The Nation June 21, 2012

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Police give Lawan more time to return $620,000 bribe P10 Yakubu set to quit Premiership for Chinese League P41 Federal Govt defends Jonathan’s trip to Brazil P61 www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 2163 THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

More suicide bombings coming, task force warns Pope seeks end to violence Methodist urges action

By Emmanuel Oladesu and Joseph Abiodun, Maiduguri

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AIDUGURI residents were told yesterday to prepare for more suicide bombings.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) - Operation Restore Order (ORO) - in a statement by its spokesman Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, warned of plans by terrorists to carry Impoverished Explosive Devices (IEDs) in stolen vehicles. It warned the public to report to the appropriate bodies immediately a vehicle is stolen.

The statement reads: “Information recently available to the JTF ORO in Maiduguri indicated that there have been desperate moves

by Boko Haram terrorists to steal/snatch vehicles to be used for terrorists’ activities by implanting Improvised Explosive Devices in vehicles and or through suicide bombing.

“The Task Force wishes to alert members of the public, particularly those whose vehicles have been stolen, to immediately report such incident to the nearest police station or to the JTF as such vehicles if used for terrorism acts would lead to owners of such vehicles being treated as collaborators and accomplices.”

The JTF spokesman said the task force’s troops and Department of State Services personnel have arrested six suspected Boko Haram members involved in the attack on EYN Church in Biu, Borno State, on June 17.

Some worshippers were killed.

Those arrested are in JTF custody and are being interrogated.

Also yesterday, Prelate of Methodist Continued on page 2

•Military escort people out of Kaduna...on Tuesday

PHOTO: AFP

Curfew pains hit Kaduna, Yobe residents hard

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AMATURU, the Yobe State capital, was groaning yesterday under the weight of a huge humanitarian crisis sparked by Monday’s violence and the 24-hour curfew that followed.

Gone are the explosions and the killings. Now the city is

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

struggling to return to normal life amid pangs of hunger and pains of losing relations.

As it is in Damaturu, so it is in Kaduna, the North’s political capital where two churches were attacked last Sunday.

Security operatives and sus-

pected members of the Jama’atu Ahlul Sunna Lid Da’awati wal Jihad (aka Boko Haram) were locked in a bloody test of supremacy in Damaturu on Monday.

Many residents were either trapped in their offices, market places, hotels, relatives’ home

or areas considered to be safe when the fighting erupted at about 5.30pm on Monday.

Members of “Operation Restore Order 111”, otherwise known as JTF, are escorting trapped people to their homes and destinations because of the Continued on page 2

Senate panel uncovers idle N273.9b pension cash

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•Senate President Mark

HE Senate Committee on Investigation of Pension Administration has uncovered about N273.9b idle cash in seven major pension offices.

It has recommended arrest and prosecution of the Chairman of the Pension Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina and two others. It also wants other members of the team found culpable in the mismanagement of pension funds tried.

The two officials of the Task Team recommended for trial along with

From Yusuf Alli and Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

Maina are John Yusuf and B.G. Kaigama.

The committee has asked the government to compel the Pension Task Team to submit its finical records and transactions from inception to date for auditing by the Auditor-General of the Federation.

These recommendations are contained in the 108-page report of the committee, which is expected to be submitted today to the Senate.

WHERE THE CASH IS •Military N23,532, 339,033.98 •DSS/NIA N36,121,396,662.73 •Police N43,213,213,062,.63 •Civilians N58,715,239,159.66 •CIPPO N27,797,021,906.44 •Parastatals N75,783,682,992.99 •Universities N8,778,676,097.12 In the report, which was exclusively obtained by our correspondents last night, the committee said the

Auditor-General of the Federation should be allowed unhindered access to all the pension financial records and account books for proper auditing.

The uncovering of the N273, 941, 568, 915.55b in pension offices appears a major breakthrough.

The affected pension offices and the idle funds are as follows: Military(N23,532, 339,033.98), DSS/ NIA (N36,121,396,662.73), Police(N43,213,213,062,.63); Civilians Continued on page 2

•SPORTS P23 •EDUCATION P25 •POLITICS P43 •NATURAL HEALTH P45

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

NEWS Senate panel uncovers idle N273.9b pension cash Continued from page 1

Displaced persons from last weekend’s violence in a compound in Kigo Road New Extension, Kaduna ...yesterday

PHOTO: AFP

More suicide bombings coming, task force warns Continued from page 1

Church Nigeria Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde warned that “if something serious, strategic and meaningful is not done, we may just be working our way towards another avoidable civil war. ” Speaking in Lagos against the backdrop of the recent coordinated bombings in Kaduna and Zaria, the Prelate said: “For how long are we going to remain silent? Here we are begging the issue while innocent people are dying and their loved ones are yet to get justice. Is it a crime to be a Christian in any part of Nigeria? Every time we raise the alarm and call for action, they will say it has no religious colouration which saddens my heart the more whenever I hear that.

“Before Sunday’s bombings, no fewer than 200 people have been killed in 12 separate attacks on churches or places of Christian worship in the

North so far this year and alQaeda-linked Islamist terror group Boko Haram has explicitly claimed that it carried out at least 10 of them. Yet we are scratching the matter on the surface rather than intensify efforts and expose those behind these attacks. No fewer than 40 persons were feared killed on Sunday in Kaduna and Zaria as suicide bombers attacked three churches.

“And in all of these bombings and attacks on Christians and Churches, no person has been arrested or brought to book. Where are we going?

Where is justice? This is what is encouraging this culture of impunity, which makes it difficult for one to ascertain if the Government has the political will needed in tackling this menace headlong.

“Considering all of these, one then begins to worry, if we ever learnt anything from the first civil war which, for me, was avoidable if the prin-

ciples of justice and fairness were upheld.

“I appeal to all Christians all over the North and other parts of Nigeria to refrain from reprisal attacks as the battle belongs to GOD. God will definitely fight for us as he did during the introduction of the political Sharia in Nigeria.”

Rev. Makinde added: “ reports monitored today (Wednesday) confirms that this group, widely known as Boko Haram, has plans to launch further devastating attacks on Churches and Government buildings in the coming days and weeks. The sect said it planned to make this month the bloodiest month yet in its violent and bloody campaigns against those it tagged infidels.

“The report says they are planning a focused and bloody attack for which 300 suicide bombers have been recruited, sent to Mauritania

and Somalia for training in handling weapons, bomb making and suicide bombing and they promise to start with Southern Kaduna and Plateau, two States populated with Christians, in a bid to avenge the death of Muslims who died in the reprisal attacks.

“I call on the Federal Government, to protect the lives of innocent Nigerians, especially Christians who have been so patient and have refrained from any form of violence.

The constitution to which they swore expects them to do so and they have a compelling duty to uphold the Constitution to the letter. Furthermore, nobody is above the law.

Without bringing perpetrators and sponsors of these acts of terrorism to book, justice cannot be seen to have been done, which is a big threat to our collective interest as Nigerians in our quest for a united nation.”

(N58,715,239,159.66); CIPPO (N27,797,021,906.44); Parastatals(N75,783,682,992.99); Universities(N8,778,676,097.12).

The report reads in part: “That the total unspent pension funds balances in all the pension offices of the Federal Government amount to N273, 941, 568, 915.55b.

“That there are indicators of massive fraud and embezzlement of pension funds in the years 2000 to 2007 which require comprehensive audit and forensic investigation.

This is because there were no credible actions for the sensitisation and validation of pension payroll during these years.

“The number of pensioners on the payroll of the Pension Department in the Office of

the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation alone was above 200,000 during these years. This was reduced to about 141,000 names at the first credible effort at pensioners biometric verification by the Pension Department in 2009.

“That the outstanding pension fund balances of N273, 941, 568, 915.55b in all pension offices of the Federal Government be moopped up by the Accountant-General of the Federation and be used to settle all outstanding pension entitlements.

“The activities and operations of the PFAs should be closely monitored by the National Pension Commission to ensure the attainment of the noble objectives of the Continued on page 61

Pope: end attacks

•Pope Benedict

P

OPE Benedict yesterday called for immediate end to what he called “terrorist attacks”against Christians in Nigeria and urged all sides to avoid reprisals.

The escalating violence has raised fears of wider sectarian conflict after months of at-

tacks on churches, government buildings and other sites by the Islamist Boko Haram sect.

Nofewer than 40 people were killed in clashes between Muslim and Christian residents in Kaduna on Tuesday, triggered by the suspected Islamist bombings of three churches, according to figures from the Nigerian Red Cross.

“I am following with deep concern the news from Nigeria, where terrorist attacks are continuing especially against Christians,” the Pope said at his weekly general audience.

“I appeal to those responsible for the violence to immediately stop the spilling of the blood of many innocent people.”

He urged all groups in Nigeria to shun “the path of vendetta”and work towards building a peaceful society Continued on page 61

24-hour curfew pains hit Kaduna, Yobe residents hard Continued from page 1

restriction of movement.

The Damaturu JTF Commander, Col. Abdulsalam said: “We had earlier distributed our hotlines all across the state for the people to report any suspicious activities.

The JTF numbers came in handy as a lot of people were trapped, either in their shops, offices or other places of their endeavours.

“Since the curfew was not meant to punish anybody, we had to do our best to alleviate the sufferings of all those trapped in various locations.”

Beneficiaries of the operation praised the JTF for their foresight. Many of them, who do not want their names in print recounted ugly details of the “unfortunate” night.

Some of the workers especially paramedical and medical staff, were trapped at their working places as no one came to relieve them of their duties.

It was also gathered that top government officials who normally work late, turned their offices into guest houses until Wednesday morning when the JTF came to their rescue.

Civil servants and others, including bankers, have gone on a forced break due to the curfew.

Security chiefs meet with governor

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HIEF of Defence Staff Air Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin and Acting Inspector General of Police Mohammed Dikko Abubakar were in Kaduna yesterday.

They came to see the devastation of last Sunday’s attacks, comfort the bereaved and assure all that security agents will continue to ensure that those hiding under religion to foment trouble are brought to book.

With the security chiefs were senior military and police personnel.

Kaduna has been engulfed by crisis since last Sunday’s suicide bombings in Zaria and Kaduna.

The security chiefs, who met with Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, praised the state government for the way it has handled the crisis so far.

After the meeting, the security chiefs went round the metropolis to see things Businesses are grounded.

Many families are stuck at home without food.

Police Commissioner Patrick Egbuniwe confirmed that five policemen, 34 sect members and two soldiers were killed in the Monday attack.

He said: “What I can tell you now is that the number of dead policemen has increased to five, 34 sect members were killed and two army personnel also died. But

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

for themselves.

Calm is gradually returning to the city after three days of tension. Streets are deserted by residents who have been forced to remain indoors because of the 24 hours curfew imposed on the state by the government.

Investigations revealed that despite the gradual return of calm, there is palpable tension in some parts of the metropolis as residents complain about “fake soldiers” unleashing terror on people.

Although this could not be confirmed as at press time yesterday, the alleged fake soldiers were said to have shot some people in Malali.

However, residents who were caught unaware by the crisis are grappling with hunger as the markets and the banks have remained closed due to the

we are yet to know the number of civilians who died in the attack.”

Four primary schools and a market at Kandahar were burnt. The primary schools are Bindigary Primary School, Pompomari Primary School, Njiwaji Primary School and Bukar Ammi Primary School - all in Damaturu metropolis.

There were unconfirmed report that the COCCIN Church in Shagari Low-cost

curfew. ATM machines have run out of cash.

Two men who managed to get to one of the ATM machines located in the Kaduna south branch of Access Bank was seen throwing his hands into the air in frustration after being unable to collect money from the machine.

The one of them who refused to identify himself said “I have been to all the banks around here to use my ATM card to collect money, but I cannot.

Look at the hardship this nonsense is putting us through. We just came out of the weekend into this mess. Even when I wanted to collect money yesterday, I could not because of long queues and the subsequent confusion in the town.

“I don’t even know what we are going to eat today because we don’t even

and the home of the pastor of Unity Chapel and his church were also torched.

But the CP said those churches claimed to have been burnt were not from fresh attacks but attacks that took place in the past.

“I have gone round all those bad areas, including the churches. From the DPO’s briefing, the said churches were not affected by the fresh attacks that took place on Monday. They are

Continued on page 61

actually old attacks,” Egbuniwe said.

Commenting on when the 24hour curfew will be lifted, the CP said: “It is the governor that will decide whether the curfew will be relaxed or not. It is not the decision of the CP. I am not the one who imposed the curfew but all of us will have to come together and sit at the table - the SSS, Police, JTF and the governor before a decision will be taken”.

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam yesterday urged members of the public to disregard some text messages circulating in town that Yobe is boiling and that churches are being burnt.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Press and Information Affairs, Abdullahi Bego, the governor said: “Our attention has been drawn to a text message being circulated by some mischievous elements wanting to cause disaffection between followers of different religions in our state that members of the Christian Community were being ‘attacked’, that Churches were set ablaze in Damaturu and that Yobe was ‘boiling’ following the incident between security agents and members of the Boko Haram in the State capital on Monday.

“We wish to state categorically that the entire content of the text being circulated is false, misleading, mischievous and unfounded.

“There were no churches in Damaturu that were attacked. The unfortunate incident in the town last Monday affected all residents, regardless of religious inclination but, as everyone knows, members of the security forces were able to repel the atContinued on page 61

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

4

NEWS THE DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

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Corruption caused crash, says man ‘Bellview, ADC crash ‘ probe not yet

MAN, who lost his wife, daughter and sister-in-law to the ill-fated Dana Air plane crash, Mr. Ike Ibe, yesterday blamed unbridled corruption in the country for the crash of the airline.

Ike, who appeared before the Joint Senate and House of Representatives investigative committee on the crash of the Dana Air plane, came close to shedding tears as he spoke.

He gave a blow-by-blow account of how his wife and daughter of 11 years boarded the ill-fated Dana plane.

He said: “Thank you for the opportunity to speak at this public hearing. I have come neither as a regulator nor as an operator, neither did I come as an official or stakeholder. I came because I’m involved, and I’m involved because I’ve been dazed by Dana.

Half of my family, my wife Nancy, my daughter Jennifer and my wife’s Auntie Maria were victims of the Dana crash.

“On January 1, 1997, I married an angel called Nancy Echendu Ibe (nee Okwulehie). God blessed us with a warm and caring family and sent two other angels to the world through us named Jessica and Jennifer aged 13 and 11. On Sunday June 3, 2012, I drove my family to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport for Nancy and Jennifer to catch a flight to Lagos on their way for a family event in India. They were joined by another family member, Mrs. Maria Okwulehie.

They were to be away for 10 days.

For every disaster or incident in Nigeria, the same templates have been adopted being investigation, recommendations, white paper, etc. There is never implementation until the white paper turns brown or another disaster happens, and the template is dusted up and the circle continues.

In Nigeria, operators are regulators and regulators are operators. Government officials are contractors and contractors are government officials

‘

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

Now they will be away permanently.

“When I decided to move my

concluded’

M

ORE than six years after the crash of Bellview and ADC lines, investigations into the cause of the accidents are yet to be concluded, Commissioner for Investigation, Accident Investigation Bureau, (AIB) Captain Shuiabu Mukhtar Usman, revealed yesterday.

Usman spoke at the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee sitting investigating the June 3rd crash of Dana Air plane in Lagos.

He noted that while the Bellview and ADC crash investigation was still on-going investigation into the cause of the 2006 crash of Sosoliso Airline had been concluded.

Perhaps to explain why the investigation had taken unduly long time, Usman told the shocked committee members that the Bellview black box was never recovered.

He added that the investigation was at its concluding stage.

Usman did not, however, say when the investigation would be concluded and how the probe of the Belview crash

•The late Mrs. Okwulehie

family back to Nigeria from the United States, many people thought I was crazy and I would regret the move before long. They were right. Here I was, yanking

my family away from a society where everything works, where life is good, where the government works, where rules and regulations are obeyed,

where there is high level of certainty of public and private actions, where schools are highly rated, where hospitals are properly equipped and very well staffed, where drivers are

Pastor: we must fight against shameless govt •’I know my husband is wrapped in God’s arms’

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HERE was anger in his voice.

It was an uncommon sermon. The audience was sober. Eyes were heavy with tears. The Senior Pastor and founder of the House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, spoke at the Muson Centre yesterday during the service of songs for one of his pastors, Akinola Olumodeji, who died in the Dana Air plane crash.

Pastor Adefarasin advised Nigerians to stop grieving; rather they should live “to the shame of this corrupted society and shameless government. We must live to ensure that such people do not occupy public positions any longer. This is what we must fight for.”

He added: “It’s a difficult evening with mixed feelings because he (Akin) should bury us. We should not be the one to bury him.”

He prayed that the death of the “precious souls” lost to the crash will be a platform that will galvanise the “the rise of other heroes that will do our nation proud.”

The pastor advised every Nigerian to dedicate their lives to the attainment of the potentials of their country, saying this is the best honour that could be done to the memories of the June 3 crash.

Pastor Adefarasin announced the establishment of the Akinola Olumodeji Trust Fund, to which he enjoined all Nigerians to donate to ensure that the deceased’s wife and two children are well taken care of.

Pastor Colour, as the late Olumodeji was fondly called, turned 39 in January.

His widow, Oluwatoyin, said: “My

•Pastor Adefarasin, with the widow Oluwatoyin and her daughter, Hillary....yesterday

By Segun Balogun

‘Bobo’ as I fondly called you. You came into my life like an angel and you left like one. What is life without you? You taught me so many things about life and you made me who I am today. Loving you made my life beautiful and am so delighted that we journeyed through this path of life together though for a short but splendid and exciting period. You were such a wonderful husband and an ex-

cellent and caring father to our children, Hilary and Iniouluwa. Even in death, I am proud of you. I miss you greatly my darling husband but my solace is in God. I know you are wrapped in God’s arms.”

His daughter, Hillary, said she waited endlessly for the shoes and chocolate her father promised to bring her from the trip to Abuja.

Hillary said: “I miss all your love, hugs and ice cream you always buy

• Inioluwa... yesterday

for me. But I remember your words: ‘Hillary, be yourself and be the best.

This I pray I will live by and I will always remember all the psalms you thought me. Inioluwa will miss you ‘Dada’. Love you Daddy. Pastor Akin good night.”

The late Olumodeji’s sister, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Coker, said she has found it difficult to forget the deceased’s last words to her. She said: “How can I possibly forget our last

PHOTOS: DAVID ADEJO

words together, which was barely 12 hours before that fatal plane crash…how you asked me to order barbecue fish and chicken along with juice and wine, that you were coming home to have fun with us all and to fellowship all night inspite of my plea to you not to come until the next Sunday… My sincere wish is to wake up from this horrible nightmare, however the reality of your death stares at me at every tick of the clock.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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NEWS THE DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

who lost wife, daughter, sister-in-law From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

is progressing in the absence of the aircraft’’s black box.

He did not say why the ADC investigation is equally taking undue time to be concluded.

Asked why black box of crashed aircraft has to be taken to the United States, he said that Nigeria lacked the capability to analyse and decode aircraft black box.

He said the AIB needed $5.6 million to set up a laboratory that could decode black box.

Usman said the bureau has started investing money on setting up the laboratory and that it might be ready next year.

The Co-Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, who was taken aback by the revelation of the AIB boss, wondered whether investigation into the cause of the crash of Dana Air plane would take seven years.

Onyejiocha also said the request of the Aviation Minister, Ms. Stella Oduah, that the Committee investigation should be postponed pending the conclusion of investigation by AIB could not be tenable.

She wondered whether the National Assembly should wait for seven years to investigate the crash.

The Managing Director, National Air Space Management Agency

intelligent enough to pass junctions without relying on traffic warders or light, where there are hardly pot holes on the roads, where official corruption is hardly present, where

•Senior Special Assistant to the President on Aviation, Capt. Usman Iyal (right) discussing with the Director of Special Service,Accident Investigation Bureau, Mr. Yusuf Lawal during the hearing...yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

(NAMA) Mr. Nnamdi Nwafor, told the committee that there was nothing the agency could have done that it did not do.

He said the pilot of the ill-fated aircraft did not indicate any problem until the aircraft was 11 nautical miles.

Nwafor insisted that the Nigerian air space is “safe, absolutely safe”, adding “Nigerian air travelers should know that we have a very effective air space.”

He noted that the duty of the agency is not to conduct rescue and

search operation but to activate rescue and search operation at the event of any accident.

He explained that the procedure requires that immediately a pilot declares May Day, they activate rescue and search operation.

Representative of the Managing Director, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Mr. Charles Agbo, said officials of the agency got to the crash site on time.

Agbo noted that because of the large number of people, most of them who had nothing to do there, it

leaders are trustees of the peoples’ power and people are the custodians of the power. I was dragging my family out from this society and taking them to

Nigeria where everything seemed entirely and sadly apocalyptic.

“My wife and my daughters tried so hard to adapt after the first year but it was tough for them. Of all

‘Our friend is a gain to heaven’

I

T had all the trappings of a wakekeep: women, men and children dressed in black attires, people shedding tears, sober songs, moving testimonies and sermon about life after death.

It was at a wake-keep held yesterday for the late Olukayode Adebayo Okikiolu, who died in the Dana Air plane mishap on June 3.

Friends and family of the late Okikiolu trooped into the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Admiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos to honour the memory of the departed and condole with his wife, Olayemi, and children.

The service, anchored by Pastors Okey Mofunaya and Ebunolu Adegboruwa, was a solemn one.

The chorus “Because He lives in me I shall know tomorrow” rented the air as it was sung in unison by the numerous sympathisers.

Mr. Gbenga Jegede, who was a colleague of the deceased at Shell Petroleum Development Company, delivered a moving speech. Jegede recounted the days he spent with the late Okikiolu. He described his death as a painful loss.

A long-time friend of teh deceased, Mr. Dapo Egbeyemi, also reminisced on his childhood days with the late Okikiolu.

He said: “He (Okikiolu) is a loss to the NNPC, to Nigeria, and to the world, but he is a gain to heaven.”

The late Okikiolu was the last of five children of Chief and Mrs. Olufunmilola Okikiolu. He attended Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro, Ogun State. He earned a degree in Civil Engineering from University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

He worked with Shell Petroleum Development Company for 14 years and rose to become Supply Chain Manager. The late Okikiolu then moved to NNPC and became Man-

things, my family couldn’t understand the constant blaring of horns by driver, nor why there was always traffic jams, especially at intersections. They did not

understand why there was constant power failure and blackouts or why we always had to generate our own home electricity, pump our own water and hire our own security personnel. They could neither understand why we had to spend hours on fuel queues or why people.

“All kinds of commentaries have been written and all shades of reasons have been adduced for the Dana crash. I have read stories that the black box had been recovered and taken abroad for analysis. If my wife were to be here, she would tell you that there’s only one reason that the black box would give for the crash and it is corruption.

“I agreed with my wife on many things during our 15 years of marriage, I would have agreed with her on this. It is very clear that over the years, the Nigerian system and structure has broken down.

“For every disaster or incident in Nigeria, the same templates have been adopted being investigation, recommendations, white paper, etc. There is never implementation until the white paper turns brown or another disaster happens, and the template is dusted up and the circle continues. In Nigeria, operators are regulators and regulators are operators. Government officials are contractors and contractors are government officials.”

Imo threatens to sue airline over crash •Plans memorial park for victims

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From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

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He (Okikiolu) is a loss to the NNPC, to Nigeria, and to the world, but he is a gain to heaven

‘

By Damilola Owoyele

ager, Pipelines and Depots Projects.

He held the position for five years.

He was 49 years old.

In online postings, friends and well-wishers described him as a great man who ought to live longer.

A junior colleague, Idris Titus, said: "He was my boss and good friend. I will miss you greatly. If only, movies were real, I know you would emerge from those aircraft rubbles like the terminator, who refuses to die! I wish this could happen! At least for the sake of your family and all of us who love you .May almighty God give your lovely family the strength to bear this loss."

Mrs. Folasade Adeniji , who is a friend to the chief bridesmaid at the deceased's wedding, said: "Recently, when I accompanied her to bury her mum, Olukayode was the perfect host, displaying all the qualities that had endeared him to so many over the years. His build was so macho and comforting, it seemed there was no problem he couldn't resolve. I am glad that all the impressions I formed about him. I only pray that Yemi

was difficult for NEMA officials to access the site.

He said recovery of bodies continued until June 4 when about 145 bodies were recovered.

He said the black box was also recovered and handed over to the AIB. Agbo said 49 physically identifiable bodies were recovered, 97 unidentifiable bodies were also recovered including five body parts.

He said five other bodies were recovered bringing the number to 153 bodies.

Agbo listed unruly crowd at the crash site, unnecessarily large number of officers, some who were there to take photographs, the uncoordinated manner of rescue by stakeholders and agencies as some the challenges they faced.

He noted that the coordination of stakeholders and agencies are very crucial in rescue and search operation.

He said they received information about the crash of the aircraft at exactly 3pm and immediately got in touch with the Lagos zonal coordinator of NEMA. But the Lagos zonal Coordinator, Mr. Charles Adakole, said that he received SMS about the crash by 4.12pm.

The conflicting time give by NEMA officials was a puzzle the committee did not find funny.

•The late Okikiolu

will find comfort in the near heaven-on-earth experience that being married to Olukayode was for her, trust God that it didn't last longer and gather courage to be strong for their children. It is so remarkable how much their two sons resemble their father, God must have had a reason for."

Mrs. Ngozi Ezimako wrote: "My most vivid memories of Okix are his jokes and humor as well as his happy-go-lucky personality. I thank God for his life and thank God for I know that Yemi and the kids are comforted and the joy of the Lord will remain their strength, in Jesus name."

HE Imo State government yesterday threatened to sue owners of Dana Air over the death of 33 of its indigenes in the plane crash of June 3 in Lagos.

Governor Rochas Okorocha spoke in Owerri during an interdenominational memorial service for the victims.

Okorocha said the government and people of Imo were saddened by the incident. The governor said the accident was avoidable.

He directed Deputy Governor Jude Agbaso and the AttorneyGeneral, Mr Soronnadi Njoku, to commence action on the matter immediately.

He announced that a memorial park would be built in the state in honour of the victims.

He announced a N50 million donation to the families of the victims to assist them in the burial ceremonies of their relations.

Okorocha said: “Imo got a very negative share of over 20 per cent of the human loss in the plane crash and as a governor and citizen, I am so pained. In our despair, we can only cast our feelings upon God. He alone can be our fortitude and fortress; in Him alone, can we take consolation.”

“In consideration of the fact that our state suffered the greatest loss of lives in the ill-fated plane crash, I hereby direct the Attorney-General to immediately assemble a legal team that will join in the legal battle against the airline to ensure that adequate compensation is paid to the families of the victims. It

Some Imo victims •Prof. Celestine Onwuliri •Dr Levi Ajuonuma •Mr Dike Chinwe (SAN) •Anyene Onyeka •Anyene Maimuna is unfortunate that negligence and carelessness of someone else has cost us the lives of our dear ones. Though no amount of compensation could represent the lives lost, we as a state must make sure that the airline pays heavily for the negligence.”

He added: “It is regrettable to say that Igbos have wasted more blood, be it Boko Haram, plane crash and other forms of crisis for the unity of this country.

What that means is that Igbo have continued to provide the anchor point for the unity of this country.”

Bishop Innocent Erimujor, in his sermon, said death is inevitable; adding that what mattered most was what happened to the dead after they departed the world.

Erimujor urged the people to endeavour to be righteous while on earth in order to go to enjoy eternal happiness.

Rev. Fr. Peter Moka, who represented the Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, the Most Rev. Anthony Obinna, prayed for the bereaved families.

Bishop O.O. Agbai prayed for security in the nation.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

6

NEWS NGOZI AGBO (1974 - 2012)

•A former student-journalist, Miss Jumoke Awe at the service of songs... on Tuesday

• A TEARFUL F AREWELL: A sister-in-law of the late Mrs. Agbo and her mother, Madam Nwozor...yesterday FAREWELL:

• The widower Agbo Agbo, Pastor Okonkwo, Rev. Juliet Binitie and Bishop Erumaka.... yesterday

•

Across-section of student-journalists and well-wishers at the funeral... yesterday PHOTOS: NIYI ADENIRAN

Good night, good bye... Campus Life girl Ngozi Agbo

T

EN months ago, it was her wedding at the Knot Centre, Yaba, Lagos mainland. She returned to the area yesterday in her immaculate wedding gown, but not as a bride. It was Mrs. Ngozi Agbo’s burial.

Mrs. Agbo, co-ordinator of the high-flying Campus Life in the Education Section of this newspaper, died at childbirth on May 28.

Her remains were buried yesterday at the Atan Cemetery.

It was a grim but necessary ceremony.

Today, the late Mrs. Agbo would have celebrated her 38th birthday, cuddling her baby boy, Chima (God Knows).

As if aware of the gem that was lost, the heavens opened up, and the rains came pouring, but the large gathering of mourners was not bothered.

Her mother, Madam Nwozor, who was preparing for Omugwo (the nursing of a newborn by a mother or mother-in-law)

By Nneka Nwaneri

before the sad news, struggled to stay strong, as she approached the white casket containing her daughter’s body.

When she arrived in a Honda salon car as it rained, the deceased’s spiritual mother, Pastor Iphy Okonkwo, instructed the driver not to stop at the hall where the remains were laid-in-state, but the elderly woman insisted she would disembark from the vehicle.

The driver was forced to stop as she made to open the door. An umbrella was presented to her, but she was not interested.

On getting closer, she spread her arms to embrace the coffin. She held the casket and wailed.

She was still crying when the casket was opened. She then lay over the body and prayed in a strong, clear voice for the repose of her daughter.

Speaking in Igbo, she said: “Ngozi Nwam na-azam mgbem kporo ya, nwam na enyem ihe obulam nchoro,

‘

Ngozi my daughter, the one who answered me whenever I called on her; the only child that gave me whatever I wanted. Ngozi, go in peace. Give her eternal rest o God and let Your perpetual light shine on her and let her soul rest in peace. Amen •The late Mrs. Agbo

Ngozi nwam, jee nke oma oh.

Nye ya ezumike ebigebi; O, Di Nwelum; ka ife nkegi di ebebe chakwasa ya; Ka mkpuru obi ya zuru ike na ndokwa. (Ngozi my daughter, the one who answered me whenever I called on her; the only child that gave me whatever I wanted. Ngozi, go in peace.

Give her eternal rest o God and let Your perpetual light shine on her and let her soul

‘

rest in peace. Amen).

The widower, Mr Agbo Agbo, broke down in tears and sobbed at the reality of the loss of his dear wife of less than one year.

Even in death, Mrs Agbo looked as elegant as she was when alive. Laid in a white coffin, the body wore the wedding gown she proudly wore on the happiest day of her life.

Colleagues, friends, relatives and students from across the country gathered to mourn the departure of a gem.

Students she mentored and campus journalists, from the University of Calabar came in a big bus. Others came from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and nearby institutions.

Bishop Humphrey

Erumaka, in a short sermon before the interment, read from Romans 8:35-39. The verse: “Who can separate us from the love of Christ? … I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height, nor depth shall separate us from the love of God.” The cleric said the late Mrs. Agbo did not die because God did not love her.

He said: “No; the love of God is perfect. God loves her and has decided it is time for her to come be with him.

“If you claim you know her and you do not know the Christ she knew, then you did not know her. Today, let us awaken our consciousness.”

Bishop Erumaka reminded all that a day will come when “we shall be no more.”

Using the analogy of the Jews in the Bible, whose prophesies came to pass, he said: “All that are happening today are signs of the end times.”

7

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

CITYBEATS

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

Three policemen held for BRT lane violation HREE policemen attached to a bank in Lagos have been arrested for plying the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane and beating up officials of the State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

The government also impounded a Toyota Hilux van used by the officers, who were stopped by the LASTMA officials on Monday in Anthony on Ikorodu Road.

It was gathered that the Police escort van belonging to a bank took the BRT lane in flagrant violation

T

By Miriam Ndikanwu

of the BRT law. The LASTMA officials were said to have stopped the van for plying the lane.

The policemen allegedly beat up on the LASTMA officials injuring on one of them.

The LASTMA Monitoring Team assisted by policemen saved the situation. The offending policemen were arrested, but the driver of the van fled.

LASTMA General Manager Mr. Babatunde Edu said the police of-

ficers took the BRT lane in defiance of the law, adding that when confronted, they beat up the LASTMA men and wounded one of them.

He said the LASTMA Monitoring Team arrested three of the policemen. But the driver escaped with the hilux van.

Edu said following a letter to the bank, the van was released to LASTMA yesterday, adding that the driver is still at large.

The government, he said, had written to the Commissioner of Po-

lice, adding that the arrested policemen arrested had been released to the police to face the music.

Edu lamented security operatives' harrassement of LASTMA officials for trying to stop them from violating traffic laws.

The government, he said, is partnering with the police and military authorities to curb the excesses of their men, adding that whenever security officers misbehaved, they were reported to their commands for disciplinary action.

• Senator Solomon (middle) with students and teachers of Lagos State Senior Model College during the inauguration and handing over of the Library/ ICT Centre for Meiran community in Alimoso Local Government Area.

Senate Minority Whip Solomon donates N50m centre to Meiran

S

ENATE Minority Whip Ganiyu Solomon has handed over a library cum Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre worth N50 million to the Meiran community in Alimoso Local Government Area of Lagos State as part of his constituency project.

The centre is located within the premises of the Lagos State Senior Model College, Meiran.

Speaking at the handing over cum commissioning of the project, Senator Solomon, who represents Lagos West Senatorial District described education as the bedrock of any country's growth.

According to him, the need to put in place a durable legacy for students and youths as well as train them in modern ICT were some of the reasons for constructing the project.

"We need to invest in the education of our children and develop the youth especially in modern ICT hence this project is one way we are

Lagos to appeal judgment in favour of Nigerien T

HE Lagos State Government will appeal the verdict of a high court directing it to pay N7million to a Nigerien, Mamman Keita, as compensation for unlawful detention. Keita was held in prison custody for over 10years for alleged murder without trial.

Justice Habeeb Abiru sitting at the Lagos High Court in Ikeja had turned down the government's request for stay of execution of the Garnishee Order Absolute pending the outcome of its appeal.

He directed Skye Bank to deduct N7million from the government's account and pay same to Keita, a herdsman, from Niger Republic.

At the resumed hearing of the case yesterday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, through the Solicitor-General, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), urged the court to stay execution of the verdict or alternatively allow the government to pay the judgment sum into the court's account pending the out-

By Adebisi Onanuga

come of its appeal against the main judgment.

Pedro said Keita is not a Nigerian, has no fixed address, no means of livelihood, adding that if the appeal succeeds, the government will not be able to recoup the money. It would be difficult for government, he argued, to trace Keita once the Nigerien returned home.

The judge said he was bound by his earlier decision, adding that he was relying on the Court of Appeal verdict in the case of UBA vs Ekanem, where it was held that a judgment debtor has no right of hearing in Garnishee proceedings.

Pedro drew the court's attention to the provisions of the Judgment Enforcement Rules made pursuant to the provisions of Sheriff and Civil Process Act, stating that Rule 6 pro-

vides: “that where money is paid into court by the garnishee, the registrar may by consent of the judgment debtor, order the money be paid out before the return date, or in the absence of the consent of the judgment debtor, the court may on the return date after hearing the judgment creditor and judgment debtor, if he appears, make such order in the proceedings (including an order as to costs) as may be just."

Rule 8(1) of the Judgment Enforcement Rules, he said, also provides: "If no amount is paid into court, the court, instead of making an order that execution shall issue, may, after hearing the judgment creditor, the garnishee and judgment debtor or such of them as appear, determine the question of the liability of the garnishee and make such order as to payment to the judgment creditor of any sum found to be due from the garnishee to the judgment debtor and as to costs as may be just or make an order under Section 87 of the Act."

contributing our quota to the development of education in this state," he said, adding that the project was also a way of reviving the dwindling reading culture among students and youths.

He said the one of the 14 he would deliver to the people of his constituency, adding that he has also initiated the construction and equipment of primary health care centres. "This is just the beginning as we are set to deliver a total of 13 similar projects in this senatorial district," he said.

The library was completed with computers and books with toilets and generator. Its estimated value was put at N50 million.

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Alimoso Constituency 1, Honourable Bisi Yusuf, praised Senator Solomon for the gesture.

He said: "We are proud of you, Senator Solomon and I want to say that we are impressed with your intelligent contributions to discussions and debates on the floor of the Senate.

You have also displayed such intelligence and sense of purpose with this project and I want to specially express the appreciation of the people of this community to you."

Yusuf donated 1, 000 textbooks to the library. The Principal of Lagos Senior Model College, Mr. Sunday Adekanye, described as a positive step towards improving education and also reviving reading culture among students and youths.

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

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

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

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

Ex-bank manager charged with N60m theft

By Precious Igbonwelundu

A FORMER branch Manager of the the defunct Oceanic Bank International Plc, (now Eco Bank PLC), arraigned before a Yaba Magistrate's Court for allegedly stealing N60million from the bank.

Akinade Adekuoroye (37), a resident of Ajao Estate, Lagos, is standing trial before Magistrate S.K. Matepo, on a one count stealing charge, an offence which contravenes Section 285 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

It was alleged that the accused between December 18, 2008 and January 18, last year, at 15, Itire Road, Ojuelegba, Surelere Lagos, being the branch Manager of Oceanic Bank, defrauded the bank's client.

We gathered that Akinade was managing the said account for the client, who complained to the bank after he realised that N60 million was missing from his account. It was learnt that the client demanded his statement of account and on discovering the missing amount; he told the bank which reported the matter to the police.

The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted N10 million bail with two sureties in the like sum.

Magistrate Matepo said one of the sureties must have landed property in Lagos and must be a level eight officer in either the state or federal civil service.

The matter was adjourned to July 7.

Tricycle operators sue govt over merger with road unions

By Adebisi Onanuga

THE Three Wheelers Beneficiaries and Operators Association of Nigeria, TWBOAN, Lagos State chapter, has filed a fresh suit against the government to stop its planned merger with other road transport unions. It filed the suit barely a week after the Federal High Court struck out an earlier case on the same issue.

Joined as respondents are: Lagos State Commissioner for Transport; National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW, Lagos State Chapter); Incorporated Trustees of Keke Owners and Riders' Association of Nigeria (KORAN) and Inspector- General of Police.

In the originating summons refiled at the Federal High Court, the association and its leaders are praying the court for a perpetual injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd and 5th respondents, or their officers and servants, from dissolving their association or forcing them to join other association.

The three wheelers are urging the court to declare as illegal, the directive of the state government mandating them to join the NURTW. TWBOAN is praying the court to declare that in line with Sections 595, 596, 597, 598, 601 and 602 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act the government has no power to force them to merge with any association since they are an autonomous entity.

They are also praying the court to declare that under the provisions of Section 608 of CAMA, the government has no power to dissolve their executive committee.

The association is praying the court to declare illegal sealing of its secretariat at Agege.

In July, last year, the union sued the government over the same matter. Justice Steven Adah, struck out the matter, last Tuesday, because it was not filed in accordance with CAMA's provision.

8

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

NEWS Ogun ejects miscreants under Sango-Ota Bridge From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

THE Ogun State Government yesterday dislodged hoodlums and street traders under the SangoOta Bridge and its environs.

The operation was carried out by the Ministry of Environment and policemen.

The government said the miscreants have been constituting nuisance to the public.

It said street trading was responsible for the regular gridlock experienced by motorists.

Commissioner for Environment Adebayo Fari said the government’s action would facilitate free movement of vehicles and individuals.

Fari said anyone caught violating the environmental laws would be arrested by the police and charged to court.

Police Area Commander, Sango, Mrs. Titi Kayode said her men would patrol the area to ensure compliance with the government’s order.

Ajimobi seeks support OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has urged residents to support his administration and ensure that it succeeds.

He said the task of developing the state should not be seen as the sole responsibility of the government, but a joint effort of all residents.

Ajimobi, who assured the people that his administration will run an open-door policy and accommodate all shades of opinion, said destructive criticism from the opposition will not help the state.

He spoke at the inauguration of Ibadan Southwest Local Government Secretariat in Aleshinloye.

Ajimobi hailed the council’s Caretaker Chairman, Taoreed Adeleke, for building a befitting secretariat and urged the people and the council workers to cooperate with him.

Adeleke assured his constituents that he would continue to execute people-oriented programmes.

OOU inaugural lecture today THE Dean of the Faculty of Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Prof. Muhammad Gbadamosi, will today deliver an inaugural lecture at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Lecture Theatre of the university.

He will speak on “Nigerian education: Failing to plan, planning to fail”.

Gbadamosi heads the Department of Educational Management and Business Education.

NDLEA gives Ekiti drivers 48 hours to produce suspects T

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ekiti State yesterday gave officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) 48 hours to provide the three suspected users of illicit drugs, who escaped during the agency’s raid of the Akure motor

By Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

park on Tuesday.

NDLEA said no effort would be spared to recapture the suspects.

Men of the agency stormed the park situated at Ajilosun in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday and attempted to arrest some suspected users of illicit drugs, but they were mobbed by hoodlums and the suspects escaped.

The agency said it would take actions against the masterminds of the mob action.

In a statement yesterday by its State Commander, Mr. Akingbade Bamidele, NDLEA accused the leaders of the drivers’ unions of being behind the attack.

Bamidele denied the allegation that officers of the agency shot someone during the raid. He said: “We

did not shoot anyone. The drivers attacked our men and vandalised two patrol vehicles.”

NURTW State Chairman Chief Julius Jegede denied the allegation that the drivers were involved in the attack.

Jegede said no driver indulges in the consumption of Indian hemp, more so within the premises of the motor park.

Oyo discovers drugs, medical equipment in council stores T

HE Oyo State Government yesterday said it has discovered drugs and medical equipment, worth millions of naira, in the stores of some local governments.

It was learnt that they were procured by the Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala administration and locked up in the stores.

The government said it has ordered an assessment of the drugs and equipment with a view to put them to use.

Commissioner for Health Muyiwa Gbadegesin told reporters in Ibadan, the state capital, that although the Governor Abiola Ajimobi

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

administration discovered a lot of anomalies when it assumed office, it was shocked when it discovered drugs and medical equipment locked up in stores.

Gbadegesin said he visited one of the stores, situated in Okeho, Kajola council, on Sunday and discovered the drugs and equipment rotting away.

He regretted that the drugs and equipment, which were procured with the state’s

fund, were wasting away while thousands of residents and hospitals needed them.

The commissioner said the state government has been carrying out free health missions to make healthcare accessible to indigent persons.

He said: “When we came on board, there was a lot of mess done by the previous administration that needed cleaning up. The state did not have up to 100 doctors and that is one of the things that informed the launching of the free health mission.

“The government has employed about 1,000 health workers in hospitals across the 33 councils.”

Gbadegesin said the government would soon launch a programme tagged Abiyamo Health programme to curb maternal mortality.

He said the government is working on a partnership with the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, to enjoy the services of experienced consultants.

Gbadegesin said the upgrading and renovation of the Adeoyo State Hospital, the Oni & Sons Memorial Hospital and the Jericho General Hospital, all in Ibadan, would begin soon.

Ogun electoral commission clears 91 chairmanship candidates From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

T

HE Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has cleared 91 chairmanship candidates, cutting across 15 political parties, for the July 21 local government election.

It has also cleared 717 councillorship candidates.

OGSIEC defied the order of a State High Court, sitting in Ilaro, and cleared the candidates, whose names were submitted by the two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The court on Tuesday ruled that the only candidates presented by the Adebayo Dayoled PDP Executive Committee should be recognised.

There are 20 councils in the state and OGSIEC cleared 35 PDP candidates to the 20 Chairmanship positions.

According to the list given to reporters yesterday, OGSIEC has two names for the PDP. The factions were identified as PDP1 (18 chairmanship candidates) and PDP2 (17 chairmanship candidates).

Candidates from the Prince Buruji Kashamu faction and others from a faction loyal to former President Olusegun Obasanjo have been cleared for the elections.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has 20 chairmanship candidates and 234 councillorship candidates.

PDP has 35 chairmanship candidates and 369 councillorship candidates.

The Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) is fielding 14 chairmanship candidates and 92 councillorship candidates.

Ekiti plans independent power plant From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

T

•From right: Hajia Abiola Andu, Dr. Lateef Adegbite, his wife Hajia Modinat Adegbite and Alhaja Waliyat Adeola-Aboyeji at the 50th birthday ceremony of Hajia Andu at the Civic Centre, Lagos.

Group backs Ondo ACN female aspirant

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has been urged to pick a credible person as its standard bearer for the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State.

A group, Grassroots Democratic Network (GDN), gave the advice in a statement by its President, Mr. Femi Adeniyi.

GDN said the state needs a government that would reenact the feat of the late former Governor Adekunle Ajasin.

The group said the late Ajasin’s daughter, Mrs. Jumoke

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Anifowose, who is the only female aspirant in the race, is capable of performing better than her father.

It said: “The people of this state, having been deceived and disappointed by the administrations of Dr. Olusegun Agagu and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, are no longer interested in rhetoric promises by any aspirant.

“We want a repetition of the late Ajasin’s solid governance and Mrs. Anifowose is seen to have been trained and moulded in the principles of good

governance by her father, who was the best governor Ondo ever had.”

The group said the choice of Mrs. Anifowose would translate into landslide victory for the ACN. It said residents are looking up to the ACN to rescue them from Labour Party’s (LP’s) government of “deceit and profligacy”.

GDN said: “We do not want a repeat of the 2007 governorship election, when an unpopular candidate was fostered on the then Action Congress (AC).

“From the look of things, public opinion suggests that the electorate may find an alternative in a party that is prepared to meet their yearnings, especially in areas of infrastructural development, job opportunities and human capital development.

“This notion can only reflect in the candidate assessed by members to have worked hard to put the once broken party in the state together.”

It noted that the former state chairman of the party would be the best candidate for the election.

HE Ekiti State Government has finalised plans to set up an Independent Power Plant (IPP) that will service the University Teaching Hospital, the State Secretariat, the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ureje Dam and other public buildings in the Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure and Public Utility, Mr. Kayode Jegede said before the end of the year, the government will sign an agreement with some contractors to pilot the IPP. He said the IPP will lower electricity tariff and ensure steady power supply in the identified areas.

Jegede said the government has awarded a N22 million contract for the electrification of the technical colleges in Ado-Ekiti and Ikole, and the Government Science College, Emure.

He said the Emure project has been completed and those of Ikole and Ado-Ekiti would be ready next month.

Jegede said rural electrification is a major tool for infrastructural development and a solution to many socio-economic problems facing the country.

9

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

NEWS THE BATTLE FOR EDO

•Oshiomhole addressing the electorate at the new Benin market... yesterday.

accuse Parties bicker over defacing of FedResidents Govt of insincerity R P billboards ARTY supporters have resorted to defacing campaign posters and billboards of opponents.

At the Oba Ovoronmwen Square, billboards are erected daily by party candidates because the old ones have been pulled down overnight.

The billboard war is mainly between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

PDP candidate Maj-Gen Charles Airhiavbere complained that his billboards and campaign posters were pulled down and defaced by the ACN. Yesterday, Governor Adams Oshiomhole berated

Stories from Osagie Otabor, Benin

the PDP for damaging his campaign billboards and posters in Benin City and other parts of the state.

Oshiomhole spoke at a campaign rally at the New Benin Market.

He described the act as cowardly.

The governor admonished ACN supporters not to engage in the act as it would amount to joining the opposition in their “unprogressive disposition”.

Oshiomhole said the good

work he has done in three and a half years could not be erased by those he described as “agents of darkness”.

He urged the people to vote for the ACN to continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

“Even if they tear my posters, can they tear the roads, schools, hospitals, water and light that we have done? You already know me, can they tear my face from your hearts?”

Oshiomhole urged the people to ensure that they do not sell their voter’s cards

and to defend their votes.

He promised to give the New Benin Market a face-lift with the dualisation of the Mission Road axis from the Kings Square through Upper Mission Extension to Aduwawa and provide a 500KVA transformer to enhance electricity supply.

Also addressing a crowd at Ekae Community in Benin, Oshiomhole hailed the people for their support and promised that the road leading to the community would be reconstructed during his second term.

He also promised to renovate the primary school, provide a transformer and a modern market.

Airhiavbere promises rural transformation P

EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Maj-Gen Charles Airhiavbere has promised to initiate projects in rural communities.

He said the projects would transform the communities to curb rural-urban migration within his first year in office.

Airhiavbere, who spoke at campaign rallies in Anegbette, Ekperi, Fugar and Ogbona, told the people that his desire was to ensure that the state was developed.

He said: “Rural transfor-

mation is the bedrock of development in a state. When we come on board, we’re declaring emergency in the security, health and education sectors.

“It pains me that in the 21st Century, you are still being promised electrification, potable water, health centres, schools and jobs, especially for teachers and for our youths when these should have been provided a long time ago as your rights and benefits from

government.”

Airhiavbere said Edo was ranked ninth on the list of poorest states due to fund mismanagement, poor project priority listing, executive laziness and carelessness, insensitivity and inability of previous governments to recognise doingbusiness-indicators that the state is endowed with.

He also promised to conduct local government elections.

•Airhiavbere

T

‘Edo people do not need handouts. Edo people are not beggars. Edo people are proud people and with good reason.

What they need is a governor and a government that can empower them to be responsible for themselves’ issues of kerosene, water, electricity which its candidate , Charles Airhiavbere,

will provide in his first year.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Matthew Urhoghide, the party said the action was condemnable and unacceptable.

The PDP said selling kerosene was a vote-seeking and insulting gesture that cannot be trusted and must be viewed as a dishonest empathy.

The statement reads: “Edo PDP had repeatedly asserted that the present government lacked focus and had pauperised the people in its people-unfriendly policies, which lack integration and

wholesomeness.

“Edo people do not need handouts. Edo people are not beggars. Edo people are proud people and with good reason. What they need is a governor and a government that can empower them to be responsible for themselves.

“Edo people are a smart and intelligent lot and they recognise Governor Oshiomhole’s ill-advised, deceptive, demeaning and insulting gesture of care and concern, the opposite of which he requited the people with, in the four harsh years he ruled Edo people.”

worked upon in the last 10 years.

Olumhese said the project was only “earmarked in the budget but never executed”.

He said Governor Adams Oshiomhole was factual when he raised the alarm that projects in which funds were released were not executed.

According to him, “in their advert, they said they have asphalt this road.

“Does this road look like it has been asphalted? We want them to come and do this work.

“We are saying we reject the old system where contracts are awarded several times without execution.”

Ihonvbere campaigns for Oshiomhole

F

PDP faults Oshiomhole for selling kerosene at rallies

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has said the sale of kerosene at N50 per litre by Governor Adams Oshiomhole is a cheap political move.

It said the governor’s action showed the world that the people are poor, adding that if the governor had provided economic power to indigenes of the state, he would not need to demean their self worth by selling kerosene to them at rallies.

The PDP noted that it was a shame that Oshiomhole was still grappling with the

ESIDENTS of Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State have accused the Federal Government of insincerity.

They debunked reports by the Federal Ministry of Works that the road linking Ivue Water Works to Ibore Water Works in Esan Central Local Government has been completed.

The residents, who showed reporters the road, said there was no asphalt overlay on the road.

An Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain in the locality, Philip Olumhese, said the road has not been

ORMER Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Project Monitoring and Policy Implementation Prof. Julius Ihonvbere has said no amount of intimidation would make him return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ihonvbere, who recently joined the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), described the PDP as an “organisation of composite retrogression.”

He spoke during a rally at the 11 wards that make up Owan West Local Government as part of his campaign tour for the re-election of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Ihonvbere, who assured his supporters that he will

not return to the PDP, said he wanted to be a governor to complete the work Oshiomhole started but that he did not know that the PDP would never change its politics of imposition.

He said his option was to support Oshiomhole since he didn’t get the governorship ticket.

Ihonvbere pledged that any ward that gets the highest vote for the ACN will receive N1 million as well as scholarship for two students from his foundation.

Ihonvbere said the governor promised the people that he would build a higher institution in the local government in his second term in office.

Lagos ACN warns against rigging

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Lagos State has urged Edo citizens to support the second term bid of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

The party urged residents to be at alert as retrogressive forces are desperate to drag the state down again through fraudulent rigging in the election.

In a statement in Lagos by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, the ACN warned the people to be awake to their duties as voters.

“We endorse Adams Oshiomhole and the monumental achievements he has re-

corded in Edo these past four years.

“We endorse his effort to recover Edo from the remnants of the locust invasion that prevailed for nearly 10 years before his victory.

“However, we are saddened by reports of massive subterranean moves by the agents of darkness to subvert the mandates of the electorate during the July 14 election.

“We urge the people to keep their eyes wide open for such nefarious efforts which these forces have repeatedly brought to bear on the political scene since 1999. “

10

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

NEWS Insecurity: Nigeria should avoid road to Yugoslavia, says PENGASSAN

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HE Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has decried the state of insecurity in the country and the danger it portends for the nation’s future.

It warned against actions that could make the nation slip into the type of civil strife which led to the breakup of the former Yugoslavia in Europe.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Deji Kolawole, the union noted that Nigeria has begun to sink deeper into an unsettling security crisis that needs to be addressed quickly.

It decried the killings and destruction of property of Nigerians “which has led lately to the declaration of a 24-hour curfew in two states – Kaduna and Yobe - with the attendant impact on the socio-economic lives of the citizens of those states and other neighbouring states”.

The statement reads: “The attacks on Christian worshippers in Kaduna and Zaria last Sunday, claimed by the terrorist group, Boko Haram, and the consequent reprisal attacks on innocent Muslims, represents a dangerous descent into anomie, reminiscent of the horrific inter-ethnic and religious war that marked the violent break-up of the former Yugoslavia.

“Nigeria cannot afford to take this road to self-destruction; for, when the rich make war, it is the poor that suffer.

We, therefore, appeal to Nigerians to exercise great restraint in the face of the con-

Why Nigerians must fight drug trafficking, by NDLEA From Olugbenga Adanikin and Adeola Adeyoye, Abuja

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HE Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, has said it is in the interest of the nation that Nigerians should support the campaign against drug trafficking.

Giade spoke in Abuja at a media briefing to mark this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

The NDLEA Chairman decried how Nigerian drug traffickers have ruined the nation’s image.

He said: “Nigerian drug pushers are giving us a bad image. Today, you see these criminals trafficking drugs from Nigeria to Guinea Bissau and other parts of the world. It is a great challenge we are facing and I think we will address it.”

Giade noted that though the nation has been delisted by the United States from a group of drug trafficking nations, he added that there is need to intensify efforts and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to sustain the drug control status.

He said the agency, in the past four months, arrested 3,028 drug suspects and destroyed about 20,204.477kilogrammes of forfeited narcotics.

The NDLEA chief listed broken marriages, unemployment and accidents as some of the defects of illicit drugs.

By Olamilekan Andu

stant provocation and violence perpetrated on other innocent Nigerians by terrorists under the hood of religionists whose aim is, obviously, to precipitate an ethnic cum religious war in the country. We must note that ‘an eye for an eye’ will only make us all blind.

“We further call on the Federal Government, which has all the coercive powers of state to wake up to its primary responsibility; that is the security and welfare of the people, as enunciated in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution. We, and indeed all Nigerians, are tired of the President’s usual swan song of expressing “heartfelt condolences”, condemning “the dastardly act” and promising to “bring perpetrators to book” whenever attacks like these happen.

• House of Representatives Speaker Waziri Tambuwal (right) with the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Abdullahi bn Abdulaziz al Saud, during the latter’s visit to the National Assembly in Abuja...yesterday

Alleged $620,000 bribe: Lawan appears before police, resist pressure to talk on Jagaba’s comments

S

USPENDED lawmaker Farouk Lawan appeared again before the Police Special Task Force investigating the bribe-for-clearance scandal in which he is trapped.

But Lawan, who led the House probe of the fuel subsidy scandal, resisted pressure to make a commitment on the denial of the Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotics, Drugs and Financial Crimes, Mr. Adam Jagaba, who denied being in custody of the $620,000 bribe businessman Femi Otedola gave him (Lawan).

Lawan told the investigators that he would liaise with the leadership of the House on why Jagaba made the statement.

Jagaba told his colleagues yesterday that he opened up following persistent calls from his constituents, friends and relations.

The police said they would

Police: We’ll give Lawan more time on retrieval of bribe money •Why I opened up, by Jagaba •Errant policemen remain in custody From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

give the House and Lawan more time to retrieve the $620,000, which Lawan has refused to surrender because, according to him, it is the proof that Otedola bribed him against his wish. The zenon Oil chief insists Lawan asked for #3million bribe to remove his company’s name from the list of the firms which got foreign exchange but did not import fuel.

Lawan, who reported at the STF office as part of his bail bond, could not be of help on how to locate the cash But he was asked to react to Jagaba’s statement denial of being in possession of the money.

A police source, who spoke

in confidence, said: “The lawmaker appeared briefly before us but we have allowed him to go home. He is actually keeping to the terms of his bail.

“The only issue that came up was in relation to the statement credited to Jagaba. The investigators, led by the STF Co-ordinator, CP Ali Amodu, sought Lawan’s views since the lawmaker claimed that he gave the bribe cash to Jagaba.”

The police source quoted Lawan as saying: “I will liaise with the leadership of the House on why Jagaba made that statement. Until I find out from them, I won’t talk.”

The source added: “Our concern is mainly how to

retrieve the bribe sum but as it is, we will give the House and Lawan more time.

“Even as I am talking to you, we have not received Jagaba’s response to police enquiry through the Office of the Speaker of the House.

We read it in the papers like other Nigerians.”

Jagaba was said to have decided to deny custody of the money following pressure from friends, associates and relations.

Jagaba made the clarification yesterday at an informal interaction with his colleagues, who wanted to know why he did so.

A high-ranking lawmaker said: “When some of us asked Jagaba why he went public with his denial, he told us: ‘I have been receiv-

ing persistent calls from my friends, associates and relations to state my own side of the story. I could no longer bear it, I have to talk.’ Some of us understood his plight but some felt it was unnecessary.”

The policemen, who were allegedly indicted for smuggling Lawan out of his detention cell, were awaiting their fate last night.

But they were still kept in detention pending the conclusion of investigation by a separate police team.

It was learnt that the policemen risk either being dismissed or demoted.

A police source said: “We are still detaining them because investigation is in progress.”

Fed Govt approves new housing policy

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HE Federal Government yesterday approved a new national housing policy for the country.

It promised to build one million housing units annually to meet the nation’s housing deficit.

The new policy is expected to boost infrastructural development in the sector.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over

by Vice President Namadi Sambo, took the decision at its weekly meeting.

President Goodluck Jonathan is in Brazil for the United Nations’ summit on environment.

Highlights of the new policy include the introduction of a mass housing policy, which would enable Nigerians, irrespective of their financial and social status to own a house of their own.

Under the policy, the government will make funds available for the people in the informal sector.

The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, addressed reporters accompa-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

nied by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Amma Pepple, and the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama.

Maku said the new policy would replace the outdated one, which has been in place for over two decades under the 1991 Housing Policy as well as the Urban Development Policy initiated in 1997.

He said: “For almost two decades, Nigeria has been struggling to bring up a new policy to facilitate the growth of housing provision in the country. In these two decades, we did not succeed in getting this policy through. But in the past one year, it has seen the ministry reaching out to all stakeholders, including the finance sector, to come out with efforts to address the sector.

“The new national policy came after painstaking consultations with all the stakeholders, including the organised private sector

• To build 1m houses yearly (OPS), the civil society organisations (CSOs) and the National Economic Council.

It hopes to bring about real mass housing, which the country has been dreaming of. This policy emphasises the central role of the private sector, while the government concentrates on its role as a regulator. “We believe that when you give a man shelter, you provide him with dignity. The new policy will bring about the development of about one million houses annually.

“This policy introduces a new element that this country has never witnessed before. By social housing, what it means is that every citizen counts, because it is not just for the rich, or the low income earner, but for the poorest of the poor. Indeed, it emphasises the type of housing that will ensure that all Nigerians will have a shelter.”

Ms. Pepple said the new policy would enhance job

creation, adding that it is one of the most viable sources of job creation.

She said: “The policy, will help the country to build capacity for the sector through the establishment of skill acquisition centres each in the six geo-political zones in the country.

“The policy also takes into cognisance the need for maintenance, proper planning of the environment and the need to address the issue of urban renewal and slum upgrade, including the establishment of infrastructure in the areas.

“Another aspect addressed by the new policy is that of disaster management. But over and above this, the policy hopes to drive employment and income generation in the country. Far more than any other sector, housing offers more opportunities for economic growth and the growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and driving income

generation and welfare of the people.”

The minister said the ministry is working with governors to enhance urban development.

She said: “Part of the plans is to do new cities like the new one to be established in Bwari Area Council (of the Federal Capital Territory).

The committee will screen those that will build houses for the Federal Government.”

Another highpoint of the new policy is “contractor financing”. Under this arrangement, contractors will source for funds, construct houses in a partnership with the government.

Ms. Pepple said there is need for a new mortgage system.

She added: “The draft policy was presented, telling of the efforts made to mobilise the financial and private sector to bring about massive growth in the sector.

The council appreciates the idea and work that went into the new policy, which will bring about mass housing.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

The crises in Greece and Spain had begun to impact on the global economy as we have noticed some downward slide in oil prices in recent weeks, so we must ensure proper management of available resources to prepare Nigeria in case there is any recession - Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Minister of Finance

Govt has robust plan, says Sambo

Banks’ credit to private sector up by N279b

From Dele Anofi and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

By Akinola Ajibade

B

V

ICE-PRESIDENT Namadi Sambo and House of Reprentatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal yesterday sought closer economic ties between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Sambo said the Federal Government has a robust plan for the rapid development of the country, while Tambuwal expressed concern over the high number of Nigerians languishing in Saudi Arabia prisons.

The duo spoke separately while hosting the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Abdul-Aziz Ibn Abdullah, who led a delegation to the country.

The vice-president noted that Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had a long standing relationship, spanning several years.

Earlier, Prince Abdullah, who expressed, delight with the reception given to him and his team, also expressed hope that their visit would be of benefit to the two countries.

Tambuwal appealed to the Saudi authorities to allow offical visits to prisoners. He called for closer economic ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

He told his guest that Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, being leading economies in their various continents, have a lot to benefit from each other by working together.

While lamenting that the number of Nigerians in Saudi prisons is rising, Tambuwal appealed to the Saudi authorities to allow Nigerian consular and embassy officials to visit the prisoners on compassionate grounds.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil - $123.6/barrel Cocoa - $2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE

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

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

-

0.2958 206.9 245 156.4 1.9179 241

• From left: Ms Foluke Aboderin, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Ecobank Nigeria; Mr Jibril Aku, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria and Mr Michael Speigel, Managing Director/Head, Trade Finance and Corporate Cash Management, Deutsche Bank, at the presentation of Deutsche Bank’s 2011 Straight-Through Payment Process Excellence Award to Ecobank in Lagos ... on Wednesday.

DPR, others fret over economy • Nigeria’s oil E production may XPERTS in the oil and gas industry have ex pressed concerns over the state of the economy.

The experts, including the Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Osten Olorunsola, spoke yesterday at the Energy Policy and Strategy lecture series of Emerald Institute for Energy Economics, Policy and Strategic Studies, University of Port Harcourt, in Lagos.

The guest speaker, Paul Michael Wihbey, who is the President, GWEST LLC, Washington DC and visiting scholar and research fellow of the institute, identified areas of waste of the hydrocarbon resources and the need to plug these wastes and convert them into useful national use.

Wihbey noted the impact of the falling oil price in the global market and its effect

drop 20%

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

on the country’s economy.

He said the scenario would lead to reduced revenue flows to the Federal Government, which would have adverse effect as Nigeria is a single sector economy, though some petroleum economists at the event disagreed with him.

He stressed the need to tackle illegal oil bunkering and other security areas through which the country loses oil. For instance, he recalled the loss of $7 billion lost yearly to illegal bunkering and additional $5 billion spent yearly on repairs of vandalised pipelines.

He advised the govern-

ment to fight the crime headon because it would not be able to sustain such enormous loss for a long time.

Besides, he said that because of lack of investment in the industry following the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), over $28 billion has been lost through diversion of investments to neighbouring countries as at 2010.

He noted that Nigeria has the potential to produce three or four million barrels of oil per day, but produces 2.3 million daily, indicating differentials of 700,000 bopd or 1.7 million bopd which translates to $12 billion about N2 trillion; or $26 billion about N4.2 trillion.

As a result of lack of fresh investment in the industry, Wihbey said production would fall due to onshore assets depletion and offshore delays and could make pro-

duction drop by 20 percent by 2020. The government should put in place right policies, ensure regulatory certainty and avoid fiscal confusion.

Olorunsola highlighted the need to critically look into the issues in the industry. He also said the depreciation of the naira is a critical issue in the country that needs to be addressed urgently.

Giving reason for current oil price volatility, Wihbey said: “The recent geopolitical crisis in the Persian Gulf between the United States, Israel and Iran has been primary factor in the extraordinary oil price volatility over the last several months. Indeed, prior to this near-conflict scenario, geopolitical events in the Arab world, the so-called Arab Spring, drove oil prices to high levels during the first six months of 2011.

Subsidy: Reps query overpayment to oil marketers T HE last may not have been heard about the payments on the fuel subsidy regime.

The House of Representatives committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) yesterday discovered that billions of naira was wrongly paid to some major oil marketers.

This was made during a probe of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) as fallout of the subsidy regime by the Dakuku Peterside-led House Committee.

The committee discovered that some of the oil marketers at the hearing falsely obtained payments running into billions of Naira from PEF. Six oil marketing firms (Mobil, Forte Oil, Conoil.

Total, MRS and Oando) were at the hearing.

The Chairman of the committee noted that verifying

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

the documents submitted by the oil marketers, the committee discovered anomalies, such as duplication of entries, use of multiple rates for products lifted in same month, deliberate wrong entries - all leading to the loss of billions of naira of tax payers’ funds.

Peterside noted that fraudulent practices were rife in the payments by PEF to oil marketers and that the time has come to render accounts to the Nigerians.

He said: “The House mandated this committee to look into the activities of the Petroleum Equalisation Funds and to ensure that they work in accordance to the law and that Nigerians get value for money.”

According to him, billions are lost daily through fraud. “These funds belong to the Nigerian people.

Each time we stop to buy fuel, we contribute to the bridging fund. We have heard of people who collected products meant for Maiduguri, sell it in Lagos and collect billions as bridging allowance. Many people contribute to the funds, but a few people want to squeeze us dry.”

The committee took Forte Oil to task for using multiple rates in their claims. According to the committee, Forte Oil Plc used multiple rates in one month.

Peterside said: “Forte Oil used multiple rates in their claim. I wonder what would make two different market-

ers claim different rates on equal quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from same loading point and delivery destination.”

However, Jide Prat of the Supply and Logistics Department, who represented Forte, said it was due to “configuration error.”

Total Oil was also accused of suspicious entries in their claims. For example, a truck was said to have left for Kano from Lagos on Monday and the same truck again left Lagos for Kano the following day. According to the chairman, all these claims were paid for by PEF. The committee also sought to know about an overpayment of over N3 billion on Total Oil’s claims in 2009. But Chibeze Anyanfulu, its General Manager, Operations defended the organisation, saying the amount represented the unpaid claims for 2008.

ANKS’ lending to the private sector has in creased by 1.9 per cent from N14.1trillion in April to N14.4 per cent in May this year, data obtained by The Nation has shown.

The latest money and credit statistics obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) indicated that inflow to the private sector was N14.2trillion in March, as against N14.1trillion in April, this year.

The CBN’s economic indicator also showed that credit to the government increased from N785.2 billion in April to N1.2trillion in May, this year. This has shown an increase of about N425billion credit inflow to the government. Also, the currency outside banks stood at N1.1 trillion as at April, while that of May was N1.12trillion.

Analysts have attributed the development to certain policy changes made by the apex bank. They said the ongoing banking reforms have helped in improving the liquidity position of banks, as well as making the institutions to lend to certain sectors of the economy.

Atuche‘s trial resumes July 9

By Adebisi Onanuga

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HE trial of the former Managing Director of Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank), Mr Francis Atuche was yesterday at a Lagos High Court, Ikeja stalled as the lead defence counsel, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN) failed to appear in court due to a national assignment.

Atuche is standing trial alongside Funmi Ademosun, before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo over alleged financial impropriety in a suit filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

When the case came up in court, Chief Idigbe, who was represented by N.K. Oragwu, in a letter sent to the trial judge, asked for a short adjournment to enable him to attend to a the national assignment.

His request was, however, opposed by the prosecution lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), who argued that since there are other senior advocates in the defence team, the absence of Chief Idigbe should not stall the trial.

Pinheiro submitted that there was no justification in granting the adjournment as he considered the excuse as spurious.

He said if the court must grant the request of the defence for an adjournment, a cost of N100,000 should be awarded in favour of the prosecution to cover the expenses incurred for flying the prosecution witness from Abuja to Lagos and having passed the night in an hotel.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

12

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

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LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

• Records N1.2b proceeds From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

with vigour despite delays in the release of the capital budget where BPE’s approved transaction budget is placed.

Giving an update on the privatisation of PHCN successor companies, which is donor-funded and not subjected to the delays in the release of the transaction budget, Onagoruwa highlighted the outstanding activities from the work plan. The next key milestone, according to her, is the submission of the technical and financial proposals of bidders slated for July 17, this year for generating companies and July 31, this year for distribution companies. This will be followed by commencement of

evaluation.

She said: “The evaluation will commence immediately and for Gencos this will be concluded by August 14, 2012 while that for Discos will be concluded by August 31, 2012. NCP approval for the evaluation of the Gencos will be sought on August 28, 2012 while that of the Discos will also sought on September 11, 2012.

“The deadline for the submission of post-qualification security is slated for September 18, 2012 for the Gencos and October 2, 2012 for the Discos.The opening of the financial bids for the Gencos is September 25, 2012 while for Discos is slated for October 10. The final approval of the preferred bidders

by NCP and its announcement for the successor companies is expected to be done on October 9, 2012 for the Gencos and October 23 for the Discos.”

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LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

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HE Federal Government will realise over N200billion from the privatisation of the 18 successor companies of the Power Holding Company (PHCN), the Director- General, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ms Bolanle Onagoruwa, has said.

A statement from the BPE Head Public of Communication,Mr Chukwuma Nwokoh, said she disclosed this at a management retreat in Abuja.

The BPE boss also explained that the bulk of the revenue would come at the end of the on-going power sector reform and privatisation of PHCN successor companies.

She added that the privatisation of Olorunsogo power plant would be completed in a month, adding that over N1.2 billion has so far been realised as proceeds for this year.

The BPE boss noted that the Bureau’s work plan was proceeding

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40

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

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Fed Govt to reap N200b from PHCN privatisation, says BPE

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

Court strikes out suit against Nigerian Breweries From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

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N Onitsha High Court in Anambra State, presided over by Justice A.O. Okuma, yesterday struck out a civil suit instituted by one Chief Edwin Ngige of Vyned Enterprises Limited, Onitsha, against Life Breweries Company Limited Onitsha, which was recently acquired by Nigerian Breweries Plc., for lack of merit.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Okuma said he agreed with the submissions of A. A. Orunkoya Esq., counsel to Life Breweries that the plaintiff, being an agent to Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency (ANSEPA) lacked the locus standi to institute the action without the authority of ANSEPA, its disclosed principal.

The trial judge, therefore, dismissed the plaintiff’s N340,000 claim against the defendant, with N20,000 cost.

In the Suit No. 0/346/2007, the plaintiff claimed N340,000 with additional five per cent judicial interest as payment for sanitation services purportedly rendered to the defendant with the authority of ANSEPA. In his statement of claim, the plaintiff said he rendered sanitation services to the defendant from January 2004 to October 2006 and as such deserved to be paid N340,000 and the additional five per cent of the amount as judicial interest.

But in his statement of defence, Mr A. A. Orunkoya, argued that the plaintiff did not render such services as he claimed, adding that even if he did, he cannot institute the action without the authority of his disclosed principal (ANSEPA).

Firm opens five subsidiaries in UK • From left: Head, Operations, Oando Marketing, Mr Rabiu Umar; Automobile Technicians Association, Amuwo Odofin, Mr Lawal Wasiu; Head Lubricant, Oando Marketing, Mr Jonathan Sanyaolu and Chief Executive Officer, Automedics, Kunle Shonaike, during Oando Education Series for mechanics in FESTAC, Lagos.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

NNPC, Shell partner on NPDC’s 250,000 bpd target

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HE Nigerian National Petro leum Corporation (NNPC) and Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDC) are to collaborate to make the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) achieve 250,000 barrels of oil per day production target by 2015.

This is part of efforts to make NPDC a world class exploration and production (E&P) company.

The Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Fidel Pepple, in a statement, said the NNPC Group

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

Managing Director, Austen Oniwon, who spoke after a tour of Shell Training Technology Centre at The Hague, Netherland, expressed the readiness of the Corporation and the SPDC partner to grow the NPDC, to an enviable height in the global hydrocarbon industry.

“We believe that in less than 50 years fron now, NPDC will become a world class exploration and pro-

duction company by producing 250,000 bpd in 2015,” Oniwon said.

The Director, Upstream International, Shell Group, Andy Brown, said the oil giant is committed to the deal, stating that the joint venture partners will explore ways to develop domestic gas for the Nigerian and global market.

On his part, the Director, Department of Petroleum Resources(DPR), Osten Olorunsola, said as a watch dog of the industry, the DPR was glad to witness a deal that would transform the oil and gas industry.

Transcorp Hilton to submit recapitalisation plan

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RANSCORP Plc, owners of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, has expressed its commitment to actualise the second phase of its post-acquisition plan in the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). The second phase involves recapitalisation, service portfolio/facilities expansion, new business development, brand spread, market dominance, regional presence and global affiliations.

The Head, Public Communications, Mr Chwukuma Nwokoh disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

Transcorp Chief Executive Officer, Valentine Ozigbo, stated this

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

while receiving a team from the BPE led by Rabiu Abubakar Abba, an Assistant Director, who was on tour of the hotel.

He attributed the delay in the expansion programme to the illegal encroachment on the hotel’s land. He expressed delight that the issue had been resolved.

Ozigbo said the areas of focus during the exercise would, among others, include, the construction of a shopping mall in the hotel premises and construction of short/long stay service apartments on the available land within premises to cater for corporate cli-

ents.

On the recapitalisation, he said funding and development plan was in place, adding: “The plan is to leverage internal resources and debt funding for new business development and further refurbishments. After BPE succeeds with further sale of government’s interest, equity funding will be deployed to boost the capital base for further expansion”.

Ozigbo said in the next five years, the hotel plans to establish its presence in Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Kano, Asaba and Calabar.

He added that the hotel has a staff of 1,430 from the 957 it inherited in 2005 when the hotel was privatised.

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EACOCK Travels and Tours Limited has opened five new subsidiaries in the United Kingdom. They are Peacock Travels and Tours, Peacock College, Peacock Aviation Training Centre, Peacock Bureau De Change and Peacock Property.

At the event were top United Kingdom government officials, including the Speaker of the London Borough of Hackney, Ms Susan Fajana-Thomas and a representative of Her Majesty, the Queen of England, Deputy Lieutenant of Hackney, Col. Roderick Morris.

In his welcome address, the Group Executive Chairman, Peacock Group of Companies, Chief Segun Phillips, said the relationship between the UK and Nigeria has come a long way, noting that the two countries are bound by strong political and economic ties.

He said the company is aware that high quality standards are crucial to long term success, adding that the firm is committed to the implementation of ISO 9001, the international quality standard for organisations and companies.

He said: “We have established a comprehensive Quality Management System to verify that we are managing our processes effectively and that we are fully in control of our activities. The system covers all our core processes, including classifications work search and examination, opposition revocation and limitation, as well as support activities, such as training.”

He said Nigeria is an important market, adding that in the last three years, trade between the two countries increased by 67 per cent. He said his interest in investing in Europe is to promote the ties that bind both countries.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

NEWS

Pensioners protest in Rivers

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ENSIONERS yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, protested the non-payment of their entitlements by the government.

Old men and women, some of limping and being supported by their walking sticks, marched on some parts of the city.

The retired senior citizens, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), were led by their Chairman, Edward FestusAbibo and other executives.

They said several moves to meet with Governor Rotimi Amaechi were rebuffed.

They accused the

From Clarice Azuatalum, Port Harcourt

Amaechi-led administration of maltreating them.

The pensioners condemned the recent approval of pension benefits for governors and their deputies.

Festus-Abibo said: “After serving for eight years they are going to pay these politicians this much while the same government refuses to pay us our entitlements.

“We are protesting the non-payment of six per cent and 15 per cent pension increase ; non-payment of retired primary school teachers and payment of federal share to those who retired from July 2007.

“The total arrears from March is N937 million; for primary school teachers it is about N1.8 billion, because it’s a backlog since 2002.

“Then for those who retired from July last year it is about N800 million.”

Describing the government’s attitude as “callous, inhuman and disdainful to senior citizens’’, FestusAbibo said the waste of funds by political office holders could pay pensioners all their entitlements.

Amaechi’s Chief of Staff Tony Okocha, who received the protesters, promised to convey their grievances to the governor.

Imoke decries maternal deaths in Cross River

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ROSS River State Governor Liyel Imoke has decried the number of maternal deaths in prayer houses.

He spoke at the opening of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week in Biase Local Government.

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

Imoke appealed to clerics to utilise the health care programme of the state by allowing their congregation have access to healthcare.

The governor also called on community leaders to part-

ner the government to ensure that the health facilities are patronised.

He called on expectant mothers not to take the exercise for granted, but ensure that they and their children are immunised.

Utuama canvasses prison reforms From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

•Utuama

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ELTA State Deputy Governor Amos Utuama (SAN) has advocated a constitutional amendment that would bring prisons under the concurrent

list.

Utuama spoke when the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy visited him in Asaba, the state capital.

He noted that including prisons in the concurrent list would enable states to build and run prisons alongside the Federal Government.

This, the deputy governor said, would bring healthy competition between the state and federal prisons and thereby improve the condi-

tions of prisons across the country.

“Part of the problem with our prisons is the federal nature of these prisons.

“Naturally, it is what you have that you take care of.

Many things have been over centralised in this country for reasons I don’t know.

“It is my considered opinion that prisons ought to be on the concurrent list, that way there would be a two stream of prison system in this country, since some offences are against the state and others against the Federal Government,” he said.

Lawyer pleads for wife’s release

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LAWYER, Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), whose wife, Olanrewaju, was kidnapped in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Tuesday, has pleaded with her abductors to release her.

The kidnappers are yet to contact the family. Adedipe, who is the lead counsel to Governor Rotimi Amaechi at the Election Petitions Tribu-

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

nal, condemned the incident.

He said: “I do not know my wife’s whereabouts. I do not even know why she was kidnapped. The kidnappers have not called me. We are hoping that they will get in touch.”

When asked if he would pay ransom for his wife ‘s release, Adedipe said: “No

comment on ransom payment.

“I am pleading with the kidnappers to please release my wife unconditionally.

They should fear God. Security agencies should continue to help us.”

Four gunmen seized Mrs. Adedipe as she was driving out of her home in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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NEWS

Benue ACN, candidate ask Supreme Court to reverse ruling •Party petitions NJC chair over court’s decision, alleges manipulation

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HE Benue State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and its governorship candidate, Prof Steve Ugba, have asked the Supreme Court to set aside its ruling on the party’s appeal regarding the interpretation of the 180-day time limit in the determination of their petition.

They also petitioned the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), alleging manipulation in the handling of their appeal and the alleged refusal of the court to make copies of the June 8 ruling available to them within seven days as required under Section 294(1) of the Constitution.

They also want the court to enforce its order of November 14, 2011, directing that their petition challenging the victory of Gabriel Suswam of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in last year’s governorship election, be heard on merit.

According to them, the court should speed up hearing on their application.

Listed as respondents are Suswam, PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Some of the grounds of the application include an allegation that Suswam had knowledge of the court’s decision before its delivery and that Section 6(6)(a) of the Constitution was not taken

By Eric Ikhilae

into account.

They argued that neither their brief was considered in the June 8 ruling nor was Section 285(2) of the Constitution adhered to in interpreting Section 285(6) of the Constitution.

They also averred that contrary to Section 294 (2), which requiried that the court’s decision be read openly, only the lead ruling and the contribution of the Presiding Justice were available and read openly.

ACN and its candidate also contended that the November 14, 2011 order in appeal No: SC360/2011, which ordered that the appeal be heard on merit, has not been vacated.

They argued that Section 285(6) of the Constitution cannot and does not apply to their appeals in which the petition was dismissed within 180 days and the appeals from them, heard and determined within 60 days as stipulated by Section 285(7) of the Constitution in accordance with the court’s decision in the case of ANPP v Goni (2012) 7 NWLR (pt 1298) 147.

They contended in their supporting affidavit deposed to by Richard Agwa, that the court failed to consider the issue of departure from its earlier decisions, which was the main reason for its con-

stitution as a full court, but only confined itself to the preliminary objection.

They further contended that although they (the appellants) referred to some portions of their briefs in answer to the third respondent’s (INEC’s) preliminary objection, the court declined to examine the matter on merits or at all resolve same.

In the petition dated June 18 the ACN want the NJC Chair to set asid the said June 8 ruling, which they alleged leaked to Governor Suswam as it was posted on Facebook and broadcast on Radio Benue on June7 before it was read in court the next day.

The petitioner is equally seeking the constitution of a new panel to immediately hear their appeals on merit.

The party sought to be guided as to why the order of the Supreme Court made on November 14, 2011 that the petition be heard on the merit should not be carried out.

The party also sought to be availed reasons why “an unqualified/disqualified candidate like Governor Suswam should be allowed to continue in office as governor despite the notorious violations of Sections 177(d) and 182(1) (j) of the 1999 Constitution and why he stands exempted from the application of those Constitutional provisions.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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INDUSTRY

Obajana Cement Plant to be world’s biggest by 2015 W ITH the addition of a 5.25 million metric tonnes production line (Line 3) to its five million metric tonnes capacity, Obajana Cement Company is set to be the largest plant globally by 2015.

The new line was purposely built to lift the plant’s capacity to 10.5MMTs per annum to boost cement production and bring down the commodity’s price.

President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, at the plant’s inauguration , unveiled plans to transform it to the world’s largest cement factory by 2015.

He said: “With the completion of our 5.25 million metric tonnes per annum, Obajana will become the single largest cement plant in the world with a combined capacity of 10.25 MMTPA. We have achieved all these in less than 10 years.”

He said the 3.0 MMTPALine 4 Plant, would further take the capacity of the factory to 13.25 MMTPA, when completed by 2015.

“This will indeed make us the power house of cement in Africa,” he said.

President Goodluck Jonathan said the government would soon launch backward integration in the textile and garment, sugar and automobile sectors, just as it did in the cement sector.

His words: “We are reviewing our existing industrial policies with a view to placing the highest priority on local production at the expense of imports. This will help us to create more jobs

Stories by Toba Agboola

for our teeming youths as well as help raise the standard of living of our people.

“Let me reiterate that this administration remains committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. The key objective of the fiscal policy in the area of tariffs and trade remains to promote industrialisation and the growth of the manufacturing and agricultural sectors of the economy, and above all, to create employment for Nigerians.”

“This achievement makes the company and indeed Alhaji Aliko Dangote a worthy ambassador of Nigeria. Companies like Dangote deserve special recognition and commendation for their enormous contributions towards the realisation of our goal of achieving industrialisation, sustainable wealth creation and job creation.

“For the outstanding contributions made towards the development of the economy, Dangote was last year, found deserving and worthy of one of our highest national honours of GCON to reward him for his enterprise and patriotism and to serve as an incentive to encourage other privileged high networth entrepreneurs to invest in growing this country”.

Jonathan said Dangote Cement should be praised or taking advantage of the cement backward integration policy

•Jonathan

•Dangote

with its heavy investment of up to $4.2billion in the last nine years that has seen it become the largest cement producing company not only in Nigeria but in Africa.

He said the Dangote Group, which has 13 subsidiaries that cuts across food, real estate, cement, and oil and gas, among oth-

ers, is playing a leading role in our drive to revive the industrial sector.

“The contributions of Dangote Cement to the phenomenal expansion of local cement production that has seen local production increased from 2MMT in 2002 to 17.3MMT in 2011 de-

‘An economy that relies solely on imports cannot grow and cannot give the economic independence that every sovereign nation desires’

serves special commendation.

“Cement is the world’s universally accepted main building material and, therefore, a vital necessity for physical infrastructure development. Because of Nigeria’s natural endowment in all the inputs needed for cement production, the Federal Government in 2002 set self-sufficiency in cement production as a target, and promulgated the backward integration policy for the cement industry for the realisation of this goal.

“Our backward integration policy of 2002 stands as one of our few success stories out of all government’s various industrialisation policies postindependence, because with the coming on stream of 13.0 mt additional new capacity from the new plants from Lafarge and Dangote Cement, the target of the policy to move this country to self-sufficiency in cement production, has been achieved and Nigeria is now poised to become a net exporter of cement. The government intends to identify other areas in the economy where this type of success story can be replicated,” he said.

The President said the goal of the government is not only to be self-sufficient in cement production but also to become a net exporter of cement and indeed, a cement-producing nation, like we are an oil-producing nation.

“An economy that relies solely on imports cannot grow and cannot give the economic independence that every sovereign nation desires,” he said.

S’South Chamber calls for adoption of PIB •DPR to submit bill in two weeks

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THE Southsouth Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (FOSSCCIMA) has called for the adoption and implementation of the Local Content Act and speedy passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). PIB, it said would facilitate the participation of Nigerians in the industry.

Speaking when he visited the Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), President, Billy Harry said the Act mandates all regulatory authorities, operators, contractors, sub-contractors, alliance partners and others involved in an oil project to consider Nigerian content as an important element.

“The Act provides that every multinational oil company operating in Nigeria must domicile a minimum of 10 per cent of its annual profit in Nigerian banks, which means Nigerian banks will have more money to fund investment in the country,” Harry said.

He said indigenous insurance companies are empowered by the Act to carry out all aspect of insurance in the oil and gas sector except where in the opinion of the Nigerian Insurance Commission (NIC), the capacity of insurance companies have been exhausted.

“Other impactful provisions of the Act include the creation of a special Fund into, which one per cent of every contract awarded in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector shall be paid for the purpose of building capacity and capability in the sector.

“This provision is meant to take care of funding local capacity building to ensure that greater percentage of the projects in the industry are done in Nigeria by Nigerians “ FOSSCCIMA is, therefore, imploring DPR, to immediately take proactive steps to ensure that besides their statutory roles, every other entity involved in the implementation of Nigerian Content under the Nigerian Content Act and the Petroleum Act cap 350 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria should partner with key stakeholders including the civil society to monitor the implementation of Nigerian Content in the industry,” Harry said.

Replying, Olorunsola said the PIB would be passed to the President in two weeks.

He said the DPR would do everything to support indigenous companies.

Olorunsola said although

•From left: Billy and Olorunsola, during the visit.

there are good policies, the investment environment is not good enough.

“We have lost many opportunities in the past by not having a law like this . We would have gone far, but we are happy that we are taking a bold step. In the next one to two years, Nigerian indigenous participation would

have grown higher. We have good policies,but what is missing investment environment and I know we will get there,” Olorunsola said.

He said the crisis in the Niger Delta has been a major hinderance to the sector, but he said there is hope is things will begin to unfold.

Olorunsola said the government will soon begin to open up its marginal oil field acreages for prospective investors by the end of this month.

The new oil leases, according to him, would specifically be open for bids by indigenous oil and gas firms, while firms with foreign interests are exempted.

Nigeria’s trade with Turkey rises to $1.3b

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HE volume trade between Turkey and Nigeria has reached $1.3 billion (about N204.1 billion), the National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Herbert Ajayi, has said.

He said Nigeria’s main imports from Turkey were clothing, food, automobile parts and pharmaceuticals among others.

He said Turkey’s imports from Nigeria included sesame seeds,

raw and semi-processed leather, rubber among other products.

Ajayi spoke during the Turkish products solo exhibition, which was organised in conjunction with Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and Armanda International Limited in Lagos.

In a statement, the NACCIMA President said: “Since the last two editions of the Turkish products solo exhibition, the trade volume between Turkey and Nigeria has tremendously improved. As at 2011, the trade volume between the two

countries stood at $1.3 billion.”

Even though the trade statistics revealed that the balance of trade between the two countries was in favour of Nigeria, Ajayi stressed that the existence and continuous annual growth in the volume of trade between both countries was a testimony of faith, reliability and confidence that they had in each other and in their products and services.

“There is need to further strengthen the existing relationship between Nigeria and Turkey

through the formation of joint investment projects,” he said.

Ajayi expressed delight that the exhibition was geared towards enhancing the bilateral trade relationship and fostering mutual cooperation.

Representative of the government of Turkey, Ambassador Ali Buyukelci, said the volume of trade between the two countries rose in 2011 by 57 per cent.

According to him, the relationship between Turkey and Nigeria dates back to the Ottoman Empire.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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INDUSTRY ECOWAS budgets $30b for improved business environment scheme

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•From left: Soohol Chol; President, African Regional Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), Mr Mangieli Kioko; Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr Joseph Odumodu and Secretary, ARSO, Mr Hermogene Nsegimaha at the ARSO workshop held at Oriental Hotel, Lekki,Lagos PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

HE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is to spend $30 billion (N4.8 trillion) on the establishment of an investment facilitating agency in the sub-region.

The aim is to improve business environment to attract more investments into the sub-region.

At the just- concluded conference on feasibility study guarantee and reinsurance agency in the sub-region held in Abuja, it was argued that such an agency would ensure that efforts by national governments to attract foreign, regional and local investors are better co-ordinated.

Experts said public awareness was imperative for the scheme because many people are not correctly informed of the availability of an international modem, which supports attraction of investment to other regions.

The task at hand now, according to them, is the identification of the exact and tested modems by the proposed agency with the aim of supporting both local and foreign prospective investors in countries of the region.

What is needed in the new time is the political will of member states and the needed stability, as the agency is

expected to be put in place before the end of the tenure of the present management of ECOWAS commission in February 2016.

ECOWAS Director, Private Sector, Dr. Alfred Braimah, said the projected fund would be freed “in conjunction with the private sector equity contribution.”

“Bearing in mind that the infrastructure requirement in the West African sub region is high as of today, the investment requirement to tackle the challenge is, therefore, also very high. But ECOWAS member states are committed to making sure investors have value for their money.”

He added: “It is true that infrastructure is a challenge, it is also true that whatever you call a regional infrastructure has a national element in it, for example, if you take transport like on the highway, along LagosAbidjan corridor, you would see that its not a facility for one country alone, and so, for most of those regional programmes that would improve trade and investment, all the member states are willing to provide and contribute to ECOWAS, to make sure those infrastructure are intact.

Nigeria’s contribution to world trade low at 2%

D •From left: Group Captain Emmanuel John Udenyi, Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Nyahuma Obika, ,Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI) Ms Evelyn Oputu, and CEO, Steelpan Development Co. Ltd, Mr Bowei Bowei, during a courtesy visit to BoI office in Lagos.

Fed Govt to retain export grant scheme

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HE Federal Government will continue with the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) despite the controversies over its desirability, Finance Minister , Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala has said.

She spoke at the sideline of a town hall meeting with members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) after a working visit to Mamuda Group of Companies in Kano.

She said the government has evaluated the implementation of the scheme and found that it has impacted positively on the economy.

She said the incentive has assisted many of the benefiting local firms which would have died because of the prevailing difficult operational environment to remain competitive globally.

The Minister also praised

Stories by Toba Agboola

Mamuda Group of Companies, one of the Kano based tanneries that benefited from the grant for making good use of the incentive which has translated into creation of new lines of employment for many jobless Nigerians.

She said: “I am happy with the company because I saw how they are processing raw-material (hides and skin), adding value to it from this stage of production to

‘I learnt they have been doing this for about 20 years before they got to the level of manufacturing finished bags’

finished products, one of which is hand bag.

“I learnt they have been doing this for about 20 years before they got to the level of manufacturing finished bags. We are happy to be carrying their bags. You can see that I display some of their products on the television.

“The present administration is glad to support exporters, who are adding value to their products. This company`s products are carry Made-in-Nigeria label. EEG was primarily conceived to encourage exportation of Nigerian goods.

“One thing we want Nigerians to know is that, EEG is not meant to support people who keep on doing the same thing for years, without being able to add value to their products. Beneficiaries are expected to become competitive so that they edge out, for others to benefit.”

Non-oil exports: Trade council seeks more states “It recognised the importance of HE National Council on Trade acquisition in industrial develparticipation skills and Investment (NCTI) has opment but noted that several agen-

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called for increased participation of the 36 states in the promotion of non-oil exports.

The move, it said, would help to grow the country’s non-oil export sector.

This was one of the high points of the 16-point communiqué issued at the end of the fifth meeting of the NCTI. According to the report of the oneyear score-sheet of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, Nigeria exported non-oil products to 103 countries in 2011, valued at N428 billion.

This figure represents a 19 per cent increase over the previous year’s result.

However, the NCTI noted that in

order to boost the nation’s non-oil export earnings and increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), there was an urgent need to upgrade the existing states’ export promotion committees to export promotion agencies to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NCTI).

According to the communiqué: “The NCTI has noted the need for states to be more involved in non-oil export promotion activities and urged them to, as a matter of policy, upgrade the existing states export promotion committees to export promotion agencies in order to complement the work of NEPC towards improving value addition activities.

cies appeared to be involved in the establishment and administration of skills acquisition centres. To this end, the council has urged the Industrial Training Fund to strengthen its liaison with these agencies, including state governments that run such outfits.”

It added: “The NCTI recognises the critical role Produce Inspection Services plays in export commodities quality control.”

However, it noted that the function of States Produce Inspection Services resides in ministries other than commerce, industry and investment as the case may be, and urged states to ensure that the function of Produce Inspection be appropriately domiciled.

UE to Nigeria’s poor indigenous industries and local manufacturing propensity, the country contributes a meagre two per cent to global trade, Director, African Centre for Supply Chain (ACSC), Mr Obiora Madu said in Lagos.

Madu, who spoke at the Fellowship investiture and induction ceremony of the ACSC, said the inability of the country to embrace modern strategies in supply chain management is equally responsible for the situation.

The ACSC boss gave the trade position, even as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures on Nigeria’s current trade position showed that total balance of trade in the first quarter stood at N3.3 billion, a decrease of N2.4 billion from the N5.7 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011.

According to the NBS, the huge decline in quarterly value of trade was due to decline in the value of exports by N2.2 billion or 30.3 per cent over that of the previous quarter.

Shoprite opens in Abuja today

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O fulfill its promise of touching every part of the country, Africa’s leading supermarket brand, Shoprite will today open an ultra-modern 3,853 square metre store in the Grand Towers Mall in Abuja .

Shoprite is in Lagos where it boasts of three outlets in Lekki, Surulere and Ikeja. It is also in Enugu.

According to promoters, the Abuja outlet can be compared in size to the store in the Palms shopping Mall in Lekki, Lagos; and it is said to be the first of many planned for the capital city.

The center, which is approximately 10,00m2 of build-up area, plays host to other A-list companies such as KFC and Spur anchoring the Food Court.

Speaking on the plan commissioning, Mr Jan Van Zyl, representing Shoprite Properties said: “Shoprite has had an excellent working relationship with this developer; as a result, Shoprite is planning on doing many more similar developments with Novare throughout Nigeria and other West African countries.”

With the new store in place, Shoprite would be contributing immensely to

the socio-economic development of the FCT and the nation as a whole.

Adeola Kagho, the HR manager for Shoprite Nigeria, has said that “each store employs approximately 200 direct jobs and 50 indirect, when summed with the total number of stores in the country; one can say Shoprite has created an environment for over 1,200 sustaining jobs.”

She further restated that Shoprite is not only creating employment, but have invested so much in training and personnel development.

With more than half of its product procured from local farmers and suppliers, the entry of Shoprite into Abuja will be a boost to farmers within the northern zone. Shoppers are also assured of fresh and quality products, packaged to standard.

Shoprite first entered Nigeria in December 2005, when they opened a Shoprite store at the Palms shopping centre in Lekki, Lagos; they restructured their operations to accommodate the expansion strategy in Nigeria by appointing local Nigerian managers to manage its store operations.

Infrastructure is impediment to business development

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OME impediments as to why Nigerians have not been able to cash in on the benefits of the US Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation (AGOA) have been identified, as the annual Forum gets underway in Washington DC, in the United States.

These include poor infrastructure ranging from transportation models, communication, and a lack of intergovernmental strategy.

Disclosing these, Director of African Affairs in the office of the US Trade Representative, Mr Patrick Dean Coleman, said the problem was not limited to Nigeria alone.

He, however, added that since African countries enjoy the advantage of the diversity of trade, their governments are responsible for providing these infrastructure such as rail transport to be able to compete adequately in the global economy.

Also speaking, Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa in the US Trade and Development Agency, Mr Paul Marin recommended the AGOA-Africa business forum, which would commence soon in Ohio as a platform for small and medium businessmen to be familiarised with the workings and potentials offered by the unilateral trade agreement.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

The Oteh saga •Her suspension and exit of the board members should ensure thorough audit of her activities

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ARELY 72 hours after the Board of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), sent Ms Arunma Oteh, its director-general on compulsory leave, the Federal Government announced that it would not grant tenure extension to the commission’s chairman and its commissioners. Their tenure expired on June 15.

The government’s action automatically nullified the appointment, by the board, of Ms. Daisy Ekineh, executive commissioner, operations, as acting director-general of the SEC. Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who made the government’s decision known said the commission’s director in charge of finance and administration, Mr Bolaji Ibrahim

‘The Federal Government’s decision not to allow tenure extension for any of SEC’s commissioners and the chairman is also welcome. The rot in SEC is beyond an individual. What matters now that both Ms Oteh and the board are out of the way is to have a thorough audit of her activities, particularly the controversial golden jubilee celebrations’

Bello, is also to act as director-general, pending the outcome of the audit of the commission’s golden jubilee held last year. Mr Bello assumed duties on June 18.

No doubt the rot in the capital market which Oteh’s appointment was meant to cure persisted even until her suspension on June 11. The investing public that has not been particularly impressed by the performance in the market was further put on red alert by the embattled director-general’s alleged high-handed leadership style, as revealed at the probe conducted by the House of Representatives on the factors that led to the crash of the capital market.

The public hearing by the ad hoc committee set up by the House was riddled with scandalous allegations that led to exchange of altercations between Ms Oteh and Herman Hembe, chairman of the dissolved ad hoc committee. Ms Oteh accused the latter of asking her for a bribe of N39 million to influence the outcome of the probe. Hembe was also accused of collecting a ticket and estacode to attend a capacity-building workshop in the Dominican Republic, which he never attended, yet he failed to retire the money and the ticket. This led to his being asked to step down for Ibrahim El-Sudi to conduct a fresh probe that later gave a damning report on Ms Oteh’s management style.

The public hearing revealed that there was a serious disconnect between her and the executive commissioners of SEC who are supposed to effectively run the commission with her. For instance, the

commissioners claimed not to be aware of the idea of Project 50 fund-raising meant to generate money for the golden jubilee anniversary. They accused Oteh, in her presence, of being fond of taking unilateral decisions. She was also accused of arbitrarily outsourcing the fund-raising for the Project 50 to an external company which had collected funds from sponsors, mostly those companies being regulated by SEC, for the celebrations. As a regulator, this was wrong.

The disharmony in the SEC reflects one thing: that the top management staff of the commission and the stakeholders in the sector had lost confidence in Oteh’s leadership style. Thus, her suspension by SEC’s board, which is also in tandem with the House ad hoc committee probe was even belated, considering the strategic importance of the capital market to any vibrant economy.

We however welcome government’s intervention too, for the same reason.

SEC, clearly, has become a house divided against itself and that is not good for any organisation, not in the least one that is supposed to regulate activities at the capital market.

The Federal Government’s decision not to allow tenure extension for any of SEC’s commissioners and the chairman is also welcome. The rot in SEC is beyond an individual.

What matters now that both Ms Oteh and the board are out of the way is to have a thorough audit of her activities, particularly the controversial golden jubilee celebrations.

Picking the pieces •Could it be true that the victims of the post-election riots are still awaiting compensation a year after?

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UST as night breaks into day, calamities will not cease to befall humanity.

Whether self-made or natural occurrences, something will always give: bombs will go off, buildings will cave in and our cherished machines, like automobiles and aeroplanes, will now and then, falter and become sources of tears and sorrow. Not to be out-done by machines, even humans in our fits of folly, would rise up and savage ourselves as if we crave extinction.

Yes, calamities will always be with us but over the ages, man has also mastered the art of picking the pieces in the wake of tragedies; ameliorating pains and restoring hope. This does not seem to be the case in the Nigerian situation though. In fact, report emanating from Katsina State alleges that victims of last year’s post-election riots are yet to get compensation more than one year after that incident. A bloody riot had trailed the announcement of the presidential election result in April 2011, causing untold destruction and deaths across most northern states of Nigeria, especially Kaduna and Katsina.

Alarmed by the magnitude of the mayhem, the Federal Government set up a panel chiefly to investigate the causes of the crisis and recommend measures to forestall a recurrence. However, long after the panel had submitted its report; it seems government has neglected to take any concrete action on it, especially as it affects the numerous victims of the riots.

According to a newspaper report quoting the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Katsina State chapter,

Dr Adewale Oluwasegun Adeniran, the Federal Government has gone to sleep on a crisis that led to the loss of numerous lives and the torching of property worth billions of naira. A large number of the property destroyed included, churches, businesses and residential houses.

We have had cause to bring this issue to the front burner many times. The other day, it was the victims of a bomb blast in Kaduna who cried out from the hospital beds where they were apparently abandoned by government officials. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) must not only act but must be seen to be up and doing, particularly now.

Working with a broad-based coalition of other agencies and governments, it must stand up to the challenges of the time.

When bombs have gone off, when tragedies have struck, there is no other remediation left other than to identify the victims and ensure they get some succour, and quickly too.

NEMA must be prepared to offer much of the relief required by victims according to their afflictions in a tragedy situation. For instance, in a typical bomb blast scenario, many would require immediate rescue, evacuation and resuscitation; there would be management of the demised; hospitalisation and treatment of some victims, management of the traumatised and the bereaved, especially the orphaned and the widowed that may have lost their bread winners. Of course the physical damages to buildings and businesses must be part of the compre-

hensive compendium for sorting out compensation for all concerned.

If there is any good that Nigeria must take out of her current adversity, it must be the total overhaul and upgrade of her rescue and emergency operations and agencies at every level of government.

The least we expect from government for the hapless victims of our national tragedies is to offer them remedy and a new lease of life as quickly as possible.

They must never be left in the lurch.

Above all, those found culpable in the electoral crisis leading to these unsettling consequences have to be punished, even as we need to sanitise our electoral process to ensure that such unpleasant results do not trail our elections again.

‘The least we expect from government for the hapless victims of our national tragedies is to offer them remedy and a new lease of life as quickly as possible. They must never be left in the lurch. Above all, those found culpable in the electoral crisis leading to these unsettling consequences have to be punished, even as we need to sanitise our electoral process to ensure that such unpleasant results do not trail our elections again’

Egypt’s generals grab for power HAT SHOULD HAVE been a moment of triumph in Egypt’s 17month pursuit of a democratic future has turned dark and foreboding. In the runoff election for president that concluded Sunday, preliminary results point to a narrow edge for the Muslim Brotherhood’s candidate, Mohamed Morsi. That alone is a remarkable milestone for a once-banned Islamist group that spent decades in the shadows. But as the polls were closing, the ruling generals abruptly took action to neuter the presidency.

The council of generals who have run Egypt since Hosni Mubarak’s fall last year had pledged to hand over power to a civilian government by the end of this month. They renewed the promise Monday, but their words rang hollow. On Sunday, just as the polls closed, they published an interim constitution that strips the presidency of power. They seized authority to legislate until a new parliament is elected; to decide all matters related to the armed forces; and to veto a president’s decision to go to war. They granted themselves a significant role in the process of writing a permanent constitution. Taken together, they would leave Egypt’s new president hamstrung and toothless.

Over time, perhaps a new legislature can be elected and a new constitution written. The generals proffered vague timelines. But for now, it appears the Egyptian revolution is being swallowed by the repressive forces of the past. After decades of rule in which the military built up wealth in key industries and commercial interests, they are clearly loath to give it up.

Official election results are to be announced Thursday. But with parliament dissolved, no constitution, the constitutional-drafting process disrupted and the presidency weakened, the path ahead looks unstable. Adding to the uncertainty was a cryptic comment made by Sameh Ashour, the head of the civilian council advising the generals, who told al-Jazeera that the next president would occupy the office “for a short period of time, whether or not he agrees.” He said a new constitution would bring forward someone else — a dark hint to Mr. Morsi that, even if he were to win the popular vote, he may not be permitted by the military to serve for long.

The military council may have calculated that the United States would look the other way while it usurped the first democratic election for president in Egypt’s history. After all, that’s been the administration’s pattern so far. On Monday, the State Department said that the military must honor its commitments to allow a transfer of power to civilian control and that its decisions “will have an impact on the nature of our engagement.” We hope the message is being stated more bluntly in private. If the generals suffocate Egyptian democracy in the cradle, U.S. military aid must cease.

– Washington Post

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TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso

•Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

•Chairman, Editorial • Executive Director Board Sam Omatseye (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi • Gen. Manager (Training and Development) •Editor Online Soji Omotunde Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli

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• Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

S

IR: Following the collapse of the Habsburg monarchy after the First World War, Czech and Slovak were encouraged by, among others, President Woodrow Wilson of the United States to come together as an independent state.

Though the two were not at par in economic and technological advancement, they strived for 75 years of their union to bridge the gap. The more they tried, the wider the gap became.

Finally, some leaders of the country woke up from their dream by realising that there might be more prosperity in separation than in the forced union. When a September 1992 poll put 37% of Slovaks and 36% of Czechs as supporting the dissolution of the country, the leaders saw what the people were not seeing and continued with the planned dissolution which finally took place on January 1, 1993 in a peaceful manner. This separation has come to be known as the ‘Velvet Divorce’.

As it turned out, the separation did more good than harm, especially for Slovak which was less prosperous and had been spoon-fed all along by Czech. Although Czech still appears more prosperous than Slovakia, the GDP growth of the latter has been consistently higher than that of the former since 1994 and the economic gap between them is closing up. Slovakia has also surpassed Czech in economic reforms, a feat that ensured its acceptance into the Euro Area in 2009.

Despite Serbia’s opposition to

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The myth of national unity Kosovo’s breakaway from it, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Kosovo’s formal secession from Serbia in 2008 was not in violation of any international laws and was therefore legal. The President of the ICJ, Owada Hisashi, held that there was no part of international law that was meant to be a “prohibition on declarations of independence.”

In a similar fashion, President James Buchanan of the United States in his Fourth Annual Message to Congress on the State of the Union on December 3, 1860 stated that:

“The fact is that our Union rests upon public opinion, and can never be cemented by the blood of its citizens shed in civil war. If it can not live in the affections of the people, it must one day perish. Congress possesses many means of preserving it by conciliation, but the sword was not placed in their hand to preserve it by force”.

The above, where a people were forcefully prevented from seceding, was what was meted out to the Igbos during the civil war. This force, in the name of ‘indivisible entity’, orchestrated by Yakubu

Gowon plunged the country into further disunity, distrust and many unanswered questions about the 1914 Britain-arranged marriage of strange bed-fellows.

The Igbos felt they were done with the marriage called Nigeria and opted for self-rule, but Gowon in his wisdom did more injustice by forcefully suppressing a people’s right to self-determination, all in the name of unity and indivisibility. How can a nation hope to achieve unity when people’s rights are not respected?

Can there be indivisibility in in-

justice?

Nigeria is enmeshed in too many injustices. Instead of addressing those, the leaders that the country has been plagued with have answered with more injustices. Up till now, Ibrahim Babangida walks around freely and also, no one has asked Abdulsalami Abubakar what happened to MKO Abiola under his watch. Instead, the Jonathan administration chose to rename University of Lagos after the winner of the June 12, 1993 election, while sweeping the more important issues under the carpet. Can MKO Abiola be truthfully immortalised until all the questions raised by his incarceration and death have been answered?

Events have also shown that the so-called indivisibility is a lie, one big lie that our so-called leaders are not willing to admit due to fear and selfishness.

•‘Dimeji Daniels Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

We need ethical revolution

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IR: The panacea for Nigeria’s protracted economic, social and political problems remains an ethical revolution that will cut across every segment of national life. The fact that Nigeria’s political landscape is stripped of morality can be deciphered from the monstrosity of corruption cases that have continued to stupefy the nation every now and then. The examples are quite legion. The fuel subsidy rip-

off alarmingly running into trillions of naira; the power sector scam; the rot in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the NNPC; the 1991 Gulf War windfall swindle, the Pensions Funds scam, Halliburton, to mention just few.

Of course, morality cannot be weaned from nation-building – the building of a virile and upright nation through appropriate political actions. Building a nation with a

strong moral character revolves around three key societal institutions, namely, the family, the school and the religious institution. Sadly, there is near-total failure of these institutions in moulding and shaping the moral armour of today’s society. While it is glaring that there are institutional failures in building the moral capital of the nation, it will be worth the country’s while to begin the ethical revolution process

SOS to Governor Ibikunle Amosun

IR: I wish to call the attention of the Ogun State government to the deplorable state of the Ilo-Awela road in Sango Ota. This road has been abandoned by successive administrations. The total neglect of the road leaves much to be desired.

There was a sigh of relief when the present administration came on board in 2011. The relief turned into excitement when Governor Ibikunle Amosun chose to walk the length of the road in full public glare along with his entourage during an inspection visit to the locality. The scene was like the famous “Civil Rights march on Washing-

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EDITOR’S MAIL BAG

ton of 1963” as people trooped out to behold such selfless act by the governor.

That feelings of excitement is gradually turning into despair as the road is yet to witness any form of development. Instead, it is fast becoming a nightmare for users and residents. The road was among the roads listed for rehabilitation.

The whole stretch of the road is dotted with potholes, craters and gullies; this pathetic situation has forced motorists and road users to abandon the road and seek manageable alternative routes to get to their various destinations. This has crippled most business activities

along the road and it has degenerated to a situation where fuel stations have to rely heavily on generator users for patronage, as vehicles only come in trickles; such environment can hardly be described as business friendly.

The story in town is that the contract for the road will soon be awarded as all the preliminary process had been completed. But with the rainy season in full effect, waiting for a full rehabilitation of the road to commence anytime soon will just be like waiting for Godot.

The government will do good to reduce the hardship experienced by users of the road by ordering tem-

porary work to be carried out on the failed portions of the road to make it passable.

Incessant cases of robbery is another major source of concern around the axis. Police patrol is hard to come by on the road because of its deplorable and appalling nature. Hardly a week goes by without incidence of carjacking.

Petrol stations, shops owners, petty traders along this road are not spared of this onslaught as they are randomly raided and robbed by hoodlums.

• Oyakhire Emmanuel Maxwell Wahab Busari Street, Abebi – Ota, Ogun State

with the family, the rudimentary social unit of society. The thinking is that every Nigerian comes from a family and when once the diet of morality at that level is chewed, ingested and digested and finally absorbed into everyone’s bloodstream, the moral bearings will automatically be corrected.

In the school system, moral education has to be integrated into the curriculum as a compulsory subject from primary to tertiary level.

Besides, civics should also be introduced at both the primary and secondary levels to improve the moral configuration of our children, the leaders of tomorrow.

Religious institutions should also play their role in the moral re-armament of Nigerians. Morality in public office implies a rededication to the spirit and letters of the Oath of Office public office-holders in Nigeria subscribe to when assuming office and a catholic devotion to the primary purpose of government, which is the welfare and security of the people. A morality-driven leadership will not only shun corruption but will fight it with all the state apparatus at its disposal.

• Dennis Alemu, Makurdi, Benue State

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Renaming of the University of Lagos

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HEN the right Honourable Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was alive, the Babaginda administration wanted to rename the University of Nigeria in Nsukka after Nnamdi Azikiwe who incidentally was the founder and builder of the university and who as an old man was prayerfully awaiting his mortal end. The old man while grateful for the thought declined. This was after the University of Ife had been renamed Obafemi Awolowo University after the demise of the great man.

The University of Ife, the University of Nigeria and Ahmadu Bello University also named after its founder were regional universities built with the resources of the western, eastern and northern regions respectively. They were not taken over by the Federal Government until the Murtala MohammedObasanjo regime. Of course a federal university since then has been named after the Great Zik in Awka. That university also started as Anambra State University. Once Sir Ahmadu Bello blazed the trail of naming universities after politicians in Nigeria, others have followed suit and now we have Ambrose Ali University in Ekpoma; Michael Okpara University in Umudike and a few private universities are now named after individuals. In short, the tendencies to name universities after individuals seem to have come to stay in Nigeria.

The tendency of naming streets after important dignitaries and personalities were inherited by Nigerians from the British. Thus, we have Lugard, MacDonald Street, Hughe Avenue, Clifford Avenue, John Macpherson Street, Robertson Street all named after colonial governors in Nigeria. This is why most of the streets in Abuja, our new federal capital are named after former Presidents and politicians. Somehow, there has been a negative reaction to this tendency one time in the history of this country. When the Gowon regime was overthrown in 1976, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, the leader of the successor regime, reverted all names given to his predecessor to their original names. Thus, Broad Street which had been named after Yakubu Gowon went back to being Broad Street. Gen. Murtala Mohammed stated that no government must name streets after its member. This now seems a long time ago, but there was wisdom in it.

Nobody would quarrel with government naming a major street after a distinguished Nigerian or building a monument in honour of a distinguished Nigerian. For me, a distinguished Nigerian does not have to be a politician alone or a military man. It could be an academic or a great inventor or somebody who has contributed to the upliftment and glory of our country. The more distant such a personage, the better.

Therefore, a monument named after Usman Dan Fodio, Alaafin Abiodun or Atiba, Mohammed El-Kenami, King Jaja,

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HE went home yesterday, ending her earthly sojourn of 36 years. When her remains were committed to mother earth at Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos, many burst into tears; others wiped their bloodshot eyes with handkerchiefs. The funeral was the final act in the passage of Mrs Ngozi Agbo. NG, as I called her, died on May 28 of childbirth complaints. Her death robbed us of a dear person, who took her job with the seriousness it deserved.

Ngozi was industrious and enterprising. She did her job as if her life depended on it. Shielded from prying eyes by the pillar behind her seat in the newsroom, she worked quietly without drawing attention to herself. It's even hard to notice her in the newsroom because she hardly talked. She was not the loud type.

She allowed her job to talk for her.

Ever so punctual, by 10am or even earlier, Ngozi was in the office. Those who know the workings of the newsroom may ask: but what was she doing in the office at such a time?

Good question. By her job schedule, Ngozi was not your conventional reporter who was expected to leave her home for her beat before coming to the newsroom later in the day to do her story. She was in charge of CAMPUSLIFE, our eight-page pull-out on activities in higher institutions, At the initial stage, there were fears in-house that her baby, yes her baby, that is what CAMPUSLIFE was to her, would clash with the Education page, but she said there was no cause for alarm. She turned out to be right. Rather than clash, both sections collaborated during Ngozi’s lifetime.

Ngozi was a strong woman.

King Ovonranmwen, and appropriately cited or located would not generate any controversy.

Nobody can dispute the heroism and great sacrifice of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. His sacrifice on behalf of all of us in the promotion of democracy in this country remains imperishable. Celebrating him therefore, should be a popular event. Moshood Abiola liked life and had the resources to enjoy life. He sacrificed all these for the good of all and for the enthronement of democracy in this country. Without his great and epochal sacrifice, there would have been no transition of military rule in 1999 to civilian regime. Abiola is therefore deserving of all the recognition we can accord him. Because we need an authentic hero that future generations can copy. Unfortunately those who waded into office in the pool of Abiola’s blood refused to recognise him.

The candidacy of Abiola and his running mate Babagana Kingibe, two Muslims in a religiously plural society was uniquely positioned to underscore the secularity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The fact that Christians ignored the Muslim-Muslim tickets is a credit to the liberalism of all Christians as well as a credit to Abiola’s ability to cut across ethnic and religious polarisation, Abiola’s recognition as a national icon would be a soothing balm to all of us. But what kind of recognition does Abiola deserve? A monument in Abuja where he should have been installed as President but was incarcerated and died under mysterious circumstances would have been appropriate. There is an already extant resolution of the National Assembly on the renaming of the Abuja Stadium after him. Abiola loved sports and he was in life given the sobriquet of Pillar of Sport in Africa. He spent millions to promote sports in Nigeria and on the African continent and he usually followed the national teams wherever they were playing. He founded a football team called the Abiola Babes which brought laurels to Nigeria and he donated generously to sportsmen who brought glory to our country. Abiola also donated millions to educational institutions including universities and to mosques and churches. His generosity was open-ended and limitless. He always said, the hand that gives is always on top. This is why it is so sad that honouring him in the way the federal government has honoured him should create this controversy and this furore. This is because the whole thing was not clearly thought through and clearly articulated. Citing the example of Harvard and Cornell being named after persons to justify the naming of the University of Lagos after Abiola is totally irrelevant. This is like the use of statistics in a clever way to support any argument.

In the history of universities, Harvard, Yale and Cornell are relatively young. The university idea also did not start in

America but in such places as Fez/ Kairowan (Morocco) and Al-Azhar in Egypt and such classical universities as Bologna in Italy, Sorbonne, Paris; Cambridge and Oxford in England and Leipzig in Germany.

Some of these universities founded more than a thousand years ago have kept their original names. The University of Lagos, founded by an Act of Parliament in 1962 is Jide going to be 50 years.

Osuntokun It has a recognizable name and a brand. It is therefore unnecessary to change such universities like Lagos, Ibadan, and Nsukka to new names which the universities would then be struggling to establish as new brands.

The University of Abuja for example, could have been named after Abiola even though that would not have been enough recognition, but taken together with the National Stadium and a major road in the capital as well as a declaration that Abiola clearly won the election of 1993 would have brought to a closure this sad episode in Nigeria’s history.

The timing of the announcement was also rather cruel.

This was at a time when the university was enveloped in sadness and sorrow over the demise of its excellent Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adetokunbo Sofoluwe. This was a failure of intelligence as far as I am concerned. The government should have been properly briefed as to likely consequences of its action. The President is a university man and I’m sure he meant well and he knows the workings of a university system. If a genuine mistake has been made, government should reverse itself. We are in a democracy and government cannot claim omniscience. An acceptance of a mistake in a democracy is the greatest honour that a leader can bestow on himself. Democracy is not an abstract thing about the form of government, but democracy is about people and vox populi vox dei. Our government must act in the overall pleasure of the people. Doing this would not be an act of weakness but an act of wisdom.

Adieu, Ngozi Agbo In her heavily pregnant state then, she worked, worked and worked. Ngozi was like that. Her job came first and she never allowed anything to interfere with it. She still worked up to the week she was due for delivery. And the week before that she had hosted her children, the CAMPUSLIFE journalists from the nation’s higher institutions, at their yearly workshop in Lagos. Those kids never knew they were seeing ‘’Aunty Ngozi’’, as they fondly called, her for the last time.

For me, May 28, the day Ngozi died, was a sad day. I didn’t know that such calamity had befallen us until Ade Ojeikere, the SportingLife Editor, quietly walked into my office to break the sad news. ‘’Ngozi’’, he said in a subdued voice, ‘’is dead’’. I shouted: ‘’how did it happen?’’

Ade said it was of complications from childbirth. We never expected Ngozi to die during delivery, rather, we were looking forward to celebrating with her and Agbo Agbo, her husband on the coming of their first child. It is painful that a thing of joy has turned to sadness for us.

In a situation like this, man is helpless because what has happened is beyond us. As they say, God knows best. We would have loved for Ngozi to live to mother the tot she left behind, but God only, knows why this happened.

My heart goes out to Agbo and his son, who is starting out in life without a mother. May God uphold father and son and give Agbo the fortitude to bear this loss. Adieu, NG, until we meet to

depart no more.

READERS’ TURN RE: Farouk Lawan’s trying moment

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HIS is a season of anomie in Nigeria. Is there no law on bribe giving and taking?

What is the country turning into?

From: 08061615188.

If Lawan and co., are guilty as takers, then Otedola/Zenon Oil are guilty as givers. From: 08094679005.

Dirty business. In this case, who of the two was in the African Petroleum saga. From: Uche Lawson, Aba, 08126109886.

Every one has his price, especially when dollars and pounds sterling are involved. From: A. Moronkeji, 08034053328.

This is a write-up that is a plus to the subsidy report. Energising responses to Nigerians on sensitive issues like the petroleum subsidy is what portrays us as utility journalists.

From: 08089757943.

Lawan and his committee did a good report on oil subsidy fraud but he allowed himself to be set up. Having been in the House for 13 years, he should have known better. The matter should be thoroughly investigated. From: Bassey, 08035144924.

How on earth can Lawan open his mouth and say he was forced to take bribe? 08071146337.

Yes, the people should not allow the criminals in the subsidy probe to go unpunished. Culprits go scot-free because state power

is in the hands of criminals, who must cover their iniquities or die.

From: Amos Ejimonye, 08039727512.

Did Lawan have to wait till he collected the entire $3million before reporting the bribe? All he needed to nail Otedola was the first instalment of $250,000. It is unfair to accuse Otedola of wrongdoing when the State Security Service (SSS) has not refuted his claim that it initiated the sting.

From: 07042325266 The whole truth about the Lawan/Otedola bribery saga has not been told. How come Otedola offered the bribe thrice to Lawan without the SSS catching up with the lawmaker if it was involved in the so-called set up. In a serious nation, Lawan and Otedola would be behind bars awaiting trial by now. From: Oche, 08062385956.

RE: Run, Jonathan, run I don’t know whether you are mocking the president or applauding him. If you are praising him, go and think well because you are off the road. From: 0812644157.

What an intriguing satire. From: 08036177178.

It was a blockburster. From: 08184984327.

I was highly elated by the piece.

Thanks for recognising His Excellency’s ‘achievements’. From: Jude Phils, Akwa Ibom, 08182077816.

Stop running, Jonathan, run.

From: 08069780218.

On 2015, I say you saw very well, things are really working. Jonathan must run. Hahaha! I laugh. From: 08057056035.

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net

Adoke is attorney-general of the federation by quota and not by merit. So, what do you expect? From: A. Akinlayo, Ulesa, Osun State, 08055679465.

You need not bother about the attorney-general, nature has a way of dealing with people like him.

Have you forgotten the other ‘general’ who held us to ransom during Yar’Adua’s sick days? Where is he now? Leave him alone, he will soon know better. From: Solomon Omoyugbo, Oka-Akoko, Ondo State, 08030642335.

What is helping PDP is that many Nigerians are politically illiterate. That is why social justice is in jail for life and the oppressed cannot see that there is no future unless…From: Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna, 08039727512.

From Aondoakaa to Adoke, the evolution of political justice system in Nigeria. From: 08187209642.

Jonathan should know that these are facts about his administration.

From: Haley, Auchi, 08056588045.

I couldn’t stop laughing after reading the article. From: Champ Bash Ali (OON), 07036662806 SMS ONLY: 08056504763

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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HE fueling of the ongoing bribery scandal between Femi Otedola and Farouk Lawan by the federal government is a further confirmation of fears of Nigerians that our current political class is bent on committing political suicide. In the forefront of this self destructive mission is PDP, an ‘evil party’ or ‘party of evil men’ depending on whose narrative, Muhammadu Buhari or Pastor Enoch Adeboye, you embrace. Beyond being neck deep in corruption, PDP is a party that abhors dissent, which ironically is a major building block for enduring democracy.

Accordingly the party from the outset of the 4th republic in 1999 devised a strategy for dealing with those who break their ‘family affair code’; it was then outright elimination.

And usually their assailants disappear without trace in spite of the party’s control of awesome apparatus of state power. This prompted Wole Soyinka to label the party ‘a nest of killers’.

A democratically elected President Jonathan has in the past one year demonstrated he also has zero tolerance for dissent.

He has only become more sophisticated in fighting dissent within his party unlike his crocodile-tear-shedding predecessors who understood only the language of violence.

When Jonathan is not threatening opposition critics with sedition, members of his party with independent views are brought down.

Ogbuluafor who stood on the way of Jonathan’s ambition by advocating adherence to party zoning policy was slammed with corruption charges. The Author of ‘PDP will rule for 60 years’ went down without a fight probably because he was video taped. As if to confirm the general apprehension about the dearth of men of integrity in PDP, Ogbuluafor was replaced with Nwodo who was himself facing a more telling corruption charges. The true story of why and how the fickle resistance of the northern governors to President Jonathan’s candidacy collapsed overnight was never told. And for contesting the leadership of Balyesa with the President, Chief Timipre Sylva was removed from office and docked before Justice Adamu Bello of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a six count charge relating to an alleged N2 billion loans secured from Union Bank Plc. His in-law’s house was ransacked by EFCC where it was alleged bags of hard drugs were found.

And for indicting President Jonathan for allegedly spending N3 trillion of fuel sub-

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is not only the first doctorate degree holder, but also the second teacher to occupy the office of the Nigerian President. And it possible that many Nigerians had this in mind when they voted for him in the 2011 elections, hoping that his administration would give priority to the education sector. That hope could not have been misplaced because he had made the reform of the sector a major anchor of his transformation agenda. Has the President justified the peoples hope in the last one year?

One of the visible major changes in the sector in the past one year is the unprecedented stability now being witnessed at every level.

In the tertiary sector for instance, the Jonathan administration has been able to resolve the nearly two decades old rancour between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU over agreements some of its predecessors had signed with the teachers’ body. Those who have been students at our various universities in the past two decades would remember the frequent agonies they have gone through because of intermittent nationwide strikes by their lecturers, demanding, among others, increase in the funding of their institutions as well as increase in retiring age of university professors from 65 to 70 years.

Though, the previous administrations had always rushed to put pen to paper with ASUU leaders to signify their intention to meet their

‘So, President Jonathan’s Almajiri initiative in this regard can be described as using one stone to kill two birds- taking away the children from the pool of potential recruits for terrorism activities and empowering them for the future as useful, productive citizens in their families, communities, states and the country at large’

Farouk: Retribution for dissent or reprimand for greed?

• Farouk Lawan sidy without appropriation, Ahmadu Ali, ex PDP chairman and Allison Maduekwe, Minister for petroleum, for jointly presiding over the theft of about N1.7 trillion, Farouk Lawan, who fraudulently carried himself around as ‘Mr. Integrity’ no doubt knew the price for disloyalty. He had hardly finished declaring “I wish to categorically deny that I or any member of the committee demanded and received any bribe from anybody in connection with the fuel subsidy probe’ than the President’s friend, Femi Otedola started showing the video clip of Farouk greedily ‘stuffing his babanriga pockets’ with $500,000 bribe.

Similar fate also befell Bukola Saraki, the fuel subsidy scandal whistle blower. We have been told that part of the huge indebtedness of a fuel importing firm in which he has a major interest was fraudulently written off

by his crony and his former employee, Mahmood Alabi who CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi appointed to bury Intercontinental Bank, eventually bought by those allegedly listed as its debtors.

There is no doubt that PDP and President Jonathan who runs a government by subterfuge are behind the travails of Farouk Lawan and the Lower house. This was predicted by the Speaker Aminu Tambuwal when he warned ‘“Let me also remind you that we are fighting against entrenched interests whose infectious greed has decimated our people….be mindful that they will fight back, and they do fight dirty’.

The fall of Farouk Lawan carries the hall mark of President Jonathan government by subterfuge. The attempt of the President’s men to deny the government involvement is akin to a vegetable hawker announcing without being asked that his own vegetable is not form the rubbish dump at the back of the house.

But this is not to aver that there is going to be any form of empathy by Nigerians for the fallen Farouk Lawan and the National Assembly. Indeed if Nigerians have nothing but contempt for the executive, what they have for the legislature is disdain. The perception of Nigerians about the immoral involvement of members of the House in illimplemented or unimplemented constituency projects is that it was an attempt to outdo the executive in the mindless looting of our limited resources.

The Lawan scandal has only brought it home more vividly to Nigerians that the

Jonathan’s strides in education

By Bolaji Adebiyi demands, such agreements have always been observed more in the breach. This has been at the heart of the recurring strikes by the University teachers. But it is to the credit of the Jonathan administration that implementation of its agreement with ASUU started immediately both parties left the negotiating table. For instance, the government immediately sent a bill on the increase of retirement age of Professors from 65 to 70 years to the National Assembly in fulfilment of one of the items in the agreement. The lawmakers have already endorsed the bill. Thus, for the first time in many years, students are not studying under the fear of impending or imminent strike by their lectures.

Out of concerns that access to tertiary education remains highly limited to less than 10 % of applicants for annual qualifying examinations for admission, the President had during his campaign promised that he would ensure that all states in Nigeria has at least one federal university. In fulfilment of this promise, nine brand new universities: Federal University Otueke, Bayelsa State; Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State; Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State; Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Federal University Kashere, Gombe State; Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State; Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, and Federal University Ndufe-Alike, Ebonyi State have already been established.

Also, in another fulfillment of his campaign promise, President Jonathan had on April, 2012 initiated a scheme designed to bring one of the most disadvantaged sections of the Nigerian populace into the formal

education system with the launch of a model school for the Almajiri in Gagi, Sokoto State.

The well-equipped school which also has a boarding facility is one of the 100 of such (out of a total of 400 to be built) designed to tackle the problems of Almajiri- young children sent by their parents to live and learn Quran education under teachers popularly known as Mallam across the Northern States, but who were always at the end of the day left to their own devices.

Most of such children always end up, bowls in hands begging for money at motor parks or scavenging for foods at restaurants. They are also known to be ready recruits during outbreak of sectarian and religious riots in the Northern part of the country. It has been estimated that there are about ten million of such children across the Northern States. If well implemented and supervised by the Northern Governors who are supposed to be the real drivers of the programme, it is believed that the Almajiri schools programme will take over nine million of such children off the streets.

In the model schools, such children are not only exposed to Islamic learning, but education that will imbue them with skills necessary for effective functioning in the contemporary society. So, President Jonathan’s Almajiri initiative in this regard can be described as using one stone to kill two birdstaking away the children from the pool of potential recruits for terrorism activities and empowering them for the future as useful, productive citizens in their families, communities, states and the country at large.

The Jonathan administration has also completed of Model Skills Training Centres in

messiah they expect cannot come from PDP dominated House of Assembly whose members are said to be the highest paid law makers in the world in a situation where about 80% Nigerians live below $2 a day.

Most people believe that the LawanOtedola bribery scandal was a well scripted strategy to divert attention from the substance. What Nigerians want from their popularly elected president is to address the following issues arising from the findings of the Farouk Lawan Committee: “That NNPC should refund the subsidy deduction made for fuel subsidy in 2011 because the 445, 000 bpd that the NNPC receives was more than sufficient for the country and that there was no need for subsidy”.

“That PPPRA should refund a total sum of N312. 279 billion, the illegal payments it made to itself in 2009 and 2010”.

“That the chairman of the Board of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) from 2009-2011, Ahmadu Ali and the entire members of the board during the period should be investigated and prosecuted because of their decision which opened a floodgate for the bazaar.’

“That a quantum gulf between the amount of N245 billion budgeted as subsidy payment in the 2011 budget and the amount of N1.348 trillion claimed to have been paid out by the Executive was illegal”.

This much is what is expected from the President instead of watching the scandalous video clip of alleged bribery between Otedola and Lawan, two shameless members of the political class. More disheartening is that ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, the architect of the present mess, now struts around with holier than thou attitude calling the legislators rogues and armed robbers.

‘Ogbuluafor who stood on the way of Jonathan’s ambition by advocating adherence to party zoning policy was slammed with corruption charges. The Author of ‘PDP will rule for 60 years’ went down without a fight probably because he was video taped. As if to confirm the general apprehension about the dearth of men of integrity in PDP, Ogbuluafor was replaced with Nwodo who was himself facing a more telling corruption charges’ Abuja-collaboration between the Industrial Training Fund and the Institute for Technical Education, Singapore, first of its kind in Nigeria. It has also initiated moves to improve the quality of education being given to students at our higher institutions through an aggressive scheme tagged the Tertiary Institution Staff Development Programme.

A trust fund has been established to ensure adequate funding for the programme in which about 5000 academic staff has benefited so far, with over 1000 of them studying overseas.

Then, there is also the about N4 billion released for the training of in-service teachers across all the geographical zones by the National Teachers Institute, NTI last year. Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC is also carrying out similar capacity building of teachers and the training of UBE teachers to improve the quality of teaching at the lower level of education. The Jonathan administration has also embarked on rehabilitation of teaching and other infrastructures at all levels of education.

The Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai and the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, have been very busy in the past one year trying to restore the glory of unity schools across the country through the improvement of the mostly broken down infrastructure.

The two ministers have also been at the vanguard of on-going silent revolution being engineered by President Jonathan to correcting the structural deficiencies in the sector and position it to meet the national aspiration.

The deep rooted problem in the sector definitely cannot be solved within one year. But so far, the Jonathan administration has demonstrated its determination to take the sector out of the woods. The allocation of over N400 billion, the second highest sectoral allocation in the 2012 budget is further evidence of President’s Jonathan determination to transform the sector.

• Adebiyi, special assistant to the president on media, writes from Abuja.

Pg. 24

Enyeama open TO LILLE STAY

WIGAN OFFERS Moses double

WAGES

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), its Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have been engaged in a battle of wits for two months. The university has also been closed for that long, throwing students and their parents into a quandary. DAMISI OJO reports.

INSIDE

Medical students write MB THERE is jubilation in the air at the Anambra State University Teaching Hospital, Awka, as 50 medical students of the institution, who were admitted to study Medicine seven years ago, will write their second MB exams today.

-Page 27

Our story, by Igbinedion VC THE ViceChancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Prof Eghosa Osaghae, has cleared the air on the pandemonium that gripped the institution on Sunday.

At a briefing, he said a preliminary investigation indicated that the problem was caused by a quarrel over a female student.

-Page 28

CAMPUS LIFE •An eight-page section on campus news, people etc

Four die as hostel collapses THE sight was horrific. What remained of the building were broken blocks. When the threestorey building under construction for the use of students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, collapsed, it did with a deafening sound. The noise attracted students and other residents of Miracle Junction on Ifite Road, Awka.

-Page 29

• FUTA main gate

FUTA, workers flex muscles over unpaid allowances •Management threatens sack

F

OR two months, the Federal Univeristy of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has been shut and there seems to be no respite in sight. The management and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) have stuck to their guns. The bone of contention is the payment of 33 months hazard allowances which the unions insist their members are entitled to.

The workers have since embarked on strike over the matter, grounding all academic activities. Last Wednesday, the management, for the second time in two months, shut the institution over what it termed "unwholesome activities" of the local branches of NASU and SSANU. Announcing the closure, the ViceChancellor (VC), Prof Adebiyi Daramola, said the Senate decided to ask students to vacate the campus because NASU and SSANU leadership denied people access to facilities such as, water and

•Some of the students playing football after management closed down the school

electricity.

Members of the unions had earlier gone on strike over the nonpayment of the allowances.

But the management, having become fed up with what it called the unions' ‘nuisance' reacted by

suspending eight executive members of the unions for alleged insubordination, disobedience and assault.

The management also threatened that the union’s top executive members risked losing their jobs

if they failed to retrace their steps.

But the unions led by Ben Chukwuma and Faola Makinde would not budge.

However, contrary to reports, investigations showed that no • Continued on page 26

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

26

EDUCATION

Expert calls for policy on increasing literacy rate

FUNAAB FILE

Monarchs okay VC, Registrar FRONTLINE Egba monarchs have okayed the appointment of Prof Olusola Bandele Oyewole and Mr Matthew Ayoola as the university's Vice-Chancellor and Registrar.

They spoke when the ProChancellor/Chairman, Governing Council, Chief Lawrence Olakunle Osayemi, led the two new principal officers to visit them.

Receiving the delegation, in his palace, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, expressed joy that Egba has produced another VC, thereby joining the enviable list of sons of Egba, who had and still serve as VCs of various universities at different times.

Other monarchs that also received the duo include the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, the Agura of Gbagura; Halidu Laloko, the Olubara of Ibara, Jacob Omolade. The Olowu of Owu, Adegboyega Dosumu was absent.

D

IRECTOR-GENERAL, Centre for Black & Africa Arts and Civilisation, (CBAAC) Prof, Tunde Babawale, has urged government to develop a policy on increasing literacy and making it a launch-pad for development.

He was delivering the Lagos State University LASU, 17th convocation Lecture entitled: Reflections on culture, democracy and the quest for a new Nigeria, at the school premises.

He said developed countries have crossed the literacy rate of 50 per cent of the population or in some cases, 70 per cent of young people

By Medinat Kanabe

between 15 and 25, adding that the rapid development of the Asian Tigers is a reflection of their advancement in literacy.

He said: "Education is central to the sustenance of democracy.

Therefore, we need a total overhaul of our education system to ensure that we produced people with skills and zeal invention. Youths must be able to go to school and universities at affordable cost in order not to restrict the access of children of poor people to education. Any policy that makes the cost of education prohibitive

in a developing country like Nigeria is anti-people and antidevelopmental."

According to him, youths in Nigeria constitute not less than 60 per cent of the total population.

This vibrant segment of the society, he said, ought to be mobilised to become part of the struggle for democracy and development.

He added that governments at all levels must go beyond paying lip service to employment generation to save our youths from crime and other anti-social behaviours.

Hinting that unemployment is the by-product of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), he said the poor have been the worst hit by the policies of privatisation, retrenchment, removal of subsidies lands, currency devaluation.

"It is time to do away with this policy and its numerous clones in order to stop the rapid process of de-industrialisation and create more employment opportunities for our people. Agriculture and tourism are two sectors where Nigeria possesses comparative advantages.”

New intakes THE university is planning for a smooth accommodation and integration of freshers for the 2012/2013 academic session.

The VC, Prof Olusola Oyewole, made this known after monitoring the conduct of the Post-University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (PostUTME), at designated centers on campus.

He said prior to the conduct of the exams, management had determined the number of candidates that could be offered admission, would be based on the capacity of facilities.

He said: "Last year, we had 20,000 candidates for the postUTME, but right now it has increased to 31,500. Our capacity may not go beyond 3,500 students.”

VC inaugurates lawn-mowers THE VC has reiterated his administration’s commitment to preserving the lush green landscape of the university.

Prof Oyewole disclosed this at the inauguration of 20 brand new push-mowers and three motorised mowers, to complement equipment in the institution's Directorate of Environmental Management.

According to the VC, the institution's environment should have distinctive features, promising thatit would be improved upon by his administration

Send off for Corps members THE university has held a sendoff party for the 2011/2012 Batch B corps members who served in the university.

The Registrar, Mr Mathew Ayoola, encouraged the outgoing corps members to be good citizens. He advised that they should see their exit as an opportunity for advancement in life.

On their experiences, one of the corps members, Mr Taoreed Taiwo, described his stay as wonderful, while Mr Raji Ibrahim, one of the in-coming Batch A corps members, thanked the management and the immediate past VC Prof Oluwafemi Balogun, for the opportunity given them to serve in FUNAAB.

• Cross section of graduands of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo during the institution’s 17th convocation.

PHOTO: ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

FUTA workers flex muscles over unpaid allowances •Continued from page 25

properties were destroyed by students allegedly influenced by the unions.

It was discovered that protesting workers barricaded the two university gates, denying access to people.

The workers, it was also learnt, are alleging that the university authorities misappropriated about N1.7billion meant for the payment of their allowances.

The crisis dates back to the tenure of former Vice-Chancellor Prof Adebisi Balogun, who retired few months ago.

Makinde, chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of both unions, accused the management of insensitivity over the matter, which has dragged on for nearly three years.

Makinde, who said almost all universities in the Southwest have been paying hazard allowance, added that the unions’ efforts to ensure quick payment failed.

But Daramola denied payment of such allowances by any federal university.Hethreatened disciplinary action against workers who refused to resume with effect from today.

Daramola said the hazard allowances were expected to be paid from the university's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as directed by the Federal Ministry of Education.

He alleged that the management diverted the funds to some frivolous projects at the expense of workers.

His words: "We have issued ultimatum several times in order to avoid this type of ugly situation, but they refused. The management could only pay two months palliative which we rejected.

He said the union leaders reneged on their promise not to get other workers to join the strike.

He said: "It is not all the 1,370 SSANU and NASU members who had embarked on strike for the second time in two months that are entitled to hazard allowances.

"These workers were supposed to fill certain forms which would be sent to Abuja for necessary verification, but they refused to sign them, and yet they called for a strike without following due process.”

He wondered why the striking workers wanted the council to pay them pending when the Federal Government would start implementation of the allowances.

Daramola said he pleaded with the workers to give him two months to settle down following his resumption few weeks ago, adding: "they insisted that they would remain at home throughout the two months.

"I told them frankly that they should go ahead (with the strike), but the university may not be able to guarantee their jobs after abandoning the institution for two months."

Also reacting, Balogun accused the workers of impatience and asking for what the management could not provide.

He wondered why the unions refused to see reason with the

management.

Balogun recalled that the crisis was a recurring issue under his administration.

“Times without number, the unions had raised this issue when I was there, but I told them the Federal Government has not yet released the money. We promised we will pay once government released the money. But the way things are now, it is obvious they are breathing down the university's neck,” the former VC said.

According to a 300-level

Mechanical Engineering undergraduate, Alex Adewale, the future of students is being threatened with the unending crisis.

He urged the unions to sheathe their swords, stressing that with the strike, students would be exposed to many "uncomplimentary actions."

The Students Union Government President, Adedapo Awopegba, lamented, the face off between the management and workers. He said the crisis is affecting their academic programme.

“Oh no! ... there goes my dream of a Doctorate in ‘Beggars Administration’!”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

27

EDUCATION

Seven years after, Anambra Varsity medical students write MB

•Governor Obi

HERE is jubilation in the air at the Anambra State University Teaching Hospital, Awka, as 50 medical students of the institution, who were admitted to study Medicine

T

seven years ago, will write their second MB exams today.

The students were frustrated as the medical school was yet to be accredited by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, its regulatory body, when they were admitted.

The students will still write their third, fourth and fifth MBs before graduation.

A former Commissioner for Health Prof Amobi Ilika announced to reporters during an assessment of his performance in office. ''It was quite a pity that the students were at a time frustrated, but we are happy that they are writing their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery second MB,

•MTN dialysis centre opens soon From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

which is the most critical and most definitive of examinations of the medical students. ''The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, which is the regulatory body for the medical schools, approved the first batch to be trained - 50 medical students and 24 house officers. And in this university teaching hospital, Governor Peter Obi approved employment of 65 specialists and

80 medical officers.

“We have state-of-the-art equipment in these hospitals and our accreditation came faster than other states in the Southeast like the Enugu State University of Science and Technology had their accreditation in 11 years. We have accredited the General Hospital, Onitsha for training of home officers and this issue of out-ofstock syndrome is no more in our hospitals.

On the delay of the government

in taking in patients at its dialysis centre at the Onitsha General Hospital, Ilika, said the issues that delayed the take-off have been resolved, adding that the MTNsponsored project would start soon.

He said: ''The dialysis centre in Onitsha General Hospital, which the state government partnered with MTN, would soon start attending to patients. The delay was because of the strike by the doctors in Anambra State, which has been called off, when the Governor complied with the doctors' demand.

“We wrote MTN last month on the need to start work on the centre and we are waiting for their reply."

Oyo NUT lauds Ajimobi

T

HE Chairman of the National Union of Teachers (NUJ), Oyo State chapter Mr Babtunde Oluwatoyin has lauded Governor Abiola Ajimobi for what he called his unique and people-oriented style.

He said this during an interview with The Nation in the union's office in Ibadan.

The union boss explained that since Ajimobi assumed office 12 months ago, there has been a relative peace in the education sector. He listed his achievements as uninterrupted academic calendar, prompt payment of workers salary through the introduction of the e-payment system, distribution of six free exercise books in the 33 local government areas as well as the upgrading of classrooms in all the wards in their council.

He also said teachers were happy by the mass rural road rehabilitation in all the council's

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

wards.

The NUT boss said: "Let me say here that we have heard and seen the transformation of the state, which we, as teachers, are sure of benefiting from.

“The education summit that was recently conducted in the state is a right step in the right direction, and by the time the committee submits its report to the government, we can be rest assured of a better innovations.

“We commend the initiative and pray to God to give our governor the energy and resources to complete the project as he has promised."

Babatunde , however , urged Governor Ajimobi to look into the problem of rehabilitation of the school ’s premises and manpower, two key areas, which he said , still lack some vital teachers.

• Senior Manager Government Relations, MTN Nigeria(right) Mr Austin Iyashere,presenting educational materials to Mr Mohammed Idris Ondekus, Principal of Government Science and Technical College (left). With them are some pupils of the school during the MTN 21 Days of Y'ello Care.

NGO’s First-Aid boxes for schools NON-GOVERNMENTAL and non- profit making organisation (NGO), Gilead First-Aid Initiative, is set to donate first-aids boxes to the primary and secondary schools in the country.

Speaking ahead of the ppresentation to be held at the Nicon Hilton Abuja in a date that would be announced later, the Coordinator, Otunba Adebowale Olusola, said the aim of the organisation is to curb certain preventable injuries and deaths among pupils in the rural communities, who are exposed to hazardous terrain.

A

By Akinyemi Oluwayemisi

He said the group decided to champion the cause, having noticed the lack of health facilities in school, particularly in the rural areas.

He stated that a United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) report published recently regretted that the childfriendly school concept, which it is advocating, has not been adopted in the country, describing as hazardous the learning environment in which the Nigerian child daily contend with.

He added that most of the

children affected belong to the poor in the society, who play in rough and hazardous terrains at home and in schools thus placing their lives at very high risk.

He said sporting events are organised by schools, particularly in rural communities without preparation for their pupils' safety as some of them don't even have clinics.

The initiative, he stressed, would enjoy the support of corporate organisations including Julius Berger, RT Briscoe Motors, MacMillan Publishers Limited, and Egbe Omo Oduduwa in the United States.

Medical doctor donates to alma mater T

• Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Prof Abayomi Salami (left), presenting the university's 50th anniversary souvenirs to a former teacher of the University of Lagoos and a professor of Demography and Human Resources, Adewale Adepoju, as part of activities marking OAU’s Golden Jubilee.

HE Medical Director of Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, has renovated two blocks of four classrooms at his alma mater CMS Grammar School, Somolu, Lagos.

Ajayi, who attended the school between 1973 and 1978, said he is using the opportunity of the school's 153rd anniversary to donate 120 chairs and tables.

He said one's secondary school days are the best years of anybody's life, "because that is the formative stage. I can say the school made me who I am. And as an alumnius, I believe I am what I am today through the influence and values impacted on me.

"So, Nordica Fertility Centre and I, said we can improve the situation in this school and make the boys more comfortable with what they have while they studied. I am proud that this is a mission school and not a government school. It's the mission that trained me and part of what I can give back is to improve the school.”

He added: "My gesture is to make

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

the pupils more comfortable while learning. Knowing that the school was established on June 6, 1859 and is the oldest secondary school in Nigeria, makes one proud as its product. It was founded by the Church Missionary Society (CMS), which it was named after. The founder and first principal of the school was Rev. Thomas Babington Macaulay."

"My gesture is part of action to restore what we had in those days.

We were the best in those days, including the blocks.Nobody needed to bring in donated items, the school provided everything. But when the state government took over the school and later returned same, it was like war-ravaged; and the old students have taken it upon themselves to ensure the school's glory is restored.

"Another lesson is to tell the pupils that life can be good. Another good thing is that the academic standard

•Dr Ajayi

of the school has been maintained for about 10 decades that the school is back to the mission. So, also, there are committed and marvellous teachers, who have taught for over 15 years. Some of them who taught me then are still around and my son went through some of their hands, at a stage. That is not seen in many schools.That means they must be doing nice jobs. And we see all these in the results that are posted every year.”

For other old students, he advised: "They should help uphold the vision of the school."

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

EDUCATION YABATECH FILE YABATECH, UNN admit 300 YABA College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have admitted 300 new students for the 2011/2012 academic session.

The authorities of the institutions disclosed this at the matriculation for the new students at the school’s auditorium in Lagos.

The Rector, Dr Margaret Ladipo, charged the students to face their studies seriously.

She cautioned them to shun vices that could ruin their career.

UNN Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bartho Okolo, who was represented by Prof. Samuel Ezendu, said: “Gold is a precious ornament, which is highly cherished and appreciated because it glitters, because it has to go through a process of heating on the crucibles and testing.

“Similarly, the road to academic success is long, hazardous and tedious. It demands selfdiscipline, hard work, and perseverance,” he said.

Our story, by Igbinedion Varsity VC

T

HE Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Prof Eghosa Osaghae, has cleared the air on the pandemonium that gripped the institution on Sunday.

At a briefing, he said a preliminary investigation indicated that the problem was caused by a quarrel over a female student.

The university was thrown into a commotion on Sunday morning when hoodlums alleged to be Ijaw students referred to as ex-militants, who are on Federal Government Scholarship under the Youth Empowerment Scheme of the Niger Delta Master plan and other students of the institution suspected to be cultists, clashed.

News of the fracas soon hit the public with reports of sporadic shootings, beating of students including beheading of two. One of the sites uploaded the picture of

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

a beheaded student lying in a red shirt.

But Osaghae debunked the rumour.

He said: "We don't have exmilitants in this university. What we have are normal students who are on scholarship. We have a policy to not to admit students who are older than 22. All students that get into the university are processed through JAMB. They are on scholarship. What we saw in the papers were that ex-militants invaded the school. These things are not correct."

"The fact of the matter is that in the early hours of Sunday, there was a misunderstanding among students following the damage to the vehicle of one of them outside the university campus in Okada town.

This, unfortunately, elicited

unwarranted reprisal that involved damage to other vehicles by the aggrieved students and friends.

Both actions ended up in agitation and skirmishes, but thankfully no life was lost. We gathered it was a boyfriend and girlfriend issue. It was a retaliatory attack.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Olayinka Balogun, said investigation revealed that students under scholarship resented the use of the word 'militant' in addressing them by fellow students.

According to him, "One of them also alleged that some persons attempted to burn their car and out of desperation or sense to retaliate, his group came out and damaged the car belonging to the student."

"We have arrested about five students, whom we think were involved in the fracas. There was no shooting at all, the biggest

• Prof. Osaghae

weapon I saw was a stick. Students that made distress calls to their parent were just reacting to the situation, which, to me, is a normal thing to do. We have invited the group and peace has been restored to the university," he added.

A meeting of Ijaw leaders in the Niger Delta and authorities of the university is finding a way out of the crisis.

Rector seeks green tech.

THE rector has advocated the adoption of green technology to generate energy because of its impact on the environment and minimal health hazards.

She revealed this in her welcome address at the First National Conference of School of Environmental Studies and Exhibition.

Entitled: Technological advancement and the built environment”, the event held at the Yusuff Grillo auditorium of YABATECH. She said the challenge is how to embrace, assimilate and interrogate the dynamics of technological innovation into the mechanics of the built environment.”

In a lead paper, Prof K.T. Odusanmi suggested that a review of curricular of the programmes in built environment should be done at intervals of five years.

She said adequate finding of research, regular power supply, research and collaboration between the town and the gown are crucial to the attainment of technological growth.

LBS teacher wins award A FACULTY member at the Lagos Business School, Ikechukwu Kelikume has received the Institute for Business and Finance Research's (IBFR) outstanding research award at its Global Conference on Business and Finance (GCBF), in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Kekilume presented a paper entitled: Is inflation always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon?

The case of Nigeria. Using the quarterly time series for Nigeria over a 41-year period, the paper analyses the quantity theory between money and price movement to establish if inflation is always and every where a monetary phenomenon.

The result of the study showed otherwise, raising serious doubts on the continuous use of monetary policy tool to achieve price stability in Nigeria.

The paper, which was cowritten by Dr Adedoyin Salami, also a faculty member at LBS, will be published in IBFR's peer reviewed journals.

•Pupils of Westmills&Busybees British School, Apapa Lagos, entertaining guests and parents during the school's International Day, at the school’s premises.

Firm unveils scholarship programme

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CHOLAR Sponsored Programme, an initiative aimed at offering scholarship to Nigerians to study in some American universities,has announced its intention to develop a private sector initiative.

The programme was initiated by some Nigerians, who got the idea from the African Scholarship Program of American Universities (ASPAU). Though available to Nigerians 49 years ago, it is being adopted by Manemi Nigeria Ltd, an education consultancy/ICT firm.

In a statement, the firm’s Chairman, Prof John Amoda, said: "It was not only an all expenses paid programme, but most importantly, one that was embedded in home-stay families, resulting in ties, which have been sustained with the children of the hosting families. Many efforts have been made to make similar opportunities available to Nigerians on merit, by graduates of the programme, many of whom are over 70 and above," he said.

For awardees, he said the scholarship would cover the cost for a 12-month Masters’ programme. This includes tuition, accommodation, stipend, return ticket, adding that the coverage will provide support for beneficiaries.

By Dawodu Olawale

"This was the setting in which ASPAU awardees were able to take full advantage of the spectrum of opportunities that produced competitive socially balanced graduates, who became ambassadors in their campuses. The scholarship programme will be financed by funds raised in the private sector and by sales of forms to contribute to covering processing and logistic administrative costs," he added.

Amoda, who was one of the 100 students who enjoyed the firm’s sponsorship 49 years ago, said given the company's focus, candidates could only apply for courses prescribed by Manemi.

This, the said, is important given the unexpected portrayal of Manemi's scholarship programme as a scam.

He said: "Msnemi's long term design is indicated in the prescription of list of expertise reflected on the courses chosen."

Amoda added that selection would be competitive and based on merit.

“The Scholar Sponsor Programme was established to make such access realisable by every applicant to the programme," he added.

A

FORMER Deputy Managing Director of The Sun Newspapers, Mr Dimgba Igwe has expressed doubt about any educational system that is too religious.

He spoke against the background of Almajiri Model schools recently inaugurated by the Federal Government, at a forum sponsored by the Scripture Union (SU) in Lagos.

He urged the government to look at other opportunities for other Nigerians and their northern brothers to get education, instead of focusing on religious education.

He said the government should make education more functional to prevent young children from getting into premature sex owing t ignorance or poor parental care.

He said though the government can't stop children getting involved in premature sex, children's early exposure to sound education would help curtail their vulnerability to vices.

"If children have focus like studying their books, writing exams and others, their propensity for sex will be minimised. The problem youths have is that they have no focus. They are frustrated.

Their parents probably have no job and because they have nothing to do, everything becomes an option.

If you leave a young person idle and someone comes in to give her

Ex-editor cautions on Almajiri schools

By Medinat Kanabe

N200 or N500, it becomes an attraction for sex, but if a child is focused and committed, it will not be so," he said.

He added that parents also have a a role to play in their wards’ upbringing. "They are supposed to watch the children when they are not in school to monitor what they do and watch on television.

Children, who do not have parents, are supposed to be watched by the welfare officials, who should take it as a responsibility, but we don't have that in Nigeria; and when they are left unattended to, they become a danger to the society.

They are the ones who become terrorists," he lamented.

The Travelling Secretary/ Administrative Head of SU, Mr Gbenga Ige, said the asociation also imparts skills to pupils.

He said the group has 760 schools in their catchment areas, but have covered only 157.

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Studying in darkness

Beauty queen rewards pupils

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 34

Page 31

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: ladycampus@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Four die as uncompleted hostel collapses All was quiet. Suddenly, there was a deafening sound as a building under construction in a neighbouring community to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, collapsed. UCHE ANICHEBE (400-Level Law) reports.

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HE sight was horrific. What remained of the building were broken blocks.

When the three-storey building under construction for the use of students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, collapsed, it did with a deafening sound. The noise attracted students and other residents of Miracle Junction on Ifite Road, Awka.

But for students' activities, Miracle Junction, which is a stone throw from UNIZIK is known for its serenity. On May 31, that serenity was shattered when the building collapsed.

Students and other residents ran out of their apartments to check what was amiss.

On getting outside, they were confronted by the collapsed buiilding. Seven persons were working on the building. At the time of the incident, one of them was not around as he had been sent on an errand.

CAMPUSLIFE learnt that as the building was coming down, two persons working on the topmost floor, jumped off and were injured. One of them bled profusely from the head and was barely conscious; the other managed to tell rescuers the number of his colleagues trapped in the building.

The injured labourers were rushed to the hospital.

Students living in the area swung into action to rescue the trapped labourers. They dug into the rubble with their hands. They brought out a dead labourer, whose remains were taken to the mortuary. Another worker, who was unconscious was rushed to a hospital.

The students were later joined by members of the Red Cross Society, the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) and the Nigeria

•The uncompleted building

Police Force(NPF) to search for the trapped labourers. Sympathisers contacted some construction companies in Awka to get cranes that could remove the rubble, and rescue the trapped labourers.

One of the companies sent a crane but it could not access the area because the road was swampy. The engineers operating the crane complained that if they take the crane into the area, the machine would sink. They left the area, rendering the rescuers helpless.

The search for survivors continued into the night, with sympathisers defying a downpour during the operation. As efforts were being made to clear the rubble, the rescuers stumbled on another victim, who was unconscious. Before the students could take him to the hospital he died.

The bad weather and lack of equipment forced the students to retire for the night.

THey returned the following day to continue the excavation. When CAMPUSLIFE visited the scene two days after, residents expressed shock over the inability to remove

the remaining two persons still buried under the rubble. Our correspondent gathered that the bodies of the two victims were recovered last Monday.

CAMPUSLIFE spoke to an official of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), who did not want his name in print. He said: “This disaster could have been as a result of incompetence on the part of the site engineer. But, as it stands, the owner of the building and the engineer •Continued on page 31

•Union debunks joining UNILAG protest- P33 •Pastor Adeboye donates N50m to OAU -P36

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

30

CAMPUS LIFE NGOZI AGBO (1975-2012)

•‘Sons’ and ‘daughters’ of Aunty Ngozi, at the Journalists for Christ Fellowship held in her honour last Saturday in Lagos

On behalf of the management and staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, I sympathise and condole with the management and The Nation family over the death of Mrs Ngozi Agbo, the Campus Life coordinator.

The university community re-

From Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

ceived the sad news of her demise with shock. However, going by the enormous impact Ngozi made through the weekly campus pullout, we are consoled that she left

her footprints in the annals of time. We urge The Nation family to remain steadfast in their purpose-driven journalism.

Our heart also goes out to her family and the little baby boy she left behind. The greatest way The Nation family can immortalise the

Institution charges students on professionalism HE president of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Dr Emeka Eleh, has advised students of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) training for the profession to take their studies seriously.

Eleh, who visited the students last week at the campus, said his visit from Abuja was part of the institute’s mentoring mechanism to create awareness about some

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From Precious Dikewoha PORT HARCOURT

practical aspects of the profession, saying no other discipline was greater than estate surveying.

“We are here to ensure that the students who are studying in this field have first-class knowledge of the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers and also interact with national and state executives of the organisation.

“First, you must be proud of what you are studying as no other profession is greater than Estate Surveyor and Valuers and try as much as you can to love your discipline; if not, you will graduate with empty brain to constitute a nuisance to the profession,” he advised.

In company of Eleh were the state chairman, Mr Emmanuel Okas, and the Publicity Secretary, Mr Monday Ahiwe among others.

‘Poor officiating kills Nigerian Premier League’ Lengshak Gotodok is a 300-Level student of Television Journalism at the NTA TV College, Jos, Plateau State. He is also the college’s football team captain. JOHNPAUL NNAMDI (400Level TV Journalism) spoke to him on contemporary sporting issues.

•Lengashak

H

OW do you feel being the captain of the football team?

I feel highly elated and privileged. Such opportunities hardly come by. It’s a rare opportunity, I thank God. It is a great time for me to contribute my quota to sports development in a college where sporting events are almost absent.

What drew you to football and how did you start?

My father has been a football person and I grew up playing football with him in our compound. This is the first factor that made me fall in love with the sport. Later, watching football on television increased the passion for the game. I found myself playing street matches with my friends and, being a left footer, I always earned the praise of my teammates, especially for my straight shots and accurate passes.

This made me develop interest for the game.

Do you have a favourite player or team?

I have a team and a player I love very much. The club is Chelsea Football Club of England. And my favourite player is John Mikel Obi. He is my favourite because he is a Nigerian and he grew up in Jos, the same city where I grew up.

Secondly, because many people underrate his ability but, every year, he remains a major player in Chelsea’s line up and proves his worth under different managers.

Does Nigerian football have a future since foreign leagues have stolen the hearts of Nigerians away from our local leagues?

I feel sorry for the Nigerian Premier League (NPL) because it is suffering from the same problem the country is facing: mismanagement. I used to go to the Jos stadium to watch Plateau United and JUTH FC, but I stopped going because of insecurity and poor officiating. These for me are the major problems facing the football league in Nigeria, coupled with poor infrastructure

as well as inadequate incentives for the players. Once these issues are addressed and the television packaging is done appropriately, then I see the league competing with European leagues and perhaps winning back the hearts of Nigerian fans.

Combining school and football, how hectic has it been?

It has not been easy, but I thank God. It is all about finding the balance that works perfectly for me. I have been able to draw a timetable outside my class work to facilitate the team’s training and other activities like matches and team talk.

Would you go for journalism or sports after graduation?

If the conditions are right, I would love to be a professional footballer. But the way things are I would like to be a good sport journalist or football analyst.

If you have the opportunity to play in English league, which club would you play for?

It will certainly be Tottenham Hotspur of England. I like the tradition of the team and their never-say-die spirit.

late Ngozi’s efforts is to keep on sustaining the CAMPUSLIFE pages, bring out more innovations and creativity that will ensure that the segment continues to maintain its flagship among all other similar campus-focused pages in the publishing industry.

Accept our heartfelt condolences and may the good Lord we all serve continue to give us strength and hope for a better tomorrow.

Prof Boniface C.E. Egboka Vice-Chancellor

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‘Learn elements of marketing communication’

MARKETING professional and Chief Executive Officer of Grace and Mercy Media Associates Ltd, Mr Tunde Kajogbola, has challenged Mass Communication students of Caleb University to stick to the ethics of the discipline when they graduate from school. He spoke on Television content marketing at the sixth Mass Communication Forum organised by the department. The event was held at the university’s auditorium.

Mr Kajogbola, who was a General Manager at Tell magazine, told the students that as much as they were obliged to learn the ropes in journalism, “you should learn the elements of marketing communication, open your hearts, broaden your perspective and learn everything you can get in the area of business communication.”

He enlightened the audience about what should constitute a proposal for content marketing, which he called “a bundle-offering”, purposed to benefit the viewer, as well as provide a platform for marketing communications, describing it as a fresh concept, which must have unique positioning and offer a clear solution.

From Damilola Orimogunje, Ayishat Amoo and Motunrayo Alli-Balogun CALEB

The guest lecturer, who has his background also in mass communication, advised the students to make the best of their qualitative training, given the current challenges posed by the evolving changes in the media world.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Ayodele Olukoju, who chaired the event, praised the students for their punctuality to the occasion. He told the audience: “Life is full of challenges; life is a war; if you are not prepared to fight, be prepared to be defeated.”

He enjoined the students to be ready for the battle ahead of them in the outside world.

Essay competition for undergrads

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HE Nation CAMPUSLIFE in collaboration with AfricanLiberty.org and Network for a Free Society, is calling for entries into an essay competition. Details are as follows: Topics: •The Predatory State: Its Origins and Implications for Economic Growth •Statism (State Interventionism) or Free Markets: An essential ingredient in Africa’s Economic growth?

•Protectionism or Trade: Alternatives for Africa’s economic growth Note: Applicants are expected to choose one of the topics above. The format of the text should be in MS Word and not more than 1,500 words.

Interested students should please request for the background material from Adedayo Thomas at adedayo.thomas@gmail.com and copy Wale Ajetunmobi at ladycampus@yahoo.com.

On the first page of the completed essay, please write your full names, department, year of study and name of institution. Also include your email address and GSM line.

Send your entries to adedayo.thomas@gmail.com and copy

ladycampus@yahoo.com.

Entries will be received between June and July 20, 2012.

Prizes: 1st - $1,000 and scholarship to 2012 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy at the Catholic University in Quelimane, Mozambique from August 8- 11, 2012 2nd - $700 and scholarship to 2012 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy at the Catholic University in Quelimane, Mozambique from August 8 to 11, 2012 3rd - $500 and scholarship to 2012 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy at the Catholic University in Quelimane, Mozambique from August 8 to 11, 2012 4th - $300 and scholarship to 2012 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy at the Catholic University in Quelimane, Mozambique from August 8 to 11, 2012 5th - $100 We have eight consolation prizes of $50 each.

Announcement of winners: August 2, 2012. All entries will get a free CD “Ideas for a Free Society” containing 100 textbooks on various field of studies.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

31

CAMPUS LIFE Exams have begun in Moddibo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola but without adequate power supply in the school for students to read. SILAS EDET and PHILIPS OGBAJE (400-Level Information Technology) write.

•Students reading at the Convocation ground in daylight and charging their phones

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OR students of Moddibo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola, the semester is turning into a long night, given the challenges the institution has been facing since the beginning of the semester.

Perhaps for the students, it is a notso-good semester, which they have to cope with. The woes of students started with the registration, a process that lasted almost three months even to the week of examination. As if that was not enough, the students are now reading for their exams in darkness.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that since the beginning of the semester, power supply to the campus has been irregular, a situation that led to several complaints by the students. But nothing was done by any quarter to ameliorate the problem.

The students resigned to fate. Even the cheery female students, who always shout “Up NEPA” whenever electricity is restored, were helpless when the power supply to the hostels dropped.

“If there is a time we must have stable light in the school, it is now,” a visibly angry 400-Level student of Information Technology, Thankgod Ayegba, told CAMPUSLIFE.

•Library generator... faulty

Studying in darkness He said further: “The power supply has been erratic in this time of examination, and nobody has issued a circular to explain what is going on. Why must we suffer because we want to obtain degree in this school?”

The problem of power supply is not likely to end soon because there is no way the students can make the authority know about their predicament. CAMPUSLIFE reliably gathered that the Student Union constitution of the school has been tinkered with to make students’ protest or demonstration illegal on campus.

What has compounded the woes of the students is that the generator serving the university library has been faulty for several months. The library served as a saving grace for students during examination and when there was no light in school.

But due to the problem of power supply and bad generating set, the library closes in the evening, a situation that has forced students to devise strange methods of reading.

Students defy the hot weather in

Yola to read during the day time.

Others who cannot cope with the weather, make use of battery-powered lamps at night while yet some rely on candlelight to read.

A student, who sought anonymity, said MAUTECH was no longer what it used to be. “We used to have constant electricity during examination and even when there was no light, we had standby generators in all the lecture theatres. Now, there is no light everywhere, the weather is unbearably hot, how can you read under this situation and understand?”

For Jude Maneke, 500-Level Mechanical Engineering, the power supply problem has shown how insensitive the school authority is to the plights of students. “This light problem has persisted for months now without any meaningful solution being proffered by the management. As an Engineering student, the practical work we are supposed to do for five hours was done for just one hour and even at that not everybody could participate because we were grouped,” he said.

As students are complaining against the erratic electricity, owners of businesses on the campus are also groaning in pain. “The light problem has seriously affected business. I sell ice cream which needs constant power to be in good condition. I spend so much money on fuel for the generator which is not reliable because it breaks down most time,” said Ohene Boafo, the owner of a popular ice cream and snacks joint in the campus.

He wondered why other parts of the town should enjoy uninterrupted power supply while the campus that needs electricity most does not have constant power supply.

Ifeanyi Edeh, who operates a photocopy and typesetting outfit, said: “My generator consumes over 40 litres of fuel weekly and if we add additional charges for our service, students won’t be able to pay because it will be expensive. This has reduced patronage by students.”

When CAMPUSLIFE contacted the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Ja’afaru Ali, he told our correspondents that

the electricity would be stable immediately examination begin. He said the school was carrying out some repairs in the lecture halls, adding that the faulty library generator would be restored as efforts were being made to repair the plant.

The Students Union President, Nurudeen Saleh, said the students’ body was monitoring development in the library because “the generator was repaired and tested, but it developed bigger problem.” The Librarian, however, could not be reached for comments.

The poor power supply on the campus has forced students to take refuge at the convocation grounds beside the administrative block that houses the Vice-Chancellor’s office.

The convocation ground is being supplied by the generator that serves the administrative block. The students have been gathering on the ground to charge phones, laptops, and to read and ironing their clothes.

Dr Ali said the situation was not peculiar to MAUTECH. He blamed poor electric supply on the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), while calling on students to bear with management as they were doing their best to alleviate the problems.

Four die as uncompleted hostel collapses •Continued from page 29

seem to have disappeared. The incompetence of the engineer has cost people their lives, and they are now hiding. Look at the wreckage of the three-storey building, one will discover that they used inferior materials.”

The official added that the agency would contact the families of the victims and also arrest the owner of the building.

Mary Waka, a student whose hostel, Chukwuma Lodge, faces the collapsed building, said: “This is a tragedy. Four lives were wasted just like that. This building has been under construction since late last year, and students were planning to rent the rooms once the building was completed.

When I saw the bodies, I screamed for there was too much blood and injuries. Given the condition of the rescued labourers, I doubt if all of them will survive.”

Israel Onimade, a student, said: “I was in school when a friend called to inform me about the unfortunate incident. I immediately rushed to the scene and joined the rescue effort. A mammoth crowd had gathered at the scene, mostly students, and we all tried our best to rescue some of the workers but they were seriously wounded. I pray that God never allows this to happen again.

“But the fact is that if the house did not collapse today, it would have collapsed some other day. And hundreds of our students would have

•One of the rescued workers at the site bleeding

been trapped in it, which would have made the consequence very grave.”

Lotafechi Adinma, another student residing in the area, said: “I was in

my room when the house came down. At first, I thought it was one of those heavy duty vehicles offloading gravel. But when I heard

•Another labourer rescued by students

people screaming, I came out and was astonished by what I saw. I saw dead and injured people. Some persons rescued were said to be alive,

but I did not see any sign of life in them. They looked more dead than alive. I never wish to witness this kind of incident again in my life.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

32

CAMPUS LIFE CIBN visits poly

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HE Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree, has hosted the board of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria (CIBN). The Rector, Dr Jacob Agboola, who received the board president, Mr Segun Aina and his team, said the acceptance of students from the institution would encourage them to be serious.

Agboola described as “fruitful” the partnership between the institution and CIBN. Aina said students would be given the opportunity to register as members of the body. He en-

From Olumuyiwa Ogunleye OSPOLY

couraged the management to make good use of the partnership opportunity with the body.

The CIBN team also visited a microfinance bank located on the campus, where Aina presented an award of excellence to the Managing Director , Mr Femi Fapohunda.

Fapohunda urged the OSPOLY management to inculcate microfinance training in the curriculum of the Banking and Finance department.

Institute organises motivational seminar •Cross section of students at the programme

Accounting students hold seminar

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HE Nigerian Universities of Accounting Students’ Association (NUASA), University of Calabar (UNICAL) chapter, has organised a seminar to educate its members on the practice of Accountancy in the 21st century.

The seminar, which took place at the Centre for Educational Services Auditorium in the university, had in attendance the Auditor-General of Cross River State, Mr Chris Nyong; Accountant General of the state, Mr Henry Ojogu, the state chairman of Internal Revenue Service, Mr Emmanuel Ogar, and Special Adviser to the government, Budget Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr Pe-

From Stanley Uchebu UNICAL

ter Oti Others are Prof Joseph Udoanyang, Dr Akabom Asuquo, head of Accounting department, Mr O. M Nseobot, the university Bursar, and Prof Eyong Eyong, Dean of Students’ Affairs, who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Emori.

Nyong described the profession as dynamic, saying it application to the commerce of any society was strategic. “It is obvious that accounting profession came to satisfy the need for communication on the health of a company to its share-

holders,” he said. He summarised the need for the stakeholders to be committed to transparency and accountability.

Prof Udoayang stressed the challenges encountered at the public and private sector institution and described the challenge as enormous for a developing country like Nigeria. He emphasised the need for professionals in the discipline to be focused and proactive in order to actualise the goals set for the practitioners in the present century.

NUASA president Isaiah Ugwueke, enjoined students to be of good behaviour and share knowledge with themselves.

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HE management of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun, has organised a Success Motivation Seminar for students. The programme was designed to open the minds of students to the reality of life so that they will not get carried away. The theme of the seminar was Personal strategic planning.

Tunde Ekpekurede, one of the speakers at the event, gave tips on how to ensure effective planning.

He admonished the students not to be idle as there are lots of things they could engage in during their leisure time.

The second speaker, Mrs Vera

From Princewill Jacob PTI

Orhobor, a senior lecturer in the institute, spoke on time management and critical planning as a tool for success in life. She urged students to make their lives meaningful. She said: “This life you are living is not a rehearsal, it is the real life”. She also gave tips on how students can plan a successful life.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Bright Onwameze, HND 1 student, said the seminar taught him how he would manage his time in every situation. Top management staff of the institute attended the workshop.

Institution holds week

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HE Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, Oyo State will hold its annual week from June 18 to 24.

At a press conference at the union secretariat, the SUG president, Lekan Salawu-Osholo, said: “We have lined up programmes for this year’s event. There will be career counselling, sporting

From Olasunkanmi Olawoyin IBADAN

activities, rag day, symposium, alumni reunion, artist night and distinguished leadership lecture series,” Lekan said.

The college, which was believed to be the first corporative institution, was established in 1943.

OAU begins exams amid protest

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•Mr Akinsola (third left); Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Chapter, Abiodun Owanikin with the winners of the senior and junior categories of the competition, Olufowoshe Olajumoke (second right) and Akinde Gratitude (second left) with their teachers

Corps members organise young writers’ clinic

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HE Editorial Board Community Development Service of Ondo State National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has organised a writing competition for secondary school pupils across the state.

The grand finale of the maiden edition of the competition tagged First Young Writers’ Clinic, was held last week at the Ondo State press centre, Akure, where five pupils from the junior category and seven pupils from the senior category jostled for the first prize.

The Chief Press Secretary to Ondo State Governor, Mr Eni Akinsola, who was the guest speaker at the event, tasked the pupils to make effective use of the diverse opportunities around them and the new media to build their writing skills.

He said: “You have the edge

From Michael Orodare NYSC AKURE

above the old people, because your generation now communicates using the Internet, relate with all kinds of methods that are new and does not exist during our own time. That is why you are better placed to succeed and to excel. If you want to be extraordinary, the journey begins with a test like this.”

President of the Editorial Board, Steve Aho, said the programme was aimed at mobilising resources and stimulating creativity among students at the foundation level of the education system as a first step to securing the future in communication.

He said that after the screening of entries submitted by pupils,

the candidates with the best articles were contacted to participate in the grand finale where they wrote a 45-minute essay on the topic: My dream for Ondo State in 10 years. At the end, the winners were given prizes and decorated as the Ondo State Pen Ambassador.

Winner of the junior category, Gratitude Akinde, of Impact High School, Akure, said she had been looking forward for an opportunity to exhibit and put her writing skills to test. She thanked the organisers for the programme.

Olajumoke Olufowoshe of CAC Girls Grammar School, Akure, who won the senior category, urged pupils not to relent in the quest for knowledge and to always put in their efforts in productive enterprise.

FTER 13 weeks of lectures, the students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, started Harmattan semester exams amidst demonstration over the decision of the management to adjust the examination timetable.

Management of the university declared lecture-free week, which began on June 8 and lasted nine days. According to the timetable initially released by the management on June 1, the semester exam was billed to begin on June 18 and expected to end on July 12.

Event took dramatic turns when another circular was released to re-adjust the exam period from three weeks to two weeks. The new date for the conclusion as announced by the management is July 2. The development made students of the institution to reject the readjustment, saying the period was too short for a degree exami-

From Wilberforce Arevore and Oluwafemi Ogunjobi OAU

nation.

Last Sunday, students gathered and moved in a procession from the Anglo-Moz car park to the motion ground, which annexed the school Senate building. They were chanting solidarity songs as they moved to the ground.

A protesting student, who pleaded anonymity, told CAMPUSLIFE: “The management action is uncalled for. Some of us are writing seven core courses and two special electives. How do they expect us to write about nine courses within two weeks?”

The management has not issued any statement as at the time of filing this report. But when CAMPUSLIFE visited some notable places on the campus, students were seen writing elective exams.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE

Orientation for Akwa Ibom students Students celebrate World HE Federated Association of Akwa Ibom Medical Students (FAAKIMS), University of Calabar (UNICAL), has held its orientation programme for the freshers admitted into the university for the 2011/2012 academic session. The programme was held at the Radiography department lecture room.

FAAKIMS president, Elijah Umoh, congratulated the new students for being among the selected few candidates offered admission into the institution.

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From Isaac Mensah UNICAL

Elijah, 400-Level Nursing Science, advised the freshers to attach importance to their studies, as well as disregard all acts capable of undermining their successful stay in the university.

“Do not allow the true essence of your being in the university to be overshadowed by frivolities such as cultism, examination malpractices among others which have been source of

worry in present day society,” he warned.

Alexis Emana, one of the new students in Medicine and Surgery, expressed delight, saying the orientation was an eye opener to the realities of campus life.

Another fresher, Rosalyn Afia, said: “My knowledge about the university and its activities has been tremendously increased.

Thanks to the Leadership of FAAKIMS for deeming this programme necessary.”

Health Day

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O mark this year’s edition of the World Health Day and to promote a green economy which will reduce environmental degradation, the department of Geography and Planning at the Lagos State University (LASU) held a sensitisation campaign last week.

The campaign, which was held at the institution’s main campus in Ojo, with the theme: The Green Economy: Does it affect you? was aimed at enlightening students and the university community to be conscious of the environment.

Over 200 students of the department turned out for the campaign.

They moved from one part of the

Fellowship holds revival

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•The cadets on match-pass parade

Naval corps marks 20th anniversary

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HE Naval Cadet Corps, Lagos State University (LASU), an affiliate of Nigeria Naval Service located at Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos, has held its 20th anniversary and Passing Out Parade (POP). The programme marked the discharge of the graduating students of the corps.

Delivering his speech at the event, Captain A. Ajayi, representing the Commanding Office Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo, Commander C.A. Abu, said:

From Jamiu Yahya LASU

“I am very happy that it is still possible to have a paramilitary organisation like the Naval Cadet Corps , LASU command. It is a good innovation which must be kept up in the school, as it is an avenue for students to join the corps rather than going after some secret societies.”

Cadet Commandant Olatunbosun Falase, the immediate

past Commanding Officer and 600Level medical student, said: “Passing out parade is an avenue to showcase naval cadet corps as a paramilitary organisation so that civilians or students who might be interested in joining can do so.”

Zulikha Badru, a 600-Level medical student, said: “My experience with the command has been a wonderful one and it represents a phase in my life because of the impact of our operation.”

Muslim students tasked on Islamic education

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HE Association of Muslim Medical Students (AMMS), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) chapter, has held its 14th National Conference. A public lecture tagged Modern medical practices: Science and Islamic perspective was held.

Dr O. A Lasisi of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, in his lecture on scientific perspectives of medicine emphasised the success of systems that depend on the human being. While explaining cloning, he gave the example of a doctor who fertilised the ovule of a woman, therefore making the woman to be subjected to harsh condition before giving birth to the eight children.

From Sikiru Akinola and Kemi Busari OAU

According to the don, other problems of cloning include the tendency of disease and the inability to have a full knowledge about the cell. He listed laboratory mix-up and transfer of wrong embryo among others as implications which may lead legal actions.

Dr Lasisi said cloning is not permitted in Islam, most especially when it involves creating a human being because the act was considered to be the preserve of Allah. He noted that the only acceptable method of procreation in the religion was mating between

the opposite sexes. He enjoined the Muslim students to acquire Islamic and medical education in order to prepare for the challenges ahead.

Earlier on, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof Muiz Durosinmi, who was represented by Dr I.S. Bello, observed that Allah had given the students the Quran and Sunnah (deeds of the Prophet) to face challenges in the medical profession.

National Amir of AMMS, Dr Abeeb Alabi, said the association was founded in 1992. He said the aim of the association was to bring Muslim students together while he highlighted the major challenges facing the association to include finance.

•From left: Islamiat Daranijo; Zainab Ajanaku and Ijeoma Ujunwa displaying their discharge certificate during the passing out of 2011 Batch ‘B’ Corps members last Thursday in Lagos

HE Joint Christian Campus Fellowship (JCCF), Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun has held a three-day revival tagged: ‘Egemonia’ a Latin word for dominion. There was excitement as the fellowship bodies on campus came under one umbrella.

The guest speakers at the event were Pastor Tekena Ikoko, who spoke on Single but not stupid, Pastor Abraham Ojeme, who spoke on Understanding dominion and Pastor Sam Ukulu, who spoke on The power of salvation.

Meanwhile, the foundation lay-

From Musbaudeen Shekoni LASU

campus to another picking up papers, sachet water packs and other dirt in the environment. They also donated waste baskets and trash cans to traders and cafeterias within the university.

Speaking on the importance of the campaign, president of the department, Ezekiel Ayandokun, said environmental consciousness plays an important role in the development of any society, as such must be taken very seriously. He added that the department decided to organise the campaign to coincide with the World Environment Day week, which came up on June 5, 2012.

From Akindotun Akintomide PTI

ing ceremony of the JCCF chapel marked the high point of the event on the third day. The foundation stone of the chapel was laid by THE Librarian of the Institute, Mrs Evelyn Dudu, amidst ecstasy. It was a colourful occasion as many high ranking members of staff graced the event. The activities that formed the highlight include: Music rendition by the Joint Fellowship mass choir; drama presentation and performances by gospel artists in the institute.

Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, the president of JCCF, Justice Okeoma, said: “I thank God and all the good people around me who made this programme a huge success.”

Faculty welcomes freshers

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HE faculty of Allied Medical Science in the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has held orientation for the newly-admitted students. The event, which took place at Centre for Educational Service Hall, was well attended by the management staff, among who were Prof A. E. Udo, Mr Edmund Egbe, Dr E. A. Usanga, Prof Anne Asuquo, Dr E. A. Akpan, Dr E. E. Esienumoh, Dr P. C. Inyang-Etor, Dr N. Osuchukwu, Dr N. Egbe, Barr. E. S. Ndiok and Mr Emmanuel Olayi among others.

Prof Udo, who represented the UNICAL Vice-Chancllor, Prof

From Emmanuel Ahanonu UNICAL

James Epoke, spoke on the rules and regulations of the university.

Also, Mr Egbe, the Exam Officer of the faculty, lectured the freshers on how to calculate the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Dr Usanga took the students on what constitutes to misconduct in examination.

Emmanuel Togbo, president of the faculty, said his passion to serve the students informed the programme, which was to guide them not to go against the school regulations.

Union debunks joining UNILAG protest

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WELVE hours after the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Lagos State University (LASU) was reinstated by the university management, rumour spread that the members of the union had THE intention to join the demonstration of students of University of Lagos (UNILAG), who were protesting the renaming of the school to Moshood Abiola University, Lagos. president of the union, Akeem Durojaiye, said: “The Students’ Union of Lagos State University,

From Sunkanmi Arowolo LASU

today, do hereby debunk the rumour making round that the union has intention to join the struggle of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) students against the Federal Government’s action renaming the school to Moshood Abiola University, Lagos (MAUL).”

The students’ leaders, however, cautioned those carrying the rumour to desist from destabilising the school.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE

Beauty queen rewards brilliant pupils The Bishop King Memorial, Calabar last week hosted Nikita Okon, the reigning Miss Niger Delta and a student of University of Calabar (UNICAL), who celebrated her birthday with the pupils of the school. EMMANUEL AHANONU (400-Level Political Science, UNICAL) was there.

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HEN she became the beauty queen of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) in 2009, little did Nikita Okon know that the feat was a springboard to catapult her to another responsibility in future. Shortly after, she became Miss Niger-Delta. As a beauty ambassador for the region, education is one of Nikita’s cardinal programmes.

In keeping faith with her promise to make children in the region see the importance of education, Nikita celebrated her 23rd birthday with pupils of Bishop King Memorial School, Calabar.

The occasion, which was well attended by dignitaries from various walks of life such as Pastor Joshua Idok who represented the Chairman, Cross River State Universal Basic Education; Mrs. Felicia Enya who represented Executive Secretary, Local Government Education Authority (Calabar South); Apostle Archibong (JP) of Mt Zion Church; Elder Mrs. Erene; Elder Emmanuel Ekpeme; Hon. Jerry Etta, the Speaker of Unical SUG Parliament amongst others.

It was indeed an encouragement for the pupils as some of them were rewarded for their hard work. The event also showcased the cultural heritage of Cross River State as the pupils took turns to thrill the guests with traditional songs and dance steps. They also held a fashion parade and presented a drama entitled: Never quit trying.

In her remarks, the Head teacher of

the school, Mrs. Onono Emah noted that Miss Niger-Delta’s birthday celebration in the school was historic. She added that the school, which was established in 1956, has recorded 95 per cent success in internal and external exams, and has competed well with public and private schools.

Explaining the rationale behind celebrating her birthday with the pupils, Nikita said: “It is my own way of thanking God for helping me to become the queen out of 137 contenders and to use the medium to encourage students to be serious with their academics.”

After cutting the cake, Elder Mrs. Emah on behalf of the school presented an undisclosed gift to Queen.

In the same spirit, Nikita presented numerous gifts which included school bags, books and reading guides for nursery pupils and many other reading materials.

For their outstanding performances in the school, some pupils got special gifts from the queen. The pupils are: Seglva Effiong Ime, Iberedem Okongko, Christian Sunday and Patient Onikan.

One of the dignitaries at the event, Pastor Joshua Idak, praised Nikita for her kind gestures. He said: “This queen has distinguished herself from other queens. Some others would have preferred going to big hotels and invite senators and big men because they are in high status but she chose to remember these children. May God bless her.”

•Nikita with some of the invited guests at the event

•The pupils of Bishop King Memorial welcoming Nikita to the school with traditional dance

The Federation of Ogbomoso Students Union (FOGSU), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) chapter, has marked its Cultural Dday with Gbegiri. DAYO AKINOLA (300-Level Economics) writes that the celebration helped the students to reconnect their root.

Relishing a local delicacy T

HE sight of students moving in a group and in traditional attires drew the attention of other students, who wondered what was going on. “It is not like every other day on campus,” a student told CAMPUSLIFE. But all roads led to Lecture Theatre IV, venue of the event.

By the time the programme started, the main campus of University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) was agog, with students scooping Gbegiri, a Yoruba delicacy made from pulverised beans and pepper, from every corner of the venue.

It was the annual Gbegiri Day organised by the Federation of Ogbomoso Students Union (FOGSU), UNILORIN chapter. The programme was geared towards preserving the cultural heritage of the sprawling town of Ogbomoso and its culinary identity. The students and well-wishers from various faculties donned their popular Aso Ebi to celebrate the day.

On why students preferred Gbegiri to other Yoruba delicacies, “Gbegiri is a delicious and nutritious soup made from beans that

•Students savouring Gbegiri during the event

is enjoyed by Ogbomoso people,” said Adekunle Akintayo, one of the students from the faculty of Science told CAMPUSLIFE. He said:“It is prepared by soaking beans for several minutes after which it will be rubbed and squeezed together with both hands to peel the skin off the beans until the skin is removed. The skinned beans is then boiled for some minutes until soft and almost cooked, then we will add pepper and other ingredients and allowed to simmer. It forms a smooth paste and the soup is ready.”

A traditional troupe among the students presented Ogbomoso cultural dance steps and a drama which underscored the importance of joining Parapos (indigenous associations) asides political associations on campus. Students were asked various questions about the history of Ogbomoso town, for which prizes were given to people with correct answers. The day also witnessed a change of leadership in the union. Oladapo Isaiah, a postgraduate student, announced the incoming president of the union for another session.

•Ogbomosho students presenting their cultural dance

The programme also featured eating contest. Contrary to the expectation that the first student that finished the food would be designated the winner of the contest, the contestants were surprised when Mr Taiwo Adegbile, a native of the town and staff of UNILORIN, said: “The goal of the contest is to see who among the contestants can eat in a traditional Yoruba way.” He remarked that it was not good to rush when eating foods prepared with pepper. The contest was won by the contestant who finished the food behind two other contestants

but ate with relative ease.

At the end of the programme, the students were treated to a meal of Gbegiri and Amala (yam flour). Some of the students spoke to CAMPUSLIFE after the meal. Andrew Ajao, 100-Level Industrial Chemistry, said: “A look into our society these days show that our culture is fast eroding. The programme is meant to bring our cultural heritage back to our generation. It is meant to reconnect us to our roots. I have met some people today whose family house is even beside mine. It is worth the time and preparation.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE

Tribute to a woman of valour D

EATH is foolish. If death had understanding, perhaps Mrs Ngozi Agbo (Aunty Ngozi) long not have been the target of the lond arm of death. I ask: could the saying that “good people die young” true? Why are the mighty falling?

Many questions but no answer.

The period was late evening on Monday May 28. Wale Ajetunmobi (Aunty Ngozi’s assistant) called me. I was happy when I saw the caller because I was hoping for a good discussion. I picked the call and tried to crack some jokes with Wale but his mood was cold. He told me he had bad news for me. I was wondering what that could be.

He broke the news: “Aunty is dead”. As beaten by snake, I screamed for help. My neighbours gathered that night to know what was wrong. I was devastated. It was unbelievable. I started praying that it should not be true. I told God: “please wake her from the coma.” Honestly, my mind and body were restless immediately the bad news came. I could not sleep that night. My aunty, uncle and cousins around kept asking what happened. When I told them my mentor

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HE enthronement of democracy in Nigeria in the year 1999 did not come about on a platter of gold, it was as a result of painstaking and prolonged struggle of Nigerians against the Military dictatorships.

The journey to where the Nation stands today is one whose path is tortuous and strewn with pebbles and sharp stones. The Military in its truest bestial form turned loose on the mass of Nigerians in order to secure eternal hold on the political power.

The Ganis, Balarabes, Ezeifes, Umars, Falanas and many others too numerous to mention suffered untold hardships in the course of their relentless agitations for an end to Military occupation of nation’s political space.

Similarly, journalists, workers, masses and students encountered hell and experienced the unthinkable in the

had died, they froze.

Indeed, death has pinched all of us, the Campus Life reporters. I could not attend my Community Development Service billed for May 30, two days after Aunty Ngozi left us. I found it difficult to believe what I heard. I was thinking it was a trance I was into and I was hoping somebody would wake me up. But the reality kept flashing when I logged on to Facebook and saw students from various campuses paying tributes.

I am still wondering how Aunty’s husband, Mr Agbo, will cope and the baby she left. How about Wale Ajetunmobi, who is assisting her in the office? In fact, all the staff of The Nation newspaper will definitely miss the presence of this Amazon of campus journalism.

It is true that death is an inevitable end. Aunty’s death pained us so much, because she has done a lot in grooming us to becoming leaders of tomorrow. Her death made me to number my days on earth. Aunty lived a life of emulation. For me, I will say she fulfilled destiny because she has raised army of youths and have empowered us with the necessary

things we need for the future challenges.

As a student, Campus Life, which is proudly sponsored by Coca-Cola and Nigerian Bottling Company, enabled me to design my future right from the campus. It is an avenue through which I met youngsters, who believed in the destiny of Nigeria and who are ready to present alternatives to develop our country. Through writing and workshop, I have discovered the other side of myself. My writing ability has made me become more popular as everyone wants to find out whom I am and to identify with me.

This may not have been possible if not for the help of this pullout in The Nation, which Aunty Ngozi, our Editor, brought to us on a platter of gold.

I have been opportune to attend the Campus Life workshop on two occasions, which exposed me to the secrets of a meaningful life. During the first workshop I attended in June 2011, Aunty told me: “Gerald, be focused, I see you going higher.” Her words have always kept ringing in my heart.

Little did I know she won’t be alive to see her prophesy coming true in my life. I can remember on May 19, I told

her “Aunty, your belle seems you will give birth to twins”, she smiled.

Aunty was such a caring and downto-earth woman. She called every time to know how we, the Campus Life correspondents, fared. This singular gesture encouraged us to do more and dig more on campus issues. In my days in Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), I remembered a story that brought me on the wrong side of my school management, Aunty called the Dean of Students Affairs and the matter was resolved pronto.

I believe this piece won’t express the kind of affinity we have for this woman of valour. There are many things to talk about her in due time.

She was a role model and mentor to many students of which I am chief among the stock. There are no words that could be used here to describe her uniqueness. She meant so much to me.

All I can do is to try my best to impress her wherever she is now. How? I have to live up to what she had expected of me. I have to ensure I show love and care to people, as Aunty did to us. I have to put into practice all I

The promise of 1999

By Yemi Olasehinde

struggle for the emancipation of Nigerian people from the yoke and bondage of military rule. Innocent citizens were killed in their hundreds.

Some were maimed for life.

The days of terror that characterize the then military regimes reached its climax during the tenure of Abacha’s misgovernance and misrule. The pains and agonies of that darkest era in the annals of Nigeria is still fresh in peoples memories. It is on this premise that one is sad that the class that inherited reins of power upon the disengagement of ‘ khaki boys’ in 1999 are also elite of local collaborators, who participated actively in the mort-

gaging and pillaging of the resources of this country. In the course of political activities in 1999, Nigerians were full of hopes and high expectations that the advent of democracy would indeed usher in a new lease of life for them. Unfortunately, all these were dashed.

From ‘bare – footed’ Obasanjo to the present day ‘shoeless’ Ebele, it is catalogues of woes and litany of broken dreams. When Ebele ascended the throne on May 29, 2011 it held so much promise for Nigerians. Many perhaps thought that his humble origin would motivate and inspire him to see the needs of Nigerian people as the center point of government policy and action.

So far, the Ebele Jonathan administration has not shown that it actually understood the plights of the toiling Nigerians. A number of leading lights in this government, are accomplices in the crimes of previous ruling class regimes-military and civilians-against Nigerians. The devil-may-care attitude of Ebele on the oil subsidy removal policy and monumental corruption going on now reveal that he’s too distant and unconcerned about daily struggles of people. It is now crystal clear to all that Good luck (?)

Jonathan administration is anti-Nigerian. It is the character of Nigerian slave elites to follow the whims and caprices of their imperialist “Oga”.

One is, therefore, at pains that while

Who’ll tell Peter Obi?

By Ayodeji Adesina

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HE rumour that something was brewing in Awka, the Anambra State capital was evident before the real show began last week. Many a youth were seen carrying canes of different sizes in market place, motor parks and other strategic locations. It sight of such was purely unusual. No sign perhaps could be more ominous than that for serving corps members in the state.

The show was that masquerades were let loosed from ‘above’ and allowed to terrorize the living. They were well armed with different tools that will evoke fear any day. When the celebration started on June 7, it was not obvious really, that very poor arrangements were made to guide their activities. Many people were cut unaware. The move to court their understanding by corpers who fell into their hands failed.

The police were nowhere in sight.

If it could not be said that some people abdicated their responsibility; then many people will conclude that it is

becoming increasingly difficult curtail the excesses of masquerades by the state. I don’t want to believe Gov. Peter Obi is not aware of this scenario.

The masquerades ‘parade’ was not without a number of albatross. They beat and harassed corpers at will; especially those who are reluctant to spare part of their meagre allowance.

Specifically on Tuesday, June 7, several corps members were abused and beaten in Awka South and North local governments during the ‘festivity of a sort.

I caught a glimpsed of the ‘heavenly being’ (ara orun), as we called them in Yorubaland first that sunny Tuesday afternoon at my place of primary assignment when a masquerade and his stalwarts numbering about 6 Maneuvered their way through the school path; a move that created tension and pandemonium for hundreds of students of Community Secondary School, Agulu Awka. Over 10 corpers on duty that day had to flee for their lives in fear of attack. Most of them made their ways through a bush path to navigate their way home.

Other corpers who teach outside that school were not that lucky.

Sandra Ogar, a female corps members was slapped by masquerades’ stalwarts. Another corper, Shola Ibiwoye Jacob and Abdullahi Kehinde, both of Kenneth Dike Memorial Secondary School, Amobia were flogged along Bank road. It was obvious they were corps members coming from their PPA and they rightly identified themselves as one. The participants in the celebration, being ‘spirit’ just ignored their plea.

Perhaps, the only lucky corper was

Ayodele Lawal, a corper attached to Union Secondary School, Amowbia who was discharged from a hospital a week before after he spent no fewer than four days. He was nonetheless harassed and threatened. His fragile nature or a wimp of luck might have saved him. Those who were not flogged were harassed, while corps members flogged are now wailing treating their wounds.

The experiences of corps members at Awka North were not in any way different. Some of them were even stranded for ours as vehicular traffic was stalled in some places. All these helpless corp members and quite a number of victims are still nursing wounds and trauma they sustained.

Sadly, nobody is talking about them in the state.

Really, I agreed to the fact that culture is part of our tradition but it should not in any way abuse or threaten corps members from carrying out legitimate duties expected of them. The Governor of the State, Mr Peter Obi, whom I have great respect for, might not be aware that corpers’ abuse is on the increase. Shylock landlords are increasing the rents of corpers whom the employer could not provide lodge for. The transport system in the state is expensive and the fact that a plate of food is sold for an average of N200.

Culturalists may be quick to argue that culture is an indispensable aspect of any state that cannot be neglected; I partly agree too but a public holiday should have been declared if the masquerades celebration deserves such honour. That way, no corper will be harassed. Everybody will joyfully stay in doors. This was not done creating

room for street urchins to take advantage of the show thereby extorting money forcefully from their ‘captive’ aside the masquerade and his stalwarts.

I believe appropriate information should be made about such celebration, and a pamphlet printed to orientate visitors and strangers on what to do and where not to go during the period. In fact, a large billboard announcing the festivity of such and conspicuously placed at strategic places as it is done in Lagos may not be a bad idea too. Most of the corps members were caught unawares. This is unfair.

Even more appropriate is for His Excellency to close schools on such occasion. As a teaching corps member in the state, it was evident that even the students were not concentrating during classes on the opening day of the celebration. Most of them were checking time every minute; and even after the ‘uninvited’ masquerade breezed past the school pathway, the students shouted and scampered for safety. I can’t image what would have happened if some of the students sustained serious fractures in the process.

Who will be held responsible? In a way, the poor parent or guardian would have borne the brunt for something the state could prevent.

I believe one of the cardinal pillars of democracy is the protection of fundamental human right as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This must be respected. Anambra as the eye of Southeastern Nigeria and light of the nation should strive to set a new standard aimed at protecting and providing for corps members deployed there.

By Gerald Nwokocha

have learnt through Campus Life.

Though she is gone, she lives in our memory. I believe she is happy wherever she is now. God giveth and taketh. All Glory be to Him. May He give all of us especially the husband and the son, the fortitude to bear this loss. Good night mentor.

Gerald is a corps member, NYSC Abuja in the United States and the West their ruling elites are daily ameliorating the impacts of global capital crises on their citizens by reenergising health care system, creating jobs, voting huge sums of money into education, improving social security and renewing environment. On the contrary, the Nigerian ruling elites are busy retrenching workers, abandoning and selling public schools, looting public resources with reckless abandon, privatising public assets and above all, deregulating every thing apart from the biggest business-the government.

It is, therefore, baffling that the promise of transition from Military Junta to democratic governance as to an extent largely being squandered and unfulfilled.

Yemi, 400-Level Zoology, UNILORIN If people have the perception that Anambra is serene, more and more corps members will want to come and serve in the state and quite a number of them would love to stay to contribute their quota in transforming the state. But I doubt if many a people are nursing such ambition if last week scenario is anything to go by.

Governor Obi can also consider another option of calling those involved to order this could be through orientation on modern way of celebrating.

They can take a cue from the famous Lagos’ Eyo festival celebration where people come even from outside Nigeria to partake.

The only way we can grow the economy of Anambra State and by extension Nigeria is when we put our tribes, language and culture in proper perspective with a view to encourage more and more people to appreciate such culture. This will be practically impossible in an aura of terror and intimidation.

Governor Obi’s administration may have to consider initiating a policy that will either provide a sort of ‘immunity” to corp members or better to checkmate the abuse of masquerade festivity. I am aware the people can choose who to worship, when and how but it would be wise if such is done within deep respect to the dignity and right of the neighbour next door. We must cherish our humaneness and oneness than anything else.

Sincerely, I think corpers should be protected from hazard or harassment.

Some of them are groaning in darkness, high cost of living among others. It’s just unwise to ignore things that will make lives unbearable for them. But who will help me inform Governor. Peter Obi? Ayodeji is a serving corps member, NYSC Onitsha

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE Last week, Governor, Dr Babangida Aliyu of Niger State stormed the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) to offer panacea to a lasting peace in Nigeria. SIKIRU AKINOLA and KEMI BUSARI (300-Level Political Science) report.

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ECURITY of lives and property is one of the major challenges Nigeria is facing. Up North, the populace has been searching for peace that has deserted this part of the country, with a deadly sect detonating explosives indiscriminately to shatter the limbs of innocent people. The southern part of the country has not fared any better, as its serene environment has given way to armed robbers and kidnappers.

In seeking to understand the root cause of the security challenges and also to propound permanent solution, the National Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) chapter, hosted the governor of Niger State, Dr Babangida Aliyu, to discuss the challenges of national security and how peace will return to the country.

The forum was the fifth Lateef Femi Okunnu Annual Lecture. As early as 10am, students and guests had started trooping into the Oduduwa Hall, the venue of the lecture. Personalities that had delivered lectures since the series started five years ago included former Lagos State Governor and the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.

Babangida said he was persuaded by Fashola, with whom he shared common passion and aspirations towards the development of Nigeria, to honour the invitation to deliver the lecture.

In a paper entitled Breaking the myth of peace in Nigeria: What Next?, the Chief Servant, as the governor is called, said Nigeria needed to understand the variables of myth and peace to appreciate the socio-political circumstances that made peace mythical in Nigeria over the years.

He said Nigeria, in pre-colonial period, witnessed tremendous peace, during which people had excellent integrative and sup-

Towards lasting peace portive relationships and lived a life of mutual trust, respect and understanding, saying the relationship could no longer apply in Nigeria of today.

His words: “Our society in the pre-colonial period adhered to core moral values of honesty, integrity, fairness, equity and justice. There was limited competition for political or economic power; people accepted their fate in life. There was contentment, and sense of moderation in people’s needs and behaviours. People were decent, honest and less hypocritical in private and public lives.

“Peace began to be fractured in Nigeria from the period leading to and immediately after Nigeria’s political independence, when there was fierce competition for political and economic power amongst the elites. Ethnic, religious and regional sentiments hitherto unknown became prominent instruments of social dislocations and political advantage.

This gave rise to the emergence of tri-regional party system reflecting the dominant ethnic group in each of the three regions.

The conflicts generated by these power struggles culminated into the 1966 coups and counter coups, the aftermath of which led to the 30-month civil war from 1967 to 1970.”

Governor Aliyu said peace has become a mirage in Nigeria since regions that make up the country wanted to gain access to the same position at the same time. He noted that military incursion into politics had done a lot of damage to Nigeria’s democratic evolution adding that the worst damage done to peace in the nation by the uniform men was the entrenchment of corruption in institutions since nobody could question the military men.

While flaying polygamy as one of the

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

problems that caused poverty and violence, the Chief Servant blamed religious leaders for their failure to be good examples for their followers. “We keep reading reports of clergymen engaging in indecent behaviours that are at variance with the religious teachings and practices,” he said.

The governor supported the restructuring of Nigeria to reflect its federalist principles.

He said: “Our federalism also needs critical re-examination. Federalism, by our simple understanding has the advantage of fostering our unity and facilitating the integrative forces that allow for the plurality and diversity of our nationhood, while ensuring even development of the constituent units.

However, the over concentration of power at the centre needs to be reviewed so that power and responsibilities could be appropriately devolved to the states, local governments and other levels for effective and ef•Gov Babangida Aliyu... at the event ficient service delivery.”

Earlier, the OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Tale Omole, who was represented by the organised to honour a distinguished personDeputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), ality in the person of Alhaji Abdul-Lateef Prof Saburi Adesanya, extolled the virtue of Olufemi Okunnu (SAN), someone who has the honouree, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, for his contributed immensely to the growth and contribution to national development, while development of our country,” Jubril conurging public officials to emulate the former cluded.

At the event were Alhaji Okunnnu, his wife Federal commissioner for Works and Housand former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, ing.

The NAMLAS president, Jubril Akinola, Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu, Chief of Staff to in his address, said the lecture was instituted Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega to expand the frontiers of knowledge of Oyetola, the Okere of Saki, Oba Kilani Muslim lawyers to not only understand Olatoyese, Justice O.A. Boade of the Oyo burning national discourse but also to aid State High Court, representatives of the Ooni their performance in legal profession and of Ife, members of the Ansarudeen Society, also appreciate the ideals of Islam in carry- members of Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) and ing out their duty as lawyers.

“It is on this ground that this event is lawyers from the Okunnu and Co chamber.

Pastor Adeboye donates N50m to OAU From Sikiru Akinola OAU

G

ENERAL Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye has donated N50 million to the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the institution where he obtained his first degree in Mathematics.

Pastor Adeboye announced the donation at the fifth edition of thanksgiving service of the Apapa branch of the church held at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

The cleric mentioned that he obtained his first degree in Mathematics from the University of Ife in 1967.

According to the release by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, Pastor Adeboye had instructed that the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Tale Omole, to be taken to the podium after which a UBA cheque of N50 million was presented to the VC for endowment to the department of Mathematics.

The statement said Pastor Adeboye eulogised Prof Omole for his administrative prowess and ingenuity with which he brought to bear in running the affairs of the university, adding that only born again Vice-Chancellors like Prof Omole could exhibit such a high level of transparency.

•Pastor Adeboye

Responding, the VC expressed appreciation to the pastor for the benevolent gesture to his alma mater.

Prof Omole prayed that God would continue to endow Pastor Adeboye with more strength and sound health in order to be eternally useful to humanity.

Present on the occasion were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Ayobami Salami, Chairman, Committee of Deans, Prof Samson Fadare, former Provost, Post Graduate College, Prof Taiwo Ajayi, Personal Assistant to the VC on Special Matters, Mr Segun Adefemi, Executive Director, University Advancement Office, Mrs Ronke Ajibola and the university PRO, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju

Osun students elect leaders

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HE National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) chapter has elected a new set of leaders to oversee the affairs of the association.

Those elected included Majeed Fasasi, president, Saheed Oyewale, General Secretary and Michael Adebayo, Public Relations Officer.

Others are Tolulope Awoyinfa, Financial

From Michael Adebayo UNILORIN

Secretary, Oni Omowumi, Social Secretary, Monsurat Babatunde, Welfare Secretary and Lateef Ademola, Sports Secretary.

During the inauguration of the students, Majeed assured Osun students that his administration would ensure regular payment of bursary allowance, which they have been deprived over the years.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

37

EDUCATION

‘Stop renaming varsities after personalities’

By Medinat Kanabe

•Dr Ogbinaka

T

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has condemned the country’s leadership’s knack for naming ivory towers after ‘important’ living or dead Nigerians.

To ASUU, this development portends greater danger for the nation’s tertiary institutions, whose names, it said, may not enjoy permanence, regardless of the number of years of their existence.

“This trend”, ASUU argued, “is that universities not bearing names of a living or dead Nigerians have temporary names. This is why our political leaders are always quick to cite universities in their villages as soon as they are in position to do so.”

“Our leaders are waiting for either Asiwaju Bola Tinubu or Lateef Jakande to die so that they can name the Lagos State University (LASU) after them.Tthey will also name

the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNNAB) after Olusegun Obasanjo when he dies and they will soon name the University of Ibadan after Lamidi Adedibu (the late Ibadan politician reputed for his generosity, godfatherism, and brigandage).”

The union was reacting to the renaming of the 50-year old University of Lagos (UNILAG) as the Moshood Abiola University, Lagos (MAULAG) by President Goodluck Jonathan on May 29 (Democray Day) to honour Chief Moshood Abiola, who won the 1993 general elections adjudged to be freest and fairest in the history.

At a briefing by the UNILAG chapter of the union at the Julius Berger Hall of the university, its Chairman Dr Oghenekaro Ogbinaka said it would not be a

bad idea if any national monument or even Aso Rock, is renamed after Abiola, who had a landslide victory at the June 12, 1993 elections, but was denied access to the Presidential Villa “If the Eagle Square in Abuja is named Moshood Abiola Square, I don’t think the eagles in the sky would jump down and protest,” he added.

He said the effect of the of the government’s action on UNILAG transcends mere renaming. He noted that it is ridiculous that those renaming the university now were very young, if not toddlers, when the institution was established.

If government’s plan sails through, ASUU feared that everybody that carries a UNILAG certificate would have to put a rider on their CVs. ”This will cast a huge gap on our certificates out-

side Nigeria,” he said.

He added: “The day your father has the right to name you is the day you were born. If he decides to rename you, he needs your permission, especially when you are 50 years old. But Jonathan did not take any permission from Lagosians or the university. He just, in the most insensitive manner lacking every iota of human feelings, announced the change.”

He likened the recent protest by UNILAG students against the rechristening as, ‘better presidential adviser’, necessitating the need for President Jonathan to discard his band of (mis) advisers.

ASUU National Treasurer, Dr Demola Aremu, said the union would not allow Jonathan to rubbish Abiola by calling him a ‘presumed winner’.

He urged Federal Government to declare June 12 as Democracy Day in Abiola’s remembrance.

OOU inaugural lecture today

Two dons join AAUN TWO renowned professors Kole Omotosho and Niyi Akinnaso, have joined the services of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.

Its Vice-Chancellor, Prof Femi Mimiko, disclosed this to members of the Governing Council at the AAUA's golden dinner in Akure.

He said the two eminent professors are bringing their wealth of teaching and research home to help the university achieve its desire to build a 21st Century University.

"Prof. Omotosho is coming to fortify the university's English and Literary Studies department, while Prof Akinnaso will help the university set up its Learning Centre," he said.

Omotosho holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He also obtained a Ph.D. in Arabic Literature with a thesis on the modern Arabic novelist and playwright, Ahmad Ba-Kathhir, at the University of Edinburgh in 1972.

Similarly, Akinnaso holds a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1972 from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University IleIfe, and Ph.D. in Linguistics and Anthropology from University of California at Berkeley.

Conference on course

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PROFESSOR of Educational Planning and Policy, Mikhail 'Lasun Gbadamosi, will today at 2pm deliver the 55th Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Inaugural Lecture.

Entitled: Nigeria education: Failing to plan, planning to fail, the event holds at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Lecture Theatre at the main campus.

Born in the late 50s, Prof Gbadamosi attended Ijebu Muslim College (now Ijebu Muslim Community Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode, 1971-1975; Methodist Teachers' Training College, Sagamu (1976-1977) and Advanced Teachers' College, Surulere, Lagos (1978- 1981) where he obtained Nigerian Certificate in Education specialising in Economics and Geography.

He enrolled for his Bachelors in Science in Education/Guidance and Counselling (Applied Psychology) with Geography and Regional Planning as teaching subjects at Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), M Sc. Educational Management (1990-1991) and Ph.D in Educational Administration and Planning, at the University of Lagos in 1999.

Gbadamosi is a member of many professional bodies. They include: Chartered Institute of Management; Chartered Nigerian Institute of Personnel Management; Nigerian Association of Professional Educators; Counselling Association of Nigeria; Nigeria Geographical Society; Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration; and Nigerian Association for Educational Administration and Planning.

He has also served in varying capacities in the university.

The lecture, which will be chaired by the institution's Vice Chancellor, Prof Wale Are Olaitan, is expected to be graced by distinguished scholars, government functionaries and eminent personalities.

AAUA FILE

•From left: Rector, YABATECH, Lagos, Dr Kudirat Ladipo; Registrar, Biekoroma Amapakabo and Registrar, University of Nigeria, Nsuka (UNN), Dr N. Odukwe, after the Degree Programme Matriculation of the polytechnic in Yaba.

UNN cancels Post-UTME test

C

ANDIDATES, who were already seated on Tuesday for the Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination(UTME) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), were asked to go home.

The development, which threw candidates into confusion, followed reports that the question papers due for the test were allegedly leaked to some of the students by an unidentified staff member of the university.

Those affected by the cancellation were candidates in the faculties of Social Sciences and Arts.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

The students, who received the news with bewilderment and anger, lamented that the indefinite shifting of the exam would expose them to serious challenges.

Said one of the students: "We were already seated for the test when they asked us to go that it would not hold again. From what we heard, they said the questions leaked. Why should such thing be allowed to happen in a university like this?”

Another candidate said the development would expose most of the candidates to untold hardship.

"I paid for a hotel room and I was supposed to vacate tomorrow (yesterday). With this development, I don't know what to do because I don't have money to pay for another day in the hotel. They have not even told us when the test will hold. So, all of us are confused", the female candidate said.

The test started on Monday with students in the faculties of biological and pharmaceutical sciences.

In a reaction to a text message sent to his mobile phone, Mr Gabriel Ndu, the Communication Secretary to the UNN’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bartho Okolo said: "The screening was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances."

ASUP seeks reports of Visitation Panel on poly

T

HE Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) has praised the Federal Government for setting up the Presidential Visitation panels for federal polytechnics.

It called for the immediate implementation of the reports of the panel. The union also reacted to issues affecting the welfare of its members.

These were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its 70th regular national executive council (NEC) at the Rivers State College of Arts and Science, PortHarcourt.

In 14-point communiqué jointly

From Marie-Therese Nanlong, Jos

signed by Asomugha Chibuzor and Usman Mamaki, ASUP's National President and National Secretary, its NEC condemned the continued delay in constitution of the Governing Councils for polytechnics, called on the government to expedite action on the matter. It urged government to fast-track processes for the implementation of CONTISS 15 migration for the lower cadre of the body.

It expressed concern over the at-

tempts by some state governments to circumvent standards in state polytechnics by failing to comply with circulars meant for the polytechnic sector in the country, especially the lack of implementation of the CONPCASS and 65 years retirement age for its members.

The body, among other things, called for the repositioning of the pension funds administration in PENCOM to rectify the anomalies witnessed in its operations.

ASUP also commiserated with the families of passengers, who lost lives in the Dana Air plane which crashed in Lagos on June 3, this year killing all 153 passengers on board.

THE 31st Committee of Directors of Health Services in Nigerian Universities (CODHESNU) /16th National Association of Doctors in University Health Services (NADUHS) scientific conference and AGM is being hosted by AAUA. The conference, which has as theme: "Management of disasters in the university environment, started on Tuesday and would end on Saturday.

The conference is an annual summit of directors of health services in universities and medical and dental practitioners registered under the Medical and Dental Practitioners' Decree of 1988, and employed in the health departments of universities.

In a statement, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. E. I. Medunoye, said the ViceChancellor, Prof Femi Mimiko, chaired the opening.

NIESV chief visits RSUST THE President of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) Dr Emeka Eleh has advised students of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) studying surveying to take their studies seriously.

Eleh, who visited the students, said his visit from Abuja, was part of the profession's mentoring mechanism to create awareness about some practical aspects of the profession, as no other profession is greater than estate surveying and valueing.

"We are here to ensure that students who are studying in this field have first class knowledge about the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, and also interact with national and state executives of the organisation."

"First, you must be proud of what you are studying as no other profession is greater than estate surveyor and valuers and try as much you can to love your discipline if not you will graduate with empty brain to constitute nuisance to the profession," he advised.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

38

EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS

ACE FILE

APPROACHING DEADLINES

Library gets laptops ADEYEMI College of Education has acquired 100 laptops in addition to the computers at the College Virtual Library.

The college Provost Prof Adeyemi Idowu, disclosed this at a workshop for academic staff in at the Olusegun Obasanjo auditorium.

According to him, the laptops which were donated by the National Communications Commission (NCC), would be placed at workstation in the library to provide greater opportunity for more library users to access online information.

"The laptops already have database of two million e-books, 2000 interactive instructions and 500 academic journals," h e said.

Declaring the workshop entitled: Effective library use and research report writing open, Prof Idowu stressed that in the academic environment, teachers are expected to be grounded in their area of specialisation in one hand and equally know how to use the library effectively on the other hand.

Registrar re-appointed

THE appointment of the ACE Registrar, Mr Felix Eniola Aderinboye, has been renewed by the Federal Government.

The Minister of Education, Prof Ruqayyatu Rufa'i approved the appointment for a non-renewable second term of five years.

The appointment had taken effect from June 10 this year and ends on June 9, 2017.

NCCE commiserates over crisis THE National Commission for Colleges of Education has commiserated with the college over the wanton destruction of its properties, during the students crisis of Monday, May 14, this year.

IMD Switzerland offers Social Responsibility Scholarship for Social Entrepreneurs and NGO Workers from Emerging Countries 2014 Brief description IMD Switzerland offers the Social Responsibility Scholarship for Social Entrepreneur and NGO worker in Emerging Countries to study in January 2014 Accepted Subject Areas?

Masters in Business Administration About Scholarship The International Institute for Management Development -IMD Social Responsibility Scholarship is offered to a talented social entrepreneur or candidate working for an NGO in an emerging country and who would like a top international MBA to expand your horizons so that you can go back and make a difference.

Who is qualified to apply?

•Qualified candidates who have a passion to make a contribution to society through socially responsible leadership •Currently working as a social entrepreneur or for an NGO in your home country or region •4-10 years work experience •Making a significant contribution to your local environment, country or society in general •Have leadership characteristics and the ability to have an impact in the class •Have financial need such that you could not otherwise afford to attend IMD •Strong command of written and spoken

English •Demonstrate a passion and commitment for socially responsible leadership both in your current role and to go back to your home country or region after the IMD MBA program What are the benefits?

Scholarship winners will receive Living Expenses (as deemed reasonable by IMD)+ CHF 45,000 How long will sponsorship last? For the duration of the MBA programme Eligible African Countries Emerging countries To be taken at (country): Switzerland What time of year does Application Close?

Application Deadline is July 15, 2012 Offered annually? Yes How can I Apply?

Send the following information by July 15, 2012 to be considered for the IMD MBA program starting in January 2014: •Answer the 5 scholarship essay questions below •Submit your personal information (see form from link below) •Submit your detailed university transcripts •Send 2 signed letters of recommendation •Submit the IMD financial aid application with all supporting documents (see application form from link below) Scholarship essays: 1.

Tell us about yourself and your experience (500 words) 2.

What drives your passion for socially responsible leadership? (100 words) 3.

What are your future career goals? (100

words) 4.

Why does an IMD MBA fit with these future career goals? (100 words) Identify a social entrepreneurship project in your country. How would you implement the project including milestones and funding?

Identify positive points that may help you to implement the plan as well as barriers (and possible solutions) that may prevent you from achieving your goals. (1,000 words; Additional supporting project information can be submitted in an appendix.)

Application Process •September 15, 2012: The IMD Scholarship Selection Committee will identify a short list of scholarship candidates •October 30, 2012: Selection of candidates.

Candidates will be interviewed by telephone during the month of October.

•January 10, 2013: Completion of GMAT test by selected candidates •February 1, 2013: Notification of scholarship finalist/s.

•April 1, 2013: Submission of completed IMD MBA application form for the 2014 class.

Important Notes: Scholarship winners must complete and pass the regular IMD MBA admission process prior to being accepted for the program! IMD does NOT guarantee a place in the MBA program until completion and passing of the regular MBA admissions process.

IMD reserves the right not to award a scholarship if the criteria are not met to the satisfaction of the jury / sponsors.

Eight-year-old college goes green

E

IGHT-year old Christ College, Aiyetoro Village, Sagamu off Km 50 on Ogun State stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, has told the story of how its "strong extra-curricular programmes have stirred up innate endowments, talents and interest" in agriculture in some of its pupils.

The authorities said the college, which offers boarding facility for pupils, is also leveraging on its location on a serene and green pas-

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

ture to embark upon farming for practical teaching, and the step. It added that it is helping some of the pupils to pick their path in life.

The college Principal, Pastor Ade Aderigbigbe, stated this during an interaction with reporters during the college's dedication service at its site, in Aiyetoro Village, Sagamu.

Aderigbigbe, who had his 40th birthday marked for him by staff and pupils on same day, noted that agriculture, which is a source of food for the nation and primary raw materials for her industries, also have the potential to absorb the unemployed youths, generate income for families and governments if more attention is given to it.

"Three of our pupils have applied to study Agric Extension at

Lawmaker donates GCE forms/computer programme

Lad wins quranic competition EFFORT of the Ogun State government towards sustaining qualitative education have started to yield results with the feat recorded by Master Umar Faruq Bolaji at the National Quranic Recitation competition organised by the National Council of Muslim Youths Organisation (NACOMYO), in Kastina, Kastina State.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Odubela made this observation at the formal presentation of prizes to the award winner at the conference room of the ministry.

Odubela was represented by the Permanent Secretary Alhaji Ambali Ishola who observed that the state remains the cradle of education.

He charged the awardee who came third in the competition not to relent in his efforts.

The National President, NACOMYO, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde enjoined the the government to encourage the teaching and learning of Islamic Religious Studies by employing teachers for the pupils and to also sponsor competition of such nature for their sound moral and academic upbringing.

the university, another is working towards going into veterinary medicine and that is an indication that they have fallen in love with what we are doing here.

"We are cultivating exotic fruits like mangoes, oranges, pineapples, water melon and cucumber in our farm and they go there to plant, weed and watch as they grow to maturity.

"We have poultry if they can't go into arable farming, they can go into animal rearing in future, our fishpond will soon take off, it is a plus to our effort towards raising some people who will take up career in agriculture and related businesses in future," he said.

By Ramat Musa

A

• Mrs Ogunlana and her husband, Mr Olusegun holding the birthday card amid other well wishers

Edu. District VI sends off tutor-general

M

RS Foluso Ogunlana, the outgone Tutor-Generl/ Permenent Scretary of Lagos Education District VI, was the cynosure of all eyes at the district's headquarters on Monday.

Not only did she shine like a million stars at the send-off organised by the District V1 in conjunction with the state ministry of education; the occasion also witnessed testimonies from countless colleagues who took turn to shower her with encomiums for her great strides while she held sway at the district.

Aside that Mrs Ogunlana retired that day after 32 years of meritori-

•As TGPS takes a bow

By Adegunle Olugbamila

ous service, the following day (Tuesday) turned out to be her 60th birthday; so the send off was more like ushering the educationist into the sexagenarian club.

Mrs. Ogunlana's life has been dominated by exploits in teaching, rising from a classroom teacher to become the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, the highest office for career officers.

Among those who attended are the state's Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye; the Head

of Service, Mr Adesegun Ogunlewe; the Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Eko Educational Project Ms Ronke Azeez; Permanent, Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo; President, All Nigeria Confederation of Secondary Schools Principals, Lagos State chapter, Mr Albert Phillips; well as Chairman, National Union of Teachers, Oshodi-Isolo chapter, Mr Jimoh Olaifa.

Those who had worked with her, described as as an 'inspiration; a leader by example who respects the opinions of others.

JAO Estate Junior Grammar School in Ajao Estate Lagos State has received Gwneral of Education (GCE) forms and free computer literacy programme.

The donor, a member of the Federal House of Representatives,Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency, Lagos Hakeem Abiodun Muniru, said a total of 300 students ( past beneficiaries inclusive) have enjoyed the largess over the last three years.

Muniru said "Our investment on education before and since my assumption of office seems huge. He are thereby encouraged by the performances of some of the sponsored candidate to spend more; if available. Only last year, the overall best student during the coaching programme and examination, Mojeed Damilola Abisaga came out tops at the State Organised quiz competition and won an all expenses paid two-weeks holiday to Hamburg." On this note, it is thereby hoped that students will take the fullest advantage of this programme by concentrating on their studies and therefore, encouraged to do more.

There were various personalities at this event. They include top government functionaries, monarch, representatives of corporate organisations, community and members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

39

EDUCATION

Okogie, other old boys donate to alma mater

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O fewer than five new gigantic and modern education facilities have been provided for teachers and pupils of St. Gregory College, Obalende

by Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, the Archbishop of Lagos and other Gregorians under the auspices of St Gregory College, Old Boys Association.

The state-of -the-art facilities, which cost N200million were blessed and inaugurated by the Archbishop of Lagos, who was represented by Rev. Monsignor John Ayangwu with a thanksgiving/ mass in the college chapel. This was attended some pupils, parents and some members of the society.

Okogie said the facilities should stimulate pupils' interest in academics to enable them to perform better, He was a member of the 1951 set.

Frank Okiso, President St Gregory Alumni and John Abebe, Second Vice-President, noted that the high standard of teaching and learning in the 84-year-old school would not be compromised, noting that the old students association is poised to keep the momentum going.

"The project is a give back to the school. We are upbeat to say that the governing board of the school has justified taking over the affairs of the school from the state government," Abebe said.

Some of the projects are a block of 15 classrooms; junior staff room,

By Paul Oluwakoya

staff quarters, two lawn tennis and basketball courts, eight-tuck shops, renovated Jubilee Hall and Old Boys Secretariat.

Others are: "The two lawn tennis and Basketball court are Olympic standard. It is in sports that our famous college has produced seasoned athletes, great footballers, and table tennis players. Many of our pupils have represented the state, and the nation and are well-known at the international levels.

"The school has 850 pupils and 75 graduate teachers with hostel facilities. So, the buildings are furniture equipped and spacious enough to breed the joy of comradeship, sweetness of sharing and competing which is very good for learning," Akpala said.

Meanwhile, the event also featured the unveiling of an N800million project plan by the Board of Governors, members of the Project Committee and the Old Students Association.

According to A. Obilana, chairman, Project Planning Committee, "The Phase Two of the projects we executed today will cost N800million, which will see to the construction of new junior 400-bed hostel, expansion of the college chapel, Olympic standard track and field, reconstruction of catering and laundering departments."

• One of the projects

I

Islamic school is winner in quiz competition

SLAMIC English Educational Foundation, a private secondary school in Okota, Lagos, has emerged winner in a quiz competition organised by the outgoing Lagos Batch B of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Community Development (CD) and other group

BRF quiz enters final stage

• Mrs Oladunjoye

A

NSAR-UD-DEEN Comprehensive Secondary School, Okota from District VI and Mbari Mbayo Private Secondary School, from District IV, Lagos State, have qualified for the

final stage of the Brighter Rewarding Future (BRF) quiz competition after scaling through the preliminaries in the Senior Secondary School category.

Other finalists are: Aunty Ayo Junior Girls Comprehensive Secondary and Denton Junior Grammar School, Ebute Metta from District III and IV. Also, Ajelogo Nursery and Primary School, Ketu from District II and Ifelodun Primary School, Agege in District I, made it to the finals of the primary category.

Clinching the third place are Mende Senior High School, Maryland, which beat Oke-Odo Senior High School with 20 points in the senior category, while Central Junior High School, Okota beat

Yewa Junior High School, Agege with 33 points.

In the Primary Category, Mainland Model Primary School, Mushin beat Praise Private School with 35 points.

All the third place winners will have the privilege of a handshake with Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, at the finals of the competition.

The final of the competition is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 28 at the LTV 8, Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

Dignitaries expected at the event are: Governor Fashola; his Deputy, Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire and the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye.

By Medinat Kanabe

members.

The competition, which drilled the competing schools on corruption saw Islamic English Educational Forum topping with 26 points with Ajao Estate Senior Grammar School, Ajao Estate and Iponri Estate Grammar School coming second and tops with 24 and 22 points.

The oral contest, which held at the NYSC secretariat, was attended by corps members serving at the EFCC and other competing schools.

Speaking at the event, Co-coordinator of the CDS,Mrs MudupeAdesoji, said the EFCC CD group is a partnership between EFCC and NYSC where the former trained the latter on corruption during orientation, and where the latter had to reproduce same on the pupils to show their competence.

She said:“The corps members where in turn made to teach secondary school pupils from a manual provided. This competition is to know whether the corps members were able to impact on the students.”

She identified self-confidence, use of English and presentation as some

of the benchmarks upon which participants were judged.

The outgoing president of the CDS Group Mr Christian Ogbonnaya Onu said the aim of the training and competition is to enthrone a corrupt-free generation in th country.

He said: “The competition is to appraise their level of commitment and integrity consciousness which is geared towards inculcating the spirit of anti-corruption in the young ones.”

Onu advised the leaders to always place national interest ahead of personal gain if they want corruption curbed.

Also speaking, one of the three representatives from the winning school, AdisaRashidah, was excited to have emerged one of the winners in the competition.

She said: “A corps member taught us through a manual provided and my schoolmates and I were chosen for the competition. We were only told that the competition was today so I didn’t have enough sleep or the time to inform my parents about the competition since my school is a boarding school. I just wanted to make my school proud.”

Council inaugurates health club

By Akinyemi Oluwayemisi

T

•Pupils and teachers of Barachel Hostel, Iju-Ishaga,Lagos, during a reading session entitled: Boys can read aloud, organised by the school.

O imbibe the culture of proper hygiene in schools, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education, Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Education Authority, has inaugurated health clubs in the schools in the local government area.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Education Secretary Mr Balogun Taiwo, said the purpose of the club is to ensure that good hygiene is promoted in various schools, noting that good health is the bedrock of success.

About 50 first aid boxes were donated to the school at the event.

Balogun urged beneficiary schools to see to their maintenance. He enjoined the school health officers and the communities to monitor the facilities in the first aid boxes well and ensure that used ones should be replaced to meet the objectives of the programme.

Also at the event, a member of the Local Government Service Commission Dr Adeleke Ipaye, commended the effort of the local government education secretary for according health top priority to the area.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

40

EDUCATION

College admits students for professional diploma

F

ORTY-SIX students have been matriculated into new the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) programme of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Otto/Ijanikin,Lagos State.

The Provost of the college, Mr Olalekan Wasiu Bashorun, told the students to consider themselves fortunate to be counted among professional teachers.

He said the programme was designed by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) to correct the defects in the Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) being run by many universities.

Bashorun said: "It is, therefore, most unreasonable to continue to have a situation where the content of such a fundamental bridge programme known as PGDE would differ from institution to institution based on the whims and

By Ramat Musa

caprices of the different institutions."

He expressed delight that TRCN - the regulatory body of the teachers' profession - had waded into the matter, to ensure quality and standard in the delivery of post-graduate diploma in education in Nigeria.

He anticipated when the TRCN programme would be accepted across faculties of education, adding: "by that time, we would have also a diploma in education that professional teachers can be truly proud of."

Nine areas of specialisation in the one-session programme are early childhood, primary, secondary, technical, nursing education, nomadic, Islamic, adult and non-formal and university education.

The Lagos State Co-ordinator of

TRCN, Mr Enilolobo Ola Gbolahan, who represented the council's Registrar/Chief Executive, said TRCN intervention in the training and attainment of the standard in professional teaching would result in the necessary pedagogical standard, promote professionalism through specialisation, fast-track the production of more teachers, raise the quality teachers and level of state participation in teacher education.

He said PDE was designed for Higher National Diploma (HND), degree in non-educational fields and master's and doctorate degree holders in other fieldS apart from education.

Gbolahan, who commended AOCOED for presenting its student for induction, said many colleges of education and universities have begun running the PDE programme.

ABU wins Regional/Planning award

A

S the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in November, honour has come its way. Its Department of Urban and Regional Planning, has been declared the best in the country.

In a statement, Mallam Waziri Isa Gwantu, media consultant to the Vice-Chancellor Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, said the department won the award during the 2011 assessment and accreditation of planning schools by the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TPRN).

It stated that the decision of the council was communicated to Prof Mustapha by Kolawole Sanni. It said: "The council, which is the only statutory body mandated to, among other primary objectives, determine standard of knowledge, training and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become its members, has considered your institution as the best in the league of accredited schools in the 2011 exercise.''

The award will be presented to the Vice-Chancellor at the 25th Induction of newly registered mem-

bers of the council on Friday, July 6, this year at Nicon Luxury, Abuja, at 4.00pm.

The Urban and Regional Planning Department of the Ahmadu Bello University is ahead of other others in the country, particularly in information technology for geospatial application and postgraduate training in urban management.

Established in 1992, the Urban and Regional department is the oldest planning school in the country. It has had 10 different heads; the current one is Dr Adamu Ahmad.

Character deficit bane of leadership

T

HE Good Character Development Initiative (GCDI), a non-governmental organisation, has condemned corruption in public office.

Speaking in Lagos, at an event marking Democracy Day at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, Prince Nnagozie Ochi, the NGO's secretary said character deficit among public officer brought the country in its sorry state.

Ochi said: " I realised that the biggest problem we have in Nigeria is character deficit. You see so many young people with potential which they are not able to realise because of undeveloped character. So, for me, it became the most important thing we need to do in this country-how do we help young people develop the right values and abilities to make ethical decisions in the course of their lives.

"It is the foundation for success and happiness in life. There is no shortcut to success; it is not enough to tell young people to be intelligent because when you educate somebody in mind and do not educate him in morals, you are educating a menace for society tomorrow and that is what we have in Nigeria today.

"The average school in Nigeria, for instance, will give you a certificate at graduation; will tell you that you have been found worthy in character and learning; meanwhile, you did not take any course in character. Good character does not just develop without a conscientious effort. So, this programme has made progress in the last one year and I can assure you that we shall keep improving on that. We are making effort to introduce this programme to the Federal Ministry of Education to be implemented in the various schools since you find young people at developing stages in schools.'

Ochi maintained that the initiative was built on respect, respon-

By Daodu Olawale

sibility, fairness, trustworthiness, caring and citizenship in what he described as the six pillars of character.

Mrs Abimbola Fashola, who was represented by Mrs Tone Saidi commended the organisers of the event, which she described as germane given the state of affairs in our public life.

Mrs Saidi, however, challenged

the youth to imbibe good character, integrity and honesty.

Over 26 private schools attended the event. They made various presentations to reflect the teaching and learning of character education in their schools.

The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of medals and certificates to some of the pupils for their exemplary character by the management of GCDI.

EDUTALK

with

Our education, our future

I

READ a piece recently about the battle between Ekiti State Government and its teachers on whether teachers' assessment test is necessary or otherwise.

Kofoworola While the government suggested that the test would help fix the rot in the education sector, the teachers insisted that it was unnecessary Kofosagie@yahoo.com but that the government should 08054503077 (SMS only) rather send them for trainings.

Does it mean that the teachers do not see the rot in the system or that they believe they do not have a role to play in redeeming our future? Suffice it to say that training of teachers will also help boost education but that can come after the test. This reminds me also of the story I heard about teachers who were given the WAEC question papers of their students to solve and they could hardly tackle them.

The teaching profession is no longer regarded in high esteem as used to be the case because not only is it not very rewarding, it is also losing its honour and prestige. A look at the admission list of faculty of education of most universities will show that it is a last resort department for those whose scores in UTME or Post UTME did not allow entry into their desired discipline. It then becomes a department of disgruntled students (and later teachers), who would rather be somewhere else other than where they were tossed. This is worsened by the bigheaded monster of bribery and corruption that has eaten deep even into the fabric of our educational system. These days, your score does not warrant your gaining admission especially into the discipline of your choice, but the amount of money you are willing to part with. The best brains are thus often times in short supply in this discipline. The case of colleges of education and teacher's training institutes are not very different. So what do you expect? This trend follows suit into the labour market. Our primary and secondary schools are filled with graduates who take the schools as their last resort after perambulating the streets of Nigeria looking for jobs or even while still looking for better jobs. They have no job satisfaction and are not happy with their lot. The only difference in this scenario is that the intelligent ones are abound here but a catch 22 situation prevails because they feel cheated since they see and hear of their former school mates who managed to graduate through the school's decision to 'let my people go' working in the best offices, riding in chauffer driven cars. Therefore breeding a better Nigerian future is not their primary concern because they too want to be like or even better than their counterparts. The students they teach (or not teach) thus bear the brunt.

However, this is not to suggest that the teachers are the only root cause of the education degradation or that there are no good teachers. I think the parents have a greater role to play in this quagmire. The parents have neglected the reading culture and focused their attention on money and all its trappings. Otherwise, how do you explain the situation where parents enroll the kids into special centres and pay for an impostor to write examinations for their children? I remember that my mum was the one that introduced me to reading novels not prescribed by the school. She will include novels in the Christmas shopping and as incentive for passing examinations well. The mere fact that she even bought these books as gifts boosts the morale to read more and once you get reading, you cannot easily break off the habit. If parents cannot monitor their wards from tender age to know how they fare in school, who they mix with, and how they use the mass media, these children end up making the wrong choices that would become detrimental to them and the society in future. We cannot just sit and blame the society and the government. The home front is the nucleus of the society.

Moreover, government policies and participation can go a long way towards improving the standard of education. Establishing more universities when the existing ones are ill equipped and are rotting away is not the panacea to this problem neither does it begin and end with free education. Emphasis should be on quality and not quantity. The teaching profession needs to be more appealing through greater incentives, awards, competitions and training of the teachers and likewise the students themselves. Let the best brains take over the schools again. All hands need to be on deck, the NGOs, each one of us has something or the other to offer to that child beside you, be it counseling, books or encouragement.

Ebele Nweje writes from Abuja

Belo-Osagie

From My Inbox

•A pupil in Ugborodo, Delta State receiving books donated by Austine Akpaja of Whassan Nigeria Ltd as part of the firm's corporate social resposibility.

Re: Ekiti and its teachers (Thursday, June 14 2012) For the fact that you are on the payroll of the politicians does not mean that you should write without the fear of God. No government can break the will of the people. Fayemi would finish his tenure and the teachers would continue to be teachers. God as the unbiased judge is watching you and your masters who have suddenly turned oppressors to the teachers who pray for their enthronement. God is very much alive. Psalm 72:12-14. 08033697853 Can you pray to be demoted in your place of work? Can you pray to loose (sic) your job now? Always think positive about teachers in Ekiti so that peace can be yours. 08068464474.

Ekiti and its teachers refers: 1. Note that a woman reported for the test in Gboyin LG…You already noted 'suspicious of government'…the reason for such is multi-various: (1) where is the exam's syllabus? (2) Why test a teacher of fine art in chemistry? (3) Why exam before training? (4) Has the honourable commissioner not gone around the market place displaying principals and vice principals' scripts? (5) Why have they continued to shift position until arrival at TDNA and seminar? 08032166419

43

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION 2012

• Fourth from left: Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Taiwo Alimi (left) Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, Dr George Obiozor, Chairman of the occasion former Chief of General Staff Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd), Minister of State for Works Bashir Yuguda who represented the Minister for Works Mike Onolememen and the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-party Affairs Senator Ben Obi at the workshop in Benin.

PHOTO: AUGUSTINE AVWODE

The July 14 governorship election in Edo State has raised so much concern that violence could mar the exercise, given the heat generated by the political campaigns of the candidates and participating parties. However, stakeholders at a one day workshop in Benin City, the state capital, voiced only one wish – a peaceful, free and fair election that represents the people’s choice. Assistant Editor AUGUSTINE AVWODE reports.

B

ARELY three weeks before the July 14 governorship election in Edo, fear of violence has gripped residents of the state.

The situation has been stoked largely by recurring allegations of plans to rig the election and thus deny the people their legitimate choice of who should be their governor; physical attacks, allegations of attempted murder, and even coldblooded assassinations.

The situation has therefore come as a big concern to all stakeholders who include the electoral umpire, the political parties, at least those that have fielded candidates for the governorship election, the candidates themselves, the electorate, security agencies, governments both at state and federal levels and other non-partisan observers.

To nip any possible electoral catastrophe in the bud, and achieve the now familiar slogan of one man, one vote, imbue the electoral process with resounding credibility and thus set the nation on the path of sustainable democratic growth, the Special Adviser to the President on Inter Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi, on Monday facilitated a sensitisation workshop for all the stakeholders.

In his welcome address, Obi admitted that there had been heightened tension in the state and there was need to immediately arrest it.

He said: “This workshop is necessitated by the need to arrest the dangerous political atmosphere preceding the Edo July 2012 Governorship Election that has generated serious anxiety in this nation, owing to the escalation of political insecurity, acrimony and rancour in the state.

“It is my desire that this workshop will come up with far-reaching recommendations to ensure that this gubernatorial election will be free, fair, where electorate votes will count, devoid of rancour and the result acceptable to all candidates in the interest of the populace and Edo State.

“Of course this cannot be achieved without the cooperation of all stakeholders but I urge you to eschew violence and have it uppermost in mind that this state belongs to you”, he charged.

Chairman of the occasion, former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd), GCON, in his opening remarks, urged the

Stakeholders’ clamour for free, peaceful election people of Edo to make the best use of the opportunity presented to them by the July 14 election to install the government that will serve them but that they should all play by the rules of the game.

“Obviously, election is the most critical and decisive aspect of democracy just as it forms part of its beauty. While election is a nightmare to non-performing politicians, a great expectation it is to the people as it affords them the opportunity to choose their leaders as well as drop non-performing ones. However, these may not be possible in a system of incredible electoral process where free and fair election is a mirage, and where victory goes to the best cheat. When election is not free and fair, people’s faith and confidence in the system are eroded, bad and unwanted leaders are sanctimoniously and ignominiously selected, democracy dividends are denied, crisis of unimaginable proportions with its concomitant violence are enthroned, development is distorted and lives are lost.

“Political killings are not only antithetical to democracy; they are also satanic and contrary to the principle of the ‘general good’. Hence, Edo State and her people cannot afford to play into the awaiting hands of the anarchy that befalls manipulated elections because the consequences of this recurrent political decimal are enormous, vexatious and no one knows who the victims becomes at the end of the day.”

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, represented by Director of Inter-Party Affairs, Mrs. Regina Omo-Agege, urged all stakeholders to avoid overheating the polity.

“As a commission with the constitutional responsibility for the conduct of elections, we are most concerned, as we are sure all well meaning Nigerians and citizens of Edo State are, when

the electoral environment is over heated by aggressive language, threats, and other forms of intimidation.

“This does not augur well for all contestants, the electorate as well as political and electoral systems at large. Such an atmosphere also generates, and inevitably creates situations that not only posses threats to life and property, but could also impact negatively on the credibility of the election.

“More than the laws, it is the personal commitment of political parties and candidates that can create the kind of peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections that we desire as a nation,” he said.

All the candidates for the election were present, except the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (retired) who though showed up did not stay as he reportedly went on campaign tour of his council area.

Those present include incumbent governor and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who, it was learnt, had to rescheduled his campaign tours to attend the workshop; Solomon Edebiri of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP); Chief Andrew Igwemoh, Labour Party (LP); Chief Roland Izevbuwa, Congress of Progressive Change (CPC); Chief Paul Orumuense, National Conscience Party (NCP) and Chief Frank Ukonga of the Social Democratic Mass Party (SDMP).

Governor Oshiomhole who took the floor soon after Jega’s speech, led the chorus for oneman, one-vote.

In an extensive extempore speech, Governor Oshiomhole charged all to be ready to play by the rules as nobody would allow himself to be rigged out only to hope that the law courts will reinstate him when the present laws govern-

ing electoral petitions seemed to have been made to deny petitioners justice. He therefore charged the organizers to rather go and sensitise electoral umpire, who he alleged allows discrepancies in the distribution and delivery of election materials. The security forces for aiding and abetting electoral heist and the presidency to try and rise above party and sectional interest.

Among other things, Governor Oshiomhole said “Nigeria has to resolve certain paradoxes.

The evidence is that civilians cannot conduct elections better than the military. It used to be fashionable in the civil society to argue that the military cannot conduct elections. But Gen. Ibrahim Babangida with Prof. Humphrey Nwosu conducted a free election, it doesn’t matter that the child died.

“Today, state institutions have become so corrupt that they don’t know what to do. There are two institutions that matter in the conduct of an election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies.

“It is therefore INEC, the Police, Army, Presidency that need to be sensitised on the need to conduct free and fair elections. INEC must be sensitised to watch corrupt officials. The commission has a huge duty to give effect to President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformational agenda. Jega has no reason not to conduct free and fair election. The learning curve is over.

The 2012 election in Edo State will be won and lost at the booth not at the court. Who wins the Edo election is not as important as the process that will bring forth the winner.”

Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade (rtd) quickly assured that the Police will do its job effectively and ensure a free and fair election.

He jokingly told Governor Oshiomhole that as a candidate he was not in a position to tell the examiner what to do and how to do it.

“The Comrade Governor is a candidate and the candidate cannot tell the examiner what to do or how to do it. But on a serious note, the Police will apply the rules equally and do their job to ensure not only a peaceful election but also a free and fair election”, he assured.

Guest lecturer, Prof Sam Oyovbaire warned that except stakeholders imbibe the use of mod•Continued on page 44

44

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

POLITICS Clamour for free poll in Edo •Continued from page 43

erate language, tension will continue to build up in the polity.

“We use words like, ‘conquering,’ ‘enemies’ instead of opponents as if elections have become war. It is dangerous as the tone of the language transmits to the followers who translate this into physical violence,” he said.

Oyovbaire charged stakeholders that the rules start from the internal politics of the parties to the larger rules of the elections, “and the ability to observe the rules should therefore start from the parties.”

Former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Ambassador George Obiozor’s concern is to be instiotution driven.

“Our electoral processes must be institution driven and not individual driven. Personalisation of power, and godfathers are bad. We have a paradox of the elite in Nigeria. The elite who have everything to lose are the ones who are causing problem, not the poor, who have nothing to lose.”

Former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Aremo Taiwo Alimi emphasized the place of the media in the electoral process saying “the quality of democracy a society enjoys is reflected in and determined by its media practice.”

The ANPP candidate noted that, “if the parties agree to follow the rules, there will be a free and fair election.

The INEC and the Presidency should use Edo as a case study for free and fair election”.

But in a tone that seemed to be a resignation to fate, the Labour Party candidate raised the issue of some people not caring to observe this type of resolution. He said “What we are doing here is not new. We have seen all this before and nothing has changed. The rules apply to some people and not to all. We can only have a free and fair election if the institutions work as they should and people do their work.”

The NCP candidate reinforced this sense of pessimism when he alleged connivance between INEC and security forces. He said “recent events in the state are scaring. We know how INEC and the security forces connive to rig elections, but we should let the winner emerge through the principle of one-man-one vote. No one can do away with the wishes of the people this time.”

The SDMP candidate canvassed for proper funding of the parties in an apparent way of looking beyond the election. He was more concerned with the continued existence of the parties after the election.

“What will become of the nation’s democracy in the nearest future if the government does not support the parties financially, because winners of

elections have access to funds while losers have nothing,” he asked.

The CPC candidate commended the presidency for the workshop, saying, “we are happy that the president and others are aware that there might not a free and fair election in Edo, and this is because of INEC. The commission supports rigging, and the threats of violence, is all because of the manipulation of the electoral process. Let us look inward and do the right thing.”

A little drama reminiscent of the political situation in the state soon played out. Governor Oshiomhole was called the second time to the podium by Master of Ceremony, Sony Irabor, but a section of the audience resisted it. The governor who was already in front of the microphone was greeted with shouts of no, no, no. He had while giving his address as chief host claimed that he was not listed as a candidate and as such, the chairman who attempted to cut short his address should allow him to speak also as a candidate then.

Eventually, the chairmansaved the situation and allowed him to speak for a very brief period. Governor Oshiomhole left soon after.

Senator Roland Ovwie had also earlier tasted this effervescent side of Edo politics when he was prevented from speaking on behalf of the absentee PDP candidate.

Party chieftains that were present also expressed their mind. The LP national chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu described the situation as “a reflection of what we have in Edo”. He warned that “no special treatment should be given to anyone.”

A chieftain of the ACN in Edo, Pastor Ize Iyamu noted that it was as if the PDP is not ready to give peace a chance. He narrated efforts made by the ACN to persuade PDP not to locate its campaign office directly opposite the party’s secretariat along Airport Road but that all entreaties have been rebuffed up till the moment.

“All of us will be glad if the Edo polls will peaceful, free and fair. But we all know the history of polls in this state and that is why we are sounding this alarm. This poll should not be a door-die affair. INEC and the security agents should ensure that all is done not to overheat the polity in Edo.” Dignitaries at the event include High Chief Raymond Dopkesi, Chief Tom Ikimi, Minister of Works represented by the Minister of State for Works, Bashir Yuguda, Prof ABC Nwosu, commissioners and lawmakers.

In just three weeks and three days from today, the electorate in Edo will be performing their civic duties. Will all those concerned – the umpire, the security agencies, the parties, the candidates and their supporters give effect to this clamour for a peaceful, free and fair election? Nigerians wait to see.

Senator Emmanuel Nnamdi Uba, better known as Andy Uba represents Anambra South Senatorial Zone in the Senate. Before contesting for elective positions, he was Special Assistant on Special Duties and Domestic Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo. He also had a stint as “governor” of Anambra State before he was removed by the court. In this interview with Assistant Editor ONYEDI OJIABOR in Abuja, Uba speaks on some aspects of his personal life and politics.

• Uba

Obasanjo and my political travails, by Uba

W

HAT is the secret of your calm disposition in the face of your electoral adversity?

The root of my confidence is my faith in God. In Him, there is always hope. I believe that even when you experience serious setbacks and maintain your faith in Him, you may even begin to see that there are great, useful lessons to learn from such setback.

With faith in God, I always believe that challenges notwithstanding, He will take me to my destination.

Yes, I feel bothered sometimes but the moment I kneel down to pray, I get the reassurance that I will thrive further. I leave everything to Him; I leave all in God’s hands and have faith that I will move forward.

For instance, people voted for me but I was removed in 2007 for no just reason but more likely out of hatred for a man that I served as if it was a crime to be loyal.

Are you saying your removal was because of some people’s hatred for Chief Olusegun Obasanjo whom you served as an aide?

In law, under our constitution, once a governor is sworn in, it is baffling to try to understand that sort of removal of a governor that was sworn in after an election.

It was because of my loyalty to the system, to the government; it could have been loyalty to any other person I could have been serving. I could have been serving any other President. All I believe is that one must be loyal to whomever he or she is serving.

I still believe in the rule of law. I knew that one day, I could be vindicated and that is what has happened.

So, you believe that you have been vindicated by winning the election and the legal challenges thereafter?

• The Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area of Lagos State Hon. Jimoh Olajide (second right) flanked by members of West Africa Student Union (WASU); Aziz Kamara, University of Gambia; Jackson Christabelle, Federal University of Technology, Tamale, Ghana (left) and Paulinious Kelvin, University of Cape Coast, Ghana at the conferment of 2011/2012 Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award on the chairman at the LCDA Secretariat.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

Absolutely; the courts have spoken.

You were away from the Senate for some months because the Anambra south senatorial zone election results were challenged at the election tribunal…

I was initially sworn in as a Senator alongside others in the Seventh Senate but I was removed and had to be away for a period of about two or three months, to go through another election.

What have you been able to accomplish in the Senate?

As you may be aware, I am trying to sponsor some bills and motions that can impact positively on the lives of many of our people. Thank God, two of the bills are progressing. I am referring to the one on income tax and the other one that is aimed at prohibiting casualization of labour among schoolteachers, especially in Federal Government Colleges.

Also, I have tried to ensure that my constituency gets some federal projects. During the consideration of the national budget, I backed effort to ensure that some Millennium Development Goals (MDG) projects, water, roads, erosion control, health facilities and other projects are sited in my constituency.

Many Nigerians are critical of Nigeria’s democracy because the system is so discouraging to them.

They should not feel discouraged. If you look very well, many changes are quietly going on, especially the electoral reforms. If you look critically, the election of 2011 was better than the previous one. That shows that democracy is working. Nigerians should not be discouraged. All other advanced democracies in the world went through challenges that were sometimes worse than what Nigeria is going through.

I believe that with time, our democracy will evolve further. At least for now, we have democratic rights and you as a journalists, an individual can challenge even the President and express your opinion on whatever you want to speak about. We have come a long way. Nigerians just need to have patience. I believe in God; everything that we do will ultimately determine where we are all taking Nigeria .

Are you as religious as you sound despite being a politician?

I always have the Bible with me and I read it because my parents brought us up in a religious way.

You should know that so many powerful forces were against me during the election. They had commissioners and other top people working with them against me. I told the official that ultimately, God would decide the final answer and that if He chooses I would come back.

I told him that part of the issue is that my opponent know a lot about how to make noise and do propaganda or blackmail. As for me, I do not talk much and I do not know how to make such noise.

They were good at writing petitions too and they wrote petitions to Independent National Electoral Commis-

sion, alleging that the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner was working for me. INEC then decided to make changes and they brought five Resident Electoral Commissioners, including the REC in Calabar, Mr. Mike Iginni.

My opponents had alleged that they won the election but they could not prove it at the tribunal. At the Court of Appeal, they connived and did whatever they did and the election results from 115 wards were cancelled.

They brought in new RECS and others. My opponents came in with thugs; they had thugs all over the place.

I had no fear because I pray every day in the morning, noon and evening.

When people look at me, they assume that I do not have to be that religious.

The fact is that I survived many challenges, including my stay at the Presidency with Chief Obasanjo, because of prayers.

I am not a Yoruba man and we had so many Yoruba and people from other ethnic backgrounds with us at the Villa.

However, God gave me favour. I survived in the Villa by praying.

So, the secret of your relevance at the Villa during the Obasanjo presidency was prayers?

Just prayers. And I tried to make sure that I did not do anything that would not be welcomed because I knew the man that I was serving. There were many who came close to him but didn’t go far. Every day when I woke up, I prayed to God. Before my election, there were people who come to me and wondered why I seem not to be showing so much anxiety, worrying about things. During election periods, people do many things but I pray to God and tell Him: “God, you have the final word”.

I had decided that if our people are genuinely allowed to vote and God did not say it should be mine, then I would concede immediately I lost. Then, my wife called me and asked me to read some Bible verses in the book of Second Chronicles. There, God told Jehoshapat through a prophet: “Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s”. So, I read through, knelt down and prayed. I asked God to decide what would happen the following day.

The next day, on the day of election, many of our supporters who went to the farm did not return early enough to vote within the time specified by INEC. Eventually when the result came out, INEC people refused to allow us to enter their premises. I was wondering because some people wanted to do their magomago, (rig the election). By around 10 o’clock , they brought results from a single ward showing that an opponent got 15, 000 votes in that ward during an election where there was some measure of voter apathy. When they brought that, one or two of my supporters was aghast, saying that: ‘We are finished’.

However, by the time INEC counted everything from various wards, it turned out that I was leading and I eventually won convincingly.

45

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

NATURAL HEALTH OPEN DEBATE

Are TBAs still relevant in health care?

Prof Kelsey Harrison, Nigerian National Merit Award Winner 1989, Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and former Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt speaks on the role of traditional birth attendants (TBA) in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity in a paper delivered at Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti Memorial Lectures, LUTH, Idi Araba, Lagos.

T

HE concept of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) training to improve maternal and perinatal health in developing countries began in Amritsar in India in 1870s and much of the rest of that country soon followed as did parts of other developing countries worldwide.

From 70s to the 90s, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other United Nations (UN) and donor agencies promoted TBAs training as one strategy to reduce neonatal mortality. However, it has failed in respect of reducing high maternal mortality and veciscovaginal fistula (VVF). Surprisingly, the debate, which I thought had ended since the 90s following strong arguments against the setting up of such schemes, has recently been reopened notably in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). As always, the debate drew protagonists and antagonists. Below, I pointed out several flaws in the ideology, looking beyond immediate maternal health issues, but at the same time, judging TBA on what they are, what they do, and the results of their activities.

TBA cannot treat the obstetric and medical causes of death. They cannot deal with the associated conditions that create the un-booked emergencies from among whom most maternal deaths come. They are too old and therefore too set in their ways to adapt to modern health-care methods. Being illiterate for the most part, TBAs cannot keep reliable records of their activities, and without such records, au-

dit becomes impossible. Furthermore, their gender and illiteracy confer on them an inferior status, so that despite the high esteem in which they are held at local tribal level, they lack the political clout at the national level where the decisions affecting national development (including maternal health) are made.

Worldwide, the trend is for birth attended by TBAs to fall as literacy spreads, leading to reduction in maternal mortality. Therefore, if moves to reduce high maternal mortality are to succeed, they must at the same time reduce illiteracy within the society. Strengthening the position of illiterate TBAs gives the wrong signals to a society wanting to increase female literacy. Indeed, if care is not taken, support for TBA activities can have the unacceptable effect of blocking female literacy.

Arguing that TBAs are part of our culture, that we are short of money, that we are short of trained health care personnel for deployment in the rural areas, and that those of the

•Harrison

trained people we have, are unwilling to be deployed in the rural areas where most people live, sound reasonable but only on the surface.

It is simplistic to view a very serious matter in those terms. We are talking about something which impinges on the health of generations yet unborn. It is well-known that cultures change with time. For example in parts of present day Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, the ritual killing of twins at infancy was stopped at the turn of the last century when Mary Slessor (1848-1950) the brave Scottish missionary intervened . There is money in this country and we are a resourceful people. Hence, we should be capable of achieving proper rural development that would pave the way to-

‘From 70s to the 90s, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other United Nations (UN) and donor agencies promoted TBAs training as one strategy to reduce neonatal mortality remains promising. However, it has failed in respect of reducing high maternal mortality and vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF)’

‘TBA protagonists concede that all things considered, TBAs’ involvement in the formal health system is temporary. But that was not how they saw it in the not-so-distant past. For example in the 1950s, as an undergraduate medical student I heard them say, in their clamour for natural childbirth, that labour in African women in Africa is painless!’ wards quality health care for everybody instead of quality health care for the few.

Among the changes taking place in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria, is the increase in the middle class standing at 34 per cent of the population with much of it educated and young.They demand better life for themselves and for everybody else. They want to see improvements in local health facilities and standards to make medical tourism abroad unnecessary. In keeping with these aspirations we must plan for the future and not just for the present.

TBAs have no place in this future. In any case, the use of the least prepared of the work force at a strategic position in the health care system is not a sign of progress. Indeed, it could be counterproductive.

It is important to reiterate that complex political, cultural and ethical issues, of which reducing high maternal mortality is one, are not solvable through the application of simple knee jerk interventions. As maternal deaths occur mainly from preventable obstetric complications, the urge to look for instant success is tempting, and TBA protagonists appear to be falling into this trap. It is all part of the existing culture of seeking immediate gratification so

prevalent in Nigeria, forgetting that nothing good that is permanent comes cheap. To hammer home this point, a popular saying goes like this: “Those who do not know where they are coming from may not know where they are going. So if you do not know where you are coming from, you will believe that any road will lead to where you want to go.”

What this means is that over time, gullibility which we can do without, sets in. Brazil, Korea, Kerala in India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Cuba were once at par with us but not anymore. They have all overtaken us. The issues are clear. Better management of our abundant natural resources combined with a change in attitude towards the poor and women – helping rather than exploiting them – is bound to free us from mass poverty and underdevelopment, the very environment in which TBA thrive.

TBA protagonists concede that all things considered, TBAs’ involvement in the formal health system is temporary. But that was not how they saw it in the not-so-distant past.

For example in the 1950s, as an undergraduate medical student I heard them say, in their clamour for natural childbirth, that labour in African women in Africa is painless!

Forecasts by protagonists that TBA involvements in the formal health system will eventually workout well has gone on for over 100 years without enduring benefits. Another suggestion is that TBAs retraining should continue until there are enough midwives to take the place of TBAs. But then, interest groups placed in position of power and influence might see to it that there are never enough midwives. TBA use constitutes substandard care. Making do with substandard maternity care should not be an option because once something substandard gets entrenched; it becomes difficult to replace it with something better in future. Another thing TBA supporters ignore, is that the concept makes us complacent towards poverty instead of working hard to reduce it.

46

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

NATURAL HEALTH

For Big Sister, as she crosses the Rubicon C

ONGRATULATIONS, Mrs. M. A retired permanent secretary in Benin, and an avid reader of this column, Mrs. M. was 70 years old about two weeks ago. On the mobile cell phone, we speak almost every week on health concerns. So, I wasn’t surprised when, after the bash of a 70th birthday, she called to find out what life-extending nutritional food supplements could help the woman like her. We spoke briefly about geriatic medicine. That is, medicine, targeted at a peculiar needs of aging and old people. Today’s column, about geriatics, is dedicated to her 70th birthday in particular, to the health of senior citizens, and meant to be a torch and staff to those of us aspiring to cross the Rubicon.

The first time I concerned myself with geriatics health was at Mrs. Elizabeth Kafaru’s 50th birthday party lecture which I gave at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos. I was about 40 then, and earth life stretched almost endlessly before me with bullish physical energy to transverse the terrain. Nothing like a dull moment. Nothing like holding the car key in one hand and searching for it with the other. Nothing like gray hairs, neck and shoulder pain, eye glasses, thought of glaucoma or cataracts, concerns for liver, gallbladder or digestive health. Nothing like ebbing libido, blood sugar imbalances, and occasional pains in the heels attributable to rising blood levels of uric acid. Nothing like arthritis or inflammation in any major organ of the body. The only nutritional supplements I took were nutritional brewer’s yeast, Apple Cider Vinegar and, maybe, Cod Liver Oil. Life was sweet. But I was on the edge of the first half of the “football” match of earth life, as a friend puts it, after which, as everyone in the second half can testify, so many things may suddenly seem to go wrong. Before then, the body had dutifully taken all the bullying of long hours of work, little rest and sleep, junk food, alcohol, negative emotions. I believe my generation is luckier than the one following it because, on the average, the harvest of meso health or poor health does not ripen until about the 50s. These days, it is common to find people who go under, that is fall terribly ill or die, in their 30s and 40s, within the first half of that “match,” like footballers who get so injured or tired that the coach has to pull them out of the game halfway through. I am geriatic, and have become much wiser in matters of health than I was at Mrs. Kafaru’s 50th about 20years ago.

THIS single column cannot exhaustively address all geriatic health issues. It will address the ones it can, briefly, since opportunities will always still arise to pop them up.

Graying

G

ERATICS enjoy the courtesies accorded senior citi zens, and are happy when the number of their grand children starts to multiply. But they can be put off by large numbers of gray hair. Not many people will be like Nobel Laurate Professor Wole Soyinka, who has made a trademark of them. Many ageing people would rather darken or blacken them with dyes. But the fact that gray hairs turn dark when dyed is enough evidence that the hairs have absorbed the dye. So does the scalp. And where does the absorbed dye go if not right inside the body, finally reaching the blood, the liver and the organs?

Graying of the hair, naturally or prematurely, is caused by many factors, including nutritional deficiencies, adrenal gland insufficiencies, hormonal deficiencies, dramatic mental, emotional disturbances and stress, to mention a few.

Dr H. C. A. Vogel, the great Swiss physician says in THE NATURE CURE: “The hair of every excited or ecstatic people lights up in the dark and, when photographed, the effect is seen as a kind of halo. Great mental disturbance and agitation is observed in the hair, when viewed under a microscope as notches of variable depths. So, it is possible, for example, to discover if someone has had a nervous breakdown the previous year.”

He cited cases of people who were trapped for days under debris at a construction site before they were rescued. They emerged with gray hair. Hair is made of protein, silica, iron, copper, manganese, sulphur and other substances, and fed from the hair root through a network of blood vessels. The colouring comes from glands in the lower layer of the skin.

Women whose hairs are thin and break easily may, therefore, be deficient in nutrients and sick inwardly or close to being sick. For the elderly, too, such a condition is a warning to improve the diet, blood circulation and the hormonal profile. Thin, graying and thinning hair may be helped internally with dietary intake of silica, sulphur-containing food such as onions, and the improvement of blood circulation to the head using Ginkgo biloba, for example. Ginkgo used to be called Maiden’s Hair because it was known to make women’s hair long, strong, thick, and beautiful. Scientific investigation of this connection suggested Ginkgo’s promotion of blood circulation upstairs as the likely cause. Afterall, when we wet and nurture the garden, don’t the plants grow? Externally, washing the hair with Chamomile is said to help blond hair while dark hair profits from washing with the juice of Nettle, a silica-rich plant, and onion tonic.

Forgetfulness

W

E all want our brains to be clear, and sharp till our last breath. But, for many people, that’s only a wish, a dream. Too many toxins in the blood circulation block brain activity. Dehydration may cause the brain to shrink in size and become less active. At about 35 per cent fat content, the brain is prone to oxidative damage if it is not protected by antioxidants and maintained by well balanced

Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids. Besides, the brain requires stimulation through mental exercise, reading, learning, thinking and writing. Sometimes, blood vessels which supply it blood fresh oxygen and nutrients are blocked. Sometimes, too, blood oxygen content is poor.

Therefore, brain health has to do with many factors, including constant, healthy blood and nutrient supply, proper hydration, and oxidation protection for fat and nerve content, and mental stimulation among many others Ginkgo biloba, one of the world’s oldest trees, has been found to promote blood flow to all nooks and corners of the brain, by, among other ways, relaxing stiff blood vessels, thinning thick blood and by breaking other blood vessels congestion. The phosphate biochemic phosphate cell or tissue salts have great value in this matter. They are Natrum. Phos.; Cal. Phos.; Ferrum Phos; Kali Phos. and Mag. Phos. Ferrum Phos. clears congestion and oxygenates blood. Phosphoric acid from Kali Phos. is part of the gray matter of the brain, while Mag. Phos. is a component of the brain’s white matter. Besides the biochemic phosphate salts, Cal. Sulph. helps with purification and Kali.

Mur. with headaches.

Apart from Vitamins A, C and E, Selerium and Zinc, to mention just a few cutting edge antioxidants for the brain, there are also Grape Seed Extract, (GSE) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). ALA is unique because it is active in both fat and fluid media, which makes it ubiquitous. GSE is unique, also, because it is one of those substances which easily cross the brain – blood security barrier, making it quickly accessible, particularly in the cerebrospinal fluid, which feeds the nervous system, an appendage, if we like, of the brain.

I promised brevity. Just one more point here. Lecithin supplies the brain Choline and Inositol for brain nerve function.

Cervical spondylosis

S

OUNDS terrifying. It simply means wearing of neck bones which may cause nerve pain in the shoulder and arms.

The neck is quite a load for the neck to carry all life – long. Many of us do not exercise the neck muscles (check the internet) and the muscles to help it. These muscles may contract from bad posture and compress blood vessels which supply blood to the head and eyes with dire health consequences for these parts of the body. And many people do not take bio-available calcium to maintain neck bones. When the bones wear or the muscles contract, misaligning the neck bones, these bones may shift and pinch the nerves, causing pain. If there is a shift, neck muscle exercises may help. An osteopath, chiropactor or bone setter may have to reset them.

The correct sitting, standing and walking posture would have to be adopted. Coral Calcium, in capsules or in ionic form (Ionyte) is suggested, as is Cal. Phos. to recalcify the bones, Mag. Phos. to reduce the pain and cal. flour. For flexibility. If nerve pains become unbearable, Amazon CNS Support may be called for. Biochemic Silica helps to harden the bones and connective tissue. The biochemic Cal. flour. Is good also for bones, as it is for the gums, teeth, connective tissue and every part of the body which requires suppleness and flexibility.

Gums and teeth

A

HALLMARK of old age is teeth loose in the gum or lost teeth. Many old people for this reason cannot enjoy beef or crack chicken bone. Multifactorial, the problem built up gradually. The body had probably become acidic over the years, and the body had been canibalising its alkaline resources and dumping them in the blood to prevent the blood itself becoming acidic and killing the cells. The jaw bone and the teeth are about the first to donate their calcium.

The bones follow. The muscles give up Potassium and Magnesium, the red blood cells their iron. When manganese and Zinc are recalled from the immune system, succeptability to infection and poor wound healing are common. Peppery or heat sensation, local or felt all over, signals concentration of acid, especially uric acid, and poor oxygenation. This leads to infection and inflammation. The pain which follows is the body’s message that the nerves are irritated and suffering,

e-mail: www. olufemikusa@yahoo.com

and that something has to be done urgently. When calcium is withdrawn from the jaw bone, infectious germs may proliferate. The gums become inflamed (gingivitis) and shrivel from the teeth. The teeth become loose. Abscesses may form in some gum areas. The root canal of some teeth may become infected.

This may lead to periodontal diseases (periodontitis), caused largely by a deficiency of many vitamins (avitaminosis). It is a time to roll in herbal antibiotics, anti-inflamatories, vitamins and minerals. Recently, i had a nasty experience with three shaky teeth in the bottom jaw. Gum boil and abseccess formed, and I stood the risk of loosing them. I used biochemic silica and ferrum phos. as poultice when I was at home or just before bed.

I also used cal. flour. in like manner, increased intake of Vitamin C to about 3,000mg daily, 1000mg per meal, in addition to a high dosage Bioflawnoid complex. I shifted between Aloe Vera toothpaste and either Ganoderma or Tee tree oil toothpaste. They all helped. Then, suddenly, I remembered Sage tea.

Luckily, I had an old box of it in the medicine cabinet. I would pack a spoonful in my mouth and soften it with saliva. Then I would pack the troublesome teeth and gum front and back with it. It was during such periods I sometimes switched off my mobile phone. It worked. At least, I can now run the toothbrush over this region of my mouth. But I am not cutting or tearing with the teeth as yet. The gum has regrown tightly but, from the books, I understand long-lasting healing may take months to occur. If I had Golden seal root or Echinacea or Echinacea with Golden Seal, I’d have loved to paste the gum with it before bed. Many years ago, if I got too tired to brush before bed, I’d just empty one capsule in my mouth and tongueswirl the saliva-moistened powder around. That made the mouth a “no-go” area for germs all night. Aloe Vera should also help. In fact, I’d used it many times as a tissue regenerator.

Perhaps I forgot about it because I now take a 50mg Zinc tablet as sweet instead after breakfast and dinner. Remember Zinc lozenges take away cough, sore throat, catarrh and things like that!

The eyes

T

HIS column always addresses the need for exercises (please see Dr. Bates Better Sight Without Glasses on the internet) cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. These are eye issues common in old age, especially in Nigeria. As a reminder, the biochemic phosphate salts help the eyes as well. In cataract, Vitamin B2 taken with the B Vitamins of 50mg or 75mg dosage for all major components should help. So should Lutein and Zeazanthin, caratenoid bioflavonoids commercially extracted from Marigold flower, to prevent blue rays of the sun from “cooking” up the clear, fluidy lens of the eye which, when solidified, is a cataract to light passage to the refina in the back of the eyeball. Vitamin C is crucial to eye health as is Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc, Glutathione, GSE, ALA, and B Complex vitamin. Without Zinc, the eye cannot absorb let alone use Vitamin A. In my experience, the biochemic salts Silica and Kali mur. supplement the five phosphate salts for cataract and glaucoma. While more intake of Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract (KAGE) helps to offset calcification and blockage of the eye drainage in glaucoma, Cal Sulph. helps with drainage to ease eye tension. Dr Linus Pauling, two times winner of the Noble Prize, each time not shared with anyone, for his work on Vitamin C, showed how high dosages of this Vitamin decreases ocular (eye) tension which causes nerve and other damage in glaucoma. Presented for “sluggish, rundown conditions,” Kali.mur. may uplift the glaucoma-troubled eye, even as Kali.Phos. may revitalize the mangled optic nerve. Not many people appreciate Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract, produced by ageing natural garlic for 15 months to make the extract about 50 times more potent than natural garlic.

The secret in Kyolic is the concentration of many trace elements present in natural garlic. Thus, Kyolic Garlic has been reported in published peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals to, for example, evacuate excess level of Acetemophen (panadol), poisonous to the liver, and do the same, in the kidneys, to the antibiotic drug Gentamicin, which is widely used in Nigeria. Of interest to glaucoma-challenged people should be the fact that optic nerve damage by ocular tension and disturbed/delayed nutrition is a cause of blindness in this condition. In 1996, Nishiyama Ni, and Moriguchi T and others presented a paper at the March 27-29 16th Annual Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan on how stress chemicals in Kyolic garlic helped brain cells (neurons) survive in near impossible conditions. The cultured neuron cells outside serum environment began to die in 72 hours.

But cells cultured with allicin, an extract of garlic, survived for much longer and even began to branch (grow). Thus, use of Kyolic may prolong life of stressed up optic nerve or the retina or probably support their regeneration.

The way it is now, that is briefly as I had intended this birthday gift for Mrs. M. to be, we’d have to run for another week. I cannot leave out my friend, the 70 plus retired colonel of the Nigerian Army who came to me with a troubled face two years ago after I attended his wife’s 70th birthday party.

His problem is what the Yoruba call Idakole (d. m. m. d), that is a limp penis. Apparently, madam wanted their marriage re-born, forgetting, perhaps, that he’d had two partial strokes.

Many men still in their prime suffer likewise. And many older men who visit health food stores ask for something to pep them up after complaining about their heart and blood circulation and, perhaps, their prostate glands. Well, next week, there will be mention of a common Nigerian fruit which shrinks the enlarged prostate gland and steels up the libido. I can see many faces light up with sunlight smiles…

Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

THE NATION THUR SDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

47

e-Business

Cash-less: Expert urges stakeholders to boost security

A

N Information Technology (IT) security expert, Mr Tim Akano, has advised stakeholders in the electronic payments (e-payment) sector to boost security of e-payment to engender confidence in the cash-less policy.

Akano said e-payment fraud was increasing across the world and challenged banks and other organisations to deploy relevant security solutions for the policy to succeed and to achieve improved customer confidence in the system.

According to him, while organisations spend billions of naira to secure internal IT infrastructure, the customer side is neglected.

He said: “Cash-less economy is highly vulnerable to compromises.

The Web browser is the most vulnerable tool. It is the weakest part of the chain in a cash-less economy. What we notice is that banks concentrate on their own systems.

“By this, they are making a big mistake in the sense that when banks are secure and the bank customers are not secure and the un-secure customer has access to the bank’s network, technology exists today that can allow that un-

Stories by Adline Atili secure customer compromise the bank’s network through his own unsecure network.

“The question we should ask is: What are banks doing to make their customers secure? It is not enough to spend N1billion on IT security that is limited to the premises alone. Every individual that is doing business with a bank equally needs one element of security empowerment or the other to ensure that the bank’s network is not exposed to compromises emanating from customers accessing the networks in the course of a transaction.

“A customer can be doing a transaction and sending malware or Trojan into that network such that once his transaction goes into that network; it comes back with a lot of information.

In essence, banks are not paying enough attention to the aspect of IT security on the part of customers; the bulk of the money they spend is on their own network.”

Akano, who doubles as the ViceChairman of WINI Group, a US-based IT security firm, said on the customer side, there is need for multi-factor au-

thentication. “As a customer, you need at least two-factor authentication. You need what we call ‘token’ and you also need protection from ‘Man-in-themiddle attack’,” he said.

He listed lack of adequate infrastructure and awareness as well as vulnerability as some of the challenges of the scheme.

He said infrastructure to be deployed should have the right security layer, be robust and not prone to hacking. “In order not to slow down the progress of the policy, security breaches must be avoided through deployment of the right technology solutions. Allowing this to happen may take the country two steps backwards in the whole process as the level of security measures put in place will determine how secure a country’s payment system in the cyber space is.

“That is why WINI Group is bringing SafeNet into Nigeria at this critical time.

SafeNet is the leader in terms of data protection across the world. We are encouraging Nigerians who are sceptical about the cash-less initiative that institutions that adopt SafeNet’s array of security solutions and other solutions from companies that we represent, are safe.”

Samsung extends warranty on IT products

S

AMSUNG Electronics West Africa (SEWA), a consumer electronics and digital convergence technologies firm, has extended its factory warranty on all products within its mobile, visual display, Information Technology (IT) solutions, digital appliances, digital imaging and digital air solutions product lines.

The company in a statement, said with the extension customers will now enjoy a 24-month warranty on all Samsung products purchased as from May 1, 2012, at no extra charge.

The company noted that in the past, standard factory warranty on its product range was 12 months. However, consumers can enjoy additional 12month extension from date of purchase, based on a valid proof of pur-

chase. The increased warranty will cover labour and parts.

Head of Service Unit at SEWA, Raymond Olatokun, said: “A 12month warranty is the general industry standard. This increase in factory warranty is another way we are demonstrating the high quality of our products through the ‘Built for Africa’ initiative. We are aware of the need for consumers to have access to the best service level agreements.

“This extended factory warranty ensures comprehensive service assistance in case of incidental product failure, giving consumers the confidence that they expect from a leading brand like Samsung, in addition to providing enhanced service levels for customers.”

Glo launches mobile Internet

G

LOBACOM has introduced a new package which will enable subscribers enjoy fast Internet service on mobile devices.

In a statement by the company, General Manager, Prepaid Marketing, Mr Ashutosh Tiwary, said: “With Glo Pocket Internet, Glo subscribers can now enjoy super fast and reliable connectivity to the Internet and perform Web-related tasks all day with their handheld devices. In addition to Internet browsing and social networking, they can also download files and check emails among numerous other Web-based activities.”

Tiwary said with the package, there is no need for computer access and Internet dongles. “With this product, a busy executive or student can browse and download as much as he wants while on the go,” he said.

He said the product comes with four different affordable tariff plans to suit varying budget profiles and usage patterns. The four plans are: Instant Surf which comes with 10MB, One Week which comes with 50MB, Always Micro which comes with 200MB and Always Macro which comes with 1G data cap.

He said Glo Pocket Internet rides on Glo’s newly deployed Device Management System (DMS) which can identify all handset types and send settings appropriately. “The customer can receive these settings by texting “flat” to 1234. After this the DMS sends the settings which should be saved before launching the Internet. Now customers can buy a plan of their choice by going to http:/ /hsi.glo.com or text “1” to 127,” he said.

Firm introduces digital arts training

D •From left: Head of Monitoring and Evaluation, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) Mr Gaji Banabas-Baba; Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson; Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah and Chairman of NCC AntiCorruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) Mr Dave Imoko at the inauguration of ACTU in Abuja.

Huawei Nigeria to focus on ICT convergence

C

HINESE technology vendor, Huawei is set to focus its corporate governance structure on opportunities in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) convergence, Managing Director of Huawei Nigeria, Mr Pan Fan, has said.

Fan said there will be an increased investment in its cloud-pipe-device strategy to align operators, enterprises and consumers with the immense possibilities of a connected world.

To achieve this, he said the company aims to expand its investments in the coming years; set up strategic alliances with local partners and secure business partnerships.

While reviewing the company’s global and Nigeria’s business performance in 2011 in Lagos, the Huawei boss announced that the company would train telecommunications engineers and create job opportunities through its three Global Network Operations Centres (GNOCs) across the world, one of which will be located in Lagos.

He said the company had established three GNOCs worldwide, with one located in Lagos to provide managed services to customers as well as provide training for telecoms engineers.

He said: “As more and more operators entrust solutions providers to manage their networks, Huawei has established three global network operations centres (GNOCs) worldwide and one GNOC is in Lagos. This GNOC is capable of maintaining all networks managed by Huawei in Africa and Europe. This will create lots

•Revenue hits $32.4b of job opportunities for Nigerians and develop a large number of telecoms experts. The GNOC in Lagos is expected to be put into use by next month.”

Fan said the company’s global revenue hit $32.4billion for its 2011 operations, an 11.7 per cent growth over the previous year.

He attributed the growth to increased investment in the enterprise and consumer business segments and strong business momentum generated by the company’s transformation into a complete end-to-end ICT solutions provider.

“We have made strategic investments, augmented our Research

and Development (R&D) capabilities, deployed resources globally and implemented a future-oriented business architecture that puts us in a position for sustained growth.”

He said the company boosted its investment in R&D with 11.6 per cent of total annual sales revenues in 2011, a core pillar of its business strategy.

Through this investment, Fan said the company is positioning itself to leverage high-growth areas and industry growth fundamentals for continued success.

He added that its CSR initiatives are focused on employment creation, expanding local investment and cultivating talents.

Confab on cash-less policy

T

HE Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is set to conduct its 24th national conference from Wednesday July 25 to 27, 2012, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement by NCS, the conference, with theme: Towards a Cashless Nigeria: Tools, Strategies and the Technology Imperative, will address the benefits, opportunities and challenges of cash-less especially as they relate to technology. It will also hone in on related issues for the development of the nation and the industry.

A forum for Information Technology (IT) professionals to discuss industry trends, the conference annually addresses the networking needs of

the IT sector, attracting practitioners, decision makers, policy makers and professionals from Nigeria and across the world.

“It is the key networking and professional event for advancing Information Technology for development and promoting the interests of IT stakeholders in Nigeria,” the statement read.

The sub-themes of the 2012 conference are: innovative software and hardware tools, entrepreneurship development and wealth creation strategies, understanding the policy and regulatory issues, security and law enforcement, legal framework, intellectual property rights, capacity building and job creation, e-government, as well as call centre issues.

IGITAL Arts Academy (DAA), an Adobe learning centre affiliated to Learning Curve Nigeria Limited, has introduced digital arts training.

According to DAA, courses to be offered would be targeted at equipping creative minds and professionals with specific design skill sets, critical to flourishing in the 21st century. This, the school said, is in response to the need to adapt to the new world order of digital explosion.

The school’s Director, Mr Michael Oseji said: “Digital Arts Academy is an accredited Apple and Adobe training centre that enables you start and develop a career, fuelling your passion in digital arts using the latest tools, techniques and technology. As an affiliate of Friends of Design, a reputable Digital Arts Academy in South Africa, we offer over 30 specialised courses uniquely tailored to suit the needs of executives, working professionals and creative individuals in the design, media, advertising and print industries.”

Speaking on the core objectives of the school, he said: “DAA exists to bridge the shortage gap in the digital applications industry, which includes film editing, graphic design, sound editing and Web design industry through high quality training in the latest digital design tools, both software and hardware.”

Operations Manager, Mr John Adiele said: “Whether you desire to learn from scratch or get up to speed on new features, Digital Arts Academy can accommodate you with our wide range of specialist courses which are customised to meet your need for comprehensive and robust courses designed to help start a career in digital arts.”

In July, the school would conduct a three-week long digital session, with two training sessions on Digital Publishing Suite and Motion Graphics.

This will be done weekly beginning from July 9 to 27. Subsequent training sessions on a broader curriculum, will be held monthly after July.

Schneider Electric launches data centre operation suite

S

CHNEIDER Electric, an energy management company, has introduced StruxureWare Data Centre Operation Suite v7.1 featuring updated and flexible change management with a customisable approach to work flow management and maintenance processes.

In a statement by the company, the suite enables Information Technology (IT) managers to easily implement and apply organisational policies and projects, within an organisation’s data centre.

The suite provides end-to-end Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software for monitoring and operating power, cooling, security and energy usage from the building through IT systems and gives customers complete visibility and control over their data centre’s daily operations.

“The StruxureWare suite also offers integration with BMC Remedy Change

Management, part of the market-leading BMC Remedy IT Service Management suite and ensures relevant information flows seamlessly between the two systems.

“This update continues to enhance the flexibility and scalability of Schneider Electric’s DCIM platform in multiple ways including customisable workflow templates, maintenance scheduling, live dashboard, branch circuit monitoring, as well as DCIM Migration Service, which enables seamless migration from leading DCIM system to the StruxureWare Data Centre Operation Suite,” the statement said.

The suite is available for demonstration at Schneider Electric’s corporate headquarters in Rueil-Malmaison, France as well as the Schneider Electric Technology Centre in St. Louis, Missouri, US, as part of the complete StruxureWare for Data Centre software suite.

47

THE NATION THUR SDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

48

e-Business

Internet, imperialism and us (2)

Matters e-Rising Segun Oruame segun@segunoruame.com

I

HAD not expected to receive the kind of responses I received over my piece last week which was the first part of what I am about to conclude today. Most of the responses I received share my concern but a few think I was becoming an alarmist for no cogent reasons and yet, another tiny fraction wonder just what was good about Nigeria, and Blacks in general to warrant an Internet with significant content from that racial group. One response was extremely cynical: “What other thing can we do with the Internet than put 419 tricks and myopic leadership online?”

But a significant number believed that unless we arrest this drift and quickly too, we are bound to be enslaved by those who had cared to put their identity online. It is already happening. A recent survey in South Africa showed that more locally hosted websites with significant homegrown contents were being visited by surfers.

The hits reflected that the visits were from computers within and outside South Africa.

What does this mean? It shows that South Africa is gaining world prominence even online more than any other African country.

It also affirms that the South African government’s effort to develop and promote its aboriginal cultures among the world people using the Internet is yielding results. Soon, a Japanese would be able to understand and speak some Zulu words without having been to Africa let alone South Africa. The South Africans only need to make their language portal for all their 11 official languages interactive. “What pains me is that Nigerian universities have done more than any other universities on the continent on researches centred on languages and other social phenomena but they are wasting away inside dusty libraries,” one email noted. I

suspect the writer to be from the University of Ibadan. The mail was signed “UI, Ibadan.”

It does not matter the identity of the writer.

What matters is the distressing point he has raised.

Thousands of researches sponsored by government’s grants are wasting away inside the universities. They contain important data crucial to developing the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

But they would never be brought to the daylight nor would their import be brought to bear on national development. That is what it means when you say a nation is facing digital inertia.

The past that we know was analogue: one long space of bulky, ugly and tiresome technology that brought little value. In any case, even in that past, we had very little to show for it. There were less than 500, 000 active phone lines for a population in excess of 120 million people. There was virtually no computer. The ribbon typewriter was visible and as it were, a status symbol in government and private establishments. When the Internet went global, we were still innocent of the trappings of the modern economy-the New Age. Perhaps, the reason why the Internet has enthralled our youths to no end as a mix of factors expands the vista for ‘www’ in a way that could deceptively tell us we are part of the Internet age; whereas we are not.

Daily, our children throng the Internet. They visit American sites with glee. They spend hours clicking the sites of Western pop artists. They play online games carefully created to promote Western values. The games put Yankee culture and other Western values far above all others. But the players do not know that they are indulging in mind-moulder activities whose other names are online games. They download thousands of kilobytes of data on Western philosophies and logics.

These are pre-supposedly the cornerstones of the

New Age. But do you blame the West? Would you blame those who have decided to make optimum use of the Net to create a world of one people with a common thinking pattern that is nurtured on Uncle Sam belief systems?

The researches which ought to form the data for our own aboriginal cultures online are lying fallow inside several unkempt libraries of universities and several research institutes. Today, you could learn Yoruba in an American university equipped with the proper language laboratory faster and better than you would learn it in Ife or Ibadan.

You could gain more exposure to African history in a Western university than you would gain in Zaria or Nsukka. There are more sites with data on Nigeria and Africa hosted by Western institutions than you would ever get from any locally hosted site on the continent.

There are more servers on Africa and Africans in the hands of Western institutions and individuals than there are in the entire African continent.

This means one thing: The way Africa is being expressed to, or comprehended by, the global audience is informed inherently by the set-objectives of those who have gone about setting up the server in the first place. This has a salient implication. The West has never been able to interpret objectively anything external to its cosmology.

The world outside the West is seen within its own narrowed philosophy.

There is a pointer in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness in which the Irish writer paints Africa as a land that encourages savagery and stifles good.

Is this truly Africa?

And then, when we care to upload content, we show the world the blights that the West has taught us in Africa. There are more horrific pictures of deaths in Jos and Rwanda than you will get of the savagery and genocide in Bosnia Herzegovina when 20th century modern Europe ate up its own citizens in raw cannibalism. Thousands of sordid pictures of burnt children and headless mothers in Nigeria and elsewhere on the continent are repeatedly flying online to put doubts in the works

of Chinua Achebe and that generation of postcolonial writers which cared to prove in Achebe’s words (paraphrased) that “Africa was not one long night of nightmare from which the white man woke Africans up from.”

On the Internet, Conrad’s view of Africa as the heart of darkness holds sway. And we uphold this image in a way that will surprisingly amuse even the Westerners. If the Chinese are pulling the plugs and keeping tabs on what gets uploaded on China, it is because they have little tolerance for the subjugation of China and Chinese values by Western imperialists and their collaborators within the walls of China.

But for Africa, who is pulling the plugs? When we upload pictures and words, we often upload data helping to establish online imperialism –A clear indication that Africa is still far from being in control of its own thought-process. As in the days of physical slavery where the master thinks for the slave, the era of digital slavery is showing that those who have mastered the Information Age will think for the e-illiterates. The Chinese and the Indians are resisting this. So are our South African brothers. They are refusing to see their history within the context of interpretations by Western historians or philosophers.

They are refusing to believe that the Information Age has a space only for the West. The Chinese are countering Western online imperialism with their own online games carefully and deliberately created to express Chinese values specifically, and Oriental cultures generally.

But where are we in the evolving New Age Economy? We are at a vantage position to imbibe Western values fully, prove Conrad’s Heart of Darkness to be a correct piece of literary work on Negroid reality and get much dust on ourselves just like those illustrious research works lying unused in our universities. Forgive the sarcasm. But get ready to put on chains as slaves in the Internet Age. Get ready to have moot memory of Bosnia Herzegovina; but active memory of Rwanda and Jos and the race riots of South Africa in the post-apartheid times.

MainOne flays influence of ‘dominant players’ T •Invests N40b in broadband HE overriding influence of ‘dominant market players’ is responsible for inability to provide last mile connectivity to Nigerians, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MainOne Cable Company, Ms Funke Opeke has said.

Despite availability of ample bandwidth from numerous submarine cables that have landed the shores of the country, the “last mile” or “last kilometre,” which is the final leg of delivering connectivity from a communications provider to a customer, is lacking, especially in rural areas.

Opeke, while decrying inadequate backbone infrastructure to complement the submarine cables operational in the country, said the infrastructure that exist was proprietary and controlled by “very dominant market players.”

“The infrastructure to deliver last mile services is proprietary and controlled by very

Stories by Adline Atili dominant market players who would rather use it for their profit than make it available. That is why the retail user price differential continues to exist,” she said.

Opeke said despite the challenges, MainOne had continued to invest in delivery of affordable broadband services in Nigeria and the West African region in two years of operation. She said this was imperative if the nation hoped to be at the top of indices of development.

“The biggest challenge was getting the capacity that we brought into Nigeria and Ghana across the region to reach the people and businesses where they need the service.

But looking back two years now, we were totally unproven in the market and the viability of our services was something yet to be experienced, which was subject to speculation. But we can confidently say today that our services have proven to be extremely reliable and highly available,” she said.

She said aside the initial investment of $240million, the company had invested an additional $15million, making a total of $255million (N40.8billion).

She announced a major expansion programme and deployment of metro fibre to other cities in the country and countries in West Africa, such as Togo, interconnecting through Ghana and the Republic of

Benin from Nigeria; adding that the Republic of Burkina Faso and Niger, among others, were in the works.

Ms Opeke noted that the landing of the submarine cable, which is Africa’s first premier submarine cable system, in July 2010, had so far reduced Internet bandwidth costs and increased accessibility for Nigerians.

The Head of Sales Ms Bolanle Ogundogba disclosed that the company had signed a major agreement with Tata Communications for content delivery network solutions, to deliver live video streaming from across the world to its customers.

The solution, which would be launched next month, Ms Ogundogba said, would enable the company stream the Olympics in real time, offering its over customers a better platform to access information from anywhere.

GOtv to accelerate digital migration

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EWLY-INTRODUCED digital pay television service, GOtv, will play a pivotal role towards accelerating Nigeria’s digital migration process in 2015, its General Manager, Mr Mayo Okunola has said.

Speaking at the launch of the service in Lagos, Okunola said the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) service, with affordable and flexible pricing options, is positioned to enable Nigerians seamlessly migrate from analogue to digital broadcasting for release of spectrum for other services.

Riding on the latest Digital Video Broadcast (DVB-T2) technology, Okunola said GOtv represents one of the most advanced DTT broadcast systems and infrastructure established in Africa and it leapfrogs the outdated T1 system that is being utilised by some pay television operators in the country.

Chairman of Details Nigeria, promoters of the service, Mr

Adewunmi Ogunsanya, said: “GOtv is a testament of our vision to democratise the pay television landscape and make digital television services a must-have for all Nigerians. This launch forms part of our broad-based strategy to contribute to Nigeria’s digital migration through sensible infrastructure investments and competitive service delivery.

Okunola said the company is driven by a sense of patriotism to redefine the pay television landscape and change the consumption of high quality digital television content as well as make it accessible to all Nigerians.

“The GOtv brand was specially created to make available affordable digital television services for all. When people think of digital television they immediately imagine it has to be expensive, this is not the case with GOtv which offers great family entertainment at affordable prices,” he said.

•From left: Ms Joke Coker of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC); Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr John Ugbe and Okunola, at the launch.

He said GOtv is delivered via two bouquets: GOtv Plus, which contains 33 channels and GOtv, which contains 22 channels. GOtv Plus retail promo price is N9,500 for the complete system inclusive of three

months subscription; while the GOtv bouquet is offered at N8,000 inclusive of three months subscription. Some of the available channels include Africa Magic Movies, AfricaMagic World, Africa Magic

Hausa, AfricaMagic Yoruba, Disney Junior, Discovery World, Sound City, NN24, Al Jazeera, One Gospel, Kidsco, Islam Channel, Select Sport, Channel O, CNN, among others.

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NEWS FRSC sacks 100 marshalls for alleged corruption, says Chidoka HE Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Osita Chidoka, yesterday said 100 officials of the commission have been dismissed for alleged corruption.

Chidoka spoke in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, when he addressed officers and men of the commission during his tour of FRSC formations in the Southsouth.

The Corps Marshall, who was represented by Mr Danjuma Garba, the Deputy Corps Marshall in charge of Vehicles Administration, warned that officials of the commission should shun corrupt practices or face sanction.

“Bribe money is blood money,” Chidoka said.

He said the FRSC had zero tolerance for corruption and that the commission is known for its integrity.

Chidoka urged marshalls to live within their income and cautioned them against obtaining loans indiscriminately from banks or individuals.

The Corps Marshall said FRSC officials should rededicate themselves to saving the lives of citizens, adding that the constitutional mandate of the commission is to save lives.

He advised marshalls to rally round the commission’s management to realise the mandate.

Chidoka said the FRSC would intensify road patrol operations across the country, adding: “Response time should not be more than 20 minutes. Go back to our tenet of saving lives; we must deliver in saving lives.”

The Corps Marshall also urged marshalls to take care of and follow up accident victims to obtain information about their families.

He said the country has security challenges, adding that officers should guard their utterances to avoid heating up the polity.

The Corps Marshall said the commission’s workers need to upgrade their education status because learning is never late.

T

US rates Nigeria low in modern-day slavery control T HE United States has said Nigeria’s human trafficking control is unsatisfactory.

The Department of State, in a report by its Secretary, Mrs. Hilary Clinton, downgraded the country from Tier 1 to Tier 2 in the efforts to combat modern-day slavery.

The report praised the National Agency against Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP) but said the Federal Government has not done enough.

A statement yesterday by the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Abuja said: “Countries assessed as fully complying with the ‘minimum standards for the elimination of severe forms of trafficking’ set forth in the TVPA are classified as Tier 1. Countries assessed as not fully complying with the minimum standards, but making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those minimum standards are classified as Tier 2. Countries assessed as neither complying with the minimum standards nor making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance are classified as Tier 3.”

The US urged the Federal

•Says country not complying with global standard

By Olukorede Yishau

Government to finance NAPTIP adequately.

The statement reads: “On June 19, 2012 US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, released the Department of State’s annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report in a public event in Washington, D.C. “In the 2012 TIP Report, Nigeria was downgraded from Tier 1 to Tier 2 status because the (Federal) Government of Nigeria does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. While the National Agency for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is doing well, it cannot be done without increased support and resources from the Nigerian government. The US continues to support the work of NAPTIP and Nigeria’s return

to Tier 1 status through continued collaboration and joint training programmes.

“The Nigerian government has been urged, among other remedial measures, to ensure that the activities of NAPTIP are funded sufficiently, particularly for prosecuting trafficking offenders and providing adequate care for victims; increase investigations and prosecutions of labour trafficking offences, and convictions and punishment of labour trafficking offences; and impose adequate sentences on convicted trafficking offenders, including imprisonment when appropriate.”

The TIP Report, said the statement, is backed by the US Congress through its passage of the 2000 Trafficking Victims Protection Act, as amended (TVPA).

It requires the Secretary of

State to submit an annual report to the Congress.

The goal of the report “is to stimulate action and create partnerships around the world in the fight against modern-day slavery”.

The statement added: “The United States Government’s approach to combating human trafficking follows the TVPA and the standards set forth in the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children, supplementing the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime (commonly known as the ‘Palermo Protocol’).

The TVPA and the Palermo Protocol recognise that the crime of human trafficking encompasses obtaining or maintaining victims’ labour or services (including in the “sex industry”) through force, fraud, or coercion, whether overt or through psychological manipulation.

“Both the TVPA and the Palermo Protocol focus on the exploitation of the victim and do not require that the victim be moved to be considered trafficked,” the report added.

ACN appoints Alasoadura National Director of Organisation and Strategy

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HE National Executive Committee of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has appointed Chief Donald Omotayo Alasoadura as the party’s Director of Organisa-

From Olugbenga Adanikin and Adeola Adeyoye, Abuja

tion and Strategy.

In a statement yesterday by ACN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party

noted that as a founding father of many political parties - past and present - and the Coordinator of the presidential campaign of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, the Ondo State high chief is an experi-

enced politician, organiser and strategist.

The statement listed some of Alasoadura’s accomplishments as a former Commissioner for Finance in Ondo State for six years as

well as the National Chairman of the Commissioners of Finance Forum for five years.

Alasoadura is a chartered account, consultant and composite administrator.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

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SHOWbitzz Indonesian protesters force Lady Gaga to cancel show

BEHIND THE PHRASE Middle for diddle

HUMOUR Chore Swap An efficiency expert concluded his lecture with a note of caution. “Don’t try these techniques at home.”

“Why not?” asked somebody from the audience.

Protests by Islamic conservatives who say that Lady Gaga’s provocative live show will “corrupt young people” got their way, as local and national police denied Gaga’s request for a permit, forcing her to cancel a sold out show in Indonesia.

The show, which was meant to take place on June 3rd, was on track to be the biggest show of the Born This Way Ball tour, selling out every single seat in Jakarta’s 52,000-seat Gelora Bung Karno stadium.

Law-makers, conservative hard-liners, and religious leaders in Indonesia have all spoken out against Lady Gaga’s show, suggesting it “undermines the country’s moral fibre.” Some fringe extremists even threatened to use physical force to prevent Gaga from leaving her plane and entering the Southeast Asian nation safely.

The Born This Way Ball has been no stranger to protests. Demonstrations in South Korea led to the tour opener in Seoul being restricted to audience members 18 and older.

Lady Gaga has yet to comment on the cancellation, but it’s safe to say that Mother Monster and her hoard won’t be too pleased that Indonesian officials gave in to conservative pressures.

Pep Talk

Meaning A rhyme used to decide who starts a darts match.

Origin This strange phrase is part of the jargon of the English pub game of Darts. When a game is instigated someone usually calls ‘Middle for diddle’, meaning ‘whoever throws a single dart nearest the middle of the board (the Bulls-eye) gets to start the game proper. ‘Middle’ is literal but what about ‘diddle’?

The word has several meanings and it would be convenient for our purposes here if one of them meant ‘start’ - regrettably that’s not so. The meanings of ‘diddle’ range from: Cheat or swindle A slang term for gin Fritter one’s time away The sound of a fiddle Walk unsteadily Have sexual intercourse with A day diddled away, and nothing to show for it!

The phrase ‘middle for diddle’ originated in England and almost certainly in a pub. In The Dictionary of Slang, Eric Partridge asserts that it dates from the 1920s, but without offering any evidence for that view. The earliest example that I can find of it in print is in John Moore’s fictional account of life in the English Midlands Brensham Village, 1946: The term has not strayed far from England, although Darts is now played in other countries. In August 1960, the Texas newspaper The Victoria Advocate, took the trouble to print a piece that explained the expression to the American public: it’s just the start of another old fashioned English game of darts.

“Middle for diddle” means aiming, at the bull’s eye in the center of the board to start the game. The man who gets nearest takes first shot.

“I watched my wife’s routine at breakfast for years,” the expert explained. “She made lots of trips between the fridge, stove, table and cabinets, often carrying a single item at a time. One day I told her, “You’re wasting too much time. Why don’t you try carrying several things at once?”

“Did it save time?” the guy in the audience asked.

“Actually, yes,” replied the expert. “It used to take her 20 minutes to make breakfast. Now I do it in ten.”

Executive Folly 20 executives board an airplane and are told that the flight that they are about to take is the first-ever to feature pilot less technology.

It is an un-crewed aircraft. Each one of the CEOs is then told, privately, that their company’s software is running the aircraft’s automatic pilot system. Nineteen of the CEOs promptly leave the aircraft, each offering a different type of excuse.

One CEO alone remains on board the jet, seeming very calm indeed. Asked why he is so confident in this first uncrewed flight, he replies: “If it’s the same software that runs my company’s IT systems, this plane won’t even take off.”

Hospital Bill The Doctor said he would have me on my feet in two weeks.

And did he?

Yes! I had to sell the car to pay the bill

Our ideas like orange plants, spread out in proportion to the size of the box which imprisons the roots.

– Edward Bulwer Lytton

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NEWS

Renaming UNILAG: Why National Assembly should reject proposed amendment Ahead of the debate by the National Assembly on the proposed amendment sent to it by the President on the renaming of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to Moshood Abiola University, eminent lawyer Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) writes on why the lawmakers should reject the proposal.

O

N the 29th of May 2012, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Jonathan announced the decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria to rename the University of Lagos after the acclaimed winner of the June 12 1993 Presidential Election, Bashorun M.K.O Abiola. The University according to the President is now to be known as “Moshood Abiola University, Lagos”.

Public reaction to the announcement No sooner had the address of the President ended than the decision began to attract criticism from within and outside the country. As a former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Lagos, I felt so concerned about the development that I was compelled to issue a Press Statement describing the decision to honour Abiola as noble but the procedure adopted was unconstitutional. My view was hinged on the fact that prior to the announcement by the Federal Government, no attempt was made to amend the University of Lagos Act from which the University derived its name. In addition, the University of Lagos Act does not empower the President as the Visitor to change the statutory name of the University. The action of the President therefore amounted to a usurpation of the powers of the National Assembly which by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 is the only body empowered to pass a law to amend the University of Lagos Act. Government appreciates the unconstitutionality of the decision It does appear that the President has found merit in the argument concerning the unconstitutionality of his action for on the 7th of June 2012 he sent a bill to the National Assembly seeking to amend the University of Lagos Act to reflect the change in the name of the Institution.

In submitting the Bill to the Na-

tional Assembly, the government failed to consider and comply with the requisite legal and other conditions precedent to the submission of a bill to the National Assembly which include the following: •The need to first reverse the decision pronounced on the 29th of May, 2012 renaming University of Lagos after Abiola •The need to consult with the Council of University of Lagos, the Alumni and other Stakeholders •Respect for the court and the need to wait for the outcome of the two suits pending in the Federal High Court, Lagos and •The adequacy suitability or otherwise of naming University of Lagos to honour a national leader of the status of Abiola •Need to reverse the earlier decision Consequent upon the announcement by the President, the National Universities Commission and the Governing Council of the University acted on it and indicated their preparedness to comply with the decision on name change. Students who were not prepared to welcome the decision were sent packing. This is because the decision of the President was not a mere proposal. It was a proclamation of government policy which became effective and operational immediately. What the government should have done was to first rescind the decision announced on the 29th of May, 2012 before preparing any bill. By sending the Bill without first rescinding the decision, the government is asking the National Assembly to rubber stamp and give retrospective approval to an illegal decision.

However it appears that in this part of the world Governmental fallibility is a notion which some in government are not prepared to acknowledge or accept.

•No consulation before the bill was forewarded to the national assembly One major point of disagreement

with the decision by Nigerians was the failure or refusal of Government to consult stakeholders before the decision was taken. In a policy matter like this, it is the duty of the government to consult the Governing Council of University of Lagos and Alumni Association and other stakeholders before the decision was taken. This was also the advice of the former military Head of State, General Dr. Yakubu Gowon. Such consultations would have brought to the knowledge of the President, the argument that the name “University of Lagos” had itself become “a top brand” such that any other name, regardless of whatever strengths or qualities it could claim to possess would neither compensate nor be representative of the concept of qualitative academics with which the University had become associated with, within and outside the country.

•National assembly: duty to respect the court and await outcome of court decision The President sent the Bill to the National Assembly on the 7th of June, 2012. On the 4th of June, the Alumi Association and the Student Union of the University of Lagos filed two separate suits before the Ikeja Division of the Federal High Court. By the said actions which were commenced by means of an Originating Summons, the Attorney General of the Federation is the 4th Respondent in the said suits.

It is a settled principle of law that when a matter or dispute has been submitted to a court of law for adjudication, the parties are not permitted or indeed expected to take any step capable of prejudicing or impairing the fair adjudication or determination of the matter.

The issues raised in the suits transcend the constitutionality of the President announcement to change the names of the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University before an amendment by the National Assembly. Indeed the court is being asked to determine

whether or not the change of name would affect not only the university but also thousands of graduates who currently hold certificates bearing the name of University of Lagos, or whether consultation was made before the decision to change the name of Unilag to Abiola University and whether attaching Abiola’s name to University of Lagos was an adequate, fit and proper honour for a nationalist of Abiola’s stature. These and other issues cannot be addressed by the proposed amendment to the law of the University. Since these issues have been turned over to the Court, the National Assembly cannot in law consider and deliberate on the President’s Bill.

•The significance of june 12: appropriate national honour The decision to rename the University of Lagos, and not any other University outside of the South West after Bashorun Abiola is really an attempt to brand “June 12 1993” and all that it represents as being only of regional significance.

By sending Bills for the renaming of two other Universities at the same time he sent that of the University of Lagos, Mr President has not done anything to allay but on the contrary has heightened the fears of some who argue that he regards June 12 1993 and the contributions and sacrifice of Bashorun Moshood Abiola as being only of regional significance. Thus in debating the Bills, the National Assembly will have before it, the decision of the Federal Government to rename three Universities, one from each of the major regions of the Country after a national hero. What is more, the intended honorees all hail from the region in which the University sought to be named after them are located. Therefore in the real sense, the Federal Government has debased or degraded what should be a national celebration to a regional achievement.

By sending Bills for the renaming of the three Institutions at the same time suggests an attempt to appeal to the “regional” senses or loyalties of the Lawmakers. By ensuring that each region is represented in the proposed name changes by a University and also with a beneficiary in the region, there is a clear intention that each legislator will be swayed to view, debate and ultimately pass the Bills only from the standpoint of regional considera-

•Chief Babalola

tions. Therefore, a lawmaker from a region other than the southwest who otherwise would have questioned the appropriateness of the decision regarding the University of Lagos may decide not to “rock the boat” as a University and personality from his own region of the country is also affected by the proposed amendments.

Rule of law and democracy Democracy is rooted in the belief in rule of law and unqualified obedience to and practice of the principles that make up rule of law. With the cases pending before the court, the non consultation with the council, the alumni and other stakeholders of the university, the failure to rescind the proclamation of 29th of May, 2012 on which the university and NUC have acted and the need to honour Abiola with a befitting national and not regional honour all make it imperative for National Assembly to reject the bill.

I therefore call on all members of the National Assembly to approach the discussions of the Bill for the amendment of the University of Lagos Act devoid of party loyalty or affiliations. They should take into consideration all issues raised by stakeholders with regards to the name change. They must not appear too eager to rubber stamp decisions taken by the Executive arm of Government. They should not repeat the same errors which characterized the decision of the Government in the very first place. It is by adherence to proper procedure that the National Assembly will be seen as makers of law and believers in the rule of law. As I said in my initial Press Release, a befitting national honour is perhaps the greatest honour that could be done to the late Bashorun M.K.O Abiola. These could be the National Stadium, Aso Rock, National Assembly and the likes.

Oyinlola defends N18.38b loan as probe begins

A

LMOST two years after he left office following his removal by the Court of Appeal, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola yesterday justified the N18.38 billion loan he took in the twilight of his administration.

He spoke against the backdrop of a six-member panel of inquiry set up to examine the circumstances surrounding the controversial loan.

According to Oyinlola, the N18,38 billion was the only loan acquired by his administration in seven and half years before it was sacked for electoral fraud.

Oyinlola, who maintained the loan was taken after it was endorsed by lawmakers, also said he never influenced the award of contracts.

He spoke at the Le’Meridien Hotel and Resort Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the end of a three-day retreat for members of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former governor, who is the National Secretary of the PDP, said

From Kazeem Ibarhym, Uyo

the award of contracts was the responsibility of the State Tenders’ Board (STB).

He said nothing incriminating would be found against him at the end of the inquiry.

Oyinlola said: “The newly constituted probe panel is a fruitless exercise because Oyinlola didnot know any contractor before the award of contracts. If I do know any contractor, he must have done an exceptional job or a very bad job.

“Even before the advent of the due process, the tenders’ board was in charge of award of contracts. I never looked into it. I thank God for what he has done in my life.

For the first four years I was governor, I didn’t receive a penny as salary.

“I thank God I documented all my accomplishments in the seven and half years in Osun.”

Governor Rauf Aregbesola said the panel was necessary to promote probity, transparency and accountability in governance.

•From left: Oyo State High Court Judge, Justice Akintunde Boade; Chief Judge, Justice Badejoko Adeniji; Justice Muktar Abimbola and Justice Eni Esan also of the High Court at a Special Court session in honour of the late Omotola Adegunwa and the late Alhaji Niyi Badmus in Ibadan...yesterday

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 20-6-12

UACN pays N2.4b dividend

U

AC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc has projected continued growths in its sales and profitability as the conglomerate distributed N2.4 billion to shareholders as cash dividends for the 2011 business year.

Addressing shareholders at the annual general meeting in Lagos yesterday, chairman, UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc, Senator Udoma Udoma, said the conglomerate has a positive view of future growth of the Nigerian economy and would tap into this growth potential to deliver better returns to shareholders.

He said the company’s strategy is to target top-line growth that significantly exceeds Nigeria’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate as the conglomerate builds on its existing businesses and make related acquisitions to deliver growth.

Udoma said that UAC Foods Limited, the conglomerate’s strategic partnership with Tiger Brands Limited of South Africa, would soon complete the various operational reviews launched in 2011 and is poised to expand its mar-

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

ket and refresh product offerings.

“Grand Cereals will grow capacity in the livestock feeds category. We have restructured our restaurant business to a full-franchise model and are developing new competencies required to effectively manage the model. Although the model will result in reduced turnover from the business unit in the next few years, as we will only receive franchise royalty as our revenue, we expect improved operational returns,” Udoma said.

He added that the conglomerate has started restructuring the MDS business to ensure that it achieves a sharper focus and attracts the appropriate strategic partner to harness the tremendous logistic opportunities in Nigeria. He noted that UACN has been working with its partners, General Motors of USA, to review the operations of GM Nigeria Limited in the context of General Motors’ plan for West Africa.

Audited report and accounts of UACN for the year ended December 31, 2011 showed that the conglomerate pooled a profit before taxation including extra-ordinary items of

N12.98 billion in 2011 as against N7.1 billion in 2010 while profit after taxation stood at N10.2 billion. Turnover grew by 21.6 per cent from N52.3billion in 2010 to N63.6 billion in 2011.

Udoma pointed out that due to rising raw material and other operational costs and the inability to recover such costs through price increases, the business had challenges in margins.

He however, noted that it undertook operational reviews in the food businesses to improve efficiencies, thus operational profit grew by 22 per cent to N8.6 billion in 2011.

The chairman said the dividend of N2.4 billion, representing N1.50 per share, reflected the financial performance recorded in 2011 and was in line with the company’s dividend policy of giving good returns to shareholders.’

Udoma called for continued infrastructural upgrade in Nigeria noting that infrastructure shortfall relative to the need of the economy remains a major impediment to business growth.

“Government needs to move quickly to implement its reform agenda in this area.

With the implementation of the new minimum wage in the public sector, the partial withdrawal of subsidy on petrol, and rising interest rates, it is expected that inflationary pressures will impact on operational costs,’’ Udoma said.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 20-6-12

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

‘Why CBN should be autonomous’

T

HE independence of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to formulate and implement monetary policy decisions is sacrosanct.

The apex bank said such roles are imperative because they are delicate and require people with technical know-how to handle.

Speaking at the a conference on CBN autonomy held in Lagos, its former Director of Research and Statistics, Dr. Joseph Nnanna, said entrusting these critical roles into the hands of politicians or people not experienced in maintaining and sustaining price stability will constitute a setback for the economy.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Imperative of Central Bank Independence,’ he explained that maintaining autonomy of the CBN is necessary in determining and influencing the exchange rate policy of the country.

Stories by Collins Nweze

He said that the monetary policy is a serious business, and it is dangerous to have a Central Bank that does not have instrument of autonomy to conduct monetary policy. “When you subject the conduct of monetary policy to political influence, you are not going to have a strong economy,” he said.

Nnanna explained that credibility and trust is needed to safeguard the banking system and ensure financial sector stability of the economy. ‘’Operational independence implies that the Board of the CBN should be responsible for the formulation and approval of its annual budgets. While instrument independence implies that the bank should have the discretion to choose the best instruments to achieve its goals,’’ he said.

sis in Nigeria in which the CBN promptly intervened iand brought stability to the banking sector.

“It is clear to everyone that if the CBN had waited for legislators for approval before injecting money into the distressed banks, there would have certainly been a run on the system even before parliament would finish debate, he said.

Even the banks that were not in grave condition would have been affected. Depositors would lose their money on a scale that has never been. Also, usually, if bankers know in advance that insolvent banks will be closed— and that lobbying to keep them

The CBN, he added, was established to ensure monetary and price stability; issue legal tender currency; maintain external reserves to safeguard the international value of the legal tender currency; promote a sound financial system and act as banker as well as provide economic and financial advice to the federal government.

The former director said implications of amending the CBN Act 2007, will be quite negative as a lot foreign management partners will lose confidence in the management of the economy.

He explained that reducing the power and independence of the CBN will be a setback at a time that all the central banks in the world are moving towards greater autonomy to enable them handle intricate financial crises.

Nnanna explained that the need for autonomy is best illustrated by the recent banking cri-

T

stilling the culture of excellence in the management of consumer complaints. Such it said, will assist in restoring banking public confidence as well as forestalling preventable risks and losses.

The statement said a team of highly experienced professionals were selected to address key strategic issues such as Consumer Complaints Management in the Nigerian Banking Industry, Framework for Complaints Management in Nigerian Banks, professionalism, among others.

Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Umaru Ibrahim; Director, Con-

S

KYE Bank of Nigeria has assisted awardees of the Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria (YouWin) scheme by organising a customer engagement and enlightenment forum for them.

A statement from the bank said the exercise will help develop the entrepreneurial and managerial skills of the beneficiaries.

The YouWin scheme is an entrepreneurial programme set up by the Federal Government young entrepreneurs with excellent business plans and ideas as part of the government’s effort to create wealth and reduce unemployment.

Speaking yesterday at an engagement forum held in Lagos, Skye Bank Plc’s Executive Director, South South/Retail Banking, Mrs Ibiye Ekong, said the forum was put in place to help the young entrepreneurs grapple with the chal-

sumer and Financial Protection Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Umar Faruk Shehu; Director General, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mrs. Ifeyinwa Umenyi among others will be addressing participants.

The participants are expected to gain understanding of the concept, principles and the need for consumer complaints management; identify the sources of customer complaints; handle complaints of customers to their satisfaction; understand the role of ethics, professionalism and corporate Governance in handling customer complaints.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 150m 150m 138m 138m 113m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 20-6-12 SYMBOL

CUTIX FORTISMFB PRESCO CCNN PAINTCOM ZENITHBANK ETERNA GTASSURE RTBRISCOE AIRSERVICE

O/PRICE

1.20 5.00 14.26 5.67 1.45 13.29 2.75 1.28 1.51 1.52

C/PRICE

1.26 5.25 14.97 5.95 1.52 13.93 2.88 1.34 1.58 1.59

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

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

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

C/PRICE 0.57 5.32 3.26 1.77 0.59 0.59 3.17 1.23 1.69 1.50

CHANGE 0.03 0.28 0.17 0.09 0.03 0.03 0.16 0.06 0.08 0.07

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date 29-2-12 27-2-12 22-2-12

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 20-6-12

SYMBOL O/PRICE GOLDINSURE 0.60 JOHNHOLT 5.60 AVONCROWN 3.43 JOSBREW 1.86 DNMEYER 0.62 JAPAULOIL 0.62 PHARMDEKO 3.33 TRANSCORP 1.29 MAYBAKER 1.77 CUSTODYINS 1.57

Exchange Rate (N) 155.8 155.8 155.7

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

CHANGE

0.06 0.25 0.71 0.28 0.07 0.64 0.13 0.06 0.07 0.07

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

lenges of starting new businesses.

Ekong promised the awardees that the bank would lend a helping hand to them at all times and advised them to embrace financial discipline in order to succeed in their businesses.

She also warned them against diverting funds into unproductive ventures, which may lead to erosion of their capital but to use the grants from the government for the purpose intended.

Also speaking, the bank’s General Manager, Retail Banking, Mrs. Arinola Kola-Daisi, advised the awardees against taking more loans than they would need, stressing that doing so would lead to waste and extravagance.

She expressed the bank’s readiness to offer financial and advisory services to the entrepreneurs in order to help them grow their businesses.

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

open will fail, they will behave more prudently, thereby reducing the likelihood of a banking crisis.

Skye Bank empowers entrepreneurs

CIBN moves to address banks’ customer complaints HE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) is addressing various issues which pitch banks against their customers.

The institute said in a statement that it is organising workshops on Complaints Management in three major cities of the country. The programme tagged “Complaints Management in the Nigerian Banking Industry” has been organised in Ibadan and Owerri. It is also scheduled for Abuja.

The programme, which is at the instance of the Sub-Committee on Ethics and Professionalism of the Bankers’ Committee, is aimed at in-

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 124.28 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 105.00 THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.75 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.08 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.95 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,710.94 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 8.95 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,446.88 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 124.16 104.34 0.73 1.08 0.93 1,703.76 8.51 1.33 1.80 7,250.53 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

56

NEWS Anambra screens nominees From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

THE Anambra State House of Assembly yesterday began the screening of the 12 commissioner-nominees, whose names were submitted by Governor Peter Obi on Tuesday.

The eight-member screening committee is headed by Deputy Speaker Chukwudi Orizu (Nnewi North).

About two weeks ago, Obi dissolved his executive council of six years and retained only five commissioners.

Those relieved of their duties were paid severance allowances, ranging between four to six million naira each.

The nominees include former commissioners Chinyere Okunna (Economic Planning and Budget), Emeka Nwankwu (Public Utilities), Callistus Ilozumba (Works), Peter Afuba (Lands and Urban Planning) and Robert Okonkwo (Special Duties).

Others are Vincent Ezenwajiaku, Joe Uzodike, Lady Henrietta Agbata, Patrick Obi, Collins Ohamobi, Mrs. Azuka Enemuo and Edozie Aroh.

Abia gets road repair panel From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

ABIA State Governor Theodore Orji has inaugurated a seven-man Committee on Road Maintenance.

At the ceremony in Umuahia, the state capital, Orji said his administration is determined to keep all roads in good condition at all times and urged the committee to be proactive.

He said: “All the roads we have laboured to build and other infrastructure would come to nothing if they are not maintained.”

The committee’s Chairman, Mr. Joe Ikechukwu Emesobu, said they would not let the people down.

Boko Haram: Uwazuruike urges Igbo to return home M

OVEMENT for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) leader Chief Ralph Uwazuruike yesterday reiterated the call for Igbo living in the North to return home.

He said Igbos do not want to lose more of their kinsmen to the killings by Boko Haram.

During a telephone chat with The Nation, Uwazuruike said the incessant bombing of churches showed that security agencies cannot guarantee the safety of Nigerians living in the North.

The Ezeigbo chided the Joint Task Force for not tightening security around churches in Kaduna when it got intelligence reports about an imminent attack.

Urging Igbo to leave their businesses and come back home until the situation normalises, he said: “Dead persons are not conscious of their investments. It is only the living that can make money.

“Igbo in the North should move their investments back to the East where they can enjoy relative peace without living in fear and anxiety.”

Debunking rumours of reprisal plans in the Southeast, Uwazuruike said MASSOB is a non-violent organisation, which upholds the sanctity of life, and would never engage in the senseless killings and destruction that have become the hallmark of the Boko Haram sect.

His second-in-command, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, said the crisis in the North is fast degenerating into a religious war and security operatives can no longer guarantee the safety of Igbo in the North.

•MAN says violence is crippling businesses From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha and Chris Oji, Enugu

Ezeonwuka described the suicide bombers as religious fanatics, who had been hypnotised by the teachings of mischievous religious teachers.

The Ogirishi Igbo said: “It is obvious that the targets of the bombing are churches and Christian dominated parts of the North, so it is foolhardy for Igbo to remain there and be slaughtered like fowls on a daily basis. The wise thing to do in the face

of the security situation is to leave the North.”

Ndigbo living in Kano have expressed their readiness to return home.

They said they have been living in fear since the Boko Haram insurgency began.

The President-General of Ndigbo in Kano, Chief Leonard Nwosu, said Igbo have become the major target of Boko Haram attacks in northern states.

He said: “The call for the evacuation of Igbo is sincere and precautionary, and we will abide by it. We stayed back in Kano be-

cause we thought the situation would improve, but it is getting worse by the day.”

Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in the Southeast Dr. Chike Obidigbo said the Boko Haram insurgency is not only claiming the lives of Igbo, but their businesses as well.

Decrying the inability of the Federal Government to tackle the crisis, Obidigbo said it is worrisome that a “bunch of felons” are holding the nation to ransom.

He said: “While it is common to see nationals from Niger, Mali, Cameroun and other countries set up flourishing businesses in the North, it is unfortunate that Igbo are haunted after they have helped to develop economic and social activities there.

“To worsen matters, nobody is speaking for Ndigbo. Some of our governors have been weakened by their political ambitions and others owe allegiance to interests outside the Igbo nation.

“This is the right time for Igbos to build a synergy with the Yoruba. The North has become too harsh for Igbo and their businesses. We need a rethink of this Nigeria project.”

A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi yesterday inaugurated equipment and facilities worth N1.5 billion in Omassi.

They include a borehole, 46 motorcycles, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre, five tractors, a fish pond and medical equipment.

Minister of Agriculture Akinwunmi Adesina flagged off the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) programme of the Federal Government at the event.

Adesina, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, said the programme is aimed at developing the agricultural sector.

He said the programme would facilitate timely and easy access to seeds and fertilisers at affordable prices.

Adesina thanked Obi for

•Obi at a meeting with officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in his office...yesterday

Obi inaugurates N1.5b equipment •Fed Govt flags off agric initiative From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

supporting agricultural initiatives.

Obi urged the people to take agriculture seriously, adding that it is the key to

the country’s development.

Obi said his administration has built over 60 per cent of rural roads to ensure easy movement of farm produce.

He said the state would continue to pay its counterpart funds for all partnership programmes.

The Permanent Secretary of Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Andy Umeobi, said GES would boost productivity in the sector.

Anambra contractors: our projects are standard

C

ONTRACTORS working on projects in Anambra State yesterday said they were working according to specification.

They condemned comments by some people that projects of the state government were substandard.

The contractors were reacting to Mr. Chudi Offodile’s publication in a national newspaper.

They told reporters that such comments were made by persons, who know nothing about construction and urged the public to ignore them.

The contractors advised the opposition to engage in constructive criticism, instead of condemning everything the government does.

Mr. Chadmi Ali, who represented Nigercat, said they charge N3,000 per sq metre for roads, which he said was comparatively low.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

A consultant, Mr. J.C. Ezeilo, said variation might occur due to differences in terrain.

Former Commissioner for Works Calistus Ilozumba said the Obi administration has completed over 600km of asphalted roads across the state.

Ilozumba said the roads were built according to specifications and approved standards.

He said all the roads have drains and the projects were handled by construction giants, such as RCC, CCC, Nigercat and ID, as well as local construction companies, such as Master Holdings and Benejaf.

Ilozumba urged the people to ignore failed politicians, “who are peddling falsehood because they failed to get one thing or the other from the government”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

57

NEWS Osun pupils to wear same uniform soon From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

PUPILS in public schools in Osun State will soon start wearing the same uniform.

The Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Mr Bashiru Ajibola, broke the news when he delivered a lecture on the Six-Point Integral Action Plan of the Rauf Aregbesola administration at Iloko-Ijesha, Osun State.

He said the uniform would be made of local batik.

The commissioner said the essence of the uniform is for identification.

He noted that since the state government funds public schools, it has the right to choose the uniform the pupils could wear.

According to him, the pupils in the same uniform would be differentiated by a unique badge for each school.

Ajibola noted that with the arrangement the government has made, tailors in and producers of locally made adire (tie and dye) materials would economically have a new lease of life.

The commissioner said the era of pupils wearing torn uniform to school is over, adding that the pupils would now appear in uniforms they would be proud of.

He said the Six-Point Integral Action Plans of the Aregbesola administration would lead to the transformation of the state from a rural to a civil service economy.

The commissioner added that it would also aid the development of the state’s economy.

Ajibola urged the residents to support the present administration in its resolve to fast-track the development of the state.

Aregbesola to governors: don’t use allocation to pay salaries, others O SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged his fellow governors to stop using the funds from the Federation Account to pay salaries and overhead cost in running their governments.

Rather, he cautioned, they should set the fund aside for special development projects.

The governor gave an analogy that nobody gets an inheritance from his late father’s estate and uses the proceeds to pay the salaries of workers in his company.

Aregbesola spoke at a lecture entitled: Regional Economic Integration and Nigeria’s Development Prospects, during the Sustainable Development Discourse organised by the Centre for Sustainable Development (CESDEV) of the Trenchard Hall at University of Ibadan (UI).

He said: “As things stand today, only a handful of states can survive outside of the monthly federal allocation.

There is a fundamental anomaly in this. The allocation from the Federation Ac-

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

count is not meant for paying salaries and other overhead cost. It should be set aside for special development projects while salaries should be paid from internally generated revenue.

“In practical terms, nobody gets an inheritance from his late father’s estate and uses the proceeds to pay salaries of the staff in his company. But that is what we do with allocation from the Federation Account.”

The governor noted that the logic of regional integration rests on the same sound principle that makes federalism desirable, adding that regional integration is not merely another fad but a well-thought out developmental idea which the federal principle, upon which it is based, is a sensible and widely successful arrangement.

Aregbesola said: “The trav-

esty of federalism in our country is a major bane of our development effort. Our own history as a country vindicates this assertion. At Independence, our federalism was anchored on a tripartite regional structure – the Northern, Eastern and Western regions.

“We have since been unable to reproduce the economic successes recorded under this arrangement. Yet, we can, if we really want to. It is not just the case that we can replicate that phenomenal economic success, we can surpass it.”

According to him, the conversion of the previous three regions into 36 states has not translated to national development.

He noted that the more states the country has, the more it wastes scarce resources on overhead and administration.

Aregbesola said: “Managing the structure or the architecture of governance is sim-

ply unsustainable. We have 36 states, with 36 legislatures, 36 judiciaries, 36 governors.

On what? That is the basis of the crises we have manifesting in several ways in the insecurity and insurgency in the North and the joblessness that we have here.”

On education, the governor said a review of university ownership must be done.

According to him, the present arrangement in which each state has its own university is not healthy.

He said: “It is my desire that a review of the structure of university ownership be carried out. The existing structure where each state has its own university and some even have two is insupportable. It would have been cost effective if the entire Southwest has one Great Western University operating a collegiate system, with each state having a college and each college graduating at least 4,000 students every year.

“These colleges should be

Rep decries dilapidated health institutions

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

T

Akala’s, others’ trial stalled From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

A VALEDICTORY court session held in honour of two lawyers who died in Oyo State yesterday stalled the trial of former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.

The former governor is facing corruption charges with two of his aides, a senator, Mr. Hosea Agboola, who was the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and an Ibadan-based businessman, Mr. Femi Babalola.

The trio are facing charges of allegedly misappropriating N25billion under the Alao-Akala administration.

One of the counsel to the accused, Mr. Mamman Usman (SAN), who addressed reporters after the aborted court sitting, said the special court session was held as an honour for the late lawyers.

He said: “Traditionally, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in conjunction with the Judiciary, holds valedictory session to demonstrate respect for them and to share in the agony and sadness of their loss. All judges and lawyers would be fully robed and, sometimes, a coffin would be placed in the middle of the court.”

specialised colleges; that is, the college in one state could specialise in Agriculture while the college in another could have its forte in Medicine. Another state would have Humanities or Social Sciences, Science, Information Technology, and so on, as its specialty. The idea of state universities competing with federal universities as generalists offering every course under the sun is absurd and unproductive. We must put an end to this.”

The governor said tourism is another area of business that the region could jointly explore.

According to him, there are many exotic places in the Southwest that are potential money spinners, if well marketed.

Aregbesola added that a very strategic component of tourism is the Yoruba Diaspora in South America, North America, Cuba and the Caribbean, estimated to be 15 million people.

He said the idea could be marketed to them to enable them visit their ancestral homes as they are taken round the region.

•Ajimobi (middle) unveiling the plaque at Isale Taba/Oke Dio road in Saki...yesterday. With him is Commissioner for Works PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI and Transport, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde.

‘Proposed Oyo Varsity to have many campuses’

O

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said the proposed state university would have campuses spread across the state.

The governor spoke at a Town Hall meeting in Saki where he addressed people from Saki West, Saki East and Atisbo local government areas.

He was reacting to requests by people of the area for a higher institution.

Ajimobi noted that establishing a tertiary institution is capital intensive, adding that the state would spend at least N5 billion to build a modern university.

He said: “It’s because we cannot afford to put down such a huge sum of money that we have decided to convert The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to a university, using the existing structure so that we can save some money.”

Though the governor said the headquarters of the university would be in Ibadan, the state capital, he added that the institution would have campuses in each of the geo-political zones of Oyo, Ogbomoso,

Governor inaugurates roads From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday inaugurated some roads in the three local governments in Oke-Ogun area of the state.

They include: Apinnite/Otun/Adabo market road; Town Hall/IsaleTaba/Oke-Dio junction and Saki/Ogbooro road, in Saki West, Saki East and Atisbo local government areas.

The governor also inaugurated the Isale-Ibata Bridge, which was first constructed in the 1950s by the Chief Obafemi Awolowo administration in the old Western Region. The road has been a death trap for some time.

Ajimobi said his administration would always ensure quality execution of projects, adding that he would not tolerate wasteful and abandoned projects during his tenure.

At a town hall meeting in Saki, the governor urged the residents to ensure prompt payment of their tax, if they want the state to be transformed.

He said: “We were elected to serve you. I want to assure the people of Oyo State that we will use our tenure to better the lives of the people and turn things around in the state.”

Ajimobi said his administration would establish a state university which would have a campus in Oke-Ogun.

The governor promised to end to acute shortage of potable water in the area, saying his administration would construct a new dam before his tenure expires.

O

Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun.

Ajimobi said each of the zones would have a campus based on its areas of comparative advantage.

He said: “The in-thing now

is for a university to have a base somewhere and have campuses spread across other areas, with the institution’s colleges located in areas where they have comparative

advantage. This is what we plan to do concerning the state technical university we are proposing to establish.”

The governor, however, turned down the request for a full-fledged polytechnic in the area.

He noted that polytechnic education is no longer fashionable because employers of labour treat their graduates with disdain. Ajimobi said his administration has begun to resuscitate the moribund Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADEP) with headquarters in Saki.

The governor added that discussions have reached advanced stage with the Federal Government on how to make the Ikere George Dam functional so that it could provide water for drinking, electricity and irrigation.

According to him, before the end of his tenure, the Okerete Trans-Border Market would be inaugurated and improve the business strength of Oke-Ogun.

He said the market would be the largest in West Africa because it would provide thousands of jobs.

HE Vice Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Millennium Development Goals(MDGs), Bimbo Daramola., has called for an overhaul of the health sector in the country to provide adequate health-care for the citizens.

The lawmaker, who is representing Oye/Ikole Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, described as frightening and lamentable, countless Nigerians losing their lives daily as a result of affliction from curable diseases.

Daramola, a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) caucus, also said the rich should not be blamed for frequent overseas trips to seek medical care, adding that the reverse could have been the case if government at all levels were alive to their responsibilities.

The lawmaker spoke at OyeEkiti during the flag-off ceremony of N10 million worth free medical intervention scheme for the people of his constituency.

The bi-monthly programme, which he said will benefit all the constituents regardless of party affiliations, is billed to take place in four strategic towns - Ilupeju, Oye, Ikole and Oke Ayedun-Ekiti.

The House of Representatives member hinted that he hired the services of six doctors, being headed by Dr Yomi Osatimi, and five nurses, to prosecute the scheme in the four outposts within the constituency.

Daramola promised to support with financial benefits those that are referred to any tertiary health institutions for further medics during the programme.

“The rich, who can afford to attend to their health need outside the Country should not be deprived of the opportunity. It is criminal to deprive them of the opportunity.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

58

FOREIGN

NEWS

‘Mubarak on life support‘ •Election results delayed

F

•Retired civil servants in Rivers State protesting the non-payment of benefits and pension in Port Harcourt..yesterday. See story on Page 15 PHOTO:NAN

Akingbola‘s transactions are regular, says witness F ORMER Group Head of International Operations of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc(now Access Bank), Mrs Ayoola Akande, yesterday defended some of the transactions carried out by the bank’s former Managing Director, Dr. Erastus Akingbola.

Mrs. Akande told the court, presided over by Justice Habeeb Abiru, that some of Akingbola’s transactions when he was the bank’s managing director, including the transfer of £8.5 million from the bank’s Nostro Account, were regular.

Led in evidence by Akingbola’s counsel, Deji Sasegbon (SAN), the witness criticised the prosecution’s claim that the former bank chief engaged in irregular transactions.

She explained that the £8.5 million deal was financed

by Regal Investment Company Limited, which had an

By Adebisi Onanuga

account with Intercontinental Capital Markets Limited (ICML), a subsidiary of the bank.

Akingbola is standing trial with an associate, Bayo Dada, for alleged N47.1 billion theft in a suit brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“The funds (N2.1 billion) were from Regal Investment and providedthrough ICML. “We got instruction from Regal Investment, which is owned by Dr. Raymond Obieri, who was also the Chairman of Intercontinental Bank, to transfer the money.

“For the transfer, the Nostro Account of the bank was credited and a deduction was made by us from the bank’s Nostro Account,”

‘It was a normal banking transaction because we waited for the naira value to be available before we transferred the money’ Mrs. Akande said.

The witness claimed that they would not have transferred the £8.5 million, if the naira equivalent was not in place.

“It was a normal banking transaction because we waited for the naira value to be available before we transferred the money,”she

added.

The witness also debunked the claim by EFCC that Regal Investment had no sufficient funds in its current account with the bank to warrant the transaction.

According to her, the company had over N4 billion in various accounts with the bank at the time the transaction was made.

She claimed that the transfer of $1.3 million, which was made on July 13, 2009, was financed by Tropics Finance Limited, which was being managed by Dada.

The witness said the naira equivalent was provided by the company and it was used for the purchase of dollars from Rockson Engineering Limited.

“The transaction was approved by the bank and both the bank and Tropics made profit from it,”Mrs. Akande said.

Hearing continues today.

Tambuwal advocates age limit for OUSE of Representatheir recognition nationally tives Speaker Aminu politicians and internally,” he said.

Tambuwal is protestTambuwal assured on the

H

ing the limitless age consideration for political office seekers.

According to him, pegging the age for politicians seeking elective offices must be given a thought as the legislature is the only arm of government where age limit does not operate.

Tambuwal spoke when a delegation of the International Republic Institute (IRI), led by the Resident Country Director, Rosina Namusisi, visited him.

From Dele Anofi, Abuaja

“It is only in the legislature that there is no age limit but I think there should be because age of productivity must be of importance here,” he said.

The Speaker also advocated increased participation of women in politics.

He urged the IRI to assist with advocacy, even as he noted that female politicians in government have been doing well.

“This has contributed to

preparedness of the House to partner IRI towards strengthening democracy.

He advised the organisation to intensify its advocacy efforts on the need for parties to imbibe internal democracy, IRI Consultant Charles Lusham hailed the efforts being made by the lower chamber to improve the lives of physically-challenged persons.

He also sought equal opportunities for persons with

•Tambuwal

disabilities in terms of employment.

Fake SSS official arrested in Bayelsa

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HE State Security Service (SSS) in Bayelsa State has arrested a 32-year-old bricklayer, Ebipare Pazi, for posing as its official.

Pazi allegedly charged his victims N150, 000 to assist them into the SSS. Parading the suspect in Yenagoa yesterday , SSS

From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

State Director Andrew Iorkyar, said Pazi had allegedly duped many people, promising them employment.

Iorkyar said: “The suspect made his dubious activities easy by convincing his victims that President

Goodluck Jonathan appointed him to employ indigenes of the Niger Delta.

“He said he started his fake business in 2004. He charged his victims N150, 000 to enlist them and an additional N350, 000 for further training into the elitist cadre of the SSS. “Several fake recruitment

forms were recovered from his house.”

He warned the public to be mindful of tricksters who are out to swindle, stressing that the recruitment policy of the SSS is for all Nigerians and it is free.

Pazi, however, pleaded “for forgiveness”.

ORMER President Hosni Mubarak, who ruled Egypt for three decades until he was overthrown last year, “is on life support” in military hospital, an officials said.

The unnamed official, also denied a report he was clinically dead.

Earlier the state news agency, amid high tension over the election of a new president, quoted medical sources as saying the former president, aged 84, was “clinically dead’’.

But three sources in the military and security services, which retain control following the revolt, said Mubarak was being kept alive and said they would not use the expression “clinically dead’’ to describe his condition.

Gen. Said Abbas, a member of the ruling military council, said Mubarak had suffered a stroke but added: “Any talk of him being clinically dead is non-sense.’’

Another military source said: “He is completely unconscious.

He is using artificial respiration.’’

A security source also gave the same account and said “‘It is still early to say that he is clinically dead”.

The confusion over the state of health of the former leader came as his long-time opponents in the Muslim Brotherhood claimed victory over a candidate drawn from military elite in a presidential election held at the weekend.

Results have not been published, and supporters of Ahmed Shafik, Mubarak’s former prime minister who was running against the Islamist Mohamed Morsy, said he had won the election.

The state news agency MENA citing medical sources, said a medical team was still trying treat a blood clot in the former president’s brain.

The agency added that Mubarak was still at the intensive care unit at Tora prison, where he had been held since being sentenced to life imprisonment on June 2 for his role in the death of protesters.

The result of the presidential election has been delayed, state television has said.

It had been scheduled to be announced today, but the Supreme Elections Commission (SPEC) says it needs more time to look into complaints presented by the candidates.

The two candidates, Mohammed Mursi and Ahmed Shafiq, both say they won.

There have been some 400 election complaints and no new date has been set for the announcement of the result.

Contempt charge for US Attorney-General

A

COMMITTEE in the US House of Representatives has voted along party lines to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress.

Holder refused to hand over papers relating to a botched sting operation.

The move comes after President Barack Obama used his executive privilege to withhold documents sought by the House Oversight Committee’s review.

Operation Fast and Furious saw US agents lose hundreds of illegal guns let into Mexico to trace arms dealers.

A US border agent was killed with a weapon linked to the operation in December 2010.

The Department of Justice says it has denied access to the files because they contain information that could affect ongoing criminal investigations.

New Prime Minister for Greece

A

NTONIS Samaras has vowed to “give hope” to the Greek people, moments after being sworn in as prime minister.

His party, New Democracy, has forged a coalition with the Socialists (Pasok) and the smaller Democratic Left.

The deal ends weeks of uncertainty in Greece. An inconclusive election on 6 May raised fears Greece could leave the eurozone and trigger a wider crisis.

But the new coalition is expected to face immediate pressure from an austerity-weary Greek public.

They have endured five years of recession and are increasingly resistant to the tough terms of Greece’s huge bailout from the EU and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Syriza - the leftist party that came second in Sunday’s poll and strongly opposes the austerity measures - will be a defiant voice of opposition, correspondents say.

Greek stocks rose moderately in response to the news that a coalition had been formed, with Athens shares closing up 0.5%.

Samaras became Greece’s fourth prime minister in eight months at a brief ceremony at the presidential palace in Athens, presided over by the archbishop of Greece and chanting Orthodox Greek clergy.

In his first public words following his swearing in, he asked the Greek people for “patriotism and strong national unity and trust, [so] that with the help of God, we’ll do whatever we can for the people to come out of this crisis”.

First test tube baby mum dies

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HE woman who gave birth to the world’s first test tube baby has died.

Lesley Brown, 64, who lived in Whitchurch, Bristol, made history in July 1978 when her daughter Louise was born at Oldham General Hospital.

Mrs Brown had been trying for a baby with her husband John for nine years before she became the first woman to give birth, following IVF treatment.

She died at the Bristol Royal Infirmary on 6 June with her family by her side, it has been announced.

She successfully conceived following pioneering treatment by Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards.

She leaves behind daughters Louise and Natalie, who were both born following IVF treatment, her stepdaughter Sharon and five grandchildren.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

59

NEWS

Bombings: PENGASSAN threatens to go on strike T HE Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) yesterday said it may call out its members for a strike if innocent Nigerians continued to die in the bombings in the North.

The association urged Nigerians to exercise restraint over the constant provocation by suspected members

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

of the Boko Haram sect.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Deji Kolawole, in Lagos, PENGASSAN decried the Sunday bombings of churches in Kaduna State and the repris-

als.

It also condemned the bombings in Yobe State and urged Nigerians to resist the urge to retaliate.

“Nigeria cannot afford to take this road to self-destruction because when the rich make war, it is the poor who suffer,” PENGASSAN said.

The association said the aim of those behind the violence was to precipitate an ethnic or religious war in Nigeria.

“We must be aware that an eye for an eye will only make us blind,” it added.

PENGASSAN urged the Federal Government not to see the bombings as a regional problem but a national one that required urgent solution.

Stop killing Christians, ex-militants warn Boko Haram

E

X-MILITANTS in the Niger Delta region have warned members of the Boko Haram sect to stop killing Christians.

The former militants under the aegis of a group, the “Management of the Third Phase Federal Amnesty in Niger Delta”, in a statement by their leader, Mr. Kaithy Sese, (aka ex-General Nomukeme), warned the sect not to launch attacks on innocent citizens.

The group urged the Federal Government to live up to the expectation of Nigerians on security.

“The Federal Government knows what the Boko Haram members are demanding. Government should give them what they want. There is no problem without solution,” the spokesman for the group said.

He used the opportunity to integrate members into the ongoing amnesty programme of the Federal Government and urged aggrieved members to restrain from being provoked.

“We should ensure peace and unity among ourselves,” the ex-militant leader added. According to him, members of his group surrendered their arms since November 30, 2010 to embrace the amnesty programme, but regretted that till now they have not benefited from the programme.

“There is oil in our communities in the Niger Delta, but there is no development in the region. There is no road, no electricity, no toilet and no potable water in our communities. We are suffering. There has been no compensation for our struggle in the region”, the former militant leader said.

Cleric remanded for ‘defiling’ banker

A •FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed (middle), cutting the tape to inaugurate the Amal Pepple Housing Estate at Lugbe Extension Layout, Airport Road, Abuja. With him are Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali (left) and Ms Amal Pepple, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, in Abuja... yesterday.

Suspected suicide bomber blown up in Bauchi

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HE police in Bauchi yesterday said a suspected suicide bomber was blown up on Gombe Road, opposite the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) secretariat in the Bauchi metropolis when the bomb he was carrying exploded. He died in hospital while receiving treatment.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bauchi State Command, Idris

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

Abdulahi Abubakar, said the suicide bomber died at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi (ATBUTH) where he was receiving treatment.

According to the statement, “on June 19, about 5.05pm, one anonymous caller informed the Divisional Police Officer, Township Bauchi

Command that there was an explosion opposite the ANPP secretariat on Gombe Road, Bauchi. The police went to the scene and on getting there, a young man was found, seriously injured.

“Upon a search by the police bomb experts, it was discovered that the unidentified man was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which he was carrying and

we recovered one revolver (pistol) and five rounds of live ammunition from him.

“The bomber was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, but he died in the course of treatment. Before his death, he confirmed to be a member of the Boko Haram sect.”

The statement did not give the name of the suspected bomber and other details.

Civil servants protest non-payment of hotel allowance

T

HE Office of the Auditor- General of the Federal (AuGF) has been accused of allegedly refusing to pay the 28-day hotel accommodation allowance of over 300 new senior civil servants, it was learnt yesterday.

The new workers, who were employed last December, had their induction in February.

The fund has already been included in the budget of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, but nobody has explained the delay in payment to the beneficiaries.

The Federal Civil Service Commission engaged the workers on Salary Grade Level 07 to 14 last December and posted them to the AuGF, which it was learnt, would have paid the allowance.

Besides, The Nation gathered that the workers are yet to be paid their salaries.

A source, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “After our induction in February, we were posted to the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The most painful aspect of the matter is that most of us are resident in Abuja, where hotel accommodation

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

is very expensive.

“Those posted to the states are also facing the same challenge because we were all unemployed before the Federal Civil Service Commission engaged us late last year. This is the seventh month and we have not earned anything in respect of our accommodation, while some of us sleep in the streets.”

Although it could not be ascertained how much each of the workers is entitled to, The Nation learnt that the payment depends on the number of a worker’s family.

Asked to say exactly how much has been released to the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation as hotel allowance for the workers, the source said the payment is a factor of where the workers

lived before their employment and the size of their families.

The source added: “Being a fresh worker, I cannot say with certainty how much each of us is to receive as hotel accommodation allowance for 28 days because of the variation in terms of marital status and location upon the time of engagement.”

Another source, who is also a victim, noted that should the authority refuse to settle the outstanding allowance before the end of the week, they might protest to the Minister of Finance and the Presidency.

The Press Secretary of the AuGF, Mrs. Florence Eke, who was contacted on the phone, referred our correspondent to the Director of Finance and Account, Chief J.E.

Nwamanna.

Nwamanna sought to know the concern of the press in the matter.

The director confirmed that the workers have not received salaries, but wondered why the hotel allowance should be more important to them.

According to him, the Auditor-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Sam Orkura, was not around and he was not assigned to speak for him.

He said: “So, what is the concern of the press in this matter? These new workers have not received any salary and they are concerned about first 28 days allowance. Which one is more important to them – the salary or the first 28 days allowance? The AGF is not around, and going by the civil service rule, I’m not allowed to speak for him.”

Ex-Police chief Tsav flays Jonathan’s trip to Brazil

F

ORMER Lagos State Police Commissioner Alhaji Abubarka Tsav has lambasted President Goodluck Jonathan for travelling to Brazil with his wife while the North is boiling.

He said the president has lost control of the country and should resign immediately.

Tsav described his attitude

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

as an act of gross irresponsibility and insensitivity.

“How can Jonathan travel out when the country is on fire? It is unbelievable that he could take such a decision,” the ex-police commissioner said.

He noted that the reprisal

in Kaduna is a clear indication that the people have lost confidence in the ability of the government to protect them.

“We expected Jonathan to have postponed the journey to Brazil to show concern about the insecurity in the country occasioned by the senseless bombings in the North.”

MUSLIM cleric was yesterday remanded by an Ilorin Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defiling a banker.

The accused, Tunde Lawal, an Islamic scholar, was arraigned in court on a fourcount charge of being in possession of charms, criminal activities, cheating and defiling, contrary to sections 217, 397, 322 and 282 of the penal code.

He was said to have introduced himself as an Alfa (Muslim cleric) to Taiwo Yusuf of GTBank, Tanke, Ilorin branch and told her that she had some spiritual problems that might lead to death if not urgently attended to.

According to the charge sheet, the accused used the Quran and white handkerchief to rub the woman’s face and performed magic with it and demanded N11,500 to make incense and some cleansing items.

The cleric was also alleged to have invited her to his home for the continuation of the cleansing exercise. He

From Samson Ademola, Ilorin

hypnotised her with some charms and black soap and defiled her without her consent, the court was told.

The accused counsel, Ahmed Salaudeen, said he had reliable sureties. He prayed the court to admit him to bail.

The prosecutor, James Odaodu, objected to the bail of the accused on the grounds that investigation was ongoing. He urged the court to remand him in prison.

Magistrate Afusat Alege acceded to the request of the prosecutor and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Federal Prison, Oke-kura, Ilorin.

The case was adjourned till July 10.

PUBLIC NOTICE BALOGUN I formally known and addressed as Miss Balogun Oluwabusola Mariam now wish to be known and adresss Mrs Soledolu Oluwabusola Mariam.

All formal document remain valid.

Lagos City Poly and general public take note

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

60

NEWS House member says Otedola committed crime

By Musa Odoshimokhe

CHAIRMAN of Committee on Donor Agencies and Civil Society of the House of Representatives, Eseme Eyiboh, has said that the confession of the Chairman of Zenon Oil and Gas Limited, Mr Femi Otedola on the bribery scandal rocking the oil subsidy probe is an act of criminality.

He said: “Mr Femi Otedola must know that his confession of intention to procure the delisting of Zenon Oil and Gas Limited from the list of the Termites of our oil subsidy regime and the subsequent act of giving $620,000 to effect same has established a criminal cause of action.”

Eyiboh urged him to recognise the fact that the House has men and women of proven integrity whose pedigrees in national consciousness surpasse the motivation for personal economic interest.

Describing Otedola’s conduct as social buccaneering, Eyiboh said that the act amounted to Agreement of Act and Intention (actus rea & mens rea) which made him liable.

Eyiboh hailed the House resolution to stand by the report and urged the public to stand firm on the need to give effect to the House’s final resolution on the matter.

Microbiologist to women: wash ‘private part’ with water instead of soap F ROM a clinical microbiologist came yesterday a piece of advice for women on hygiene of the private part: use clean water to wash the vagina instead of soap.

Dr Kenneth Iregbu of the National Hospital, Abuja gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Iregbu said washing the vigina with soap could cause viginal discharge.

He said that many of the soaps women used contained alkaline substances, adding that such substances were detrimental to the well-being of the vagina.

“Washing the vagina does not require more than clean water.

Most of the soap we use in bathing are alkaline, so when you use them there, they will alter something at least for some period.

“When women use a lot of cosmetics - alkaline materials to wash their private parts right inside, you tend to distort the normal PH of the vagina, which

is supposed to be acidic.

“So if you go on neutralising the acid by use of alkaline substances, you will encourage the growth of one group of organisms against the other, and could lead to some discharges.

“From my own point of view as an infection specialist we don’t encourage the use of all those foreign things.

“Clean water alone is sufficient; it doesn’t change the flora; it doesn’t change anything.

Even when you want to use it (soap), it should be the very mild ones that would not do much.”

Iregbu said discharges from a woman’s vagina could either be normal or abnormal.

He said that the normal discharge occurred during the second half of a woman’s menstrual cycle.

“Women have a life cycle of hormonal discharges that correspond with the ovulation

cycle.

“The second part of the menstrual cycle is a period of increased secretion, which is normal and that is essentially what you expect to happen for every woman who is still in the reproductive years.”

The microbiologist explained that the abnormal discharge was caused when there was a disturbance of the normal eco system of the vagina.

“The vagina has a lot of flora by flora we mean organisms that normally live there. So they live in a balance.

“If for any reason the balance is tilted in favour of these organisms growing more, you can begin to have discharges.”

Iregbu said that abnormal discharge could also be caused by diseases like gonorrhea and trichomoniasis and infections like Candidiasis.

He said that such discharges could be whitish, greenish, yel-

lowish or cheesy in colour, adding that some discharges came with an offensive odour.

He said that abnormal discharges could also be caused by an injury in the vagina or an infection of the glands on the walls of the vagina, which might or might not contain blood.

The microbiologist, however, advised women to be observant and see a doctor whenever they noticed a change in the quantity, and colour of the discharges.

“Talking about what the woman should do, the most important aspect is for you to realise that you can have normal discharges, and over time you get to realise this is the quantity or the volume that I normally experience.

“So at any point you notice that this discharges are increasing in quantity, you should get

Church holds prayer for cleric

By Adeola Ogunlade

A NON-interdenominational outreach, Mantle Prayer Ministry, will hold a special prayer for men between June 20 and 23 at Ewu-Oliwo, OkeIsimi, Sagamu, Ogun State.

In a statement in Lagos, the President of the church Pastor Isaac Olaomo said the programme is aimed at celebrating Prophet Joseph Ayodele Babalola for his contributions to revival in parts of Africa.

He said Nigeria can only experience revival of righteousness, values and integrity in public and private institutions when the people acknowledge God through ceaseless prayer and commitment to Him. The programme will feature Bible teachings, financial empowerment, career and professional development, marriage seminar and prophetic ministration.

Insurance scheme for NYSC members

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

T

Olanipekun, Akeredolu for Egbe Amofin meeting EMINENT lawyers Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu(SAN), Mrs Funke Adekoya (SAN) and Pastor Dele Adeshina (SAN) are among lawyers from the Southwest that will converge on Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Saturday to chart a new course for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The meeting is being organised

by Egbe Amofin.

The meeting, slated for the NBA Ibadan branch Bar Centre is coming less than one month to the NBA elections holding in Kaduna.

The parley is considered strategic as it would take vital decisions towards the association’s elections.

According to its Secretary, Mr. Ranti Ajeleti, the meeting will start at 11.00am.

Chief Bamidele Aiku is the chairman.

worried; you need to find out why it suddenly started increasing in volume.

“You also observe that the discharges you normally have are clear or milky in color and then it changes colour to brown, to yellow, to red, it should make you seek for medical attention.

“You also observe that the discharges you normally have are not offensive and then all of a sudden it is now offensive, you can perceive odour either while sitting on your own or when you remove your underwear you notice this odour, it should prompt you to seek medical attention” Iregbu also advised women who used tampon during their menstrual flow to make sure they properly remove it to avoid altering the natural environment of the vagina

•Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke administering vaccine to a child during the flag-off of the Maternal New-born Child Health week in Biase Local Government Area...yesterday

Fed Govt to complete Benin-Ore-Sagamu road

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HE Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, has said the Federal Government will complete the Benin-Shagamu Expressway next year, considering the level of ongoing work on it.

The minister made the promise following his inspection of the road last weekend.

In a statement in Abuja by his Special Assistant (Media), Hadi Alhassan, the minister said a section of the road has been recovered while those he described as notorious portions, in Ore town, have also been rehabilitated.

The phase one of the road is 100 per cent complete, he said, adding that the phase two is 80 per cent complete.

“These developments have tremendously reduced the travel time from Benin to Lagos from 9 to 4 hours,” Yuguga said.

In another development, the Minster confirmed that the contract for the Ada-Okere-UkoniAmondokhian road in Esan North East Local Government had been awarded by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the construction of the project would be flagged-off soon.

Other projects inspected by the Minister include the completed

recovered N 1.3 billion Auchi gully erosion as well as Ayogwuri wash out. The Highways affected by the two wash outs have been completely rehabilitated.

In another development, Ambassador Yuguda also pointed out that Federal Ministry of works will soon re-

H

introduced weight bridges so as to check excess axel load which had been impacting negatively on the life span of our roads.

The Minister who led the delegation to inspect the state of Nigerian roads in the SouthEastern part of this country has promised Nigerians that

the Goodluck Jonathan administration will do all that is possible in making Nigerian roads motorable, he also added that Mr. President is considering all parts of this country as his constituency; more especially as it relates to the provision of road infrastructure to the entire nation.

Govt, Reps seek sanction against national building code violators

OUSE of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal yesterday called for sanctions against violators of the National Building Code.

The Federal Government has proposed a N1million fine against the contravention of the proposed code, if the draft Bill becomes a law.

Tambuwal spoke at a public hearing on a Bill for an Act for the enforcement of the National Building Code within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and to provide punishment for non-compliance, organised by the House Committee on Housing and Habitat.

The Speaker, who was represented by House Deputy Leader, Leo Ogor (PDP, Delta), noted that stakeholders in the

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

building industry need to ensure that compliance with the code is not compromised.

He decried the actions of unqualified personnel in the industry, saying: “There is the use of low quality building materials, coupled with employment of incompetent artisans and weak supervision of workmen on site.

“In most cases, these men have little knowledge about the intricate nature of construction.

They are not even registered engineers with relevant bodies.

The owners of collapsed buildings also think they would be saving money by either not paying consultants at all or paying them ridiculous fees.

“In the final analysis, they end up not only wasting materials

but most importantly, destroying lives by sending unsuspecting workers, who are looking for genuine income, to early graves through this savings culture by the developers.”

He blamed persistent building collapse across the country on the inability of regulators to enforce the building code.

The Speaker urged government agencies responsible for enforcement to ensure that offenders are adequately sanctioned in accordance with the law.

Tambuwal said: “These ugly incidents continued unchecked because the relevant agencies have abdicated their responsibilities by not enforcing that buildings measure up to the standard guidelines based on existing laws in the country.

HE Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) yesterday launched an insurance scheme for youth Corps members in the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in furtherance of its corporate social responsibility to Nigerians.

The one-year NYSC voluntary Group Personal Accident (GPA) Insurance Scheme is in partnership with NEM Insurance Plc, with each subscriber paying a subsidised premium of N5,000. The policy covers all forms of accidents on the Corps members’ way to camp and throughout the year.

Explaining the elements of the scheme to reporters in Lagos, NARTO’s National Secretary Mr. Emmanuel Gowon, said subscribers would enjoy many benefits. These include N5 million for accidental death, up to N500,000 medical injury treatment, free emergency evacuation to any hospital of choice in the country, and up to N5 million for permanent disability due to accident.

He said: “The decision to introduce this scheme is borne out the recent experience in our national life whereby members of the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) have been exposed to various life threatening hazards, excruciating experiences and other societal vices in the course of observing” their mandatory service year.

Gowon clarified that the voluntary scheme is not within the purview of the NYSC authorities, adding that scheme is only endorsed by the NYSC management, based on the lofty philosophy and goals.

At the launch which held at Protea Hotel, Ikeja were former Lagos State Sports Commissioner Prince Ademola AdenijiAdele, NARTO Deputy President Chief Ayoola Sadiku, representatives of the police, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), insurance companies and National Employers Consultative Council (NECA).

Lagos State Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Lateef Raji, who was represented by Special Assistant Mr. Wale Adelana, said: We are witnesses to the calamities that have assailed the NYSC scheme.

NARTO deserves applause for coming up with this innovation”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

61

NEWS Pope: end attacks

Federal Govt defends Jonathan’s trip to Brazil

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HE President was yesterday fighting back on barrage of attacks for his Brazil trip which has been described as “unnecessary”, considering the violence in some parts of the North.

To Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, his critics are unfair. He has not abdicated his responsibility by travelling to attend the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, he said.

As the President spoke in Brazil, his spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati defended his boss and Information Minister Labaran Maku, in Abuja, chided Jonathan’s critics.

The minister said the President could govern from any part of the world, adding that he “is on a working visit to Brazil and not on holidays”.

Dr. Jonathan, who spoke on Tuesday night while addressing members of the Nigerian community in Brazil, said the country would make progress faster towards fulfilling its immense potentials, if all Nigerians support his administration’s transformation plan.

“One of the problems we have is that some Nigerians play politics with everything, but we cannot destroy our country because of personal political ambitions,” the President said.

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja “We now have a constitutional democracy and no one can stay in office forever. It will, therefore, be best for our nation if we all support whoever is there for the development of the country, instead of trying to pull him down by all means,” President Jonathan said in response to comments and questions by his hosts on the state of affairs in Nigeria.

The President who also spoke about the country’s security challenge, assured the gathering that the Federal Government was working very hard to overcome the challenges.

“We have challenges, but they are not insurmountable.

We remain fully focused and committed to national development, in spite of sponsored lies against this administration. We are ready to work together with all of our people to move the country forward. We will work even harder to place concrete realities on the ground that will further prove our sincerity and commitment to all Nigerians,” he pledged.

The President, who thanked members of the Nigerian community for assembling from all parts of Brazil to re-

ceive him in Rio De Janeiro, said: “It is generally known and acknowledged that Nigeria has a very robust Diaspora and we will continue to explore ways of harnessing your skills and talents for the development of our fatherland.”

Dr. Jonathan will meet with Brazillian President Dilma Rousseff on the sidelines of the Rio + 20 Summit to discuss the enhancement of bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil, including the strengthening of trade and economic relations as well as a prisoner exchange programme that could benefit Nigerians imprisoned in the South American country.

In a statement, Abati said the President needed to attend the conference because of its importance to Nigeria and because commitments had already been made on his attendance.

He said his presence at the summit was in the best interest of the country.

He said: “The conference, Rio+20, is very important and nobody can doubt that. The issues that will be discussed at this conference are also issues that are relevant to Nigeria’s interest. It is also an opportunity for Nigeria to promote its interest in terms of its place in global community.

“The crisis in Kaduna and

Yobe occurred almost on the eve of the President’s departure for this event and commitments have been made.

“In any event, it is not as if government has abandoned the situation at home. Security agencies are there, they are on top of the situation.

Maku, who spoke to reporters in Abuja said: “Before the President left, he met with security chiefs. The business of leadership cannot just stop because there is a crisis there.

“I think what we can do is to appeal to the opposition not to always play politics with everything; that is the major challenge we face, people always want to play politics with everything.

“If the President had refused to come to Rio, the same persons will turn around and say that there is an important conference attended by world leaders and the Nigerian President stayed away from it.

“It is as if there is nothing you can do to please our people. It is not that Nigeria is going to lose anything by Mr. President’s presence here; rather, the country is going to gain a lot from his presence here.

“He is here serving the interest of Nigerians it is not as if he has abandoned his responsibilities.”

“There is no vacuum, the

Continued from page 2

•Maku

most important thing is that the president and the vice president work harmoniously and are in constant touch.

“If the President panics, what will the people do. We must stop making politics out of the unfortunate incidents going on in Northern Nigeria.

“There are people who think that because the President is out of the country he cannot make decision for the country. It is not true. Today, with advanced information technology, every President in this world, anywhere he is, even from the skies, can give directive to any Defence chief to act on any matter in the country.

“We are leaving in a new world and I think people should understand this. We should not play politics with this, “ he said.

where people are free to practice their religion Also yesterday, two clerics in Lagos urged the Federal Government to urgently address the bombings to avoid anarchy.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the clerics said the bombings could degenerate to a religious or ethnic war - if unchecked.

Monsignor Gabriel Osu, the Director of Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, said steps must be taken to avert the bombings and reprisal.“ We are getting to the most dangerous part; that is reprisal, and if not nipped in the bud, it can lead to a religious war.

“Security agencies should intervene more because once the people take laws into their hands to defend themselves, it is anarchy,” he said.

Pastor Femi Asiwaju, the Vice President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, said the Federal Government should intensify efforts to check insecurity.

“We pray that this will not go out of hand; the government should urgently proffer solutions to avert a religious or even a tribal war,’’ he added.

Security chiefs meet with governors Continued from page 2

have food at home. If these mad people don’t kill us, then hunger will definitely kill us. I want to appeal to those responsible for this to please give peace a chance.”

The popular Station Market where fruits are sold was deserted as traders hurriedly abandoned their goods when the crisis broke out.

Majority of vehicles seen on the road yesterday when The Nation went round the city were security vehicles with heavily armed security personnel.

Some security operatives were seen using commercially painted buses, while some operatives were stationed at strategic positions around the city, with a bit more heavy security presence seen around the Sabon Tasha market which was vandalised.

There were no indications last night that the government would relax the curfew to enable residents buy food.

Besides hunger, people are grappling with the lack of pipe borne water. There has been no supply from the Water Board since the crisis began.

Curfew pains hit Kaduna, Yobe residents hard Continued from page 2 •The business premises shut down in Kaduna...yesterday

Senate panel uncovers idle N273.9b pension cash Continued from page 2

Contributory Pension Scheme.

“The practice of different Ad Hoc Teams co-opting officers of law enforcement agencies and using them for inappropriate duties should be stopped forthwith. Law enforcement officials should only be invited to perform their statutory functions when necessary.

“All officers from the EFCC, ICPC and the SSS, who were co-opted by the Pension Task Team and found to have colluded, aided, and abetted corruption, diversion and siphoning of pension funds and have been used for inappropriate duties should be withdrawn, investigated, arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

“That the constitutional provision of Section 173(3) which states that pension should be

reviewed every five years or whenever there is review of the remuneration of public servants should be strictly adhered to. Harmonization of pension should be done to ensure uniformity of pension amount irrespective of years of retirement.”

The report said: “That the Chairman of the Pension Task Team, Mr. Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina, John Yusuf, B.G. Kaigama and all the members of the Pension Task Team involved should be arrested and prosecuted by the Nigeria Police Force for the crimes of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, misapplication, illegal virement, contract splitting, award of contracts to nonexisting companies, award of contracts without appropriations and outright stealing of pension funds. And the stolen funds should be recovered from them.

“That Mr. Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina was noted to have taken over all the Federal Pension Offices, except the Military Pensions Board, FCT, and Pension Boards of Federal Parastatals.

“That the public funds expended for verification exercises were ten times more than the amount of funds saved from the verification exercises.

The amount spent on the verification exercise is sufficient for payment of more than half of one year’s pension.

“That the frequent verification exercises, which are often done without convenient arrangement, have put the pensioners into untold sufferings and death.”

The report also faulted the EFCC for adopting a selective method for the arrest and trial of those who allegedly looted pension money.

The committee said: “That

the EFCC has been selective in the prosecution of officials who looted, misapplied, siphoned, embezzled, and misappropriated pension funds, even when numerous petitions with incontrovertible evidences are submitted to the agency.

“EFCC was also observed to have discontinued pension fraud investigations it commenced when weighty evidences thereto linked the Chairman and members of the Task Team.”

The report indicted commercial banks for collaborating in the looting of pension funds.

It added: “That the banks were handy collaborators in the unauthorized and illegal opening of government accounts, change of signatories, transfer of funds, deposit of government funds and many other unethical financial transactions.”

tack and restore law and order.

“People who circulate false text messages were apparently doing so to stir up religious tension but they will not succeed.

“The Yobe State Government, therefore, calls on people to discountenance the said text message and any similar false messages and to continue to live peacefully with one another.

“His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam also urges both Muslims and Christians to continue to pray the Almighty God to restore peace and security in Yobe State and the nation in general.”

Yobe State University Vice Chancellor Prof. Musa Alabe visited the school yesterday to donate food items and a ram to the students.

“I looked at the situation and decided to go and see my students. As you know, some of them were caught up by the 24-hour curfew and they have nothing to eat, So, we have to at least intervene, to

•Gaidam

cushion the effect. I called JTF to escort me to the school and they obliged.

“We gave some food stuff and a ram to be cooked and shared to the students. Even though I know that it will not be enough, but we hope that the 24-hour curfew will not last forever,” Alabe said.

Reports said the situation at the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu is deplorable, with students buying up all the food stuff, such as biscuits, bread and beverages in the kiosks.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

62

SPORT EXTRA

QPR moves to replace Taye Taiwo Q

UEENS Park Rangers are set to move for Leicester City defender Paul Konchesky as replacement for Nigeria leftback Taye Taiwo whose Loftus Road future remains shrouded in uncertainty.

Taiwo spent half of last season on loan from AC Milan, who have yet to come up any categorical statement about the player’s future, even when a return to the San Siro will not occur by any chance.The Rossoneri want to send the

player on another loan spell, possibly to Portuguese club Benfica, who have rekindled their interest in the player after last summer’s futile bid.

Rangers boss is resigning to losing Taiwo and, does not want to be caught napping by

U.J Esuene Stadium ready for Eagles’ game in September — Sports Commissioner

T

HE Cross Rivers State government has assured the Super Eagles that the U.J Esuene Stadium’s pitch will be top condition before their next Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying encounter in September.

The State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Patrick Ugbe in a chat with NationSport opined that all the facilities under the power of the Governor Liyel Imoke administraton have always been worked on to meet the necessary requirements adding that the work on the U.J Esuene Stadium has always been ongoing and that by the time the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers resume in September, the Stadium will be better than it is presently.

“We don’t have to react to any comment said by anybody but ours is to continue to work on the facilities that we have and make it better than it used to be. The U.J Esuene Stadium was worked on before the match against Rwanda and will still be worked on even after then.

“We are looking at making

From Tunde Liadi,Owerri the Stadium better than it was during the Rwanda tie and work will start in earnest immediately to ensure that is achieved,” Ugbe told NationSport.

The Commissioner’s com-

ments is on the heel of the Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo who expressed his dissatisfaction at the state of the stadium’s pitch during the match against Rwanda stating that it’s bumpy nature hindered his teammates from playing at their optimum last Saturday in an elimination tie.

going for Konchesky as the former Fulham defender eyes a move back to London and the Premier League.

Now, with the future of Taiwo hazy following his loan spell, and Hughes just as likely to see Armand Traore as a leftsided midfielder, Konchesky is hopeful of finally meeting up with the Rangers boss.

A close source said: “Decent left-backs are hard to come by, and Paul is certainly more than a decent left-back.

“He’s not had the rub of the green since joining Liverpool, but a lot of that was down to the preference of others.

“With Premier League sides wanting two players for every position, he could certainly do a job at QPR.”

Man City coaches confirm for Kanu

C

OACHES from the current English Premier League champion, Manchester City have confirmed their participation in the first annual Kanu Greensprings Football Camp.

The camp is scheduled for July 1 to 7 is being organised by Greensprings School in partnership with Super Eagles former captain, Nwankwo Kanu as well as West Africa School Sports Union (WASSU).

The coaches - Lewis Grimshaw and Michael Horton are in charge of development under manager Coach Roberto Mancini.

According to the organis-

Greensprings Football Camp

By Innocent Amomoh ers, the coaches will be joined by their compatriots, Keith Harrison, ex-Manchester United Academy U-14 coach and Gary Lewis, Liverpool U-16 Academy coach.

Harrison is at present the head coach at Keele University and teaches sports management, while Lewis is a UEFA A license coach.

Aside the foreign tacticians that will be involved in the camp, Super Eagles’ former coach, Joe Erico will lead some of indigenous coaches to the clinic sched-

uled to hold at the world class sporting facilities at the Lekki Campus of Greensprings School.

Joe Akwa, Baleira hail Keshi for keeping faith with NPL Stars

F

ORMER league stars, Joseph Akwa and Kabiru Baleira have both given Eagles’ chief coach Stephen Keshi a bat on the back for his faith in the home based players.

Both in separate chats with NationSport enumerated that it was initially hard for them to believe that the senior national team could parade as many as five home based players in the starting 11 in the World and Nations Cup qualifiers.

Akwa who is now into football administration and currently the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Natiowide League Board said that the opportunity handed to the NPL stars has not only made them better players but has also rid their thoughts of travelling to countries not renowned for football playing in the guise of featuring for countries outside Nigeria.

“I will like to commend Keshi and his team for a job well done. It was like a dream for me that I could be seeing up to five players in the NPL in the starting 11. Well, I will appeal to all Nigerians to support

From Tunde Liadi,Owerri him and not crucify him even if the result fails to come as desired.

“Keshi has a lot of courage and determination to do what he did. His likeness for home based players will no doubt help the league to grow better and it will make the players in the NPL to be serious since they know that they could be in the national team if they are able to prove themesleves for their clubs,” Akwa opined Speaking on same issue, Kano Pillars’ Assistant Coach, Kabiru Baleira also thumbed up Keshi for his insight in given the home based players the chance to exhibit the talent in them in the Super Eagles.

Baleira said: “I am impressed with what Keshi has done and I will continue to pray for him to succeed because he has been able to bridge the gap between the home based and their overseas’ counterparts. It takes courage, patience and the willingness to keep to his words for what Keshi did to become a reality.

Red cards galore as 3SC draw Sunshine

S

HOOTING STARS finished with two players sent off to still draw 0-0 at 10man Sunshine Stars Wednesday in an NPL game.

It was a big result for the Ibadan club, who have held their own in the second round of the championship under interim coaches Hakeem Busari and Tunde Odubola.

The highlight of this battle of

the neighbours was the dismissal of three players.

Referee Ubonu showed Sunshine big defender Ado Ali a straight red card in the 44th minute for knocking down Gabriel Adikwu, who in turn received his own marching orders for retaliation on Ado Ali. 3SC enterprising midfielder Philip Asuquo was then red carded in the 53rd minute for deliberately elbowing a player of

Sunshine Stars.

Speaking with MTNFootball.com, 3SC media officer Jubril Arowolo said it was a tough match in which both teams gave their best, but his team are happy with the draw on the road.

"It was a very tough game in which both sides were determined to win but at the end of the day, it finished in a draw,” said Arowolo.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

63

SPORT EXTRA ALL NIGERIA/CROSS RIVER ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Metu reclaims 100m title O

BINNA Metu has reclaimed the 100m from the grip of Ogho Oghene Egwero in a

hotly contested race at the on going All Nigeria/Cross River Athletics Championships in Calabar. Peter

Emelieze who came into this Nigeria’s London Olympic Trials here in Calabar as a contender, posted the most

disappointing time of 10.39 to place 6th despite winning his semi final earlier in the day.

The Imo State born sprinter has had to battle with injuries in the past two years, as he could only manage a bronze medal at the last All African Games (AAG) in Mozambique.

With this feat, Metu has emerged as the leading athlete to represent Nigeria at the London Olympics in the 100m dash.

Rangers reclaim top spot •As Pillars secure a point in Owerri From Tunde Liadi,Owerri NUGU RANGERS have reclaimed the leadership of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) again after the Flying Antelopes’ 2-0 victory over Kwara United shot them to the top with 52 points from 32 matches and a point clear of Kano Pillars who drew 1-1 in Owerri against Heartland.

Rangers got their goals one in each half through defender Haliru Umar in the 40th minute and Oduokpe Oghogho in the 56th minute to hand another defeat to the Afonja Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

At the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri Heartland let their 38th minute lead through Kabiru Umar to slip through their hands at the dying minutes against Kano Pillars who got the equalizer in the 85th minute through a goal mouth scamble off a free kick to even the tie at 1-1.

The result ensured that Pillars remained in second spot with 51 points while Heartland are now on 45 points.

There was a pocket of ugly scene at the end of the match in Owerri with the home fans almost venting their frustration on the match officials whom they claimed was not fair at all in the game but they were not touched with good work from the Nigeria Police and other security outfits that maintained law and order.

E

• Metu

Fountain Sports club holds table tennis tourney

A

DEKOSUMU Adegbite and Odumosu Oluwanisola have emerged winners at the maiden edition of the Fountain of Life Table Tennis Tournament at the weekend.

The competiton Rosemary club, an affiliate of Fountain of Life Church, took place at the Fountain Sports Club, Ilupeju, Lagos, in conjunction with the State's Table Tennis Association, and borne out of the desire to engage youths in meaningful activities that will take them off the streets.

With over a thousand spectators, young and old gracing the competition, the ushering department took on the church care department in one of the matches, as Odumosu Oluwanisola and Akilla Stella showed how good they are in the keenly contested encounter.

In the male category, however, Ayodeji Gbemisola of the publication department clashed with Adekosumu Adegbite of car park departments.

By Omolara Mofesola Omoniyi The winner of the female tournament, Oluwanisola expressed her joy thus: “I am the happiest lady on earth this day. I never expected to win, I was only compelled by my department to give this competition a try, but as God would have it, I came out the winner”. She exclaimed.

In the same vein, winner of

the male category, Adegbite was too happy to speak in clear terms. “I am just too happy. I have always asked God to do something new in my life, and he has answered my prayer. I am too old to go into the game full time because of my age; I will soon be 40 years old. I cannot wait to collect the money I won which I will use for some personal stuff”, he said.

N

Braglia has need for alternatives.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Oduamadi’s agents have also had fruitful talks with Fiorentina and Juve Stabia as an alternative to Horacio Erpen on the right wing.

Milan are desperately seeking to recall the player from his loan spell at Torino in the Rossoneri’s drive to inject fresh flood into their team.

S

UPER Eagles’ and Enyimba FC midfielder, Uche Henry has told NationSport that his last club would be Enyimba as he is planning to jet out to Europe to continue his football career.

The attacking midfielder who starred for Nigeria in Eagles’ 2014 World Cup qualifier away to Namibia said he has paid his dues in the domestic league and it was time he moves abroad to join his colleagues that were there since making names for themselves.

“I think I have paid my dues in the Nigeria Premier League and I honestly believe that Enyimba Football Club management will be very happy with me if I get a club in Europe asking me to play for them. I have always put in my best in any club I play for and I only pray that God should open doors for me to

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja take my football career to abroad this time around”, the former 3SC player disclosed.

Henry, however, vowed to continue to impress in the Enyimba fold so that Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi would keep him in the team as well as attract clubs in Europe while playing regularly for the Nigerian senior national team.

“I will continue to be grateful to Coach Keshi for giving me this great opportunity to play for my dear country. It is a rare privilege that I don’t wish to misuse. I have resolved to work harder in the team so that I could have the opportunity of staying in the team. The Eagles squad is full of highly talented football players and you need to work harder to continue to justify your stay in the team”, Henry observed.

Okorowanta hails Uche's form

F

ORMER Nigerian player, Tarila Okorowanta has adjudged Super Eagles' striker, Ikechukwu Uche as the most potent striker in the land at the moment.

Uche scored the lone goal win in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Brave Warriors of Namibia in Calabar.

Also in the 2-0 win 2013 AFCON qualifier against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the UJ Esuene stadium, Calabar.

Although Okorowanta admitted that the Granada of Spain forward still needs little touches to become world's deadliest striker, he told SuperSport.com that is the low of the player Eagles' manager, Stephen Keshi has to work upon.

"Uche is the most potent attacker we've at the moment.

He is the most outstanding story of Keshi's rebuilding programme.

"Although he committed few blunders missing vital chances I think that is the area the coach must work upon to bring the best from the player."

The former Stores' forward commended Keshi for the

blend of domestic and Europebased players in his programme.

"Keshi has done very well with the domestic players, he has given them confidence to compete favourably with their foreign-based counterparts.

"Now any invited Europebased professional knows he must compete and score above average if not the highest mark to merit shirt.

"That's commendable and something worthy of encouragement."

The former team manager of Bayelsa United is upbeat that Eagles will qualify for the 2013 AFCON game in South Africa.

"Of course, Keshi has given us hope that he wants to qualify Nigeria for the Nations Cup. "The domestic players in the Eagles want to play and make name for themselves, so I can say with a measure of confidence that Nigeria will qualify for the Nations Cup," he said.

The knock-out final stage of the 2013 AFCON qualifiers will start in September with the draws coming up next month in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN.

Cech tips homeland to upset Portugal

C

ZECH REPUBLIC first choice Petr Cech believes that his country have the chance of qualifying for the Euro 2012 semi finals by beating Portugal

Fiorentina, Juve battle Milan for IGERIA winger Oduamadi Nnamdi Oduamadi is

in hot demand in Italy, with Fiorentina and Serie B outfit Juve Stabia jostling for the 21year-old with parent club AC Milan.

Oduamadi spent the last season at Torino on loan from Milan and scored three times in 11 games to help the club gain promotion to the elite division.

Juve are busy in the summer window over the need to reinforce the midfield and especially the wings, where Coach Piero

Uche Henry eyes Europe deal

• Cech

Chelsea and Czech Republic first choice Petr Cech believes that his country have the chance of qualifying for the Euro 2012 semi finals by beating Portugal tonight.

The Portuguese are favourites for the game but the 30-yearold believes that his side have the capabilities of progressing.

“We haven’t lost yet, of course you can beat anyone on a good day,” Cech said.

“We definitely have a chance to advance. It’s sport and anything can happen.”

Cech is wary of their opponents, who progressed from the Group of Death, knocking out Holland and Denmark in the progress.

“They are among the world’s top ten teams. It’s a team full of personalities and outstanding players, and they play very well. Against the Netherlands on Sunday, they were excellent up front,” the Chelsea stopper added.

“They also have enough experienced players. The team have matured and they are really strong.”

www.thenationonlineng.net

TODAY IN THE NATION

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 7, NO.2,163

‘The President is a university man and I’m sure he meant well and he knows the workings of a university system.

If a genuine mistake has been made, government should reverse itself. We are in a democracy and government cannot claim omniscience. ’ JIDE OSUNTOKUN

COMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

B

RIBES and other financial scandals in both the public and private sectors are commonplace in Nigeria. Hardly a week passes without media reports about some financial scandals in the country. The latest bribe scandal in the nation is that involving Farouk Lawan, the chairman of the House Ad Hoc Committee on Oil Subsidy payments, and Femi Otedola, the chairman of Zenon Oil, a company dealing in oil imports to Nigeria. The Hembe bribe scandal involving senior officials of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is still under investigation. These scandals, to which the public is now inured, are extremely damaging to the reputation of our country abroad and its economy. It hurts foreign investment in the economy very badly.

Now, press accounts of this latest national financial scandal are convoluting and complex.

By the nature of bribes, usually transacted in secrecy, it is difficult to disentangle the sordid story by the press on the matter as well as discern who, between Lawan and Otedola, is telling the truth. Only a thorough and diligent probe into the affair can establish the truth. But that is if the investigating agencies are not compromised themselves in the course of their investigations, as is often the case in Nigeria.

Already, two junior police officers are being interrogated for allowing Lawan to go home allegedly to have a bath when he was still in police custody, and was being held without bail.

From media reports on the affair, what seems to have snowballed into the current scam and bribes scandal actually started sometime in April, when Lawan, the chairman of the House Ad Hoc Committee on Oil Subsidy, allegedly approached Femi Otedola to ask for information regarding the operations of the down stream oil sub-sector, in which Otedola’s company is a significant player. But Lawan apparently had more than that on his mind when he approached Otedola. Why he should approach Otedola directly on this issue is not exactly clear as his aides could easily have obtained such information, if needed, from the management of the company. It is not known whether, or not, Lawan established similar contacts with the chairmen of other local oil companies. There is a strong probability that he did so as well. It was that first contact between Lawan and Otedola that provided the opportunity for further contacts between the two of them. It was this early contact that was to lead, subsequently, to the demand and offer of bribes on the matter. While the investigation by the Ad Hoc Committee was on going, it was improper for the committee’s chairman, Lawan, to contact Otedola directly as Zenon oil was under suspicion of being involved in the oil subsidy payments scandal. His motive in seeking such a meeting with Otedola on this matter is hugely questionable.

As the chairman of the House sub-committee on oil subsidy, he should have known that this was improper as it could easily compromise his position.

Later, soon after that first meeting, and before April 18, according to Otedola, Lawan approached him again in his Abuja residence and informed him that Zenon Oil was one of the companies listed in the report of the ad hoc

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Between Lawan and Otedola

•Lawan

•Otedola

sub-committee on oil companies and that Zenon Oil had been discovered to have grossly abused the oil subsidy payments to the tune of nearly $240 million. The purpose of that specific visit is only too clear. It could only have been a brazen and reprehensible attempt by Lawan to extort money, through bribes, from Otedola, the chairman of Zenon. Lawan allegedly told Otedola that other oil importing companies on his black list were cooperating on the matter by offering him and other members of the committee bribes. It is alleged that Lawan originally demanded a bribe of $5 million to secure the deletion of Zenon Oil from the black list. This was negotiated down to $3 million. Of this amount agreed, Otedola subsequently paid out a total of $620,000 (about N95million) in two tranches as the first installment of the $3 million agreed as bribe from Zenon Oil. But unknown to Lawan, Otedola had allegedly reported the demand for bribe to the Police, which allegedly obliged him with marked US dollar notes. The entire transaction was also recorded on video by Otedola. This was not known to Lawan. The Police obviously assisted Otedola in getting the handing over of the dollar bribe to Lawan fully recorded. The first bribe of US$500,000 was handed over by Otedola to Lawan at the Abuja airport, while another US$120,000 was later collected by an aide of the committee at Otedola’s residence in Abuja.

Lawan failed, at the time, to report any of these fraudulent transactions to the Police. Had he done so he would not be in any trouble now.

Why Otedola reported the demand by Lawan for bribes to the police is a matter for conjecture, as the private sector in Nigeria also stinks with bribery and corruption from which Otedola cannot completely exonerate himself.

Obviously, he hoped to gain something from the disclosure of the bribe demand to the po-

lice. Whatever Otedola’s motives for blowing the whistle, the fact of the matter is that Lawan had compromised his position and himself as the chairman of the investigating House ad hoc sub-committee. To borrow an old parlance in British politics, Lawan was caught bathing in the sea and his opponents ran off with his clothes. He had shot himself in the foot. He was left stranded and defenceless.

When the scandal first broke in the press, Lawan denied receiving any bribes from Otedola. In fact, when he was shown the video recording of the transaction, he explicitly denied its authenticity, saying it was only a caricature of himself. Later, he admitted that the video recording was authentic and acknowledged receiving the bribe in question from Otedola. After receiving the bribe he actually went to the House and requested that Zenon oil be delisted from his list, and this was done by the House without any further questioning. This could be an indication that some other members received some of the bribes and were deeply involved in the sleaze. There is no further information that other companies indicted in the report of the oil subsidy sub-committee had been equally deleted from the black list.

As to why he did not report the bribe offer to the police, Lawan has said, disingenuously, that he was waiting to show the police the evidence when the whistle was blown on him. For Christ’ sake, what was he waiting for? His story is completely implausible and he can tell that to the marines. For a leading member of the so-called Integrity Group in the House, his conduct is not only scandalous but perfidious.

Now, the matter is under further investigation by the Police who, after some days of searching his residence unsuccessfully to recover the marked dollar bills, now have Lawan in their custody. In addition, Lawan’s colleagues in the House have placed him on indefinite suspension until the matter is fully investigated and resolved one way or the other. This measure by the House is highly commendable. The House has oversight responsibilities which it should discharge with due diligence and a sense of duty. It is the nation’s chief watchdog in checking the financial excesses and fraud in the public sector. But in this regard, the House needs to purge itself as some of its leading members are becoming increasingly enmeshed in corruption. Three former Speakers of the House, Salisu Buhari, Mrs. Olubunmi Etteh, and Dimeji Bankole, have had to leave office in disgrace

HARDBALL

A

TENSE calm reigns in Kaduna and Damaturu on account of the 24-hour curfew. Residents of both cities have been forced to stay indoors because of heavy deployment of soldiers and police enforcing the ban on movement.

While the curfew might have staved off the reprisal killings for now, there are no guarantees what will happen once the restriction is lifted. What measures are being put in place to avert further revenge killings as well as the mindless slaughter of innocent Nigerians by the terrorist Boko Haram sect?

The curfew amounts to placing a token plaster on an oozing sore: it solves nothing. Deploying thousands of soldiers and policemen to the streets is applying medicine after death.

Where were all these soldiers and sundry security agents when the bombers were fanning out across the North?

Moving forward, some are suggesting that the President Goodluck Jonathan – whenever

Emergency, what emergency? he’s done solving the environmental problems of the world in Rio de Janeiro – imposes a state of emergency on all the states where violence has occurred.

Hardball is constrained to ask: emergency, what emergency? After the bombing of the Catholic Church in Madalla on the outskirts of Abuja on Christmas Day last year, Jonathan welcomed Nigerians into the New Year with a declaration a state of emergency in 15 local government areas in four states. At the time of that pronouncement some hailed his action as decisive, while the skeptics felt it was too little too late.

The manner of the execution of the so-called emergency rule has confirmed the worries of those who were unimpressed. Months after the dramatic announcement was made bombings and all manner of mayhem have continued unabated in areas supposedly under the

special security arrangement. Residents have complained that there was little sign of emergency rule. Troops were thin on the ground – allowing Boko Haram insurgents to carry on business as usual.

Advocates of a fresh emergency declaration have not taken time to examine the list of 15 local governments affected by the January 1 action or they would have discovered that the places that came under the hammer six months ago are the hotbeds of the present crisis. In Borno State, Maidugiri Metropolitan, Gamboru Ngala, Banki Bama, Biu, Jere councils were affected, while in Yobe State Damaturu, Geidam Potiskum, Buniyadi-Gujba and Gasua-Bade local governments came under restriction.

Ordinarily, a state of emergency declaration is a powerful means of pacifying troubled regions. But governments which decide to go

for being found guilty of financial misdemeanors. Former President Obasanjo, who must have been privy to information about the sleaze in the House, had only recently dismissed some of the members of the House as dishonourable ‘armed robbers and robbers’. Those are harsh words from a former president of the country, but his palpable anger actually reflects the perceptions of the public about the members of the House which, over the years, has become a cesspool of pervasive corruption.

But there are some questions on the scandal that are begging for answers and clarification.

At what point did Otedola inform the Police that Lawan had asked him for bribes? Was it before or after his second meeting with Lawan when he made his intentions in approaching Otedola very clear? If this was in April, after their clandestine meeting, why did the Police wait until two months later, before it started to look for Lawan, a delay which Lawan could easily have taken advantage of in laundering the $620,000 paid to him. Why has the Police probe not been extended to other members of the ad hoc oil sub subsidy sub-committee who may also have been directly involved, or benefited from the bribes paid to Lawan by Otedola.

There are questions that Otedola himself must answer on this matter? Did he, or did he not, also benefit from the oil subsidy scam? It was reported that his company, Zenon Oil, received close to $240 million as oil subsidy payments.

His denial of this is rather unconvincing. What evidence can he produce that his company met the terms and conditions of the oil subsidy payments by actually importing oil or diesel into the country to the actual value of the payments made to him?

As may well be expected in the Nigerian context, the whole scandal is being politicised and viewed in tribal and chauvinistic terms, instead of considering the damage it has done to Nigeria’s foreign image and economy. There is also some insidious attempt to drag the Executive into the scandal, by suggesting that the whole sordid affair is a ‘sting operation’ by the Federal Government to discredit the House and the report of its sub-committee on the scandalous oil subsidy payments. We cannot rule this out completely. But so far, there is not a shred of evidence that any senior member of the government is involved in this latest bribe scandal. But the Federal Government is remiss for failing to act promptly on the findings of the House sub-committee. Yes, due process must be followed in the investigation of these recurring financial scams. But by not acting promptly, the government has lent credence to the widespread public perceptions that it has no intention of tackling financial scandals in the country promptly. This is no way to tackle the pervasive and massive corruption in our country. When those involved in these financial scams believe they will get away with it, or that for reasons of political expediency, the authorities will give them protection from prosecution, they cannot be expected to refrain from such despicable acts. This is the reason that financial scams and fraud will continue to flourish in our country.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above that way back their pronouncements with the necessary muscle of state – men and armaments in sufficient quantity to intimidate and prevail against insurgents and troublemakers.

That has not been the case with Jonathan.

The only way to put it is that his January emergency declaration has been a half-hearted disaster treated with contempt by the terrorists.

Residents who the action was supposed to protect are equally unimpressed. Any fresh announcements along those lines would be bereft of any credibility.

In his January 1 speech, the president said he had directed the Chief of Defence Staff, in collaboration with other Service Chiefs to set up a special force unit within the Armed Forces saddled with counter terrorism responsibilities. Whatever happened to the promised unit?

What’s required at this point in time are effective security measures, not grand sounding declarations that deliver little in terms of peace and stability in the troubled areas.

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