The Nation June 17 2011

Nigeria’s truly national newspaper

BLAST IN ABUJA SEE PAGES 2, 3, 4 & 5

Mark pleads with security CAN President alleges sabotage It’s cowardice, say North’s governors Tight security at airports Vehicle checks at FCTA On the trail of a lucky blast survivor Police ‘won’t succumb to criminals’ A chronicle of bombings http://www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 6, NO. 1793 FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Ringim escapes as two die in Abuja suicide bombing 73 vehicles burnt at Police Hqtrs Boko Haram is chief suspect Three dead in Borno explosion Jonathan orders investigation

•SCENE

OF HORR OR: The Police Headquarters as firemen and others battle to contain the effects of the explosions ... yesterday. INSET: Some of the vehicles on fire.

HORROR:

PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

The door jammed ... probably because it was a central lock. He was resigning to fate as the fire continued to rage and he was choking because the windows were up. As God would have it, the front windscreen came down, broken. He jumped out and started running for dear life.

– Friend of Abuja bomb victim Baba Mohammed Azare •BANKOLE, NAFADA GET BAIL P5 •CABINET: 10 MORE FOR SCREENING P5

2

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

NEWS

EXPLOSION AT POLICE HQTRS 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 Tsav: nowhere 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 is safe 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 FOR a former Lagos State 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 Commissioner of Police Alhaji 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 Abubakar Tsav, yesterday’s bomb 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 blast at the parking lot of the Force 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 Headquarters in Abuja, was a clear 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 indication that nowhere is safe in 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 the country.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 He described the bombing of the 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 Police Headquarters as a sad and 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 an unfortunate development.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 He wondered why the police 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 failed to properly secure their 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 headquarters.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 “Where is the police Bomb 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 Disposal Unit? Many questions are 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 begging for answers. Could it be 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 an act of sabotage or revenge?

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 Charity - they say - begins at 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 home. So, the police should have 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 first properly secured their 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 headquarters”, Tsav said.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 The former police chief said it 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 will be difficult to get the answers 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 “because even a section of the police is not happy with IGP Hafiz 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 Ringim’s pronouncement over the 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 military killing of senior police 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 officers in Lagos. Could it be Boko 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 Haram members who are on a 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 revenge mission?”

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 It’s cowardice, say 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 Northern governors 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012 From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

NORTHERN Governors Forum (NGF) chairman, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, yesterday condemned the bomb blast of the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, describing the act as horrendous and an act of cowardice.

Reacting through a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mallam Danladi Ndayebo, the NGF chairman, who is the governor of Niger, said killing, maiming and destruction of public property through bombings will never bring any good to the society.

Aliyu wondered why Nigerians could unleash a wave of terror on innocent citizens for whatever reason.

The statement reads: “Although no life has been reported lost, innocent citizens should not be allowed to go through such traumatic ordeal.”

Cleric challenges security agencies From Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

FOLLOWING yesterday’s bomb blast in Abuja, a Kanuri-born cleric, based in Jos, Isa El-Buba has given the various security agencies a wkeup call, urging them to rise to the security challenges.

According to him, Islamic militias from neighbouring African countries have infiltrated the country, especially Maiduguri, which they use as hideout to perpetrate their evil agenda.

Speaking with reporters in Jos, ElBuba also urged the Federal Government to muster the political will to deal with Boko Haram members who perpetrate the bombings.

Besides, the cleric suggested that the federal authority grant powers to the states to establish their police system as doing so will enable them hire those familiar with their terrain.

He pushed for the segmentation of the courts to deal with specific subject to facilitate speedy dispensation of justice.

His words: “Government should not negotiate with criminals but rather, stem out all forms of corruption among the law enforcement agencies in Nigeria and reposition them to deal with criminals.”

•The police headquaters after the bomb blast yesterday

Fear grips security formations

R

ATTLED by the bomb explosion at the Force Headquarters in Abuja yesterday, the various security outfits across the country have put their men on the red alert. They include all police formations, the armed forces and the State Security Service (SSS).

Although, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of filing this report, it was learnt that the incident has sent shivers down the spines of the top hierar-

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

chy of the force in the Niger Delta region.

Investigations in Delta State revealed that extra security measures were being put in place in offices and barracks ostensibly to avert a similar attack.

It was gathered that military personnel and policemen have been cautioned on where they park their cars to avoid militants or extremist gang

members from planting explosive devices in them.

A source at the SSS headquarters in Asaba, the state capital, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “The incident has shown that we (security agencies) can no longer take anything from granted in this country because our people are beginning to copy what they see on television and other parts of the world.

“So, we are advising our men to be careful of where they part their

cars because some of these explosives are very small and can easily be attached to cars by magnet. Once that occurs it is very easy for the perpetrator to detonate it from anywhere.”

The source said the police and other military formations are going to be advising their men to be extra vigilant in the days ahead.

According to the source, visitors to such formations will henceforth be subjected to thorough scrutiny.

FCTA orders random checks of vehicles in Abuja

A

FTERMATH of the bomb blast that rocked the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters yesterday in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr. Biodun Nathaniel Olorunfemi has directed random checks on vehicles moving in and out of the city.

He directed all security agents including the FCT Command of

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

the Nigeria Police Force, the Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) as well as the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services to henceforth randomly stop and search any vehicle coming into and driving out of FCT. Olorunfemi, who visited the scene of the bomb blast at Loius Edet House, condemned in

totality the explosion and described the act as cowardly.

He also directed the security agencies in the FCT to beef up security in and around Abuja, even as he appealed for calm to allow the operatives carry out detailed investigations to unmask those behind what he called a heartless and cowardly act.

Olorunfemi assured that more facts about the unfortunate

incident will be released as soon as the security agents complete their preliminary findings.

While commiserating with the victims, the federal official commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Fire Service, the FCT Fire Service as well as officials of the Federal Ministry of Health for their prompt response to the situation.

Mark to security operatives: rise up to occasion

W

ORRIED by the bomb blast that rocked the Police headquarters in Abuja yesterday, Senate President David Mark has pleaded with security operatives to rise up to the challenge and bring explosions in Nigeria to an end.

A series of explosions occured across the country in the buildup to the general elections and after the polls.

In a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Paul Mumeh, Mark enjoined the security operatives to look inwards and arrest the situation forthwith.

Expressing grave concern about the spate of bomb blasts, Mark described the trend as a threat to the security and corporate existence of Nigeria.

He said: “No nation has ever progressed or survived in the

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

midst of terror.”

According to him, no matter the grievances or anger in a man’s mind, the resort to violence, terrorism or wanton destruction of lives and property cannot be a way out”.

According to him, there are established channels of redressing or addressing issues, pointing out that resorting to unorthodox means would only aggravate the situation and create more harm.

He admitted that the security challenges called for collaboration and synergy between and among all agencies to bring the situation under control.

Mark implored all Nigerians to be security conscious and co-operate with security agencies, saying; “those who are committing these heinous crimes do not live

in the moon, they live among us.

“I do not think that resort to killings or terrorism would answer our questions. The real answer lies in our ability to come together as a people and address our common problems.

“No one can claim monopoly of any knowledge; we can all contribute our quota positively and make our society a better place.”

He promised that the senate and indeed the National Assembly would on its part make adequate budgetary provision for security operatives to carry out their legitimate assignments unhindered.

He sympathised with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim and urged him not to be deterred but to reinforce his operations in order to arrest the situation.

•Mark

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

3

NEWS

01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 EXPLOSION AT POLICE HQTRS 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 HERE was palpable fear at Jude Isiguzo longer be allowed access.

01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 the Lagos Police Command All vehicles entering the com01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 been beefed up everywhere and 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 following yetserday’s atmand will also be screened before patrol has been intensified by the 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 tack by a suicide bomber at the they are allowed into the pre01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 command to prevent any such Force Headquarters in Abuja. mises.

01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 Policemen were seen in clusters thing here.

The source described the inci01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 “Everywhere both within and the embarrassing and dent as a big blow to the force and 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 discussing outside the command is now ununfortunate incident which rattled that the police management team 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 der surveillance and the command the force management team. has directed all police formation 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 to ensure that noth01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 A senior police officer who isingdetermined in the country to fortify their seof such happens in this state.”

01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 pleaded anonymity said that seto prevent any reoccur01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 curity has been beefed up in the According to the source, inten- curity 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 command and that the Commis- sive screening of visitors has also rence.

Residents have also express 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 commenced and will remain in of Police, Mr Yakubu Alworry over the incident which 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 sioner force until further notice. has order that patrol should they described as sad and won01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 kali It was gathered that those who be intensified within the metropdered where could be considered 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 do not have any serious business 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 olis. secured if the Force headquarters 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 The source said: “Security has at the police headquarters will no can come under attack.

01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 Airports under watch 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 RECAUTIONARY measures

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor personnel were seen combing the 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 were yesterday taken at the precincts for any security breach.

01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 Muhammed Interna- the airport, plain clothe policemen At the international wing of the 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 tional Murtala airport, there was improved securiAirport, Ikeja, Lagos, as there and other security personnel from 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 ty as the screening procedure at the was a beef up of security around the the State Security Services (SSS) have 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 entrance into the terminal has intaken strategic positions for regular 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 facilities.

01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 The measures followed the bomb surveillance.

01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 blast that rocked the parking lot of It was that the airport security tensified.

According to investigations, all 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 the security agencies working in committee comprising key security the Police Headquarters in Abuja.

01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 and around the airport have been At both the local and domestic agencies around the airport consist01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 wings put on the alert to handle all suspiof the airport, anti- bomb de- ing of the SSS, Nigeria Police, and 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 cious movement of unauthorised Nigeria Intelligence Agency 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 tecting units have been positioned the 01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 in strategic locations to checkmate (NIA) began a review of the situa- persons around the airport.

01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 It was learnt that all the major inattempt by suspected persons to tion with a view to deploying proac01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 any ternational airports in Abuja, Port either plant explosives or cause any tive strategies to checkmate the un01234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 breach of peace at the nation’s major foreseen.

Harcourt, Calabar, Kano and others

Police tighten security in Lagos

T

P

123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 123456789012345678 •Oritsejafor

U

REACTING to yesterday’s bomb bIast at the Louis Edet Police Headquarters in

gateway.

Along the major roads leading to

At both the old and new domestic terminal, many plain clothe security

CAN President Oritsejafor alleges sabotage, infiltration Abuja, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Ayo Oritsejafor said the incident was traceable to two reasons.

He said it was either the police intelligence has been compromised or that the rank and file of the Force has been infiltrated.

The CAN president said he was devastated by the dastardly act of suicide bombers who unleashed that magnitude of horror on the police headquarters.

“The way and manner it happened showed that some of our intelligence security operatives have either compromised or their rank and file already infiltrated by the

•The fire fighters helping to put off the fire

enemies of our peace and unity in Nigeria”, he said.

According to him, attacking places such as the police headquarters was pointing of darker days ahead in terms of the security of lives and properties.

His words: “Targeting places like the police headquarters indeed is a bad omen of insecurity in the country. I sincerely advise that the entire security arrangements in Nigeria need a complete overhauling. The heads of security agencies will advise appropriately on this.

“As a nation, we should not feel belittle to ask for help from nations that have experience and

knowledge about how to handle situations like this.

“I urge all security outfits including the SSS, the Police and the military to put in concerted efforts to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime and their sponsors to book. “ I commiserate with President Goodluck Jonathan, IG Hafis Ringim, and the entire nation and in particular, family members of those who lost their lives in the suicide bomb blast.

“I enjoin every peace loving Nigerian both Christian and Muslim to pray for the protection of Mr. President, our security chiefs and for the peace of the nation.”

PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN

have been put on the alert to forestall any breach.

Meanwhile, the police commissioner in charge of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Moses Onireti, explained that the police at all airports across the country are on top of the situation.

It’s unfortunate, says Tambuwal From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

SPEAKER of the House of Representatives Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has described the bomb blast that took place in Abuja yesterday as most unfortunate.

Tambuwal in a statement he personally signed noted that the blast was unfortunate especially coming at a time when all hands were on deck to enhance the frontiers of peace, unity and national security.

It said: “On behalf of the entire members of the House of Representatives, I commiserate with the Inspector General of Police, the police high command, victims and relations of those affected in the bomb blast this morning in Abuja. ”The incident is most unfortunate, coming at a time when all hands are on deck to enhance the frontiers of peace, unity and national security. ”Even while a democratic dispensation facilitate the enjoyment of many freedoms, it is only proper that segments of our society who harbour any kind of disaffection must imbibe the new ideal of due process and the rule of law in the resolutions of grievances. A situation where innocent citizens are intimidated and murdered, does not serve the interest of the aggrieved nor that of the society for that matter.”

The speaker noted that the House of Representatives will continue to provide whatever legislative intervention necessary to resolve crisis and uphold the relative peace and stability which he identified as the hallmarks of democracy.

He appealed to the aggrieved persons to channel their grievances to the appropriate authorities for possible resolution in the overall interest of the country.

4

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

NEWS EXPLOSIONS AT POLICE HQTRS

Two die in Abuja bombing

A

BUJA was dazed yesterday by an explosion in which the police said two people were killed.

A bomb went off at the Louis Edet House, the headquarters of the police – a few kilometers from Aso Villa, the seat of power.

Police said a lone suicide bomber, suspected to be a member of the Boko Haram religious fundamentalist group, carried out the act.

It was 11:00a.m. Inspector General of Police Hafiz Ringim had just driven into the premises and then a car – believed to be a Honda Civic – drove in, apparently bearing the explosives.

A loud explosion, balls of fire which ravaged everything in sight, including vehicles, and pandemonium.

By the time everything died down, police said two people – the suicide bomber and a traffic policeman – died.

But sources at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said six charred bodies of five men and a woman were retrieved from the scene.

Many people were injured in the stampede that followed the blast.

They were taken to hospitals in the capital city.

Eight of the injured were discharged last night from the hospitals.

Police said 33 vehicles were burnt down; 40 others were severely damaged.

The explosion occurred two days after Ringim vowed to exterminate Boko Haram.

Ringim spoke in Maiduguri when he went to take delivery of 10 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) donated to the police by Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, whose offer of amnesty was rejected by the group.

Maiduguri is the base of Boko Haram, the Islamic group that says (Western education is sin).

The group has been operating almost unhindered, targeting mainly policemen.

The group claimed responsibility for the killing of the brother to the Shehu of Borno and the governorship candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) on the eve of the April general elections.

From Yusuf Alli and Sanni Ologun, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered intersecurity agency probe into yesterday’s explosion, which is another embarrassing moment for the government after the 50th Independence Anniversary explosions near the Eagle Square in Abuja on October 1.

The suicide bomber was said to have trailed Ringim into the premises and even attempted to park his car parallel to that of the IGP, near the reception, but traffic wardens intercepted the car.

Following the arguments that ensued between the suicide bomber and the wardens, one of them who died in the blast, was said to have entered the bomber’s car while directing him to the car park. The car was said to have been driven without a number.

No sooner did the car get to the car park than it exploded, killing the bomber and the traffic warden, who was identified by sources as ASP Nangwor.

Police spokesman Olusola Amore told reporters that the act was carried out by a suicide bomber suspected to be a member of Boko Haram. He said investigations were on to get the true identity of the bomber whose body was charred and burnt incognito.

On whether Ringim would resign, considering the national embarrassment caused by the blast, Amore said United States President George Bush did not resign when the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York were felled by terrorists on September 11, 2001.

Amore said the police chief was depressed by the incident.

According to him, the charred remains of the suicide bomber had been recovered.

He could not give further casualty figures, saying officials of NEMA and the Nigeria Red Cross were still combing the area.

NEMA, Red Cross and NSCDC officials were picking pieces of burnt human parts from the police car park as the stench of burnt human flesh filled the air.

A Red Cross official said

•The remains of a car suspected to have been driven by the suicide bomber ... yesterday ABAYOMI FAYESE

Police won’t succumb to criminals

P

OLICE chief Hafiz Ringim has said they will not succumb to criminals, following yesterday’s blast the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

A statement signed by his spokesman Olushola Amore, entitled “Suicide bombing at Force Headquarters, Abuja”, said: “The Inspector-General of Police Hafiz Abubakar Ringim has expressed his displeasure over the suicide bomb attack on vehicles parked at the Force Headquarters, Abuja car park.

“The unfortunate incident, which led to the death of the suicide bomber and a Police traffic warden, occurred at about 1100hrs of 16/06/2011 when the suicide bomber’s vehicle was intercepted and directed to the car park for searching and checking.

three body bags containing human body parts had been evacuated.

Other victims who died in the blast could not be ascertained as they were burnt beyond recognition.

Window frames, panes and glasses on the side of the seven-storey edifice facing the car park were all shattered.

The office of the AIG, Air Wing, Mr Charles Cole, was affected. His official desk and chair were filled with glass splinters. All the windows had their frames pulled off by the effect of the blast.

Cole said he left his office barely two minutes before the incident occurred.

Amore said: “No; the IGP will not be embarrassed because I don’t think this is the first time you have an attack

“The Traffic Warden, who entered the vehicle of the suicide bomber to direct him to the car park, was blown off along with him as soon as they got to the car park.

“The IGP wishes to appreciate the efforts of the Fire Service and the team of armed forces Fire Service who promptly responded to put off the fire.

“The body of the suicide bomber has been recovered and a full investigation has commenced.

“Members of the public are assured that the criminal elements behind this dastardly attack will be fished out as the government, the Police and other security agencies will not succumb to the demand of any criminal group or individual.”

on a security organisation. If we all remember the 9/11 attack, I think the President of the United States (George Bush) did not resign because of the attack. Definitely, the criminal elements are planning their own attacks, but I can assure you that the security agents will rise up to the challenge.”

On those responsible for the attack, he said: “We will definitely be suspecting those group that go by the name Boko Haram, which has been issuing threats upon threats and for which the Police are rising up to the challenge.

You remember we just came back from Maiduguri where we took about 10 APCs to rise up to the challenge of the insecurity in Borno State.”

The immediate past Minister of Police Affairs,

‘He heard a loud sound and the next thing ... the car was on fire’ A T about noon, one of the explosion victims that was brought to the hospital’s emergency unit, Baba Mohammed Azare, was being attended to under the staircase by a cluster of medical personnel.

Security was tight as some plain-clothed policemen prevented journalists from getting close to the injured man.

At about 12.50pm, the victim, a senior police officer whose left arm was bandaged up to his fingers, was wheeled out of the emergency unit corridor for further examination at the X-ray department. There were spots on his face and bruises on other parts of his body.

He was back after about 40 minutes.

On his return from the Xray Centre, Azare was on his feet,

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

holding his drip as he was helped to wear his blue kaftan. He returned to the bed where the medics continued their treatment, still under the staircase.

At this point, a senior police officer, a woman, inquired from the hospital employees, if the victim could be admitted and the modalities.

Before she left, a team of journalists approached her for comments and permission to speak with the victim.

She refused, saying: “I am not a doctor.” The woman left in a green Peugeot 604 with number plate PF 7043 FC. A friend of Azare, who rushed to the hospital to see his friend, recounted how he

was affected by the explosion.

He said: “As he was coming in, he drove to the car park, but before he could even put off the ignition, he heard a loud sound and the next thing, according to him, was that the car was on fire.

“He said at that point, he decided to put off the ignition so that he could try and put off the fire. He was not thinking that it could be a bomb.

He said, unfortunately, the door jammed; he could not open the door. He said it was probably because it was a central lock. At that point, he was resigning to fate as the fire continued to rage and he was choking because the windows were up.

“As God would have it, the front windscreen came down, broken and without a second thought, notwithstanding the smoke, he jumped out and started running for dear life.

“It was at a point, just by the gate where a colleague found him on the ground and immediately took him here (National Hospital).”

According to a hospital source, the victim is not in danger list. “He stabilised quickly because the first thing we have to do is to stabilise him, but he was okay; he was even asking to be discharged immediately. We could not do that; we explained to him that we needed to carry out other examinations to ascertain the extent of his injuries.

“All the same, he is in stable condition.”

Humphrey Abah, condemned the blast.

Abah, in a statement by James Odaudu, described the explosion at the car park of the Police headquarters as a “dangerous dimension to the activities of misguided elements in the society”.

A statement by spokesman of NEMA, Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, said: “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in conjunction with other stakeholders responded timely to the explosion that occurred today at the parking space of the Police Headquarters, Abuja.

“The Director General of

NEMA, Muhammad SaniSidi, who mobilised rescue and evacuation team from the agency to the site of explosion, ordered the release and use of specialised equipment for the operation, which included ambulances, hydraulic spreader and cutters, as well as body bags to evacuate victims.

“While some vehicles were completely damaged at the scene, the casualty figures from the explosion could not be confirmed yet. Other agencies at the site included the Fire Service, Civil Defence Corps, Military, Red Cross, the Police and medical personnel.

“Further update could be obtained from relevant agencies.”

The President was said to have ordered an inter-security agency probe of the incident.

A Presidency source said: “This incident is a major security threat to the country and President Jonathan has ordered inter-security agency probe of the incident.

“There must certainly be more to this attack. Security agencies are suspecting elite involvement in this recurring dastardly act of bomb explosion, either by Boko Haram or other faceless groups.

“All Service Chiefs have been directed to be on the alert and tighten security in the nation’s capital and its surrounding.”

Another source said Boko Haram might be the immediate target in the search for clues.

The source added: “We are working on the theory that the explosion might be reprisals against the police and other security agencies, which are presently engaged in covert operation to smash the Boko Haram sect in Borno.

“The members of the sect might have relocated to Abuja for retaliatory campaigns.”

A spokesman for the sect, Usman al-Zawahiri, had on June 13 said Boko Haram would not accept the olive branch from the President, unless a full scale Sharia system is put in place in some states in the North.

A chronicle of bombings

Casualties

•October 1,2010— 50th Independence celebrations, Abuja •December 24, 2010 five blasts in Jos, (Christmas Eve) – Plateau State •December 31, 2010 (New Year Eve)—Army Barracks, Abuja •March 3, 2011-Niger State (PDP’s campaign rally) •March 20, 2011 (A botched bombing near a church in Jos) •April 1, 2011- a police station in Maiduguri, Borno State •April 8,2011- INEC office in Suleja, Niger State on the eve of the rescheduled National Assembly elections •April 9, 2011- polling centre bombed in Maiduguri •April 15, 2011- INEC office in Maiduguri •April 16 2011- A hotel in Kaduna in the night of Presidential Poll •May 29, 2011- Two explosions (Presidential inauguration eve) in Zuba, outskirts of Abuja & Bauchi) •June 7- A bomb attack targeted at Police officers in Maiduguri, Borno State.

•June 16, 2011 (Police Force Headquarters) •May 19, Maiduguri •Friday April 22, Jos

15 dead, many injured

•March 19, Jos •April 25, Kano

31 dead 30 dead three dead, 21 injured two dead No casualty recorded 15 dead, 35 injured

No casualty Many injured eight people injured 15 people dead, 35 injured 11 dead

Three killed, two badly injured Two killed Many injured

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

5

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

NEWS EXPLOSION AT POLICE HEADQUARTERS

Three dead in Maiduguri From Abiodun Joseph, Maiduguri

Three teenagers were yesterday killed after another explosion in Damboa town, headquarters of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Six persons were injured.

The blast occurred near the EYN church.

Last year, Damboa witnessed an explosion which claimed five lives.

Borno State Police Commissioner Abubakar Mohammed confirmed yesterday’s incident.

•Traffic gridlock on Asokoro Road, Abuja after the explosion...yesterday

•National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials conveying bodies to mortuary PHOTOS AFP, NAN AND AKIN OLADOKUN

•A fire fighter battling to put out fire on a car

Bankole, Nafada granted stringent bail conditions

Screening hurdle for three ex-ministers

•Need four perm secs to regain freedom

•President sends 10 more names

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

T

HREE former ministers re-nominated by President Goodluck Jonathan are finding it difficult to scale the security hurdle, following petitions against them.

Security agencies grilled the ministers for about two hours on Wednesday evening.

The President has submitted the second batch of 10 ministerial nominees to security agencies for final checks before forwarding it to the Senate. That has now brought the list of would-be ministers’ names sent for security clearance to 20.

The three affected ex-ministers include two women. The three of them managed sensitive portfolios in the last Cabinet.

A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The petitions against the three ex-ministers could not be ignored by the Presidency. So, on Wednesday evening, we had to quiz them on the allegations against them.

“We may still need to invite them again because we asked them to bring relevant documents that could back up their defence.

“Their ability to defend the allegations against them will determine whether they will be cleared for appointment or not. The President gave a clear mandate to security agencies to do a thorough job.”

The source went on: “The first batch came five apiece early on Wednesday. But by the close of work, we got the second batch of 10 nominees.

“We have started work on final checks on these nominees and we hope to complete the assignment on or before Friday.

“I think most of the ex-ministers, except a few with petitions against them, may not have problem of screening because their dossiers are already with security agencies.

“But, regarding fresh nominees, we have to do more extensive checks because they are just coming on board.”

It was learnt that the Lagos State chapter of the PDP is still divided on the choice of a ministerial candidate as the party is at crossroads over who to pick.

•Bankole

Former Speaker Dimeji Bankole and his deputy, Usman Nafada, were yesterday granted what their counsel described as “stringent” bail conditions.

The duo are facing a 17count charge slammed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.

They are charged with criminal breach of trust by allegedly agreeing to approve the allowances and/or “running costs” of Reps, in violation of the approved Remuneration Package, dishonest use of House of Reps account to obtain about N38 billion loan to

augment allowances and “running costs” of members, in violation of the extant rules, and felony, to wit: theft.

They allegedly shared the N38 billion loan to members without the consent and approval of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the extant Revised Financial Regulations of the Federal Government of Nigeria, 2009.

The alleged offences are contrary to Sections 97(1), 286 and 311 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990, and punishable under Sections 287 and 315 of the same Penal Code Act. Bankole and Nafada have since pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Ruling on their consolidated bail application yesterday, Justice Suleiman Belgore admitted them to N50 million bail with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must not be below the level of permanent secretary in the civil service.

The judge, who said the

sureties must be Abuja residents, also ordered that the accused persons travelling documents should remain with the anti-graft agency, until otherwise directed.

At the proceedings yesterday, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) led Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Mr. Afolabi Fashanu (SAN) for the defence. The prosecution was led by Mr. Festus Keyamo.

The condition placed on who the sureties should be shocked many of Bankole’s supporters.

The Judge had while reviewing the argument of the defence and the prosecution observed that bail before trial safeguards the presumption of innocence of an accused person.

In granting bail, he said, courts must not impose excessive conditions that will be tantamount to denying bail.

The crowd in the court nodded in approval of the Judge’s position. But at the mention that the sureties must not be below the level of a permanent secretary in the civil service, there was pin drop silence in court. The

supporters wore long faces.

Justice Belgore was not persuaded by Oyetibo’s appeal to relax the condition.

Oyetibo said since the order had not been enrolled, the Judge could still amend the condition.

But Justice Belgore who insisted on the bail condition, said he had delivered his ruling and that remained the court’s decision.

In granting bail, the Judge said the accused persons had met the three conditions stated in the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC).

According to him, the failure of the EFCC to arrest Bankole as claimed cannot be construed to mean he (Bankole) evaded arrest.

Besides, he held that nothing in the Counter-Affidavit of the prosecution suggested that Bankole at anytime resisted arrest as there was no proof that he was ever declared wanted.

Justice Belgore said EFCC also failed to proof that the Clerk of the National Assembly acted on the letter addressed to him on the need for the accused persons to come for questioning.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

6

NEWS

Don’t scrap NYSC, governors urge Fed Govt

G

OVERNORS yesterday acknowledged the contributions of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to national integration and cohesion, urging the Federal Government to ignore the calls for its scrapping.

They spoke at the passingout parade of the Batch ‘B’ members of the scheme in their states.

There had been calls that the NYSC should be scrapped following the post-election violence in some northern states after the declaration of the presidential election result in April.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and his Niger State counterpart, Aliyu Babangida, urged the Federal Government to review the scheme instead of scrapping it to enable the nation derive maximum benefits from it.

Fashola noted that the relevance of the scheme after 40 years still remained outstanding.

He assured parents of the safety of corps members serving in Lagos State, urging the outgoing corps members to use the skills they acquired during their service year to make them self-employed rather than wait for white collar jobs.

Fashola described the scheme as a vehicle for social interaction and national unity, urging the managers of the scheme to consider deploying graduates to areas with potential for agricultural development to improve food production.

He said: “We can improve our food production every year if we commit all our graduates to properly organised farm settlements. We can improve on our internal security if we use the programme to expose our graduates to a compulsory oneyear military or Police training. We can improve our health care programme and life expectancy if we submit our graduates to nursing training and life-saving skills for one year.”

Fashola praised the 10 slain corps members in the North, saying: “I have come to honour the memory of these fallen heroes of Nigeria; I have come to salute their service and acknowledge their sacrifices, which have given me the privilege to stand here today to address you as a governor in

•Fashola honours memory of fallen heroes •Aregbesola praises corps members over April polls ·•Fayemi urges govt to expose ‘Rivers 5’ abductors

• Corps members at their passing out parade in Lagos … yesterday.

From Justina Asishana Minna, Kunle Johnson Calabar, Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti), Joseph Abiodun Maiduguri and Miriam Ndikanwu

Nigeria.”

Aliyu said the NYSC has enhanced national harmony, integration and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, urging the Federal Government to sustain it.

The governor, who spoke in Minna, the Niger State capital, condemned the killing of corps members during the post-election riots in some northern states and the recent kidnapping of corps members in Rivers States.

He urged the Federal Government to ensure that corps members are comfortable in any part of the country, adding: “They should be recognised and treated as citizens of Nigeria with full rights, privileges and responsibilities.”

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola praised the corps members for contributing to free and fair elections in April.

He paid tribute to those killed in the post-election violence in the North.

The governor spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, through his deputy, Otunba Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori.

He expressed appreciation to the corps members for refusing to be compromised by some politicians who tried to subvert the last polls.

Aregbesola said: “As adhoc workers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), you assisted in the compilation of the voters’ register and conduct of the April general elections, which have since become a point of reference in the international community. Your action was very laudable. In Osun State, the elections were peaceful, free and fair.”

The governor counselled the youths about life after school and service.

He said: “The rest of your life begins from now. This carries with it a big load of responsibility. Where you have been a dependant, there will now be expectations from your parents, siblings, extend-

ed family and friends. Many of you will be disappointed that jobs are not readily available. Do not despair and do not be defeated. Reach to your innermost recesses and find solutions to problems.”

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi urged the Federal Government and the law enforcement agencies to fish out the kidnappers of the five corps members serving in Rivers State.

He said no effort should spared to rescue the corps members and reunite them with their families, adding that this was the only way the disillusionment among the corps members about the scheme could be avoided.

Addressing the corps members in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, at their passing-out ceremony, the governor described as worrisome the exposure of corps members to avoidable risks, adding that the absence of a clue on the whereabouts of the abducted corps members made the situation more distressing.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin, the governor praised the corps

members for their contributions to primary health care delivery, sensitisation on HIV/AIDS menace, environmental sustainability and keeping the MDGs. The state Coordinator, Mr. Afolabi Abiola, said three corps members died during the service year.

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima yesterday promised an enhanced welfare package for NYSC members serving in the state.

Addressing the passing-out at the Orientation Camp in Maiduguri, the state capital, Shettima said: “My administration will ensure that the welfare of corps members in the state is seriously considered as a way of appreciating them.”

The governor praised the corps members for their efforts at developing their host communities, saying their contributions to primary health care delivery, campaign against HIV/AIDS and charity services were appreciated.

He said: “There is no doubt that these contributions have positive impact on the lives of members of your host communities.”

Ajimobi to Police chief: fish out sponsors of NURTW mayhem From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

O

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday urged Police Commissioner Adisa Bolanta to arrest and prosecute leaders of the state branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) over their alleged roles in the June 5 mayhem at Iwo Road interchange.

The governor said a factional leader, who allegedly coordinated the killing of several people at the park, Mr Mukaila Lamidi, aka Auxilliary, is still walking freely in Ibadan after the command had declared him wanted.

Ajimobi addressed members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who thronged his office to demand Bolanta’s redeployment over the violence in which a 500-Level Medical student of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, was killed.

He said: “From our own information, two days ago the same Mukaila they (the Police) said they were looking for, went to the Olubadan branch of a bank to cash money. They saw him there and we confirmed it. So, where are the Police looking that they cannot find him? Let’s leave that.

Events will take care of those things.”

Lemu panel visits crisis spots in Kaduna From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

M

EMBERS of the Sheikh Ahmed Lemu-led commission of inquiry into the postelection violence in the North are in Kaduna to conduct a public hearing into the immediate and remote causes of the April violence.

The Nation gathered that the panel members have been divided into three groups to enable them cover the affected states effectively and meet the deadline set by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The group in Kaduna State has 12 members and is expected to conduct a public hearing from June 23 to 25 at a location that is yet to be announced.

The group, which visited Zonkwa and Kafanchan yesterday, is expected to meet Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa today.

Akinfenwa is not our chairman, says AD

Suswam to create wealth

•Berates him for alleged statements against Tinubu

OVERTY reduction and wealth creation will define the new administration in Benue, Governor Gabriel Suswam has said.

The government will do this by sustaining developmental programmes through policies that will centre on job creation and empowerment of youths and women.

Suswam spoke in Lagos yesterday through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Cletus Akwaya.

He said the administration would create farm centres in the three senatorial districts to train youths in agricultural modern practices, including mechanised farming, food processing, poultry, animal husbandry and plantation management.

On the opposition being mounted against his government by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Suswam described the situation as unfortunate, adding that he would not be distracted by propaganda.

The governor contended that ACN was merely playing on emotion, even when it was clear that the party lost the last governorship election in the state. He recalled that it was the same strategy the opposition in the state employed after the 2007 general election but failed at the end of the day.

Outlining his programmes for the people, Suswam vowed to remain focused . He pledged that graduates from the farm centres would be given soft loans to start cottage industries in the rural areas.

A

LLIANCE for Democracy (AD) yesterday asked Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa to desist from hiding under the row over a publication on the Obafemi Awolowo family to malign former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu.

The party called for peace in Yorubaland, urging Akinfenwa act as an apostles of unity and reconciliation, instead of fuelling crisis.

AD wondered why Akinfenwa, who endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates at the April polls, was still parading himself as an Awoist.

The party noted that his attempt at casting aspersion on Tinubu to gain public attention

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

through the back door was in bad faith.

AD said: “While we want to thank the Awo family and those who have addressed the issue on Sam Omatseye’s write-up maturely and positively, those who are unnecessarily capitalising on the issue to bounce back as Awoists should find a better way of doing so by retracing their steps.”

The party said Akinfenwa was parading himself as its national chairman in error and in disregard to the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which held that Chief Michael Koleoso is the authen-

tic chairman.

In a statement yesterday in Lagos, AD National ViceChairman Rev. Tunji Adebiyi said the former senator had acted in bad faith by castigation Tinubu over the write-up, despite the fact that he knew that the former Lagos State governor had nothing to do with it.

Saying it was not wise to rebuke Akinfenwa because he is an elder, it was necessary to advise him to desist from fuelling unnecessary crisis in Awo’s camp.

Adebiyi said: “Until the publication, none of Awolowo’s children was in conflict or disagreement with Tinubu on personal or national issues.”

The former Personal Assist-

P

•Tinubu

ant to the late Senator Abraham Adesanya, leader of Afenifere, berated Akinfenwa for a shortfall in historical perception, noting that there was a difference between Afenifere as a political organisation of Awo followers in Yorubaland and as a pan-Yoruba forum that may involve all groups and associations in Yorubaland.

7

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

NEWS Adeyemi wins at tribunal From Sanni Ologun, Abuja

THE Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal yesterday dismissed the petition of the senatorial candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), TJ Faniyi, challenging the election of Senator Smart Adeyimi during the senatorial primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Kogi West.

Adeyemi’s Special Assistant Dickson Adeyanju, in a statement in Abuja, said the chairperson of the tribunal, Justice Celine Nweke, dismissed the petition for lack of jurisdiction.

Adeyanju quoted Adeyemi as saying: “God reads our minds and knows those who truly serves and believes in Him. I have never pretended that I have God and the good people of Kogi West behind me as the case started.

“I give all the glory and honour to God and my people at home for this victory. There is no doubt that the massive resources garnered against me by the powers that be in the state were enormous, but God prevailed and His will was expressed by the tribunal as pronounced.

“I thank all the good people of Kogi West and Nigerians, who stood and still standing by us in that period of uncertainty. I want to assure you of my commitment to continue to champion the need for true federalism, rule of law, the liberation of women, job for our youths and good governance for all Nigerians as the coast is now clear for me now to fully engage myself in my legislative work.”

10 corps members to repeat service year in Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin

TEN members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who served in Edo State in 2010 Batch ‘B’ are to repeat their service year.

Nine others got State Honours Award, while four others received Merit Award with various cash donations.

Two corps members; Ogundele Sumbo Toyin and Onwdinjo Kingsley Ogechi, died as a result of illness during the period.

Chairman, Edo State NYSC Governing Board, Anita Evbuomwan said the punishment meted out to the 10 corps members would serve as a deterrent to those still serving.

Evbuomwan, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Jerry Iyamu spoke at the Passing-Out Ceremony of the 2010 Batch B corps members in Benin City, Edo State capital.

She said those, who got awards distinguishing themselves through the execution of personal community development projects geared towards empowerment of their host communities.

PDP begins monitoring of political office holders

T

HE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday began the assessment and monitoring of the activities of its elected officers.

The Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, who spoke while inaugurating some projects executed by the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Micah Jiba, said the party has developed a blueprint for monitoring, observing and assessing public office holders elected on the platform of the party.

“The directive to our elected officials, local government chairmen and state governors

From Sanni Ologun, Abuja

is to concentrate on the projects that are of importance to the life of the people,” he stated.

Mohammed, who was accompanied by some members of the NWC and former National Chairman of PDP, Senator Barnabas Gemade, added: “This time around, there will be a robust monitoring of the performance of all our elected officials. Those found not to be performing will be encouraged and guided.”

While saying that the essence of the monitoring and assessment exercise is to en-

sure that elected PDP officials delivered good governance to the people, he noted that the PDP is conscious of the fact that it will only win future elections if PDP office holders perform to expectation.

He congratulated Jiba for the projects he executed since May last year, saying he did not betray the trust placed on him by the people of AMAC. “It is our pleasure and pride that PDP’s manifesto is being praticalised with people we trusted and entrusted with power”, he said.

He, however, enjoined the AMAC chairman to ensure that priority is given to trad-

ers presently occupying shops in Karu when the market is rebuilt to international standard.

Jiba told the PDP chieftains that his administration executed 17 water projects, 32 rural electrification schemes, constructed nine feeder roads, empowered 23 widows and farmers and provided scholarship to over 1100 students, among others.

Some of the projects include the rural electrification project at Dnako village, 18kilometres township road in Jikwoyi, foundation-laying of new Karu international market and another township road at Durumi.

Impressed by the electri-

fication project, the Chief of Dnako village, Bangyi Tezhibeyei, presented a white ram to the PDP Acting National Chairman and assured the entourage that the residents of the village would help secure the facilities.

President Goodluck Jonathan had during the groundbreaking ceremony of the new PDP national secretariat in Abuja, directed the national leadership of the party to monitor the activities of those elected into offices on the platform of the party in order to ensure they deliver on their campaign promises to Nigerians.

Ex-diplomat rejects political solution to Bankole’s trial

A

•From left: Former United State Of America Ambassador to Nigeria Robin Sanders, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Special Duties Dr. Aderemi Desalu, Director, Ministry of Special Duties, Job Creation Department Mrs. Olabisi Onayemi, during the PHOTO OMOSEHIN MOSES visit of the ambassador to Job Opportunities Centre, Igando.

Presidential Poll: Election Petitions Tribunal adjourns indefinitely T

HE Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal yesterday adjourned indefinitely after directing that requisite forms be served on parties.

The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) is challenging the victory of President Goodluck Jonathan in the April 16 presidential poll before the five-man panel chaired by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami.

CPC is asking the tribunal to set aside the election and organise a fresh election between it and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 20 states.

Jonathan ran on the platform of PDP in the poll while Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) was the candidate of the CPC. The Respondents are the

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), its National Chairman (Prof. Attahiru Jega), Jonathan, VicePresident Namadi Sambo, PDP and the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The opposition party alleged substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act and irregularities in Lagos, Bayelsa, Kaduna, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Kwara, Adamawa, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Enugu and Cross River.

Others are Rivers, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo Anambra, Benue, Plateau states and the FCT.

The party wants the tribunal to hold that Jonathan and his running mate, Namadi Sambo, were not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast at the election.

At the proceedings yesterday, the panel directed the issuance of Forms TF 0007 [PreHearing Notice] and TF 008 [Pre- Hearing Information] on counsel to both parties in the appeal.

The documents contained relevant questions necessary to fast track the determination of the appeal.

They contained questions relating to the number of witnesses to be called by both parties, relevant documents and exhibits to be used or tendered and other important questions that would be need-

ed for the quick dispensation of the appeal.

The decision of the court was at the instance of the CPC, whose counsel; Abubakar Malami, leading Ismaila Alasa and others moved an oral application that the forms to be formally issued to parties in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act. Although counsel already had copies of the forms, the CPC said it did not want to take chances since it was issued without the order of the court.

Counsel to Jonathan and Sambo, Chief Wole Olanikpekun (SAN), who led Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), Damien Dodo (SAN), Dabian Ajogwu, Ighodalo Imadegbelo, Chief Assam Assam, O.A. Omonuwa, Jude Nnodum and Paul Erokoro had raised objections that the application were unnecessary.

FORMER diplomat has criticised the reported bid to seek a political solution to the case involving former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole and his former deputy, Bayero Nafada.

The duo are facing charges in court for alleged fraud while in office. Bankole is alleged to have approved about N9billion contracts for the purchase of various items. Besides, he and Nafada are charged with alleged N38billion fraud.

Ambassador Oladapo Fafowora said yesterday that any attempt to stop the case midway would kill the anticorruption crusade.

Senate President David Mark, Speaker Aminu Tabuwal and his deputy, Emeka Ihedioha are said to be leading the push for “a political solution”.

The popular thinking in National Assembly is that Bankole’s and Nafada’s arraignment is political. Specifically, it is said, they did not support the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the battle for Speaker.

“We can’t afford to prove right those who say it is all a game,” Fafowora, former ambassador to Turkey said.

He went on: “If the case goes his way in court, it’s okay. But to have what they call a political solution will be very bad. Many of us will write off the whole exercise.”

Frontline Artist Twin Seven Seven dies at 67

A

MULTI-DIMENSIONAL artist; singer, musician, actor, writer and poet, Twins Seven-Seven, one of the greatest artists of the Osogbo School, has died.

He was 67. He passed on yesterday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, where he had been on admission after suffering a stroke.

The late artist, real name Olaniyi Osuntoki, was one of the most famous products of Ulli Beier’s experimental art workshops, held in Osogbo in

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

the 1960s.

In recognition of his contribution to the promotion of dialogue and understanding among peoples, particularly in Africa and the African Diaspora, he was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2000, in the presence of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, who was Chairman of the African Union. The ceremony took place on Africa Day.

Director-General of CBAAC Prof. Tunde Babawale described the death of Twin Seven Seven as another tragic news to the art and culture community, barely a few days after the passing away of the Managing Director of GT Bank, Mr. Tayo Aderinokun, who was a strong art enthusiast and collector.

According to Babawale, Twin Seven Seven was revered across the world for his art, and recognised by UNESCO as a torch bearer.

Seasoned theatre practitioner and former Deputy Editor The Guardian Mr. Ben Tomoloju said the late artist was a pioneer prime mover of the Osogbo Arts commune. He noted that he was so versatile that he influenced a number of Osogbo artists.

Born in 1944, his career began in the early 1960s. His work reflects the cosmology and mythology of the Yoruba culture. He chose the pseudonym, Twin Seven Seven as a reference to his birth: he is the

•The late Osuntoki

sole survivor of a line of seven sets of twins.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

8

NEWS I inherited N500m debt, says LAUTECH’s VC From Bode Durojaiye, Ogbomoso

T

HE Vice-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Professor Lanre Nassar, has described as “untrue” claims by his predecessor that he left N1billion in the institution’s coffers.

Nassar told reporters yesterday in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, that he met a debt of over N500million when he assumed office.

He alleged that the debt amounts to bank loans taken by his predecessor.Nassar said N25million had been paid out of the debt, while another N20 million is being deducted annually from the school’s account to service the debt.

The VC said following the new salary structure,the wage bill has increased to N120 million from N70million.The increase, he said, also covers hazard allowances.

Doctors condemn delay in signing National Health Bill

T

HE Ekiti State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) yesterday criticised the delay in signing the National Health Bill (NHB) by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The NHB was passed by the National Assembly on May 18 and is awaiting approval from President Goodluck Jonathan.

Association Chairman Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe told a news conference at the University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, that more than six million children and 317,400 mothers had died since the bill was introduced in the National Assembly in 2005.

Ogundipe said: “We are not unaware of the actions of some groups, which have been calling on the President not to sign the bill. It is difficult to understand why anyone interested in making health available to all Nige-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

rians will go against the assenting of the bill.”

He said the NHB would give the poor access to quality health care, giving preference to expectant mothers, motherless babies, physically challenged and other vulnerable people.

Urging the President to sign the bill, Ogundipe said it will also bridge the gap between private and public health institutions in health care delivery.

The association urged Governor Kayode Fayemi to ensure that the 17 doctors working with the 16 local governments benefit from the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS).

Ogundipe said: “We will stop at nothing to ensure the universal implementation of CONMESS, though we have confidence that the governor will do justice to the issue.”

Abuja explosion: Lagos ACN seeks radical security measures

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Lagos State chapter, has urged the Federal Government to address insecurity in the country.

It said yesterday’s infiltration of the Police Headquarters, Abuja, by suicide bombers is a sign that our security is weak.

ACN wondered what was left of the country’s security, if bombers can effortlessly break through the security of the police and detonate bombs at its headquarters.

It feared that more bombings may be underway if security agencies do not sit up.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, ACN said: “We had been inundated by sterile and empty threats and vows to arrest the

master minders of every bomb blast, but such vows have always ended as rituals, which are kept in store for another bomb blast and the violent circle goes on unhindered.

“We are not amused that security agencies have failed woefully to track bomb blasts targeted at Nigerians, such that nowhere is considered safe again. We’re peeved that the Federal Government has demonstrated a worrying ineptitude to stem this violent conflagration and the bombers seem to know this worrying impotence, hence, the unceasing audacity of their continued actions.

“Lagos ACN is greatly worried that Nigerians are becoming targets of ceaseless bomb attacks and other forms of violence, while the

government feels so overwhelmed to do something to stem this ennui.

“We are disturbed that there is demonstrable perception that the government can do nothing to stop this predilection to violence that is threatening to swallow the entire country in one huge ball of insecurity and we insist that something urgent and radical must be done to re-take Nigeria from the hands of these bombers and restore security of lives and property.

“We demand that a special security task force be set up to purge the security forces of their embarrassing incompetence in dealing with the worsening security challenges of the country.

“We demand a proper au-

dit of security personnel to weed out bad eggs that have compromised the nation’s security. We need a complete overhaul of the security system to face the present challenges posed by ceaseless bombings, armed robbery, kidnapping, killing and other forms of insecurity.

“We demand that the perpetrators of the present siege of insecurity must be apprehended and adequately punished.

“We demand that the Federal Government wakes up from its prolonged slumber and takes very radical steps to address the worsening security situation. We deem this as one of the most basic needs for which the people look up to government in Nigeria, as elsewhere.”

Ajasin Varsity admits 2, 829 freshers

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HE Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, yesterday matriculated 2, 829 students admitted for the 2010/2011 session.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Femi Mimiko, advised the freshmen to shun indiscipline.

He said: “Academic excellence is founded on the kernels of hard work and character. This university is getting noticed for its emphasis on hard work and high moral standard. It therefore frowns at all forms of indiscipline prevalent in other universities and the larger society, chief among which are cultism and indecent dressing.

“I admonish you to eschew all vices that could disparage your peaceful stay on campus and be of good conduct.”

Mimiko said the school has the relevant facilities to make the new students excel in their chosen areas of study, adding that it has built a reputation for itself as an emerging institution of first choice and is fast becoming the destination of parents “who want an institution with integrity for their children.”

He urged parents to take more interest in the activities of their children and called on government to adequately fund education.

The VC said: “There is no question that the challenge of poor performance, which our nation faces today, is a function of the past failings of our system.

“Building a nation we can be genuinely proud of starts with creating the right higher education for our children.

“This is one challenge that we at Adekunle Ajasin University have come to define and one with which we gleefully join hands with other Nigerians to overcome.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

LOSS OF ORIGINAL APPROVED BUILDING PLAN OF TITLE DOCUMENTS This is to notify the general public that the Original approved building plan No. YA45/001/ 47 granted by the defunct Yaba planning division of (LASPPDA) coupled with relevant title documents given (In respect of property at No.4 Alara Street, Onike Yaba) belonging to Prince Adewale Olusegun Haastrup, got burnt in the Fire incident at Lapal House Lagos.

•Archbishop of Lagos Catholic Archdiocese Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie (middle); Bishop Alaba Job of Ibadan Archdiocese (left); Senator Oluremi Tinubu (2nd left) and Dame Abimbola Fashola during Okogie’s 75th birthday celebration at PHOTO:RAHMAN SANUSI the Catholic Cathedral, Mission Street, Lagos Island...yesterday

CNPP, ASUSS urge Ekiti teachers to call off strike

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HE Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in Ekiti State has urged the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to end its strike, which began last Friday.

In a statement by its Chairman, Prince Tunji Ogunlola, in Ado-Ekiti, CNPP urged the striking teachers to return to the classrooms and negotiate with the government.

It said the future of the pupils could be jeopardised if the

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

strike is continued, stressing that most of them are now roaming the streets.

The CNPP said the teachers’ demand for pay relativity alongside the 27.5 per cent increment earlier implemented in the state is non-negotiable and called for an upward review of the state’s federal allocation.

The Academic Staff Union

of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) also urged the teachers to dialogue with the government.

In a communiqué signed by its State Chairman, Mr. Olusola Adigun and Secretary Abiodun Ogunkuade, ASUSS directed teachers to resume work as negotiation with the government continues.

It reads: “The state government should put it in black and white and release to ASUSS a document that teachers’ 27.5 per cent professional

allowance and N18,000 minimum wage will be paid to public secondary school teachers in Ekiti State when it comes.

“ASUSS is not, in any way, against the government because we believe it is a welfarist and workerfriendly government.

“We hereby pledge our unalloyed commitment to the development of education in Ekiti State and the welfare of public secondary school tutors.”

Court grants bail to N4b drug suspects

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HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned six men for alleged conspiracy and unlawful importation of 275kg cocaine and 138.730kg heroin, worth over N4 billion.

The drugs were intercepted at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. Two of the accused, Gabriel Obi and Ugwu Geofrey, were charged for importing 165kg of cocaine.

In another case involving 110kg of cocaine, Akunna Chimezie was charged with

•NDLEA seeks fair trial Obi and Geofrey.

Three others, Israel Chukwu, Ikechukwu Peter and Obinna Ogudu, were also arraigned for importing 138.730kg of heroin.

The cocaine was unlawfully imported from Bolivia while the 138.730kg of heroin was imported The accused pleaded not guilty and were granted bail, although the prosecution opposed their bail applications.

Justice Okeke of the Fed-

eral High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, fixed the bail of the three accused charged with illegal importation of 110kg of cocaine at N10 million and one surety in like sum.

Those charged with illegal importation of 165kg of cocaine were also granted bail.

Justice Okeke said their sureties must have landed property in Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikeja, Magodo or Surulere, Lagos.

The surety may be a civil servant, not below level 15, with evidence of

employment and confirmation of appointment signed by the permanent secretary of his department.

Justice Tsoho also granted Chukwu, Ikechukwu and Ogudu bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties, each with landed property in Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki or Ikeja in Lagos. The sureties were also required to deposit their title deeds in the court, pending the conclusion of the trial.

NDLEA officials said the seizures were possible through effective collaboration with their foreign partners.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

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NEWS Bluebird gets Multi-Trex ad account BLUEBIRD Communications Limited, an integrated marketing communications Company, has again stepped up its rating as one of the leaders in its sector, The company emerged the winner in the competitive pitch for the advertising account of Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc. Bluebird’s appointment

by Multi-Trex, Nigeria’s most integrated cocoa processing company, is coming on the heels of its recent deserved announcement as a new agency on the Skye Bank advertising account.

Old students hold reunion BAPTIST High School, Iwo, 1983 Set, will hold its reunion meeting tomorrow in Ibadan. The meeting which is expected to start by noon, will be at the Koko Dome, Cocoa House, Ibadan.

It is also expected to provide opportunity for the set to discuss development that has taken place in the school in the past years and other sundry issues.

Corps members urge Fed Govt to tackle insecurity T HE outgoing 2010 Batch ‘B’ National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, who served in Ebonyi State, have called on the Federal Government and stakeholders to intensify efforts in addressing the problem of insecurity and other challenges confronting the NYSC to ensure the sustenance of the scheme.

They made the appeal at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, Abakaliki, during the Passing-Out parade of the 2010 Batch ‘B’ members.

According to them, the call is against the backdrop of calls in certain quarters that the scheme should be scrapped.

Seven corps members re-

From Ogbonnaya Obinna Abakaliki

ceived awards and 12 of them would be punished for performing below expectation.

Two of the corps members, Mr Innocent Ogah and Miss Favour Okokumawi described their experience in the state as enriching. They said the scheme has played a vital role in the integration and unity of diverse ethnic and cultural nationalities in the country.

They identified insecurity as its greatest threat and called for an overhaul of the

security apparatus of the country to guarantee their safety in areas of their primary assignment.

Ogah said: “The service scheme is no longer encouraging, people are now scared of serving in some states of the federation.

The worst of it, is the recent killing of our members in the North during the last general elections.

As if that is not enough, five of our members are now being held hostage by some kidnappers in Rivers State.

“The Federal Government and other stakeholders in the Nigerian project should

ensure the security of corps members and the people in general. Generally, the security in Nigeria is poor, but I would advise government to urgently address the issue because if the killings and the kidnappings continue, people will discourage their children from participating in the scheme.”

Governor Martin Elechi, represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Ikechukwu Nwankwo, applauded the corps members for contributing to the development of the state and their role in the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

The governor reaffirmed its commitment to the wel-

fare and safety of corps members.

State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Clara Anekwe announced that Batch ‘B’ corps members passed out on the occasion. She thanked stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the scheme.

Lagos gives Epe traders financial assistance

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Educationist passes on CHIEF Ayotunde Ayopo, a renowned educationist and teacher, died on June 11. He was aged 71.Born on May 5, 1940 in Abeokuta, the late Ayotunde was educated at the Baptist Baptist Boys High School ,Abeokuta and read English at the University of Nigeria Nsukka where he graduated in 1966.He also got a Post-Graduate Diploma in education from the University of Ibadan.

The late Ayotunde started his career as a teacher at the Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta.He later became the Principal of Ebenezer Grammar School, Abeokuta, Vice Principal, African Church Grammar School, Lafenwa High School and Lisabi Grammar School, Abeokuta.The late Ayotunde taught the former Ogun State Governor, Otuba Gbenga Daniel,Mr Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi,Group Managing Director of LASACO ASSURANCE PLC, Professor Kayode Oyesiku, former ViceChancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education and several others at the Baptist Boys High School.

He is the Agbaakin of Owu Christians,Sakotun of Ika Gbagura and the Akinlagun of Gbagura.

The late Ayotunde was a former National Secretary of Baptist Boys High School, Old Students Association and a former first Vice President.He is also a national trustee of the association.

The late Ayotunde will be buried on Saturday July 16, at the Owu Baptist Church, Abeokuta.

•Elechi

•Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva (left) greeting the Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abori during the inauguration of the fourth session of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. With them is: Deputy Governor Werinipre Seibarugu

Southwest PDP youths advise on party chairmanship

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YOUTH group in the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), under the aegis of Transformation Monitoring and Assessment Group (TMAG), has advised the leadership of the party to ensure that a credible person is chosen from the Southwest as chairman of the party.

The Coordinator of the group, Mr. Funmiso Babarinde and Publicity

S

Secretary, Seyi Bamidele, at a news conference in Osogbo, Osun State, said it is imperative for the top echelon of the party to be watchful in selecting the new chairman in the South-West so as to earn general acceptability.

The group commended the leaders of the party in all parts of the country for their resolve to pick the new PDP chairman from the

Southwest. It acknowledged that the resolve is to pacify the Southwest over the defeat it suffered in its bid towards producing the Speaker of the House of Representative.

“We hail the leaders and top guns of our party for considering ceding the position of national chairman of PDP to the Southwest. We hereby call on the top echelon of the party to choose the best among those aspiring for the

position from the Southwest”, the group stated.

The group added: “As the search for a new PDP National Chairman commences among ranking leaders of the party in the Southwest, it is our desire to see that a credible person among the interested candidates in the region is chosen with a view to having a consensus candidate at the end of the day”.

Amosun to fix Ota, Ijoko roads

UCCOUR is on the way for residents of Sango Ota and Ijoko areas of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Yesterday, Governor Ibikunle Amosun announced

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

his plans to commence rehabilitation of the roads.

Amosun assured motorists

that repair of the deplorable roads in the area will be speedily carried out so as to alleviate the problems they encounter.

The Governor spoke after paying an unscheduled

on-the-spot assessment of the roads. He expressed regrets the past administration in the state allowed the road network in the area to sink to such a terrible state.

RADERS at the Aiyetoro Market, Epe, whose shops were gutted by fire, have been given financial assistance by the Lagos State government.

General Manager/CEO of the State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu said the Babatunde Fashola administration was touched by the plight of the affected traders.

He said the money was only a palliative to cushion the harsh consequences of the fire incident on the traders. The general manager advised the beneficiaries to put the money to good use.

“During financial assistance, such as this, we are always quick to remind beneficiaries that the government’s gesture is only a palliative meant to cushion the harsh effect of the disaster.

The money is not a financial package to offset the total loss incurred by the traders”.

Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu, who advised the traders to be mindful of safety regulations in the markets, assured them that LASEMA would always live up to its responsibilities.

Also, speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Dr. Aderemi Desalu, noted that the state government would always identify with residents of the state when it mattered most.

Chairman of Epe Local Government, Segun Agbaje thanked the state government for its kind gesture.

The traders were showered encomiums and prayers on the Fashola administration for what they termed a rare show of kindness and solidarity.

NAFDAC introduces e-clearance procedure in ports

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HE National Agency for Foods, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has introduced electronic clearance of goods at Nigerian ports.

This was made known at

By Oyeyemi GbengaMustaphas

a sensitisation workshop organised by the agency for stakeholders yesterday in Lagos. NAFDAC’s Director-General, Dr Paul

Orhii said the step is in conformity with fulfilling the 48 hours clearance mandate through automation.

Orhii, represented by the Director, Laboratory services, Mrs Stella Denloye,

said the sensitisation workshop was aimed at equipping stakeholders with the knowledge of e-clearance operations as it concerns NAFDAC regulated products at the ports of entry and land borders.

“This is an important step NAFDAC is taking towards attaining a 48-hour clearance of goods at the ports, facilitating trade and ensuring port decongestion in line with the mandate of the Federal Government.”

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Remarks such as ‘great Australian’, ‘larger than life’ are sometimes used where they are not appropriate. But in the case of Kerry Packer both of those descriptions are entirely appropriate. He was a great Australian, he was a larger than life character and in so many ways he left his mark on the Australian community over a very long career in business, particularly in the media and also that other great passion of his, Australian sport - John Howard

Manufacturers, SMEs get N130b M bailout fund T

ANUFACTURERS and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have received N130 billion out of N190 billion earmarked to boost their operations the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has said.

Sanusi, who was represented by the Head, Financial Policy Regulation CBN, Mr Awoyungbo Sola, said this yesterday at 2011 International Education Conference of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) in Lagos.

He said the fund was disbursed at seven per cent interest rate by the Bank of Indus-

By Chuks Udo Okonta

try (BoI) and other Deposit Money Banks.

He said: “In addition to the reforms in the banking sector, the CBN has also focused on facilitating economic development in Nigeria through its developmental role, in recognition of the fact that the financial sector needs to support real sector activities in order to enhance the future prospects of the Nigerian economy.

“In this regard, the CBN has taken the lead in the financing

of the real sector and infrastructure projects as well as enhancing credit to the real sector. A N500.0 billion fund was established out of which N300 billion is for power/infrastructure and aviation sectors and N200.0 billion for the refinancing/restructuring of banks’ existing loan portfolios to manufacturers/SMEs. “Also, a N200 billion SMEs credit guarantee scheme was created to complement the earlier N200 billion commercial agricultural fund for loans to farmers. Thus far, the CBN has

released over N190.0 billion out of which N130.0 billion has been disbursed, out to the manufacturers/SMEs at a fixed rate of seven per cent through the Bank of Industry (BOI) and deposit money banks.”

He said the CBN is committed to ensuring sustainable economic development irrespective of limiting factors.

“Several factors hinder sustainable development in Nigeria. Failure of a major part or some of these environmental factors are usually a threat to sustainable service develop-

ment in any nation.

“In Nigeria for example, sustainable development in the financial services industry had been hindered by the following factors, macroeconomic challenges, and corporate governance.

“Weak corporate governance practices in both the public and private sectors of Nigeria’s economy contributed massively to the slow pace of development.

Successive governments in Nigeria failed to take massive steps to correct this anomaly, which has persisted in all sectors of our economy,” he added.

Inflation rate rises to 12.4%

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IGERIA’s Inflation rate accelerated to 12.4 percent in May as three consecutive interest rate increases failed to bring it into line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) 10 per cent target.

The inflation rate climbed from 11.3 percent the month before, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday in a statement in the capital, Abuja.

The CBN raised its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point to 8 per cent on May 24 and doubled the reserve requirement for banks as it tried to stabilise the naira and counter the impact on prices of increased government spending.

CBN Governor Lamido Sanusi said on May 24 that monetary policy will have “to bear the burden of adjustment through further tightening in order to rein in inflation.”

Nigeria’s economy, the thirdbiggest on the continent after South Africa and Egypt, grew 7.4 per cent in the first quarter, according to the statistics office.

The economy is projected to grow 8 per cent this year, compared with 7.8 per cent in 2010, the institute said.

COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$112.3/barrel Cocoa - $2,856/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢78.07.pound Gold -$1,161/troy ounce Rubber - ¢146.37/pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N8.1 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -11.3% Treasury Bills -2.64% Normal lending -24% Prime lending -18% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -6.99% Time Deposit - 6% MPR -7.50% Foreign Reserve -$32.5bn FOREX CFA 0.281 • 220.9 £ 253.5 $ 153.59 ¥ 1.5652 SDR 245.85 RIYAL 39.3

• From left: Executive Director, Corporate Services, UACN, Mr Joe Dada, Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii and the Group Managing Director/CEO,UACN,Mr. Larry Ettah, at the unveiling of the repackaged Grand Soya Oil at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel,Abuja...yesterday

‘CBN’s powers to remove bank s’ directors not absolute’

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Federal High Court in Lagos has held that the exercise of the powers of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor to sack directors of banks is subject to the examination of the court.

Justice James Tsoho, in a ruling on an application for preliminary objection filed by CBN and other defendants against a suit by some shareholders of Afribank, held that the exercise of the CBN’s Governor’s powers, guaranteed under the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) is not absolute.

He further held that although the CBN has powers, under Section 35 of BOFIA to regulate and control the business of banking, there should be disclosure when the exercise of

By Eric Ikhilae

such powers would fundamentally affect interested parties.

The shareholders - Igbrude Moses Oke, Rasak Olalekan Mumuni, Akinsanya Solomon Sunday, Suleiman Dauda Babatunde and Igba Sanmi Olatomide – are, by the suit challenging the CBNs power to sack bank executives without disclosing the findings and recommendations of the special examination conducted into the books of the respective banks to the affected directors.

The plaintiffs accused the defendants of acting in bad faith and urged the court to among others, void the CBN’s decisions in respect of their bank’s directors.

Justice Tsoho dismissed the preliminary objections filed by the CBN and its appointed directors, saying the objections could not be sustained in law.

He held that the shareholders have sufficiently raised allegation of bad faith against the CBN and its governor.

Named as defendants in the suit included the CBN, its governor, Afribank’s MD, Nebolisa Arah and four executive directors of the bank - Nnamdi Anammah, Isaac Alofoje, Joke Giwa and Stephen Adah.

Others include Afribank chairman, Osa Osunde, Chkwuemeka Okwuosa, David Lawuyi, Ashim Oyekan, Bala Zakariya ‘U, Rufai Muhammed and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The defendants had, in their objection, challenged the competence of the suit on the ground that the leave of court sought by the plaintiffs to file the suit on behalf of Afribank as a derivative action should not have been obtained with an ex-parte application.

They had also challenged the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit, arguing that the affidavit in support of the plaintiffs’ originating processes did not allege that the CBN and its governor acted in bad faith.

The defendants have appealed the ruling. They have also filed a motion for stay of execution of the ruling, consequent upon which the court fixed September 26 for the hearing of the motion for stay.

NCAA seeks Customs duty waiver for aircraft spare parts The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, said the agency has concluded plans to seek for import duty waiver for aircraft spare parts as a means

of reducing operational cost.

Demuren, disclosed this on yrsterday in Ikeja while playing host to members of the National Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAPE) led by their President, Isaac Balami.

He said the importation of aircraft spare parts and high cost of aviation fuel were causing the airlines huge operational costs.

He said the import duty waiver is one of the issues

that he would be presenting at the Joint Intelligence Board (JIB) meeting holding in Abuja at the weekend.

“You cannot be wrong supporting your own and the time for the Federal Govern-

UNDP tasks Nigeria on increased energy supply

HE United Nations De v e l o p m e n t Progerammes (UNDP), says for Nigeria to increase electricity generation from 3,500 megawatts to 190,000 megawatts, it must increase its public energy supply.

The UN Resident Representative, Mr Dooudu Toure, said this on Thursday in Abuja at the signing of MOU between the UNDP and Bank of Industry (BOI) on Access to Renewable Energy in Nigeria.

“For Nigeria to realise its long term targets of increasing operational electricity generation from 3,500 to 190,000 megawatts by 2020, it will require substantive increase in public energy supply,’’ he said.

Toure noted that the world today was focusing on alternative source of energy production to drive their economies.

According to him, there are new approaches such as the renewable energy options both on and off-thegrid arrangements will be required as one of the options.

Toure regretted that in spite of the vast energy potential in the country; it still relied heavily on backup generators with high environmental and economic cost to operate.

He said there was need for alternative source of energy supply to increase savings and ensure a cleaner environment.

Customs officers’ wives raise N50m centre

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HE Seme Border Chap ter of Customs Officers Wives Association, has raised about N50 million to build a skill acquisition centre in Badagry.

The Chairperson of the association, Hajia Tawakaltu Sahabi, told News Agency of Nigeria that the centrei is to empower officers’ wives and others in various fields.

According to her, these vocational fields will include fashion designing, computer training, event management and planning, hair dressing, hat making catering, counseling and other family related vocations.

The chapter is targeting N300 million to build the centre.

Hajiya Sa’adiya Abdullahi Dikko, National President of the association and wife of the Comptroller General of Customs, enumerated the various achievements of the association.

Dikko said the association would establish schools and provide soft loans to improve the quality of life of officers’ wives and their children.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

BUSINESS NEWS Kwankwaso challenges professionals on collapsed buildings

Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

3.

4.

LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 Arik 07.30 Air Nigeria 13.40 14.00 Arik Arik 16.30

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik 1. Dana 1. IRS 2. Arik

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 11.15 13.15 15.50 18.00

LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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• Mrs. Olumide Idowu, Technical Administrator; Yewande Adenekan, Quality Systems and Process Manager, both of MTN Nigeria, presenting food and household items to Mrs. Abiola Olaluwoye, Home Coordinator and Mercy Magege-Ake, Matron, both of Rehoboth Homes for Destitute, during the ongoing staff volunteerism programme, tagged 21 days of Y’elloCare…yesterday.

Union Bank records N118b profit

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NION Bank of Nigeria Plc has recorded a pretax profit of N47.4billion and a posttax profit of N118billion for the year ended December 31, 2010.

This depicts a significant improvement when compared with a loss of N286.1billion in December, 2009.

The huge increase in post–tax profit was attributed to deferred tax credit as a result of huge losses sustained in the previous year.

According to the audited results released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday, the group, recorded a post-tax profit of N106.5billion for the period under review, indicating a recovery from a loss after tax of N281.3billion posted in 2009.

For the period under review, the Group recorded gross earnings of N130.4billion, while the bank ac-

By Akinola Ajibade Senior Correspondent

counted for N114billion of the total earnings, signifying that the group was able to grow its businesses during the review period.

Similarly, as a result of the costcutting measures adopted by management, the bank’s operating expenses reduced when it was annualised and adjusted for exceptional items from N61billion for 9 months of 2009 to N64.2billion for 12 months of 2010.

In addition, the strategy of the bank towards improving the quality of its risk assets and improving liquidity paid off as the group reduced its non-performing loans significantly largely through sales of such loans to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigerian (AMCON).

Commenting on the stellar performance, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Union Bank, Mrs Funke Osibodu, attributed it “to the major progress recorded in recoveries , the credit from the AMCON and other recoveries and write backs pursued and executed vigorously by management.”

She noted that the profit level was driven by improved operating efficiency, reduction in administrative overheads, among other costs, which has made more funds available for core investments to boost the Nigerian economy.

Osibodu emphasised that the bank’s management would deliver on its promise to completely recapitalise the bBank before the expiration of the September 30, 2010 deadline stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Estate developers to access $1b facility from EAL Estate Developers huge facility, his association will Association of Nigeria Shelter Afrique adequately address the six million

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(REDAN) would obtain a $1 billion Estate Developers Fund (EDF) from Shelter Afrique. The fund will be accessed by a total of 12 developers who meet the criteria for the fund’s disbursement, the President, REDAN, Chief Olabode Afolayan, has said.

He told The Nation that the fund would be guaranteed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), which will also serve as the delivery vehicle for the enlisted developers, to build low-tomiddle income houses.

He said the association decided to use FMBN since it is a mortgage institution, as well as a development agency. He said: “FMBN above all, gives us Estate Development Loan at 10 per cent and National Housing Fund (NHF) contributors at six percent. They are specialised in housing finance and it’s much easier for us to get facility and guarantee from

By Okwy Iroegbu Asst. Editor

them and also the possibility of their providing cash for NHF contributors.

In addition, FMBN will also help us repay the loan as contributors to the NHF scheme will buy houses from us.” He said the loan will have the capacity to crash house prices and make it affordable for the majority of the people who otherwise couldn’t afford houses of their own.

Afolayan commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the new primary mortgage institutions’ (PMIs) recapitalisation from N100 million to N5billion capital base.

He attributed the past failures of the housing sector to the poor capitalisation of PMIs that could not underwrite any housing project even at the minutest level.

The REDAN boss, said with this

housing gap, more so when they are also partnering with a firm to build houses with shipping containers which has since gained ground in United Kingdom and other advanced economies.

He said the container house technology would reduce the price of an average house by over 40 per cent. The container house he said is good for coastal areas, volatile areas, hostels, barracks, mass housing and shopping malls. In addition they are fire resistant, portable, can be dismantled and taken to another location. While calling on government to provide the needed infrastructure for cement manufacturers, he revealed that REDAN is collaborating with National Institute for Building Research (NIBRI) to come up with additional alternative building materials to check the ever increasing cement prices.

NEPC partners University of Abuja on capacity IGERIA Export Promotion port business the better it will be building Council (NEPC) and the for the economy.

N

University of Abuja have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide capacity building for the organised private sector (OPS), public officers and others involved in international businesses.

The Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, David Adulugba, disclosed this during the signing ceremony between NEPC, University of Abuja and BB Consult in Abuja, stating that the

…signs MOU From: Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

signing formalises the council relationship with both organisations He said:“This is to educate stakeholders on the nitty-gritty of international business. This of course is one of the serious approaches to promoting non oil export as a survival strategy for the nation. The more the public knows about ex-

“International business is a little tricky, difficult and so we have to bring this information to the stakeholders. We are trying to teach them the areas of trade export and international business, which is why the signing of the MoU with these organisations is important.

Adulugba said the training will cover both domestic and international trade, with focus on agriculture and economic development.

OVERNOR Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has urged the Nigerian Institute of Building to push for the enactment of a law on development control that would help curb the incidence of collapsed buildings in the country.

Kwankwaso, gave the charge when the executive members of the Institute, led by its President, Dachollom Jambol, paid him a visit in his office at the State Government House, Kano.

He said enacting the law would go a long a way in reducing the frequent cases of collapsed buildings in the country, which he said, have become a source of serious concern.

The Governor assured that his administration would continue to support the institute, and enjoined its members to always operate in accordance with the ethics of the profession.

Kwankwaso also pledged that the state government would not hesitate to support professional bodies as partners in progress, pointing out that the bodies should also reciprocate government’s gesture by contributing their quota to the development of the state. The President of the Nigerian Institute of Builders, Builder Dachollom Jambol urged that state government to tackle the problem of uncontrolled development in the state.

According to him, “we have observed a worrisome problem, and this is the area of uncontrolled developments. If this is not controlled and if professional builders fail to abide by the ethics of the building profession, there would be rampart collapse of buildings.”

Jambol disclosed that the Institute is currently pushing for the enactment of a law on development control by the National Assembly, calling on the Kano State House of Assembly to enact a similar law that would give the Building Code a legal backing.

Access Bank, MoneyGram partner on money transfer

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CCESS Bank has entered into an agreement with MoneyGram International as part of its strategic plan towards providing enhanced banking services to its customers. By this, MoneyGram International has extended its network in Nigeria with Access Bank’s 200 branches and service outlets across the country.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony in Lagos, the Vice President, MoneyGram International, Guillaume Dewael, said MoneyGram is excited to welcome Access Bank into the MoneyGram elite club of MoneyGram Agents in the country.

He said: “Today, as we join hands with Access Bank - Nigeria, we are confident that the bank will live up to its name and join us in the agenda to increase ACCESS to MoneyGram service, not only for the good people of Nigeria, but also for all Africans.”

Guillaume stated that MoneyGram which has been operating in Nigeria since 1998, experienced significant growth in the last five years when it tripled its network, adding, “ we are excited about partnering with Access Bank as it is MoneyGram’s most recent and significant expansion which will allow us to provide more services to many more people through the Bank’s large network.”

Divisional Head, Retail Banking, Access Bank, Obinna Nwosu, said the bank is excited about “ this partnership as it provides us with additional opportunity to serve our customers better.”

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

AGRO-BUSINESS

Farmer makes case for Bank of Agric

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• Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (right) and the Executive Director, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Prof Monty Jones, when senior management of FARA visited the former President.

Fears over African swine fever

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IG farmers need to be educated about the African Swine Fever (ASF) ravishing the livestock, a member, International Society for Animal Hygiene, Dr Babasola Olugasa, has said.

Olugasa, who is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, described ASF as a devastating disease, with mortality rate approaching 100 per cent.

He said it causes major economic losses, threatens food security and limits pig production.

According to him, the disease has spread through central and West Africa and was discovered in Nigeria in early 2000. The disease, he said, has been brought under control in Nigeria, while no new outbreak has been reported.

He said ASF has serious implications for food security, as pig production is an important source of human dietary protein.

The don listed control measures

Stories by Daniel Essiet, Agriculture Correspondent

to deal with the spread of the disease to include live animal markets, free-ranging domestic pigs and farm visits by stakeholders in the production chain.

Olugasa said he is campaigning for implementation of measures that would enable pig farmers change their habits to enable them receive meaningful benefit from regulations and programmes put in place by health authorities.

Given the continued occurrence of ASF in some African countries, Prof Abiodun Adeloye said it is not a surprise that the fever can occur again.

Adeloye, who is of the Animal Production Department, University of Ilorin, (UNILORIN), said it could pose an immediate threat and that the government need to be on the alert and to strengthen preparedness and contingency plans.

His fear is premised on the fact that farmers lack awareness in relation to ASF and its mechanisms of transmission.

ASF is a highly resistant virus and a potentially devastating disease. Very few pigs survive infection, and those that do can be contagious. There is no vaccine. ASF can only be contained by quarantining affected herds, slaughtering sick and recovered pigs, and isolating herds at risk. In 2009, the Federal Government reported discovery of African in a certain part of Delta State.

As a result, the Delta State Ministry of Agriculture quarantined the affected piggery and started culling the affected pigs to prevent the disease from spreading to other pigs.

Experts say the virus resists inactivation and can persist in meat up to 15 weeks, processed ham up to six months and up to one month in contaminated pens.

Enugu disburses $2.4m to farmers

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HE Enugu State Commercial Agriculture Development Programme (CADP) has disbursed $2.4 million to more than 162 farmers in 77 farming groups since its inception in 2009, an official said.

CADP State Project Coordinator, Romanus Egba said the project would disburse over $4.5 million to farmers before the end of July.

Egba said CADP had concluded various activities, including increasing maize yield from 1.5 tonnes per hectare to 2.6 tonnes per hectare and distributing over 10 tonnes of maize varieties to ensure higher yields.

He said CADP also handed over 1,000 broiler-parent stocks to beneficiaries in animal health centres to produce day-old chicks, in an effort to help the state overcome challenges in the production of chicken.

Egba said CADP awarded a N502 million contract for the construction of 41km of rural access roads.

The roads are in Ako Nike Demaco, Obollo Afor Umuittodo, Umunkwo Agu Ukehe, Ngwo Phinomar, OjiObinofia Ndiagu-Iheneke and Uzomiri Josia, he added.

The coordinator also said the documents for the bidding of contract for the construction of 15 farm locations, valued at N112 million, were being finalised.

He said insufficient facilitators to cover the project’s activities remained a major challenge to the

implementation of CADP projects, but added that efforts were being made to recruit more.

He stated that more than 5,094 direct beneficiaries, comprising 3,294 male farmers and 1,800 female farmers, have benefitted, adding that the expectation is that 10,000 would benefit at the winding up of the project in 2015.

In another development, Enugu State has fully commercialised the agricultural sector toward stimulating economic growth and guaranteeing food security, the Head of Administration, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs. Blessing Okenwa, has said.

Mrs. Okenwa said the initiative was necessitated by the government’s desire to meet the food requirements of the people and fight poverty.

She said to achieve the goal, the government trained 192 graduates in different agricultural skills under the Songhai Farm Project in Benin Republic to man the newly created 21 Green Cities in the state.

“Green cities are lands mapped out within the local governments and the senatorial districts of Enugu State, specifically for agriculture, comprising farm land, storage and processing, agro-allied centres, shopping centres for farm inputs, among others.

Mrs. Okenwa said the government also plans to create “Mother Green Cities” to feed the green cities with

KADUNA-based small-scale farmer, Malam Umar Nagwandu, has appealed to the Federal Government to channel funds meant for agricultural development through the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).

Nagwandu told reporters in Kaduna that his appeal became necessary because BOA is closer and more accessible to farmers.

He said the process of obtaining agricultural loans through the bank was less cumbersome.

Nagwandu said: “I do not see why the N200 billion Special Intervention Funds for Agriculture (SIFA) should be disbursed by commercial banks, when there is the Bank of Agriculture, fully owned by government.”

The farmer called on the government to reverse the decision and compel the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to delegate such functions, exclusively to BOA in the interest of agricultural revolution.

He also appealed to the government to cut interest rates on agricultural loans from 24 to five per cent for the survival of the sector.

Nagwandu, who is also the Chairman, Back to Land Cooperative Society in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, said the only way forward for the sector was robust funding and low in-

terest rates.

He said: “Considering the dearth of industries, and increased unemployment in the country, there is the urgent need for reinvigorating the agricultural sector to check these challenges.”

Nagwandu said a careful study of the 2011 budget showed that the sector was under funded and warned that unless changes were effected, the nation would be under the threat of imminent food crises.

He called for the implementation of the Maputo Declaration of 2003 for agricultural development, which proposed 10 per cent of the budget for the sector.

Nagwandu added that the implementation would provide adequate resources for agricultural activities in the country.

He lamented the inability of the government to resolve the lingering crises between nomads and farmers and appealed to all tiers of governments to address the problems.

Nagwandu identified poor marketing, inconsistencies in government policies, poor infrastructural development, high cost of farm inputs, machineries and low demand driven research activities as responsible for lack of growth in the sector.

Prices of tomato, pepper rise in Dutse

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SURVEY conducted in Dutse and Shuarin markets in Jigawa State revealed that a basket of tomatoes was being sold for N6, 500 against N400 last month.

A tomato seller, Mallam Musa Maikayanmiya, said a measure, which sold for N50 last month, had gone up to N500.

“A mudu of pepper now sells for N300 against N150 it sold for two weeks ago.

“We sell based on what we buy from the farmers. Imagine a basket, which was N400 last month, is now N6,500.

“If we don’t sell at high prices, how

do we recover our money,” he asked.

Maikayanmiya said the prices were high because tomato and pepper were scarce as they were “off season”.

Mallam Muazu Ado, another seller, said he travelled far before he could get the few he brought to the market.

He also attributed the high transportation cost for the rise in prices of the items.

A customer, Mrs Zainab Abubakar, said she had resorted to using tin tomato.

Zainab decried the scarcity of the items, saying that unripe tomatoes were also too costly for her to buy.

World food digest

Dutch scientists develop natural substance to battle E.coli

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CIENTISTS from the TNO Research Institute in Delft, the Netherlands, have claimed to have found a natural substance that can curb the spread of the antibiotic-resistant bacteria, E.coli.

The substance, made of natural ingredients and tested using the ESBL strain of E.coli, could be a way to stop the spread of EHEC, which has killed about 35 and sickened thousands, and also serve as an alternative to antibiotics, the researchers said.

The scientists said they would require six more months to conclude the development, after which the substance will have to comply with strict government regulations.

Meanwhile, the EU has offered a grant of •210m to farmers who suffered losses following the E.coli outbreak in Germany.

China bans eight tainted food additives

C • Governor Chime

input supplies, capacity building and other essential service delivery.

She said the state has acquired enough land for allocation to “any farmer wishing to venture into commercial farming and commenced all season intensive farming programme with special focus on effective waste management.

“Under this scheme, nothing will be wasted, the poultry, maize, cassava, cow and pig wastes will be put into use,” Mrs Okenwa said.

HINA’s State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) has banned eight food additives produced in the country, after they were found to be tainted with the industrial chemical Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).

DEHP is a plasticiser that may cause hormonal malfunctions in children if consumed in large doses.

The SFDA has asked local food safety workers to conduct stringent checks to prevent catering firms from buying the recalled products.

The affected products include guava flavouring additive, made by Guangzhou Meiyi Flavors & Fragrances, green tea powder, liquid butter oil and egg milk-flavoured oil made by Jiangmen Goody’s Food, bread yeast improver produced by Jiangmen Jhan Wang Food, osmanthus, green tea and almond flavouring additives produced by a food additive manufacturer in Zhejiang Province.

Some of the products have already been purchased by catering firms and the SFDA, said they should be sealed immediately and recalled, while local food safety inspection agencies have been asked to make daily reports concerning any new findings.

China has recently ceased imports of almost 948 Taiwan-made products, including beverages, food products and food additives that were said to contain DEHP.

18

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

AGRO-BUSINESS STATE FOCUS

Expert warns against use of Agro business bodyguards on fishing vessels opportunities in Adamawa A A PROFESSOR of fishery at the Lagos State University (LASU), Martins Agenuma Anetekhai, has warned against the use of bodyguards on fishing vessels, saying it could lead to more killing of crew by pirates.

He said using the Navy on board fishing vessels to ward off pirates will not solve the problem, adding that operators need community approach to counter piracy.

Anetekhai said some communities endorsed the crackdown on fishing fleet because captains refused to stay away from areas designed to preserve and restore fish stocks.

He said fishing vessels run into trouble when they move into areas with “off limits” designed to control “serial depletion” of fish stocks, adding that communities want the pawning areas and fish populations to rebound.

Anetekhai said the communities need such marine reserves to help provide a buffer and give some resilience, especially when things get worse.

Stories by Daniel Essiet, Agriculture Correspondent

He said the situation calls for a long-term, multifaceted approach at sea and onshore that establishes trust and protects the interest of the local fishing communities.

If the fishing industry is going to be successful in its fight against piracy, Anetekhai noted that it has to take measures to build trust with the riverine communities since the pirates operate among them and incorporate them as viable stakeholders in security to counter illegal fishing.

He advised fishing companies to embark on aquaculture adding that it can provide the solution to relieve fishing pressure on the sea.

Recently, the crew of a fishing trawler, Mareena 1 had finished hauling in their catch 25 kilometres off the coast and had settled into their bunks for a few hours of sleep when they were awakened by machine-gun fire.

Nine heavily armed men in a speedboat were strafing their trawler. One of the bul-

lets hit the ship’s cook in the stomach. The cook bled to death, while the pirates boarded the ship, ate, took naps and stole everything that was not welded down.

“There were attacks before, but it’s the worst now,” said Geoffrey, the Mareena’s captain, who gave only his first name because he feared reprisals. “Formerly, we had hijackings and they would steal everything, but now they attack and they are shooting and taking lives.”

Pirate attacks on fishing trawlers have increased from four reported cases in 2003 to 107 in 2007, said the Nigerian Trawler Owners Association. In January 2010 alone, there were 50 attacks on fishing boats, 20 in one week, during which 10 sailors were killed.

With foreign vessels no longer an easy target, pirates have looked elsewhere for victims.They found them in the defenceless fishing trawlers that chug up and down the coastlines, never far enough from shore to be out of reach of the pirates’ speedboats.

The surge in deadly attacks

By Daniel Essiet, Agriculture Correspondent

• Prof Anetekhai

on fishing crews caused the Nigerian Trawlers Association to call its entire fleet, nearly 200 vessels, back to shore in February. The bulky fishing trawlers are no match for the speedboats the pirates use, or their weapons.

The pirates, who attacked the Mareena, took radar and sonar equipment, radios, cellphones, the sailors’ pocket money and thin mattresses, even their shoes and socks “How can we send them back out to sea when we can’t guarantee their safety?” said

• Banana market in Yashi

UNEP, IFAD seek support for sustainable agric

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HE United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are drumming support for sustainable agriculture as a way to drive green growth and reduce poverty.

UNEP and IFAD made their stand known at the launch of the international energy policy.

UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner, noted that agriculture is at the center of a transition to a resource-efficient, low-carbon green economy and that sustainable agriculture can address other challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. IFAD President, Kanayo F. Nwanze, highlighted that smallholder in developing countries – the

majority of who are women – work on ecologically and climatically precarious land.

IFAD’s Director of Environment and Climate, Elwyn Grainger-Jones, added that investing in sustainable smallholder agriculture leads to environmentally sound and climate-smart increases in agricultural production.

Steiner and Nwanze

stressed that the upcoming UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) can provide a major opportunity for the international community to recognise the role of farmers in informing the sustainable development agenda and generate the momentum for supporting policies and investments

Fed Govt urged to help nomadic farmers

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HE Federal Government has been urged to explore ways to help nomadic farmers.

For the farmers to sustain themselves, they must be shielded from the harsh climate, a consultant to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Prof Lateef Sanni, said.

Sanni said as mobile herders they need mobile schools to give their children a head

start on learning.

He said this will provide respite and allow them to concentrate on rearing cattle while their children attend schools.

Sanni said the school will give children a head start on their education, and help in creating a better life for the herds men.

Besides providing schools for the children, he urged the government to provide

healthy nomadic herding families.

He said they need settlement areas to enable them establish their families and retire at the end of the day.

An International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-supported programme has introduced herders in Mongolia to sustainable land management practices and has helped people grow vegetables during the

summer, providing nutrients and an opportunity to earn by selling the surplus.

The programme has also established mobile kindergartens, which serve as a daycare service for busy parents while giving the youngsters a head start on learning.

Mobile kindergartens give children the opportunity to socialise and learn new skills while their parents care for their animals and gardens.

DAMAWA State has an agro-based economy with over 50 per cent of the populace actively involved in farming. The agricultural sector occupies an important position in the state’s economy, employing a large percentage of labour, the exploitation of which has greatly contributed to the development of the state.

The climate is essentially tropical in nature comprising distinct dry and wet (rainy) seasons. The food crops produced in the state are mainly cereals such as maize, rice, and sorghum and roots and tubers such as sweet potatoes, cassava, and to a lesser extent, yams. Others include legumes and pulses such as cowpea, bambara, groundnut, and soya beans as well as vast gardens in the various irrigation sites.

The state is endowed with the production of onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pepper, spinach, rosselle, kenaf etc.

The major cash crops produced include groundnut, cotton and sugar cane as well as several food crops that include; rice, maize, millet, cowpea, bambara nuts, cassava, yam, sweet potato etc. As a result of the need to achieve food security and to chart the course of development targets to uplift the living standard of the people, agriculture in Adamawa State became an issue of immeasurable importance.

A great deal of livestock production is also undertaken to supply the state’s animal protein requirements. Animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry are reared for domestic consumption and commercial purposes.

Poultry production is undertaken in every part of the state, as the practice is acceptable to all the ethno-religious groups in the state. Though not much of industrialisation in the state, several industrial raw materials of agricultural origin are produced. The popular ones include sugar cane, cotton and groundnuts. This is evident around the location of industries like the Savannah Sugar Company in Numan and Afcott in Ngurore, close to important areas for the production of sugar cane and cotton respectively which are the most important raw materials used by the companies mentioned here.

The genuine need for food and fibre in Adamawa State cannot be overemphasized and that is why agricultural production is a well-planned activity involving the use of land, labour and capital to achieve enhanced output.

Adamawa State is known • Governor Nyako for the availability of agricultural lands which further buttresses the reason why agriculture is the mainstay of the majority of the people of the state. However, most farmers are poor small-scale producers whose control of money capital is very limited hence they undertake agricultural production with low capital outlay, which does not allow for ‘growth and diversification of the farm enterprise.

There are a few large-scale agricultural outfits such as Sebore Farms and government agencies like the Adamawa Agricultural Development Programme (ADADP) and the Adamawa Agricultural Mechanisation Authority (AAMA) that operate with large and cost-intensive fixed inputs like tractors, combine harvesters, boom sprayers and- modern silos.

The government is making effort to modernise agricultural production, processing, storage and distribution through the infusion of improved technology and management so that the sector can be more responsive to the demands of development in other sectors of Adamawa State’s economy.

In this regard, the activities of the Adamawa State Agricultural Mechanisation Authority (AAMA) in hiring of tractors and other farm machinery and implements are noteworthy. Also, the efforts of the Adamawa Agricultural Development Progamme (ADADP) in rendering extension services, provision of wash boresand tube wells technology to boost dry season farming, as well as improved seeds and other farm inputs to farmers in the state, are in line with this objective.

The traditional agro-industries produce quite a number of processed products from agricultural raw materials.

These include local magi (daddawa) from locust bean and soya milk from soya beans.

Others include the popular zobo drink from flowers of redsorrel vegetable, which is a dark-red liquid believed to have medicinal attributes. Other products from small-scale (micro) agro-industries in Adamawa State include Masa from white rice, Waina from cassava flour, Kosai from beans, Kuli-kuli from groundnut, Ridi-cake from beniseed and Fura from either millet or sorghum.

Fish is an important part of the diet of many people in Adamawa State. This makes the demand for fish to be consistently on the rise. As the population grows and standards of living rise, demand for diets which are rich in animal protein will also continue to rise.

To this end, there are tremendous potentials for increased fish production in Adamawa State which can be realised by improving the management of existing stocks, utilising unexploited stocks and exploitation of reservoirs.

The surge of interest and investment by small farmers in beekeeping and honey production reflects growing understanding of the various uses of honey and increasing demand from local and international markets.

THE NATION FRIDAY,JUNE 17, 2011

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

False Claims about FOIA

Inexcusable •As Kerosene turns to gold, households again, lament

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HERE is crisis in our kitchens.

Across Nigeria, in millions of households the cooking pots are having the hiccups because the most important cooking energy is scarce. It has been scarce for upwards of one month now and naturally, price has gone up.

In some places the price has increased by over 200 percent from less than N100.00 per litre to about N250.00 per litre. Kerosene is an indispensable commodity used by the rich and poor in the urban and rural areas. This explains why its scarcity and subsequent price hike causes such hoopla.

Though the Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) that is in sole charge of oil and gas matters in Nigeria

President Jonathan must wield the axe in NNPC if it is required to ensure that we do not get into this laughable situation of kerosene scarcity again.

And if the President must know, a lot of women on the kerosene queue have been heard asking whether this is the reward they get for voting in President Jonathan!

has not made any coherent statement as to the reason of the scarcity, it is pretty easy to figure out. The commodity is being largely imported.

What this means is that like other fuels, kerosene supply will occasionally fall short of demand as a result of a hiccup that can arise from any of the numerous bottleneck points in its journey from the foreign refineries to a kitchen in Nigeria.

For instance, it takes a cycle of placing orders, shipping, reception, storage and distribution. Any lapse at any point in the chain would keep kerosene away from the end users and they are counted in millions. They are largely women too who have to worry about food for the family.

The situation is nothing short of a crisis and calls for urgent attention. While NNPC top notch has activated their emergency buttons, boasting that the market would normalise in 10 days, there was only a slight alleviation as the problem lingers.

It is indeed a scandal that the country is currently being hobbled by a common place commodity such as kerosene. It is much more so when we remember that Nigeria is a major crude exporting country. It is a shame that NNPC which was established to ensure the growth and development of our naturally endowed resources has lapsed into a commodities importing company more engrossed in shipping of petrol, diesel, kerosene and other fuels which Nigeria out to be exporting. If refineries work in other countries, why not Nigeria?

Why have new refineries not been built in Nigeria in the last 30 years?

Other oil rich countries have developed vast refining and petrochemical complexes which create jobs and produce a wide variety of products exported to all corners of the world. Bitumen for road construction and high density Polypropylene for the manufacture of plastic products are imported into the country annually in billion dollars quantity.

These are by products of crude oil.

It is a very sad story that we have been importing kerosene and other petroleum products for over 20 years. It is indeed a shame. President Goodluck Jonathan must see this current kerosene scarcity as a wake up call. We have heard of a large petrochemical complex still on the drawing board. He has four years to transform it from the board to the ground. It will be quite salutary to record that Jonathan was the President that stopped the importation of petroleum products in Nigeria. The oil majors can also build refineries. They have refineries in other parts of the world where they operate.

In the short run, President Jonathan must wield the axe in NNPC if it is required to ensure that we do not get into this laughable situation of kerosene scarcity again. And if the President must know, a lot of women on the kerosene queue have been heard asking whether this is the reward they get for voting in President Jonathan!

Exit like a comet •The death of Tayo Aderionkun, GTBank boss, though painful leaves a solid legacy

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HE story of Tayo Aderinokun, late managing director of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and co-founder of that bank with Fola Adeola, is that of a comet: coming so bright and disappearing too soon.

With what GTBank, a second generation bank has become today, it was as if Mr. Aderionkun was in a hurry to get whatever he wanted done, done; and then disappear. That is why his death in a London hospital, after a protracted illness on June 14, according to a GTBank release, was painful.

GTBank birthed not in the most auspicious of times. It was the freewheeling era of structural adjustment programme (SAP); and the banking liberalisation that came with it. It might not have been intended to be, but it was the age of the banker as a financial showman, not the dour back-room conservative that first generation banks had projected him to be. With the showmanship had come financial brinksmanship and laxness with rules, not talking of almost zeroethics of banking executives, which has led to the distress, and premature demise, of many banks.

But for the financial oak that GTBank has today become, it could well have birthed among the first generation of Nigerian banks. The bank’s release announcing Mr. Aderinokun’s death gushed: “The bank is now easily acknowledged and recognised as one of the most profitable and professionally managed cor-

porate institutions in Nigeria.” That is what the bank feels about itself.

But on a strictly objective basis, it is hardly different from what the banking public perceives of the bank. If that were indeed so, it is thanks to the dream of its twin-founders, Mr. Adeola and Mr. Aderinokun.

For his banking career, Mr. Aderinokun came well drilled for the job. After earning a first degree in business administration from the University of Lagos, he earned a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with stress on international business from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in the United States. He also had a credit and relationship management training at the Chase Manhattan Institute for International Banking, New York, before proceeding on a banking career, starting with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and through Chase Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited and Prime Merchant Bank. All that would prepare him for the GTBank challenge.

But Mr. Aderinokun’s academic training or banking career experience was hardly any different from most of his contemporaries’. They probably all had brilliant education. What they all most probably lacked was character.

However in this case, Mr. Aderinokun, with Mr. Adeola, was different. That is the success story of GTBank. While a good number, if not most of its contemporaries, saw banking as just another growth area to be

milked and milked so savagely, Mr. Aderinokun as second-in-command to Mr. Adeola and eventual GTBank’s chief helmsman, saw in the business an opportunity to build a legacy that should stand the test of time.

Though the death of Mr. Aderinokun, at 56, is painful given the impact he has made in the lives of fellow Nigerians, both his immediate family and his bank should take solace that he made his mark and made it big. In an era when banking was going to the dogs and new generation banks were the most culpable, the legacy he left behind is a proud testimony that not all the younger generation bankers that shaped that era were charlatans.

That should be a fitting comfort that should lighten the sorrow of Mr. Aderinokun’s immediate and extended family, loved ones, professional colleagues and associates.

‘In an era when banking was going to the dogs and new generation banks were the most culpable, the legacy he left behind is a proud testimony that not all the younger generation bankers that shaped that era were charlatans’

I

T was a bad sign when the Supreme Court relied on the dictionary as the main authority in a recent ruling that made it harder for whistle-blowers to hold government contractors accountable for fraud.

The case, Schindler Elevator Corp. v.

United States ex rel. Kirk, involves the federal False Claims Act, which allows a private party to bring an antifraud lawsuit on behalf of the federal government and receive part of the damages. The law bars such suits, however, if the allegations are based on publicly disclosed information, like a government report, investigation, criminal hearing or a news report. The ban exists to prevent superfluous private actions when the government can pursue a lawsuit.

In the current case, the plaintiff sued his former employer, Schindler Elevator, charging that it failed to comply with federal contracting rules on employing veterans. He based part of his case on written information from the Department of Labor, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

The court’s ruling turns on whether that response is a publicly disclosed “report.”

Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the 5-to-3 majority, finds that Webster’s Third New International Dictionary all but settles the matter: it defines “report” as “something that gives information.” The broad meaning there, he says, squares with the “broad scope” of the prohibition against lawsuits based on public disclosures. His view could rule out most antifraud lawsuits based on FOIA requests.

That simplistic logic will curtail lawsuits by whistle-blowers who suspect that a contractor may be defrauding the government but need information obtained from FOIA requests to help confirm their allegations.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, writing for the dissent, argues convincingly that the way to decide whether a document obtained through a FOIA request bars a lawsuit is to assess the nature of the document.

In response to most FOIA requests, the government hands over copies of records it finds or notes their absence; it usually doesn’t analyze or synthesize the information. Only a fraction of the material disclosed would qualify as a report.

The False Claims Act aims to “encourage more private enforcement” by whistle-blowers, the legislative history says. The court’s ruling does exactly the opposite, reviving an approach Congress discarded in 1986 because it foiled too many needed lawsuits. Justice Thomas’s opinion is wrong about the text, context and history of the law.

• The New York Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi

• Controller (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu • Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho

•Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

•Pre-Press Manager Chuks Bardi •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17 , 2011

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

S

IR: One thing that gives me confidence in the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Navy is the calibre of the officer who today is at the helm of affairs in the organisation. The choice of Vice Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim as the Chief of Naval Staff

by President Goodluck Jonathan was a wise decision and the appointment well deserved.

Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim declared that the focus of his administration is to lead a Navy that would discharge its constitutional roles and assigned tasks in a professional and responsible manner, consistent with global best practices, for the defence and protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

In a paper titled Naval Transformation: Ideals, Challenges and Strategies, delivered by Rear Admiral G.J. Jonah (rtd) at a workshop held recently in Abuja, it was made clear that the overall objective of government now was to reposition the NN through the strengthening of existing capabilities and the development of new ones to curb present and future challenges. It was rightly observed that in the new transformation journey, conscious efforts must be taken to avoid the mistakes of the past. He courageously warned that the NN risked being obsolete and irrelevant if the transformation programme was not properly articulated and steadfastly implemented.

Vice Admiral Ibrahim on his part recalled at the workshop that the Naval Engineering conference held in November 2010 was the first step towards transforming the Nigerian Navy into a more efficient service that the nation deserves and therefore described the recent one held in Abuja as a follow up action towards addressing some of the recommendations.

The vision of the current Chief of Naval Staff about the NN is to ensure a Navy that is adequately motivated and being capable of effec-

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Transforming the Nigerian Navy tively combating the security challenges of Nigeria’s maritime domain and the West African sub-region.

Nevertheless, to meet the expanding challenges of the 21st Century, Nigeria as a developing nation needs a robust and well equipped Navy with improved combat capability to effectively protect the maritime environment, more so with the threat around the maritime

environment. Good enough, Jonah (rtd) observed that in Nigeria’s circumstance, the destiny of our country as a maritime nation is inextricably linked to the existence and performance of the NN, hence the need for the Federal Government to reposition the NN, by adequately investing in it. Nigerian leaders and the populace need to be more informed about the activities of the Navy so that there will be more political com-

mitment if proper funding is sustained.

An x-ray of the Nigerian Navy will be incomplete if mention is not made of the tenure of the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye (rtd), the Offa born naval prince. The establishment of the Nigerian Navy School of Health Sciences situated at Offa was during his tenure. Similarly during his tenure, he ensured that the Navy did

That arrogant CBN policy

S

IR: According to Sam Oni, the Director of Banking Supervision & Operations, CBN, 90% of Nigerians, whose transactions are less than N150, 000 have been subsidizing the 10% of the citizens, whose transactions are above N150, 000.

This is why the CBN has announced penalties for daily cash withdrawals above the maximum limit of N150, 000 and for cash lodgements over N150, 000, meaning that a customer who exceeds these limits will have to cough out more money to the banks.

If 80% of Nigerians are unbanked and 60% of the economy is in the informal sector where cash is king, how does this new policy address the needs of Nigerians to be integrated into the formal sector?

CBN also says a pilot project for the N150, 000 cash limit will begin from Lagos in December 2011, so why use Lagos, which has the second largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa as the guinea pig for this project?

What back up measures and compensatory payments have been put

in place by the CBN should the pilot project fail and commercial life in Lagos stalls because of the arrogance of the CBN leadership in pursuing this policy?

Will this arrogant posturing of the CBN not result in the disruption of commercial activities in Lagos and cause capital flight to neighbouring states during the six months trial period thus putting Lagos State at a disadvantage?

Will this arrogant policy of the CBN to transition 150 million Nigerians from cash to a cashless economy within a 6 months’ time frame not further compound the already wobbling national economy and create an economic crises?

Will the CBN and deposit money banks not reap an unprecedented windfall from the punitive charges to be imposed on those who exceed the cash withdrawal limits policy, to add to the numerous other charges already paid for epileptic services rendered by the banks?

Will this arrogant policy of the CBN

not force Nigerians to withdraw moneys from the banks for storage at home so as not to fall foul of the punitive charges for exceeding the cash withdrawal limits?

Will this CBN arrogant policy not push millions of ordinary Nigerians from the trading sector which is the main stay of the informal sector where transactions are cash based and there is no electricity to power the cashless payment systems favoured by the CBN? Whose interest is Lamido Sanusi pursuing in forging ahead with the arrogant policy on cash withdrawal limits, is it the Nigerian people or those behind the companies that will corner the licenses and permits to provide the e-payment systems?

Is the CBN arrogant policy not another tactic to shore up the fortunes of the deposit bank through punitive charges for value not added, similar to what already obtains in banks charging N5 for every N1, 000 in a customer’s account on a monthly basis?

The nuisance called political posters the management of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) by this publication wishes to notify all aspirants for local government offices, movie makers and marketers, tutorial class operators, members of the entertainment industry to desist forthwith from the pasting of posters within the State.

We have noticed in the last couple of weeks the rising trend of posters of political aspirants within and around the metropolis particularly

S

not relent in the fight against pirates and economic saboteurs which litter the waters in the country’s oilrich Niger Delta.

With the laudable initiatives and ideas of these men, the Nigerian Navy will no doubt soon become a “puncher navy” adequately positioned to tackle maritime challenges in the African continent. However, since no leader can rise above the collective intellect of the group or people he leads, there must be total cooperation of all stakeholders in the navy. There is the need for all hands within the navy to be on deck, particularly among officers and ratings so as to successfully and genuinely take it to an enviable and respected level.

• Tunde Akanbi, Ilorin, Kwara State.

on public spaces. This act is in defiance to our numerous calls against indiscriminate pasting of posters.

This is also at a time our Agency has embarked on the massive cleanup exercise in the aftermath of last general elections in which we recruited over 1000 youths. We view this as a deliberate act to undermine the efforts of the state government in achieving a cleaner Lagos as well as our resolution to take our city back after the last general elections.

We wish to state clearly that as

the sole regulatory agency for the control of outdoor advertisement in Lagos State, LASAA will continue to seek the arrest and prosecution of any person/offender found wanting for indiscriminate pasting of posters.

LASAA will not compromise on its statutes and codes in the overall interest of the State.

The time for local government elections is yet to be announced. Even when such is announced, it should not present undue opportunity to paste posters in unauthorized public

places. The fact that the posters were tolerated in the last general elections is a mere aberration dictated by security situation in which the Nigerian police was already overstretched.

The law on unlawful pasting of posters is still very much in force and will be applied in full. Similarly, those pasting bills and posters for commercial and entertainment purposes are equally warned.

• Temitope Akande, Head, Corporate Affairs/PR, LASAA.

Has Sanusi Lamido sat down with the Lagos State government to spell out the risks of being used as guinea pig and explain what scenarios will play out when the experiment fails, and their various strategies to compensate the government?

What has the CBN done to protect Nigerians who lost millions of naira due to ATM frauds, or those who supplied goods worth billions due to fake text message alerts of bank lodgings and transfers?

Why does Sanusi want to slow done the speed of concluding business transactions in Nigeria, when common sense dictates that reliable and steady electricity supply is needed for the success of the e-payment systems and cashless economy that the CBN wants to impose?

There is already scarcity of kerosene, epileptic power supply, failed public education and health sector, dilapidated road infrastructure, near absence of public housing and water supply, now we have a new challenge to contend with: No cash.

The main challenge in Nigeria is to integrate the formal and the informal economies, to give formal recognition to the mass of Nigerians in the informal sector; unfortunately this new policy aims to turn the banking sector into an elitist sector by widening the gap.

President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Babatunde Fashola should not fiddle and watch like Nero while Sanusi Lamido ignites economic crises in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital to add to the other combustible crisis across Nigeria.

• Kingsley Omose Warehouse Road, Apapa Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011 16

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

If your Excellency were man on the street…

Reality Bites I

Olatunji Ololade

F your Excellency were man on the street, would you be cut of some finer breed? Would you affect the humanity you preached, before we casted our votes in the ballot boxes? But you aren’t man on the street neither are you any lowlier than he is even as you profess quite haughtily, pains you bore in your rise to grace.

You probably think you have the world at your feet. Perhaps you have begun to believe that for you, the universe moves. Thus this moment, you get to inhabit our seat of state, as your politics and vanity pleases.

This moment, you feel neither uneasiness nor the barest pain save that proverbial itch ineffable of pure and uncompromising greed – that breeds the rash of complexes and inhumanities from your seat of being.

This moment, every minute is spring time and every hour arrives with birth pangs of serial state banquets and diplomatic trips. This moment, you become the perversion of every principle you swore to protect, the negation of every ideal you promised to establish…the demolisher of altruism you vowed to make manifest – yet you explain your betrayal away as crucial acts of political expe-

diency.

Politics of pragmatism you swore to establish has yielded to idealism.

Instead of prosperity, your government brings economic paralysis. Instead of peace, you re-introduce some kind of gruesome lunacy, into our state. Yet you claim you are the next best thing that’s happened to us in ages.

In the name of true citizenship and humanity, you expect us to condone and accept the expropriation of public fund and all other property, the abolition of freedom and all other monstrosity you have learnt to perfect and foster. How wishful do you get?

You are in power; it is no longer tenable to explain your failings away.

This is the moment you substantiate your politics of government by rule of law from arbitrary whim. Let this be the moment your perfection of the floating abstractions of injustice and arbitrariness begin to blur and flounder.

This is hardly the moment you get to emphasise the extent of our moral and political inversion. This is the moment you enlighten us as to why instead of being a protector of our rights, your government is becom-

‘As you read, it is impossible for you to compute the human suffering, deprivation and pillaging that had paid and currently pays for your “citizenrycentred,” “selfless” public monuments be it a crescent of inter-locking pavements and stones, a lush neighbourhood park, administrative software packages, political workshops and leadership training programmes’

I

WANT to thank the Almighty God for the opportunity He has given us to be here today. It is imperative for me to address you on an important and instructive issue in the governance of our state.

When I was canvassing for your votes during the electioneering period, I promised that our government will be a listening one. I also promised to head a government that will remain in permanent touch with you, the good people of Oyo State. This maiden broadcast is one attempt and desire to fulfil this promise. Let me assure you that this will not be a one-off thing as we shall, from time to time, communicate with you on issues of governance in the state.

I specifically want to speak to you, the good people of Oyo State, on the challenge that our less-than-three week old government has faced so far in its dealings with the workforce of the state.

You will recall that, a few weeks before its handing over of the reins of power, the out-gone government hurriedly reached an agreement with labour to pay the N18, 000 minimum wage. This, among others, was one of the landmines that the out-gone government buried on our way, with the sole aim of ensuring that our administration was dead on arrival.

Less than a week after we assumed office, the landmines began to wreck their havocs. The first to erupt was the N18, 000 minimum wage issue. Having heard the symphony of underground agitations for the increase, the organized labour was one of the first groups we met on assuming office. At the meeting with labour leaders, we reiterated our belief that, being the lowest paid workers in the South-West subregion, Oyo State civil servants deserved a wage that is human and is appreciative of their contributions to the state.

However, in the course of our interface with the financial officers of the state, we were availed of the financial condition of the state government, as well as its revenue profile.

The following sums up that profile; statutory allocation from the Federation Account: N2, 445,118,813.00; VAT N651, 407; IGR, N1, 100,000,000:00. The total is; N4, 196,526,606.00 Aside the above, the financial inquisition into the books of the state government also revealed that the out-gone government left a debt profile of N4.8billion and sundry financial dealings that the current government will have to shoulder.

The computation of the financial implication of the outgone government’s hurriedly executed agreement revealed that, though total revenue accruing to the state government was about N4. 2 billion, payment of the N18, 000 minimum wage would cost the state government the sum of N4.4 billion monthly. This is against the present monthly wage bill of N2.9 billion which the past government paid till April, 2011. By deductive implication, it was obvious to all and sundry that there was no way the State government could

ing our most treacherous nemesis.

Explain why, instead of fostering abundance, your government perpetuates poverty. Make clear, why instead of serving as the instrument of objectivity, your government establishes lethal, subterranean reign of uncertainty and fear.

Its time you began to analyse the misinterpretation and misapplication of our laws by random bureaucrats and why rather than protect us from injury and discomfort by unbridled whim, your government arrogates to itself the power of unlimited whim.

This is not the moment when, having subjected the citizenry to the worst of states, you cover your tracks with delusions of grandeur. It’s time you understood that we shall no longer be bought nor get carried away by your indefinable chimera of public monuments – they are after all, paid for, by money and labour extorted from us.

You are not as magnanimous as you would like to think or as your coterie of thugs and political advisers encourage you to think. We are hardly instruments for you to appease your obsessions. Rome fell, bankrupted by statist controls and taxation, while its emperors were building coliseums. Louis XIV of France led his people into a state of indigence, while he built the palace of Versailles, for his contemporary monarchs to envy and for modern tourists to visit.

Hospitals, schools and housing estates among others – contracted to corrupt, greedy party associates, built by underpaid, desperate labour from the breadlines, including women and children – are public monuments.

So is your incessant expenditure on Czarist-like luxury of champagne and caviar receptions, state banquets, and executive business resorts even as the citizenry whose sweat and hard-earned money pay for it wither and die in extreme poverty.

It’s time you affected wisdom and

modesty in your institution and pursuit of public monuments. True public monuments are hardly erected for prestige or a re-validation of the initiator’s fantasies of greatness. Real monuments rather are functional structures or abstract concepts that command historical significance and moral simplicity.

General AbdulSalami Abubakar (rtd)’s successful midwifery of political transition to democratic rule is a public monument that remains worthy till date. Late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola’s refusal to renounce his mandate, even in the face of death, remains a valuable public monument till date.

Late Nnamdi Azikiwe’s crusade for political independence cum representative rule via his defunct West African Pilot remain a valuable public monument so does late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s sterling leadership and gift of free education to Nigeria’s former Western region.

These acts are at best, public monuments worthy of emulation, even now.

If you analyse thoroughly, these men’s attempts at statesmanship, you would understand the difference between authentic grandeur and your pyramids of pretentious, publicspiritedness cum altruism; you would understand the glaring difference between acts of greatness and infantile prestige-seeking.

If you could seek the understanding and pursuit of similar acts of statesmanship, you just might get to appreciate the philosophy that informed such acts of greatness. More importantly, you might get to understand why human effort and material resources shouldn’t be expropriated for the institution of public monuments. You could get to appreciate the need to focus spending on the progress of the private, personal, individual well-being of citizens.

As you read, it is impossible for you to compute the human suffering, deprivation and pillaging that

My pact with Oyo workforce

By Abiola Ajimobi pay this booby-trap minimum wage, without pronouncing its own failure to the people, ab initio.

Further insight into the finances of the state revealed that the out-gone government dipped its hands into the N3.9 billion which was the amount realized from the sale of government quarters. The amount had hitherto been penciled down for the cushioning of pensioners’ sufferings. In its bid to fritter off this heritage, the out-gone government, five days before its exit, hurriedly spent three billion naira out of this money. Out of this amount, it paid the sum of N1 billion to a contractor as an advance fee, purportedly for the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).

In its obsession to hurriedly lay the foundation for the hurried payment of the N18,000 minimum wage, the outgone government further dipped its hands into the amount realized from the sale of government quarters, withdrawing the sum of N640 million, with which it hoped to put a permanent seal on payment of the N18,000 minimum wage.

More instructively, government also pointed out to the labour leaders that the Federal Government, which enacted the law on the N18,000 minimum wage, is itself yet to come to terms with its payment. This is aside the fact that of all the 36 state governments, only Lagos State has successfully paid the wage increase. Only a few days ago, all the states of the South East came out with a communiqué to the effect that payment of the N18, 000 minimum wage by them was not feasible.

With pains, this administration made it known to the labour leaders that, unless government’s earnings significantly improved, it would be impossible for it to pay the new minimum wage. For instance, the administration took labour on a journey into Lagos State earnings and informed it that the state’s monthly Internally Generated Revenue alone stands at N20 billion, on the average. Out of this, the state pays its monthly wage bill of N5 billion, which is 25% of its IGR, leaving a substantial portion of its IGR – specifically 75% - and the Statutory Allocation from the Federation Account, to target infrastructural development. Conversely in Oyo State, however, 400% of the state’s IGR will be needed to implement the payment of salaries as demanded by labour.

had paid and currently pays for your “citizenry-centred,” “selfless” public monuments be it a crescent of inter-locking pavements and stones, a lush neighbourhood park, administrative software packages, political workshops and leadership training programmes.

Whatever motives you might assert; true statesmanship is a concept you have lost and currently have no right to claim. Health care remains unaffordable. Your so-called “lowcost” housing estates are too highlypriced to be affordable for low-income earners you claim to build them for. Our roads are still deathtraps, especially in the areas you and your associates would rather not visit save in the wake of disasters that ceaselessly occur in the areas.

This is the moment you validate your promises, ethics and projections of hope and prosperity by the best of dependable deeds and philosophies of human existence. Let this be the moment you offer something more than “life-boat” solutions as lifelines by which we would derive satisfaction of our basic necessities and even the attainment of our most unrealistic fantasies.

Let us see you evaluate and project our given concretes by both an abstract principle and practical deed of statesmanship, that unlike your predecessors, you might get to exact the most practicable outcomes cum solutions to our heartfelt needs.

But if you would rather not foster and establish such statesmanship, very soon, the moments in which you pleasure yourself shall recklessly keel over. Then like our self-exiled, cowardly ex-governors, embattled, fraudulent former legislators et al, you shall get to have a glimpse of that barred existence you despise but that remains the lot of the greedy.

Then, you would need not stare through interstices of grief to know you are sundered by greed.

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However, because of its concern that Oyo State civil servants are the least paid in the South West, the government suggested to labour that it would bend over backwards to pay a wage that would bring the state at par with and which is comparable to other states in the region. As a first step, government offered to pay the Ekiti model salaries to its workforce, an amount higher than what is paid in Osun State.

This will increase the salary of workers by between 45 and 100 %. This will add another N800million to government’s monthly wage bill. That is from N2.9billion to N3.7billion.

In its resolve to avoid industrial unrest, this administration agreed to labour leaders’ demand by paying a one-off N18, 000 minimum wage for the month of May, 2011 only.

Labour has signed accordingly. Government had to withdraw the N640 million that the out-gone government extracted from the money accruing to it from the sale of government quarters, to pay this May salary.

As earlier noted, it is humanly impossible for this administration to continue to pay the N18,000 minimum wage, as there are no more government quarters to sell. May I also add that the money which accrued to government from the sales has been totally depleted. Indeed, the implications of the continued payment of the N18, 000 minimum wage bills are diverse for this government. One of it is that it would permanently castrate government programme. Second, payment of the wage would effectively halt infrastructural development as tarring even a single kilometre of road would be a Herculean task, while provision of healthcare by government to the people would be impossible.

We appeal to labour to exercise patience and understanding with government. They should not allow themselves to be used to undermine this government. Should there be an increment in the earnings of the state government, either through increment in the state’s IGR or increment in the Federal Government’s allocation to states to accommodate the cost of expected wage increase, implementing the N18, 000 minimum wage would be one of the priorities of this government.

We want to thank our traditional rulers, religious leaders, retired permanent secretaries, Heads of Service and community leaders, for their intervention which prevented industrial disharmony in the state.

My dear people of Oyo State, let me reiterate that this government is poised to reposition our dear state, to reform it and transform it. We will tackle decay in infrastructure headlong and bring smiles to the generality of our people.

We are aware of the great expectations of our people from this government and by the grace of God, we will not let you down.

• Governor Ajimobi delivered this address to the people of Oyo state.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION ‘Democracy is in my humble view the best form of government, and the rule of law, man’s triumph against arbitrary use of power.’—Chief Obafemi Awolowo (19091987)

I

N over 50 years of Nigeria’s sovereign existence, the only time the nation could boost of free and fair election was on June 12, 1993 when Nigerians came out to vote for Aare MKO Abiola as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And what was the outcome of that election? The then military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida, a retired military general, with no conscience and for no rational reason annulled that election before he was later forced to step aside as from the high pedestal of a self styled military president on August 27, 1993.

When the next military regime headed by the despotic late Sani Abacha pushed aside the Interim National Government head, Ernest Sonekan, he tried to compellingly transmute into a democratic government until death knocked him off power.

It was during the tenure of Abdul salami Abubakar that an international conspiracy orchestrated by the United Nations during a visit of its secretary-general wiped out Abiola from the surface of the earth. To those that murdered Abiola, that incident marked the end of the political logjam that rocked the country then. But they got it wrong for it marked the beginning of a festering sore that will continue to haunt, hound and cause insomnia to those that benefited from the selfless sacrifice of the symbol of that June 12 democratic struggle.

Between 1999 and 2011 when the supposedly new dawn beckoned, the nation has had three democratic transitions spanning a period of over twelve years. However, in over twelve years of democracy and 18 years after the annulment of the June 12 presidential election, no president has ever deemed it fit to honour the immortal symbol of that struggle.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a kinsman of Abiola from Abeokuta spent eight years in power without ever deeming it fit to honour the man that sacrificed his life so that someone like Obasanjo can get to power. Even when the then national assembly raised a motion to name the Abuja stadium after MKO Abiola, the Balogun Owu led administration circumvented the move. Obasanjo behaved as

T

HIS short article was prompted by an unusual encounter at an executive meeting of the Ihiala Development Forum held at an elegant restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos. I had innocuously suggested that the executive committee pay a courtesy visit to our home state governor, Peter Obi, during which we would say nice, flattering things about his administration and then delve into the heart of the matter: the scandalous state of roads in our town. I had hardly finished when the audience, comprising highly polished and urbane professionals and academics, took umbrage. The response was fierce, truly combative. “Is it not the governor who hates our people with an unmistakable passion?”, the first respondent thundered. “We should not dignify him”.

Every contributor spoke along the same line, illustrating his charge against the state administration with arresting examples. The three persons who led the “uprising” against me are very close to me. Two are successful civil engineers and the third an accomplished architect. It was the first time that any of them has ever disagreed with me so vehemently on any issue, at least not in public.

Ihiala is not just a town in Anambra State.

It is the fourth largest town, after Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha. It became a divisional (now called local government) headquarters in 1966 when Lt Col Emeka Ojukwu was the military governor of the Eastern Region. With the rainy season now set in, you cannot drive from one end of Ihiala to the other unless you have a powerful four-wheel drive. All roads in the place are in shambles—and they belong to the state government. Unlike places like Ogbaru which are marshy and waterlogged, Ihiala is a plain, solid town. In other words, it is by no means expensive to construct a road here or to maintain one.

Last August I raised the question of the deplorable state of roads in my hometown with Gov Obi at the burial in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, of the mother- in- law of the brilliant immediate past governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chukwuma Soludo. Gov Obi came to Soludo’s private residence with his wife, and I with my own wife. As we four sat alone with Soludo, I brought up the matter. His Excellency did not say anything concrete. About three days earlier when we ran into each other at Owerri

Is Nigeria fair to 1MKO Abiola?

•M.K.O. if Abiola never existed even though he was the pioneer beneficiary of the toil of that symbol of democratic rule in the country.

Late President Umaru YarÁdua also ignored the importance and significance of Abiola and the symbolism of June 12, 1993 election as watershed of democratic struggles in the nation.

So far, President Goodluck Jonathan has not shown any interest or deep understanding of the significance of that annulled election date.

Any reasonable and studious student of his-

tory will recollect that Abiola’s election was not a regional or sectional thing. He won not only in Yoruba land where he hails from but also in the eastern, northern and other parts of the country. Abiola won in Kano, Imo and Oyo states among others; he also won in the military barracks, the primary constituency of the man that annulled the best and freest elections ever in the annals of this country just because the electorate saw him as a pan African man that genuinely had the interest of the common man at heart. Abiola used his wealth to cater for the common man and actually died in the battle to broaden his horizon of improving the living conditions of the hoi polloi.

During that election, religious, ethnic and tribal sentiments were jettisoned which was quite unheard of in the history of the land.

Nigerians for once came together in unison to elect one good man, Bashorun MKO Abiola, as president of the federation.

He was never sworn-in agents of retrogression then and even successive administrations have carried on as if that important June 12 chapter never existed in the political history of our great country.

What has MKO done to those holding the levers of power at the centre that they all in succession continue to behave as if that fine man never existed? Are previous and present occupants of the seat of power in Aso-Rock not aware that without the political selflessness of Abiola, there probably would not be

Between Peter Obi and Ihiala people

By C. Don Adinuba Airport, I had managed to remind him, even though he was rushing to catch a flight to Abuja, of the poor roads in my place.

Why Anambra’s fourth largest town should suffer acute government neglect is a conundrum. On the way to Isuofia, I saw about three roads constructed by the state government in both Isuofia and Igbo Ukwu. Mark you, neither Isuofia nor Igbo Ukwu is yet the headquarters of a local government area, in sharp contrast to Ihiala which has enjoyed the status of a local government headquarters since the past 45 years. Economically, Ihiala is very much ahead of the two towns. The story is not different with regard to population or human capital development.

Even in terms of partisan politics, Gov Obi has compelling reasons not to marginalize Ihiala Town and its people. When he was in desperate need of support from state lawmakers after the 2007 general election when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) once again took control of the state legislature, it was someone from Ihiala who brokered a deal which saw a majority of the lawmakers declare unflinching support for his government.

With the assured support of these legislators, the governor, who was illegally impeached in 2006, did not have to look constantly behind to see who was coming from the back.

In appreciation of the critical legislative endorsement, Gov Obi frequently referred to Chuma Nzeribe, then a member of the House of Representatives who brokered the deal, “the best legislator ever from Anambra State”.

Need we state here that the two members of the state legislature from Ihiala Local Government Area were among the most committed of the lawmakers who, for a whole four years, gave Gov Obi unconditional support?

The third legislator, an Ihiala indigene who represents Ogbaru Two Constituency, has been no less supportive. The three were to abandon the PDP, as they followed the gov-

ernor to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). In the February 6, 2010, gubernatorial election, Ihiala still voted APGA. In fact, the arrowhead of Gov Obi’s controversial victory in the vote is Chuma Nzeribe, then a PDP member who, like most PDP chiefs in the state, worked dedicatedly against their own party during the polls. Nzeribe has since joined APGA, and even sought a seat in the Senate during the April 2011 election. He lost all the way, starting from his own polling booth, in an election everyone considers free, fair and transparent.

There is a pervasive feeling amongst my kinsfolk that Gov Obi is deeply prejudiced against not only Ihiala Town but also against the people in all ten towns which make up Ihiala Local Government Area. Until two years ago, there was no commissioner, no special adviser, no special assistant or personal assistant to the governor from the entire local government area that is perhaps the largest LGA in the state. Not even a parttime member of the board of directors of any government agency! As you are reading this article, the state university located at Uli is being relocated to Igbariam, which is in an entirely different LGA. The state university was conceived and created by Chinwoke Mbadinuju when he was the state governor from 1999 to 2003; the university used to be the state polytechnic.

Mbadinuju later upgraded state School of Agriculture at Igbaraiam to a campus of the university, apparently because his deputy, Chinedu Emeka, is from the catchment area.

Not even the crassest of Mbadinuju’s critics can fail to understand the powerful historical and emotional reasons behind the choice of Uli as the headquarters of the Anambra State University of Technology. Uli was the site of the famous Uli Airport, the airstrip built by Biafran engineers within a couple of weeks during the Nigerian civil war of 1967-

today for them to enjoy?

Why are the powerful men in Nigeria not hearkening to the popular voice of reason and wisdom demanding that Abiola should be post humously declared president of this country? What stops them from naming inauguration day across the federation as MKO Abiola Day? What is bad if they name the national assembly complex or even Aso-Rock as Abiola House?

The truth of the matter is that nobody can obliterate the name of this great Nigerian from the political history book of the nation. Afterall, governments in the south west states at a time under the reactionary People’s Democratic Party (PDP), gave pretentious acknowledgement to the importance of Abiola.

In his home state of Ogun, he had a polytechnic and a stadium named after him. In Lagos and perhaps other south west states, monuments have been named after him. But, the significance of Abiola as it relates to democratic struggle in the land should not under any circumstances be regionalised. Abiola fought for the liberation of all Nigerians from military yoke and oppression irrespective of tribal or ethnic affiliations. The people stood by him but his elite friends not only diminished but denied him the mandate freely given to him by 14 million Nigerians on June 12, 1993.

Even among the progressive Nigerian elites, whether from the south west or the north, the question must be asked; how many still relate with the legacy left behind by the late democratic icon?

It is sad that Nigerians and Nigeria are fast losing their sense of history. Eighteen years after that inhuman annulment by Babangida, it is unfortunate that not only are most of the elites in power pretending as if nothing happened; even students in higher institutions today lack better grasp of what actually transpired at that period. It is too bad to contemplate that such is happening within less than two decades of such monumental occurrence.

On the Abiola issue, it is officially so far, so bad as no semblance of acknowledgement and appreciation have been shown by those enjoying the fruits of his toil today. It is not late in the day an issue for President Jonathan to address for it is better late than never. Nigeria indeed has not been fair to Bashorun MKO Abiola and history will not forgive those that are behind this historical aberration. That is the truth.

70; planes were taking off and landing at the airport in the dead of the night without runway lights. Therefore, Uli, in a sense, is a metaphor for the Blackman’s ingenuity, which Biafra represents.

Gov Obi has in the last few weeks done a media binge to boost his reputation. The April 2011 election in the state was more or less a referendum on his government. The outcome is rather ominous. Not surprising.

A few days to last year’s gubernatorial vote in Anambra State, construction equipment and plants were mobilized on all major roads in Ihiala, including the one leading to the palace of the traditional ruler, Igwe Cosmas Okechukwu, a former professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The moment the electoral commission proclaimed Obi the winner of the election, all the equipment disappeared. I am told different communities in the state have similar experiences. No wonder, the Catholic Church, which hitherto formed the bulwark of Obi’s support vanguard, has since parted ways with him.

The best form of propaganda, as every highminded student of communication science acknowledges, is to do the right thing. The examples of Obi’s counterparts in Lagos, Enugu and Rivers states eloquently demonstrate the wisdom of this truism. Fixing the roads in Ihiala and elsewhere in the state is no rocket science. And it does not call for a mindless propaganda war.

Adinuba is head of Discovery Public Affairs Consulting.

‘The response was fierce, truly combative. “Is it not the governor who hates our people with an unmistakable passion?”, the first respondent thundered. “We should not dignify him”. Every contributor spoke along the same line, illustrating his charge against the state administration with arresting examples’

NFF won’t interfere in Siasia, Odemwingie row

Pg. 41

AHEAD OF LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS

Vijana Stars arrive today for Dream Team V

Pg. 42

Nation Friday, June 17, 2011

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PAGE 23

Don’t sell Osaze Pg. 24

•Osaze

—Ivanisevic AFRICAN BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

South Africa can’t stop Pg. 24 Beach Eagles —Olawale

Leicester City may ditch Yakubu

Pg. 24

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

24

NATION SPORT Rosell: Fabregas worth less than last year BARCELONA tried to bring back its former youth player during the offseason last year, but Arsenal refused to sell.

Rosell said Thursday that “if last summer we offered C40 million ($56.55 million) for Cesc, and since then there has been wear and tear, now he's worth less.”

Spain midfielder Fabregas said Wednesday he has left any decision on his future to Arsenal, while adding that “Barca is the best team in the world and going there guarantees titles.”

Barcelona, which has a transfer budget of about C45 million, has also been linked to Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi.

Mourinho’s ban appeal set for July 29 REAL MADRID's appeal against the three-match ban handed to coach Jose Mourinho for his comments after the first leg of Real's Champions League semi-final defeat by Barcelona will be heard on July 29, UEFA confirmed on Thursday.

European football's governing body gave a three-match European ban to Mourinho, with one match suspended, after he made allegations of favouritism towards Barcelona during the April 27 game.

Barca won the first leg 2-0 at Real's Santiago Bernabeu stadium before a 11 draw in the return leg took them into the final, where they beat Manchester United.

Mourinho has already completed one match of his ban, having watched the second leg of the Barcelona tie in a hotel room. He was also ordered to pay a 50,000-euro (72,000 dollars) fine

by UEFA.

41

NATION SPORT AFRICAN BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

South Africa can’t stop Beach Eagles –Olawale

C

APTAIN of Nigeria’s national beach team, Super Sand Eagles, Isiaka Olawale has expressed optimism of beating South Africa today in their second Group B match of the on-going African Beach Soccer Championship, holding in Casablanca, Morocco. The match takes place at the Abu Diab Beach by 5 pm.

In a telephone chat with NationSport after leading the team to a 5-3 victory over Madagascar in their first game on Wednesday, Olawale believes their next opponent will not pose much threat to the title aspiration of Nigeria.

“Our match against Madagascar was a very tough one as they gave us a fight but we thank God we won at the end of the day which is the most important thing,” begins the Kwara United midfielder.

“We thank God that we have started on the winning note and our attention is now shifted to the next game against South Africa. I can assure you that the South Africans do not have what it takes to stop the firing powers of our strikers. Our aim is to bring the trophy back to Nigeria and South Africa can not stop us,” he said.

The participating teams in the tournament will play each other on a round-robin format, with the winners of each group and the best runner-up

By Akeem Lawal advancing to the knockout round.

The winners of the knockout round will progress to the Final with the losers squaring in the battle for bronze.

The finalists will represent Africa at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup scheduled for Ravenna, Italy in September.

Nigeria and Ivory Coast were the continent’s representatives at the previous tournament, held in 2009 in the United Arab Emirates.

•Olawale

NFF won’t interfere Don't sell Osaze, Ivanisevic in Siasia, Osaze row cautions West Brom N

G

ORAN IVANISEVIC, Croatian Tennis legend and West Brom fan, interviewed by Sports Express Russia shared his thoughts on the ex Locomotiv Moscow forward,

Osaze Odemwingie.

Ivanisevic says West Brom are usually forced to sell players to keep their books balanced, but he does not want the Baggies to sell their Nigerian

Dynamo Kiev fines Ayila for losing matches

D

YNAMO KIEV midfielder Ayila Yussuf has told the BBC about the harsh realities with which he had to face at the club. Kiev fine players every time they lose matches. ''It's really difficult in Dynamo," the Nigerian international said. "If you're there you always want to win, because if you lose they take it out of your salary.

At first, I protested but other players told me that everyone pays for losing here.

"So you see the players fighting on the pitch for two major reasons: to win and keep our money in our pockets.You don't get paid for a difficult home or away draw, so at the club it's all about winning and nothing else.

"Generally people understand that in sport you win, lose or draw but at this

club winning is the only language they understand."

Ayila, who attracted interest from Bordeaux last summer, becomes a free agent in December.

talisman, Osaze Odemwingie. ''In West Bromwich from year to year repeats the same situation: as soon as the player manifests himself, (they are) immediately forced to sell for good money, so the club could stay afloat. ''I would not want the same thing to happen with the guy (Odemwingie, Ed) you are talking about. However, the present composition is generally very even battle-worthy, and that the players have proved in the last championship , '' says Ivanisevic.

It was reported in 2001 that Ivanisevic, the first and only wild card player to win Wimbledon, wanted to sign for Hajduk but he only trained with the club and did not participate in official games.

IGERIA Football Federation (NFF) president Aminu Maigari says the Glass House will only try to convince Samson Siasia to get striker Osaze Odemwingie back to the team, but will not compel the coach to do anything.

Odemwingie was axed from the squad since leaving without permission, with the issue escalated by constant media suggestions of a rift.

Siasia has insisted that the forward's way back in will be to tender an apology, something Odemwingie has so far shown no signs of doing.

Maigari said: “I know that Nigerians will not want a situation where players will become bigger than their coach because the relationship between coaches and players is like father and son relationship.

Leicester City may ditch Yakubu

L

EICESTER CITY may jettison their bid to sign Yakubu Aiyegbeni as they grow increasingly frustrated at the Nigerian striker's reluctance to commit to a transfer.

City have agreed a fee with Premier League club Everton for the 28-year-old, believed to be around £3million.

However, Yakubu is stalling over the offer because he is reluctant to drop down permanently into the Championship.

City are now considering whether to proceed with their attempts to sign him or switch the funds to other areas of their squad rebuilding this summer.

Everton manager David Moyes is eager to off-load his former record signing, along with fellow Nigerian

Joseph Yobo, in order to finance a move for winger Charles N'Zogbia from Wigan.

After scoring 11 goals in 20 appearances while on loan with City last season, and after missing out on Marlon King, who is a similar style of striker, City were set to proceed with the deal for Yakubu.

But his stalling as he waits for other offers has given City time to re-examine their options.

Turkish side Fenerbahce are now said to be the front runners for Yakubu's signature, but City may still decide to try to make the player commit.

City have plenty of other striking options, with a bid for Bristol City's Nicky Maynard imminent and talks with free agent David Nugent proceeding.

However, negotiations with Nugent's representatives are not as advanced as has been reported elsewhere. The former Portsmouth and England striker has not yet committed himself to City and is still considering other options.

It is believed another former loanee, Diomansy Kamara, is no longer on City's radar.

After missing out on Jeffrey Bruma, who has joined Hamburg on a twoyear loan deal, City boss SvenGoran Eriksson is still hopeful of bringing back former loanees Ben Mee, from Manchester City, and Patrick Van Aanholt, from Chelsea.

City have confirmed that defender Michael Lamey has left the club by mutual consent and is expected to complete his move to Polish side Wisla Krakow.

•Yakubu

•Mourinho

Gervinho agrees Arsenal move COTE D’IVOIRE international Gervinho has agreed to join Arsenal on a four-year contract from French champions Lille.

The exciting forward has agreed personal terms with the London Gunners, who will shell over 10 million pounds for his services.

The transfer is expected to be made official by the end of this week.

The future of the 24-year-old Gervais Yao Kouassi has been open to speculations after another great season for both player and club.

He netted 18 goals and made 10 assists in 43 appearances as Lille won the league and cup double in France this past season.

He featured for his country at the football event of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has been a full international since 2007.

•Venus

recently, reaching the Birmingham final last week. She advances to her third semifinal in her last four events.

Williams will aim for her sixth Wimbledon title when the tournament begins on Monday.

The American played her first event in five months since retiring with hip and abdominal injuries during the Australian Open in January.

Hantuchova dominated the listless Williams in the first set, serving well, playing aggressively and showing confidence in going for the lines.

The former No. 5-ranked Slovak broke in the third game after Williams doublefaulted and then made a backhand error.

She broke again to lead 5-2 with a superbly struck backhand pass down the line.

Williams offered a brief challenge as Hantuchova served for the set but failed to convert three break points. Hantuchova closed out the set with a crosscourt winner.

Hantuchova held a break point in the second set to lead 5-3. But she hit a ball down the line that landed wide, and Williams went on to break for 4-4 when her return clipped the net and fell in her favor.

V

VV VENLO star Ahmed Musa has teamed up with Nigeria’s Olympic team, the Dream Team V, ahead of Saturday’s qualifier against Tanzania.

Musa hit the Benin City camp of the Olympic team Wednesday afternoon and his arrival will most certainly be a cheering piece of news for a team hit by several injuries.

“I am excited to be here. I have been speaking with the coach. I am here for business and I’m good to go,” said the 18year-old forward, who has featured for the Super Eagles as well as the country’s Under-20 team.

There were initial doubts about the fitness of the player, but he is now expected to begin training with the team on Thursday.

Musa’s arrival has swelled the number of players in camp to 26.

Coach Austin Eguavoen is expected to drop some players after the team’s last training on Friday.

Tanzania are defending a 1-0 home win from the first leg qualifier a fortnight ago.

L

AST WEEK, the Nigerian and Lillestrom striker Edwin Eziyodawe was operated on and has been ruled out of action for at least six months, reports Aftenposten.no .

Eziyodawe is part of an impressive Nigerian quartet at the Norwegian Premier Division club. In recent times, Eziyodawe, who showed so much promise at the beginning of his Lillestrom career, has failed to establish himself in the squad because of the emergence of a certain Anthony Ujah. ''Injuries are part of the game, and I'll get back on the football field. Unless the goal is to play for Barcelona, so it is in any case to play for a bigger club than Lillestrom ,'' says Eziyodawe.

Algeria Tiger’s absence a Venus loses in 3 sets at Eastbourne WILLIAMS lost to Daniela Hantuchova had previously won only Ballack's Germany career over boost for McIlroy VENUS Hantuchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 Thursday in the two sets in 10 previous meetings with shortlist five for quarterfinals at Eastbourne.

Venus. But she has been in good form Her defeat comes a day after sister Serena Williams lost to top-seeded Vera Zvonareva. Both sisters are returning from lengthy injury breaks.

Dream Team return excites Ahmed Musa

Edwin Eziyodawe out for Six Months

Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports

RORY MCILROY believes the absence of Tiger Woods from this year's US Open will give a confidence boost to the rest of the field.

Speaking ahead of Thursday's opening round at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, the 22-yearold Northern Irishman said Woods' withdrawal from the event with knee and Achilles injuries was a blow for the organisers.

But he also said the fact the three-time champion was not in the field would give some players yet to claim a major a shot of confidence.

'It's obviously not great for the golf tournament - it would have been great to see him play,' McIlroy said.

'But I suppose it leaves the door a little bit open for a few of the guys.'

'Every time you have Tiger in the field you've got to think that he's going to have a good chance.'

'To have one of the main contenders not here gives the rest of us a little bit more of a chance.'

Despite the fact Woods missing the tournament would give his own chances a boost, McIlroy said he hoped the former world number one - who is now ranked 15th - was back in action soon.

“So, I have mandated the technical committee to find a way of resolving the face-off.”

Odemwingie is currently on holidays in Miami, Florida and is expected back in Nigeria at the end of June.

coaching job

FORMER FRANCE tactician Raymond Domenech is prominent among five coaches shortlisted for the Algeria coaching job.

According to a statement from the Algeria Football Federation, applications are still being accepted from prospective candidates until June 20.

The Desert Foxes have been without a coach since June 5, after former trainer Abdelhak Benchikha resigned following a 40 defeat to rivals Morocco.

Although the FAF has not revealed the front runners in the race, Domenech's advisors, the Laminak Conseil agency, said that the FA has been in contact with their client.

"Domenech has indeed been approached over the possibility of his being taken on by the Algerian federation," the BBC quoted a statement from the agency. "He has not bid for the job. However, Raymond Domenech confirms his affection for Algeria."

GERMANY midfielder Michael Ballack's international career was ended by coach Joachim Loew on Thursday after he told the 34-year-old he was no longer in his plans because of the impact of the squad's younger players.

"The last few months have shown that many young players have stepped into the spotlight and have good prospects," Loew said in a statement.

"After several phone conversations with Michael it is now the time, before the start of the European championship (next year), to have a clear position."

Ballack, who won 98 caps and scored 42 goals since making his debut in 1999, has not played for the national side since March last year after sustaining an ankle injury that forced him to miss last year's World Cup. A gifted leader on the pitch who failed, however, to win a major trophy with Germany, Ballack has been offered to bid farewell against Brazil in a friendly in August.

One of the midfielder's lowest career moments was when he steered Germany into the 2002 World Cup final but missed that match through suspension with Brazil beating them

to win the trophy.

Ballack, who returned to Bayer Leverkusen last year from Chelsea, also captained Germany to the 2008 Euro final where they lost to Spain.

"Michael Ballack was a leading player in the team for a decade and he has a large share in the team's success since the 2002 World Cup," Loew added.

•Ballack

Man United will rebuild again –Scholes PAUL SCHOLES has full faith in Sir Alex Ferguson's ability to build yet another successful Manchester United team as the Scot looks to add to his squad to replace the ageing members of his side.

The former England midfielder retired after United’s 3-1 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League Final and will now take up a coaching role at the Red Devils.

However the playmaker does not feel that the legendary manager needs to replace him in the midfield and believes the talent in the youth system could sustain United’s title challenges for years to come.

He told the club's official website: "The manager will know what he needs and if he needs to buy players or he’s happy with what he’s already got. Over the last couple of years he’s not really added that much to it, and if he feels the need to do it now, he’ll do it. He’s built three or four teams now and if he needs to do it again, I’m sure he will.

Malaysia FA says fixers 'destroying' football A TOP Malaysian football official warned on Thursday that match-fixers were "destroying" the sport in the Southeast Asian country which is battling a widening match-fixing scandal.

Azzuddin Ahmad, general secretary of the Football Association of Malaysia, urged the police and the anti-graft body to take action.

"We urge the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate and nail anyone involved in match-fixing.

"They are destroying our football," he said.

Azzuddin also called on individuals involved in corruption to surrender.

"For those who are involved in matchfixing, it is better that you own up before it is too late," he said when asked if more people could be arrested for graft.

Malaysia's national side, which had fallen a long way since the heady days of the 1970s and 1980s when they reached two Olympic Games, made a modest recovery after being crowned ASEAN champions last December.

In the latest incident to tarnish the sport, the MACC detained a Selangor state soccer coach Wednesday over matchfixing during the President's Cup youth tournament for under-20s. He was not identified.

Earlier on Wednesday, authorities charged Singaporean R.K. Rajendran, a bookie, with match-fixing in connection with the same tournament.

Another football coach from Negeri Sembilan state, Yusarman Yusof, was charged with match-fixing early this month.

He pleaded not guilty to giving 24,900 ringgit ($8,200) as bribes to 11 players between April 19 and 22.

Azzuddin said he hoped the sport would not see a repeat of an infamous 1994 case when more than 100 players including national footballers were suspended and banned for match-fixing.

"Hopefully it will not be a repeat of the 1994 ugly episode," he said.

"I feel very sad and disappointed that after all our efforts to improve our football, corruption has crept into the sport," Azzuddin added.

Eto'o ponders EPL move SAMUEL ETO'O said on Thursday he was considering a move from Inter Milan to the Premier League.

"The Premier League is an idea I've been thinking about for some time," Italian media reported Eto'o as saying in a television interview in Cameroon.

"The question is deciding on the right club. I've had offers from top teams but I still have to see if I'd be able to integrate into the sides."

The Cameroon striker's remarks are likely to cause consternation in Milan, coming after similar comments from Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder and the reported imminent departure of coach Leonardo to take up a director's position at Paris St Germain.

Eto'o, who has three years left on his contract, said his choice would not be based on financial reasons.

"I have a month's holiday to decide what to do," said the former Barcelona striker, who scored 37 goals in all competitions in his second season in Italy. "I'm 30 and it's my last big chance so I want to be certain whether I should stay or go.

"The next transfer won't be about proving myself or earning an extra 100 euro or 200,000 euro more.

Throughout my career, I've always thought first about being happy in the city I'm in, playing in a good club and enjoying myself."

Last week, Sneijder admitted he was not sure of staying at last season's Champions League winners after a disappointing second season at the San Siro when Inter failed to win the scudetto for the first time in six years.

"Only God will decide where my future lies," the Dutch midfielder told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I can be certain of one thing: if I remain at Inter, then I will give my all to win everything again."

According to reports in Italy, Leonardo, who led Inter to Coppa Italia success and second place in Serie A after taking over from Rafa Benitez mid-season, had the weekend to mull over an offer to become sporting director of former club PSG on Thursday.

•Eto'o

Redknapp slams Chelsea bid for Modric TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR manager Harry Redknapp believes that Chelsea's £22 million bid to sign midfielder Luka Modric is ‘ridiculous’.

Modric has been the subject of much transfer speculation all summer with both the Stamford Bridge club and Manchester United touted as possible destinations for the Croatian international.

Tottenham’s failure to qualify for the

•Redknapp

Champions League had cast doubt on whether they would be able to keep hold of their key players such as Modric and Gareth Bale.

However, these claims have rubbished by the former Portsmouth manager as he looks to keep his best players with Spurs aiming to challenge for Champions League football again next season.

Redknapp told the BBC: "Luka is not for sale. If there has been a bid of £22m that is ridiculous. There are people being sold for £20m who are not fit to lace Luka's boots."

Spurs sources had earlier told Goal.com that chairman Daniel Levy has "no intention" of caving in to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic, and is "adamant" that Modric will not be sold at any price.

Modric played a pivotal role in helping Spurs reach the quarter-final stage of the Champions League in their debut season in the competition.

The midfielder has made 119 appearances for Harry Redknapp’s side since joining in the summer of 2008 scoring 12 times.

CRIME

EXCITEMENT

Southsouth economic cooperation takes off

Police recover stolen vehicle

Communities relish infrastructure upgrade

Cross River

.

PACT

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Lagos

38

Anambra

39

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2011

Page 25

‘Expose children to culture’

A

CASE has been made for the young at heart to be exposed to their culture.

The proprietor of Pages International School (PIS), Effurun-Warri, Delta State, Mrs. Yakubu Elizabeth advised that parents ensure their children are properly acquainted with their cultural values and traditions.

She gave the advice while speaking at a colourful cultural day on which pupils and teachers dumped their uniforms and usual outfits for the flamboyant traditional attires that reflect the dressing pattern of their various ethnic groups.

The serene atmosphere of the environment was abuzz with

Children go cultural

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

sounds of traditional African drums, gongs and flutes as the school celebrated Nigeria’s rich culture .

A foremost educationist and proprietor of PIS, Mrs. Yakubu Elizabeth, in her welcome address, said the carnival was to keep the school’s pupils, who are between two years of age and 10, in touch with the culture and traditional of their forebears.

She expressed deep concern over the gradual decline of much of the nation’s rich cultural heritage because of the so-called civilisation and modernity, stressing that the better part of the history and a

good part of the children’s profile are being jettisoned.

She lamented that young Nigerian children no longer have any knowledge of where they hail from.

She added: “It is a worse scenario when one’s parents are from different ethnic groups. The growing trend where parents only communicate with their children in the English language, ostensibly to show that they are learned and civilised is worrisome. This craze, not only ends up detribalising the children who themselves end up not being able to communicate in their local languages. She said this is also injurioustothechild’stotalidentity.

Continued on Page 27

Royal fathers hail Oshiomhole’s projects Monarchs promise support

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s efforts in infrastructural renewal have been praised by traditional rulersinthestate.

Monarchs who normally prefer tospeakinparables,thistimechose to speak plainly so that their message will not be confused by those who may find their parables so difficult to understand. From Edo South to Edo Central to Edo North, the royal father’s message is thesame:“WewantOshiomholeto return in 2012 to complete the good workshehasbegun.”

Starting with His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, the message was clear on the endorsement of the Comrade Governor.

Speaking during the presentation of the House of Assembly members-elect from EdoSouthtohiminhispalacebythe governor, the royal father said: “Your Excellency, I congratulate you and your winners. The news said your party won nineteen for the House of Assembly against five for PDP (Peoples Democratic Party). I however felt sad that the Speaker lost out, although I read thatheisgoingtothetribunal.

“Anyway, keep it going on, Your Excellency. We thank God for all of you,thoseofyouwhowon,arewith him for 2012. With this group, we are sure that you will keep the flag

Oshiomhole (right) greeting His Royal Majesty, Omo n’oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin at his palace

By Eric Ikhilae

flying.”

In an earlier endorsement, during the presentation of the Senator and members-elect of the House of Representatives from Edo South to him by the Governor, the royal

father said: “In 2012, when you go forre-election,alltheseyourpeople will make sure that you come back again.

“They must all work together to bringyouinagain.Thankyou,Your Excellency, for what you are doing

inBeninCityandforthis‘thankyou’ visit.”

His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin was not alone in his endorsement of Comrade Oshiomhole. The Eidenojie of Uromi, Zaiki Anslem Ehizojie did

not mince words too when he declared: support for Oshiomhole.

Speaking during one of the campaign visits to his palace, he said:“YourExcellency,Irefertoyou asanaccomplishedsonofUromi.

Continued on Page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

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Beneficiaries protest suspension of 10,000 jobs

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ENEFICIARIES of the 10,000 jobs scheme in Imo State have carried out a protest in Owerri following the suspension of the project by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

The protest is coming barely 24 hours after his broadcast to the people of the state.

The protesters, in their large numbers, stormed the state House of Assembly Complex singing songs such as “Ohakim

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

is better, Rochas is worst”. “Ohakim should come back”. Rochas should go.”

They were refused entry into the complex by security agents due to the inauguration of the House of Assembly members.

But a minor drama played out when the protesters barricaded the main gate leading to the Assembly Complex thereby preventing the Deputy Governor Mr. Jude

If the step the government has taken would bring transformation in the system, it would be acceptable. But a situation where the entire process will lead to retrenching everybody would be condemnable to Imo people

Agbaso from gaining entry to the Complex. It took the intervention of security personnel before he could be allowed entry to the premises of the Assembly.

The blocking of the Deputy GovernorSpeaker lasted for few minutes before he came down from his official car to address the raging protesters.

Initially it was difficult for him to address the angry youths as they were chanting songs creating negative impression against the present administration. However, he told them that government has not taken away the jobs of any body as was wrongly interpreted.

He assured them that government took the action to enable it review the entire process and ascertain the way and manner the exercise was carried out.

A beneficiary who preferred not to be named said that “if the step the government has taken would bring transformation in the system, it would be acceptable.

But a situation where the entire process will lead to retrenching everybody would be condemnable to Imo people.”

Recall that the last administration, few

•Okorocha

weeks to its expiration, directed issuance of employment certificates to all the applicants, a move which has been described as detrimental to the present administration.

Royal fathers hail Oshiomhole’s projects •Continued from Page 25 “We are very proud of you; we are very proud of your developmental efforts. I pray for you always that God in his infinite mercies will continue to protect and guide you so that you will deliver total dividends of democracy.

“When you visited me in 2007 for campaign and I passionately appealed to you that when you eventually become Governor you should not forget Uromi and should not say Uromi has been in the mainstream of Nigerian politics, and for that reason you won’t bother yourself about them.

“I am very sure that Uromi people all over the world are proud of the projects that you have attracted to Uromiland. Your Excellency, if someone says you have not put gold on the streets of Uromi, he should not be taken seriously. That person should be ignored.

“If what one government could not achieve in ten years, and in only two years you are doing it, then we should thank God for giving you to Edo State. I want to assure Your Excellency that myself and the people of Uromi will continue to support you and we will vote en masse for you.”

Just as the Uromi royal father gave his unflinching endorsement, so did the Onojie of Igueben.

“We have absolute confidence in your government,” he said. “Your Excellency, achievements speak loud for you. In 2012 for your reelection, we believe that if you continue at this rate, what we are hearing and witnessing in Lagos will be a child’s play and these achievements will continue to live and speak after your tenure. So we urge you to continue in that stead.

We are grateful, we are happy for the roads being constructed in our local government: the Udo-Igueben road; Ewohinmi-Igueben road; a secondary school here is going on. However we are asking that more of such model schools be established in this local government because we are a young local government and will want to catch up with others. I tell my people that the Comrade Governor is equal to the task of developing the local government because we associate our governor with successes.

“We heard that you have awarded the contract for erosion control in Benin. We all have our children in Benin so we are fully part of that programme and we support you because we know that if Benin is taken care of as you told us in the past, then you’ll have little to do in our local government and other local governments. As the tradition ruler, I know that you have the support of Igueben Local Government already because your projects are already speaking for you. We thank you and pray that you’ll continue to work as you have been working.”

For the Onojie of Ekpoma, Abumere II, the message remains the same. He said: “I want to use this opportunity to thank you very much

•Oshiomhole and Ogirrua of Irrua, William Momodu II at his palace for the kind of heart you have. To get a leader is always very difficult, but when you get one you’ll know. I know several occasions that I met with you, if you will remember. I always tell you that I appreciate you because it’s very rare to get a leader like you. I know that this success is also a contribution of the party leaders and the people that are working with you.

You are somebody who says something and does it. I will appeal to you, Nigeria is for all of us, your voice might not be loud enough but I want you to continue to talk. A lot of people are watching, they know the right thing, everybody knows the truth, but I pray that God will one day raise up people who are like you that will deliver the people from poverty.

You are mentioning the things you have done in Ekpoma, Esan West, but you did not mention everything; you just mentioned only a few of them. You don’t need to mention the transformers, because you brought transformers in many places, everywhere.

“On two occasions you came here and some communities were asking for transformers and you promised those transformers and immediately they were delivered and those communities are very happy today. The borehole you sank, thank God that water is coming out now. The impression they gave us was that it is impossible to get water in Ekpoma, but we thank God that water is coming out and I know this will go a long way to help us. I want you to know that you are the

governor of Edo State. We will give you all the support to make you succeed because I have seen the kind of man that you are. You are somebody, what Esan call, Akhuamen. If you look at the public schools in Edo State, you will discover that population is increasing. Before, if you went to a classroom, the population was not more than 10,000 students but now I saw students are happy; they now have atmosphere conducive to learning. These students are the children of Edo State, they are the future of tomorrow. You have already made an impact on them, you have touched their lives to know that there is somebody who is ready to better the lives of Edo State.

As far as I’m concerned as the Onojie of Ekpoma, it is high time for us Nigerians to call a spade a spade. That is the only way for this country to move forward. If people continue to look for prosperity and don’t say things the way they are, it will not augur well for this country. That is why I say please, continue to say it, One Man, One Vote. Continue to show example for good leadership so that others will copy you. If you tell somebody the truth, he might not be happy, but when he gets home, he thinks over it, he will say this man told me the truth. It is

not automatic, but you have started it. God will give you the strength to finish it.”

The Okagiesan of Esanland and Onogie of Irrua, Alhaji William Momodu on his part declared his support for Oshiomhole thus “I’m not hiding my feelings, I’m in support of what Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is doing in Edo State. In just two years, he has changed the face of governance in the state. Once he says ‘vote for me’, he knows I will vote for him.

“Comrade Goverrnor, the Irrua people say thank you for the good work you are doing, and are expecting you to do more. Have the assurance that we will vote for you. Other people from Esanland will vote for you; we will never forget Oshiomhole, we will never forget Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)”.

THE NATION

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FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

Bishops warn against religious crisis

We are alarmed at this because of happenings in the recent past where political campaigns were staged in the church by ordained priests during worship. They adopt candidates and coerce their gullible members to vote for them, not because they are credible candidates but because they are members of their denomination

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ISHOPS of the Anglican Communion gathered recently at Immanuel Church in the commercial city of Onitsha Anambra State for their second session of the 28th Synod.

The theme of the Synod was “Forgetting what lies behind….I press on” which was read by the new Bishop of the area, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo.

From what played out during the ceremony, it was obvious that the Synod was that of hope not only to the Immanuel Church or its cohost church, Saint Stephen’s Church Onitsha, but also to the entire Anambra State.

Nwokolo used the opportunity provided by the Synod to appoint Mr Nnamdi Ibegbu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) as the new chancellor for the diocese.

He equally announced “our vision for the next 5-10 years” which he said would be establishing a more focused and well coordinated youth ministry in the diocese.

He canvassed a formal training of the clergy in both the traditional theology and pastoral education as well as training in other disciplines including medicine; law; education; engineering; accountancy and management studies.

Furthermore, Bishop Nwokolo disclosed that there would be a formal diocesan policy and common standard on the recruitment of church teachers like would-be priests.

“At present,” Bishop Nwokolo said, “some are critical of the recruitment process as they hold the view that some are unduly favoured.”

Continuing, he said: “In this part of the world, the Anglican Church is the pioneer in Christian Mission and Education in general. Our long-term strategic vision is that under the episcopate of Bishop Owen Niger, we need to reinvent ourselves to regain our lost premier position in education in this state by the year 2020.

“To realise this long-term dream, we need to be making well-planned incremental advances that will enable us to recapture our

•Rev. Nwokolo, wife with women leaders From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

pride of place in education in the state.”

However, what drew the highest applause from the congregation comprising over 1, 000 delegates was the Bishop’s alarm on what he called the apparent introduction of religious politics in Anambra State by politicians.

He said: “We have also noted the claim in some quarters that Anambra State is a Roman Catholic State. The people who are championing this cause are not only naïve and myopic, but are also the enemies of the government of Anambra State.

“We are alarmed at this because of happenings in the recent past where political campaigns were staged in the church by ordained priests during worship. They adopt candidates and coerce their gullible members to vote for them, not because they are credible candidates but because they are members of their denomination.

“Some political parties are also classified as ‘Anglican party’; Roman Catholic party,’ or Pentecostal party. It is unbelievable. This is a dangerous trend which will bring disaster to our state, God forbid.”

Bishop Nwokolo therefore called on the

Anambra State House of Assembly to pass a law proscribing the use of denomination as a denominator in any official and unofficial document of the state.

Furthermore, he called on Governor Peter Obi-led administration to ensure that nothing is done to create religious crises in Anambra State, even as he added that every effort should be made to stem the tide of religious politics because, he said, “it is a dangerous wind that blows no one any good.”

He further advised that the state government should create a level playing ground for the citizens of the state to operate in so that love, peace, justice and unity will reign.

The Synod was attended by over 10 Anglican Bishops from Anambra State and beyond, including Archbishop Emeritus on the Niger Jonathan Onyemelukwe, the new Archbishop and Bishop of Aguata Diocese Christian Efobi, Bishop I.N. Okpala of Nnewi, Ralph Okafor of Ihiala, Paul Udogu from Afikpo in Ebonyi State, Ephraim Ikeakor from Amichi, Alex Ibezim of Awka, among others.

‘Expose children to culture’ •Continued from Page 25

•Clients at the food festival

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HE maiden edition of the food, wine and beverage festival has been held in Lagos.

Sponsored by Honeywell, UTC, Smooth FM and Nutricema, 25 foods, wine and drink vendors from around Lagos participated.

They showcased their food and beverage products. They included UTC stores, Macadams Nigeria Limited, TerraKulture, Rrosalittas, Cheese Cake Express, and a host of others.

Thousand of guests thronged the Muri Okunola Park to savour their delicacies, products and services. The festival provided opportunity for people to savour a wide range of local and foreign delicacies. They were also taken through tutorials on dining etiquette. They were entertained by the fa-

Lagos hosts food festival

By Olukorede Yishau

mous Heartbeat Band.

It was organised by 1421 Limited, a public relations company which has built a niche for itself in lifestyle PR, with speciality in food, arts and fashion.

The festival was well attended by Nigerians and expatriates who were treated to outdoor dining in the serene environment of the park. Vendors were given a chance to interact with their prospective and old clients.

Mr. Tope Sadiq, CEO Freedom Hall Enter-

tainment, expressed his pleasure at the quality of the event “I attend food festivals in both American and Europe and must commend the efforts and the quality of the event,” he said.

When asked what his favourite part of the event was, he confessed it was the African stand which had Zobo, Kunu, Zaki, and Palmwine.

The African section was also filled with local soups and delicacies, like cow leg Nkowbi, Isi-ewu, etc.

While conceding that the African culture is predominantly fetish, Yakubu, a former Head of the Shell Petroleum Company Edjeba Estate School, noted that aspects of the culture that gives “us identity as a people deserve careful preservation and transference to our posterity.”

To this end, she passionately appealed to parents to encourage their children to imbibe their local languages, stressing that the cultural day activities of the school was not just only about the school’s activities but because of concerns about the effect of the current trend on families.

The renowned educationists charged parents to atone for their past failures in the upbringing of their children to appreciate the intrinsic history, cultures and values of old by retracing their steps. She said all parents must see it as their responsibility to ensure that children not only know about the parts of their culture that are not fetish or ungodly but must also encourage them to be proud about them.

The highpoint of the event was cultural displays and recitation of alphabets and numbers in the various local languages by pupils. Recitations were made in Hausa; Yoruba; Igbo; Ijaw; Isoko/Urhobo; Itsekiri and Edo languages and dialects respectively.

The young Ijaw cultural troupe easily stole the hearts of dozens of parents who witnessed the carnival when they rode in an improvised fishing boat complete with fishing gears as cast nets, baskets and hooks. The young ‘fishermen’ also showed off their knowledge of their fishing skills by going through the motion of how the items are used.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

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Imoke decries spate of deforestation

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•Imoke

ROSS River State Governor Liyel Imoke has raised an alarm over the spate of destruction of forest in the state saying , the state will go without any natural habitats in less than 20 years if the trend continues.

Imoke made this revelation at Ogoja while flagging off the 2011 tree planting campaign in the state.

Imoke who made the shocking revelation through his deputy, Mr Efiok Cobham, said the state was naturally blessed with abundant forest reserves but this has been consistently destroyed by loggers who arbitrarily cut down trees without planting new ones.

“The streams are drying up, we are

NDE organises workshop for beneficiaries of self-employment scheme

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HE National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has organised a workshop for 50 beneficiaries of Business Ownership Scheme from 10 states in the southern part of the country including Abuja on the need to manage their businesses well and also help to employ others.

Speaking at the workshop at Abia State NYSC Camp, Item in Bende Council Area of the state, the Director-General of NDE, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, who was represented by the Director of Public Works, Engr Nnamdi Udoh, advised the participants to make use of the training as it is the first of its kind.

Mohammed said that his directorate is determined to create employment for the teeming youths in the country, as directed by the President Goodluck Jonathan, that his administration will initiate new jobs with SEED funding of N50 billion and that it has been provided in this year’s budget.

He said: “In our renewed effort to implement

Abia From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

the policy thrust of government on employment, we have signed a memorandum with an organisation to provide employment for 100,000 graduates of tertiary institutions in the country within the next three years”.

The DG continued, “The main objective is to facilitate the generation of mass employment opportunities for the graduates of tertiary institutions as well as enhance the provision of financial services to millions of Nigerians who currently are not covered”.

He noted that the workshop which is based on increasing access to financial services, will help Nigerians to have financial services, “the beneficiaries will be provided with all they need to succeed like a kiosk which will be fully equipped for the services they will be rendering to their clients”.

Zamfara Assembly okays N5b loan

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HE Zamfara State House of Assembly has approved Governor Abdulaziz Yari’s request to secure a N5 billion loan from a commercial bank to finance some development projects.

The Majority Leader, Alhaji Salisu Musa, representing Tsafe East, who moved the motion for the approval, said the loan would enable government finance projects that were relevant to the people. He said the projects were some of the governor’s campaign promises to the people, and were expected to be implemented within his 100 days in office.

Musa explained that the projects were aimed at moving the state forward and improving the living condition of the people.

He said the loan would be used to complete the construction of Gusau Ring Road and enhance water supply within Gusau metropolis as well as other major towns in the state.

Musa said government would pay for the supply of 27,000 metric tonnes of fertilisers, to be sold to farmers at a subsidised rate of N1,000 per bag. He added that government also planned to improve on students feeding in boarding secondary schools. The majority leader said vehicles would be purchased for government functionaries, while government offices would be renovated.

Sylva inaugurates health centre ORRIED by the prevalence of mosquitoes and the danger this poses to the health of the residents of Bayelsa state, Governor Timipre Sylva , has promised insecticide treated bed nets to every household in the state.

Sylva made the promise at the flag-off of the first phase of year 2011 maternal, newborn and child health week and inauguration of a comprehensive health centre at Igbogene Community in Yenagoa, the state capital. He said the campaign for the distribution of the nets will be done on a larger scale in collaboration with the National Malaria Control Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health.

According to him, “the procurement of over one million Long Lasting Nets (LLNs) implies that insecticide-treated bed nets will be available to every household in Bayelsa State this year”.

Cross River

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From Kunle Johnson Calanar

experiencing hotter weather than before, windstorm is wreaking more havoc than we have ever experienced, let me tell you that if we continue to live the way we are living, we do not have a future because in the next 20 years, we shall have no more natural habitats and that means no food because the animals and the fishes would be finished”. the governor declared.

He said the theme for the 2011 tree planting: Tree Planting and Climate Change, is aimed at planting five million trees across the state and called everyone in the state to at least plant and nurture two trees. “We started the campaign in Akamkpa forest in 2009, to increase our climate change mitigation activity because living in harmony with nature cannot be compromised, because our very essence comes from nature”.

According to the governor, the tree planting exercise is to ensure the preservation of indigenous trees which for centuries, have not only served as food for humans, but habitat for the wildlife that abound in the state.

“We are totally committed to this and what ever it costs us, we must ensure that our generations yet unborn have a conducive natural environment” The governor said the anti logging ban will continue to be enforced in the state and called on the chiefs to ensure that they do not connive with loggers to cut down trees “Any chief who colludes with loggers to cut down trees is enemy of the society and government would not take it kindly with such chief when caught.

Mr Edward Ogon, the state Commissioner for Environment who said the venue of the flag off campaign, St Bernard Primary School, Igoli, Ogoja is his Alma-mater, expressed nostalgia for the trees which existed there in the seventies and eighties which have all been cut down.

Anambra State Governor Peter Obi assisting a disabled in one of the wheel chairs he donated during the World Day for the Disabled at the Women Development Centre, Awka.

PHOTO: OBI CLETUS

Southsouth economic cooperation takes off G OVERNORS of South-South states comprising Bayelsa, Rivers, AkwaIbom, Cross River, Edo and Delta states have signed an agreement for the takeoff of a regional economic cooperation under the acronym BRACED BRACED stands for the six states of the region, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom Cross River, Edo and Delta states.

In a communiqué read at the end of their meeting in Port Harcourt, the chairman of the South-South Governor’s Council, Sen. Liyel Imoke said the six states have agreed to establish a regional electric company, and a regional oil and gas company to serve the

Zamfara The motion was seconded by Alhaji Dayyabu Rijiya, a member representing Gusau II Constituency.

The governor had earlier carried out an inspection tour of the House of Assembly complex, as part of efforts to strengthen the relationship between the lawmakers and the executive arm.

Police warn vehicle owners

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HE Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of abandoned vehicles parked at the following police stations to come forward and remove them or risk losing same though auction. They are: Layeni Alaba Police Station Peugeot Saloon car-BW589GGE Okoba Police Station Volkswagen Bus-XD358LSD Alade Police Station Toyota Corolla Car-AB314ABM Volkswagen bus unregistered Ago Police Station One Mercedes Benz-HH977EKY Volkswagen Beetle car – EQ658APP

common interest of the people of the region, noting that steps were being taken to do a feasibility study on them.

He said that in a bid to fast track the process, the second South-South Economic Summit would be held at Asaba, Delta State from October 13 to 15 this year, while a strategic meeting of commissioners of Economic Development, Planning, Finance, Agriculture, Commerce and Industry in the region would be convened within 60 days from date.

According to Imoke, the BRACED Commission headquarters offices would be located in Port Harcourt, and would focus on human capacity development, education, Information and Communications Technology, infrastructural development, agric and investment.

The communiqué, which was signed by the five governors present at the meeting, also affirmed the readiness of the states to work out between now and 2012 an effective mechanism for the re-certification of teachers as part of efforts to encourage teacher training, thus, improving the quality of education.

Senator Imoke, who is the Cross Rivers State Governor, hinted that as a way to ensure that all the states operate on the same pedestal, the BRACED Commission would organise common retreat for commissioners and top functionaries of government and business community, and for the civil service as well.

Briefly • Gully erosion eating deep into the Okene/Auchi/Benin Highway By Jattu Junction in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo. PHOTO : NAN

Obi inspects agro-input centre

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•From left: Sola Fanawopo, Thomson Ayodele and Dr Olajide Damilola during a forum organised by the Initiative for Public Policy Analysis

Cross River

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has said that the N50 million FADAMA Agro-Input Centre at Ufuma will enhance effective harnessing of agricultural potential in the state when completed.

The governor spoke during his inspection visit to the centre at Ufuma in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.

Obi said the centre would provide farmers easy access to farm inputs and tractor services which he said, would increase yield and productivity as well as reduce rural-urban drift.

Furthermore, he announced that government would soon institute a micro credit scheme for women traders as part of its economic empowerment programme.

He therefore, directed the Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Godson Ezenagu, to evaluate the abandoned World Bank Assisted Rice Mill in the area, noting that if revitalised, it would provide a lot of employment opportunities for youths.

He said prudent management of state resources had enabled his government to

Anambra From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

sustain effective rebuilding of all sectors.

Speaking earlier, the member representing Orumba North Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Mr. Romanus Obi, noted that Obi’s administration was the first government to demonstrate genuine commitment in promoting agriculture.

He enjoined the people to appreciate the massive infrastructural development the government had extended to the area.

The State coordinator of FADAMA Three Project, Mr. Chudi Mojekwu, explained that the centre would among other things, provide farmers easy access to modern agro inputs including fertilisers and modern equipment services.

Also the traditional Prime Minister of the community, Chief Ikechukwu Ogudo expressed gratitude to Obi for extending various projects to the area and encouraging them to harness abundant agricultural potential in the community.

Orji’s wife hails Abians THE wife of the Abia State Governor, Mercy Odochi Orji, has thanked the people of the state for the total support they have been giving her husband since he assumed office as the governor of the state.

Speaking with journalists in Umuahia, Mrs Orji said that it was heart-warming that the people gave similar support during the last general election which enabled her husband to win convincingly.

Orji, who was emotional in her speech during the media chat, expressed happiness over the large turnout of the people at the inauguration and thanksgiving of the governor.

She noted that the large crowd was a proof that the people of the state love her husband, “the large turnout of the citizens of the state during the swearing-in, thanksgiving and the clement weather during the ceremony showed the love of God on my husband”.

The governor’s wife assured residents of the state that her husband will deliver on all his campaign promises , especially now that he is no longer encumbered by numerous court cases, which she said, were unnecessary distractions in his first tenure.

RATTAWU holds constitution review conference From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

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HE Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), has picked Anambra State to host its 2011 special delegates constitution review conference holding next week.

The decision to use Anambra by the union according to the state chairman of the group, Prince Emeka Kalu, was as a result of what he called Governor Peter Obi’s legendary conquests.

These, according to him, were believing so much in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by being the first Governor to be impeached and still found his way back to office and moreover, the first person also to seek for the interpretation of the constitution on tenure which he said others had emulated.

Briefing reporters in Awka, Kalu further said that Anambra being the first state to produce the First President of Nigeria in the person of late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and the first state to produce the first Senate President in the country, were other reasons for choosing the state by RATTAWU national leadership.

He said in 2003, what was meant to be a constitutional review was merely harmonisation, adding that time had come for RATTAWU to actually review its constitution.

Bayelsa From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

Governor Sylva added that the state government places high priority on maternal and child health as this will contribute to the attainment of Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5. He noted that during the weeklong programme, residents will enjoy a variety of high–impact low-cost interventions through the existing health facilities and select outreach posts.

“The services include screening for severe malnutrition in children, screening for severe malnutrition, antenatal care, family planning, birth registration, promotion of key household practices such as breast feeding, complementary feeding, hand washing and hygiene, as well as the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets”.

Shortly before inaugurating the new health

Edo agency sinks 12 boreholes

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DO State Rapid Response Agency (EDRRA) said it has sunk 12 boreholes in different communities within three months across the state.

Communities where the boreholes have been sunk included Ogbido, Elele, Ekpoma, Jattu, Iruekpen, Eguaekholor, Usen Iraokhor and Uluoke.

Managing Director of EDRRA, Engr. Jaidu Dako disclosed this in an interview with Newsextra in Benin City.

Engr. Dako said the agency has completed water distribution and reticulation in some of the borehole projects.

He said their target is to drill 40 boreholes across the state before the end of the year.

According to him, “At Ekpoma, we have installed water treatment plant, the water is

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Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin

now very clean. We will achieve the 40 boreholes before the year runs out. It takes us close to a month to drill one borehole in Edo Central because of the terrain.”

“We are also in charge of youth employment scheme. Last year we employed 4000 youths. We have been given directive to employ another 4000 youths. We give them our own in-house orientation and send them to ministries.”

Dako further added that the agency is currently carrying out road rehabilitation across the state.

Delta, Christian body to fight poverty

ELTA State government is to partner with the Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN) on poverty reduction, capacity building and advocacy to ensure good governance.

The state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who made the promise when executive members of CRUDAN paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba, expressed his administration’s commitment to capacity building and poverty reduction.

FERMA pledges good roads in Abia HE Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) engineer in charge of Abia state, Engr. Alexander Mazoya has pledged that his agency will ensure that all the federal roads in the state are maintained for motorists to move freely before the end of the year.

Speaking in Umuahia while conducting journalists round the project sites in the state, Mazoya said that his agency has two ongoing road projects, the Ikot Ekpene-Umuahia road which is almost 80percent completed.

Mazoya said that the construction cost is about N2 billion with drainage and overlay, stressing that they are mainly trying to make the road stronger.

The engineer said that the road which is 31 kilometres, runs from Umuahia to the border between the state and Akwa-Ibom State, “we are determined to repair the failed portions of the road before laying asphalt on the road,”he added.

He assured that the contractors handling the project, Arab Contractors, will deliver the road project before the end of the year, stressing that the contract is expected to be handed over by December, “but I am sure the way they are moving, they will deliver before then,” Mazoya said that he is satisfied with the quality and level of work done by the contractors, adding that (FERMA) monitors the quality of work of the contractors through its laboratory in Enugu, while their engineers also supervise their work as well.

He assured that all the remaining federal roads in the state will soon receive serious attention, “like the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, but we are not going to take all the roads at the same time. However, we are making cases for other roads that belong to the Federal Government in the state”.

The FERMA chief said that another road in the state that begs for attention include Umuahia-Bende-Arochukwu road, “but we

• Sylva centre , Governor Sylva said his administration had begun the renovation, upgrading and construction of model health facilities in all the local government areas in the state.

Abia From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

are working on it and it is almost 60 percent complete and we expect it to be completed by the end of the year as well”.

Mazoya noted that all the bad portions of the road are receiving attention. He said the roads about 24 kilometres long are with drains but without the bridges, saying: “but we are working on all the bridge ends so that once the bridges are completed, laying of asphalt on them will be easier”.

Delta He observed that his administration was ready to collaborate with any institution and association to achieve the goal saying: “The state government is at present collaborating with different bodies in the area of poverty reduction.

“We have different programmes on ground to enhance capacity building but we are ready to collaborate with more bodies or institutions that will help create jobs for our youths,” he said, adding, “We are committed to ensuring good governance for the people”.

Earlier, the Zonal chairman of CRUDAN, Arch-Bishop Eberebor Nze, stated that the association’s mission was to promote Christian holistic development through capacity building and advocacy for good governance.

He explained that the body was ready to collaborate with the government in the areas of agriculture, economic planning, and poverty reduction in order to meet the needs of the people.

“It will be our pleasure to partner with Delta State government in facilitating community needs to bring about development in all areas of the state,” Nze said.

•Chief Operating Officer, Skipper Electricals Nigeria Limited, Mr. Suresh Ballal (left) and Mr. Adewole Afolabi, Managing Partner, Universal Bipolar Consults Ltd, at the 25th anniversary of Skipper, in Ikorodu, Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

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PEOPLE THE NATION

A SIX-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

It was a celebration of literary excellence midweek when the Editorial Board Chairman of The Nation Mr Sam Omatseye, turned 50 . He presented three books: The Crocodile Girl, In Touch and Lion Wind and other poems, to commemorate the event. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

•The celebrator, (second right) with his wife, Fadeke (first right) Chief Harriman and Senator Tinubu presenting the book on Wednesday

H

E is a man with strong views on issues close to his heart. He never shies from them, especially when they bother his country and its people. Last Wednesday when Chairman, Editorial Board, The Nation Sam Omatseye, turned 50 and launched some of his works to commemorate the day, everyone stood to be counted. To them, what more could they do for him than to honour him on his day Many came to share in the joy of the day with him. The guests included politicians and journalists. They trooped into the Agip recital hall of the Muson Centre to celebrate with their friend and mentor who has attained the golden age.

Some of them included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Waziri Tambuwal and his deputy, Sir Emeka Ihedioha; elder statesman Hope Harriman, who was the father of the day and the wife of the former governor of Lagos State, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who chaired the occasion.

Although, governors, especially from the Southwest of the country were unavoidably absent due to the National Council meeting held in Abuja, nevertheless, some of them sent representatives.

Sam the golden boy Omatseye Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, was ably represented by Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry for Information and Strategy, Mrs Ranti Oduntola; Editorial Board Chairman of Thisday Newspaper, Yusuph Olaniyonu, represented the governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Delta State Governor was represented by Dr Hope Eghagha; while Mr Felix Azu, Abia State Liaison Officer in Lagos, represented Governor Theodore Orji.

The roll call included former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba; Ambassador Oladapo Fafowora; former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele; Hon Temi Harriman; three-time member of the

Making waves at 70 Pg 31

House of Representatives, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; ACN gubernatorial candidate in Delta State, Great Ogboru; renowned professor of constitutional law, Prof Itse Sagay; and Mr Steve Shaga; award winning poet, Odia Ofeimum; Chief Olorunfunmi Bashorun and a host of The Nation newspaper family.

Tinubu, who led the opening prayer, prayed that the author be endowed with the wisdom of God as the clocks the golden age. She wished him many more graceful years.

Thereafter, she performed what appeared as her first social function since she became a senator of the Federal Republic. She expressed how delightful she was to share

the occasion with the celebrator. “Omatseye is a very prolific writer whom I hope to be like,” she acknowledged as she welcomed the celebrator to the fold of 50 and wished him a lifetime of happiness and God’s blessings.

In like manner, Tambuwal, said he was elated to be part of the joyous moment. Wishing him many more fruitful years, he explained what a gentleman Omatseye is and how well he has done for himself, those around him and his chosen profession.

There was a beautiful presentation by Adunni Nerfetiti and her crew.

After this, the Managing Director of National Life, Louis Odion, read the author’s citation with the celebrator standing.

According to him, Omatseye was born on June 15, 1961 in Delta State and attended Government College, Ughelli, where his passion for writing was established.

Graduating in 1985 from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), he taught Literature and English during his National Youth Service in Kano.

In 1991, he won the Gordon Fisher prize for journalists and the feature writer prize •Continued on page 30

Akpabio’s wife at 40 Pg 33

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

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SOCIETY

Omatseye at 50 for black journalists in the United States.

He is a two-time winner of the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) columnist of the year. Odion described Omatseye as a creative writer and committed journalist who knows not how to refuse anyone in need. He wrapped up the citation saying: “Talent alone does not make a good writer but where he stands in good and bad.”

Just before the review of the Crocodile Girl

by Maxim Uzoatu, The Nation’s Evelyn Osagie, gave a poetic and artistic presentation to the admiration of the guests.

Uzoatu said: “Once the novelty of the novelist is no longer criticised, it ceases to be a novel.” Praising the author, he said there was no late hour in entering the great world of literature as it has no entry time or expiry date.

“Crocodile Girl has given the world an African epic. The book has more layers than an onion and Alero is the Crocodile Girl.

The language is dreamlike and a worthy extension of D.O.Fagunwa’s work. It is indeed, a novel of commendable admiration.”

Evelyn Osagie again gave another poetic presentation of one of the excerpts of the Lion Wind and other Poems. She did it so brilliantly and got a resounding ovation.

Dr Harry Olufunwa reviewd Lion Wind and other poems. He said the 84-page book comprises 57 poems on nature and environment. Olufunwa also said the categories of the writings were synonymous to the other as they touched on natural phenomenon; individual; identity; situation state of mind; love and God, explaining the intertwining relationship between nature and man.

“He shakes his palms to the patterns of human voice. This collection depicts a large interaction with the natural world-water, wind and blood. The poem comprises tattered visionism like the lion and the wind as they show no mercy to trees, despite soothing, comforting and therapeutic. This marks a distinct stage in Omatseye’s voice.

It is as if he realises he has enough time and opportunity to put down his fertile imagination.

Kunle Ajibade, who reviewed In Touch, a collection of Omatseye’s weekly commentaries, entitled his review “In pursuit of meaning and truth.” He said: “Omatseye’s column has insight and style he is one of those passionate lovers of books and this familiarity with books does not breed content but contentment. He worships on the ‘altar of books’ and there is no doubt that his detailed collection makes him a participant on the side of truth. Omatseye does not spare Nigerians for their docility, lamenting that materialism is now the order of the day.”

Ajibade described how critical the author was of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, portraying him as “one who howls like a dog of politics with a carnal view, “always arguing that we are in a state of terminal ambiguity.

Governor Fashola, in his speech prayed that the life of the celebrator be that of wisdom, depicting his writing as those that have over the years touched on all human lives and the juxtaposition of his works show how creative he is.

He prayed that he grows to be a much steadier and steadfast writer as the days go by.

•Hon Bamidele presenting the book

•Maxim-Uzoatu

•Continued from page 29

• Hon Tambuwal

• Hon Ihedioha

•Mr Alake (right) and Mr Olaniyonu

•Hon Dabiri-Arewa (left) and Hon. Temi Harriman

•Prof Sagay (left) and Senator Ojudu

•Hon Bello

•Miss Osagie (right) leading a performance

•From left: Prof Eghagha and Alhaji Mojeed Jamiu PHOTOS: OMOSEHIN MOSES AND NIYI ADENIRAN

• Aremo Osoba

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

SOCIETY When former General Manager, Lagos State Transport Corporation (LSTC), Dr Tajudeen Bawa Allah turned 70 and a lecture was held on June 2 for him, an array of guests gathered to rejoice with him. Besides, he was honoured for his doggedness and courage which saw him bagging a doctorate degree from the Olabisi Onabanjo University in 2006, 18 years after his retirement. SEYI ODEWALE reports.

Making waves at 70 T was a gathering of public servants.

To add fillip to the event, it was held at the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC) at Magodo, Lagos.

It was a commemorative lecture to honour the General Manager of the defunct Lagos State Transport Corporation (LSTC), Dr Tajudeen Bawa-Allah, who turned 70. He bagged a doctorate degree from the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State in 2006, 18 years after retiring from public service.

As early as 9am dignitaries, friends, relatives and students of Lagos State University School of Transport (LASU), where the celebrator is the Acting Dean, started trooping in for the lecture entitled: “Transport and National Development: Issues, challenges and the way forward,” delivered by Emeritus Professor Michael Filani.

By 11am the National Anthem was recited and was followed by the opening prayer by Mrs Dupe Adegelu to kick off the event. With the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Transportation, Sina Thorpe, serving as the Master of Ceremony, the lecture took off with a welcome address from the former Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC), OOU Prof Samuel Onakomaiya, who eulogised Bawa-Allah for carving a niche for himself in his chosen career.

H e explained how the celebrator chose to pursue another career in academics after retiring from public service as a very senior management officer and how he enrolled for his doctorate degree programme at 55, eight years after retirement.

“Ten years after he enrolled for the programme, Baba bagged his doctorate degree from the university. And this speaks volumes about his doggedness, courage and the fact that nobody should consider himself too old to learn,” he said.

The day according to the former DVC was for celebrating selfless service, education and development. He then prayed for good health, long life and more meaningful service to humanity for the celebrator.

“We are here to give honour to whom it is due. Baba, you and your wife will live up to 100 in good health and happiness. What Badejo has put together for you is worth it, because you deserve the honour,” he said.

Secret of longevity according to him include eating right and eating well. He laid emphasis on eating fruits and vegetables, noting that they make one to remain fresh and young forever.

Reading the celebrator’s citation was Kunle Salami, who described Dr BawaAllah as a man who had dates with destiny going by a number of feats he had recorded.

Born in 1941 to Alhaji Nurudeen Akangbe Disu Bawa-Allah, a textile merchant, who hailed from Ikorodu from the Agun Chieftaincy family of Aga, the young Bawa-Allah journeyed through

life as a premature baby to become a giant sorts in formulating transportation policy for the federal and Lagos State government at large.

All those in attendance spoke glowingly about the celebrator whom they described as a rare gift to Lagos State and humanity. One of them was the guest lecturer, Filani, who referred to BawaAllah as a man of integrity, doggedness and determination.

He said he accepted to deliver the lecture for two reasons: his relationship with the former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Prof Bamidele Badejo, the facilitator of the lecture, who was his student and personal friend and his relationship with the celebrator, whom he called an in-law.

“I decided to accept to give the lecture for two reasons: Badejo is one of my successful students and a personal friend for many years, while the celebrator is my in-law, married to my sister. Apart from what we have heard about him concerning his doggedness, integrity and determination to succeed and not only succeeding, but making others succeed, all these made me to be highly honoured to present the lecture,” he explained.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mr John Oluseyi Coker, recognised contributions made by the celebrator to transportation in Lagos State. According to him Dr Bawa-Allah is an encouragement to younger generations coming behind. “He is indeed, an encouragement to us,” he said. He also described the former commissioner for transport as someone who had done so much for the transportation sector in the state. “We are happy to have not just a professor, but somebody who is tested in transportation business in person of Prof Badejo as the commissioner in the ministry,” he noted.

The Director-General of PSSCD, Mrs Olubunmi Fabanwo, in her remarks praised the celebrator whom he described as one of their own. “You are one of us and we are very happy to be part of this great happening,” she said.

Responding, Dr Bawa-Allah thanked all who came for their thoughtfulness.

He particularly thanked his wife, Alhaja Abibat Bolanle, his four children and the organisers of the event for being there for him and honouring his little contributions to the transportation industry.

Dignitaries present included: Former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Prof Bamidele Badejo; the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr John Oluseyi Coker; Senior Special Assistant on Transportation to Governor Fashola, Mariam Masha; Prof Samuel Onakomaiya; Former Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof Nurudeen Olasupo; Prof Samuel Adetunji Ademiluyi; Mr Young Arebamen; Bolaji Uthman; Deputy Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Hyginus Omeje; General Manager, Lagbus Asset Management Company, Tunmi Disu; Mr Laja Martins and Mr Allen Nwagwu among others.

•Prof Ademiluyi

•Prof Filani

I

•The celebrator, Dr Bawa-Allah flanked by Mrs Fabanwo (right) and Prof Sena Bakare

•Prof Onakomaiya flanked by Mrs Bawa-Allah (left) and Mr Babatunde Adeyemi

•From left: Mr Babatunde Edu and Prof Badejo

•From left: Mr Arebamen and Prof Olasupo

PHOTOS: DAVID ADEJO

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

SOCIETY

When Akpabio’s wife turned 40 In appreciation of her support, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio threw a party to mark the 40th birthday of his wife, Ekaette Unoma in Lagos, last Saturday. It was a glorious event, reports AMIDU ARIJE

T

HE Eko Hotel and Suites was aglow that night. The best of Akwa Ibom culture and tradition was on display as guests trooped into the hotel for the 40th birthday celebration of Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of Governor Godswill Akpabio.

Since her husband came into office in 2007, Mrs Akpabio has been celebrating her birthday out of public glare.

Why did she hug the limelight on her 40th? Was it a subtle way of celebrating her husband’s reelection in the April 26 polls? why did she choose to celebrate in Lagos and not in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital? These were some of the questions agitating the minds of those who have always celebrated her birthday with her.

In the past, Mrs Akpabio celebrated her birthday with the lessprivileged in orphanages and related facilities rather than with

• Owelle Okorocha

•The celebrator and her husband

her family and friends. But she moved the celebration to Lagos for her 40th because of her children who were writing their examinations.

She was surrounded by these children and her husband last

Saturday as she cut her birthday cake before a crowd of well-wishers comprising Deputy Governor Nsima Okere, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Umanah Umanah, former commissioners, board members and local government chairmen, among others.

Imo state Governor Rochas Okorocha and his deputy, Jude Agbaso, were also in attendance.

Akpabio eulogised his wife, describing her as the pillar of the family. He reiterated his love for her and thanked her for bringing God into the family.” Referring to

her as “my chief campaigner,” apparently for the role she played in his re-election in the April 26 polls, Akpabio described her as “a faithful wife, companion, friend and confidant.”

The children also eulogised their mother, thanking her for always being there for them. Mrs Akpabio’s twin brother, Ejike, described his sister as “a wonderful and surpportive sibling.”

Mrs Akpabio appreciated her family, thanking her husband and children for their support over the years.

Members of staff of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals Plc had a mixed feeling of joy and sadness last Friday evening, when it held a send-off dinner at the Chinese Restaurant of the Lagos Airport Hotels, Ikeja. It was in honour of three retiring executive directors. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

The joy of retiring I

T was an evening of celebrating the sacrifices and commitment of three retiring directors of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals: Vice President

Alhaji Zak Momodu; Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, Mr Dona Anochie and its Plant Operations Director, Mr Emmanuel Adefemi. They were retiring after more than three decades of meritious service.

With a small gathering of 25 members of staff, the three men were modestly honoured as a way of thanking them for their sterling services over the years.

It brought back nostalgic feelings, as all the directors went down the memory lane to relay their various encounters— good and bad — in the company.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, in his welcome address, said the significance of the evening was to show that the company was thankful for the substantial contributions and sacrifices rendered the company from the beginning.

He also spoke proudly of the dawning of a new era in the organisation. “Fourteen years ago, we were a company fully dependent on Pfizer Inc for our survival. But today, we are virtually self dependent and self reliant,” he noted.

Rounding off his his speech he laid emphasis on the future: “For me, the issue is the future. I am thankful to God and excited that we can have the old hands retire and have new heads that are able and capable to keep the ship on good course. Dona, Zak and Kola should take their rest from weekly hassles of operations committee meetings and trust that the Lord will keep the company going,” he said.

Ohuabunwa also thanked their wives for their support and understanding over the years, which made them to give their best.

Mr Nwaka, Head of Corporate Affairs/General Services, who gave the toast amidst popping of

• Mr and Mrs Adefemi

Champagne said: “I propose this toast to the glory of God, the prosperity of humanity and the greatness of Neimeth.“ A non executive director of the company, Prof Elijah Shokomba noted that the men’s contributions were highly recognised and the vacuums created by their exit would be noticeable: “Their contributions are highly recognised and their vacuums will be noticed. Success without a successor is a failure. Thus, I encourage those holding forth to carry along their subordinates to the greater glory of the company.”

The retirees were not disappointing in their response. First to speak was Alhaji Momodu. who said he took pride in the recognition the company gave him, and that in all his 33 years of service since he joined in December 1977. He notedthat the first two weeks after his retirement were laden with emotions.

“The first Monday, I looked at my watch I felt a new air of relief. That is what you enjoy when you retire. I don’t think there was any point where I regretted working there, because there was brotherliness and I was happy every morning I was going to meet friends,” he explained.

Mr Anochie recalled that from January 1980, till his retirement in August last year, he had never in his 28 years of working had any cause to miss work on account of illness. “In that company, I learnt how to be a manager and CEO. There were other landmark issues in my personal development”, he said.

Mr Adefemi, an Ekiti born microbiologist, tagged the day a high point of emotion. “For me, it’s a joyful moment and I’m elated. Mazi Sam has the highest accolade that in my 36 years since I joined in 1975, integrity is key to whatever we do here. My career was transformed from being a benchman in the lab to an office manager. I’m glad we are brothers and friends.”

Everyone present was treated to Chinese cuisine, as the retirees were presented with gifts and their certificates of service.

•From right: Mazi Ohuabunwa presenting certificate of service to Mr and Mrs Anochie

• Alhaji and Mrs Momodu

• Prof and Mrs Shokomba

PHOTO RAMAN SANUSI

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

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SOCIETY

•From left: Sheikh Shafi’i, Representative of bride’s father, Mr AbdurRasaq Badru and groom’s father, Chief AbdurRasak Adebanjo performing the solemnisation rites.

•Alhaji Adegbite flanked by Tajudeen and Hafsah

•Representatives of the couple’s mothers, Mrs Bolanle Bankole (left) and Mrs Nurat Adebanjo.

•From left: Hons Ibirogba; Mafe; Oyefeso and AbdulKareem.

T

HE Aqdun Nikah (Marriage Solemnisation) between Tajudeen Adegboyega Adebanjo, a reporter with The Nation newspaper and former Miss Hafsah Olayinka Badru, the Amirah of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Rivers State Area Unit would for a long time be remembered by many a guest that attended.

Though, the whole event was done in a moderate way but there was a touch of class in the setting of the venue – the pavilion of OshodiIsolo Local Government Secretariat, Bolade, Oshodi.

An expansive canopy, ornately decorated with cream and lemon shielded the guests from the heavy downpour. The early arrival of eminent personalities showed the love the guests had for the lovebirds.

Tajudeen, young and respectful, is a pride to journalism and bagged two awards from MSSN. The bride on her part could be described as a born leader. She had been a leader in all the institutions she attended right from her primary education at State Primary School, Ewu Titun where she was the head girl. She was the Health Prefect as well as the Amirah of the MSSN at Bolade Grammar School.

Hafsah was also the Amirah of MSSN, Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikosi – Campus where she studied Science Laboratory Technology for the award of National Diploma (ND).

While studying Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), she rose to the position of Amirah.

She could not complete her education in LUTH as a result to some administrative problem between LUTH and National University Commission (NUC), hence she was transferred to the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) in Port-Harcourt to complete her studies. A final year student in the department of Medical Laboratory Science,Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Hafsah is the Amirah of MSSN of her school as well as the Amirah of MSSN Rivers State chapter.

The lovebirds were envy of all as they stepped out last Saturday for solemnisation.

Alighting from a white Sports Utility Van (SUV), Tajudeen received a standing ovation from the guests. Others struggled to catch a glimpse.

•Shiekh Ibrahim

•Mrs Banire

•HonsAkinderu-Fatai and Ipesa-Balogun.

PHOTOS: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE & OMOSEHIN MOSES

Not even the heavy downpour could deter eminent personalities from witnessing the Aqdun Nikah between Tajudeen Adebanjo, a reporter with The Nation and former Miss Hafsah Badru, the Amirah of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Rivers State Area Unit, held at the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat, Oshodi, Lagos, last Saturday. VIVIAN EBBAH and AMIDU ARIJE report.

Finding the bone of his bones He appeared in an Arab outfit – ash coloured Jalabia, a brown Alkinba, white cap, Turbaned with black rope known as Aga Sheriff and a pair of brown shoes.

Hafsah, who was driven to the venue in another blue SUV shone in her ash Jelbaab, brown pair of shoes and a bag with touch of ash, golden bracelets and rings.

The event featured prayers; recitation from the Holy Quran; lecture; goodwill messages and special prayers for the couple.

Officiating scholar, Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisation (CIO), Sheikh Dhikirullahi Shafi’i congratulated the parents of the couple.

Shafi’i who doubled as the Chairman, Hajj Mabrur Ventures described the couple as a blessing to not only their family, the communities and nation at large.

He urged the couple to be God-fearing.

Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim, prayed for the success of the union.

Patience and perseverance, Sheikh Ibrahim said, are the keys to a happy home.

The cleric saluted the courage of the guests for turning out en-masse despite heavy downpour.

After the presentation of marriage certificate by Amir, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit, Alhaji Qasim Badrudeen to the groom, Chief Missioner Nawair-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Alhaji Sheu Abdul Majeed offered prayers for the couple.

The guests list was led by the SecretaryGeneral Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji AbdulLateef Adegbite. Others were the Chief Imam of Lagos, Founder Rhesus Solution Initiative (RSI) and wife of the former Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Mrs Funmilayo Banire, Lagos State In Electoral Commission (LASIEC)

Commissioner, Hon Musbau Oyefeso; member Federal House of Representatives, OshodiIsolo Federal Constituency, Hon Maruf Akinderu-Fatai; Chairman Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, Hon Mafe Abiodun; his Agege and Oshodi counterparts, Alhaji Jubril AbdulKareem and Afeez IpesaBalogun showered encomiums on the couple.

Alhaji Adegbite described Tajudeen as a pride to the nation.

“He has done well for himself. He is very humble and exhibits professionalism in discharging his assignment as a journalist,” he said.

Adegbite, the Baba Adinni and Seriki of Egbeland wished the couple prosperous relationship.

Mrs Banire was full of praises for the groom.

She surprised many with distribution of valuable gift items customised with the couple’s name.

Tajudeen, the wife of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Legal Adviser said, is rare among the journalists she had met.

In the middle of the programme, the moderator announced that the wife of Governor of Osun State, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola from far away Dubai, United Arab Emirates where she was attending her daughter’s graduation, called to congratulate the couple.

The bride in broad smiles described her husband as understanding, respectful and highly focussed.

“I always admire the way he does things. If he sets a goal no matter what it takes him, he will accomplish it,” she said.

Tajudeen described his wife as an understanding woman, someone one can have absolute trust in.

While delivering vote of thanks, he expressed appreciation to all that contributed to the success of the occasion.

sHe singled out the Aregbesolas; Banires; Adegbites; Oyefesos; Mafes and Sheikh Ibrahim led Lagos Central Mosque entourage not forgetting members of staff and management of The Nation.

Among other guests that graced the wedding were MD/CEO Sage Communications, Hon Lateef Ibirogba; former Commissioner, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Alhaja Idiat Adebule; Executive Director, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Mallam Abdullahi Shuaib; MD/CEO Gawat Communications, Alhaji Rasak Gawat; Alhaji Olumide Olufowobi and his wife Alhaja Bola; Executive Secretary, Lagos Central Mosque, Alhaji Rajee Adenowo; Senior Special Assistant to the Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam AbdurRasak AbdusSalam; Dr Oluwakemi Aboderin of Lagos State University; President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Lagos State Chapter, Princess Sidiquat Disu and Amirah Federation of Muslim Women Association (FOMWAN), Alhaja Fatimah Gawat.

Others were: Vice Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Alhaja Qudrah Dada and her husband; Alhaji Oladele Kadri; Chief Michael Adebanjo; Council Manager, Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Mr Raphael Bello; General Manager, Finance, MTN, Alhaji Abdul Kareem Kadri and his wife, Dr Monsurah; Missioner, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Oshodi Branch, Alhaji Musodiq Kadir; Former Amir, The Muslim Congress (TMC), Mallam Abdul-Ganiyu Atitebi; members of staff of The Nation were led by News Editor, Mr Adeniyi Adesina; Editorial Board member, Mr Olakunle Abimbola; Managing Editor, Alhaji Waheed Odusile and Mr Sunday Omoniyi.

Also present were Alhaji Bayo Tijani; Alhaji Yahaya Salam among others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

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SOCIETY Members of the Lagos Doyen Lions Club gathered on Monday, June 6, at the Metropolitan Club, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos to honour philanthropists among them. AMIDU ARIJE witnessed the event.

Honour for the philanthropists

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T was time to honour them for their kind heartedness and members of their club, Lagos Doyen Lions Club, did not hold back in giving them befitting accolades; the kind given to philanthropists per excellence.

This explained their gathering on Monday, June 6, at the Metropolitan Club, Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island, where a selected few, members, life members and executives of Lagos Doyen Lions Club proudly honoured some of their own, with Melvin Jones’s Fellowship awards for bringing hopes to the hopeless.

With everyone well seated the club’s president, Lion Olumuyiwa Coker, made the Call to Order and the Lions’ prayers were said in quick succession.

The awards, which elicited lots of excitements, were for adhering to the tenets and cardinal principles of the club.

The awardees were Joe Idudu, who was a past president of the club and Lion Ibidapo Balogun, the club’s Regional Chairman, District 404A. They received their plaques and certificates from the Club’s President, Lion Coker, amidst cheers.

In a short speech, Coker said the award was to appreciate and encourage the recipients to be able to do more for humanity.

“The Lion Club is a philanthropic organisation and as a philanthropic organisation we work on donations received from members, so within the context of the Lion Club people who donate a particular amount are conferred with the Melvin Jones’s Fellow (MJF) and we thank God that two of our members donated to that level and were awarded with the MJF certificates and plaques by the International body of the club, so we are formally presenting them the awards,” he said.

He continued: “It is meant to appreciate them for their support, The Lion, going by

its motto, ‘we serve,’ is meant to render services to the less privileged in the society. The important thing is that you bear it in mind that you are here to serve our country.”

While presenting the plaques to them Coker urged other members of the club to emulate them and live by the club’s motto in rendering selfless services to the underprivileged.

He appreciated supports received from the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola.

“We are so fortunate in Lagos State, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has always been supportive and he promised that once we have projects that will benefit the health of the society or community, the government would support us,” he said. .

Lion Idudu could not hide his joy for the award conferred on him. He said the spirit behind his contributions was borne out of his desire to help in restoring of sights to the blind.

“In Lionism sight, the ability to see, is number one priority, therefore any body that contributes towards ensuring that people who are blind are able to see in the world over are usually recognised and that is why we have been recognised today with the award. It is because we made some good contributions towards restoring sights to the blind.

“This is the way one can contribute towards the joy and happiness of the development of the underprivileged,” he said.

He urged the youth to be focused and patient in life.

“The young generation should take things easy and not rush into being wealthy,” he advised.

The gathering did not only give out awards but also inducted new member into the club.

The inductee, Dr Abiola Oyeloye, was welcomed into the club amidst cheers and jubilations. His induction coincided with his birthday, which again was celebrated by everyone present. Idudu gave a toast to the celebrator.

All present had exciting time together as they

•Coker (left) presenting a plaque to Balogun

•Idudu (left) and Chief Ogunbanjo

ate choice foods and gulped exotic drinks.

Guests included a foremost industrialist, Otunba Chris Ogunbanjo, who is a life mem-

ber; Dr Richards Ajayi; Lion Seye Oki; Lion R A Lawal and Chris Williams, among others.

Adieu, to a true mother to all The somber and agrarian community of Odonselu - Alaro in Ijebu North Local Council, Ogun State, came alive at the weekend with the funeral of Mrs Dorcas Olufunmilayo Oduneye, who passed on at 94. ERNEST NWOKOLO and DAVID ADEJO were there.

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ANDWICHED between Isonyin-Ijebu and Ododeyo, Odosenlu’s heavy vehicular and human traffic were unprecedented last Saturday. Members of the Anglican Community, family members and friends of the children and grandchildren with the town’s indigenes in the Diaspora, trooped into the sleepy community to bury Mrs Olufunmilayo in style.

It was for no other reason that Mama Olufunmilayo was celebrated, even in death.

Her generosity, love for humanity and large heartedness earned her everyone’s respect.

Little wonder no fewer than four Ogun monarchs - the Onitasin of Imobi, Oba (Dr) Adenola Adegbesan (JP); Ewusi of Makun - Sagamu, Oba Timothy Akinsanya; the Olu of OdonseluAlaro, Oba Safi Sule and the Moyegeso of IteleIjebu, Oba Adesanya Kasali, sent in their royal staff to honour the woman described by many as “true mother to all.”

Mama died fulfilled at 94, but this did not stop tears from flowing. At St John’s Anglican Church in the community, where a funeral

service was held for her, the children - Mrs Phebean Bamigboye; Otunba Dotun Odunneye; Mrs Alice Ajayi; Mrs Janet Akinbo and Rev (Mrs) Comfort Babatunde were moved to tears as their mother’s Oriki, praise names, were being read by the congregation.

Her final journey began by 12:56pm when the grey casket encasing her remains was pulled out by a four-man pall bearer from the Budakas Funeral Undertaker’s vehicle which took the body to the cemetery with a distance of about a kilometer away from the town, where she was interred by 1:21pm.

At the graveside prayers were coordinated by the Vicar of the Church, Ven Peter Sangoyinka.

Dotun, Mama’s only son, could not hold back tears as he performed the dust to dust rite for his mother.

Earlier during the church service, Rev Sangoyinka extolled the virtues of Mama, whom he described as a dedicated Christian mother. The Cleric urged all to live a life that would bring glory to Almighty God on the last day, knowing that there will be a day of reckoning for one’s steward on earth after death.

•From right: Lawumi Odusanya-Oduneye, Kemi Odusanya-Oduneye Adeola Odusanya-Oduneye and Titilayo Alaka Oguniyi

•From left: Mrs Bukola Oduneye, Mr Kunle Jinadu, Chief Dotun Oduneye and Mrs Abosede Oduneye

•From right: Dr Akintunde Ayeni, Chief Adewale Teluwo and Mrs Joy Teluwo

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

COMMENTARY

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ssalam alaykum wa rahmatul Lah wa barakatuhu.

This is not the first time a memo of this kind is coming out from this column. A similar memo was wrongly addressed to Nigerian Imams in April 2009. It was only realised after its publication then that over 95 % of Nigerian Imams were unaware of the existence of this column. Even if they were aware of its existence, majority of them would have ignored it because they lacked the ability to comprehend its contents.

Now, by addressing a similar memo to Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), this columnist is only seeking to hit the nail on the head where and when it may be most effective. Two major issues jointly form the subject matter of this memo. One is the effect of Qur’anic schools in Nigeria. The other is the problem of Mosque management. The two are closely interrelated.

It will be recalled that Islam first reached some parts of what is now called Nigeria in the 11th century CE. That was about 1000 years ago when no one could have dreamt of a country to be called Nigeria. Even the colonialists who caused the emergence of Nigeria as a country were, at that time, still wallowing in total ignorance as they foraged wildly and aimlessly in the darkness of life. It took about 500 years after the arrival of Islam in Nigeria before Christianity came in the 16th century.

Today, if the two religions are compared in terms of education and material progress in this country, one will be found obviously ahead of the other by far. As a matter of fact, it will seem as if Christianity preceded Islam in Nigeria by 500 years. There is a fundamental question here not yet asked let alone answered. Where did things begin to go wrong for Nigerian Muslims?

It is only logical that a question like this is asked at this stage before any answer can be proffered. From a Yoruba adage we learn that “when a kid (trying to perfect walking) falls down he looks forward to someone who will lift him up. But when an adult (who has perfected walking) falls, he looks backwards to see the cause of his fall”. After over 1000 years in Nigeria, Islam is eminently qualified to be called an adult. Thus we can jointly look back to see where things started going wrong if we sincerely adhere to Islam as we often claim.

If the past generations of Nigerian Muslims did not ask the above question, it wasn’t because they were lacking in intellect or foresight.

Even if they asked such question, their hindrance would have been lack of wherewithal to answer it effectively. They could therefore be pardoned.

The circumstances in which they embraced Islam and practised it were quite different from those of today. That they even stood firmly by Islam in those days at all, despite the implacable persecutions and segregation they faced was an impeccable testimony to their steadfastness in faith.

Unlike Christianity which was escorted down to Nigeria by its European propagators and strengthened by the colonialists who imposed themselves as masters on our land, Islam only migrated to Nigeria unaccompanied. That it emerged a force to be reckoned with at all was only due to the grace of Allah through the 18th century great Jihad of Usman Dan Fodio. And nothing encouraged that great scholar to embark on the Jihad more than education. It should be remembered that both Usman Dan Fodio and his son (Muhammad Bello) made such complex linguistic, theological, scientific and legal studies that the one had 93 books to his credit while the other had 97.

It is also on record that Hugh Clapperton, a British colonial agent, once had an interesting intellectual encounter with Sultan Muhammad Bello, in 1824. After the encounter, Clapperton admitted thus: “He (Sultan Muhammad Bello) continued to ask me several other theological questions, until I was obliged to confess myself not sufficiently versed in religious subtleties to resolve those knotty points”.

And when Clapperton returned to Sokoto two years later (1826) and presented Sultan Bello with a complete copy of Arabic Euclid he was shocked to learn that his host already possessed one. (Euclid is an ancient geometry book of 13 volumes named after its Greek originator).

When the Europeans first came to this territory in the 16th century the North was the only part of what is now called Nigeria that was literate.

And that was because Islam had reached that part of the country since the 11th century with its Arabic literacy. The English colonialists confirmed this on their arrival in Nigeria in the 19th century. And that was why they were much more cautious in their dealings with the northerners than they were with the southerners.

That the colonialists did not retain Arabic literacy in the North was only due to the fact that it would be a rival to English language which was a major instrument for their colonial mission. If they had not ignored Arabic literacy, the North would have been far ahead of the south literarily and educationally today. At

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08051101861

Memo to NSCIA least by 1919 when the South was just beginning to embrace literacy through the English tongue, the North already had over 25000 schools where students were taught various subjects including sciences and mathematics in Arabic language.

Today, however, over 80% of Nigerian Christians are conveniently lettered either in English which is the adopted official language of Christianity in this country or in their vernacular languages through the Roman alphabets. That has enabled them to translate the Bible into about 17 Nigerian languages.

(And just recently, it was announced that the Bible would be translated to ten more Nigerian languages).

But on the contrary, less than 5% of Nigerian Muslims can be said to be competently familiar with Arabic literacy due to its rejection by the colonialists. Yet, without adequate literacy in Arabic language, there can be no thorough understanding of Islam which is the total way of life for any serious Muslim. Today, despite the age of Islam in Nigeria and the population of the Muslims, the Qur’an has just been translated into two Nigerian languages-Hausa and Yoruba. Even that was only possible because the initiators of those translations (the late Sheikhs Mahmud Gumi and Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory) were well educated in the language of the Qur’an.

Nowadays, many Muslims who pass through the Qur’anic schools in Nigeria and claim to have graduated (through celebration of Walimah) end up being serious embarrassments to Islam. The problem of Qur’anic schools in Nigeria is not just about an un-updated curriculum but also about anachronistic teaching methodology.

In the Western conventional schools, children are not only first taught the language of learning, they are also encouraged to stay and learn in those schools even as friendly environments are created for them. They are encouraged to wear neat and attractive school uniforms. They are provided with toys and other play materials which can endear them to learning in those schools. Conventional school teachers do not only advise parents to feed their wards before coming to school or give them food to eat in school but also encourage the pupils to maintain good hygiene while eating.

Thus, the pupils always want to be in school.

And whatever they are taught becomes the ‘gospel truth’ which no one else can easily alter in them. Most of those pupils grow up in life to become greater than their teachers because the foundation of their learning is very solid and formidable.

This is not the case with Qur’anic schools which most Muslim children of nowadays find abhorrent because it degrades their status when compared to that of their counterparts in conventional schools. Sending such children to the streets on begging mission in the name of ‘ALMAJIR’ is not only degrading but dehumanising. Parents whose children attend both conventional and Qur’anic schools can testify to this as their children compare and contrast.

If Muslim children could tolerate the inadequacies of the Qur’anic schools in the past it was simply because they had no alternative.

The same cannot be said of now that conventional schools are ubiquitous in the country. That is why the population of children in Qur’anic schools has dwindled so tremendously.

Language is the prima facie of any culture. A culture not entrenched in a language is only bidding its time. Islam is a foremost culture with a foremost language. But with due apology, the attitude of some of our Imams and clerics who serve as custodians of the Qur’anic schools have virtually changed the cultural colour and taste of Islam in Nigeria.

Rather than being an attractive place of learning, Qur’anic schools have been turned into scaring centres for our children because they are presented as squalors. And only a very few of those children will willingly want to attend Qur’anic schools vis a vis the conventional schools. The result is that no seriousness is

attached to Qur’anic schools in our society any longer especially when there is hardly any economic hope in it for the future. We all know the long term repercussion of this.

And, ironically, the knowledge and method of teaching introduced to Nigeria by the colonialists was copied from the Muslims who standardised education in the world by establishing the very first University on earth (the University of Cordoba, Spain) as far back as the 8th century. The only addition made to that method by the Westerners is monetisation of knowledge through emphasis on certificates.

And that is precisely what brought immorality and corruption into the world. Hitherto, education was a source of decency and civilization.

It is rather inconceivable therefore, that contrary to the originally established norm, Qur’anic teachers could resort to short cut in disseminating Islamic education to children from the peak. This is generally influenced by the pecuniary gain accruing to those clerics from Walimah.

Qur’an is the epic literature in Arabic language. It is the encyclopaedia of Islam. It is not meant for recitation alone. It is the final source of researches in all fields of learning for those who know its value. To be able to recite or use it for any research, one needs to understand the language in which it is written which is Arabic. No one can meaningfully read and comprehend the Encyclopedia Britannica without understanding English language.

Perhaps the point needs to be made emphatically here that it is not compulsory that all Muslims should understand Arabic language before they can recite the Qur’an. But anybody who wants to claim authority in Islamic knowledge must, of necessity, be able to read, write and comprehend Arabic language very well. There can never be any true translation of a language to another language without sacrificing some vital elements of the originality of the mother language. This is where the error lies in the current methodology of teaching the Qur’an to Nigerian children by Nigerian clerics.

Children’s brain is like a rock upon which a mark is made. Return to that rock many centuries later and you will still find the mark intact.

In Islam, Qur’an is the house in which the Muslims’ minds reside. The foundation of that house is Arabic language. Without understanding Arabic it is impossible to comprehend any literature written in Arabic, be it the Qur’an or Hadith. The best that can be achieved in such a circumstance is to memorise some parts of the Qur’an and base its understanding on hearsay or translated documents which can never give the full meaning of the original Qur’an.

The summary here is that no education can be correctly imparted in any school child with the teaching of encyclopedia as a first course.

As a matter of fact, a good teacher does not need to teach his or her pupils the contents of an encyclopedia. Just teach those pupils the language in which the encyclopedia is written and they will do the rest on their own at the appropriate time. That is what prompted the late Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory to establish the famous school of Arabic and Islamic education called MARKAZ in Agege, Lagos, in 1952. The indefatigable sage had earlier gone through the old system which he later found to be a cog in the wheel of Islamic education in Nigeria. He therefore had to travel to Egypt for proper Islamic education and methodology of teaching despite his meagre resources then. His intention was to pave way for millions of Nigerians and other Africans who might genuinely aspire to become Islamic scholars.

Today, as a graduate of MARKAZ, this columnist is one of the beneficiaries of that blessed effort.

To endure in Nigeria therefore, the curriculum of Qur’anic education will need a serious update to be initiated by no other forum than NSCIA. Pupils of Qur’anic schools must be made to see its value through their positive usefulness to the society after their graduation. The

environment of learning must be made conducive for them. Such pupils must not be turned into beggars so that they will not grow up as street urchins. Their teachers must be encouraged to undergo periodic trainings to enable them become humane in conduct, thought and orientation. As done in all the Arab countries, the methodology of teaching must be made attractive to the learning pupils.

Emphasis must be laid on language at the initial stage and Islamic ethics later to enable the pupils know the naked and avowed meaning of what they are learning. Reading and writing assignments must be given to those pupils constantly. The idea of Walimah is good for the encouragement of the Qur’anic pupils but it must be de-emphasised to reduce the impression that Qur’anic schools are mostly about Walimah for the purpose of reaping money. And premium must be placed on building total Muslims rather than just Qur’an readers who may find their ways into straying groups in future. Memorisation of the Qur’an is very laudable but knowing the meaning and the Islamic application of what is memorised should be given priority. There must be close and lively interaction between the teachers and the pupils whereby pupils will be free to ask questions and express their minds on any issue.

Graduates of Qur’anic schools must not only be employable, they must also be aided to get employment. A good arrangement must also be made for reasonable remuneration of Qur’anic teachers. Periodic excursions to places of Islamic interest should be arranged for the pupils to boost their Islamic orientation and exposure. There should be inter-Qur’anic schools’ quiz competitions, debates and sports.

Children of Qur’anic schools must look neat and decent in appearance.

By the time all these measures are effectively taken the dwindling population of pupils in Qur’anic schools in Nigeria would have evidently become a part of history. And the fading interest in Qur’anic education would have been adequately rekindled. Two great efforts are already being geared towards achieving this fit. One is the royal campaign embarked upon by His Eminence, the Sultan and President General of NSCIA shortly after he ascended the throne five years ago. This campaign has consistently been focused on injection of Western education into Qur’anic schools and employment of youths for the purpose of reducing poverty to the barest minimum in the land.

The second is the current move by the federal government to reform the Al-majiri system of education in Nigeria. This new move will surely pave way for the eradication of any social menace attributable to Qur’anic education in the country. The combination of these two efforts will help tremendously in establishing social sanity particularly in some parts of Northern Nigeria. And in the Southwest where Muslims are in very large proportional majority, the governments at the federal and state levels must ensure religious equity by providing teachers of Islamic studies who will teach Muslim children the religion of their parents in conventional schools in accordance with the provisions of the country’s constitution. The agitation for such equity has been long but the governors of that region have often cited scarcity of Islamic teachers as alibi when actually, there are hundreds of Islamic teachers roaming the streets without job. Those governors must know that such indifference to equity on a sensitive matter like religion can become a time bomb that may explode one day. The constant tentacle of crises linked to religion in the North must not be allowed to spread to the Southwest. No element of governance ventilates peace as much as equity. Governing without equity is nothing more than postponing the evil day. The issue of Mosques management and maintenance in Nigeria cannot be justifiably treated here. It will be left for another day.

Approaching Ramadan It is necessary to hint here that the great month of mercy, RAMADAN, is fast approaching. In about six weeks’ time, it will be with us in full regalia. And, as usual, your darling column, ‘RAMADAN GUIDE’ will come handy for those who are ready for it. Be on the lookout.

Erratum In the article entitled ‘KISSINGER’S NEW DREAM’ which appeared in this column penultimate Friday, yours sincerely inadvertently attributed the Nobel Laurel prize won by Kissinger in 1973 to his peace effort in the Middle East. My attention has since been drawn to the fact of the matter concerning that slip. Professor Olabode Lucas has been kind enough to correct the error by reminding me that Kissinger won the prize based on his peace efforts in Vietnam and not in the Middle East as I claimed. He concluded that Kissinger’s cowinner of that prize was Lu Ducho, a North Vietnamese who rejected his own prize. The correction is well noted. We are grateful to Professor Lucas on this. God bless you sir.

THE NATION

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FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

CRIME WATCH

Man in custody for alleged car theft

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30-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested by the police for his involvement in car theft and keeping custody of vehicles for a suspected car theft syndicate.

The suspect, Israel Ubatuegwu, who claims to be a petty trader, was arrested by detectives attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly being in possession of vehicles worth over N30m.

Ubatuegwu was apprehended on May 24 following a tip-off that he was being used by a syndicate which specialises in stealing cars.

The syndicate, it was gathered, specialises in stealing cars parked along roadsides and at worship centres.

It was gathered that the suspect was arrested while he was trying to steal a Toyota Corolla car that was parked along the road.

He was arrested by policemen who were led by the officer–in –charge of SARS, Mr Abba Kyari, a Superintendent of Police (SP), at Ajah area as he was about to drive away a stolen Toyota Corolla car.

Sources disclosed that the policemen who had laid a seven-hour siege swooped on him immediately he was sighted.

Stories by Jude Isiguzo

Police investigators revealed that during interrogation, the suspect confessed that he was working for one Festus who is now at large.

He disclosed that it was Festus that steals the vehicles and calls him to inform him where he had parked them.

The suspect explained that the moment he receives a call from Festus, he will move to the location where the stolen vehicle is parked and drive it to the garage where the vehicles are hidden until they get buyers for them.

Police spokesman, Mr Samuel Jinadu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said that the suspect has made useful statements that will lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate.

He added that the case is under investigation and the fleeing suspects will soon be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

According to him, the suspect has already taken investigating police officers to a residence at Lankwe in Elemoro area of the state where the officers recovered eight stolen vehicles which include four latest model

Toyota Hummer buses, three Toyota Corolla 2003 model and two Toyota Camry 2005 model respectively.

Ubatuegwu said he was deceived by one Festus a car dealer to help conceal the stolen vehicles as he promised to compensate him with some amount of money.

He said: “I am poor and I was looking for money to revive my boutique business. So, that was how Festus met me in a bar at Victoria Island and lured me into this car theft business.

He told me that if I cooperate with him I will become rich by the end of the year. So, I thought he wanted to help me, not knowing that he will lead me into trouble.”

The suspect disclosed that Festus gave him the sum of N140, 000 to rent a room at Lankwe where the stolen vehicles would be kept until we get buyers.

Ubatuegwu said: “I met Festus in January this year. In February, Festus’ agent brought in four vehicles to my house and they were parked inside the premises. I am the only person living in that house. So, later in May, he brought four more vehicles. I was about to drive one of the cars, a Toyota Corolla parked at Ajah away when the police arrested me.”

•Israel Ubatuegwu Jinadu said the police are already on the trail of other members of the syndicate who are currently at large, even as he promised that they will be arrested soon.

Police recover stolen vehicle

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OLICE operatives attached to border patrol have recovered a suspected stolen Toyota Avalon.

The car belonging to one Mr. Akanbi Jelili Adeola has registration number DJ862 LSD and was snatched from him at gun point in his country home at Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Two suspects were also arrested by the police in connection with the robbery and they are helping investigators with their investigation.

It was gathered that the suspects Paul Adarama, an indigene of Badagry, Lagos and Bola Shina a native of Ago-Iwoye in Ogun State had attacked Adeola last Friday evening.

According to the police, after the suspects had dispossessed their victim of his Toyota Car, they drove straight from Abeokuta to Seme Road, where they encountered the border patrol team.

It was learnt that the team had earlier received information on robbery incident around OPIC Estate and decided to lay siege for the hoodlums.

The fleeing robbers met their

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SUSPECTED dealer in stolen cars has told the police that he was deceived into buying them by a Customs officer.

The suspect identified as Mr Owolabi Babajide explained that the Customs officer came to him and told him that there are some vehicles for auction in his department and that was how they started doing business together.

He was arrested in a hotel at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State by policemen from the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja.

The police have also recovered 12 Toyota cars which he allegedly snatched from different parts of the state.

It was gathered that the suspect had successfully sold all the cars to unsuspecting buyers before he was arrested at Ijebu-ode on May 24 by police operatives.

The 12 recovered vehicles are eight Toyota Corolla and four Toyota Camry cars.

Police spokesman, Mr Samuel Jinadu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police said that the suspect was arrested following a petition by a complainant that his car was missing.

Jinadu said: “Following a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Yakubu Alkali to the

waterloo around Agemowo area of Badagry where they were arrested.

Immediately the robbers sighted the border patrol jeep, they increase their speed but the officers gave them a hot chase and forced the vehicle to a halt.

One of the suspects who is now at large jumped down from the vehicle and took to his heels leaving the other two.

During an on the spot interrogation the driver of the stolen vehicle gave particulars which were different from that of the vehicle he was driving.

This immediately raised suspicion and the patrol team arrested the suspects and took them to their office at Seme.

Upon further interrogation, the suspects confessed that they snatched the car from a man at Abeokuta.

The suspects further confessed that in addition, they were planning to take advantage of the withdrawal of the border patrol team from Seme Road to escape into Benin Republic.

Both suspects confessed to being ex-convicts at various times in Cotonou prison and that they re-

•The suspects, Paul and Bola united after serving their jail sentences.

While conducting a search on the recovered car, the patrol team found a drycleaner’s receipt inside the car dash-board which they used to trace the owner.

Narrating his ordeal, Mr Adeola told the police that he was dragged out of the car and was injured in the process.

He said the female suspect was

the one who dragged his wife out of the car and that she was equally injured and is now receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Abeokuta.

Confirming the arrest, Mr Musa Kimo, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, who is the coordinator of the enhanced joint border patrol outfit, commended his team for their bravery.

He promised to tackle all forms

of crimes and criminality in the area without any fear.

Kimo re-iterated the border patrol’s effort in combating transborder crime and appealled to members of the public to cooperate with the police in the fight against crime in the area.

He assured that the vehicle will be handed over to its owner after necessary investigation has been concluded.

How I was deceived into buying stolen cars, by suspect

•Babajide

•The stolen vehicles

officer in charge of SARS, SP Kyari to arrest the suspects and recover the cars, and through intelligence policing, the officers trailed Owolabi to a hotel at Ijebu-Ode and arrested him. On the same day,

they recovered the 12 Toyota cars from the suspect.

“Owolabi is not the only person involved in this crime as the police are on the trail of three other suspects. Owolabi is the kingpin

and their modus operandi involves targeting Toyota cars. What they do is that they will break the small glass of the back door, force their hands into the car. When they have succeeded in opening the

door, they will dismantle the ignition.”

While narrating how he was arrested, Owolabi who claimed he has a Master’s degree holder from a Pakistani university, said it was unemployment that led him into car sales business.

He said: “I have a Master’s degree in Aviation Maintenance from the University of Pakistan. I am a businessman and I sell phones imported from China and Dubai.

One day in 2009, I was at the Ikota Shopping Complex when one man walked up to me and introduced himself as a Customs officer. He told me that he has Customs cars for auction sale.

So, that was how we started the business.”

The suspect said that he was deceived by the suspected Customs officer that the cars have genuine documents.

Jinadu advised members of the public to take extra measures to secure their cars by acquiring tracking devices and other security equipment for their cars.

Meanwhile, the police have urged persons with proof of documentation of any stolen Toyota car to come to the police headquarter at Ikeja.

THE NATION

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FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

Anambra relishes infrastructure upgrade From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

•Obi Efforts to breathe life into Anambra State comatose infrastructure have continued with the upgrade of schools and improvement of teachers’ welfare.

Roads have been constructed in hitherto inaccessible communities. Also safe drinking water has been provided in places in dire need of it.

Now, teachers are singing a new song as a result of the improvement in their welfare.

Newsextra gathered that the Obi administration, issues about teachers’ well-being or school infrasture were relegated to the background.

Since the creation of the state in 1991, for instance, the state’s Post-primary Schools Commission (PSSC) had no befitting office,

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FEW weeks after Cross River State hosted prominent Nigerians, including President Goodluck Jonathan, the state capital, Calabar has again played host to yet another batch of dignitaries.

The serene city of Calabar was agog as people from all walks of life comprising politicians, businessmen, members of the diplomatic corps, family members, friends and well-wishers thronged the city to celebrate with Governor Liyel Imoke and his wife Obioma, and her siblings on the birthday of the governor’s mother-in-law Lady Grace Ifemdigboma Ezi-Ashi as she clocked 80.

The ceremony started with a High Mass at Charles L’wanga Catholic Church, Essien Town, Calabar.

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Calabar, Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Edra Ukpo who celebrated the Mass with the assistance of other priests, congratulated the celebrator on her 80th birthday and thanked God for her welllived life.

He advised the congregation to see such celebration as one that calls for sober reflection.

Speaking further, the Archbishop added: “Life is God’s gift to humanity and what we do with our lives is our gift to God. We should note that it is not everybody that attains this ripe age of 80.”

and had been functioning in a rented threestorey building located along Onitsha-Enugu Expressway.

The Chairman, Anambra State Post-primary Schools Service Commission (PSSC), Sir Nobert Obi, said the era when the state was known for its dilapidated school structures is over.

The elated Obi, who is also the state’s coordinator Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) expressed his happiness over the completion of the PSSC headquarters complex whose foundation was laid about 20 years ago but was allegedly abandoned by past administrations.

He said the edifice, when commissioned, would house all the various departments of the commission, including library.

Mr Obi said: “It is also worthy of mention that Governor Obi’s administration started an ultra-modern e-library. This project has been named after Prof. Kenneth Dike of the Blessed Memory who was the first black Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. This, we believe, will immortalise his name in the education sector.”

In the past three years, Obi has been the Chairman of the PSSC, where he had joined hands with the governor and the state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Kay Onyechi to revitalise the education sector.

However, what has been the greatest headache for the 66-year-old PSSC chairman has been how to make 50 per cent of the schools have boarding facilities where the students, teachers and their principals would live as was the norm.

Newsextra further gathered that the rapid development in the commission is attributable

to the cordial relationship existing between the chairman and his five-member board.

Lady Dora Ekpeh (member I) is in charge of Awka zone where she oversees 61 post-primary schools. Lady Clara Onyido (member II) is in charge of Onitsha zone of the commission and oversees about 31 schools. Sir Marcel Obi (member III) oversees 48 schools in Nnewi zone, Elder Enoch Ezeike (member IV) is in charge of 47 schools in Aguata zone while Chief Nzemeka Olisah serves as the secretary of the commission and is also in charge of about 25 schools in Otuocha zone in Anambra East Council Area.

Mr Obi disclosed to Newsextra that it has not been easy for him in the past three years as chairman of the commission.

He admitted: “I must confess it has not been easy trying to match the expectations of the governor in the education sub-sector with the near collapse of school system we met on ground. Mr. Peter Obi’s love for quality education, proper formation of the young ones, and his desire for the best for the children are unequalled in the history of the state.

“To meet up with his expectations at a time when the infrastructure were terribly dilapidated, dearth of teachers as well as their low morale which had militated against quality education delivery in state’s public schools was a Herculean task.

“Fortunately, our job was made easy by the governor’s belief that better society or greater nation we strive to achieve is dependent on the attention we give to the young ones who are the leaders of tomorrow and his determination to achieve the MDGs in the state by 2015.

“Today, he has indeed invested so much in this sector and has positively turned around the education sector to the astonishment of those who never believed in his policies and programmes.

“Our schools are once more breathing the air of growth and progress. We are now witnessing conditions suitable enough for quality education reminiscent of the situation in our schools before the Nigeria Civil War. In fact, life is gradually returning to our schools,” he said.

Our schools are once more breathing the air of growth and progress. We are now witnessing conditions suitable enough for quality education reminiscent of the situation in our schools before the Nigeria Civil War. In fact, life is gradually returning to our schools

Dignitaries fete Imoke’s mother-in-law at 80 From Kunle Johnson, Calabar

Continuing, Archbishop Ukpo said: “At times, it could be an opportunity to enjoy God’s goodness. Sometimes it could be meant for the person in question as punishment and provide opportunity for repentance unto God.” The Bishop, who pointed out that the celebrator has indeed demonstrated great dedication to the service of God and still has the desire to continue to serve God. The Archbishop advised Lady Ezi-Ashi to accept the condition of old age and prayed God to strengthen her bones.

A member of the Knight of St. John International Sir William Archibong said she is a prayerful Christian and a true Lady Knight who has kept faith with the Catholic Church.

Sir Archibong cited an instance when two months ago Lady Ezi-Ashi, despite her frail state, took part in Easter activities.

After the Mass, guests were treated to a reception at the Kola-nut Conference Hall Barracks Road Calabar.

Highlights of the occasion was a documentary of the biography of Lady Ezi-Ashi meant

to let guests have a glimpse of her life, beginning from June 2,1931, when she was born till the present.

The documentary revealed that Lady EziAshi completed her elementary education at St. Mary’s Convent School Lagos in 1944, graduated from the London University College and became a registered Midwife in 1954 and certified Midwife in 1957.

On her return to Nigeria, Lady Ezi-Ashi worked at Creek Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos. She opened the first Children Hospital along Massey Street Lagos, and also started the Clinic at Nkalagu in Enugu State, as well as the Post-Nursing School for Orthopaedic also in Enugu State and retired in 1991 as Chief Matron of the National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu.

The matriarch became the second President of Lady’s Auxiliary of the Order of Knight of St. John in 1974. While her passion to alleviate the suffering of the less privileged led to the formation of the “Friends of Paraplegics” and was instrumental to the establishment of Awhum Monastery Guest House Retreats.

While proposing a toast to his mother-inlaw, Governor Liyel Imoke recalled how he met his wife Obioma and the moments he shared with his mother in-law whom he said devoted her entire life to the service of humanity.

He said: “We are celebrating the great life of my wonderful mother in-law, a professional nurse who spent most of her life serving humanity. She has transformed the lives of many people who had contact with her.

She is indeed a great woman and I wish her another 80 years.”

Her children, professional colleagues, school mates as well as relations paid glowing tributes to a woman they referred to as “Amazing Grace” and the Lady Macbeth of our time. They also extolled her virtues, kindness, prayerful life and her exemplary

•Lady Ezi-Ashi behaviour.

The elated Lady Ezi-ashi who was full of smiles throughout the event thanked everyone who gathered to celebrate with her and wished them God’s blessings. She expressed her desire for her children to continue to serve God. The ceremony witnessed rendition of Holy Child Anthem dedicated to the celebrator by old girls of her alma mater in Nigeria, Ghana and America.

Also members of the Knight of St. John International presented a sword to the Lady Ezi-Ashi as a mark of her steadfastness in the Order and the Church.

‘Withdraw suit against DPP Senator’ HE Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) has urged the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the April 9, 2011 Senatorial election in Delta Central Chief Ighoyota Amori to withdraw his case against DPP Senator Hon. Pius Akpo Ewherido so as to move the state forward.

Deacon Francis Atanomeyovwi, national treasurer of UPU made this passionate appeal while speaking with newsmen at his Warri office on behalf of UPU.

T

•Mrs .Obioma Liyel-Imoke (middle) celebrating with well-wishers

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

He said the union is impressed with the choice of Hon. Ewherido as the Senator to represent the Urhobo nation and that Urhobo nation has confidence in him and have no regrets in electing him.

He however urged Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to raise the status of Chief Ighoyota Amori to that of commissioner instead of appointing him as political adviser to the governor.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

40

We felt concerned because of the way and manner the faceless group feeds the public and NAFDAC with wrong and over-bloated information about the market, adding that such information could turn public opinion which in turn could make the regulatory body shut the market

Traders allege plot to force market closure

T

RADERS at the Bridgehead drug market in Onitsha Anambra State have raised the alarm of an alleged plot by a faceless group to compel the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to close the market.

They said that the group has shown great commitment towards portraying the market as home of lawlessness, fake, adulterated, unwholesome, substandard and expired drugs which they debunked, saying that era had gone, especially with the present members of the executive of the market association.

The traders, under the aegis of the Onitsha Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers’ Union (OPPMDU) through Messrs Emeka Ezeanyika and Chidi Mba, their Chairman and Public Relations Officer respectively told Newsextra that they were ready to battle the faceless group and others who tarnish the reputation of the market believed to be the largest single drug market in the world by dealing in such outlawed and unrecognised drugs.

According to them, the market union has sanitised the market to the extent that less than two per cent of those that deal on illicit drug are remaining in the market, even as they added that those who still deal on fake drugs will soon be flushed out with the new method the union has introduced in the campaign against fake drug dealers.

“We have been inundated with information which tends to portray the image of Onitsha Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers’ Union (OPPMDU) in bad light and equally cast aspersion on the resolve of the union to stamp out fake drug dealers, not just in the market, but in the entire country,” said OPPMDU. The Union said it will not join issues with any group or individual, adding “we state clearly and in unambiguous terms that the

T

HE Imo State chapter of the National Council of Women’s Society (NCWS) has suspended Mrs. Nkechi Mba and Mrs. Lois Osueke after the emergence of Lady Nkechi Onyekuru as its new president.

Briefing reporters in Owerri; the spokesperson of the Council, Chief Mrs. Love Onyechere accused the suspended members of severally breaching the constitutional provisions of NCWS with the connivance, support and protection of its National President, Hajia Ramatu Bala Usman who, according to her, had since 2007 unilaterally dissolved and appointed caretaker committees rather than go for elected leaders.

The Imo NCWS spokesperson further alleged that the Lois Osueke-led care-taker committee, after staying in office for more than one year wanted to transform themselves as the elected executive of the council which resulted in two parallel elections held in the state.

“There were two parallel elections in Imo State. We did not do it because we wanted to do it. We did it in order to emphasise the need for sanity and due process. We are open and we are ready for peaceful resolution of the matter. We want Imo NCWS to move at par with those of other states. We want to give Rochas Okorocha’s wife a peaceful environment to start operating NCWS. We want her, as the grand patron of the council in the state, to understand that we are peace-loving people, the women she can trust. We want due process. Enough is enough.

Since 2007, Hajia BaIa Usman and Nkechi Mba have been creating crisis in the

•Messrs Emeka Ezeanyika and Chidi Mba, leaders of the traders’ union From Adimike George, Onitsha

negative information is malicious and not true reflection of the situation in the market.”

They further said: “We felt concerned because of the way and manner the faceless group feeds the public and NAFDAC with wrong and over-bloated information about the market, adding that such information could turn public opinion which in turn could make the regulatory body shut the market.

“To us, some of these reports are another orchestrated plan by some faceless groups and individuals to cause disaffection on the robust relationship that exists between the union and NAFDAC.” Reacting to the recent raid by NAFDAC during which drugs worth millions of Naira were alleged to have been seized

through the help of a masked informant who was said to have been attacked by the traders before the intervention of the leadership of the market, the union leaders disclosed that “some packets of Diclofenac fort, Ventolin tablet, Lapain, Alaxin tablet and Bonjela were collected for laboratory tests contrary to the speculation that they were seized for being fake.”

They estimated the drugs taken for test at less than N5, 000 and challenged anybody with contrary information to go public with it so as to put the records straight.

According to the union, the raid by NAFDAC was routine. That is done once in a month and normally samples of drugs are taken by NAFDAC for tests during such visit.

It would be recalled that a mild drama played out at the Onitsha Bridgehead Drug Market when officials of NAFDAC together

with a masked informant raided the drug market.

Three suspected fake drug dealers were apprehended while some quantities of drugs valued at thousands of Naira were taken for tests.

The NAFDAC officials had stormed the market at about 2:00 p.m. in company with the masked informant who conducted them round some shops where there were suspected fake drugs. But while the exercise lasted, the traders gathered and peeped into the masked face of the informant to see if they could identify him because they knew the informant must be an insider, judging from the way he penetrated the market shops.

But the officials were not lucky as most of the targeted fake drug shops were genuine or empty.

The exercise ended abruptly when the traders surged closer to the NAFDAC officials and the masked informant but NAFDAC officials felt that they could be attacked and retreated abruptly to their Onitsha zonal office.

Briefing newsmen at the Onitsha zonal office, NAFDAC Deputy Director in charge of Public Relations and Protocol, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh who led the officials to the market in what he tagged: “operation intelligence surveillance,” said the action was part of NAFDAC’s new method of silent surveillance to stamp out fake drugs as well as being ahead in the game against the drug counterfeiters.

Jimoh said: “This is also part of our routine surveillance in our concerted efforts to rid the country of fake and counterfeit drugs and we are using the Tru-Scan machine to detect some of the fakes before taking them to our laboratory for tests.”

Noting that NAFDAC has a very strong alliance with the Onitsha drug market executive in the fight against fakery, Jimoh stated that NAFDAC officials did not inform the market executive about the raid because it is one of the tactics fashioned out to achieve the desired target.

“When we conclude this investigation, our Director-General would address the press formally on it,” Jimoh further stated, adding, “the new method of check-mating the drug counterfeiters included the use of TruScan machine, text message system and other technological means.

Imo NCWS gets new president From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

state.”

Lady Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro, a topnotch of the council in Imo State opined that “ironically, it is the National President who breached the constitution and it is on this premise that the two women who are her collaborators were suspended.

Lady Nnanna-Okoro further noted that the National President and her group in Imo State breached the NCWS Constitution severally as follows: “Article (vii), Section 18(h) which made it mandatory for the National Secretary, together with the National President to attend and supervise election and inauguration of the officials of state branches. The National President came alone without the National Secretary, in breach of this Provision of the NCWS Constitution. At the first attempt, she sent a representative who was still not accompanied by the Na-

tional Secretary.

“Article (viii), Section (28b) which demands that for an election of NCWS to hold, an Adhoc Nominating Committee whose duties shall include; (i) calling for nomination and screening of candidates for elective offices of the council; and (ii) producing a final list of eligible candidates at least one (1) month before election.”

According to her, going by the acceptance of the National President and the suspended officers, no Adhoc Nominating Committee was set up to call for nomination and screening of candidates and producing a final list of eligible candidates at least one(1) month before the election due to the impromptu nature of the alleged election.

“Article (viii) section 28 (c) states that no officer of the council shall be eligible for election to the same office twice. Mrs. Lois Osueke, the suspended immediate past president is ineligible for election as

There were two parallel elections in Imo State. We did not do it because we wanted to do it. We did it in order to emphasise the need for sanity and due process. We are open and we are ready for peaceful resolution of the matter. We want Imo NCWS to move at par with those of other states

she cannot hold the same position twice.”

Lady Nnanna-Okoro further made her position and those of other leaders and elders of the council in Imo State clear.

She stated that they do not intend to stop anybody as everybody who is interested in the election should be given the opportunity to do so.

“The era of imposition is over. Imo women are not slaves,” she retorted and went further to allege that Hajia Bala Usman had enslaved them for years. She opined that if Bala Usman wanted, Nkechi Mba to be National President after her, she should run alongside with other women. She urged them to learn lessons from the outcome of this year’s general elections in Nigeria where President Goodluck Jonathan insisted on a credible election and that came to pass.”

Speaking further, Lady Nnanna-Okoro condemned what she termed the evil of doing things that are unconstitutional as it would be declared null and void, adding that the state is in a fragile peace situation. She advised that every concerned member of Imo NCWS should take things easy as well as do it properly.

Another elder of the council Chief Mrs. Ngozi Okorom who has been a member of NCWS in the state for over 30 years, described the development in Imo State Council of NCWS as fearful and alarming which portends serious danger if left unchecked. She further stressed that as an elder of the council for many decades, her experience of the past and present are quite different.

SLIDING TACKLE

“I know that Nigerians will not want a situation where players will become bigger than their coach because the relationship between coaches and players is like father and son. So I have mandated the technical committee to find a way of resolving the face-off” Friday, June 17, 2011

42

AHEAD OF LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS

Vijana Stars arrive today for Dream Team V T

HE Tanzania U-23 national team will arrive Lagos this morning aboard a Kenyan Airways flight, for Saturday’s London 2012 Olympic Games qualifiers against their Nigerian counterpart.

Known as Vijana Stars, the 30-man delegation, according to the Tanzania Football Federation, will land in Lagos at 10am after connecting a Kenyan Airways flight from Nairobi.

In a release made available to NationSport, Head of Media department of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Demola Olajire said

•Aboard Kenya Airways flight at 10.am

By Innocent Amomoh

the federation have confirmed that the delegation will be airlifted from Lagos to the ancient city of Benin aboard an Associated Airline flight by noon on Friday.

The Vijana Stars are expected to have their only training session before the match at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Friday evening.

Coach Austin Eguavoen has been pondering his aces after a number of key players went down with injury, but

is still spoilt for choice thanks to the embarrassment of riches in his camp.

Eguavoen’s squad created bags of chances in the first leg but wasted all while the Vijana Stars, who knocked out 2000 Olympics gold medallists Cameroon in the earlier round, scored from their only real opportunity.

It’s unusual for the Dream Team to be on the backfoot in any fixture since starting the Olympics and AllAfrica Games qualifying races, but Eguavoen says his team is up to the task and

will fire from all cylinders when the whistle goes for kick-off at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Saturday evening.

The visiting team will stay at ISNO Hotel, GRA, Benin City.

Senegalese referee Ousmane Fall will be at the centre for the big game with compatriots Maguette Ndiaye as 1st Assistant, Serigne Cheikh Toure as 2nd Assistant and Daouda Gueye as 4th Official. The Match Commissioner is Emmanuel Zombre from Burkina Faso.

NFF president, Aminu Maigari explaining that the football body will not give instructions to Samson Siasia as to how to resolve the Osaze saga.

FEDERATION CUP

3SC wins protest against Akwa United FC

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HE Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Thursday awarded Tuesday’s Federation Cup Round of 59 clash between Akwa United FC and 3SC to the Ibadan giants following investigations into a protest submitted by 3SC. Chief Sports Officer, Umaru Kontagora said the decision was made after the committee was satisfied that Akwa United FC failed to present its players’ licenses before the

match in Minna, which the National League club won 4-2 on penalties after both teams failed to score.

Premier League club, 3SC will proceed into next week’s Round of 32, in which they will confront, ironically, Akwa Starlet FC for a place in the group phase.

It was also confirmed that Premier League side, Warri Wolves prevailed over NAF Rockets of Abuja 3-2, as against the earlier report that NAF Rockets won 3-2.

FEDERATION CUP ROUND OF 32 TUESDAY, 21ST JUNE Kaduna Utd Vs FC Lokoja (Abuja 1) Dynamite FC Vs Ocean Boys (Ado-Ekiti 1) Dekina Dragons Vs Handsworth FC (Ilorin) Rising Stars Vs FC Abuja (Lokoja 1) Kwara Utd Vs Jigawa Stars (Minna 1) BRAC Waves Vs Heartland/Police Machine (Makurdi) Enugu Rangers Vs Flash Flamingoes, Ekiti (Oghara) 3SC Vs Akwa Starlet FC (Bauchi) B/Insurance Vs Warri Wolves (Nnewi) Enyimba FC Vs First Bank, Lagos (Uyo) WEDNESDAY, 22ND JUNE Spotlite FC Vs Kano Pillars (Gombe) Gombe Utd Vs Dalkat FC (Minna 2) Sunshine Stars Vs Abia Warriors (Abuja 2) Sharks FC Vs Gabros FC (Benin City) UniCem Rovers Vs Wikki Tourists (Lokoja 2) Dolphin FC Vs Crown FC (Ado Ekiti 2) COD, Lagos Vs Bayelsa United (Ilorin)

Ex-Pillars star Okpako joins Sundowns

F

ORMER Kano Pillars midfielder Solomon Okpako has signed a two-year contract with top South African club Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sundowns, known as ‘The Brazilians’, staged a major transfer coup by grabbing the free agent, who was also wanted by several European clubs like OGC Nice in France, Dutch side VVV Venlo as well as fellow South Africans Supersport United.

MTNFootball.com specially gathered that the highly-rated Okpako signed the dotted lines in Benin City Wednesday night with an official of the

South African club.

Okpako, 21, who is expected to play a starring role in Saturday’s Olympic qualifier against Tanzania, is a versatile player who could play either as a defensive or attacking midfielder. He is skilful, very strong in the tackle and packs a powerful shot.

He led Nigeria’s ‘B’ team to win the WAFU Nations Cup last year and he has also featured for the country’s Under-20 team.

He was a very influential member of the Kano Pillars side that reached the last four of the CAF Champions League two years ago.

Chidi Odiah misses training for birth of son

•Costa Rica'a Joel Campbell (C) jumps for the ball with Nigeria's Kingsley Udoh (Front) and Emmanuel Lyke (behind) during their international friendly soccer match at National stadiumm

Sunshine shoots to NPL summit A

JANI Ibrahim banged his 12th goal as Sunshine Stars shot to the summit of the NPL with a 2-0 home win over Niger Tornadoes.

Sunshine thus toppled erstwhile leaders Dolphin as they now have 54 points from 26 matches, a point more than

the Port Harcourt outfit.

The goal scorers for the Akure club against Tornadoes were recent signing Atanda Sakibu and Ajani, who found target from the penalty spot in the second half.

Kaduna United stayed in 10th place on the back of a lone goal victory over visiting

Heartland FC on a rainy day in Kaduna.

Benjamin Ishaya grabbed the only goal for the hosts on 15 minutes, when he latched on to a rebound inside the box to fire home after the goalkeeper failed to hold on to the ball first time.

Kaduna were reduced to 10

men in the 80th minute when skipper Papa Idris was sent off for an early shower for dangerous play as the heavy downpour in Kaduna took the shine off this encounter.

Kaduna have recorded 39 points from 25 matches, while Heartland are two spots below on 34 points.

N

IGERIA international Chidi Odiah has a new addition to his family.

The 27-year-old lateral defender missed the 13th round of matches in the Russian Championship, on Tuesday against Anji (3-0) because of the birth of his son.

Odiah has been given a threeday vacation by the coach of CSKA Moscow, Leonid Slutsk, allowing him to join his wife in the United States of America. ''When we flew in an airplane from Grozny, the wife sent him a photo of the baby. The journey to America, not a short (one), but Chidi will arrive for the

game in Nalchik, '' says Slutsk to "Sport-Express" .

The former Julius Berger man has featured once in the Premier League this term, last Saturday's game with Terek Grozny.

•Odiah

SHOPPING

43

THE NATION

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

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

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

Market where foreigners trade The Alhaja Abibatu Mogagi Sunday Market in Ojodu Local Government Area of Lagos State has a unique selling point.

Foreigners buy and sell there.

TONIA ‘DIYAN reports

Accessories for the rain Page 44

Partying without stress Page 45

44

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

SHOPPING

Market where foreigners trade

• Market entrance

AVE you ever been to a market where foreigners sell pepper, onions and related items side-by-side Nigerians? There is such market in Lagos.

It is in Ojodu Local Government to be precise. The Alhaja Abibatu Mogagi Sunday Market is one of the seven markets in the council. Some say it is the biggest because of the volume of trade there.

The foreigners are the toast of the market. Other shoppers stand and watch as some customers haggle prices with them.

The foreign traders sell to fellow foreigners and others who patronise the market.

They deal on shrimps, crabs, fruits and vegetables. Two of them, Alfred Leo and Lincon Bright spoke with The Nation Shopping.

They said it is interesting and profitable trading in the market.

“We make lots of money from the items we sell, because we do not sell to ourselves alone. Earning a living here makes us happy and fulfilled, we don’t want to go back home.”

Consumers can now patronise the market as it now runs daily reducing the Sunday traffic, usually caused by the crowd.

There are different traders for Sundays and during the week selling various items. A shopper who visits the market to buy vegetables on Sunday, is not likely to find that same trader he patronised the previous day if he returns on Monday. Traders who used to be on the road displaying their items and who caused lots of confusion and traffic congestion are now smiling and thanking the law enforcement officers as well as Alhaja Mogaji.

Despite the fact that traders come from in and out of the country to display their items, this is one market that has no shelter arrangement provided for traders but an open space because, they are expected to pack their items and vacate the space for other people to use.i.e, the daily traders leaving for the Sunday traders during weekends.

Though the market committee will renovate the market soon in a way that neither the Sunday nor the daily traders will have to move their items for one another.

Sunday traders are the original traders in this market but will not be allowed to display their items daily likewise will the daily traders not be allowed to display their items on Sundays too.

H

•

• Inside the market.

Security is very good despite the fact that there are no locked shops. You can only find big umbrellas serving as shades for traders and their items as well as serving as shades for sellers who have come to patronise. The traders only cover their items and go home, the next day, they remove whatever they have covered the items with and begin to display.

This market is said to be cheaper than every other market in Lagos as it is mainly known for very cheap food items such as vegetables, cat fish, smoked fish cow and goat meat, tubers of yam and more. It is better to visit this market on Sundays between 6am and 7.30 pm. You are sure to find anything you desire to buy.

• Part of stockfish section.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

45

SHOPPING STAR PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Accessories for the rain

Shopping Right with

Organise yourself

A

• Raincoats.

• Colourful assorted rain boots

• Fashionable rain shoes

PLACE for everything and everything in its place is always a good organisational rule to live by.

If you know that you are not naturally inclined to be organised, you can change that by starting with one small area of your living space and focusing on keeping that small area organised. Keeping a small area organised over time is easier to do, and it will help you build a new habit. After about two to three months of keeping one corner organised, you will naturally tend to expand your newfound organising instincts to other areas.

Remember: Organised minds make successful people.

Organise your space. Whether it is your home, bedroom, kitchen, office, computer, closet, desk, or locker, you need to see what is in there, throw away anything you do not often use (or put it efficiently in storage) and give everything else a convenient and clearly designated space.

Clean out your belongings before you think about organising Do not do it the other way around. You can accurately know what space you have when you have cleaned up. If you do not take a hard look at what you are stuffing in your spaces, you will waste time and money organising stuff you do not need.

Observe how you use your things and work out how to use your space efficiently. If it is inconvenient to get to things (or to put them away), your organisation system is more likely to fail.

Make it easy to get to and put away the things you need most often. In that vein, put things where you use them most.

Pots get stored near the stove, envelopes and stamps are stored in the desk, stain remover and bleach goes in the laundry room or linen closet. (It sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how many people just put things “wherever” and then are surprised when doing anything is tremendously inconvenient.)

Do you have items in your house that just take up space? Be sure to de-clutter regularly. Good questions to ask yourself in deciding: Do I need this? Will I need this in a year? Have I used this in the last year? Do I really love it? Is there someone else who could use this more?

Do I have more than I could reasonably use in foreseeable future? Will I miss this if I do not have it?

Know what “organised” looks and feels like. Organised spaces are simple to use. They have enough room for the items there. It makes sense. Every item in your home has a location. Organised spaces also feel calm, open, and welcoming.

Use timers. Set a timer for how long you think a cleaning organising task should take then work like crazy to get it done in the allotted time.

Have a spot for all bills. Open all mail immediately and dispose of the outer envelope with the junk mail. Keep only the bill in a prominent location.

Once you establish where everything

JANICE NKOLI IFEME belongs, you need to get in the habit of putting it back there as soon as you have finished using it. Don’t put it on the kitchen table or on the couch and move onto something else, thinking to yourself that you’ll put it away later. That’s a big no-no.

Always put your keys in the same place.

Always put your cell phone in the same place. Have a cell phone charging station set up.

There are many possible ways to organise something, all valid. One person might organise a sock drawer by colour.

Another might simply fold pairs of socks together and dump them in. Yet another person might buy a whole bale of socks all alike and not sort them at all. Regardless of what you are organising, choose the system that makes most sense to you.

Keep your surfaces clear. Reducing visual clutter helps reduce mental clutter, over stimulation, and the feeling of overwhelm. Get rid of stuff you do not need - so that you can put the things you need away and out of everyday sight.

You would feel instantly calmer.

Equipment - whether it be paper and pen to plan how you want things to be organised, or boxes, files, and labels to organising things practically in your physical environment Discipline - getting organised might feel like a struggle, or it might just require getting into a new routine habit of keeping things in their place Objectives - like the Cheshire cat says in Alice in Wonderland “if you don’t know where you want to go, then it doesn’t matter which route you take”.

Getting organised requires having clear objectives for why you want to get organised, and what being organised would actually look like and be like to you.

Ziplock bags are your friends. Store away items in plastic zip lock bags. This way, the items will be compact, clean, and dust-free. But they will also be all over the place if you do not have a storage system. Place the bags in closets, desk drawers, cabinets, and other places.

Zip lock bags are convenient, useful, and cheap, so use them.

Try drawer organisers for drawers that are enclosed. You can purchase a wide selection or make your own by slicing off the tops of empty plastic bottles of various sizes. Milk jugs are handy because they are fairly square, but any bottle or jar will do if you can trim it so it fits in the drawer.

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

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

46

SHOPPING

Partying without stress Are you planning a party and need ideas on how to make it great? Here are tips from TONIA ‘DIYAN on how to organise nice parties

D

O you love parties? Whether your spouse’s, children’s, family members, or friends? Parties are occasions for blissful times and they should be celebrated. When you are thinking of having a party, first have a date picked out several months before the event so that it is recorded in your diary.

Once you have your date, start thinking of how you want your party to be. If you are finding it difficult deciding the theme for the party, check through a catalogue or a party website for a way out. Having chosen the theme, you can decide where the party will hold. It is better when you send out invitations about a month before the party with an RSVP date of a week.

This will enable guests to have enough time to respond and shop for presents and it gives you time to get a final headcount before the big day.

You can make some inexpensive invitation cards yourself, design them on your computer and print them out on a hard copy paper, so it doesn’t cost you much.

Things you should include in the invitation are who the party is for and for what

occasion, time and date, location, if food will be served, an RSVP date, with contact information and other important information guests need to know.

You can now start thinking of what kind of food you would like to serve if you want to have any form of entertainment for the guests (depending on the location) what you want for decorations, the party cake and souvenirs to take home.

Not all parties need to have a meal served; you can as well serve snacks, cakes, drinks, salad, fruit salads, stick meat, pizza, sharwama, barbeque fish\chicken, Chapman and maybe ice cream.

Decorations can be over the top or very minimal, it is completely your choice. Add a couple of balloons to your decorations.

The cake is one of the biggest hits at a party, so make sure it’s a good one! Choose your favourite flavour which should be decorated to suit the theme of the party.

The last things to check off your lists are the souveirs. Get useful things as your souvenirs, not things that will be thrown away or used and be thrown away after a few days. Give out personalised gift items, such

• Parties items

as umbrellas, carriage bags, jotters, breakable and unbreakable plates, mugs, micro wave dishes and more.

When the day of the party eventually arrives, it will be full of excitement, because you will want things to go perfectly.

But whatever you do, let people remember your party always.

Nothing beats the feeling after all of your hard work, when the guests at your party tell you “this was the best party ever!”

Happy planning, enjoy and don’t forget to make provisions for a video camera and photograph as they will make your party a memorable one to always remember.

47 FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

Vol 3 No. 133

Why would naturalised German-Chinese corporate executives fly a huge Green-White-Green national flag in celebration of Nigeria’s democracy and patriotism? JIMI DAVID, Brandweek special correspondent, explains in this report. Excerpts:

WIHU: A brand leverages with patriotism

A

HUGE Nigerian national flag, the Green-WhiteGreen, is flying proudly on the premises of WIHU International Limited at Isheri, Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State. It is the largest and highest-flying flag in the Southwest zone and the second largest in the country: It measures 4.5 meters by 9 meters, hoisted on 30.5m (100 feet) mast.

Comparatively, the largest-flying Nigerian flag was hoisted in Calabar, Cross River State capital, on Democracy Day at the Millennium Park, formerly Eleven Eleven roundabout. It replaced the one hoisted in 2007 by former governor of the state, Mr Donald Duke, which was torn to shreds by strong winds last December. Designed by Cogeds Nigeria Ltd, Calabar, and erected by Julius Berger, the nation’s number one construction giant, it measures 20m by 14m flown atop a mast 61 metres (200 feet) tall. Worldwide, the largest national flag is the Brazilian flag flying in the Square of the Three Powers in its capital, Brasilia.

Corporate executives of WIHU International Ltd, the manufacturing, haulage transport and construction company, which flew the huge flag on its premises at Kilometre 6, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, said it is a display of their patriotism the same Democracy Day, among other cogent reasons: first, it is a demonstration of the corporate executives’ affinity with their country of naturalisation. WIHU’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr Peter Adeola Williams is Nigerian/German-born while the Deputy Managing Director, Mrs Yuzhen Williams, is Chinese-born. But being a ‘Niger Wife’, she is a naturalised Nigerian. WIHU is, therefore, fully Nigerian-owned.

Secondly, like all unusual objects of attraction, motorists passing by the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway would not miss being drawn to it. And, in tandem, to WIHU, the company which erected it on its premises barely 300 meters outside Lagos State.

Finally, given the height of the white-painted mast and the size of the flag, Ogun State, where it is sited, enjoys the liberty of hosting the second largest flag, privately installed in the country, after the Cross-River gargantuan behemoth flown by the state government.

But as Williams assured, within the next couple of years, a larger-sized Green-White-Green would be hoisted over WIHU to replace the current one to beat the Calabar flag’s dimensions hands down.

“Our patriotic zeal is driven by the need to increase the culture of showing deserved respect and honour to our national flag and to firmly plant the seed of democracy in our fatherland....,” he wrote, giving the rationale for the project. “Within the next two years, we intend to build another atop 91.5 metres (300ft) tall mast with an even larger flag than the one being flown in Calabar, Cross River State.”

Williams explained in an interview that the company embarked on the project to celebrate the anniversary of the country’s uninterrupted march towards the democratic haven while conferring the well-deserved honour on the symbol of the nation’s soul, the national flag.

In tandem, the flag draws the attention of passers-by to the presence of WIHU in the valley by the Ogun River settlement of Karaa, where trade in cattle is brisk business.

More so because less than a decade after its incorporation in 2005, WIHU’s business is thriving to the extent that it can hardly cope with customers’ demand for its products namely, plastic slippers, rain boots and sandals, among others. Similarly, its recycled pure water sachet nylon bags, sold as semi-processed pellets to other manufacturing companies, are used for producing hard plastic products such as plastic chairs, jerrycans and water tanks, among others.

•The Nigerian flag

• Williams and Mrs Yuzhen

Worldwide, products’ recycling is increasingly big business, be it for paper products, metals, wood, but of all things, plastics. Plastics are products of polymerisation of carbon and hydrogen atoms into long chains.

The enzymes found in living things cannot break down the stable molecules. Besides, while biodegradable substances contain oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus, which the enzymes can degrade, plastics do not.

Consequently, in some cases, plastics can continue to pollute the environment for up to 100 years. Oxygenase enzymes in some bacteria can break down plastics by adding an oxygen atom to the carbon chain. But they are not common. Hence the need for recycling plastic products worldwide to clean up the environment for both the current and future generations.

For instance, WIHU buys used plastic and rubber products which it recycles to manufacture various marketable products. At present, they produce about 1,000 pairs of rain boots and 1,000 pairs of slippers daily from processing about 50 to 60 tonnes of raw materials monthly.

“We’ve not been able to meet the local demand for our products yet. The demand is very high. Still, so far, we have had enquiries for supply from other countries on the West (African) coast and even as far afield as Eu-

rope,” he said. “Our production line can’t cope with the demand. Our machines are rather slow to meet the rate of demand for our products. That’s why by the end of this year, we are planning to get faster machines to augment the current ones which are five years old already. “The new machines will double our production by year end,” he explained.

The new machines, naturally, would come from Germany and China.

“We’re getting the best of both worlds for the factory,” Williams said.

If you expected WIHU to hike prices because demand outstrips supply, he demurred: “Currently, we would not increase prices because we’re making a healthy margin on our prices,” he said.

About 80 per cent of its raw materials are sourced locally. The only imported inputs are resin and dye. Indeed, it is unclear why Kaduna Petrochemical Refinery, set up to produce resins among other petrochemical compounds, has not been able to meet local demand yet, let alone export any.

Currently, the Deputy Managing Director handles the international business, specifically for the importation of semi-processed inputs for the company while all the finished products are manufactured at WIHU. Is Ogun State more business-friendly compared to Lagos? He chose not to answer, but said: “At the time we were looking for property within our budget, the only place we found what we could afford, which was still close to Lagos, is our current location. But from our factory, living and working in Ogun is hardly different from Lagos State. And the city of Lagos is just minutes away via the expressway.”

‘Plastics are products of polymerisation of carbon and hydrogen atoms into long chains. The enzymes found in living things cannot break down the stable molecules. Besides, while biodegradable substances contain oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus, which the enzymes can degrade, plastics do not’

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

48

Brandnews

Indigenous brands can be global players, N says Superflux boss IGERIAN companies can compete on the global stage if they standardise their processes and ensure good quality assurance measure that is not restrictive to Nigeria.

Tokunbo Talabi, President and Chief Operating Officer, Superflux International Limited, Lagos has said.

Talabi, winner of the 2008 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship, stated this while delivering a paper in Lagos during the launch of the 2011 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship. According to him, business people need to network outside their spheres of business interests

and interact with right minds outside Nigerian shores.

“Winning the 2008 Africa Awards Entrepreneurship awards changed my outlook about business. It opened the South African market for us,” said Talabi, whose company, Superflux International is one of the three secure printing companies licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to print secured documents such as bank cheques, tellers, etc.

Head of Corporate Communications, Legatum, a private international investment group and organisers of the African Awards, Hamish Banks, said a research conducted by the Legatum Institute which publishes the annual Global Prosperity Index, a brand new report on sub-Saharan African said that entrepreneurs are “enablers of growth who break down economic barriers and social constraints,” and that “entrepreneurship and access

to opportunity are by far the most highly correlated indicators of a nations overall prosperity.

He said the 2011 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship which carries a prize of $350,000 is open to all entrepreneurs in Africa. Banks listed the goals of the award to include: “to inspire a new generation of innovators and business people to own their destinies through entrepreneurship; highlight the impor-

tant role that business plays in development and to encourage the flow of private capital by showcasing Africa as a continent of opportunity; to support and educate policymakers of the benefits of creating a policy environment that encourages the establishment and growth of entrepreneurial business.”

Giving last year’s report, banks said 2,704 entries were received from 15 countries adding that 991 came from Nigeria. He urged Nigerian companies to participate in this year’s award to share in the $350,000 prize.

DSTV assures subscribers on quality service

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•L-R: Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, Chairman, Interswitch, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman and MD/CEO, Interswitch, Mr. Mitchell Elegbe, after the inauguration of SmartGov.CRSG, a Public Private Project (PPP) between Cross River State government and Interswitch at the state house, Calabar

TPT wins Promasidor PR account

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HE public relations account of Promasidor (Nigeria) Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk, a fast moving consumer Goods company, has been awarded to TPT International, one of Nigeria’s leading reputation management firms.

This is the first time the company is formally retaining a public relations firm in it’s over 17 years of existence in Nigeria.

Keith Richards (OBE), Managing Director of Promasidor said: “The selection process was indeed very competitive. But after a very careful review of the presentations and credentials of all the agencies, we settled for TPT International because of their excellent presen-

tations and unrivalled track record.”

With the appointment, TPT International will be responsible for managing the reputation of the Promasidor corporate and all product brands. Promasidor’s product brands includes the household name Cowbell Milk, Cowbell Choco, Cowbell Flavoured Milk Drink, Loya Full Cream Milk, Miksi, Onga food seasoning, Amila and the premium tea brand-Top Tea. They are all market leaders in their various market segments.

Modupe Adetokunbo, TPT International Chief Consultant, said his team was delighted about the development as it will give his

agency another opportunity to work with a first-class marketing team in one of the fastest growing multinational companies in Africa. “I have no doubt this will afford us the opportunity to apply our innovative PR practice in complementing the efforts of the management team of Promasidor.”

TPT, which started business in 1998, is a professional, servicedriven communications consultancy firm that offers premium public relations and advisory services to a select group of corporate clients, institutions and, in special cases, high net worth individuals.

Skye Bank unveils Savers promo

I

N furtherance of its efforts to reward its legion of customers for their loyalty over the years, one of Nigeria’s financial brands, Skye Bank has launched a new consumer promotion.

Tagged: Skye Bank Savers promo, the promotion will offer customers who have, or open a Skye Save, Skye Treasure, Skye Wise or Skye Rainbow savings account and maintain a minimum of N25,000 monthly balance the opportunity of winning a brand new Toyota car and other fantastic prizes.

According to the Group Managing Director of Skye Bank, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti who addressed the

media at the unveiling of the promo in Lagos last week, “You can also save and maintain a minimum balance of N50,000 for 180 days and qualify for the Mega Grand prize of a brand new Toyota Prado Jeep. In addition to this loads of consolation prizes including N100,000 cash will

‘You can also save and maintain a minimum balance of N50,000 for 180 days and qualify for the Mega Grand prize of a brand new Toyota Prado Jeep’

be won while the promo lasts.”

Durosinmi-Etti, who disclosed that the more deposits a customer makes, the more his chances of winning, said the promo is open to both new and existing customers.

The monthly draw for winners in the promo would be held in different parts of the country including Enugu, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Ibadan and Lagos.

On how winners would emerge, he said winners would be chosen randomly through a lucky dip in an open and transparent manner.

The promo, which opened this month, will run till the end of November.

EADING Pay TV brand, DSTV has assured subscribers on the quality of its service.

This assurance was given at a customers’ forum held at the Ashton Gardens, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos during the week.

Addressing its dealers and subscribers at the event, the Public Relations Manager of Multichoice Nigeria who are the custodians of DSTV brand, Segun Fayose, said: In order to continuously serve you better, we’ve kept on adding to our contents and improving on their quality. Moreover, we at times repeat these quality programmes because we know that the customer is king. So, when they demand that we repeat them, we oblige them.

Also, you must understand that our contents are continental in nature and we have different time belts in Kenya, Zambia, South Africa and Nigeria. It is in a bid to cater for this time belts that we repeat these programmes.”

On faulty DSTV decoders, Fayose warned subscribers not to take their faulty decoders to technicians for

repairs. Because, according to him, “Rather than repair them, they will tamper with them and inflict further damage. And this will cost us more to replace. Under our sales rule, we accept a damaged decoder which is within one year warranty and swap them for free or alternatively repair them for N4,000 only.”

Asked whether payment could be made for more than a month instead of the popular monthly payment arrangement, the DSTV spokesman said: “Yes, you can pay for more than a month. You can pay for three months, six months and even a year. But you can’t pay for more than one year.”

Fayose said that the activities of fraudsters discouraged Multichoice from adopting the recharge card option for subscription payment. He said subscribers have the right to report any misdemeanor by any of its channel to them because “we are an international organisation operating under the broadcasting code of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission.”

Cricket Sponsorship: High Commissioner praises GTAssur

F

OR its commitment to youth development through the annual sponsorship of the Lagos cricket tournament , management of Guaranty Trust Assurance has been commended by the High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Nyahuma Mentuotep Obika.

He described corporate sponsorship of sporting activities as a laudable idea that is capable of growing wealth and talents.Speaking to journalists at the fourth edition of the cricket tournament tagged GTAssur 20/20 held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos recently, the High Commissioner, who said the same practice was common in his country, called on other corporate organisations in Nigeria to support the government in the development of sports and other areas of human development.

Earlier at the event, the Chief Client Officer of the company, Mr Tosin Runsewe, had disclosed that GTAssur’s determination to throw its weight behind the game in Nigeria was informed by the need to develop talents among the youths. Speaking further, he said the company keyed into cricket , instead of some other popular games because it was considered a sporting activity that needed attention.

He said: “As a brand, the

primary reason of Guaranty Trust Assurance to accept the sponsorship of cricket tournament was to use it as parts of our own way of giving back to society and not to use it to drive the brand equities. Of course, you will agree with me that this is not a game that is felt in all the nooks and crannies of the Nigerian society like football but to us in the company, we see it as a special area that requires support and we are bent at raising the bar in Nigeria and turning it to a more popular game”.

Runsewe said the recent success recorded by the Nigerian team at the World Cricket League Division seven play-off in Botswana, was a pointer to the fact that the company’s support for the game over the years was yielding fruit.

The Chairman, Lagos State Cricket Association, Mr Kofi Sagoe lpraisedd the gesture of the company for associating with the tournament. He said:“As we cherish the association of your brand with the noble game of cricket, in keeping with your pay off line ‘…for life and living’ we urge you to consider life sponsorship of this competition by making it a permanent feature in your annual marketing calendar thereby building the much desired and valuable equity for the GTAssurance brand.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

49

Emmatrich: from America with tourism

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FTER his secondary education in 1975, Terry Ayo Emmatriele worked at Savannah Bank briefly before travelling to the United States in search of the proverbial golden fleece. Armed with degree and post graduate degrees in business management, international marketing and criminal justice and forensics, Emmatriele went on to prove himself a worthy ambassador of his country by establishing different businesses in America. But after 30 years abroad, the Lagos born, Delta State indegene feels it is high time he returned home to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s economy using his entrepreneurial talent and wealth of experience. He bares his mind on homecoming of the Emmatrice brand. Excerps:

T

The beginning I am a Nigerian but I have lived and worked in the United States for over 30 years now. I was educated in the United States. I have established, owned, operated and managed multiple businesses in the United States. I have continued to return to Nigeria frequently for both business and vacation, maintaining close relationships with my immediate extended family. I have extensive experience and knowledge in the fundamentals of opening, operating and management of retail sales, wholesale, service industry, health care, travel industry, importing and exporting and security management. Through out my life’s career I have established myself as an educator, role model and mentor to the people that I have worked with and also know personally. I have travelled extensively through out the United States, South America, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.

Brand offering I have established excellent relationships with the community in Seattle,WA, US by offering information, exhibitions, education and cultural awareness, related to diverse African culture. I have organised and provided assistance and education, African clothes, merchandise, music and Africa cuisine for non-profit organisations, for fashion shows, church functions, universities, public and private schools, cultural festivals, media events and other organisations. I value importance of being professional and providing quality business and community relationships. I enjoy establishing new business relationships that benefit the general public, by providing education and opportunity for economic growth and creating new employment opportunity.

Entrepreneurial spirit I established, owned, operated and managed Emmatrice Africa Imports in 1989, in Seattle, WA. US. It’s a wholesale outlet, specializsing in merchandise from West, East, North, South and Central Africa. Exporting and importing merchandise from the United States, South America and Africa. In 1990 I expanded to a wholesale and retail outlet store. I established Emmatrice Travel in 1992, in Seattle.

It’s dedicated to both domestic and international travel ticketing. We also package tourists on vacation to Africa and the Caribbean.The Wazobia West African Cuisine was established in 2000, in Seattle. We specialised in traditional Nigerian cuisine and live African music. Also, Emmatrice Adult Family Home was established in 2004, in Seattle. It provides nursing care in a home like environment for the elderly and disabled.

In 2005, the Shongo Village joined the group. Based in Seattle, it’s a night club complex with restaurant, hair salon, clothing and shoe store, shoe shine parlour and portrait studio. It has a large venue that could accommodate between two to five hundred people.

There’s a variety of music ranging from rock, blues, jazz, hip-hop, new wave, spoken word, techno, Latin, Caribbean, African and reggae.

In 2006, the Celestial Health Care was established. It’s a nursing agency, providing on call registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistance to hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. The same year, the

• Emmatriele

Logistic Returns providing high tech industrial equipment and machines was born. Our product line provides street maintenance, street and road repair, and debris cleanup equipment.

Homecoming Those were some of the projects and businesses that I have been involved in. But as you can see, they all based in the United States. But after 30 years abroad, I decided to come back home because as they say, ‘east or west, home is still the best.’ There’s no place like home.

Moreover, as an experienced sojourner and entrepreneur, whenever, I come home visiting I see Nigeria bubbling with huge business opportunities left untapped.

Emmatrich brand in Nigeria I don’t believe in giving people fish, I teach them how to fish. That’s the major reason why I have decided to establish the Emmatrich Hotels here in Nigeria. The hotel based in Ijegun, Lagos is due for opening before the end of the last quarter this year. Our offering is going to be very unique in many ways because we are going to do something that’s going to be better than what competition is offering now. There is going to be wholesome entertainment and leisure in a secured and conducive ambience. We’ll offer both continental and African dishes. And our recreational facilities shall be grandeur for the whole family. As a firm believer in continuous training and innovative hospitality, our staff will be part of our business. Our standard of service will be high.

Banking on the street

HEY are your neighbours. They make things happen in your hood. They are in street corners and corner shops. They are in bus terminals and regular markets. They flood the streets and meet your needs, especially, when you least expected. They are humans, too. You must have noticed them every day on your to the office.

However, they do not ask for too much; they are comfortable with the little they have. They do not demand tea; they prefer akamu. They do not ask for cake; they prefer bean cake. They do not need champagne; they are at home with burukutu. They do not need five star hotels to dine; they are happy and healthy with the neighbourhoods’ mama-put restaurant. They are not insistence on the provision of fast food prepared in the cosiness of the king’s kitchen; they would settle for chop-beta meat-pie fried in the open kitchen.

Oh, they do not regale themselves in designer’s apparel like you; they are classy in their cutand-sew Ankara made by the local tailor. They are not pretentious by flaunting their credentials and social network cadre; they know themselves and there is no need to hide under false façade. They do not wield BB like a gun at social and corporate gatherings like you; their mobile phone is for one thing and one thing only: talk.

Therefore, why should they own iPad and BB and subject themselves to the stress of chatting endlessly in the office, at home and in the loo.

They do not work for tomorrow; they live for the day. That way, they do not worry about tomorrow because they are sure tomorrow will take care of itself, and thereby they fulfill the law of the Lord.

They do not live beyond there means; they live within their means, as such; they do not pay cutthroat interest rate on bank loans as you do.

They are comfortable and happy in a BRT bus; they do not need the stress that comes with owning and maintaining fuel-guzzling, air-conditioning car.

They do not shop in Harrods; they are at home in Tejuosho market. They do not fly BA; they are kings in ABC buses. They do not have wallet with each pocket lined with Maestro, MasterCard, AMEX and Visa credit cards; they are kings with Freedom Network, a platform dedicated to providing street banking services for the masses in Nigeria by 3Line Card Management.

The masses fall under the umbrella of the unserved, un-banked, and under-banked communities in your neighbourhood. These people are the butchers, housewives, salon operators, pepper-sellers and those who earn their living by working from dawn to dusk in the belly of Ketu, Mushin, Mile 12, Balogun and Alaba markets in Lagos. They are in your face every day, and they do not jostle for the banking space with you.

They cannot match you pound for pound, but

with Freedom Network, they can perform virtually all the banking functions you get in the traditional banking hall. Add this fact to that: they do not need to visit the banking hall. The bank would come to them. How? Every neighbourhood has a medicine store, a food parlour, a grocery shop, a laundry outlet or a maiguard that sells a potpourri of goodies. With Freedom Network, these outlets are your neighbourhood banks. 3Line, Nigeria’s premier electronic payments processor for low value transactions, is the first e-payment company, and it has brought a bouquet of network services for these people.

Therefore, right in your street, you can approach any of these accredited Freedom Network outlets and carry out funds transfer, cash withdrawal, airtime top ups, ticketing, pay-asyou-go vehicle insurance and utility bill payment. You do not need to fill endless forms before you transfer money to your loved ones.

You do not need to queue endlessly before you make cash withdrawals. You do not need anybody breathing down your neck. This bank is for you. This bank lives near you. This bank is simplified.

These light banking services (cash withdrawal, money transfer, bill payment et al) are the reason most of you to go to the banks.

Now, you do not need to that any more. On the Freedom Network - you need Freedom card to carry out different transactions on the Network – you would not only get utmost value, this bank does not have closing time.

As a community of banks, service providers, government agencies and merchants, Freedom Network offers instant financial services for the un-banked. Freedom Network’s objectives is to provide a single, common platform for the masses by providing street banking services to stakeholders, provide financial inclusion for the informal sector, bridge the gap between users and providers of financial and non-financial services in Nigeria as well use cost-effective technology to provide Nigerians affordable financial services within communities.

Backed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Freedom Network is designed, developed and implemented based on the CBN’s model. This guarantees the needed anti-fraud for the stakeholders and participants. Freedom Network has a secured platform and infrastructure that is open to all. Freedom Network offers customer-friendly and cost effective way of providing secure, light banking services to you. To take it to the next level, some banks have joined the network.

These banks want to eat part of the cake.

They want to serve the under-banked community. Already the network has experienced growth in the number of banks that have embraced the platform, which include Finbank, First Bank and many other banks.

•From right: Project Director, Olayinka Ositu; MD/CEO, Fola Laoye both of Hygeia Nigeria Limited, MD/CEO, Digital Jewels, Adedoyin Odunfa and Consultant, Africa & Middle East, McGhee Productivity Solutions, Lanre Onasanya, at the monthly information value chain breakfast forum on “Redefining Healthcare Management through Technology” organised by Digital Jewels in Lagos on Wednesday

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Human Relations Executive - Owolabi Afolabi *Operations Executive - Isiaka Hassan *Creative - Oluwaseyi Sulaimon*Front Office Executive - Blessing Nkeanya * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Drumbeat Media and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper. Corporate Suite: 20 Akinremi Street, off Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, , e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

50

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, LAGOS DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased.

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

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MR. R. FOLAMI OTHERWISE KNOWN AS FOLAMI R. LATE OF 50, ORIWU RD., IKORODU, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 10TH DAY OF NOV., 2004 AT LAGOS. MR GABRIEL BABATUNDE FAJOBI LATE OF 18, FAGBEMI SQ., OBALE-ODAN , SURULERE WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 14TH DAY OF APRIL 1989 AT LAGOS. ALHAJI LAMIDI BABALOLA BISHI LATE OF 30, IBUKUN ST., SURULERE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 5TH DAY OF APRIL, 1995 AT LAGOS. IKHIEDE IMOH LATE OF 14, FAKOYA CLOSE, OFF PIPELINE AKUTE, OGUN STATE WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 29TH DAY OF NOV., 2009 AT LAGOS. MR AMOS OPATOLA LATE OF 5, THOMAS ST., LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 7TH DAY OF APRIL, 2008 AT LAGOS. MR CLEMENT OLUWOLE ALOFE OTHERWISE KNOWN AS PROFESSOR CLEMENT OLUWOLE ALOFE AND ALOFA CLEMENT OLUWOLE LATE OF HOUSE 1, ROAD 7B, COURT O.A.U WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 9TH DAY OF JULY, 2008 AT LAGOS. ALHAJI SANNI YAKUBU LATE OF 26, ODOFIN ST., IJORA OLOYE APAPA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 17TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2010 AT LAGOS. CHIEF JOHN OLUJIMI ASAMU POPOOLA LATE OF 24, ALHAJI FOLAMI ST., AKOWONJO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 8TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2008 AT AGEGE, LAGOS. MATHEW OLUGBO OTHERWISE KNOWN AS MATHEW JIMOH OLUGBO LATE OF 3, BALOGUN ST., OJO ALABA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 20TH DAY OF MARCH, 2010 AT LAGOS. ALHAJA SIDIKAT A. OKULAJA LATE OF 9, STRACHAN LANE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 1ST DAY OF OCT., 2008 AT LAGOS. MRS MARY OROYO OTHERWISE KNOWN AS OROYO MARY LATE OF 20, QUADRI ST., ETI OSA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 31ST DAY OF MAY, 2010 AT IKEJA, LAGOS. PA EZEKIEL ADEYEMI ADEWUNMI OTHERWISE KNOWN AS EZEKIEL ADEYEMI ADEWUNMI LATE OF 73, TOKUNBO ST., LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 5TH DAY OF MARCH, 1980 AT IKEJA, LAGOS. ALHAJI SANKUNG SILLAH OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ALHAJI SANKUNG SULLAH LATE OF 268A, 4TH AV., FESTAC TOWN, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 12TH DAY OF NOV., 2005 AT LAGOS. ALATISHE TANWA FAUSAT OTHERWISE KNOWN AS MS ALATISHE TANWO AND ALATISHE FAMILY LATE OF BLK. 16, FLAT 3, IPONRI ESTATE, IPONRI SURULERE LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 18TH DAY OF FEB., 1995 AT IKEJA, LAGOS. MR SHEDRACK CHINEDU ONYEKWERE LATE OF 34, AGBAMU AMUKOKO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 8TH DAY OF DAY OF FEB., 2005 AT LAGOS. MR PIUS OSOBA LATE OF 14A, ODUSEGUN WAY, OFF BASHORUN CRESCENT, IGBOGBO IKORODU, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 30TH DAY OF SEPT., 2010 AT LAGOS. MR PETER NTA OTHERWISE KNOWN AS MR NTA PETER LATE OF A3, AWKE ETITI ST., OFF COMFORT OBOBI, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 9TH DAY OF FEB., 2010 AT LAGOS. MRS BODUNRIN FOLASHADE SALIU OTHERWISE KNOWN AS MRS BODUNRIN F. SALIU LATE IOF 25, FALANA ST., EJIGBO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 8TH DAY OF NOV., 2010 AT IGUEBEN, EDO STATE. MATHEW DAFE EMOEFE OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ESEROGHENE DAFE EMOEFE LATE OF 3, OLOWOTABUTABU ST., AGRIC, OJO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 8TH DAY OF MAY, 2010 AT WARRI, DELTA STATE. BANKOLE LATEEF LATE OF 14, AIYETORO ST., AGUDA WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 5TH DAY OF MAY, 2006 AT LAGOS. CHIEF JOEL AYINDE AKINDELE LATE OF 32, ALIMI OKE ST., OSHODI WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 28TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2005 AT LAGOS. MRS. NGOZI OKEKE LATE OF 386, OJO IGBEDE RD., OJO ALABA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 2ND DAY OF OCT., 2008 AT BADAGRY, LAGOS. OMOBA OKUNOLA ADERIBIGBE LATE OF 29, GODWIN OKIGBO ST., SURULERE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 2ND DAY OF MAY, 2008 AT OGUN STATE. ANTHONY O. OSSAI OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ANTHONY OKPOKO OSSAI AND MR ANTHONY OSSAI LATE OF 10, ADENEKAN ST., EJIGBO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 23RD DAY OF JULY, 2009 AT LAGOS. PATRICK PIUS UDOH LATE OF 5TH AVENUE, H1 CLOSE, FLAT 8, FESTAC TOWN, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATYE ON 19TH DAY OF MARCH, 2008 AT LAGOS. ROWLAND SAPPOR LATE OF 191/3, NEW ROAD MEDINA, ACCRA GHANA WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 24TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2001 AT ACCRA, GHANA. MERCY N. NWANGORO OTHERWISE KNOWN AS N EE MERCY U. ELEZUE KUYKINU LATE OF 33/35, AKINSULERE ST., AGUDA WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 29TH DAY OF APRIL, 2005 AT LAGOS. MR LUKMAN ABIDOYE OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ABIDOYE LUKMAN OLUWONRAN ESQ., LATE OF NOP.3, LUKMAN ST., ODOGUNYAN, IKORODU, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 28TH DAY OF MARCH 2010 AT LAGOS. SGT.(RTD.) FAMUYIBO SUNDAY LATE OF 13, ADEMOLA ST., BARIGA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 18TH DAY OF MARCH, 2010 AT LAGOS. THOMAS AB AYOMI WILLIAMS OTHERWISE KNOWN AS CHIEF THOMAS ABAYOMI WILLIAMS, CHIEF THOMAS WILLIAMS, CHIEF YOMI WILLIAMS, CHIEF T. A. WILLIAMS, CHIEF T. YOMI WILLIAMS, MR THOMAS ABAYOMI WILLIAMS, MR THOMAS WILLIAMS, MR ABAYOMI WILLIAMS, MR YOMI WILLIAMS, MR T. A. WILLIAMS AND MR T. YOMI WILLIAMS AND WILLIAMS THOMAS ABAYOMI ODERINDE LATE OF 71, OPEBI RD., IKEJA WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 9TH DAY OF DEC., 2010 AT LAGOS. TAIWO ADEGBUYI OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ADEGBUYI TAIWO LATE OF 26, KITIBUTU ST., OWODE OGUN STATE WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 28TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2009 AT OGUN STATE. UGHANWA INNOCENT ONWUZULIKE OTHERWISE KNOWN AS UGHANWA INNOCENT LATE OF 3, DEJI ST., BARIGA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 14TH DAY OF NOV., 2008 AT LAGOS. PA VICTOR ADEGBOYEGA DACOSTA LATE OF 332 BORNU WAY, YABA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 3RD DAY OF JANUARY, 2009 AT LAGOS. PA SAMUEL ANAZIA OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ANAZIA SAMUEL OKONKWO LATE OF 4, SHEKONI ST., ORILE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 14TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2010 AT LAGOS. OLAJIDE DAIRO OTHERWISE KNOWN AS DAIRO OLAJIDE LATE OF 32, STRANCHAN ST., LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 31ST DAY OF OCT., 2005 AT LAGOS JOSEPH UDEZE OBINNWA OTHERWISE KNOWN AS OBINWA JOSEPH LATE OF 51, WOWO ST., OLODI APAPA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 21ST JUNE, 2005 AT ONITSHA. MRS AKINPELU ELIZABETH TAIWO LATE OF 48, ABIODUN ST., SOMOLU, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 15TH DAY OF JUNE, 2008 AT LAGOS EVANS EGBURE OTHERWISE KNOWN AS EGBUNA EVANS OBIEKWU LATE OF 6, BATULA ST., EBUTE METTA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 16TH DAY OF DEC., 2003 AT LAGOS. FELICIA IWUAGWU LATE OF 120, APAPA RD., EBUTE METTA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 8TH DAY OF FEB., 2010 AT LAGOS. AYISAT THOMPSON OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THOMPSON AYISAT LATE OF 14, MABO ST., SURULERE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 22ND DAY OF JULY, 2009 AT LAGOS. ANDREW UDORO LATE OF 1, BILLY WAY IRAWO B/STOP, OFF IKORODU RD., LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 10TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2009 AT LAGOS. GEORGE KOLAJO ERO-PHILLIPS LATE OF 52/62, LAWANSON ST., IKATE, SURULERE WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 21ST DAY OF DEC., 2009 AT LAGOS. KEHINDE ADEMUYIWA LATE OF 42, OSHIPITAN ST., BARIGA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 14TH DAY OF FEB., 2011 AT LAGOS. HON. MUNIRU WAHAB AYINLA LATE OF ALAGUNTAN TOWN, ETI-OSA, EAST AJAH, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 3RD DAY OF JULY, 2010 AT LAGOS. AJAYI CHRISTIANA NADU OTHERWISE KNOWN AS LAWSON CHRISTIANA NADU LATE OF 28, TOKUNBO ST., LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE OPN 26TH DAY OF OCT., 1982 AT LAGOS. SAMUEL ATTAH AMEH OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ATTAH SAMUEL AMEH (ASP) LATE OF 1, AYODEJI ST., ARO, ABEOKUTA WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 9TH DAY OF JAN., 2011 AT ABEOKUTA. SAMSON ULEH OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ULE SAMSON LATE OF 56, OYEROGUN ST., SURULERE WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 4TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2006 AT LAGOS. AFOKHURE YUSUF KUMESOMI LATE OF NO.24, MARKET RD., IMUGBA VIA AGENEBODE WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 11TH DAY OF DEC., 2009 AT UMIEGBA. OLAJIDE ROBERTS LATE OF 33, IDUMAGBO ST., LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 18TH DAY OF MARCH, 1983 AT LAGOS. DIBIE EREMULOR LATE OF 7B, HALL LANE, APAPA WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 16TH DAY OF FEB., 2011 AT AGBOR, DELTA STATE. MRS ANGELA OKOLO OTHERWISE KNOWN AS MRS ANGEL OKOLO LATE OF 8, YUSUF ST., IPONRI, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 30TH DAY OF APRIL, 2007 AT LAGOS. EIREWELE EDWARD OKHIRA LATE OF 48, BALOGUN ILAWE ST., ALAPERE KETU, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 21ST DAY OF OCT., 1986 AT LAGOS. ADEDAYO ANOS LATE OF 19, OSHOGBO ST., AMUKOKO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 24TH DAY OF NOV., 2009 AT LAGOS. GANIYU OGUNBANJO LATE OF 14, BAKERY ST., LELENIKA OKOKOMAIKO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 4TH DAY OF SEPT., 2010 AT LAGOS. JONAS I.O. EFEOBU LATE OF ST., MARY ANGLICAN CHURCH UGAMUMA VILLAGE OBOSI, ANABRA STATE WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 6TH DAY OF JUNE, 1975 AT ANAMBRA. AYAOWEI BERNARD LATE OF 31, SAMUEL OSHEI ST., KETU, AGBARA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 9TH DAY OF OCT., 2008 AT LAGOS. LATEEF AYINDE HAMMED OTHERWISE KNOWN AS LATEEF AYINDE AHMED LATE OF 7, SHOFUNWA ST., IYANA OWORO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 22ND DAY OF JULY, 2008 AT LAGOS. DANZO OREDOLA EMMANUEL OTHERWISE KNOWN AS MR EMMANUEL OREDOLA DANZO LATE OF 2, OSHIFUYE ST., MUSHIN, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 14TH DAY OF MAY, 2009 AT LAGOS. MICHAEL AMINU OHILEIBO IKHONEDE OPTHERWISE KNOWN AS MIKE MUMIDU IKHONEDE LATE OF 7, ISAAC JOHN ST., FADEYI, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 27TH DAY OF MAY, 2010 AT LAGOS. CPL. FABIAN ELHEBHORIA LATE OF NIG. POLICE FORCE OBEROKIE DIVISION DELTA STATE WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 15TH DAY OF DEC., 2009 WARRI, DELTA STATE. MR AKINLABI ONI LATE OF 9, OKE-ONIJO ST., OFF IJESHATEDO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 13TH DAY OF DEC., 2009 AT LAGOS. REV. DR. ANTHONY CHUKWUEZE OTHERWISE KNOWN AS (W.O.) CHUKWUEZE ANTHONY (RTD), CHUKWUEZE JUNIOR AND CHUKWUEZE ANTHONY I. LATE OF 12, BOUNDARY RD., AJEGUNLE APAPA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 12TH DAY OF OCT., 2007 AT ANAMBRA STATE. MR OYATOLU JOPSEPH LATE OF 24, FLAT 1, JAKANDE HOUSING ESTATE ILASAN LEKKI, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 19TH DAY OF JULY, 2010 AT LAGOS. ALHAJI HAKEEM AKANDE AGBOOLA LATE OF 90/92, OSHOGBO ST., AGUDA WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 12TH DAY OF MAY, 2010 AT LAGOS. ALAKA GANIYAT LATE OF 20, ADEDEJI ST., ITIRE, SURULERE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 20TH DAY OF MARCH, 2009 AT IKEJA, LAGOS. MR. AYO PIUS EHINLAYE OTHERWISE KNOWN AS AYO OKUO LATE OF 13, OLAIYA ST., MAKOKO, YABA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 28TH DAY OF DEC., 2010 AT LAGOS. MRS CHRISTIE OBAFUNMILAYO FAKOLUJO OTHERWISE KNOWN AS FAKOLUJO CHRISTIE OBAFUNMILAYO LATE OF 29, APATIRA ST., LAGOS ISLAND, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 28TH DAY OF JUNE, 2008 AT BENIN/SAGAMU EXP. IKENNE. MR EMMANUEL OLUBUNMI BAMGBADE LATE OF NO.6, AROWOLO ST., OFF OWODUNNI ST., IWAYA YABA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 2ND DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2004 AT LAGOS. OKELEKE SOLOMON LATE OF 3, AROWOSEGBE ST., SHOGUNLE OSHODI, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 25TH DAY OF MARCH, 2007 AT LAGOS. MR ABIOLA DAVIES OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ADEMOLA ABIOLA LATE OF NO. 24A, BALE AIYETORO ST., AJEGUN LE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 7TH DAY OF MAY, 1988 AT LAGOS. EMMANUEL OSUNDE LATE OF NO.1, OSUNDE CLOSE, IBIME MAGBON WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 13TH DAY OF JUNE 2010 AT LAGOS. LAWRENCE OGBOGWU ONWUFUJU LATE OF 26, ONWUFUJU ST., IRE-AKARI ESTATE, ISOLO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 12TH DAY OF OCT., 1997 AT LAGOS. OJEDOKUN FLORENCE ASABI OTHERWISE KNOWN AS MRS FLORENCE ASABI OJEDOKUN LATE OF 19, ABEOKUTA ST., EBUTE METTA, EAST, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 17TH DAY OF NOV., 2008 AT IKORODU. MRS MARGARET ATINUKE OLUSANYAN OTHERWISE KNOWN AS OLUSANYA ATINUKE LATE OF TOLA AKINWUNMI ST., MARYLAND, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 12TH DAY OF OCT./, 2009 AT LAGOS. ALLI ADEBOYE SHAYAU OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ALH. SHAYEU ALI ADEBOYE LATE OF 12, OLULU ST., NEW MAKOKO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 6TH DAY OF JUNE, 2010 AT LAGOS. MR AKPAN ANIEKAN EDET LATE OF 11, LAYINKA ST., AJEGUNLE APAPA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 18TH DAY OF MARCH, 2008 AT LAGOS. OYEWOLE RONKE LATE OF 14, TURNER CLOSE, MOSAFEJO AMUKOKO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 24TH DAY OF JULY, 2008 AT LAGOS. MR ALAYAKI FATAI LATE OF 11, OREMEJI ST., OKEKOTO AGEGE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 11TH DAY OF NOV., 2006 AT OKENE KOGI STATE.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT MORUFU FOLAMI AND GANIU FOLAMI BOTH OF 50, ORIWU RD., IKORODU, LAOGS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS RACHAEL OMOBOLA AYOOLA, MR ABAYOMI FAJOBI AND MR OLABODE FAJOBI ALL OF 18, FAGBEMI ST., OBALE ODAN, SURULERE, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. ALHAJA TAWAKALITU LOLA AZEEZ, MR ABIODUN OLANREWAJU BISHI AND MISS OLASUMBO BISHI ALL OF 30, IBUKUN ST., SURULERE, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. PETER AITSEMOKHAI IKHIEDE CHRISTOPHER ERESHE IKHIEDE, STELLA AVOECHAOYA IKHIEDE AND PETER OSIKEMEKHAI ALL OF 14, FAKOYA ST., AJUWON AKUTE, OGUN STATE THE WIDOWER AND THREE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR OKE OPATOLA AND MRS OYEJOKE AYANLAKIN OF 6, VINCENT ST,., LAGOS AND NO.22, TIGBEGBE ST., OJOKORO THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. DR. MRS. FOLARANMI VICTORIA ALAFE AND MS BUSOLA ALOFE BOTH OF 35, AKINWUNMI ST., ALAGOMEJI , YABA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. KEHINDE MURITALA AKANBI AND TAOFIK YAKUBU BOTH OF 3, OJORA ST., IJORA OLOYE, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. ADEWALE POPOOLA AND MUYIWA POPOOLA BOTH OF 24, ALHAJI FOLAMI ST., AKOWONJO, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. JOHN OLUGBO AND QUEEN OLUGBO BOTH OF 3, BALOGUN ST., OFF NUFE RD., ALABA, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS MICHELLE OLUBUKOLA EGBETOLA AND OLAYINKA ADEPEJU OKULAJA BOTH OF 9, STRACHAN LANE, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. ISREAL OROYO AND MR SEGUN OROYO BOTH OF 6, ABEL ABAYOMI ST., LAGOS THE WIDOWER AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. ADEWALE OLUSEGUN ADEWUNMI AND MRS OMOLOLA AWEDA OF 27, KAKAWA ST., LAGOS AND 35, AKOREDE ST., BADIA IJORA, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR MOHAMADOU SILLAH AND MRS JAYJA SILLAH BOTH OF 268A, 4TH AVENUE, FESTAC TOWN, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR ALATISHE ADEYEMI AND MISS ALATISE IBIRONKE OF BLK. 111, FLAT 5, L.C.H.E. SURULERE, LAGOS AND BLK. 16, FLAT 3, IPONRI ESTATE, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS SALOME ONYEKWERE AND MR JEBULON ONYEKWERE BOTH OF 34, AGBAMU AMUKOKO, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OFM THE SAID DECEASED. MRS ALICE OSOBA AND MR CHARLES OSOBA BOTH OF 14A, ODUSEGUN WAY, OFF BASHORUN CRESCENT, IGBOGBO IKORODU, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED MRS REBECCA NTA AND MR EZRA NTA BOTH OF 1 – 3, AWKE ETITI ST., OFF COMFORT OBOBI, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. REV. RAPHAEL A. SALIU AND OKHAI G. SALIU BOTH OF 25, FALANA ST., EJIGBO, LAGOS THE WIDOWER AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. EMOEFE OFOGBA KRISTIAN AND EMOEFE O. ODJE OF 3, OLOWOTABUTABU OJO, LAGOS AND PLOT 23, GWAGWALADA ABUJA THE CHILD AND NEPHEW RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MUSLIU BANKOLE AND ASIMOWU BANKOLE OF 20, ST., MARY ST., OJO, OLUWA ISASHI, LAGOS AND 7, ONIBUORE STREET. KITO B/STOP ALAKA, LAGOS THE BROTHER AND SISTER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. OLALEKAN AKINDELE AND OLANREWAJU IDRIS BOTH OF 32, ALIMI OKE ST., OSHODI. THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR MATHEW OKEKE AND VICTOR AKACHUKWU BOTH OF 386, OJO IGBEDE RD., OJO ALABA, LAGOS THE WIDOWER AND BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. DR. NINIOLA ADEREMIO ADERIB IGBE AND MRS MOSUNMADE A. AGBEBI BOTH OF 29, GODWIN OKIGBO ST., SURULERE, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. CAROLINE OSSAI AND EMMANUEL EKAM OF 10, ADENEKAN ST., EJIGBO, LAGOS AND 29, ADEYEMO ST., ILOGBO, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. REV. FR. GABRIEL UDOH OF ST. TIMOTHY CATHOLIC CHURCH OJODU, LAGOS THE BROTHER OF THE SAID DECEASED. JOSEPHINE SAPPOR AND HENRY SAPPOR OF 191/3, MEDINA ACCRA, GHANA AND 376, WOODEND RD., WOOLVER HAMPTON WVII IVD U.K. THE ONE OF THE CHILDREN AND SISTER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. GINA ELEZUE AND IKECHUKWU UBAH BOTH OF 170A, AKERELE EXT. SURULERE, LAGOS THE ONE OF THE CHILDREN AND GRAND SON RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS IBITAYO DORCAS ABIDOYE AND RASHIDI KOLAWOLE BOTH OF 3, LUKMAN ST., ODOGUNYAN IKORODU, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. GBENGA FAMUYIBO, BUKKI FAMUYIBO AND DEMILOLA FAMUYIBO ALL OF NO.6, AYODELE OLADELE ST., MOWE THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. DR. BABATUNDE O. WILLIAMS AND OLAJIDE WILLIAMS BOTH OF 71, OPEBI RD., IKEJA, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. ADEYEMI ADEGBUYI, ADEKUNLE ADEGBUYI AMD ADEBAYO ADEGBUYI ALL OF 26, KIFIBUTU ST., IBODE, OGUN STATE THE THREE OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MARTINA UGHANWA AND RUTH UGHANWA BOTH OF 3, DEJI ST., BARIGA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIV ELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS HARRIETTE SELINAH DACOSTA AND DR. VICTOR ADEDAMOLA DACOSTA BOTH OF 332, BORNU WAY, YABA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONLY SURVIVING CHILD RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS. PATRICIA MOKWUNYE, MRS HOPE OSUNKIYESI AND EMEKA ANAZIA ALL OF 4, SHEKONI ST., ORILE, LAGOS THE THREE OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. FOLASHADE DAIRO AND OLANREWAJU O. DAIRO BNOTH OF 32, STRACHAN ST., LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. JUDE OKE OBINWA AND IRENE OBINWA BOTH OF 32, IZE DURU AV., AJANGBADI, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR EMMANUEL DAMILOLA AKINNIYI OF 48, ABIODUN ST., SOMOLU, LGOSW THE ONLY SURVIVING CHILD OF THE SAID DECEASED. EGBUNA CECILIA KONSOYE AND ESTHER UIDOWU NWAONAI BOTH OF NWAONAI CRESCENT LASUNWON ESTATE, IKORODU, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR. IGNATIUS IWUAGWU AND MR EMEKA IWUAGWU BOTH OF 120, APAPA RD., EBUTE METTA, LAGOS THE WIDOWER AND ONE IOF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MISS MULIKAT THOMPSON AND MISS SEKINAT THOMPSON BOTH OF 14, MABO ST., SURULERE, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MARTINS ONOME UDORO AND MRS GLORIA UDORO BOTH OF 1, BILLYWAY IRAWO B/STOP, OFF IKORODU RD., LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. AKINBODE ERO-PHILLIPS AND OLADIPO ERO-PHILLIPS BOTH OF 11, IJAIYE ST., ITIRE, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. IBRAHIM A. ADEMUYIWA AND MOHAMMED O. ADEMUYIWA BOTH OF 21, BAILEY ST., BARIGA, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS MUNIRU KUDIRATU, MUNIRU ABU OLALEKAN AND MUNIRU RASHEED OF ALAGUNTAN TOWN, ETI-OSA, AJAH AND 20A, SANNI ST., AWOYAYA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND TWO OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR ORIYOMI LOKO AND MR GBOLAHAN LOKO BOTH OF 28, TOKUNBO ST., LAGOS THE BROTHERS OF THE SAID DECEASED. AMEH ATTAH MARY AND AMEH ESTHER OJOMA BOTH OF 1, AYODEJI ST., ARO, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. SUNDAY E. ULEH AND CHRISTOPHER O. ULEH BOTH OF 56, OYEROGUN ST., SURULERE, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. AFOKHUME KUMESOMI ROTIMI AND AFOKHUME KUMESOMI DOMINIC OF 13, ABAYOMI ST., OSHODI AND NANNY MARKET,NITEL QUARTERS OSHODI. THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. IYABO ROBERTS, OLUWATOYIN ROBERTS, KAZEEM ADENIYI AND YESIDE ROBERTS ALL OF 33, IDUMAGBO ST., LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS BRIDGET DIBIE AND CATHERINE DIBIE BOTH OF 7B, HALL LANE, APAPA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND SISTER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. INNOCENT YOUNG OKOLO AND CORDELIA OKOLO BOTH OF BLK. 6, FLAT 16, GAMES VILLAGE, SURULERE, LAGOS THE WIDOWER AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR. WILLIAM ORIAKEHI EIREWELE AND EIREWELE OMONYEMEN FAVOUR BOTH OF 48, BALOGUN ILAWE ST., ALAPERE, KETU, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS RACHAEL ADEDAYO AND MISS TOIPE ADEDAYO BOTH OF OSHOGBO ST,., AMUKOKO, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND DAUGHTER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS BOSEDE OGUNBANJO, M,R AHMED OGUNBANJO AND MR SODIQ OGUNBANJO ALL OF 14, BAKERY ST., CELE NICA OKOKOMAIKO, LAGOS THE widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

M.R OKWUDILI IFEOBU AND JERRY OBOSI IFEOBU OF 42, ISEYIN ST., OFF AGUNJIKA ST., IJESHA, SURULERE AND 7, ALHAJI KAREEM ST., OLODI APAPA, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. AYAOWEI PERPETUAL AND BLESSING OZUM BOTH OF 1, IYALODE ST., AJEGUNLE LAGOS THE WIDOW AND SISTER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS SHAKIRAT BELLO AND MISS KAFAYAT A. HAMMED BOTH OF 7, SHOFUNWA ST., IYANA OWORO, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. DANZO ADEBISI AND DANZO S. ADEOLA BOTH OF 2, OSHIFUYE ST., MUSHIN, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS MARY ALABA IKHONEDE AND MISS AYOMIDE AMINAT IKHONEDE BOTH OF 7, ISAAC JOHN ST., FADEYI, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED, MR GODFREY OSY EIHEBHORIA AND MRS EVELYNE ITOYA BOTH OF 36, AKINOLA ST., IYANA IPAJA, AGEGE, LAGOS THE BROTHER AND SISTER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS FOLUKE AKINWALERE AND MR AYODEJI ONI BOTH OF 9, OKE ONIJO ST., OFF IJESHATEDO, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS NKEM IFEOMA CHUKWUEZE AND MRS ADAMAOBINNYA KANU BOTH OF 12, BOUNDARY RD., AJEGUNLE APAPA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. SABINA A. OYATOLU, OYELEKE OYATOLU AND OYEBISI OYATOLU ALL OF 24, FLAT 1, JAKANDE HOUSING ESTATE ILASAN LEKKI, LAGOS THE THREE OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS FAOSAT AGBOOLA, TOSIN AGBOOLA AND TINUKE AGBOOLA ALL OF 90/92, OSOGBO ST., AGUDA THE WIDOW AND TWO OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED, MISS TOKUNBO OBADIAHI AND MR OLUKAYODE OLATUNJI OGUNBANWO BOTH OF 20, ADEDEJI ST., ITIRE, SURULERE, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR PIUS SURU STEPHEN AND MRS MUNI PIUS BOTH OF 13, OLAIYA ST., MAKOKO, YABA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND SON RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. JULIANA OLAIDE FAKOLUJO, JOHN FAKUNLE FAKOLUJO AND JULIET FASADE FAKOLUJO ALL OF 29, APATIRA ST., LAGOS ISLAND THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. ADEDOYIN YEJIDE BAMGBADE AND OLUWASHOLA DEBORAH BAMGBADE BOTH OF NO.8, BARUWA ETTI, SHASHA RD., SHASHA, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR AUGUSTINE OKOH AND MRS NDIDI OKELEKE BOTH OF PLOT 5A, OKO AWO ST., VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS . THE MOTHER AND YOUNGER BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS EJIOGWU OLUWATOYIN, MR DAVIES ADEMOLA MICHAEL, MRS IGBOANUSI AYODELE AND MRS DAVIES ADEOLA AKINLOYE ALL OF 5A, BALE AIYETORO AJEGUNLE, LAGOS THE FOUR OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS JOY OGUNDE, SAMUEL OGUNDE AND LILIAN OGUNDE ALL OF NO.1, OGUNDE CLOSE, MAGBON THE WIDOW AND TWO OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. LAURETTA NKIRUKA CHUKELU AND LAWRENCE NGOZI ONWUFUJU BOTH OF 26, ONWUFUJU ST., IRE-AKARI ESTATE, ISOLO, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. SAMUEL OLAYINKA OJEDOKUN AND MRS FOLASADE O. ADEDEJI OF 19, ABEOKUTA ST., EBUTE METTA EAST AND NATUIONAL OIL ESTATE, AGBOWA, IBESHE, IKORODU, LAGOS THE WIDOWER AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS KEHINDE SOLU AND MISS OLABISI OLUSANYA BOTH OF 1-3, OLOWORA TREAM BUILDING OLOWORA, LAGOS. THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. ADEKUNLE JOHNSON ADEBOYE AND ALIDU ADEBOYE BOTH OF 7, OKOLONU ST., BIOGIJE IBEJU LEKKI, LAGHOS THE TWO CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS REGINA ANIEKAN AKPAN AND MR NSISONG ANIEKAN AKPAN BOTH OF NO.11, LAYINKA ST., AJEGUNLE APAPA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. SHERIFAT OYEWOLE AND OLUWADAMILOLA OYEWOLE BOTH OF 14, TURNER CLOSE, MOSAFEJO AMUKOKO, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. SHERIFAT ALAYAKI, SALIU ALAYAKI, AZEEZ ALAYAKI AND IYABO ALAYAKI ALL OF 11, OREMEJI ST., OKEKOTO AGEGE, LAGOS THE FOUR OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

51

52

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

53

NEWS

Ohakim’s deputy for commissioner

T

HE Governor of Imo State Owelle Rochas Okorocha yesterday submitted the list of 15 commissioner nominees and 10 Senior Special Assistants to the House of Assembly for screening.

The list, which is made up of four women, has the former deputy governorship candidate to the former Governor Ikedi Ohakim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Viola Onwuliri.

Soronadi Njoku, who

contested for the House of Representatives on the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).He lost to Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP. Njoku was a Commissioner for eight years in Chief Achike Udenwa administration.

Another nominee is the branch Manager of Zenith Chief Mike Okafor Others are Jude Agbaso, Ijezie Veronica Adaor, Ann Dozie, Uche Ejike, Ogoke Chioma, Njoku Obi, Emelu Kenneth, Jerry Okoli, Nze En-

•Okorocha

werem Ogueri, Nelson Ezerioha, Ndukwu Emeka and Steve Ahaneku.

The House of Assembly has allegedly cleared all the Senior Special Assistants’ nominees.

Southeast ACN urges Ngige to vie for Minority Leader

T

HE Southeast Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has urged Senator Chris Ngige to contest for the Minority leader in the upper legislative chamber.

The ACN yesterday had its zonal meeting in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Zonal Chairman of the party Dr. Chudi Nwike said Ngige can effectively and efficiently steer the minority opposition agenda in the Senate.

The meeting was attended by the chairmen from Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra.The Abia State governorship candidate in the last general election, Paul Ikonne, was also present.

S

•Inaugurates zonal working committee Senator Chris Ngige, Charles Odedo of the House of Representatives and the Houses of Assembly members also attended the meeting.

The party decried what it called the neglect of the zone by the national leadership of the party.

According to the communiqué, “The Senate leadership is hereby requested to waive the new Senate Rules 3b on ranking, as Ngige is the only Senator from the former eastern region of Nigeria encompassing present- day Southeast zone with five states of Abia, Anambra, Eb-

onyi, Enugu, Imo and four states in the South South of Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom, under the platform of our great party.”

The party ratified and inaugurated its Zonal Working Committee (ZWC), which has nominations from its constituent states.

The committee members are Chief Ekwuaju, Zonal organizing Secretary; Mrs. Ngozi Ogbuagu, Zonal Woman Leader; Deacon George Nwadike, Zonal Secretary; Mr. Chibueze Eze, Zonal Public Relations Officer and Mr. Cletus Ulor, Zonal Financial Secretary.

NPA workers urge govt to revoke ENIOR workers of the private jetty licences Nigeria Ports Author-

ity (NPA) have urged President Goodluck Jonathan to revoke licences signed by operators of private jetties.

The workers said, ‘their activities are inimical to the progress of port operations.”

The NPA workers said allowing private jetty operators to handle ocean going vessels pose serious security threat and loss of internally generated revenue.

The workers issued yesterday a communigue in Benin City at the end of the 22n Joint Consultative Conference (JCC) of the Senior

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Staff Association of Communications, Transport and Corporations (SSACTAC), Nigeria Ports Authority chapter.

The communiqué signed

by President and General Secretary of SSACTAC, NPA branch, Comrade Omeiza Umar and Comrade Akin Leoso, commended the Federal Ministry of Transport and the NPA for decongestion of Ports but warned against imposing policies inimical to ports operations.

“It is the government that is undoing the system. Allowing private jetties posed

great security threat. Who knows the source of these weapons being imported into the country?”

Umar urged President Goodluck Jonathan to establish dry port and linked rail to the sea ports to avert future congestion at the sea ports.

It said establishing dry ports and impr reduce pressure on the roads, provide employment to the youths and increase revenue to the nation.”

Chairman of the JCC, Eastern Port zone, Comrade Emmanuel Inyang, said sporting activities would be revived in NPA.

ACN accuses Akpabio of plans to stifle opposition

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has accused Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio of preparing the ground to eliminate opposition parties in the state.

Akpabio has allegedly reiterated his desire to eliminate people who served as polling agents for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the last general elections.

In a statement in Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday, by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said Akpabio was planning to eliminate the PDP polling agents to prevent them from testifying at the State Election Petition

Tribunal next week. ‘’This is Akpabio’s way of preparing the ground for the elimination of opposition politicians and their supporters. By crying wolf,he is trying to justify future elimination of opposition party members and supporters.

We are therefore calling for vigilance by all members of our party in Akwa Ibom, and indeed all those who belong to the opposition in the state,’’ it said.

ACN said it has a tradition of resorting to a legal recourse to claim stolen mandates, rather than engaging in street battles or killings. ‘’Every Nigerian knows which party has been described by the Nobel Laure-

•Akpabio

ate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, as a nest of killers. Every Nigerian knows which party has always engaged in internecine killings. That party is definitely not the ACN. Therefore, Akpabio should look inwards for those who are allegedly trying to eliminate PDP witnesses,” the party said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

54

MONEY LINK

CBN to set aside N75 billion for agriculture T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is to set aside about N75 billion to promote agroallied business.

The fund will come under the Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural lending (NIRSAL), which is “a holistic and transformational programme to de-risk agricultural lending and unlock the potential of the sector.”

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said this at the international conference on financing agricultural value chain in Sub-Saharan Africa, co-organized

by Union Bank and International Crops Research Institute (ICRISAT), India.

The aim of the new agric

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor), Abuja

i n d u s t r i a l i sa t i o n f u n d , Sanusi said, is to increase production and processing of a large number of agric products so as to boost economic earnings across the value chains.

Sanusi stated that the programme aims to generate an additional N450 billion of bank lending facilities in the next 10 years by de-risking the agricultural value chain.

The agric industrialization fund NIRSAL, Sanusi added, has been designed to provide the singular transformational, one bullet solution to poor lending and development in the sector and is expected to increase lending to agriculture from the current two per cent to

seven per cent of total bank lending.

The NIRSAL fund, he explained, would lead to the achievement of equitable lending across the value chains, with 50 per cent of the new lending ‘pooled’ into small-medium scale farmer/enterprise segment.

By this development, small and medium producers across the agricultural value chain, that banks ordinarily do not fund, can now access funds through aggregating mediators, such as cooperatives and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).

The fund also plans to target “3.8 million agricultural producers by 2020, through MFIs, cooperatives, value chain financing and other ‘pool-

NSE considers certification on corporate governance

T

HE Nigerian Stock Ex change (NSE) says it is considering the introduction of certification process to determine firms’ compliance with code of corporate governance in the capital market.

The Director-General of NSE, Mr Oscar Onyema, disclosed this in the latest publication of the NigerianSouth African Chamber of Commerce which was made available to reporters in Lagos on Thursday.

The NSE chief said the process would be an annual exercise as part of its efforts to restore integrity of the capital market.

According to him, the certification process will allow listed companies on NSE to adhere to established corporate governance code, operational rules and regulations of the capital market.

Onyema said that the compliance would be on a yeary basis to know whether or not firms were actually comply-

ing with their corporate governance standard.

“We will have a certification process, so that on an annual basis, companies will be certified that they have met with the policies and procedures they have subscribed to,” the publication quoted Onyema as saying.

He said that negative activities of some operators in the recent past had taken a toll on the integrity of the stock market.

ing’ mechanisms. The fund will also reduce banks’ break-even interest rate to borrowers from 14 to 7.510.5 per cent”.

To achieve these targets, Sanusi, said “NIRSAL will build capacities of Nigerian banks to lend to agriculture, deploy risk sharing instruments that will incentivise and position banks based on their capacities to lend to the agricultural sector.

The project the CBN governor added, has already identified various agricultural crop value chains and “as a quick win strategy, six crop value chains have been identified.” The first six crops, he said, are maize, rice, cotton, soya bean, cassava

A

N investment fund ad vised by Citi Venture Capital International (CVCI) completed an investment in Zenith Bank Plc. The transaction involved a purchase of shares from existing shareholders. CVCI was established in 2001 as part of Citi, the leading global financial services company.

Zenith Bank, is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and had for the quarter ended March 31, the bank reported net interest income of N28.8 billion, representing year-onyear growth of 41 per cent and

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 15-6-11 SYMBOL O/PRICE C/PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE UTC 0.63 0.66 0.03 4.76 UNITYBNK 0.88 0.92 0.04 4.55 INTERCONT 0.89 0.93 0.04 4.49 ETI 14.40 15.00 0.60 4.17 COURTVILLE 0.50 0.52 0.02 4.00 PRESCO 7.71 8.00 0.29 3.76 NBC 41.00 42.50 1.50 3.66 WEMABANK 0.98 1.00 0.02 2.04 UBN 2.05 2.09 0.04 1.95 NEM 0.53 0.54 0.01 1.89 LOSER AS AT 15-6-11 SYMBOL LONGMAN IBTC PAINTCOM COSTAIN ECOBANK AIICO RTBRISCOE PRESTIGE NIGERINS NIWICABLE

O/PRICE C/PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE 6.60 6.27 0.33 5.00 10.20 9.69 0.51 5.00 1.81 1.72 0.09 4.97 3.49 3.32 0.17 4.87 3.35 3.19 0.16 4.78 0.84 0.80 0.04 4.76 2.18 2.08 0.10 4.59 1.80 1.72 0.08 4.44 0.69 0.66 0.03 4.35 0.70 0.67 0.03 4.29

Amount Sold ($) 300m 244m 400m

Exchange Rate (N) 154.50 153.59 153.4

Date 13-6-11 06-6-11 23-5-11

EXHANGE RATE 30-05-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

INTERBANK RATES

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Sunil Nair, CVCI’s head for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India said: “Nigeria is one of the most attractive African markets for investors today given its projected growth rates, large population and increasing economic diversification. Zenith, which is well capitalized and liquid, is expected to further consolidate its leadership position in the industry against the backdrop of a large un-banked and underbanked depositor base and growing demand for credit from the oil & gas and other real sectors."

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 300m 383m 300m 244m 400m 452.3m

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

profit after taxes of N15.1 billion, representing year-onyear growth of 59 per cent.

Zenith Bank also reported a capital adequacy ratio of 36 per cent and a non-performing loans (NPL) ratio of 5.4 per cent during the period.

Zenith Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, stated, “We are very pleased to have CVCI as an investor in the bank. The investment reinforces Zenith Bank’s best-in-class reputation and is a testament to its growth strategy and superior performance.”

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

Osibodu, Group Managging Director of Union Bank lamented that Nigeria spent about $4 billion (over N600 billion) on food importation annually. N150 billion of this amount she pointed out is spent on rice importation.

She was concerned that if this trend can be reversed it will save Nigeria a lot of foreign exchange.

Nigerian banks she revealed believe agriculture is a high risk venture arguing that “that is why they have been reluctant financing agric.”

She noted that there is the risk of deterioration, as Nigeria suffers from heavy post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage..

Citi Venture Capital completes investment in Zenith

FGN BONDS

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

and tomato, while other enterprises are being studied, and banks are being urged to support other commodity value chains.

NIRSAL the CBN governor added, has broken from tradition in two significant ways, first, by fixing the agricultural value chain so that banks can lend with confidence to performing projects across commercially healthy agricultural value chains, and secondly, by encouraging banks to lend into the agricultural value chains from their balance sheets and without relying on government funds, by offering the banks unprecedented incentives and technical assistance.

Meanwhile, Funke

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N) Parallel Market 153.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N)

15-06-11 N8.130tr 25,428.35

Name

January ’11

February ’11

May ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.00%

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% 11.3%

NIBOR

7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

14-06-11 N8.144tr 25,471.59

% Change -0.2% -0.2%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS

DISCOUNT WINDOW

Tenor

NSE CAP Index

Rate (Previous) 04 MAR, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 24, MAY, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 117.83 119.45 0.84 1,582.15 9.94 1.00 1.39 1.87 9,089.18 193.00

9.08 1.00 117.32 118.70 0.81 1,576.19 9.46 1.00 1.33 1.80 8,807.35 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 MAR, 2011

Current 07, MAR, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

55

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 16-06-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Company Name FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 2 9 12

Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COM PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 55 57

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.50 8.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5,000 2,500.00 156,000 78,000.00 142,886 1,130,720.32 303,886 1,211,220.32

AIR SERVICES Quotation(N) 2.66 8.20

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 12,000 30,720.00 276,824 2,290,009.50 288,824 2,320,729.50

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 16 17

Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC AFRIBANK NIGERIA PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC FINBANK PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC INTERCONTINENTAL BANK PLC. OCEANIC BANK INTERNATIONAL PLC BANK PHB PLC SKYE BANK PLC. SPRING BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 148 52 64 42 59 85 549 77 491 23 173 170 15 96 2 32 235 168 27 32 341 2,881

Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 72 18 139 229

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.08

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,000 5,000.00 187,944 400,091.68 197,944 405,091.68

Quotation(N) 7.10 1.00 5.60 3.19 7.52 2.62 12.98 0.51 15.95 9.69 0.93 1.06 0.70 8.06 0.83 1.80 5.90 2.09 0.92 1.00 15.19

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,199,927 22,561,089.07 2,232,390 2,219,240.55 3,322,950 18,485,023.20 828,854 2,644,334.16 2,367,160 17,801,592.25 3,083,116 8,050,900.36 8,435,209 109,659,318.20 6,866,593 3,493,546.80 7,183,472 114,743,525.31 353,045 3,433,950.00 25,365,701 23,453,787.45 15,398,985 16,007,957.62 389,956 272,969.20 1,264,768 10,201,149.89 5,509 4,352.11 2,391,600 4,275,850.50 4,566,922 27,302,621.21 6,323,591 13,104,703.09 2,432,164 2,220,492.58 1,193,573 1,188,263.70 63,874,182 962,158,656.07 161,079,667 1,363,283,323.32

Quotation(N) 245.00 6.42 90.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 78,835 19,328,198.18 182,792 1,118,829.20 803,946 72,362,482.25 1,065,573 92,809,509.63

BANKING

BREWERIES

Operators attribute steep decline to low MARKET operait has been agreed confidence board, tors have attributed that Pearson Plc (which

M

recent sustained downtrend at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to low investor confidence and lack of support from institutional investors who now tend to be focusing more on fixed income securities.

Market capitalisation of equities on the NSE has dipped by N85 billion in four days following the persisted slide in the prices of shares since the beginning of the week.

The market capitalisation, which opened at N8.301 trillion on Monday, closed at N8.216 trillion yesterday, indicating a depreciation of N85 billion.

Similarly, the benchmark index- NSE All-Share Index, has depreciated by 1.04 per cent between Monday and yesterday, falling from 25,696.46 to close at 25,428.36.

The market shed N14 billion in terms of capitalisation while the index went down by 0.17 per cent yesterday. Apart from the benchmark indicators, the volume of trading also went down as investors ex-

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC NIGERIAN ROPES PLC. LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 40 17 26 1 58 142

Quotation(N) 23.55 10.30 132.00 8.69 47.63

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 651,700 15,235,428.80 202,495 2,083,483.22 250,210 32,868,128.84 2,392 19,757.92 668,028 31,880,961.34 1,774,825 82,087,760.12

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC NIGERIAN-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PL Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 13 1 1 17

Quotation(N) 10.97 30.96 10.53 1.72

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 873 9,105.39 16,831 547,007.50 1,700 17,017.00 2,400,000 4,128,000.00 2,419,404 4,701,129.89

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name COURTVILLE INVESTMENTS PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 12 8 20

Quotation(N) 0.52 2.97

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 11,619,350 5,869,675.00 80,180 234,238.60 11,699,530 6,103,913.60

By Tonia Osundolire

changed 227.38 million shares worth N227.385 million shares worth N1.914 billion in 4,725 deals, down from 339.05 million shares valued at N2.5 billion in 5,923 deals the previous day.

Twenty-four stocks recorded price gains while 20 lost value. In the banking sub-sector, nine stocks added value while eight went down in value.

Oando Plc led the price losers’ chart with N1.40 to close lower at N51.00 per share.

UAC of Nigeria Plc trailed with a loss of N0.79 to close at N39.01 per share. Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc depreciated

by N0.51, while Longman Nigeria Plc shed N0.33 to close at N6.27 per share.

The printing and publishing firm had last Tuesday announced the planned divestment by its majority shareholders and technical partners, Pearson of United Kingdom.

According to the company, as a fall-out of exhaustive discussions and strategic reviews by its

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 16-06-11 CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PL INTL ENERGY INSURANCE COM PL LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PL Sector Totals

1 2 1 18 1 1 28 5 16 3 7 153

Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 3

UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

43 47 174

Company Name COSTAIN (WA) PLC JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 5 14 19

Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 70 70

Company Name AFROMEDIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 51 51

39.01 27.61

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,000 68,600.00 274,294 9,885,393.21 0.90 4,993,986 4,389,631.82 472,942 18,497,004.47 150,852 4,172,252.88 5,902,074 37,012,882.38

Quotation(N) 3.32 56.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 56,589 187,875.48 42,648 2,385,386.95 99,237 2,573,262.43

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY No of Deals 3 2 5

Quotation(N) 2.18 0.67

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 9,033 18,788.64 51,005 34,173.35 60,038 52,961.99

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN BOTTLING COMPANY PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC NORTHERN NIGERIA FLOUR MILLS PLC TANTALIZERS PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 23 75 75 61 57 13 49 37 35 1 5 16 447

Company Name FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. PHARMA-DEKO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 13 1 18

Quotation(N) 46.00 17.90 16.75 14.00 90.00 4.55 6.50 42.50 400.49 29.20 0.50 0.66

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 30,685 1,423,780.50 1,055,187 18,887,959.22 318,303 5,360,226.76 7,859,475 110,033,061.40 211,999 19,080,489.80 155,000 685,315.00 1,478,007 9,624,386.18 667,332 28,195,138.38 23,635 9,499,464.83 159 4,410.66 1,194,972 597,486.00 340,737 208,042.20 13,335,491 203,599,760.93

HEALTHCARE Quotation(N) 2.00 3.80 3.87

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 33,000 63,860.00 38,678 142,106.24 800 3,096.00 72,478 209,062.24

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name IKEJA HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 7

No of Deals 4 1 14 19

Quotation(N) 1.38

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 78,640 109,149.60 78,640 109,149.60

No of Deals 17 17

Quotation(N) 8.20 42.66 6.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,118 24,289.22 1,958 83,528.28 72,978 441,981.50 78,054 549,799.00

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,555,500 778,860.00 1,555,500 778,860.00

Quotation(N) 0.80 1.15 2.96 0.50 1.60 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 658,362 528,349.97 80,000 92,000.00 317,311 961,083.88 3,378,935 1,689,467.50 450,485 735,890.50 2,000 1,000.00

INSURANCE Company Name AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC.

No of Deals 33 1 13 10 12 1

Quotation(N) 1.30

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 12,000 14,880.00 12,000 14,880.00

Quotation(N) 1.12

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,298,390 1,448,621.80 1,298,390 1,448,621.80

Quotation(N) 0.51

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,020,000 5,110,200.00 10,020,000 5,110,200.00

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name ABBEY BUILDING SOCIETY PLC RESORT SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1 11 13

Quotation(N) 1.44 0.50 0.55

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 500 685.00 100,000 50,000.00 113,249 64,361.94 213,749 115,046.94

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 7

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 32,086 16,043.00 32,086 16,043.00

PACKAGING Company Name No of Deals NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC NAMPAK NIGERIA PLC POLY PRODUCTS (NIGERIA) PLC. Sector Totals

Quotation(N) 42

3 2 47

4.01 1.15

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2.60 300,309 778,539.85 37,500 157,791.00 20,000 23,000.00 357,809 959,330.85

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) AFRICAN PETROLEUM PLC. BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

12 3 9 23 19 31 97 16 210

21.35 0.50 72.00 40.00 5.19 159.00 51.00 195.50

15,707 91,000 19,009 29,307 149,560 46,629 991,370 41,910 1,384,492

318,695.03 45,500.00 1,366,103.79 1,115,413.68 769,276.00 7,167,475.90 50,452,896.47 8,193,724.82 69,429,085.69

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LONGMAN NIGERIA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 18 6 25

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

9 9

Quotation(N) 3.50 6.27 5.30

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 4,480 14,918.40 272,085 1,705,972.95 11,655 61,510.88 288,220 1,782,402.23

REAL ESTATE

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

1,000.00 1,000.00 584.00 2,218,239.68 3,000.00 1,000.00 789,799.46 71,633.10 1,229,139.64 40,000.00 401,055.77 8,764,243.50

MEDIA

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

2,000 2,000 1,168 3,900,428 6,000 2,000 1,480,991 108,535 702,587 80,000 756,709 11,929,511

MARITIME

Quotation(N) 7.22 36.00 45

CONSTRUCTION

Company Name CUTIX PLC NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Sector Totals

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.56 0.50 0.50 0.54 0.66 1.72 0.50 0.53 LEASING

CONGLOMERATES Company Name No of Deals CHELLARAMS PLC 3 PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC 36 TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC

holds 51 per cent majority stake in Longman Nigeria Plc, will divest from Longman Nigeria Plc. The company assured the investing public and its stakeholders that the planned divestment would not result in any capital flight or dilution of the current shareholding structure.

But the company added that the divestment process, which will be completed within an 18-month period, will lead to a change in its name and a modification of its product portfolio.

Market operators said that although the Longman had assured investors of a better future despite the divestment by Pearson, many investors are highly apprehensive over the development.

On the other hand, Nigerian Bottling Company Plc led the price gainers with N1.50 to close at N42.50 per share.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated closed as the second highest price gainer with N0.60 to close at N15.00 per share.

18.00

21,520 21,520

386,405.00 386,405.00

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 4

Company Name UNITED NIGERIA TEXTILES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 0.60

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 14,200 8,094.00 14,200 8,094.00

Quotation(N) 0.62

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,543 925.80 1,543 925.80

TEXTILES

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBNK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 33 33

Quotation(N) 15.00 4,707

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 554,151 8,072,895.70 554,151 8,072,895.70 226,138,836

1,893,916,591.14

56

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

NEWS Uganda ex-VP Bukenya charged with fraud

NATO hits Gaddafi’s compound as diplomacy heats up

U

GANDA’S former Vice-President Gilbert Bukenya has been charged with fraud.

He denies that he benefited from a $3.9m (£2.4m) deal to supply cars to the 2007 Commonwealth summit in Kampala.

A parliamentary committee last year recommended he and other ministers be charged but Members of Parliament then voted to clear them.

Mr Bukenya was sacked in May, as part of a reshuffle in the wake of February’s elections.

The BBC’s Joshua Mmali in the capital, Kampala says the inspector general of government continued investigations into the case although MPs had decided to drop it.

Al-Zawahiri is al-Qaeda’s new leader

T

HE long-serving second-in-command of al-Qaeda, Ayman alZawahiri, has been appointed its head following the death of Osama Bin Laden, the militant organisation said in a statement.

Bin Laden was killed by United States forces in Pakistan in early May. Al-Qaeda warned it would continue to fight a holy war against the US and Israel under Zawahiri’s direction.

•Gaddafi

H

OURS after NATO airstrikes pounded the area near Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi’s compound again before dawn yesterday, Russia’s envoy to Libya Mikhail Margelov turned up at a bombing site while on a visit to Tripoli for talks on ending the civil war.Italy’s foreign minister, meanwhile, said his government was calling together tribal leaders from all parts of Libya for a meeting to promote reconciliation.

Franco Frattini said yesterday up to 300 people representing all of Libya’s regions will attend the meeting. He did not give a date. The ANSA news agency said the meeting might take place next week.

And one of Gaddafi’s sons told an Italian newspaper that his father would not seek exile outside Libya but that elections under International supervision could offer a way out. A vote could be organized within 3 months, he said.

In Moscow, the ITAR-Tass news agency said enovy Mikhail Margelov had met in

Tripoli with Foreign Minister Abdul-Ati al-Obeidi and planned a session with Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi AlMahmoudi. Reporters taken to a bombing site — it was not clear if it was the location hit early Thursday — saw Margelov there, in the company of government officials.

Last week, Margelov visited the Libyan rebel strong-

hold of Benghazi and said that Gadhafi has lost his legitimacy. However, Margelov also said NATO airstrikes are not a solution to Libya’s violent stalemate.

The Interfax agency quoted Margelov as saying, after meeting the foreign minister, that he was told “Gaddafi is not prepared to leave, and the Libyan leadership will talk about the country’s

future only after a ceasefire.” The foreign minister also said, according to Margelov, that the African Union should be “the main force” in reaching a resolution.

The latest NATO strike on Gaddafi’s compound rattled windows across the heart of the capital, producing thunderous concussions and smoke billowing into the air.

It was not clear what was hit, and there was no word on casualties. Government officials did not immediately comment on the strike. NATO warplanes have repeatedly targeted the area in and around the Bab al-Aziziya compound.

NATO launched its air campaign nearly three months ago under a United Nations resolution to protect civilians.

What started as a peaceful uprising inside the country against Gaddafi and his more than four-decade rule has become a civil war.

White House to continue Libyan mission without gressional authorisation beHE White House has Congress consent cause U.S. military operations insisted that Presiare distinct from the kind of

T

dent Barack Obama has the authority to continue United States military action in Libya even without authorisation from Congress.

In a detailed, 32-page report to Congress released yesterday, the White House also put the cost of U.S military operations and humanitarian assistance in Libya at about $800million (£496million), as of June 3, with the total set to increase to $1.1bil-

lion (£700million) by early September.

The report marks the first time the administration has detailed publicly its legal rationale for continuing the Libya campaign without receiving congressional authorisation within the 60-day window set in the War Powers Resolution.

Officials argue that, because the US has a limited,

supporting role in the Natoled bombing campaign in Libya and American forces are not engaged in sustained fighting, President Obama is within his constitutional rights to direct the mission on his own.

‘The current US military operations in Libya are consistent with the War Powers Resolution and do not under that law require further con-

“hostilities” contemplated by the resolution’s 60-day termination provision,’ the White House said.

The Obama administration’s defence of the Libya mission comes in response to a non-binding House resolution passed this month that chastised Mr Obama for failing to provide a ‘compelling rationale’ for US involvement in Libya.

Gaddafi’s son calls for elections, reforms

A

S international pressure mounts for a resolution to Libya’s months-long civil war, Muammar Gaddafi’s son said an election under inter-

national supervision could offer a way out.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that a vote could be organized within three

months and his father would step aside if he lost, though in typically defiant fashion, he said a defeat was unlikely. He acknowledged, however, that “my

father’s regime as it developed since 1969 is dead.” The son said he envisions a federal state with strong local autonomy and a weak central government in Tripoli.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

63

SPORT EXTRA Dream Team sure of victory — Udoh

D

•Dream Team being addressed by coach Austin Eguavoen yesterday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin after their evening training PHOTO BY: Olusoji Olukayode

AFTERMATH OF INJURY SCARE

Okonkwo praises Eagles’ doctors, physiotherapist

A

FTER he has fully recovered from an ankle injury he sustained while on national team’s assignment with the Home based Eagles, Heartland of Owerri star defender, Chibuzo Okonkwo has praised the Super Eagles doctors for making him to stage a quick return to the round leather game.

The former Bayelsa United Olympics silver medalist informed NationSport that he owed all the thanks for his quick recovery for the Physiotherapist and the doctors in the country’s national team that took good care of him.

“The Super Eagles doctors have been the one taking care of me. Even on my return to Owerri I didn’t receive any serious treatment and the

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri management of Heartland did not deem it fit to call me and enquire about how I am faring after the injury. I even risked the injury to start training with Heartland but I did it because I felt I had to contribute my quota to the team’s success. I was called up by the Super Eagles for the matches against Argentina and Ethiopia and had to play the match against Argentina with pain killers.

"I am expressing my gratitude to the Super Eagles’ Physiotherapist and the doctors for their wonderful work on me and it was their care and attention that made me to be fully fit to play football again and if it was not their prompt attention I could still have been on the sidelines in the next three months."

AHEAD OF THE ALL AFRICAN GAMES

NBF assures Nigerian of better competition •Contract expert for electronic scoring

A

S the National Championship for Elite Boxers organized by Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) will be coming to a close today in Ibadan, NBF has assured of better representation by Nigerian boxers in the 10th All African Games slated for Moputo, Mozambique.

NationSport learnt that the secretary general of NBF, Patrick Uwagbale said this after Thursday's session of the tourney held in the sports hall of Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Ibadan.

He emphasized that there is not going to be an automatic ticket for any one as against what seemed to obtain in the past, saying the federation is keen in presenting the best to represent that country in the forthcoming AAG. “We want to make a mark in the games and that is why we are organizing this championship to enable us fish out the best from our elite boxers, and we are still going to pick good ones again during the National Sports Festival”, NBF scribe noted.

By Innocent Amomoh

Sources in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital said the scribe reacted on the challenges of computer scoring system facing most of the coaches which often deny their good boxers of points during bouts, Uwagbale maintained that NBF had invited an expert from Italy to train the coaches in that aspect.

“We are starting a boxing seminar here in Ibadan for our coaches on Monday; the federation had brought in an expert from Italy, he is already in town, and is a well recognized technocrats in that aspect by International Olympic Commission,(IOC) Nigeria Olympic Committee (IOC) and other relevant body.

“The man will be here for about 8 days to teach our coaches the modern technique of boxing and the new scoring system. This will know will greatly benefit our coaches because the programme is coming at the right time”, Uwagbale explained to sports journalists.

REAM Team duo of Kingsley Udoh and Dele Ajiboye have declared there is no cuase for alarm as the team prepares to file out tomorrow against Tanzania in a make or break 2012 Olympics qualifier billed for the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin.

The team lost the first leg of the present round 1 - 0 to Tanzania in Dares Salaam and must beat the East African by at least two unreplied goals to progress.

Speaking after the team's training yesterday evening at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Udoh said: "We know that it's a very big task, We are looking forward to victory come Saturday. I think we are fully prepared.

We know our past mistakes so we are here to correct (them) on Saturday.

Similarly, the team's safe hands, Spain-based Dele Ajiboye boasted that the visitors who netted a goal in

•Ajiboye promises clean slate

By Olusoji Olukayode in Benin the last match will have no song to sing at the end off

tomorrow's encounter. The goalkeeper said: "By God's grace they will not score any goal here. they will not score here by God's grace because we know what they can do.

PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to inform the general public that the ORIGINAL DEED OF LEASE in respect of the property lying being and situate at Orile Oshodi lkeja District of Lagos State and registered as 61/61/1388 at Land Registry Lagos belonging to MADAM AFUSATU ADUKE RUFAI has got missing Anybody who comes in contact with the document should contact.

U B A PLC OBA AKRAN(2) BRANCH IKEJA PUBLIC NOTICE THE ASCENDANT OF THE DIVINE HOLY ORDER OF MISHEN Replacement of deceased Trustees and Notification of change of Name and Address of another one.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for replacement of two deceased Trustees and change of name and address of another Trustee under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. i. DECEASED TRUSTEES ELDER JOSEPH AJIBADE AKINYEMI ELDER MOSES AKANBI AJIBADE NEW TRUSTEES ELDER DAVID AKINOlA DIJI ELDER OLUWAFIJIMI ADEWALE ENIOLA AKINYEMI ii. CHANGE OF NAME AND ADDRESS Before: ELDER QUEEN EUMMAMA ADEBISI ADENIYI 18, Oyewumi Close, Surulere, Lagos.

Now: ELDER QUEEN EUMMAMA ADEBISI SALAKO 23, Ajoke Lewis Close, New Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos.

Any objection to these changes should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication.

Signed: Secretary PUBLIC NOTICE TURN TO GOD-NATIONWIDE CHRIST RESCUE CHURCH

29, Karounwi Street, Abule Efgba, Lagos State This is to inform the general public that the above named organisation has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Acts 1, 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES; 1. Rev. (Dr.) Micheal Taiwo Okanlawon - Senior Ambassador for Christ 2. Grace Omotayo Folashade Okanlawon 3. Elder M.A.O. Ojora Adejiyan 4. Evang. J. Oluwasanmi Ogundare 5. Bro. Olowookere Omotosho Oluwole - Secretary 6. Evang. Gabriel Adeola 7. Deacon Olugbenga K. Fayokun AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To expose God’s people and the general masses to limitless employment and investment opportunities that abound and to take advantage of them.

2. To restore confidence in their ability to self-determination and selfhelp projects.

3. To promote good living environment through individual effective health and social management.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General,Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420,Tigirs Cresent,Garki,Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed; Bro. Olowookere Omotoso Oluwole Secretary

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 6,

I

T is an elementary truth that a weak structure necessarily leads to the collapse of the edifice. A national refusal to pay adequate attention to this fundamental law of nature has been responsible for the abysmal state of the nation union. Yes, it is a union, though an unusual one at that. Most unions are voluntarily entered into. Consider marital unions. Of course, there are arranged ones, and they may succeed in terms that have nothing to do with love and harmony.

Success in marriages is viewed differently by different people. If all you want is a man or woman, who is able to provide for your needs, materially or emotionally, then it doesn’t matter whether you found him or her yourself or whether it is prearranged by someone else. You may have offspring that make you happy even if the spouse doesn’t. Or you might make up for an abusive and unromantic relationship with an enviable enjoyment of the good things of life that scandalous wealth can obtain. But if it matters to you that you are the master or mistress of your own destiny, then it is a big deal that you make your own choice, no matter what it turns out to be. That is when voluntary consent to a union becomes imperative.

A national union is like a marital union in some important ways. Just as in marital unions, there are forced or arranged as well as voluntary or consensual unions of nations. Some nations start out being forced; but with pragmatic leadership that gives privilege to the primacy of structure, they develop political systems that satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of the various entities. Switzerland is a good example. Others fare less well. With a perverse idealistically oriented leadership that prioritises blind unity over structure, the latter ends, up in the dustbin of history.

The former Yugoslavia is an example.

The concern of true patriots since the beginning of the arranged union that is Nigeria is how to address the fundamental question of structure to get the best out of the union and avoid the destiny of a Yugoslavia. It is not rocket science to observe, sadly, that only a tiny minority of the political elite share this concern.

There are at least two categories of political and intellectual elite, who have stood in the way of true political reform that pays attention to the importance of

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

A question of structure (4)

•Map of Nigeria

structure and to the obvious fact that this nation cannot make it without a fundamental restructuring. Both groups are unitarists but for different reasons and from different motives.

In the first group are the idealists, whose fanatical belief in national unity at all cost prevents from recognising the danger their idealism poses to the realisation of their ultimate goal of national unity. Just as you cannot force a marital bliss in the long run without paying attention to the different needs and interests of two distinct personalities that make up the union, so you cannot force a national harmony that is prerequisite for national unity. If one part is not persuaded that it is getting a good deal, you are only going to exacerbate the problem with a recurrent appeal to force.

In the second group are egoistic pre-

RIPPLES

tenders, whose interest in the status quo is not predicated on the good of the nation but on their deep throat and bottomless pocket. As long as the centre is in charge and black gold is flowing and selling, they can care less about a future for the nation. Of course, they aren’t naïve.

So they also appeal to reason beyond the ego as the driving force. So they have powerful arguments about the importance of leadership in getting the country out of economic and political morass, and the need to avoid sectional interests. To this end, they would use the power of the state to break the will of any individual or group that fails to fall in line.

For both groups, the end of national unity justifies any means, and for them, the most effective means is to give the most power to the centre. The first group will use that power to rein in all sections and enshrine unity by whatever means necessary. The second group will use that power to appropriate as much of the national patrimony as they can. If you wonder why a House of Representatives can take a N10billion loan not for any development projects, but to increase the allowances of its members, you have not understood the logic of power that the second group personifies.

This nation will not know genuine national unity or make real progress until these two groups are confronted and defeated by the collective efforts of a coalition of the democratic majority across the landscape of Nigeria.

With what Nigeria has in terms of resources, it can make it if the right policies and political choices are made. Take a case in point. Cost of living varies from one part of the country to another. So are resources available to different states. Why, in a fed-

HARDBALL

OSAZE WILL RETURN AGAINST MADAGASCAR– Maigari

eral system, is it in any way reasonable for the Federal Government to dictate personnel matters, including compensation and benefits to state governments? Why shouldn’t a state with limited resources be expected, indeed required, to cut its personnel coat according to its clothing resources?

Why should a state not be able to keep the proceeds of the Value Added Tax (VAT) that is generated by the “sinful” conduct of its citizens? And if one state is so mindful of the eternal life of its citizens that it bans them from selling or consuming alcohol, doesn’t it by default commit the same citizens to eternal guilt by implicating them in the sharing of the VAT produced by sinful activities? And why would the moral and spiritual implication of this obvious veneration of cheating not matter to these zealots?

Education is universally acknowledged as the veritable means to a good future for individuals and for nations. In some jurisdictions, the officers in charge of education earn a lot more than the political leaders. This is the case, for instance, in some counties in the United States where the Superintendent of Education earns more than the County Executive (Chairman). And in some others, the Chief of Police earns more than the County Executive.

These are the normal variations we should expect in a genuine federal system. If Boko Haram is well-subscribed and has a majority of the electorate, of say, Bauchi or Borno, in its membership, and they force the states to abandon Western education, as long as it is done through the ballot box, a genuine democrat cannot complain. And if such an outcome is so preposterous that it cannot be contemplated, then the other side has to work hard to have enough votes to defeat the Boko Harams. The point is that a federal system must abide by the principle that a thousand flowers that make up the garden of democratic federalism must be allowed to bloom in their own time according to their own pace. This is the principle that the Yoruba Agenda proposed in its submission to the last National Political Reform Conference. It is one worth paying attention to, and hopefully, I will, start next week.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Finally, the terror hall of infamy

W

Sir, are you NFF PRESIDENT or COACH MAIGARI

NO. 1,793

TOMORROW IN THE NATION ‘Something keeps telling me that this is my year of joining the Billionaires’ Club. My belief is strenghthened by the pronouncement of former President Obasanjo that this government simply does not have the balls to fight the entrenched members of the League of the Corrosively Corrupt!’

YOMI ODUNUGA

HETHER the individual who ferried the bomb detonated at the Nigeria Police headquarters in Abuja yesterday was a suicide bomber, or whether his explosive cargo went off accidentally, the fact is this country has now taken its place in global terrorism’s hall of infamy.

Never in the history of this country has there been such a sustained and coordinated campaign of bombings across such a wide expanse of territory, spanning several states and the Federal Capital Territory, for such a long period of time.

It is also no longer in doubt that this war is being fought against Nigeria by the shadowy Boko Haram sect. In the last few days, its attacks have led to the deaths of close to 15 persons. But yesterday’s attack, which the group claims was executed by one of its fighters, who just returned from training in Somalia, represents a new level of escalation.

Obviously, the Police would be terribly embarrassed that the thugs virtually strolled into the very heart of the force to make a statement: ‘if the police cannot protect themselves, they cannot protect you.’

A few days ago, Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, was in Maiduguri, boasting that the days of the radical Islamist sect were numbered. The attack a day later is, clearly, the sect’s way of telling Ringim what they think of him and his force.

In fact, in the statement Boko Haram released in response to the peace overtures of the government, they had specifically referred to the proposed deployment of additional troops to Borno State – warning that it would not deter them from carrying out their guerrilla attacks on targets across the country.

On the evidence of what has been happening – beginning with the Independence Day attacks last year, to the explosions at Abuja military barracks and the recent bombings in several northern cities, there can be no debate as to which side is able to back its words with action.

What is especially alarming about Boko Haram is the scale of its ambition. With its success so far, it could extend its campaign of terror to other parts of the country. Even worse, its latest statement confirms what many had long suspected, that the group

could be receiving support, training and funding from the international terror networks – al-Qaeda, in particular.

It takes substantial funding to sustain the sort of campaign that the sect has unleashed across the North. The bomb-making knowhow could also have been picked up outside the shores of this country. The case of Farouk Abdulmutallab and others shows that the flirtation of Nigerian citizens with terrorist groups has taken them as far as Yemen, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

What happened at police headquarters in Abuja has simply exposed the fact that Nigerian security agencies are unprepared, and do not have a clue how to handle Boko Haram and other emerging terror groups.

We need help urgently to reclaim the psychological advantage from the bombers.

Our officials need training on how to fight this new type of war. The Nigerian government should not be ashamed to seek the assistance of countries, such as Israel, India, the US and UK, which have practical experiences in dealing with the daily threat of terrorist attacks.

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