The Nation June 23 2011

Nigeria’s truly national newspaper

Agency says Reps allowances illegal •RMAFC writes EFCC

NEWS – Page 55

Police drop suicide bombing theory NEWS

Page 2

•‘We can’t confirm bomber’s motive yet’ http://www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 6, NO. 1799 THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

N150.00

12 UNAD students hospitalised after exam hall stampede CBN

reviews criteria for CEOs

By Collins Nweze

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reviewed the criteria for the appointment of managing directors of banks, discount houses and other financial institutions.

The review, which is coming 10 years after the CBN conducted a similar exercise in 2001, has received applause from industry operators, who claim that the criteria will address competence and knowledge, which are said to be lacking in the industry.

Under the current dispensation, a circular signed by the CBN Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Chris Chukwu, stated that Managing Director, Deputy Managing Director, Executive Director in banks and discount houses must have a minimum of first degree or its equivalent in any discipline and a minimum of

•A 300-level student of Economics, Miss Tolu Ogunmakin, at the hospital ... yesterday.

PHOTOS: SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN

A

N unusual development left the University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD) without peace for the better part of yesterday.

A Department of Education lecturer, Dr Michael Omirin, who fixed a pre-examination test in a 300 level course for 7a.m., set the stage for trouble by stopping the exam when most students were still busy writing.

In a bid to escape the hammer that had befallen nearly 1,500 students repeating the course, CUS 301, many students surged forward to submit their papers. There was stampede.

About 4,000 students were in the hall.

Twelve of them, including an expectant

‘

I sat in front of the class.

When the lecturer announced it was time to stop, I was still tidying up when some of the students who had finished rushed over me. That was the last I knew.

’

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

woman, were injured.

Three of the wounded students, comprising 10 women and two men, are at the Continued on page 2

•Sodipe Mobisola, 400-level Computer ScienceEducation student at the hospital ... yesterday.

Continued on page 2

Governors to Jonathan: remove fuel subsidy A

MAJOR showdown is imminent over the N18,000 minimum wage.

Governors have asked the Federal Government to immediately remove subsidy on petroleum products and haul the proceeds into the Federation Account to be shared. This, in their view, will give the states more cash to pay the least paid worker N18,000.

But labour seems to be opposing the removal of subsidy as a precondition for the implementation of the law on the payment of the minimum wage.

The governors took the decision

States give conditions to pay N18,000 minimum wage From Vincent Ikuomola (Abuja), Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu and Emeka Ugwuanyi, Lagos

to press for the removal of subsidy on petrol products, which the government says costs billions monthly at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting on Tuesday night in Abuja.

Besides removal of subsidy, the governors insist on the need to review the revenue allocation formula, which is lopsided in favour

of the Federal Government.

It takes 52 per cent. The 36 states share 26.72 per cent and the 774 local governments take 20.60 per cent.

The Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola Committee raised by the governors has recommended a review of the revenue allocation as follows: Federal Government (35 per cent), States (42 per cent) and local governments (23 per cent). The report has been ap-

proved by the Forum.

The implementation of that report topped the agenda of the governors’ delegation’s meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday at the Aso Villa in Abuja.

The governors’ delegation was led

by Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who is also the chairman of the Forum. Other members of the seven-man team are Governors Fashola (Lagos), Tanko Makura (Nasarawa), Murtala Nyako

(Adamawa), Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and Patrick Yakowa (Kaduna).

The outcome of the meeting with the President could not be confirmed last night.

According to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), the Federal Government subsided petroleum products to the tune of N621.5 billion last year.

Continued on page 2

•INDUSTRY P14 •POLITICS P17 •EDUCATION P25 •E-BUSINESS P44

2

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

NEWS

12 UNAD students hospitalised Continued from page 1

•Mr. Raymond Ahumibe, Regional Bank Head, Imo and Abia, United Bank for Africa Plc; Prof.

Anthony Anwuka, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Imo State; Mr. Victor Osadolor, Deputy Managing Director, UBA Plc; and Ms. Ijeoma Aso, MD, UBA Foundation at the presentation of five Toyota Hilux Patrol Vans donated by UBA Foundation to the Imo State Government in Owerri ... on Tuesday.

Emergency Unit of the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in the Ekiti State capital. The expectant student was moved to the maternity section of the hospital.

The UTH Chief Medical Director, Dr Patrick Adegun, said the student may have to be induced to deliver the baby or a cesarian section is done to save her life and that of the baby.

Adegun, who received the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Dada Adelowo and his entourage – they rushed to the hospital to see how the students were faring – said all the students had high chances of survival.

Omirin said the students

got injured while trying to submit the test scripts to their course representatives, adding that the lecture room was spacious enough for them.

Shodipe Mojisola, a 400 level Computer Science Education student who was receiving attention at the hospital, had a contrary view.

The hall, she said, was too small for the students.

Mojisola said: “It is a carryover course for me. I am already in 400 level. So, I sat in front of the class. When the lecturer announced stoppage time, I was still tidying up when some of the students who had finished rushed over me. That was the last I knew, until God revived me at the hospital.”

CBN reviews criteria for CEOs appointment Continued from page 1

15 years post qualification experience before they can be eligible for these positions. Besides, 10 of the 15 years would have been spent in management and leadership positions. Also, the CBN must get recommendation from the bank that the candidate possesses proven skills and competence.

Before now, the criteria merely stipulated that a new bank MD must have become Assistant General Manager (AGM) or Deputy General Manager (DGM) and must have spent 15 years in the industry.

The apex bank, dropped the requirement for General Manager, Deputy General Manager and Assistant General Manager to a minimum of first degree or its equivalent in any discipline as well as a minimum of 10 years post qualification experience out of which, at least, seven must have been in the rel-

evant areas of job role.

Hitherto, bankers with less than seven years experience by virtue of the volume of deposits they mobilise and their closeness to management were indiscriminately promoted AGMs and above.

The circular, dated June 21, 2011 also said that shareholders with five per cent and above equity in the bank will be assessed by the apex bank before approval.

The review, according to Chukwu, is to ensure that only “fit and proper persons “are approved for appointment to board, top management/executive and critical operational positions in these institutions.

He said the guidelines christened “Assessment Criteria for Approved Person’s Regime for Financial Institutions in Nigeria”, supersedes the CBN’s January 4, 2001 circular and applies to Regional, National and International banks as well as specialised financial institutions, discount houses and other finan-

cial institutions.

Besides, he said there will be fitness tests that will assess the competence of candidates for board, top management and critical operational positions and their capacity to fulfill the responsibilities of their positions. This will be followed by propriety tests that will assess their integrity and suitability for the task.

The CBN Director said such tests will assess if such a person is or has been of unsound mind or as a result of illhealth is incapable of carrying out his duties. The regulator will also find out if the would-be executive has been declared bankrupt or suspends payments or compounds with his creditors, including his bankers, or convicted of any offence involving dishonesty or fraud.

He said the would be bank CEO or top executive will not be cleared if he has been found guilty of serious misconduct in relation to his duties or disqualified or suspended from practising a

profession. The candidate will also be bounced, if he or she has been directly involved in the management of a bank, which has been wound up by the Federal High Court, among other conditions.

The CBN will also ascertain if such appointment would result in conflict of interest, thus contravening the provisions of sections 19 (2) and (3) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 1991.

The apex bank will also be digging into the candidate’s pasts to check if he or she or any business in which he or she has controlling interest or exercises significant influence, has been investigated, disciplined, suspended or criticised by a regulatory or professional body, a court or tribunal, whether publicly or privately.

The screening will also consider if the person has been dismissed, asked to resign from employment or from a

Police make U-turn on suicide bombing

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HE Police yesterday recanted their assertion that last Thursday’s explosion at the Force Headquarters was carried out by a lone suicide bomber.

In a “press statement by the Inspector General of Police” issued after the opening of the IGP’s Conference in Abuja, the police said investigations had not been concluded to determine whether it was a “suicide bomb or time bomb or otherwise”.

Ringim had, speaking after the incident through Force spokesman Olusola Amore, blamed it on a lone suicide bomber suspected to be a member of the Boko Haram Islamic sect.

The statement also described as false reports that the bomber was in Ringim’s house and was asked to join his convoy.

The statement reads in part: “Gentlemen of the press this is the first time I will meet with you after the unfortunate incident of the bomb blast at FHQs (Force Headquarters) on 16/06/2011.

Many write up and analysis have come up in the mass media, some true, some half true and some totally false.

“Let me start by correcting the report about the fact that

From Sanni Ologun, Abuja

it is suicide bombing. Investigation has not been concluded to confirm the motive as to whether it is suicide bomb or time bomb or otherwise. This is to correct the impression and analysis of the unfortunate incident.

“Investigation into the bomb blast is on course and when there is development, the media will be updated on the investigation, but you will be patient and not allow your report to jeopardise investigation.

“Let me correct the impression that I personally received the bomber in my residence and asked him to join my convoy as reported…it is not true and you all have my phone number and that of the PRO (Public Relations Officer) to enable you confirm your stories.

“This is spreading falsehood to millions of innocent Nigerians who believe in anything they read in the newspaper. I assure you of my continued cooperation in your efforts to give correct report about happenings in any police formation.

“I call for the cooperation of all Nigerians to rid the society of criminally-minded few

who are trying to paint the country as insecure.”

Ringim declined to take questions.

He had been expected to shed light on the blast.

The meeting with senior officers, which was earlier fixed for Tuesday, was postponed till yesterday for an emergency security meeting summoned by the National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoye Azazi.

Ringim, in his less than six minutes address to both newsmen and senior Police officers yesterday, thanked President Goodluck Jonathan and the First Lady for their visits and kind words.

He also thanked Nigerians for their support and encouragement.

Ringim also thanked the media, saying their comments were noted.

He praised the officer who died in the blast, saying he saved the lives of all.

According to Ringim, the meeting with senior police officers was meant to review the security situation and to chart a way forward.

Ringim said: “First, I want to start by apologising to invited members of the press and other members of the public present here. There

•Ringim

has been delay in this address, which is occasioned by a lot of activities. As you are aware, ladies and gentlemen, this is a period that is very critical to the Nigeria Police Force.

“I want to seize this opportunity to condole with the country and the Police over our gallant people that lost their lives in the explosion at the Police Headquarters.

Similarly, I want to condole with the family of the late Dattim Nangwor, the gallant officer that lost his life in order to save us all.”

position of trust, fiduciary appointment or similar position because of questions about his honesty and integrity.

If the candidate has ever been disqualified under BOFIA or Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) or any other legislation or regulation, from acting as a director or serving in a managerial capacity, he or she will not make it.

Moreover, the candidates will be expected to complete an “Approved Persons Regime” questionnaire to be administered by the CBN and provide a satisfactory status report from the last place of work, court (records), security agencies, CBN and other regulatory agencies in the financial services sector.

Olawumi Iyabo (300 level Accounting Education) said Omirin was fond of creating panic about the course.

Some other students, who pleaded not to be named, said the “unfriendly disposition” of the lecturer to the students with regard to the course was responsible for the stampede.

One said: “Every year, many students fail the course; so, we have over 4000 students in the hall that has the capacity to contain just 2000.

“So, as we were rushing forward to submit, some of these students rolled over one another and fainted. The students had to rush because it has always been the stance of the lecturer that once he refuses to accept your test, you have already failed the course.”

Shittu Quadri Olalekan (president, Student Union Government, UNAD), Adeeko Emanuel Ayodeji (PRO) and Comrade Ayiti Adebayo Gabriel (National President, Federation of Ekiti State Students Union) corroborated the observations of the two victims.

Adeeko noted that it was unfair for the authorities to allow over 4,000 students to be packed into a 1,500-capacity lecture room, adding that it was a situation the students had borne for many years.

They urged the school authorities to cancel the test and give every candidate automatic pass as restitution for the treatment they received.

The Vice Chancellor promised that the university would foot the medical bills of the injured students.

Governors to Jonathan: remove fuel subsidy Continued from page 1

The PPPRA pricing template for June, 2011 shows that a litre of petroleum product is subsided with N81.

The landing cost per litre of imported petrol, according to the PPPRA, is N135.52, but the total amount per litre is N148.72 after the addition of distribution margins as follows: Retailers (N4.60k); transporters (N2.75k); dealers (N1.75); bridging fund plus Marine Transport Average rates (MTA) (N3.95k); and administrative charge (N15k).

Petrol is sold at N65 per litre. Daily consumption is 35 million per litres.

Kerosene is subsided to the tune of N111.01k per litre.

Daily consumption is eight million litres.

The pump price is N50 per litre. It costs N161.01 per litre to get it to the filling station.

The landing cost, according to PPPRA statistics, is N147.81.

Added to this is the distribution margins as follows: Retailers N4.60k; transporters N2.75; dealers N1.75k; bridging fund plus MTA N3.95k and administrative charge N0.15k. This brings the total cost per litre to N161.01k.

Unlike petrol, which the government allows private investors to import, kerosene is exclusively imported by the government.

Diesel is deregulated. There is no subsidy on it. now, it is sold for between N150 and N170 per litre.

President-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Amos Esele said: “What they (governors) want to create is chaos. When you pass a law, are you giving a condition for its implementation? We have passed the stage of negotiation; if they had said that during the negotiation, it would have been in order because we could negotiate. But now, the National Minimum Wage Act has to be respected.

“The National Minimum Wage is a law. They have to respect the law by implementing it, otherwise they would be seen as not respecting the law.

We will do everything to ensure the implementation of the National Minimum Wage.”

Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Promise Adewusi said fuel subsidy removal is not acceptable to the NLC. He said the National Minimum Wage is a subject of collective bargaining, which stands on its own and not on any condition. He said the Congress had nothing against the governors’ call for a review of the revenue allocation formula.

“We don’t begrudge them for asking for increase in their revenue allocation formula. It is an act of laziness and lack of creativity. But we won’t allow them to inflict more pain on Nigerians because they want more money. Insecurity in the country is as a result of poverty.

Now, they want to compound people’s problems by removing fuel subsidy. We will stop them by all means possible.”

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

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

NEWS

32-year-old expectant Nigerian turns refugee camp tenant in Europe After a forced emigration to Europe following the crisis that hit Libya where she had stayed with her husband for years, 32-year-old Nigerian Mrs. Madeline Adebisi, an expectant mother now lives in uncertainty in a refugee camp, unsure of what the future holds. She is about to be delivered of a baby, even as there is no word from her husband, who left Tripoli in April. Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN reports

Court hearing on Abdulmutallab’s trial A FEDERAL judge wants to hear arguments on a request to change the October trial date for a Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, accused of trying to blow up a plane near Detroit, United States.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds has scheduled a hearing for July 7.

Abdulmutallab’s trial is set for October. 4, but an attorney assisting him says he needs more time after getting more evidence from the government.

Anthony Chambers is also asking for a new deadline to challenge evidence. Prosecutors have urged the judge to stick to the October trial date, saying any delays are “needless.”

Abdulmutallab is charged with trying to ignite explosives in his underwear on an Amsterdam-toDetroit flight on Christmas Day in 2009.

Marketers accuse NNPC of faulty allocation of kerosene

•The crowd at the refugee camp

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IKE many a Nigerian who had dreamt of a better living, 32year-old Mrs. Madeline Adebisi and her husband sought a greener pasture in Libya. Presumably, they both had sweet tales to share there, until a few weeks ago. The North African country is at war.

The ongoing fierce attempt to force Libya’s strongman Col. Muammar Gaddafi to relinguish his 41year reign has since dragged the helpless woman among many others, through the valley of the shaddow of death. Now, she lives on tenterhooks in an Italian refugee camp in Lampedusa, a tiny Island South of Sicily.

Mrs. Adebisi live in utter agony, unsure of what the future holds for her. Worse still, her heart harbours a killing tempest: She may not see her beloved husband again, dead or alive!

Her predicament began two months ago with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) bombardments. Poised to fight dirty, Gaddafi made good his vow to ‘unleash an unprecedented wave of illegal immigration’ on Europe.

And the ships have since been arriving from Libya.

Caught in the web, Mrs Adebisi, with her pregnancy, got on the emergency trip to “nowhere in particular” against her wish. The journey

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‘At that moment, hapless Mrs. Adebisi must have said her last prayer hurriedly.

“I thought I was dead that night when the boat crashed… I was sure my life was over’ as Newsweek put it, “takes about four days and conditions on the ship are often horrific. There is little food and there are no toilets on board. Expectant women are often forced to insert catheters before boarding so that their urine won’t ‘poison’ the superstitious men.”

The woman was on the trip without her beloved husband who had left Tripoli in search of work after losing his job. She has since been left living with a group of other African women who, like her, had lost their jobs in a hospital when the war broke out. According to Newsweek, soldiers loyal to Gaddafi had forced them to relocate to a small house

near the port. But after a few days, they were pushed into a boat with hundreds of others midnight and set to sea.

Three days later, after the ship failed to dock on the Island of Malta, it lost its rudder off Lampedusa’s shore. Unable to steer, its captain abandoned the wheel and the ship smashed onto the rocks, a stone’s throw to the Door to Europe, a statue erected as a memorial for immigrants who died at sea while trying to reach the continent.

“They just kept screaming and screaming, calling desperately for help. I was so worried we would lose some of those babies,” Lt. Marco Persi of Italy’s military police reportedly recalled.

At that moment, hapless Mrs. Adebisi must have said her last prayer hurriedly. “I thought I was dead that night when the boat crashed… I was sure my life was over,” she said in crass hopelessness.

She has since been living in the refugee centre in La Spezia on Liguarian coast.

According to reports, “she is about to be delivered of a baby, but she has no idea as to whether her husband is alive or dead because she has not seen him or heard from him since April when he left Tripoli.”

Perhaps Mrs. Adebisi is lucky to still be counted among the living as

many in her shoes never lived to tell their stories, which has left Lampedusa’s coastline marred carcasses of capsized boats; the ports filled with shipwrecks; some with blankets, children’s toys and jackets. Deaths in the Mediterranean waters are common to the extent that fishermen now snag bodies in their nets instead of fish.

But when the woman will have the opportunity to re-unite with the rest of her family here in Nigeria is a question left for destiny to decide.

The massive wave of perilous migration may not be surprising, after all. Libya is a key transit country for African immigrants trying to go to Europe for improved living. Records show that in the last five months, no fewer than 45,000 migrants, 10 times more than the figure last year, had made their ways to Lampedusa.

Libya is not the lone “donor” of such immigrants. Thousands of Tunisians have flooded into the Lampedusa after the fall of their President, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, in the heat of the uprising that engulfed the country in January.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has estimated that in the past two months, at least, 1,600 people have died at sea while fleeing their countries for European shores.

THE Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of not addressing the problem of scarcity of kerosene.

It’s National President Alhaji Abdukadri Aminu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on phone that the method being adopted by the NNPC in allocating kerosene was faulty and suspicious.

Aminu said NNPC ought to have allocated major percentage of the product to IPMAN,which had about 76 per cent of the retail outlets against the 24 per cent that belonged to major marketers.

“The method adopted by the NNPC in allocating kerosene to marketers was wrong and it cannot address the ongoing scarcity,’’ he said.

Aminu said that executive members of IPMAN had fixed a meeting with the Presidency and members of the National Assembly on how to address the lingering scarcity of the product.

He advised the management of NNPC and Pipelines Products Marketing Corporation (PPMC) to apply the mechanism used in 2008 in solving petrol scarcity to address the lingering scarcity of kerosene.

“As I speak, no kerosene has been allocated to IPMAN members, whereas 30,000 metric tonnes have been allocated to major marketers.

“There should be proportional ratio and percentage in allocating the product and should be on the basis of 76 per cent to IPMAN and 24 per cent to major marketers.

The inability of IPMAN to get allocation from NNPC had made many retail outlets to sell the product at higher prices of between N130 and N150 per litre.

Why govt should avoid breakdown in education sector, by ASUU • Union insists on 2009 agreement

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is not satisfied with the Federal Government, despite the passage of a bill extending retirement age of professors from 65 to 70 years by the National Assembly, it was learnt yesterday.

The Union had in 2009 entered into agreement with government to reverse the decay in the university system, funding for research and development and upgrading of programmes and facilities.

The parties had also agreed on the extension of retirement age of

professors from the existing 65 years to 70, as well as university autonomy among other issues.

The President of the union, Prof.

Ukachukwu Awuzie told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos that the union was insisting on the total implementation of the agreement to avoid any form of breakdown in the education sector.

“Information made available to us from the National Assembly has

it that it had just passed the bill of retirement age for lecturers in the Professional cadre.

“I think by this action, government has just started. It is just scratching the surface of the issue and this to a large extent does not show any form of seriousness in taking the sector to its premier position,” he said.

Awuzie said the passage of just the retirement age of professors bill alone, coupled with the low amount

allocated for education in the 2011 budget showed that the repositioning of the sector was going to take some time to achieve.

“In 2009, just 13 per cent of the total budget was approved for the education sector and there was an agreement with government that with time, it would gradually progress to 26 per cent before 2020.

“But subsequently, it reduced drastically from the 13 per cent in 2009 to six per cent in 2010, leaving

every one to wonder if we are indeed serious with taking the sector to another level.

“Funding is a very critical element in running a university and with the quality of funding we are getting, we would hardly achieve qualitative teaching and learning— whether there is an increase in staff welfare or not,” the don said.

He said governments must be alive to their responsibilities in tackling challenges in the sector holistically, if they desired to rank among the world best economies.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

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NEWS Otunla is AGF From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday appointed Mr. Jonah Ogunniyi Otunla as the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF).

He replaces Ibrahim Dakwambo, who is now the Governor of Gombe State.

The appointment, which takes effect from July 1 was announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi.

The Acting AccountantGeneral of the Federation, Mr. Aderemi Babatunde Ogunsanya, will continue in office till June 30, when he retires from the Federal Civil Service.

Otunla was born on June, 12 1955. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in the Social Sciences from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife in 1979. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), among other professional qualifications.

Alleged N40b fraud: Agagu writes EFCC over watch-list, harassment abroad A FORMER Governor of Ondo State, Chief Olusegun Agagu, has written the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his continuous inclusion on the watchlist by the anti-graft agency.

The ex-governor said by the watch-list, he and members of his family have suffered harassment at security points at home and abroad for allegations that have not been proven against him.

He also demanded the immediate release of the travelling documents of his brother, Femi Agagu (also the ex-governor’s former Chief of Staff), which had been seized by the EFCC. Both the ex-governor and his younger brother are being investigated by the EFCC for alleged mismanagement of about N40 billion while in office.

•Demands brother’s travelling documents.

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

While the ex-governor’s travelling documents have been temporarily released to him. The movement of his brother is still restricted to Nigeria .

The two former public officers are however watch-listed by the EFCC, a development which makes different international security agencies to question them and their relations when on foreign trips.

In the letter, Agagu asked the EFCC to “remove my name and family members from the watch-list of the commission.

“I want the commission to

take action on the watch-list to stop the constant harassment of myself and family members at entry and exit points abroad.”

He also urged the EFCC to “release the travelling documents of Femi Agagu.”

It was learnt that Agagu is worried that the ongoing investigation of allegations against him has been affecting his political career.

The EFCC, however, said it is still holding on to the passport of the former Chief of Staff because investigation is still on.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said: “Why we are yet to release his pass-

port and remove his name from our watch-list is because investigation is still ongoing and as such anything done in that regard may jeopardise our operation.”

The allegations against the ex-governor and his brother border on alleged ‘curious’ spending of N40 billion in respect of water projects, stadium, and road construction.

Most of the affected projects were said to be less than 20 per cent completed before Agagu left office with substantial payment made.

The EFCC has been probing the allegations since February when the ex-Chief of Staff was first invited and his passport seized.

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

F

Edo North PDP protests

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor

CRISIS is brewing in the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over ministerial nomination by the party leadership.

The leaders of the party from Edo North Senatorial District, are protesting the marginalisation of the zone in the distribution of federal appointments since 1999.

They said in a statement yesterday that the monopolisation of the cabinet slots and other appointments has created disaffection in the state, urging President Goodluck Jonathan and the Acting National Chairman, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed to correct the anomaly.

Since 1999, the ministerial positions have been rotating between Edo Central and Edo South, with politicians from Uromi, the birth place of one of the PDP national leaders, Chief Tony Anenih, producing many appointees.

PDP National chair prepares handover note From Sanni Ologun, Abuja

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Jonathan seeks efficient presidency ROM the President came yesterday a piece of advice to civil servants working in the State House: make the Office of the President a model of efficiency and service delivery.

At the meeting between the management staff and representatives of the civil servants, President Goodluck Jonathan said: “This is the highest office in the land and it should be the centre of excellence. So, all departments and staff must know and discharge their responsibilities efficiently and effectively in order to make State House a model.

“We can’t afford any errors, since all we do is observed by key actors globally”.

The commission had earlier quizzed the ex-governor on the same issues before he was granted an administrative bail.

This is the second time that the EFCC would launch a probe into the administration of Agagu.

On April 3, 2009, the exgovernor was arrested and quizzed by the EFCC over alleged mismanagement of N25 billion vote of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

•From right: President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo and Chairmanof the Governor’s Forum, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State arriving for a meeting between the President and PDP governors in Abuja...Tuesday night

Jostle for positions unsettles Senate

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HERE is a division among senators over which zone will produce the Senate Leader, it was learnt yesterday.

Senate President David Mark and his deputy Ike Ekweremadu are said to be backing Senator Victor NdomaEgba (PDP Cross River), who was Deputy Senate leader in the last Senate.

But the Northeast senators are insisting that the position must be zoned to their region ‘’in line with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s formula’’.

Senators from the Southsouth and other zones are also said to be supporting Ndoma-Egba, who is a thirdterm senator.

The names of Senate Leader and those to hold other po-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

sitions would be announced as the Senate resumes next week Some senators from the Northeast who pleaded anonymity told reporters in Abuja yesterday that they have resolved not to accept any position except the Senate Leader.

According to them, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) had adopted a proposal, zoning the position to the region and that some powers from above are trying to deny them.

One of them said: “The NWC made the proposal for us to have the position but they said they will have to wait for the President to come

back from the the United States (U.S.)to seek his endorsement but when they took it to him he insisted that, the Southsouth must have the position.

“Instead of giving us the next most important position which is the Senate Whip, they now said we will only be given the Deputy Leader which is the fifth in line.”

Bankole in Lagos

By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

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ORMER House Speaker Dimeji Bankole yesterday arrived in Lagos seven days after he was released on bail by an Abuja Federal High Court. He is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged misappropriation of House funds.

He flew in a chartered Hawker Siddley 125 aircraft with registration number ZS-BOT. The aircraft touched down and taxied towards the tarmac end of the Presidential at Wing axis of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos at about 8.00 pm.

The former speaker, decked out in his usual white brocade attire with a cap to match was received by some of his former aides. They moved the three-car convoy towards the aircraft, which he boarded shortly after he alighted.

His destination was unknown.

HE Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, may have prepared his hand over notes, indications emerged yesterday.

In view of the screening of those likely to join President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet, Mohammed and the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali are believed to have scaled the screening hurdle of the State Security Services (SSS) and the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA).

Mohammed was appointed the acting chairman of the party following the ouster of Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo early this year.

Sources at the Wadata Plaza National Secretariat of the party in Abuja said this is in readiness of Mohammed’s exit.

It was learnt that some members of the National Working Committee who attended its weekly meeting yesterday discussed the hand over note.

The meeting, which was later adjourned because most of the members were not present was said to have been brief.

A source confirmed that the discussion on hand over note dominated the NWC meeting.

The source also revealed that the National Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje may now be saddled with the control of the party in the interim, since according to the source “Baraje’s tenure as Acting Chairman would not last more than a month.”

But Mohammed’s Special Assistant on Media Emeka Nwankpa said the purported preparation of hand over notewas untrue.

“If you have anything to discuss with me come to my office”, Mohammed himself said last night.

Falana criticises AU over access to African Court

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AGOS lawyer Femi Falana, has criticised the African Union (AU) over what he called its objections to access the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to challenge alleged violation of his fundamental human rights.

He is challenging the violation of his “right to partici-

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor

pate in the government of his country; right to the public services, and freedom from discrimination.”

The AU had, objected to Falana’s position, saying: “the applicant fails to state a claim against the African Union, either in law or in

fact, upon which any relief may be granted. The AU is not a party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, nor the Protocol establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”

However, Falana, in his reply filed at the court this week, said that he sued the respondent as a corporate

community.

He said: “The respondent has been sued as a corporate community on behalf of its member states. In Callist Mwatela & Ors. v. Secretary General of the East African Community (EACJ 2008, Reference No: 1 of 2005, it was held that, legally, the organs are not corporate entities, but are component parts of the

community, which is an act of the corporate community.

“Ordinarily, an act of an organ in discharging its functions is an act of the corporate community. However, in areas where a function of the partner states has not been ceded to the community, an organ may discharge the function in the context of the partner states acting together.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

NEWS

NNPC to monitor pipelines

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HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Ore depot, will today inaugurate a new Toyota Hilux vehicle to monitor pipelines.

A statement by NNPC’s spokesman Sunday Akindele said the destruction of pipelines has reached an unimaginable proportion in Ondo State.

Akindele said the vehicle would be used to monitor the Ore-Wasimi, NNPC Pipeline, stressing that the menace would be tackled headlong.

Lagos to spray 136,000 houses

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HE Lagos State Government yesterday began a 15-day Indoor Residual Spraying exercise aimed at spraying insecticide on the walls and ceilings of 136,526 households in Kosofe, Ibeju Lekki and Igbogbo Bayeku local governments and council development area to prevent malaria.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health Dr. Olufemi Olugbile said the choice of the three local governments was based on the recommendation of an epidemiologist team.

Olugbile, who spoke through the Director of Disease Control, Dr. Femi Taiwo, said mop-up and follow-up exercises would be conducted after six months.

He said government has trained 184 spray men and 92 supervisors for each of the benefiting areas to enhance the success of the exercise.

Olugbile said a pilot test was conducted to access the effectiveness of the chemicals to be employed.

The permanent secretary urged residents to co-operate with the spray team by giving them access to their houses, remove portable household items especially food stuffs, water and valuables and stay outside for at least two hours after the spraying.

Arik Air receives US FAA Part 129

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RIK Air has satisfied the requirements of the United States Department of Transport on foreign operated aircraft into the United States.

The airline is the first Nigerian company to meet the criteria in 15 years.

It gives the airline the approval to operate Nigerian registered aircraft directly into the US. Arik flies three times weekly from Lagos to New York through a part ACMI wet-lease with Hi Fly Transportes Aeroes of Portugal.

To have a Part 129, an airline must demonstrate airworthiness as defined by the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and meet standards in operational areas.

The acquisition of the Part 129 approval follows Arik’s placement on the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registry, a requirement to full IATA membership.

•Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (centre in black cap) addressing protesting motorcycle (Okada) riders in Ado-Ekiti... yesterday

One killed in Ogun okada riders’ clash

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HE police in Ogun State yesterday arrested seven persons over a clash involving two factions of a motorcycle riders’ association operating in Sabo, Sagamu.

The clash, which occurred on Tuesday between members of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycles Riders and Owners Associ-

•Seven arrested From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

ation of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) and a splinter group, Commercial Motorcycles Operators Association of Nigeria (COMOAN), left Saula Ogundowun dead and many others injured.

Sources said Ogundowun, a member of ACOMORAN, was hacked to death by persons suspected to be members of COMOAN during the fracas.

Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the incident, said the crisis erupted following a supremacy tussle between the two groups.

He said: “The command received a report that a group, called COMOAN, launched an attack on ACCOMORAN in Sabo, Sagamu, and killed Saula Ogundowun, who was a member of ACCOMORAN “The Area Commander, Sheu Alao, led the team to the place and arrested seven people.”

NURTW crisis: Tokyo threatens to sue police boss T HE Chairman of the proscribed National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Lateef Akinsola, a.k.a. Tokyo, yesterday threatened to sue the Commissioner of Police, Adisa Bolanta, for an alleged malicious publication being circulated in the state.

Tokyo said he has instructed his lawyer to slam a N200million-libel suit against Bolanta for damaging his reputation through the circulation of handbills.

Bolanta had, in a handbill bearing the pictures of Tokyo and Lamidi Mukaila, a.k.a.

Auxiliary, declared the two factional leaders of the union wanted and placed a ransom of N500,000 on each of them.

But Tokyo, in a statement in Ibadan yesterday, said he “takes objection to the handbills being displayed by the Commissioner declaring him (Tokyo) wanted.”

He declared Bolanta’s action as illegal, urging the Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, to “caution Bolanta against maligning my personality.”

Tokyo said: “The facts are there that it is Auxiliary that

•Group disowns Tokyo, Auxiliary

From Oseheye Okwuofu and Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

has been going about town with guns and dangerous weapons while Bolanta continues to look the other way.”

The statement reads: “Bolanta has no moral justification to declare me wanted. His action is illegal as I am not a criminal. I did not commit any crime. I am suing Bolanta for defamation of my character to the tune of N200million.

“Bolanta should stop spoiling my good name by his sponsored publications. Has Bolanta ever seen me leading any thug to kill anybody at motor parks? The question which the public should ask Bolanta is what he has done to Auxiliary, the mastermind of the Iwo Road Motor Park attacks in which several innocent souls were killed.

“What has Bolanta done to fish out Auxiliary, whom he (Bolanta) has been shielding?

Bolanta should desist from

playing politics with the Oyo NURTW as he is the one harbouring Auxiliary.

“The IG should warn him to desist from blackmailing me. I am a practising Muslim with the fear of God at heart, and I am an innocent and law abiding citizen as far as the Oyo NURTW issues are concerned. And this is why I have always been pursuing all my cases through the rule of law.”

A group in the embattled union has praised Governor Abiola Ajimobi for proscribing the union’s activities at motor parks.

The commercial drivers, under the aegis of the Peace Loving Group of the NURTW, said in a statement in Ibadan yesterday that the acts of violence allegedly perpetrated by Tokyo and Auxiliary have been affecting operations at motor parks.

In the statement, which was signed by eight members of the group representing various segments, Tokyo

•Tokyo

and Auxiliary were disowned.

It stated that the union has no authentic leaders since two years ago when the national leadership of the NURTW allegedly expelled Tokyo.

It identified Auxiliary and his late boss, Alhaji Lateef Salako (aka Eleweomo) as hoodlums fomenting trouble with the backing of the former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.

The group urged Ajimobi to set up a transport corporation akin to that of Lagos State to manage the motor parks with additional objective of generating more revenue for the government.

Ondo workers begin strike

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HE negotiation between the Ondo State Government and civil servants over the N18,000 minimum wage collapsed yesterday.

With this development, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has ordered civil servants to begin an indefinite strike from today.

At the negotiation meeting with the workers, the

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Head of Service, Ajose Kudehinbu, who led the government team, said the present administration could only pay N13, 000 minimum wage.

He explained that the government would not be able to implement the new salary scale because of the financial implication, which would affect government

developmental projects.

Kudehinbu said the implementation of the demand of the workers could only be effected, if the Federal Government increases state allocations.

But the workers rejected the proposal and directed its members to go on an indefinite strike.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has appealed

to the government to implement the minimum wage.

In a statement yesterday by its Publicity Director, Gbenga Akinmoyo, the party said failure of the government to pay the wage showed that it has refused to consider the plight of the workers.

The party noted that it was illegal for any state to pay less than N18,000 .

ABUAD holds screening July 9 AFE Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Ekiti State, will hold its admission/ screening exercise for the 2011/2012 academic session for fresh students on July 9.

The post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) screening exercise for intending students, according to a press statement signed by the Registrar of the Institution, Mrs. Christie Oluborode holds simultaneously at the following centres: the university’s permanent site, AdoEkiti and Afe Babalola International Study Centre, Ibadan.

Other centres include: Garki Secondary School, Area 10 Garki, Abuja; Afe Babalola Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos; Rivers State College of Arts and Science, Rumuola, PortHarcourt and Montessori International School, Warri, Delta State.

The designated selling points for admission forms are Union Bank Plc, Oceanic Bank Plc, First Bank Plc and Skye Bank Plc, ABUAD campus, Emmanuel Chambers, Ekotedo, Ibadan, Emmanuel House, Maitama, Abuja, Emmanuel House, Magodo, Lagos and CAPI study centre, Ibadan.

More sanitation days in Osun OSUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has introduced more sanitation days in addition to the 90-day emergency period to tackle problem of filth in various communities.

With the latest introduction, Aregbesola declared that every Thursday beginning from tomorrow would be set aside as Market Sanitation Day through which all markets would remain closed to trading from 7am to 9am.

The second stage, according to Aregbesola, would take place on the last Fridays of the month between 8 and 10am, which are designed to place at workplaces including government offices, motor parks, okada parks and schools.

He also declared that Friday has been declared as Drainage and Highways Sanitation Day during which commercial vehicles and motorcycles would be off the road.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

NEWS ‘We’re not Jang’s rubber stamp’ From Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

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HE Plateau State House of Assembly yesterday said it was not true that Governor Jonah Jang had cowed it into approving anything the executive wanted.

The Assembly cautioned politicians to avoid dragging the legislature into controversy that would divert the Assembly’s attention from its constitutional duties.

A statement by the Chairman, House Committee of Information, Diket Plang, said it was not true Jang used the lawmakers as “rubber stamp” and dumped them.

The statement followed a statement purportedly made by former Deputy Governor Pauline Tallen and published in a national daily that “Jang used and dumped the former Speaker Istifanus Mwansat, and picked a nobody, who is not up to six months in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to come and rubbish another” lawmaker.

It urged politicians to avoid denting the image of the Assembly, saying it was wrong for anyone to use the legislature to score cheap political points.

NDLEA arrests 1,821 suspects •Worried by prosecution procedure

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HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday said it has arrested 1,821 suspected drug dealers.

The agency said it seized 99,174,453kilogrammes of illicit drugs, including 98,580.876kilogrammes of cannabis, between January and May, this year.

It also said a three-hectare cannabis plantation, discovered in Ogun State, would soon be destroyed.

He said 134,412.59kilogrammes of illicit drugs were publicly destroyed within the period.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Ahmadu Gyiade addressed reporters in Abuja on the programmes lined up for this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking.

He expressed concern over judicial hurdles the agency faces in the prosecution of suspected drug barons and peddlers.

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

Though Giade noted that Nigeria was winning the war against illicit drugs, he regretted that some suspects were released on bail without the agency’s knowledge.

He said: “It is a bit disturbing in the sense that there are some suspects released on bail never showed up.”

According to him, about 26 suspects were released and failed to show up again.

Giade said: “If only the courts can take us along on the details and conditions of release of our suspects, we would have been given the opportunity of verifying the details of whoever their sureties are.

“By then, the address of the sureties would be verified and, if he meets the conditions of the bail, he can be picked up if the released suspect jumps bail. Right now, I think we have about 26 of our cases that were released on bail and never returned to court.”

•Cross section of civil servants at the 2011 civil service lecture in Abuja…yesterday

How to secure corps members, by NYSC chief T HE Director-General of the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga, yesterday in Kaduna, the Kaduna State capital, said corps members would become more secure when states and local governments provide fortified accommodation for them.

He said such accommodation , called Corpers’ Lodge, would prevent corps members from killers’ reach.

Addressing corps members at a pre-orientation workshop, the NYSC chief noted that the special accommodation has become neces-

Ex-Yobe Dep Speaker is Speaker

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Israeli community donates items to orphanage

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DELEGATION of the Israeli community in Abuja on Tuesday visited the Anawim Orphanage Home (Poorest of the Poor) in Gwagwalada and donated foodstuffs, clothing, toiletries, medicines and baby toys to the inmates.

Deputy Head of the Israeli Mission in Nigeria, Mr. George Deek, who led the delegation, said members of the community put their resources together and gave something back to the community.

According to him, showing love to the less privileged was initiated by one of their members.

Deek praised the Missionary Sisters for the Poorest of the Poor (MSSPP), managers of the home for rehabilitating the destitute.

The General Coordinator of the orphanage, Rev. Sister Oresoa, Selo-Ojeme, thanked the Israeli community members for their magnanimity.

She said the foodstuffs and medicines would help in caring for the 97 inmates.

Oresoa said the orphanage was established in 1995 to rehabilitate abandoned children, orphans, psychiatrics, the aged, pregnant teenagers, and commercial sex workers.

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

sary to enable corps members enjoy improved security and make the scheme succeed.

He urged states and local governments to rise up to their responsibilities to make the scheme succeed.

Tsiga said about 95,000 graduates would be mobilised for this year’s Batch ‘B’, adding that the scheme was growing.

He said: “With our recent experience, the need for construction of Corpers’ Lodges in the state capitals and local governments, for security and welfare of corps members, has become imperative.”

Tsiga urged the Presidency to direct states and local governments to provide facilities for the NYSC, adding that this is enshrined in the Act establishing the scheme.

The NYSC chief said stakeholders would work out res-

olutions for turning around the fortunes of the scheme for national development.

Governor Patrick Yakowa said the government would continue to support the NYSC because of its role in uniting the nation and its contributions to national development.

Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Mukthar Ramalan Yero, the governor praised the scheme for its heroic role in the April elections and prayed for the repose of the souls of corps members who died in the post-election violence in the North.

Tinubu, Akande, ACN governors for Belgore’s 50th birthday

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

ORMER Yobe State Deputy Speaker Adamu Dala Dogo was yesterday elected Speaker.

The lawmaker All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) lawmaker, who represents Karasuwa State Constituency, was elected unopposed.

The Assembly also elected unopposed the former Speaker Adamu Usman as the House Leader and Gamcho Tella retained as Chief Whip.

Announcing the election results on the floor of the Assembly in Damaturu, the state capital, Clerk of the House, Mohammed Nur Alkali said the principal officers were nominated and returned unopposed by the 24 members.

Ibrahim Kurmi, representing Ngalda/Fika Constituency, was elected Deputy Speaker.

Mohammed Nur Alkali, who presided over the proceedings before the election of the principal officers, praised the lawmakers for the peaceful conduct of the election.

Dogo said the members would work for the interest of the electorate, adding that the Assembly would concentrate on qualitative legislation to improve the living conditions of rural and urban dwellers.

PHOTO: NAN

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

•Belgore

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ORMER Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will lead other chieftains of the party to Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Saturday, for the

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50th birthday of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate in the state, Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN).

ACN National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; Lagos, Edo, Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti State Governors Babatunde Fashola, Adams Oshiomhole, Rauf Aregbesola, Abiola Ajimobi, Ibikunle Amosun and Kayode Fayemi are expected at the event.

Fashola will deliver a lecture, entitled: Relationship between Democracy and Good Governance.

Some special programmes

have been lined up for the Golden Jubilee birthday celebration. A youth empowerment programme, featuring a lecture and symposium on youth and development will be held today.

A statement by Belgore’s media aide Rafiu Ajakaye said Senator Femi Ojudu is among the guest speakers expected at the youths’ symposium.

Belgore, son of the late Federal High Court Judge Mahmud Babatunde, was born on June 25, 1961, to the Belgore family of Ilorin, Kwara State.

Ajakaye said: “On Thursday (today), Belgore’s wife,

Bola, is billed to tour motherless babies’ homes to present gifts and offer them succour. She will also visit some markets within and outside the Ilorin metropolis.

“A special prayer session is scheduled for Friday, with Belgore leading other ACN chieftains to observe a Jumat service at the Ilorin Central Mosque. This will be followed in the evening by a civic reception organised by Kwara ACN for Belgore.

“A children’s party will hold at Roemiches International School, Ilorin. It will be led by Belgore’s wife and other ACN women leaders across the state.”

Tribunal orders Plateau LP to give PDP information on poll result

HE Plateau State Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Jos, the state capital, has directed the state Labour Party (LP) and its governorship candidate, Dame Pauline Tallen, to provide Governor Jonah Jang, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, more information to support its petition against the governor, who won the April poll.

It said such information would assist the petitioners to explain their position on the disputed result.

From Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

Tribunal chairman, Justice Joseph Jella gave the petitioners seven days to provide the information.

Tallen and her running mate Pam Dung Gyang and the state LP leadership petitioned the tribunal, challenging Jang’s victory.

The petition also has Jang; his deputy, Ignatius Longjan; the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and its work-

ers, as respondents. The petitioners alleged that the respondents rigged the election in Jang’s favour to give him victory.

Justice Jella’s order followed an application filed and moved by counsel to Jang and the PDP, Mr Sunday Odey.

The application, which was supported by an 11paragraph affidavit, prayed the tribunal to direct the petitioners to provide the applicants with “better” particulars of their positions

contained in some of the paragraphs of the petition.

The application asked the tribunal to direct the petitioners to provide the information within seven days.

Counsel to LP, Umar Ibrahim (SAN) objected to the application. The tribunal dismissed his objection.

The tribunal noted that the information would enable the respondents to put into proper perspective the pleadings of the petitioners and put the parties on notice.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

NEWS Ekiti Assembly approves varsities’ merger From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

THE Ekiti State House of Assembly yesterday passed a bill on the merger of the University of Science and Technology, Ifaki-Ekiti (USTI) and the University of Education, Ikere-Ekiti (TUNEDIK) with the University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD).

The Majority Leader, Mr. Churchill Adedipe, moved the motion for the passage of the bill.

He said though the passage of the bill was not based on the earlier position of the State Education Summit, Adedipe added that it was in recognition of the merit in the position that it took the action.

The lawmaker noted that Governor Kayode Fayemi had recommended that Ekiti should run one stateowned university because of its economic limitations.

Adedipe said it would be the misplacement of priority for the state to fund the three universities.

Oshiomhole hails Benin monarch EDO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday described as invaluable the contributions of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Erediauwa, to the development, peace and stability of the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Peter Okhiria, said Oshiomhole praised the monarch when he visited him at his palace in Benin, the state capital, on his birthday.

Oshiomhole said: “He (Oba Erediauwa) is one of the most outstanding royal fathers in the country. We feel very privileged that we have him as our royal father. You will be surprised that he is abreast of events, not only in Benin City but also across the state.

He knows the contractors that are working and the one that is not working. He is also very familiar with current affairs.”

The governor said the monarch had regularly drawn his attention to issues and offered sincere and fatherly advice.

Oshiomhole said: “I’m here to felicitate with our royal father, who is the Chairman of Edo Council of Obas. We are very proud of him and we continue to celebrate his life and his accomplishments”.

•Oshiomhole

Six dead, 27 houses collapse in Kano rain disaster

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HE heavens opened up on Tuesday night in Kano in what many initially thought was going to be a rainfall of relief. But a few hours after it started, the torrential rain became a source of death and displace-

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

ment to hundreds of residents.

When it subsided early yesterday, six persons were dead. About 27 houses col-

lapsed with over 300 persons displaced as flood swept across Fagge Local Government.

The residents said it was one of the area’s worst disasters in decades.

The Nation gathered that

about 150 people were rescued from the collapsed buildings and the injured were taken to hospitals for treatment.

The Director of Operation of the state Fire Service, Alhaji Kassim Musa, confirmed

the disaster, saying it was worsened by the collapse of a canal between Kwarin Gogau and Fagge in Kano metropolis.

Kassim said the rescue team of the fire service immediately began evacuating the affected residents.

Group threatens to sue governors over minimum wage From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

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•From left: Abia State Governor Theodore Orji; former Information Minister, Prof. Dora Akunyili; and Anambra State Governor Peter Obi at the funeral of Arch. Bishop Albert Kanene Obiefuna, at Basilica of Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha.

‘Biometric machine failure at UTME not ruled out’

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HE Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, yesterday said the failure last Saturday of the biometric screening machines during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) was not totally unexpected.

He said he never told anyone that the use of the machines would be without any problem.

Ojerinde said nothing serious had happened to undermine the integrity of the examination, adding that JAMB officials should be praised for “a job well done”.

Addressing a meeting of some stakeholders on what appeared like a post-mortem of this year’s UTME, the JAMB chief said human factors contributed to the hitches encountered in

•Exam results likely tomorrow, says JAMB From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

the use of the machines.

A statement by JAMB spokesman, Timothy Oyedeji, said: “The Registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, commended the staff for a job well done, in spite of some incidents that might appear to be negative, insisting that nothing serious had been recorded to undermine the integrity of the examination.”

He said an agenda was set for the workers at the beginning of the assignment, adding: “There were bound to be problems, especially with the newly introduced innovation the Biometric System.”

Ojerinde noted that there was no reason to condemn the credibility of the exer-

cise because of the hitches, adding that the human factor could make or mar any process of change management.

He listed some of the problems the board encountered during the exercise, saying they included lukewarm attitude of some officials on ground; seeming compromise on the part of some unscrupulous centre supervisors and invigilators; lateness; and indiscipline among some JAMB officials.

For the future, Ojerinde said the board would use superior technology to solve the problems arising from delays.

He said JAMB would either place at least two computers at each examination centre or it would reduce the number of candidates

per centre by half: from 540 to 270.

Speaking on behalf of UTME coordinators and supervisors, Dr. Joe Okpala of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, noted that the submissions at the review session would be useful for planning hitch-free future examinations.

It was gathered that the result of the examination may be released tomorrow.

A source told The Nation that the result would have been released last week if a logistics problem had not occurred.

The source said: “It was due to have been out last Wednesday but few logistic failures delayed the scheduled plan. All hands are on deck to meet up with the Friday deadline.”

Court dismisses Bank PHB ex-MD’s bid to quash fresh charges A LAGOS State High Court, Ikeja, yesterday dismissed an application by a former Managing Director of Bank PHB, Mr Francis Atuche, asking it to quash the amended charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC had charged Atuche, his wife, Elizabeth, and a former Bank PHB Chief Financial Officer, Mr Ugo Anyanwu, before Justice Lateefat Okunnu.

They were alleged to have stolen N25.7 billion belonging to the bank.

Atuche had sought an order to dismiss the charges because he said it amounted to double jeopardy and abuse of court process since he was facing similar charg-

By Joseph Jibueze

es at the Federal High Court, Lagos.

He challenged the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the matter, claiming that the EFCC had no right to try him under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Lagos State.

The former bank chief had claimed that the EFCC decision to re-arraign him with his wife in the amended charges was done with malice to embarrass him.

Justice Okunnu said she did not see any merit in Atuche’s claim that EFCC acted in malice and wanted to embarrass him.

She noted that the case before her was not similar to the one Atuche was facing at the Federal High Court, Lagos.

Justice Okunnu said: “I am of the firm view that this is not a case of abuse of court process. The matter before the Federal High Court and the one before me have not been shown to be one and the same. The issue of double jeopardy does not arise.”

On whether the EFCC could prosecute a person under a state law, Justice Okunnu held that the agency could do so even without a fiat from the state AttorneyGeneral.

She said Section 211 (1) of the Constitution allows for

circumstances in which any other authority other than the Attorney-General could institute criminal proceedings against a person.

Justice Okunnu noted that the EFCC Act empowers it to prosecute criminal matters under a state law. Besides, she said the Act establishing the EFCC and the Constitution superseded any state law.

The judge also held that the ACJL did not foreclose the ability of any other body to file charges, which makes a fiat not always necessary.

She said: “I find no merit in this application. The Notice of Preliminary Objection accordingly stands dismissed.”

She adjourned till today for ruling on Atuche’s bail application.

CIVIL society organisation, Egalitarian Mission Africa (EMA), yesterday threatened to sue governors who fail to implement the N18,000 minimum wage.

Accusing such governors of trying to blackmail the Federal Government, the group said it would be irresponsible of a sincere government to neglect the welfare of its workers when it is keeping a retinue of political aides in its services.

In a statement in Abuja by its Executive Director, Kayode Ajulo, EMA said, by the review of the National Wage Act, Cap. N61, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, by the National Assembly, and its signing into law by President Goodluck Jonathan on March 23, the new wage is binding on all tiers of governments.

It noted that the demand for increased revenue sharing formula by the affected governors before they could pay the new wage was an insult on Nigerian workers.

EMA said: “By the above provision, which takes effect from March 23, the day it was signed into law by the President, the payment of the new minimum wage becomes accruable and is not subject to further negotiation, compromise or wishful thinking of several employers of labour in Nigeria, particularly Nigerian governors, with the exception of the few that indicated to pay accordingly.

“More worrisome at this precarious period in our national life are the utterances of some governors who gave an irritant condition that the minimum wage would only be paid upon a review of the revenue allocation formula.

“It is equally sad to listen to the comment by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum’s new Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, that without a new revenue formula governors would not be able to pay the N18,000 minimum wage. We regard this comment as very uncharitable and indeed contrary to their electioneering campaign promises to increase their workers’ standard of living by paying the then proposed minimum wage. “……Where was the Nigerian Governors Forum when discussions and debates for the minimum wage bill were ongoing and eventually signed into law? The new legal minimum wage of N18,000 is based on proper consideration of the current revenue allocation formula; the capacity of the economy; the ability of both the private and public employers to pay and modest living conditions of a minimum wage earner.“

8

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

NEWS Teachers on solidarity strike in Delta

12 arrested over killing of policemen

SECONDARY school teachers in Delta State have joined their primary school counterparts in a solidarity strike to demand the payment of the N17,000 minimum wage approved by the state government.

State Secretaryof the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Dr Eddy Uloho, who confirmed the development, said the strike was to compel government to meet the demands of primary school teachers.

He said the union had met with government on three occasions on the issue without any progress.

Uloho said NUT and its members were tired of government’s promises without any result, adding that “any time the union asks its members to go on strike, government is always quick at inviting us to a dialogue.

“On each occasion, it made promises, and most times, the promises are not fulfilled.

“We are tired of promises it has no intention of keeping. We want them to come out with a concrete resolution of the primary school teachers’ issues,” he said.

Secretary to the State Government Ovuozuorie Macaulay said the union had no genuine reason to go on strike.

He said government had agreed to pay teachers N17,000 minimum wage, but that the only challenge was that the NUT wanted the money paid before its members could return to work.

He said such demand was unknown to labour laws anywhere in the world.

HE Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested 12 persons in connection with the killing of two policemen.

Police spokesman Emokpae Egwavon said the suspects are helping the police with the investigations.

“Everything is being done, our men are in the creeks combing everywhere to fish them out,” he said.

Suspected pirates ambushed and killed two marine policemen and injured three others in a creek near Yenagoa, the state capital.

The Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa and Egwavon told reporters that the police would soon arrest the perpetrators.

“We have been investigating the incident, we are sure we will get the killers very soon,” Musa said.

It was learnt that the AntiPiracy Squad has been combing the creeks to track down the culprits.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) Media Coordinator, Lt. Col Timothy Antigha, said there is a multi agency arrangement to ensure that the culprits are brought to book.

He said same arrangement is also in place to rid the region of pirate activities.

The remains of the late policemen had been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre morgue, Yenagoa.

Oshiomhole reassigns commissioner EDO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has announced more changes to his cabinet.

Dr Cordelia Aiwize, former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, will now serve as the Commissioner for Health.

Hajia Maimuna Momodu, the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, has been dropped from the cabinet.

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•Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole (left); Nigeria's Ambassador to Italy Eheneden Erediauwa (centre) and Chief of Staff Osarodion Ogie at the palace of the Oba of Benin, Erediauwa Uku Akpolokpolo, to felicitate with him on his birthday ...yesterday

Man arraigned for impregnating 14-year-old orphan A

38-year old man, Osaro Okongbowa, alias Ebo, has been arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court 2, Oredo, Edo State, for allegedly putting in the family way a 14-year old orphan in Benin, the state capital.

This is coming three weeks after a landlord allegedly impregnated his tenant’s 14year-old deaf and dumb daughter.

The accused was said to have impregnated the teen-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

ager, identified as Grace Ojo, a JSS 1 pupil at the Amadin Orphanage Home, (Women and Child Project), Benin.

The orphanage’s Coordinator, Mrs. Lucy Bello, who is the prosecution’s lead witness, told the court that the accused in June 2009 impregnated the girl.

Mrs. Bello said the girl was confirmed pregnant by doctors and she confessed that Okongbowa was responsible for it.

“Sometimes in June 2009, Okongbowa, popularly known as Ebo (who is equally under a separate shelter of the NGO), impregnated a child under our care and escaped with her without pri-

or knowledge of the home until this year when he was spotted and arrested by the police,” she said.

Mrs. Bello pleaded with the court to look into the illegality of the action.

Counsel to the accused Moses Oriazowanlen described the action as a matter of relationship, saying both the victim and the accused were adults.

Chief Magistrate F.O Idiake adjourned the case till July 12.

PDP thugs attacked us enroute Ikot Ekpene, says ACN witness A

WITNESS of the Action Congress of Congress (ACN), Thompson Borngreat, yesterday blamed the March 22 violence between Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ACN in Akwa Ibom State on the desperation by the PDP government to win the April 26 governorship election.

He testified before the Presidential Committee on the Pre-and Post-election violence in Uyo, the state capital.

Borngreat, who identified himself as a security man, said the ACN governorship convoy on March 22 was attacked by suspected PDP hoodlums on their way to Ikot Ekpene to campaign.

He urged the panel to look

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

at why PDP allegedly attacked the convoy to get to the root of the fracas between both parties.

His words: “The March 22 violence was caused by the PDP hoodlums, they were paid to do it to blackmail the ACN. “Our governorship candidate Senator James Udoedehe has never encouraged anybody to take up arms against another.

“He has always preached that he is a peacemaker and that election should not be a

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Any objection to the amendment should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi lronsi Street, P.M.B. 198, Maitarna, Abuja, within twenty-eight days from the date of this publication.

NGOZI OLEHI ESQ NGOZI C. OLEHI & CO 25 MBAISE ROAD, OWERRI. MO STATE

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do-or-die affair. PDP hoodlums were paid to disrupt our campaign in Ikot Ekpene.”

The Vice-Chairman of the Investigation Panel and Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa and Niger states, Justice Samson Uwaifo (rtd), urged Borngreat to produce evidence to support his claim.

He said members of the panel were not spirits and could only act on evidence.

Another witness, Hector Samuel, blamed former Governor Victor Attah for the violence, saying after Attah’s failed bid to install his son-in-law, Bob Ekarika,

as governor, he formed an alliance with Udoedehe to get Akpabio out of government.

His words: “Victor Attah is the problem of Akwa Ibom State because he didn’t accept Akpabio even as we speak.

“He was trying to impose his son-in-law, Bob Ekarika, an Annang man from same ethnic group with Akpabio as governor.

“When the attempt failed, Attah formed an alliance with Udoedehe, an Ibibio man.

“If Attah had not formed an alliance with Udoedehe, Akwa Ibom would have been peaceful.”

Four witnesses testified before the panel.

Security strengthened in Cross River From Kunle Johnson, Calabar

O

FFICERS and men of the 13 Brigade in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, have stepped up preparation to thwart any further bomb attack.

Yesterday, the Brigade conducted a mock exercise, an Indoor Telephone exercise code-named “Exercise Ciwon Baya”, meaning “Pain in the neck”.

Other security agents were represented, including the Air Force, Navy, Police and the State Security Services (SSS).

Commander of the 13 Brigade Brig-Gen Shehu Yusuf said the exercise was part of its routine and annual training.

“This particular exercise is to put up a mock scenario of crisis and for our staff officers to experiment on our skill to contain the situation not necessarily at the war front,”he said.

Whereabouts of kidnapped Rivers REC’s daughter still unknown

HREE days after gunmen invaded Abundant Life Ministry Church, Eket, Akwa Ibom State and abducted the daughter of the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Utibeabasi Ikoiwak, her whereabouts is still unknown.

Her father, Aniedi Ikoiwak, is from Akwa Ibom State.

He was in Eket at the weekend to check his family, when the hoodlums attacked the church and kidnapped his 11year-old daughter.

A source said the hoodlums, who were in police uniform tried to kidnap Ikoiwak, but when the attempt

•Kidnappers insist on N100m ransom From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

failed, they took his daughter.

On Tuesday, the abductors demanded N100million from the family.

Speaking with The Nation yesterday, Ikoiwak said his daughter’s abductors are still insisting on the N100million ransom.

Ikoiwak said the kidnappers only contacted the family once.

His words: “They have not reduced the ransom. They (kidnappers) contacted us once.

“I am a civil servant and collect salary at the end of every month. I do not have that kind of money.

“Even the salary I earn is tied down to several commitments.

“I sincerely appeal to those holding my only daughter to free her. She is just a minor and knows nothing,’’ he said.

The REC also said the incident had taken a toll on his

family.

“As I speak, my wife is totally down. When the abductors stormed the church and fired shots into the air, my wife fell and injured herself.

“She has not been herself since the abduction and I appeal to those holding my daughter to free her,” he said.

Commissioner of Police Felix Uyanna could not be reached for comments.

He was said to be in Abuja for a meeting of police heads with the InspectorGeneral of Police.

Police spokesman Onyeka Orji said the command had intensified its surveillance to ensure the girl’s release.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

9

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

10

NEWS Police warn transport union From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

THE Ogun State Police Command yesterday warned that any attempt to change the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and that of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) by unlawful means could endanger the peace and security of the state.

A statement by police spokesman, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said it has come to the notice of the Command that “some individuals or group of persons want to cause unrest in the state by attacking ‘Okada’ riders and motorists in order to overthrow constituted leadership of the various transport unions in the state.

Adejobi added that the union leaders of NURTW, RTEAN as well as that of commercial motorcycle riders were duly elected and any change must follow due process to avert security breach .

‘Why Abians voted for Orji’

E

X- SPECIAL Adviser to Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, Ben Onyechere, has explained why people voted for Orji in the April general election.

Onyechere said in an interview on the telephone yesterday that Orji won because “he pulled out the wool that covered the people’s eyes. His victory is an insight into a fundamental character of Igbo electoral behavioural pattern, which nobody can change, particularly when they make up their minds on a subject matter.”

• Fashola with Ajomale (sixth right) and other executive members ...yesterday

ACN leaders set agenda for Fashola

L

By Miriam Ndikanwu other states and if anyone can be governor of Lagos AGOS State Governor Raji Babatunde and survive, then he can survive as a president.”

Fashola (SAN) yesterday hosted leaders governance.”

Fashola commended the party for its efforts and of the state chapter of the Action Congress He urged the governor not to be too far away hardwork, which helped to elect all ACN of Nigeria (ACN) at the Ikeja Government from the party, saying. “Now is the time that candidates at the national and state levels in the House. your service is needed most”. He assured of the last election.

The party, led by its state chair Henry Ajomale, party’s continuous support to ensure the success Fashola said: “I want to thank all members of set an agenda for the effective deliverance of of Fashola’s second term administration. the party for their dedication, sacrifice and democratic dividends to Lagosian as “The party is going to work with you to ensure selflessness in our resolve during the last compensation for their support for ACN during that you are able to represent the manifesto of electioneering campaign. I owe you a special word the April elections. the party to the letter. We are very proud of you of appreciation and gratitude for your entrusting With Ajomale are: Deputy Chairman Alhaji S. and we want to congratulate you for the victory the leadership of this state again to me.

Saumola, Vice Chairman James Odunmbaku and because you were able to make history of having “First of all, I accept the responsibility with Adesegun Adeseye as well as publicity Secretary the largest votes than any candidate across the every sense of humility and with the full Jeo Igokwe, among others. country. consciousness of what it means for our party to Setting the tone for discussion at the meeting, “We will continue to make you proud and this the people of Lagos. I am proud to wear the which held at the Governor’s Conference Room, time around I think our party has come to stay in colours of this party. I am proud to insert in my Ajomale explained that it was expedient for the Nigeria.” speech, that there would be no rainbow coalition leaders to meet with the governor to consolidate He said everyone, including members of other in the House of Assembly because the House of on the party’s victory at the just concluded polls. parties are interested in the ACN today will Assembly is all ACN.” “We formed and run the party and thank God because of the good governance in Lagos in the He explained that the implication of this was that that we succeeded in the elections. We want to past 12 years. the people of Lagos have accepted the message of ensure that we still have the control of Lagos, “We want to urge you to be yourself, not only the party and have decided to entrust them with that is the Action Congress of Nigeria. Apart from for this country, but l am sure that after you have their future, stressing that this must be the party’s that, let me rejoice with you that you have young served in Lagos, because we have always been uppermost consideration. children now that have just been delivered, saying a commissioner in Lagos is a governor in because from one state, ACN now proudly has six governors, which was possible because the people saw what you demonstrated had prejudged the substantive through progressive HE Economic and Ficharge. nancial Crimes ComJustice Akande, in her remission (EFCC) yestersponse dated June 15 signed •Chief Judge refuses re-assignment request by the court’s Deputy Chief day urged Justice Adeniyi Registar, Mrs Ariyike IpayeOnigbanjo of the Lagos High

By Joseph Jibueze Court, Ikeja, to disqualify his ruling on Atuche’s bail ap- Nwachukwu, said: “I am to tice Adeniyi Onigbanjo to himself in the case involving plication might have inadvert- bring to your notice the decirecuse, remove and disformer Managing Director of ently prejudged the substan- sion of the Chief Judge refusqualify itself from presidBank PHB, Mr Francis Atuche. tive charge and pending appli- ing your application for the ing over, sitting upon or transfer of the subject matter This followed the Chief cations. hearing to determine or Judge of Lagos State , Justice The judge had held that to another judge. continue to preside over the “Please be informed that the Inumidun Akande’s refusal to there were similarities becharges ID/149C/2011 re-assign the cases to another tween the charges the former decision is premised on the (FRN vs Francis Atuche and judge as requested by the bank chief was facing before fact that the highlighted porLekan Kasali) and ID/ agency. him and the one at the Federal tions of the rulings com150C/2011 (FRN vs Francis plained of by your good selves Atuche was charged sepaHigh Court, Lagos .

Atuche and Funmi rately with two former Direc“In view of the disturbing form part of the rulings of the Ademosun) or any applicators of Bank PHB, Mr Lekan comments, our clients have honourable court. tion pending before this “You are to be advised that Kasali and Funmi Ademosun lost confidence in the ability honourable court.” before Justice Onigbanjo on of the judge to hold the scale the appropriate action is not The EFCC had on June 8, three counts each of conof justice in the pending the Chief Judge’s intervention petitioned the Justice Akande, spiracy and stealing of over charge,” EFCC said in the pe- but rather the exercise of your alleging bias against Justice constitutional right to appeal N11.4 billion belonging to the tition.

Onigbanjo. It asked her to rebank.

But Atuche’s lawyer, Chief the decision of the court if you assign the cases to another EFCC, in a Motion on Anthony Idigbe (SAN), in a are dissatisfied with same.” judge within the criminal diJustice Onigbanjo adjourned Notice dated June 22, is June 14 letter to the CJ, refuted vision. praying the court for “an EFCC’s allegations against till September 19 to enable the The agency claimed that Jusorder that this honourable Justice Onigbanjo, saying his defence respond to EFCC’s tice Onigbanjo’s comments in court presided over by Jusruling did not suggest that he application.

EFCC urges judge to disqualify self from Atuche’s case

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Ogun retires Accountant - General, Perm Secs, others

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HE Ogun State Government has sacked eight permanent secretaries, Clerk of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr. Demola Badejo, and former Accountant-General, Mr. Babatunde Salau.

The Nation gathered that they were compulsorily retired as a prelude to the imminent mass retrenchment of workers in the state civil service.

Badejo was indicted by a 10 - man Panel headed by

•Govt: we’re not aware From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

former Deputy Speaker, Mr Remmy Hazzan, for his alleged “conspiratorial” role in the pre -dawn invasion of the Assembly by the Soyemi Coker - led eight minority lawmakers of the sixth legislative Assembly.

Besides Badejo and Salau, others retired are the former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Local Government

and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Babajide Oyeti, his counterpart in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Seyi Banjoko, Messrs. Jide Oyenuga, Kehinde Ogunfowodu, Moshood Opebiyi and Mufutau Lawal.

It was also gathered that the Ibikunle Amosun administration had commenced a downward review of salaries of permanent secretaries, who were pro-

moted by former Governor Gbenga Daniel.

It was learnt their promotions were done without regards to the Civil Service guideline.

But the government has denied knowledge of the retirement of the Accountant - General and others.

Senior Special Assistant to Amosun on Media and Communication Mrs. Funmi Wakama, in a telephone interview with The Nation, said: “I am not aware of it.

11

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Business is recognizing the role it can play in combating climate change.

Thank God, is all I can say, for there is a desperately urgent need for business to play that role. Your lobbying influence can be substantial, but together, united and in large enough numbers it could prove decisive in turning the tide.

–Prince Charles

Nigerian Eurobonds rise on growth estimates, reserve increases

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IGERIA’s dollar bonds climbed to a record on speculation that country will continue to experience growth as high oil prices, rising foreign reserves and recent elections spur investor confidence.

The 6.75 per cent Eurobonds of Nigeria due 2021 rose 0.1 per cent to 104.981 cents on the dollar, the highest level since the debt was issued in January, lowering the yield two basis points, or 0.02 percentage point, to 6.056 per cent as of 12:02 p.m. in London, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The $500 million of bonds are Nigeria’s only international notes.

“There’s just not a lot of supply and with oil prices high and the election having gone better than expected,” investors “are looking for yield,” a senior analyst at Roubini Global Economics in London, Rachel Ziemba, said by phone.

Nigeria’s foreign reserves have climbed 3.8 per cent this month to $33.3 billion as of June 20, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN). Bonny Light oil has risen 18 per cent this year. President Goodluck Jonathan, who was returned to power in April elections, rejected spending proposals by the legislature and slashed almost N500 billion ($3.2 billion) of spending plans adopted two months earlier in the final N4.5 trillion budget passed May 25.

“The high oil price bodes well for Nigeria’s petroleum industry,” Renaissance Capital analysts, led by London-based Charles Robertson, wrote in a research report yesterday.

The smaller budget “implies that spending, particularly on imports, will slow and pressure on reserves will ease.”

Nigeria’s economic growth will rise to 7.8 per cent in COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$112.3/barrel Cocoa - $2,856/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢78.07.pound Gold -$1,161/troy ounce Rubber - ¢146.37/pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

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

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

• From left: Chief Technology Officer, Maevis Limited, Ayo Faniran; MD, Tagit Pte,Singapore, Navtej Singh; MD, Maevis Limited,Chief Femi Olopade and Mr. Tunde Fagbemi, during a visit by the Maevis team to the Headquarters of Tagit, its technical partner on M-Commerce, in Singapore.

National Assembly, IPMAN to meet on kerosene scarcity D • DPR talks tough on hoarding I

Diamond Bank’s profit may drop, says CFO

NDEPENDENT Petroleum Marketers Associa tion of Nigeria (IPMAN) has scheduled a meeting with the National Assembly and Presidency. The meeting, it was learnt, is to find a sustainable solution to the lingering scarcity of kerosene.

The President of IPMAN, Alhaji Abdulkadir Aminu yesterday told our corespondent that the executive members of the association were meeting to fix a date with the Presidency and members of the National Assembly.

Aminu said with the current situation of supply, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has not fully addressed the problem of scarcity of kerosene.

The NNPC had excluded IPMAN members from its kerosene distribution arrangement. The corporation only selected the members of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) to distribute kerosene im-

From Emeka Ugwuanyi Asst. Editor

ported by the NNPC. The imported kerosene is allocated to MOMAN members alone for distribution of which the marketers have taken delivery of 30,000MT. Aminu, frowned at the exclusion of their members and said the method being adopted by the NNPC in allocating kerosene was faulty and suspicious. He noted that the corporation ought to have allocated major percentage of the product to IPMAN because IPMAN members control about 76 per cent of the entire retail outlets in the country while MOMAN members have the remaining 24 per cent.

Aminu said: “The method adopted by the NNPC in allocating kerosene to marketers was wrong and it cannot address the ongoing scarcity.”

He advised the manage-

ment of NNPC and Pipelines Products Marketing Corporation (PPMC) to apply the mechanism used in 2008 in solving petrol scarcity to address the current scarcity of kerosene.

“As I speak, no kerosene has been allocated to IPMAN members, whereas 30,000 metric tonnes have been allocated to major marketers.

There should be proportional ratio and percentage in allocating the product and should be on the basis of 76 per cent to IPMAN and 24 per cent to major marketers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said inability of IPMAN to get allocation from NNPC had made many retail outlets to sell the product at higher prices of between N130 and N150 per litre.

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) yesterday also said it would not be business as usual as it

would sanction any depot owner or marketer hoarding kerosene.

The Department said it would embark on inspection of depots in Lagos to prevent hoarding of kerosene.

The DPR Controller of Operations, Mr. Gbenga Koku, said the oil industry regulator would conduct inspection of the depots around Apapa and its environs.

Koku alleged that some depot owners were hiding under the pretence of not receiving supply from NNPC to hoard the product to the disadvantage of Nigerians.

He said: “We are going to embark on full scale inspection of all the depots in Lagos metropolis to check those who are in the habit of hoarding the product.

Any depot found hoarding the product will be forced to sell immediately at depot price of N40.90 per litre, irrespective of the personalities behind it,” he said.

Fed Govt to launch national broadband policy

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POLICY framework of the Federal Government that will enable broadband deployment for national development is underway. Broadband is high-speed access to the Internet.

Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah, who disclosed this yesterday in Abuja, said the policy will make available guidelines, procedures and funding for broadband Internet access.

This is aimed at changing Nigeria into a complete digital economy with a lifestyle and business base fed by high-bandwidth applications such as high-definition Internet Protocol Television, video conferencing, digital learning in schools, telemedicine in hospitals

By Adline Atili

and other applications that are enabled by broadband Internet access.

In addition, the project is geared towards turning Nigeria into a major IT and communications hub, making information technology and telecoms one of the prime drivers of the nation’s economy.

When the policy becomes fully operational, Juwah said the Commission would begin implementation of its national broadband plans.

He said: “There is a policy statement that is being prepared for communication and we are fully involved in it. The issue of broadband is fully addressed there.

“In our own small but effective way, we are going to start implementation of

broadband for national development.”

The plan, according to him, will be modelled after the Singaporean broadband policy.

In 2006, Singapore unveiled an ambitious information and communications technology master plan that aims to make broadband access-both wired and wireless- ubiquitous across the country and put a computer in the home of every schoolaged child by 2015.

Juwah said: “I have just come back from Singapore where I visited with some of our directors. Singapore presents a unique case for Nigeria because it is their regulator that is implementing their broadband vision, though most of the funding comes from the government.

We have seen how it is

implemented in Singapore and we’ll adapt it to what we need to do here.”

The EVC added that the programme will enable a setting to enhance broadband deployment in a nonprofit, non-competitive and non-proprietary way for the commission.

“We are not going to own anything. We are only going to enhance the environment, licence solutions providers and operators and contribute to their funding in a way that we don’t expect to reap monetary benefits,” he said.

He added that the ‘reverse option’ method will be used to select bidders for the project; where there would be different levels of bids, with the winning project going to the bidder with the lowest subsidy, provided such has the capacity to execute the project.

IAMOND Bank Plc Nigeria’s ninth - largest lender by market value, may have reduced 2011 earnings as it cuts bad debt in a “clean-up year” for the bank, said Chief Financial Officer Abdulrahman Yinusa.

The bank told Bloomberg it is aiming to lower its ratio of nonperforming loans to five per cent “and below” from 14.8 per cent a year earlier after selling some to the state-owned company set up to buy debt, Yinusa said in an interview in London on Tuesday.

“We believe 2011 is a cleanup year,” Yinusa said. “Then we will see returns.”

Shares of Nigerian banks plunged after a debt crisis in 2008 and 2009 resulting from loans to domestic stock speculators.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Lamido Sanusi fired the chief executives of eight of the country’s 24 lenders, bailed out the industry with N620 billion ($4 billion) and set up Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to buy bad debts from banks.

‘Nigeria to ship 2.08m barrels of oil a day’

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IGERIA is scheduled to export 2.08 million barrels a day of 14 major crude grades in August, little changed from July, according to loading plans obtained by Bloomberg News.

The country will ship 71 consignments in August totaling 64.6 million barrels, or 2.08 million barrels a day. This compares with next month’s plan to export 70 cargoes with a daily volume of 2.07 million barrels a day.

Nigeria will ship 12 cargoes of Qua Iboe, nine Bonny Light, nine Agbami, eight Forcados, six Bonga, five Erha, five Escravos, four Brass River, four Akpo, three Amenam, three Yoho, two Okwori and one Antan in August, according to the programmes. Cargo sizes range from 300,000 barrels to 1 million barrels.

12

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

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

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

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3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

3.

4.

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

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

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

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

2.

3.

4.

5.

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

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

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

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

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

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

08.00 18.00

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

Eleme Petrochemicals Company saves N202.28b

T

HE Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited (EPCL) in Rivers has saved N202.276 billion (or $1.3 billion) foreign exchange for Nigeria through import substitution.

A statement signed by Mr Chukwuma Nwokoh, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE), stated that the amount began to accrue in 2006 when the company was privatised.

The statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja also stated that the company remitted more than N12 billion to government coffers as taxes.

It said that the taxes included Value Added Tax (VAT), Customs Duty, Withholding Tax and Pay-AsYou-Earn (PAYE).

It added that between 2006 and 2011, the company paid N23 billion as dividends to its shareholders, comprising the federal and Rivers governments, as well as NNPC. According to the statement, EPCL has employed 650 Nigerians, since the Indorama Group took over the petrochemicals plant.

US to extend AGOA beyond 2015, says NEPC

952 contracts with BPP for vetting, says Ezeh D IRECTOR-General of the Bu reau for Public Procure ment( BPP), Emeke Ezeh, yesterday said the contract verification agency has received requests for over 952 contracts this year alone.

Ezeh said the contracts are worth several hundreds of billions of naira.

He said nine requests were denied, stressing that bureau awaits information from the supervisory ministries for over a hundred other contracts.

The DG, who spoke on activities of the bureau at the European Union ( EU) business in Nigeria at its third meeting with EU Missions in Lagos, explained that there are strict sanctions in place for erring personnel of government minis-

Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

tries agencies and departments, who breach regulations to shortchange the government.

He listed the challenges of budget implementation to include poor procurement planning by the respective governmental agencies, delay in budget submission and appropriation, as well as admitting into the budget, projects not ready with detailed designs and scope, hence the promoters are unable to execute them in one year.

The BPP DG listed other challenges to include slow budget release versus funds availability, delay in award of contracts long after

the BPP’s No Objection Certificate ( NOC) has been issued and abandonment of procurement processes if the preferred contractor is unsuccessful.

He, therefore, called for strong political support, affirming that no reform will work without the needed assistance.

Ezeh said a few years ago, the general perception about Nigeria was that there is nothing transparent about the contract verification process, a development he said, had adverse effects on the budgeting system.

The BPP boss explained that the third EU business meeting has offered a robust opportunity for the BPP to meet with stakeholders and reassess respective expectations as well as plan for the fu-

FDI, IOCs stabilise interbank market

F

OREIGN Direct Investment (FDI) and inflows from International Oil Companies (IOCs) yesterday, stabilised the inter-bank market.

The naira, according to Reuters, closed flat against the United States dollar on the interbank market due to the dollar inflows from foreign investors and some oil companies.

The naira ended at N156.55 per dollar.

By Collins Nweze

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold $400 million at N153.63 to the dollar at its bi-weekly foreign exchange auction, short of the $478.80 million demanded.

Traders said the shortage of supply from the auction was offset by naira buying by some foreign investors in Kenyan bonds and dollar sales by oil and gas companies Ni-

gerian Liquefied Natural Gas, Agip and Addax.

“We expect the naira to gain value in the coming days due to inflows from more foreign investors and energy companies’ usual month-end dollar sales,” one dealer said. Most oil companies in Nigeria’s top energy producer sell dollars to selected banks at the end of each month to obtain naira to fund their domestic obligations.

M

R Olajide Ibrahim, Director, Special Services, Nige rian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) said in Abuja yesterday that the US government had agreed to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beyond the initial terminal date of 2015.

AGOA is a law put in place by the US in 2000 allowing 37 sub-Sahara African countries to export 65,000 varied value-added agricultural produce, textiles, artifacts and apparel, among others, duty-free.

Ibrahim told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the agreement to extend the terminal date beyond 2015 was reached in Lusaka at the June ministerial forum of the 37 eligible African countries and a delegation of the American government, led by Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton.

“It was realised that over the past 10 years, going to 11 now; AGOA was set up in 2000, countries have benefited, but the benefit had been varied.

While some countries actually benefited, some benefited just lightly.

IEA predicts gas as major source of fuel

By Daniel Essiet

T

HE International Energy Agency ( IEA) estimates that natural gas will overtake coal as a fuel source by 2030 and account for 25 per cent of the global energy mix by 2035. Dr Fatih Birol, Chief Economist of IEA, painted the positive outlook for natural gas against a backdrop of global uncertainties impacting the energy sector at the second instalment of the Energy Market Authority (EMA) Distinguished Speaker Programme.

With global energy demand growing 36 per cent by 2035, Dr Birol highlighted the urgent need to diversify the energy mix and enhance energy security as oil prices enter the “danger zone”. He added that geopolitics and energy issues are increasingly interwoven as demonstrated in the Middle East and North Africa ( MENA) region. With the region accounting for 90 percent of the net global increase in oil production till 2020, any investment deferment resulting from the current political unrest could have implications for global energy security.

• From left: Chief Marketing Officer, Mr George Andah; Head Brand & Communications, Mrs Wangi MbaUzoukwu; Chief Operating Officer, Mr Deepak Srivastava and Acting Regional Operating Director, Lagos region, Mr Wole Abu, during the Airtel offer (Mamo) launching at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Nigeria gets N33b World Bank loan to fight HIV

N

IGERIA has secured N33.75billion loan from the World Bank to fight HIV/ AIDS, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim said yesterday.

The loan was to sustain and consolidate the modest gains the country has achieved in its national response to fight HIV/AIDS. Over 50,000 babies are born infected with the disease yearly in Nigeria, according to World Bank report.

Speaking at the official launching

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

of the Federal Government and World Bank Assisted second HIV/ AIDS Development Project (HPDP2) in Abuja,Anyim said the loan would also contribute immensely to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of the disease.

Besides, Anyim, who was represented in the Permanent Secretary, General Services, in the office of the SGF, Mr. Femi Olayisade said the credit would generally improve

maternal health in the country.

Anyim assured people living with HIV/AIDS of timely treatment and psycho-social supports. He said the government is committed to providing necessary support to HIV programmes in the country.

In his remarks, Country Director of World Bank in Nigeria, Mr. Onno Ruhl, commended Nigeria’s strides over the disease, saying: “Nigeria had made impressive progress towards stabilisation of the epidemic over the decade.

Fed Govt accesses N150b from extractive sector

O

VER $150 billion was accessed by the Federal Gov ernment from the extractive sector from 2006 to 2008, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Initiative (NEITI), Mrs. Zainab Ahmed has disclosed.

She said the money was accessed by the Federal Government as revenue owed to the government by companies in the sector.

Speaking yesterday in Minna at a capacity building workshop for

Jide Orintunsin – Minna

civil society, Mrs Ahmed said that association was established to make the government accountable to the people on the amount it gets and what is expended into the extractive sector.

She stated that NEITI has produced three reports, which cover a period of 10 years, adding that there are also accounts on what stakeholders have returned to the Federal Government in the area of taxes and

other revenues.

The Executive Secretary said the audit reports also help the government to fashion out financial policies, especially in the area of budget and educate Nigerians of the activities of the sector.

She said though NEITI is a government owned body but it functions within the network of the civil society to supply the Nigerian public basic position of the government as regards the activities happening in the extractive industry.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

INDUSTRY

S‘south governors, commerce chambers partner on region’s development T HE South south states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Edo (BRACED), are ready to collaborate with the chambers of commerce and industry in the region, Governor Liyel Imoke has said.

Imoke, Chairman of the South south Governor’s Council, said the governors are soliciting for the chamber’s help to fast track the development of the region.

Imoke, the governor of Cross River, called on oil and gas companies outside the region to return, adding that would fast track the development of the region.

He assured the chamber that the region’s governors were on top of the security situation in the regions.

The governor, who spoke at a meeting with the forum of Southsouth Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (FOSSCCIMA), said the states have also agreed to establish a regional electric company, advance information and communication technology (ICT) and a regional oil and gas company to serve the common interest of their people noting that steps were being taken to do a feasibility study on them.

He praised the chambers for the steps taken to enhance the development of the region, promising them the support of the states in the region.

Earlier, FOSSCCIMA President, Prince Billy Harry, said the chamber has taken it as its responsibil-

Stories by Toba Agboola

ity to see to the development of the region.

This, he said will be achieved through the creation of jobs for the youths, supporting the Small Medium Enterprises, training and empowering the youths, among others.

He reminded the governors to exhume their 2009 economic blueprint and move quickly to full regional integration.

Harry said FOSSCCIMA is ready to provide the platform and the private sector partnership for the South south states to realise the needed investments that would spiral into economic development of the oil-rich region; but which potentials have hitherto not manifested for the wellbeing of the people.

Billy said the chamber is organising a forum which will create a platform for the Public Private Partnership (PPP) to come together and discuss on the way forward.

He also said the chamber is ready to assist in ensuring that governments’ policies are harnessed and come to stay.

“More than two years after six governors of the South south states met in Calabar, Cross River State, at a maiden economic summit, and

gave the indication of a regional integration under the BRACED Commission, the blueprint has remained largely unattended to.

“The Commission was to undertake a core task of overseeing the

execution of necessary infrastructural projects such as rail and road networks that will connect all the states in the zone, and link it to the western part of the country to enable it fully harness

its abundant natural potentials to ginger economic growth.

With vast resources of more than N7 trillion, mainly oil and gas, the South south zone grapples with heavy under-development, although it contributes more than 80 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” Billy said.

From left: Member, FOSSCCIMA, Mr Chris Alabi; Nigeria Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Amb John Musa; President, Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Maxwell Richard; President, FOSSCCIMA, Prince Billy Harry and Managing Director, Oil and Gas, Free Zone Authority, Dr Noble Abe, when FOSSCCIMA leaders visited Trinidad.

World Bank extends timeline for Nigeria’s $30m projects

T

HE World Bank has extended the project timeline of its $30 million (N4.5 billion) Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria from this month till December.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC),Mustafa Bello, made this known to reporters in Kaduna during a tour of some of the supported institutions, including a large scale microfinance and commercially oriented business development services companies.

Bello urged President Goodluck Jonathan to channel the N50 billion budgetary provision for job creation in this year’s budget through the MSME project.

The MSMEs project with a six-

year lifespan running from 2005 to 2011 is a pilot programme of the World Bank and Nigeria. It is being implemented by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) through a Project Management Unit (PMU), managed by Nathan EME Limited and Development Associates (DA). It was originally billed to wind down this month, but following appeals by the government because of the success rate, the World Bank had to extend its funding by six months, according to Bello.

The project was designed to improve performance and employment levels of MSMEs in selected non-oil sub-sectors within three states (Abia, Kaduna and Lagos), although some interventions ex-

tended to Cross River and Oyo states.

The project aims to achieve increased private sector investment for MSME development by demonstrating how a combination of investment climate reforms, improved access to finance and business development services can transform the rate of growth of MSMEs in Nigeria.

Following international best practices and lessons learnt, the project mainly targets those intermediaries that provide services to MSMEs, such as financial and business development support, rather than directly targeting the businesses themselves.

In addition, the project aims to improve the business investment environment through policy re-

form and promoting public private partnerships. This will ensure that MSMEs are able to recap the benefits of the project even after the project is finished.

The MSME project has four components: access to finance, investment climate, business development services and public private partnerships.

Meanwhile, Bello has suggested to the Federal Government that the N50 billion funding allocated for job creation in the 2011 budget be channeled through the MSMEs project because of the successes recorded in the pilot project of the scheme.

He pointed out that the scheme has proved to be a robust job creator , being multi-faceted and adopting short and medium-term

strategies to create thousands of new jobs in the urban and rural communities.

The project, according to him, has supported the creation of five commercially oriented, privately financed micro-finance institutions currently serving over 1.2 million clients with about 48, 000 borrowers in 2010 alone.

Bello disclosed that it has also supported 71 privately owned business development service institutions which have in turn served over 23,000 MSMEs. He noted that the project also collaborated with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to develop the legal and regulatory framework for credit bureaus of which three are functional.

LCCI urges Jonathan to save economy from collapse

T

HE Lagos Chamber of Com merce and Industry (LCCI) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to use his first one-year in office to address critical developmental barriers.

The removal of the barriers, it said, would ensure progressive growth rate, jobs creation, and improved private sector productivity and competitiveness in the economy.

The Chamber also called on Jonathan to initiate programmes that would lead to progressive reduction in fiscal deficit in the next two years so as to save the economy from collapse.

Speaking with The Nation on how President Jonathan should address the soaring fiscal deficit of the past two years, LCCI’s President, Otunba Femi Deru said there was urgent need for the President to address the critical barriers to real development in the economy in order to stabilise the standard of living and private sector performance.

“We desire a growth that would create jobs and improve private sector productivity and competi-

tiveness in the next four years of our democratic government because the impact of the soaring fiscal deficit of the past two years on macro-economic stability and general economic performance is worrisome,” he said.

He said this is related to the government needs to curb the escalating domestic debt profile which is currently estimated at N4.8 trillion, saying “we urge for an urgent moderation of the debt in the next four years because the burden of servicing this debt is becoming an increasing concern”.

Deru said Jonathan should populate the cabinet with people with track record of integrity, performance and robust intellectual content “because the practice of using ministerial appointments as rewards for political loyalty and electoral support should be discontinued so that at the end, the administration would be judged by its impact on the lives of the people”.

According to Deru, the double digit inflation that has aggravated costs and weakens consumer demand is not good for economic and private sector performance.

“In the next four years we will like to see concrete steps being taken to curb inflation because the inflation rate of over 12 per cent as at March this year is not good for

business as it erodes purchasing power and undermines profitability of businesses”, he said.

On infrastructural development, the LCCI boss commended the

power sector reform but requested that the process should be accelerated and translated to concrete results in terms of delivery of electricity.

•From left: Representative of Small Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Akinola Dawodu; President, Nigeria-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce, Mr Oye Akinsemoyin; Coordinator, Made-In – Nigeria exhibition (MINEX), Mr Sam Ibe, and Commercial Atache, Embassy of Vietnam, Mr Nguyen Quyen, at the interactive meeting of the the Nigeria-Vietnam Chamber with stakeholders in Lagos.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

15

INDUSTRY

SMEDAN chief laments poor funding of SMEs T

HE Director- General , Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Muhammad Nadada Umar, has stressed the need for dedicated banks to fund small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to ease their financial difficulties.

Umar spoke when he received a team from the Deutcshe Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a German organisation working on a new private-sector development programme aimed at improving the access of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) , to financial services.

The development programme, named Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria (SEDIN), also aims to foster employment within MSMEs through an improved business-enabling environment.

Alhaji Umar, who noted the similarities in the mandates of SMEDAN and SEDIN, said while funding posed the greatest challenge to the development of MSMEs in the country, SMEDAN remained committed to helping them surmount all challenges in the course of their growth and development through partner-

Stories by Toba Agboola

ship with donor agencies, financial institutions and other government agencies that could make positive impact in the sustainability of the MSMEs. Earlier at the interactive session of the two bodies which was held at the SMEDAN Headquarters in Abuja, the visiting advisors from GIZ, Mr Alexander Speed and Mr Klaus Reiner, in company of the Local Economic Development Coordinator, Margaret Joshua, expressed excitement at the prospect of a possible collaboration with SMEDAN, adding that the objectives of the cooperation would have a huge impact on the nation’s economy with the support of the Federal Government.

Speed said the promotion of selected value chains from three selected states in Nigeria, including Niger State, would enable the programme to ascertain the effects of Nigeria’s financial sector reforms in line with target group needs and conditions at federal, state and local government levels. ‘’Embedded in the Financial Sec-

‘He noted that the programme would assist in raising awareness among decisionmakers on issues of financial and privatesector development’ tor Strategy 2020 (FSS 2020) and the strategic approaches for private-sector development under the general Vision 20:2020, our programme will adopt an integral capacity development approach at the interface of public, private and financial sectors.’’

Explaining further, Mr Reiner said support would be given to reviewing the microfinance policy, the regulation and certification of microfinance banks and introduction of microinsurance.

He noted that the programme would assist in raising awareness among decision-makers on issues of financial and private-sector development.

ECOWAS raises panel on mining

T

HE ad hoc committee monitoring the implementation of the regional mining directive has raised three committees to visit member states to assess their compliance with the directive.

The directive relates to the harmonisation of guiding principles and policies in the mining sector.

The first team will visit Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone while the second

group will visit Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea and Senegal.

Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Togo will host members of the third team.

While in the countries, members of the team will determine and outline the regulatory provisions that the state is compliant, identify and outline contradictory provisions and hold stakeholders consultative meetings in order to compile a report which will be submitted to the ordinary session.

CBN’s planned cash limit worries NACCIMA

T

HE Director-General, Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr John Isemede, has expressed concern over the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cash limit policy planned because of the poor infrastructure in the country.

He urged the Federal Government to make sure that all the

infrastructural facilities were in place before embarking on the implementation of the policy in order to make it beneficial to the people and the economy.

According to him, this implies putting measures in place to ensure that a depositor’s money is refunded wherever there is financial crisis or when a particular bank is in distress main committee.

UNIDO equips salt processing plants

T

HE UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), is currently equipping the three modern salt processing plants in Ebonyi State to enhance their productivity.

The Head of UNIDO Projects Team in Ebonyi, Mr. Chukwuma Elom, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki, that the process would be concluded before the end of the rainy season.

Elom said: “We are presently working on the second line of thin evaporator, which will ensure that salt is produced independently.

“The earlier installed equipment has a dual product arrangement as

it processes salt alongside distilled water.”

He said the plants would commence production only when the installation process had been completed.

“We want the producers (women) to start production from the core salt source before they start using the dual output line,” he said.

He remarked that the major challenge confronting salt production in the state was the nature of salt deposits, which appeared in unprotected forms.

Elom said: “The salt deposits in Ebonyi appear in form of lakes and ponds as rains drastically affect their concentration by washing them off.

Procter & Gamble launches new product

P •From left: Director of Trade, Federal Ministry of Commerce And Industry, Mr. David Adejuwon; Regional Agricultural Counsellor , US Embassy, Mr. Russ Nicely, Rep of the Poultry and Egg Export Council, Atlanta, US, Mr. Eric Trachtenberg ,at a meeting in Abuja.

UN, BoI to invest in renewable energy

T

HE United Nations Develop ment Programme (UNDP) and the Bank of Industry (BoI) are to invest about $4.48 million in renewable energy projects in the next three years to boost the productive capacities of Micro- Small- and Medium-Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country’s rural and urban areas.

Renewable energy projects involve the utilisation of wind, biomass, small hydro, and solar energy options to generate electricity.

The access to renewable energy (AtRE) project unveiled in Abuja at the formal launch of the partnership, is expected to facilitate access to affordable and reliable energy supply alternatives independent of the current supply from the national grid, which has been a source of concern in recent times.

The parties are expected to contribute towards the realisation of the project’s objectives, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) expected to provide about $2 million of the total funding requirement; BoI will provide the $2.48 million balance throughout

the duration of the project scheduled to run from January 2011 till December 2014.

The BoI, with 60 months of continuous growth and support of MSMEs, has been identified as the most suitable institution with the competence and capacity to mobilise government, the MSMEs, and financial institutions to realise the objectives of the project.

BoI’s Managing Director, Evelyn Oputu, said at the agreement signing ceremony that the initiative would assist MSMEs to build capacity to set up renewable energy either as a business or as service for business development, while financial institutions would receive better guidance in assessing credit and financing risks in renewable energy investments and services.

Similarly, she said the partnership would encourage government to develop and implement renewable energy policies and regulatory frameworks that would provide the enabling environment for MSMEs to thrive and create jobs for the people.

Ms Oputu is convinced that renew-

able energy remains a viable solution to the country’s energy sector challenge, particularly in the industrial sector, saying this was the right time to take concrete steps to address the problem in a holistic manner.

“Energy is a major factor in Nigeria’s economic growth and development, as well as a major input in the production of goods and services. I am confident that the experience and wealth of knowledge of the project board members would be invaluable in ensuring the success of the project,” Oputu said.

The resident coordinator, United Nations System in Nigeria, Daouda Touré, said access to renewable projects would boost the national capacity to utilise renewable energy resources as well as improve access to modern energy services for MSMEs and households, making them more competitive.

“The project will catalyse the required investment... and create wealth for the active poor through the concept of inclusive markets, an approach designed to make markets work for the poor,” Touré said.

ROCTER & Gamble in partnership with Jewel by Lisa, has unveiled a new product, ‘Pampers Premium Care’.

The new product provides unbeatable fit because of its super stretchy sides which stretches and expands as the baby’s tummy expands. Pampers Premium Care is the only diaper that stretch up to 8cm.

Pampers has relentlessly led the development of the disposable diaper sector with its introduction of absorbent gelling material, elastic leg gathers, tabs that could be refastened and a soft liner.

Partnering with one Nigeria’s premier fashion designers- Lisa Folawiyo of the Jewel by Lisa label, based on shared ideals of innovation and premium quality between Pampers and the Jewel

by Lisa (JBL) brand, Pampers launched its Pampers Premium Care diaper at the Clear Essence California Spa in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The launch brought out leading women across various industries that identify with the brand.

The event featured a fashion show by JBL which showcased the designer’s stylish new collection of premium baby wear.

30 customers win ‘charges-free transaction for life’ promo

I

N continuation of its promise to reward its loyal customers through the ongoing customer information update and engagement campaign, the management of Access bank Nigeria Plc, has rewarded15 individual customers and 15 corporate customers of the bank with tax-free transaction for life.

The first 30 customers to enjoy this offer emerged last month through an electronically drawn process.

The winners were selected from a pool of numerous participants.

Speaking at the occasion, the team leader, Product Management, Access bank, Mr Victor Ohalete, disclosed that the essence of the promotion was aimed at rewarding its consumers on the

strength of their loyalty with the bank as well as their unflinching connection with its product offerings.

He stated further that the bank was committed in its resolve to reward consumers through other various innovations, saying “promo is an opportunity for the bank to get information that will enable it to relate with both old and customers.”

Reiterating on the benefit of the promo, Public Relations Officer of the bank, Mr Olusegun Fafore emphasised that lucky winners stand to enjoy exemption charges as any transactions made to the bank such as deposit, withdrawal, ATM, Visa requirement account details, COT among others, will be free of charges accrued to the bank.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

16

INDUSTRY

W

HO should be Commerce and Industry Minister?

A seasoned professional who most be able to ensure convergence of domestic and international rates of return on real sector investment despite the challenves in the policy, the Organised Private Sector (OPS) has said.

It said the incoming minister must have knowledge of the sector and challenges facing the real sector. With these, they said the new helmsman will achieve results needed to revamp the sector.

The National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Herbert Ajayi, says apart from sound academic and professional qualifications, the new minister, upon appointment, should see the need for ample cooperation between the private sector and the government.

According to him, it is the right disposition along this line that will enable the incoming minister to offer support for the private sector and the business community at large in the area of policy understanding, formulation and implementation.

While stressing the fact that the association is not interested in pushing anybody to the government for adoption, he, nevertheless, said NACCIMA expects the new minister will give room for robust rapport between the government and the private sector, and at least, facilitate a quarterly one-on-one meeting with the private sector, at least once every quarter.

OPS sets agenda for incoming minister Stories by Toba Agboola

According to him, the meeting will be one through which stakeholders can always express views and opinions on challenges and the strategies to adopt.

His words: “Such a forum will also allow us to speak for industrialists and business operators all over the country. This is the major reason we are here.

“We are expecting that the position should improve international trade and partnership with foreign investors. We want a situation, whereby the Federal Government will encourage business development with other countries and also promote joint venture investors from developed countries. These will surely bring a positive development to the sector and the country in general.”

Ajayi also expressed the hope that the new minister will be involved in the formulation, regulation and supervision of tariffs, including the Customs duties, Immigration charges and other activities that will have impact on the operations of businesses in the country.

To the President , South South Chambers of Commence and Industry, Prince Billy Harry, it has become incumbent on the govern-

ment to help ensure a real re-positioning and restructuring of the public enterprises and institutions in the country to realise the full objectives of the various reforms being undertaken by the government.

His words: “The restructuring of the real sector is expected to produce values, re-orientation, poverty reduction, employment generation and the building of strategic and enduring institutions that will positively affect non-oil sector developmental objectives and aspirations in Nigeria.

“There is the need, therefore, to strengthen non-oil export policies in the country in a manner that will promote and encourage in-

‘Such a forum will also allow us to speak for industrialists and business operators all over the country. This is the major reason we are here’

creased export investment activities.”

He said this will go a long way to enhance effective competitiveness of Nigeria‘s local business operators with their counterparts abroad, thereby boosting government revenue from non-oil export trade as desirable.

According to the Director-General, Nigeria Textile Manufacturers Association, Mr Jaiyeola Olarewaju, the expectations of manufacturers in Nigeria can only be met if the Federal Government appoints a minister that understands the terrain of manufacturing in the country.

He said it is only then that such a person can appreciate the challenges of manufacturers and be able to advise the government effectively and timely on how to resolve the challenges.

Olarenwaju said the appointment should be given, not only to a person that understands the terrain, but to someone who also has the knowledge and experience from various fields of the manufacturing sector.

“The challenges of textile industries, for instance, have been there and they are still there. The issue of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) is still there.

“For instance, it is still made

available at an exorbitant price.

Gas is also on the high side and some of the textile products that are produced locally are allowed into the country from other countries, among others. Only a minister, who has a good understanding of the terrain and the challenges, can motivate the right policies for succor,”Olanrewaju said.

Specifically, he said the new helmsman must be someone, who has been feeling the pinch of smuggling before being appointed.

“This is the right way to promote the industry through sound appointment. By doing this, the industry will be promoted, partners will come from other countries and businesses will grow,” he said.

The Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Muda Yusuf. said transparency of character is an important consideration in making the choice.

“The minister needs to understand that the system now cannot be business as usual. A positive change has to be clearly seen. That is the reason the man to be appointed must be a man of proven integrity,” Muda said.

According to him, if the ministry must get it right in a way that it can change the business world and the economy at large, the new minister must be a proactive person.

“Now, we are talking about job creation in the economy. This can also start by working on the manufacturing aspect of the economy,” he said.

Vision 20-2020: ITF set to establish 15 skills centres

T

HE Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is set to estab lish additional 15 skills centres across the country.

This is in line with its plan of supporting the realisation of Vision 20-2020 and human resources development.

Disclosing this at third interactive forum/ merit award ceremony of the Ikeja area office of the ITF , the Director-General, ITF, Prof Longmas Sambo Wapmuk, said the establishment of these centres is being done in partnership with countries such as brazil and Singapore who are industrial giants.

These centres, according to him, will focus on a number of trade areas to be specific, 15 including entrepreneurial skills which are critical to indutsrialisation.

“To this end, the ITF is in the process of establishing 15 skills centre spread across the nation in addition to the current four in Kano, Jos, Abuja and Lagos.

The establishment of these centres is being done in partnership with countries such as brazil and Singapore who are industrial giants. These centres will focus on a number of trade areas to be specific, fifteen including entrepreneurial skills which are critical to indutsrialisation.

“It is our expectation that with your cooperation in meeting your statutory obligations, Nigeria will ion the next nine years be counted among the 20 most developed economies by the year 2020.

“It is our firm believe that efforts towards these direction cou-

pled with the focus of the newly inaugurated administration of the President Goodluck Jonathan in provision of basic infrastructure and monetary reforms will impact positively on the manufacturing sector,” Wapmuk said.

In her address, the Area Manager, Ikeja, Mrs Roselyn Mailumo, said ITF was established by Law in 1971 to promote, accelerate and encourage the acquisition of indigenous skills required in industry and commerce to meet the developmental needs of Nigeria.

She said ITF over the years has braced up to emerging challenges and contemporary requirements of the economy.

In order to bring services of the ITF closer to clients, the fund has a network of 32 area offices nationwide.

“Following the outcome of research by the ITF and NECA which revealed a dearth of technical and vocational skills in the Nigerian economy, the ITF has refocused on growing this needed skills base for rapid industrialisation towards achieving the vision 20:2020.

“Furthermore, the fund’s training policy on the training functions has been reviewed to facilitate realisation of targets and outcomes envisaged by the national technical and socio-economic development policies and the blue print and the ten year strategic plan of the ITF. She said the award was given in order to encourage corporate bodies and to appreciate them for partnering with the body.

‘The establishment of these centres is being done in partnership with countries such as brazil and Singapore who are industrial giants’

•L-R: President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Mr Kabir Yari; President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr Olumuyiwa Ajibola; Managing Directo/CEO, Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc, Mr Samy Abdelkader and President, Nigerian Institute of Architects, Tunji Bolu, during a tour of Lafarge WAPCO’s new plant, Ewekoro II, Ogun State.

•From Left: Public Relations Manager, Dufil Prima Foods, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, receiving the Award of the No 1 Noodles Brand from the former President,Commerce & Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN), Mr Adeyemi Babatola. With them is the Group Head ,Human Resources, Chief Kola Hassan .

17

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State rarely speaks about the testy political intrigues playing out in the state, following the April 2011 elections. But in an interactive session with some journalists, Obi opened up on many issues, including how he has managed to run the state without taking a loan from any bank. He also spoke about the attitude of politicians. Our Abuja Bureau Chief, YOMI ODUNUGA, was there. Excerpts:

‘Some politicians are sick’ L OCAL Government system in Anambra State has been sleep-ing for long, what are you doing to ensure the conduct of local government election in the state?

Ironically, before I became the governor of Anambra State, the last time there was local government election in the state was actually in 1998. But before I could settle down after my election I was impeached. So, I wasn’t in government in 2006. Then I came back about the end of first quarter of 2007 and before I could even settle down, I was removed again; later, I went for constitutional interpretation. So, I came back to meet a House of Assembly which I didn’t work with very well. If you could recall, by the end of that year I was still battling with my budget. This government actually started earnestly in 2008.

But after you settled down, what has happened?

Since then, the Anambra Independent Electoral Commission tried everything to conduct the election last year; people went to court; the House also passed a resolution that prevented them from using the old register from conducting the election. They insisted that a proper voter register must be used, which is what they have done. They now used the new register for an election. I told them that since this is what you have been waiting for, then you must conduct local government election on or before the end of this year.

So, people have seen it that I am the cause of the delay but nobody has sat down to look at it from this angle; that I have nothing to do with it. For me actually, it would have been better that we had the local government election because it would have helped me in the last election. But unfortunately, the same people who are doing everything to stop it are the ones who are complaining.

Elsewhere, governors take loans to develop infrastructures but your administration was said to have refused to go that way, any justifiable reason for this?

Yes, we have not borrowed. But if we must borrow, it must be for a bankable project. You don’t just borrow for the sake of borrowing.

And you can’t borrow to finance social welfare. You borrow, first, for project that will pay itself back. We are one of the poorest states and we are trying to manage our resources as skillfully as possible by, again, lowering the cost of governance to ensure that resources are applied as efficiently and effectively as possible. It has its own consequences, but I tell you, its consequences can only be better. However, I never believed in borrowing as a person. I never believed in living above my income. Like here, we have cut down the cost of governance and hardly will you see us engaging in things we can’t afford.

Do you have enough money to finance projects of your dream

Anambra state since you would not want to borrow?

Our vision is to achieve the MDG goals on developments that will impact on the lives of the people through a strategy. It is a process that allows us to plan properly, budget for planning, execute our plan and ensure delivery. We moved our budget from being supply driven to being demand driven. And when we plan, we execute because we have proper planning and proper execution, you could see the budgetary gaps and now approach the donor agencies to help us, because the gaps are there and you can see it.

And when you see it, you try to fill it by asking people to support us. That is what we are doing.

Can you explain the vision behind ANIDS? Our vision is to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of eight points by 2015. And we have our strategy for achieving that ANIDS. It is a process that allows us to plan properly, budget for the plan, execute the plan, ensure delivery and feedback from the people. For example, the first goal is to fight extreme poverty or hunger. The first thing we did was to do poverty mapping, we established Bureau of Statistics to know how to fight poverty. Articulate plans to open it up. That is why, if go to some of these places, government is opening up the villages, give them access. By these, they now have access for their products, goods and services, and we go in there with all sorts of supports.

What else have you done apart from all that?

We have also continued to empower farmers and people in different ways through micro-credit support and grants to fight the extreme poverty. We try to bring stability here and attract investors to invest and be able to employ labour. When we came, no school had a functional science laboratory. Today, all the schools have functional science laboratories.

This year alone, we have given out 7000 laptops and about three thousands computers to secondary schools. There are over 120 secondary schools that are connected by internet through GalaxyBackbone. About 120 secondary schools are Microsoft academies, the highest in the nation.

Over 100 schools have buses, handing over schools to missionary, we try to provide them with libraries and we are improving educational facilities everyday; provided over 2,000 teachers and so on. In health, the same thing;

we are doing in each of the villages, over 140 communities, health care centres to be manned by a nurse; and in each local government, we build a general hospital as well as a teaching hospital in Awka. If you go to environment, we did the same thing; we were doing erosion sites, we are providing water. So that is the whole essence of ANIDS, it is the grand vehicle for achieving MDGs, it helps us to measure what we are doing in the state, and there relationship with others. Education is actually free in our state now, including universal basic education.

What about the welfare of workers and their emoluments?

I have increased salaries of workers three times since I came and it has never happened before. Of course, will continue to agitate for salary increase but now we are waiting for the bigger one which is N18,000 which again, until is a law, if people obey it, I will obey it.

What is the level of cooperation you get from the parliament both at the state and federal level in terms of constituency development; have they bought into your vision?

I just work with the people in the state. When it comes to vision, really, it takes time for people to believe in a vision. The first is the leader, you must conceive of very clear vision and that is what we have done. But let me repeat again, when you bring a change, you will become an enemy with all those who live in the old order. For example, if you call the average politician in the state, they will tell you that Peter Obi is not doing anything because they used to live on the government purse. Now it is not. So that is why I said that I am changing their priorities, their values, and even all over the world people that have brought change have been challenged.

When I came there was neither governor’s House nor Government House.

Now that the President has passed the Freedom of Information Bill into law, the next hurdle is for the states to pass it, when are you going to pass it?

I believe we will do that. That is a good bill. The state Assembly has the bill already and they will deliberate on it when we inaugurate the new assembly. But we have been practising that law here; there is already free information here.

Whatever anybody wants to know, they are free to know. So that law is obsolete when it comes to what is happening here, because anything anybody wants to know is

• Obi

open.

In spite of the tangible achievements you spoke of, it appears you have not done much to change the orientation of the elite about governance in the state…

That cannot be said of the youth for whom the government exists.

But for the elite, they are the people that bring confusion. But the society we abuse today will take revenge on our children tomorrow. This generation must be given the best. This is the first government to hold a town hall meeting with secondary schools students. I am the only governor who has gone to event of physically challenged people, spent time and ate with them. Government is not about the rich, it is about the poor..

As a governor, I have never stayed in the governor’s lodge in Abuja in the last five years. I can’t even afford to carry retinue of aides when traveling and I do all these for the love of my people because we can’t afford the luxury of wastages.

But how do you cope with litany of big shots and high-wire politicking in the state?

You don’t know what it means to govern Anambra state! Anambra is the most difficult state in the whole of Nigeria. Where do you have this kind of trouble? Even in parties, you have three, four candidates contesting one election.

This is where you have the largest number of siren-blowing people.

‘You don’t know what it means to govern Anambra state! Anambra is the most difficult state in the whole of Nigeria. Where do you have this kind of trouble?

Even in parties, you have three, four candidates contesting one election. This is where you have the largest number of siren-blowing people. That is why I don’t use it personally, because I have to give way for them to pass for peace to reign.

They don’t even visit me because I can’t buy them champagne’

That is why I don’t use it personally, because I have to give way for them to pass for peace to reign.

They don’t even visit me because I can’t buy them champagne, but I visit them.

Southeast as a zone, how do you see their articulation of interest?

Whenever I hear of marginalisation, the question I ask is, who is marginalising who? You don’t have to go to a competition as a spectator and be demanding the trophy at the end of the game; you have to face the competitors. Are we as a people there for our selfish interest? You read my position when they say that Southeast engages President Jonathan for position, we didn’t negotiate for any position but interest. In politics, you always look at the greater interest of greater number of people.

In politics, you must eschew selfishness and you can’t mix power and money. When you see people acquiring properties in all the choice places, they get so preoccupied that they have little time for the people. Greed must have a limit in all you do and I believe that reasonable number of politicians is sick because most of the things they are acquiring, they don’t need them. So, one of the greatest challenges of government in Nigeria is human resources.

Very soon your tenure will be up. Are you concerned about who takes over from you?

I can only say I remain prayerful to Almighty God. When I was deaving the banking institution, I left an impression and they imbibed it till today. When I leave government, I will also leave an Ampression, a way of life and I am sure they will imbibe it. I am not against good things, but you must live within your means and you must be prudent.

18

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

POLITICS

Despite spirited efforts and advocacy mounted by non-governmental organisations and women groups, women recorded unprecedented reverses in their agitation for increased participation in elective politics, as shown by the outcome of the last general elections. Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

How feasible is 35% representation for women?

T

HE campaign for women participation in politics during the last election has not yielded dividends. The outcome of the polls, according to women activists, confirmed the continuous marginalisation of women on the slippery political field.

“There have been some progress and marginal increases in the number of women into elective positions since 1999 until the last elections, which recorded an unprecedented regression”, noted Dr Keziah Awosika, prominent rights activist.

It is an understatement. Out of 109 senators elected in this year’s election, only seven were women. This figure represents 6.4 percent. It slightly contrasts with the 2007 figure. In that year, nine female senators made it to the Upper Chamber, representing 8.25 per cent. In 2003, the figure was pitiably low. Four women, representing 3.67 per cent were elected. In 2003, three female politicians won senatorial elections, representing 2.75 of the total figure.

In the House of Representatives, there was an abysmal decrease. Only 19 members are females out of 360. This represents 5.27 per cent. The analysis shows that in 2007 and 2003, women fared better with 27 seats (7.5 per cent) and 21 seats (5.8 per cent).

In 1999, women had 12 seats, representing 3.3 per cent.

The Presidency is a tall order.

The over 60 political parties did not field a single female presidential candidate. In the ruling PDP, Mrs Sarah Jubril, educationist and former commissioner in Kwara State, vied for the highest office. At the primaries, which held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), she only score one vote, which she cast for herself.

The wife of the President, Mrs Patience Jonathan, campaigned vigorously across the six geo-political zones, mobilising women for her husband’s election. She also invited many female aspirants to Abuja for discussion and funding of their candidature. To her, the National Gender Policy should be pursued with vigour in a bid to correct the glaring gender imbalance. However, many

• Mrs Jonathan

women were still edged out of the process at the primaries.

For 12 years, no woman has become the Senate President and Deputy Senate President. In 2007, a woman, Mrs Patricia Ette, was elected as Speaker of House of Representatives. When crisis broke out over the composition of House Committees, she became a victim of the squabble for parliamentary power. She was implicated in the controversy surrounding the rehabilitation of the Speaker’s residence. Few months later, it was discovered that it was a conspiracy.

Since 1999, no woman has ever emerged as governorship candidates on the platform of major political parties. In states where governorship elections took place this year, only a female deputy governor emerged. “This is a dismal showing, compared to 2003 when the number of female deputy governors increased to two (2.5 per cent) and further increased to six (16.6 percent) in 2007”, said Awosika.

However, in the state Houses of Assembly, some women were elected legislators, although the improvement is not significant.

In Oyo State, women achieved a leap with the installation of a female Speaker for the first time in the state. In 2003, Hon. Titi Oseni achieved the same feat. But she was later shoved aside, when crisis erupted within the Ogun

• Dabiri-Erewa

State PDP. Awosika said that women have two consolations. She said the President and governors could still create opportunities for women to serve society by making them cabinet members.

In addition, she said that, as the local government elections draw near across the states, women should be encouraged to participate in grassroots politics and serve as chairmen, councillors and supervisory councillors.

Women activists contend that the party guidelines, which waved nomination form fees for women was a decoy. In ACN and other parties, women picked up the forms free of charge. But that was the first stage. At subsequent stages, many of them lost out. To them, the country is denied the untapped talents and services of women, who are likely to perform excellently in public service like Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Due Process curator Oby

• Maciver

Ezekwesele.

But the activists are silent on the gains of women liberation struggles. ACN chieftain in Lagos State, Isiaka Ibrahim, pointed out that the Southwest has acorded respect to womenfolk. He said: “In Lagos, Osun and Ekiti States, women are deputy governors and commissioners. Women are Permanent Secretaries, judges and heads of agencies and parastatals. There is also room for improvement”.

House of Representatives member Dabiri-Erewa, who lamented the inability of women to attain the 35 per cent target, adduced reasons for the failure. She said that men are not ready to yield ground and parties still lack the will to reserve seats for women.

The legislator said: “Women are face some encumbrances.

Many men still discourage their wives from participating in elective politics. Then, politics is time consuming. Young women may find it stressful combining politics with domestic engagements. but the bottom line is that women

are poor and may not be able to afford the financial cost of the electioneering. It is expensive”.

ACN chieftain in Oshodi/ Isolo Federal Constituency and House of Representatives aspirant, Mrs Moji Maciver, shared the same view. She lamented that men are politically suspicious of capable women, instead of viewing them as partners in progress.

She added: “Men have been in the game for long and we can complement them in the achievement of the vision for better service to the society. Among womenfolk are competent, highly educated women, and women of integrity who can add value to the system. But they need encouragement”.

Awosika said the ‘More Women Movement’ would not relent in pursuing the goals of the the gender policy. Already, the group has been forwarding to appointing authorities curriculum vitae of credible women for appointments as members of the state and federal executive councils.

She praised women, who have never defected from their parties, despite the massive imposition of candidates and marginalisation, which made them to lose out. She advised them never to aspire to get to the top through questionable means or the back door.

Awosika added: “We will continue to press home our demands for the reservation of the 35 per cent of appointive and elective seats at the three tiers. We also want the President and governors to give priority to women whom lost during the primaries and general elections, who are still loyal to their parties. We also want appointments to transcend party affiliations so that women professionals who have pedigree and competence can be appointed to serve the states and country”.

Politicians laud Tinubu over ACN’s feats

A

CTION Congress of Ni geria (ACN) chieftains; Hon. Jide Jimoh and Rev. Oladipo Ebijimi, have described political detractors of the party leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as

•From right: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, presenting a gift to Rear Admiral Emmanuel O. Ogbor, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, while he paying him a courtesy in Abeokuta recently.

By Emmanuel Oladesu

enemies of progressive politics in the Southwest.

They said it was worrisome that the former Lagos State governor was being attacked by the enemies of the region at a time Yoruba should begin the process of adopting him as leader.

Jimoh, former member of Lagos State House of Assembly and chairman of Yaba council, lamented that certain fake Awoists were hiding under the publication on Awolowo family to attack Senator Tinubu, in their bid to bounce back to reckoning.

He said their antics have collapsed, stressing that the ACN leader has continued to wax strong as a national opposition leader.

ACN leader in Oriade local government, Lagos, Ebijimi, explained that the political prowess displayed by the former senator in the region, since the restoration of civil rule, especially his strategic contributions to the growth of sustainable development across the Yoruba states, have conferred on him the leadership status.

He said:“Chief Awolowo our

great leader was not the oldest or the most educated when he became the leader of Yorubas and he did well for the region and the entire federation. Today, Tinubu is doing the race and nation proud” “It’s time to rebrand the Southwest of Nigeria. It’s time to do away with selfish interest. It’s time to set aside political sentiments. It’s time to see ourselves as the sons and daughters of Oduduwa and not mere indigenes of Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Lagos, Osun and Ekiti.

“Let us see ourselves as one family from Southwest of Nigeria and begin to forge ahead with our emerging leader, Asiwaju, who I believe had demonstrated high commandof leadership in terms of focus, vision, wisdom and courage.

“The just concluded elections, especially in the region, have proved that Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu is Chief Obafemi Awolowo of our time and the best thing he deserves now is support from the entire Yoruba race for consolidation and more good results that are tailored towards bettering our future and that of the nation in general.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

19

EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

The treaty and the Law

The lion heart •Kanu Nwankwo retires from the national team a model and a legend FTER 17 glorious years of applying his talent diligently to fatherland, Mr. Kanu Nwankwo bows out of the national football team in a blaze of glory. He is quitting the team as a folk hero, a superstar and a legend.

Even though he is just in his 30s, Kanu’s story is so long and eventful that it could fill up a dozen lifetimes of ordinary mortals. In his early days, he was so tall and skinny that many Nigerian coaches turned him back at training pitches sure that he was not cut out for the bonecrunching game of football. But the world soon realized they had a new football star in 1993 at the maiden edition of the under -17 world football championship in Japan which Nigeria won. The supple and in fact extraordinary football skills of a cer-

A

‘Such is Kanu’s good heart and gentle nature which has made him a model of a national team player for the past 17 years.

Not once was it recorded that his name was associated with indiscipline both in club and national teams.

He was an epitome of respect and discipline despite his overwhelming talent’

tain skinny lad called Kanu Nwankwo was largely instrumental to Nigeria lifting that first of its kind world trophy.

From then on, he went from exploit to exploit, going naturally into the full embrace of football crazy Europe that soon drafted him into its elite clubs where he shone, proving that his talent is in deed, world class. Thus from 1995 to date, Kanu laced his boots for Ajax FC of Holland, Inter Milan of Italy, Arsenal FC, West Bromwich Albion FC and Portsmouth FC all of England.

He won every major football trophy in Europe- from the highly coveted European Championship to the English FA Cup and league titles including being crowned African footballer of the year twice (1996 and 1999).

Kanu donned his first cap for the senior national team, the super Eagles in 1994. By the time he had his testimonial match in Lagos Saturday, June 11, he had tabbed up 86 caps for Nigeria, making him joint highest capped Nigerian player with late Mudashiru Lawal, only surpassing the latter’s record by appearing in six African Nations Cup tournaments and three World Cup championships for Nigeria.

Winning the Olympic soccer gold in 1996, in Atlanta, USA was Kanu’s and indeed Nigeria’s defining moment on the world football stage.

Shortly after this triumph, his career was threatened by a heart ailment which required open heart surgery. He successfully underwent the treatment and

against speculations that he may never kick the round leather again, went on to more fame and acclaim with top English clubs.

The heart ailment which came upon him as a misfortune has since been converted into a burgeoning charity. The Kanu Heart Foundation which he founded since year 2000 and which has brought succour to about 250 children who had undergone successful heart surgery under his foundation.

Such is Kanu’s good heart and gentle nature which has made him a model of a national team player for the past 17 years. Not once was it recorded that his name was associated with indiscipline both in club and national teams. He was an epitome of respect and discipline despite his overwhelming talent.

Surely, it must be in recognition of all that Kanu Nwankwo stands for in the Nigerian football circle that Governor Babatunde Fashola did not only facilitate the Kanu testimonial but he also donned his jersey and starred in the match. Many of his colleagues and contemporaries trooped to Lagos from across the world to honour him during the testimonial match. The crowd included the English Premier League Director, Sir David Richard and Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state.

We join Nigerians in celebrating ‘king’ Kanu a.k.a Papilo. We commend him to the youths of today in all spheres of endeavour and urge them to draw inspiration from his story.

Onitsha tunnel corpses • 20 bodies in the heart of a busy city stoke security alarm

A

NATIVE Igbo adage notes that one is allowed to cut and heap up bunches of palm fruits; but that it would be a taboo to cut and heap up human heads. How come that corpses said to number about 20 were found heaped up in a tunnel at Upper Iweka, Onitsha, the bustling commercial city of Anambra State, South East Nigeria?

According to report, a joint team of soldiers and Anambra state task force on crime prevention made the unsightly discovery recently under a concrete tunnel located at the foot of a communication mast within the very busy Upper Iweka area of Onitsha.

Of course, the task force did not find horrific tunnel by any diligence.

Rather, its attention had been drawn to the spot when an attempt to rape a young lady in the tunnel failed and she raised alarm. The lady, a traveler, was said to have arrived Onitsha late.

In making her way through the Upper Iweka area, she was abducted by hoodlums who dispossessed her and dragged her to the tunnel.

To put the narrative in context, Onitsha is the most important city in Anambra state and it is reputed to be the largest market in West Africa. And Upper Iweka is the intersection not far from the Niger River bridge head.

It is here that vehicles from all over the country - North, South, East and West interchange. It is a major hub

in the sprawling city; it is a 24 hour spot.

It is understandable that policing a spot like this would not be a mean task but the level of lawlessness and criminality that Upper Iweka has come to represent over the years makes special security imperative. The shocking find of a stack of corpses right in the heart of this locality reveals a total absence of security in the area.

The horde of bodies in Upper Iweka suggests that the place has become a jungle where only the fittest survive.

This seeming collapse of policing and other security apparatus is glaring all around us, all over the country. Apart from the bombings and kidnapping which are in the public glare because they are of high profile, there are sundry cases of security breaches which showcase Nigeria as a highly ungoverned and unsafe place to be.

Recall the case in Lagos recently of how street miscreants (area boys) engaged in heavy gun battle against each other causing residents (and even policemen) in the neighbourhood to scamper to safety. When they were done, no fewer than five people lay lifeless. Not one word has been heard from the police authorities concerning this incident which happened the weekend of June 18 and 19. The Ibadan motor park touts mayhem is still fresh. The examples are legion.

We ask, is there no security cover-

age or surveillances for our localities and neighbourhoods anymore?

While we do not pretend to know more about security matters than the experts, we believe there is a dire lack of intelligence gathering and surveillance as well as poor response capabilities in our policing as presently constituted.

With the dawn of globalisation, security has become more complex and sophisticated. They require a lot more insight and presence of mind to tackle. We urge the Federal Government to continuously fine tune our security system, because in an unsecured environment, everybody is a potential victim.

‘With the dawn of globalisation, security has become more complex and sophisticated. They require a lot more insight and presence of mind to tackle. We urge the Federal Government to continuously fine tune our security system, because in an unsecured environment, everybody is a potential victim’

H

UMBERTO Leal Garcia Jr., a Mexican citizen who faces execution in Texas next month, has petitioned Gov. Rick Perry for a sixmonth reprieve. He is asking for a stay under a vital international law, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which requires that foreign nationals who are arrested be told of their right to have their embassy notified of that arrest and to ask for help.

In recent years, the treaty has provided important protection for Americans who have been detained in Iran, North Korea and elsewhere. Mr. Leal was not notified after his arrest of his right to contact his embassy. But the Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that Texas did not need to comply with the treaty because there is no federal law requiring that states do so.

Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont on Tuesday introduced a bill that makes clear that federal law requires that states tell foreign nationals who have been arrested that they can contact their consulates for help.

For those who were convicted and sentenced without being told, the bill would let them ask a federal court to review their case and decide whether the outcome would have been different if they had had diplomatic help.

After the bill was introduced, Mr. Leal petitioned Federal District Court for a stay to keep Texas from “rushing to execute” him before Congress has time to act.

Mr. Leal, convicted of murder during a sexual assault, had grossly incompetent legal representation. If he had been given access to a Mexican diplomat, he would have had a chance at better counsel and likely the opportunity to strike a plea deal, avoiding the death penalty.

For the sake of justice, the governor and court should grant the stays. For the protection of foreigners arrested here, and American citizens arrested abroad, Congress should pass Senator Leahy’s bill.

A version of this editorial appeared in print on June 18, 2011, on page A18 of the New York edition with the headline: The Treaty and the Law. • New York Times.

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

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: June 12, 1993 presidential election, its annulment and the corresponding controversies are a delicate page in the history of Nigeria’s transition to democracy. It is delicate in the sense that the struggle to revalidate its annulment was misconstrued, in some quarters, as the struggle of a section of the country than national.

This is one of the greatest factors that militated against the crusade and finally dealt it a serious blow.

But I think time has now made us all understand that June 12 is the solid foundation upon which our new found democracy stands. It did not only prepare a befitting ground for democracy to thrive, but also symbolizes the triumph of democracy over draconian rule. It is indeed a viciously treated political episode whose victims cut across geo-political zones. It took away Chief MKO Abiola from the SouthWest, Pa Alfred Rewane from the South-South, Bagauda Kalto of The News Magazine from the North, and several other fine Nigerians under controversial circumstances.

The struggle could not be more national.

Today, June 12, 1993 Presidential election is a thing of the past. But its annulment touched every Nigerian an awful lot. Its memories can never be obliterated nor wiped from the minds of all who are truly nationalistic. Wiping the slate clean is a virtual impossibility. As long as we exist as a nation, June 12 would always be a living past.

The annulment has been sealed with the sudden death of Abiola just at the time Nigerians had nearly won the long-running battle for re-

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Will President Jonathan also disown June 12? turning democracy to the country.

And no amount of castigation on the personality of anyone can reverse the damage. What should now be of utmost interest is the struggle to accord June 12 and all its martyrs their due national recognition. In fact, it is long overdue.

When Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar led us into democracy in 1999 less than a year after the demise of Abiola, his preference of May 29 to June 12 as the handover day has greatly robbed June 12 of its monumental recognition. More disheartening is that 12 years into our democracy, governments at the national level have also not found June 12 and its martyrs suitable for national recognition. Their reasons are

so much shrouded in mystery.

With each passing day, the vestiges of June 12 and its martyrs seem to be gradually disappearing from our polity. Not many of us tend to raise our voice against this anomaly with the same tenacity we excoriate IBB military Administration for the annulment. I am baffled as to the extent our people can abandon a more crucial responsibility for the one with no more positive impact on the crusade – a noisy instance of misplaced priority.

But the fact stands that Abiola did not die in vain. And other martyrs also. They sacrificed their lives for democracy. And it has indeed come to stay. They paid the ultimate price for the present generation of lead-

ers to emerge. Unless we are a country of ingrates, they need not be forgotten.

How then do we explain that the democratic Federal Governments of Nigeria in the last twelve years have neglected these martyrs of democracy? Could it be a case of the proverbial river that forgot its source?

Or an attempt by the power that be to undermine the contributions of these great men to our democracy?

Whatever it is, the truth cannot be subverted forever. When June 12 annulment becomes a vital tool to use in castigating a certain presidential aspirant, it is easily echoed from the rooftops; but when it becomes apparent the martyrs need be

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• Alimi Olukola Fatai, Osogbo, Osun State. fattykolly@yahoo.com.

Plight of pensioners IR: In June 2010, the screening exercise of all pensioners was carried out all over the country. At the end of the exercise, the pension for the month of June was paid to all Federal Pensioners. Since June 2010, some of the screened pensioners have not received any kobo by way of their monthly stipends.

I hasten to say that some of these Pensioners still have children in in-

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stitutions of higher learning; some whose children have graduated are jobless.

Worse still, because of the nonpayment of their pension since June last year, their children who got admission to various institutions have forfeited their admission as their parents have no money to pay for their school fees.

It is very disheartening indeed that

these pensioners spent the active part of their lives to serve their fatherland, yet they are being denied the fruit of their labour. Only God knows how many of them must have died prematurely out of frustration and hunger.

Several visits to the Presidency have not yielded any fruitful result while those who are still alive are dying by degrees from hunger.

Bombings: Religious leaders must wake up IR: Kindly permit me on behalf of my church and indeed, all true Christians across the world, to express our displeasure over the lack of value for human lives which has for long now, been resulting in wanton killing of human beings especially in the northern part of the country.

Not long ago, I admonished President Goodluck Jonathan not only to fish out those behind the evil acts, but to ensure that himself and his lieutenants found a way to cease toying with human lives that ought to be held sacred.

I warned that they must decisively and summarily deal with those wasting human lives in the north all in the name of religious intoler-

honoured, everyone looks the other way. What sort of hypocrisy!

The past governments have failed to acknowledge the significance of June 12 to our democracy. But the present administration still have all the time in the world to have a rethink. This exactly we urge President Jonathan to do. If, however, he fails; someone else is bound to do it someday. And then he would take all the glory. So, now is the right time for Mr. President.

Either done or not, June 12 deserves a pride of place in the annals of Nigeria’s political history. It should be a national day where we celebrate the triumph of democracy over draconian rule. We need to rise, in one cohesive voice as a nation, to acknowledge this so that those who laboured for the new found democracy would not just go down the drain of history without any tangible vestigial recognition at the national level. Let justice be done!

ance. It is sickening for one to recall the number of human lives that have been wasted in the north over the years, including the innocent Youth Corp members whose lives were recently cut short in the crises that followed the April elections. Most of them were either breadwinners of their families or their prospective pillars. Nigerians were made to understand that no fewer than 65 churches and other helpless beings were callously killed in the process, thereby turning Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Borno and other northern states into hotbeds of manslaughter and brazen murder.

As I have always noted, God can’t be happy with the rate at which human beings are being mercilessly

wasted in this country. The government, as I have always said, must put all the security agencies and apparatuses available to task to ensure that an end is put to this wickedness. The evil ones behind these killings must be unmasked and punished.

Just in a few days ago, when many had thought that the days of horror were almost over, we heard of another bomb blast right in the home of the Nigerian Police – The Police Headquarters, Abuja. Of course, one was worried stiff because when such a thing happens to those that have been saddled with securing the nation and her helpless people, one cannot but be apprehensive. Some said only one person was killed in

the explosion; some gave the figure as 13. Not long after, we heard of another blast in Borno State ; then, one must ask: What is the sure way out?

The only way out, as I have said many times in recent times, depends of the readiness of us all to pray.

We have to seek God’s face with prayers and loyalty to Him in deeds. Everyone, no matter our beliefs, must be fervent in prayers to God now. Only God has the main solution to what we are passing through today. It is a divine warning we must heed.

• Pastor (Dr.) Olushola Ojo, Zonal Chairman, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Odi Ajaye, Ogba, Lagos.

Some have been ejected from their rented apartments because they could not pay; needless to add that a good number of them are in debt.

This suffering is most uncalled for and it is a serious and unpardonable indictment on the Federal Government. It is a pity that the government is failing in its responsibility to take care of its senior citizens who had served this country to the best of their ability.

It cannot be said that the money is not there to pay. Neither can it be said that the Federal Government does not know that these senior citizens depend on their monthly pension to survive.

One is just using this medium to appeal to Mr. President to wake up and be alive to his responsibility.

The onus rests on him to ensure that these old and frail pensioners are paid their monthly pension as at and when due. The President should be reminded that God has placed him in that position to take care of all the citizens of this country and not just political office holder only. He should remember that he has an account to give at the end of the day to almighty God Thank you.

• Chris Awofolajin, Iyamu Street, Off Uwasota Road, Benin City.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Politics in Post 2011 Nigeria: Is Yorubaland endangered? -4

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HE war period also provided the leaders’ occasions to practice the art of diplomacy and it was not until this had failed that people took up arms. In this regard, the educated elite in Lagos such as Fredrick Haastrup, Sapara Williams and other repatriates from Sierra Leone, Brazil, Cuba and some of the Islands in the Caribbean played significant roles in aiding their cohorts in the hinterland or in ending the war. Many of them could still trace their origins and still showed their loyalty through sale of weapons to their people. They were involved in pressurizing the British in 1886 and 1893 to put an end to the fratricidal wars. It was not only the men in Lagos who performed this role, the famous Madam Tinubu, a successful market leader used her considerable resources to support Egba war effort either against the Ibadan but most especially against the invaders from Dahomey.

The war of course was destructive, but life continued, agricultural production, fabrication of home made implements of war such as dane-guns, swords and poisoned arrows continued. Cities expanded because of massive population movement to protective redoubts. Children were even born in the various camps. There were warbrides, captives from enemies or in some cases conjugal unions were voluntarily entered into with men of valor from conquering armies. Remarkably as it may seem, there were hardly any dynastic changes during the war even the intrepid Isola Fabunmi tried to but could not seize the throne of Okemesi after the war though he was later in-

‘The festering sore of the severing of Ilorin from mainstream Yorubaland has continued to bedevil the relation between the Fulani and the Yoruba. In order to overcome the fissiparous tendencies in Yorubaland, we must understand and reconcile with the past’

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INCE Boko Haram became a thorn in our flesh, we have known no rest. The group continues to strike across the northern part of the country, with the security agencies seemingly helpless in tracking it down. Boko Haram is waging a jihad against western culture, especially education which it describes as ‘’evil’’. Because of its hatred for knowledge it unleashed mindless attacks on people and institutions. It has killed; it has maimed; it has burnt public properties, but it is not done yet.

When last week I wrote about the group here I never knew that it had something up its sleeve. It beat its own record with that audacious attack on the Louis Edet Police Headquarters in Abuja. It was the most embarrassing and daring attack it has carried out so far. With that attack, it introduced suicide bombing to this clime. A suicide bomber in Nigeria? Yes, it sounds unreal but it happened live in Abuja last Thursday. The suicide bomber was so audacious that he even rode in the convoy of the Inspector-General of Police(IG), Hafiz Ringim.

How he found his way into the IG’s convoy still beats my imagination because generally it is suicidal for any motorist, no matter who he is, to be seen near such convoys.

Well, it takes only a suicide bomber to engage in such a suicidal action of breaching the security of the IG. Was there really a breach? Was the suicide bomber acting in connivance with others inside the Police? According to reports, the suicide bomber went to the IG’s residence

vited by the Imesi-Ile cousins to rule over them. Seriki Ogedengbe became the Obanla of Ilesha and many war leaders took titles after the war. The war of course changed the political landscape of Yorubaland. Slavery was ended; the British took over administration even though the indirect rule system permitted the same rulers to continue as agents of new imperium. Sometimes those doddering regimes were in fact strengthened and given powers which they hardly enjoyed previous to the period of the Pax Britannica. The war itself did not end with a bang but with a whimper and the lingering effect and aftermath have remained with us until the present day.

Aftermath of Internecine Warfare The consequences of this century of warfare on the psychology and politics of the people were long lasting. In fact, one cannot totally understand the politics of the Yoruba today without harking back to these difficult and disturbing times of warfare. The war ironically fostered the spirit of proto nationalism in Yorubaland. The feeling of oneness by the Oyo-Yoruba, Ekitiparapo, Ijebu, Egba, Igbomina and Akoko was but a step to a feeling of common and unifying feeling of all being descended from the same stock. A feeling that was captured by the Action Group in the First Republic. In spite of this feeling, one can still identify the ramifying legacy of feeling of hostility between one sub-group of the Yoruba and the other, between for example the Ibadan and the Ijebu, between the Ibadan and the Ekiti. The festering sore of the severing of Ilorin from mainstream Yorubaland has continued to bedevil the relation between the Fulani and the Yoruba. In order to overcome the fissiparous tendencies in Yorubaland, we must understand and reconcile with the past. The apparently pacific nature of the Yoruba today is perhaps due to deja vu appreciation of the deleterious effect of violence on the political life of a people. The role of the Yoruba in Nigeria is crucial.

As an important leg of the tripod of which this Nigeria stands, whatever affects the political health of the Yoruba would eventually affect the whole nation. Any derogation of the dignity of the Yoruba nation will affect others with such devastating consequences that can only be imagined. God has been kind to the Yoruba people in

its geographical location in the fertile southwestern part of Nigeria and from the Atlantic to the River Niger. They are the only homogenous group contiguously located that can surJide vive as an indepenOsuntokun dent entity. The emergence in Yorubaland of a nation through the crucible of war lasting a century places the Yoruba in such a vantage position that those who try to undermine them as a result of their liberal nature are not likely to succeed because their recent history has taught them how to survive in difficult times.

The Yoruba in modern times have embraced western education while preserving their culture. The first lawyers and doctors emerged in Yorubaland in the 1880s more than half a century before other ethnic groups. They are quite dominant in the economy and the profession in Nigeria because their genius and education have prepared them for effective participation in the modern economic sector in Nigeria. They are also an urbanized people and out of the big cities of Nigeria Yoruba cities of Lagos, Ibadan, Ogbomosho, Oshogbo, Iwo, Ijebu Ode, Ilesha, Abeokuta, Akure, Ado-Ekiti and Oyo easily rank among the largest with the fact that 80% of the Yoruba people live in towns and cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. This has facilitated political organization and mobilization among the Yoruba with the effect that political consciousness is very high among the Yoruba.

Yet in their politics, they are not insular but very global and liberal, a situation which gives the impression of disunity and not speaking with one voice. The large population of the Yoruba, their dominant economic power based on agriculture and manufacturing and the relative ease of political mobilization put them in formidable position in the future politics of Nigeria.

One bomb blast too many to seek audience with him. On being asked his mission, he reportedly said he has information on how Boko Haram leaders could be arrested.

Remember that a day before in Maiduguri, which could be likened to Boko Haram’s lair in Borno State, the IG had taken delivery of some armoured personnel carriers(APCs), which he said would be used to hunt down members of the sect. Twenty-four hours after, the suicide bomber turned up in the IG’s residence in an unregistered car, claiming that he has information on how to get the Boko Haram fundamentalists. Without grilling him, he was allowed to join the convoy to the Police Headquarters. I don’t really know, but is it that easy for anybody to be cleared to join the convoys of highly placed public officers without thorough scrutiny?

Perhaps, the policemen that he met were so carried away by his claim of having information on Boko Haram that they forgot that they should not take his claim on its face value and invite him to ride with them just like that. Was the IG aware of the man’s presence on his convoy? Did he approve of his riding with the convoy? Was he cleared to meet with the IG on arrival at the Police Headquarters?

Who cleared him? Boko Haram has shown that it is ready to go to any

‘Boko Haram has shown that it is ready to go to any length in its crusade for an Islamic state. But unfortunately, most of its targets are prominent muslims. Why then is it alienating those who naturally should support its cause?’

length in its crusade for an Islamic state. But unfortunately, most of its targets are prominent muslims.

Why then is it alienating those who naturally should support its cause?

From all indications, the Boko Haram crowd does not believe in muslims holding powerful positions in the country. It believes that they have been compromised and cannot be relied upon in its fight for a ‘just’ society. To Boko Haram, the way to salvation is to forcefully convert others to their own way or life. This is why they kidnap people and take them to their enclave to imbibe their doctrine. Those who refuse to follow them are killed. This is the Boko Haram that has forced its way into our lives. But should we continue to live with a group which does not value human life? The answer one may be tempted to say is yes.

We will be missing the point if we answer the question in the affirmative. Until it struck at the Police Headquarters, I had tended to see Boko Haram as being constituted by a bunch of unintelligent elements. It’s ability to penetrate Police Headquarters and the IG’s hope has changed my thinking. It seems there is something that we can learn from the group if it is ready to sheathe its sword. Why should it continue to wage war against the society when there is an opportunity for dialogue.

Althogh last week I canvassed for an all out routing of the group, it seems that action will exacerbate tension rather than bring the necessary relief.

It is not that one is supporting criminality, which in fact the sect’s action borders on, it is because the time has come to make peace and stop the killing and maiming of innocent souls. Boko Haram has shown us all what it can do. It has bombed barracks; Police Head-

quarters; killed people including a governorship candidate and done even more worse things, yet the security agencies have not been able to clip the group’s wings. The closest to getting to the group was the capture and subsequent killing of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, in 2009.

Regrettably, Yusuf’s death rather than weaken the sect strengthened it. It appears to be stronger now than it was when Yusuf was alive.

Boko Haram was there for the picking of the Police in 2009 but they bungled the oportunity with the killing of Yusuf. He might have been killed with the understanding that once he is out of the way Boko Haram will die a natural death. It did not work out that way. The group is daily baring its fangs while the police are watching helplessly.Boko Haram appears to believe that the police lack the capacity to confront it and as such took the fight to their territory last week.

It is however, a wrong notion for the group to feel that it can engage the police in combat and win no matter how potent it may think it

•Ringim

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net

is. There is no doubt that Boko Haram is dangerous, but it is only dangerous to the extent that the security agencies are cautious in engaging it in an encounter to avoid collateral damage. What it should know is that if the police decide to go after it so many people will suffer for what they know nothing about. And majority of these people may be nonmembers of the group.

As we search for those behind the suicide bombing of the Police Headquarters let us also step up efforts at making the group to toe the path of dialogue. Borno State Governor Kassim Shettima has started well by promising the sect’s members amnesty if they lay down their arms. The Federal Government can take over this initiative to ensure a speedy disposal of the matter. Those in high places who are supporting the group should also encourage them to see reason in talking than warring because at the end of the day that is the way we will still go no matter how long this Boko Haram one-sided battle against the society lasts.

Boko Haram should also remember that it can only win the battle and not the war if it refuses to follow the path of reason now before it is too late.

SMS ONLY: 08056504763

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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HERE has been strident call for the cancellation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by many Nigerians who believe the forty years old scheme has outlived its usefulness. In recent years, the scheme has been bedeviled by many problems. The nightmare of youths who enthusiastically look forward to the scheme starts shortly after the three week camping. Some roams the streets for weeks in search of places of primary assignment. Within this period, they are left alone in a strange land.

In the urban areas like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, employers hardly provide accommodation. The allowance is inadequate.

The youths therefore in most cases depend on their parents for accommodation and monthly support allowance. As if these were not bad enough, the recent mindless murder of our future by those who have no value even for their own lives and the kidnapping of five Corps members in Odomanya, Rivers state on their way to inspect their Community Development Service (CDS) project before handing over to their host community, have provided additional ammunition for the opponents of the scheme.

As the major beneficiary of the services of youth corps members, Governors, understandably have been pleading for a review of the scheme as against outright cancellation advocated by the opponents of the scheme especially parents who beyond supporting their ward during the service year now also fear for the safety of their children in view of the recent events in Rivers state and other parts of the north. The governors like most other Nigerian politicians are often more interested in sharing dividends without investments.

Many spend their resources on frivolities while depending on corps members as teachers, medical personnel and other professionals needed for the implementation of necessary social services.

Governor Fashola may be right in averring that the scheme is a vehicle for social interaction and a vehicle for national unity. According to him, ‘We can improve our food production every year if we commit all our graduates to properly organized farm settlements’ and ‘ our healthcare programme and life expectancy if we submit our graduates to nursing training and life –saving skills for one year’ But these is nothing that stops Fashola from implementing those objectives.

He can set the pace for other to follow. How-

NYSC and problems of defective federalism ever, beyond the expression of these ideals, Fashola has not told us what the contribution of his state will be towards improving the scheme and the welfare of participants that have been largely exploited by state governors who often factor in their free services for the implementation of their programme.

Governor Aliyu Babangida of Niger states’ self serving argument was more hilarious. For him, NYSC has enhanced national integration and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians from diverse background’. He therefore wants the federal government to ensure corps members are comfortable in any part of the country,’ they should be recognized and treated as citizens of Nigeria with full rights, privileges and responsibilities’ As usual, it is also in the spirit of sharing .Aliyu Babangida whose state was one of the theatres of the absurd in the north where corpers on national assignment to bestow a better for the future of their own children, were chased, harassed and tormented during g the crisis that followed the April elections. Like Fashola, Governor Aliyu Babangida did not say what his sate can do for the corpers. He conveniently shifted that responsibility to the federal government.

Governors Aregbesola and Fayemi’s support for the scheme also derived from what their states have benefited from the scheme.

ForAregbesola, it is for their ‘successful compilation of the voters’ register and conduct of the April general election which have since

become a point of reference in the international community’. And for Fayemi it is for their “contributions to primary healthcare delivery, sensitization on HIV/AIDS menace, environmental sustainability and keeping the MDGs’, For Borno state Shetima, it is also for ‘their contribution to eradication of HIV.AIDS menace in Borno State’ Other supporters of the scheme of course are the public servants that wrecked NITEL, NEPA and other federal government institutions and parastatals. For them, the scheme is another avenue for self enrichment. Often, the activities of the scheme are shrouded in secrecy. We are hardly told how much was allocated and how the allocations are expended.

While contractors smile to the banks, the quality of services and materials deteriorates yearly. It is strange no one has yet recommended the scheme for privatization.

Beyond the self serving arguments about patriotism by those benefiting from the scheme, we have not been told how far the scheme has gone in achieving its objectives.

The National Youth service Corps (NYSC) is part of social engineering efforts of the military to solve the structural problem of Nigeria federalism which they complicated, first, by Ironsi’s Decree 34 of 1966 that attempted to turn a multi ethnic society like Nigeria to a unitary state and later by plunging he nation to a civil war. Established by Decree 24 of 22nd May 1973 (later repealed and replaced by Decree 51 of 16th June 1993)

the objective includes the ‘encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity’. It also includes inculcating discipline in the youths, raising their moral tone, removing prejudice, eliminating ignorance and developing a sense of corporate existence and common destiny of Nigerian people.

That the scheme like other efforts as federal character, quota system of admission to universities and the civil service, has been mired in controversies is perhaps an indication that we have been addressing the symptoms rather than face the challenge of a sovereign national conference to address the basis of our federalism. Nigerian youths have never been part of Nigerian problems. They played their own role in the run up to independence as professionals and politicians. Even our current hip hop generation of youths has continued to demonstrate their love of the country through their songs, films and the NGOs they manage.

The problem of Nigeria has always been that of its self serving leaders. It was their zero-sum struggle for power that led to the collapse of the first Republic. They along with military politicians plunged the nation to civil war. They were responsible for the collapse of the Second Republic just as they emerged as Babangida’s ‘newbreed politicians’ to abort the third Republic. It is the leaders that have been in power in the last twelve years. It is they that have stood in the way of proper restructuring of the country since independence.

The question that should agitate our minds is how otherwise patriotic youths transformed to national wreckers. Over eighty percent of members of the national assembly in the last twelve years participated in the NYSC scheme. All the thirty seven so called ‘wise men’ that blackmailed their former speaker to take N10 billion loan to satisfy their greed participated in the NYSC scheme.

Those who almost wrecked the banking sector went through the scheme. Those who sold our national patrimony to themselves and their cronies successfully completed the programme. I think there can be no other index of measurement of the success or failure of the NYSC scheme than these self evident revelations. I don’t have an answer. But perhaps we can start by looking at injustice and insincerity that have been the bane of our distributive politics.

VIEW FROM THE FOREIGN PRESS

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ENULTIMATE Sunday, I woke up a very sad man. Of course, it was not difficult a task to decipher why my adrenalin was suddenly working at a dangerous level.

You guessed my nervous system was in trouble over the current ‘Bankole-gate’? Well, you might be somewhat right! Reason: I see my nation as an Amusement Park of some sorts. Yes, since the former Speaker Dimeji Bankole got humbled by the law of his fatherland over a loan (or what did his legal captors call it?). Surprising, even those who are allegedly guilty of having looted the public till at various levels of government are walking around with condemnable stratagem and also laughing at the former speaker. Perhaps, it will be difficult for anyone to refuse to acknowledge our dear country as an apt theatre of the absurd, where happenings that would never be condoned in the least, an animal community, have turned a painful norm?

Did I hear you ask for what had become of all the noise about ex-governors like Peter Odili, Joshua Dariye, James Ibori and some ministers who have brazenly soiled their hands in public offices? No, that is a matter for discourse on another date; but, they still rattle one’s heart, no doubt!

Indeed, the above, besides other such nauseating signals of madness causing quakes in our blessed land, formed part of why I could not smile on that Sabbath day. No, I’m not irascible, but my main headache stemmed from the fact that it occurred to me early morning of that day that it was yet another day for the ritual of vain celebration of the memory of pre-eminent Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. This man was the undisputed symbol of democracy in Nigeria who was forced off the face of the earth 18 years ago by certain accursed elements who, ipso facto, proved themselves beyond doubt, as the real enemies of the masses.

“God, today is another June 12 when all manners of ‘lovers’ of Abiola will paint the streets red under the pretence of celebrating the outstanding martyr?; these words I uttered out of frustration. Then, I chose to fast, though for a few hours. After it, I said

MKO Abiola: Beyond the ritual

By Dada Aladelokun two fervent prayers: May the enemies of Abiola and what he stood for never enjoy reprieve from the eternal bondage that their conscience had put them. Two: May Abiola resurrect soon to bring light upon Nigeria.

Well, I’m not obliged to have an apology for the first prayer. Or is it a curse? Someone once claimed that some 42 Yoruba leaders, including high-profile traditional rulers, in devilish agreement with others from other parts of the land, stood behind the Maradona of Minna to annul the June 12, 1993 presidential poll which even the heavens hailed.

Of course, they may be laughing today; but one thing is certain: While I’m doubly convinced that their conscience must have been doing them incalculable injury in silence, they are not immune from the inescapable Law of Karma.

My second prayer is about the spirit called June 12. It is beyond the person of Abiola who till his heartless extermination, remained married to the welfare of the impoverished in the land. It is not about the pain inflicted on his vast family which, by God’s favour, has said final bye to poverty, even to its generations yet unborn. It is, in essence, about the kernel of his struggles and his incredible commitment, even to the point of death, to bringing light to the heavily beleaguered entity called Nigeria and its hapless constituents of long history of callous rape on all fronts.

From Professor Wole Soyinka through the real progressives among our teeming politicians, to the least activist that dared the odds to look Ibrahim Babangida and his cohorts including his late dark-goggled successor in the face all-through the heady days, everyone knows the genuine fighters for justice, democracy and social justice in the country. God, I’m sure, will pay them back.

Year in, year out, drums have always been rolled out to celebrate Abiola. Lectures, seminars and conferences have always been held with well-crafted speeches that bear acute pains from agonized hearts. Of course, it is not out of order to celebrate such a model among distinguished humans; after all, many a looter amongst us celebrates girlfriends’ birthday parties on a yearly basis; even their concubines inclusive. But my concern is far beyond the annual rhetoric.

The worst among the late politician’s adversaries are agreed that he was selflesspersonified, which was why he willingly sacrificed his hard-earned wealth and soul for the poor among his fellowmen. It therefore goes without saying that the greatest good we can do his immortal memory is to sincerely express an unconditional love for the less-privileged among our fellowmen.

How well do we internalise and actualise the principles underlying Abiola’s struggles in our dealings, both in private and public capacities? Are you not among those who rigged in charlatans in past elections? What consideration do you have for the helpless lot in your budget, Mr. Chairman/ Governor? And every June 12, you join others to speak to the press, extolling the virtues of MKO! Today, every family has become Water Corporation, Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), the Police and what have you, to itself, striving tooth and nail to provide itself with those amenities despite the huge taxes it coughs up. It is in the same system where mostly impostors who go by various appellations - ministers, lawmakers, governors and council chairmen - have found no Godly use for the allocations they monthly take from the Federal Government coffers in addition to internally-generated incomes.

So far, this madness goes on in public domain in the face of worsening conditions of ordinary Nigerians who deserve to be treated like eggs by owners of their mandate; the Abiola Spirit, which stands for unconditional service to mankind, will remain elusive, no matter how pulsating the rhythms of our drumbeats at the yearly ritual of the June 12 carnivals become. Therefore, the true memory of MKO must speak hope and improved welfare for common Nigerians, lest we celebrate him in vain every year!

• Aladelokun is a staff of The Nation.

•M.K.O. Abiola

Secret FIFA report implicates Warner and Bin Hammam

Thursday, June 23, 2011

FREE COPY

PAGE 23

Ahmed Musa wants goal harvest against Ghana

N

IGERIA Under-23 player Ahmed Musa has urged his teammates to let the Black Meteors of Ghana return home with a basketful of goals, as both sides meet on Sunday, in the first leg of the All Africa Games soccer qualifier, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

The VVV Venlo of Holland player who will miss the game due to club assignment said the rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria would be rekindled once more.

“I would have loved to play against Ghana but I have to honour my club assignment now, I believe in the calibre of players in the camp, they will beat Ghana by God’s grace,” said Musa, who scored Nigeria’s third goal in the 3-0 victory over Tanzania last Sunday in the Olympics qualifier.

The former Kano Pillars player noted that the Tanzanians were not pushovers despite their humiliation in Benin.

“I am happy that we beat Tanzania by a wide margin because they were a bit hard. Really, we missed a lot of scoring chances that we could have scored more goals.

“My advice to my teammates is to play well against Ghana. Ghana is a tough side anyday and we must be well prepared for the game. The rivalry between us will make the game difficult but I want my colleagues to score as many goals to make the secong leg tie in Ghana less stressful,” Musa said.

CALABAR 2011ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP

Okagbare, Osayomi take centre stage

A

LL eyes will be fixed on the sprints duo of Blessing Okagbare and Damola Osayomi when the All Nigeria/Cross River State Athletics Championships begin this morning inside the mainbowl of the U.J Esuene stadium in Calabar.

The duo are among the over 300 athletes who will be jostling for tickets to get on board the Team Nigeria train to both the 13th IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Daegu,South Korea in August and the 10th All Africa Games in Maputo,Mozambique in September.

As many as five African champions from last year's 17th African Championships in Nairobi,Kenya , two reigning All Africa Games champions and Commonwealth Games tripke jump king,Tosin Oke will be competing in a championships the government of Cross River state is bankrolling to the tune of N50m.

The men and women 100m race is howvere expected to provide the fiercest of battles as the respective defending champions are up against formidable challengers who ,on current form should be crowned champions.

In the men's 100m,defending champion,Obinna Metu will be hoping he gets past his indifferent form which has seen him run a 10.27 season's best to set yet another championshipshistory.

Metu won the title last year to become the first man in recent championships history to win the 100m title three consecutive times.He can extend that record in Calabar if he outruns the duo of Peter Emelieze who on current form should be king of the blue ribband event this year following his 10.18 national lead and Ogho-Oghene Egwero who dominated the Athletic Federation of Nigeria Golden League series..He is also the prechampionships' second fastest man behind Emelieze.

The pendulum is however swinging towards Metu who has proved to be an athlete for the big ocassion. He won his first title in 2008 as an underdog,pulling the rug off the feat of Olusoji Fasuba who a year earlier dominated the African scene by winning the All Africa Games gold in the event.

•Falcons’ goalkeeper Alaba Jonathan, center, celebrates together with her teammates

Falcons arrive Heidelberg, set for W/Cup T HE National Women’s team, Super Falcons on Thursday arrived in Germany ahead of the 6th FIFA Women’s World Cup holding in that country, 26th June – 17th July, 2011.

The delegation of 21 players and eight officials that had been in a training camp in Saalfelden, Austria for the past four weeks was received at the NH Hotel Hiedelberg (the team’s official FIFA hotel for the championship) by a team of FIFA and LOC officials, as well as the Assistant General Secretary (Competitions) of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.

The FIFA General Co-ordinator for the centre was also on hand.

“We are in good shape for the World Cup. I make bold to say this team has had the best preparation of any Nigerian team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. We look forward to doing Nigeria proud in our games”, said Head Coach Eucharia Uche as the delegation arrived at the

NH Hotel at about 4pm Germany time (3pm Nigeria time).

During their four-week training camp, the Falcons defeated an Austrian first division team, Wacker Innsbruck 7-0, edged the Czech National Women’s team 1-0 and was held to a 1-1 draw by the Austrian National Women’s team. They also drew 2-2 with the Slovakia National Women’s team and won 3-2 and 6-1 in two matches against an U-17 boys’ team.

Nigeria’s Falcons have been at all five previous FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, in China in 1991, Sweden in 1995, USA in 1999 and 2003 and China in 2007.

Nigeria take on France in her first match of this year’s tournament at the Sinsheim Stadium on Sunday, the opening day of the competition.

The Falcons next play hosts and favourites Germany in Frankfurt on June 30 before rounding up their Group A duties against Canada in Dresden on July 5.

NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

Team Lagos leaves for Port Harcourt June 27

A

LL things being equal, Team Lagos will leave for the Garden City Games 2011 National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, 27 June.

Preparation of the athletes for the national sports championship has been in top gear, first with a successful completion of open camping and the ongoing closed camping at four different centers across the state; Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba, Myoung Barrack, Somolu and NYSC Camp in Iyana Ipaja.

NationSport gathered that Lagos State Sports Council headed By Agboola Dabiri, has ensured that the athletes are well motivated to prepare well for the Garden City Games.

According to our findings, the Chairman of the sports council had earlier informed that Team Lagos will take part in 23 sports out of 25 at the Sports Festival with the exception of football and hockey, which the state missed out on in the zonal qualifications.

"At least 791 athletes are in closed camp. We are

By Innocent Amomoh going to reduce them to the required numbers we are taking to Port Harcourt on June 27.

"I want to commend the effort of Governor Raji Fashola who ensured that we got all we needed for the preparation of the athletes for the Games and I believe that we'll not disappoint him," he had said.

Director of Sports in the Council, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, disclosed that all the allowances of the athletes for the open camping have been fully paid, while effort is being made to offset the ones for the closed camping.

"The athletes are in high spirit for the competition and they are doing well in the camp," he said.

Prince Wale Oladunjoye, Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development to Governor Raji Fashola, who is playing an advisory role in the preparation of the athletes, said the camping is well coordinated to ensure a good performance of the athletes at the Sports Festival.

THERE is 'comprehensive, convinction and overwhelming' evidence that FIFA member Mohamed Bin Hammam tried to bribe officials during his presidential campaign and that Jack Warner was 'an accessory to corruption', according to a secret report by FIFA's Ethics Committee.

FIFA announced on Monday that Warner had resigned as FIFA vice-president and quit all football activities, and the world governing body said they had dropped all investigations regarding him and that 'the presumption of innocence is maintained'.

But the full report of the ethics committee headed by Namibian judge Petrus Damaseb which provisionally suspended Warner and Bin Hammam on May 29 says there was 'prima facie' evidence that bribes had been paid to officials to support Bin Hammam's campaign for the FIFA presidency, and that Warner had facilitated this.

The pair - two of the three most powerful men in world football - were suspended last month pending a full inquiry. Bin Hammam withdrew as a candidate against Sepp Blatter on the morning of his ethics committee hearing on May 29. Both he and Warner have consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The 17-page ethics committee document setting out their decision was faxed to Warner last week, on June 14, and three days later he informed FIFA he was resigning. A copy of that report has now been obtained.

It concludes that there was 'compelling' evidence that Bin Hammam and Warner arranged a special meeting of the 25 members of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) on May 10 and 11 in Trinidad and that, with their knowledge, cash gifts were handed over.

Statements from witnesses, described as 'credible and correspondent' in the report, said they were handed brown envelopes each containing US$40,000.

One of the witnesses, Fred Lunn from the Bahamas, photographed the cash before returning it. Four witnesses stated that Warner told the CFU delegates on May 11 that the 'money for the "gifts" allegedly distributed the day before had been apparently provided by Mr Bin Hammam', the document states.

Chelsea hails Villas-Boas •New boss signs three-year deal

CHELSEA are celebrating the arrival of Andre Villas-Boas as the club's new manager on a three-year deal.

The Porto boss follows in the footsteps of his old boss Jose Mourinho after the Blues paid his £13.2million release fee.

A Chelsea statement issued on Wednesday morning hailed his appointment - and its wording appeared to deliver a snub to the initial favourite for the post, Guus Hiddink.

It read: 'Andre was the outstanding candidate for the job. He is one of the most talented young managers in football today and has already achieved much in a relatively short space of time.

'His ambition, drive and determination matches that of Chelsea and we are confident Andre's leadership of the team will result in greater successes in major domestic and European competitions.

“Andre will bring his coaching experience back to a club he is already very familiar with, having previously worked here for three years.

“He has always been highly regarded at Chelsea and everyone here looks forward to welcoming him back and working with him.”

Villas-Boas, who previously served Chelsea as an assistant to Mourinho, is expected nowto set his sights on bringing with him to Stamford Bridge some of his most prized possessions at Porto.

•Villas-Boas

24

NATION SPORT

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

ENGLISH PREMIER TRANSFER

United, City 'locked W in battle' for Sneijder

No Fulham future for Gera

M

•Sneijder

ANCHESTER United and Manchester City are leading the race for Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder, it has been claimed.

According to Manchester Evening News, the city rivals are 'locked in a battle' for the £30 million-rated Holland international, who could still leave the San Siro this summer.

Both United and City are known to be after a creative midfielder and Sneijder appears to fit the bill, especially as Tottenham remain firm in their stance not to sell Luka Modric.

United had been tipped to follow Chelsea's lead by making a formal approach for the 25-year-old Croatia international, but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has issued a curt 'hands-off' warning to any potential suitors.

Should United heed the advice

of Levy, they are expected to either reignite their interest Sneijder - or Arsenal's Samir Nasri - but will have to compete with the financial clout of City for the former.

It had previously been reported that Sneijder favoured a move to United over City but, despite today's developments, Inter president Massimo Moratti expects the 27-year-old to stay.

Sneijder would certainly provide United with an extra spark in the middle - something Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to add to his armoury after Paul Scholes brought the curtain down on his illustrious Old Trafford career.

Roberto Mancini, meanwhile, is said to have identified Sneijder as a player will the ability to take City to the next level as they pursue glory in Europe and domestically.

EST Brom target Zoltan Gera's agent has confirmed he will leave Fulham this summer - and says he "would like to stay in England".

The Baggies were favourites to re-sign the Hungary wideman, who is out of contract at Craven Cottage, but Mark Hughes' shock exit and the arrival of Martin Jol threw a spanner in the works.

It was suggested that Jol might offer Gera a new contract - but the midfielder's agent Vladan Filipovic says that is not the case, leaving the road clear for Albion to lure the former fans' favourite back to The Hawthorns.

Gera was signed for Fulham by current Baggies boss Roy Hodgson, who is keen to be

Spurs step up 15m euros striker search - agent

T O’Hara delighted with five-year deal

J

AMIE O’Hara will be doing everything in his power to ensure Wolves avoid last day dramas next time out.

Wolves escaped relegation by the skin of his teeth, but will begin next season a Premier League club – and O’Hara is proud to be part of the next great adventure.

After signing a five-year deal he never expected to get, O’Hara cut his ties with his beloved Spurs after loan spells with Portsmouth and then Wolves.

O'Hara said: "It's going to be sad leaving Tottenham. I had a great career there and the fans were always different class with me. I'll always support Spurs but it's one of those things. I had to move on.

"The chairman and the manager at Wolves put a lot of faith in me after I had been out for a long time with a back problem.

"I was put straight into the side and to make a permanent move now after a scary end to the season (narrowly avoiding relegation) is brilliant.

"I didn't even ask for a fiveyear deal. They offered me it. It is fantastic. It shows they wanted me and wanted me to be here for the long haul."

O'Hara's goal on the final day of the campaign against Blackburn helped Wolves to ensure a third season of top flight football.

He said: "I don't think we'll have an end to next season like this season. It's going to be our third season in the Premier League and hopefully we can push on and be a force to be reckoned with. It is definitely a club that is on the way up."

O'Hara added: "I want to achieve things at the club. I wouldn't have signed here if I didn't think this club was going to be pushing forward.

"I think it is a club on the up. It is going to be down to the club and the team to make things happen.

"But I think, with the squad and manager we've got, this coming season we've got to be looking at mid-table and then pushing on from there."

•O’Hara

OTTENHAM Hotspur target Pablo Osvaldo would favour a return to Italy this summer according to the player's agent.

The 25-year-old Espanyol striker has turned in a series of scintillating displays in La Liga this season, attracting the attention of a number of clubs this transfer window.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has identified Osvaldo as a player he would like to bring to White Hart Lane this summer in a bid to strengthen

•Osvaldo

his playing squad.

But Tottenham face competition for his signature from clubs across Europe, including Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus.

Osvaldo, an ItalianArgentine of dual citizenship is said to favour a return to Italy, with his representative, Dario Decoud confirming: "Atletico Madrid and Tottenham like him, but it is early to speak of a transfer," Decoud told calciomercato.it.

"It is true that the two clubs (Inter Milan and Juventus) like the player and I can reveal that there have been contact with them.

"Osvaldo would like to return to Italy and Inter Milan and Juventus are two great teams. Pablo is on vacation now and from July we will know more."

Another potential sticking point is the fee that Osvaldo would command, to bring his services to White Hart Lane, with Spurs reluctant to pay the 20m euros his current club are looking for.

"Espanyol are asking for 20m euros, but I think the deal can go through for 15-16m euros," Decoud continued.

reunited with the 32-year-old and has already held a first round of talks with him and Filipovic.

Filipovic said: "I can't say anything concrete about Zoltan Gera yet, but there is nothing to worry about regarding his future.

"Maybe this week will be decisive, but his future will be decided for sure before the beginning of July.

"We know, he will leave Fulham, but if it can happen he would like to stay in England. A lot of clubs interested in the signing of him.

"There is interest from Italy, but I can't tell from which team. I can only say that a team from the Serie A," he told the Birmingham Mail.

•Gera

Sorensen set for Stoke talks

S

TOKE manager Tony Pulis is hopeful of keeping Thomas Sorensen after the goalkeeper asked for discussions over a new contract.

The Denmark international fell behind Asmir Begovic in the pecking order last season and declared earlier this month that he wanted to hold talks over his salary.

His current pay deal is reportedly based on appearances and he is keen to alter the terms of the agreement

which has a year left to run.

If that is not an option there is a chance Sorensen will ask to leave the Britannia Stadium, but Pulis is determined to hang on to the 35-year-old.

"We are in a situation where Thomas has come to us about renewing his contract and that is brilliant for us," the Potters manager told The Sentinel.

"Thomas is a vital member of the squad. We will sit down and talk to him and his agent and hopefully get something sorted out."

•Sorensen

Bolton set to sign Nile Ranger for £1m

M

ETRO has announced the Bolton are considering a move for young Newcastle ace Nile Ranger, who has fallen out of favour at St James' Park despite evident ability.

The 20-year-old is regarded as a promising prospect and earmarked as a future England international, but discplinary issues have tainted his time with the Magpies.

Although not prolific this season, with 28 appearances amounting to a mere single goal, Ranger has impressed

with his strength, composure and intelligence alongside devastating pace.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle is a keen admirer of the young gun and is considering formulating a £1 million move for the former Southampton youth.

Bolton are eager to acquire strikers with the departure of Johan Elmander to Galatasaray alongside the inability to sign Chelsea ace Daniel Sturridge. Ranger is seen as the ideal, cheap and effective signature who possesses adequate EPL experience and is currently enjoying rapid development.

Newcastle priced out of N'Zogbia swoop

N

EWCASTLE have reportedly ended their pursuit of Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia due to the winger's wage demands.

Boss Alan Pardew had been keen to bring N'Zogbia back to St James' Park but it would now seem as if Newcastle are ready to move on to other targets due to N'Zogbia's wage demands.

The 25-year-old is reportedly

demanding wages in the region of £60,000 a week and Newcastle are ready to end their interest, despite the fact the Toon were willing to match Wigan's £12million asking price.

N'Zogbia could now be set to join Sunderland or Liverpool, while Newcastle may step up their interest in free agent Vicente after pulling out of the race for the Wigan winger.

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

•Candidates undergoing biometric screening at a centre in Agege

PHOTO: KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE

Candidates, invigilators, supervisors and mercenaries colluded to subvert the law during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in some Lagos centres, report KOFOWOROLA BELOOSAGIE, ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA, SEUN OLALUDE and NNEKA NWANERI.

‘Being a pastor in exam hall does not pay’ T

HE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) believed it did everything to prevent malpractices during last Saturday’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). But the candidates were, as always, a step ahead of JAMB. They devised various ways of cheating in the examination and, to a large extent, many of them succeeded.

Can JAMB beat these candidates in their own game? Many believe it can.

But it has to go beyond biometric screening to check impersonation, get body scanners to detect mobile phones, produce different examination question types, and engage the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to contain malpractices.

Last Saturday, supervisors, coordinators and invigilators colluding with candidates and examination racketeers to perpetrate examination malpractice, undermined JAMB’s noble efforts to enhance the integrity of the examination.

JAMB Registrar Prof Dibu Ojerinde may do well to focus on the integrity of ad-hoc staff employed to manage the process as the human factor, which coordinates all the activities, determines the success or failure of the board’s strategies.

Candidates who wrote the examination in various centres in Lagos, perceived invigilators as enemies or

•Sordid tales of cheating in last Saturday’s UTME friends, based on how they ‘cooperated’ when it mattered - whether they allowed them to use phones smuggled into the halls to receive answers via SMS or they allowed them to chat with friends to help themselves.

To a candidate who wrote in Agege, the invigilator was her ‘friend’.

“The exam was okay and the invigilator well, well; cooperated as in, he wasn’t harsh on us. He allowed us to cooperate,” said the candidate.

But another candidate in another centre in Agege had a different story to tell when The Nation approached her to comment on the examination.

To her, the invigilator in her class was a devil.

“No, I don’t want to talk”, she said angrily. “That invigilator was too strict,” she said, and turned her at-

tention to perusing the questions again to ascertain how well she would do, having been forced to use her brains.

Another candidate likely in the same boat with the angry girl, bemoaned her fate.

“The exam was okay but they didn’t allow us to talk or use our phones. In the maths, I just had to shade anything because I did not know it,” she said.

For the ‘cooperation’ to succeed, money exchange was crucial. At a centre in Ijora, some candidates came out complaining that the invigilators did not help them because they did not pay.

One girl was heard telling her friend that she didn’t get any favours because she did not pay: “I did not pay O! I didn’t know there was any

arrangement and they did not do me any favour. Her friend replied: “Me too; I did not make any arrangement but I told the invigilator that my sister was outside and she had paid.”

Towards the end of the examination at the Ijora centre, the classes became noisy as the candidates made desperate attempts to enter in the answers they got. “Keep quiet! Keep quiet!” An invigilator was heard shouting. Some of the candidates promptly replied: “Oga, please now, do you want us to come back here, next year?”

Despite the malpractices, many candidates still believed in themselves and prepared for the examination. Bayo Ajibade, who wrote the exam at Abesan Senior High School, Lagos, said examination malpractices diminish the brain.

ONE OF THE TEXT MESSAGES CIRCULATED ON SATURDAY BIO TYPE B 1BADBDDDACC 11.DDCABCBADC 21.BCAABBDCAD31.BCACDDBABB41.CCBADCBBAC PHY.TYPE C 1.CCDADBCDAA 11.CBACBDBBDA 21.ACBDADACBB 31.BCADABCDBA 41.DCCCADBACD CHEM TYPE A 1BAADDCDAAD 11.BDCDAACBDD 21.BABADCCCDA 31.DBDABDADCC 41.AABACDCDCA USE OF ENG. 1.ACBCAAAADB 11.ADACCCABCA 21.DDBCBDBBBD 31.CDAAABBDCA 41.ABCACCBACC 51.ABBDBAAABB 61.CACCBDBDBC 71.CBDBCAACBC 81.DCDACACADC.help someone gain admission.

“I don’t believe in examination malpractices. What those involved in it don’t know is that it diminishes their brain. They will not bother to read or have sleepless night again because they know there is someone doing that for them. I wrote UTME last year and my result was okay but the post-UTME was the problem,” he said.

Adekunmi Bamigboye prays that after studying and doing the examination all by herself, her faith in God will not be in vain.

Her words: “I believe in my God that He will not put me to shame because I stood by my words in the exam hall that I will not cheat even though my partner tempted me by giving me answers but I rejected her offer. My prayer is that when the result is released, I won’t blame myself for not following my friend’s way.”

However, another candidate, Emmanuel Ogunwole (not real names), has become a turn coat. He told his friend that being a pastor in the examination hall does not pay.

“Last year, I was a complete saint and it was useful but because I did not prepare well my result was bad.

This year from nowhere I received answers a day to the examination and I was looking for questions. I used it during the examination,” he said.

•Continued on page 26

•DON FORSEES BRIGHT FUTURE FOR LASU…IF - Page 37 •EKITI TO DISMISS TEACHERS AIDING EXAM MALPRACTICES - Page 39

RUN FILE THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

26

EDUCATION 2011 UTME STORIES

Biometric screening saved me, says robbery victim

Civil Defence, candidates clash in Abakaliki

W

F

HEN Sabiu Bello Esinniobiwa arrived at Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Agege, Lagos, to write the examination, he wondered how he was going to convince officials that he was a candidate. He had nothing to identify himself.

He had been robbed of all his possessions on his way to Lagos from Ibadan two days before the examination when the bus in which he travelled was attacked by robbers.

With his scratch card in the wallet taken by the robbers, he told The Nation he could not provide the card PIN number or password to gain access to the JAMB website to print another slip. However, when he got to the centre and his thumb print was taken, all his data came up; so, he was able to write down his registration, exam and seat numbers. Since the data correlated with the JAMB attendance register, Sabiu was allowed to write the examination.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

He said: “I was in a bus to Lagos on Thursday. We were trapped in the traffic on the long bridge before Berger bus stop because a trailer had blocked the road. That was when we were attacked by armed robbers. They took everything on me – my money, phone, e-slip and card which were in my wallet. When I came this morning, the computer was able to identify me so I copied out all my numbers.

My registration number is: 15245197AG; Exam number is 05007522 and Seat Number: 522.

“If not for this e-accreditation, there would have been nothing to identify me. If there was no biometrics they would not have allowed me in –even if there was a print out, they would have disputed if I was the one.”

Despite writing the examination, Sabiu who applied to study Linguistics at the University of Ilorin, left the centre worried because he did not have an e-slip which each

• Esinniobiwa

candidate was meant to submit. He is also concerned about its implication on his ability to check his result when released.

“I don’t have an e-slip to submit and I am worried; they said they won’t mark my script,” he lamented.

However, he was assured by Mrs Zainab Oseni, a JAMB official from the Ilorin Zonal office, that his script would be marked.

OUR members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) clashed with candidates at a centre for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Ebonyi State last Saturday.

The candidates claimed that they were extorted by the civil defense men under the guise of aiding them to pass the examination.

Some candidates were wounded in the clash which occurred about 4pm.

An eyewitness, Mr Ifeanyi Okike, said trouble started when some candidates demanded a refund of the money they gave to the security agents to assist them during the examination.

Okike said: “Immediately the examination commenced, some of the personnel of the NSCDC whom I suspected were deployed to ensure security during the examination started bargaining with some candidates that they would help them and that they should pay certain amount of money, the candidates complied by paying the money as agreed.

“We also observed that, shortly before the end of the examination, most of the candidates started grumbling. It was after the examination that a hot argument ensued between the candidates and the security personnel. The candidates were demanding a refund of their money but the demand yielded no fruit resulting in a fight between the two parties.

F •A long queue of candidates waiting to be screened at Cardoso Secondary School

PHOTO: NNEKA NWANERI

‘Being a pastor in exam hall does not pay’ •Continued from page 25

While some candidates make no prior plans to get answers via email or other means, others prepare in advance and, for years, examination racketeers, especially those that run tutorial centres, have been known to organise the process for them for a hefty fee.

A week to the examination, a notorious examination racketeer in Ojo, Lagos, who has been registering students for major examinations for years, gathered all the candidates he registered for the UTME in a private school at Volkswagen for an important pre-examination ‘lecture’.

Our reporter witnessed the lecture as the man gave his ‘students’ tips on how to conduct themselves during the exam to best benefit from his help.

He said to the candidates: “Since you have all paid me to help you, I want to ensure I also complete my own part of the bargain, that’s why I invited all of you for this meeting.”

The ‘Step A’ , he warned them, is to hoodwink the metal detector used to scan candidates before they are allowed into the examination hall. He advised them to go to their various centres with two cell phones – one of which would be submitted at the point of entry, while the other would be smuggled inside by removing its battery.

“Once the battery is removed there

is no way that scanning device will detect anything,” he said.

For Step B, he said: “Once you are in the hall, make sure the examination papers are given to you first before putting back the battery. I will give you some phone numbers with which to contact me. (he wrote the numbers on the board). When you call, don’t start greeting me or telling me stories I don’t want to hear. All you need is say ‘English Type A’ or ‘Type B’, or Biology Type C’ depending on the types of question papers you are given, and cut off the phone immediately. I can assure you within the next five minutes, you will receive the answers on your phone, but make sure you don’t make mistake on the types.”

Should they be caught, the Step C comes handy. The candidates were to hold between N1,000 and N1,500 extra in case they are caught red handed.

“You must remember the supervisors and invigilators are also human beings. If you are caught, do not be arrogant or stubborn. Comply with whatever you are asked to do first.

Then when you are alone with them, kindly offer them some money. Don’t blab or stammer, everybody understands how it is done. I’m sure they will pardon you. They can even allow you go back into the hall with your handset,” he said.

Another method used was for invigilators to demand that candidates pay a certain amount for preferential treatment. A candidate who wrote his UTME at Benjamin Private Centre (not real name) in Surulere told The Nation that when he arrived, things looked orderly as candidates were thoroughly frisked before being allowed in.

He said: “They initially arranged us serially in the class, but shortly after the exam started, the invigilator came, started calling some candidates and moving them into another class. I later learnt those were the candidates who ‘settled’ the invigilator either by themselves or by those who registered them for JAMB. The supervisor demanded N1,500 from those he caught with handsets in the hall; the invigilators asked anybody who needed assistance to pay N2000.”

At a centre in Ojo which our reporter visited, candidates were asked to pay N5,000. One of the invigilators who mistook our reporter for a parent asked him if he had paid the fee.

“Oga, we cannot allow you to loiter in the school compound. I hope you have been told the charge. Once you have paid, just let’s know your child and his number, and then go home and rest. We won’t disappoint you,” he said.

From Obinna Ogbonnaya, Abakaliki

Some of the candidates where injured during the fight”.

Okike said shortly after the fight broke out, some security agents came to the scene and the candidates all ran away to avoid arrest.

Another eyewitness, Mrs. Chinenye Nwankwo, a parent of one of the candidates, expressed shock that security agents sent to ensure hitch-free examination turned around to intimidate them, adding that it was sad that they extorted money from the candidates.

“We are preaching against examination malpractices and other acts capable of tarnishing the image of the country and security agents would conspire and extort money from candidates to help them during examination. Which kind of help are they going to render aside bring in solved questions to those that paid to the detriment of others who cannot afford such money?”

She urged the Federal Government to step up the campaign against examination malpractices especially among examination invigilators and security agencies adding that the system must be ride of corruptible persons and organisations.

Effort to get the Commandant of the NSCDC in the state proved abortive as her mobile phone was switched off.

Area boys’ fight hinders movement to centres

OR many candidates, getting to centres in Ijora, Badiya, Lagos was hectic.

Area boys from two communities separated by a rickety bridge clashed, throwing stones, bottles and other lethal weapons from as early as 8.15am.

The candidates were caught in the crossfire as they could not get to their centres in good time.

Many arrived late but were lucky the examination did not start until 10.30am because of the biometric screening which took a lot of time.

At nearby Cardoso Secondary

By Nneka Nwaneri

School, everything was calm despite the clash. It took the police force to restore order, as they fired more than 40 shots into the air.

Residents said the clash had become a regular feature.

The fray affected the movement of candidates to centres within the communities.

Those on their way kept running helter skelter. A teenage girl ran into the Cardoso Secondary School premises weeping that she misplaced her examination slip and wallet while running for her life.

“Even if fail, at least I passed the biometrics screening!”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

27

EDUCATION

NYSC: Parents oppose kids’ posting to North

A

S another National Youth Service year draws near, some parents are opposed to posting their children to the North to serve.

Citing the post-election violence in Bauchi State in April in which 10 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were killed, they said they preferred their children to serve in their states or geo-political zones.

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Parents Forum

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

said if the slain corps members were from Bauchi, they might have not been killed.

It prayed President Goodluck Jonathan and NYSC to accede to its request, if the government is not prepared to dump NYSC. The Batch ‘B’ corps members for the 2011/2012 service year are expected in orientation camps nationwide on July 5.

A statement by the Forum’s chairman, Mr B. B. Majekodunmi, and Secretary-General, Mrs Victoria Osinuga, reads: “We believe that if the corps members that lost their lives were from those areas where they were brutally murdered, those hoodlums or their sponsors wouldn’t have targeted them. The hoodlums and their sponsors were well abreast that it is corpers from the Southeast, Southwest and Southsouth that are

posted to the Northeast, Northwest and Northcentral and so their own indigenes would not be affected.

“The University of Lagos Parents Forum humbly appeal to President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly to use their good offices to prevail on the Director-General of the NYSC not to post our children to the northern part of this country for their National Youth Service. This request is very urgent and borne out

of the fact that we the children of parents from the Southern part of this country who were butchered to death by some hoodlums from the north for rendering selfless service to the nation are still licking our wounds.

“We are having unimaginable nightmares because another batch of NYSC is about to begin and our children may be posted to the tagged “death zone” where their brethren met their untimely

College to run PDE

Ag. VC to reform UNAD

By Adegunle Olugbamila

T

P

ROFESSOR Dada Adelowo took over as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ado Ekiti (UNAD), on May 11 with a mandate to reform the institution.

The Professor of Comparative Religious Studies said he would deal with illegalities in the system and improve facilities to meet global standards.

“I saw that we need to deal immediately with the problems of examination malpractices, illegal fees, infrastructural decay, accreditation problems, dwindling academic standard and proliferation of courses and other irregularities. I set out on accomplishing these by being open-minded and consulting widely before coming up with some far-reaching decisions,” he said.

One decision Adelowo took that students are happy about is the reduction of fees.

“We have pegged the school fees for all students of the school at N50,000, according to the directives of the governor while all illegal and arbitrary fees have been discontinued with immediate effect. We have also directed that all Part-Time students to pay only N53,000.

“Before the governor came on board, the students in 100 level had paid more than N50,000 and to ensure fairness, we have directed that the excesses paid be transferred to their accounts for next session, which means that they may not pay school fees for the whole of next session,” he said.

Adelowo said he has reversed some of what he termed ‘unpopular policies’ including the non-release of results.

“The non-release of results is an issue that is of concern to everybody in the school and we have put machinery in motion to see that a stop is put to this practice forthwith. Everybody now knows the situation whereby students, especially the graduating ones cannot assess their results and transcripts and lose out of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is not acceptable and everybody has signified intent to follow directives,” he said.

and violent death.

“We the University of Lagos parents take a stand against the posting of our children to the Northern states of Nigeria. We want them posted either to their states of origin, or within their geo-political zone.

“We are calling for an urgent modification or the repealing of the decree setting up the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as we have since become a democratic nation.”

• Mrs Adebisi Ajiboye, Director, Directorate of Degree Programme, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto/Ijanikin presenting a gift to Prof Addison Mark Wohocha, Registrar, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), when the body visited the college on verification exercise of her Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) ... on Monday

Lagos Prep School celebrates milestones

T

HE Lagos Preparatory School, Ikoyi, founded by 12 Nigerian and expatriate parents in 2002, is celebrating its achievements in meeting international standards.

The school, which runs the English National Curriculum, attributes its successes to the close knit relationship parents, teachers and the pupils share. A statement made

available to The Nation from the school said being a school founded by parents to provide quality nursery and primary education, parents take more than a passing interest in the education of their children.

Some of the achievements include –getting full accreditation from foreign accreditation bodies, and being mentioned as an example at an in-

ternational conference.

“In a short time since inception in 2002, LPS has already recorded a number of significant achievements. It is Africa’s most accredited British International School and the first to be accredited full membership of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). In 2010, it became the World’s first International school to achieve

the “Every Child Matters” Standards Award. Under the leadership of the current Headmaster, Graham Stothard, the school was mentioned by the United Kingdom Minister of State for Schools at an international conference as being a ‘trail blazer’ school in the field of international inspection preparations and openness,” the statement said.

Banks urged to support private varsities

P

RO-CHANCELLOR and Chairman of Governing Council, Lead City University, Ibadan, Prof Jide Owoeye has urged the Federal Government to ensure major businesses and banks suport the six private universities recently created for efficiency and service delivery.

Owoeye said such arrangement would enable the companies to invest in education, improve the standard of education and ensure that the universities compare with any abroad.

Delivering a lecture entitled: President Jonathan’s public private partnership: What role for our private universities?” at the 2011 Annual Luncheon of Government College, Ibadan Old Boys Association, Lagos Branch, Owoeye said the success story of the more than 45 private universities is a testimony to the beauty of such partnership.

He said with such equal

equity holding in the universities, joint ownership is assured and each owner (government and private sector) will appoint equal number of members into the Governing Council, thereby reducing government impact, discouraging disruption of academic calendar and arbitrary sack of vice chancellors.

He said despite heavy budget allocations, facilities in public primary and secondary schools, as well as the 36 federal and 35 stateowned universities are not in good shape, as many classrooms are far from being conducive for serious academic work.

Owoeye said the publicprivate sector participation in education was greatly encouraged by the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo administration which increased the number of private universities from three to 34 by the end of his tenure.

Disputing what he called a “spurious but pervasive

perception” that private universities are after money, he said even public universities charge fees to meet their overheads. “It is just that the proportion paid in tuition by their students has been heavily subsidised by the government to relieve their parents and sponsors. It is not as if they enjoy free education because somebody is paying for it. Apart from the subventions from government, public universities still collect gifts, endowments and engage in all kinds of paid consultancies and business ventures to make ends meet. Therefore, public universities tend to be profit minded as well.”

Owoeye noted that a profitless adventure of any kind cannot be sustainable because the enterprise will fail to survive not to talk of regenerate itself.

“A university project, be it public or private, must be profitable but not in the raw pecuniary notion. A public

or private university must choose between perpetual subvention from its proprietor and self sustenance to perpetuate itself through careful planning and execution that leaves a margin for self-protection, maintenance and expansion.”

In his remark at the occasion, Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Rilwan Akiolu, said the entire Nigeria should be blamed for the low standard of education in the country, and for a concerted effort to stem the tide.

HE management of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) has hosted a team from the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Abuja.

The team was in the college to verify the facilities and other resources it has to run the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE).

The team comprised the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Council, Prof Addison Mark Wohocha; and Dr Steve Nwocheocha, Director, Professional Operations; Mrs. Ruth Ansari, Deputy Director, Education/ Accreditation; Mr Enilolobo Gbolahan, Coordinator TRCN, Lagos and Mr Ihiomu Angustus, Protocol Officer.

The Provost, Mr Hakeem Ajose-Adeogun, said the content of the PDE programme of the Council stands for quality and to address the numerous gaps in teacher education in Nigeria.

He said: “Only teacher training colleges can promote what TRCN stands for which is qualitative training for teachers and would-beteachers.”

He pledged to cooperate with the council and urged Wohocha to involve the college in its mandatory in-service training for teachers, while also alerting both federal and state governments about the needs of teachers.

Responding, Wohocha thanked the College for appreciating the PDE programme as an avenue to enrich the teaching profession and not as a revenue generating exercise. He added that the PDE is not only equivalent to the Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), but richer in content.

“Any college of education does not require to be affiliated with any university to run this programme, but require the approval of TRCN which is empowered by law to regulate the activities of teachers in the country,” he said.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

EDUCATION FUTA FILE

Diploma students matriculate OVER 500 students admitted by the Centre for Continuing Education, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) for Diplomas in Sciences, Finance and Business Management Technology, Forestry and Range Management and Sports Science Technology have matriculated.

In his address, the ViceChancellor, Prof Adebisi Balogun, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Debo Adeyewa, said the centre was established to enhance the academic goal of the university with broad objectives of running relevant skill and capacity building courses for technicians and artisans, and managing all non-full-time equivalent programmes.

Graduates of the centre can further their education in higher institutions in any part of the country and overseas.

Balogun enjoined the students to keep their matriculation oath, stressing that FUTA has zero tolerance for examination malpractice and does not harbour cultists.

The highlight of the event was the administration of the oath by the Registrar, Dr Modupe Ajayi.

ACE FILE

VC bags award THE Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adebisi Balogun, has bagged the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Ondo State Chapter award for his unflinching support and patronage of the institute through FUTA projects.

The award, which was given at the opening of the fifth Mandatory Continuous Professional Development Programme for Builders organised by the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), placed a new responsibility of maintaining standards on the Vice-Chancellor.

Balogun told the participants that he was delighted to be honoured by such a sensitive institute despite the fact that he is not a builder. He ascribed the success of well constructed buildings in the university to God and capable hands in various departments.

IBBUL FILE

RUN VC seeks review of NUC’s accrediation demands UTGOING Vice-Chancellor of the Redeemers’ University (RUN), Ogun State, Prof Oyewale Tomori has advocated a review by accreditation requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to meet the current realities.

In an interview with reporters in his office, Tomori, a Virologist, said the ratio of academic staff with PhD stipulated by the NUC for each department run by universities is difficult to meet.

This, he said, is because there are not enough lecturers with this qualification being produced in the country compared to the number of institutions that need them.

He faulted a situation where universities are penalised and denied full accreditation on this ground when nothing is being done to address the problem of supply of PhD holders.

He said: “In 2009 we had no programme denied accreditation although we had a few programmes with interim accreditation. The reason for the interim status was because we didn’t have the number of staff with PhDs – what they call distribution in terms of number of professors and the like. This is an area where we are very unrealistic in this country. This is a country that in the last 10 years has established over 60 universities – without considering where you are going to get the teachers. You cannot expect to establish 13 universities in a year without thinking of where you are going to get the teachers.

“You are saying we must have three, four, six teachers with PhDs for each of the pro-

O

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

grammes we have. You go and check profile of those doing PhDs and everybody is doing the same thing – Philosophy, Economics, and you create 10 universities and you want 60 PhDs. UNILAG as big as it is in 40 years produced just about a 1000 teachers. If UNILAG produced that, where are we going to get teachers? We cannot with the salaries we are paying attract people from outside so we have to depend on what we can produce at home. So when NUC says everybody must have a PhD, you must give a time limit – not within five years.

“Getting a PhD in this country takes up to five, seven years. Some of the internal problem we have in this country is also our own doing.

Some doctoral students would submit their thesis and for 15 months, it will not be examined because the professor is busy and 15 months is a long time in research. Knowledge that is 15-months old can become irrelevant. So there is an internal problem within the university system itself for us to address. When we raised the issue with NUC, they told us that ‘we told Ibadan (UI) to start producing PhDs’. They should have done that 10 years ago before they came with the PhD directive.

“You find universities hiring teachers for the period of

accreditation. The accreditors know these things but don’t take action. You now find lecturers on the staff list of three or four universities.”

Rather than ‘borrow’ lecturers from other institutions, Tomori said RUN insists on doing things right and has suffered for it by getting interim accreditation for programmes it would have deserved full accreditation.

To meet its need for qualified staff, Tomori said the university has put in place a staff development programme part of which focuses on recruiting products of the university who graduated with First Class and 2.1 grades as graduate assistants and sending them to universities within and outside the country for their postgraduate training.

He explained that the university has settled for this mode because having graduated from RUN, the alumnus lecturer understands the vision and would fit in snugly as a staff in working towards achieving it.

As he bows out on July 30 after a two-term seven year tenure, the one regret Tomori has is that the university has not moved to its permanent site. He attributed the delay in movement to problems that had to do with the land first allocated to the university by its proprietors, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He lamented that

‘You find universities hiring teachers for the period of accreditation. The accreditors know these things but don’t take action.

You now find lecturers on the staff list of three or four universities’

Varsity explores basins

•Tomori

starting on a temporary site has resulted in a waste of resources that would have been used to develop a permanent site and recommended that NUC should insist new universities – public or private, should start operating from their permanent sites.

“We were supposed to have moved to our permanent site two years after we begun.

That, we have not achieved because of some constraints.

We have not moved to our permanent site because of the issues with the land. There were a lot of issues with the land that led to a lot of litigations. The proprietors have given us another site and work has started.

Any university starting should not start on a temporary site. It is a waste of money. I believe our university’s growth has been stunted because we did not start on our permanent site,” he said.

As pioneer VC of a faithbased university, Tomori said his tenure was fraught with challenges. However, he lauded the support of the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye who he said did not interfere with the running of the university – unlike in some other places.

THE Central Research Team of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) is to determine the existence of petroleum and other related hydrocarbons in the Bida and Sokoto basins, with a view to ascertaining the commercial deposits and drillable sites.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ibrahim Kolo, said technical experts from within and other sister universities would be involved in the study, so that the outcome could be used by the government and private organisations.

He said the research team is also exploring the Indicators and Impacts of Climate Change: Analysis of Indigenous Responses to Sustainable Development Challenges in Niger State and Development of Low-cost Biofuel Technology as an alternative energy source.

Kolo said IBBUL was interested in areas that would benefit Niger State and the country in general in view of daunting challenges being faced by every sector of the economy.

More PhD holders employed THE management has recruited three more PhD holders in the Department of Continuing Education and Community Development.

They are: Dr. Ayo Garba (Reader), Dr A. A. Adelakun (Lecturer II) and Dr M. F. Olajide (lecturer II) who have assumed duty.

The Head of Department, Dr M. O. Ojuola, said the appointments have strengthened the department as it prepares for accreditation by NUC. He appreciated the university management for strengthening the department and pledged that every effort would be made to ensure that the Continuing Education Department scales through the accreditation exercise.

Vice-Chancellor commends ITF

•Miss Latifah Adams presenting a gift to Laureate College, the winners of a science project competition organised as part of the Vision 2020 Youth Empowerment and Career Awarness initiative of Lonadek Oil and Gas Consultants in Lagos.

•Balogun

OOU settles medical dispute

T

HE Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye has resolved the crisis over the accreditation of medical science courses.

The representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Tunde Ogunsanwo, made this known at a meeting with parents.

He said: “The school re-

By Musa Odoshimokhe

solved that nothing was done on the plight of students until late 2009, when the incumbent VC decided to address the problems.”

He referred to the documents sent to the school but were not given the required attention. He however, promised that management has re-

solved to let the students affected by the infraction graduate by August 2011.

The Dean of Students Affairs, Prof Kola Oduniaka, said frantic efforts were being made to harmonise whatever shortcoming that were observed at the College of Medicine and the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences to forestall future occurrence.

THE Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kolo has praised the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for supporting students to be more efficient in their fields of academic endeavour.

Kolo made the commendation while giving his welcome address at the 2011 second meeting of Coordinators for Students’ Industrial Work and Experience Scheme (SIWES) with the Niger State ITF Area officials, hosted by the university.

The Vice-Chancellor, who spoke through the Director of Academic Planning, Dr Yakubu Muhammad Auna, pointed out that but for the internships most students would lack basic skills to fit in to the labour market.

He assured that IBBUL was ready to collaborate with ITF on areas that would make her students enjoy maximum benefit of the organisation and wished them fruitful deliberations.

In her goodwill message, the State Area Manager, Mrs. Rose Pwajok Daudu disclosed that the meeting was aimed at deliberating on problems that are militating against the success of the students’ industrial scheme with a view to proffering solution to them.

29

Tragedy averted at UNIBEN

‘For a cleaner hostel’ Page 34

Page 31

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE

0805-450-3104 email: ladycampus@yahoo.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Students of the University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD) have elected a new executive for their union. The election was funfilled. TUNJI AWE (100-L Political Science), RACHEL ADEGEYE (300-L Biochemistry) and KEMI OKETUNDE (300-L Science Lab Technology) report.

•A long queue of students during the election.

LALEKAN Quadri Shittu is the new President of the University of AdoEkiti Students Union(UNADSU).

This followed a keenly contested election.

Though the election came much later than the February date earlier scheduled, the students' zeal was not to be dampened.

As the delay by the then Kehinde Okunnuga-led SUG went on for weeks, many aspirants protested the inability to conduct the election. After moving round the campus, they gathered at the Omolayo Administrative Building where the Acting Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Dada Adelowo, addressed them. After the meeting it was resolved that the elections would hold on June 10.

The ban on campaigns was subsequently lifted. The campus was soon filled with posters, handbills, inscriptions at popular spots and so on. Radio jingles and ringtones filled with the candidates' promises also filled the air. However, there were fears when the Acting VC named that Dr. Sunday Omirin of the Faculty of Education as the Electoral Chairman. He is respected among the students as a disciplinarian.

Voter registration started on May 23. By June 1, the screening of candidates began.

The screening panel released its report on June 6. The seven presidential aspirants were cleared, except Olalekan, because of an alleged murder case. He was cleared the next

O

Intrigues at SUG election day when it was realised that the alleged criminal had "Sunday" as third name, while the aspirant is "Quadri." Besides, “Sunday” graduated from Political Science in 2008.

Quadri gained admission into Political Science Education in 2008.

In an interview after he was cleared, Olalekan said: "I am a man with seven lives because I have been accused of different crimes ranging from rape to murder and have been exonerated of them all. Even those fabricating them know they are lies. All I know is that if I am destined to be the next UNADSU president, no man can stop it".

Two aspirants contested the post of vice-president, three for general secretary and assistant general secretary, two for the remaining offices except for the financial secretary and social director which went unopposed.

The manifestoes and presidential debate took place on June 8 and 9. The Manifesto Day was organised by campus journalists

and moderated by Olusegun Adegbenro and Bode Adekanye. The thrust of the campaigns were illegal fees, problem of transportation, health services, security of lives and welfare of students.

What made the election unique was not only the use of band-dancers, stickers, envelopes, expensive posters, and a fleet of cars to canvass for votes, but that students graced the manifesto ground in large numbers.

Tobi Owolabi Tobi and Olalekan were the toasts of the day. Adesola Adeagbo also stole the show during the debate; though he was the smallest of the contestants but he won more disciples with his intellectual prowess as a student of Sociology. Prof Adelowo and other principal officers were also in attendance.

Addressing students, the Ag VC stressed the importance of students' unionism; he promised to work with the collective interest of the students. "I did not expect to be the

Vice-Chancellor five weeks ago because I did not contest for it, so whoever emerges we shall support the union".

On election day, voting started at exactly 8:30am and ended at 2pm. Everything was going on well until about 11:20am when students of the Faculty of Art alleged movement of their queue was slow and that some names were missing from the register. This included the name of a vice-presidential candidate from the faculty, Ibukun Egbeyeye.

Soon, they began to protest the "cheating". They marched to the Administrative Building where the Ag. VC urged them to be calm, promising to look into the case.

On getting back to the venue of the election, the students and their Education counterparts confronted themselves and sang songs against one other.

One of them said: "In the history of student union election there has never been a case like this, I registered along with my friends few weeks ago but our names are missing now and as such we were disenfranchised. I tried to complain the error to the Chairman but the security won't let me see him and the presiding officer in charge of my polling unit claimed that I am lying.

I can tell you from numbers that I am not sure this is an election. It is a strict imposition," she said".

•Continued on page 30

• Students hail ex-VC’s appointment - Pg32 •Onga cooking contest at OAU - Pg33

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Who do we Pushing Out turn to?

W

E NEED education. When I think of how desperately we need it in this country, I’m overwhelmed. If ever there is a group of people who are dying for lack of knowledge, it is Nigerians. From the leadership to the led, many of us we seem completely unaware of the emergency situation we are in. Common sense is not that common in these climes.

When I say “education” here, I refer to that foundational training of an individual; not necessarily what we call formal education. Many mothers do not know the basic values, so their children leave home not knowing them as well.

And more than a few fathers are not just there.

No wonder the Bible asks: “How would they know except they are taught?”

Many lack the basic social graces and manners that help to make living and human coexistence and interactions more interesting.

Whenever I drive or walk the streets and markets of Lagos, even in church, weddings and other events where one is wont to meet people, I am struck by the sheer ignorance or lack of knowledge in many of our people. The old do not know; or do not care to know, considering that those of them taught by the teachers and priests of the pre and post independence era went to heights to teach the right thing.

The young do not know and are too puffed up with empty arrogance to care.

Knowledge, as I use it here, refers to those values that separate and define our uniqueness as humans – different from animals. The one thing driving over 99 percent of us in this country is what one of our stories today refers to as “the way forward” – making money and consuming it. Next to that is getting ahead of the next person. What these two do is to feed or spur our greed as well as our level of intol-

take two minutes for my attraction to and mothers these ones would make. What future are we looking at? At the risk of being disappear.

Oh, she spoke well (a graduate of called a doomsday prophet, I daresay, not a UNIBEN, as she later revealed). The very bright future. We need to do something problem was with her values. Or lack and do it fast.

We cannot turn to government officials beof them. I saw photos of her equally beautiful daughters and son on her cause they seem in a race to make the most phone’s screen saver and I cringed at notorious in corruption daredevilry. with We turn to the schools; it’s all so terrible. what those children could grow up to I’m a firm believer in the role and power of be. As if that was not enough, when it was time for her measurement to be the church to transform lives for good. But my taken, she told the lady in charge that challenge is with what we have turned the 08054503104 she loved “a very low cleavage” (what- church into. Where are the pastors who are still (SMS only) truly interested in the right values – as stipuever that was supposed to mean!).

Last Saturday, I was at the Ikeja Com- lated by the Bible? And where are the pastors’ •campuslife@thenationonlineng.net puter Village where I had gone to buy wives who are still nurturers and builders?

•ladycampus@yahoo.com a phone for my mother. I needed my These days, we can rarely differentiate between to help me get something the pastors’ wives and socialites who just love erance for the next person. So, we move about else so Icustomer had to sit with his boy while he went like bloated peacocks preening in sickening to get it for me. One of those local nail-fixing the good life and all its trappings.

So, is it that there is no way out? I still hope self adulation. women was beside me, working on two chirpy To worsen matters, we rush into waiting mis- girls. What each of them wore was so reveal- against hope. This is why I’m crying out, hopfortunes; I call them waiting because we create ing of both the upper and lower chambers that ing that some of us would get shocked enough them directly or indirectly allow them to flour- I became ashamed on their behalf. And all they to see the extent of our degeneration and beish. At the same time, we get too busy with things chattered about was this guy and that other gin to arrest the downward spiral. Decide to make yourself the solution; don’t add to the that are just apparent (seeming – not really there) guy and this film and that dress and so on. nuisance please. and forget the land mines we had dropped on I couldn’t but meditate on the type of wives Ciao our way as a result of sheer carelessness.

I see a lot of young girls and I weep. They are usually beautiful, a bit brainy but lacking in Essay Competition for Undergrads basic social graces. Hardly would one use the Send to adedayo.thomas@gmail.com and words “graceful” and “noble” to describe them.

HE Nation CAMPUSLIFE, in collaboraAnd… their dress sense is nauseating! tion with AfricanLiberty.org and Network copy ladycampus@yahoo.com.

Entries will be received between June and July I see many young men and I groan. They are for a Free Society, is calling for entries into an 2, 2011. handsome, possess a certain degree of street essay completion. Details are as follows: Prizes: 1st - N50, 000; 2nd - N30, 000; 3rd - N20, smarts but that’s where it ends. They are not Topic: Free Enterprise: The Precursor to Eco000; 4th - N15, 000; 5th - N10, 000 men; they are what my pastor refers to as “ba- nomic Prosperity There will also be five N5, 000 honorary nana men”. They lack that basic dignity – call it For Who: Students in Nigeria’s tertiary inmentions. personal respect for the self – that defines a stitutions All entries will get a free CD “Ideas for a Free man. Hardly would one use the words “deFormat: MS Word, not more than 1,500 Society” containing 100 textbooks on various pendable” and “trustworthy” to describe them. words.

I was at my tailor’s recently and in walked Interested students should please request for fields of studies.

Announcement of Winners: July 28. this tall beautiful woman; a young mother, the background material from Adedayo at Presentation of prizes: August 4, 2011. dangling her car key and filling the whole air adedayo.thomas@gmail.com and copy Ngozi First to Third winners will be presented their with her designer perfume. She is at least six at ladycampus@yahoo.com. feet, with an attractive complexion – some call On the first page of the completed essay, prizes at the Corporate Headquarters of The it “chocolate” - and has this dimple when she please write your full names, department, Nation Newspapers in Lagos. Others will be smiles, something she did so often. Naturally, year of study and name of institution. Also routed through the Deans of Student Affairs or HOD of winners’ departments.

I was drawn to her. My tailor is also a friend, so include your email address and GSM line. we soon struck up a conversation. And it didn’t

Ngozi Nwozor

T T

A week to the completion of his national service, Dr. Laz Ude Eze, a 2010 Batch B Corps member donated textbooks to the library of Government Secondary School, Nyanya, a suburb in Abuja. The University of Ibadan-trained medical doctor and former CAMPUSLIFE correspondent speaks to OLAWALE AJETUNMOBI.

‘Review, don’t scrap NYSC’

• Dr. Laz

W

HAT was your national service year like?

I have mixed feelings.

Firstly, I feel great being one of the first two medical doctors to work in the Country Office of Family Health International (fhi/GHAIN) as corps members. It is an international and highly reputable nongovernmental organisation that has contributed immensely to the strengthening of Nigeria’s health sector. I have a sense of fulfillment being part of their success story. On the other hand, I was really traumatised by the news of the attack on fellow corps members in some states including killing them, kidnapping and even raping them.

As a result of these attacks, there have been calls for the scrapping of the YSC. What’s your take?

Scrapping of the scheme? No. The scheme may have some challenges but it also has many advantages. I

would suggest that it should be reviewed starting from in-house. Corps members are not treated with dignity even by the NYSC officials who most times conduct their activities in a much disorganised manner and subject corps members to unnecessary hardship. Members of the scheme are also treated as errand boys/girls in some offices. The review in my opinion should include increasing the monthly stipend to at least N30,000; providing adequate accommodation for as many corps members that need it; suspending posting of corps members to any state that fails to protect members of the scheme for a minimum of 10 years.

Now to your community development project. What motivated you to embark on such project?

I love good and qualitative education. I was saddened by the recent abysmally poor performance of secondary school students especially in English Language and Mathematics in the senior secondary certificate examinations across the country.

While government has initiated efforts to reverse the trend, I felt I should complement such efforts because I believe that synergistic efforts of both government and the citizens would bring about our desired qualitative education in Nigeria.

But one would have thought that as a medical doctor, your project would be health-related?

But this one is also health related (laughter). Let me explain, the benefiting students would become the future health professionals in this country; this is because health care givers need sound academic foundation. With better quality of education, there would be a larger quantity and quality of human resources for health which would also bring about a bet-

ter quality of healthcare. My daily activities in FHI directly impacts on the health sector, so I wanted a project that would have direct impact on other sectors of the economy as well.

Which subjects were the textbooks you donated?

Most of the textbooks were on English Language and Mathematics; others include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Further Mathematics, dictionaries, novels, 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as some copies of practical pathology book I authored.

How did you raise funds for this project?

I solicited financial support from fhi staff and they responded well. My elder brother and a few friends also assisted. I appreciate them so much.

What influenced the choice of the benefiting school?

I believe most schools in the city center would be filled by students whose parents can afford to purchase textbooks for. So I wanted a school with significant number of students of relatively lower socioeconomic class; thus GSS Nyanya was chosen.

You reported for CAMPUSLIFE as a student. What impact did it make on your person?

It made me popular! Writing for CAMPUSLIFE was a great experience, one I will never forget. It provided me an opportunity to further develop my writing skills and also motivate many. I got some awards too. Many students wondered how a medical student combined regular writing and academic activities. I taught them that one could do both effectively. I still read CAMPUSLIFE weekly and I think you guys deserve to have more pages.

Aunty Ngozi must have a very serious challenge choosing articles for publication. I’m glad to be one of the pioneer writers.

•Some of the candidates, keeping vigil at the collation venue, before results were announced.

Intrigues at SUG election •Continued from page 29

Election was brought to an end at exactly 2pm and counting began immediately. Not willing to give up, the Arts students wanted to disrupt the exercise as they threw pure water sachet into the room where votes were been counted.

By 4:25pm, Dr Omirin began to announce the results. Olalekan was declared President-elect having polled 1,635 votes, as against his closest rival, Adesola of Social Sciences who had 656 votes.

"If there is anyone with complaints or cases of electoral flaws, let the person file a petition to the Ag VC. The election is free, fair and credible,"Omirin said.

Jubilation hit the air on one side while there was sober reflection on the other sides.

The President-elect said: "In this election there is no winner or loser but we have all came and con-

quered. I thank our students for the confidence remposed in me; and I pray that with God and the student on my side, nobody would be let down" Other winners are Stella Olanrewaju (vice-president), Toyin Ajiboye (general secretary), Tosin Falana (financial secretary), Adesoji Omoboriowo (welfare director) and Kehinde Fasuba (sport director).

A student, Adewole Itunu, wants the Ag VC to look into all the allegations of disenfranchisement "to avoid anarchy in the university".

Shittu’s election has been described as a watershed for the Education Faculty as it's the first time any of its students would occupy the position. The only other student who sat on the seat, a girl, is now Dr. Abimbola Odu, a lecturer; but she was not elected. She was appointed as a Caretaker President in the mid 80s.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

31

CAMPUS LIFE 'Arro' is a notorious tradition among students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). Recently, the ritual almost ended in a disaster. GILBERT ALASA (200-L Foreign Languages) reports.

I

T was shortly after a downpour.

Soon, the sun began to cast a dark cloud behind the sky's grey shrouds. Students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) were in a pensive mood, preoccupied with the demands of first semester exams.

From afar, one could hear students' blather and rave from the cliff of Block B, Hall 3. This went on for a while. Before long, the excitement gave way to scary screams. Everyone had started running towards the direction of Hall 3. What happened?

In hushed tones, students muttered "a boy fell from the fourth floor of the building".

And just beside a mound of debris, a young man lay on the ground. He tried to get up. But he could not. His eyes were closed, and his teeth tightly clenched together. He was moaning, twirling like a wounded serpent. Students struggled to take him out for first aid treatment. Luckily, a rickety security vehicle was on hand to convey him to the university's Health Centre. Worried by the nature of his condition, the health officials ordered him to be taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for proper medical attention.

The boy who was later identified as Chukwunomso Joshua is a 100Level student of Mechanical Engineering. He was the class representative. Many wondered what led to his fall? Many wondered what led to his fall; was he under some strange influence?

Such were the questions on many lips. While some said he was pushed down, others said he fell out of personal negligence. Even some students believed he was under an evil spell. But the UNIBEN-SUG Director of Information and Publicity, Abel Osemeahon, debunked all the claims.

He told CAMPUSLIFE that "the situation is just an unfortunate one".

He continued: "The Joshua inci-

•Some “arroists” on the third and fourth floor balconies, exchanging lewd banters with girls (not pictured).

A tragedy averted at UNIBEN dence is that of leadership failure. As a class representative, he owed himself a duty to be responsible at all times. But he engaged in the controversial 'Arro' culture; he just succeeded in denting his own image. It's sad."

But Joshua himself described the view of the union leader as "baseless and untrue".

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE from his hospital bed, he described what happened: "I went to collect a calculator from a friend in Block B. On my return, I met a

group of students chattering and running away from a side of the balcony. As I struggled to elbow my way through the crowd, a boy pushed me by mistake and the rest I remembered is that I was at the hospital. I never partook in 'Arro'".

He also expressed gratitude to the management for the care it showed him. "I want to thank the authority, especially the Dean of Students, Prof Macdonald Idu, for taking time out of his busy schedule to look out for me. It shows that the welfare of stu-

dents is paramount to him."

On the other hand, this incidence raised a number of questions among students. What indeed is "arro" and how popular is it? What is the stand of the management on the issue?

This reporter gathered that "arro" is an age-long custom in UNIBEN. Nobody can remember when it started. Some said it was coined from the word "arrogance". It connotes taunting, name calling and disparaging remarks especially between male and female students. The

last is very common between residents of Hall 2 (girls' hall) and Hall 3 (boys' hall). Every day, some male students in Hall 3 would mount the highest point on their balcony. Female residents of Hall 2 would do same. They would begin to hurl insults and comments mostly about their sexualities. And the scorn would continue. Sometimes, objects like stones, sticks and water are thrown. This ritual has always been peaceful.

But in what led to Joshua's fall, the "arro" somehow turned awry. The University's Security Division had to wade in. As the "arro" boys sighted the security men from afar, they started running. In the process, Joshua was pushed down.

One of the "arroists" told CAMPUSLIFE that their fun quickly hit the buffers as soon as they saw Joshua writhing in pains. "As a mark of respect to one of our own," he added, "arro" was suspended for two days after the incidence."

True to his word, an inscription "Arro strike continues" was placed on a conspicuous space linking the two halls.

A roommate of Joshuas who spoke on the condition of anonymity said it was necessary to "dispel all the rumors making the rounds". He started: "For one, Joshua has never been an arroist; he didn't die at the UBTH and he is not paralysed.

Joshua was only taken down to the village to be given traditional medicine. You know our orthodox medications seem to out-do today's drugs.

And he's recuperating fast as you can see. People should be thanking God for his life rather than peddling bogus tales. He's even preparing for his exams, just that he's still on crunches."

Some students want the management to ban "arro". They said the practice encourages vulgarity and laziness.

‘We want to serve’

A popular phrase among students is "the way forward". HABEEB WHYTE (400-L Law, University of Ilorin UNILORIN) reveals the meaning.

‘The way forward’

From Hope Ofobike

F

“G

UY, what is the way forward?" This question is what most students ask their friends when they are in need of something or money, especially when they are confused. The most surprising thing is that many students, after exams or during holidays, get involved in so many things; it could be helpful or destructive.

For a lot of them, there are many options of what they can get into to make money. To the average student the way forward after school or after exams is to get involved in petty business; some go as far as seeking for jobs on the internet or go into learning the electronic fraud known as yahoo-yahoo, some try to exploit their talents by getting involved in the learning of trades or even taking up teaching engagements for primary and secondary students.

The way forward, for Popoola Shehu, in 300-Level Law, University of Ilorin, is to get attached in a law chamber. "I'm a Law student; the best I can do is to get myself attached to a law firm so that I can be better prepared for the legal profession. My parents would not even allow me to do anything asides from learning the practical aspect of the course I'm studying".

For Anu Ogunsanwo, a 500-Level Law, also of UNILORIN, her immediate plans after graduation id to "take my cloth line to the next level".

Anu owns a cloth line known as Tara Bauer added: "My cloth label is the next thing on my mind; I want to take it to the next level. I want to improve on my designs and market my prod-

UNIJOS INAL year students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) have been briefed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) officials. But the briefing was turned into an agitation meeting by students above the service exemption age 30.

Speaking at the meeting, Mrs. Joyce Akpan of the NYSC secretariat, said only final year students who have obtained Higher National Diploma, Bachelor of Art and Science, MBBS and who are not above 30 years were qualified for the scheme, adding that excemption is granted to students, above service age as well as military personnel.

She said married women were required to come along with letters showing where their husband are domiciled and newspaper evidence showing change of name. She then advised students with cases of HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, mental disorder and visual impediment to present documents from a recognised medical institution. She said sanction awaited corps members who defy service rules. She further urged prospective corps members to display loyalty and sense of discipline.

However, some of the final year students said the service age should be shifted to 35. A student of Zoology, Chinedu Ike, said NYSC was promoting lying and forging of birth certificates amongst students who are above the service age.

Another student from the faculty of Education, Garba Musa, said he would be 30 years before graduating due to the crisis in Jos and asked what hope awaited him. Mrs. Akpan responded that the NYSC always use the age released as at when the result is approved by each institution’s senate.

•Habeeb

ucts very well. I do not think that I have any other option because I have been committed to fashion ever since I was young and I have always had the dream of making it in life. I would not steal neither would I get involved in shady acts that most girls do because I do not have time. My studies and my cloth line are my priorities and the way forward for me".

A young man who does not want his name to be mentioned said: "Guy the way forward na to go learn yahoo. Forget that thing this boys are using to oppress us, me sef go go learn am. You can imagine me as I dey like dis, kobo I no get. No parents to scam after exams don finish. All this shirt and jean wey you see like dis na packaging. Oga the way forward as at now na Yahoo. No dull am".

Philips Airende, an ND II Mass Communication student at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic

•Shehu

(MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State, lamented on what many students are turning into. "The way forward among many students now is to get money as soon as possible. Some go as far as doing rituals, internet fraud, selling of prohibited substances like Indian hemp, marijuana, cocaine and all sorts".

So, what is the way forward for him? "Mine is to get money and I intend to do that by investing the little I have now in poultry and fish farming. Fowl and fish business is the ways forward, my brother," he concluded.

To Surajudeen Alabede, in 200Level Geography at UNILORIN, the way forward for him is getting a job.

"Since I cannot do ritual or steal from another person; the only way forward for me is to get a job where I would be paid well. I would not mind any job so far they pay me well.

I have tried my hands on some places but they are not considering a student that has not graduated but that is not the end of the world. After all if one door closes another would open".

For Maymunah Dogbajale, in 200Level Law, UNILORIN, the way forward after her exams is Lasgidi (another name for Lagos). "The way forward is to go and help Mrs. Dogbajale in her shop in Lagos so that money can come, na people talk say na where man dey work, na there him dey chop. That is the reason why Lasgidi is always on my mind after exams or during any semester break," she stated.

For Habeeb Olumoh, in 500-Level Law, his project is the way forward now. "I do not need to look for any job rather I have to start planning how to travel down to some schools and make my research work tight."

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

32

CAMPUS LIFE

Rehabilitation of burnt hostel begins

S

TUDENTS of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, residing in the school’s hostels, have been advised to take their things along when leaving the school for any break.

The Dean of Students Affairs (DSA), Mr George Umoru, gave the advice while speaking to CAMPUSLIFE on the rehabilitation of a burnt hostel.

The hall of residence, General G.A Innih, occupied by female students, was razed by fire last December

From ‘Tosin Ajuwon AUCHIPOLY

when students were on break. Ten rooms were affected and over 30 students displaced. Mr Umoru said the management would not be responsible for any student’s property lost during a break.

Asked if the management has compensated the affected students, Umoru said it no decision had been

taken on that issue yet.

Rehabilitation of the hostel is ongoing as bricklayers and carpenters at work. In a chat with the hall’s porter, Mrs. Modagbe Bright, she said: “We appreciate the concern of the Rector. Work has started and it is moving fast because we are monitoring.” She said when the hostel is completed it will be reserved for new students.

•Some of the students in a queue to cast their votes. PHOTO: BADE DARAMOLA OAU

Poly gets SUG exco

T

HE newly elected Chairman,National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun JCC Chairman, Olasunkanmi Falola, has fulfilled his promise to install elected student union officials in every state/ federal tertiary institution in the state. The student of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode, did this last week at the

•A wing of the hostel undergoing renovation.

UNILAG holds congregational meeting • Sun DMD exhorts students

T

HE Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Adetokunbo Sofoluwe, has reiterated his commitment to the development of the institution. He spoke at the congregational meeting held at the Main Auditorium. He thanked all for the support given his administration.

He said: “This enduring mutual understanding and accommodation between management, staff and unions have facilitated not only the progress and development in our university but also the academic stability we enjoy in our micro-task environment.”

His listed the achievements recorded by his administration to include construction of Medical Laboratory Building, provision of stable power supply at Idi-Araba campus, construction of a student hostel by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and commissioning of a Print and Production Laboratory for Mass Communication students, among others. In his effort to strengthening the security within the school, the VC said: “24hour surveillance in our campuses will make the community safer and better secured.”

From Olalekan Ibrahim UNILAG

Pro Chancellor of the university, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode, charged the congregation to work towards the advancement of the university.

Deputy VC, (Management Services), Prof R.A. Bello, was welcomed into the congregational meeting, being his first time of attending the meeting as the DVC. Present at the meeting were DVC, (Academic and Research), Prof Modupe Ogunlesi; Registrar, Mr. Rotimi Shodimu; Acting Bursar, Mrs. A.O. Serrano; Acting Librarian, Dr. Okanlawon Adediji; Dean of Student Affairs, Prof Kayode Almund, among others.

Meanwhile the Deputy Managing Director of The Sun Mr. Femi Adesina, has urged Mass Communication students to discover their calling. He spoke at a career talk organised by the students’ fellowship arm, Communicators for Christ (CFC).

Adesina tasked the students to map out their career paths and have time lines for their goals. He also admonished them to exploit all opportunities for advancement by reading con-

tinuously to update their skills.

In his paper, “How to build a successful journalism career”, the editor told the students to review their goals periodically by applying the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound) principle.

He told the students how his journalism career started: “From secondary school, I started writing letters to the editor. Never think it is too early to start; that is where you can build what is called clips.” He reminded the students not to forget God in anything they do. “You need the God factor in whatever you do”.

Tayo Alofun, President of CFC, in the closing remarks, thanked the editor.

Archbishop visits campus

A

RCHBISHO of Calabar most Revd Joseph Ukpo has visited St. Paul’s Parish, University of Calabar (UNICAL).Members of the parish were excited to see him. Many of them, especially the students, saw the visit as an opportunity to know their Archbishop.

In the service organised to welcome the chaplain, a brief history of parish was read. The members of Pastoral Council on behalf of parishioners welcomed the Archbishop and wished him an eventful time.

The Holy Mass was conducted by Dr. Ukpo. The first reading was taken from Acts 2:1-11; the second came from 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 1213 and lastly the gospel from John 20:19-13. The Archbishop in his homily, described the Pentecost

•The Archbishop and some of the newly confirmed students.

From Stanley Uchegbu UNICAL

Sunday as the Sunday celebrated every 50th day to mark the end of Easter celebration. Pentecost was the day the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and they began to speak in different languages.

Afterwards, some of the students were given the sacrament of confirmation which they were sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

There were performances like culture dances from the children of St. Paul and drama from the Theatre Art Catholica, to celebrate the visiting Archbishop.

AAPOLY

Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic (AAP), Ijebu-Igbo.

There was free and fair election that ushered in a new SUG at AAP. In attendance were some members of the management, as well as the Olasunkanmi’s predecessor, Azeez Adeyemi.

NANS tasks lawmakers on ASUU

T • Prof Sofoluwe

From Olawale Ajetunmobi

HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has tasked members of the new National Assembly to fulfil their part in the agreement between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the government.

Speaking to our correspondent in Jos, a NANS official, John Ngene, said: “We read in the papers that ASUU is planning another industrial action if the National Assembly fails to pass the bill over the new retirement age both parties agreed

From Thomas Biniyat UNIJOS

on. This is worrisome. While we plead with ASUU to exercise restraint, we urge the new national assembly to speed up the legislation”.

NANS officials have visited the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abdulrahaman Akano,in appreciation of his effort towards ensuring peace in Jos. Receiving the student leaders, Akano reiterated his command’s commitment to peace building and urged students to promote peace.

Students hail ex-VC’s appointment

T

HE leadership of All Africa Students Union (AASU) has endorse praised the choice of Prof Mkpa Agu Mkpa, former vice chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

In a statement made available to CAMPUSLIFE through its Nigeria representative, Olalekan Soyombo, in Ado-Ekiti, the students applauded Governor Theodore Orji for emphasising merit. The statement reads in part: “This singular step of appointing a former university manager a member of your government clearly signifies your readiness to make Abia State a leading light.”

The students noted that the development of any state depended “largely on the character and qual-

From Segun Adegbenro UNAD

ity of men who direct its affairs”.

“There must be change in leadership pattern where merit and competence are placed above sentiment. Therefore, we call on President Goodluck Jonathan to emulate this example as a benchmark for his government”.

According to the AASU, Mkpa’s appointment vindicates its presentation of the “Most distinguished vice-chancellor in Africa 2009 award to him.”

Prof Mkpa was the VC of ABSU between 2005 and 2010. During his tenure, ABSU was also recognised by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) as the best managed state university in Nigeria.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

33

CAMPUS LIFE

N

AAUA matriculates 2,829

O fewer than 2,829 students have taken the oath of matriculation at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State. The students and their parents celebrated at event.

Before the matriculation, the three labour unions in the university under the banner of “JAC-3” went on strike. The unions are the Nonacademic staff Union of Universities (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the National Association of Academic Technicians (NAAT). The management said it would not shift the matriculation despite the strike.

The unions were agitating for 23 months arrears dated back to the July 2009 agreement.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olufemi Mimiko, in his speech said: “Out of

From Dayo Ojerinde and Babatunde Alao AAUA

the 22,439 candidates that applied to the university, only 2,829 were admitted. The university has assembled some of the best in human and material resources to make these fortunate ones be the best they can be.”

He advised the students on academic discipline, saying: “Academic excellence is founded on the kernels of hardwork and character. This informs the award of the university degree anywhere in the world on the basis of hardwork, character and learning.”

He said the university frowned on all forms of indiscipline prevalent in other universities chief among which being cult-related activities and indecent dressing. “I therefore

admonish you to eschew all vices that could disparage your peaceful stay on campus.”

The Kegites (palm wine drinkers club) entertained the students and well-wishers with their custom songs and dance. One of the new students, Tomide Medunoye, who is in Industrial Mathematics, told CAMPUSLIFE that: “I had tried admission severally and I used to score high mark every year, but the postUMTE delayed me but today, I am happy that I am one of the matriculating students.”

“This is a day the Lord has made. I have been longing for a day like this.

It has not been easy but it is worthwhile. Today is one of my happiest days,” submitted Ayokunle Awote, a new student of Computer Science.

•Dr. Ibiam (with mic) addressing the congress.

Dean meets staff, students

I

T was another moment of appeal, complaints and stockta k i n g when the Faculty of Biological Science Students Association (FABSSA), Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, held a congress.

The congress, well attended was the first since the new Dean, Dr. A. Ibiam, resumed office a month ago.

All the departmental heads were also present, including the staff adviser, Dr.O. Offar and FABSSA President,

From Daniel Lawrence EBSU

Bright Amaechi.

Issues bordering on students welfare, inadequate lecture halls, late release of results, inability of lecturers to follow timetable, etc, were properly dealt with.

Dr. Ibiam promised to be fair in his dealings with all. He said he would provide quick solutions to challenges.

•A cross section of the matriculants at the ceremony.

•Some of the participants, trying out their cooking skills.

JCI inducts new members

I

T was a call to service for the newly inducted members of the Junior Chambers International (JCI), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) chapter. The event was attended by a large number of students.

It kicked off with the call to order, after which the JCI creed and national pledge were recited.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, the Director of Publicity, Odunayo

From Modestus Diko OOU

Adeneye, said the association was meant for young adults who are willing to succeed. “We are corporate executives, managing directors and owners of small and middle enterprises, managers and executives of multinational and national companies. What makes us become better leaders is that we meet, we learn, we

grow and finally we enjoy,” Odunayo said.

The chapter President, Mayowa Taiwo, said the body is recognised worldwide and its mission is to contribute to the advancement of the global community by providing opportunities for young people.

An inductee, Olayemi Itabiyi, a Chemical Science student, said: “I joined JCI because I want to achieve more than I expected.”

Onga cooking contest at OAU

T

HERE was excitment at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, as Promasidor Nigeria Limited, the manufacturers of Onga seasoning, held the Onga National Campus Cooking Competition.

Mrs. Abiola Agboola, Brand Manager of Onga, said the competition is the first of its kind in Nigeria. Ten students, one from each faculty contested at the Anglo-Moz car park, venue of the competition. Meals prepared included Amala and Ila asepo (peppery okra), Ikokore, Ewa Aganyi (Togo beans), Ofada rice among others.

The students, alongside a male contestant, Oluwafemi Akintoye, were given an hour to make their delica-

From Oyindamola Fadimu OAU cies during which members the audience were entertained by fellow students. A dancing competition was also organised, to compensate those who did not take part in the cooking competition. Winners were given jerseys, caps and hand fans.

Basirat Yaya, who represented the faculty of Administration, won the cooking competition. She carted away the deep freezer prize as well as representing OAU at the final cooking competition where the winner would go home with a new car. Oluwatosin Adewole, who represented College of Medicine, came second.

FUTO gets VC

P

ROF Chigozie Asiabaka has been named the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

The institution’s governing council, at its 133rd meeting last week, ratified the election of Prof Asiabaka, who contested with three other professors for the post.

Born on September 29, 1953, Prof Asiabaka, who hails from Awo-

•The new inductees and leaders of the JCI.

Students Union president greets VC

T

HE suspended student union president of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has congratulated the new Vice-Chancellor Prof Idowu Omole. While receiving his counterpart from University of Ibadan (UI), Tokunbo Salako, Joel, said: “We thank God for preserving our lives and for giving us a father figure as Vice-Chancellor. We have no

From Sikiru Akinola OAU

doubt that this man of honour will perform. Considering his wealth of experience as a lecturer cum activist and for the mere fact that he was a roommate of Ondo governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and a kinsman of Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, he is going to be friendly with stu-

dents and staff.”

Joel thanked OAU students for their support, doggedness and sincerity of purpose, adding that his administration would ensure the restoration of the union.

Replying, Salako said: “We have come here to pay a solidarity visit to our partners in the struggle. OAU and UI are known for fighting for the interests of Nigerian students.”

From Gerald Nwokocha FUTO Idemili in Orsu local government of Imo State, joined FUTO as a Lecturer II on July 15, 1986 and became a professor in Agricultural Extension on October 1, 1997.

He has held several administrative positions in the university.

34

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

CAMPUS LIFE At the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), Niger State, staff and students teamed up to clean the hostels. This followed reports of rising health issues, ostensibly, due to the state of the halls. FAITH OLANIRAN (500-L Biochemistry) writes.

•Mrs. Austin and other officials inspecting a damaged spot in the hostel.

•Some of the SUG officials who coordinated the exercise.

V

ISITORS to the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State, will no doubt be impressed with the aesthetic appeal of the environment. The beautiful landscape and buildings can smoothen the most-creased face. FUT Minna also boasts of properly constructed car parks, a good tarred road network and elegant lecture rooms and laboratories.

This good news, however, ends in the school area. It does not extend to students' hostels. In a dramatic comparison, a student who did not want to be named likened the halls of residence to a prison.

One said: "Our halls of residence are not better than what could be obtainable in a maximum prison.

This is as a result of poor maintenance of facilities, over population, lack of potable water, electricity, good toilets and bathrooms, and kitchen space".

To provide a solution, officials of the Student Union met with the

‘For a cleaner hostel, they collaborated’ Servicom Unit of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. They resolved to embark on a "comprehensive sanitation exercise"; it held on June 11.

As early as 8am, the cleaning had started.

Many students and members of staff participated. They included the over 1,500 occupants of the 400 rooms in male and female hostels, Servicom officials of the school, Dean of Students Affairs and SUG officials. Everyone was busy cleaning and clearing.

Mrs. Ibiyemi Austin is the Complaints Desk Officer at the Servicom Unit. She spoke to

CAMPUSLIFE: "Servicom is about effective service delivery. When we saw the need to make the halls of residence more habitable for students, we promptly rallied to see that whatever could be done immediately to alleviate things for students was done fast. We urge students to imbibe the culture of cleanliness".

Another official of the unit out on the day was Hajiya Maryam Shitu. She is the Service Improvement Officer. According to her, the exercise is a measure "to bring together all stakeholders to have a better residence void of dirt because health is wealth".

One of the porters in charge of the main female hall equally spoke, in anonymity. While disclosing that FUT Minna Ventures was fully in charge of running and managing the hostel, she added that students’ attitude in maintaining the facilities was a challenge. "Most of our problems come from the students; the way they use the facilities here does not really help matters."

She further said: "Such cleaning programmes should be done every month, so that the girls can be forced to be clean. This is because some of them cook, do their laundry and loads of unbelievable

things in their rooms".

Some students also spoke. Luica Abenyo is in Remedial Studies.

"The aim of the exercise is to promote cleanliness. I want it to hold every fortnight henceforth. This is because when the environment is neat like this, the impression is that students are clean".

Dennis Mgbeahuru is also of the School of Preliminary Studies. He said: "Before this cleaning exercise, the condition of the hostels was an eyesore. Though the dirt is largely off, we still need some general 'touching up' by the authorities".

A 300-Level student of Biological Science who added her voice to the issue is Amina Haliru. She is also one of the students in the Servicom Committee on the tour.

"We came up with this concept when complains from the Medical Centre reported that many students visiting the clinic were from halls of residence. We just had to do something to arrest the situation."

Students at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) have not only survived the crises in Plateau State, they are also battling the economic problem in the country. ESTHER MARK (300L Mass Communication) went round their hostels.

Making ends meet on campus

S

TUDENTS are known mostly for demanding one thing or the other. While some spend their allowance extravagantly, others think of ways to invest and multiply the little they have. Abuja Hostel at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) bubbles with the activities of students who belong to the latter group.

One of them isa girl whose day begins at 5:am when she says her prayers. At 6am, she carries her bread and other breakfast items round the wings, supplying to her customers who are preparing for lectures. From block to block, her chants of "buy bread" can be heard as she covers the five blocks of the halls, comprising over 500 rooms within two hours.

Welcome to the world of Kehinde Shittu (aka Buy bread), a 500-Level student of Microbiology. She survives through the petty trading she does in the hostel. Her business is made up of provisions, slippers, clothes and under garments.

Kehinde hawks her goods in the morning to satisfy the busy students who must go for lectures on time.

Her own classes usually start at 9:am; this, she says, allows her the

•Kehinde displaying some of her wares, in her room.

•A wall defaced with handbills advertising items and services for sale.

leisure to finish with her sales before preparing for lectures. Surprisingly though, her "stall" is in her room as this correspondent discovered piles of cartons of noodles and other wares beside her bunk.

To Kehinde, independence is the watch word. At 22, she says: "I can hardly recall collecting money for school since I started this; I feel I ought to be giving my parents things now, not collecting."

Asked if the business has been worth it, she says she couldn't ask for more. On her grades, she says though it's difficult to balance both, she's quite grateful for how far she's gone.

On whether she's shy of the business, she retorts: "A person who knows where he's going and what he wants does not become shy of

sene is a story for another day. Her handbill reads "Kerosene at affordable price. Call 070…."

Faith Aigbonifo is a 200-Level student of Biochemistry whose handwritten handbill placed at strategic points in the hostel says: "Looking good is good business". She fixes nails and bonds hair. While she charges N200 for the nails; it's N1,500 for bonding. With the proceeds, she's able to transport herself to and fro school daily. She said the cost of transportation drove her into the business.

Another Abuja Hostel resident, who pleaded anonymity, is a 300Level Economics Education student.

She says she sponsors herself in school. She sells provisions in her room and complements the revenue by organising private lessons for

people". She started the trade when her family's income began to dwindle.

Kehinde is not alone in the survival business, as other students are doing same. Bibiana (she does not want her surname used) is in 500Level Nursing Science. She sells hair extensions and phone recharge cards. "Investment is paramount thus, the need to ensure the little I get from home generates more. This way, I have peace of mind and do not disturb anyone," she stated.

While most students are into the provision business, Susan Akande, in 300-Level Psychology, is regarded as "OPEC Madam". This is because she sells kerosene. According to her, she buys 10 litres for N800 and sells it within a week. She enjoys this tremendously, since the price of kero-

primary school children.

Martha Abu (also called CNN) is in 300-Level Mass Communication.

She sells make-up accessories and does make-up for students going for occasions and beauty pageants.

While it seems the female folks are the only ones into this, the male students have proved otherwise. People like these abound in the hostel, and all seem to possess the same mindset, "independence, investment and innovation". They also know that the prospects of white collar jobs are slim, and thus, are planning to go into business fulltime upon graduation.

For students who are always looking for money, Kehinde advises: "Look within you. There's something you have to offer. Don't always be the receiver; be the investor".

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

35

CAMPUS LIFE

Revamping tertiary education in Nigeria

“T

HE asset of a nation is not in the abundance of its resources but in the skills of its people”. This quotation by Ghanaian Pastor and public speaker, Mensal Otabil, underscores the reason for the accelerated advancement of some Asian nations. China and Japan (minus the earthquake and tsunami of earlier in the year) are today experiencing economic booms. This is not because of their natural resources (which do not abound) but because they learnt to invest and utilise the minds and skills of the citizens.

Several years ago, a larger quarter of the labour force of China and Japan was thrown into the U.S, England, Germany and to some parts of Europe, to acquire skills and craftsmanship from the then world economic leading countries. With vocational schools and technical institutions established in their countries, the Chinese and Japanese applied their skills and practical knowledge in

A

LMAJIRI or almajirum is an Arabic word that is used to refer to someone who goes out to seek knowledge; a person who learns in Quranic education under the guidance of Mullah or Ah-rama, which means teacher. But over the years, this notion has been misrepresented, misconceived and misinterpreted by many people to mean alms beggars, which is called yanbara in northern part of Nigeria. almajiris are supposed to be young boys and girls between the ages of five and 10 who will be given out by their parents to go and seek knowledge (religious knowledge in most cases) in different towns and cities other than their own.

Unfortunately, the quest for re-

their production system which facilitated the economy of these two countries. Today China and Japan are skyrocketing at the pace no one could fathom even in the face of global economic recessions.

Besides, one of the linchpin strategies that aided the economic boom of the United States in the past few decades is its work–andschool system of education that enables income-earning students to acquaint themselves with the experience and the demand of the labour market.

Conversely, socio-economic advancement had and is still eluding Africa, not just because it does not have sound management of resources and organisation but also because its culture is built on principles that do not encourage entrepreneurship and human resources development.

A close look at Nigeria shows that it is apparent that our system of education does not encourage technical know-how and practical knowledge. Even the polytechnics

that were established for this purpose are basically ill-equipped.

The lecturers in the universities keep dishing the same old knowledge for decades without new researches, pioneering techniques and new knowledge needed to groom the students for the challenges outside the universities.

Therefore ironically, our system contributes to the failure of graduates after leaving the four walls of the institutions. Rather than helping them build their careers, it leaves them hapless and rather than giving them education, it gives them certificates. Yet the government shoulders the blame on the unemployed and clamours for self-employment when our system does not spur such.

Nigeria needs a revamped education system that gives impetus to a renewed investment in basic research, encourages incomeearning studentship and induces advanced 21st century skills and market informed workforce. Al-

though these commitments to education require resources and new reforms, they will generate the pillars of a more competitive economy that will take advantage of the marketplace’s opportunities and produce a highly educated and skilled workforce. This is the key, not only to individual opportunity, but for the overall success of our economy.

Therefore, until the government enacts policies that would enable the tertiary system to discover the techniques that would help blend education with work, the workand-school system, spur adequate research and practicalities that expose students to demands of the labour market in their field of study, we may continue to produce dependent generations.

As it is now, the experience of the labour market and that of the acquired university education are two different ball games; it is the combined ability that guarantees success in today’s economically competitive world. The end result

Overcoming the almajiri syndrome

By Ayuba Aboki ehine2002@yahoo.com

ligious knowledge leads these young children into begging, bara, and as they get mature in life, leaves them without the intended knowledge, guidance and parental care. These consequently breed mature illiterates without any sense of human feelings and who at the slightest provocation, resort to killing and destruction of property and looting. They may even become drug addicts, political thugs (kalares), armed robbers and embrace extreme religious views in order to survive.

The ills in our society cannot be caused by anything other than negligence by parents, poverty, illiteracy, misinterpretation of religion, culture and traditions.

Even mallams’ attitudes, which to an immeasurable degree informed their irrational behaviour and beliefs, also contribute to the making of people now referred to as almajiri in the north. Poverty is traced to their parents’ reasoning which leaves them with no alternative other than sending the supposedly future leaders into the gutters.

An urgent step should be taken

by the government to enact a law that would compel every parent to take responsibility for the upbringing of children. Our leaders should promulgate laws that would ban children roaming the streets. If the parents of these wandering students are prosecuted, nobody would dare leave his wards at the mercy of immoral mentors who often instill obnoxious views in the psyche of the children.

This does not mean the almajiri system is bad as many people are wont to believe, but the government must be involved in its ac-

Is Nigeria truly moving forward?

By Gerald Nwokocha ossygerald@yahoo.com

P

ROBABLY, there is no better time to protest the jumbo salaries and allowances of legislators and other public office holders than now. As a citizen of this country, I am tired

T

HE way evil is taking over good in this country amazes me. Sometimes, I feel the next thing to do when I graduate would be ton fly away to somewhere; the fear of uncertainty grows by the day.

Several bombs have exploded in different parts of the country recently and just last week after the last blast at the police headquarters in Abuja, the Boko Haram sect has again claimed responsibility of the blast and added that its troops were back from Somalia.

Prior to the blast, the Inspector of Police, Hafiz Ringim, had declared war against Boko Haram saying its end had come. This

of empty promises from our leaders who cannot even take decision on their own without relying on the input from their godfathers, a phenomenon that has become the cog in the wheel of Nigeria’s progress.

If the underdevelopment that is prevalent in the country is anything to go by, I want our elected leaders not to only step on the toes of these soulless people called godfathers but to cut-off their toes and allow the nation to proceed on the path of development. Enough is enough.

In 2007, a budget of N2.4 trillion was submitted to the National Sssembly by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. It was increased to N2.89 trillion by the lawmakers. In 2008, a budget of N2.87 tril-

lion was submitted by the same president but it was unlawfully increased to N3.1 trillion by the lawmakers just to satisfy their own greed. Now, it was discovered that the last NASS members smuggled into the 2011 budget a whopping N200 billion in the same manner they have done in the past. And they would have got away with it had Jonathan not scaled down their allowances.

In sane countries, this systematic plundering of state funds would have attracted indignation from the populace and perhaps, heads would have been rolling.

But here is a nation where nobody asks question as to the finances of the state. This takes me to the President Jonathan’s anticorruption campaign. Is Jonathan

really fighting corruption? If so, why should the trial of exSpeaker Dimeji Bankole on offences purportedly committed two years ago start just after he left the saddle? The proceeds from the purchase of the cars for lawmakers would be used to pursue the case in court, yet we say Nigeria is fighting corruption.

Later, after foot dragging and counter accusation, the news would naturally die and the accused would regain freedom to enjoy his loot. The same thing applies to vote robbers.

Wasn’t it last week that former president Olusegun Obasanjo had the effrontery to declare that the government lacked the will to fight corruption “consistently”? What do they

By Moses Christian mos_chris@yahoo.co.uk

of education is empowerment because it breeds people who are useful and productive not just to their families but also to the entire society.

Where this is not the case, education becomes wasteful years of inconsequentiality.

Moses, 300L, English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

tivities if only to prevent extremists who have hijacked the noble idea. Corporate bodies should also come to play their own part by building schools, houses and providing free qualitative education to this indigent stock so that their future can be shaped for the better. The Mullah should be provided with resources (welfare) by the parents to prevent their wards from being sent to beg. Lastly, parents should be educated on the dangers of sending their wards to beg in the guise of seeking knowledge; that is, parents need to be responsible for whatever their children become.

Ayuba is a Mass Communications student, BUK Kano

know that we don’t?

Experience has shown that the people never get justice. Moreover, because corruption has become an official policy and an integral part of our national life, curious notions like “plea bargaining” come up in our judicial system and provides succour to highly-placed criminals, who plunder our collective patrimony.

Should we expect pure justice to be done on Bankole’s matter? I guess not, because even if the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) finds unassailable evidence against Bankole, the whole nation still has to contend with hurdles of presidential assent.

Will Jonathan fight corruption?

Of course, only time will tell.

Gerald, is a graduating student of Information Management Technology, FUTO

Bomb blast: Time to act is now was after the group shunned amnesty talks with the Presidency and the Borno State government.

However, one important issue I noted is that it seemed the police are now bright enough to recognise bombs. Last February when two boys were caught in my hostel for allegedly planting a bomb, the police anti-bomb squad claimed it was not a bomb that was found there. They are yet to tell us what they saw.

I strongly believe that if the bomb at the police headquarters never

exploded, they would have again denied that it was a bomb that was planted there.

I call on the Inspector General of Police to first of all inspect his men and make sure none of them is a member of the sect knowing fully well that before a bank robbery occurs, a staff of the bank must have given out some information.

Perhaps the person who sponsored the whole blast which every one knows was targeted at the IG himself for his declaration of war against Boko Haram might even be

his personal assistant. Mr. IG, please first inspect your household before taking a decision.

The President, I see, is trying his best to see that the Nigerian nation is better off; but some people who do not enjoy peace are set to thwart everything he does. Thus, it is time for each and everyone to rise up and speak with one voice against this menace before we the youths leave this country in am unprecedented mass exodus.

Hope, 400-L Mass Comm., UNIJOS

By Hope Ofobike

hopeofobike@yahoo.com

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

36

CAMPUS LIFE

Generating great ideas (II)

By Uche Ogbonna uche.ogbonna@fidelitybankplc.com 08055061278

D

EAR Readers, let me gladly welcome you to the second part of generating great ideas. We got several calls on ideas generation and we are glad at Fidelity Bank Plc to have been of some service. Run with what you have learned and build on it.

Other tips on great idea generation.

Read, read and read: All readers are idea banks.

Ideas beget ideas! Once you learn to roll in the pool of other men's documented ideas your mind will click and begin to breed ideas of their own. I believe greatly in this. Read up as much related material as you can. It will always help you along the way. Do not be averse to books. Read and expand your mind and you will generate ideas easier.

Practice "the missing thing" thinking process: When looking through a challenge or an idea always go back to it, spread it apart and have a bird's eye view of it and ask the magic question…"what is missing in this process or idea?". Even when brainstorming with colleagues and peers always ask the question "could we be missing something?" That question will stimulate the mind and ideas will be generated.

Take a break: Sometimes you have an idea rush and as you write them down it becomes like a torrent and it flows and after a while the size and tempo of the flow seems to wane. This sometimes is an indication that you may need to take a break and allow your idea pool to rejuvenate. You may take a nap, go for a walk, or do something refreshing. Doing this affords your mind the relaxation needed to recover from the pressure of exertion.

Establish clear goals and on the way objectives: On the way objectives are short term goals that if you set can help you constantly keep track of your position and speed as regards the overall goal.

Without establishing these goals and sub goals you may find it difficult to navigate your way with the right ideas. Having a goal empowers you with screening ability so you identify what ideas to entertain and those to jettison.

On and Off Campus

Try something tried before: Sometimes it's not a bad idea to look at someone else's idea and see how incorporating it into your process may help you out. Flipping through the works and ideas of others is a good way of inspiring yourself to creativity. Having said this please note that some ideas are protected by law. Seek counsel always if in doubt.

Think outside the box: Do not be afraid to try something new or unconventional. This is how revolutionary change has come to mankind.

People have broken the norm and done the seeming impossible all because they were not afraid to challenge already established views. Engage these old ways and see how you may improve or revolutionise the process by thinking differently.

This is our way at Fidelity. We have mastered the art of doing the unusual in the most unusual way.

You too can.

Be ready: After stirring up your mind and making it soft and easy to engage in idea generation, you must now ready yourself because your mind can produce ideas just about any time. You must not cage yourself to times and segments. You must have your idea handbook close by always. I have known many artistes declare that some of their best songs came to them at the dead of the night and as it came they jumped up and wrote down the lyrics to the song that eventually became a classic. If they were bogged down by sleep or lacked the discipline to get up and take notes despite the odd hour they would have definitely lost out! That's the problem with many of us today.

We limit our creativity to certain hours of the day.

Practice collective intelligence: Remember your group of close friends who review and bash your ideas? Well apart from using them to test the efficacy of your ideas you can also use them to generate ideas for you. Give them simple moment by moment tasks of coming up with random ideas in the related area and then compare notes and see how many ideas are similar. Pursue these. Sometimes the similarity of the ideas is a clue as to the direction you ought to be facing.

We cannot totally exhaust the many ways we can generate ideas, however I suggest you try all of these out. Do not also forget that great ideas usually have suffered many a failure but if you keep at it, stay patient, keep tuning and tweaking it, it will eventually break forth and give you a breakthrough.

Let us knmarketing.communications@fidelitybankplc.com.

Better yet, walk into any of our branches and ask for a FLEX account opening package. ow how much these articles have helped you. Feel free to write If you are young, brazen and dynamic, then this is the account for you!

By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

Idorenyin Inyangmme is a recent graduate of Computer Science from the Cross River S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y (CRUTECH). He finds love in music. He calls his band Breeze.

EMMANUEL SHEBBS (400-L Political Science, University of Calabar) spoke to him.

‘Gifts are to be transferred to others’

W

HAT is the Breeze all about?

It is an instrumental music group, comprising 12 wind instrument performers and other backup instrumentalists like drummer and guitarists. We play all kinds of music ranging from jazz, hip-pop, classical, blues among others. Our aim is to entertain and minister to people at the same time. We also train upcoming musicians and children.

How did you start?

I started two years ago when I was still in school. I called on some like minds to rehearse and drill ourselves on instruments we know how operate best. In our first rehearsal, we were about seven but now we have double that number and counting. It was not a day’s journey.

How did you succeed in gathering your band men?

Actually, it was not too difficult for me because I have played on various platforms in Calabar where my colleagues were equally invited. So, somehow we had known through those performances. So, I already knew those who had what I wanted, as well as their characters.

What would you say are your challenges?

Lack of finance is a major one. Most of us are undergraduates who do not have a steady source of income. Most times, we pull our pocket money together to embark on major projects. Then, we don’t have a permanent location where we can install our instruments and practice. Carrying them from place to place is really challenging.

As a band, what are your plans for the future?

We are looking forward to establishing a musical school in Calabar. This is to broaden our scope so that people who are interested in learning musical instruments can come. Also, it is very important because no matter your achievements, you will remain nobody till you are able to pass that knowledge on to others. Our gifts are to be transferred to others.

We equally want to organise a concert in Calabar soon. We also want to participate in international musical events to represent Nigeria because we know we have what it takes.

What have been your credits in the industry so far?

•Idorenyin.

I don’t like blowing my trumpet by myself; rather somebody should do it for me. But I have performed on various platforms outside the campus. I have performed in Jazz Night of Calabar Christmas event organised by the Cross River State Government and also at the Cross River Government House. That gave me the opportunity to meet with world musical personalities like Ron Kenoly, Hugh Makasella, Nujee, Mike Aremu among others.

The love for music has equally taken me to places like Bowen University, Michael Okpara University and above all the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

To what can you attribute your success?

It is God because He is the giver of talent and wisdom. God gives the talent and man develops it. God gives the wisdom and man applies it. I also thank my state government for the support it gave to me as a young artist. And my band members have been wonderful too.

How were you able to cope with academic challenges?

It was not easy because I was approaching my final year when I started. Because of academic activities, I fixed our rehearsals for only Saturdays.

Varsity workers call off strike

F

OLLOWING the suspension of the four month strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nassarawa State University (NSUK) chapter, students of the institution have resumed. Lectures commenced immediately.

The session began last December but up till now the first semester exams have not been written. The exam which was initially schedule for March 6 will have to be rescheduled, CAMPUSLIFE learnt. Some of the students, who have been hanging around during the strike period, spoke about their experience.

Zuwairiya Alhassan of 400-Level Law, said: “The strike is like a barrier to my future, because it was delaying the realisation of my dreams. I had to keep reading aimlessly, not knowing when the strike would be over. But thank God everything is in the past tense now”.

Another student, Salamatu Yusuf, in 400Level Mass Communication, said: “The strike made me lazy, being around did not help matters at all even though I stayed behind to write and concentrate more on my project. I did not make much progress, but all the same I can have my life back now”.

For now the student are waiting for the exam timetable to be out, though most student complain about the extension of the ses-

•NSUK Vice-Chancellor, Prof Shamsudeen Amali.

From Khadija Danfulani NSUK

sion coupled with the fact that second semester commences immediately as stated by the management.

37

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

EDUCATION

Flooding, broken bridge worries UDUS

A

CADEMIC life at the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), risks being disrupted by flooded Kwalkwalawa Bridge linking the institution with its surrounding communities.

Last September, flood h ravaged the bridge forcing the institution to suspend academic activities.

A heavy downpour last Sunday has increased fears that the bridge may fail again. The portion of the bridge which collapsed and was repaired last year is fast eroding.

This informed an emergency meeting the Vice-Chancellor Prof Riskuwa Arabu Shehu held with senior staff to discuss ways to avoid a recurrence.

Before now, following prediction of more rainfall this year by researchers, the university had ap-

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

pealed to the Federal Government to as matter of urgency rehabilitate the road leading to the university from Sokoto metropolis.

Students, lecturers and members of the University community are lamenting the delay by the Federal government in providing permanent solution to the problem.

In a telephone chat, Shehu said the university authority was disturbed by the return of the rains especially as nothing significant has been done to the bridge since last year.

He explained that the long meeting was an attempt to see how the university could avoid closure.

“We were meeting all day trying to see how we could avoid closure of this institution for the second time. We are prayerful that

the Federal government will do something as quickly as possible,” said.

Idris Shehu, a Law student lamented that the Federal government was not bothered about the plight of the students. ‘’It appears that the Federal government does not care about what is happening to us. Last year when the flood cut off the University from the other parts of Sokoto state, Mr. President promised to see to the problem as soon as possible, this has not been done up till now that the rains are back,” he said.

The chairman of the ASUU branch of the University, Comrade Lawal Abubakar also flayed the non responsiveness of the government.

He said: “The Federal government seems to be insensitive to the plight of this University. This

truly seems to be a government that does not care about education of her youths. Mr. President came here, saw it himself and promised that he was going to do something as soon as possible, yet he is adamant.”

A politician, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammadu Ciroma, accused the President of not giving the institution priority.

He said ‘’ while I do not want to impugn that the delay by the President is political, I am forced to hold that Danfodiyo University is not part of Jonathan’s priority institutions.”

According to him, it was abnormal for any government, which says it views as education as important to continue to delay over a problem that stalled and could further stall the activities of a University like Danfodiyo.

Don forsees bright future for LASU…if

A

LL Lagos State University (LASU) needs to distinguish itself is more funding from the government, a lecturer has said.

According to the lecturer, despite the crises that rocked LASU, it can still shake off the past and attain its vision of being ranked among the world-class universities.

“Imagine what LASU will be if the state government properly fund the institution; build structures and edifices like the senate building, modern classroom blocks for the Faculties, and modern hostel facilities for students. “We are looking at a situation where LASU will be attracting foreign students. This is possible if LASU management is encouraged to mount and maintain very viable programmes,” said Prof Princewill Iheanyi Alozie during the maiden merit award of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) LASU chapter held at the institution’s auditorium.

Alozie, the Guest Speaker, said the university could woo individuals or organisations to build structures which would be named after them.

He urged the management not to see the SSANU and other unions including the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), Non-Academic Unions of University and Allied Institutions, (NASU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and Student Union Government (SUG) as enemies but motivate them through enhanced welfare packages.

He also urged the workers to be dedicated to their duties.

“The unions should be committed to doing things properly.

People should come out to work punctually and discharge their respective duties creditably. Lectures should be up to date in their field and lecturers should deliver quality service. Union leaders should endeavour to be democratic and honest in all their dealings. Offending members in unions should be allowed to face the law,” he said.

Among other measures, Alozie

By Adegunle Olugbamila

called for the reshuffling of the university’s external system for more effective revenue generation and quality performance.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Ibiyemi OlatunjiBello, praised SSANU and other unions for their roles during the struggle which almost brought down the university.

She thanked them for sheathing their swords and pledged to make workers’ welfare a priority.

“The management of this university will not blink to ensure improved enhancement packages for our various staff. But you must also be ready to show more commit-

ment to work. LASU resumption time is 8 am, and remember, no more overtime,” she said.

In her speech, Comrade Sessi Agnes Olufunmi, SSANU Chairman called for support in constructing the union’s secretariat which has gone slightly beyond the foundation level.

“I use this opportunity to appeal to your sense of committment and encourage you to donate generously to this worthy cause. No amout is too small,” she said.

Comrade Sessi stressed that contemporray unionism has transcended agitating for increased welfare packages to seeking out other efforts that can benefit members and their environment.

Some of the people that received awards included: Lagos State Head of Service Mr Adesegun Ogunlewe; Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a banker; Comrade Wahab and Dr Abayomi Randle two past SSANU-LASU chairmen; Mr Lewis Oladapo Akinwumi Deputy Regitrar LASU School of Post Graduate Studies; and Chief Promise Adewusi National President of SSANU, among others.

Education Reporters from three media were also rewarded. They were: Mr Adegunle Olugbamila of The Nation Newspapers; Niran Atiba of Television Continental (TVC) and Ochuwa Igbanoi of the African Independent Television (AIT).

UNAD FILE Parents’ forum coming THE Acting Vice-Chancellor University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD), Prof Dada Adelowo, has announced plans by the institution to establish a Parents Forum.

He spoke while addressing new students at an orientation during which he advised them to be disciplined, take corrections, shun cultism and other illicit organisations.

The students were told that the university of Ado-Ekiti was not a university of the last resort and that all facilities would be made available to make their stay worthwhile. They were however warned that those who violate their matriculation oath would be sanctioned.

Tribunal to sit on SUG elections A TRIBUNAL to look into the last Students Union elections has been inaugurated by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dada Adelowo.

The tribunal was set up sequel to protests by some students who claimed that the election was not free and fair.

While inaugurating the panel headed by renowned historian, Prof. Ishola Olomola at the Senate Chamber, Adelowo said he believed in democratic and due process where all aggrieved persons would be heard before judgment is delivered.

He added that Olomola as a respected professor of international repute would be fair to all without prejudice.

Other members of the panel are: Dr. O.P. Oladele, Dr. Mrs Foluke Dada,Barrister B.O. Omoleye, Mr. Abubarkar Abass and Mr. J.O. Akinwumi who serves as the secretary.

Sport facilities for upgrade

•Amir, Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Lagos Branch, Is-haq Abdul Azeez (second left) flanked by (from left) Secretary, AbdulHammed Womiloju, former Secretary, Temim Yusuf and Editor, Yusuf Aakinlotan during a press briefing to commemorate annual Dawah Week held at UNILAG Mosque, Akoka, Lagos ... on Tuesday.

THE Ag VC Prof Dada Adelowo, has promised to upgrade sports facilities.

Speaking during a football match between the UNAD staff football team and Radio Nigeria Progress FM, Ado-Ekiti team organised in his honour, Adelowo said the facilities used were substandard and promised to work towards having a standard sports complex with modern facilities.

The match which was watched by a mammoth crowd was won by the UNAD team by a lone goal.

Among dignitaries at the occasion were the Registrar, Dr Omojola Awosusi, the Acting Bursar, Mr Bayo Osesusi and the University Librarian, Mr. G. O. Ogunleye.

Gowon, Sultan, others for FUTA capital campaign

F

ORMER Head of State, Gen.Yakubu Gowon and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, are among dignitaries expected at the Capital Campaign Launch of the Federal University of Technology, Akure at Abuja on June 30th.

According to the Institution’s spokesman, Omololu Adegbenro, other distinguished Nigerians who should be at the occasion include former President Shehu Shagari, Chairman, African Busi-

ness Round Table, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who is also to Chairman the occasion, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Isa Mustafa, Emir of Lafia and Honourable Chancellor of the University, the Institution’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, BrigadierGeneral Raji Rasaki, who is the Chief host and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebisi Balogun, who is the host.

Chairman of the University Advancement Board, Mr Segun Aina

told reporters in Akure that arrangements had been made to raise a sum of N5 billion in four years to be used for the development of the University.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adebisi Balogun said the University decided to embark on the Capital Campaign Launch, realising that the Federal Government alone cannot sufficiently fund university education. He added that for any university to remain relevant in the 21st Cen-

tury, efforts must be geared towards raising funds from unconventional sources to improve both its physical and academic achievements.

Balogun also said Federal and State government functionaries, captains of industries, financial institutions, philanthropists, notable politicians, members of the alumni association, heads of tertiary institutions, royal fathers, donor agencies, among others are expected at the event.

•Gowon

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

38

EDUCATION AAUA FILE

Panel advocates one campus for EBSU

Varsity recalls suspended workers THE management and staff of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), have amicably resolved their industrial dispute.

The workers suspended their one-week old strike following a truce brokered at a meeting.

Following the resolution, of the strike which entered the fifth day on Wednesday, Management has lifted the suspension of 20 workers during the crisis.

2,829 students matriculate THE AAUA Vice-Chancellor, Prof Femi Mimiko has congratulated the 2, 829 freshers admitted into the university for the 2010/2011 session.

He urged them to work hard and desist from unproductive activities.

He said: “Academic excellence is founded on the kernels of hard work and character. This University is getting noticed for its emphasis on hard work and high moral standard.

It therefore, frowns upon all forms of indiscipline prevalent in the other universities and the larger society, chief among which are cultrelated activities and indecent dressing. I therefore admonish you to eschew all vices that could disparage your peaceful stay on campus and be of good conduct as the University will not condone any form of indiscipline.”

The Vice Chancellor, who described the new students as privileged, assured them that the University had the relevant resources to make them be the best they want to be in life. He urged them to complement the university’s gesture with the right with the right attitude.

Prof Mimiko

• ‘No new faculties, depts for 10 years’ From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

•Elechi

T

HEEbonyi State University visitation panel has recommended a single campus structure for the institution.

According to the panel, the present multi-campus sustem is

capital intensive.

The panel, set up in February with 15 terms of reference, recommended also that the permanent site of the University be relocated from Ezzamgbo to the College of Agricultural Science, CAS campus Abakaliki.

Submitting its recommendations to Governor Martin Elechi at the Executive Council Chambers Government House, Abakaliki, the panel Chairman, Prof Lawrence Ocho stated areas the university must improve if it is to meet standards.

Among them was that more lecturers be employed as the ratio of

the academic staff to students does not meet the requirement of the National Universities Commission (NUC). Also, the panel agreed that the university should not appoint Lecturer I or II as departmental heads. In view of the shortage of academic staff, the panel recommended that the position of casual lecturers should be expunged while no new faculties and departments should be created in the next 10 years.

The panel also observed poor organisational design in line of control, poor coordination, duplication, ambiguity and conflict in roles and recommended open system model of administration.

It expressed displeasure over the institution’s statement of account

and recommended tripartite funding of the university by the state, local government and the internally generated revenue as well as the recruitment of a professionally qualified Bursar and competent accounting staff.

Ocho flayed the university’s inability to access the over N570 million ETF grant that would have helped it improve its infrastructure.

Responding to the panel’s recommendations, Elechi pledged to reposition the university to meet global standards.

Elechi described the recommendations of the panel as far reaching stressing that his administration had initiated practical steps towards improving the institution.

Unilever introduces Ideatrophy competition

T

HE top brass at UNILEVER Nigeria are excited about the IdeaTrophy, an undergraduate competition that requires university students to come up with ideas on how to brand and market a hypothetical product.

At a press briefing to announce the competition at the organisation’s Oregun, Lagos headquarters last Wednesday, Thabo Mabe, Managing Director; Mrs Tolulope Agiri, Human Resources Director and David Okeme, Brand Building Director, all spoke of their expectations that highly talented future employees will be discovered.

Mabe said the competition, which requires a team of three students to come up with ideas, would create excitement and a sense of entrepreneurship among participants. He is optimistic that the exposure the competition would provide would make the students more competitive in the world of work.

“Students in Nigeria will be benchmarked with global students.

It is an exciting opportunity for them to grow as human beings and entrepreneurs,” he said.

Mrs Agiri said the competition would give the organisation opportunity to relate closely with youths,

•From Left: Mrs Agiri, Mabe, Okeme and Mrs Ifedi at the event

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

some of who would someday work with them, and inspire them to greatness.

“It is a very exciting time for us both locally and in Central Africa.

We believe in making a difference every day. Ideatrophy gives students the opportunity to be stimulated intellectually. We have seen a need to relate with youths and engage them intellectually. This competition provides the platform,” she said.

On the procedure and prizes for winners, Mrs Agiri said the first stage involves student teams registering their ideas online after which teams with the brightest ideas are

shortlisted to compete at the zonal stage. Six teams will compete in each of the three zones – Lagos, Calabar and Abuja. Two teams that emerge from each zone will meet to battle for the star prize in Abuja. Overall winners will get to travel to Unilever’s Regional Office in Singapore, or the Global Office in the United Kingdom – in addition to winning IPADs and certificates. Runners up will get laptops and certificates.

Given its work in encouraging entrepreneurship among undergraduates, the Unilever has engaged the Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) organisation to partner on the competition. Mrs Agiri said SIFE would

PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO

help sift through and determine viability of the ideas submitted by the students.

Mrs Adesuwa Ifedi, Country Manager for SIFE, lauded Unilever for the initiative which she said would improve the quality of graduates trained by universities.

She said: “This is the kind of competition we have been advocating.

Nigerian youths are creative, energetic but they do not have the kinds of opportunities that youths in other places have. As a result, they are not globally competitive. This competition will make them push themselves, research, go on the internet, and meet with top executives who will assess and mentor them.”

First Class graduate runs tutorial centre Adams Adebola Mofutau, proprietor of Adams College, a subsidiary of Adams International School, Oshodi, Lagos speaks with GABRIEL KUTELU on why he turned down mouthwatering job offers to focus on education.

G

IVE us a brief into your educational background.

I obtained my first degree at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where I studied Computer Engineering, and graduated with a first class. After that, I did my Masters at the University of Lagos, where I studied Educational Management and Planning.

Why did you go into education?

It was a child of circumstances.

When I graduated, P&G came to offer us employment. I had to turn it down because I had a passion to help the youths in my environment. I remember in1994, when ASUU went on strike. It was a long one. So I felt like doing something during the strike. I gathered some students and started preparing them for their WAEC. Because some teachers were missing some key topics in their teachings while in class, I was able to fit in easily and teach them. It was through that the vision of Adams College came. When the strike was called-off I had to go back

to school. The following year, the strike resumed and I resumed the classes. While doing that, some parents advised that I should employ teachers who will look after the centre when the strike was over.

I used to come to Lagos to lecture.

What were challenges you faced shuttling between Lagos and Ile-ife?

They were many. I’ve always dreamed of finishing with a first class. You imagine shuttling between Ile-Ife and Lagos and having to miss some lectures and the risk of travelling over the weekend was also there. Sometimes you get back to school feeling so exhausted. But when I look back at those who have benefited from it, and now excelling in various fields of study, I don’t think I have any regrets. The gains outweigh the challenges I have gone through.

Most people who succeed have a driving force.

Were there times you felt like helping these students?

Yes, there were several occasions.

I remember when we just started in a public school and then there was this policy from government that stopped the use the public school for private tutorials, and being a young man, I had no money to rent an apartment for the class.

We came for lectures one day only for us to be thrown out of the school and locked out. All the students had to follow me behind like Moses leading the children of Israelites to the Promised Land. It was very frustrating. That day, the students and I were confused not knowing what to do because I was still in the university then. Also, many parents became unsupportive and many teachers around were envious of what I was doing. When the name (Adams College) began to spread, they thought I had come to take their students from them. They saw me as a rival.

Have there been allegations of malpractices against the college looking at its success over the years?

The foundation of the college was

based on God and He has been helping. If a student gains admission through he back-door, it will be reviewed when he or she gets into the university. I was one of those who supported the post-JAMB test. Some people were throwing stones at me for supporting it. Since they started post-JAMB examination, most of our students have been gaining admissions easily.

What are the best practices in Adams College?

We educate the total mind of a child, not only to teach but add values to them i.e. moral perspective.

It clear to us that your attitude is your altitude. We teach them on the concept of integrity, making it known to them that hard work pays. In some colleges around, malpractices have been the problem they are facing. If a child knows he or she has to read before passing exams, such a child will become serious and excel in life. Our strong point is Integrity as we don’t get involved in exam malpractices.

•Mofutau

With about 50 qualified members of staff in various fields of study, we work extremely hard, and they’re Master’s degree holders.

The welfare is taken care of. In our college, for instance, there is provision for loan i.e. car loan; Over the years, we have been offering scholarship to students with outstanding results, a following programme to mentor them through school.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

39

EDUCATION

Teachers learn to be leaders T O reward teachers who invest time, skills and energy in coordinating essays and other activities relating to the “We are the Future of Our Nation” initiative, Edumark, an education branding firm, has organised a “thank you” seminar for them.

At the seminar, they were challenged to make a difference.

The seminar, which held at NECA House, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, was anchored by speakers from LEAP Africa, an Non_Governmental organisation (NGO) that focuses on building leadership capacity of Africans to bring about development.

Speaking on “Teacher as an Effective Leader’, the about 120 participants learnt from Ms Mosun Layode, Executive Director of LEAP Africa, that leadership is not a position but an act. As such, she urged them to always conduct their activities with the aim of impacting their pupils positively.

“Leadership is an act not a position.

It is about what you’re doing. You can occupy a position of authority but not be a leader,” she said.

In describing LEAP’s 10 principles

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

of leadership which include making positive changes, self awareness, recognising that anyone can lead among others, Ms Layode counseled the teachers to aim to be great teachers who inspire their pupils to grow in all areas of their lives.

“Help your students to build self confidence. Teachers are a driving force in the lives of their students. You have an opportunity to really touch people. Encourage your pupils to think and learn more; teach them to dream; lead by example and modeling appropriate behaviour,” she said.

During the second session by Mrs Cearl Amayo, an educational consultant, the teachers learnt to “To change the world” after which they were presented with gifts.

The “We are the Future of Our Nation” programme is an initiative started by Edumark to stimulate secondary school pupils to proffer solutions to Nigeria’s problems through essay writing. Every year, pupils from participating schools meet with role models who encourage them to adopt the right attitudes

•Mrs Ogunde (right), Dr Pitan and Ms Layode join teachers to cut a ‘thank you’ cake

to change.

Mrs Yinka Ogunde, Edumark CEO said the teachers appreciation programme was her organisation’s way of thanking the teachers for their help over the years. She hoped that through the seminar, they would

carry Edumark’s core objective of grooming young ones to change Nigeria further.

“The way we can reach all students is through teachers because we cannot go to every school. We hope that what they learn about leadership

would help them model themselves as leaders,” she said.

Former Education and Health Commissioner for Lagos, Dr Leke Pitan chaired the occasion and thanked teachers for their role in grooming young minds.

Ekiti to dismiss teachers aiding exam malpractices

•Dr Ajayi

T

EACHERS caught abetting examination malpractices in Ekiti State will, henceforth be dismissed and prosecuted.

Besides, the affected schools will be derecognised for three years and their names published in national newspapers.

A communiqué issued in AdoEkiti at the end of a meeting with principals and other stakeholders, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Eniola Ajayi, it was agreed that severe sanctions would discourage culprits from engaging in the unwholesome act.

The communiqué also recommended that pupils involved should be immediately suspended from further participation in the exam and made to repeat, if it was an internal examination.

Officials that are implicated

while acting as custodians of question papers should be reported to the headquarters of the examination bodies and handed over to the police.

The meeting had highlighted causes of examination malpractices to include the existence of private coaching centres, desperation of parents to get their children good grades at all cost as well as society influence that encourages the use of mobile phones during examination.

The principals also condemned the concept of automatic promotion for pupils, while agreeing that insufficient personnel coupled with low quality of teachers contribute to the spate of examination malpractices in schools.

Other causes of examination malpractices identified in the communiqué include attachment of promotion of teachers to the performance of students in examinations, inadequate time spent in school to cope with the volume of the curriculum and appointment of unworthy supervisors for the SSC examinations as well as improper handling of question papers by custodians of examinations.

While admitting that some principals provide bad leadership with insufficient supervision and monitoring of their teachers, the Ministry of Education was charged to provide logistics to the Area Education Offices towards ensuring adequate inspection of schools and overall efficiency.

The communiqué called on the state government to set up a task force to curb examination malpractices and embark on a media campaign to sensitize parents of the need to discourage their wards from the act.

Commenting on the outcome of the meeting, Dr Ajayi said principals would henceforth be responsible for the discipline of both students and teachers in their respective schools, stressing that they would be held accountable for all actions and inactions that were not reported in their vicinities.

She assured that government would support all efforts at instilling discipline in schools but warned against abuse of privilege.

New books for special needs children

D

ISTINCT Integrated Services Ltd an education outfits has launched six educational books for children with special needs.

The books were officially unveiled

by Mrs Ima-Mariam Agunbiade, National Coordinator, Helen Doron Group Nigeria, at DIS headquarters in Lekki Lagos. The books are: Learning about Special Education Needs; Montessori Special Education Needs; The Complete Montessori Education; Theory and Practices; Learning about Special Educational Needs in Children; and The 6 PR: Principles of Selling Marketing.

Distinct Integrated Services specialises in children’s education and teacher training. It is also the national franchisor of the Helen Doron, an international education outfit which provides various programmes for children from 0 to18 years on language development and mathematics using teaching methodology that makes use of multi-sensory differentiation, multiple intelligences, positive reinforcements and peripheral learning in teaching.

Displaying the books to reporters last Thursday, Mrs Agunbiade said aside The “6 PR: Principles of Selling and Marketing”, which is ideal for individuals and school owners to learn how to run a successful outfit, the other five books showcase varying ways of dealing with children with special needs.

She urged parents with children with special needs not to keep them at home but enroll them in schools where their innate potentials if discovered early, would help such child

By Adegunle Olugbamila

to be self-reliant in future.

The author said was inspired to publish the books following increased interest on special education needs among teachers especially in view of the policy of inclusion, and because special needs children constitute about 20 per cent of children population worldwide.

She said schools and parents should correct the misconception that children with special needs are the ones with physical or sensory disabilities only.

Said Mrs Agunbiade: “Children with Special Education Needs (SEDs) have been defined beyond the traditional definitions of children with physical and sensory needs to include children with behavioural difficulties, learning difficulties and even gifted children. Given this wide definition, it has become imperative for all teachers and parents to learn about all Special Education Needs and to provide early intervention support that can help to completely eradicate the difficulties or at least give the children opportunities for independent living.”

For instance the Complete Montessori Education book, she stressed, speaks about the woman called Montessori, her profile and methodology of child-centred education which she also explained, highlighted a child’s particular potential which should be identified early for the right learning technique; qualities of an ideal

Montessori teacher; among other things.

In the same vein, Montessori special needs book, identifies the special needs in a child; the right way of applying Montessori teaching techniques for such a child to get him or her to the highest level; identifying a child with no learning ability i.e children with down syndrome or autism and other mental constraints; and how to develop them to live independent when they grow up, among other things.

On the book: Learning about special education needs, Mrs Agunbiade had this to say: “We found out that school proprietors are often reluctant or do not want to admit children with special needs.

The book tells us how to cope with children with special needs in class; how we can teach them like those in the mainstream. The book also gives tips on what a pregnant woman can do to avoid giving birth to a child with special needs.”

She, however, said the outfit’s interest is to tell teachers and school owners that all the aforementioned books now exist and are now available in the market.

Mrs Agunbiade called on state governments particularly Lagos where the outfit is domiciled, to partner with the outfit by procuring the books in large quantity for its pupils. Interested and would be agents, she added, could call at the outfit office located in Helen Doron Centre Eleganza Garden, Lekki, or better still through its various agents across Lagos.

•Mrs Agunbiade displaying one of the books ... last Thursday

“We have been partnering with some schools in Lagos, but we want the government to partner with us in this regard otherwise, we will continue to have a situation where

70 per cent (of pupils) cannot learn in class, not because they lack the ability to learn but because the right methodology to learn in the classrooms are not there,” she said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

40

EDUCATION

WAEC ends marking June 29

T

HE West African Examinations Council (WAEC) will end the main coordination and marking of scripts for the May/June 2011 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) across the country on June 29.

In a statement, WAEC’s Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Mr Yusuf Ari, said the exercise, which started last

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Thursday, is being carried out at 75 venues.

It involves 60,907 examiners comprising 62 chief examiners, 9,158 team leaders and 51,687 assistant examiners.

The coordination meeting of chief examiners and team leaders was

held last Thursday, while those for assistant examiners was held between Friday and Sunday at all the venues.

The marking of scripts will end on the 29th.

The May/June2011 WASSCE was conducted in 12,846 schools nationwide. About 1,540,250 candidates took the exam.

EDUTALK

What manner of exam people?

T

•Somto and Lilian lifting the trophy with a beaming Mrs Oshun by their side

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

Model College tops district competition

I

F every pupil can be like those who represented Lagos State Model Senior College, Kankon, Badagry, at a quiz competition organised by the Education District Five, Agboju, FESTAC, as part of Eko Project, then there is still prospects for education.

Teachers, pupils and guests that watched Somto Muotoe and Lilian Ogbuefi answer questions from the quiz master were impressed by their intelligence.

At the end of three rounds of Mathematics, English and Biology questions, Lagos State Model Senior College, Kankon, representing Badagry, won with 54 points; FESTAC Senior Grammar School, Amuwo Odofin, came second with 51 points, and Isasi Senior Grammar School, Ojo, third with 45 points.

The district’s Director, School Services, Mrs Enitan Oshun, said the programme was organised to enhance reading culture.

Her words: “At the beginning of this year, we thought of what to do to help our pupils in the aspect of

By Seun Olalude

reading; we came up with this quiz competition. We zoned all the schools in the district into four which are Ajif, Amuwo Odofin, Badagry and Ojo. The first and second stages of the competition were done at the zonal level and this is the final.

“I set all the questions using the past questions in Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam (UTME) and

‘I set all the questions using the past questions in Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam (UTME) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) in order to avoid leakage. I can beat my chest that the winners worked for it’

West African Examination Council (WAEC) in order to avoid leakage.

I can beat my chest that the winners worked for it.”

Somto said competitions are of great benefit to pupils.

“At the beginning, I did not want to participate but my teachers encouraged me to and, at the end, I didn’t regret that I did. It has been of great benefit to me and I know if other students are persuaded ton particpate, it will be a blessing to them. I believe very soon government schools will determine the state of education in this country,” he said.

The Vice Principal, Mr Idowu Akinpelu, said competitions go a long way to improve the standard of education.

His words: “This competition goes a long way to prepare pupils for higher standard of education.

The pupils are always preparing for one competition or the other which is helpful in their academics. Very soon, there would be great performance from the state schools.”

School lifts up patients’ spirits

P

UPILS of Wellspring College, Omole, Lagos, lit up the faces of the children patients at Massey Street Children’s hospital during the commemoration of the Children’s Day. They gave out items such as toiletries, beverages and stationery to the patients. The nurses and parents of the patients prayed for the pupils as they distributed the gifts.

This is not the first time that the College, which believes in charity, embarked on the exercise.

According to the Principal, Mrs

Oluwayemisi Oloriade, the purpose was to strengthen and encourage the children at this trying period in their life.

She said: “May 27th is set aside by the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) for all countries to re-awaken themselves to the rights and needs of children. Children engage in various activities to commemorate the occasion. Unfortunately, many children are unable to take part in the joy of the moment because of painful circumstances. For this

reason, we have brought the celebration here to kids who have been deprived of the joy of the occasion by one ailment or the other. We are here to raise their hope and make them understand that, despite their conditions, they are still our hope for a better society.”

Speaking on behalf of the hospital management, the Apex Matron, Mrs Theresa Yaboo, thanked the school for its kind gesture and encouraged the school to keep up the good work.

with

HE war against examination malpractice cannot solely be Kofoworola won by the introduction of innovative strategies by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) every year. Yes, Kofosagie@yahoo.com strategies to catch fraudsters are 08054503077 (SMS only) good and I will encourage the board to continue to fine tune its processes every year. Surely, with all the measures introduced, especially since the time Prof Dibu Ojerinde has been in charge of the body, the integrity of the examination has improved. I am not saying there has been no malpractice, but there is a semblance of sanity in centres, unlike previously when chaos reigned.

I can remember the first time I covered the examination then known as Universities Matriculation Examination (UME) in 2005. The environment at the centre I visited in Agege was less than tranquil. I was appalled by the level of examination malpractice that occurred. Some candidates came one hour to the end of the examination and were not perturbed that they were late. Mercenaries had a field day jumping the school fence, running behind the building and using any other innovative way to gain entry into the halls to service their ‘clients’.

At the end, some candidates whose supplier, one Passman, failed to show up when they needed him most could barely write anything.

Looking back today, I am surprised they did not lynch him when he finally appeared given the heavy investments of about N20,000 they made. But what struck me most was that young energetic men and women could be so helpless all because they failed to use their brains.

However, in the past three years, examinations at the school have been peaceful – thanks to a principal who does not condone fraud, and strategies introduced by JAMB. Despite these noble efforts, covering the second Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) last Saturday made me realise that the battle is far from over. The influence of humans will continue to be a strong factor in how much the integrity of the examination will be protected. If JAMB officials, centre supervisors, coordinators and invigilators do not collude with candidates, a lot of the problems we face today will be set right.

The biometric screening – though imperfect this time – nevertheless did a good job of checking impersonation. However, whatever happens in each class is dependent on how invigilators decide to play the game. And since there are no CCTV cameras in each class, JAMB’s influence only ends at the gate. It is only those invigilators that are highly principled that would not condone malpractice in any form.

They are the ones who thwart efforts by candidates to use phones, talk or import contrabands into the halls. However, there are not many teachers in this class. The majority would ‘help’ candidates to cheat for a reward, while there are some others who may not collect money from candidates but look the other side when they cheat. In one of the centres I visited, while interviewing the Supervisor, he said candidates were made to submit phones to their invigilators. However, an official of the National Security and Civil Defense Corps spoke up immediately and said she wrote down the numbers of three candidates she caught using their phones to receive answers. When the supervisor followed her to confirm, the invigilator in one of the classes claimed to have seen when the NSCDC personnel collected and returned the phone to the candidate. For doing nothing as an invigilator, she was culpable.

When I listen to candidates talk about the examination, I am shocked that they condemn invigilators who refuse to allow them cheat and praise those who ‘cooperate’. This is very sad. It simply means our young ones do not believe in hard work. Many of the candidates do not work but depend on parents and other family members for their upkeep.

I do not understand why they cannot study for their examinations. I do not understand why they must depend on shameless teachers to help them cheat to pass when it is more exciting to work hard and reap the fruit of your labours through grades you can defend.

To do better next year, I would advocate that JAMB embarks on a campaign that will focus on encouraging candidates to prepare properly for the examination. The examining body needs to demystify the examination; to tell candidates that preparing for the examination is no big deal; they do not need to have two heads to pass.

The Board also needs to select the ad-hoc staff it uses for the examination carefully. Supervisors, coordinators and invigilators should pass the integrity test before they are saddled with the responsibility of conducting this all important examination. The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) needs to be strengthened like the National Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

These associations are able to sanction doctors and lawyers who engage in malpractices. They are prosecuted, suspended, or even struck off the register when they abuse their oaths of office.

Teachers who disregard the ethics of the teaching profession by supporting malpractices need to be so treated.

Belo-Osagie

‘The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) needs to be strengthened like the NBA and the NMA. These associations are able to sanction doctors and lawyers who engage in malpractices. Teachers who disregard the ethics of the teaching profession by supporting malpractices need to be so treated’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

NATION SPORT

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EUROPEAN TRANSFER...EUROPEAN TRANSFER...EUROPEAN TRANSFER...

Hamburg denies Chelsea Elia bid

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AMBURG insist they have not had any approaches for winger Eljero Elia, a target for Chelsea.

Netherlands international Elia, who was part of the squad which reached the World Cup final in South Africa last summer, is also on the radar of Liverpool and Italian side Juventus.

Despite plenty of interest in the player, whose contract runs until June 2014, Hamburg are adamant that he remains part of the club's future plans.

"I am able to confirm we definitely received nothing from Chelsea FC with regards to Eljero Elia," club spokesman Jorn Wolf told theNordwest-Zeitung newspaper.

"There is no bid on the table and there are no negotiations taking place between the clubs.

"We also have not received any bid from any other club for Eljero Elia.

"He is an important player

T

•Elia

“Having said that, he is relaxed. He wants to get married and has every intention of staying at Lazio.”

•Zarate

Rossi 'not just wanted by Juve'

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ARCELONA appear to have given up on Giuseppe Rossi, but his agent notes “there are many clubs interested, not just Juventus.”

The Villarreal and Italy star is eager to join a top club after impressing in La Liga and at international level this term.

He had been on the verge of joining Barcelona, but that move collapsed when they turned their attention towards Udinese’s Alexis Sanchez.

“I spoke to Giuseppe yesterday. He’s relaxed on

•Rossi

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•Cisse

Cisse’s decision rests with club

Zarate laughs off Man City links HE 20m euros-rated Mauro Zarate is said to be of interest to Manchester City, but his agent insists “he wants to stay at Lazio.”

The Argentine striker has had numerous problems over the past season with Coach Edy Reja, fuelling reports of a move abroad.

Manchester City are particularly intrigued by the 24-year-old, while Atletico Madrid see him as an ideal replacement for Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero.

“Maurito is certainly a player who is popular on the transfer market and his value is around 20m euros,” explained agent Giuseppe Bozzo.

Flamini eyes new Milan deal

for us and he is well within our plans for the new season."

Several clubs were thought to be lining up bids of around £10m for Elia during the winter transfer window.

The 24-year-old has scored seven goals in 48 Bundesliga appearances since joining from FC Twente for £7.5 million two years ago.

vacation and is not thinking about these things right now,” agent Federico Pastorello told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“We need to wait and see how the various transfer negotiations play out.

“Do Juventus like him? I think a player of Rossi’s qualities is always going to be soughtafter. There are many clubs interested, not just Juventus.

“The fact remains he has a five-year contract with Villarreal and is happy to have signed it. For the rest, we’ll have to see.”

S

ENEGAL striker Papiss Cisse is again being linked with a move away from Freiburg.

The second highest scorer in the 2010/11 Bundesliga has frequently been reported as a target for Sunderland.

But Freiburg, who said Blackburn bid for Cisse in May, are understood to be unwilling to part with the 26year-old for anything less than 15m euros (£13.3m).

Cisse has again admitted that the Premier League is appealing after watching compatriot Demba Ba settle in

England with West Ham and now Newcastle.

However, he recognises that the decision rests with his current club, as he said: "I am a big fan of the Premier League.

"My friend, Demba Ba, has done well there. All players love the premier league. One day I could be there, but there are also teams here (Germany) who want me so you never know.

"My club will have to decide to sell me, if not I will be here next season at least and I have to confirm my scoring ability."

Drenthe in the dark over Benfica move

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EAL Madrid-owned winger Royston Drenthe has said he knows nothing of a potential switch to Benfica as part of the deal for Fabio Coentrao.

Madrid were said to have revised their offer for the 23year-old Coentrao with 25m euros plus Drenthe heading to Portugal.

Drenthe was linked with the Eagles last year, but ended up with Hercules on loan. His loan deal will expire at the end of the month, and he will return to Madrid with a year remaining on his contract.

But the Dutchman is unaware of a move to Benfica.

Speaking to Voetball international, he said: "I don't know anything. I'm not thinking about this."

He joined the Bernabeu

outfit in 2007, but has not been able to settle in the capital city.

I

the right time has arrived, but I want to stay a long time at Milanello.

"After winning the league title this year, I want to try to win the Champions League."

•Flamini

Storari staying at Juventus

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ARCO Storari will remain at Italian giants Juventus despite being linked with three Serie A clubs.

“My client is staying with the Bianconeri,” agent Claudio Vigorelli told Sportal.

Storari’s future in Turin has been the subject of speculation as he is currently secondchoice behind Italian international Gigi Buffon.

He’s been linked with both Rome clubs seeing as Lazio and Roma are searching for a new goalkeeper ahead of 2011-12.

The veteran has also been paired with Genoa who may be considering a replacement for Portugal No 1 Eduardo.

The experienced Storari joined Juventus last summer as a replacement for the injured Buffon after he picked up a serious injury at World Cup 2010.

The former Sampdoria and Milan man was relegated to

the bench though once the Italian returned to action at the start of 2011.

The 34-year-old has had a varied career given his spells at Ladispoli, Perugia, Montevarchi, Ancona, Napoli, Messina, Levante, Cagliari, Fiorentina, Milan and Sampdoria.

•Storari

'Hamsik worth more than Pato'

•Drenthe

Lucio wants Inter extension NTER Milan defender Lucio has called on the club to show they trust him by offering a new deal until 2014.

The Brazilian centre-back turned 33 last month and has been linked with a move away from the San Siro, with Spanish outfit Malaga among the clubs keen to acquire his services.

Lucio's current contract expires next summer and Inter are reportedly only prepared to award him a oneyear extension, but he would like two.

"I want to remain at Inter but with the condition that my contract is extended until June 2014," Lucio told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I trust in Inter Milan, I'm sure that the club will build a team capable of winning everything again.

"But (club president Massimo) Moratti has to trust me, not look at my date of birth. I still have such force and hunger for success."

Lucio, who joined Inter from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2009, maintains that he would only be prepared to leave for another

ATHIEU Flamini is eager to earn a contract extension at AC Milan.

The French midfielder's current deal expires next summer but he has just enjoyed his best season yet for Milan since his free transfer from Arsenal in 2008.

The 27-year-old scored twice in 20 league appearances to help the Italian giants win their first Scudetto since 2004.

Now the former Marseille man feels the Rossoneri are ready for a tilt at European glory next season and he hopes to earn a new deal at the San Siro.

"It is my intention to remain at this club and extend my agreement with Milan," he told the Corriere dello Sport.

"There is no rush though, we will speak in the future when

top club and has ruled out a switch to Malaga.

"I'm not going to Malaga. I'm not looking for a good last contract and money," he said.

"I want to win big trophies. I am convinced that we will find an agreement with Inter.

"These aren't strange requests. I just want a contract until 2014. My agent will surely reach agreement with the company about money.

"If I did leave Inter I would go to another club that has the will to win the Champions League."

•Lucio

N

APOLI President Aurelio De L a u r e n t i i s commented on Erik Lamela and insisted “Marek Hamsik is worth more than Alexandre Pato.”

There have been continual stories of Milan’s links with Hamsik, who many have suggested is the mysterious ‘Mister X’ of the summer, especially after Napoli showed an interest in potential replacement Lamela.

“I like Lamela, but only as a future prospect or investment. He is certainly not a priority for right now,” he told Radio Marte.

“Articles in the newspaper are fine, but reality is a different matter.”

There was also a rumour that Milan could offer Brazilian striker Pato in exchange for the Slovak international.

“If you don’t mind me saying, Hamsik is worth more than Pato. I wouldn’t even accept a straight swap.”

De Laurentiis also urged the local council to hurry its work on the San Paolo stadium ahead of Champions League competition.

“We have made it clear to the new administration that this is an urgent matter, because the UEFA

regulations to take part in the Champions League are very clear. Without certain adjustments, we would not be able to play there, which would be a tragedy for the club and fans.

“Imagine NapoliBarcelona played somewhere other than the San Paolo. We also have some international friendlies lined up. If we invite Real Madrid, Boca Juniors or Aston Villa, how embarrassing will it be to have a stadium still under construction?”

•Hamsik

SLIDING TACKLE

“We will surely go for the three points and will not mind whose ox is gored. Heartland are not in their best of form, we cannot help it by compromising with the three points. They are still viewed by us as a great team, but we are not going to underrate them. We are preparing and strategizing to take them squarely. I have already told my boys to concentrate and not allow their away victory over Crown to enter into their heads,” Thursday, June 23, 2011

42

NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE...NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE...

Akwa United wins appeal against 3SC •NFF Appeals Committee orders Adamawa, Dalkat replay

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HE Appeal Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday upheld the appeal of National League club, Akwa United FC of Uyo against the decision of the Disciplinary Committee which last week awarded their Federation Cup Round of 59 match to Premier League side, 3SC of Ibadan.

On Thursday last week, the Disciplinary Committee had

awarded the match, played in Minna on June 14, to 3SC on the strength of Akwa United’s failure to present players’ licenses before the game.

However, the Appeals Committee headed by Barrister Ibrahim Eddy Mark upheld Akwa’s appeal and resolved that the result of the match, won by Akwa United 4-2 on penalties, should stand.

This means Akwa United

FC will move to the Round of 32 of the 2011 Federation Cup competition at the expense of 3SC. In another decision, the NFF Appeals Committee decided that a Nigeria National League match between Adamawa United FC and Dalkat FC of Kano, played in Jalingo on Lay 10, 2011 should be replayed.

The Committee established a case of force

majure to reverse the earlier decision of the Disciplinary Committee. The replay will now take place within 21 days of the decision, and Adamawa United Fc will pay the cost of N200,000 to Dalkat FC as cost for the replay. The Management of Adamawa FC also received a warning to tidy up its organization and prosecution of matches.

Lobi Stars assistant coach, John Zaki insisting his team will show no mercy on Heartland FC when they clash for week 29 game.

Lobi will show no mercy on Heartland

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OBI Stars have told Heartland not to expect sympathy from them in the Week 29 game billed for the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi this weekend.

Lobi, who got full points from Crown in llaro, Ogun State on Sunday will want to compound the woes of the Owerri-based team that have witnessed a free fall of late.

Insisting that there is no room for sympathy in the game of football, John Zaki who is assistant coach at Lobi, told SuperSport.com that they are going for the three points at stake though it will further drag the 2009 Orange CAF Champions League finalists close to the drop zone.

“We will surely go for the three points and will not mind whose ox is gored. Heartland are not in their best of form, we cannot help it by compromising with the three points.

“They are still viewed by us as a great team, but we are not going to underrate them. We are

preparing and strategizing to take them squarely.

“I have already told my boys to concentrate and not allow their away victory over Crown to enter into their heads,” Zaki said.

The former Nigerian international who informed that his players are hundred per cent fit for the encounter, hinted that it is still his target to finish among the top four at the end of the current season.

“My players are 100% fit, not even a single injury worry among them. We are still committed towards finishing among the top four.

“It will be tough no two ways about it. But we are working very hard to see that we achieve it. That will surely make my day,” he said.

Lobi will not be party to the mid-week Federation Cup games across the country as they still have a pending protest.

There will be no league games this Wednesday, as Matchday 29 fixtures will hold this weekend.

Wikki, Ranchers look good for NPL return

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•3SC goal scorer Owolabi Raheem (right) battles with Bukola Babes Kingsley Salami on Saturday

OTH teams were relegated alongside Gateway United and Bayelsa United from the Nigeria Premier League at the close of the 2009/2010 season and a late attempt for all four teams to retain their Premier League status failed to yield dividend.

Wikki and Ranchers have 39 points each, but the Bauchi side is on top of the log due to superior goals difference.

However, Wikki has played 22 matches, while Kaduna based Ranchers has played 21 matches.

In fact, the sudden departure of former coach, Justin Tenger, for top flight action at Niger Tornadoes has not affected the team.

Two former top flight teams El-Kanemi and Jigawa Golden Stars are also tied on 37 points.

El-Kanemi goalkeeper, Itodo Akor, told SuperSport.com that his team will fight till the last day of the league.

“We’re just two points behind Wikki and Ranchers, so it’s not yet over. It’s going to be a photo-

finish which is good for the league,” the goalkeeper said to SuperSport.com.

Mighty Jets and Adamawa United, two former top flight teams are struggling to retain their professional status. The duo lie in the drop zone and might be relegated to the amateur ranks if the situation remains unchanged.

Ironically, while Wikki and Ranchers are having a smooth campaign, it’s a different story for Bayelsa and Gateway in Division B. Bayelsa lie 6th on the log with 35 points from 21 matches and Gateway are 10th with 30 points from 23 matches.

SuperSport.com learnt that the frequent crisis at the Yenogoa based side has affected their position on the log, despite the presence of several top stars who agreed to go down with the team.

Former top flight teams, Akwa United and Prime, are also on top in Division B.

Enyimba qualifies for Fed Cup group stage

F

ORMER champions, Enyimba has qualified for the group stages of the Federation’s Cup. The People’s Elephants defeated First Bank of Lagos 5-4 on penalties on Tuesday after full and regulation time ended 1-1 in Uyo. Ifeanyi Ede thought he had won it for the reigning Nigeria Pemier League (NPL) champions when he headed Valentine Nwabili’s cross into the net on 77 minutes.

First Bank, however,

battled back and leveled the scores at the death to take the game into extra time.

There was no further scoring from both sides in the next 30 minutes and penalties were required to decide the winners. First Bank blinked first as the Enyimba keeper, Chijioke Ejiogu saved the fifth spot kick of the Bankers to hand the Elephants a spot in the group stages.

“It was a very tough game and the boys had to give their all. Penalties are never

predictable so we very happy to have won in the end,” a relieved Coach of Enyimba, Okey Emordi told SuperSport.com.

Premier League club, Ocean Boys also progressed to the group stages after edging out Dynamites 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shootout. Goalkeeper, Iboro Akpakpan was the hero of the hour as he saved seven penalties to send his side through to the last 16.

Regulation had ended 1-1 after Eddy Ongo had put the

Yenagoa side in front with a smart finish. The unheralded side equalized soon after to take the game to penalties.

Warri Wolves also required penalties to overcome neigbours, Insurance 4-2 after regulation time saw scores stand at 0-0.

Kwara United won 1-0 against Jigawa Stars in Minna to progress to the round of 16.

•Anyansi Agwunew

Akwa lost their Premier League status at the end of the 2008/2009 season, Prime dropped out of the elite class in 2008.

After 23 matches, Akwa United have 40 points and second placed Prime have 38 points from the same number of matches.

However, the battle is yet to be won with the duo of Bridge Boys (38 points) and Abia Warriors (37 points) doing well to push for promotion.

Former CAF and WAFU champions, Bendel Insurance are struggling for survival. The season has been shambolic for Insurance, one of the oldest teams in the country.

Fondly called the ‘Benin Arsenals,’ Insurance are 12th on the log and lie just one point above the drop zone.

Like Insurance, former NPL side, Gabros International, are also struggling to cope with tough times in the division.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

43

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Who regulates the regulator?- Report card on the Nigerian market reform ‘Above was the market summary of what happened to the operations of Nigerian stock/capital market when it crashed, which can be expatiated backwards into the issues of Estate/ Properties market in America, their bonds and hedge funds, etc, before the Federal Government of Nigeria through the CBN rolled out its strategy and reforms; in other words its own ambulance. In any case, the question is, is it working?’

(Follow-up on the recurrent topic of the CBN-Market Reforms, first appeared in this column on the same subject as “MARKET REFORMS; Obeying Compliance and Resistance forces” (25/11/10)”.

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HE proposed Access-Intercontinental M&A evokes the ambience of a typical Nigerian wedding at the Registry. Two suitors are seated sizing up each other, while a statement on their behalf is ringing out on the audience, asking anyone who objects to speak up. Everyone (especially the bride and family) is put on the edge of their seats because, as they say, “you never can tell with these (fast Nigerian) guys”. Well-wishers always hope against the odd one voice of ill-luck. It is reported that venue is even given ‘environmental scanning’, in order not to take anything for granted, especially at celebrity weddings.

Throwing money at crisis Arguably the “Access-Intercontinental M & A” which may be consummated next month, has such celebrity status, for many reasons. Weddings or M&A are a regular feature of society or market, but in Nigeria there is a forboding micro environment factor to consider. The wedding was probably not in the radar two years ago when the capital market reforms began.

Following the global financial crisis that swamped Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi the CBN Governor sought for and got the Senate-FG approval for N400billion bail-out fund, to create a template for ‘a prophilaxis’(a la Akin Oyebode). At least to tide the capital markets over for a period and avert a contagion, while other systemic processes (of non-compliance that had precipitated the pandemic) was tidied up. Strategic management in this period presupposed that a lot of other actions would be happening simultaneously. Otherwise any wrong acts would create a multiplied variation, going forward. As Prof. Akin Oyebode had noted, “Whether it is called a stimulus, bail-out or recovery package, the truth of the matter is that throwing money at the current crisis without interrogating its underlying causes can only guarantee temporary relief”.

Today, market reports indicate that that relief is blown. No doubt Sanusi prognosticated correctly the Nigerian banking sector and came up with eight blazing points- problem and antidote- about the malfeasances he discovered, and how to deal with them, but his prescriptions turned out for the mandarins of the corporate boardrooms, like the well-known answers in the back page of Larcomb, the sixth-former Arithmetics book. Eniola Bello (This Day newspaper) called them “Corporate Area Boys” (of Nigeria). The exercise was all systemic! Exactly why running around with those facts in two years have yielded such variants as the AccessIBPLC M&A. Meanwhile the two suitors are looking furtively around for signs that may be inimical to the marriage. Even if the nuptial happens, it

would look more like the bail-out of the apex bank itself. On the war front she faces two opponents: the venom of divested operators and investors and a battered capital market gasping from financial hemorrhage. The Regulator faces the challenge of self validation, especially having promised so robustly, verbally and otherwise, but deliver so slim; which is a paradox.

But what happened?

Connecting to stakeholder’s theory There are a number of factors that connect all the conflicting interests in a nation’s economy together; they have to be wedded by a practiced Regulator in order to re-invent that market, especially after it had just been declared bankrupt. Central to that is the Stakeholder Theory.

In principle it comes with the Libertarian’s heart, and make the jailing of an errant bank chief create its own positive value into the system, not simply again for the devil. Certainly some experts strive to achieve a seamless victory. Although United Nations (2005) prefer its definition of Corporate Governance as “the set of mechanisms through which outsider investors are protected from expropriation by insiders”, A. G Monks and Nell Minow conclude that “Corporate Governance now and forever will be properly understood as an element of risk; risk for investors, whose interests may not be protected by ineffectual or corrupt managers and directors, and risk for employees, communities, lenders, suppliers and customers as well.”

In other words, everyone is one way or the other involved, by equity.

Therefore working out a CG solution at any point presupposes a thorough consideration of all the stakeholders, analysing which one is weak relative to the others, and which to protect for whatever reasons from who, and being cognisant of how to. A Regulator develops own language within the context of these ramified factors, in order to reflect ultimately what is the local preference. Within the bigger context of “Divergence-Convergence” issues in the world, the Regulator is an instrument for engendering a virile local economy in context with the bigger, macro environment; since he knows how to apply the relevant drivers that grow his local economy. Nigerians saw a demonstration of this recently when the Central Bank reacted sharply to the IMF suggestion to devalue the naira.

Managing crises or leading the market Above was the tenor precisely eight months ago (25th November, 2010), when this column delved into the topic, “MARKET REFORMS: Obeying Compliance and Resistance forces”. By corporate governance prophecy it was easy to see that CBN would come to the rough patches of this moment; albeit hoping that the Regulator had all the time to re-invent its strategies and apply its regulatory powers perfectively in order to avoid the worst. In fairness to the Governor though, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi tried to divine the truth for the task ahead of him, by raising alarm to the academia, but no help came, unfortunately. There are no Business schools

ahead of the dilemma in Nigeria. Therefore the business polity remains corporately illiterate, in the popular words of Alvin Tofler, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn”.

At the 2010 Convocation of the Bayero University Kano, the CBN Governor had called on the academics and university dons to close that distance between the Ivory tower and the corporate business community, rather than leave business analysis and interpretation of events to charlatans and half-bred journalists, in order to chase away the corrupt and evil ring holding Nigeria to ransome; a cry which he repeated one year after in another southern university. Earlier on the famous ‘London Road show’, Atedo Peterside had introduced the CBN Governor: “A seasoned and knowledgeable economist and professional banker/risk manager with impeccable credentials, including a penchant for telling the truth..”

What more could Nigeria ask for? Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is also a patriot and a visioner.

The “Kotter’s model” could cheaply have supplied a vision to turn Nigeria’s deepest moments to a mountain-top experience, that would require leadership and not great managers, that is. Risk Management is an aspect of economic governance that has become virtually central to political economy of nations, in response to the tempo of change that is taking over the whole world today. But new factors and surprises are popping up every other day, to the extent that structuralists are now frustrated at the number of theorems that have failed so far in their hands. This millennium is re-inventing itself no doubt, even Change is changing.

Interrogating the market windows Therefore there are two roads open before the managers of corporate governance in Nigeria and one is a sub-sect of the other: the micro (MDGapproach) and the UN-Macro factors approach.

One leads to the other but both have to be happening at the same time. Therefore while the local reformers are navigating through the maze of developmental issues (in accordance to MDG) in order to create a clement environment for business to thrive, the corporate managers are looking up to ‘world’s best practices’. But Corporate Governance experts: Institutions, Regulators, Academics, Enforcers, et al, have to deal with the Methodology of mixing the CG options available, in order to enact a virile liaison between the two environments. These experts have an understanding of the ruling macro world, but they also have the knowledge of how to interrogate what is available in a locale (like Nigeria) and employ the most expedient strategies to get a maximum compliance to corporate governance.

However there has to be a Sponsor (what makes a sponsor:-Knowledge, resources, varied influences, etc). In the stakeholder mapping about Nigerian estate for example who takes the biggest chunk of positive from a CG-proficient political economy? It’s the Nigerian government.

And actually she has started sponsoring, perhaps by a faulty approach, and evidently within a deficient structure. Following the UN-macro template however Regulation cannot be effective in an uncultivated terrain, and any Enforcement would be outright unfair if there was no structure in place; etc, etc. As a matter of fact Nigeria needs a Culture Audit to ascertain the availability of these structures first, before asking whether the ambulance services of CG are effectual.

All over the world CG arrived as an ambulance service put together by governments at the unheralded gale of scandals of massive proportion in some big corporations that should spell doom for the global economy by its

GBENGA OGUNSAKIN domino effects. UK sponsored the Adrian Cadbury Commission to look into the cause and implication of this in the British environment, producing in the process a document that could not bite. The United States went slightly further to carve up the Sarbanes-Oxley into an Act. The academia later began to study these streams and strands, into what is gradually coming up today as a discipline of CG. But without the interest of the initial Sponsors there would be more confusion really. Each had started by trying to mind its own environment, but it was made easier because there was pre-existing structure in those environments.

Nigeria is an emerging economy without acceptable structure. However its market operators are not innocent, having being exposed to certain possibilities of the structured market outside, but without a compelling rod of its discipline: no strict tax regime, no reliable dispensation of the rule of law, the cost of breaking rules seeming more attractive than compliance, and the under-running market mentality (in both environments) actually encouraged sleaze and fleecing, as summarised by Monks and Minow, “Just as people will always be imaginative and aggressive in……… Scam artists used to use faxes to entice suckers into Ponzi schemes and Nigerian fortunes. Now they use e-mail. Or sometimes they use audited financial reports.”

In other words, Monks and Minow, a respected voice of the new paradigm of Corporate Governance are particularly aware of the Nigerian market and its operators. And that the intelligent operators mentioned here have got some idea of the macro environment and what obtains in the market, and know they can use that in the local environment to maximise their profit endlessly under the lax regime. Hear them about the general behaviour of the market, “If the rising tide of a bull market……If the directors and executives were smart, they recognised what was going on and used the access to fund their next steps. If they were not as smart, they thought they deserved their success. If they were really dumb, they thought it would go on forever.”

Above was the market summary of what happened to the operations of Nigerian stock/capital market when it crashed, which can be expatiated backwards into the issues of Estate/Properties market in America, their bonds and hedge funds, etc, before the Federal Government of Nigeria through the CBN rolled out its strategy and reforms; in other words its own ambulance.

In any case, the question is, is it working?

• To be continued next week

• Gbenga Ogunsakin Email:greenhavenfoundation@gmail.com tel: 08037250343

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

Dry bulk market turns red again on vessel oversupply

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HE dry bulk entered this week on a negative turn, with the industry’s benchmark the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) retreating by 0.35 per cent to end the session down to 1,418 points. Still, sentiment was mixed between the various ship types and markets, with Capesizes faring better than smaller vessels and finally edging ever so closer to the Panamax market, in terms of average daily earnings. Yesterday, the Baltic Capesize Index (BCI) was higher by 0.66 per cent to 1,836

points. This, combined with the Panamax’s market retreat by 1.62 per cent to 1,883 points meant that the two larger vessel types are ever so close. During the previous months, the panamaxes earning more than their larger counterparts has been a typical “abnormality of the market”, on the back of higher supply of capesize vessels.

In a relative report, Paris-based Barry Rogliano Salles mentioned that the Capesize market was the sole positive positive performer

this week, with the BCI up five per cent, while all the other segments suffered losses. The BPI lost almost one per cent to finish at 1914 points, while the BSI and the BHSI lost two per cent to 1319 and to 734 respectively. On the Capesize market, the report noted that “after a soft start to the week, rates picked up and the BCI finished Friday at 1824 points, and the 4TC at $10,120 – a nine per cent increase on the previous week. The Atlantic saw a good recovery with rates going up seven-eight per cent, while

Hedland-Qingdao also saw a small boost. There were also some signs of a pick-up in China coal demand with fixtures being quoted for longer haul routes. The period market continues to soften, however, and a 171,000 tonner was fixed for 9-11 months with China delivery at $10,250 per day, a new low for the market.

The market is also seeing a drop in demolition rates in the Indian sub-continent, signaling that the supply of tonnage going for scrap may now be taking its toll on prices” said BRS.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

44

e-Business The government seems to be confused on the way out of frequent bomb blasts. It has taken steps to address the issue, but it appears they are not comprehensive enough to deter the perpetrators.

Experts believe that with technology, all hope is not lost, ADLINE ATILI reports

How to stop bomb blasts with ICT, by experts D ESPITE all efforts to curtail the unwholesome act, bomb blasts keep occurring at a frightening pace. There seems to be no part of the country that is safe from the perpetrators of the dastardly act, who strike at will and disappear into thin air. The government unveiled measures to track down the masterminds who appear to always be a step ahead of the authorities.

Since the October 1 bomb blast at the Eagle Square, Abuja, more explosions have followed in different parts of the country. The most embarrassing and albeit, most daring so far, was last Thursday’s suicide bombing of the Police Headquarters, Abuja. The suicide bomber nearly succeeded in his mission, if not that he was diverted to the car park by a police officer who did not know he was in the presence of an evil doer. The officer died along with the suicide bomber when the bomb went off in the park, destroying over 70 vehicles.

How can these incessant blasts be stopped?

Has the government been up and doing in curbing these acts of terror?

An expert in security technology and former President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, has warned that the increasing spate of bomb blasts may not be effectively addressed and perpetrators brought to book if the government fails to put in place appropriate Information and Communications Technology-based safety measures to enhance the automation of national security operations.

Ekuwem blamed the growing insecurity in part, on the slow pace of relevant government agencies to deploy advanced technologies that would enhance effective security surveillance, monitoring and policing.

"They are not responding fast to the concerns of the President to keep Nigeria safe and secure. The President has made security one of his top priorities," he said.

Ekuwem condemned last Thursday’s incident and others that took place before it, saying until the government appreciates the viability of installing hi-tech scanning devices in strategic locations, security breaches will continue unabated for a long time.

He said: "The simple fact that the security agencies could not detect the passage of the bomb devices in a car into the Force headquarters of all places is a clear indication that much still needs to be done to improve our security surveillance, monitoring and policing operations.

“Nigeria has a very robust ICT industry with enough experts to help the government devise water-tight security across the country, but one wonders why these relevant government agencies are not keen on taking advantage of the enormous power of ICT to leverage our national security operations as it is the case in advanced countries of the world.

“There are modern technologies such Vehicle and Cargo Scanning System (VACIS) that enable the scanning of every piece of cargo, container, truck and vehicle that enters Nigeria at the seaports, airports and inland border posts.

Even if criminals weld the explosives or bombs into the panel or chassis of the vehicles, the scanners will pick them out.

“The scanning radiation can penetrate six inches of concrete and very thick steel. The vehicle-mounted mobile ones will periodically or at a tip-off, go on city scanning patrols. They can capture the number plates, biometrics of the driver as well as photographs and video clips of each port and border crossing into Nigeria by any cargo, container, truck, tanker or vehicle.

“They can scan on specific highways within Nigeria, roads, check-points, inland waterways, streets and roads leading to and en-

trances to big complexes such as government agencies and parastatals."

He explained that the scanned bulk material data, image and video can be monitored insitu as well as remotely, with outputs stored locally and remotely while stored data can be accessed remotely on a password-restricted basis.

He emphasised that when such security surveillance and monitoring facilities are installed in all major or strategic locations throughout Nigeria, security operatives will be able to detect and intercept bombs, explosives, arms and ammunition as well as criminals.

According to him, there are fixed and mobile gamma and x-ray scanning devices that could be installed at strategic locations to monitor vehicles and persons with a view to checking the movement of dangerous weapons.

Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation of high frequency that can be used to scan containers.

Ekuwem maintained that other security breaches could be curbed if our security agencies could avail themselves of advanced ICTbased security technologies that are built to enhance intrusion sensing and detection, national identity data capture and management,

biometrics data capture and storage, villagewide and city-wide surveillance for crime monitoring, detection and investigation.

He said: “When a person's biometrics are captured and cross-checked against a national criminal database at check-in counters of airports, hotels, bus stations, institutions of learning, by political parties while processing aspirants forms, by religious institutions and social clubs, then ICT will ensure that there are no hiding places for criminals, we will drive them underground or help put them behind bars where they truly belong.”

Ekuwem, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Teledom Group, however stressed this could be possible only if an enabling legislative environment is in place to ensure this is achieved.

"ICT can help, with enabling legislations by the National Assembly, to intercept criminal discussions and conversations in our ICT networks by criminals prior to or during or after crimes. ‘’We can enable the retention by telecoms operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs)of call data and catch word-specific Internet and Intranet content for a reasonably long period of time to aid criminal investigations when queried by appropriate software engines. ‘’This will check crime at the planning stages

‘The simple fact that the security agencies could not detect the passage of the bomb devices in a car into the Force Headquarters of all places is a clear indication that much still needs to be done to improve our security surveillance, monitoring and policing operations’

and place our security operatives ahead of criminals' activities," Ekuwem added.’’

Speaking in the same vein, Manager, Energy Sector, Cisco Systems Nigeria, Mr Chuks Mba noted that installing ICT devices in public places is the only way crime can be effectively tackled.

He added that apart from providing protection for lives and property, these devices serve as a deterrent to criminally-minded individuals.

Mba, who was speaking in Lagos at a press conference on security, said: “Criminals capitalise on the fact that they cannot be seen. But in the event that a surveillance camera sees them, it becomes a different ball game. So, it’s a proactive measure to guard against unwholesome activities of criminals.

“For instance, telecoms companies keep complaining of theft and vandalism of their base stations, which are usually located in remote and isolated places.

“If on top of these towers, there’s a surveillance camera to monitor movements, the robber would not know and his image would be captured.”

In September 2010, at the Teledom Group security summit in Lagos, participants called for urgent deployment of effective ICT-based security systems to enable security agencies stay ahead of criminal elements in the country. Most participants at the summit blamed the lack of political will on the part of the government to combat criminals headlong regardless of how highly placed or influential they are in the society.

Ekuwem said: "Without holding brief for government, I think the delay in procurement of the scanning systems may have to do with bureaucracy, need for due process and availability of budget via proper appropriation."

He expressed hope that in future, scanning machines will be installed on highways and public buildings nation-wide.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

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e-Business

Fed Govt urged to establish innovation council

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IRECTOR-General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr Umar Bindir has called for the setting up of a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) council chaired by the President and governors, to ensure sustained economic growth.

Speaking on the topic: Reorganising the Nigerian society using ICT for sustained economic growth, at the 2011 Nigeria Information Technology Exhibition (NITEX), organised by the Nigeria Computer Society, Bindir said for information technology to be effectively implemented there must be an active national ICT policy.

He said: “If Nigeria cannot use ICT to generate jobs for the unemployed, the society needs to be reorganised for productive use of

Stories by Adline Atili

its manpower. We need to invest more in research and development and make good use of innovative science and technology.

“Nigeria’s investment in research and development is too meagre. There’s little or no investment to push technology to the next level.

Our poverty level is too high. More than a hundred million Nigerians are poor. This can be exploited for good; translated to opportunity at the bottom of the pyramid. When somebody is sitting there without access to potable water, you ask: how can I get this fellow potable water for a fee? That is innovation.”

Bindir decried the weak industrial and commercialisation policies of the Federal Government,

saying if the country is to be economically relevant and achieve its Vision 20:2020, there should be deliberate strategies in place to promote science and technology innovation for development.

“Our focus needs to shift from ‘consumerism’ to productivity. We should evolve policies to make us a modern economy. We have a strong economy; we should be competitive.

“Low quality technological products from the Chinese and Indians find their way into our markets very easily. This should stop.

We must be dynamic too, so that as things change, we’ll be able to cope with the changes. For all these to happen, we have to resolve to be users of science and technology innovations, particularly ICT,” he said.

Firm proposes 40% cut with Unified Communication

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IMENSION Data, an Information and Communications Technology services and solutions provider has said organisations can save 40 per cent on its capital expenditures and operational costs through deploying the Microsoft Unified Communications solution.

At a workshop in Lagos to showcase the suite of solutions, General Manager, Microsoft Solutions Dimension Data, Mr Jide Agbaje, explained that Unified Communications was designed to converge various communications tools on one platform to enhance seamless communications.

He said: “Nigerian businesses often buy services like telephony, instant messaging, audio/video conferencing, teleconferencing, email, voicemail and Web conferencing from a myriad of vendors. This can cause problems when it comes to integrating and synchronising these solutions not to mention the various cost elements involved.

“40 per cenout multiple vendor support centre and administra-

tors, integration and interoperability problems, high cost of ownership and support, difficulty with deployment and upgrade pathways.

“Unified Communications, with one platform, addresses these problems by offering one platform that can run all these solutions, allowing customers enjoy uninterrupted and seamless communications; thereby, enabling substantial cost savings and increasing workforce productivity. Several companies in various sectors within the Nigerian economy have already deployed this solution that truly revolutionises the modern business environment.”

Microsoft Nigeria Technology Solutions Manager (Voice), Olatomiwa Williams noted: “Unified Communications solution is fast becoming the backbone for how organisations do business.

“Organisations that have deployed the solution have experienced measurable process impact on their business and cost reduction in operation and management of their communication infrastructure up ton 40 per cent because of our unified approach.”

How to avoid cell phone radiation

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•From left: Group Managing Director, Omatek Ventures PLC, Mrs Florence Seriki; Director-General, Debt Management Office, Dr Abraham Nwankwo and Director, Special Projects Department, Debt Management Office, Mrs Funmi Ilama, during a courtesy visit to Omatek factory in Oregun, Lagos.

WECO Systems, Cisco partner to combat crime

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ECO Systems International, a systems integration company in partnership with Cisco Systems Inc., is organising a workshop which will focus on how Internet Protocol video surveillance and building/energy management systems can help organisations and government agencies protect people and assets as well as facilitate energy management for buildings, organisations and the community.

Entitled: Leveraging on existing investment to implement physical security and building management system, the workshop will hold on July 5, in Lagos.

Director of Infrastructural Services, WECO Systems International, Obinna Ekwonwa, said: “In partnering with Cisco Systems, we shall be exploring how

its network-centric and openarchitecture physical security solutions can help our guests leverage on their existing infrastructure to enhance security in their respective organisations.

“We are also bringing in Laurence Summers, a seasoned professional in the area of physical security and building management system from Quadrant Security Group, UK. He shall be leading the discussion on how IP convergence utilises physical security and energy management as a tool for organisational growth and development.”

Corroborating, Manager, Network Solutions, WECO Systems, Olukayode Olabanji, added: “Today, physical security and building management solutions are becoming more and more important due to increase in crime and subtle ter-

rorism.

“This workshop would provide answers to some of these issues by addressing how Cisco-Smart can help organisations transform how their buildings are built, operated, monitored, and controlled for lower costs and a better work environment; integrate physical security to network security as a protective tool for people and assets and reduce energy consumption across global operations with sustainable IP network solutions.”

Manager, Enterprise Accounts, Energy Sector of Cisco Nigeria, Chuks Mba noted that Cisco has helped forward-thinking organisations maximise the value of their systems, personnel and applications for more than 20 years, adding that its physical security solutions meet the uncompromising needs of many organisations.

MTN is Africa’s top brand

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TN has been named Africa’s most valued consumer brand. The announcement was made at the launch of the fourth BrandFinance Global Nation Brands League awards and the launch of the first BrandFinance African Nation Brand League in Johannesburg.

The BrandFinance Global Nation Brands League covered a global sample of 138 brands, including 36 African nations. The top 10 countries in Africa were South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, Angola, Tunisia, Ghana,

Kenya and Libya.

“MTN’s ranking as Africa’s most valued consumer brand is a pleasant Africa Day surprise for MTN, and news of the accolade will be well received across our global footprint, especially in Africa where we are equally the most admired brand and leading corporate in the vast majority of our markets.

“Coming hot on the heels of being included as the only African brand in the 2011 BrandFinance Global 500 league table, the latest accolade bears testament to

our Africa and marketing knowhow.

“This shows the phenomenal growth of the MTN business in most operations, whether measured in terms of value share or subscriber numbers. For example, nearly 70 per cent of MTN’s total subscribers are in African markets, with Nigeria contributing 40 million, Ghana 9 million, South Africa 19 million, Uganda 6 million and Cote d’Ivoire 5 million,” the company’s Marketing Executive, Jennifer Roberti said.

TUDIES are inconclusive about the amount of radiation cell phones produce.

One thing is certain - cell phone radiation can be very damaging for the body and can cause significant DNA damage. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce cell phone radiation exposure: • Avoid Bluetooth and wireless headsets-These accessories produce their own radiation in addition to the radiation produced by the cell phone. You should never use them unless it is absolutely necessary.

• Speakerphone - Speakerphone reduces the cell phone radiation exposure you will experience because you do not have to keep the cell phone near you.

• Limit use to essential calls and keep calls short.

• Children should be allowed to

use the cell phone in cases of emergency only. Because of their developing skulls, the radiation can penetrate much more deeply.

• Wear an air tube headset (not regular wired headset). The regular wired headset has been found to intensify radiation into the ear canal.

• Don't put the cell phone in your pocket or belt while in use or while it is on.

• If using the phone without a headset, wait for the call to connect before placing the phone next to the ear.

• Do not use the cell phone in enclosed metal spaces such as vehicles or elevators, where devices may use more power to establish connection.

• Do not make a call when the signal strength is one bar or less, which means the phone must work harder to establish a connection.

Starcomms launches Android phone

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TARCOMMS has introduced the Huawei IDEOS C8150 Android phone to meet the cravings of its teeming customers.

According to the company, the Huawei C8150 is a smartphone that allows customer access voice and data services on its network such as calls, Web access, application download, e-books and information search.

The phone features Google Android 2.2 and is supported on EVDO Rev A network with pre-loaded Google applications.

Chief Operating Officer of the company, Logan Pather, said: “Android has continued to maintain its position as the most innovative Operating System in the telecoms world. Starcomms has a culture of

applying cutting edge technology for the benefit of our customers.

That is why we will continue to give them value for money.”

He also said: “The phone comes with full touch screen. The Android 2.2 OS supports push mail on its platform and is suitable for mobile entrepreneurs and business executives who need to stay connected with clients, business partners and also have access to vital information on the go.”

He added that the G-sensor feature of the phone allows it to be rotated for better view of the screen contents, with a portable Wi-Fi feature that allows customers connect with other devices and access available wireless Internet connection.

Resourcery gets new chairman

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ESOURCERY PLC, a provider of ICT solutions has appointed Mr Tayo Amusan as its new chairman.

Amusan, who has been on the board of the company since 2009, was presented to the company’s shareholders at its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The position became vacant following the passing away of its former chairman, Professor Babatunde Fafunwa.

Amusan, a graduate of Business

Administration from the University of Atlanta, US, is an entrepreneur with years of experience in various sectors, particularly in real estate development. He is also the Chairman of the Persianas Group of companies, a real-estate developing firm specialising in retail infrastructure.

Persianas’ flagship project, The Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki, Lagos, is regarded as the benchmark for retail development in West Africa.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

46

e-Business

Production Team: Femi Jolaolu, Lekan Hammed, Yomi Oseni, Ugo Ananaba, Michael Ojo, Lanre Malik Marketing: Adeline Atili, Nkechi Nwabaogu, Kemi Makinde, Lillian Nsi-Enodien, Mariam Adeyanju Edited by: O’seun Ogunseitan

Pls. send Questions to oseun2@gmail.com or text to

080 5511 9009

M.K.O.Abiola memorial videos on Facebook

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HE Nation newspaper databank and archives, at the weekend, began a month-long release of its Abiola memorial videos on the internet.

Until July 7, which will mark the 13th anniversary of the death of Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, internet users worldwide will be able to download and store their copies of epochal videos of the beginnings of the pan-Nigerian democratic struggle, triggered by the annulment of the peaceful presidential election of June 12 1993.

The Nation had published the archival Abiola memorial videos in June and July 2009 and distributed them as free video and data disc inserts in the newspaper in honour of the large-hearted hero of the 1999 military handover.

Although more than 200,000 copies of the free discs were published and given out free by the newspaper, requests for copies have still not ceased two years after.

Now, OpenMarket, The Nation Databank’s burgeoning new multimedia marketing forum for Nigeria’s 80 million phone and web users, has teamed up with the newspaper to release the videos in four downloadable parts for phone and web users within and outside Nigeria. This week’s first of the four-part download is already available on the internet at www.facebook.com/pcuser2user Although a full download of the over two hour-long footage of rare videos of the June 12 crisis is possible on the internet, the extremely slow speed offered by internet service providers in Nigeria, has made it advisable to chop up the whole video into smaller bits.

Downloads of a large single video file, will need to be restarted each time the download stops due to drop in internet

OpenMarket releases free archival video connection. Besides, YouTube, the internet’s largest host of web-viewable videos, limits its free user videos to a maximum of 15 minutes each.

Tosin Akanmu, spokesperson for USbased Media Tools and Technologies, owners of the OpenMarket franchise, confirmed that the organisation will indeed open a web access that will enable owners of high-speed internet connectivity to download the video as a single file on July 7, the anniversary of Bashorun Abiola’s death.

A single file disc (iso) image containing the videos and hundreds of photographs,

other documents and ebooks, including Dr. Olatunji Dare’s authoritative eyewitness recount of the June 12 crisis, Diary of Debacle, will also be made available for free download on the special weblink to be announced later.

A disc iso image is a digital clone of a disc. It is a copy of the entire contents of a disc, as a single computer file. With a disc recorder software, mostly called disc burning software, such image will automatically turn a blank disc into an exact copy of the original disc cloned.

The special disc iso image that will be released for free download from the

internet on July 7, will enable any PC User to create their own discs containing the Abiola videos for television viewing as well as for computer playback while also having access to rare e-documents and ebooks on the June 12 crisis including a comprehensive biography of Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other heores and heroines of Nigerian struggles from independence to the 1999 third democratic berth.

A feature-rich archival disc of the same videos and more, as well as many new materials including updates to the very popular video on the Life and Times of M.K.O Abiola, will be published later by OpenMarket, for Nigerians who may find the internet access for the video download too technical or the disc-creation from the iso image too demanding.

PCUser2User forum releases second JAMB examination practice software on Facebook

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HE PCUser2user forum page on Facebook, now has a second JAMB tutorial software.

The publishers of Nigeria’s first-ever e-learning software Fashola.exe at the weekend, published the second lastminute revision software on www.Facebook.com/pcuser2user.

This second practice and tutorial software, also flash-based like Fashola.exe, contains hundreds of answer options to 10 selected short comprehension passages.

The forum two weeks ago, also put the country’s first digital-age examination practice video tutorial for television and computers on the internet.

That 14-minute video preview is available on the same Facebook page, courtesy of The Nation newspaper. It is an extract from a multimedia disc package that promises to reverse the trend of mass failure in English language examinations across the country.

The Nation Databank’s O’seun Ogunseitan created a flash-based examination test and practice tutorial software which he named Fashola.exe, as a model e-learning software tool and aid for Nigerian secondary school students. The software was adopted as a campaign medium by ex-students of Lagos-based Birch Freeman High

46,962 phone users have used OpenMarket ™ Have you?

School, in honour of Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, himself an exstudent of the school.

The newly released second tutorial software is exactly like the Fashola.exe. It runs on virtually every type of computer available today with its web languagebased version. It uses answer options and answers to past examination questions, to teach the principles of the particular subject.

Tosin Akanmu, spokesperson of North Carolina, US-based Media Tools and Technologies Llc, (MT&T) who midwifed the development phase of the novel multimedia e-learning package, said the new software is the second of a triad of English language tutorial software that will be released along with 10-hour long special television viewable tutorials, whose pilot she announced two weeks ago.

Ms. Akanmu, a budding e-learning tools development expert herself, had said the successful creation of the new video is a breathe of fresh air for learning in Nigeria. MT&T she said, believes digital-age audio-visual teaching is one sure way to arrest the decline in quality and standard of education in the country “by teaching digital-age children with digital age tools”.

The new interactive video version of the tutorial software, teaches young students, with animated texts and graphics-based television-viewable videos, playable on any regular home DVD player or computers. The discs also contain tens of e-books and software when used on a computer.

The video-based test and practice tutorials, now being promoted by The Nation Databank and its American Associates, were developed from a database of more than 65,000 past examination questions and answers spanning the last 30 years and available with The Nation Databank.

The databank believes the mass deployment of phone and multimedia computer technologies which make learning fun, hold the key to a reversal of mass failure in Nigerian schools.

Visit www.facebook.com/PCUser2User for the weblink to download Fashola.exe and others, as well as to watch previews of the JAMB-NECO-SSCE-SAT Video tutorial .

47

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

e-Business

Matters e-Rising Segun Oruame segun@segunoruame.com

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ERSONAL data shall be adequate, relevant and not

excessive in relation to the purpose or purposes for which they are processed. This principle will ensure that the information held in the SIM card database is sufficient for the purpose of which it is being collected and that unnecessary personal information is not collected.

4. Personal data shall be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date. To comply with this principle, reasonable steps must be taken to ensure that the information held in the SIM card database is accurate and where necessary, updated.

5. Personal data processed for any purpose or purposes shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for that purpose or those purposes.

This principle will ensure that the purpose warranting the SIM card registration will be considered in deciding whether (and for how long) to retain it.

6. Personal data shall be processed in accordance with the rights of data subjects. This principle will ensure that data subjects (SIM card holders) will have a right to access their information in the SIM card database, a right to object to processing that is likely to be prejudicial to their interests, a right in certain circumstances to have inaccurate information corrected and a right to seek redress in court where the processing of their information has breached their right to privacy.

7. Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be

By Izuogu, Chukwuyere Ebere, LL.M (Hannover)

taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data. This principle ensures that there must be in place, adequate security protocols to ensure that the SIM card database is not accidentally or intentionally compromised.

8. Personal data shall not be transferred to another country unless that country or territory ensures an adequate level of protection for the rights and freedom of data subjects in relation to the processing of personal data. This principle will ensure that there is enough protection for individuals in all the circumstances of a cross border transfer of the information contained in the SIM card database. Assessing adequacy would usually entail the consideration of the extent to which the country where the information is being transferred to has adopted data protection standards in its law; whether there is a way to make sure the standards are achieved in practice; and whether there is an effective procedure for individuals to enforce their rights or get compensation if things go wrong.

It is important to note that the application of these principles is not absolute as exemptions will be allowed in certain circumstances such as where consent has been granted by the data subject, where public interest in processing or disclosing information outweighs any injuries to be suffered by the SIM card holder

Data protection in SIM card registration (2) etc.

Other implications NCC's directive to register SIM cards will trigger some practical implications for criminals intending to sustain their desire for committing crime through the use of mobile telephony services. Some criminals, in order to sustain this desire and circumvent their identification process will have to migrate to other criminal models that will continue to guarantee their anonymity. These models will be considered under three heading in the following: 1. SIM card cloning: Occurs where the information contained in one SIM card is replicated for the purpose of making fraudulent calls, the billing for which would be incurred by the owner of the cloned SIM card rather than the perpetrator. To achieve cloning, the Electronic Serial Number (ESN) and Mobile Identification Number (MIN) have to be successfully retrieved from the target phone for transfer to the cloned phone. When this happens, calls can be made from the cloned phone as if it were originating from the original phone. It is possible for criminal entities to exploit SIM card cloning technologies so as to beat the identification process inherent in SIM card registration.

2. Roaming services: Roaming has been defined as the ability for a cellular customer to automatically make and receive voice calls, send and receive data, or access other services, including home data services, when travelling outside the geographical coverage area of their home network by means of using a visited network. Now consider this scenario: A criminal obtains an unregistered SIM card out-

side Nigeria from a service provider that offers roaming capability within a Nigerian service provider's network. It is obvious here that this criminal has successfully circumvented the NCC registration process by virtue of this roaming service and can still be able to perpetrate his criminal intentions through this service.

3. Internet/satellite telephony: With Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype and the scramble for broadband services in Nigeria, Internet telephony seems to have found a niche for itself in the Nigerian society. On the part of satellite telephony, this particular service connects to satellites in orbit rather than terrestrial cell towers. All these services can be used to circumvent NCC's registration process and perpetrate criminal activities.

It is obvious from these criminal models, that the SIM card registration process may not necessarily provide the cure for its intended purpose. I believe that the NCC will surely need to look beyond the registration process in order to curb this menace. It is suggested that a system of identity management or lawful interception be implemented in mobile telephone networks so as to identify at all times, active users within the network.

This will help to address issues of anonymity posed in the mobile telephony sector and complement the purpose of registering SIM cards.

Conclusion Even as the SIM card registration process is currently ongoing, it still presents some level of data protection issues that need to be addressed.

As national government is becoming more aware of the importance of a good data protection frame-

work, Nigeria must consciously strive to ensure that the personal data (in whatever form) of the Nigerian person is safeguarded. No doubt, it goes without saying that the common Nigerian person values his privacy and should not be exposed to situations where his personal data is arbitrarily processed or accessed. The glaring realities of the lack of the appropriate legislative solutions put in place to address data protection issues is already being manifested in an IT savvy Nigerian society. Nigeria needs to reengineer its legislative processes to accommodate the challenges presented by data protection. In the absence of the appropriate law, it would be safe to place reliance on the principles enshrined under the EU model for data protection which still remain role model for implementing data protection laws worldwide.

As per curbing the menace of criminal activities perpetrated through mobile phones, a system of identity management or lawful interception should be implemented and enforced in the mobile telephony sector; this will ensure that anonymity in the mobile telephony sector is not exploited so as to commit criminal activities.

Why protect personal data? I am constrained again to reiterate that the right to privacy is inalienable; it can never be derogated from.

Izuogu, an Associate in the Information Technology and Telecommunications practice of Streamsowers & Köhn, writes from Germany. He can be contacted on chukwuyere@sskohn.com and chux2day@yahoo.com

•Concluded

Glo to provide 45,000 lines for Lagos workers

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•From left: Electronic Funds Transfer Manager, EasyFuel Nigeria Limited, Mr Akinlawon Oyedele; Revenue Manager, Mr Gbenga Ayinde and Managing Director, Mr Tayo Olajide, at the launch of e-payment solutions for the downstream oil and gas sector.

Airtel introduces bundled BlackBerry service

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IRTEL Nigeria has introduced a bundle of services for its BlackBerry subscribers. Airtel Bundle for BlackBerry will enable customers enjoy affordable Internet service, strengthen friendship bonds and create a platform to build social networks and improve financial profiles.

According to the company, the service is available on monthly, weekly and daily subscription plans, with two offerings for social network enthusiasts and email users.

Chief Operating Officer of the company, Deepak Srivastava said: “We are determined to enable BlackBerry phone users enjoy the best experience. Our offering will give customers who want data solutions for business or social purposes increased access at very affordable rates while also addressing the ever growing communication need of staying constantly in touch with family, friends and business associates in a conven-

ient and cost-effective manner.”

He explained that the Airtel Bundle for Blackberry Social option is designed for heavy users of social media including Facebook, twitter and instant messaging such as Google Talk and Yahoo! Messenger with no desire to access emails on their devices.

The Airtel Bundle for BlackBerry Messaging option, he added, is designed for users who have a need for heavy email and instant messaging services but with no desire to access social media on their devices.

“Customers have the flexibility of subscribing to the services through SMS and USSD strings. To further delight customers on the service, Airtel has set aside one month free subscription for customers during the first month as well as N100 worth of SMS,” he said.

ECOND National Carrier, Globacom and Sunway Limited, a marketing company are collaborating to connect workers in Lagos State on a Closed User Group (CUG) platform.

The platform will enable workers to communicate free of charge with one another as long as they are in the Group.

Apart from providing seamless and costfree communication for the workers, the package will also enable users to talk with those outside the Group at a minimal cost. .

According to the companies, the collaboration will offer initial 20,000 handsets bundled with Glo prepaid CUG pack-

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age to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and eventually deliver 45,000 phones and lines to the NUT along with Glo SIM cards.

At the signing ceremony of the partnership in Lagos, Globacom’s Head of Public Sector, Mr Tunde Amunikoro said the project is aimed at enhancing efficiency of workers and reduce turn around time in public service.

The Director, Sunway Limited, Zhang Ji Gang, said he was satisfied that Globacom has the backbone capacity and network quality to deliver quality telecoms service to the workers.

Engineers get new Design Suites

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UTODESK, producer of AutoCAD, has introduced its latest version of design suites to members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE) at a reduced price.

Director, Worlds View Technologies, Mr David Haslam, while presenting the proposed design to the NSE said it includes bundles of Autodesk products applicable to industries workflow.

According to him: “Some of the suites introduced at premium and ultimate editions are product design suite, factory design suite, building design suite, infrastructural design suite and plant design suite.

“The Autodesk volume distributor has secured pricing in Nigeria where seats of AutoCAD 2012 with subscriptions will be available for $499 for a limited time period.

This offer will be made available through all current Autodesk partners. We have been able to secure similar aggressive pricing on the design suites but this will only be available through the Nigerian professional bodies.”

By Miriam Ndikanwu

He said the terms and conditions for the offer is on a commitment and payment of a minimum of 100 seats of each type of suite, while Autodesk and Worlds View Technologies would assist the professional body market this offering in any way practical, including creating and distributing e-mails on professional bodies, among others.

“This offer has a limited time period until 15 December, 2011. Unsold licenses cannot be returned to Autodesk for refund.

Licenses must be registered in the end users name,” he stated.

President of the NSE, Mr Olumuyiwa Ajibola said the body planned to partner with Autodesk in the past, saying that “we set up a workstation to partner but because of the high cost, it did not work.”

He praised the firm for ensuring international standard in AutoCAD distribution, adding that the NSE would introduce the new offer to its members so that they could subscribe to it.

48

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

‘Dietary changes can reduce allergies during rainy season’

A

N allergy is an abnormal re action by a person’s immune system against a normally harmless substance (allergen) in the environment. A person without allergies would have no reaction to the substance but when a person who is allergic encounters it, the body reacts by releasing chemicals which cause allergy symptoms.

However, just because there is a cause and effect between exposure to a substance and the development of symptoms does not always mean a person is allergic to that substance e.g medication have side effects. A person experiencing one of these side effects is not necessarily allergic to that medication.

Giving a detailed medial perspective, a practitioner, Ms Titi Oduye said: “You have an allergy when your body overreacts to things that don’t cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens. Your body’s overreaction to the allergens is what causes symptoms. Adverse reactions associated with food allergies are believed to be associated with a type 1 immune response to a particular allergen in the diet. When the individual is first exposed to the allergen in the diet there is initially no reaction.

However, upon first introduction, the body initiates an immune response to the allergen by producing immunoglobulin E antibodies.

When the food containing this allergen is ingested at a later time, the IgE antibodies bind to the allergen and initiate an inflammatory reaction.

“In many allergic reactions, the immune system, when first ex-

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

posed to an allergen, produces a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE binds to a type of white blood cell called basophils in the bloodstream and to a similar type of cell called mast cells in the tissues. The first exposure may make people sensitive to the allergen but does not cause symptoms. When sensitized people subsequently encounter the allergen, the basophils and mast cells with IgE on their surface release substances (such as histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes) that cause swelling or inflammation in the surrounding tissues.

Such substances begin a cascade of reactions that continue to irritate and harm tissues. These reactions range from mild to severe.”

She said during an allergic process, the substance responsible for causing the allergy is the allergen, which binds to allergic antibodies present on allergic cells in a person’s body, including most cells and basophiles.

“These cells then release chemicals such as histamine and leukotrienes, resulting in allergic symptoms. Examples of allergens are pollen; molds, dust mites, foods, medication, animals. Allergic symptoms range with the type of allergen and the route of exposure, airborne pollen exposure may cause different symptoms than that of eating a food that one is allergic to.

“Some people develop allergies while others do not, therefore it seems to run in families and they can occur any time during our

lives but more common during childhood and young adulthood.

The most common allergies are caused by everyday airborne particles such as pollen or house dust mite and this is our primary focus for the rainy season.”

She said that these allergens trigger seasonal or chronic respiratory condition such as hay fever or asthma.

“Allergy reduces the quality of life just as it affects not only personal but professional life also.

Coping with itching eyes and a blocked nose has its costs for the individual but also for society in terms of poorer quality of life; lower productivity levels at work and increased sick leave. Also the cost of health care and medication.

“A non-allergenic diet could help this condition. This is a diet that decreases your level of reaction to external allergens i.e. dietary changes that can be made to help improve allergies and reduce itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, wheezing and inflammation, enzema, contact dermatitis, Hives and allergy to medications such as penicillin.

“Dairy products and sugar cause the creation of more mucus in the body. Mucus should be thin and flowing to help get rid of allergens.

When mucus is thick, allergens get stuck in the body instead of being cleared out which causes allergy symptoms to be more pronounced.

“Therefore limiting both dairy and sugar is a way to rid the body of mucus. Allergy is connected to the immune system so it is wise to strengthen this part of the body.”

The nutritionist said: “Substance

Nature has answers to all ailments, even for the common cold. Don’t pollute your body with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and learn how to almost never catch a cold. Try not to use antibiotics or other drugs to get rid of a cold. Antibiotics destroy the important bacterial culture in your intestines, and generally weaken your body against future attack. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA writes that garlic is an option out of many natural options.

Garlic, the timeless cold buster

G

ARLIC is popular home cure for colds. Many cultures have a home remedy for the cold using garlic, whether it’s chicken soup with lots of garlic; a drink made with raw crushed garlic, or just eating raw garlic.

The cold-fighting compound in garlic is thought to be allicin, which has demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Allicin is what gives garlic its distinctive hot flavour. To maximise the amount of allicin, fresh garlics should be chopped or crushed and should be raw. It is also available in pill form.

You can try cooking natural rice (rice that has not been totally dehusked, e.g. ofada) with lots of diced garlic. Just as raw lemon, curry and ginger make good drinks very good at fighting or preventing colds, they can be added to boiling water for inhalation.

•Garlic

According to a source, www.altmedicine.about.com, in a study involving 146 people, participants received either a garlic supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks between November and February. People who took garlic reduced the risk of catching a cold by more than half. The study also found that

garlic reduced the recovery time in people who caught a cold.

More research is needed to corroborate these results.

A practitioner, Dr Segun Fahuwa cautioned on the remedy. He said “Garlic does have some possible side effects and safety concerns. Bad breath and body odour are perhaps the most common side effects; however, dizziness, sweating, headache, fever, chills and runny nose have also been reported. Large amounts may irritate the mouth or result in indigestion.

“Garlic supplements should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders, two weeks before or after surgery, or by those taking “blood-thinning” medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or supplements believed to affect blood clotting, such as vitamin E, garlic or ginkgo. Hand washing though is the first step in fighting cold.”

BRIEFS

Priest to open clinic

T • Mrs Oduye

that can help out is Quercetin, a bioflavonoid; it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Food sources of quercetin are onions, kale, apples, papaya, broccoli and berries. Vitamin C is a great immune booster.Therefore, during the rainy season an increase in our vitamin C will also be helpful.

Natural sources of vitamin C are oranges, dark leafy vegetables, lemon, lime etc.

“Medicinal herbs are also helpful e.g Mirubga Ikeifera, thyme, parsley, garlic etc. Allergic symptoms are caused by the release of histamine, therefore; avoiding foods that are high in histamine can help reduce the symptoms. Other examples of high histamine food are beer, cheese, sausages, red wine, egg plant, and canned fish” She cautioned that, “Before taking any medication for your allergies please consult your health care provider, because some herbs can have interactions with other herbs and also have dangerous side effects when taken with prescription and over the counter (OTC) drugs.”

HE head of Pax Herbal Laboratory and Research Centre, Ewu, Edo State, Rev. Father Anselm Adodo will soon open a clinic at Ajah, Lagos. The all expansive treatment centre will be a stateof-the art facility where natural health products will be used 100 per cent.

It will also serve as a research centre on communicable and non communicable diseases, especially those that have defied orthodox solutions such as HIV/AIDS. The cleric is working to ensure the place is registered with the authorities and ready for use by September.

Allergy symptoms

A

LLERGIC reactions (hypersensitivity reactions) are inappropriate responses of the immune system to normally harmless substances.

Usually, allergies make the eyes water and itch, the nose runs, the skin itches, rashes develop and people sneeze.

Aerosol sprays; air pollution; cold temperatures; humidity; irritating fumes; tobacco smoke; wind and wood smoke are triggers that worsen allergies.

Nourishing food will ensure good health

By Wale Adepoju

V

ITAL Products Limited has introduced nutritional bev erages and pastes in support of health needs.

Its factory manager, Mr Femi Oyebadejo, said the company has developed products to match the nutritional needs of Nigerians.

According to him, the company’s garlic, ginger and tomato among other products contain vitamins and minerals that could support people’s health needs.

Oyebanjo, who spoke with reporters during a tour of the company, said health was vital, hence the need to provide quality products under hygienic conditions that people could associate with.

He said the products are rich in minerals and vitamins to cater for the deficiency in food consumed by most Nigerians.

On the health benefits of some the products, Oyebannjo said, the health benefits of tomato include good eye sight, good intestine, low hypertension, diabetes, skin problems and urinary tract infections. “Tomato is considered both a fruit and vegetable and forms an integral part of the cuisine across the world, especially in the Mediterranean region.

“Daily consumption of tomato provides a great boost to health apart from improving the flavour of food. It consists of a large number of antioxidants which have been proven to fight different forms of cancer. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and exerts protective effect against cardiovascular diseases.

It also improves eye sight and prevents hypertension and urinary tract infections.”

Oyebanjo added: “Our Zico drink contains vitamin C, while the Energy plus is a specially formulated energy drink to provide vitality. There is also our multivitamin drink which can be taken as supplement.”

He said the garlic product is good for the cardiovascular system, adding that it could help in cholesterol management. Ginger is a natural remedy for many ailments, he said.

The company’s Quality Assurance Manager, Mr Albert Akuete, said quality is very important t to ensure people derive the best health benefits from the products.

“We make sure production is done under a very hygienic environment devoid of germs to prevent contamination,” he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

49

NATURAL HEALTH

Always, something’s new on the shelf T

ODAY, let’s visit the health food stores, to see what are new on the shelves. Newcomers include medicinal herbal teas which should be enjoyed by tea – loving people longing for long to replace popular tea and beverage brands which contribute little or nothing to their health, but have hung on to them in the absence of nothing better. Why, for example, should the hypertensive or the diabetic or the arthritic not wish to switch to herbal teas which can take their ailments away? Today’s tour of the shelves will reveal the interest of Patricia Bragg N.D., Ph.D, in the Nigerian food supplements market. She is the nutritionist to no fewer than ten Hollywood stars, including JC Penney, who is almost 100. Her father, Paul Bragg started the first health food store in the United States in 1912. Today, their Bragg Live Foods Company has about 365 products, “one for each day of the year”, as Patricia describes them. Today’s tour will rake up the sea salt debate. I expect it to cast a pall of shame on Nigerians who always think their country is bereft of business opportunities, when they hear of a multi-million dollar health food business which calabar clay can generate but hasn’t.

Where do I start? The teas?

Common Club Moss Arguably, Mrs. Elizabeth Kafaru, now of blessed memory, introduced this herbal tea to Nigeria at the onset of her practice in the mid – 1980s. And with her earthly departure, it seemed forgotten. In her second and last book, YOU AND YOUR HEALTH, she mentions this herb as useful, along with Neem (Dogonyaro) Balsam Pear (Ejinrin) and Bitter leaf in the treatment of cirrhosis or hardening of the liver, a life threatening condition. One of her mentors, the legendary Maria Treben of Austria would prescribe Common Club Moss for “gout and rheumatism even if the joints are deformed” as well as for “chronic constipation and piles”. She advises that too much (not more than two glasses daily) may cause intestinal cramps, and would not venture its use during diarrhea. She tells us of an Austrian man whose doctors couldn’t rid him of his “last state” of liver cirrhosis and was sent home, doomed, and to die. Maria asks: “Don’t you think it a miracle if I tell you that this man lost his terrible rightly shortness of breath after his first cup of club moss tea?” Maria’s HELP THROUGH GOD’s PHARMACY mentions also the help of this herb for a woman who couldn’t urinate and developed a swollen arm probably as a consequence. A hospital normalized her condition. But, soon, it recurred. Maria thought she may be suffering from cramps in the bladder and gave her club moss, since it eases cramps in the legs. She was asked to apply a bag of club moss to the region of the bladder, and in a few minutes she was able to void.

Lust’s THE HERB BOOK says of the medicinal uses of Club Moss: “Haemostatic, vulnerary, American Indians and European have used Club Moss pores as a poultice to stop nosebleeds and bleeding from wounds. The powder has also been used to absorb fluids from damaged tissue in various injuries.”

I searched for Club Moss when, recently, I experienced abdominal cramps one or two occasions while I exercised with sweeping of the floor to burn some abdominal fat cleavages and promote bowel motion. Perhaps I did not have enough calcium and magnesium Switching to tea and not capsules, I discovered this radium – containing herb did the job it has many testimonials for. I would like to suggest, from the radium mentioned by Maria, that people who have one need or the other to shrink an enlarged tissue or gland give it a try. For it is the radium of the Small Flowered Willow herb which gives it the reputation of shrinking some enlarged prostate glands.

So, welcome to Nigeria, Club Moss.

Sage The changing seasons have a way of pulling us by the shirt collar to remind us of medicines we have tended to forget. Sage is one of those medicines for cough and disturbing night sweats that this year’s corn season has helped to exhume from fading memory. I love corn so much I can eat up six cubs for brunch.

Mama Ezenne, who roasts corn at the gate of the housing estate where I live, keeps a chair for me. Maize has lots of Omega 6 fatty acids which are pro-unflammatory. So does Ube, the Igbo native pear with which many people eat corn. I balance the Omega-6 with the Omega – 3 from flax seed oil, two tablespoonfuls of which I keep in a small carrier bottle in my bag. But this season, I’ve carried along more of olive oil, another Omega – 6 and proinflammatory essential fatty acid. So, when the cough and nasal discharges came soon after, I wasn’t surprised. Last week, my cough and nasal drip kept me away from two important events I’d planned to attend. One was Professor Bukunola Adefile – Oshitelu’s inaugural lectures at the University of Lagos. She is the ophthalmic surgeon who experimented with Bitter Kola Eyedrops for glaucoma and eye infections. She titled her lecturer THE SEEING EYE. This will be discussed some other day. The other event, at the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, was the commissioning of a Pharmacogy model clinic by Pharmacognosist Prof. Kemi Odukoya. For the cough, N– acetyl Cysteine was not readily available. But Sage was. Let’s quickly return to Maria Treben’s ideas about this plant as tea. She mentions a 13th Century Austrian verse which asks: “Why should a man die whilst Sage grows in the garden?” As a matter of fact, Sage derived its name from the Latin word SALVARE, which means TO SAVE “in reference to its curative properties”. Maria cites from an old herbal a mythical antecedent of the healing power of Sage: “During the Virgin Mary’s flight from Herod, all flowers in the field were asked to hide Her and the Baby Jesus, but none gave her shelter except Sage. After Herod’s men had gone without seeing Her, and the danger had passed, the Virgin Mary told the Sage: ‘From now on to eternity, you will be the favourite flower of mankind. I give you the power to heal man of all illness and save him from death as you have done for me’. From then Sage grows to the benefit of mankind’ “.

Many students of Creation studies will challenge this idea.

here.

This plant got its name form two sources… its shape and the use to which alchemists of old put it. The shape of the leaf is that of a “folded mantle”. Its functions, being women-friendly, it became known as ladies mantle. Alchemists who wanted to turn sand to gold, collected water gathered on its mantle for their experiments. For this reason, the botanical name is Alchemilla vulgaris. In his HERBALISM, Frank J. Lipp says: “Ladies Mantle has been used to treat menopausal disorders, prevent excessive menstrual bleeding and as a douche to treat leucorrhea, a whitish vaginal discharge that occurs in young girls”.

THE PSYCHIC GARDEN of Mellie Uyldert, which explores “Plants and their psychic relationship with man,” brings a psychic perspective to the understanding of this plant: “Everything about this plant is embracing, cherishing, and protective. It therefore entirely has the essence of a womb. According to the doctrine of symbolism, that is what it then must be good for and that is in fact the case – its astringent properties qualify it as a tea for every woman in childbed, to be taken every day for 10 days after the birth. It causes the womb to contract until it has returned to its original dimensions and the woman has almost regained her maiden shape”

U Does man create? Obviously, he doesn’t; he only forms from created material. If God alone creates, can man, a creature, alter His Creation Plan? I guess the medicinal aweness of Sage merely led man to inveigh it with exceptional antecedents, very much as the birth and resurrection of Christ, Who came to fulfill (obey) the Law, has been overdecorated by man, believing that only by so doing can His Majesty be purveyed, forgetting that in God obeying His own Law is one of those many ways which reveals His Majesty. It is left for science to fill the gaps which the doubt of mythology has created in the minds of men.

Maria Treben, a simple woman, probably unlettered, but very well respected because her ideas restored health to many dying people says: “Sage tea, drunk frequently, strengthens the body, prevents stroke and is good for paralysis. Sage, besides Lavender, is the only plant that will help relieve night sweats; it attacks the sickness which is the cause of it, and its invigorating forces take away the great weakness that is part of it. Many physicians have realized the beneficial qualities of Sage; they use it with great success for cramps, disorders of the spinal cord, glandular disorders and for trembling of the limbs”

W

HAT I’d known Sage more for is that it “dispels phlegm from the respiratory organs and stomach”, which makes it good for asthma, and its use for “ulcerated throat and mouth, inflammation of the tooth pulp, tonsillitis and throat disorders”. It is interesting to learn from Maria Treben that “many children and many adults could have saved themselves a tonsillectomy had they taken sage tea in time” People who suffer from bleeding or receeding gums have Maria’s assurances that they may find help in Sage.

Says THE HERB BOOK: “Sage’s best known effect is reduction of perspiration, which usually begins about two hours after taking sage tea or tincture and may last for several days. The property makes it useful for night sweats, such as those common with tuberculosis. A nursing mother whose child has been weaned can take sage tea for a few days to help stop the flow of milk. The tea has also been prescribed for nervous conditions, trembling, depression and vertigo. It is said to be helpful too in cases of leucorrhea, dysmenorrheal and amenorrhea”.

Advocating replacement of processed tea and coffee with Sage tea, Jethro Kloss says in his BACK TO EDEN: “The Chinese make fun of the American people because they buy the tea for their drink and pay a big price for it, while the Chinese buy sage from America for a small price and drink that for their tea, which is a most wonderful remedy. The Chinese know that the sage tea will keep them well, while the tea that we buy from the Chinese makes the American people sick Sage tea is very soothing and quieting to the nerves, while the tea that we buy from China is a great cause of nervousness and headache”.

I would like to suggest that women who have high prolactin levels try Sage tea. Prolactin stimulates milk production and that discharge from the nipple of women who are not pregnant or lactating. High prolactin level may predispose a breast to cancer and prevent ovulation and pregnancy. As sage helps to dry unwanted breast milk, unwanted after the weaning of a baby or when a baby is lost as still born or after birth, it is logical to assume that it must have gotten rid of the high prolactin level which maintained milk secretion!

As Jethro Kloss suggests that sage “will expel worms in adults and children” and “stop bleeding of wounds and is very cleaning to ulcers and sores, isn’t it worth trying for bleeding piles and stomach ulcers?

Sage, welcome to Nigeria.

Ladies Mantle This plant, as tea, is women–friendly. I learned from an American pharmacologist in the 1980s of how its combination with Red Raspberry leaves, Vitex, Shepherd’s Purse and Squaw Vine can help women with repeated spontaneous abortions. His wife suffered three spontaneous abortions in a row, despite a competent cervix, at about the third or fourth month of pregnancy, and it was only the resort to these herbs which made a mother again, several times all over. I have suggested it to many women so troubled, and, in almost all cases, it worked. Fascinated, I brought the seed of Red Raspberry to Nigeria from Britain, but it would not grow

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

LYDERT recommends Ladies Mantle for hernias, and to strengthen weak muscles. It is suggested as well for rup tures, such as anal piles, particularly bleeding ones. In this latter case, it may be ground to powder which is placed on a lint that is placed over the bleeding pile. Women will like to hear of the promise of Ladies Mantle made by Ulydert: “A dessertspoonful of the powder taken daily in soup for three weeks will make a woman fertile”. So should the assurance, to women who suffer from threatened abortion due to weak placenta, that “hemorrhages due to weakness are staunched by Alchemilla”. Additionally, “its effect is astringent and deacidulant, since it contains magnesium and salicyclic acid; it draws water from the kidneys, cools and mollifies, staunches bleeding, heals wounds…”

Welcome to Nigeria, Ladies Mantle.

Medicinal Clay At the mention of clay as medicine, many people who know of it will naturally remember Rev. Fr. Anslem Adodo, the Catholic priest who, through PAX Herbals, has done a remarkably good job producing and packaging Nigeria’s traditional medicine recipes. Edible Clay is one of the products from PAX stable. Something close to this was an effective clay-based body lotion and cream made by a company which distributed them through KATINE COMMUNICATIONS, arguably Nigeria’s first indigenous multi-level marketing company. Friends of Nature, another Lagos company, also ventured into this market but soon gave it up. Well diggers as well as bore hole diggers know of this clay which is found in clay formations at a certain depth in the soil. In Calabar, Cross River State, and many towns in Akwa Ibom State, this medicinal clay is found on the top soil in some places. Traditionally, it has been used as medicine for centuries in these places, eaten or used topically against skin eruptions. Recently, however, clay as oral medicine has been battered in the Nigerian Press as unsafe to be eaten because many of the brands were not purified or subjected to toxicity tests. These are reasonable criticisms which cannot be ignored. But they take nothing out of the medicinal efficacy of purified, safe clay.

That exactly is what is now coming into Nigeria from Canada in this Traditional Medicine Age. I have a 44gm sachet sample of RAYMOND brand CLAY in my pocket as I write: On the reverse side of the brand name, the following explanation is made by the producers: “An old home remedy, Raymond ClayTM has been used for generations to help support digestive health. For thousands of years, primitive people carried a ball of clay with them in their packs. Some of the clay was dissolved in water and ingested with their meals. Clay was the natural medicine used by the natives for fighting stomach ailments, dysentery and food infections”.

Physicians of old such as the Greek Dioscorides, the Arab Avicena, the Roman Pliny the Elder, and the Greek Galen all prescribed clay. Even Kneipp, Just and Mohatma Ghandhi advocated use of clay. Russian and French soldiers got rations of clay as part of rations during World War I. And the Bible reminds us that the Lord Jesus formed a clay poultice in the healing of the blind man! When I was rearing about 200 pigs, I was amazed at how much earth they ate to stave hunger.

There are claims in OUR EARTH, OUR CURE by Raymond Dextreit that clay helps and heals ulcers and the following situations “…arthritis, acne, athlete’s foot, bruise/black ages, boils, burns/sunburns, cellulites, cold sores/fever blisters, cuts, diaper rash, ear aches, eczema, insect bites (spider, bee, chigger, scorpion, mosquito) infections (including those with red streak to lymph node) ingrown toe nails, nail fungus, poison ivy/poison oak, scrapes/road rash, shingles, sores that won’t heal, sties, INTERNAL: Acid indigestion, Acid reflux/heartburn, Allergies/ Hay fever, Celica’s disease, Colitis, Constipation, Diarrhea/Dysentery, Diverticulitis, De-toxifer, food poisoning, Hiatus herma, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, Menstrual cramps, Parasites, Roto virus, Stomach ache, and Toothache.

What else?

I am glad when foreign products come in to forcibly open our sleepy eyes. What are the South-South people doing about building an industry around their Native Chalk (Calabar Clay) which their forebears have used as medicine for centuries?. It is up to President Jonathan Goodluck to sign the Nigerian Traditional Medicine Bill into Law and empower his own people and other Nigerian people make money from the world through their traditional medicines.

So, welcome to Nigeria, Raymonds Clay.

Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

50

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011 CHANGE OF NAME JAIYESIMI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Modinat Abolore Jaiyesimi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Yetunde Adebimpe Onaadepo.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AKALI I formerly known and addressed as Mrs Akali Philomena Chinonso, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Kanu Chinonso.All former documents remain valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public should take note.

MATILUKO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Matiluko Ololade Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Otubu Ololade Oluwakemi.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ODUSOLA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Odusola Ajibola Bolanle, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Makanjuola Ajibola Bolanle.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OLATUNJI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olatunji Olabisi Yetunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adebayo Olabisi Yetunde.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

IORDYEH I formerly known and addressed as Miss Tokwase Fatima Iordyeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tokwase Fatima Moses Sende.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AKLAH I formerly known and addressed as Miss Glory Alorye Aklah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Alorye Peter Nchor.All former documents remain valid.

University of Calabar, Education Authority, Cross River State and general public should take note.

EFIONG I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekong Idongesit Efiong, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Asuku Blossom Idongesit.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OMOSI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Memunat Usman Omosi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akisot Deborah Memunat.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHUKWU I formerly known and addressed as Miss Peace Oluchi Chukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Peace Oluchi Ofurum.All former documents remain valid. Fidelity Bank Plc. and general public should take note.

BASSEY

ANYAEGBUNAM I formerly known and addressed as Miss Anyaegbunam Uzoamaka Azuka Anthonia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Odogwu Uzoamaka Azuka Anthonia.All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Prisons Service Commission and general public should take note.

ADETOYI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adetoyi Deborah Adenike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Awolola Deborah Adenike.All former documents remain valid. Ifedayo Local government, Oke-Ila Orangun and general public should take note.

BABUNDO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Unoma Babundo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Unoma Osadebe.All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police Force and general public should take note.

EGENTI

AROME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Hakimat Ayoola Onaolapo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Hakimat Ayoola Adedoyin.All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Offa and general public should take note.

KOBO-NIMEN I formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Kobo-Nimen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Mary Cyril Ikechi.

All former documents remain valid. ABU, College of Agricultureand Animal Science Ministry of Education, Kaduna and general public should take note.

OLUFEMI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Folashade Olutosin Olufemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Folashade Olufemi Abidemi-Hassan.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OMOKRI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Omokri Ufuoma Pamela, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ibude Ufuoma Pamela.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note..

ALUMONA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Alumona Rita, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Agwuibe Rita.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ELEGBEDE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Elegbede Adijat Adebimpe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adijat Adebimpe Yinusa nee Elegbede. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I, Asukwo Patrick Ebenso hereby notify the general public that WASSCS Certificate of Examination 2005,with candidate no.

4251437069, certificate no. 7008612 issued by WAEC Board, , My name was wrongly written as Asukwo Patrick Ebenzo instead of Asukwo Patrick Ebenso.

University of Nigeria, Nsukka(UNN) and general public should take note.

OJENIYI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojeniyi Omoyeni Celestinah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Benjamin Omoyeni Celestinah. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc. and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Salami Muslimot Abiola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Shasore Muslimot Abiola. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AKINDUYILEMI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinduyilemi Folasade Feyikemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Awe Folasade Feyikemi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ODERINDE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oderinde Olubunmi Adebimpe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olubunmi Adebimpe Adeoti. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADEWALE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebukola Temitope Adewale, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adebukola Temitope Akano. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

KEHINDE ONAOLAPO

AKINYEMI I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Akinyemi Oluwafemi Isaac, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Akinyemi Oluwafemi Temitope. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Amarachi Egenti, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Amarachi Obuka.

All former documents remain valid.

UNIPORT, NYSC and general public should take note.

SALAMI I formerly known and addressed as Enefiok Efiong Bassey, now wish to be known and addressed as Enefiokuduak Abasi Livingstone. All former documents remain valid. Fidelity Bank Plc. and general public should take note.

OLASUPO

ADEYEMI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Juliet Arome, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Juliet Ojonugwa Ogbuotor.All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Shakirat Olanike Kehinde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Shakirat Olanike Okikiola. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NWOGU I formerly known and addressed as Miss Gladys Amarachi Nwogu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Gladys Amarachi Solomon Anyaogu. All former documents remain valid. Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public should take note.

ABIKPA I formerly known and addressed as Mfreke Ufot Abikpa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mfreke Augustine Abikpa. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ELEMA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Evelyn Elema, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Evelyn Onyebuka. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ONYEZULUBA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Maryleen Chibugo Onyezuluba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Maryleen Chibugo Igboeze. All former documents remain valid. Girls Secondary School, Inyi, Nigeria Police and general public should take note.

ODETUNDE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Odetunde Oluwabukola Olushola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinwalere Oluwabukola Olushola. All former documents remain valid. Medical & Dental Council of Nigeria, Federal Medical Centre, Owo and general public should take note.

AKIBEBIJE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akibebije Abimbola Aina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olusegun Daodu Abimbola Aina. All former documents remain valid. Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Ondo West Local government and general public should take note.

AKINBEBIJE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinbebije Abimbola Aina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olusegun Daodu Abimbola Aina. All former documents remain valid. Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Ondo West Local government and general public should take note.

OTITOLAIYE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Otitolaiye Labake, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeniyi Labake Mercy. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OLATUNJI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olatunji Adeola Motunrayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olorunpomi Adeola Motunrayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NBETE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Barida Torma Nbete, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Merit Barida Torma Emmanuel C. Obilor. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EHIMEN I formerly known and addressed as Miss Deborah Obehi Ehimen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Deborah Obehi Ikenebomeh. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

FASUYI ONI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oni Fisayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fajemila Fisayo Olusola. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Funke Olawumi Fasuyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Funke Olawumi Oyekoge. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olasupo Mosunmola Olawumi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ehoro Sarima Olawumi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Opeyemi Adedolapo Adeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Opeyemi Adedolapo Sowole.All former documents remain valid. NYSC, OAU and general public should take note.

GEORGE I formerly known and addressed as Miss George Funmilayo Ibukun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Lawal Funmilayo Ibukun.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

51 CHANGE OF NAME

EGBUJOR I formerly known and addressed as Miss Egbujor Jessica Chigaemezu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agim Jessica Chigaemezu. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

DAVID I formerly known and addressed as Miss David Eseoghene Mercy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ayedogbon Eseoghene Mercy.All former documents remain valid. Ondo State Teaching Service Commission and general public should take note.

ABDULRAHMAN I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ABDULRAHMAN MUINAT TINUOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BASHIR-ABDULRAHMAN MUINAT TINUOLA. All former documents remain valid. Head of service, Federal Ministry of Interior and general public should please take note.

ADAI I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHRISTIANA UDENYI ADAI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHRISTIANA UDENYI IKWUEME. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADEJOH I, formerly known and addressed as MIMI FLORENCE ADEJOH, now wish to be known and addressed asMIMI FLORENCE JANDO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I,Aisha Ismail is the same person as Aisha Ismaila .All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AKANDE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akande Sidikat Motunrayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abodunrin Sidikat Motunrayo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OBI I formerly known and addressed as Dr. Obi Owaregba Faith, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. Olapade Faith Owaregba. All former documents remain valid NMDCN and general public take note.

ALABI I formerly known and addressed as Mr Alabi Oluwafemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Oguntoyinbo Oluwafemi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OWOEYE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Owoeye Funmilayo Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Asaolu Funmilayo Mary. All former documents remain valid Ekiti State Local government Service Commission, Ikere Ekiti local Government Area and general public take note.

AGWU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibem Rose Agwu now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rose Ndubuisi Utugbo all former document remain valid. Federal University of Agriculture Umudike and the general public take note.

UKEH I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Helen Chikamnele Ukeh, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Helen Chikamnele Vinning Cookeygam. All former document remain valid.

Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the general public take note .

SOYINKA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Soyinka Olanike Fatimo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunniyi Olanike Fatima. All former documents remain valid. General public should note.

KAREEM I formerly known and addressed as MISS AFOLASHADE MISTURA KAREEM, Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AFOLASHADE MISTURA OGUNDIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OJUADE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss.

Ojuade Kafayat Oluwaseun now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ige Ephizibah Oluwaseun all former document remain valid. general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME HART I formerly known and addressed as Miss Datari Elizabeth Ambrose Hart, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Datari Elizabeth Anene. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OKORIE I formerly known and addressed as Okorie Chidi, now wish to be known and addressed as Uzoma Shedrach. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

IDIKA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Glory Emea Idika, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Glory Awa Ifekwe.

All former documents remain valid.

UNICAL, NYSC, MLSCN and general public should take note.

AMUSAN I formerly known and addressed as Miss Abiodun Oluwatoyin AMUSAN, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abiodun Oluwatoyin KOLAWOLE. All former document remain valid. Obafemi Awolowo University and the general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Adejoke Adedoyin Ibrahim is the same and one person as Mrs Badewa Mulikat Adejoke. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. Obafemi Awolowo University and the general public should please take note.

OKAFOR I formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor, Lucy Chinasa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amazu, Lucy Chinasa. All former documents remain valid. Seg. Mashen and Co. Nig. Ltd. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF SOCIETY NAME

We formally known and address as IZHARUL HAQ DAWAH INTERNATIONAL (Ladi-Lak Branch, Bariga) now wish to be known and address as NURUL-ZAMON ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (NUZAM) under the trustee of the branch.

ADVERT: Simply produce your marriage certificate or sworn affidavit for a change of name publication, with just (N3,500.)

The payment can be made through FIRST BANK of Nigeria Plc. Account number 1892030011219 Account Name VINTAGE PRESS LIMITED Scan the details of your advert and teller to gbengaodejide@y ahoo.com or thenation_advert@ yahoo.com For enquiry please contact: Gbenga on 08052720421, 08161675390, Emailgbengaodejide @yahoo.com or our offices nationwide.

Note this! Change of name is now publish every Thursdays and Sundays, all materials should reach us two days before publication.

52

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

53

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

IMF says softer growth patch won’t last T

HE global economy is expected to slow in the second quarter but then reaccelerate in the second half of the year, the International Monetary Fund said in its latest update on the global economic outlook.

“The fundamental drivers of growth remain in place,” the IMF said in one of a series of updates to its outlook for the global economy, financial stability and debt reduction. These drivers include accommodative monetary policies, pentup demand for consumer goods and strong growth in emerging and developing economies.

The IMF trimmed its projection for global growth in 2011 to 4.3 per cent, down from the April forecast of 4.4

per cent, as it predicts the world economy to advance 4.5 per cent in 2012.

Given the weak first five months of the year, the IMF cut is forecast for United States growth to 2.5 per cent from 2.8 per cent previously.

The IMF also trimmed its forecasts for growth in Italy and the United Kingdom this year. The IMF said that Japan would contract by 0.7 per cent this year, compared with the pre-earthquake estimate of a 2.8 per cent growth rate.

Ever cautious, the IMF did say that risks are now tilted toward the downside.

For instance, global growth could falter if the US slowdown lasts longer than expected.

In addition, banks in the richest countries are not out of the woods.

The IMF said that every region had work to do to bolster the prospects for continued expansion “The global economy has turned the corner from the Great Recession but keeping it going will require a concerted effort to address diverse challenges,” the report said.

The list included mostly wellknown items. The US has to enact a plan to contain the federal budget deficit and raise the debt ceiling.

In Europe concrete steps are needed

to strengthen supervision and crisis resolution measures.

In emerging economies, tightening of macroeconomic policies needs to continue as real rates remain low.

China must continue to allow its currency to strengthen, the report said.

The IMF said that global financial conditions have become more volatile since late last month given renewed worries about sovereign risks in the euro-area periphery and the weakness in the US. The IMF said that progress to re-

pair the banking system was moving at an ”insufficient pace,” notably in Europe.

“Markets may lose patience and become disorderly if political developments derail momentum on fiscal consolidation and financial reform,” the IMF said.

Budget cutting was proceeding at a “broadly appropriate pace” in many advanced countries, the agency said. The outlook for the US budget deficit this year has improved, making planned cuts in 2012 less abrupt.

IEA sees OPEC's effective capacity at just 3.15m b/d HE International Energy Agency (IEA) the week ended June 17 published its latest set of medium-term forecasts, including projections for OPEC spare capacity. The oil producer club has already seen its spare capacity dip to 4.15 million b/d from 5.76 million b/d in 2010, largely because of the need to compensate for the loss of Libyan crude, the IEA says in its latest set of medium-term forecasts.

But these are notional figures, the IEA adds, pointing out that effective spare capacity tends to be lower to the tune of about 1 million b/d.

So OPEC's effective capacity is closer to 3.15 million b/d.

That figure is projected to increase steadily over the period to 2016, when it is forecast to average 4.36 million b/d. OPEC's overall production capacity is forecast to rise by 2.13 million b/d to 37.85 million b/d by 2016, but this year it's on track to hit a four-year low as a result of the loss of Libyan supply, the agency says.

"Severely constrained Libyan production through 2012 highlights the lack of light crude spare capacity held by the majority of OPEC members," it says, noting that of the cartel's OPEC's 12 members, only Iraq, Angola and the UAE are "realistically" planning significant capacity expansions by 2016. And Iraq is set to provide more than 70 per cent of the net increase.

The IEA is particularly pessimistic about the prospects for Iranian production capacity, which it sees falling by 20 per cent from 2010 lev-

T

els over the forecast period.

Iran, under pressure from international sanctions, is set for an 810,000 b/d drop in crude production capacity over the next few years that will see its output fall just below the 3.1 million b/d level by 2016, the IEA says.

"Iran's oil industry is clearly under stress from further wide-ranging sanctions imposed by the international community in mid2010," the agency says, noting that with the exception of Chinese companies, most international operators have now completely withdrawn from the country.

Much broader sanctions targeting financial transactions, including the banking and insurance industries, have largely choked off foreign investment as well as the ability of Iranian companies to procure equipment and materials for their oil projects.

Iran has several projects coming on stream over the next several years, including Yadaveran with 85,000 b/d next year, Paranj with 50,000 b/d in 2013 and Darkhovin with 120,000 b/d in 2016.

"However, planned additions fall well short of offsetting natural decline, which is conservatively estimated at 8-10 per cent per year," the IEA says.

Furthermore, constant management changes have left the oil ministry and state oil company NIOC short of experienced industry hands and "long on political appointees."

"Ultimately, a financial imperative

Airbus Neo hot streak pressures Boeing

A

IRBUS SAS reached a goal of topping 500 orders for its upgraded A320neo aircraft by the end of the Paris Air Show on the second day of the event as carriers put pressure on Boeing Co. to respond with an all-new airliner.

United States leasing firm CIT Group Inc. signed an outline order for 50 single-aisle neos worth $4.6 billion at list price, propelling the model to Airbus’s pre-show target, and a 10-plane deal from PT Garuda Indonesia gave the reengined jet a first contract from a client until now loyal to Boeing Co.’s rival 737.

JetBlue Airways Corp. of the US bought 40 A320neos, while Boeing won 15 737 orders from Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA plus 10 from Malaysian Airline System Bhd. that were already on its books. Contrasting success in the single-aisle market, the biggest in the civil airframe business, underscores Airbus’s breakthrough in peddling the re-engined A320 as a more fuel-ef-

ficient version of its bestseller as Boeing ponders its next move. The US company should skip an engine upgrade and build a new jet, clients including industry doyen Steven Udvar-Hazy’s Air Lease Corp. said.

“I’m not talking to too many airlines, in fact none, zero, that think a re-engine is the way to go for Boeing,” John Plueger, the cofounder and business partner of Udvar-Hazy at Air Lease, said in an interview at the Paris show.

General Electric’s air-leasing unit and SAS AB (SAS) of Sweden ordered a total of 90 A320neos from Toulouse, France- based Airbus on the first day of the Paris Show, while Boeing didn’t secure any firm orders for the 737, other than a twoplane deal from Mongolian Airlines announced in Washington.

The neo has become Airbus’s fastest-selling aircraft since it was announced at the end of last year, and Chief Operating Officer John Leahy said he’s now confident of securing more than 600 deals by the time the French expo ends.

• Minister of Tourism in Malaysia, Ng Yen Yen and Secretary General of the WCO, Kunio Mikuriya, during the panel session on "Open Borders" at the WEF on East Asia 2011.

Asian stocks climb, with energy shares strong

S

HARES gained across Asia on Tuesday, with energy stocks rallying, along with Japanese auto firms and Hong Kong-listed property developers.

The Nikkei Stock Average ended the session up 1.1 per cent at 9,459.66, while the Australian S&P/ASX 200 index closed with a gain of 1.3 per cent, and South Korea's Kopsi advanced 1.4 per cent.

The Hang Seng Index rose 1.2 per cent to 21,850.59, while the Shanghai Composite traded up one per cent.

“There’s been a bit of a revival, and that’s down to a bit more optimism perhaps about the Greek situation,” said Stephen Roberts, strategist at Nomura Securities, speaking about gains on Tuesday.

“I think [Greece] has become part and parcel of concerns about global economic growth,” he said. Greece’s parliament is slated to hold a vote of confidence later Tuesday, and Roberts said “people expect it will go reasonably well.”

Greek contagion worries snap-on "The Greek situation does give us concern," says Aldo Pagliari, chief financial officer of Snap-On. With a sizeable European business, SnapOn is worried about the effect of psy-

chological contagion from the Greek crisis.

Energy companies rallied in Asia, as benchmark oil futures rose back above $94 a barrel in Nymex electronic trading.

PetroChina Co. added 1.8 per cent in Hong Kong, Woodside Petroleum Ltd. rose 2.5 per cent in Sydney, and Inpex Corp. climbed 2.3 per cent in Toyko.

In Australia, shares of Foster’s Group Ltd. surged 13.5 per cent to 5.14 Australian dollars ($5.40) after the firm rejected a A$4.90-a-share bid from rival SABMiller PLC. Foster’s said that the proposal from SABMiller undervalues the company.

Autos jumped in Tokyo, with Honda Motor Co. higher by 1.1 per cent, Nissan Motor Co. rising 3.1 per cent, and Mazda Motor Corp. adding 2.5 per cent, though Toyota Motor Corp. underperformed slightly with a gain of 0.9 per cent.

Among news helping the sector, Citigroup analysts raised their view of Japanese car makers to neutral from bearish on Tuesday.

“Recovery in supply chains have been quicker than we initially expected in the immediate aftermath of the quake, with some makers now likely to resume full-scale produc-

tion as early as end-June,” they said.

The broker has assigned buy ratings to five companies where recovery is progressing rapidly, including Nissan, and no longer rates any company in the sector at sell. It also lifted its demand assumptions for Japan and the US “in light of production recovery at Japanese auto makers.”

In the Japanese retail space, Aeon Co. rose 3.8 per cent after a separate Nikkei report tipped the company to post a 30 per cent operating-profit increase for the MarchMay quarter.

Gains spread to the rest of the sector, with Fast Retailing Co. up 3.6 per cent, and Takashimaya Co. climbing two per cent.

Global apparel player Li & Fung Ltd. advanced in Hong Kong, rising 2.2 per cent. Li & Fung had lost ground in recent sessions due to concerns over Europe’s economic prospects, as the region is a key source of revenue for the firm.

Hong Kong-listed real-estate stocks also took back some ground lost in the previous session, with Hang Lung Properties Ltd. ending with a 2.6 per cent gain, Agile Property Holdings Ltd. ahead by 2.5 per cent, and Sino Land Co. gaining 2.7 per cent.

NCDEX Sugar surges on firm export demand

S

UGAR futures augmented by more than two per cent in the last one week on the heels of strong exports from major producing states.

As per trade sources, the forward prices of London's benchmark August white sugar contract have increased by more than 20 per cent in the last one month to trade around $728 per

tonne in the wake of some problems in Brazil's port and that may reduce the crushing demand from the country.

Therefore, millers are currently taking the advantage of steady prices of white sugar in international market as India has exported around 4.16 lakh metric tonnes of sugar out of the total five lakh tonnes allowed under its

open general license scheme.

Moreover, strong domestic demand of cold drinks industries during the summer season also incited the strong gains in domestic sugar prices.

The NCDEX July Sugar futures gained almost Rs 54 per quintal in the last one week to trade at Rs 2554 per quintal.

54

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

55

NEWS

Conference in Lagos

N38b loan deal: RMAFC, criticises House enhanced running cost •Writes EFCC

T

HE Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has faulted the enhanced running cost paid to members of the 6th House of Representatives.

Also, a former Deputy Speaker of the House, Alhaji Bayero Nafada, has insisted that the Clerk of the House is the Accounting Officer for the lower chamber and not the Speaker.

He also said the Body of Principal Officers never awarded any contract.

RMAFC gave its verdict in a June 9 letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is now part of the Proof of Evidence before a Federal High Court against a former Speaker of the House, Mr. Dimeji Bankole, and his ex-deputy, Nafada.

The payment of the controversial running cost with about N38billion loans has led to the ongoing prosecution of Bankole and Nafada.

Although the two exleaders of the House did

A

•Nafada insists Clerk is the Accounting Officer From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

not benefit from the enhanced running cost, they are on trial for approving the alleged illegal allowances and facilitating loans to pay members.

The EFCC alleged that the allowances were paid outside the approved Remuneration Package for Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the extant Revised Financial Regulations of the Federal Government of Nigeria, 2009.

The said allowances bordered on the alleged jackup of House members’ running cost from N27million per head to N42million.

In the letter, RMAFC gave the details of regular and non-regular allowances which shows glaring disparity between what was recommended by the commission, effective from July 1, 2009 and what the House paid its members.

According to the breakdown, while each House member was entitled to an

annual emolument of N6, 352,680(at N529, 390 per month), a Senator was expected to earn N8, 206,920(at N683, 910).

RMAFC’s details have no columns for “running cost” as legitimate allowance due to House members.

The commission also explained that of the National Assembly passed only the bill relating to adjustment of its remuneration package in 2009 and left out both the Executive and the Judiciary.

Nafada has denied the allegation that the Body of Principal Officers awarded contracts.

He also claimed that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is the Accounting Officer of the House.

Nafada, who made the submission in his written statement to the EFCC, which has been presented to the court and made available to all counsel, said the management of the House was part of the decision to obtain loans to finance the difference between the old and new running cost paid to members.

The statement, which was obtained from the court, reads: “It is the responsibility of the management to get the funds of the House from ministry responsible.

“The Account Officer of the House is the Clerk of the House. The Clerk reports to the Speaker on all finances. In the absence of the Speaker, the Clerk is supposed to report to the Deputy Speaker.

“The needs of the House are given to the Clerk by a resolution of the House, but if the need is for the management of the House, the Clerk writes a memo to the Speaker. The need of members is anything that has to do with the members’ finances but management needs are needs that have to do with the running of the House.

“Anything relating to payment for contracts, we, as Body of Principal Officers, don’t do. That is based on the law of procurement.

That is why there is a Department of Procurement.

“I can’t remember any meeting to award contracts in 2009 and 2010.

“The issue of the loan started when a 37-member

•Nafada

committee was formed by the House to look at the House finances. They came up with the figure of N42million as office running cost to every member and before that time, the office running cost was N27million per quarter.

“Meanwhile, the decision was taken after the 1st and 2nd quarters have been released to the House. So, there was a meeting of the management and the principal officers as to how to finance this difference. It was suggested that the management and the Senate should give the House a loan of N2.5b and N1.5b respectively pending when the Supplementary Budget is forwarded to the House.”

FRICAN Emerging Market Network (AEMN) will hold a Graduate Opportunity Conference at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Auditorium in Lagos. The conference will be chaired by UNILAG’s Pro-Chancellor Gamaliel Onosode.

Those expected to deliver papers at the event, include Mr. Peter Bamkole of the Pan African University, Lekki-Epe Express way Lagos and Mrs. Morinsojo Desalu of Risk Watch Insurance Brokers.

Others are Mrs. Tola Aofolajuwonlo of Entrepreneurs’ Alliance, Mr. Ibrahim Hammed of Sanofi Aventis.

Foursquare church founder dies

T

HE Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria has announced the transition of Rev. James Abayomi Boyejo, the last of the three Founders of the church in Nigeria. He died on June 17. He was 83.

Boyejo was the first indigenous Pastor of the National Headquarters’ Church, Yaba from 1957 to 1984; the National Secretary of the Organisation from 1958 to 1984 and served as the Acting General Supervisor and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee between 1983 and 1984.

He was a foundation member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and one of the founders of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), where he served as its first National President from 1985 and 1992.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

56

MONEY LINK

No hidden agenda in Islamic banking, says CBN

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it has no hidden agenda in adding Islamic Banking to the country’s financial landscape.

CBN Deputy Governor, Financial Systems Stability, Kingsley Moghalu, said Islamic banking is simply about finance and not religion, stressing that the system is open to people of all faith.

He assured that all types of non-interest bank applications are welcomed at the CBN, saying the apex bank will provide level playing field for all operators.

“I will like to assure Nigerians very clearly that there is no agenda. It is simply finance and not about religion,” Moghalu said.

The apex bank has also pegged the capital base for a National Islamic Bank, at N10 billion, while that of Regional Islamic Bank is N5 billion.

Speaking during a seminar organised by the ‘Apostles in the Market Place,’ Moghalu said the CBN, by approving non-interest banking has not broken any law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He explained that the inclusion of an Expert Advisory Council in the guideline, is meant to nurture non-interest banking under the principle of Islamic commercial jurisdiction.

“All banks that are Islamic banks have that type of Council. So, the regulator in this context felt the need to have a council that advises it on the compliance of the prod-

Stories by Collins Nweze Senior Correspondent

ucts that those banks will issue with the principle of Islamic commercial jurisdiction,” he said.

He assured Nigerians that non-interest banking is part of the apex bank’s plans to increase the inclusion into the financial system, people who have stayed out of the industry for various reasons.

The Deputy Governor, said the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (ACT) BOFIA, stated that except with the permission of the CBN Governor, no bank can be named with the name ‘Islamic, Biblical, Koranic and right now in Nigeria, no bank is named as such.

“Let us be very clear, there is no bank named officially as an Islamic bank. I talked about banks operating under the principles of Islamic commercial jurisprudence. So that is the distinction,” he explained.

The apex bank, is also looking at capacity in the area of the advisory council because of possible challenges. But the apex bank has also equipped its regulatory officers and banking supervisors by sending them out for training.

The CBN has issued new guidelines for the operation of non-interest banking in the country.

The apex bank, said non-interest banking is not restricted to Islamic banking, but it includes other forms of non-interest banking not based on Islamic principle.

“This is in accordance with

the provisions of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) which clearly provides for the two variants of non-interest banking,” the apex bank said in a statement.

Another significant review is the removal of any

reference to ‘Sharia Council’ which has been changed to ‘Advisory Council of Experts,’ whose responsibility is to advise the CBN on the appropriateness of relevant financial products to be offered by the institutions.

P

LANS by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to mandate commercial banks to lend at least five per cent of the total loan portfolio is receiving seriouslyattention.

President Goodluck Jonathan, State Governor, members of the Federal and State Houses of Assembly, among guests that would attend the CBN-organised two-day conference on agriculture lending.

The conference is tagged: “The Nigeria Incentivebased Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending

A

(NIRSAL): A Financial Mechanism for a Holistic Transformation of the Nigerian Agricultural Landscape”.

The programme, according to a statement from the CBN, would hold from July 5 to 6 in Abuja and is expected to be attended by Federal Ministers, Heads of relevant Government Agencies and Departments, farmers, Agricultural Business Practitioners, Development Partners, Research Institutes, Deposit Money Banks and Development Finance Institutions, amongst others.

The CBN, said in April, that

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

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

CCESS Bank Plc has emerged the winner of the 2011 edition of the Business in Community “Big Tick” Award for contribution to sustainability through innovation.

The announcement was made at the BITC Awards for Excellence gala dinner, held in the United Kingdom.

The award underscores

the bank’s efforts at promoting the doctrine of responsible corporate citizenship through initiatives and programmes that address economic, social and environmental challenges.

The BITC award for excellence, is one of the most credible and established independent corporate responsibility awards that recognise and celebrates organisations that have demonstrated in-

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 22-6-11 SYMBOL MAYBAKER OCEANIC ITBC FIRSTBANK UNHOMES PRESTIGE NASCON TRANSCORP AFRIBANK UBN

O/PRICE 3.62 1.21 9.30 11.97 0.61 0.67 5.43 0.91 1.14 2.11

C/PRICE 3.80 1.27 9.76 12.56 0.64 1.75 5.68 0.95 1.19 2.20

CHANGE +0.18 +0.06 +0.46 +0.59 +0.03 +0.08 +0.25 +0.04 +0.05 +0.09

LOSER AS AT 22-6-11 SYMBOL BOCGAS ASHAKACEM CADBURY ETI TRIPPLEG COSTAIN REDSTAREX NAHCO SKYEBANK FIDSON

O/PRICE 7.84 3.42 0.61 0.62 0.83 3.33 2.93 1.90 1.28 1.52

C/PRICE 7.45 3.25 0.58 0.59 0.79 3.17 2.79 1.81 1.22 1.45

novation, creativity and sustained commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community said: “I congratulate the bank on achieving their ‘Big Tick’.

It is a challenging time for business, but this is a sign that companies are not losing their focus and are transforming their businesses to make a positive impact on

people and society and are prepared to lead by example,” he said.

Access Bank Group Managing Director/CEO, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, also commented, saying; “We are delighted to receive the ‘Big Tick’ award. We have always taken a sustained approach to corporate responsibility and integrated it into our business strategy.”

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 400m 467.7m 400m 452.3m 500m 499,8m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

ering the entire production and marketing processes, capable of generating employment and income for the country.

Farming, the apex bank stated, contributes the biggest share of Nigeria’s economic output and employs more than half of the 150 million population, most of it, as small-scale farmers, according to the statistics office.

Nigeria’s government, which relies on oil exports for more than 80 per cent of its revenue, is trying to reduce that dependence to help sustain economic growth in the country.

Access Bank wins award for innovation

MANAGED FUNDS

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

commercial banks should increase lending to agriculture by at least 5 per cent of total loans this year to boost farming. Lending to agriculture currently makes up one per cent of credit by banks.

“That agriculture contributes 40 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is the largest employer of labour and yet receives one per cent of lending is not good enough,” Sanusi, said in an interview with Reuters.

The CBN, said it is committed to making agric businesses less risky through the creation of value-chain cov-

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

banking under other principles,” the CBN further stated.

The new guidelines, according to the apex bank, are the outcome of the review of the earlier guidelines issued, based on the recommendations of various stakeholders.

Agric lending: Jonathan, governors, others meet

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

“In view of this, the CBN is open to receiving and evaluating applications for licensing of non-interest banking institutions based on other principles other than the Islamic variant and will soon issue separate guidelines for non-interest

CHANGE -0.39 -0.17 -0.03 -0.03 -0.04 -0.16 -0.14 -0.09 -0.06 -0.07

Amount Sold ($) 400m 400m 499.8m

Exchange Rate (N) 153.59 153.4 153.45

Date 25-5-11 23-5-11 16-5-11

EXHANGE RATE 30-05-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-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

22-06-11 N8.013tr 25.062.69

Name

January ’11

February ’11

May ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.00%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.3%

NIBOR

7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

21-06-11 N7.958tr 24,889.74

% Change +0.7% +0.7%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS

DISCOUNT WINDOW

Tenor

NSE CAP Index

Rate (Previous) 04 MAR, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 24, MAY, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 117.77 122.45 0.84 1,575.41 97.64 1.00 1.39 1.87 9,039.76 193.00

9.08 1.00 117.28 121.55 0.81 1,567.25 92.88 1.00 1.33 1.80 8,759.24 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 MAR, 2011

Current 07, MAR, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

57

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 22-06-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 4 0.50 10 8.00 14

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 32,000 16,000.00 329,500 2,629,903.60 361,500 2,645,903.60

AIR SERVICES Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 7 2.76 56 7.31 63

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 466,068 1,283,619.68 892,273 6,577,002.28 1,358,341 7,860,621.96

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 10 2.18 10

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 80,250 170,945.00 80,250 170,945.00

BANKING Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC AFRIBANK NIGERIA PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC FINBANK PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC INTERCONTINENTAL BANK PLC. OCEANIC BANK INTERNATIONAL PLC BANK PHB PLC SKYE BANK PLC. SPRING BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 148 7.20 346 1.19 51 5.49 38 3.00 29 7.15 100 2.62 611 12.56 67 0.51 545 15.48 31 9.76 100 1.02 149 1.27 101 0.77 7.89 59 6 0.73 33 1.85 254 5.70 111 2.20 31 0.84 34 0.96 300 14.85 3,144

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 4,638,288 32,618,600.50 6,502,149 7,578,306.52 1,543,061 8,440,946.12 777,957 2,331,308.34 475,610 3,404,827.60 17,087,195 44,296,349.90 17,866,193 219,978,189.85 7,570,929 3,826,943.81 18,088,917 279,296,933.29 752,365 7,321,908.64 5,845,403 5,908,449.23 17,407,711 22,075,841.97 7,584,213 5,834,495.91 1,080,465 8,364,774.96 19,500 13,650.00 2,649,514 4,818,369.73 20,391,390 112,018,673.65 2,307,962 5,026,974.60 23,747,931 20,417,048.05 1,304,333 1,257,975.19 13,092,813 193,011,684.11 170,733,899 987,842,251.97

BREWERIES Company Name CHAMPION BREWERIES PLC GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 1 4.05 36 245.00 14 6.42 138 90.00 1 0.93 190

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,800 15,390.00 31,554 7,646,082.28 121,442 740,796.20 3,960,696 356,330,557.86 2,240 2,172.80 4,119,732 364,734,999.14

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 45 23.60 17 9.75 48 129.94 43 47.75 153

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 259,266 6,133,634.53 162,272 1,589,803.04 458,847 59,679,990.77 2,245,388 107,173,566.91 3,125,773 174,576,995.25

Market recovers as investors bid for rescued banks

T

HE Nigerian stock market reversed the recent streak of downtrend yesterday as upsurge in market orders for rescued banks helped to stabilise the market after a twoweek long depression.

The All Share Index, the value-based benchmark that measures the changes in prices of all quoted companies, regained momentum yesterday with a gain of 0.69 per cent to close at 25,062.69 points as against its opening index of 24,889.74 points. Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted companies rose from N7.96 trillion to N8.01 trillion.

This month has largely been bearish at the stock market with the market recording gains in just four trading sessions including yesterday’s recovery.

The market recovery was stimulated by increased demand for shares of rescued banks amongst other banking stocks with five out of the seven rescued banks closing on the upside.

Oceanic Bank International gained 4.96 per cent to close

No of DealsQuotation(N) 1 10.43 6 30.96 11 1.45 1 1.56 19

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 300 2,973.00 4,586 149,045.00 473,397 686,425.65 1,000 1,490.00 479,283 839,933.65

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name COURTVILLE INVESTMENTS PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 1 0.50 15 2.79 1 5.78 17

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,000 5,000.00 433,300 1,241,980.00 1,000 5,500.00 444,300 1,252,480.00

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Company Name OMATEK VENTURES PLC TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 1 0.50 1 3.25 2

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,000 500.00 92,136 299,442.00 93,136 299,942.00

CONGLOMERATES Company Name PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC SCOA NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 40 36.70 1 7.48 55 0.95 40 39.02 31 27.10 167

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 154,265 5,652,983.00 9,600 68,256.00 4,100,700 3,722,992.50 196,892 7,688,006.43 116,066 3,151,639.40 4,577,523 20,283,877.33

at N1.27 per share. Afribank Nigeria added 4.39 per cent to close at N1.19, while Union Bank of Nigeria, Intercontinental Bank and Bank PHB chalked up 4.27 per cent, 4.08 per cent and 4.05 per cent to close at N2.20, N1.02 and 77 kobo per share respectively.

Banking stocks dominated the market recovery with 10 other banks’ stocks making the 27-stock gainers’ list.

Stanbic IBTC Bank rose by 4.95 per cent to N9.76 per share, First Bank of Nigeria added 4.93 per cent to close at N12.56, United Bank of Africa grew by 4.20 per cent to N5.70, Ecobank Nigeria rose by 3.45 per cent to N3, Guaranty Trust Bank grew by 2.52 per cent to N15.48.

Diamond Bank rose by 2.43 per cent to N5.49, Access Bank gathered 1.55 per cent to close at N7.20 while Sterling Bank, Zenith Bank and Fidelity Bank gained 1.09 per cent, 0.68 per cent and 0.38 per cent to close at N1.85, N14.85 and N2.62 per share respectively.

On the downside, BOC Gases and Tripple Gee led the

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 22-06-11 GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC 20 CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC 1 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 2 LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. 3 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC 21 N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. 21 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. 1 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. 9 REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 1 SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC 1 STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC 293 UNIC INSURANCE PLC. 4 UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 2 INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC 3 Sector Totals 484

No of DealsQuotation(N) 7 3.17 12 56.50 1 0.50 20

No of DealsQuotation(N) 9 2.18 1 0.58 10

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 28,760 65,572.80 65,000 37,700.00 93,760 103,272.80

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN BOTTLING COMPANY PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 13 46.00 45 17.51 163 15.60 75 13.00 66 91.00 13 4.12 1 1.87 36 5.68 12 40.90 32 401.00 9 0.66 465

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 16,659 754,043.00 409,511 7,254,074.11 5,535,359 86,223,360.47 3,658,405 47,174,726.46 2,463,665 224,193,345.18 162,500 652,660.00 2,000 3,560.00 513,259 2,683,174.67 17,965 705,907.94 16,211 6,489,390.80 266,942 176,181.72 13,062,476 376,310,424.35

HEALTHCARE Company Name FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 9 1.81 21 26.94 23 3.80 2 0.50 55

No of DealsQuotation(N) 9 1.22 9

No of DealsQuotation(N) 6 1.35 6

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,245,000 18,939,350.00 90,019 2,341,079.40 202,800 737,072.39 90,000 45,000.00 10,627,819 22,062,501.79

No of DealsQuotation(N) 1 7.75 2 7.45 4 0.51 18 6.00 1 3.18 26

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,280 17,670.00 95,640 712,518.00 29,166 15,164.66 331,790 1,991,135.00 34,999 106,046.97 493,875 2,842,534.63

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name CHAMS PLC STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 1 0.50 6 0.50 7

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,000 1,500.00 405,960 203,389.60 408,960 204,889.60

INSURANCE Company Name AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE CO. PLC. CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC

No of DealsQuotation(N) 46 0.79 9 1.10 1 0.50 38 3.00 3 0.50 5 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 232,000 283,040.00 232,000 283,040.00

No of DealsQuotation(N) 103 1.05 103

Company Name DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 1 0.50 1

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5,882,976 5,987,570.52 5,882,976 5,987,570.52

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 20,000 10,000.00 20,000 10,000.00

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name ABBEY BUILDING SOCIETY PLC ASO SAVINGS AND LOAND PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 2 1.44 1 0.50 47 0.64 50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 6,037 8,270.69 7,000 3,500.00 3,386,032 2,157,667.38 3,399,069 2,169,438.07

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name CRUSADER NIGERIA PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 1 0.50 3 0.50 4

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 65,373 32,686.50 145,770 72,885.00 211,143 105,571.50

PACKAGING Company Name NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC BETA GLASS CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 53 2.49 1 12.71 54

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,703,025 9,191,655.00 1,666 20,125.28 3,704,691 9,211,780.28

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 4 0.50 16 72.00 7 40.00 3 5.25 21 159.00 144 50.00 10 195.50 205

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 296,535 148,267.50 22,337 1,592,537.57 26,531 1,008,178.00 44,710.40 8,960 25,118 3,826,764.50 802,163 39,364,547.86 59,362 11,605,286.00 1,241,006 57,590,291.83

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 58,900 78,119.00 58,900 78,119.00

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name ALUMACO PLC B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC VONO PRODUCTS PLC Sector Totals

62,581,638.09 5,000.00 35,000.00 38,918.88 14,125.00 1,686,660.80 6,200.00 714,559.48 51,500.00 10,000.00 2,514,150.00 216,500.00 9,251.00 216,639.62 75,250,158.10

MARITIME Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name IKEJA HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

40,908,313 10,000 70,000 72,072 28,250 3,119,129 10,000 409,084 103,000 20,000 5,028,300 433,000 18,502 408,754 55,758,238

MEDIA Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 238,000 754,500.00 133,736 7,504,673.60 35,000 17,500.00 406,736 8,276,673.60

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Sector Totals

1.53 0.50 0.50 0.56 0.50 0.55 0.65 1.75 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.53

LEASING Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

CONSTRUCTION Company Name COSTAIN (WA) PLC JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC MULTIVERSE PLC Sector Totals

losers table with price change of 4.97 per cent each. Niwi Cable, UNTL and AIICO followed with 4.92 per cent, 4.84 per cent and 4.82 per cent respectively.

Turnover at the NSE yesterday stood at 283.52 million shares worth N2.132 billion in 5,348 deals. Banking sector remained the most active sector with a turnover of 170.734 million shares worth N987.842 million in 3,144 deals.

Other actively traded sectors were insurance, food and beverages, healthcare and maritime sectors with 55.758 million shares, 13.062 million shares, 10.628 million shares and 5.883 million shares respectively.

Meanwhile, the number of companies that have submitted their full year report to the NSE increased by five from 123 to 128 in number on June 7th to June 21st.

For those awaiting regulatory approval, the list reduced from 24 to eight, of which five were from the insurance sector. Others were Afribank, Bank PHB and Aso Savings and Loans.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC DN MEYER PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC Sector Totals

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,416,976 1,918,754.04 1,003,807 1,077,070.77 38,000 19,000.00 1,287,051 3,948,190.42 238,000 119,000.00 136,000 68,000.00

Company Name LONGMAN NIGERIA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 8 5.39 7 5.00 15

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 559,000 2,995,070.00 120,472 598,660.88 679,472 3,593,730.88

REAL ESTATE Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 18 19.00 18

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 166,255 3,116,105.00 166,255 3,116,105.00

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 5 0.51 5

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 342,600 174,726.00 342,600 174,726.00

TEXTILES Company Name UNITED NIGERIA TEXTILES PLC Sector Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 4 0.59 4

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 601,259 354,742.81 601,259 354,742.81

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of DealsQuotation(N) 23 14.00 23 5,343

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 287,189 4,019,742.00 287,189 4,019,742.00 283,052,161

2,132,253,262.66

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

58

NEWS

PDP morally unfit to criticise us, says Aregbesola

O

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lacks the moral authority to criticise his administration.

He said the atrocities perpetrated by the PDP in the state “cannot be forgotten in a hurry.”

According to him, only the PDP leaders have failed to see the hope that his administration have been restoring to the state.

The governor spoke in a statement yesterday by his media chief, Semiu Okanlawon. It was against the background of criticisms of the PDP on why the state executive council has not been constituted.

Aregbesola: “Nigerians cannot forget the evil intention of the PDP-controlled House of Assembly shortly after our assumption of office

E

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

in November 2010. The attempt to remove the governor, through the instrument of the legislature, the obstinate posture of the Assembly over the list of caretaker committees of local government councils submitted to it and other clandestine moves were enough indications that all the PDP was out to achieve was manacle the administration to prevent any record of performance.”

The statement reads: “With that scenario, political expediency dictated that the governor and his modest team continued delivering quality services to the people while awaiting a more conducive time to appoint his commissioners.

“The PDP had hardly allowed the House of Assembly to be inaugurated barely

‘Do they read the Constitution at all to know what it says about the appointment of commissioners by a governor? If they have been reading their constitution as claimed, they should tell us...’ two weeks ago before it went to town crying foul over nonappointment of commissioners.

“Do they read the constitution at all to know what it says about the appointment of commissioners by a gover-

nor? If they have been reading their constitution as claimed, they should tell us the time frame within which a governor must appoint his commissioners without which he would be seen to have violated the laws of the country.

“Apart from these, what moral right has the PDP and its idle leaders got to comment on the affairs of Osun State again after seven and a half years of desecration of the state?

“This is a party whose government brought the state to its knees through ridiculous loans; the most absurd of which was an N18.3bn that was squandered on phoney projects that had no bearing to the lives of the ordinary people.

“It is to the credit of the Aregbesola administration that it has found an ingenious

method of repaying these loans through another financial institution without allowing its burden to kill the people of the state.

“Reports of the Contract Review Committee have indicted many PDP leaders with findings that show that all they were out to do here was milk the state dry.

“We have employed 20,000 youths who would otherwise have been jobless and for this we pay out N200 million monthly.

“We have launched an agricultural revival programme that will position Osun State as the food basket of Nigeria.

The Urban Renewal Project which was launched recently is aimed at changing the face of the state from the current state of dilapidation to modern cities.

“We are re-branding education in the state. Before the

end of this year, Osun will be branded as the most educationally-friendly state in Nigeria. Don’t forget the PDP government established a university sustaining it through illegal funding formula!

“We have finalised arrangements with the Nigerian Railway Corporation on the movement of agricultural produce from Osun to Lagos and move goods from Lagos to Osun all in the bid to create a healthier and robust economy in the state.

“The people of Osun State appreciate the transformation going on and that is why it is the likes of Sunday OjoWilliams (the acting PDP chairman) and his co-sojourners in the fruitless journey that are making noise over the issue. We are focused and they should not employ their routine style of doing things as a yardstick for judging others.”

Fayemi lashes out at Oni for cheating Ekiti

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said former Governor Segun Oni should bury his head in shame for ripping off the state of billions of naira through contract awards during his tenure.

The governor was reacting to Oni’s reaction on the White Paper by a panel that scrutinized the contracts the Oni administration awarded for about four years.

Addressing reporters in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Fayemi, through his Senior Special Assistant on Project Monitoring, Mr. Muyiwa Olumilua, the governor noted that Oni’s arrogance after the White Paper indictment showed the usual trend of some privileged few who boast about after misappropriating the people’s commonwealth.

He said the alleged contract scam by the Oni administration would be revealed soon.

The governor said it would be unprecedented

•Ex-governor: it’s campaign of calumny From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

for Transparency International (TI) to be involved in the probe of corrupt governments, adding that TI’s role is to collect information from countries and use certain criteria to rate countries’ scale of transparency and accountability.

Fayemi said: “But as the saying goes, beware of what you pray for; your prayers might just be answered.

“Now, we have facts; we have figures. We have witnesses; we have contractors, who attest to the claims that were published in the White Paper. There is nothing dark about the whole thing.

It is an open thing. It was not done by political appointees of this administration.”

The governor said reputable individuals were chosen to serve on the Contract

and Consultancy Review Committee (CCRC), which produced the White Paper.

He said: “The facts are there to see for anyone. If Oni wants to ridicule himself, let him go ahead. What the government wants to avoid is a circus or jamboree or anything that will portray Oni in bad light at the end of the day. The intention was just to mend the wrongs and correct them.

The government thought it proper to be accountable to the people. This is what it met when it got to office, which should be cleared before moving forward.

“But if he (Oni) wants to sensationalise the whole thing, then let him take it to the pages of the press or Transparency International, or whichever international bodies he believes can be an arbiter in this case.

“You don’t call political appointees to ask them questions. You go to the civil ser-

vants, call the permanent secretaries, call the directors in charge and ask for the facts as can be established through and contained in files. Members of the contracts review committee are supposed to sift through the files, do actual on-site visitation to find out if the contracts were executed. You do not have to call Oni or any of his political lackeys.

“The civil servants, who did the actual jobs, were consulted. The Contracts Review Committee did not act on rumours. It didn’t sit down and deliberate like market women. It consulted every ministry before it came up with the White Paper. I must say again that every contactor awarded was invited by the committee.

“They all came with evidence of the award of contract, like letters of award; those that were revoked and re-awarded; those that were

reviewed and varied, all these documents were tendered at the Contracts Committee. The essence of the Contracts Review Committte was not to witch-hunt anybody.”

But Oni urged the governor to stop the campaign of calumny against his person and administration.

In a statement by his media aide, Wale Ojo-Lanre, Oni said: “It is shameful for Fayemi to talk about inviting contractors that handled the projects executed by his administration after the committee set-up to review the contracts had concluded its assignment, submitted report and purported White Paper had been issued.”

He said a serious and sincere government would have first invited the contractors and elicited the truth from them instead of rushing to manipulate figures in order to discredit Oni and those who worked with him.

“What else do they want

•Fayemi

to get from the contractors when they already have what they termed a white paper in which they claimed the contractors were overpaid?” he querried.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

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FOREIGN NEWS

‘Nigeria’s Foreign Policy must reflect national interest’ The Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof Bola Akinterinwa, examines Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, with its emphasis on grants and aid to neighbouring countries without any economic benefit to the country. In this interview with LEKE SALAUDEEN, Akinterinwa calls for a new foreign policy that would protect the nation’s national interest and allow Nigeria to assert its leadership in Africa and the world.

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has ordered for a review of the Nigerian foreign policy. What do you think is wrong with the current policy?

OUR foreign policy should be reviewed. It is not that there is anything wrong with it per se. It is simply because Mr President will want our foreign policy to take into account situation changes in global politics. In other words, we are now in the world of globalisation and the dynamics of international politics are constantly changing.

Therefore, what the President is surely asking for is to redefine Nigerian foreign policy in such a way that Nigerian national interest will be better protected.

The current policy is about protection of national interest in Africa, maintaining Africa as first operational area of concern, the policy of good neighbourliness is good and will continue to be sustained, the policy giving priority to Nigeria and its immediate neighbourhood then West Africa before others, they are all good. Then, the other point that should be underscored is that until now, foreign policy interest was more oriented towards decolonisation and fight against obnoxious policy of apartheid.

Now decolonisation has now been thrown into dustbin of history, all countries in Africa are now independent sovereign so our policy can no longer be oriented towards decolonisation, it does not have any meaning.

We had a policy of non-alignment before now, the cold war has come to an end so there is no need for any policy of non-alignment. There is also no apartheid anymore since 1994. Now South Africa has been ecompletely removed of segregational policies, no racial policies, separatism as we know under apartheid regime.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Odion Ajumoghobia has also stressed the need for Nigeria to have an enduring foreign policy. So our foreign policy should endure which means we must now define our national interest in a new setting of nuclear politics, in a new setting of interdependence. So, this is what Mr President is asking for, at least by my own understanding.

Sir, as a scholar can you elaborate on the innovations you think should be incorporated in the envisaged new foreign policy?

For instance, government should adopt or define a policy on the Nigerians in diasporal. The Nigerians in diasporal can be very critical to nation building not necessarily in terms of flow of investments of which emphasis have always been laid. The diasporal should assist in the transfer of technology, not necessarily in terms of establishing enterpreneual activities. There has to be an arrangement that will enable them as Nigerians is diaspora to transfer knowledge. It is the knowledge of industry we really need by now if we are to catch up with the developed world. That is one area.

Secondly, government should try to change the policy of using the domestics environment to determine foreign policy attitude. People will say well, the economy is not good, the environment is bad, there is problem with the energy sector, we all agreed but the government can make use of the international environment to boost the domestic setting, to resolve problem at domestic level. That is, where the Nigeri-

•Prof Akinterinwa

ans in diaspora also come in. In other words, the research institutions like NIIA, Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution should be organised in such a way that they collaborate on development research projects. In this case, they would be able to harness their resources and then assist government. No country in the world has ever developed without the knowledge of industry.

We have many research institutions in the country but the extent to which they are made use of is a major problem. If I were in the position of President Jonathan, I will look for a virgin land of about 20 kilometres square then turn the place into a research development village.

Each profession say mechanical engineering, medicine etc. will be allocated space.

Every year, professionals going on sabbatical, will go to this place and do research and come up with results. The idea of having one research centre in Lagos, and another in Enugu is not the best. We should develop a new centre entirely and give the centre a mandate that in the next 20 years we must be a leader in science. So you build laboratories and dormitories there for notable professors and Nigerians in diaspora to make use for research purposes.

The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, for instance, came up with a design for pounded yam machine; they don’t have money to produce it. It was taken to Japan. Japan has been producing it and they are selling it to us. The seriousness of foreign policy should now focus in this direction to attract investors.

So, our foreign policy should now be designed to accelerate socio-economic development of the nation.

In NIIA for example, we had a seminar on June 9. The seminar was on Nigeria media and protection of National Security Interest. Why did we embark on that? I look at the NIIA’s mandate which is to assist Nigeria to become a leader in the world, by seeking to understand international relations and advising government. The level of patriotism in Nigeria is at best low, nobody bothers about this.

The way journalists are reporting security matters to us in Nigeria does not mean anything, so, I now say look what can the NIIA do? National Security interest is the business of everybody. How can Nige-

rians put together, assist in the protection of national security? In this case. Let us start with the media who is the eyes, the leg, the ears of everybody, that is why we organised it. Through this effort we will be able to define and protect, we will be defining and protecting our national interest.

If the Igbo people could do Ogonigua during the war, made local bombs, why not improve on it and provide funds for further research.

There are many areas but I think foreign policy should be development oriented and this case, all that is required is for the Foreign Affairs ministry to at all times be involving the NIIA as think tank. If there is a policy they want to evolve they should ask for academic implication. The government does not need to accept whatever advice we give, but let policy be based on actual facts.

There is another reason why I think there is need for the foreign policy review. The general belief is that Nigeria has done well in peace keeping all over the world, but Nigeria is not reaping the gains of her efforts; giving assistance to many countries, many of who do not show gratitude to us, people have been asking for a review. So if the President himself is saying we are going to review it’s because the government has a listening ear. Well the people are saying let’s look at ourselves again, let’s look at where we have done well and where we have not, examine why we did not do well and then see how we can remove the obstacles.

Is there a way by which domestic indices can influence or bear on foreign policy i.e. good governance, transparency, credible election, fight against corruption and rule of law?

Of course yes. Actually, foreign policy has always been defined as an extension of domestic policy.

There is no doubt about that. If you

want to play leadership role, if your economy is not strong, what can you do? If they say provide 2000 troops for peace mission in Ivory Coast and you lack the wherewithal to maintain them, you don’t have plane, to convey them, that has impinged on the nation’s foreign policy. Again, we rented buildings as residence for our mission staff. If you do not have money to send what happens to the staff? We are members of many international organisations, if you don’t pay your annual dues, you will be prevented from voting.

Consider this again, we want to be a permanent member of the Security Council at the level of United Nations, the world body requires us to have capacity to help maintain international peace and security. So, foreign policy is largely a function of the domestic setting, domestic policy, your military strength, you money, your integrity, culture and recitation.

At a time former External Affairs Minister, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi advocated development of Black Power by Nigeria. I think he was talking in terms of the nuclear atomic bomb. How do we relate this to Nigerian leadership in Africa?

Well, you see, Prof Akinyemi is very far sighted. He is always living in the future. I’m saying this because he believes Nigeria should be a leader as we are now trying to assert and that was why he propounded what was called then the doctrine of consultation. This came about when the United States attacked Libya and the OAU was talking about American aggression, Nigeria at that time did not say anything. At home people were asking why Nigeria kept quiet on the issue. Akinyemi simply told them that look if Libya did not consult with us before taking action. That is to say Nigeria was not put in the picture. Why then would Libya expect our support? Nigeria is a sovereign nation. We deserve to be consulted when it comes to African affairs.

So, Prof Akinyemi put across this argument which was regarded as consultative doctrine which implies that if any African country takes decision on matters affecting Africa generally without consulting us, they should not expect to hear from us. In other words, Africa without Nigeria is nothing. President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe also made it clear at a time that Africa without Nigeria is hollow. That is to let you know that Akinyemi already believes that Nigeria is a leader.

The same thing he wants Nigeria to develop what he called black bomb (atomic power) to be able to provide leadership for Africa in the event of attack by enemies of Africa. He (Akinyemi) is consistent with that and that was why he came up with another position – the concert of medium powers in international relations. He said that it does not mean you must possess the whole world, that you must be the wealth-

‘There is another reason why I think there is need for the foreign policy review. The general belief is that Nigeria has done well in peace keeping all over the world, but Nigeria is not reaping the gains of her efforts; giving assistance to many countries, many of who do not show gratitude to us’

iest, that you must have money, have everything before you can play any meaningful role in Africa.

He said with what we have, we should be able to play leadership role. Therefore, he sought audience with many countries of the world having the same status, resources etc and conveyed a meeting in Lagos.

They changed the name from medium power to Lagos forum. For one reason or the other, the Babangida regime that should have ensured its continuity didn’t give it positive support which is very unfortunate.

But whether it is concept of medium power, black bomb or consultation doctrine, it is just to assure a place for Nigeria in global politics.

The major news daily we use to hear from our foreign mission is that of under funding and in some cases mismanagement of funds.

What do you think should be done to solve this problem?

The problem is certainly under funding and less of mismanagement. If you don’t have enough money, how do you mismanage it?

In a situation you have to settle your debts in arrears, what is there to mismanage? I am able to say this because I was an embassy translator and I know how the embassy is run. I was special adviser to Minister of Foreign Affairs two times.

The embassies are generally paid lately. They do not get their money on time either due to bureaucracy or otherwise. The major problem is that at the level of National Assembly they easily forget that expenses in our foreign mission is based on dollar not naira. Now when they come up with a budget for instance the appropriation committee often erroneously look at Nigeria equivalent. They easily forget that living abroad is very expensive. People portray the image of the development, dignity, culture of their country. They need security, they need house rent and all these are expensive. But in a situation whereby many governments don not want to build the house in foreign lands they only want to rent.

Now in this type of situation, when you do not have sufficient money to pay the locally recruited staff, so what do you do? It is when you receive the money that you pay.

Now what do we do? It’s just to change the mental reasoning of every stakeholder and to admit that foreign policy is necessarily expensive.

You either want to engage in it or you don’t.

So, when you want to engage in it, you provide for it. Another problem is that government officials have to travel frequently attending meetings. Even if you budget sufficiently for a particular year and the events in the world now require more meetings than usual it requires additional expenditure. For instance, when we had climatic change nobody budgeted for that but by the time its implications began to dawn on everybody now they now have to meet at frequent intervals that they never budgeted for.

So, you have to budget for things like this that is what makes it expensive. Some people say they should reduce the number of diplomatic missions, I disagree. All those countries competing with Nigeria are increasing their diplomatic missions abroad. The ideal thing for Nigeria is to have an ambassador in every country of the world. So that there won’t be need for concurrent accreditation.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

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SPORT EXTRA

for Imo FA Court reserves ruling on corruption 26 clubs jostle league trophy A charges against Lulu, others J USTICE Donatus Okorowa of Federal High Court Abuja yesterday adjourned ruling for the fourth time on the corruption charges leveled against the former chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The chieftains comprising of President Sani Lulu Abdullahi, Vice President 1 Amanze Uchegbulam, Chairman Technical committee, Taiwo Ogunjobi and General Secretary Bolaji Ojooba. The Judge who is handling most of the celebrated cases in the High Court, said the lack of electric power in the court room necessitated the adjournment. The ruling has now been fixed July 19th. The judge had to delay the decision for over three hours

LL is now set for the kick off in July of the Imo FA league cup , with 26 clubs jostling for the trophy which was donated by the state FA chairman, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam.

Vice chairman of Imo FA, Mr. Ndubuisi Ekeocha in a release made available to the press disclosed that 16 clubs have registered to play in the first division, while 10 teams will slug it out in the second division.

“The organizing committee of the FA has put plans in place for a smooth kick off mid July. Four centres-Mbaise, Isu, Mbaitoli and Orlu will be used for the round

Patrick Ngwaogu

following the disruption of power supply in the Court at exactly 8.00 am. The heavy blast in the court yard sent many running for their lives, as they had thought it was a bomb explosion. The whole environment was thrown into darkness. Speaking on the recent adjournment, the attorney to one of the accused O.A. Dada said the adjournment is purely a court process which would be determined at the appropriate time. He advised that people should exercise patience with court process. Speaking after the adjournment, former President said he would remain steadfast and believing God for the best.

Watford to host Ghana/ Nigeria friendly

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HANA's international friendly against Nigeria in England will take place in Watford, the match organizers have confirmed.

Justin Addo, the Ghanaian match agent putting together the meeting of two of Africa's biggest sides told the official launch of the game in London that Watford's Vicarage Road grounds will host the game on

•Osaze

2012 LONDON OLYMPIC GAMES QUALIFIERS

WTF confirms Chukwumerije, two others for Azerbaijan

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ORLD Taekwondo Federation (WTF) has confirmed Beijing 2008 Olympics bronze medalist, Nigeria’s Chika Chukwumerije and two others as competitors at the 2012 London Olympic Games Qualifiers holding in Baku, Azerbaijan.

C o n s e q u e n t l y , Chukwumerije, ranked 61 in the world, expected to compete in the +80kg category with 27 other athletes across the world, with over 345 athletes competing for places at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Nigerian top fighter will storm Azerbaijan, to content with the best fighters in the world, which include his semifinal opponent at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Greece’s Alexandros Nikolaidis, who is two-time Olympics silver medalist and the current European champion.

In preparation for the qualifiers, the 2007 All Africa Games gold medalist had been perfecting strategies in Taiwan, though presently in the United Kingdom (UK) perfecting his skills ahead of the championship.

Prior to this time, Chukwumerije had featured in competitions like Belgian Open and the World Championship in Korea this year. In Belgium, he settled for silver medal after copping an injury in the semifinal tie, while he made it to the quarterfinal stage at the Korea World Championship.

Other Nigerian athletes listed

by WTF are Temidayo Jegede, who will be competing in the men’s -80kg, while Ijeoma Obi will jostle for place in the women’s -67kg.

There are indications that Obi may not feature at the qualifiers following the inability of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) to raise fund for the player to make the trip to Azerbaijan.

The WTF World Taekwondo Qualification Tournament for the 2012 London Olympic Games will take place on June 30 to July 3, with 345 athletes from 109 countries in action.

194 men and 151 women were listed for the championship, which serves as the first qualification platform for athletes hoping to make it to London 2012 Olympics.

The four-day tournament, will

By Innocent Amomoh feature four male and four female Olympic weight categories: 58kg, -68kg, -80kg and +80kg in the men’s division, and -49kg, 57kg, -67kg and +67kg in the women’s division.

The top three athletes in each weight category will automatically qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games and 24 athletes are expected to make it to London through the World Qualification Tournament.

Of the 128, 24 spots will be decided each through the Baku World Qualification Tournament, the Asian Qualification Tournament holds on November 4 to 6 in Bangkok, Thailand, the Pan American Qualification Tournament takes place on November 18 to 20 in Queretaro, Mexico and the European Qualification Tournament holds on January 27 to 29, 2012 in Kazan, Russia.

Sixteen places will be decided through the African Qualification Tournament to be held on January 11 to 12 in Port Said, Egypt, while the Oceania Qualification Tournament will decide on eight spots for the taekwondo competition of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Four spots will be decided on through the tripartite consultation among the IOC, the ANOC and the WTF, which are known as “wild cards,” while the host country of Great Britain will secure four spots automatically.

•Chika

robin series, with Owerri playing host to the Super Four in December,” Ekeocha disclosed.

Ekeocha while commending the state FA chairman for donating the trophy and sponsoring the competition noted that the league will go a long way in developing football in the state.

“Imo football is making a new beginning with the FA league. It is a competition that will lift football in the state and we hope other stakeholders will support it.”

August 9th 2011 during a busy midweek schedule of international football action.

It will be the second meeting between the two sides n England in the last four years after Ghana steamrolled to a 4-1 win in their last meeting back in 2007.

Ghana captain John Mensah who attended the launch says he hopes the game August 9th meeting will thrill in equal measure.

Olympics standard opening ceremony for Garden City Games •…As media accreditation begins

Osaze not for sale T — West Brom

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EST Brom have been forced to deny that Peter Odemwingie, their prolific goal-scoring sensation, is up for sale.

Having scored 15 goals in his maiden Premier League campaign after arriving at The Hawthorns from Lokomotiv Moscow last summer, the 29 year-old had been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal.

However, the West Midlands club has reiterated their desire to keep hold of their prize asset.

On Tuesday, Dan Ashworth, West Brom's technical director, told the Birmingham Mail of O d e m w i n g i e ' s indispensability to Roy Hodgson's outfit.

"Our aim is to retain our core players and try to strengthen our squad around them," he explained.

"I want to make it clear that Peter Odemwingie is not for sale and remains a key member of our squad."

"We have not received any offers for Peter and we have placed no valuation on his head."

"He has two years left to run on his current Albion contract and talks over a new deal are ongoing."

After a sixth consecutive season without silverware, Wenger is feeling the squeeze and will have to assert himself in the transfer market in order to appease the Arsenal faithful.

Something of a journeyman, Odemwingie has also plied his trade in France for Lille and for Belgian side Louviere.

HE opening ceremony of the Garden City Games 2011, now scheduled for Sunday, 3 July, will be akin to what the world witnessed at the Beijing 2010 Olympic Games in China.

Rivers State Information Commissioner and Chairman of the Media Sub-committee for the festival, Ibim Semenitari, has therefore urged Nigerians who may not be able to make it to Port Harcourt, to stay glued to their TV sets and see what magic the Chibuike Amaechi inspired opening ceremony will look like.

“We don’t want to sound boastful, but what Nigerians will see that day, they have never

seen before, because Governor Amaechi has always insisted on setting standards for others to follow. That day will witness a ceremony, that even Olympic Games organizers will be forced to ask questions from us”, she said.

Meanwhile, media accreditation for the games has commenced in the Garden City.

Officials revealed to reporters at the weekend, that those willing to be part of the festival can access the media through gamesaccreditaion@yahoo.com.

Other media men will immediately be accredited when they arrive for the festival, provided they bring their passport photographs along.

All Stars’ president elect lauds Fashola

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INNER of the All Stars Football Club International of Lagos elections, Barrister Omodele Ibrahim has commended the Governor of the state, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) for his contribution to the success of the club so far.

After he got the mandate to lead the club which has Fashola as its member for another two years running, Ibrahim appreciated the members for the confidence reposed on him , saying he will do his best to fulfill his earlier promises.

In the election held at the club’s secretariat, it was a landslide victory for Ibrahim, as he polled the highest votes of 49 to defeat his opponent in the election.

Other contestants who won in the election also recorded landslide victories.

Kingsley Anosike returned as the vice president. Obiora Nzekwu won the Secretary General’s post, while Pius Egiolamhen is his secretary.

Other winners according to the electoral committee chairman, Chuks Mbakwe were Kyrian Uka who is the Provost, Austin Onyeabuchi, the Social/ Welfare Officer, while Abdulmajeed Ajibade

By Innocent Amomoh Adegbindin is the club’s Publicity Secretary. The Financial Secretary and the Treasurer are Muyiwa Olaofe and Mukalia Lanre Babalola While accepting the mandate given to him by the club, Ibrahim said the success of the election showed the democratic nature of the All Stars of Lagos.

“One of the agenda we are going to pursue vigorously is

for this our great club to have its own secretariat, which will go a long way in boosting our image. We are discussing with the state government and spirited Nigerians for assistance.

The club is going from strength to strength and I’m glad with the cooperation of all members of the club including our dear Governor Fashola, whose tremendous support has giving us a strong footage,” said Barrister Ibrahim.

Youth Soccer Classic kicks off in Ijebu Ode August

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S part of efforts to further develop the Nigerian youths through football, Abaj Sports Ltd. has in conjunction with the Nigerian Football Coaches Association, Ogun State chapter, concluded arrangements to organise the first edition of the Youth Soccer Classic.

The tournament according to a release from the tournament director, Prince Dapo Ajibade, is designed to serve as the largest recruitment platform in West Africa for foreign and local football scouts/agents and club officials to discover the hidden football talents and expected at the tournament are over 40 local

and foreign agents and club scouts.

In this trend, one of the largest football agencies in Europe and Australia- World In Motion Sports Agency has agreed to send their representatives to scout for players. This mega deal was brokered by Mr. Bright Sodje, a UK based sports consultant and former football player, also the tournament consultant (Europe).

And the organisers have carefully invited over 50 youth football teams to participate in the maiden edition of the event slated for the second week of August, 2011 at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

SPORT EXTRA

ALL NIGERIA/CROSS RIVER SATE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Tambuwal to be special guest HE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwa will be the special guest today when the All Nigeria/Cross River Sate Athletics Championships begin inside the mainbowl of the U.J Esuene stadium in Calabar.

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Disclosing this yesterday in Calabar iwas Patrick Ugbe,the Cross River state Honourabel Commssioner for Information after a final inspection of the competition venue was done by the Cross River state team led by the deputy governor,Efiok Cobhan and the Athletic

NNPC/SHELL CUP 2011 FOOTBALL COMPETITION

GSS Owerri gets N2.5m

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HE Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, sponsors of the NNPC/Shell Cup competition, made a formal presentation of the first prize award to Government Secondary School, Owerri, the 2011 Champions of the competition, at a brief ceremony at the Imo State Ministry of Education yesterday.

Having also lifted the Championship in 2010, this is the first time in the 13-year history of NNPC/Shell Cup, that a school has won the trophy in two consecutive years.

A cheque for N2.5m was presented to GSS Owerri for the development of sports.

The 20 students from the school, who took part in the championship, had received their prize money of N50,000 shortly after the finals in April 2011.

“Our vision of promoting sports and education by discovering and supporting the nurturing of young talented football players in Nigerian secondary schools is being achieved,” said Sola Abulu; Head Major Projects Public Relations and Brand Communications. “This would not have been possible without the support of key stakeholders including NNPC, Nigerian Schools Sports Federation as well as Federal and State Ministries of Sports and Education.”

The Principal of GSS Owerri, Mr. Raph Obiyo, commended the NNPC/ Shell Joint venture for the competition which he said has given sports development in the school a new lease of life. He said, "with the prize money won last year, we can now boast of a-state-of-the-art sports equipment in football, basketball and other sports.”

The NNPC/Shell Cup is the biggest youth football championships in Nigeria, offering secondary school students the opportunity to develop their soccer talents while continuing their education. The annual championship is one of several education support interventions by SPDC Joint Venture. Every year, the company awards about 2,730 secondary school and 850 university scholarships to deserving students from the Niger Delta and other parts of

Nigeria. At any one time, SPDC scholarships support some 13,650 secondary school and 3,400 university students in the country.

Federation of Nigeria team led by its president,chief Solomon Ogba.

"I am happy to announce that the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal has confirmed that he will be in Calabar to be a special guest of His Excellency,the executive governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke at the opening ceremony of the All Nigeria/Cross River state Athletics Championships at the U.J Esuene stadium.The Speaker is identifying with the giant strides governor Imoke has made in the area of sports development’, said Ugbe.

Rangers ace Okwuosa plots Enyimba’s fall

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ANGERS tough tackling defender James Okwuosa has predicted champions

•Okwuosa

Enyimba will fall in a rescheduled ‘Oriental derby’ next week Wednesday.

Rangers have 43 points from 27 matches, a point behind Eastern neighbours Enyimba and victory at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu will not only give their fans the bragging rights but would see them climb to fifth place.

“Enyimba surely are a great side but I don’t see them withstanding our current form at home,” said Okwuosa, who has posted sparkling performances since he teamed up with the ‘Flying Antelopes’ this term.

“The players here are doing all they can to

prove we are a great side who want to take this famous club to the greatest height ever attained.

“Remember that we have given the management an ultimatum over our entitlements and after dealing a big blow to the title aspirations of Enyimba, it will be time to fight for our rights.”

The lanky former Lobi Stars defender, who has been called up by both the Super Eagles and the Olympic team, told MTNFootball.com he has been happy with his own form.

“I really give God all the glory for enhancing my game thus far and can only get better as the season enters the home stretch,” said Okwuosa, who has a goal to his name thus far.

“I will keep working hard because it is the dream of every Nigerian footballer to play overseas sooner rather than later.”

Tomorrow in THE NATION ‘And maybe Governor Fashola would affect even greater humanity than his Ogun State counterpart and thus transform Lagos into the city of everyone’s dream. This is not some veiled attack on Governor Fashola but an importunate plea that he hearkens, understanding that the true worth of a leader lies not in some of his deeds some of the time but in all of his deeds all of the time’ OLATUNJI OLOLADE

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 6, NO.1,799

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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N 1999, the military were forced by relentless public opposition to step down after nearly 30 years in power, with only a short civilian interregnum. Public discontent with military rule had reached its apogee. Since then, we have had in this country four succeeding civilian governments, ‘freely’ elected, in a supposedly democratic multi-party political system. But even under the new democratic civilian rule, the long simmering public discontent has, in no way, diminished. Except in a few cases, expectations that civilian rule would assuage the disturbing public discontent have proved to be an illusion. The nature of the discontent may have changed. Under military rule, there was no freedom. It was an arbitrary and despotic form of government in which the people had no voice or role in the government.

In addition, under military rule, the economic conditions of the country worsened considerably. Mass poverty deepened. Today, it can be said that there is greater freedom in the country. At least, critics of the civilian government are not being hauled off to jail.

But there is still a more than normal discontent with the country’s political system, its politics, and its politicians.

This discontent has to do with the failure of our politicians to deliver the economic dividends of democracy. Specifically, the electorate looks up to the government and the politicians to create more jobs, offer better security to the public, improve the appalling living conditions of the people, and tackle the canker worm of public corruption more vigorously. That is the essence of government, the only justification for its very existence. In all of these areas, it is possible to argue that much more has been achieved in the country under civilian rule than under military rule, which neither has any regard for accountability nor suffers any consequences as a result of this lapse. In 12 years of civilian rule, one can begin to see some glimmer of hope that the politicians, under increasing public watch, are beginning to be more responsive to public criticisms and demand than the military could ever be. The reason is that, as shown in the recent general elections in the country, politicians and governments that do not perform, or perform below the expectations of the people, will be voted out.

This was why the PDP governments in the Southwest were kicked out and the ACN voted into power, in the hope that it will do better.

The ACN governors are in no doubt that they have to perform or else lose the support of the electorate.

Whatever their failures might be, politicians are an integral and necessary part of a free and democratic society. It is from the political class that representatives are elected to the legislature, and the ministers of the government appointed. Without the politicians there will be no free society.

However, the electorate should not be under any political illusions that the politicians, or the newly elected governments in the various states, will do much better than their predecessors in office, or that they can be

RIPPLES Cabinet: OBASANJO NOW TO CHOOSE S/ WEST NOMINEES-News

... and BABA is still LAUGHING

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Political illusions and the tasks of politicians

•Jonathan

counted upon generally to be honourable, responsible, and diligent in the discharge of their onerous responsibilities. To think otherwise would lead to self-delusion. The fact of the matter is that the long period of neglect by previous governments in the country has created for the various governments and the entire political class almost an impossible task, one of righting the wrongs and neglect of the past in a few years. There is so much to be done, and the resources needed to create a new society are so vast that progress, if any, on all fronts is bound to be slow and painful.

This is not intended to absolve the politicians from blame for their seeming lack of commitment to a faster economic growth and political stability in the country. Rather, it is to warn the electorate that progress is a never-ending adventure, littered by spurts of astounding achievements as well as fits of abject failure. No country has been able to escape this paradox of governance. Even in the rich countries, public discontent is mounting on account of the failure of the various governments to effectively tackle the uncertainties engendered by the global economic and financial crises. In Britain, there is growing public opposition to the efforts of

the coalition government to reduce the large budget deficits by savage but inevitable cuts in public expenditure. Everywhere, politicians are confronted by painful choices. It is no less the case here where the politicians are often faced with difficult decisions that call for courage and statesmanship on their part. It is not all politicians that can rise to the occasion or display the statesmanship that the situation often calls for.

When a politician is admired, we feel obliged to deny that he is a politician at all and call him a statesman. But the distinction is largely a false one. It was once said by Professor Brogan, the distinguished British historian that “a statesman is a dead politician… there is no alternative to his being a politician while he is alive”. What Brogan meant by this is that, in hindsight, a politician may be credited with having been a statesman by displaying qualities that were indispensable at the time.

But whatever he did to earn this fame was done primarily as a politician through maneuoevres, management, and persuasion.

In retrospect, the four great pre-independence Nigerian leaders; Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and the Sadauna, Sir Ahmadu Bello, have been acknowledged as statesmen. But when they were alive they were regarded as mere politicians, each pursuing his political objectives, and each being vilified by his political opponents. Compared to our current politicians they seem to be extraordinary human beings. But before earning fame as statesmen they were first politicians with all the virtues and vices of human beings.

It is important to recognise this distinction so as to save ourselves not only from selfdelusion about politicians, but also from too great a fascination with them. It should be possible neither to condemn the politician too much-even the Nigerian genre of it, with all his faults-nor to adulate him for what he is not and should not be. The great former

HARDBALL

Y

OU would think a Jonathan to Jonathan transition would be snappy.

Not so. The President obviously has picked up a couple of things from his former boss, Umaru Yar’Adua, who had a reputation for over-deliberation. He often took an eternity to take decisions – causing an irreverent media to dub him “Baba Go Slow.”

While careful consideration of matters is wise, sometimes over-deliberation ends up making the whole process untidy and chaotic.

There is hardly a day that goes by without some story about a falling out between some state governor and the President over nominations. State chapters of the ruling party as well as members of the Jonathan-Sambo campaign team are publicly gouging their eyes out in the bid to get into the cabinet.

Meanwhile, Aso Villa is leaking like a raffia basket: we know who the president is courting, who has turned him down and why. Security agencies saddled with the responsibility of screening nominees are no better - so the whole world knows who has been cleared and who has fallen by the wayside.

You would have to go back a bit in history to recall a time when the process was such a

Conservative British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, once said, ‘If people want a sense of purpose, they should get it from their archbishops. They should not hope to receive it from their politicians’. It is important to recognise these political boundaries so as to prevent both exaggerated disdain for, and exaggerated expectations from the mundane lives of politicians. The politician cannot always do what he would like to do, and the methods he must use are not always ideal.

The politician in a free state cannot command.

He cannot destroy interests that he finds inconvenient as his support is based neither on an army nor on a secret police. None of the methods of a dictator is available to him. He must always be conscious of the tasks and limitations with which he is often confronted.

What then are the tasks that the Nigerian politician must face?

The first task of a politician, therefore, is to try to reconcile the multiplicity of conflicting interests and wills that exist in the society and to produce from such conflicts a policy based on a consensus in the society. In the case of Nigeria, such conflicts are varied and include ethnic, religious, and class interests, all of which have to be reconciled and balanced by the politician. He has to decide when to stand firm, when to give way; when frankness will bring rewards, when a little bit of hypocrisy will save a lot of trouble; when to sit back and wait, and when to act decisively. This is by no means an easy task.

The second task of a politician is to encourage and promote public interest in political issues of which there are many in any free society.

Without such interest free government is meaningless. It is also impossible. Opinion is formed through many channels and, to play a decisive role in forming such public opinion, the politician must work through all the available channels. In Nigeria, even under civilian democratic rule, the governments and politicians tend to seem remote from the people. When they are out of touch with their constituents politicians become less effective in the performance of their duties.

The third task of a politician is to act as a catalyst on public opinion. He must take a strong public stand on the social ills of the nation, such as the extensive graft and public corruption in our country. He should be no part of the financial scams that are dragging the nation down. This is why in our country politicians are held in such contempt and disdain.

The fourth task of a politician is to be the link between informed and public opinion. As Bagehot argued, it is part of the function of the politician to ‘teach the nation what it does not know’, and ‘make the society hear what otherwise it should not’. Quite a tall order, but it is in performing these tasks that a politician can earn public respect and aspire to be regarded as a statesman.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

An everlasting transition media circus. It is almost impossible anywhere to keep a lid on these things, but the unending speculation sends out a message of indecisiveness that does not jibe with Jonathan’s pledge to hit the ground running.

It is over three weeks since his inauguration and his closest aides in the Presidency are yet to be named. This is obviously the result of pressure and intrigues which he could have avoided by having a clear picture of who to hire once the elections were over.

There are some troubles we can avoid by learning from the example of others. For more than six months its been known that United States Secretary of Defence, Robert Gates, would be leaving office this summer.

About three months to his departure, President Barack Obama, made an announcement that Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) boss, Leon Panetta, would be succeeding him at The Pentagon. He equally named General David Petraeus as the director of the Agency.

The process was seamless and projected a sense of order.

Across the road at the National Assembly, legislators are doing their bit to surpass the tardiness in the Executive Branch. Each time a new class of lawmakers resume, they show up to elect their leaders, and promptly declare a recess. The excuse this time is the same as always – inadequate accommodation for members.

It is not as if the number of legislators who constitute the National Assembly is a mystery. What stops the relevant officials from making proper arrangements in anticipation of the arrival of the new class in Abuja?

The states are no better. Many of the governors are still running around like headless chicken. This pattern of long drawn transitions is unacceptable. The longer the delay in constituting administrative teams, the more the business of governance is left undone. Surely, this is no way to begin Nigeria’s “transformation.”

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