the PDP had its way. Of course, we are aware of the meeting that was leaked through Captain Sagir Koli. This must be castigated and condemned, these are parts of rough edges in our political system. Having said this, what happened in a row, the defeat suffered in the governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly polls was just a message that the people meant to elect the PDP. However, since we left government, Ekiti people have been in the limelight for wrong reasons. Having won the election, the people’s mandate was very clear for the government to perform. For the government to provide security, for the governor to be a symbol of

proper conduct, all these things, I don’t think we’re in place. The mandate to govern is not the mandate to ride roughshod over the people. It is not the mandate to intimidate the Judiciary, it is not the mandate to intimidate the Legislature. They are coeval, coequal and coordinate. Any derogation from this is an abuse of power. To this extent, the governor is advised to be magnanimous and govern properly. Has Ekiti people fared better under this government than the APC administration? People deserve the leaders they elect, the so-called stomach infrastructure I don’t know where it has impacted on the people. Is the chickens given to people in December what they are eating today? Is it a daily supply? Is walking the streets with miscreants part of governance? I don’t think so. Are civil servants faring better now, I don’t think so. The information at one’s disposal is that while they have taken their decision rightly or wrongly, I don’t think they are enjoying it, however, facts on ground indicate that they are groaning maybe they are ashamed of owning up to the decision they took. The political process will resolve this at

•Afuye the appropriate time. What will translate to performance when there is greatest good of the greatest number. The capacity to feed the people, the ability to send children to school, to live a worthwhile and decent life. I don’t think this is happening coupled with the fact that many empowerment programmes have been cancelled and that is why there is so much insecurity in the state. Of course, the rason-d’être of the states to provide peace and security. If government cannot provide, the people are already asking questions and they will decide at the appropriate time.

Hon. Lanre Ogunsuyi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a member of the old Ondo State House of Assembly in the aborted Third Republic, is the Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports in Ekiti State. He maintains that Governor Ayo Fayose has performed well in office, despite the criticisms of the opposition. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA met him.

‘Fayose’s victory was divinely arranged’

T has been a little over a year since Governor Fayose won the June 21, 2014 governorship election. What do you think did the magic for him? It will continue to be a matter of debate. One, it was a groundbreaking victory; two, it had a spiritual dimension. If you remember June 12 (1993), there was an election which was free, fair and was won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola. But, it was annulled; there was an election that was held on June 21 (2014), so the 12 was reversed to 21. When the timetable was released and we learnt that we were going to have an election on June 21, I knew we were going to win overwhelmingly by landslid. I said it on the NTA that we were going to win. Three, it marks the restoration of the rights of Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose which was forcibly taken away from him by forces outside the state in 2006 before he could complete his first tenure and this makes him ironically the longest serving governor in Nigeria. His tenure spans between 2003 and 2019; no other governor that was serving from 2003 is still serving today. So, it was a sweet victory; the magic was the people that made it happen. At no time, either when he was elected in 2003 or when he was out of government was Governor Fayose disconnected from the people; he was with them and they were with him. When he wanted them to elect him at the highest level again, they were waiting for the day. When the presidential rally took place here and he said people should show their (voter) cards, you could see the enthusiasm on the faces of the people

and it was a matter of time before they voted for him. So, that is just one way of looking at it. There are so many ways of looking at it. If you want to look at the performance of that government in power, it was marked by controversies, casualisation of staff, several bonds and loans which the people believed were just too much. The elite projects like building at Oke Ayoba for N3 billion, the Pavilion and several other things that were elitist, they were not people-oriented projects. Only three people got contracts for the renovation of all public schools in Ekiti; they were not properly done; there was no proper analysis and the artisans in the state suffered. So, it was a matter of time before the people voted that government out. So, there was a plethora of reasons why we had to win that election. We also had to win the election to save the jobs of so many people who were on their way out of service because tests had to be conducted on civil servants and they were on the verge of losing their jobs. We won that election by divine arrangement; people who had jobs and responsibilities to perform wouldn’t have had that opportunity because they would have been sent out of office. God also wanted to show those people that in the affairs of man, there is God. For a person that was hounded out of office to come back

on June 21 and again he was sworn in ironically on the day he was removed from office. Eight years before, he was hounded out of office, eight years after, he was riding back to Governor’s Office and he won that election because God wanted him back in that position. You have your own plans, but God has his own plans too? How do you assess the performance of the Ayo Fayose administration so far? If you want to assess the performance of the governor based on his first tenure, when he came and paid the N4 billion debt incurred by the Adebayo administration and he cleared all the debt in record time and did the dual carriageway and all that. Yes, you could say that in terms of physical infrastructure, he hasn’t delivered as much as he did in the first tenure, but he has done something more which is ensuring peace in the state, because here is a state that was assailed after the initial shock of the monumental defeat. It was an act of gallantry that the loser acknowledged defeat and sent congratulatory messages. But, suddenly, the whole thing turned around and a group of people that had vested interests went to court and went to town. People were killed unfortunately and we were bogged down by all kinds of problems, there was an attempted jail-

God also wanted to show those people that in the affairs of man, there is God. For a person that was hounded out of office to come back on June 21 and again he was sworn in ironically on the day he was removed from office

•Ogunsuyi break; and there was attempts on lives of people. There were people, people like Chief Aderiye, one of our staunch supporters who was actually killed. So, we were bogged down for like six months. There was the issue of 19 (APC) lawmakers who were bent on terrorizing the state with their threat that they were coming to impeach the governor. I have never seen a state where somebody will say I am expressly going to so-so state to remove a duly elected governor of that state. But, it happened. So, basically, we have been able to halt the slide; we have made ministries more compact; we have scaled down from 106 special assistants to about 20. From 30 or so cabinet rank commissioners, we now have about 15. We have reduced the cost of governance. We are also doing construction of

roads; not at the same pace as in the first tenure. Just like as I use to say that the woman with the denari (??????) got more blessings than those who brought bags of money to the synagogue in the Bible. What we are delivering now, we are delivering at great pain, at great inconvenience to those who are in government. We have been able to halt the slide; the salaries were two months in arrears at the time we came in. We have paid in every month because in Ekiti State here, we have about 51,000 civil servants and teachers, but yet we know that Ekiti State has about 2.5 million people. But, the engine oil of the state is the civil service and civil servants, so they must get their pay for the economy to run because when civil servants don’t get their pay, tenants don’t pay, artisans don’t get paid, the market women don’t get patronage. So, we have done our bit without necessarily putting structures in place like we did in our first coming, because I was part of that administration as a local government executive officer. But, we are instilling confidence in the system; no worker is under the threat of sack; people are getting their salaries on time and we have instilled confidence in governance. We are also doing a lot of construction; we have reduced school fees in the university; we have built some stalls for market people. We have been able to forestall an imminent clash between the Hausa community and the Yoruba community in Ado and that itself is a very great achievement because anything could snowball into national war. If the Hausa people have been molested and there was retaliation from Yoruba people on Hausa people. So we relocated them to Shasha and the rest is history.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NEWS

14-month-old baby rescued from kidnappers

EMBERS of the Umunkpeyi vigilance group in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government area of Abia State have rescued a 14month-old baby from a kidnapping syndicate. The abductors were allegedly on their way to sell the baby to Nma Charity/Maternity and Rehabilitation Centre at Isiala Ngwa South when they were caught. Nma Charity/Maternity and Rehabilitation Centre was recently raided for harbouring expectatnt teenagers and selling babies illegally. The baby was said to have been abducted from 13, MCC road, Abayi Aba on July 22 by Chinedu Ukachukwu, a.k.a Obataosu from Ebiri Omuma in Rivers State and Kingsley Mbodo, an indigene of Imo State. It was gathered that Ukachukwu, a former neighbour of the baby’s parents asked Chiamaka, its sister, to buy him bread. The hoodlums were,

•The suspects in police custody...yesterday. From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

however, arrested by members of the vigilance group when they couldn’t convince the vigilante about the baby’s parentage. They were handed over to the police.

Other members of the gang - Gold, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Ohadiwe - were detained at the Abayi police station. Ukachukwu said their plan was to sell Chimnwemeri to the proprietress of Nma maternity home, who he said had

been buying babies from him. He confessed to be responsible for the kidnapping at Okpu Umuobo village and accused his friend, Kingsley, of luring him into the business. But Kingsley, a furniture maker at Ogwa, denied the al-

legation. He said Ukachukwu persuaded him to travel to Aba to beg his wife (Gold) to come back home. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Uche, thanked God, the vigilante, the army and the police for their efforts in help-

Mbaka flays blackmailers, prays for Buhari

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (right), Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga (left) and Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Boboye Oyeyemi, when he visited the governor in his Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, office...yesterday.

IERY Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has prayed for President Muhammadu Buhari’s success and God’s protection so that enemies will not destroy him. The priest spoke yesterday during his 20th priestly anniversary mass at Christ the King Parish, Enugu. He described his success as victory over enemies of truth and blackmailers. Rev. Mbaka said despite attacks on him, God had continued to protect him because he remained on the side of truth. He said: “I am not tired after 20 years; 20 years of good health; miracles from God; hard apostolic work, and 20 years in the hands of God.

•Rev. Fr. Mbaka From Chris Oji, Enugu

“There was a time they blackmailed me; they said such things as ‘Mbaka why? Mbaka this, Mbaka that, but I have remained in the hands of God”. In a special message titled: 20point agenda, Fr. Mbaka said he was praying for President Buhari “that God will protect him so that enemies will not destroy him. I also pray for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi so that occultic men will not steal his vision”.

Vehicle registration: Commercial drivers get ultimatum From Faith Yahaya, Abuja

HE Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has ordered Abuja commercial drivers to within two weeks get proper forms of identification for their vehicles or face clamp down. He explained that the move was necessary, following the rate of insecurity in the country. Arase spoke in Abuja yesterday when the National Executive of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) visited him at the Force Headquarters. The IGP said: “For now, the clampdown is restricted to Abuja, and it is because Abuja is more cosmopolitan and the complaints we receive are more prevalent in Abuja. That is why we want to clamp down on Abuja quickly before it becomes a nuisance. The IGP, who sympathised with the union over the lives of its members that were lost in areas hit by insurgency, urged the executive members to put security in place at motor parks. The President of NURTW, Alhaji Najeem Yasin, assured the IGP that his members would comply with the directive.

ing them reunite with their child. Police spokesman Ezekiel Udeviotu Onyeke said the suspects would be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

Firm introduces Achebe’s autobiographical essays

EADERS and institutions now have opportunity to get a new feel of the great literary power of late Chinua Achebe with the arrival of a reprint of his autobiographical essays-‘The Education of a British-Protected Child’ in the country. Chief executive officer, TessyBiz Ventures, Nigeria’s distributor, Mr. Cliff Onwudinjo, said the book is timely as the collection provides an illuminating path for self discovery for the new Nigeria and invaluable guide for individuals, in-

cluding parents. Onwundinjo said the book has already been distributed widely to major bookstores, shopping malls and superstores urging institutions to take advantage of the bulkpurchase discounts to order for the book and stock their libraries. Achebe reflects on a wideranging lifetime issues including personal and collective identity, home and family, literature, parenthood, language and politics. The book provides a valu-

able historic sense that could shape the new Nigerian identity. As noted by Amazon, Achebe painted a vivid, ironic and delicately nuanced portrait of growing up in colonial Nigeria and inhabiting its ‘middle ground’, interrogating both his happy memories of reading English adventure stories in secondary school and also the harsher truths of colonial rule. In ‘My Daughters’, one of the essays, Achebe masterly underlined the nuances that colour socialisation and drew at-

tention of parents to inadvertent actions that could have pronounced negative impact on the psychology of their children. “Many parents like me, who never read children’s books in their own childhood, saw a chance to give to their children the blessings of modern civilization which they never had and grabbed it. But what I saw in many of the books was not civilization but condescension and even offensiveness,” Achebe said about some children books’’.

‘Probe past administrations’

ISHOP of Victory International Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the military and political class of past administrations. Bishop Adelakun said this yesterday while addressing reporters on activities lined up for this year's convention which begins on Sunday, Au-

gust 2 at the church headquarters at Rehoboth Cathedral, Victory Land Complex, Oluyole Extension, off Ring-Road, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. “The military and political class have worked together and improvished this nation. Since President Buhari has started probing the past administration, it will be just of him to probe all past administrations, including the military and the political class,” Adelakun said.

•Executive Secretary, Mushin Local Government Hon Jide Bello flanked by Head of Department, Waste Management and Environmental Sanitation, Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) Mr. Ashimiu Adekunle(left) and Supervisor for Environment Hon Fatai Oyewuwo at the Annual General Meeting and Public Eduction in Mushin.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NEWS Governor decries pupils’ performance in NECO From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

IGER State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello yesterday decried the poor performance of pupils in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE) conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO). The governor spoke when he hosted the new Registrar/ Chief Executive Officer of NECO, Prof. Abdulrashid Garba, in the Government House, Minna. He said: “I have not been too pleased with the performance of our pupils in NECO examinations in recent times. I believe we can do better. I look forward to meeting you soon to discuss what we need to do for our pupils to excel in NECO examinations.” He said his administration would correct the situationby providing a conducive learning and teaching environment to improve academic performance. Bello assured the NECO boss of improved relationship between the government and the examination body. Prof. Garba said improvement in pupils’ performance would not be dependent on the examination body, but on the government. He said the government should formulate a policy to improve primary and secondary education, to ensure excellent performance in external examinations. The registrar hailed the government for supporting the council.

247 illegal immigrants held From Barnabas Manyam Yola

HE Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Adamawa State has arrested more than 247 illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries in what it called ‘Operation Flush’. It was aimed at flushing out illegal and troublesome migrants. The Comptroller, Mr. Ubi Ikpi Nkanu, in an interview, said the operation was to fish out those who entered the country illegally and were hiding in border towns and villages. He said the NIS entered into a working relationship with sister security agencies, such as the Army, the Police, the Department of State Security, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Customs Service to embark on the operation. Nkanu said: “The essence of the operation is to rid Adamawa of undesirable elements, who are fomenting trouble. Those without relevant papers were made to update them if they had expired. Those deported were those who didn’t have any document and had exceeded the ECOWAS requirement of three months. “If they sneak into the country, the ComptrollerGeneral, David Paradang, has introduced a programme called ‘Border Corps’, which enables us to keep tabs on illegal immigrants.” He urged the people to monitor foreigners.

Kogi judge’s kidnappers arrested

HE Kogi State Police Command said yesterday that it had killed Aliyu Isa, aka Osama, the leader of a gang, which kidnapped a High Court judge, Justice Samuel Obayomi. It said it arrested other members of the gang. The command said the late Osama was one of those, who escaped from the Koto-Karfe Prison during a jailbreak last year. Police Commissioner Samuel Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, who paraded 13 suspected criminals at the command headquarters in Lokoja, said Osama, who died during a crossfire, was out on a vengeance mission and re-

•Leader killed in crossfire From James Azania, Lokoja

cruited others to eliminate his targets. He said some of Osama’s targets included a petrol marketer he worked with and the judge. Ogunjemilusi said the deceased and his colleagues attacked the petrol marketer and his workers at a filling station and killed the manager and one of the workers. He said a Barretta pistol found on Osama belonged to the late orderly of the judge, Cpl. Usman Isah, who was kidnapped.

The police boss added that the late Osama was one of those who escaped from jail where he was serving 10 and 15 years terms. He said: “The deceased manager of the filling station and the corporal, before he was assigned to the judge, were key witness and investigation police officer in the case that led to the imprisonment of the late suspect.” Ogunjemilusi added that the judge, who was kidnapped on May 25 and released on June 27, presided over the suspect’s case. Also paraded was Bolaji Agbaje Williams, who

claimed he was employed as a security guard at the cave where the High Court judge was kept for over three weeks. Williams, who confessed that he joined the gang recently and was assigned to watch the victim, said he hailed from Ijebu Ode in Ogun State. The command paraded a gang comprising Fulani herdsmen, which specialised in kidnapping fellow herdsmen. The suspects, Idris Mohammed Jafaru, Shehu Haruna and Yunusa Ahmadu, confessed to having made over N1.5million from crimes. The police commissioner said the suspects would be arraigned.

Buhari hailed From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

HE Bishop of Yola, (Anglican Communion), Bishop Marcus Anfani Ibrahim, has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for planning to rebuild the churches, mosques and residential buildings damaged by Boko Haram insurgents. The cleric, who was addressing reporters in Yola, said the President deserved commendation for planning to rebuild the Northeast. He thanked God for enabling him to celebrate 50th anniversary as a priest. Corps Marshal / Chief Executive Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Boboye Oyeyemi (right), fielding questions from reporters at the Operation Scorpion exercise organised by the Corps at Ojota, Lagos…yesterday. With him are: Deputy Corps Marshal (OPS) Adei Abu (middle), Lagos and Ogun Zonal Commander, Mr Nseobong Charles Akpabio (ACM) and Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Bisi Kazeem

Tribunal admits four exhibits against David Mark

HE National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, has admitted four exhibits from the subpoenaed Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) witnesses in a petition by Mr. Daniel Onjeh of the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the return of Senator David Mark by the INEC. The former Senate president was returned winner of the Benue South election held on March 28, having defeated his rival, Onjeh. At the resumed sitting, Mr. Yakubu Nachamada, one of the witnesses from INEC, identified five documents, which Onjeh sought to tender, but the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) counsel, Chris Alechenu, objected to the admissibility of one of them. He premised his rejection

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

on the grounds that the document did not originate from the party. The document in contention is a letter dated July 27, authorising the INEC worker to be a witness in the suit. Alechenu averred that the letter could only be tendered in evidence either through the INEC chairman, the resident electoral commissioner or the writer of the letter, saying the witness was neither of them. “The witness is not the writer, addressee and is not even copied in the letter. So, the letter cannot be tendered through him.” Mr. Kenneth Ikoni, counsel to Mark, corroborated the views of the PDP counsel and urged the court to reject the admissibility of the letter. Onjeh’s counsel, Tunji Oso,

urged the court to discountenance the objections raised by the respondents’ counsel, saying the document was relevant and sufficient to link the witness to the evidence relating to his relevance in court. Citing the Nigerian Weekly Law Report, page 17 (G-H), he averred that “a document linking a witness to an evidence can be tendered with or without the consent of the writer or addressee.” The tribunal Chairman, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, ruled that the document was vital to the appearance of the witness in court. She overruled the objections of the two lawyers and admitted the document in evidence as Exhibit PA. The Card Reader Accreditation Data in respect of the election for the polling units in the senatorial district generated from the INEC web-

site and presented in court by Nachamada was admitted in evidence. Another exhibit admitted in evidence was the receipt for the certification of documents. However, the court refused another application by Oso to tender the subpoena by the tribunal for the two witnesses from INEC to testify in court. Counsel to the PDP had urged the court to reject the admissibility of the order on the grounds that it was already the document of the court, stressing that the court had no need for it in evidence. Justice Dipeolu agreed with the respondents’ counsel and rejected the admissibility of the subpoena order in evidence. The case was adjourned for the continuation of trial.

Suspects arrested From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ESIDENTS of Iluteju community, off New Yidi Road, Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday arrested two suspected hoodlums, who allegedly robbed a resident of N500,000 and snatched his vehicle at gunpoint. It was learnt that the suspected robbers came to the community about 7am after the night guards had gone. Eyewitnesses said most of the residents, who had woken up at that time, chased and overpowered the hoodlums. They added that the residents tied the suspected robbers with a rope, while others went into a nearby uncompleted building in search of the guns used by the suspects. The community employed night guards to provide security, following robberies.

Stella Maris’ best graduating pupil gets scholarship

HE management of Stella Maris Schools, Abuja has given Master David Ibok-Essien a six-year scholarship. The presentation was made during the school’s 14th graduation. Ibok-Essien was rewarded for his excellent performance. He got the highest score in Mathematics, English language, Basic Science and emerged as the best graduating pupil in the 2014/2015 academic session. The Academic Advisor, Stella Maris Nursery and Primary School, Mr. James Arlo, said Ibok-Essien’s performance was a reflection of the school’s high academic standard and quality education. He said Ibok-Essien also emerged as the best pupil in a Mathematics competition organised by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), after competing with pupils from the six geopolitical zones. The final will hold abroad. Arlo attributed the school’s success and academ-

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

ic distinction to the foundation laid by the late Mrs. Uche Anyaene and Pat Anyaene, an architect. The school was founded on September 23, 1996. Mrs. Anyaene, who retired as an assistant director of Education, FCT Education Secretariat, was a disciplinarian. Arlo said an annex was built to meet the needs of the parents, adding that their teachers were well- motivated and equipped. “In Stella Maris, a child in primary 5 is as good as a child in primary 6 elsewhere. The curriculum we are using makes the child better. All topics are usually treated in primary 5, which prepare the pupils for secondary school. You know parents are always in a rush. They want their children to finish in time.” he said. The event was attended by dignitaries.

•Ibok-Essien (middle) at the event.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NEWS NUPENG may begin strike over unpaid benefits

APC: Wike, PDP planning to blackmail Amaechi

•Displaced Chevron workers protest

•It’s APC’s usual propaganda, says PDP

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

IVERS State All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of planning to portray former Governor Rotimi Amaechi to be allegedly corrupt. The plan, APC said, was being coordinated by top leaders of the PDP. But PDP’s State Publicity Secretary Samuel Nwanosike described the APC as a party of propaganda. He urged the public to ignore the party’s alarm. APC alleged that the governor’s men had reached out to some people within and outside of the state “to initiate, formulate and contrive a false damaging report bordering on alleged corruption by Amaechi and circulate same to individuals and institutions in Nigeria and abroad to damage the incorruptible character and rising profile of Amaechi to blackmail and put pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari not to appoint the former governor into his government”. A statement yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, reads: “The international community and especially the Nigerian public know that Amaechi is one of the most forthright, transparent and honest leaders in the country today.

Two arrested for alleged fraud in Edo From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

WO officials of the Edo State Committee on Forestry were arrested yesterday in Benin, the state capital, for allegedly forging a First Bank teller and stamp to defraud the government of millions of naira. The officials, identified simply as Etinosa, an Area Forest Officer attached to Ehor in Uhunwode Local Government Area, and Osifo, an ad hoc worker in charge of the committee’s patrol team, were arrested by the committee chairman, Comrade Samson Abu, in his office. Abu told reporters that First Bank handled transactions for the committee and that tellers as well as bank printouts were submitted to his office through the committee’s secretary. The chairman said when the committee’s secretary tendered the file containing the transactions of the two officials, his mind prompted him to verify from the bank. This, he said, he did and the suspects’ transactions, worth millions of naira, were confirmed to be fraudulent. government money defrauded by the suspects. Abu said: “...All files pass through the committee’s secretary to my table. With the pressure mounted on me to sign the files, my mind told me something was wrong somewhere. So, I called the police with the committee’s secretary to verify from the bank.”

•Rotary President Bola Oyebade (left) presenting a gift to District 9110 Secretary, Lion Femi Adenekan, at the reception marking the District 9110 Governor’s visit to Maryland Rotary Club, Ikeja, Lagos.

Six dead, 100 hospitalised in Delta cholera breakout

IX residents of Aladja in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State have died of cholera. About 100 others were said to have been hospitalised yesterday. Our reporter learnt that there had been a cholera outbreak since last week. Sources said the situation worsened in the last few days with a high death toll. The situation was said to have worsened because the residents attributed it to the

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

people’s alleged failure to seek treatment. The affected persons were reportedly diagnosed with cholera when their condition deteriorated. Most of those hospitalised were said to be in Udu Local Government Area; those with more severe cases were said to be receiving treatment at the Central Hospital in Warri. Although the cause of the

outbreak could not be ascertained last night, our reporter learnt that the contaminated source of water might have been responsible. Udu Local Government Chairman Solomon Kpomah confirmed the incident. He said the council had deployed a team of medical personnel to curtail further spread to other communities. According to him, the state government sent its medical

team to test and treat those affected. Kpomah said: “We’ll continue to carry out a sensitisation campaign. There is need for a holistic approach by all parties to curtail the disease.” The council chief urged the residents to imbibe good hygiene and dispose off their wastes properly. He added: “They should also be cautious of the water they drink and the food they eat.”

Generator fumes, fire kill five in Bayelsa

GBIA Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s council, is mourning the death of five persons from generator fumes and a fire. It was learnt that a family of three – the husband, the wife and a child - died in Emeyal after inhaling fumes from a generator. Their bodies were reportedly discovered yesterday, three days after their demise, following the odour from their decomposing bodies. A source in the area, who spoke in confidence, said: “The family slept on Sunday. There was no sign of them till Wednesday afternoon when we perceived a foul smell from their house. The odour was saturating the neighbourhood and it got us curious. “The family always kept to

•Bodies discovered after three days From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

themselves; that was why nobody discovered their condition on time. Toxic gas from a generator killed them. They must have inhaled it overnight. We then called the police.” The police identified the deceased as Ibieneye Tubotamuno. Police spokesman Asinim Butswat, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASO), said the bodies of the victims were discovered at 3:50pm, following their neighbours’ distress calls to the police. Butswat said: “On July 29, at 15.50hours (3.30pm), policemen responded to a distress call that a foul smell was oozing out of the house of Ibieneye Tubotamuno at Emeyal community in Ogbia

Local Government Area. “The policemen forced the house open and discovered the dead bodies of Ibieneye Tubotamuno (M), 34; Jennifer Asiagbuladia (F), 30 and Goodluck Tubotamuno (M), eight years. “Preliminary investigation showed that the deceased must have died about three days back, when they were last seen, as a result of inhaled fumes from a generator exhaust, which was kept inside their living room. “The bodies were deposited at the Federal Medical Centre’s Mortuary in Yenagoa for autopsy. Investigation is ongoing.” Asinim also confirmed that a fire killed two children at Otuoke, former President Jonathan’s town. The victims were identi-

fied as Favour Agamawa, seven, and Juliet Agamawa, six; both females. The police spokesman said the incident was reported to the command yesterday at 11am by Ase Agamawa, who was said to be the father of the deceased. Asinim said: “At 11am, a man, Ase Agamawa, of Otuoke, in Ogbia Local Government Area, reported that there was a fire in his makeshift house (popularly called a “batcher”) at Otuoke. It resulted in the death of his two children - Favour Agamawa (F), seven years old and Juliet Agamawa (F), six years old. “Preliminary investigation showed that the fire was the result of a lit mosquito coil in the house. The bodies were deposited at the Federal Medical Mortuary at Yenagoa for autopsy. Investigation is ongoing.”

HE Warri Zone of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) has warned that its members may soon begin a strike, following the failure of Chevron Nigerian Limited (CNL) to settle outstanding severance entitlements of disengaged contract workers. Warri Zone’s NUPENG Chairman Cogent Ojobor spoke at a peaceful protest by disengaged contract workers at Chevron’s yard in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. He said the union would take action against the oil firm’s alleged infringement, besides the protest. Ojobor said Chevron had admitted to owing the workers, adding that the company had not paid the backlog of entitlements. He said: “At various fora, Chevron has admitted owing the workers. But in the last two weeks to more than 12 months running, its commitment to pay the entitlements has repeatedly not been honoured. For now, it is a peaceful protest. But it may turn to a strike, if the lack of reasoning by Chevron pushes it to that limit. “When it gets to that, we will shut fuel supply. We will cut down supply of gas to power generating plants and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) may go down again. The economy will be affected and people would start saying NUPENG is at it again. This is no idle threat.” One of the affected workers, Patrick Gbetah, said Chevron failed to honour the terms in the contract it signed with the workers. He said: “Under the collective engagement bargaining with Chevron and its contractors, under which we work, we are entitled to end-of-contract bonus, redundancy and pension benefits, in case of disengagement. “For over 12 months, most of us have been disengaged, in the name of a transition without these benefits being paid. Those made not to go back to work are also asking to access our pension funds over which several sums have been deducted from our salaries while we were engaged.” One of the spokespersons, who did not want to be named, declined to comment on the matter. He asked for an SMS instead.

Osinbajo urges investors, others to shun corruption

ICE-PRESIDENT Yemi Osinbajo yesterday urged investors and public officers to shun corruption in business transactions. He urged the Bayelsa State Government to start a culture of zero-tolerance for corruption to attract foreign and local investors. The Vice-President spoke at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Yenagoa, the state capital, when he opened the second edition of the Bayelsa State Investment and Economic Forum with a theme: Unfolding Bayelsa State Industrial Future. The summit attracted investment experts from vari-

•Dickson lists Bayelsa investment potential From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

ous parts of the world, with captains of industries, traditional rulers and political office holders present. Osinbajo, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Ade Ipaye, said security should be prioritised at the federal and state levels to attract investments. He said: “The government must remain open to regular consultations and collaborations with the business sector to meet the development and employment needs of local communities.

“We simply cannot afford to neglect the needs of local communities because they are the ones we are here to serve. Let us look at ways of establishing a synergy of symbiotic relationship between new investments and support for small and medium scale enterprises, which invariably have the strong influence on local economy.” Osinbajo also urged the government to comply with regulatory standards and give fair treatment to all investors. He said: “For instance, the world is increasingly going green and no state should be

left behind. Even as we encourage them to invest and do business here, we need to fine-tune our regulatory and enforcement regimes to ensure that industries are more environmentally friendly. “Furthermore, the government must consciously take steps to make life easy and reduce operating cost for investors and businessmen.” The Vice-President called for prompt payment of taxes by those in formal and informal sectors. Osinbajo said: “Taxes are the life blood of government and the obligation of every citizen who has an income. It is also that strong hook, which connects people to

government and give them the voice to demand prudence and accountability from their public officers. “I hope that as government strives to improve the economy in Bayelsa State, all the companies, businessmen and employees here will reciprocate by paying their taxes as when due... “I congratulate the governor and all those who work so hard to make this event a reality. Bayelsa definitely is a state that means business.” Governor Seriake Dickson said the investment potential in the state include oil and gas-related businesses, agriculture, manufacturing and power.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

NEWS Nigeria seeks neighbours’ help to win Boko Haram war Continued from page 4

its support to the Nigerian military and security personnel in the fight against terrorism, even as he offered his condolences to the families of the victims of terror in both countries. The President announced Nigeria’s willingness to expand economic ties with Cameroon, through increased joint ventures in infrastructure development, transport and commerce, among others. Buhari welcomed the achievements so far record-

ed by the Nigeria-Cameroon Joint Commission and all the landmark agreements signed by both countries. Describing the relations between both countries as cordial, he acknowledged the roles played by past and present leaders and Nigerians in sustaining friendly relations with Cameroon. Biya, congratulating Buhari for a successful inauguration into office, said his electoral victory had provided an opportunity for him to preside over the “destiny of Nigeria”. He said: “Mr. President, a

dark cloud is looming over our countries even as we welcome you; we are facing the same threat, which may rock the foundation of our two nations. “This danger bears the name of Boko Haram. Its atrocities and crimes are jeopardising peace around Lake Chad and especially in our two countries. “The number of dead and victims are rising; economic activities have been crippled in affected areas; the number of refugees and displaced persons are ever increasing.

“We cannot allow this cancer to spread; we must pool our resources and forces and share our experiences.’’ Biya, who reaffirmed Cameroon’s commitment to the fight against terror, welcomed the “fresh push” on economic ties between both countries through easing of trade. “I strongly believe in your readiness to work towards that goal and your visit to Cameroon, as well as the discussions we have had, have strengthened my conviction.” he said.

Ban Ki-moon urges fight against corruption Continued from page 4

tims while pursuing and prosecuting the criminals. On the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let us resolve to act as one in the name of justice and dignity for all,” he said. Ki-moon observed that around the world, criminals sell people for profit while vulnerable women and girls form the bulk of human trafficking victims, including those driven into degrading sexual exploitation. According to him, “trafficked persons are often tricked into servitude with the false promise of well-

paid jobs. Migrants, crossing deadly seas and burning deserts to escape conflict, poverty and persecution are also at risk of being trafficked. Individuals can find themselves alone in a foreign land where they have been stripped of their passports, forced into debt and exploited for labour. “Children and young people can find their lives stolen, their education blocked and their dreams dashed. It is an assault on their most basic human rights and fundamental freedoms. “We must also provide meaningful assistance to those in need, including protection and access to justice

and remedies. I applaud the donors who have enabled the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons Fund to assist thousands of people. At the same time, I urge greater contributions to help the many million other victims of this crime move forward with their lives.” United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Executive Director Yury Fedotov said no place in the world is safe as the latest Global Report on Trafficking in Persons by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime found that the trafficking victims identified in 124 states were citizens of 152 different countries.

Fedotov noted that more detected victims of trafficking are children, especially girls under the age of 18. “Over the past decade, there has been no significant improvement in the overall criminal justice response to this crime. In the period covered by the Global Report, some 40 per cent of countries reported less than ten convictions per year. Some 15 per cent did not record a single conviction. This illustrates a level of impunity which is unacceptable and highlights the fact that at the moment, the traffickers are getting away with their crimes,” he said in a statement.

71 captives rescued as troops smash Boko Haram camps Continued from page 4

hungry because the extremists never provided enough food. "Our gallant troops have rescued 59 civilians in two camps of the terrorist group," army spokesman Col. I.T. Gusau said. "Many of the terrorists were killed in the course of the operations, but mop-up is still going on." The 59, all women and children except for five elderly men, were freed on Thursday, he said. Another 12 women and girls were rescued Wednesday from Kilakisa, 90 kilometres (55 miles) southwest of Maiduguri, he said. Air Chief Marshal Badeh was delivering his valedictory address at his Pulling-Out from the Nigerian Armed Forces. He said: “Notwithstanding the modest successes we recorded in the fight against terror, I must say that the task of co-ordinating the military and other security agencies in the fight against the insurgents is perhaps the most complex and challenging assignment I have had in my over 38 years in service. “For the first time, I was head of a military that lacked the relevant equipment and motivation to fight an enemy that was invisible and embedded with the local populace. “Added to this was the exploitation of a serious national security issue by a section of the press and the political class to gain political mileage. “Furthermore, the activities of fifth columnists in the military and other security agencies who leaked operational plans and other sensitive military information to the terrorists, combined to make the fight against the insurgents particularly difficult. “The activities of these unpatriotic members of the military not only blunted the effectiveness of the fight, but also led to the needless deaths of numerous officers and men

who unwittingly fell into ambushes prepared by terrorists who had advance warnings of the approach of such troops. “The decision by certain countries to deny us weapons to prosecute the war also added to the challenges we faced.” He said the military was overstretched by the time Boko Haram insurgency reached its peak in the Northeast. He said: “Over the years, the military was neglected and underequipped to ensure the survival of certain regimes, while other regimes, based on advice from some foreign nations, deliberately reduced the size of the military and underfunded it. “Unfortunately, our past leaders accepted such recommendations without appreciating our peculiarities as a third world military, which does not have the technological advantage that could serve as force multipliers and compensate for reduced strength. “Accordingly, when faced with the crises in the Northeast and other parts of the country, the military was overstretched and had to embark on emergency recruitments and trainings, which were not adequate to prepare troops for the kind of situation we found ourselves in. “It is important therefore for the government to decide on the kind of military force it needs, by carrying out a comprehensive review of the nation’s military force structure to determine the size, capability and equipment holding required to effectively defend the nation and provide needed security. This is based on the fact that without security, there cannot be sustainable development. The huge cost that would be required to rebuild the Northeast and other trouble spots in the country could have been avoided if the military had been adequately equipped and prepared to

contain the ongoing insurgency before it escalated to where it is today.” Notwithstanding, Air Chief Marshal Badeh said his tenure witnessed many achievements. He said: “Despite these challenges, I am glad to note that a lot was achieved during our time in the fight against terror. The achievements recorded are largely due to the commitment, patriotism and fighting spirit of our men and women in uniform who saw the fight against terror as a task that must be accomplished no matter the odds and in spite of the campaign of calumny against the military by a section of the media with their foreign collaborators. “The support of our teeming populace who have continued to stand behind their military has been quite encouraging. “Also, our true friends who stood by us in our time of need and provided us the weapons we are now using to conduct the operations will always have a special place in our hearts. “I must also mention the support and co-operation we have continued to enjoy from our neighbouring countries, which have enabled us to present a united front against a common enemy. “The great support we have continued to receive and the determination of our patriotic troops to defeat this enemy of our nation has not only helped us to remain focused, but to also embark on other projects for the armed forces. Air Chief Marshal Badeh, however, said no nation could depend on other countries for its defence needs. He asked Nigeria to look inward by building a defence industrial complex. He added: “I want to state emphatically that no nation can achieve its full security potentials by totally depending on other nations for its de-

fence needs. The lessons of the civil war and the ongoing war against terror where certain countries frustrated our attempts to procure much needed weapons are very instructive. “Again, as I have always said, when a nation is at war, it is not the military alone that is at war, it is the entire nation. Accordingly, every segment of society must see itself contributing to the overall war effort by presenting a united front against a common enemy. “Therefore, I appeal to the relevant agencies of government to mobilise the huge human and material resources we have in this country towards the development of a vibrant Defence Industrial Complex that would contribute to meeting our critical arms and equipment needs. This is crucial if we must reduce our total dependence on foreign sources of supply for critically needed arms. “That is the only way we can retain our dignity as a nation in order to have freedom of action in international affairs.” Air Chief Marshal Badeh, under whose tenure newspapers were confiscated, still criticised the press in his valedictory address. He said: “A major challenge we faced during my tenure was the negative media coverage of the activities of the Armed Forces in the ongoing war against terror in the Northeast. “We, therefore, resolved to have a medium through which we can tell our own side of the story in an objective and accurate manner. This gave birth to the establishment of the Armed Forces Radio, broadcasting on 107.7 FM from the Mogadishu Cantonment. “Also, we were able to complete and commission the Armed Forces DNA Laboratory in Mogadishu Cantonment.”

Ooni’s remains expected weekend Continued from page 4

that have happened to him, we would have been informed even before anyone would hear about it. We pray that Ooni will live long in good health.” Aregbesola, who praised the chiefs for holding the forte in Oba Sijuwade’s absence, prayed for sound health and long life for the monarch. The governor and the chiefs later proceeded to another room within the Governor’s Lodge to hold another meeting behind closed doors. When reporters attempted to speak with the chiefs after the meetings, they declined comments. All was dull yesterday at the Ooni’s palace – unlike Wednesday when crowds of people stormed the palace to confirm the news of the monarch’s deathý. Only the palace guards and two policemen manning the gate were immediately visible at the palace.

When his body is brought back, it will lie inside an ancient building valled Ilegbo – where the beaded crown known as Are is won by the Ooni once every year during the Olojo festival. The Are is worn through the back because it is forbiden for the Ooni to see its inside. And when it is worn, the rain must not touch it. He will be brought in at night, The Nation learnt, after being flown in through a Chartered air ambulance. A source told this newspaper that his remains will be taken into the Ilegbo through a special door meant for that purpose. The door is beside the Ife museum and is facing Iletimi. “It had to be broken when Oba Adesoji Aderemi died because it had been closed for 50 years. In his case, it has been closed for 35 years,” said the source. Once his body lies there, only men will be allowed in and they have to be fortified because he is considered a deity.

Senate peeved over report of Senators against Buhari Continued from page 4

port was to pitch President Buhari against the Senate, saying that “this evil plot will fail.” Some other members of the committee, including Senators Binta Masi Garba, who said that her father used to be Buhari’s driver, David Umaru and Ali Wakil also condemned the report. Senator Shittu Muhammad Ubali, who represents Jigawa Northeast, went spiritual,

• Senate President Bukola Saraki

raining Quranic curses on the reporter of the report and asked God to punish the “those behind this report”. The resort to curses raised eyebrow, in the Senate Room 1 venue of the briefing. Saraki said he was relying on Senate Order 15, which deals on privileges, to refer the matter to the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges for investigation. He gave the committee one week to submit its findings.

‘Senator Shittu Muhammad Ubali, who represents Jigawa Northeast, went spiritual, raining Quranic curses on the reporter of the report and asked God to punish the those behind this report.’

SPACE FOR SALE

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS

MH370: Debris comes from 777 jet F

RENCH authorities are studying a piece of plane debris found on Reunion Island, off the east coast of Madagascar, to determine whether it came from Flight MH370, which disappeared without a trace 16 months ago with 239 passengers and crew on board. If confirmed to be part of the missing Boeing 777, experts will try to model its drift to retrace where the debris could have come from, although they cautioned it was unlikely to help in narrowing down the plane's final resting place beyond the vast swathe of ocean off Australia that has been the focus of the search for months. "This wreckage has been in the water, if it is MH370, for well over a year so it could have moved so far that it's not going to be that helpful in pinpointing precisely where the aircraft is," Australian Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss told reporters. "It

certainly would suggest the search area is roughly in the right place." Australia has been leading a search for the plane since analysis of a series of faint satellite "pings" from the aircraft led investigators to conclude that it crashed in the stormy southern Indian Ocean about 2,000 km southwest of Perth. Models of ocean currents were consistent with the potential discovery of debris in the tropics, roughly 3,700 km to the northwest, oceanographic experts said. A huge, counter-clockwise current, called a gyre, covers much of the southern part of the 70.5 million sq km (27.2 million sq miles) Indian Ocean, running east along the Southern Ocean near Antarctica, up the west Australian coast and westward below the equator towards Reunion and

Madagascar, before turning south. "Our model results that we did last year predicted that within 18-24 months after the crash, it was a possibility that it would have ended up within that region," said Charitha Pattiaratchi, Professor of Coastal Oceanography at the University of Western Australia. The point of origin "will definitely be in the Southern Hemisphere, it would be to the east, it would cover definitely the area of the physical search at the moment", he added. That physical search, now halfway to being completed, covers 120,000 sq km of sea bed. Pattiaratchi's modeling shows debris could also drift also as far east as Tasmania or beyond. ave Gallo, who co-led the search for Air France Flight 447 that crashed in the Atlantic Ocean in 2009, warned that

U.S says Turkey has a right to defend itself

HE U.S. had welcomed Turkey's air assault last week on the Islamic State group, along with its decision to open air bases for American sorties, as a sign that Turkey had dropped its reluctance to fight the extremist group. Since then, the jets taking off from this city in Kurdish-dominated lands have been hitting PKK targets in northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey, as the militant group has targeted military and police in Turkey. Turkish jets again pounded PKK targets in northern Iraq in an operation yesterday that lasted two and a half hours, a government official said. He said the latest airstrikes were in retaliation for an attack on

troops stationed near the border with Iraq earlier in the day that killed three soldiers. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government rules requiring prior authorization to speak to journalists. The U.S. has said Turkey has a right to defend itself against the PKK, which Washington, like Turkey, considers a terrorist group. The PKK is affiliated with, but separate from, Syrian Kurdish fighters allied with the United States in its fight against the Islamic State group. Turkish officials say the Syrian Kurdish group is not a target of Turkey's operations. On Thursday, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that

the spike of violence by the PKK had forced Turkey to act against the Kurds, just as it was considering what to do about the apparent IS bombing last week near the border with Syria, which killed 32 people. On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc gave a breakdown of the terror suspects rounded up in the nationwide police operation, saying that of the 1,300 detained only 137 were suspected of links to IS. Some 31 have been charged so far, while 18 were released. In contrast, police detained as many as 847 PKK suspects. A total of 142 have been charged so far, while 120 were released.

U.S. says no to Snowden pardon

FTER two years and 167,955 signatures, a petition to grant a full pardon to former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden finally received an official response from the White House - a pretty resounding "thanks for trying, but no." The petition was posted on We the People, part of the White House website. Petitions with more than 100,000 signatures have been promised official responses by the Obama administration, with the petition to pardon Mr. Snowden reaching that tally on June 24, 2013. Although public opinion has

become somewhat more supportive of Snowden - and policy change has been enacted in response to his whistle-blowing on surveillance programs - the White House has continued to stress the illegality of his actions and play down the possibility of clemency. "Instead of constructively addressing these issues, Mr. Snowden's dangerous decision to steal and disclose classified information had severe consequences for the security of our country and the people who work day in and day out to protect it," Lisa Monaco, the president's adviser on homeland security and counterterrorism, said in a

statement. Since 2013, Snowden has been residing in Russia, where he has been granted temporary asylum. The former NSA contractor has portrayed himself as a civil liberties activist, but the Obama administration has countered by saying he should still be subject to America's laws. "If he felt his actions were consistent with civil disobedience, then he should do what those who have taken issue with their own government do: Challenge it, speak out, engage in a constructive act of protest, and - importantly - accept the consequences of his actions," Ms. Monaco said.

Afghan Taliban confirms Mullah Omar's FGHANISTAN's death, successor named

Taliban yesrtday confirmed the death of Mullah Mohammad Omar, who led the group's self-styled Islamic emirate in the 1990s, sheltered al-Qaida through the 9/11 attacks and led a 14-year insurgency against U.S. and NATO troops. The Taliban Shura, or Supreme Council, chose Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, who had served as Mullah Omar's deputy for the past three years, as its new leader, two Taliban figures told the Associated Press, saying the seven-member council had

met in the Pakistani city of Quetta. Mansoor is considered close to Pakistani authorities, who hosted peace talks earlier this month, and his election could widen an internal rift between fighters who favor negotiations with Kabul and those who want to continue an insurgency that has gained speed following the end of the international combat mission last year. The peace process was plunged into uncertainty earlier yesterday, when the Afghan Taliban indicated they

were pulling out of the negotiations and Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the talks, which were to be hosted by Islamabad, were postponed. The Taliban said Mullah Omar's family had confirmed his death and that he had died of an unspecified illness. In a statement emailed to media, the Taliban quoted Mullah Omar's brother and one of his sons as asking for forgiveness for "mistakes" he made at the helm of the militant group.

• Mystery plane debris found on an Indian Ocean Island...Wednesday

retracing the debris' drift through sea-current models could lead investigators astray. "Retro-drifting" from wreckage found just five days after the Air France crash led to no breakthrough, he said. "We spent two months in that area and found abso-

lutely nothing. That brought mistrust from the industry," said Gallo, director of special projects at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. "Looking at something that is 500 days old is going to be tough." Still, further clues might yet

PHOTO:AP

come from the debris. Experts can age the barnacles that attach themselves to flotsam, which would give an idea of how long it had been in the water. They may even be able to tell which part of the ocean it has come from by the species of barnacles attached.

EXPRESSO

#harsh-truths-to-northern-elite •Continued from back page

Between medieval and modern states The elite of the north must be told to make those hard choices between living in ancient times as subsists largely in the north now or building a modern country as we have in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, UAE and the rest of the Muslim world. This is where El Rufai’s feud with the beggars of Kaduna comes of note. He, in concert with his colleagues of the 19 states of the north must immediately abolish the pernicious almajiri culture (if indeed it can be regarded as culture). It must be the highest act of irresponsibility for a man and woman to sire children and set them loose into the world with begging bowls in hand. If you brought a child into the world, you must take some responsibility to rear him. This must be the essence of our humanity and the crux of a legislation being proposed here. El Rufai and his colleagues must enact - and if possible - a pan northern Nigeria law to abolish the almajiri culture immediately. This singular legislation will greatly stem the social dysfunction in the north. Why can’t we begin to deliberately uphold family values, child rearing and early education? Why has the local government system which ought to lift our rural population become near extinct in Nigeria? In the same manner, we must begin a phased abolition of nomadic life. It is ignorance that has pushed the Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders to seek to metamorphose

into an alternate ‘army’ instead of a regional economic construct. Where in the 2015 world, dear reader, do people still lead cattle over thousands of kilometers just to make basic living? Not in many sensible places any more. The result is that they may have slaughtered more compatriots than cattle in the last five years mainly in the bid to fend off rustlers as they take livestock through long trails. Again, El Rufai and his brother governors of the north must begin a concerted and expedited rethink of the milk, beef and hide economic value chains. Think for a moment that Nigeria imports almost 80 percent of milk consume by her 170 population. Animal protein production in Nigeria is still an ad-hoc business while animal wool and processed leather are massively imported. State governments can catalyze the livestock value chain and unleash the inherently huge economic potentials of milk, beef, leather and wool production. Countries like Argentina, Brazil and Australia would make good benchmarks. Let us develop ranches in the vast swathes of Borno, Bauchi, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna and even Niger. We could start with pilot schemes. Pastures are nurtured these days and many species of grass mature in weeks. Why are we still trapped in pre-medieval nomadism? Again, a savage elite The north, let it be said plainly, has some of the richest people in the world. One could count at least two dozen individuals richer than their

states: TY Danjuma, the Dangotes, the Dantatas, the Mai Deribes, the Babangidas, the Yar’Aduas, the Indimis, Sani Bello, Rilwan Lukman, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Atiku Abubakar, Ado Bayero and Abdulsamad Rabiu, to name a few. This is not discounting the numerous new-rich politicos; all the former governors for instance. The World Bank has granted a loan of $2.1 billion to revamp the northeast. This class of northern elite in concert, probably has more net-worth than the World Bank, they can raise $21.1 billion for the same purpose. They must consciously resolve to help lift the north from its present morass of despair and sub-humanity. They can start a sustained change campaign on family values for instance. They can build early learning centres and primary schools in areas too remote for government to reach. There are a thousand and one ways they can give back to this earth that has proved very clement to them. When the nose cry, the eye cries too The people of the south of Nigeria may choose to be aloof and comfortable about the backwardness of the north but that would be basking in blissful ignorance. The federal government has spent trillions of naira in the last five years battling BH. That is cool cash that would have been spread round the country on development projects. The World Bank loan mentioned above for the reconstruction of the northeast will be paid by you and I, for instance. But we need more than loans; we need elite change of attitude and resolve.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015

CITYBEATS breast Court orders police to produce ‘Why we founded milk bank’ Lekki bank robbery suspect A J USTICE Iyabo Akinkugbe of the Ikeja High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered the police to produce, Ebi Tosan, who was arrested in connection with the March 12, Lekki Bank robbery before her on August 10. Five persons, including three policemen and a fish hawker, were killed in the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) robbery during which about N15million was carted away. The hoodlums, in military uniform, engaged the police in a gunfight on Admiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos State, for about 30 minutes before finally escaping through the lagoon in a speed boat. Four of them, including Tosan, were arrested on

By Adebisi Onanuga

April 5 and arrested and paraded by the Lagos State Police Command. Others are Duke Odogbo, 38, Lawrence Kingsley, 31, and Ekelemo Kuete, 30. The suspects have not been charged to court. Tosan took Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Officer-in-Charge of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, and Attorney-General of Lagos State to court seeking the enforcement of his fundamental right. The suspect is seeking a declaration that his arrest, torture and continued detention by SARS without granting him bail is a violation of his rights, preserved by Sec-

tions 34(1)(a), 35(1)(4) and 41 of the 1999 Constitution. The suspect, who is praying the court to order the police to release him on bail, is also claiming N100 million damages for what he termed unlawful detention and torture. His lawyer, Chief S.W. Baidi, is contending that his client’s continued detention is an “infringement and curtailment of the applicant’s constitutional right to personal liberty, freedom of movement and presumption of innocence.” At the resumed hearing of the case, yesterday, Justice Akinkugbe reaffirmed Justice Lateefa Okunnu’s July 9 order that the police should produce the suspect in court.

Akinkugbe, a vacation judge, also granted the suspect’s application for accelerated hearing of the case. In a 26-paragraph affidavit in support of the originating summons, Tamuno Amos, who claimed to be the suspect’s uncle, said he believed that his nephew’s continued detention by the police is a deliberate act to “extract a confessional statement from him on the alleged offence.” Amos, who said he had not been allowed to see his nephew since his arrest, claimed that “the applicant is suffering on daily basis without access to food, bath and other conveniences and he may die in custody unless granted bail.”

Lagos has fastest growing middle class, says Ambode

ITH more than four million people, Lagos State has the fastest growing middle class in the country, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said yesterday. The governor spoke at an interactive session in Lagos with the theme, “Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and International Trade Relations Dialogue Session”, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). Ambode restated his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive

business environment. “With a population of over 20 million, Lagos cannot be ignored by any investor. Lagos has the fastest growing middle class with over 4 million people. “We will do our best to make the business environment safe and profitable for investors,” said the governor, who was represented by Mr Tunji Bello, the Secretary to State Government. According to him, the administration will leverage on the people’s goodwill and confidence to formulate policies to ease business process.

He also identified infrastructural development, security, efficient public service and rule of law as the government’s critical areas of focus. Also speaking, Mr Oliver Everett, the Director-General, Commonwealth Enterprises and Investment Council, said Nigeria had potential of attracting foreign investments from Commonwealth nations. Everett, the guest speaker, noted that Nigeria with a population of over 170 million was at 3.1 per cent of intra-trade flow on the

cupied an important position in the society since they were better placed to get information about individuals and their activities. The police chief said they should also assist in monitoring all persons and groups in their domains. Owoseni assured them of the command’s determination to provide adequate security for the state, adding

that he was working on strategies to make the state crime-free. He urged the monarchs to do detailed investigation on those who wish to join the police before signing any document for them. This, he said, would check the intake of unscrupulous elements and help the police to check crimes.

By Oziegbe Okoeki

matter of urgent importance.” The resolution followed a motion moved by Oluyinka Ogundimu titled: “Call for Construction of Bridge Around Agege-Pen Cinema-Oba Ogunji-Iju Road.” Ogundimu said the traffic around the area was affecting

the productive hours of residents, their health and economic activities. He said: “Motorists and commuters plying Agege axis and Pen Cinema experience daily chaos leading to incessant accidents, traffic gridlock, loss of lives and productive hours. “Unless urgent steps are taken

•Out-going Tutor-General, Education District VI, Mrs Iyabo Osifeso (right) receiving Long Service Merit Award from Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Adebule (middle) and Head of service Mrs Folashade Jaji in Lagos

AGOS Zonal Command of the National Agency For Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) has urged Nigerians to shun human trafficking. The Zonal Commander, Mr Joseph Famakin told the News Agency of Nigeria that NAPTIP would continue to enlighten the public on the dangers of human trafficking until it is eradicated. He spoke on the occasion of the “World Day Against Human Trafficking. Famakin said: “We are winning the war against human traffickers but we also need to do more to curb the menace to its barest minimum. We will continue to do all we can to enlighten the public on the tactics and the routes human traffickers use to engage in their illegal acts. “We will also continue to enlighten the stakeholders and security agencies on how to fight the war against human trafficking. Everyone should join force to say no to human trafficking.” He urged Nigerians, especially parents to monitor their children well as a way of ending human trafficking. “Parents should watch over their children. We should train our children and not encourage other people to do that for us. These traffickers then take them to places we do not know which might make them vulnerable to trafficking, abuses and hawking in traffic,” he said. But, some Nigerians believe that the country can only win the war against human trafficking if it alleviates poverty and embraces free education. A lawyer, Mr Monday Ubani, said there should be more enlightenment programmes in the rural areas because people there had yet to know the dangers of human trafficking. “The level of enlightenment is not enough to reach out to the rural and urban areas. Some of them are not aware of the dangers and the legal consequences. We need to do more to educate the people because child abuse and baby factories are all over the country,’’ he said. Another lawyer, Mr Spurgeon Ataene, said security agents must be proactive in fighting the war. Ataene urged human rights organisations to be on the offensive in order to reduce the menace. He said: “At the borders, within the country and in the rural areas, there should be the presence of these human rights organisations to make it difficult for traffickers to thrive. “We have porous borders and villages, so, there should be the presence of these human rights organisations in all the nooks and crannies of the country.’’ A security expert, Dr Onah Ehkomu, said unemployment, economic challenges, excessive poverty and lack of social security were the causes of human trafficking. “People, especially youths feel they must succeed by all means and a lot of young people think that if they go out of the country, they will become very rich. This is why young people avail themselves to be trafficked because there is a lot of misconception. Nigeria has been the worst offender in this act throughout the whole world,’’ he said. Activist lawyer Mr Festus Keyamo said the government must provide free education at all levels to reduce human trafficking. “When parents find it difficult to train their children, it results in trafficking which is why government should ensure free education across all levels. When parents find it difficult to train their children it results in trafficking them,’’ he said.

•Bello

Commonwealth trade chart. He said: “I think it is time for Nigeria to leverage on its population and potential by having more investment from Commonwealth nations.

Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos and Chairman, Council of Obas and Chiefs, who chaired the meeting, urged the commissioner to ensure tight security in the state. Akiolu also urged the commissioner to check the criminals who now use the water ways to operate. He assured Owoseni of the royal father’s support.

Assembly okays fly-over for Agege-Pen Cinema AGOS State House of Assembly yesterday approved a fly-over for Pen Cinema, Oba Ogunji, Agunbiade and Iju Road in Agege to reduce traffic gridlock in the area. It urged Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to take up the construction of the bride as “a

breast milk as expected, they should not be denied right to life. If we do not provide for them, they have the tendencies of not giving the society peace in the future.” He said women should be allowed to combine breastfeeding and work in the formal, non-formal or home setting respectively. Odiboh asked employers in both the private and public sectors to abide by the Mother-friendly Workplace Initiative, which was a 22year of global action supporting women in combining breastfeeding and work based on the revised International Labour Organisa-tion (ILO) Convention 183 on Maternity Protection. While appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari and Governors to emulate Lagos State Government on six months maternity and ten days paternity leave, he urged the National Assembly to revisit Afribaby’s Exclusive Breastfeeding Bill presented to the seventh Assembly in 2013.

How to curb human trafficking, by NAPTIP, others

Police chief seeks monarchs’ support to fight crime AGOS State police chief Fatai Owoseni yesterday urged traditional rulers to be “the eyes and ears” of security agencies in the fight against crime. Owoseni made the appeal when he met with the royal fathers at the State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos to brief them on his agenda. He said the monarchs oc-

NON-governmental Organisation, African International Babycare (Afribaby), has said the breast milk bank was created to cater for motherless babies. Afribaby lamented that many babies die due to lack of breast milk especially, those who lost their mothers during delivery. Founder of the Afribaby Initiative, Dr Oscar Odiboh, made this known at a briefing on the World Breast-feeding Week in Lagos. He said: “Private organisations should support the initiative for all babies whether their mothers are alive or not to access it. We are not saying that they should give us direct fund for the project, but erect the facilities and structures for us to manage. “Children whose mothers die during delivery also need breast milk and should not be denied. The baby should be accepted in the society like any other and be given full access to breast milk. Abandoned babies should not just be rescued, but be given

by the government, the people would continue to suffer.” The Agege-Ifako Model City Plan provided for a fly-over at the cross road, Ogundimu said. The bridge, he said, would also help those residing or going to Alimosho, Ikeja, IfakoIjaiye and Ogun State. A member, Bisi Yusuf, said: “Because of the congestion, most of these hoodlums waylay the people and rob them of their property.” In her contribution, Adefunmilayo Tejuoso said there were about 10 housing estates in the area, so it is important that the bridge is constructed. Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said: “Even if you pass through Pen Cinema-Agege around 10pm and 11pm, there will still be traffic jam. “The number of estates growing around Agege surpasses the infrastructure around the area. There is nothing we can do than to construct a fly-over in the interest of all the people.”

THE NATION FIRDAY, JULY 31, 2015

SHOWBIZ

Banky W to host Club Quilox opening

Star Trek resumes with 2Face, MI, Yemi Alade, others

By Ovwe Medeme

HE management of luxury nightclub, Quilox, have announced that they are set to open for the second session of the year, with a re-launch tagged #QuiloxSeason3. The popular club which has been on a scheduled break in the last couple of weeks will host a grand re-launch on Friday, according to its management. While the self-acclaimed ‘King of the Lagos Party’, Banky W, will host the night, Quilox’s in-house DJ, Consequence, will be manning the iron wheels. Management of the club say that by embarking on a recess, the outfit is now optimised for even more posh partying, with the enhanced interior decoration and introduction of new restaurant, karaoke and other exciting parties and club activities for the delight of Lagos party lovers. Founder of the club, Shina Peller says the reopening presents more opportunities to further the innovation that Quilox brings to clubbing experience in Lagos. “We are excited to return to business after a brief hiatus. With party rocker, Banky W as the host for the re-opening, it is safe to say that clubbing is just about to get interesting,” he said.

HE popular pan Nigerian concert, Star Music Trek, sponsored by Ni-

gerian Breweries Plc., will resume its second leg in Makurdi, this Saturday. Scheduled for the IBB Square, beginning from 7pm, the concert is expected to feature performances by some of the biggest names on the Nigerian music scene, such as 2Face, MI, Faze, Yemi Alade, KCee, Runtown, DJ Neptune and DJ Tony Blaze. Returning its regular host, Gbenga Adeyinka, the show had earlier held in Calabar, Abakaliki and Awka. Organisers say the second phase “aims to continue with the theme of inspiration and promoting success by inspiring youths with captivating performances in Makurdi, Sapele, Auchi, Ibadan and Lagos.” Speaking on the upcoming concert tagged #MakurdiRocks! 2Face who hails from Benue State said, “This is where it all began for me so obviously it’s a highly emotional experience. It’s a bit like a homecoming and I can’t wait to get in front of the crowd in my home state and show them some of the love they have showed me. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to perform for my people at home on such a large national platform. Credit to Star Lager.” According to the Corporate Media & Brand PR Manager, NB Plc, Edem Vindah,

• Banky W

• MI and a fan

• 2face Sings to a fan

“Star Lager is committed to providing a platform to inspire Nigerian youths wherever they may be, and #MakurdiRocks! is another instance of this. We are particularly excited to present 2Face to his hometown crowd in

Benue State for inspiration to Benue youths.” Next to the Makurdi show are the other ones in Sapele on August 8, Auchi on August 15, Ibadan on August 22 and Lagos on August 29.

Mbong Amata’s new act launches singing competition By Ovwe Medeme

ECENTLY, Nigerian actress, Mbong Amata announced the launch of her record label, Bong House, and it appears that she has hit the ground running. Her new sign-on, who simply goes by the name Splash, has not only released a new single, but has followed it up with a singing competition. Splash, a female rapper, who sings majorly in Igbo language, recently released a new single titled Na God, featuring new entrant, Byno. Announcing Splash’s competition on her Instagram page, Amata said that it is to enable the budding artiste give back to her fans. “So guys! It’s official!! My first signed super talented rap artist @splashmusik just dropped her first Single Na God ft @iambyno. She’s put out a competition that will enable her give back to her fans. The winner gets a cash prize of $1000 and a lunch date,” Amata posted. She further explained that all that fans need to do to qualify for the competition is to follow Splash and herself on Instagram, sing their own version of Na God and post it on the platform. After three weeks, she said, the contestant with the highest number of likes gets $1000 and gets to hang out with Splash. • Mbong

• Splash

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 31 , 2015

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO. 3292

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

HERE is every good reason to believe that President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) means business and is serious about restructuring government agencies for better outcome. The latest evidence is his declaration in far away Washington, DC, the capital of the industrial world last week. To the disappointment of political jobbers but to the pleasure of genuine change enthusiasts, Buhari announced that he will not appoint ministers until he has put in place good structures to prevent the kind of rot that he is trying very hard to clear. Who can quarrel with that? As President-elect, Buhari had set up the Ahmed Joda Transition Committee to work with former President Jonathan’s team. The Joda Committee received the 18,000 page report of the Anyim Federal Government Committee on May 25 th. It worked hard to make sense of the report and make its recommendations which it submitted in an 800-page report to President Buhari shortly after the inauguration of the new administration. It is significant to note that when he submitted his committee’s report, Joda had urged the nation to be patient with the president as he mulled over the report to determine what was best for his administration and for the country. He noted unambiguously that the transition from one political party to another was not an ordinary one and that the President needed time to digest the report and do the best. As a deliberative leader, who understood the historical significance of his election and who took his mandate seriously, Buhari decided to take his time to study the report before moving on with any appointments. This is reasonable especially in view of the disclosure by Chairman Joda that due to time constraint, his committee wasn’t able to interview and seek clarifications from former ministers and government operatives on their hand-over notes which were received only four days to the May 29 inauguration. In the circumstance, Buhari and his team had to carefully sort issues out on their own. In view of that situation, is it reasonable for the president to start with ministerial appointments? It makes perfect sense to see clearly where the nation is, align its present condition with the destination PMB wants to lead it; and on the basis of these appoint individuals who will be round pegs in round holes. In a media interview that he granted after the submission of his committee’s report, Malam Joda observed that Buhari cannot afford to make the kind of mistakes that previous administrations made. He made particular reference to the military era when security reports on prospective appointees were not considered before appointments were an-

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Restructuring the presidency and the nation

•President Buhari nounced only for such appointments to be rescinded shortly after they were announced. Joda noted further that since Buhari had made up his mind that he was going to have perfect people work with him, every prospective nominee had to be scrutinised well to avoid past mistakes. This explains the need for time and the presidential declaration in Washington, DC. Patience is counseled. Beside appointments, the other major issue in Joda’s report is the recommendation for the restructuring of the executive branch. From media reports, it appears that the committee had recommended a maximum of 36 ministers to satisfy constitutional requirement and cover the restructured ministries. If the President accepts the recommendation, he will have started on a good and promising note. From the

BOUT three years ago, I had written in this column that then fledgling Boko Haram was the shame of the northern elite. Expectedly, I was vilified to no end. But little did we (yours truly, his readers and drillers alike) know that what was happening then was mere child’s play. Between 2012 and now, so much innocent blood has drenched the Nigerian soil to the point that atonement may be impossible. But the point remains now as then, that the extreme criminality that the terror of Boko Haram has become, is the shame of the elite of the north. This point must be made without equivocation. Three recent issues have warranted a reiteration of this view which is even more valid today. First is the ‘face-off’ between Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State and the beggars of Kaduna. The second is the new-wave sacrificial offering of nubile little girls in an endless festival of suicide bombings and thirdly, the recent $2.1 billion World Bank loan for the reconstruction of the northeast of Nigeria. An elite in retreat The point today as I made it then is that from the period of the violent outbreak of the Boko Haram (BH) sect up to this moment, the elite of the North have failed woefully to put up a well-reasoned and concerted response to deal with the evil. As the sect callously made an ocean of blood especially in the Northeast, the elite of the North, (religious, intellectual, political and business) even more callously favoured a tacit accommodation of the scourge for the first few years. Where was the funding for BH coming from? Where was BH drawing its intellectual and logistical resources? Who purchased the arms, ammunition, rocket launchers and the dozens of armoured car-

leaks concerning the ministries and agencies recommended for merger, the committee has rendered a good account of its stewardship. The ball is in the court of the president. By the same token, however, with the courageous restructuring of the executive branch, other extant structures cannot be kept in place to avoid pouring new wine into an old bottle. First, there is a crying need for the restructuring of the legislative branch and its budget. This has been a sore finger in the body politic and the growing pain can be allowed to linger only at the expense of our national comfort. Some defenders of the indefensible have argued that among other necessities, each NASS member must have at least 5 aides. But they have not provided any reasonable justification for such wastage. Sure some private professionals do need aides to care for the house, cook their meals, and carry their portfolios and handbags. But do they charge these to company accounts? Second, state governments certainly need restructuring in the face of the obviously unsustainable cost of governance. It is unfortunate that states now depend on federal bail out to pay staff. I am sure that the situation is not totally due to gubernatorial incompetence or profligacy. Most of them inherit huge bureaucracies that put a drag on capital development. The question is whether a few must determine the pace of government investment in infrastructure? Sure every governor needs a rethink of large cabinet for far too many ministries. If PMB takes the lead, states must follow. Finally, the nation as a constituency has the most need as far as restructuring is concerned. Unfortunately, this is also the space where the most challenge is. Are members of the president’s party on the same page? Is he able to

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

•Columnist of the Year (NMMA)

#harsh-truths-to-northern-elite OUK vs. TA: the limits of knavery

HE unwary in the land may have been led to believe that Abia State is the worst run in the last four years. They may even begin to think that its immediate past governor, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji (TA), is the only governor in the land. This is the result of sustained and unrelentless campaign of calumny against him by his predecessor, Chief Orji Uzo Kalu (OUK). Using the instrumentality of two national newspapers and some of the best columnists in the land, OUK literally tied TA to stakes throughout his tenure. Consider the image of a man hounded and stabbed viciously for four years. To think that it is all born out of mischief and outright knavery. In fact there must be something utterly sinister about the proverbial pot going on a road show to prove that the kettle is black. In all the ceaseless attacks by his predecessor, he never uttered a word. Even though he is disposed to have all the facts about Abia State Government in the last 16 years, and could put his traducer away by just one fool-proof deposition, he refused to be drawn to the mud fight. The latest antics of serialising a supposed petition against TA for days in a national newspaper must be the limit of self-mockery. The petition was supposedly for the period, 2011 to 2015 while cleverly overlooking 1999 to 2011 when OUK held sway in Abia and ran it like a family provision store. Leadership is surely a more elegant enterprise.

riers the BH deployed to overrun many Nigerian towns at a time? For a region that boasts of about half a dozen former heads of state; current and former governors; respected traditional rulers; hundreds of welltrained retired military officers and a good

number of men of means into the land, not one committee has been set up to date to as much as give a thought to the BH tragedy. An initial acquiescence grew into fear and cowering. Hardly anyone was known to have stood up to the gang in defiant con-

MOBOLAJI SANUSI

summon the political courage to challenge his party to take the high road? For far too long, at least since 1966, the federal government has grabbed too many functions, with far little success, and a monumental failure in the matter of satisfying the yearnings of the people, which is the sine qua non of governance. We have been getting the same failing results for almost fifty years and we still keep doing the same thing. That is insanity and we need to come back to our national sense. In the case of those functions such as citizenship and immigration matters, including the issuance of international passports, which are rightly assigned to the Federal Government, we err grievously in the over- centralisation of such functions. A passport holder had her name incorrectly written on her passport by Immigration agents. But she was told that the correction cannot be made in Lagos where the mistake occurred. She had to go to Abuja to have the mistake corrected. This makes no sense. In every aspect of our national life, we embrace our ethnic nationalities. We protect and promote our diverse cultures, and we respect and seek to conserve our various traditions. What is even embarrassing is that ethnics protect their own kin no matter the depth of corrupt practices they are identified with. To succeed, however, genuine and justifiable ethno-national interests need a governance structure that is truly federal. With such a structure, each ethnic nationality can do the most for itself in terms of promoting its cultural traditions and giving the best education to its residents. This is done effectively only by making states and zones the loci of some of the most important functions of government. It is true that many states lack the viability needed for success and zonal collaboration becomes essential to generate adequate internal revenue so the dependency on the center is eliminated. Fortunately, it now appears that we have moved away from treating geo-political zones as no-go areas which was where we were during the National Conference. Some had argued then that zones have no place in the constitution and therefore none in governance. Speaker Dogara has perhaps inadvertently legitimised zones with his recommendation for the sharing of House principal offices among the six zones as a requirement of Federal Character. We should now expect zones to feature more effectively in our discourse on restructuring. This is an unintended consequence of the embarrassing NASS leadership crisis.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080 demnation. It was convenient for many leaders of the North to hide behind the north-south politics of the Goodluck Jonathan era. Some simply found comfort in their corners and said to themselves: “since he chose to ‘usurp’ power, let him stew in the juice of insurgency”. It did not matter that hundreds of their compatriots were daily wasted in the heedless blood fest.

BH as brainchild of the northern elite

The point must also be made clearly that BH is the creation of some leaders of the North. While it may be argued that it may be the unforeseen outcome of poor quality leadership and ineptitude in high offices, it is elite failure albeit. Of course the feudal system of the North continues to take its vicious toll and fuelled by an uncontrolled and exponential population growth. Further, while it was the tradoreligious lords who held sway in the days of yore, today, the political class has taken over with even more deadly intuition. As we know, in feudalism, there are only kings and serfs; or the ruling class and the hoi-polloi; hardly any middle ground. In the mid-80 while one was on National Youth Service in Sokoto, it was a culture shock then to witness a horde of scruffy, unclad children invade the camp refuse dump each day foraging for food. That scene has lingered most graphically in one’s psyche more than 30 years after. We must admit that it is an unconscionable and indeed wicked elite that would look on as children roam the streets with begging bowls; feed straight from dunghills or even lead cattle from Maiduguri to Majidun!

•Continued

on page 60

•For comments, send SMS to 08111526725

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 08034505516. Editor Daily:08111813080, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO