June 19, 2014

Newspaper of the Year

Boko Haram ‘plans to attack Abuja with petrol tanker’ •Security agents raise the alarm

NEWS Page 6

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 9, NO. 2882 THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele yesterday reassigned three deputy governors.

A statement signed by Isaac A. Okorafor on behalf of the Director, Corporate Communications, said Alhaji Suleiman Barau, Deputy Governor, Corporate Services Directorate, has been moved to the Operations Directorate.

Deputy Governor (Operations) Kingsley Moghalu, reassigned Continued on page 4

24&49

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

EKITI 2014

Emefiele reassigns CBN chiefs

•Keshi won’t promise victory •Eagles can still fly, says Moses •Osaze may start from bench •Enyeama ready for Bosnia SPOR TS SPORTS •Nigeria’ll bounce back Pages

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N150.00

•Jega: INEC ‘ll use customised ballot papers •Ado-Ekiti residents troop out for Fayemi • AND MORE ON PAGE 9 •I’m still in the race, says Bamidele

WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15?

Ekiti: Oyegun asks Jonathan to probe Obanikoro’s presence in Akure

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HERE are plans to rig Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) alleged yesterday.

APC Chairman John OdigieOyegun petitioned President

From Yusuf Alli and John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Goodluck Jonathan, saying the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wants to win at all cost.

Odigie-Oyegun said the President should ask the Min-

ister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro why he was at the Akure Airport on Tuesday when two planes with undisclosed cargo landed.

Continued on page 4

APC kicks as House begins battle to impeach Nyako Airspace blocked in bid to serve notice Fresh moves against Amaechi

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HE impeachment plot against Governor Murtala Nyako began on a dramatic note yesterday, with the temporary blocking of the Yola airspace to enable the House of As-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

sembly serve the governor with a notice.

A chartered plane, which ought to take the governor to Abuja, was diverted midway

to Gombe to restrict his movement to Yola for the notice to be served on him, according to sources.

But the governor, who got a report of the impeachment notice, travelled by road to

Gombe to board a plane for Abuja.

In spite of the initial drama, the House of Assembly yesterday sent impeachment notices to Nyako and his deputy, Mr. Bala Ngilari.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governors criticised the impeachment move.

APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun described the move against the

•TEARS FOR A GOOD MAN...

MAN...Symphatisers weeping at the Ibadan home of late Arisekola-Alao…yesterday

•The late Arisekola-Alao

governor as “unfortunate”.

He said: “Well, it is unfortunate, but we are already looking into it on how to deal with the situation.

“Let me give the legislators Continued on page 4

PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

• SEE PAGES 2-4&7

Arisekola-Alao dies at 69

•OANDO’S $1.65B CONOCOPHILLIPS’ BID APPROVED P63 •ABACHA CHARGES WITHDRAWN P6

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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NEWS

Arisekola- A A

•Group Chief Executive Officer, (GCEO), Arik Air, Dr. Michael Arumemi (middle) speaking during the launching of the Airlines Frequent-flyer Programme-Arik Affinity Wings at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday. With him are Managing Director Mr. Chris Ndulue (left) and Deputy Managing Director, Capt. Ado Sanusi .

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.

•Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN) Mr Babatunde Savage speaking at the 15th Annual General Meeting of ICCN in Lagos...yesterday.

With him are Secretary-General, ICCN, Mrs Olubunmi Osuntuyi (left), ; Chairman Emeritus, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye and Honorary Treasurer, Mrs Dorothy Ufot (right).

•Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Mrs. Olusola Oworu (left) presenting the Certificate of Occupancy of Land of Coaster Development Area Lekki, Lagos to Alhaji Chief Tajudeen Jegede (right) in Lekki...yesterday. With them is Permament Secretary PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES of Ministry of Commerce and Industry Mr. Wale Raji (second left).

•From left: Director, Retail Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Charles Ogunwuyi; Country Manager, Core Group Africa and Authorized Distributor of Apple products in Nigeria, Mr. Sachin Verma; and Head, Devices, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Olayiwola Onafowokan at the official launch of iPhone 5s on the Etisalat network in Lagos...yesterday.

BDUL-Azeez ArisekolaAlao was born on February 14, 1945 to the families of Alhaji Abdur Raheem Olatunbosun Olaniyan Alao and Alhaja Rabiatu Olatutu Abegbe Alao. The parents were peasant farmers who hailed from Ajia in Ona-Ara Local Government of Oyo State. He attended St. Lukes School, Adigun, Ibadan and ICC Primary School, Igosun, Ibadan.

He completed his primary school education in 1960 and applied to further his education in the secondary school. He applied to Christ's School, Ado - Ekiti and Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan.

He defeated all-comers at Christ School and emerged third best candidate for Lagelu Grammar School. Unfortunately the economic impoverishment of his parents created an impediment for his pursuit of an academic career.

Whatever the late ArisekolaAlao lacked in formal education, he had abundantly in business: intelligence, shrewdness and aggressiveness, through honest pursuit of economic goals.

Arisekola-Alao's love for education led to the establishment of "Pa Raheem Alao scholarship foundation for indigent students of tertiary institutions".

The beneficiaries of this scholarship are paid either monthly, per semester or annually.

He was a co-founder and highest donor of Barakat International School situated at Bodija, Ibadan.

He also had endowments in most Nigerian Universities and had donated substantially in millions of naira to many of the private tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Since the late Arisekola-Alao could not further his academic career, he went straight into the business world.

In 1961, he started the sale of Gammalin 20 by establishing Azeez Arisekola Trading Company. As the best salesman for one year, he was given a cash reward with which he bought his first car.

He became interested in the sale of vehicles and established Lister Motors in 1972.

It was the establishment of Lister Motors that catapulted him to the zenith of public acclamation as a business guru when the economy was booming. Lister Motors added a charitable face to the business by donating buses to homes for disabled persons, hospitals, schools, sport clubs and notable religious organisations.

His other business interests in the Lister conglomerate include: Lister Oil Nigeria Limited, Lister Flour Mills, Nigeria Ltd, Lister Property and Estate Company, Lister Printing Press and Lister Farms and Fishery (at Abegede, covering 200 hectares).

Others are Lister Insurance Company, Barakat Investment Nigeria Limited, Jubab International, Monitor Group of Newspapers and Aris Corporation (based in London).

He also had substantial investments in various banks, including the giant First Bank.

The late Arisekola-Alao became the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland in 1980, making notable contributions to Islamic activities.

The Abdul Azeez Arisekola Central Mosque, which he named after himself, was built along Iwo Road, Ibadan. The mosque has three full time Imams and dozens of staff.

He was instrumental to the es-

•Mourners at the late Arisekola-Alao’s Ibadan home...yesterday.

From Bisi Oladele and Tajudeen Adebanjo

tablishment of the Grand Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (1996) and the Alasalatu Ibadu Rahaman which was set up for the spiritual advancement of Muslim Women.

The late Arisekola-Alao was the greatest financier of the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN) and National Council of Muslim as well as the Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) sponsoring their seminars and Islamic vacation courses annually. He bank rolled the annual seminar of the organisation.

He was patron of more than 100 Islamic organisations within and outside Nigeria.

The late Arisekola-Alao sponsored hundreds of people to Mecca for the yearly pilgrimage.

He was the only Nigerian honoured with selecting delegates by the Chief Imam of Mecca for the annual ceremonial washing of the Ka'aba and annual international convention of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of Egypt.

He is survived by many children and grand children.

In 2008, the late Arisekola-Alao was honoured with the National Award, and Commander of Order of the Niger (CON) by the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

He lived an active life. He was billed to chair an event in London next Sunday where the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, was to be honoured.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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Alao....A businessman’s odyssey

•Mourners at the late Arisekola-Alao’s Ibadan home...yesterday.

•A mourner at the late Arisekola-Alao’s Ibadan PHOTOS: FEMI ILESANMI home...yesterday.

•Mourners at the late Arisekola-Alao’s Ibadan home...yesterday.

Customs seizes military uniforms, bullet proof jackets, boots at Lagos port

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HE Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS ) yesterday intercepted military uniforms, bullet proof jackets, boots and other dangerous items at the Lagos port.

The items were intercepted at the Port and Terminal Multipurpose Services Limited (PTML), Tin-can Island Port, by its Area Comptroller, Mr Folorunsho Adegoke.

Adegoke, while parading a suspect, Mr. Emmanuel Eko who was the importer of the cargo, said the military wares were intercepted at the terminal on Monday.

According to the Controller, the suspect, who claimed to be a member of the British Army and presented a Nigeria passport, had few years ago been arrested at the command for disguising as a Nigerian army officer.

The military wares included camouflage uniforms, military jackets, military helmets,berets, boots, rain coats, armoured jackets, communication radio jackets, face masks, ear protectors among others.

Although, the area comptroller did not give the number of uniforms seized, sources closed to the Command alleged that about 500 Army camouflage uniforms, 60 pairs of bullet proof jackets, 30 boots and other classified items were brought to the port by the importer.

Adegoke, who displayed the intercepted items to reporters at the terminal, said the military uniforms and boots which were mixed up with other items in a white bus shipped in from Britain, were discovered during routine ex-

By Oluwakemi Dauda

aminations and checks.

He said: “It is the practice that when we have military wares, they are normally imported by military officers and they will write a letter to our headquarters to that effect, and when the goods come, they are always on ground to receive them.

“When you look at the list, one tends to suspect foul play, moreso the person bringing it is just an individual as far as the country is concerned, hence the need to do a thorough check on the consignment.”

Considering the security challenge in the country, the Customs chief said the military wares could be used to wreak havoc in any part of the country. He noted that terrorists now dress like solders.

According to him, the suspect refused to cooperate with his officers and nobody has come forward to speak on his behalf.

“The enforcement officers asked him many questions but he was just dribbling them. He is not cooperating with them.

“During our routine examination and checks, we discovered that a Volkswagen LT bus owned by the suspect has all thess stuffs inside. What we discovered are seizable numbers of Army camouflage uniforms and we have also discovered during examination some pairs of Army boots, bullet proof jackets and other items.

“Although the suspect has refused to make

•Customs officials displaying the seized military uniforms, boots and bullet proof PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA jackets...yesterday. statement, but we always tell them that they should not come to our ports because we have our officers and men on ground to deal with the unusual situation. We have issued series of warning that any illegal trader should not come here because we have the entire wherewithal and intelligence readily available to discover this type of things.

“You can see that this thing is illegally imported. It is against Federal Government’s laws for somebody to import this kind of stuff.

What we are trying to do is to hand over these

items to the State Security Services (SSS), to continue investigation and get to the root of the matter. The suspect is with us. We are going to hand him over together with the items to SSS.” Adegoke said the Comptroller-General, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, has warned them to be up and doing and extra vigilant at the ports because of the activities of the Boko Haram.

The items and the suspect were handed to SSS operatives at the event in the presence of reporters.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

NEWS APC kicks as House begins battle to impeach Nyako Continued from page 1

the benefit of doubt by saying I

hope what they are doing is just a warning shot and it won’t go beyond that.”

Asked if the APC was suspecting the PDP as the sponsor of the impeachment move, OdigieOyegun replied: “I cannot put it beyond them. Definitely, they are behind it because they have money to play with.”

It was learnt that Ngilari’s notice was a smokescreen as forces in Abuja have teleguided the Assembly to absolve the Deputy Governor of any blame.

Although the allegations were said to have bordered on alleged mismanagement of funds, it is believed that “the real plot was to remove Nyako and put him on trial for alleged treason over the toxic” letter he wrote to President Goodluck Jonathan.

It was gathered that about 19 of the 25 members of the House of Assembly signed the impeachment notices.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Some of the lawmakers were invited to Abuja last week where they were told why they must remove Nyako.

“There were indications that some forces in the Presidency spent time with the lawmakers

APC governors warn against Nyako’s impeachment

A

LL Progressives Congress (APC) governors warned yesterday against the impeachment move against Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako.

The governors said the energy been spent on the impeachment move could be expended to recover the over 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram more than two months ago.

In a statement by APC Governors’ Forum chairman, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, signed by his Media adviser Sam Onwuemeodo, the governors said: “Following the report that the Governor of Adamawa State, Alhaji Murtala Nyako, has been served impeachment notice by the House of Assembly, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, gov-

on the impeachment process.

“When some of them were hesitant, they were threatened with likely arrest by anti-graft agencies on some allowances which they ought not to have collected.

“Before some of these lawmakers left, they gave their words that they would serve Nyako impeachment notice this week.”

The Assembly met briefly to serve impeachment notices on the governor and his deputy.

“But the notice on the deputy governor was a decoy by those plotting to remove Nyako. The plotters decided to give it a semblance of fairness. But their plan is to prevail on the Assembly to

ernors’ Forum and the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has called on the leadership and members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly to drop the impeachment move in the interest of the peace of the nation.

“Governor Okorocha also advised the President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to intervene in the matter and see that the impeachment move against the Adamawa State Governor is brought to a halt, adding that with the horrible security situation in the country at the moment, it would smack of insensitivity for anybody to be talking about impeachment of a sitting governor.

“The APC governors’ Forum Chairman equalContinued on page 68

clear the deputy governor and remove Nyako,” the source said, adding: “Ngilari, a Christian minority, will then take over as the governor. A former member of the House of Representatives, Awwal Tukur, son of a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, may emerge the next Deputy Governor.

“Immediately Nyako is impeached, he will be arrested and put on trial for treasonable felony for writing a toxic letter to President Goodluck Jonathan on security issues with grave consequences for the unity and

survival of Nigeria.

“As I talk to you, the reports of security agencies and the police are ready for Nyako’s trial.

The target is to strip him of any immunity.”

Another source gave an insight into the drama behind the issuance of the impeachment notice to Nyako.

The second source said: “As the House of Assembly was about to meet, the Yola airspace was temporarily blocked in the morning to stop the governor from flying to Abuja on a chartered flight.

“I think those against Nyako got wind of his itinerary and

Continued on page 68

Arisekola-Alao dies at 69 •Governor declares 7-day mourning

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OREMOST Islamic leader, philanthropist and business giant Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao died yesterday in London. He was 69.

Crowds stormed ArisekolaAlao’s Oluwo Nla Basorun Ibadan ‘Aso Rock Villa’ home to confirm the news of his death, which broke in the afternoon.

There was a massive traffic jam on the road leading to his residence as people moved in and out of the mansion.

A former chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim wing) Alhaji Kamil Koyejo Oloso, broke the news of

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

the late businessman’s death while addressing the huge crowd at Arisekola’s residence.

He also told them that Governor Abiola Ajimobi had directed that the late Aare (President) Musulumi of Yorubaland should get a befitting burial.

Arisekola-Alao, it was gathered, died in his sleep in London.

Believed to be suffering from prostate cancer, the late industrialist was said to have taken his breakfast and his drugs after which he returned to bed. He Continued on page 68

Emefiele reassigns CBN chiefs Continued from page 1

to the Financial Systems Stability (FSS) Directorate. Mr. Adebayo Adelabu who was in charge of Financial Systems Stability (FSS) is now to head the Corporate Services Directorate. Former Acting Governor Dr. Sarah Alade, retains her portfolio as Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate.

The statement said the

redeployments were in line with Emefiele’s vision of entrenching a more professional and peoplefocused central bank.

These redeployments, the statement said will take effect from June 23 and “are expected to contribute to the Bank’s vision of being the Model Central Bank delivering Price and Financial System Stability and promoting sustainable Economic Development.”

Speaker directs Clerk to serve notice

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DAMAWA State House of Assembly Speaker Ahmadu Fintiri, yesterday, directed the Clerk of the House to serve Governor Murtala Nyako and his Deputy, Mr Bala Ngilari, notice of impeachment “for gross misconduct”.

The development followed a motion on Constitutional Matter raised by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Laori Kwamoti (PDPNuman).

He cited Section 188 of the constitution and presented a document containing allegations of gross misconduct against the governor, which he said was signed by 19 of the 25

members of the Assembly.

Shortly after the consideration and endorsement of Kwamoti’s document, Malam Usman Abdulkareem (PDP- Nasarawo/ Binyeri) also said he had received allegation of gross misconduct against the deputy governor signed by eight members of the Assembly.

The Speaker said they had complied with the provision of the constitution, having met the one-third requirement for an impeachment of any of the two officers to commence.

The Speaker directed the Clerk to serve separate notices to the

Continued on page 68

Fresh moves against Amaechi

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•Leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu (left), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and former Interim Chairman Chief Bisi Akande during the Inauguration of New National PHOTO:ABAYOMI FAYESE Executives of APC, in Abuja…yesterday.

FTER a brief respite, the Rivers State House of Assembly seems set for trouble again.

There are fresh moves to impeach Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, sources close to the Assembly said yesterday.

This new move is being coordinated by a minister from the

state, it was learnt.

Six members of the House of Assembly are of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) members. They are opposed to Amaechi, who is backed by the majority 25 members - All Progressives Congress(APC) members.

Continued on page 8

Oyegun to Jonathan: probe Obanikoro’s presence in Akure Continued from page 1

He also fingered the Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili

Adesiyan, as leading the PDP “war” troops in Ekiti State in alleged breach of their oath of office.

Oyegun raised the alarm in a letter to the President which he read openly at the inauguration of the new 48-man National Executive Committee of the APC in Sheraton Hotel in Abuja.

The chairman said: “My first message today is to President Goodluck Jonathan regarding a series of occurrences that point to the fact that the PDP is bent on rigging the elections and writing the results of the Saturday elections in Ekiti even before the polls open.

“If this dangerous trend is not arrested, the consequences will be dire for democracy and our country.

“The All Progressives Congress, APC will not accept the outcome of the election in Ekiti unless the authorities provide convincing explanations to the series of questionable developments in recent times.

“Less than 72 hours to the governorship election in Ekiti, there are ominous signs that the PDPled government is bent on influencing the outcome of the elec-

tion come Saturday June 21.

These series of developments and events are undeniable pointers to a desperate plot to rig the elections at all cost.”

He gave the details of some developments in the state which have pointed to a rigging plot by the PDP. Odigie-Oyegun said: “In the last few days, many developments have occurred that have exposed the covert and criminal effort to subvert the rights of the citizens of Ekiti and the country’s electoral law.

“Barely two Sundays ago, our supporters during a peaceful procession in Ekiti were teargassed and in fact one was killed.

The elected governor of the state, Dr. Fayemi, was also tear-gassed and barely escaped being shot.

“Yet, instead of quickly prosecuting the police officers involved in this crisis, the police authorities simply went ahead in the most bizarre turn of events and charged a Commissioner and 11 others from Ekiti State with acts of terrorism a few days to the election. Meanwhile, the policeman that shot the APC member walks the street free.

“Again, only last week, a truck was intercepted with over 200 boxes of electoral materials by the security agents. INEC quickly claimed it was wasted mate-

rials, whereas the story of the driver contradicted that of INEC. To date, Nigerians are yet to be provided with full information about the culprits behind these suspicious materials.”

The APC National Chairman, who relocated to Ekiti State yesterday, insisted that the roles of Obanikoro and Adesiyan pointed to official collusion.

He added: “On Tuesday, June 17, 2014, two loaded aircraft landed at the Akure Airport with undisclosed content. The presence of the Minister of State, Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro who was on ground to ensure the safe delivery of the cargoes suggests official collusion and knowledge.

“The contents were immediately loaded into a bullion van under the watchful eyes of the Minister of State, Defence, Obanikoro.

“Again on Wednesday, June 18, a pro-Fayose and PDP gang was busted in a resort owned by Fayose’s campaign manager thumb printing ballot papers ahead of the Saturday elections.

The 22 young men who were arrested were also caught preparing INEC Form EC8.

“Mr. President, there is clear intent and deliberate ploy to subvert the elections. The APC at this point has little or no faith

in the often-touted promises and commitment of this administration to a free and fear election in Ekiti.

“Having earlier declared the Ekiti election as “WAR”, the PDP is now living true to that promise with the Ministers of State, Defence and Police Affairs leading the troops.

“Pray, what business does the Minister of State, Defence, Obanikoro have supervising the offloading of mysterious cargo in Akure while the Northeast is still being ravaged by Boko Haram and over 200 girls remain missing and unaccounted for?”

Odigie-Oyegun asked the President to be aware of the danger of rigging election in the past republics.

He said: “We warn Mr. President, that election rigging in a particular part of the country in the past has always had serious consequences for the government in power and the country as a whole.

“As it happened in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Republics. The APC will not fold its arms and watch the electoral process being brazenly subverted.

“Our party will not accept any result from Ekiti that does not flow from a transparent election.

We are not asking for any favours. We only demand a free

and fair election.

“For our friends in the international community, there is no better time to speak up against these tendencies and ominous signs.

“They need no further pointers to know that some people are desperate. The greatest danger is that we do not know how many other places the thumb printing of ballot papers are taking place in and around Ekiti.

“The APC commends our security agencies for their alertness in this instance and urge them to be always professional and thorough.”

Earlier in his address, OdigieOyegun pledged to make APC the fastest growing party not only in Nigeria but in the world.

He added: “First, I want to give you reassurance on behalf of the new NEC that we are going to work, toil night and day to fulfill the promise of APC as the most acceptable party in Nigeria. We are going to make it the fastest growing party in Nigeria and in the world.

“I have always been associated with being first. I was the first Executive Governor of Edo State, I have now also become the first National Chairman of APC and we are going to be the first party to throw out a government in Nigeria. It is not go-

ing to be business-as-usual “For the other party, achieving power is their ultimate objective, but for APC the welfare and the happiness of the people is our ultimate objective. It is for this reason we are seeking power.

“You have a party that is thinking, aggressive and that is going to make up for the people of this country who have been shortchanged. Let the people know that we mean business. I want to plead with you that people must know us today by our action; we must be different.

“In February 2015, by God’s grace, we will take over the Federal Government of Nigeria. It is not going to be business-as-usual.

“We are going to aggressively attack corruption by government. We are going to empower. This is the message we are taking to the people: We are going to aggressively attack corruption. It is at the bottom of all the ills in the nation. It is the reason our children don’t have jobs; it is the reason our factories are folding up; it is the reason basically that this country has not Continued on page 68

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

NEWS ECOWAS court reverses death sentence on minor

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HE Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has nullified the death sentence passed on Maimuna Abdulmumini by a Katsina State High Court.

Abdulmumini was tried for the alleged murder of her husband when she was 13 and sentenced to death in 2012.

In February, this year, a group, Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASFF) (Lawyers Without Borders), got an order restraining the government from executing her, pending the hearing of her case.

Justice Hansine Donli of the ECOWAS Court declared that sentencing Abdulmumini to death for an offence she committed as a minor was illegal.

The judge said the sentence breached Article 6 (5) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

It awarded her N5 million as damages and N500,000 as the cost of the trial.

By Joseph Jibueze

The court also ordered the Nigerian government to remove Thankgod Ebhos’ name from death row.

It said any attempt to execute him while his appeal was pending would be a gross violation of his right to appeal.

Ebhos has been on death row since 1995 after being sentenced by a military tribunal.

ASFF, earlier in the year, obtained an injunction at the ECOWAS Court restraining the Edo State Government from carrying out the death sentence on him.

The group, in a statement by its Communication Officer Akpa Eleojo Esther, hailed the judgments. It described them as ground-breaking.

“By its judgments, the ECOWAS Court has shown commitment to ensuring strict adherence to due process and the right to defence as it relates to detainees on death row,” ASFF said.

‘Soyinka foresaw National Conference in 1960’

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1960 play by Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, A Dance of the Forests, predicted the convocation of the National Conference in Abuja and similar talking shops before it, it was learnt yesterday.

The play will be staged to mark the renowned playwright’s 80th birthday on July 18.

Soyinka wrote A Dance of the Forests when he was 26 years old. It will give the audience an insight into the literary icon’s thinking, perception of humanity, projection of crises and conflicts as well as conceptualisation of resolutions.

Dr Tunde Awosanmi, an artistic director, addressed reporters yesterday at Soyinka’s home in Kenta, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The media briefing was meant to herald the various activities for Soyinka’s 80th birthday.

Awosanmi said the National Conference is a “mere mockery” of the real template that Soyinka provided decades ago.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

The play is part of the fifth edition of Open Door series of Project Wole Soyinka. It is being packaged by ZMirage Multimedia Company and GlobalNewHaven, led by Prof. Segun Ojewuyi.

Awosanmi said: “The point being made here is that in Soyinka’s A Dance of the Forests, the structure had been constructed for all these new human society reconstruction and re-engineering strategies that have been globally applied in crisis-ridden regions of the world.

“So, who says that art does not stock in its womb solutions to the eternal problems of man? If only humanity, especially Nigeria, could just pause for a moment, think and be wise!

“We all know what became of the Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Panel. It was a mere jamboree, just as all the others in Nigeria before it, including this National Conference...”

Govt seeks Anglican leader’s support for peace

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HE Federal Government has invited the Primate of Anglican Communion, Rev. Nicholas Okoh, to preach peace to Nigerian youths.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Students Matters, Comrade Jude Imagwe, spoke yesterday in Abuja at a meeting with the cleric.

Imagwe, who is the initiator of the peace initiative, said there is need to mobilise religious leaders to make the youth shun violence and embrace peace.

He said: “We are seeking the support of religious leaders, as respected persons in the society, to propagate the message of peace so that normalcy can return to Nigeria.”

The presidential aide said the Federal Government was mobilising religious leaders

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

to preach peace to youths and promote the nation’s unity.

He said: “We are dutybound to see how we can galvanise all Nigerians, especially religious leaders, to see that Nigeria comes back to our glorious days where the people can freely move from one part of the country to the other without fear of persecution.”

Okoh said he was ready to do the assignment.

He said: “I will join you to enlighten youths on the peace initiative. We will work together until a new Nigeria is achieved.

“Youths have to live in peace and make progress. So, I want to pledge my support for your initiative and encourage you to go on with this campaign.”

•From left: Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands, Nimota Niyiola-Akanbi; Minister of Trade, Infrastructure and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga; The Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen and The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, John Graffen, at the Nigerian-Netherlands meeting on trade mission to Nigeria in Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

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How we survived anti-democratic forces to form APC, by Akande

HE former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, has said the party survived anti-democratic forces and became a formidable opposition, against the expectations of its detractors.

He also said the leaders of the parties, which merged into APC, were not strange bedfellows, as being insinuated in some quarters.

Akande spoke yesterday in Abuja during his valedictory address at the inauguration of the new National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

The frontline politician said the party does not seek power for its sake but for the sake of the people.

He said: “That this day has come at all is a major achievement. This is because antidemocratic forces, who will rather turn our country into a one-party state, did not give our party a chance to survive.

In fact, they did not believe that the new child, called the APC, would be born at all.

“When the leaders of the various parties I mentioned came together, out of sheer patriotic fervour, to consummate the first successful merger in the history of our dear nation, the enemies of progress jeered at us, they derided us as strange bedfellows who could not work together.

“They vowed that our merger project would flounder on the altar of irreconcilable individual ambitions. One overly-excited fellow even threatened to change his name if the merger succeeded, and the party was indeed registered.

“Then, on July 31, 2013, our party was born when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the registration of the APC. “I must say that while our party was born solid and strong, the process leading to the birth was not altogether smooth; all sorts of obstacles were strewn on our path. Remember that two phantom APCs - the African Peoples Congress and the All Patriotic Citizens - were also quickly scrambled by the anti-democratic forces, who were bent on frustrating the real APC. “But it is to the credit of our leadership, our members and indeed all Nigerians who yearn for a truly democratic nation,

Work hard to save Nigeria, Nda-Isaiah urges APC NEC

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N All Progressives Congress (APC) presi dential aspirant and publisher of Leadership, Sam Nda-Isaiah, yesterday urged the party’s new National Executive Committee (NEC) to save Nigeria.

In a letter to APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the publisher said the party’s successful national convention was a challenge and an opportunity to the newly elected members.

He said the task of saving Nigeria from hopelessness and corruption rests on their shoulders.

“Nigerians across party lines are fed up with an incompetent and clueless government; they hope our party will be the alternative platform.

We can offer and, more important, put into action forward-thinking policies that are the From Yusuf Alli and John Ofikhenua, Abuja

that we surmounted all the odds and then turned our diversity into a great advantage.”

Akande said APC is a PanNigerian party, contrary to the misinformation being spread about by some parties that are feeling threatened.

He added: “Today, we have a truly Pan-Nigerian political party that has now given our long-suffering people hope. It’s the hope that this democracy will indeed survive; it’s the hope that the dividends of democracy will not continue to elude the people; it’s the hope that Nigeria will not become a one-party state; it’s the hope that our country will soon join the comity of developed and truly democratic nations.

“I believe that our country, Nigeria, has a lot to learn from the story of our party. Our country’s diversity, which many unpatriotic politicians have tried to exploit for personal political gains, is a huge advantage that, when properly harnessed, can actually propel our country to greater heights.

“I want to use this occasion to congratulate our leaders, most of who are seated here today, for making this day possible. Their sacrifices, their perseverance, their patriotism and their love of country all worked together to bring us this far. And having come this far, who says we can go no further?”

The APC chieftain noted that the party’s successful National Convention underscored the determination of members to provide an alternative choice for Nigerians.

He said: “The same spirit of

By Seun Akioye

pillars of a truly effective government under your leadership.

“The APC can turn the current tide of hopelessness into hope and opportunity. We can take our country back from the grip of joblessness, corruption and mindless violence.

The party, under your leadership, can seize the moment and fulfil the dreams and aspirations of all those who have laboured to bring it this far and the millions who have invested their hopes in its future,” Nda-Isaiah said.

He advised the NEC members to always be on guard and remain above board.

Nda-Isaiah said the members must shun favouritism, corruption, cronyism and the temptation to feel accountable to any special interests.

’

APC has successfully held its first national convention. Nigerians are the best for it. Our detractors have been shamed!

‘

sacrifice and patriotic fervour was on display on Friday here in Abuja when we successfully held our inaugural convention, against all odds.

“Thousands of our members defied the vagaries of the weather to cast their votes and elect those who will guide our party on the next leg of its epic journey. They defied threats.

They defied hunger and fatigue as they waited patiently all day and all night to vote. Instead of shielding themselves from the rain, they moved to protect the ballot boxes.

“When the public address system succumbed to the rain, they mobilised and moved from one delegation to another to tell them it was their turn to vote. They showed that politics does not necessarily have to be a war!

“And when it was all over, there was not a single report of violence or theft.

“APC has successfully held its first national convention.

Nigerians are the best for it.

Our detractors have been shamed!

“Today, we are here to inaugurate the products of that transparent, credible and rancour-free process - a new, elected National Executive Committee.”

But the respected politician set an agenda for the new NEC, including the need to keep the party united and carry all members along.

Akande said: “I congratulate you on your elections and I am sure you will carry on with the same spirit of sacrifice, determination and patriotism that will lead our party to Aso Rock, which is our ultimate destination, next year.

“Let me say here that we do not seek power for the sake of power, but for the sake of our people, who are undoubtedly worse off today than they were in 1999, the advent of the Fourth Republic, no thanks to the globally-acknowledged misrule, cluelessness and incompetence of the Federal Government under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“In all your actions and decisions, I urge you to carry along all members of our party, because we are one big, happy and united family.

“May I also use this opportunity to thank and congratulate all members of the Interim Executive Committee for nurturing our party to this level.

Life is like a relay race. We have done our bit. It is now your turn. Rest assured, however, that we will continue to play our part, albeit from behind, in strengthening our party.

“To all our 20 million plus members and teeming supporters across Nigeria, I say thank you for the support and the confidence you reposed in our party. I hope you will continue to support us in the days and months ahead, as we put our shoulder to the plough to build a great, virile, respectable and productive nation that all Nigerians can be proud of.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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NEWS ‘Military’ll defend democracy’

Globacom splashes N100m in World Cup lottery From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

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ELECOMMUNICATIONS giant, Globacom, in partnership with Secure Electronics Technology (SET), will reward winners with N100 million grand prize in the Centenary World Cup Lottery, its Business Director, Mr. Kemi Kaka, has said.

The director also said winners in a bi-weekly raffle draw would take home 24 Hyundai Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV), 90 laptops, 90 generators and 90 LED television sets.

Kaka addressed reporters in Abuja at the launch of the Nigeria Centenary Lottery.

The director said cash and other prizes would be won daily by participants in the lottery.

He explained that besides the grand prize, three persons would win an all-expenses-paid trip to Brazil to watch the finals of the 2014 World Cup. Kaka said: “We want to reward Nigerians for their loyalty. All the prizes announced here will be given out. So, I urge you to start texting. The lucky winners could be you.

“Globacom, as a truly Nigerian company, is irrevocably committed to empowering Nigerians in an unlimited manner.

“The Centenary Award Committee and SET have assured that the prizes would be given out with fanfare.”

Participants are expected to send “WC” to 35777 to participate in the question-and-answer session.

This will enable them to accumulate points to win any of the daily prizes and qualify for the star prizes.

The promo/lottery will last 90 days.

NAE holds investiture, induction today

By Temitayo Ayetoto

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HE Nigeria Academy of Engineering (NAE) will hold the investiture of its eighth president and the induction of new fellows today at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The programme, with the theme: Quality and Telecoms Network, will examine the challenges in the telecommunications industry and proffer solutions to them.

NAE’s president Prof. Ayo Ogunye said the academy was getting more recognition from the government than before.

The NAEC chief noted that developed countries were using engineers in technological advancement for sustained growth. He urged the government to halt the use of nonprofessional engineers for core engineering jobs.

Ogunye said: “The Chinese started almost the same period as Nigerians, but their gross domestic product (GDP) today is highly substantial. They were able to make it because they relied on their engineers by funding the academy. All of them are engineers; even their president is an engineer.”

He said a 2010 report by the academy, which contains a critical study of the problems and recommendations, did not get to the Presidency.

According to him, one of the recommendations was to encourage private companies with the requisite fund and expertise to delve into power generation.

Ogunye said the induction lecture would address many of the engineering challenges in modern society.

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•HISTORY MAKERS: The team, led by Dr. Tunde Okewale (third right), which delivered 60-year-old Mrs. Omolara Irurhe of a baby girl conceived through Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) at the St. Ives Specialist Hospital, Lagos...on Monday.

DSS: Boko Haram plans to bomb Abuja with fuel tankers T HE Department of State Security Services (DSS) has said the Boko Haram sect is planning to bomb Abuja in the next few days with seized fuel tankers.

The information, the DSS said, was obtained through intelligence reports. It said the sect would seize petrol tankers at gunpoint and fill it with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other types of explosives.

The Coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mr Mike Omeri, addressed reporters yesterday in Abuja at the agency's daily briefing.

He was with the Deputy Director of the DSS, Marilyn

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

Ogar.

Omeri urged the public to be on the alert, particularly when they see any tanker driving dangerously.

He said: "The Nigerian security services have received an intelligence report that insurgents intend to seize petrol tankers and plant IEDs in the tankers and drive them to crowded places in Abuja.

"Against this backdrop, we call on the Petrol Tankers Association to be on the red alert and advise their members to

report any attempt or seizure of their vehicles to security agencies. "...Nigerians are also advised to report any brokendown tanker in any part of the territory to security agencies.

Similarly, we are using this opportunity to appeal to the public to be on the alert, particularly when they see any tanker driving dangerously."

Omeri added that the screening of 486 travellers in Abia State on Monday was not targeted at any group of persons or individuals but aimed at enhancing the nation's se-

curity.

The NOA chief said the kingpin of the Boko Haram sect, who was arrested during the investigation, had been profiled by the DSS since 2007 and had been on its watch list.

He said: "The identification of the kingpin during the investigation led to further questioning of the large movement of persons travelling and not having more than N1,000 on each of them.

"Clearly, their mission was suspicious and had to be thoroughly investigated. We, therefore, appeal for the understanding of the public in allowing our security agencies to carry out their legitimate duties."

N446.3b ‘loot’: Fed Govt withdraws charges against Abacha’s son T

HE Federal Government has withdrawn the criminal charge it filed against Mohammed Abacha, son of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

The government announced the withdrawal at yesterday’s proceedings before Justice Mamman Kolo of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.

The Federal Government, through a private lawyer, Daniel Enwelum, filed a nine-count against Mohammed, accusing him of “dishonestly receiving stolen

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

property”.

The government also said Mohammed “voluntarily assisted in concealing money” belonging to the state, estimated at N446.3 billion.

The government’s efforts to arraign him on the charge were unsuccessful, as he failed to attend court on two occasions.

But Mohammed was in court yesterday. He mounted the dock when the case

was called.

Then, Enwelum informed the court about the directive he got from the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) that he should discontinue the case.

He said: “I have been instructed by the AGF and Minister of Justice to withdraw the charges as presently filed before this court, because there are fresh facts and documents available to him.

“In this circumstance, he instructed me to file a notice

of withdrawal without prejudice to future cause of action to be taken by his (AGF’s) office.

“In the light of that, I have filed a notice of withdrawal, dated June 17, 2014. I humbly apply to withdraw the charges accordingly.”.

Defence lawyer Abdullahi Haruna did not object to the government’s decision to withdraw the charge.

Justice Kolo granted the application to withdraw the matter.

He struck out the charge and discharged the accused.

HE Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, yesterday dismissed the rumours about a possible coup d’etat in the country.

He said the military was committed to the defence of the nation’s democracy because it is an arm of the system of government.

Badeh said the military, as a professional group, “has no option but to love Nigeria” and contribute to the nation’s security and protection of lives and property.

The Defence chief spoke in Abuja when he hosted the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri.

It was at the formal presentation of the Nigerian centenary flag to the military, culminating in the Defence chief’s order for hoisting the flag in military formations across the country.

Badeh, who was surprised at the rumours, said the military would not truncate democracy as it was a professional arm of the system of government.

“Why should anyone be thinking in a negative fashion? Tell them we will not do it. Those rumouring coups must be living elsewhere, not in Nigeria.

“The Armed Forces are defenders of democracy; we are an arm of democracy. So, how can an arm of democracy work against the democracy that we are part of?” he asked.

The Defence chief hailed the NOA for “living up to expectations” in its activities, including the production of the centenary flag.

He described the flag as unique and of standard, adding that the coordination of the National Information Centre (NIC) was professional.

Badeh supported the agency’s programmes and policies, including the renaming of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) Brigade of the agency to Community Support Brigade (CSB) and the Word Waste Bin initiative.

The Defence chief urged the NOA to step up its mobilisation of more Nigerians.

Omeri said the NOA planned to launch a security awareness campaign, tagged: Do the Right Thing: Know Your Neighbour.

Only financial literacy’ll enhance economic stability, says CBN

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said the nation will contribute meaningfully to financial stability when majority of Nigerians are financially literate.

The apex bank, through its Director of Consumer Protection Department, made the submission at a consumer sensitisation forum at the Civic Centre, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The director, who was represented by Alhaja Khadijat Kazeem, said the CBN had begun the development of a Financial Literacy Framework (FLF) to convince the financially excluded to join the formal financial system.

Mazeem said: “We must create some level of awareness that would not only enable an understanding of fi-

•Oyo introduces e-learning From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

nancial products and services but also engender trust and confidence in the system.

“We must increase awareness and understanding of financial products and services, enhance efficient usage of financial resources and empower Nigerians with the knowledge to make informed choices and take effective actions that will enhance their financial well-being.

“By so doing, we are able to empower them with the confidence to participate in the formal financial system.”

According to her, furtherance to the implementation of FLF development, the bank successfully embarked on the first phase of its mass sensiti-

zation and awareness in the sic geo-political zones of the country.

She said CBN has in place structures that would protect consumers from financial service providers’ exploitation.

Also, the Oyo State Government has introduced a technical e-learning system.

It encourages an interactive system and unifies teaching, learning and educational management in an efficient and seamless manner.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi spoke yesterday on the new system when he visited Wesley College of Science, Ibadan, the state capital, for the system’s demonstration.

The e-learning demonstration was performed by one of the teachers, Mr. Omololu

Oyelakin, with the participation of the students, the governor and members of the State Executive Council (Exco).

The e-learning system, which presents a new state-ofthe-art teaching and learning method, will enhance interaction among students, between students and teachers, among teachers and among school administrators and the Ministry of Education.

The new system will be established in two primary schools and two secondary schools in each of the 33 local government areas of the state, making 132 schools.

The e-learning system is the first of its kind in the state.

Ajimobi said the development followed his trip to various provinces in China in 2013.

•Ajimobi

The governor said during the trip, he discussed with Potavio Group, a leading information and communication technology (ICT) company in the Asian country.

Potavio Group is the facilitator of the e-learning project.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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NEWS ABDULAZEEZ ARISEKOLA-ALAO (1945-2014)

Jonathan, Tinubu, governors mourn Arisekola-Alao

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Southwest governors have mourned the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao, who died yesterday. He was 69.

Jonathan said he received with “great shock and sadness” the news of Arisekola-Alao’s death.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati, reads: “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to the Arisekola-Alao family, as well as the people of Ibadan and Oyo State, on the passing away of the famed Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland.

“As they mourn the famous entrepreneur, community and religious leader, President Jonathan urges his family, relatives, friends, associates and dependants to be comforted by the fact that Arisekola-Alao lived a fulfilled life and leaves behind a legacy of significant and commendable achievements.

“The President notes that Alhaji Arisekola-Alao will always be remembered and honoured, especially for the remarkable entrepreneurial skills with which he established many successful businesses and created jobs for numerous Nigerians, as well as for his religious leadership and philanthropic gestures.”

Tinubu said the late ArisekolaAlao’s greatness will continue even in death.

Describing his demise as “sorrow-

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Ajimobi sends team to London

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has sent a four-man delegation to London to plan the late Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao’s funeral with his family members.

The delegation is led by House of Assembly Speaker Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu.

Secretary to the State Government Olalekan Alli and From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

ful and shocking”, the former Lagos State governor said: “That such a great man, who still had so much to offer his people and country, could die so suddenly is painful and a huge loss. His death has left a great vacuum in the religious and socio-political spheres. He will be missed.

“I condole with his family, the Muslim Umah and the government and people of Oyo State. His unexpected departure has left us all in some sort of a quandary because he was one of a kind, rare and specially gifted. He touched the lives of ordinary and great people and lived a life of service. He will be difficult to replace.

“He will remain some sort of a legend because he took on great challenges and left a legacy of service. His greatness is in the service he rendered his immediate community and his staying power was his wisdom and open mindedness to work with others to find solutions to problems. He was a great man who lived a great life. May his soul rest in peace.”

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi described ArisekolaAlao’s death as “tragic, dishearten-

Atiku: he was loved by all

ORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said the demise of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao, is a loss to Nigeria.

Atiku, in a statement by his media office, said he was shocked and saddened by Arisekola-Alao’s death.

He said the late businessman was passionate about Nigeria, adding: “Arisekola was a devout Muslim and community leader. He was generous and loved his people. The quality of his humanity and compassion was unprecedented. The country will surely miss him.

“I visited him recently after the death of his wife and he hosted me to lunch in his palatial Ibadan home. He related well with all Nigerians.”

Alaafin cancels trip

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From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, was devastated yesterday by news of Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola-Alao’s death.

The deceased was scheduled to chair an award ceremony for the monarch in London on Sunday. The Alaafin was to receive a “Life Achievement Award” from the Oyo State Council in the United Kingdom (UK).

The monarch’s media aide, Prince Azeez Fehintola, said Oba Adeyemi was “highly devastated about losing a dear friend and associate”.

Fehintola said the monarch has cancelled his trip to London.

Ex-minister pays tributes

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From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ORMER Minister of State for Finance Remi Babalola yesterday paid tributes to the late Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao.

Babalola said: “Aare had an unwavering passion, deep commitment and unsurpassed dedication and loyalty to the nation. He was, indeed, a living inspiration and blessing to millions of Nigerians, both young and old.

Truly, he was a symbol of compassion to the world.”

He described his death as “a big loss to the nation”.

In a statement by his Special Assistant, Mr. Lateef Feyisitan, the ex-minister said the late Arisekola-Alao’s life was filled with “many enviable achievements, successes and uncommon devotion to worthy causes”.

He expressed his condolences to the family, the people and government of Oyo State and prayed that Almighty Allah grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

two other members of the State Executive council are part of the delegation.

The governor, who sees himself as the chiefmourner, according to a close source, is spearheading the funeral arrangement.

ing and a big blow”, to Oyo and Nigeria.

In a statement by his media aide, Dr. Festus Adedayo, Ajimobi said: “Aare cannot die, as those who lived the kind of life he lived, with imprints in the lives of millions of people, never die. He lived a life that was devoted to the lives of others. It is indeed the end of an era for us in Ibadan and Nigeria in general.”

Ajimobi described the late Arisekola-Alao as “a devout Muslim, shrewd businessman and a philanthropist”, whose commitment to the cause of the downtrodden in the society was unequalled.

He said: “Uncle Arisekola-Alao was an upright, consistent and principled man. He called a spade by its name without minding whose ox was gored. He was also a pillar of support to our administration.

His wise counsel helped tremendously in the success so far recorded by our government.” Although he said the religious leader’s death was painful and the vacuum created by his passage would be hard to fill, the governor, said the late Arisekola-Alao lived a fulfilled life.

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, in a statement by his media aide, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, said: “It is unfortunate that Arisekola-Alao died at a time a lot of Muslims would have benefited from his generosity, but Almighty Allah knows best.”

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in a statement by the Director of Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said Arisekola-Alao’s death reinforces the essence of mankind’s existence, “which is to lead a good life and render service to humanity”.

The statement reads: “His death is sad, shocking and unfortunate.

He led a good life, a life full of positive examples. ArisekolaAlao was a notable figure, successful businessman, a consistent philanthropist and community leader.

“As the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, he demonstrated his love for peace as a religious leader and led a God-fearing life. On behalf of my family and the people of Osun State, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended family of the

later business doyen, Ajimobi, the entire Muslim Ummah and the people of Oyo State. May the soul of the deceased be admitted into Aljana Firdaus.”

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko described ArisekolaAlao’s passing as “shocking and a great loss to the nation”.

In a condolence message by his Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, Mimiko said the death of the deputy head of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, was “most unfortunate and a loss irreparable”.

He said: “No doubt, Aare Arisekola-Alao is still needed around and would be sorely missed by all for his spiritual and fatherly role.”

Mimiko said the businessman “lived an exemplary life and was a blessing to his generation as he made his mark in leadership, service to God and humanity”.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola said the late ArisekolaAlao would be sorely missed by all for his “widely acknowledged philanthropy, statesmanship and entrepreneurial leadership”.

Condoling with the government and people of Oyo State, Fashola said the indelible marks left by the late Arisekola-Alao in commerce and industry, as well as the economic development of the Southwest and Nigeria, would never be forgotten.

He urged the late businessman’s family, friends and associates to take solace in his good deeds and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the soul of the departed Aljanah Firdaus.

We’ve lost a gem, say Oyo Speaker, Lagos lawmaker

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YO State House of Assembly Speaker Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu said the country has lost a gem.

In a statement yesterday, she described Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao’s death as “sad, shocking and a great loss”.

Mrs. Sunmonu said deceased contributed immensely to the state’s development.

She said besides being a philanthropist, who touched many lives with his wealth and position, he also contributed to the propagation of Islam.

The Speaker said the vacuum left behind by his death would be difficult to fill.

Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Segun

By Oziegbe Okoeki and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Olulade described the late Arisekola-Alao as “a legend”.

He said: “Chief Arisekola was a detribalised man, as he gave his daughter in marriage to the son of Chief Emmanuel Iwwuanyanwu of Imo descent.

Alhaji Arisekola-Alao was a household name. I grew up knowing him as a man at the centre in almost every aspect of human life. I cannot count how many national burning issues he mediated in for the peace and stability of the polity.

“His generosity knew no bound. He was always calm, simple and soft spoken. He maintained a good relationship

with all and his friends cut across several segments, from royal caucus to religious leaders, businessmen, diplomats and statesmen in Nigeria and beyond. He was elegant in all ramifications with a reputation beyond the shores of Nigeria. I am sure the nation will miss him.

“I condole with his family, the Yoruba Muslim community, Yorubaland and the nation. It is my belief that people from our generation will pick many good examples from the legendary life he lived and the national unity he stood for.

“I believe strongly that nothing will be too big to immortalise the late ArisekolaAlao, who was among the few legends of his generation.”

•A woman weeping at the late Arisekola-Alao’s home in Ibadan...yesterday.

Prostate Cancer: The ailment Arisekola-Alao battled

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CCORDING to Wikipedia, prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing however; there are cases of aggressive prostate cancers. The cancer cells may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes. Prostate cancer may initially cause no symptoms, but in later stages can cause pain, difficulty in urinating, problems during sexual intercourse, erectile dysfunction, and death.

Other symptoms can potentially develop during later stages of the disease.

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Nigerian men; it has the fierce reputation as

the leading cancer diagnosis and cause of cancer-related deaths among Nigerian men.

However, Prostate cancer screening is not a common practice in Nigeria. This has made the true burden of the disease in Nigeria unknown.

Available statistics reveal that an estimated hospital prevalence of 127 per 100,000 in Lagos was reported in 1997.

A recently published data from southwestern Nigeria also reported a hospital prevalence rate of 182.5 per 100,000 male admission. The presentation of cancer of the prostate in Nigeria is usually in late stages as there is no organized patient education and screening programmes According to the Coordinator, National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP), Lagos State branch, Dr. Abia Nzelu, Prostate cancer killed

14 men everyday in Nigeria; however a consultant urologist with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ademola Popoola, said that more than 20,000 men die of prostate cancer every year in Nigeria.

Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms.

Sometimes, however, prostate cancer does cause symptoms, often similar to those of diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. These include frequent urination, especially at night, difficulty starting and maintaining a steady stream of urine, hematuria (blood in the urine), and dysuria (painful urination). Medical studies show however that a patient may have one or more of these symptoms.

A complete understanding of the causes of prostate can-

cer is not known but the primary risk factors are obesity, age and family history. Uncommon amongst men under the age of 45, Prostate cancer however becomes more common as men grow older with the average age being 70 years.

But many men are ignorant that they carry the disease therefore men who have first-degree family members with prostate cancer appear to have double the risk of getting the disease compared to men without prostate cancer in the family. They therefore need to do frequent screening. Also, this risk appears to be greater for men with an affected brother than for men with an affected father.

Men with high blood pressure are more likely to develop prostate cancer.

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THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2014

NEWS

Victims relive Yobe viewing C centre bombing

HILDREN covered in blood, adults groaning, limbs hanging by various beds and an eerie feeling of helplessness and fear.

This was the scene at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Sani Abacha Hospital, Damaturu, Yobe State, where victims of Tuesday’s viewing centre bomb blast in Yobe State were admitted.

Nine-year-old Abubakar from Bindigari Primary School told our correspondent that he was selling groundnuts outside the viewing centre when the blast occurred.

He said: “I was not allowed to go inside the viewing centre. Many of us were selling groundnuts outside the venue when I heard a loud bang.

“I did not know how I got to the hospital, until this morning when I woke up covered in blood.

“Some of my friends were selling in front of the gate.

Oga, can you please find out for me if they are still alive?”

Bakura Maina, who was in tears, said: “Two of my sons are in a coma. Look at my children (pointing at them at different locations in the ward) one is 10 ; the other nine.

There is still one who is missing that we haven’t found.”

Some few minutes later, one of his friends came in to tell him that the missing son was among the dead in the mortuary.

Another victim, Audu Tan-

•14 dead, say police •Military: 30 injured

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

imu, said he was sitting in front of his shop and could not move after the sound of the blast.

“I was not even inside the viewing centre. I don’t even watch football. I was sitting in front of my shop doing my business when I heard a loud sound. When I tried to run, I discovered that my leg was broken and I could not run.

“My father was also sitting outside with me. Something hit him on the head but he survived,” Audu said.

Abdulmumini’s (11) left leg was chopped off in the blast.

His mother said she did not know when he left the house for the viewing centre.

“For now, the only thing I can say is to thank Allah for keeping him alive. No one knew how he sneaked out and went to that place,” she said.

The owner of the viewing centre, Jamilu Ahmed, alias Jamilu Cross Fire, a former commissioner, said he almost died in the blast.

Ahmed said: “I was taking tea from a local tea store when I noticed a tricycle. “ I was about sending one of my boys to find out the owner

when the bomb went off.”

The government has promised to pay the medical bills of the victims.

Deputy Governor Abubakar Aliyu, who visited the hospital, condemned the attack.

“Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has directed that the medical bills of the victims will be taken care of by the government.

“He also condoled with the families of the dead,” Aliyu said.

Police spokesman Nansak Chagwam confirmed that 14 bodies were brought to the hospital and 26 injured in the blast. He said residents did not comply with security orders.

“The commissioner of police had embarked on a sensitisation campaign to emirs and traditional rulers to inform the people not to patronise viewing centres.

“There was a directive that all viewing centres in the state should be closed down but the people did not listen.

“We advised that people should not go to viewing centres during the World Cup. “We are investigating the cause of the blast and we will

definitely come out with details,” the PPRO informed.

A military source said 30 people were injured in the explosion.

The source said: “By our records, 30 people were injured. The police have drafted anti-bomb disposal unit to the area.

“Troops have also beefed up security in the state capital.”

Gaidam’s Special Adviser on Press Affairs and Information Abdullahi Bego said: “The governor is deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives at a time that the people have stepped up prayers and support and cooperation with security agencies against criminal activities.

“The governor’s thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives in the attack and those who sustained injuries.

“Governor Gaidam has condemned the attack as heinous, barbaric and totally unjustifiable.

“He has called on security agents engaged in the fight against insurgency to continue to do more.

“He called on the people not to relent in their support for efforts to restore peace and security.

“The governor believes that with their prayers, vigilance and continuing support to security agents, the people will triumph against the forces of evil that are unleashing mayhem on the innocent.”

•An 11year-old boy who survived the bombing on a bed in a government hospital in Damaturu... yesterday.

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ACF condemns arrest

HE Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has described the arrest of 486 travellers in Abia State as a violation of their freedom of movement and association.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the arrest is sending wrong signals that some Nigerians are foreigners in their country.

It noted that while it is not against any action taken by the government to wipe out insurgency, it is against the arrest of any group of persons on account of their appearance, origin or faith.

The statement reads: “ACF condemns the arrest of 486 northerners in Abia State on the allegation that they are members of the Boko Haram sect.

“Upon their arrest, they were alleged to have been subjected to ill treatment and hardship

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From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

in the hands of security agencies.

“This indiscriminate act of arrest based on faith and origin negates the spirit of one Nigeria and equally violates their freedom of movement and association as guaranteed in the constitution.

“While ACF is not against operations designed to checkmate the activities of Boko Haram insurgents, it however condemns arrest on account of appearance, faith and origin.

“This is because such an action will make innocent and law abiding citizens of a particular origin or faith to suffer unduly in the hands of security operatives.

“ACF, therefore, calls on the relevant authorities and in particular, the Abia State Government, to exercise caution.”

Four die in Kogi accident

OUR persons were confirmed dead yesterday in an accident on the Okene-Lokoja Road.

Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Godwin Omiko, said it happened a few minutes before midnight at Ogaminana in Adavi Local Government

From James Azania, Lokoja

Area.

Omiko blamed the incident on wrong overtaking.

He said two people, who were injured, were taken to the General Hospital, Okene; and the bodies deposited at the hospital mortuary.

Appeal Court reserves judgment in Ajudua’s application

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HE Court of Appeal in Lagos yesterday reserved judgment in an application filed by alleged fraudster, Fred Ajudua.

Ajudua had approached the appellate court after a Lagos High Court judge, Justice O.A. Ipaye on March 3, denied him bail and assumed jurisdiction in an $8.4 million fraud charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He is standing trial for allegedly defrauding a former Chief

By Precious Igbonwelundu

of Army Staff, Ishaya Bamaiyi between November 2004 and June 2005.

At the hearing of the appeal on yesterday, Ajudua, through his counsel, Olalekan Ojo prayed the appellate court to quash the decision of the lower court insisting that the trial judge erred in law by ruling that he could be tried under the repealed Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 1995.

I didn’t contest for APC National Chairmanship, says Ikimi

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FORMER Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, yesterday said he did not contest for the office of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC) at the party’s National Convention last Friday.

He said he did not submit his nomination forms when it was apparent that the process would not be transparent and fair.

Ikimi, who opened up on the convention in a statement he personally signed in Abuja, said he also did not step down for the first National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-

•Other victims

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Oyegun.

He said some APC leaders plotted against his bid to lead the party because of his opposition to a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The statement said: “In conclusion. I did not attend nor participate in the charade of a Convention. I paid N250, 000 for the forms to contest for the National Chairmanship on the basis of the overwhelming support I received from my State - Edo State. The forms are still with me, which I will return and ask for a refund of my money.

14 arraigned for Kwara street brawl

PHOTOS: AFP

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OURTEEN people have been arrested in connection with Monday’s street brawl in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, in which three people were reported-

Fresh impeachment moves against Rivers Governor Amaechi begin Continued from page 4 The six members plan to convene a sitting of the House of Assembly at a private residence or office, with Evans Bipi presiding as the Speaker, a source told The Nation, adding: “At that sitting, a member will then move a motion for the suspension of the other 25 APC

members. Once the purported suspension is adopted by the six members, they will now move for the impeachment of Governor Amaechi on very spurious grounds.”

The impeachment plotters claim to have on their side the National Judicial Council (NJC) appointed administrative Chief Judge of

Rivers State, Justice Daisy Okocha. But, this could not be confirmed last night.

The state government rejected Justice Okocha’s appointment.

There have been several failed plots, allegedly by the Presidency to remove Amaechi from office.

Government House, Port

Harcourt sources confirmed that they were aware of the plot.

One said: “President Jonathan is hell bent on removing Governor Amaechi for reasons best known to him.

This is not the first time, or the second time they have plotted to remove our governor, albeit illegally. Their plot is illegal,

unconstitutional. In a legislature of 31 members, six members cannot go and sit in someone’s private sitting room and claim to have impeached a governor! That is impunity.

This is a democracy. The Presidency should be careful not to truncate our democracy with all these their reckless acts of impunity all over the place.”

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ly killed.

Commissioner of Police Ambrose Aisabor gave their names as Rasheed Isiaka, Lukman Adesegiri, Abdulazeez Yahaya, Lukman Ibrahim, Bolaji Ologele, Tunde Ologele, Abdulrafiu Shehu and Abdulganiyu Issah.

Others are Tunde Alakia, Abdulraheem Raji, Tajudeen Ahmed, Aromokala Issa, Opeyemi Yunusa and Abdul ganiyu Abdulazeez.

One waist band charm, one blood stained cutlass, one saw and seven motorcycles were recovered.

9

THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2014

NEWS EKITI 2014 Ado-Ekiti residents defy rain for Fayemi’s road show

Jega: ‘We ‘ll use customised ballot papers, pre-number ballot boxes’

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USTOMISED ballot papers and pre-numbered ballot boxes will be used for Saturday’s election, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, said yesterday.

Jega, who spoke at a well-attended Election Stakeholders Meeting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, assured all that the two strategies were critical to countering possible faking of the ballot and snatching of ballot boxes.

The INEC boss repeatedly harped on his commission’s commitment to ensuring a level-playing field for all parties, saying: “Ekiti election will be the best so far in the country”.

Lamenting the violence, which had characterised campaigns across parties, Jega said the success of the election depended on the critical stakeholders, noting that the commission had deployed the needed logistics to achieve “free, fair, credible and transparent poll.”

Jega’s words: “We have customised ballot papers and even the result sheets. You cannot move result sheets from one polling unit to another. Ballot boxes are also serially numbered and if you snatch a ballot box, it goes out of the electoral process automatically.

“But the best for all of us is to ensure this does not happen.

INEC has done a lot to improve the integrity of the process. The commission has sufficiently trained both permanent and adhoc staff and we expect they must on the day display nonpartisanship, “a he said.

According to the INEC

•IG, others warn trouble-makers From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Chairman, stakeholders must be equally be committed to enhancing the credibility of the exercise, adding: “They also must come into the exercise with clean hands. They must show decorum and civility”.

He said political parties were expected to provide agents at the polling centres, clarifying that polling units might be divided into points to ease both pre-voting registration and voting exercises, urging the parties to send a list of their agents to INEC for needed clearances and accreditation.

“The parties must provide the list of their agents in good time for accreditation. There is a time-frame for them to be accredited for each polling unit.

We feel confident that errors of the past are not repeated here.

We need your support as stakeholders to achieve this.

“Even if operationally we did all, if thugs are allowed to snatch ballot boxes and attack opponents, the process is compromised. God willing, Saturday’s election will be free, fair, credible and transparent,” he promised.

He also urged the media to be professional during the exercise.

In his own comments, the Inspector-General of Police Muhammed Abubakar assured that the Force had done all necessary to create an atmosphere for peaceful election in the state, noting that free and fair election will be possible only if

there is peace.

Abubakar noted that the most important thing for all stakeholders was the sustenance of peace, security and stability in the state, saying: “All the security agencies are fully prepared for the election on Saturday.

“They (the security personnel) have been trained; they know the ‘dos and don’ts.’ The officers have seen massive preparation to provide adequate safety and security for the staff of INEC. Safety and security will be provided before, during and after the election. We believe that citizens of this state will support and partner security agencies to ensure peace and security”.

Abubakar disclosed that 126 well-armed police officers would be stationed at each of the three senatorial districts to complement those manning polling centres.

He said helicopters would also hover across the flashpoints and may land anywhere when necessary to complement security.

The IG warned party candidates and other political figures not to move round on the election day with escorts, adding that there would be restriction of movement between 6a.m and 8p.m.

Said he: “No candidate will be allowed to visit polling centre with escort. If you have an orderly, tell the orderly not to come to work that day. Just go and do your voting and return home. If you break that law, you will be arrested. If you are a leader, you should respect the law of

the land.

“No vehicular movement.

Leave your house under the watch of security agencies. You have nothing to supervise whatever your position. That day you are not a supervisor. Allow INEC to do their jobs. Security agencies have been warned to abide by the rules of engagement. We don’t want any of them to disrespect the rules and should they break same, there are consequences.”

The INEC National Commissioner for the Southwest Prof. Lai Olurode said the purpose of the forum was to build the confidence of participants and stakeholders, adding: “INEC alone could not travel far and guarantee credible elections without the support of the stakeholders.”

He lamented what he described as the disappointing show of thuggery and indecorum during the Ondo poll recently.

“What we witnessed from the political players was less than holy. We did all to avoid this in Ondo, but what the politicians themselves did was less than desirable. We were appalled,” Olurode said.

Noting that theoretically, Ekiti election should be the best, given the literacy level, Olurode said things would go well if all abide by election procedures.

At the meeting was the Ekiti Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Halilu Pai, his counterparts in Ondo (Akin Orebiyi), Ogun (Sam Olumekun) and Oyo (Alhaji A. Ayilara).

While the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Ayodele Fayose attended the

•Jega

event, his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart was represented by the state Interim Chairman Chief Jide Awe. But Awe’s fears about the cloning of cards were allayed by Jega, who said it would not be possible to clone cards as the commission had put various security features in place on the cards.

Also, Awe’s question about where INEC would announce the final result was answered by the INEC chair, who assured that since 2011 election results had been announced at the respective locations where the elections were held, noting that Ekiti’s would not be an exception.

The Onitaji of Itaji Ekiti, Oba Idowu Adamo, who is the chairman, State Traditional Rulers Council, expressed confidence that INEC would ensure levelplaying field.

His words: “I am happy to hear the preparations being put in place and believe my people have heard all that is being done.

I expect Saturday to be peaceful, and the election to be free fair and credible”.

Other parties in attendance included Accord, represented by its governorship candidate, Mr. Kole Ajayi, National Conscience Party (NCP), Action Alliance (AA), African Peoples Alliance (APA) and Labour Party (LP).

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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Fayemi’s group to INEC: explain how thumb-printed HE KAYODE Fayemi such stories as reported in ballot papers got to PDP that Campaign Organisathe media were untrue.

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I’m still in the race, says Bamidele

•Wife of Ekiti State Governor Erelu Bisi Fayemi (left); wife of former Governor Segun Oni, Kemi and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Dr. Kayode Fayemi during a visit to congratulate Chief Oni, on his election as APC Deputy National Chairman, South, in Ifaki-Ekiti... yesterday.

tion (KFCO) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain the role of its officials in the alleged thumb-printed ballot papers seized from officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

KFCO’s spokesperson Dimeji Daniels, in a statement yesterday, alleged that thumbprinted ballot papers were found by agents of the Directorate of Security Service, (DSS) at a hotel located at Are-Ekiti belonging to a PDP bigwig.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

•Omeri, PDP deny allegation From Gbade Ogunwale and Bukola Amusan (Abuja)

The arrest was confirmed during the INEC and stakeholders’ round-table in AdoEkiti, the state capital, yesterday, KFCO said.

Daniels said “that the Jegaled INEC has been making assurances about the integrity of Saturday’s election, but recent developments where thumb-

printed ballot papers and form EC8A are being ferried into Ekiti State by serving ministers and found in the residences of PDP chieftains, make nonsense of INEC’s assurances.”

Daniels praised the DSS and Are-Ekiti people for the discovery and confiscation of the thump-printed ballot papers.

But the Coordinator of the National Briefing Centre, Mike Omeri, said in Abuja yesterday

He said the DSS did not arrest “person or persons engaged in the thumb-printing of ballot papers.”

Also, the PDP yesterday accused the APC of having perfected a plot to cause confusion and set the stage for disturbances in Ekiti ahead of the election.

A statement yesterday by the PDP’s National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo, said part of the plot was the story on the alleged seized thumb-printing materials aired by Ekiti broadcasting stations.

ABOUR Party’s candidate Michael Opeyemi Bamidele yesterday accused his counterpart on the platform of PDP, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, as the person behind the rumour that he had withdrawn from Saturday’s election.

Bamidele, in a statement by his media aide, Ahmed Salami, said he could not step down for a man of Fayose’s questionable character, boasting he would defeat him with a wide margin in the election.

According to him, if anybody should step down from the race, it should be the PDP candidate because he (Bamidele) stands a better chance in the race.

He also claimed to be relying on his better public image and leadership virtues than Fayose, who he accused of having negative public image, including court cases bordering on corruption, against him.

Bamidele attributed his growing popularity as a source of concern for Fayose and his supporters, claiming that the ongoing rumour about his withdrawal from the race “is Fayose’s smokescreen, which he said is dead on arrival.”

HE re-election bid of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi got a boost on Tuesday, as residents of Owode, Omisanjana, Oke-Bola, Ekute, Oke Ila and some other communities in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, defied heavy rain to show solidarity with the APC candidate.

The rainfall began at 1:17pm when Fayemi got to Owode in Basiri, but residents of the community still trooped out in their hundreds and continued singing: “There shall be showers of blessings”.

When Fayemi was through with his campaign at Owode, he headed for Onala quarters where the people also ignored the rain and held tenaciously to their brooms till the governor came.

The Deputy Governor Prof.

Modupe Adelabu, who was equally drenched, was also part of the campaign train.

Dr. Fayemi assured the people of Onala that their road, which was constructed halfway by the previous administration but was now deplorable, would be reconstructed. He said it will serve as an alternative route for commuters who ply AdehunHousing road, which links the Ado-Afao road reconstructed by him two years ago.

At Ekute and Omisanjana, the governor told the people that he was poised to deliver more dividends of democracy to them if re-elected.

He added that the reconstruction of Ekute-Waterworks road and the construction of FaleganOmisanjana road are prove that he was committed to giving a new lease of life to the people.

The atmosphere on Bank road, an Igbo-dominated business district, changed when the APC candidate got to the street, which also houses commercial banks.

The traders came out and declared support for the governor, who assured that his administration would continue to create enabling environment for their businesses to thrive.

Fayemi noted that the Igbo community has contributed immensely to the development of the state. He added that he would empower them to enhance their businesses.

At Iyin-Ekiti, the country home of the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, people also trooped out in the rain and followed Fayemi’s motorcade.

The supporters sang many songs of resilience and solidarity to show their readiness for the Saturday’s election.

The APC supporters refused to return until they got to the front of Eyemote Comprehensive High School, Iyin-Ekiti.

Fayemi, while addressing the gathering after the road show, praised his supporters for their tenacity and commitment to the state’s development.

He stressed that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the state did not relapse into the era of “one day, one trouble” when the state was in the news for negative reasons.

The road show took the governor to Ikere, Ise-Orun, Emure, Gbonyin, Ikole, Oye, Ido-Osi, Ijero, and Irepodun Ifelodun local governments before returning to the capital city at about 6:41pm.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

10

CITYBEATS

Church group celebrates

THE Christ Ambassadors Band of Melototah Church of Zion, 18/20, Ikale Street, Papa-Ajao, Mushin in Lagos will hold its maiden anniversary on Sunday at the church’s auditorium.

The week-long programme kicked off on Monday. Its highlights include revival services, seminar talks and counseling. Varieties night will be held tomorrow, while a dinner takes place on Saturday with the topic: Building an enduring Christian home.

The group’s president, Apostle Michael Onuwaje, said: “We are rejoicing because God has made it possible for us to see one year of this band. Our programme is loaded because we need to be impactful and that is the essence of our coming together. No doubt, we live in perilous times and we need to affect the minds of the people, particularly the youth with life-changing programmes.”

The event will end with a thanksgiving service and installation of Grand Patron and some advisers on Sunday.

Some ministers of God expected at the event include: Pastor Benson Molato Ikuesan, Pastor Segun Oluwole, Pastor Sunday Solomon and Pastor Taiwo Akinsola.

Housing agent arraigned for ‘defrauding’ blind man

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OR allegedly defrauding a blind man, 51year-old Kehinde Dawodu has been arraigned before an Itire Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The defendant, while posing as a housing agent, allegedly collected N460, 000 from the victim, Moses Okore, an employee of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

Dawodu was brought before Magistrate AbigundeDavies on an eight-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining under false pretence, unlawful conversion and steal-

S

By Precious Igbonwelundu

ing.

Prosecuting Inspector Ezekiel Ayorinde told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence in January on Buari Street, Mushin at about 10am.

According to Ayorinde, the defendant with others at large, “fraudulently converted N460, 000 property of Okore, a blind of the news department of FRCN with false pretence to avail him three bedrooms in a row at 97, Isolo Road, Mushin.

He told the court that the

complainant met the defendant at his purported office in Mushin through his (Okore’s) friend, after which he paid the usual N1, 000 registration fee.

With the help of his aide, Ayorinde said Okore after inspecting the property and indicating his interest, paid the money to Dawodu, who had earlier doused their worries of seeing the owner of the building before payment by establishing a telephone conversation between the purported owner and the complainant.

“After payment, the complainant was issued a receipt

and given a copy of the bank teller, but when it was time for him to move into his house, the defendant stopped picking his calls, while he soon realised that the same house had been given to someone else,” he said.

Aside Okore, Ayorinde told the court that Dawodu, in December 2013, committed a similar offence by obtaining N292, 000 from one Glory Shotayo under the pretence of giving her a room-andparlour self-contained at 12, Layi Oyekanmi Street, Papa Ajao, Mushin.

The alleged offences were

said to have contravened Sections 409, 312(1)(a), 278(2)(4) and 285(5)(f) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

Dawodu pleaded not guilty and was admitted to bail in N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate ruled that the sureties must provide evidence of tax payment for two years, sworn affidavit and two-year bank statement of account, which must be verified. She also ruled that N50, 000 must be deposited with the High Court Registrar and adjourned the matter till July 21.

government agencies might use it to track down the whereabouts of the vandals.

Farinloye said suspected vandals often take petroleum prod-

ucts from the Atlas Cove at Apapa to Ejigbo and Mosemi depots - both in Lagos and Ogun States.

Though, supply valves have

since been shut down to stop the fire, security men were making efforts to track down either the victims or fleeing members.

By Adebisi Onanuga and Toyosi Babatunde

“A substantial number of our convicted and awaitingtrial inmates have been sufficiently trained and certified in various skills and fields, thus well-equipped to integrate into the society to contribute their quotas if given a second chance,” Bamidele said.

He said over 100 inmates recently sat for the General Certificate Examination (GCE), while 14 others, wrote the last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), scoring between 160 and 220 in the exams.

Many feared dead in pipeline explosion

CORES of people were feared dead in Tuesday midnight explosion of a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at the Takwa Bay Beach in Lagos.

Following an oil spillage from the burst pipeline, it was gathered that hundreds of people had stormed the scene with jerry cans to scoop fuel when the explosion occurred.

Residents ascribed the explosion to greed on the part of vandals who drill holes on exposed pipelines to scoop fuel.

Some of the villagers said the scooping took place at a pool dug by the vandals very close to the scene of the explosion.

Some of the villagers who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the vandals come

By Jude Isiguzo and Precious Igbonwelundu

to the areas in canoes laden with several hundreds of 50litre jerry cans.

They said the vandals, having filled their cans with products, would drag them across the murky waters to a “safe” place before they would eventually load them into their boats to avoid security operatives.

Late yesterday, rescue workers were yet to recover any body at the scene, but the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the South-West Zone, Ibrahim Farinloye, who confirmed the incident, said relations of victims might have removed the deceased’s bodies for fear that

CJ releases 14 more inmates at Ikoyi prisons

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HE Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Philips, yesterday freed 14 inmates awaiting trials from the Ikoyi Prison in Lagos.

Their release brought to 686, number of such inmates granted freedom by Justice Phillips since she assumed office on June 15, 2012.

The freed inmates spread across the five prison formations in the state and were released during her periodic visits to the detention facilities.

Justice Phillips warned

them against going back to what brought them to prison.

The Chief Judge expressed optimism that the introduction of the new bail system would help to improve the system.

The Deputy Comptroller of Ikoyi Prison, Mr Emmanuel Bamidele, praised Justice Phillips for introducing various reforms geared at easing the plight of the inmates, he said 1,714 of them were awaiting trial, while only 194 had been convicted.

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

Tom Ateke reconciles Ibinabo Fiberesima, Emeka Rollas

•Ateke

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N aggrieved contender of Ibinabo Fiberesima’s position as president of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, appears to have accepted the olive branch two years after.

Reports said Rollas met the popular actress during the recently held 52nd birthday celebration of former NigerDelta militant, Ateke Tom, where they were talked into

I

T appears the coast for the release of the much-anticipated Biyi Bamdele’s flick, Half of a Yellow Sun, an adaptation of Chimamanda Achidie’s novel of the same title, is not yet clear, as the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has, once again, written to the exhibitor on the status of the movie.

Acting Head, Corporate Affairs, Caesar O. Kagho, in a release, said: “The NFVCB restates its position that the

•Fiberesima

By Victor Akande

burying the hatchet.

Ateke, a known benefactor to most Nollywood actors, commands great respect among the filmmakers, a reason most of them were in Okrika, Rivers State, to celebrate with him in a ceremony that lasted three days.

Fiberesima and Rollars were said to have hugged passionately and were applauded by many.

“This is the way we should

•Rollas

live. We should all live together as one family. Emeka should support Ibinabo’s ambition and Ibinabo should lend listening ears. I don’t hate people. I try to settle all quarrels and let peace reign because that is what we all need and should work towards in Nigeria,” said Ateke.

Ibinabo was announced winner of the election by veteran actress and secretary of AGN Electoral Committee (AGNEC), Rachael Oniga, on Fri-

day, September 28, 2012. Thus, the former beauty queen became the seventh and first female president of AGN. The post was equally contested by Rollas and Steve Eboh.

However, Ayo Emmanuel, the AGNEC chairman, announced Emeka Rollas as the winner, three hours after Ibinabo had been announced.

Emmanuel, who blamed the conflicting reports on communication, said results from two states, Niger and Ondo, were cancelled due to a petition, thereby swelling Rollas’ votes. He said he could not get across to Lagos before Ibinabo was declared winner.

Interestingly, Ibinabo has, in the last two years, been instrumental to some largesse flowing the ways of the actors from President Goodluck Jonathan, a situation which has endeared her to most members of the guild. The most recent was the lifeline of N10 million, given to ailing screenwriter, Chike Bryan, for a kidney transplant in India.

Bright Chimezie, Patoranking to headline Etisalat Cloudnine

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IGHLIFE legend Bright Chimezie and reggae/ dance hall artiste Patoranking will headline the next edition of the music platform tagged Etisalat Cloudnine slated to hold this Saturday in Port-Harcourt, River State.

Matthew Willsher, acting Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, explained that the Etisalat Cloudnine platform was created as an avenue for the company’s customers to access exclusive music contents, while also promoting home grown talents in the music industry.

“Etisalat Cloudnine is a first of its kind music platform and a reflection of our innovative nature. It is our way of sharing in the passions of our customers whom we consider tobe our greatest asset-we understand that our customers chose not just phones or services, but

•Chimezie

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

brands that associate with their lifestyle. We are pleased to present to our customers a unique blend of Nigerian music performances from breakthrough artistes and legendary iconic musicians,” he said.

The platform was successfully launched in Lagos in August 2013, with live performances by Afro juju legend, Sir Shina Peters and Afro-pop sensation, Seyi Shay.

In December, the platform was extended to the Abuja audience with a session which featured the legendary Sir Victor Uwaifo and rising star Emma Nyra.

NFVCB writes exhibitor of Half of a Yellow Sun

By Victor Akande

movie is not banned as speculated and that the Board has dutifully exercised due diligence consonant with section 36 (1) (b) of NFVCB Enabling Law ACT 1993, CAP N40 LFN 2004, which stipulates that “a decision on a film shall ensure that such a film is not likely to undermine national security.”

The release further stated that the Board had duly communicated the exhibitor of the mov-

ie in a letter dated May 27, 2014, explaining the status of the film and requiring the distributor “to expunge/edit some clearly stated objectionable aspects of the movie.”

According to him, “Once the areas highlighted are resolved, the NFVCB, as a regulator, shall communicate a rating of the film as may be deemed appropriate.

“The actions of the Board are a routine procedure that is not specific to any production, but

primarily taken within the ambit of the law, underpinned by the superior logic of safeguarding overall public interest.”

Kagho further stated that since the Board communicated the exhibitor over the issue, there had not been any response that might facilitate further regulatory actions.

He said: “It will be recalled that the NFVCB, as the movie industry regulator in Nigeria, approved 35 movies in the

month of May 2014 alone, applying similar procedural processes.”

The $10million movie has made history as the first African movie to get international release dates in countries like the UK, US, Australia, Portugal, Middle East and New Zealand.

It is also the first Nigerian movie to be premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada.

Half of a Yellow Sun movie stars Oscar nominee and BAF-

TA award winner Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Onyeka Onwenu, Genevieve Nnaji, OC Ukeje, Anika Noni Rose, Joseph Mawle, John Boyega, Wale Ojo, Tina Mba, Zack Orji and Hakeem KaeKazim. It was directed by UKbased Nigerian playwright Biyi Bandele and produced by winner of an OSCAR and three BAFTAs, Andrea Calderwood, and Yewande Sadiku , an investment banker.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

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

•Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo

Emefiele urges education on GDP rebasing gains

Banks lose N40b to internet fraud, says CBN

T

ONEY deposit banks (MDBs) in Nigeria lost a total of N40 billion to internet fraudsters last year, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

Speaking yesterday at the National Cyber Security Forum (NCSF 2014) organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Lagos, its Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Taiwo Longe lamented that the financial cost of cybercrimes to the world is about $288billion which far exceeds that of illicit drugs.

According to him, the criminal elements perpetrate their trade using web

HE Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, has urged media practitioners to educate the people on the gains of the nation’s rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Emefiele made the call at the opening of the 19th seminar for Finance Correspondents and Business Editors yesterday in Kaduna.

The theme of the seminar is “Rebasing of Nigeria’s Economy and Implication for Financial System Strategy 2020".

He said: “I urge our business editors and financial correspondents to inform and educate the various economic agents and stakeholders on the gains of rebasing the economy.

“This is our chance to tell our story by ourselves and let the world hear about the Nigerian resurgent economy.”

Emefiele, who was represented by the Director, Research Department of CBN, Mr Charles Mordi, said that 19 years gap before the economy was rebased posed a challenge in recording Nigeria’s accurate economic reality.

According to him, sectors like telecommunications, information technology and distributive trade of our economy recorded tremendous growth within the gap of 19 years.

He said: “It would be unrealistic to stick to the 1999 base year figures given such structural changes, in addition to changes in the price structure over these years.

“Given these dynamics, GDP rebasing becomes inevitable in order to ascertain more accurate estimates of the size and structure of the economy.”

He explained that the new GDP would help economic planners to gauge whether government was realising its goal of achieving the Vision

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/ barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills 10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

M

By Lucas Ajanaku phishing, network intrusion, emails and others, adding that every organisation must have a security blueprint in place which it will use to manage its security. He added that there is need for proper information security management to reduce ‘vulnerability and risk’ of attack.

“Information security assurance is the process of protecting and defending information by ensuring its confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA),” he said, adding that COBIT, FISMA, NIST, NIPAA and PCI are some of the initiatives that

have helped boost security of transaction.

He said with the growing threat of cybercriminals, the need for policy framework to address the menace has become more imperative now than ever before. He added that awareness is another key element in driving the process of fighting cybercrimes because people must be aware of the potential risk they face so that they could take precautionary measures.

Longe urged MDBs not to rest on their oars because the criminal elements are always ahead of them in the game.

He said the CBN has put in place what he called ‘Defence

Indepth’ consisting people, process and technology, stressing that the measure secures information at multiple levels.

Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director, Teledon Group, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem warned that banks, telcos, cards, aviation industry and even the military could fall victim of cybercriminals who could hack into their servers and compromise their data.

He said the cyber space is now as important as the physical space, adding that government should expedite action on the passage into law of the cybercrimes bills pending before the National As-

sembly.

According to Ekuwem, Nigeria’s territorial integrity is no longer limited to its sea and land borders but its cyberspace. He urged the Federal Government to appoint someone to head the cyber security department just as there are people heading all the armed forces of the federation.

He said cyber security threat arising from the digitalisation process of the National broadcasting Commission (NBC) is real and called on the political class to muster the political will to address the problem once and for all.

‘15,616 jobs to go in cement sector’

By Chikodi Okereocha

T

•From right: Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde; former Minister of Information, Mr. Frank Nweke and Group Head, Marketing and Communications, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Ikechukwu Kalu, at the preAnnual General Meeting (AGM) cocktail of Nigerian Breweries in Lagos.

N53.52b levy payment to AMCON irks shareholders E IGHT commercial banks contributed N53.52 billion to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Banking Sector Resolution Cost Fund in 2013 financial year.

A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicated that the banks were Zenith Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Skye Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and First City Monument Bank.

Others are FBN Holdings Plc, Sterling Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc. NAN reports that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the banks in 2011 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the fund.

The idea of the sinking fund was to assist AMCON to meet its goals and also ensure that government will

not bear the cost of financial crisis in future.

Under the initial arrangement, the CBN contributed N50 billion, while commercial banks contributed an amount equivalent to 0.3 percent of their total assets each as at the date of their audited financial statements and annually for 10 years.

The CBN in 2013 reviewed the contribution to upward to 0.5 per cent of the banks’ total assets and 33.3 per cent of off-balance sheet assets into the fund as against 0.3 per cent in 2012.

A breakdown of the figures contained in the commercial banks’ 2013 annual reports obtained by NAN showed that FBN Holdings paid the highest levy of N13.85 billion during the review period.

It was followed by Skye Bank with N10.35 billion, while UBA paid N9.67 billion.

Also, Zenith Bank paid N4.81 billion, FCMB contributed N4.58 billion, UBN paid N4.43 billion, and Sterling Bank parted with N3.11 billion, while Diamond paid N2.72 billion.

Speaking on the AMCON levy, Mr Boniface Okezie, President, Independent Shareholders of Nigeria, said the levy robbed shareholders of their investments.

Okezie said that AMCON should be scrapped or be funded by the Federal Government.

He said that shareholders should not be short-changed because of the AMCON levy to the detriment of divi-

dends.

According to him, some of the banks contributions were higher when compared with the dividends they paid the shareholders.

He attributed the non-payment of dividends by some banks and the poor profile of some of the banks to the “fraudulent AMCON’s levy”.

Mr Adebayo Adeleke, Secretary, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, also described AMCON as a disincentive to the nation’s investment terrain and a major setback to the nation’s retail investors.

Adeleke said that “AMCON collects 0.5 per cent of banks total assets every year, while banks and their shareholders are struggling to survive”.

He said that profits declared by some of these banks were lower compared with levies paid to AMCON.

Jonathan appoints PTDF Executive Secretary

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has appointed Mr. Olufemi Ajayi as the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum

Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

Mr. Ajayi is from Ekiti State and until this new appointment, he was the Direc-

tor-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He replaces Dr. Oluwole Oluleye, also from Ekiti

State, who has served as the Executive Secretary of the PTDF since 2013.

The appointment is with immediate effect.

HE new policy of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) restricting certain categories of cement to specific uses will lead to the loss of about 15, 616 direct workers in the cement sector.

It will also affect over one million workers involved in indirect activities related to cement usage, the National Union of Chemical Footwear Rubber Leather and Non-Metallic Products Employees (NUCANMPE) has said.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos, its National President, Boniface Isok, said if the government shuts down factories that are producing 32.5 grade of cement with impunity as SON is intending to do, “Our union will lose approximately 15, 616 workers in the cement sector in companies like WAPCO, Unicem, Sokoto Cement, Ashaka Cement, and PURECHEM, among others; it will deny workers of their right to gainful employment.”

Isok said while the union was not opposed to 42.5 grade cement, other manufacturers like Lafarge Group (WAPCO and ASHAKA), Unicem and Sokoto Cement plants should not be allowed to close down, thereby sending their workers to the already saturated labour market.

He said: “As a trade union and an important stakeholder in the sector, which is saddled with the protection of workers’ interests, the introduction of 42.5 standard of cement is a welcome idea if and only if it would be allowed to co-exist with other types of cement especially the 32.5 grade.”

The group argued that there are 27 different types of cement in the world with each serving different purposes. “It is on record that none of these cement type is inferior to the other in as much as they serve different purposes. The implication is that no particular cement type is applicable to all construction works. We have cement grades of 12.5, 22.5, 32.5, 42.5, 52. 5, sulphate resistant cement, oil-well cement, and white cement etc, all serving different and specific purposes,” Isok noted.

12

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

14

THE NATION

BUSINESS INDUSTRY

industry@thenationaonlineng.net

The Boko Haram insurgency has added to the economy’s problem. It has killed local manufacturing, especially Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). There are fears over its consequences for investment and job creation. CHIKODI OKEREOCHA and OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE report.

Manufacturers’ unending woes •How insurgency is killing businesses

F

OR the Managing Director, Spectra Industries Limited, makers of Suco beverages, Mr. Duro Kuteyi, these are trying times. The industrialist and National Vice Chairman of Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) is worried that Boko Haram’s insurgency is taking a toll on his company.

He told The Nation that because his company’s distributors are in the Northeast and Northcentral the epicentre of the sect’s activities - the fortunes of his company have dwindled.

The industrialist said: “Our core business is in the North, and our distributors complain of low sales as people are scared of visiting the markets or big malls; customers take their time to shop because of bomb scare.”

Customers, he said, were skeptical about the safety of doing business or even doing their personal shopping, so the situation has affected his company’s profitability. “The security situation, especially the bombings and kidnappings are affecting our business,”he emphasised, adding that as a result, the distribution of locally manufactured goods has been hampered.

Also, the Chairman, Export Group of Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Oluyenuwo Olabisi, is disturbed over the effects of the prevailing insecurity on businesses and the manufacturing sector.

He said the insurgency has created so much fear in people that nobody wants to risk his life for anything. He said some people prefer to move from one place to the other for safety. He explained that people from the south and west no longer go to the north to buy anything, especially produce, because of the risks.

According to Olabisi, what obtains is that northerners bring the produce down to the south, a situation which makes the products more expensive, as there are more middle men than ever. He said, for instance, since the crisis escalated, the price of produce, such as sesame seed, cotton, ginger, and cashew, among others, has gone up, thereby, constituting a drag on commodity export business.

He said: “People don’t want to go to the North anymore for any reason. This is affecting the distributive trade sector of the economy. The worse hit in this restriction in movement are operators in the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) sector due to their limited space, branch network and available funds.”

The agonies of Kuteyi and Olabisi echo those of other manufacturers and members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS).

Last week, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) lamented that Boko Haram activi-

ties are affecting investor’ confidence and limiting the economy’s potential in the wake of the rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Its President, Alhaji Remi Bello, lamented that it is difficult to attract investors because the risk of long-term investments had become enormous. “The tempo of economic activities in the Nort has declined, access to markets by companies in the south has reduced, resulting in loss of sales; while many enterprises have relocated,” he said.

Bello argued that security of lives and property is crucial to investment. Noting that investment growth is imperative for job creation, poverty reduction and social stability, he said persistent insecurity impacts negatively on the economy, while declining private sector performance could result in job losses, which could aggravate the state of insecurity.

The Chamber’s Director-General (DG), Muda Yusuf, agrees with him. He noted that the security situation has become a major challenge for investors, stressing that the economy of many of the affected states is on the verge of collapse with implication for investments and job losses.

The DG spoke in Lagos while explaining the outcome of an evidence-based account of experiences of members of the Chamber and the larger business community on investment climate in the second quarter business report.

Yusuf said the challenges of the operating environment for business intensified in the second quarter across all sectors, and there were concerns over weak consumer demand reflecting the downturn in the economy. He said while the hospitality industry in the volatile states has been paralysed, many operators, especially SMEs, were relocating to other states with the attendant challenges.

He also said many firms have lost about 30 per cent of their sales, as they could no longer access most part of the northern market.

“Our report shows that manufacturing firms sourcing raw materials from the North are facing serious challenges, while projects funded by banks in the affected states are now at risk,” Yusuf said, adding that serious perception

•Map showing the volatile state in the North

‘

People don’t want to go to the North anymore for any reason. This is affecting the distributive trade sector of the economy.

The worse hit in this restriction in movement are operators in the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) sector due to their limited space, branch network and available funds.

‘

problem has been created for the country, as many bank branches have been closed, while sales representatives of many companies have fled the affected states, and many projects under construction in the North abandoned.

Yusuf said the way the country’s investment climate is, it is more attractive to invest in government securities than invest in ventures that would create jobs. He said banks prefer to buy treasury bills and government bonds than give loans to investors, adding that the credit and interest rate structure would continue to create distortions in the economy, which will only perpetuate the phenomenon of jobless growth and further depress the stock market.

The DG of Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Frank Nweke (Jnr.), is no less worried over the implications of the security situation.To him,the administration’s efforts to attract the much-needed foreign investment (FDI) and transform the economy would not yield the desired result if such attacks do not cease. He said no foreign inves-

‘

The cost of insecurity could also be seen on the percentage of yearly budget allocated to the security sector since 2009 when the crisis started. Much of the votes that would have been channelled into bridging the wide infrastructure gap that has been a pain in the neck of manufacturers are allocated to security

‘

•Olabisi

•Kuteyi

tor would invest in an insecure environment. “We are talking of bringing in more investors.

While it is a nice thing to do, we also have to see the link between security and investment. Even local investors will not go to places that are not secure,” he said.

For local investors and manufacturers, the prevailing insecurity is an unfortunate addition to their long list of woes. For instance, manufacturers have been complaining of various challenges of doing business, such as high lending rates, lack of longterm credit facilities, and lack of infrastructure, particularly electricity, inconsistent government policies, and multiple taxation.

Such challenges combine to make the cost of business high.

And in most cases, consumers, ultimately, bear the burden in form of high cost of goods and services.

Many manufacturing firms who could not cope with the rising cost of production have either closed shop or relocated to neighbouring countries were the business environment is considered friendly.

This exacerbated the unemployment situation in the country.

The cost of insecurity could also be seen on the percentage of yearly budget allocation to the security sector since 2009 when the crisis started. Much of the votes that would have been channelled into bridging the wide infrastructure gap that has been a pain in the neck of manufacturers are allocated to security. For instance, out of the N3,049 trillion budget for 2009, a total of N176 billion was allocated to security, that is, six per cent of the budget.

By the following year, security

vote increased to N448 billion, representing 11 per cent of N4, 239 trillion was budgeted.

By 2011, security got N1, 040 billion from the N4, 972 trillion budget, a 21 per cent increase in vote.

The security sector was apportioned the lion’ss share of N922 billion from the N4, 888 trillion for that year, a 19 per cent increase.

Yet power, which constitutes the single critical infrastructure to rev the manufacturing sector and create jobs got a paltry N161.42 billion. Even agriculture, which holds the key to unlocking the potential in the economy got N78.98 billion.

Other critical sectors, such as education, health aviation, and transport got smaller allocation. The situation did not change much in the 2013 budget where security got N668 billion out of the total N4, 987trillion budget.

The consensus of experts is that there are no criteria to quantify the loss to the economy considering the almost daily loss of lives and property to insecurity. Beyond the psychological trauma, industry operators say where manufacturing companies are closing in the north and relocating to other African countries for fear of bomb attacks, leaving the few remaining ones operating at below capacity, does not augur well for Nigeria where youth unemployment is put at 24 per cent.

For Bello, the government must intensify efforts to eliminate local factors that predispose the citizens to extremism. He listed the conditions to include poverty, inequality unemployment and illiteracy.

Time, they say, will tell. But unless this is done, experts say the economy would continue to hemorrhage, literally.

15

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

INDUSTRY

‘Revive Raw Materials Research Council’

I

F the current trend where over 70 per cent of raw materials for paints and other products’ manufacturing is sourced from abroad must be revised, there is the need for the Federal Government to revive the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Chairman of DN Meyer Plc, Sir Remi Omotosho, has said.

He said despite the fact that some of the raw materials for paints and other products manufacturing are available locally, the drive for local substitution embarked upon in the country in the 1980s was abandoned, and replaced in the 1990s by import syndrome with people relying heavily on imports.

He said RMRDCwas set up to explore alternative sources of raw materials for the local industries, but regreted that all of a sudden, RMRDC disappeared from the radar. That agency ought to be revived,”he argued.

He told The Nation to employ a carrot and stick approach in the drive for local substitution. “If you rely on local raw materials, manufacturers will be compelled to contribute to the research funds for that body because we are going to benefit at the end of the day. If, however, you want to rely upon imported raw materials, tariff should be able to take care of that.”

Omotosho, however, pointed out that the paints industry is not the only area where the import syndrome is playing out. He said the automotive industry, for instance, is also hard hit.

“About the same time TATA got licensed to produce spares for Mercedes Benz trucks in India, the one in Enugu (ANAMCO) got theirs. But where are we today?” he asked.

According to him, the volume of spares produced in Nnewi, Anambra State, could be used basically to replace import of spare parts for vehicles. “If you don’t have a place where

Okomu Oil to spend N8b on expansion

O

By Chikodi Okereocha

you have that assembly and things start to integrate backwards, you continue to rely on importing fully built vehicles, which is what you have today,” he said.

While emphasising that a lot of materials used in the production of goods are available locally, the industrialist regretted that those who should be developing local raw materials would rather go and import them and sale.

“There is need for the government to get RMRDC back in place in a purposeful, focused manner, visionary in its approach by collaborating with manufacturers to get a lot of the input produced locally,” he insisted.

He noted that putting RMRDC back on track is similar to the 10 per cent local content in the oil and gas industry. He said developing local substitute for imports by reviving RMRDC in line with the local content initiative in the oil and gas industry was necessary if Nigeria must realise her dream of becoming an industrialised nation.

“After satisfying her local needs, Nigeria may even end up exporting to other countries,” he said, noting: “If we are compelled to rely on our own internal resources I can assure you that those who are importing will begin to see the need to develop local substitute for the imports. You must not expect the manufacturers themselves to be the developers of these raw materials; it’s not going to work, there must be other people along the value

‘There is need for the government to get RMRDC back in place in a purposeful, focused manner, visionary in its approach by collaborating with manufacturers to get a lot of the input produced locally’

•Omotoso

chain who can fill in that gap.”

He said the government could encourage the drive for local substitution for raw materials through some sort of incentives since the government is mostly affected by the problem of import syndrome.

“There has to be that facility provided or promoted through or by Ministry of Industry for production of local raw materials,” he argued, pointing out: “If we are producing the raw materials here, you know that people will be employed in those outfits manufacturing those raw materials. They will also be paying income tax and a lot of benefits will accrue to government.”

The Chairman of DN Meyer also argued that by doing so, Nigeria will stop creating employment for others, particularly in a country where the rate of graduate unemployment is very high.

“You must realise that those who are selling to you are not producing them here; they import and sell to you.

Even when some of them say they have their own factory, they bring the raw materials and add some additives and sell to you. You can still do better than that because some of those basic things they are using to which they add some other agents can be produced here if we are dedicated and organised,” he admonished.

KOMU Oil Palm Company Plc plans to invest about N8 billion over the next four years on expansion.

Its Chairman, Gbenga Oyebode, said they would plant 10,000 hectares of oil palm in the next three years and, thereafter, a new 60 tonnes/hour oil mill would be erected to process the Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) produced, under the proposed investment plan.

Disclosing this at the company’s 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, Oyebode said while prospects may not seem too optimistic, the company’s board feels there was still underlying potential for the company’s development within Nigeria, promising that opportunities exist to offer better returns for the shareholders in the future.

He said the company has begun the expansion of its oil mill from 30t/hr to 60t/ hr at a cost of about N2.5 billion. He said this will effectively make Okomu oil one of the largest mills in Africa, and certainly one of the newest technologies, featuring tilting sterilizers, scheduled for completion in 2014.

However, the company’s consolidated results for 2013 showed that turnover -at N8.86 billion slipped 13 per cent from N10.1 billion in 2012. The chairman attributed this

drop to a tough operating environment for agri-processing companies, especially seen in lower than average commodity prices and/or volumes.

Consolidated profit before tax was down 19 per cent to N2.69 billion. Net profit on continuing operations also dropped 42 per cent to N2.09 billion.

For the company’s oil palm business, the financial report showed total revenue for all palm products in 2013 lowering 13 per cent to N5.62 billion than the previous year’s records. But cost of sales, which was recorded at N2.45 billion, was three per cent lower than 2012 figures.

According to Oyebode, notwithstanding lower yields, increased milling efficiencies allowed the oil mill to process 27,319 tonnes crude palm oil which was slightly higher than what was done in 2012.

“This fact was evidenced by a higher oil extraction rate, which averaged 21.22 percent for 2013, higher than in the previous year,” he said at the meeting.

Defending the company’s performance, Oyebode said rubber prices have, since the highs of 2011, dropped by nearly 50 per cent, with a drop of 29 per cent in 2012, followed by another 17 per cent drop in 2013.

Africa CEO confab holds in Calabar

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HE President, Africa Develop ment Bank Group (AfDB), Donald Kaberuka, will be joined by other leading experts to attend the Africa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Roundtable and Conference on Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (AR-CSR™) in Calabar, Cross River State, today.

The fourth, the event will focus on financial inclusion.

The conference’s theme is: ‘The intersection: Financial inclusion, economic sustainability and social benefit’.

Other speakers who have confirmed participation include: Brian Kuwik, Senior Vice President & Africa Regional Head, Accion. Kuwik will also serve as Lead Discussant.

Others are Duncan Onyango, Director, Acumen Fund East Africa; Issam Chleuh, Founder & CEO, Africa Impact Group; Hajara Adeola,

CEO, Lotus Capital; Prateek Shrivastava, Co-Founder, Beyond Branches International; Leila Ben Gacem, Founder, Blue Fish, Tunis; Henrietta Onwuegbuezie, Academic Director, Pan-Atlantic University; Monaem Ben Lellahom, CoFounder, Sustainable Square ThinkTank; Prof. Kalu Ojah of Wits Business School, South Africa; Silvana Wanjiru, Certified Public Secretary, Capita Registrars, Kenya; Dr. Alex Otti, Group Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc. In a statement, the conveners, ThistlePraxis Consulting, said: “We are excited to be hosting this calibre of speakers for the event. Not only is financial inclusion relevant, it has increasingly become more topical.

“We discuss the tripartite role of financial inclusion as a trigger for sustainable development.”

Nutricima rewards promo winners

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•From left: Regional Manager (West), Nutricima Limited, Mr. Adeeko Adesina; winner of N500,000 in the Nutricima Mega Cash Promo, Mrs. Olukan, and Sales Supervisor, West, Nutricima Limited, Mr. Sunday Olaoluwa, during the cheque presentation to winners in Ibadan.

INNERS in the Nutricima’s mega Cash Promo have been presented with their prizes.

The winners were announced at the televised final e-raffle draw in Lagos with officials from the National and State Lottery Regulatory Commission and top executives of Nutricima Limited in attendance.

Consumers converged on Lagos, Ibadan and Port Harcourt depots of the company to get their prizes.

The winners praised Nutricima for the promo. The consumer-reward programme, which has ended, started three months ago.

The Head of Marketing, Nutricima Limited, Yewande Oluwasegunfunmi, said the

promo produced millionaires from all walks of life - a truck pusher in Kano, a teacher at Ikorodu, Lagos, a Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) official in Abuja, a poultry farmer in Kaduna and an undergraduate in Jos. She said apart from the promo, Nutricima engages in various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

“Our CSR interventions and platforms cover health, sports, and education. They include grass-root sporting, healthy living campaign in neighbourhoods, partnership with the Lagos State Government to drive Drink Milk campaign, partnering with schools for kids with special needs, such as Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria (DSFN),” she added.

Fed Govt seeks $200m loan from Germany for real sector

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HE Federal Government is to secure a $200 million (about N32 billion) loan from Germany.

The German Minister for Economic Planning and Development, Gerd Mueller and other top German officials and businessmen are in talks with the Federal Government on the facility, as well as other areas of investment and cooperation with Nigeria.

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who hosted the delegation, which also included the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Janetzke Wenzel, in Abuja, said Germany has a strong development bank, adding that Germany was fascinated by how the country built such a successful institution.

She said the quest to replicate such an institution in Nigeria that would cut interest rate to boost investment and ensure the growth of the real sector inspired the Federal Government to seek the establishment of a development finance institution.

The minister hinted that the Federal Government was seeking the loan at concessionary rate.

Although information on the proposed loan was sketchy, Mrs

Okonjo-Iweala had earlier met with Mueller, Wenzel and other officials and businessmen to discuss areas of economic cooperation between both countries.

Mrs Okonjo-Iweala urged German investors to cash in on the great potential available in various sectors of the economy, including power, creative industry, agriculture and infrastructure.

She noted, for instance, that the nation’s creative industry, par-

ticularly Nollywood, creates over 200,000 jobs yearly, urging German Sources close to the meeting said Mrs Okonjo-Iweala is billed vist Germany soon for further discussions.

The Federal Government last year unveiled plans to set up a development finance institution to provide long-term, low interest finance to the real sector as part of efforts to grow the economy.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

Don’t sell NIOMCO, Fed Govt urged

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HE Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSSAN) has urged the Federal Government not to sell the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) Limited, Itakpe in Kogi State.

Speaking with reporters in Abuja, the Chairman of the association, Ibori Salihu, said staff members of NIOMCO were not comfortable with the proposed sale. According to him, selling the company to Global Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (GINL) as planned will hamper the National Industrial Revolution Plan of the Federal Government.

Stories by Toba Agboola

His words: “We have heard of the coming back of GINL and we are simply not comfortable with this development. Is Nigeria still ready for industrial revolution as promised by President Goodluck Jonathan during his visit to Nasarawa and Kogi States in 2011?

Salihu said GINL has nothing to offer Nigeria and NIOMCO. He appealed to the Federal Government to complete the rehabilitation of all the plants in NIOMCO before handing over to any investor with good track record.

He urged the government to capture steel companies in its inter-

vention fund to accelerate the completion of their rehabilitation to guarantee maximum utilisation.

The chairman of the association also appealed to the Federal Government to support the move of NIOMCO to achieve its mandate.

Salihu commended the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Sada, for the development of the roadmap for metals and solid minerals.

Recently, the Federal Government cancelled its contract with GINL in respect of NIOMCO. The Federal Government said GNIL was unable to meet the terms of the agreement in respect of NIOMCO.

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NLC pickets Port Harcourt Disco offices

HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has continued its picketing of the facilities of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) offices in the South-south geo-political zone of the country, following the sealing off of the Uyo Business Centre in the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The umbrella body of workers in the country had embarked on the same exercise in some other states in the region with the latest being Akwa Ibom State.

The state chairman of the NLC, Comrade Unyime Usoro, said the decision to picket the office was informed by sundry issues, which other regions especially in the northern part of the country have implemented.

Issues or complains raised by the NLC against the PHEDC include the non-payment of severance benefits to disengaged workers, arbitrary billing of customers, removal of Akwa Ibom indigenes from management positions and an anti-union posture.

Usoro said the new company from the defunct Power Holding

Company of Nigeria (PHCN) was yet to pay terminal benefits to all disengaged workers of the company. He also accused the PHEDC of staff casualisation as well as the non-payment of leave benefits.

“Over 20 per cent of the disengaged workers of PHCN are yet to be paid terminal benefits,” he said, stressing that the NLC decided to picket the company to protest the unacceptable policy of engaging workers on casual basis.

The state NLC boss stressed that the closure of the company in the state would continue until the management of the company dialogued with the union on the enumerated contentious issues.

However, the Manager of the Uyo Business Centre, Mr. Reginald Madu, decried the mode of operation of the union, saying he was almost lynched by the aggrieved union members.

He said: “I don’t know anything about it, no prior information, the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) members of the electricity union descended on me and locked up the place, I managed to escape death.”

‘Embrace health legislation’

G • From left: Head of Department, Administration and Industrial Relations, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja; National President, NLC, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; and National Deputy President, NLC, Comrade Promise Adewusi, during a working visit by the labour Leaders to the Governor in Ado-Ekiti.

ILO to eliminate forced labour, trafficking

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HE International Labour Organisation (ILO) has adopted a new legally binding protocol designed to strengthen global efforts to eliminate forced labour. The protocol, supported by a recommendation, was adopted by government, employer and worker delegates to the International Labour Conference (ILC) with 437 votes for 27 abstentions and eight against.

Speaking at the adoption ceremony, the ILO’s Director-General, Guy Ryder said: “The protocol and recommendation mark a major step forward in the fight against forced labour and represent a firm commitment among governments, employer and worker organizations to eliminate contemporary forms of slavery.

“This Protocol on forced Labour aims to advance prevention, protection and compensation measures, as well as to intensify efforts to eliminate contemporary forms of slavery.”

According to Ryder, forced labour violates the human rights

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and dignity of millions of women and men, girls and boys. “Forced labour violates the human rights and dignity of millions of women and men, girls and boys. It contributes to the perpetuation of poverty and stands in the way of the achievement of decent work for all. “There are currently an estimated 21 million forced labour victims worldwide”, he said.

He emphasised that the Protocol strengthens the international legal framework by creating new obligations to prevent forced labour, to protect victims and to provide access to remedy, such as compensation for material and physical harm.

“It requires governments to take measures to better protect workers, in particular migrant labourers from fraudulent and abusive recruitment practices and emphasizes the role of employers and workers in the fight against forced labour”, he said.

Also speaking, the President of the ILC Committee on Forced Labour, David Garner said: “The new instruments will comple-

ment and strengthen existing international law, in particular the United Nation (UN) protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children. The committee had to decide whether to push for a legally binding Protocol supported by a recommendation or a recommendation on its own.”

On the need for a legally binding instrument, Garner stressed that government, employer and committee members emphasised the vital role played by the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), and the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) but concluded that gaps in their implementation called for additional measures.

“The committee agreed on the need for a legally binding instrument that establishes a common framework for the 177 ILO member states that have ratified convention 29 as well as the eight countries that have not – to move towards the elimination of forced labour”, he said.

MoU will boost manpower, says Wogu

HE Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu has declared that the Memorandum of Undestanding (MoU) between Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) and the International Training Center (ITC), Turin, Italy, will set new rules of cooperation between the two institutions, as well as boost the manpower needs of Nigeria.

Wogu made the declaration during the signing ceremony between MINILS and ITC that was meant to provide a framework of operational collaborative activities between the two institutions in exploration of opportunities for jointly extending learning services provided by both institutions.

The Labour and Productivity Minister, who was represented at

the ceremony by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Illo, stated that the official signing pact was the climax of discussions which began last year.

He said:”The new pact would in no small measure contribute to the Federal Government’s transformational agenda of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.”

ENERAL Secretary of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Comrade Marcus Omokhuale, has called on world leaders to embrace and implement the Legislation on Occupational Safety and Health (LEGOSH) as an essential component of national systems and programmes to protect the health and safety of workers.

Last week, International Labour Organisation (ILO) developed LEGOSH as the first global source of authoritative information on national Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) database legislation to support the improvement of national systems and programmes.

Omokhuale, addressed journalists on how LEGOSH platform would boost the instruments supporting the main provisions in OSH legislation at the ongoing International Labour Conference (ILC), organised by the ILO in Geneva, Switzerland.

“The LEGOSH database when fully implemented would assist governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations, agencies and experts, policy-makers and legislators to understand, shape, formulate and adopt sound OSH legislation that can be applied effectively to protect the safety and health of workers. It acts as a free source of trustworthy legal information available to constituents, researchers, and other stakeholders,” he said.

According to Omokhuale, the new development of the LEGOSH platform emerged from the need to formulate a set of descriptors for collecting data on the basis of relevant ILO standards.

“This policy is important because the ILO, in its efforts to support the development of national OSH systems, has developed and launched LEGOSH, an innovative database to collect, analyse, describe and share essential knowledge on OSH legislation and policy around the world,” he said.

He argued that the OSH legislation is often described as a complex mosaic of legal provisions found primarily in labour law, public health and industry specific legislation as well as specifies a range of rights, obligations and duties applicable to workers and employers.

“There is urgent need for the world leaders to embrace the policy as it would provide authoritative information on OSH legislation to support policy development and improve national systems and programmes.

“The options for participatory data collection, review and update that are building on the ILO worldwide field structure and international networks, as well as on the knowledge of national experts, were tested with LEGOSH with the aim of ensuring adequate and relevant content while establishing the conditions for its sustainability,” he said.

Head of Service harps on training

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HE Head of Service of the Federation (HOSF) Alhaji Bukar Aji has expressed Federal Government’s determination to reposition the public service to deliver world-class service to the people of the country.

Aji spoke while opening the meeting of the experts committee on the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement on Civil Service between Nigeria and Niger Republic in Abuja.

He said the transformation reform in the service was one of the initiatives to actualise President Goodluck Jonathan administration’s desire for rapid socio-economic development of the country.

He said much of the programmes of the government on power, infrastructure, structure of government, judiciary and security, among others, which are being driven by the public service requires extensive capacity building of the personnel.

On the Nigeria-Niger Cooperation Agreement, he said: “This forum strengthens the relationship that exists between the two countries culturally, socially, and economically.”

The Director-General of Niger Civil Service, Mounmini Djibiji said the forum has provided the two nations avenue to share experiences for the development of their respective civil services.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

17

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

A Balancing act on Iraq

Hallowed life • At 24, Hallowed Olaoluwa who has shattered every academic record in his path must live in a world of his own IS academic records are so staggering for his age that it would almost ring hollow to refer to him as merely a genius. What this means is that even among intellectually gifted persons, there are multiple cadres and in such a classification of the exceptional, Mr. Hallowed Olaoluwa proves to be in a class by himself. Levels after levels in his educational trajectory; right from kindergarten to his doctoral offering, he showed astounding genius.

To read his story backwards, last Wednesday at the Multi-purpose Hall of the University of Lagos, Olaoluwa, the Mabo, Ekiti State indigene confounded the audience at the institution’s convocation ceremony when he stepped out as the youngest Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) laureate of the school’s 52-year-old history. At only 24 years, he scored a cumulative grade point average (CPGA) of 5.0 to emerge the overall best doctorate student. What this translates to is that he made an A in every course he offered.

He studied Mathematics. He has bettered the record of 26-year-old Olabisi Adeyemi who had a CPGA of 4.98 in 2012.

Olaoluwa’s doctoral feat is only an affirmation of a prodigious journey started at age 5 in 1994 when he began primary one. In less than 20 years, he had acquired a Higher School Certificate at 13, double first degrees in Physics and Mathematics at 18, a master’s degree at 19, PhD at 24. How did he achieve this seeming miraculous feat? “I had four double promotions in the primary and secondary schools. In primary school, I was promoted from primary five to primary six

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in the middle of the session. I also obtained three other double promotions in the secondary school, always passing my exams with distinctions”, he explained.

The highly gifted youth whose parents are missionaries of the Deeper Life Church, had his early school life in the French-speaking country of Central African Republic (CAR). It was at the University of Bangui in that country that he unfurled fully and showed the world the rare intellectual endowments he possessed. He was admitted into the university at the age of 15; he opted to study Mathematics and Physics simultaneously, a venture none had contemplated before then: “Running two programmes simultaneously was not done before; neither had it been done after. I was an exception to the rule due to my performances and God’s grace… ,” he informed.

He bagged first class degree honours in the two courses, graduating at the age of 18. He also did the same subjects (Maths and Physics) at the Master’s level, earning his M.Sc. with distinction in the two fields as well.

But what might be the magic of this rarefied academic excellence? Olaoluwa does nothing extraordinary apart from being serious with his studies. He said his time on campus was dedicated to research and work. He would often go to his department to work, see his supervisors and collaborate with his colleagues.

But it was not all work and no play for him. According to him, he has friends and also interacts with them. He has hobbies; he plays the piano and he loves watching football. As a member of the Deeper Life

Church he relates with brethren, evangelises sometimes and sings in the choir.

Olaoluwa who is a UNESCO Ambassador of Peace wants to get even more PhDs. He wants to go abroad to earn another doctoral in Mathematical Physics or any other such combinations. He advises students never to be afraid of Maths but to always see it as a challenge to be overcome. That, he posits, is the mindset required to conquer Mathematics.

Olaoluwa is a burning beacon of light for Nigerian youths. In an age when youths have their eyes set on material things and quick fixes, Olaoluwa has proved that rigorous study will always bring glory and honour.

‘Olaoluwa who is a UNESCO Ambassador of Peace wants to get even more PhDs. He wants to go abroad to earn another doctoral in Mathematical Physics or any other such combinations. He advises students never to be afraid of Maths but to always see it as a challenge to be overcome. That, he posits, is the mindset required to conquer Mathematics’

Herdsmen in combat gear?

• It is high time the Federal Government stopped the new trend of herdsmen with AK47

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ATHER than abate, the incidence of Fulani herdsmen attacking communities all over the country seems to be worsening. One of the latest such attacks took place in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State where about 40 communities were attacked by the herdsmen who were said to be armed with AK47 rifles. They reportedly entered the communities about two weeks before the attack, with their livestock.

And, as in other places where they had illegally grazed their cattle, they left farmlands destroyed as well as raped some women in the communities.

The herdsmen have been on the rampage in several parts of the country, in-

‘The Federal Government should see, as a matter of urgency, the challenge posed by these herdsmen and deal with it as such. We wonder why those perpetrating these murderous acts are hardly arrested not to talk of being made to account for their crimes. We do not have to wait until it becomes intractable, with its attendant consequences that could even threaten national cohesion, before addressing it. If the security agencies need to be better kitted, the government should do that immediately’

cluding Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna and Katsina states - all in the north - where the host communities have had to complain bitterly about their illegal and criminal conducts. With the attack on the communities in Enugu, it would seem the herdsmen are intensifying their movement down south.

About 12 years ago, former head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari, was so angry about what he called “your people are killing my people” that he protested to the then Oyo State governor, when a dispute arose between Fulani herdsmen and indigenous farmers in the state. The allegation turned out to be unfounded, or, at best, the other way round. We should sound a note of warning that the herdsmen’s movement down south is going to be a different ballgame because of the mutual distrust and hatred among the different ethnic nationalities that make up the Nigerian nation.

For instance, as in other communities where the herdsmen have left havoc in their trail, the Enugu communities affected by the latest attacks have warned that they would be forced to take actions in self-defence since the government is unable to rein in the marauders. Such threats should be expected because people naturally resort to self-help when they discover that the government cannot give them adequate protection.

So, the point must be made, and unambiguously too, that there is nowhere in the world where anybody can lay claim to the kind of freedom that the herdsmen want to claim wherever they go, without

regard to the laws of the land. They should be made to realise that where their right to graze their cattle stops, other people’s right to protect their own source of livelihood and lives begins.

Herdsmen are known to carry knives and sticks, but when they now carry sophisticated weapons like AK 47 rifles, that should naturally make the government inquisitive because no nation can afford to have sophisticated arms in the hands of just anybody. Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, reportedly escaped death in March when Fulani herdsmen opened fire on his convoy in North-Central Benue State. The governor was in the area to see the recent raids

by Fulani herdsmen. But when the herdsmen sighted his entourage at Umenger, they opened fire with the security details returning fire for fire. The governor’s entourage had to retreat when they discovered that the herdsmen had superior fire power. We should be worried when herdsmen now do their business in combat gear.

The Federal Government should see, as a matter of urgency, the challenge posed by these herdsmen and deal with it as such. We wonder why those perpetrating these murderous acts are hardly arrested not to talk of being made to account for their crimes. We do not have to wait until it becomes intractable, with its attendant consequences that could even threaten national cohesion, before addressing it. If the security agencies need to be better kitted, the government should do that immediately.

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RESIDENT Obama has, so far, struck the right note on Iraq, where Sunni extremist militants are seizing territory and threatening the existence of the state. He has been cautious — emphasizing the need for political reform in Iraq and reaching out to other countries that could have an impact on its fate.

His opening to Iran has been the most controversial and potentially the most important move.

Iran has the most leverage with the Shiite-led government in Baghdad and its prime minister, Nuri Kamal al-Maliki. The United States has been negotiating with Iran for months over Iran’s nuclear program, but the agenda had not gone beyond that until Mr. Obama sent a senior State Department official to discuss Iraq with an Iranian official in Vienna this week. The two countries cooperated on Afghanistan in 2001 against the Taliban, and, in theory, they should be able to find common interest in stabilizing Iraq.

Mr. Obama has called on Mr. Maliki to form a broadly representative government of Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds as a condition of any military action by the United States. The American ambassador in Iraq and a senior State Department official have been pressing that issue in Baghdad. Even so, Mr. Maliki on Tuesday refused to reach out to Sunnis. Maybe Iran can make him hear the message.

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria — the rebel group known as ISIS that is sweeping across Iraq — is also waging war in Syria, commingling those conflicts and fueling Sunni-Shiite tensions throughout the Middle East. Mr. Obama and his aides have been consulting regional leaders, whose interests would be severely threatened by an Iraq in total collapse, whether they acknowledge it or not. Turkey, for instance, should shut its border to militants and to materiel flowing into Syria and Iraq. And Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other gulf states need to stop financing (directly or indirectly) ISIS, which began as an Al Qaeda affiliate, and other extremist groups.

President Obama has said Iraq needs support to “break the momentum of extremist groups” and that he is considering his options, including military action. If there is a case for military action, Mr. Obama still needs to make it.

Speculation in recent days has focused on airstrikes by drones or planes against militant targets; if they are ordered, officials say they are likely to be isolated and tactical, like American operations in Yemen, and Iraqi forces would have to follow up on the ground.

If Mr. Obama decides to take military action, he must make it clear that it would not be done to support Mr. Maliki’s government, but to disrupt the militants’ momentum while the Iraqi Army regroups.

In the meantime, the administration has to develop better intelligence on the militants’ movements. It plans to provide more weapons to the Iraqi Army, even though major units disintegrated as the militants swept through northern Iraq. American officials say there are still capable Iraqi units to build on, but that seems a risky bet.

Whatever action Mr. Obama takes, it must be grounded in a larger political strategy that considers the full spectrum of sectarian dangers that are roiling the region. On Monday night, militants reached Baquba, about 40 miles north of Baghdad, before being turned back. In a horrific show of sectarian reprisal, 44 Sunni prisoners held in a Baquba police station, controlled by the Shiite-led government, were killed by the police as the Sunni militants attacked the station.

– New York Times

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The firmament of justice is currently cloudy in Ondo State. Lawyers have down tools; judges have recessed; the liberty of many citizens have been jeopardised while litigants’ hope that the current imbroglio that have seen the wheel of justice ground to a halt would soon come to a good end.

The Chief Judge of the Sunshine State recently issued a circular through the Chief Registrar of the State High Court directing judges and magistrates to henceforth impose as a condition for grant of bail the production of tax clearance certificates by sureties to accused persons. The certificate is purchasable at an amount of N75, 000 from the State Board of Internal Revenue and evidence of tax payment from any other establishment is not acceptable. In effect, an accused has to look for a surety who is willing to sacrifice that amount before he could perfect his bail bond.

Expectedly, the new directive has been greeted with protests by lawyers, leading to a massive court boycott. This is not good for the image of the Sunshine State. Therefore, I wish to most respectfully use this medium to appeal to My Lord the Chief Judge to reconsider his stance.

Bail is a constitutional right and no statute or rule of procedure must be seen to clog unjustifiably the exercise of that right. Where such exists, Your Lordship will find no difficulty in striking down same as be-

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Memo to Ondo State Chief Judge ing inconsistent with the constitution. It seems to me that the new directive seems to impose very stringent conditions that would ultimately render the right to bail illusory.

Grant of bail is a matter of judicial discretion; this is settled in a plethora of authorities and by the provisions of Section 122 of the Criminal Procedure Act (applicable in Ondo State) the court before whom an application for bail is made has a discretion

in imposing terms as to the production of sureties for bail. It is also trite that in exercising its discretion, the court must take into consideration the circumstances of each case. In other words, each case must be an example of itself. Compelling a court to exercise its discretion in a particular manner would amount to putting an end to its discretion. I am of the candid opinion that this new directive has successfully fettered the discretion of courts in Ondo State as

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• Vincent Adodo, Esq., Abuja.

It’s Fayemi versus pretenders

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IR: Three and half years into the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi in Ekiti State has witnessed transformational and infrastructural developments in various sectors. The patriotism and selflessness that characterised the socio – political and economic transformation of the state speak volume of the integrity of Fayemi.

Considering Governor Fayemi’s

achievements, it is curious to note his main challengers for the June 21 poll, Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele of Labour Party, Kole Ajayi of Accord Party and Ayo Fayose of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in particular have not really come out with any identifiable manifestos and programmes of their plans for the people of the state.

It is rather unfortunate that the

Curbing abuse of herbal medicine

IR: The proliferation and influx of herbal medicine from within and outside the shores of Nigeria, particularly from China should be a source of anxiety for the citizens as its development has led to an upsurge in various categories of healers.

Globally, people develop unique indigenous healing tradition adapted and defined by their culture, beliefs and environment which satisfies the health needs of their communities over centuries.

The increasing widespread use of herbal medicine has prompted the World Health Organisation to promote the integration of Herbal Medicine and Complementary and Alternative Medicine into the National Health care System.

But despite the widespread use of herbal medicine worldwide and their reported efficacies, they are

it relates to imposing conditions for grant of bail.

The courts are enjoined not to impose excessive conditions for grant of bail (Section 120 of the CPA) because refusal of bail should not be used by the court as punishment for the accused. Where for example, an accused is arraigned for a simple offence that carries a maximum imprisonment term of three months on conviction and he is granted bail by the court but unable to get sure-

ties that possess this tax clearance certificate, would he not have been made to remain in custody and punished unjustifiably for an offence for which he has not been convicted?

My lord, the new trend in the administration of criminal justice the world over (including Nigeria) is that prisons be decongested, most importantly, persons awaiting trial for offences that are not serious should be kept off the bars until they are tried and if found guilty, convicted and sentenced. Does this new directive not seek to knot that which is being sought to be untied? For if accused persons are not able to meet the conditions of bail, wouldn’t that amount to taking away by the left hand the bail that has been given by the right?

not completely harmless. The rate at which Nigerians, both rural and lately urban dwellers, develop chronic kidney diseases and subsequently kidney failure due largely to the consumption of these herbs call much for concern. Worse culprits are the artisans and commercial bus drivers, who consume these products arbitrarily, mostly in form of alcoholic herbal mixtures to treat ailments such as pile, weak erection, premature ejaculation, back pains and low libido because they have many wives and concubines and will want to satisfy all parties. Some of these mixtures are supposedly used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases at the consumption of a single dose.

In as much as these herbs are effective, the multifarious side effects, which most times outweigh the benefits, particularly if consumed

in excess, should not be over looked.

Therefore, government at all levels should enlighten the public on the potential danger of consuming these herbs, especially in their raw forms due to the high toxicity.

A body to be saddled with the responsibility of evaluating the safety efficacy and quality of herbal medicines and their products should be constituted to carry out random clinical trial studies for these drugs before consumption.

Also, the Federal Government should check the influx of sub standard imported herbal mixtures mostly from India and China, and standardize the local ones by rebranding them in form of tablets and capsules.

•Bilikis Bakare Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa-Ikeja

trio have resorted to inundating the poor masses with barrage of attacks on the eight-point agenda of Governor Fayemi..

Fayose’s name will not be forgotten in a hurry by an average Ekiti indigene because of the way he governed the state in three and a half years before he was unceremoniously removed after he was found guilty of financial misappropriation by a panel of inquiry. His case with EFCC over his billion naira deals with a non-existing Ekiti State Poultry project is still pending before a court of competent jurisdiction.

That Fayose, who was defeated in the last senatorial election because of his antecedents has now garbed himself in the robe of honour has not made him an honourable man. Nothing has changed in Fayose’s attitude, behaviour and disposition to warrant the people of the state voting for him to govern the state again.

Apart from Fayose, Bamidele is another candidate in the June 21 poll. MOB, a member of the House of Representatives became Fayemi’s estranged political soul mate when it became obvious that his efforts to have a shot at the seat of power were going to be checkmated by the leadership of the party.

It is obvious that MOB’s defection to labour party, an off-shoot

of PDP is borne out of his desire to play a spoiler game in Ekiti governorship election. However, Fayemi’s achievements and performance are obvious for all to see.

The question Bamidele has to answer before contesting for the governorship is what Ekiti has benefitted from the eight years of service in Lagos State and his membership of House of Representatives.

Kole Ajayi of Accord party is certainly contesting in the governorship election to probably play to the gallery.

All said, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must use the Ekiti state gubernatorial poll to redeem it battered image. INEC must get it right in Ekiti. “War” must be averted in Ekiti state. A repeat of the Anambra governorship election debacle must be prevented.

The aftermath of the 1983 political shenanigans which started in old Ondo State is still very fresh in our memories. We cannot afford another crisis in Ekiti when Boko Haram insurgency is still a major concern. The new found peace in Ekiti state must be sustained. The credibility and the outcome of the June 21 poll in Ekiti state will either make or mar the integrity of INEC. • Toyin Omogbemile Lagos.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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COMMENTS

Putin and the burden of history

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HE study of history is so crucial in understanding global affairs and international relations that it is unthinkable for any practitioner in the field not to be solidly grounded in the study of history. This is why graduates of history are in high demand in the ministries of foreign affairs in civilised countries. They are what are called generalists as distinct from those who may specialise in economic, legal, commercial or scientific areas of foreign relations.

The happenings in Russia and Ukraine in recent times can only be understood if one has a solid background in Russian history. It is a truism in international relations that national interests are permanent while the means to protecting this national interest may vary from time to time and from personalities to personalities. Right from the time of Peter the Great, the Romanov Czar of Russia (1672-1725) to the present day, Russia has always had territorial ambition of being both a European and Asiatic power.

Europe, stretching from the Atlantic to the Urals, has always been as important to Russia as the Siberian wilderness stretching up to Viladivistock. One of the enduring interests of Russia whose Baltic ports are frozen almost half of the year is to have an all year round warm water ports on the Black Sea. It has also been the policy of enemies and opponents of Russia to keep the Russian navy frozen in the Baltic for at least half of the year. It is in this respect that one can understand the Crimea crisis of recent times. Russia fought France and Great Britain and Ottoman Turkey over the Crimea in 1856 and succeeded in maintaining her hold on Sebastopol. Depending on how far back in history one wants to go, Russia’s influence in the Crimea has always been a reality.

This reality itself came out of Russia’s superior weapons over the Ottoman Empire because the indigenous population of the Crimean, the Tartars are a Turkic people as well as Muslim in religion with allegiance in the distant past, to the sublime Porte, that is the Ottoman Sultan. International relations is of course a study in power relations. The decline of the Ottoman Empire, the proverbial sick man of Europe changed the fortune and ownership of the Crimea forever.

This is how the world has been forced to recognise Russian suzerainty over the Crimea.

The Crimea was of course part of the old Soviet Union and when in 1954 Nikita Kruschev transferred the Crimea to Ukraine, it was merely an internal administrative restructuring, because at that time, the demise of the Soviet Union was unthinkable. Of course when the Soviet Union collapsed in1994 and Ukraine became one of the successor 15 republics of the Soviet Union, what was an internal restructuring then

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N the newsroom of the Daily Times those days, the reporters were a close-knit family. We bonded together and at the same time left room for healthy rivalry.

At play and at work, we were reporters first and foremost. It was not unusual to see us rushing to the newsroom to write our stories, refusing all entreaties by those who do not have stories, to join them across the road for a bottle or two.

It was normal to hear old boy, where you dey rush to; you no go join us for White House (which houses Calabar Kitchen). Which story you want go write self. Na front page. Yes, as reporters we placed premium on our stories making the front page. So, we fought tooth and nail to ensure that our stories not only hit the front page, but also made the lead.

Byline, as those who worked in the Daily Times then will tell you, did not come cheap. It was precious. You can only be sure of having a byline if your story made the front or back page. If it is inside, forget it, there is no miracle that can make your story carry a byline.

Reporters fought against what they perceived as a discriminatory practice for years, to no avail. Byline was at the discretion of the subeditors and they gave it only to their

66 DAYS AFTER

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WHERE ARE THE ABDUCTED CHIBOK GIRLS?

took on a permanent form with Crimea becoming part of an independent Ukraine in spite of the fact that 60 percent of the population was Russian. This did not pose a serious problem because the rights of the Russian navy were recognised and protected.

This status quo sufficed at that time because nobody ever thought that Russia and Ukraine could ever come into conflict. In 1994, the United States, Great Britain, France and Russia put pressure on Ukraine to hand over the nuclear weapons on its soil for de-commissioning with the proviso that the independence of the country would be guaranteed by these great powers. The Ukrainians gladly did this in exchange for economic assistance.

The dissolution of the old Soviet Union into 15 republics left millions of Russian speakers in the new republics stretching from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and to other states in the Caucasus. Even though the Soviet Union has disappeared, the new rulers in the Kremlin still hanker after the Old Russian imperialism to the extent that it sees itself as protector of Russians wherever they may be in the former Soviet Union.

To prove this, Russia went to war with Georgia in 2008 to protect Abkhazia. Recently, the Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov made a wild and dangerous declaration that any attack on Russians anywhere would be seen as an attack on the motherland. This is a rather dangerous doctrine because if Russians are attacked say in Nigeria or the United States, Russia then would attack in retaliation? This was not a well thought out declaration before it was made. It is understandable for Russia to want Russians to be protected in the successor states of the former Soviet Union. The Russian annexation of the Crimea is totally illegal in international law but may have been justified on the basis of self-determination because the ethnic Russians who constitute the majority of the people in the Crimea voted to join Russia.

The danger in this is if the ethnic Russians in all the other territories of the former Soviet Union were to do the same, the entire map of Eastern Europe may have to be redrawn.

Pro-Russian rebels in eastern and southern Ukraine have since held a referendum to join Russia following the precedence of Crimea. If this were to be allowed, Ukraine will be reduced to the size of the territory occupied by ethnic Ukrainians.

This certainly will not be in the interest of Russians because it will permanently alienate the new Ukraine from Russia and history will be repeating itself of a Ukrainian enemy state of Russia somehow similar to the Ukrainia created by the Nazis as in 1941 during the Second World War led by such fascists like Stepan Bandera and Yaroslav Stetsko and

Kost Levitsky. The violation of Ukrainian sovereignty by Russia could not have been done without risk if Ukraine still had nuclear weapons. The unexpected consequence of this is that countries like Iran and others that have nuclear weapons ambitions as a deterrent against big power intervention would be difficult to persuade to give up their ambitions. This unintended conse- Jide quence of the Russian Osuntokun action would have long lasting effects on global politics.

There is also the feeling in the west of succumbing to Russian threat and a repetition of the appeasement policy towards Adolf Hitler leading to the outbreak of the Second World War. This is why NATO has decided to beef up the security of its member countries including the three small Baltic States of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia that were formerly part of the Soviet Union and now member states of NATO. NATO has also in recent times, even if in a token form, sent troops to Poland.

The world is entering a dangerous phase, a re-enactment of the cold war when huge amounts of money were spent on military expenditure in order to maintain some kind of military balance as a condition for global peace. The only good thing in what is going to be a new arms race is that it is not ideologically driven. Nevertheless, geopolitics and nationalism could be as dangerous driving forces as ideological division.

‘The world is entering a dangerous phase, a re-enactment of the cold war when huge amounts of money were spent on military expenditure in order to maintain some kind of military balance as a condition for global peace. The only good thing in what is going to be a new arms race is that it is not ideologically driven’

Goodnight ‘GOC’ 'friends'.

Because in the Times subeditors seemed more powerful than in other newspapers then, reporters courted them in order to get bylines.

For those who joined the Times from other newspapers we found this practice strange. In The Punch from where I joined the Times in 1991 every story carried a byline, no matter how brief it may be. In the Times, it was not so, both lengthy and brief stories never carried a byline except the subeditor decided to do the reporter a 'favour'.

Those we met in the Times were used to this system. So, when we the Johnny Just Come (JJC) started complaining they just giggles at us and I bet in their subconcious mind, they would have said una never see anything. Una no know say this na Daily Times. The Daily Times had a larger-than-life image in the industry then. It was the baba, not only in age but also in terms of quality of personnel, wages and the other things that make a viable company tick.

It was a conglomerate then in the real sense of the word. The Times Publications Division (TPD) at Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, the publishers of Daily Times, Sunday Times, Business Times, Times International (later Timesweek), Sporting Record, Lagos Weekend, Headlines, Evening Times, among others, was at the heart of the business empire, which the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose left behind following his exit in 1976.

Other companies in the Daily Times Group were Times Press Limited, Times Books, Times Leisure Services (organisers of Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant), Times Property Limited, and Times Newspaper Training Centre (TNTC). which later became Times Journal-

ism Institute (TJI).

For years, TNTC served as training ground for in-house reporters.

It later became a full-fledged feepaying school, where the best graduating students were given automatic employment. In 1986, the two best graduating students in the Diploma and Certificate classes, Gbenga Oni-Olusola, and Ebohon Ikhurionan, who died last May 24 in Abuja were the beneficiaries.

Gbenga and the late Ebohon went on to prove their mettle as reporters in the Daily Times. Gbenga edited the Sunday Times before he left the company.

The late Ebohon, who covered the telecomunications and defence beats, Timothy Okorocha (Maritime), Festus Obi (Education), the late Kate Okoronkwo (Lagos State Secretariat), Emeka Nwosu (Politics), Gbenga Adesina (Politics), Babatunde Faniyan (Judiciary), Aliu Zubair (Dodan Barracks), the late Josephine Izuagie (Judiciary) and Basil Obi (Politics), among others. were already entrenched in the system when people like us joined the Times. We quickly took to one another as some of us had been friends on our respective beats.

It was fun working together after having known one another from a distance, so to say. In no time, our friendship blossomed and we started sharing food and drinks across the road. At those joints, which became an extension of the newsroom, we were always discussing stories and thinking of getting the lead story for the next day. It was a competition of sorts among us on who will lead the paper. Even though the late Ebohon covered two beats, he never missed a story from his beats. He was on top of events on his beats. And this reflected in

the way he handled other matters outside his official duty.

If we had problems with our phone lines, it was the late Ebohon that would liaise between the company and the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), the sole operator then. His interventions usually yielded results. He was also not a pushover on the Defence beat, where he held his own against his colleagues. The late Ebohon knew virtually all the officers that mattered in the military then and the year they entered the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). Mention an officer's name and he will tell you ''he (the officer) is of course so and so''. his was why he was called ''GOC''. The late Ebohon was a ''GOC'', though not in the military sense, but in our newsroom, where he exhibited the traits of a dutiful and obedient soldier. A soldier could not have comported himself better than the way ''GOC'' did. He treated his bosses as the superior officers they were. When any of them called him, he always answered ''all correct sir, with his chest out''. You knew if ''GOC'' was in the newsroom. His voice always resonated all over the place. He was a lovable person because he mixed with the young and the old. He was indeed The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Newsroom Division, Ikeja.

One thing you cannot take away from him is that he was respectful, very respectful. He carried the com-

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

mand structure of the military into the newsroom. Like military men, he revered his bosses and obeyed their orders. ''GOC'' was not someone to look those in authority in the face and dare them, even when they are wrong. Like all mortals, he passed on when his time came last May 24. From what I gathered, he was not seriously ill. He got home and complained of bodyache and before he could be rushed to the hospital, he gave up the ghost.

Our mutual friend Chris Agbambu of the Nigerian Tribune, who I called to confirm the death of ''GOC'', said it was a sudden development. ''So, ''GOC'' is gone'', I managed to say. ''Yes Lawy, he is gone'', Chris replied. ''GOC'' was buried in his Eguaoliha Ewatto, Edo State hometown, last Friday. May God grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss. Rest in peace, ''GOC''.

‘’GOC’ was not seriously ill. He got home and complained of bodyache and before he could be rushed to the hospital, he gave up the ghost’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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AST week’s vicious attack by the duo of Labaran Maku and Jelili Adesiyan, ministers of information and police affairs respectively on Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso on what now appears a federal government contrived crisis over the selection of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi by Kano kingmakers and ratification by the state government has once again raised the question of whether the nation needs a motley of 40 mostly unproductive ministers many of whom serve as the president’s attack dogs in a situation where the most advanced economies of the world such as Germany, Britain and USA have just about 20.

For instance, with the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education all over the country paralysed for almost one year, what exactly is Nyesom Wike the supervising minister of education doing in government beyond waging the president and his wife’s private wars?

Long after the president dropped a number of ministers purportedly because of their interest in 2015 elections, Wike, already publicly endorsed by the president’s wife as Rivers PDP governorship candidate for 2015 is in Port Harcourt every weekend mobilizing youths and ex-militants, according to him, “to prevent the president from being disgraced in 2015”. In the wake of the abduction of the Chibok girls, the minister spent the first two weeks conducting an inquisition with officials of his ministry and WAEC officials providing evidence to prove that it was Shettima, the governor of Borno State who should be held responsible for the abduction of the girls and not President Jonathan.

Minister Olajumoke Akinjide was on hand to assail Nigerians with the tales of how President Jonathan promptly reacted to the abduction of the Chibok girls contrary to what Nigerians and the international community observed as government sloppy reaction to the abduction during the first two weeks of the tragedy. And shamelessly trying to outdo others in the defence of the president, she asked the grieving parents to direct their demand for the release of their children at Boko Haram and not the president and commander-inchief. Before then Dr Doyin Okupe another adviser had assailed the nation with tales of how well equipped and highly motivated the soldiers were. With the international community now coming to our aid, Nigerians can see beyond Okupe’s hot air. But the heroic exploits. of these ministers as combatants in President Jonathan’s personal wars paled in significance to the outing of the duo of Maku and Adesiyan who set aside the function assigned to their ministries and went all out as the president attack dogs.

The Kano governor’s thesis was that the

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Ministers, advisers and President’s private battles Kano crisis was contrived by the president who is at war with the governor over his defection to APC and the suspended CBN former governor Sanusi who had raised what government dismissed as false alarm about unremitted US$20billion by NNPC to the federation account. First, the president’s PDP point-man in Kano mischievously sent a congratulatory message to the Ciroma of Kano, the first son of the departed emir and one of the contesting Kano princes. Kano State government believed this was what prepared the ground for the riot which followed the official announcement which contrary to federal government expectations favoured the embattled Sanusi. While the federal government followed up by ordering the police to lay a siege on the emir’s palace ostensibly to prevent potential arsonists, it curiously, allegedly ordered the reduction in the number of security personnel attached to the governor at a period he actually needed more men by virtue of being the chief host of new emir who needed protection since he, according to the federal government, was not the popular choice of the people. Putting all the drama together Rabiu Kwankwaso alleged he could feel the hand of Esau while hearing the voice of Jacob. He therefore asked Nigerians to hold the president responsible should something untoward happen to him and his family.

Then ministers as prosecutors of the president private wars waded in. Maku says to blame President Jonathan or the Federal Government for the crisis is ‘the height of delusion and irresponsibility’ on the part of Kwankwaso He wants Kwankwaso to explain to the people of Kano the role he and APC leaders played in the selection of Sanusi as the new emir. He then veered off, accusing

the governor ‘of one man rule in Kano’ and of ‘denial of freedom of choice for the people of Kano by imposing local government chairmen and councilors on them’. I think by bringing up these extraneous matters, Maku rather than exonerate the president and PDP has only confirmed the reasons for the federal government’s subtle interference in a purely local politics of Kano.

The heartache of Adesiyan, his counterpart in Police Affairs was that ‘Kwankwaso was abusing Mr. President’. He questioned ‘the governor’s audacity to abuse the president’.

For him it was ‘rather unfathomable that Kwankwaso could insult the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the way he likes’.

He says ‘It is only in Nigeria that those who lack patriotism like Kwankwaso can insult the President at will’. And like Maku, he alleged without evidence that ’Kwankwaso’s outburst against Mr. President was an indication of a failed governor who acts against the will of the people’. And as if he lives in another planet, the minister asked rhetorically, “Have you ever seen the opposition party insulting the President of the United States of America, or the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, or Chancellor in Germany”?

The above is the picture of ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria...Unfortunately; many of the other ministers and advisers are not any better. For instance, Obasanjo was quoted to have said on a BBC Hausa service last Thursday, that he could help reach out to the insurgents for the release of the girls, but regretted that the federal government had not yet given him the green light to act. Instead of Mike Omeri, chairman, National Information Centre, encouraging the president to take up Obasanjo’s challenge in spite of his well

known mischief, he says Obasanjo has unfettered access to the president. But from the exchange of letters between the godfather and godson, we know this is not true. In any case, Nigerians now know that Obasanjo once secured conditionality for cessation of hostility by the insurgents which government found not implementable. Government loses nothing by engaging Obasanjo to open another window of discussion with Boko Haram except adviser’s relevance.

If the president and his advisers saw mischief in Obasanjo’s offer of help, we cannot say the same of the claim by Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop who insisted her country had made an offer to help in the search for the abducted girls since May, 20, through its High Commissioner Jon Richardson in Abuja. According to her, “They have thanked us for our willingness to be involved in trying to rescue the girls but we haven’t had any specific acceptance of the offers that we made.” Even if “There was no specific offer from the Australian government, but an informal offer of a general kind” as Mike Omeri had claimed, what do we have to lose if one of those ministers trying to outdo each other on who best fights the president personal wars or those of his wife followed up the lead?.

We now also know while these ministers were trying to outdo each other as to who best prosecutes the president’s private wars, none of them had the presence of mind to prevail on the president to consider an American offer of help shortly after the abduction of about 300 girls by insurgents. Infuriated Senator McCain recently told his colleagues in the American Senate that America ought not to have waited for permission from a nonexistent government or government where little governance takes place before embarking on humanitarian effort to rescue the abducted girls.

‘If the president and his advisers saw mischief in Obasanjo’s offer of help, we cannot say the same of the claim by Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop who insisted her country had made an offer to help in the search for the abducted girls since May, 20?’

Time for INEC to put its acts together

HERE is no end in sight that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC will ever change its previous grandstanding that has brought the election body into disrepute. The article published by The Nation recently, written by Kayode Robert Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega may have put all the possibility of a contrite INEC to rest.

The INEC chieftain, in his response to The Nation’s earlier editorial on the necessity of the usage of e-card reader in both Ekiti and Osun governorship elections strove valiantly to gain balance and sense perspective, presenting tantalising fables targeted at hypnotising unsuspecting voters that their votes will count.

INEC under Prof Jega has proved utterly feckless and the electoral body itself disappointed the hopes of those who believe it will bring about ballot revolution. There is no doubt that lack of access to authenticated voters’ card impinges the civic right of the people. It creates the feelings of inequality, of social exclusion felt by majority of Nigerians who see themselves as nominally citizens.

INEC’s refusal to deploy electronic card readers in the Ekiti and Osun is said to be based on the lesson it said it learned from the Ghana’s election: “The wisdom of this incremental procedure should be obvious from lessons learnt from other countries; for instance, the 2012 general election in Ghana where challenges that arose from simultaneous introduction of voter smart cards and card readers compelled the country to shift voting in some areas to the following day before the election could be concluded.

Experiences are meant to be learnt from, and one way of learning from experience is to redesign approaches towards the same objective.”

While it is true that Ghana’s election did spill over the second day on account of double usage of both e-card readers and PVC, it was because Ghana’s Electoral Commission insisted that every single vote must count.

One would have expected that Idowu would provide answer to the question raised in The Nation’s editorial: “how did unscrupulous persons get to register more than once?” His response is quite instructive: “They did so by going to different polling units in different geographical locations to register, for whatever political gains they had hoped to make; because no one could register twice on the same Direct Data Capture (DDC) machine given the software loaded on the machines by INEC. But the Commission has been able to check this abuse with the use of AFIS at the progressive levels of data consolidation and de-duplication. The Commission has the records of persons who engaged in the malfeasance and will prosecute as many as is possible within its limited capacity under the subsisting legal framework”, he said.

By Erasmus Ikhide That is part of the lies INEC has been wafting contemptuously on the faces of Nigerians as if we are still living in the Stone Age. The Commission can easily detect multiple registrants if the socalled Direct Data Capture, DDC is scientifically synchronised as we have it in the banking industry or any social media portals where double entries of the same names are rejected or revealed in whatever location one finds him/herself. This shouldn’t be rock science for INEC owing to the huge allocation the commission has received from the treasury.

Idowu made further caricature of the commission when he wrote: “For avoidance of doubt, cases of multiple registrations have been eliminated from the register, with only one instance retained for the culprits so that they are not completely denied the opportunity to vote. But they are ripe candidates for prosecution; and they would have only themselves to blame if they show up at polling units where the duplicates have been eliminated, because they will not find their names in those polling units. The painstaking processing of the registration data by INEC is what assures the integrity of the current National Register of Voters and makes it among the best that could be found anywhere on the African continent”.

The question is, why wait for vote manipulators to appear at polling units on election day before they are apprehended, given the chaotic scenes such occurrence have created in the past? This strategy gives room for possible disruption of otherwise peaceful polling units when notorious electoral robbers storm such area with the intention to criminally vote multiple times only to find that their names were not on the voters’ list. It is then a case of the “thief calling the farm owner a thief”.

To further demonstrate the ignorance of the commission, Idowu asserted that multiple registrations that had not been eliminated as at the time the 2011 elections were conducted did not necessarily translate to multiple voting, given the Re-modified Open Ballot System (REMOBS) procedure that was adopted for the elections. If you had to queue up in one particular polling unit at a particular time simultaneously with every other voter across the country, you could not have gone around to other polling units and profit from your malfeasance even if you registered more than once.”

Any fourth grader would acknowledge that we are in for serious crisis if INEC’s thought process, as exhibited by Idowu, is all we can get. It shows that the commission is unaware that more

than three or four polling units are concentrated in one polling centre. Aside that, INEC is not also conscious of communities where polling units open for voting between the hours of eight in the morning and close at 4pm and polling officials had to practically wait for more voters to show up and vote. INEC is not likely to know that their officials share the remaining ballot papers to polling agents of various political parties - this is where manipulations occur - to tally with the numbers of registrants in the units and wards levels.

Nigerians are not unmindful of the fact that political institutions evolve, often very slowly and painfully, over time, as human society strives to organise themselves to master their communities. We are obeying animals by nature; born to conform to the social orders we see around us, and entrench those rules with often transcendent meaning and value. Once the environment changes and new challenges arise, there is usually a disjunction between existing institutions and the immediate needs. But these institutions are negatively supported by legions of entrenched stakeholders who oppose any fundamental change.

Francis Fukuyama pointed out the foreboding omen in his all time The Origins of Political Order: from Prehuman Times to the French Revolution, “that political decay takes root when political systems fail to adjust to changing circumstances while pretentiously resorting to a host of short-terms fixes that erode and eventually corrupt the entire institution.”

As far as I am concerned, there is in fact a curious blindness to the importance of electoral institution-building that has dampened justice governance in Nigeria.

Yes, impulses, vigorous native intelligence, the spontaneous wisdom of INEC are important components of a working democracy, but none can ultimately replace the functions of a strong, reformed institution. There has to be a broad recognition that institutions matter and that poor countries are poor not because they lack resources, but because they lack effective political institutions.

The long sedated Aso Rock tenant will not be obligated about the “unwarranted” need to transform INEC, since many an authoritarian government had no interest in reforming democratic institutions that would dilute or throw them out of power. But the danger in it is that INEC situation may continue to grow worse over time and will someday give room to powerful force that will knock the system off its current dysfunctional institutional equilibrium.

• Ikhide wrote in from Lagos.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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Battle line for the Nigerian patriot!

‘For the true Nigerian patriot who wants his country to survive and thrive, the battle line is clear. It is to reverse the crooked distortions of our federation and create a new and true federation’

present going awry. I will, for as long as I live, cling psychologically, morally and patriotically to Nigeria. For me, Nigeria is home, my home, my country, my fatherland, my root and my land of birth!!!”

Wow! Isn’t that a lovable declaration of patriotic passion? I admire this writer, furthermore, because he is honest. He is able to see that Nigeria is beset by various serious ailments. I can see that he is capable of becoming a serious warrior for the survival of his country. All he needs is to identify, beyond the plethora of ailments, the core weaknesses of Nigeria, and become a dedicated and consistent fighter in that direction. That is the only way to win the war for Nigeria.

I am sure that there are very many Nigerians out there like this man. They recognize, and are unhappy about, Nigeria’s poor leadership, deplorable governance, cancerous corruption, unbridled excesses among our rich and influential, the consequent poverty of most Nigerians even though our Nigeria is one of the naturally richest countries of the world.

But it is not enough to recognize and lament this pattern; it is crucial that one should understand the root of it. There are people who say that the root of it is that we Nigerians, as nationalities and individuals, are by nature crooked and incompetent. That is not true. We are not by nature crooked or incompetent. Most of the nationalities that today make up Nigeria developed respectable cultures of their own, and were led by capable rulers and leaders, long before the coming of the British. They are able today to prosper in the modern world if given the chance. And the individuals who lead us in politics and other areas of life today are not naturally crooked and incompetent.

The big mistake we have been making – the very root of our country’s troubles – is that we do not sufficiently give respect to the central truth of our existence as a country. That central truth is that we as a country are not one nation. We are a country of many different nations – each with its own history, its

OME of us Nigerians think that all that is needed to preserve Nigeria as one is to love it as it is, and to proclaim our love as sincerely, romantically, and persistently as we can. Such Nigerians mean well – but they are wrong. If the roof of your family house is leaking, the ceiling is caving in, and the walls begin to wobble, you are a nice and admirable person if you constantly and sincerely say that you love your family and the house you grew up in. But all that is not going to save the dear old house. You people who own the house and live in it would have to repair what needs to be repaired in it. Otherwise, it will collapse – you will lose it.

This past week, in the public domain, I stumbled upon the following lovely passage, written by someone whom I must confess I admire very deeply: “Let me profess and proclaim” he wrote, “ that, in spite of the passing phase of poor and naive leadership,abjectly deplorable governance at all levels and the moral vices of cancerous corruption,unbridled excesses in our lifestyle, its slow development at all areas of its life and the lack of finesse in our private and public life which have been plaguing Nigeria, I still love my country. I will not trade it for any other. I have no other country than Nigeria. The Lord’s purpose for locating me to Nigeria, which is to share in its blessings, work with others to build it to the country of my dreams and rid it of its weaknesses and vices, fully participate in its development, rebirth and progress and enable it to be positioned as a worthy member of the comity of nations, shall not be defeated.

I will discharge my duties to my country. I have no reason to abdicate my responsibilities to Nigeria, abandon it at the hours of its needs or forsake it because things are at

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ROM historical background of party politics in South-west, Ekiti and Osun states are progressives, from the days of the Action Group to the Unity Party of Nigeria under Chief Obafemi Awolowo when the entire old Western Region, consisting of the present Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo and Delta States, were no-go areas for the conservatives. This had been the case until money politics and rigging polluted the states’ political landscape. The then Alliance for Democracy (AD) had a firm control of the entire South West States until Olusegun Obasanjo cunningly came into the picture.

As a Yoruba man and a compromise candidate to appease the Yoruba for the wrong done to the late M.K.O Abiola, Obasanjo sought and got the AD’s support in his reelection bid in 2003. Obasanjo would later overrun the South as incumbent President by which he rigged out all the South West governors, with Asiwaju Tinubu of Lagos State as the only governor who survived what was then described as PDP’s TSUNAMI in the South West.

Asiwaju had fought gallantly to retain his position as governor of Lagos State and, since then, there was no holding him back and his political party. Today ACN, now APC, is in control of Ekiti, Osun, Oyo and Ogun States hitherto lost to the PDP during Obasanjo’s regime. The former two states were recovered from the PDP after their electoral victories at the Courts of Appeal in 2010 while the ACN went ahead to take over Ogun and Oyo from the PDP in 2011 at the polls. It is expected that, by its recapturing of its lost states the ACN, now APC, has taken permanent control of the South-west states, and Edo State to the bargain. It is under the above scenario that we expect good showings by Ekiti and Osun States at this year’s election.

What is going on for Dr. Kayode Fayemi in Ekiti State is the popularity of the APC against PDP which is very unpopular at home and abroad. So, Fayemi should cash on this to his advantage. His achievements as documented and reported in the news media showed clearly that he truly belongs to the league of APC’s performing governors who have endeared themselves to the people of their respective states. I believe it would be difficult to unseat any of these governors in their respective states, no matter the circum-

own culture, its own way of responding to the challenges of the modern world, and its own expectations and desires even in our one country of Nigeria.

Of course, we know that we are a country of many different nations – that fact is self-evident. But, in trying to build our one country, we do not pay enough respect to that great fact. Paying enough respect to it would have led us to design our country as a proper federation – with a federal government responsible for our country’s joint services (like our foreign relations, defence, inter-state relations, etc) and respected by us all; and states based on our nationalities – meaning a state for each large or sizeable nation, and a carefully negotiated combination of small contiguous nationalities in each area to form a state. It would have meant that each state would control and develop its own natural resources, and that there would be well-considered arrangements for federal taxes and levies over such resources, and the sharing of certain parts of the federal revenues to the states. It would have meant that, in addition to federal police and security forces, each state would have its own police and thus be able to maintain security in its own domain. We would have consciously promoted a culture of decent respect for the cultures of our various nations and for the cultural differences in our country.

Instead, what have we done? Since independence, the people in control of our federal government have pulled all powers and resource control in our country into the hands of our federal government, and gradually made the states impotent and incapable of promoting development in their domains.

They have destroyed all local initiative and morale. To make the states amenable to control by the federal government, they split our country into smaller and smaller states. They set up a system of federal rigging of elections all over our country, so as to be able to decide who will rule our states. Even worse, with the endless ocean of cash in their control, they promoted a culture of corruption and un-

Gbogun gboro earned wealth among our leading citizens so as to subvert them and thereby easily control all of Nigeria. They have thus nurtured poverty in our land – with all its attendant evils.

For the true Nigerian patriot who wants his country to survive and thrive, the battle line is clear. It is to reverse the crooked distortions of our federation and create a new and true federation. Fighting corruption is honourable. But corruption is not the root of Nigeria’s sickness; it is only a symptom. With power and responsibility for development restored to our states and their local governments, and with our federal, state and local governments respected in their various spheres, weNigerians would have a much better chance to fight and beat poverty, corruption and crimes. Our country can be saved; it can be developed into a great country in the world – by organizing it as an orderly and stable federation.

‘We know that we are a country of many different nations – that fact is self-evident. But, in trying to build our one country, we do not pay enough respect to that great fact’

Ekiti and Osun governorship elections

By Moses Akinola Makinde stances in which they find themselves in the hands of their political opponents. The defection of ex-governor, Segun Oni, from the PDP to APC, is a psychological boost to Fayemi’s electoral fortune. Above all, the PDP made a tactical error by using the police to disrupt and teargas a peaceful rally said to be part of APC’s “sensitization programmes” a day after the PDP held a campaign rally in the same city (The Nation, June 9, p.7). In civilized countries, such an act could draw sympathy for Fayemi and protest votes against the PDP’s candidate.

However, one problem I foresee – and this is a serious problem – is the tripartite contest between three formidable candidates, each of them wanting to outdo the others at a keenly contested election. From the position of strength and incumbency, Fayemi is expected to have an edge at the polls, unless there are some hidden factors not known to outsiders.

It is a pity that the togetherness of APC has been eroded by a faction of ACN/APC, now the LP, under Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB).

What is going on for the State of Osun is also the popularity of the APC, but more especially the popularity of Aregbesola as a person. There is also no division within his party in the state. In spite of his shortcomings, like any human being, the people of Osun love him, even with passion, as they did his mentor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Like Awo, Aregbesola is bombarded everywhere he goes with shouts of “Ogbeni” “Rauf” “Aregbe” or “Oranmiyan” (a Yoruba deity) as they shouted “Awo” for Chief Awolowo in the First and Second Republics. Like Kayode Fayemi, there is no governor anywhere who enjoys 100% support of the electorate. But it would be difficult for one to fathom the incredible popularity of Aregbesola in Osun State. In some places visited by the Awo Centre, people said his laudable achievements in the areas of education, health, roads and infrastructural development are there for all to see. This is apart from his charisma which they compare to that

of Awo, and also to Asiwaju Tinubu when he was governor of Lagos State, and Babatunde Fashola, the current governor of the same Lagos State. Like in Ekiti State, the recent defection of the first civilian governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke from PDP to APC, is like scoring a vital and decisive goal that often seals victory for a winning football team.

While the probability of winning the coming elections as incumbent governors is very high (other things being equal), there is still quite a lot to be done to avert possible electoral disasters on 21 June and August 9. The following are what should be done, and not done.

• Do not underrate your opponent but try as much as possible to outsmart him.

• Get as much information about the plans and activities of your opponent as much as possible.

• Try to maximize your expected utility and minimize your loss under the uncertainty of the outcome of the election.

• Think not of victory alone, but consider the possibility of losing, which is the thing that would spur you on to positive actions.

• Watch the INEC officials for bad eggs.

• Since late delivery of election materials to the polling centres is the beginning of rigging, insist and ensure that election materials get to the polling centres at 8am on the dot. Election materials could be delayed in particular areas which are your strongholds.

Take note that delay in bringing election materials to these centres is a manifest disenfranchisement of the electorate and loss of votes to your disadvantage. This is rigging par excellence!

• In cases where electoral materials are not brought in time, insist and ensure that the number of hours when the materials did not arrive must be added to the total number of hours allowed for the constitutional duration of the election. Under no circumstances should an election which is to last seven to eight hours be allowed to last for only four or five hours just because of delay in delivering the materials by colluding INEC officials.

The remaining hour or hours must be ac-

counted for, otherwise there would be crisis as electorate could go on violent protest against their disenfranchisement.

We should learn a lesson from the notoriously flawed Anambra election where many electorates in Senator Ngige’s strongholds were disenfranchised through lateness in bringing the electoral materials to the polling centres. Above all, any possible avenue of rigging must be stopped while people must use electronic surveillance to record cases of rigging. Talk to yourselves, party agents and party supporters and the electorate that rigging of election is possible, but not easy, in a state where party and candidates for election are popular. Therefore, where a political party and its candidates are both popular, the combination of this is a sure guarantee for an electoral success. While we wish the APC in Ekiti and Osun states their much desired and deserved victories at the coming elections, we must ask for forgiveness of our sins and then pray that God would destabilize the evil machinations of election riggers so that the best candidates would win at free and fair elections come June 21 and August 9, respectively in Ekiti and Osun States. So help us God! • Prof Makinde, FNAL is DG/CEO, Awolowo Centre for Philosophy, Ideology and Good Governance, Osogbo.

‘While we wish the APC in Ekiti and Osun states their much desired and deserved victories at the coming elections, we must ask for forgiveness of our sins and then pray that God would destabilize the evil machinations of election riggers so that the best candidates would win at free and fair elections come June 21 and August 9, respectively in Ekiti and Osun States’

22

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

49

WINDOW IN BRAZIL

with

Ade Ojeikere

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

Many universities appear to be finding it difficult managing the power granted them by the Federal Government to appoint their vice chancellors. This seems to have placed a burden on Governing Councils some of which have been accused of misusing the power, reports ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA.

•Wike

•Okojie

•Aare Babalola

Power to appoint VCs

‘Litmus test’ for varsities I ‘ T is a power they longed for, but now many universities are finding it difficult to manage the power. In the past one year, crisis has been trailing their use of this power to appoint Vice Chancellor (VCs).

For years, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) fought for the right of universities to choose their VCs. President Goodluck Jonathan granted them power on assuming office in 2010, ending the practice of sending the names of three shortlisted candidates to the visitor to pick from.

Can universities sustain this partial autonomy as contained in the University Mis-

cellaneous Provision Act approved by THE President in 2013?

Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Prof Julius Okojie is worried over the universities, capability to cope, but he believes they can pull through. Address-

ing the 29th edition of the Association of the Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) meeting held Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, Okojie said the autonomy has placed a cross on Governing Councils to live up to expectations.

We are not happy about it. And, one has to state clearly, as the government position is that we should stop this idea of localising this position. We are not saying that those who are qualified from that place and who can compete with their colleagues should not be given

INSIDE

Kogi teachers may return to school soon -Page 27

TEACHERS in Kogi State public primary schools may resume at their duty posts following the payment of salary arrears by the state government.

Insurgency: Ondo CP seeks pact with school owners -Page 47

IN a bid to secure primary and secondary schools in Ondo State, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Isaac Eke has called on the proprietors of schools to cooperate with the police command.

’

CAMPUS LIFE

The government, Okojie said, is watching how the councils will henceforth, handle appointment of VCs, which he described as a litmus test.

"They (Councils) can (manage the autonomy)!" Okojie said. "We must realise that it is only the Councils that have the right to approve the VCs’ appointment; it no longer comes from government. The President cannot sack the VC, but it can sack the Council if members are not doing well. But the challenge now is for universities to live up to expectation and manage the autonomy well."

Okojie said more than before the government will scrutinise the profile of those it appoints into the governing councils of universities and other tertiary institutions. With credible people on board, he is optimistic that the councils will follow due process in appointing VCs accepted by all.

He spoke in light of the crisis that followed the selection of a vice chancellor for the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), where the governing council chairman, Alhaji Lawan • Continued on Page 26

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

Rapists, cultists lay siege to Benue varsity -Page 29

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

26

EDUCATION • Continued from Page 25

Bukar Marguba, allegedly unilaterally cancelled the selection of Prof Ibrahim Njodi, who came first with 90.1 per cent. (His closest rival scored 31.5 per cent). The cancellation did not stand.

The Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike has condemned the ethnic tendencies of some councils in choosing vice chancellors.

When he met with heads and chairmen of boards of tertiary institutions in Abuja, he said any qualified Nigerian could administer tertiary schools, regardless of his or her state or local government of origin.

He said: "There is something that is occurring that if we do not stop now, it will be a problem. On the issue of appointment (communities) are trying to localise appointment of vice chancellors, rectors and provosts.

For example in Rivers State, we have the Federal College of Education, Technical, Omoku. You have people from Rivers State who are lecturers; you have people who are not from Rivers state. For Christ sake, it is not a college of education for that community. It is a Federal Government school but in that community.

"Therefore, it does not mean that if you are from outside the state, you cannot be a provost or rector in that institution. We are not happy about it. And, one has to state clearly, as the government position is that we should stop this idea of localizing this position. We are not saying that those who are qualified from that place and who can compete with their colleagues should not be given. But, this attitude that is coming in now that 'he is from Rivers, he is from Anambra, he is from Enugu or he is from Sokoto; no, please make sure that our own sons, our own daughter get it'. That is not the essence of sighting institutions in those areas.

He also spoke strongly against unnecessary interference of host communities in the running of tertiary institutions.

"We have even got to a level whereby a traditional ruler is telling you whether a Vice Chancellor is performing or not; whether a rector is performing or not; whether a provost

• Vice-Chancellors and other guest at the AVCNU conference.

‘Litmus test’ for varsities ‘To allow Council to function, members must be assured of the certainty of their tenure. This entails the immediate composition of Council as and at when required. A situation in which government will fail or refuse to constitute the Governing Council of universities for several months is not one that augurs well for proper administration and accountability’ is performing or not. Is that is the question you are supposed to ask?

There is nothing wrong in you having a good relationship with your host community. But, a situation whereby the community begins to decide who becomes provost or who becomes rector, it has never happened. And, if we allow that to continue, by the time it gets to a level where nobody can control it, then, we will be in serious problem," he said.

Wike is worried the problem has

become a recurring. In March, he described as unacceptable the insistence of the Nsukka community that the then VC of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof Bartho Okolo, and the Chairman of Council, Dr Emeka Enejere, should be removed.

At the university's 43rd convocation, Wike said: "My address would not be complete if I do not make reference to the recent disturbing developments in this university. While I am pleased that peace and normalcy

• Pupils of Omolola Nursery and Primary Schools, Sagamu, Ogun State and their teacher Mr Jimoh Oladosu with Nestle’s Creative Shared Value Field Officer, Bola Audu, after winning the Nestle Healthy Kids Quiz Competition for Primary Schools in Ibadan.

PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

Nigerians can learn more from India than others

R

ATHER than going to Europe or America, Chairman Banquaires-Sms University Gurgaon, Haryana, India, Felix Adeduro, has urged Nigerians seeking to study abroad to choose India.

He said fast developing countries like India and China have more to offer Nigeria in terms of lessons than developed countries.

Adeduro, who spoke at a press conference last week, said not only will Nigerian students learn more but they will also pay lesser than what is obtainable here in Nigeria if they study in India and China.

"If I want my children to be success-

By Mojisola Clement

ful, I would not send them to learn from a successful man. Rather, I would send them to learn from a man who is developing gradually because they would learn the potentials of success from him," Felix said.

He pointed out that development is not a jigsaw puzzle but a coordinated and conscious process.

"We need to learn from them how it is done. Also the best destination for any country that desires economic development and growth is India," he said.

Adeduro added that the students

can currently apply to the university to undergraduate and post graduate programmes for the 2014/2015 academic session.

"The University is a global brand with recognition and accreditation. It has various campuses in USA, Britain, Romania and various cities around the world. It is a multinational university with over 250 degree courses where different companies are in dire need of its products," he said.

The Managing Director of Banquaires-SMS Consultants, Mrs Okeke Peppy said Amity University is present in 11 countries of the world.

have returned to the university, let me seize this occasion to reiterate that federal institutions should not be seen as the property of the communities or states in which they are situated."

According to the VC, Federal University, Gashua in Yobe State, Prof Shehu Abdul-Raman, a lot of malpractices work against the governing councils and university autonomy.

"Though Council is now empowered to appoint vice-chancellor, the way it is being handled is not appropriate. We may say that Council is following normal procedure, but there are lots of irregularities, selfishness and money exchanging hands which may not help the autonomy.

"Politics has entered constitution of our council. So we see people even individuals with OND who don't even know about university administration being appointed council members. We need people that are sound and financially strong enough to support the university. What we have today are Council members chosen because of their political parties' affiliations."

Vice Chancellor, Bowen University in Iwo, Osun State, Prof Matthew Ojo said: "Our own (Bowen) council enjoys 100 autonomy; we don't have any intervention from the proprietor. We just concluded the process of appointing Registrar and Bursar and there was no interference from anybody.

"But I know in federal universities, the game must be different. More than half the members of Council are political appointees; and this will reflect on the quality of what they do with the autonomy. The Chairman of Council who is appointed by government in most cases is a politician or a political appointee. If the number of council members by government is less than 50 per cent, then we might be getting somewhere," he said.

Deputy Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice-President Academics & Administration, Adeleke University, Osun State Prof Ibikunle Tijani told The Nation that government it influences the governing councils.

He said the government should end the practice of appointing people into c council for political reward.

"Until government stops the selection of council members on the basis of political or ethnic leaning, such members will never have independence of mind," he said.

To be completely free of government influence, Chief Afe Babalola, founder, Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), suggests that the government should allow tertiary institutions to choose their councils.

He said: "The process of appointment into Governing Council should be made an exclusive affair of universities. A system should be put in place in which council members will be elected by the university community.

This will ensure ability of the council to formulate policies and strategies for the university without undue government influence.

"The most interesting aspect of the composition of the Governing Council relates to the appointment of 12 persons who are supposed to represent a variety of interest. However, what most government at the state and federal levels do is to appoint people based on political considerations. There have been reported cases of Council members requesting either contracts or even cash for members of their constituencies in the belief that they were appointed to serve the interest of the said constituencies and not the institution itself."

Besides, Babalola said the government also has to stipulate a tenure for council members so they can function properly.

He said: "To allow Council to function, members must be assured of the certainty of their tenure. This entails the immediate composition of Council as and at when required. A situation in which government will fail or refuse to constitute the Governing Council of universities for several months is not one that augurs well for proper administration and accountability.

“Aside that this development is retrogressive; it also discourages Nigerians from accepting service on universities' Governing Council. Who, afterall, will be willing to accept such appointment when he is likely, before the expiration of his tenure to face the indignity of having the dissolution of Council of which he is a member announced on the media without any prior notice and without even the simplest appreciation of acknowledgement of services rendered by him?"

Chairman, of Lagos State University (LASU) chapter of ASUU Dr Adekunle Idris believes the council will not compromise its position if the quality of membership can be vouched for.

"The law says the minimum qualification is BS.C. But we are not talking about only first degree here but how many among them are administrators? And how many years of administrative experience do they have?

For us in ASUU, we have always agitated for individuals such as retired vice-chancellors, professors, registrars and bursars with a rich mix of other distinguished individuals from the private sectors," he said.

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

EDUCATION

New lab, a miracle, says Olukoya

FUNAAB FILE

Senate Committee visits

T

HE idea was mooted in 2009, during Prof Tolu Odugbemi's tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

However, for certain reasons, the project did not get to see the light of day.

But on Wednesday last week, the General Overseer Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry Dr Kolawole Olukoya was all smiles as his baby, The Central Research Laboratory, was officially inaugurated during the 2013 convocation of the university.

For the fiery cleric, the occasion was a dream fulfilled in his lifetime.

"This project is a miracle," Olukoya told the excited audience.

And truly it was, according to chairman of the committee for the project Prof Kehinde Olayinka.

Speaking on behalf of UNILAG shortly before the facility was inaugurated, Olayinka told guests that the project faced many challenges.

"The project has gone through some challenging moments. At a point we felt things might not work out again.

Nevertheless, we don't want to talk about what we went through any longer. Our joy is that eventually, God took control and here we all are today to officially commission it," he said.

The project is a two-storey structure comprising an array of laboratories, lecture halls, and offices among others.

Olukoya, who graduated with a first class in Microbiology from the univer-

• From left: Prof Bello, Prof Okojie, Dr Olukoya, former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; Prof Jerry Gana, UNILAG Pro-Chancellor; and Prof Odugbemi exchanging pleasantaries at the event.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

sity in 1979, said he was motivated to endow the facility to contribute his own quota to advancing research in his alma mater, and encourage other eminent Nigerians, particularly those that attended the university.

He thanked Odugbemi, whom he called 'his academic mentor' for provoking scholarly inspirations in him; and the incumbent Vice Chancellor Prof Rahamon Bello whom he jokingly referred to as 'Pastor Rahamon'.

"He (Odugbemi) made me publish a paper before I even graduated, and by the time I took the paper to the

Commonwealth Scholarship Board, they didn't ask me many questions anymore.

"They said: 'Do you want a scholarship?' I said 'yes'. And then they asked again: 'Did you say you had only one publication?' Again I said 'yes'; and the next thing was, 'my friend, please get out,'" Olukoya said provoking a bout of laughter.

The Executive-Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Julius Okojie who represented the Federal Government said the occasion was a challenge for other universities to learn how they can gain from their

alumni to increase funding for facilities and research.

"For those who know, Ivy League institutions generate 28 per cent of the total annual budget from alumni.

What UNILAG has done is to show that the town and gown are actually meeting. You can see what is currently going on in some universities over increase in tuition. It simply shows that there has not been enough collaboration between the private sector and the university system," he said.

Thanking Olukoya for the project, Rahamon called on other alumni members to emulate him.

Kogi teachers may return to school soon

T

•Govt begins payment of arrears.

EACHERS in Kogi State public primary schools may resume at their duty posts following the payment of salary arrears by the state government.

Interim Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Stephen Akwu, said he is optimistic that striking teachers will soon return to work, since the board has cleared the arrears owed since September 2013 up to February.

"We have almost completed payment of February salary and in the process, payment for January came up, and I don't know how that can be, because we have finished with that.

"But, I wish to say that within the last three weeks or so, thousands of teachers whose names were omitted have been paid. As I am talking to you, March salary is almost ready," he said.

Pupils have been out of school since last year because teachers refused to work. However, Akwu absolved the government of being responsible for the situation.

"We never stopped the children from going to classes, but teachers said they were not strong enough to teach because of non-payment of their salary. Some of ‘I wish to them said that the pupils were say that stronger than within the they were," he said. last three After settling salaries, weeks or so, the Akwu said the thousands of board would embark on a teachers verification exercise to check whose sharp pracnames were the tices of teachers who also reomitted their pay have been ceive check elsewhere. paid’

From James Azania, Lokoja

"Teachers are supposed to be shining light and beam of hope, but unfortunately, like in other areas of the society, there are some bad eggs.

There are some teachers working in Abuja and collecting salary here. So, we are going to embark on verification. What you don't have you can't give; we are going to embark on verification of certificates," he said.

Meanwhile, the state government is yet to reach a decision on the discovery of 800 ghost schools it is funding.

The sham was discovered by the old SUBEB board in 2012 after the state directed the office of the AccountantGeneral to set up of a committee to verify the number of schools in its care.

Akwu declined comments, saying it does not have the AccountantGeneral's report on the case.

A

Lagos.

Unlike conventional practice, the RCA School of Business will not be asking applicants to submit O Level, diploma/degree certificates, or United Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scores to register. All they need do is to pay the fees stipulated for any of the eight courses on offer then start attending classes online.

The RCA School of Business, an initiative of the Revival Assembly, Ogba, is partnering with the prestigious Regent University, United States, to run the programme.

The courses on offer, for which successful graduates would earn certificates, include: The Art of Effective Negotiation; Time Management and Organisation for Managers; Emotional Intelligence for Effective Lead-

VC promises focused leadership

THE FUNAAB Vice Chancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole, has reiterated his administration's commitment to providing a focused, transparent and disciplined leadership for the university.

He made the promise at the Statutory Meeting of the Congregation, where he presented the university's achievements since he assumed office 25 months ago.

Oyewole said researchers in FUNAAB have become global players in their chosen fields by winning various laurels, while over 200 academic and non-teaching members of staff had been opportuned to travel out of the country to attend international conferences and meetings.

The Vice Chancellor also expressed satisfaction that the leadership provided by Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and Units in the University had been built on the values of excellence, integrity, discipline, which are prized by the university.

"We have proved that we can rule with the fear of God and provide great leadership for our people,” he said.

Don speaks on environment • Pastor Madubuko and Dr Cenac at the signing of a partnership document between RCA and Regent University in Lagos.

Free 'admission' school opens in Lagos NEW school that seeks to teach professional skills to students has opened in

THE Senate Committee on Education has urged the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) to access the N495 million grant it has with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and increase its Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) by 100 per cent in the next two years.

The committee, led by Senator Uche Chukwumerijie, also charged the university to provide information on its sources of income and the amounts received in the last three years and send to it within the next two weeks.

The committee visited FUNAAB as part of its oversight functions.

In his presentation to the team, the FUNAAB Vice Chancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole, had said that the personnel and the overhead cost of the university were 100 per cent utilized while the capital and intervention funds were under-utilised.

He urged the Senators to pressure the government to empower the university to employ more academic staff to meet accreditation needs, provide a turbine worth N1 billion to generate electricity and construct a dam to provide regular water supply on campus at a cost of N900 million.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

ership Practice; and Managing Workplace Communication.

Others are: Entrepreneurship and Business Launch; World-Class Consulting; Digital Media and Web Design; and Project Management.

Dr Julianne Cenac, Assistant Vice President, Professional and Continuing Education, Regent University, who signed a pact with RCA on behalf of her university, said at a press conference that though taking the course does not require qualifications, students would only earn certificates if they complete their course work and take the required tests to meet the quality desired of graduates.

"The scope of the programme is the professional end of continuing education. There are no entry requirements. We try to make it accessible to all. It will be intense and taught by professors and the same business fac-

ulty that teach at Regent," she said.

Dr Cenac said to help students the school would live stream the classes on the internet twice daily.

For those without internet access, the RCA would beam the live streaming in its Ogba premises.

Speaking on the significance of the pact, President of RCA School of Business and General Overseer, Revival Assembly, Apostle Anselm Madubuko said the school was set up to equip people working in the formal and informal sectors with practical skills to achieve success in their fields of endeavour.

He said: "It is about building up people and making them better. The kind of education we live with in this country makes it difficult for young graduates to do many things on their own. I will suggest that every young graduate should apply for the programme because it will help them do many things effectively."

A PROFESSOR in the Department of Regional and Urban Planning, University of Ibadan (UI), Babatunde Agbola, has said the sustainable environmental management in Nigeria and the wellbeing of its people depend on the environment.

The don made this call during the 2014 World Environmental Day celebration and Public Lecture organised by the Directorate of Environmental Management (DEM).

The professor headed the Planning Team that landscaped FUNAAB. Agbola, who spoke on: A Good Master Plan as an Essential Tool for Development of a Beautiful and Healthy Environment, said cleanliness required the collective efforts of all in maintaining a beautiful and healthy environment.

He described a beautiful environment, somewhere that delights the senses, attracts admiration and pleasurably illuminates its surrounding, can only be maintained with a master plan which should be reviewed each decade.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

EDUCATION Cuban envoys seek pact THE government of Cuba has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) in the area of dairy farming.

The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Hugo Rene Ramos Milanes, disclosed this last Thursday when he visited the Vice Chancellor, Prof.

AbdulGaniyu Ambali.

The Ambassador, who was represented by the Principal Technical Director in the Embassy, Dr. Arauis Martinez, said that the Embassy’s door is open to the university.

A member of the delegation, Dr. John Tor-Agbidye, who represented a veterinary pharmaceutical development company, explained that Cuba, the world’s leading nation in dairy products, would be interested in faculty-to-faculty relationship.

Prof. Ambali, thanked them for considering the University of Ilorin worthy of partnership.

“We have the relevant experts and we will be glad to partner with you.

The university plans to translate its 10,000 unoccupied hectares of land into investment, and we are ready to finance such venture,” he said.

The team from Cuba later held an exploratory meeting with staff of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the Centre for International Education and the Centre for Research Development and In-House Training.

AFED holds National Week

By Sampson Unamka

THE Association For Formidable Educational Development (AFED), will hold its annual national week congress tomorrow at the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre Oshodi.

The President, Mrs Dada Ifejola said that the theme: Emerging Security, Threat and MDGs (Impact on Education was chosen because of the security challenges in the country.

"AFED is disturbed over the rising of level of insecurity in the nation, as this portends a serious danger and threat to the Millennium Development Goals MDGs. "We seek an end to this unabated heinous and dastardly inhuman act perpetrated by the Boko Haram insurgence.

“The federal government must seek every means possible to actualizing this" she said.

The president also added that an Associate Professor of the Department of Education, Dr Mrs Virgy Oyene will be the guest speaker.

Mrs Ifeloja pleaded with the government, both federal and state, to support AFED and see that the MDGs are actualised.

S

A

BOUT 15,000 candidates are jostling for 3,000 admission spaces for the 2014/2015 academic session at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), with at least five candidates vying for each slot, its Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof Olusola Oyewole, has said.

According to him, the figure comprised those that scored at least 180 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and are eligible for the university's post-UTME screening. Over 30,000 candidates applied to the university.

Oyewole, who spoke to reporters ahead of the university's 21st and 22nd convocation coming up on Saturday, said the increase in the number of applicants could be because of FUNAAB's high standard and

A

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

stable academic calendar.

He said only the university’s Senate would decide what criteria to adopt in selecting the 3,000 candidates.

He, however, noted that the cut off mark for the institution may be fixed at 200 to prune the number of candidates vying for the limited spaces to 6,000.

He said hope, however, is not lost for those not admitted as the university is working to establish a Distance Learning Scheme to absorb those unable to get admission for the regular programmes.

Tomorrow’s convocation lecture, Oyewole said, is titled: Leadership, Economic Nationalism and Development; Nigeria and the challenge from

• Prof Oyewole

South and would be delivered by the Vice Chancellor, Caleb University, Lagos, Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju.

Oyewole said the university would turn out 81 First Class and 1,267 Second Class Upper Division graduates.

Greensprings grooms future footballers

FIRM, Vast Stream Limited, has announced its promotion of educational, African culture and entertainment, and value through beauty pageant to discover intelligent and beautiful ladies.

Its Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Ogboka Ebiware Thomas said the initiative was taken to promote education for the universal advancement of women beginning with the locality.

The initiative, he said, started with the Egbe-Idimu-Ikotun Beauty Pageant in Lagos, which recently produced a queen, Miss Shakira Olabisi Uthman, a 22-year-old graduate of History and International Studies at the Lagos State University (LASU).

"The aim of this educational/Entertainment event is to reach out to young women and provide a positive platform that would bring out the best of the young pageant hopefuls,” he said.

W

HILE Nigerians hope that the Super Eagles perform well at the ongoing World Cup holding in Brazil, Greensprings School, Lagos, is concerned about helping to raise future teams through its football scholarship..

Four beneficiaries of the scholarship, discovered during the last two editions of the Greensprings/Kanu Football Camp (a talent hunt initiative of the school with the Kanu Nwankwo Heart Foundation), are adjusting to academic and football life at the school's Awoyaya campus in Ibeju-Lekki. The quartet, Haruna Adi, Elvis Onyenze, Musa Ali, and Muritala Toyeeb, were formerly pupils of public school before their talents led them to Greensprings, where they now enjoy topflight education in a serene environment.

Forming part of the scholarship is sponsoring them to tournaments.

The school’s deputy head, Ms Dolapo Fatoki, said during a facility tour of the school that two of the quartet (Elvis and Musa) participated in the 2nd African Youth Championship in Burkina Faso and displayed their talent that made other countries to be envious. Musa scored a goal in the tournament won

by Nigeria.

At Greensprings, Ms Fatoki said, the youngsters would be exposed to quality tuition based on the British curriculum, enjoy world class educational and recreational facilities, and benefit from the school's core

Students’ leader hails Glo’s ‘seamless service’

TUDENTS of the Edo State College of Agriculture have praised Globacom for what they called its excellent services on their campus.

During a visit to the Benin Regional office of Globacom, the President of the college’s Students Union Government (SUG), Comrade Agape Agbolahor, hailed the telecommunication firm for easing learning and research on campus.

"I am here first to introduce myself as the newly-elected President of the Students Union Government of College of Education, Iguoriakhi and most importantly, to thank Globacom for its excellent services at the college. The entire college community, particularly the students, is grateful to Globacom for coming to Iguoriakhi and giving us the best of telecommunications services," he said.

Comrade Agbolahor, who was accompanied by some of his col-

Firm promotes educational values

15,000 jostle for 3,000 spaces at FUNAAB

leagues, said there was no single telecommunications service in the college in 2009 when he did his National Diploma (ND). He added that the firm is preferred to other telecom providers.

The SUG President solicited for the firm’s support for infrastructural development in the college.

Receiving the students, Mr. Rowland Odolokor, Edo State Manager, Globacom, said that the company would not rest on its oars at "ensuring that we give the best to our subscribers irrespective of their locations.”

"Coming to Iguoriakhi, a place other networks will consider rural, is a piece of cake to Globacom because we pioneered rural telephony in this country, and we will continue to take our world-class services to the hinterlands until all the nooks and crannies of the country are talking," Odolokor promised.

•Mrs Koiki with the football scholars. From left: Onyeze, Muritala, Haruna and Musa.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

values of child-centredness, respect, integrity, excellence and service.

She said the football scholarship is just one of the initiatives the school has embarked upon to give back to the society.

Others, in her words include annual scholarship to orphans, training for teachers and support to several public schools.

She added that parents and the pupils have plugged into the school's giving habit and are implementing several projects. The parents sponsor 10 pupils to Greensprings annually, while the pre-school, elementary, high, and International Baccalaureate arms of

the school have provided facilities for public schools and donated in support of worthy causes.

"The empathy level of our children is very high. They are aware that they are privileged. Our children make contributions to charities in the school. The school also encourages parents to contribute. The school gives because it is the nature of the visioner of the school, Mrs Lai Koiki.

She stands for giving back. It is something she teaches to every child that passes through this school," she said.

But the school is not done with giving yet. During the long vacation, while some of its teachers travel to the United Kingdom for various training, Ms Fatoki said Greensprings will open its doors to

teachers from public schools and other private schools to train at a highly subsidized rate.

Supporting Ms Fatoki's claims, a parent, Mr Solomon Oyebode, said the school provides an environment for all-round development of its 1,300 pupils, aged between 18 months and 18 years.

He said he appreciates this value in his children and urged corporate organisations and individuals to support its many projects which can add value to the lives of the underprivileged.

"When children have been exposed to an environment like this, it helps them to develop much more. There are a lot of areas we require sponsorship that we would be happy to partner," he said.

•The Administrator, Grace High School, Mrs Tokunbo Edun (middle) with (from left): Head of Sport, Mr Thomas Obioma; Principal, Mr Ronald Cilliers; School Supervisor, Mr John Ibe Ndubuisi and the wife of the PTA Chairman, Mrs Betty Ezenwa, during football competition in honour of Late Deaconess Grace Oshinowo, Founder of Grace School.

29

‘How to save education’

Four bag first class at DELSU

Page 31

Page 42

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

CAMPUS LIFE

THE NATION

0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Rape and robbery cases are on the rise at the Benue State University (BSU) in Makurdi. Students are living in fear as rapists and cultists go on the rampage. The security unit appears helpless, reports MSONTER ANZAA .

•The Technical Hostel which was hit

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ITHIN two weeks, after he began his medical programme at the Benue State University (BSU), Gabriel Idoko was robbed twice.

The first happened on his first day in school, said Gabriel, who declined to give his real name.

“I was coming back from class and I saw some people arguing with my roommate who is also a 100-Level student. I stopped to find out what was going on. They were armed with knives; they told me to give them everything I had in my wallet. It was N1,900.

They ordered us to move to a corner and told us that they were members of the Black Axe cult group. They said they control the hostel and Wurukum area, threatening to kill us if we shouted,” Gabriel, who described the incident as a “welcome-to-campus package”, narrated.

The following week, Gabriel was robbed again. “I did not have any money with me this time. They asked me to remove my SIM Card and bring my phone. They told me to bring N1,000 later to them if I needed my phone. When I got the money, I called them, but they said I should forget about the phone because they could not remember my face again,” he said.

In the last three months, the school has been

Rapists, cultists lay siege to Benue varsity under a siege of sorts, raising fear among students whose academic pursuits are being threatened.

Last March, a 100-Level student of Educational Foundation was dispossessed of his money by three hoodlums as he headed for his off-campus residence opposite the second gate of the university. The incident happened behind the Dunamis International Gospel Centre, where many students live.

CAMPUSLIFE investigation showed that the hoodlums operate in the open. Students living in Wurukum area know them, but they are afraid of reporting them for fear of being killed. The hoodlums, who are said to be students, dispossess many of their valuables while returning from night reading.

A student, who did not give his name, said: “The activities of the cultists have turned to a normal thing on the campus. If you are passing by, you need to watch out to greet them; if you don’t, they will attack you on your way back. At times, when somebody greets them, they would say he did not greet them properly. They intimidated one of my classmates. If you are going home, you take a less-valuable phone with you, in case they attack you. Some of them even follow you to your room and insist that you must give them something.”

On why the matter has not been reported to the security unit, Monday Aadonka, said students are terrified of the hoodlums. “If they find out anyone reported them, they

will kill the person. The boys are notorious and they will hear everything you say about them. If you say you will pursue them, you are the one to lose because they don’t know why they are in school; so they have all the time to stress your life. We call their hostel a “slaughter house”, but they don’t stay there every day. They sleep around. Half of the people staying in Wurukum are cultists.”

On May 9, two female students of Preliminary Science were attacked by the hoodlums.

One was shot on the cheek and could not talk for days. One of the victims, who spoke to this reporter on her sickbed, pleaded that her identity be concealed for security reasons.

•Continued on page 30

•Gowon opens building donated by Shobanjo at UNILAG -P32

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

30

CAMPUS LIFE

The dearth of historical Pushing consciousness in Nigeria (I) Out “The nation suffers with no sense of history. Its values remain superficial and ephemeral unless imbued with a deep sense of continuity and a perception of success and achievement that transcends acquisition of temporary power or transient wealth. Such a nation cannot achieve a sense of purpose or direction or stability, and without them the future is bleak.” – Prof Jacob Adeniyi Ajayi, Emeritus Professor of History

I

N May 1999, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo came on his “second missionary journey” as leader of this

potentially yet prostrate nation, he was confronted by challenges from key parts of the country. In the east, there was a visible resurgence of the Biafra cause championed

by Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). In the West and North, The O’odua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) were pushing for an Oduduwa and Arewa republics respectively. There were also agitations for “self-determination” and “resource control” in other parts of the country.

In his wisdom, one of the most distinguished scholars of our time who celebrated his 85 th birthday recently, Emeritus Professor of History, Jacob F. Ade Ajayi approached Obasanjo and pointed out that Nigerians suffer from lack of historical consciousness which was why the event of that time seemed “strange.” He advised the president to think seriously about reintroducing the teaching of History to primary and secondary schools’ in the country so as to always put things in proper perspective. Obasanjo quickly issued a presidential directive to that effect. But sadly that directive has not been acted upon to date.

The reason, according to Prof Akinjide Osuntokun; another distinguished emeritus professor of history is not farfetched. He said Ade Ajayi did everything in his power to return the learning of History to schools, unfortunately without success. It is not for lack of trying but perhaps because Nigeria is now dogged with the primitive acquisition of resources by members of the governing elite and their surrogates to the denigration of the larger good of society.

He concludes that even where executive orders are given by presidents to return the teaching and learning of History to

with

Agbo Agbo 08116759750 (SMS only)

secondary schools, this has been more honoured in the breach than in the observance.

Yet, few can doubt there is a need to insist on preserving the collective memory of the nation, it is a people’s right and a worthy commitment. I want to – in the next couple of weeks – critically look at where we have missed it as a nation by neglecting the study of history. It will shock some of us that there are still Nigerians who believe there are just four of five ethnic groups in the country! It may even shock some Idoma, Tiv, Igala, Berom, Bachama, Taroh or other ethnic groups in the middle belt that they are collectively referred to as “Hausa” by those in the south.

This is where we are as a nation, and it is really not surprising that ethnic jingoists are exploiting this lacuna for their selfish interests.

We must thus encourage an objective pursuit of historical truth by looking back once in a while, especially when confronted with challenges. The present security challenge is a case in point. We should be bold to research how we lived in pre-colonial times, for instance. Was there a link between the groups the British eventually brought together to form Nigeria? How were they relating with each other? Do they have things in common? Etc. Early this year, Nigeria celebrated – with pomp and pageantry - its centenary; but to the surprise of many, the organisers of the jamboree which gulped hundreds of millions of naira, did a shoddy job of the centenary compelling some groups and individual to come up with their own ideas of what a centenary celebration of this magnitude ought to have looked like.

The Guardian newspaper of March 5, 2014 had two covers of the same newspaper for one day. Why did the newspaper go to this length? After the fiasco that was the celebration, the editorial team hurriedly put together another cover of 12 pages after the edition of that day had gone to bed titled

•aagboa@gmail.com “The house that Lugard built, 100 years after.”

In the Editor’s notebook, the cerebral editor, Martins Oloja wrote: “The so-called grand finale of the year-long centenary celebration, which culminated in last Friday’s award/dinner night in Abuja, was a grandiloquent celebration of mediocrity! As a Nigerian, one had expected to see in the grand finale some historical documents and documentaries on Nigeria in the last 100 years. Was it material poverty or poverty of the mind and ideas that deprived the Centenary Committee from doing and publishing something grand, something historic and historical, something remarkable about Nigeria for the young and old, local and foreign observers to see?”

A few days after that collector’s edition, the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) held a Colloquium in Abuja to mark Nigeria’s 100 years of existence. With the theme, “The House That Lugard Built: Perspective on Nigeria’s Centenary - The Gains, the Challenges and the Agenda for the Future;” the forum, according to the distinguished scholars, was aimed at “setting the record straight” on amalgamation.

At the forum were the country’s renowned historians including Emeritus Professor Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa, Professor of History, University of Ibadan, Professor Obaro Ikime, Professor Monday Y. Mangvwat, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, Professor Ibrahim L. Bashir and Dr. C. N Ogbogbo. Also in attendance was the former Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

At the colloquium, President, HSN, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, frowned at the relegation of the society in issues relating to the history of Nigeria including the planning of the centenary celebrations. Even with its marginalisation, the Society said it has come together to give what it described as the academic perspective of the

amalgamation for the benefit of Nigerians, especially those who see the unification as a fluke.

Hear him: “This is the first academic society in Nigeria but we have realised that in recent times, the society was not contacted in anything that has to do with the history of Nigeria such as the Centenary celebration committee. But we think that such was a mistake and we decided on our own to give the academic side of the amalgamation… I read a poem titled, God Punish Lugard, and I felt this is the best time to set the record straight. That is the import of this conference, to see how we have fared in the last 100 years, the gains, the pains and the agenda for the future.”

Giving an in-depth personal perspective of the amalgamation, Prof Akinwumi said it is a blessing. He said that aside from increasing the size and population, it has also brought recognition to the country at regional, continental and global scenes. ”Personally, I see the amalgamation as a blessing, without it, this great nation would not be recognised globally the way it is now.

It has given us big population and large land area and that is the reason everywhere in the continent today, Nigeria is being mentioned. We know there are challenges here and there, but we will overcome the challenges.

“Many things have been said about amalgamation, some said it was a mistake of 1914, others said Nigeria is a mere geographical expression. Others believe that there was no need for amalgamation and that Lord Lugard made a mistake by uniting us. ”These are the issues we want to set straight. Recently, there was an issue that came up, that there was a clause in the proclamation that after 100 years, any group that is interested to secede should do so, but we are saying that there is nothing like that in the proclamation. These are some of the records we want to set straight.”

I take time to quote him because of the import of what he and his colleagues said.

As distinguished historians, these gentlemen have analysed documents within and outside the country to have arrived at their informed conclusion.

The typical American and British child in elementary school already knows a lot about his country, is it therefore little wonder that he grows up to be patriotic? History is compulsory up the age of 14 in state schools, some have gone ahead to make it compulsory until 18 years for students. I am convinced that it would be difficult for Nigerians - especially the youths - to envision the future without adequate knowledge of the past.

Rapists, cultists lay siege to Benue varsity •Continued from page 29 She said: “My classmate and I went to read in the school auditorium. When it was 10pm, we left the hall for our hostels. We wanted to pass through the first gate to take a shortcut adjacent to the security office when we saw two guys coming towards us. One of them was putting on a blue shirt and the other wore black. We thought they were going to read on the campus. A few metres away, we heard a bang. We did not know that we had been shot.

“All I could remember was that, I fell on the ground. They took our bags and everything we had with us. It was the Students’ Union Government (SUG) Vice President, who took us to the security office. We were bleeding profusely. I was taken to the school clinic where I stayed for three days. My classmate could not talk for three days. I am yet to get over the incident. We later heard the criminals went to the auditorium to inform students that we had been shot.”

She was not sure if what happened was a robbery or murder attempt. “If it was robbery, the criminals would have approached us and dispossessed us of our valuables, at least, without shooting us. But they did not.

They shot us first before taking our bags.

We don’t know their motive,” she said.

Students are frequently dispossessed of their valuables in the off-campus hostels opposite the university. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the criminals target students returning to their hotels in the late hours after reading.

However, it is not only off-campus stu-

dents that are affected. The hoodlums also operate on campus.

Last month, CAMPUSLIFE gathered, a female student was raped around 7:30pm in Lecture Room 10. It was learnt that the incident occurred during a rainstorm. Students that were reading rushed back to their hostels. In the melee, some hoodlums dragged the victim back and raped her in the lecture hall.

A source said: “The victim was shouting for help but no one could go to her rescue because of the rain. The handkerchief and the tissue paper the rapists used littered the floor.”

Another victim, a 200-Level student of Accounting, was allegedly raped in the Staff Quarters, where she lives with her uncle.

On May 26, Block F in the Technical Female Hostel was invaded by hoodlums at 3am. They robbed occupants in Rooms 1 to 3 of laptops and phones. The incident led to a protest by the girls, prompting a visit by the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Charity Angya.

“The VC was very bitter, because she was not told about the cases of rape and robbery on the campus. She brought an engineer to install iron doors in the hostel. The installation has been going on since then,” an occupant told CAMPUS LIFE. Three days later, Block D Hostel was attacked. Occupants, however, escaped with their phones and handbags.

Penultimate week, the hoodlums hit Block C in the Technical Female Hostel at 1am.

A 100-Level Mass Communication student, who witnessed the incident, said; “The robbers hid in a bathroom in Block E, which they initially wanted to rob. But the occu-

•Another hostel invaded by the robbers

pants were still awake and making noise. So, the robbers left and went to Block C. Two of them came from the back door and the other two from the entrance at the common room.

“A student caught them in the common room and rushed back to her room. She used her cupboard to block the door. The doors are not strong; one can kick them open. They tried pushing her door open but they could not, so they moved to other rooms. Another girl saw the two from the back door and blocked her room’s door with her bunk. She alerted other occupants, screaming “men in the hostel”. Everyone who heard the shout woke up and blocked their doors. Those that were not fast enough were robbed.”

The students said the robbers were armed with knives and guns. They were chased by

male students in nearby hostels It was learnt that distress calls were sent to the school security personnel, but there was no response. The security men came after students chased away the hoodlums.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that no student was raped in the hostel.

“Nobody was raped. They only collected phones and laptops. I don’t know where the rape story came from,” an occupant told our correspondent.

Students are lamenting the security situation, saying it is affecting their academic pursuit.

The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Armstrong Adejo, declined comment. He told our correspondent to speak with the Registrar.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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CAMPUS LIFE

•Governor Aliyu (middle), his deputy Musa Ibeto (left), Gen. Abdulasami (second right) Emir of Minna Farouk Bahago (second left) and speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Adamu Usuma at the ceremony

•Some of the graduands at the ceremony

How to save education, by don

All roads led to Lapai in Niger State when the state-owned Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) held its first convocation. YINKA OLATUNBOSUN (400-Level Chemistry) reports.

W

HAT is the magic formula for universities to do well? It is by the provision of adequate infrastructure and good remuneration for lecturers, says emeritus professor of Language and Education, Thomas Adeyanju.

Delivering the maiden convocation lecture of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, Prof Adeyanju, an education consultant, blamed the decline in the quality of education, from primary to tertiary level, on the insensitivity of government and the importance they attached to education.

While primary school teachers in the United States and England enjoy a monthly salary of $3,000 (N480,000) and £2,500 (N655,000), the don said their counterparts in Nigeria earn less than N20,000.

He described the salary package as demoralising, describing it as a factor encouraging exodus of professionals from the country.

Prof Adeyanju said if Nigerian certificates

must be acceptable globally, a minimum of National Certificate of Education (NCE) qualification should be set for teachers at basic level; Second Class (Upper Division) degree for secondary school teachers and PhD for tertiary institutions.

To salvage education, Prof Adeyanju said Higher School Certificate (HSC) must be reintroduced, adding that the 60:40 admission policy for science and arts must be followed.

Pro-chancellor and chairman of Governing Council Mallam Suleyman Ndanusa praised the lecturer for “scholarly dissection” of the problems facing education, urging stakeholders to learn from the lecture to restore the glory of education.

The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Ibrahim Adamu Kolo, applauded the “insightful academic approach” of the guest lecturer, saying the paper contained workable solution to help policymakers in tackling the problem.

The following day, graduating students filed out in academic gowns, beaming with

smiles. They were the first set of graduates of the institution. Eight of the 1,732 graduands got First Class.

The Visitor, Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, urged the graduating students to be models for measuring the academic and moral quality of the university.

Aliyu warned students to shun violence and unruly conducts that could undermine the peace of the university’s host community.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to adequately fund the university, praising Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar for aiding the institution’s development.

While launching the University Endowment Fund, Abdulsalami, who chairs the Board of Trustees, said the institution need about N3 billion to complete its facilities.

He urged wealthy indigenes to contribute to the endowment fund.

Gen. Babangida promised to complete the Senate Building; Mrs Modupe Alakija , an oil magnate, donated N100 million to the fund.

Prof Kolo said the state government had spent over N19 billion to consolidate projects in the university since inception. He highlighted the management’s efforts to improve infrastructure, stressing that his administration had laboured to provide human resources and facilities needed for the school to compete with other institutions.

The VC said research and knowledgedriven innovation were being pursued, appealing to stakeholders to have faith in the university.

He urged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the institution praising staff and students for the development under his watch.

The Registrar, Mallam Samaila Muhammad, thanked stakeholders and friends of the university for making the occasion a success.

No fewer than 327 graduated with Second Class (Upper Division), 902, Second Class (Lower Division), 476 with Third Class and 22, Pass.

It was a feast of culture when members of the Ilorin Emirate Students’ Union in the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) inaugurated a new Emir (leader) during a send-off party for their outgoing executive. HALIMA AKANBI (200-Level Law) and IBRAHIM JATTO (Graduating student of Zoology) report.

Ilorin culture on display

I

T was the installation of a new ‘emir’, but the culture of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, was on display at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto (UDUS). The university community had a taste of Ilorin culture when Ilorin Emirate students held a send-off for their graduating colleagues and inaugurated of the new Emir (president).

The ‘emir’, Sheriffdeen Omotayo, walked from his hostel to the PTF Hall – the venue of the event - clad in a blue ceremonial attire with a white-turban. He waved to people shouting “Shehu”, which is how the Emir of Ilorin is greeted.

Sheriffdeen was received by a crowd of students, who had been seated for two hours before the programme started. As he moved into the hall, the ‘emir’ was greeted with resounding shouts of “Shehu”.

After the ‘emir’ sat on the throne, Kengbe troupe, which is a cultural group of the union, dazzled the crowd with the traditional dance step of Ilorin people. The 15member group was led by the Magajiya of the association, Risikat Ibrahim, a 400-Level student of Business Administration.

Kengbe is a calabash that generated sound of different pitches,

•The ‘Emir’ with members of his cabinet

which is used to welcome guests to occasions.

The event started with the Ulama’u (good people) conference, where members of the union imitated notable Islamic clerics in Ilorin. While acting sermons on the topic: Shariah and marriage, the students mimicked the style of clerics, such as the late Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory, Sheikh Kamaldeen Al-Addaby and Sheikh Buhari Ibn Musa, among others.

There was also a short drama on the need to always remember one’s origin. Members presented a factfile on Ilorin history and the achievements of illustrious sons and daughters of the ancient city.

•Kengbe cultural troupe entertaining the crowd

Participants learnt that Ilorin produced the first lawyer in the North, the first professor of Veterinary Medicine in West Africa, and that it is also the first community to have electricity in the North.

The highpoint was the installation. Sheriffdeen, a 300-Level student of Islamic Education Studies, succeeds Abdulhameed Abdullahi, a graduating student of Political Science.

The ‘emir’ is the Magaji of the association. He was turbaned amid fun and fanfare. After the swearing in, hundreds of students led the Emir back to his hostel, beating the Bandir – Islamic talking drum.

Students, who spoke to

CAMPUSLIFE, described Ilorin culture as a “progressive civilisation” that has endured for ages.

Hanifat Yusuf, a 400-Level student, said: “The event showed the unique heritage of Ilorin people in an interesting style. It combined entertainment with values that are dear to Ilorin people. We were brought back home with the display of culture.”

Abdulmajeed Isiak, a 300-Level member, said he was proud of his origin with the manner students from other states trooped out to watch the event. “The event gave me a sense of pride as an Ilorin indigene, given the massive attendance by students from other states. It was

educative and entertaining,” he said.

Hammed Hammed, a 200-Level student of Business Administration, said: “The send-off was unique in its own way; everyone enjoyed the programme from the beginning to the end. I hope to see more of this kind of organisational spirit next time.”

Abdulhameed thanked members for their support and co-operation, which he said was the reason behind the success recorded during his tenure. He urged members to support the new leadership to achieve the association’s objective.

The association also unveiled a magazine Garin Alimi to inform people about events happening in Ilorin.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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CAMPUS LIFE

•Chief Shobanjo, Gen. Gowon, Mrs. Shobanjo and others during the commissioning of the building

•The Multimedia Centre of Excellence

Gowon opens building donated by Shobanjo at UNILAG

F

RONTLINE Businessman Biodun Shobanjo has donated a two-storey building to the Department of Mass Communication of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The multi-million naira edifice, which will serve as a Multimedia Centre of Excellence, was commissioned during the institution’s convocation.

Shobanjo is the chairman of Troyka Holdings, a marketing communication firm.

The building will ease the department’s burden on shortage of lecture rooms and staff offices.

Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, commissioned the building.

Shobanjo said the late UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adetokunbo Sofoluwe, inspired him to donate the project, saying the late VC ap-

From Godwin Simon UNILAG proached him to build the structure.

He noted that the bureaucratic bottleneck of the university and inability of management to perform expected roles were reasons for the late completion of the project.

The Acting Head of the department, Dr Abayomi Daramola, described the donor as resourceful philantropist.

He said: “This building is a dream come true. We have been waiting for it to be completed for a long time. Our lecturers can now leave their former offices, which are like refugees’ camp. This will provide our lecturers a conducive environment for research and teaching. Our students also will enjoy their classes.”

The HOD called on the institution’s alumni to rise up to the task of giv-

ing back to their alma mater.

Daramola added: “The government alone cannot do everything.

The university is doing a few things through its Internally-Generated Revenue, but a lot can be done by alumni especially those who have reached the pinnacle of their discipline.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof

Rahman Bello, praised the donor for the gesture, saying the edifice would improve communication training in the institution.

Victor Olanipekun, a 400-Level student, described the gesture as a special intervention, noting that the building would go a long way in reducing the problem of insufficient classrooms in the department.

Other buildings commissioned were the Central Research Laboratory donated by Dr Daniel Olukoya, General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry and the Alumni Jubilee House donated by the University of Lagos Alumni Association in conjunction with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).

VC condoles Bayero’s family

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HE Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Prof Bamitale Omole, has described the death of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, as a great loss to the people of the state and the entire country.

The VC made the statement in a condolence message released by the Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju.

Prof Omole condoled the families of the late Bayero, describing the loss as irreparable.

The VC described the late monarch as a man of many parts, saying Bayero’s reign brought unprecedented developments to Kano in terms of socio-economic growth.

He said the late Emir used his wisdom, knowledge and leadership qualities to promote ethno-religious harmony and unity in the

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From Sikiru Akinola OAU country.

He prayed that the Almighty Allah grant the soul of the late monarch eternal rest.

Prof Omole extended the condolence to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, whom he described as a close friend of the late Emir.

He urged Ooni to see the demise of Alhaji Ado Bayero as an act of God, which no mortal could question.

The VC called on all traditional rulers in the country to emulate the virtues and good works of the late Emir, who, he said, used every resource at his disposal to uplift the standard of living of the people of Kano State.

Nigeria shines at contest

TUDENTS of the Federal, University of Lokoja (FUL) in Kogi State, have emerged the second runner-up at an International Inter-tertiary Debate Contest organised by Impact Africa International in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

The debate, which was its 6th edition, had participants drawn from 10 universities in three African countries, comprising of Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Benin Republic.

The contest was aimed at testing the research capability and ingenuity of students in Africa.

The topic of the debate was: Is the post-2015 United Nations Development Agenda achievable?

Nigeria was represented by students of the University of Lagos and Federal University of Lokoja Ayo George, 200-Level History and International Studies, and Maryann

From Tosin Makinde FUL Amadi, 200-Level English and Literary Studies.

The debate team, which was led by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Mohammed Suleiman Audu, put up an intelligent performance that earned them a third place.

Lupane University of Zimbabwe won the contest, while the University of Lagos became second. The winning institutions were presented with a certificate of participation and trophies.

Diplomatic officials from the participating countries graced the occasion, including the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Dr Lawrence Obisakin, who presented a lecture titled: “Youth and unemployment in the post-2014: Development Agenda of the United Nations.”

•Members of the NGO after the programme

‘Youths must empower themselves’

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non-governmental organisation, Riverside Neighborhood Network, has urged youths across the country to empower themselves, given the attitude of the government to their plight.

The admonition was given at a conference organised by the group at Orile Iganmu, with the theme: The time bomb of poverty: the factor destroying the Nigerian system.

A Senior Sales Specialist with Dimension Data (West Africa), Opeoluwa Osisanya, said for young people, education was important but knowledge of a particular innova-

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From Ibrahim Adam LAGOS tion would always make a difference.

Osisany urged the youth to change their attitude towards poverty, urging them to work hard toward the actualisation of their goals.

“Effort is important but knowing the right place and time to make an effort makes the difference. Education is important but your intellectual capacity will surely make the difference,” he added.

Project Control Co-ordinator, Nigerdock, Seyi Obasi, noted that youths could be successful even if

the economy or the government failed to give them a chance.

“I think the conference is very apt for the way our society is right now and at a time when the youths of our country almost have no direction.

They need someone to show them the way, to help them know it is not the economy or the government that would make them successful. They have the capacity to create their own success stories,” she said.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Sunday Ezeamaka, said the organisation was a platform which provided solutions to problems faced by visionary youth.

Imota students mentor pupils

S part of efforts to improve standard of education in Imota, members of the Imota Students Development Association (ISDA) have organised the its annual award for pupils of Imota Community Grammar School and Ansar-ur-deen Secondary School.

The event was to improve academic performance and foster a culture of excellence among pupils in the area.

The students were honoured for their performance in their second term examination. The categories

From Adenike Ashogbon UNILAG included Best Student in Science Class, Best Student in Arts Class and Best Student in Commercial Class.

The Principal, Mr H.O. Oyewole, said the event was a platform to encourage the students to be committed to their studies.

President of the association, Micheal Adano, said the programme was to encourage students in the community to perform better in their academics.

Oladipupo Ayobami, SSS 2 pupil, expressed gratitude to the organisers, urging them to sustain the programme.

Pupils that received awards in Ansar-ur-deen Secondary School included Adeyemo Temiope, Japheth Taribo, Abiola Ojelade, Kafayat Folarin, Ibukun Banjo and Olatayo Ogunbowale.

Their Imota Community Grammar School counterparts are Mojisola Idowu, Deborah Ogunmodede, Gloria Awoyo, Racheal Sesebo and Sikemi Ojo.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

Anambra mounts good character campaign

Ebonyi builds modern state capital •PAGE 34

•PAGE 34

PAGE 33

Renounce idolatry, Cleric urges Christians •PAGE 36

•Expectant mothers and children at the flag-off of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week at Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Abia State

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For the health of mothers, kids

HE statistics are grim. In every 1000 births, 88 newborns die, while over one million kids do not live beyond age five. Also, one 13 women never make it out of Labour Room.

This disorients the wife of Abia State governor, Mrs. Mercy Odochi Orji, and she wants something done to scale back the trend.

She, therefore, called on every stakeholder in the health sector to come together to fight the scourge.

Mrs Orji spoke while flagging off the first round of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) at Mbalano, Isuikwuator Local Government, saying the rate of infant and maternal mortality is unacceptable.

She had other advice. “To help reduce the high maternal mortal-

•Orji’s wife rallies health workers against child, maternal mortality From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

ity rate, women of child bearing age must register and attend regular antenatal in recognised hospitals and desist from patronising quacks.

“They also must desist from patronising traditional midwives and must practice family planning by spacing the number of children they intend to have as these would help reduce the threat of deaths”.

The governor’s wife also called for regular de-worming of children and expectant mothers against ailments caused by worms which feast on blood and cause malnutrition and poor physical

‘Expectant mothers must desist from patronising traditional midwives and must also practice family planning by spacing the number of children they intend to have as these would help reduce the threat of deaths’ development as well as basic health education in every home.

She urged nursing mothers to develop the habit of washing their

hands before and after breastfeeding just as they should administer Vitamin A supplements on children between 0-59

months every six months as this would help reduce death arising from measles, malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia.

The Abia governor’s wife said that MNCHW was developed to reduce the spate of deaths arising from pregnancy and child delivery, adding that the programme is aimed at scaling up an integrated maternal neonatal and child survival intervention that have been proven to reduce neonatal and child mortality rate arising from measles, malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia.

Mrs. Orji commended the •Continued on page 34

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

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HAT can compare to good character?

Mr Peter Obi, Anambra State immediate past governor, often answered nothing. So does his successor Willie Obiano who has been revving the engine of good character since he assumed office.

That was what informed a huge gathering in the state, where participants were sensitised on the need for behavioural and attitudinal change during elections.

Obi preached much on the issue and it has continued in the Obiano administration. The people are asked to change their attitude for the better, not only during elections but also for life.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with Charity Ezeemo Trust, gathered virtually everybody in the state at Emmaus House in Awka to preach the gospel.

The event brought stakeholders and celebrities together, all tackling the cankerworm of foul behaviour.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which is in the storm of the whole idea was around to deliver an earth-shaking lecture on the need to have what it described as voter education project in the state.

The Director General of the NOA, Mike Omeri as well as traditional rulers led by the Obi of Awka, Gibson Nwosu were at the event.

The pro-chancellor of Anambra State University (ANSU), Prof Elochukwu Amuchiazu was the chairman of the occasion which paraded the personnel from the Police, Prisons, Customs, State Security Service (SSS), the Navy and the Army, among others.

Prof. Vincent Anigbogu, the Director General, Institute for National Transformation (INT), Dr Okey Ikechukwu, and the Youth Council of Nigeria registered their presence.

Chief Obiano, who was absent due to national engagement did not leave his seat vacant as his Commissioner for Special Duties, Sir Nobert Obi read his address.

The founder, Charity Ezeemo Trust, and governorship candidate of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) during the November 16, 2013 election in the state, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo said getting it right in the country during election should be the paramount thing in the minds of people.

All the 21 local government areas in the state including the 177 Presidents-General of every com-

•SOME MONARCHS AT THE EVENT..Onu

•Some women at the event..Onu

Anambra mounts good character cam From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

munity were there.

In his lecture, the state INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof Chukwuemeka Onukaogu, who had been constantly accused in the state of bias and favoritism, said the state has been suffering from electoral apathy.

He acknowledged that elections had been flawed in the country since independence, admitting that INEC had not always carried the electorate along, with its attendant consequences.

Onukaogu said that there is need for a vibrant, sincere voter education in the country and prayed that God will help to bring it about.

However, he said that the country showed glimpses of a better future for its citizens between 1960 and 1966 and asked why Nigeria abandoned such signs of hope and veered away from the right path.

“We do not have a viable electoral process where Nigerians can elect their leaders, and if we do not vie [for] elections with sincerity and elect our leaders freely, good governance will continue to elude

‘Outright bribery at polling stations, mutilation of results, deliberate late commencement of voting, fraudulent absence of result sheets and other sensitive materials by INEC all tend to short-change the voter and all its noble intentions’ us”.

Again, he said that religious aberration has been another factor which has hampered smooth electoral process in the land, adding that INEC is trying to change the tune today with the coming elections in some of the states.

The professor of English advocated that people should carry the sermon to churches, markets, mosques, adding that the there must be a paradigm shift in the land.

Ezeemo in his address, regretted that in most parts of Africa

where democracy is being practiced, the people have yet to grasp the enormity of the power they have through the vote.

He spoke about “the power that can aid the people to institute governments and to change governments to demand high levels of accountability, morality and responsibility in the way and manner government is being run at the local, state and national levels.

Further, he said before the country gets it right, vices like weak imposition of candidates by political parties, which tend to frustrate

and weaken the electorate even before the election should be removed.

“Outright bribery at polling stations, mutilation of results, deliberate late commencement of voting, fraudulent absence of result sheets and other sensitive materials by INEC all tend to short-change the voter and all its noble intentions” Ezeemo said.

When all these were being reeled out, the audience could not help but to applaud with noise which made Ezeemo to tarry for some minutes with shame enveloping INEC officials.

The traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, who finds it difficult to smile, but was thrilled

by Ezeemo’s speech, forced a smile on his face but warned that trouble makers in the land should give peace a chance as the country approaches 2015 election.

Following the insecurity in the land today, the Monarch said that those outside the country are not only laughing at the people but making mockery of the entire country.

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano said it is appalling having about 300, 00 voters during

Ebonyi builds modern state capital

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HEN Governor Martin Elechi assumed office as the second civilian gover-

nor of Ebonyi State, he said that he would prioritise every aspect of his administration because of the need to improve the well-being and status of his people in all sectors.

His government, he said, will be anchored on three cardinal agenda namely civil service reform, attitudinal change and infrastructural development.

To actualise these dreams, the government rolled out several strategies toward making the state a place and home for all, including awarding contracts for constructions of over 30 unity bridges, roads and two mega water projects at Oferekpe and Ukawu in Ikwo Local Government Area and Onicha Local Government Area respectively.

On attitudinal change, the governor promised a reward for good quality and sanctions for bad behaviour, even following up with public enlightenment.

In his quest to make Abakaliki, the capital city, look like a modern city that will not only stand the test

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

of time but also compete favourably with other state capitals in the country, Governor Elechi conceived the vision and idea of Ucho Udo City.

Ochudo City is a modern city that will bring forth the beauty of Ebonyi State which goes by the tag of “the salt of the nation”. To actualise this the governor went to the Ministry of Defence to plead for a portion of their land to be ceded to the state government for him to try out the city of his vision.

The Ministry of Defence granted his request and gave the state government land measuring about 1, 200 hectares. Since then, the government has been developing the land in which some gigantic buildings are being elected while some federal agencies like Central Bank, State Security Service and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have started erecting structures, some of which have been completed.

In a chat with our correspondent, the Commissioner for Land, Survey and Housing Friday Nwaoha said the Ochudo City was the brainchild of the governor, who was in the forefront for the creation of the state and

seeing that the present structures in the capital city do not qualify Abakaliki a status of a capital city.

The commissioner stated that the state government, after securing the land from the Army, went into action to develop the land and the design was completed where the proposed Ucho Udo City was divided into 23 zones namely residential area, low and high density, government reservation area (GRA), commercial area, secretariat area, banking area and others.

According to Nwaoha, some zones are being developed which include the secretariat where government is constructing secretariat buildings for the civil servants.

He noted that the governor, after appraising the old city where the ministries were scattered and noting that connecting one ministry to the other is taxing, he decided to create an enabling environment for the civil service. So, the governor went to zone 17 which is the secretariat zone and put up about 11 gigantic blocks in place to accommodate all the civil servants.

In each of the blocks, the commissioner said, two ministries can com-

•Ochudo city

fortable be accommodated to grant optimal service delivery to the people of the state and even beyond, adding that nine blocks have two lifts while the rest have three lifts each.

He said the buildings which have been completed and are waiting inauguration cost the state government over N16 billion, even as he said that apart from the secretariat blocks, the road network of the entire Ucho Udo

City, the street lights, the drainage system and the recreational facilities have been completed.

“As I speak, the Central Bank, State Security Service and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) buildings have been completed while the giant power plant that the state is embarking upon are nearing completion.

“Apart from these areas, at the residential zone action is on top gear for

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Imo monarchs battle over council chair

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problem of governance, corruption and all forms of ills and indiscipline by political office holders.

“It then behoves on us to imbibe the teachings of today’s event to enable us effect the required behavioural and attitudinal change” he said.

Also, the Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese in Nnewi, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, who was one of the guest speakers during the event, equally, mesmerized the audience in his lecture.

CRAMBLE for political appointments is no longer restricted to politicians. Traditional rulers have joined the fight for juicy appointments. The case in Imo State amply proves this.

Two royal fathers are locked in a fierce legal battle over the Chairmanship of the Imo State Traditional Rulers’ Council, a situation that has polarized and demystified the revered traditional institution in the state.

The Contenders, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Obi of Obinugu and Eze Agunwa Ohiri the Obi of Orodo have continued to lay claim to the exalted office.

Trouble started between the two powerful traditional rulers when the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha sacked Eze Ilomuanya, as the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council and appointed Eze Ohiri as the Chairman of the Council in 2011.

It was gathered that the Governor truncated the tenure of Eze Ilomuanaya because he was a staunch supporter of his predecessor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim and was alleged to have done everything possible to frustrate the Governor’s ambition.

Although several courts, including the State High Court and the Court of Appeal, had reinstated the sacked monarch, the state government refused to obey the Court judgments.

The crisis however took a more serious dimension when the embattled Eze Ilomuanya secured the approval of the Court to execute the Appeal Court judgment that had reinstated him as the legitimate Chairman of the state Council of Traditional Rulers until the expiration of his tenure.

Based on the order, armed policemen ejected the incumbent Chairman of the Council, also known as ‘Eze Imo’, Eze Agunwa Ohiri from the Council’s secretariat and reinstated Ilomuanya in line with the Court judgment.

The reinstated monarch immediately resumed office amidst tight security, while Ohiri and members of his staff relocated to another government facility from where he continued to run a parallel Council.

Addressing Newsmen shortly after he resumed office with the few traditional rulers who were loyal to him, Ilomuanya, said that his removal from office in the first place by the Governor was illegal and contravened the constitution of the Tradi-

to move from. This resulted in demonstration by the three communities.

The commissioner said the communities knew they were occupying the land illegally, adding that the government, in its magnanimity, has carved out a community layout that will accommodate them.

He added that the Ministry of Defence said the communities were well and dully compensated.

On when the whole city will be

ready, the commissioner said “we don’t have definite date for the completion. The total development of the city may be this year, next year or beyond. It will be a gradual process.

It is now certain that Ucho Udo City has come to stay and will compete with any other cities in the world when completed. But what is in the mind of the people are when will these dreams materialise?

nt..Onu

r campaign elections, when the number of registered voters in the state totaled 1.7million.

He said that the agency believed that in 2015, the turn out will be encouraging, adding that they will expect not less than 800,000 voters.

Obiano, was represented by Nobert Obi, the State Commissioner for Special Duties, who commended the originator of the programme, Charity Ezeemo Trust for the initiative.

He directed the local government area leaders to go back to their constituencies to educate, sensitise their people on the importance of voting during elections.

This according to the governor will lead to voting out those who do not merit to be voted into power during elections.

The Director General of (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, represented by the Director of the Agency in Delta State, Isaac Ezeji said the government is emphasing on Private, Public Partnership (PPP), adding that such an idea will lead the country somewhere.

He said the event emphasized the power of one vote which he said is a potent solution or magic to the

•Ezeemo addressing the audience

•The new city

the allocation of land to those that applied for development, maintaining that Ucho Udo City is a reality and before the tenure of this administration elapses, the place must be a modern city that will give the state capital a face look,” he said.

Before taking over the land, three communities namely Agbaja Unuhu, Enyimagu Unuhu and Igbeagu communites were occupying the ceded land in which they were asked

‘I am happy that justice has prevailed at last.

What I did was to protect the traditional institution; we deserve some honour and respect as traditional rulers. But then I hold nothing against the governor; I have forgiven him and I am willing to work with him’ From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

•Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the reinstated Imo State Traditional Rulers' Council chair

tional Rulers’ Council, adding that his victory in the Court will restore the dignity of the traditional institution in the state. he said that, “in June 2011 shortly after the governor assumed office, he asked me to convene a meeting of the traditional rulers as the chairman, which I did successfully but that same evening I was shocked to hear the Governor announce the dissolution of the Council.

“The following morning I met him and appealed to him to rescind his action that if he didn’t want to walk with me, he should have asked me to resign but he did not heed my advice. It was then that I showed him our constitution, which clearly stipulates that the Chairman of the Council can only vacate office in the event of death or resignation”.

He stated further that, “I am happy that justice has prevailed at last. What I did was to protect the traditional institution, we deserve some honour and respect as traditional rulers. But then I hold nothing against the Governor, I have forgiven him and I am willing to work with him”.

However in a counter move that has drawn widespread criticism, the state government quickly withdrew Eze Ilomuanya’s Staff of Office and Certificate of recognition.

In a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Anthony Anwuka, Ilomuanya who is also the Chairman of Southeast Traditional Rulers’ Council, ceases to be recognized as the traditional ruler of Obinugwu community.

“In accordance with sections 11 and 14 of the Imo State Traditional Rulers Autonomous Communities Law No 6 of 2006, His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has approved the withdrawal of the Certificates of Recognition and Staff of Office of Eze Cletus Ikechukwu Ilomuanya, the Traditional Ruler of Obinugu autonomouys community in Orlu Local Government Area of the State”, the letter read in part.

But the state government had since debunked the insinuation that the dethronement of the embattled traditional ruler was connected to his reinstatement by the Court.

Governor Okorocha explained that the dethronement of Eze Cletus Ilomuanya and Eze Cosmas Onyeneke was in line with the resolution of the State House of Assembly which recommended that they should be removed as traditional rulers.

The governor in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Me-

dia, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, the action was not personal matter but a discharge of his constitutional obligations under the Traditional Rulers, Autonomous Communities and Allied Matters in Imo State Law No. 6 of 2006.

He stated further that, “following series of serious petitions to the state House of Assembly against the traditional rulers by the indigenes of the affected communities, the state Assembly constituted a-five man committee which investigated the petitions and indicted the traditional rulers.

“As a responsible government, we appreciate the fact that the two people involved are indigenes of the state. So we won’t go the whole hog to discuss the findings of the committee. But at the end of the investigations, the committee passed resolutions 376 and 377 that the governor should without delay, remove the duo as traditional rulers”.

According to the governor’s aide, “ but the government kept the resolutions of the Assembly in abeyance and did not dethrone the monarchs as recommended but before then Ilomuanya had stopped attending state functions in breach of section 14 of the Imo State Traditional Rulers, Autonomous Communities Law and had since three years ago relocated to Abuja where he functioned more as a politician.

“It is also important to state categorically too that by the virtue of the removal of Ilomuanya as both the traditional ruler and state Council of Traditional Rulers, he can no longer parade himself as such because to do so tantamount to impersonation”.

Meanwhile the embattled traditional rulers had defied the order of the state government, insisting that they remain monarchs of their respective communities.

In a press statement signed by Eze Ilomuanya, who is also the Chairman South East Council of Traditional Rulers, the announcement by the Imo state Government purporting to have withdrawn his certificate of recognition as the Monarch of Obinugwu as ridiculous and laughable.

The statement read, “barely few hours after my resumption of duties,the Secretary to the Imo state Government, Mr Anthony Anwukah, issued a contemptuous press release purportedly conveying Governor Rochas Okorocha’s Withdrawal of my Certificate of Recognition as a traditional ruler without any reason at all.

My offence was that I obeyed court judgements and orders in a state where disobedience to court orders is glorified.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Abia in Diaspora

‘Five more years for our VC’

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‘Ebonyi State urged to respond to is the first among the five challenges at home HE Rector, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Sir Allwell southeast states Onukaogu has urged indigpeople of Abia State resident to key into the enous in the United States of America and other countries to join forces design NEWMAP a blueprint that will address what he called “the dangers at home”. programme Onukaogu delivered a lecture at the 2014 Biennial Convention of and we are op- Ohuhu Progressive Union in HousUnited States of America, nottimistic that the ton, ing that youth restiveness, thuggish armed robbery, reliproject will go behaviour, gious extremism and other social vices prevalent among youths in the a long way in country could be drastically minimised only if indigenous Abia people and other Igbo citizens tackling the would come home and invest meaningfully. flooding and “You people should come home invest to ensure the rapid transerosion menace and formation and development of your fatherland. Your investment at •Abia Poly in the state’ home could serve as a tool to take Onukaogu

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

ICE Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Prof Hillary Edeoga is having a hard time dissuading his students from pushing for his second term in office.

The students have staged a peaceful demonstration urging his to run for another five-year term.

Edeoga appreciated their solidarity and enthusiasm but told them that it is against the rule of federal universities for a VC to seek a second term.

Addressing the VC at the front of the academic block, the senate president of National Association of Abia State Students (NAASS), Chris Nkuma said they have decided to celebrate the chief executive of the university whom he described as a man of peace..

Nkuma said the day is a great day in the history of the university as the students of the host state for the first time in the history of Nigeria is celebrating their VC for his good works and described Prof Edeoga as an icon of development.

He said that the students from the state are celebrating the VC and asking him to run for another term of 5 years because of his achievements in the university, having turned the fortunes of the institution around for the benefit of the students, staff and host community.

The NAASS senate president said, “This the first VC to have given admission to students of the host state, introduced many new academic programmes including the medical and surgery college, which will help to improve the health sector of the state”.

Nkuma said that the good works of Prof Edeoga are there for all to come and see and that, “We believe that because of his good works that his state and the country will one day remember him for higher position one day”.

Responding, Prof Edeoga said, “Today I am a fulfilled man and this is the first time since I came to this university in 1999 to see this kind of support as I have been head of department, dean, deputy vice chancellor twice and now VC, I have never seen this type of support”.

Prof Edeoga said that he is also happy that the reason he sort to be the VC of the institution which are the students are appreciating his achievements in the university and promised to do more before leaving office in the next one year and eight months remaining.

He told the students that the rule governing federal universities which gives the VC a single term of 5 years, has no room for second term, “Therefore what you are asking will not be possible, but I am not leaving today or tomorrow, as I still have almost two years to stay with you people”.

The VC said that from next academic year that the university will be introducing the medical and Surgery College which will be followed with a teaching hospital, stressing that it will help in the health sector of the state, as the people around will assess the health facility in the teaching hospital.

Prof Edeoga praised students of the University for their Peaceful Disposition, while describing them as the best behaved students who have never rioted even when pushed to the wall since he assumed office as the VC of the university for the past 3 years.

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•Erosion site

•Nguzu Erosion site

Flooding: Ebonyi on the precipice

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LOODING and erosion continue to threaten Ebonyi State, laeingd to loss of lives and destruction of properties.

In 2012, devastating floods ravaged 14 states in Nigeria, killing an estimated 363 people and displacing 2.1 million people. Also 597,476 houses were destroyed while several farmlands and livestock were destroyed. In all, more than seven million people were affected by the flood.

Ebonyi State was among the 14 states affected by the flood with at least three people confirmed dead and thousands of others displaced.

In 2013, the state witnessed more severe flooding.

According to the state governor, Martin Elechi, the 2013 flood disaster displaced about 332,938 persons in different parts of the state.

He also said the effect of flooding, gully erosion and other natural disasters in the state has been so devastating and had caused the loss of property estimated at several billions of Naira, including

‘Survey shows that Southeast zone of the country is at imminent danger as gully erosion alone contributes to environmental degradation and other associated damage estimated at millions of dollars annually...It is for this reason that the Federal Government solicited the support of the World Bank and the response of the bank gave rise to the NEWMAP’ cash crops and other agricultural produce.

The state is also ravaged by

gully erosion which is rampant in most local government areas of the country.

But the worst hit is Afikpo South Local Government Area which has over 21 erosion sites.

At present, erosion has so far submerged three buildings in the local government headquarters while the administrative building which houses the offices of key officers of the council, including the Chairman, is also at the risk of caving in any moment.

The situation forced the council administration to construct a new 40 room administrative building in another part of the local government area to relocate the workers.

The town, it was gathered, is in imminent danger of being cut off from their neighbours as the erosion is fast encroaching into the roads built by the state government which link the community with her neighbours.

Already, the road linking the community with Ohafia in Abia State has collapsed, forcing motorists and other road users to resort to using track roads in order to connect the two communities. This situation has brought indescribable hardship on the people.

In a bid to tackle the menace, the state government recently launched the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), which is a World Bank-assisted project for Ebonyi State.

The Governor, during the launch at the Women Development Centre (WDC), expressed his hope that the intervention of NEWMAP would rewrite the ugly trend.

Elechi further said the state government, in conjunction with the Federal Government, had put in series of intervention measures

aimed at controlling and containing flood and erosion menace in the capital city.

“I wish to implore you to kindly take time off your schedule to visit some of the major flood and erosion sites to appreciate ongoing remedial measures being put in place by the state in conjunction with the Federal Government.

“Survey shows that Southeast zone of the country is at imminent danger as gully erosion alone contributes to environmental degradation and other associated damage estimated at millions of dollars annually.

“It is for this reason that the Federal Government solicited the support of the World Bank and the response of the bank gave rise to the NEWMAP,’’ Governor Elechi said.

He further commended the

World Bank for its timely response to this daunting challenge and for its many partnering developmental initiatives in the state.

He enumerated areas of assistance to include HIV and AIDS, Community-based Urban Development Project (CBUDP), Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) and Health System Development Project (HSDP), among others.

Mr Amos Abu who is the task team leader of NEWMAP commended federal and state governments for tackling challenges of erosion menace, especially in the Southeast zone of the country.

He said NEWMAP would collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address the problem of flooding and gully erosion in Ebonyi State.

“Ebonyi State is the first among the five southeast states to key into the NEWMAP programme and we are optimistic that the project will go a long way in tackling the flooding and erosion menace in the state,” he said.

Renounce idolatry, Cleric urges Christians

T

HE Bishop in charge of Christ Holy Church (C.H.C) International Province III, Rt. Rev. Aaron Eziuzor, has urged Christians to renounce idolatry and worship the true God who is the Creator of all things.

Bishop Eziuzor gave the advice while preaching during the 2014 Fathers’ Day celebration of the church at the Aba Superintendent Headquarters of the church. He noted that Christians are suffering and being defeated today by Satan because they have abandoned worshipping the true God to depend so much on powers of fake gods.

The cleric, who quoted copiously from Psalm 37:25-35, called on parishioners to emulate Abraham, Noah and David whom he said were able to attract the love and protection of God and knew His secrets because they believed and did His will at all time.

The cleric said: “Noah and his family were the only people saved from destruction when God destroyed the world with water because he listened to and adhered to the instructions of

•CHC men's fellowship during their drama presentation From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

God. Because of Abraham’s faith and righteousness, he is today known as the father of faith because he listened and followed the instructions of God. “Goliath was insulting and abusing the God of Israelites because he prided on the powers of the pseudogods of the Philistines among others. The Israelites were all afraid to confront him. But it took the courage of a man like David to confront Goliath and bring him to his knees.

“David did not kill their enemy at that time because of his might, but because he depended and trusted in God. Even when Saul was after his life, he still refused killing a man God

has anointed to rule over Israel because he fears God.” While urging members of his church to renounce their evil ways and eschew deceit and cheating in their ways of lives, he advised them to deploy their resources in the propagation of the Gospel of God, stressing that he had not seen anyone who was committed to the work of God that was forsaken by God. He also cautioned against division in the church, pointing out that the church would achieve a lot when the congregation come together to fight a common cause.

In an interview, the chairman of Men’s Fellowship of the church Ibo Road Station, Mr. Christian

•One of the old women that benefitted from the gift item

Madukwem said they carefully chose the theme for this year’s celebration.

He revealed that the theme “Noble Father” was carefully chosen to remind men of the importance of their places in the family, adding that many men are found wanting today because they have entrusted such responsibility to women.

Madukwem further urged Christian fathers to live exemplary lifestyles which their children would emulate. This, he said, should not only be exhibited only in their families and the church, but in other places of endeavour where they are expected to show exemplary leadership.

Earlier in an address Mr. Emeka

‘Noah and his family were the only people saved from destruction when God destroyed the world with water because he listened to and adhered to the instructions of God. Because of Abraham’s faith and righteousness, he is today known as the father of faith because he listened and followed the instructions of God’ Enemor urged men to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, be a role model to their children, fam-

ily and the society at large, avoid cursing their children; but speak good fortunes and God’s blessings

to them at all times and also to emulate the good virtues and footsteps of their leaders in the church. He added that their failure to do so would translate to their reaping the negative rewards of their actions later in life.

“Therefore, fathers will bear the accountability–the consequences for failing to carry it out or even the rewards for doing so. Let us never forget, ‘it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrew 10:31),’” Mr. Enemor stated.

Highlights of the event were special thanksgiving, song/drama and presentation of gift items to 10 indigent members of the church by the men’s fellowship.

thousands of jobless youths off the streets, thereby helping in not only to solve some of the current security and social challenges facing the country, but also bringing to an end the exodus of our youths from Nigeria to other countries in the erroneous belief that they are seeking for greener pastures.”

He said Abia is now a safe haven for business and other economic activities, adding, “I know Ohuhu people are great academicians and bureaucrats. Very few are gifted in business endeavors that can compare with what the people of Nnewi can do, but it is no excuse. We can attract genuine foreign investors into our land. You can join forces within yourselves and cooperate with others to attract industries to our land. Our home is peaceful; more peaceful and safer than Onitsha commercial areas where expatriates are being convinced to invest. You are more knowledgeable than those of us at home in international Politics and Economics.

You must use these meetings of yours to fashion out economic plans and strategies to redress the dangers at home by establishing industries that will endure,” the guest speaker noted.

Lamenting on the economic loss and the damage the ugly trend of “medical tourism” has done to Nigeria’s economy and health sector, Onukaogu in his paper called for the establishment of state the art hospitals across the country to carter for any medical case(s) that would warrant Nigerians seeking for medical assistance abroad as he noted that such medical cases and stress inherent with such medical trip can be reduced and treated in the country with less cost if facilities for treating such ailment could be accessed in Nigeria.

“You can invest in hospitals like the Indians. Our people who travel to India stay in hotels, sometimes for over a month and pay bills to obtain quality health care. They can be willing to pay far less if such facilities are to be established at home.

I know we have great medical doctors with the zeal to serve, but who are unduly manacled and encumbered by lack of state of the art facilities.

“You don’t need to be a medical doctor before you can setup a good hospital. What you need is to mobilize funds, equip the hospital with state of the art facilities with well trained medical staff. “I believe that with time such hospital will grow not just like the famous Indian Hospital, but will go a long way to save Nigerians the billions of money they spend annually on visa and other expenses going abroad for medical treatment. I have continually read about, sometimes even a group of our Nigerian brothers and sisters from the Diaspora come

Rector, Sir Alwell

We can attract genuine foreign investors into our land. You can join forces within yourselves and co-operate with others to attract industries to our land. Our home is peaceful; more peaceful and safer than Onitsha commercial areas where expatriates are being convinced to invest.

You are more knowledgeable than those of us at home in international politics and economics From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

home with a team of doctors to perform surgeries for our people. I have been in receipt of containers of books shipped from abroad by Nigerians, including you people as contribution towards the development of institutions. All of these are good; very good and must be commended, but you could do more,” Onukaogu stated Abia Poly rector who is also a Knight and lay President Methodist Church Nigeria, Umuahia East Diocese further called on Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora to imbibe the spirit of Jewish-Americans noted that such relationship with their host country and community could attract development in Igbo land and foster a strong tie between Nigeria and Americans as is the case between Israel and America today.

In his remarks the President Ohuhu Development Union International, Mr. Ginikanwa Okedi thanked the Sir Onukaogu for honouring their invitation and for inspiring the audience with his lecture, assuring him that Ndi-Igbo and Ohuhu indigenes in Diaspora would work assiduously to improve and better the lots of their people at home.

Okedi while assuring that they would work to create and maintain good relation with their host country, expressed their willingness to invest in their home state (Abia) and to key into the overall transformation agenda of the Abia State government led by Sir Theodore Ahamefule Orji.

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Mr Chike Okafor, Imo State Commissioner for Finance and banker-turned politician, in this interview with OKODILI NDIDI, spoke, among other issues, on the challenges of governance, Governor Rochas Okorocha’s clout as well as the growing acceptability of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Excerpts:

‘Why we back Okorocha’

W

ith your private sector background, has it been challenging operating now as a politician?

Not at all. On the contrary, it has been very interesting. My training from the private sector is such that you can fit in anywhere. Do not forget the fact that when you say private sector background, we are actually talking about banking. You will agree with me that it is a lot more challenging environment there, because it is target-driven. We set tasks and targets, so it was not quite difficult for me to fit into the government system.

Like I said, we understand tasks and targets, and working with a governor who has also achieved so much in the organised private sector is more like bringing our private sector expertise to bear on governance and government and it has really paid off. What we have been able to do in this government in the last three years is more like what we do in the private sector. We set targets and we pursue it, achieve it and appraise our performance. If you have done well, you try to do better and if you haven’t, you try to find out where you got it wrong and how best to go about getting it right.

So in a nutshell, it has not been difficult, it has been quite exciting and I’m enjoying.

What is the financial state of Imo? Imo is very buoyant. You may have often heard my governor saying that Imo is the richest state in Nigeria. One of the surest ways of assessing a state or an organisation is by its ability to meet maturing obligations. It’s on record that we pay salaries every month before the 28th of every month for the last three years. This is in addition to servicing other inherited debt obligations Would you say the achievements of this administration were as a result of enormous funds at your disposal?

Well, we have been able to achieve what we have, not just because Imo has too much money, but because we have a responsible and a responsive Governor.

I do not think that circumstances have changed radically from what it was before we came in; I do not

think that our receipts from Abuja has improved drastically from what it was when we came into office, no, but what has changed is leadership. What we have now is leadership with vision and a mission. Imo has always been a rich and buoyant state but like I said, what we lacked in the past was leadership.

We have a Governor who is focused and has a vision of where he wants to take the state to. Imo is what it is today because we have an accountable, responsible and responsive leader who is passionate about leaving behind a worthy legacy and firmly planting his footprints in the sands of time.

Like the governor will always say, he wants to write his name somewhere in history. So that’s what has changed; nothing else has changed and that has made all the difference.

What were the liabilities inherited from the previous administration?

When this government came into office in May 2011, what was the norm was the inability or unwillingness on the part of government to take up responsibilities especially the responsibility of meeting maturing obligations like some recurrent obligations. You will agree with me that it was the practice in the last administration that civil and public servants are owed salaries for upwards of three to four months. And of course pensions were not even being paid.

So when this government was inaugurated in May 29, we discovered that civil servants had not even been paid their April salaries so that was a responsibility we faced and we immediately moved in to clear the backlog of salaries.

Another major liability was the fact that the last administration on the eve of the governorship election borrowed a whooping N6billion, a government that was winding up! That money was borrowed, disbursed by the bank and drawn down within a space of seven to ten working days in the month of election.

That facility, though fully accessed by the previous administra-

•Hon Chike Okafor

‘Imo is very buoyant. You may have often heard my governor saying that Imo is the richest state in Nigeria.

One of the surest ways of assessing a state or an organisation is by its ability to meet maturing obligations. It’s on record that we pay salaries every month before the 28th of every month for the last three years’ tion became the responsibility of the present administration. As a responsible and responsive government, we are squarely saddled with the obligation of liquidating that indebtedness. Again also, in 2009,

same government had contracted an N18.5billion 15.5% development bond which was to lapse in 2016.

We have been servicing this obligation with a monthly deduction via an Irrevocable Standing Pay-

ment Order (ISPO) with the implication that N358.43million is deducted monthly from our allocation to service this obligation.

Today, Imo has paid over N19Billion and that is an enormous fund from our paltry allocation. We were also confronted by the liability of several contractors who claimed to have done one job or the other for government and were being owed huge sums of money.

We are doing our best to offset that indebtedness. So we did not meet assets as it were, but huge liabilities. But like a responsible and responsive government, we understand that government is a going concern.

Not a few stakeholders at the time came out to tell us not to pay the N6B loan, as the fund was used by the former governor to execute his personal political ambition. As a matter of fact the facility was disbursed in April but like I said, we understand that government is a continuum, it was not just any individual that borrowed, it was the Imo State government that borrowed and as we found ourselves in office, that also became our responsibility as a government. Looking at the scenario again, it is also understandable because the previous government did not know and would not have believed that it would not succeed itself. Nothing any where suggested to that administration that it was not going to succeed itself. Considering how loud they were, for them, it was inconceivable until the Imo people told them otherwise. There is no doubt that these liabilities were contracted with the belief that they still had four years in Douglas House, but Imo people said no.

Have these liabilities affected your capacity to deliver on your promises to Imo people?

I will say yes and no. No in the sense that we have been able to do as much as we promised Imo people we will do. Yes in the sense that we could have done a lot more if we were not saddled with these liabilities. But like I said, the mandate Imo people gave to Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha was not predicated on any level of liability, so for us it was more like a hurdle.

We had to overcome it and so I said yes, if we did not have the liabilities we would have done a lot more and again no, as a God-ordained government with vision, it became expedient to come over and tackle and dismantle such challenges to be able to deliver on his Excellency’s promises to Imo people.

For the health of mothers, kids •Continued on page 33 theme of this year’s celebration, “Universal Health coverage for Improved Maternal and Newborn outcome as apt to promote safe child birth and good health of every mother and child.

She used the forum to restate the commitments of Governor Theodore Orji’s administration to achieve better health care delivery for all Abians and well being of women of child bearing age and children under the age of five.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Okechukwu Ogar said that MNCH as a high profile initiative was put together to fast track the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) four and five which focuses on reducing child mortality and improving maternal health and Nigeria has been rated among countries with insufficient progress towards attainment of

MDGs four and five.

Dr Ogar said that with high risk of women dying from pregnancy and delivery related cases in Nigeria, the MDGs seek to reduce under five mortality rate and maternal mortality rate by two third by 2015 and called on parents and care givers to compliment government efforts to improve maternal health and reduce infant mortality.

The representative of the Director-General, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency [NPHDA], Prof Okezie Akpala said that the agency was committed to improve the health care needs of the people.

Prof. Akpala said that this could be achieved through critical strategy and that the agency has helped in building 170 primary health centres and commended the state government for ensuring the payment of allowances of midwives deployed to the state.

•Mrs Mercy Orji cuddling a baby during the flag-off of the Maternal and Child Health Week

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‘Town leaders have sold women’s farmlands’ T

HE men have had their way but one woman, at least, is speaking out against their action. Since leaders of Amankwo Eke Town Union in Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, sold 20 acres of land to an industrialist, Chief Loretta Aniagolu, an activist and politician, has continued to oppose the sale. Aniagolu, a twotime governorship aspirant in the state, argues that the sale has denied women their right to farmlands, considering that in the community it is mostly women who farm. The men mostly tap wine from palms. She also believes the land sale underscores the aged practice of overlooking women’s inheritance rights.

The executives of Amankwo Town Union sold off the land to an industrialist for the purpose of building a factory. Aniagolu questioned the logic and propriety of selling the vast land without considering that majority of the women of the Eke community directly depend on land for sustenance.

She said she was not against establishing an industry in the area, only that selling off such a vast area would deprive the women of the community of their source of livelihood.

Her protest was dismissed by the leaders of the community on the grounds that women in Igbo land have no say in matters relating to

•The community’s women on solidarity with Aniagolu

This is a very interesting case because the case borders on the relevance of women in the society. The case involves one of our partners, Chief Lorreta Aniagolu. The thing about the case is that it is about the executives of the town union selling land to a man that wants to build a factory in Udi and they sold to him 20 hectares of land From Chris Oji, Enugu

land. They advised her to “shut up” and mind her business as the community had already taken its decision.

She went to court, not to challenge the sale of the land but for the court to declare whether or not females have a say in matters relating to land in Igbo land, particularly Amankwo

Eke in Udi. The case came up on Monday for Judgement at the Enugu High Court.

At the court, a group of women led by Mrs. Joy Ada Onyeso, president of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom were conspicuous in their red T-shirts with the inscription “Bring Back Our Girls”. .

•Joy Ada Onyeso

Onyeso spoke to our correspondent, saying: “This is a very interesting case because the case borders on the relevance of women in the society. The case involves one of our partners, Chief Lorreta Aniagolu. The thing about the case

is that it is about the executives of the town union selling land to a man that wants to build a factory in Udi and they sold to him 20 hectares of land. Probably she is saying that…for prosperity case. The critical thing for that case is because of the argument that she is a woman and she has no right to bring the case to court and she has no right to be in the decision making body of the community and that is very critical.

“There was recent ruling by the supreme court that women have a right in whatsoever community to inherit both at common law and traditionally and for us, it is very very critical for a woman to be deprived of such right, and that’s why we are here in solidarity to hear what the judge has to say. The case has been going on for a while now and today was supposed to be the final judgement. However, the court could not sit today; it was postponed to the 30th of this month. So, on the 30th, we will be here again to listen to what the judgement will be.

“This is a very interesting case because the case borders on the relevance of women in the society.

The case involves one of our partners, Chief Lorreta Aniagolu. The thing about the case is that, it is a case about the executives of the Town Union selling land to a man that wants to build a factory in Udi and they sold to him 20 hectares of land. Probably she is saying that …for prospecting. The critical thing for that because she is a woman she has no right to bring the case to court and she has no right to be in the decision making body of the community and that is very critical.

“There was a recent ruling by the supreme court that women have a right in whatsoever community to inherit both at common law and traditionally and for us it is very, very critical for a woman to be deprived of such right, and that’s why we are here in solidarity to hear what the judge has to say. The case has been going on for a while now and today was supposed to be the final judgement. However, the court could not sit today; it was postponed to the 30th of this month. So, on the 30th we will be here again to listen to what the judgement will be.”

NGO reaches out at anniversary

I

T is 20 years since a non-governmental organisation, Agape Foundation for Literacy and Rural Development came to life in Ebonyi State but in marking the anniversary, it chose to reach out to more people in need. The event took place at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, the state capital.

The NGO organised free malaria tests for residents, gave out treated mosquito nets distribution as well as sensitised the people on healthy living.

Recalling how the foundation began, the vision bearer and Executive Director of Agape Foundation, Pastor Gabriel Odom in his address said he was motivated by the daunting situation of hopelessness amongst the rural people of Ebonyi State adding that the drive to change the situation caused him to resign his job.

“When we started 20 years ago,” he said, “I was motivated by the daunting situation of hopelessness amongst the rural people of this State.

Then, before the creation of the State, life was meaningless to them, and it was palpable. They did not know where to look for solution to their distress. So they resigned to fate.

Their illiteracy was excruciating and their ignorance over powering.”

“The drive to change the situation compelled me to sacrifice my job at the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC). It is pertinent to inform you that I had no money or knowledge with which to realize my dream, but I trusted in God who

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

called me for the service.”

Pastor Odom further said the mission of his foundation is to liberate the people who have various limitations imposed on them adding that realizing that education is the most potent weapon to be used to change the World, the Agape Foundation started at a very modest level by establishing an adult literacy centre at Sharon, then a ECCDE centre at Iboko, and Obegu Odida, which he said now operate full-fledged Primary and Secondary schools.

Enumerating other achievements of the foundation, he said, ”We have also undertaken such intervention in Ihie, Amasiri, Afikpo North Local Governmenmt Area. We are also involved in many other areas as could be seen from our five thematic areas.

Precisely, we concentrate on the reduction of illiteracy ( adult and young) youth dropout from school and increasing access to learning in the rural and peri-urban areas, increasing female enrolment and completion of basic education, female empowerment, provision of affordable alternative means of livelihoods to Nigerians, sensitisation campaigns, advocacy for good governance, leadership and constitutional reform. “ “Other are provision of opportunities and facilities to rural and urban neighborhoods with micro-credit scheme to support and promote their small scale businesses, monitoring for the teaming school leavers who en-

•Members of the NGO and police personnel

gage in various social ills as a result of frustration due to unemployment, as well as empowering them through skills training and assistance to establish small scale industries through co-operative effort.”

While pointing out that NGOs were doing a lot across the country to uplift the living standards of the people, he however noted that there were still much left undone to reduce the poverty cycle, and the quagmire of hopelessness.

“My conviction is that the business of overcoming poverty, illiteracy and hopelessness is not an act of charity

but that of justice. Justice itself springs from love. Love points to the fact that the most important thing in life is what we do for our neighbors. We as Nigerians must begin to realise that material possessions are really not real possessions. If the many who have been stupendously blessed by God will remember that they owe God the duty to share, the world will be a better place devoid of the pains, distresses, hatred , poverty, frustrations, hopelessness and misery,” he added.

He pointed out that in Nigeria, government and NGOs could collaborate towards the enthronement of justice

and improved living standard for the people as he concluded with a call on government to grant unqualified right to education and decent means of livelihood to Nigerian.

The chairman of the occasion, Group Capt. Isaac Madaki (Rtd) said he is happy to identify with Agape Foundation adding that as someone from less privileged area he never played with anything that had to do with helping the less privilege especially those ones that concerned education.

•Continued on page 40

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT NGO reaches out at anniversary

•The 7Up team and sport officials

N900,000 for street contest winners

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HE management of 7Up Bottling Company has splashed N900, 000 on three football clubs which won a two-day five-aside street football tournament in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State.

Many local teams participated in the competition which was held at the Abayi Umuocham Primary School field. Organisers of the tournament said it was to showcase the skills, strength and potentials of talents in the commercial city.

Concord, Chidex and Royal Stars football clubs went home with N500,000, N250,000 and N150,000, respectively, after winning the three top prizes. Over 100 teams registered for the tourney.

Mr. Victor Oladele, General Manager 7Up Bottling Company, Aba said the exercise was in line with the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) in giving back to its host community with a view to taking youths off the street and engaging their minds meaningfully.

Oladele said, “7Up Bottling Company wants to use the opportunity of the World Cup to showcase Nigerians and show that we have more talents than even those that are representing us at the World Cup in Brazil right now. We have many more talents all over the country and these people are being harnessed to really showcase their capacity and I know that from here, many coaches are looking at them and are picking the ones that are good and, of course, we are going to enrich football tournaments in Nigeria continuously.

“Our ultimate goal is actually to bring out talents in the country, showcase them to the world and of course put them on a pedestal that will make them being sought after by clubs and once they are sought after, they will

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

make names for themselves and the country and Pepsi will be proud of that.

“But don’t forget also that 7up bottling company started Pepsi Academy in Nigeria and in this Pepsi academy, many people who are currently in the Nigeria Super Eagles grew up from Pepsi academy; Mikel Obi, Osaze Odewinge and so many others.”

On the sustainability of the programme Aba plant GM added, “we just started it this year, we are going to appraise the whole situation as it where in this particular tournament; having sat down and appraise it, if we see it as something that is sustainable, definitely it is going to become an annual event.”

Coach of the overall winner, Concord FC, Ezechukwu Obadiah and his team captain Christian Chukwukere said that they were happy to be the best in the competition, adding that they were going to invest the cash they won in the team.

Mr. Alexander Nnamdi, coach of Royal Stars FC, commended the organisers for such a wonderful initiative, adding “since five aside football competition is coming newly into the country, before a competition like this is organised, the guidelines of the competition should be given to us before the said date so that we can prepare effectively with it. I also wish that other companies should emulate Pepsi in organising this kind of competition regularly in Aba to bring out the best of these players.”

Abia State Commissioner of Sport, David Chigbu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Elder Ogbonna Izima, expressed his satisfaction with the organisation, de-

•Captain of Concord FC lifts the trophy

‘Our ultimate goal is to bring out talents in the country, showcase them to the world and put them on a pedestal that will make them to be sought after by clubs, and once they are sought after, they will make names for themselves and the country and Pepsi will be proud of that’ scribing the gesture of the soft drink bottlers as a wake-up call to multinationals in Aba and the state to invest in sports in order to take the minds of youths away from crime.

“For me, it is one of the best things that have happened to street football around the country. We in the ministry were even surprised when 7up bottling company sent us a letter about this tournament, we are so happy and I am here live today to witness what it is all about and you know that when I get back to the ministry, we will develop on it. I know people would come here to cheer up their teams but for the rain, they couldn’t come.

“The competition has started and we will like to partner with Pepsi because before any team plays here, it must be registered with the bot-

tling company and we will partner with them because it will boost these teams and even create more job opportunities. So the ministry is really going to do a lot in partnering with the bottling company.

“This competition is a wake-up call for other multinationals to design programmes that would take the youths off the streets and being violence. In partnering with 7Up bottling company, we will encourage other corporate bodies to develop sports, not only football; there are a lot of sporting activities which we can develop in Abia State. I think the ministry will now take a census of those corporate organizations that can in a way, support the state government through their involvement in developing sports programmes that will take the youths off the streets.”

•Hon. Emeka Ihedioha (second right) with Engr. Wae-lf Farouque of Arab Contractors (left); Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi (right) and Chair, House Committee on Banking and Currency Operations, Hon.Jones Onyeriri during the Deputy Speaker's assessment of Owerri/Port Harcourt Road

and capacity can fix Imo State and I am well prepared to do that,” Ihedioha stated. Addressing the people of Nwangele, the South East Caucus Leader in the House of Representatives Hon Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi from Enugu State noted that the mammoth crowd that received Ihedioha is a demonstration that PDP is, indeed the party on ground in the state, noting that what happened in the state in 2011 was a minor setback that must be corrected.

He stressed that he has no doubt that come 2015, with Hon. Ihedioha; PDP will make a triumphant entry back to Imo Douglas House.

Earlier, the members representing Nkwerre/Nwangele/Isu/Njaba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jones Onyereri and his counterpart from Ohaji Egbema/ Oguta/ Oru East Federal Constituency, Hon. Irona, had informed the people that Ihedioha is the consensus candidate of all members of the House of Representatives from Imo State and Southeast for the governorship of Imo State.

They described Ihedioha as a selfless, courageous man, a bridge builder who has been of great assistance to all they have attracted to their various constituencies and in the entire state.

Ihedioha assures on Owerri-Port Harcourt Road

D

EPUTY Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has assured on timely completion of the ongoing Owerri-Elele Road dual carriage way, saying the sum of N3.5 billion has been provided in this year’s budget for the project.

He spoke when he inspected the ongoing project, even as he regretted the delay in completion of the project which he attributed to funding. He assured that the Federal Government is committed to the completion of the road.

“This is one of the major projects that will link Imo State with other coastal states of the Niger Delta and indeed trigger economic development. Therefore, the Federal Government is committed to its timely completion,” he said.

While advising contractors on quality delivery of projects, Hon. Ihedioha said he would continue to embark on inspection visits to the area until the project is completed. He urged the contractors to immediately repair the collapsed portions of the road to cushion the effects of road users while the construction progresses.

In another development, the people of Nwangele, Isu, and Njaba local government areas of Orlu Senatorial zone in Imo State were ecstatic as the Deputy Speaker who is a gubernatorial hopeful under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP took his consultation tours to the areas with the message of emancipation, rebuilding and restoring the dignity of Imo from the clutches of bad governance.

Hon. Ihedioha regretted that Imo, under the incumbent leadership, is

weak, unhealthy and collapsing due to bad governance and needs deliberate steps to get a person who will give Ndi Imo quality leadership.

He said Imo people should not be sentimental with their votes but to support a man who has the capacity to provide quality leadership as he believes not in nepotism but in those who can perform, assuring that if voted into power as governor, he will embark on rapid rural development.

“Only a candidate with antecedents, an honest person with competence

•Continued from page 39 “I came all the way from Kaduna to attend this programme because I am happy to identify with Agape Foundation. I hailed from less privileged area and I don’t play with anything that has to do with helping the less privilege especially the one that concerned education,” the Chairman said.

He further called on the people to give their support to the foundation so the transformation undertaken by the Foundation would reach all the people; just as he also called on government to create enabling environment for NGOs to thrive.

Delivering a lecture entitled: MGDs, Rural Development and Social Responsibility, the guest lecturer, Dr C. J. Uweke, a senior lecturer in the department of Medical Biology, Ebonyi State University, (EBSU) enjoined the people to support and cooperate with the foundation so that the mission of liberating the rural people would be fully realized nothing that developing the rural areas should be everybody’s business.

Dr uneke explained that the role of non governmental organizations was indispensable to the development of rural/urban areas adding that NGOs have made significant impact in the areas of agricultural development, appropriate education with rural consideration, improvement in the health sector, support to HIV/ AIDS orphans, housing and access to clean water, information technology and rural transportation, promotion of women rights and civic participation.

The guest lecturer called on NGOs to when appropriate, corporate with other civil society organissations, government and inter governmental agencies, and for profit corporations to achieve.

The event which drew people from within and outside Ebonyi state featured lecture, special/cultural dances, debates, cutting of anniversary cake, free distribution of Malaria Insecticide Treated Net and free Malaria Diagnostic Test at the venue.

The foundation also donated over 1000 mosquito treated nets worth over N500, 000 to families of officers and men of the Ebonyi State Police command.

Receiving the treated nets at the police headquarters in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Police Commissioner Maigari Dikko regretted that most police officers do not constantly check their health condition which he said has resulted in some avoidable deaths.

Dikko who noted that malaria contributes to the high number of deaths recorded among children and adults in the country stated that the water log drainages and the dirty environment of most compounds in the State increases the rate of the malaria scourge.

The Ebonyi State Police Commissioner cautioned the State Area Commanders, the Divisional Police Officers and other senior police officers who are expected to distribute the nets to men and officers of the command not to sell the treated nets above N100 to enable those who are interested afford it.

He commended the Foundation for the provision of the nets to men of the command adding that the nets if properly put in use by the families would reduce the scourge of malaria and Mosquito bites within the barracks.

The President of the Foundation Pastor Samuel Odom said that the donation was in prompt response to the demand by the State Commissioner for provision of Mosquito Treated Nets to men of the Command adding that the donation was part of its effort in curbing the deaths rate recorded through malaria.

The Foundation also conducted free Malaria test to officers and Men of the Command and also educated the officers on how best to use the Mosquito Treated Nets.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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CAMPUS LIFE

Encomiums as Okolo bows out as UNN VC

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FTER five years at the helm, Prof Batholomew Okolo has stepped down as the ViceChancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Prof Okolo was praised for his developmental stride during a farewell event held in his honour tagged: A celebration of five years of monumental achievements and visionary leadership.

Students and members of staff extolled the virtues of the outgoing VC. Ndubisi Iwekwuba, a 300-Level Science Education student, said Prof Okolo did well, especially in changing the face of the campus.

He said: “I wish him well and pray that God will lead him wherever he goes. I also pray that God should give his successor wisdom to surpass his achievement.”

Jude Nwankwo, a lecturer in the Department of Music, said: “Prof Okolo focused on infrastructural development, academic transformation, and visionary leadership.

From Kingsley Amatanweze and Festus Iyorah UNN That, for us, is highly commendable.”

Prof Okolo was appointed as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the university on May 29, 2009, following the expiration of the tenure of Prof Chinedu Nebo, the Minister of Power.

Prof Vincent Okore, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, said the outgoing VC made efforts to improve infrastructure of the university in the last five years.

“In the history of this university, no Vice-Chancellor has performed credibly as Okolo did. I am saying this with a sense of sincerity,”he said.

Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof Isaac Asuzu, described Okolo as a visionary leader.

“The Vice-Chancellor is my mentor and a determined leader. He is

•From right: Prof Okolo, his wife Barrister Nwanneka with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Edwin Igbokwe.

passionate about this university.

During his administration, the admission quota system was abolished and admission was given by merit. During his administration, first-class graduates were given automatic employment in the university,” he stated.

IResponding, Prof Okolo, said: “Five years ago, we set out the vision of building this university strategically. May God bless you all for this achievement and sacrifices we have made together for the past five years.”

The grand finale of the celebration

was attended by dignitaries including sixteen traditional rulers; the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Dioceses, Most Rev Godfrey Onah, represented

by Monsignor Thaddeo Onoyima, officials of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and students of the university.

Ogun students mark Week

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•Prof Ahaneku (seventh from right) with the students’ leaders

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Union leaders visit new VC

XECUTIVE of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, (UNIZIK), has visited the new Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, at his residence in Awka.

During the visit, Prof Ahaneku promised that he would create an enabling environment that would improve the academic standards of the students.

Prof Ahaneku expressed his

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From Oluchukwu Igwe UNIZIK administration’s commitment to partner with the students’ union and assist them to enhance smooth operation activities. He advised the students to avoid negative acts that may truncate their future and the cause damage to the image of the university.

In his remark, the President,

T was an atmosphere of revelry at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) when National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) held its Week.

The event, which started with a novelty match between members of the association and their Ondo counterparts, was held at the sports pavilion.

The match, which was a keen contest between both sides, ended in a draw.

The second day witnessed the Ogun Day, where students showcased their rich cultural heritage.

The female students were clad in traditional attires while the males flaunted Aso Oke outfit.

The event tagged: Mission to rebuild Ogun State: The role of Ogun students, was graced by illustrious indigenes of the State from all walks of life. Also present at the event were the Students’ Union President, Ahmed Lawal Abiodun; Vice-President, Kemi Hassan and Public Re-

From Toyin Ali and Afis Odeyemi UNILORIN lations Officer, Balogun Isiak.

The event featured cultural display by the performing troupes, cash donations and presentation of awards to deserving persons.

The outgoing president, Adeosun Azeez, showered appreciation on the dignitaries for their contribution towards the success of his administration. He urged the students to be committed to their academic pursuits.

A former president of the association, Mr Dopamu Michael, congratulated the present administration for upholding the legacy he left behind. He also promised to render support to the union.

The chairman of Ogun Week Committee, Olaleye Olalekan, lauded the leadership qualities of his predecessor, saying posterity would remember him for good.

Chukwunonso Ibe, pledged to be law abiding, saying his administration was committed to the implementation of policies that would improve students’ wellbeing.

Other persons present during the visit included the Vice President, Queen Agulefo; Speaker, Chekwube Okigbo; Chief Judge, Ifesinachi Muoneme and other officials.

Poly gets sweet potato farm

ANAGEMENT of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY) has taken a step further to deepen its commitment to research of sweet potato for bread and other confectioneries.

The management ear-marked two hectares of land at the institution permanent site as experimental farm for sweet potato.

The project is supervised by the institution’s Food Technology department and coordinated by a staff in the department, Mr Oyeyemi Idowu.

When CAMPUSLIFE visited the farm, it was gathered that there were about nine species of potato seeding collected from various places in Nigeria and abroad for cultivation at the farm.

Among places contacted for the seeding, it was revealed, included Agriculture and Rural Archanisation Training Institute (ARMTI) Ilorin, University of

From Jennifer Umeh OFFA POLY Ibadan, Agbamu Potato Growers Association, Kwara State; National Institute for Root and Tuber Crop Research, Umudioke, Anambra State; Potato Farmers Association, Abuja and Accra, Ghana.

Oyeyemi explained that it was necessary for the polytechnic to establish the farm to complement its efforts on sweet potato research, adding that the farm would serve as source of sweet potato for the polytechnic and its environs.

Oyeyemi pointed out that the farm would provide adequate database on different species of sweet potato recommended for production, adding that the farm would serve as a training ground for students and interested farmers within and outside the State.

He thanked the management for providing a platform to make the dream come true. The Rector, Dr

Mufutau Olatinwo, commended the department for turning the dream to reality.

He said: “When I received the proposal for the polytechnic sweet potato experimental farm, I gladly approved it because the school must have a farm and I would like to see it happen.”

Members of the Offa Farmers Association thanked management for the project. Speaking on behalf of the association, Engr Oluwole Awoseyin, urged management to commercialise products made from the farm.

Management officials during the visit included the Registrar, Alh Abdulhamid Raji; Bursar, Mr Paul Adegbemi; Deputy Rector (Administration) Pastor John Ayeni; Deputy Rector (Academics) Mr Eghe Igbineyi; Librarian, Mr Adegboyega Adedeji; Dean , School of Applied Science and Technology, Dr Moshood Fowomola and Head, Food Technology department, Mr Gabriel Ogundele.

•Dopamu (left) presenting a plaque to one of the awardees

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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CAMPUS LIFE Four students bagged First Class during the Eighth Convication of the Delta State University (DELSU) in Abraka. PHILIP OKORODUDU (Graduating student of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering) and ESE OKODUWA (300-Level Home Economics Education) report.

•The procession of graduating students

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O fewer than 10,215 graduates of the Delta State University (DELSU) in Abraka were conferred with degrees and diplomas at the institution’s eighth Convocation penultimate Saturday. The ceremony was held at the Convocation Arena of the university’s Site III. It was for the 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 set of graduates. About 8,049 got first degree certificates; 597, Diplomas and 1,569, post-graduate degrees.

Four of the graduates had First Class, 1,372, Second Class (Upper Division), 4,819, Second Class (Lower Division), 1,684, Third Class and 170, pass.

In attendance were the Visitor, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, and the Pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council, Mr.

Four bag first class at DELSU Tony Elumelu, among other top dignitaries.

The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Eric Arubayi, said the ceremony was an opportunity for the Visitor and stakeholders an opportunity to meet the graduands. The event, he added, ended the students’ struggle to get a degree. He urged the graduands to take stock of their achievements, saying they must reflect on the challenges they faced before they got their degrees.

Prof Arubayi expressed gratitude to the state government, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other organisations for

their support, especially in providing infrastructure.

The VC praised staff and students for joining him to make the campus conducive for learning.

Uduaghan urged the graduands not to give up hope on the future of the country, noting that the objective of Delta Beyond Oil, his pet project, is to open up the state’s economy and provide jobs for indigenes.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to the best graduating students Efe Igbagbon of Mechanical and

Metellurgical Engineering, who had a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.64 and Joy Onyemaechi of Economics department, who made a CGPA of 4.67.

Joy advised her colleagues to be ready for the challenges of life outside the ivory tower.

Efe gave all the glory to God, saying: “When I was admitted, so many people told me that getting a First Class in this university was like trying to make a Carmel pass through the eyes of a needle. But, I set forth to do my best and I am glad that today, my best was good enough.”

The final act

Final year students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) have marked their impending graduation. WALE BAKARE (400-Level Zoology) writes.

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HE ongoing examination did not dampen their mood. Final year students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) chose a week to hold several rallies to bid others farewell.

On the first day, the outgoing students were clad in old dresses to mark the Old School Day. Some wore secondary school uniforms, others donned village headmasters’ attire and also shaved their hair to look like bald-headed men. They marched round the campus, singing and dancing.

The second day of the week was the Colour-riot Day. Students were dressed in a mishmash of colourful attires, ranging from the abnormal to the crazy. They held a rally in corporate dresses on the third day.

On the fourth day, the students wore native attire peculiar to their culture.

On the same day, a career talk was organised for the graduating students of the Department of Zoology. The Head of the Department, Prof Taiwo Ande, spoke to participants on life after school.

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He urged the students to be focused on their future.

Ande said: “You have to be serious in everything you are doing, especially as you are leaving the school.

Don’t run away from people that challenge you. Your National Service period would open your eyes to different forms of life, but you need to be solution providers because everyone has a talent to do something unique. Sometime you may fail but you must be determined to go higher.”

Two lecturers in the department, Dr Moshood Mustapha and Dr Oduola Adeboye also advised the students to prepare for life after graduation because of the challenges ahead.

Dr Mustapha said: “The first thing you face after graduation is the reality of life. The society will be expecting much from you; your parents will change towards you because they believe you have become adults. But you all must be self-determined.

“After the National Youth Service, some of you would be searching for

•Zoology students displaying alphabets in protest against abducted Chibok schoolsgirls

non-available white-collar jobs. The wise among you would engage in entrepreneurship to employ themselves. Your degree cannot place you at a disadvantage; what gives disadvantage is self-discouragement and fear. During job interviews, employers would test many things about you; so, it is necessary to be prepared and have right qualifications.”

On the last day of the week, the

students held a “Signing Out Day” event, where they signed on white clothes to announce their graduation. Zoology students used the occasion to plead to Boko Haram to bring back the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

Some of them spoke about what they would miss after their graduation.

Sodiq Aroyaya, a Zoology student, said: “The final year is my best

moment on campus because I have opportunity to have more open relationship with people I did not know before. The relationship with those people has affected my academic and social life positively.”

Ahmeed Dare, an Art Education student, said he would miss his hilarious classmates, urging his colleagues to be problem-solvers because Nigeria needs their expertise to develop.

Muslim students condemn media clampdown

EDIA961, a media monitoring unit of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State branch, has condemned clampdown on the media by the Federal Government.

In a statement, the group’s Coordinator, AbdurRasheed Abubakar, said President Goodluck Jonathan

From Suliat Abodunrin and Fatimah Abdul LAGOS has the constitutional power to stop the military from confiscating newspapers.

“For days, we read reports of the clampdown on some selected newspapers by soldiers and the

damages this has resulted into. We have also read, through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr Doyin Okupe, that President Jonathan was not part of the plot. Hence, we call on the president to, as a matter of urgency, call the military to order and allow the media to carry out their constitutional duties,” the

statement read.

The group said it was undemocratic for the army to raid newspapers; adding that the action violated the Freedom of Information as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. It added: “This is not a military regime. Nigeria is a democratic country, where all matters should follow judicial process.

That’s what we expect from the military in a situation like this.

It’s a condemnable act and it’s high time we stopped seeing the media as enemies.”

Abubakar noted that the media played important role in the development, urging the president not to see the media as enemy of democracy.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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CAMPUS LIFE

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HERE is more to life than living in the shackles of unrealised dreams. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer,” said Thomas Jefferson.

There is no doubt that the immortal words of the third president of the United States still reverberate till today.

It is one thing to have a dream; but the will to pursue the dream and breathe the air of reality to it is a challenge to the dreamer. So many young people have great dreams but they lack the ability to pursue them.

They come across as weak dreamers, who cannot pursue their dreams with vigour. Too many people have too many dreams, but a few among them end up living their dreams within the exact magnitude they had envisaged.

The world of young men and women is practically not void of great dreamers and their sweet dreams. Every Tom, Dick and Harry has a picture of the future. This is normal because every beautiful thing we see in the world today had people that dreamed about them and brought them to life.

In fact, in this century, hardly can one find a youth who has no projection of the future. It is, therefore, imperative to ensure that one’s dreams are properly guided and

The power of dreams worked upon to achieve the foreseen expectation.

In Africa, young people tend to dream big and actualise very little.

Perhaps, many are forced to have clueless dreams as a result of the poverty and poor living standard.

This is antithetical to what is obtainable in the western world, where youths are given the opportunity to showcase what they’ve got. They actualise greater things which are beyond the confines of their dreams.

Every young person has a dream he or she is pursuing, even as he or she grows up with uncertainties. In the long run, we tend to understand that out of these people with innumerable aspirations, only a handful of them are able to make good their dreams.

Some have erroneously concluded that life is all about luck. Others, however, asserted that it is a matter of fate. Yet, some also believe that it is about who you know. They vehemently believe in what they call “connection”. In all these beliefs, no doubt, they may be some elements of truth in them. But the undisputable fact remains that they are not totally correct.

The most common and acceptable definitions of luck is that, it is a meeting point between preparation and opportunity. This simply means that, there must be a level of preparation for something we consider to be “luck” to occur. If luck had always happened without a criterion or a reason for its attainment, then it would have been clear and acceptable that it, thus, exists in the perspective we look at it.

But it doesn’t work that way. Every occurrence attributed to luck has hidden rational reasons that caused its manifestation. To every act of luck, there is a reason behind it and that reason is what I call preparation. And when such preparation is available, opportunity becomes inevitable.

It is unavoidably pertinent to note, at this juncture, that preparation or hard work is a fertile soil upon which dreams come true. Preparation has to precede every opportunity for luck, success or greatness to happen. So many young people dream without preparing themselves to face the possible challenges that accompany dreams to life. Some heap blames on God for their misfortunes. You cannot blame everything on God when you

have every reason to succeed in life.

In the world of success, there is an act that demands from us to act and a law that demands from us to be lawful. Seeing greatness as an undistributed gift of fate, as some do, is totally wrong. God has created everybody with traits and potentials to make waves in at least a given area of life. Nobody was created to become a liability to others. Everybody is created as an invaluable asset to his generation. It is also unacceptable that humans are created as a tabula rasa, as Socrates fallaciously posited. Everybody is created with something unique that tends to make him or her useful to himself and to others. It is left for us as individuals to improve and develop ourselves in sequence of our natural endowments.

It is imperative we strive to be the connector rather than the connected.

Think big, take the lead and let others follow. Don’t always look for whom to connect you; but always look forward for means to get yourself connected and to connect others as well.

It is no abomination if you be the one to offer the help you are look-

By Sunny Ibeh ing for. Nobody will connect you when you don’t have what it takes to be connected. Strive for excellence by working hard to excel. Dreaming alone might endanger your dreams to die with you. Start dreaming with others, I mean with like minds that have the potentials of refining your dreams. This does not mean we should place our reliance on them without reservation.

Sunny, 200-Level History, UNIBEN

War against our collective freedom

By Mark Orgu

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HEN we trace the history of terrorism in Africa, we may recall that it all began when the Al-Qaeda in Maghreb (AQIM) started its activities in Sudan under the directive of the late Osama Bin Laden.

While Bin Laden held sway, the militants under his tutelage were reported to have masterminded many terrorist attacks in the wartorn country.

The activities of the terrorists were extended to countries in the Middle East, such as Yemen, which had the criminals bombing parks and hostels. They also planned an assassi-

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nation against the embattled former Egyptian leader, Hosni Mubarak.

With these unabated terrorist activities, it appears Africa is now the safest haven for terrorists to operate.

In 2004, there was a report of the presence of terrorist group in Nigeria, but the Federal Government dismissed the reports and failed take urgent steps to suppress terror tendencies in the country. In the same year, the former InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Mr. Mike Okiro, raised an alarm over impending Al-Qaeda attack on Nigeria. Okiro reportedly made the statement at a conference for senior police officers in Obudu, Cross River State.

This, perhaps, led to the creation of the anti-terrorist squad, which borne out of the mission to safeguard our environment against terrorist attacks, even when the nation had not witnessed one. But the squad was ill-equipped to contain threats and terrorist action against the country. Today, we have full-blown insurgency in northern part of the country, claiming lives in high magnitude.

Assuming the ex-police boss’ opinion was taken seriously and drastic steps were taken to nip terrorist attack in the bud, we would not have been so much troubled the way we are presently. If the spate of bombing and killings of the people is al-

lowed to continue, the end result may be too disastrous for the nation.

As the situation calls for great concern, many are still wondering how we got to this stage. How did Boko Haram become our home-grown terror? What is the level of its link with Al-Qaeda? Many Nigerians had thought Al-Qaeda could not have establish its presence in Nigeria but the terror group started its bloody campaign with the heinous Boxing Day bombing in Madalla, near Abuja, leaving scores dead.

It is instructive to note that the activities of Boko Haram sect increase after the controversial killing of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, in 2009. The insurgents have good supply of sophisticated arms from AQIM and other sponsors. The terrorists are cashing in on bad leadership, poverty and greed of a few to disrupt peace in the country. Now, this is threatening national unity.

In 2010, when the sect declared their association with Al-Qaeda, Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud, the then commander of AQIM, hinted that the group would provide Boko Haram with weapons to defend Muslims in Nigeria. What other evidence do we need to know that we are in dire straits?

In 2011, a Thisday ex-columnist, Simeon Kolawole, wrote a piece titled: The Metamorphosis of Boko

Haram in which the writer reminded us the genesis of the sect. Kolawole wrote that the sect started its activities by preaching a form of Islam that was not in consonant with teachings of the religion and described their fellow Muslims who didn’t share their belief as infidel.

The Boko Haram sect members were banished from mosques and they had no option than to set up a small country, where their bloody activism started. They preached about bad government and immorality in high places. Western education to them became a sin, while their other objective was to Islamise Nigeria.

Many of the fighters have been arrested in some covert operation of the State Security Service, but the sect members seem determined to pursue their skewed belief.

Abubakar Shekau, leader of the sect, in one of his videos, demanded the release of its members in prison in exchange for the 276 girls abducted from Chibok in Borno State.

The government is, however, not disposed to the idea openly, saying it is impracticable and impossible to give in to the sect’s demand. Opinions are divided on whether the government should negotiate the girls’ release or not. Some have said the girls must be brought back home alive, whichever way government wants to use to secure their

release.

But it appears majority are disposed to negotiation; we may likely agree that government should exchange the girls for Boko Haram fighters in prison, even as the consequences of such undertaking are yet to be known. There is a tendency that after this, Boko Haram may kidnap another set of people and also demand for exchange, maybe, this time, islamisation of Nigeria. Then, the same set of people putting pressures on the government will have their heads bent in shame. We cannot win the fight against terrorism in a day, but we can win the fight by the collective will and effort of all.

Although, government has failed in the past to deal with the issue, but the frequency of killings in the country has given it a nudge to change tactics and act pro-actively.

We must know that terror activities are against our collective existence.

Therefore, there is need to join hands with the government’s effort in dislodging the sect out of Nigeria. We must be ready to complement the efforts of our armed forces and international forces to rescue us from the bloody campaign of the terrorist. We have no other country apart from this one.

Mark, a final year student of Business Education, YABATECH

Our lives as chapters for others

our life is a book for others to read. What kind of book is your life? Rustic graphics or a book of life? Remember that your way of life and all that you do, some strive to excel”.

This extract from Sola Owonibi’s poem titled Watch out is heart-touching. Many people live their lives without moderation, forgetting that they are being emulated by someone. They fail to realise that their lives are books for others to make reference. They also fail to realise that living by example is the best; perhaps, examples are better than dictums.

Pathetically, Nigerian leaders, no doubt, live contrary to this. They live as though they will die in office, forgetting that everything that has a beginning also has an end. They disagree with Williams Shakespeare’s aphorism: “Life is a stage that has the door of entry and exit.”

Our leaders have used their ways of life to poison the good morals of

the upcoming generation; they live extravagant lives at the expense of the suffering masses; they corrupt themselves in power by embezzling funds meant for the development of the society and become billionaires overnight. Thus, the youth now see leadership positions as a veritable platform to amass wealth.

Religious leaders - Christian and Muslim - are not left out in this mess.

They are supposed to be custodians of good behaviour and moral uprightness, but their ways of life do more harm than good to the society. In the holy Bible, for instance, Jesus Christ describes believers as the light of the world, with the expectation of illuminating the world with their exemplary lifestyles. Sardonically, the socalled believers have shed the toga of responsibility and opted to be agents of darkness. What a pity!

Besides, Muslim leaders, who are also believers, are toeing the path of their Christian counterparts. They are so much enmeshed in immoral acts

capable of derailing their followers who look up to them. Thus, many of their followers have resolved to worshiping in their various homes rather than worshiping with these “devil’s instruments”. However, we still have some of them who refuse to be caught in the web of immorality.

Equally disheartening, lecturers in the ivory towers today fail to inculcate moral values in their students.

Instead, they contribute immensely to the moral decadence in our society. What shall it profit a lecturer who threatens to fail a female student for preventing him from having carnal knowledge of her? Most of these lecturers have their own daughters. What moral value will they instill in their daughters?

Are you a political leader, a religious leader, a lecturer, a teacher, a preacher? How long shall you continue to disappoint your followers?

Many people are using the library of your life for research to bring about innovation in their own lives; and also

using it as a tool to shape their own lives. How long shall you keep causing psychological trauma for those looking up to you for good morals?

The time to make amendment is now. Erase poisonous chapters from your book. Always remember that you may be the only holy creed some people will ever read. Shola Owonibi’s poem continues, reminding us that we live in a global village that is suffering from cultural spillage.

He asks: “What parts of the culture do you, in appearance, nurture?” The simple answer to this question is that, sharpening yourself internally is sharpening the society, which means you must correct some bad graphics in the book of your life.

Those who are doing well should continue; those who are contributing tremendously to the moral decadence in our society should also endeavour not to stop. A Yoruba adage says: “It is the calabash that will point where to put the rope on it.”

Each individual will write the con-

By Richard Adura-Ilesanmi tents of his or her book, either the contents that will help other in turning a new leaf or the ones that poison. Remember, posterity will judge everything we do while we live.

Richard, 300-Level Mass Comm., AAUA

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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CAMPUS LIFE Graduating students celebrates From Modestus Diko OOU

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RADUATING students of Sociology at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, have held their final year week. The event featured a seminar, cultural day, back-toschool programme, signing out ceremony and the dinner and award night.

Some of the students who were honoured at the award included the president of the department, Ayobami Ogundimu, Segun Ifade, Adedunni Adekoya, Tawakalitu Gbadamosi and Toyosi Idowu, among others.

Ayobami, said: “I give thanks to God who has been there for us all these while. I have no doubt in mind that our years on campus are worth the candle and I can say boldly on behalf of my colleagues that we are thoroughly trained to make contribution to the progess of humanity.”

•The students dancing round the campus during the cultural day

Anambra varsity swears in union leader

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ANAGEMENT of the Anambra State University (ANSU) in Uli, has sworn in Ifenna Onyenweze, a 300-Level Biochemistry student, as president of the institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG).

The event took place at the varsity’s Senate Chamber.

The inauguration was delayed due to a petition filed by one of the candidates that vied for the post, Aspire Ugochukwu, a 400-Level Chemical Engineering student, who challenged Ifenna’s victory.

From Victor Oguaju ANSU The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Fidelis Okafor, urged the union leaders to be selfless and handle their various offices with responsibility.

Ifenna promised to pursue transformation programmes, saying he had already ordered reduction of transport fare from Uli campus to Onitsha.

Students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, expressed joy, urging their leaders to work in students’ interest.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600 •Ifenna (right) taking the oath

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Students donate to orphanage

O cater for the less privileged in the society, a students’ association, Club Luminous of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has donated food stuff and useful materials, including mattress, a standing fan, clothes, stationaries, rechargeable lanterns and wardrobe totalling N150, 000.

The donation was made to Covenant Orphanage and Welfare Center, Moro in Ife North Local Government Area of the State.

The organisers said they were moved by the poor plight of the orphans and the environment in

•Members of club with the kids

From Sikiru Akinola OAU which they lived.

Making the donation on behalf of the members, the President, Ayoola Oladipupo Christopher, 400-Level International Relations, said the need to help the needy made the club to render the gesture.

He lamented the neglect of orphans in Nigeria, noting that the less privileged required a certain level of attention.

“As a philanthropic club, we deemed it fit to help the orphans

by giving to them what they need,” he added.

The Vice-president, Ishola Halimat, said the club was a social and philanthropic one, adding that Club luminous was passionate about making positive impact on the society.

She said the club had planned to expand to other universities across the country to make meaning impact on lives.

One of the founding members of the club, Bello Caleb, 400-Level Political Science, said the club has embarked on many charity projects since inception.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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CAMPUS LIFE

UNILORIN benefits from Carnegie grant

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WO departments at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) will be providing training for students to effectively fill roles in Nigeria’s movie industry. The initiative would be sponsored by Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship programme, Prof Anthonia Kalu, a Carnegie fellow from Ohio State University, Colombus, USA, said under the programme, students of the Departments of English and Performing Arts would be trained as writers and artistes.

Speaking at the UNILORIN’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali’s office, Prof Kalu said her job would entail initiating and leading activities in several formats, such as the formation of reading groups that would examine and discuss works on prevailing theories and applications in African literature and the performing arts.

“Nigeria’s growing dominance in the performance arts through Nollywood suggests that the University of Ilorin should begin to participate more fully and consistently in the training of writers and artists, who will participate in strengthening cross-cultural discussions that will enable and support national development,” she said.

Prof. Kalu added that she would also be leading workshops on criti-

By Mojisola Clement

cal writing, faculty and student mentoring, and on how to establish and maintain viable research programmes. She explained that all activities would focus on Nigerian literature, performing arts, and its practice in the region.

The Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship programme, she said, is aimed, among other things, at reversing brain drain. “It is a chance to bring Africa back to its feet,”she said.

Prof. Ambali in his remarks expressed joy to see the fruit of his internationalisation drive. He congratulated the two departments for winning the grant and assured Prof Kalu that the University would provide all necessary support to ensure the success of the programme.

While introducing the Carnegie Fellow, the Director, Centre for International Education (CIE), Prof.

Olugbenga Mokuolu, informed the Vice-Chancellor that she had visited the University to facilitate curriculum development and the establishment of the Department of Anthropology and Cultural Study.

Meanwhile, students of the university that underwent an internship programme at the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) came out tops and have been offered permanent employment at the firm.

•Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, Managing Editor, Online, The Nation, and his wife, Ronke with their son, Damilola at the University of Lagos convocation.

Institute prepares for rationalisation

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ITH rationalisation of parastatals of the Federal Government inevitable, the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) is putting its house in order not to be caught napping by the time funding stops in January 2015.

The professional body, which regulates the practice of science laboratory technology and serves as a research institute, is one of the federal government parastatals that would become autonomous by the end of the year.

The institute's management and governing council has met to initiate a four-year strategic plan.

The Registrar/Director-General, Dr Ighodalo Ijagbone, said the institute had taken steps before the government announced the rationalisation by setting up a committee supervised by the Department of Planning Research and Development (DPRD) on September 26, 2011 to develop a position paper for the institute.

He praised the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, for establishing the regulatory body. The Director-General said there was great wisdom in doing so because the laboratory is the link between science and technology.

"Without a functional laboratory there cannot be any product from science and technology," he said.

While launching the Ibadan arm of the Institute at the University of Ibadan Campus in 1972, Ijagbone said Obasanjo, who was the Nigerian Army Inspector of Engineers,

•Ijagbone

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

underscored the importance of technological independence if Nigeria was to make economic progress.

"As time goes on if we want to be truly economically strong we will have to be more on our own in scientific and technological development," Ijagbone quoted Obasanjo as saying in the Daily Times newspaper of May 10, 1972 that published the story.

The Director-General said Chief Obasanjo would be remembered for his role in signing into law the Act of Parliament in 2003, which fully established the institute.

Chairman of the occasion and pioneer vice chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof Nurudeen Olurun-Nimbe Adedipe, did justice to the theme: Roadmap 2014-2018 and Capacity Development: Where were we, where we are and where we are going?"

He said the Plan will consider important issues such as quality assurance, security and assess how well the institute has performed in the mandate espoused by the Law establishing it.

Adedipe, who is the Chief Consultant for the Strategic Plan, said the newly-inaugurated NISLT Council has the onerous task of not only ensuring the institute's survival, but to midwife its transformation into a centre of excellence.

He praised Ijagbone and the NISLT management for their bold steps in self-appraisal and reaching out for external professional inputs in their quest for sustainable development.

The President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Adamu Babayo Samaila also praised Ijagbone for initiating the retreat.

"Throughout the day, we have had a very enriching and insightful debate on where we want NISLT to be in the next five years under the theme "Roadmap 2014 - 2018 And Capacity Development, which was carefully chosen to emphasise the critical role of Science Laboratory Technology as the link between scientific and technological development in Nigeria," he said.

• Miss Oluwatosin Aiyeleso (second right) with her mother, Mrs Adenike Aiyeleso (left), brother, Andrew and sister, Eniola Aiyeleso during her convocation at University of Lagos.

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FUTA, don to collaborate on Mathematics

NIGERIAN Professor of Mathematics at the City University of New York, United States of America, Dr. Nkechi Agu has advocated the teaching of Mathematics using cultural tools.

Dr Agu, who spoke when she visited the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), lamented the scarcity of Mathematicians of African origin.

She said she would collaborate with the university through its Centre for Gender Issues in Science and Technology (CEGIST) to stimulate interest in the subject.

Dr. Agu said: "I am here on a collaborative project with FUTA. It is a project that will have far reaching benefits for FUTA and Nigeria. This project aims at addressing the absence of black African in Mathematics Literature. It has been observed that our students lack what it takes to understand Mathematics as a subject.

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Whereas, there are culturally based tools that can be deployed to teach the subject to the students, they suffer in silence.

"It will also address gender inequity in Mathematics in Africa by bringing women to the forefront in the field. Today, we can count only a few women who are Doctors and Professors in the field and this is not good enough. Even the local woman with petty trading can do better with a basic knowledge of Mathematics."

FUTA’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Adedayo Fasakin who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adebiyi Daramola praised Dr. Agu's innovative approach to mathematics and promised FUTA's readiness to collaborate with her.

Dean, School of Sciences, Professor (Mrs.) Ibiyinka Fuwape in her address said: "This novel project has some far reaching goals that will benefit FUTA, Nigeria and Africa. So we are keenly interested in it as a school."

Bayelsa gets college of agriculture From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

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AYELSA State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a bill establishing a college of agricultural technology.

The bill was passed after it was read for the third time on the floor of the house with the lawmakers saying it was designed to explore the economic potential of agriculture in the state.

Speaker of the House, Mr. Konbowei Benson, thanked the lawmakers for painstakingly considering every clause of the bill during the debates.

Benson stressed the importance of developing the agricultural sector.

"Agriculture plays a critical role in the entire life of a given economy," he said.

He said the sector has many employment opportunities following its chain of production, processing, promotion and distribution of agricultural products.

Rhodes scholarship returns to Nigeria

IGERIA will, once again, be among beneficiaries of the Rhodes scholarship after a 21-year break.

The scholarship will see two bright students receive full funding (£40,000 - £50,000) annually to study at the prestigious Oxford University, United Kingdom.

Mr. Charles Conn, Chief Executive Officer of The Rhodes Trust and Warden of Rhodes House in Oxford, announced the re-introduction of the scheme during the 3rd Business Forum of the Oxbridge (Oxford & Cambridge) Club of Nigeria at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja.

Conn explained that the scholarship covers all fees, allowances for accommodation, health insurance and travel, as well as the costs of the Rhodes programme.

By Sampson Unamka

"Depending on the course of study, the total value of the scholarship could range from £40,000 to £50,000 per annum, with the average tenure for a Rhodes Scholar being 2 to 8 years and 3 to 4 years for PhD courses. Over time, up to four scholars in residence will be supported under each scholarship at a total of approximately £200,000 each year per Scholarship, which is sustained by a 4 per cent take rate on the endowment funds," he said.

Ike Chioke, Managing Director, Afrinvest and a Rhodes Scholar, is driving the campaign with the Rhodes Trust to reinstate the Nigerian award which led to Conn's visit to Nigeria.

"The Rhodes Scholarship is indeed,

a great opportunity for young Nigerian scholars to fulfill their dreams. As a beneficiary of the scheme, I am passionate about helping young people develop to their full potential through quality education and training," he said.

Nigeria was dropped from the scholarship in 1993 on account of political interference. To reinstate the Nigerian awards, the Rhodes Trust is seeking to partner with contemporary Nigerian philanthropists, who share the desire to help identify and develop young leaders for Nigeria's and indeed, the world's future.

The Trust seeks to fully endow two Rhodes Scholarships for Nigeria to ensure that they exist in perpetuity, which requires £9m in funding or £4.5m for each one.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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CAMPUS LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS

ADOPOLY FILE

‘HCD, my greatest achievement’ THE Provost of the Adeyemi College of Education, (ACE) Ondo, Prof Adeyemi Ibukunoluwa Idowu, has said human capacity development is his greatest achievement in his eight years as provost.

The Provosts whose tenure ends next week disclosed this during a valedictory banquet held in his honour by members of the college Editorial Board of Journal of Teacher Education.

According to him, the numbers of academic staff with PhD had improved tremendously and the college is still counting, adding that more non teaching staff has also joined the fray.

Speaking on the college journal where he is the Editor-in-Chief, Prof Idowu noted that he personally selected members of the board whom in concert have efficiently produced the highest number in the ACE history. He expressed his gratitude to all members of the board for ensuring that the journal was efficiently and profitably managed.

Maths teacher for ICT THE School of Science, has organised a training workshop, for 50 mathematics teachers, from Ondo East and West local government areas of the state.

The programme, sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), had participants drawn from various public and privately-owned secondary schools in the two council areas.

In his welcome address the College Librarian, Dr. Rotimi Egunjobi described the workshop, as timely and very important.

According to Egunjobi, who represented the Provost, the fact that ICT has contributed meaningfully to the nation’s socio-economic development, it has also helped in enhancing knowledge acquisition. Teachers, as members of the global community, should avail themselves of the vast opportunity derivable from it, so as to improve, their efficiency, in service delivery, Egunjobi added.

APPROACHING DEADLINES QUT School of Accountancy Accelerate Scholarship in Australia, 2014 Continued from last edition The role of accounting in the Queensland coal seam gas (CSG) political debate.

Scholarship Open for International Students: International and domestic students can apply for this Accountancy scholarship.

Scholarship Description: QUT reserves the right to terminate the

scholarship after 6 months should a recipient's progress be deemed unsatisfactory and/or the recipient fails to maintain an appropriate grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 in all required coursework units. The scholarship will provide: Applicant's receive: $18,610 per year and If you're an international student, you'll receive: a QUT fee waiver. International and domestic students can apply for this scholarship.

Number of award(s): Not Known Duration of award(s): The duration of the scholarship will not be longer than the period required completing

the relevant course of study. As this award is for Master of Business (Research), the term of the scholarship will be for 18 months, full time (48 credit points per semester). No extensions of the scholarship will be granted.

What does it cover? Applicants will receive $18,610 per year and If they are an international student, they will receive a QUT fee waiver.

Selection Criteria: The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of merit.

Notification: Not Known

The Provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Prof. Olu Akeusola, in this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, explains why the late Sir Micheal Otedola would remain a part of the college history forever. He also spoke about other sundry issues in education.

What Michael Otedola meant to MOCPED –Provost

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HAT impact did Michael Otedola have on your institution?

The impact of the late Michael Otedola cannot be quantified.

Around 1992, the Federal Government promulgated a law abrogating Grade 2 teachers from the educationl system. The policy pegged minimum qualification in any school in Nigeria from the National Certificate of Education (NCE). Part of that law stated there must be specialised NCE for primary education. By then Otedola was the governor of Lagos State.

Despite the fact that the Federal Government was unable to take the bull by the horns, in establishing specialise colleges of primary education, Otedula took it upon himself to establish first ever college of primary education in Lagos State.

It was established in Epe, in 1992 but materialised in 1994.

Although, he had a short tenure as governor of Lagos State, but that was his achievement. So, he succeeded in making Lagos State the first among equals to establish college of primary education in Nigeria, ahead of the federal government. In 2004, when the college marked its 10th anniversary, the Lagos State

government under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu honoured him by changing the name of the college from Lagos State College of Primary Education to Michael Otedola College of Primary Education. The man was benevolent throughout his life time to the college.

To what extent has the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education met the idea behind its establishment?

The curriculum of primary education certificates makes the NCE certificate holders to teach in primary and junior secondary schools. But Michael Otedola College of Primary Education happens to be a specialised one. We concentrate more on the training of primary education. We are still the best college in terms of primary education in Nigeria, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) is aware of our position. We have been leading others as far as primary education teachers are concerned.

The strike by colleges of education and polytechnics has lingered on for long, why?

When members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) went on strike, everybody was ready to listen to their complaints. They

were running from pillar to post, to satisfy the university lecturers. They told the polytechnics and colleges of education lecturers to keep doing their work, that when they resolve with ASUU; they will use the same parameter for them. They are all tertiary education which covers universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. But immediately they settled ASUU and it resumed, they forgot polytechnics and colleges of education. The people now say: 'Oh because we did not go on strike' and then they now decide to go on strike. They now wanted to blackmail them just like they did with ASUU which do not work. Not until they are able to do whatever that is expected of them the problem will still continue.

Quality of education in Nigeria has fallen, how can this be changed?

There is difference between quality and standard. If you are telling me about the quality, I would say that the problem we have is misplacement of priority. We are unable to interpret the curriculum effectively well to the betterment of

• AAUA DVC, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi (arrowed), in a group photograph with Guest Speakers; Top Officers and student leaders of the University at the two-day retreat organized by the University for the student body at the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, NIEPA, Ondo… on Thursday last week. Photo: IPPRU.

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•Akeusola

our needs and the environment.

During our own time, when we were in primary schools or secondary schools, we never had access to computer. There was no GSM; there was no facebook or some of the facilities we now enjoy. Let me even take you to my own case, I was the first to do Comparative Grammar at PhD level, which was some years back. Now, what I did at PhD level is now discussed at first degree level.

Yet, you are telling me that the quality of education is falling. It is not!. What has happened is that we are loading present day children with unnecessary materials, with what they will not need.

VC task varsity administrators on innovation

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HE Education Advancement Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State, has developed a way of turning unwanted plastic waste into environmental-friendly Automative Gas Oil (AGO) otherwise called diesel fuel.

Director of the centre, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose disclosed this during the sent forth of May/June 2014 graduating students, held at Awolowo Avenue, Bodija, Ibadan Oyo State capital.

"Our centre is not all about

How to Apply: Step 1. Apply for the Master of Business (Research) (Accountancy): In the 'Scholarship' section of your application, nominate your intention to apply for the School of Accountancy's Accelerate Scholarship. Applying for research degrees Step 2. Apply for the scholarship: Complete and submit the School of Accountancy Accelerate Scholarship application form.

Scholarship Application Deadline: The application deadline is 20th June 2014.

HE Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Prof Abdulmumini Rafindadi, has highlighted the significance of good administrators in the university system.

Extolling their role in the system, Rafindadi described them as the backbone for the survival of university education.

Rafindadi, who made the submission in an address delivered at the inauguration of the local chapter of Association of Nigerian University Administrators, at Adankolo, Kogi State, called for their commitment, and urged them to always spare a thought for human capacity building and innovativeness.

His words: "Just as the teaching staff constantly update themselves and search for excellence, so the professional administrators in the university should seek, through training and re-training to keep up with the global best practices.

Therefore, with the inauguration of

From James Azania, Lokoja

the ANUPA, Federal University Lokoja branch, it is my utmost belief that our administrators in this university are moving in the right direction.

"The roles of professional administrators in universities cannot be overlooked. Their duties are essentially for the smooth running and development of the institution.

"For the university administrators to continue to excel and be relevant in years ahead, there is need for concerted effort of all stakeholders to, as a matter of importance, deliberately begin innovation in their service delivery in such a manner that their relative relevance becomes sine qua non for the survival of the system. This can only be attained through a deliberate plan."

National President, ANUPA Mr. Samuel Mwansat, praised Rafindadi for his commitment towards establishment of ANUPA at FUL.

Edu entre convert waste plastic to diesel fuel From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

teaching, its about building knowledge, we solve problems by thinking and we pass across knowledge to our students," Bambgose said.

Bamgbose explained that the idea was borne out of the high price of diesel currently in the market,

stressing:"we look at the way we can generate our own diesel, because we spend about N500,000 a month to power the centre's generator" On the process they used, he explained:"We take the plastic waste, wash and clean them and put them inside the polymeriser engine and it will go through several process to get diesel.”

"He said the vision of the institute was to generate energy from waste products, adding that the centre is seizing the opportunity by pursuing economically viable solutions to meet the growing need for sustainable energy sources.

"It's not too difficult to get fuel out of the waste product but what we ensured was that the fuel we got

doesn't contain harmful materials to the engine. We arrived at technology which has several steps to follow sequentially to give fuel that is better than the normal diesel because undesirable elements are minimised and the energy content is maximised. It's not just plastic that we are using, we are also using waste tyres," Bamgbose added.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

47

EDUCATION

Insurgency: Ondo CP seeks pact with school owners

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N a bid to secure primary and secondary schools in Ondo State, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Isaac Eke has called on the proprietors of schools to cooperate with the police command.

The commissioner gave the advice at the stakeholders’ meeting with proprietors of schools and other security agencies, in Akure, the state capital.

Eke, who noted that the issue of security should not be left with the security agencies alone, said the

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From Damisi Ojo, Akure

directive to hold the meeting came from the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, adding that it was one of the efforts at tackling the security challenges facing the country in the recent times.

The police boss urged the proprietors to erect high fence around their schools premises in order not to give room for intruders to perpetrate criminal act, especially kidnapping of the pupils.

He said: “I urge all school proprietors to instruct their security guards not to allow anybody to enter their premises to take away any child without any concrete identification.

"The school authorities should not allow any student to roam about the streets during the school hours because there is tendency for students that are not in schools while others are in schools to join bad gangs. We have to be very vigilant on our wards.”

He added: “There is a need for

He said school proprietors will be meeting with the Divisional Police Officers (DPO) of their areas on the issue of security while the police patrol team will visit the schools on regular basis. According to him, this will go a long way in checking the security challenges.

He appealed to them to always feed the police with useful information that could lead to the arrest of criminals in their environment, saying security matters should not be left with police alone.

School introduces ‘LearnPad’ computer

school in Lagos, St. Saviours, Ebute Metta, has introduced an e-learning computer tablet called: 'LearnPad'.

The device, the school said, will make classroom exercises more effective, result-oriented, aid learning and ease teaching.

It will also offer a whole new experience for pupils who until now, were used to conventional learning techniques.

Wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, said technology is already revolutionising teaching and learning in the state.

She, however, assured that the state would buy into the school's model.

"I think it (Learnpad) should be replicated in our schools. The state would look inwards during the next budget to make provision for similar project to be replicated in public primary schools," she said.

Mrs Fashola, who described the technology as "a wonderful innovation" worthy of

commendation, added that the government has always been supportive of laudable technological initiatives to enhance learning.

She said the state has a robust plan for incorporating Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to be incorporated in all schools in the state.

"We have about 200 schools that are ICT-compliant and we are developing them in phases. Each term, more schools are added. It is an ongoing process and cannot be done in a day," she added.

Chairman, Board of Management of the school, Mr. Tom Ogboi, said the introduction of the learning aid is in line with the vision of the founding fathers towards maintaining high standards for which the school is known, stressing that the school's the academic records are "unbeatable".

According to him, what makes the technology unique is the inventors, who are educationists, have an understanding of what pupils and classroom requirements are before coming up with their design.

Ogboi said: "Most ICT devices

• One of the teachers, Mrs Okafor with some kids using the LearnPad.

developed by scientists do not have classroom environment requirement.

"The tablet computer is a touchsensitive technology that provides a safe and simple way to access a vast range of e-learning content, including applications, websites and flash-based activities, as well

Don seeks establishment of Mathematics lab in schools

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parents and teachers to be checking the bags of these young children regularly. On our part, we have been trying our best in this Command to ensure that cultism among the pupils of primary and secondary schools are checkmated to the barest minimum.”

On the issue of social media, the commissioner also cautioned parents not to be buying phones that may expose their children to negative content of the internet so as not to corrupt them.

Mathematics expert, Dr. Kehinde Adenegan has stressed the need for schools to establish mathematics laboratory to promote classroom experiences that will last in the memory of the students.

Adenegan, who is a lecturer at Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) in Ondo West local government area of Ondo State, made this known while delivering a lecture at this year’s Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) workshop, held in Akure, the state capital.

The workshop themed: 'Popularising the mathematical science through Mass Media Reportage', Adenegan urged the media to increase

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

its collaboration with the education industry to popularise mathematical science.

He lamented that the public does not appreciate assets of mathematics, seeking the need to arouse the public interest further on it.

He urged the government to fund education to the required UNESCO budgetary allocation and give science and mathematics their rightful place in the funding.

Adenegan said: "Online media reportage should be seriously encouraged as the global trend is now focused on paperless media.

Teachers can also popularise mathematical sciences through social media-tweeter, facebook, whatsapp among others.

"The human and social side of mathematics is a powerful tool for creating public interest and awareness. Through population, we can elucidate main ideas of modern mathematics and science, explain what applications they have.

Through carefully crafted popularisation activities, we can address issues concerning attitudes and belief surrounding mathematics and its use in the society".

He, however, urged mathematics teachers to upgrade themselves with the modern ways of teaching the subject for their students to be able to adapt to.

• Reverend Beatrice Omolayo Egunleti, initiator of Project Care, a Christian missionary group of Bible Baptist Church, Egbeda, presenting school sandals to Primary I to III pupils of Ebenezer Primary School and Egbeda Primary School in Lagos State.

The exercise is tagged ‘Lend a hand for the less-privileged’.

as videos, music, e-books, documents and other digital curriculum content, even as it is internet enabled."

The school’s headteacher Mrs. Alisa Griffiths, said the technology comes with many benefits such as access to elaborate or worldwide teaching resources, language

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DUMARK last week, held its 6th Total Support Seminar Exhibition (TOSSE), which was witnessed by stakeholders in the educational sector.

The event is aimed at providing participants and exhibitors with an excellent opportunity to network and establish a mutually rewarding business relationship. It was meant to provide a platform for better standard of education in Nigeria.

The Lagos State former Commissioner for Education Dr. Leke Pitan said the exhibition would alert an average stakeholder on tools needed for a standard or quality level of education.

"In education, just as you have the solid infrastructure, you also have the software part of it - that is the human resource capacity building.

What this does is to alert the average stakeholder, whether you are a school proprietor, which means you can be a private business person or even government in terms of ministry's of education; or you are a teacher or a parent in terms of what you need for a standard or quality level of education" Pitan said.

He added: "Having given you the opportunity, what do you need to scale up and most important of all, where can you get it? That's what total school support exhibition and seminar is all about. That means the seminar is teaching you what you need, beyond the four walls of the classroom, what the tools are, and the modes, and where can you get them from."

Asked why products sold at the event were being imported? He said: "In this country we tend to see private competitors as our contenders who make money.

While we in government are the one who are just there to serve.

Therefore, ones effort like this are encouraged by the government.

laboratory, continuous updates in latest teaching and learning materials, e-library capability, link with interactive white boards in the classrooms, complete teacher classroom control and pupils monitoring and total inaccessibility to unauthorised sites, among others.

Edumark holds 6th Exhibition

By Sampson Unamka and Mojisola Clement

You will see that nothing will stop those same private sectors from bringing in capacity to start manufacturing all those things they manufactured here.”

Government, Pitan said, would be proud to support the exhibitors, in addition to providing more opportunities for employment in the country.

"As we have been told that education has been the highest provider of employment even more than industries; that tells you that if such potentials are tapped by the way of government encouraging those who are presently making efforts in the private sector, such as Edumark is doing, more of such will come in and the rest you can as well imagine," Pitan said.

In her appraisal, TOSSE initiator Mrs Yinka Ogunde, said Nigeria's education is progressing.

She said: "With what technology is doing now, reasonable schools will know that they can't afford to be left behind."

The exhibition, she stressed, has grown. "I think it (exhibition) has grown. The number of visitors has equally grown; so I think the education sector is becoming more aware of the benefit of TOSSE that it has grown tremendously. I don't think there's any programme that gathers this huge number of school owners together all under a place, so it has become very beneficial to exhibitors,” she said.

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EDUCATION

LBS woos young scholars

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OME of the nation's brightest minds will hone their research skills and gain firsthand exposure to academic life at the forthcoming Lagos Business School (LBS) Young Talents Programme.

The one-day programmes scheduled for August 1, is aimed at building a relationship with students and young graduates. It will also offer successful candidates research scholarship opportunities and build a network of future LBS faculty.

The LBS Young Talents Programme is open to second-year

undergraduates and above, including M.Sc holders and corps members (not older than 30) with firstclass or second-class-upper honours degrees.

They will be exposed to the LBS culture, history and inspiration.

They will also learn about career channels in management, research and teaching, including the day-today activities of faculty, researchers and administrative staff.

“The programme will bring talented people in contact with a world-class institution where they will learn what it takes to begin an academic career," explained Dr

‘It is also an institutionalised way of getting good talent who can become faculty or administrative staff now and in the future’

Uchenna Uzo, faculty lead on the programme.

"It is also an institutionalised way of getting good talent who can become faculty or administrative staff now and in the future," he said.

As with other LBS activities, the relationship with participants will be maintained after the event so the benefits they derive will be sustained.

Dr Franca Ovadje, member of the faculty team, said Young Talents Programme could not have come at a better time.

"LBS strives to be a world-class business school with a significant impact on the African environment. The Young Talents Programme (YTP) aims to develop strong academics who will transform society through their knowledge and research. YTP will prepare participants for an academic career in business management,” she said.

• Mr Suleiman (left) and the Executive Director, Caleb International Schools, Dr Dolapo Ogunbamwo (right), with the Maths queens (from left) Temilade, Esther and Ebiakpo at the event.

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Maths queen wins N.5m from bank

HIS summer, 10-year old Temilade Ogunsanwo will be spending her holidays outside the country. It is a gift from her parents for winning the Sterling Bank Mathematics Competition organised for primary school pupils in Lagos and beyond.

The gesture, they said, has nothing to do with the N500,000 she got from the bank for winning the competition.

Temilade, a Grade 6 pupil of Tomobid School, Agidingbi in Ikeja, was one of the seven pupils that scored 49 out of 50 marks in the multiple choice examination written by over 1,000 pupils recently.

(None among the top 50 scored less than 47).

When seven of them, later took a second examination, which was in theory, to determine the best three pupils, Temilade scored 96 per cent.

She was followed by Esther Opemiposi Ojo of Olumowayo Nursery/Primary School who

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By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

scored 84 per cent, while Ebiakpo Abeokuta scored 81 per cent.

Their performance impressed the organisers of the examination, Sterling Bank, who praised the pupils for their brilliance.

At a prize giving ceremony held at Caleb International College, Magodo, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, Executive Director (Finance and Strategy), said the response to the competition has encouraged the bank to make it an annual one.

"This competition was the initiative of Caleb but as their banker, we immediately decided to support it fully. We intend to take it to the national stage and make it an annual event.

"We ended up with more than 1,000 entries from various parts of the country. The first seven call 49/ 50. There was a second round of testing and the performance was still very high," he said.

The top 51 pupils in the competition were rewarded with N50,000 each, while the top seven were specially recognised and presented with special prizes at the event.

Second placed Esther got a cheque of N300,000, while Ebiakpo got N200,000.

Esther's teacher, Ayemomisan Olusola, was happy about the credibility of the competition, which he said placed all participants on equal pedestal to compete. He was glad that his school, located in the suburbs, could perform so well.

"The competition has been wonderful. I feel elated that she did so well. Our products are groomed to be the best," he said.

Temilade's father, Mr Wale Ogunsanwo, a Deputy Registrar at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), said he was not surprised she won.

“She has a track record of coming first,” he said.

IBBU to start PG programmes September

OST Graduate programmes will commence at the Niger State-owned Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) Lapai in 2014/2015 academic session, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Ibrahim Kolo, has said.

Kolo said this at the first convocation of the university where 1,732 students graduated - eight of them with first class honours.

He said the university was prepared for the visit and the inspection of facilities by the Resource inspection team of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

Kolo said the post graduate courses at masters and doctoral levels would be offered in Counselling Psychology, English, Adult Education, Biochemistry, Geography and Political Science including post Graduate Diploma in Maritime Studies.

"For this purpose, the Post-Graduate School board has been put in place. By the grace of God, we expect to start our Post-Graduate Programmes by the coming 2014/ 2015 academic session in September this year," he said.

Giving a breakdown of results, the

Vice Chancellor said 324 students graduated with second class upper while 902 graduated with second class lower. He added that 472 others made Third Class while 22 students got pass degree.

Speaking of the university's growth, Kolo said from having only four professors and 28 lecturers at inception in 2006, the university now has 20 professors, 20 associate professors, 42 senior lecturers and 140 lecturers in its employ.

He added that the university has 680 technical and support staff facilitating quality of teaching and learning at the institution.

EDUTALK

with

Privilege by birth

T

HE girls wore printed gowns, and skirts and

blouses of all shades and colours, some of which matched with their rubber slippers. One or two were pregnant; another one or two had babies. There was no illusion about their humble backgrounds - after all they live in Makoko - that part of Yaba known for ungainly environment and stilted houses suspended over the Lagos lagoon.

Kofoworola

Belo-Osagie Kofosagie@yahoo.com 08054503077 (SMS only)

Some of them had dropped out of school; others hardly attended.

With no education, limited financial support from their parents, and no huge funds in the bank, they are vulnerable. That is why the vocational training offered by an NGO with the support of the Lagos State government means a great deal to them and their families.

As I sat watching them, I tried to imagine them in a different setting - as children born into privileged homes. I took particular interest in one tall lanky girl, who had the Koroba hairstyle on. If she had a banker mother and a geoscientist father working in an oil firm, she would have been enrolled in one of the exclusive private schools in Lagos. She would have been chauffeured to and from school, gotten shopping sprees as birthday gifts, or even spent her holidays abroad. She would not have to paddle canoes between stilted huts or lived with the awful smell that pervades her community because the lagoon serves as dump for poo, pee and other waste.

The scenario took my mind back to another environment, the Greensprings School, Lekki, where pupils are taught in a very comfortable environment. While touring the facility, we visited the hostels reserved for International Baccalaureate students. Each of the rooms, designed to house one or two people, had an adjoining toilet and bathroom. It was accommodation that would cost at least N6,000 per night in some states across the country. Pupils that attend this school are definitely born to parents who can pay the six-figure fees each term. The school boasts of excellent sports facilities - swimming pools, multipurpose courts for basketball, volleyball and handball, a football pitch, among others.

However, I remember clearly that the Deputy Head of School, Ms Dolapo Fatoki, mentioned that the pupils are always reminded that they are privileged to have the kind of lives they live - one full of comfort and luxury. Juxtaposed next to their peers in Makoko, their lives are indeed one that came, not because they deserve it but because of privilege.

Like the bible says in Ecclesiastes that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, riches to the men of understanding, and favour to the men of skill, those forced to live in Makoko are not there because they are lazy or lack the desire to enjoy the good things of life. But as the holy book explains, 'time and chance' happens to them all.

It is of great importance that parents who can afford the good things of life remember this and pass on the lesson to their wards.

They should teach them not to look down on the less privileged but learn to share from their abundance with those that have little to live on.

From my Inbox Re: Chibok on world stage (published June 12, 2014) Belo-Osagie, in fact I admire your article titled: Chibok on world stage in The Nation of June 12. It is interesting and I wish you to keep it up.

May God bless Nigeria because it is the only country of our origin.

Form 08056772---.

There is an adage in my language which says, "If the fire burning the house of the one-eyed man is not extinguished on time, it will extend to the house of the two-eyed man.' If some prominent Nigerians fail to contribute their quota to to the resuce of the over 200 abducted girls of the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) in Chibok and devise means to end terrorism because their daughters are not among, they should not sleep with their two eyes closed because Boko Haram may do worse than it did in Chibok. The earlier they act, the better for 'One United Nigeria.' Albert Simeon, Seme Border.

Dear Kofo, do you see the Boko Haram insurgency as a natural phenomenon or an ill omen? The content of your piece has nothing to do with Chibok being on world stage. Stones will soon be aimed at our socalled leaders. Williams.

Dear Ma, Please consider writing about: Relationship of Higher institution courses to demands of the Nigerian economy, currently and projected.

Almost all our higher institutions have departments of business administration, banking and finance, international relations, etc, with astronomical carrying capacities.

Where are the job prospects for graduates of these disciplines? How relevant are the planning departments of NUC and others in the projection for our manpower requirements?

What are the parameters for a introduction of a new course of study in an existing institutions? What are the approval requirements of courses in a new institution? Regards, Femi Fadairo.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

NATURAL HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Training TBAs is key to MDGs 4, 5 attainment T HE training and retraining of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) have been identified as a way to ensure the country attain the Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5, which are reducing child (under five) mortality and improving maternal health.

According to the Chairman, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB), Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, it is only with this that Nigeria can reduce maternal and infant deaths.

Omoseyindemi spoke during the presentation of certificate to 500 TBAs at the state’s Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja. That number brings to 2,350 the total number of skilled TBAs. The 500 TBAs were drawn from the five Senatorial divisions of the state and presented with Certificate of practice, after fulfilling all the requirements stipulated by the Board.

Dr Omoseyindemi said of the TBAs, “these are trained TBAs who have acquired good skill and will help meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5, which is reducing child (under five) mortality and improving mater-

By Wale Adepoju

nal health.”

He said most births still take place in the homes in most developing countries, hence the need for safe motherhood and family planning programmes which should be aimed at promoting health and preventing illnesses for the mother, unborn baby, newborn and the subsequent children.

Omoseyindemi said the board is working with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) by utilizing the services of Community Health Officers (CHOs) to assist in coordinating the activities of traditional medicine practitioners (TMP) in the state through monitoring and inspection of their activities and practices since CHOs spend most of their time in the communities.

The traditional medicine chief said TBAs capacities were built through the Health Service Commission (HSC) for better delivery at Gbahada General Hospital, Ikorodu General Hospital and Orile-Agege General Hospital.

Others are Isolo General Hospital, Alimosho General Hospital,

‘Pay attention to your health’, says Fashola

N

IGERIANS have been urged to pay more attention to their health and promptly obtain treatment, when required. This call was made by the wife of the Governor of Lagos, Mrs Abimbola Fashola during her visit to the Martlife Detox Clinic, Maryland, Lagos. It was part of her visitation to the Mart Group of Health services.

She was received by the Group Chief Medical Director (CMD) Prof Oladapo A Ashiru, his wife, the Managing Director, Martlife Detox Clinic, Mrs. Idowu Ashiru, medics and other staff members of the clinic.

Mrs Fashola had a tour of the detox facilities such as the Asyra testing, the colon irrigation, massage rooms, the sea oxygenation, hypoxicator , foot detox, the Physiotherm cabin, the VIP suites, Gym, swimming pool and other areas. The Martlife detox clinic opened two years ago makes use of the modern Mayr medicine which started about 100 years ago by an Austrian physician to promote health, reduce illness, enhance physiological balance, aids fertility and prevent premature aging and death, through individualised diagnosis, detoxification and general system cleansing.

Mrs Fashola said she was highly impressed at the end of the tour of the facilities and enjoined Nigerians to make use of such centres in order to ensure a state of good health and wellbeing. She commended the proprietors for going to great length to put such a highly equipped health and anti-stress organisation for preventive and curative care.

Explaining the mode operandi of the clinic, Mrs Ashiru said, “Our program provides each participant with individual diag-

Onika Health Centre, Badagry General Hospital, Ajegunle General Hospital, Epe General Hospital and Akodo General Hospital, Ibeju Lekki.

He said the 500 TBAs from the five Senatorial divisions of the state have completed a training programme on Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMCT) of HIV/ AIDS, organised by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA).

He said the efforts of the state on maternal and child’s death reduction is in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Health Assembly (WHA), which recognizes traditional medicine as one of the resources of Primary Health Care (PHC) services that could contribute to improve health outcomes, especially the MDGs. “The most recent resolution by the WHA in May urged countries to integrate traditional medicine into their health care delivery system. This attests to the visionary leadership of state health care delivery system,” he said.

Omoseyindemi said the board is collaborating with the Lagos State

School of Health Technology to provide continuous education programme of six weeks, adding that the school has re-trained more than 200 TBAs. “This will ensure they are aware of risk signs such as bleeding from birth canal, fits during pregnancy and high blood pressure. Others are fever, which is high body temperature, anaemia (paleness and weakness), severe headache, dizziness and blurred vision, history of caesarian section, very yound women under 15 years, multiple pregfnancies and chronic illnesses, such as tuberculosis (TB), HIV and AIDS, among others,” he said Omoseyindemi said the board has established an Inspectorate and Monitoring Office in each division of the state, stressing that TBAs should obey the rules and regulations and maintain the standard of practice.

Chairman, National Expert Committee for Development of Natural Medicine (NECDNM), Prof Adebukunola Adefule-Ositelu urged the TBAs to operate within the scope for which they were trained.

“TBAs should not do what is beyond their scope of operation,the best place to take delivery still remains the health facilities, which have the required equipment. You should know how to recognise danger signs and make prompt referrals.”

Consultant, Institute of Child Health and Primary Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Olayinka Abosede said the training of TBAs is important because many people now leave the urban centres for the rural areas to live.

Abosede whose paper was entitled: ‘Traditional birth attendants: roles and challenges for maternal and neonatal mortality reduction in Nigeria, said Community Health Workers (CHEWs) and TBAs will continue to be a part of service delivery models, especially in countries where there are severe deficits in the numbers of professional health workers.

Abosede said; “I believe that with frequent in-service training and supervision. TBAs can relieve a lot of pressure which midwives in developing.countries are facing because of shortage of staff”.

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

noses and analysis of his or her ailment using Applied Kinesiology and Asyra test. Applied Kinesiology is primarily a diagnostic method that tests individual muscles and their change in strength using specific stimuli and therapeutic measures to derive insights into functional relationships and potential disorders.

“Asyria testing is a bioenergetics system that accesses 40 major organs in the body for any defect, and carries out a customized assessment of what remedies can be used to restore balance. After these individualized diagnosis each participant will be given his or her treatment plan which will consist of a battery of the following services: these two tests will also determine food allergies and intolerances.”

Mrs Ashiru said in order to get rid of these effects; the body needs to go through a cleansing process called Detoxification.

“Our program provides a safe and healthy approach where the body can safely rid itself of all the toxins it has accumulated which is leading to mental and physical stress and sub optimal health and well-being.

“Daily Abdominal treatment is a unique function of the Mart-Life treatment done by doctors using specialised modern techniques to increase bowel movement, increase blood flow to the digestive system, break down abdominal fat, improve respiration and restore the digestive system and return the abdominal organ to their anatomical position. Colon irrigation encompasses a number of alternative and modern medical therapies and machines to remove faeces, heavy metals and non-specific toxins from the colon and intestine.

•Mrs Fashola (middle) with Prof Ashiru and Mrs Ashiru at the clinic.

“Infra Red Cabin is an advanced form of treatment that uses infra red light which helps the body to release natural endorphins to soothe pains and aches in the body. It detoxifies by removing heavy metals like zinc, copper, and lead out of the body. This process leads to relaxation by promoting circulation, and accelerating the body.”

She explained that should the health concern be structural, a team of physiotherapists will schedule various daily massages to perform different functions for various organs and parts for each participant lasting 25 to 50 minutes. They come under the name Spa therapy.

“These massages therapies include Cranial-sacral massage

‘Our program provides a safe and healthy approach where the body can safely rid itself of all the toxins it has accumulated which is leading to mental and physical stress and sub optimal health and well-being’

which is a gentle therapy designed to increase circulation to the head and spine and help to alleviate mental stress, neck and back pains, migraines, scoliosis, etc while leaving you with a renewed clarity of mind and ability to focus. Deep tissue massage using specialised massage techniques to penetrate superficial, deep muscle layers and connective tissues to enhance body function, aid in the healing process, remove toxins and promote relaxation and general well being.

“Lymphatic massage is a technique used to unblock the lymphatic system by manually cleansing the lymphatic system in a clockwise fashion. Increase lymph flow, remove toxins from the body and increase immune function. Used to relieve joint pains, arthritis, menstrual cramps depression, cellulites.

Reflexology is a relaxing method of stimulating the body to function optimally,” she stated.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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NATURAL HEALTH

Help for hiccupping and some nerve problems W

Editor for PREVENTION magazine , says in the book: “I have been using that cure since I was little. Its never failed me yet”.

Lally prescribes a tablespoon of sugar, which, for babies, may be reduced to “half a teaspoon of sugar dissolved in four ounces of water”. The blood sugar overload of today may make this suggestion a despicable prescription in a world where wise people are learning to turn their backs on anything sweet, as refined sugar has been implicated in many degenerative diseases, including juvenile or Type 1 diabetes. In this case, pure honey (this is difficult to find these days) or molasses should fill the gap.

If sugar is despicable, what about water? In Nigeria, hiccupping people are offered a glass of water. This, also, is the prescription of Richard McCallum, M.D., Professor of Medicine and head of gastroenterdogy division of Virginia Health Sciences Center, He says: “That always works, and I firmly recommend it for my normally healthy patients”.

The cure worked for Mark Golin, a musician. A woman advised him to fill a glass with water, bend over the glass and drink the water from the opposite side of the glass.

Says Golin: “It worked then and has worked dozens of times since then”.

E take all the gifts of Mother Nature for granted.

When our appetite is good and we can eat up the moon, or when we can wash down a dam good meal with fabulous wine, we hardly realize that it is possible to feel hungry, have a mountain of food right before us and, yet, feel like not eating. Only people who have breathing disturbances, such as asthma, appreciate being able to breathe normally is a blessing. Last week, I saw a woman in her fifties who has been diabetic for about 30 years, who has arthritis in almost every bone joint, who has found all her medicines not to work. There was, also, a man who is always afraid to void stool, even when he is critically pressed, from fear that his internal pile would eject and his brief would be soiled. I was touched by the plight of a childhood friend of mine who is so troubled by hiccups that she fears the end is drawing nigh. You know, at sixtysomething, every minor error in the normal working of the body is seen by some people as a boarding pass to the next world.

Hiccupping Mr. Charles Osborne, of Anthorn, Iowa, United States, cited in the DOCTORS BOOK OF HOME REMEDIES, began to hiccup in 1922 for the next 65 years, hiccupping for 430 million times, a life the book describes as a “truly useless” experience.

A hiccup is what the Yorubas call esuke (d:m:d). The breath does not sink, but floats or ricochets, a reverse of the natural order of breathing. It affects more babies and children that adults. It can make adult life miserable. In the SouthWest of Nigeria, mother and old women remove a thread from a shawl or any clothe and place it on the head of a hiccupping baby. Dramatically in some cases, may be a case of mind over matter, the hiccupping is arrested. But, often, it doesn’t. Many scientists do not agree on the causes(s) of hiccup and, so, there are as many home remedies prescribed

I

for it as there are physicians. But Japanese Kampo medicine physicians appear to me to have the right handle on it.

In the Doctors’ Book of home Remedies, Dr. Andrew Dubois, M.D., a gastroenterologist, in Bethesda, Maryland, United States, prescribes one tablespoon of sugar taken raw.

Dr. Dubois says “the sugar is probably acting in the nervous impulses that would otherwise tell the muscles in the diaphragm to contract spasmodically”. Steve Lally, Associate

Symptoms Hiccups come suddenly. They are believed to be caused by involuntary contrations of muscles in the diaph ragm, a sheet of muscles below the lungs which run across the upper abdominal cavity. Spasms are muscle cramps, be they the palpitations of the heart, diarrhea in the intestines or in menstrual pains where cramping muscles cause a build-up of lactic acid, an actual cause of these pains. Behind these cramps are nerves, deposition of excess calcium and a deficiency of magnesium. For cramps respond beautifully to magnesium supplements in the diet.

Winners, Boko, the bomb, Sultan and us

AM lucky with blood pressure since I began to check it in my forties about 20 years ago. My blood pressure has averaged 110/70 on a good day. There was a period,

though, that it dipped to about 90/60. At that time, I experienced loss of energy, slight spasms of blood vessel soft muscles which made blood samples difficult to take with syringe, and I even developed eye cataracts. Happily, according to my ophthalmologist, the cataracts are gone. If they are lurking around somewhere, she says, it would require a microscope to see them. In a country such as Nigeria, you would have to be someone not man not to have your health challenged so often by a huge parade of anti-health army. What I have found helpful in the battles against them is the understanding that (1) my body is the greatest gift from God to me on earth (2) as I budget for food, clothes, housing, transportation and other needs, I should budget, also, to keep my body from falling ill and, if I do, quickly support its healing process will those organic materials it requires to do a quick fix (3) try as much as possible to get out of harm’s way in thought and indeed.

For these reasons, I strive harder than I’ve ever done to disengage my activities from environments and events not homogeneous with my nature and striving. But I cannot disengage from Nigeria. I recognise that if I didn’t need this country, the Wisdom of the Almighty Creator would not have made it my abode in this earthly sojourn. So, to insulate my health against its nuances, I developed an amazing wardrobe of a medicine chest in my bedroom. It is two feet wide (pardon me for not thinking in international units) and runs wall to floor. It is shelved in four compartments to stock all manner of health food supplements. In some one liter bottles, I have wine extracts of say, Hawthorn berries.

You know Hawthorn is good for the heart. It strengthens the heart muscles like vitamin E and dialates its arteries to reduce blood pressure. Another bottle contains Marigold wine extract. Marigold has one of the largest plant concentrations of Lutein and Zeazanthin, two major antioxidants found in the eye lens which filter the blue colour in the light spectrum. The blue rays “cook” the lens to make it opaque and that opacity is the cataract to light flow through the eye.

In the medicine chest, I have supplements for the brain, eyes, teeth, bones and joints, blood viscosity, the prostate, manhood (never mind that I’ve long hung my boots, a man of my age still needs to balance his hormones), healthy skin and hair, among several others.

As I said, they help to build my internal capacity to withstand the mental and psychic torture that Nigeria often inflicts on its citizens who love her and dream great for her. In 1979 and 1983, I suffered from mild depression attributed to the rigging of the presidential election against Obafemi Awolowo. Long after his earthly demise, many of those who perpetuated that act publicly acknowledged he would have made Nigeria a better country for us all to live in. May be Chief M.K.O. Abiola was a compensation. Again, his landslide election victory was cancelled by these same forces.

These same forces now claim insurgency in the north of Nigeria in which thousands of Christians and southerners have been slain in barbaric conditions. It was bad that, ahead of these killings, some leading political figures in the north had threatened them. Let it now be a question of the witch crying yesterday and the child dying today?

Now, to further compound this insult, the Sultan of Sokoto, leading northern political religious and community leaders, has further insulted and assaulted southern sensibilities. Last week, he led them to President Jonathan to request

that (1) the President grant amnesty to Boko Haram militants (2) compensate them monetarily and (3) negotiate other peace terms with them. That, of course, is saying “Mr. President, these fellows are your match, or bigger than you are”.

In a war, It is the weaker and losing party who begs for negotiation and pays for the cost of war. Germany and Iraq are examples.

When the Sultan asks for compensation, does he remember that there is no compensation for human life? Does he remember that southern youth corps members were burned alive in their office in the north? Does he remember that polytechnic students from the south were woken from night sleep in their hostels, shot dead simply because they were southerners and Christians? Does the Sultan remember that millions of Igbos were either slaim in barbaric, genocidal manner in the North in July 1966 and during the Nigerian 1966 – 1970 Nigeria civil war? Did the North pay compensation to the Igbos for this crime against humanity asking question, is it not aware that those who caused the Jewish holocaust paid dearly for it? Does the Saltan remember that more than 400 teenage girls were abducted from their hostel at night in Chibok and abducted into a forest where they were forcibly converted to Islam, sexually assaulted and made pregnant? Some of the parents of these girls must be in hospital now, if not dead, nursing one health problem or the other. I do not sleep well any night I think of these girls in the forest, torn away from home, exposed to snakes and mosquitoes, poor diet and bad water. One of the two girls tied to a tree for three days who managed to escape said eight men raped her in one day! Most probably she was a virgin before her abduction. She could have been my daughter!

Many people in Lagos believe the Sultan is playing for time, and that what we have experienced, so far, are drizzles before the big rain. As the international community rallies round to challenge and possibly efface terrorism in Nigeria, Nigerian financiers of Boko Haram will fear for their lives.

They will try to set up commotion in the country that would confuse the situation, force the withdrawal of Nigeria’s friends and, ultimately, have their own necks. That is the way we should see the attempted bombing of the Winners’ Chapel in Owerri last Sunday. One of the bombs is said to be able to impact on 500 meters radius. That, in Lagos, is something like •Maryland to Sheraton Hotel •Maryland to Anthony bridge/Town Planning Road Junction •Maryland to Ojota bus-stop, and •Maryland to Mende Village.

Imagine what may have happened 1.

Thousands of people may have been killed 2.

Spontaneously, the Igbos may have risen against law-abiding northerners living in the East. The mob would have been saying, “you killed us in your land, we didn’t quarrel with that because that is your land; now, you have come to kill us in our own land. We wouldn’t take that”.

3.

Spontaneously, northerners would have risen

against law-abiding southerners living in north.

4.An ethnic war may have broken out, in Nigeria, the consequences of which no one may be able to foretell.Perharps the consequences would be the fulfillment or annulment of the dream of Ahmadu Bello, the pre and post-colonial Nigeria Sultan of Sokoto of which one of the Nation’s newspaper Thursday columnist, Gbogungboro, reminds in is column of 29 May, 2014 titled NO, NIGERIA WILL NOT BE PRESERVED. Gbogungboro says in his column.

‘Someday, some bright historians will reveal to the world the causes and details of this most unfortunate turn in Hausa-Fulani attitudes to the political development of Nigeria. Much of what we know is encapsulated in the statement credited to Sir Ahmadu Bello, the leader of the Hausa-Fulani political elite, only 11 days after the day of independence. This new country called Nigeria, ‘he was reported to have said, ‘should be an extension of the empire of our great-grandfather Othman dan Fodio. We must ruthlessly prevent a change of government. We used the peoples of Middle Belt as willing tools and the peoples of the South as conquered territory, and never let them rule over us, and never let them control their own future’.

That is the path that Hausa-Fulani politics has pursued ruthlessly since then. The central piece of it is to hold the power of the federal government by all means, and to use it to subdue the other peoples of Nigeria, in order to mould Nigeria into a de facto Fulani empire- what some now call a ‘sultan-ate.

Following the foiled attempt to bomb the Winners Chapel Church in Owerri last Sunday, possibly in keeping with the above dream of Sultan Amodu Bello, the governor of Imo state has banned entry into the state of all vehicles coming in from the north which, henceforth, are to be thoroughly checked. In my view, that’s not enough; what if bomb carrying vehicles from the north come in from the west or south east. I was a third former teenager in high school at Oyo during the 1966-1970 Nigerian Civil War. Vehicles from all parts of the country were banned from entering Ibadan, Western Region Capital, after 6.p.m every day. I recall the long rows of vehicles whose passengers has to spend the night at military road blocks. In the morning, vehicles and passengers were thoroughly checked. It didn’t matter that you were a student. You had to empty your box of clothes and school bags and even your books were literally checked leaf after leaf. We stand now in days far more serious than those bygone ones.

What will gladden my heart today is if the present international effort is not scuttled by the local sponsors and financiers of Boko Haram, if as many of those abducted girls come out of the forest alive (some have died), if our loved ones still resident in the north are not obstinal enough to assume that the dust of insurgency has settled and live there like an ostrich. An ostrich is a bird. Even amidst danger it buries its head in the earth, believing that no-one sees it if sees no one. My prayer is that all men of goodwill in every part of Nigeria will help this country overcome Sultan Ahmadu Bello’s dream for Nigeria and its executors, and help to build a nation in which every tribe stands side by side, not one above the other in the purest love helping one another along on each one’s self-choosing path, of self-development seeking recognizing of, and fulfillment of the Will of the Most High every inch of the way. What are we created and on earth for, if not to recognize His Holy Will and unconditionally fulfill it.

POLITICS

THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2014

55

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

EKITI POLITICS The governorship election will hold in Ekiti State on Saturday. Three parties-the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) are in the race. Who wins? EMMANUEL OLADESU and SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN examine the ratings of the candidates and the strength of their parties across the 16 local governments.

APC, PDP, LP: Who wins?

EKITI has fought many wars. But, for the farflung state, next Saturday’s battle revolves around the people’s desire for the consolidation of their liberation.

Three candidates, one crown Three main candidates are in the race. The governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, is running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is the first major challenge the party will confront. His challengers are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, former Governor Ayodele Fayose, and the Labour Party (LP) flag bearer, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele.

Fayemi, a native of Isan-Ekiti, is a teacher and pro-democracy crusader. He holds a doctorate degree in War Studies. The governor was actively involved in the reshaping of the destiny of Nigeria during the dark days of the military rule. His motivation was not power, but the desire to eliminate military rule and enthrone democracy. However, fate decided otherwise.

In 2006, he joined the fray. Although he was elected as governor in 2007 on the platform of the defunct Action Congress (AC), his mandate was stolen by the PDP. In 2010, his mandate was restored.

Armed with his eight-point agenda, Fayemi swung into action. Today, the impact of his progressive administration is felt in all the sectors.

The governor has defended education, boosted health care, set up a social security trust for elders, motivated civil servants for efficient service delivery, and fought the infrastructure battle.

Fayemi has also increased the monthly internally generated revenue, prevented corruption and run an open and transparent government.

The governor also has a blue-print for the second term. “There was nothing I promised in my first term that I have not delivered. I need a fresh mandate to continue the good work,” Fayemi told a mammoth crowd in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

If re-elected, Fayemi said that the implementation of his roadmap will make Ekiti recover from poverty. He promised to strengthen education, create jobs, increase the scope of the security trust, and improve the economic climate to attract investment and boost industrialisation.

His major strength is that he has performed.

Fayemi is perceived as a gentleman; a quintessential Omoluabi, a man of sound pedigree and integrity.

He was the sole aspirant at the APC primaries. He was endorsed by the stakeholders in the party. As the APC candidate, he has been endorsed by monarchs, elite groups, women, professionals, workers including teachers and local government employees, artisans and peasants.

Fayose is a businessman and controversial politician. He holds a Higher national Diploma (HND) from the Ibadan Polytechnic. In 2003, the Afao-born politician succeeded Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo as the governor. But, his tenure was full of tension. In 2006, he was removed from office.

In 2011, the former governor ran for the Senate in Ekiti Central District on the platform of the LP. He was defeated by Senator Babafemi Ojudu of the APC. Two years ago, he returned to the PDP. At the rancorous primaries of the party, he emerged as the candidate.

In this election, emphasis has not been laid by the PDP on any blueprint. But, members of the party seem to be leaning on the federal might, funding and police control.

•Fayose

•Dr Fayemi

•Bamidele

Party strength across local govts 1.

2.

3.

4.

Will incumbency count?

Senators Reps Assembly Local Govts

APC 3 5 25 16

Registered voters Polling units Wards:

PDP Nil Nil 1 Nil

LP TOTAL Nil 3 1 6 Nil 26 Nil 16 732,166 2,195 177

The third candidate, Bamidele, is a native of Iyin-Ekiti. He is a lawyer and a human rights activist. He is the former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Under Tinubu and Fashola administrations in Lagos State, he was a special adviser and commissioner for 12 years. He ran for the Senate in 2011. However, he emerged as a member of the House of Representatives. Bamidele was a leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

He joined the LP a few months ago.

Issues that may shape poll Many factors will shape the critical contest. The first is performance. Another factor is the pedigree of the candidates and antecedents of the parties. The elite have a preference, but how far they can mobilise public opinion to steer voters to their preference has to be demonstrated.

But, there are other factors. These include the impartiality of the electoral body, the police and other security agencies, the federal might and absence of violence. There is the pervading feeling that the way certain councils, including Ado, Ikere, Ido-Osi, and Ekiti South, will vote may significantly affect the outcome of the vote. Ado and Ikere have about 732, 166 voters. Also, the last minute collaboration between either APC and LP or PDP and LP may affect polling. However, the most important factor is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s commitment to free and fair elections.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

Ado Ikere Efon Irepodun/ Ifelodun Ife/Orun Ikole Ekiti West Ijero Emure Ekiti East Oye Ido/Osi Gbonyi Moba Ilejemeje Ekiti East

APC APC APC

PDP -

-

APC PDP APC APC APC APC APC APC APC APC APC PDP APC

PDP PDP PDP PDP PDP

LP -

LG voting strength Ado Efon Alaaye Omuo Aramoko Ilawe Emure Ode Ido Ijero Ise Otun Oye TOTAL:

134,141 22,845 47,293 42,285 40,856 27,091 42,267 43,070 49,274 35,099 40,570 49,918 732,166

Running mates Fayemi’s running mate is the deputy governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, a princess of AdoEkiti, the stronghold of the APC. The town also produced Senator Babafemi Ojudu. Fayode picked a university don, Dr Olusola Eleka, a native of Ikere.

Campaigns and violence The campaigns have been marred by violence.

This is due to bitterness and desperation for power. The police have come under attack by the ruling party. Many have been maimed. If the violence persists, there may be voter apathy.

Voting pattern across districts Ekiti South Ekiti South has been the stronghold of the APC since Fayemi came on board. In 2011, when Southwest states voted for President Goodluck

Jonathan, only Ekiti South objected to his aspiration. APC chieftains from the district include Second Republic Senator Lawrence Agunbiade, former Ondo State Governor Bamidele Olumilua, the federal lawmaker, Hon. Ife Arowosoge, and Hon. Bamidele Faparusi. The highest vote from the zone is always from Ikere.

However, the town has always been voting for the opposition. For instance, in the 2003 governorship election, Ikere voted for Fayose against Adebayo. In 2007, when Fayemi contested against Segun Oni of the PDP, ACN won in the town. Since the town has enjoyed some developmental projects under the Fayemi Administration, the governor has a bright prospect in the area. But, some indigenes may harbour the sentiment that Fayose’s running mate is from the town.

Ekiti North Ekiti North, the base of the governor, parades many key players who can swing the votes in his favour. Among them are the APC National Deputy Chairman, Asiwaju Segun Oni from IdoOsi, Babatunde Odetola, also from Ido-Osi, the Head of Servive, Mr. Olubunmi Famosaya from Oye, Secretary to the Government, Ganiyu Owolabi, Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation’s Director-General Bimbo Daramola from Oye; and a PDP stalwart, Mr. Ben Oguntunase from Ikole.

Former Deputy Governor Chief Paul Alabi, who is a PDP elder, hails from Ijesa-Isu. But, it is believed that he has sympathy for Fayemi. The PDP is disadvantaged in this zone. There is no top Federal Government official from the district.

Since 1999, Ido/Osi Local Government has been the stronghold of the PDP. But, the situation has changed. Oni is now in the APC. Another PDP elder and former education Minister and Ambassador to Germany, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, has not identified with the PDP campaigns. Former Aviation Minister Prof. Babalola Borisade from Usi is a follower of Atiku Abubakar. The PDP member of the House of Assembly from the area, Hon. Bunmi Orilowo, has defected to the APC. Other PDP chieftains; Taiwo Olatunbosun, Kayode Babade and Ben Oguntunase, have also dumped the party for the APC.

Ekiti Central Eyes are on Ekiti Central, the birthplace of Bamidele, Fayose and Mrs. Adelabu. In 2007, Ado voted for the ACN. It was believed that the monarch, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, had an axe to grind with Fayose, who had allegedly threatened to depose him. Now, the Ewi of Ado is one of the many monarchs who have openly supported Fayemi for a second term. The people of Ado-Ekitti are happy because of Fayemi’s ur•Continued on page 56

56

THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2014

POLITICS EKITI POLITICS The wife of Ekiti State governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, spoke with Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU on why her husband deserves a second term.

W

‘Fayemi is best for Ekiti’

HAT are your fears and hope for the election?

My hopes for the election is that everything will be peaceful and orderly. My fear is that some unscrupulous people and desperate politicians may attempt to subvert the democratic process. However, should they attempt to do so, they will fail by God’s grace.

You led the All Progressives Congress Women on separate campaign tour for the reelection of Governor Kayode Fayemi. What informed this?

I coordinated a campaign to target Ekiti women because they are the majority of eligible voters in the forthcoming elections. In addition to having more women in possession of Permanent Voter Cards, majority of registered APC members in Ekiti State are women. The administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi has done a lot to empower women and raise their status politically, economically and socially. Ekiti women therefore constitute a solid voting bloc for Dr Fayemi. Most of the over 25,000 beneficiaries of the Social Security Scheme for the elderly are women. It was therefore important to ensure that these large voting blocs are well informed and engaged in order to maximize their participation in the forthcoming election.

Would you say that Ekiti women are politically conscious, especially as regards the voting process?

Yes, Ekiti women are very politically conscious and they understand the voting process. We concentrated most of our efforts on the elderly and non-literate, in order to avoid the perennial problem of voided votes. Women are also determined not to sell their votes to the highest bidder.

•Continued from page 56

ban renewal programmes in the state capital.

Fayemi is popular in Efon, Ijero, the home town of Mrs. Adelabu’s husband, Ekiti West, and Irepodun/Ifelodun. But, Irepodun/Ifelodun is a a battle ground on Saturday. Fayose is from Afao and Bamidele is from Iyin.

Local councils Ado

Ado, the state capital and largest town, has enjoyed the benefits of democracy under this administration. Major roads have been dualised.

Street lights are working at night, and multimedia audio-visual projectors are mounted in strategic spots.

Key actors in the APC in Ado include Ojudu, Adelabu, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, former chairman, Ado local government, Sunday Ibitoye, and the current chairman, Tope Olanipekun. Mrs Omotunde Fajuyi has also defected to the APC. In the PDP are Senator Bode Ola, the former deputy governor, Dr Sikiru Lawal, Chief Ojo Falegan, and former Chairman of the council Hon. Taiye Fasuba.

Ikere Ikere may be another swing town. The battle in this council is between the APC and the PDP. APC is popular in Ikere, but the PDP is not resting on its oars. Key chieftains of the APC include Olumilua, Commissioner for Integration and ardent supporter of Fayemi Hon. Funmiyi Afuye, former legislator Chief Bolu Akomolafe, and a PDP chieftain, who recently defected to the APC, Kayode Babade.

PDP chieftains include former Deputy Governors Abiodun Aluko and Bisi Omoyeni, former PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chief Dayo Okondo and Dr Olusola Eleka.

Efon Since the days of the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, Efon has been the stronghold of progressives parties-the Action Group (AG), the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Alliance for Democracy (AD), AC, ACN and now, APC. But, since 2003, the conservative politicians in the council have been at loggerheads with the progressives. In 2007, the votes from Efon were cancelled, owing to violence and tension. Prominent APC leaders include Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Princess Ronke Okunsanya, Chief Alake Erungbua, Special Adviser on Political

Has your husband justified the mandate given to him by Ekiti people in 2010 to merit being reelected?

Absolutely. My husband promised Ekiti people that he would transform the state through his Eight-Point Agenda. He has diligently delivered on every single thematic area, bringing about unprecedented development to Ekiti. The administration has delivered in areas of infrastructure, human capital development, improving healthcare delivery, tourism, investments in Agriculture, employment opportunities for young people and so much more. Considering the meagre resources available to Ekiti State, what my husband has achieved in the past three and a half years is nothing short of a miracle.

Gender equality and women empowerment is on the agenda of your husband. How far has he kept faith with Ekiti women on these?

Ekiti women have enjoyed significant gains under the administration of my husband. One major achievement in this area was the provision of an enabling environment for gender equality and women’s empowerment to move from rhetoric to practice. Ekiti became the first state in Nigeria to domesticate the 2005 National Gender Policy. In 2011, the Gender Based Violence Prohibition Law was signed and in December 2013, the Equal Opportunities Bill was also signed into law. With all these, the State has a comprehensive framework for the allocation of financial, human and technical resources for the empowerment of women. Another significant achievement is the opening up of the political space for women. We have an outstanding senior scholar as Deputy Governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu, as well as a record num-

ber of distinguished women in the state executive council. We have more women as permanent secretaries in the state civil service than we have ever had, and women as heads of boards and parastatals. We also went from having no women at all in the Ekiti State House of Assembly to having four in the 2011 elections. Most of the administration’s policies aimed at improving the lives of the people have benefitted women, such as the free healthcare services for pregnant women and children under five, as well as the social security scheme for the elderly.

What is your husband’s unique selling point?

My husband’s unique selling point is that he keeps his promises. He is not a frivolous politician who tells people what they want to hear. If he says he will do something he will do it, and if he has a problem with a particular request, he will diplomatically let people know what is possible and what might either take some time or not be feasible at all. This is why Ekiti people call him ‘O wi bee, o se bee’ which means ‘he walks his talk’.

What has been the impact of your foundation on the people of Ekiti in the last three years?

The Ekiti Development Foundation has been able to achieve a lot in the past three years of its existence. We have provided financial support and capacity building for hundreds of women’s groups and associations across the state to improve their economic status and enhance their livelihoods. +We also convene an annual Gender Summit which brings together Ekiti women policy makers, professionals, scholars, grassroots mobilisers and community leaders, to reflect on issues of concern.

How can we avert violence at the poll?

Count down to Ekiti poll Matters Hon. Karunwi Oladapo. former Agriculture Commissioner and nowm council chairman, Dr. Adio Folayan, former council chairman, Chief Joel Omoniyi, Chief Bode Olayinka, Chief Dele Jeje, Mr. Bode Olatunji, an engineer and Chairman of Ekiti State Water Board, and Mr. Deji Oguntuase.

In the PDP are Chief Idowu Akinyele, Hon. Femi Oluwatayo, Prince Ade Agbaje, Mr. Afolabi Akanni, Gbenga Akanni and Mr. Ajanaku.

Irepodun-Ifelodun The three parties and gladiators across them have footings in this council. Former Governor Adebayo, a leader of the APC, and Bamidele, the LP candidate, hail from Iyin. Fayose is from Afao.

Former Information Commissioner Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, who just defected to the APC from the PDP, Mojeed Jamiu and his brother, Hakeem from Igbimo-Ekiti, Churchill Adedipe, Ayodeji Odu and Deji Adesokan are on ground. PDP chieftains include Dr Tope Aluko and Dipo Anisulowo. Mrs. Bola Olatunde-Bruce and Martins Ibikunle, who are believed to be feather weights, are in the LP.

Southwest: Ekiti The council used to be the PDP haven, with actors like Senator Bode Olowporoku, a former minister, and Chief Idowu Odeyemi. But the tide has changed.

These old men are no more active. Sources disclosed the two are backing Fayemi.

The governor’s foot soldiers include the Chief of Staff, Yemi Adaramodu, Richard Apolola and Modupe Ogundipe, and Hon. Ife Arowosoge. Legal luminary Femi Falana (SAN) is also supporting Fayemi.

be loved by the town, is a progressive ruler.

Another factor that will work in Fayemi’s favour was the role he played during the struggle for the establishment of the Federal University in the area. Although the major campus of the institution is in Oye, owing to the influence of Senator Ayo Arise, a PDP chieftain, the fact that another campus of the institution is located in Ikole is a credit to the governor. PDP chieftains in Ikole include the Southwest leader, Chief Ishola Filani, and the state chairman, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe.

Ekiti West APC leaders in this council are grassroots politician. They include the chairman, Chief Jide Awe, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo of the House of Representatives, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Wale Fapohunda, and former chairman of the council, Hon Tajudeen Akingbolu.

However, Bamidele may likely cause some upset in some areas.

The PDP has been relatively inactive in the council. Its leaders are Chief Akin Osuntokun, Senator Clement Awoyelu, Hon. Kehinde Odebunmi and Tope Ademiluyi.

Ijero

Ijero local government has savoured many developmental projects under the Fayemi Administration. To the people, the former Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade (rtd) from Ipoti has not made an impact. APC will win Ijero, a large community with several towns and settlements. APC chieftains include the legislator, Hon. Wunmi Ogunlola, and Chief Femi Oyebanjo. PDP stalIse/Orun warts include Kayode Alufa, Yemi Arokodare, a former House Representatives member and This is another axis of interest where PDP may Chief Bola Olu-Ojo, former chairman of the swing surprise. The minister-designate, Prince Dayo party.

Adeyeye, Ropo Ogunbolude, and Bimbo Owolab, Owoseni Ajayi, the deputy Director-General of the Emure Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation, former member of the House of Representatives, Titilayo The ruling party is acutely popular in Emure.

Akindahunsi and Chief Afolabi Ojuawo are PDP But, since the people have been divided, folarrowheads. But, these chieftains are not giving fi- lowing the murder of 33-year old Foluso nancial backing to the PDP. APC’s Adelabu’s mother Ogundare, a member of the of LP. The three is from this council. Also, Tayo Ekundayo, the Com- parties will slug it out at the poll. missioner for Information and Civic Orientation, is from the council.

Ekiti Southeast

Ikole

The key factors are the performance of the governor, his issue-oriented campaigns and This is another APC’s stronghold. The Elekole of division in the PDP. For example, the former Ikole Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Fasiku, who is believed to Speaker, Femi Bamishile, is aggrieved that

• Mrs Fayemi

I think we all need to commit ourselves to a process that is devoid of violence and intimidation. We should focus on selling our candidates to the people and let the people decide.

Thugs, guns or machetes will not decide for our people. If you have a candidate who has something to offer the people, present him/ her to the electorate and let them decide with their votes.

Do you think that INEC can conduct a free and fair poll?

All we can do is hope for the best. I would like to believe that INEC is determined to make up for its past shortcomings and will ensure that this election and the one coming up in Osun will be managed with more competence, diligence and transparency. The people of Ekiti, Osun, and Nigeria as a whole, will not accept anything less.

Your message to Ekiti people?

Come out and vote. Do not be afraid of the heavy security presence. Cast your votes and defend them. Vote wisely, for peace and development. Vote for JKF, one of the greatest thinkers and leaders of our generation.

Fayose refused to pick him as a running mate.

Oye The PDP and APC are locked in battle. This is the home of Fayemi, Arise, Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, and Hon. Daramola, the Director-General of the Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Dr Jimi Oke, Chief Segun Olanrewaju and Otunba Davis. The pendulum of victory will swing toward the APC.

Ido-Osi Gone were the days when the Odo-Osi was the PDP stronghold.

The PDP is decimated and things are falling apart. The PDP legislator from the area, Orilowo, has called it quits with the party.

Oni is now teaming up with fayemi as the APC deputy chairman. APC chieftains, including Senator Olu Adetunmbi, Senator Femi Aborishade and Babatunde Odetola, are dedicated to the cause. The PDP leaders-Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Segun Ilori and Femi Akinyemimay not work for Fayose.

Gboyin The APC is having an edge over rival parties in this council. Senator Gbenga Aluko is said to be aggrieved at the party. Former Acting Governor Tunji Odeyemi and Chief Ropo Adesanya, who is the former chairman of the party, have not been wielding much influence. APC leaders, including the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Omirin, House of Representatives member Bamidele Faparuyi, Paul Omotosho and Paul Abegunde are working assiduously to deliver the area to Fayemi.

Moba Moba has a pact with the APC. It is in the memory of Hon. Saliu Adeoti, the deceased deputy speaker and ally of Fayemi. Pastor Kola Oluwawole of the PDP is from this council.

Ilejemeje The PDP chieftains-Segun Akinwumi, former commissioner, Hon. Duro Faseyi, former House of Representatives member and Dipo Arogunmasa-are working for the return of Fayose. But, many prominent indigemnes are also backing Fayemi. They include Folorunso Olabode, Prince Bangboye Adegoroye, Dr. and Ore Kupolati.

57

THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS e-Business

e-mail: e-business@thenationonlineng.net

Secret ways of stealing your airtime The liberalisation of the telecoms sector more than a decade ago unleashed a phenomenal growth. Mobile phones are increasingly becoming more affordable; subscribers have reached the 130 million mark. However, subscribers are losing money through subterranean moves by service providers, reports LUCAS AJANAKU.

M

RS. Mercy Adeniran, a widow and mother of three, uses her mobile phone only to receive calls. If there is any need for her to make any voice calls, she will buy air time of N100 and ensure she exhausts it immediately. Gone are the days when she used to buy airtime of N2,000.

“Each time I load my phone, I discover that my ‘credit’ gets wiped off. I don’t know how it happens but it kept on happening. So frustrated, I called the customer care line of my service provider. After several trials, a female voice that introduced herself as Joy picked my call after 30 minutes of being compelled to listen to music. Joy took my details and promised to fix the error. She never did. So I feel the best thing to do is to stop loading,” she said.

Another subscriber, who identified himself as Chukwudi Ibe, said he became frustrated with the speed with which he was losing his airtime, despite not making calls, browsing the internet or using the short message service (SMS) platform. So, when mobile number portability (MNP) was launched by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) last year, he felt relieved as he had an opportunity to dump his ‘thiefing’ service provider.

He was, however, disappointed that his effort to port out was decidedly frustrated by his operator.

The experience of Mrs. Adeniran and Chukwudi are but a few of such. Many subscribers just buy airtime which they rarely enjoy. They pick their mobile phones in the hope that they have enough airtime only to discover the airtime has been wiped off.

Revenue from voice calls forms a significant portion of the balance sheet of mobile network service providers. Data is another growth frontier but it is still not doing well.

It is, however, expected to pick up after the spectrums are freed by broadcast on completion of digitalisation are auctioned, to do longer term evolution (LTE) or 4G. So, operators make more money when people talk and talk on the network.

From the experiences of customers, they are fleeced in one or two of the following ways.

Forced alerts

Some operators are in the habit of imposing alerts on their subscribers. Such alerts are either on football, Bible or fashion.

The operators take advantage of the high unemployment rate in the country to also force job alerts on their customers. There are alerts on virtually everything, from health tips and weather forecast for which their accounts are debited on a monthly basis.

The operators usually lure their customers to try it and by the time they do, they get their fingers burnt.

‘Flashing’withconventionalnumbers

Operators often fleece their subscribers by using the conventional 11-digit mobile telephone numbers to ‘flash’ them.

The idea is that when the unsuspecting subscribers see the ‘flashing’, they inevitably mistake it for a missed call from their loved ones. For subscribers, especially those with kids and other dependants that were temporarily separated by the need to take care of the family, the immediate impulse is usually to return the call because any of the kids could have used the mobile phone of his colleague to flash mummy or daddy. When such calls are returned, one usually gets disappointed

that the call was indeed from the operator.

A victim of the trick, Madam Esther said: “I have three kids in school out of Lagos. When they are broke, they sometimes use their friend’s or teacher’s mobile phone to ‘flash’ me so that I could call them. I have called such numbers a couple of times only to discover that it was from my operator.”

Billing without call

It has become the practice with some of the operators to also send bills to their subscribers for calls not made. Such bills are quietly sent intermittently in sums that are negligible and will not excite the curiosity of the subscriber. For instance, it could be as low as N10 but it could be sent about four or five times daily.

Another version of this kind of billing is made when calls are made but not successful.

Though the device will say something such as “the number you have called is not available” but you still get billed at the end of the day.

Data services bill

Data services ought to be optional for subscribers. So it is curious when operators send bills intermittently to their subscribers that they have spent X Y Z amount of money accessing the internet.

Curiously, these bills are sometimes sent to the mobile phones of people who are barely literate and could hardly think of configuring their mobile phones to access the internet.

“When I bought my Nokia Asha phone recently, my service provider sent internet setting configuration to me no sooner I had I inserted my subscriber identity module (SIM). I am sure that I did not try browsing the internet with the phone because I already have a Blackberry on which I access data but I continued to receive bills. Calls to my operator have failed to stop it,” another subscriber said.

Ring back caller tunes

Forced ring back caller tune is another way the operators short-change the customers.

The operators first give the subscribers the impression that the service is going to be free but as soon as the subscriber enters the code, opting out becomes a problem and deduction for such services is the first the service providers go for at the end of the month.

Though the regulator of the sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) mandated the operators to provide short codes for dissatisfied customer to opt out of such services, experience has shown that it is better not to accept the Greek gift at all because going out becomes a great problem to the subscribers. “My Daddy was shocked when he discovered that his caller ring back tune is our Lord’s Prayer. He initially asked me to help her opt out but after several attempts, he gave up the attempt. Since he is of the Roman Catholic faith, the paternoster becomes something that is not offensive to him,” Jerome said.

Particularly, the operators or valued added service (VAS) providers take advantage of the religious nature of the Nigerian society to fleece them. What they do is that the extract prayer points of general overseers of Pentecostal churches that have huge followership. They forcefully impose the prayers of such church leaders on the sub-

• Base station

scribers as ring back tunes.

Operator reacts

A technical person with one of the leading service providers in the country denied any wrong doing by the operators. According to him, some of these things happen to people out of sheer ignorance about the operation of their devices.

He said: “I am sure if you need the record of your calls and data usage, we will provide you with one stating date by date and minute by minute how you spent your airtime on our network. We do not short-change our subscribers.

“But all I know is that customers who do not subscribe to data bundle plans are usually advised to block their mobile data because if it is not blocked, it will be running. It is common with smartphones. When you have airtime on your smartphone and your data is not blocked, it connects automatically to the internet and the applications that are running on the internet will be speaking with the phones. This explains why sometimes you check your credit and discover it is no longer there.”

NATCOMS’ position

President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), Deolu Ogunbanjo said alerts have also become a thing of great concern to the NCC. He said this has compelled the regulator to restrict the time operators send alerts to their customers.

“Caller tunes are a global practice. What we are going to do now is to step up education and enlightenment for subscribers not to accept some of the codes the operators send to them For unsolicited data connection, Ogunbanjo said: “A lot of people have complained about data too. In the court process we are doing, we are asking the court to put in place proper consumer management process and put an era of sanctions in place too. If a subscriber complains, even when they accept liability, it takes them so long to right the wrongs. What we are pushing for is for a penalty that will have time limit attached. So if the time limit for that penalty is exceeded, it should attract further punishment,” he said.

Also, calls the Lagos office of Consumer Protection Council (CPC) was not picked.

58

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

e-Business

T

Fed Govt increases spending on ICT tools

O combat the menace of insurgency, the Federal Government has increased its spending on the purchase of information communications technology (ICT) tools.

The government had been criticised by the ICT community for failing to deploy ICT tools in checking terrorism, especially to facilitate the location and rescue of the over 200 Chibok girls abducted by the Boko Haram sect.

In this year’s Appropriation Act,

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

the government has approved the disbursement of N1,594,000,000 for the establishment of Public Key Infrastructure for Digital Signature Encryption (PKIDSE) for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) while approval has also been given for the acquisition of Enhanced Secured Field Communication System (ESFCS) at cost of N3,900,000,000.

While the PKIDSE project is expected to bring integrity and nonrepudiation of online transactions,

the ESFCS project will enhance tracking of communication.

The Act also made provision for the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to procure security equipment worth N837,307,610; Electronic Jamming Against Bomb System (EJABS) N363,604,547 and Computer Emergency Response (CER) Centre for N2,000,000,000.

There is also provision for Digital Forensic Laboratory with N800million; ONSA Local Area Network (LAN) expansion-N100

Ex-NITDA chief urges early completion of key project F

ORMER Director-General, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Prof Cleopas Angaye has urged his successor to expedite action on the completion of the Public Key Infrastructure for Digital Signature Encryption (PKIDSE), adding that it will do the nation good.

Angaye told The Nation in Lagos, that when he left the agency, about 75 per cent of the project had been completed.

He also urged the National Assembly to pass the cyber crime bills to complement the efforts of NITDA to flush out criminals in the country.

He said: “We have not completed the project. I guess they have done about 75 per cent, 25 per cent is yet to be done. This is a very good project. It is a security initiative and we hope the current administration handling the

agency will complete it.

“Nigeria has a very high potential; we trade online and many a time when goods are delivered online, there could be problem.

The PKI Digital Signature System will now stand as evidence that you have received it and you cannot deny it and it is of high integrity. And a digital signature is more like giving you physical receipt but this is digital. So, it is one of the initiatives which the country has achieved. It is high in the digital agenda and it is very essential that this thing has to be completed.”

He added: “It will also play a major role in national security especially cyber security. It will make an input some of the problems we have in cyber space. So the PKI is in partnership with the

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and all the banks, it is very relevant that we have to complete that.”

He said contrary to insinuations that the government had not done enough in deploying ICT tools in tackling Boko Haram, the government had done a lot.

“We have deployed a lot of ICT tools but what is missing are the cyber security bills which have not been passed into law. If you are transmitting something online, and it gets missing for instance, and don’t get to its destination, there is no cyber security law that covers it, there is no law that will make somebody to pay for it and you will start arguing with the retailer., so there are certain things which cyber criminals can run away with,” he said.

million and the National Information, Communication and Education Programme (NICEP) II Security Elements-Phase IIN1,242,896,000. Another N11 billion. Provision was made for what the budget termed Enhanced and Specialised Security Equipment, Gadgets and Services.

The Directorate of State Security Services (DSSS), which is under the ONSA received budgetary approval to procure Strontium Sky Diligent Recon System at N350 million;

World Cup: Airtel slashes roaming rates

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IRTEL has slashed roaming rates because of the on-going World Cup in Brazil.

This, it said, would enable Nigerians attending the football fiesta to stay in touch with friends, family and business associates at affordable rates.

According to Airtel, the new package underlines its commitment to providing affordable telecoms services to consumers across the country and abroad.

With the new value offering, Nigerians in faraway Brazil, can now enjoy affordable call rates within Brazil and also make and receive calls for as low as N60 to all mobile networks in Brazil and Nigeria.

Customers will also enjoy discounted SMS rate of N50 and data rates of N1/10k.

Airtel’s Chief Commercial Officer, Maurice Newa, said the offering reflects the firm’s commitment to creating innovative and affordable telecoms services, noting that

A

MDAs get deadline to switch to NIMC’s infrastructure

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LL ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) involved in data capturing have been given up to the end of this year to switch over to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) infrastructure.

They have also been directed to revert to NIMC should they require identity verification and authentication.

To effect a seamless transition, NIMC said a Harmonisation and Integration Committee with membership drawn from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Federal Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Communication Technology had been set up.

NIMC urged the MDAs that the commission have the primary re-

sponsibility to deliver the processes and procedures for achieving an integration of its National Identity Management System (NIMS) infrastructure with the infrastructure of other agencies within the time set by the government.

Director, Corporate Communication, Anthony Okwudiafor, said: ”This shall include without exception, all data capture related activities, development of database, identity authentication and verification, card issuance activities and related infrastructure.

“Also, all identity database-related projects and procurements, data capture, development of databases, identity authentication and verification and related identity management infrastructure/

issues shall be validated against the harmonisation and integration programme in view of the set deadline to ensure seamless and timely compliance with the directive in this transition period.”

According to NIMC, the Office of the SGF through the Governing Board of NIMC will ensure periodic evaluation of progress report and convene review meetings as appropriate; and that the government will monitor the implementation of this harmonisation and integration programme at the appropriate time.

In addition, the government will publish the commencement date for the mandatory use of the National Identification Number (NIN) in line with Section 27 of the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, it added.

T

the company is passionate about realising its vision of becoming the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians.

“At Airtel, we will not relent in creating platforms and opportunities that will enrich the lives of our customers and also empower them to succeed in their respective endeavours.

“Our new discounted roaming package for Brazil 2014 is a glowing testimony to our quest of providing the right platforms to enable telecoms consumers achieve more in their professional and personal lives,” he said.

The discounted roaming package is available for both prepaid and post-paid customers. The service is default for prepaid customers on arrival in Brazil. However, prepaid customers must ensure that they have sufficient airtime in their account and may be required to buy additional airtime in the event they run out of airtime in Brazil.

Africdeals.com makes debut

NEWwebsite Africdeals .com has been launched. Its founder, Mr. Deji Adeoni, who hails from Ondo State but based in United States, said the idea of an e-commerce site in Nigeria with international standard was conceptualised in 2009 to provide scam-less, efficient and reliable online shopping for variety of items.

He1 said Africdeals.com sells consumer electronics, such as computers, cameras, toys, accessories, adults and kids clothing, designer handbags and whatever can be found on the website.

“You can place an order for whatever you need. The reason is because most merchandise that come into Nigeria and most African countries lack quality and are mostly sold for the price of the originals. The quality and standard is way different from what you get

•From left: Head of Africa Trading, Global Markets, Richard Robinson; Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commisssion (NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah; Deputy Country Head, Africa Trading, Gbobal markets, Adeola Azeez, and Head, Representative Office, Deutsche Bank in Nigeria, Charles W. J. Weller, during a visit by investors and officials from Deutsche Bank, London, Dubai and United States to Dr. Juwah, in his office in Abuja.

Static and Mobile Jammers at N412 million; procure global system for mobile communication (GSM) Passive Off-the-Air Interception System-N359,000,500; Acquire Data Retention System N415 million; purchase more firearms and ammunitions for all service formations at N350million.

Aside these provisions, there is also an unexplained N27.5billion Contingency Fund captured in the Service Wide Vote of the Federal Ministry of Finance for the year.

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

in the United States and a few other countries that have standard quality control measures in place,” he added.

He said Africdeals.com has a special focus on Nigerians to enable shop and have their items delivered within three weeks of purchase.

“If Nigerians go to Amazon and other foreign e-commerce sites to shop, they won’t ship it to Nigeria because they don’t trust us but as an indigenous person from Nigeria, I understand the market very well.

“The creation of Africdeal.com is to enable Nigerians go to our website, shop and purchase whatever they want and we ship directly to them in Nigeria and everything is coming out of the United States,” he added.

NCC mourns ex-EVC Nnama

HE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commiserated with the family and friends of the Nnama Royal Family of Nibo in Anambra State over the death of Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma Nnama, former Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission.

The late Nnama was shot dead by unknown men in his village, Nibo on March 27, this year. He will be buried at home today.

In a condolence message, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Eugene Juwah, regretted that Nnama was killedat a time Nigeria needed him most.

“It is most regrettable that the life of this statesman was cut short by unknown gunmen in his home town, Nibo, at the prime of his retirement after a meritorious service to the nation,” he said.

He said during his stint as the EVC, the late Dr. Nnama displayed an uncommon passion in the promotion of telecommunications as a catalyst for national development.

“When the history of the nation’s telecommunications development

is written, Dr. Nnama will occupy a meritorious space for his contributions towards accelerated deregulation of the industry and the transformation witnessed in the industry from 2001,” he said.

At the Night of Tributes hosted in the honour of the departed Nnama at the Muson Centre Onikan, Lagos, last week, Dr. Juwah, who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs of NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, said the late Nnama had a vision that telecommunications could transform lives and businesses and could contribute to the development of our nation.

“In the course of his administration, he developed the memorable ‘You too can phone’, slogan with which he dreamt about a phone revolution where every Nigerian location will be covered by communications signals while every Nigerian could afford todays’ communications equipment.

“I think most Nigerians are now living the dream of the late Dr. Nnama, through the regulatory activities of the Nigerian Communications Commission,”he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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MONEYLINK

CBN to enforce zero-tolerance policy on fraudulent borrowers T HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it will pursue and enforce zero tolerance policy on fraudulent borrowers by enhancing the operation of credit bureaux and establishing a National Credit Scoring System for the financial sector.

Its Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who disclosed this yesterday at the Finance Correspondents and Business Editors conference in Kaduna, said such exercises remain viable means of ensuring financial stability and achieving growth in the sector.

Represented by its Head of Research, Charles Mordi, the governor said the apex bank is equally committed to strengthening the risk-base supervision framework for the banking system.

•National Credit Scoring System coming

By Simeon Ebulu, Nduka Chiejina and Collins Nweze

He said the Financial System Strategy (FSS) 2020, which is part of the Vision 20: 2020 initiative of the Federal Government is aimed at developing a coherent and internally consistent blueprint for the financial system. Such, he said, would help in achieving the vision to make the country, a major international financial hub, and one of the top 20 largest economies in the world by 2020.

The CBN boss, however, said the

Standard Chartered urges auditors on value creation TANDARD Chartered Bank has called on auditors to take steps that will add value to their organisations. The lender said such a role would enable them improve their business in new ways.

Its Executive Director, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Nigeria & West Africa, Mrs Yemi Owolabi, said internal auditors have started to rethink their fundamental value propositions by shifting from an internal audit model focused only on controls assurance, to a risk-centric model.

Speaking at the 27th quarterly general meeting of the Committee of Chief Internal Auditor of Banks in Nigeria (CCIABN) in Lagos, she said risk and control assurance are based on the effectiveness of risk manage-

S

said, makes it imperative to update the base period, a process commonly refered to as ‘rebasing’.

He said data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics shows that real GDP stands at 1990 basic prices with 19-year lag considering 2010 as new base year. He said this lag poses a significant challenge in recording the accurate economic realities over a period of time.

“It was discovered that within the 19-year lag, tremendous growth was recorded in the telecommunication, information technology and distributive trade sectors of the economy. It will therefore be unrealistic to stick to the 1999 base year figures given such structural changes and changes in price structure over these years,” he said.

He said the CBN has incorporated unemployment as a target variable in the monetary policy formulation. This, he added, has exposed the scope of the Monetary Policy

ment processes as developed by management.

She said it is imperative that in a changing regulatory and business environment, internal audit as a function needs to find new ways of deploying its risk and controls based skills. These in turn will create value and assist in achieving strategic business objectives.

According to her, for the internal audit function to be viable and effective, auditors need to partner with the core business of financial institutions.

Chairman, CCIABN and Chief Internal Auditor of Zenith Bank Plc, Joseph Esenwa, enjoined his colleagues to take up the challenge to exceed the expectations of stakeholders and the industry at large.

key indicator in determining the pace of growth of any economy remained the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is the standard measure of the value of final goods and services produced in the country by firms, government and households within a specific time.

He explained that overtime, changes in the structure of the economy as well as pattern of relative prices in the base period could render the GDP irrelevant as a gauge of economic activities in a given year.

Emefiele said to ensure that GDP indicator approximates economic realities of the period, statisticians needed to review the weights assigned to the various component sectors that make up the GDP in the base period. This, scenario, he

•Emefiele

Committee (MPC) target variables beyond the conventional price and financial stability to include gauging the misery indices of poverty and unemployment.

He said the CBN will, henceforth, target employment-generating sectors like agriculture, Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs), oil and gas, power and health sectors as such would confront the weak production sectors, and the embarrassing youth unemployment and huge infrastructure gap.

Jaiz Bank Board visits Emir of Kano From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor), Abuja

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HE Board of Directors and Management of Jaiz Bank Plc have visited the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, to congratulate him on his assumption of the throne and extend their condolences to him over the death of Emir Ado Bayero.

The team was led by the lender’s Chairman, Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab, who expressed the bank’s confidence in the ability of the new Emir to help bring about needed peace and development of Kano.

A statement from the bank quoted Mutallab as saying: “We are at the Emir’s palace to pay our homage, first to condole his royal highness over the

willingness to explore the services of the bank.

Its Managing Director, Muhammad Nurul Islam, said: “The bank has concluded plans to advance its operational licence, spreading the banking services across the 36 states of the federation, before the end of 2014.”

He said the bank has submitted application to the Central Bank of Nigeria for a National License and is waiting for the finally approval.

In his words, “we have submitted our application in December 2013, it has to follow the rudiment and the normal regulations. Hopefully, we would secure the national operation license very soon.”

demise of the late Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero and to very importantly congratulate you on your new position.

Mutallab said the team is “extremely grateful to his Royal Highness during his tenure as governor of Central Bank of Nigeria. You are instrumental in the establishment of Jaiz Bank Plc. Today, Jaiz Bank is in existence and we would continue to work stronger to deliver our unique services to all our customers irrespective of their regional or religious background.”

He said the lender is currently witnessing acceptance, particularly from potential customers who are showing

DATA BANK Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year

35m 35m

11.039 12.23

19-05-2014 18-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33

NIDF

Price Loss 2754.67

Amount Sold ($) 399.9m 399.9m 399.9m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.75 155.8 155.7

Date 2-5-14 2-3-14 1-29-14

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency OBB Rate

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day

Amount 30m 46.7m

Rate % 10.96 9.62

Date 28-04-2012 “

MRS OANDO SIMCAPVAL COSTAIN AGLEVENT WEMABANK UTC CONTINSURE AIRSERVICE ETI

O/PRICE 51.36 23.15 98.33 1.47 1.32 0.95 0.54 1.08 2.45 14.82

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

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 18-10-14

SYMBOL

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change

Year Start Offer

C/PRICE

CHANGE

56.61 25.00 103.24 1.54 1.38 0.99 0.56 1.12 2.54 15.29

5.25 1.85 4.91 0.07 0.06 0.04 0.02 0.04 0.09 0.47

DISCOUNT WINDOWx Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00%

SYMBOL

O/PRICE 65.65 1.79 2.65 1.10 0.54 5.89 37.00 4.48 6.27 1.30

C/PRICE 59.27 1.63 2.52 1.05 0.52 5.70 36.00 4.36 6.11 1.27

CHANGE -6.38 -0.16 -0.13 -0.05 -0.02 -0.19 -1.00 -0.12 -0.16 -0.03

6-2-14

28-10-11

% Change

CAP Index

N13.07tr 40,766.16

N6.617tr 20,903.16

-1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGET FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIGFUND INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND KAKAWA GUARANTEED INCOME FUND

Offer Price Bid Price 157.99 157.07 9.17 9.08 1.09 1.08 1.18 1.18 0.68 0.68 1.39 1.33 1,664.78 1,661.81 1,087.24 1,086.78 119.02 118.19 1,087.30 1,087.00 1.67 1.62 1.05 1.03

LEGACY FUND NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND STANBIC IBTC ETHICAL FUND • • • •

LOSERS AS AT 18-6-14

CONOIL LEARNAFRCA EVANSMED RTBRISCOE PRESTIGE CAVERTON PRESCO UPL DIAMONDBNK NEIMETH

NSE

UBA BALANCED FUND UBA BOND FUND UBA EQUITY FUND UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

143.11

142.62

0.78 1,944.64 13.62 1.07

0.76 1,936.31 13.28 1.05

1.3379 1.3544 1.0146 1.1770

1.3271 1.3544 0.9967 1.1770

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000

8.5000

Movement

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 18-06-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 18-06-14

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

63

EQUITIES

Oando gets govt’s approval for $1.65b ConocoPhillips’ acquisition

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HE Federal Government yesterday approved the landmark acquisition of ConocoPhillips (COP) Nigerian assets by Oando Plc, paving the way for the final closure of the $1.65 billion acquisition deal.

The much-awaited consent of the Minister of Petroleum Resources sealed the deal for Oando and sent investors scrambling for the shares of the leading indigenous integrated energy group. Oando’s share price rose by 7.99 per cent to close at N25 per share at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Oando was also the most active stock as investors staked N992.9 million on 39.37 million ordinary shares of the company. Most analysts said they expected the price rally to continue in the days ahead.

In December 2012, Oando, through its exploration and production subsidiary, Oando Energy Resources (OER), had entered into an agreement with COP to acquire its Nigerian businesses. Though Oando successfully acquired all funds required to complete its acquisition of the assets, closing of the COP acquisition had remained subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, including government and regulatory approval, and the consent of the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Ministerial consent is the mandatory final approval of all oil and gas acquisitions by the Minister of Petroleum Resources as required by the Petroleum Act of 1969 which states that “prior consent of the Minister of Petroleum Resources is obtained before the assignment of any right, power or interest in an oil prospecting licence or oil mining lease”.

The Act stipulates that the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources must conduct due diligence to ensure ownership is being transferred to a company that is of good reputation, has sufficient knowledge, experience and financial resources to work the license or lease and in all other respects is acceptable to the Federal Government. Consent of the Minister may only be granted where the Minister is satisfied that the above conditions have been fully met.

With the due completion of the game-changing acquisition, Oando would be immediately

•Investors scramble for Oando’s shares Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

positioned as the largest indigenous oil producer in Nigeria and would now produce circa 50,000 barrels per day from six producing fields and will significantly impact its near immediate Upstream strategy and operations, and optimise its value across the energy chain.

As it awaited the government approval, OER had reached agreement with COP to extend the outside completion date for the acquisition till June 30, 2014.

In a statement, OER stated that it would now work with ConocoPhillips towards completing the acquisition by the long stop date of June 30, 2014 or shortly thereafter.

“Further to the receipt of consent of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, OER and ConocoPhillips are now positioned to com-

plete the ConocoPhillips transaction,” OER stated.

As it awaited the ministerial approval, Oando had made a total deposit of $550 million to COP, one-third of the $1.65 billion deal while it has already amassed the funds needed to close the transaction. Oando last weekend secured extension of the availability period of the $450 million senior secured facility agreement arranged by a group of international banks, including Standard Chartered Bank, BNP Paribas and Standard Bank of South Africa Limited to August 31, 2014.

The facility is a five and a half years lending arrangement which amortises quarterly with an annual interest rate of LIBOR plus 8.5 per cent. Proceeds from the facility are intended to be used to fund a portion of the purchase price for the COP’s acquisition. All terms and conditions under the initial executed binding documentation remain unchanged.

It had also undertook many capital raising exercises through a combination of equity and debt including $200 million from a special placement of two billion shares, $100 million through the sale of its subsidiary East Horizon Gas Company and debt from financial institutions totaling $800 million.

Commenting on the approval, the Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, Mr Wale Tinubu, said the company would immediately complete the acquisition “We are delighted to receive the approval of the Minister of Petroleum Resources for the completion of our acquisition. It has been a long journey, wherein we kept faith with our strategy and executed every milestone diligently. This acquisition satisfies our criteria for assets in production, as well as excellent appraisal and exploration prospects.

We will work hand in hand with the management team of ConocoPhillips to immediately complete the acquisition,” Tinubu said.

Nigerian equities regain bullish momentum

F

OR the first time this week, Nigerian equities yesterday regained the bullish momentum as investors reacted to Oando’s acquisition of ConocoPhillips (COP)’s Nigerian assets and other bargain opportunities in the breweries and industrial goods sectors.

Benchmark indices indicated a modest gain of 0.09 per cent yesterday, implying addition of N12 billion in new capital gains. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) rose from its opening value of N13.583 trillion to close at N13.595 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI), the main index that tracks all quoted equities, inched up to 41,171.16 points as against its opening index of 41,135.40 points.

The market situation remained tight with a loser for every gainer. However,

gains by some highly capitalised stocks tilted the market position to positive while turnover remained around average.

Nestle Nigeria, the highest-priced stock at the NSE, rose by N10 to close at N1,070.

MRS Oil and Gas followed with a gain of N5.25. SIM Capital Alliance Fund added N4.91 to close at N103.24. Nigerian Breweries rose by N2.58 to close at N167.

Oando gathered N1.85 to close at N25.

Guinness Nigeria and Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria chalked up N1 each to close at N180 and N109 respectively.

SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company garnered 94 kobo to close at N661.

Ashaka Cement rose by 50 kobo to close at N27.51 while Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) added 47 kobo to close at N15.29 per share.

Total turnover stood at 296.13 million

shares worth N5.43 billion in 6,339 deals. Oando was the most active stock with a turnover of 39.37 million shares valued at N992.9 million in 962 deals.

Wapic Insurance followed with a turnover of 28.06 million shares valued at N19.82 million in 162 deals.

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) placed third with a turnover of 24.23 million shares valued at N106.60 million in 344 deals.

On the downside, Conoil succumbed to profit-taking pressure, losing N6.38 to close at N59.27. Mobil Oil Nigeria followed on the losers’ list with a drop of N3 to close at N129. Dangote Cement lost N1.99 to close at N227.01. Presco dropped by N1 to close at N36 while Guaranty Trust Bank declined by 20 kobo to close at N30 per share.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

NEWS

Fed Govt seeks to withdraw charge against Ekiti commissioner, 11 others T Ekiti condemns terrorism charges HE Federal Government failed yesterday to produce Ekiti State Commissioner for Integration and Inter-governmental Affairs Funminiyi Afuye and 11 others in court.

They were charged with terrorism by the police.

Although the government was not represented when the case came up before Justice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, it indicated its readiness to withdraw the three-count charge filed on Monday.

The government was expected to arraign the accused yesterday, but the prosecution was absent when the case was mentioned. The judge adjourned the case till today.

Shortly after the adjournment, an official of the court’s registry brought in a copy of the notice of withdrawal by the prosecution.

Mr. Oloye Torugbene of the Legal/Prosecution Section of the Force Headquarters in Abuja, who filed the notice, said it was informed by the need to further investigate the case.

The notice reads: “With due respect, my Lord, I have found it convenient to inform this honourable court of our intention to discon-

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HE Ekiti State government has described the terrorism charge made by the police against the Commissioner for Integration and Intergovernmental Affairs, Funminiyi Afuye, and 11 others as “a flagrant abuse of the 2013 Terrorism Prevention Act”.

The State Executive Council, at its weekly meeting, said the charge was not only an abuse of the Anti-terrorism Act, but also “an affront to the criminal justice process and trivialises the seriousness of the scale of terrorism in Nigeria”.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Wale Fapohunda, who addressed reporters after the exco meeting in the company of the Commissioner for Information, Tayo Ekundayo, said the From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

tinue the above pending case. This discontinuance is also necessitated by the need for further investigation in the case. We are therefore looking forward to seeing you accept our request please.”

The prosecution is expected to formally move its notice of withdrawal today.

Earlier yesterday, the court stood

OAU shut indefinitely

A

council regretted that the Federal Government had fallen into the trend of “oppressive regimes, where anti-terrorism laws are used as a weapon against the opposition and regime opponents”.

The Attorney-General said the council has agreed that a letter be written to the Minister of Justice, drawing his attention to the abuse of the Terrorism Prevention Act and urging him to advise the police to immediately release the detainees. Fapounda said the council also resolved that Governor Kayode Fayemi should draw the attention of President Goodluck Jonathan to the danger inherent in the abuse of law, adding: “Such flagrant abuse of the act is a threat to the fundamental human rights of Nigerians as contained in the constitution and could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.”

the case down for hours and directed that the prosecution lawyer, Torugbene, be contacted on the phone to ascertain their position.

At about 11:30am, when it became obvious that he would not be in court, the judge directed that the case be called.

Lead defence lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) urged the court to adjourn the case to the next day. He said should the case be adjourned to

next week, as suggested by the court, “they would have achieved their objective”.

Falana said: “Among the accused persons are a commissioner and local government chairmen; and the governorship election is coming up on Saturday. There is nothing in the charge. It’s just that.”

The judge acceded to Falana’s request and adjourned till today, ordering that hearing notice be

served on the police.

Those being held with Afuye include Idowu Aladejobi (68), Afunye Jide (30), Anisulowo Kayode (46), Azeez Suleiman (19), Ajayi Idowu (18), Babadi Ajayi (35) and Abiodun Omoniyi (68).

Others are Oyedapo Olaoluwa (29), Sunday Olalere (27), Dapo David (26) and Akinyemi Tayo (25).

They were, in count one, accused of conspiring to commit an act of terrorism at Ijegbo Roundabout to wit: “Using dangerous weapons/ devices at Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, which resulted in destruction of properties and the death of one Peter Akin (M) and injured several other persons.”

In count two, they were accused of committing an act of terrorism “by using dangerous weapons at Ijigbo Roundabout and Oluyemi Kayode Stadium and shooting one Peter Akin to death.”

They were, in count three, said to have “incited, promised and induced other persons to commit an act of terrorism, which resulted in the destruction of valuable properties, such as motor vehicles, motorcycles, etc.”

The accused allegedly committed the offences on June 8.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

UTHORITIES of the Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U.), Ile-Ife, yesterday closed the institution indefinitely, following protests by the students.

In a statement, the institution’s spokesman, Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju, said: “Due to persistent disruption of normal activities and peace on campus as a result of violent demonstrations by students, led by the Students’ Union Executive, the authorities have decided to close down the university indefinitely to safeguard life and property on campus.”

Students are to vacate the university premises latest by 12 noon today.

Yesterday, the students protested increase in school charges, chasing lecturers out of their offices. They said they would continue to protest until the charges are reversed.

Auxiliary (middle) and Saheed Karimu (right) being led into the court by security operatives ...yesterday.

Gunmen invade Omisore’s Lagos home

S

OME unknown gunmen have reportedly stormed the Lagos home of Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Senator Iyiola Omisore.

According to the Media Head of the Omisore Campaign Organisation, Prince Diran Odeyemi, the gunmen stormed the house on Ikoyi Avenue, Lagos, around 2am on Tuesday, looking for Omisore.

Odeyemi could not ascertain their number.

He said the police apprehended one of the gunmen, adding: “On arriving at the compound, the gunmen were shouting that they meant to terminate Otunba Omisore’s

From Adesoji Adeniyi,

life. They tied the security guards with ropes and headed straight to Omisore’s room, but were disappointed as he was nowhere to be found.

“They cut off all communication gadgets and security network in the residence and searched for Omisore, who was busy in Osun State with his political campaigns. The assassins did not touch any of his personal effects, like money, documents and other valuable items, except for the burglary proof they damaged.”

Odeyemi said a cook telephoned Omisore, who was in Ife, to inform him of the incident.

Firm building 5,000 houses in Lagos

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PHOTO BY FEMI ILESANMI, IBADAN

Osogbo

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

PROPERTY firm, Gran Imperio, is building 5,000 housing units in Lagos.

SouthPointe Estate in Lekki, which occupies almost three hectares of land, accommodates 100 units.

Twenty eight units are ready for habitation. The remaining 72 would be ready by month end.

Seventy-two housing units are being built at the Golden Leaf Estate in Lekki. They comprise 36 three-bedroom and 36 four-bedroom bungalows.

The firm has secured 26.5 hectares of land at Y’hello Estate, owned by MTN, to build 848 housing units.

Under the Oworonshoki Redevelopment Scheme, the firm is building 200 houses, comprising one, two, three and fourbedroom apartments.

All the houses will have air conditioning, fitted kitchens, parking space and gardens.

All the estates will have AstroTurf football pitches, swimming pools, good roads, walkways, streetlights, CCTV, purified water, central sewage system and 24-hour electricity supply, among other facilities.

One bedroom flat costs N7,950,000; two bedrooms, N11,950,000; three bedrooms, N14,950,000 and four bedrooms, N18,950,000.

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Auxiliary: Court awaits legal advice

HE hearing of the suit filed by the police against a factional leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi (a.k.a.

Auxiliary), was stalled yesterday due to the unavailability of legal advice from the Ministry of Justice.

Auxiliary was arraigned at Magistrate’s Court 10, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on June 2 on two counts of conspiracy

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

and murder.

Around 8:30am yesterday, about 200 heavily armed security operatives in Armoured P ersonnel Carriers (APCs) and police trucks stormed the court premises to maintain law and order.

Auxiliary arrived in court at 8:45am.

The Investigating Police Officer (IPO) in charge of the

case, Solomon Aruwaji, said he had sent a duplicate of the case file to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the Ministry of Justice and was waiting for legal advice to consolidate the charges with others.

The Magistrate, Mrs. O.K. Omotoso, said the court will await legal advice from the DPP and adjourned the case till July 17.

Auxiliary’s counsel Folorunsho Ahmed said:

“The Magistrate’s Court lacks jurisdiction to hear murder charges, but the case is presently here on remand proceedings.

“We are taking steps to ensure the freedom of our client and the IPO just informed the court that they have duplicated the case file and sent it to the Ministry of Justice for legal advice. We don’t know what the outcome will be, but we shall wait for it.”

Group protests ‘plan’ to dissolve Akure South Council Committee

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GROUP in the Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State, Grassroot Mobilisers (GM), protested yesterday the alleged interference of an LP chieftain, Mr. Soji Bello, in the affairs of Akure South Local Government Council.

The protesters, led by a Ward 10 leader, Mr. T.O. Olamiju, accused Bello,

From Damisi Ojo,Akure

fondly called Friend of the Governor (FOG), of allegedly planning to influence Governor Olusegun Mimiko to sack the Caretaker Committee, chaired by Mr. Michael Adeleke.

Barely a month ago, the House of Assembly extended the tenure of the 18

local government caretaker committees by six months.

The protesters, who gathered at the Governor’s Office in Akure, were pacified by the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), who is an LP leader in Akure South.

Jegede said he would intervene in the matter, adding: “No individual can

remove any local government chairman aside the governor. I promise to dialogue with the governor on the issue to find amicable settlement.”

One of the protesters, who spoke in confidence, said: “Bello, who is lording it over us here is an alien from Ekiti State. He is just using his closeness with the governor to victimise us in our land.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2014

NEWS ‘Stolen artefacts must be received in Benin’

Delegates worried about Boki demarcation

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

THE Bini have rejected the stance of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) on the planned return of two artefacts stolen by the British in 1897.

They urged the Federal Government to ensure that the artefacts were received from the original place where they were stolen.

This position was contained in a statement by Founder/Artistic Director of Afemai Heritage and Cultural Studies, Usman Abudah.

Abudah said it was wrong for the NCMM to have considered that the stolen artefacts be received in Lagos or Abuja.

“It makes no sense for anyone to even suggest that the handing over should be done outside the Oba of Benin’s palace from where the looting took place in 1897.”

Teacher gets 14 years for defiling minor

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba and Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

A 33-YEAR-OLD Fine Art teacher, Godwin Onoyiwa, of Delta Career College, Warri has been sentenced to 14 years in jail for raping a nineyear-old pupil.

Onoyiwai raped the pupil in the teachers’ staff room on September 23, 2008.

Justice Kujaobol Onadike said the evidence against Onoyiwai were overwhelming and had proven his guilt.

“This act is a dastardly act that must be discouraged and it must not go unpunished.

Male teachers whose parents entrust their wards in their care must desist from such act. I hereby sentence you to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour.”

The victim, who gave an account of the incident in court, said she was warned not to disclose the act to anyone or she would be severely dealt with.

She said the teacher also threatened to fail her in her exams. Nemesis caught up with the teacher when the victim’s mother noticed her unusual behaviour.

The victim said: “I told him that I was looking for my school bag, he asked me to wait in his office so that he could get the keys to the classroom where my bag was locked.

“As I was waiting, he covered my mouth and raped me. I even bit his hands.”

The victim was said to have owned up to her mother after a tissue paper soaked in fresh blood was recovered from her underwear.

A medical examination revealed that she was raped.

The victim’s mother said though she was satisfied with the judgment, she had expected the culprit would bag a life sentence.

“I’m satisfied, but I was expecting life imprisonment for him. But I take it the way it is now.

“The school has refused to apologise to my family. I would embark on the civil aspect of the case to seek damages for my daughter’s psychological trauma.”

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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From right: Oshiomhole, Project Manager John Levan and Commissioner for Environment Clem Agba

Lawmakers’ drama won’t distract me, says Oshiomhole E

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said he will not be distracted by the impunity and disregard for the rule of law by some lawmakers in the House of Assembly.

Speaking during the inspection of the storm water masterplan project in Benin, the state capital, Oshiomhole said: “Like they have told me, between now and December, we will lay asphalt on this upper Siluko Road.

“It will be six lanes and between then and the middle of next year we will put up street lamps on the road.

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“Let me assure you, all those people who are fighting in the House of Assembly, trying to cause trouble, who want us to bring government money for them to share, we will not give them.

“We will use Edo money for Edo people. And with your prayers, we are not afraid. We know that for as long as we work for Edo people, the devil is a liar.”

A resident, Mrs. Nonye Umezurike, said: “A saviour

has come to us, we are very happy. For many years now, traders were finding it difficult to earn their daily bread, but God has come to our aid, he has answered our prayers.

“For years, there was no road for us to get to our homes. We were trekking and swimming inside flood, but today, even when it rains we move on solid ground.”

Augustine Ajayi-Obanor said: “In 1974, when my fa-

ther laid the foundation of his house, he told me that we should build the house far from the old road.

“He said anytime a good government comes, there will likely be an expansion of road.

“I’m happy today that my father, who is now 116 years, is inside and is witnessing the good government he predicted 40 years ago.

“My father reminded me a few days ago about what he said in 1974 and I said, daddy, your dream has come true. It shows that you are a very good governor.”

Eyewitnesses, police fault JTF on soldier’s stabbing

HERE is furore in Bayelsa State over the stabbing of a Lance Corporal attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, by a commercial sex worker in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The JTF in a statement by its Media Coordinator, Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, claimed that none of its soldiers was stabbed.

Anka, in the statement, alleged that the media misrepresented the matter.

He described the report as malicious, misleading and lacking in objectivity and credibility.

But further investigation revealed that the soldier was actually stabbed by a commercial sex worker at a red light district on Hospital Road.

It was gathered that the soldier was recuperating at a hospital in Yenagoa.

An eyewitness said the soldier was saved by a police team which took him to the hospital after arresting the lady.

The source, who pleaded for anonymity, further gave details of the incident.

She said: “The problem started during a negotiation between a soldier and the commercial sex worker.

“He offered to pay the lady N1,500 but she insisted on N2,000.

“Shortly after that, another guy came and offered a higher price which the lady accepted.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

“When the lady wanted to go with the new guy, she started looking for her phone.

“She asked the soldier if he saw the phone. The soldier became angry and started beating her.

“The girl took a knife and stabbed him in the stomach.”

The source said the soldier’s intestines gorged out, adding that he should thank the police for rescuing him.

A police source corroborated the eyewitness’ report, saying the arrested prostitute was in police custody.

The police source, who pleaded anonymity, said the

JTF wrote to the Commissioner of Police, Hilary Opara, requesting him to transfer the suspect to it for questioning.

JTF was said to have promised to return the lady after its investigation.

The source said: “The commissioner, however, declined the request and asked the JTF to come to the police command and conduct its interrogation.

“The soldier was in danger when the police rescued him. We even took the photograph of the incident.”

Opara confirmed that the soldier was stabbed but that he was rushed to the hospital by the police.

He said the soldier was

fortunate to have survived the incident.

But Anka said: “The JTF wishes to categorically state that no soldier of the command was stabbed to death.

“A soldier attached to the command escorted a civilian friend to a relaxation spot at Hospital Road Junction, Yenagoa.

“At the relaxation spot, his friend’s girlfriend raised the alarm about her missing phone, which degenerated to a disagreement between her and the friend.

“The soldier, in an attempt to mediate, was injured. He is receiving treatment and will soon be fit to join his colleagues.

“The purported report is not only malicious, misleading, but lacks objectivity and credibility.”

Nonagenarian leads protest over abandoned road

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90-YEAR-old woman, Omiekuma Numo, joined hundreds of protesters yesterday to complain about the abandonment of the Opume-Okoroba Road project.

Madam Numo marched on deep water covering some sections of the road and asked the contractor to return to the site.

The road and bridge were awarded in 2011 by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to a firm, Mangrove Tech, which has been renamed Kakata

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Ce. The project was allegedly abandoned over issues bordering on compensation and unavailability of sand.

The protesters praised the Federal Government and President Goodluck Jonathan for awarding the project to a local contractor but accused the firm’s owner of incompetence and fraud.

They carried placards, with inscriptions such as “EFFC: probe payment of compen-

sation”; “NDDC save our soul”; “We say no to delay”; “Enough is enough; give us back our road” and “Sand is not an excuse”.

The nonagenarian said: “The people of my community are suffering and my children have abandoned me in the village due to the bad road.

“I am hungry. I woke up at 5am to join the three-hour protest march through the muddy water on the abandoned road to show you how serious and pained we are as a people.”

HE National Conference has expressed reservations about the alleged forceful take over of a village in Cross River State

by Cameroon.

The Conference also noted that the Federal Government has made no effort to claim villages awarded to Nigeria by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in accordance with the Green Tree Agreement.

The Conference expressed concern and called on the Federal Government to address the issue as a matter of urgency.

The call followed the information that some demarcation took place on Tuesday in Boki village, on the Nigerian border with Cameroon without the participation of Nigerian officials.

Orok Duke brought the point of order to the floor, saying residents of Boki village were prevented by Nigerian troops from protesting the demarcation of their land conducted by some Cameroonians in company of some United Nations (UN) officials.

He said Nigerian officials on the Mixed Commission were not part of the team, which agitated the community.

Prof. Jibril Aminu, in his contribution, said it was impossible for Cameroon to embark on such exercise without the knowledge of Nigerian officials.

He said the matter should be referred to the relevant authorities to intervene and brief the Conference appropriately.

Don: swap Chibok girls now

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PROFESSOR of Counseling and Criminal Justice at the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, yesterday in Lagos, urged the Federal Government to swap Boko Haram families in exchange of the abducted Chibok girls.

Spaeking on the planned launch of his book titled: “Policing and Terrorism: Challenges and Issues in Intelligence”, the author, who will be 50, said the trauma the girls and their families were going through should be ended.

He said: “The girls are in a terrible situation in which they don’t know what may likely happen in the next minute because with insurgents you cannot predict what will happen.

“Don’t let us talk about their education because that is post rescue efforts. Some of them might have been put in the family way.

“My advice is that government should negotiate with the sect so that their incarcerated women would be released.

“But for the real terrorists in detention, the government should allow the weight of the law to take its full course,” he said.

The author, who is the Deputy Director (Academic), Distance Learning Centre, UI said the 183-page book will be launched at the Conference Centre next Thursday.

THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2014

67

NEWS

Appeal Court returns Umeh as chairman

•Victory throws APGA members into frenzy

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HE Court of Appeal in Abuja yesterday affirmed Chief Victor Umeh and Alhaji Sani Abdulahi Shinkafi as the national chairman and national secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The court, in a unanimous decision by a three-man panel, set aside the judgment by Justice A. Abdul-kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which sacked the Umeh-led National Executive and installed Chief Maxi Okwu as chairman.

Umeh and Shinkafi appealed the judgment delivered on January 15 in which he (Justice Abdul-Kafarati) ordered, among others, the dissolution of the Umeh leadership elected in 2011.

They criticised the judge and argued that he erred in law by assuming jurisdiction over

Obi: judgment God’s will FORMER Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has described the victory of the Chief Victor Umeh-led faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in yesterday’s Court of Appeal judgment as the will of God. He said it was His design to bring peace to APGA. Describing APGA as a party with the capacity to give voice to the Igbo, Obi urged all factions to see the judgment as God’s design and an opportunity for APGA members to supFrom Eric Ikhilae, Abuja and Nwanosike Onu, Awka

the case.

The appellate court held that Okwu, who instituted the case, had no locus standi, having been expelled from the party.

As against the argument by Okwu, Justice Tani Hassan, who read the lead judgment, held that the appellants substantially complied with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

“I also uphold the 12 grounds of appeal brought by

port Umeh in rebuilding the party.

The ex-governor, who said APGA would win most votes in the Southeast in next year’s elections, added that members should unite to ensure the goal was realised.

On his rumoured plan to quit APGA, he said the rumour had been on in the past five years, adding that it was not true.

Said he: “I believe in APGA. I believe that at certain stage in one’s life, one should stand for something and not change belief because of any moving tide.”

the appellants. Justice AbdulKafarati should not have assumed jurisdiction to entertain the suit when there is a subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, which voided the ruling of Justice Innocent Umezurike of the Enugu State High Court.”

The victory has thrown APGA’s members into a frenzy in Anambra State.

Although a few of the members described the judgment as lopsided, the majority saw it as a victory for the party.

The traditional prime minister of Awka, Chief Austine

Ndigwe, said Umeh showed leadership qualities since he assumed office, adding that everybody wanted him to continue.

He said his tenure would end on February 14, adding that dissidents wanted to use Okwu to destroy APGA. “Okwu was never a member of the party. Some people wanted to use him to destroy what Umeh had laboured for over the years. They should wait till his tenure ends. He is our leader, we are proud of him.”

Former Commissioner for

Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Chief Dubem Obaze described the judgment as a springboard for unity and cohesion.

Addressing reporters in Awka, he said the unanimous decision of the appellate court showed that the judiciary had a pivotal role to play in strengthening democracy.

Obaze noted that the judgment had restored the people’s confidence in the judiciary.

He said it gave Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano an impetus to work for the people.

Obaze, the Director of Operations in the Obiano Campaign Organisation in last November’s governorship poll, said APGA was a united party, adding that the leadership problem had been resolved.

He urged members to close ranks and forge ahead to reposition the party and enhance its fortune in next year’s elections.

Obaze implored Umeh to be magnanimous in victory by accommodating all groups, irrespective of leanings.

Ebonyi aspirant opposes zoning From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

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GOVERNORSHIP aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Senator Paulinus Nwagu, has opposed the zoning arrangement put in place by the state chapter of the party.

Nwagu, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, said the arrangement promotes mediocrity over merit, adding that zoning is alien to Ebonyi politics.

Addressing reporters in Abuja yesterday, he said: “You get it wrong when you talk of zoning in Ebonyi State because we have never talked about zoning since the creation of the state in 1996.

“If zoning was adopted in America, Barack Obama would not have been President. In a society where you talk of zoning, you get it wrong.”

The aspirant said he has been a councillor, a chairman, a member of the House of Representatives, adding that he is now a senator.

Nwagu said his decision to contest the election was in response to pressure from his supporters to run to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Martin Elechi.

•From left: General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke Osanyintolu; Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed; former Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Avm Audu Bida and Head of Operations, LASEMA, Mr. Olusegun Magnus-Davies, at a training for local emergency responders and stakeholders on emergency management, organised by LASEMA in Lagos...yesterday.

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Ogba vies with Elechi for Ebonyi Central

HE former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State and ex-Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Chief Obinna Ogba, has said he will contest the Ebonyi Central seat with Governor Martin Elechi.

He spoke at a meeting of the Igboasaa, an umbrella body of the communities in Ishiellu Local Government.

Said he: “I’m soliciting your support. Our people say charity begins at home.”

Ogba said he would give his people quality and equitable representation at the Senate.

His words: “I will unfold my agenda and inaugurate my cam-

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

paign committee when I return from the World Cup in Brazil.”

Ogba said he had been reaching out to stakeholders in the four local governments in the zone.

“I was the PDP chairman for over seven years and I’m acquainted with the 58 wards. I am aware of the political happenings in the area,” he added.

Ogba noted that he was not aware of the plan by the meeting’s chairman and Commissioner for Environment Chief David Egbu to use the occasion to announce the people’s support for Governor Elechi.

Akunyili: Controversy trails funeral

•The late Prof. Akunyili

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HE date chosen for the funeral of the former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof.

Dora Akunyili, is causing con-

fusion at Agulu community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

While the monarch, Igwe Innocent Obodoakor, seems to have accepted the August 28 date as announced by the family, members of the community said it was a sacrilege.

An indigene, Mr. Nwafor Okafor, said the period coincided with its new yam festival.

The Nation learnt yesterday that the traditional ruler would celebrate the festival on August 29, a day after Prof. Akunyili’s funeral and the community would celebrate it on August 30.

Although the date was cho-

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

sen by the Federal Government before Akunyili’s husband, Chike, made it public a few days ago, the people warned that they should not use the woman’s funeral to desecrate the community.

Speaking on the phone with The Nation yesterday in Awka, Igwe Obodoakor said the dead must be accorded a befitting funeral.

He, however, debunked a claim that there was controversy over the funeral date.

The former Senior Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi, said Prof. Akunyili did not

deserve a stressful funeral.

She said although it would be good to respecttradition, the date was chosen to accommodate everybody, including the Federal Government.

The Media Adviser to the late National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) chief, Mr. Isaac Umunna, said it was premature to talk of disagreement on Akunyili’s funeral date.

He said: “Prof. Akunyili belonged to all Nigerians. Efforts are being made to ensure that everyone is carried along in the funeral programme.

“The date was not chosen by the family but by the Federal

Government to accommodate everybody. We are confident that whatever grievances anybody has will be settled.

“The best tribute anyone, who truly loves her, can pay to her is to ensure that she is given a befitting funeral.”

The late Akunyili’s Director of Media of her campaign organisation, Sir Oselloka Offoh, described her as an embodiment of peace, saying respect should be accorded her in death.

He said she was the best senator Nigeria never had, adding that the citizens had lost the opportunity to tap from her fountain of knowledge, wisdom and vision.

Okorocha urges police to investigate PDP’s comments From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

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MO State government yesterday urged the police to investigate the comments of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the averted terror attack at Winners’ Chapel.

He said politicians might hide under the cloak of Boko Haram insurgency to wreak havoc.

PDP, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Enyinna Onuegbu, alleged that “from the security breaches in Imo State since the advent of the Rochas Okorocha administration, it is clear that somebody very high must have been giving assurances to the purveyors of the fundamentalists in parts of the country that Imo State affords them a refuge location.”

It accused the government of harbouring and training suspected Boko Haram members in a government facility in Owerri.

But government, in a statement by the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, noted that the PDP, in its desperation to return to power, has thrown caution to the wind.

The statement added: “PDP with its claims has justified the fears of the government that desperate politicians, especially members of the PDP, may hide under the Boko Haram insurgency to wreak havoc. We enjoin the police to look beyond the Boko Haram angle in investigating the bombs found at Winners’ Chapel in Owerri.”

Onwuemeodo said: “Government locations and establishments have been bombed in Abuja where the PDP is in charge. Do we now say President Goodluck Jonathan was responsible? The same day the PDP were labouring in vain to accuse the Okorocha administration of being behind the averted terror attack, more than 560 suspected Boko Haram insurgents were arrested in Abia State governed by the PDP. “The party has tried to reduce the esteem of the Okorocha administration, but Imo people have refused to oblige it. Now they are experimenting with the Boko Haram issue to incite the church against Okorocha and his government, but the indigenes know better.”

Chime begins leave From Chris Oji, Enugu

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NUGU State Governor Sullivan Chime began vacation yesterday.

Commissioner for Information Chuks Ugwoke told reporters in Enugu at the end of the executive council meeting chaired by the governor.

He said during the leave, the governor and his family would travel to Miami in the United States of America.

Baptists meet

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HE Executive Committee meeting of the Lagos East Baptist Conference (LEBC) holds on Saturday at the Conference Room, Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos, from 10 am.

The Conference President, Rev. E.A. Awotunde, said members should be punctual.

He said kingdom business and other matters affecting the associations and churches under the conference would be discussed.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

NEWS APC kicks as House begins battle to impeach Nyako Continued from page 4

wanted him to receive the impeachment notice before jetting out to Abuja.

“The governor also beat the House of Assembly to the game by travelling by road to Gombe to board the chartered flight to Abuja.

“Yet, the governor missed the inauguration of the new National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress(APC).”

Responding to a question, the source said two things also played out between Tuesday and Wednesday, signalling Abuja forces and the presidency’s final move against Nyako.

The source added: “The President personally invited Nyako to the inauguration of a comprehensive National Emergency Relief Programme for the country, beginning with the Northeast, in Abuja on Tuesday. The session was attended by a former British Prime Minister and the governors of Borno and Yobe states.

“Nyako could not make the session. This angered the Presidency. So when they got wind of his chartered flight to Abuja on Continued from page 4

never woke up.

His body is expected to be flown into Nigeria this morning for burial in the afternoon.

Governor Ajimobi decalred seven days of mourning.

He also declared Friday as a public holiday in honour of the deceased.

Flags are to fly at half mast during the seven days.

Sources said the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSIA) – Arisekola-Alao

Wednesday, the airspace was also blocked.

“I think the governor was skeptical about Jonathan’s invitation because the Gombe Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) had on Tuesday invited Adamawa State’s Secretary to the State Government and the commissioners for Finance and Local Government Affairs.

“The mistrust had set in as at Tuesday.”

The thinking is that if Nyako had come to Abuja on Tuesday, the House of Assembly would have had enough time to debate and serve impeachment notice on him.”

It could not be ascertained last night, if the governor will go to court to stop the impeachment proceeding or not.

An official statement from Nyako was being awaited last night.

The provision for the removal of a governor and his deputy is contained in Section 188 (1-11) of the 1999 Constitution.

The section says: “A motion of the House of Assembly that the allegation be investigated shall

not be declared as having been passed unless it is supported by the votes of not less than twothirds majority of all the members of the House of Assembly.

“Within seven days of the passing of a motion under the foregoing provisions of this section, the Chief Judge of the State shall at the request of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, appoint a panel of seven persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political party to investigate the allegation as provided in this section.

“The holder of an office whose conduct is being investigated under this section shall have the right to defend himself in person or be represented before the panel by legal practitioner of his own choice.

“A panel appointed under this section shall (a) have such powers and exercise its functions in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed by the House of Assembly; and (b) within three months of its appointment, reports its findings to the House of Assembly.

“Where the Panel reports to the House of Assembly that the allegation has not been proved, no further proceedings shall be taken in respect of the matter.

“Where the report of the Panel is that the allegation against the holder of the Office has been proved, then within 14 days of the receipt of the report, the House of Assembly shall consider the report, and if by a resolution of the House of Assembly supported by not less, than twothirds majority of all its members, the report of the panel is adopted; then the holder of the office shall stand removed from office as from the date of the adoption of the report.

“No proceedings or determination of the panel or of the House of Assembly or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court.

“In this section, ‘gross misconduct’ means a grave violation or breach of the provisions of this Constitution or a misconduct of such nature as amounts in the opinion in the House of Assembly to gross misconduct.”

was his deputy- may arrive with Arisekola-Alao’s body.

It was gathered that 24 hours before his death, Arisekola-Alao visited one of his children who just bought a house in Paris before returning to London.

Recalling Arisekola-Alao’s last days, Mrs. Ronke Akinyemi, one of those with Arisekola last Thursday, said: “They said he had been sick for sometime, but I didn’t see any reason to say that he had been sick. I noticed he gained weight but I didn’t see any sign and with that weight I just felt if anything was wrong, he

was getting better.

“I was with him. He threw banters as usual. He ate amala and took coke and he directed that they should bring more drinks for people to take. Thereafter, he said he was going to London on Friday but I didn’t know that was the last time I would see him.”

Oyo State Deputy Governor Moses Adeyemo, Ajimobi’s wife, Florence, the secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Olalekan Alli and a former SSG and past Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli,

former Deputy-Governor Hazeem Gbolarumi and Commissioner for Police Muhammed Indabawa sympathised with the family.

Early callers included the Chief Imam of Ibadan, Sheikh Suara Haruna, Alhaji Lateef Oyelade, Omooba Rasheeed Adesokan, Oloye Lekan Alabi, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Head of Service Tajudeen Aremu, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, Chairman of FirstBank Plc Prince Ajibola Afonja, some Islamic clerics, caretaker committee chairmen across local governments and members of the state executive council.

Arisekola-Alao dies at 69

Oyegun to Jonathan: probe Obanikoro’s presence in Akure Continued from page 4

been able to make progress because the people have become so consumed by the need to grow from millionaire to billionaire, and the need to grow from billionaire to multi-billionaire. They are not even talking of Naira they now count in dollars. That’s money of the people of this country. This money can be used to change and better the cause of their lives.

“The government that APC will empower, that the people of this country will vote in will meaningfully address the issue of power. Without power there is no economy. We are wasting time. The office of the National Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Finance announced wounded figures.

“We have even been upgraded to the largest economy in Africa. They stopped at Africa they didn’t say the rest of the world.

But how does that translate into bringing hope to the lives of the people.”

Odigie-Oyegun promised an open door policy in running the affairs of the party, saying repeatedly. “I am going to be a 24hour National Chairman. If there is any internal problem, my ears are for you 24 hours.”

He urged APC members to explore internal party mechanism to resolve issues instead of rushing to the press and the court He said: “We must let people start believing us; we will do our best to address issues within the party. So, instead of rushing to the press or the court on any issue, allow the party to sort things out.

“The National Convention was a very big plus; let us not allow things to degenerate. We are redeemers; we are people who Nigerians can depend on to save and salvage the situation.”

APC governors warn Continued from page 4 ly urged the stakeholders in Adamawa State not to allow a state already having security challenges to be driven into another round of crisis which the impeachment effort could launch the state into.

“The Imo State governor opined that the energy that would be spent on the impeachment exercise could be expended on the effort to recover the Chibok girls from their abduc-

tors that have held them hostage for months now.

“According to the APC governors’ forum chairman, the outside world would not take the country serious if in the midst of all these security challenges across the nation, we would be talking about impeaching a governor.

“He called on all those concerned to allow peace reign by forgetting about the impeachment move against the Adamawa state governor.”

Speaker directs Clerk to serve notice Continued from page 4

affected personalities and all the 25 members of the Assembly.

Nyako’s media adviser Malam Ahmad Sajoh, described the action as a “selfish move”.

“Members of the House are planning something that will end up making them the sole beneficiaries, where the Speaker will be the acting governor and the deputy speaker becomes the deputy governor,” he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

69

FOREIGN NEWS

Iraq formally asks U.S. to launch air strikes against rebels

I •Abdullah Abdullah

Afghanistan presidential hopeful cries foul

A

FGHAN presidential election candidate Abdullah Abdullah has demanded an immediate halt to vote-counting over allegations of widespread fraud.

Ballot boxes had been stuffed and the whole system was working to benefit his rival Ashraf Ghani, Dr Abdullah said.

He said he had lost trust in election officials, adding: "We have asked our monitors to leave their offices."

A run-off vote to choose who replaces Hamid Karzai was held on Saturday. Final results are due in July.

Dr Abdullah won most votes in the first round in April, but did not secure an outright majority.

There was no immediate comment from Mr Ghani, a former World Bank economist.

Mr Karzai, who has served two terms as Afghanistan's first and only president since the Taliban were ousted in 2001, is obliged by law to stand down after the latest election, which would be the country's first peaceful transfer of power.

Israel holds ex-Palestinian prisoners in teenagers hunt

I

SRAELI troops have arrested another 65 Palestinians, including 51 freed in a 2011 prisoner swap, as they search for three missing teenagers.

The total number of people detained since the Jewish seminary students went missing last Thursday is now 240.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the arrests in the West Bank had sent an "important message" and dealt a substantial blow to Hamas.

He has accused the group of abducting the students, but not provided proof.

Hamas has dismissed the allegation that it is involved as "stupid".

The Israeli military said yesterdday morning that 51 of the suspects detained overnight had been part of a group of 1,027 prisoners released three years ago in return for the Israeli soldier Sgt Gilad Shalit, who was seized by militants from Gaza in 2006.

Many of those held were arrested during raids on houses in the northern West Bank city of Nablus and Hebron, in the south, near where Naftali Frenkel and Gilad Shaar, who are both 16, and 19-year-old Eyal Yifrach went missing as they hitchhiked their way home.

"We have two efforts ongoing in parallel. First is to bring back the boys, and the second is to take a toll on Hamas for its actions," Israeli military spokesman Lt-Col Peter Lerner told reporters.

"We are acting on the understanding that they are still alive."

RAQ has formally called on the US to launch air strikes against jihadist militants who have seized several key cities over the past week.

"We have a request from the Iraqi government for air power," confirmed top US military commander Gen Martin Dempsey in front of US senators.

Earlier the Sunni insurgents

launched an attack on Iraq's biggest oil refinery at Baiji north of Baghdad.

Iraqi PM Nouri Maliki earlier urged Iraqis to unite against the militants.

Government forces are battling to push back ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) and its Sunni Muslim allies in Diyala and Salahuddin provinces, af-

Ukraine's Poroshenko ‘to order unilateral ceasefire’

U

KRAINE's president has set out proposals for a peace plan for eastern Ukraine involving a unilateral ceasefire by government forces.

Petro Poroshenko said the temporary truce - expected "in hours or days" - would allow pro-Russian militants in the region to lay down their arms.

One separatist group has already rejected the proposal.

Mr Poroshenko's comments come after he held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

They discussed a solution to the crisis in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian rebels are battling government forces.

More than 30 gunmen were killed and wounded in fighting near the town of Shchastya in the Luhansk region on Tuesday, a spokesman for the government's "anti-terrorism operation" said.

Kiev also said that 147 Ukrainian military personnel had been killed and 267 injured in fighting since March.

ter the militants overran the second city, Mosul, last week.

US President Barack Obama was due to discuss the Iraq crisis with senior Congress members yesterday.

Ahead of the meeting Senate leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, said he did not "support in any way" getting American troops involved in the Iraqi "civil war".

But Gen Dempsey told a Senate panel that it was in America's "national interest to counter [ISIS] wherever we find them".

A detailed look at what ISIS says about itself, in two annual reports, is very revealing.

Get past the gruesome audit of violence - the numbers of people they claim to have killed through car bombs, suicide attacks and even "apostates run over" - and a picture emerges of an "increasingly structured organisation", in the words of an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The statistics show a major ISIS focus, over the past two years, on Nineveh province, which may help to explain the Iraqi army's headlong flight from Mosul last week. More than 30% of ISIS attacks in both 2012 and 2013 were focussed on Nineveh, with a particular emphasis on threats against members of the Iraqi military and intimidation of local journalists.

But the reports suggest ISIS has nationwide ambitions, to take over large parts of the country. In the absence of a considered strategy, warn the authors of the ISW study, ISIS "will become a permanent fixture in the Middle East".

Spain Juan Carlos signs abdication

T

HE reign of King Juan Carlos of Spain is in its final hours after he signed the bill formally abdicating in favour of his son, Prince Felipe.

Juan Carlos, 76, signed the bill at a ceremony in the Royal Palace in Madrid, which was attended by only 160 guests.

At midnight local time (22:00 GMT), Felipe, 46, will become king although the event will not be marked in public until Thursday morning.

The succession was endorsed

by both of Spain's main political parties.

Before the signing, Juan Carlos sat with Queen Sofia to his right and Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia to his left as the content of the law was read out.

After Juan Carlos had signed the document that will end his rule, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy also signed the law. Moments later, the assembled guests applauded, the prince's two daughters joined the royal group and the national anthem was played.

Libya condemns U.S. secret raid

L

IBYA has condemned a United State military operation to capture the suspected leader of the deadly raid on a US diplomatic post in Benghazi in 2012.

The secret operation on 15 June near Benghazi to seize Ahmed Abu Khattala was an "infringement on Libya's sovereignty", Libyan diplomats said.

Washington earlier said Mr Abu Khattala was being held in a secure location outside Libya.

US ambassador Chris

Stevens and three others were killed in the 2012 raid.

"The Libyan government condemns this regrettable infringement on Libya's sovereignty," Libyan foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Alaswad said yesterday.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AGWUYAM I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. AGWUYAM ISHIOMA MARIA, now wish to be known as Mrs. ISHIOMA ONU. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

70

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

71

SPORT EXTRA

Reporting from Brazil ADE OJEIKERE

NFF hands certificates of property to Eagles in Brazil

T

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Aminu Maigari has presented the papers of the landed properties promised to the team

by President Goodluck Jonathan following their triumph at the last Nations Cup in South Africa.

Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, received the papers for onward distribution to the players. NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari made a moraleboosting visit to the Super Eagles Campinas camp on Wednesday afternoon to assure the team that the federation is solidly behind them and that he was sure that the team will make it to the next round of the championship.

He was accompanied on the visit by Chairman Technical Committee, barrister Chris Green, Chairman, Media and Publicity of the NFF, High Chief Emeka Inyama, Executive Committee member and Enyimba FC boss, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu, Assistant Director Media NFF, Demola Olajire, with soccer Ambassador and immediate past skipper of the national team

Nwankwo Kanu as well as Personal Assistants to NFF President, Jubril Nasir in tow.

Maigari said he came to reassure the team that majority of Nigerians still believe in them to

deliver and the NFF board has a special place for the team ahead of their game against Bosnia Herzegovina on Saturday.

“We have heard the barrage of criticisms against you by the same people who say you are the best in the world only a few days ago, but we know that it was the same thing that happened at the Nations Cup and helped to rejuvenate the team.

I am certain that those who have criticized you today, will be the same people that will join to celebrate you in the coming weeks and it will be to the glory of God and the greatness of Nigeria”, he declared.

Team Skipper, Joseph Yobo, said he was aware of the criticisms especially in the social media but declared that the team remains undaunted and will once again prove critics wrong in their next match.

“We know the football family is behind us, we know the NFF is behind us and we will not let the nation down when the time comes for us to be counted among great football nations”.

World Champions out

E

UROPEAN Champions Spain crashed out of the World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to sparkling Chile.

The Chileans sweep through to the knockouts and go head-to-head with Holland to decide who tops the group.

VicenteDelBosquedroppedXavi and Gerard Pique following the shock 5-1 defeat to Holland, but Diego Costa, Cesar Azpilicueta and Iker Casillas retained their spots despite poor performances.

Spain had won both their previous World Cup encounters with Chile, 2-0 in 1950 and 2-1 in 2010. However, Edu Vargas had an effort deflected just wide after 44 seconds and Gonzalo Jara nodded the resulting corner off target. Spain also threatened, Claudio Bravo

bravely charging down Pedro from point-blank range.

Chile broke the deadlock when Charles Aranguiz sprung the offside trap and rolled across for Napoliowned Edu Vargas to take a touch, commit Casillas and turn in.

Today’s Fixtures GROUP C: Kick-off: 5:00 pm Colombia vs Ivory Coast Kick-off: 11:00 pm Japan vs Greece Group D: Kick-off: 8:00 pm Uruguay vs England WORLD CUP RESULTS Australia 2 - 3 Netherlands Spain 0 - 2 Chile

www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 9, NO. 2,883

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Odigie- Oyegun’s emergence as first APC national chairman

•Odigie-Oyegun

On retiring from the civil service, Oyegun and Falae were drawn into politics, with both of them becoming quite prominent in the circle of progressive politicians dedicated to fighting military rule in Nigeria, which they both detested. Significantly, both of them joined the old Unity Party of Nigeria, now defunct, to which they made substantial intellectual and organisational contribution. Eventually, John Odigie-Oyegun, who had also been quite active in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO),

RIPPLES

NIGERIA HAS NO BUSINESS IMPORTING RICE-Cleric

••• and do we have any business IMPORTING FUEL?

‘’GOC’ was not seriously ill. He got home and complained of bodyache and before he could be rushed to the hospital, he gave up the ghost’

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

L

AST week, Chief John OdigieOyegun, a former UPN Governor of Edo State, emerged by consensus as the first substantive national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), replacing Chief Bisi Akande who, until then, had been the interim national chairman, in which position he succeeded in holding the party together, by no means an easy task. The two other contenders for the post, including Tom Ikimi, a former Foreign Minister, were persuaded to step down for John Odigie-Oyegun.

The post had been zoned to the Southsouth. Odigie-Oyegun is Edo from the zone.

Many local observers will be quite happy with the choice of Odigie-Oyegun as the national chairman of the party. He is a veteran politician. An economist by training, he is highly regarded in political circles and will bring to the party his considerable wealth of experience in administration at both the federal and state levels. After obtaining his A-levels in 1960 from the old Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology at Ibadan, where he and I first became acquainted, John Odigie-Oyegun entered the then University College, Ibadan, where he read economics, graduating in 1963. In a bright set, among his classmates at Ibadan, were Chief Olu Falae, Osunsade, who went off to the UN after a brief stint in the federal civil service, and Abangwu, probably the brightest in the set, who died tragically prematurely only a few years after graduating from Ibadan. They were carefully nurtured by the late Professor Ojetunde Aboyade, the former legendary head of economics at Ibadan, who continued to show interest in their careers after leaving Ibadan.

All four of them started their public service career in the newly established National Planning Commission, where they were spotted quickly by Mr. Allison Ayida, who was then the Permanent Secretary in the federal Ministry of Economic Development. Mr. Ayida watched their progress very carefully and sent them on various training courses abroad to hone their skills in economic analysis. Eventually both Oyegun and Falae, on their professional maturity as sound economists, became federal permanent secretaries. It was in this position that they both first came to the public spotlight and acquired a reputation as first class civil servants and administrators, highly respected in top civil service circles.

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

a movement hated by the military authorities, was elected the governor of Edo State. But his tenure in office was soon aborted by another military intervention. Since then, he had been on a sort of political limbo, but had stayed with the progressives throughout his entire political career.

Odigie-Oyegun’s election as the chairman of the APC is thoroughly deserved. It is in recompense of his consistent loyalty and support for liberal and progressive politics in Nigeria. He is a focused, determined, and uncompromising politician, who will fight for what he believes in, and will not be dissuaded by blandishments of material opportunities. As a former high level civil servant and a former governor of Edo State, he has wide political connections in the country that should stand him in good stead as the new chairman of the APC. But, as chairman of the party, he faces formidable challenges both inside and outside his party. All the major parties are in a state of flux with constant defections from one party to the other. There have been several defections from the PDP, the ruling party, to his own party, and a few defections from his own party to the PDP, particularly in Edo, his own state, where the leadership of the Governor, Adams Oshiomole, is being increasingly challenged. His first task will be to reunite the party at all levels and make it a more formidable political machine, in preparation for next year’s general elections. If his party loses the presidential election next year, it will be difficult to hold it together again, as many of the supporters of the APC will simply drift to the ruling party, the PDP. As elections are usually won or

HARDBALL

E

LECTIONEERING period is sweettalk time, and President Goodluck Jonathan demonstrated this reality during his defining visit to Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election of June 21. Not only him, but also Vice-President Namadi Sambo and the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih. The heavyweights were in the state capital, Ado-Ekiti, to witness the presentation of the party’s official flag by its national chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, to its candidate in the approaching poll, Mr. Ayo Fayose.

Apparently, Jonathan got carried away by his sense of occasion. Or what could be the explanation for his utterances? Specifically, he told the crowd at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, “When you vote Fayose and the PDP returns to Ekiti again, I will join hands with him to develop this state.” Did he mean that he had been uninterested in the development of Ekiti because it was being governed by Dr Kayode Fayemi of the rival All Progressives Congress (APC), even though his presidential office was supposed to focus on nation-wide development?

Whatever he might have meant, he was laughably unrealistic by using the word “When” rather than the more sober word

LAWAL OGIENAGBON

lost in the North, Oyegun will need to pay very close attention to political shifts and developments in the region. The political momentum and focus must remain on the North where political loyalties tend to be more fluid and unpredictable.

Since its inception only a few years ago, the APC has emerged as a formidable party, an alternative government to the PDP, whose legitimacy to govern, it has increasingly challenged. But more grassroots support is necessary if the APC hopes to win next year’s presidential election. It must intensify its campaign in the country, particularly in the North where most of the votes are. With its enormous financial resources and the electoral advantages of incumbency, it will take a lot of planning and organisation to beat the PDP at the elections. The APC must prime itself to achieve this feat by clearly articulating its alternative programme and party manifesto, and by presenting itself to the electorate as a better party, one that is more committed to resolving Nigeria’s increasing challenges at all levels of governance.

The number one challenge is the appalling state of insecurity in the country, particularly the unchecked rampage of Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria. Second, it must commit itself to fighting public corruption in Nigeria at all levels. Third, the problem of poor social and physical infrastructure has to be squarely addressed.

These are the three main challenges that are dragging the nation down. The APC must seek to convince the electorate that if elected it can and will solve these problems. Odigie-Oyegun has a wealth of organisational experience that should help the party in steering it to victory in the presidential elections, if he leads a united party. Unity in the party is of paramount importance to its electoral victory. It must keep itself above petty religious and ethnic divisions.

Now that Chief Bisi Akande is stepping down finally from politics, we should wish him well. He is now 75 and has been in active politics for over 50 years, since he was first ‘discovered’ by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Ila, Orangun. He has paid his political dues, seen many political battles, been jailed by the military several times, and been in the eye of the political storm throughout his entire political career. It is time for him to retire finally from politics. He has fully earned his rest. We all wish him well in retirement.

• For comments, send SMS to 08054503031

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Riotous imagination on Ekiti “If”. The suggestion that Fayose would be elected had the appearance of super optimism, not to say misplaced confidence, which is not to rule out the possibility, however far-fetched that could be.

Also, Sambo was probably in a dream state when he said, “I am aware of the problems of teachers. The moment he (Fayose) enters, the problem of teachers is solved.

As you know, in this state there is problem of transportation; the very day he comes in, it will be solved.” And Anenih added, “We are not competing with APC because they have nothing to offer.”

A question for Anenih: If the PDP is “not competing with APC”, why is it presenting a candidate for the election against Fayemi who is seeking a deserved second term? As for Sambo’s exaggeration, it is pertinent to point out that Fayose, a former governor of the state from May 2003 to October 2006, failed to make history as a solution provider or problem solver before his four-year term was shortened by impeachment. Perhaps more importantly, he is currently facing trial for alleged fi-

nancial misconduct while in office as governor.

It is food for thought that he emerged as his party’s standard-bearer despite the moral burden on his shoulder, suggesting that his party is unbothered by that factor, if not dismissive of it. He is going into the election with the unresolved issue of his alleged fraudulence, and will have to contend with voter perception and behaviour, which should logically work against him.

Against this background, it is a wonder that Jonathan, Sambo and Anenih not only spoke of an expected victory for Fayose but did so with suspicious conviction.

The man himself, speaking of Fayose, was no less self-assured, which is why the narrative should be alarming to right-minded observers. He also addressed the crowd at the stadium, saying, “When I come back, I will give you jobs and do local content.”

Curiously, he too used the word “When” instead of “If”. These characters must have let their imagination run riot, which is permissible as long as the popular will is allowed to prevail.

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