The Nation June 08, 2012

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VOL. 7, NO. 2150 FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

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THE DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

Lagos declares six missing •38 displaced

By Miriam Ndikanwu

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IX people have been declared missing following Sunday’s Dana Air plane crash on the outskirts of Lagos.

They were inside one of the buildings into which the ill-fated plane crashed.

Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) chief Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu said 38 people were displaced as a result of the accident.

He said four, who were injured on the ground, were treated and discharged, leaving only one person on admission.

According to Oke-Osanyintolu, Mr. Jeremiah Okwuchukwu and his wife, Josephine – parents of the three rescued children in the custody of the Lagos State government — are among the missing. They occupied flat 3 of number 12, Olaniyi Street, Iju-Ishaga.

Also missing is Mr. Okafor, who occupied flat 4 of the same building.

Continued on Page 4

•NO W THE CLEAN-UP: A health official fumigating the site of the Dana Air plane crash in Lagos...yesterday •NOW

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

Panic over age of aircraft Travellers change airlines No basis for fear, says ministry From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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OULD-BE passengers were not enthusiastic to fly yesterday in Abuja, following revelations about the ages of aircraft used by domestic airlines.

Some passengers changed their choice of airlines at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport, Abuja.

But the Minister of Aviation’s Special Adviser (Media), Mr. Joe Obi, said there was no basis for panic because age may not matter.

At the airport, our correspondent met some passengers who were disillusioned about the ages of aircraft.

Of the eight airlines examined by palnespotters.net, the least age of aircraft in the country is about 11.3years.

Some aircraft have average age of 25.6

PLANES IN NIGERIAN AIRLINES FLEET Airline

Information

•Aero Contractors •Air Nigeria •Arik Air •Associated Aviation •Axiom Air •Bellview Airlines •Capital Airlines •Chanchangi Airlines •Dana Air •Federal Govt of Nigeria •FirstNation Airways •IRS Airlines •Kabo Air •Max Air •Niger Govt •Overland Airways •Topbrass Aviation •Wings Aviation years, 22.2 years and oldest age range of 30.2 years and 25.6 years.

The age range accounted for the panic at the airport, with some pas-

9 aircraft 12 aircraft 20 aircraft 4 aircraft 1 aircraft 2 aircraft 1 aircraft 4 aircraft 4 aircraft 2 aircraft 3 aircraft 4 aircraft 7 aircraft 4 aircraft 1 aircraft 5 aircraft 2 aircraft 2 aircraft

Average Fleet Age 19.2 12.1 5.2 23.8 24.3 31.8 23.2 23.2 21.3 6.8 18.3 21.3 35.3 23.8 34.1 22.9 6.7 14.2

sengers cancelling their flights.

A passenger, Mr. Michael Adoga, told our correspondent: “I am just Continued on Page 4

Dana Air: engine failure not responsible

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HAT caused last Sunday’s Dana Air plane crash in IjuIshaga on the outskirts of Lagos?

The question remained unresolved yesterday, even as the troubled airline faulted the claim by Aviation Minister Mrs. Stella Oduah that its crashed plane lost its two engines before the fatality.

It described the assertion as premature and urged Nigerians to await the analyses of the culprit voice recorder (Black Box) on the flight.

The airline said it was imperative to set the records straight as experts in the industry have continued to adduce reasons for the crash of the MD 83 aircraft following the transcription of the control tower conversation with the pilot.

By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor, Aviation Correspondent

Mrs. Oduah informed the President in a preliminary report that the loss of two engines caused the crash.

But Dana Air Director of Flight Operations Captain Oscar Wason, who spoke at a news conference in Lagos, explained that though the pilot reportedly declared failing engine during his emergency report to the air traffic controllers, it was unprofessional to reach such Continued on Page 4

KASHIM IBRAHIM-IMAM writes on Dan Maje Sanusi PAGE 5

•NEWS EXTRA P17 SPORTS P23 •POLITICS P43 •MONEY LINK P51 •PEOPLE P25

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

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NEWS THE DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

Nigeria has no Mr Tunji Oketumbi, Head, Public Affairs, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), explains factors that could result in air crashes. Assistant Editor (Investigations) JOKE KUJENYA met him

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•Lagos State Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola briefing reporters on efforts to ensure timely release of bodies of victims of the Dana Air plane crash...yesterday. With him are: Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba (right), his Special Duties counterpart, Dr. Wale Ahmed (left) and Environment Commissioner Mr. Tunji Bello (second left)

•Rivers State Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru (middle) during a condolence visit to Mrs. Nkechinyere Abbey-Kalio (second right), who lost her husband in the Dana Air plane crash at their Port-Harcourt home...yesterday. With them are: Dr Sampson Parker (right) and Dr Mina Ikuru

AST reports of aviation mishap probes

As a matter of fact, they are often made public. And if you go to our website, you will find loads of past reports there that you can download. Yet, I agree with you that there are a few of the reports that have not come out. And they may come out late for several reasons. For one, accident investigations are not ‘instant coffee’. It is something that involves lots of processes. And one accident is different from the other. So, some of the processes could be elongated, especially where certain components or evidences are missing. And so, we usually need to look for all these components or evidences for all the investigations to be complete. Then, there are some high profile accident reports that some people are expecting to have been released. But we have done them and the government will soon release them to the best of my understanding. So, some of those in the past, the investigations have been completed and statutorily, we report to the President through the Aviation Minister, who had submitted them. However, there are some institutional challenges, I must admit. And we expect that those ones will be addressed in the amendments we are doing to our regulations.

AIB role in air mishap probe It is self-explanatory. From the name, it means we are the bureau that is saddled with the responsibility of investigating accidents. And the next thing one might be tempted to probe is what type of accidents do we investigate? Well, we investigate aircraft disasters. And according to Civil Aviation Act 2006, sub-section 29, AIB is a body charged with the task of investigating airliner calamities and every serious incident with a view to proffering safety recommendations that will be used in preventing re-occurrence.

Black boxes

•Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) Chairman Dr Steve Mahonwu, Secretary-General Capt. Muhammed Joji (middle) and Director, Flight Operator, Dana Air, Capt. Oscar Edward Wason (right) at a news conference on the crash of a Dana Air plane in Lagos... yesterday.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

•The site of the crash...yesterday

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

AIB is beyond having a black box inside airplanes. Black Box is just a tool for us at the AIB to conduct investigation. In itself, it is not enough in the instances of air mishaps. Now, there are usually two black boxes in every plane but they are co-located. The first one is the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), which gathers operational data from the systems in the aircraft. Then, there are censors in various parts of the airliners as well that garner all the information which are channelled to the FDR. It also provides investigators clues about speed, time, horizontal stability, vertical acceleration and problems with the two engines, if any, the avionics, control surfaces and several others. So, the FDR collects all these minute details as well as the parameters range from the eleven to perhaps over one hundred. All these are what help us in our investigations so we would be able to know whether or at what time or stage in the flight the engines packed up; is it one or the two engines that packed up at the same time...

So, FDR records moments before the crash from take-off point. As you know, no one, including the crew, survived the Sunday, June 3 DANA crash. So, how would we know what went wrong without the FDR.

Then, there is the second component, the Cock-pit Voice Recorder (CpVR), which records every bit of sounds in the cockpit. It records the conversations among the pilots and the entire crew, between the crew and the control tower, between the crew and another aircraft in case of crossing their respective pathways as well as between the crew and the ground station. Even when a pin drops, the CpVR picks the sound no matter how ‘silent’ it may be considered.

This is what usually helps us investigators to know the state of minds of the entire crew by what they say. Were they panicky or calm through it all? We will then download the data in these two components to be able to arrive at a verifiable conclusion. However, we can also know the conversations between the pilot and the control tower from the information gathered at the tarmac because we have another tape at the tower. And in this case, the information has been impounded for safety already.

Taking black boxes to the U.S. Good question. That is because we don’t have the laboratory to do the downloading here in Nigeria. Already, we have initiated the process of purchasing and setting up our own in Nigeria. We are hoping that if we get enough financial support from the government, we should be able to have this facility soonest.

A plane developing fault in the air without previous signs

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IRCRAFT are mechanical and anything perfunctory can develop problems without previous warnings. Just like we too, as humans, can develop issues anytime without prior warnings, let alone a mere machine. But largely, it also depends on what the problem with a particular airplane is. But you have to know that aircraft are built in such a way that most of their components have backups so that if one engine is faulty, for instance, the second helps till the plane gets to a very safe destination.

And it is also very rare for the two engines or components of any airline to develop problems at the same time. But if the two engines now happen to be lost at once in any situation, then, we have a very serious problem on our hands. And many other things have back-ups as well, which does not mean that they might not have problems. Once there is problem, they have been trained to quickly divert to an alternative airport close-by depending on where and when it happens.

Reasons planes go down If you want to classify that, we can say that over 80 per cent of air crashes is due to human errors. But the analyses from various data that have been supplied and which can be easily accessed from the Internet; crew error –that is, crew judgment, what they say, their actions or inactions, account for about over sixty per cent. But mechanical or air worthiness account for perhaps just about thirteen per cent while weather could account for a little percentage with prior caution from the control tower. But let me just say that human factors and we are not just limiting this to pilot errors, which also is an action that

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

3

NEWS THE DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

laboratory to read black boxes, says AIB Loss Adjusters arrive

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• Oketumbi

HE Insurance Loss Adjusters to evaluate the risk on the crashed Dana Air plane crash yesterday arrived from United Kingdom (UK), The Nation learnt.

It was also gathered that 70 per cent of the risk was covered by foreign insurers, while local insurers took 30 per cent.

The risk was covered locally by Prestige Assurance (Lead underwriter), NEM insurance, Sterling, Leadway Assurance and others.

General Manager, Commercial, Leadway Assurance Limited, Kunle Oyegunle, said his company got about 10 per cent of the 30 per cent ceded to local insurers.

He said efforts are being intensified to ensure the claims are paid promptly. He said the company awaits the reports from the Loss Adjusters to know the next line of action to take.

Oyegunle noted that the standard claims for each victim is $100,000, adding that the third party risks would also be settled ap-

By Chuks Udo Okonta

propriately.

Director-General, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Sunday Thomas, said passengers and residents of the crash site would be indemnified.

He said: “One thing that I can assure the public is the fact that the insurance companies that are involved in it would be alive to their responsibilities. Definitely, we are very confident of the fact, that they would do what they ought to do.

“I do not think there would be issues in terms of response. The consortium involved is already making arrangement to see how quickly they would address the issue and at least soothe the pains of the families that are affected. There is not going to be any delay in the settlement of the claims. Everybody is concerned, including the insurers, nobody knows the mishap was going to happen, and as it has happened and the aircraft was insured, the necessary arrangement of claims has to be done promptly.”

Demuren… The man in the eye of the storm He was called in to help restore confidence in the aviation industry at a time crashes were common. Now, it is the turn of Dr. Harold Demuren, as Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to answer questions over the Dana Air plane mishap

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OR the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, this is not the best of times.

Demuren came on board as the NCAA chief in December 2005, in the thick of the crisis of confidence facing the aviation industry, following series of air crashes between 2005 and 2006.

His mandate was to clear the rot in the sector, which was described by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a cesspit of corruption.

The task before the Russian and American-trained aeronautical engineer was how to curb sharp practices by airlines who operated planes better described as flying coffins.

But today, the man, whose appointment was seen as a step to cleanse the aviation sector and change the perception that the country’s airspace was unsafe for flight, is in the eye of the storm. He has been asked by the upper chamber of the National Assembly to step aside to pave the way for a probe into Sunday’s Dana Air plane crash in Iju-Ishaga, Lagos State. All 153 passengers aboard the aircraft died.

No fewer than 10 died on the ground.

In late 2005, there was loss of confidence in air travel and apathy because of two air disasters within seven weeks. Both incidents involved Bellview Airlines flight 210 which killed all 117 people on board on October 22 and Sosoliso Airlines flight 1145 which killed 105 of 108 passengers, including 61 Loyola Jesuit College pupils, on December 10, 2005.

Those tragic incidents forced the Federal Government to appoint Demuren as the head of the NCAA. After his appointment, Demuren took on the challenge of reforming the sector and restoring the lost con-

fidence to the industry drawing up a strategic short, medium and long term plans anchored on safety, security and satisfaction of passengers.

He introduced a safety reform agenda which enthroned professionalism, integrity and transparency in the conduct of aviation business.

In December 2009, Demuren was the first to provide vital information to the public on facts leading to Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab’s failed attempt as the “Christmas Day Bomber”. These included how Farouk bought his ticket in Accra, Ghana on KLM Airlines, proceeded on December 24 through the normal screening and check-in process and had his US Visa scanned through the Advance Passenger Information System, which returned a ‘no-objection’ report.

Demuren also defended the airport security system by promptly providing information and footage, demonstrating the advance security and technological solutions deployed by the country.

The global community was astonished at the details and depth of the information provided by Nigeria in contrast to its reputation for chaos and mediocrity.

Following this incident and in order to enhance safety and security, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos became one of the first worldwide to deploy Full Body scanners and Explosive Detection Systems.

On August 23, 2010, Nigeria attained American Federal Aviation Administration International Aviation Safety Assessment (FAA IASA) Category One Certification. This allows direct flights from Nigeria to Continental United States.

Prior to his appointment in 2005, there were no direct flights between

Nigeria and the US. But today, there are now several direct flights between Nigeria and U.S. destinations including Atlanta, New York, Washington D.C., and lately Houston.

Demuren, who bagged his Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Aircraft Gas Turbine & Jet Propulsion Engines in 1975, was recruited from the U.S.A

to join the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Nigeria in 1976 . In August 1995, he was ‘forced’ into retirement because of his ‘strict adherent to safety’.

After retirement, he worked as Aviation Consultant and later formed Afrijet Airlines in 1998. He ran the cargo airline before he was called back to restore confidence in the sector.

is triggered by certain cumulative effects due to a chain of reactions.

What I am saying is that fatality is not just the exact result of the action taken at the point of attempts to avert crisis. We cannot rule out the possibility of an error from the air

traffic controller. If you recall the accident involving an ADC Airline in 1995 at Ejinrin in Lagos, it began remotely by the action of the air traffic controller who mistakenly directed two aircraft along the same path. They both were com-

ing against each other. But fortunately, there was Traffic Avoidance Collision System mechanism on the airplanes. So it started beeping to the entire crew alerting them: ‘You got traffic... Climb or go low...’ The takers are made to sound audibly so the

plane crew can hear it. So, in the process of avoiding the collision, they might have pressed a wrong button and the plane crashed. So, that was a human error that started with the human traffic controller who had forgotten that he cleared two air-

craft to tow the same air ways. Although he later corrected himself, but it was the crew error that eventually caused the crash. They agreed to go to a certain level against the advice of the air traffic controller who also was telling them to go to a particular flight level.

And by the time he went to the level suggested by his own crew, he encountered another unavoidable traffic. And in the process of avoiding the new traffic, there was a collision.

Safety of the Nigerian airspace

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HE Nigerian air space is very safe. But there are a lot of is sues involved. One, aviation is a regulated industry. And you cannot say because there is one accident, you then declare our airspace unsafe. Several things contribute to either air or land accidents. Coupled with human error, weather, training, organisational challenges in airline management, infrastructural deficiencies, but in the last few years, since 2006, in particular that Nigeria had a spate of accidents, the government tried to beef up in the area of infrastructure. So now, we have good radar system, air space lightings, Instrument Landing System (ILA), that is the equipment that helps the plane to be aligned to the centreline of the runway and navigational needs that could enhance safety in our flight operations. And though things may not be perfect yet, but then, if the subsisting rules and regulations are complied with, weather conditions are well observed and cautions adhered to, there would be minimal air accidents. But no one can totally eradicate occasional accidents anywhere in the world.

Responses to emergency That is a different thing entirely and not just an aviation problem alone. This has become our general nuance. And it has to do with what has become somehow ‘cultural’ with the way we run things in our country. What I mean is that our state of preparedness is abysmal.

We don’t prepare ahead for emergencies in the country as a lifestyle until we have situations on hand.

We don’t plan ahead or envisage eventualities. So, slow responses to emergencies are not just about aviation; but about us as a nation and as a people. An overall approach is to look at the state of our fire fighters and emergency agencies at the moment and upgrade them in readiness for battles. There is a particular agency invested with the law to manage emergencies –NEMA –but what is the level of equipments and training of the concerned officials you may want to ask? We also have the aeronautical search and rescue officials. And everything in aviation is guided by rigorous rules and regulations but what we need is more coordination and enforcement.

Averting future crashes Dr. Demuren

We must understand that aviation is not a local business. It is an international venture that is guided by strict volumes of standard procedures and practices. So, if these stipulations are not violated but duly followed to the latter, conscientiously and diligently, and firmly enforced, we will barely have accidents or in the least, minimal crashes. The industry is evolving every day, regularly introducing fresh regulations and initiatives, Safety Management Systems (SMS), so that each airline operator will passionately embrace safety in the way they run their businesses. All that is now required is for each organisation to follow these rules in their daily operations and management systems.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

NEWS

•President Goodluck Jonathan right receiving letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Bangladesh, NUR Mohammed with them is the foreign Minister Ambassador Olugbenga Aashiru at the State House Abuja Yesterday.

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN

•National Leader of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (left) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) 2011 Presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) at a meeting in Kaduna…yesterday. Story on Page 12

Anxiety grips travellers over age of aircraft

Dana Air: engine failure not responsible Continued from Page 1

conclusions.

Wason said there could be regulatory approval for a pilot to fly an aircraft with a single engine, so long as it has the capacity to take the aircraft to the next airport for an emergency landing.

He affirmed that as much as Dana Air is set to fully cooperate with investigators, it is totally unacceptable for people to speculate on the cause of the crash as doing that could jeopardise the outcome of the investigation.

Wason denied that the ill- fated aircraft was carrying out a “ ferry” or test flight when it crashed. It is against regulatory approval for any airline to carry passengers with an aircraft on a test flight.

He said : “ We cannot, at the moment, determine the cause of the crash, as people have been engaged in speculations that the failure of the two engines caused the crash. That is not true; those are mere speculations. Even an aircraft could fly with one engine , in the

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event that the alternate engine packs up, to fly it to the next airport for an emergency landing. From what we heard, the pilot reported engine failure to the control tower, while he was declaring emergency. It is not clear that the pilot said it was the two engines, whether the engine on the left or right side. That is only one account.

“We need to wait for the parameters of the black boxes to tell us what happened to the aircraft,” Wason said.

He debunked the rumour that the pilot tried to jump out of the aircraft, saying: “ It is wrong that the two engines packed up. Everybody on board died at the point of impact; even the pilot was burnt beyond recognition.

Thus, it is wrong for anybody to say that the pilot tried to jump out of the aircraft.”

All passengers, including those whose names were not on the manifest, will be compensated as long as their familiy members can identify the bodies and fulfill all the conditions of documentation for

insurance,” he said.

Wason gave the nationality of the passengers and crew members on board as: Four Americans, including three children of the Anyene family, that were born in the United States, and the pilot.

Others are Lebanese, French Canadian and Chinese citizens.

Wason siad Dana Air has been sourcing its spare parts for all its MD 83 aircraft for major repairs at a maintenance repair and overhaul facility at Mytechnic Engineering in Istanbul Turkey, where Turkish Airlines carries out its checks, in addition to a facility in Madrid, where Iberia Airlines carries out its checks.

He added that nothing is wrong with the MD 83 aircraft that Dana Air flies, as there are over 900 of the aircraft type older than the ones in its fleet flown by both American and Delta Airlines in the United States .

On the controversy over the manifest, Wason said: “ The gap that existed in the passenger manifest arose from booking issues, as some passengers

Continued from Page 1

•Mrs. Oduah that were booked to fly during the pre- flight stage did not turn up.

“We had another passenger manifest, which is the post flight manifest. The variation or gap in the list was due to booking issues.

“The aircraft that crashed is not the same aircraft that had a technical problem in Uyo. And it was not on a ferry flight, as speculated.”

He spoke of plans by Dana Air to send relief materials to the families that have been displaced as a result of the crash, adding that 35 persons have been slated to receive such assistance materials.

‘Bodies for DNA tests abroad’

ELATIVES of victims of last Sunday’s Dana Air crash will have to wait longer than expected (between 31-45 days) to collect their bodies, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) said yesterday.

But Governor Babatunde Fashola urged families of the deceased to be patient with the government.

LASUTH Chief Medical Director Prof. Wale Oke said samples collected for Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) will be examined abroad and the results released.

Oke said the hospital would not be liable to any litigation, in case bodies are taken away by wrong families.

“Now, the problem we have is with the bodies that are unidentifiable because if you don’t get the genetic markings, you can say A belongs to B. So, those would probably take up to six weeks because we are going to send tissues outside the country for analyses,” he said.

Their DNA, Oke noted, will be sent abroad in batches.

This will include those of the

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha, Wale Adepoju and Damilola Owoyele

unidentifiable and Dana Air crew before families can be allowed to take their bodies.

He said this was why people were a little bit agitated, adding that the hospital had mandated that certain papers be sorted out before the actual process started. “For example, enough DNA forms have to be printed so that when we start we won’t stop,” he said.

On why the process was delayed, Oke said, there are issues surrounding some of the bodies, which had to be attended to, adding that the pathologists were not immediately present to sort out the issues.

“Prof John Obafunwa, who is the Forensic Pathologist and Chief Medical Examiner of Lagos State, had to be at the interview but wanted to supervise the DNA himself. So, we had to wait to sort those out before going for the DNA. Now, the DNA process has started and what it involves is that we are asking the father and mother of the deceased to come so that we

take the specimen. If, in the absence of those, the siblings, such as brothers and sisters, can also come in. And in the absence of the four, we can talk about the children.”

Oke said the hospital wanted the father and mother, as much as possible to be the donor of the specimen because they are closer to the individual in terms of genetic materials than the siblings. This, he added, is because the genetic material of the father and mother make up the child.

“Ideally, if we get the father and mother, we are able to get the perfect match. The match becomes less perfect as we go down that terrain. That is why we insist on parents.

Some of them don’t have their both parents around, which also caused some agitations, but we have cleared that matter. If they are not around immediately, we will take the samples of the person that is here and await the arrival of the other person.

“In the instance where the father and mother are deceased, then we have no choice but to take the siblings

and may be the children.

The sample being taken, he said, is the simple smear.

“There is a smear stick that has cotton wool at the end of it, which we will put into the mouth of the donor and swab it and in the process get cells from the individual. It is non-invasive. There will be no blood taken. Also, we are going to take the picture of the donor of the smear. This is because we want an image of the face because we may require that on the long term to match up with the picture of the deceased,” Oke said.

Other procedures being carried out, he said, include xrays. “We are also taking dental charts. All corpses, whether they are recognisable or not, will be x-rayed. We are going to x-ray all the limbs.

We are also going to x-ray anywhere there is fracture, the jaw and skull. Whether they are identifiable or not, we are going to do that. Also, tissues will be taken from the bodies so that we can match this up with the samples we are collecting from the relations,” he said.

Continued on Page 7

sick with what I read about the age range of the aircraft I had been flying.

“All my choice airlines have old fleet and I am so psychologically terrified that I do not feel like going on this trip again. Definitely, I will cancel my flight to Lagos .”

Another passenger, Mrs. Alaba Babatunde, said: “Oh God! I have been moving about in flying coffins. I cannot just come to terms with these revelations. I am really shocked. I am feeling bad.

“In the last 30 years, I have been flying but I have never come across these frightening statistics.”

Alhaji Ramalan Mohammed said: “I feel tempted to discontinue my journey with what I have read. I will discuss with my wife and children on the next step.

“I could not believe that we have 30 years old aircraft in Nigeria . The government should assist us to sanitize this sector.”

It was gathered that a reasonable number of passengers shelved their trips because of the aircraft age factor.

A counter clerk with one of the airlines said: “I cannot understand why some passengers decided to cancel their flights. They have been complaining of age of the aircraft.”

The Special Adviser on Media to the Aviation Minister, Mr. Joe Obi, however said: “Going by what some aviation experts said on AIT on Wednesday and the little I know, age has nothing to do so much with air worthiness.

The real issue is about maintenance. The Federal Government had taken proactive measures by banning aircraft above 22 years. The age does not have anything to do with worthiness of an aircraft, it is about maintenance.

“There is no need for panic by air travelers, the Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah, has been up and doing in ensuring that all relevant regulators live up to expectations before any aircraft takes off.

Our airspace is safe.”

Asked if the ministry is issuing fresh directives to airlines on safety, Obi said: “There are standing regulations which the NCAA and others have been enforcing. It is incumbent on the airlines to comply with these regulations and to look inward.”

On the AIB team going to the US for the analysis of the Black Box of the ill-fated aircraft of Dana Air, Obi said: “The team will leave Nigeria on Thursday night and we expect that within a reasonable time, they will be back with the cause of the crash.”

Lagos declares six missing Continued from Page 1

There were also two other visitors to the house at the time of the crash whose identities are not known, Oke-Osanyintolu said.

He reiterated government’s commitment to address the sufferings of the victims’ families, adding that necessary support will be given to ameliorate the suffering, trauma and destruction caused by any form of disaster in the State.

He said Governor Babatunde Fashola, who was personally at the scene of the disaster, immediately directed that a camp be open to accommodate all the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

•Fashola According to him, “The camp has since been opened at Ipaja areas for all displaced persons.”

The General Manager said the Agency had continued the clearing of debris and wreckages, as well as the fumigation, to avert diseases that could arise as a result of the disaster.

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

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

5

Dan Maje Sanusi: A truly deserved honour

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I despise the kind of existence that clings to the miserly trifles of comfort and selfinterest.”

The above are the truly remarkable words of one of the world’s greatest revolutionaries. But then, it could well have been uttered by one who dwells among us and is being deservedly honoured with the royal title of Dan Majen Kano on June 8th 2012 by the Emir of Kano, His Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero; one who has become so ubiquitous in our national life that it is hard to imagine that most Nigerians first heard of him when he accepted the challenge of a very crucial national assignment at an equally crucial period in our nation’s economic development.

Yet those of us who have known Sanusi Lamido Aminu Sanusi for most of his life bear witness that it was just the moment giving expression to the man: the public manifestation of the innate character of the man fondly called SLS by friends and associates. It was such character that created one of those few moments in history where the story cannot be told more impressively than by the event itself. As it is, it is difficult to exaggerate, even sufficiently express the significance of Sanusi’s first major task as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

I will return to his on-going national service at the CBN shortly, but first the beginning.

SLS was born in Kano on July 31, 1961 to Ambassador Muhammed Aminu Sanusi, CON, the seventeenth Chiroma of Kano under the Fulani, and Hajiya Saudatu Hussaini. His father had inherited the title of Chiroman Kano from his own father, the 11th Emir of Kano, Sir Muhammadu Sanusi. On his mother’s side, the new Dan Maje descended from a long line of Imams and Qadis (Judges).

Governor Sanusi holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University and a B.A. degree (1st Class Honours) in Shariah and Islamic Studies from the International University of Africa, Khartoum, Sudan. He is one of Nigeria’s leading public intellectuals with dozens of papers and articles delivered at seminars and conferences, locally and internationally and published in newspapers, books and journals. He has also been awarded honorary doctorate degrees by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the University of Jos, Bayero University Kano, the University of Benin, and Benue State University, Makurdi.

Prior to assuming office as Governor of the Central Bank, the new Dan Maje had reached the peak of his banking career as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, the largest bank in the country by total assets. His reputation in the industry as a first class manager, having earlier served as Chief Risk Officer in two of the largest banks in the country, United Bank for Africa Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Plc, was a major factor leading to his emergence first as

GUEST COLUMNIST KASHIM IBRAHIM-IMAM CEO of First Bank and later as Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria.

He assumed office as Governor of CBN in the middle of a global financial crisis that almost led to the collapse of the Nigerian banking system. When he chose to risk confrontation with the powerful interests in the banking sector, given the reality of the influence they wielded in both big business and state politics, those of us who knew him recognised the trademark of this man whose strong nerves are deceptively belied by his slight frame. But it was no less astounding. While the actions could be explained by his characteristic courage and commitment, it was not immediately predictable, from his equally cerebral disposition, that he would pick the biggest fight in the very first round.

But that is a high-risk but necessary intervention that offered our country one of those very rare distinctions of preventing a potential crisis from snowballing into a major disaster, even when financial sectors in the most developed economies were collapsing in the full glare of clueless regulators. The United States of America, one of the major theatres of the crisis that soon became a global contagion, wished they had a regulator who had the presence of mind, the guts and the expertise to act on time.

In inviting Sanusi to give testimony at the US Congress, Hon. Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman Sub-committee on International Monetary Policy and Trade of the United States Congress, said: “we were fascinated by the CBN Governor, and impressed by the tough, decisive and transparent actions that he and his colleagues had taken in Nigeria in a way that many Americans wish had also been done here with the leaders of financial institutions that benefited from tax-payer funded bail-outs.”

In naming him the best Central Bank Governor in Africa in 2010 and 2011, Emerging Markets, a publication of Euromoney similarly noted that: “it is somewhat ironic that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s radical and hard-line reforms of Nigeria’s banking system have earned him the approval of even Western regulators and politicians, many of whom have fallen short in their own efforts to rein-in their country’s financial excesses.” And in crowning him as Global/African Central Bank Governor of the Year 2011, The Banker Magazine (a publication of the Financial Times of London) paid tribute to

him in the following words: “In the last 18 months that Mallam Sanusi has been in office, he has salvaged a crumbling Nigerian financial sector, including implementing reforms that have put Africa’s most promising market back on the map for investors globally.”

But unlike most revolutionaries and reformers, Sanusi has not, would not, let his life be described by the one, big, story of rescuing the banking sector. Even more remarkably, his hunger and desire has not been driven by the pursuit of personal glory. Obviously not. That he would take positions on very contentious national issues like the fuel subsidy, a position that was not (has not been) the popular one and given the passion of the debate, clearly shows how the man’s life has been driven entirely by his convictions, and little else. Once he is convinced about the rightness of a cause, he would not shy from embracing the road least taken. He is never afraid of walking alone. This is a rare trait in our public life these days when people in authority are eager to play to the gallery. It is a fast-vanishing but needed leadership quality, which Sanusi, happily, has in good measure.

Another remarkable attribute of our SLS is his simplicity and humility, despite that he actually carries the proverbial blue blood in his vessels.

Every single drop of it. Yet he has not let the nobility of his birth confine him to the comfort of entitlement. He has worked hard for and earned everything that has come his way. Beyond that, this is one prince blessed with a relentless hunger for social change—one who is privileged to have the good life but who desires the good society instead. From my earliest memories of him, SLS has always held that promise.

The way he mixes spirituality and sociability is even more remarkable. Without doubt Sanusi takes his faith seriously. But in practice, he has demonstrated in his personal life how entirely possible it is to pay Godly dues without holding back from Caesar. SLS led us in the Jummat congregational prayers in King’s College reciting memorial verses from the Holy Qur’an: •Qad Aflahal Mumineen •Allazinahum fi Salaatihim Khashi’uun •Wallazinahum Annilagwi Mu’riduun •Wallazinahum Lizzakatil Fa’iluun •Wallazinahum Lifrujihim Hafizuun Meaning •Successful indeed are the believers •Those who humble themselves in prayers

•And those who avoid vain talk •And those who pay the stated alms •And those who guard their chastity And when it was time to give unto Caesar, he would wear his disco dress, especially the James Brown trousers and the six-inch highheels shoes fashionable in years gone, and boogie down like no man’s business in those good old days when songs were composed, to the heart wrenching soul of the Barrabas hit track ‘Desperately’: I love you desperately, I fell in love with you hopelessly.

With great nostalgia those “excuse me dance” boogie days, the most memorable words of Davis of ‘the real thing’ singing ‘You to me are everything’ You are the sweetest song that I have ever sung.

I will pluck the stars out of the sky for you I will stop the rain from falling if you ask me to I will move the mountains....

I won’t be surprised if he is twisting to those songs. This is the picture that I have retained of him nearly forty years on as he has not changed one bit.

It is surprising that some are desperately trying to hang a fundamentalist tag on Sanusi’s neck. Those making this unfair characterization either do not know the man or are deliberately mischievous. The Sanusi I know is not and cannot be a fundamentalist. On the contrary, the Sanusi that I know is a totally openminded and completely detribalized Nigerian; a public servant with an unquestionable commitment, passion and conviction; a professional true and true; a brother and friend who has, through his uncommon accomplishment, made the people of Kano and the people of Nigeria proud; and a prince eminently deserving of this special honour.

It is even more significant, that the title has its historical roots in the recognition of service and personal integrity. In all that Sanusi has done and would be remembered for both at home and abroad, the story cannot be complete without acknowledging the critics and controversies. But to this day, none has questioned his integrity. No one dares. It is the only way he has retained a burning desire to cause change, even if it means upsetting the social order, and without fear of personal consequences. So while such a title undoubtedly carries its glory for the recipient, it is hard not to also realise how much personal value Sanusi Lamido Aminu Sanusi would bring to it. It is also hard not to acknowledge that for Sanusi, the occasion is less a recognition for great achievement than an opportunity for greater service: it is the character of the man. And this is just the beginning.

•Ibrahim-Imam is former Presidential Adviser on Senate to former President Olusegun Obasanjo

NEWS

Sylva gets bail over alleged N2.45billion fraud •Ex-Bayelsa State Governor barred from travelling abroad From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

•Sylva

A

FEDERAL High Court, Abuja, yesterday granted former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva N100 million bail with one surety in like sum.

He is facing a six-count charge slammed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged criminal conspiracy and conversion of state’s properties and resources amounting to N2.45 billion while in office.

Granting his application,

Justice Adamu Bello said he was persuaded by the argument of his lawyer, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) “as well as the contents of the affidavit in support of the bail application and hereby exercise the discretion of the court in favour of the applicant.”

The Judge said the surety must be a resident of Abuja and must be an owner of a landed property worth the bail sum.

He also ordered that the title document of the property must be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar for verification before the release of the applicant from custody”.

The court also ordered the accused to deposit his traveling document with the DCR and that he cannot travel without the permission of the court.

The matter was adjourned till September 19 for trial.

In the charge filed by Festus Keyamo, Sylva allegedly perpetrated the illegal act through proxies under the false pretence of using the amount to augment salaries of the Bayelsa State Government.

The alleged offences are contrary to Sections 14(1) and 17(a) and punishable under Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2004.

They are also contrary to Sections 1(1)(b) and 8(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2004.

The proxies allegedly used by the former governor are one Habibu Sani Maigidia, a Bureau De Change Operator with Account No. 221433478108, in Fin Bank, Plc; Enson Benmer Limited with Account No. 6152030001946, in

First Bank, Plc and John Daukoru with Account No. 04800250000418, in United Bank for Africa, Plc. One of the charges read: •That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, sometime between October, 2009 and February, 2010, at various places in Nigeria, including Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court did conspire to commit a crime to wit: conversion of properties and resources amounting to N2,000,000,000.00 (Two Billion Naira) belonging to Bayelsa State Government and derived from an illegal act, with the aim of concealing the illicit origin of the said amount and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act), 2004 and punishable under Section 14(1) of the same Act.

‘NNPC not aware of House report’

T

HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) last night said it is not yet aware of a report by the House of Representatives Joint committees on Finance, Petroleum Upstream, Petroleum Downstream, and Gas Resources which has asked it to refund N3.o98trillion to the Federation Account.

It also said it is undaunted in its resolve to continue to render its statutory duties.

In a statement, its acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Fidel Pepple, said it would not dwell on speculation on the report.

The statement said: “The attention of the NNPC Management has been drawn to some Newspaper reports which alleged that the Corporation has failed

From: Yusuf Alli, Abuja

to remit the sum of N3.098 Trillion to the Federation account between 2004 – 2011.

“The said report is alleged to be part of a recommendation of the House of Representatives Joint committees on Finance, Petroleum Upstream, Petroleum Downstream, and Gas Resources.

“NNPC is undaunted in its resolve to continue to render her statutory duties to the nation while contributing more than 90 per cent of the nation’s foreign earning,” he noted.

He advised the media to always crosscheck facts before going to press especially in view of the damage that unsubstantiated reports could do to the corporation, the industry and the nation.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

6

NEWS THE DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

Fashola explains delay in release of victims’ bodies to families L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday explained why the government has not released bodies of the victims of last Sunday’s Dana Air plane crash to their families.

The governor, who spoke with reporters at the Government House, Ikeja, said his administration is mindful of the cultural and religious issues involved in the matter, adding that he was being cautious not to release wrong bodies to families.

He said: “We are mindful of the cultural and religious issues involved. But the real problem that is on our hands at present is how to identify the bodies. There is a big risk of releasing the wrong bodies to the wrong families.

“It is unfortunate that this accident has happened and that it happened in our state. And one can imagine the trauma and the grief that rela-

By Miriam Ndikanwu

tives of the victims are going through at this moment. We are doing all the best that we can to help them through this period of grief.

“Ordinarily, it is an aviation matter and a matter for the airline operators. But it has brought with it so many complexities.”

Fashola appealed to relatives of the victims to show understanding as to why things cannot be done as quickly as they would have expected.

He said: “We have no reason at all to delay the release of the bodies of the victims to their relatives but the problem is identification.

“And not all doctors can conduct the autopsy; it is only the pathologist who can conduct the exercise. We

are working round the clock and that if it is possible today, they would commence the release of the bodies to their relatives.

“The process of identification requires serious investigation. But we understand the pain the relatives are going through at this moment.

“And what we intend doing is to relieve them of the pains and that is why we think that it is important to give the pathologists some time to engage in the sorting process which will lead to proper identification of the bodies.”

The governor said there is more damage in giving the bodies to the wrong relatives.

He said the government has engaged the services of other profes-

sionals to fast track the process.

Fashola said: “We have called for help where necessary in order to assist the doctors in the exercise.

We know that this will further help to speed up the identification process.

“We are also making some consultations that will assist the relatives in burying their loved ones.

We are speaking to religious leaders to assist in the burial process.

We are also speaking to the undertakers and making resources available for the entire process.

“We are ready to go, but held up by the difficulty of identification.

We want to be as practical as possible in the identification process.

“It is only with patience and constant communication that we can find our way through this. And come to what I hope will be a satisfactory state that will help families to bury their dead.”

Achievers University condoles with NUC THE Vice-Chancellor, Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Prof.

Adebayo Odebiyi, has expressed the condolence of the Council, Management, staff and students of the University to Prof. Julius Okojie, the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), which lost five senior members of staff to last Sunday’s Dana Plane crash in Lagos.

The Vice-Chancellor said the news of the involvement of five officials of the commission, including the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Private Universities, Prof.Celestine Onwuliri in the crash was received with shock.

He, therefore, on behalf of the council, management, staff and students of Achievers University commiserated with Okojie, the staff of the commission and the families of the bereaved staff.

Odebiyi described the loss as an unquantifiable loss, not only to the commission and the family members but also to the nation.

He urged the staff of NUC and the families of the deceased “to take solace in the fact that they died on active service to the country with a view to contributing their quota to the uplift of the society.”

Senator mourns friend, cousin From Chris Oji, Enugu

• From left: Sachdev,Nnaji, CEO, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company O.C Akamnanu and others at the crash site...yesterday

Suntai, Romania, India, Nnaji mourn crash victims

T

ARABA State Governor Danbaba Suntai, governments of Romania and India, Minister of Power Prof. Barth Nnaji and Maj-Gen Adamu Tubase Ibrahim have commiserated with the families of the victims of the Dana plane crash.

Suntai said: “Although, the entire nation is mourning, Taraba State is particularly saddened by the demise of Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) John Ahmadu (rtd), Abubakar Abana, Sarah Mshelia and Lt. Colonel Ali Yusuf.

He said: “All stakeholders in the aviation industry must ensure that air travels become safer in Nigeria.”

Gen. Ibrahim, a former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Enugu, said he received the news of the crash, which killed 153 persons in Lagos, with shock.

He said: “I lost a close friend, brother and business partner, Mr. Stamford Obrutse among other high profile Nigerians to the air crash.

“Some of these disasters in the air, land and water could be prevented, if our roads and vehicles plying them are well maintained; if our aircraft are maintained and if our ships and boats plying the waters are maintained. The Nigerian government should do something positively fast.”

The Romanian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Nicolae Moldoveanu, delivered his government’s message, when he paid a condolence visit to

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja, Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo and Yinka Aderibigbe

the Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed in his office yesterday.

Moldoveanu said: “Unfortunately, I have to use this occasion to convey the condolences of the people and government of Romania and my personal condolences to the people of Nigeria, first to the President of Nigeria, and to the bereaved families. We pray that it will not happen again.”

Nnaji, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Mahesh Sachdev and spokesman for the Presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, were among high profile personalities who visited the crash site yesterday.

Nnaji said: “Like many other Nigerians, I know so many people affected in this crash. Many of them are my very dear friends; so, I feel devastated like so many other people who have been here or who have read of this development in the media. My only prayer is for God to strengthen all those who are affected the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Nnaji said government has put in place measures to ensure that this sort of disaster does not happen again.

The Indian envoy, Sachdev, said he came to the site as a mark of respect for all Indians involved in the crash.

‘

Like many other Nigerians, I know so many people affected in this crash.

Many of them are my very dear friends; so, I feel devastated like so many other people who have been here or who have read of this development

‘

Sachdev said: “We have our nationals inside the plane and they all perished here. That is why we came here to pay our last respect to their memory and also to convey the official condolences of our government and the people of India on this very devastating crash. We hope that all lessons that needed to be learnt

would be learnt to prevent a recurrence of this kind of incident.”

Odumakin described the disaster as a wake-up call on leaders to address the rot in the aviation sector and other sectors.

Odumakin, who said Nigerians have had enough of emotional talks from their leaders, said: “At this stage, all Nigerians must insist that this is the last time this kind of thing happened here. We cannot afford to be losing our people this way. If it is true that some of the aircrafts flying our airspace are as old as 30 years, then, something is wrong with our supervisory agencies in the aviation industry. It is completely unacceptable that Nigerians are made to fly in aeroplanes that are mere accidents waiting to happen. Look, the one that crashed here was said to have a long history of unreliability. Alaska Airlines that sold it to Dana was said to have parked it for over four years before finally selling it to Dana in 2009.

“Let Mr President know that Nigerians are comforted in his words that this crash would be probed but they must see that sanctions actually follow. We do not elect them to be mourners-in-chief, they were elected as our commander in chief. We don’t want tears, we want action. That is what could better suit the memory of these people who have been sacrificed for the corruption going on in the country.”

CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Works, Ayogu Eze, has described as devastating the death of his cousin and childhood friend, Dr. Goddy Ike Abugu in the Dana Air plane crash.

Eze, in a statement in Enugu, said he has been in shock since he heard the news of the death of Dr. Abugu, who he described as an enterprising and a highly resourceful young man.

Recalling that since returning from Moscow, Russia, where he trained as a metallurgical engineer, Abugu’s spirit of industry and innovation had led to his emergence as the immediate past National President of the National Association of Small Scale Industries (NASSI).

Lamenting that his death has exposed his very young family to sudden grief, the senator urged the government to sustain the current effort to unravel the cause of this regrettable crash to ensure that those responsible for his death and that of other illustrious Nigerians would not go unpunished.

Eze described him as a visionary, who was determined to leave his footprints on Nigeria’s development and growth.

Monumental loss, says Ibadan indigenes From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

THE Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has described last Sunday’s Dana Air plane crash in Lagos as a monumental loss to the country.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Seye Ogunsina, the council said: “The President and the entire memberclubs of CCII hereby commiserate with the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the nation in general on the ill-fated plane crash in Lagos that occurred on Sunday.

“This is a monumental loss to the nation. Therefore, we urge the President to make good his promise to ensure that thorough investigation is carried out to unravel the cause (s) of the accident.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

7

NEWS THE DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

How to prevent air disaster, by Tinubu

N

ATIONAL Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has urged the Federal Government to provide the mandatory standard double runway at the nation’s airports and make the airspace safe.

Tinubu spoke on last Sunday’s crash of a Dana Air plane in IjuIshaga, a Lagos suburb.

He advised the government to tighten regulations and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Speaking on a three-day national mourning declared by President Goodluck Jonathan, the former Lagos State governor noted that thorough investigations into the Dana plane crash and the implementation of the recommendations of previous reports are the panacea to a recurrence.

According to him, though Nigeria is not Africa’s biggest aviation hub, it has recorded five deadly air disasters within

10 years.

In a statement by his media office in Lagos, Asiwaju Tinubu said: “Nigeria is not the biggest hub in Africa; yet, it has recorded some of the most preventable air disasters. In the past decade, we have had five deadly disasters.

“The only way Nigerians can be spared further heart-wrenching aircraft disasters is for the government to get to the root cause of the problem. As we come out of the three-day national mourning, the agonies and pains of those that lost loved ones continue. Nigeria also continues to suffer a haemorrhage in terms of the lives lost and the national reputation and economic attraction ruptured.

“The only way to check similar mishaps is for the government to carry out thorough investigations into the Dana Air crash and immediately make public all the previous panel reports on similar air disasters.

This must not be a convenient excuse for making scape goats of some people.

“The government must, of necessity, tighten regulations and ensure standards, revalidate the operational licences and aircraft worthiness of all operating aircraft and enforce compliance in all aspects of air operations.

“Let me warn that we cannot afford to sleep at the switch this time. To go to sleep after a few weeks and return to our normal lives will be most tragic.

“The present government most put on the front burner the issue of sanitising our aviation system and ensuring that aircraft are in good shape.

“Also, we cannot afford to misplace our priorities in this matter. A case where billions of naira are being expended on airports’ arrival halls when all our airports lack the mandatory standard double runaways, when the runaway lights are dull and inadequate

and the air control tower lacks latest equipment, is unacceptable.

“It is a crash misjudgement.

Nigerians would trade safety and comfort in the air and on the runways to white elephant projects all over our airports.

“With the huge revenue coming to the government, there is no reason our airspace and runways should not be safe. Given the fact that for every N25 paid by a passenger, N11 goes to the Federal Government in one form or another, not to talk of the several billions of dollars accruing to the government coffers through the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).”

The former governor condoled with the victims’ families and friends, saying the pains of the deaths would linger in the memories of those who lost their loved ones.

He prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in peace and God to grant unto their relatives the fortitude to bear the loss.

Age of aircraft flying in Nigeria Aero Contractors Current Fleet 5N-BIZ 24558 1845 Boeing 737-4B7 01-02-2007 N436US 22.2 Years 5N-BJA 24873 1931 Boeing 737-4B7 05-2007 N446US lsf Jet Partners LLC 21.7 Years 5N-BJO 534 De Havilland Canada DHC-8-311Q Dash 8 Y50 2302-2007 C-FLGJ lsd 12.9 Years 5N-BKQ 26695 2423 Boeing 737-522 28-08-2008 VP-BSW lsf GECAS 19.4 Years 5N-BKR 26699 2485 Boeing 737-522 14-08-2008 VP-BSX lsf GECAS 19 Years 5N-BLC 26692 2421 Boeing 737-522 26-09-2008 VP-BSV 19.4 Years 5N-BLD 26675 2345 Boeing 737-522 10-08-2008 VP-BSU lsf GECAS 19.9 Years 5N-BLE 26672 2343 Boeing 737-522 02-04-2009 VP-BSQ 19.9 Years 5N-BLG 25387 2179 Boeing 737-522 28-08-2011 VP-BTI 20.5 Years 5N-BLH 25383 2146 Boeing 737-522 Due VP-BTG lsf WFBN 20.7 Years 5N-BOB 24232 2060 Boeing 737-42C 26-03-2012 EI-CWE lsf AWAS 21 Years 5N-BOC 24814 2270 Boeing 737-42C 17-10-2011 EI-CWF lsf AWAS 20.2 Years Air Nigeria Current Fleet 5N-VNC 29338 3114 Boeing 737-33V C16Y100 02-06-2010 GEZYN lsf GECAS 13 Years 5N-VND 29337 3113 Boeing 737-33V C16Y100 02-06-2010 GEZYM lsf GECAS 13 Years 5N-VNE 29340 3121 Boeing 737-33V C16Y100 02-06-2010 G-EZYP lsf GECAS 12.8 Years 5N-VNF 29341 3125 Boeing 737-33V C16Y100 08-07-2010 OEIAF lsf CAT 12.7 Years 5N-VNG 29342 3127 Boeing 737-33V C16Y100 02-06-2010 OEIAI lsf GECAS 12.6 Years 5N-VNH 19000210 Embraer ERJ-190AR (ERJ-190-100 IGW) C12Y84 02-06-2010 PT-SGT 5N-VNI 19000226 Embraer ERJ-190AR (ERJ-190-100 IGW) C12Y84 02-06-2010 PT-SHM 5N-VNJ 28558 2876 Boeing 737-36N C16Y100 16-08-2010 N542MS lsf GECAS 15.2 Years 5N-VNK 27469 2864 Boeing 737-33A C16Y100 15-11-2010 N901AS lsf AerSale Inc 15.3 Years 5N-VNL 27910 2873 Boeing 737-33A C16Y100 15-11-2010 N902AS lsf AerSale Inc 15.2 Years 5N-VNM 25375 2598 Boeing 737-4Q8 03-08-2011 TC-TJD lsf ILFC 18.2 Years SU-GCI 696 Airbus A330-243 C24Y244 13-05-2012 F-WWYR lsf EgyptAir Papa Do 6.7 Years Arik Air Current Fleet 5N-BKU 4207 De Havilland Canada DHC-8-402Q Dash 8 C10Y62 14-10-2009 C-FPPU Christopher 5N-BKV 4219 De Havilland Canada DHC-8-402Q Dash 8 C10Y62 06-11-2009 C-FSRN Cyprian 5N-JEA 15058 Canadair CL-600-2D24 Regional Jet CRJ-900ER C10Y65 02-10-2006 C-FHRH 5N-JEB 15059 Canadair CL-600-2D24 Regional Jet CRJ-900ER C10Y65 02-10-2006 C-FHRK 5N-JEC 15054 Canadair CL-600-2D24 Regional Jet CRJ-900ER C10Y65 02-10-2006 C-FGNB 5N-JED 15114 Canadair CL-600-2D24 Regional Jet CRJ-900ER C10Y65 31-03-2007 C-FMEP 5.4 Years 5N-MJC 33932 2234 Boeing 737-7BD(WL) C12Y119 14-06-2007 N1795B Martin 5.2 Years 5N-MJD 36073 2248 Boeing 737-7BD(WL) C12Y119 14-06-2007 N1787B Michael 5.2 Years 5N-MJE 34761 2401 Boeing 737-7GL(WL) Y149 25-11-2007 N737AV McTighe 4.7 Years 5N-MJF 34762 2427 Boeing 737-7GL(WL) Y149 04-12-2007 N737BV Queen of Angels 4.6 Years 5N-MJG 33944 2576 Boeing 737-7BD(WL) C12Y119 27-05-2008 N346AT Claudiana 4.2 Years 5N-MJH 36719 2589 Boeing 737-7BD(WL) C12Y119 27-05-2008 N347AT Margaret 4.2 Years 5N-MJI 28640 799 Boeing 737-76N(WL) C12Y112 04-02-2009 N740AL lsf GECAS City of Freetown 11.3 Years 5N-MJJ 28641 809 Boeing 737-76N(WL) C12Y112 04-02-2009

N741AL lsf GECAS 11.2 Years 5N-MJK 30830 855 Boeing 737-76N(WL) C12Y112 09-04-2009 N742AL lsf GECAS Ville De Niamey 11.1 Years 5N-MJN 35638 2789 Boeing 737-86N(WL) C16Y132 10-03-2009 N1796B lsf GECAS Eddington 3.4 Years 5N-MJO 35640 2819 Boeing 737-86N(WL) C16Y132 29-06-2009 N358MT lsf GECAS Augustine 3.3 Years 5N-MJP 38970 3030 Boeing 737-8JE(WL) C20Y126 28-10-2009 N1787B Sultan of Sokoto 2.8 Years 5N-MJQ 38971 3065 Boeing 737-8JE(WL) C20Y126 17-02-2010 City of Calabar 2.7 Years CS-TFW 910 Airbus A340-542 C36Y201 11-12-2008 F-WJKH lsf Hi Fly Our Lady of Perpetual Help 4 Years CS-TFX 912 Airbus A340-542 C36Y201 29-04-2009 F-WJKI lsf Hi Fly Captain Bob Hayes 3.9 Years Chanchangi Airlines Current Fleet 5N-BEV 22658 861 Boeing 737-217(A) 10-12-2004 C-GCPZ 30.2 Years 5N-BIF 23043 972 Boeing 737-282(A) C12Y88 21-11-2005 N233TM 29 Years 5N-BIG 23044 973 Boeing 737-282(A) 28-12-2005 N344TM 29 Years 5N-BIH 23046 981 Boeing 737-282(A) 28-12-2005 N789TM 22.9 Years 5N-BMB 25079 2016 Boeing 737-3J6 03-2009 B-2536 21.3 Years 5N-BMC 25089 2027 Boeing 737-3Z0 03-2009 B-2537 21.2 Years Dana Air Current Fleet 5N-DEV 49947 1900 McDonnell Douglas MD-83 C12Y128 11-052012 N934JM 20.9 Years 5N-JAI 53016 1850 McDonnell Douglas MD-83 C12Y128 21-082009 N968AS 21.2 Years 5N-SAI 53018 1779 McDonnell Douglas MD-83 C12Y128 30-082008 N943AS 21.7 Years 5N-SRI 53020 1789 McDonnell Douglas MD-83 C12Y128 04-082008 N947AS 21.6 Years First Nation Airways Current Fleet (Formerly Belview Airline) N-FNA 409 Airbus A320-212 07-04-2011 N409AG lsf ACG 19.3 Years 5N-FNB 466 Airbus A320-212 08-04-2011 N466AG lsf ACG 18.2 Years 5N-FNC 497 Airbus A320-212 10-04-2011 N997AG lsf ACG 17.7 Years IRS Airlines Current Fleet 5N-CEO 11295 Fokker F100 20-08-2004 N860US Hajiya Babba 22.3 Years 5N-HIR 11498 Fokker F100 22-01-2009 G-CFBU 18.4 Years 5N-SAT11293 Fokker F100 22-12-2010 PH-MJO 22.3 Years 5N-SIK 11286 Fokker F100 16-07-2010 SE-DUU 22.5 Years 5N-SMR 11291 Fokker F100 02-03-2010 SE-DUV 22.4 Years Kabo Air Current Fleet 5N-DKB 23548 644 Boeing 747-251B 22-10-2008 N637US 26.1 Years 5N-JJJ 19766 111 Boeing 747-136 01-2001 G-AWNF 41.3 Years 5N-JRM 23549 651 Boeing 747-251B 25-11-2008 N638US 25.9 Years 5N-PDP 20842 238 Boeing 747-238B 17-07-2001 G-VJFK 38.1 Years 5N-RRR 19765 109 Boeing 747-136 01-2001 G-AWNE 41.3 Years Max Air Current Fleet 5N-BMG 23638 658 Boeing 747-346 27-07-2009 JA8177 25.7 Years 5N-DBM 23968 693 Boeing 747-346 12-11-2008 JA8184 24.5 Years 5N-DDK 23967 692 Boeing 747-346 20-08-2009 JA8183 24.5 Years 5N-HMB 25067 857 Boeing 747-438 10-2011 VH-OJK 21.1 Years 5N-MBB 24018 694 Boeing 747-346 22-04-2009 JA8186 24.4 Years M-ANGA 14501086 Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy VIP 06-01-2012 VQ-BLU Overland Airways Current Fleet 5N-BCR 031 ATR 42-320 04-03-2005 F-WQNR cvtd -300 25.6 Years N-BND 363 ATR 42-320 27-10-2010 5H-PAP 18.7 Years Courtesy: Planespotters.net

AON raises alarm over ‘usurpation of AIB, NCAA functions’ by National Assembly

By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

A

IRLINE Operators of Nigeria (AON) yesterday raised the alarm on the alleged usurpation of the job of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) by the National Assembly.

The operators faulted the National Assembly for mandating its committees to set up investigative panels to probe the remote cause(s) of the Dana Air’s MD 83 plane crash in Lagos.

The chairman of the umbrella body of domestic airlines, Dr Steve Manhonwu, and its Secretary-General, Capt. Mohammed Joji told reporters in Lagos that government’s policy inconsistency and the 22-year age limit for aircraft have laid the foundation for the stunted growth of civil aviation in the country.

They said: “Undue interference by the National Assembly in issues of aircraft airworthiness and safety may derail civil aviation regulation by the statutory bodies saddled with the task.”

Joji, who spoke on behalf of AON, said until the Federal Government took a wholistic view at previous reports by the committees set up to look into aviation problem in Nigeria, panic measures and inconsistent policies rolled out after any disaster would further undermine the growth of aviation in Nigeria.

The aviation expert said the safety of any aircraft has nothing to do with the age of the airplane, provided the operators adhere strictly to the maintenance schedule of the plane.

He said the American authorities and other international bodies may withdraw the Category One status awarded Nigeria in August 2010, if the National Assembly and the Ministry of Aviation continue to interfere with the regulatory responsibilities of the NCAA and the AIB, which are supposed to do their jobs without political interference.

‘Bodies for DNA tests abroad’ Continued from page 4 The hospital would have released the identifiable bodies but on a second thought it, decided to delay it till all scientific examinations are completed “We were thinking that as soon as we completed the postmortem and do our x-rays we will release them. But then again we had a meeting with the state’s Ministry of Health, the Attorney-General of the state, Mr Ade Ipaye, the insurers of Dana Air with Dana Airline and because of the matter of claim is going to come up, we decided at the end of that meeting that it is better for everybody whether they are liable or not to have DNA. To be double sure that nobody is trying to claim a body wrongly, he said: “We also have put out a paper for those who are identifiable that certain bodies have been identified. These are the people claiming to be their relations, if you have anything against it say so, so that we do not give the body to the wrong family. That is out already. We are going to put that up within 48 hours, following which the body can be released.”

The list of names of the victims that had already been identified as well the relatives who identified them has been released.

The list is released for 48 hours so that other relatives who might want to claim a body that is already identified might do so. He said that the hospital did not want to release bodies to the wrong family so that no litigation is brought against LASUTH. When asked if such contention had happened, he said he wasn’t aware if such had taken place. But he said if there is such conflict, all measures would be employed to ascertain the identity of the victim beyond reasonable doubt. As at the time he spoke to journalists, he said more than 20 autopsies had been carried out.

Oke said: “The bodies will not be released, until the results come in. This is because bodies of the crew of the plane have to undergo specific tests such as to ensure that they were not intoxicated, that they are not using any drugs. You have to do those tests for the crew and as a matter of accident determination. And, as of now, we cannot identify the crew. So we have to be sure that whoever it is are only the crew and the right people.”

Representatives, friends and relations of the 52 identifiable bodies yesterday stage a mild protest over the delay of forensic processes at the hospital.

A friend to one of the victims, Mr. Gbenga Eguntola, who decried the delay with anguish said the forensic process started behind schedule.

Eguntola said: “We have been here since morning. They have scheduled 36 families for the DNA, but since 9:30 AM, the first two families that were called in for the process were yet to come out as at 1:00pm. He was at the mortuary as a representative of the family of the late Spokesman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Dr. Levi Ajuonuma.

However, the Chief Medical Director and the Chief Medical Examiner, Prof. John Obafunwa calmed the families down. Prof Oke, explained the processes to them.

Minister inaugurates crash panel

By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

T

O resolve the crisis of confidence in the aviation sector, following Dana Air plane crash last Sunday, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, will on Monday inaugurate a nine-member panel, chaired by Group Capt John Obakpolor.

The minister said the Technical and Administrative Review Panel would review the technical and administrative practices in all of Nigeria’s domestic scheduled airlines.

Princess Oduah, who spoke through her media assistant, Mr Joe Obi, explained that members of the panel are highly qualified aviation professionals with many years of experience.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

8

CITYBEATS Two brothers in A police net for alleged forgery

By Jude Isiguzo

THE Lagos State Police Command has arrested two brothers for alleged forgery.

The suspects, Oriyomi, 41, and Yinka Odutagbe, 20, were arrested following a tip-off.

They were allegedly involved in printing fake vehicle licences and other documents.

It was learnt that the operatives raided the office of the suspects at Public Works Department (PWD) Bus stop in Ikeja, Lagos, where they recovered the fake materials and equipment used in printing the documents for sale to the public.

The fake documents recovered from the suspects include, 364 pieces of forged Federal Government proof of ownership certificates, 88 pieces of Lagos State licensing payment card, also known as autoreg; 27 pieces of Federal Government of Nigeria certificate of road worthiness.

Others include 200 pieces of the Ogun State vehicle licence, 400 pieces of Federal Capital Territory Abuja vehicle licence, 100 pieces of the Ogun State road traffic regulation Hackney carriage licence and one Lagos State Ministry of Transportation (MOT) seal.

The suspects blamed their involvement in crime on poverty.

Oriyomi said: "I used to print signage for people, but the business was not lucrative and I could not fend for myself. One day, I met a guy called Adamu , who introduced me to the fake document business. I used to hang around the Shogunle vehicle licensing office, where I scout for customers.

I usually tell them I can help them get the document faster and cheaper, and then I will get the fake document for them."

He said he usually got customers because his documents were cheaper than the official ones.

He said: "You know people usually do not want to wait and they do not want to pay for the documents; so I usually have no problem persuading them to patronise me, for example the autoreg is worth like N1, 500 but we can sell the fake ones for 200; we usually sell our fake document between the range of N200 and N250 as the case may be, whereas the official amount can be as much as N1,500."

When asked if he knew anything about the fake documents, Yinka, said: "I just finished secondary school and I am trying to get money for my tertiary education when my elder brother told me to assist him with his business; I never knew it was an illegal business, I have just worked with him for three weeks before I was arrested."

One of the officers who requested anonymity because he was not entitled to speak for the unit, said the suspect would be charged to court after investigation.

"It is not easy to track the level of forgery, we are looking for other members of the gang and they will be arrested soon and charged to court."

Police spokesman Joseph Jaiyeoba confirmed the suspects' arrest.

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

LAGOS High Court, Ikeja, yesterday, admitted as exhibits 20 photographs of the late Titilayo Omozoje, the banker allegedly killed by her husband, Akolade Arowolo.

The photographs were those of the scene and the late Titilayo, taken by a police photographer on June 24, last year, at their No 8, Akindehinde Street, Isolo, Lagos, residence after she was allegedly killed by her husband.

At the resumed hearing, Justice Lateefat Okunnu overruled the objection of the defence counsel, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, who said the pictures were mere identification documents and should not be admitted as exhibits.

Ajanaku urged the court to reject the pictures tagged ID 20, 28, 3 and 15.

He argued that they could not be tendered in evidence because no foundation was laid for them.

But in her submission, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan, urged court to overrule the objection.

Mrs Ogungbesan, who argued on point of law, said the object in issue referred to the fact on ground and on which the witness could be cross-examined since he is still before the court.

The witness, Inspector Gift Eneche, denied insinuations by the defence that the pictures were superimposed.

Eneche told the court that the borderlines of the photographs were mainly to differentiate his work from that of other photographers in the force.

Ruling, Justice Okunnu said since

W

• The late Titilayo Arowolo and her husband Akolade

Court admits photographs of slain banker

By Adebisi Onanuga

the witness admitted under oath of taking the pictures there was no reason for the pictures to be rejected, moreso when his evidence had not been contradicted

under oath.

She overruled the objection and admitted the pictures and their negatives as exhibits.

The negatives altogether were tagged exhibit P26; the pictures

were labelled as exhibits P27 to P47.

Mrs Ogungbesan informed the court that the prosecution has only four more witnesses among who are the renowned Pathologist, Prof John Obafunwa, Vice-Chancellor Lagos State University (LASU). Akolade was arraigned on an amended one-count charge of murder of his wife, Titilayo.

Fashola's wife hails group for helping the needy

IFE of Lagos State governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, has praised Counselling Ambassadors Organisation (TCAO), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) for empowering the needy.

Speaking at the 6th annual thanksgiving Berachah Praise Concert of TCAO, in Ikeja, Mrs Fashola urged other NGOs to do more about putting smiles on the faces of indigent Nigerians.

She lauded TCAO's Board of Trustees and its founder, Mrs Iyabo Obasa, for using their resources for the benefit of the less-privileged.

By Joseph Jibueze

"I have known Mrs Obasa for a very long time and she has always exhibited compassion. I wish other well-endowed women would be like her. She has consistently used her position, wealth and connections to assist the less-privileged in the society," Mrs Fashola said.

Mrs Obasa said TCAO was set up to provide succour for the rejected and the hopeless irrespective of their race, tribe, religion, colour and gender.

"Since its inception in 2006, TCAO has paid millions of naira

in school fees for indigent students at all levels within and outside the country. The organization paid bills for people with various health problems for treatment within and outside the country, especially for ailments like hernia, heart-related and limbs condition," she said.

She added that the NGO has counselled 12,000 people since 2006, and empowered widows with items, such as deep freezers, sewing machines, industrial weaving and grinding machines, hair dressing equipment, among others, to set up

businesses.

A beneficiary, Mr Jagun Dina, said he got N60,000 from the NGO to treat hernia. Another beneficiary, Mrs Adejoke Folarin, said she got financial assistance to pay for the surgical operation of her fouryear-old son, who had a swelling on the right side of his neck.

At the event were Commissioner for Local Government Affairs Mr Adeleke Ipaye; Special Adviser on Commerce and Industries to Governor Fashola, Mrs Bola Sodipe and the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Television (LTV) Mr Lekan Ogunbanwo, among others.

Bill to consolidate traffic laws underway

A

BILL to regulate road traffic, vehicle inspection consolidate all laws relating to traffic and make Lagos the safer is before the 'Lagos State House of Assembly' Deputy Speaker, Kolawole Taiwo said yesterday.

Speaking at the public hearing on a "bill for a law to repeal and reenact the road traffic law and to make provisions for road traffic and vehicle traffic inspection in Lagos State," at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium of the Assembly Complex, Taiwo said the bill would make Lagos roads safer.

Taiwo, who represented Speaker, Rt Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, said the existence of several disjointed laws on traffic regulation and vehicle inspection has led to confusion among law enforcement agencies and road users in the state.

"There are several disjointed laws on traffic regulation and vehicle inspection in the state, which have

Stories by Oziegbe Okoeki

resulted in crisis on the roads between government traffic agencies and road users. The new bill, when passed into law, will make our roads safer and instill sanity on our roads.

"We have limited number of roads compared to the number of vehicles on them, so there is need to maximise the use of the roads and government is serious about enforcing laws on transportation," he said.

The Majority Leader, Hon. Ajibayo Adeyeye, said the bill, when passed into law, would be a clear departure from the existing traffic laws.

In his presentation, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Solomon Akpabio, said the proposed law is a welcome development, adding that his unit will key into it. Akpabio said: "We shall jointly implement it when it

becomes law and we will work in harmony with the state."

The Director of Transport Safety, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Agency (LAMATA), Jide Oduyoye, advised that citizens must be enlightened on traffic offences and their punishments.

This, he noted, would make people

Assembly intervenes in council chief-councillors' feud

C

HAIRMAN, Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Moshood Oshun, has urged council chairmen and other political office holders in the third tier of government to unite to move the councils forward.

Oshun gave the advice when officials of the Ikeja Local Government Area visited the House to explain

LAGOS EMERGENCY LINES STATE AGENCIES 1. Fire and Safety Services Control Room Phone Nos: 01-7944929; 080-33235892; 4. KAI Brigade Phone Nos: 080-33235890; 080-23321770; 080-56374036.

080-23036632; 0805-5284914 3. LASTMA Emergency Numbers: Head office Phone Nos: 2. Federal Road Safety Corps 01-4703325; 01-7743026 080-75005411; 080-60152462 (FRSC) 5.

Rapid Response Squad (RRS) 080-23111742; 080-29728371 Lagos Zonal Command Phone Phone Nos: 070-55350249; 080-23909364; 080-77551000 No:080-33706639; 01-7742771 070-35068242 01-7904983 Sector Commander Phone No: 080-79279349; 080-63299264

feel that they have not been unnecessarily punished.

Part of the provisions of the bill is that drivers should undergo psychiatric test before they are given drivers' license and that motor cycles and tricycle riders must obey traffic regulations such as traffic light.

070-55462708; 080-65154338 767 or email: rapidresponsesquad@yahoo.com 6. Health Services – LASAMBUS Ambulance Services Phone Nos: 01-4979844; 01-4979866; 01-4979899; 01-4979888; 01-2637853-4; 080-33057916; 080-33051918-9; 080-29000003-5.

the delay in passing the council's budget, which they blamed on a disagreement between the council chairman, Wale Odunlami and the councillors.

The lawmaker said the reason why some politicians fail to deliver the dividends of democracy, is because they often believe that they have a monopoly of knowledge.

Chiding the warring parties, Oshun said: "You must remember that 2015 is just by the corner and it is what you do now, that would make the people of the state to trust the party. I wouldn't want a situation where we would have to start begging the people, especially of your area, to come out and vote for us, instead, our work must speak for us."

Oshun advised Odunlami to ensure that the councillors were carried along, urging the councillors not to take the laws into their hands.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

CITYBEATS

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

9

THE DANA PLANE AIR CRASH

Displaced residents protest ‘shabby’ treatment by govt

A

LLEGING shabby treatment by Lagos State Government officials at their relief camp, residents of houses affected by the crashed DANA plane in Iju-Ishaga yesterday protested.

They claimed that they have not been well treated since their evacuation from the crash site which they returned to yesterday in protest.

The DANA Air Flight 9J-992 crashed into a building in IjuIshaga, in the outskirts of Lagos, killing all 153 on board and six others on ground.

The protesters alleged that they had been practically abandoned by the government since the incident.

The protest coincided with the arrival of the Chairman of IfakoIjaiye Local Government Area (LGA), Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, who appealed for calm, saying the government has good intentions for them. He said the local government is also interested in their welfare and would partner with the state to make them comfortable.

Oke took a list of the affected people and directed his aides to ensure that they were provided breakfast.

A protester, who craved anonymity, said contrary to media reports that they would be taken to a relief camp; they were practically dumped in an orphanage on the outskirts of the state.

He said: "Initially, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) had told reporters that we would be taken to the Agbowa Relief Camp by Wednesday.

“Government later changed its mind and opted for its Igando Relief Camp, claiming that because our population was manageable they need not take us that far. But we were shocked to see that we were just dumped at one orphanage at Ayobo, after Ipaja.

"You cannot believe that we were just dumped there, no food, no clothing, no bedding material; we were just abandoned. We have had to endure extreme deprivation in the last four days.

“Apart from toothbrushes that they distributed to us on Monday, we have been abandoned at the home. Government should realise that we had our lives intact before the crash, and if they had promised before the international media that they would provide us with relief, they should do what meets global standard."

The Olu of Ishaga, Oba Abass Amole Ajibode, urged the protesters to exercise restraint and be patient with the government. He assured them that their safety and wellbeing were paramount to the government.

The monarch, who prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead, said he decided to come to see things for himself. Oba Ajibode said with the search and rescue over, government should be swift in concluding the identification of those badly burnt so that their remains would be released to their families for decent burial.

Officials of Dana Airlines also came to provide succour to the displaced.

The delegation, led by the airline's Head of Administration, Mr Anand Alagarsamy Bangarsamy, said the firm is ready to do everything to reduce the pains of the affected residents.

By Yinka Aderibigbe

Anand came with some snacks and cartons of water and ensured their distribution to the protesters, saying Dana would continue to be on ground to give them succour.

Residents of a bungalow partly affected by the crash have pleaded with the government to extend to them similar compensations due to the crash victims.

Led by two widows, children and some tenants, the residents alleged that they lost huge sums of money, and property to hoodlums who capitalised on the stampede that followed the crash to vandalise their homes.

One of the widows, Deborah Adekunle, 69, who spoke in Yoruba, said they were forcefully evacuated by the police and soldiers drafted to the area. She said horse whips and gun butts were used to chase them out.

"We were forcefully sent packing from here on Sunday by military men and the police. They beat us and forced us out. They didn't even allow us to lock our doors and windows. We were only able to return today (yesterday) and when we arrived we saw that all our property had gone. Some of my tenants lost their new motorcycles, and cash. I lost about N150,000, which I just collected from the cooperative, there is none of the five rooms here that was untouched," Mrs Adekunle said.

She pleaded with the government not to pull down the building. One of the rooms was affected by the crash and the ceiling of the house was removed partly due to the intensity of the vibration. The property, she said, was left behind by her late husband, adding that it is her only source of livelihood.

One of the affected tenants, Niyi Majekodunmi, said his room was looted by hoodlums. A distraught Majekodunmi said he returned only yesterday morning. "All my chairs, my mattress, my rug, plasma television, and home theatre are gone. The hoodlums also broke into my wardrobe and stole my clothes and N135,000, which I collected on Saturday. I don't know where to start from please let the government and Dana come to our aid and assist us, because right now, we are helpless," he said.

LASMA's Head of Operations, Mr Olusegun Magnus Davis, said the government would not touch any other house in the area.

"As you can see, the caterpillars have stopped work. No other house would be pulled down here.

The main building which the aeroplane crashed into had to be pulled down, because it was no longer stable and we knew it poses a grave risk to residents if not demolished. No other house, I assure you, would be pulled down," Davis said.

Olanrewaju Kadiri of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said his agency has ordered another round of fumigation of the environment as the first one carried out Wednesday has waned out and proved inadequate.

He said NEMA officials were still on ground, despite the completion of 95 per cent of the work to ensure that the environment is restored to what it was before the crash.

• The Mango tree sheared by the ill-fated plane

•Majekodunmi, one of the affected tenants who lost all to hoodlums

Dana insurers to pay N5b

I

F the feelers from the regulatory authorities are anything to go by, insurance firm may shop for N5 billion to pay compensation to the families of the Dana plane crash victims.

Seven Nigerian insurance companies will be involved in the payment of compensation.

The insurers will pay the families of the passengers of the ill-fated flight and the third party liability claims to victims on the ground and individuals whose properties were destroyed when the plane crashed into their buildings.

The Economic Confidential said that a consortium of local under-

writers and re-insurers, led by Prestige Assurance Plc, owned by Indians, will pay the bulk of the compensation, unless the government intervenes in footing some of the bills arising from the displaced people from the crash scene.

Under the Montreal Convention, air carriers are strictly liable for proven damages up to $113,100 special drawing rights which was updated from 100,000 on December 31, 2009.

A mix of currency values established by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), approximately $138,000 per passenger at the time of its ratification by the United States (U.S) in 2003 (as of December 2011, around $175,800).

While the Montreal Convention was brought about mainly to amend liabilities to be paid to families for death or injury whilst on board an aircraft, it does not foreclose victims that could be on the ground while a plane crashes.

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

NAMA confirms death of official

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HE Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has confirmed the death of one of its Deputy Managers in last Sunday's DANA air crash in Lagos.

Mecha Eke Kalu, 52, an Air Traffic Safety engineer, until his death, was the Technical Adviser to the Managing Director of the Agency, Mazi Nnamdi Udoh.

The late Kalu while in the services of the agency, was particularly outstanding in the installation and completion of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON).

His former boss described the late Kalu as a lovely brother and hardworking aide, who would be greatly missed for his loyalty.

Lagos House Education Committee condoles Honourable Wahab AlawiyeHE Lagos State House of Aswith NUC King, described the loss of the NUC sembly Committee on Eduofficials as a monumental loss, not

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cation has sent a condolence message to the National University Commission (NUC) over the loss of some of its employees in the ill-fated Dana plane that crash last Sunday, at Iju Ishaga, in IfakoIjaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State.

All 153 passengers and crew

member aboard as well as six residents perished.

The NUC lost some workers in the crash, among whom was the husband of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof Onwuliri, a visiting professor to the agency.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Education,

only to the education sector, but also to the country as a whole.

"We commiserate with you on this monumental loss and we pray to God the deceased persons eternal rest while urging God to give the families of the deceased the fortitude to bear the huge loss," Alawiye-King said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

10

NEWS

Aregbesola committed to revamping Osun economy, says deputy •Envoy promises to attract Chinese investors

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SUN State Deputy Governor Titilayo Laoye-Tomori has said Governor Rauf Aregbesola is committed to revamping the economy of the state through effective agricultural and tourism programmes.

She said the state is blessed with abundant agricultural and tourism potentials that are yet to be tapped.

Osun State has 63 accredited tourist centres.

The deputy governor said the Aregbesola administration is ready to partner foreign and advanced economies to uplift the state from what she described as “the morass of eco-

Ekiti Assembly cautions teachers on assessment test From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

MEMBERS of the Ekiti State House of Assembly yesterday cautioned teachers in primary and secondary schools to reconsider their stance on the Teachers’ Needs Assessment Test (TDNA).

Advising their umbrella body, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), to warn its members to go for the test to avoid any needless industrial disharmony and misunderstanding with the state, the lawmakers said it would do no one any good if the teachers begin a face-off with the government over the test.

Addressing reporters on the end of activities marking the first year of legislation of the Fourth Assembly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Omowumi Ogunlola, noted that it is more honourable for the teachers “to sit for the examination to prove that they are qualified and competent”.

She told the teachers that the government was true and sincere on its promise that the TDNA is not meant to sack them.

The state’s 16,000 teachers last Monday boycotted the TDNA, despite the decision of government to sanction them if they defaulted.

The examination was planned to take place at 39 centres in 16 designated local government areas.

Ogunlola said the Assembly members have done all they could and were actively involved in negotiations towards brokering understanding between the teachers and the government.

The lawmaker noted that writing the test remains an act of patriotism to the state and respect for government, both of which are being discarded by the teachers in their continued opposition to the state’s official policy.

By Olamilekan Andu

nomic inadequacies”.

Mrs Laoye-Tomori spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, when she hosted the Nigerian envoy to China, Ambassador Ayo Otegbola.

The deputy governor said many cities and villages in Osun State have large and commercial quantities of raw gold and other minerals.

“Whenever the mining giants are ready, therefore, we are,” she said.

According to her, the vast forest trees in the state are good raw materials for the manufacture of toothpicks,

•Mrs Laoye-Tomori with Ambassador Otegbola during the visit in Osogbo.

children’s toys and handheld fans, among others.

The deputy governor urged foreign entrepreneurs to take advantage of the conducive business environment in the state to set up small scale industries or “the models of the cottage industries, which are responsible for the economic miracle of the ‘Asian Tigers’.”

Mrs Laoye-Tomori said

the Aregbesola administration is passionate about youth employment, adding that the governor would do anything to encourage genuine partnership for the development of the state.

Since China is noted for effective railway system, she said, the envoy should attract companies from the Asian nation to build the rail tracks in the Southwest to

enhance the regional integration of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governments in the region.

Ambassador Otegbola said China, as an emerging world economic power, has a lot to tap from the abundant raw and solid material deposits in Osun State, especially the mining of solid minerals.

He said Chinese mining

Group cries out over attacks by suspected LP hoodlums

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LEADER of Ekiti Mass Mobilisation Movement (EMMM), Mr. Muyiwa Ogunsakin, yesterday urged security agencies to save members and supporters of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) from incessant attacks by hoodlums suspected to be supporters of the ruling Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State.

His appeal followed the invasion of his home by hoodlums suspected to be LP supporters.

The assailants were in the politician’s home barely 24 hours after some Ekiti State indigenes residing in Ondo State declared their support for an ACN governorship aspirant, Dr. Segun Abraham.

The group, with over 3,000 former members of the LP, has been mobilising supporters for Dr. Abraham.

Ogunsakin, who is the

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•Party chieftain’s home attacked in Ondo From Damisi Ojo, Akure

group’s Secretary, said the hoodlums invaded his home at Oshinle Quarters around noon but did not meet him.

The politician said the hoodlums rode in two taxi cabs and demanded to know his whereabouts from his neighbours.

He said: “As the secretary of Ekiti indigenes in Ondo State, who are supporting ACN, I received information that immediately the report in last Wednesday’s edition of The Nation that we are supporting Abraham was read by some top government officials, they organised some hoodlums to attack me.

“I thank God that they did not meet me at home. But my valuables were vandalised while two of my family members were beaten for not disclosing

my whereabouts.

“Already, I have settled my family members elsewhere and I’m now seeking refuge at the home of a prominent ACN chieftain in Akure.”

According to him, the state government and LP leaders are not comfortable with the group’s mass defection to ACN. He fingered one of the close associates of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who is said to be an indigene of Ekiti State, as the sponsor of a parallel group to the EMMM. The politician said the “LP Forum of Ekiti State Indigenes”, to be headed by Dare Adebayo, is meant “to counter our group”.

Ogunsakin alleged that a substantial amount of money had been set aside to fund the group, which he described as “kangaroo”.

He said EMMM is the only

authentic Ekiti group working for the victory of ACN in Ondo State.

A chieftain of the ACN in the state, who spoke in confidence, told The Nation that no matter the antics of the governor, the party would send him packing from power in the October 20 election.

He urged the police and other security agencies to curtail the ruling party’s violent attacks on ACN supporters.

He said: “These people (in LP) should note that nobody has monopoly of violence. But if they want to put the state on fire because of their desperation for power, we in ACN are ready.”

Efforts to reach police spokesman Adeniran Aremu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), for comments were abortive.

Police to step up random checks in Lagos

AGOS State Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Mr Tunde Sobulo has said the comand would intensify its stop-andsearch and random checks to reinforce the security of life and property among the residents.

A statement by the Special Assistant to the governor on Media, Mr Hakeem Bello, said the police chief addressed reporters at the Lagos House, Marina, after a meeting of the Security Council with Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

According to him, a lot of patrol vehicles would be de-

•Army warns its men against escorting vehicles

By Olamilekan Andu

ployed in the state to step up patrols.

Sobulo said: “We want to remind all Lagos residents that there is a big difference between road blocks and stopand-search by security men. We are not going back to road blocks. But there will be random checks, stop-and-search, patrolling of residential areas, where you will hear our sirens and revolving lights.”

The police chief said security agencies would raid aban-

doned properties in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and other areas in the mainland.

The Brigade Commander of the Nigeria Army Cantonment, Ikeja, Brig.-Gen. Pat Aken, said service personnel must not be found escorting any vehicle.

He noted that because of the security situation in the country, the state Security Council has agreed that soldiers, ratings and airmen should be mindful of just jumping into vehicles because they could be used to

escort things they do not know about.

The Army chief said servicemen caught escorting such vehicles would be punished.

Gen. Aken said: “From now on, we expect that soldiers, if they want to enter normal commercial buses, should enter them. But they must not take ride in just any vehicle, because they may be unwittingly escorting contraband things or items that could be used to survey the prevailing security environment.”

Amosun calls for collective efforts to rebuild Ogun

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday said the task of rebuilding the state is the responsibility of the governor, top government functionaries as well as other residents.

He urged top public servants to lead by example so that the culture of doing things with utmost professionalism, which he called “The Ogun Standard”, could run through the state’s public service.

The governor spoke in Abeokuta, the state capital, during a one-day orientation workshop on protocol matters for top government functionaries.

Amosun said there is much work to be done in the development of infrastructure and social amenities.

A statement by his Senior Special Assistant (Media and Communications), Mrs Funmi Wakama, said the governor advised the Bureau of Urban and Regional Planning to curb the activities of illegal developers.

He said his government would have zero tolerance for potholes on roads.

Amosun said stable electricity supply and potable water would be achieved with a standard the state would set for other states.

giants are willing to partner Nigeria in collaborative ventures that would be beneficial to both countries.

The envoy said he was in Osun State to see things for himself, having read “these things in newspapers”.

Otegbola added: “This visit has helped in no small measure to affirm the waiting economic potentials of the State of Osun.”

Police parade 15 robbery suspects, vandals in Oyo From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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HE Oyo State Police Command yesterday paraded 15 suspects for alleged robbery, vandalisation of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) property and other crimes.

The suspects were paraded at the command’s headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, the state capital.

They included six suspected Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) cable vandals, seven robbery suspects and 2 PHCN electrical transformer vandals.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Clement Adodi, who represented Police Commissioner Tambari Muhammed, told reporters that following a tip-off the police received on May 4, men of the anti-robbery patrol attached to the Eleyele Division intercepted a Ford Transit bus at Olguneru, Ibadan.

He said when it was searched, NITEL cables, which had been cut to size and worth millions of naira, were found in the vehicle.

According to him, three suspect, Tunde Lawal, Jelili Adetokunbo and Biodun Bamiduro, have made confessional statements that they stole the cable in a remote area.

The police said the suspects have named their receivers in Ogunpa Market.

The police chief said in the course of increased patrol duty last week, the men of the Agodi police patrol team intercepted two vehicles at the Iwo Road interchange.

He said an exchange of gunfire ensued between the patrol team and the hoodlums.

Muhammed said the policemen arrested two of the members of the gang, Ojo Stephen and Daramola Abiodun. He added that the others escaped with bullet wounds.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

MTN seeks bailout package from Fed Govt

By Adline Atili

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TN Nigeria has renewed calls for a bailout package from the Federal Government for telecommunications operators.

Amid challenges facing operators, a bailout from the government will give succour to operators, MTN said.

The company’s Corporate Services Executive, Wale Goodluck, said the bailout could be, among others, in the form of concessions and incentives, such as obtains in other sectors of the economy.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos at a press conference to announce the company’s network modernisation and swap-out, Goodluck said: “In aviation, shipping, banking, manufacturing and other sectors, government gives bailout to players.

“The telecommunications sector, as one of the critical sectors of the economy, needs this too. Government at all levels should make right of way easy and affordable for operators. Insecurity and erratic power supply should be addressed too.

“This is the only way we can position our network to provide the service quality subscribers want as we do not have a land-line system in the country.”

Goodluck said the company has signed a major agreement with equipment vendors-Ericsson, for comprehensive network modernisation and swap-out of its network across the country, spanning a period of one year.

We are going into something big. We are going into mining, petrochemicals, cement and infrastructure. We need to spend $7.5 billion in the next four years. So, definitely, we need a lot of concentration.

- Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group

CBN, NNPC, others must present their budgets, Reps insist T HE House of Representatives said it is determined to ensure that no establishment of Government fails to present its annual budgetary proposal before the National Assembly.

The assertion was made by the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Albert Sam-Tsokwa, while presenting the oneyear score card of the Seventh House of Representatives.

He said the modest achievement of the House in the last one year was aided by the fact that the lawmakers were aware of the responsibilities before them.

While noting that a majority of the lawmakers that constituted the current House are new, he neverthe-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

less explained that the members have carried out their assignment creditably.

“We refused to grope in the dark, we started with a vision and armed ourselves with a legislative agenda which has resulted in our recording of many firsts,” he stated.

He said in its first year, the House was able to introduce 273 bills, all of which have gone through the first reading, adding that 33 of the bill are seeking constitutional alteration.

“Of the 273 bills, 32 were passed. Furthermore, 278

motions were introduced and passed positived or negatives. These motions covered all aspects of lives of our constituents, ranging from disasters to states and condition of infrastructure and erosion “Also, the House received a total of 172 petitions on subjects like violation of human rights, premature retirement and wrongful termination of appointments among others”.

“More than ever before, oversight functions by our standing Committees, have assumed more effective dimension as no statutory agency of government can propose a budget without

the input and approval of our standing committees.”

He said for the first time, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Petroleum Trust and Development Fund (PTDF), among others, subjected their budget to the House as well as other agencies hitherto considered untouchable.

“Henceforth, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) of government must subject their budgetary proposals to the House for scrutiny and approval.

“That is also another first coupled with our response to national issues. For the first time in this country, we

Pension for migrant workers coming From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -12.6% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -14.18% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $34.6b CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

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FOREX

0.2958 206.9 245 156.4 1.9179 241 40.472

conveyed a plenary on a Sunday while on recess.

With this, we can modestly say that our public perception has greatly improved,” he said.

On the implementation of resolutions reached by the House, Sam-Tsokwa said the duty of the Representatives is to legislate. “It is for the Executive to implement, but we cannot say because the Executive has refused to implement our resolutions then we will stop in our legislative responsibility.

“Remember, it was the resolution of this House at a certain time in our very recent past that made the Vice President and the President what they were supposed to be. So we will continue to do our job until we get there,” he added.

•From left: Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr Samuel Ortom; Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga; Deputy Governor, Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto and Niger State Governor Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu during the Ministerial Session of the Fifth National Council on Trade and Investment, in Minna, Niger State... yesterday.

Fed Govt creates 1.4m jobs, says Aganga

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HE Federal Government created about 1.4 million jobs in the last one year, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, has said.

Aganga, who spoke in Minna yesterday during the Ministerial Session of the Fifth National Council on Trade and Investment, said the jobs came through the implementation of trade and investment reforms, policies and programmes, adding that the the ministry hoped to double the figure very soon.

According to the one year score sheet of the various agencies and parastatals under the Ministry of Trade of Trade and Investment, the Bank of Industry created 1, 335, 000 jobs, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency 31, 122; Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, 30, 000 and other Free

Trade Zones under the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, 5,120. This gives a total of 1, 401,242 jobs Aganga said the ministry is currently executing matching programmes for Small and Medium Enterprises in collaboration with the state governments to remove the bottlenecks associated with securing collaterals and make it easier for SMEs to access loans to start or expand their businesses.

“We are executing matching programmes with state governments on SMEs and deepening financing penetration, using microfinance banks; and the Bank of Industry is getting round collateral issues related with funding through crossguarantees by members of cooperatives. In this regard, the value of loans approved by BOI, over the last one year, in-

creased by 68 per cent (N77.74 billion), from N114.30 billion to N192.04 billion. Estimated jobs created also increased by 34 per cent (335,000) from one million to 1.335 million in the last one year. The President has also directed the Ministries of Finance and Trade and Investment, as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria to work on recapitalising the Bank of Industry (BOI) to increase the amount of funds available to MSMEs.” Aganga said the ministry has started repositioning the Weights and Measures Department in the ministry in order enthrone fairness and transparency in the consumption of goods and services across all the sectors of the economy.

“The President has given approval for the repositioning of the Weights and Measures Department in my ministry to

enable Nigerians have value for money. Within the next two months, Nigerians will begin to experience the difference in terms of getting value for money across all sectors of the economy,” Aganga said.

He added: “Currently, we are developing small hydro power plants in strategic areas across the country where they can serve SMEs (to reduce operational costs). Through the Entrepreneurship Development Programme, a total of 10,374 SMEs got funding from SMEDAN’s various programmes in the year. (A small and medium enterprise is expected to employ at least three workers each, which translates into a total of 31,122 jobs). We have embarked on an investment climate reform programme, working with the Department for International Development and the World Bank.

HE Federal Government has started sorting out possible areas for the payment of compensation or pension to migrant workers in Nigeria after their disengagement, it was learnt yesterday.

The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, who spoke in Abuja at a Workshop of the Working Group for West Africa on Migrant Workers’ Social Protection and Portability of their Benefits, said the Federal Government has intensified efforts at working out modalities to reverse this trend.

His words: “I want to tell you that right now there is a lot of work being done to revise these storms and the issue was discussed just about two weeks ago as to the qualification and what kind of investment would you come with in order to have such privileges and I am such that this effort to ensure that whoever works in other countries aside his country, his pension is remitted to him wherever he lives.”

He said the Ministry of Interior has already intensified efforts at ensuring that migrant workers get better terms of engagement since this would encourage the integration of ECOWAS countries in particular.

In terms of the migrant workers who are engaged informally, the minister noted that the staff always experience maltreatment, beaten and handled like slaves yet the pension does not exist.

According to him, the challenges of the informal migrant workers are enormous and critical therefore there is need to formalize their engagement for proper documentation.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

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NEWS INEC’s letter to CPC denounces faction •Recognises Tony Momoh-led party From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said any faction of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), apart from the Tony Momoh-led party, is illegal.

The commission stated its stand in a letter to the party’s Media Assistant, Greg Odogwu.

The letter, by the commission’s Secretary, Abdullahi Kaugama, reads: “The commission has observed that the purported annual general meeting of state/Protem Chairmen held on May 24 was not held in accordance with the constitution of your party and is, therefore, invalid. Consequently, the commission cannot accept any of the decisions taken at the said meeting.

“Please, be guided accordingly.”

The party hailed INEC for its decision.

It said: “The CPC wishes to inform Nigerians, the media and its teeming supporters all over the globe that the INEC just delivered a letter to our National Headquarters at Utako, Abuja, addressed to the CPC State/Protem Chairmen, who obviously used our official address to write the INEC. “It has, therefore, shown that the current Prince Tony Momoh-led National Executive Committee (NEC) is the legal, constitutional and legitimate leadership of our great party.

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Expect positive change in 2015, Tinubu, Buhari tell Nigerians

EADERS of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) yesterday in Kaduna urged Nigerians to expect a positive change in the nation’s electoral fortune in 2015.

There have been speculations of a possible merger of the two parties. Yesterday, a meeting between the leaders of both parties lent credence to a working alliance between them.

ACN National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his CPC counterpart, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, said the nation should expect a positive change in 2015. They were silent on the likely merger of both parties.

Asked whether the nation should expect a formidable opposition, especially during the 2015 elections, Buhari said: “Certainly. We are likely to see a formidable opposition in 2015.”

Tinubu said: “We are not talking about opposition. I hate to interrupt. We hope to see a positive change in 2015 and not opposition. We don’t want to be

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

perpetually in opposition. Every politician wants an opportunity to govern.”

The ACN National Leader said his visit to Kaduna was to reciprocate a similar gesture by Gen Buhari ,who visited him at his Lagos home.

He said: “This is a return visit to the general who paid us a courtesy call in Lagos. As politicians, we discussed generally the situation in the country and how we can help to ameliorate the situation and help solve the problems.”

On the possibility of the ACN and the CPC merging to form a formidable opposition to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, Tinubu said: “I will allow you to make your wise judgment about that.

I am a politician and not a magician. I will rather allow you to wait until the pigeon is out of the hat.

“I told you at the beginning that the doors were left open.

We are not part of any secret arrangement. Politics is not a dark room event. It is open and transparent. The ability to work with one another and set a common agenda is the purpose. We are still looking for areas where we can help our nation.

“As you know, patriotism is putting the national interest above self. If we have security agencies that are charged with the security of this country at the expense of their lives, then, the leaders must be able to make sacrifices and be flexible enough and accommodate and help to redirect. It is not just anybody who can steer the ship of the nation. It takes exceptional leadership virtue to steer the course of things to a proper destination.”

On the state of the nation, Tinubu said: “I am not going to be specific. We talked about the national patriotism and the direction the country is going as well as the need for a change.

That change might be about us having a government of our

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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HE Federal Government has started work on the payment of compensation or pension to migrant workers in Nigeria after their disengagement, it was learnt yesterday.

The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, broke the news in Abuja at the closing ceremony of a workshop on the Working Group for West Africa on Migrant Workers’ Social Protection and Portability of their Benefits.

He said the Federal Government has intensified efforts at working out the modalities to reverse the trend.

The minister said much is being done to ensure that the workers receive their benefits wherever they are.

Ngama said there are some informal workers whose engagements are not documented, adding that it is unfair that nobody compensates them during their disengagement.

Ondo community seeks upgrade of head From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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Muslim women blame insecurity on politicians From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

THE Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN) yesterday blamed increasing insecurity and violent attacks across the country on politicians.

It accused them of causing the crises threatening Nigeria’s corporate existence.

The Niger State Amirah of the federation, Hajiya Aisha Lemu, addressed reporters at the 12th annual national FOMWAN lecture/workshop in Minna, the Niger State capital.

She accused politicians of deliberately setting some members of the two major religions against each other to actualise their selfish political agenda at the expense of the national interest, peace and security.

The women’s leader noted that women and children have been the victims of the violent attacks and carnages across the country.

She said even when men are affected, women are made to carry the burdens.

Mrs Lemu urged faithful and leaders of the two major religions not to allow politicians to use them as seeds of discord or agents of destruction.

She said the two religions abhor violence, adding that politicians have capitalised on the level of poverty and ignorance in the country to set people against each other.

own.”

The former Lagos State governor also spoke on the last 13 years of democracy in Nigeria.

He said: “Every democrat must be able to sacrifice for a free and fair election. Any democrat must be able to celebrate and accept the result of free and fair elections to deserve the joy of victory. But every democrat too must resist abuse of power, manipulation and irregular victories in elections.

“We have areas that even if we are not in the same political party, we can collaborate. We will not be able to face this country straight and talk to the cameras and look at Nigerians as a people and give a reason whatsoever on why we have not been able to promote the course of free and fair elections and the rule of law.”

Others at the meeting include Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr Kayode Fayemi; ACN chieftain, Mr Audu Ogbe and the National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Fed Govt to work out pension for migrant workers

•Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa at a meeting with members of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja...yesterday.

ESIDENTS of Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, yesterday protested the non-elevation of the community head, popularly known as “Loja”, to the status of a traditional ruler.

In a statement by the President-General of Ile-Oluji National Union, Dr. Moses Adewakun, the community said the situation is unhealthy and unacceptable.

It urged Governor Olusegun Mimiko to upgrade the Loja to an Oba. Adewakun said: “Ile-oluji Kingdom has only one prominent ruler, while others have many. For example Akoko North Local Government Area has over 27 traditional rulers. It is time the state government puts IleOluji in its right position in

Ex-minister, expert urge prompt passage of PIB

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FORMER Minister of Energy, Odein Ajumogobia (SAN), and an expert in oil and gas, Tonye Cole, have warned that the vast potentials in the nation’s oil and gas industry would remain underexploited and underutilised without the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

Ajumogobia noted that the non-passage of the PIB has created a cloud of uncertainty in the industry, a development he said discourages new investments.

Cole, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Sahara Group, argued that when compared with other oil producing nations,

By Precious Igbonwelundu and Fisayo Ige

Nigeria’s current uncoordinated oil and gas industry is embarrassing.

They spoke in Lagos at this year’s edition of the Perchstone and Graey annual lecture series with the theme: The PIB upstream licensing regime: an aperture or drought to investment.

Ajimogobia said he was privy to the first draft of the Bill in 2008. He described it as a radical and ambitious attempt to comprehensively reform the nation’s oil and gas industry to ensure effective maximisation of accruable benefits.

He identified the Bill’s key

provisions to include an increase in the revenues from fundamental tax changes.

The former minister noted that this boosts companies’ income tax payable to oil producing companies besides a new hydrocarbon tax.

According to him, the changes in the treatment of tax incentives and credits, especially those applied to new developments, as well as the review of royalties on gas production, is another provision of the bill.

Ajumogobia attributed the delay in the Bill’s passage to conflicting interests among industry stakeholders, particularly the need to “deregulate

the wasteful and opaque downstream and scrap the subsidy regime that has been proven to be bedeviled by grossly fraudulent practices”.

He added: “In summary, the PIB represents a landmark opportunity to herald positive and productive reform in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, and to realise and maximise its vast potential – based on a competitive and transparent framework that embraces international best practice.

“Its failure has already caused a drought in new investments in the sector. No new investment in the upstream in Nigeria is a recipe for drought in the industry.

IGP decries high casualties among police officers

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CTING InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) M u h a m m e d Abubakar yesterday decried the high casualties among officers and men of the police in attacks by terrorists and other criminal groups. He did not provide figures.

The police chief said the force has had a high casualty figure in attacks on its officers and men.

According to him, many police officers and men have died in the bombings by terrorists,

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

communal clashes, kidnapping, armed robbery, bunkering, assassinations, piracy and unwarranted killings by unidentified gunmen.

Abubakar spoke in Abuja at a meeting with senior police officers.

He urged the officers to be combat ready at all times, saying there is need for proactive measures and community policing.

The police chief advised the

officers to protect the lives and property of the citizenry, adding that they should see the prevailing security challenges as a call to duty rather than being subdued by them.

Abubakar spoke of plans to reposition and enhance the performance of officers and men of the force.

He noted that without their collective support and dedication, the policies might not yield the desired results.

Abubakar said: “I urge you all to ensure that the image and

integrity of the force are upheld in the course of discharging your duties. Though people are resistant to change, it behoves on you to superintend and key your personnel into this repositioning efforts by constantly lecturing them at all levels.

“You must, therefore, carry them along in all your decisions and official transactions.

Discipline, dedication, devotion and determination by all will take us to our desired destination.”

the state’s Council of Obas.”

Urging the government to provide potable water in the community, he said despite the millions of naira invested in laying water pipes from Itanla booster station to Ile-Oluji, the people still lack water.

A prominent indigene of the town, Chief Akin Omobosoye, supported the call for the decentralisation of the traditional institution.

NDLEA arrests Lagos tailor for ‘drug trafficking’

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

T

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 41-year-old tailor, Moshood Adebesin Olowe, for allegedly smuggling cocaine from Brazil.

The suspect was arrested in Lagos during routine checks on passengers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

Officials of the agency said they discovered the cocaine hidden in the suspect’s luggage during the inward screening of passengers on a Turkish Airline flight.

The drug was said to have weighed 2.700kilogrammes with a street value of N29 million.

NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, said: “Olowe, who travelled to Brazil in March, was arrested during routine search of passengers. During the search, some substance found in his bag tested positive to cocaine. We have begun investigations and he will be charged to court soon.”

NDLEA said the suspect has allegedly made a confessional statement, claiming ownership of the drug.

Olowe said: “I am a tailor at Lagos Island. I am married and I have three children. Life is unfriendly to me to the extent that I cannot feed my family. The people who sponsored me promised to pay me N2 million.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

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AGRO-BUSINESS

Soyabean price soars on livestock farmers’use

F

FARMERS are smiling to the bank following their use of soyabean as livestock feeds.

The increased use of the commodity is boosting their income, the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof Biyi Daramola, has said.

But the frequent use of the commodity instead of corn has led to an increase in its price.

According to Daramola, the soyabean price swing, which reflects the ever-changing supply and demand expectations, will lead to price increases for the crop.

He added that it could also increase the prices Nigerians pay for meat, which is the end product.

By Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

The strong pace of export sales suggests that soyabean prices will be sensitive to production prospects, he said, adding that a substantial price swing is not in the interest of poultry producers who have not been provided viable alternatives.

Daramola said increasing demand for soyabean is tightening the commodity market.

Business Development Consultant, Mr Anaekwe Nnamdi, said Nigeria produces about 500,000 Metric tonnes of soyabean yearly, making it the largest producer of

the commodity in the Africa.

According to him, soyabean is in high demand because it is used in the production of milk, edible oil and animal feed. The price of corn and soyabean after this year’s harvest rose on speculation that hot, dry weather will increase stress on crops in the United States, the world’s biggest producer.

The lack of rain will deplete soil moisture for most fields from Arkansas to Ohio during the next five days before cooler weather and light showers return, Global Weather Monitoring said in a report. Rainfall will be restricted by low humidity and dry subsoil, increasing potential crop stress, the private forecaster said.

720 co-operatives benefit from N1b agric loan

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EVEN hundred and twenty co-operatives in Edo State have benefited from the N1 billion commercial agriculture credit scheme, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources Mr Abdul Oroh has said.

Oroh said in Benin the state capital that the state government’s effort was geared towards alleviating poverty among the citizens.

The commissioner said since the inception of the Adams Oshiomhole administration, the agricultural sector has been transformed.

“The loan is meant to assist farm-

ers to purchase farm implements and seedlings to guarantee food security and create employment in the state. “The boost in the agricultural sector is as a result of the implementation of various government policies to ensure job creation, income and food security.

“In the past three and half years of the administration, the governor has shown the strong will and desire to transform the agriculture sector. ‘’He (governor) has done this through prompt payment of counterpart funds to donor agencies programmes and settlement all

outstanding arrears,’’ he said.

According to the commissioner, 48 co-operative farmers benefitted from Akoko-Edo, 19 from Egor, 17 from Esan Central, 35 from Esan N/ East, 54 from Esan Southeast, 25 from Esan West, 33 from Etsako central, 54 from Etsako West, and 27 from Etsako East.

Other beneficiaries are 18 co-operative farmers from Igueben; 64 from Ikpoba-Okha; 51 from Oredo; 68 from Orihiomwon, 49 from Ovia N/East, 17 from Ovia Southwest, 43 from Owan East; 42 from Owan West and 56 from Uhumwode local government areas of the state.

‘How to stop communal clashes’

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HE provision of grazing reserves can stop communal clashes between pastoral and crop farmers, the President, Pastoral Resolve (PARE), Alhaji Ahmed Joda has said.

He spoke at a briefing in Abuja on PARE’S proposed plan to establish livestock grazing reserves in collaboration with ENABLE, a British Government sponsored programme in six states in the country.

The states include Nasarawa, Kogi, Bauchi, Niger, Benue and Adamawa.

He said: “Adequate grazing reserves will stop conflicts among crop farmers and pastorialist in the country, if there is adequate reserves livestock farmers won’t be involved with crop farmers.

“This is not a religious conflict, but if the war between farmers and pastoralist are not properly solved the country will be open to conflicts.” He attributed climate change, erosion and global warming as few of the challenges facing the farmers. “Nigeria is a vast county with about 170 population and about 21million working as pastorals, these people are not cared for by the

From Olugbenga Adanikin and Adeyoye Adeola

Federal Government and that is why this non governmental organisation was formed 13 years ago to look into this issues.”

However, the group called for government’s support to effectively implement and sustain their effort. An executive member of PARE Alhaji Umar Hassan said this pastoralist indulge in conflicts because of inadequate grazing lands which often made them to go into crop farms, destroying the crops.

While he calling on the Federal Government to set aside more gazing lands across the country, Hassan lamented that only two per cent of the pastoral farmers among the Fulani are literate.

“The Federal Government needs to provide grazing lands and facilities to help stop the killings among cattle farmers and crop farmers. Among the 21million pastorals only two per cent of them are literates so with this initiative, about 30 million people can be empowered with the provision of this grazing facilities,” he said.

Delta gives groups N27m

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ELTA State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Misan Ukubeyinje, has disbursed about N27 million to various Fadama user-groups (FUGs) in five local government areas in the state.

The commissioner, who disbursed the funds in Asaba, urged the beneficiaries to put the money into judicious use to improve their business.

He said the ministry has set up committees to monitor the implementation of the programme, especially as the programme was coming to an end, to ensure improved living conditions of the people. “Today, we are here to disburse N27,764 480 to no fewer than 52 FUGs and it is expected that whatever you invest today will continue to grow.

“But if you fail to judiciously utilise the fund, when the fadama projects end, your investments dies and there may not be another fadama.’’Earlier the State Co-ordinator of the Programme, Mr Anthony

Abanum, said the programme had passed its midterm implementation stage, adding that it was time for stock taking. “Now that we have passed the midterm of theimplementation of the programme, we are now looking at what extent the programme has impacted your lives.

“We are also emphasising on community projects that will impact the generality of the people of a particular community.’’

He charged the beneficiaries to carry everyone along in the implementation of the rural infrastructural projects chosen for the community for the benefit of all. He said benefiting FUGs were drawn from five local government areas. They are Patani, Warri North, Sapele, Uvwie and Ukwuani LGAs. Some of the beneficiaries thanked the state government and the stakeholders of Fadama for giving them the opportunity to improve their lives by given them funds to run community projects to improve their livelihood.

Group seeks access to loans •From left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives, Dr. Olajide Basorun, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal and Director of Fisheries Services, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Bamtefa, during a stakeholders' interactive workshop on aquaculture, organised by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the ministry, in Lagos.

Firm initiates production of Nigerian tomato paste

A

N agro-based firm Vegefresh Company Limited(VCL) has initiated moves for the production of Nigerian made tomato paste.

Its Managing Director, Mr Samuel J. Samuel, made this known during a ceremony at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) to unveil the project.

Samuel said: “We are happy to have all of you here to witness the consummation of efforts that will lead to the birth of a truly Nigerian tomato paste.”

Samuel, represented by the company’s Chief Programme Officer, Dr. Ademola Idowu, added that Vegefresh was poised to unlock the untapped potential in the agricultural sector, starting with the tomato value chain.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), the FUNAAB, Prof Felix Salako, said the collaboration between the university and Vegefresh was welcome “because this is a collaboration that tallies with the mandate of the university, which is to teach, research and extend key agricultural extension services to farmers.”

He added: “Through this synergy, a new chapter has been opened in the area of public-private sector partnership, which is the trend globally, universities across the world cannot solely fund their research works.

“The participation of the private sector will go a long way in encouraging research activities

in the ivory towers.”

The National Integrated Tomato Development Programme is being facilitated by Vegefresh, in collaboration with universities, national and international research institutes, the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Export-Import Bank and states like Lagos,Kano, Gombe, Bauchi and Benue.

The Programme Manager Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP), Mr Ibikunle Onasanya, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, adding that more of such collaborations are coming.The state, he said, is willing to partner with as many interested companies as possible, particularly on the tomato development programme.

T

HE All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has called on commercial banks to relax requirements for loans to help farmers access credit easily.

The National Financial Secretary of the association, Dr Tunde Arosanyi, said in Abuja that easy access to loan as well as sufficient funding of the agricultural bank were necessary for the growth of agriculture.

He said: “Most farmers still find it difficult to access credit from the commercial banks. The banks’ agric desks must be encouraged to relax some of their conditions for these peasant farmers and lower the interest rates to single digit, with less strenuous conditions.

“And most importantly, the Bank of Agriculture must be adequately funded to enable rural farmers access loans easily, if we must improve in our production capacity as a nation.”

Arosanyi called for the use of genetically processed seedlings for higher crop and livestock yield.

The expert added that the use of

such seedlings would enhance the production of quality produce.

“The bio-technology centre must be encouraged to partner with research institutes so that they can come out with seeds and seedlings and also exotic breeds in the livestock and fishery industry that can compete with international breed.

“For example, most of our farmers get an average of about two per two tons of maize from one hectare; whereas from the same one hectare, in US, you can get five tons or six tons because the quality of the seed is genetically moderated to have high yield.

“When a genetically moderated seed is being encouraged into the market, it will further enhance the output of the farmers.

“A good example is the TMS 419 cassava from IITA. It is very rich in Vitamin ‘A’ and very prolific in output. Instead of the 18 tons of FTB that we get from cassava, you can get 30 tons and above. It should be encouraged in all areas of our agricultural output.”

He said the TMS 419 cassava variety would be available to farmers this year.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

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COLLABORATION

PROGRAMME

This orphanage needs help

Uduaghan woos banks on small-scale businesses

Vigilance team trained

Lagos

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Delta

FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

Anambra

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

More illegal structures to go in Rivers

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•Amaechi

HE RIVERS State government has said more illegal structures will be pulled down in the state capital, Port Harcourt.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi decried the impunity with which people develop property in the capital city, declaring that he would put an end to the trend before leaving office in 2015.

Amaechi, who said this during a two-day Rivers State Land Summit 2012 organised by the Minis-

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

try of Lands and Survey, also stated that this impunity is one of the impediments to even development of property in the state.

To bring sanity to property development in the state, the governor said structures erected on government land in any part of the metropolis will be demolished.

He therefore directed that all the houses developed in Government

Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Baptist High School, Sandfill area and other places be demolished without notice, arguing that when the people developed the structures, they did not notify government.

The governor also warned that a year before the expiration of his tenure, he would roll out bulldozers to demolish all illegal property across the city “because I will make sure that lawlessness will not be a problem to the next gover-

nor.”

Another problem hampering even development in the state which Amaechi also lamented is boundary adjustment between Niger Delta state governments.

Yet another problem militating against even development of the city, Amaechi said, is the corrupt practices existing in the Ministry of Lands and Survey as well as that of Board of Internal Revenue.

Delta celebrates microcredit scheme D

ELTA State has hailed the impact of its microcredit programme, the DMCP. The programme is reckoned to have transformed the lives of economically-challenged people in the state, especially at the grassroots. With small amounts of interest-free loans from the credit scheme, members of cluster groups in rural areas started small businesses; some injected new life into struggling ones. The result: their individual economies picked up and so did that of their localities.

At an elaborate ceremony in Asaba, the state capital, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan recalled how micro-credit transformed some youths in Ekpan, once a volatile community in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

In Ekpan, the governor said, youths usually crowded anyone seeking to put up a structure on a piece of land, demanding what they called “Deve” fee. The youths struck fear into the hearts of people, making their community very unfriendly.

DMCP changed all that.

With a loan from the scheme, some of the boys started fish farms. The government rehabilitated their road and provided some vehicles. The boys

•Bead-makers at their stand

90,000 jobs created Uduaghan praises jobs scheme

By Ogochukwu Ikeje

went down to business. Their fish caught on in the market. They started new farms and began to employ more youths from the locality. Ekpan has since shed its volatility toga.

Dr. Uduaghan praised the micro-credit programme for giving jobs to Ekpan youths and helping to scale back the community’s crime profile.

Uduaghan was speaking at an event tagged ‘Delta beyond oil’ which coincided with the Children’s Day anniversary. The DMCP is seen as one of the vehicles taking the state beyond its rich crude oil endowments by providing jobs, boosting the state economy and helping to scale back criminality.

Former Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and illustrious indigene of the state, Mr. Tony Elumelu who

chaired the event, captured the correlation between poverty and criminality.

“One of the reasons we have crime in the society is because there is no economic hope,” he said, urging other Deltans to join forces with the Uduaghan administration by investing in the state.

Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu who drives the DMCP, said the scheme has given jobs to about 90,000 since its inception three years ago.

“The Delta State Micro-Credit Programme has been touching so many lives,” she said. “So many •Continued on Page 48

•Dr Uduaghan

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

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Govt woos banks on small-scale businesses

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ELTA State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has charged banks and other financial institutions in the state to assist government in the funding of Small and Medium scale Entrepreneurs (SME’s).

Uduaghan, who made the charge during a meeting with chief executives of banks and financial institutions in Asaba recently, prayed the banks to partner with his administration in increasing the capacity of Small and Medium Scale industries so that they would become strong and viable.

He said that the major challenge facing the state was job creation, explaining that it was only through investments in industries that more job opportunities could be created for youths in the state.

The governor regretted that high bank interest rates, lack of standard business plans for the SME’s and funding were the factors militating against the growth of industries in the state and enjoined the banks to work out modalities that would reduce the obstacles.

Delta Governor Uduaghan disclosed that it was in view of the problems facing SME’s that made his administration partner with the World Bank in designing a feasible business plan to enable them easily access bank loans.

He stated that his government was also planning to create SME desks in ministries in the state to assist them with information for the development of business documents.

“As a state, we have agreed to work with any financial institution that will assist us in curbing these challenges. I believe that with good business plan, proper management and low interest rate, the failure rate of SME’s will be reduced,” Dr. Uduaghan said.

“We want to work with as many banks as possible because we have a lot of people in Delta State who want to build their businesses but lack the fund. My aspiration

Council gives N6m to rainstorm victims A

TIBA Local Government in Oyo State has donated N6 million to over 210 families who were victims of a rainstorm which occurred in the area recently.

Speaking at the ceremony, the caretaker committee chairman of the local government, Prince Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, said the rainstorm ravaged almost the entire Bashorun community and other parts of the local government.

According to him, the relief assistance would serve as succour to the affected people.

He called on the state and Federal Government to come to their aid by dredging the Isale-Oyo-Koso-Oroki-Isunwin stream to forestall future occurrence of disaster in the area.

Prince Adeyemi assured those whose

houses were submerged that priority would be given to them in the allocation of land recently acquired at the Bode Thomas Estate Scheme, Oyo. Victims whose houses were damaged went home with N55, 000 each, while others were given N20, 000 each.

Dignitaries at the event included the Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Adebisi Adegoke, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leader in Atiba Local Government, Chief S. M. Akindele, traditional rulers, Director of Personnel Management, Alhaji H. A. Muili, principal officers, among others.

Oyo

is on how to help them get bank loans,” he added.

Expressing his views, Pastor Adolo from Ecobank Plc, suggested that entrepreneurs need to be adequately educated on how to design a good business plan and properly manage their funds.

“SME’s should attend continuous seminars where they will be taught how to properly design a business plan and manage their funds. Lending to SME’s is a bit difficult because so many of them don’t know how to manage the loan they get,” he said.

He advised that the SMEs should be grouped into clusters according to the homogeneity of their businesses to enable Banks deal easily with them and monitor their progress.

Mr. Ugo Chime from Finbank Plc, also opined that the state government should grant security for bank loans to be invested into the SME scheme and provide special purpose vehicles for monitoring and supervision of the SME’s.

The representatives of ICAN (Delta State Chapter) also expressed the institutions readiness to assist the state government in tackling the challenges of SME’s and advised that only individuals interested in the business and have facilities on ground should be selected and given loans.

They promised to assist the state government in designing standard business plans that would meet the required criteria for accessing bank loans as well as audit the business outfits annually.

Enugu trains vigilance team

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VER 400 members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria(VGN), Enugu State Command have received trainings on how to mitigate various forms of crimes including kidnapping.

The vigilante members were trained by security experts including retired police officers. The Commandant General of VGN, Usman Mohammed Jahun, explained that the training would place his members in a vantage position to complement the efforts of security agencies.

The VGN boss stated further that the workshop was also organised to sensitize members of the organization on” issues of national security”.

He advised members of the public to always be law abiding and work in harmony with VGN to enable them complement the efforts of security agencies.

` • Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka JP receiving her certificate from the Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi after the new Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ayodeji Simeon Daramola swore her in as a Justice of the Peace, at Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House Ground, Ado-Ekiti.

Group prepares youths for entrepreneurship

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HE President-General of Afigh Iwaad Ekid, a socio-cultural group in Akwa Ibom State,Pastor Ita Udo, has pledged to reposition the group to ensure economic turnaround in households in the state.

‘Participate in extra-curricular activities’

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HE Chairman of Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, Hon. Augustus Arogundade, has charged students in the council area to participate in extra-curriculum activities toward contributing their quota to the socio-cultural development of the council area.

At the 2012 Children’s Day and Cultural Fiesta organised by the council area held at AC Primary School, Meiran, the council chief said while presenting Miss Ojo Olayinka, a JSS 3 student of Tomia Junior Secondary School, Alagbado, who recently won the Lagos State BRF Children and Cultural Concert Arts and Culture, that “as students we must inculcate and internalise our cultural values through active participation in extra-curriculum programmes in school in order to assist in socio-cultural development agenda of the current council administration.”

“Today, I present this outstanding student to you for her brilliance and excellent performance that has done us proud among thousands of schools and students in Lagos State.

She would be leaving for South Africa in a couple of days to represent Lagos State as cultural ambassador at an international cultural event and this is quite an honour and pride for our council area.”

He warned parents to desist from engaging

•Hon. Arogundede congratulating Miss Ojo Olayinka at the event.

By Kunle Akinrinade

their children in street trading and not to expose them to hazards such as “child abuse, rape and child trafficking”.

The event featured cultural dance display, rendition of folk songs, drama, traditional fashion parade and March pass by pupils from about 50 elementary and secondary schools in the council area.

NASFAT holds Dawah week

By Akeem Lawal

N

ASIRUl-Lahi-Il-fathi Society of Nigeria, NASFAT, Ikotun branch will begin its 2012 DAWAH Week from Monday June 11 to Sunday June 17.

According to the Secretary of the Dawah Week Committee, Alhaji Hassan Ade Akanni, Dawah Week is “to commemorate the second year inauguration and existence of the committee in NASFAT Ikotun and serve as an avenue to further propagate Islam and its ideals within ourselves, neighbours and the society”.

Among the activities lined up for the week is the visit of 2012 Dawah week committee members to Alimosho General Hospital, LASU Igando road, and School for the Blind at Isheri Olofin on Monday and the Old People’s Home in Yaba on Tuesday. Different items will be distributed to the needy at these centres.

From Wednesday through Friday, there will be a three-day fasting, while prayers before breaking fast each day will be performed at the main mosque of the Technical School, along Ikotun-Idimu road.

On Saturday, there will be youth lecture/ Symposium by 11 am, while Quranic recitation/ Islamic quiz will be performed by selected 10 branches in Zone 2 of the organisation. Each branch is expected to be represented by five students and one Ustaz.

Sunday will witness the performance of normal asalatu, while lectures titled ‘Islamic way of improving the life of the less privileged’, ‘Maintaining a muslim status and benefit derived’ will be given by invited guests.

The week-long programme will be rounded off with donation in aid of DAWAH activities and presentation of gifts to the widows.

• President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Goodie Ibru (left), welcoming the representative of President Goodluck Jonathan and Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Engr Mustapha Bello, while Guest Lecturer and Sector Director, Africa Region, World Bank Washington, Marcello Giugale watches , at the Democracy Day lecture of the Chamber PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Group seeks support for aspirant

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EGACY Forum, a socio-political organisation with membership in the 18 local government areas in Ondo State has sought support for Dr Olusegun Abraham,as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate for the state.

The president of the forum, Mr Femi Ikoyi, said the choice of Abraham was hinged on the aspirant’s method and practical approach to how he was going to transform the state into an industrial economy.

He said: “The group had watched with keen interest the political scenarios playing out in Ondo State and taken its time to assess the suitability of each of the ACN candidates against the backdrop of the urgent need to effect a change in the political leadership of the state.”

The forum leader stated that having investigated Abraham background and level of preparedness, it was convinced that he is the most suitable ACN candidate for the Ondo State Government House.

He stated that the ACN aspirant has based his campaign on issues and how best to move the state forward in the face of seeming challenges which need someone who is ready to make sacrifice and commitment toward addressing them.

Reacting to the adoption, Abraham praised the Legacy Forum for the massive turnout and thanked them for the confidence reposed

47

By Musa Odoshimokhe

in him, stressing that all hands must be on the deck to give the state a turn-around by working within the ambit of the law.

He said: “We must be commited to transforming the state from the present comatose and lethargy, lack lustre socio-economic performance to a viable and vibrant economy where our youths who are desirous of gainful employment can be engaged so that Ondo State can stand tall among states making progress in the country.”

Abraham further enjoined the leadership of the forum to be transparent in all their dealings with the group because without honesty, the followership will not be well organised.

The group promised him of its readiness to mobilise the people at the grassroots to fully participate in the voter registration exercise, so as to deliver to the ACN aspirant whom they considered viable to take over the Alagbaka Government House.

•Abraham

Enugu From Chris Oji, Enugu

Jahun appealed to the state government to provide working tools for VGN members in the state and also assist them in the area of legislation. “ Vigilante group in Nigeria is an informal community policing entity registered with the Cooperate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 1999 to complement or supplement the effort of Nigerian Police and all other security agencies in the country.

“Anywhere we go, if it is in the east, north or west, we know the particular or peculiar problem. Here in the east, we know they have one or two problems which will be part of what we are discussing and part of it is the issue of kidnapping, armed robbery and the issue of how to detect crime and report to the appropriate authorities”, he said Also speaking with newsmen at the occasion, the immediate past Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 8, AIG Uzo Amakulor, said the workshop was important, adding that since the VGN members had taken the responsibility of securing their communities, there was need to give them training.

Public assured of safety

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HE authorities of Ibom Airport Development Company (IADC) have assured the public of safety and security at the airport in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.

The Managing Director of the IADC, Jari Williams, told journalists that the assurance was part of measures to restore public confidence on air transportation.

Williams said that it became necessary, following the DANA plane crash on Sunday in Lagos.

He said: “the State Government and IADC would spare no effort to keep safety and security paramount in Ibom Airport.’’

Refering to the challenges faced by passengers travelling to Abuja from Uyo since the ill-fated DANA plane crash, he said: “the management is already working out modalities to bring in Arik Air and Aero Air in place of DANA. “Arik Air has been on operational maintenance for quite some time but we are hopeful that it will resume operation from Uyo to Abuja soon,” he said.

He used the opportunity to appeal to members of the public to assist security agencies with important information.

Delta lifts cooperative group with N1.8m

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TU Omenka Akwaocha Cooperative group in Delta State said it had received N1.8 million micro credit from the state government to empower its members.

The chairman of the association, Madam

Delta Uju Ijeh, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Asaba, said the group received the interest-free loan through the state’s micro-credit programme between 2007 and

Akwa Ibom He said he would strive to make youths in the state embrace entrepreneurship to shun cultism and indecent life styles.

Udo made the promise in an interview with the journalists in Eket shortly after being inaugurated as the sixth president of the association.

He said economic potentials in Eket clan would be harnessed.

Udo said agriculture, cooperatives and entrepreneurship training were the key drivers of his administration’s plan to re-focus the economies of communities in the state.

He solicited the support of the communities, corperate bodies and members.

He gave the assurance that his leadership would champion the agitation of oil-bearing communities for equitable remuneration from oil companies for their exploration activities.

Udo said the group would join forces with other progressives to persuade Mobil Producing Nigeria, operator of the Qua Iboe oil fields, to relocate its headquarters to Eket.

According to the president-general, all the company’s operations are carried out in Eket, yet its headquarters where decisions about its activities are taken is outside the area.

“We think that the policy is not quite right.

They should bring the headquarters to where all their operations take place and my group will support the agitation in that regard.

“We have come with a blueprint to change things and re-brand Afigh Iwaad Ekid and we are going to work hard to ensure that when we talk, anyone who listens will know that we are serious.

“We shall ensure that Eket youths are equipped and empowered to take advantage of the oil and gas opportunities rather than being dependent on people.

• Governor Chime

• Sole Administrator, Institute of Transport Administration [IOTA] Nigeria, Prince Don Aki(left) receiving a gift from the National Secretary General ,Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria[RTEAN] Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed at a parley between both organisations in Lagos

T

HE Country Director, Mother and Child Development Foundation, Theresa Jaja, has donated infant needs; infant milk, beverages, toiletries, diapers and other items to the Abuja Children’s home, in Karu-Abuja.

Speaking with journalists after the donation, Jaja noted that her establishment of the foundation was informed by the turning point in her life when she survived a ghastly accident and decided to live for humanity.

She said: “I had a turning point about October 2010, which made me think about establishing this organisation. After being involved in a ghastly motor accident in October 2010 and as I was recuperating, it was as if God was ministering to me. I was at home for almost a month . So during that period I had this vision about this NGO.” According to her, during the period, it occurred to her that before embarking on any trip, she should clothe women and feed them. Jaja added that she included looking after children to the and therefore named the foundation mother and child.

The beneficiaries of the foundation, according the Country Director, included the widows in All Saints Catholic Church in Port-Harcourt, Motherless Babies Home Borokiri, Compassionate Home Port Harcourt and others.

She recalled that when she visited the Abuja Children’s Home with a letter of introduction and requested for an area of intervention, she was told the needs: children’s infant milk, beverages for breakfast and diapers and toiletries.

Jaja said her vision is to establish her own Children’s Home in Port-Harcourt in the future.

She noted that the sponsorship of the organisation is private but she is looking

2009.

Ijeh said the society received N350,000 after its registration in 2007, adding that it was given N1.5 million in 2009 when it completed the repayment of the 2007 package.

According to her, the group, based in Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, currently has 10 women as members.

It specialises in the making of “Akwaocha”, a local fabric popular among the people of Delta North .

Ijeh said that the group would have received fresh credit from the programme if it had been able to liquidate the 2009 loan in December.

She said the group suffered some setback during the year.

She, however, said that full payment of the loan would be completed later this year and that the society would apply for another credit facility from the government’s scheme.

Ijeh said that “Akwaocha is an occasional cloth used mostly during festive periods and important events, including marriages, chieftaincy-taking and kingship coronation ceremonies.

The cooperative chairman said that the loan had helped the group to improve its production size and meet local demand.

She said that materials used in the production of the fabric were usually procured in bulk and distributed among their members at cheap rates.

Ijeh added that each member of the group made a monthly profit of at least, N50,000.

“Most of us re-invest our profits into other businesses and some us now own lands and give our children good education.’’

Abuja children’s home gets donation forward to getting support from the government and some other donor agencies.

Speaking, Mr Felix Inade of Abuja Children’s Home,described the Home as that of abandoned children.

He said: “Abuja Home is for children who are less privileged, motherless and abandoned.

So, we on our own refer to them as abandoned children. Ideally, a child is brought to life to be taken care of. So the founders of this home said since this plan A has already failed, that is a

Abuja From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

biological parent abandoning a child, we feel there is need for taking care of that child.”

In the Abuja Children’s Home , according to Inaede, there are about 57 children but whatever circumstance brings a child, the home is considered hers or his.

•From left: Dr Ronke Ademokoya, President Benevolent Foundation Mr Ayoola Ogunbiyi, Benefator of Free Glasses, Hon Rasheed Adaranijo, Councillor WordB Orile Agege LCDA, and Dr Byron Job Project Director of Benjamin Franklin Eye Foundation during the eye care programme and free eye reading glasses by Benevolent foundation at Ile Pako Orile Agege PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

19

EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

More and more curious •Attempts to stop Justice Salami from being reinstated grow more desperate

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HE ill-advised decision of the Federal Government to disregard the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) recommendation that Justice Isa Ayo Salami be re-instated to his position as the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA) grows weaker by the day.

A suit instituted by Mr Noah Ajare seeking to restrain the NJC from considering any recommendations for Salami’s reinstatement has been dismissed by a Federal High Court in Abuja. In the view of the presiding judge, Justice Abdul Kafarati, Ajare lacked the locus standi to institute the action, and had as a consequence denied the court the requisite jurisdiction to entertain the suit. In addition, Kafarati accepted the NJC’s argument that the Judicial Stakeholders’ Review Committee, which recommended Salami’s re-instatement to the NJC, lacked the legal right to sue or be sued. As a result, the NJC’s name was struck out from the suit, and the case was dismissed.

Ajare’s suit is symbolic of the dubiousness of the attempts to obstruct the re-instatement of Justice Salami. There are a variety of other court cases, all designed to achieve the same aim, as well as a whispering campaign whose apparent objective seems to be that of playing for time until Salami’s retirement date falls due. Even Ajare appears to be heading back to court.

The clamour that has been sparked off by what should ordinarily be a routine administrative function is a

clear indication that political concerns rather than legal justifications are shaping the Jonathan administration’s attitudes to the matter. Instead of seeking to bring closure to a crisis that has done great damage to the honour of the judiciary, the integrity of individual judges, and has diminished respect for the legal process as a whole, government appears to be determined to ensure that its own partisan desires take precedence over due process and the separation of powers.

The implications for Nigeria’s democracy are grave. The status of the judiciary as the last hope of the citizenry is well established: it is the strongest guarantee against the anarchy that would inevitably result from a general resort to self-help. When a sitting government embarks on actions that clearly demonstrate that it has little regard for such a fundamental aspect of the rule of law, it is encouraging others to think in the same way.

In a country beset by an almost-overwhelming flood of tragedies ranging from domestic terrorism to the lethal collapse of vital infrastructure, it is only an abiding belief in the rule of law that enables Nigerians to hold on to the hope of a better tomorrow. That is why the apocalyptic vision of the Boko Haram sect is countered by reference to the country’s secular status and democratic ethos.

The Federal Government’s appeals to the primacy of rule of law become

increasingly hollow when it becomes clear to everyone that it is only interested in due process when it is in the government’s favour. Such hypocrisy can only harden the attitudes of the growing numbers of those who have no faith in President Goodluck Jonathan’s promises to run a transparent and transformational government.

It is time for the Jonathan administration to act above board. Justice Salami should be re-instated in accordance with the NJC recommendation, to enable the Court of Appeal to get on with its work. The ability to do the correct thing, regardless of prevailing partisan considerations, is what separates a politician from a statesman.

‘Instead of seeking to bring closure to a crisis that has done great damage to the honour of the judiciary, the integrity of individual judges, and has diminished respect for the legal process as a whole, government appears to be determined to ensure that its own partisan desires take precedence over due process and the separation of powers’

Oladele Olashore (1935-2012) •A monarch who brought development to his community goes home

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HE curtain of life was finally drawn on the life of Oba Samuel Oladele Olashore, the Ajagbusi Ekun and Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State. He joined his ancestors on June 2, aged 77.

Oba Olashore was a man of many parts. To some, he was an astute banker who retired from the sector after reaching the pinnacle of his career as Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, and as founder of the defunct Lead Bank Limited and Lead Capital.

To others, he was a controversial public servant. He was sacked from the CBN in 1987 by General Ibrahim

‘When the history of traditional rulers that truly made indelible imprints in the lives of their people is written, certainly, the name of this IlokoIjesa monarch will be conspicuously present. He loved and toiled for his people’s development, using his wealth and widespread connections. We can only pray that the nation and, particularly his people that will miss him so dearly, will be blessed with another traditional ruler like him’

Babangida, former military head of state who later rehired him to serve as Secretary of Finance (minister) under his Transition Government.

On the throne, he was an epitome of grace and elegance. He was a dedicated traditional ruler who gave attention to the wellbeing and upliftment of his people and community. In fact, one of the strongest points of Oba Olashore was his thirst to bring development closer to his subjects and his immediate environment. He established Olashore International School and Iloko Model School that are rated highly, not only in Nigeria, but globally. He also established a five-star hotel, Royal Park International Hotel. Before his demise, Oba Olashore had succeeded in putting his previously bucolic Iloko-Ijesa community on an international plinth.

He was born to the family of Oba Samuel Oyerinde Olashore and Lydia Olashore on February 18, 1935. He attended St Matthew’s Redemptorist and St Peter’s Primary School, both in Minna, Niger State, for part of his elementary education. He later finished his elementary school at Holy Trinity School, Kano. He proceeded to Offa Grammar School, Offa, Kwara State, for his secondary education.

He was at one time and the other at the College of Administration, University of Ghana and the Leeds College of Commerce, United Kingdom,

in pursuit of his Accountancy education that he finished in 1964.

Olashore worked with the British Petroleum (BP) in 1964. He left the multinational oil giant in 1967 to join the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) where he rose from being a bank examiner in 1967 to the post of director of banking operations and chief bank examiner in 1980. He left the apex bank the same year to join the International Bank for West Africa (IBWA) as managing director.

From IBWA, he moved to First Bank to become its Managing Director.

He was installed as Oba and head of the Iloko-Ijesa Traditional Council in 1997. Oba Olashore held the national honour of Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) that was conferred on him in 2002. When the history of traditional rulers that truly made indelible imprints in the lives of their people is written, certainly, the name of this Iloko-Ijesa monarch will be conspicuously present. He loved and toiled for his people’s development, using his wealth and widespread connections.

We can only pray that the nation and, particularly his people that will miss him so dearly, will be blessed with another traditional ruler like him.

Adieu, Oba Oladele Olashore, a monarch par excellence.

Chinese insiders start to speak out about Tiananmen Square

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HE OFFICIAL POSITION of China’s rulers is that the Tiananmen Square massacre of June 3-4, 1989, is not open for discussion: a student-led “counter-revolutionary rebellion” was put down by security forces. Case closed.

Yet, for an event so thoroughly airbrushed out of view, there was plenty of activity on its 23rd anniversary this week. A candlelight vigil in Hong Kong drew tens of thousands of people, one of the largest gatherings in that city since 1989. Authorities in a Beijing district posted stringent security precautions calling for “wartime systems and protective measures.” When the Shanghai stock market fell 64.89 points Monday — which some Chinese interpreted as an eerie reference to the date of the massacre — censors went into overdrive trying to wipe out any references to it on popular micro-blogs.

The memory of Tiananmen, in which hundreds and perhaps thousands of unarmed demonstators were killed, refuses to be extinguished, and tantalizing glimpses of the story have come from an unexpected quarter: former high-level party officials no longer willing to be silent. The latest to speak out is Chen Xitong, a hard-liner who was mayor of Beijing at the time and was later removed from office on corruption charges. Now 81 years old, battling cancer and presumably hoping to clear his reputation, Mr. Chen has given a series of interviews, published as a book in Hong Kong, in which he says the bloodshed was “of course a tragedy that could have been avoided and should have been avoided. . . . Nobody should have died if it had been handled properly.” Mr. Chen appears to be distancing himself from his report to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress just after the massacre, which said the crackdown was correct and unavoidable.

Now, as The Post’s Andrew Higgins reported, Mr. Chen says he merely read out a script written for him by others in the party.

Zhao Ziyang, the reformist party general secretary who was forced out during Tiananmen and lived under house arrest until his death in 2005, secretly recorded audiotapes of his recollections.

In 2009, the tapes were published in a memoir in which Mr. Zhao asserted (as he had at the time) that the Tiananmen student demonstrators were not seeking to overturn the party, and the proper response would have been to open a dialogue with them. Yet another trove of disclosures about the massacre came in documents purportedly from inside the party that were leaked and published abroad in 2001 as “The Tiananmen Papers.”

There will be more, and there are still plenty of unknowns, including how many people died. It’s reassuring to see some indications that Tiananmen hasn’t been entirely forgotten by Chinese, even if a younger generation has little exposure to the details. Ultimately, if China’s leaders are ever to contemplate a more democratic system, they must face the dark days of Tiananmen and provide a full accounting. But a party that maintains a monopoly on power will not easily relinquish a monopoly on history. The minute it does, a tightly wound ball of myths, justifications and coverups will begin to unravel.

– Washington Post

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: Since the surprise re-naming of the University of Lagos after the legendary hero of our modern democracy, Bashorun MKO Abiola, there has been hue and cry from several quarters.

However, it is very disturbing that even newspaper editorials like The Nation (June 5) The SUN (June 1) and several other leading lights who should know better have either, deliberately or otherwise, we believe, tainted the law to suit sentiments out of which we need to grow. This, we find quite unfair and un-ethical and have thus, decided to straighten the records.

The issues for determination are: Does the President have the right to re-name UNILAG as he has done?

Does the re-naming necessarily need legislative passage, in the light of the civilian era of today as against the military era during which the precedents were done?

Is UNILAG re-naming the best we can do to honour the Late Bashorun MKO Abiola?

First and most controversial of the questions is if the President has the right to re-name the school.

Section 7 of the UNILAG Act empowers him to do so and for clarity purposes, we hereby re-produce it below; Section 7 Subject to the provisions of the this Act relating to the Visitor, the Council shall be the governing body of the University and shall be charged with the general control and superintendence of the policy, finances and property of the University including its Public Relations.

What we get from the above can be further simplified into the following; That the Council has omnibus powers over the institution. That included in these omnibus powers is the Public Relations of the school.

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Of UNILAG, MKO Abiola and mischief-makers That despite all these powers, the powers of the Council is subject to that of the Visitor.

Therefore, as envisaged by the Act, the President’s re-naming action was lawful and not otherwise as what some newspapers and leaders of thought have erroneously opined.

The above position then answers the second question if the re-naming will ever need legislative process. Evidently, from the provisions of the UNILAG Act, there is accom-

modation for the President’s action hence there is no need for any legislative process over this matter. What, however needs to come for legislation is the Amendment of the Act to reflect the prior and lawful namechange.

On the third question, the recognition of the President is appreciated but is UNILAG the farthest he can go? Some of us think that re-naming the Port-Harcourt International Airport (our only international air-

port yet to be branded after any hero or heroine) after MKO Abiola would not be too much after all, it was a national struggle of international dimension that Abiola symbolised, lost his vast business empire for, lost his precious wife over and eventually died for. Thus, it is our sincere hope that the President will once again, give Abiola a pride of place in our national evolution by re-naming the Port-Harcourt International airport as “MKO Abiola Interna-

A nation of many tragedies

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IR: It is saddening that our dear country is enmeshed in one crisis or the other. The triple tragedies that will not be easily forgotten are the Bauchi bomb attacks as well as the Accra and Lagos air crashes.

Before the Bauchi carnage, a Boeing 727 cargo plane, belonging to Allied Air Nigerian company, while attempting to land at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana, rammed into a bus loaded with passengers on a nearby street, killing 10 the occupants.

As our nation was still mourning the dead, another bomb attack occurred at the Living Faith Church Worldwide (aka Winners’Chapel) and the Harvest Field Church in the Yelwa areas of Bauchi State.

The state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that 21 people were

killed, while 45 others sustained varying degrees of injuries during the bomb incident. Again, Boko Haram is said to have claimed responsibility for the bombing.

In terms of the number of the dead, the most horrific was the crash of Boeing McDonnell Douglas 83 with registration number 5NRAM, operated by Dana Airlines Limited. The aircraft crashed into a building at the densely populated Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos, less than five minutes to touchdown.

So far, 153 people reportedly perished in the tragedy alone. This is excludes those who were killed in their homes where the aircraft plunged into when it was forced down.

The litany of air crashes has left the nation in great losses in terms of human and material resources, making the business climate

repulsive to the desired development.

Like the previous air crashes, the Federal Government has constituted a nine-man technical and administrative panel that will audit all airlines operating in the country. The panel has been given a time frame of six weeks to complete the assignment of coming up with a comprehensive report on each of the airlines in the country.

The Group Captain John Obakpolor-led committee’s scope of work would include the immediate assessment of all domestic airlines; total auditing of all aircraft registered in Nigeria; outlining actions to be taken to improve safety as well as a review of the financial health of airlines operating within the country, among others.

To avoid the mistakes of the past,

Still on Ekiti’s teachers’ assessment test

IR: Ekiti Ministry of Education and the teachers’ unions duelling over the planned Teachers Development Needs Assessment test could look to the experience of Kwara State. A similar exercise in 2008 heralded the dawn of a new age of teacher professional development, a raising of teaching

tional Airport (MAIA)”.

In checking further opposition to this, please be reminded that the Owelle of Onitsha and first President of the federation, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe has been immortalized with several monuments- the summit of our currency-the N1,000 note, a stadium in Enugu, a university in Awka and the Abuja international airport. Doing same or nearly the same for Abiola cannot be out of place. We urge President Jonathan to be considerate over this humble request. Without sentiments, MKO deserves it!

Therefore, we condemn the students’ desecration of the martyrdom in Abiola by their ill-informed protest and continued fighting.

•Tosin Akande & Arierhie Patrick Okuneh, Lagos.

standards in the classroom and a noticeable improvement in learner achievement in Kwara schools.

The understanding and cooperation between the government and unions, led by then Honourable Commissioner for Education, Bolaji Abdullahi, and the NUT Chairman, Farouk Akanbi, was sig-

nificant. Both sides were brave enough to recognise there was a serious problem with the education system in Kwara and bold enough to do something positive about it.

Over 95% of teachers failed the Primary 4 level test but the response was to improve, not remove them.

With the trust of the teachers, the

Ministry of Education began a comprehensive programme of reform to create a properly trained workforce that could take pride and pleasure from its work and offer Kwara’s children a worthwhile education.

• Olufela Eugene, Ilorin

the committee should waste no time by revisiting the reports of previous bodies, to determine what went wrong and build on that by carrying out thorough and detailed assignment. This time around, it should not be a tea party or business as usual, which will amount to waste of time and resources.

Obakpolor and his team should prove their mettle and do the nation proud.

It is regrettable that the security situation in the country has become dangerous and parlous, due to the growing activities of terrorists and criminals, with the government doing little to curb this dangerous trend. Nigerians appear helpless and now live in perpetual fear of the unknown.

Boko Haram and other terror groups will continue to torment the nation unless their real sponsors are identified and punished as long as they prefer to champion their perceived grievances with violence.

The government should, therefore, be decisive and surmount the political will and courage to tackle this menace, once and for all.

• Adewale Kupoluyi Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012 16

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Reality Bites E

Dumbed by stardom (3)

Olatunji Ololade

VERY day, a few more lies eat into the umbilicus with which we are born; little institutional lies from the pages of newspapers, the shock waves of television, and sentimental cheats mounted on every soapbox. The effect is awesome: lies like tsetse flies taunt the Nigerian will to fight passivity and “sleep.” And the Nigerian will pitifully give, cluttering the sands of time with indelible footprints of cowardliness and deceit.

Much has been said that is reasonable and revolting about University of Lagos, UNILAG’s name change; but the silliest thing ever said about it is that it will destroy about “50years of academic excellence.” Excellence? To be clever enough to propagate such baloney, one must be stupid enough to believe it.

John Carroll University was founded in 1886 by the Society of Jesus under the title of St. Ignatius College as a “college for men.” In 1923, the College was renamed John Carroll University, after the first archbishop of the Catholic Church in the United States and founder of fellow Jesuit institution GeorgetownUniversity. The Bishop contributed nothing to the university.

College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations now Brown University was renamed after Nicholas Brown, Jr., of the Brown family because he was a member of the class of 1786 and in 1804 contributed $5,000 toward an endowed professorship.

Yale University; incorporated as the Collegiate School was renamed Yale College in 1718 to honor a gift

“

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of nine bales of goods from Elihu Yale, a governor of the British East India Company. The goods were sold for more than £560 to raise fund for a new school building. Yale also donated 417 books and a portrait of King George I. Duke University established in 1838 as Brown’s Schoolhouse became the Union Institute Academy in 1841 when North Carolina issued a charter. The academy was renamed Normal College in 1851 and then Trinity College in 1859 because of support from the Methodist Church.

In 1924, Washington Duke’s son, James B. Duke, established The Duke Endowment with a $40 million trust fund. Income from the fund was to be distributed to hospitals, orphanages, the Methodist Church, and four colleges (including Trinity College). William Preston Few, the president of Trinity at the time, insisted that the institution be renamed Duke University to honor Duke’s generosity.

But then, “Of what relevance is this to UNILAG’s arbitrary name change?” some would wonder. The answer is simple: heaven didn’t fall when these Ivy League institutions experienced name change nor was there a court case. And till date, they remain prestigious universities and the dream alma mater of not a few ambitious scholars around the world.

Many UNILAG, now Moshood Abiola University, Lagos (MAULAG) undergraduates and alumni will continue to hold that President Goodluck Jonathan erred by changing the name in such a brazen and arbitrary manner. Indeed,

GOOD name is a goodwill ambassador, with a promise.”

“Effective names communicate character, personality and distinction.

Distinctiveness is the watchword here; it’s the single most important characteristic of any name. Beyond their work as identifiers, names have a more sophisticated job. They must conjure up complementary images or sensations in customers’ minds through sounds and positive associations. Ideal names are an artful blend of impressions and meanings”. – Henri Charmasson What’s in a name? Why did the University of Lagos students have a demonstration following the name change announcement? Why are Unilag alumni offended by the change of name?

Why is the university staff bothered by the news of a new name for Unilag?

Really, what’s in a name?

An unknown author once said that “A person with a bad name is already halfhanged”. Lord Jeffery also states “A good name is, like goodwill, is got many actions and lost by one”.

Is the name Unilag a goodwill ambassador with a promise? Does the name Unilag communicate character?

Does it communicate personality? Does it communicate distinction? Does the name Unilag conjure up complementary images or sensations in the customer’s (i.e. students, alumni and staff) minds through sounds and positive associations?

Is it possible that the answers to these questions could be an explanation as to why Unilag students demonstrated?

Could it also explain why the Unilag alumni are offended by the name change?

Could this also give a clue as to why Unilag staff are perturbed by the name Moshood Abiola University?

Name changing is nothing new. When a woman gets married, she changes her identity by taking her husband’s name.

She drops her father’s name to become Mrs. Whatever in the bid to take on the

President Jonathan erred but that doesn’t change the fact that MAULAG undergraduates parade themselves as worse perfidy than the arbitrariness they protest.

Their grief may have been truly understandable were their displeasure borne of uprightness and an overwhelming passion for excellence, the just and humane. Rather their anguish is borne of their irredeemable loss of their self-confessed “UNILAG swagger” and the “effizy” in the now defunct name.

Late Moshood Abiola allegedly gave more grants to UNILAG as an individual; in a rare twist of poetic justice, Nduka Obaigbena, ThisDay publisher recently argued that “Abiola was a great benefactor to major universities in Nigeria, especially the University of Lagos to which he gave N100 million in the eighties (about N15 billion in today’s Naira)” – a feat yet to be surpassed by any individual about 20 years after Abiola’s death, I would argue.

But that is not enough reason to rename the school after the late philanthropist and businessman; not even the fact that he paid with his life as ultimate sacrifice in Nigeria’s quest for democracy matters to MAULAG undergraduates and alumni. Undergraduates who were probably in their diapers during the June 12, 1993 struggle have alleged that Abiola made no tangible contribution to the school; and some alumni would simply not accept that he is worthy of such recognition.

But if President Jonathan had consulted widely, would he have enjoyed the university authorities and student’s approval? Were he not desperate to score cheap political points, would he have renamed UNILAG after the Late Abiola in such manner? Posterity and the inescapable thrusts of Karma will judge MAULAG authorities, undergraduates, alumni and President Jonathan as they deserve.

Amongst the school’s livid authorities, alumni and undergraduates that took to the streets, social networking sites and law court to protest the name change, there are many who casted their votes for President Jonathan. These human elements, at best epitomize the degeneracy of the Nigerian electorate.

A greater section of this band of citizenry affect a decided gift for portraying petty-mindedness and superficiality in vignettes. Their inanity is caused, not by wickedness, but by pitiful density, insensitivity and inability to make sense, often accompanied by low animal cunning...this mental perversity is chosen by the heart over the moral will. But they are yet to ruin anyone’s morals except theirs, unless, perhaps, they drive some equally susceptible persons to crime in a fury of folly.

It is very attractive to pillory President Jonathan and blame him for everything that is wrong with our lives but a greater number of Mr. President’s critics are unarguably deserving of greater scorn and vitriol than President Jonathan. Last time I checked, he didn’t force himself upon us. Many Nigerians particularly from the Southwest, Southeast and Niger Delta region welcomed him with open arms just because he is not from the north.

Such crass sentimentality has become the brute in our recurring nightmare. If most Nigerians; selfstyled intellectuals, aristocrats, opinion leaders, students and working class alike could weigh President Jonathan against other candidates and declare him the best man for the job, his actions and policies ought to be deemed the best measures for our times.

You cannot plant banana and expect to harvest pawpaw. The Nigerian electorate have been corrupted by sentiment and corrupted by money. The situation becomes even

What’s in a name?

By Olaboludele Simoyan identity of her husband.

A major catastrophe, changing trends, mergers or acquisitions etc cause companies to also change their names and as such end up creating for themselves a new corporate identity. We need to ask ourselves “Does Moshood Abiola University create a new corporate identity for University of Lagos that is acceptable to the population”?

The mergers and acquisitions that took place some years ago in the Nigerian banking sector is a typical example of companies taking on a new logo or a new name and image to reflect their new corporate identity. Likewise, some of the old banks that merged have reappeared with new names.

Since the federal government has given Unilag a new name, who is going to pay for the new logo? Is it the federal government or Unilag? Who is going to pay for the awareness campaigns needed to promote the new Unilag corporate image? Is it the federal government or Unilag? Who is going to pay for the rebranding of Unilag? Is it the President or the university? Who is going to pay for the brand that’s worth billions? Who is going to pay for the Unilag brand that took years to build? Who’s going to pay? Can the federal government really afford the cost of re-branding in this era of trying to remove the fuel subsidy? Can they?

In “Roots”, Alex Haley’s non – fiction book (and movie), a young African prince from The Gambia by the name Kunta Kinte was imported by slave traders to the New World – the United States of America.

In those days, slave owners would buy a slave and change their name to give them a new identity – the identity of a slave.

Kunta Kinte was bought and taken to a plantation where his slave master changed his name to Toby.

The only problem was that Kunta Kinte rejected the name because he still saw himself as an African prince. He wasn’t about to let anyone take that from him. He was proud of his African heritage and identity.

Are Unilag students rejecting the new name because of the way they see themselves? How do they see themselves?

Are they so proud of their Unilag heritage and culture that they don’t want to let it go for anything? Are they so proud of their identity that they don’t want to take up another?

Kunta’s stance obviously constituted a dilemma for the slave master, who needed to get Kunta to understand that his identity had changed and that he was now a slave in the New World. The slave master could not afford to have an insubordinate slave on the plantation.

That would spell trouble for him with the other slaves, which could lead to an insurrection.

The slave master eventually whipped Kunta to a pulp to get him to accept his new identity. Even though Kunta was forced into submission the slave master knew in his heart of hearts that he had only succeeded in breaking Kunta’s body, but not his spirit or his identity as an African prince. That is how deeply ingrained an identity can be. It has the ability to saturate your whole being – spirit, soul and body!

Will the federal government force the good people of Unilag to accept the new name? Will it enforce the new identity?

Will the federal government (like Kunta’s

more worrisome when sentimentality is persistently co-opted with pop culture in the pursuit and attainment of economic and socio-political goals. President Jonathan reaped the fruits of his nimbleness at manipulating the sentiments and minds of the Nigerian electorate.

Nigerians, on the other hand are reaping the fruits of their susceptibility to such cunningness and politics. The majority of voters paid no attention to the details of the election, or the issues at stake. During the election, they rooted for Goodluck Jonathan because he was expected to have good luck which should rub off on the country. Many fell in love with him because he wasted tax payers’ money to travel down to Lagos to kneel before Rev. Enoch Adeboye. They were dumbed

by Jonathan’s manipulation of religion and the pastor’s star power.

Others exchanged their mandate for inducements of various kinds and a great deal more chose Jonathan by ethnic considerations. Many based their choice on some opinion leader’s wishful thinking and various disreputable social scientific theories that suited their personal politics.

• To be continued…

‘But if President Jonathan had consulted widely, would he have enjoyed the university authorities and student’s approval?

Were he not desperate to score cheap political points, would he have renamed UNILAG after the Late Abiola in such manner?

Posterity and the inescapable thrusts of Karma will judge MAULAG authorities, undergraduates, alumni and President Jonathan as they deserve’ SMS only 08038551123 (tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk)

slave master) whip Unilag to a pulp and use their federal might to get her to submit to the new name?

I pray the federal government will have the humility to engage the good people of Unilag. And I pray the federal government will also have the courage to do the right thing!

The Unilag identity has been so deeply etched, ingrained and craved in to the consciousness of the Unilag population and the rest of the Nigerian society. It is not just a name; it is more than a name. Its worth in the hearts and minds of the Unilag population cannot be quantified!

With this name change Unilag will lose more than a name, it will lose its identity!

It will also lose the right to be listed among Nigeria’s topmost educational brand!

So, what’s in a name? A strong sense of identity is what’s in a name!

A strong sense of belonging is what’s in a name! A strong sense of pride is what’s in a name! A heritage and culture is what’s in a name! A legacy is in what’s in a name!

That is what’s in a name! And so much more!!!

• Ms Simoyan wties from Lagos.

‘Is it possible that the answers to these questions could be an explanation as to why Unilag students demonstrated? Could it also explain why the Unilag alumni are offended by the name change? Could this also give a clue as to why Unilag staff are perturbed by the name Moshood Abiola University?’

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION ‘You only live twice. Once when you are born and once when you look death in the face.’———IAN FLEMING

T

HE birth of man brings glee, but his demise, no matter how old he lived, brings melancholy to people around him. If man had an option, then, death would have been no more on planet earth. Rather be no more, it is the ranks of human being that death is depleting everyday. Thence, the mystery of death has defied scientific incursions. Medical technology and breakthrough can only heal, it can not make man live forever. That is the triumph of death over mana demonstration of the inexplicable power that the almighty creator of the universe has given to death over human efforts to curtail his (death’s) excesses.

Death visited some Nigerians and foreigners inside a crashed Dana airline plane and in their homes last Sunday. Like in all situations, when death was approaching, it accepts no excuse. The tears, wailings and prayers of those victims inside that plane when the inevitable became apparent did not move death’s steely heart. In that very occasion, death did not give advance notice of his arrival in the form of falling teeth, weakening of the skin, grey hair and failing vision among others before he struck. When he killed those helpless occupants of the plane and those in their homes, he proved his mystery-that he can strike at any moment- that he is the most reviled but inevitable end of man.

Though last Sunday, death might have done his worst, but it is important for those in authority to ask themselves whether they have been negligent in handling aviation matters in the country; and thereby complicit to giving death a smooth sail over all human victims of that crash. Is the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) still relevant as it is constituted today in view of the damning expose showing that it must have compromised aviation safety and standards in the nation? Is the nation going to learn anything from this last crash or was the effusive display of emotions at the scene by President Goodluck Jonathan and others, a mere playing to the gallery and a decoy to show nonexisting empathy to Nigerians?

Sadly, over 153 promising Nigerians and foreigners have been sent to their untimely but avoidable deaths in very harsh/violent way. Something has to be done very quickly

“That they may successfully do evil with both hands The prince asks for gifts, The judge seeks a bribe, And the great man utters his great desire; So they scheme together.”

Micah, 7 v.3

S

ORROW becomes us; a cloud of melancholy hangs overhead as if judgment has come. But it is not yet the D – Day, it seems more like a foretaste of what to come should we persist on this road to perdition. Who will pull us back from this foretold doom, who will retract our steps from this precipice that we peer down at so gleefully? Our ship is at sea, stormtossed and adrift, where is the redeemer?

We have been remiss at nation building, doing all the wrong things and glorying in them. But every wayward step in the march to nationhood has dire consequences; surely.

Therefore, every malfeasance, every malappropriation, every insouciance and every egregious abuse of office at all levels – and these have been the norm – have unique, painful and collective consequences. You cannot eat your (national) cake and have it; put plainly, you cannot eat your infrastructure and have them, you cannot eat your roads and have them, you cannot eat your air safety regulators and have them and you cannot eat your people, your citizenry

‘As yours truly once wrote, there is such national opprobrium and shedding of crocodile tears when a plane drops from our skies out of our negligence because of the magnitude of the tragedy but if our public primary schools were planes, every one of them would have crashed’

Dana crash: The atrocious way to die

University in honour of John Harvard who had bequeathed a good deal of his enormous wealth to it.

From 08038771950 Thank you for your wonderful write up on Abiola. I have read most of the arguments against GEJ’s decision, they all fell flat. To me, there is nothing these people will do for Abiola that will equal his sacrifice. They goaded him to his death, and now do not see his name fit for a federally owned property.

Shame! For the students of UNILAG, their teachers and others, they prefer a ‘flexing name’ to a ‘real human name’ with meaning and substance. May Jehovah deliver them o.

Tony Eberonwu From 08136324180 Sir I read your article of Friday 1st of June 2012 tagged: “See what Obasanjo caused.” It is in fact an eye opener and an educative one.

You took us back on memory lane. More grease to your elbow. Thanks.

Yinka Oni, Ogba.

From 08033593310 Still on the renaming of 50-year old University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University. As far as I know and as one that was brought up in Zaria in the 1950s and 60s, Ahmadu Bello University bore the name from inception while the premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello was still alive. One of the new Federal Universities could have been named after our heroic and historic MKO without much, if any, controversy. Thank you for your column.

From 08032391041 Thanks for rising above instinctive opposition to Jonathan on Abiola.

•Crashed plane now in the aviation industry if only to show that the government has respect for right to life of individuals as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The Indian owners of Dana Airline must be prosecuted along with their collaborators in NCAA if found wanting so as to serve as deterrence to others in their shoes in future. The need for an emergency declaration in the aviation sector is now!

Re: Abiola: See what Obasanjo caused!

From 08156417542 Many thanks for your article on the renaming of UNILAG. The truth of the matter is that 95% of the students in UNILAG, are there

for the name; and just as you rightly mentioned Harvard and ABU, little do they know that Abiola’s name will propel the university to greater pride and height. Don’t forget that most of the students were less than 10years old when Abiola sacrificed his life for our democracy today. May Allah continue to be your strength.

Kunle Adekanye, Zaria.

From 08033593310 Greetings, Chief Abiola more than deserves to be honoured but this should be done properly. UNILAG is 50 years old, established and named through an Act of the National Assembly. By the way, New College was only three years old when it was renamed Harvard

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8181624757, email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

Land of sorrow and expect to have them whole, hale and hearty around you. This is our unseen reality.

On that analogical note, our planes will continue to plunge most embarrassingly because we have long eaten our airlines (starting with our national carrier, Nigeria Airways); we have eaten our aviation system and processes. We have even eaten our airspace and we are doing make believe. This is how come Ethiopian Airline is now ‘the spirit of Africa’ and a member of the world aviation benchmark known as the Star Alliance. We are far removed from the rarefied world of civil aviation; it is very serious business. The world simply watches us as we relish in our empty braggadocio, as we put our k-legged foot in our mouth in every sphere of human endeavor. Why did Nigeria Airways with its dozens of fleet simply vanish? Where is the report of enquiry on it? Why did Virgin-Nigeria fail?

Why would an Indian multi-purpose firm run an airline in Nigeria with only three aircraft which are almost phased out in other climes, shuttling from east to west, from north to south of Nigeria flogging three planes to death? The answer is simple: we are not doing aviation, we are simply doodling.

It is not that planes don’t crash in other lands. No, in fact hardly any month passes without the iron bird breaking its wings somewhere on the globe. But ours is always an especial tragedy because it is avoidable; it is consequent upon our unremitting misdemeanor. Yes, consequence! Ask yourself why our tragedies often herald

chaos and unmanageable pandemonium?

Did you see the surging mass of Nigerians at the scene of the Dana plane crash? For two days (in fact, until the ooze from the putrescence kept them away), the crowd kept building at the site, mainly scavenging and watching ‘Nigeria Magic’. We have eaten our people and reduced them to no better than vultures. Soulless, aimless, jobless, purposeless, they are quick to swoop on our calamities at the slightest behest because they too have become calamities on foot. Which young men who have proper jobs or purpose in life would throng to the scene of a plane crash, road accident or building collapse? But this has become the norm, our story and our experience and surely, to the bemusement of the rest of the world.

As yours truly once wrote, there is such national opprobrium and shedding of crocodile tears when a plane drops from our skies out of our negligence because of the magnitude of the tragedy but if our public primary schools were planes, every one of them would have crashed. Same for our roads, hospitals, power plants, stadia and indeed all public institutions. If we keep an accurate record of the number of accidents and deaths on our roads every year we will probably declare a year- round mourning.

Why would a group of youths make explosive or acquire arms and ammunition and elect to attack fellow citizens who have absolutely done them no wrong? Why would a youth elect to blow him self to shreds just to get at fellow citizens whom he didn’t even know? In the other worlds from where they

‘Something has to be done very quickly now in the aviation industry if only to show that the government has respect for right to life of individuals as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended)’ borrowed their deathly template there are often reasons proffered for their senseless murders. The only reason we can adduce why Boko Haram would elect to massacre harmless people at a church service for instance, is because the rich have been eating the poor for so long that there might be a backlash and the rich are seeking to feed on themselves. Unfortunately, they still need the poor to sate their cannibalistic instincts.

Yes, this land of blood and sorrow is beginning to heave on its axes: Politicised Lagos-Ibadan highway erupts in inferno; Boko Haram took a sip of blood in Bauchi, a plane plunges in Lagos, area boy and Hausas had a test run in Lagos with about 10 heads while in Onitsha, MASSOB and State agents put away 11 people in a test of power. All in less than five days.

If we may paraphrase prophet Micah above, we are successfully doing our evil with both hands.

Adieu Ngozi Agbo It is still surreal and in the realm of fantasy to reconcile the fact that this great lady is no more. It was almost 10 years ago that Mr. Sully Abu and I interview Ngozi for the job of a reporter at the now rested New Age newspaper. We did not only employ her for her first journalism job fresh from school, she got promoted a correspondent in less than one year. It was a mark of her quality, dexterity and clarity of mind. Like Gbenga Omotoso noted in his tribute to her, she was any editor’s delight. She was not only an exceptional reporter, she was an exceptional person.

Here at The Nation, Ngozi did not only lift the campus section which was initiated at the New Age to a new height, she turned it into a successful business proposition, organizing sponsored annual events around it. Ngozi’s intellect and passion easily endeared her to people. I will always miss Ngozi the way I still miss Abayomi Ogundeji, late editor Saturday Punch and Sunday Comet. Yomi had had his initial journalistic tutelage under me as assistant editor of the African Guardian. But we grew to become friends and confidants. Yomi, like Ngozi were light bearers among their contemporaries, great minds, great friends.

Adieu.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

25

PEOPLE THE NATION

A FIVE-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

The funeral of Pa Joseph Adeniran, the first Marketing Manager of Lever Brothers (now Unilever) has been held in Lagos, writes NNEKA NWANERI.

•From right:Deceased’s son-in-law Mr Yinka Ogunseyinde; Mrs Mercy Adeniran and Mrs Joke Ogunseyinde. Behinde them are: Hon Agwu (left) and his wife Adenike

VERYONE spoke of him in glowing terms. His children, in-laws and Pastor described him as a forthright and honest man who had the fear of God. That was the character sketch of the late Pa Joseph Adeniran, the first Marketing Manager of Lever Brothers (now Unilver), who died last March 24 at 83.

At his funeral in Lagos, the late Adeniran who retired as choirmaster of Bishop Adelakun Howells Memorial Church before he died was cited as a perfect example of how to walk with God. On retirement from Lever Brothers, he was placed on salary for the rest of his life. He had 11 children, 25 grandchildren and a great grandchild.

During the service, the church choir and the young ladies Morning Star, who were clad in white Iro, Buba and orange Gele to match, sang heartily.

The officiating minister, Venerable Adeyemo Soleye, heaped praises on the deceased.

“His attitude to life is one which our generation should hold and behold. Where we labour and seek reward. Where we work and seek cost, Papa worked for the church without collecting remuneration. Spiritually and physically, he was committed to the upliftment of the church. He served diligently and contributed his quota to the de-

E

A choirmaster goes home ‘Oh! His fatherly touch I will miss. He was an exceptionally brilliant and fantastic being. He was more like a friend than a father. He would not do anything without sampling my opinion.

He loved me so much though I’m the third sonin-law among the five in-laws he had. He never swayed in one direction’ velopment of the choir,” Venerable Soleye said.

He admonished the children, grandchildren and choristers to emulate the late Adeniran, whom he called ‘Baba’.

The late Adeniran’s remains were interred at the Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos and a reception followed at the Eko FM Multipurpose Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

His daughter, Dr Debola Debo-Aina, described him as a spiritual man who loved and feared God. “He was a disciplinarian but despite being that, he still made room for his children

to approach him. Because of his discipline, he made me who I am today. There was no room for any pampering. I am grateful for having him as my father.

“I will miss the fact that he loved to sing.

He had the gift of dreams and I had the privilege of sitting with him, sharing dreams and interpreting the dreams. I will miss the grey hair of being given the ancient wisdom,” she said.

Her husband, Debo Aina, an architect, described his late father-in-law as the father of marketing in Nigeria.

“Oh! His fatherly touch I will miss. (Shaking his head). He was an exceptionally brilliant and fantastic being. He was more like a friend than a father. He would not do anything without sampling my opinion. He loved me so much though I’m the third sonin-law among the five in-laws he had. He never swayed in one direction.”

Chief Olu Falomo, a friend of the late Adeniran said they started the marketing section of Lever Brothers together.

“He was a very upright man. There was music and there was beauty in his life” Special Adviser to the governor of Enugu State on Education, Marcus Agwu, and son inlaw to the deceased, captured his love of God. ‘He ran a good race. From him, I got liberated from the generalisations usually made of the Yoruba that they are fetish. In giving his daughter out in marriage to me, an Ibo, in 1982, he displayed great courage at a time when it was considered almost an abomination”.

He said the late Adeniran never meddled in the affairs of his sons and daughters-inlaw.

•More pictures page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

26

SOCIETY •Continued from page 25

•From left: Dr Adebola Aina; Mr Yehuda Shaham; Arc Aina and his daughter Oluwatoke

•From right: Son of the deceased Mr Adebayo Adeniran; his wife Dr Deola and Mr Oladiji

•Television Continental Managing Director Mr Nigel Parsons (right) and Mr Lemi Olaleni

•Hon Wale Edun (right) and Otunba Victor Towobola

•Mrs Adetoro Ayeniro (left) and Mrs Bolajoko Aina-Marshall •Prof Ropo Sekoni and his wife Banke

•Justice Adedayo Oyebanji

•Captain Gbolahan Olushola

• Chief and Mrs Jibowu Owoade

PHOTOS: NIYI ADENIRAN

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

27

SOCIETY

Staff of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation in a small but unique way celebrated the 47th birthday of their commissioner, Hon Kayode Opeifa. MIRIAM NDIKANWU reports.

‘At 47, I am fulfilled’ I

T was a Monday, the first day of the working week. It is also the day members of the Lagos State Executive Council hold their weekly meeting that last till late hours of the night. But the meeting and their busy schedule did not stop the staff of Lagos State Ministry of Transporation (MoT) to share the joy of the day with Commissioner Kayode Opeifa. He turned 47 on May 21.

Determined to be part of the celebration, staff waited in their offices until about 10pm when the EXCO meeting ended, paving the way for the birthday bash.

Even the cakes, cards and gifts had a semblance of what the ministry stands for in the state. While one of the cakes was designed with the LAGBUS shape to depict the state flagship transportation system, others took the shape of road signages and furniture.

For the birthday boy, the occasion was not just for merry making, but also to ponder on issues and measures that would position the state transport sector as a model nationwide.

The ‘birthday boy’ thanked God for His mercies.

“It has not been easy as people think. On this job I got asthma; on this job my ulcer came back and my eye sight deteriorates every six months. But in spite of all, I have been more fulfilled knowing that my effort has helped to reduce travel time and bring smiles on the face of many residents.”

He said the task of overseeing the transport sector was challenging, stressing that he spends his night with his phone on to respond to distress calls.

On fulfillment on the job he said: “There are certain things that strike you and tell you that you have done your own bit. When you see an accident scene and see the way LASTMA men manage the situation, when you see a felled tree and you see LASTMA men cutting it to ensure a free flow of traffic, when you go on the road and see traffic signal light working and control motorists without anybody instructing them on what to do.

“When you compare what it was before we came into the system and you see how much we have been able to work on what was already

•The celebrator Opeifa flanked by staff of the ministry to cut the cake

existing, when I look back at the School of Traffic Advocacy programme and I see that dream of changing the driving culture and attitude of Lagos people is coming to fusion through the programme.

“It gives me the impression of having the dream that one day, we will have a new generation of road users that really understand road safety; when you look at people around me. So, when you look the thick and thin of the job, when you compare your colleagues in the political realm,

WEDDING

Member of Staff, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Mr Victor Ezenwa with his wife former Miss Chinyere Onyekwere displaying their wedding at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Isolo, Lagos

academics, when you look at your contemporaries who have done more than what I have done, who have put much more energy than I have put, you cannot but be very grateful and fulfilled to God. “Today, you can see people of my own generation taking active responsibility in democratic government, the likes of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Information and Communication, Labaran Maku, House of

Representatives member, Opeyemi Bamidele. You see those who you worked with the civil society organisation like Edo State Governor, Comrade Adam Oshiomhole; Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the like of Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi. When you see so many of us who have not made it, I must count myself lucky to have been part, so it is a fulfilling story. Definitely we could do more.

I am still going to do more but as of today I feel fulfilled.

UNION OF LOVEBIRDS

•Olugbo of Ugbo Oba Fredrick Akinruntan flanked by former Miss Adenike Okungbure and her beau Mr Igho Oghuvbu during their wedding at 10 Degrees Event, Oregun, Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

28

SOCIETY It was party time as the final funeral of the late Alhaji Malik Bamgbola, father of an American-based Associate Professor, Fatai Bamgbola and Itire-Ikate Council Chairman Hon Hakeem Bamgbola was held in Lagos. The Lagos Television (LTV) Blue Roof, venue of the ceremony was full to the brim. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there

All for a precious father U

NTIL he passed on at 95, Pa Malik Ayinla Bamgbola was blessed with good health and wonderful children. Even at that age, he was not for once hospitalised. Many had thought he would be around for another 10 years because of his sound health. That was not to be. Last April 22, Alhaji Bamgbola bid the world bye.

His neighbours on Moleye Street, Ebute-Meta, Lagos Mainland, were thrown into mourning because according them “a man of wisdom” is gone.

Those close to the deceased said they had lost count of the times they benefitted from his wealth of experience.

In Kwara State, where his remains were interred, it was a different kettle of fish. His passage was celebrated. The people in Kwara said he deserved to be celebrated, not mourned.

Among the children of Pa Bamgbola are the American-based Associate Professor, Fatai Bamgbola and Itire-Ikate Council Chairman Hon Hakeem Bamgbola.

Last Sunday, they and their siblings held the final funeral for their father.

The Lagos Television (LTV) Blue Roof, venue of the ceremony was filled.

Commuters and passersby on Agidingbi road, Ikeja, watched as classy cars meandered into the television complex.

Many motorists parked on the road after when the car park was filled.

Eminent personalities from in and outside Lagos shone in the uniform dress chosen for the occasion.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola was represented by his wife Abimbola, who led top government officials to the event.

Mrs Fashola looked resplendent in purple Ankara fabrics, sewn in Iro and Buba with a head gear (Gele), a silver necklace and eyeglasses to match.

Before taking her leave, the King of Fuji Music, Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe popularly called K1 staged a special performance for her and her husband.

A visibly overwhelmed Mrs Fashola appreciated K1’s melody with broad smiles.

Shortly after, her father-in-law, Alhaji Ademola Fashola walked in with his wife, Cecilia.

From Kwara State, came an entourage of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). In the entourage were ACN National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Muhammed and its governorship candidate in the state Muhammed Dele Belgore.

The guests included: Hon James Faleke of the House of Representatives; members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, royal fathers, members of the state executive; captains of industry and business tycoons.

Hon Akeem Sulaimon (a.k.a. Oris) Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) led council chiefs, many of whom arrived from United States that day, to the event.

The ceremony was anchored by LTV Yoruba presenter Toyin Kawojue.

Renowned Yoruba actor/poet and

•Hon Bamgbola flanked by Mrs Fashola (left) and his wife Alhaja Ashabi

•From left: Obanikoro of Lagos Chief Adesoji AjayiBembe; Hajia Khadijat Yisa, her husband Alhaji Owolabi Yisa and Sasi of Lagos Chief Olaseni Lamina

chanter, Sulaiman Ayilara Aremu, popularly known as Ajobiewe, kickstarted performances with traditional homage poetry, Ewi. Ajobiewe thrilled guests to a long session of Ewi in praise of the dignitaries.

The guests were also treated to special traditional performances by cultural troupes and itinerant drummers.

There were neither formal programmes nor speeches. Guests walked in, located their seats and enjoyed various mouth-watering cuisines served by the waiters.

Secretary to Itire-Ikate LCDA Hon Olugbenga Oyebode led the supervisory councillors, councils lawmakers and staff to usher in guests and ensured they were well attended to.

Hon Bamgbola and his wife, Alhaja Ashabi, also moved round to ensure guests were well treated.

Bamgbola’s widow, Rafatullahi Ajoke sat with her friends in the middle of the large canopy where she re-

ceived guests.

She was dressed in ash lace and matching headgear.

Dr Bamgbola, a Paediatric Morphologist, described his father as a wonderful man.

“He was a loving dad. You could always see his love for his children the way he related with us. Despite the fact that he did not have opportunity to go to school, he was very intelligent and enterprising. He ensured

all his children are educated,” he said.

“He lived a moderate life. I miss his words of wisdom. You cannot come in contact with him without gaining more wisdom. We always remember his quotations in living a better life,” Dr Bamgbola stated.

His younger brother, Hon Bamgbola described their father as a godsent.

“Baba was an adviser. He taught us how to cope with challenges of life.

‘His belief in a united family was very strong; he always used a bunch of brooms which is unbreakable to pass his message on the benefit of a strong family.

He said a united family is very hard to fight, urging us to remain one irrespective of our differences.’

•Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor Alhaji Lanre Babalola

We always want to be with him because of his valuable counselling. You can be rest assured of a true life-story that will give you wisdom,” he said.

The Itire-Ikate council boss hailed his father’s undying love for a united family.

“His belief in a united family was very strong; he always used a bunch of brooms which is unbreakable to pass his message on the benefit of a strong family. He said a united family is very hard to fight, urging us to remain one irrespective of our differences,” he added.

According to him, his father never for once took ill to warrant being hospitalised.

“This was one of the many mercies of Allah on him while living.

No doubt, I will miss him dearly especially his words of wisdom,” he said.

The highpoint of the ceremony was K1’s melodious music which drew guests to the dance floor.

•More pictures on page 39

29 FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

Vol 4. No. 175

Why Kwara is rebranding, by governor Poised to become Nigeria’s food basket, Kwara State unveiled a new logo on May 29. WALE ALABI reports.

B

RANDING is life. No individual or corporate body survives without branding. Churches and mosques brand to underscore the importance of their missions. Even governments and states brand. For example, India is noted for its ICT prowess, Japan for its electronics, Dubai for its tourism.

Ditto South Africa and Kenya.

Under the democratic dispensation, various state governments have embraced branding to reposition their states and make them more investment friendly. Cross Rivers is noted for its Christmas festival, Osun for its Osun Osogbo and Kebbi for its Argungu Fishing festival. All these are important to position and market the states.

One state that has joined the branding game is Kwara. Acclaimed as the home state of brand builders like Prince Samuel Adedoyin, Dr Oyin Jolayemi and Rasaq Akanni Okoya of Eleganza fame, before now Kwara was regarded as a backwater state of itinerant, semi-literate traders. But that was then. Not anymore. Kwara has rebranded.

To commemorate this year’s Democracy Day, Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Abdulfatai, launched a new logo for the state. Days before the launch, teasers had appeared in some national dailies heralding the unveiling of a new Kwara.

On the D-day residents woke up to see bevy of beauties and boys clad in white strategically placed in important locations in Ilorin.

They displayed large placards bearing various inscriptions.

At Geri Alimi area, a youth leader, Adio Garuba, admitted that the activation had been on for a week.

“Aside what we are witnessing this morning or what we may still witness later in the afternoon at the venue of the Democracy Day anniversary, a lot have been going on in the last one week, especially on Kwara Radio and TV, which pointed to the fact that something new is in the offing,” he said.

The unveiling of the new logo, took place at the new Metro-

•The new logo

politan and was witnessed by stakeholders, including traditional rulers, top government functionaries, market women and students.

According to the governor, the new logo, is a global identity for indigenes of the state. It defines who Kwarans are; their plurality, diversity and shared values.

“This campaign and the new logo that comes with it are designed to promote our state as a top investment destination using our reputation for peace, our strengths in agriculture, commerce, solid mineral development, tourism and strategic

This campaign and the new logo that comes with it are designed to promote our state as a top investment destination using our reputation for peace, our strengths in agriculture, commerce, solid mineral development, tourism and strategic infrastructure

infrastructure.

“We intend to strongly market our state as a haven for lucrative domestic and foreign direct investment. Let me state here this is not a mere political gimmick. Rather, we are setting the foundations for the long-term prosperity of our great state and its people,” the governor said.

“As you are all aware, the previous administration placed the state on a global stage through innovative programmes and policies. Today, we make history by mid-wifing a new Kwara, one which gives us all a greater sense of pride, ownership and participation.

“Today, we celebrate the things that make us unique as a people and strengthen our identity as a people. On this day, we commemorate the peace in our communities, our harmony in the midst of diversity, our growing strengths in agriculture and our age-long reputation for entrepreneurship,” he added.

In his view, Senior Special Assistant on Media, Dr. Muideen Akorede, disclosed that the logo points out the cultural attributes and resources of the state.

He said: “The logo practically explained where we belong and what we have. The green element and livestock stand for our commitment to agriculture, while there are other elements that explained our links with the north and the south.

“As a state, Kwara is strategically located as a link between the north and the south. As such, we stand a better place for economic transformation of the country,” he added.

The Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the governor, Alhaji Abdulraheem Adedoyin, said the governor should be commended for the rebranding initiative.

He said the government is determined to live up to the expectation of the new campaign.“We are creating shared prosperity for stakeholders by leveraging on our resourcefulness in the area of impactive economic growth, human capital development and youth empowerment and strategic infrastructure,” he said.

Giving the account of his stewardship, Gov. Ahmed said he has spent the last year to touch the major sectors and impact on the people of Kwara State. He explained that he was particularly keen about the youth, in his move to generate growth for a secure future.

“On assumption of office, I emphasised my determination to protect the future of our youths and enhance workers’well-being and provide critical infrastructure. As we mark my administration’s first anniversary, I make bold to state that we have made appreciable progress in our efforts to positively transform lives of our people,” he added.

The governor said under the Shared Prosperity, health care delivery has been strengthened by supplying 13 general hospitals and 32 cottage hospitals, with modern equipment.

Also, 15 primary health centres have been overhauled and an overhaul of the Ilorin, Offa, Omu-Aran, Share and Kaiama General Hospitals, has been carried out.

The shared prosperity campaign, the governor added, included the provision of employment for about 2,000 youths, free education up to the senior secondary school level, improvement on infrastructures across the state, and strengthening of the small scale businesses in the state among others.

Phyllis Brown opens in VI

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•Representative of Director-General, Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), Dr. Ismail Abdelhamid; and Director-General, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. Umar Bindir, at a workshop on Packaging Research, Development Results and Inventions for the market in Abuja.

HYLLIS Brown Hospitality Holdings Limited, owners of Abibiz Restaurants, has opened an outlet in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Its Managing Director, Rasheed Yusuf, said: “In our bid to further strengthen our differential advantage and invest more in the economy by providing opportunities and replicating the good experience in the country for the benefits unique products and services, we are staging a first of its kind restaurant to satisfy customers of all status’.

Mr Roland Ewubare, said the restaurant will redefine the hospitality business with the speed it’s going after the opening of its departure terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport outlet. “After some research and of the local environment, we see it fit to put home something different around as we definitely know is what people are clamouring for,” he said.

According to Mrs Essay Philomena, the move will help create convenience for her and her friends, who always has expensive outlets to eat on the island as most place available are not decent. She expressed her delight and hope that the eatery continues to extend its outlets.

The company, which started in 2001, operates the restaurant in Lagos, where it caters for the needs of thousands of air travellers daily as well as service major airlines.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

30

Brandnews

Etisalat advises youths on career

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TISALAT has held the sixth edition of its career counselling session for pupils to make good career choices.

The initiative, which was in partnership with Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN), hosted pupils of eight Lagos Stateowned secondary schools in District VI - Oregun Junior and Senior High Schools, Ikeja; Junior and Senior High Schools, Opebi; Junior and Senior Grammar Schools and Agidingbi Junior and Senior Grammar Schools.

The event, which has as theme ‘Partnering for the future’ was attended by over 400 pupils.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Adeola Idowu, Director, Legal Services, said: “The career counseling scheme is our internal CSR project and commitment to educational development in Nigeria. It is our way of providing guidance on future career paths to secondary schools, while showing our brand values of caring, optimism and simplicity to Nigerian youths.”

Adeolu restated Etisalat Nigeria’s commitment to empowering the youth. She noted that volunteering programme has provided the employees the opportunity to fulfil their desire of impacting the society positively.

The Assistant Special Adviser to

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the Lagos State Governor on Youth, Sport Development and Social Welfare, Mr Biodun Ogunrinde, commended Etisalat for the initiative, which he said, provides opportunities for youths to learn from professionals what it takes to make informed career choices to become successful individuals.

Making good career choices, he said, is the only way they can better their lives and contribute to the country’s development.

The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, District 6, Mrs F.B. Ogunlana, emphasised the importance of harnessing their talents and best resources, such as the career counselling session, in bringing out the best in them. She encouraged the pupils to recognise their talent, saying it was a tool that must be structured for their use. She commended Etisalat Nigeria for putting together the event.

According to her, “Etisalat has shown that it was not just a GSM company, but Nigeria’s leading advocate of corporate social responsibility, especially in education”.

The Director, LEARN, Bisi Awoyomi, echoed similar sentiments, adding that the organisation, which has its career policy, has been making even better impact since it partnered with Etisalat.

•Chairman, Chicason Group, Chief A. C. Okafor, Chairman, Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria (LUPAN); Chief Anthony Enukeme and Chairman, Ammasco International Limited, Alhaji Ado Muhammed, at the meeting of of LUPAN in Lagos.

NB relaunches Goldberg

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IGERIA Breweries PLC has re-launched Goldberg Premium Lager beer at the Genesis Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The event reinforced the meaning of “Goldberg”, that is ‘Gold Mountain’, a name that best describes the beer which is made from a blend of the finest grains and hops.

Indomie lifts Ogun community with water project

UFIL Prima Foods Plc, makers of Nigeria’s No. 1 noodles brand, Indomie Instant Noodles, has built a water project at AbuleIlasa in Ota, Ogun State, where its main factory is located for the benefits of the people of the community.

This donation of the project with a power generating set and over head reservoir tanks to the comunity is in response to the need of the people to provide intervention to assist it.

The Public Relations Manager of the firm, Mr Tope Ashiwaju, noted that it is committed to providing community development projects to the society, especially in the key areas where its businesses are located.

He said community relations initiative such as the Abule Ilasa project is imperative to further strengthen the bond between the firm and its his community.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, DUFIL Prima Foods Plc as a company believes so much in

‘As a responsible corporate citizen, DUFIL Prima Foods Plc as a company believes so much in giving back to the society to reward them for their unalloyed support for the company through patronage of Indomie Noodles’

giving back to the society to reward them for their unalloyed support for the company through patronage of Indomie Noodles,” he said.

While urging the community to maintain the project, he assured that more projects were in the pipeline.

Responding, the Baale of Ilasa, Chief Modiu Adesungba, thanked the firm for assisting the community with the project, which he said would alleviate the sufferings of his people, who used to walk several miles to get potable water.

He promised that the Ilasa Community would take advantage of the project for the betterment of its people.

At a briefing, the new brand was revealed to key stakeholders. According to Mr Walter Drenth, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, “Goldberg came from the quest to satisfy all lovers of quality premium lager beer and we will never stop giving our consumers the best product and services with the hope of bringing them satisfaction. And to our distributors and consumers, this re-launch is definitely going to be a new golden business experience”.

Drenth reassured consumers that in terms of pricing, Goldberg has a new pricing position different from other beers from the stables of Nigeria breweries.

A lot of our consumers who desire high quality premium lager beer but cannot afford the likes of Heineken, Star or Gulder lager beer now have Goldberg, a premium beer with excellence bottle look, stamped with a crest of quality and also brewed un-

der the supervision of Nigerian Breweries Plc’ he added.

As part of the re-launch, a consumer launch was staged at the popular Jogor Centre in Ibadan. It was attended by notable key distributors and fun lovers in the country.

The guests were thrilled with an artistic king-like display by the Gold City king and a splendid performance by Wande Coal. Ace comedian, Seyilaw, entertained guests with ribs-cracking jokes among other captivating performance in honour of a good lager beer.

Sona Breweries Limited, former brewers of Goldberg lager, was acquired by Nigerian Breweries in January 2011.

The brand, which is pocket friendly, comes in specially designed proprietary inviting-bottles, classy and unique in style with high quality guaranteed in every drop sipped.

Winner emerges at LG game festival

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WINNER has emerged at the LG Cinema 3D Game Festival.

Mr Joseph Jatto, a 24-year-old undergraduate carted away a 55inch LG 3D Smart TV after at the final at the Silverbird Galleria in Lagos.

The 3D Game Festival, tagged LG 3D Wars, attracted participants from all over the country, who contested for the ultimate prize.

“A similar event, which took place in Korea some months back recorded a huge success and because the Nigerian market is very important to us, we decided to make Nigeria the next point of call,” said Mr Dave Shin, General Manager, Home Entertainment Division, LG Electronics.

He further said: “Hearing about how good our 3D TV is one thing, seeing them in action is quite another. LG is the only company offering a 3D experience on such a wide variety of products.”

Visitors to LG’s booth played some of the newest 3D game titles from Blizzard and were able to experience 3D action on Microsoft’s XBOX Kinect. Utilising LG’s proprietary 2D to 3D conversion technology, all the games were displayed in thrilling 3D. LG’s lightweight and battery-free glasses worked on CINEMA 3D products so thousands of spectators were able to watch the action with their own pair of free glasses which they received at the event.

Spikes Asia unveils jury list

S •From left: Executive Director, National Animal Research Institute, Shika Zaria, Prof. Ambrose Alikidon Voh, with Regional Director (Africa), Food Security, Vestagaard Fradsen Nigeria Ltd, Mr Thomas Hansen, during the launch of Zerofly Livestock screen, in Kaduna.

PIKES Asia, the regional event for creative excellence in advertising and communications, has announced the first three jury presidents set to take charge at this year’s festival.

Amir Kassaei, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Worldwide, will lead this year’s Film, Print, Outdoor & Radio and Integrated Jury.

Amir has worked with agencies

such as TBWA Worldwide, Barci & Partner and Springer & Jacoby before joining DDB as Chief Creative Officer and Associate Partner of DDB Germany in 2003.

Last year, Amir was appointed DDB Worldwide Chief Creative Officer. He and his team are recipients of more than 2,000 national and international awards including 40 Cannes Lions in the past five years.

SHOPPING

31

THE NATION

FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

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

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

• Shoppers.

How consumer sophistication drives retail CD rack an essential home item Page 32

A growing clientele is giving impetus to international retailing in the country.

JANICE NKOLI IFEME examines the trend.

•STORY ON PAGE 32

A smartphone called galaxy pocket

Page 33

Where’s your shopping list?

Page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

32

SHOPPING

How consumer sophistication drives retail E

VERY weekend, the Lagos State Secretariat Road in Alausa, Ikeja, is heavy with traffic. Despite being a workfree day, motorists are fluid on the road as they head for the Ikeja City Mall housing the one-stop mega store Shoprite.

Last weekend was not different.

Not even the rain, which fell virtually all through the day, could deter shoppers from trooping to the mall.

As some were going in, others were coming out with parcels of items they had bought. This has been the routine since the mall opened in December last year.

Such crowds are not peculiar to the mall. The Palms Mall, Lekki, the first of its kind, also gets such crowds daily. Even though the coming of the Ikeja City Mall was expected to reduce the traffic of shoppers from the Mainland to the Island, many still go to Lekki; Victoria Island and Ikoyi to shop, notwithstanding the distance. It is all about taste, say those who should know.

Mega Plaza in Victoria Island has continued to retain its bulk of customers. All other Western styled shopping centres have also retained their patrons. Shoppers and fun seekers have not stopped visiting Silverbird Galleria in Abuja and Lagos, E-Centre, City Mall, Onikan and Spar at Lekki. Other supermarkets such as Park ‘n’ Shop, Goodies, G-Mall and Globules, among others are also still being heavily patronised.

Reports from Enugu show that Shoprite, just like its branches elsewhere, has turned a Mecca of sorts since it was opened. No matter where the mall is, traffic to the place is always heavy. The reason is obvious: the increasing sophistication of consumers. The average shopper wants to shop in a comfortable environment.

Chudi Ejekam, the project devel-

opment director of Actis, an investor in emerging markets, said: “We are trying to push a retail revolution; create a fun place where people can come in with their families to shop and have fun. It comprises the cinema, the textile shops, restaurants and a lot of other relaxation and shopping centres. That is what my company, Actis, is trying to lead - a destination centre where you have to come in the morning and don’t have to leave till evening; something different that we are proud of”. Actis is the principal property investor behind The Palms and Ikeja City Malls. Going by Ejekam’s words, it stands to reason that the malls are meeting the shopping and leisure needs of people, suggesting that the trend is expected to increase as more malls are born.

Government’s effort State governments’bid to ban street trading, revitalise city centres and modernise trading standards have contributed to the trend. With these measures, the retail industry is getting more organised, but it is not likely to cause the complete disappearance of the informal channels such as the traditional open markets, street traders, and the semiformal modernised markets but would go a long way in redefining the shopping industry.

Government has also been supportive to investors. For instance, the Lagos State government facilitated the location of Ikeja City Mall while the Enugu State government facilitated the sighting of Shoprite at Polo Park. Several state governments are also developing the formal shopping experience in their states.

However, this leaves great competition among the retailers, who also devise several strategies to outwit their counterparts.

•Cars parked to shop at the Ikeja City Mall.

Products’ variety The idea behind the mall is to have a one-stop shop for everything anyone may need. To attract more shoppers, many stores stock assorted items. Moreso, grocery retailers have increased the stock and range of non-grocery items they offer.

This trend could have a negative impact on non-grocery retailing in the future. Furthermore, increased competition and the rise in outlet variety will result in greater fragmentation and lower profit margins for most players.

In the past, stores like Mega Plaza, Game and Cash ‘n’ Carry were known for electronics but these days, they have all added several other non-electronics products to their trades. This probably was the inspiration for the coming of Spar, which tries to compete with Shoprite in grocery sales. Shoprite, on the other hand, is no longer known as a grocery store as people see it as a place to shop for virtually anything. The owners of Spar also plans to begin the conversion of Park ‘n’ Shop supermarkets to the Spar brand. Walmart Stores Inc made a $4.6 billion offer to buy

Massmart Holding Ltd in a move that would give it ownership of the African retail network, including the Game outlet in Nigeria. Besides, more stores aspire to offer competitive pricing with greater access to source purchase.

Leisure and entertainment With massive car parks, eateries, games, cinema, and other relaxation centres, what more would anyone want in a mall? These facilities have largely encouraged the influx of people at the malls. Even if they do not necessarily want to shop, people just visit the mall for its ambience.

Whatever reason for which anyone visits, the mall is filled with people, many of who entertain themselves with food, drinks and snacks; and others who eventually take away items from the racks.

Whichever way, there is an exchange.

In all, the retail industry is expected to experience more.The large and growing population provides an ever-growing demand for retail products. In addition, the anticipated expansion and entry of international retailers will continue to drive growth.

The increasing rate of urbanisa-

PHOTO: MOSES OMOSEHIN

tion and a positive economic outlook for the country could boost the retailing industry.

Murky business environment Adversely, the Nigeria murky business environment could also deter rapid growth of the industry.

In addition to bureaucracy and corruption, infrastructure and power are highly underdeveloped and unreliable, thereby inflating operating costs.

‘We are trying to push a retail revolution; create a fun place where people can come in with their families to shop and have fun ... a destination centre where you have to come in the morning and don’t have to leave till evening’

CD rack an essential home item If you like movies, music, keeping data and have a lot of compact discs (CDs), a CD rack may not be bad idea, especially if you have children in the house.

OMOWUNMI OGUNTUASE writes on this essential item in the living room.

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• CD racks

OMPACT discs are highly sensitive, as they get contaminated and scratched easily. Storing them in the rack helps prevent these occurrences and keeps them in one place. The placement of the rack can be in any way as far as the contents are easily accessible and firmly placed.

Racks come in different materials, shapes and colours.

A rack has individual space for each disc. It has other functions in which, you can arrange your discs any way you like them. You could choose to arrange them alphabetically. They add beauty to your living room as part of your home decor and provide enough space for other things in your television area. It is a great way to show your

collection of movies or songs to visitors.

When purchasing your disc rack, endeavour to choose one with classic design and high quality construction. Your choice would depend on the kind of home you live and the decor of other materials so as to choose the one that will blend well. Wooden racks present a warm and homey feel, metal racks in monotonic colours give the sophisticated look. Glass racks are nice but very delicate and if you have children, may not be the best choice.

Getting a disc rack is essential and you should consider it as a long term investment for your home which will keep it orderly and cluster-free.

• CD stand

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

SHOPPING

A smartphone called galaxy pocket The new Galaxy pocket smartphone was presented at the Lagos Oriental Hotel by Samsung Electronics, in partnership with Spinlet, a mobile music download and streaming application company.

JANICE NKOLI IFEME reports.

•Samsung Brand Ambassador, Shasha flanked by officials of Samsung Electronics, Olumide Ojo (left) and Changarampatt Manoj at the event.

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HE new Samsung Galaxy Pocket phone Eric Idiahi said: “In a country riddled by piS5300 was on display and shoppers reracy, the free streaming and pay per sponded to its bidding, making purdownload model that Spinlet and Samsung are providing to the market really helps crechases. ate value in fans’ eyes and a revenue stream It comes with a preinstalled Spinlet applifor artists.” cation loaded with five songs and enough The Business Manager, Mobile Division credit for consumers to purchase five addiSamsung Electronics West Africa, Mr Daesong tional songs from the massive music cataRa, said: “Our proposition offers consumers logue available through the Spinlet app. a smart phone experience that is not only afGiven its affinity with music, it gave infordable but ‘clearly different, clearly smart”. stant appeal to music fun lovers, who flocked At N18, 900, the phone is packed with over the venue and danced to satisfaction, as part 400,000 free apps, very fast internet connecof the high profile, Industry Nite series that tivity. Consumers on the MTN network can attracted music and entertainment executives also enjoy one month free of internet data to to the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos. experience its exciting smart phone solutions.

Samsung, one of the forerunners in digital The galaxy series of smartphones is widely design and technology, partnered mobile acknowledged in the industry as a success for music download and streaming application Samsung, turning it from a smartphone alsocompany, Spinlet, to enable consumers enran into a viable competitor with the iPhone joy their favourite music on an advanced new from Apple Inc. smart phone with TouchWiz UI multi-tasking According to a research firm, Strategy and Wi-Fi capabilities.

Analytics, Samsung overtook Apple in Spinlet is a lifestyle entertainment company smartphone sales in the first three months of focused on meeting the needs of music lovthis year. The Suwon, South Korea-based comers allowing them to buy, listen, share, and pany sold 44.5 million smartphones in the manage music all within a free user friendly January-March quarter, compared with Apmobile platform. The application is available ple’s 35.1 million iPhone sales. throughout Nigeria.

Market watchers expect that Apple may use A guest, Mr Solomon Odeku said: “I am its yearly conference for developers next happy about the phone. I already bought one month to announce the yearly upgrade to the and I am happy about it. I love music so much iPhone, which then can go on sale as early as and the phone gives me lots of it. Besides, as July. a smart phone, I can do so many other things Aside from being big rivals in the with it. It has several apps and fast internet smartphone market, Samsung and Apple have connectivity. I really applaud the collaboraalso a close business relationship. Samsung tion of the two outfits. It’s innovative.” supplies mobile chips and display panels for According to Mr Segun Mcmedal of CMC iPhones and iPad tablet computers, counting Connect, “the market for digital music in Apple among its biggest clients.

Africa has been untapped by any of the major music services to date.

This opened the door for the partnership with Samsung to once again be a trendsetter. The Spinlet model allows independent musicians and bands in Africa to sell their music alongside other more prominent artists in Africa and from around the world. Spinlet also provides artists with tools to better understand their fan base and interact with them through social media. By providing the application pre-installed, Samsung significantly increases the amount of listeners and potential buyers of these artists’ music.”

Spinlet Chairman, Mr •The Galaxy smartphone

Shopping Right with

Toast to milk

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AST Friday was World Milk Day. It was time for nutritionists, health facilitators and milk producers to highlight the importance of milk in daily nutrition. Friesland Campina, WAMCO Plc, makers of peak, three crowns and frisco, celebrated the day with the slogan, ‘Drink milk every day’.

Its premises were decorated in white, the colour of milk. Dressed in a white T-shirt and blue jeans, alongside many of the guests, its Managing Director, Bob Statescamp, urged everyone to drink milk every day. “If you want your children to grow healthy, give them milk to drink. Can you imagine how it will be if every Nigerian drinks a cup of milk daily?” he asked.

Long before the day, the company had dispatched ‘milk ambassadors’ to visit schools and enlighten children on the need to drink milk every day. One would surmise that just like many products that appeal to children, if children could be convinced about the rich benefits of milk, then the parents would have no choice but to always buy it in the home.

“It is very ambitious but reachable”, said Statescamp.

One wonders what is reachable. Is it the drinking of milk every day or the drinking of WAMCO brands? What Statescamp allowed to remain latent in his urge to the people to drink milk is the brand of milk to drink. He made a toast with the peak brand and ensured that everyone had enough to drink. He told all who cared to know that it comes fresh from the source.

The unique idea about this year’s celebration is making the ‘milk moustache’. Anyone can join the celebration by taking pictures of themselves, friends and colleagues with milk moustaches and post to www.facebook.com/Peakmilk. Photos posted have a chance of winning one year free supply of peak and an opportunity to put a smile on an orphan’s face. Every picture posted would be converted to a sachet of peak evaporated milk and donated to charity homes.

The company’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Mrs Ore Famurewa said: “We are pleased to lead Nigerian’s to celebrate milk, a naturally unique food loaded with indis-

JANICE NKOLI IFEME pensable essential micronutrients needed to keep the body strong and healthy. This celebration is to re-affirm all the goodness that milk represents.

“As the dairy industry leader, we continue to provide premium dairy nutrition for the whole family. We have been working to drive national progress in local milk production through our dairy development programme in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

Representative of Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Dr Manny Ramen stated that dairy products are important part of the daily diet and contributes to the recommended intake of a variety of valuable nutrients. He noted that milk is rich in essential macro nutrients for all age groups and provides building blocks for a healthy life.

He added that children are energetic and needs its daily nutrients; adults need it for daily maintenance of their body while elderly people need more calcium, protein and vitamin B12 as they get older, which milk provides.

The FAO for the United Nations started the celebration of World Milk Day on June 1, 2001 to ensure that people have regular access to high quality food to lead active and healthy lives.

•Bob Statescamp (middle) with guests and pupils, making a toast to milk.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com SMS - 08033349992

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

SHOPPING

Just microwave it

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ICROWAVE oven, popularly referred to as ‘microwave’ was invented by Percy Spencer after the World War II, and it was first sold in 1947.

It heats up food quickly and efficiently, when placed in it.

Microwave ovens are popular for heating previously cooked foods. They also cook light foods such as vegetables. They can also fry eggs and boil water. Care should be taken, to avoid breaking the plate with which the food is placed in the oven.

Most modern microwave ovens use a timer; when the timer runs out; the oven turns itself off automatically. When the microwave oven heats foods, they do not get hot themselves, thereby making you find it easier to remove your heated foods without getting burnt.

The heat in the microwave oven is unevenly distributed, so when you use it for the cooking purpose, it may cook the upper part of the food well, leaving the lower part undone. So, it is advisable to use it only for the re-heating purpose it was manufactured to perform.

Most people hate eating cold food because of the presence of micro organisms in the food, making them prone to sickness.

This cold weather will make your foods get cold quickly, the reason you need a microwave. OMOLARA MOFESOLA OMONIYI writes.

The rainy, cold weather will make foods get cold more easily. You may sometimes cook for someone who is not around. Do not expect the person to be happy with you when he or she comes back and meet cold food.

The value of the food will also not be appreciated if the food is cold. The coldness may kill your appetite for the food you have been longing to eat. It may also be stressful and uneconomical for you to have to start lighting up your cooker or stove to warm what you have taken your time to cook earlier.

The price is very affordable. It varies from the new and fairly used. Buy what best suites your budget. The colours also vary, as you select between wide options. It can be bought at the any branch of Shoprite, Game, Cash ‘n’ Carry, or any electronics store around you.

•A Microwave oven

A shopping list will help you set goals, keep your spending in check, get the most for your money and still have something left. TONIA ‘DIYAN writes.

Where’s your shopping list?

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VERYONE is feeling the pinch of the rising cost of things these days. Be it the rise in cost of food stuffs or whatever, everyone will be affected at some point. No one can stop these increases and for most people, it is impossible to ask for a pay rise to help them cover these extra costs. A shopping list is an alternative when only what is needed is bought.

It is advisable to make provisions for substitutes should you not find the exact items you want.

You should have an idea of how much each item costs before deciding where to go shopping.Compare prices from different stores. It may mean a little extra walk, but it can save you some money in the long run.

Carry a calculator if that makes it easier for you; so you can buy, calculate and tick items bought.

It is wise to establish a time frame by setting a particular day for your shopping.

Writing down expenses after each shopping as detailed as possible and trying not to leave out small purchases is the best thing to do.

Assign each purchase to categories, such as costume, household appliances, bathroom accessories, recharge card, food stuffs, snacks and under wears.

For accuracy during shopping, file your list for the month or year, just the way you would like it, after you might have recorded all expenses. Saving the receipts of your purchase is also vital to check your prudence and help save money for another shopping.

You could also download the information to your phone to keep track of your expenses and help you stay within your list.

Your previous list is capable of trimming your expenses next time you are going for shopping. A good look at your spending records after a month or two will probably leave you surprised and help you determine if you are actually prudent.

While shopping, it is wise to get the best price. It makes the act enjoyable.

It is wise to pay with cash instead of cheque or other means. The reason is because there is the possibility to overspend when you are pulling from a bank or credit account. You could only be reminded of your limit if cash is allocated for each expense with a label (e.g.

Money for coffee, another for gas, another for assorted items).

If there is no way you can fit all your expenses into your budget, take a look at the most important items and cut the less important ones. Perhaps, you do not need a particular item right now; you could leave it for your next shopping.

It is easier to save money with a shopping list.

Shopping for some is not as much fun as it used to be. Everything seems to costs more these days and most individuals and families have less money to pay for what they need and want. In this case, it is only wise to reduce the amount of shopping for individuals and families with the use of shopping lists.

Every member of the family must be a party

to the new shopping decision, therefore carry them along in decision making.

Not minding the increase in prices of items, few people still have shopping as their hobby, especially when there is nothing else to do on a Saturday afternoon or evenings, they prefer to wander around stores.

A reduction in the amount of time and money spent shopping benefits the emotional health as well as the budget.

Therefore, cutting down on expenses by changing patterns and behaviours towards shopping, can be achieved via a shopping list.

How much money spent on shopping trips daily, weekly or monthly could be used to evaluate ones budget.

After shopping for the previous month, the ability to decide how much should be spent in the coming month on projects should be easy.

As far as the shopping list is concerned, what you do not need at that time should not be included in it. Only present and immediate needs should be allowed in the list. Shopping should be done only when there is need for it.

A shopping list contains what you are looking for. Therefore, do not look at or purchase anything not on the list.

Always use a new list for every shopping to organise the items you need by their prices

• Shopping list

•Sample paper

and importance. It makes shopping faster and easier.

Knowing what is needed guarantees detailed list, organised by the area of the store you will find the item (produce, meats, dairy, frozen, grocery, etc.). You can customise the list to fit the aisles at your usual store and save a lot of time. This will also keep you from impulse

buying as you can just grab and go with most items. Buy only the items on your list!

The Nation shopping spoke with some shoppers at the Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall Surulere, Lagos, to find out how they value their shopping list.

An expectant mother, Mrs Chinaza Arinze, said: “I wish I had something to shop for, but I don’t really need anything. I just purchased an infant car seat for our children, so the new baby will ride in that also. I have a boy and a girl, so I have all the clothing that I could ever need. I have a mosquito net that was handed to me by a friend. I think the only thing this baby needs is a place to store his/her clothing. Therefore, I will have to think of some stuff to buy, though I am here without a shopping list. That is because I have not made up my mind on what to buy yet. I want to shop at random, just buy things I like for my unborn baby.

Miss Abimbola Adesanya, a student of the University of Ibadan said: “I have trouble resisting the urge to shop without a list. I have bought some clothes, but I am trying to resist the urge to buy any more right now because I have other items on my list”.

While preparing your list, do not forget to give yourself time to make a decision about a major purchase. For instance, if something catches your eye and you are tempted to buy it, tell yourself that you will think about it over night first. It is amazing just how many things lose their appeal over night.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

35

Making of a choice

Savannah, Societe Generale Savannah banks and ‘Abiku’ myth (1)

I

N days of yore, the African traditional belief accepted the concept of reincarnation. The Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria in their mythology comprehended the manifestation of Abiku (still born).

Abiku are children, who died suddenly, mysteriously and prematurely, but were reputed to have power to come to life again to their parents through repeated births.

To make an Abiku live or ward him off permanently, parents used to consult powerful herbalists to break the jinx of their repeated births and deaths. Sometimes, parents would perform horrible sacrifices such as placing hot metals to inscribe scars on the Abiku or tying bangles around their neck and legs before burial. Often times, the Abiku defied all these, including divinations and charms of herbalists and would still return to the same parents even with the scars. This nature of Abiku soon gave rise to an adage: Abiku s’ologun de’ke, which literally translates as the still-born that defies the power of herbalist. Most herbalists therefore resorted to staying-off the Abiku in order to preserve their integrity.

To demonstrate the vanity in any efforts at breaking the Abiku jinx, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka wrote of the boast of an Abiku in a poem entitled Abiku: ‘’In vain your bangles cast; charmed circles at my feet. I am Abiku, calling for the first and repeated times ...’’

To this end, the question in every boy’s mind has been, who will confront and conquer Abiku? Your guess is as good as mine.

However, the myth about the Abiku and herbalists is fast becoming the metaphor of the Savannah Bank of Nigeria Plc (SBN) and Societe General Bank of Nigeria Limited (SGBN) to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Undoubtedly, the case of the SBN and SGBN appears to be an albatross to the regulatory authorities. As it is today, it seems the CBN has adopted a ‘’siddon’’ look attitude or has lost powers to make banks live by resolving their distress status or pronounce their death through revocation of failed banks licences to the Abiku SBN and SGBN.

What the law Says The CBN is the only body in Nigeria conferred with statutory powers not only to issue operating licences to banks, but also to revoke such licences. The CBN derives its powers to revoke banking licence from sections 12 and 36 of the Banks and other Financial Institutions Act ( BOFIA), 1991 (as amended); the statute enacted to specifically govern banking operations, supervision and resolution in Nigeria. These powers flow from its mandate to promote sound and stable financial system in Nigeria as contained in section 2 (d) of the CBN Act 2007 (as amended). Also, the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 1990 and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Act No 16 of 2006 provide, amongst other laws govern the winding up of the affairs of insured banks and other deposit-taking financial institutions in Nigeria be they deposit money banks(DMBs), microfinance banks(MFBs) or primary mortgage institutions(PMIs).

To banks in Nigeria, CBN is the giver and taker of life.

The road to closure In the case of the two Abiku banks, SBN had its operating licence revoked by the CBN on February 15, 2002 over alleged grave financial condition of the bank which culminated in the total erosion of its capital base resulting in insufficient assets to meet its liabilities. The bank was also alleged to have failed to comply with the obligations imposed by CBN. On the other hand, SGBN’s operating licence was

By Rasheed Abdullahi-Alli

withdrawn in January 2006 following its suspension from the clearing house two years earlier. However, seven years after the revocation of SBN’s licence, precisely on February 5, 2009, the Court of Appeal, Abuja presided over by Justice U. M. Abba’aji ordered that the licence be restored to the bank when the bank successfully canvassed that the CBN prematurely revoked its operating license. The Court of Appeal proceeded to prescribe six months within which SBN should capitalise. The Court’s deadline expired in July 2009. On April 2, 2008, SGBN also had its licence restored back on the order of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako when it argued that the revocation of its (the SGBN) operating licence was done in bad faith. Like in the case of SBN, the Court gave SGBN 30 days within which to return to operations. The CBN declined to challenge the decisions of the two courts.

Despite the palliative measures and olive branch extended to the failing banks to resuscitate their operations, the owners have since then been reluctant to empathise with the teaming depositors whose funds were trapped in the two banks. The major reason for the inability to re-launch their status is that they are both insolvent and grossly undercapitalised.

What went wrong?

To borrow from the famous poser of the CBN Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, at the 2010 Convocation lecture of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria with the theme: “The Nigerian Banking Industry: What went Wrong and the Way forward”, what went wrong in the revocation of the banking licences of the two banks? How could a dead bank rise?

The answer lies in the fact that though the CBN has the right to give life to a bank and take it away, that power has been made subject to judicial review. That innocuous proviso which was inserted in section 49 (1) which ironically was to protect the CBN and its officers from adverse claims or liability arising from litigation also ensures that CBN’s action were carried out in good faith. The section empowers shareholders of banks to challenge the revocation of the operating licences of their banks with the sole aim of proving that there was bad faith in their revocation. So far, the two banks have successfully invoked the section and are now successfully the living dead (Abiku) banks. What is then the fate of the depositors in these debacles? NDIC Act can only provide the solution if the owners of these failed banks agree to throw-in the towel rather than wait endlessly for injection of fresh funds by the shareholders.

Aftermath of the revocation of licences of SBN and SGBN Besides the myth of Abiku and except for Jesus Christ and Lazarus as espoused in biblical teachings, when a person dies, he stays dead.

It is also expected that when the CBN declares a bank failed and revokes its operating licence, the bank stays dead. It will now be the responsibility of the mourners, among whom would be the depositors of the bank, creditors, shareholders, management and staff of the bank, led by the Liquidator-in-Charge i.e. Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), to ensure that the bank is given a befitting burial.

However, the situation in Nigeria is such that the banks’ throes of death sometimes lead to their resurrection in the same manner as the Abiku. Unlike the biblical accounts of those who survived death, the two entities (SBN and SGBN) which rose from revocation of their operating licences are yet to open their doors three years after the epoch judicial decisions.

T

HAT is why you are here, reading this. It also gets you to your present station. The number of choices you have made over the years pushed you to where you are now. It lifts you from one location to another place. It gets you to the height you have attained. If you have missed some opportunities, it must have been because of the choices you did or did not make.

Moreover, if you had walked in just about the time the door of opportunities opened, would you say it is a mere coincidence? No, it is a combination of steps you have taken prior to the door opening.

This is not a mere coincidence. It is a choice.

However, every day you make a number of choices, in different ways, for different reasons, at different stations. For instance, you may have be torn between deciding if you should take up an employment opportunity in the oil and gas sector where you have the assurance of earning load of cash and many development and learning opportunities.

You may have had a hard time deciding whether you should sleep while your colleagues work harder. You may have had a harder time deciding whether to concentrate all your efforts at completing a project on schedule, irrespective of the constraints and challenges involved.

On the one hand, you may have been struggling with several thoughts such as should you delay the project a week more to ensure the board approves extra budgetary allocation, or should you employ the pretty woman with a Masters degree but without the necessary experience to push the project through, or should you employ the other woman without a certificate but with a wealth of experience to deliver the project on time and on budget, or should you buy a brand new car or lease one after the completion of the project?

On the other hand, you may have been called to choose between travelling by air or by road, and wearing a grey suit without a tie or a black suit with a tie. This may sound trite, but, if you are a wife who has to please a demanding husband daily, you would agree it is not. Here it is: Should you prepare pounded yam and egusi soup, or rice and chicken for dinner? Or should junior be enrolled in a private university or a public one? Or should you marry your childhood love or settle with the stunning model? Whatever your choice, it flows back to you, and in most cases, it determines where your flower grows. Or not.

In retrospect, some of the choices you have made have actually moved you to where you are today. For instance, the choice of where you work. A great company in the making, but in your heart of hearts, that is not your final destination. Or so you thought. This is your ninth year, anyway. In addition, you have had rapid promotions. The job is enriching. The money is good. However, that is where you are now, and it has enriched your life in ways you cannot imagine. You met your wife in this same office. Moreover, she has turned to out to be the woman who stole your ‘ribs’.

Therefore, if you were asked to choose between your mother and wife, between your cash and your life, between your cell phone and wallet, how would you respond?

A global survey has found that most people cannot live without their mobile phones, cannot leave home without them and, if given a choice, would rather lose their wallet.

Referring to mobile phones as the “remote control” for life, market research firm Synovate’s poll said cell phones are so ubiquitous that by 2010 more humans owned more mobile phones. That is why right now the global total number of people with the mobile is over two billion.

For instance, Nigeria has over 90 million mobile phones.

Three-quarters of the more than 8,000 re-

spondents polled online in 11 countries replied that they take their phones with them everywhere.

Russians and Singaporeans are the most attached. That is a choice. More than a third also said they could not live without their phone, topped by Taiwanese and again Singaporeans, while one in four would find it harder to replace the mobile than their purse.

Some two-thirds of respondents go to bed with their phones nearby and cannot switch them off, even though they want to, because they are afraid they will miss something.

Mobile phones give you safety. Mobile phones give you security. Mobile phones give you instant access to information. Mobile phones are the number one tool of communication for you and millions of people around the world. Sometimes, it surpasses face-to-face communication. Mobile phones are connections to your life, true.

If you leave home without your mobile phone, it would seem as if an important part of your anatomy is missing. You would instinctively feel vulnerable, as if you were missing something vital, vital to your world, vital to your world of friends and business associates. You are not alone. It is like that with everybody even in the most advanced countries of the world. People of the world are the same, you would see shortly.

You would think Nigeria is the only place on earth where mobile phones have torn relationships apart, separating lovers and married couples.

No, it is happening elsewhere. According to the survey mobile phones have also changed the nature of relationships with nearly half of all respondents using SMSes to flirt, a fifth set up first-dates via text and almost the same number use the same method to end a love affair.

Apart from the obvious calling and SMSing, the top three features people use regularly on their mobile phones globally are the alarm clock, the camera and games.

Ditto for Nigeria. As for email and Internet access, 17 per cent of respondents said they checked their inboxes or surfed the Web off their phones, lead by those in the United States and Britain.Ditto for Nigeria.

One in 10 respondents log onto social networking websites such as Facebook and MySpace regularly via mobile, again led

by Britain and the United States. It is a pity Nigeria is not included in the survey.

Nevertheless, the mannerism and addiction to the mobile phones is as real in Nigeria as it is in those countries. Are you addicted to your mobile phone? What is your attitude to the mobile phone? Whatever is your answer is also a matter of choice. The choices you have made make you. So, what choices are you making now?

‘The mannerism and addiction to the mobile phones is as real in Nigeria as it is in those countries. Are you addicted to your mobile phone? What is your attitude to the mobile phone? Whatever is your answer is also a matter of choice. The choices you have made make you. So, what choices are you making now?’

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Brandz Republic Consulting and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, , e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

36

COMMENTARY

“I

NDEED, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour; He sends down the rain and knows what is contained in the wombs (of prospective mothers). No soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is allKnowing and all-Acquainted”. Q. 31:34.

Death, like birth, is a divinely scheduled programme in the life of man. It is a phenomenon specially shrouded in mystery. The occurrence of death is known only to the living. No dead person knows what has happened to him. The painful lamentations that follow the death of any person are made by the living ones who were close to him while alive.

From the very first day of man’s conception in the womb, a parable has occurred in his life. That parable is of a coffin. A child is perfectly pearled in the womb of a mother which we generally call pregnancy.

He lives there all alone and enjoys all the naturally provided facilities without knowing the next destination. When he is eventually born into the world, he feels pushed out of pleasure and cries profusely in protest. Yet, it is that cry that gives assurances and comfort to those who usher him into the world.

Yes, the world, in the eyes of sheer mortal beings, is quite large. But it remains a coffin for everybody. Its perceived large size is only to enable it accommodate as many people as possible. Even as small as the womb of a mother is it sometimes accommodates two or three or four or even more children to fulfil the concept of coffin in which man lives.

Just as twins or triplets or quintet are born on the same day and into the same hands so do people die in singles, in doubles and in multiples at the same Hour and at the same place even if they never knew one another before. The consciousness of being twins or triplets or quintets which children born together exhibit months or years after their birth is only engendered by those who received them into the world. Before their birth, they never knew one another. Thus, as it is with birth so it is with death.

We only ignorantly move about in our individual coffins of life. We do not know for sure whether or not we would be partnered in the grave.

That is why a famous Arab poet coined a philosophical poem that goes thus: “Many graves have served as graves again and again; while laughing sarcastically at the rate in which the bones of mutual foes fuse together in their struggle for space”.

The entire planet called the earth is nothing but one big graveyard in which billions, even trillions of people had been buried through millions of years. There is no portion of the earth left without having accommodated several skeletons of humans. And as we had no say in the choice of mothers who piloted us into this world so we have no say in the choice of that portion of the earth that will pilot us into the hereafter. The choice and the time are determined only by the Supreme Being who created us and will ask us for the account of our existence on this earth.

Were an unborn child to have a choice on whether or not to exit

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

A day of deaths

•The wreckage of the aircraft

from its mother’s womb it would have preferred to stay put. But if the child did not exit from its mother’s womb how would it enjoin the pleasurable bounties of this world? Now, on tasting this world, he does not want to exit from it again.

As human beings, wherever we find ourselves is a coffin in which we are closely accompanied by death.

Death is the inseparable companion of life from which net no man can escape. The time, the place and the mode are the factors that make it a mystery.

Whenever we are inside or outside our residences we must be conscious that we are in a coffin. Whenever we are in a vehicle, in an aircraft, in a ship or a train, we must not forget that we are in a coffin. If that coffin has not been closed it is only because death has not laid its icy hand on us.

There is no running away from it.

That is why the Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an thus: “Say, verily, the death from which you are fleeing is bound to overtake you and then you will be brought back unto Him who knows all that is beyond the reach of a created being’s perception as well as all that can be witnessed by a creatures’ senses or mind, whereupon He will make you truly understand all that you were doing (in life) “Suratul Jum’ah.

Let no true believer ascribe the death of a person to another person.

Death is only ascribable to destiny.

The time to come into the world, and the time to exit from it are all destined by Allah the only Creator and Sustainer of all things. In Islam, the Angel of death is called ‘Asrail’.

That Angel does not work by whim.

Its operation is tandem with divinely appointed times. And if we were not consulted before coming into the

‘In the crashed plane were innocent children and women as well as crooks and vagabonds. There were husbands therein who did say bye to their wives.

There were also wives being expected back home by their husbands. There were also families who completely perished in that accident. They have all gone to the world beyond and the world has not stopped operating. If sin is truly the cause of death why did the children among them die?’

world how can we expect to be consulted before exiting from it? The Angel of death has no respect for age, wealth or position. The activities or plans of man are not his concern. What matters to him is the duty which he is divinely assigned to carry out when it is time to do that. In Islam, there is no untimely death.

Most of the victims of last Sunday’s DANA airline plane crash did not know one another. And none of them had the premonition of that tragedy. But destiny had laid ambush for them at a place where they could not be rescued. It is all in confirmation of the fact that no one except Allah sees tomorrow. Where were the liars claiming to be prophets when over 170 lives were heading for sudden graves? Where were the satanic soothsayers? Where were the fortune tellers? If any creature truly has the power to conquer death why are people still dying?

In the crashed plane were innocent children and women as well as crooks and vagabonds. There were husbands therein who did say bye to their wives. There were also wives being expected back home by their husbands. There were also families who completely perished in that accident. They have all gone to the world beyond and the world has not stopped operating. If sin is truly the cause of death why did the children among them die?

On the same Sunday we were bombarded by the furious news of multiple road accidents on Lagos/ Ibadan Road that claimed many lives. And, on the same day, we also heard of the frightening bomb attacks on lives of innocent people in Bauchi. It was as if the world was coming to an end in Nigeria. By those incidents, many Nigerian children have become orphans. Many husbands have become widowers.

Many wives have become widows.

But to whom can we appeal? We pray Allah not to punish us based on our misdeeds.

As mortal beings we always find reasons for occurrences in our lives.

And that shows the limit of our faith.

Those of us who are still alive are neither wiser nor closer to God than those who died. The fact is that our own coffins have not yet been closed up. When it is time for that, nobody can stop it. Once again, Nigeria has been afflicted by a calamity which no one can reverse. Inna Lillah wa inna ilayhi rajiu’n.

The Muslim Ummah of the Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN) soberly condoles with the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in that sorrowful incident praying the Almighty Allah to grant them the fortitude with which to surmount the entailed agony and spare Nigeria of similar tragedies in future.

Also, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has expressed its heartfelt condolence to the families and friends of the victims of the crash. In its words: “this accident is a great and monumental national tragedy that has left most Nigerians with a sense of helplessness. It is not only the victims’ families that are affected by the tragedy but the entire nation. We sympathise with those families and pray that God Almighty grant them the will and fortitude to deal with the loss and fate. Amin.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

37

SOCIETY FUNERAL OF THE FORMER EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, ONDO STATE RADIOVISION CORPORATION, PA SAMUEL AKINYELE AFUYE, AT IKERE-EKITI, EKITI STATE

•From right: Mr Olaitan Jaiyeola; Mrs Banke Afuye-Ekundayo; Bisi Afuye; Akin Afuye; Mrs Bimpe Afuye- •Mr Akin Afuye, son of the deceased and his wife Moyo Olayiwola; Mr Sehinde Afuye and Miss Dolapo Afuye

•Fomer Ondo State Governor Evang Bamidele Olumilua

•Eyesorun of Ado-Ekiti Olori Bosede Adejugbe

•Chairman, Little by Little Industries Ltd Otunba Julius Ajayi (left) and Senator Babafemi Ojudu

•From right: Richard Odofin; Mrs Funminiyi-Afuye; Mr Jaiyeola; Mr Funminiyi; Mrs Bose Ogunde; Akin Afuye; Mrs Jumoke Okondo; Ms Jaiyeola and Mr Rotimi Okondo

•From right: Peace Motors CEO Victor Awobiye; Akin Afuye; Tutu Awobiye and Lagos lawyer Mr Tomi Olagunju

•Lagos businessman Banji Akinola-Ameme

•Mrs Taiwo Ogunleye

•Mrs Sayo Jinadu

•Lagos businessman Kayode Afolabi

38

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

SOCIETY WHAT AND WHERE?

AWARD

T

Turbaning

ODAY, all roads lead to Kano State as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, will be decorated with turban as Dan Majen Kano by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

The Dan Majen Kano is a highly revered title in the royalty. It is the number 21 in the hierarchy of over 60 district heads and title holders in the Kano emirate.

•Lamido Sanusi

Celebration

T

OMORROW, the Lagos State Chief Judge Justice Inumidun Enitan Akande will celebrate her 1004 days in office as the Chief Judges. The event will hold at the Magistrate Recreation Centre, Ikeja GRA.

•From left: FCT Secretary For Education, Alhaji Kabir Usman, receiving an award on Behalf of the Minister of Education as ‘Mother of Education’ from the former Secretary, Universal Basic Education, Prof Gidado Tahir, during the 22nd National Conference of National Association of Education Secretaries of Nigeria (NAESN) in Abuja. With them is the NAESN President, Mr Adamu Noma

•Justice Akande

WEDDING

Launch

T

HE Mikel Obi Foundation for the homeless and displaced will be launched today by Lagos business community at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Special guest appearance on the occasion is out-going Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola is also expected among other dignitaries.

•Mikel Obi

Meeting N Sunday, the Usman Dan Fodiyo University Alumni, Lagos State chapter will hold its quarterly general meeting at the Lagos State Public Service Club, Ikeja GRA.

O

Workshop

•Mr Oyewo Omololu and his wife, former Miss Yemisi Olabinjo during their wedding in Lagos

AWARD

•Chief Idigbe (SAN)

T

HE Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioner Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) will today round up its first international workshop on Insolvency Law and Economic Development in Emerging Economies at the Four Point Sheraton Victoria Island, Lagos.

It started yesterday.

Speakers on the occasion include the President Kargam Associates, USA, Mr Steve Kargam and Dean, Faculty of Law and Director Centre for Advanced Corporate and Insolvency Law South Africa, Prof Andre Boraine.

The welcome address will be delivered by the President of the association, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN).

Crusade

T

HE Lord Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement will tomorrow start its two-day crusade, at the church’s headquarters Oshodi- Apapa Express way,

by Ijesha Bus-Stop, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos. The crusade with the theme And the enemies submitted will be ministered by the founder Pastor Lazarus Muoka.

It ends on Sunday.

•From left:Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Oke-Odo Branch Chairman Alhaji Muibudeen Aderupoko; Alhaji Ayuba Lawal; Alhaja Adelokun Bale; Alhaji Azeez Fasugba (awardees) and Alhaji Fasasi Adeogun during the 10th Annual Merit Award of the society in Lagos PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

•Pastor Mouka

•Compiled by Abike Adegbulehin, Damilola Bamidele and Aminat Adeshina

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

39

SOCIETY •Continued from page 28

•Deceaseds widow Alhaja Bamgbola (second right) being greeted by (from left) Hon Oyebode; Alhaja Monsurat Alaka and Hon Kamal Bayewu

•Alhaji Fashola and his wife Cecilia

•Mr Belgore (SAN) (left) and Alhaji Muhammed

•Hon Faleke (left) and Bajulaiye of Lagos Prince Ayodele Oyekan

•Chairman Drain Ducks Alhaji Akeem Apatira (right) and Otunba Wasiu Mojeed

•Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon Ademorin Kuye (left) and Alhaji Ganiyu Badmus

•Member, House of Reps. Hon Aliu Kazeem (left) and Fuad Oki •From left: Hons Sulaimon; Jide Banjoko and Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe

•Alhaji Jubril AbdulKareem (left) and Hon Abiodun Mafe

CEO, Lanre Shittu Motors Alhaji Lanre Shittu

•Hons Sebanjo (left) and Wahab Alawiye-King PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

40

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08077706130

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1 9

2

3

4

5 12

11 14 16 21 23 26

15 18

17

6 7 10 13 19

8

20

22 24

25 27

28 ACROSS

DOWN 1.Asterisk(4) 2.Cushion(3) 3.Imitate(3) 4.Disgust(5) 6.Employ(3) 7.One who opposes authority(5) 8.Label(3) 12.Baby talk(2) 15.Pulsates(6) 17.Relaxed(5) 19.Function word for location(2) 20.Sexual love(4)

1.Box(4) 5.Brusque(4) 9.Measuring device(4) 10. Ocean(3) 11.Skillful(5) 13.Rscede(3) 14.Consume(3) 16.Fish(3) 18.Healthy(4) 22.Skill(3) 23.Tough Assignment(4) 25.Very(2) 26.Poem(3) 27.Aids Criminally(5) 28.Seedcase(3)

MINI-SUDOKU

Fill in the blank spaces in the grid such that every column, row and 2 by 3 box contains the numbers 1-6.

ShOWbLiZz The Game ordered to pay $5m to cops

Crocodile tears man’s testicles to shreds JOBLESS

Oooo weee. yea we know rappers usually tended to have an “eff the police” attitude but this is a lesson in what happens if you really DO try to “eff the police” over. Rapper The Game has to come up off $5 million to a group of officers he used in the film Stop Snitching/ Stop Lying. The film was on a promotional DVD for a mixtape released back in 2005, according to MSN.The officers actually were arresting The Game and claimed they appeared in the DVD without permission. So, they sued The Game for defamation of character. They won the original lawsuit back in 2010, but The Game tried to appeal the ruling, which failed. He needs better people in his corner! Whoever was putting the DVD together should have flagged this from the jump, but...hmm, that might just be thinking too much.

Pep Talk

A 70-year-old man from Zimbabwe narrowly escaped a crocodile attack as he crossed the Chivake River with his pants off — but he lost part of his testicles and suffered a few broken bones in the melee.

Jonah Maturure told the Sunday News that he’d taken off his trousers and put them in a tomato box above his head before he crossed the river. He’d crossed the same spot in the same river several times before, but this time, a giant croc was waiting for him.

“I was not suspecting anything . “It mauled a chunk of my buttocks before attacking my manhood, tearing my testicles into shreds”. The man said.

Realizing that he wasn’t going to save his personal possessions, he threw his tomato box in the river, The Sun reported.

That move have saved his life.

The beast loosened its death grip and swam straight for the tomato box. Maturure escaped, bleeding profusely from his nethers, and ran to a nearby house for help.

The battle was just one of a string of crocodile attacks recently in Gutu, an area with a spread-out population of just 78 people per mile..

MATHS QUIZ Solve & Win! For any of the categories you choose, by solving the quiz in 25 seconds, you win one minute of smiling.

HUMOUR

A policeman sees two men on the street and approaches one of them: “Where do you work?” asks the cop.

“Nowhere! I am unemployed.”

“And you?” says the cop looking straight at the second man.

“I am his deputy!”

PLAYBOY HUSBAND A woman is giving evidence in court. “What were the first words that your husband uttered to you on that morning? she was asked.

“Where am I Doreen?” she replied.

“So why did you hit him?” asked the Judge.

“Because my name is Debora

ORAL RESPONSE Judge says to the accused “When giving your responses, they must all be oral, is that understood?”.

“Yes sir”, replied the accused.

Judge asks him “ What is your address” “Oral” replied the accused.

DEBT RELIEF Two men are waiting to served in the bank when suddenly armed robbers rush in.

Some of the robbers have tellers filling bags with cash whilst some others line customers up and start to take their watches, wallets etc.

In the panic, one of the men puts something into the other man’s hand.

“What is it?” asked the first man “It’s that £100 I owe you” replied the second man.

CHILD MOTHER A phone call came to a school.

Caller: My daughter can’t come to school today.

School Secretary: Alright, but what’s the relation between you and the student?

Caller: This is my mother speaking

A man should have any number of little aims about which he should be conscious and for which he should have names, but he should have neither name for, nor consciousness concerning, the main aim of his life. - Samuel Butler

EURO 2012 TABLE Group A Country Czech Rep. Greece Poland Russia

W 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0

GD 0 0 0 0

Pts 0 0 0 0

Group B Country Denmark Germany Netherlands Portugal

W 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0

GD 0 0 0 0

Pts 0 0 0 0

Group C Country Croatia Italy Ireland Spain

W 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0

GD 0 0 0 0

Pts 0 0 0 0

Group D Country England France Sweden Ukraine

W 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0

GD 0 0 0 0

Pts 0 0 0 0

FIXTURES FRIDAY 8TH JUNE

Poland Russia

v Greece v Czech Rep.

17:00 19:45

FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

43

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, in moving the motion on the looming danger of bankruptcy of the states, kicked off controversy nationwide. Many of his colleagues at the forefront of the campaign for creation of new states took exception to his submission. In this interview with National Assembly correspondents , Adetunmbi, who represents Ekiti North Senatorial district, explains why he sought the resolution, especially as the federal legislature is about to effect further amendment to the 1999 Constitution. Assistant Editor ONYEDI OJIABOR, reports.

Adetunmbi: New states‘ll kill the Nigerian dream Y

OU moved a landmark motion on the looming danger of bank ruptcy in states and the need for fiscal evaluation. What informed your decision to move the motion?

The basic consideration for the motion is largely driven by the reality that Nigerians live in states and in local governments, the very areas where demand is being made on government for service delivery. Be it infrastructure, health services, education, rural roads that is where people feel the impact of government on their lives or not. I looked at resource distribution in Nigeria and I realized that the bulk of the resources of the country need to move closer to the people.

And we know that states and local governments use the bulk of their resources to pay salaries and maintain overhead which is basically human resources and bureaucracy management with very limited resources left for development and the kind of service delivery for which Nigerians are clamouring that they want more of.

Let’s not deceive ourselves we all come from villages. You know the condition of the road that leads to your village. From your local government you know the condition of the road.

You know the condition of primary schools and secondary schools in our various villages. The health centres, the community health centres, we know their conditions. These are the services that the masses of Nigeria feel and they want improvement in those services. And to render such services, the state and local governments must make investment. Unfortunately the bulk of the resources that is available to states and local governments currently form human resource wage bill and overhead expenditure of government to the extent that very little amount of money is left for capital development and maintenance of service delivery infrastructure. That was the reason why I moved that motion.

I wanted to point the attention of Nigerians to the reality that the commonwealth of Nigeria is not servicing majority of Nigerians. That is the essence of the motion.

The Senate unanimously adopted the motion but some of the states that were classified as near bankrupt claimed they are not bankrupt?

For me I don’t engage in opinion peddling. Everything I’m saying is evidence based. So if anybody is saying that is not the true position in his or her state let them produce the evidence. The information that I used came from Governors Forum. It is not my data and I would imagine that no other forum is a better advocate of interest of states more than the forum that was voluntarily established by the governors to advocate for them. The forum conducted this research, I only picked a publication of the research and subjected it to levels of analysis and exposed it to the public for Nigerians to know what is going on. So this is not an opinion of Senator Adetunmbi. It is the evidence provided by no less a forum than the Governors Forum to say that they are in distress and that their resources are not coping with their responsibilities, which is largely eroded by their ballooning wage bill. To address this, states resorted to heavy domestic borrowing and commercial credit. There is hardly any Nigerian state that does

not owe banks as we speak. They are also exposed in the capital market where they raised bonds to do things that appropriations coming from the Federation Account and from their internally generated revenue cannot handle.

The motion threw up national debate, would you say that it achieved its purpose?

What we are saying is that the creation of states has tended to stretch the resources that are meant for development to cater for bureaucracy and to pay the wage bill of the civil service whose productivity is on the decline. That is the situation of the country today. In that type of scenario tell me does creating more states make sense. You will set up new government houses, new legislature, new local governments, then you have more Senators, more House of Representatives members coming from areas that were under existing jurisdictions and they are enjoying that same level of representation. People may have legitimate reasons to call for creation of more states but definitely majority of these requests are frivolous and they are reckless and therefore not in the best interest of Nigeria .

The motion triggered agitation for a review of the revenue allocation formula. Was it part of what you intended to achieve through the motion.

It was one of my prayers in that motion that Nigeria should revisit its revenue allocation formula. But let me make a fundamental clarification. I belong to a school of thought that public finance is best funded from taxation, because that is the foundation for the demand for good governance and public accountability. In most Western economies, public budgets are funded from taxation. That is why it is easy for members of those communities to be able to stand up to government to say you are not spending our tax money the way we have thought you will do. That is not the case in Nigeria except for the recent achievement of Federal Inland Revenue Service under Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru who did an excellent job. That is the record I think Nigeria should emulate, generating internal revenue from economic activities undertaken by its citizens through the means of taxation.

That is the direction to go. My view is very simple, put money where the responsibilities are. I have said it several times that the point of service delivery between government and the people is the local governments and the states. Some of the reasons which informed the allocation of the lion share of our natural resources to the Federal Government no longer exist.

We were told then that the Federal Government was investing in public corporations because we didn’t have a strong enough private sector and government had to take on the responsibility of policy and doing private sector work through investment in real sectors. And that it needed those resources to do so. As we speak, we all know that most of these corporations have been privatized. I always say, I know citizens of communities, I know citizens of local governments, I know Nigerians who are citizens of states.

Tell me who are citizens of the Federal Government? Let us deal with our revenue allocation on the basis of matching our resources with respon-

• Adetunmbi

sibilities and matching our responsibilities with points of service delivery. Which brings me to another issue of the schedule of responsibility between the Federal Government and the states, what they call the Exclusive and Concurrent List. There are many things Federal Government should never deal with. What is the Federal Government doing with primary education. Why must a state wait on the Federal Government for Universal Basic Education fund. In other climes, foreign service, defence and national security are in most exclusive list responsibility of the federal government. So I believe that the federal Exclusive List needs to be depopulated and move more responsibilities to the states. That is why the ongoing constitutional amendment has actually talked about that on issue of devolution of powers. Nigerians need more freedom, we need more space, the states need more space to perform,

they need more resources to perform.

We should allow citizens of the state to wage war and battle their governors rather than point accusing fingers on the Presidency.

Are you saying that the country should implement fiscal federalism where the states should be strengthened and perhaps be stronger than the centre.

Don’t use the word strength, don’t use the word stronger, don’t use the word states stronger than the centre.

Those are the kind of perceptions that send wrong signal about the intentions of the states. Don’t forget Nigeria was not governed like this before. In the first Republic, every state had the commanding heights of their local economies. I think that time the derivation formula was about 50 per cent. What Nigerians are saying is that we should go back to what produced that development.

The fear of those opposed to true federalism is partly that such arrangement would further divide the country, especially, with the current challenges facing the nation.

That is not true, what is dividing this country is the absence of freedom for self expression. It is the perception that the centre is too powerful to make the component parts to optimize their capacity to develop. Were we divided in the first Republic when Sardauna was doing fantastic job in the North and Awolowo was doing excellent work in the West and you had Okpara doing his bit in the East. People were happier. I don’t think that practicing federalism the way it is classically conceived and decided is a problem. In the United States, which is our model, there is very limited role that President Obama has to play in the State of Ohio . They have their own constitution, they have their own legislature and they even have a state Senate.

There are Supreme Courts of states.

You can imagine a situation where the 52 states of America take all appellate cases to federal courts. That’s why our courts are not efficient, they are taking more than they can chew. So I don’t agree, personally, that devolution of

powers to organs of the state, when I say to the Federal Government which is states and local governments, is an exercise in division. When you hands off local governments and make them 100 per cent responsibility of states you will discover that the people will rise up and demand justice. But right now the states are in a position to say that the reason why something is not going well in the local governments is because federal government allocation has not come and therefore there is nothing we can do. If states are told to take the money and look after their local governments I tell you there will be change in behaviour to the governance in this country because governors will not have the Federal Government to turn to as an excuse for certain things not happening. Then the people will be in a position to rise up and demand that services are delivered at their door steps. But when the responsibility for local government is shared what belongs to all belongs to none.

Some senators canvassed merger of unviable states during the debate of your motion. What is you take on the suggestion I want to repeat what the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba said. He said, if the Constitution allows states to be created, then there should be a provision that if people want to merge there should be a legal framework for them to do so. What’s wrong in that? Why are they talking regional economic summit. Why is the South South talking of regional economic summit. Why is the South West talking of regional integration.

It is because they are beginning to realize that economies of scale is better than fragmentation.

How would you address the perception of those who want more states on the basis that it brings government closer to the people...

Where is the evidence? Of the 36 states in Nigeria, you conduct a referendum now on the impact of government in their current states versus where they were coming from, let us know whether there will be a positive affirmation.

•Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, receiving the report of the Economic Management Team, from its chairperson, the Deputy Governor Funmi Olayinka at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti.

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• Akara (bean cake) specialists at their stand

Delta celebrates micro-credit scheme

•Continued from Page 13

people have been establishing small-scale businesses, thereby using them to earn a living.”

Ashiedu has been following

•D. Ashiedu (right) chats with a textile maker at the event

clients of the scheme from one locality to another, through the creeks in the coastline parts to the upland areas of the state, just

Many of the clients of the programme have moved on from merely fending for themselves and their families to giving the state its first set of cottage industries. And this is very significant for the Uduaghan administration and the people of the state

I

GE Idris and his sister, Joy, are perhaps the hardest-working keepers of an orphanage in the country. But they really need help to keep doing what seems a calling.

Ige rises at dawn. Indeed, he must. There are dozens of children to be washed, clothed, fed and ferried to school, and, alongside his sister Joy, he oversees the process.

In the evenings the children eat dinner, clown around, do lessons and school work, watch TV, pray and go to bed. Come morning the day repeats itself, with slight variations.

to ensure that the programme went as planned.

The efforts have been paying off. Many of the clients of the programme have moved on from merely fending for themselves and their families to giving the state its first set of cottage industries. And this is very significant for the Uduaghan administration and the people of the state.

Thanks to the DMCP, an Itsekiri spice maker who started business with less than N100 many years ago has grown into an international firm with branches

across different continents of the world.

At the event ground, Uduaghan inspected a wide range of products exhibited by DMCP clients.

Accompanied by Dr Ashiedu, aides and dignitaries at the occasion, the governor moved from one stand to another, a smile of satisfaction flashing across his face from time to time. For him to see were inviting piles of pineapples, heaps of sweet potatoes, fresh bunches of plantain, huge tubers of yam and cassava.

Uduaghan saw processed plan-

This orphanage needs help

By Bolaji Odofin

It has been thus for many years. Ige and Joy Idris cannot oversleep, take the day off, or go on holiday. They are in their twenties and they run an orphanage.

Oyiza Orphanage was founded by their mother, Dr Oyiza Adenuga.

•It's a child's birthday at the orphanage

By all accounts an exceptional woman, Dr Adenuga passed away in 2007 at the age of 45, leaving behind two devastated children, and an orphanage that was home to more than 40 children.

Ige and Joy quietly stepped into their mother’s shoes, and responsibility for the orphans in the home fell on their young shoulders. Indeed both postponed their educa-

tion so they could cater to the orphans each lovingly calls “My kids.”

It is a huge task they have undertaken, and though they do not have sponsors or a regular cash inflow, they are coping; the children are happy and quite a few of them are overweight. They have care-givers rotating 24-hour shifts. All the children but the two youngest are in primary and secondary school.

“It’s not easy at all,” brother and sister admit. “It’s God that has been helping us.”

It doesn’t end there. The orphanage not only takes in vulnerable and abandoned children, Ige Idris helps lost children as well, tracing their families in Ibadan, where the orphanage is located, and sometimes in towns and villages far from the state.

On a recent afternoon, a child was brought in by the police. He looked to be about five years old, and had been found wandering about, sleeping on the streets. He was covered in scars and healing knife wounds.

He was bathed, fed, clothed and sheltered at the orphanage.

tain chips, one of which he picked up and put in his mouth. He saw big catfish similar to the one he once lifted up at Ekpan.

Pure honey and cassava flour were also on display, as were fruit processor, kegs of fresh palm-wine, carefully woven hats, different types of knit-work and the colourful beads. DMCP’s footwear were equally at the stands, as were intricately woven white cloths. Apart from the spices, the footwear and textile work are some of the products of the emerging cottage industry.

I accompanied Ige as he and a police officer at Iyaganku police station tried to find the boy’s family.

He succeeded in locating the street where they lived. It turned out the boy’s father was a homeless thug and he it was who was responsible for the child’s scars. Residents recounted how he had burned the child and tried to cripple him so he would stop moving about.

“It’s terrible,” says Ige. “We see these things all the time. I don’t understand how people could do such things to their own children. Sometimes we would find babies so newborn their placenta would still be attached to their bellies. I would bury the placenta.”

Along with running the orphanage and tracing the families of lost children, Ige and Joy run around looking for funds to keep the orphanage afloat. They have no stable financial support, and their responsibilities are enormous.

He says, “My sister and I get nothing out of this. But we love our kids, and we love what we do. And we sleep peacefully.”

To support Joy and Ige Idris in their life’s work, please give to: Oyiza Orphanage, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) A/c No: 0029952815. Ige can be contacted on 08039650114 and 08059558467.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

49

51ST KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING Today Wednesday 6th June, 2012 (16th Rajab, 1433 AH) the Kano State Executive Council held its Fifty first (51st) sitting in continuation with previous sittings during which important policy issues and programs that positively impact on the quality of lives of our citizenry were deliberated upon. Easily retrievable authentic records show that since inception of its second tenure, the present administration pursues tangible projects spanning all sectors putting emphasis on its commitment to fulfilling campaign promises driven by the general resolve to proving good governance characterized by exemplary leadership in which utilization/deployment of resources, though conspicuous, is guided by prudence and transparency.

It is noteworthy the progress achieved in the improvement of the quality and quantity of services provided by Government across all sectors – especially water supply, agricultural production, education, health care delivery, environmental sanitation and refuse disposal, repairs of street and traffic lights, beautification of urban Kano, provision of security, provision of skill acquisition and employment opportunities etc.

Progressively, in fifty (50) sittings during the first year of its second tenure, the present administration approved an expenditure of over N50 billion in 50 sittings at an average of over N1billion per sitting. Importantly, an expenditure of N3,482,204,005.57 covering 22 projects was approved for execution by the Council during its most recent 50th sitting as follows:Main highlights of the 50th sitting are: 1.

N3,196,552.00 as funds to flag-off the program tagged “Safe Motherhood Emergency Transportation Scheme (SMETS)”.

2.

N44,000,000.00 as funds to commence Phase II of the Kwankwaso Women Empowerment Scheme (KWES) by the CRC. 3.

N4,100,000.00 for the purchase of one mobile Computer Lab-van (vehicle).

4.

N10,000,000.00 for the procurement of fourty (40) public mobile toilets.

5.

N620,000.00 as funds to enable Kano State participate at the 5th annual NCTI meeting holding at Minna Niger State.

(Monday 4th to Friday 8th June, 2012).

6.

N48,894,954.38 as funds to facilitate completion of twenty (20) rooms hostel block and construction of workshop and laboratory at the AWS challawa.

7.

N2,246,955.09 as funds for the construction of concrete median at Audu Bako Way and Lagos Street.

8.

N245,518,107.00 as funds to pay for compensation for Land, trees and structures at the site of Kano terminus, Gundutse, Km 21 Kano – Zaria Road.

9.

N133,637,594.90 for the resettlement of outstanding commitments as well as continue to completion the already started work of laying interlock tiles along selected roads.

10. N81,838,587.38 as funds for the routine maintenance of six (6) important roads in urban Kano.

11. N2,200,000,000.00 as funds needed to commence 2012 constituency projects for 40 constituencies across the 44 Local Government Areas.

12. N156,060,669.96 for the relocation work of Kano State Water Board Headquarters from Kofar Nassarawa to Urban Water Supply Premises.

13. N53,259,782.73 for the renovation of the Guest House for Hon. Members of Kano State House of Assembly.

14. N13,091,370.60 as funds for the renovation of Sharada Workshop of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport.

15. N182,225,342.75 for the renovation work at the Deputy Governor’s Lodge No. 51 Mississipi Street Maitama Disrict Abuja.

16. N29,435,966.30 as funds for construction and renovation works at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) at Audu Bako Secretariat.

17. N74,878,084.36 for the renovation work at the High Court of Justice Kano State.

18. N34,283,799.00 as funds for the construction of main entrance gate ‘A’ of the North West University.

19. N2,500,000.00 as funds for operation of the committee on revenue generation and utilization by institutions.

20. N97,503,624.66 for the execution of required projects at the Gaya General Hostpital.

21. N40,000,000.00 for the procurement of required equipment for use at the Bagauda Livestock Institute.

22. N24,000,000.00 for the purchase of one unit public enlightenment van.

Unfailingly, today’s Council sitting was presided over by His Excellency the Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner for Local Governments Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje during which fifteen (23) memoranda were submitted by eight (8) MDAs for deliberation by the Council. An expenditure of N225,171,360.78 covering fifteen (15) projects was approved for execution by the Council. Thus; 1.

MINISTRY OF RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Request for permission to utilize some of the retrieved electrical materials from Kofar Naisa Nama site:Council acknowledged having received a memorandum from the Ministry of Rural and Community Development dated 23rd may, 2012. Contents of the referred communication adequately reminded the Council of a report presented on 13th March, 2012 at its 10th sitting with extract number SSCA/CA/EX/18/12. Essentially the report was on the compliance of the Rural Electrification Board to remove all the installed electrical materials that were not connected to the National Grid from former NAMA site at filin Kofar Na’i’sa. Inventory of the materials is as follows; a. L.T. Concrete poles 239 c. Stay wire/insulator 33 c. H. T. Concrete poles 63 d. Disc Insulator 9 e. 11KV pin insulator 18 f. Stay rod shaft 50 g. 11 KV Angle iron 18 h. Shackle insulator 327 i. D-Iron and pins 56 j. B/Nuts 81 k. Extension straps 7 l. Tie shaft 20 m. Flying stay 06 n. AAC 100mm2 57 Council was made to note that the materials are still available as stored in the REB’s store and could be used to address problems recently reported by the Board. One problem is at Gwarzo Local Government area while the other is along Yar’ Gaya – Wudil road, where PHCN networks were destroyed by the recent rainstorms. So, the issue was considered favorably in principle by the Council for the utilization of some of the electrical materials. The Ministry was directed to submit what its required for the repairs of Yar’ Gaya-Wudil Road, and that of Gwarzo Local Government areas. In the same vein, the Council received an interim report that thieves that had been vandalizing electrical installation were caught by the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps. Two of the vehicles being used to transport the vandalized items and the individuals involved are now with the authority being interrogated. The case would soon be transferred to the Court for adjudication. Council is seeking the support of the people in the protection of government properties. The Council appreciates the effort of the security personnel in the State.

2.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE Submission of a proposal on the enaction of a Law on Free Integrated Maternal Child Health:A bill proposed for enaction into law was presented by the Ministry of Justice to the Council for consideration and transmission to the Honourable House of Assembly for consideration and passing into law. The bill is tagged as “Free Integrated Maternal and Child Health Care Bill 2012” and has two schedules and eleven sections. Council considered and deliberated on the proposed bill and acknowledged its contents as being in accord with the high premium placed on health care delivery services by the present administration especially as it affects Maternal and Child health. The Council noted the importance of such a bill and set up a committee to study it before its submission to the Honourable House of Assembly for consideration and ultimate passage into law.

3.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT Four (4) memoranda were submitted by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for consideration and deliberation by the Council as follows: a.

Submission of progress report on admission of 25 No. Potential State Indigenous Candidates into Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) program:Council was adequately informed of the outcome of the trip undertaken by the Director General Directorate for Youth Empowerment in order to witness the screening exercise of the candidates into the Agency’s (NIMASA) program at which only 19 of the 25 candidates were qualified, while the remaining 6 were rejected due to deficiencies in science subjects.

Nevertheless, Council was made to understand that 33 candidates are expected to attend the medical test at Lagos while 3 State officials are expected to escort them. Council approved the request for the sponsoring of the officials who are to escort the candidates for the interview. Council is ready to support qualified indigenous candidates to pursue further educational qualifications. b.

Request for permission to open Revolving Fund Account for Phiru Unit of the Ministry of Health by the Senior Special Assistant on Health Institutions:Council was coherently notified by the contents of the referred memorandum that the request was necessitated by difficulties posed by an earlier agreement reached on revenue sharing formula between the State Government and the Ministry of Health in which all registration fees, both new and renewal should be shared into 50:50 as proffered by Excocommittee as stipulated in the State Health institution operational Guidelines. Clearly, Council was informed of the fact that these petty charges are not part of revenue being collected but minor charges made as pre-registration, accreditation inspection, directory booklets, operational guidelines etc. And, the money realized is continuously being used for fueling official vehicles attached to the unit, media coverage, sanitary provisions and printing of documents. So, Council noted, considered and granted permission for the opening of a Revolving Fund Account for the Phiru Unit at the Ministry of Health and directed the Office of the Hon. Commissioner of Health, in collaboration with the Senior Special Assistant on Health Institutions, to report progress on the issue at next Council sitting.

4.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH Three (3) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Health for deliberation by the Council – viz:a.

Request for funds for the purchase of Dental Equipment/Instruments for the Dental Unit of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital:This memorandum clearly notified Council of the gratitude of the Ministry of Health on the attention accorded to health care delivery services since inception of the present administration especially the new befitting face lift given to the Accident and Emergency Unit and Maternity wing of the Murtala Muhammad Hospital. All the same, the referred

memorandum requested Council to consider and approve release of the sum of N38,330,841.00 to the Ministry of Health for the procurement of Dental equipment/Instruments so as to enable Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital venture into another specialty area properly such as dental care services which upgrades its standard as a Teaching Hospital. Release of the requested sum was approved by the Council to the Ministry of Health to facilitate procurement of the Dental equipment/Instruments in order to replace the obsolete existing ones at the current Dental Unit as the gesture is in congruence with the current administration’s trends of meaningful intervention on issues to do with health care delivery. b.

Request for funding of activities of the State Immunization Plus days on Polio Eradication:Council was clearly notified of the need to continue providing support for the laudable program referred and the Ministry of Health requested for the Rabi’u Musa release of the sum of N14,530,000.00 to facilitate supervision, training, Kwankawaso logistics and public enlightenment activities for the four (4) remaining rounds of the polio eradication program. Release of the requested sum was approved by the Council to the Ministry of Health to enable it continue the polio eradication program to its completion. c.

Request for funding of activities of the State Task Force Committee on Immunization and Polio Eradication:The referred communication presented a request for the release of the sum of N8,328,500.00 to the Ministry of Health for the provision of additional resources for the second half of the year to enable the committee continue with its planned activities. Council approved release of the requested sum to be used for the stated purpose since the gesture only ensures the completion of an already started project.

5.

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, CO-OPERATIVES AND TOURISM Request for funds for the rehabilitation of Sharada Small Scale Industrial Estate Kano:Contents of the referred memorandum substantially alerted the Council of the current dilapidated condition of the Sharada Small Scale Industrial Estate established in the 1980s for the purpose of providing conducive environment to the small scale industrialists for their operations. 83 Small Scale operators of various trades operate in the area thereby providing employment opportunities to many people.

However, maintenance of internal drainages, culverts and the entire road networks has been poor since establishment of the estate. As such, contents of the memorandum essentially requested Council to approve release of the sum of N14,997,803.76 to enable the Ministry facilitate rehabilitation work at the Sharada Small Scale Industrial Estate. Council approved release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Co-operatives and Tourism to execute the stated project.

6.

MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT Two (2) memoranda were submitted by this Ministry for consideration by the Council. They include:a.

Request for funds for the upgrading of Executive Parking area at Government House, Kano:Council was adequately notified by the contents of the referred memorandum of the present condition of the executive parking area and the need to upgrade it to conform with a typical and befitting Executive parking porch obtained globally.

As such, Council approved release of the requested sum of N17,367,322.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to expedite action on the stated purpose. b.

Request for funds for the renovation and construction of wall fence at Driving School along Zaria Road Kano:Council appreciated the notification of the State of disrepair of the property referred in the memoranda and the importance of constructing a boundary wall to surround the entire premises so as to secure lives and property. The requested sum of N55,370,012.81 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry of Work, Housing and Transport for the execution of the stated project as it is in line with the present administration’s policy of securing and fortifying all Government properties to safeguard them from encroachment.

7.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION:a.

Request for funds on the need for the wall fencing of Sabon Layi Primary School Bichi.

Three (3) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Education for consideration and deliberation by the Council as follows; Council approved the release of the sum of N13,572,695.34 for the construction of a perimeter wall fence of Sabon Layi Primary School in Bichi so as to prevent series of encroachment threats posed to the school and to provide adequate security to the School. b.

Request for funds for the Rehabilitation and Renovation of Beguwa Primary School in Bichi LGA & Kafin Galadima Primary School in Madobi LGA. The Council approved release of the sum of N19,234,653.30 for the construction of additional 2 classrooms and 2- seater toilet as well as provide furniture at Beguwa Primary School and Kafin Galadima Primary School to provide conducive environment for effective teaching and learning. c.

Request of funds for the Construction of Perimeter wall fence of 4No. Primary Schools.

Council approved release of the sum of N31,075,907.57 for the construction of perimeter wall fence at Karfi Central Primary School, Kosawa (Imawa) Primary School, Yalwa Yadakwari (Dakasoye) Primary School and Gora Liman Primary School so as to prevent further encroachment in the respective Schools.

8.

MINISTRY FOR LAND & PHYSICAL PLANNING:Council noted and appreciated the scheduled official visit by the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reform to the State from Sunday 10th to Wednesday 13th June 2012 for advocacy and sensitization. In addition, the Committee selected Kano State as one of the two States to undertake the pilot scheme of the project (systematic land registration).

51st Progress Report Condolence on Recent Plane Crash in Lagos:Council extended on behalf of His Excellency the Executive Governor and the Good citizens of Kano State, its deepest sympathy to the families of the retired AIG Shehu Ringim and the recent victims of Dana Airplane crash in Lagos. The Government send its condolences to the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria for this loss.

Council also noted with deep appreciation the kind suggestions and support given to this Administration by various stakeholders and citizens toward the development of the State.

Brief by the Hon. Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism: Council noted with appreciation that, Hon. Commissioner had a meeting with the visiting Minister of power & steel including other stakeholders on Electricity improvement and distribution in the state.

You are aware of the recent operation conducted by Nigerian Immigration services for apprehending a sizeable number of Chinese Nationals who are retailing at Kantin Kwari Market in the State metropolis. Council today noted the State visit by the Chinese Deputy Ambassador while, a State technical committee was established comprising representation from Ministry of Commerce & Justice, Immigration officials, and Kantin Kwari Market Associations to submit a report in the next two weeks.

Brief by the Hon. Commissioner for Water Resources: You may recall that the present administration procured heavy ductile water pipes worth over N2 billion for laying across the State. Today, Council noted with delight the receipt of additional pipes in the State awaiting more in due course.

Brief by the Hon. Commissioner for Rural & Community Development Council noted with appreciation the usual effort by the civil defense & other Vigilante groups over the taking into custody of unpatriotic men for the vandalisation of electricity cables in their vehicles while discussion continue between the Hon. Commissioner and NEPA officials to take further necessary action.

Brief by the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture: The esteemed Council noted the receipt of an NYSC corps constructed clinic at the Kano Zoological garden by the Hon. Commissioner in the same vein the amusement park is duly ready for opening and blessing.

Brief by the Secretary to the State Government: Council noted with appreciation the official visit to Federal MDAs Abuja by the SSG and Hon. Commissioner for Land.

Amongst the visited MDAs by the group are Federal Ministry of Works, Housing and Environment where issues on Land reforms, prototype building plans in Kano State will soon be resolved with an official planned visit to the State on 18th21st June by the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reform proposed partnership with the State Government.

In the same vein, the Committee paid an official visit to Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism as issues on Kano Tourism Master Plan were discussed and soon will be supported by the Ministry. Other matters include further development of Kano City Wall with Gidan Makama in order to boost tourism industry in the State.

Visit to Kano by the Sudan Ambassador:Council noted with deep appreciation the official visit of the Ambassador who was received by the Deputy Governor as issues related on the establishment of a Sudan Cultural center including an Institute of Arabic studies in the city. However, the State Government allocated a suitable Land at Kwankwasiyya village for the grand project that will form a great synergy in cultural promotion and other scholarship grants.

The esteemed Council also noted the official visit by Deputy Governor to Senegal & Burkina Faso over the State representation in a General meeting on trans-border migration crisis between the Nomadic Fulani and Farmers mostly found across West African States and Societies, as related issues were deliberated and recommendations made that, States should allocate specific land for the settlement of all nomadic Fulani.

SIGNED: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Cultural

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

50

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 7-6-12

Equities lose N356b to bearish streak

T

HE Nigerian stock market has lost about N356 billion in the past eight days as investors readjusted portfolios after the earnings season rush.

For the eighth consecutive trading day, the benchmark value indices at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday trended downward with the aggregate market value of all quoted companies dropping by N85 billion from N6.819 trillion to N6.734 trillion. Consequently, total loss to the recent bearishness stood at N356 billion.

The equity market had opened last week with a value of N7.090 trillion but has since witnessed successive decline as investors reconsidered their portfolios.

The All Share Index (ASI), which tracks the prices of all quoted companies, dwindled by 1.26 per cent to 21,114.69 points yesterday as against its

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

opening index of 21,383.61 points.

With this, the ASI had lost 5.03 per cent over the eight trading days, pushing the year-to-date return at the NSE to 1.85 per cent.

The declines in recent days were orchestrated by continuing depreciation in the values of some highly capitalised stocks especially Dangote Cement and Nigerian Breweries, the two most capitalised companies on the NSE. In spite of a widely positive pricing range of nearly two gainers to one loser, losses by the highly capitalised stocks coloured the overall market position.

Dangote Cement led the decliners with a loss of N4.64 to close at N102.

Nigerian Breweries followed with a loss of N2.20 to close at N97.60. UAC of Nigeria lost N1.58 to close

at N30.07. Zenith Bank declined by 30 kobo to close at N13.70. Learn Africa slipped by 12 kobo to close at N2.41 while Dangote Flour Mills and Red Star Express lost 10 kobo each to close at N5.89 and N2.90 respectively.

On the upside, Guinness Nigeria led the advancers with a gain of N3.01 to close at N227. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) followed with a gain of 52 kobo to close at N11.02. Guaranty Trust Bank added 26 kobo to close at N15.40. University Press rose by 22 kobo to close at N4.64. Oando rallied 12 kobo to close at N15.40 while Diamond Bank and Skye Bank gained 11 kobo to close at N2.49 and N2.94 respectively.

Total turnover stood at 190.80 million shares valued at N1.79 billion in 3,959 deals. Banking subsector was the most active with a turnover of 128.64 million shares worth N1.09 billion in 2,217 deals. Insurance subgroup staged a distant second with a turnover of 14.34 million shares worth N8.76 million in 81 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 7-6-12

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

51

MONEY LINK

'Nigeria loses $25b annually to trade imbalance’ N

IGERIA loses about $25 billion annually to global trade imbalances, World Bank Economic Adviser, Ken Ife has said. He said Africa loses over $600 billion to such trade inhibitions, adding that such loses have kept it backwards and uncompetitive in global trade equations.

Speaking at the just concluded Nigerian Development and Finance Forum (NDFF) 2012 conference in London, Ife said Nigeria’s inability to decisively implement programmes on trade facilitation and domesticate related international agreements is affecting its trade output.

“Recently, I found out that there are 26 checkpoints between Seme Border and Lagos in the daytime; the figure doubles in the night. And World Trade Organisation (WTO), says such points should not be more than three. You spend more money and time when checkpoints are too many. In a recent survey, Nigeria ranked 148th in trade-

people that can develop Nigeria, are Nigerians, with the private sector as the engine of growth.

He said the continent’s share of the world trade continues to decline, adding that investment of $100 billion is required yearly to build Africa’s infrastructure, while $30 billion is required for operations and maintenance.

He suggested that investment of $20 billion in regional infrastructure to bridge missing links could bring extra $250 billion in regional trade, in 10 years.

Co-chair of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Amina Salihu, also lamented that the country is still backward in all sociopolitical indicators. However, she charged Nigerians in the Diaspora to begin to play active role in the development of the country’s economy through investment.

She said there are huge investment opportunities with high returns despite reported socio-political risks in the country.

By Collins Nweze

cross-border performance. We cannot move forward unless we address trade barriers,” he said.

He explained that barriers to movement of goods across the borders are a major factor affecting Foreign Direct Investments’ (FDI) drive and smooth flow of trade in the country.

He said Nigeria’s service sector is far less developed than other competitors in Developing Eight (D8) countries, contributing just 29 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He explained that wholesale and retail trade remain dominant, accounting for over half of the service sector output of 15 per cent and growing at 14.8 per cent per annum.

Ife urged that Nigeria should trade itself out of poverty, adding that the only

IMF plans forum on growth, jobs

T

HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it is planning to hold bi-annual work programmes to discuss issues that will ensure economic stability globally The body said the work programme would help to rekindle growth and job creation, adding that recent developments have shown that the world is experiencing economic fragility, and stands the risk of having systemic consequences.

“The commitment to increase funding by over $430 billion on a temporary basis attests to the membership’s willingness to act collectively and decisively to get ahead of the crisis,” IMF Managing Director, Christine Lagarde, said while presenting the work programme to the Executive Board of the

“We need to continue to offer pragmatic remedies to the main risks confronting the global economy, help members address spillovers and support their economic transition and development agendas. We need also to strengthen our internal processes, with reforms of surveillance, quotas and governance,” she added.

The work programme, yesterday published issues on restoration of stability, strengthening of policy advice, financial sector reforms, employment, among other aspects of growth. It would be recall that IMF is stepping up support for Arab countries in transition; assisting low-income countries with policy advice and financial support, among others.

By Akinola Ajibade

institution.

“For our part, we must continue to support these efforts with clear and pointed advice on macro financial policies, and strong and well-designed programs. This is true, not only for Europe, where the risks to stability have been acute, but across the span of the membership,” she stated.

She said there is the need to enhance inclusive growth, ensuring debt sustainability, adding that the body will provide analysis and advice on how to achieve credible fiscal consolidation and debt reduction, among other issues that are germaine to most members.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 150m 150m 138m 138m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 7-6-12 SYMBOL

UPL HONYFLOUR ETI MAYBAKER DIMONDBNK NEIMETH TRANSCORP RTBRISCOE PAINTCOM JAPAULOIL

O/PRICE

4.42 2.01 10.50 1.62 2.38 0.66 1.11 1.34 1.19 0.73

C/PRICE

4.64 2.11 11.02 1.70 2.49 0.69 1.16 1.40 1.24 0.76

113m

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C/PRICE 30.07 1.54 1.20 2.41 1.81 1.08 0.65 102.00 1.12 0.50

CHANGE 1.58 0.08 0.06 0.12 0.09 0.05 0.03 4.64 0.05 0.02

29-2-12 27-2-12

113m

155.7

22-2-12

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 7-6-12

SYMBOL O/PRICE UACN 31.65 CUSTODYINS 1.62 CUTIX 1.26 LONGMAN 2.53 ACADEMY 1.90 IKEJAHOTEL 1.13 DNMEYER 0.68 DANGCEM 106.64 STERLINBANK 1.17 PRESTIGE 0.52

Exchange Rate (N) 155.8 155.8

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

CHANGE

0.22 0.10 0.52 0.08 0.11 0.03 0.05 0.06 0.05 0.03

113m

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

E

KITI State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to the economic development of the State.

Speaking in Ado Ekiti during the presentation of the report of economic management team set up the government, Fayemi said the report is tailored towards eradicating poverty in the state despite the meager resources accruing to it. The team was headed by the State’s Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmi Olayinka.

Fayemi said his administration is already making giant strides in key economic sectors of the state, especially agriculture, infrastructure, human capital development and education, adding that other issues bordering on the administration have been addressed in the report.

He assured that the Executive Council would deliberate extensively on the report to consolidate areas which have made progress and also give adequate attention to areas where there are still gaps.

Earlier in her speech, Mrs Olayinka said the report contained issues that require urgent attention hence the involvement of ministries, department and agencies of government in facilitating speedy implementation of all recommendations in the report.

She said the Office of Transformation, Strategy and Delivery would help track the implementation process.

She said the team would be more resolute in its future assignments and further work towards consolidating the present achievements of the administration.

The Governor inaugurated the 20-man Economic Management Team in October 2011 to serve as the think-tank for government on economic matters; proffer solutions to unemployment, among other problems.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

By Akinola Ajibade

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Ekiti re-affirms commitment to economic growth

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 124.51 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 105.00 THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.75 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.08 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.94 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,710.94 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 8.95 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,525.21 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 124.39 104.34 0.73 1.08 0.92 1,703.76 8.51 1.33 1.80 7,325.37 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

52

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

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NEWS Alumni urge Jonathan to reverse UNILAG name change

By Eric Ikhilae

F

ORMER students of the University of Lagos (Unilag) have asked the Federal Government to reverse the “illegal and unpopular decision” of renaming their alma mater.

The ex-students under the aegis of UNILAG Alumni Association argued that the Federal Government’s insistent that the decision was irreversible, despite the general resentment the name change has attracted, was undemocratic.

These are contained in a communiqué issued after the group’s extra-ordinary general meeting held on Monday and presented by Adeyemi Adefulu, a former president of the school’s students’ union.

The ex-students said though they were not adverse to the move to immortalise the late MKO Abiola, they were opposed to the manner the President went about it. They claimed that the choice of their school, a 50 year old brand known globally, was a wrong decision.

They urged the school authority to reopen the school to allow students resume for academic activities and advised the students against engaging in protest matches. The ex-students promised to adopt all peaceful and legal means of ensuring a reversal of the Federal Government decision, which they said was illegal.

The group said: “It fully associates with the need to give a befitting national honour for the martyr of democracy, the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, whose historic role and supreme sacrifice played a major role in the restoration of democratic order in Nigeria.

“By the surreptitious and arbitrary method the Federal Government adopted, the purported re-naming of the University of Lagos was a dishonour to the memory of a man who died in pursuit of democracy.

“By its refusal to consult widely, the government, unfortunately, lost the opportunity of knowing which would have been the best method of honouring the late Chief Abiola and unwittingly turned a popular wish into an unfortunate controversy.”

•From left: Minister of State for Trade and Investments, Dr Samuel Ortom; Minister of Trade and Investments, Dr Olusegun Aganga; Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu; Minster of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Minister of State for Niger Delta Affars, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi and the Director, Community Service, Women and Youth Empowerment in SURE-P, Mr Papka, at the flag-off of Community Service, Women and Youth Empowerment Scheme of the SURE-P in Minna...yesterday.

Why financial crimes are increasing, byEFCC chair

E

CONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair Ibrahim Lamorde has attributed the increasing rate of economic and financial crimes to high-level of moral decadence in the country.

Lamorde spoke at the opening of a workshop organised by the anti-graft agency and the Interfaith Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee (IAAC) to validate two anti-corruption manuals at the Commission’s Academy in Karu, Abuja.

According to a statement

by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity Wilson Uwujaren, Lamorde urged all Nigerians to come together to fight economic and financial crimes.

He said it was a privilege to have clergymen and schol-

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

ars gather to contribute their quota in the fight against corruption.

In a speech, which was read on his behalf by the Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Mr. Ayo Olowonihi, the agency chairman said it was a privilege to have clergymen and scholars gather to contribute their quota in the fight against corruption He said: “What you are doing for EFCC is so important to this fight both as an institution and as a country. This is because preachers and men of God hold a vantage position to reach out and talk to the average Nigerian in very powerful and convincing ways.

“It is baffling that despite the message of “Thou shall not steal” in both the Holy

Bible and Quran, many still steal from the commonwealth. “I hope, with a gathering like this, the heart of the problem which is moral decadence would be effectively tackled”.

The Chairman of IAAC, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, said participants should not only see their job as a religious obligation but also as a national assignment.

He said the project was an advocacy step by EFCC and IAAC to reach out to Nigerians through teaching and preaching to those who attend mosques and churches, especially the young ones.

He said: “I know you have agreed to be part of this not because of any monetary gains, as there is none, but be-

cause of the good of the country and to be counted as those who have contributed to the fight against corruption.”

“This is to give the voice of God and His pronouncement to what the EFCC regard as crime and to show that they are equally sinful in both religions.”

Oloyede said the validity test was to look at the acceptability of the manuals vis-àvis their compliance with the teachings of Islam and Christianity.

He stressed that the pulpit can be used effectively to fight economic crimes because of its strategic position to teach.

In his remark, the chief consultant of the Islamic manual, Professor Yahya Oyewole Imam of the University of Maiduguri , said the manual

is intended to familiarize the Muslim Ummah with the offences of economic crimes especially as it relates to EFCC and Islam.

He said the document is meant to be preventive and has forty (40) units addressing 13 themes of economic crimes as listed in the EFCC Act. Also contributing, Professor Olabisola OlasehindeWilliams of the Peace and Strategic Studies of University of Ilorin and a professor of educational psychology and the chief consultant of the Christian manual said the manual is primarily meant for behaviour modification.

She said: “What we have done is to use the vehicle and platform of religion to tackle this intractable issue of corruption.”

Supreme Court refuses Lagos’s bid to appeal judgment over land dispute

T

HE Supreme Court has rejected an application by the Attorney General of Lagos State and one other for an extension of time within which to appeal against a decision of the Court of Appeal, voiding the state’s claim to a parcel of land at Ita Balogun, Lagos Island.

The apex court in dismissing the application held that the state’s AG and the Lagos Urban Renewal Board (LSURB) failed to provide val-

By Eric Ikhilae

id reasons why they could not file their appeal within time.

The Lagos AG and the LSURB had attempted to appeal a judgment by the Court of Appeal, Lagos, upholding the decision of Justice Habeeb Abiru of the state’s High Court to the effect that the Balogun Okolo family of Lagos was entitled to the grant of a statutory right of occupancy of all parcel of land at Ita Balogun, described in survey

plan SEW/L/1797/12X of April 24, 2005.

The Appeal Court had, in its judgment on the appeal by the AG and the LSURB, upheld the court’s decision and dismissed the appeal on the ground that the appellants failed to prove their case.

Justice Rita Nosakhare Remu, who read the judgment, held that “The appeal fails in its entirety and same is hereby dismissed.”

Six people - Chief Ganiyu

Ariori Balogun Okolo, Alhaji Fatai Ayilara, Alhaji Tajudeen Alli Balogun, Alhaji Bashiru Karimu Jinmi, Alhaji Babatunde Jawando and Adeniyi Adesina - representing the Balogun Okolo family had in 2005 sued the AG and LSURB before the state’s High Court, claiming the ownership of the said land.

The claimants claimed in their writ of summons that they are the descendants of Chief Mohamadu Akeola, the late Chief Balogun Okolo of Lagos, the actual owner of the “land situate and lying at Ita Balogun covered by the survey Plan SEW/L/179/12X of 2005. “ They added that a substantial part of the land was assigned to their progenitor by the Administrator of Government Islands and Territory of Lagos.

They argued that aside that the land was covered by the Crown Grant, their progenitor used the adjoining lands, without hindrance, until his death in 1896, following which his descendants inherited the land and exercised various acts of ownership and possession of the entire land.

The claimants averred that sometime in 2001 the market stalls on the land were burnt by fire and the Lagos State Government Urban Renewal Board cordoned off the land, fenced it and prevented them from using it.

They said that they were surprised, in response to their several entreaties, they received a letter from the defend-

ant, saying that the land covered by their grant did not fall within the land in dispute.

The claimants pleaded that the land was never compulsorily acquired from them by the Lagos State Government.

The defendants denied the claimants’ claim and contended that in 1951, the then Lagos State Development Board acquired the land for a scheme which was approved by an Order in Council in 1952, and by which order all land within the scheme were acquired for the purpose of development.

They denied that the claimants have ever been in possession of the land in dispute.

In his judgment, Justice Abiru held that “The law is that where a party who has been in possession of land is wrongly dispossessed, he is entitled to recover possession against the wrong doers.

The judge consequently entered judgment in favour of the claimants and declared that the claimants are persons entitled to the grant of a statutory right of occupancy of all parcel of land lying at Ita Balogun, described in survey plan SEW/ L/1797/12X of 2005.

“I hereby ordered that the claimants are entitled to immediate possession of the said parcel of land. An order of perpetual injunction is hereby made restraining the defendants and their agents from further disturbing the peaceful possession of the said land by the claimants,” the judge held.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

57

NEWS Group hails Reps’ decision on court verdict From Damisi Ojo,Akure

A

POLITICAL group, the Abena Campaign Organisation (ACO), yesterday praised members of the House of Representatives for rejecting the motion seeking to declare the seat of Mr. Ifedayo Abegunde (Akure North/ South) vacant.

Last week, the Federal High Court, sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, presided over by Justice Glorial Okeke, ordered Abegunde to vacate his seat for defecting from the Labour Party (LP), the platform on which he was elected, to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Consequently, a lawmaker from Imo State, Eddie Abadiwe, urged the House of Representatives to interpret the court’s judgment, but his colleagues, Uzor Azubuke (Abia State) and Friday Itulah (Edo State), rejected the motion.

They averred that nobody can remain in a house that is falling and individuals are at liberty to join any party that meets their expectation.

In a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Kayode Ojo, ACO said the lawmakers have confirmed the correct position of Section 68 (g) 1 of the Constitution.

It said with the development at the floor of the House, the battle has been shifted to the Appeal Court and Abegunde’s job remains intact.

The group said saluted the courage of eminent Nigerians, particularly LP members, who have spoken against the Federal High Court’s judgment.

Hoodlums invade group leader’s home From Damisi Ojo,Akure

OODLUMS yesterday invaded the home of the secretary of a political group, the Ekiti Mass Mobilisation Movement (EMMM), Mr. Muyiwa Ogunsakin, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

It was learnt that the hoodlums stormed Ogunsakin’s home in Oshinle Quarters about 12pm, but did not meet him at home.

Ogunsakin said the hoodlums reportedly came in two cabs and asked about his whereabouts from his neighbours.

He said: “I thank God that they did not meet me at home. Two of my family members were beaten up for not disclosing my whereabouts and my property were vandalised.

“I have relocated my family and I am seeking refuge at the home of a prominent chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).”

Police spokesman Adeniran Aremu could not be reached as at the time of filing this report.

EMMM has over 3,000 members and has been campaigning for a governorship aspirant of the ACN, Dr. Segun Abraham.

H

Police parade 11 suspects in Delta JTF arrests 17 in Rivers T HE police in Delta State have began local combat/modern weapon handling training.

Commissioner of Police Ikechukwu Aduba represented by his assistant, Taiwo Lakanu, made this known in Asaba while parading 11 suspects for crimes ranging from alleged kidnapping and robbery.

He said the weapons training was to ensure combat readiness and ensure crime reduction in the state.

The training, in its second stage, takes place at the PMF base in Ogwashi-Uku ,Aniocha South Local Government.

Aduba decried the lukewarm attitude of kidnap victims and their relations towards assisting security agencies.

The police chief said the command may be forced to recommend sanctions for

From Clarice Azuatalum, Port Harcourt

SEVENTEEN people have been arrested for alleged bunkering by the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Rivers State.

They were arrested when the JTF raided their facilities on Borokiri shoreline in Port Harcourt at about 2.30am.

Three boats and 30 drums of illegally refined products were destroyed. At the Rex Lawson Waterfront, which was converted into a jetty by the bunkerers, armed JTF officials were patrolling the area with their gun-boats.

Spokesman of the Sector Two Command Capt Sunny Samuel confirmed the raid.

He said it was in line with the determination of the outfit to end bunkering in the Niger Delta.

Samuel said: “We will continue to raid their facilities as long as we continue to get information on where they are operating. The suspects would soon be handed over for prosecution.

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

traditional rulers whose domains have been turned to kidnappers’ den.

Aduba said his men acting on a tip-off from Oghara vigilance group smashed a no-

torious gang accused of abducting Mrs. Joyce Ofere.

He said on May 22, kidnap suspects abducted Mrs. Ofere taking her away in her Audi car with registration number AG 433 ABH. His words: “She was re-

leased after N1.5 million was paid.

Suspects arrested include Ese Adjashoke (30), Daniel Ekaye(26),Onorode Adgbuiye (30) and Abraham Ogadotayire (23).

“The suspects, who hail from Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government, have confessed to the crime.

“Recovered were two cars, two cutlasses and a sim card.”

In a related development, the commissioner said his men acting on a tip-off laid siege at Awor Waterside in Warri for some kidnap suspects.

According to him, the suspects engaged the police in a shoot-out and were injured. They escaped into the river.

Items recovered include three AK47 rifles with numbers 197497057, 197497057, AB 351818, five magazines, 318 AK 47 live ammunition.

Mark condoles with Oshiomhole From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

SENATE President David Mark yesterday commiserated with Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole over the collapse of a section of the Central Hospital, Benin, in which the Project Manager, Stefano Delaroca, was killed.

Mark urged the governor to remain undettered in his determination to uplift the living standards of Edo people.

“Public officials who are determined to work for the people are often confronted with many challenges but such challenges must serve as elixir for performance.

“I urge you to take heart and remain resolute in your determination to develop Edo State.

“These are the challenges of the office which you occupy.”

20 INEC officials for Edo poll From Osagie Otabor, Benin

TWENTY commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are to monitor the July 14 governorship election in Edo State.

Electronic gadgets are to be deployed to polling units and collation centres to ensure transparent elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Kassim Gairdam, made this known yesterday when he visited the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Gairdam assured that all logistic problems arising would be resolved 10 days before the election.

•Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole sitting with Junior Secondary School 3 girls of Iyioba Girls College, Benin, in their newly refurbished classroom...on Wednesday

Muslims seek change of Ondo election date From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Ex-Ekiti varsity VC arraigned for allegedly stealing N91m A FORMER Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD), now Ekiti State University (EKSU), Prof.

Dipo Kolawole, was yesterday arraigned for allegedly stealing N91 million belonging to the school.

He allegedly stole the money between August 28, 2009, and May 13, 2011, when he headed the institution.

According to the charge sheet, Kolawole allegedly forged the school’s letterhead and withdrew N91, 051,244.59 from one of the

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

university’s accounts with the institution’s branch of the United Bank of Africa (UBA).”

He allegedly committed the offence with two others, who are at large.

Kolawale pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge consented to having the case tried at the Magistrate’s Court.

Defence counsel Olalekan Olatawura urged the court to

grant his client bail on merit of his status and personal recognition, but prosecuting counsel Amos Dagbo opposed it, Dagbo said granting the accused bail would be premature and might jeopardise police investigations.

He sought relief of adjournment to enable him transfer the case file to the State Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), Ministry of Justice, which would file

the appropriate papers for the continuation of the case “based on the gravity of the offence as reflected in the charge sheet”.

Chief Magistrate Adesoji Adegboye granted Kolawole bail in the sum of N400,000 with landed property and evidence of tax payment in the state.

The accused was also asked to produce two notable sureties, who must pay N200,000 each and own landed property in the state.

Chief Magistrate Adegboye adjourned hearing till July 18.

I didn’t connive with contractors, says Orubebe

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HE Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, has denied conniving with contractors handling the N349billion East-West road.

The minister spoke yesterday at a meeting with the House Committee on Niger Delta, where concerns were raised over the N40.5billion variation on Section 1 and Section 4 of the project.

The project was initially slated for completion in 2010 but shifted to 2014 due to

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

funding challenges.

The committee was surprised that Section 1, initially awarded at N35.6billion, was later reviewed upward with N31billion added while Section 4 awarded for N26b initially had N9.5billion added after variation.

The lawmakers alleged that there was connivance between the ministry and the contractors.

The committee also sought explanation into the increment in compensation claims from N250million to N7billion.

However in his reaction, Orubebe denied engaging in sharp practices.

“I take exception to the alleged connivance. I put my integrity to test on how I perform my duties.

“You don’t expect the ministry and the contractors to be fighting.”

According to him, the min-

istry inherited the project in 2009 with no design or feasibility study and no provision for compensation.

“The government did not handle the contract very well because what was uppermost in the minds of everybody was how to restore peace in the region.

“So by 2009, we inherited a project that was 10 per cent completed.

“The contractors were only on site working with what they have and in skeletal form,” he said.

THE Muslim Community in Ondo State has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to change the October 20 date fixed for the governorship election.

Chairman of the state chapter of the Nigerian InterReligious Council (NIREC), Alhaji Ibrahim Omoloja, said many Muslims will be on hajj in Saudi Arabia on October 20 and will be disenfranchised, if the election date is not changed.

Speaking during NIREC’s quarterly meeting, Omolaja said a letter has been written to the national headquarters of the electoral body on the request.

Uba loses mother SENATOR Andy Uba’s mother, Dame Bessie Chinwe Uba is dead. She was 89.

According to a statement signed by the head of the family, Senator Ugochukwu Uba, Dame Uba died on June 4 at the Abuja National Hospital after a brief illness.

She is survived by Senators Ugochukwu and Andy Uba, Chief Chris Uba, Mrs Oby Iku and Mrs. Oby Umenyin. Burial plans will be announced by the family.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

NEWS

Tinubu advocates independent judiciary T

HE National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has urged lawyers to fight the attempt by the ruling cabal to subjugate the independence of the judiciary.

The former Lagos State Governor spoke on Wednesday at the Lagos City Hall after receiving the 2012 Merit Award of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos chapter.

Governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Godswill Suswam (Benue); the Managing Partner of Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, Chief Anthony Idibe (SAN); and Zenith Bank Plc were also honoured.

Thanking the NBA, Tinubu said: “My joy is not total because our dream and struggle for democracy and the establishment of a free and just society guided by the rule of law is fading away gradually.”

Urging lawyers to defend the constitution, he said: “The award you have honoured me with will be diminished, if the judiciary is supplanted and we all, particularly

•Lagos NBA honours ex-governor, Aregbesola, Suswam

By Precious Igbonwelundu and Fisayo Ige

men and women of the noble profession, fail to defend the right of the individual, the independence of the judiciary and protect our hard won democracy.”

Tinubu, who was represented by his special assistant, Mr. Sunday Dare, extended his condolences to the families of the victims of Sunday’s plane crash and urged the Federal Government to probe the incident.

He said: “The government of President Goodluck Jonathan needs to make public the outcome of the reports of previous crashes. We have had 49 plane crashes with six fatal ones. Hence, there is need for action.”

The former governor regretted that instead of true federalism, an independent judiciary and effective checks and balances, “what we have in Nigeria is creeping unilateralism, politicised judiciary and executive

impunity”.

He said: “Nigeria is facing the possibility of a government that sees the judiciary as an appendage of the ruling party, with a cabal of blackmailers and political jobbers holding sway; a country where the rights and privileges accorded citizens by our constitution is now at the mercy and pleasure of the government in power and, above all, a country in which might is right.”

Asiwaju praised the members of the bar and bench for their courage in several instances and said they should not relent in ensuring justice delivery.

He urged lawyers to avoid being passive watchers on issues, adding that only an independent and courageous judiciary can effectively protect the rights of Nigerians and the nation’s democracy.

Tinubu urged the executive arm of government to leave the judiciary out of politics.

He said there must be total judicial independence in order to develop the nation.

The ACN National Leader said: “We have seen a government willynilly thumbing its nose at the decision of the highest judicial body of the land. We have seen a government trampling upon the provisions of the constitution and the rights of a courageous judge simply for political expediency.

“We have seen a President, who is a product of constitutionalism, a beneficiary of the adherence to the rule of law and who enjoyed the support of the masses across party lines, turn against the very judicial institution that made his ascendency possible.

“If to you this is not frightening, it is to me. Once a leader transforms into a party lord, placing party and partisan considerations above national interests, then, all bets are off. It is to me a matter of conscience.”

Tinubu urged lawyers to renew their commitment to upholding the rule of law. He said all citizens are equal before the law and no one deserves to be punished before he is found guilty.

Lagos NBA President Taiwo Taiwo said Tinubu is worthy of the honour, considering his “outstanding” contribution to the development of Lagos and Nigeria.

The Chairman of the Law Week Committee, Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo, lamented the absence of the national bar from the event.

He said: “We invited the national bar, but they are not represented here and they did not deem it fit to tell us why.

“I think the national bar should stop organising events monthly. I believe without the local branches, the national bar cannot exist.”

Present at the event were Justices Sunny Ubuso (rtd.); Tunde Oshodi; Wale Abiru; Tonyin Taiwo; Opeyemi Olufumilayo; Dr. Cole Abayomi (SAN); and Chief Ladi Williams (SAN), among others.

Ogun council polls: Court dismisses suit by PDP faction From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

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HE Ogun State High Court, sitting in Abeokuta, the state capital, yesterday dismissed a suit filed against the State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) by the Mr. Bayo Dayo-led factional executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The group sued OGSIEC and got an interim order directing the electoral body to recognise and accept only its candidates for the July 21 local government polls.

Last Monday, the interim order was vacated and the court directed OGSIEC to receive nominations from all factions of the PDP. The court also granted the application by the national PDP to be joined with OGSIEC as the second defendant in the suit.

But when the matter came up yesterday for definite hearing of the substantive suit, the Dayo faction and its counsel, Mr. Ajibola Oluyede, were not in court Instead, they sent a message to the court that they would not continue with the suit because of the ongoing reconciliation in Ogun PDP. Counsel to the National PDP, Otunba Kunle Kalejaye (SAN), objected the withdrawal.

He said the plaintiffs cannot back out at this stage.

Kalejaiye urged the court to either reject the plaintiffs’ notice of discontinuing or dismiss the suit.

Justice Abiodun Akinyemi dismissed the suit and awarded a cost of N450,000 against the Dayo faction.

He ordered it to pay N150,000 to OGSIEC and N300,000 to the National PDP. OGSIEC Commissioner 111 Mutiu Agboke said with the dismissal of the suit, OGSIEC would only recognise candidates whose names are submitted by the authentic executive of the PDP. He said: “Since the case has been dismissed, we will only recognise parties and not factions. We will not allow any party or group to truncate the already sophisticated arrangement that OGSIEC has put in place for the council elections.”

‘Name National Assembly N alumnus of the Uniafter Abiola’ versity of Lagos

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(UNILAG), Mr. Ajibola Ojo, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to name the National Assembly Complex after the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Abiola.

Ojo, a former National Secretary of the UNILAG Alumni Association, spoke on Tuesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

He said since the late Abiola fought for the enthronement of democracy in the country, the best way to immortalise him was to name the National Assembly Complex after him.

Ojo, a 1979 graduate of Computer Science, said immortalising the late Abiola was beyond renaming UNILAG. He said: “June 12 should be

declared Democracy Day, instead of May 29, in appreciation of the man that laid down his life for democratic governance in Nigeria.”

Ojo urged the Federal Government to establish a Moshood Abiola Institute of Democratic Studies and Good Governance at UNILAG, instead of renaming the university.

He said the institute, when established, should be under the National Assembly and affiliated to the University of Abuja.

The alumnus, who said he was not in support of renaming any old institution in the country, urged the government to rename any of the six new universities after the late politician.

He said: “Personally, I do not support a change of name for any institution that is over five years old.”

• Aregbesola displaying the award. With him are the representative of the African Round-table on Sustainable Consumption and Production, Prof. Ife Adewumi (left); Deputy Governor Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori (right); Mrs. Aregbesola; and others...yesterday.

‘Climate change threat to existence’

O

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday said climate change is a threat to human existence.

He spoke after receiving the African Regional Award for Excellence of the African Round Table on Sustainable Consumption and Production.

The event was held at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, the state capital.

Aregbesola said developing nations are more vulnerable to climate change because of the high level of poverty, which he said was reflected in the heavy reliance on firewood for energy generation

by Nigerians, even though when country is richly endowed with gas.

He said this has continued to have very negative impacts on the lives of many Nigerians.

The governor said the global concern now is to have a clean environment and prevent disasters caused by climate change.

He said if countries of the world minimise the emission of gaseous into the environment, the situation will be cor-

•Governor’s wife appointed sanitation ambassador From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

rected soon.

Aregbesola said: “The current global concern is to have a clean environment, as climate change poses a considerable danger to human lives. If we minimise gaseous emissions, we shall protect our environment.

“The focus of the world environmental body this year is green economy. This has been the focus of our administration even before its pronouncement by the world environmental body.

“The situation is getting worse, despite the efforts of governments all over the world to curb it. This administration has committed very huge resources to the cleaning of the state. Despite these efforts, there is still much to be done, as our environment is still dirty. The situation is so bad that there is little difference between human beings and animals.

“There has never been a more challenging time than now to turn around our environment for sustainable

living. Let us act to stop global warming. This is why my administration has embraced massive tree planting. School afforestation has been introduced in our secondary schools.”

The governor urged stakeholders to cooperate with the state government in mitigating environmental degradation.

He said a law will soon be established to bring back sanitary inspectors to monitor the environment across the state.

Aregbesola said any sanitary inspector whose coverage area is found wanting would be punished.

Meanwhile, the governor’s wife, Sherifat, has been appointed the Sanitation Ambassador at this year’s Conference on Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS), with the wives of local government executives as supporters.

In her goodwill message, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, represented by the Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Dr. Obioha

Agada, said with Mrs. Aregbesola’s investiture, Osun State will soon achieve the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

She also congratulated the governor on his award.

With the appointment, Mrs. Aregbesola’s responsibilities include: advocacy and sanitation in all local governments; seeking political support for sanitation development; raising the profile on sanitation and creating roles for other ambassadors on all sanitation programmes.

Commissioner for the Environment Prof. Olubukola Oyawoye said: “This administration has earmarked over N145 million for forest plantation and school forestry programmes this year.

“With the giant strides recorded by this administration, the state has won multiple awards, including a reward of $2.5 million for the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and five medals in community-led sanitation. And the government is still doing more to overhaul the state’s environment.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

59

NEWS Almajiri school: Christian lawyers accuse govt of disregarding HRISTIAN lawyers Constitution under the auspices of

Police inspector killed in Kano C A police inspector attached to the Kano State Police Command was killed yesterday after repelling an attack by unknown gunmen.

The incident occurred a day after some unidentified gunmen in Sauna, Kawaji quarters on the outskirts of

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

the Kano metropolis gunned down a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Saleh Abubakar Ningi and three others. The Islamic sect, Boko Haram, claimed responsibility for the

action.

The inspector, according to the police spokesman, Rilwanu Dutse, killed one of the gunmen. Two others were injured.

Dutse said the police arrested two of the gunmen, who are currently being investigated.

According to an eyewitness, the inspector, who dared the gunmen, was later killed.

The command urged the public to continue to provide information to the police and other security agencies to contain the security challenges in the state.

the Christian Lawyers Association of Nigeria (CLASFON), have accused the government of disregarding the Constitution by establishing separate schools for the almajiri.

In a communique at the end of its president-in-council

•Crowd at the burial of retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Works Department, Force Headquarters, Mr. Saleh Abubakar Ningi, at Ningi, Bauchi State…yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Woman arraigned for issuing dud cheque

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32-year-old woman, Temilade Olapade, was yesterday arraigned before an Ilorin Magistrate’s Court in Kwara State for allegedly issuing a dud cheque to service a loan.

She appeared before Magistrate Saidat Sambo on a onecount charge of issuance of dud cheque, which contravenes the Dishonoured Cheque Laws of the Federation Volume 102 of Decree 1990.

The accused was alleged to have approached the First

From Samson Ademola, Ilorin

Amalgamated Building Society Limited for a loan facility of N500 000.00, which was granted her for 30 days, but her post-dated cheque was returned as dud on presentation at the bank.

The charge sheet reads: “That you (Temilade Olapade) issued a post-dated cheque of Sterling Bank No. 03845812 for the sum of five hundred and fifty thousand

naira (N550 000.00) to the bank which was returned as a dud cheque on presentation.

“Efforts made to collect the money back from you proved abortive.”

The police prosecutor, Matthew Ologbonsaye, objected to the bail of the accused on the grounds that the offence was not ordinarily bailable. He urged the court to remand her in prison.

Ologbonsaye asked for another day for mention, not-

ing that discreet investigation was still in progress.

Counsel to the accused, Mr. Saka Yusuf, pleaded with the court to release her on bail to enable her speak with her lawyer.

Ruling on the bail, Magistrate Sambo admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100,000 with three sureties, one which must deposit N40, 000.

The case was adjourned till June 26 for further mention.

Yelwa bombings: NEMA to donate drugs, building HE National Emerready, the workers of NEMA materials to victims gency Management have been at the site of the

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Agency (NEMA) yesterday expressed its readiness to assist the victims of last Sunday’s suicide bomb blasts at the Harvest Field Church and Living Faith Church (Winners

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

Chapel), Yelwa Tudu, Bauchi, with drugs and building materials.

The agency’s DirectorGeneral, Muhammad Sani

Sidi, made the disclosure in Bauchi after he visited the victims at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi.

He told The Nation that “al-

•From left: Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyeson Wike; Vice President Namadi Sambo; Minister of Education, Prof. Ruquyyatu Rufai; Chairman, House Committee on Education, Faruk Lawan; Minister of FCT, Sen. Bala Mohammed; Executive Secretary, UBEC, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed; and pupils at the launch of distribution of instructional materials for basic education schools, at the Model Primary School, Maitama, Abuja…yesterday.

incident and have collected the estimates and requirements of the patients.

“The estimates include the attacked church, Living Faith Church and the nearby houses affected by the blast. We shall make arrangement to move these supplies to Bauchi.”

Sidi reiterated the commitment of the agency to supply enough drugs to the patients and provide building materials that would help the owners of the affected buildings to rebuild their houses.

He was represented by the North-East NEMA Zonal Coordinator, Mohammed Kanar, who also inspected and assessed the level of damage done to the churches. He condoled with the relations of the deceased.

The NEMA assessment team, which visited the bombed site, churches and the residential buildings affected, was also at ATBUTH. It was received by a representative of the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Mohammed Alkali, who assured that the victims receiving treatment would be given the desired attention.

He hailed the agency for its quick intervention.

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FORMER Kano State Governor and Sardauna Kano, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, has said he was ready for trial if the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) established any allegation of corrupt practice against him while in office.

He, however, cautioned the bureau against recourse to mob trial.

The ex-governor, who made his position known in a statement by his spokesman, Sule Yau Sule, in Abuja said the presidential standard-bearer of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the 2011 general elections has neither been contacted nor informed of any allegation by the bureau.

Shekarau said it was shocking that the Chairman of the CCB, Mr. Sam Saba, had cause to declare at a public function for children in Abuja that more facts would be established on the allegations against him very soon.

He said he had not committed any offence to warrant such a declaration by the CCB. The statement read: “The clarification has become necessary in response to the numerous calls and enquiries

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

meeting, signed by Sunny Akanni and Arome Okwori, president and secretary, the lawyers said establishing a separate school for the almajiri was unconstitutional and would further promote the existing religious hatred among Nigerians.

They noted that the establishment of an exclusive school for a particular religious group with the public fund was an indication that the government was promoting one religious group over others.

The lawyers said: “Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, says Nigeria is a secular state. Therefore, the Federal Government cannot promote one religious group over the other. Government’s decision to spend billions of naira to establish the almajiri school is unconstitutional.”

The communiqué called on the Federal Government to be just and fair to all sections of the country to promote unity.

It urged the government to reconsider the establishment of the almajiri school, which it described as a segregated educational system that is not in the best interest of a united Nigeria.

Don’t engage in mob trial, Shekarau urges Code of Conduct Bureau From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

by anxious supporters of the former governor after a statement credited to the chairman of the bureau that he would reopen Mallam Shekarau’s corruption trial which was earlier abandoned due to lack of evidence.

“Nobody has contacted His Excellency on any such matter up till today. Common sense and even legal procedures demand that he be contacted and thoroughly investigated before anybody rushes to the press, otherwise it will amount to mob trial.

“We have said it before and it is worth repeating here that Mallam Shekarau has nothing to do with the government properties being mentioned in the frivolous petitions flying around.

“We challenge the bureau to proceed forthwith with the prosecution if it has uncovered substantial evidence to prove its case against him.”

Debate on 2015 poll diversionary, says Aliyu Chairman of the

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Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF), Dr. Babangida Aliyu, has called for the stoppage of the debate on the 2015 presidential election, saying the move is diversionary.

Aliyu, the Niger State governor, who spoke in Minna, urged politicians, especially those aspiring to contest for the 2015 general elections not “to worry about 2015 because 2015 belongs to God.” Speaking at the launch of the Federal Government’s Community Services, Women and Youth Employment Project of the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SUREP), the NSGF chairman said:

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

“Nobody knows who will survive till tomorrow. Tomorrow is in God’s hands.”

He added that the talk about 2015 should be discontinued for the time being.

Aliyu said “2014 will be the most ideal year for politicians to begin talks about those that will take over from the current public officials.”

His words: “Allow us to work. We can start the noise in 2014. As for me, I cannot run for the governorship election again. People should allow me to give the electorate the dividends of democracy.”

60

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

61

NEWS

National Assembly threatens to veto Jonathan’s unsigned bills

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HE Senate and House of Representatives yesterday said they would ensure that no government establishment fails to present its annual budgetary proposal before the National Assembly.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom North-East), told reporters in Abuja at the Seventh Senate’s first year anniversary that none of the Bill passed by the present Senate has not received the President’s concurrence.

He said it is unfortunate that some Bills passed by the Sixth National Assembly lapsed without the President’s assent.

The House of Representatives said it will henceforth PUBLIC NOTICE ONIYITAN I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. ONIYITAN MODUPE GRACE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LAWAL MODUPE GRACE. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

From Sanni Onogu, Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

veto any bill the President refuses to assent to within 30 days, as stipulated in the Constitution, particularly if the Bill will improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Presidency and the House have had issues on unsigned Bills sent to the President.

Addressing reporters yesterday on the performance of the Seventh National Assembly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Albert SamSokwa, said the Lower Chamber has not vetoed the Bills President Goodluck Jonathan refused to assent to because it did not want to appear confrontational.

He, however, said such an

era has passed.

Sam-Sokwa said: “So, we are saying it and I want you (reporters) to say it loud that henceforth any Bill that is in the interest of Nigerians and that is not assented to within the constitutional 30 days, mat be passed by the National Assembly by

two-thirds majority.

“That authority is there.

That power is there. But the beauty of any power is in how sparingly you use it.

So, the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary of this nation form the government of the country. And the earlier we cooperate and

work together, the better in the interest of this country.”

The lawmaker noted that the oversight functions of the House have yielded dividends because all budgets now pass through the National Assembly, as required by law.

He said: “More than ever before, the oversight functions by our standing committees have assumed more effective dimension as no statutory agency of government can propose a budget without the input and approval of our standing committees.”

PUBLIC NOTICE INUPA CHIEFTANCY ASSOCIATION, ETI-OSA, LAGOS

PUBLIC NOTICE SAVING CROSS MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with the provision of Part ‘’C’’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with the provision of Part “C’’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Chief Nurudeen Abiodun Liadi 2. Hon. Adamson Isiaka Babatunde 3. Mr. Akinsanya Musibau

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote unity, peace and progress of the community.

2. To promote the welfare of members 3. To engage in developmental programmes that will uplift the standard of the community and members.

This is to notify the general public that an international passport issued at Lebanon and driver license issued

by FRSC belonging to Hussein Ali Alawie got lost in transit and all efforts made to trace it proved abortive.

If found kindly take them to nearest police station or call: 08023535654

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, P. M. B 198, Garki, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days from the date of this Publication.

SIGNED BARR. YUSUFF H. ADELAKUN (Solicitor)

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Udeozo Ambrose Okoye 2. Virginia Nwauka Okoye 3. Odira Johnbosco Okoye 4. Mary Mma Okoye 5. Francicas Ubaku Okoye 6. Precious Ijeoma Okoye THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To save the downtrodden i n the society.

2. To save victims of societal injustice.

3. To provide hope and help for the hopeless and helpless in the society.

4. To feed the hungary and clothe the naked.

5. Other corporal and spiritual works.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, P. M. B 198, Garki, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days from the date of this Publication.

SIGNED BARR. OBY M. UDUNNI 9A POST OFFICE ROAD, KANO.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

62

SPORT EXTRA MALIWI/NIGERIA CLASH

Ike Uche hit by injury N

IGERIA match winner against Namibia Ike Uche was forced to sit out most of Thursday’s training in Abuja after he suffered a knock.

The Spain-based striker, who saved Nigeria’s blushes with a late winner in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier in Calabar against Namibia, was forced out midway through training after the injury.

AFTER ONE DAYAT WORK

Villarreal‘s coach dies of heart attack

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Villarreal spokesman said: “Preciado died overnight in Valencia as a result of a heart attack.

“The Cantabrian, who had been chosen by Villarreal to lead next season’s project, was 54.

“Villarreal want to express their deepest sorrow at the sad loss and want to offer their condolences to his family and all his relatives.”

Tributes have been pouring in from the Spanish footballing community for the popular Preciado — known as Manolo — with Mourinho writing an open letter on the Real Madrid website.

One of Preciado’s high points during his six years in charge of Sporting came against Madrid when, in April 2011, his side won 1-0 at the Bernabeu.

That was the first home league defeat Mourinho had suffered in more than nine years while in charge of Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Madrid.

Earlier that season Preciado had a well-publicised war of words with Mourinho after the Portuguese had accused Sporting of gifting Barcelona three points by fielding a weakened team in a league match.

MTNFootball.com reporter at the training at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja said Uche watched the rest of the work out, but team officials have assured the player will be fit to resume training the following day in Malawi.

Another injury concern for Nigeria is Turkey-based striker Ekigho Ehiosun, who sat out the entire training Thursday and he looks a huge doubt for this weekend’s trip to Blantyre.

On Wednesday, the former Warri Wolves all-action striker struggled through training.

Ehiosun, Ogude, Azuka dropped

•To rejoin team in Calabar T was another hard decision to make for the Super Eagles’ technical crew, as three more players were dropped from the party that headed for Blantyre, Malawi, Thursday night to join Nnamdi Oduamadi, who earlier dropped out to injury among those who will not take part in the battle of Malawi on Saturday.

Those dropped are Sunshine Stars of Akure striker, Izu Azuka, Norway based Fengor Ogude and Ekigho Ehiosun, who was on loan to Turkish side, Samsunsport last season.

The trio will have another opportunity of proving themselves worthy of being in the national team, when they join the team’s camp in Calabar, Cross River State next Monday to prepare for the Nations Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

The game, earlier scheduled for Sunday June 17, has now been moved forward to Saturday, June 16 at the UJ Esuene Stadium in one of Africa’s cleanest city, where football was first played in Nigeria.

Keshi told the players that he feels a personal sense of loss

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American coaches coming for MTN Football Scholar

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BOUT eight American coaches that would assist in grooming talented youths in the MTN Scholar Football scheme are expected to arrive the country this week, the Chief Executive Officer of the organising firm, PPM Corporation, Mr Ghandi Olaoye, has said.

Olaoye said the coaches will work with their Nigerian counterparts, including Joe Erico, Olu Lagunju, Taju Disu and Emmanuel Tetteh to prepare the boys for the final stages of the scheme that is designed to groom about 18 finalists to be screened for the American scholarship scheme.

In a press release issued by the Project Director, Mr. Yele Wilson Adewole, Olaoye said over 4,200 Nigerian youths featured in the MTN Football Scholar tryouts that were held in seven cities- Port Harcourt, Enugu, Ilorin, Benin, Akure, Abuja and Lagos.

He said this year’s outing recorded huge success as the number of those who featured in the tryouts more than doubled, when compared with the figure of 2011.

Defensive midfielder Obiora Nwankwo again trained with the rest of the squad, but again he disclosed that he felt some slight pains on his left leg.

Injured Nnamdi Oduamadi has begun therapy for a hip complaint and he told MTNFootball.com that his Lagosbased specialist has assured he will be fit for a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at home to Rwanda on June 17.

“The specialist said I will be fit to soon join the Eagles in Calabar for the match against Rwanda,” he said.

He said: As far as this year’s trial is concerned, its been a huge success. This year, we have about 4200, and also, the quality of players has so greatly improved. In terms of players. Last year we had average players, but this year, we had stars, burning stars than we’ve had hitherto. So we had much better talents this year” Olaoye acknowledged that the venues for all the events were much better. “The venues we used this year, majority of them were in top shape. The venues were much better, the turnout and awareness in schools were much better than last year,” he stated.

The PPM boss said the aim of the MTN Football Scholar scheme is to raise about 18 players from which the final selection will be made. “We are targeting about 30 players from across the states and eventually when the American coaches come and they select, that will reduce that number to 18 prime numbers who are ready to travel,” he said, adding that his organization will liaise with the schools that would eventually give them the scholarships.

to ask them out but going by FIFA rules he cannot take more than 23 players to Malawi, but assured that they remain part and parcel of his plans of rebuilding the national, urging them to keep the faith with him and help return Nigerian football to the top of the chart in Africa and one of the best in the world.

The lucky 23 players who made the cut for Malawi are:Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, and Chigozie Agbim, all goalkeepers. Defenders Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwueke, Gege Soriola, Papa Idris, Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echejile and Juwon Oshaniwa.

In the midfield we have Gabriel Reuben, Raheem Lawal, Obiorah Nwankwo, Ejike Uzoenyi, Obinna Nwachukw, Henry Uche, Ahmed Musa and John Utaka, while the hunt for goals will be led by Victor Moses, Sunday Mba, Ikechukwu Uche, Omatsone Aluko and Uche Kalu.

Sibi Gwar nets 12th goal of the season From Tunde Liadi,Owerri EARTLAND FC of Owerri has picked another important road point at the Ilorin Township Stadium against Abubakar Bukola Saraki(ABS) FC on Thursday.

It was the rescheduled Week 24 match of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) and the Naze Millionaires showed their desire to scoop at least a point in the match when in-form Jolly Osas shot them into the lead in the 36th minute but ABS fought back gamely and got the needed equaliser in the dying minute of the first half.

The goal scorer for the Naze Millionaires, Osas told NationSport he was thrilled with his goal and that he was waiting for their next opponents, Kwara United who suffered a humiliating 4-1 thrashing against Dolphins FC in Port Harcourt come Sunday when they do battle.

“I am extremely happy to have found the back of the nest again. My main source of happiness is not because I scored alone but because we got a deserved point and we are looking up to Sunday tie with the prospect of getting another positive result,” Osas who plied his trade with Zamfara United last season told NationSport.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 01, 2012

SPORT EXTRA

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

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FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7,

A

NYONE with a hypothesis suggesting that Nigerians are unpredictable would relish the momentous political event of the past week as a vindication. What better test of the hypothesis than the “unpredictability” of the reaction of the public to President Jonathan’s magnanimous gesture of honouring Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the undeclared winner of the 1993 presidential election. The negative reaction to the honour, the scholar might suggest, shows that Nigerians are very unpredictable. Have they left anything undone in their demand that government must immortalise Abiola?

What greater honour than name a great institution after him? So why the protests?

Unpredictable Nigerians!

One of the paradoxes of the hypothesis in question is its successful prediction of the “unpredictability” of Nigerians. On the one hand, the hypothesis suggests that Nigerians are unpredictable. On the other hand, that unpredictability is hugely predictable.

I want to argue that the hypothesis about the unpredictability of Nigerians in light of the events of last week is false. But first I want to address the question, “what makes the hypothesis such an attractive one with respect to the reaction of Nigerians to the president’s gracious gift?”

We must start with the facts of the consensus among Nigerians regarding Abiola and the ultimate outcome of the June 12 1993 election. First, majority of Nigerians believe that Abiola won the 1993 presidential elections and that he was unfairly denied his mandate.

This belief from 1993 was subsequently confirmed by Professor Nwosu, the Chief Electoral Officer of the country at the time.

Second, most Nigerians believe that Abiola’s victimisation by the military junta and his eventual death just because he stood up for the right of Nigerians to freely elect their leaders was grossly unfair. Third, many Nigerians believe that whatever democratic norms they enjoy today must be credited to the martyrdom of Abiola and a host of others. Finally, as a consequence of the foregoing, and for the sake of fairness, most Nigerians believe that the Nigerian state which acted wrongly in the name of all of us must make it right and recognise Abiola’s selfsacrifice for democracy and the Nigerian state.

The foregoing is the consensus and the basis of the people’s clamour since the beginning of the 4th Republic in 1999. “Recognise M.K.O. Abiola’s supreme sacrifice for democracy and immortalise his name” has been the rallying cry of citizens across the nation. The administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, a fellow Yoruba and Abeokuta native ignored the call for eight years. Umaru Yar’Adua, a fellow Muslim ignored the call for the brief period he was president. Goodluck Jonathan, who probably never met Abiola, but must have witnessed

U

NCHARACTERISTICALLY prompt and resourceful, President Goodluck Jonathan has sent a bundled bill to the National Assembly to change the name of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to a brand new one, Moshood Abiola University (MAU). The now energised president, who left more than a dozen bills unsigned for months, had been accused of lawlessness, even thoughtlessness, when he first announced the change of name in his Democracy Day address to the nation on May 29. But now, to fulfil all righteousness, though not as if he cared about the protests that greeted the name change, nor because he cared a hoot about the pains and aspirations of the people he is privileged to rule, he has asked the parliament to approve the name change. Who knows, maybe he expects his increasingly fecund renaming talent to be recorded as one of his achievements in office. If so, we must expect him to do a few more before his energy is spent.

Either to make it easy for him to have his way, or because he is genuinely contrite about previous wrongs, he has accompanied the UNILAG bill with two other requests for the renaming of the Federal Uni-

NO. 2,150

TOMORROW IN THE NATION ‘Unfortunately there will not be an end to the ugly scenario until we learn to these man-made tragedies and act decisively on the panels’ reports. It may not bring back the dead, but it is capable of sounding the alarm bell for others who might want to sacrifice our lives for a pot of porridge.’

VINCENT AKANMODE

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Honouring a hero— the right way

•The late Abiola

his courage and patriotic zeal made the decision to heed the call of Nigerians and recognise Abiola’s sacrifice. So why the fuss?

Doesn’t this confirm the hypothesis of the unpredictability of Nigerians? Not a bit!

Notice the consensus again and reflect on what is missing. That Nigerians and Jonathan have a common consensus on the four items does not in any way demonstrate the unpredictability of the former. For in that consensus, an important element is missing: the right way to recognise Abiola’s martyrdom and immortalise his name. What the reaction of Nigerians to the president’s announcement shows is that they do not agree with his approach to their common goal. And since the pronouncement of the president, Nigerians have been unambiguous in their disagreement: “Mr. President failed to consult widely. The president appeared half-

hearted in his recognition of Abiola as winner of the 1993 elections. Jonathan’s motive is suspect. The choice of the object of honour is incommensurate with Abiola’s contribution to democracy;” among others.

Having dismissed the charge of unpredictability against Nigerians let me take up the matter of their grouse against the president, starting with the object of honor—renaming the University of Lagos after Bashorun Abiola. At issue is whether or not the institution is an appropriate entity for Abiola’s immortalisation. There are, as we know, several aspects to this one important issue. First, there is the argument that naming UNILAG after Abiola fails to do justice to his national credential because it confines him to the Southwest. I think this can be dismissed right away because it unjustly belittles UNILAG as an international brand.

Second, there is the argument that some other institution, say, the National Stadium, is more befitting because it would recognise Abiola’s contributions to the world of sports. What this fails to recognise is the totality of the Abiola phenomenon. As many have rightly averred, more than any other Nigerians since the passing of the sage, Abiola made enormous contributions to the development of higher education in Nigeria, including UNILAG. He was a man of many parts and no area should be off limits in the matter of recognising him.

Third, however, there is the argument that underpins the reaction of UNILAG stakeholders concerning the brand that the institution has developed over the years as an internationally recognised citadel. The promotion of that brand requires the preservation of the name, they argue. As Professor J. F. Ade Ajayi, former Vice Chancellor, succinctly puts it, the “University of Lagos is an important part of our institutional history;” and “a sense of history and institutional continuity are important to restore a sense of stability to the National

psyche.” This is a powerful sentiment to which I can relate.

Of course, we can ask the Shakespearean question, “What’s in a name?” I was a product of the University of Ife. Like many Great Ifeans, I now suffer the inconvenience of indicating in parenthesis on my CV(now Obafemi Awolowo University) in reference to my institution’s present status. While no one suggested then and now that the renaming of the University of Ife negatively impacted the reputation of the institution, the sentiment about the loss of a precious identity cannot be dismissed offhand.

This takes me back to the issue of approach and procedure. Where did the president falter in his kind gesture? Why didn’t he foresee the reaction of Nigerians? If he had consulted widely, he would have been spared this unfortunate negative outcome. With a wider consultation, he would have benefited from the counsel of eminent Nigerians including those in opposition parties who supported Abiola’s struggle. He would include those that the elitist NUC Secretary dismissed as irrelevant—Vice Chancellor, faculty and students of the University of Lagos. Yes, even a Visitor’s function is made more effective and less head aching with a dose of democratic humility.

If due diligence had been done over this matter, the President would have been advised that what he considered a secondary aspect of his gesture might as well be elevated to an international institution that promotes democracy across the land and the world. An Abiola Institute—like the Brookings Institution or the Smithsonian Institution—could be a catalyst for the transformation of African democracy and a befitting monument to the memory of the one who died that democracy may survive and thrive. Such an institution can stand on its own with adequate funding and a core of talented scholars and professionals. It could be the academic pillar of Jonathan’s transformational democratic politics. And such an Institute doesn’t need a UNILAG to thrive.

There is a more important task that Nigerians expect Jonathan to accomplish in order to have closure on June 12, 1993. The state must proclaim Abiola the winner of that presidential election. In light of all the evidence, Nigerians would rather not want injustice endure in their name. They are as predictable as the seasons. They do not fall for pretences.

They respect courage; still appreciate Abiola’s sacrifice, and want him honored the right way.

A window of opportunity still opens for President Jonathan to do this right. June 12 is around the corner. He can make two belated proclamations on that day: recognise Abiola as the 1993 President-Elect and declare that day a national holiday in his memory.

•For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

UNILAG and presidential deception

the country is unimaginatively governed!

Hopefully, the National Assembly is likely to understand the connections between Dr Okpara and the university at Umudike in a region the late politician, who died in 1984, governed. They will also see the lofty and inspiring connections between Modibo and the university in Yola, for the two are deeply linked. The honourable legislators are not so dimwitted as not to understand that the controversy over Unilag is principally because democracy activists and the intelligentsia in the Southwest and other parts of the country argue that Abiola won a national mandate deserving of something higher, something that transcends regionalism.

Jonathan and his aides may not be students of history, and may be disconnected from the stirring spirit that has ennobled Nigeria for many decades; but the federal legislators in Abuja have an historic responsibility and opportunity to educate those dishonouring the presidency of Nigeria with sham reasoning and implacable ignorance. The National Assembly must separate the wheat from the chaff in Jonathan’s disingenuous bill. We look up to them this once, in the name of God, to do what is right for the Federal Republic.

versity of Agriculture, Umudike, and the Federal University of Technology, Yola. It will be recalled that the agriculture university at Umudike was renamed Michael Okpara University of Agriculture by one of his predecessors, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in 2000; while Jonathan himself changed the name of the federal university in Yola to Modibo Adama University (another MAU) in 2011.

Dr Okpara was Premier of the Eastern Region between 1959 and 1966, and was both an avid educationist and a believer in agriculture as the basis for developing Nigeria.

Care must be exercised in remembering that Okpara was a regional premier. On the other hand, Adama bi Ardo Hassana, commonly known as Modibo (Lettered one) Adama, was a Fulani scholar and jihadist who collected a flag from Shehu Othman dan Fodio to carry jihad to parts of Cameroon and north-eastern parts of Nigeria. He established his capital in Yola and died there in 1847. The history of Adamawa, a name he coined for his new and independent territory, cannot be

complete without the warrior and scholar, Modibo.

Why, in utter misreading of history, Jonathan has decided to mix the controversial renaming of Unilag with these other two is hard to understand. Is this what the presidency of Nigeria, a country of over 160 million people, has become? Have we become so uneducated that we cannot separate issues and appreciate them for what they really are? Jonathan doubtless expects the National Assembly to be so confused and emotional that they would fail to see through his shenanigans. He expects the legislators to approve the three-in-one bundle without suspecting deliberate presidential mischief. How the legislators would fail to see through his petty schemes remains to be seen, for they are likely to recall that one of the two institutions was renamed 12 years ago, and the other one last year in a manner that speaks volumes of presidential heedlessness and our national disregard for the rule of law. Oh, what humiliation we must feel about how

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