The Nation June 28, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

News 10 pupils attending classes drown after downpour P4 Sports Arsenal to play Super Eagles in Abuja August 5 P47 Business Concerns over $10m discount on Nigeria crude P11 www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 7, NO. 2170 THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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Security forces kill 17 suspects in gun battles Rifles, abandoned vehicles recovered From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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LL was quiet yesterday in Kano where security forces and unknown gunmen were locked in battles for hours on Tuesday.

The police said security forces killed 17 “terrorists” and arrested three during gun battles at various locations.

Speaking to reporters at the Police Headquarters in Kano, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim K. Idris said a police corporal, Saidu Umar, died in one of the battles.

Another officer, Sergeant Baba Williams, sustained bullet wounds on his left leg during a gun duel at Dala Police Division.

The police boss, who said security forces matched the strength of the insurgents, revealed that “the terrorist elements” had planned co-ordinated attacks in five locations.

He named the places attacked as Dala Police Division, Jakara Police Barracks, Goron Dutse Prison Yard, 52 Squadron Challawa and Junior Secondary School Sabuwar Doka in Ungogo Local Government Area.

At Dala, the insurgents numbering about 30 attacked police men on duty with assault riffles and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Policemen gallantly repelled the attacks, Idris said.

He went on: “During the gun duel, the superior power of police killed 10 of the extremists. They abandoned their motor vehicles—a Golf Car, a bus containing large quantity of drugs and syringes, Toyota Corolla, N100, 000, 10 undetonated explosives and some drugs for First Aid. “Also recovered from the extremists are three AK 47 riffles and eight magazines with hundreds of live ammunition. Three suspects were arrested while 10 others were killed.”

At Jakara, the “insurgents” threw severContinued on Page 4

•A suspect arrested after the bank robbery in Wukari, Taraba State...on Tuesday. Story on Page 57

•The invaders’ abandoned operational vehicles in Kano...yesterday

•Some of the recovered AK47 assault rifles from the Kano suspects

Terrorism: Senate seeks special court to try suspects

T •Senate President David Mark

HE Senate yesterday ended its three-day retreat in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, with a call on the Federal Government to create special courts for terrorism crimes.

It urged the Federal Government to urgently strengthen laws relating to insecurity and terrorism.

The government, the Senate said, should enact a Witness Protection Law to encourage citizens to give information about suspected terrorists.

The lawmakers also said that a law

‘

Despite the measures being pursued by the government, there is need for dialogue as a feasible solution to resolving Boko Haram problem

’

From Onyedi Ojiabor, and Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

to monitor and regulate preaching should be enacted to forestall inciting preaching by religious zealots.

These are part of an 11-point resolution the lawmakers adopted at the end of the retreat.

The Senate also urged the government to increase its logistic support for Borno State and others facing serious security challenges.

The National Assembly, the Senate said, should continue to support increased funding for security agencies, with greater focus on intelligence gathering.

The lawmakers resolved that the Federal Government should intensi-

fy measures to create jobs and reduce poverty and inequality.

The lawmakers resolved to strengthen their will and independence to perform oversight functions more effectively by avoiding areas of compromise with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

They urged government at all levels to spend more on provision of basic infrastructure, such as power, water, roads and others to improve quality of life and reduce social discontent.

Continued on Page 4

•CITYBEAT P8•POLITICS P17•SPORTS P18 •EDUCATION P25 •E-BUSINESS P43

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

2

NEWS THE DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

Tearful farewell for the Anyene Six •Ekwueme to Fed Govt: forestall air disasters

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N June 3, they worshipped at the church. They returned to the St. Mathew Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja Tuesday night. But it was not to worship. It was a funeral service for Collins Onyeka Anyene, his wife Maimuna and their four children. They died in the Dana Air plane crash.

Family members, business partners and fellow worshipers fought back tears.

At the solemn gathering were former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme, former Anambra State Governor Chinwoke Mbadinju, former Deputy Governor Okeh Udeh, lawyers and representatives of the Anambra and Imo State governments. House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal was represented by Hon. Lanre Arokodare.

The Anyenes were on their way to Lagos for the wedding of Maimuna’s brother after church service on that Sunday.

Though his family lived in the United States, Collins Anyene did most of his business interactions in Nigeria.

Many of the church members spoke glowingly of Collins.

A member of the church said: “He was born and bred within the church premises. Onyeka was deeply religious and he studiously and conscientiously met his religious obligations and did not miss Sunday services and midweek Holy Communion. He picked up from where his father stopped.”

The Vicar of the church, Venerable Sola Igbari, described the late Collins Anyene as someone who supported provided scholarships to the needy, kept many widows and less privileged on his payroll just to give them head starts and put meals on their table.

Ven. Igbari said: “Onyeka always insisted on no publicity for such deeds. He had a spiritual bond with his mother and ensured that she was fully provided for. He related excellently with his siblings and the extended family and supported

‘

Programmes •

Commendation service Our Saviour’s Church Tafawa Belewa Square Lagos, Nigeria Thursday, June 28 5pm - 6pm

•

Wakekeeping First United Methodist Church of Jamaica 162-10 Highland Avenue Jamaica, New York 11432 Friday, June 29 7pm

•

Songs and praise service UPDC Estate Lekki, Lagos Saturday, June 30 4pm - 6pm

•

Burials Onyeka and Mainmuna’s Estate, Ubaha, Ndiowu, Orumba Anambra State, Friday, July 13

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

those in need. He actually became the fulcrum for the younger cousins, nieces and nephews, encouraging, providing and insisting that they all get well educated as a stepping stone to meaningful and responsible living.”

While praying for the repose of the souls of the Anyenes, Ven. Igbari said: “Deliver your servant and his family members, O sovereign Lord Jesus Christ, from all evil and set them free from every bond that he may rest with all saints in the eternal habitations, where with your Father and the Holy spirit you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever.”

Ven. Igbari said death is inevitable.

There is need to conduct a thorough review of activities in the aviation sector, Nigerians cannot be dying every day; our airspaces must be made safe. There should be adequate maintenance of air facilities

‘

The congregation wore long faces as the choir rendered soulful hymns, such as Jesus lives and Thy terrors now.

Tears cascaded down eyes when the choir sang: “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.” The song brought the emotion-laden service to the end.

Ekwueme urged the Federal Government to do everything possible to ensure the safety of airspace to forestall air disasters.

Ekwueme said: “There is need to conduct a thorough review of activities in the aviation sector, Nigerians cannot be dying every day; our airspaces must be made safe.

There should be adequate maintenance of air facilities.”

• The late Anyenes

We’ve contacted 118 families of victims, says Dana

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ANA Air spokesman Mr Tony Usidamen yesterday said the company has made direct contact with 118 families of the victims involved in the crash of June 3.

Usidamen, in a statement, added that nine embassies had also been contacted for the foreign victims.

A Dana Air plane crashed into residential buildings at Iju-Isaga, Lagos, on June 3, killing all the 153 passengers on board, as well as some residents of the buildings.

He said the families and embassies have been sent letters of condolence and insurance documents, which would facilitate the payment of their compensation.

Usidamen disclosed that as at June 25, the company had received completed insurance forms for 34 of the victims, “two of which are members of staff”.

The spokesman said investigations into the cause of the accident was still ongoing, adding that management would continue to offer assistance to

the investigating authorities.

“Dana Air shares in the pains of the affected families and continues to offer every form of assistance required by the hospital authorities and overseas laboratories.

“We shall ensure the process is completed as soon as possible, so that the families can lay their loved ones to rest”, he said.

He added that 98 per cent of DNA samples had been successfully collected and dispatched to a UK laboratory for testing.

Usidamen debunked rumours that expatriate members of staff of the airline had left the company’s employment since the accident.

“Of the over 450 staffs of the airline, most of whom are Nigerians, not one has left the company’s employment,“ he said.

According to him, some of the expatriate members of staff are among the airline’s officials currently assisting the investigating authorities on the crash.

He said: “All Dana Air staffs are

• Ekweme and his wife Beatrice

•Usidame voluntarily assisting in one way or the other, especially with respect to visiting the affected families and providing information on processing of insurance claims. “

• Udeh and wife Nneka at the service

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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NEWS THE DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

The man Onyeka T

• A cousin of the late Onyeka, Ogochukwu Ekwueme

HE man Onyeka , a twin, was born on August 16, 1967 to the family of Benjamin Ferguson Chukwuka Anyene (late) and Mercy Chinwe Anyene.

Onyeka’s formative education was at Central Primary School, Ndiowu and Boys High School, Uga. He obtained LLB from University of Jos in 1989, BL from Nigeria Law School in 1990 and Executive MBA from Lagos Business School in 2002. He also did Executive Programme Courses at Harvard Kennedy School and London School of Economics in 2009 and 2010 respectively. There were so many other courses relevant to his professional pursuits that he undertook.

After his NYSC, he worked briefly with Ade Odofin Law Firm before setting up Jus Polis Law Firm. From this humble beginning, Onyeka by dint of hard-work, perseverance and belief in the possibilities from Godly living was to grow to become a highly respected and principled national and international business person.

He served on the board of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN) between 2009 and 2011. He also served in many federal government sub-commissions and inter ministerial committees.

He supported many philanthropic causes, provided scholarships to the needy, kept

many widows and less privileged on his payroll just to give them head-starts and put meals on their table. Onyeka always insisted on no publicity for such deeds.

The late Onyeka had a spiritual bond with his mother and ensured that she was fully provided for. As her mother aged, Onyeka moved her 7 years ago from Ndiowu to his residence at Lekki in Lagos.

He related excellently with his siblings and the extended family and supported those in need. He actually became the fulcrum for the younger cousins, nieces and nephews encouraging, providing and insisting that they all get well educated as a stepping stone to meaningful and responsible living.

The late Onyeka married his heart throb Maimuna Anyene (nee Mijindadi) and they were blessed with four lovely children all under four years. The fourth was only 5 months at the time of their death.

His family lived in the USA but the effusion of his fatherly love ensured that he was always shuttling to US to spend time with his family.

Born and bred within the church premises, Onyeka was deeply religious and he studiously and conscientiously met his religious obligations and did not miss Sunday services and mid-week Holy Communions; picking up from where his father stopped. The late B. F. C. Anyene was a school

•Onyeka

teacher and church teacher who served his community Ndiowu and other communities in this dual capacity. He worked tirelessly towards firming the foundation and the growth of St. Lawrence Anglican Church, Ndiowu during his 20 year stay as the head. The church was one of the priceless edifices that Onyeka with others contributed to immensely making it the architectural masterpiece that it is today.

The woman Maimuna • Elder sister of the late Onyeka, Mrs. Ifeoma Ekwueme

• Mbadinuju

• Hon. Alex Nwofe

PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

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HOUGH married to a Christian, Maimuna was a devout Muslim. Not just by mouth, but deep down in her heart and in her actions. Maimuna prayed five times a day. She finished her sentences with “Insha Allah” or God willing. When she was at the University of Ibadan (UI), she would stop and pray, no matter what was happening . Her unwavering faith really defined her character, said her best friend, Ebun Onagoruwa.

Onagoruwa, in a tribute, wrote: “Maimuna loved, respected and honored her family. She always talked about her late dad, mom, Aisha, Mohammed and Ndako with love and endearment. She loved her aunties in MD and Detroit. When she got married and had her beautiful children, she lived for them. Aunty B. spent a lot of time with Maimuna over the last 4 years to help with the kids and Maimuna always listened to her mom’s advice and learned from her wisdom. Family meant everything to her.

Maimuna upheld family values and we had so many conversations about how she and Onyeka wanted to raise the kids to be Godly, respectful & kind.

She loved the times Onyeka was around because they were all together. She loved him so much.

“Maimuna’s ‘yes’ was her ‘yes’ and her ‘no’ was ‘no’. She had very strong principles and moral values she lived her life by and these permeated every facet of her life – work, home, friendships.

Maimuna was one person who never let situations or circumstances change who she was. I’m sure her childhood friends and also her new friends in CT would describe her the same way. She always told the truth.

•Maimuna

She faced every challenge or success that came her way with love, determination, humility, courage, honesty and faith.

“Had the most diverse friends (and shared them): Honestly, I don’t know anyone who had as many friends as Maimuna! She made friends with all kinds of people from different backgrounds, religions, ethnicities. You only needed to meet Maimuna once and you liked her. Always smiling and positive. I remember telling my sister that Maimuna has the most diverse friends I know – she made friends at work, in her community. She didn’t care if you were Nigerian or not. People were drawn to her and she made them all feel special. In UI, all the cleaners, wardens, knew her name

because she greeted everyone with a smile. She kept in touch.

She asked about things you cared about.

She remembered birthdays. She made you laugh.

Another thing that was unique about Maimuna was that she shared her friends.

"Maimuna loved life. She had this effervescent spirit and positive attitude. She loved adventure. She was so witty. She loved to travel. She laughed. In our G21 days, she and Amaka came up with a concept of ‘Room awards’. She organised a choreographed dance. I remember in UI, we took bus rides to my home every weekend to hang out with my parents and collect money and supplies for the next week. The bus rides from UI to Ojoo to New Ife road was when it was just the 2 of us and we caught up on the week, laughed, talked about the future. We explored London, NY, Chicago, Toldeo, Hartford together. She did creative things with Kamsi, the twins and Noah. She is the only person I know who would welcome the ‘challenge’ of taking a two-year old and months old twins from CT to London so they could all experience the city, reconnect with friends and family. She lived each day with such a great attitude. Even when she was feeling down, she found a way to smile. She loved people.

She cared for people.

"Was she flawless? No, but she sure was close to perfect (no bias here). We are broken by this loss, but we need to use this tragedy as a platform to turn our lives around. No matter your religion, personality, gender or situation in life- there are numerous lessons to emulate from Maimuna's life. Pick something. Start today."

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

NEWS 10 pupils drown in downpour

Terrorism: Senate seeks special court to try suspects Continued from Page 1

The lawmakers said effective governance must be entrenched through implementation and monitoring of appropriation laws.

They asked the Federal Government to strengthen laws relating to insecurity and terrorism.

They resolved that all Nigerians should be re-orientated to be united, resolute and focused on building a stronger country.

They asked the government to enhance bi-lateral and multilateral networking in curbing terrorism.

The senators called on government at all levels to increase support for communities that are affected by environmental degradation through the effective deployment and use of the ecological fund.

The lawmakers resolved to take expeditious actions to facilitate the implementation of the resolutions of the 2012 retreat.

They observed that effective national security is crucial for

T

EN pupils were swept to death by a flood following yesterday’s early morning downpour in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

They were attending classes at the Living Foundation Nursery and Primary School in Tundun Kauri when the incident occurred.

Seven bodies were recovered in the school premises after the flood water was drained. The remaining three bodies were found in a gully a few metres from the school compound.

An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, said the plight of the pupils became known when neighbours’ attention was drawn to the school’s collapsed fence.

He said he shouted for help and neighbours rushed into the school premises where they found most of the pupils trapped in their classrooms.

Tudun Kauri, where the school is located, is floodprone, just like most parts of Lafia due to the absence of a good drainage system.

Successive governments have failed to tackle flooding in Lafia metropolis.

The school mistress was not available for comments. She was said to have gone to the police in connection with the incident.

The pupils’ bodies have been deposited at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital.

Police spokesman, Cornelius Ocholi said he was yet to get the details of the incident as he was out of town on an official engagement.

The Chief Fire Officer, Alhak Dogar, said his men launched a rescue operation, which was hampered by bad

meaningful sustainable development in the country and lamented the collapse of positive values and allegiance to national symbols.

The Senate also expressed sadness that the level of insecurity has impacted negatively on the economy, most especially in the North.

It said despite the measures being pursued by the government, there is need for dialogue as a feasible solution to resolving Boko Haram problem.

The lawmakers enjoined the sect members to embrace dialogue.

The government, the Senate said, should partner with the international community to curb insecurity and terrorism, saying such is imperative, given the international dimensions and connections of terrorist organisations.

They also stated that counter terrorism and insecurity require new legislations and reexamination of existing legal framework.

Alleged $620,000 bribe: Rep Jagaba gets Police deadline

A •The Living Foundation Nursery and Primary School, Lafia where 10 pupils drowned...yesterday From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

roads coupled with high currents of the flood. He expressed regret that the school was sitting on waterways which made it more difficult

to rescue the pupils.

“I received a call from the Ministry of Works that there was a problem around that area. You know we all woke up to heavy downpour, and

that signifies that there was a problem because of lack of proper drainage. People built on waterways, which is very dangerous,” Dogar said.

NOTHER lawmaker is to tell the police all he knows about the $620,000 cash-for-clearance scandal.

The police have invited Adam Jagaba, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, to make a statement on his role, if any, in the matter.

The lawmaker has publicly denied any role in the scandal.

He has up till tomorrow to report to the police.

The suspended Chairman of the House Committee on Fuel Subsidy Management, Mallam

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Farouk Lawan, is also expected to appear before the Police Special Task Force (STF) tomorrow.

Lawan was again at the STF over the alleged bribery. He spent about 10 minutes at the Force Headquarters. The whereabouts of the $620,000, which businessman Femi Otedola said he gave the lawmaker remains unknown.

Jagaba, who Lawan alleged was in custody of the cash, has not reported to the police.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have read Continued on Page 5

Security forces kill 17 suspects in gun battles Continued from Page 1

al IEDs which shattered part of the police outpost, which, according to the police, had been locked since last December.

There were sporadic gun shots at Jakara, which left two of the invaders dead during a gun duel with Barracks Guards.

The attack at Goron Dutse Prison was unsuccessful as no casualty or damage was recorded. Five gunmen were killed at 52 Sqaudron in Challawa during a battle with Mobile policemen.

The police boss said at Sabuwar Abuja in Panshekara, explosions went off. A suspect was killed at a private residence.

“An explosion was heard at Sabuwar Doka Junior Secondary School in a suburb of Ungogo. A team of policemen and Anti-bomb Squad were drafted to the scene and it was discovered that one classroom was partially damaged by the explosion.”

According to the Commissioner, items recovered from the gunmen at various locations include five assault riffles, 14 IEDs, 220 live ammunition, five motor vehicles, three motorcycles, N100, 000 and large quanti-

Gunmen kill two civilians, JTF kills two suspects, arrests one

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HE police in Damaturu have confirmed the killing of two suspected members of the Boko Haram and two civilians in Thursday’s attack in the Yobe State capital.

Commissioner of Police Patrick Egbuniwe said yesterday that one woman and her child were wounded by a stray bullet during the operation at Sabon Pegi in the Damaturu metropolis.

“There were attacks on a police and military posts by suspected gunmen, where two civilians were killed in the Sabon Pegi ward and the Federal Polytechnic staff quarters.”

“One block of classrooms in the ties of drugs and syringes.

Joint Security Task Force (JTF) spokesman Lt. Ikedichi Iweha, in a statement, said: “At about 1810hrs yesterday, 26 June 2012, multiple Improvised Explosive Devices were detonated by members of the terrorist sect at Goron Dutse and Dala general areas of Kano, akin to the 20 January 2012 attacks in the state. The terrorist elements eventually gained access to the Dala Police Division outpost where they killed a Police Corporal and were about to loot the arms store of the police division before the swift response of security forces.

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

polytechnic was torched by the Boko Haram members but I must say that they were just retreating and decided to burn the class because anytime you are chasing them, they will just burn what they see around.

“We also combed the school and found the body of a Federal Polytechnic security man who was killed in the attack,” Egbuniwe said.

He said there were pockets of armed assailants still hiding in the communities in the metropolis, warning that the police and JTF would continue to raid such hideouts.

“On sighting operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF), the terrorists attempted to flee the area but were engaged by troops of the JTF. After the intense gun battle, seven of the terrorists were killed and several wounded. Arms and ammunition were recovered from them as well as IEDs which, as at this moment are still being discovered and detonated by the Police Anti Explosive Ordinance Unit safely.

“Area search is still on going to apprehend those with gunshot wounds as well as other unexploded IEDs. The JTF appeals to members of the public to report imme-

Speaking on whether the police got a hint on the purported text message sent to the institution prior to the attack, Egbuniwe said: “Yes we were alerted that a message was pasted round the school with the inscription that ‘brothers and sister, you have to leave the school because we are coming to bomb it’ but the reason why they bombed that classroom as I told you, is because they were retreating from the gunfire.”

He said that no security agent was killed in the operation, adding that the situation was brought under control. The curfew in Damaturu is still from 7am to 6pm.

diately, any person seen with any form of wound or any suspicious package for prompt action.

“Gentlemen of the press, you would recollect that a couple of days ago, members of the terrorist sect staged a prison break in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, where about 40 inmates were freed. As efforts are on to track the fleeing inmates, another situation was averted by the swift response of the JTF in Kano yesterday as the JTF believes that the intent of the terrorists was to first destabilise the closest reinforcement to the Goron

Dutse Prison and then storm the prison for a possible prison break. This attempt was frustrated by the JTF. “This latest incident, once again, reveals that members of the terrorist sect would stop at nothing to destabilise the peace of the state and commercial activities, which are slowly picking up. All hands must be on deck to root out these terrorists.

“The JTF, once again, thanks the good people of Kano State for the cooperation it has been receiving from them. The JTF urges the general public to continue to cooperate with it in the area of providing informa-

tion on suspicious persons within the communities and to remain vigilant to apprehend terrorists who may be lurking around to drop IEDs. “It will be recalled that the same terrorist gangs having failed in their attempt to destabilise Kano earlier, went and planted IED in a mosque in Fagge just before last Friday’s prayers with an intent to provoke religious conflicts among the adherents of the two major religions, thereby achieving their aim of destabilising the state. The JTF will continue to treat all information given with the utmost confidentiality.”

Security has been strengthened in the ancient city as vehicles, motor cycles and pedestrians are thoroughly searched. People are asked to raise up their hands at several checkpoints.

Some businesses have remained closed, as people stay indoors, following explosions early yesterday.

But the explosions were said to have been those safely defused by the Police AntiExplosive Ordinance Unit.

Kano remained calm and peaceful last night, but there was apprehension among residents that more battles were on the way.

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

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

5

NEWS

Police detain INEC’s Director over alleged N8.6m bribe from contractors

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HE Police are holding an Assistant Director of Information and Communication Technology with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly collecting N8.6m bribe from some contractors.

The cash was allegedly stuffed in a sack (popularly called Ghana-Must-Go) in the boot of his car.

The Assistant Director is said to have sneaked out of his office to pick the money from the contractors in one of the thatched cubicles surrounding INEC headquarters in Abuja .

Some INEC officials claimed that the incident happened on Tuesday; others said it occurred last Friday.

It was learnt that upon collecting the money, the suspect was afraid of taking it to a bank because of the nation’s law on money laundering and suspicious lodgments.

From Yusuf Alli and Austin Ehikioya, Abuja

A source said: “The Assistant Director was caught with the bribe cash by members of the State Security Service (SSS) attached to INEC office during a stop and search process at the gate of the commission.

“When the security agents asked him to open his car boot, he became jittery and started sweating. The security personnel became curious and opted for a thorough search, leading to the discovery of the money in a GhanaMust-Go. “The Assistant Director could not explain how he came about the money.

The security agents decided to hand him over to the Police Post in the INEC office.”

Another source said: “We are also suspecting that some politicians from some states where elections will soon hold were behind the brib-

ery saga to influence the voters’ data base of INEC in their states.

“Do not forget that a governor recently raised the alarm of alleged attempt to doctor the voters’ list in his state ahead of a governorship poll.

“What is indisputable is that the bribe sum is certainly for a purpose. Those who offered it wanted a kind of compromise.”

It was gathered that a Deputy Commissioner of Police in INEC, Mohammed Gazali, who is in possession of the cash, has ordered investigation into the matter.

But there were fears last night that there had been moves to bury the case because the Assistant Director is allegedly serving as a front for a top management official, who wields enormous power within the system.

Attempts in the last 48 hours to get official reaction

had been difficult because the Chairman of the commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega and some officers are away to Canada for a Commonwealth Conference on Electoral Reform.

The Director of Public Affairs of INEC, Emmanuel Umenger, who spoke with one of our correspondents at about 7.33pm, said: “I am hearing this from you for the first time; nobody has said anything about this to me. I took permission to travel out; I was not in town when you said this thing happened.

“The bottom line is that I am not aware of that development.”

Another top director in the commission said: “The INEC chairman has been informed of the development in Canada. Jega’s position is that the law must take its course. He said if there is any violation of the law, the commission will not condone it.”

Fashola denies report on House’ right to summon Jonathan

By Joseph Jibueze

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has denied a report in which he was quoted as saying that the House of Representatives was right to summon President Goodluck Jonathan.

He was said to have made the comment when House Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha visited him on Monday.

A statement by Fashola’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Hakeem Bello, said the governor never said so. He described the report as “misleading and sensational.”

Bello said: “For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to state clearly that at no point during the short visit … was any reference made to the invitation by the House of Representatives to Mr President.

“The Deputy Speaker simply told the governor about his mission in Lagos, which was to deliver a lecture at the University of Lagos.

“He added that he hoped to use the forum to market the legislature, which had suffered a lot of pitfalls due to years of military interregnum, to a critical segment of the electorate like the students.

“While responding, the governor commended the leadership of the House of Representatives, noting that Congressional Hearings in UK used to be seen only on C-SPAN. “It was in the course of speaking on the importance of the legislature in any democracy that he underscored the significance of the oversight functions of that arm of government.

“He gave specific example of Lagos where he usually excuses members of the State Executive Council to respond to the summons of the House of Assembly even on Mondays when the state exco meets.”

According to Bello, Fashola had also lent his support to the present House leadership, saying that despite the imperfections in the system, lawmaking would get better with time.

He quoted Fashola as saying: “The more we understand that the legislature is a part of government that enables things to happen, that engages with the people, that shares information about development, that queries progress with a view to inspiring better service delivery, the better we would all be.

Fashola also said when members of the legislature ask the executive questions, it should be realised that they have the right to ask because they approve budgets. Therefore, the more members of the executive get used to it, the better.”

Uche Jumbo, P-Square, D’banj OLLYWOOD star for Glo show and Glo ambassa-

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•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle); Afenifere chieftain Senator Ayo Fasanmi (third left), his wife Felicia (second left) and her children, during her 80th birthday anniversary on Dada Estate Road, Osogbo...yesterday

Why local govts are under-developed, by dons

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XPERTS in local government administration yesterday declared that the third tier may remain under-developed for a long time , if true federalism is not restored.

The university dons called for financial autonomy and decentralisation of responsibilities of local importance to the councils. They also called for the abrogation of the State/Local Government Joint Account, which makes the states to deduct council funds illegally.

The Head of Local Government Studies Department,

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Dr. Isiaka Aransi and Dr. Bolu Folayan of the College of Humanities, Osun State University, Ikire, spoke on “The role of local government in nation-building” in Lagos.

The workshop, which was opened at Ostra Hall, Alausa, Ikeja by former Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Rotimi Agunsoye, was organised by Osun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in partnership with Softtouch Enter-

prises, a Lagos training firm.

About 300 participants, including council chairmen, vice chairmen, councillors, supervisory councillors and administrative staff, witnessed the opening ceremony of the three-day workshop.

Stressing the importance of the local government system, Agunloye said the third tier is the closest to the grassroots, adding that any failure at this level may spell doom for the higher tiers.

Aransi urged the Federal Government to encourage meaningful financial autonomy for local govern-

ments. He said there is the urgent need by the Federal Government to increase revenue allocation to the local government from 20 per cent to 25 per cent, pointing out that the current allocation is inadequate for the 774 councils nationwide.

He said: “The issue of allocating funds to local government through the state government, that is, State/Local Government Joint Account (JAC), must stop forthwith. Local government allocations must be made direct to them to encourage meaningful development and eventual nation-building”.

dor, Uche Jumbo, is the celebrity guest in this week’s edition of Glo Presents The Big Friday Show produced by MTV Base.

The lifestyle entertainment magazine programme was launched at Silverbird Galleria last Friday.

The first edition of the show went on air later the same evening. The show, which features celebrity appearances, top 10 music video countdown sessions, celebrity and fans meet, amongst other exciting highlights, runs every Friday at 6 .00 p.m. on Silverbird Tel-

SSS dismisses two officials

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HE State Security Service (SSS) has dismissed two of its auxiliary workers in Akure, Ondo State, for engaging in “illegal activities”.

This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by Marilyn Ogar, the SSS’s Deputy Director, Public Relations.

The statement named those dismissed as Owolabi Kolawole and Okunola Kayode.

It said that the officers committed the crime on June 14, adding that they had been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

“After preliminary investigation, the two staff members, Owolabi Kolawole and Okunola Kayode, were handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution since their action bordered on criminality.

“Subsequently, in line with the service terms and conditions, they have since been dismissed,” it said.

Alleged $620,000 bribe: Rep Jagaba gets Police deadline •Continued from page 4

about his denial in newspapers, but he must come to us to write a statement and answer a few questions.

“Investigation is beyond mere issuance of a press statement or releasing a denial to the media. The police need Jagaba to come for caution on oath, pending the conclusion of our findings.

“Normally, it used to be a different ball game when

you are interrogated on any issue. We have issues to clarify from Jagaba.

“We are really after the $620,000. Despite the fact that we are exploring other clues to retrieve the cash, it is normal to interact with those either mentioned or implicated in the bribery saga. We are positive that we will get money.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “We have formally invited Jagaba; he

has up till the end of this week to report to the Force Headquarters before we take any further step. We hope that he will honour our invitation before the week runs out.

“We are trying to go at the pace of the lawmakers to avoid being dragged into unnecessary controversy.

We will operate within the ambit of the law and still get results.

“Our interaction with

Jagaba will further assist in directing the focus of investigation. We want him on oath like any other person who is making statement to the police.”

Asked if there is any deadline given to the STF on the case, the source said: “We are aware that the ongoing investigation is more important to Nigerians; we will not fail them.”

Jagaba last week denied being in possession of the cash.

evision (STV), at 7.30 p.m. on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and on Wednesday s on African Independent Television (AIT). It is also shown on ORTB (Benin Republic) and ViaSat1 (Ghana).

A statement by the Marketing Communications Department of Globacom said this Friday edition will be full of fun and excitement for viewers who will hear Jumbo talk about her recent marriage for the first time in public and why she kept the engagement and wedding a secret up until now.

In his response to a letter from the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jagaba said: “I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that there was never a time I was in possession of the sum of $620,000 or any other exhibit (in my personal capacity or official capacity as Chairman, House Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes) relating to the subject matter of the above investigation.”

CORRECTION Part of the text in an advertisement on Saki East Local Government, AgoAmodu, Oyo State published on Tuesday, June 21, Page 49 should have read: Appreciation to our indefatigable, efficacious and masses-friendly instead of appreciation to our indefatigable efficacious and messes friendly.

Also, Mr J.G. Adebayo is the Head of the Information Unit and not Unity.

The errors are regretted.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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NEWS Lawyer calls for Mimiko’s rally bill from Ondo NLC From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

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KURE lawyer Morakinyo Ogele yesterday urged the Chairperson of the Ondo State branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mrs. Bosede Daramola, to give an account of how the resources of the union are being managed.

The lawyer demanded an explanation on the detailed account of how much she spent on the solidarity rally for Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko on Tuesday.

Ogele said he was acting on under the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act 2011, which allows every Nigerian to have access to vital information and document that concern the masses.

In a letter, entitled: Demand to have access to Ondo State NLC Account, the lawyer alleged that Mrs Daramola has been using the union’s resources to finance Mimiko’s second term ambition.

The letter reads: “I humbly put you on notice to furnish me with the account of the state NLC from the time you assumed office as the chairperson of the union and the amount spent on the solidarity in support of LP’s government; the total sum spent in mobilising all your members in Ondo State and members from Abuja; (and) the total sum spent on fez caps and T-shirts.

“The demands stated above should be forwarded to our office within seven days from first appearance of this letter.

“Would you fail, refuse and neglect to do this within the period stipulated above, this may warrant me to compel you at the law court and the same time send a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to beam its searchlight on this.”

•Asiwaju Tinubu (second left); Alhaji Okunnu (SAN) (right), chairman of the occasion; Chief Ayo Adebanjo (second right); Gbajabiamila (third right); Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji (middle); Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila, mother of the lawmaker; and Tambuwal, at the event in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: RAHAMAN SANUSI

Tinubu hails Reps’ role in national development

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HE National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday hailed the leadership of the House of Representatives for its commitment to the development of the country.

Tinubu spoke in Lagos at the 50th birthday and book presentation entitled: Fearless: The emergence of a virile and formidable opposition leader (Political Memoirs of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila), written by Dr. Wale Okediran.

The event, which held at the City Hall, Lagos Island, was attended by House of Representatives Speaker Aminu

Tambuwal; Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN); his Ogun and Ekiti counterparts Ibikunle Amosun and Dr. Kayode Fayemi; former Federal Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Femi Okunu; former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mallam Nasir elRufai, among others.

Tinubu described Tambuwal as an inspirational leader whose contributions have added value and commitment to the development of the country.

He said: “I like to commend

the House and your tireless efforts. You are committed to our national government.

“We have seen what is happening. We assure you legislators, who are tied together to build this institution and remain focused on the legislative oversight of this country, that you will not regret it. Don’t be intimidated. We were once there before and we sailed through.”

Tinubu described Gbajabiamila as a dedicated and loyal young man with a sound mind who has continued to make the country proud.

Tambuwal said he was attracted to the celebrator because they both share the same core values, despite their diverse political backgrounds.

The Speaker said it is with commitment and tenacity he is holding the House together.

He said no matter the difficulties, he would try to pass the message clearly across to his colleagues.

Tambuwal said: “I must say that in most of those contributions, Femi is a true representative of Nigeria.”

The Speaker alluded to a section of the book, which alleges that the lawmakers’ relation-

Agunloye: I’m still in ACN •Party chairmen, Ajatta back Akeredolu

Group makes case for deputy governorship slot

From Damisi Ojo and Leke Akeredolu, Akure

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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GROUP, Forum for Good Governance (FFGG), yesterday hailed the political maturity of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leadership at the national and state levels for zoning the governorship and deputy governorship tickets to northern and southern senatorial districts of Ondo State.

In a communiqué issued after its emergency meeting in Akure, the state capital, by its General Secretary, Ayo Williams, the group said it is ready to complement the efforts of the party’s leadership to identify the right place to produce the deputy governorship candidate.

It said: “We urge our national/state leaders to put into consideration in the zoning of the position to the oil producing community of Ilaje local government area.

“Ilaje is the only local government area in the state that accounts for all the offshore oil production and over 95 per cent of oil revenue accruing to Ondo state from the federation account.”

The group noted that three federal constituencies in the South Senatorial District of Odigbo/Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Federal Constituency produced two senators, two deputy speakers, incumbent Speaker and Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Government Affairs, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi.

By Miriam Ndikanwu

•Agunloye

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N Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship aspirant, Dr. Olu Agunloye, yesterday said he is still working for the success of the party.

Agunloye was addressing his supporters at his Omoluabi Campaign office in Akure, the state capital, on the rumour that he planned to defect from the party.

He said his supporters wanted him to get the governorship ticket, adding that he is still consulting on the matter.

The former Defence Minister said he cannot take the final decision without considering his teeming supporters who have been working to ensure that ACN rules the state.

Agunloye said: “We have been working for the progress of the party through our Omoluabi platform. Among all the aspirants, the Omoluabi Campaign team has structures and offices in all the 18 local government areas and our aim is to unseat Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

“We are still consulting people to know the next direction on how our party and group will control the state to fullfil our promises to the poor masses in the state.”

The ACN chieftain urged his supporters to remain calm and continue to work for the success of the party and the Omoluabi Platform.

The party’s state Secretary, Mr. Adedipe Adegboyega, hailed Agunloye’s supporters for remaining steadfast in the party.

He said: “Our aim is to send the ruling Labour Party (LP) from controlling the state. As dedicated members, we must be united and work for the progress of the party.”

Adegboyega urged all aspirants to abide by the decision of the party’s national leadership on the selection of candidate.

Present at the event were: Ondo State ACN Treasurer, Ade Adetimehin; state Youth Leader, Enas Muhammed; Dr. Segun Abraham’s State Campaign Coordinator, Dr. Aidi Abass; Sunshine Liberation Forum (SLF) Coordinator, Mr Ojo Victor; Segun Odidi, among others.

The aspiration of former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, to get the ticket for the October 20 governorship election yesterday received a boost.

Chairmen of the party in the

‘We have been working for the progress of the party through our Omoluabi platform.

Among all the aspirants, the Omoluabi Campaign team has structures and offices in all the 18 local government areas and our aim is to unseat Governor Olusegun Mimiko’ 18 local government areas endorsed his candidacy.

The decision was taken at Oke-Igbo in Oke-Igbo/IleOluji Local Government Area.

A communique issued at the end of the meeting, presided over by the party’s chairman of chairmen, Mr. N.T. Fapohunda, affirmed the support for Akeredolu.

They applauded the process which produced the aspirant and expressed optimism that his candidacy would increase the party’s fortunes.

The chairmen spoke glowingly about the virtues of the former NBA chief and wished him a resounding victory at the polls.

Akeredolu said he was overwhelmed by the encomiums the party’s chairmen showered on him.

He described them as men of honour and foot soldiers.

The frontline lawyer prom-

ised not to disappoint them for the confidence they reposed in him.

Akeredolu was accompanied by the National Director of Organisation and Strategy, Chief Tayo Alasoadura and Mr. Banji Ayiloge, the Director-General of Aketi Campaign Network.

He urged the party stalwarts to redouble their organisational strategy to garner support for the ACN. The lawyer promised to mobilise human and material resources to make the electoral victory of the party a foregone conclusion.

Among the party chairman were: Moshood Ishola, Chief Festus Omolaja, Chief N.T. Fapohunda, Chief Alalabiaye Victory, Akintunde Ajayi, Temitope, Julius Bello, S.O. Gbiri, Omoware, Ajayi and Julius Ogundimbola.

Also yesterday, another aspirant, Dr. Jaiyeola Ajatta, promised to mobilise supporters for Akeredolu.

Ajatta told reporters in Akure that he would deploy his political structure and resources to support the former NBA president.

He appealed to aggrieved aspirants to abide by the decision of the national leadership of the party.

Ajatta said: “The National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has called me and appealed to me to work for Akeredolu and I have no choice because he is my leader...”

ship was financially induced.

He said he has never influenced or attempted to influence Gbajabiamila with money.

Tambuwal said: “It was our common vision for the country that makes us flock together; nothing more, nothing less.”

Fashola noted that fearless does not mean there is no fear.

He said it defines a man who pursues his goals well, despite the presence of fear.

The governor hailed the celebrator’s contributions to national development, saying he has followed the path of great and intelligent leaders.

Osun to spend N8b on cities’ facelift From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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HE Osun State Government has earmarked about N8 billion for the facelift of nine major cities under its Urban Renewal Project.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, the Chairman of the state Urban Renewal Project (OSURP), Prof. Babatunde Agbola, noted that Osogbo, Ikirun, Ejigbo, Iwo, Ikire, Ede, Ilesa, Ila-Orangun and Ile-Ife are among the towns to benefit from the programme.

He said the government wants to ensure total beautification of one kilometre radius to the palaces of the affected cities.

Agbola said the project would beautify the nine zonal headquarters in the state, adding that the rehabilitation projects have begun at the palaces of the cities.

According to him, the project is a part of the Rauf Aregbesola administration’s innovation to rehabilitate dilapidated structures near the palaces of the selected cities.

He added that the project would aid the development of the cultural heritage of the cities through the building of modern museums in the palaces.

Agbola said the project would help to repackage old areas of the cities and make them more befitting to modernity.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

NEWS On Saturday, the National Association of Female Judges in Nigeria (NAWJN) and the ‘How Nigeria can win National Institute for Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) will hold a conference on sexual anti-corruption exploitation of women known in legal circle as ‘sextortion’. The president of NAWJN, Acampaign’ UNITED States judge Mr John Justice Binta Nyako recalls scary cases of ‘sextortion’, including one perpetrated by a Walker yesterday urged the Federal Government to back its judge, who is now dead, with his five victims, reports JOKE KUJENYA campaign against corruption with

How randy judge killed five women, wife, by Justice Nyako S

TANDING at 5.7 inches, she can be mistaken for a beauty queen.

But the tall woman is an emotional wreck. With tears running down her cheeks, Queen had a sad tale to tell. She said: “I have just been sexually exploited by a team of policemen.”

She shed more light on her ordeal: “I was a victim of ‘one chance’ bus. I had travelled to my village for a family event. On my return to Lagos, the bus we boarded dropped all the passengers at Ojota. I hopped into the first bus that I saw heading for Oshodi. The driver who seemed to be in a hurry just picked about four of us, three women and one man, then, he zoomed off. As we got along, the conductor told us to choose between our money or our lives. So, the driver increased the speed of the vehicle. We were warned not to shout as one that misbehaved would be pushed out of the bus. So, we started begging. But they did not listen and after a long drive, we were taken to a very beautiful house. With the others I was there for three days before I was able to escape. As I was running, I ran into a man and explained my ordeal. He then directed me to a nearby Police Station.

“On getting there, I narrated my story to the policemen I met on duty.

I could hear one of them later saying that I could be an ‘asawo’. But I did not say anything. They told me I would be at the station for a while till they were able to investigate and verify my story. But right from the first night, one of them came to me and said that if I wanted them to help me, I should cooperate with them. I asked what he meant and before you know it, he over-powered and had sexual intercourse with me. I cried and explained to another one who pretended to be understanding. But he too came back for his own. It was on the third of them that I pushed him away and ran out of the station. If not for the help of some women who took me back to Cele-Ijesha along the Oshodi Expressway, I would have been wondering. It was after two days my friends told me to visit a media house to share my ordeal.”

Queen’s ordeal, said Justice Binta Nyako, is “one typical case of sextortion.” She said ‘sextortion’ is a form of corruption in which sex, rather than money, is the currency of the bribe.

Justice Nyako said: “Sextortion is actually a word used to describe a combination of ‘sex and extortion’.

And that is the concern of the International Association of Women Judges.

“Ethics of our profession might not permit me to talk about specific cases we have handled as female judges, but I could tell you of open instances.

However, sextortion often has elements of corruption in it. And that is why it is treated as a criminal offence.

Painfully, it is not a new phenomenon.

It is just that nobody wants to talk about it. We have, however, realised the serious need to break the silence just as the world was able to break the sealed lips on the HIV/AIDS pandemic. One thing we must come to terms with is that it is currently rampant in our societies. And so, now is about the time we break the silence and begin to talk about it openly.

“Sextortion, even as admitted by the international communities during some of the conferences that have been hosted, is basically about an element of abuse of power by somebody

‘

A randy judge took five of his female victims down to the grave with him. He completely wiped off a whole set of office staff within five years. Here was a man who compelled every female staff to do overtime just to earn a little extra allowance. All he wanted was to gratify his avid libido. He was HIV positive. It wasn’t until he was dying that he confessed. By then also, his wife had died Justice Nyako entrusted with authority and somebody who is seeking either an advantage or justice from that person who holds the clout. And sadly, it is in all spheres of life –the judiciary, executive, legislator, media, police, army and indeed, every sector of the Nigerian life. It is within the university campuses, villages, cities and everywhere you can think of. We have now decided to bring it out and stop keeping sealed lips on it so that people can become aware and seek redress.

“It can take any form. There was the case of a woman seeking immigration status in one of the Western countries, who got sexually molested by the judge that was to grant her the immigration status. He actually refused to do his job, saying that after all, he only wanted to ‘do it’ just twice. We also had another situation where a woman was stopped in the traffic and the policeman that stopped her said ‘I won’t issue you a ticket, just show me your breasts. But these are things that people just take for granted but they dehumanise their victims.”

She told The Nation about the pathetic story of “The baby that refuses to die”.

This happened in our own country here but I won’t give you an idea of the location. She is about six and left in the care of a male guardian who took daily delight in molesting her sexually.

After a long period, he devised a means of terminating the young girl’s life. He attempted to suture her abdomen for ritual purposes and in the process, sliced off a part of her outer body.

When he could not handle the profuse bleeding, he dumped the girl and ran away. Apparently, a few minutes later, someone saw the little girl and drew attention. Of course, he was later arrested and still answering questions from the investigating authorities. Concerned Nigerians then flew the girl abroad for proper medical attention.

Good, she’s stabilised now but such a girl may never conceive to bear any children in her entire life. That is an extreme criminal case of sextortion as you can see.

“So, you can see this has actually been a serious issue in our part of the world. But as I said, due to societal norms, everyone has been afraid to open up yet; they are suffering in silence. For instance, the most common cases are the ones that happen on the university campuses all because a student wants to pass her exams at all cost and then, graduate. It is no longer a hidden complaint how students

PHOTO: JOKE KUJENYA

complain about lecturers demanding for sex for them to get good grades.

So, if these instances are something that have been with us, then sextortion is also an age-long problem within our society and it is killing many despite their sealed lips.

“Unfortunately, there are no statistics due to the silence and denials that had trailed the sad occurrence of sextortion. That is why we have now decided to bring the matter out into the public attention so that where we have people suffering in silence, they will be encouraged to speak out and seek medical attention. We want it to become a life-threatening issue that we can openly talk about. And because somebody says it is sex for corruption, everyone is afraid to talk about it.”

According to her, the essence of the one-day conference to be held in Port Harcourt on Saturday, June 30, by NAWJN in conjunction with the National Institute for Advanced Legal Studies is to boost the confidence of many men and women to break the silence and say “I am a victim”.

With the theme ‘Violence against women and sextortion’, the hazard will be viewed from the perspective of domestic violation of the rights of respective victims.

Justice Nyako said: “So, we want to bring it out so that we can start collating statistics on the prevalent within our own country, Nigeria, and be able to talk with one voice. Breaking the silence, as they say on HIV/AIDS, begins with each one of us.

“If the silence is not broken and very quickly too, I pray we don’t have a repeat of an incidence in which a randy Judge took five of his female victims down to the grave with him.

He completely wiped off a whole set of office staff within five years. Here was a man who compelled every female staff to do overtime just to earn a little extra allowance than their peanuts salaries. It does not matter to him whether the woman was married or not. All he wanted was to gratify his avid libido. Yet, he was HIV positive, never told the women, but silently passed the virus to each of his victims.

In the process, he passed sexually transmitted infection from one woman to the other; all of who could not speak. One, because of his highly exalted position, and two, because he was threatening them with sack if they should open up. It wasn’t until he was dying himself that he confessed. By

‘

then also, his wife, who also got infected with similar kinds of ailments that killed the other women in his office, had died. So, this is just to show you the gravity of the incident we are talking about. It is no longer an issue that should be swept under the carpet. It must be exposed as much as we all can.”

Justice Nyako told The Nation that delegates from the presidency, the National Assembly, NGOs and persons who are individually affected by sextortion have been invited.

She said: “We will also discuss ways to avoid falling victims of ‘sextortion’.

We cannot say in the judiciary that we have the answers to all the questions.

But I have had a case in my court where a very pretty woman was in police custody and the men were taking turns to sleep with her. At the end of the day, she became emotionally traumatised. In fact, I had to grant her a bail because she became a mental case. That was a very sad case for me because at a point, she even had to abort a pregnancy because she was not sure who the actual father would be among the men she was in their custody. That is why we are inviting all of us Nigerians, who have the know-how to come and share with us on this silent killer of emotions so that we can chart a way ahead. There are women out there who are sleeping with their bosses, not because they chose to, but because they were forced. Similarly, we have men who are forced by their female chief executives to sleep with them. Yet, they cannot resist because they need the jobs to keep their families or build a future for themselves. So, we are not making this a female gender affair. It is a humanity affair. Sextortion is not a woman’s problem. There are the male CEOs who are gay implied and may want to coerce their younger make staff into their sexual trend. And there are also female CEOs who may equally want to intimidate their younger female staff into sure sexual cravings. It is there in political meetings where meetings will not be conveyed until about 3.00am with women, whether married or not, in attendance. And of course, if the woman had not come to see them personally, she might not be considered for one juicy slot or the other.

Sextortion is a national problem that must be given a national importance so we can all fashion a way out to nip sextortion in the bud.”

a strong political will and attitudinal change of the populace.

Walker, in a digital video conference at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, said political will and behavioural change of the people were key factors in eliminating corruption.

According to him, corruption is not peculiar to Nigeria.

Walker , who spoke on the topic, “Judicial Anti-corruption and Transparency’’, urged the judiciary to take the lead in tackling the menace in view of its role in the society.

“If the judiciary is corrupt, how will they prosecute others?

Instead of being part of the solution, it becomes the problem .

The judiciary cannot function unless it has public support which it must build by being credible.

“The press also has a responsibility to society in tackling corruption, it must understand judicial processes and decisions,’’ he said.

BoI grants firm $17.8m loan THE Bank of Industry (BoI) yesterday said it has granted the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL) a loan of $17.8 million to help reposition the company.

The General Manager in charge of LADOL project in BoI, Mr.Issac Offor, spoke during a visit to the firm by the House Committee on Industry and top management staff of BoI. LADOL, said Offor, is a fully integrated, independent and secure firm anchored around a quay of 1,000 meters. The firm is into stevedoring, fabrication and assembly yards, people management, catering, bunkering of fuel and water, facilities for the supply of bulk materials, helicopter base, open and closed storage facilities, sewage and waste treatment, potable water and medical services.

Besides, he said the need to increase capacity in the oil and gas sector motivated the bank to throw its weight behind the projects of LADOL. Offor said it is regrettable that the number of indigenous firms providing support services in the oil and gas sector is insignificant.

At the moment, he said LADOL has repaid over $5 million out of the $17.8 million that the bank borrowed the firm, noting that so far, it had not defaulted in its loan repayment loan as worked out by the bank.

The Managing Director of LADOL Integrated Logistics Enterprise, Dr.Amy Jadesimi, said: “LADOL is the first and only facility of its kind in Lagos and will ensure that companies benefiting from Nigeria’s deep offshore oil and gas reserves utilise companies domiciled in Nigeria to service their operations, thereby creating jobs for Nigerians as well as ensuring training, knowledge and technology transfer into Nigeria.”

On investment, she said the company has invested about $100 million dollars, adding that it plans to invest another $500 million dollars in the next three years.

The Chairman House Committee on Industry, Mr.Onawo Mohammed Ogoshi, lauded LADOL and charged the management of BoI to continue to support businesses such as LADOL.

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THE NATION THURSAY, JUNE 28, 2012

CITYBEATS Houses, others Lagos unfolds alternative routes sealed off to Third Mainland Bridge

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

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HE Lagos State Government yesterday unveiled plans for ease of traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge during its repairs from Sunday to November 6. It said traffic would be diverted to other routes to facilitate movement and appealed for motorists' understanding.

At a joint press conference in Alausa, Ikeja, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat, his Transport and Information counterparts, Mr. Kayode Opeifa and Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba, said there would be no closure, but traffic diversion to reduce residents' suffering.

Opeifa said the diversion would be between midnight and noon.

He said: "In the morning; that is between 00:00am and 12:00noon, traffic will be diverted for those coming from Lagos Island to the Mainland at Adeniji Adele, motorists are expected to divert to Carter Bridge and thereafter proceed to Iddo, where the redistribution will take place, while inward Lagos Island traffic diversion will commence from 12 noon from AnthonyOworonshoki inter-change."

He said the two scenarios

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

By Miriam Ndikanwu and Damilola Owoyele

were critical measures taken to ensure flow of vehicular traffic during the repair.

"We have also examined other roads that would be used during the period and we have structured our strategy towards these roads.

"Some of these routes were not available in 2008, when a similar repair on the bridge took place, but today, they are all available. Agege Motor Road is one of such roads and it will play a big role in the interchangeable activity. Also, Herbert Macaulay Way that was then under construction has been completed. Previously, the traffic radio was not available, but now it is on, to keep residents abreast with information about the traffic situation and guide them on the route to take in the course of carrying out their activities," Opeifa said.

Hamzat appealed for residents' cooperation, saying

the repair was necessary as it concerns the safety of Nigerians.

"The repair work is for safety of Nigerians. A bridge normally has expansion joint. And because of the weather, the bridge expands and contracts. That is the reason why it cannot be a permanent structure. In this case, the Federal Government has awarded the contract to repair the bridge," Hamzat said.

He said eight joints on the bridge have been identified for repairs, adding that three are on the inward lane towards the Island and five on the outward lane.

"So it is these eight expansion joints that need repair.

When the bridge was constructed, it was designed as a county leaver. Meaning that, there is a structure with two different structures

hanging on it. It is important that there is urgent repair on the road, so that it allows the general public to have easy driving time.

"One will notice that when vehicles get to these joints, the road vibrates. And as more vehicles pass through these joints, it compresses.

So the repair work that is about to be done, is to straighten the joints to enable it function well. The repair is for safety and longevity of the Third Mainland Bridge. But like it has been said, the bridge will not be totally closed.

"We did it in 2008. The method applied then, will be adopted. And what we want the residents to remember is how it happened four years ago. Remember that in 2008, the road linking Yaba to Oyingbo Road, and the Funso Williams Road were under

construction, and today, those roads have been completed.

"What we have today is better than what we have four years ago. Now motorists have options. The repair will afford Nigerians the opportunity to drive better on the road," he said.

He said preliminary work had started, adding that from Sunday, it would go into high gear. "The diversion might not start on July 1. But the preliminary work will start, because they have to do some works. And if one notices, part of the preliminary works is on-going now."

Ibirogba appealed to residents to be wary of information on social network, adding that the government has put security personnel and traffic officers in place to provide the needed services for residents.

Fire at NIMASA office

A

PORTION of the 10storey headquarters of Nigerian Maritime Administration (NIMASA) in Apapa, Lagos, was yesterday gutted by fire.

The fire, which started around 10 am, affected the second floor.

It took the intervention of fire fighters from Lagos State fire service and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to put out the fire.

But before their arrival, the fire had gutted the Servicom and Cabotage departments of the agency.

A witness said an alarm was raised by a junior officer, who noticed a thick smoke coming out of the second floor.

His alarm attracted others, including the DirectorGeneral, Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi and his Executive Directors, who have their offices on the top floors.

Although the cause of the fire could not be ascertained, a senior official, who craved anonymity, said it was from

By Oluwakemi Dauda

an electrical fault.

On hand to provide security were members of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Police, the Federal Fire Service and the Operation Messa.

Although reporters were prevented from entering the premises, a Naval Officer seized the camera of Television Continental (TVC) crew.

The Deputy-Director, Public Affairs, Hajia Lami Tumaka, prevailed on the naval officer to return the camera.

Speaking with reporters, Hajia Tumaka said no life was lost, adding that the cause of the fire would be investigated.

She said: "We don't know what really caused the fire at the moment, what I can confirm to you right away is that a thorough investigation would be carried out to determine the cause of the fire. We are, however, comforted that no lives were lost."

•Part of the NIMASA office gutted by fire...yesterday

P HOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Sanitation dedicated to cleaning drains

T

HE Lagos State Government has dedicated this month's sanitation exercise to the cleaning of

drainage channels across the state. This according to the Commissioner for the Environment Mr Tunji Bello is in anticipation of the intense rainfall expected in the month of July.

Making this known in a statement signed by the Ministry's spokesman, Mr Fola Adeyemi, the Commissioner urged Lagosians to troop out in large numbers to clean up their drain channels.

Bello admonished Lagosians to join hands with the government to ensure a flood free state, even as he assured that the Ministry has intensified efforts at cleaning all canals and major drain channels across the state.

He assures Lagosians not panic anytime it rains, as all major drainage channels have been cleaned and dredged in anticipation of this year's rains.

He however advised that as the rains get more intense during the year, Lagosians should relate with their respective Resident Engineers and Drainage Maintenance

Officers, whose phone numbers have been published and posted to all the 57 Local Government and Council Development Areas to tackle flood related matters.

Bello reminded Lagosians that Lagos, been a coastal state will witness "flash flood" during the rains, but immediately it subsides "it will disappear into the channels" which have been cleaned and expanded to facilitate free flow of storm water.

He warned residents who still patronise cart pushers to stop, as such refuse often found their way into canals close to them at night.

He advised those who still patronise them to have a rethink for "whatever goes around will eventually come around" as all the waste disposed through cart pushers and dumped into canals will eventually be washed back to homes and streets when it rains.

He admonished Lagosians to patronise PSP Operators who will ensure collected wastes in each local Government are properly disposed.

THE Lagos State Wastewater Management Authority has started enforcing its policy on wastewater management. Its Coordinator, Mr. Olalekan Shodehinde, who led an enforcement team to seal-off some residential houses and a restaurant over poor discharge of sewage/ wastewater, fat, grease and oil into the public drain, said abatement notices were earlier served on them.

Shodehinde said some of the affected structures are located at Duro Oyedoyin Street in Ijeshatedo and on Victoria Island. He said the drastic step had to be taken to abate the nuisance to avoid an outbreak of communicable diseases.

Two arraigned for alleged murder

By Fisayo Ige

Two men have been arraigned at the Igbosere Magistrate's Court on Lagos Island for alleged murder of a commericial motorcyclist. They are Akintunde Oluwatobi (28) and Raheem Babatunde (38). Prosecuting Sergeant Philip Osijale said the commercial motorcyclist was approached by the defendants on the day he was killed.

"They asked him to take both of them to somewhere which he refused, stating that it was already late. Umaru went ahead and carried another person, but on his way back, he met the defendants. Akintunde and Raheem ordered the deceased to stop and they began to beat him because he didn't carry them," Osijale said.

He said Muhammed was beaten and as the accused were trying to run away, one of them was caught by a passer-by who witnessed the scene. The police arrested the defendant, who provided his accomplice. Muhammedwas taken to the hospital but he later died.

The accused were charged on two counts of conspiracy and murder, both punishable under Sections 231 and 221 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011. The defendants were ordered to be remanded in custody for 30 days by Magistrate F.O Aighokhaevbo while waiting for legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP). The matter was adjourned till July 13.

Street signs’ destruction worries agency THE Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) is worried by the rising destruction of Street Directional Signs (SDS).

Its Managing Director, Mr. George Kayode Noah, yesterday said the signs were being damaged by motorists and road contractors.

He said: "We are facing serious challenges from vehicle owners and contractors who constantly damage these signs. As at the last count, our agency has received request for repairs and replacements for over 240 street name signs."

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

9

NEWS THE BATTLE FOR EDO

Oshiomhole has done well, says Ogbemudia

PDP to INEC: be neutral From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be neutral in the conduct of the July 14 governorship election in Edo State.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the party decried what it described as the “desperation of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to rig the election.”

Metuh appealed to INEC to take urgent steps to block any of its corrupt officials from violating the integrity of the election.

The party also said INEC should convince Nigerians, especially the people on its preparedness to conduct a credible poll.

He stated: “This is another in the series of cascading ugly incidents that are combining to shutter the possibility of credible election in Edo State. “Where does the INEC stand in the matter of neutrality without which an umpire loses the moral licence to deliver an acceptable exercise?

“We wish to, therefore, urge that INEC has a lot of critical steps to take; first to shore up the confidence of all stakeholders and very importantly, rein in its workers who may want to derail and ensure the ultimate delivery of a poll with remarkable improvement from the previous exercises.”

•’I officially hand over the baton to him’ From Osagie Otabor,Benin

•Oshiomhole

F

ORMER Governor of old Bendel and Edo states Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia has said Governor Adams Oshiomhole has done well in repositioning schools in the state.

Speaking at the 40th anniversary of the Institute of

Continuing Education in Benin City, yesterday, Ogbemudia said with what he has seen of the development programmes of the comrade governor, he is now confident to officially hand over the baton to him.

He said: “Your Excellency, circumstances have thrust on your shoulders the opportunity to shape the destiny of the people of Edo State.

“It is my recommendation that you should leave behind sufficient evidence for histo-

rians to appreciate so that the verdict of history for many years to come will be favourable to you.

“I came here for two particular reasons; first to thank the management and Governing Council of ICE for the way they have managed the institution for 40 years.

“The second reason, which is perhaps more important, is for me to officially hand over the baton to the governor.

“It is said that event is history after 50 years of its occurrence, but Comrade will

bear witness to the fact that history is already on the verge of exonerating you.

“Education is very close to my heart and the governor did well by putting primary, secondary and tertiary schools in good stead.”

Oshiomhole said government would spend N200 million to renovate the college.

He noted that the school had realised and fulfilled the vision of its founder, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, by turning out graduates who can hold their own in all spheres of human endeavour.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

10

NEWS THE BATTLE FOR EDO

•Former Governor of old Bendel State Samuel Ogbemudia; the Iyase of Benin, Sam Igbe and Governor Adams Oshiomhole at the 40th anniversary of the Institute of Continuing Education, Benin City...yesterday.

Candidates praise Oshiomhole at debate G OVERNORSHIP candidates in Edo State yesterday praised the efforts of the government at repositioning the state in the areas of health care, infrastructural development, education, employment generation and rural electrification.

They, however, said they want to occupy the Osadebe Avenue because they believe they can improve on what is on ground.

On health, Frank Onaivi Ukonga of the Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP) said: “We are not here to run down anybody, Governor Adams Oshiomhole has done well in the area of

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

healthcare.

“He has already started well by giving free medical services to citizens of 60 years and above.”

Onaivi also hailed Oshiomhole for instilling discipline in the citizenry and cultivating the culture of queuing for intra-city bus services.

On rural electrification, the candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Paul Orunwense, while acknowledging the state government’s effort in this area,

said: “With all respect to the comrade governor, there is still a lot to be done.”

Roland Izebuwa of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) said: “Despite what Adams Oshiomhole has done there are still communities that need to be given light’’.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Charles Airhiavbere, blamed failures in the state on past leadership from 1999 to 2007, a period in which his party was in office.

Only the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Andrew Igwemoh, was absent at the debate, which will round up on July 5.

Veteran politicians back Oshiomhole

A

GROUP of veteran politicians in Edo State, Otu-EdeOseghe,has supported the reelection bid of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

The group presented 500 campaign vests to the governor at the Government House as part of its contribution to his campaign.

It said it believed that the comrade is qualified to recontest, following his “outstanding performance in

three and a half years.”

Led by the Esogban of Benin,David Edebiri, the group said: “Contrary to what the opposition parties and some unpatriotic individuals would want the world to believe, you have demonstrated that you are a visionary and pragmatic leader.

“You have imparted positively in the lives of Edo people.”

Debunking the insinuation

that the Bini of Edo South may support another candidate, the group said “that rumour is false.

“We, therefore, urge you to ignore the rumour as the ranting of idle politicians who, in their desperation, would do anything to clinch political power.”

Oshiomhole thanked the group for identifying with him and for supporting his reelection bid.

He assured that he would do more in his second term.

Airhiavbere begins house-to-house EOPLES Democratic campaign Party (PDP) candidate

P

Charles Airhiavbere yesterday began a house-tohouse campaign to woo voters ahead of the July 14 election.

The flag-off took place at Lagos Street in Benin City, the Edo State capital, and the PDP campaign train was received by the Hausa community and market women.

Airhiavbere told residents to vote for him as his peopleoriented programmes would tackle youth restiveness.

He said his free education programme from primary school level to senior sec-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

ondary school is to encourage education for all classes of the society.

Airhiavbere promised to create an economic boom and build roads.

His words: “The PDP government would be transparent and accountable to the people.

“We won’t give you anything and take it through the back door, especially the multiple and anti-people tax policy imposed on the people.”

•Airhiavbere

Spokesperson for the Hausa community Hassan Abdullahi, who assured the PDP candidate of their support, said Airhiavbere has shown that he is a leader of all.

Youths urged to shun violence

A

GROUP, Edo Youth Against Election Violence, has urged politicians and youths to shun violence in the July 14 election.

Their leader, Larry Aghedo, who spoke in Lagos, said the electorate is tired of politically-motivated violence and would do everything to defend their votes.

He said the only thing Edo people are asking for is good leadership and a leader who

By Jude Isiguzo

will fulfil his promises.

Aghedo said records are there for anybody wishing to assess the Adams Osiomhole’s leadership in the state in the last four years.

“We are all Edo indigines and have eyes. We can also analyse government policies, we have seen past leadership in the state and we can discern.

“One thing about this peo-

ple who are causing problem in the state is that they do not have their children here in this country.

“They would not go out themselves to fight, but only perpetrate their crimes from their homes.

“Now why would the youth want to die? We don’t want any of our youths to be hacked down again on the streets in the name of election. Enough is enough.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira firms on oil company dollar sales

T

HE naira firmed against the United States dollar on the interbank foreign exchange market yesterday, supported by large dollar sales by units of two energy multinational companies and a slowdown in demand.

The naira, according to Reuters, closed at N162.55 to the dollar on the interbank market, slightly higher than the N162.70 to the dollar it closed at the previous day.

“The dollars sold by Shell (unit of Royal Dutch Shell) and (France) Total on Tuesday hit the market yesterday, helping to provide the needed support for the naira,” one dealer said.

Traders said while Shell sold an undisclosed amount of dollars, Total sold about $92 million, which raised the level of dollar liquidity in the market and boosted the naira value.

We expect to see an increase in the number of MFBs listing on the Exchange following CBN’s capitalisatoion requirement for nationwide.

- Mr Oscar Onyema, NSE Chief Executive Officer

Disquiet over $10m discounts on S Nigeria’s crude oil

OME little-known oil firms claiming to have privileged access to prized sweet crude oil from Nigeria are offering to sell it at huge discounts that traders say the deals are too good to be genuine, Reuters said.

It said documents it saw showed that thousands of barrels of crude can be picked up at discounts of up to $10 million.

But the documents are suspiciously flawed, suggesting financial scams. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has placed a “scam alert” on its website warning of “unsavoury characters purporting to be bona fide staff or contractors to NNPC or purchasers of crude oil or contractors to the government,”

the report said.

The sellers, according to the report, include one UKregistered firm purporting to be near the top of a sales chain in which oil cargoes can change hands up to half a dozen times before being refined.

Two of the firms contacted

by Reuters said they were able to sell oil cheaply because of special access to NNPC contracts.

The documents point to the difficulty faced by President Goodluck Jonathan in making reforms when there is doubt over who is responsible for selling the oil.

Nigeria has pledged to

take measures to fight corruption in the oil sector after a hike in state-subsidised petrol prices sparked mass protests in January.

One recent step has been the creation of higher barriers to entry for participation in NNPC’s 2012-2013 term allocations. The results have not appeared since the initial tender document was released in March.

On Tuesday, Jonathan sacked the managing director of the NNPC and three other senior directors.

“To further strengthen the ongoing reforms and in furtherance of efforts to achieve greater transparency and

accountability,President Jonathan has approved the re-composition of the executive management team of the NNPC,” a statement said.

Alexandra Gillies, governance adviser at Revenue Watch Institute, said the proliferation of middlemen in selling oil since Jonathan’s election last year, had resulted in considerable uncertainty over ownership.

“If NNPC only issued term contracts to companies with the capacity to lift crude, then nobody would be able to pose as a company flipping (reselling) a cargo. The confusion is a symptom of

‘Only 34% of World Bank projects fund disbursed’ From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

O

NLY 34 per cent of the committed amount for World Bank assisted projects has been disbursed.

The World Bank, which disclosed this in a statement, said that the total value of World Bank-assisted projects make up five per cent of Nigeria’s budget.

“The Nigerian portfolio is made up of 27 projects worth US$ 4.84 billion sectorally distributed as follows: Human Development - US$ 1.130 billion (25 per cent); Sustainable Development -US$2.452 billion (53 per cent); Financial and Private SectorUS$275million (six per cent) and Governance and Economic Reforms- US$735 million (16 per cent),” the Fund said.

Subsidy probe: Oil firms may frustrate report From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

D • Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Andrew Yakubu (right) after receiving the handing over note from his predecessor Austen Oniwon at the NNPC Towers, Abuja ….yesterday.

Operators set agenda for NNPC chief

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

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -12.6% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -14.18% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $34.6b CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

-

FOREX

0.2958 206.9 245 156.4 1.9179 241 40.472

Nigeria’s sub-optimal system for selling its oil,” she said.

A report that the government-funded watchdog the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) sent to the authorities in January showed billions of dollars missing from oil revenues.

Five written offers reviewed by Reuters showed a close resemblance to official paperwork circulated among traders, including documents attributed to NNPC, stamps from terminal operators and shipping lists with vessels and loading dates.

They include arcane oil market jargon such as ‘laycan’, which refers to the timeframe for loading and ‘STS’ meaning ship-to-ship transfer of the cargo.

One shipping list showed a tanker called the ‘Elsa Craig’ - a name close to an actual Panama-flagged crude oil tanker called the Ailsa Craig 1 - next to other cargoes booked by western oil majors such as Chevron.

“They are full of imagination,” said a West African oil trader, commenting on the document.

T

HE new Group Manag ing Director of the Ni gerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Laah Yakubu, an enginer, yesterday assumed duties.

He pledged to tackle the problems in the corporation.

Yakubu, according to a statement issued by the acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, NNPC, Mr Fidel Pepple, made the pledge during the hand over to him by his predecessor, Austen Oniwon at a brief ceremony at the NNPC Towers yesterday.

He said: “We know the task is enormous, but nothing is impossible. We can’t allow NNPC to stay where it is today. We’ll work hard to improve on what is on ground.

We are determined to reinforce NNPC’s core values of transparency and accountability in the conduct of our business. We’ll remain collectively resolute and with God behind us, we shall sur-

• Excitement trails Oniwon’s removal

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

vive the storm.”

He congratulated Oniwon, describing the time he had with him as “very productive and worthwhile.”

He called for the support, co-operation and prayers of NNPC staff for the new management team. “As one big family, I’m confident that we shall all succeed in our quest to move this corporation forward,” he added.

Oniwondescribed Yakubu’s appointment as “well-deserved,” adding he was confident that the calibre of men in the new management team would help reposition NNPC to better tackle the challenges ahead.

Meanwhile, there was excitement among staff members of the corporation over the removal of Oniwon, especially those at the very low cadre.

A security man said he was happy for his removal. He said Oniwon had on Monday sacked five of his colleagues over some minor issues. He also said last week, Oniwon sacked all lift operators for going to his office to beg him to convert them to permanent staff of the corporation from their contract staff status.

He said despite entreaties from top shots of the company, Oniwon did not bulge.

According to the junior staff members, Yakubu would make a better boss, because he is friendly and more approachable.They said the new boss certainly would make a difference.

But some stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), have advised Yakubu to enthrone transparency and accountability in the industry.

They said the cleansing exercise was not far enough, as it should have involved some officials of the supervising ministry.

The President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Dr. Afe Mayowa, said Nigerians were yearning for transparency and accountability in NNPC and advised the new helmsman to overhaul the corporation, which created room for corruption.

He urged the NNPC boss to strengthen the corporation’s internal structure in a bid to restore confidence to the industry. According to him, the sack of Mr Oniwon, is long overdue, stressing that many stakeholders have been expecting it.

Mr Folorunsho Oginni, Chairman, Lagos Chapter of PENGASSAN, said the sack could not be an issue as the president had the right to sack and appoint anybody.

ESPERATE oil mar keters are making frantic calls to top government officials to frustrate the oil subsidy report submitted by the Aig Imoukhuede-led committee yesterday, The Nation has learnt.

A source said: “Oil marketers are apprehensive because unlike the House of Representatives report, the Aig Imoukhuede report is technical, thorough and forensic while that of the House of Representative is more political.”

The source revealed that some oil marketers have started bombarding government officials with phone calls to influence the report.

When asked if there was a possibility that the report might be swept under the carpet, the source said: “I don’t want to speculate, but there is an understanding within government that something needs to be done about corruption.”

Giving an insight into why the marketers are so apprehensive, the source stated: “The House of Representative report has two major issues; one, it may not be only Otedola that is involved in compromising the legislators and, secondly, a lot of the House of Representatives’report is political, without much evidence to back the report other than the mere submissions of invited individuals.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

12

BUSINESS NEWS

Reps kick against sale of NITEL/Mtel

T

HE House of Representatives has kicked against the sale of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and its Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) subsidiary, Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL), as one entity.

This is as the bill for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) 2012 budget totalling N48,836,418billion successfully scaled second reading.

Rather, the lawmakers urged the Federal Government to keep the national carrier for strategic reasons.

Chris Azubogu (APGA, Anambra), who sponsored the motion for the sale of NITEL, pointed out that at it cannot attract fair price from investors unless it is unbundled before the sale of the assets.

He said: “It is becoming unrealistic to expect a fair market value for

• Govt frets over risk of cancer from telecoms From Dele Anofi, Abuja and Adline Atili

the full price of Nigerian Telecommunication Limited (NITEL) and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL) especially as investment conditions in Nigeria and around the world are yet to improve since the capital and financial markets crises of 2008, 2009 and 2010.”

While calling on the House to probe the mode of unbundling of the companies, Azubogu argued that “delay in the sale of NITEL and Mtel has led to monumental loss of funds and job opportunities to Nigerians, and has prevented additional investment in the telecom-

munication”.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government is worried about possible risks to human health arising from exposure to Electromagnetic Field (EMF) emissions from telecoms infrastructure.

Consequently, it has urged telecoms operators to carry out local “epidemiological research” to measure radio-frequency emissions and level of exposure before installation of facilities.

This is amid apprehension among mobile subscribers about increased risk of head and neck tumours, such as gliomas, meningiomas and carotid gland tumour as a result of exposure to EMF emissions.

This apprehension, stakeholders agreed, is fuelled by the rising number of communications masts and other telecoms installations in urban areas, especially densely populated communities.

A

GROUP of Non-Govern mental Organisations (NGOs) yesterday urged the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Iweala and the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AllisonMadueke to resign their appointments, or in the alternative be fired

by President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement, in Abuja yesterday, the group said the ministers should be held liable for the loss of funds discovered by the fuel subsidy probe, because, according to them, it was under their watch that the funds were allegedly stolen.

The statement jointly signed by the United Action for Democracy, National Convener, Comrade Jaye Gaskia and Executive Director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), David Ugolor, said merely sacking the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Austen Oniwon, who was already overdue for retirement was not in any way an im-

Groups seek Okonjo-Iweala’s, Alison Madueke’s resignation From John Ofikhenua and Gbenga Omokhunu Abuja

plementation of the House ad-hoc Committee on the Petroleum Subsidy Fund recommendations.

To press for the implementation of the Farouk Lawan-led ad-hoc committee report, the group, under the aegis, The end of impunity now, said it would occupy the NNPC Towers today.

In the statement titled, ‘Leaving Leprosy to treat Ringworm: Taking Wobbly Steps to tackle Corruption’, the NGOs said: “Now is the time for the President to move forward with the people, to work together to end impunity,” adding that Mr. President is yet to demonstrate his commitment to the crusade against corruption.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

13

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

14

INDUSTRY ‘Nigeria loses N30b yearly to newsprint import’

T

HE Chartered Institute of Professional Printers (CIPPON) has disclosed that the country is losing over N30 billion yearly due to massive importation of newsprint.

President of CIPPON, Alhaji Muhammed Lawal, told journalists in Lagos that the development was a huge drain on the economy and a sad commentary on the nation’s printing industry.

He said the nation would have saved over N30 billion to resuscitate its moribund paper mills and create more jobs for Nigerians.

According to him, the three paper mills in the country at Oku Iboku, Iwopin and Jebba closed shops 15 years ago due to the ulterior motive of some foreigners to ensure that the •From left: Mustapha Bala Dawaki, Chairman House Committee on Industry Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo and Managing Director Heros Furniture Limited, Mrs Rita Emerhor during the committee’s tour of some companies.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

NACCIMA strikes deals with Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia

N

IGERIAN Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has entered into strategic partnerships with investors from Turkey, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The association made this initiative during the recent visits of its officials to some D-8 countries as part of efforts to strengthen trade ties with prospective investors in the Nigerian economy.

According to NACCIMA, in order to sharpen up the desired trade and economic focus, the association embarked on trade and fact-finding mission, with a view to striking business contacts starting with three countries of the D-8, namely, Turkey, Malaysia and Indonesia, during the tour, which lasted two weeks.

Stories by Toba Agboola

The chamber explained that there was a signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NACCIMA and Independent Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (MUSIAD) in Istanbul, Turkey.

It added that the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEiK) and NACCIMA agreed in principle to turn the MoU signed in 2011 by both parties into a foundation agreement to further promote the activities of DEiK in Nigeria, as well as see to the implementation of the Joint Business Council.

NACCIMA disclosed that a Malaysian company- Building System, agreed to a partnership for the promotion of forging machines and other

equipment, which would lead to the signing of MoU in the nearest future.

“Factories visited enabled the delegation to have assessment of production processes, including machinery and equipment needed by the private sector in Nigeria that will serve as a base for Nigeria’s industrialisation process, as well as job creation.

“The delegation visited the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) to assess its enviable advancement in palm oil cultivation and processing and NACCIMA and Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia agreed in principle to combine their efforts to ensure successful partnership and skills acquisition, including training for youths.

This would be confirmed with a MoU at a later date”, the statement added.

SON, 20 African countries tackle substandardisation

T

HE Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has hosted stakeholders under the group known as ‘African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSON). They discussed salient issues regarded as germane to the achievement of quality standards among member organisations as part of activities marking the 19th General Assembly of the organisation.

Tagged, ARSO-Lagos 2012, the meeting was strategic in various ways. It served to create a platform for standard regulators and other stakeholders to review pertinent issues in the sector and chart a new way forward.

Director General, SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, expressed delight that the training is being organised to de-

velop capacity in the field of electromagnetic compatibility in Africa.

He said scientific training such as this is capable of impacting on strategic directions in the fields that they cover besides closing the gaps that exist in the knowledge and training programmes and how they should be addressed.

Odumodu also stated that it provides an opportunity to point and influence future work in the application of standardisation that will ensure a safe environment as well as facilitate trade within member countries and beyond.

He gave insight to the theme of the General Assembly Mainstreaming /Bringing SMEs into the African Economy: Role of NSBs and Standards, saying it is designed to highlight new techniques to be applied and

what the new challenges in training and quality assurance for staff working in standardisation are.

President of ARSO, Dr. Kiokio Mangeli, said electromagnetic induction is a technology that is being used daily by everybody “but we don’t have participation in it as a continent except in buying mobile phones and using consumer electronic appliances.

“But all these can change when we become equipped with the knowledge to create this technology and open up the sector for investors to start partaking and developing it in our various countries. We need knowledge and some of it will come in form of training like this because we will not be importing technology in the future so that we can create more wealth for Africa,” he said.

LADOL to invest $500m in new project

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HE Bank of Industry (BoI) says it has provided the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL) with a financial support of $17.8 million to help reposition the company’s activities while also helping it to diversify into other areas of business, especially in the oil and gas sector.

The disclosure was made in Lagos by the General Manager in charge of LADOL project in BoI, Mr Issac Offor during a visit to the firm by the House Committee on Industry and top management staff of BoI. LADOL is a fully integrated, independent and secure base anchored around a quay of 1,000 metres. It provides all logistical services including stevedoring, fabrication and assembly yards, people management, catering, bunkering of fuel and water, facili-

ties for the supply of bulk materials, helicopter base, open and closed storage facilities, sewage and waste treatment, potable water and medical services.

Offor said the partnership between the two organisations started about four years ago, adding that the need to support the efforts of the Federal Government in the area of shoring up it’s local content initiative informed the decision of the bank to support LADOL. Besides, he said the need to increase capacity in the oil and gas sector to help industrialise the country in the field of oil and gas motivated the bank to throw its weight behind the projects of LADOL. Offor disclosed further that it remained regrettable that the available number of indigenous firms providing support services in the oil and gas sector remained insignificant, hence,

the need to encourage the activities of LADOL. At the moment, he said LADOL has repaid over $5 million out of the $17.8 million that the bank borrowed the firm, noting that so far, it had not defaulted in its loan repayment loan as worked out by the bank.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of LADOL Integrated Logistics Enterprise, Dr.Amy Jadesimi, informed that LADOL, “The Base”, is a new state of the art logistics base being developed opposite the port of Apapa in Lagos.

She saidLADOL is owned and managed by LiLe and is located in the LADOL Free Zone, specifically conceived and designed to support deep water offshore oil and gas operations and projects in and around Nigeria.

country perpetually rely on importation of paper.

Specifically, he accused the Indians of being the brain behind the death of the paper mills in the country.

He said: “The Indians are the ones doing the bulk of importation of paper into the country. They felt if they should allow paper mills here to grow, their business will not thrive.”

Lawal said the government’s attitude to the paper mill industry also paved the way for its sudden death.

According to him, “the running of these mills was based on political consideration rather than credibility, competence and professionalism.

‘Infrastructure is impediment to business devt’

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OME impediments as to why Nigerians have not been able to cash in on the benefits of the US Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation (AGOA) have been identified, as the annual Forum gets underway in Washington DC, in USA. These include poor infrastructure ranging from transportation models, communication, and a lack of intergovernmental strategy.

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

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

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

Fed Govt, OPS partner on industrial parks

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HE Federal Government is partnering with the organised private sector (OPS) to establish industrial parks to facilitate development, Minister of Trade and Investment Dr Olusegun Aganga has said.

Aganga spoke in Abuja at the D8 Working Group Meeting, with the theme: Promoting International Trade Through SME Development.

Members of the D-8, a group of eight developing nations founded in 1997 to foster economic cooperation, are Nigeria, Iran, Turkey Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Egypt.

Aganga said infrastructure, which he described as a major problem in the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), must be addressed.

“The ministry is promoting private sector-led industrial clusters, parks and common facility centres in various parts of the country commensurate with their factor endowments or comparative advantage.

“This is to address the infrastructure challenge, which is one of the major factors militating against the industrial development of the country and to also take advantage of the economies of scale accruable in the clusters, “he said.

He said Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) remains the backbone of the development of the economy and the driving force of national growth.

He also said there were over 17 MSMEs in Nigeria, empowering over 31 million Nigerians, adding that the challenges confronting MSMEs were being addressed.

NASME mourns Ike Abugu

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HE Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) has lamented the untimely death of its immediate past president, Dr. Ike Abugu. He was onboard the ill-fated Dana flight 0992 which crashed on Sunday, June 3 at Iju-Ishaga, Lagos.

In a statement , the association’s Head, Membership an Public Relations, Nerus Ekezie, said: “His tenure as the President of NASME brought dynamism, vigour and unprecedented awareness on the importance of NASME sector towards economic development. In dealing with the public and private sector in pursuit of the interest of Nigerian

By Damilola Ogunfuye

NASMEs, he employed the strategy of constructive engagement to shape positively the stakeholders’ opinion.

“He has authored over 50 scientific and popular articles and over 40 conference papers on entrepreneurship, technology, innovation and research and development.

“Before his untimely death, Dr. Ike Abugu was a member of over 16 committees and boards of federal and state government agencies, consistently and positively influencing government policies on the development of NASMEs at both state and federal levels.”

APCON to hold outdoor advertising forum

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Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) is set to hold its yearly forum on outdoor advertising. This year’s forum, which will come up on July 6, will focus on “Outdoor Advertising Regulation and Control in Nigeria.

The forum will be declared open by the Speaker of the House of Rep, Rt. Hon Aminu Tambuwal.

Another speaker is Mr Tony Idigbe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria( SAN).

The 2012 Advertising forum, according to the Chairman Governing Coun-

By Damilola Ogunfuye

cil of APCON, Mr Lolu Akinwunmi, will review the outdoor practice and regulatory environment with the aim of identifying grey areas and charting the way forward.

“Constitutional and statutory provisions on the regulation of outdoor advertising present areas of conflict among the various tiers and agencies of government which require consensus resolution and perhaps a legislative reconciliation,”the Chairman said.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

As Nigeria continues to grapple with spiralling security challenges, the need for state police has suddenly gained currency. AUGUSTINE AVWODE examines the arguments for and against the subject considered very sensitive but absolutely necessary.

Renewed quest for state police T

HE call for state police is not new. For those who believe in the spirit and letter of true federalism, a single national police is simply an anathema in a country which professes to practise it. However, their earnest desire for state police could not find any consideration in a country that has had the greater part of its history dictated by military regimes, which believe in unitary than devolution of authorities.

Policing the nation has always been constitutionally assigned to the federal government. And because amending the constitution is not a tea party, proponents of state police have had to contend with watching helplessly the security challenges buffeting the country from time to time.

People seem to be contented with and ready to tolerate the shortcomings, inadequacies and many lapses on the part of the poorly motivated Nigeria Police Force.

Today, insecurity across the country has graduated from being a mere source of anxiety for Nigerians to a level of exasperation as security breaches manifest in more damning and audacious forms.

In the last 10 years, criminals have wrecked havoc on the country.

From armed robbery, rape, kidnapping, assassination and human trafficking to the albatross of the moment – a campaign of bombing by Boko Haram, Nigerians now have the security of lives and property as the number one problem to contend with.

Dwindling police performance There is no doubt that the performance of the Nigeria Police, from the point of view of the average Nigerian is less than satisfactory. To them, the police is simply inept, corrupt and in some extreme opinion, anti-people.

The general perception is that of a Force which is totally lacking in professionalism, dedication and discipline.

According to the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd), in his 2012 ministerial platform in Abuja, in 2011 alone, a total of 879 robbery cases and 366 cases of kidnapping respectively were recorded in Nigeria. Also, a total of 1,609 suspects were arrested while 766 firearms and 31,175 ammunitions were recovered from suspects. Again, 140 kidnapped victims were rescued and 208 kidnappers were arrested who are presently facing prosecution.

In the same vein, more than 118 Boko Haram attacks were reported in Bauchi, Borno, Kano, Kaduna, Niger, Yobe, Plateau Jigawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where over 306 victims lost their lives and over 33 suspects arrested.

Analysts say, if the figures reeled out by the minister were for last year, the figures for the present year, even though just only half way gone, would be staggering that it will dwarf that of last year. So, Nigerians have had more to worry about in terms of security.

State police as solution With the dimension security challenge in the country has taken, a sudden clamour for state police has become the order of the day.

Elder statesman and former military administrator of Kwara State, Group

. Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police on duty in Lagos.

Capt. Bola Latinwo (rtd) told The Nation that with the state of the Nigeria Police Force, it is apparent that it cannot effectively police the nation. He declared that establishing state police is the best thing to do just now if the country must effectively tackle the present security challenges. “ We must not deceive ourselves, the Nigeria Police Force now do not have the required equipment, the training, the kitting, the manpower to effectively police this nation. We had ‘LA Police’ in those days and we should go back to that for the security of lives and property in this country”.

In like manner, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa described the call as necessary now. Okowa, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, told The Nation that the gains far out weigh the minuses anybody can think about.

“The issue of state police has been on for sometime now. I think that the gains far outweigh the challenges that are associated with it because in the current situation that we have at the moment, we must ask ourselves if it possible for the Federal Government only to run a national Police Force?

“Can it take charge of all civil unrest situations at the moment? Can it truly police the nation? I think we have challenges because everyday, we complain that the number of police are inadequate; they are not well equipped or properly trained, too many inadequacies. So, when you look at the Federal Police Force, it is really difficult to manage. So in my opinion, whereas nobody is saying there shouldn’t be a national Police Force, there should be a state police”, he argued.

National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande, had on Tuesday also made the position of the party on the issue known in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The party threw its weight behind the call for state police.

Akande who stated this at the Senate 2012 Retreat with the theme “National Assembly and National Security: Securing the Future for Development”said creation of state police would go a long way in solving the problems of local crimes within every community nationwide, which may graduate to national crimes and sometimes develop into international crimes.

“Government must improve the quality of life and general welfare of millions of Nigerians. Embark on a workable decentralization of authority such as creating some form of neighbourhood or state police, because, as it has been enacted, the internal security of each state is the responsibility of the state authorities only to be complemented by the Federal Government”, he had said.

National Secretary of the National Conscience Party (NCP) Dr Tanko Yinusa told The Nation that community policing is better than state police. He believes that to tackle insecurity effectively a national police like we currently have it is not the answer.

“While I don’t fully agree with state police I can say that a national police is not the answer as we all can see it. I will rather say that community policing should be encourage because in every community, there is a leader, we all know ourselves, we all belong to one community or another and so the man that is a criminal will be known to all; the family that is producing criminal will be known and the community will be able to deal with it as quickly as possible”..

In January this year, Abia State Commissioner for Justice and AttorneyGeneral, Umeh Kalu, had advised the Federal Government as a matter of urgency give the idea of state police a though in view of the current security situation in the country.

Kalu argued that governors are not in charge of the state in terms of security, which is why there are various security problems across the country, as they depend on the state police commissioners who must take orders from the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja before acting.

“They are the security officers of their different states and the only way to ensure they are really in-charge of their states is to allow state police to exist, which will make them to be fully in-charge for security to be effectives in their states”.

But it was the governors in the country who raised the ante on Monday when they rose from a meeting to demand among other things that it was time for state police to be allowed in the country.

The governors under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, (NGF) said in a communiqué signed by the

chairman and Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, that “the forum identified the increasing need for state police as a strategy for combating the rising insecurity in the country.

Opposition against state police Expectedly, state police has been opposed by other stakeholders.

Speaking to The Nation yesterday morning, National Secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Mr Buba Galadima said even though his party is inclined toward having a state police, as an individual he would fight the suggestion to a logical end.

He claimed that past experiences in the First Republic was enough lesson for Nigerians never to experiment with the idea as it has the potential of further polarizing the nation along ethnic and religious lines.

“I know that the party as a body is inclined to accepting the proposal even though iut has nopt been discussed officially and accepted but I can tell you that majority of the leaders of the party want it. But as for me, and I want you to please separate the two, I will fight to the very last against it. It is not ideal, it is not good for us and the experiences of the past during the First Republic should teach us a good lesson not to toy with the idea.

“I can tell you that it will further polarize us. Non-indigenes in many states will be at the mercy of the governor and his police. Recall that when Murtala Mohammed came in 1975 he scrapped the vestiges of local police with the emirs. It will not foster national unity.

What we need now is not sentiment and federalism. It is about what is good for Nigeria and our national unity,” he argued.

He is not alone in the anti-state police argument. The pan northern socio-political group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) had also rejected the position of the governors of the federation.

National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Anthony Sani, had said the group did not back the NGF’s demand for state police, and urged President Goodluck Jonathan to pursue the option of dialogue with the north-based violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram. The body described the call for the creation of state police as an invitation to chaos.

“In a clime where democracy has yet to develop, state police would enable the state governors to use policemen to cause havoc for their opponents, reminiscent of how they used their state electoral commissions to conquer and vanquish the opponents at state level, leading to sluggish development,” Sani said.

In like manner, former Commissioner for Information in Rivers State, Barrister Emma Okah rejected the call for state police describing it as self-serving and an invitation to quick disintegration of the country.

Okah in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday, urged the National Assembly to demand that state governors give account of their security votes.

According to Okah, Nigeria’s democracy and respect for rule of law is still at its infancy, fragile and corrupted to a point that the creation of state police will further threaten the unity of the country and encourage states to grow and control their own private and political armies through the back door.

He challenged those who want to know the adverse effect of state police in Nigeria to visit the issue of policebacked rigging and violence during elections. “It is a bad situation which creation of state police will worsen”, he said.

Abuse of state police However, the issue of fear that governors will abuse state police, has been roundly dismissed as untenable.

Senator Okowa countered the argument by asking if the Federal Government is using the Nigeria Police to intimidate any opposition right now or in the past since 1999.

His words: “Well those believe the state governors would use the state police to intimidate people and the rest, if you throw that type of argument then people can also ask you if it means that the Federal Government is using the national Police Force to intimidate and harass people at the moment?

“The important thing now is that we need to police the state to such an extent that we are able to reduce crime drastically. And if the states can manage themselves, then things will be better”.

Safeguard against abuse Latinwo allayed the fear of Nigerians about likely abuse. “Why are people afraid? We should not be afraid to do new things; it is part of development except we are saying that we are not ready to develop. Set for each and everyone a code of conduct. Look at the paramilitary organizations everywhere, they know their bounds, they know where they have to start and where they would be call to order if they exceed their bounds. That is how it should be. If we run away from it today, we would come back to it tomorrow because there is no other way out. The Nigeria Police is not well equipped, not well motivated, and just not adequate in terms of manpower.

Time to act is now”, he insisted.

Whether the proposal is accepted or not, this is one opportunity Nigeria has to turn things around as a constitutional amendment is in progress. And like Okowa put it: “Whatever the case is, it will be tested when it comes to public hearing as the process of constitution amendment goes on”.

• Keshi

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Twist in the Abacha tale • Anthony Ani, late General Sani Abacha’s finance minister says the dictator stole no money. Really?

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OT a few Nigerians would be filled with revulsion at Chief Anthony Ani’s assertion that the late military head of state, General Sani Abacha, who ruled the country from 1993 to 1998 did not loot the treasury as it is generally known and believed. In an interview in the Daily Sun, a national newspaper, June 18, 2012, Ani had stated emphatically that the late head of state had not stolen any money under his watch.

Asked how he felt having served under a head of state alleged to have looted over $5 billion of state fund, Ani had retorted: “people keep asking this question. Where is the money? What did he loot? When I became minister, the balance in my reserve account was $750 million. The money was not up to your two-week

‘That the Swiss government returned to Nigeria’s government, hundreds of millions of pounds salted away into Swiss banks by Abacha and members of his family is proof positive. We are therefore in shock that Chief Ani would speak in this manner. We are filled with revulsion that a septuagenarian, a professional of note and a supposed elder statesman would attempt to revise history and mislead posterity’

import payment. So, what do you steal?”

Ani noted though that Abacha may have taken liberty with his security vote, “I can assure you that he did not steal through the ‘Budget of Economic Growth and Development’ of 1997 prepared by the Ministry of Finance under my jurisdiction. Neither did late General Sani Abacha steal through the 1998 ‘Budget of Transition’… I implemented this budget to the full. He did not steal a kobo from here. He must have (been) going to the then CBN governor Paul Ogwuma to take his security vote.”

Ani’s comment on the misbegotten Abacha era is indeed a new twist in a well known and well documented sordid era in Nigeria’s annals. For Nigerians who may be too young to understand the Abacha conundrum, the period between 1993 - 1998 would probably rank as the darkest period of Nigeria’s history, second only to the civil war years.

Abacha, the goggled savage snatched power from the wimpy Chief Ernest Shonekan, head of the Interim National Government (ING), a contraption hurriedly put together by Abacha’s predecessor, President Ibrahim Babangida Abacha, upon seizing power, invoked maximum rule of the vicious type on the country. He slammed Chief Moshood Abiola, winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election into detention; he defied all rules and conventions of civil engagement and clamped any opposing voice into underground cells if he did not eliminate them altogether.

For five years under Abacha, Nigeria

was a pariah state, having been ostracised by the rest of the world, and the country was in a state of semianomie. The economy was as good as shut down as Abacha’s word was law.

He reprinted currency notes without economic rationale and the Central Bank of Nigeria could have been his piggybank. He even closed the political space, creating four sham political parties which he primed to adopt him as presidential candidate. He plotted to become life president.

Abacha was indeed the state and the state was his. Abacha could have stolen the entire country if he so desired. And he stole some. That the Swiss government returned to Nigeria’s government, hundreds of millions of pounds salted away into Swiss banks

by Abacha and members of his family is proof positive. We are therefore in shock that Chief Ani would speak in this manner. We are filled with revulsion that a septuagenarian, a professional of note and a supposed elder statesman would attempt to revise history and mislead posterity. No country is great whose elders cannot draw from the rich well of introspection and hindsight to shape the new generation. Elder Ani need not be told that the misbegotten era of Abacha and the ones immediately before it are precursors to the crises the nation is beset with today. And at a period like this, we are not served by senior citizens who seek to exonerate themselves but those who possess the insight to help her achieve reconciliation and rebirth.

Office of first ladies?

•We find group’s call for its legalisation most absurd

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GROUP, First Ladies Advocacy Group (FLAG), is planning to send a Bill to the National Assembly to legalise an illegal office, the office of first ladies. The group said at a news conference in Abuja that the office was overdue for legal backing. Indeed, its executive director, Mr. Adetunji Dolapo, urged all well-meaning Nigerians to join their call in this regard “…since the practice has come to stay as part of our democracy”. Part of the group’s argument is that the first ladies are already doing a lot in terms of “helping the underprivileged, mobilisation of women for development, youth empowerment, peace initiatives, creation of awareness on health and other development related issues”.

The idea of presidents’ and governors’ wives as first ladies was introduced by Mrs. Victoria Gowon in the 1970s.

However, it was Mrs Maryam Babangida who elevated that position to the level which competes with the office of president at the federal level, and governors at the state level. Mrs Babangida, as first lady, had three permanent secretaries and several aides in her office, all of them paid from the nation’s purse.

Since then, it has become the practice that first ladies at the federal and state levels must have offices along those of their husbands. The same is true of their retinue of top political functionaries. First ladies have official vehicles which are accompanied by an array of other vehicles, security men and top policemen

in siren-blowing convoys each time they are in motion.

In fact they, like their husbands, wield enormous “executive” powers even as non-elected citizens. The problem, however, is that the Nigerian constitution recognises only one executive position for each of the federal and state governments: that of Mr. President and the governor. So, when statutory allocations are made for the benefit of the nation and states, only those and other constitutionally recognised offices are catered for in the national budget.

The question now is: from where do the president and the governors get money to run the offices of first ladies – 37 of them, including the first of first ladies in Aso Rock? This question must be answered by the presidency and the governors who dole out money to run the offices of first ladies. The first ladies have no assigned or constitutional roles, they should be satisfied with taking good care of their husbands and children.

There is even the added problem of possible power tussle between the first ladies and ministers/commissioners/ special advisers. In most cases, first ladies assume or literally usurp the powers of their husbands to the extent that some ministers and commissioners kowtow to them when looking for favours from their husbands.

The offices of first ladies are an ego problem and a drain on public funds that could otherwise be used to develop the

country and the states. All said, we do not see any need for the legalisation of these offices. If anything, we propose a legislation to punish anyone who operates such offices, be it at the federal or state level.

All the so-called functions performed by the first ladies as named by FLAG are duplications of state functions which can easily be carried out by the minister or commissioner for women affairs; those of the youth are already being carried out by the minister or commissioners for youth and sports; those of health by the minister or commissioners for health at the federal and state levels.

‘The question now is: from where do the president and the governors get money to run the offices of first ladies – 37 of them, including the first of first ladies in Aso Rock? This question must be answered by the presidency and the governors who dole out money to run the offices of first ladies. The first ladies have no assigned or constitutional roles, they should be satisfied with taking good care of their husbands and children.’

Saudi women are given their Olympic chance HE OLYMPIC CHARTER declares that discrimination by gender is “incompatible with belonging” to the Olympic movement, and that “the practice of sport is a human right.” These noble principles have long been ignored in Saudi Arabia, which has never sent a female athlete to the adult games.

On Sunday, the Saudi Embassy in London issued a short statement announcing that qualifying female athletes could compete in the upcoming London games under the auspices of the Saudi Olympic Committee. But don’t expect a surge of Saudi women to arrive at Heathrow Airport dreaming of a medal. The equestrian Dalma Rushdi Malhas, who won an individual bronze in the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, was thought to be the one Saudi female with potential for London, but on Monday it was announced she could not participate because an injury to her horse cost her a month’s work during the qualification period.

The International Olympic Committee has criticized the Saudi record in the past, but without disqualifying the kingdom. In 1999, the IOC barred the Taliban, then in control of much of Afghanistan, from the 2000 Sydney games, at least in part for excluding women.

Some questions were raised this year about whether Saudi Arabia should be similarly tossed. Saudi officials told the BBC that this prospect sparked six weeks of intense and secret discussions in the country led by King Abdullah, who has supported a gradual — very gradual — expansion of rights for women. If Saudi women do take part in the games, officials said they will wear a sports hijab, a scarf covering the hair but not the face.

The announcement will forestall disqualification, but it doesn’t solve the deeper problem. As Human Rights Watch pointed out in a February report, discrimination is entrenched against Saudi women in athletics, as in many fields. The Saudi National Olympic Committee does not have a women’s section, nor does any of the country’s 29 sporting federations.

There is no government sports infrastructure for women. All designated buildings, sport clubs, courses, expert trainers and referees are limited to men’s sports. Girls in state schools do not have the physical education classes that boys do, although the government has promised to change that. Private gyms and fitness clubs set up by women were closed in recent years for lack of licenses, and then licenses were never issued.

Strict interpretations of Islamic law and deeply rooted traditions, including rigorous separation of men and women, have stifled the rights of women for a long time. It is hardly sufficient for Saudi Arabia to announce that women can participate, just weeks before the London games open, while it continues to deny them basic rights at home. The true spirit of the Olympic movement dictates that in athletics, and in all of society, the kingdom needs to do more.

– Washington Post

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TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: It is high time those in charge of national security rose to the challenge of Boko Haram. What happened recently in Kaduna is a wake up call on the authorities to come to terms with the fact that those who have always been the target of the group are no longer willing to hold their patience. The spate of reprisal attacks is ominous as it is quite unfortunate.

Many have questioned the motives behind the targeting of Christians by the Boko-Haram whose ideology has always been to bring down political foes and the government institution responsible for killing its founder and leader, Muhammed Yusuff.

The point at hand is that BokoHaram seeks to divide an already fragile and rickety, yet accommodating relationship which had existed for decades between Christians and Muslims.

Why go as far as point dagger into the hearts of Christians who wake up like fellow Muslims to serve their God in their places of worship?

It is so sad that Boko-Haram’s acts have triggered chains of reactions.

The indications are that many innocent souls might not be able to survive when things begin to go out of hand. Those who carry

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Boko-Haram: The fire next time out these acts, including those who tacitly support them forget that they also have sisters and brothers who live in the other nooks and crannies of the country. A typical example could be seen in the South-west where a sizeable number of northerners who had left home for greener pasture, live.

Among these are mai-suya, mai-

ruwa, okada riders and those engaged in other menial jobs. They come from far-flung states of Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kano, Taraba, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe.

In Lagos especially, it is not hard to find northerners who have settled and mixed with the people in areas like Mile 12, Agege, Ido, Orile, Alaba rago to mention a few.

If Boko-Haram appreciates the implications and their enormity of their ill intentions, they would not commit such acts against Christians and innocent individuals who in the furtherance of the philosophy of one Nigeria decided to live anywhere. Boko-Haram ought to have asked themselves that should

President Jonathan at media chat

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IR: When President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan invited some media practitioners to interview him June 24, most Nigerians expected to hear some good news, but he had nothing in that direction. He merely wasted everybody’s time, and all the efforts the media practitioners expended, preparing to sensitise him on the crises bedeviling Nigeria. The President reacted to sensitive issues,

tyrannically.

Indeed, one started to wonder why he offered to grant the interview. I appreciate the interviewers for representing well-meaning Nigerians very well in their questions. They asked him about the political aspect of Boko Haram and he said all he was preoccupied-with was stopping Boko Haram. He said he went to Brazil in spite of the bombing of churches so that the sect will not

feel triumphant. Yes, Wow! How long will it take the international community to realize that although ChristianMuslim rivalry is a datum, the President’s ambition and intransigence are compounding the Nigerian crises? Asked why he appeared to be slow in dealing with prevalent corruption, he said he was not sure about those who are guilty. Yet those who asked the question knew he was not keen on

IG should investigate extra-judicial killings in Okitipupa IR: We request the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Dikko Abubakar to urgently step in to resolve the brutal murder of Mr Robinson Okotie. He was shot at a close range by an identified policeman for refusuing to part with N20. His late cousin Mr Christopher Akarenwa was equally-shot by a blood thirsty cop at Okitipupa Police Station

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all of the northerners irrespective of faith, who live in other regions apart from the North are rounded up and killed, how would their loved ones feel?

If it is true that the Boko-Haram has an axe to grind with politicians and the state, they should direct their operations at those who accommodated them in the first place and helped nurture them. The country has lost so many innocent souls whose blood cry for justice and vengeance and if nothing is done by those who matter, whatever consequences befalls us as a nation would just have to be taken with equanimity.

• Raheem Oluwafunminiyi Lagos

for daring to challenge the police over the shooting.

Rights and the future of the bereaved children and widows must be safeguarded and secured in accordance with the childre/women rights laws. Mrs Grace Okotie and Mrs Queen Akarenwa and their children, who are traumatised by the cops recklessness, unprofessional, corrupt and criminal conducts

clamour for justice.

The Okitipupa murder is a clear cold-murder.The families existence without the two breadwinners has not only left a big vacuum but has imposed unberable burdens on the widows.Therefore, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, must expedite action, just as tangible compensation must be released

to enable their children have access to the basic necessity of life.

The ploice authorities should forestall future occurences by arraigning the trigger-happy policemen to face the music.

• Comrade Akingbola Temidayo.

Chairman, Civil Liberties Organisation ( CLO) Ondo-State.

fighting corruption other than making occasional empty promises and deceptive threats.

On the proposed dialogue with Boko Haram, the President responded as usual that he could not dialogue with a faceless group.

When reminded about two or three persons who were known to have had contacts with the group, he owned-up on that score, because the point hit-him unprepared. He showed no enthusiasm or even readiness to dialogue with Boko Haram. Is the President not horrified by bloodshed?

The issue of Nigeria’s economy was raised by the interviewers. He insisted that asset declaration was no solution to Nigeria’s economic crisis, and that if he should be forced to publicly declare his assets, all political officers must do likewise. He said he did not see the need for such adventure.

Controlled irascibility appeared in his demeanor 90 percent of the interview time.

• Pius Oyeniran Abioje, Ph. D, University of Ilorin.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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The future of education in Nigeria

HE fall in the standard of education is a global problem, but it is more severe in developing countries and particularly in Africa. When we meet our colleagues from all over the world, we are always in agreement about the decline in education at least in comparative terms with the time when we were students. Ironically, the decline in education is not the same as the decline in knowledge. Young people are more knowledgeable than their parents at least in some areas of practical application of knowledge. The revolution of information technology has put literally on the finger tips of young people vast amounts of information that was not available to past generations. Students these days do not have to bury themselves in the libraries in order to find out essential information and facts for their use. The use of IPad, laptops, blackberries and other gizmos has made life much easier for students, particularly in higher institutions. The question of course is whether information readily available is internalised. Young people can hardly do simple arithmetic not to talk about advance mathematics without resort to electronic calculators.

The revolution in access to educational facilities and the quantum of the number of students that go to school make it almost impossible for teachers to closely supervise and teach their students. This is particularly so in developing countries where facilities and resources have to be stretched and rationalised in order to go round. In advanced countries where resources are available to hire teachers and to buy equipments, the class size is kept small so that teachers can pay individual attention to students. Students with learning disability are also identified and put in special schools where they can be assisted.

In our own clime we usually assume that all students should be able to learn and sometimes, teachers put the fear of the Lord into the hearts of their students by mercilessly flogging them, including those with learning disabilities.

I do not believe that our main problem in Nigeria is lack of resources. Rather our problem is lack of imagination, serious thinking and planning. Some years ago, I was in southern Africa, particularly in Lesotho and Swaziland, countries that have fewer resources than we have and yet were able to put up modern infrastructure and equipment even in primary schools. The huge resources at the disposal of the Federal Government which are being misused, misappropriated and sometimes stolen could be better utilised. The so called schools being built in 2012 are just a little shade better than the mud schools built during the Awolowo free primary school days when we did not have the kind of resources we now have. Yet we design a Prototype school that is replicated all over the country and looks like small warehouses rather than schools. Why can’t we build attractive schools for our primary school children? We need to build schools that are equipped with toilet facilities, and I.C.T gizmos that would facilitate learning by young people. Primary schools in neighbouring countries like Benin Republic, the Cameroons and Equatorial Guinea look more impressive than the warehouses and covered cocoa sheds that we are building and calling

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ID you watch the Presidential Media Chat (PMC) last night?'' a neighbour asked me as I drove out of the house on Monday morning. ''Of course I did'', I answered, suspecting that he was up to some mischief. ''Did you hear what he said about public declaration of assets?'' If he is truly interested in fighting corruption should the president have spoken like that?'' my neighbour wondered.

I could not answer his questions immediately because I was in a hurry. He understood as he blurted out: ''you dey hurry go work; we go gist later.”

As I write this on Tuesday evening, my neighbour and I are yet to discuss. But the PMC has become a subject of discussion in the land. Now, PMCs are not held every day. They come once in a blue moon, and they are scheduled to suit the convenience of the president. So, usually, the president is well prepared for the live interview session. He is expected to have interfaced with his media aides before the show so that he will not be caught flatfooted on set.

In the interaction with his aides, they are expected to have raised likely questions which may be asked by the panel of interviewers, with the president providing the answers. It is at this session that his preparedness or otherwise for the real

schools in 2012.

The huge resources the Federal Government is wasting to build these poor schools would have been better utilized by state governments which are nearer the grassroots than a distant poobah of a Federal Government. These huge resources at the disposal of political appointees are routinely stolen, misappropriated and mismanaged with little or no control or oversight by anybody. The poor situation and standards of primary schools make it unattractive for old people like us to send our children to these schools and yet all of us in my generation went to missionary or government schools either because they were good or they were the only option we had.

What is happening at secondary school level is even more pathetic. The great secondary schools like Government Colleges in Ibadan, Umuahia, Ugheli, Benin, Keffi and Barewa and their female counterparts in Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, and Ilorin have all run down because our people have no sense of history.

The one that is most pathetic and pitiable is Government College, Ibadan where my brother Edward Abiodun Osuntokun and his son Tunji went to. I once took my students on a trip to Ibadan to see historical sites and landmarks and we were shocked to see what Government College, Ibadan had become; totally derelict and soulless and disconnected with its great historical past. Ibadan Grammar School was even more pathetic. All the roofs of its hostel were all blown off apparently because the school is no more a boarding school. The entire environment looked deserted and made me want to cry and to ask what had become of our country. What I saw in Ibadan is probably the same in other places. The only school of historical importance in this country, Christ School, Ado-Ekiti that has remained worthy of its past is probably so because of the interest and support of its very active alumni. May I plead that this school should be supported by the state government in spite of its lean purse?

The poor standard in primary and secondary schools is reflected in the intake into universities. After four years of university education, some of our students are hardly able to write correct English. They may speak correct English, but because they have not formed the habit of reading and because they spend a lot of time watching movies, their ability to write is totally impaired. This is very sad for people in the Humanities and Social Sciences. We tried in my current university to do remedial work, but the enormity of the problem made it impossible for us to succeed and colleagues in the physical sciences said they also need remedial English courses for their students because budding scientists have to express themselves. I suppose the same goes for medical and engineering students.

The solution to this problem lies at the primary and secondary schools, we cannot remove television and laptops from our children, but at least young people need to be taught basic grammar and reading habits at primary and secondary schools before they get to the university. It is almost too late to learn basic grammar and basic mathematics as well in universities; yet,

without skills needed to succeed in a highly competitive world, our products would be useless not only to themselves but to our society at large.

The present educational system makes it impossible for us in this country to produce the kind of intellectual giants that this country had in the past. Yet, life is a continuum; the present is as much part of the past as it is of the future. The problem with us in Nigeria is Jide that the decline of the Osuntokun present, if we do not do anything about it is going to stretch into the future and we cannot afford a future of educational decline and lack of knowledge when other parts of the world and other specie of the human race are galloping into the future with their knowledge increasing geometrically. The challenge before us is therefore clear. We must go back to our past in order to guarantee the future. We must do first things first, start from the beginning and then move upward in educational improvement and revival. We cannot continue in this haphazard way of allowing the public sector of our education to run down while encouraging private moneyed individuals to establish parallel institutions which many find unaffordable.

Educating a minority of our citizens through private institutions while neglecting and condemning the majority of our people to the poor facilities in public institutions is a recipe for conflict, chaos, contradiction and educational collapse.

‘I once took my students on a trip to Ibadan to see historical sites and landmarks and we were shocked to see what Government College, Ibadan had become; totally derelict and soulless and disconnected with its great historical past.

Ibadan Grammar School was even more pathetic. All the roofs of its hostel were all blown off apparently because the school is no more a boarding school. The entire environment looked deserted and made me want to cry and to ask what had become of our country’

An unpresidential chat show would have been determined. The essence is to ensure that the president behaves and talks presidentially on set; no questions will surprise him and he also will not appear lost in the maze of things. In this age and time, PMCs provide windows of opportunity for leaders to reconnect with their people.

They are avenues for reassuring their people and nation that the man in charge still has their well-being at heart.

Through PMCs, leaders hitherto written off can bounce back with the way they talk and comport themselves on the programme. It is, therefore, not an opportunity to be frittered away by giving unintelligent answers to questions. It is better to evade a question tactfully than answer it in a way that leaves much to be desired. The inference to be drawn from such a response will be ''and he calls himself president. Such a statement says a lot. It says the person is not deserving of his high office and calls to question his integrity.

Last Sunday, President Goodluck Jonathan missed it, with his response on the public declaration of assets. We all

‘Leaders worldwide are like Caeser's wife who must be above board. They serve as moral compass to the led even when we still know that in the dark all cats are green’

know that he must have declared his assets by now in line with the provision of the 1999 Constitution, which says: every public officer shall ... immediately after taking office and thereafter (a) at the end of every four years; and (b) at the end of his term of office submit to the Code of Conduct Bureau a written declaration of all his properties, assets, and liabilities and those of his unmarried children under the age of 18 years. This, the president must have done since he came into office over a year ago.

If he has not declared his assets by now that means he must be in violation of the Constitution. But to make public the declaration of his assets is a moral and not a constitutional obligation. The president as the number one citizen owes it a duty to be legally and morally upright.

Leaders worldwide are like Caeser's wife who must be above board. They serve as moral compass to the led even when we still know that in the dark all cats are green. They are not expected to allow the public to doubt their moral integrity, for one second. Unfortunately, the president gave the citizenry cause to doubt his integrity during the last PMC. How? To a simple question, he gave a long, windy and annoying response. The question was: ''will you make your assets declaration public?''. His answer: ''It is personal and I don't give a damn about that. The law is clear about it and so making it public is no issue and I will not play

into the hands of the people. I have nothing to hide. I declared under the late President Umaru Yar' Adua because he did it, but it is not proper. I could be investigated when I leave office. You don't need to publicly declare your assets and it is a matter of principle. It is not the president declaring assets that will change the country. We should go after issues that will develop the country''.

Who says public declaration of assets cannot facilitate development? It can because it will serve as basis for monitoring some of the assets of public officers. But if the man who is expected to give the lead is seen talking like this won't public officers hide under it to corruptly enrich themselves.

It is quite unfortunate that the president spoke like that on national television. I don't know what kind of principle he is talking about. A principle that encourages corruption or what? He owes us an explanation.

Farewell, Village Headmaster

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E may not have under stood the programme well, back then, but as kids we followed it religiously all the same. If for nothing else, we entertained ourselves watching the frequent squabbles between Concillor Balogun and ‘Dr’ Bassey Okon. These characters and others like Eleyinmi, Dagbolu, Okoro, Ekaete, Amebo, Teacher Garuba, the headmaster

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net

and Oloja, made Oja Village tick.

The Village Headmaster was the creation of Ambassador Olusegun Olusola, the talented broadcaster, playwright, culture icon and diplomat, who died last Thursday at 77. He gave his all to broadcasting and he brought the same zeal to bear on every other thing he did. Take the African Refugees Foundation (AREF), for example, the deceased was so committed to the cause of those turned refugees by wars in their countries that he did everything to ensure that they were adequately taken care of elsewhere, pending the restoration of peace in their homeland. He was a man of many parts, who knew that life is fleeting and so did everything to leave a mark. The late Olusola was a pan-Africanist in the mould of the late Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana.

These are rare breeds, who come once in a lifetime. Olusola is gone, when comes another?

SMS ONLY: 08099400204

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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E can forgive our leaders who enticed foreign investors with incentives to bring their capital to our nation. That those foreign investments often result in higher profits for foreign investors and further impoverishment of our people is beyond our leaders because our economy has always been part of the globalised economy since we first got integrated into it through slave trade.

But there can be no justification for our past successive Nigerian administrations that chose to aid some smart guys who perpetrate worst form of exploitation than the foreign investors, rather than support sectors of our economy under Manufacturing Association Of Nigeria, (MAN ) that have the potential to improve the quality of life of our people.

Obasanjo created cement oligopolies through massive state support. President Jonathan few days ago boasted of the nations self sufficiency in cement production. But little attention is paid to the fact that a bag of cement today cost almost twice what it cost seven years back. In the petroleum sector, we gave state support to those who manufacture engine oil; today Nigerian consumers pay double what a gallon of the product cost a few years back. Domestic gas after government incentive to traders cost twice what it was four years ago.

In the absence of long term development plans as we had in the first republic, through the civil war and up to the end of Gowon regime, events have shown beneficiaries of government ad hoc development policies from Babangida through Obasanjo era do not share aspiration of Nigerians but driven by worst form of greed.

It is ironic that beneficiaries of these government policies and incentives after contributing to the wrecking of many government commercial concerns, turned around to buy them through what Lawan Committee on BPE described as ‘example of how not to privatise as most of them were dashed away’.

But it is worse. The funds for buying and running the firms belong to us. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi the CBN Governor told Nigerians during the crisis in the banking sector that some smart guys, (who had incidentally cornered controlling shares in government owned oil companies), took bank loans to import fuel, but refused to honour their obligations to the banks after collecting government fuel subsidy.

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HE echo of May, twenty-nine, 2012 celebration is still resounding and its history, apologists of establishment are fervent of, must be beyond the miscellany of Nigerians’ celebration tradition. The flavour must not be transient; it is for eternity like good things that a man celebrates and bequeaths his heirs. Must we not cheer the President, Goodluck Jonathan, for his sense of duty and history?

Since his historic rise to power and his subduing advert copy for the 2011 Presidential campaign, his steps have been historical of some sorts; good or bad. Many of our kind were recruited into his feeling and sympathy we recalled our yesterday which he reminded us, ‘children who went to school without wearing shoes.’ The music that accompanied the message was compelling and Nigerians in sympathy called off the bluff of the cabals in his predecessor’s kitchen who had wanted to stop him on the way to be the president.

Good ad copy!

What else could have lured us to his campaign train and the massive vote of the olds as the cubs? Indeed, it inspired us and Nigerians stopped the cabals. But another cabal has long short-changed us. Sadly, the President, the man of history, who went to school without shoes, seems now to be a willing actor, dancing in good shoes but missing the right steps. May 29 this year, some say, was an advertisement of a man who means well, dancing in good shoes but detours inappropriately.

Beyond the miscellany, don’t we sing his praise, of this patron and his sense of heroism to institutionalise the flamboyance of May 29, as national pastime? This is to shame those who cynically call this day a civilian version of a military coup; a statement that raises rumble in the barracks among the hot-heads in the officer corps questioning the audacity of bloody civilians mocking their humane response to world outcry and distaste for the military distorting of democratic tradition.

The President has a sense of history.

Beyond the flamboyance, a false reverence to the martyr of May 29, he woke up in celebration of the moment to say that the name of the martyr of the day, Alhaji M.K.O. Abiola, be a permanent insignia of University of Lagos, the UNILAG. May 29, 2012, a baptismal day, a new name: MKO Abiola University

N300b aviation fund and our economic whiz kids The CBN governor published a long list of debtors to Oceanic and Intercontinental banks, among many others. Without being told how much exactly of these huge debts were paid back by the economic whiz kids, the CBN governor went ahead to pump billions of tax payers money into the ailing banks. These economic whiz kids did not just walk away free after their crimes against poor Nigerians and pensioners who lost their live investments ranging from about N100,000 to N200,000, they turned around to buy some of the banks they were allegedly indebted to at next to nothing.

As it was in the oil and banking sectors, so it is in hospitality, insurance and aviation industries. The airline sector seems to be the worst hit in recent years. Two former ministers of the sector are currently facing criminal charges over financial malfeasance. And now those who by act of omission or commission wrecked the aviation sector have made provision for N300b of tax payer’s money available to operators of airlines, including those allegedly said to be cronies of people in government.

Now of the N300 billion, government has according to Senior Special Assistant to the President on Aviation, Captain Shehu Iyal given out N87 billion cash to 10 airlines to boost their operations and ensure safety According to Iyal, “The funds were disbursed at a generous rate of between two per cent to seven per cent as against the 18 per

cent to 20 per cent that was the going market rate. There was also a moratorium of six months with extended repayment term of between 10 to 15 years.” Some of the airlines were also granted working capital of between N500m and N1bn.

The Air Nigeria Developmental Limited, inheritor of Nigeria airways or Eagle Airline, got the highest share of N35.5b as term loan.

Aero Contractors followed with N14b as term loan and another N6b as working capital.

The story of Nigeria Airways is the perfect example of how our leaders serve themselves rather than the nation. The Nigeria Airways which started its operation as West African Airways Corporation Limited (WAAC Nigeria) on October 1, 1958 by 1984 had a fleet of 32 aircrafts. It collapsed under the weight of greed, corruption and massive looting by government officials during Babangida and Abacha years (1985-1998) It was replaced in 2004 by Virgin Nigeria Airways which quickly became one of Nigeria’s largest airlines. But Nigerian greedy government officials contributed to the collapse of the airline arrangement with Virgin Atlantic over the later’s insistence on operating from the international wing of MM airport in line with Memorandum of Mutual Understanding it signed with the Obasanjo administration Following Virgin Atlantic sale of its 49%, there emerged Nigeria Eagles Airline. Jimoh Ibrahim acquired a majority share in the air-

UNILAG: History beyond miscellany

By Ment Nnomeh Lagos, President Jonathan decreed during that drab morning broadcast that mutilated scholarly script, a mumbo jumbo. John the Baptist at River Jordan! Goodluck Jonathan in…?

Was John the Baptist not eloquent in proclaiming his day? He was a ‘General’, with ringing parade commander’s voice. Our President, a General and C-In-C as well, hasn’t, maybe. Maybe a victim of the overdose of incurable seafood parasite even made worse by the consumption, as a prescription for cure, of the clean water of the area which mischievous non-riverine persons call ‘ekpeteshi.’ But from impeccable source, the President, even as he reminisces of his yesterday, has no good taste for the consumption of this clean water. This may account for his sublime disposition in tackling national issues that has relegated our heroes of the past, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Dr. Mike Okpara etc, to maybe third class statesmen.

Our President, a model of new statesman!

The beginning of this classification, to be sure, is the renaming of University of Lagos, UNILAG, MKO Abiola University, Lagos which wordsmiths were quick at abbreviating MAULAG. But why not MAUL, if only to assuage the rage of the university community, the great Akokites and the alumni who are in love with the name, UNILAG. By this appellation, MAUL, which by its literary interpretation, is show of power, you can be sure, the new Akokites would relish and dance along the lagoon front in celebration. Many of us, the old Akokites, would turn in our degree certificates for a change not only to immortalise, MKO, but also to ensure that the new Akokites do not exclusively enjoy this new name. Above all, we can’t accept all documents remain valid.

MKO Abiola, the martyr of democracy,

is intellectual giant. So, nothing could be worthier than renaming another intellectual institution, University of Lagos, after him. To deny him of this is being uncharitable to man who turned all faculties of the university to haven of comfort for both teachers and students long after his death. But as a good measure also, the national stadium in Lagos, the old state house – the Dodan Barracks, the Apapa Port, the railway terminus at Ebutte Meta, should not only bear MKO’s name but also his statue be mounted to reaffirm his martyrdom. Those who tout naming him after National Assembly building, Aso Rock, or such other institutions in Abuja are diminishing this martyr and is inappropriate reverence to a giant like MKO. What is more, he was not ‘Abuja boy’ but a ‘Lagos boy;’ a flamboyant Lagos boy. Are we not missing the point? Certainly!

What will generations, when they celebrate centenary of MKO’s martyrdom, make of the cause of his death in detention?

What killed Abiola? Why did he die mysteriously and of what? All answers so far are guesses, no firm evidence. If you must declare him a martyr, have we told the children the circumstance of his death? It is more than renaming University of Lagos, MKO Abiola University. His martyrdom is humbling character, a model, not the rascal posture of those who revel in national honeycomb, to respond to national outcry of the president’s bizarre announcement, with arrogance that ‘there is no going back to the name change.’

The instrument establishing the University in 1962 is anti-democracy and that is why we act as if we are in a military regime. Isn’t the hangover of the militarised national leadership style enduring? Perhaps, this is why official reaction to the spontaneous protest by the students of the University was summarily dismissed as a none-issue. And if

line in June 2010 and as, the new chairman, changed it’s to Air Nigeria Development Limited, branded as Air Nigeria.

Jimoh Ibrahim inherited Eagle Airline (Nigeria Airways) with only two aircrafts and a debt of $275m. According to UBA spokes man ‘Air Nigeria was in a bad financial condition before it received an N35.5bn bailout from the Central Bank of Nigeria.’ But today Air Nigeria is a success story, not only paying back its inherited debt but can also boast of a fleet of about eleven aircrafts.

But like the past economic measures, conceived only in terms of patronage to satisfy greed of economic whiz kids party supporters, the current effort is already mired in controversy over possible diversion of the funds by beneficiaries. Madam Oduah, the minister for Aviation, was quoted as saying the intervention fund was in existence before her appointment, and that if it was working correctly, there would have been no need to have gone to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ask for a review. “I met the fund but for me to accomplish my mission, I knew that the fund was not helping the industry and, therefore, I went to CBN to ask for a review.”

A federal government that could not manage Nigeria Airways, or sustain the giant strides of Virgin Nigeria has argued it is serving the interest of poor Nigerians by deploying tax payer’s money to stabilize the operations of private airlines. But others have argued that extending such facilities to other actors in the economy such as Dunlop and Michelin where we have surfeit of raw materials, will guarantee better development if that indeed was the goal of government battling with massive unemployment of its youth

‘But like the past economic measures, conceived only in terms of patronage to satisfy greed of economic whiz kids party supporters, the current effort is already mired in controversy over possible diversion of the funds by beneficiaries’ it is none-issue, the initial official reaction is a dreamer’s fantasy; a sweepstake, indeed, early morning drunkard’s hallucination. Sync-mouth the master’s thought? Not the thought of our own president.

Yes, we celebrate democracy and proclaim that it is working in our land! Who says, ‘not true’? Maybe, good learners don’t have ears.

But we seem not. Learning on the job shouldn’t be a programme at that level of leadership anywhere. Let those who fancy their elevations to political position not to ignore the feelings of other Nigerians who probably are brighter.

For a reminder to those who assume the president’s thought: democracy thrives in a free market of conflicting ideas for which the beauty lies in vigorous dialogue and climaxing in constructive agreement. But not for the thoughts of aides in corridors of power who naively fix the master’s thinking. We may for a good blend, institute diplomatic training for those who come into government to enable them act and talk right, as would have been in this case.

Internal brain-storming before any pronouncement would have saved the President from embarrassment. But they are overtaken by the comfort of their new positions.

Perhaps, the President grieved when confronted with the protest. And so, recognising even if lately, that he is a civilian President, not military, he pushed the matter to the National Assembly. The law-makers, particularly the PDP members, have a duty, like a good umpire, find face-saver for the President but not to employ the big stick to uphold the earlier aide’s inappropriate pronouncement that, ‘there is no going back’ to the President’s pronouncement on the name change.

Abiola deserves to be honoured, but not with renaming of the University of Lagos. Beyond the miscellany, who killed Abiola? His project, the presidential election he won, is national monument. This means that something more than name change is adequate in his memory.

He was in sports, in business, in philanthropy and in politics. A national holiday, a fresh project that embodies the qualities of him is an honour appropriate to his sacrifice and contribution to the nation.

• Nnomeh an alumnus of University of Lagos teaches Mass Communication at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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THE NATION

EDUCATION Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

INSIDE

20 for UNILORIN VC

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

The post-UTME test began on June 18 but the next day, it was cancelled. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has rescheduled it for July 27 and 28, but the applicants are demanding an explanation on what happened. ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA reports

NO fewer than 20 candidates are jostling for the vicechancellorship of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

The outgoing ViceChancellor, Prof Ishaq Oloyede's five-year tenure expires in October.

-Page 27

JAMB to de-list 248 institutions THE Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has announced that about 248 institutions ran foul of the its admission criteria for fresh students may be sanctioned.

It, however, identified 14 institutions that scaled the hurdle, and are therefore free to continue accessing JAMB to admit students into their schools.

• Some anxious candidates after the cancellation

Post-UTME crisis hits UNN

-Page 28

CAMPUS LIFE •An eight-page section on campus news, people etc

A contest for the best EXPECTEDLY, there was pindrop silence in the courtroom.

But once in a while, the audience erupted in laughter whenever something funny happened.

At other times, they applauded the performance of the trainee lawyers. Welcome to the Third Edition of the National Moot and Mock Competition held at the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

-Page 29

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HEY trooped to the university town of Nsukka in Enugu State in large numbers. They were eager to write the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) which was initially slated for June 18 and 19. The test began on June 18, but was postponed the next day because of what was disclosed as “a breach of process.” The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has now fixed the test for July 27 and 28.

The applicants are aggrieved.

They said the university’s public apology is not enough to assuage what they called the ‘unquantifiable’ suffering. They were made to go through; they are also asking UNN to provide centres outside the university where candidates can rewrite the examination where they reside.

Meanwhile, the university has dispelled rumours that the leakage of the examination papers was responsible for the postponement.

The test started on June 18, with students in the faculties of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences before it was cancelled the next day. Candidates in the faculties of Social Sciences and Arts were worst hit.

A statement by the university attributed the cancellation to “a breach of the process”.

The statement reads in part: “University of Nigeria postponed the examination earlier this month following a breach of the process and the management’s insistence on maintaining the integ-

‘The Vice-Chancellor and university management regret the inconvenience caused prospective students and their parents by the previous cancellation.

However, the university insists the pain was necessary to avoid damage to the integrity of the institution through a flawed examination process’ rity of the UNN process and examinations.

“The Vice-Chancellor and university management regret the inconvenience caused prospective students and their parents by the previous cancellation. However, the university insists the pain was necessary to avoid damage to the integrity of the institution through a flawed examination process.”

But the candidates are demanding an explaination of what the university mens by “a breach of the process” if truly the examination papers were not leaked.

The rumour last week was that the examination questions were leaked by an official of the university, necessitating the cancellation.

Efforts by our reporter to get Mr Gabriel Ndu, communication secretary to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Barth Okolo, to speak on the cause of the cancellation failed. He was

not willing to speak beyond the official statement issued.

“See, my friend,” Ndu told this reporter on phone, “people have been saying a lot of things as reasons for the cancellation. I understand why you want me to throw more light on what we meant by ‘a breach of process’. But I advise that you do not get involved in conspiracies. All I know is that the university has a standard and we do not want it compromised.”

Many candidates who arrived in the state for the examination left bitter. They travelled from distant places to write the examination.

Because of the examination, many hotel operators increased lodging fees. Sources also told The Nation that some lecturers made their Boys Quarters available to those who could pay. Some students also turned their hostels to ‘guest houses’ for money.

Transporters, food vendors and sellers of various items, such as

stationery, also made brisk business.

A candidate, Gloria Ogwoma said she paid N500 instead N250 as transport fare from Enugu to Nsukka and N3,000 instead of N2,500 to return to Abuja where she lives.

“I was lucky not to have paid hotel accommodation because a Good Samaritan, who is a friend to my parents, offered me one.

But I appeal to the university to please help us,” Ogwoma said.

Sola Adeoye, another candidate who travelled from Ogun State, was not too lucky. Besides, the long journey which made him tired on arrival, he paid N4,000 for accommodation in a room he described as ‘totally substandard’ “The hotel room was so poor, and because there was no insecticide, I suffered mosquito bites till daybreak. The toilet was also bad. But what could I have done?

I arrived this place about 11pm on Monday (last Monday); and the hotel management told me that was the only room available as other rooms had been booked.

I then told myself I was not here to enjoy hotel facilities but to write my examination, so, I had to endure the pains.”

He added: They (UNN) should give a specific reason why the examination was cancelled. They initially said the examination leaked; now they are saying another thing.”

• Continued on page 26

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

26

EDUCATION

Post-UTME crisis hits UNN

ACHIEVERS FILE

‘Administrative staff partners in progress’ PROF Samuel Oyewole, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, has said the administrative staff of the institution are important partners in the realisation its vision and mission.

He said this at a seminar organised by the Registry for administrative officers and confidential secretaries of the institution.

In a paper entitled: The Registrar's office: The nerve centre of an institution and its administration, Mr Emmanuel Abimbola, principal assistant registrar (Academics), said administrative staff make things work as they are the pivot on which the university rests.

He urged them to be dedicated, committed and articulate and being careful in the way they handle their duties.

•Continued from page 25

Chima Eze (not real names) who came for the examination from Lagos also has an ugly story to tell.

Though she arrived early on Sunday, she is thanking God for not falling into the hands of conmen.

She told this reporter on phone: “Some guys came to me and said they could help me link up with some powerful people in the university who could help me perfect my admission if I could pay N50,000.

“They even promised to help me get the post-UTME question papers that day for N5,000. When I refused, they kept pestering me. I later realised they were fraudsters taking advantage of many of us desperate for admission. I even heard some fell prey.”

On the new dates for the examination, she said: “If the university cannot give us a genuine reason for cancelling the exam, then it means their action is not fair. They should not only offer public apology but

make provision for outreach centres where those of us from outside the state can write the exam in designated states where we reside.”

Another candidate, who pleaded not to be mentioned, demanded public apology in national newspapers and not just some statement from UNN. He also said he would not attend the rescheduled exam except it holds in Lagos where he lives.

“The university knows many of

NYSC Foundation holds workshop From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

T

Bursar, director appointed THE Governing Council of AU has appointed Mr Dokun Farinre as Bursar.

Farinre, who had acting, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

He attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, where he obtained the National Diploma in 1982 and later Higher National Diploma in 1986.

He worked at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan between 1986 and 1993.

He taught Accounting at various times at his alma mater and the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke between 1995 and 2008.

Mr Festus Ogedengbe has also been appointed as Director of Audit and Strategic Planning.

Ogedengbe, who hails from Ode-Irele, Ondo State, is an alumnus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where he obtained the Higher National Diploma in Accountancy.

He is a Fellow of the Institute ICAN and member, Chartered Institute of Bankers and Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

Ogedengbe started his career at the defunct Co-operative Bank Plc, where he later worked as head, Reconciliation and Control and later Chief Inspector/Head, Administration.

Send off for corps members FOUR members of the Batch B of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been praised for their services to the university and the nation.

The Vice-Chancellor, who thanked God for seeing Falilat Lawal, Hareef Sadibo, Saheed Gbadamosi and Erabhiahiemen Ijeghede through the period, said the institution had to send them off because they had performed creditably.

Mrs Tinuade Ojo, Registrar of the university, said they should see themselves as ambassadors of the institution.

All the heads of departments under which the corps members served wished them well in their life sojourn.

Mrs Ojo presented each of them with a plaque “in recognition of their satisfactory service to the country and the university in particular.”

The corps members expressed their appreciation to the management of the university for the honour.

us need this admission desperately; that is why they took advantage of us by cancelling the exam without giving any thought to our predicaments. If this happens in a private university, I’m sure they will make some arrangement to make the rescheduled assignment more flexible for candidates because candidates’ parents won’t take it lying low,” he said.

The UNN, however, said the management was not considering a refund of candidates’ fees. It was also silent on whether it would heed the candidates’ request for designated centres outside the university.

•From left: Mr Omorege, Mrs Alabi and Head of Department, Science, Mrs Temidayo Faniyi with some pupils at the event.

'EKO project has boosted standard'

T

HE Lagos State government has been praised for the implementation of the EKO Education project aimed at improving education standard in the state.

Principal, Oke-Odo Junior High School in Alimosho Local Government Area of the state, Mrs Folashade Alabi, gave the commendation during the Eko Day celebration at the school premises.

"Since the commencement of the project, there has been great improvement in teaching and learning in core subjects, such as Mathematics, English and Sciences.

There is also improvement in pupils'performance in college entrance examinations," she said. She said some schools can now boast

By Adeola Oredola

of modern infrastructure unlike before, adding that the efforts of Governor Babatunde Fashola to save some schools from lack of adequate infrastructure have paid off.

She added that since its inception in 2009, Oke-Odo Junior School has been provided a band-set for its brigade, had its classroom blocks renovated, and an ICT (Information and Communication technology) centre with state-of-the-art facilities.

She charged the pupils to be serious with their studies.

The Lagos Eko Secondary Education Project (LASEP) is a partnership between the state government and the World Bank.

• Some pupils in Lagos public school entertaining guests at World Environment Day by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation in Lagos.

During the celebration, there were performances in dance, drama, brigade parade and scientific exhibition.

Mr Sunday Afolabi, who represented the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District I Mrs Mopelola Peregrino, said some of the benefits the initiative have been achieved.

He praised the government for restoring confidence in public schools system through motivating teachers and improving learning.

The council's Education Secretary, Mr Isaac Omorege, noted that the successes recorded by the project reflects in pupils'performance. He expressed the hope that the project would be extended to other areas.

HE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Foundation has organised a capacity building workshop for its desk officers to update their knowledge.

Its Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Nnamdi Okore Affia, who opened the workshop in Abuja, said it was aimed at ensuring effective service delivery.

He said it was also aimed at instilling entrepreneurship and selfempowerment in members.

Affia commended the Foundation for intervening in specific areas of operations of the scheme to solve the problems of corps members, such as accommodation and postservice employment.

"Despite the challenges confronting the foundation, it has, indeed, impacted positively on the lives of ex-corps members by providing soft loans for them to start their own business ventures," he said.

The foundation's Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mr Remi Olowude, appealed to the management of the scheme to assist the Foundation in getting a reliable databank.

He said last week the foundation approved loans worth N400,000 each to 24 ex-corps members to enable them to engage in entrepreneurship rather than wait for white collar jobs.

He, however, complained of lethargy on the part of most ex-corps members to market what should be a national body of enlightened men and women that had passed higher institutions and had served in the scheme.

Olowude enjoined Nigerians to mobilise friends and relations to join forces together in building up the foundation into a formidable bodys that will improve the scheme.

“For once, Knowledge is powerless!”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

27

EDUCATION

20 for UNILORIN VC

N

O fewer than 20 candidates are jostling for the vicechancellorship of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ishaq Oloyede's five-year tenure expires in October.

It was gathered that most of the candidates rushed to submit their applications to beat yesterday's deadline.

But contrary to reports that only four candidates met the deadline, it was gathered that no fewer than 20 professors from within the university had applied and had signed the special register opened for the exercise as at noon on Monday at the Registrar’s office.

According to sources, those who met the deadline include Prof Timothy Opoola from the Faculty of Science with three of his colleagues Profs Albert Olayemi, Musbau Akanji and Joshua Obalaye .

Others are Prof Hassan Salihu of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences (BSS); Prof R.A. Akamidu of the Faculty of Arts and Prof Luke Ayorinde of the Faculty of Agriculture and Profs J.A. Olorunmaiye and B.F. Sule of the Faculty of Engi-

Group seeks better pay for members R

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

neering.

There was also Prof AbdulGaniyu Ambali of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The only external candidate was Prof. Ignatus Madu from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The university's Governing Council is expected to shortlist three candidates for the university's visitor, President Goodluck Jonathan, who will pick a candidate.

Most of the candidates are either sserving or former deans. Besides, Akanji was Dean, Students Affairs, while Olayemi is a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC).

Ambali, a professor of Avian and Aquatic Animal and Medicine joined the university in 2010. He established the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

He had applied to be the Vice Chancellor during the screening that produced Oloyede, but was dropped because the university then had no programme in his discipline.

Opoola, who is a specialist in Complex Analysis was Dean of the

• Prof Oloyede

Faculty of Science between 2001 and 2006. He also slugged it out with Oloyede in 2007. He has also been a member of the university's Council.

Olayemi, immediate past deputy vice-chancellor, Management Services, is a former Director of Academic Planning Unit of the university.

He is also a former chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), the West African University Games (WAUG) hosted by the institution.

Like Olayemi, Ayorinde was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) in Oloyede's administration.

EGISTRARS of polytechnics and colleges of technology are seeking better pay that is commensurate with their positions.

They also want the government to extend the same gesture to bursars and chief librarians.

Rising from the 58th meeting of the Conference of Registrars of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology (COREG), hosted by the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), COREG ,they described their remuneration as inadequate.

In a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Mr L. Ibrahim, they stated: "COREG unanimously examines the enormous responsibilities of the registrar, bursar, polytechnic librarian as principal officers in the tertiary institutions and considers their current remuneration inadequate, urging government to address the situation by placing them on enhanced consolidated salary scale."

The body lauded the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the conduct of the last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

It called on the examining body to assist candidates with adequate information in choosing appropriate institutions.

The group also seeks the funding of academic training for non-academic staff from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund).

In her keynote address at the opening, YABATECH Rector, Dr Margaret Ladipo, spoke of her administration's efforts to support the unit in its functions.

"The registration unit of the polytechnic and college of technology have been instrumental to the development recorded over the years in the polytechnic sector. You will agree with me that without a smooth and efficient registry, there is no way the polytechnic can achieve much. It therefore follows from this standpoint that the impact of the registry on an institution can be felt positively or negatively depending on its performance, she said.

Corona boosts teaching with I-Teach

T

O accord teaching its pride of place, the Corona Schools has established an I-Teach programme.

At a briefing at the the school’s office in Ikoyi, Executive Director Corona School Trust Council (CSTS), Mrs Olufunto Igun, said the initiative is anchored on Corona’s phiosophy of training and retraining of teachers in line with social demands.

To qualify for the programme, she said applicants must be graduates with a second class upper division from recognised institutions; must have completed their national youth service for not more than a year; are between 21 and 26; willing to make teaching a priority and be literate in Information and Commuication Technology with strong communication skills and probably knowledge of a foreign language as an additional advantage.

She recalled that the 20 pioneer graduates recruited into the programme, which started last year, performed well, and have been incorporated into Corona Schools, adding that the second edition which is about to kick off would follow the same pattern.

"We hope to do this annually. We

By Adegunle Olugbamila

know Corona Schools cannot employ everyone that we train, but we also plan to follow up by liasing with other schools that come to us for teacher assistance," she said.

The Educational Administrator CSTC Mrs Irene Ihonor said courses such as ICT, leadership and communication skills, etiquette, among others, constitute the curriculum of the programme.

She added: "Why we are not specific with students with core education backgrounds is that we believe whoever succeeds in the programme will be bringing in new ideas since they are from diverse disciplines.We are pioneering a new revolution where we can have a blend of intellect who can leverage on their previous disciplines for better classroom experience."

THe first beneficiaries of the programme Adeoye Oteju, Adeola Adenihun and Leke Amoo, described it as wonderful.

Oteju, a graduate of Economics from Covenant University, Ota in Ogun State said what interested her was the drilling in the programme.

"The consistent training for relevance is what intrigued me,” she

• Mrs Igun (middle) with Mrs Ihonor (right) and Adenihun. From left is Oteju; and Amoo.

stressed, "and being in Corona made it all easier for me because Corona lays emphasis on training both at personal and organisational levels.

Amoo, an Electrical/Electronic graduate of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, said the experience was a ful-

fillment of his dream to be a teacher.

"As a graduate of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, I'd always had the dream of infusing engineering technology on pupils and Corona Schools offered me the platform.

Adenihun, another International

T

• District Governor Rotary Club, Ikoyi, Mr Kennedy Ejakpomwhe, unveiling the stone to inaugurate a public toilet and water borehole donated by the club to Itolo Girls Junior High School, Surulere, Lagos. Standing (third left) is the club’s President Ify Ejeze and Chief Education Officer, Lagos State Orunsolu Adekoya (right)

Relations graduate of Covenant University, said: "The training afforded me to know that education transcends classroom experience.

The training made me to discard my old ways and learn new ways of doing things, such as ICT which Corona integrates into teaching."

Indomie Art contest begins July 2

HE Indomie Inter-School Art Competition, organised

by DUFIL Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, holds between July 2 and July 6.

According to the firm’s Public Relations Manager, Mr Tope Ashiwaju, the competition, w h i c h is opened to pupils of 12 years or below, is designed to encourage and inspire creativity as well as engender bonding between children and their mothers.

He said: "With the Indomie My mom like no other interschool art competition, we are trying to encourage creativity and ingenuity in children to bring out the best in the young ones, while we are also trying to improve the connection between the children and their mothers.”

He said registration, which has already begun, requires interested children to register in their schools where preliminary contests would

be held to pick the top five artists who will contest in the grand finale.

He said the prizes for this year's competition include N150, 000 scholarships for the first four best entries.The second four best entries will get N125, 000, while the third four best entries will go home with a N100, 000 each.

Apart from the prizes, the winning schools will get brand new desktop computers for nurturing and bringing out creativity in their pupils while there will also be lots of consolation prizes for participants and schools.

The competition started last year in line with the current theme of the Indomie advertising campaign Mum like no others, noodles like no others.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

EDUCATION FUNAAB FILE Kalahari goats for crossbreeding FUNAAB is set to cross-breed its Kalahari red goats with the red Sokoto and West African dwarf counterparts.

This is to improve meat and milk production as well as increase the foundation stock of the Kalahari red goats from 57 to 500 in the next three years.

This was made known at a joint research proposal meeting between FUNAAB and the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI).

On the occasion, the ViceChancellor Prof Olusola Oyewole disclosed that the involvement of FUNAAB in the Kalahari Project was part of the fall-out of the visit of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oluwafemi Balogun, who was on the entourage of the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Julius Okojie to South Africa in 2011.

Represented by his deputy (Development), Prof Felix Salako, the VC said interest in goat farming all over the world had risen.

The Director, Institute for Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Prof Segun Osinowo, declared that the imported goats cost the university about N75 million.

JAMB to de-list 248 institutions for fouling regulations

T

HE Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has announced that about 248 institutions, which did not adhere to its admission criteria this academic session, may be sanctioned.

It, however, identified 14 institutions that scaled the hurdle, adding that they are free to continue to access it to enable them to admit students.

Speaking at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, during the Third Combined Technical Committee on admission of first choice, most preferred institutions, JAMB Registrar, Prof Dibu Ojerinde, regretted that only 14 institutions met the re-

By Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

quired criteria for admission this academic year.

Ojerinde said JAMB had earlier announced the adoption of 180 marks as minimum cut-off point for admission into the universities in the 2012/2013, which represents 45 per cent of the aggregate 400; while 160 marks will was earmarked for admission into polytechnics and others.

Ojerinde warned institutions against flouting the council's regulations, especially offering waivers

to candidates with deficiency in the required subjects. He stressed that, henceforth, the anomaly would no longer be tolerated while those found culpable would be sanctioned.

The JAMB boss also urged institutions to adhere to the Federal Government’s guideline on 60-40 for science/arts ratio in universities and 70-30 ratio for technology and non technology courses for polytechnics.

Welcoming the delegates earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Hillary Edoga, praised JAMB for the digitalisation its operations as well as prompt release of exam results.

•Prof Ojerinde

Governor Theodore Orji, who had earlier declared the workshop open, urged JAMB to ensure that states that do not utilise fully their admission quota, should have the excess passed over to others that might need them.

Behold Lagos One-Day Governor

Varsity partners tomato firm THE university has entered into partnership with a tomato-producing company Vegefresh Company Limited to kick-start the production of a Nigerian-made tomato paste.

The Vice-Chancellor Prof Bandele Oyewole described FUNAAB's partnership with VEGEFRESH as successful and in line with its tripartite mandates of teaching, research and extension.

Represented by his deputy (Development), Prof Salako, the VC stated that FUNAAB was ready to work with farmers and boost agriculture.

Her said: "We are very glad to have private-public sector relationship; it is something. We've been doing with our agricultural media resources and extension centre (AMREC) and we hope to have a symbiotic relationship that will be of benefit to all of us."

•Members of the House listen as Ogbuefi addresses them.

UNIOSUN graduate gets Kogi gov. award ONE of the first set of graduands of Osun State University(UNIOSUN) has received Kogi State government’s award for excellence.

Miss Racheal Jegede Omobukola, with NYSC call-up N0. KOGI/11B/108, received the award for 2011/2012 service year.

She was honoured during the 2012 passing out parade.

The award was presented by the state Governor, Captain Idris Wada, in recognition of Racheal’s outstanding performance and excellent service to the people of the state.

Jegede had a second class (Lower Division) in Biochemistry.

In a letter, the Vice-Chancellor, said: “On behalf of Senate, staff and students of Osun State University, I wish to rejoice with you and your parents on the occasion of the award of Certificate of Honour presented to you by the Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, in recognition of your outstanding performance and excellent service to the people of Kogi State during your mandatory service year as member of the 2011/2012 National Youth Service Corps.

• Ogbuefi on the governor's seat

T

HIS year’s One- Day Governor in Lagos State, Miss Lillian Ogbuefi, performed executive functions when she assumed duties on Monday. She toured some key ministries and organisatons with her lieutenants during her 24-hour administration.

Ogbuefi appeared elegant in her pink and black skirt and blouse with the trademark cap reminiscent of the former Lagos State governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

During the visits, she and her en-

P HOTOS: OMOSEHIN MOSES

By Medinat Kanabe

tourage took off at the Government House, Marina, and proceeded to Honeywell Superfine Foods PLC, Alausa. She passed through Lagos Television (LTV) and stopped to visit the Head of Service (HoS) Adesegun Ogunlewe.

From there, she moved to the Lagos State House of Assembly, where she had a session with the law makers.

She had another stop-over at

the Governor’s Office and the Ministry of Education. The journey ended at the Model College, Kankan, in Badagry, which Ogbuefi attends.

On her arrival at Honeywell Superfine Plc, a major supporter of the Spelling Bee, the 16-yearold ‘governor’ was welcomed by the company's Commercial Director, Mr Lanre Jaiyeola, who congratulated 'Her Excellency'.

Mr Jaiyeola assured that Honeywell would continue to collaborate with Lagos State government in education and sports.

He recruited Ogbuefi into the Honeywell Fans Club.

He lamented the challenges the company faces. They include epileptic power, bad roads and poor infrastructure, adding that since the company started business, they have been using generator.

Responding, Miss Ogbuefi thanked Honeywell. She told director to keep up the good work and assured that she would look into his request.

At the LTV premises, which also houses Radio Lagos and Eko FM, Ogbuefi’s visit was aired. During a phone-in interview, she responded to questions from viewers, some of who asked how she got the crown.

Responding to a question, she disclosed: "My parents were very happy when I won the competition; they went to the front of the house shouting, my daughter, my daughter. All the pupils in my school and teachers waited for me at the school gate to welcome me."

She advised her colleagues to read their books very well.

The Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, HoS Office, Mr Lateeef Bakare, briefed her about the functions of the office.

At the House of Assembly, she was received by Alawiye King, Chairman, Education Committee, who expressed the hope that Ogbuefi could become Lagos State in the future.

Ogbuefi, a winner of many competitions, including culture quiz competition, also met the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji in his office.

He lauded the Spelling Bee initiative. He told Ogbuefi and the third position winner of the Spelling Bee, Master Chibueze Jonathan, that the state government should extend her one day tenure to six months.

"I wish you a very beautiful tenure today and pray that it inspires you and your cabinet members. A dream today may become a reality tomorrow. Some of us dreamt of it and God allowed it. I pray that you are inspired today," Ikuforiji said.

At the conference room of the Ministry of Education, Miss Ogbuefi was received by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo, who represented the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye.

Mrs Oladunjoye advised parents to take care of their children and not make them labour too much.

She added: "Now our public schools can stand up to those in private schools. We have been winning them in competitions."

Everywhere she went, she got a gift. All the winners from the junior and senior category of the contest also received gifts. But Ogbuefi’s LCD flat screen television and a promise of a trip to Finland courtesy of the state government, dwarfed theirs.

29

Law students united in faith

Corps members canvass better treatment

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 34

Page 31

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: ladycampus@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) came tops in the third edition of the National Moot and Mock Competition in honour of former Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) President Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) held on the school premises. OPEOLUWA SONUGA (300-Level Law, OAU) reports.

•Chief Olanipekun flanked by the Law students after the event

E

XPECTEDLY, there was pin-drop silence in the courtroom. But, once in a while, the audience erupted in laughter when something funny happened.

At other times, they applauded the performance of the trainees. Welcome to the Third Edition of the National Moot and Mock Competition held at the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

A trial was on and a witness was being crossexamined.

The witness, Mrs Pampam, is a widow.

Earlier, she had denied the existence of one Mr Akpan, the family driver, according to the prosecutor. She was still answering a question when the prosecuting counsel suddenly asked her: “Do you agree with me that Mr Akpan is a terrible and horrible man?” She answered: “Yes; he is.”

Turning to the judges, the counsel said: “My Lords, Mrs Pampam just agreed with me that Mr Akpan is a terrible man, but I leave it to this court, my lords, how she knew the nature of a man she denies ever existed.”

The applause was intense. This was part of the court room skills displayed by partici-

A contest for the best pants at a competition held in honour of Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN).

The event, which was held for three days at Oduduwa Hall, was organised by the Radiant Justice Chambers, Faculty of Law, OAU. The Chambers was established 20 years ago as a Law students’ organisation. It aims to raise lawyers who will be sound in theories and procedures of law; uphold truth, integrity, equity, fairness, justice and promote excellence in the profession.

The participating institutions included Madonna University (MADONNA), Lagos State University (LASU), University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Nnamdi Azikwe University (UNIZIK), (OAU) and Ekiti State University (EKSU). The panel of judges comprised magistrates from Osun State Judiciary, lecturers from Osun State University and Justice P. Ige from the Ibadan High Court.

The contest began with the moot stage, which took place in four court rooms, with

two participants from each institution. The contested case was on International Criminal Law, with Dogota and Banana Republics coming to the court to seek reliefs. Participants argued in support for about an hour and later switched to argue for the other side, thus ensuring that all the participating institutions argued for and against in the moot trial.

At the end, UNIABUJA, MADONNA, EKSU and OAU progressed to the debate stage, which began almost immediately. The debate topics were:“Sovereign National Conference” and “Religion as a source of peace or war.’”

UNIABUJA engaged MADONNA; EKSU slugged it out with OAU. The judges praised the institutions and the participants for their “excellent oration” ,noting that only two schools could move to the final stage.

UNIABUJA students defeated their counterparts from Madonna University. OAU contestants trounced their EKSU counterparts and proceeded to the final stage, which was mock trial.

At the final, Oduduwa Hall hosted dignitaries from all walks of life, who trooped in to salute the honoree, Olanipekun (SAN). The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice B.O. Adeniji, chaired the occasion. He was represented by Justice Aderonke Aderemi.

Other dignitaries included the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Osun State University, Prof O.O. Oladele, his OAU counterpart, Prof Ademola Popoola, First Lord Advocate of Justice Chambers, Mr Niyi Idowu, Justice Folahanmi Oloyede of the Osun State Judiciary, Head of OAU Business Law Department, Dr S.B Odunsi, Head of OAU International Law Department, Dr O. Oyelade, and Mr Babatunde Aiku (SAN), among others.

The contest began after the welcome speech by the Lord Advocate of Justice Chambers, Kolawole Adekola, a 500-Level Law student.

The Judges were: Justices Aderemi and Oloyede.

UNIABUJA, represented by Chukwu Samuel and Mobolaji Ojo were for the defence and the prosecutors were Iseoluwa Akintunde, •Continued on page 31

•LASU records low turnout in post-UTME- •Snake found dead on football field -P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Running with the vision

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VISION, as we all know is a mental picture or concept in the imagination, it is also the ability to anticipate the direction a worthy cause or future an event will take, such is the power of vision. A young lady had a vision about four years ago that Nigeria, despite the socio-economic and other challenges she faces, has the potentials of being a great nation. She believed that the potentials lie in the hands of the youths and she birthed an idea that would give them the platform to express their dreams for the nation.

A veritable platform, The Nation newspaper employed her and gave her wings to soar.

That young lady, Mrs. Ngozi Agbo, who wrote this column for years passed on on May 28, 2012 but the vision she left us must not die.

Her vision is anchored on building the total man and looking at the core values and attributes that defines him, attributes that always emphasise the highest level of moral and ethical regeneration and the molding of sound character which she instilled in her “children.” She never fails to remind them that they are always a shining light to their generation, and coming into contact with these students you will realise that the objective is already bearing fruit. Does that mean her preoccupation is only with undergraduates? Absolutely not, Ngozi was also a student of leadership and those who are familiar with this column in the past know too well of her passion for leadership; from leadership in the home to religious and secular leadership.

Pushing Out with

Agbo Agbo 08052959489 (SMS only)

•aagboa@gmail.com She often drive the point home to her undergraduates to steer clear of ethnic jingoists and divisive individuals who have the innate capacity of filling their minds with xenophobic ideologies that have the tendency of creating hatred, rancour and bitterness in the society. This they can only do if they are inculcated with the right value system. The annual capacity Workshops and Award ceremonies she undertakes every year with the support of CocaCola Nigeria and Nigerian Bottling Company is a pointer to the fact that apart from merely sending in articles for publication she ensures she has one-on-one contact with her undergraduates to be certain that the venture they are undertaking is far bigger than having their stories published in the newspapers.

Another sterling quality of the vision is the molding of character. Ngozi was a disciplinarian to the core and she doesn’t mince words when it comes to discipline and her students know that, I will point out two instances here.

Two weeks before her death she held her 9th Annual Campus Life workshop in Lagos where she invited more than 50 students from tertiary institutions across Nigeria where they were taken through the benefits in New Media and how they can tap into the potentials it throws up. Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, the online Editor of The Nation newspaper and Mrs. Boma Ozobia, the President of Commonwealth Lawyers Association were the two speakers. Mr

•From left: The widower, Mr Agbo Agbo; Pastor Iphy Okonkwo and Bishop Humphrey Erumaka, the officiating priest, at the burial

Otufodunrin took them through the potentials while Mrs. Ozobia took them through the legal implications of online publishing.

Some undergraduates who could not make it to the workshop called her and pleaded that she sends them their certificate of attendance. She took her time to patiently lecture them that it is morally wrong for her to send certificate to someone who did not attend the workshop; she equally told them that it will be against the tenet of what she teaches them. Some called back to apologise for their misdemeanor. What actually touched me was how she linked the whole incident to the vision of Campus Life.

Another incident happened in February this year when she started seeing group messages on her Facebook page created by one of her undergraduates without her consent. It turned out that the young man, who just graduated from the university and was supposed to have proceeded for his NYSC was being used as a front by a politician to rally youths for his political ambition. Ngozi wanted to know why he was not in camp; he said he had no intention of serving as he has already falsified his age to get an exemption certificate from NYSC so that he can “make money.”

As expected, Ngozi was enraged and she told him point blank that it runs counter to what he had learned in his three years of being a campus journalist, she also told him to tear the false age declaration and commence the process of serving his country, whether he heeded that advice I cannot possibly say. That incident became a topical issue in our home which we debated for weeks. As a correspondent who had covered politics, Ngozi is wary of politics that was why her vision for her project was “To channel the mass of Nigerian undergraduates towards a renaissance of the present decadent moral and political culture to enable them impact their institutions and country positively.”

Ngozi birthed an idea and a worthy cause that should outlive her, even though the mes-

senger may have departed, the message should be louder and stronger now than ever. Nigeria, as we all know has the potentials for greatness but is passing through perilous times, we have sunk so low in our value system and now celebrate the worst forms of mediocrity with even some of the brightest amongst us succumbing to its lure.

Ngozi saw into the future and knew that the answer lies in raising a generation of young adults who should be inculcated with the right value system and taught the love of the fatherland she was also interested in them being entrepreneurs in their own rights without necessarily waiting for the government to provide them with employment, rather she was particular about undergraduates who would have their bearings correct and know where they are going long before they leave the ivory tower. Theirs is the generation that will make Nigeria truly great and a young Visionary saw it.

Appreciation I want to seize this opportunity to sincerely thank all those that stood by us during the death and burial of Mrs. Ngozi Agbo. I thank the Managing Director, management and entire staff of The Nation for their immense support and comfort. My heart also goes out to the management and staff of Synthesis Communications, Reverend Azuka, the Chaplain of Christ Our Light Chapel, UNILAG, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, HR Executive MTN Nigeria, Mrs. Funmi Omogbenigun, GM Corporate Communications MTN Nigeria, Desmond Ekeh, Emeka Anolefo, Evangelist Shadrach Obasa, Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), Coca-Cola Nigeria, Nigerian Bottling Company, the Vice- Chancellor of University of Calabar, Prof. James Epoke for sending a delegation of Campus Journalists and releasing the University bus to convey them from Calabar to Lagos and others too numerous to mention here.

•Cross-section of the CAMPUSLIFE students at the Service of Songs held last week Tuesday

Students bid Campus Life girl farewell HEY refused to be consoled. Some were in tears; others sighed and sighed.

Nobody could console students as the remains of Mrs. Ngozi Agbo, the late co-ordinator of Campus Life section, were committed to earth.

The mood of the students changed immediately the ambulance conveying the remains of the late Mrs. Agbo entered the Yaba Vavet, formerly known as Atan Cemetery, for interment.

The students came from University of Lagos (UNILAG), Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), University of Calabar (UNICAL), Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abia State University (EBSU), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) and Benson Idohosa University (BIU) . Corps members and graduates, who were mentored by the late Campus Life Editor, also attended the burial.

Emmanuel Shebbs, one of the students from UNICAL, said: “It was when I met Aunty Ngozi that I discovered I am blessed with intelligence and creativity. She gave teeth to my skill and since I started writing for CAMPUS LIFE, I have been looking forward to a promising future. Now she left us without accomplishing the kind of future she designed for us. Death is wicked.”

Femi Asu, an Accountancy graduate of Ekiti State University (EKSU), said: “I looked up to Aunty

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Ngozi as a mentor, which is why I made her one of my references in my Curriculum Vitae. It is sad she left us in such a manner. Who will wipe tears from our eyes?”

In an emotion-laden voice, Jumoke Awe, a Law graduate from OOU, said: “Aunty gave me my first byline in a newspaper even though I studied Law. She had children in all the states of the federation and never hesitated to offer help to any of them in distress.”

Daily Editor of The Nation, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, said of the late Mrs Agbo: “She was always the first to come to the office. She never got a query, verbal or written. She was a fine journalist any Editor would wish to work with.”

He enjoined the students not to relent in sending reports from their campuses.

Meanwhile, the management of Ekiti State University has condoled with The Nation newspaper over the death of Mrs. Agbo. In a letter by the Registrar, Dr Omojola Awosusi, the institution described Mrs. Agbo’s death as shocking.

The statement reads:“The entire management and staff of the university felt the positive impact of Ngozi, who not only published stories on EKSU every Thursday but also used her column to expose atrocities being committed by students and lecturers on campuses.”

Citilodge Hotel and Suites described Mrs. Agbo’s death as untimely. The statement by its

•Jumoke Awe (left) and Hannah Ojo at the burial

General Manager, Mr Isdore Mujati, reads: “It is with shock and pain that we received the untimely death of Mrs Ngozi Agbo, Editor of the Campus Life, your employee and one of our esteemed clients.

“We convey most heartfelt condolences to your organisation and to her family whom

we pray find comfort and fortitude in the good Lord. Words fall short in describing not only the pain that we feel at CITILODGE but the void that she has left behind. She was full of wisdom, humble and passionate about her work and though she will be missed dearly but her memories will undoubtedly linger on.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE

Corps members canvass better treatment Penultimate Thursday, thousands of 2011 Batch “B” corps members across the nation completed their mandatory oneyear national youth service. The outgoing corps members did not depart without some advice for the government. Some of them spoke to AYODEJI ADESINA (Corps member, NYSC Onitsha), STANLEY UCHEGBU (400-Level Accounting) and EMMANUEL OGAR (400-Level Electronic and Computer Technology, University of Calabar).

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T the passing out ceremony held penultimate week for corps members that observed their mandatory national youth service in Anambra State, the Deputy Governor, Chief Emeka Sibeudu, arrived at the Alex Ekweme Square, venue of the ceremony, to meet corps members orderly seated. Even the early morning shower could not deter the outgoing Batch “B” 2011 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from performing the last parade and get their discharged certificates.

In Cross River State, the outgoing Batch “B” corps members trooped into the Open Pavilion of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) for their passing-out parade. Governor Liyel Imoke was represented by his deputy, Effiom Cobham, a lawyer.

The atmosphere was normal as Anambra State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Inyang Ekpe, declared the ceremony open. She urged the departing corps members to “emulate thousands of patriotic youths who have passed through the scheme and established a reputation of discipline, dedication and hard work.”

Other officials took turns to give goodwill messages, admonishing the corps members to remain resolute in their quest to render selfless services in the development of mankind beyond the service year.

Chief Sibeudu appreciated the corps members for impacting on the lives of people in their host communities.

However, no sooner had they been issued discharged certificates than the corps members began to drop the bombshell: “The condition of our camp is bad; we deserve more than the way we are being treated by the management of the scheme.”

Though some of the corps members commended the scheme for increasing the monthly allowance

•The outgoing Batch ‘B’ corps members during the match pass in Cross River State

and uniting the ethnic stocks of the nation through random deployment, but they said if the mission of the scheme must be totally accomplished, the welfare of the corps members must be taken seriously.

Omotayo Obe, a Mass Communication graduate of the University of Lagos, who served in Anambra State, said: “If I had to serve again, the first thing I would wish NYSC to change is the condition of the camp. Though I have since discovered that Igbo people are not as terrible as many erroneously painted, but I believe we can achieve more if we are motivated to penetrate communities that don’t have amenities.”

She urged the government to renovate the NYSC camp ground in Unmuya before another set of corps members arrive in October.

Her words: “We are graduates and valuable assets to this nation.

We should not be treated like animals because we are serving our fatherland. Every corps member should have insurance in the case

•Phebe

•Isiaka

of accident or disability; and, of course, the allowance should be reviewed. The state government in particular should consider reviewing the allowance being paid to serving corpsmembers due to current economic situation in the country.”

Sylvester Adigbon, who served in Cross River State, said: “One of

the areas that must be looked into is the issue of state allowance.

How can a corps member that serves in a rural area be paid N2,000 by the state government when their colleagues in Lagos and Abuja are being paid more? There is need for uniformity to motivate those of us who are serving in rural communities.”

For Phebe Enahoro, the host

A contest for the best

Essay competition for undergrads

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•Continued from page 29

Akinola Akintayo and Eniayo Akintujoye, of OAU. Both sides argued on points of law and facts. The fact of the case was about a hypothetical Mr and Mrs Pampam, a couple, resident at No. 3 Parkview State, the capital of Banana Republic. Mr. Pampam was the Chief Executive Officer of Integrity Oil, Mrs Pampam was trading in gold at Eureka Market in Paradise State.

On April 21, 2012, about 5pm, Mr Pampam was found dead in the living room by Paradise Police Command. A gun was found on an incoherent Mrs Pampam, who was the only person in the house when the police arrived. She claimed she shot her husband in self-defence. Mrs. Pampam was then arraigned before the Paradise State High Court sitting at OAU. The prosecution opened its case by calling three witnesses, Mr Obiko Akpan; a forensic expert, ASP Isaac Ibikunle, and Kayode Olugbenga, the Investigating Police Officer. Both sides made their arguments and closed their cases.

community and the Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship (NCCF) made her service year worthwhile. She said there was no motivating package from the state government.

“The scheme must be improved to make it better and attractive to youths,” she said Isiaka Shittu, who served in Idemili North, Anambra State, described his experience as wonderful, saying: “Anambra State government needs to renovate the camp. As we are in the rainy season, the NYSC camp in Unmuya would have turned to something else. I use this medium to appeal to them to do something immediately.”

He also tasked the management of the scheme to look into how N50,000 can be given to each corps member to start a small-scale business after service.

“Unemployment is real. Most of us are not sure whether we will get jobs. A loan of just N50,000 will make a difference in our lives by starting a small-scale business.

We will surely look for something to do with the money instead of leaving us to face an uncertain future,” Isiaka said.

However, Abayomi Awoyemi, who was among the 17 corps members who won Anambra State’s honour, said the support and assistant given to corps members in the state was fair. “I enjoyed my service year and if all states can emulate Anambra State, the scheme would be better,” he said.

The Biochemistry graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), however, called for more funding of the NYSC with a view to including skill acquisition programmes in the orientation.

To Lydia Ochuogu, who served in Obudu, NYSC provides a platform for employment since some private firms retain corps members after their national service.

•Members of Justice Chamber presenting a portrait of Chief Olanipekun to him during the event

At the end of the encounter, the judges went on recess to collate the scores.

Adebanke Ilori, 300-Level Law, took advantage of the break to render a poetic recitation in Olanipekun’s honour.

On resumption, the judges explained the modalities used in arriving at their scores, which were knowledge of legal issues, procedural law, case law, counsel oration, and testimonies of witness.

After Justice Oloyede’s dissenting verdict that favoured the defence counsel, Justice Aderonke delivered the verdict and the scores.

OAU came first with 72 per cent; UNIABUJA scored 61.5 per cent.

EKSU was the second runner-up.

Iseoluwa Akintunde, the lead prosecuting counsel, emerged the Best Counsel in the mock trial. Maryann Nwokolo, a student of OAU, won the debate category.

After the exercise, the event continued with the decoration of the honoree and other invited guests.

The Chambers new press board was also launched by Idowu.

Olanipekun praised the soundness of all participants, urging them to keep up the “good work”. He said the sky was their starting point.

CAMPUSLIFE spoke with participants, who said the competition afforded them to learn new things about law. Kolawole, who thanked God for the success of the event, said his colleagues’ commitment made the programme a success.

HE Nation CAMPUSLIFE in collaboration with AfricanLiberty.org and Network for a Free Society, is calling for entries into an essay competition. Details are as follows: Topics: •The Predatory State: Its Origins and Implications for Economic Growth •Statism (State Interventionism) or Free Markets: An essential ingredient in Africa’s Economic growth?

•Protectionism or Trade: Alternatives for Africa’s economic growth Note: Applicants are expected to choose one of the topics above.

The format of the text should be in MS Word and not more than 1,500 words.

Interested students should please request for the background material from Adedayo Thomas at adedayo.thomas@gmail.com and copy Wale Ajetunmobi at ladycampus@yahoo.com.

On the first page of the completed essay, please write your full names, department, year of study and name of institution.

Also include your email address and GSM line.

Send your entries to

adedayo.thomas@gmail.com and copy ladycampus@yahoo.com.

Entries will be received between June and July 20, 2012.

Prizes: 1st - $1,000 and scholarship to 2012 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy at the Catholic University in Quelimane, Mozambique from August 8- 11, 2012 2nd - $700 and scholarship to 2012 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy at the Catholic University in Quelimane, Mozambique from August 8 to 11, 2012 3rd - $500 and scholarship to 2012 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy at the Catholic University in Quelimane, Mozambique from August 8 to 11, 2012 4th - $300 and scholarship to 2012 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy at the Catholic University in Quelimane, Mozambique from August 8 to 11, 2012 5th - $100 We have eight consolation prizes of $50 each.

Announcement of winners: August 2, 2012. All entries will get a free CD “Ideas for a Free Society” containing 100 textbooks on various field of studies.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE Law students visit National Assembly From Opeoluwa Sonuga and Oluwafemi Ogunjobi OAU

•The students during the Awareness Programme on LASU campus

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HE department of Geography and Planning at the Lagos State University (LASU) has held a sensitisation campaign.

The campaign, which was held at the institution’s main campus in Ojo, under the theme:The Green Economy, does it affect you? was aimed at enlightening students and those in the university community to be conscious of their en-

Students celebrate World Health Day From Musbaudeen Shekoni LASU

vironment.

Over 200 students of the department turned out for the campaign.

They moved from one part of the campus to another picking up pa-

pers, satchet water packs and other dirt in the environment. They also donated waste baskets and trash cans to traders and cafeterias within the university.

Speaking on the importance of the campaign, President of the department, Comrade Ayandokun

Ezekiel, said environmental consciousness plays an important role in the development of any society and must be taken very seriously.

He added that the department decided to organise the campaign to coincide with the World Environment Day.

Beauty queen hosts musical show

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300-Level Accountancy student of University of Benin and the reigning Tourism Queen of Edo State, Blessing Majebi, in collaboration with Divine Smile Foundation International, have organised Edo most talented music show.

The programme was an interschool competition, which had secondary schools in the state represented. It was held at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, Benin City last week.

Winners went home with cash prizes and awards. The overall winner was Dorcas Edekin, a pupil from University Preparatory Secondary School (UPSS), Benin City. She will have the opportunity to have a dinner with Governor Adams Oshiomhole,

TV College graduates 40 From Musliudeen Adebayo TV COLLEGE JOS

•Blessing with the winners of the musical contest From Nosakhare Uwadiae BENIN

who endorsed the programme through the Ministry of Education

and Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Blessing thanked God for the success of the event. She told

CAMPUSLIFE that the maiden edition made groundwork for other queens that would emerge in the foundation.

Cross River sets up panel on CRUTECH

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HE Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, has constituted a six-man visitation panel on the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Calabar. The panel is headed by Prof Jude Njoku, a lecturer from Agricultural Economics department, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

Other members of the panel include Mrs Charity Abara-Ottoho,

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HE Student In Free Enterprise (SIFE), Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko(AAUA) chapter, held a four-day entrepreneurial training for secondary school pupils in Ondo State last week. Schools benefited from the training are Victory College, Lemon Jubilee High school and Citadel College in Ikare Akoko.

According to Cyril Okoh, the Coordinator of the workshop, the training sought to expand access to

STUDENTS of Obafemi Awolowo University, under the aegis of Law Students’ Representatives Council (LSRC) last week paid a visit to the National Assembly, Abuja.

The students were led by the LSRC Speaker, Ifedayo Olanipekun, his deputy, Mayowa Onigbinde and the Clerk, Temitayo Ogunmokun. They were co-hosted

by Senator Babatunde Omoworare, Hon. Tajudeen Ajagbe and Hon. Femi Fakeye all representing Osun State at the Senate and House of Representatives.

Ifedayo, 500-Level Law, told CAMPUSLIFE: “We see the National Assembly as our own medium of knowledge and the purpose of the visit is to meet our representatives in the Senate and the House of Representatives, to interact with them and to break the intimidating distance of having to watch them on television.” He further stressed that ‘’it is also to give us an avenue to notify the House of the second edition of the Parliamentarian Confab to be hosted by the LSRC in three months to come, which coincised with the celebration of the University’s Golden Jubilee year and that of the Law faculty.’’

The National Assembly members welcomed the students and lectured them on how electoral processes are carried out. The students were later taken to the chambers of the Senate and House on excursion.

From Victor Gbonegun CRUTECH

Deputy Director in Cross River State Ministry of Education, who is the Secretary of the panel, Prof.Udeme Eniu, Prof Jerry Egbo, Mr Patrick Umo-Tete and Mr Josephat Omang.

Speaking during the courtesy call on CRUTECH management, Prof Njoku said the aim of the government was not to witch-hunt any

official but to look into areas where the university needed government’s attention.

He thanked the university management for the warm welcome accorded the team, soliciting for the support of the staff, students and university community in carrying out the committee’s assignment.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Effiom Ene-Obong, praised the government for setting up the team to em-

Body trains pupils From Imoleayo Oyedeyi AAUA

basic, non-formal and vocational skills by leveraging on the pupils’ creativity and passion. He added that empowering the pupils with business and economic skills in an entrepreneurial approach is the aim of the body.

During the training, the pupils were taught how to bake and make

confectionaries, event decoration, barbing and hairdressing. At the end of the last day, the pupils demonstrated all they had learnt.

In his address, the Special Adviser to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Mr Tope Famuti, the students for the initiative and reiterated the commitment of the government to building responsible business leaders among students in the state.

bark on fact-finding mission to the university, noting that management would give the panel all the support in performing its assignment.

Also, the local chapter of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and students of the institution assured the panelists of their support and urged them to be objective in their findings.

THE Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Television College, Jos, Plateau State, last Friday graduated set of graduates from its various short courses which lasted two weeks. The ceremony, which was held at the college’s boardroom, was attended by the Rector, Dr. Ayo Fasan, his management team and staff of the institution.

40 trainees were graduated and awarded certificates in different courses, which include Television Production, Editing Techniques, Digital Satellite Operation and Maintenance, Camera Operation and Maintenance as well as Television Directing.

Dr Fasan, in his remarks, said the training would be justified only if the participants put into use the knowledge they acquired.

He urged the participants to be good ambassadors of the college.

The trainees came from various media organisations across the country.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE ‘Knowledge, skills are factors to success’

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•Candidates during the Post UTME exercise in LASU

LASU records low turnout in post-UTME

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HE re-scheduled post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for admission seekers in Lagos State University (LASU), held on June 18, recorded a low turnout. The applicants had complained about the high fee of the exam, a situation which led to the cancellation of the first exam.

The re-scheduled exam was held at the main campus of the institution in Ojo. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the exercise recorded less than 2,000 applicants as against the over 15,000 in 2010 and 2011.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Prof Bode Ayodele, who lectures in the

From Musbaudeen Shekoni LASU

institution, said the low rate at which candidates seeking admission chose the institution is an expression of the frustration, which the hike in school fees posed in recent times. He added that some chose the institution because they had been disappointed in the past.

Bamidele Amos, 300-Level Faculty of Management Science, said the reason why some applicants still applied for admission in LASU was due to the fact that school leavers could no longer afford staying at home for years after

leaving secondary school. “They are left with no option than to reluctantly put in for LASU,” Bamidele said.

Daramola Ayodele, a candidate seeking admission into Medicine told CAMPUSLIFE that she was saddened by the huge fee she would pay after being admitted.

Also speaking, John Joel, a prospective student of Mass Communication, said: “I can’t wait to get admitted into the school. I have stayed at home since 2009 but with what I did today, I believe the result will earn me admission by merit.”

HE 23rd inaugural lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA), was held at the New Lecture Hall, main campus last week. Prof Mustapha Zubairu, a professor of Urban Planning, delivered the lecture entitled: The future of northern Nigeria: An urban planning perspective.

Explaining the benefit of urban planning as against the orthodox view, he said: “Urban planning is a self-conscious collective (societal) effort to imagine or re-imagine a town, city, urban region or wider territory and to translate the result into priorities for area investment, conservation measures, new and upgraded areas of settlement, strategic infrastructure investments and principles of landuse regulation.”

Prof Zubairu “I see urbanisation as a positive phenomenon. There is a need to pay greater attention to small and medium sized cities, and not to focus only on large ones.

There is need to rationalise the concept of indigene-ship and citizen-

From Tolulope Ajobiewe and David Osu FUT MINNA

ship as well as addressing the twin problem of poverty and slums. Nigeria needs to develop a new development paradigm in order for its states and cities to be lively enough to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and expertise required to become key players in a rapidly globalising world. It is predicted that by 2050, more than 70 per cent of the world would be living in the urban areas.”

On the under-developed nature of the Northern region, Prof. Zubairu said one factor responsible for backwardness of the region was “the loss of the pan-northern region approach to social and economic development that characterised the region in the first republic.”

Prof Zubairu thanked the university community under leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof M.S Audu for the opportunity given him to deliver his lecture.

Engineering student nabbed for theft

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HE sight could be mistaken for a marathon but when the shouts of “Ole! Ole! Ole!” rented the air, students residing in Awo Hall immediately sensed trouble. Their colleagues were chasing a suspected thief.

In no time, the Awo Hall was literally turned upside down.

From Opeoluwa Sonuga OAU

Students trooped out in their numbers to join their colleagues in the bush combing for the thief.

As soon as the thief was brought out, the students went into frenzy as they rained punches on the robber. Save the

timely intervention of the students’ security committee, the thief would have been lunched by the mob.

As at the time of filing this report, the name of the thief could not be ascertained but a source told CAMPUSLIFE that the suspect is a 400-Level student of Mechanical Engineering.

•Students discussing safety issue after they discovered the snake

Snake found dead on football field From Opeoluwa Sonuga OAU

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TUDENTS residing in Awo Hall at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), were jittery when they woke up last Monday to find a viper on the open field bordering the hostel. The ashcoloured snake, 5-feet in length, was found beheaded.

Some students propounded theories as to the origin of the

snake. Some said it was killed by students in Awo annexe block H, while other residents of the said block refuted the claim.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the snake may have come from the bush beside the hostel, a situation that made the students of the hall to call on the management to clear the growing bush.

Accounting students decry non-accreditation of course

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•The Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Bolaji Kayode Roberts (left), presenting certificate of office to Rufus Oluwasegun Samuel as the Special Assistant on Students' Affairs to the chairman recently.

NASU to dialogue with OAU management

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HE Non-Academic Staff Union of University (NASU), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) chapter, has resolved to use dialogue to ask for all its demands from the management of the university.

In a release dated June 18, 2012, the union maintained that there was discrepancy between salary structure adopted by Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and the one by OAU. The union said

From Taofeeq Adebayo OAU

it had given the management several ultimatums, which the latter did not keep faith to.

It said: “NASU hereby assures the university community that it will use dialogue and peaceful means to get the demands of its members from the management.

“The union equally appeals to the university community to urge the

university administration to address all the 13-point demands of our union for the sake of industrial peace and harmony.”

It would be recalled that the NASU faceoff with the OAU management started last session when Prof Michael Faborode was the Vice-Chancellor.

The union alleged that there was continuous deduction in the salaries of its members. The allegation threw the OAU campus into confusion and led to an internal strike last year.

HE Nigerian Universities Accounting Students Association (NUASA), Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) chapter, has expressed dissatisfaction over the non-accreditation of the course by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Some students of the association, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, condemned the management of institution for failing to address the development.

One of them said: “There is no adequate facility in place for the department to function effectively. The computer room does not even func-

From Yinka Olatunbosun OAUIBBUL

tion as expected like other renowned universities where Accounting is being taught.”

Meanwhile, a member of the university management confided in CAMPUSLIFE that the problem would soon be over. “The accreditation team of the NUC will soon visit, northern zone for accreditation of some newly introduced courses in various institutions,” the source said.

He urged students to remain calm as the matter would be resolved soon.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has hosted the eighth Annual National Seminar of the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS). NURUDEEN YUSUF (200-Level Islamic and Common Law, Lagos State University) reports.

Law students united in faith F

OR five days, Muslim Law students across Nigeria gathered at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) for the annual Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) National Seminar.

The seminar is an annual event for the students to learn outside their classroom, exchange ideas and relate with one another. It is also aimed at fostering unity among the students from various institutions.

The seminar, with the theme: Contemporary legal issues in the light of common and Islamic law, was interesting.

It was spiced with educative programmes to give participants a wonderful experience.

The seminar opened on May 23, with about 200 delegates from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; University of Benin (UNIBEN); Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife; University of Ibadan (UI) and Bayero University Kano (BUK), among others. They were lodged at the Admiralty Lodge behind State House, GRA, Ilorin.

The next day, proceedings moved to the Business and Social Sciences (BSS) Lecture Theatre where the opening ceremony was held.

In attendance were Prof. AbdulQadir Zubair, a lecturer; Yusuf Alli (SAN), Dr. Kareem Olatoye, SubDean, Faculty of Law, LASU; Dr. Bashir Omipidan, Sub-Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin and others.

Speaking on:Legal education, free-

dom of religion and challenges for prospective Muslim lawyers, Dr. Rasaq Adeleke, Head of Department of Public Law, Lagos State University (LASU), spoke on the importance of dress code for Muslim Law students.

He said: “Most universities grudgingly accept (hijab) as a symbol of respect for the freedom of religion of Muslim women. Nevertheless, this is often met with disapproval and resistance from the authority of law school.”

According to him, The victimisation and harassment of Muslim women barristers in Nigerian courts because of the hijab has become a common phenomenon and poses a serious challenge for the women Muslim Lawyers.

The evening session featured a lecture by Dr. Abdul Rasaq Alaro of the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin. The topic was “Building an Islamic Home.”

Alaro emphasised that to build a happy home, students must be careful in picking their life partners.

“The home is supposed to be a place of peace where happiness reigns. On the other hand, a house can be beautiful but lacks joy and happiness.

“To build a happy home, students must be careful in the selection of life partner. The future husband or wife must be God fearing.”

Some participants praised the organisers for packaging such an interesting event for Muslim stu-

•Cross-section of Muslim Law students at the programme

•The presiding judges

dents.

Yusuf Abisogun, a delegate from LASU, said the seminar was a gathering of pious learning minds.

“This kind of event should be en-

couraged because it fosters peace among young people; I was able to learn new things that I ordinarily cannot learn in the class. I met new people; we interacted,

exchanged ideas and worked as one big family. In fact, our government should think on how they can bring youths together for like this.”

Corps member renovates toilets From Michael Orodare UMUAHIA

S

IX months into her service year, a corps member, Adenike Ashogbon, has built two water-closet toilets for the pupils of Ujah College, Umuwanwa, Amuzu Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State. The secondary school is Adenike’s place of primary assignment.

Adenike, a Mass Communication graduate of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), said she built the facility because there was no modern lavatory in the school.

She said: “When I got here and needed to use the toilet, I could not believe what I saw. The pupils were passing excreta into a big hole covered by plywood. Moreover, flowers had started growing from the pit, a situation I believed could be dangerous for the innocent pupils.

So, I acted fast and converted the pit to a modern facility.”

She said the project, which is her Community Development programme, was executed to enhance healthy living among the pupils. She said she was able to carry out the project with the support of Hacey Health Initiative, a non-governmental organisation.

Adenike told CAMPUSLIFE: “I

•The laterine which pupils used before. Inset: Adenike Ashogbon

•The new toilet

saw the need to give the toilet a face-lift because the students were using a pit which was unhygienic, while some who could not use the

pit used the bush. When the pupils go into the bush to defecate, often time, they would be confronted by snakes. Which is what I encoun-

tered too when I started the construction of the toilet. I was almost attacked by a snake and this shows the danger the pupils were posed

with going into the bush to defecate and even using the pit. These reasons made me to build something better for the school.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

35

CAMPUS LIFE

Ngozi Agbo: This dream must not die

I

F Onyinye Nkwocha, a graduate of English from Imo State University and a member of CAMPUSLIFE writers’ family, would not hold it against Wale Ajetumobi for being the one that broke the most devastating news yet in her years of existence, I also would not do same for Wale.

My reaction when I heard news of Aunty Ngozi’s death on May 28 was that of anger. Anger against God. Anger against human institutions and anger against fate. My heart was in turmoil as so many questions cropped up demanding answers. I had a bone to pick up with fate! But in my moments of sober reflection, God gave me a clue as to why it happened.

If He (God) would withhold Christ even when he wished the cup had passed over him, then why not Aunty Ngozi. Jesus lived for 33 years, Aunty Ngozi existed for 37 years and yet the measure of their impact surpassed the number of their years of existence. I am happy she died as a mother and a wife, thereby leaving behind an enduring legacy for us.

How does one write an elegy

about someone you have known for only four years but whose impact is as enormous in the stretch of a life time? I met her in 2007 as a girl who could not use the Internet not to talk of operating the computer to a satisfactory level but she left me better skilled. I met her as that girl with little or no confidence but she taught me to bolster up to the demand of the times. She was that Editor who gave life to my first birth of ideas.

I remember writing then as a student of Osun State Poly (OSPOLY), Iree, using abbreviated forms so as to cut Internet cost, yet she was patient enough to make sense out of my nonsense. I had always maintained that writing was not made for the likes of Hannah Ojo but she inspired my thought by painting colourful ideas and making me reach a depth that I never imagined.

What about those open conversations where she talks to me like a friend?

I was proud to be Aunty Ngozi’s “handbag”; she took me to places where I never imagined I could go.

She was one of the best cooks I have known. She was an epitome

of womanhood, who paid attention to details and finesse. She was that woman who would lay the bed without crisp. I do not mean to praise her memory in exaggeration. They are the true reflections of what I have observed from a close range.

She influenced multitudes with her idea of better society. She was an arbiter of high repute on intellectual issues on Nigerian campuses. She was a relentless seeker of excellence, one who fought for not just any life but a meaningful one. Now that she left us unannounced, I know she still lives on. I agree with Fisayo Soyombo that those who connect their purpose to impacting others never die.

Aunty Ngozi commanded disciples of bright stars out of a depraved generation of Nigerians. We are the ones who will carry on the dream. We are the ones who will work against carelessness and ensure excellence in all facets of human institutions. At this point, we must not allow the dream to die, if we do that we are worse than infidels.

I am sure many student writers would have questions bordering on the survival of CAMPUSLIFE pages on their minds. Who would push this brand? Who would work with such consummate passion?

Who would go out of his/her way to attract sponsorship and encourage efforts? Who will fight for us when we became victims of oppressive school managements? Who are we to call when we are cashtrapped? That person may not be readily available but I know that with concerted efforts and commitment to excellence, we can keep the flag flying.

We can go out of our way to get knowledge that will make us better writers and shining stars of the society. Of course there would be Judases. And if there are, our concerted efforts would overshadow their nefarious activities. This is the time to take up responsibility. This is a call to every student all over Nigeria to sustain the dream of this martyr who has done so much for us all.

We are the next generation; we can keep the dream on. A brand sells itself. Aunty Ngozi would be

By Hannah Ojo

greater in death if we all join hands together to ensure the liveliness of this brand. Even as Aunty Ngozi rests in the bosom of the Lord, I find solace in these words of William Wordsworth: “Though, nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower, we will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind.” Adieu Aunty NG, even in death, you still remain my hero.

Hannah, 400-Level English, OAU, Ile-Ife

As Aunty Ngozi takes French leave

By Omolara Omoniyi

S

TILL lingering in my memory is the glorious day I was asked to resume my Industrial Training at The Nation newspaper. Being a new entrant in the newsroom, I could not but look around to really know how the environment looked like.

From the Shopping desk, my eyes looked straight to the Campus Life

T

HE newest gift from our mentor, Ngozi Agbo. My name is Chisom Ojukwu and I knew your mother. I first met her in November 2010 at the sixth Annual Campus Life Writers’ Workshop in Lagos. I was introduced to CAMPUSLIFE by Stanley Ibeku, a senior colleague and friend. I report from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) constantly and Aunty Ngozi, your mother, was my editor.

See, writing for a newspaper as a student is a money-consuming business.

The cost of hunting down and sending in a story coupled with academic pressure with the limited pages we had to work with and the resultant restrictions all made it very hectic. But I resolved to continue writing because first, I love writing and second, I loved my Editor.

When I started, I believed I was just as good if not better than the next student reporter whenever my reports took ‘too long’ to come out or when they eventually got published but had been edited into ‘what I did not understand’, I fired off text messages to Aunty Ngozi complaining, albeit tactfully.

She always replied with soothing but firm messages. I later found out, upon consulting with my colleagues, that most of us did the same. And she always replied in the same way to everyone. I couldn’t and still cannot tell where she got the energy.

I laughed when I remembered that the first email I ever sent her started with “Dear Editor”. I had had no experience of the print press then and that

desk. I had an eye contact with a beautiful woman sitting on the desk. I later found out her name to be “Aunty Ngozi”.

“This woman is pregnant and still working this hard,” I muttered to myself as I continued to stare at her from a distance. However, what I tried to avoid eventually happened: she caught me. She gave a surprised smile, which I returned before turning away shyly. This made our first communication, even though it was not verbal.

The following day, she asked me why I was ‘stealing’ glances at her the previous day. I tried to talk, but could not. She later asked me who I was, which I happily told her, including my wish to work with the company when I graduate.

She also told me about herself too.

“I am the Editor of Campus Life and I hope you wouldn’t mind if I ask you to start writing for me from your institution,” she said. I explained to

her that I was not in school but she asked me to promise her that I would be reporting from Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) when I resume after my IT. I did! Aunty Ngozi was never a snob. She would answer me when I greeted, and greeted me when I pretended not to see her. This was an attribute I respected in her. Then I started praying for her safe delivery.

A week before the last Campus Life workshop, which was held from May 18 to 20, a week before her demise, I remember she personally invited me for the event. I was reluctant at first, since I really did not know what the workshop was all about. I told her I needed to inform my parents. She insisted on my coming, saying “I invite you to come and enjoy yourself and you are doing shakara.” At this point, I began to express interest in the seminar.

Our next meeting was during the workshop. I recall how she laboured

hard to explain to us how to write good news stories and feature story before handing over to the guest speakers. I tearfully remember the time for photographs with the guest speakers and Coca-Cola representatives. She stood behind me and tried to use me to block her protruded stomach, moving me ‘here and there’ and holding my waist firmly just to make sure she balanced herself.

I also remember that in the midst of standing ovation we accorded her after her speech, a male student shouted: “Aunty, we want twins from you o.”

After the session, she presented our certificates to us. Unfortunately, Aunty Ngozi took a French leave a week after; she left without leaving a note. I had a brief but interesting and unforgettable experience with her. I love her and wish I still had her around me to put me through the right path as I face life challenges.

In the little I knew her, she proved to be a mother to me. She was my

sister and my mentor. She was everything to me; she was never short of advice. But why did she take a French leave? How are we, the Campus Life writers, going to cope without her?

Will there be a replacement? Those are the questions only God can answer; He knows best.

Just like Stephen in the Bible, Aunty Ngozi is not dead as far as I am concerned, she rather went to sleep! She lived a worthy life and need not to fear. I believe she is with God, smiling down as I write this piece. All I need do is to emulate her, so that I may join her when the time comes for me too.

I want to use this medium to restate my fidelity to the promise I made to her to write for Campus Life from my school. Mrs NgoziAgbo, I love you, but God loves you better. Good night ma.

Omolara, ND II Mass Comm., YABATECH

A letter to Chima Agbo opening sounded perfectly reasonable to me. Chima, your mum was no ‘Dear Editor’ type, she was an ‘Aunty, how far?’ woman. I could talk to her about anything, ranging from our juvenile lifestyle to our career plans for the future. Aunty was not just your mother, Chima, she was mother to countless children scattered all over this country with a large heart, quick mind, attentive eyes and diligent hands. She nurtured us all.

I was telling you about the first time I met her. We had been sitting around in the lobby of the Mainland Hotel waiting, when she walked in. She was tall. It didn’t help my case that she wore heels because when she embraced me like she did all the other first-timers, I understood better the word ‘engulf’. But hey, I didn’t mind because my fears over what sort of impression I would make immediately sublimed. She made me feel at home with her lovely smile.

Chima, I remember how she rode in the bus with us and maintained a constant chat with all of us. I can remember her dance steps at the award night, the smile on her face as she twisted her arms, bobbed her shoulders and swung around so that her skirt swirled around her like a little girl in a new dress. In fact, I was enamored.

In 2011, when I learnt of her wedding, I sent her a text saying: “so they are not all blind after all”. You have to

know, Chima, that your mum was such a great woman that only destiny could have kept her single all the time it took your dad to meet her. He must have known because he didn’t waste time in carting her home. Ask him. We all wanted to know the kind of man she was getting married to; don’t tell your dad but I told Aunty that I would exchange blows if he turned out “unworthy”. She laughed and said I needn’t worry. She was right.

I travelled all the way from Akwa Ibom State to Amawbia for your parents’ traditional marriage. When I got there, I thought Aunty Ngozi would greet me with a hug and enquiries about my trip. For where? The woman took one look at me and said, “Chisom, you’ve come. Oya, come and see what you will do for me.” She even scolded me for not coming earlier and vengefully put me to work. I laugh now at all these memories but back then, I was pissed. That was Aunty Ngozi for you.

She could be sweet and spice and everything nice but when it comes to work, she never delayed.

I saw your mama last at the 8th annual workshop in November 2011. I put two and two together and suspected – rightly – that she was pregnant. Oh, your evolution in her was a source of joy to the entire CAMPUSLIFE family!

She and I often exchanged text messages where I enquired about her health. She always reassured me, telling me that

she was strong and still working. She never failed to end her text messages with assurances of her prayers and a ‘God bless you’.

The last time we talked was in May. I told her that since I would not be coming for the 9th workshop, I would send Victor Nwokedi, a colleague, with a tape and instructions to get the measurement of her belly. Aunty replied: “I am waiting for him with the tape!

You won’t kill me, this boy,” and the inevitable: “God bless you jare”. Less than two weeks later in the early hours of Tuesday, May 29, I was browsing through Facebook when I saw updates which I thought then to be costly jokes.

I made calls and confirmed the horrendous news. Aunty Ngozi was dead.

Chima, if your mum were to be a house, she would have been an openroof structure built from the finest marble and set on the top of a rocky mountain. The glitter would invite many to endure the rigour of the rocky climb till they reached the succour of the warm abode. And when they eventually came to her, they would find succour. Her wide girth and open roof would encourage them to dream far, wide and high. The message in that house would be: “Dream big but don’t stop there; reach for the stars, they aren’t that far away” Such was the quality of the woman that gave birth to you, Chima. I have cried tears of anger

By Chisom Ojukwu

for a 52-year old country where women still die from childbirth, a process as physiological as eating.

My broken heart has bled till it can drop no more. But life must go on.

We, her campus children, miss her the most. She was our rock, our fervent fan. She believed in the wealth buried within us and fought gallantly to draw it out. Why we had to lose her so soon, only God knows best. But we take solace in the fact that we know that Emmanuel – God is with us; plus with an advocate like her in heaven, our struggle for a better Nigeria just got easier.

Yours sincerely, Chisom, 500-Level Mechanical Engineering, FUTO

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE

‘Entrepreneurship is key to wealth creation

H

OW can students be self reliant and productive after graduation? It is by embracing entrepreneurship while in school, says Dr Andrew Tafamel, of the Department of Business Administration, University of Benin (UNIBEN).

He spoke at a symposium to mark the fourth edition of the Students Union week of the Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo (WUSTO).

The event was held at the Olabanji Akingbule Lecture Theatre of the institution.

Delivering a paper entitled: Entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic development, Tafamel said entrepreneurs were acknowledged globally as creators of jobs and producers of goods and services.

He urged Nigerians to use the abundant human and natural endowments in the country to enhance their living standard.

Tafamel noted that the biggest economies in the world achieved growth through the utilisation and development of Small-Scale Medium Enterprises (SME), adding that it is imperative for the country to embrace such a concept to enhance its own development.

He listed the attributes of a good

•Cross-section of students at the seminar From Damisi Ojo,Akure

entrepreneur to include the perception and identification of business opportunities, selection of the legal form, location and site of enterprise, identification, selection and acquisition of key resources, innovation, bearing of risk as well as acquisi-

tion of knowledge required for the management of a business enterprise.

On how business opportunities could be identified by student entrepreneurs, Tafamel listed copying of the success of an existing business enterprise, usage of personal or other people’s human experience, work experience, development of a

hobby, vocational work, franchise and engaging the services of consultants.

To address the problem of unemployment in Nigeria, Tafamel urged the Federal Government, business organisations and private individuals to embrace the concept of Public- Private Partnership (PPP), say-

ing the move would help to drive the engine of the economy towards attaining maximum development.

The programme was attended by some academic staff of the institution among whom were Dr Olusegun Awolumate, Dr Mike Omoigberale and Mrs Judith Obaisi, the co-ordinator.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

•Alhaji Laoye flanked by the executive members of the association

Oyo students celebrate Amala Day TUDENTS of Oyo State under the banner of Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU) in The Polytechnic, Ile-Ife, a private-owned institution, have celebrated Amala Day. The day was witnessed by the representative of Oyo State Governor and Special Adviser on Youths Affairs, Mr Godwin Obode.

Others are Chairman of Oyo State Transport Pool, Alhaji M.K.O Laoye, FOSSU National President, Ahmad Muili, the co-ordinator of Ajimobi Students Consultative

S

From Sikiru Akinola OAU

Forum (ASCF), Adedapo Walter, Yoruba movie actors, Olaniyi Afonja (Sanyeri) and Tijani Adekola (Kamilu) and lecturers of Oyo State extraction from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. The programme featured beauty pageant, dancing and poetry competition, launching of the association calendar and eating competition. Alhaji Laoye thanked the stu-

dents for honouring him, promising the students that he would ensure the association gets to its desired level. He advised the students to face their studies squarely while noting that education remained the best legacy parents could bequeath to their children.

Walter, in his own speech, urged the students to face their primary assignment on campus. He reiterated the determination of Governor Isiaka Ajimobi to pay bursary and scholarship as at when due.

College holds seminar on infertility

T

HE management of Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, has organised a seminar tagged “Let’s talk about sex openly.”

The two hours programme, which was attended by students from tertiary institutions in Lagos, was held at the Multi-purpose Hall of the school. The seminar focused on the need for students to preserve their fertility and be health-conscious.

According to Dr Abayomi Ajayi, Managing Director of Nordica

From Wunmi Adeyanju FCE AKOKA

Fertility Centre, a recent research on fertility carried out in the United States stated only one out of 27,000 students in the country could give a straight answer about his fertility. He said this was why there is need for fertility consciousness among Nigerian students. Mrs Esther Odiete, a Fertility Counsellor, praised the students on their willingness to learn about infertility.

Students, who graced the seminar,

expressed gratitude to the organisers for the awareness. Esther Falodun, Secretariat Education student, said: “I was expecting discussion on sex that I hear every time but I was proved wrong because the seminar taught me new developments relating to human health. Eunice Oziohu, Public Relations and Advertising student of Lagos State University (LASU), said: “The seminar was worthwhile and has educated me.

The knowledge impacted is more than the cost of transporting myself here and I have no regret coming.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

37

EDUCATION

• Secondary school pupils at the sixth edition of the science quiz competition at the Lagoon Secondary School, Lekki, Lagos.

PHOTO: GBENGA KUTELU

UI ex-VC canvasses support for education, teachers

F

ORMER Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof Olufemi Bamiro, has stressed the need for governments at all levels to support education for national growth.

Bamiro said there is need for the government and other education stakeholders to pay attention to the teachers in terms of quality and the number.

Bamiro spoke during the lecture/ luncheon and awards organised by the Old Boys Association, Government College, Ibadan (GCI).

Delivering a lecture entitled: Decline in school standard in Nigeria from 70s: What went wrong and how can it be corrected, Bamiro noted that teachers' welfare has been neglected so far.

T

HE Dean of the Immanuel College of Theology and Christian Education, Ibadan, Venerable Benjamin Adedapo, has charged the graduating students of the college to be agents of change with impeccable in character.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

According to him, teachers' development and their welfare should be addressed for improved education.

He said: "I think there is the need for the teachers to be well-paid because they were the ones who produced us. They made us what we are today.

"Serious attention should be paid to teachers' welfare as well as the tools that they will work with. This will enable them to concentrate on what they are doing.What is coming as incentive such as salary for the teachers is nothing to write about; so, they look elsewhere for something to augment.

"Also, the teachers must be trained

and exposed to new things.

Knowledge is not static. Teachers must be exposed to new techniques of teaching just as they are expected to be kept abreast of changes in their specialities.

"Even in the universities, the lecturers need to be updated on new developments and trained on new techniques in their respective fields. We can then ask for performance based on the facilities and welfare packages available."

The former Vice-Chancellor also admonished the government to sponsor private schools with counterpart funding.

Bamiro recalled:"When I was VC in the university, it used to be N50million. We used such money

‘Be agents of change’

By Akinyemi Oluwayemisi

Adedapo made this remark at the 53rd graduation of the college in Ibadan.

He said the graduands have been

examinedand accessed. He assured that the training the acquired by the graduands would be applied by them to better the country.

Venerable Adedapo said:"May I

to support both students and lecturers to undergo foreign training" The Chairman, GCI Old Boys Association, GCI, Prof Yemi Badejoko, who expressed his group's determination to contribute to the development of the city, urged stakeholders to give desired attention to education.

Also the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Tokunbo Fayokun, said the lecture was a right step in a right direction, especially at a stage that the state government is restoring the education sector to its past glory. admonish you to be conscious of the society you are going into because you are going into a society that is more damaged.

Therefore, you should be more spiritual, impeccable in character and be an agent of change in all you do."

College trains staff on security

‘Seek selfemployment ’ THE Deputy Bursar of EKSU, Mr Titiloye Owolabi, has urged the outgoing 83 youth corps members in the university to go for self-employment instead of looking for white collar jobs.

He said this at a send-off organised by the university for them.

Mr Owolabi, who chaired the ceremony, implored the corps members to do the right thing at the right time, adding that this would help them build a good foundation in life.

He prayed for God's direction, protection and better jobs for them. He asked them to diversify.

The Deputy Bursar, who answered questions by the corps members, promised pledged the university’s assistance to them.

The Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr Ajibade Olubummi, charged them to be of good conduct and be good ambassadors of the university and their parents wherever they find themselves.

The Corps Liaison Officer in the University, Adetola Ayankola urged the management to retain outstanding corps members.

NEMA chief calls for synergy

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O provide a conducive and a safe environment for students and lecturers of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, (MOCPED) Epe, Lagos, the institution has flagged off a training for its security personnel.

The training, entitled: Proactive Security System (PSS),was conducted by Migga Dings Security Consultant.

Speaking at its launch, the Provost of the college, Prof Olu Akeusola said: 'The purpose of the programme is to train all the college security officers to make them know what they should do because security cannot be overemphasised in any institutions.”

Akeusola lamented security lapses at the local, national and international levels.

He said: "At the inception of our administration, we have adhered to the practice of leadership responsiveness.

Leadership responsiveness has just two divisions. The first is deploring every leadership tool to arrest any manifested issues, while the second is to forestall and arrest issues .”

While thanking the security

EKSU FILE

•Akeusola (right), Ohiren (middle) and Imianvan at the event

consulting agency for the success of the event, the Provost commended the effort of the trainees for their co-operation and learning attitude during the event.

He urged them to take advantage of the training to be relevant in the

ongoing development in the college. assured that the training would continue.

The Chairman of Migga Dings Security Limited, Mr Mike Imianvan, said his organisation shared the same vision of safety for

the college community.

The college Head of Security Unit, CSP Johnson Ohiren (Rtd), expressed optimism that the unit would consolidate on the training acquired.

THE Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Sidi, has called for collaboration among agencies and stakeholders in disasters management, including health and medical centres, to tackle disasters in Nigeria.

He made the call while presenting a keynote address entitled: Challenges of disaster management in a developing economy: Nigeria as a case study at the 31st Committee of Directors of Health Services of Nigerian Universities (CODHESNU) and the 16th National Association of Doctors in University Health Services (NADUHS) Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting.

Mohammed, who was represented by James Akujobi, an engineer, said: "No single agency has all the answers to the challenges posed by disasters," noting that "collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders is imperative for a proactive, effective, timely and co-ordinated disaster management in Nigeria and developing countries.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

38

EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS

FEDPOFFA FILE

‘Sweet potato better ingredient for bread’ REGISTRAR of the Nigeria Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Dr. Ighodalo Ijagbone, has suggested the use of sweet potato in place of cassava for producing bread.

He stated this at the Fifth National Conference of the School of Applied Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State.

Ijagbone, who spoke on the theme: Challenges of science and technology in developing countries, urged Nigerians to adopt positive attitudes toward national issues.

He said: “If the will is there, Nigeria too can make it within the shortest time like China, Dubai and others.”

NANs rates Rector best THE Rector of the Polytechnic Dr. Mufutau Olatunde Olatinwo, has been voted the Rector of the Year 2012 by the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS).

He will receive the Nigerian Outstanding Leadership Award of (NOLA) by the students body at a ceremony in Abuja.

The nomination of Dr Olatinwo was ratified by the joint panel of NANS and the Global Focus International, a consultancy firm engaged by NANS for the awards.

In a letter by NANS National President Dauda Muhammed said the award was in recognition of the Rector’s exemplary leadership qualities as well as “conscious efforts at engendering massive and unprecedented transformation of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa.”

Muhammed said the aim of the award “is to promote good leadership and encourage the culture of integrity in the minds of the people by rewarding particularly outstanding leaders with vision towards the uplift of Nigeria with the purpose of serving as role model for younger generation.”

Ikoyi Rotary donates to school THE District Governor, Rotary International District 9110, Kennedy Ejakpomewhe, has called for the arrest of poverty in the country through partnership with viable non-governmental organisations to complement government's efforts to cushion poverty which confronts many Nigerians.

He spoke at the end of the inauguration of an electronic library/learning centre, public toilets and water borehole, donated by the Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro, Lagos to the Aunty Ayo Junior Girls High School, Lagos Island, Lagos and the Itolo Girls Junior Secondary School, Surulere.

He pleaded with the pupils to address, such challenges with resolute minds to succeed at all cost, especially with such conducive environment provided them.

He said: "Since these children are our future leaders, it, therefore, behoves us all to give them such solid foundation that would propel them confidently and successfully to surmount future challenges that might confront them."

Concluding, he charged the School Authorities to be vanguards against crimes, be exemplary role models and genuine builders of Nigeria's enduring hope for the children as well.

APPROACHING DEADLINES Scholarshipsfor International Students The Government of the Republic of Macedonia announces the Call for Applications for full undergraduate scholarships, initiating for the academic 20122013, at the University of Information Science and Technology "Saint Paul the Apostle" in Ohrid, Macedonia.

The scholarships are available to outstanding students, not older than 22 years old, from: Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cameron, People's Republic of China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Gabon, Georgia, Ghana, Indonesia, Israel, India, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Slovakia, United Republic of Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vietnam who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in one of the following programs: Communication Networks and Security; Computer Science and Engineering; Information Systems, Visualization, Multimedia and Animation; Information Theory and Analysis and Machine Intelligence and Robotics.

One full scholarship will be awarded to a candidate from each of the eligible countries.

The scholarship provides for: full tuition fees; visa and residence permit fees (proof of good health condition and immunization chart is required); return air fare from the applicant's home country; accommodation and food (full board) in the University dorm "Nikola Karev"

in Ohrid, the Republic of Macedonia; health insurance; additional monthly allowance of 5000 MKD (approximately 82 EUR); All prospective students should note that the application process starts on the 01.04.2012 and will be open until 01.06.2012. Candidates are required to submit an online application, which from 01.04.2012 will be available on the official scholarship web site of the Ministry of Education and Science, www.stipendii.mon.gov.mk or submitted in hard copy to the appropriate Ministry of Education of the applicant's home country or in electronic version. All students must send attached scanned copies of the required documents and Application form to the following e-mail: biljana.zafirovska@mon.gov.mk In supplement to the application, candidates are required to provide electronic copies from the following original documents: Application Form (can be found in the annex of this Call for Scholarships or can be downloaded from the website of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Macedonia: www.mon.gov.mk); Official high school diploma or certificate (where applicable); Official transcripts; Proof of English proficiency. All students whose first language is not English are required to provide evidence that their spoken and written command of the English language is appropriate for the program they are applying.

The required evidence may take the form of either: Substantial education (minimum 15 months) conducted in English and undertaken no more than two years prior to the date of enrollment.

Acceptable English language qualification or test result. The qualification or test results must have been awarded no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrollment.

Accepted results are: Grade C or better in English Language at GCSE / GCEOGrade C or better in English First

Language at IGCSE Grade B or better in English Second Language at IGCSE An overall band of 6.5 or better in IELTS A score of 550 or better in the paper-based TOEFL (213 for computer-based, 80 for internetbased) Sub scores of 550 or better in Critical Reading and 550 or better in Writing in SAT -Grade 4 or better in the Higher Level English Language (B Syllabus); or -Grade 5 or better in the Standard Level English Language (B Syllabus); or -Grade 4 or better in the Higher or Standard Level English Language (A1 or A2 Syllabus);or -Grade 4 or better in the Standard Level English -Text and Performance; or grade 4 or better in the Standard Level English - Literature and Performance (A1 syllabus) at International Baccalaureate. Other requirements Official document certifying the candidate has no criminal convictions and is not under criminal investigation at the moment of application.

Candidates should note that with the exception to some countries, these are two separate documents; Official general medical report, including medical tests for HIV and Hepatitis C; An electronic copy of Passport which must be valid for the next 3 calendar years; In addition, as part of the application candidates are required to summit contact details from two academic professors/teachers, who will provide letters of recommendation for the candidate. Candidates are advised to notify the professors ahead of time, in order for the references to be submitted within the application deadline. Both letters are confidential. In case they are sent in the form of hard copy, the documents must be sent in a sealed envelope, signed b y the referee across the seal.

All documents submitted must be in English or officially translated in English.

We’re committed to MDGs attainment, says NERDC chief

Ogun governor’s wife sponsors Spelling Bee

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HE Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof Godswill Obioma, has said the council has been working hard to ensure the attainment of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) agenda.

The NERDC boss spoke at the council's maiden annual awards for staff who were outstanding in their performances last year, at its headquarters in Abuja.

He said: "At the council, the staff are made to key into the Federal Government's policies. As the think- tank of the nation's education, we aligned our functions with the attainment of goals of the National Economic Empowerment Development Strategies (NEEDS).

You will recall that in 2005, the issue of NEEDS had kicked off and we thought we should situate the council's mandate around those extant policies that promote development and reforms. And so we looked into the issue of restructuring basic education curriculum to meet the ideals of basic education programme. We restructured the basic education curriculum (BEC) into a 9 - year basic education paradigm".

"When the Seven-point agenda came on board, we projected the Council as a veritable vehicle of achieving its goals, especially the aspect relating to human capital development, using our mission and vision statement and the council's core objective as our guide".

The Professor of Mathematics Education and Evaluation explained

•Prof Obioma (right) presenting an award to Apeji at the event.

that the need to make education relevant in the on-going efforts at transforming the country informed the recent revision of the nine-year BEC barely three years into its implementation in all the nation's primary and junior secondary schools, adding that the exercise brought about a reduction of the number of subjects at the basic level from 20 to 13 subjects.

"Recent feedback on the implementation of the curriculum suggests curricula overload in terms of subject offerings at the primary and JSS levels. This issue was reiterated at the presidential summit on the state of education in Nigeria in October 2010. Consequently, delegates at the summit called for immediate action to compress the curricula offerings at all levels of basic education. It was, therefore, recommended at the event that the

number of subjects offered at this level should be reduced in line with international best practices".

He assured that the council will complement government's effort in pursuing specific policy measures to reinvigorate the education sector towards the attainment of the MDGs. Dr Eric Apeji, Director of Research / Head of the Council's Educational Research Centre, clinched the award for the best academic centre in 2011.

He won N100, 000.

Dr Moses Salau won the best Head of NERDC Zonal office. The best academic staff award went to Dr Margaret Lawani, a Deputy Director with the NERDC, while the award for the best accounting officer of the council and the best teacher at the Council's National Model School also went to Mr Umuname, a Deputy Director and Mr Ibrahim Salaudeen, among other winners.

IFE of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, has expressed her support for projects that would motivate pupils to pay more attention to their studies as part of efforts of the administration to rebuild education standards in the state.

Speaking at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and the flag-off of the maiden edition of the Spelling Bee competition for secondary school pupils in the state, Mrs Amosun said the event was designed to improve education standards in the state public schools and boost intellectual, mental and physical motivation.

Mrs Amosun, however, noted that the spelling skills of pupils have suffered a great setback in this era of advanced technology.

She said: "This technology has made it possible to write words accurately without actually knowing how to spell the word at all! Words have been deformed and castrated through the constant use of slangs and slogans which have evolved into frequently used words which have almost confused us into accepting them as English words. Pupils have got into the habit of reinventing words through short forms in the name of SMS messages that sometimes require the service of a soothsayer to unravel the intended meaning of these reinvented words."

She said the competition would boost the self-confidence and pupils' study habits, adding: "To compete and emerge as the winner of this kind of competition, the pupil must truly have studied hard."

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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EDUCATION

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AGOS State House of Assembly has directed the state Ministry of Education to ensure that public and private schools in Lagos comply with the teaching of indigenous languages at both primary and secondary school in line with the provisions of the basic education curriculum structure.

The motion was moved by Segun Olulade at plenary.

According to him, languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing tangible and intangible cultural heritage in every human civilisation.

He said: "Our wealth of cultural

Lagos Assembly okays teaching of indigenous language in schools

By Oziegbe Okoeki

and traditional heritage has the potential to translate into socioeconomic gains and promotion of arts and culture, textile and clothing, festivals and tourism, food and hospitality as well as language and education.

Also, Hon. Ibrahim Layode said: "The problem started from home, where most parents cannot

communicate with their children in native language, especially Yoruba.

Hon. Abiodun Tobun, commended efforts of the stateowned media organisation, especially Radio Lagos in promoting local languages in their programming.

Another lawmaker, Hon. Bisi Yusuff, said there is need for all irrespective of tribe or culture,

to educate their children in their local languages.

After extensive debate of the motion, the House called on the Ministry of Information, Security and Strategy, to join the campaign in prevention the extinction of the local language by urging parents, particularly mothers to regularly interact with their children in indigeneous languages.

•Ikuforiji

SS3 pupil is best at Lagos Schools Debate

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N SSS three pupil of Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, Onikosi Anuoluwa, has emerged the winner at the Third edition of the Lagos State School Debate.

The first round of the event saw Anuoluwa emerging the best speaker among five cocontestants, who were given various topics to speak on.

On the topic: Women have shown leadership than men, Anuolowa stunned the crowd with her presentation, which earned her applause.

She said women are meek, gentle, compassionate and more sympathetic than their male counterparts. She also said women in authorities such as the Lagos State deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, attach significance to their offices and are always careful not to fail simply because of their sex.

She said: "Let me say emphatically here that there is nothing a man can do that woman cannot do better. If possible, I would suggest the next President of Nigeria to be a woman."

Her counterparts, Olumide Shanu from Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, spoke on Technology will help eradicate corruption in Nigeria, while Olatunji Esther addressed the audience on: NYSC is no longer relevant to national development.

Nuatin Temitope from CMS Senior Grammar School spoke on: Lagos should revoke all ownership of building on reclaimed lands while Odumeru Daniel spoke on: JAMB should not be a determining body of University admission.

The last speaker, Okorie John of Army children School, Ikeja spoke handled: The total return of the Nigeria Police Force will solve Nigerian security problem.

By Ramat Musa

In the end, Oriwu Senior Model College which Anuoluwa represented, went away with a cheque of N500, 000; Community Senior High School got a N350, 000 cheque; Epe Senior Grammar School grabbed N250, 000 cheque while Lagos State Government Senior Secondary School went home with a N100, 000 cheque All speakers that featured during the first round of the contest received a laptop each.

The second and third contest featured debate, where Oriwo Senior Model College emerged as the overall winner; while Community Secondary School was the first runner-up and Epe Senior Grammar School second runner-up, and Government College, Ijanikin came fourth.

Anuoluwa said: "I am overwhelmed with joy and I thank God because without him something like this couldn't have happened to me, but with prayer I was able to make it. I will like to advise my fellow colleagues to be hardworking and prayerful because with God all things are possible."

Mrs Orelope-Adefulire, who represented Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola congratulated the commissioner for Education for a job well done.

She also gave the rationale behind the event.

"Education is the powerful weapon to train the world; that is the reason our pupils have been trained and given many opportunities to partake in debates and other educative events.", She thanked the corporate organisations and individuals who contributed to the success of the event.

Commissioner for Education,

• From left: Mrs Oladunjoye, Anifowose, Aminat and Lagos State Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo at the event.

Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye expressed her appreciation to the donors.

She said the achievements of the pupils should encourage parents to enrol more of their wards in public school.

The debate, which was organised by the Lagos State government through the Ministry of Education for public and private senior secondary schools in its six educational districts, started with 288 public schools and 89 private

schools in the preliminaries between March and April, this year.The preliminary produced the lucky 64 schools that were qualified for the finals, while the finals produced only four schools, which slugged out later.

Winners emerge in essay INNERS have emerged competition at this year's Kenneth Imansuangbon National

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•From left: Wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun; Executive Director, New Era Foundation, Mr Yemi Osilaja and state Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology, Mr Segun Odubela, displayng the Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and the foundation on the Spelling Bee Competition for public secondary school pupils in Abeokuta.

Essay Competition held in Abuja and Benin City.

No fewer than 250 secondary school pupils wrote the essay entitled: Discipline and hardwork, not destiny determine success in life.

In the senior category, Precious Bello Edobor of the University Preparatory Secondary School, Benin City came first, with a prize of N100, 000 and a netbook computer.

Aigbavoba Azohitare of the same school came second, winning N60, 000 and netbook computer; while Francis Aubee of Pace Setters' College, Abuja, came third to win N40, 000 and a netbook computer.

Ebubechukwu Orji Kalu of Anglican Comprehensive Secondary School, Kubwa, Abuja won the junior category, followed

by Samuel Asonibare of King of Kings Academy, Lugbe Abuja, and Joy Omonowa Jamgbadi of Federal Staff Secondary School,

Benin, in the same order, all winning the same prizes as the senior category.

These prizes will be presented at the awards night, which holds tomorrow at the Conference Hall, Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

The sponsor, Mr Kenneth Imansuangbon and other distinguished personalities, will are being expected at the event.

The Kenneth Imansuangbon National Essay Competition holds in May every year.

It is open to pupils in JS 1 to 3 in the junior category and SS1 to SS3 in the senior cadre.

The aim, according to the initiator, is to afford pupils the opportunity to display their writing skills.

"The competition is aimed at realising and developing students' abilities, through creative writing, to promote self-actualisation and good citizenship", Imansuagbon said.

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EDUCATION

Plateau varsity VC seeks commitment EDUTALK to studies Debate T HE Vice-Chancellor, Paleau State University, Bokkos, Prof Nenfort Gomwalk, has urged the new students of the institution to imbibe the virtues of hardwork, dedication, diligence and commitment to their studies if they want to excel.

He gave the advice at the matriculation of the institution. Three hundred and fifty-seven students matriculated in the 2012/2013 academic session.

Gomwalk said: “I can confidently say without fear of contradiction that Plateau State is already assuming its rightful place in the comity of states which regards the provision of university education as a necessary ingredient that will propel meaningful Socio-economic development.

“The university enjoys tremendous goodwill from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

Plans are almost completed for the construction of the school management sciences and the entrepreneur-

By Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

ship centre at the cost of N460 million by TETFUND. “The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has supported the university with 110 laptops and 100 desk top computers and accessories with full internet connectivity at over N40 million including two years bandwidth subscription.

“The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology through the National Information Technology Centre, has also provided the university with fully furnished computer laboratory with full internet connectivity, giant photocopier, solar energy panels connected to inverter for uninterrupted electric power. This laboratory has been designated asthe university e-learning centre.

“All these assistance has strengthened the university as it is now favourably disposed to undertake research and other academic activities

without sweat. The conservative cost of these items is put well over N10 million.

Gomwalk cautioned the students, “To our incoming undergraduates, I assure that you will not regret choosing the university as everything possible is being done to make your stay here worthwhile, challenging and interesting.

The university was established in 2005, but commenced academic activities in 2007. It was to be suspended when a technical committee faulted its foundation. This led to its students being relocated to other institutions.

But when Governor Jonah Jang assumed duties, he declared a state of emergency on education in the state. He followed this up by lying a befitting foundation for the institution.

The university’s pioneer students matriculated in 2010 with 350 students as recommended by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

•A cross section of PLASU students at the event

Firm renovates school

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SHIPPING comany Maersk Line Limited, has renovated the State Nursery and Primary School, Apapa, Lagos. It promised to complement the gesture with an additional N16 million donation.

The renovation covers the re-installation of the foundation, frames and walls, doors and windows, roofs and roof covering, painting as well as electrical fittings of two blocks consisting of four classrooms each.

In 2010, the firm had earlier spent N13 million on repairs and painting of classroom blocks as well as the provision of 250 set of furniture for the pupils. It spent an additional N2 million on toilet facilities and the sinking of a borehole.

Speaking at the inauguration of the

By Uyoatta Eshiet

classrooms, the company's Managing Director, Mr Jan Thorhauge, said the work was in line with the company's commitment to participate in the community and education. He noted that the firm was happy with the work. He urged the pupils and management of the school maintain the property.

He said: "Maersk Nigeria Limited is proud to stick to its corporate social responsibilities, despite the difficult times for the shipping industry.

"I take this opportunity to commend the Lagos State Government for the initiation of the Support Our Schools Initiative, aimed at improving educational facilities in Lagos

State. This will go a long way in improving the educational welfare of pupils and promote better learning in more conducive environments.”

Officials of the Lagos State and Apapa Local government at the event were the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaja Kadijat Gbolahan Dauda, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant, Projects, Mr Laolu Akon; Chairman, Apapa Local Government Area, Joseph Ayodeji, who was also represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Education, Ms Lilian Odim; Education Secretary, Apapa Local Government, Mr. K.O. Dosunmu; and the school's Head Teacher, Mrs. G.I. Palmer.

Mrs Palmer said the gesture marked a turning point in the history of the school.

Lagos Edu. commissioner rewards Principal Cup winners

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AGOS State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, has presented cheques worth N3 million to the first, second, third and fourth winners in the male and female categories in the just-concluded edition of Lagos GTBank Principal's Cup competition.

At the event, which held in the ministry's conference room, Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Agege (District I) N1million; Sango Senior High School, Agege (District I) N750,000; Angus Memorial Senior High School, Bariga District 2 N500,000; and Oshodi Senior High School, Tolu (District 5) received N250,000 for the first, second, third and fourth positions in the male category.

In the female category, Kuje Senior High School, Amuwo (District 5) got N1 million; CMS Senior Grammar School, Bariga (District 2) N750,000; Jubilee Senior Model College, Surulere, (District IV) N500,000; while Ikotun Senior High School, Ikotun (District 1) received N250,000 as first, second third and fourth winners.

Oladunjoye charged the winners to do more to ensure greater success in the next competition and also in their academic works. She urged the winners to maintain the pride earned from the competition, saying it is just the beginning of success in their lives.

She expressed gratitude to the

bank for its contributions to the development of education and school sports in Lagos.

According to the Media Consultant, GTBank on Principals Cup, Mr Fela Bank-Olemo, the bank's relationship with the Ministry is laudable, and has helped it achieve one of its Corporate Social Responsibility to the state.

He disclosed plans by the bank to bring in Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, and one of Nigeria's great players, who also was a product of the Principals Cup competition, to talk to the players in preparation for the next edition of the competition and also bring foreign coaches from the United Kingdom, who will coach the Boys to be better players and champions in future.

with

on Ekiti teachers

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GOT quite a number of responses to the piece I wrote on Ekiti and its Teachers (published June 14, 2012, and the one written by Ebele Nweze (Our Education, our future) and published last week. The limited space I devote to responses to this column is inadequate for all of them. So, I have decided to publish all - for and against. Enjoy the interesting debate. Happy reading.

Kofoworola

Belo-Osagie Kofosagie@yahoo.com 08054503077 (SMS only)

Hello Kofo, I agree totally with you on your view on the unfortunate boycott of the TDNA test by Ekiti State NUT. Ekti teachers have shown the world that they are a major contributor to the decadence in our education system especially at the primary and secondary levels. I think if they are competent as role models and effective moulders of the younger ones, they should be proud to demonstrate such competence anytime they are called upon to do so. My heart bleeds for this nation especially when this type of unbridled shenanigans is happening in Ekiti, a state renown for unequalled emphasis and value for sound education. It is even more embarrassing and confounding that the national body of NUT is supporting this retrogressive stance of Ekiti NUT. What a country? Well, I will urge the state government not to be deterred in its efforts to reposition the education system in Ekiti. Verily, posterity will judge the state government favourably. From Wole Alawode, Offa, Kwara State.

Without fellowship/promotion exam teaching cannot be called a profession. Medical doctors pay registration fees and write fellowship examinations to revalidate their certificate and renew their license to practice.

08101077851.

I am commenting on your article in The Nation of 21-06-2012 titled: "Our Education, our Future". You are not a teacher or even if you are, not a trained one so I don't blame you. That is why you didn't understand why they were insisting they should rather be sent for training. You said your mum introduced you to reading novels. Why did she not encourage you to read education as my father and mother did because both of them are teachers? Students of the noble should be encouraged to read education to promote the standard of education. How many parents will do that? Even you? 0803398032.

For the fact that you are on the payroll of the politicians does not mean that you should write without the fear of God. No government can break the will of the people. Fayemi would finish his tenure and the teachers would continue to be teachers. God as the unbiased judge is watching you and your masters who have suddenly turned oppressors to the teachers who pray for their enthronement. God is very much alive. Psalm 72:12-14.

08033697853 Re: Ekiti and its teachers. It is a clear case of the guilty are afraid. Every employee is subject to regular assessment to enhance efficiency just as teachers administer tests and exams on their students. Hence, they should stop crying wolf and subject themselves promptly. They should also stop using the name of the Lord to cover their incompetence. 08153324103.

Our country is surely sliding into anarchy! Strikes, blackmail and indiscipline are the order of the day. Really, how does one explain the position of these Ekiti teachers? Is it wrong for the government to want to enhance its teachers' competence and productivity via pre-assessment method? Are the teachers AFRAID because they have failed to update their knowledge and are therefore NOT CURRENT in their areas of specialization? Even civil servants sit for exams to get promoted and we are here talking of teachers - people saddled with the responsibility of IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE INTO OTHERS! I 'gave up' when I read that the NUT National body backed these teachers but went to canvass 'Computer Literacy for Teachers' at a meeting outside our shores. Pray, isn't this an example of the 'NEEDS' the Ekiti government wants to identify and plan for? God Save Nigeria from Narrow (Selfish) Interest and Ignorance! 08034726625.

Why are Ekiti teachers afraid of an assessment test? Maybe the government wants to use the test results as a baseline to plan for training and retraining of the teachers, if they don't want to write an assessment test I hope they'll be ready to sit for a promotion exam. The state actually needs to know if its teachers are up to the task of imparting knowledge to the students. Federal Government teachers sit for promotion exams before they are promoted. The truth is that not all people employed to teach are actually capable. The government needs to weed out the incapable ones or our children will not be taught well and this will not augur well for the future. 08077375079.

Just read your Edutalk of Thursday, June 14 2012 titled Ekiti and its teachers. There is an adage which says once beaten twice shy. You can only deceive a woman for sex once. Local government directors were the first to be sacked after the government said they failed an examination they wrote after 14 hours notice and with no syllabus. Then secondary schools principals who failed the exam were downgraded with some posted to serve as vice under their erstwhile juniors. So no matter how good the intention of government on the TDNA, no one trusts you again if you have been caught lying before. 08069675958.

What of the test taken by the Director of Administrations and Director of Finance? Do you know the result? SACK!! Please check. 08060188634.

Ekiti and its teachers refers: 1. Note that a woman reported for the test in Gboyin LG…You already noted 'suspicious of government'…the reason for such is multi-various: (1) where is the exam's syllabus? (2) Why test a teacher of fine art in chemistry? (3) Why exam before training? (4) Has the honourable commissioner not gone around the market place displaying principals and vice principals' scripts? (5) Why have they continued to shift position until arrival at TDNA and seminar? Oju mi la ni eko, Iya lo fin je eniyan ni Ekiti. Advise your sister to go wait for promotion exam. This one is a product from a confused mind. Thanks 08032166419 Can you pray to be demoted in your place of work? Can you pray to loose (sic) your job now? Always think positive about teachers in Ekiti so that peace can be yours. 08068464474.

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THE NATION THUR SDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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e-Business

Fed Govt urged to exploit science, tech potential T HE Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) has urged the Federal Government to adopt technology exploitation as the foundation for decision making and economic planning.

It said policy makers’efforts to exploit technology for economic gains would have effects in many areas, including human capital development, critical infrastructure, competitiveness, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, health, safety and literacy.

In his address at the Technology Evening/President’s Dinner in Lagos, the immediate past president of the academy, Dr Edet Amana, said the economy had witnessed some growth but little development.

“Whereas economic development addresses the economic and social well-being of the people, economic growth is a phenomenon of market productivity and rise in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Economic growth in our country is driven by oil production and sale sustained by foreign technologies. The development is low because of the near absence of local indigenous technologies. The only way to grow our development is to grow our technology,” he said.

Umana alluded to the early 80s Project Socrates, a classified programme of the United States Intelligence community to determine

Stories by Adline Atili

why the US was losing its competitive edge and develop means to rebuild the country’s competitiveness.

He said the recommendations of the project team were focused on exploitation of technology for the US competitive edge to be restored.

“Project Socrates, for the first time in history, was able to create a holistic view and understanding of all competition worldwide. Their ground-breaking discoveries and conclusions were in direct opposition to what many professionals and policy makers had been saying for years,” he stated.

Umana said to for the nation to move from economic growth to economic development and sharpen its competitive edge, the move by the US government could be replicated in Nigeria without reinventing the wheel; adding that if the nation fails to do so, there was little hope for its economic development.

“To grow our technology, sharpen our competitive edge and move from economic growth to economic development, decision makers at federal, state and local government, industry, academia and other stakeholders need to make fundamental shift in their thinking. It is imperative that we

drop our focus on economic-based planning and move to technologybased planning, as is being used by China and India to build themselves into superpowers.”

While criticising the recommendations of Oronsaye’s report, especially on the ICT sector, he said implementation of such would take Nigeria back. According to him, for Nigeria to play a big role in the emerging economy, the role of science and technology cannot be overemphasised.

Guest speaker at the event Prof.

Adebayo Sanni speaking on Management of Science Technology and Innovation: Change and Effectiveness, lamented that investments in science and technology had been lukewarm, inefficient and badly-managed.

According to him, any nation that wants to be part of the 21st century “must speak the language, of technology and innovation; the grammar of which is science.”

Sanni, a former president of the Academy, who described Nigeria as a ‘follow up’ country which should be leading others, said the country needed to pay homage to knowledge, not wealth, calling for concerted efforts to promote technology growth.

He linked true development of a nation to focus on science and technology, stressing that true growth must be based on the culture of focused participation by government and the private sector.

Samsung introduces Galaxy SIII

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NE of the most anticipated Android smartphones ever, the Samsung Galaxy SIII, has finally arrived in Nigeria after a successful launch in Europe and other countries.

The latest smartphone from Samsung Electronics is a follow up, with enhancements on some of the most features in the popular Galaxy SII. Speaking at the consumer launch of the device in Lagos, Head of Corporate Marketing at Samsung, Mr Donald Etim, said the phone was designed to respond intuitively and naturally to human use and interaction.

“Once again, we are putting the ‘next big thing’ in the hands of consumers. The Galaxy SIII introduces a completely new way of sharing and socialising that no other mobile phone can. The device essentially balances ergonomics with intuitive use, making it an extension of the user,” he said.

He said some of the features include a mix of intelligent camera features-a top-of-theline 8MP camera in the rear that takes great pictures even under lower lighting and face recognition technology that ensures that the phone never goes dim or lock so long as the owner is looking at it.

To facilitate this, a 1.9 megapixel camera was incorporated into the front of the device to track the user’s eyes. The second camera on the back of the device packs more power at 8 megapixel resolution, making carrying a separate digital camera or camcorder superfluous.

In addition to the Bluetooth technology, a new feature on the phone makes it more convenient for users to share. The feature, SBeam, makes it possible for users to transfer files, documents, videos and other content from one phone to the other just by placing them side by side.

‘NCS committed to IT growth’

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HE Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has reiterated its commitment to growing the Information Technology (IT) sector, supporting people who make IT work and deploying IT to drive positive change in the country. To this end, preparations are in full gear to host a conference on the emerging cash-less economy in order for stakeholders to address areas of challenges.

NCS said the conference, with theme, Towards a cashless Nigeria: Tools and strategies, will address the benefits, opportunities and challenges of cash-less, especially as they relate to technology.

Chairman, NCS Publicity, Events and Trade Services Com-

mittee, Mr Jide Awe, noted that yearly, the conference addresses the networking needs of the IT sector, attracting practitioners, decision makers, policy makers and professionals from Nigeria and all over the world.

According to him, the conference, slated for July 25 -27, this year in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is aimed at advancing IT for development and promoting the interests of stakeholders in the sector.

He said: “Rather than the general and social commentary on cash-less that is becoming commonplace, the event will focus on the technology issues and opportunities that will come with a cash-less economy, among other issues.”

Visafone launches free Wi-Fi hotspot

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•From left: Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr Tony Ojobo; former President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr Titi Omo-Ettu; former Executive Vice-Chairman,NCC, Mr Ernest Ndukwe and Head, Media and Public Relations, Mr Reuben Muoka during the investiture of Omo-Ettu by the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) in Lagos.

ISAFONE Communications, a leading Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operator, has introduced Wi-Fi hotspots for free browsing nationwide.

In a statement, its Managing Director, Mr Sailesh Iyer, stated that the initiative would provide opportunity for Visafone customers to enjoy unbeatable and fast Internet browsing on their devices.

According to him, Visafone customers can walk into any of the 18 designated Visafone major shops between 8.00am and 6.00pm, Mondays to Fridays with their laptops, iPads, iPhones, tablets and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices to enjoy a superb browsing experience for free.

According to the statement signed by Head, Corporate Communication, Mr Joseph Ushigiale, customers in Lagos can enjoy this initiative in any of the following

shops: 26, Isaac John, Ikeja; 60, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi; 2nd Avenue, FESTAC; 36 Saka Tinubu; 101 Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island and 44, Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere.

Customers in Benin and Warri can browse for free at Visafone shops on Adesuwa Road and 72, Effurun-Sapele Road. While customers in Abuja will enjoy the free browsing in Visafone shops on 374, Adetokunbo Ademola, Wuse 11; 3rd Avenue, Gwarimpa; Hilton; Garki UltraModern Market and 1, Yobe Close, Maitama.

Customers in Kano and Enugu states can visit Visafone shops at 69, Murtala Mohammed Way, Kano and 187, Ogui Road, Enugu.

Visafone shops on 44A, Perekule, GRA, Port Harcourt; 7, Edem Udo, Eket and 96, Aka Road, Uyo will take care of residents of Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

How digital content shapes consumer buying, by study

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EW survey released by Cisco has identified how digital content and other technology solutions can win customers and capture their ‘wallets’ in this era of Internet ubiquity, personal technology adoption, and growth of electronic commerce.

At a telepresence briefing in Lagos, Senior Director, Cisco Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG), Lisa Fretwell, said the study, conducted by IBSG, surveyed about 2,000 shoppers and showed that retailers must respond to technology-savvy consumers by creating digitally-

rich, easy-to-use, technologybased experiences in the store to expand market size and increase margins.

The study revealed three specific shopping behaviours: the influence that digital content has on consumer buying decisions; how consumers engage in cross-channel shopping behaviour; and how consumers use technology while shopping.

In addition, the survey polled shoppers about what kinds of technology-based experience prototypes they would like to use in stores. It found that digital content can frequently trig-

ger consumers to buy. Bringing online digital content into the store is especially powerful in influencing buying decisions at the point of sale, with 56 per cent of the population using the Web to inform their buying decisions.

According to Ms Fretwell, “As the Internet becomes an integral part of our daily lives throughout the globe; consumers are increasingly choosing to opt for it as a shopping tool to gain competitive pricing.

“Everything is becoming available to purchase at our fingertips and be delivered to our door-

steps with just a click of a button with sites like Amazon, eBay and lastminute.com now competing with leading retail outlets. All of the most popular and well known retailers now have an online presence.”

Explaining how retailers can key into this trend for improved margin, she said: “The key for retailers’ survival is to reinvent the store by bringing online content into store and creating engaging, personal, and emotional experiences that encourage shoppers to buy. It’s about capturing shoppers’ ‘feet and fingertips’ right

in the store with digital content and experiences. We call it a ‘catch ‘em and keep ‘em’ strategy, getting both footfall and fingertips from shoppers to drive sales.”

To succeed in this new venture, she advised retailers to address three critical new challenges: ‘Catch’ consumers as they search for products, prices, an d shopping ideas; ‘keep’ shoppers connected to your brand as they use various devices to bounce between channels; and entice customers with experiences that trigger them to buy and buy more.

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THE NATION THUR SDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

e-Business Matters e-Rising Segun Oruame segun@segunoruame.com

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RAY, how long is the distance between five metres and 10 metres? If you think the difference is insignificant, then you have not been following the imbroglio between the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

Both government bodies are locked in horns over who should have the final say on how and where telecoms mast should be erected.

NESREA had for weeks ago shut down an MTN base station facility located at EFAB Estate, Mbora District, Abuja for what the agency termed as non-compliance with proper Environmental Impact Assessment.

By the agency’s rule, telecoms masts must be 10 metres away from residential buildings. But by NCC’s procedures, it is five metres, setting the stage for collision.

Angry that NESREA was encroaching on its regulatory powers, NCC unsealed the facility warning that it would no longer condone such attitudes and actions from other government agencies. Head of Compliance Monitoring at the NCC, Mr Ephraim Nwokenneya, could not have been more apt at presenting the commission’s case when he led a team of the commission to unseal the MTN base station.

“We are the only regulator of the telecoms industry in Nigeria, and as the only regulator, we must be fair and just on the industry players. NCC has a responsibility to regulate, any other is only secondary. If we must regulate and improve the quality of service, attract, foreign direct investment, create jobs, ensure national security, then,

Beyond mast wars and health hazards (1)

we will not allow this to go on.”

The NCC/NESREA clash underscores an increasing suspicion by government agencies and the general public on the health hazards of telecoms masts to human population. But there is still no clear-cut proof that telecoms masts pose any serious health risks to human habitations. Often when environmental and health authorities act against telecoms operators, it is borne out of conjectures and not scientific facts.

In the last four years or so, telecoms operators have come under series of attacks by concerned citizens, government agencies and even law courts for erecting masts outside of agreeable health standards which of course is not based on informed health research but mere speculations. For instance in 2009, “the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna presided over by Hon. Justice M. L. Shuaibu ordered Helios Towers to dismantle and remove its mast located in residential premises in Kaduna, installed without conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment as required by law.” As reported by Daily Trust newspaper of 2 December, 2009, the judg-

ment was sequel to an action brought against Helios Towers and the Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA) by the NESREA. The Daily Independent newspaper of 23 August, 2010 reported that FESTAC Town community in Lagos had asked a GSM company to “discontinue the erection of mast in their area with immediate effect, alleging there was no approval on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for masts installation in their community.” This year in March, ThisDay newspaper reported that NESREA in Ilorin, Kwara State, sealed off a telecoms facility of a GSM operator alleging its violation of a national offence called Environmental Impact Assessment Act of 1992, which states that environmental impact assessment should be carried out on any project to be installed to know the environmental impact of the facility on people, after which an approval letter would be issued.

Online, there is a website designed to campaign against the erection of telecoms masts near human habitation. The site: http:// www.mast-victims.org/, states its mission

‘The NCC/NESREA clash underscores an increasing suspicion by government agencies and the general public on the health hazards of telecoms masts to human population. But there is still no clear-cut proof that telecoms masts pose any serious health risks to human habitations‘

as “to bring together people from all over the world that have become victims of insensitive masts and antennas siting. Telecommunications companies are drowning us in radiation and they are in a state of complete denial on whether these masts and antennas have any negative health impact on the population. Credible scientific research shows that mast radiation is harmful and people are suffering. Some people have even been forced to abandon their homes after becoming ill from radiation.”

All these reveal the tension, challenges and even ignorance surrounding the erection of telecoms masts. As the industry evolves, the tension and controversies are bound to increase unless, of course, constituent authorities meet often to iron out the rough lines.

NCC has a point; it will not augur well for an industry it regulates to become victim of rapacious encroachments. NESREA is also not absolutely wrong. But it needs to work hand in hand with the NCC to achieve its core objective of bringing environmental sanity to all sectors.

While the controversy still rages over the health risks or otherwise of telecoms masts, I want to share with my readers this very interesting article by Samuel Dowuona on ‘Radiation from telecoms masts and our health’ first published by GNA in 2009.

Dowuona has sought to allay fears about the dangers of telecoms masts to human health as it concerns the Ghanaian environment. His article, as edited here, would apply very well to the current reality in Nigeria.

...to be continued.

‘Nigeria lacks input in core Internet growth’ T HE President, Digital Bridge Institute, Prof Raymond Akwule, is worried that Africa, in general and Nigeria in particular, are not contributing to core Internet development.

At the Nigeria IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) roundtable organised by DigitalSENSE Africa Media in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Lagos, Akwule said: “You will find out that there has been absolutely no contribution from our own country in this process. Is it because we don’t have people who understand the language of the Internet, architecture and engineering software?” he asked.

He, however, declared: “If we don’t have them in the country, we have them in the Diaspora,” adding that Nigeria has what it takes to make relevant impact and contribute to the development of the Internet in some areas.

He urged experts to develop strategies to improve Nigeria and Africa’s contributions to Internet development, saying this could be started by crafting what happens in the

Stories by Adline Atili

core architecture of the Internet such that Nigeria’s presence will be felt not just as user of the Internet alone but as critical stakeholder.

He allayed fears about studying IT before making sound contributions to the Internet, pointing out that “most bright IT persons I have met so far did not study IT.” Earlier in her welcome address, Executive Director at DigitalSENSE Africa, Mrs Nkemdilim Nweke, noted that the IPv6 Roundtable was aimed at providing a platform for stakeholders to share IPv6 knowledge and experience and chart a road map for early transition to IPv6 as Internet Protocol version Four (IPv4) had been exhausted.

Mrs Nweke added that the initiative was to promote development of IPv6-enabled products and services in the country, stressing that the event would stimulate public discourse and create awareness on the technological and business benefits of this rapidly advancing technology.

•From left: Executive Secretary, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Mr Chinedu Onuoha; Vice-President, Mr Sam Juwe; President, Mr Demola Aladekomo; Chairman, Conference Committee, Prof. Sola Aderounmu and Chairman, Publicity Committee, Mr Jide Awe, at a briefing on the forthcoming NCS conference in Lagos.

Minister identifies disconnect in GDP growth, job creation

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INISTER of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, has lamented the disconnect in the growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and job creation.

She blamed the development on the emphasis given to GDP growth to the detriment of local content and domestic value creation.

According to her, growth in GDP should have job and value creation as its primary outcome or result area.

She said lack of a local content policy in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry and other sectors which contribute significantly to the GDP, was responsible for “some unfortunate anomalies in the economy.”

Speaking at the local content summit organised by the House of Representatives

Committee on Local Content in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mrs Johnson referred to the Oil and Gas Content Development Act, which was designed to increase indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry, said the law had facilitated technology transfer and driven government’s socioeconomic development agenda.

She said because of the government’s intervention, the ratio of indigenous participation to foreign participation in the oil and gas industry is 30:70 from 10:90, prior to the implementation of a local content agenda.

“According to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, implementation of the local content law in the next four years would, among other things, result in the retention of over $10 billion out of an average annual oil and gas industry expendi-

ture of $20billion in the economy, that is a 50:50 ratio of indigenous to foreign participation.

“This, to me, is clearly an agenda for sectors of the economy not just the oil and gas sector simply because of the seeming disconnect that we see in Nigeria’s growth as measured by GDP and job creation. There are many reasons that have been given for this disconnect and I would argue that one of the main reasons for it is the emphasis that we have given to GDP growth to the detriment of domestic value added or domestic value creation,” she said.

She said despite contributing 5.6 per cent to GDP last year and growing at an average of 30 per cent a year, the ICT industry still lacked local content to drive further growth.

“Only 30 per cent of the computers bought

by Nigerians in the market are locally assembled and none in the gray market are locally assembled. As far as local content is concerned therefore, there are some unfortunate anomalies in the ICT industry. It is cheaper to import a base station than to fabricate one in Nigeria.

“It is cheaper to import a chip card than to make and personalise them here. It is cheaper and many times more expedient to bring in a skilled resource from any part of the world than to invest in the training and capacity building of Nigerians. In a country with an addressable market of over 100 million in the ICT industry, only a miniscule percentage of devices that we need to access voice or data ICT infrastructure is made or assembled in Nigeria.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Rain reduces the body’s immunity making it susceptible to diseases associated with the season, OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA reports.

How to avoid rain diseases R

AINY season brings with it coolness after the hot dry season. It also brings many health disorders. Dealing with such illnesses requires extra precautions as most common illnesses are related to the respiratory system and water and food borne diseases that cannot be overlooked.

The first step is to boost the immune system. One of the best precautions is taking Vitamin C. Increasing the intake of Vitamin C either in natural form or as food supplement will help drive away the cold virus faster. Vitamin C will activate the antibodies and reduce the severity of cold. It is also unwise to enter an air conditioned room with wet hair and damp cloths. Shower after being caught in rain to avoid infections.

According to a practitioner, Yinka Fashipe of Rodwell Health Care, Surulere, Lagos, increase intake of hot drinks such as a cup of hot milk, lemon grass tea, vegetable soup etc will prevent cold or save people from catching any kind of infection that can occur due to a sudden change in the temperature of the body. “Cleanliness is very important during rainy season. Even if you catch a cold, you should clean your hands regularly and use a sanitiser always after that. Drink Plenty of Water as this will help you drain toxins from your body. Try to eat nutritious food and avoid eating out during rainy season. Prepare meal with full precaution and maintain health and hygiene throughout the house and importantly wash vegetables with clean water and steam them well to kill germs before eating”, he advised.

One of the most gnawing diseases of rainy season is malaria.

According to Fashipe, a nutritional practitioner, it is best to prevent malaria attack.

“To prevent malaria, especially in the cold season, the following natural remedies could be useful: Neem tree (dongoyaro).Boil leaves and bark together. Drink a glass cup daily preferably, when it is warm it is also good for malaria treatment. Another home remedy is the combination of bitterleaf/scent leaf (efinrin) and cloves (eru); use these to prepare pepper soup adding some chilli/ cayenne pepper and dry or fresh

• Torrents of rain

• Ogaga

• Fashipe

fish of your choice. You may take daily or every other day, preferably when warm.

“Warm pap water (omi ogi) and take as tea, you may add some little lime and honey as desired.

Lemon grass, boiled and taken as

tea daily is also good for malaria treatment. A friend once told me he had used Moringa Olifera (oruwo) leaves successfully.

Dr Bamidele Ogaga, a Nutritional Medicine practitioner,

said prevention of malaria is the best bet.

He said: “As with many ailments and diseases, prevention is still so much better than cure, especially in a deadly disease like malaria. The following methods can be done to prevent the spread of this disease: “Keep the surroundings clean at all times. Mosquitoes breed in areas and containers with still or stagnant water. Use natural mosquito repellents. Use mosquito nets. Vaccination is one of the best prevention options, especially when one is traveling to areas where malaria is prevalent. If pregnant, very old or very young, avoid areas where malaria is present.”

He added: “Malaria is a serious disease, which in the worst case may be fatal. The malaria parasite (plasmodium) is carried from a sick person to a healthy person by the female Anopheles mosquito which feeds off blood, mostly at night and particularly indoors. Over one million people, primarily children, die from malaria every year.

“It is advisable to cover arms and legs and wear closed foot wears at nightfall. Sleep under pre-treated mosquito nets every night. Disinfect in the evening using repellants/insecticides that are not toxic. And eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.”

And wondering how to obtain disinfectants/repellants or insecticides that are not toxic? Dr Ogaga said people can make do with some of these tips like, “Using dried peels of citrus fruits including peels of oranges, lemon, lime, or powder garlic, ginger and putting same on live coal to chase away mosquito; people can also use onions, garlic as cold buster.

But if you have already come down with malaria, Home remedies for Malaria cure, according to Fashipe, included: “Daily consumption of grapefruit is very useful to cure malaria. It consists of natural quinine like substance which should be taken out from the fruit, by boiling a quarter of the fruit and straining the blend.

“One teaspoon of cinnamon must be coarsely powdered and boiled in a glass of water. Add a dash of pepper powder and honey before drinking. Roast alum over a hot plate and powder it, half teaspoon of this powder must be given to the patient every two hours.”

Sleep posture, others can enhance wellness

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O you know that by changing your pillows once in three months and bed once in five years you can improve your overall wellbeing and enhance a good health? Experts said appropriate sleep posture aided with a cushion pillow on tender bed at night can ensure good health.

According to Marketing Director, Vitafoam, Mr Peter Folikwe, a nice cushion of the neck can stimulate better sleep and ensure a general well-being.

He spoke at the Lunch and Learn Wellness Seminar/Workshop organised by Indulge Nigeria Limited, in Lagos.

By Wale Adepoju

He said: “You also need to change your bed too, at least once in five years. This is necessary so that you can get maximum comfort during sleep. If you observe that you have used a bed for longer than five years, you will realised that some parts are no longer giving you the cushion effect. Some parts of it would have become flattened than others. If you look at the human structure, you will find out that your two strong links, which is the buttock and the shoulder shoot out than other parts of the body. So, you need a bed that is cushioned to support

the weaker links such as the waist which is goes inside.”

Managing Director, Indulge, Dr Bisi Abiola, said oral health should not be taken lightly as it could cause social and economic problems.

Abiola said bad breath can prevent somebody from being intimate with his partner if he or she is married, adding that bad breath can make some body become anti-social as the person may not be able to laugh in public or engage in exercise that will make him laugh.

She said appropriate care of the teeth, tongue and gums are

necessary to having good breath.

“You need to brush your teeth the right way, scrape the stained part of your teeth and gaggle you mouth for fresh breath with antibiotics,” she said.

An expert in Sport Medicine at the University of Lagos, Dr Toyosi Owoeye, said the gains of the exercise were enormous, but cautioned on wrong exercises.

He said an exercise should be structure, and targeted towards getting a particular result. “Exercise helps to combat non-communicable diseases.

Its advantage is 95 per cent while its demerit is five per cent. It can cause heart attack, which is the reason you need an instructor,” he added.

Saved in Mac 70/Natural health page 28-6-12

Healthy cues

Stress is bad

Stress shortens cell life. Stress also contributes to metabolic syndrome, which is defined as three or more of five risk factors for chronic diseases: high glucose, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL, and large waist to hip ratio.

Treatment for stuffy nose Who would not want to breathe freely during a cold? Many medicines are efficacious but cause side effects such as dizziness or dry mouth that makes uncomfortable.

One way of the best treatment, cheap and without complications to overcome stuffy nose is by inhaling steam. To dilute the snot in the nose and sinus cavities and relieve congestion, breathe in steam.

Tips on good life Health is important factor in our life. Here are nine natural health tips that may help you to make your health good and fit.

• Water is important for healthy life. So drink more water. Drink minimum eight glasses of water in a day.

• Maintain daily routine, such as: get up early in morning, exercise, breakfast, lunch, dinner and sleep.

Routine is important factor in healthy life.

• Use clean water and soft cloth for cleaning the skin.

• Go for morning walk daily. Do exercise, such as walking, running, swimming, cycling for half an hour.

• Sleep at least eight hours daily.

• Eat baked or steamed food instead of fried food. Do not take more oily foods.

• Meditation and Yoga is helpful for healthy life. Do Meditation and Yoga.

• Intake of well-balanced diet is good, add green vegetables and fruits in your daily diet.

• Do not take alcohol, smoke cigarette or tobacco.

Quick way to overcome fatigue Fatigue may be very annoying when we have a lot of things to do.

For that, try the following tips to reduce your fatigue naturally.

This is the way to do: Stand up upright. Inhale deeply, lifting the arm upward, followed by slowly exhale while bending the body until the hands touch the floor.

Then inhale again and release.

Return to starting position and repeat three times.

Source: www.naturalhealthtips.info

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

NATURAL HEALTH

Nigerians advised to embrace herbal medicine

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HE Chairman, AmuwoOdofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, has stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace traditional medicine because of its efficacy.

Adewale spoke at the launch of a book entitled: The rules and regulations of Isese Parapo written

by Chief W.A.B. Ajimuti, chairman, Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Amuwo-Odofin, Kuje-Oriade and riverside areas, in Oriade Local Council Development Area of the state.

Noting that there was a compelling need for the traditional medicine practitioners to check quackery, the council chief said Nigeria should take a cue from what they have done.

On the place of traditional medicine in the modern world, Adewale said: “There is no way one can discard medicine; whether you call it modern, orthodox or traditional, medicine is medicine as long as it is curative.”

He said Chinese have been able to go this far in trado-medical practice because they laid great emphasis on herbal medicine, which they combine with orthodox medicine to cure ailments that ordinarily would have been difficult to cure.

He called for more research into and documentation of these herbal medicines. Many of these herbal medicines have become extinct because nobody has taken the pains to document them for future generations,” he said.

“Once we start documenting them and people begin to know the kind of shrubs or herbs that are in existence and their efficacy, definitely people will turn to them for cure of their ailments where the orthodox medicines

By Chinaka Okoro

have failed,” he said.

“One of the ugly phenomena that bedevilled the society is lack of a constitution that guarantees the freedom and rights of every Nigerian. That is why we still find ourselves in this political quagmire that has prevailed,” he said.

He added: “Societies are predated on laws. They are based on laws whether fundamental or conventional. Societies must be governed by the rule of law. You cannot divorce society from laws.

“People perceive them to be illiterate. They are not illiterate.

They are literate in there own sense. As long as they understand the efficacy of having good laws, they decided to document them for every member to have a copy. This is commendable.”

The Chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area Ibrahim Babatunde Sanusi commended the efforts of the traditional medicine practitioners.

He said: “This occasion comes at no better time than now when the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week is being commemorated. This, he said, is geared towards reducing maternal and child mortality which is prevalent in our society.

Sanusi disclosed: “Trado-medical practitioners are recognised by government because they complement the efforts of orthodox medicine practitioners in curing great number of ailments.”

He, therefore, urged them to collaborate with the orthodox healthcare workers to curtail the frequency at which child and maternal mortality occur.

He pledged his administration’s support to members of the group to enable them to attain the

•Adewale(middle), Sanusi (right) and Ajimuti

level which China had attained in the use of traditional medicine to contribute their quota towards the development of Nigeria’s health sector.

Ajimuti said traditional medicine practitioners in the two local government areas decided to come together to move the practice of traditional medicine forward.

Ajimuti urged Nigerians to embrace the efficacy of traditional medicines as researches have proven that herbal medicines are as potent as the orthodox ones.

• From left: A sports physiotherapist /lecturer, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Dr Toyosi Owoeye; Managing Director, Indulge, Dr Bisi Abiola; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olufemi Olugbile and Medical Director, Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, Dr Bolaji Adebiyi, at the lunch and Learn Wellness Workshop

by Indulge Limited in Lagos.

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MONEY LINK

CBN disburses N144.6b Power, Aviation fund

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it has disbursed a total of N144.6 billion under its Power and Airline Intervention Fund (PAIF) as at December 31, 2011.

The banking sector regulator disclosed this in a chart titled: “Power and Airline Intervention Fund (PAIF) Cumulative Fund Disbursed as at December 31, 2011” posted on its website yesterday.

According to the data, the apex bank disbursed N85.6 billion for 11 projects carried out in Aviation Sec-

By Collins Nweze

tor and N58.9 billion for 10 projects executed in the Power sector, making a cumulative N144.6 billion for 21 projects.

The CBN data showed that as at September 2011, the apex bank, had approved a total of N187.17 billion for 21 projects processed by the African Finance Corporation (AFC)the technical advisers, and disbursed N114 billion. Also under the PAIF initiative, a total of 30 applications

‘Africa’s growth ‘ll be sustained’

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EGIONAL Head of Research, Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan has said Africa has huge growth potentials that will be sustained in the coming years.

In a World Economic Forum (WEF) report released yesterday, Khan said that since the global financial crisis, African growth has returned to trend, and as more countries build on previous successes, growth may eventually exceed the trend seen before the crisis.

However, other reports drew distinction between economic growth and economic transformation. President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Donald Kaberuka, in one of the first sessions said while Africa is now widely acknowledged to have achieved high growth rates, there are doubts over the standard of living of its citizens.

“There has been growth in Africa, but little transformation; the structure of Africa’s economies has not changed about whether economic transformation is taking place sufficiently rapidly,” he said.

According to him, the structure of African economies is not changing fast enough although the continent still has a basic commodity dependence, with its export profile dominated by com-

modities. “The buffers that might protect African economies from external shocks are generally weaker than they were in 2008,” he said.

He insisted that Africa needs to go from inherited wealth to created wealth.

However, considering the scale of the demographic change that Africa is likely to see, there is need for adequate safeguards that would enable the continent benefit from demographic advantage of young population.

valued at N222.50 billion were received and processed by AFC. Under the Power and Aviation Intervention Fund, the CBN made available the sum of N300 billion to stimulate credit to the domestic power sector and the troubled airline industry.

The amount was part of the initial N500 billion intervention fund sourced to catalyse financing of the real sector of the Nigerian economy.

The main objective of the initiative was to help finance badly needed power projects and to allow banks to refinance loans to the heavily-indebted airline industry.

The programme operates in such a way that borrowers will be able to

access the fund at an interest rate of seven per cent payable on a quarterly basis, including all charges in order to refinance existing loans and leases and provide working capital for the two sectors. The fund is managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI) while the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) serves as the technical adviser to the fund.

Also, as part of efforts towards unlocking the credit market and to ensure that credit flows to the real sector of the economy, the CBN made available N200 billion for refinancing/re-structuring of banks’ existing loan portfolios to the manufacturing sector and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

Unity Bank to hold savings promo

U

the grand finale is targeted at costumers from various regions across the country and will have a lucky winner going home with the star prize of a brand new car.

There will also be consolation prizes such as generators, mobile phones, school bags, bicycles and refrigerator for other winners.

According to a statement from the bank’s Head of Communication, Mr Ndu Eke, the promo is aimed at rewarding customers whose patronage has supported the growth of the bank over the years and to instill savings culture in every Nigerian.

Ndu disclosed that the promo is one of the bank’s way of saying ‘thank you’ to its customers as well as encouraging Nigerians to cultivate an habit of saving, which can be used for investment in the nearest future.

“It the only way we can secure our future. What one can achieve with money well saved cannot be

NITY Bank Plc has concluded plans to hold its first national draw on the ongoing ‘AIM, SAVE & WIN’ promo on Saturday, June 30 at its headquarters in Abuja.

The draw, which is the first before

UBA slashes ATM charges

U

NITED Bank for Africa , UBA has reduced the charges associated with Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, significantly lowering the cost of transactions, particularly for its Verve Debit card customers. In a statement, the bank said the move was aimed at giving more benefits for its customers.

“Instead of the monthly charge of N100, which is a flat fee charged by the industry to all ATM card holders, UBA has introduced a pay-as-you-go charge structure. In the month a customer does not withdraw cash at the ATM but use Point of Sale (PoS) and Internet to make payments, such customer will not be charged the N100

flat fee. This is to encourage the uses of alternate channels, the statement said.

Divisional Head e-Banking, UBA Plc, Dr. Yinka Adedeji said the move was aimed at delighting customers, following recent complaints and feedback as well as driving the cashless initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria to the mass market.

He explained that ATM cardholders who seldom use ATMs will now pay less. “If you do not use the ATM to do cash transaction you do not pay,” he said.

He said that frequent ATM users are not disadvantaged as a result of the new pricing regime.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 150m 150m 138m 138m 113m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 27-6-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

NESTLE GUINNESS DANGCEM NB UNILEVER GLAXOSMITH CADBURY UBN ETI RTBRISCOE

425.00 220.00 108.00 99.88 30.00 22.50 14.18 2.66 10.90 1.83

C/PRICE

446.25 228.00 110.00 101.00 31.00 23.00 14.48 3.84 11.00 1.92

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

O/PRICE 29.08 13.78 9.25 5.90 3.15 4.46 5.17 3.74 14.99 0.91

C/PRICE 27.63 13.10 8.82 5.63 3.00 6.36 5.08 3.67 14.95 0.87

CHANGE 1.45 0.68 0.43 0.27 0.15 0.10 0.09 0.07 0.04 0.04

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date 29-2-12 27-2-12 22-2-12

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 27-6-12

SYMBOL JBERGER OANDO UAC-PROP CCNN ETERNA ACCESS DANGFLOUR UBA GUARANTY FIDSON

Exchange Rate (N) 155.8 155.8 155.7

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

CHANGE

21.25 8.00 2.00 1.12 1.00 0.50 0.30 0.18 0.10 0.09

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

overemphasised.

“The reward is all about appreciating our customers and also saying thank you to all of them for their loyalty.

“We would like to use this opportunity to assure all our customers that this promotion has come to stay and we will ensure that transparency is the order of the day as long as the promo last,” he said.

Ndu said the national draw will be a significant one as a lucky winner will go home with the first brand new Hyundai Verna while others who are not so lucky will be compensated with various consolation prizes ranging from Refrigerator, generating set, bicycle and mobile phones.

To ensure integrity and transparency during the national draw, the bank has invited representatives of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) as well as Lottery Board to witness the proceeding during the draw and also to participate in the operation of the draw.

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 124.80 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 101.42 THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.74 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.09 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.95 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,731.88 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 8.95 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,470.98 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 124.68 100.57 0.72 1.09 0.93 1,722.27 8.51 1.33 1.80 7,275.56 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

55

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-6-12

Core investor raises stake in Union Bank

U

NION Global Partners, the multinational core investor in Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) Plc, yesterday purchased additional equity stake from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).This has automatically raised the core investor’s controlling equity stake in the bank.

The cross-over deals struck on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) placed Union Bank as the most active stock with a turnover of about 4.33 billion shares valued at N15.83 billion in 55 deals.

The purchase of additional equity stake few months after the core investors injected some funds to recapitalise the bank appeared to have positively impacted the prospects of the bank as its share price rose by 4.92 per cent yesterday.

This was the second highest gain attained by any stock during trading yesterday. The maximum allowable daily percentage change at the NSE is 5.0 per cent.

Union Bank’s share price rose by 18 kobo to N3.84 per share, supporting gains by other highly capitalised stocks to return the overall market position at the NSE to positive. After two successive days on the downside, the equity market heaved upward yesterday with a gain of 1.06 per cent to push its average year-to-date return to 4.07 per cent.

Prior to the cross deals yesterday, the shareholding structure of Union Bank consists of 16.936 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each including 2.533 billion shares from initial share reconstruction, 3.394 billion shares with the AMCON and 11.008 billion shares for the consortium of core investors

•Stock market recovers

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

under the special purpose vehicle of Union Global Partners Limited.

Market analysts said several investors were excited with the success of the recapitalisation and turnaround of Union Bank, noting that the additional equity stake by the core investor underlined the existence of inherent values in the bank.

The sale by AMCON also validated the government’s special purpose bad-debt bank that it would unlock values in its interventionist purchases and reimburse the taxpayers’ funds used to assist troubled banks.

The sale would reinforce confidence in Union Bank as a publicly quoted bank with no government interference in its operations, board and management.

Market analysts said the continuing success story of Union Bank has further lent credence to the foresights and manage-

rial acumen of the Funke Osibodu-led management of Union Bank, which had taken almost the bankrupt bank through the most-applauded recapitalisation to a new period of stability and growth.

Analysts said the success of the recapitalisation has rekindled the growth prospect of Union Bank, which had projected that it might pool as much as N66 billion in pre-tax profit in the course of three business years between 2012 and 2014.

Meanwhile, aggregate market capitalisation of all equities rose by N72 billion from N6.815 trillion to N6.887 trillion.

The benchmark All Share Index (ASI) also improved correspondingly from 21,347.17 points to 21,573.84 points.

The recovery at the stock market was driven largely by highly capitalised stocks, especially in the consumer goods sector.

Total turnover stood at 4.51 billion shares valued N17.13 billion in 3,264 deals.

SEC registers 135 new operators

S

ECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday at its first registration meeting in more than a year granted provisional approval to 135 new capital market operators to commence operations.

The newly registered operators according to a statement, included 44 companies and 91 sponsored individuals.

The individuals were sponsored additional individuals and compliance officers and were registered for different functions including broker, dealers, issuing houses, registrars, corporate investment

advisers and estate surveyors and valuers.

The first registration meeting was held in Lagos to bring the apex capital market regulator closer to the marketplace and reduce inconveniences and costs to operators, who are struggling under declining incomes and high expenses.

Another registration meeting is scheduled for Abuja today while SEC has indicated the registration of new operators and inspection of all operators would be a continuous exercise.

Newly appointed acting director general of SEC, Mr. Ibrahim Bello, had immediately upon assumption of office resuscitated registration meeting and inspection, two key tools of regulation that had been suspended for more than one year under the administration of Ms Arunma Oteh.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-6-12

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

56

NEWS Education, key to transformation, says Atiku From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

F

ORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar yesterday hinged Nigeria’s socio-economic development on huge investment in education. The former vice president made the assertion while praising the academic excellence of a Nigerian, Mr. Emmanuel Ohuabunwa, who broke new grounds at the John Hopkins University, United States (U.S).

He said: Mr. Ohuabunwa, a Neuroscience graduate of Johns Hopkins University emerged as the first black man to attain a 3.98 grade point average of out of a four point scale, a feat which has already earned him a scholarship to study Medicine at the prestigious Yale University. Atiku, in a statement signed by his media office in Abuja yesterday, noted that reading through the story of Ohuabunwa’s academic excellence was a very cheering experience.

The story of Ohuabunwa is a clear testimony that Nigeria will, one day, unlock its full potential as a great nation where every young man and woman will engage in a healthy competition for scientific and technological innovations.The former vice president noted that our current challenges notwithstanding, Nigeria must take the lead in the race to move Africa away from poverty and despair and transform the continent into an intellectual power house.

He called on the government at all levels to be serious with their commitment to investment in education, saying no amount of money spent on the sector is ever too much.

Court sacks Anambra monarch •I remain in palace, says royal father D ESPITE his sack by an Anambra State High Court as the Nteje monarch, Igwe Roland Odeagbo, Agborgu II, has vowed to keep his stool.

The court, sitting in Otuocha, Anambra East Local Government Area, invalidated the process that produced Odeagbo and stripped the royal father of his title for lacking constitutional backing.

Ruling in suit No OT/35/ 2010, brought before it by Dr. Charles Aduaka, challenging the selection and the subsequent coronation of Odegbo and the issuance of certificate of recognition by the government, the court invalidated the process and ordered the parties to return to the status quo.

The judgment which has elicited mixed reactions in the sleepy community was the

From Okodili Ndidi,

Onitsha

outcome of a fierce legal battle between Aduaka and the embattled monarch.

Presiding Judge, Justice J.I Nweze granted an order of mandatory injunction, setting aside the purported recognition of Odegbo by the government during the pendency of the action before the court after listening to both parties.

Justice Nweze held that an order of mandatory injunction, setting aside the issuance and acceptance of the certificate of recognition, was earlier issued to the embattled traditional ruler by the government, while also setting aside any act or acts made in furtherance of the said acceptance by the defendant.

The judge also set aside the

coronation of the Odeagbo on the ground that the 1st defendant resorted to self help while the case was still pending before the court.

The judge ruled: “In the light of the above, this application succeeds. The purported recognition accepted and received by the 1st defendant from the government whilst the suit was pending is hereby set aside.

“All the acts of the 1st respondent made or assumed in furtherance of the said acceptance of and receipt of the certificate of recognition, including the purported coronation of the 1st defendant as the traditional ruler, Igwe Agborgu II, of Nteje, whilst this suit was pending are hereby set aside.

“The 1st defendant is hereby restrained from parading, holding himself out and or in

any manner whatsoever acting as the traditional ruler, Igwe Agborgu II of Nteje, pending the hearing and determination of this suit.”

It was learnt that Aduaka had earlier approached the court to interpret his purported replacement as the Igwe- elect of Nteje after a constitutional process for the selection of the traditional ruler and therefore, sought an order restraining the defendant from parading himself or presenting himself or allowing himself to be presented as person selected as the Igwe-elect.

But reacting through his to the judgment, counsel, Chief Obi Ulasi, SAN, Odeagbo insisted he remains the Igwe of the community, adding; “the entire people of Nteje selected me as their traditional ruler and my opponent, who is a staff of a federal agency has refused to let peace reign.”

•Mr Dave Specca of Rutgers University (left); Managing Director, Ably Carbon, Mr Stephane Vidaillet; Director of Conservation, Lagos State Ecology Indusry of the Enviroment, Mrs Adebola Afun; and Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr Ola Oresanya, at the 2012 workshop on Developing Successful Integrated Waste Management PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA Systems In Africa in Lagos...yesterday.

Reps warn military chiefs over sommons

T

HE House of Representatives’ Joint Committee on Petroleum Upstream yesterday warned the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Olusheyi Petinrin and the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ola Saad Ibrahim, for failing to appear before it.

The committee, on Tuesday, gave the military chiefs a day’s grace to appear before it over ongoing public hearing on the upsurge in illegal bunkering.

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

They had failed to honour the initial invitation.

Chairman of the Committee, Muraina Ajibola, who listed the constitutional provisions that empower the House to summon any public officer, warned that their failure to appear yesterday would attract sanctions.

But Petinrin and Ibrahim sent their surbodinates, who told the committee that the military chiefs were attending the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar also sent a representative.

The committee barred the representatives from making their presentations, insisting that the military chiefs must appear in persons.

Muraina withdrew the threat but warned that the committee would issue a warrant of arrest on the two military chiefs should they continue to ignore the invitation without genuine reasons.

Atuche‘s trial: EFCC‘s witness inconsistent, says investigating officer

A

LAGOS High Court, Ikeja was told yesterday that Mr. Peter Ololo was inconsistent. Okolo is one of the prosecution witnesses of the Economic and FinancialCrimes Commission (EFCC) in the trial of the former managing director of the defunct Bank PHB(now Keystone Bank), Mr. Francis Atuche.

Another prosecution witness, Mr. David Olom Nkpe made this known at the resumption of the trial of the former bank chief before Justice Lateefat Okunnu.

Atuche, his wife, Elizabeth and former chief financial officer , Ugo Anyanwu, are standing trial over

By Adebisi Onanuga

allegations of stealing N27.5 billion belonging to the bank by the EFCC. Nkpe, who is a field detective in the bank‘s fraud investigative department of the EFCC while being cross examined by Atuche‘s counsel, Mr. Anthony Idigbe(SAN) contradicted the statement made by Ololo to the commisssion.

Ololo had in his first statement to the anti-graft agency marked exhibit P191 before the court admitted to getting a loan facility of N5 billion from the defunrt bank,, but that he can only supply details after he must have checked the documents

in his office.

Three days later, Peter Ololo in another statement marked exhibit, stated that he knew nothing about the transactions.

Nkpe told the court that Ololo stated in his statement that his company had an arrangement with the bank to buy shares in the nominee names for Bank PHB and to be managed by Falcon Securities.

According to him, this was inconsisitent with his earlier statement in which he claimed Ololo stated that his company was not aware of all the transactions until he got a statement of account from the bank indicating the transactions.

NBA Ikeja crisis settled out of court •New executives take oaths today

By Adebisi Onanuga

T

HE leadership crisis in the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), after its May 9 elections, has been resolved out of court.

The new executive members, who were elected at the May 9 general meeting and led by the chairman-elect, Monday Ubani, will be sworn in today at the Bar Centre, Ikeja.

It was learnt that the terms of reconciliation and settlement have been filed before Justice Yetunde Idowu of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, the new judge assigned to the case filed by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayoola Phillips.

Two judges of the state High Court, Ikeja, Justices Toyin Taiwo and Opeyemi Oke, had disqualified themselves from the suit filed by one of the contestants,Mr Yinka Farounbi.

The plaintiff had lost the chairmanship position to Mpnday Onyekachi Ubani.

Ubani told reporters yesterday that concessions were made by both sides in the interest of the Ikeja NBA branch.

Elected officers, who attended the media briefing with Ubani included the First ViceChairman, Mr. Adeshina Ogunlana; the Secretary, Mr. Adesina Adegbite; and the Social Secretary, Mrs Titi Osagie.

Asked for the cost of settlement, Ubani said: “The terms are very conciliatory and agreed to by all. We have all agreed to work together as one and promote unity in the branch. So, there is no more crisis in Ikeja branch.”

He would not make those who made reconciliation possible after series of meetings held over the last 50 days as he said, “ I give glory to God and I thank the elders of the bar and all those who contributed to the success of the reconciliation.”

The claimant, Yinka Farounbi, who contested the chairmanship position of the NBA Ikeja Branch with one Monday Ubani (3rd defendant/respondent) and lost had sued Monday Ubani alongside the outgoing chairman of the association, Adebamigbe Omole, on behalf of the executive committee of the branch.

Gunmen kill Rivers ANPP chair

A

LL Nigeria Peoples Party(ANPP) Chairman in Rivers State, Mr. Julius Nwaofu, has been reportedly killed by unknown gunmen.

Son of the deceased, Mr Chima Nwaofu, said the killers only made away with the mother’s bag and mobile phone, adding that the family had recovered the phone. He said his father was killed at 7pm on Tuesday in Omagwa area of the state.

The killing, he added, had been reported at the Isiokpo Police Station.

Police Commissioner Mohammed Indabawa said the Police was investigating the killing. He said information available to the Police was that he was shot in the presence of his wife.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

57

NEWS Kwankwaso inaugurates committee to monitor projects

Robbers kill police inspector, two civilians T

HREE persons, including an inspector of police, were killed on Tuesday night when suspected robbers invaded and attacked police stations and banks in Wukari, Taraba State.

The attack, which began at 9:30pm, lasted for three hours.

Wukari shares boundary with Benue and Nasarawa states.

A source said the over 100 robbers were split into four groups of 30 each. They attacked the Divisional Police Headquarters, Police Area Command Office and two banks.

The source said they came with heavy explosions, and shot sporadically.

An inspector of police was reportedly shot dead and some policemen were injured during a gun battle.

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

Two civilians were killed.

Parts of the bank buildings and police stations were razed.

Large amount of money were stolen by the robbers.

“We thought the attackers were Boko Haram members,” said the Chairman of Wukari Local Government Council, Mr. Danazumi Agbu.

He added: “The gunshots and explosives made us to panic.”

It was learnt that the robbers detonated explosives at the banks to get access to the vaults.

The Taraba State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Ibrahim Maishanu, confirmed the robbery.

He said the police have begun investigation into

the incident.

Police spokesman Amos Olaoye in a statement said: “Last night (Tuesday night) about 2130hrs, suspected robbers attacked some locations in Wukari, including the Divisional Police Headquarters, Area Command Office and two banks almost simultaneously. They detonated explosives.

“The policemen at the station and area commander’s office fought gallantly and repelled them. The buildings were damaged.

“Their target was the armoury, but it was defended.

However, in the process (exchange of fire), one inspector of police was shot dead and two policemen were injured. Also, two civilians lost their lives.”

He urged the public to give the police information that could lead to the arrest of the bandits.

Kwara ACN accuses PDP of plot to rig HEAD of the June 30 the opportunity to carry out rerun poll rerun election into electoral fraud that is the parthe Kwara State

A

House of Assembly, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state has accused the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of planning to rig the poll.

An appeal court had ordered a rerun election in Alanamu and Oloje wards of the Ilorin West Constituency as the 2011 polls in the wards were marred by irregularities.

ACN accused PDP of planning to use a commissioner to rig the election.

The Chairman of the ACN Stakeholders’ Forum (SFACN), Dr. Sa’ad Omoya, made the allegation while addressing reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital.

He said the forum had already informed the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Acting Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

“We’ve taken steps to brief the commissioner of police and the director of the SSS about the information at our disposal. We believe the security agencies will be equal to the task and will ensure that the will of the people prevails in the coming election. Ours is to alert the se-

•PDP: it’s a lie From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

curity agencies. They are to act. We are waiting and watching out for actions,” he said.

Dr. Omoya, whose address was read by a chieftain of the party, Chief Iyiola Oyedepo, said: “The PDP in the June 30 rerun election wants to embark on bulk purchase of votes.”

He continued: “We have it on good authority that the commissioner has been assigned by the PDP to do some dirty jobs for the party in the forthcoming rerun poll.

“The commissioner is now holding regular meetings with youth corps members that are to be used as presiding officers at the election.

His intention is to use them to do ballot stuffing when the box will be on transit to the voting centres or collation centres. To them, bulk purchase of ballot papers could be done through the connivance of corrupt Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials.

“The game plan of the PDP at the Alanamu ward is to cause violence that may result in mayhem. It is during this violence that they shall have

ty’s trademark.

“After the meeting of June 26, the commissioner gave the attendees N2,000 each as transport fare. He also gave them a juicy offer, saying the youth corps members were free to name their price. The commissioner promised to influence the selection and posting of those that may wish to play ball among them. The meeting was not without a threat for those that might want to be difficult among the corps members.

They were told that the difficult ones would not be given their discharged certificates at the end of the service year.”

But the Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Alhaji Mas’ud Adebimpe, described ACN’s allegation as a lie.

He said: “ACN members are making this allegation because they know we have uncovered their plot. The allegation is a fallacy. It is a fabricated lie designed to win the sympathy of the people.

But this cannot help them win the election.

“The commissioner has not met any group, including the INEC. The whole world should hold ACN responsible for any breach of the peace in the state as it always comes up with false allegations that cannot be substantiated.”

Kaduna alerts public to inciting video

T

HE Kaduna State Government yesterday alerted the public to the doctored one-minute video being circulated in the state, aimed at truncating the peace building process of the government.

In a statement in Kaduna signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Reuben Buhari, the government said the video is also aimed at pitting Christians against Muslims.

While asking residents to ignore the content of the video which it said showed images of heaps of dead bodies being handled by security forces, the government noted that a close study of the video and some of its features showed that it is alien to the state.

The statement said the government and security agencies would not tolerate deliberate attempts to incite the residents of the state and would deal with anybody caught fomenting trouble.

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

The statement reads: “The attention of the Kaduna State Government has been drawn to a one-minute video clandestinely being circulated in Kaduna State by some faceless people.

“The content of the video shows images of heaps of dead bodies being handled by security forces. It is basically meant to deliberately tarnish the image of the state, truncate the peace building process and pitch the adherents of the two major religions against each other.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is pertinent to mention that the scene in the video was not shot in Kaduna State as can be seen from the abundance of neem trees in the background and the accent of some of the people speaking in the video. The police van in the background also shows that it is not from Kaduna State.”

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

•Kwankwaso

K

ANO State Government has set up a Technical Adviser Committee on Project Monitoring to ensure probity, accountability and execution of projects.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi, who inaugurated the committee yesterday, said the measure was

aimed at ensuring that an independent committee would be given the opportunity to monitor projects for the betterment of the citizenry.

Bichi said last year, the government awarded about 467 projects, some of which are either completed, nearing completion or ongoing. He added that they have bearing on the people of the state.

The SSG assured the people of the government’s readiness to ensure that all projects awarded were done according to specifications.

He said members of the committee were selected based on their sound technical knowledge, excellent record of performance, patriotic disposition and ability to contribute to the socio–eco-

nomic development of the state.

Dr. Bichi said the government believes that members of the committee will bring the attributes to bear in ensuring that the set goals are achieved.

A member of the committee, Abdu Sarki Sabo, thanked Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso for giving them the opportunity to serve. He promised to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Sabo urged the contractors to support the committee to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

Members of the committee included Lawan Audi, Salisu Inuwa, Muhammad Isma, Lawan Muhammad Tofa, Abubakar Garba, Ibrahim Na Yola, Gambo Altine and Abdu Sarki Sabo.

Two brothers to die for armed robbery

T

HE Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Iorhemen Hwande, yesterday in Makurdi sentenced two brothers, Ibrahim Yau and Abubakar Yau to death by hanging for armed robbery.

The brothers were arraigned for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.

They were said to have conspired and robbed Simon Tartyough and Isaiah Kena of valuable property.

The property, stolen at gun point, were said to have included mobile phones and money to the tune of

N39,040 on the MakurdiGuma Road, in March 2010.

The offences are in contravention of sections 6(b) and 1(2) and (b) of the Robbery and Firearms Act. The convicts, however, denied the allegation. They testified for themselves and called one witness during the trial.

In his judgment, Hwande said from the evidence before the court, the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt that the convicts committed the offences.

The judge also said their

victims identified them.

After listening to the pleas for mercy on behalf of the convicts by their counsel, Mr. R.B. Ayula, the chief judge said though the convicts had no evidence of previous conviction, his hands were tied.

“The provisions of the law is that a convict of armed robbery has no option than a death sentence under sections 1(2) and (b) of the Robbery Act,” he said.

Hwande said it was only the legislature that could amend the present law and reduce the sentence to jail terms.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

58

NEWS Awolowo Institute, LASU lecture holds tomorrow AN Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, Sandra Barnes, will tomorrow deliver a public lecture organised by the Obafemi Awolowo Institute of Government and Public Policy (OAIGPP), Lekki Town, in collaboration with the Lagos State University (LASU).

The lecture is entitled: Mushin in Lagos: The Past and the Present. It will hold at the Malaria Research Auditorium of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos.

It will be the first OAIGPP-organised lecture under the leadership of its new and first DirectorGeneral, Prof. Adigun Agbaje, a formerly a Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI).

Chief Adebisi Akande, who is the Chairman of OAIGPP Board of Trustees, will lead dignitaries to the event.

Serving and former governors, traditional rulers, local government officials, academics, students and Lagosians are expected to attend the lecture.

Prof. Barnes is of the University of Pennsylvania, United States’ Department of Anthropology. He has wide Nigerian experience.

His 1986 book, Patrons and Power: Creating a Political Community in Metropolitan Lagos, received the Amaury Talbot Prize for best book on Africa.

Lagos outlaws abandoning expectant mothers by spouse

R

ANDY men who impregnate and abandon women in Lagos State will henceforth face the full wrath of a new law by the state government.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, broke the news in Lagos during a legislative awareness and sensitisation programme on the Criminal Law and Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2011.

He said: “Any person, who impregnates a woman or girl and fails, refuses or neglects to contribute to maternity-related cost for the ante-natal or postnatal stages, is guilty of an offence under Section 277 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State and is liable to face the wrath

By Adebisi Onanuga

of the law.”

A statement by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mrs. Bola Akingbade, said the commissioner was highlighting some of the newly created offences in the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Ipaye said the government would enlighten the residents on the new law.

The commissioner noted that ignorance of the law would not be an excuse for non-compliance.

According to him, the decision to review the new law was taken because some of the earlier laws have become outdated.

He said the review is to re-

flect the current realities, since the old Criminal Code Law can no longer address the challenges of contemporary criminality.

Ipaye noted that since the nation now operates a democratic government, modern laws should be different from those of the military.

The commissioner said the Judiciary is expected to be responsive and active because the nation’s laws are in constant flux as they struggle to keep pace with new developments in the society.

He explained that the new Criminal Law was enacted to provide rules on criminal conduct, regulate public order and other connected purposes.

It, therefore, repeals and re-

places the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State, Cap. C17, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003, which was first introduced in Southern Nigeria in 1914 by the British colonial government to reflect the values of colonial administration, the commissioner said.

Ipaye said the new law is a departure from the old criminal code law that focused only on the imposition of custodian sentences and fines on offenders.

He said the new law provides for other forms of punishment, which include compensation, restitution, community service orders and probation.

“We have a society that is changing. Certain crimes, which were unknown in the

past, have grown. This is why the legislators have to keep reviewing our laws to respond to societal changes and promote the consciousness of the society about what the government is doing,” Ipaye said.

The commissioner highlighted other new offences as terrorism, cheating at examinations; money laundering and allied offences, especially aggravated offences, unlawful harassment of debtors, unlawful conversion of public property, unlawful interferences with property and new sexual offences.

He added that some offences, such as bigamy, sedition, defamation and infanticide, were abolished under the new Criminal Law of the state.

Oke is Ondo PDP candidate From Damisi Ojo, Akure

T

•Dr Fayemi (second right); House of Assemly Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin (left); AIG Johnson (second left); and Ekiti State Police Commissioner Sotonye Wakama, during the AIG’s visit to the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti...yesterday

HE Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday picked the former National Legal Adviser of the party, Chief Olusola Oke, as its governorship candidate for the October 20 election.

Oke, who was also a former Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) Chairman, emerged as the party’s flag bearer through a consensus arrangement.

The party explained that it resorted to the consensus method to prevent a crisis that usually occurs after party primaries.

It said a 90-member committee comprising five members from each of the 18 local government areas was set up by the party to screen the 10 aspirants for the ticket.

Ekiti to get security trust fund

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•Fayemi seeks more policemen as AIG visits

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday said his administration will soon put in place a Security Trust Fund to boost the morale of security personnel.

The governor spoke in AdoEkiti, the state capital, when he received the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) for Zone 8, Mr Jonathan Johnson, in his office.

He noted that this would encourage officers in various security outfits to put in their best in securing the residents’ lives and property.

The Security Trust Fund, the governor said, will enable the

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

government and the residents to support security agencies to build a safer society.

Fayemi decried inadequate policemen in the state, urging the authorities to increase the number.

The governor said the over 3,000 policemen in the state are not enough to police the 2.7 million residents.

He noted that though the state enjoys relative peace because of the absence of serious criminal activities, Fayemi added that the shortage of personnel may pose a serious chal-

lenge to the security.

The governor assured the zonal police chief of his administration’s support, saying the governors of the states in the zone - Ekiti, Kwara and Kogi - would cordon off the zone from criminals.

At the event were: House of Assembly Speaker Dr. Adewale Omirin; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Yemi Adaramodu; Police Commissioner Sotonye Wakama; Assistant Commissioners of Police Uduodo Edat and Mohammed Jimoh, as well as their counterpart from Kogi State, Mr Esa Ogbu.

Ogun council poll: Jonathan accused HE Director of of causing state PDP crisis Organisation of Ogun

T

State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Segun Sowunmi, yesterday blamed President Goodluck Jonathan for the festering crisis over which of the party’s factions should present candidates for the July 21 local government election in the state.

Sowunmi, who was the Southwest Manager of the JonathanSambo Campaign Organisation during the last April general elections, said the national secretariat of the PDP, under the watch of the President, has been undermining the roles of the Adebayo Dayo - led state Executive Committee to the detriment of PDP’s participation in the council poll.

Addressing reporters at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, the state capital, Sowunmi said Jonathan should have waded into the crisis as the PDP National Leader and ensured that

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

the national organ did not continue to “act ultra vires and against the position of the court”, to weaken the party in Ogun State.

He said: “There is an unwrit-

ten but a practice doctrine in our party. The doctrine is that at the level of the local government, the sitting chairman is considered to be the leader of that party.

If there is any crisis there, he should ordinarily get involved.

Same holds true at the state level.”

ACN governors back Akeredolu

By Miriam Ndikanwu

A

CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governors yesterday promised to support the candidature of the former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Rotimi Akeredolu in the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr Kayode Fayemi, spoke in Lagos on the candidature of the former NBA President.

Fashola said: “The decision by the governors is for the people of Ondo State to have someone who will solve the their problems. Therefore, the position of ACN governors is that we will endorse Mr. Akeredolu for nomination for our party.”

Fayemi said: “Our position, as governors, is that we have to endorse a candidate that has integrity and passion for the people, a candidate that is committed to social democracy and very competent for the position.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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NEWS Fed Govt inaugurates Special Task Force to check illegal mining

A

SPECIAL Task Force to check the activities of illegal miners in Nigeria has been inaugurated.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, yesterday inaugurated the committee in Abuja.

He decried the high rate of illegal mining, saying it is tantamount to economic sabotage.

The members of the committee include the Ministers of Mines and Steel Development, Interi-

•Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (second left); National President, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Igwe Achese (second right); NUPENG’s Vice President Comrade Ossai (left) and State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman Williams Akporeha when NUPENG officials visited the governor in Asaba...yesterday

Northern senators not in sympathy with Boko Haram, says Ningi D EPUTY Senate Majority Leader Senator Abdu Ningi, has said that Senators from the North are not in sympathy with the Boko Haram sect.

Ningi also debunked the claims that the sect evolved to specifically fight against the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, that the Boko Haram insurgence started long before Jonathan came into power, adding that the sect assumed its current

combative nature during the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration.

“I am a victim of Boko Haram, my uncle was assassinated in cold blood by the sect; he was a former Deputy Inspector General of Police.

“So, if people are saying that because you are a Hausa Muslim and Northerner you are in sympathy, I will say it is not true.

“If it was true how come, the statistics on ground shows that

more Muslims are killed than the Christians.’’

Ningi added that the Boko Haram is a sect not common to the generality of Muslims, particularly in Nigeria.

“What we as Senators from the North do at this retreat is to make our Southern Senators know that the Boko Haram has a different belief from other Muslims.

“What they preach and do is beyond our understanding.

This sect is very dangerous.’’

Two UNIPORT lecturers die in road crash T WO lecturers of the Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Dr. Obed Ojukwu and Dr. Ekaette Evangel Akpan have died in an auto crash.

Ojukwu was a Senior Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

He dedicated his fourmonth old baby on Sunday.

•VC: it’s unfortunate From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Ojukwu, who hailed from Abia State and Ms. Apkan, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, were travelling to the University of Calabar (UNICAL) in Cross River State,

for a conference.

It was learnt that an articulated truck ran into their vehicle on the Ogoni axis of the East-West Road.

Sources saidOjukwu died on the spot while Ms Akpan was rushed to an unnamed hospital, where she died the next day.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Joseph Ajienka, has described the deaths as unfortunate.

Soldiers destroy 50,000 drums of diesel

M

EN of the Operation Thunderstorm in Edo State yesterday destroyed over 50,000 drums of diesel allegedly gotten from illegal refineries.

The drums were destroyed at Gelegele community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Gelegele is a riverine community located about 70 kilometres from Benin City, the state capital It was gathered that the diesel were refined in illegal refineries in the creeks of Ondo, Delta and Bayelsa states.

Residents wept profusely as they watched the soldiers destroy what they regarded as their “means of livelihood”.

Some women jumped into the river with their babies when they saw the soldiers coming.

They told reporters that they just received fresh supplies and that they bought a drum of diesel between N19,000 and N20,000.

The residents said they took to diesel retailing because activities of oil compa-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

nies have destroyed their farmlands and aquatic lives.

They said: “We don’t know that it is illegal. It is our means of survival. Our land does not produce anything again.

“Government should provide alternative jobs for us.

There is nothing we can do.”

Operational Commander Maj Yusuf Ishaku warned the villagers to desist from buy-

ing illegally refined petroluem products.

He told them that the security outfit would return to destroy more drums and vehicles.

Maj Yusuf said the drums would have been set ablaze but for the health implications because the illegal businesses were located in the heart of the community.

He said: “This business is illegal. Take your grievances to the right channels.

Nigerian fraudster repatriated to US

A

MAN sought since 2009 in a $45 million health care scam investigation has been arrested in Nigeria and returned to Texas.

Federal prosecutors say 45-year-old Godwin Chiedo Nzeocha arrived in Houston yesterday. The defendant is a native of Nigeria who’s a naturalized U.S. citizen.

The fraud investigation involves City Nursing Services of Texas Inc. Nzeocha in October 2009 was charged with 39 counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, three counts of mail fraud and three counts of money laundering.

The defendant allegedly signed documents as a physical therapy provider when he wasn’t qualified. Allegations were also raised about cash payments to recruiters who provided Medicare patients to City Nursing.

Five people have been convicted in the health care fraud investigation

Ningi promised his Southern counterparts that Senators from the region would continue to work in unity to bring an end to the current security challenges.

On Constitution review, he said the Senate would embark on a retreat within the next two weeks to articulate detailed areas that needed to be amended.

He said the retreat would also afford Nigerians the opportunity to make input in areas not covered by the National Assembly.

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

or, Environment, Information and Health. Others are the Inspector- General of Police, Comptroller-Generals of the Customs Service, Immigration Services, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Director-General, State Security Service, Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, who will serve as the secretary.

Northern governors condole with Yari over death of aide

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HE Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has expressed sadness over the death of Governor Abdulazeez Yari’s security aide, ASP Ado Yahaya, who died in an accident on Gummi-Sokoto Road during an official assignment.

It described the death as a big loss to Zamfara State and Nigeria.

In a condolence message to Governor Yari, the Nigeria Police and the family of the deceased, the Niger State Governor and Chairman of the forum, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, said northern governors were pained by the sudden death of the well groomed police officer

who died in active service.

“We can only pray God to grant the deceased eternal rest and his family, friends and the Nigeria Police the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Governor Aliyu said in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo.

The forum urged all concerned, especially those associated with the mobile official convoys to take precaution, including strict adherence to safety rules and regulations, in order to prevent a re-occurrence.

The statement said the nation cannot afford to continue to lose its best brains to avoidable road accidents.

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SPORT EXTRA

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012

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TODAY IN THE NATION ‘‘But like the past economic measures, conceived only in terms of patronage to satisfy greed of economic whiz kids party supporters, the current effort is already mired in controversy over possible diversion of the funds by beneficiaries’’

www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 7, NO. 2170

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

F

AROUK Lawan seems to have regained his pulse.

Accused – sorry, he actually confessed to the charge – of collecting $620,000 from diesel magnate Femi Otedola, Lawan was shattered. Here was a man famous for being Mr Integrity caught with his pants down. Exposed.

I am sure you are familiar with the story.

Lawan visits Otedola at 4am to collect $620,000, part of a $3million deal to get Otedola’s Zenon Oil off the list of the companies which allegedly got huge foreign exchange to import petrol but never brought in a litre. And never returned the cash.

The chairman of the House Ad Hoc Committeee probing the subsidy fraud initially swore that he got no cash from Otedollar (sorry, I take that again; Otedola). Then the businessman decided to spill the beans. He said Lawan, in fact, got marked notes that came from security agents, who he did not name (sensitivity?).

Besides, the deal was video/ audio recorded, Otedola said.

Lawan confessed. But, wait for this: “I took the cash to prove that Otedola bribed me against my wish,” the lawmaker said. Many felt disappointed. Outrage. Lawan was cold, with his once immaculate world of honesty collapsing at the altar of greed and fraud. The anti-climax was too much for his army of fans to handle.

Many wished it was all a dream.

Enter the police. They took Lawan in and demanded the cash. He refused to surrender the dollar bills, saying he was keeping them as proof that he had resisted Otedola’s bid to bribe him. Some strange logic there.

As we all kept vigil for the next scene, Lawan, who mischief makers have started calling Facrook, showed up at the House of Reps, telling reporters that he would be vindicated. He has assembled a team of legal giants to lead his imminent court battle.

Now the Farouk matter – Faroukgate, if you like – has become a subject of jokes in beer parlours, newsrooms, staff rooms, rest rooms and coffee rooms. There is one about a woman spanking her son for stealing.

Mum: Do you know where this attitude of yours will lead you?

Son: Yes; I do.

Mum (shocked): Where? Where?

Son: National Assembly.

Where is Lawan’s sudden confidence coming from? One cannot really tell now. Since the show began, a huge crowd of emergency lawyers and questionable advocates, who surely know nothing about the intricacies of law, have sprung up, holding mock trials and propounding exotic theories on how they think the matter will end. There have been imaginary charges at imaginary trials before imaginary judges. Consider this, which was conducted at a drinking session by some self-appointed lawyers: C-o-u-r-r-r-r-t!(all stand up as the judge steps in.

The judge takes his seat briskly and asks the registrar to call the first case).

Registrar: Farouk Lawan versus the state.(He reads the 178-count charge as Lawan stands in the dock, decked in a long, wide babaringa that effectively hides his small frame. No cap. No mobile phone.He is given a copy of The Holy Quran to swear that he will tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth).

RIPPLES SECURITY: JONATHAN NEEDS TO BE RUTHLESS–Ozekhome

...and PROACTIVE too

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

Otedola vs Lawan: The battle ahead

•Lawan

•Otedola

“That you, Farouk Lawan (m), being a member of the House of Representatives representing Bagwa/Shanono Federal Constituency of Kano State on or about May 2 in the hours of 0400 hrs at Maitama District in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) did conspire with another honourable of the honourable House and collected the sum of $620,000 from Mr Femi Otedola of 2, Cameroon Crescent in the same Maitama District of the same Federal Capital Territory(FCT), knowing same to be bribe and thereby committed an offence contrary to Part 2 of the Fifth Section of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which you solemnly swore to defend. Are you guilty or not?”

(More and more charges are read. People shift in their seats as the ritual goes on and on .Endless. The registrar drinks water from a glass on his table and continues to read. Lawan stands erect, his two hands clasped behind him and eyes surveying the court, which is packed full of his supporters.)

The judge adjusts his glasses and clears his throat.

Facing the court, he speaks in a deep, magisterial tone: “I think the accused should respond to the charges. His plea.”

Lawan (in a sharp, tiny voice): I’m not guilty my lord; I’m not guilty at all. And Insha Allah, I will be vindicated.

Judge: I hereby adjourn the trial till September 12, 2012. The court shall rise.

Outside the court room, a group of traditional drummers and singers begins to perform, singing the lawmaker’s praise and blaming his ordeal on his political enemies. He will shame them all, they sing.

Everybody goes home.

September 12. The registrar calls the case. Lawan steps into the box. Confidently.

Judge: I will like this matter to be treated expeditiously. I understand the prosecution has applied for accelerated hearing. Good. I implore both sides to co-operate with the court in this wise. No unnecessary adjournments, please.

(The prosecution counsel, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stands up). Mi lord, please permit me to consolidate the charges, make them more compact and …em…emm … for ease of reference Mi lord.

The Judge (adjusting his glasses). Please, let us be serious. I have just said that I don’t intend to waste time on this case. Why draw up long and tedious charges? To confuse the court and obliterate the facts? You’re a senior member of the Bar; be your age, please. My court doesn’t and will not and will never tolerate indolence and frivolities. Please.

(The defence counsel, another Senior Advocate, stands up to announce his appearance for the accused.)

Lawyer: I am Rickkiti Tafal, SAN. With me are 45 others for the defence. I crave the indulgence of this honourable court to move that we object to all the charges. In fact, mi lord, I have with me a motion to question the jurisdiction of this honourable court to entertain this matter. And I have my reasons.

Judge (surprised): I thought you people agreed that the matter should proceed to trial right away. The way you’re going, I don’t see how we can end this case in a short time. I think we should adjourn to pick a date suitable for both sides to hear your objection. November 25; is that okay for both sides? I rise.

HARDBALL

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VERY once in a while, Senate President David Mark lands himself in hot water with his interventions in our national discussion. He did again a few days ago while opening the 2012 Senate Retreat in Uyo. His call on leaders from the North to act “properly” to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency before it grounds the region, has gotten not a few of them hot under the collar. He also warned that the terrorist campaign could lead to Nigeria’s break-up.

Taken on face value, it’s had to fault the comments except you quarrel with his candour. It is a fact that the economy of the region is being dealt crushing blows by the insurgency. Nonindigenes are fleeing; indigenes can no longer carry on normal day-to-day activities – be they religious or economic. This fact was attested to not too long ago by the Borno Elders Forum led by former Minister of Petroleum, Shettima Ali Monguno.

The Senate President’s remarks that the insurgency, if unchecked, could lead to national break-up is spot on. There are many so-called leaders who keep parroting statements about the indivisibility of Nigeria, without appreciating that factors that led to the dissolution of many nations in the past often appeared in-

JIDE OLUWAJUYITAN

November 25. After a long argument by the defence, the court rules that it has jurisdiction to hear the matter and directs counsel to present their cases.

The defence agrees to go on with the matter. Ordinarily, an appeal would have been filed against the court’s assumption of jurisdiction to try the matter.

The trial opens. Lawan is put in the dock. The charges again. Again, the accused insists on his innocence. Then the prosecution begins to cross-examine him.

Prosecution to Lawan: Do you know Mr Femi Otedola?

Lawan: Yes I do; I know him.

Prosecution: I put it to you that you collected $620,000 from Otedola, knowing that it is a bribe that you willingly asked for so that you could cause his company’s name to be removed from the list of the companies that abused the subsidy regime.

Lawan: I didn’t collect money from Otedola.

Wallahi; I didn’t.

Prosecution: I have with me the proof, the video evidence that you, Mr Farouk Lawan, collected the cash from Otedola at about 4am.

Would you like this court to see the video?

Lawan: It is true I went to Femi’s place. He gave me something. Yes. But he never, never told me it was a bribe. Everybody knows I don’t take bribe. That’s why I’m called Mr Integrity. I also heard about a video showing my caricature. I have, in fact, warned those carrying the rumour to desist; otherwise I will sue the hell out of them to clear my name.

Prosecution: I put it to you that you took the cash, unknown to you that it was a sting operation organised by security agents to get to the bottom of the attempt to corrupt the system by the very people who are entrusted with making laws for the well being of all.

(Lawan’s counsel rises to interject. No objection from the judge). Mi lord, I take exception to this attempt to intimidate my client, video or no video. And I put it to you, my learned colleague, that you don’t know the meaning of a sting operation. If it was a sting operation, my client would have been arrested on the spot, at the point of collecting what you’ve cleverly called a bribe. What was stinging in the so-called operation? Is anybody stung? It’s all part of a grand plot to destabilise the House, dismantle the leadership’s reputation and set the subsidy thieves free. My client is a mere pawn in a big chess game by big players from the very top.

It is settled in law that he who alleges must prove. Where is the exhibit? Evidence without exhibit? This is reading the Evidence Act upside down. Milord, you will agree with me that there is no case here. I submit that my client, Honourable Farouk Lawan, has no case to answer. And I so submit, mi lord.

Judge: I think we have to decide this no-case submission first. Counsel, if you do not object, I fix February 10, 2013 for the next hearing.

Check your diaries o! No objection? I rise.

C-o-u-r-r-r-r-t! (all stand up as the judge leaves).

•For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Between Mark and Northern leaders nocuous at the onset.

Those who are tempted to underestimate the capacity of the Boko Haram terrorism campaign to wreak havoc with national unity, should spend some time ruminating on the potentially disastrous effects of the sort of reprisal attacks that took place in Kaduna recently.

Dismissing Mark’s fears, former Second Republic Presidential Adviser, Tanko Yakassai, accused him of “incitement” because the insurgency was only active in 18 local governments out of the 774 councils in Nigeria.

Aside from his arithmetic being suspect, Yakassai forgets that when Boko Haram bombs churches and kills non-indigenes, the political impact is felt in hundreds of local government areas across the land.

For his part, the spokesman for the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Anthony Sani, is incensed because in his estimation Northern leaders by condemning the killings have done their level best. Hardball begs to disagree. Northern leaders can do much more.

Let’s not forget that for a long while it was a

battle to even get the regional elite to utter a word of criticism of the murderous sect. But talk is cheap. Given what is at stake, mere condemnation is no longer enough.

It is time for strong community action that isolates the terrorists and their sponsors.

Northern leaders must take the lead here because the terrorists live amongst them. Their sons are the ones enlisting as the sect’s foot soldiers. They are being actively sheltered and protected by local communities; that is why it has been difficult to pin down the arrowheads of the group.

This sort of thing happened in the Niger Delta when the militants operated out of certain communities, until harsh military action forced them to withdraw the cover they had been providing.

Leaders in the North must now make a choice to denounce, and expose the killers in their midst, or watch helplessly as their society and way of life collapses around them. That is the choice they face today. No amount of vilification of the messenger can alter that reality.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos.

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E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO