The Nation June 29, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

News Thugs shoot Edo Governor Oshiomhole’s convoy P10 Sports Chelsea bids N2.02b for Eagles Star Victor Moses P24 Business Fuel scarcity looms as marketers shun importation P4 www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 7, NO. 2171 FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

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Homes, roads flooded as rains pound Lagos, Ogun, Oyo

•FURIOUS FL OODS: Youths carrying people for a fee at Alagbole, Ogun State where many were stranded...yesterday.

FLOODS:

SEE ALSO PAGES 2-4&7

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

Boko Haram: NSA Dasuki in push for ceasefire Jonathan seeks peaceful Ramadan How to fight terrorism, by SSS

P •Dasuki

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has mandated National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki to ensure the end of bombings in the North before the beginning of Ramadan – the Islamic Holy month.

Moslems are expected to fast during the period, which is likely to begin on July 20.

Col. Dasuki (rtd), who was appointed this week, launched out yes-

‘

The mandate is to come and commiserate...and put heads together, starting with an immediate ceasefire while other things follow From Duku Joel, Damaturu

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terday on a visit to Yobe State, one of the hotbeds of the Islamist sect Boko Haram insurgency.

He met with religious and traditional leaders as well as the state government.

After meeting with Governor Ibrahim Gaidam in Damaturu, the state capital, Col. Dasuki said: “I was in Potiskum and what I saw is pathetic. I don’t see how anybody is benefitting out of this problem (bombings). The concern of the President is that we are approach-

ing the Ramadan and he does not want the Umma to observe Ramadan under this crisis.

“The mandate is to come and commiserate with the state and put heads together, starting with an immediate ceasefire while other things follow.

“I know some of the complaints, like unemployment and lack of developContinued on Page 4

•POLITICS P15 •AGRIC P17 •SPORTS P23 •SOCIETY P25 •BRANDS P29

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

2

NEWS RAGE OF FLOOD

•ALA GBOLE-AKUTE, OGUN ST ATE ...yesterday •ALAGBOLE-AKUTE, STA

•IL UPEW O, OGUN ST ATE ...yesterday •ILUPEW UPEWO STA

Ten-hour rainfall L

•SUR ULERE GOS: Ijeshatedo ...yesterday.

SURULERE ULERE,, LA LAGOS:

•ORILE-IGANMU GOS .. Flooded Opeloyeru Street, Orile-Iganmu... yesterday •ORILE-IGANMU,, LA LAGOS

•ALA GB ADO GOS: An electric pole affected by the flood...yesterday •ALAGB GBADO ADO,, LA LAGOS:

AGOS and some parts of Ogun State were submerged yesterday___ no thanks to a torrential rainfall, which fell for over 10 hours.

Commuters and motorists had a hectic time moving around the city of Lagos yesterday after the all-night downpour.

Many returned home after waiting in motor parks in vain for commercial vehicles. Those with personal cars got to their offices around midday.

Worse hit by the traffic gridlock were the Mainland areas, such as Ogba, Ikeja, Orile-Agege, Alagbado, Iyana-Ipaja, Ipaja, Ayobo, Moshalashi, AIT road, Kollington, Oke-Odo and Ahmadiyya, where a portion of the expressway collapsed, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.

Also affected were Arowojobe and Akinwunmi estates in Maryland.

Parts of Ikeja GRA, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi , highbrow Victoria Island, VGC and Ibeju-Lekki were also flooded.

Ogun State communities, which share boundaries with Lagos State, such as Akute, Alagbole, Lambe, Ojodu-Abiodun and others were submerged.

Traffic stood still for several hours, especially on the busy Abeokuta Expressway.

In areas such as, Alagbado, Kollington. Orile-Agege and communities along the old toll gate at Sango-Ota, the flood current was so high that in some places it completely the houses, reaching rooftops of bungalow structures. People were scampering to safety.

Residents were still bailing water

By Yinka Aderibigbe, Precious Igbonwelundu, Segun Balogun and Miriam Ndikanwu

out of their homes as at evening. Properties were lost.

The rain, which started Wednesday afternoon, subsided by evening of the same day, but resumed by midnight and fell all through the night. In many parts of the state, it began to subside at about 7am yesterday. Some parts still experienced light showers till about 9am.

Commercial bus operators and commercial motor cyclists popularly known as Okada, also cashed in on the situation as they inflated transportation fare on the route.

A commuter said: "We have been standing here for several hours; buses coming from Oshodi are all filled up. I don't know why Julius Berger reconstructed only one lane on the road and left the other lane, the road is usually flooded around second rainbow bus stop and Mile Two because of the portholes and block drains."

A resident of Ejigbo, Mrs. Omotayo, said her family kept vigil when they saw the impact of the rain.

Mrs. Omotayo said: "The rain was so serious. The wind was scary, I had to gather my children together at about 2am after I heard the sound of the wall collapsing. Luckily, no one was hurt but one of my neighbours had his car badly damaged by the wall, which fell."

Residents of Iyana Isheri/Ijegun on the outskirts of Lagos, had it tough getting out of their homes.

A resident, Sebanjo Mojisola said: "I have never seen so many people stranded in one place at a point in time.

It was like a dead end. People could not move because the flood was so much. I was carried on the back by some guys who used the period to make money.

•MILE 12, LA GOS ...yesterday LAGOS

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

3

NEWS RAGE OF FLOOD

Mixed grill as rains pound city

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•NIMET: nothing unusual about rain

As a proactive and responsive administration committed to the overall wellbeing of its citizenry, this alert became necessary in order to sensitise Lagosians, particularly those that reside in floodprone areas, to be on the alert to prevent loss of life and property

F

MAR YLAND GOS: The entrance to Arowojobe Estate...yesterday MARYLAND YLAND,, LA LAGOS:

floods Lagos, Ogun Govt advises residents of floodprone communities to relocate

L

AGOS State government yesterday urged residents of flood-prone communities to relocate because of heavy rains and thunderstorm.

Commissioner for the Environment Mr. Tunji Bello, in a statement, said there would be heavy rainfall in the next two weeks.

Bello, in an interview with reporters while monitoring the state of the environment during the rains, advised residents living along low line areas, such as Eti-Osa, Badiya, Amukoko, Makoko, Iwaya, Ajegunle, Owode and Agiliti, to move upland.

He said: “As a proactive and responsive administration committed to the overall wellbeing of its citizenry, this alert became necessary in order to sensitise Lagosians, particularly those that reside in flood-prone areas, to be on the alert to prevent loss of life and property.”

The commissioner said the government has intensified clearing of drainage.

He advised Lagosians to desist from acts that could lead to flooding, such as dumping of waste into canals and erecting of structures along drainage channels.

Okada operators could not even pass through; they stopped passengers and turned back."

A resident of Akinwunmi Estate, Mende, said: "We are begging the government to come and clear the canal; it is because people build houses in the canal, that is why we are suffering like this.

"For the past 10 years, we have been experiencing this every raining season.

For some of us here, raining season is a time for sadness and loss. The government should please come and demolish all those houses that are built in the canal so that we won't experience this kind of disaster anymore.

"Last year, all our office equipment were damaged and we had to replace all furniture we had. Now, yesterday's rain was not even up to 24 hours and see the extent of damage. What would happen if there is continuous rain."

An instrumentalist who lives in the area, Sunday Peters, urged the government to come to their rescue.

He said: "We do not have money to go up there and rent houses. I am lucky I did not keep my instruments in the house. Look at people's beds, television and other furniture destroyed. Little children were rescued from getting drowned while the rain was still falling and most of us have not even eaten because we are still trying to remove the water," he said.

At Ago Palace Way, Okota, motorists expressed frustration. Pedestrians, including school pupils, were seen passing through huge water with their shoes on their hands. Shop owners along the road were busy evacuating water from their shops and others were examining the extent of damage done to their property.

LOODED streets and homes, traffic jams as well as stranded commuters: movement was tough yesterday in some parts of Lagos – no thanks to all night downpour.

Business did not pick up in most of the commercial capital until late afternoon.

A house collapsed in Bariga, Lagos mainland, during the rain. One person was killed. Many others were displaced from their homes.

The flood cut off some roads. Boys made brisk business carrying people on their back for fee.

The flood was massive in Ogun State satellite towns, such as Akute and Sango Ota. Parts of Abeokuta and Oyo were also flooded.

The government of Lagos State urged people living in flood-prone areas to relocate.

Commissioner for the Environment Tunji Bello, who inspected the affected areas, gave the advice.

Bello said: “As a proactive and responsive administration committed to the overall wellbeing of its citizenry, this alert became necessary in order to sensitise Lagosians, particularly those that reside in flood-prone areas, to be on the alert to prevent loss of life and property.”

Nigeria Meteorological Service (NIMET) spokesman Mary Iso said 216.3mm rainfall had been recorded in Lagos State in the last two days.

The agency had predicted a sevenday rainfall in Lagos.

Mrs Iso, who described the rainfall as normal, added: “We have already given this warning and there is nothing unusual about the rainfall.”

Most roads and streets were submerged, compelling many residents to stay indoors.

Traffic gridlocks were observed on major roads, such as Third Mainland Bridge, Ikorodu Road, Mile 2 and Apapa, among others.

Commuters who waded through the flood, from their homes were stranded at bus-stops.

Mr Femi Erinle, a commuter, told NAN that the Ejigbo-Jakande Estate Road was flooded, affecting commuters, private vehicle owners and transportation in the area.

“The whole of Ejigbo to Jakande Estate to Cele road was flooded and buses increased their fares.

NAN reports that most shops and business owners around Bariga, Somolu, Mushin, Idumagbo, Adeniji, Orile, Oshodi, Gbagada, among other areas could not open; they were flooded.

Some of the shops owners attributed the flooding to blockage of drains and canals.

“With the horrible memories of heavy flooding that occurred in the state last year still evident, most residents are troubled by the today’s ex-

•Bello perience,” Mr Boniface Patrick, a foodstuff seller at Igi-Olugbin in Bariga, said.

Some residents of Mile 12 urged state government to build more drainage in the area to prevent another flooding.

They expressed worry that they might be sacked from their homes if more drains are not built and blocked ones cleared immediately.

Mr Adebisi Saliu said the fear of residents over the coming flood was real, recalling that last year’s led to loss of revenue by most landlords.

“Many people have moved out of the area after the flooding we experienced last year and many more will leave, with the warning about heavy rain this year.

“Our situation has reached a point where we plead with government to urgently come to our aid by clearing all the drains and canals to prevent flooding,” he said.

NAN correspondents, who visited some of the markets, reported that many of the stalls in the markets were submerged under water, a situation which made it impossible for the traders and their customers to transact business.

At the Idumota, Ebute-Ero, Alakoro, Apogbon, Oyigbo and Mushin markets, the traders spent most of the morning salvaging their wares, which were afloat, while only a handful of customers braved the flood to get in in an attempt to make purchases.

AlhajaRamota Onigbanjo, a trader at Alakoro, told NAN that the flood had made the market inaccessible.

‘

“Alakororoad is very bad; motor vehicles can hardly pass through the road whenever it rains.

“Our customers have shifted to Ojuwoye market in Mushin due to the bad roads; some even said they don’t want to contract any disease on their legs,” Onigbanjo said.

Mr Michael Kalu, who sells canned foods at the Ebute-Ero market, on Lagos Island, said that the flood waters peeled the labels off cans of foods worth about N32, 000.

“This rain has damaged some of my goods; I cannot even open the shop for customers to see my market (wares),” Kalu said.

However, at the Mushin market, the traders took advantage of the weekly Thursday market sanitation exercise to remove the debris which the flood deposited in the facility.

Mr Kayode Ayinde, said that the flood caused by the downpour made it impossible for him to display his books and stationery for sale.

“I used nylon (polythene) to cover the little ones on display, but it is difficult for people to see what I am selling,” Ayinde said.

Mrs Gladys Ifeanyi, a crayfish seller at the Oyingbo market, on the mainland, said that the downpour and the ensuing flood, deprived them of their usual early morning sales.

“I could not come to the market by 5 a.m. today because of the downpour that started at midnight,” she said.

Mrs Kudiratu Junaid, a tomato seller in the same market, said they could only record low sales because of the large scale of flooding in the area.

Prices of umbrella, rain coats, rubber shoes rise

T

•FEST AC , LA GOS ...yesterday •FESTA LAGOS

RADERS of seasonal rain protective coverlets in Mushin market are smiling to the banks, as Lagos recorded another heavy rain yesterday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in spite of low customers’ patronage across markets, demands for rain coats, shower caps, and umbrellas outstripped supply as residents of Lagos scamper for cover from the rain.

At the Mushin market, some traders, who braved the rain were seen making brisk business hawking various coverlets.

A trader, Mr Godwin Eze, said the prices of rain coats, shower caps, and umbrellas rose sharply, as

sellers take advantage of the rain to make huge profit.

Eze said the high demand for umbrellas during the Thursday heavy rainfall in Lagos made the price to appreciate by 25 per cent.

According to him, a big size umbrella now sells for N3,500 as against N2,800 it sold on Wednesday afternoon.

Another trader, Mrs Adekoya Adetutu, said the durable and trendy rubber shoes now go for between N2,000 and N2,500 compared to the N700 it sold on Monday.

Adetutu attributed the rush for the trendy shoes, among ladies to its durability.

4

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

NEWS

Fuel scarcity looms as marketers shun Q3 importation

S

HORTAGE of petrol looms nationwide from next month as oil marketers serve a notice of their intention to shun importation of products in the third quarter.

The country imports the bulk of its petrol needs through a subsidy regime.

The marketers blame their decision on lack of funds and inability to secure loans from banks as a result of the N200 billion owed them by the government.

In a joint letter written to the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Mr.

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

Reginald Stanley, dated June 22, enumerated factors responsible for their inability to execute the third quarter import permits.

The letter ii signed by Chief Sylverius Okoli, Chairman, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA); Mr. Obafemi Olawore, Executive Secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN); Mr. Mike Osatuyi, National Secretary, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN); and Mr. Venkataraman Ventatapathy, Managing Di-

rector, Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO).

Titled: “PMS allocations under the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) scheme for the third quarter 2012,” the letter reads: “We the downstream petroleum industry companies from the private sector participating in the PSF scheme hereby acknowledge receipt of the Q3 2012 PMS allocations.

“The current business environment in the sector makes it necessary to bring to your attention factors that inhibit our ability to import the said volumes in Q3 2012.

“Due to the fact that issuance of Sovereign Debt Notes covering balance 2011 and current 2012 PMS import transactions were initially severely delayed and now currently suspended, we have huge outstanding, verified and unpaid subsidy claims in excess of N200 billion from the Federal Government.

“Non-reimbursement of the subsidy claims impairs the ability of any company to meet its obligations to the banks for loans advanced for the purpose of importing PMS under the scheme for the Nigerian public.

•Executive Director,National Conference of Black Mayors in the United States Mrs Vaness Williams presenting the plaque for President,s Leadership Award For Excellence to National leader of Action Congress of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos...yesterday.

With them are Mr Dayo Bankole CEO Barnks Forte Global Ltd (left) and Mr Tunji Adekoya. Story on page 6

“This inability to repay has led to significant interest rate and exchange rate differential exposure which have to be claimed by the participating companies and reimbursed by the Federal Government.

“Conflicting statements by senior government officials as to the adequacy or inadequacy of the amount appropriated for subsidy in 2012 and the subsequent halt in issuance of the Sovereign Debt Notes as stated above, has led to an atmosphere of extreme uncertainty in which most banks are reluctant to provide further funding for importers and others are only willing, under extremely severe and uneconomic terms for our companies.

“Meanwhile, the volume of imports by our companies is dwindling at an alarming rate, due to non-reimbursement of outstanding subsidy claims and the inability of importing companies to secure financing.

Despite the recent allocations awarded, there is currently no prospect for a reversal of this trend, which has immense implications for the efficient supply and distribution of PMS to the Nigerian public. Based on the foregoing, we hereby request that as a matter of extreme urgency and as the only means to ensure continued importation and supply of regulated products (PMS and HHK), the following actions are taken: •The Ministry of Finance ensures the immediate resumption of the issuance of Sovereign Debt Notes by the Debt Management Office for all legitimate transactions that have been completed and audited.

•The PPPRA ensures conclusion and calculation of all out-

standing legitimate claims (including but not limited to foreign exchange and interest rate differential claims) by June 30, 2012.

•The Ministry of Finance ensures cash backing for the Sovereign Debt Notes that have already been issued and payment effected.

•All valid outstanding claims for 2011 and 2012 be paid without further delay.

•A statement assuring the finance community of the Federal Government’s ability and willingness to make good its obligation to importers in relation to the subsidy scheme be issued by PPPRA and the office of the Honourable Minister of Finance.

“We believe that these actions will provide the necessary assurance to importers and financial institutions to enable continued importation and distribution of PMS in the country.”

The PPPRA in the first quarter issued permits to 42 oil depots and facility owners to import a total of 3,755,000 metric tones of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), which is equivalent to 5,035,455,000,000 litres.

•Stanley

Boko Haram: SSS seeks tougher sanctions for terror suspects

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HERE will be no bail for terror suspects, if the government embraces a proposal by the State Security Service (SSS). Its DirectorGeneral Mr. Ekpenyong Ita, believes that tougher sanctions will check terrorism.

In his view, Boko Haram is the most potent threat to national security, despite the fact that many suspects have been charged to court.

Ita’s tought are contained in a paper presented at a confidential session with Senators in Uyo. In the paper, which was exclusively obtained yesterday

by The Nation, he said each time Boko Haram suspects were set free by the court, they always regrouped to launch deadly attacks.

The SSS boss pleaded with the National Assembly to come up with harsh sanctions to check terrorism in the country.

Ita said: “As representatives of the people, you should drive the processes of development, which will enhance security by enacting appropriate legislation to address specific issues.

“Appropriation of funds, which is one of your key functions, provides ample opportunity to engineer various sectors of the economy to serve the common good.

“The National Assembly, to its credit, passed the Anti-Terror Bill into Law, in 2011 and approved the declaration of state of emergency in local governments contending with

Boko Haram: NSA Dasuki in push for ceasefire Continued from Page 1

ment etc.; all these things will not come unless there is peace.

“The Federal government will not build roads in Yobe unless, contractors come and contractors will not come if their lives are not safe. It’s a chicken and egg thing. Unless we stop the violence, we cannot start development. Unless we start development, we cannot start generating jobs. So, there will also be unemployment, which means there will always be recruits for whoever is doing this.

“But I am sure that with your leadership and your aid, we should be able to find a way out of this. Those achievements we have recorded are not enough.

We must go back to the norm so that life will flourish because I don’t think anybody can achieve anything in this conFrom Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Boko Haram activities. Be that as it may, as the representatives of the people, much more is expected from you.

“The National Assembly should review the Anti-Terrorism Law in the light of recent developments. It has been observed that the current legislation is weak in some areas, particularly award of sanctions to culprits.

“For instance, the sanction regime is encumbered by the provision which gives a trial Judge the discretion to award a punishment of 20 years or less even if the terrorist act resulted in the death of victims.

“This provision allows high-

dition.”

Col. Dasuki added: “When I went to Potiskum, I told the Mai Fika (traditional ruler of the town) that as royal fathers, they must take it as a challenge to reach out to our people who are responsible for this crisis. If there is a feeling of lack of trust, they cannot distrust the rulers because he will not betray them and I will not betray the traditional rulers.

“I am committed to this course and whatever the agreement is, that is what I will implement. “ Gaidam said the emergency rule imposed on some local governments has so far cost the state about N1.2billion.

The governor said his administration spends N40 million monthly on logistics for the police. He did not quantify what he has been spending on the military.

He described Dasuki’s appointment

risk terror suspects to be released on bail on a capricious exercise of judicial discretion.

“To reduce the possibility of abuse of judicial process, the new legislation should preclude granting of bail to terror suspects pending the determination of the substantive case.

“And the Service advocates a relief similar to provision in the Electoral Act 2011 which restrains a court of law from issuing an interim order to stop the process of election.

Incorporating a similar restriction into the Anti-Terror Bill will reduce the compromise of the judicial process through the granting of bail to high-risk

as a clear sense of a new strategy in the fight against insecurity, adding that this shows that there is hope.

“There is an indication that our hope, pride and identity as citizens of this great country would be restored,” Gaidam said.

He urged the Federal Government to deploy more troops in the state and the army to quickly take possession of the barracks at Kukareta, which has recently been provided with water and electricity by his administration.

The governor said his administration was ready to join hands with the Federal Government for lasting peace to the state.

“The option of dialogue and negotiation should be pursued as a priority, provided the insurgents are willing to accept the call for dialogue,” Gaidam said.

suspects under the guise of exercising judicial discretion.”

On the Boko Haram menace, the SSS chief said the sect is the most potent threat to national security, but that the SSS has recorded modest progress in checking the sect.

He said: “Terrorism has been a source of national agony, which has imprinted an ugly scar on the national psyche and image.

“On a scale of impact, the most potent threat to national security is the Boko Haraminduced violence and its aftermath. The activities of the sect have attracted prime attention and concern because of their implications for development

and national security.

“We have arrested all those who were involved in the October 1, 2010 bombing and their trial is ongoing. We have also taken to court all those connected with the Suleja INEC office bombing, the Suleja Church and the killing of policemen.

Similarly, we are in court with several others over Boko Haram violent activities in Borno State.”

Ita reeled out an 11-point recommendation to fight terrorism, including the creation of Special Courts.

The SSS also proposed that the National Assembly should: •evolve a Witness Protection Programme to en-

hance investigation and encourage members of the public with information on sensitive issues to volunteer same to security agencies; •enact a legislation to create a Special Fund for victims of terrorism. It should create Special Courts to adjudicate terrorist and related cases, •articulate an anti-cyber crime law to address the misuse of the Internet; and •strengthen laws that seek to criminalise certain behaviours, especially incitement and recruitment in sensitive environments, such as prisons, training institutions and places of religious worship. Within this context, proprietors of places of worship and indoctrination should be compelled by law to obtain a licence before commencing their operation.

The SSS chief went on: “The enabling law should empower enforcement agencies to obtain court order to seal-off places of worship exhibiting extremist tendencies.

“Extremist behaviour will be defined as that which amounts to support for a proscribed organisation, while failure to comply with provisions of the legislation would constitute an offence punishable with imprisonment.

“The law would also empower any town planning authority, acting upon the advice of security agencies, to enforce lawful restriction on indiscriminate erection of places of worship and indoctrination.”

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

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

5

NEWS

Jonathan urges patience with oil subsidy report •President speaks at 119th/120th World Customs session in Brussels

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to be patient with the government over the House of Representatives subsidy Probe Report.

Dr. Jonathan said government is determined to implement it despite doubts being expressed in some quarter.

The President said antigraft agencies should be given time to investigate the scandal so as to establish water-tight cases against those who may have committed offences that may warrant prosecution.

He spoke yesterday in Brussels, the Belgium capital, while addressing the Nigerian community in that country.

“The EFCC is working on the report, so we must give them the chance to do their job. We have to build watertight cases if we hope to get any conviction for any wrongdoing, and the law de-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

mands proof”, he said.

He added that it was better to do a good job than to lose the cases in court due to shoddy preparations. He urged Nigerians, including the media, not to consistently run the country down.

“Take a look at the USA: after September 11, 2001, all Americans came together to support their government’s fight against terrorism, regardless of their political leaning”, he said, adding that Nigerians should not play to the gallery or play politics with serious national issues. “We will continue to ensure our freedom of speech, but we should use it to build the country, not destroy”, he advised.

President Jonathan also invited Nigerians in the Diaspora to join the transformation agenda by investing in indus-

tries at home to create jobs.

He said many developed countries reached the position because their citizens resident outside went back to invest at home.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Belgium, Mr. Felix Awankor, said Nigerians in Belgium were well behaved.

The President also delivered the keynote at the 119 th /120 th session of the Customs Cooperation Council/World Customs Organisation holding in Brussels.

He said rising national and regional security issues relating to the menace of terrorism, proliferation of light weapons, narcotics and smuggling call for critical cooperation between Customs administrations worldwide.

With regard to the traditional enforcement role of the Customs, the President enjoined Customs administrations worldwide to

strengthen themselves and ensure that their specific role is not only to guard against illegal activities but also to protect the integrity of global socio-economic systems.

He welcomed the role of the WCO in developing various tools to enhance collaborative efforts in this regard, but acknowledged the challenges of outdated procedures, inadequate legislation, limited ICT application, institutional and human resource capacity facing Customs administrations in developing countries.

On trade among nations, Jonathan said Customs administrations remain critical in the ability of governments to maximize benefits from reforms, including enhancing and deepening trade integration between members of any regional trading arrangement.

He said there ‘are direct linkages between trade policy reform and Customs administra-

tion, especially with respect to the role of Customs in trade policy formulation, the impact of trade policy changes in Customs administration, and challenged Customs organisations to constantly review their own policies, strategise and adapt to new thrusts in government policy.

He said the traditional role of Customs as an enforcement agency has expanded to that of trade facilitation in the 21st century, emerging as a prominent business partner to industry, and urged Customs administrations to see themselves in ‘the twin roles of trade facilitators and guardian of the community’.

‘As trade facilitators, they should be committed to building strategic relationships with the business sector, including helping to maintain the competitive edge of the local industry’, he urged the WCO.

F

•Obi (left) and Chief Anyaoku... yesterday .

From Nwanosike Onu,

lenged old students associations of various schools to be actively involved in monitoring developments in the Alma Matter to enable the students attain their full potentials.

He reminded the former students of their responsibility of nurturing and encouraging the up-coming students to acquire necessary knowledge and skills for their future roles in the society.

He stressed the need to impact in them positive orientation that would instill in them the value for hard work and honesty.

Obi noted that the state has produced quality human resources including, Anyaoku, who has attained one of the highest positions in the world, bringing honour and pride to the state and entire black race.

He urged the youths to emulate celebrated role models who would inspire them to greatness and resist being used by desperate individuals to achieve selfish ends.

Dr. Ausberth Ajagu of the Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies, who delivered the lecture entitled: “Good governance”, described Anyaoku as a role model, who after years of service to the international community, has never been in-

vited to face a probe panel or maligned for any financial impropriety.

He urged those leader to strive to eliminate corruption and recapture the youths as future leaders of the generation.

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Orientation and Public Affairs, Mr. Edet Asim, noted that the state has produced quality human resources, who are making impact in various parts of the world. He extolled the vision of his host for rural infrastructure development by his ad-

ministration.

Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, represented by his Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Hope Eghagha, described Anyaoku as an intellectual giant and great assets to the black race.

Uduaghan’s counterpart in Rivers, Rotimi Amaechi said collaboration among the present crop of leaders has fasttracked development.

Amaechi, who was represented by his Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Marshal Uwo, praised Obi for his humility, prudence and dedication to service and to humanity.

Alleged $3.6m laundering: I’ve no control over foreign missions’ funds, says Minister

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HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru yesterday said he has no control over budgetary allocations and disbursement of funds to Nigerian Missions abroad.

He also said that the Nigerian Embassy in the United States (US) was not involved in alleged suspicious movement of $3.6million.

He said there was no case of money laundering at the nation’s Embassy in Washington D.C. Ashiru, who made the clarifications in a statement in

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Abuja , said the accounts of the Nigerian Embassy in the US were never frozen.

In the statement by the Acting Director (Public Communications) and spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ogbole Amedu-Ode, the Minister expressed attempts at bringing the nation into disrepute by some people.

“It needs to be stated, for information, that the Foreign Minister has no control over budgetary allocations and disbursement of funds to Mis-

ICPC files fresh charge against Ehindero, aide

T

•Obi seeks school monitoring

Awka and Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

T

HE Senate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has elected Prof. Ibrahim Na Iya Sada as Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration (DVCAdmin).

Prof Na Iya Sada took over from Prof Idris Isa Funtua, who completed his two-term tenure of four years on Tuesday.

The election which was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, took place at the Senate building.

The new Deputy Vice Chancellor, who hails from Danbatta local Government Area of Kano State, was born on February 16, 1954. He was admitted into ABU in 1974 where he obtained his LL.B (Hon) degree in 1978.

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

Anyaoku advocates true federalism ORMER Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has advocated a true practical federalism.

He said current structure has failed Nigerians as a people.

Anyaoku was speaking at the Women Development Centre, Awka venue of the second Chief Emeka Anyaoku Lecture Series organised in his honour by Youth Affairs International Foundation. It was sponsored by the Anambra State government.

Acknowledging that his generation has failed the nation, the diplomat said the country developed faster under regionalism and called for its restructuring to reduce the cost of governance.

He regretted the rising wave of insecurity and called for pragmatic and proactive measures to encourage the youth to channel their energies towards nation building.

Anyaoku said so much was being spent in the administration of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a little invested in capital projects because of the present structure.

Governor Peter Obi chal-

ABU elects DVC

sions abroad.

“Once the budget has been approved by the National Assembly and signed into law by the President, the power and responsibility to directly remit funds to Missions overseas are vested in the Federal Ministry of Finance. Thereafter, Missions administer their budgets as approved by law without reference to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. “However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regularly monitors the accounts of Missions and any report of financial irregularities are promptly investigated and dealt with in line with ex-

tant regulations and procedure. . “The Mission in Washington had stated times and again that it never operated any accounts with Wells Fargo and the Bank of America. Accounts that do not exist could never have been frozen or closed.

“The Vice President of the M & T Bank, Mr. Peter Senica where the Mission maintains some accounts, has stated that at no time were those accounts ever frozen for alleged money laundering activities.

On the sale of several properties of the Embassy in the US, Ashiru added: “The story of

•Ashiru

alleged sale of several Embassy properties in Washington emerged in 2004. This is eight years and a succession of five Foreign Ministers long before the incumbent Foreign Minister assumed office in July, last year.

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed six fresh count-charge against former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero.

Ehindero and former Commissioner of Police in charge of Budget under him, John Obaniyi, are facing a six-count charge of criminal conspiracy and misappropriation of about N574.4 million Police fund while in office.

They allegedly conspired with each other between May and November, 2006 to use their position to confer corrupt advantages upon themselves by placing N300 million in a fixed deposit account at Wema Bank Plc where it yielded an interest of N9.8 million for them.

The money was part of the N557.9 million donated by the Bayelsa State Government to the Police for the procurement of arms, ammunition and riot control equipments.

They also allegedly placed another N200 million from the donation in a fixed deposit account at Intercontinental Bank Plc where it yielded N6.5 million.

The accused allegedly converted the interests that accrued from the two fixed deposits to their personal use.

The alleged offences are contrary to Sections 19, 25(1)(a), 26(1)(c) and punishable under Sections 19 and 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Prayers by the accused that their objections be taken first were rejected by Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, who held that the charge must be filed first before the consideration of any application.

The matter, however, could not go ahead yesterday. The prosecution counsel, Paul Bassi’s motion to substitute the old charge with the new one was opposed by the Defence counsel.

Ehindero’s counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Abubakar Odariko, who appeared for Obaniyi demanded for time to file their response to the motion on notice to substitute the old charge with the new one.

Granting the request, the Judge adjourned till July 13 for motion on notice.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

6

NEWS 400 Osun PDP members defect to ACN •Party warns PDP against misinformation From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

O

VER 400 members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward 10 of Oba-Oke, in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State, have defected to the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state.

ACN state Chairman Elder Adelowo Adebiyi hailed the defectors.

He described it as a manifestation of the exemplary performance of the ACN government under Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

In a statement by the party’s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, the party’s chairman said the defection into the “progressive camp is a proof of Governor Aregbesola’s good government and efficient delivery”.

Adebiyi noted that the frequency of the PDP members’ defection into ACN in Olorunda council showed that ACN is the only political party with commitment to democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

He assured the defectors of equal treatment with older members.

The chairman urged the new members to work hard for the progress of the party, not only in the local government but also across the state.

Adebiyi advised other PDP members, who are tired of the party, to throw away their “umbrellas and embrace the broom to sweep away corruption and maladministration from the country.”

According to him, ACN will show the parties the direction to good governance.

He said ACN is the only political platform that can take the state to greater heights as its founding fathers have established good programmes in the party’s manifesto.

The state ACN has warned the PDP to stop misinforming the public about the intentions of the Aregbesola administration in developing the state.

The party was reacting to a statement credited to the state PDP chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, who condemned the demolition of some structures by the government to dualise the Osogbo-Kwara State boundary road.

In a statement by Oyatomi, ACN said the PDP could not pretend not to be aware of the development the party, through Aregbesola administration, has brought to the state.

“The demolition exercise became necessary to pave the way for development in parts of the state; to correct the wrongs done by the PDP government of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who ruled the state for seven and a half years without anything to show for it in terms of development. We have succeeded in showing the people, including the PDP members in the state, how to serve humanity and the society through rapid development,” the statement said.

How Nigeria can lead Africa, by Tinubu

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ORMER Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said Nigeria has what it takes to become the beacon of African development, if a dedicated leadership is in a place.

Tinubu spoke in Lagos when he received an award from the National Conference of Black Mayors, based in the United States of America.

The National Conference of Black Mayors gave the former governor its highest award at its 38th annual convention in Atlanta, Georgia, the US. Presenting the award to the former governor, Executive Director of the National Conference of Black Mayors, Miss Vanessa Williams noted that

•Ex-governor gets Black Mayors’ Award the choice of Tinubu was based on merit.

She said: “We searched for African leaders who have made great impact in linking AfricanAmericans with Africans towards positive development and you emerged as one of such.”

Miss Williams, the daughter of the first Black Speaker of the State of Nevada, said the association had followed the stewardship of Tinubu in supporting people in the Diaspora and African–American causes.

She added: “You have linked your international experience with national experience to chart a path for development for your

people. You fit our bill of leaders who think locally but act globally, and we thank you.”

Tinubu hailed the association for the recognition accorded him.

He said: “African-Americans and Nigerians are the same in their crusade to achieve freedom and liberty. We must work together to elevate our people. We share a common aspiration in the struggle to eradicate poverty and give hope to our people. Martin Luther-King, a crusader extraordinaire, has shown us the way.”

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader

said he is in politics to give hope and elevate the standard of living of the people.

Tinubu said a new crop of leaders would be needed to bring about change, adding: “In Lagos, we have a model for change and good governance.

Massive infrastructural development, that is being sustained, and a rejenuvated judiciary, where women judges now play prominent roles. Lagos has had four successive female State Chief Judges.”

The frontline politician said he has invested in the development and growth of other countries, such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal and The Gambia.

•From left: Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr Kayode Fayemi; former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, at the funeral of Pa Victor Olatunde Da Silva, Adebayo’s father-in-law, in Lagos...yesterday

Ajimobi to set up panel on Fulani herdsmenfarmers’ clashes •Receives PDP, Accord defectors From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

T

HE Oyo State Government has taken the first step to end incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Oke-Ogun.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi said his administration would constitute a committee to avert future clashes.

The committee, the governor said, would also stop future confrontations between the herdsmen and farmers in any part of the state.

The governor spoke at a Town Hall meeting at the state College of Agriculture, Igboora, in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area.

Ajimobi, who inaugurated some roads and ultra-sound scanning centre in Ibarapa Central, Ibadan North, Ibarapa East and Ido local government areas, was responding to questions from the residents of the four local governments.

He decried the frequent clashes between farmers and herdsmen, saying his administration would find a lasting solution to the problem.

A part of the solutions, the governor said, is the proposed committee which would ensure a peaceful co-existence among the residents, particularly those in the rural areas.

Ajimobi said grazing lands would be established in some rural areas to enable herdsmen feed their cattle without tampering with crops.

Knocks for Mimiko’s second term workers’ rally

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HE Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday criticised Governor Olusegun Mimiko for allegedly intimidating workers to support his second term bid.

The party alleged that those who were not on the register, opened at the venue of the rally, are now being questioned for “an act of insubordination”.

Last Tuesday was indirectly declared a workers’ holiday in Ondo State.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

A statement by ACN Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Agbede, said the rally was typical of the infamous Daniel Kanu-led “one million man march” in Abuja to hoodwink the public into believing that Mimiko’s aspiration is backed by civil servants.

The statement reads: “While we are not worried about the unholy alliance between some Labour Party (LP) leaders and

the state government, we are, however, disturbed by the attempt to punish workers that refused to attend the N2,000 per person rally.

“Having failed to secure the cooperation of the workers in the state, this latest act of intimidation by the state government smacks of the height of desperation by the LP to remain in power beyond 2013 and against the wishes of the citizenry.”

ACN criticised the LP and Mimiko for dragging the work-

ers into partisanship, saying they should allow civil servants to exercise their rights and discretion in choosing who governs them, as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.

The party frowned at the attitude of security agencies in the state, particularly the police command.

It said: “It is worrisome that the police authority, which had refused to grant permit in the past for political rallies in the state - in the pretence that it is

against the electoral law - has now bent the rule to accommodate the ruling party in the state.”

ACN urged the police command to be above board in discharging its duties and stop pandering to the wishes of the ruling party against the opposition in the October 20 election.

The statement advised the public to be wary of Mimiko’s antics to force his second term ambition on the residents through propaganda, lies, monetary inducement and intimidation.

‘ACN leaders must consider Ilaje for deputy governorship slot’

A

GROUP, the Ilaje Elders’ Group (IEG), yesterday listed reasons why the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) national leadership should consider in zoning the deputy governorship slot in the October 20 election to Ilaje, a coastal community in Ondo State.

The group noted that besides being an oil producing area, the local government is also the second with population and voting strength in the state.

In a letter to the ACN national leadership, seven prominent indigenes of the community including Chief P.O. Omololu, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Prison (rtd) and Prof. Fola Ebisemiju, a former Acting ViceChancellor of (old) Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti - urged the party to zone the position to the community.

The others are: Chief A.O. Ogunmusi, Chief D.O. Mohiro, Prince S.E. Demehin, Chief V.B. Shedara and Prince M.O. Enioye.

The Ilaje elders said since the inception of democracy in Nigeria, no Ilaje has been a governor or deputy governors.

Ondo Muslim youths want deputy governorship

M

USLIM youths in Ondo State yesterday called for the retention of the deputy governorship slot presently occupied by Alhaji Ali Olanusi, for the October 20 governorship election in the state.

In a statement by their leaders, Musibau Ekunnusi, Alhaji Ishaq Abdur Rasaq and Kehinde Oyelade, the Muslim youths said Olanusi, at his 70th birthday anniversary, declared that he wished to retire from active politics.

They said: “Considering Olanusi’s age and state of health, we humbly appeal to consider a young and vibrant Muslim politician as a replacement for the next occupant of the From Damisi Ojo, Akure

The letter reads: “It is a well known fact that the people of Ilaje live in a local government that is caught in a tangled web of difficult terrain in Ondo State.

The people are exposed to environmental degradation induced by coastal erosion, oil and gas exploration and exploitation. This has resulted in the destruction of settlements, and marine fauna and flora.

“The eastern and part of the western axis of Ilajeland can-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

office of the deputy governor.”

The group acknowledged the ongoing reform on Hajj in the state and the construction of a Hajj camp for intending pilgrims in the state.

It also hailed the government for appointing four Muslims as members of its Executive Council (Exco) and the recognition it granted Muslims in last year’s Legal Year celebration.

The Muslim youths hailed Olanusi for his support to the government and uprightness in discharging his duties.

“We earnestly call for a young and vibrant Muslim politician as a replacement for the next occupant of the deputy governorship seat in the state,” they said.

not be accessed by road. The waterways, which are supposed to provide a sigh of relief in this regard, have been silted by sea incursion. Fishing, which is the main occupation of Ilaje people, has been adversely affected. There is no gainsaying that it is only an Ilaje indigene, as a deputy governor, that can understand our difficult terrain and make appropriate and effective representation to the government in discharging his duties to the

state.

“The Ilaje Local Government Area is the only oil and gas producing local government in the state. It accounts for seven per cent of the crude oil produced in the country. It contributes about N2billion to the monthly revenue allocation of the state from the Federation Account. Despite this huge contribution to the revenue of the state, successive administrations have almost completely neglected the area in

terms of development.

“The Ilaje Local Government Area is the second largest local government in the state, in terms of population and voting strength. In fact, it is well known that the votes from Ilaje Local Government Area determine the outcome of the governorship election in the state. Its voting influence exceeds the combined voting strength of some three or four local governments in the state.”

Analysing how top political offices are being shared, the elders said: “It is patently obvious that the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency has the minimum number of top political positions in the Ondo South Senatorial District.

Okitipupa has always been favoured, while Ile-Oluji-Oke Igbo/Odigbo still has it so good than the community.”

The group assured the party’s national leaders that the community would back and vote massively for ACN in the election, if the deputy governorship slot is zoned to the community.

7

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

NEWS RAGE OF FLOOD

One dead as fence collapses in Bariga •300 people homeless in Oyo •Mosque turns rescue centre

A

TWENTY-two-year-old man, Ahmed Shotunminu, died yesterday when the fence of a building collapsed at Bariga, Lagos mainland during the heavy rainfall.

The fence of 34/40 Shogbamu Street fell on another building on 2, Community Street, Ita –Bale.

When this reporter visited the scene of the incident yesterday, the remains of the deceased, who was said to have recently graduated from a furniture making workshop, was being prepared for burial.

A resident, who gave his name as Seyi Odubanjo, said the fence collapsed at about 1am when the rain was falling heavily. He said the victim and his younger brother were in the house when suddenly the fence crashed into their apartment.

Odubanjo said: “The two of them were staying in the boys’ quarters of the main building and were both fast asleep when the fence collapsed. But Ahmed was not as lucky as his brother, who escaped with minor injuries.

“The bricks fell on him and he died instantly. I was sleeping in my house, which is opposite their apartment when a call came in that a building has collapsed on them and I should come and assist. I quickly rushed to the scene, but we could only see his leg while the rest of his body was covered in rubble.”

Head of Operations, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Olusegun Magnus-Davis, who led a team of rescue officers to the scene, said the government would conduct an integrity test to ascertain the safety of the building.

Residents of the building have been evacuated.

About 200 houses were affected by the flood that sacked Oyo town on Wednesday.

The downpour, which lasted for about four hours, started at about 6.30pm. Many kept vigil.

Three bridges in different parts of

•The collapsed fence at Bariga...yesterday

By Miriam Ndikanwu, Oseheye Okwuofu,Ibadan and Tajudeen Adebanjo

the town were washed away by the the flood. Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed.

A mosque and a bridge in Sanda area of the town collapsed. A motorcyclist, who missed his way and ran into the flood, sustained injuries.

The affected residents were said to have taken refuge at the upper area of the town but only returned yesterday to see the destroyed property.

Another area hit by the rain was the Owode Oyo-Ibadan road, where many people were seen packing out their property already destroyed by the flood.

It was also learnt that the flood destroyed fish ponds in the town.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, visited the areas.

Many residents of Ilasamaja in Mushin Local Government sought refuge in the central mosque after flood sacked their various homes.

A nursing mother, who was delivered of a baby four days earlier, was among those who trooped to the mosque.

As early as 1am, Alubarika Central Mosque at Oremeji Street became a refugee cente for both Muslims and Christians living at Owoseni Ishola, Olaide Awoye, Lamina, Waheed Apesin, Oremeji and Olusanya streets.

They trooped in to avoid human casualties, having seen their properties destroyed by the heavy flood.

The cry of the baby caught the attention of many who were still la-

PHOTO: MIRIAM NDIKANWU

menting their losses.

The Nation gathered that the contractor working on a canal at the area erected a big wall to block water coming into the canal and left little space for water passage.

“Unfortunately that little space was not enough to allow free flow of the heavy flood and the result of that is what you are seeing,” said one of the residents scooping water from his flooded room.

Another resident, Abiodun Alabi, said: “I wonder why the canal was blocked. Look at all my properties destroyed due to tactlessness of the government and the people handling the canal project. Why is it that it is during rainy season that they deem it fit to work on it?”

Alabi enjoined government to be sensitive to the people’s plight.

Family, friends bid Anyene Six farewell in Lagos

By Segun Balogun

T

HEY were born on the same day and by the same mother and father. Death separated them on June 3, when Onyeka Anyene, his wife Maimuna and their four children perished in the Dana Air plane crash.

At a commendation service yesterday at the Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, Odiwaka shed tears for her departed twin brother and his family.

Dressed in white iro and buba, she sang and cried for losses thsat can never be recovered.

Family members and well-wishers fought back tears at the solemn gathering. Some sighed intermittently.

The congregation wore long faces as the choir led by Mr. Theophillus Okang rendered soulful hymns, such as Amazing Grace, Through all the changing scenes of life, Jesus lives! thy terrors now, my God, my father, amke me strong and peace, perfect peace in this dark world of sin.

The vicar's brief sermon did little to pacify the bereaved. It reminded them that "everyone has an expiry date".

Ven. Igein Isemede, said: "For the Christians, no matter how tragic a situation may be, faith will always shout in triumph. For the bereaved family in spite of the all that had happened, the Lord is able to make them bounce back again."

FAREWELL ANYENE SIX: Ms Odiwaka Anyene, twin sister of the late Onyeka Anyene, Mrs. Obianuju Mba and Mrs. PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS Chinwe Okoye at the service...yesterday

He enjoined the congregation "to cleave to the one who has eternity" because only God knows when human beings' journeys on earth will end.

Ven. Isemede said: "Onyeka would have plans. But God in His own ways has put an end to everything. For each person, there is an expiry date. In Psalm 90 we are encouraged to number days and apply our heart to wis-

dom."

An uncle of the late Onyeka, Nnamdi Anyene, described him as "very focused and driven in achieving any goal he set for himself."

Ven. Isemede prayed for teh repose of their souls: “We come before your divine majesty, dear father who is both Lord and master of all. We thank you that for each of us you have set times and seasons, times to be born

and times to report back to you. We thank you for our brother, Onyeka, our sister, Maimuna Mabel, our children, Kamsiyonna, Kainetochi, Kaimarachi and Kobichime, with whom we had the privilege of interacting on this earth for a while. As you have called them, give us who remain the grace to so order our lives that when it comes to our turn, you will receive us into your kingdom.”

300 passengers stranded in Abeokuta NO fewer than 300 Lagos-bound train passengers were stranded in Abeokuta on Thursday following an early morning down pour which washed away the rail track at Lafenwa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rain, which lasted several hours, wreaked havoc in several parts of the metropolis.

The 12-coach train in which the passengers were travelling from Ilorin in Kwara, could not proceed beyond the Lafenwa station in Abeokuta.

NAN further gathered that the flood swept away the underlay sand of the rail track around the area.

Eye witnesses told NAN that the train, which was painted in national colours, crushed a Nissan pick-up van at the railway crossing at Odo Eran a few metres from the station.

NAN gathered that the vehicle, which was being pushed, was abandoned on the rail track when the owner and others pushing it sighted the approaching train.

A NAN correspondent, who visited the station, reports that many of the passengers with heavy luggage and goods inside the train, were seen loitering around the premises.

Officers of the Ogun Police Command as well as other security agents in the state, were sighted ensuring security at the station.

Flood ravages Badagry communities RESIDENTS of some communities in Badagry have been sacked from their homes by flood.

The affected communities are the Ansar-ud-Deen – Itoga road, where residents could not get out or access their homes as the road was completely taken over by flood.

Also in Ilado, the access bridge linking the community with Ajido was destroyed by the flood, thereby making it impossible for residents to move in and out of the areas.

Other Badagry communities affected by the flood were Ajara, Mosafejo, Agankame, Ibereko, Topo, Aradagun, Ilogbo-Eremi, Oko-Afo, Morogbo, Muwo and Agemuwo.

NAN reports that while pupils of St. Thomas Primary School, Badagry were seen wading through the flood on Thursday, their counterparts at Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, could not because of the severity of the flood.

Speaking on the development, Mr Ajose Hunsu, an Itoga road resident, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the bad road and poor drainage system was unbearable for the people living in the area.

“It’s as if government has abandoned us here in Badagry, we must pull-off our shoes and roll up our trousers when leaving or returning home,” Hunsu said.

A resident of Ajido, where the only access bridge collapsed at Ilado , Mr Wale Sojinu, told NAN that the people of the area were now in serious dilemma.

He said: “How do we ensure the movement of goods and services in this area?

He called on the state government to come to their rescue by reconstructing the bridge.

A mat weaver at Iworo, Badagry, Mrs Patience Joseph, told NAN that the collapsed bridge would adversely affect local business in the area.

“I cannot transport my wares to the market, so how do I feed my family,” she said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

8

CITYBEATS

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

‘Maternal, child deaths preventable’ MATERNAL and infant mortalities as well as disabilities can be avoided, if adequate preventive measures are taken, Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has said.

Speaking at the grand finale of this year’s Maternal, New born and Child Health Week (MNCH) celebration, she said since the adoption of the Week in 2010, more women were now aware of their roles in reducing maternal and child morbidity.

Mrs Orelope-Adefulire, who expressed concern that women still die from child birth, said the health of mothers and under fiveyear children was one of the important issues that determines the wellbeing of a nation.

She said: “I fully lend my support to the new integrated maternal, new born and child health strategy already adopted in Nigeria to tackle head-on the reduction of maternal and child mortality.”

The home-grown maternal mortality reduction programme that will soon be launched by Governor Babatunde Fashola will improve on the maternal and child health indices, she said.

According to her, services offered during the MNCH week such as routine immunisation, Vitamin A supplementation, distribution of insecticide treated nets, antenatal drugs, de-worming of under five-year old children, birth registration, growth monitoring and promotion, malnutrition screening, tetanus toxoid vaccine for women of child bearing age, appropriate counselling and referral have helped to increase the demand for health services.

Ikeja NBA swears in exco

By Adebisi Onanuga

THE new executive of the Ikeja branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), was yesterday sworn-in by the immediate past chairman, Mr. Adebamigbe Omole.

The inauguration of the Onyekachi Ubani led executive was held at the Bar Centre, the old secretariat, GRA, Ikeja.

Reviewing events in the branch in the last 50 days, particularly the litigation and process leading to his election, Ubani declared: “There is no victor and no vanquished.”

Ubani led executive’s inauguration followed the peace meeting between him and the litigant, Mr. Yinka Farounbi the erstwhile ViceChairman who contested the result of the May 9, 2012 election in the court. The move was initiated by some elders of the bar.

Ubani extended hands of friendship to all members of the branch.

“We sincerely desire your unalloyed commitment, support and cooperation to succeed. If we succeed, the branch has succeeded.

If we fail, the branch has failed.

Enter the boat of life and let us navigate this great branch to safety and prosperity,” he pleaded.

The new chairman pledged the executive council’s commitment to the welfare of members of the branch.

Ubani expressed appreciation to the elders of the bar and others who made the reconciliation and the swearing-in ceremony that followed possible.

Other members of the new executive included the 1st Vicechairman, Adesina Ogunlana, 2nd Vice-chairman, Carolyn Ibeh, General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite, Treasurer, Silver NellyAjalaiye, Financial Secretary, Segun Fatoki, Publicity Secretary, Memuna Esegine, Social Secretary, Titi Osagie and Welfare Secretary, Samson Omodara.

Suspected wife killer’s trial adjourned till Sept 14

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LAGOS High Court yesterday adjourned the trial of Akolade Arowolo (31), who is accused of killing his banker-wife, Titilayo, last year.

Arowolo’s counsel, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, told Justice Lateefat Okunnu, that his client was ill.

Ajanaku said his client was not strong enough to stand trial and asked for an adjournment.

He said he had informed the prosecution of the state of Arowolo’s health.

“We humbly crave for an adjournment in the matter because the defendant is terribly ill and cannot stand the rigours of trial,” Ajanaku said.

The Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan, said she had been informed of the development and would not be opposing the application for adjournment.

Justice Okunnu adjourned the matter till September 14.

•The late Titilayo Arowolo with her husband, Akolade

By Adebisi Onanuga

Arowolo slumped in the dock last Tuesday during his trial, forcing Justice Okunnu to suspend the hearing.

Before the suspension, a prosecution witness, Inspector Benson Ajie, had told the court that a pathologist, Prof John Obafunwa, conducted a test on the sus-

pect to determine the nature of the wounds found on him when Titilayo was killed.

Ajie said Arowolo told him that he sustained the wounds during a struggle with his late wife over a knife.

Arowolo, he added, also told him that he jumped from the balcony of their home to the

PHOTO: FILE

ground floor that day.

The prosecutor said Arowolo claimed to have fractured his leg from the fall, resulting in his limping.

Arowolo, who is unemployed, is facing a one-count charge of stabbing Titilayo to death at their 8, Akindeinde Street, Isolo, Lagos residence.

Fashola seeks more partnership with China

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overnor Babatunde Fashola has called for increased partnership between Lagos State and China.

He is seeking greater partnership with China, in power, agriculture/agro-allied, transportation and housing.

He spoke at the Lagos House, Marina, while receiving Chinese Consul-General Mr. Liu Xianfa.

Fashola said his administration’s policy thrust is now on the four sectors.

He said although the Chinese corporations already has very impressive commercial and economic relationship with Lagos, attention on agriculture, power and housing, have opened new windows of

investment that requires greater partnership.

“Our economic policy thrust now focuses critically on four areas – power, agriculture/ agro-Allied, transportation and housing sectors. We have been very active in the Agriculture/Agro-Allied and the Housing sector, but we believe that there is a lot more that can be done if the partnership and the funding collaboration can be put together,” Fashola said.

He said the Chinese government is partnering Lagos in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, light rail project and lately the phase two of the Lagos– Badagry Expressway.

“These do not include the projects that have already been

successfully completed,” he said, adding: “We hope that as China expands the sphere of her economic influence, we will see more partnership and investments of Chinese corporations in Lagos State.”

Fashola said he looked forward to the state reaping more economic benefit from more roboust diplomatic relationship with China.

He said: “For me, diplomatic relations count for little if they do not create economic opportunities for the interest of those involved.”

Earlier, Xianfa said he came to officially present himself as the new helmsman in the Chinese Consulate in Lagos and to solicit for government’s co-

operation to achieve success.

He praised the governor for his love and care for the people, especially as demonstrated during the Dana Air accident, as well as the monumental achievements of his administration in the last five years.

In his entourage were his Deputy, Mr. Qui Jian and a Director in the Consulate, Mr. Xu Chumman. Those with Fashola were the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Taofiq Tijani, his Works and Infrastructure counterpart, Dr. Femi Hamzat, Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business Districts, Mrs. Aderinola Disu and the Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Relations, Ms Toyin Caxton- Martins.

Three tanker drivers arraigned for ‘stealing’ N4m fuel

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HREE men, Abdulsalami Tirimisiyu (42), Kodiri Muniru (27), and Kadiri Oladele (21), were yesterday arraigned at Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing 36, 000 litres of aviation fuel valued at N4, 000, 000, belonging to S-Kay Haulage and Transport Ser-

By Precious Welundu

vice Nigeria Limited.

Prosecuting Inspector E. Okon said the men who were all drivers working for the company, were supposed to take the fuel to Abuja.

Abdulsalami the head driver, was said to have loaded the

fuel in Apapa, stopped at Ibafo to buy diesel and at about 12 noon stopped again at Ibadan, Oyo State toll gate.

Abdulsalami also wrote in his statement that he parked at Adegbayi area, beside AgbalaItura Church and went to sleep in his house in Ibadan, leav-

Man in court for alleged illegal gun possession

A

35 year-old man, Akanbi Suleimon, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for alleged illegal possession of firearm.

Prosecuting Inspector Ekikere told Magistrate T. Akanni that the accused committed the offence on June 1 at about 5pm in Orile-Iganmu, Lagos.

Ekikere said the offence is punishable under Section 409 Law of Lagos State 2011.

He said the accused was caught with two unlicenced locally made guns and 16 cartridges.

The prosecutor said under

By Tumininu Owolabi

the law the guns were supposed to be licenced by the Inspector General of Police or any other appropriate authority.

He said the offence is punishable under Section 328 (d) Law of Lagos State 2011.

Suleimon pleaded not guilty and the magistrate granted him N200, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

The matter was adjourned to July 23.

Also, a 33 year-old woman Esther Bassey, has been arraigned before the same court

for alleged assault.

Bassey, who lives at No. 1, Fasada Street, Oregun, Ikeja, was alleged to have assaulted Mrs. Grace Onwudinjo of the same address.

Inspector Ekikere, said the accused committed the offence on June 10.

He said Bassey unlawfully assaulted Mrs. Onwundinjo and wounded her on the head.

The offence, he said, is punishable under Section 171 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.

Bassey pleaded not guilty and Magistrate Akanni adjourned the matter to July 23.

ing the other two drivers in the truck with the key.

Muniru and Oladele alleged that they were attacked by armed robbers at about 3:30 am.

They said the robbers demanded for cash and had gone away with the truck when they could not part with any money.

Abdulsalami said he got a call from the two drivers that they were robbed and asked him to come to the police station.

He said when he got to there, he was asked to write a statement and was later detained.

The police said an empty truck was recovered at Ila-Orangun in Osun State.

The accused were charged for conspiracy and stealing an offence that contravenes Sections 409 and 285 (5) (a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011. The accused pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Davies Abegunde granted the, N500,000 bail each with two sureties in the like sum.

The case was adjourned to July 17.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

9

NEWS THE BATTLE FOR EDO

Firm warns INEC against use of transparent ballot boxes

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HE Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has been warned against using transparent ballot boxes and electronic collapsible transparent ballot boxes for the July 14 governorship election and subsequent elections.

Jega must first obtain the consent of the sole owner of the products’ patent and design rights.

The warning is contained in a letter to the INEC Chairman by Bedding Holdings Limited, whose sole right to the products were affirmed in a June 5 judgment by Justice Adamu Bello.

By Eric Ikhilae

The court adjudged Bedding Holdings Limited as the bona fide and exclusive owner of the patents and designs rights in and over the transparent ballot boxes and electronic collapsible transparent ballot boxes.

In the June 19 letter, written by its lawyer, Karina Tunyan (SAN), Bedding Holdings warned that it would initiate contempt proceedings against Jega should he deploy the said ballot boxes in any election, award contract for the supply and procurement of the said boxes, without its consent.

The letter reads: “You are

enjoined not to use or continue to use, producing, supplying, acquiring, importing, procuring, buying, receiving, selling, leasing, alienating, applying or otherwise using the said transparent ballot boxes and or any obvious imitation/derivative of the said patented products for the conduct of any election.

“This includes but not limited to the forthcoming Edo State election or any other election whatsoever in Nigeria without first, seeking the prior consent and approval of our client.

“This is in utmost obedience to the rule of law and the judicial powers of the

court.”

The firm, which enjoined INEC to abide by the court’s decision, said it would commence contempt proceedings against the INEC chairman in the unlikely event that he does anything whatsoever relating to the supply, procurement, use and application of the said boxes.

It has also written to the Registrar of Patent, Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, notifying the occupier of the said judgment.

It also threatened committal proceedings against the Registrar of Patents should the judgment be ignored.

Bedding Holdings, in the letter, said by virtue of the

judgment and law, the Registrar of Patent is enjoined to withdraw and strike out or cancel the patents and designs rights it wrongly issued to Tambco United Nigeria Limited, Anowat Project and Resources Limited and Emchai Limited from its register of Patents and Industrial Designs Rights.

The firm contended that it was in the interest of justice for the said Registrar to abide by the judgment and strike out the said patents and designs erroneously issued.

It also sought to be notified about the eventual withdrawal or striking out of the

•Jega

voided patents and design rights within 24 hours of the receipt of the letter.

“Copies of both letters to the INEC Chair and Registrar of Patents were sent to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

10

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

NEWS THE BATTLE FOR EDO

INEC trains Presiding Officers From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun a two-day training for Supervisory Presiding Officers.

The officers include public servants in federal establishments and federal tertiary institutions from grade level 12, including workers of the commission.

A statement by INEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Imoudu Sule, said thepurpose was to train supervisors, who will be in charge of the 192 wards, to carry out electoral duties in line with the provision of the manual for Poll Officials and the Electoral Act 2010.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Kassim Gaidam, urged the participants to master the various Forms EC 8 series. He said the final selection would based on merit in line with criteria approved by the commission.

DIG visits flashpoints

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EPUTY InspectorGeneral of Police (DIG Training) Marvel Akpoyibo yesterday visited flashpoints in Edo State in preparation of the July 14 governorship election.

Akpoyibo is in the state for a three-day official visit.

The DIG hailed the preparations made by the State Police Command.

Akpoyibi, who warned against political thuggery and

hooliganisun during and after the election, assured that strategies have been adopted to curtail any unpleasant situation that may arise.

His words: “I am in Edo to assess generally the level of preparedness in terms of security for the election.

“Only foolish parents will allow their wards or children to be trained for hooliganism.”

Group flays PDP candidate

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

GROUP, the Coalition Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa, yesterday berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Charles Airhiavbere for denying the remarks he made on President Goodluck Jonathan’s foreign trip to Brazil and military rule in Nigeria.

The group’s Director of Media and Strategy, Dada Akpeji, said in a statement that the PDP chieftain as an ex-soldier must stand by his words.

He recalled that Airhiavbere criticised Jonathan for leaving the country at a time the country was on fire.

Akpeji also said in the course of the interview on the African Independent Television (AIT) last week, the retired soldier blamed civilians for the failure of military administration.

“Why the sudden denial of statements he made? We have records of that interview, he cannot deny it. I challenge him to air the interview again to Nigerians.”

A

•Governorship candidates at the debate organised by the Nigeria Elections Debate Group....on Wednesday

Oshiomhole, Airhiavbere in battle of innuendoes L

EADING candidates in the July 14 governorship election in Edo State, Charles Airhiavbere of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday engaged in war of innuendoes at the debate organised by the Nigeria Elections Debate Group.

It was explained to candidates at the debate not to cast apersions on their opponents but Oshiomhole and Airhiavbere threw verbal missles at each other in the course of the debate.

The debate was the first opportunity Oshiomhole and Airhiavbere had to acknowledge each other in

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

public.

At the Benin Airport where PDP leaders gathered to welcome Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the PDP candidate avoided the governor even when other PDP leaders, including Chief Tony Anenih, greeted him.

Also at a sensitisation workshop, Airhiavbere also left apparently to avoid meeting Oshiomhole.

At the debate on Wednesday, Airhiavbere, in response to a question, said: “Those who were in PDP in 2008 are those currently in ACN. “If they were corrupt then, what stops them from being

corrupt now?”

He also criticised the health policy of the Oshiomhole-led administration.

“Expectant mothers now give birth to their babies in neighbouring states.”

The PDP candidate said Edo is the seventh richest state in the country and has no relationship with poverty.

“We have no reason to be poor. Poverty shouldn’t be linked with this state but here we are at this stage in our history.”

He said free health care was provided because of the election and that contracts were awarded without due process.

But Oshiomhole, in a statement, urged the people to analyse those seeking political office and look at their pedigrees.

He said: “Beyond rhetorics, even an armed robber can preach morality.

“If the same people who were in other parties are now in the ACN and we are building roads, schools, then it is because of responsible leadership at the top.”

Oshiomhole said moribound companies in the state were grounded by the PDP-led government.

He noted that it took guts to fire a corrupt commissioner a few weeks to the election because he wanted to demonstrate that his administration believed in equality before the law.

Oshiomhole’s convoy attacked again

A

T

WO months after he narrowly escaped death following an attack on his convoy at Auchi, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole again came under gun attack by thugs allegedly hired by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) when his campaign train stopped at Usen town, Ovia South West Local Government Area.

Governor Oshiomhole visited the Onogie of Usen, Oluogbe II, at his palace where he received a rousing welcome.

At about 6pm , as the governor’s convoy left the palace it ran into a barricade. As security detail attached to the governor were trying to clear the road, heavily armed thugs emerged and opened fire on the convoy.

The security detail, supported by an additional contingent of policemen deployed to maintain law and order, rose to the occasion.

They shielded the governor and the others in the travelling party, including leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

But many of the official vehicles, including Toyota Landcruisers, a Hilux pick-up van and a Toyota Corolla car, were either damaged or riddled with bullets.

Annoyed that they missed their target, the thugs later descended on a near-by police post and vandalised it.

The Edo State Government condemned what it termed “this latest assault on the governor in strongest terms and urge the national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to call its members in Edo State to order.”

The government enjoined the people to remain calm and law-abiding so as not to play into the hands of those bent on plunging the state into anarchy.

Leadership crisis hits Edo NCP

A

LEADERSHIP crisis is rocking the National Conscience Party (NCP) in Edo State as some executive members have disowned Victor Ogba as the party chairman.

A statement signed by the Secretary, Maxwell Iyamu, Assistant Secretary, Oronsanye Abdul-Karim and

Luckison Obasuyi urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise Ogba’s leadership.

“NCP is using this medium to notify INEC that those being paraded as the state executives are not the real elected executive members of Edo NCP.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

The revitalisation of the Africa-South American Cooperation Forum would serve as a platform for the promotion of economic and political cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil.

- Dr Goodluck Jonathan

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Fed Govt to spend N4.1t on health

Yields hit record high

N

IGERIA’s five-year borrowing costs hit a record high at a debt auction yesterday on concern inflation is reaching the fastest in more than two years and as oil, the country’s key export, slumped.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) sold N84 billion ($516 million) of bonds, including N30 billion of debt due 2017 at a yield of 15.859 per cent, 61 basis points higher than the previous sale on May 16. Bids declined 13 per cent to N55.84 billion, the debt office said in a statement on its website yesterday. The Federal Government also sold N23.9 billion of notes due 2022, with yields 76 basis points higher at 16.21 per cent and bids down by about a half to N33.68 billion.

While inflation slowed to 12.7 per cent in May from 12.9 per cent in April, the rate is set to peak at 14.5 per cent in the third quarter, the highest since April 2010, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The apex bank has held the benchmark interest rate at 12 per cent this year to curb the naira’s decline and combat inflation, after raising it by 5.75 percentage points in 2011. The nation’s bonny light crude fell to $93.69 a barrel today from $128.47 a barrel on March 13.

“The anticipated outlook that inflation would rise have made investors soft pedal on their investment decisions on bonds,” Sewa Wusu, an analyst at Lagosbased Sterling Capital Ltd., said by phone yesterday.

The Federal Government also sold N30 billion of new debt due 2019 at a yield of 16 per cent. Another N20 billion of debt due in 2019 and N28.7 billion of notes due in 2022 were allotted on a non-competitive basis, the debt management agency said.

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

By Akinola Ajibade

T

• From left: Minister of State for Finance, Alhaji Yerima Ngama; former Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mrs Ifueko Okauru; her husband, Dr Ashishana and the Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mashi, at the send off dinner in honour of Mrs Okauru in Abuja ... yesterday.

Fed Govt earned N899b in April, says CBN T HE Federal Govern ment earned N899 bil lion in April, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) monthly Economic Report has shown.

The report, released yesterday, however, represents a decline of 11.2 per cent from receipts in the preceding month, but exceeded the provisional monthly budget estimate of N807.71 billion.

At N730.91 billion, gross oil receipts fell below the level in the preceding month due to decline in receipts from oil/gas and non-oil exports. The report showed that non-oil receipts stood at N169.03 billion, about 18.8 per cent of the gross federally collected revenue, but was 25.6 and 33.6 per cent lower than the receipts in March.

However, the fiscal operations of the Federal Government resulted in an estimated surplus of N33.49 billion, compared with the estimated monthly budget deficit of N109.68 billion.

Foreign exchange inflow

• Banks’ credit drops to N13tr

By Collins Nweze

and outflow through the CBN were $3.24 billion and $1.75 billion, respectively, and resulted in a net inflow of $1.49 billion.

Foreign exchange sales by the apex bank to the authorised dealers amounted to $1.45 billion, showing a decline of 39.2 per cent below the level in the preceding month. But non-oil export receipts increased significantly by 204.8 per cent, due largely to the increase in export earnings from the agricultural products and minerals sub-sectors.

According to the data, aggregate banking system credit to the domestic economy fell by 2.0 per cent, on month-on-month basis, to N13.4 trillion, in contrast to the increase of 1.6 per cent at the end of the preceding month. The development re-

flected, largely, the 78.1 per cent decline in claims on the Federal Government.

Aggregate banking system credit to the domestic economy equally fell by 2.0 per cent, reflecting largely the 58.0 per cent fall in claims on government. Banking system’s credit to the Federal Government, on month-onmonth basis, fell by 78.1 per cent to negative N785.2 billion, in contrast to the growth of 18.6 per cent at the end of the preceding month.

The development was attributed, largely, to the 1.8 and 8.1 per cent decline in the holdings of Federal Government Bonds and Nigerian Treasury Bills, respectively.

The value of money market assets outstanding was N5.5 trillion, indicating an increase of 0.4 per cent, over the level at end of March.

The development was at-

tributed to the increase of 1.2 per cent in the value of Federal Government Bonds outstanding.

Banks’ foreign assets rose by 5.3 per cent to N7.6 billion, compared with the increase of 1.0 per cent at the end of the preceding month. The development was attributed to the six and 2.5 per cent increase in the CBN and commercial banks’ holdings, respectively.

Also, quasi-money fell by 1.7 per cent, to N6.6 trillion, as against the growth of 0.2 and 0.9 per cent in the preceding month and the corresponding period of 2011, respectively. The development was attributed to the increase in its savings and time deposit component.

Other assets of the banking system, on a month-onmonth basis, fell by 1.0 per cent to negative N7.7 trillion, compared with 2.2 per cent decline at the end of the preceding month. The decline reflected, largely, the fall in unclassified assets of both the CBN and commercial banks.

Committee: Capital market probe report ready next week C

HAIRMAN, House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on the Probe of the Capital Market, Ibrahim El-Sudi, said yesterday in Abuja that the report would be presented to the House next week.

El-Sudi (PDP-Taraba), who did not give a specific day for the presentation, told newsmen that the committee requested for some vital documents from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), but was unable to get them.

He said the committee would go ahead to present the report to the House whether or not the agencies forwarded the documents to

it before the 24 hours given to them expires today.

The CBN Director of Legal Services, Mr. S. Onekutu, had said in a letter to the committee that the CBN governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi would respond to the committee’s request when he returns from South Africa.

“I am constrained to inform the Honourable Chairman of the Ad hoc committee that the governor and other members of the board of the bank are currently attending a retreat in South Africa, and would not be back in office until next week.

“In the circumstances, we urge the committee to per-

mit the governor to respond to the committee’s request as soon as he is back from his official trip outside the country.’’

Meanwhile, senator Farouk Lawan (PDP-Kano), appeared behind closed-door before the House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges over the $620,000 dollars bribery allegation leveled against him.

Mr. Femi Otedola, the Chairman of Zenon Oil and Gas Ltd., had alleged that Lawal and Mr Boniface Emenalo, the Clerk of the committee, collected $600,000 and $120,000 dollars respectively, as bribe.

The House at an emergency session on June 15,

2012 mandated its ethics committee to investigate the allegation and report back to the House within two weeks.

It would be recalled that Lawan was removed from the chairmanship of the committee on fuel subsidy probe, and also suspended as chairman of the education committee pending the outcome of the investigation.

Senator Zakari Mohammed (PDP-Kwara), the Chairman of House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said that the meeting between Lawan and the committee was held behind closed-door in order not to jeopardise the investigation.

Mohammed, who said this at a news briefing, said it was not meant to hide any facts from the public.

HE Federal Government is investing N4.1 trillion ($26.6billion) on health development programmes between 2010 and 2015, the Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, has said.

The fund will be used to finance the National Strategic Health Development Plan, initiated by the government to improve health delivery services nationwide.

Chukwu disclosed this yesterday in Lagos during a breakfast seminar/annual general meeting of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IoD). Chukwu in his paper titled: “Investment Opportunities in the Nigerian Health Sector,” said the burden of the investment would be borne by the government, private sector, development partners and individual citizens.

He said about 70 per cent of the money spent in accessing health services comes from individuals, adding that there is the need to compliment these efforts.

He said that out of the total money spent in accessing health care between 2003- 2005, households spent 69 per cent, Federal Government (12 per cent), States (eight per cent), firms (three per cent), partners (four per cent), and local governments (four per cent).

He said factors such as high cost of borrowing funds, current security challenges, poor infrastructure, and absence of reliable health financing mechanism for more than 96 per cent of the populace discourage private sector from investing in the health sector in the country.

The President of IoD, Arch.

Thomas Awagu, said the health sector would improve when there is a right investment drive in Nigeria. He called on the private and public sector operators to give investment in health industry a priority, stressing that such initiative would help the country.

UN envoy, Aganga, Imoke for CSR summit

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HE United Nations Special Envoy on Cli mate Change; Dr. Gro Brundtland, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga and Cross River’s State Governor, Liyel Imoke, are among other personalities expected at the 2012 Africa CEO Round-table & Conference on Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility that opened in Calabar yesterday.

The facilitators of the summit, ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited, said in a statement that the President, Africa Sustainable Investment Forum and Principal, SinCo, Graham Sinclair, is among the first female Prime Minister of Norway and Former Director General, World Health Organisation, that would deliver keynote addresses.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

12

BUSINESS NEWS

Court rules in favour of cash-less policy

A

N Abuja Federal High Court has ruled in favour of the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Honourable Justice Balkisu Bello Aliyu dismissed a suit instituted against the cash-less policy of the apex bank instituted on behalf of 11 Riverine Communities in Delta state.

The Justice held that the policy directive issued by the respondents, the CBN and its Governor does not contravene the fundamental right of the applicant under section 44(1) of the Constitution of Nigeria as amended or under any section in chapter IV of the

From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

said constitution.”

Besides, she ruled that “the applicant (the 11 riverine communities) are “not obliged to transact banking business with any bank at all. But where he decides to do so, he must comply with any regulations the respondents issued for the regulation of that sector.” She declared that she found no merit on the suit and dismissed the case accordingly.

Justice Aliyu in her ruling stated: “That in as much as the Government will grant licences for the

establishment of banks and other financial institutions for the benefit of its people, the choice of whether or not to make use of such institutions is entirely the discretion of the people in other words, it is up to any person (corporate or individual) citizen or not living in Nigeria to decide to lodge his money in any bank or financial institutions. The individual or corporate transaction with their banks is a civil contract or agreement between the customers and their banks or financial institution. Right to banking or right to transact banking business is not one of

the fundamental rights protected by chapter IV of the Nigeria’s constitution of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.”

The 11 riverine communities of Delta state that took the CBN to court over the cash-less policy are, Akpakpa, Ogidigben, Madagho, Ijalla, Kantu, Omadino, Ogheye, Dhege, Ajudaibo, Obaghoro and Ikoghoro.

Their lawyer, Barrister Ayiri Emami, had approached the court to challenge the policy on the grounds that: the limit im-

posed by the CBN was an infringement of their fundamental human rights; the policy directive issued by the CBN and its Governor to all financial institutions in Nigeria to charge N100.00 for every N1000.00 withdrawn was excessive, punitive, and a breach of the fundamental rights of the applicants guaranteed under the constitution and; demanded for a perpetual injunction restraining the CBN from implementing the policy.

The CBN in its defence was said to have argued: “The policy is aimed at re-

ducing high use of cash, moderate the cost of cash management and encourage the use of electronic payment channels and that banks and other financial institutions were also directed to advise their customer to use alternative payments channels available to them, such as the Automated Teller Machines (ATMS), cheques clearance and cards, among others. And that no one was expressively or impliedly deprived of the right to own or use money deposited in any bank or financial institution.”

NEXIM signs pact with institute

P

RODUCTION of Niprisan, a sickle cell anaemia drug got a boost yesterday as the Nigerian Export-Import Bank signed a financing pact with the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development.

The pact, which was signed in Abuja, is to enable NEXIM Bank release funds for the commercial production of the sickle cell drugs.

The drug is to be made from four botanical species indigenous to Nigeria.

NEXIM Bank Managing Director, Mr Robert Orya signed on behalf of the bank, while the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammad Pate and Director General of NIPRD Prof

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Karniyus Gamaniel signed on behalf of the ministry and the institute.

Orya however, noted that at the pact was strategic because it will pave the way for the production of the medicine.

He said the partnership will help to ensure that the drug is not only consumed locally, but exported to other countries.

According to him, NEXIM was committed to the production of the drug to address the plight of those who suffered from sickle cell anemia in the country and in other parts of the world.

He said: “This is a project

that we are excited about because we have been committed to the resuscitation of this project and to us as an EXIM bank, we don’t have purely indigenous product to export, so this product is one of the purely indigenous product that we can export.

“Aside from that, NEXIM has been at the forefront for restarting the production of this product for so many reasons and we are not just looking at the monetary gains but from the perspective of the social gains for the country.

Also speaking at the event, Pate said that an inter-minisiterial committee will be set up next week to supervise the production of the drugs.

• From left: Media and Public Affairs Manager, Vindah Edem, Senior Brand Manager, Maltina, Ngozi Nkwoji and the dance Director, Maltina Dance All, Bimbo Obafunwa at a press briefing in Lagos on the Maltina Dance All Season Six ... yesterday.

PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

Obasanjo questions Nigeria’s economic He said: “On the part of ORMER President growth government, we are workOlusegun Obasanjo

F

yesterday questioned the growth of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), saying it is not realistic, given the level of poverty in the country.

Speaking at the 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Obasanjo also described Nigeria as a toddler in industrialisation.

“If in 2004, percentage of poor people in Nigeria was 54 per cent, in 2011 it was 38 per cent, now it is 69 per cent and yet we say the GDP growth is increasing. It means something is very wrong.

“There is no doubt that poverty is still on the increase. Vision 2020 will be a hopeless issue with the rate of poverty in the land. GDP growth is important but not enough “We are not yet there and

By Toba Agboola

in fact, we are far from getting there. We are still an infant and an infant must be taken care of, pampered and nurtured before he can stand,” he said.

Obasanjo urged the government to continue to support backward integration, adding that what happened in the cement sector can be achieved in other sectors of the economy.

He stressed the need for manufacturers to continue to support the Federal Government.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by the Hon Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr Samuel Ortom , charged the manufacturers to be committed to the growth and development of the economy.

ing towards an actionable industrial policy and a robust industrial revolution action plan, tailored along sector specific lines, in order to provide special incentives to each subgroup in the manufacturing sector, with special emphasis in areas where we possess comparative and competitive advantage.

“As soon as the policy is in place you will see the industrial revolution, which you desire and I want to assure you that government will continue to support the manufacturing sector.

MAN President, Mr Kola Jamodu, said the association will partner with the government to accelerate and fast-track backward integration especially in those areas where Nigeria has a comparative competitive advantage.

Agric tourism, drive Cross River’s economy, ROSS Rivers state’s of esteemed particisays Imoke rum economy is woven pants such as the AR-CSR,

C

around agriculture and tourism, its Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, said yesterday.

Imoke disclosed this yesterday in Calabar at the opening of the Africa Roundtable Conference on Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (AR-CSR). He said the decision to focus on these two sectors was anchored on the state’s landscape and comparative advantages.

“Given our economic landscape, commercial opportunities and comparative advantages, we identified tourism and agriculture as the key sectors in determining the state’s economic profile,” he stated.

He added: “ These two

From Simeon Ebulu, Calabar

sectors have continued to prove fertile ground for our economic development and investment activity.”

The Governor said the conference has provided a forum for peer-to-peer policy dialogue for business leaders to learn and share experiences in best practices on emerging issues in Africa, while at the same time, helping to develop business relationships.

“As a state seeking to be the leading service-driven economy in Nigeria, we are keen to provide the most enabling business and recreational environment for investors and visitors alike,” he said. The governor noted that hosting a fo-

is beneficial to the state, as it offers an opportunity to draw attention to the economic potentials that exist, as well as appropriate the experiences of the participating chief executives in dealing with business and operational issues and opportunities relating to corporate social responsibility, sustainability, business ethics and corporate governance.

The Chief executive of ThistlePraxis Consulting, organisers of the conference, Ms Ini Onuk, said the event has provided an opportunity and platform to create a new roadmap for society to advance, as well as remind the private sector that the era of focussing only on profit was gone.

HEALTH

EMPOWERMENT

BALLOT

Mrs Elechi treats 79 women with uterine prolapse

NGO lifts youths

Pupils lead the way in fair polls

Ebonyi

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FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Lagos

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

‘I’ve forgiven my father’s killers’

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•Ajaero

25-YEAR-OLD man, Chidi Ajaero whose father was abducted and later found dead, has forgiven the killers, he told Newsextra.

His father, Edwin Ajaero, founder of a transport firm God is Good Motors, was found dead after his abduction in 2009, but his eldest son, Chidi who was 19 at the time, said he has forgiven the kidnappers, choosing to forge ahead with life.

The late senior Ajaero was 45 and the breadwinner of his family when he was killed, triggering fears that his business empire

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

would collapse because his children were too young to run it.

The fears turned to cynicism when Chidi soon took over the management of the family business. Today, the company is a success story.

Chidi said he does not like discussing the incident or how the family felt about the loss of ‘our mentor’ but quickly added that taking over management of the company at 19 was not difficult

because his late father taught him the ropes.

He said his late father taught him to be humble and agaodfearing.

“When I preside over meetings, I try to appreciate God that someone like my father has given me the opportunity to manage people and add value to the society.”

Chidi who studied Computer Sciences and International Business Administration at Griffith University in Australia and Niagara College in Canada, said his late father started sending him to transport seminars when he

was 15 and that most discussions he had with his father were about the vision of the company.

His words: “I started managing the business when I was 19. It was easy to blend in when I took over because I had already learnt the ropes.

“People always say how our customer services are first-class, how our transport terminals and buildings are world-class. It gives me a lot of joy seeing other transporters doing the same thing. I love competition.“ Chidi was moved to tears when asked what he would do to his father’s killers if he met them.

“I have forgiven you,” he said.

Lifeline for the weak in Anambra

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HE cloud of despair has lifted for over 100 widows and other less privileged residents of Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. The lawmaker representing the area at the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene has set up a jobs scheme, which took off with various sums of money handed out to the women as well as people living with disability, and other less privileged persons in rural areas. Twenty youths with disability also received help.

Some of the beneficiaries got N20,000 cash each, some N10,000, but they were asked to initiate small-scale business proposals which would be verified by the scheme operators and sponsored if approved. Ogene said he came up with the scheme to help the weak segments of the society to lead productive lives. He hopes to provide jobs for widows who usually struggle to fend for themselves and their children after the demise of their husbands. As for those living with disability, Ogene wants them to believe in themselves, proving that physical disability should not necessarily hinder anyone.

Recipients and other indigenous people of Ogbaru hailed the scheme, describing it as a lifeline.

The scheme was unveiled at a grand reception in Ogene’s honour.

The event attracted several dignitaries including the state governor Peter Obi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu

•Speaker Tambuwal presents a gift to a widow on behalf of Ogene. Governor Peter Obi (in black) gives a hand

Lawmaker helps widows, less-privileged Obi, Tambuwal hail effort in the society, noting that with a little assistance, one will be helping in From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha Tambuwal, among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tambuwal described Ogene, who is also the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Publicity, as a worthy representative continuously agitating for the development of his constituency.

Tambuwal noted that with the right leaders Nigeria can emerge as one of the greatest countries in the world,

even as he challenged the people to pray for the leaders to do the right thing.

He said: “Anambra members in the House are working well with us; we can vouch for Ogene. I will not hesitate to support him for a second term so that he can correct the infrastructural deficiencies in his constituency. The House of Representatives will support Ogbaru for democracy dividends.”

The Speaker urged wealthy Nigerians to assist less privileged people

building a safer and happier nation.

“God gave us wealth so that we can assist our fellow humans not to flaunt it in a way that suggests arrogance and treat others as if they are less humans; we should learn to be our brothers’ keeper by lending a hand of fellowship like what we are witnessing today.”

In his speech, Governor Obi commended the lawmaker for the initiative and his numerous achievements, while calling on other National Assembly members from

the state to attract visible development to the state.

Obi further enjoined the lawmakers to always remember their constituents and resist the temptation of becoming “Abuja politicians”, by ensuring that they are empowered to become independent and better citizens.

“Today,” said the governor, “a grand reception is held in honour of Hon. Victor Ogene; this is a testimony of hard work and commitment to his electoral promises to the people and I encourage him to sustain the tempo and never abandon the people no matter the pressure. I •Continued on Page 52

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

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Ebonyi treats 79 women with uterine prolapse

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•Mrs Elechi

EVENTY nine women drawn across the federation and the three geo-political zones of Ebonyi State with uterine prolapse were discharged from the National Fistula Centre Abakaliki having been treated free.

Two more medical doctors were engaged by the centre to assist in the repair of the women.

Uterine prolapse is a condition in which a woman’s uterus (womb) sags or slips out of its normal position. The uterus may slip enough that it drops partway into the vagina (birth canal), creating a lump or bulge.

The occasion witnessed series of testimonies from the joyful women some of whom

Chime decries decline in school sports

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NUGU State governor Sullivan Chime has identified neglect of schools sports in Nigeria as the cause of the country’s dwindling fortunes in international sports competition.

Governor Chime spoke during the flag-off of the 2012 school sports festival at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu.

He noted that it was worrisome that even when reputed as being one of the biggest havens of sporting talents in the world, Nigeria has not been able to exploit these potentials to put her in the upper echelon of top sporting countries of the world.

Chime, who was represented by his deputy, Sunday Onyebuchi, said that State government, after having reviewed the dismal state of affairs in the sports sector and the need for the state to re-assert itself in the world of sports, decided to revive the school sports system, adding that the result was the kick-off of the state sports festival.

He said: “It is our expectation that the talents that would be discovered through the festival would become the leading lights of the country.”

The governor thanked the organisers of the festival, especially the Ministry of Youths and Sports for having successfully taken up the challenge of turning the aspirations of government in the sports sector into reality.

Governor Chime pledged his administration’s readiness to ensure that the festival would not only be sustained but would also continue to be improved upon until the state achieves the status of a model as far as sports development is concerned.

Enugu From Chris Oji, Enugu

The state Commissioner for Youths and Sports Hon. Chijioke Agu described sports as veritable tool for social development, youth empowerment and job creation. He commended Governor Chime for reviving school sports after 20 years of oblivion.

According to him, all secondary schools in the state have been mandated by the state government to commence schools sports competition at the zonal levels, adding that the 856 athletes selected from the zones had come to compete at the state level.

He noted that the competition would lead to the discovery of talents to represent the state at future national and international competitions.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Education, Dr. Simon Otuanya noted that quality education has fully been restored in the state as evidenced in the provision of teaching materials including vehicles to facilitate teaching and learning.

He observed that sports collapsed in the country when there was less attention on schools sports, adding that Enugu State would soon take its place in sporting activities in the country with the full revival of schools sports competition.

Highlight of the event was the lighting of the sports festival touch by Atama Justus who handed same to Oha Linda after which the governor, who was represented by his deputy, lighted the touch to be hoisted for the three days of the competition.

Ebonyi From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

told our reporter that they were divorced by their husbands when they noticed the awful mass that grew out of their private organ.

The women, who narrated how they were treated at no cost, fed and clothed by the centre, turned into a choir group, thanking God and praying for blessings on the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Josephine Elechi founder of the National Fistula Centre, recently taken over by the Federal Government.

In her response, Mrs. Elechi explained that in 2008 when she was going round communities in the state to see women suffering from Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF), it was discovered that many of those who turned out had the uterine prostrate.

She further explained that the centre had, before then, concluded arrangements to treat those with the VVF. “That is what we have done and to God we give the glory.”

Mrs. Elechi, the chairman Governing Board of the Centre advised the women to strictly adhere to the instructions of the doctors, which include not having sex for the next six months. They should also access medical services in genuine hospitals for child delivery.

She further advised them to report to the wives of their local government chairmen or coordinators of development centres concerning their situation instead of seeking the services of local birth attendants.

“If you can’t get to them, come to me but we should not abuse any of these opportunities,” she said.

•Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (left) and National President of NUPENG, Comrade Igwe Achese when the national president of NUPENG visited the governor in Asaba

Shell plans $3.5b gas plant in Imo

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HE Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has concluded plans to build a $3.5b gas plant in Imo State.

Disclosing this to Governor Okorocha at Government House in Owerri recently, the management of SPDC led by the Managing Director, Mr Mutiu Summonu, said the Assa-North, OhajiSouth gas supply project is in line with the local gas content policy of the Federal Government to boost power generation in the country.

He said the gas plant, on completion, would supply domestic gas to energy plants across the country as well as generates massive job opportunities for Nigerians.

The Shell boss further disclosed that the project

‘Why FADAMA was successful in Edo’ S TATE Coordinator of FADAMA III project, Miss Judith Momodu has attributed the success of the project in Edo State to favourable political will, good climate and vegetation.

Momodu said the sum of N154.9m has been disbursed to FADAMA community associations and user groups since September 2011.

She listed the 467 FADAMA sub-projects implemented in the state to include 294 crop projects, 38 livestock, 40 fisheries, 37 processing and 15 agro-forestry groups, among others.

Momodu stated that Edo was the first in the

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Edo

Imo From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

would be executed in two phases and would be completed in 2018.

While soliciting the state government’s collaboration in the handling of the project, Mr Summonu also urged the government to play its part by providing 200 hectares of land for the project, enabling a secured environment for the expatriates and workers and to ensure a healthy collaboration between SPDC and the host communities. He promised that his company would always live up to expectation in the area of its corporate social responsibility in the course of executing the project.

Responding, Governor Okorocha who expressed excitement on the development assured the SPDC team that the state government would play its part to ensure immediate commencement of the project.

He enumerated how SPDC began its operations in Nigeria when gas was first discovered at Iho, Ikeduru Local Government Area in Imo State, even as he urged the company to show enough presence by building a befitting corporate office in the state.

Okorocha assured of adequate security, good working relationship with host communities as well as general hospitality to SPDC. He urged the company to improve on its corporate social responsibility by embarking on meaningful projects especially in the power sector to ensure appreciable improvement on power generation and distribution in the state.

HE patron of Ochendo Youth Organisation, a youth empowerment outfit under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Mr. Chinedu Orji, an engineer, has advised youths in Abia to evolve ways of being self reliant as days of depending on government for white collar jobs are over.

Speaking at the headquarters of Ohafia Local Government Area during an empowerment programme for youths in the area by the Ochendo Youth Foundation during which three mini-buses,26 tricycles, 16 generating sets,17 fridges, 30 sewing machines and five hairdressing machines were distributed to some jobless youths, Mr. Orji said youths should wake up to the reality that time for depending on government for jobs are over and pledged the foundation’s assistance to jobless youths in the state to make them useful citizens.

He charged them to make judicious use of the equipment given to them, stressing that it is expected that their families, friends and others close to them will benefit from them.

He added that people in their areas will now look up to them for help.

The Abia State governor’s son said that the youth empowerment programme is not sponsored with government funds but a partnership between the foundation, stakeholders and political appointees within and outside the state.

Mr. Orji further said that other youth empowerment programmes which his father is carrying out are outside what the Ochendo

Briefly

Youths advised on unity THE Executive Secretary of Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Lanre Balogun has called on all the 30 local governments in the state and sportslovers to embrace sports as a way of establishing enduring harmony among the citizens.

Lanre Balogun made this call at Ilesa during the end-of-the –year football competition between the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) officials of the Ilesa East and Ilesa West local governments respectively.

The competition, which ended 2-1 in favour of Ilesa East Local Government, took place at the football ground of Ilesa Grammar School.

The football competition was sponsored

by Hon. Lanre Balogun.

In his comment, Hon. Lanre observed that if the youth of the state could unite, poverty will be a thing of the past.

He said: “Osun State is fast becoming an evolving egalitarian society. Therefore, it behoves on all the youth to see themselves as one in making life more meaningful to all and sundry.”

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

country to host two supervisory missions, adding that agriculture still dominated economic activities in the state.

She said government has embarked on measures to raise the level of agriculture production in the state.

•From left: Minister of Environment, Mrs Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and Mrs Kitan Ogungbuyi (Project Consultant) explaining the operations of the Ilokun Ado-Ekiti Compost Plant and the recent inauguration of the NESREA Demonstration Waste Control Project in Ado-Ekiti

Monarch seeks return of subjects’ property

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•The Vice-Chairman, Apapa Local Government, Mrs Bolaji Dada presenting free G.C.E form to one of the beneficiaries of the council’s free GCE forms, Master Akeem Lasisi With them is the Supervisor for Education, Hon Kamaldeen Olasode

BA Abdulfatai Aromire Ojora of Lagos has appealed to the Federal Government to return his people’s land which it took from them years back for infrastructural development.

Making the appeal in a chat with journalists in Lagos recently, the monarch decried the worsening plight of his subjects who were recently displaced from the land by the Lagos State government when it was rehabilitating part of the property.

“The Federal Government took the popular Ijora Causeway and its environs from my people some years ago when it wanted to construct the overhead bridge alongside some roads in the area. Now that the federal capital has been moved to Abuja, it is proper to return the portion to us so that we can use it for the development of our people,” he said.

Oba Aromire praised the ongoing efforts of the state government to restore sanity in the place, even as he conceded that besides being a commercial centre, the place was fast turning into a notorious

By Dada Aladelokun

haven for criminal activities.

“It is gratifying to note that the state government is making spirited efforts to ensure that sanity is restored to the place. In as much as the state is working towards my people’s interest, I would only appeal to government to help resettle the people to where they can continue with their legitimate daily activities,” the monarch further pleaded.

He, however, urged his people to cooperate with the state government in its genuine efforts to give the place and the entire state a new •Oba Aromire look.

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Council sensitises residents on security

MINDFUL of the serious insecurity situation in the country, the chairman, Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Hon.Olumuyiwa Oloro has organised security meeting with stakeholders at the council secretariat. The meeting, which held on Monday, June 25, 2012, was an interactive session during issues concerning security, especially as it concerned the Boko Haram terrorist attacks were discussed.

The council chief disclosed that the meeting was held with a view to protecting people of the area from possible attack by Boko Haram.

Community leaders, community development association (CDA) and community development committees (CDC), expressed their views on how to protect themselves from any sudden attack.

Chief Imam, Oke-Ira Mosque, Alhaji Yusuf Folorunso called on Muslims and Christians to pray fervently for the country, even as he said “this is what is needed for the country now.”

Chief L. Akinsami said members of the Boko Haram sect are not spirits but people living within the communities . Most youths are jobless and this has resulted in their engaging in unwholesome activities. He opined that anyone of them found misbehaving should be reported to the right source.

Senior Apostle Aro said: “An idle hand is a devil’s workshop.” He called on the council chief to empower cart pushers, shoe-maker, street urchins who are yet to be educated.

A personnel of the State Security Service (SSS)

NGO empowers Abia youths Abia

By Emmanuel Oladesu

Youth Foundation is doing.

“But all are designed to assist the state government to give Abia youths a sense of belonging and make them self reliant at the long run,” he said.

He also announced that the foundation would pay the West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees of 150 bright but indigent students selected from various schools in Ohafia Local Government Area comprising 75 males and females each. “All we intend to do is to ensure that the youth who are leaders of tomorrow are well prepared for the future.”

Earlier in his speech, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly Hon. Ude Oko-chukwu thanked Mr. Orji for the gesture, noting that youths in the state have never had it so good in the past.

Oko-chukwu assured the patron of Ochendo

• Governor Orji Youth Foundation that the people of Ohafia will ever remain grateful to him for his good gesture to them, even as he advised the beneficiaries not to toy with the things they have been given, as it is a stepping stone for their future.

Minister stresses importance of tourism T HE tourism sector contributed 2.9 per cent of total employment in Nigeria last year.

It also added 3.3 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

Minister for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke made this known during the opening of the 53rd meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation: Commission for Africa (UNTWO/CAF) with the theme, “Responsible Tourism: Opportunities for Women and Youths” in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Edem, who hoped to double these in 2012, said in order to achieve this and maximise the benefit that could accrue to women and youths from tourism, there was need for institutional synergy by stakeholders in the tourism sector particularly in funding tourism projects and investments particularly in Small-Scale Tourism Enterprises.

Cross River

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the National Assembly and other stakeholders for the emergence of the new Visa regime which was recently approved.

Edem said his ministry is encouraged by the fact that the new visa regime is intended to boost tourism among other benefits.

He promised to take positive advantage of the development by intensifying efforts towards working together with national and international agencies so that the renewed official interest in tourism would be sustained.

NDLEA arrests 68 suspects in Oyo

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HE Oyo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 68 suspected drug traffickers in the past six months.

The agency said it also seized 5,611.340kg of illicit drugs.

In a statement in Ibadan by its state Commander, Mr. Suleiman Jadi, the NDLEA said it would ensure that traffickers are tracked down and exposed.

The statement said those arrested were 64 men and four women.

It added that 5,611.340kg of outlawed drugs were seized in the command.

These comprise 5,606.340kg of cannabis and 5kg of psychotropic substance (2.5 kg of tramadol; a kg of diazepam; and 1.5kg of Exol5) were seized.

The statement reads: “Among those arrested are: Kehinde Wahab, 36, (male), and Francis Edogbon, 42 (male). They were arrested in connection with 1,268kg of cannabis sativa (Indian

hemp) intercepted by the officers of the command at Igbo-Ora in Ibarapa Local Government Area of Oyo State.”

The suspects’ truck was said to have been imported into Nigeria from Benin Republic.

Also, the command said 30 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 332kg were intercepted at Igbo-Ora on June 24.

The statement added: “Another 2,998kg of cannabis were also seized by the officers of the command in a warehouse on Old-Ife Road, Ibadan. In the area of drug demand reduction, 25 people have been counselled by the command.

“The command has taken drug abuse prevention education to schools; carried out public enlightenment and also established DrugFree Clubs, in conjunction with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in local government areas of Oyo State.”

It added that 30 accused have been convicted in the command and sentenced to jail.

By Duro Babayemi

Mr Lukman Adams advised stakeholders to be sensitive to security issues to prevent any violence that may occur in the community.

They should report to police any suspicious movement or object, even as he advised them to be mindful of strangers.

Responding, the council chief disclosed that Ojodu is closer to the border of Lagos and Ogun State.

He said members of Boko Haram are neither Muslims nor Christians. It is a sect comprising youths who are bent on fighting the establishment with regard to perceived rights denied.

“If you see an abandoned vehicle on a street, notify the nearest police station. Even uncompleted buildings within the community should be watched because it can be used by evil doers. Security must be tight so as to have Ojodu devoid of violence,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “500 forms have been distributed free to the youth during our 100 days in office for empowerment. Only 150 were returned and they will soon graduate from their respective schools.

“Every artisan in the community should close shop by 5:00 p.m. Approved letters will be forwarded to chairmen of CDC’s and CDA’s for notification.”

•Mr Lanre Jaiyeola, Commercial Director Honeywell Superfine Foods Limited (right) presenting a wall clock to One Day Governor Miss Lilian Ogbuefi of Lagos State Model College Kankon, Mr Olusola Abati, Marketing Manager Honeywell (2nd left) and Mr Bolaji Fakayode, Financial Control Manager Honeywell during her visit to the company recently PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

15

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

State legislatures have been described as weak, merely approving whatever the executive wants. Hon Inuwa Garba, Chairman of Speakers Forum and Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, in this interview, speaks on legislation in the states, autonomy of the legislature and endemic corruption.

VINCENT EKHORAGBON reports.

‘No progress until state legislatures are free’ A S Chairman of the Speakers’ Forum, how would you assess legislation in the states and the country in the last one year and since democracy began in 1999?

Generally, legislation has improved in the last couple of years because of the quality of the honourable members and the quality of legislation. From the National Assembly down to the State Assemblies, we are doing very well in terms of legislation towards developing the economy, security and all endeavour that affects human lives.

Sometime ago, the Senate President spoke about financial autonomy for the Houses of Assembly. In your capacity as the Chairman Speakers Forum, how far have you gone with that?

The financial autonomy of state legislatures is no longer an issue for the in and the state governors.

It is an issue between Nigeria and the governors because financial autonomy is one thing that, if achieved, will strengthen democracy as well as bring transparency and maturity to the polity. So, if you (the media) will go back and start giving us names like rubber stamps, lame dogs, toothless bulldogs, bootlickers and whatever, I don’t think you are doing justice to the situation.

Sustaining democracy, developing democracy, integrating democracy is supposed to be the yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerians. So if that is true, the media has a very significant role to play in that. We all should strive to pursue the achievement of our financial autonomy. The press, as I said, has a very important role to play in telling Nigerians the significance and the advantage this will bring to the polity. We, the legislators, are serious about it, we are on it and we will continue to pursue it until we achieve autonomy for the legislatures.

The Presidency has accused the House of Representatives of not complying with most of the resolutions sent by the executive. As the Chairman of Speakers’ Conference, what is your advice on promoting legislative harmony especially with regards to bills and resolutions

sent by the executive at the federal and state levels?

I don’t know why people are afraid of disagreement. Disagreement is part of the ingredients that will strengthen democracy. It is only when and if there is disagreement that stakeholders will come to agree based on reality and the best practices of Separation of Power. It is good for the executive and the legislature sometimes to have fracas on some issues because it is to the advantage of the public who will judge them on the basis of activities at the time. Besides, both the legislature and executive will become cautious because it has become a public issue. So, constructive criticism is good because it helps to improve productivity and the quality of leadership we are going to give Nigerians. But what I will disagree with, is to be selfish and to deliberately create unnecessary problems so that the system will be overheated or have the attention of both the executive and the legislators diverted. What they are doing will strengthen us all as leaders because it will gear us up to fruitful productivity in democratic governance in which we are privileged to be leaders.

As part of the last administration in Gombe State and considering the general belief that the legislature was pocketed then, how would you compare the level of independence now?

Independence is one very key issue to legislators. Independence is a relative term, but the most critical is financial independence, which is giving the legislators the power to control and man their affairs financially.

We, the state legislators did not have the opportunity to have their independence then. Not only in Gombe state; in the whole federation. Nevertheless, our

• Garba

own responsibility is very clear – it is just limited to making laws, oversight functions, amendments and checkmating the activities of the executive and to collaborate where there is need, with the judiciary. We tried the best we could do at that time (under the last administration in the state)and where you see improvement, it is because we have the opportunity and enabling environment to improve, so we are improving.

Your quarrel with the National Assembly has always been about corruption, what would you say is the situation now?

Corruption is a relative term. But the definition of the term by me is putting the right thing in the wrong place. If you put sand in pap for example, you’re corrupting that pap, if you have a very tasty and well garnished stew with meat and everything and you put sugar, you are corrupting it. In any case, corruption is in Nigerians. Not only the legislators, the executive, the media, or farmers; everybody is involved in corruption in Nigeria. That is why you cannot point out a particular group and say these are

the corrupted ones. We are all corrupted. If you see a President in Nigeria now, in the last 30 years he was nobody, maybe his father cannot feed the house three times a day and from that initial days gets rotten. So if he has the opportunity of becoming President, we have an already rotten person as President. Corruption is everywhere in politics, economy, social circles, just name it. Ask the farmer, he’ll tell you he hired a labourer to work on his farm only for them to bury the weeds with sand; that is corruption. In school, some go to examination halls with prepared answers or even get leakages from the examination authorities, that is corruption. Corruption is corruption irrespective of the style and it has no bound. If somebody could do this in the classrooms, they would do worse as leaders. Honestly, we are in serious trouble. But we must not give up fighting it.

So what do you think is the way out?

The way out is that we have to give a very serious attention to the youths. We have to start

‘Disagreement is part of the ingredients that strengthen democracy. It is only when and if there is disagreement that stakeholders will come to agree based on reality and the best practices of Separation of Power. It is good for the executive and the legislature sometimes to disagree on some issues because it is to the advantage of the public who will judge them on the basis of activities at the time’

changing things from the grassroots by encouraging the younger ones to become better people. We the old ones are already going. If we say we want to change now, it’s going to be very difficult. Corruption has become part of our tradition, part of our culture, and even part of our lives. So to change it means changing the people entirely. So it’s good to encourage and mobilise the younger ones that are coming up against the dangers of corruption.

How many bills and resolutions have been passed since you became the Speaker?

We have successfully initiated or received and passed at least 23 bills and well over 20 resolutions passed into law. We have four to five bills awaiting our attention but the committees working on them will present their reports very soon.

What is Gombe state government is doing about the Child Right Act? The Child Right Act is a very good initiative and wonderful development. But for us in Gombe state, we want to do something which is modest as regards the act. We will have to consider our socio-cultural diversity and our religious difference in doing something of this nature because we in the northern part of this country thoroughly and truly believe in the norms and ethics of our religion and culture. So we cannot do anything that will plunge our populace into a serious dilemma that there will be problem or disagreement between the children and their parents. So we’ll do something modest so that by the time we come out with the Child Right Act, even the Federal Government will realise that it is good to copy from what we’ve produced.

What is the secret behind the smooth relationship between the legislature and the executive here because sometimes we hear of frictions here and there in some other places?

The secret is very simple. Once you are ready to do the right thing, and you are indeed doing the right thing, the three arms, including the judiciary, will come to that understanding where there will be smooth running between the executive and the legislature while the judiciary will complement what the other two are doing. That is exactly what we are doing and will continue to do in Gombe State.

That means Gombe is keying into President Jonathan’s remark that we should be celebrating the collaboration between the executive and legislature, rather than being at variance?

Well, I cannot speak for the federation, I can only speak for Gombe State. but as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he must know better than I, so I think whatever he says must be based on the reality he sees on ground. I have no reason whatsoever to agree with or disagree with him. But I will rather agree with him because he is our leader and he knows far better than we do with regard to the relationship between the National Assembly and the Federal Government.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

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POLITICS Osun seeks regional govt, devolution of power

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HE people of Osun State have canvassed a return to parliamentary democracy and regional system as was practiced in the country during the First Republic.

This among other across-the-board proposed amendments was contained in a memorandum sent to the National Assembly for amendments of some sections of the Constitution relating to certain provisions of the 1999 Constitutions.

The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution had made a public announcement in the national dailies on May 6, 2012, that it has commenced the processes of further amendment to the Provisions of the 1999 Constitution and therefore called on the general public, civil society organisations, professional bodies and other interested groups to submit memoranda on the amendment of the provisions.

Subsequently, the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, directed that the State, being one of the federating states in Nigeria, should contribute immensely to the debate by constituting the State Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution to aggregate the views of Osun citizens.

The 15-man committee headed by Barrister Gbadegesin Adedeji, also recommended constitutional recognition for the six geo-political zone/regions; that the geo-political zones or regions constitute the federating units, replacing the present state designate and that they should be created based on considerations of culture, land, nationality and political expediency.

The document entitled “Memorandum of the State of Osun on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” also recommended that each region, when constitutionally recognized, should be allowed to make and have its own constitution and that the proposed amendment should have a clause for self-determination.

The memorandum also proposed that membership of the upper chamber (Senate) should be on part-time basis and receive sitting allowances to be determined by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RAMFAC) while the salary and emoluments of members of the House of Representatives should not be higher than that of the most senior public servant in the employment of the central government.

It also proposed that only matters bordering on the collective interest of the generality of Nigerians like Foreign Affairs, defence, currency, among others, should be left with the Central Government.

Group tackles Akala over ‘interference’ in Ekiti PDP

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GROUP withing the Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Restora tion Group, has warned former Oyo State Governor Adebayo AlaoAkala to steer clear of the crisis rocking the Ekiti State chapter of the party.

The group, through its chairman, Ojo Aladeyelu gave the warning in reaction to alleged interference by Akala in the state’s PDP face-off.

According to Aladeyelu, it was alleged that Alao-Akala, who lost to the Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN) candidate in the 2011 governorship election had invited eight persons from the two factions of PDP in Ekiti State for a talk in Oyo State.

But in a swift reaction to the invitation,the Restoration Group said AlaoAkala was living in the past. The group, in its statement said the Makanjuola Ogundipe-led State Working Committee had been recoganised by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur- led National Working Committee, advising Alao-Akala to mind his business as Ekiti State PDP was never an extension of any arm in the South West.

The group queried: “On what ground is Alao-Akala inviting Ekiti State PDP members for a meeting. He should rather go and reconcile with his former boss, Senator Rasheed Ladoja. He should solve Oyo State PDP political problem first and stop thinking of himself as PDP governor in the Southwest that can mediate in any PDP crisis in the zone.

“Ekiti people sincerely do not need him to reconcile them and he should go and tell Segun Oni’s group to face reality and come back home to join Ogundipe led exco.

“If he was under the pressure of Oni, he should rather assist him personally to retain his embattled seat as Ekiti State PDP is opposed to any external interference. If Akala was popular as he wants to claim he should have won his second term election”.

Chief Victor Umeh, national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has been swimming in crises in the past two months.

In this interview with some reporters in Enugu, he says there is no crisis in APGA but , just a disagreement on certain issues. He also tackles the Enugu State governor, Mr Sullivan Chime, over his purported comment that the party is dead. NWANOSIKE ONU reports.

Umeh: no crises in APGA G OV. Sullivan Chime and other opponents of your party believe APGA is dead because of the crisis rocking it. Is your party dead ?

I was surprised to read such a statement from Gov Chime who is also my friend. Well, because it is politics, I will describe the statement as unfortunate but I am very happy that his brother governor, our own governor, Peter Obi, has replied him. One thing I will tell our supporters and those who love APGA is that APGA will never die; nothing will make APGA die. We have the support of the people and it’s also instructive for you to note that in the statement credited to Gov Chime, he was advising the members of PDP in Anambra State to resolve their differences. That’s an acknowledgment that even in PDP they have their differences. I’ve explained it before, there’s no political organisation where you will be in a position to have everybody agreeing on any issue at the same time. Even in the family, you can have conflict of interests. What is important is that people who desire to pursue one interest or the other should allow the party leadership take decisions in the best interest of the party.

So, what is at the root of the disagreement in APGA? When people feel that their positions or interests will not be guaranteed, the natural thing they start doing in our own circumstance is to begin to fight the party. That is not the right thing to do. For us as a political party, we have come a long way. Nobody should make any pretence about it; nobody should play the ostrich about what APGA has been able to do. From nothing, we were able to bring this party to national visibility; from nothing we’ve been able to get two state governments for this party; from nothing we’ve been able to get eight members of the National Assembly, including a Senator; from nothing we’ve been able to take control of two state Houses of Assembly – Anambra and Imo. So anybody

• From right: Secretary to the Lagos State Government Mrs Oluranti Adegbile, Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola and the State Administrative Secretary of INEC Mr Ebenezer Fakorede at a Voter Education Workshop for secondary school principals in Lagos.

•Umeh

who will talk about APGA must remember that we started from nothing and considering the challenging electoral environment we’ve been facing in Nigeria, this is no mean feat.

APGA has been on a progressive growth. Even though some disgruntled elements within APGA have been making statements that suggest that APGA is in crisis, it is no surprise that our opponents will be happy that something is happening in APGA that will suggest that the party is disintegrating. I can tell you that what the party is passing through now is simply a storm in a tea cup; it does not go to the fabric of the party.

What exactly are you doing about it?

If you’ve followed newspaper publications, the problem of APGA is localised in Anambra State; it’s not national in character. Therefore, we know what the issues are in Anambra State and we will resolve them and continue. We’re going to disappoint people who think that APGA is in deep crisis; we’re not in deep crisis; it is just a mere conflict of interests here and there which I have insisted as the national chairman of the party, that nobody’s interest will be above the party’s interest. We should allow the party to function as it is and strengthen it where there’s need to do so, but not dissolution of the structures of the party. That has been the disagreement we’ve had.

Do you think the party as it is, is strong enough to face the 2015 polls?

Within the constitutional limits allowed by the party, we shall do everything to make the party very strong ahead of 2015.

What we do not support is rascality and brigandage within the party; we’ve always insisted on discipline. No matter what anybody is looking for in our party you must abide by the constitution of the party; you must be obedient to constituted authority in the party; you cannot wish away the leadership of the party; no matter what you’re looking for. When those people who are involved in the sowing of this seed of discord

understand this issue; that APGA in Nigeria remains united, they will be able to change their approach and that’s it.

So both in 2014 and in 2015 I will tell you that APGA will be the party to beat in a lot of places in Nigeria; not only in the Southeast. Of course because of our performance in 2011 our opponents became jittery but unfortunately some ugly faces reared up within our ranks to cause problem in the eyes of the public. We’re condemning that and I assure you that APGA will go into all the elections as a united family. The fear that APGA has spread to Imo State is very palpable among the PDP in the south east. From nothing we took Anambra from the PDP through a robust, protracted struggle. They thought it was a non-event. In 2011 we added Imo State. So they know that Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi are going off the PDP if they don’t gird their loins. So we’re very happy with the support of our people and as the national chairman of the party, since some of these discordant tunes started coming up in the papers the amount of calls I’ve been receiving from Igbo people; both the highly placed, the middle placed and the lowly placed, give me a very firm hope that our people are very passionate about this party.

You appear confident that APGA will retain Anambra in 2014.

Nobody wants anything to happen to APGA from this part of Nigeria and even outside Igbo land. So we’re going to put our house in order and those who’re afraid that APGA will take over Southeast will eat their words at the end of elections in 2014 in Anambra and 2015. We’re no longer talking about this place because we know we have the potentials to win elections in other places outside the south east where the party is strongest and with the preparations we’re making, very soon they will begin to see that APGA is very national in character and that it will be a threat everywhere in Nigeria before 2015 general elections.

But don’t you think all this has weakened APGA and could kill it?

APGA will never die. One is that it’s not a human being; it’s an institution; it will never die and the spirit behind APGA will make it ever alive; nothing can perish it. So the mere fact that those afraid of APGA now think the party is in crisis and therefore is gone, let them go also and put their own house in order. In Anambra State, PDP has about five factions and APGA has no faction in Anambra State; what APGA has is just disagreement on a number of issues which we’re going to resolve and we’re already resolving them. So anybody predicting that APGA will die in 2014 will rather hear that PDP has died finally after that election and we shall do everything possible to ensure that they will eat their words at the end of the day.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

AGRO-BUSINESS

Fear of fresh animal epidemics spreads ‘Plants key to food sufficiency’ •Livestock farmers asked to submit samples for diagnosis

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IVESTOCK farmers whose animals are showing symptoms of diseases have been urged to submit samples for diagnoses to prevent epidemics.

The call followed reports that a growing number of livestock, such as cows and pigs, are fuelling new animal epidemics worldwide and posing more threat to food security.

Speaking with The Nation, a don, Prof Abiodun Adeloye, said early detection of diseases in wild and domestic animal populations before they become a threat to human health is a priority for the animal health sector.

Adeloye, of the Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin(UNILORIN), said organisms in domestic and wild animal populations could pose

By Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

a threat to animal and human health. The changes in eco-systems resulting from climate change, he explained, may result in the emergence and spread of diseases.

Livestock producers and the animal health sector, he said, have the responsibility of monitoring and controlling these threats.

With extreme and prolonged wet weather, Adeloye advised livestock producers to be on the lookout for heightened risks associated with such conditions.

According to him, wet weather often brings tick, fly and worm infestations, which are responsible for deadly diseases, such as

tick fever, bovine anaemia and bovine ephemeral fever (BEF), or three-day sickness.

Adeloye said many Nigerians are affected by diseases transmissible between animals and man.

He urged the government to improve animal disease surveillance and speed up testing procedures to help contain livestock epidemics before they become widespread.

Adeloye called on the government to support networking of national laboratories testing for known diseases in animals.

According to him,managing livestock diseases can save the livelihoods of farmers.

He stressed that disease management will play a critical role in ensuring livestock and livelihoods sustainability in the future.

•From left: Atanda, Adeboyega and Prof. Stephen Fapohunda of Babcock University at the event

Experts canvass control of toxins in food industry T

HE Executive Director, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research Dr Olajide Ayinda has appealed to regulatory agencies to ensure food safety standards to prevent objection of the nation’s exports in international markets.

Ayinda, who was addressing the seventh annual conference of the Mycotoxicology Society of Nigeria (MYCOTOXSON) in Lagos, urged regulatory agencies to institute measures for better control and monitoring in the food system.

This, he noted, must integrate the activities of monitoring, control, inspection, and tracking of contaminants, including mycotoxins.

Ayinda, represented by Director of Research, Dr Emmanuel Adeboyega, said the economic consequences of the presence of mycotoxins in food, feed, and agricultural crops could be severe.

According to him, the presence of mycotoxins can jeopardise the safety and availability of food. He

explained that the control of mycotoxins is a complex process, since moulds producing mycotoxins could either penetrate food before harvest or contaminate food products during the post-harvest stages.

To protect public health, he called on the various agencies to collaborate and implement various types of safety control procedures.

He said on the international commercial scene, some countries have established rigid standards for mycotoxins in food and feed.

According to him, many international agencies are trying to achieve universal standardisation of regulatory limits for mycotoxins, Ayinda said over 100 countries have regulations on mycotoxins in the feed industry of which 13 groups of mycotoxins are of great concern.

MYCOTOXSON President Dr

Olusegun Atanda said only 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa have regulations governing aflatoxins. This, he noted, makes international trade challenging.

According to him, estimated annual loss to African exporters of cereals, dried fruits and nuts in attempting to meet European aflatoxin standards was $670 million in 2001.

He noted that the occurrence of aflatoxins has not only reduced exports of agro commodities from Nigeria and other Africa countries but have raised concerns among international consumers and businessmen about their local industry.

Atanda said the society was making concerted efforts to collaborate with stakeholders to control mycotoxins in foods consumed by humans and animals.

He said the public and private actors must realise that problems arising from mycotoxin contamination can affect the market for an entire production sector.

Food, drink manufacturers tasked on waste reduction

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OOD and drink manufacturers have been urged to reduce wastes. This can be achieved by becoming more resource efficient, said Prof Tola Atinmo.

Atinmo, who spoke with The Nation, said reducing the amount of food wastes saves resources and money. He said improving resource efficiency and reducing consumption of materials should become an everyday practice for food and drink businesses.

He said an increase in the availability of smaller packs, clearer date labelling and improved storage and freezing guidance would help food manufacturers to reduce food wastes.

Calling for a significant reduction in the wastes companies send to landfills, Atinmo said waste reduction makes good business sense – in terms of reducing factory inefficiencies.

He said it is also a right thing to do on environmental grounds.

Atinmo, who is the president, African Nutrition Societies (ANS), said food and packaging wastes generated at factories could be recycled and put to better use.

He urged management boards across the food and drink industry to prioritise the issue, adding that driving measurable performance improve-ments on the environmental metric should be part of the new corporate behaviour.

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NTENSE activities in plant breeding are required for the long-term, if agriculture is to meet the challenge of food security, the Executive Director, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Prof Benjamin Ogunbodede, has said.

Speaking with The Nation, Ogunbodede said the work of breeders is to integrate new traits into crop varieties and make them yield more for farmers.

He said boosting local plant breeding capabilities would improve the productive capacity of agriculture and the operation of food markets.

With better crop varieties and agricultural practices, Ogunbodede said farmers have

the right incentives to produce more food.

He said new plant varieties and high quality seeds enhances sustainable food security and economic development.

According to him, plant breeding has significantly contributed to increased food security.

Ogunbodede said advances in plant breeding were essential to address the challenges of food security.

He emphasised the role of science-based agriculture in safeguarding the long-term availability and affordability of food supply.

Ogunbodede noted that access to the most advanced farming technologies would also be essential to tackle the growing food crisis.

FAO launches table

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OOD and Agriculture Organi sation (FAO) has launched a table for food composition for West Africa, a statement signed by the agency’s Publicity Relations Officer, Miss Mimi Huande, has said.

FAO is a specialised agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger in developed and developing countries.

The statement described the composition table as an “essential resource” that could be used to provide information about strategies to combat malnutrition through food-based solutions.It also said the table would help with ‘’food labelling and provide the scientific evidence-base for better policies in health, nutrition, environmental management, and nutrition sensitive agriculture.

“The table was developed in collaboration with the West African Health Organisation of ECOWAS, Bioversity International, and INFOODS; and it is available in English and French languages.

It stated that the West African Food Composition Table was

launched in Rome, adding that the new publication details the composition of 472 foods from the West African sub-region.

According to the statement, the publication includes nutrient data on the various ways foods are prepared and, also, a bio-diversity information on local food varieties.

“Western Africa faces many food-related challenges, including significant micro-nutrient, malnutrition and increasing rates of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases.

“Malnutrition not only puts at stake the lives of the most vulnerable, and particularly women and children, but also hampers the social and economic development of nations,‘’ it added.

It noted that the knowledge of the composition of foods in the region would help in addressing these important issues.

“In addition, relevant, reliable and up-to-date food composition data is necessary for local and international agriculture markets and farmer livelihoods,” the statement said.

Farmers decry late fertiliser supply

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OME farmers in Nsukka Town have expressed concern over the delay in supplying subsidised fertiliser to them by the government, expressing fear that it may affect their harvest.

A farmer, Mr Emma Ani, said the application of fertiliser at the appropriate time usually helped farmers in achieving bumper harvests.

“From my experience as a farmer, late application of fertiliser reduces yields as well as causes yam and cassava tubers to decay if not harvested early.

“It is unfortunate that the month of June has almost ended and fertiliser has not been supplied to farmers.

“I plead with the federal, state and local governments to intensify efforts to see that by the first week of July, the subsidised types of fertiliser are available.

“Government should give agriculture the required attention if the country wants to achieve food security in no distant time,’’ he said.

Another farmer, Mrs Ginika Ude, said if she had enough money she would have gone to buy fertiliser from the open market since the one subsidised by government may come very late.

“Some of my crops are due for fertiliser application but the government’s subsidised one is not ready. The problem is that

fertilisers are more costly in the open market.

“I do not know what could have caused the delay by the government.

“Government’s intention in subsidising fertilisers will be meaningless if the aim is defeated,” she said.

Another farmer , Mr Paul Ugwueze, said the government should ensure that subsidised fertilisers were ready every year before the end of May as a way of assisting farmers to get bumper harvests.

“Farmers like myself depend on what we get from our farms to train our children in schools as well as feed our families.

“In as much as I commend government efforts in achieving food security, through subsidised fertilisers and granting of free interest loans to farmers, it should do more by ensuring that the incentives come at the appropriate time.

“If there is adequate attention to agriculture, it will provide more employment as well as ensure food security in the country. Government should try to remove all bottlenecks posing as obstacles in procuring and supplying subsidised fertilisers to genuine farmers,” he said.

When contacted, Mrs Lynda IkeOkeze, the Supervisor for Agriculture in Nsukka Council, said farmers should exercise patience, adding that very soon subsidised fertiliser would be available.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

18

AGRO-BUSINESS STATE FOCUS

Boosting food production in Kaduna

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•From left: Prof. Peter Cotty of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); Dr. Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, pathologist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan; and Dr Nteranya Sanginga, Director-General, IITA, during a meeting on aflatoxins organised by the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) in Ibadan.

ICT vital to agric business, says expert F ARMERS can grow their businesses by targeting opportunities in mobile markets, an expert has said.

Speaking with The Nation, the Deputy-Director, Directorate of Grants Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr Kola Adebayo, said market intelligence and education are important to farmers’ survival in an increasingly competitive market.

He said given the change in consumers’ demand, the emergence of new marketing channels and variations in traditional marketing channels, better information would help farmers align production more closely with changing demands.

Telephones and other media of ICT, he said, provide opportunities for farmers to link with buyers of agric commodities.

The telephone, Adebayo said, is a key marketing tool available to farmers and

traders, adding that it has the potential of lowering transaction costs.

Through mobile phone applications, Adebayo explained that farmers can upload price and supply information directly to buyers.

Mobile phones, he noted, bring better price integration, improved profits for traders, and reduces consumer prices.

He said farmers could gain greater control over their production and product sales byfinding new sources of demand and improving their ability to adjust supply and quality to market conditions.

According to him, farmers can provide information, detailing product standards and specifications as well as market studies—particularly of external markets.

Adebayo said such information have become more accessible and of increasing importance for the local value chains—including databases of contacts, such

as buyers, traders, agricultural processors and input suppliers.

According to him, farmers’ information priorities include accurate local weather forecasts, technical information sequenced according to the stage in the crop cycle, data on the costs of production and market supply.

He said farmers could trade more products because they obtained better prices through real-time market research conducted via mobile phone.

According to him, rural access to telephones can raise incomes fromfarms and other rural businesses.

Adebayo explained that the industry has expanded to a level where agro businesses can use price information as a means of promoting other products to farmers.

He said farmers would prefer local-language text messages, especially where the information is of quality, accurate and timely.

•Adebayo

According to him, deploying SMS-based agricultural information services, will empower field extension officers and provide holistic agricultural information services directly to farmers.

SMS-based services, he noted, are likely to cost considerably less than sending out mobile extension officers, where the farmers have access to the Internet.

He said farmers will be able to expand their reach of searchable markets, sell in more markets, and increase their network of contacts.

Fed Govt distributes improved rice, maize seeds to farmers T HE National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) has begun the distribution of seeds to farmers in the country, its Co-ordinating Director, Mr Olusegun Olatokun, said in Abuja.

Olatokun said the Federal Government decided to give out improved rice and maize seeds free to farmers under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), to enhance productivity.

He noted that the rate at which farmers asked for seeds under the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme was low.

“We discovered in a field review that most farmers are

only interested in fertiliser and chemicals. They believe they can plant grains in place of seeds.”

Olatokun said the distribution of seeds started on June 19, after two weeks of “massive” publicity and sensitisation of farmers in the 36 states.

He added that the free distribution of 50kg of rice and 40kg of maize in various redemption centres would end on July 4.

Any farmer who failed to collect his allocation within five weeks will wait till next year, he added, explaining that the sensitisation would

enlighten farmers on the benefits of planting improved seeds. ”If a farmer does not plant improved seed, there is no amount of fertiliser that will make the yield better and if the yield is not good, then we are going back to the old era of low productivity level.“ Olatokun noted that most of the farmers used fertiliser to plant their grains, stressing that this would not provide good yield. ”Right now, the average yield of old variety rice seeds in Nigeria is between two and three tonnes per hectare and

this is because farmers are still planting grains with a lot of fertiliser.

“The Federal Government is giving out free seeds because we have to plan for 2013; and if the already produced seeds are not sold, producers won’t have funds to produce more. It is also to meet the target of government on food security.’’

He further explained that the seeds are to enhance productivity.

Olatokun said the Federal Government had procured 1,750 tonnes of cotton seeds, of which 1,450 tonnes had been distributed to farmers by the West African Cotton Company (WACOT).

GRICULTURE accounts for an estimated 56 per cent of Kaduna State ’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs about four million people.

The state produces 22 per cent of the nation ’s maize, 69 per cent of soyabean, 36 per cent of cotton and 10 per cent of groundnuts. The sector is dominated by wet season planting and an irrigated dry season planting. Most farmers produce cereal crops, such as maize, sorghum, millet and rice, during the rainy season. Cereal crops are exported to surrounding states and constitute an important source of cash. Kaduna is one of the largest producers of rice in the country.

It exports substantial quantities to other states and neighbouring African countries. The state is also an important producer of fruits and vegetables.

Kaduna’s agriculture and forest resources are enormous.

On the gentle rolling high plains, the tropical ferruginous soils have been intensively used for cereal and cotton cultivation.

Although the soils are poor because of leaching and poor cover management, with good conservation and land management practices, it is capable of supporting calcium-rich annual grass for livestock development.

In the northern area of the state, the soil is good for production of large quantities of cotton lint and seed for which Soba, Makarfi, Kudan, Ikara, Kubau, Kauru and Lere local government areas are known. Yam and maize have successfully been producing high yields with the use of fertiliser in recent times, especially in Igabi, Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas. In the well-watered southeastern part, the rich darker soils are used for cultivating cereals, cassava, rice and the famous southern Kaduna ginger (Chitta in Hausa).

In the Fadamas, the dark grey clay soils (vertisols) have become highly valued and are focused on for intensive agricultural activities especially during the dry season. Large areas of such fadamas are being used for economically valuable market gardening for growing tomatoes, chillies, sweet pepper, okra, onion, Irish potato and sugar cane using traditional “shadoof” irrigation (in the floodplains/Fadama of Galma and Tubo basins). At present, the traditional irrigation scheme is too small and labourious to cope with the rate of expansion and agricultural development of the fadama lands. The state has the potential to produce large quantities and good quality livestock for consumption in the state and for inter-state trade. There is good infrastructure already established for good take-off of beef, mutton, pork, poultry and diary products in large quantities for international markets.

There is need for a good piggery industry in the southern Kaduna area. With increasing demands for cereals as raw materials for livestock feeds and for breweries, commercial agriculture in grains on a large scale will be highly profitable.

The state government is intensifying feasibility studies and seeking interested industrialists and agro-allied companies to invest in the area.

To encourage farmers, the government has concentrated on providing certain capital-intensive infrastructure ,such as irrigation and earth dams in the Tubo valley, supplying them with improved seeds and subsidising farm input.

The government of Kaduna has laudable polices geared towards intense agricultural activities ostensibly as a means for reducing the looming level of youth unemployment.

Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa is committed to addressing the relative lack of investment in agriculture by reactivating the extension services to open more opportunities to farmers to acquire modern knowledge of agricultural practice. This is aimed at stimulating growth.

Since the inception of the administration, both the peasant and the medium scale farmers have been the major focus of the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Project(KADP).

Some of the yearly activities being pursued vigorously by the KADP, include sales and supply of agricultural inputs such as seeds, irrigation pumps, knapsack sprayers and agricultural chemicals at government approved subsidy of between 40 and 60 per cent to support the farmers.

To ensure good quality seeds, the state government in collaboration with the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) and Agricultural Seeds Council, sells improved varieties of seeds during the planting season.

Fadama III Project, a World Bank Assisted Project is being implemented in Kaduna in collaboration with the Federal Government in all the 23 local government areas.

The development objective of the Fadama III Project is to increase the incomes of users of rural land and water resources on a sustainable basis.

The state government is committing N45 million yearly while the 23 LGAs pays N2 million each to ensure effective implementation of the project in the state.

Significant achievements have been made in the area of improvement of rural infrastructure which includes construction of eight Fadama roads of over 30 kilometres and 100 market stalls as demanded by the project ben•Yakowa eficiaries.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

The Nigerian dream •Young Emmanuel Ohuabunwa has graduated from John Hopkins making a GPA of 3.98 out of 4.0

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N this age of despair, youth restiveness and a suffocating stream of bad news about Nigeria, there is still something to cheer about. Indeed, we can rightly call it the Nigerian dream. It is the very warm report of 22-year-old Emmanuel Ohuabunwa who recently made an academic record at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University in the United States of America.

Ohuabunwa graduated at the very top of his class with a first class degree in Neurosciences, aggregating a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.98 out of a possible 4.0. An indigene of Arochukwu, Abia State, he is the first black person in the history of the institution to achieve such a feat. He was also adjudged by the school as having the highest honours during its graduation last May. Though every top American university was blandishing scholarship at Ohuabunwa, including Texas A&M, Rice, Columbia, Cornell and even Harvard, for him to further his education on their campuses, he settled for the Ivy League, Yale, where he will be studying medicine on full scholarship.

Ohuabunwa has also been inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society, making him the only black student to be so inducted in the academic honours body which celebrates and advocates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. The Phi Beta Kappa boasts of about 136 Nobel laureates, 37 US Supreme Court justices and 17 US Presidents. He carted away numerous prizes, including the Becker Family Scholarship for being the most

outstanding student in Neurosciences major at Johns Hopkins University.

Ohuabunwa’s heart-warming story is one that would make every Nigerian proud, young or old. It is an eloquent testimony that even in the morass of the Nigerian situation, in the most debilitating and destitute environment that is Nigeria today lays so much unpolished pearls.

Ohuabunwa had his primary school in Lagos and junior secondary school at the Air Force Comprehensive School, Ibadan, Oyo State. It was after his junior secondary school in 2003 that his family migrated to the US. In less than 10 years, the Nigerian little boy has not only achieved the status of the American dream but he can also be rightfully described as the Nigerian hope.

As a 13-year-old straight from Nigeria into the American high school system, Ohuabunwa, according to him, suffered severe racial abuses and torments from fellow students. “It was one of the darkest years of my life because I encountered peer pressure. Some of the students, ignorant about Africa, bullied and called me names such as ‘African booty scratcher’, because to them, Africans were dirty and scratched their butts all the time.” His harrowing experience during his early days in the US only made him to grow thick skin and resolve to make a success of his sojourn in America.

He studied harder and always topped his class, even in the early days.

We dare say that Emmanuel Ohuabunwa exemplifies the typical Nigerian-can-do spirit which inept leader-

ship has bogged down over the years.

We must see in Emmanuel, the great Nigerian persona who is strong, intelligent and go-getting. The one who stands out among Africans and who adapts and excels in any environment he finds himself. We believe that there are millions of other Ohuabunwas in Nigeria waiting to exhale. Even Ohuabunwa made this point more succinctly. “I was definitely not the brightest at Air Force (Comprehensive School, Ibadan). At that time, I felt like I spent more time running away from seniors than focusing on my studies.”

We commend the Ohuabunwa story to all Nigerians, leader and led, young and old, to serve as a spring board to the Nigerian dream.

Ohuabunwa’s heart-warming story is one that would make every Nigerian proud, young or old. It is an eloquent testimony that even in the morass of the Nigerian situation, in the most debilitating and destitute environment that is Nigeria today lays so much unpolished pearls ... It was after his junior secondary school in 2003 that his family migrated to the US. In less than 10 years, the Nigerian little boy has not only achieved the status of the American dream but he can also be rightfully described as the Nigerian hope.

Graduate at 80 •Pa Amodu’s feat of earning a first degree at 80 is a stuff of which legends are made

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GRADUATE of Sociology at 80, already enrolled for an MSc programme in Human Resources and Industrial Relations and a burning ambition to crown this academic effort with a PhD, God and age allowing – that is the gripping story of Pa Alimi Amodu, who just graduated from the Lagos State University, (LASU), Ojo, Lagos.

Pa Amodu was the cynosure of all eyes on June 13 when, with 27,086 others, spread over three graduating years, he attended a glorious convocation at the university’s Ojo campus. The weather was dank and wet; and the ceremony was literally drowned in rain water. Yet, such

‘For those distraught youth, however, Pa Amodu’s story should be a most inspiring one.

For one, at 80, the octogenarian is not only working on a Master’s programme, he is determined to crown it all with a PhD. For another, before embarking on his academic odyssey, he had put in 35 years at the Medical Records Department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos. That simply means that it is never too late to do good or do right, when the resolve is there’

was the inspiring story of Pa Amodu, whose far younger class and university mates referred to as “Baba Bookworm” (in happy jab at his studious nature) and “youngest student”(in playful irony to his old age), that he shone through the inclement weather, like powerful sunrays.

Even on that day, there was happy controversy over Pa Amodu’s age. The LASU convocation orator said the graduating student was 80, by far the oldest of the pack. But Pa Amodu’s son, Dr. Akeem Amodu, a senior lecturer at Leeds City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, said his father was 75. That accounted for this newspaper’s headline the following day, putting the new graduate’s age at 75.

But 75 or 80, Pa Amodu’s feat is no less remarkable. It is superb inspiration story in a country that features many listless youths, crushed by the sheer hostility of the environment; and apparent lack of adequate youth-friendly government policies and programmes.

For those distraught youth, however, Pa Amodu’s story should be a most inspiring one. For one, at 80, the octogenarian is not only working on a Master’s programme, he is determined to crown it all with a PhD. For another, before embarking on his academic odyssey, he had put in 35 years at the Medical Records Department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos. That simply means that it is never too late to do good or do right, when the resolve is there. That should speak directly to the youth, who more often than not, ends up in premature frustration,

thus preparing the ground for a lifetime of stress. With focus and determination, it needs not be that way.

But another important message: nothing good comes easy; and neither age nor ego must stand in the way of correction. Pa Amodu recalled the painful experience of being stood up in class by a lecturer perhaps young enough to be his own son; and the friendly jeers of his far younger classmates, when once he drifted off in sleep in his class.

His lecturer after that experience advised him to always take something very light before coming to class. He took the correction to heart. The result has been his academic success.

For an elderly citizen, Pa Amodu has simple but profound words for the youth: “A time wasted is a time lost.

Nothing interests me again at my age as much as reading whatever book I can lay my hands on. That is what gives me joy.” Now, that is word on marble on two crucial fronts: the imperative to make the best use of time and the need to build a reading culture, and become an enlightened society.

The sudden popularity of Pa Amodu, on account of his academic accomplishments, also underscores society’s abiding approval of solid achievement, particularly in the field of education. Much as philistines in the disoriented contemporary Nigeria would wish to project, our society retains its abiding admiration for learning and scholarship.

That certainly is good news from the general sordid impression that Nigeria, our dear country, had lost everything.

Time for bankers to intervene

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EN Bernanke, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, and Mario Draghi, the president of the European Central

Bank, have both argued correctly that the slowing global economy requires decisive action by political leaders.

Mr. Bernanke has come as close to pleading with Congress as a Fed chairman can, telling lawmakers on several occasions that the Fed alone cannot repair the economy and asking them for “help,” “support” and “collaboration.”

That’s all Fed-speak for “more federal spending, now, please.”

Mr. Draghi, for his part, has sternly said, “It is not right for monetary policy to fill other institutions’ lack of action,” a reference to the urgent need for Europe’s leaders to resolve the euro crisis.

But what if politicians refuse to act?

In the United States, legislative obstructionism is the approach of Republicans who do not want the economy to improve before Election Day. In Europe, a European Union summit meeting later this week will give leaders yet another chance to deliver on stimulus, banking reforms and political strategies to stabilize the euro zone. But the experience of the past two years suggests that they will do too little, too slowly.

Meanwhile, growth is faltering. The Fed now expects the United States economy to expand by 1.9 percent to 2.4 percent in 2012, down from its forecast of 3.5 percent a year ago. The European Central Bank’s economic forecast for the euro zone this year is -0.5 percent to 0.3 percent growth. And that’s being optimistic.

Mr. Bernanke and Mr. Draghi would clearly prefer to act in concert with politicians. But with the economy relapsing, more aggressive action is overdue. For the Fed, that means renewed quantitative easing, an attempt to lower long-term borrowing rates and spur demand by creating money with which to purchase bonds. To send the message that help will be provided as long as the economy remains weak, a bond-buying program or other support should be tied to specific goals for lower unemployment, higher inflation or stronger overall growth.

The European Central Bank can start with the obvious: cutting its benchmark interest rate below 1 percent, coupled with resurrecting its own moribund bond-buying program. The growth and inflation that could result from these measures would help to counteract the ills unleashed by excessive and premature fiscal austerity.

In recent Congressional testimony on growth and jobs, Mr. Bernanke again told lawmakers that the Fed could not fix the economy on its own. “I’d feel much more comfortable if Congress would take some of this burden from us and address these issues,” he said. We all would. Likewise, people in Europe surely expect more from their political leaders, though such expectations have gone unmet. The European Central Bank policy setters meet next week. The Fed meets again at the end of July.

It’s past time for them to take stronger action.

– Washington Post

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

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

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

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: There comes a time in the history of a people when no matter how the benevolent the blessing of God on them, there must be a cog on the wheels of their progress. In Abia State today, despite the evident change in the tide in development wind, visible in almost all facets, there is, and always will be a sore spot which is the natural habitation of those who can aptly described as undesirable elements.

For quite some time and for equally inexplicable reasons, Chidi Amuta, a one-time university teacher, ex-co-ordinator of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s Directorate for Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure and columnist with ThisDay newspapers has taken delight in attempting to rubbish all the efforts of his home government in the provision of basic necessities of life. He has never missed any opportunity to vent his frustration at the government of Theodore Orji.

The latest was his comment of

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 1000 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.com

Amuta versus Abia State government Monday May 28, on page 44 of BusinessDay newspapers. In the interview, Amuta could not resist pouring invectives at the administration of Chief T.A. Orji. He stated that as far as he was concerned, nothing is going on in terms of democracy dividend in Abia State, insisting that there is a difference between newspaper campaign and actual dividends of democracy. And after concluding that a lot of things going on in the state are self-deceit, Amuta declared that the state is poor hence he could not expect miracles from the governor.

Abia was created in August 1991

under Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida who appointed Amuta into the very sensitive agency charged with the provision of rural infrastructure to improve food production and to open up the communities to aid the movement of produce from rural to the urban areas. What is Amuta’s scorecard like?

Posterity will look at the role of the likes of Amuta in leaving the state without any befitting workers secretariat for 22 years before the present administration chose to etch its name by putting up a stateof- the-art secretariat. If what Orji

has done to people of Mbom, Isiadu, Ameke, who have never seen a tarred road in their communities since their existence is selfdeceit, then to God be the glory.

If the over 5000 youth-beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme of the T.A. Orji government are victims of self-deceit, then the entire nation needs more of such deceits.

If achieving a near-stable electricity supply by building feeders to evacuate energy which has seen the state among those with regular power supply, then our daily prayer is that God gives us more leaders like Ochendo.

Kudos to NUC for scrapping part-time programmes in varsities

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IR: The decision by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to suspend all part-time programmes in Nigerian universities is not just a very bold and courageous initiative, but also a highly commendable policy measure. Anyone with a passing interest in university education can attest to the violence that part-time studies has unleashed on academic standards in the country. The political economy of part-time programmes is undergirded by a patron (lecturer)-client (student) relations. The handout economy, the outsourcing of pedagogical responsibilities by lecturers to hangers-on, the consciousness of institutional financial autonomy, the ascent of quantitative rather than qualitative education , and the desperate need of paper certificate for purposes of career advancements, etc, are among other reasons that have impeded the realization of the goals and objectives of parttime studies in Nigeria.

This NUC should make the suspension a total package. That is, it should cover both undergraduate and postgraduate part-time programmes alike. One other important step the NUC should take is to ban universities from running sub-degree diploma. Diploma programmes should be the exclusive domain of polytechnics and

monotechnics. Any university interested in running diploma at all should mount it at the postgraduate level. In fact, the interpolations of universities into the territory of sub-degree programmes have undermined the polytechnic as one of the most formidable strata in the ladder of tertiary education in Nigeria. The diminishing students enrollment and the lack of institutional respectability accorded to polytechnics and monotechnics in contemporary Nigeria is attributable to this factor. At the moment the sav-

S

ing grace is the federal government policy of non-recognition of university diploma for employment.

Again, let me also suggest that the NUC should make haste in suspending the running of all Distant Learning Programmes (DLP) by all other universities except the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The NOUN, like the issue of polytechnics we mentioned above, should monopolize the DLP. The NOUN is doing very well and as such should be given all the regulatory and institutional sup-

port to discharge its organizational responsibilities freed from distractions and unnecessary competition. I urge NUC to harken to this advice timely before DLP becomes the new abode of part-time.

Let me end this letter by sincerely commending NUC on the issue of the suspension of part-time. No policy measure could have been more propitious at the moment in the quest to restore the lost glory of university education in Nigeria.

• Atah Pine Tsebo-Mbaivur Road, Ikpayongo Town, Benue State

Where a governor will have the political will to put resources and commit time to achieve prevailing state of security in Abia and it is styled self-deceit, then that governor deserves an Oscar.

Now that the coast is clear and there are no kidnappers to celebrate in his domain, why has Amuta remained in exile like his fellow passer-by indigenes who have bought casket spaces at Ikoyi and Yaba cemeteries, and still claim to be Abia indigenes? Can he dare go to Acha and all neighbouring communities around Nunya in Isuikwuato Local Government and make such unguarded and unsubstantiated statement?

Just recently, the management MTN during a visit to the state governor commended him for his giant strides in providing health care to the rural communities through the equipped health centres scattered all over the state, and in appreciation, the telecommunication giants announced that it was going to complement the efforts of the state government through the building of 18 modern health centres in the three senatorial zones of the state. The delegation also made a donation of a mobile ambulance to the state for its lead in healthcare delivery. That is self-deceit and newspaper propaganda according to Chidi Amuta.

At a time the entire state and beyond continue to doff their hats for the governor who has raised the state from its bended knees, Amuta chose to be an arm-chair critic. What a pity. Whether he likes it or not, whether he will admit it or not, what he has done is simply a gaffe from a prodigal, which has only contributed to further diminish his person.

• Kingsley Emereuwa, Umuahia.

Tribute to Victor Olatunde Da Silva

IR: We must be thankful to the Almighty for granting us the privilege of having uncle ‘Latunde as the head of our family.

He was a man of principle – indeed several principles which boiled down to honesty, integrity and hardwork. These were further reinforced by his sense of duty, honour and public service. He abhorred corruption and incompetence in equal measure. Hence, as a public servant he served both Lagos State and our nation meritoriously without any blemish on his character or patriotism. These were and remain his most cherished attributes which he would no

doubt recommend to his children – Angela; Tunde; Kemi; and Anne as well as his numerous grandchildren.

Uncle ‘Latunde was exceptionally lucky in his choice of Aunty Alice as his soulmate and lifelong companion. Together they laboured to provide their children with first class education in the best institutions in the world in addition to a stable and loving family environment. In this joint enterprise and selfless endeavor they were uncompromising in their devotion to each other as well as the enthronement of enduring family values, honour and contentment.

My uncle was entirely detached from power and money. He was very humble, patient and tactful. I have no recollection of his ever being angry or ruffled – unless it had something to do with the state of affairs in Lagos in particular or Nigeria in general. Indeed, he was passionate about Lagos. This was not surprising considering his impeccable pedigree as well as his sense of history, tradition and culture of Lagos. For a stretch of 14 years he was abroad in UK but he remained a Lagosian at heart and in every vein and tissue. He was the genuine article, “a real Lagosian”

Also, I must congratulate his sons/daughter-in-law for having such a wonderful and loving father-in-law who gave so much but asked for nothing in return. All that was of paramount interest to him was that his children and their spouses are blessed with happiness and the enduring bliss of marriage.

Uncle Victor was endowed with a great sense of humour. Hence, we are entitled to inscribe as the epitaph on his tombstone: “From the vicissitudes of life, uncle Victor emerged victorious.”

• Bashorun JK Randle, OFR, FCA Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012 16

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Reality Bites T

Like locusts at harvest time…

(Of desperate philanthropists and advocacy gurus)

Olatunji Ololade

HERE is no odor as dire as that which arises from tainted goodness. I will not deny any bit, the praise that is due to philanthropy, I simply demand sincerity of all whom by their works and lives pose to be a blessing to the country.

This is the age of charity. And trust Nigerians, they are desperately exploiting generosity for all its worth.

Thus everybody is a philanthropist; even youngsters as green as dugup spinach have caught the bug – which explains the preponderance of self-acclaimed “youth leaders,” “advocacy gurus,” “motivational speakers” and “philanthropists”afflicting our world like plundering locusts at harvest time.

A youngster on national youth service constructs tables and chairs for the school in which he’s serving and he pleads with selected mainstream media to mention it; then there is the advocacy guru who donates literature to a school library and pays the mainstream media to report it, after which she posts it on

‘If you build a library, toilet or bathroom for your alma mater, why plead with the media to report it? Why package your so-called philanthropy or advocacy for the viewership and applause of all? It is only con-artists and social parasites that do that’

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Facebook and other social networking sites for all to see.

Both characters among other things elevate and give expression to mankind’s greatest vanity: lust for applause and unearned greatness. In Nigeria, this has become social currency particularly among the youth. Youth seeking instant wealth and acclaim daily exploit the hackneyed terrains of philanthropy and what they perpetrate as “advocacy,” passionately praying and hoping that their exertions attract the attention and “goodwill” of local and international sponsors with deep pockets.

“There is a clear-cut difference between philanthropy and advocacy,” many are probably jabbering by now. Agreed; but both fields of human endeavour are essentially set to the attainment of similar goals; sustainable development and the improvement of humanity.

Philanthropy and “advocacy” as currently practiced by Nigeria’s youth is devoid of humanity. It is in essence, a partial and transitory act, projected in constant superfluity until the motives of the philanthropist and advocate are achieved.

And what really are the motives? A fat bank account, a posh vehicle, a spectacular mansion, higher status, acclaim and unalterable greatness to mention a few.

Greatness should be earned. The seekers of unearned greatness and material benefits are merely social parasites, moochers, criminals, who are too limited in intellect and in character to pioneer the often tasking and spirited march to eminence. Essentially, they are a threat to humanity and the advancements

LISA Metuh, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP perhaps needs no introduction to Nigerians familiar with persons or agents paid simply to bark to the delight of their paymasters and who thrive in the pit of deceit, half truths, verbal somersaults and intellectual diarrhoea. A present day Goebbels, Metuh is the new PDP Rottweiler dog programmed to spew venom on opposing parties and voices. Since he emerged in very questionable circumstances as scribe of the PDP, Olisa has tried hard to please his paymasters and also surpass his predecessors in that position.

Programmed into a mental state of reactivity once the name of Action Congress of Nigeria, Congress for Progressive Change or any leader of the opposition shows up, Olisa is at best a talking head without a head; a propagandist without the intellectual fecundity to engage sane minds and wanderer in the shark infested waters of PDP politicking.

The possible emergence of former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Rotimi Akeredolu as the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for the governorship election in Ondo State seems to have troubled the PDP to no end. The PDP national publicity secretary had the unrestrained shamelessness to issue a statement criticising the ACN for not exercising internal democracy in selecting its candidate for the Ondo contest.

Among all the parties, the PDP has no moral standing to criticize another party’s internal processes. We kindly ask that the imprecise and overzealous publicity mouth give remembrance to the biblical admonition that ‘before removing the speck from someone else’s eye, he should remove the plank from his own’. Should he have the courage and the strength to remove that heavy and dense plank from his view, what he would see would shame him into rare silence.

What he would have seen as a recently conducted PDP national convention that made an open mockery of democracy on national television.

We all saw it but perhaps that plank was too thick for Metuh to notice what was going on. At that convention, people who spent their time and money were denied a chance to contest for party office at the last minute. Forced to withdraw their candidacies, people were made to succumb to the ‘will of the party’ and back consensus candidates for various posts. Yet, without going

we dream.

There is nothing as deceptive and neurotic in concept as unearned greatness as it makes a wretch of the individual who seeks it. To substantiate it is in fact, impossible, thus the nation’s youth like her under-achieving ruling class, is caught in the web of such deceitfulness.

Dwelling on ostentatious, indefinable sound-bites of altruism and collectivism they struggle to give plausible form to their nameless vanity. Ultimately they seek to anchor it to reality to support their self-deception and swindle their unsuspecting victims.

Such deception never lasts. There is no short-cut to greatness. The best generosity and “advocacy” subsists in honest work. Be you a lawyer, doctor, accountant, journalist or accountant, your commitment to your calling represents the best form of advocacy.

If you build a library, toilet or bathroom for your alma mater, why plead with the media to report it? Why package your so-called philanthropy or advocacy for the viewership and applause of all? It is only con-artists and social parasites that do that.

Heartfelt, repetitive acts of diligence and altruism are sooner remembered and celebrated by the world. The world will accord you a listening ear and pay you the homage you deserve at fate and fortune’s appropriate hour.

But a greater number of youth aren’t wired to accept such fact. They would rather seek the shortest cut to affluence. If by towing such path, they achieve their goals, they claim to be “smart,” but if they fail in their quest, they blame the government, their parents, the society and everyone else but themselves for the failures their lives become.

It is our tragedy today that Nige-

ria still parades ‘promising’ youth with the heart of a lion and wit of a hyena. It’s our tragedy that we still talk the talk of champions and walk the walk of cowards.

Now more than ever, the Nigerian youth seeks to harvest sugarcane where he planted thistle.

The talk is of ‘seed.’ By every philanthropic act or showy advocacy, the lot of the unfortunate improves, it is claimed. Bet the “unfortunate,” ignorant recipients and audiences of such acts do not know that every such “charitable” act they approve, they applaud no humanity; rather they subject themselves as middling marks for their crafty philanthropists and “advocates” to rip off.

By consenting to be deceived, the society establishes and confirms its shameful ignorance and it’s purely illusory foundations.

This generation considers itself to be more intelligent than the one that came before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it; thus its inexorable quest to outclass both bastions of our past and future. It is not clear however, how well it would fare in this arduous quest but many a youth have argued that it’s about time the “wasted generation” moved over.

They claim that a new breed of Nigerian youth is fast evolving.

This breed, they claim, do not seek handouts from the country’s underachieving ruling class; no, they simply want the government to facilitate an enabling environment in which the youth could engage in gainful industry and thrive.

By enabling environment, they speak of stable electricity, safe and usable road networks, security, access to free and quality education, free and affordable healthcare, and a corruption-free society to mention a few. I agree that such wonderful environment is overdue in Nige-

ria, but for what manner of youth should the government create such enabling environment? Resourceful, mean, currency-activated “youth leaders,” “advocacy gurus,” “philanthropists,” “motivational speakers” et al? Should Nigeria become more habitable for such characters and pretenders to humanity to flourish?

To rebel against the established order, to criticize the current ruling class and in the same breath, court it; to lament the existing reality and confound extravagant hopes of the future by pillaging off the same reality are the common dispositions of a greater number of Nigerian youths. Add self-acclaimed genius to the mix, and you have yourself a perfect portrait of our leaders of tomorrow.

You need to learn to crawl before you walk. It’s the way the universe is ordered. It’s about time the youth got busy doing honest work. The best advocacy occupies a crucial niche in honest industry.

There is a sweet tang to success earned following years of slugging it out in the trenches. Career philanthropy and advocacy only encourages you to become a fraud unto yourself and your immediate society. There is no smart or streetsavvy path to the good life. If you see certain people living large and amassing fortunes by circumventing honest sweat and industry, they are simply conning themselves off the rewards they ought to enjoy in their twilight.

You need to be extraordinary at something before you earn recognition for it. Fortune seeks out he who has paid for it in sweat and honest toil but the lust for vanities steer importunate fools to the path to tragic twilight.

SMS only 08038551123 (tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk)

The hallucinations of a PDP crooner

By Obadina Owolabi through the election, how was the will of the party established. It was established by the strong arm of the presidency and the party power structure. Candidates that were not favoured were told to sit down or face the wrath of the powerful. The only time they were allowed to talk was when they were forced to stand before the convention and withdraw their candidacies against their free will. Proud and distinguished Nigerians were made to stand in public shame.

As they withdrew their candidacies, their voices cracked and some spoke while holding back tears and justifiable anger.

What happened at this convention was not democratic, it was an imposition. Yet, Metuh said nothing about the manifest unfairness of the occasion. Perhaps his tongue was tied because he was a beneficiary of the event. Rather than dwell on Olisa’s puerile theories of “Clique Tyranny” and “Shenanigans”, we must point out that Olisa is racing down an alley of no return and rather than waste time attacking other parties, he should turn inwards and reconcile himself with the gangster-like manner his party is being run and by extension the country.

We can never forget how Echocho, the PDP governorship aspirant in Kogi won his party primaries with ballot papers showed on television to confirm his victory. Surprisingly, between Kogi state and Abuja, the results changed in what remains a classic case of day light electoral robbery and transparent corruption. What happened to Echocho’s results?

Olisa should provide an explanation. Echocho is presently in court trying to rescue his mandate.

What about Bayelsa, home state of the President where all the rules were violated to satisfy the ego of just one person. PDP working with the powers in Abuja, literarily brought down an elected government in Bayelsa simply to install a friend of the president as governor. Nigerians saw through the charade and winced at the manipulation and brazen partisanship displayed by the president and his party leaders.

How can the spokesperson of a party, whose national chairman, less than a month ago,

publicly announced and denounced the lack of internal democracy in PDP, now, try to educate another party about internal democracy?

It is best laughable and most untenable. For the records, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, not once, not twice insisted that lack of internal democracy in the party is responsible for the nation’s inability to enjoy a democratic culture. No indictment could be more damaging. Rather than work with his party to first remove the log in their eyes, Olisa wants to remove the spec in the eyes of other parties. Rather than shadow boxing and assaulting our minds with time worn clichés and pedestrian analysis, Olisa and the PDP should heal themselves first. Tukur in his declaration to 50-member Advisory Committee of the party was unsparing when he submitted candidly that the PDP lacks openness, inclusiveness, fairness, respect as well as proper balance between the principles of fusion and separation of powers as they relate to oversight functions of governance in the party and the government.

A woman with a dirty kitchen should not be so eager to give her broom to a neighbour.

Metuh seems to know more and be more concerned about ACN processes than those of his own party. Perhaps he assumes this odd perspective because what he would see if he looked at his own party in the mirror would be too sad to endure. Truly, no party is perfect and all have room for improvement concerning their internal democratic processes. However, there is a wide difference between PDP making a mockery of its own rules and the ACN at least trying to honour its own. An objective person who views the two parties would conclude that the ACN has been much more faithful to internal democracy than the PDP has been.

Endorsement of candidates is a universal practice under any democracy.

The ACN allows all candidates to run and express themselves. The ACN has not pressured anyone to discontinue their candidacy. The allegation that ACN party leaders have backed a particular candidate is a non-argument. Does

Metuh expect the individual party leaders not to eventually endorse or prefer a candidate? In every democracy, party leaders are not asked to be mum. We model our democracy after America. When President Obama ran in 2008 did he not get the endorsement of leaders of his party?

Did not the Republican Mitt Romney get the endorsement of party leaders to win the Republican race this year? No one claimed this process was undemocratic. The question is not whether a particular candidate has the backing of certain party leaders, for eventually party leaders will have to back someone. Also, it is not always the case at the party leaders all agree on the same candidate. The real question is whether all candidates are given a fair chance to show their ability and to win support within the party.

No candidate came into the Ondo nomination race as the anointed agent of the leadership. It is on this essential point that the ACN and PDP differ. In the PDP, everything is pre-arranged and pre-cooked. The winner of the race is decided before the competitors get to the starting blocks. The ACN allows the contestants to compete against each other. We wait to see how the PDP will select its candidate. The Action Congress will not complain about PDP dancing naked in the market place which has become a pass time for a party in dire need of a surgical operation.

The message underlying Metuh’s commentary is one of panic. He is afraid that they and their ally in the government house in Akure will lose the election in Ondo. However, it will not be by making false claims against the ACN in the pages of the newspapers that this election will be won.

Let the PDP and their ally allow for a free election where the votes are counted fairly, then all will be able to tell if the ACN used the right method to select the right candidate. Metuh’s outburst is probably not because he believes the ACN and its candidate are weak. If they were weak, Metuh would be celebrating. He is complaining because He believes the ACN is strong and that it will win. His complaint is that of a party preparing a current excuse for its coming defeat in Ondo.

• Owolabi is of the Ondo Progressive Union, OPU

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION ‘It matters not how long you live, but how well.’ ———Publilius Syrus (Roman Philosopher)

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ASHORUN MKO Abiola will eternally remain a recurring decimal in the economic anal and political narration of the country. He deployed his wealth to impact on millions of lives across the globe. His entry into the Nigeria’s political landscape and the ineffaceable pawmarks he made will for decades to come remain a record, waiting to be equalled, by this and future generations of Nigerians. He might be extolled by many, just as a few might scoff him. But the fact can not be denied the man that in his life time, and unlike many Nigerians in his shoes, he enhanced the worth of humanity than he met it. We cannot forget how he set high electoral benchmark that the nation has in 13 years of democratic government been battling to equal: Surpassing that benchmark looks too utopian.

Under the current political rigmarole, it seems a near impossible task to accomplish. What the nation mostly have as rulers today are jesters and profiteers of the Abiola electoral legacy.

Some may be too young to comprehend who Abiola was: Let me give an adumbration of the profile of that profound, enigmatic, and iconic Nigerian. Abiola was a Nigeria of GbaguraAbeokuta extraction that conquered childhood poverty to emerge not only as a great detribalised Nigerian but one of the greatest Africans that ever lived. He was not found wanting in the professional realm as a certified accountant that later grew to become a business mogul of global acclaim. He established the highly received and broadly circulated Concord newspapers and African Concord magazine et’al. He invested in sports, education, manufacturing, telecommunication and oil and gas to mention but few.

Where millions of Nigerians and Africans will eternally be grateful to Abiola was his brief intervention in politics that has forever changed the political landscape and also demystified the erroneous notion that the Hausa/Fulani can never vote for a southern candidate in any election. Abiola defeated Bashir Tofa, a northerner, even in his home state of Kano, fair and square. That feat remains to be beaten in today’s badly organised and prosecuted elections at the centre and in the states across this warped federation.

By the time this column is being read, the 14thyear anniversary of Abiola’s death will just be eight days away. Abiola was ‘murdered’inside Aso-Rock on July 7, 1998. Thousands of politicians are now profiting from his selfless toil. So many

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ODAY, we serve you a smorgasbord of concerns for you to chew over the rest of the weekend. Please help yourself to whatever catches your fancy: There goes Ojo Maduekwe again! What will Nigeria do without Chief Ojo Maduekw, one is tempted to ask? Perhaps Nigeria will suffer acute malfunctioning far worse than we are witnessing now should Ojo deign to quit the scene? Why is Expresso picking on this venerable gentleman and statesman-to-be?

Well by the time you read this, Ojo as we fondly call him will be on his way to Canada if he is not already well habituated in that far, northernmost part of the world as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to that beautiful vast land that is well ordered and meticulously managed, to the point of a utopia.

Expresso wishes Ojo well on his new appointment except that in the last 30 years or so, Ojo has moved from one government job or the other totaling over one dozen. Most intriguing however, is that his last but current appointment was Minister of Foreign Affairs.

From heading a ministry yesterday to taking a subordinate job under that ministry today is a bit unsettling for Expresso but that is the way of Ojo. He had moved from being a minister (twice) to becoming a special adviser and back to minister… back and forth, forth and back.

The question is, all these flurry of appointments, to what end? Where is the progression? Why would a 72-year-old elder shuffle off to a cold, calciferous Canada when he could have nominated any of his protégés.

Who would tend the obi when our elders are graying away in faraway lands? Any wonder ala Igbo is in disarray? All the same, fare thee well Ambassador, eje alo o.

Haba Chief Anthony Ani! Foremost accountant and very wealthy former Finance Minister of former military head of State, General Sani Abacha has said recently in a national newspaper that the stumpy general did not loot the nation’s treasury in spite of what Nigerians and the world know about him. Ani tried to qualify his assertion by stating that even if Abacha stole money, it must have been his ‘security vote’ drawn directly through the Central Bank of Nigeria.

As far as Chief Ani was concerned, and going

Kola Abiola: Sustaining MKO’S legacy @ 50

•Kola Abiola comments have been made about today’s dawn that Abiola ushered but no one among the powerful in the country is perturbed about what becomes of the personal estate cum legacy of that unforgettable Nigerian.

The present day beneficiaries of Abiola’s political sacrifice in Aso-Rock Villa seems not bothered about how to revive the several businesses of Abiola that is languishing across the country. Some of us are, however, genuinely concerned. Nonetheless, as we are planning the celebration of the 14th year anniversary of Abiola’s demise, it is great to know that his first son, Lateef Kolawole Abiola (LKA), will on Sunday, July 1stbe celebrating his 50 years birthday on planet earth.

LKA, like all human being, is infallible, but listening to him talk about the big burden that

his father’s death entrusted on his shoulders and how far he has fared, it could be gleaned that he has done well in consolidating the legacy left behind by his father. Though simple and unassuming, he has sharp intellect with a sound knowledge of Nigerian politics- notwithstanding his taciturn disposition to the media on family and burning national issues.

During a select interactive session comprising Dele Momodu-Ovation International CEO, Femi Adesina- DMD, Sun newspaper, Segun AdeniyiChairman, Editorial Board of ThisDay newspaper, Steve Ayorinde-MD, National Mirror newspaper, my humble self from the Nation, Jide Ajani-Editor, Sunday Vanguard and two other top journalists, he gleefully told us that his father was his idol and mentor after God saying that ‘no living Nigerian has achieved what my father did for Nigeria.’ He wished away the cynicism about his loyalty to his father and the cause he died for by declaring that ‘he was committed to the June 12 struggle and a total servant to his father.’

LKA at 50 showed a good understanding of leadership when he espoused that Nigeria will get out of the present doldrums if only according to him the nation can embrace a situation where political parties will allow‘leaders to emerge as candidates as against the current scenario where candidates emerged as leaders.’ He said it is only then that Nigeria can have ‘effective leadership because nationalists like Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, and even my dad, were leaders that emerged as candidates of their various political parties. They had ultimate sense

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8181624757, email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

From Ojo Mduekwe to Chris Okotie: a pot pourri by the federal budgets of 1997 and 1998 which he prepared and implemented to the letter, not a kobo could have been stolen by Abacha.

If Chief Ani is not only 76 years old, one would be tempted to accuse him of senility.

To keep the record of the Abacha era straight for the younger ones, the late dictator did not only loot Nigeria’s treasury, he stole five years of our lives from 1993 to 1998.

This was a period of arrested development for Nigeria when the ‘murderous cretin’, to quote Wole Soyinka held the country hostage.

These were Nigeria’s lost years; five years during which Nigeria died, her economy died, CBN died, education died, health died… and the whole world held Nigeria in disdain as a basket case. Do we put it down to phantasmagoria or plain mischief that Chief Ani would speak so glibly about our collective pain? Where are we going through crises upon crises? It is because of the blunders of our so-called leaders like Babangida, Abacha and Obasanjo and their collaborators such as Chief Anthony Ani. If our elders cannot help us articulate our past, how can we understand our present in order to take charge of our future? If Chief Ani is living in denial and in a state of perpetual amnesia, most of us are not.

President Jonathan and his assets : assets is a funny word in Nigeria. When you talk of a man’s assets here you just conjecture a pile of loot and when assets declaration is mentioned

the average Nigerian public official is jittery.

Such was the case with President Goodluck Jonathan the other day when he faced the nation on his media chat. Why has he not made public, his declared assets as expected and as his immediate predecessor did? Our president went off the handle in his answer to a seemingly innocuous question, making over a dozen un-presidential remarks in a staccato of disjointed sentences. Let us count the tell-tale blurts: 1) it is personal, 2) I don’t give a damn about it, 3) if you want to criticize me from heaven, 4) making it public is no issue, 5) I will not play into the hands of the people, 6) I have nothing to hide, 7) Yar’Adua made me declare my assets publicly; it is not proper to do so, 8) you don’t need to publicly declare your assets, 9) it is a matter of principle, 10) it is not the President declaring his assets that will change the country, 11) if I am somebody who wants to hide it is what I tell you that you will even believe, etc.

Nothing more to add to the above list other than that someone must be able to sit the president down and explain the import and imputation of each of the above statements of his. It will be in President Jonathan’s interest to listen carefully and understand them.

Rev. Chris Okotie’s matrimonial hiccups:

it is not clear whether Expresso has authority to talk about this matter but it

of responsibilities to the people and themselves before facing the electorate.’ On zoning, LKA believes that: ‘Zoning is wrong. What matters is for there to be internal democracy which is lacking in all the political parties today.’

Furthermore, he reminded that ‘June 12 killed zoning that is being revived today because the then government never had the mind of presenting a southern or any south-west candidate for SDP or any other party until my dad emerged as his party’s presidential candidate. Even under this dispensation, the emergence of Tambuwal signalled to us that the days of zoning are numbered.’ He stated for emphasis that ‘to rule Nigeria, a person must be ready to clap with two hands. Our tribe should be Nigeria.’He is already thinking in the direction of setting up, very soon, a non-governmental organisation tentatively called ‘Tribe Nigeria’with the objective of returning true sovereignty to the people. The sad news about the interaction with LKA is that the outstanding debt that Ibrahim Babangida claimed government owed Abiola, running to over $350million, has not been paid till date.

LKA at 50 has some cheering news for those that want the defunct Concord newspaper to be revived. He said that effort for the revival of Concord newspapers is underway. Another- the Summit oil that Obasanjo did everything to kill is already functioning now. Those that have any misgiving against LKA should forgive him.

Now he must have taken serious, his mother, late Alhaja Simbiat Atinuke Abiola’s admonition to him early in his life that ‘people will see in you, what you don’t see in yourself.’

LKA has not done badly for himself and in also sustaining the legacy left behind by his father, the great Moshood Abiola. Kate Chopin (1850 - 1904), a U.S. novelist, short-story writer and poet in her book ‘The Awakening’ wrote: ‘There are some people who leave impressions not so lasting as the imprint of an oar upon the water.’ This is not applicable to LKA for Abiola left indelible impressions and his first son, at just 50, has taken steps to solidify and consolidate his dad’s legacy.

The bitter truth, in conclusion, is that very few prominent Nigerians in the industry and politics can boost of siblings that can be considered as able and capable of sustaining their legacy, most times in their life time, not to talk of long after they must have died. Happy 50th birthday and many happy returns of July 1st to LKA. have died.

Happy 50th birthday and many happy returns of July 1st to LKA.

borders on both the religious and the secular and Rev Chris is a public figure just as he is a man of God. As we all know, he has just announced the dissolution of his second marriage. No, let us rephrase that. He has announced that his second marriage has been put in abeyance; irreconcilable difference, he tells the world. Who dares judge another man in matters like these, how much more a man of God? No reasonable man. Expresso will only dare to chip in that Rev Chris ought to be a lot more circumspect in matters like these far more than we mere mortals. It is not acceptable that any man changes wives like he changes his boxer shots. Not even a man of God is allowed to do that. Yes King Solomon did it but that was by a special unction, shall we venture to say. Even then, Solomon the wise, suffered grave consequences.

Marriage is never a bed of roses. It is managed; endured mainly and only enjoyed if you are lucky. Marriage is like bitter medicine: even if you do not like it, you must swallow it because it is good for you, ultimately. Without prejudice to Rev. Chris, let me make some trouble by stating that most marriage failures in our part of the world are caused by the male the husband.

The reason is simple and natural if you like: many men would rather take a new woman (wife) every year. We are phallic beings; or to put it plainly, we men are driven by our penis. That is the tragedy of a man’s life and it requires a special grace to master that rascal between our legs.

Rev Chris is a great man by any account.

He has built a large church and three times he has attempted to rule Nigeria but Expresso thinks strongly that any man who cannot manage to manage his home must not be allowed to manage a country. It stands to reason: how can you deign to run my life when you are making a mess of yours?

Would Rev. Chris invite us to yet another large, elaborate wedding tomorrow?

POSER TO THE READER: In Nigerian context, who do you think is usually the main culprit in a failed marriage: husband or wife?

Please text your short answer to the number above giving a very short explanation. Your views will be published with your name and number.

CHELSEA

returns with N2.02b bid for

MOSES

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

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PEOPLE THE NATION

AN EIGHT-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Multi-talented photo-journalist Sunmi Smart-Cole may be 70 but he is still good in his trade. He sees the world through his lens. His star-studded book presentation cum photo exhibition in Lagos drew guests from far and wide. EVELYN OSAGIE AND TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO were there.

•From left: Chief Anyaoku; Smart-Cole; Oloye Violet Ladipo and Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi

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MAGINE walking into a hall of fame with the portraits of great achievers smiling down at you. Achievers such as President Fidel Castro of Cuba; former American President Bill Clinton; Revd Jesse Jackson; the Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka; the late Attorney-Gen of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige; former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon and General Abdulsalam Abubakar; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Deputy Director, United Nations Educational Scientific (UNESCO), Hans d'Orville; business mogul Aliko Dangote; telecoms magnate Mike Adenuga; the late Afrobeat King, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the late Quincy Jones, ace singer Patti Boulaye; ace songstress Onyeka Onwenu; basketball star Hakeem Olajuwon and more.

This was the feeling guests got walking into the ace photo and journalist Sunmi Smart-Cole's book presentation and photo exhibition at the Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos last Saturday.

The book entitled Sunmi's Lens: A medium between man and nature was a celebration of photography in its purest form - black-and-white and nature.

Scenes showcasing nature's essence and photography at their best in the last 30 years ushered guests into the hall.

Smart-Cole’s works are timeless, a quality which has established him over the years, giving him a household name.

"You pick them up tomorrow, they remain fresh like yesterday," a guest said, admiring some of Smart-Cole’s works.

A man of many parts He may not have been the president or a governor, but the high and mighty queued up at the event to get his autograph.

Smart-Cole attended to everyone cheerfully.

It was his day of glory…a day that highlighted his achievements and contributions to Nigeria's high society and photography.

Photography has earned Smart-Cole many awards and international recognitions. He won the third Commonwealth Photography Exhibition award (1983); the first TINAPA Movie Awards tagged the Achievement in Entertainment Award (Golden Camera Award, 2007), and the Photo-Journalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN) award (2008) for Inspirational Support, among others. Smart-Cole's first solo exhibition was in Stanford University, United States. He has held exhibitions in Ethiopia, Cuba, Hong Kong and Nigeria. He combines photography with journalism, a profession that brought him in contact with dignitaries across the globe.

Expectedly, the cream of society gathered to

celebrates the man and his talent. More interesting was the experience of seeing the artist's high profile models face-to-face. Smart Cole has taken his timeless art to another level by documenting it for posterity in his book.

His ability to give a breath of fresh air to pictures, guests said, was what distinguishes him from others.

"He, literarily, sees the world through his lens," Standard Bank Managing Director Mrs Bola Adesola said.

For Commodore Ubitu Ukiwe, the book is "a beautiful work." He praised Smart-Cole's multi talent, saying: "Here is a man of multiple specialisations. I have never seen a man with such varied specialisations. He is a good barber, musician. You name it, if Sunmi goes into it, he would be the best at it."

Oge Odueda of FirstBank, sponsors of the event, said the bank is happy to partner with the brand, Sunmi Smart-Cole, because both are in the business of promoting culture.

For Mrs Adesola, Smart-Cole's interpretation

of nature is what stands him out. "He interpretes nature through his art," she said.

Award-winning photographer George Osodi, said of Smart-Cole: "He does what he does and puts a lot of enthusiasm into what he does.

Everybody knows that. I congratulate him."

He counselled Nigerians to pay attention to pictures and art works which, according to him, make for a happier nation.

Vanguard Publisher Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu who chaired the event, described Smart-Cole as a man who lives well.

He hailed FirstBank Nigeria Plc for promoting great artistic accomplishments.

Former Secretary-General, Commonwealth Chief Emeka Anyaoku described the celebrator as a versatile individual.

"He is qualified to be called a man of all seasons," said Anyaoku.

He praised Smart-Cole for the great works he has done, especially the historic pictures he captured.

To Smart-Cole’s son, Tobi, who is also a professional photographer, his father's creativity never ceases to captivate him.

"He is passionate about his art. His works in black and white medium and his creativity inspire me greatly. As a photographer, my father really inspires me, especially when it comes to the way he takes his pictures."

An elated Smart-Cole spent long time heaping praises on the guests for honouring him.

He nearly mentioned all the guests’ names during the vote of thanks.

•More pictures on page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

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SOCIETY •Continued from page 25

•Brig-Gen Mobolaji Johnson

•Book Reviewer Prof David Arademu

•Chief Phillips Asiodu (right) and Franklin Ogbeni

•Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe and his wife

•Chief Akintola Williams (right) and Mr Seni Williams

•Chief Okhai Ojeikere (left) and Prof Duro Oni

•Senator Udo Udoma (left) and Mr Sami Olagbaju

•Chief Chris Onabanjo (left) and Prof Uko Uche

•Mr Odein Ajumogobia and his wife Awuneba

•Revd Emmanuel Fregene (left) and Dr Tunji Braithwaite

•Alhaji Layi Gobar and his wife

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI AND OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

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SOCIETY

•Chief Gbolahan Olufon (left) and Asagba Obi of Onitsha Chief Joseph Ononye

•Senator Florence Ita-Giwa

•Mr Ted Iwere

•Mrs Yewande Zachious (left) and Mrs Azeez

•Uncle Amuka-Pemu flanked by Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa and her husband Segun

•Mrs Carolyn Hall; Mr Tomi Davies and Mr Phil Hall

•Dr Pascal Dozie

Redefining children fashion show F

ASHION is no longer the exclusive preserve of adults. Truz ‘n’ Bluz Concepts is set to redefine children’s fashion with its pageant, tagged: Miss Juvenile Pageant Nigeria (MNJP). The pageant, targeted at in the ages of 5 and10 years, is meant to create a platform to develop the moral and social capacity of children, especially. It will feature beauty and talent shows, cultural dances, quiz and more with lots of prizes, such as a car, scholarship, cash and an all expense paid trip for a child and its parents to Obudu Cattle ranch and more.

According to the organisers, MNJP is aimed at preparing participants as future celebrity/role models. They will be showcasing their God-given talents before their parents, teachers and the nation.

“We have seen all kinds of events, shows and television programmes targeted at youths and adults to entertain and educate viewers. This has in the long run snowballed into a robust entertainment and educational content for the aforementioned

MNJP seeks to discover and celebrate young pageants and more, writes EVELYN OSAGIE. demography. On the other hand, very little is being done to develop contents that cater for the needs of children, be it entertainment or educational. Owing to this, we have put together a juvenile pageant show, to help correct this in our own little way. Children will have fun, increase their intelligence quotient (IQ), boost their self confidence and, of course, learn more about the culture and traditions of their father land,” the organisers said.

MNJP’s auditions, they said, will hold in five geo-political zones with 10 winners per zone. The audition, to be held on weekends, will be handled like a mini-grand finale with lots of giveaway items by sponsors.

Participants’ scores, which will be collated by audition officials, are uploaded onto the event’s official website.

According to the organisers, MNJP grand finale will hold in Lagos amid pomp and

ceremony. “sixty participants will slog it out on the runway for the ultimate prize of a car, scholarship and cash prize.”

The crowned queen, organisers said, will be a mouthpiece of Nigerian children, campaigning against child molestations and abuse. “Aside being a child of high moral standard, the queen will be the Ambassador for Nigerian children. She will visit children in less-privileged homes, toput smiles on their faces and give them hope; represent the Nigerian children during presidential inauguration and national awards /events. She will stand as an instrument to fight child labour.”

The organisers also said, at the end of the show, MNJP would be packaged as television content for children. “The motive behind this is to help take the show beyond the venue into the homes Nigerian children as well create awareness for the next season of MNJP.”

•Former Lagos Deputy Governor Princess Sarah Sosan

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

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SOCIETY

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N her lifetime, she went through some challenges, expecially in

her marriage. She did not conceive in good time and people labelled her “barren”. But she did not lose faith in God; she held steadfast to her belief that she will become pregnant at the set time. She told those who cared to listen that the fruit of the womb is a gift from God. God eventually smiled on her. From the same womb tagged to be barren, came a baby boy, Andrew Ositadinma. She later gave birth to eight other children, Grace; Margaret; Benjamin; Samson; Michael (Mike); Emmanuel and Elizabeth. Eight survived her.

This in a nutshell is part of the lifestory of the late Madam Margaret Nkiruka Igbokwe, mother of Mr Mike Igbokwe (SAN). She died on May 5.

A detribalised Nigerian, who could fairly read and write in Igbo and English, she was fluent in speaking Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa.

Madam Igbokwe, nee Mkparu was 92.

Her Christian values and faith in God had great impact on her children and grand children. Today, some of her children and in-laws are leaders in the Church. They include an in-law Pastor Alex Bamgbola of Zion Ministries and Chairman Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, his wife Reverend Grace Bamgbola; Deacon Samson Igbokwe of TREM Church, Lagos and Mike Igbokwe (SAN), Head of the Benevolence Department of the Household of God International Ministries Church, Oregun, Lagos.

So it was a celebration of life when her remains were interred at her hometown in Obiagu Village, Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government of Anambra State, last Saturday.

The funeral rites began, with a service of songs on June 19 at The Household of God Church, Oregun, Lagos.

Mama's children led by the eldest Andy (Andrew) celebrated their mother in a grand style.

The train later moved to her late husband's compound in a Obiagu Village for the final rites.

After the interment and condolence visits, guests later entertained at Noble Club Hall, Near Eke-Amichi.

The eminent personalities that graced the event attested to the life of fulfilment that Madam Igbokwe lived and the accomplishment of all her children.

Among them were Director General, Nigerian Law School Dr Tahi Mamman; Chief Godwin Obla; Justice Adedotun Onibokun; Justice Mobolaji Ojo; Mr Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), Pastor Femi Atoyebi (SAN); Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe; Mr Omoruyi Omonuwa (SAN); Mr Joseph Okoroafor; Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN) and wife, Ifeoma; Mrs Susan Aguariavwodo; former Lagos Commissioner for Health Dr Leke Pitan; Senator Effiong Bob; Bishop Elemonor; Mrs Femi Kadri and wife Elizabeth; Emmanuel Igbokwe; Mr Samson and his wife Roseline and Evangelist Musa Aliyu.

Anambra State Governor Mr Peter Obi commiserated with the Igbokwe family.

Obi went to the grave side where he offered prayer for her soul.

Chief Judge of Anambra State Justice Peter Umeavi also commiserated with the Igbokwes.

Justice Umeavi urged the bereaved children to always uphold the legacy of the deceased which is utmost submission to God. In his tribute, Emeka Nwosu, a lawyer extolled the virtue of a woman who he never met one-onone.

"I never met mama but his son, Mike Igbokwe (SAN) must have

‘Honesty was her best policy’ The remains of Madam Margaret Igbokwe, mother of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Mike Igbokwe, have been interred at her hometown Obiagu Village, Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports

•Mr Igbokwe (SAN) and his wife Dora

•From right: Mr Emmanuel Igbokwe; Mr Femi Kadri and his wife, Elizabeth

•Governor Obi flanked by his wife Margaret and Commissioner for Information Mr Maja Umeh

•Dr Mamman; Sen Bob and Chief Obla.

•Revd Okotie (left) and Bishop Elemonor

•Chief Idigbe (SAN) and wife, Ifeoma

•Mrs Susan Aguariavwodo and Dr Pitan

•Mr Omonuwa (SAN) and Mr Okoroafor

inherited mama's traits in generosity and encouragement. Mr Igbokwe has been a pillar of support for me in my legal practice," Nwosu said.

Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN) and Chief Chijioke Okolie also paid a condolence visit to the family.

In his exortation at the service of songs held in Lagos, Senior Pastor of the church Revd Christ Okotie enjoined the children not to sorrow because "We will all be overcome by

death".

Death, the cleric-politician said, is certain and man must always prepare for it.

The deceased son Mr Igbokwe described his mum as a caring and loving mother who took care of her children and ensured they were protected from harm.

"A stickler to good morals and biblical principles who would not want her child spoilt and so never hesitated to correct my puerile

wrongs and flogged me when the need arose in order to shape me up," he said.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria continues "Prophetically, Mama you started called me 'lawyer' when I was a child because I liked to argue with you and prove my points and through God's direction, I became a lawyer, trained by one of the best lawyers in Nigeria and today by God's grace a Senior Advocate of

Nigeria. I thank God for using you to bring me into this world and for all He used you to do for me and the time we spent together especially during your last days.

I can never forget the principles of honesty and self-contentment and hatred for greed and theft you thought me when I was a child by rebuking and caning me for bringing home to show you and dad, a six pence coin I found on the road."

29 Vol 4. N

FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

o. 1757

What makes Heineken tick?

In the 60s and 70s, Heineken Beer was the toast of party goers. Then it disappeared. About 10 years ago, it reappeared in the market when Nigeria Breweries (NB) started brewing it. Since its return, it has triggered a ‘revolution’, with rival brands waking up from their slumber to fight back. WALE ALABI examines the brand’s edge in the market.

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OST good businesses – and many bad ones – start when someone takes a gamble on a simple idea. Gerard Adriaan Heineken was an impeccably dressed young man with a bold spirit when he decided to build a brewing empire. He had no experience and, at 22, was considered a ‘baby’, being an era when people were still regarded novices at the age of 30.

When he bought the loss-making Haystack brewery in the centre of Amsterdam in 1864, few believed his name would last the year despite his pledges to long-lasting quality. Heineken swept into the brewery like a whirlwind, energising the workforce, revamping procedures and instilling confidence.

He only had 20 employees, but celebrated his first year by boosting preHeineken production of 2,100 barrels to 5,000 barrels and moved to a bigger, modern premises on the outskirts of the city.

Business prospered but Heineken noticed that a new process called ‘bottom-fermentation,’ producing a clearer beer with a longer life, was challenging traditional methods. He wasted no time and hired the best master brewers to take his company to the front of beer production.

In 1870, Heineken started to sell its new range of pilsner beer and soon the company was struggling to keep pace with demand. Heineken chased sales successfully, but made a simple rule that quality would never be compromised.

Beer sales soared and the company started exporting to England, Belgium, and northern France. Heineken was captivated by Paris and was overjoyed when his firm won the contract to supply the best clubs in the city. In 1884, the distinctive green Heineken label was registered as a trademark. In 20 years, he had built a brewing powerhouse and proved critics wrong. But still he pushed forward.

He inaugurated experimental laboratories to chase the dream of the ‘perfect beer’ and employed Dr H. Elion, a pupil of Louis Pasteur. His team discovered the ‘A’ yeast – still used today – which had quality and stability enabling Heineken to achieve purity and consistency in his

beer. It was a landmark in brewing.

The ‘A’ yeast is still a vital part of Heineken’s brewing and it is used in all of its 110 breweries. From the main brewery in Zoeterwoude, the Netherlands, it is transported around the world in special cases and gets almost diplomatic honours in its journeys. The A-yeast is sent to all breweries every month to maintain the consistent quality of the beer Heineken is known for.

The brewery won the Grand Prix de Paris in 1889 and the next year became the supplier of beer to the Eiffel Tower restaurant as befits it elevated status.

Heineken died on March 18, 1893, but his legacy was a brewery selling 200,000 hectolitres of beer each year – at the time the average Dutch brewery was selling just 3,000 hectolitres.

Sales continued to rise and Gerard’s 28year-old son, Dr Henry Pierre Heineken, was appointed a director in 1914 and three years later became chairman. He carried the family torch and was famous for his commitment to his workforce and became the first employer in Holland to set up a pension scheme for the workers, which came into force on the company’s 50th anniversary. He also encouraged a rapid international expansion and Heineken, in the early 1930s, took its first tentative steps in Asia.

In 1931, the first Heineken brewery was opened near the Indonesian city of Suabaya. Two years later, another plant, the Malayan Breweries was established in Singapore – together with soft drinks producer Fraser & Neave. It is known as

• Heineken logo

Asia Pacific Breweries.

Heineken remained eagle-eyed for new opportunities and three days after Prohibition ended in the United States, a shipment of Heineken beer was unloaded at the New Jersey Port of Hoboken – it has been the most popular imported beer ever since.

1946 was significant in the company’s development. The now famous green bottle was introduced in the USA and Henry’s son, Alfred Henry Heineken, became the third generation leader in the company. He was to preside over huge creativity and global activity. With the world still struggling to find a way back from World War II and Heineken’s finances in need of repair, Alfred helped Heineken enter a new era of prosperity. In 1960, the company hit the landmark of selling one million 24-bottle cases in the USA. On January 1, 1968, the first Heineken advert appeared on Dutch television, but Heineken needed shrewd acquisitions and mergers along with innovative advertising to make its mark in the face of ferocious competition. In 1970, the company had just 2.8 per cent of the market.

In the 70s and 80s, the world’s beer mar-

‘Heineken is the leading beer brand in Europe, the most prestigious imported beer in the United States and the number one international premium beer brand in the world. The awards and figures display the commercial reality of Heineken’s success but the independent mind, creative spirit and disciplined will are the emotional charges that have run through the company for 135 years’

ket grew by 181 per cent, but Heineken’s turnover increased by 465 per cent.

Today, Heineken is the largest brewer in Europe and the world’s leading international beer brand exported to over 170 countries worldwide. The company brews more than 109 million hectolitres of beer and production takes place in over 115 breweries in over 65 countries.

Heineken was lauded as ‘Brand of the Century’ and Alfred, who resigned as chairman in 1989, as ‘Advertiser of the century’ in the Netherlands in 1999.

Sadly, Alfred passed on in January 2002.

His daughter Charlene de CarvalhoHeineken joined as a Delegate Member of the Management Board of Heineken Holding N.V the same year, thereby continuing the Heineken family legacy to this day.

The results are a testimony to the great vision of four generations of a remarkable family. The awards and figures display the commercial reality of Heineken’s success but the independent mind, creative spirit and discipline are the emotional charges that have run through the company for 138 years.

Heineken is the leading beer brand in Europe, the most prestigious imported beer in the United States and the number one international premium beer brand in the world. The awards and figures display the commercial reality of Heineken’s success but the independent mind, creative spirit and disciplined will are the emotional charges that have run through the company for 135 years.

The international beer, Heineken, enjoyed in over 170 countries has hit Nigeria with a bang: The big Heineken in 60cl bottle is here. Join the world of Heineken.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

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Brandnews

Etisalat woos consumers with airtime bonus E

TISALAT is offering its cus tomers airtime bonus.

Tagged Double Ur recharge weekend promo, it doubles recharges made during weekends between 6 pm on Friday and 11:59 pm on Sunday.

To reap the benefits of this fantastic weekend promo, all customers have to do is opt-in by dialing *356*1#, or texting ON to 356; and ALL recharges of N200 and above made during the weekend between 6pm on Friday and 11:59pm on Sunday will be doubled. Customers who recharge with N200 airtime will get an additional N200 and customers who recharge with N10,000 will get a whopping N10,000 bonus.

Customers, who recharge with N200 or above by using e-top up will also benefit from the offer.

The promo does not limit the amount that customer can recharge with. However, recharges and bonus doubled must be used by the end of the weekend.

Unused recharges and bonus credit, however, expires by midnight on Sunday.

Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Wael Ammar said: “We realise the need for Nigerians to connect with their loved ones, especially on weekends and so we are giving our customers double the amount of any recharge they make during the weekend to call their friends and families in Nigeria and abroad at the applicable rates.

Our customers have always been at the centre of our business. So, we have designed the promotion in such a way that they get double value for their money.”

Brands suffer on Wikipedia, says report

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IGHTY-FIVE per cent of brands on Wikipedia are poorly represented, leading to calls for brand managers to better understand the site’s content needs, a study by EthicalWiki, a US consultancy specialising in Wikipedia has said.

Fox Entertainment Group, LG Corporation, Playtex and Pepsi Bottling Group were among brand pages identified by the Wikipedia community as incomplete or low in quality.

The report, entitled: Brands on Wikipedia by the Numbers, was produced by EthicalWiki, owner and consultant David King, based on an analysis of 2,578 brand pages and the opinions of Wikipedia’s volunteer community.

Although the report has established that majority of brand pages on Wikipedia are poorly edited, King warned firms that if they improved their pages, or asked agencies to edit entries, they would ‘engage in a controversial

practice in ethical grey areas that are ripe to put the firm through media humiliation’.

Instead, he suggested that when looking to supply information for entries, Public Relations professionals should engage with Wikipedia’s editors in the same way as dealing with journalists.

King said: “The level of sophistication on Wikipedia has remained stagnant. Companies should offer content of value to the Wikipedia community in a transparent way, not by directly editing articles they have an affiliation with.”

The research also revealed that 51 per cent of Wikipedia’s requests for improvements on brand pages were related to providing credible, third-party sources to draw content from, such as press, books and scholarly works.

It also found that bias, quality and timeliness were among the top concerns of Wikipedia’s editorial community.

MySpace set to relaunch

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HE once-leading social media site MySpace has held talks with agencies as it prepares for a brand relaunch towards the end of the year.

The move follows the purchase of the music-focused website by Specific Media - bought alongside pop star Justin Timberlake - last June for a sum believed to be around $35million (£21.7million).

While no formal pitch process has been launched, Specific Media has held some exploratory conversations with agencies, to begin a formal pitch process by yera end.

Specific Media’s senior comms manager for Europe Rikki Webster told PRWeek that the agency hunt was still in its ‘early days’.

‘We’ve had a few exploratory conversations within the marketplace, but no formal pitch process is currently being undertaken.’

He added: ‘MySpace will look to roll out consumer-facing activity to-

wards the end of this year, at which time we’ll most likely undertake a formal pitch, but nothing is happening at this time.’

MySpace was the most visited social networking site in the world between 2005 and early 2008, and in June 2006 surpassed Google as the most visited website in the United States. It was also credited with the launch of the careers of pop stars, such as Lily Allen.

However, in the years following the purchase of the site by News Corp for $580milion (£360million) in 2005, it has seen a major decline in visitors. News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch has since labelled the purchase a mistake.

In recent years the brand has looked to reposition itself away from pure social media and towards a focus on entertainment, and Timberlake is understood to be keen to promote the site’s involvement in artists’ creativity.

•From left: Public Relations Manager, Indomie, Mr Tope Ashiwaju presenting awards to Dafe Comfort and Etechie Ternaudez of El-Leonora Schools, winners of its Cooking Competition in Lagos. With them is Co-ordinator, Indomie Fan Club, Mrs Faith Joshua, at the Indomie.

PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

Ecobank rewards promo winners

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COBANK has presented prizes to winners of its new accounts promo at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Four students of the institution won N200,000 each. They are Ruth Aiyegbusi of the Faculty of Law; Okunlade Kehinde; Michael Uchedu of the Department of Building Technology and Phebian Oyedokun of the English Language Department.

At the event on Wednesday were the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rahamon Bello; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Prof Babajide Alo; Bursar, Mr A. Odekunle and Ecobank Branch Manager at UNILAG, Tunji Jayeola.

Bello thanked the bank for the gesture. He congratulated the four recipients, noting that the money would assist them in their education. He said he was happy that the bank fulfilled its promise of partnering with the university.

By Joseph Eshanokpe

On the visit of Miss Universe, who was earlier invited to the event, but had to leave when it was postponed, he said looked forward to seeing her again.

A representative of Uchedu, Harrison Agbedo, said: “It is very nice to win in the promo. This is the first of its kind in the country. Ecobank is the first bank to do this.” He urged the bank to hold a new edition of it.

“I look forward to participating in it in future.,” he added.

Jayeola said the promo was aimed at honouring students and staff of the bank. He said a raffle was held at the end of the promo, which was attended by Miss Universe.

He said: “It was a promo for the best students that ran their accounts in Ecobank. The bank sponsored the event to promote students and staff welfare. It is the first of its kind and it would continue.

“At the moment, we give free ATM cards to students who open accounts with us. So, they can come around and open accounts with us.

“We have other products for staff. For example, there are employees’ credit and salary accounts. One can get 50 per cent of one’s take home for 30 days with minimum interest attached.”

He described UNILAG as customerfriendly, saying the bank has a good working relationship with it.

“In our bank this is the year of customers. We promise them excellent services. For now, our ATM is open 24 hours on campus.

“We sponsored Miss Universe.

She came, but the crisis that engulfed the university did not allow the event to hold then. So, she left,” he added.

The bank has also introduced a new product called Ecomoney to attend to the needs of rural people.

It assists them to transfer N30,000 or less with their phone, he said.

Airtel invests $25m in Malawi

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ELECOMS giant Airtel has in vested over $25 million in Malawi.

Its International Chief Executive Officer Manoj Kholi disclosed this during a visit to President Joyce Banda.

Kohli told her about Airtel’s commitment to Malawi through some innovations, investments and continued human resource development.

Kohli, who also heads the African operations at Bharti Airtel, praised government’s reforms in the telecoms sector, citing the proposed converged licensing regime that is poised to enhance connectivity in the region.

He said: “Our objective is to provide our customers with innovative mobile services that will help fuel the economic and social development of Malawi. Our investment of $25 million in the development of the 3G network and introduction of Airtel Money are a clear demonstration of our commitment to deepen our network and bridge the digital divide.”

Airtel is committed to ensuring Airtel Money services within arm’s reach of the Malawian people. The

platform allows consumers to send and receive money, directly pay their critical utility bills, provide access to their bank accounts and even top up their phones with air time.

The Airtel Money service will benefit the rural communities of Malawi as has been proven in neighbouring countries, such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The planned upgrade of Airtel’s High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 3G network in Malawi will usher in a new era of unique life style enabling products. This is the latest and fastest wireless broadband technology, also being rolled out in Europe and the USA. It will contribute significantly to the growing demand for high speed internet and wireless entertainment for large corporates, small and medium businesses and the youth.

Kohli added: “Our commitments are a clear indication that government reforms and measures in the telecoms sector will add impetus to the economy. Airtel Malawi is also backed by a professional team to support the drive.

“Airtel’s commitment to be one of the leading global telecoms com-

panies is underpinned by the development of local talent at all levels. To this end, Airtel’s leadership programme has seen four talented Malawians take up senior positions overseas to develop their professional skills within the organisation.”

Another highlight is the significant investment in one of Airtel’s largest green energy initiatives in Sub-Sahara Africa. Kohli highlighted his company’s USD10 million Green energy investments in Malawi by the end of the financial year.

The move to build a Green network will address short term issues; cutting back the reliance on fuel, ensuring uninterrupted network upgrades and the medium to long term issues, such as managing operational costs and conservation of the Environment.

Airtel Malawi Managing Director Mr Saulos Chilima said the acquisition of permanent office facilities in Blantyre and Limbe are s indication of its long term commitment in Malawi.

He disclosed that Airtel Malawi has negotiated for new office space in Lilongwe.

SHOPPING

31

THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

•From left: Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance Mr Dapo Kolawole; Governor Kayode Fayemi, Chief Executive Officer, Grand Towers, Uchenna Duru; being attended to by a cashier, Judu Nwosu; during the visit of the Governor to Shoprite in Abuja on Monday.

Retail giant Shoprite has opened in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and South Africa’s High Commissioner to Nigeria Kingsley Mamabolo among the first set of shoppers. NDUKA CHIEJINA reports

Shoprite lands in Abuja Getting good clothing for your kids Page 30

How to buy good appliances Page 31

Firm brings luxury hampers to Nigeria, Ghana Page 32

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

SHOPPING

Shoprite lands in Abuja R

ETAIL giant Shoprite is not new in Nigeria. Three of the mega stores are in court, one in Enugu and Ilorin (Kwara State). More are on the way, according to its franchisee. One of the planned shop s opened in Abuja last Thursday; the one for Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, will be opened anytime from now.

The Abuja Shoprite drew a high clientele on the day it was opened. High-class shoppers are still tropping there. Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi came calling on Monday. Among the top shoppers on the day of the opening was south Africa High Commissioner to Nigeria Kingsley Mamabolo.

Shoprite has its origin in South Africa.

The Abuja Shoprite is the brainchild of a consortium comprising Shoprite, Grand Towers, Novare and Grand Tower Africa prosperity Fund Stabic IBTC Plc, DTV Construction Company and Group Five. It will be housed in the Grand Towers Abuja Mall, which construction was financed by the consortium Abuja.

Under the agreement, Shoprite will be the anchor tenant. It has signed a 25-year lease with the consortium.

The Grand Towers Abuja Mall project is considered to be the first naira-financed property development of its size in Nigeria and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc financed it.

The mall has various international, national and local stores. Its retail mix includes fashion, specialty, electronics, sports equipment, furniture, home improvement, health and beauty, food and three banks. It also •Shoppers houses Woolworth, jewellery stores, and other global retail brands and has 400 park- deal.”

Shoppers stormed the store to make puring spaces.

The mall, with 8,300 square metres of space chases at rock-bottom prices compared to other shopping arcades in Abuja. Mamabolo to let, has 42 shops.

Besides, Shoprite, Adidas, Kentucky Fried told guests that his wife would stop going to Chicken, restaurant chain Spur, telecoms op- Lagos to shop at Shoprite now that there is erators, such as, MTN and Etisalat, banks and one in Abuja. Though his wife was not pharmacies, among others, have opened shop present, the High Commissioner said he was certain his wife would welcome the presence in the mall.

One of the investors, Uche Duru, said the of Shoprite in Abuja.

Since it opened, the Trunk B road leading idea of the mall was to replicate the shopping opportunities in developed economies to the mall has been experiencing heavy trafand offer Nigerians the benefit of easy access fic. Residents have been flocking to the mall.

Motorists park on the kerb and walk the rest to quality goods at affordable prices.

He described high interest rates on bank of the way to the mall.

Shoprite is shoprite because of the things credit as one of the most formidable challenges the government should address on display which are sold at rock bottom through appropriate monetary policies to prices. Meat and vegetable lovers would truly transform Nigeria into the preferred think that frozen meat is sold there. No, more haven for international and local invest- of fresh meat is available on their shelves at ments, in line with the investment thrusts of their meat section. OnWednesdays, called “market day”, prices of a variety of fresh the government’s transformation agenda.

Duru said: “In creating the enabling envi- fruits and vegetables are slashed. On Fridays, ronment for investors, infrastructure devel- bigger variety of specially baked cakes and opment is key. In addition, government needs pastries are sold at low price. Almost all of to create an enabling environment so that cakes are on display on this day.

As one of the largest fresh meat retailers, funding could become cheaper because to build anything like this in other parts of the ‘Shoprite Meat Market’ strives to meet cus- •Meat world, you are talking about single digit in- tomers’ needs.

The market has a range and variety of meat Its butchers are specialists who are able to terest rate. In Nigeria, you are talking about products that is unmatched in the local marcater for individuals according to their double digit. kets.

“So, it not only makes it expensive for us choices as well as families who want bulk Talking about its affordability, it is cheaper to develop, it also makes it expensive for the cuts. compared to our local markets. Further, one There are butchery-training centres in each shops to trade. It also makes it expensive for can be sure of what is bought, in terms of the shoppers to shop. So, it has a ripple effect. division of Shoprite around the country to freshness and neatness. ensure that ‘Meat Market staff (butchers)are If I am getting funds at a higher rate, obviToo much money is not supposed to be ously, someone has to pay so that I will be hygienic. spent in order to live healthy. In Shoprite The meat market stocks ‘A-grade meat’, able to pay the banks and recoup my investsuch as beef, lamb, pork and poultry prod- there are fresh fruits and vegetables availment as well.” able to shoppers, and they are from of a seThe Chief Executive of Grand Towers Re- ucts which are freshly cut and prepared ev- lection of seasonal fruits and vegetables which ery day. alty Limited, Mr Stanley Duru, said a major It also stocks stewing beef, chicken drum- are sourced and kept fresh from farm to benefit of the mall’s development is that fridge. sticks, beef sausage, etc Abuja is inhabited mostly by middle and upper income earners, who would seize the opportunities availed by the mall to shop cost efficiently and with convenience.

‘Shoppers stormed the store to make purchases at He said: “Shopping malls are not really a new phenomenon in Nigeria as we had malls rock-bottom prices compared to other shopping arcades in the 70s and 80s, but they all closed at some in Abuja. Mamabolo told guests that his wife would point. Nigerians have really taken to this way of shopping and we are seeing brands bestop going to Lagos to shop at Shoprite now that there coming more confident about entering the Nigerian market. is one in Abuja. Though his wife was not present, the “The major draw card, besides the convenience of shopping in a safe and hygienic High Commissioner said he was certain his wife environment, will be competitive pricing, would welcome the presence of Shoprite in Abuja’ particularly as Nigerians travel a lot and are very knowledgeable about prices overseas and will know if they are not getting a good

These fruits and vegetables are better bought on Wednesdays when they are sold at cheaper rates compared to other days. More fruits and vegetables are found in stock on this day and discount is given. Fruits on display include apple, garden egg, cucumber, dried fruits which are apricot, achene, cabbage,coconuts, walnuts, aggregate fruits, culinary fruits like tomatoes, grapes, berry, cherry, peach. etc.

The fruit and vegetable procurement and distribution arm is a substantial business . It does n o t o n l y s u p p l y f r e s h f r u i t s a n d vegetables, it also ensures a wide variety and continuity of traditionally seasonal fresh produce.

Quality standards and food safety are negelcted in the fruits and vegetables sections. Produce is tested daily for any difference from specification requirements, as well as microbiological activity and chemical residues.

Cakes can be choosen from assorted cake designs and sizes, ranging from chocolate to sugar and butter icing.

Some of these cakes are without icing. They are left plain for cake lovers who wouldn’t like those with sugary. These are mainly eaten at home and not bought for celebrations. that is why they are not decorated.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

SHOPPING

How to buy good appliances Many, especially women, find it difficult buying the right electrical appliances. With the right knowledge and practice, you could be the electronics expert you need to be to buy yourself a good TV, stereo, computer or whatever. JANICE NKOLI IFEME gives a guide on how and where to shop for them.

LECTRONICS vary in price world wide.

Many consumers know this and are on the lookout for a bargain. There are many stores where you can get quality electronics at good bargain. In Nigeria, you have a wide range of choices ranging from brand manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Philip, Toshiba, Sony and Hiaer Thermocool to general stores such as Mega Plaza, Game Stores and Cash ‘n’ Carry, to specialised electronics markets like Alaba International market, Ojo, Lagos. Almost every market has sections for electronics.

However, consumers are advised to always purchase from reputable dealers, as they have so that if there is need for any need to consult the dealer for any reason, he or she would not shirk from responding accordingly. These are other tips to consider before setting out for your purchase.

Know your electronics The first thing is to make sure you know your electronics. Electronics as an industry is constantly changing, so, make sure you follow the latest technologies and fashions.

Get the basic information about what you want.

Know what you want Apart from the brand names, many of them look alike, so you need to know the exact make you want. The different manufacturers have specific labeling, which you need to take note of. If you look very well, you would discover that they are quite specific.

In cases where they look alike, the specifications are always clear.

Consider your lifestyle Think about where you will be using your electronics. May be a 52" TV set looks great in the store but will you really need something that big in your 400-square-foot apartment? And a desktop computer is a lot cheaper than a laptop but do you have desk space for the computer?

A fancy TV might be appealing but really consider the purchase before jumping in and think about how you will use it.

Do you want to be able to travel with a laptop? Take the product out of the context of the store. Some large retailers play cartoons on their televisions. Make sure you watch a cable feed before judging the picture quality of a set. A fancy TV might be appealing but really consider the purchase before jumping in and think about how you

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will use it.

Do your research The worst thing you could do with an electronic investment is to impulse buy simply because you are in a lavish mood. Figure out what your needs are. Know the difference between plasma, LCD and the LED TV, if you are going for TV. What is the smallest screen size you can deal with?

Your must-haves will factor greatly into your decision. If you are buying a laptop, think about your needs (gaming, memory, software) and scour different electronics stores, comparing prices on similar models.

Soon, you will learn what you value and what is not so important to you.

The second part of doing your research is finding out what current users of the product think of it. Luckily, you live in the digital age and could easily access the internet for information. You could also read up or ask questions.

Talk the talk After your research, you will be able to ask well-informed questions at your retailer.

That way, they cannot pull anything over on you. And you will be able to gauge whether they know what they are talking about-something you might want to consider before making a large purchase at their store. If you have done the research, you will be able to talk specs like one’s business and you will be glad you know what is going on.

Go with a company The saying never goes old that two heads are better than one. It pays to go with someone, especially if the person knows much about the product.

Decide what you are going to stock If you are a retailer, then you must decide exactly what you want to stock. This is dependant on what you know – only sell electronics that fall into categories you keep up to date on. There is no point in selling digital cameras if you have no idea what a decent number of mega pixels is for such a camera to have. You may decide to stock a small range of products with several models of each, or go for a broader range of types of product without necessarily having many of each type. The choice is yours, but there are plenty of wholesalers for all kinds of electronic goods out there. You just have to find one whose products and prices suit you.

Shopping Right with

Clothing yourself appropriately

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EFORE you begin buying clothing, evaluate your body type. Especially, notice your flaws, because you will want to conceal these. For instance, Edith Head, a former head of fashion at Paramount, would conceal a prominent collarbone using necklines, necklaces, and scarves.) You also want to decide what to accentuate, whether it be legs, face or whatever.

Simple clothes will make frizzy hair and shiny skin all the more noticeable; the time you save dithering in front of your wardrobe will be needed for an extra bit of spit and polish in the form of hairspray and powder and quite possibly, an extra hit of mascara or lipstick. And then, is the look a bit bland? If it is all too vanilla, observers might not realise you are illustrating this season’s vogue for simple dressing, and mistake you for a non-fashionista

JANICE NKOLI IFEME

often looks better on warm complexions); button down cardigan, three piece suit (skirt, pants, jacket) camisole, dress pants and cocktail dress Find the colours that suit you best and then get them in a paler colour-p- long skirt, shirts ( try on scoop necks, boat necks, cowls, sweetheart, see what looks best on you) a trench, or a pea coat.

This list is just to get you started. Experiment with the clothing before you buy it.

Decide which colours The key is to know work best for you. The what looks great on easiest way to do this is ‘Do not buy cheap you. With accessories, just to grab various an odd number of sample swatches at a fabrics, but get necklaces or bracelets paint store, and go in an best (one or sturdy clothing that works area with natural light, three necklaces althen hold the swatches most always looks betwill last. Tweed, to your skin, and see ter than two) which looks best with Remember not to go wool, cotton, cashyour skin tone, eyes, and crazy on the accessohair colour. Use these ries. It is always good mere and silk, colours as guidelines. to have a signature It also good to research among others. Alpiece different cuts of clothing With few excepthough they may be tions, a bit. You can look scarves and online or go try clothing necklaces should not a bit more expensive, on. Try on bias cuts, be worn together. sheaths, a-lines or emAlso, certain neckthey will keep pire waists. See what lines look better withcuts accentuate the posiout neck accessories. longer.

Keep in mind tive and do not emphaTry to have a necksize the negative. Try that the expense of- lace which follows the and get an idea of what neckline of your clothten pays off in the works best on you. ing If you are between When wearing end’ sizes, never pick the neutrals, add some smaller one. Always get colour with accessothe bigger size and get it tailored. If it is ries something you will keep for a long time, Have at least one pair of flats, and one and use often enough, the expense is pair of heels. worth it.

A good pair of boots is very versatile Do not buy cheap fabrics, but get sturdy It is good to have one black purse, and at clothing that will last. Tweed, wool, cot- least one colourful or patterned one ton, cashmere and silk, among others. AlIf you have small shoulders but bigger though they may be a bit more expensive, hips, slight padding at the shoulders will they will keep longer. Keep in mind that help with proportions. the expense often pays off in the end.

If you have bigger shoulders and smaller Many patterns are classic too, while it is hips, try a circle skirt, or one with a cut good to have solids, as they are more versa- which shows the waist, but flounces out a tile, do not be afraid of polka dots, plaids, bit at the hips, again for proportion. sawtooth, herringbone, stripes, or florals.

If you are an hourglass ( bust and hips If it looks good on you, get it. measure about the same), wear a belt, and Following is a list of wardrobe staples. bias cuts, which will show the curves off Try to have it in both a neutral colour (black, to advantage. Show off that small waist, navy blue, grey, tan, etc) and a vivid colour and those perfect proportions (red, green, blue etc) so as to have more vaAn empire or sheath cut hides stomach riety. flaws the best. formal dress, blazer, single or Details at the bust line are flattering to doublebreasted, cable knit sweater, knee people with smaller busts. length skirt, the little black dress, jeans (dark If you do not have much waist, details at hued, so as to match everything, the cut the waist such as cinching pockets or shirrwhich suits you best); button down shirt ing will give the illusion of more curves (see if an offwhite or cream colours flatters Be yourself; never pick a classical wardmore than white, it is just as classic, and robe just because it is the new trend.

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com •Electrical appliances

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

SHOPPING During festivities, such as Christmas, New Year, Easter and others, getting luxury hampers at pocket-friendly prices is usually a problem for most people. Against this backdrop, a Nigerian firm in partnership with a Scottish one has introduced luxury hampers for shoppers at affordable prices. An exhibition of the hampers was held at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos. JANICE NKOLI IFEME reports.

•Hampers on display

Luxury hampers, more affordable

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ONSUMERS, both corporate and individuals can now shop for hampers of their choice for all occasions from the comfort of their offices and homes. There are hampers for loved ones and business associates at affordable prices, in Nigeria and Ghana.

This is courtesy of Daddo Commodities, which has entered into partnership with Highland Fayre, a Scotish company, to offer luxury hampers to them at affordable prices. The firms held an exhibition last week to introduce their products to various classes of consumers and shoppers.

Shoppers were delighted by the hampers on display as they made purchases. They were packaged for different purposes such as corporate gifts, personal gifts and family gifts, among others.

At the exhibition held at Lagos Oriental Hotel, a director of

Daddo Commodities, Mr Ahmed Tukur said his company decided to bring Highland Fayre brand, one of Scotland’s premier hamper company since 1985, to the market because of the need to offer high quality hamper to consumers.

He said:“As a corporate organisation, there had been times when we found it difficult to get appreciative hampers to give to clients and friends during festive periods. This often forced us to look the way of Highland Fayre, which is an international brand, for quality and well packaged hampers. Having been doing this for years and getting satisfaction, we decided to talk to them so that we can make it available in West African markets. What we are witnessing today is the result of that relationship,” On the target market of the company, Tukur stated that they are in different sizes and prizes, which

make them appealing to various classes of consumers. He also indicated that a similar exhibition would take place in Abuja in a couple of weeks.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Highland Fayre, Mr David England had expressed willingness to do business in Nigeria.

He said: “No doubt, Nigeria maintains a promising population with sophisticated consumers, who will always wish to go for something good at a friendly price and this is what we have brought through Daddo Commodities.

The exhibition, which paraded hampers in various sizes, attracted many prominent individuals from corporate, business and political communities.

A former senator, Bode Olajumoke, who was one of the early callers at the venue, said he was particularly trilled by the price and quality of products on display.

•Senator Bode Olajumoke and Director of Daddo Commodities, Mr Ahmed Tukur during the exhibition

According to him, “What struck me at first glance was the pricing. I do receive hampers and I do buy for people, which make me appreciative when I see a good one. I went round here and did not believe what I saw if one considers the quality, its packaging and the price. Now, I only wish that those coming to make orders should not unnecessarily hike the price for retailers because such greedy behaviour will defeat the purpose of Daddo Commodities for bringing this brand to our country.”

The former lawmaker, who traced the root of corruption to greed, urged Nigerians to always strive to say the truth and be transparent in their business dealings.

“If Nigerians as individuals and corporate organisations can summon the courage to be standing by the truth and be transparent in our business dealings, it is a matter of time; we would get over the prob-

lem of corruption, which has eaten deep into our system. Much as I cherish what I see here, I fear a situation, whereby some middle men will come and make order only to get out there to rip off unsuspecting consumers.” he said.

Olajumoke said he was confident that the new offering would engage many people and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.

He said: “Through this venture, a lot of youths and business minded people will be engaged. It will also help people, who ordinarily would have travelled or ordered for quality hampers abroad to get them locally. Before getting to the final consumers, it is obvious that in some cases some middle men would come in and make small money from the transaction, which will enable them earn a living. As this goes on, lives are being touched and this will reduce unemployment,” he added.

Getting good clothing for your kids A couple can be judged with the appearance of their child. That is why extra precaution should be taken when shopping for children, especially babies. The dressing of your child may determine how many people will want to be associated with him/her, OMOLARA MOFESOLA OMONIYI writes.

HILDREN are considered the most important God ordained heritage, and the source of joy in an average African society. Their importance is closely connected with the radiance they portray especially when they are well dressed. Therefore, when going for shopping, most parents dress their children colourfully. The good taste of purchase attitudes cuts across most families. Several markets and stores stock a variety of children’s clothes. According to middle aged mother, Mrs Olusola Omoniyi, ‘Even struggling parents shop right for their children because they have eyes for the future. Mostly, girls’ dresses have more variety of colours than those of boys, and their clothes are relatively more expensive. We really need to buy good clothes for our kids in order to make them look good and presentable’.

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Moreover, the weather condition should be considered while making purchases. People in the tropical regions of the world like Nigeria deserve cotton dresses rather than silk or rayon. They should also be light and open ended in order to allow air into such a child’s body, but it should not be too exposed so as to avoid health hazards. Body odour, rashes and extreme sweat are results of extreme heat from thick clothes.

Clothes, if not carefully selected, can become symbols of child abuse.

Cotton and light clothes are discovered to absorb heat. So, let’s do our children a lot of good, especially during this hot weather. During rainy season, clothes should be warm and thick.

Another function of clothes apart from covering one’s nakedness is to beautify. Therefore, the colour of the clothes should be considered when blending them together. For ex-

ample, buying dark coloured clothes alone for a dark child makes the child look moody, bright clothes should also be worn.

Colourful clothes with flowered patterns will make a child look attractive and endearing.

Even babies that are fair in complexion need colourful and bright coloured clothes to make them look more attractive. Generally, most baby clothes in the market are colourful. However, when suits are being bought for boys, black coloured ones are preferable. Most boys’ trousers come in dark colours like black ash, navy blue but the shirts or tops should be bright and match the colours of the trousers.

Wrong colour combination should be completely avoided.

Most parents see it as being unnecessary buying native clothes for their kids. It is very good and advisable to start buying native clothes

•Children cloth

for children. With this, they are indirectly educating them more on culture. The introduction of native clothes for them will also make them stand out among their pairs.

It is not a hidden fact that some parents who cannot afford expensive clothes step down to purchase all grades of ‘tokunbo’ clothes. Even though they are relatively cheap, they could pose health hazards to

the children. If you have to get these clothes, make sure they are disinfected and washed clean before putting them on your kids.

The female kids can jazz up their looks with trendy pieces including necklaces, wrist watches, bags, shoes, bracelets, hair bows, hats and belts to give them that exceptional look e ignored when shopping. Whilst the male ones can add wrist watches, shoes and so on to their fashion.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

35

Keystone Bank new campaign

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HEN Keystone Bank was created last year alongside two nationalised banks, critics, especially from the marketing communication industry had faulted the process, which heralded the banks.

Among other things, they argued that there was no proper build-up and clear strategy from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to establish a good relationship between the nationalised banks and the public.

These notwithstanding, the new players had forged ahead, assuring consumers of their plan to offer unique services.

Barely a year after, Keystone Bank has not only kept that promise, but has proved through innovation that its newness is nothing but a mark of freshness and better service offering.

On Friday, last week while unveiling the ‘Never Say Never’ campaign in Lagos, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr Oti Ikomi, assured customers that the bank was rededicating itself to its customers. He disclosed that the new campaign was meant to refresh the brand.

Considering that advert has always played a major role in brand building, the new initiative, which tend to reawaken stakeholders in the bank may be the opportunity to shore up its profile and increase its equity.

The campaign is a story to inspire stakeholders of the bank and Nigerians that the bank can still break into new horizons if they do not give up.

Bearing in mind the state of the economy, the campaign says that bank can only be relevant by inspiring people not to give up on their dreams.

On the theme and its relevance to the history of the bank, the Creative Director of CentrespreadFCB, Mr Kenny Badmus, said it was conceived to let the public know that the bank is never tired to give consumers the best.

He said: “The television commercial is a journey of a mountaineer who keeps climbing a mountain that seems impossible to surmount. In the end, we discover that the mountain is actually a financial graph of the Keystone.”

He said the commercial is a brilliant execution of a modern story, adding that it’s a wider screen ready with emotional music and world-class production.

He said the print version of the ad looks into history and shares the stories of great people who didn’t give up on their dreams. He said; “For instance, consider Einstein who was declared a disabled child by doctors and teachers and later went to become the icon of brilliance in history because he pushed ahead. What about Queen Amina? What about Jaja of Opobo?”

Earlier, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Oti Ikomi, said it’s so easy for people to get negative or stop halfway, stating that at Keystone, the management never say never.

“That’s the spirit of our people and we can share this story because we know what

it means to never say never. Look at the history of the bank, especially the fears raised by many, but today, we are promoting staff. We are gaining new customers in all sectors and we are getting into new locations. We are powering more businesses. Because we don’t just see the cups half empty, we see them half full,” “People are still building new homes and they are still building new businesses.

People are still sending children to schools and many others are still travelling for their dream vacation. These are Keystone people,” he said.

He explained that in its 10 months of existence, many strategies have been executed to reposition the bank.

In keeping with its promise to reward hard work and excellence, the management of Keystone Bank promoted 995 staff.

The exercise, which is its first kind since it started operations was based on the 2011 appraisal to further the bank’s ‘Let’s Rebuild’initiative, which it adopted for the year.

Ikomi said: “The bank will continue to drive a culture of meritocracy and reward deserving staff,” adding: “Only staff who eligible for promotion were recommended”.

Ikomi also said: “To ensure that the bank upheld a promotion exercise that was transparent, fair and of equity, supervisors alongside management and executive committee of the bank held calibration meetings to determine the top performers to be promoted.”

In a related development, the bank is partnering with Kwara and Bayelsa states to boost their development. It expressed its readiness to partner with the Kwara State Government to execute the state’s agenda on transformation of the economy.

The chief executive officer gave the promise during a visit to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, in Ilorin.

In a statement, Mr Oti Ikomi, said the bank set aside N1 billion bridge finance portfolio, N500 million for youth empowerment and N250 million for car loans to civil servants.

Ikomi added that Keystone Bank was ready to partner with the state government to provide infrastructure in health, education and other sectors.

The bank will also partner with Bayelsa State government on investment, Ikomi said during a visit to Governor Henry Seriake Dickson in Yenagoa.

“Bayelsa State has enormous tourism potential that should be harnessed and developed to create the needed impetus that will attract investors to the state.

“We, at Keystone Bank, are ready to partner with the state government to create the enabling environment for tourism in the state, because of the huge potential inherent in it in a move towards that direction, which would see it attract large crowds of tourists.

“We are sure that by providing finance for power supply, building hospitality business and construction of roads, it will no doubt propel investors to come to the state in droves,” he added.

‘That’s the spirit of our people and we can share this story because we know what it means to never say never. Look at the history of the bank, especially the fears raised by many, but today, we are promoting staff. We are gaining new customers in all sectors and we are getting into new locations. We are powering more businesses. Because we don’t just see the cups half empty, we see them half full’

Blackberry induced disease

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OU are one of them. You are of the people who have caught the bug. You are, this is without question, well paid. Meaning: you can afford certain things. You belong to the new school. You work hard because you have been programmed to work hard. Because you believe hard work pays huge dividends. As a result of your new status, you have contracted a disease. You are ailing. However, you may not know. Or do you know you have contracted a disease? No, not STD; no, not HIV; no, not any of those ailments.

Since you are a special being, the disease also comes specially wrapped and delivered to you in a special way. Do you know you are suffering from attention-deficit syndrome (ADS)? You are not sure? But you are; that is why it is extreme difficult to get your attention. We have the same ailment, this does not exclude this writer; as such, getting your attention is a Herculean task. Let us take a gentleman for instance.

He works in the corporate world. He could be a senior or junior executive. To his friends, who have not been converted, he is a ‘big boy’. To her friends, who cannot afford her new status, she is a ‘big girl’.

However, what they do not understand is that with her new acquired status she is not finding life a bit easy. She is constantly under siege. Either she is resting or in transit, she is constantly in motion. She is productivity, you would say?

Nevertheless, with that level of productivity come high dose of stress, which ultimate distract her attention, resulting in inefficiency. According to a research, while many executives are clawing to keep their jobs, they complain to the world about their sleepless nights, burning the midnight oil. They wear their haggard eyes and lonely spouses as badges of honour.

They are everywhere. They are busy at every spot with it.

They are slaving away with it. They even sleep with it. They workunceasingly. They did not design the work attitude, though.

The CEO ordered it. He wants to act like the big brother. Therefore, to make it seamless, he bought it for Closed Group Users (CGU). That way they can only run. They cannot hide. This gentleman is among the group. If an assignment takes him out of station, his movement is monitored. If the CEO travels out of the country, he is checking, in style, to know if our gentleman is in the office, if not, he needs to know our man is working wherever he may be.

This is our lives. Our hypothetical man is not alone. We are in the same troop with the same general. However, the CEO, he could be anybody, does the monitoring to reap the benefit of his investment.

After all, that is why he hired you: to work, to work, to work, till you cannot crawl. The object actually works, you know. It keeps you at arm’s length. It gives him, the CEO, a sort of control over you. He influences your attitude. He influences your nuances. He influences your work ethics. He has even brought this ailment on you as a result. Your attention span is limited, as a result. You are constantly distracted. You are constantly shifting gear. At work, you are working.

At home, you can hardly keep still. In church, you are pinging! Does that actually make you more productive?

China Market Research Group did probe the schedules of hundreds of executives and discovered that working harder and longer does not make them more productive. In fact, once a person passes a certain number of hours worked in a day, he actually becomes less productive. The mind dulls. The eyes gloss over. Focus strays.

You can only work so hard and do so much in a day.

You need to rest. You need to recharge.

Unfortunately, too many corporate cultures encourage overwork. Managers drill it into you, prodding you with dreams of cash and promotions. Many senior leaders

at corporate organisations work amazingly hard, but the research suggests that the most successful ones who last longer at the top also make considerable time to relax. However, in today’s corporate world, to get the most out of employees, companies now handout Blackberry (BB) to employees like cake. Thinking that would make them more efficient, the CEO/ COO and other C-level executives are constantly typing away at meetings, sending messages, reminders and updating schedules.

Have you noticed the attention deficit of CEOs, particularly, the ones with BB? It is a CUG thing. His colleagues are mailing him high level information that he needs to reply to, or he is delegating to his subordinates. Somehow, what he needs done would cascade to the man on the shop floor. That is the young executive. Now, he also has a BB. Therefore, each time the CEO/COO/CTO or other senior managers send him a mail he goes to work at work, at home, in the car, everywhere.

Does that mean BB is detrimental to your health? No. No. No. Does BB make you work more? According to the research, most working days are incredibly inefficient. The 80-20 rule once again prevails. Most executives waste 80 per cent of the day and get most of their work done in the remaining 20 per cent.

For someone with an eight-hour workday, most gets done in just 96 minutes. BB allows you chat online, tweet on Twitter, get on the Facebook, and read endless e-mail chains. These are what distract your attention. You cannot concentrate. You cannot keep still. You are tensed at meetings. You are not yourself.

The power of BB is so intense, you cannot avoid broadcast messages. If you do not broadcast any messages, you would receive one. And, you know, once it is in your BB you would know. Then, the temptation to open and read comes to you. You can barely resist it. You can barely ignore it. Pretend you do not notice that a message has come in; your BB would tell you.

How? The red LED light would flash continuously. Then, you would read it. If it is interesting and makes sense, you would push it on. That is it! You are in the loop.

Or suddenly you have high-level information you cannot keep to yourself. What do you do? You share it with your peeps. BB gives you that power to share such information without delay. It is one of the tools that have given Citizen Journalism its lethal power. A curious fellow has just witnessed a scene of crime (SoC) or accident, the next best sensible thing he does is he takes the pictures and before you could say, GEJ, the picture has gone viral. From one source, it would reach millions of peeps with BB. That can generate news that would last 48 hours or more. And then the mainstream media would lash onto it and that is it.

That is why some news media are encouraging individuals to send genuine news items that they might have witnessed through their BB. These activities have brought about attention-deficit syndrome.

You cannot hold 30 minutes meeting without one or two attendees tapping away at the key pad of their BB. This happens everywhere and anywhere, even in churches, during sermons. Could this be the reason you and I cannot commit phone numbers of friends, and family members, to memory? May be, yes; may be, no; may be, because we have seemingly mastered the art of multitasking. Guess what, when you multitask, you cannot commit anything to memory. And BB helps you to multitask.

What is the solution? The research is silent. But here is wisdom. Take back your life. Be in control. Keep your BB aside for a while, for a day, for a week. You would be free from BB-induced disease. You would be saner.

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Brandz Republic Consulting and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29 2012

36

COMMENTARY

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ND fear a calamity that may descend not only on those who incurred it but also on the innocent ones. Know that Allah’s retribution can be severe’’. Q. 8:25 Dear Acting Inspector General of Police, This letter is, no doubt, coming to you at a very precarious time in the history of Nigeria. Its contents are motivated by a mixture of delight and sadness not only on the part of the writer but also on that of the generality of Nigerians. But for the experience of the past decades in which most of your predecessors made promises and ate up their words almost immediately, this letter would have reached you much earlier than now.

I had to tarry a while to see what difference (if any) you would make as IGP before putting pen to paper on a number of issues affecting the corporate existence of Nigeria and Nigerians especially in relation to security. If this letter had been written earlier, it would have started with expression of condolences to you on the demise of your dear wife barely two weeks of your coming into office an incident which briefly diluted your joy with sadness at a moment of history in your life.

However, I trust that as a true Muslim, you hardly needed any condolence to accept the judgment of destiny. I pray the Almighty Allah to endow you and your children with continuous fortitude to shoulder the entailed responsibilities.

By the way, I do not know whether or not you are familiar with this column called ‘THE MESSAGE’ and published in Nigeria’s foremost newspaper called The Nation. But if you ask some people around you especially those who manage your image or that of Nigeria Police they will tell you that ‘THE MESSAGE’ is not an ordinary column but one that is worth its name by all standards. Having started in CONCORD newspaper about 30 years ago (1982), the column has consistently served as a pilot for Nigerian conscience on many national issues to the benefit of all and sundry. Similar letters had been written to former Presidents Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and even Jonathan. In the letters, I cited the example of the governance of the four rightly guided Caliphs (Abubakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali) who did not only declare their assets on assuming office to demonstrate transparency but also compelled their subordinates to do same. I also cited the example of Umar Bn Abdul Aziz of the Abbasid dynasty who spent only three years as a ruler and became a model for the entire world including the West in governance. Thus, any advice or suggestion offered you here should not be seen as an intrusion.

When your appointment as Acting Inspector General of Police was announced by the President in January this year, many Nigerians were surprised because it beat their imagination. Some even threatened to go to court while others wrote petitions to protest your appointment. But those who knew you very well and knew your worth were quick to give testimonies to justify your appointment.

Besides, those who appointed you knew what you were capable of doing. When I juxtaposed the two sides I thanked God for you even though I had never met you.

Shortly after assuming office, you brought another surprise to Nigerians by cancelling police road blocks throughout the country an action that was received with mix feelings because of the previous antecedents. However, despite the unbridled scepticism that greeted that decision and despite the surreptitious pressure from the beneficiaries of the rot in place to force you to rescind the decision you stood your ground very firmly by displaying unequalled principle that qualified you for that office in the first instance.

Please be informed that that principle has endeared you to many Nigerians who value decency.

Today, Nigerians across board appreciate the daring courage with which you used that decision to surmount a major problem of insecurity in the land mostly constituted by men of Nigeria Police. You may not know the extent of the relief you have brought to Nigerians and the rate of reduction in corruption you have induced by that singular decision but posterity will bear witness to it at the right time. It is the belief of this column that the gesture will continue to be appreciated by the future generations as it is now being appreciated by the present generation. With the evacuation of road blocks on Nigerian roads,

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

Letter to Acting IG ‘Nobody willingly wants to die. But when people are overwhelmed by poverty in the midst of plenty the tendency is to ask themselves of the value of their lives’ • Mohammed Abubakar the rate of corruption has tremendously dropped at least by over 50%. The remaining 50% is in the court of the so-called rulers who claim to enjoy immunity directly or by proxy. With this it can be concluded that the real corrupt elements in Nigeria today are the government officials, especially within the ruling party.

Nevertheless, Nigerians as known to you are like Oliver Twist who must always ask for more. There is no doubt that despite your efforts days and nights to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in Nigeria you will be much disturbed by the current spate of violence and vandalism in some parts of the North amounting to terrorism and crime against humanity. And this is not just posing a great challenge to you as a Chief Security officer but also constituting a major cog in the wheel of the country’s supposed progress. Thus you are expected to do more even as our worry on this disturbing issue is that the government is not approaching it from the right angle.

‘THE MESSAGE’ like some other sensible Nigerians believe that in a normal society, security is not just the absence of war and pandemonium but the presence of confidence in the leadership by the populace.

In other words, insecurity is like a suffocating smoke hovering in the atmosphere and preventing everybody from breathing properly. To stop such smoke in order to save lives, what should be done is not to dispel it with a crude local fan but to search for the fire from which the smoke is oozing out of the chimney and quench it once and for all. No such smoke can ever be dispelled as long as the fire remains kindled beneath the chimney.

Sir, I do not know what various measures you have taken towards achieving peace but if you are getting the same result every time from the same effort and that result is a failure it is only instructive that the method be changed. With my little experience of how security functions in some other countries outside Africa, I believe that your duty as the boss of Nigeria Police is not merely to deploy ‘the boys’ to the field with guns but also to protect the lives of those boys and prevent their exposure to unnecessary danger so that they can be more useful for the country. And there are many ways to do that.

If you study the situation in some states in the Southern part of Nigeria especially the Southwest, you will discover that most of them have technically devised security by other means. Each of them employed about 20,000 jobless youths and engaged them in various ways while paying them what can be termed a token by the standard of Nigerian economy. Little as that

amount is, it saves a lot of hassle security wise.

Yet, despite that devise, there are still hundreds of thousands of such jobless youths wandering about aimlessly in the cities and towns like Egyptian gypsies of yore. One major hope in that effort, however, is that those youths understand that they cannot all be employed at once. And those among them who are wandering about know that some of their cousins or other siblings have been somehow employed and that alone is a consolation. Otherwise, each region of the country would have been plunged into a state of anarchy by now.

Sir, security is not about the ability of the police to quell the fire of any crisis. It is more about the confidence which the populace repose in the performance of the government. It is only when the majority trust the government on its performance support can come the government on managing security in the land. This cannot be said to be true of Nigeria. Millions of citizens are hungry. They have no means of feeding. Millions are orphans.

They have nobody to care for them in life.

Millions are widows who will do anything to survive. Millions are aged and wretched whose only hope in life (pension) is audaciously been embezzled by the vampires in government who will not live to see old age with comfort. Yet millions more are looking for jobs to engage in even if they will be paid pittance. And to them, the government is indifferent.

Yet the same government wants peace to reign in the country. It wants Nigeria to be great. What a contradiction? Can any nation be great on idleness and hunger?

Currently, the general focus is on the vandals called Boko Haram who are masquerading under the cloak of Islam to perpetrate what Islam forbids. But insecurity is much more than that in Nigeria. There is a ubiquity of idle army of youths in every part of the country who are ready to do anything for any amount of money.

Such youth are a potent tool in the hands of mischief makers. If you want to confirm this, please, take some early morning hours on a number of days to visit some newspaper stands in various parts of the country. Pretend to be one of the free readers and listen to the discussions of our youths. From there you will automatically conclude that Nigeria is truly a keg of gunpowder waiting to explode at any time. These youths spend every day of the week at those newspaper stands discussing politics in the morning, economy in the afternoon and sports towards the evening.

And when it is twilight, they all dis-

perse to their respective houses only to regroup the following morning. That is their own way of warding off boredom.

Will you blame them? The question is this: if they do not spend their days that way how else will they spend it? Some of them are University or Polytechnic graduates who want to work either in offices or on farms but there are no provisions for them. Yet on their very nose some political demagogues are stealing or embezzling billions of naira which these youths know for sure belong to all Nigerians.

Another category of idle Nigerians are the millions of uneducated men and women who have resorted to begging as a calling because there is nothing else for them to do. What Saudi Arabia, a fellow OPEC member, is doing to solve such problem is to earmark a chunk in the annual budget for such people either as grants or loans. And that is why an average Saudi citizen will do anything in defence of his or her country. Can we sincerely talk of patriotism in Nigeria? God forbid a situation in which Nigeria will engage in an international war. Judging by the present situation, any defeat that may arise from such a war will come not from the enemies but from the citizens who will sell out due to long time suffered neglect and frustration engendered by abject poverty.

If, like the Southern States mentioned above, the Federal Government too can employ at least 20,000 in each state of the federation wouldn’t the labour market shrink and thereby reduce the rate of danger constituted by idle hands? What is the Federal Government doing with over 52% of the federal allocation it collects every month?

If we have a central government in place that abdicates its responsibilities by zoning every one of its duties to privatisation why do we need a central government? And if the government cannot manage roads, electricity, water, education, health, railway, aviation, and even security what qualifies it for a government? If I were President Jonathan what I would have done to break the backbone of the so-called Boko Haram was to mop up the labour market from which that obnoxious group recruits suicide bombers by employing the youths in those areas massively even if they would be deployed to farms. Nobody willingly wants to die.

But when people are overwhelmed by poverty in the midst of plenty the tendency is to ask themselves of the value of their lives. Can you imagine a married young man volunteering to engage in suicide bombing just for N7,500? If such a person is paid even only N10,000 every month and he is sure of its consistency will he undertake such a devilish venture?

Yet, we do not know where the billions and trillions of naira being incessantly stolen are going. All we are hearing of is investigation into every case of corruption. But amazingly, the more we hear of investigations, the wider the tentacle of corruption in the land. Where are we going from here?

Many Nigerians do not know what the late President Musa Yar’Adua saved Nigeria with his ingenuous unconditional amnesty granted the South-South militant groups on a platter of gold some years back. Perhaps if President Jonathan had adopted a similar policy Nigeria would have been saved the shameful embarrassment of Boko Haram menace. But it is not too late. A major part of security is to advise the President on such issues and that is your duty sir. You cannot rely on guns to wrestle down faceless people who are fighting a guerrilla war. You will only end up subjecting millions of innocent people to undeserved massacre. We have had enough of the shedding of innocent bloods. Let the government be responsible and peace will automatically return to Nigeria. There can be no separate laws for the rulers and the ruled. Governance is like a stream which can easily become undrinkable for many if it is polluted by those who are drinking from its source. If the truth must be told, corruption is the tap root of insecurity in Nigeria. Whoever wants to secure Nigeria must stop corruption by example. As a Chief security officer sir, this is the message you should deliver to the President with courage. And by so doing you will become a foundation layer of corruption eradication in Nigeria.

With corruption remaining a monster no one should dream of either peace or greatness for this country. A word is enough for the wise. The above quoted Qur’anic verse is a summary. Long live Nigeria!

37

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

SOCIETY Dignitaries filled the Yard 158 Event Arena in Oregun, Lagos where the reception of former Miss Oluwadamilola, daughter of Hon James Faleke’s elder brother and her Beau Mr Olanrewaju Ayodeji of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) was held. ABIKE ADEGBULEHIN witnessed it all.

•The Couple Oluwadamilola and Olanrewaju

•Hon James Faleke and Mrs Ibukunoluwa

•Chief Emmanuel Obafemi and groom’s mum Mrs Esther Obafemi

•Alhaji Muhammed and Mrs Orelope-Adefulire

•From left: Hon Olabinjo; Alhaja Kuburat Badmus and Mrs Omolabake Olabinjo PHOTO SOLOMON ADEOLA

•From right: Hon Ikuforiji; Alhaji AbdulKareem and Hon Mafe

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T last, the 10 and a half years relationship of the lovebirds ended in a marriage.

The look on their faces was that of fulfillment and accomplishment.

The bride Oluwadamilola, looked resplendent in her flowing white and silver gown while her husband, Olanrewaju shone in black suit, white shirt and a gold bow tie as they entered the wedding venue.

The family members, friends and well-wishers watched keenly as the couple stood before the officiating ministers.

After the solemnisation, the couple was declared ‘husband and wife’.

The marriage certificate was signed by the newlyweds and their parents.

The recessional hymn was taken as the couple marched out of the church accompanied by their parents, little bridesmaids with their small bouquet, the bridal trains in their yellow gown, family members and friends.

Afterwards, they posed for photographs.

The bride Oluwadamilola described her husband as a wonderful, loving and caring man.

“I thank God that I met this wonderful man.

Married at last He is so perfect for me and I am happy to spend the rest of my life with him”.

Olanrewaju, a graduate of Business Management from the University of Lagos recounted how he met Damilola “She is actually a friend to my younger sister. She comes to our house with her immediate sister who I always call my wife. I thank God that, though we lost contact for about seven years, I came back home one Christmas and saw that she had grown into a fine woman,” he said.

He described her as a “masterpiece that is inestimable and indescribable”.

After the church service, the couple was ushered into the Yard 158 Event Arena, Oregun, Lagos by friends and confetti girls, with songs from the disk jockey Today Today

by Eldee the Don. Chairman of the occasion Hon Adeyemi Olabinjo congratulated the couple.

“I pray God should give you the wisdom

of marriage. Marriage is not easy but you have to endure and walk together as one.

Whenever there is any misunderstanding between you, call each other and talk over it. From today, you both are each other’s best friend and I wish you the best of luck,” Olabinjo who came with his wife Omolabake, said.

As the couple cut the beautiful castle cake of five steps with a chariot below, guests gathered to take photograph.

Performing their first assignment, Damilola knelt down before her beau, fed him and sealed it with a kiss. Her beau Olanrewaju retaliated by standing up to feed her.

Chief Emmanuel Obafemi, who represented the father of the groom, said:“We thank God for everything especially today being a great day for my child, I thank God that my son choose this wonderful lady as a bride” The bouquet was tossed and Miss Audu

Aishat, a year III student of Mass Communication, Kogi State University caught it.

The couple thrilled guest with their dance steps.

The mother of the bride, Mrs Ibukunoluwa Faleke could not hide her joy as she counted herself as one of the happiest woman alive.

“I feel like I am on top of the world and I thank God for making the wedding of my daughter a success. My advice for them is to put God first in everything they do and I know they would grow old together because I know my son in- law is a lovely and God-fearing man,” she said.

Those who attended the event were Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire; Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji came in with council Chairmen of Agege and Mosan-Okunola Alhaji Jubreel AbdulKareem and Hon Abiodun Mafe; Action Congress of Nigeria National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Alhaji Ganiyu Badmus; Yeyesewa of Ojodu Princess Lola Jackson; Alhaji Adekunle Dada; Mr Siju Okusanya; Hon Tawa Yusuf; Hon Olulade Segun; Princess Olumide Lawal; Hon Yetunde Arobieke; Chief Sherifat Adetoro among others.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

SOCIETY

Her ladyship, the skillful dancer A dinner has been held in honour of the new Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Ayoola Phillips at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos last Friday, reports T A J U D E E N ADEBANJO.

•Justice Phillips shaking Mr Bembe. With them are (from left) Justice Oguntade; Chief Clarke (SAN) and Justice Candide-Johnson

I

T was tagged celebration Dinner and held at Oriental Hotel on Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos. The dinner was in honour of Justice Ayotunde Ayoola Phillips, who was appointed Chief Judge of Lagos State on June 14.

It was organised by a 19-member Committee of Friends comprising eminent lawyers, 12 of whom are Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).

Some of the guests shouted SAN, SAN, SAN, as one of the organisers, Mrs Eniola Fadayomi, read out names of the members.

Justice Phillips moved around, acknowledging cheers and posing for photographs with guests.

She also showed dexterity on the dance floor earning guests’ applause.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, who initially partnered her on the floor, struggled to match dancing skills.

Earlier, guests relished various lipsmacking snacks and juice during the cocktail.

Fashola’s arrival signalled the official beginning of the event.

It started with the rendition of the National Anthem followed with opening prayer by Sade Adetiba.

After the first dance, Mrs Fadayomi, in a welcome address, thanked the guests for coming.

They include Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and her husband, Abiodun; former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba and his wife, Derin; former Chief Judges of Lagos, Justice Samuel Ilori; and Justice Ade Alabi; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr Ade Ipaye; Lagos Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN); Justice Hakeem Oshodi; Hon Jumoke OkoyaThomas; Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa; former Minister of Industry Mrs Nike Akande; retired Justice of the Supreme Court Justice George Oguntade; Action Congress of Nigeria governorship candidate in Kwara State Mr Dele Belgore; (SAN).

Business tycoon Mrs Remi Agbowu; Mr Kole Funso; Senator Bode Olajumoke; Chief Robert Clarke (SAN); Justice Babajide CandideJohnson; Chief Ebun Sofunde (SAN); Justice Oluyinka Gbajabiamila; Mr Yele Delano (SAN); Mr Adeniyi Adeponmile; Bi-Courtney chief Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN); Justice Wale Abiru; Justice Bukunola Adebiyi; Justice Jumoke Pedro; Justice Opeyemi Oke; Justice Funmi Atilade; Justice Moji Olatoregun; Justice Charles Archibong; Chief Ajibola Aribisala (SAN); Prof Alfred Kasunmu (SAN); Chief Ladi Williams (SAN); Mr Ajayi Bembe; Mrs Funke Adekoya (SAN); Mr Babajide Ogundipe; Ms. Bennedikter Molokwu; Mrs Tessa

•Governor Fashola and Mrs Orelope-Adefulire

•Aremo Osoba and his wife Derin

•Mr Ipaye and Mrs Fadayomi

•From left: Mr Funso; Chief Agbowu and Chief Akande

•Justice Alabi (left) and Senator Olajumoke

•Mr Belgore (SAN) flanked by Mrs Adekoya and Mr Ogundipe

Egbe-Ikimi; Ms. Augusta Chibututu; Princess Ngozi Onu; Jibike Babatunde; Marcella Brendan; Mr Adefusika Adeojo; Mrs Stella Ugboma and Mrs Iyabode Abiola Mrs Fadayomi wished Justice Phillips a successful tenure.

"I never knew Justice Phillips was well known while planning for this dinner but the cheerful way eminent personalities received invitation to this event was shocking. Despite the nasty weather, you all surprised us by being here tonight," she said.

Facing the celebrator, she said: "The task ahead you is very challenging. No doubt, there will be landmark case that might change the history of the state, we pray God grant you wisdom to adjudicate on the matter."

lord," he said.

Mr Ipaye described Justice Phillips as an amiable person, fair minded and a progressive judge.

A strong and viable judiciary, he said, is needed to correct the ills in the society.

"We cannot wait to co-operate with the Chief Judge to see Lagos occupying the pioneering role in the judiciary sector reforms. We shall do our utmost to see positive changes in all direction," he said.

He wished her good health to enable her achieve all she has promised.

Justice Ilori prayed that she will continue to shine.

"You can always count on my valuable advice. I congratulate you

When Fashola was invited to speak many of the guests, who were eating, could not cheer him as expected by the emcee. He charged them to clap for the governor which they did.

Receiving the microphone, Fashola jokingly said: "I know the culinary exercise going on diverted our attention," the hall burst into laughter.

The governor thanked the state judiciary for making appointment a matter of integrity and honour.

"The judiciary has fairly settled the appointment of a Chief Judge by not looking at the interest of the governor but rather made it a matter of seniority," he said.

Fashola thanked the Committee of Friends for organising the dinner.

"I must say we are all friends of my

and wish you success," he said.

Sofunde proposed the toast, with everybody in the hall clinking glasses.

He said Justice Phillips possessed all the qualities required as a Chief Judge.

"I have appeared before her on a number of occasions. She is firm; she controls her court and is fair-minded," he said.

Before the celebrator responded, the guests took to the dance floor for the 'Celebration Dance.'

A live band stand, One house Music and Sound led by Uche Kalu, thrilled the guests.

Justice Phillips once again mesmerised the guests. Hardly anybody on the floor matched her dancing prowess.

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SOCIETY ‘Our feeling is mutual’

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2012

Despite the down pour, friends, relatives and wellwishers came out in large number to celebrate with the Owa-Oye of Oke-Imisi, Oba Michael Adedeji as his son, Prince Adeola Adedeji got married to his beau Funmilayo Ayeni, writes AMINAT ADESINA.

T

HE Heritage Hall at Oke-Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun state was beautifully decorated in blue with woven baskets dangling from the roof for the engagement.

This was where the engagement between Prince Adeola Adedeji, son of the Owa-Oye of Oke-Imisi, Oba Michael Adedeji and former Miss Susan Funmilayo Ayeni held.

The officiating bride’s spokeswoman (Alaga Ijoko) welcomed the groom and his entourage.

The groom, who hails from Oke-Imisi, is a graduate of Mass Communication from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

A prince he was decked in a blue flowing Agbada with a cap to match. He was led into the hall in company of his friends who were all dressed in white guinea brocade.

As Yoruba custom demands, he was asked to prostrate for the family of his bride, an order he gladly obeyed with the assistance of his friends.

The bride clad in a blue Iro and Buba with headgear and a matching Ipele was a beauty to behold as she was led in amid songs by her friends who were dressed in brown Ankara fabrics.

Funmilayo, an indigene of Erijinyan-Ekiti, also graduated from the same university with Adedeji where she studied Industrial Relations before embarking on the youth service in Kwara State, a programme she had just completed.

Younger sister of the bride Miss Tayo Ayeni, read the proposal letter to the admiration of all.

When it was time for the bride to pick a precious gift out of the many items brought by

•From left: Bride’s father Evangelist Ayeni; groom’s mother Olori Adedeji; the couple; groom’s father Oba Adedeji and Bride’s mother Mrs Florence Ayeni PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI and sealed it with a kiss. family. the groom’s family, she picked the Bible and Chairman of the day, Oba Fatai Irawo, prayed ’’I feel very happy because I know my everyone prayed for her to have a peaceful for longlife for the couple. daughter is home away from home. I am rest home.

Oba Irawo, the Olu of Odi-Olowo, Mushin, assured she will be well taken care of,” she said.

The engagement rings were exchanged by enjoined the bride to respect and be submissive She described his son-in-law as respectful, the couples. At the end of the event, everyone to her husband “because sometimes he might humble and down to earth. moved to Oke-Aro Comprehensive Secondary want to act like a prince because of the royal “You can never know he is a prince because of School for the reception. blood in his vein.” his humbleness and respectful nature,” she said.

The canopy was beautifully decorated in The elated groom Adeola, a private property The groom’s father, Oba Michael Adedeji said orange and brown practitioner, could not hide his joy. he feels extremely happy.

Later the bride who had changed to a cream He recalled how the relationship of over seven The monarch described the bride as a gown and the husband wearing a new grey suit years culminated in the marriage. He said: “We beautifuL. and a pink shirt entered the venue. met in school because we attended the same “She has been coming to my palace for the Asorogbayo of Ekitiland, Afolabi Olorunfemi institution. The proposal was not very difficult past one and half years and from all indications emceed the event. He added humour to the because we have been friends, and the feeling and everything that I have known about her, occasion with rib cracking jokes. was mutual.” she is going to be a wonderful wife,” the Ogo-Oluwa Gospel band dishes out Funmilayo described her husband as a God- monarch said. irresistible songs that got people on their feet. fearing man.

He advisesd the couple to love each other The couple cut the designed orange and brown ‘’I feel very happy today getting married to “Love is the back bone of any relation and cake of three steps. the man of my dream,” she said they should allow an enduring love grows, he In their first marital assignment, Funmilayo The bride’s mother, Mrs Ayeni could not hide said,” he added. knelt to feed her husband. Adeola reciprocated the joy of seeing her daughter married to a royal

•••HER LADYSHIP, THE SKILLFUL DANCER •Continued from page 38

•Chief Sofunde (SAN) flanked by Mr Delano (SAN) (left) and Mr Adeponmile

•From left: Hon Okoya-Thomas; Justice Oshodi and Mr Pedro (SAN)

•Justice Abiru (left) and Justice Gbajabiamila

•Prof Kasunmu (left) and Chief Williams (SAN)

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

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SOCIETY The eight-day fidau and final funeral of Alhaji Olatunji Owokoniran, who died at the age of 79 was held last week at the Lagos Television (LTV) Blue Roof, Ikeja, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

Sweet is the memory of the just A

T 79, it was, indeed, a life well spent for Pa Alhaji Olatunji Owokoniran.

He had all the good things of life; good life; good children and was comfortable. Perhaps it was for this that his children decided to show their grateful to his maker.

On Sunday, June 17, they held his eightday Fiday (prayers) at the Lagos Television (LTV) Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The down pour nonetheless did not deter guests who came in their numbers.

At noon, the prayers began after an entourage of the Lagos Central Mosque, led by the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Garuba Ibrahim breezed in.

There were citations from the Quran.

Family members of the deceased occupied the front rows of the venue, dressed in uniformed white laces and blue headgears for the ladies and caps for the men.

As soon as the prayer session was over, the venue was rearranged to wear a new look.

Guests shone in their same pattered, but different, Ankara of blue, wine and green, depending too on the family each had come to grace.

At the event were the Action Congress of Nigeria National Deputy Chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, Ambassador Musiliu Obanikoro; Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Remi Ibirogba; Special Assistant to the Lagos State governor on Hajj Matters, Alhaji Abdulahi Jebe; Special Adviser to the governor on Religious Matters, Alhaji Shakiru Gafar; Cheif Executive Officer Gwawat Communications

Alhaji Razak Gawat; Secretary of the Christians Pilgrim Board, Mrs Bolajoko Fashola; Permanent Secretaries of the Lagos Television (LTV) and Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture, Lekan Ogunbanwo and Mrs Doyin Olusoga; Mrs Abba Folawiyo; Supervisory Councillor, Ikorodu West Local Government, Fatai Jaiyola, among others.

The children of the deceased described their father as one with very strong family values, typified with the doctrine of the ‘mother hen’.

Former Commissioner for Housing in Lagos during the Tinubu administration and first son of the deceased, Hon Rahman Owokoniran, said he was able to appreciate the essence of living a better life with the help of his father.

Even in death, Hon Rahman was thankful for his father who taught him to be hardwork, honesty and humble.

Wife of the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Alhaja Ramota Danmole, described her father as a rare breed.

To Hon Wahab Owokoniran, who was the former Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, he is forever grateful to the man who made him what he is. He recalled how his late father rescued him from becoming the errand boy to one of the most notorious area boys at that time.

“His timely intervention in my life saved me. Despite having many wives and children, he never made excuses for his responsibilities. Because he was a good man,” he said.

•From right: Hon Abdul Rahman; Rasaq and Falil Owokoniran

•Senator Tinubu flanked by children of the deceased Alhaja Danmole and Mr Abdul Raheem Owokoniran

•Hon Danmole flanked by Hon Ibirogba (left) and Kamal Salau-Bashua •Amb Obanikoro

•Mrs Abba Folawiyo

•Prof Akeem Danmole

•Prince Olusi

•From left: Mrs Fashola; Mr Ogunbanwo and Mrs Olusoga.

PHOTO: NNEKA NWANERI

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FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

New Senior Boy, Seyi Atunwonse: ‘’I am very, very happy. I don’t think I am supposed to be the head boy, it’s just by the grace of God and I thank God. I promised to do my best”

Pupils lead the way in fair polls

F

OR the second year running, St Joseph Secondary School, Agege, Lagos students have had the final say as to who became their leaders when they went to the polls to elect new prefects.

They insisted that the prerogative of choosing their leaders lies with them and not the school authorities.

They had their way and a free and fair election was held, showing that once again, pupils are doing better than the rest of the country in electoral matters.

The candidates were from the Senior Secondary School Class Two (SSS 2) because the SSS 3 will bid the institution farewell by the end of the session when they are expected to have concluded writing the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) papers.

Elections were conducted into positions ranging from the post Senior Boy and Girl to Sports, Health and Social Prefects among others.

Voting Students took turns to cast ballot for the candidates of their choice and this they did in sequence as arranged and controlled by the school’s electoral committee made up of teachers, undertaking a routine of successive voting on a post by post basis.

Though voting ended same day, counting of ballots was postponed till the following day after which winners emerged with deputies also. A general assembly of staff and students were later called and the school’s Principal, Patrick Ogundipe announced the new Senior Prefect, Seyi Atunwonse, with whom he did the full announcement of the new student leaders.

Bada Moyosore emerged the new •Continued from Page 13 also charge others to remember home because they will once more return to the people after their tenure of office in Abuja”.

Also commending the lawmaker, Sir Peter Okala, Chairman, Ogbaru Stakeholders Forum, said that the people will remain grateful to Ogene for the many good things he has been doing in the constituency.

•The newly elected prefects of St Joseph Secondary School, Agege, Lagos

By Aminat Adesina

Senior Girl and while she is to be assisted by Salami Ajoke, but Alawode Peter would take the assistant Senior Boy position. Other posts have Victoria Asuquo as Assembly Prefect and she is to be assisted by Chinaza Okam, Mohammed Abass and Olanipekun Grace emerged Sports Prefect Boy and Girl with

deputies in Edidiong Victor and Adegun Eniola. Others are Onyiedo Favour (Health) assisted by Ony George, Shonowo Oreoluwa (Social) assisted by Alajiki Memunat, Chimezie Doris (Time Keeper) to be assisted by Adefala Juwon, Egoor Alice (Punctuality) assisted by Akindele Tolulope, Iyitor Jonathan (Labour) assisted by Obotse Oshtobuge.

Speaking after the election, new

Senior Boy, Seyi Atunwonse said: ‘’I am very, very happy. I don’t think I am supposed to be the head boy, it’s just by the grace of God and I thank God. I promised to do my best”.

He went further to state his quest to do better than the last Senior Boy. His words, ‘’By God’s grace I will do better than he has done. I will want my name to be one of (those) prefects that did well for the school. About our clubs, the clubs are no more

Lifeline for the weak in Anambra Okala noted that Hon Ogene recently embarked on the reconstruction of dilapidated roads in the area as part of efforts to control flooding in the area.

“Ogene has actually redefined quality representation,” he said.

“Before now, once the politicians had won and gone to Abuja the next time

•Ogene leads Ogbaru people to the event

we hear about them would be another election year but we have a robust and direct relationship with the lawmaker”.

In his reaction, the chairman of the occasion and traditional ruler of Amiyi community, Igwe Obi Ogene said the scheme will bring a huge relief not only to the immediate

beneficiaries but the entire Ogbaru people whose less privileged relatives have been suffering.

The traditional ruler who defined the lawmaker a rare breed politician, urged him to assist in bringing a lasting solution to the problem of flooding which he said is the major challenge facing the agrarian

functioning well especially the Jets Club.

On his part, new Health Prefect, Onyiedo Favour said of his election: ‘’It’s a good feeling because I never believed I’ll be Health Prefect but seeing myself as Health Prefect I feel really happy and important.’’ Stating his future ambition and the likely impact of his new designation, the fair in complexion lad said: ‘’I want to be a doctor in future. I am going to be a better person now.’’ community.

He called on other illustrious sons of Ogbaru to jettison their political differences and buy into the vision of a new Ogbaru as exemplified by Hon Ogene, who he assured will continue to enjoy the support of the people.

The benefactor, Ogene disclosed that the empowerment scheme was conceived to wipe away tears from the eyes of the young widows who have been placed in a very difficult situation by the death of their husbands and bread winners.

He said that it was also to thank God and the people who played a key role in his emergence as a lawmaker, starting from the primaries to the election and the court cases, stressing that the prayers of the people were invaluable in his victories.

Assuring the people of his continued commitment and support to the development of the constituency, Ogene said the less privileged and the indigents in the constituency will be empowered through the scheme, which he said will be sustained even after his tenure of office.

In her speech, one of the widows, Ngozi Okonkwo, who could not hide her joy, said she was dumb-founded when she got the information that her name was among the recipients.

Speaking in an emotion-laden voice on behalf of other recipients, Mrs Okonkwo assured that the money given to them would be judiciously invested to ease their suffering, adding that, “it takes the heart of God to remember a common widow but our prayer is that God will continue to bless the lawmaker with long life and prosperity.”

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 28-6-12

RT Briscoe optimistic on future growth

R

T Briscoe (Nigeria) Plc will exploit emerging opportunities in the transportation and housing sectors to sustain its growth and improve dividends to shareholders, the board of the company has assured.

Addressing shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos yesterday, chairman, RT Briscoe (Nigeria) Plc, Mr. Clement Olowokande said the company was poised to sustain its growth notwithstanding the challenges in the macroeconomic environment.

He said, the reduction in the duties on importation of buses, earth moving equipment and trucks in the 2012 budget has opened up opportunities in these sectors of the company’s business.

The chairman added that the company will also take advantage of the plan by the Federal Government to engage the private sector in housing development. He pointed out that expected new housing policy would possibly be investor friendly and open up new opportunities for the company’s property business.

“We intend to exploit these opportunities for the benefit of our shareholders and the society at large with the continued provision of world class products and excellent after sales services,” Olowokande said.

He noted that the company has continued on its strategic diversification plan to broaden its businesses from automobile to real estate.

Olowokande that the company acquired additional 57.61 per cent equity stake in Briscoe Properties Limited (BPL) to increase its

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

shareholding to 97.61 per cent, thereby making BPL a subsidiary of RT Briscoe.

He pointed out that the non-motor business has shown good potential as it increased its contribution to group turnover from 6.0 per cent in 2010 to 12 per cent in 2011.

He said the motor business has started to reap on its focus on improving after sales performance, citing commensurate returns from several customers.

Olowokande however, bemoaned the difficult operating environment, noting the poor state of public infrastructure has continued to be a major constraint to business sector as bad roads and irregular electricity supply increase operating costs.

He noted that in spite of the appreciable growths of 30 per cent in turnover and 42 per cent in profit after tax in 2011, the company operated under unfavourable financing structure as interest expenses soared to N776.4 million as against profit after tax of about N216 million.

Audited report and accounts of RT Briscoe for the year ended December 31, 2011 showed that turnover rose by 30 per cent from N15.13 billion to N19.61 billion. Profit before tax increased by 52 per cent to N292.83 million in 2011 as against N192.22 million in 2010. Profit after tax also rose from N151.96 million to N215.90 million.

Shareholders of the company approved payment of a dividend per share of 10 kobo and distribution of bonus shares of one new share

for every five shares.

Meanwhile, the All-ShareIndex of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) retraced amidst losses by Zenith Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank and Unilever. The market succumbed to sell pressures as investors swooped on marginal gains recorded the previous day (mid-week).

Profit bookings on active capitalised stocks depressed the market for the third time in four trading sessions.

Among the heavy losers with regards to market weight, are; First Bank (1.10 per cent), Unilever (2.19 per cent), GT Bank (0.33 per cent), Access Bank (0.63 per cent) and Zenith Bank (0.36 per cent).

In summary, lead indicator, Index, shed 31.60 absolute points, representing 0.15 per cent decline, to close lower at 21,542.24 points.

Similarly, the Market Capitalisation of all listed equities shed N10 billion, also representing 0.15 per cent depreciation, to close lower at N6.877 trillion.

In all, investors traded 160.377 million shares worth N1.013 billion across 3,206 deals. The Financial Services as usual recorded the largest chunk of 102.827 million shares worth N540.202 million in 1,748 deals.

This was followed by Conglomerates, Consumer goods, Oil & Gas, Healthcare and Industrial Goods with 29.486 million shares, 8.343 million shares, 8.122 million shares, 5.409 million shares and 3.762 million shares respectively.

A total of 34 equities recorded price change with 18 appreciating while the remaining 16 reduced in value.

Honeywell flour led the list with a gain of N0.10 followed

by Evans Medical, Ashaka Cement, WAPIC and RT Briscoe to mention but a few.

Presco led the losers table with a drop of N0.77 followed by GT Assurance, Fidelity Bank, AG Leventist and UBN

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 28-6-12

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MONEY LINK

CBN: Access to finance critical to growth

A

CCESS to finance is a key determinant of Nigeria’s economic development, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

Speaking at a forum in the United States of America, CBN Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu said opportunities abound to invest in Nigeria’s growing sectors such as education, health, manufacturing, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and agriculture.

By Collins Nweze

He said the Nigerian economy has undergone significant reforms to attract investment, particularly from the United States of America.

According to him, the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS), Nigerian Incentive – based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS) and other initiatives of the CBN are aimed at

jump-starting the economy financially.

“There are lots of opportunities, but these opportunities are held back by issues of access to finance – and that is why the Central Bank of Nigeria has stepped in very strongly to support small businesses through a number of interventions in the areas of agriculture and credit guarantees and so, the process is improving,” he said.

Moghalu however, admitted that infrastructural deficit could have added to the cost

of doing business in Nigeria, but he said these are being addressed by the reforms in other sectors of the economy.

He also stated that the country remained a viable market for entrepreneurs, with a population of a growing middle class and large population of over 160 million people.

Chairman of the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, Stanley Straughter, observed that the American and Nigerian economies were interrelated. “Between 5,000 and

10,000 primary and secondary jobs would be lost (in Philadelphia) was it not for its crude oil – and so Africa is an important partner in the economy of Philadelphia and the surrounding areas,” he said.

He said that Nigeria is on the path to becoming one of the top economies in the world.

“We have a first hand to actually be a witness to the historic event on the continent of Africa, in terms of its growth and it is being led by Nigeria and, of course, South Africa,” he said.

NDIC lists factors inhibiting operations

T

HE Nigeria Deposit In surance Corporation (NDIC) has identified lack of proper understanding of its legal status as liquidator/depositor insurer by legal practitioners and the courts, as a constraint to its operation.

Managing Director of the

From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim disclosed this yesterday at the sensitisation seminar for stakeholders on the challenges to deposit insurance law and practice in Nigeria in Abuja.

He listed other challenges to include the menace of liquidation related litigations, which make it difficult for the corporation to completely wind up failed banks in accordance with the law and settle depositors and other creditors within a reasonable

time.

This problem he said “is further compounded by the complex and often slow pace of ligation through our esteemed courts.”

Besides, he also noted the problems of execution of court judgments against

the assets of the corporation as the liquidator of failed banks; difficulty on the part of the corporation in recovering debts owed to failed banks due to inability to trace the debtors, lack of collateral documents and other related challenges.

Omoigui challenges FIRS to surpass her achievements

T

HE immediate past Chairman of the Fed eral Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru has challenged the agency to surpass her administration’s achievements.

She spoke in Abuja at a send-forth dinner organised in her honour by the FIRS. She said surpassing what she did with others during her tenure is the honour the FIRS could do her and other former chair-

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

men of the FIRS such as Mallam Balama Manu, Chief David Olorunleke, Mall Ibrahim Zukogi and Chief Kayode Naiyeju.

A statement from the FIRS, said Omoigui Okauru thanked all stakeholders including the staff, members of the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council, the Police, Economic and Financial

Crimes Commission,, former Presidents, the incumbent President, former ministers, members of Board, whose support helped the agency to achieve all it did.

She said: “When I came to FIRS in May 2004, I did not come with any special assistance or aid, and when I was leaving in April 9, 2012 I did not go with anything, I left with my bag.

“All we have achieved for the period of my stay in FIRS, I owe it to all of you, for your support,

dedication, hard work and cooperation. Now that I have left, the greatest honour and respect you can give us is to take FIRS to a level higher than we left it. “ All I did was to provide direction. When you talked about what we achieved, we couldn’t have achieved it but through you all, the team. Apart from the core management team made up of coordinating directors, there is the EMM (Enlarged Management Meeting), there are the RCs (Regional Coordi-

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

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 150m 150m 138m 138m 113m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 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 28-6-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

HONYFLOUR EVANSMED ASHAKACEM WAPIC RTBRISCOE MAYBAKER PAINTCOM JAPAULOIL TOTAL GOLDINSURE

2.00 0.61 8.94 0.84 1.92 1.71 1.74 0.69 120.00 0.54

C/PRICE

2.10 0.64 9.37 0.88 2.01 1.79 1.82 0.72 125.00 0.56

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 15.50 1.37 1.18 0.84 3.84 1.16 13.10 31.00 3.25 0.72

C/PRICE 14.73 1.31 1.13 0.81 3.73 1.13 12.80 30.32 3.20 0.71

CHANGE 0.77 0.06 0.05 0.03 0.11 0.03 0.30 0.68 0.05 0.01

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 28-6-12

SYMBOL PRESCO GTASSURE FIDELITYBK AGLEVENT UBN TRANSCORP OANDO UNILEVER FCMB CONTINSURE

Exchange Rate (N) 155.8 155.8 155.7

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

CHANGE

0.10 0.03 0.43 0.04 0.09 0.08 0.08 0.03 5.00 0.02

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

OBB Rate Call Rate

A

N investment bank, Dunn Loren Merrifield (DLM) has emerged the Best Debt House 2011 at the 9th prestigious Nigerian Investment Banking League Awards in recognition of its contribution to domestic financial markets.

DLM which was nominated alongside other wellestablished Nigerian investment banks such as FBN Capital, Stanbic IBTC, UBA Capital, FCMB and Chapel Hill Denham, emerged the ‘first amongst equals’ in this category.

Chief Executive Officer of DLM, Mr. Sonnie Ayere, in a statement, said “the wellearned laurel bestowed upon our young firm is a truly remarkable achievement. This further proves that the quality, the drive, the vision and most important, the dedication of the DLM team will never waver and the potentials that lie ahead of us will be achieved collectively.”

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

Dunn Loren is best debt house

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

nators), there were Tax Controllers and those who work from the headquarters.

“We couldn’t have achieved all we did, in terms of the passage of the tax bills and FIRS Establishment Act without the National Assembly Liaison Committee— some of whom I see in this hall, we couldn’t have achieved improvement in salary without you ( Mashi – Ag Executive Chairman FIRS and Onyegbule Chris the

•Moghalu

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 124.54 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 101.91 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.74 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.09 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.95 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,735.58 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 8.95 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,485.29 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 124.43 101.03 0.72 1.09 0.93 1,725.57 8.51 1.33 1.80 7,289.38 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

56

NEWS Police Commission promotes 19 From Gbade Ogunwale,

Assistant Editor, Abuja

N

•Fashola (middle) been assisted by his wife Dame Abimbola and the students to cut his birthday cake... yesterday. With microphone is Chief Falomo PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Fashola marks birthday with blind students

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday celebrated his 49th birthday with students of the Nigeria Society for the Blind’s Vocational Training Centre in Oshodi, offering annual scholarships to the students and support for the development projects of the school.

Fashola said the state government would give yearly scholarships to all the students in the school as a way of showing appreciation to the founders, the Board of Trustees and management for the selfless service they render to the society.

Fashola said in the last five years, his administration has made laws to protect the physically-challenged and taken concrete steps to show a consciousness of the needs of the group. Among others, he said, Government had made it mandatory to include ramps and walkways while building hospitals, schools, courts and roads for the use of the physically challenged.

“It is not the money. It is the consciousness that they have abilities and we support them in living useful and fruitful lives”, the Governor said adding, “Therefore, when we build roads, we must have walkways and this is what you see in many of the roads that the Lagos State Government is building today; pe-

•Lagos ACN salutes governor at 49 destrian walkways to separate them from motorists”.

Appealing to the private sector to also contribute in making life more meaningful for the physically-challenged, Governor Fashola declared, “Almost all the public structures we have built in the last five years – courts, hospitals and schools - have ramps where we cannot provide lift”.

The Governor warned that Government would soon apply the use of force to stop people trading on the walkways pointing out that apart from those who do not have cars and the physically-challenged; every pedestrian has the right to use the walkways without being hampered by illegal traders.

“I believe that this appeal is going to be heeded”, the Governor said adding, “Of course, we will proceed to the use of force where people do not comply. But it is voluntary compliance that will take us nearer our destination”.

He thanked the Chairman of the Nigeria Society for the Blind’s Fund Raising Committee, Chief Olu Falomo, the Management and staff of the school “for the way they have carried on in spite of the difficult task involved”, noting that they would have chosen to employ their money and time elsewhere

but they chose to invest to assist the physically-challenged.

Falomo thanked the Governor and his wife for choosing to celebrate the occasion with inmates of the school, saying the school has existed largely on the goodwill of people like the Governor.

Also, yesterday, the Lagos State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) joined the residents and friends of the man popularly called ‘BRF’ (Babatunde Raji Fashola) to congratulate him on his 49 th birthday.

The party described the Fashola as an “indomitable and a versatile governor”.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, the party said Fashola is a

Police prevent NGOs from occupying NNPC

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BOUT 2,000 armed policemen yesterday blocked members of some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from occupying the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) towers in Abuja.

The NNPC buildings have been barricaded by a team of security operatives, including the Nigerian Army, mobile policemen and the State Security Service (SSS), who stationed an armoured personnel carrier (APC) at

House orders Dana Air to pay up compensation

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HE House of Representatives yesterday gave a July 3 deadline for the management of Dana Air to pay the required compensation to families of victims of the aircraft that came down on June 3 at Iju-Ishaga, a Lagos suburb.

All 153 passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft died on the spot.

The decision of the House followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Yakub Abiodun, representing Lagos Island on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Moving the motion under a matter of urgent public importance, Balogun explained that the directive was in line with the Nigeri-

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

an Civil Aviation Act. The Act stipulates that 30 per cent of due compensation be paid to families of airborne crash victims within 30 days, while investigation into cause of such accidents lasts.

He also noted that all other airlines that have recorded plane crashes in the past have to comply with the laws by paying the 30 per cent of the required compensation, or in full where investigations have been concluded.

Balogun said: “The Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air, simply known as the Montreal

fulfilled man at 49, having come to the seat of government in Lagos, seen and conquered.

It noted that at 49, the governor has demonstrated, through actions and deeds, that though “we may encounter many defeats “as we go through the journey of life”, but no man, who wants to change the cause of events in the country will allow himself to be defeated”.

The statement added: “We are happy that despite the daunting problems and challenges of running a dynamic and very busy state like Lagos, the high performing governor and the ‘Class Captain of ACN Governors in Nigeria’ has proved beyond reasonable doubts that good leaders

make decisions to create the future they desire.

“Take a deep look at the Lagos landscape and see the enduring legacies Governor Fashola and his predecessor are leaving behind for posterity. Make a dispassionate mental note of the hard decisions that they have made in Lagos in the past 12 years and you will need no angel to tell you that great leaders passed this way.

“Governor Fashola may not have addressed all the problems in Lagos, but he has demonstrated that change is possible when there is the political will.

“At 49, we cannot but wish this great son of Lagos State whatever he wishes himself and pray that God, in His infinite wisdom, will continue to prepare him for the task ahead.”

Convention, adopted by a diplomatic meeting of member states of the management of Dana Air to comply immediately.

Deputy Leader of the House, Leo Ogor in his contribution stressed the imperative of domesticating all international conventions or treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory, with a view to enforce them.

He said doing so would make it easily to deal with such issues when they arise.

Other contributors said that it was incumbent on the House to intervene and compel Dana Air to act immediately considering the trauma still being faced by families of victims who were yet to identify the remains of their loved one.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

the main gate since the “threat” by the Boko Haram sect to bomb the towers.

The team doubled its men yesterday, following a tipoff that the NGOs were to protest the non-implementation of the recommendations of the Farouk Lawanled Ad Hoc House Committee on Petroleum Subsidy Fund expenditure.

The NGOs were said to

have taken action following the failure of President Goodluck Jonathan to sack the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke.

The protest was billed to begin by 10am, but in the wake of the day, the security operatives had occupied the surroundings, up to the adjoining former Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) Headquarters and the All Nigeria People Party (ANPP) national secretariat.

Alleged PEF fraud: Court orders retrial of Kenny Martins, others

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HE Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the retrial of Chief Kenny Martins and three others over their alleged roles in the embezzlement of N7.40 billion, belonging to the Police Equipment Fund (PEF).

In a judgment delivered yesterday by Justice Regina Nwodo, who led two other justices, the court held that Martins and others have a case to answer and that Justice Mohammed Talba of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court misdirected himself and erred to have discharged the accused persons on a no-case submission.

Acting Head, Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wilson

By Eric Ikhilae

Uwujaren, said in a statement that the appeal arose from a charge by the commission against Martins, Ibrahim Dumuje, Yaro Gella and Messrs Nigerstalg Limited.

The trial court had discharged the accused persons on a no-case submission, a decision the EFCC appealed.

On the issue of bias, on which basis an Abuja Magistrate’s Court and a Federal High Court, Abuja had disqualified Festus Keyamo from prosecuting the case, the appellate court held that a prosecutor cannot be disqualified from prosecuting a matter based on allegations of bias.

INETEEN officers have moved to their next ranks in the latest review carried out by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The commission, however, demoted three and dismissed two officers in what it described as measures aimed at repositioning the force.

Rising from its 27th plenary session yesterday, the Commission announced the promotion of Mr. Sam Okaula from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Mr. Geoffrey Okafor from Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to the rank of ACP. Also promoted were a Superintendent of Police (SP) to the rank of CSP and 16 Inspectors to the rank of Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP).

On the other hand, Mr. Peter Ogunyanwo, a DCP, was demoted to the rank of ACP, while two CSP, John Nwele and Chukwu Okafor, were demoted to the rank of SP. Rebecca Okereke, a CSP and Gabriel Fakiyesi, an Assistant ASP, were dismissed from the force.

A statement signed by the Chief Information Officer of the PSC, Mr. Ferdinand Ekpe, stated that the demoted and dismissed officers were punished for conducts unbecoming of police officers.

He did not state their offences.

Tension in OAU as union, management turn back visitors From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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HERE was tension in IleIfe, Osun State, yesterday as the face-off between the management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in the town and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) worsened.

The union members barricaded the main entrance to the university and prevented vehicles from entering the campus during a protest.

A public lecture organised by a socio-political organisation, the Oranmiyan Democrats, to mark the 55th birthday of Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, was cancelled because of the protest.

Many guests were prevented from entering the campus to attend the public lecture entitled: The Doctrine of Omoluabi in Yorubaland, which was to hold at the Oduduwa Hall of the university.

However, the protest did not affect the ongoing first semester examination in the university.

The NASU members, who are on an indefinite strike, are demanding the payment of 15 per cent salary increment, good welfare package, and payment of outstanding arrears, among other demands.

The university’s NASU Chairman Wole Odewumi said the strike would continue alongside the protest until the university authorities address all the union’s demands.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

57

NEWS 70-year-old man, son charged with killing prof

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70-YEAR-OLD man, Jimoh Ayeni, was yesterday arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court for the alleged murder of a professor.

Ayeni, of Ose-Egbeda Camp in Emure-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was charged with his 28-year-old son, Haruna Ayeni, for killing 68year-old Professor Clement Olusola Ayeni.

The accused were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy to murder, hitting their victim on the head with a stick. and flogging him until he died.

The offence, the prosecutor said, is punishable under Section 516 (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 77, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Ewuola Ebenezer, told the court that the professor died following the injuries inflicted on him by the accused.

He urged the court not to grant the accused bail because the offence is a felony.

The prosecutor asked for an adjournment to enable him get the advice of the Police Legal Department on the matter.

The defence counsel, Mr Taiwo Osayomi, prayed the court to transfer the case to a higher court of competent jurisdiction.

Chief Magistrate Simeon Ojo ordered that the accused be remanded in the Ado-Ekiti Prison.

He adjourned the matter till July 2 for further hearing.

Ekiti to rehabilitate 16 state capital’s roads From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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HE Ekiti State Government will soon begin the rehabilitation of additional 16 township roads in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

It said machinery is already in motion for the award of contracts for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the projects.

The Commissioner for Works and Transportation, Mr. Sola Adebayo, broke the news in Ado-Ekiti when he addressed reporters.

Adebayo said the Kayode Fayemi administration is committed to the development of all parts of the state.

He noted that the shoddy jobs done on the roads before the present administration came to office made them to deteriorate to their present pathetic state.

The commissioner said this is why the government is carrying out massive road repairs in all parts of the state. Advising motorists to drive carefully and be patient on the roads, Adebayo urged the residents to bear with the government during the period of rehabilitation.

The affected roads include Mobil–Irona; Ben Folarin-IsatoOkeoriomi; Old Governor’s Office-Okesha Round About; Okeoriomi-Aremu; Ola Oluwa– Omisanjana; Oke-Ila – Idolofin; Stadium–Dallimore and Okeyinmi-St AndrewsOke-ila-Housing Corporation.

Others are: Okesha Round About–Stadium Oremeji Junction; Adebayo–Olora Housing Junction; Basiri-Nova; Ile Abiye–GRA Onigari; EgbewaNTA Junction; Adekaitan– Ilawe–Spotless Junction; and some intra-community roads in Oke Ila-Housing Estate and Mugbagba–St Paul’s Anglican Church, Odo Ado areas.

• The Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Alhaja Risikat Akiyode (middle), who represented Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, with some children ambassadors for anti-child abuse at the fourth annual children conference of Vanguard Media Limited in Lagos.

PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

Four Oyo Operation Burst officers die in crash

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FEMALE soldier and three other officers of the Oyo State security outfit, codenamed Operation Burst, yesterday died in an accident on the University of Ibadan (UI)-Sango Road in Ibadan North Local Government Area.

The accident involved the security outfit’s patrol vehicle, a commercial bus and a motorcycle.

The driver of the patrol van reportedly lost control and veered off the road, hitting an electricity pole and the commercial vehicle.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi visited the victims at the University College Hospital (UCH), where the injured are receiving treatment.

Four others, including two civilians, an Army officer and

•Ajimobi promises to foot bill of injured a policeman, were injured. One of them is said to be in a critical condition.

After visiting the injured at the UCH Emergency Ward, the governor said his administration would foot their medical bills.

Ajimobi was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Mechanised Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Maj.Gen. M. D. Abubakar; the state Director of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Charles Ugwu; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; the Chief of Staff to the governor, Dr. Adeolu Akande; and other top government officials.

He asked the hospital man-

agement what their challenges were and promised the government’s assistance.

At the Emergency Ward, the governor monitored the condition of one of the patients.

He said his government would assist the hospital to procure some vital equipment, which the hospital workers said were in short supply.

“Even though UCH is a federal health institution, because it is in Oyo State and it is for the benefit of the people of the state, we will assist you in the procurement of some of the equipment,” he said.

Police spokesman Olabisi Ilobanafor said the accident occurred at 9 o’clock, involving an Operation Burst vehicle, a pri-

vate vehicle and a motorcycle.

She said: “One Police Inspector, Adebola Apata; Lance Corporal Bola, a woman; and a private soldier, Oneh, died in the accident.

“Police Corporals Bello Kayode and George Adeyemo and Sergeant Abdullahi Mannir (a soldier) as well as the driver of the private vehicle and the motorcyclist were injured.”

It was learnt that the victims were received by the UCH Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr Temitope Alonge.

The accident caused a traffic gridlock on the busy road.

But the combined efforts of the police and other security agencies led to the reduction of the heavy traffic on the road.

Yorubas in North back Akeredolu ‘Ondo ACN governorship candidate’s selection not concluded’

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•Akeredolu

Y

ORUBAS in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the aegis of the Yoruba Awareness Forum (YAM), yesterday promised their support for the former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), one of the governorship aspirants of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State October 22 election.

In a statement in Kaduna, the group said it is supporting Akeredolu because of his ability to transform the state as well as his academic, professional qualification and wealth of experience.

The statement, by the General Secretary of the forum, Olusegun Folorunso, urged other aspirants to support the eminent lawyer.

It hailed the leadership of the party in Ondo State for zoning the governorship seat to Ondo North Senatorial District.

The decision, according to the statement, was taken at a meet-

HE Southwest Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday said the process for choosing the Ondo State governorship candidate of the party has not been concluded.

The party was reacting to reports that former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) had been chosen by the national caucus of the party.

Addressing reporters after the meeting of the party’s zonal executives in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, ACN National Vice-Chairman (Southwest) James Kolawole said the process of picking the candidate for the October 20 election in Ondo State would not be completed until July 10 when the party’s congress will be held.

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

ing of chairmen and secretaries of the forum in the 19 northern states and the FCT, which was presided over by its PresidentGeneral, Rev Ademola Timoye.

The statement reads: “In settling for the candidature of Oluwrotimi Akeredolu (SAN), the forum considered, among other factors, his consistent commitment to progressive ideas from 1999 till date, as well as his educational and professional credentials as a former NBA Prsident, whose tenure won national and international accolades.

“The forum also discovered that Akeredolu has an unalloyed commitment to the development of Ondo State in

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

He said the zone supports the steps the national caucus of the party, has taken on the matter.

Kolawole added: “The congress will be an affirmation. And until that is done, nobody can say that a candidate has emerged. Don’t let anybody deceive you: for anybody to be declared a governorship candidate, such a person must be endorsed by the party’s congress.”

Reacting to a protest by some aggrieved members of the party in Ogun State, the party chieftain said the matter has been discussed extensively at the meeting.

According to him, internal party mechanism will be adopted to resolve the matter.

Kolawole described the action of the aggrieved party members as part of democracy.

Attorney- General and Comparticular and the Yoruba na- missioner for Justice in Ondo tion in general as well as the State, the forum has put in place country at large. a committee to transverse the “The forum is of the belief 18 local government areas of that the Ondo 2012 project the state to solicit support for should not be an exception, the Aketi 2013 Project. more so with Akeredolu as the “The forum commends the flag bearer of ACN in the elec- leadership of the ACN in zontion. ing the tickets of the party to “The forum commends Osun the Ondo North Senatorial DisState Governor Rauf trict. We appeal to other aspirAregbesola for his role in the ants who, from the information political fortune of ACN in available to us, agreed to supOndo State and recalls with port whichever candidate the nostalgia the assistance he gave party chooses, to support the Yoruba community in Akeredolu for the sake of the Kaduna State while he was a Yoruba nation, which is in dire staff in the Nigerian Telecom- need of the service of the former munications Limited (NITEL) NBA President to re-enact the in Kaduna. achievements of the late Chief “To achieve victory for Obafemi Awolowo in Ondo Akeredolu, who is a former State.”

‘Don’t use Ondo civil servants as electoral officials’ ACTIVIST lawyer Morakinyo Ogele has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to empoy Ondo State civil servants as ad hoc electoral officials for the October 20 governorship election.

Henoted that having been part of a labour rally in support Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who is running for re-election, the workers would have been compromised.

The lawyer was reacting to the workers’ rally for the governor in a letter to the State Resident Electoral Commission (REC).

In the letter, entitled: Ad-hoc workers during October 20, 2012 governorship election, Ogele said: “It is no longer news that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ondo State chapter, staged a solidarity rally for Labour Party (LP) on June 26, which was universally shown.

“In the rally, the workers declared for the LP, through their chairperson, Mrs. Bosede Daramola.

“I must put you on notice that to prevent rigging, falsification of results and sundry electoral crimes that may be perpetrated during the election, your commission should desist from recruiting any civil servant in Ondo State as ad hoc worker in the forthcoming election, as they have associated themselves with the LP and their declaration of support for the party...”

‘Be patient with Jonathan’ THE General Overseer of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Canaanland, Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, has urged critics of President Goodluck Jonathan to exercise restraint and offer suggestions to the Federal Government on how to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency and other insecurity challenges.

The cleric advised Nigerians to support the President to enable him overcome the sect’s activities instead of apportioning blames.

He noted that scathing criticisms, especially against the President, signalled lack of seriousness among Nigeria’s politicians.

58

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

NEWS Company wins London award

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LONDON-based property firm, Daniel Ford & Co Limited, managed by a Nigerian, Mr. Yemi Edun, has clinched the ‘Best Property Management Agency’ award in London at The Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2012.

It was organised in association with The Sunday Times and The Times of London and sponsored by Zoopla Co. UK, which specialises in overseas landlords.

Judges praised “the agency’s highly compliant systems and processes, which are managed by a dedicated compliance professional.”

Over 450 leading lettings agents from across the UK attended a glittering ceremony on Friday, May 25 at The Lancaster London Hotel, opposite Hyde Park where the winners of only dedicated awards for the lettings agency industry were revealed.

The awards ceremony was the culminating event of a rigorous and thorough judging process carried out over a four-month period by a panel of industry experts who assessed initial entry submissions before conducting an extensive review of the entrants, which included hundreds of telephone interviews and mystery shopping exercises. The whole of the judging process was overseen by The Property Ombudsman, Christopher Hamer.

The Chairman of the event, Peter Knight, said: “Landlords and tenants can be confident that the agents displaying this awards medal represent the very best of the best. While there has been much talk of the need to establish minimum standards for lettings agents, I am delighted that these awards can shine a light on those firms that are exceeding standards at every level within an increasingly competitive industry.”

Five ‘killed’ as cultists clash in Gboko poly IVE students of the Fi-

F

dei Polytechnic, Gboko in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State have been allegedly killed during a clash between members of cult groups.

A source said trouble began on Wednesday evening when a cultist was said to have seen his girlfriend with a boy belonging to a rival cult. He confronted him, accusing him of snatching his girl.

The eyewitness said the following day, members fought openly using assorted weapons. During the attack, five students were allegedly killed and many injured. Students ran into a nearby bush and houses to take refuge.

The Rector of the Polytech-

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

nic, Dr. E. C. Ekulide, has closed the institution and directed students to vacate the campus.

Efforts to get the Gboko Area Commander of the Nigeria Police and the rector to comment on the incident were unsuccessful.

The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Alaribe Ejike, confirmed the incident. He said two casualties were recorded.

He said the Police Commissioner John Katso has deployed anti-riot squad to restore peace, adding that three suspects have been arrested.

40 Damaturu prison escapees still on the run HE 40 inmates who

T

escaped from the Damaturu prison during a jail break on Sunday are still on the run, it was learnt yesterday.

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect on Sunday attacked the Damaturu Satellite Prison, killed a prisoner and set free 40 inmates.

The attackers were said to have stormed the prison on Gashua Road.

Spokesman for the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) Mr. Kayode Odeyemi told The Nation that none of the 40 escapees has been arrested.

He said since the incident, the Comptroller-General (CG) of the NPS, Mr. Zakari Ohinoyi Ibrahim, has sent top officers to Damaturu to inves-

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

tigate and report back to him.

Odeyemi said the CG has engaged the services of the State Security Service (SSS), Nigerian Army, Police and other security operatives to help in the search for the escapees.

His words: “Since the incident, no escapee has been found. The Comptroller-General has tightened security around the Damaturu prison and other prisons across the country. He has been trying as much as possible to ensure that the incident does not occur in any other prison in the country.

“Officers of the NPS, Army, SSS, Police and other security operatives are all over Damaturu and neighbouring states in search of the escapees. We are very serious about arresting them. Top officers of the NPS have been sent to Damaturu to carry out investigation.”

•Mr. Edun (second right), receiving the award from an official of the organisers.

Gunmen kill PDP chief, family in Plateau G UNMEN suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have killed the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sharubutu Ward, Bachit District, Riyom Local Government of Plateau State, Mr. John Baren.

His wife, Mary and child were also shot dead. The incident occurred at Gwarim village in Riyom Local Government.

An eyewitness said: “The bodies of the victims were discovered at the roadside by

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

some residents of the community.

“The victims were earlier seen at Gwarim attending the funeral of a relation. The assailants ambushed them when they were returning from the funeral. They emerged from the forest

with guns and shot them at a close-range.

“Villagers who heard the gunshots rushed to the scene only to find the victims lying in a pool of their blood.

They have been buried by their relatives.”

Police spokesman Abuh Emmanuel confirmed the incident. He described it as a criminal act.

A member representing

Riyom Constituency in the House of Assembly, Daniel Dem, decried the attack. He urged the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis to step up efforts and bring the culprits to book.

Many people have died in Riyom Local Government in the last one year. There have been hostilities between the Berom and the Fulani with the casualty figure put at over 200. President Goodluck Jonathan has declared a state of emergency in the area.

PDP thugs attack ACN chieftains in Ilorin

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HE Kwara State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday said suspected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs attacked its chieftains in Oloje area of Ilorin West Constituency.

It called on the security agencies to protect the people against the PDP aggression.

Rafiu Ajakaye, media aide to Kwara ACN leader Mohammed Dele Belgore SAN, said in a statement issued in Ilorin that some ACN chieftains and supporters were allegedly attacked as they gathered to receive Belgore who was billed to address a campaign rally for Abdul Aiyelabegan Goga, the ACN candidate for the Ilorin West

‘We urge the voters not to be intimidated because the idea behind this violence is to cow and deny them the opportunity of exercising their democratic right’ rerun.

The statement reads: “We condemn the PDP thugs’ attacks on the chieftains and members of our party at Oloje in Ilorin West where Kwara ACN leader Belgore was scheduled to address a crowd of supporters on Thursday afternoon ahead of a rerun election for the Ilorin

West seat in the House of Assembly.

“As our members and independent voters were gathering to receive their leader, weapon-wielding PDP thugs began to throw bottles and other harmful objects at the ACN supporters and eventually cordoned off the campaign ground. Our supporters were attacked with machetes while the crowd, including the ACN’s candidate in the election, Abdul Aiyelabegan, fled.

“The attack was unprovoked. It is cowardly and exposes the PDP for who they are. We see the attack as an attempt to cow the opposition and ensure nobody turns out for the election. Is this the idea of what democ-

racy means to PDP and their leader who reportedly told his people that the only means of winning the election slated for Saturday is to make an example of ACN supporters?

“We call on the security agencies to stop this drift to anarchy because if they fail in their duties to protect the people, ACN may not be able to control the anger of its supporters who may be forced to defend themselves against this aggression and tyranny.

“We urge the voters not to be intimidated because the idea behind this violence is to cow and deny them the opportunity of exercising their democratic right.”

180 corps members for Assembly rerun in Kwara HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will deploy 180 youth corps members for tomorrow’s rerun poll in Kwara State.

INEC said two collation

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NOTICE TO QUIT

AUCTION SALES

I, BABATUNDE ODESANYA of ODESANYA & CO, Solicitor to Faustina Anthoney, Cecilia Victoria Ogunro, Mary Magdalene Anthoney Special Administrators and Beneficiaries of the Estate of Late Jonathan Willie Anthoney, the owners and your Lessors and on their behalf hereby give you Notice to Quit and Deliver up Possession of all that Landed Property and Building Situate and being at No. 328, Herbert Macaulay Street, Yaba, Lagos State which you hold of the Lessors for a fixed term (25years) on the 31 st day of December, 2012.

The general public is hereby informed that the following vehicles and other items shall be auctioned 21 days after this publication at the Nigeria Police Station Rumukpakani, PH,Rivers State. Claimants should report for claims at the above station within this period 1) Reg. AK 197 DU VOLVO 2) G.Q 263 AAA MITSUBISHI 3) TOYOTA CAR JD 408 ZKY 4) BENZ 190 CU 837 ABJ 5) NISSAN ALTIMA AJ 347 UYY 6) TVS & 5 generator (Tiger) Signed: Mr VICTOR OBEAHON Auctioneer

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

officers and a presiding officer have been recruited from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) for the exercise.

An appeal court sitting in Ilorin had ordered rerun election in two wards, Alanamu and Oloje in Ilorin North/ West Constituency.

The court ruled that the 2011 House of Assembly poll in the wards was marred by irregularities.

In a statement, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Chief Timothy Ibitoye, said the corps members are undergoing a twoday intensive training.

He told the Coordinator of

the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Ezinne Ezekwe, who was in his office, to ensure the security of the corps members.

He said the security of the ad-hoc staff and voters is sacrosanct, as the security agencies in the state have mapped out water tight security arrangements for the election.

His words: “Sensitive and non-sensitive materials have been received and are being sorted out for the election in the 60 polling units in Balogun Alanamu and Oloje wards where election will take place.”

The commissioner warned “miscreants or over-

ambitious politicians who may wish to cause any security breach to stay away from this election as security agencies will be prompt in dealing with any untoward situation.”

He urged observer groups to update their status with the state office of the commission, to avoid being embarrassed by security operatives.

The commissioner enjoined eligible voters to come out and exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation or molestation.

The REC added that accreditation and voting would start at 8am and end at 4pm.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

59

NEWS Doctor yet to regain freedom

MT Vanessa contained no oil, says A T Naval chief HE seized MT Vanessa earlier claimed to be carrying 8.5 million barrels of stolen crude oil has no crude on board, it emerged yesterday.

The Defence Headquarters (DHq) has rolled out new directives for owners of boats and barges operating in the Niger Delta.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim, who appeared yesterday at the House Joint Committee investigating the upsurge in illegal bunkering, debunked reports on the seized ship.

Chairman of the Committee Muraina Ajibola said the seized ship contained 8.5million barrels of crude oil.

The Committee subsequently constituted a subcommittee to find out the veracity of that claim.

In addition, the Navy was

•DHQ goes tough on boat owners in Niger Delta From Dele Anofi, Abuja

directed to hand over the ship to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for safekeeping.

“We don’t want to hear that the content of the ship has disappeared,” Ajibola said.

Contrary to the claims of the Committee, the CNS said there was no crude oil on board the ship.

He also disputed claims about the ship, saying it is Belgian and not French.

Ibrahim blamed the boom in bunkering on insiders who worked in oil companies, lack

of information sharing among security agencies as well as a ready-made market for the product.

In his submision, the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshall Oluseye Petinrin, said the Defence Headquarters is working to curb the menace.

He said all boats and barges plying Nigerian coastal waters must henceforth be registered with the DHq. In addition, any boat or barge conveying crude oil must also be registered with an oil producing company.

“We believe that we

should be able to reduce bunkering in the country.

“We are getting involved because those saddled with the responsibility have refused to yield to several requests from us to that effect.

Petinrin also blamed relevant regulatory agencies partly for encouraging the illegal trade by not having proper official documentation of the boats and barges operating in the Niger Delta region.

He said prior to the intervention of the Defence Headquarters, oil companies were lossing 90 million barrels of crude monthly.

While identifying lack of regulation as a major factor to the upsurge in bunkering, the CDS said since the intervention in January 2011 to date, the loss suffered by the oil companies has reduced to an average of about three million barrels per month.

Why we demolished Abonnema waterfront,

by Rivers govt

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WO persons have been arraigned before an Afuze Magistrate’s Court for the murder of three reporters attached to the Edo State Government House.

The accused, who pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge, are John Micheal (36) and Salisu Danjuma (52).

Fidelis Ohani of the African Independent Television

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From Osagie Otabor, Benin

(AIT), Olatunji Jacob and George Okosun both of the Independent Television were killed when a trailer rammed into the convoy of the Governor Adams Oshiomhole on the Auchi-Warrake Road.

Chief Magistrate William Aziegbemwin remanded them in custody and adjourned the case till August 6.

bishop I.M. Akinadewo.

Clerics expected are: G.O. Fakeye, Kehinde Akinsiku, Akpata, M.A. Oganla, C.O. Adeyemo, Sola Omole, J.S.A. Oladele, M.O. Kadiri, Baba Aladura Niran Aluko, Mother Lara Mumuni, Baba Aladura Abe and others.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) among Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) are expected to send representatives.

Naval training in Bayelsa

C •The demolished waterfront...yesterday.

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Wharf waterfront simply reminded Amaechi about the need to quickly demolish the area.

Danagogo said: “I was in Abuja on Monday, when I got reports that cult boys were shooting sporadically at Abonnema Wharf waterfront.

The shooting continued on

Tuesday night till Wednesday morning, which made the bulldozers move in.

“No government will allow the lawlessness at the Abonnema Wharf waterfront to continue. The cult boys took laws into their own hands, but were curtailed by security personnel. The area will be completely demolished, for the cult boys not to be able to regroup.”

PHOTO: NAN

When the bulldozers moved into Abonnema Wharf waterfront on Wednesday, most of the residents were caught unawares, as they were seen hurriedly packing their valuables.

The relocation continued till yesterday, with most of the residents lamenting the “ugly” development, caused by the cult boys.

US Supreme Court upholds healthcare reform law

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ation, shortly after Chukwudi was seized.

Commissioner of Police Mohammed Indabawa said the kidnapped doctor would soon be freed.

Unknown gunmen seized Chukwudi on his way home around 6:30pm.

The NMA said the hoodlums initially demanded N150 million, which was later reduced to N12 million.

Two remanded for reporters’ murder

HE annual Founder’s Anniversary of Motailatu Cherubim Church and Seraphim Worldwide, will hold at the District Headquarters in Lagos on Sunday.

Tagged: ‘Abundance’, the anniversary, billed for the Church Cathedral on Motailatu Road, Oke-Ira, Ogba, Lagos, will be presided over by the Primate and Supreme Head of the Motailatu Organisation Worldwide, Arch-

FOREIGN HE US Supreme Court has said President Barack Obama’s landmark healthcare reform act is constitutional.

The court upheld a core requirement known as the “individual mandate” that Americans buy insurance or pay a fine.

Of the nine justices on the bench, Chief Justice John Roberts’ vote was decisive in the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in favour of the law.

The ruling comes months before the US election, with Republicans vowing to push for a repeal of the bill.

Healthcare is a deeply polarising issue in the US and Republicans strongly opposed Obama’s legislation.

The state of Florida, along with 12 other states, filed a

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Church holds Founder’s Anniversary

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HE Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development, Tammy Danagogo, has explained why the government adopted emergency measures to demolish the Abonnema Wharf waterfront in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Danagogo said the government would have waited a few more days before the demolition, since the landlords were still being paid compensation.

But sporadic gunshots in the area and threats to safety of lives and property quickened the action.

He said the government got unfavourable security reports from the waterfront.

Governor Rotimi Amaechi described the waterfront as a den of criminals, which must be demolished.

Commissioner of Police Mohammed Indabawa confirmed that the combined operation, involving policemen and soldiers, dislodged the criminals.

Indabawa said the cult members at Abonnema

MEMBER of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Rivers State, Frank Chukwudi, who was kidnapped in Port Harcourt, the state capital last Tuesday, is yet to regain his freedom.

The Public Relations Officer of Rivers NMA, Briggs Aluye, yesterday, confirmed that Chukwudi is still being held by the kidnappers.

Contrary to a mix-up, Aluye was not kidnapped. He spoke on behalf of the associ-

legal challenge to the bill minutes after Obama signed The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law in March 2010.

They were later joined by 13 more states, the National Federation of Independent Businesses and several individuals.

Speaking afterwards, President Obama called the court’s decision a victory for the country, saying people would not need to “hang their fortunes on chance” or fear financial ruin if they became sick.

“The highest court in the land has now spoken. We will continue to implement this law and we’ll work together to improve on it where we can,” Obama said, speaking at the White House.

“What we won’t do - what

the country can’t afford to do - is re-fight the political battles of two years ago or go back to the way things were. With today’s announcement, it’s time for us to move forward.

“We will be better off because we had the courage to pass this law,” Obama added.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said the healthcare bill was “bad law yesterday, it’s bad law today”.

“This is a time of choice for the American people. If we’re going to get rid of Obamacare we’re going to have to replace President Obama. My mission is to make sure we do exactly that.”

He called “Obamacare” a tax rise that would add to the national debt, a “job-killer”, and said it would put the Fed-

eral Government “between you and your doctor”.

Congressional leaders also responded quickly to the verdict.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said: “We’ve passed plenty of terrible laws around here that were constitutional.”

On the Senate floor, he said the only way to fix the law was “full repeal”.

Meanwhile, the Senate’s Democratic majority leader, Harry Reid, disagreed: “Now that this matter is settled, let’s move on to other things. Like jobs.”

The mandate was eventually upheld by the justices, citing the taxation powers granted to Congress by the US constitution.

ONCERNED with the security challenges in the country, the Navy has organised a security awareness workshop.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Olutoyin Johnson, said the emerging security situation necessitated the lectures to teach officers and men on how to tackle security challenges.

“The changing nature of nature of the nation’s national

From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

security environment has manifested in the emergence of contemporary challenges, such as militancy, inter-ethnic strife, political strife, terrorism.

“It is intended that after the lectures, commanders and other participants will impart the knowledge gained to their subordinate, which is to transform the Nigerian Navy into a force better able to meet contemporary security challenges,” Olutoyin said.

Christians worldwide to pray HRISTIANS all over simultaneously the world will tomor-

C

row observe an hour of prayer for the unity of Christian ministers as well as the membership of the church.

The prayer session, which is the third of its kind, is organised annually by The Jesus Dream, a religious organisation.

The organisation, in a statement yesterday, said the time for the prayer is 8pm Nigerian time, adding that Christians in

By Precious Igbonwelundu

other parts of the world would correlate the time with theirs.

“The Jesus Dream prayer programme is designed to facilitate the realization of the desire of Jesus Christ in John 17:11, that His ministers be united so that together they can unite His Body-the Church. When His Body is united then Jesus, the head, will have a place to lie on.”

ANPP condemns chairman’s murder

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HE national leadership of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) yesterday described the murder of its River State Chairman, Elder Julius Nwanfu, as “dastardly”.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Emma Eneukwu, said: “The ANPP wishes to condemn, in strong terms, the murder of Elder Julius Nwanfu, the Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of our great party by unknown persons on June 26 in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

“We view this most

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

unfortunate development as a dastardly act, which must be redressed. Accordingly, we call on the police and other security agencies to commence immediate investigations into the circumstances surrounding this gruesome murder.

“As a political party, we urge our members in Rivers State and indeed other parts of the country to remain calm.

We expect that nothing less than justice shall be done in this matter.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

60

SPORT EXTRA

Yak finally joins Guangzhou R&F S

UPER Eagles’ and Blackburn Rovers striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni has followed Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka to China, but has chosen to sign for Guangzhou R&F on a three-year deal.

Yak, 29, chose to leave Rovers after they were relegated from the Premier League last season and has been mulling over a move to Asia for some time.

However, now the Nigerian striker has confirmed why he chose his new home.

"There were many clubs interested according to the media, but the only people who made direct contact have been Guangzhou R&F," Yakubu told the BBC.

• Signs three-year deal "Many will ask why China? The truth is there is not much to prove after scoring almost a century of goals in a league [the Premier League] considered as one of the best in the world.

"I thank Blackburn Rovers, the fans, fellow players for making my one season there seem like a decade - I appreciate their support [and] I hope the club will come back again into the top flight as soon as possible."

Yak started his career as a youngster with Julius Berger FC of Lagos, before moving to Is-

rael to play for Maccabi Haifa.

He chose England and played for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Leicester City before he joined Blackburn in August 2011.

Yak's latest adventure has attracted a lot of attention, and also

a lot of criticism aimed at his motives. However he told the BBC that money was not why he chose to join the club.

"Money cannot buy you happiness and what I have found from the people in China is love, happiness, sincerity and warmth [and] I can't wait to get started here," he said. "They are starting an unbelievable football programme here and it's nice to be a part of it."

Man without ‘legs’ beats Nigerian to second position

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IGERIAN athletes continued their woeful performance when it mattered most as fibre blade runner, South Africa’s Oscar Pistorious ran a time of 46.14secs to clinch the second spot in the 400metres semi final 1 held on Wednesday evening.

Isaac Makwala of Botswana ran 45.70 to win the semi final.

But Segun Ogunkole ran 47.14 seconds which earned him 4th and disqualified him from taking part in the 400 metres final.

Oscar received a standing ovation from the crowd after overtaking Ogunkole in the race.

Pistorious (born 22 November 1986) is a South African sprint runner. Known as the "Blade Runner" and "the fastest man on no legs", Pistorius, who has a double amputation, is the world record holder in the 100, 200 and 400 metres (sport class T44) events and runs with the aid of Cheetah Flex-Foot carbon fibre transtibial artificial limbs by Ossur.

In 2007, Pistorius took part in his first international competitions for able-bodied athletes.

However, his artificial lower legs, while enabling him to compete, have generated claims that he has an unfair advantage over able-bodied runners. The same year, the International Association of Athletics Federa-

From Stella Bamawo in Porto Novo tions (IAAF) amended its competition rules to ban the use of "any technical device that incorporates springs, wheels or any other element that provides a user with an advantage over another athlete not using such a device". The federation claimed that the amendment was not specifically aimed at Pistorius.

After monitoring his track performances and carrying out tests, scientists took the view that Pistorius enjoyed considerable advantages over athletes without prosthetic limbs. On the strength of these findings, on 14 January 2008 the IAAF ruled him ineligible for competitions conducted under its rules, including the 2008 Summer Olympics. This decision was reversed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 16 May 2008, the Court ruling overall there was no evidence that Pistorius had any net advantage over able-bodied athletes.

Although eligible to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, Pistorius did not qualify for the South African team. Despite achieving third place and a personal best time of 46.25 seconds in the 400 metres in Lucerne, Switzerland, on 16 July 2008, this was short of the Olympic qualification time of 45.55 seconds.

•Balotelli

Ezeji blasts NPL over players' welfare

V

ICTOR EZEJI has pointed fingers at the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) for refusing to enforce the rules on players' welfare.

The Sharks' striker has also branded the welfare arrangement in the nation's top flight as "rubbish."

He pointed out an instance of clubs flouting the rules in paying up signingon fees to players every season as an example of the rot in the Premier League.

"The welfare package is rubbish as far as I am concern because the league has six games to go (this season) and players' signingon fees have not been paid till now. The NPL rule says 60 percent before the season commences and 40 percent

before the start of second round should be paid but that has not been done. And not even the NPL is doing anything about it.

"Once the league ends we will hear them say any team that have not paid the signing-on fees (of their players) will not be registered year in, year out," he said.

SuperSport.com asked Ezeji to react on the school of thought that proffered the scrapping of signing-on fees for improved monthly salaries as one of the solutions.

"Never that's total nonsense," the striker responded.

"There are certain things that have come to stay. When clubs find it so difficult to pay match bonuses, is it salaries of N500, 000 they will pay?

IBF FEMALE FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE

Nigeria’s Helen Joseph takes up the gauntlet

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Balotelli fires Italy into Euro 2012 final

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ANCHESTER City striker Mario Balotelli fired Italy into the Euro 2012 final with two goals against Germany.

The Azzurri forward put his side in front with a header before blasting the second into

the top corner. Germany scored a consolation penalty in injury time through Mesut Ozil but Italy held on to win 2-1. The controversial player will however miss the finals against Spain after bagging another yellow card.

IGERIA boxing is set to experience a boost when female boxing sensation, Helen Joseph takes a shot at the International Boxing Federation (IBF) female featherweight title.

The Rivers State born pugilist will be up against current title holder, Dahiana Santana of the Dominican Republic on August 25.

Though the match is billed to be staged in Accra, Ghana, promoters of the fight, Golden Mike Boxing Promotion said it is an opportunity for the boxer to take her game to the next level.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the outfit, Michael Tetteh, Joseph has prepared well for the fight and that their mission in Nigeria is to introduce

By Innocent Amomoh

the professional fight to Nigerians being the home country of the 23 year-old boxer, thought resident in Ghana.

He said: "Helen is a credible boxer who deserves this chance to have a shot at the World title. We have worked hard enough to secure this fight for her and we are not in doubt she will win. She will defend the title here in Nigeria if she wins."

Asked how much he knows about the opponent, Tetteh said: "The opponent has an enviable record of 39 wins and only six losses against Helen's 13 fights, 11 wins one loss and one draw.

But that will not determine the outcome of the bout."

Tetteh called on corporate bodies to leverage on this opportunity by supporting the fight and boost the image of Nigeria boxing on the world stage.

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) he said are doing so much to ensure that the logistics for the fight are controlled from their end, while calling on Nigerians to troop to Ghana come August to cheer Joseph to victory.

•Joseph

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

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54TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

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oday Wednesday 27th June, 2012 (8TH Sha’aban, 1433 AH) the Kano State Executive Council held its Fifty fourth (54th) sitting in continuation with sequence of previous sittings during which important policy issues and programmes that positively impact on the quality of lives of our citizenry were deliberated upon.

It is delightful to note the reawakening of the hopes and fulfillment of the aspirations of the people of Kano State as depicted in the glaring progress achieved in the improvement of the quality and quantity of services provided by Government across all sectors – especially water supply, agricultural production, education, healthcare delivery, environmental sanitation and refuse disposal, repairs of street and traffic lights, beautification of urban Kano, provision of security, provision of skill acquisition and employment opportunities etc.

their workforce. The Committee already submitted its first report for February, 2012.

Presentation of the second and third reports covering the months of March and April respectively was acknowledged by the Council today whereby it was appreciated after deliberations that contents of the two reports presented details on findings at the fifteen (15) organizations visited and appraised. Highlights comprised the underlisted and more. i. ii. iii. iv.

Most indigenous citizens are incompetent, pampered, indisciplined, immoral, filferous, unreliable, etc.

Employment records of some companies are not comprehensive.

Production cost is too high when sourcing for electricity and water supplies are considered talk less of engaging more hands for whom wages have to be paid regularly.

Employment of 60% of the workforce by private company operators is only possible by promulgation and enforcement of a law on the issue.

Importantly, in fifty three (53) sittings during the first year of its second tenure, the present administration approved a capital expenditure of over N70 billion heralded during its most recent 53rd sitting at which the sum of N15,277,311,576.45 was approved for the execution of twenty six (26) projects by the Council as follows;

Again, the memorandum had ten prayers for the Council to approve and directed eight (8) MDA S to take action upon and report back along with recommendations.

MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 53RD SITTING ARE:

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

N7,669,800.00 as funds to facilitate for the conduct of Maternal, Newborn And Child health week 2012. N240,180,092.36 as funds for the reconstruction of Gulu multi-cell culvert and erosion control; N73,693,240.86 as funds for the construction of two over head pedestrian bridges at Kurna Babban Layi and Kurna Makaranta along Katsina Road.

Memorandum on Dividend payment to Kano State Government by Kano State Investment and Properties Limited. Contents of this memorandum heartened the Council by informing the sitting of the payment to the State Government of dividends accrued from its investment in the company to the tune of N20,000,000.00 as evidenced

by Fidelity Bank cheques number 080532231 and 08532214 of N10 million each .

N12,102,522.10 as funds for interlock tile laying work around the chalet area at Government House Kano. N72,849,280.30 for the construction of two overhead pedestrian bridges at Aminu Kano School of Islamic Legal Studies and BUK Old Campus Gate. N111,939,803.00 as funds for the procurement of operational vehicles to some MDAs to ease their transportation needs for effective service delivery.

Request for authorization to constitute an Ad-hoc Task Force Committee on Revenue Generation and the allocation of five (5) double cabin Toyota Hillux vehicles. Council noted considered and appreciated contents this memorandum as stating the very significant need for the setting up of an ad-hoc task Force that will be charged with the responsibility of intensive sensitization, updating tax payers/revenue collection data base and collection of all revenues. The committee to be under the Ministry of Finance/Board of Internal Revenue with membership drawn from; Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Land, revenue generating MDAs and other relevant stake holders. Three to six months period is considered enough for the committee to conclude its assignment and present a report to the Council thereafter. Again, allocation of five double cabin Toyota Hillux vehicles for he smooth operation of the committee was requested. Council approved for the formation of the stated committee and directed the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to look into the issue of the likelihood of allocating the requested vehicles.

N5,047,379.85 as funds for the conduct of Headcount for Teaching and non-teaching staff at all primary schools in all the 44 LGEAs. N13,825,697,752.90 as funds for the construction of five kilometer roads in eight (8) LGCAs. N8,279,926.50 as funds for the purchase supply and installation of two (2) 100KVA electricity generating sets for schools of Nursing and Midwifery Kano.

N1,000,000.00 as funds to cover an annual grant extended to community development committees in the State. N9,452,550.00 as funds for the provision of start-off tools for the graduating trainees of vocational trades batch 1.

N26,534,466.00 as funds for the whole school maintenance/rehabilitation of Kwankwaso Child Friendly Initiative school. N9,017,500.00 for the resettlement of outstanding 2010 female internal examination registration fees that was borrowed.

N1,980,000.00 for sponsoring six (6) additional Kano State indigenous candidates offered admission into Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron Akwa Ibom State.

N17,066,590.00 as funds for the purchase and installation of brand new electricity generator and overhaul of the old existing one at the Kano State House of Assembly.

N1,982,000.00 as funds for the purchase of office equipment for Ministry for Rural and Community Development. N46,952,712.00 as funds for the fourth (4th) batch training of Lafiya Jari Potential beneficiaries.

N120,000,000.00 as funds to implement Ramadan Feeding and Ramadan Disbursement Programmes for the year 1433 AH (2012). N2,000,000.00 as logistics facilitation for REB. N15,000,000.00 for the purchase of a borehole drilling compressor. N7,348,170.00 for the compensation of structures adjoining Tokarawa Primary School. N60,364,880.00 as funds for the provision of Aluminium partition at Ado Bayero House for North West University. N950,000.00 to facilitate a three (3) day coaching workshop for Kano State based coaches. N32,043,991.00 as balance for payment of insurance cover in respect of Federal Mass Transit buses in the State.

N693,000.00 as sponsorship for the Kano State contingents to participate at a National Athletics competition in Akwa Ibom State. N567,475,000.00 as for funds to implement the firsts phase of the “Brand New Taxi Service Scheme” in Kano Metropolis.

Today’s Council sitting was presided over by the Governor Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso during which 39 memoranda were submitted by 13 MDAS for deliberation by the Council. An expenditure of N17,548,270,477.90 covering 25 projects was approved for execution by the Council. Thus; Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives, Tourism and Culture.

Three (3) memoranda were submitted by this Ministry for deliberation by the Council as follows; Request for funds and permission to expand membership of the committee formed to investigate activities of Micro, Small, and Medium enterprises (MSMES) project assisted by the World Bank:Contents of the referred memorandum intimated Council of the findings of the Executive Committee formed on the strength of a communication received from NIPC. Summary of the findings highlighted that the main aim of the MSME project is to encourage institutional initiatives through the provision of financial and nonfinancial services as well as improving the policy environment in selected non oil industries for small businesses to thrive. This endeavour is quite in accord with the present administrations effort at creating jobs and employment opportunities. So, the call for the expansion of the Committee to encompass service providers and Micro – Banks, Desk Officers and World Bank representative from Abuja to conduct an interactive session with at least 100 participants. Facilitation for the interactive session will cost the sum of N575,000.00.

Council approved for the expansion of the committee as requested and the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry to enable the facilitation of the stated interactive session.

Information memorandum on the introduction of an In-House Training Programme:Council acknowledged and appreciated having received this memorandum as informing the sitting of an In-House Training Programme organized in a bid to shift focus from the acquisition of knowledge to its application thereby developing competence for the trainees in the application of skills and mastering of the art of performing optimally at their duty posts. The training programme has already commenced with thirty eight (38) participants – viz; i.

Eight (8) sectional Heads of the Department of co-operatives ii. Fifteen (15) Zonal and Unit Heads of the Department of Co-operatives. iii. Fifteen (15) Senior Officers (GL.13) from the Dept. of Commerce.

Targets for the training achievements include; improved communication internally, improved commitment to work, applied performance measurement at all levels. Council noted the endeavour and wished the Ministry well along with blessings. Presentation of the second and third report of the Executive Committee to ensure employment of Kano State indigenous citizens by industries operating in Kano:Contents of the referred memorandum reminded the responsive Council of the formation of an Executive Committee assigned the responsibility of monitoring the private organizations/companies in a bid to ensure their compliance with employment of Kano State indigenous citizens at least in the low cadre level of

Request for funds for the establishment of a Boarding primary school at Minjibir town in Minjibir Local Government Area:The requested sum of N184,897,614.00 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry of Education, in compliance with a promise made by the Governor Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso

establish a boarding primary school in Minjibir town. The main aim is to improve and uplift the fallen standard of primary education in the State. Twelve (12) different projects are to be executed with the aggregate requested and approved sum money.

Request for funds to address the physical deplorable condition of Government Secondary School Kafin Maiyaki (Phase I):N84,259,784.39 was approved for release by the council to the Ministry of Education in order to address the physical deploration condition at GSS K/Maiyaki so as to improve the dilapidated infrastructural facilities for conducive teaching and learning.

Request for funds for the construction of a wall-fence and Administrative Block and Standard Gate House at GJSS Janbulo Gwale Local Government Area:Need to separate Janbulo primary school from GJSS Janbulo was substantiated to the council by contents of this memorandum which made council to approve release of the requested sum of N17,970,434.60 to the Ministry of Education to expedite action on the issue so as to provide an enabling and conducive situation for GJSS Janbulo as the school will soon be upgraded to senior secondary status.

Request for funds for the construction of wall fence to demarcate GGSS Unguwa Uku from the Football pitch that shares the abundant undeveloped piece of land with the school:To save encroachment into the premises of GGSS Unguwa Uku, Council approved the release of the requested sum of N7,302,812.18 to the Ministry of Education to expedite action on the construction of the wall fence as requested.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT

Presentation of report on the fact finding visit to Lagos State by the Hon. Commissioner Ministry of Finance in respect of statutory charges/levies in the award of contracts:Contents of this memorandum reported on the visits of the Hon. Commissioner Ministry of Finance to Lagos State Ministry of Finance and FIRS Office Abuja in order to find and ascertain the current rate and charges in the award of contracts. Main highlights of the findings prompted the Council to consider and approve for the underlisted; viz; i. ii. iii. iv.

Charge 1% stamp duty from the contractors bill of quantities.

For further clarification that the fees being paid for pre-qualification (N100,000.00) are for works registration certificates and application forms not for tender fees.

For the retention of the 2% tender fees.

That henceforth all potential/eligible contractors should provide evidence of the payment of personal income tax as part of requirements for the award of contracts.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Five (5) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Education for consideration and deliberation by the Council as follows; Request for provision of School buses to the newly established and up-graded Science and Technical Colleges in the State and construction of additional classroom blocks. This memorandum coherently substantiated to the responsive Council the need for the allocation of School buses, as is done to almost all secondary schools in the State, to the newly established and upgraded Science and Technical schools so as to ensure smooth and hitch free movement of students especially for medical reasons, field trips, guiz and sports competitions etc at least one bus is required by each of the underlisted schools; GTS Danbatta, GSTC Dadin Kowa, GSTC Gani, Sumaila, and GTC Wudil Again, the Ministry requested via this same memorandum for the Council to consider and approve the construction of additional classroom blocks (Kwankwasiyya type) in some colleges under the STSB in order to accommodate new intakes and decongest the existing classes to current 40 students per class policy of the present administration. The concerned schools are: GTC Kano, GSTC Kano, Muktar Adnan Day Science College, GTC Ungogo and GTC Bagauda. Council considered and directed the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to take action on the issue of allocating the five buses to the five schools mentioned. Likewise Council directed the Office of the Hon. Commissioner for Education to re-present more comprehensive memorandum on the issue of construction of more classroom blocks.

Request for funds for the placement of Hardboard ceiling and Terrazo floor finish with PVC ceiling and floor tiles respectively and execution of additional works at Govt. sec. school Kwankwaso (ETF-BOT/2010):Contents of this communication reminded the Council of an executive decision taken at one of its sittings at which the Ministry of Education was instructed to replace Terrazo floor finish and hardboard ceiling with the modern PVC ceiling and floor tiles respectively for further infrastructural improvement of facilities at GSS Kwankwaso.

Additional work was discovered in the endevour. So, the Ministry requested the Council to consider approving the release of the aggregate sum of N19,045,768.47 for the replacement of the materials and execution of the additional works. Council approved release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Education.

Request for funds to carry out required additional work at the newly established Governor’s College Kofar Nasarawa:Contents of this memorandum notified Council of the series of vinspection visits to the referred school by His Excellency Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during which he directed for additional works and changed some specifications which essentially wil cost N35,796,082.00 from the details presented. The Ministry requested Council to approve the release of the stated sum of money to enable facilitation of the directive given by His Excellency the Governor. Council approve release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry to facilitate for the stated purposes.

Request for funds for the construction of perimeter wall fence of three (3) primary schools:Contents of this memorandum requested the Council to approve the release for the sum of N126,121,600.79 to the Ministry of Education to enable compliance with the Executive directives given by the Executive Governor Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso on the wall fencing of Danbagina P. S in Dawakin Kudu LGCA, Dorawar Sallau P.S in G/Mallam LGCA and Danladi Nasidi P .S in Kumbotso LGCA. Council approved release of the requested sum to the Ministry to enable SUBEB execute the stated projects.

Four (4) memoranda on issues under the auspices of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government were submitted for consideration and deliberation by the Council; Thus; Request for Operational Funds/members sitting allowances (Jan – May, 2012) submitted by the State Standing Committee on Solid Minerals Development:Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N1,815,000.00 as requested as funds to settle the sitting allowances for the nine (9) members of the standing committee on Solid Minerals Development.

Request from Kano State Water Board for funds to procure a 30-seater bus:Council approved release of N16,175,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for the procurement and allocation of one (1) unit 30-seater bus to the Kano State Water Board for conveying its staff to their places of work at challawa with a view to motivating them for effective and efficient service delivery.

Request for funds for the settlement of tuition fees in respect of 15 Kano Indigenous candidate qualified to undergo a one (1) year course in power generation engineering at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria:The Council considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N11,250,000.00 to the office of the secretary to the state Government to facilitate for the stated purpose since it is in concert with the policy of the present administration.

Request for sponsorship of Kano State Indigenous candidates for commercial pilot training at International Aviation College Ilorin:Council noted, while considered and appreciated contents of this memorandum as requesting for sponsorship for 50 qualified indigenous candidates from the state into the referred college for the mentioned course. Council agreed in principle but approved and directed the office of the SSG to represent the issue in respect of 100 candidates.

MINISTRY FOR SPECIAL DUTIES Request from the Special Advisor Food Security for Funds to facilitate the transportation of fertilizer to 484 wards for the 2012 cropping season:Council considered contents of this memorandum and did not hesitate to approve for the release of the requested sum of N26,117,000.00 to the Ministry for Special Duties for onward payment to the Office of the Special Advisor food Security to expedite action in carrying out the stated purpose considering the fact that the rainy season is already here with us and to fulfill the resolve of the present administration as regards the supply of fertilizer is paramount.

Request for funds for the take-off of the Office of the Special Assistant on Private Health Institutions:Contents of this memorandum requested the Council for the release of N1,000,000.00 as take-off grant for the Office of the Special Assistance on Private Health Institutions along with granting approval for the following: furniture, two computers and two printers to be supplied to the office. Again, three (3) inspection vehicles were requested to be allocated by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for allocation to the PHIRU Office. In addition, contents of the memorandum requested Council to direct the Ministry of Works to inspect PHIRU and prepare a bill of quantities for the renovation/construction of the required structures and submit for Government consideration. Council approved the release of the requested N1,000,000.00 as take-off grant for the stated office holder and approved the other prayers for implementation.

MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION Presentation of Results of 2011 Institutional Accreditation of Kano University of Science and Technology (KUT) Wudil:Contents of this communication informed Council of the results from the accreditation visitation conducted from 4th – 9th December, 2011 at KUT Wudil by the National University Commission whereby the school scored 65.70% Interim Accreditation which is valid for only 5 years. In summary, six (6) deficiency areas were presented for the school to remedy. As such, Council noted and directed the Hon. Commissioner for Higher Education to liase with the University authorities in addressing issues raised on measures to take remedial action on and present findings at next Council sitting.

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:-

Request for funds for the completion and expansion of a school building donated to the Ministry of Education at Unguwar Gini in Municipal Local Government Area:Council approved the release of the requested sum of N26,932,243.85 to the Ministry of Education to execute the completion and extension of the school premises donated to the Government by a philanthropist Arch. Ibrahim Garba Kabara.

Two memoranda were submitted by this Ministry for deliberation by the Council as follows; Request for fund to facilitate payment of foundation courses in respect of 104 number of Kano State students with re-unit cases at Kano Informatics Institute:Council considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N2,000,000.00

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

63

to the Ministry of Science and Technology to facilitate for the stated purpose so as to ensure continuity for the course in the cases of students concerned. b. Request for funds for the training of 440 unemployed youth on chalk making:Contents of this memorandum appreciatively convinced the council on the empowerment capability of the proposed project to the teeming unemployed youth ion the State which is in concert with the policy of the present administration. So, Council approved the release of the requested sum of N36,176,500.00 as mobilization and facilitation fees for the training to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH Four (4) memorandum were submitted by the Ministry of Health for consideration by the Council as follows:Submission on the proposed Kano State Medical Mission 2012 Contents of this memorandum reminded the Council of the proposed mission with the intent of improving the health care delivery to the people of the State. The mission is a collaborative effort between United State based Nigerian Physicians and Nigerian based Physicians and the State Government. The services usually provided include primary care adult medicine, pediatrics, eye care, general surgery, urology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, etc. In fact the benefits derivable include:i.

Patients requiring expert advanced surgery will have it here in Kano without going abroad. ii. Large number of patients awaiting surgeries will be operated in good time. iii. The mission will create an avenue for collaboration with hospitals in the USA. iv. The experts are coming along with some equipment to be used during the activities, after which they will be donated to the state.

KANO STATE GOVERNMENT CAREER IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY

However, the Ministry of Health requested for the release of N51,722,080.00 for the conduct of the mission which the Council did appreciatively as the endeavour is in line with the policy of the present administration on health issues.

Request for funds for the renovation/completion of works (phase II) to accommodate the new State Agency for Control of AIDS (SACA) at former Bee-Zee-Bee Hotel:The requested sum of N29,322,176.00 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry of Health to expedite action on the stated project so as to ensure the provision of suitable accommodation, though in co-existence, for the SACA. c. Request for funds for the procurement of X-Ray machines and Lead Lining works at six (6) Hospitals in the State:Contents of this memorandum requested Council for the release of the aggregate sum of N23,787,500.00 to the Ministry of Health to undertake the under listed projects. i.

Supply of three complete Mobile Mediroll X-ray unit with tube & light beam diaphragm including installation with one year guarantee to Kabo, Sabo B/Z and Gaya Hospitals at N3,500,000 each ii. Repairs of existing x-ray machines at 3 hospitals: Doguwa, Danbatta and Rogo Hospitals iii. Lead lining works at Kabo, Sabo B/Z and Gaya Hospitals Council approved release of he requested sum of money to the Ministry to execute the stated purpose. d. Request for funds to rehabilitate the Kano Dental Centre:Council approved release of the sum of N78,374,877.30 to the Ministry of Health as requested to expedite action on the rehabilitation of the Kano Dental Centre as its services are acutely required by the citizens of State. Such have been in short supply due to the dilapidation and inadequacy of the existing Dental Centre.

The Kano State Government has planned to support One Hundred (100) Kano State indigenes wishing to pursue careers in the Aviation Industry.

Interested applicants are hereby invited to apply for admission in any of the following Courses:-

MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING

a) Commercial Pilot License (CPL);

Request for funds for the execution of the second batch of five kilometer road project:Contents of this memorandum adequately reminded the Council of its approval for the first batch of five kilometer road projects covering eight (8) LGCAs. Another set of eight (8) Local Government Areas have now been fully analysed. They include Bebeji, Bunkure, Dambatta, Minjibir, Rano, Shanono, Tofa and Tuduun Wada. The total sum of N16,203,626,212.80 was approved for release by the Council and award of the contracts to the stated contractors as these projects are set to exert lasting transformation of the urban heritage of the State.

b) Aeronautical Telecommunications Engineering (ATE);

MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT

c)

Request for funds for the completion of commercial blocks of flats at Enugu Road Sabon Gari under the care of the Kano State Housing Corporation:Need for the completion of the stated blocks of flats was coherently stated for the council to consider before granting the approval for the release of the requested sum of N99,606,797.23 to the Ministry to expedite action on the completion work so as to make the place viable for revenue generation in congruence with the laudable programmes of the present administration.

Request for funds for the installation of street lights at Kofar Kabuga, Kofar Waika and Kofar Ruwa:Contents of this memorandum were notifying the council of the compliance of the Ministry to the Executive directives given by the Governor Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on the referred projects. So, an assessed bill to the tune of N36,555,492.00 for the execution of the stated projects was approved for release to the Ministry to comply with the executive directives.

Request for funds for the installation of street lights from Nitel Training School Centre to INEC Round About:Council approved release of the sum of N17582,968.00 to the Ministry to enable compliance to the Executive directives given to it on the stated project as it is in line with the policy of the present administration.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) and;

d) Air Traffic Service and Communication (ATSC).

The Requirement for Admission: Candidates wishing to apply shall posses a mimimum of Five Credits in the following subjects:

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Three memoranda were submitted by this Ministry for deliberation by the Council, thus;

i)

English;

Request for funds for the construction of perimeter wall fence of the new 150MLD Tamburawa Water Treatment plant:This request was in line with the policy of this administration and council did not hesitate to approve the release of the sum of N20,000,000.00 to the Ministry of Water Resources to execute the stated project so as to secure and protect the water supply infrastructures. b.

Information memorandum on Revalidation and Authority to Incur Expenditure relative to procurement of 1000mm Ductile Iron pipes for water pipelines contract:-

ii)

Mathematics;

iii)

Physics;

iv)

Chemistry;

v)

Geography;

This memorandum amply reminded the Council of details of the referred communication. Contracts were awarded on the issue at hand and substantial progress has been achieved since. i.

600mm type of pipes meant for Watari Kano project have been arrived project site and work has already begun. ii. 1000mm type of pipes meant for challawa to Goron Dutse water project are at the port in Lagos awaiting port processing formalities and transportation to Kano.

So Council approved for the revalidation of the contract and the Authority to incur Expenditure relative to the country so as to see the project to its completion considering its significance in ensuring the improvement of pipe-borne water supply to the teeming populace of the State. c.

Request for a review of Cash backing for the supply of diesel and the servicing of electricity generators for the regional water supply scheme:Council noted and considered contents of the referred memorandum which prompted the approval of the upward review of the cash backing referred from the preview N42million to N60million and for responsibility to be shared between/among the concerned Local Government Areas.

OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE Two (2) memoranda were presented by the Office of the Head of Civil Service for consideration by the council.

Notification of the need to extend the 35% salary enhancement as approved since 2011 to the state judiciary:Council was adequately notified of the long awaited need for the enhancement of salary status of the judiciary staff to the approved 35% increment level and the Council did not hesitate to approve for the immediate implementation of the upward review so as to bridge all disparities in remunerations approved for the entire civil service.

Request for funds for the settlement of allowances of sixty two (62) medical officers currently undergoing residency courses for the 2012:The critical need for the training of medical officers significant to their roles in the provision of critically required healthcare delivery prompted the council to approve release of the requested sum N23,064,000.00 to the Office of the Head of Civil Service to effect payment of the stated allowance to the sixty two (62) medical officers at the respective sum of N372,000 per head.

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT Two (2) memoranda were presented by the Ministry of Environment for consideration by the council.

Request for funds for the implementation of the sustainable Gum Arabic Production KNAP:Council approved release of the sum of the N12,210,600.0 to the Ministry to execute the establishment of gun Arabic plantation on a 20 hectares land and another 20 hectares of Boswellice (Arabrabio) at Kanyen Adam in Gabasawa LGCA. The project is envisaged to help rehabilitate the degraded soil in the area, increase productivity and effectively control wind and water erosion and in addition provide source of income through yield of high quality industrial gum.

Request for the procurement and allocation of one (1) fairly used CAT DBK Bulldozer and two (2) brand new ZL 50G Ladico pay loaders:Contents of this memorandum amply stated the need for the above to improve the operational capacity of REMASAB. As such, council approved for the, release of N85,602,234.00 as requested to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for purchase and allocation of the stated vehicles to the Ministry for use by REMASAB.

SIGNED: HON. COMMISSIONER, INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE.

Therefore, applicants with requisite qualification are required to submit their applications along with Credentials including Medical fitness Certificate from a recognized Government Hospital and an Indigene Certificate to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, No 1 Sabo Bakin Zuwo Road, Nassarawa GRA or the Directorate for Youth Empowerment, ARTV Building, Hotoro, Kano on or before Two (2) weeks from the date of this advertisement.

SIGNED: Hon. Commissioner, Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture.

www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7,

HELL on EARTH

NO. 2,171

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

It’s still about education

•Jonathan

Population Commission (NPC), President Goodluck Jonathan expressed his administration’s concern about what it perceives as the impending uncontrollable growth of the nation’s population. “For us to plan properly, we must manage our population”, the President observed. Note here, however, that overpopulation is a relative term that is applicable when and if we are unable to manage our population. In other words, whether we have a little over three hundred million people (as the United States) or nine and a half million people (as Benin Republic), we may still be faced with the challenge of overpopulation. It is therefore not the number of people but the management of that number relative the resources at our disposal.

How then do we effectively manage our population? Is birth control legislation the

RIPPLES NIGERIA DOWN IN GLOBAL RANKING OF PEACEFUL COUNTRIES–News

‘To keep the record of the Abacha era straight for the younger ones, the late dictator did not only loot Nigeria’s treasury, he stole five years of our lives from 1993 to 1998.’

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

C

ONSIDER the following propositions: 1.In the matter of meaningful growth and development,including the desirable achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, Nigeria has challenges and opportunities.

2.With an adequate analysis that separates the periphery from the center, the challenges and the opportunities boil down to the achievement of good quality education for all citizens.

3.Without good education and the opportunities that come with it, the challenges of overpopulation, unemployment, poverty, religious bigotry and ethnic chauvinism, disease, and high rate of mortality cannot and will not be overcome.

4.Therefore, a good government that is truly focused on meaningful growth and development will make good functional education and productive human resources the core of its agenda.

I think the first proposition is self-explanatory and to a large extent self-justificatory. The challenges are evident around us and the opportunities are constantly knocking on our national door. The second proposition is not obvious even though the evidence abounds from the experience of many of our peer nations and those we refer to as advanced in the business of nationbuilding. In a New York Times column which I discussed on this page a short while ago, Frank Rick brought the point home to us graphically in reference to those Asian countries whose record of development has been the dream of many in the south. They pass the book, as Rich puts it, referring to their huge investment in education and human resource.

With regard to the third proposition, we don’t have to look far; the national mirror provides an abundant justification. We have abandoned the principle of public education of the nation’s children, substituting private efforts in its place, and from primary to tertiary the dysfunctional nature of this has been glaring. Perhaps taking literally the admonition of Frank Rich, we recently decided to pass the books with the Federal Government involvement in the distribution of free books to primary and secondary schools throughout the nation!

Whatever became of the age-old wisdom that, in a federal system, a central government’s involvement in education should be limited to the enunciation of general policy directives which constituent states can tailor to their local conditions and needs?

The conclusion, which is the fourth proposition above, I submit, follows directly from the preceding three. And this leads me to the point of the reasoning.

At the recent inauguration of the National

TODAY IN THE NATION

right way to go?

Let us credit the President for a few things. First, he is genuinely concerned about development or the lack of it. Second, he rightly believes in the need to manage our population for sustained development. Third, the President is aware of the sensitive nature of population and birth control in a continent that is “notoriously religious” to use the language of two of Africa’s foremost theologians, John Mbiti and Bolaji Idowu. Fourth, as result of this, the President identifies education and sensitisation as conditions for a successful population control policy.

I want to focus on the last in the list of credits that I identify as attributable to the President. Sometimes our reference to education and its usefulness is inadvertently ambiguous. On one hand, we may mean sensitisation, and the President certainly has this in mind when he insists that “first and foremost, before government comes up with regulations, guidelines or laws, Nigerians must be made to know that we cannot continue to procreate and procreate even though we know children are God’s gifts.” To make Nigerians “to know” is to educate them.

On the other hand, however, the President also has in mind the importance of formal education and the understanding that it affords those who have it concerning the importance, for themselves, of having the number of children that they can properly take care of. “This is the scenario”, the President reportedly offered. “The people up (sic), probably because of their level of education know that they must control their population (sic), but the people down (sic), because of their level of exposure and education are still not aware that you must control your population (sic).”

Here’s the issue. The President identifies the “people up” and the “people down” pointing to the social division of the society along the lines of education, wealth, and status. Those with good education and the income that comes with it have an un-

HARDBALL

I

N one of his first public statements since being appointed National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, has been giving an insight into the fresh initiatives for dealing with the Boko Haram insurgency to which President Goodluck Jonathan alluded in his recent media chat.

Speaking during a visit to Yobe Governor Ibrahim Gaidam at the Government House, Damaturu, he said the Federal Government would give priority to dialogue and negotiations in addressing the insurgency in the North.

“If one considers the colossal collateral damage these confrontations cause due to the unconventional methods of the insurgents, the option of resolution through dialogue and negotiation should be pursued as a priority.”

In his response, Dasuki’s host, Gaidam, appealed to the Federal Government to seriously consider dialogue and negotiation in dealing with the rising wave of violence.

Singing from the same hymn sheet, senators at the end of their three-day retreat in Uyo have also said that in addition to whatever measures government may be envisaging, there is need for dialogue to resolve the Boko Haram problem.

STEVE OSUJI

derstanding and appreciation of the need for family planning; those without, lack the understanding and appreciation. For the latter, what is needed is access to what they lack so they are also afforded the understanding and appreciation to make right decisions about family planning. When that is lacking, sensitisation is ineffective because other sources of influence, including religious fanaticism, would have stepped in to fill the void. And in any case, the incentive to avert their minds to clear thinking on such issues is not there. That has been our experience as a nation.

The nation has lost ground on the multiple millions of our fellow-citizens who have been left in the lurch of ignorance and poverty. What we must fear and avoid is the multiplier effect of this loss. As the President rightly noted, the “people down” are breeding without planning. We have a chance to avoid a vicious cycle of reproductive ignorance, poverty, and hate by declaring a revolution in education now. The Federal Government must take the lead by establishing broad guidelines rather than with direct involvement in trivialities such as distribution of textbooks. It must engage states in the matter of healthy competition by establishing education grants for specific purposes that states may compete for.

Once upon a time, we had a system that recognised the need for vocational education as an integral part of a responsive system of education, that is, one that is responsive to the needs of the population. Surely, even if it is desirable, not everyone will make it to the university or end up with a successful outcome. But the desirability of a university education for all is at best questionable for the simple reason that every society needs the expertise and specialisations that come with vocational education as much as it needs those that are associated with university education. In recent times, however, we have neglected to prioritise this important link and we are now the worse for it considering the sea of heads that populate our streets selling pure water or worse, hawking drugs and seeking death.

Is birth control legislation the right way to manage our population? To the extent that the “people up” are doing it without the force of legislation, and to the extent that as the President recognised it, this is a sensitive area (indeed, a gravely potential opportunity for recruitment by Boko Haram agents), he and his administration may be well advised to tread softly and focus on something positive that will eventually and smartly lead to the realisation of the same goal: invest in education.

•For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Dialogue: Preaching to the converted The NSA, Gaidam and the senators are all making the right noises, while saying absolutely nothing new. Indeed, what they are engaged in is actually preaching to the converted. The position of the Jonathan administration has always been that it is ready for talks if their interlocutors on the other side can be identified. Last weekend, the President again underlined the difficulty involved in initiating dialogue with a “faceless group”.

Rather than waste their breath urging the government to embrace dialogue, such appeals should be directed at the Boko Haram leadership who have in recent times reiterated their resolve not to have any discussions with the authorities.

Even after a respected Bauchi-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, claimed to have initiated talks between the sect and the government, he received a stern warning to stop making such statements.

An email signed by the group’s spokesman, Abul Qaqa, said: “We have seen it published in the media that Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi said he is talking to us on dialogue,

but we want the world to know that this has never happened and we call on Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi to desist from such statement.

“We still want to reiterate that since the dialogue process being midwifed by Dr Datti was botched, we have closed all doors to dialogue.”

Not only have they slammed the door shut, their relentless bombings and gun battles with the security forces only go to confirm that they have chosen to prevail by force of arms. If the sect were remotely interested in peace they would open the slightest of windows for third party intervention.

All the would-be peacemakers should, therefore, focus their energies on getting the group to pry open the door for talks.

Unfortunately, Boko Haram will never discuss for as long as they believe they have the upper hand militarily.

The road to dialogue then lies in breaking the sect as a fighting force, and then discussing with the rump of the organisation that chooses to show its face. That certainly would be a new approach – not the ongoing pattern of running around in circles.

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