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Girls: Cameroon, Chad to block Boko Haram routes Negotiation still possible, says govt

From Yusuf Alli and Bukola Amusan, Abuja

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O facilitate the rescue of the over 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls, Cameroon and Chad may have agreed to block routes in their territories used by Boko Haram, it was learnt yesterday.

Some of the routes, top security sources told The Nation, have been identified.

If the routes are blocked, the sect will be confined to its camps in Nigeria.

A military source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent last night, said all those SEE ALSO involved in the planned rescue of the girls have PAGES 2&3 been holding strategy meetings.

The source said: “The pre-rescue plans have reached advanced stage and very soon, we

?

expect tangible results.

“Cameroon and Chad troops have identified some camps and movement routes of Boko WHERE ARE Haram. They want to block THE CHIBOK these routes in order to restrict the sect operations to GIRLS KIDNAPPED Nigeria.

ON APRIL 15?

Continued on page 4

•Kids with placards protesting the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls standing in front of Super Eagles players (from left) Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Godfrey Oboabona while singing the National Anthem before the Nigeria versus Greece international friendly in Philadelphia, United States...yesterday.

Gunmen in uniform kill scores in Borno

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O fewer than 100 people were killed in Tuesday’s attacks on some Borno State villages, witnesses and residents said yesterday.

The attackers wore military uniform pretending to be on rescue mission. They caught the people unaware, and shot many dead.

The clashes were in Attagara, Aghapalwa and Gwoshe communities in

Gwoza Local Government Council.

The attackers, some disguised in military uniforms, raided the villages yesterday (Tuesday), using “sophisticated weapons” and “started killing from house to house,” Abba Aji Khalil, chairman of a local vigilante group set up to combat the militants, said on telephone. Yuguda Ndurvua, a local clergyman, said many villages in the area “are Continued on page 4

House directs NCAA to return N255m bulletproof cars From Yusuf Alli Abuja and Kelvin Osa Okunbor

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•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola congratulating one of the winners of the Lagos Homes after the draw ...yesterday. With them is Commissioner for Housing Bosun Jeje (right) and others

HE House of Representatives has mandated the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to return the controversial bulletproof cars bought for the use of former Minister of Aviation Ms Stella Oduah to its suppliers and the money Continued on page 4

•U.S. SNUBS NIGERIA’S CRUDE OIL P11 •SHEKARAU, ADEYEYE FOR MINISTER P6

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

2

NEWS

Boko Haram

• National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Mr. Ismail Olufemi Adebayo (second left), Head of Mobile Money, Globacom, Mr. Esaie Diei (left), Commercial Director, Globacom, Mr. David Ehikhuemem, (2nd right) and National Vice Chairman, ACPN, Mr. Alkali Albert Kelong during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Globacom and ACPN in Ilorin.

•From left: Managing Director/CEO, Lafarge Cement WAPCO Plc, Joe Hudson, Chairman, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye and Executive Vice President/Country CEO, Nigeria and Benin Republic, Guillaume Roux, at a media round table to announce PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA Lafarge business consolidation in Nigeria in Lagos...yesterday.

•From left: Chairman, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Mr. Ledum Mitee, Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Down Stream), Hon. Dakuku Peterside and Vice-President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Issa Aremu during the interactive Enlightenment Workshop on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in Abuja...

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE yesterday.

•From left: Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina; Chairman, 151 Products Ltd, Mazi Sam Ohuanbunwa and Chairman, Venus Processing and Packaging Ltd, Otunba Christopher Tugbobo at Sympli Products stand at the 3rd AgrikExpo in Lagos.

A report by the Associated Press (AP) shows that Boko Haram members are hoisting black flags in some villages in the North to assert their authority.

B

OKO Haram militants are taking over villages in northeastern Nigeria, killing and terrorising civilians and political leaders, witnesses say, as the Islamic fighters make a comeback from a year-long military offensive aimed at crushing them.

Nigeria's military has insisted that the big influx of troops and a yearold state of emergency in three states that gives them the power to detain suspects, take over buildings and lock down any area has the extremists on the run. But while Boko Haram has in large part been pushed out of cities in the northeast, they have been seizing villages with thatched-roof huts in the semi-arid region where they once held sway, boldly staking their claim by hoisting their black flags with white Arabic lettering.

Nglamuda Ibrahim, a local government official, says the militants hoisted their flags in Ashigashiya, which borders Cameroon, several weeks ago without interference from the security forces.

Muhammed Gavva, a member of one of the vigilante groups formed last year, named another dozen villages that also fell to Boko Haram, also close to the Cameroonian border, with no action taken by Nigerian security forces. He said one road to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state where the military joint task force has its headquarters, is so dangerous that even soldiers don't dare to travel it.

"We have long informed the military officials about this. They are aware but we don't know what they are doing about that," Gavva said. The seized villages are near Gwoza, a regional political centre whose emir was killed in a Boko Haram ambush on his convoy last week.

Borno Gov. Kashim Shettima travelled on Saturday to Gwoza to pay his respects to the fallen traditional leader and was quoted as saying it was a terrifying ride.

"If I say I was not petrified travelling through that ... road to Gwoza I would be lying because that road had been designated a no-go area for about two months now due to the incessant attacks and killings that occur there," the governor was quoted as saying by Information Nigeria, a website. A local journalist who was in the convoy that was escorted by 150 soldiers counted at least 16 towns and villages that were deserted along the 135 kilometre (85 mile) route, according to the local media report.

Shettima earlier told The Associated Press that he was having the accounts of Boko Haram seizing villages investigated and that he couldn't confirm them.

Gavva said the Islamic rebels exert iron control over the villages.

"They are in charge there. You cannot do anything on your own without their permission. Even if the villagers want to go and till their farmlands, they had to first contact them for permission," said Gavva. The group doesn't allow young men to

Schoolgirls protesting the abduction of their colleagues in Chibok, Borno State during the remembrance ceremony for the late Mrs Kudirat Abiola in Ikeja, Lagos... yesterday.

leave their homes, he said.

Civilians frustrated by the military's apparent inability to combat Boko Haram have formed vigilante groups like Gavva's. They detain Boko Haram suspects and hand them over to the authorities. The move was supported and encouraged by the authorities. Hundreds of detainees have died in military custody, Amnesty International found in its investigations.

Defence headquarters spokesman Chris Olukolade in the capital Abuja didn't answer calls to his mobile phone and didn't reply to an email seeking comment on the village takeovers. The joint task force officers in Maiduguri said they are not authorized to speak to the press.

Since May, the extremists have waged a two-pronged offensive, widening their theatre of operation beyond their home bases in the northeast with bombings in three cities that killed about 250 people while also carrying out near daily attacks on northeast villages, killing 20 people one day, 50 another. On April 15, they grabbed the world's attention when they kidnapped more than 300 girls from a school from the town of Chibok, in Borno.

Chibok community leader Pogu Bitrus says 57 girls escaped by themselves, leaving an estimated 272 still held captive.

Boko Haram started off as a moderate religious sect nicknamed after the shouted refrain of its leader "Western education is sinful" - who preached that Western influences have corrupted Nigerian society and caused corruption that impoverishes people in the oil-rich nation.

Boko Haram seeks to impose Sharia, or Islamic law, on Africa's most populous nation, which is almost evenly divided between the Muslim north and the Christian south.

Thousands of people have been killed in the 5-year-old insurgency, more than 2,000 so far just this year, and an estimated 750,000 Nigerians have been driven from their homes.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

3

m taking over Northeast’s villages

Archbishop of Canterbury, Oritsejafor, Imam lead prayers for girls’ release

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HRISTIAN Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, Alhaji Isah Mohammed, yesterday led thousands of women, religious faithful and secondary school children in prayers for the release of the abducted Chibok girls.

The prayers were organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina, said the intercession was organised to compliment the efforts of the Federal Government to rescue the abducted girls, following the emerging threats to national security and unity.

She said: “The prayer session aims to galvanise national support for peace and security as well as sustain the momentum and continued support for the release of the girls.

“We are also gathering to pray for all men and women in uniform who toil daily and at all times pay the ultimate sacrifice to ensure peace reigns in the country.”

The minister said there is the need for Nigerians to pray to encourage the Goodluck Jonathan administration to remain steadfast in its efforts to restore peace to the country.

Hajia Maina said the activities of the Boko Haram sect had destabilised the country.

“They have brutalised our people, many of them women and children,” she said.

Oritsejafor, who was represented by the chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of CAN, Pastor Isreal Akanji, said: “The Boko Haram members can lock up everywhere but they cannot stop God from entering the girls. Even without knowing what is happening, God will bring them out.

“The light will shine upon Nigeria; the light of God will prevail upon darkness and the power of God will come down and intercede on behalf of the girls.” Reading from Hebrews 13: 3 and Acts 12: 5, Oritsejafor said the case of the abducted girls would be like the case of Peter, who was released from prison through constant prayers.

The CAN president said a spiritual remote control would work on behalf of the girls as the iron gate would open for them.

Women praying in Abuja for the release of the abduction of the Chibok girls... yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

From Augustine Ehikioya and Bukola Amusan Abuja

He said: “Mothers are praying, sisters are crying. O Lord, we pray: touch their hearts to release our girls in Jesus name.”

Imam Mohammed begged for forgiveness of sins on behalf of Nigerians so that the girls can be released.

The Amiralh (women’s leader) of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Alhaja Raliat Akinbobola, prayed Allah to console the parents of the abducted girls.

The programme was attended by women from various churches and mosques, school children, among others.

Secondary school pupils prayed in tears for the release of the Chibok schoolgirls.

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday met

behind closed-door with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rt. Rev. Justin Welby at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Welby said he came to pray with Jonathan and also expressed condolence for the losses resulting from bomb blasts and terrorists attacks in Nigeria.

He said: “The bombing in Jos was deeply disheartening because I know Jos very well.

I came to pray with His Excellency and express our condolence for the losses.”

“God is faithful. In one of the letters that Paul wrote to the church, he talked about the sufferings they were going through being known throughout the world and that is certainly true here because the suffering in Nigeria is known throughout the world.”

“People throughout the world pray for the country. It is a country which I have

profound respect and deep love. And like many, I am deeply grieved by what is happening but God is faithful.

“He is always faithful to us and as Christians, in Jesus Christ we believe in His faithfulness and we can trust Him for the future.”

“I don’t have words to describe the good potential this country has. There is great difficulty at the moment but it is a country with such enormous potentials. I think Nigerians by nature are joyful, hopeful and vigorous, they work hard.”

He noted that Nigeria has so much going for it.

“The country has so much going for it. In the meeting, the President talked about the need of a solution that will reach all people, not just the security but economy, spiritual and every part of the human life.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

NEWS Amaechi warns against impunity

R

IVERS State Governor Chibuike Amaechi has urged Nigerians to wake up and resist tyranny in any form saying dictatorship is creeping into the polity.

Amaechi said although a people deserve the leaders they get, he urged Nigerians to insist on getting better service and governance from their leaders than what is currently obtainable.

The Governor spoke yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, at the third annual lecture of the Ogun State Correspondents’ Chapel, themed: Nigeria and the Leadership Question.

At the event held at the Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Oke - Ilewo, Abeokuta, Amaechi who was the guest speaker reckoned that unless the citizens rose against bad leadership and enthroned one that is passionate about quality governance,

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

the country would neither make a headway nor witness respite.

Amaechi who was represented by Rivers State Information Commissioner Mrs Ibim Semenitari, deplored the absurd situation playing out in the country where a Commissioner of Police would wake on a morning and make unconstitutional pronouncement, banning citizens from holding a peaceful assembly.

Amaechi said: “Nigerians must say no to tyranny. Nigerians must say no to dictatorship. The people get the kind of leadership they deserve.

“It appears that Nigerians have been docile. Nigerians should insist that they deserve more than they are getting. ”Leadership is an extremely important factor, if we are going to build a nation. Unless and until we have leaders with ability, integrity, commitment

and vision, we cannot succeed as a country. We cannot succeed by leadership that is not functional.

“It is in your hands to choose and to change the leadership.

Nigerians must begin to insist that they deserve better than they are getting. We believe that Nigeria of our dream is Nigeria with leaders who are not only consistent, transparent but also passionate about our country.”

He also pricked the nation’s conscience by raising some posers on leadership, asking: “Can we say that the crop of leadership at various levels is passionate about us as a country? Can we say that the current crop of leadership at the federal level is transparent in their dealings?

“Can we say that the present crop of leadership at the federal is consistent with policies that will build the nation. I think that the answers to that is the reason why some of us

House directs NCAA to return N255m bulletproof cars Continued from page 1

•Amaechi

left the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress.”

The Governor lamented that he had continued to bear of tyranny in his Rivers state by having a Chief Judge foisted on him by the National Judicial Council(NJC).

He noted that there are about

Continued on page 67

paid for it recovered.The cars were bought for N255m.

House Aviation Committee Chair Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha stated this yesterday during an oversight visit to the NCAA offices in Lagos. The committee probed the deal which went awry and made recommendations to the House.

Onyejeocha said the committee insisted that the NCAA must return the controversial cars to the suppliers because the house was not satisfied with the relationship between the bank that facilitated the purchase of the cars and the aviation agency.

She said should the NCAA fail to return the cars to its suppliers, the committee would be forced to call for a public hearing on the issue.

She said:” Those bulletproof cars should be returned to the suppliers and the money recovered. We will call public hearing on the matter of they fail to return the cars.”

The committee mandated aviation agencies to communicate to it in writing their response to all issues raised before next week to enable it take a position on their activities.

Also yesterday, Ms Oduah admitted that low interest loans were obtained during her tenure to finance projects under the Aviation Master Plan.

But she was silent on the actual figure of the debt she left behind.

Oduah, who opened up on the controversial N174billion debt in the ministry, asked the managers in the aviation sector to keep faith with the Master Plan which can pay the debt and leave surplus.

The former Minister spoke through her Special Assistant, Dr. Daniel Tarka,in a statement in Abuja.

Although the statement disputed the N174billion debt, Oduah was not forthcoming on the actual worth of the loans obtained.

Continued on page 67

Gunmen in uniform kill scores in Borno Continued from page 1

being attacked almost on a daily basis.”

Also last night, there were gunshots and explosions arround the University of Maiduguri, which led to people running helter skelter. The number of casualties could not be immediately confirmed.

Defence spokseman Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, confirmed that gunshots were heard in Maiduguri, but he was unable to give details. He said he was still gathering infromation.

Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed, an elder and member of Attagara community told reporters in Maiduguri that Boko Haram men came at about 1:00 am (on Tuesday) attacking the villages for killing their members, who attacked churches and communities during a church service

•ALL FOR THE GIRLS: Women praying for the safe return of the abducted schoolgirls in Abuja....yesterday

on Sunday.

People were also killed by insurgents, who attacked Mbulakudla village in Askira Uba Local Government Council.

However, young men in the community arrested 20 of the attackers who were handed over to security operatives.

Mallam Dawa Pogu, a community leader, told reporters in Maiduguri that all the villages would soon be wiped out by the sect unless the people are able to protect themselves.

“We are thinking of the future of our children, they came, they kill and they leave unchallenged. If we continue like this, there will be no village around our area in the nearest future.

“Everybody is running from one village to another village and when the other supposContinued on page 67

Girls: Cameroon, Chad to block Boko Haram routes Continued from page 1

“With the blockade, Nigerian troops with neighboring countries’ forces and the foreign counterparts can move in to rescue the girls wherever they are located.

“We have located where the girls are but the priority now is to see the best way to get these girls out without casualties.

“We are strategising on how to ensure a successful rescue operation.”

The Federal Government also spoke on ongoing efforts to get back the girls, saying it has not foreclosed negotiation with Boko Haram.

Coordinator of the National Information Centre Mike Omeri told reports in Abuja that all options, including negotiation, were on the cards on rescuing the girls.

Giving an update on security operations in the Northeast, where Boko Haram is on the rampage, Omeri said.

He did not state the negotiation steps taken by the government.

Last Sunday the London’s Mail on Sunday reported that

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Military dislodges another Islamic sect in Niger

ROOPS yesterday dislodged an Islamic sect, Madinatu Muheenu Nibassiya, from a forest near Lapai in Niger State.

No fewer than 240 members of the sect, mostly young men and women, were evacuated by the joint military group led

by Lt. Col Adamu Yakubu. About 40 thatched roof houses built of straws and new buildings were demolished.

The sect, led by Sheik Mohammed Abubakar, the public and the Etsu Lapai, Alhaji Umar Bago Tafida have been seeing eye to eye. The traditional ruler accused Abubakar of teaching doctrines unknown in Islam.

Members of the group were also accused of causing trouble, attacking people who do not share their views, engaging in promiscuous activities and conducting forced marriages which they also an Australian, Dr. Stephen Davis, as been hired by the government to negotiate with Boko Haram on the girls’ release.

The negotiator, who is a friend of the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who visited President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja yesterday, told the newspaper that

Jide Orintunsi and Yinka Olatunbosun, Minna

dissolve at will. Members of the sect they alleged, see other Muslims as not well informed as they are.

On May 13, the Niger State government revoked the Certificate of Occupancy for the camp following complaints by the public that the sect was using the place to train terrorists.

A special task force raised by the government has moved the sect members to their local government areas except for two members who are from Kwara state.

It was learnt that Abubakar and three of his lieutenants are being interrogated by security agents.

The Etsu Lapai hailed the government, saying: “If no action is taken now, the sect will grow to become a terror that will consume all (of us). Already, members

the girls were being kept in Chad, Cameron and Niger.

He advised against urging force to rescue the girls to prevent them from coming to harm.

“The Federal Government is totally committed and focused towards ensuring that our beloved children, kidnapped girls, are returned safe and

of the sect have been harassing people unprovoked in the town”.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Ndako Idris said government revoked the land allocation when it was discovered that was fraudulently acquired.

Idris said: “Sheik approached state government for the land to construct schools, where children can acquire both Islamic and Western education, only to discover that he had a sinister motive.

“Based on his provocative teaching, government decided to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy(C of O), granted in August, 2013. This action was taken to nip the situation in the bud, as a result of his contravening teaching, before the sect turns to a monster like the Darulsalam sect in Mokwa area, where a group

sound.

“Therefore, as we said before, all options in line with international best practices are open in this case,’’ Omeri said.

Omeri said the Federal Government had begun the distribution of relief materials to communities affected by the insurgency in the Northeast

Continued on page 67

and Jos, the Plateau State, while scores died in an explosion about two weeks ago, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

According to him, efforts are ongoing to reach victims also affected by the insurgency in other states.

Omeri called for help from

the public, individuals and corporate organisations, for the victims.

Also yesterday, a coordinator of BringBackOurGirls campaign, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, yesterday said the campaigners were never busy bodies.

She said no smear campaign would deter the protesters.

Ezekwesili said: “Our character and not reputation is what we were brought up to cherish and build. Nothing the authors of falsehood do touches one’s character.

“The Federal Government’s failure so far to rescue our Chibok girls is the consequence of the systemic indifference that followed the news of their abduction.

“Until the Federal Government owns up to the truth of their nearly three weeks of neglect of our Chibok girls, it makes it harder for citizens to believe their efforts.

Continued on page 67

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

5

NEWS Benin elders pray for Chibok girls today From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

B

ENIN Kingdom's traditional chiefs, men and women of 70 years and above will pray today for the release of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, about two months ago.

The prayer is the brainchild of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC).

The council invited all the kingdom's chiefs - Enigie, Igiohen, Okao, Edionwere - with the septuagenarians and other older persons for the divine intercession.

The prayers, which will hold at the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, at 11am, will seek God's favours for the kingdom and Edo State.

A statement yesterday by BTC's Secretary Frank Irabor, the prayer will also seek an end to the killings and raping of women in the bush by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The Benin monarch recently sent his palace chiefs round the communities to ban the use of strangers as farm workers and monitor Fulani herdsmen.

‘Pay attention to scrotum pains’

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R Samuel Ola, a consultant endocrinologist at the College of Medicine, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has advised men to pay attention to any pain in their scrotum.

Ola, the Head of Department of Endocrinology at the hospital, spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He described the pain as a major symptom of testicular cancer prevalent in African men, especially those between 35 and 60 years.

“Testicular pain or discomfort is the pain felt in one or both testicles.

“The pain may originate from the testicle itself or may be the result of other conditions affecting the scrotum, groin, or abdomen,” Ola said.

The consultant explained that the causes and symptoms of the pain could be difficult to differentiate.

He said any man experiencing such pain should seek medical evaluation from a professional.

Ola said one of the more severe conditions that could cause pain is testicular torsion, where the testicle is twisted inside the scrotum, preventing blood from flowing into it.

He also said a more common cause of pain is epididymitis, an infection of the epididymis gland which could be treated with antibiotics.

According to him, testicular cancer is the most severe cause of testicular pain and manifests as a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.

Ola said: “The scrotum suddenly collects fluid and you can experience pain inside it or in one of the testicles or feel a dull ache in your groin or belly.”

The expert advised male athletes to wear a cup over their groin area when playing rough sports, adding that such cups prevent injuries to the testes.

Ola, who described the pain as “silent and sudden killer” in African men, warned against considering them as ordinary.

He listed other symptoms of the diseases to include nausea and vomiting, scrotal tenderness, scrotal swellings and redness, abdominal pain as well as fever.

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (right) addressing pupils of Nickdel College, Ibadan, during their rally for the release of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted in April by Boko Haram insurgents, in Ibadan...yesterday

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Delegates propose senators, Reps, others to work part-time

HE National Conference yesterday adopted a resolution making legislative functions of senators and House of Representatives members part-time.

The delegates also agreed that House of Assembly members should function part-time.

The resolution followed the adoption of the recommendation of the report of the Conference Committee on Public Service, chaired by a former Head of Service of the Federation, Ebele Okeke.

The corollary of the resolution is that if endorsed by the Federal Government, national and state legislators will become part-time workers rather than the current full-time basis.

The delegates resolved that remunerations, including allow-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

ances of national and state lawmkaers, should be in accordance with what obtains in other countries.

The conferees also resolved that the payment of pension, life insurance and severance allowances to national and state legislators, governors and deputy governors should be cancelled.

They stressed that if done, the measure would reduce the high cost of governance in the country.

The conference agreed that people with disability should be given an allowance equivalent to the salary of Grade Level 6 officers.

The delegates adopted the proposal for the creation of a separate Foreign Service and a separate Foreign Service Commission.

The proposal that there should be no transfer from outside the civil service into the directorate cadre of the civil service was accepted. The recommendation that there should be mandatory training for promotion from Levels 12 to 17 was also adopted.

The delegates accepted that the Head of the Federal Civil Service of the Federation should only be made from the pool of permanent secretaries and same for Head of Civil Service of states.

The proposal that the civil service of the federation should

operate the same set of rules and procedures with those of states was accepted by delegates.

They also accepted that State Character Commission be created.

The delegates agreed that any civil servant involved in execution of contract for pecuniary benefit should be summarily dismissed.

They agreed to make Social Health Insurance mandatory for public and private employees to grow the pool.

The delegates rejected that Social Health Insurance should be extended to states and local governments and allow the National Insurance Scheme to oversee it.

Borno accuses Okupe of peddling falsehood against Shettima T

HE Borno State Government yesterday faulted the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, for his comment on the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

Okupe was quoted as saying that only God, Governor Kashim Shettima, Borno Commissioner for Education and the principal of the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok know the truth about the girls’ abduction.

The state said Okupe’s remarks were designed to manipulate the report of the Presidential Fact-Finding Committee on the incident.

A government source, who spoke in confidence, berated Okupe of peddling falsehood.

The source said: “Now that Borno’s support for the military is of public knowledge, the grand master of twists, Okupe, on Tuesday, came with yet another theory that died on arrival. All these theories won’t sell.

“Rather than waste energy on falsehood, let’s channel combined efforts towards the rescue or release of these priceless girls.

“Okupe needs to grow up; many of those who are younger than him in age and junior to him in many respects seem to be outgrowing him in management of public utterances. He should grow up.

“For us in Borno, we regard the police, the military, the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) as part of us.

This is why we didn’t want to speak until we were pushed to

•‘Comment designed to manipulate of the affected school. panel’s report’ “One would expect that the From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

the wall after all these conspiracy thoughts were brought forward. We should all face the real issues, which are about rescuing the schoolgirls and ending the insurgency, and quickly too.

“We should mobilise Nigerians against our common enemy, which is the Boko Haram, instead of making so much effort to turn Borno, the major victim of the insurgency, into the major accused.

“Okupe should know that majority of Nigerians don’t quite trust him; no one believes whatever he says. He should, therefore, help the Presidency and not mislead the highest level of authority in Nigeria.”

The source said Okupe’s remarks were calculated to achieve a predetermined target in the ongoing investigation of the abduction of the girls.

It added: “One must suspect and indeed question Okupe’s rather calculated remarks at a time the fact-finding committee on Chibok abduction, set up by the Presidency Okupe works for, is rounding off its assignment after speaking with virtually all relevant stakeholders with the highest point being the visits and interactive sessions with officials of Borno State Government in Maiduguri as well as parents, school authorities and students

committee is writing its report by now and, given the facts already in public domain, it is clear that the likes of Okupe are jittery that the findings are unlikely to be what they had wickedly presumed, hence he says of things that will manipulate and mislead members of the Presidential Committee.

“Okupe knows very well that on the night the President met with the governor, the Commissioner of Education and the principal, the Commissioner of Police and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Chibok were also there in connection with factfinding by the President.

“So, why did Okupe deliberately keep out the police in his innuendos? He was being clever by half. He kept out the police because he must have seen the letter written by the Borno State Government to the police prior to the attack.

“He also knows what the police DPO told the President the night they met. Okupe also knows that exonerating the police is keeping out the Presidency out of his innuendos. For God’s sake, the President set up a high-powered fact-finding committee; the committee must have, by now, found the facts.

Why wouldn’t the Presidency trust its own committee and allow it to present its findings?

“Why is Okupe saying all these

things to create yet another confusion, just when the committee is rounding off and, very likely, writing its report? Could it be that Okupe has got the impression from the facts already in public domain that the conspiracy theories have refused to fly?

“Perhaps, he has all the feelers that the facts on ground do not favour the desperate plot to pronounce a major victim guilty, as speculated? This is because the very first term of reference issued by the Presidency, which says the committee should find out why the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok was opened when others were closed in the state, has already been contradicted by the same WAEC’s letter that the Okupe’s relied upon, albeit blindly.

“The letter shows that not only the school in Chibok was opened but indeed Chibok was just one of the six examination centres in parts of the state, including areas not far from Chibok, that were opened to students.

“So, it is to be expected that someone like Dr Doyin Okupe probably regrets the establishment of that committee and hence the last minute desperation.

“Not only Okupe seemed involved in the last minute attempt. The Minister of Information was also all over the media saying all kinds of falsehoods all in a combined effort to manipulate the fact-finding report.”

The source said it had survived many conspiracy theories from some Presidency officials in the last few weeks of the abduction of the 223 girls.

How to curb corruption, by delegates From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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ELEGATES at the National Conference yesterday urged the Federal Government to adopt more stringent measures in the fight against corruption.

Most of the contributors to the debate on the report of the Conference Committee on Public Services frowned at the pervasive nature of corruption in the country.

Yinka Odumakin suggested that the Federal Government should strengthen and enforce anti-corruption laws.

He said: “I have gone through the Code of Conduct Bureau law and I think that the provisions for sanctions against corrupt officials are not stringent enough to deal with the kind of corruption we have in Nigeria today, especially in the public service.

“It is on record that in this country, a public official in charge of pensions was caught with N32 billion of pension funds.

“In a place like Abuja, there are no industries; yet, you have mansions all over the city. And there are whispers that when you investigate most of these mansions, you know those they belong to...

“I think we have to be more stringent in applying the laws meant to check corruption in public service and other sectors in Nigeria.”

Chief Mike Ozekhome said corruption is not only “gargantuan and monstrous, it is also worse than a plague”.

He said: “We need to kill corruption before corruption kills us. Indeed, some people have suggested that corruption has become the 37th state and obviously the biggest and wealthiest state in Nigeria.”

Chief Sergeant Awuse blamed low remuneration for the massive corruption in the country.

He said civil servants can hardly survive with N18,000 minimum wage.

The delegate suggested that taking a second look at the paltry N18,000 minimum wage package would likely curb corruption in the civil service.

Prof A. B.C, Nwosu, a former Education Minister, said there is need to right-size the civil service.

He said the government should right-size the civil service to enable the nation have an effective work force.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

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NEWS ‘56m Nigerians are illiterate’

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HE National Mass Education Commission (NMEC) has said Nigeria’s illiteracy level has been rising with about 56 million adults still illiterates.

Its Executive Secretary, Jibrin Paiko, gave the figure yesterday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Paiko said the commission was worried by the alarming figure which put more than 35 per cent of the country’s adult population as uneducated.

He said the commission had mapped out various programmes that would help address the issue.

“The Revitalising Adult and Youth Literacy Programme is on course where 11 master trainers for each state have been trained between May and June last year.

“Also 111 facilitators have been trained and we are scaling up the training programme to the zonal level with additional 20 facilitators for each state excluding Rivers State and the FCT,” he said.

According to him, the two states were chosen for a pilot project by UNESCO, where it sources for funding for the commission to train learners.

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Senate empowers INEC to deregister parties

HE Senate yesterday amended the Constitution to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister parties.

The amendment followed its adoption of a Bill, titled: An Act to further alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and for other matters connected therewith, 2013, sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Ike Ekweremadu.

The alteration to Section 68 of the Constitution says: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shall have power to deregister political parties on any of the following grounds (i) breach of any of the requirements for registration, and (ii) failure to win Presidential, Governor-

•Ex-Senate President, ex-House Speakers listed as Council of State members From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

ship, Chairmanship of a Local Government/Area Council or a seat in the National or State Assembly election.”

Of the 87 senators who registered to vote, 82 voted ”yes”; two abstained.

The INEC has tried severally to deregister parties it accused of non-performance, but its attempts were frustrated by the courts.

The Senate also approved the alteration to Sections 134 and 179 of the Constitution, extending the period of rerun during presidential and governorship elections from seven days to 21 days.

Eighty-two senators voted ‘yes’ to approve the amendment.

The Senate, with 82 ”yes” votes, also approved a provision that confers exclusive jurisdiction to hear electoral offences on Federal High Courts.

A provision that mandates the Clerk of the National Assembly and States’ Assemblies to notify the INEC when there is vacancy in the Senate, House of Representatives or a House of Assembly due to “death, resignation, recall or vacation of a seat, was also approved by the Senate with 82 ”yes” votes.

The clerks of the legislature are expected to write within seven days of the existence of a vacancy arising from death, resignation or defection of a member of the National Assembly or a member of the State House of Assembly.

The lawmakers also ap-

proved Clause Eight of the amendments, which altered the Third Schedule of the Constitution to include former Senate Presidents and Speakers of the House of Representatives as members of the Council of State.

The Senate said it would vote on the controversial amendments being sought to Section 9 (3a) of the Constitution, which seek to empower the President to initiate a new Constitution.

It will also vote on Clause 3 (m), which will mandate the INEC to, within six months of the receipt of the draft constitution, cause a referendum to be conducted to approve the draft constitution.

The Senate will also vote on Clause 3 (n), which says: “If the

Jega decries voter apathy

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‘Nigeria’ll implement UN Arms Trade Treaty’

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has promised Nigeria’s commitment to the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) of April 2013.

The President spoke yesterday at a three-day National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Illicit Arms and Light Weapons, which opened on Monday in Abuja.

Represented by the Minister of Interior Abba Moro, the President said the ATT was in the best interest of Africa.

He urged countries that had not implemented the ATT in Africa to do so to fasttrack its implementation.

Mr Kadre Ouedraogo, the President of ECOWAS Commission, said the adoption of the ATT was one of the greatest achievements since the creation of the UN. Represented by Mrs Khadi Saccoh, ECOWAS Commissioner for Finance, Ouedraogo congratulated Nigeria on being the second member to ratify the treaty, after Mali.

Amb. Emmanuel Imohe, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), said the committee was focused on mopping up excess weapons in Nigeria.

Other areas of focus are preventing entry of SALW, improving stockpile management, regulating brokers, monitoring local manufacturers and reviewing existing legislations, among others.

Illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons had been blamed on the 12 major conflicts in Africa between 2000 and 2009.

The arms were not mopped up during subsequent demobilisation, disarmament and rehabilitation.

draft Constitution receives a simple majority of votes cast in two-thirds of all states of the federation, it shall come into force as constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Other amendments contained in the Electoral Act, include empowering INEC to issue duplicate voter cards before an election, determine voting procedure, hold elections on a single day, and cause the electoral body to conduct a debate for all candidates contesting an election into the Office of the President.

Further amendments seek the conduct of general elections six months before the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent and bye-elections to be held twice in a year.

•From left: Comrade Debo Adeniran, Chairman, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL); Prof Akin Ibidapo-Obe, chairman of the occasion and Otunba Dino Melaye, Founder and Executive Secretary, Anti-Corruption Network, during a symposium on anti-corruption, organised by Gani Fawehinmi Students’ Chambers at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos...yesterday PHOTOS: RAHMAN SANUSI

Jonathan nominates Shekarau, Adeyeye two others for ministers

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday nominated former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau as a minister.

In a letter to the Senate, the President also picked Stephen Orise Oruh (Delta), Prince Adedayo Adeyeye (Ekiti) and Dr. Abdul Bulama (Yobe) as ministers.

But Kwara and Anambra states, which have no ministers, were not included on the list.

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

The letter reads: “In accordance with Section 147, (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I have the honour to forward the under-listed ministerial nominees for consideration and Senate’s confirmation.

“Dr Abdul Bulama (Yobe), Dr. Stephen Oruh (Delta), Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano) and Prince Adedayo Adeyeye (Ekiti).

“It is my hope that this exercise will receive the usual kind expeditious consideration of the distinguished members of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

It was learnt that three of the four nominees take the place of former ministers of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe (Delta); Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade (Ekiti) and Minister for State for Finance, Yerima Ngama (Yobe).

Hadjia Jamilia Salik (Kano) was among the 12 ministerial nominees forwarded to the Senate for confirmation in January.

But she was not screened for the job.

Kwara and Anambra states are yet to get ministerial nominees to fill their slots, following the removal of Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi as Sports Minister in March and Princess Stella Oduah, as the Minister of Aviation.

Opposition has stabilised polity, says Lai Mohammed

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HE Interim National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the main opposition party has stabilised the polity.

He said opposition was necessary in a democracy to promote good governance, stability and accountability.

Mohammed, the guest speaker at the Students’ Week of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, a Lagos suburb, urged the Federal Government to perform its responsibilities, instead of calling the opposition names.

In a lecture titled: The Role of the Media, Youth and Opposition in Sustaining and Deepening Nigerian Democracy, the APC spokesman said the party had performed its role well in sustaining democracy.

By Musa Odoshimokhe

He said: “Through our daily media intervention, through our stimulation of debates on critical national issues and by the consistent efforts to offer our long-suffering people credible democratic alternatives, the rights of Nigerians have been protected.

“In performing this role, my party has been guided by the highest principles, based on our recognition of the opposition, not only in ensuring the survival, deepening and expansion of democracy, but also in preserving human liberty and guaranteeing justice, particularly in a plural society.”

The APC chieftain said the ban on #BringBackOurGirls protesters showed how insensitive the government was to

the plight of the people.

Mohammed said: “Unfortunately, brave and compassionate Nigerians, who have abandoned their daily chores to call attention to the plight of the innocent girls and demand their safe return, have themselves come under attack.”

He said the government’s claim that the opposition was behind the growing Boko Haram menace was unfounded.

Mohammed said: “Boko Haram is the enemy of the whole world; its activities are not narrowed to ethnics or other inclinations. President Goodluck Jonathan should stop seeing the group’s activities as a conspiracy to bring down his administration.

“The government should

•Mohammed

summon a security summit to take a holistic review of the security system in Nigeria with a view to finding lasting solution to it,” Mohammed said.

He added that the growing poverty in the land was responsible for growing insurgency.

The APC chieftain urged the government to tackle the problem headlong, instead of crying wolf where there is none.

HE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has decried apathy among voters during elections.

He spoke yesterday in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, at the opening of a two-day retreat of the National Inter-Agency Advisory Committee on Voter Education and Publicity.

Jega said apathy was still prevalent among voters, despite the resources the commission and its allies were expending on voter and civic education.

He said: “In our elections, there is still a high degree of apathy, an intolerably high percentage of voided votes traceable to limited knowledge and awareness. Too few females are participating in elections as candidates, and other disadvantaged groups still feel left out of the process.”

Jega, represented by the National Commissioner in charge of Publicity, Dr Chris Iyimoga, said the electoral process was still being hampered by corruption, vote buying, snatching of electoral materials, intimidation and threat, among others.

The INEC chairman said these meant the current strategies for meeting the challenges had not been “altogether successful”.

He said: “There is, therefore, the need to identify and close the gaps in our overall voter education programme and develop one that is not reactive but pro-active in its approach, responsive in its deployment and effective and sustainable.”

Jega advised the meeting not to shy away from acknowledging existing shortcomings but to confront them to meet the people’s aspirations.

In his keynote address, a former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Dr Tom Adaba, urged INEC and media organs to make voter education a continuous process rather than the current periodic exercise.

The veteran broadcaster said there was also need for collaboration between INEC and the media to make debates among political parties regular and mandatory, from the Presidency to the local government level.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

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NEWS Teachers warned against indiscipline

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From Damisi Ojo, Akure

NDO State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) Chairman Dr. Bakkita Bello has accused teachers of ineptitude.

He spoke with reporters yesterday after the third phase of school monitoring and supervision across the state.

Bello said the frivolity of teachers could hinder the government’s vision of providing quality education.

TESCOM Commissioner Two Princess Kemisola Oluwatuyi decried insincerity by teaching and non-teaching staff.

At Oloroke Grammar School in Oke Igbo, it was learnt that an office assistant signed in for another worker, who was yet to resume work.

Another TESCOM Commissioner Prince Adeola Ayelomi complained that some students and teachers abscond from schools, adding that many head teachers were not in schools during the monitoring.

He said workers who were not at their duty posts would be punished.

Schools visited include Ikoya Grammar School, Okitipupa; Ilumeje Community Grammar, Mahintedo; and Oloroke Grammar School, Oke-Igbo.

APC: Osun PDP plans to attack us

•One of the past winners of the Lagos State Schools Traffic Safety Advocacy Programme (LASTSAP) organised by the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Busari Adams, addressing pupils of primary and secondary schools on the significance of Highway Codes during a peer review session at Oregun Senior High School, Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday. With him are other PHOTO: NAN past winners (from left) - Paul Jonah, Tawakalitu Mukaila and Folagboye Shenaike.

FEC okays $242.2m World Bank loans for Lagos T HE Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved two World Bank loans of $242.2 million (over N40 billion) for infrastructural development in Lagos State.

Addressing reporters after the FEC meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Information Labaran Maku said the first loan of $200 million from the International Development Association (IDA) was for the Second Lagos State Development Policy Operation.

The second loan of $42.3 million is additional financing for the Lagos-Epe Secondary Education Project.

There is 0.5 per cent commitment charge, 0.75 per cent service charge and 1.25 per cent interest per annum on the loans.

They are to be repaid in 25 years. There is a five-year moratorium.

Maku said: “The Coordinat-

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ing Minister of the Economy/ Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala brought a memo seeking the council’s approval to obtain additional credit facility from the IDA in support of the Second Lagos State Development Policy Operation.

“The objective of the project is to improve on public finance in a sustainable manner and consolidate on the achievements recorded under the first phase of the project. The project covers the construction of a 27kilometre light rail, schools and the Adiyan Mini-Water Works, which would provide two million gallons of water per day.

“The FEC approved that the Ministry of Finance obtains additional credit facility of $200 million from IDA.

“The council also approved that the Coordinating Minister for the Economy (CME) should execute the financing agreement on behalf of the Federal Government. It directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to issue the legal opinion required to render the credit effective.”

On the second loan for Lagos State, Maku said: “After deliberations, council approved that the ministry of finance obtains an IDA credit of $42.3 million as additional financing for the Lagos-Epe Secondary Education Project.

“The council approved that the CME should execute the financing agreement on behalf of the Federal Government and direct the AttorneyGeneral to issue the legal opinion to render the credit effect.”

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Bala Mohammed said the council approved N2 billion contract for the operation, maintenance and training of workers for the Wupa Basin Sewage Treatment Plant in the city.

He said: “The training component in the previous maintenance contracts offered opportunity for 22 workers of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), including engineers, scientists, technologists, technicians and others, to acquire skills and experience in the operation and maintenance of sewage treatment plant.

There was a budgetary provision in the 2013 FCT Appropriation to fund the project.

“The council awarded the contract in favour of Messrs S.C.C (Nigeria Limited) for N2,006,071,928.73, with a completion period of 20 months.”

Poultry Farmers Association, Fisheries Association, Cocoa Growers Association, the Butchers and Ekiti State Farmers Congress.

Fayemi said farmers who are yet to repay previous loans were excluded from the scheme.

He said: “My administration is doing everything possible to give agriculture its pride of place. You will recall my promise to support cooperative farming. I am glad to inform you that we have not reneged

on our words and have been working to fulfill them. Today, I assure you that 48 AFAN Cooperatives will be supported as well as individual beneficiaries drawn from various commodity associations, including the Poultry Association, Fisheries Association, Cocoa Growers Association, the Butchers and Ekiti State Farmers Congress. A total of N60 million is being released in this first tranche.”

Fayemi said the Agbeloba Agric Forum held in the state

last year has proved productive, adding that Ekiti’s partnership with the Bank of Agriculture has yielded a 50-50 contributory loan of N600 million for agricultural development.

He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the loans and repay them promptly.

AFAN Chairman Ademola Okeya hailed the government’s efforts to make Ekiti the food basket of the Southwest.

Okeya said farmers will vote for the governor on June 21.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Ekiti farmers get N60 million loan

HE Ekiti State Government disbursed yesterday N60 million loans to 48 farmers’ cooperative societies.

It is the first tranche of the loans.

Handing out the cheques at the inauguration of the Farmers Loan Support Programme in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Governor Kayode Fayemi said the intervention was in fulfillment of his promise to support cooperative farming.

The beneficiaries included

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged plans by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to attack its officials and facilities.

In a statement by its spokesman, Kunle Oyatomi, APC said: “Credible intelligence report from within the PDP has it that the attack will commence at the party secretariat on Gbongan/Ibadan road.

This is a similar strategy used by the PDP in 2007 when it attacked Oranmiyan House, the campaign headquarters of

Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

PDP thugs shot their way into the premises, creating mayhem that left several people injured.

“APC urges people of goodwill, as well as security agents, to prevail on the PDP that violence is not part of democracy. Osun has been peaceful since 2010 when Aregbesola took over and the APC government is determined to keep it peaceful. We will cooperate with security agents to help maintain peace.”

Six held for ‘bunkering’

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From Damisi Ojo, Akure

IX suspects were yesterday arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State for alleged bunkering, vandalism and currency counterfeiting.

They are Merotiwon Oyemikun (25), Adebayo Tobi (24), Chuka Nwakwo, Chukwujekwe Udoh (23), Idowu Adetutu (50) and Usman Isiaka.

Parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Akure, the state capital, the State Commandant, Andrew Ugwunba, said the suspects had violated the law and would be penalised.

Lawyer’s absence stalls Ikuforiji’s trial

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HE absence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) lawyer, Chief Godwin Obla (SAN), stalled yesterday the trial of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

The Speaker’s lawyer, Mr. Tunde Akirinmisi, said Obla wrote him that he would be absent because of another case he is handling at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The prosecutor asked that the case be adjourned till today and tomorrow.

Justice Ibrahim Buba adjourned hearing after the defence counsel said he had no objection.

The Speaker is facing 24 counts of money laundering. He was charged along with his person-

By Joseph Jibueze

al assistant, Mr. Oyebode Atoyebi, who is facing 49 counts. They pleaded “not guilty”.

Justice Ibrahim Buba granted them N1 billion bail each with two sureties.

In the amended charge, Ikuforiji and Atoyebi were alleged to have, on or about April 27, 2010, accepted cash payments from the Assembly without going through a financial institution.

EFCC said the “various cash payments” amounted to about N338.8 million.

They were re-arraigned on June 24, last year, following the retirement of Justice Okechukwu Okeke.

The prosecution opened its case on November 21, last year.

THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 5, 2014

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NEWS

• Rights activists at the rally...yesterday

MKO’s daughter: my dad is greater than Obasanjo

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RS. Hafsat AbiolaCastello, daughter of democracy martyrs Moshood and Kudirat Abiola, has said her father is greater than former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Responding to a recent statement by Obasanjo, she said her father did not need the former president’s recognition, because “MKO was a greater man”.

She linked her father’s greatness to his legacies, saying his dedication to the cause of the common man and a better Nigeria has immortalised him in the hearts of many.

She said: “If he wants to recognise MKO Abiola now it is good for him, but MKO was always the greater man and you cannot recognise somebody that is more than you. MKO Abiola did not require President Obasanjo to recognise him. He required Nigerians to see his heart and they did.

That was why they rewarded him

•‘Kudirat Abiola remains a heroine’

By Evelyn Osagie

with the June 12 election, an election that was so free and fair that no Nigerian leader can claim that kind of mandate till today.”

Mrs. Abiola-Castello, who is the President of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND), spoke at a rally held in memory of her mother, who was killed on June 4, 18 years ago.

The rally, which was the 18th edition, was organised by the Campaign for Democracy (CD), Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) and Women Arise.

Rights activists described MKO and Kudirat as “hero” and “heroine” of democracy, whose lives are beacons of what leadership should be about.

The activists said Kudirat’s and MKO’s deaths were reminders that all is not yet well with the nation.

Former Lagos State Governor

‘MKO Abiola did not require President Obasanjo to recognise him. He required Nigerians to see his heart and they did. That was why they rewarded him with the June 12 election, an election that was so free and fair that no Nigerian leader can claim that kind of mandate till today.’

Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kalu (rtd.) urged leaders to live up to the expectation of the masses, so that the sacrifices of the Abiola family for democracy will not be in vain.

President of CD and Women Arise Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin said

the late Kudirat’s courage should be emulated by rights activists.

She said: “It is sobering for us that as we are here celebrating the 18 th anniversary of Alhaja Kudirat’s murder, our country is under terror. School girls have been abducted; Emirs are either being whisked away or killed and bombs now fly like bangers. We need the kind of Kudirat’s courage to confront the evil plaguing our land.”

The activists decried the government’s attitude towards the plights of the abducted Chibok school girls, saying: “We are not only asking that the girls be rescued, but that they be returned to us alive.”

Also at the event were the son of the late Kudirat Abiola, Abdul; NADECO chieftain Comrade Fred Agbeigbe; Comrade Mike Falola; Comrade Raji Rasheed; CD Treasurer Comrade Obatunde Adebayo; Comrade Godwin Akangbe; Comrade Ola Baolgun and members of diverse civil rights groups.

92 winners emerge at LAGOS HOMS draw

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INETY-two winners emerged yesterday at the fourth public draw of the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS) held at the Blue Roof Hall of LTV8 in Agidingbi, Ikeja.

A Federal Government worker in Lagos State, Okunola Olabisi, could not hide her joy when her name was called as one of the winners.

Olabisi, who won a threebedroom flat at Hon. Olaitan Mustapha Estate in Ifako Ijaiye, said it was a dream come true for her.

She said she tried for many years to secure a similar home under the federal scheme to no avail, adding that she could not believe how easy and transparent Lagos HOMS is.

Olabisi said: “My sister has been helping me out with the federal scheme, but we did not get it.

When I heard about Fashola’s housing scheme, I decided to give it a try and here I am today a winner. I cannot express my joy. I am so happy. I thank the governor for this.”

Mrs. Animola Yemisi, who won a home at the Illupeju Scheme, said 33 people applied for the scheme, adding that she was among the 13 winners.

She said: “As I sat down there, I was praying in my heart when I heard that 33 of us applied for the

•Lagos approves N2b for new estates

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

scheme and only 13 will be given.

You can imagine how I jumped up when my name was called out as number 10 winner.”

Other winners include Alhaja Adeotun Mustapha; Mr. Adeyemi Olayinka; Miss Adighogu Adaugo; Mrs. Alabi Shakirat; Mr. Anyanwu Akubeze; Mrs. Bolarinwa Mojisola; Mr. Falomo Oluwatosin; Mr. Ifeyemi Moshood; Mrs. Ifekoya Queen-Anne; Mr. Obi Nkechukwuyenum; Ms. Olaniyan Bosede; Mr. Sanyaolu Abiodun and Mr. Sofoluwe Olufemi.

Governor Babatunde Fashola said he was happy to see the joyful faces of the winners.

He said the government had released about N2 billion to mobilise fresh contractors to new estate sites.

Fashola said: “I saw a lot of happy faces today, so my day is made. This job has meaning for me only if I can make somebody happy. So for the 31 successful winners in the first month, 36 in the second, 76 in the third and today 92, I am a happy man. I am sure those who worked with me are happy too.”

He praised contractors handling Lagos HOMS projects, urging them

to improve on speed without compromising safety and quality.

The governor reiterated his call for the introduction of shifts at construction sites, adding that workers can do two shifts of eight hours each at intervals to reduce construction time.

Fashola said people who work and live in Lagos can legitimately aspire to have their own homes, adding that a significant number of the home owners were young.

He said: “There are many young people, some middle-age persons and a few elderly ones among the winners. Interestingly, there are many women. There are Christians and Muslims. There are people from diverse backgrounds in Nigeria. Do you know what binds them together? Their Lagos residency and the fact that the government that they pay taxes to responds by providing services to them.”

Fashola said the scheme affirms that something made by Nigerians can work effectively without interference, adding: “I am happy but you know what that means. It means democracy can work. It means that if we dare to dream, everything will succeed.

When we started, there were just

31. We are not where we ought to be but month after month, we have increased that number. That is the way a nation and people develop, gradually and steadily, and maybe that is why I am in the camp of the progressives.

“We will honestly commit with you, irrespective of how far the distance is and we will commit also to run every mile of that distance with the same candour, spirit and belief that we will get to the end. That is the spirit I urge our people to share and continue with in difficult times, because only determined people survive difficult times.”

He said he hoped that some of the winners voted during the last elections and that if they did not, they will vote during the next elections.

Fashola said: “I hope they will see the difference between a committed government and a government that does not care. I hope that on the Election Day, they will not be too tired to go and cast their votes, especially for those who did not vote. We may never have witnessed this day, if some people had not voted for me.”

Executive Director of the Lagos Mortgage Board Bayowa Forsythe said 222 people applied at seven schemes, adding that 176 people qualified and 46 applications were declined.

Ekiti approves N9.3b for Ikere-Ondo road From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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HE Ekiti State government has approved N9.3 billion for the dualisation of the Ikere-Ondo State Boundary road.

Briefing reporters yesterday on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation Tayo Ekundayo said the contract was awarded to Messrs China Railway No 3 Engineering Company. The project is expected to be completed in 24 months.

Ekundayo said the government would pay 15 per cent mobilisation fee to the contractor, who will fund the remaining 85 per cent.

He said the contractor is on site, adding that the project would ease movement on the Ado-IkereAkure road when completed.

Ekundayo said he hoped Ondo State would do its portion of the road without delay.

He said the N2.9 billion contract for the reconstruction of the 30.2km Agbado-Ode-IsinbodeOmuo road was awarded to Messrs Prodeals Nigeria Limited.

The contract for the reconstruction of the 14.8km Awo-EyioEsure-Ifaki road was also awarded to the same contractor at N1.7 billion.

The N840 million contract for the construction of the Oye-Are road was awarded to Mac Engineering Construction Limited. It is to be completed in nine months.

The contract for the construction of internal roads at the State Housing Estate in Oke-Ila, AdoEkiti, was awarded to Messrs Dromo International Limited at N210 million. The work is to be completed in 10 months.

Ekundayo said the government approved N130 million for the dredging of some stream channels and allied construction work in Ado-Ekiti.

The stream channels are Ofin River (8,200 meters), DallimoreAfao road (10,950 meters), Awajin/Segudu (2,200 meters) and Odo-Ayo-Bawa Estate (4,000 meters).

He dredging will prevent flooding in some parts of Ado-Ekiti.

Ekundayo said the government approved the contract for the construction of Fajuyi Roundabout and installation of street lights in Ado-Ekiti to an indigenous contactor, Messrs BJEG Ventures Nigeria Ltd, at N353.8 million.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

CITYBEATS

Support for tobacco bill

By Adeola Ogunlade

A non-governmental organisation, Tobacco Control Nigeria (TCN), has sought greater support for the passage of a comprehensive Tobacco Control (TC) law in compliance with the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Nigeria.

The Project Campaign Manager of TCN, Olamide Egbayelo, made the call in commemoration of the one year of using social media to advance tobacco control in the country.

He said: ”World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is celebrated every year to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and to advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

“Tobacco kills nearly six million people each year, out of which more than 600,000 are non-smokers dying from breathing secondhand smoke. Without comprehensive tobacco prevention and control policies, it is estimated that smoking prevalence in the African region will increase by nearly 39 per cent by 2030.”

He noted that the new bill will ban single-stick sale of cigarettes; ban on tobacco advertisement, sponsorship and promotions; ban on selling cigarettes to persons under the age of 18; ban on smoking of tobacco products in public places, which includes airports and public buildings.

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

LASU students arraigned for breach of peace

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IGHT students of the Lagos State University (LASU) were yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for alleged breach of public peace.

They are: Bolarinwa Olamide, 23; Oludare Samuel Olayinka, 18; Fatukasi Timilehin, 19; Akanni Segun, 27; Babatunde Bolarinwa, 24; Ajayi Taiwo, 24; Olatimihan Taiwo, 20, and Victoria Oni, 18.

They were arraigned before Magistrate Eniola Fabamwo.

Police prosecutor Samson Ehikhire alleged that the students, on Tuesday, hijacked a LAGBUS vehicle marked P004 with registration number SMK 719 XK, property of the Lagos State Govern-

O

•Fifth columnists behind crisis, govt alleges

By Adebisi Onanuga, Miriam Ekene-Okoro and Toyosi Babatunde

ment.

The offence, he said, was contrary to and punishable under Section 166 (D) of the Criminal Law No 11 Vol. 44 Law of Lagos State.

The students, pleaded not guilty.

Mrs. Fabamwo granted each of them N10,000 bail with a surety each in the like sum.

Magistrate Fabamwo ordered that the sureties must be the students’ relations.

She adjourned the matter till August 6.

On Tuesday, the students took to the streets protesting the increase in their tuition fees. The protest caused traffic gridlock on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

The students also blocked the road leading to the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Ikeja, compounding traffic.

They urged Governor Babatunde Fashola to direct the closure of the institution’s payment and registration portal, pending the resolution of the matter.

Yesterday, the government said the crises rocking the

university were being fueled by fifth columnists to derail its plans for the school.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba and his Transportation counterpart Kayode Opeifa, told reporters that certain individuals were hiding under the crises to cause trouble in the state .

Opeifa said the Students’ Union Government and National Association of Nigeria students (NANS), South West, had met with the governor on the issue. The governor, they said, promised to look into the matter.

“We have a responsibility to sit down and take decisions in the interest of the students, their parents, the institution and state government. We have also been

ket hurriedly closed their shops.

It was gathered that initially, the tricycle execu-

tives at Orodu Unit were intimidated by the invading area boys.

They, however, went

back and reinforced for a free-for-all in which one of them was killed and others injured.

By Amidu Arije

sented, adding that the remaining one which is for the market men and women would soon be presented.

The CDC’s chairman, Alhaji Rasheed Alamutu, thanked Muse-Ariyoh for yielding to their demand. He said the bus would be used for the purpose it was donated.

“We will continue to promote peace and development in the community,” he said.

• Fashola

meeting with other people for clarifications,” he said.

Opeifa added that the committee on the matter wouldn’t reach a conclusion till June 9. According to him, there are many issues to be resolved.

One killed in hoodlums, tricyclists clash

NE person was killed and scores injured on Tuesday night street urchins popularly called area boys and tricycle operators clashed in Ajegunle, the popular Lagos suburb.

It was gathered that the urchins attacked the tricycle operators over some charges, a fee which the latter insisted, was not part of their daily payment.

Eyewitnesses told The Nation that when some operators reported the matter to their union, they were told not to pay.

By Jude Isiguzo

“The area boys were demanding a certain ‘settlement’ which the executives of the tricyclists’ association refused to meet.

This angered the area boys who started attacking them”, a source said.

It was learnt that the hoodlums went on the rampage, attacking the tricycle operators and their passengers.

They also looted shops and dispossessed residents of their valuables.

Traders on the street and the nearby Boundary Mar-

T

Council empowers residents’ association

HE chairman, Oshodi Isolo Local Government in Lagos State, Hon Bolaji Muse-Ariyoh, has empowered the council’s Community Development Committee (CDC) with a vehicle to ease their services to the community.

He said empowering the CDC was to bring the desired development to the council.

He said the CDC had con-

tributed to the growth of the council by continuously forcing government to do the right thing.

“They are intellectuals; they put the local government on its toes. So, these people are the ones you need if you want to achieve in office,” he said.

He stated that two out of the three buses earmarked for the people had been pre-

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THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 5, 2014

NEWS EKITI 2014

APC accuses PDP of planning to ‘import thugs’

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of plan to “import thugs” to rig the June 21 governorship election.

Reacting, PDP Publicity Secretary of PDP, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, said the APC was the party, “which would do one evil and blame it on other parties.”

A statement by the APC Spokesperson, Segun Dipe said:, “the PDP thugs, numbering over 2,000, would start arriving in their twenties and fif-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

ties any moment from now from some selected towns in Osun, Kogi, Ondo and Bayelsa states “Specifically the thugs, who would be brought into Ekiti State through different boundary towns, have been recruited from such towns as Okua, OdeOmu, Okitipupa, Modakeke, Ile-Ife, Igbokoda, Asipa, Gbongan, Okene, Mahintedo and Bayelsa State,” Dipe said.

The PDP, he said, planned to distribute permanent voter’s cards (PVCs) already cloned to

•’It’s a lie’ the thugs for use at polling units, “knowing full well that the electoral umpire, INEC, would not use card readers in the election.”

He said the thugs would be used to cause mayhem at polling units where the people may attempt to resist them.

The APC claimed that the thugs would be housed in homes of some PDP leaders for integration into the communities in which they will be deployed on

election day.

Calling on security agencies to mobilise their men to mount surveillance on all towns bordering Ekiti State to prevent the PDP from bringing in the thugs, APC also called for proper monitoring of PDP leaders in whose homes the thugs may stay.

“INEC should also tell its polling officers (POs) to be on the lookout for cloned voter’s cards on the day of election. We have it on good authority that the PDP candidate, Ayodele Fayose, has already cloned sev-

eral voter’s cards. Ekiti people would remember that we raised the alarm that the PDP was doling out money to copy the VIN numbers on people’s voter’s cards. These VIN numbers are what the PDP and its candidate used in producing its fake version of the PVCs. “Ekiti people living in boudary towns should also watch out for these criminals, who the PDP is planning to import,” Dipe said.

But, Oluwawole said the APC allegedly brought in thugs from neighbouring states with AK47 rifles which they have been

‘APC holds the ace on June 21’

VCs hail Ekiti education policy From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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HE association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities has praised the achievements of Governor Kayode Fayemi in education.

The vice chancellors, who are in Ekiti for a five-day conference at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), spoke when they visited the governor.

The association’s chairman and Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof.

Joseph Ajienka, said the Fayemi administration had improved the standard of education.

This, he said, had made the state’s education “more qualitative and functional”.

Ajienka, who noted that the nation cannot grow unless attention is paid to education, urged Federal and state governments to fund the sector.

According to him, funding was the only way to wage war against poverty, ignorance and under-development.

The founder of the host institution, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) also lauded Fayemi’s effort in transforming the state’s education sector.

He added that he was interested in Fayemi’s return as governor.

A beneficiary, Mr Taiwo Adeniyi (left), receiving a N1million cheque on behalf of Ado-Ekiti Irede Cooperative Multipurpose Society from Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during the distribution of cheques and agricultural equipment to farmers in Ado-Ekiti… yesterday.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Jonathan, Sambo, others for Ekiti PDP rally on Saturday

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo and other Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) bigwigs are expected in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Saturday for the official flag-off of the campaign of Mr. Ayodele Fayose.

The event, which will witness the presentation of the party flag to Fayose, will hold at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti.

Other party leaders expected at the event include the Na-

T

iels, the decision to merge the university was not unilateral, but a product of painstaking deliberations at a special education summit “by eggheads of the state origin such as the late Prof.

Sam Aluko, Prof. Akin Oyebode and other eminent educationists who are very knowledgeable in the management of university education.

Daniels said the merger of the universities had brought a new lease of life to Ekiti State University (EKSU), which now ranks 17 in the Webometic ranking of universities as against its earlier 79th position.

Daniels said the confusion about which of the three universities to give the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND) was only laid to rest after the merger.

“The ability of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) to access the TETFUND, coupled with the capital grants it receives from the state government, has enabled it to build new structures, thereby sky-

FORMER editor and retired bank executive, Mr. Phil Aragbada, has predicted a landslide victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, in the governorship election.

In an interview with reporters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the public affairs analyst, who is also the chief executive of Fultatet Communications, lauded the achievements of Fayemi’s administration.

The achievements, he said, include welfare programme for the aged, free health service, urban renewal, construction and rehabilitation of roads, modernisation of primary and secondary schools and qualitative education at all levels with adequate funding.

Others are the State Assisted Community Projects Initiatives (SCAPI), which resulted in the provision of about 2000 community friendly projects in the rural areas and a few of other sectors where the governor impacted on the people’s lives.

Aragbada said the youths had also been empowered through the revitalisation of comatose factories.

A

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

tional Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, Senate President David Mark, Speaker House of Representatives Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, Minister of Police Affairs Alhaji Jeleel Adesiyan, Minister State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro and others.

The PDP Publicity Secretary, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, urged party leaders, members and others in the state to troop out en mass to welcome the president and his delegation.

Stop spreading lies, Fayemi’s group tells LP candidate HE governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP) in Ekiti State, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele has been advised to stop spreading lies in his attempt to woo the electorate.

The Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation (KFCO) said in a statement yesterday that the people were more informed than Bamidele assumed.

During a campaign rally in Ifaki-Ekiti on Monday, Bamidele promised to reverse the merger of the University of Science and Technology with two other stateowned universities, if elected.

But the Fayemi group said it was laughable that Bamidele and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, have now turned the university merger “into an object of lies with which they are trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the enlightened Ekiti electorate.”

According to the spokesperson of KFCO, Dimeji Dan-

using to terrorise residents.

He said: “PDP has always known the plans of the APC to import thugs into the state to cause problem and spread the rumour that it is another party.

Let APC continue that old and unpopular trick.

“PDP is busy with its campaign of issues regarding genuine and desirable development of Ekiti and its disenchanted electorate. PDP will not have to bring in thugs from neighbouring states because we are the party to beat. We are popular.

June 21 will vindicate this fact.”

rocketing the institution from a hitherto glorified secondary school to a world class university,” he said.

Daniels said it was out of sheer desperation that Bamidele, who as a member of the defunct ACN was part of the decision-making process, could turn around now to ridicule same on the “altar of desperate politicking.”

He chided Bamidele for his promise to revive the AM Radio Station in Ifaki, adding that AM radio is no longer in vogue. Governor Kayode Fayemi, he said, had already promised to upgrade the station to an FM radio station.

Daniels advised Bamidele to stop acting like an expert on matters he was ignorant of.

He said the LP candidate, while a commissioner in Lagos State with far greater revenue and allocation than Ekiti State, never criticised the state for having only one university.

He said it was unbecoming of a governorship candidate to resort to lies in a bid to win votes.

Bamidele promises massive job creation But the reason why I am in this race to take over from Governor Fayemi in the June 21 election is simply because I know I can do much better.

•Bamidele

ABOUR Party (LP) candidate, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele has unveiled his programmes, if elected governor.

Bamidele, at the presentation of his manifesto in AdoEkiti, the state capital, promised to develop in all aspects of the state economy.

The LP candidate, who admitted that Governor Kayode Fayemi did his best, boasted he had the requisite experience to do better if given the opportunity.

Bamidele promised “to improve he lives of the people through integrated and commercial agriculture, robust Infrastructural development to provide jobs for over 400,000

L

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

unemployed youths, regular water supply, low cost housing units, human capital development and other pivotal areas of the economy”.

He said: “I concede to the fact that Governor Fayemi has done his best for Ekiti people. But the best one can do under any circumstance is his best. So, based on the extent of his understanding, experience and exposure, I want to say he has done his best.

“But the reason why I am in this race to take over from Governor Fayemi in the June 21 election is simply because I know I can do much better. Today marks a turning-point in the history of this state.

“Our manifesto, which involves massive agriculture,

quality and affordable education, water supply to rural and urban centres and robust infrastructure will be implemented in a manner that will generate jobs for our youths.

“I call this manifesto a blueprint for Ekiti Growth and Development because I know that this is a contract with Ekiti people and we will do our best to wipe away poverty and raise the bar of governance to the admiration of all.”

Earlier in his address, Chairman of the Elders’ Forum of LP Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi urged the electorate to vote against those he regarded as lacking in dignity and honour.

Oluwasanmi, former Commissioner for Health under the Otunba Niyi Adebayo-led administration, said: “Ekiti is known to be Land of Honour and Dignity and we have to live by this.

“We should not allow those who cannot spell the names of their parties correctly or those who don’t worth being elected chairmen and are parading themselves as governorship candidates from taking over the reign of leadership in our land”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Lagos assures exhibitors of safety

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

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HE Lagos State Gov ernment has promised to provide adequate security to exhibitors and investors that will participate in this year’s Eko Expo Trade Fair.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo, gave the assurance yesterday while briefing journalists on the Expo scheduled to hold between August 4 and 10 at the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

Oladejo said there were no security threats in the state, adding that the government has put security measures in place to protect every participant at the Expo.

He said: “We don’t have any worrisome security situation in Lagos State. There is nowhere in the world where they don’t have security issue. With all the security issue in Brazil, the 2014 World Cup has not been postponed.

And in few days, the country will witness massive influx of people.

“In Lagos, all the previous editions, there has never been any serious security challenge. I can assure you that we will beef up security in that axis as any responsible government will do whenever it is expecting a huge turnout of people in an event.

“The first responsibility of the state government is to ensure that there is adequate security for life and property. And we will definitely not shy away from that. In this year’s EXPO there will be no different.”

The Special Adviser also noted that the state government has put in place some policies aimed at boosting industrial and commercial growth in the state.

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

At the moment there is an average of about 18 hours per day of constant power supply to different parts of the country. This feat was brought about by the implementation of the integrated power sector reform programme anchored on the power roadmap.

- Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

U.S. stops importation of Nigeria’s oil over Shale, says minister T

HE Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke yesterday said the United States (US) has finally stopped the importation of crude oil from Nigeria.

This may not be unconnected with the US’ discovery and utilisation of Shale oil and gas.

Following the development, Nigeria has begun the search for new markets.

Represented by the Group Executive Director (GED), Corporate Strategy and Planning, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Timothy Okon, at an Interactive Enlightenment Workshop on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in Abuja, the minister urged the country to adopt sustainable economic policies in line with the changes in global economy.

According to her, the situation at hand calls for a change of current policies which may cause future economic

• Gas flaring to stop three years after PIB’s passage

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

stress no matter how dearly Nigerians hold them.

She said:“The global economy is changing and Nigeria must adopt sustainable economic strategy. I know many of you must have heard the Shale gas and the Shale oil revolution.

“This has literally knockedout Nigeria from the export to the US. So Nigeria must adopt (new policies to confront the change). We must change our ways and policies that we may hold dear which may cause us economic stress in the future.

“So, this market called the Shale oil and gas has resulted in Nigeria seeking new markets for its oil.”

Mrs Alison-Madueke called for competitiveness in

the sector, noting that there is need for new policies to strengthen the industry.

She stressed the importance of natural resources in economic transformation, stressing that it was high time the government diversified her economy.

Making a case for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the minister explained that the country expects to attain a vibrant economy due to initiatives such as gas price reform, gas commercialisation, gas infrastructure framework and other policies that are enshrined in the bill.

She added that in terms of job creation, it is hoped that the bill will restore Nigeria’s industrial capacity by providing employment op-

portunities for all.

“The sector is one of the sectors that will restore the Nigeria’s industrial capacity for job opportunities for all,” she stressed.

The minister said the gains of the Transformation Agenda of the administration have already been demonstrated from the privatisation of the power sector.

According to her, the country is now looking forward to accessing investments in the power sector following its liberalisation.

The Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Hon, Dakuku Peterside, said the operators in the sector are expected to stop gas flaring in three years after the passage of the bill.

He noted that the bill must

stop pollution and emission from gas flaring when it takes effect.

The bill, which he said has scaled Second Reading in both chambers of the National Assembly, is being delayed because the lawmakers must be thorough since the sector is very key to the nation’s economy.

He urged the organised labour to support the National Assembly to release the passage bill which will stand the test of time.

Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Issa Aremu, who chaired the occasion advised the National Assembly not to wait for the congress to picket it before passing the PIB into law.

His words: “It is good that chairman House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) is here. I think they will not wait for us to picket them before they can pass this bill.”

Cement: Judge refuses to restrain SON From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

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• From left: Managing Director, UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc, Mr Hakeem Ogunniran; Chairman, Mr Larry Ettah and Company Secretary, Mr Godwin Samuel, at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Golden PHOTO: TAOFIK SALAKO Tulip, FESTAC, Lagos... yesterday.

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Jonathan presents N322.6b NDDC budget to Senate

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday presented N322.600 billion as this year’s budget proposal of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the Senate for approval.

The figure represented 2.1 per cent increase on last year’s budget of the commission which stood at N315.085

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

billion.

The proposed budget comprised Personnel Expenditure of N15.80billion, Recurrent Expenditure of N10.186 billion, Capital Expenditure of N2.281billion and Project

Development Expenditure of N295.051billion.

According to Mr. President’s letter, sources of revenue for the proposed budget include N23 million brought forward, Federal Government’s contribution of N50million and Federal

Government’s contribution of excess crude arrears of N50million.

Other sources are oil companies contribution of N130million, Ecological Fund of N57 million, internally generated revenue (IGR) of N100million and unpaid arrears from 2012 approved budget of N12.5million.

Rice policy to save Nigeria $2.5b, says Adesina

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HE Federal Govern ment’s policy on rice import is designed to save the country $2.5 billion yearly, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwumi Adesina has said.

The government placed a new policy on rice import to promote local rice production and attain self-sufficiency by next year.

Adesina explained that

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

high-quality Nigerian rice is in the market, adding that the country will be a net exporter of rice.

“Today, Nigeria is feeding itself, since a nation that cannot feed itself is simply at the mercy of others subject to the volatility of global commodity markets. Soon, Nigerian rice will become global exhibi-

tion.

“Our rice self-sufficiency policy was directed at saving Nigeria $2.5 billion annually and putting this into the hands of our rice farmers and rural communities,” Adesina was quoted to have said in a statement.

The minister said the size of agriculture and agribusiness sector in Africa is expected to grow to $1 trillion by 2030.

He also said Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in agriculture in Africa will increase from $10 billion in 2015 to $45 billion by 2020.

Adesina called on Nigerians to tap into the agriculture sector, adding that with over 84 million hectares of land, abundant water and cheap labour, the country is poised to become a major player in global food markets.

USTICE Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday refused the prayer of Lafarge WAPCO to restrain the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) from taking any punitive actions against it over its inability to comply with the new cement standard announced by SON. Lafarge’s counsel, Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), had while arguing the ex-parte application filed on May 28 this year, urged the court to restrain the defendants from enforcing the new cement standard.

Osipitan said the defendants lacked the powers to force his client to manufacture according to the new standard because due process was not followed while introducing it. He argued that it was wrong for the defendants to compel his client to adopt the new standard when the license it was granted for the manufacture of its current grade of cement - All Purpose 32.5 cement – will expire by August 2016.

He said: “There was no notice from SON to vary standard. All we had was a letter written on behalf of the Director-General (of SON) that they had set up a technical committee, and the next thing we heard was an advertisement.

“The Larfarge WAPCO cement had been in use for 50 years. We still have till 2016, two years and two months, to continue to produce what we have been licensed to produce.”

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, LAGOS DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON: Rev. Ekanem Gilbert Asuquo. Late of 201 Road, Flat 9, Festac Town, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 15th day of October, 2006.

Babatunde Cole. Late of No. 1, Eugene Street, Lagos Island. Who died intestate on the 21st day of May, 2013 at Lagos.

Alhaji Suberu Gbadamosi otherwise known as Ayanda. Late of No. 6, Macaulay Street, Tokunbo Lagos Island, Lagos. Who died on the 27th day of July,2008 at Lagos.

Oloyede Sulaimon otherwise known as Oloyede Sule Ishola. Late of No. 7, Sodamola Street, New Oko - Oba Agege, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 4th day of July, 2013.

Okafor Magdalene Chioma. Late of No. 15, Esano Gbogun Street, Shomolu, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 3rd day of Ocotber, 2013 at Lagos.

Nyelong Sule Simon. Late of No. 64, Aiyetoro Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 2nd day of March, 2013 at Jos. Chief Wellington Ayodele Banwo. Late of No. 7&9, Adio Bayewu Close, Isolo Lagos. Who died intestate on the 3rd day of June, 2004 at Lagos.

Okanlawon Abayomi otherwise known as Okanlawon Abayomi Aremu. Late of 9, Abayomi Close, Irawo Owode , Ajegunle Lagos.

Who died intestate on the 3rd day of August, 2011.

Alhaji Abdul Gafar Olayiwola Mustapha. Late of No. 8, Alhaji Lasisi Street, Idi-Oro Mushin, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 22nd day of April, 2002 at Lagos.

Chigbo Alma Ijeoma. Late of No. 14A, Akintola Ajeigbe Street, Maruwa Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 21st day of May, 2013 at South Africa.

Salami Agbali. Late of Block 3, Flat3, Ijeh Police Barracks, Obalende Lagos. Who died intestate on the 16th day of September, 2010 at Abia State.

Obi Grace Onyebuchi. Late of No. 45, Alhaji Yusuf Street, Olodi Apapa Lagos. Who died intestate on the 7th day of January, 2010.

Arowolo .L. Alabi otherwise known as Arowolo Lawal Alabi. Late of No. 14, Sadiku, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 9th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Soetan Bayo. Late of No. 4, Obadina Street, Abule-Oja Yaba, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 1st day of April, 2011.

Chief Monday Uwumarogie. Late of No. 8, Francis Udoni Street, Ajangbadi Lagos. Who died intestate on the 23rd day of March, 2003 at Lagos.

Dele Idowu otherwise known as Chief Oyedele Olayinka Idowu. Late of Block N 52, Flat 4, Jakande Estate, Oke -Afa, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 1st day of September, 2013 at Lagos.

Marcus Odutayo Shanu. Late of 283, Agege Motor Road, Olorunsogo Mushin, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 28th day of August, 1988 at Lagos.

Rene Antoun. Late of No. 5A, Sapara Williams Close, Victoria Island, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 25th day of April, 2012 at South Africa.

Mr. Adedoyin Orola Joseph. Late of No. 4, Olu Arugundade Street, Oke-Ira Nla Village, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 30th day of November, 2013.

Christopher Uderike Nnanweobu. Late of 23A, Ogunsanya Street, Orile Iganmu Lagos. Who died intestate on the 12th day of January, 2012.

Mr. Ukushemuya Efe-Oghene Benson. Late of No. 9, Fakunle Street, Off Fola Agoro, Shomolu, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 25th day of April, 2013.

Revd. Alfred Adebowale Coker. Late of 5, Adebiyi Street, Alagomeji, Yaba Lagos. Who died intestate on the 23rd day of March, 2007.

Miss Ibeziokor Helen Adaobi. Late of 22, Omorinre Johnson Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 21st day of August, 2011.

Mr. Nasiri Ayanfe Olanayo. Late of No. 28, Araromi Street, off Zion Street, Sari Iganmu, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 23rd day of August, 2011 at Lagos.

Onasanya Micheal Kolawole. Late of No. 12B, AjeboLane,Ajaka Makun, Sagamu Ogun State. Who died intestate on the 10th day of October, 2009.

Pikiche Maria Elue otherwise known as Eze Maria Ezenwekhu. Late of No. 27B, Oseni Street, Okota, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 25th day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

Kayode Arulogun. Late of No. 12, Oroyinyin Street, Lagos Island, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 7th day of September, 1981 at Lagos.

Ogunyemi David Olarewaju (Chief). Late of Close 5, House 10, satellite Town, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 13th day of December, 2009.

Deaconess Felicia Akpasom. Late of No.11, Kelvin Lane, Uyo. Who died intestate on the 24th day of September, 2007 at Uyo. Eko Ukpong otherwise known as Eko Usang. Late of No. 1, Kudaisi Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. Who died on the 22nd day of April, 2013 at Lagos.

Suberu Omorilewa Iyanda. Late of No. 10, Ogunsanya Street, Mushin, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 15th day of April, 1999.

Walter Onyeneke. Late of No. 4, Adeola Street, Odo-Ona, Ibadan. Who died intestate on the 12th day of September, 2007.

Akporuaro Andrew. Late of No. 6A, Ojoh Lane Ajegunle, Apapa Lagos. Who died intestate on the 2nd day of June, 2013 at Lagos.

Mrs. Kaffo Mutiat Arike. Late of No. 1, Sadiku Street, Sari-Iganmu Orile Lagos. Who died intestate on the 21st day of December, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs. Akinsanya Olayinka Subedat. Late of No. 16, Tewobola Ajasa Street, Ota-Ona Ikorodu, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 7th day of April, 2013 at Lagos.

Mrs. Izumuo Osita Rapheal. Late of No. 24, Anambra Street, Ayori Ibiye, Badagry Lagos State. Who died intestate on the 1st day of April, 2013 at Ojo, Lagos.

Mr. Joseph Uzoma Amafili otherwise known as Joseph Amafili. Late of Road 22, House 12, A Close, Festac Town, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 8th day of August, 1999 at Lagos.

Bimpe Adekanbi otherwise known as Bimpe Aderonke Adekanbi. Late of No. 7, Memudu Bada Street, Ikotun Lagos. Who died on the 27th day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

Momoh U.S. otherwise known as Solomon U. Momoh. Late of House 7, E Close, 721 Road, Festac Town Lagos. Who died intestate on the 21st day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs. Ngozi Genevieve Okafor-Ajonu. Late of Health Centre in Ezihu Village, Igboukwu in Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Onah Sharah otherwise known as Sharah Onah Onuorah. Late of No. 17, Olo Diga Street, Aguda Lagos. Who died intestate on the 20th day of December, 2013 at Lagos.

Mr. Kolawole Ale. Late of 7th Avenue, Block 2, Flat 23, Festac Town, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 16th day of April, 2008 at Abuja.

Mr. Musibau Bashirudeen Adio otherwise known as Musibau Bashiru. Late of No. 1, Luther Street, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 5th day of September, 2013 at Lagos.

Mr. Shamusideen Kehinde Balogun. Late of No. 8, Ogunbule Street, Ladylak Pedro, Bariga Lagos. Who died intestate on the 15th day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

Sanni Adijatu. Late of No. 18, Western Avenue now Funsho Williams Avenue, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 8th day of April, 1967 at Lagos.

Danjuma Abubakar. Late of Zongo Seme Boarder via Badagry, Lagos. Who died on the 29th day of January, 2013.

Iwura Effiong otherwise known as Iwara Effiong Ibiang. Late of Line A, Block 3, Room 8, IjehPolice Baracks. Who died intestate on the 5th day of October, 2013.

Pa. Francis Bamgbose Godonu otherwise known as A.K.A. Teacher. Late of Janha Quarter, Ganyingbo Village via Badagry. Who died intestate on the 25th day of April, 2012.

Adewale Elizabeth Folashade. Late of No. 86, Herbert Macaulay Street, Ebute-metta, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 14th day of June, 1949.

Esther Adeyile Bamidele. Late of No. 3, Ajenifuja Street, Ilupeju Lagos. Who died intestate on the 4th day of October, 2011 at Lagos.

Chuks Tina. Late of No. 260, Agege Motor Road Mushin, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 26th day of December, 2013 Mr Ali Olufemi otherwise known as Alli Olufemi Sarafadeen. Late of No. 28, Owolabi Street, Off Adetola Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 13th day of September, 2013 at Akoko Delta State.

Ajibola Danboyi Shade. Late of No. 24, Zansi Close, Iwaya Yaba, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 8th day of October, 2009 at Lagos.

Magbagbeola Babalola Edward. Late of 2, Okhamba Close, Surulere, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 13th day of October, 2007.

Mrs. Mary Nwachi Ubani. Late of No. 109, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 21st day of June, 2013 at Lagos.

Miss kafayat Abiodun Odunsi. Late of No. 4, Babawa Street, Amuwo Lagos. Who died intestate on the 4th day of August, 2013 at Ilesha.

Mr. Abiola Oyeyemi Oworu. Late of No. 16, Olusoji Street, Ladylak Shomolu, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 9th day of April, 2013 at U.S.A. Awogbami John Oluyemi. Late of No. 4, Molete Street, Igbara Oke, Ondo State. Who died intestate on the 24th day of January, 1993.

Orakwube Ifeanyi Chukwu Cyril. Late of 34, Oke-Ona Street, Surulere, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 7th day of July, 2013 at Lagos.

Mr. Ushuta George Andor. Late of No. 26, Ezeagu Street, Ajegunle, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 11th day of February, 2010 at Lagos.

Pa. Atigogo Benson Igho. Late of No. 1, Ogodo Street, Urhuovie , Abraka , Obiaruku. Who died intestate on the 25th day of July, 2008.

Obi (Obiekezie) Edith Ijeoma. Late of 26, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 20th day of April, 2013.

Onilearo Titus Adeyemi. Late of 44, Vaughan Street, Apapa, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 22nd day of July, 2002.

Mrs. Veronica Nkoye Akinfenwa. Late of 7, Shaki Crescent, Aguda Surulere, Lagos. Who died on the 6th day of August, 2001.

Mr. Kolawole Oluwatoyin Gbadebo. Late of 9, Iyewa Street, Isolo Off Kogberegbe. Who died intestate on the 12th day of July, 2011.

Moshood Ajiboye Raji. Late of 19, Adekunle Street, Idi-Araba, Mushin, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 5th day of January, 2012.

Jimoh Dauda. Late of 33, Ayoola Lawal Street, Bariga, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 8th day of October, 2011.

Osinolu Johnson Olatunji. Late of Ayetoro Itele. Who died intestate on the 23rd day of March, 2011.

Onigbinde Taiwo Juliana. Late of 15, Irepodun Street, Agiliti, Mile 12, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 25th day of Janaury,2012.

Oke Ignatius Olatunde. Late of Block 382, Flat 6, Abesan Estate, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 11th day of June, 2013 at Lagos.

Uchegbu Chineke Isreal otherwise known as Mr. Chineke Isreal Uchegbu. Late of No. 5, Peter Street, Off Achakpo Street, Ajegunle Lagos. Who died intestate on the 27th day of May, 2011.

Augusta Allen Ibironke otherwise known as Augusta Ibitayo Allen. Late of No. 29, Ayinde Giwa Street, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 8th day of January, 2004.

Adiatu Ademola. Late of No. 30A, Balogun Street, Iwaya, Yaba, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 18th day of February, 2014 at Lagos.

Clara .I. Edike. Late of Block 520, Flat 5, Mile 2, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 13th day of December,2007.

Pa John Oladejo Agboola. Late of 50, Bolaji Banwo Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 23rd day of May, 2013.

Mrs. Agbeke Omokehinde Sule otherwise known as SuleAgbekeOmokehinde . Late of No. 29, Ola-Oluwa Street, bariga, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 30th day of July, 2011.

Wiliams Oboh Ekpeyoung otherwise known as Willy Danger of Ghana. Late of No. 15, Apeno Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 26th day of August, 2013.

Oyelohunnu Adebayo. Late of No. 82, Community Road, Ijegun, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 1st day of May, 2013.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT Barr. Uduak Ekabemand Udeme Obot. Both of 201 Road, Flat 9, Festac Town, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Olayinka Abdul(Nee Cole), Babatunde Cole and Olawale Cole. All of No. 1, Eugene Street, Lagos island, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Badmus Hafeez Olasunkanmi and Badmus Taofik Olabisi of No. 37, Marina Lagos and Koilo Street, Lagos Island, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Mrs. Olabisi Elizabeth Oloyede and Mr. Olumide Abdul Oloyede. Both of No. 7, Sodamola Street, New Oko Oba, Agege Lagos. Widow and son to the deceased.

James Uchenna Okafor and Vincent Nkasiobi Okafor. Both of No. 15, Esano Gbogun Street, Shomolu Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Evelyn Tosan Nyelong, Junior Edward Nyelong and Magaret Nyelong. All of No. 64, Aiyetoro Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos. Widow and children to the deceased.

Chief Mrs. Comfort Olanrewaju Banwo and Mrs Olasunmbo Ogunaike. Both of No. 7& 9, Adio Bayewu Close, Isolo Lagos. Widow and child to the deceased.

Mrs. Okanlawon Olusola Omolola and Mr. Olumide Babayemi Adekunle of No. 9, Abayomi Close, Irawo Owode Ajegunle, Lagos and No. 5, Kunle Akinosi Street, Oshodi Lagos. Widow and brother to the deceased.

Mr Moruf Muhammed Mustapha and Alhaja Raolat Mustapha. Both of No. 221, Abaranje Road, Ikotun, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Mrs. Christie Chinyere Chigbo and Mr. Francis Tochukwu Chigbo. Both of No. 14A, Akintola Ajeigbe Street, Maruwa Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Mother and brother to the deceased.

Mrs. Justina Agbali and Maneju John Agbali. Both of Block 3, Flat3, Ijeh Police Barracks, Obalende Lagos.Widow and son to the deceased.

Miss Linda Amarachi Obi, Mr. Willy Obi, Mr. Ogechukwu Obi and Mr. James Obi. All of No. 45, Alhaja Yusuf Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. Brothers to the deceased.

Wasiu Olawale Lawal and Akeem Lawal. Both of No. 14, Sadiku Olodi Apapa, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Mr. Olusola Soetan, Mrs. Adebisi Adeyemi and Mr. Dolapo Soetan. All of No. 4, Obadina Street, Abule Oja, Yaba Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Mrs. Joy Uwumarogie and Mr. Collins .O.Uwumarogie. Both of No. 8, Francis Udoni Street, Ajangbadi Lagos. Widow and son to the deceased.

Mrs. Folashade Olajumoke Idowu and Mr. Segun Idowu. Both of Block N 52, Flat 4, Jakande Estate, Oke-Afa Lagos. Widow and son to the deceased.

Mrs. Folake Ogunfowora, Mrs. Yemisi Okusanya and Mr. Bolanle Shanu. All of 283, Agege Motor Road, Mushin, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Mr. Gabriel Antoun and Mr. Antoun Rene Antoun. Both of No. 5A, Sapara Williams Close, Victoria island, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Mr. Orola Cornelius, Mr. Orola Aiyebogbon and Comfort Orola. All of No. 11, White House Street, Aja Ilaje, Lagos. Widow, uncle and brother to the deceased.

Mrs. Stella .O. Nnaweobu and Ebuka Jideofor Nnanweobu. Both of 23A, Ogunsanya Street, Orile- Iganmu, Lagos. Widow and son to the deceased.

Obremeakpo Ejiri-Oghene and Obremeakpo Efeteme. Both of No. 9, Fakunle Street, Off Fola Agoro, Shomolu, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Mrs. Tseyin Coker, Ms Eniwaju Coker and Ms Temitope Coker. All of 5, Adebiyi Street, Alagomeji, Lagos. Widow and children to the deceased.

Mrs. Grace Ogochukwu okeke and Miss Chiamaka Okeke. Both of 22, Omorinre Johnson, Lekki Lagos. Two aunty of the deceased.

Mr. Olanayo Elijah Ajibuwo and Miss Olanayo.O.Bukola of No. 1, Zion Street, Sari- Iganmu Lagos and No. 28, Araromi Street, Off Zion Street, Sari-Iganmu, Lagos. Younger brother and first daughter to the deceased.

Mr. Onasanya Oladipupo Seyi, Mrs. Banjo Oluwa-Tosin Ayoola and Mr. Onasanya Oluwaseun Ogooluwa of No. 12B, Ajebo Lane, Ajaka Maku Sagamu, Ogun State and No. 30, Ologolo Road, Lekki Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Onyebuchi Ifeoma Alexandra and Ezenweichu Chiedu Linda. Both of No. 27B, Oseni Street, Okota Lagos. Daughter and Cousin to the deceased.

Agnes Lawal and Adenike Lawal. Both of No. 12, Oroyinyin Street, Lagos Island, Lagos. Widow and daughter to the deceased.

Mrs. Aduke Abiola Ogunyemi and Mr. Olushola Ogunyemi . both of Close 5, House 10, Satellite Town, Lagos. Widow and son to the deceased.

Miss Mfon Akpasom and Mr. Ediging Akpasom. Both of No. 15, Ibukun Olu Street, Akoka, Lagos .Children to the deceased.

Bassey Ukpong Eko and Blessing Upong Eko. Both of House 25, 2nd Avenue, H Close, 21 Road, Festac Town, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Lukmon Aderoju Iyanda and Muritala Iyanda of No. 21, Olajide Street, Sango and No. 24, Buraimoh Street, Mushin, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Kingsley Chukwujike Onyeneke, Uchenna Darlington Onyeneke and Chiazo Donald Onyeneke of 13B, Oni Street, Off AwoluAlagbado Lagos 11B, Igbehinadun Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos and Block 6, Surulere Police Barracks, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Jonnah Akporuaro and Lucy Akporuaro. Both of No. 6A, Ojoh Street, Ajegunle , Apapa, Lagos. Widow and son to the deceased.

Sigbeku Rukayat Titilayo, Zulu Modinat Mojisola and Kaffo Bashir Olalekan. All of No. 1, Sadiku Street, Sari-Iganmu Orile, Lagos.

Children to the deceased.

Adetutu Akinsanya and Akinsanya Solomon. Both of No. 16, Tewobola Ajasa Street, Ota Ona Ikorodu, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Mrs. Janet Adaobi Izumuo, Mr. Ndubisi Timothy Izumuo and Mr. Emmanuel Uchenna Izumuo. All of No. 24, Anambra Street, Ayori Ibiye, Badagry Lagos. Widow and children to the deceased.

Ike Amafili, Chidi Amafili and Mrs. Chineye Amafili. All of 22 Road, A Close, House 12, Festac Extension, Lagos. Widow and children to the deceased.

Mrs. Opeyemi Akinsola and Mr. Oluremi Adekanbi. Both of No. 7, Memudu Bada Street, Ikotun Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Bamidele .H. Momoh and Adebisi .W. Momoh. Both of House 7, E Close, 721 Road, Festac Town, Lagos. Children t o the deceased.

Simon kennedy Okafor Ajonu and Mrs. Onyinye .J. Okoli of No. 40, Alhaja Mariam Street, Satellite Town Lagos and Nigeria Female Prison Kirikiri, Lagos. Widower and sister to the deceased.

Mr. Onan Jacob Onuorah and Miss Blessing Onah Onuorah. Both of No. 3C, Alayaki Street, Amukoko, Lagos.Uncle and senior sister to the deceased.

Ale taofik Ayinde and Ale Mudirat Ayinde. Both of 7th Avenue, Block 2, Flat 23, Festac Town, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Musili Adunni Bashirudeen and Muyibat Bashirudeen. Both of No. 79, Oshodi Street, Lagos island, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Alhaji kamal Taiye Balogun and Mrs. Jemilat Mosunmola Balogun. Both of No. 8, Ogunbule Street, Lady Lak, Pedro, Bariga Lagos.

Twin brother and widow to the deceased.

Ademola Saka and Samson Ashore Onisemo. Both of No. 18, western Avenue now Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere, Lagos. Grand children to the deceased.

Fatimoh Abubakar, Lawal Abubakar and Asanna Danjuma Abubakar. All ofZongo, Seme Border Via Badagry, Lagos. Sister, brother and widow to the deceased.

Iwara Effiong Rose and Ewa AbamEwa. Both of Line A, Block 3, room 8, Ijeh Police Barrack. Widow and cousin to the deceased.

Felix S. Godonu, Juliana medesse Todowhede and John .V. Godonu of No. 5, Olaokin Street, Ibereko Via Badagry Lagos, Ajara Agamathe Via Badagry Lagos and Ganyingbo Village Via Badagry, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Niyi Adewale and Gbenga Adewale. Both of No. 86, Herbert Macaulay Street, Ebute-metta, Lagos. Grand children to the deceased.

Solomon Taiwo Bamidele and Daniel kehinde Bamidele of No. 32/39, Ondo Street, OwodeAjegunle, Ikorodu, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Chukwunyere Titus Izuchukwu and Benneth Chukwunyere of No. 29, Abibatu Oseni Street, Igando, Ikotun Development Council, Lagos and 24, Kushimo Street, Egbe, Lagos. Brother to the deceased.

Alli Bilikis Kikelomo and Alli Taiwo kareem of No. 28, Owolabi Street, Off Adetola Aguda, Surulere Lagos and No. 6, Olayinka Ogunfile Street, Ikorodu, Lagos. Widow and brother to the deceased.

Ajibola Esther Titilayo and Ajibola Patricia Funke. Both of No. 24B, Zansi Close, OnikeYaba, Lagos.Children to the deceased.

Mary Ayinke Magbagbeola and Adesola Magbagbeola. Both of No. 2, Okhamba Close, Aguda Surulere, lagos. Widow and son to the deceased.

Gloria Chinyere Obasi, Cosmas Otuchere Ubani and Mr. Kenneth Achi Ubani of No. 12, Market Street, Ajegunle Lagos and No. 109, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Mr. Hammed Odunsi and Rafat Abiodun Odunsi. Both of No. 4, Babawa Street, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos. Brother and sister to the deceased.

Mrs. AbiodunWonuolaOworu and Mr. MorufOlusegunKolawole of No. 16, Olusoji Street, Ladylak Shomolu Lagos and No. 7, Adedoyin Street, Off Sipeolu Street, Palmgroove Lagos. Spouse and bossom friend to the deceased.

Kehinde Awogbami and Gboyega Awogbami. Both of No. 4, Molete Street, Igbara Oke, Ondo State. Children to the deceased.

Orakwube Kingsley and Orakwube Gabriel of No. 34, Oke-Ona Street, Surulere, Lagos and No. 24, Owoseni Street, Surulere, Lagos.

Brothers to the deceased.

Mrs. Grace Andor Ushuta of No. 26, Ezeagu Street, Ajegunle, Lagos.Widow to the deceased.

Joyce Eseoghene Ocloo, Colin Mudiaga Atigogo and Fortune Ochuko Atigogo. All of No. 278, Old Ojo Road, Oluti, Lagos. Three of the children to the deceased.

Benson Obiekezie, Euchira .E. Obiekezie and Chizobia Reuben Obiekezie of 7, Trinity Estate Satellite Town Lagos and 10, Olusesi Ojo Barracks, Lagos. Brothers and sister to the deceased.

Onile Aro Yemisi and Barr .Omotesho Oladipupo. Both of 44, Vaughan Street, Apapa, Lagos. Daughter and uncle to the deceased.

Mr. Oyesegun Akinfenwa and Miss yetunde Akinfenwa. Both of 7, Shaki Crescent, Aguda Surulere, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Mr. Ramota Abeni Gbadebo, Miss Lola Betty Gbadebo and Miss Bolawa Barbara Gbadebo. All of 9, Iyewa Street, Isolo Off Kogberegbe.

Wife and children to the deceased.

Mrs. Aolat Ajiboye, I yaboAdemuyiwa Ajiboye and Toyib Ajiboye.All of 19, Adekunle Street, Idi-Araba, Mushin Lagos.Wife and children to the deceased.

Iyabo Mariam Dauda, Rahmat Dauda, Halimat Dauda and Balikis Dauda. All of 23, Oyenaya Street, Odo-Eran, Ilaje Bariga, Lagos.

Wives and daughter to the deceased.

Mosunmola Osinolu, Oluwaseun Osinolu and Olatunji Ayowunmi. All of Adetoro Itele, Ogun State and 19, Ayodele Street, Olofa Abule-Egba. Widow and son to the deceased.

Onigbinde Joel and Oluwasina Ayo Falope of 15, Irepodun Street, Agiliti, Mile 12, Lagos and 21, Awofodu Street, Pedro Bariga, Lagos.

Brother and cousin to the deceased.

Ganiat Omolara Oke, Mosunmola Oluwaseun Oke and Olukolawole Adewale Oke. All of Block 382, Flat 6, Abesan Estate, Lagos.

Widow and children to the deceased.

IsrealComfort and Isreal Amarachi. Both of No. 5, Peter Street, Ajegunle, Lagos. Widow and daughter to the deceased.

Mr. kehinde Coker and Mrs. Kemi Oduntan. Both of No. 24, Ondo Street, Ebute-Metta, (West), Lagos. Nephew and daughter to the deceased.

Adiatu Hussien kehinde and Adiatu Hassan Taiwo. Both of No. 30 A, Balogun Street, Iwaya Yaba, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Mr. Stanley Edike and Miss Ngozi Stella Ugbaja of No. 2, Mission Street, Alasia Bus-stop, Ijanikin Agbara Lagos and No. 23, Adeite Ogunsanya Street, Off Williams Street, Lagos. Widower and sister to the deceased.

Mr. Johnson Olusegun Agboola and Mr. Richard Olatunji Agboola. Both of 50, Bolaji Banwo Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos.Two of the children to the deceased.

Mrs. Mutiatu Ogunmeru and Miss Morenike Orelesi. Both of No. 29, Ola-Oluwa Street, Bariga, Lagos.D aughter and Grand daughter to the deceased.

Harley Tega Williams and Joseph Oboh Williams of No. 16, Joseph Harrison Street, Yaba Lagos and No. 5, James Abiodun Close, Agboju, Lagos. Children to the deceased.

Oyelohunnu Mary Iyabode, Oyelohunnu Peter Adebisi, Oyelohunnu Ebun and Oyelohunnu Abosede.All of No. 82, Community Road, Ijegun, Lagos.Children to the deceased.

I. O. AKINKUGBE (MRS) REGISTRAR

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

17

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Akpabio and pension •The Akwa Ibom State governor’s decision to repeal the controversial law reflects sensitivity to and triumph of public opinion

C

ONTRITION is a better virtue in government than hubris, and governance of such quality realises the humanity of leadership.

This is one way to characterise the radical about-face by the Akwa Ibom state Governor, Godswill Akpabio, when he announced Tuesday that he would repeal the controversial pension law that gave ex-governors and deputies who had served the state – with their wives – a humongous pension bill and other benefits.

When it was announced after the state house of assembly ingloriously passed it into law, it raised a dust of disgust among many Nigerians, including stake holders in the state. It was characterised as a signal of alienation between the well-heeled political elite and the masses. And this indignation was justified. It had pegged a limit of N100 million as medical allowances for each ex-governor with the spouse for a year and N50 million a year for the deputies and their spouses.

In responding to the groundswell of criticism, Governor Akpabio said, “Truth has been under siege and today I have decided that we should lift the evil siege by proposing to the House of Assembly that the parts of the amendment putting a N100 million ceiling on medical treatment of former governors and former deputy governors respectively be expunged from the amendment.”

He stated further that, “Let it revert to the open-ended situation inherent in the law, before the amendment.” This pirouette can be seen as an act of bowing to pressure. But it must be commended for its act of courage and sensitivity to public sentiment.

We commend members of the public who roundly condemned the pension package compelling a rethink on the law.

This is the way democracy should work.

Governance is not about perfection. It is about a listening ear. We have seen governments since the inception of this democracy make decisions and swagger over them in spite of the public’s lack of ease with its moral roots and philosophical perspective.

We must add that as in the case of Governor Akpabio and for others in political office, prevention is better than cure. They should involve more consultations rooted in the popular pulse before making some decisions of this sensitive character in order to avoid the embarrassment of popular censure.

The extant law to which Governor Akpabio seeks to return is also flawed, and it gives ex-governors with greed in their eyes the opportunity to pursue claims that may even exceed the controversial N100 million. Any governor with contempt for the purity of public funds or the dignity of his appending signature could sign off on any bill even amounting to N150 million.

It is interesting that the law passed then without any public uproar. It was perhaps because the public did not imbue such law with the fear that our politicians could abuse them once out of office. But that anxiety continues to dog a wild and spendthrift political elite.

Governor Akpabio noted also that, “I will further advise, in observance of the articles of faith guiding the discharge of the office of governor that, through extant circulars, a medical insurance scheme be put in place for that authentic and proper

management of the medical treatment of former governors and deputy governors and their spouses in order to ensure that the open-ended nature of the law is not abused.”

This is also right. But law is one thing and its adherence quite another and much depends on the integrity of its executors.

We must note that while umbrage dogged the footsteps of Akwa Ibom over the controversial pension package, we know that quite a few states in the country have pensions that are elitist and alienating. Few ex-governors and deputies can claim they do not have such highfalutin benefits today.

The more fundamental question is: why all these benefits if the purpose of governance is service? And that is a question to ponder not only in Akwa Ibom but all over our political class in Nigeria.

‘We must note that while umbrage dogged the footsteps of Akwa Ibom over the controversial Pension package, we know that quite a few states in the country have pensions that are elitist and alienating. Few ex-governors and deputies can claim they do not have such highfalutin benefits today’

Last sigh •Supreme Court’s penalty against Ogboru’s lawyer over case against Gov. Uduaghan for wasting the court’s time is good for the judicial process

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OR abusing the judicial process and wasting the time of the Supreme Court, a lawyer, Dr Dickson Osuala, is to pay N8million as cost to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Attorney General of the Federation. Each will get N2million according to the court.

Dr Osuala was counsel to the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) candidate in the 2007 governorship election in Delta State, Chief Great Ogboru. Chief Ogboru was dissatisfied with the result of the governorship election in the state, as announced by INEC, and decided to challenge it in court.

‘We agree with the apex court that penalising counsel for such frivolous cases will go a long way in dissuading other lawyers who might want to toe similar line, when all they need do is to advise their client against such judicial voyage that only makes a mockery of the judicial process. If the clients are ignorant of the law, the counsel ... should know better’

We have nothing against aggrieved persons taking full advantage of the judicial process. Indeed, it is the normal thing to do in election cases, especially in our kind of country where elections are hardly won or lost at the ballot. Indeed, what irked us is not that the issue has become a subject of protracted legal battles but Chief Ogboru’s attempt to rubbish the maxim that ’there should be an end to litigation’. The matter had traversed several courts, from the election petition tribunal to the Supreme Court.

In the course of the litigation, both parties have had to contest certain aspects of the various court rulings by way of appeals. But what is significant is that the matter eventually got to the Supreme Court, with the apex court ruling in favour of Governor Uduaghan on three occasions.

Chief Ogboru at a time urged the apex court to set aside its judgment of March 2, 2012 and hear some consolidated appeals on the merit. But when the matter came up for hearing on October 15, 2012, his counsel applied to withdraw the application and same was accordingly struck out.

Then, Dr. Osuala filed a similar application dated November 19, 2012, urging the Supreme Court to set aside its decision and hear the consolidated appeals on the merit. The court again dismissed the application as an abuse of judicial process on June 21, 2013. Still not satisfied with the decision of the apex court, Ogboru, again through Dr. Osuala, filed

a similar application on August 21, 2013.

It was at this stage that the justices at the apex court got angry and slammed the N8million costs on Dr Osuala, after dismissing the application.

We agree with the apex court that penalising counsel for such frivolous cases will go a long way in dissuading other lawyers who might want to toe similar line, when all they need do is to advise their client against such judicial voyage that only makes a mockery of the judicial process. If the clients are ignorant of the law, the counsel, as the learned people that they are supposed to be, should know better. How could a lawyer take a matter on which the apex court had ruled twice to it a third time? We know the court could make mistakes, in which case it could reverse itself, Chief Ogboru’s case did not fall within such circumstances. There must be a cogent reason to warrant such a review.

Dr Osuala is not the only lawyer involved in such abuse of the judicial process. There have been many other instances of lawyers seeking frivolous injunctions and wasting valuable time in the process. Their tribe will go into extinction when the courts not only refuse to cooperate with them but make them pay heavily for their irresponsible actions. It is such behaviour that causes congestion in our courts as well as delay justice, which in a sense, is justice denied. We need more of the apex court sanction on erring lawyers if truly cases must end.

Blow the whistle on Fifa, please – Abysmal governance at soccer’s global body must end

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EN days from now, millions of people around the globe will have their eyes fixed on Brazil as the World Cup finals begin.

While many thrills and spills lie ahead, the prestige sporting event has been tarnished by allegations of corruption at Fifa, world football’s governing body, over the choice of Qatar to host the 2022 competition.

Fifa and its president Sepp Blatter are no strangers to controversy. Two years ago, two leading figures at the Zurich-based body were exposed as having received millions of dollars in bribes from a marketing company. In 2011 Jack Warner, then head of the Caribbean football federation, resigned from all his positions in international soccer after facing numerous bribery allegations. That year, the election to the Fifa presidency was clouded by allegations of bribery, leading to the resignation of Mohamed bin Hammam, president of the Asian football confederation.

The allegations over the Qatar World Cup are of a far more serious order. The Sunday Times claims to have received secret documents implicating Mr bin Hammam in the bribery of football officials to award the 2022 World Cup to the Gulf state. The Qatari football authorities and Mr bin Hammam both deny he was involved in lobbying on Qatar’s behalf. But circumstantial evidence keeps emerging that casts doubt on the legitimacy of the World Cup vote.

The case for rerunning the bid for the 2022 competition looks unassailable. Final judgment should await a pending report into the Qatar bid by Fifa’s top internal investigator. But a string of controversies – among them the health concerns over staging the competition in Qatar’s furnace-like climate – means a new venue is now needed.

The location for 2022 is not the only issue that needs rethinking. Fifa is a body that has been mired in corruption allegations for so long – and which has been so lame in mending its shoddy governance – that it demands a complete overhaul.

Fifa’s responsibility in managing world football is huge. An estimated 700m people – a 10th of the world’s population – watched the 2010 World Cup final. The television rights for broadcasting the competition run to billions of dollars. In many countries, soccer has a powerful influence on social attitudes, most notably racism.

But far from being accountable to any outside body, Fifa acts like a sovereign state. In 2011 Mr Blatter, unable to ignore the spate of scandals, asked outside experts to make recommendations on better governance. One of those experts said most of the proposals were rejected.

The Swiss government could force change on Fifa, which is legally incorporated as a Swiss nonprofit organisation. Switzerland ought to make international sports organisations based on its territory subject to Swiss criminal law but has been reluctant to do so. Fifa’s six main corporate sponsors – Adidas, Coca-Cola, Hyundai, Emirates, Sony and Visa – could also force it to mend its ways. But they show little sign of being genuinely alarmed by the corruption claims.

Western governments and lawmakers should therefore bring their influence to bear. The US Congress could consider holding hearings to examine the relations between American multinationals and Fifa. US companies have to abide by stringent anti-corruption laws.

– Financial Times

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

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

18

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The “Chibok” abduction has finally done what the previous 10 years of killing and destruction failed to do. It has galvanized public opinion in Nigeria and worldwide and it has united us as a nation to condemn and confront the Boko Haram menace. The facts of the abduction are horrific and the plight of the girls heart-breaking but the full implications of this incident go far beyond the immediate outcry it has caused. It raises profound and disturbing questions about our beliefs and values as a nation. It has raised a mirror unto our society and forced us to look ourselves and ask who we are and what we stand for.

What value do we place on human life?

The girls must be found and brought back but these and other

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Bring Back Our Girls: Lessons we must learn lingering and deep questions will not go away. The issues the incident has raised must be addressed by all Nigerians as we join hands to build a better nation where the life of every single person is precious; a nation where every individual, male or female is protected and nurtured; a nation where every citizen is given the scope to fully develop his or her potential.

Efforts are being made to bring back the girls with international help and support but despite the outcry and all the attention, no tangible progress appears to have been made in securing their safety and release.

What lessons should we learn from this situation?

The outright violation of human life by this sect of insurgents has given birth to the world wide move-

The Boko Haram videos IR: As Boko Haram sadly pervades our lives, all manners of views and theories abound.

And that is how it should be. We have to allow for all shades of opinion as we try to make sense of the calamity that has been forced upon our country. But I think that in all of this, the goals of the terrorists must not escape our minds. One of the chief objectives of terrorist organisations is to spread panic and disharmony amongst people. It is left for the rest of us to remain alert and to be so astute that we do not play into the hands of the terror traders.

One of the theories I find difficult to understand is the idea that the federal government is actually orchestrating all the mayhem in parts of the country; that the government is killing its citizens, slaughtering villagers and children in large numbers for some incoherent political gains. As hard as I have looked at this school of thought, I just don’t see its merit. It seems illogical, garbed in too much sentimentalism, and the reward to the federal government is all in the negatives. It is not like this is an illegal military dictatorship that is going after dissenting political voices or individuals. This is mass killing of completely innocent peo-

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ple. Although, the government has got to stop obsessing about re-election and enemies at the gate so some people don’t keep questioning its motives – real or imagined.

However, there is no doubt in my mind now that there is sabotage and skulduggery from within the ranks of the security forces. There has to be; otherwise, I don’t see how Boko Haram could remain so successful for so long. They always seem to be at least two steps ahead of the government and always seem to find their way past curfewed and locked-down areas leisurely – driving in long convoys, singing off key and probably smoking Cuban cigars.

Another thing I am struggling with as regards the ongoing insurgency crisis is the prominence being given to video releases by the military wing leader of Boko Haram, Shekau, or whatever his name is. I am not sure what benefits accrue to the general public from regular broadcast of these videos. Yes, those videos are important to the security forces and I’m sure that they are doing the needful by them. However, I don’t see any benefit of showing us, the general public, the odious, hallucinatory face of this criminal. Apart from his mug spoiling my dinner, I don’t think

any other purpose is served at all.

What regular showing of those videos does is garner for the perverts cheap publicity and I think that should be denied them. As it is with the fat boy in North Korea, that publicity and ‘notice me’ is their life blood and I think that should be cut off. Do that and hopefully this urchin will slink back into the dross from where he emerged. By the way, how are these videos hosted?

Which domain holds them online?

Really, I’d rather not see any more Boko Haram video and publicity stunts. One of their more recent ones talked about swapping a number of kidnapped girls for captured Boko killers. That just ruined my dinner even more.

Imagine that: Boko Haram wants to swap innocent, non-combatant school girls for their brethrens in various lock-downs nationwide.

My instinct of course is that the government shouldn’t even give this any serious consideration. I mean, it will just open the floodgates to all manners of perversion and unimaginable levels of criminality in the country, wouldn’t it?

But…would this remain my position if I were a parent of one of the abducted girls?

• Michael Egbejumi-David demdem@hotmail.co.uk

ment aptly named #Bring Back Our Girls. It is unfortunate that the solidarity of world citizens is often only engendered by tragic conditions and situations such as this. Nevertheless, we must as a nation and a people seize this opportunity to all lend our voices in condemnation of the Boko Haram cancer that has infected our nation. Every Nigerian must speak and act as one in this matter. This lingering menace affects all of us, and cuts across religion, ethnicity, economic situation or political affiliation.

We should not let this happen again to any Nigerian in any part of Nigeria. We are our brother’s keepers.

We have the power to determine how we wish to be governed. Therefore, we must fulfil our civic responsibilities and show our elected officials what true leadership means, to stand with the Chibok community and to get involved in whatever capacity that we can to help bring back our girls and fight the scourge of Boko Haram. We must move from dialogue to action, to ensure that our children are safe and secure.

We believe that to combat the several ills that bedevil our society, including the growth of terrorism, corruption and the bestial immorality practiced by Boko Haram and others of its ilk, we must begin to guard our rights as citizens more jealously and carry out our civic responsibilities more resolutely. Politics is far too important to be left only to politicians.

In a democratic setting, it is the involvement of citizens that produces enlightened leadership.

• Africa Leadership Initiative West Africa (ALIWA), Lagos

Kudos to Professor Azinge

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IR: I will like to join other Nigerians to commend Professor Epiphany Azinge, the outgoing Director- General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) for the marvellous job he did during his tenure as the Director- General of the institute.

During his tenure, Professor Azinge raised the profile of the institute to an enviable level through series of profound and intellectually stimulating activities he carried out as the Director-General. These activities included public lectures on topical legal and political issues, strategic round table sessions on national issues and convocation lectures. During his tenure he also produced for the first time, a set of PhD students. This is very laudable as this will no doubt help in enhancing needed legal manpower in the Law faculties of our universities.

I am not a lawyer and I do not know Professor Azinge but I followed his activities at the institute

in the ‘Law Report section’ of The Nation. As an agronomist I was particularly happy that the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies under Professor Azinge in 2011 organized a a well focussed roundtable on Food Security in Nigeria. This roundtable highlighted the dire situation in our agricultural sector where the country is using a staggering US$4.2 billion to import food from less agriculturally endowed countries. This is an unacceptable situation and I thank NIALS for sensitizing our policy makers on this issue I wish the visionary Professor Azinge more successes in his future endeavours and I hope that his successor, Professor Deji Adekunle who is reputed to be a brilliant man would build on the resounding successes of Professor Azinge at the institute.

• Prof. Olabode Lucas Ekiti State University Ado Ekiti

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

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COMMENTS

Ekiti’s destiny is at stake

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HE emergence of Ayo Fayose as the candidate of the PDP for this month’s gubernatorial election in Ekiti has given our people two candidates of sharp contrast. The current governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi is totally different from Ayo Fayose. I personally do not think there is a third candidate in this race. The candidate of the so-called Labour Party is part of the PDP and the Ekiti people are intelligent enough to know this. Even though the LP candidate in order to attract attention to himself keeps mentioning that some supporters from the APC are on his side.

He is totally wrong and this Trojan horse of the PDP/LP will not deceive anybody. Ekiti people have a clear choice between Kayode Fayemi who is running on the APC platform and Ayo Fayose who is in the PDP/LP alliance. There is no third candidate and the choice before our people is clear.

Since the advent of democratic politicsin1999, we have not had the political stability and economic development that we have had in the last three and half years under Fayemi. Any visit to Ekiti will make this clear even to doubting Thomases; there is hardly any town or village in Ekiti that is not connected to all season roads and the major towns especially the capital are being transformed under the Fayemi administration. Anybody who has not been to Ado-Ekiti in the past three years will not recognise the place because of the criss-crossing of the town by dual carriage ways. Ado-Ekiti has been turned into a construction centre with a city mall, a new general hospital, an expanded teaching hospital, a civic centre among buildings either being completed or under construction. We also have nearing completion, our own equivalent of Aburi gardens in the new government house overlooking the town. It takes a man of class, aesthetics, beauty and history to recognise the need for a physical symbol or monument of a state existence and future aspiration. This is what the new government house represents. It is not a house for Fayemi but for Ekiti people as a whole. When the white men came to Ekiti or any part of Nigeria, they always built houses of the Resident or District Officer on a green hill overlooking the town.They knew what they were doing and it is a pity that unlike Ghana and many other African countries, Nigeria doesn’t have the physical symbols of statehood. Ado-Ekiti is not the most beautiful capital in the country but can be made beautiful through careful planning. The topography may appear as an obstacle or a hindrance to its development but a visit to Stuttgart in Germany of the same kind of topography as Ado-Ekiti will show what is possible under Governor Fayemi.

Education is key to human development and Fayemi has this.

There is no doubt that education has redounded on his approach to governance, he approaches governance in Cartesian and logical way and not doing anything on the spur of the moment.

Whatever decisions he takes are based on the best practice anywhere in the world. The difference between a renaissance man like Fayemi and any other running for the post of governor is clear. I do not want to engage in itemising the areas in which this governor has impacted the lives of our people. If as a scholar I

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ROM the outset, the Federal Government's handling of the abduction of the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls was suspect.

Its initial reaction was that it could not be true. To the government, it looked absurd that any group, no matter how powerful, could just move into a school and go away with over 200 pupils. Well, it happened, but the government found it hard to believe.

So, it did not lift a finger to help its citizens in distress when they needed such support most. Instead, the government turned everything into politics. A government that is worth that name would have since admitted its failure on this matter and apologised to the people. But not the Jonathan administration. Rather than apologise, it is accusing the opposition of playing politics with the girls' abduction. That is what beats me.

How do you play politics with an abduction such as this? There are certain things you do not play politics with and this abduction is one of them. The government is guilty of what it is accusing others of. It is the government that is playing politics with this matter and not the opposition. Are we saying that because we are in a

52 DAYS AFTER

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WHERE ARE THE ABDUCTED CHIBOK GIRLS?

only celebrate Fayemi as a scholar, it will be expected of me after all only the deep can appreciate the deep; but Fayemi is more than a scholar, he is an activist governor who in spite of his detached scholastic approach is nevertheless a man of action who allows his action to be determined by his long term vision of where he is taking Ekiti. The Ekiti of his dream is a highly developed society based on application of science and technology to our primary produce as well as a society rooted in its culture and green environment. Ekiti of his vision is a state deriving economic sustenance from service industries such as tourism, the light manufacturing and adding value to our agricultural produce.

Three and half years is too short in the life of any state for all ideas to become practical reality but the difference betweena man of action rooted in ideas and somebody who does things on the spur of the moment is clear. This is my perception of Ayo Fayose.

When Fayose was governor, he did a few things to ingratiate himself into the hearts of the hoipolloi he also left a few buildings in the town. He converted what was a first class hotel built by Governor Adebayo into the governor’s office and replaced it with series of bungalows named Fountain Hotel. He dualised the road from Ado-Ekiti to Ikere but the job was so poorly done that the first rainy season washed the road away and the road is now being redone in a much careful and professional fashion by Fayemi.

The Ado-Ekiti-Ifaki dual carriage way that the regimes of Fayose and Oni abandoned has now been completed by Fayemi. This is a rather expensive road that perhaps from hindsight should not have been dualised without the written consent of the federal government which should pay for it. Billions of naira have been sunk into this road while people in Abuja have been dilly-dallying whether to pay for it or not. The approach to governance of Fayose was populist to the extreme; he freely distributed money and ate in the streets with roughnecks and ordinary street wise young people sometimes to the embarrassment of the elite in the society. His mode of governance also bordered on rough tactics of cowing down opposition including traditional rulers. These were things that were alien to our people but they had to suffer in silence because he was supported by Abuja and encouraged to continue his strong-arm tactics but thankfully, these last three and a half have shown Ekiti people what is possible under a democratic government. It has now been established that there can be peace and tranquillity in the state and everybody can go to sleep with their two eyes closed. Ekiti is not a rich state but it has intelligent people and this intelligent people can be cultivated for the progress of the state if the state is well led. The governor is the leader of the state and the state will be judged by the character and persona of the governor. If we have a roughneck as governor our reputation would go down with him, we cannot afford to go back to what we left behind. “Iwaju ni opa ebiti n re si”; our destiny is forward ever, backward never. If we must continue to make progress, the choice before us is clear and we have a commodity we can sell anywhere, Fayemi will sell anywhere in this country.

And if God wills, after he must have finished a second term in Ekiti, his record and reputation will catapult him into a higher position in this country. What is necessary therefore is for us as a people to collectively decide that the election will be peaceful, and that there will be no fight or thuggery and that when the election is over, we will all unite as a family to develop our state.

No outsider can love us more than ourselves Jide so any threat from out- Osuntokun side to cause trouble in our state should be collectively resisted. I know there are people outside our state who will want to turn our state into a battle ground. My sincere hope is that the powers that be will not allow themselves to be used to destabilise the most peaceful state in the country. Outsiders who may be planning evil should also learn something from the political history of Nigeria that if you put fire on the house of your neighbour, you may not be able to control it. This was what happened in post-independence Nigeria when the federal government ganged up against the dominant political party in the West and tried to destroy it but the result was that the entire democratic regime unravelled. I hope our people and leaders know the history of Nigeria and they will not allow history to repeat itself because when it does, it will either be a farce or a tragedy. Fayose and Fayemi are my junior brothers and in their own ways I have respect for both of them but if one wants to make a choice that will affect one’s future and those of one’s children and grandchildren, one should make a wise choice. Ekiti people are wise and will make a wise choice on who governs them when all the facts, attributes, comportment, learning, intellectual capability, exposure, calmness under pressure, track record, commitment, breeding, parental, background, psychological stability are put together the choice will be clear and Fayemi is that choice. I say this not to curry any favour, there is nothing I am looking for in life any more that would make me lie. I have achieved more than I expected, I have reached the summit of academic profession, and I have represented my country in places such as Canada, the USA and Germany and I continue to be relevant. And I have advised since 1999 all presidents of Nigeria especially on our country’s foreign policy. If I cannot speak the truth at my age, then I should be damned forever. If Fayose were better person than Fayemi I would have said so and I believe if Fayose is asked who is better of the two of them, he will say it’s Fayemi. Lest I forget there is the inconvenient issue of murder and fraud cases Fayose has to answer. Ekiti deserves a governor with clean hands!

Jacob's voice, Esau's hand political dispensation, people should be deprived their right to speak out when evil is being perpetrated?

What the government wanted was for people not to have cried out when those girls were abducted. Is that possible? Who will lose something and not cry out so that people will rush to his aid?

In crying out when those girls were abducted, their parents, school and Borno State Government were looking for help from the Jonathan administration in rescuing them. But, the government ignored their cry and accused them of raising false alarm.

What will a man gain by lying that his daughter has been abducted when nothing of the sort happened?

Yes, the figure - 276 - is huge, but that is not enough reason to dismiss the story of the girls' abduction when it first broke on April 14. It was a tactical blunder by the Jonathan administration from which it has not recovered since. It keeps sinking deeper and deeper into the morass everyday because of its poor handling of the matter. The government finds it difficult to disabuse its mind that the abduction and the protests that followed it are politically motivated. Whenever the govern-

ment or its agents speak, they spit venom on some individuals and parties as if they are responsible for the country's problems.

If not for the belief of Jonathan and members of his cabinet that the opposition is responsible for the country's woes, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police Mbu Joseph Mbu would not have had the audacity to issue a statement on Monday banning the 'Bring Back Our Girls' protests in Abuja. To us, Mbu may have acted exuberantly, but to him, he was reacting to his master's body language, which is that the president is not happy with the way the public is taking the girls' abduction.

The president would have been too happy if Nigerians behaved as if nothing happened in Chibok on April 14. He wanted his compatriots to see evil and keep silent, but they chose to speak out.

They incurred his wrath for so doing. During the Presidential Media Chat (PMC) last May 4, he was unsparing of those who said the government had not been doing anything to secure the girls' release. He accused such people of mischief, saying they were out to bring down his government.

As if on cue, Information Minister Labaran Maku, sang the

‘I wonder if any police commissioner, no matter how connected he may be, can authorise such a ban, without, as we say in the Nigerian parlance, ''order from above''. If nothing is done to Mbu, we can only conclude that he was not acting alone’

same tune after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, last week. He said those crusading for the abducted girls' release were working towards bringing down the Jonathan administration, which he claimed had done more than enough to address insurgency in the Northeast. The government, he said, had spent a fortune on tackling the problem. ''Look at the entire money we are spending to maintain security in states controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC). So, why do you come back and start playing politics? Ninety percent of those campaigning to bring back the Chibok girls are also members of that same party (APC)''. re you still wondering why Mbu shot himself in the foot by issuing his statement banning the Bring Back Our Girls rallies in Abuja? He was only acting on the belief that his masters will be happy with him if he took such action after reading their body languages. But he forgot that this was not Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, where he turned himself into a tin god by riding roughshod over the people. He was banning rallies as he liked there and even took on Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Rather than being disciplined, he was brought to Abuja to be closer to his benefactors.

See what shame he has brought to them with his ill-thought ban.

Now, they are distancing themselves from him. But, I wonder if any police commissioner, no matter how connected he may be, can

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Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204, 08112661612

authorise such a ban without, as we say in the Nigerian parlance, ''order from above''. With the Inspector - General (IG), Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, disowning him, it seems Mbu may have bitten more than he can chew. We wait to see if he will be disciplined for overreaching himself.

If nothing is done to him, we can only conclude that they are all in the know of the ban, but his bosses have since retraced their steps on seeing that the action would have global implications. Of course, they left him to carry the short end of the stick. But, will Mbu learn anything from it all? Whether or not he learns from this, the way to treat him is to ignore his purported ban just as that fighter of a woman, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, advised in her posting on her twitter handle on Monday : ''No matter how direly they want to take our focus off our Chibok girls, we shall not permit them that luxury. All we are saying...!!!

You can fill in the gap.

Or did I hear you say, give us Chibok girls?

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

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OKO Haram was a creation of PDP. General Owoye Azzazi, a first class military intelligence officer and one time National Security Adviser to President Jonathan was categorical. Boko Haram was the product of ‘PDP politics of exclusion”. It was for this reason his removal from office was orchestrated by PDP dealers and wheelers holding President Jonathan hostage With the intensity of politicking by PDP, in the last six months which has now dove-tailed to the president resorting to subliminal campaign messages targeted at our innermost fears and vulnerabilities, it is important to remind ourselves of this fact especially since it is often said Nigerians suffer from collective amnesia.

It must also be noted that in Borno State, the epicenter of the insurgency, it is difficult to make a distinction between PDP and ANPP that has controlled the state since 1999. Both parties are controlled by a clique of friends with business and family ties. Both parties have equal strength, running neck to neck in all their past outings.

For PDP everything is politics; the running of the economy, the management of the education sector, equipping our teaching hospitals, (doctors are currently on strike over government policy of addressing and paying heads of hospital supporting services as consultants), elections to pick our representatives – a routine exercise in many countries including Ghana and Malawi – has been reduced to “do or die’ endeavour by PDP and its leaders. Even ordinary traffic control efforts of a state government are politicized by PDP. (The Lagos State Commissioner of Police has directed that about 200 arrested stone-throwing members of FERMA, a body he has declared illegal be prosecuted.) Yet like a pot calling the kettle black, the PDP is always the first to accuse others of politicking.

If we needed any evidence, the events leading to the Chibok national tragedy about five weeks ago and its aftermath provided that. We now, on daily basis witness PDP stalwarts coming out to make outlandish statements which is at variance with realities on the ground purportedly on behalf of a government that seems to be at war with everyone – Shettima, the embattled governor of Borno State, APC, the opposition party and even the grieving parents of the abducted girls who have now been banned from demonstrating on the streets of Abuja ostensibly for security reasons.

No one has tried to address the claim of Danuma Mphur, the chairman of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) of the Chibok Government Girls Secondary School or that of the local council chairman of the area, that the police and the military commander in Chibok were alerted four hours before the attack and Mphu’s claim that it took three days after the

PDP’s politicking and presidency’s subliminal campaign event before security people came to ask them questions. Similarly it took over two weeks of international pressure mounted by the social media to nudge the president to speak, because he, according to Obasanjo, initially did not see any abduction but the handiwork of his detractors bent on denting his record to forestall his re-election in 2015. The picture one gets is that of politicization of a tragic event by shameless PDP spokespersons. It was as if Chibok, a Nigerian town located in Borno, one of three north-eastern states under emergency had been ceded to Cameroon as Shettima became the issue. None of the PDP’s self-serving men engaged in the trial of Shettima on television told Nigerians what became of soldiers said to be based in all the local government areas of the state including Chibok. For the inquisition of Shettima for failing to provide security after an undertaking, officials of Federal Ministry of Education and WAEC were on hand to provide indicting evidence. Locating the children became secondary while the inquisition lasted.

If we thought politicking and buck-passing would end with the offer of help from the international community, we were all wrong.

Government’s response to “Bring Back Our Girls” group’s sing-song was a directive that their anger and plea should be directed at the insurgents who abducted their children. When the weeping parents remained adamant, government witchdoctors allegedly hired their own grieving parties to do their bidding. They were subsequently unleashed on the members of the Oby Ezekwesili-led ‘Bring Back Our Girls Campaign Group’ at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, breaking chairs, cameras and tripods of journalists covering the event and disrupting the group’s meeting. According to Ezekwesili,

“the new group members, who came in a bus, had turned the Unity Fountain into a joke”.

The joke was quickly followed up by a more hilarious one to make us laugh when we should be crying, (apology to Saro Wiwa), courtesy of Labaran Maku, the Minister of Information. Now, government has put the whole blame for insurgency and the abduction of our girls on the door step of APC. According to Maku, “90 per cent of all insurgency is in states controlled by APC party, and 90 per cent of those campaigning to bring back Chibok girls are members of that party”. He conveniently ignores the fact that former President Obasanjo recently told Nigerians that Boko Haram leaders he had a meeting with confessed they were in existence and active during his term, 1999 -2007. Maku the combative minister of information however did not say if APC equally mobilized Britain, USA, China and France that recently hosted a conference of Nigerians and her neighbours in France attended by his principal. He did not also say if it was APC that influenced the outrage expressed by people all over the world.

But PDP is not a party to be easily discouraged. Another PDP stalwart, Senator Ita Enang has also opted to prolong our laughter. For

him, “these APC politicians or sympathizers engineering these ceaseless rallies in some parts of the country” are politicizing the abduction of the Chibok girls”.

While the president’s men are engaged in open politicking to trivialize a national tragedy, the president himself has embarked on subliminal campaign - a propaganda technique with messages to evoke fears targeted at our vulnerabilities. The problem however is not just that effectiveness of persuasion through subliminal messages is suspect; propaganda succeeds more at the level of subconscious. But the president’s inept men with a lot of money to waste have tried to leverage on the images of Mandela, Martin Luther Jnr and President Obama whose images are too real to obfuscate our consciousness? Except within PDP, I am not sure there are Nigerians who believe their president shares the charisma and passion for service of Mandela, Martin Luther and Obama.

At a time of national emergency when the president needs a transparent and unambiguous message of appeal for support of his party and political adversaries, what is being dished out by shadowy groups such as “Alliance For Defence Of Democracy and Protectors of Nigeria Posterity” are offensive, foggy messages with childish innuendo capable of hardening the position of those who strongly feel a president that cannot guarantee the safety of life and properties of its citizens has lost legitimacy. How can a body that calls itself an alliance for the defence of democracy be asking his principal to’ carry on’ and alienate those who are against him if they truly have faith in democracy and believe democracy is a game of numbers? How can a group that calls itself protector of Nigeria posterity be counselling its principal to cultivate the ill-feelings of those who promised to make the country ungovernable for the president?

How are we sure these incompetent promoters of President Jonathan who currently ignore the ethics that makes it mandatory for them to disclose their names and sources of their campaign funds are not the same loathsome men, who having frittered away about N12 billion on ex-President Obasanjo’s collapsed third-term agenda, re-emerged as key players in Jonathan’s government

‘At a time of national emergency when the president needs a transparent and unambiguous message of appeal for support of his party and political adversaries, what is being dished out by shadowy groups such as “Alliance For Defence Of Democracy and Protectors of Nigeria Posterity” are offensive, foggy messages with childish innuendo capable of hardening the position of those who strongly feel a president that cannot guarantee the safety of life and properties of its citizens has lost legitimacy’

Challenge of Polio eradication in Nigeria “

A

S an international community, we have few opportunities to do something that is unquestionably good for every country and every child, in perpetuity. Polio eradication is one of these opportunities. Therefore, I am putting the full operational power of the World Health Organisation into the job of finishing polio eradication. I am making polio eradication our organisation’s top priority on a most urgent, if not an emergency, basis.”

If ever there is time the above quote from Dr. Margaret Chan, Director General World Health Organisation is relevant in Nigeria’s context, it is now. We have to put our life on the line to ensure we finish the task of polio eradication in Nigeria. Included in this task is aggressive campaign. The word perpetuity should be stressed until the battle is won.

Some may wonder why discussing polio again after much activity was invested in 2013 and we have just had our first and second rounds of National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) in this year. I guess somebody may also be saying, “…but we have had just three cases of polio this year. Have we not tried enough for these children?

Let’s stop at this juncture to ask some salient questions. If the two children that were affected were your only children, what will you do? What if one of them is your only boy?

What will you do if one of the affected children is your most adorable baby girl? I want to assume that you will not throw a big party and say, come and rejoice with me because of

‘Poliomyelitis or polio, in the same vein has destructive tendency on our present and has the capacity to also ruin our future if we do not take calculated steps to curtail its evil work by stopping it NOW. I think we all know that the greatest asset any country possesses lies in the ability of her young people. But polio robs us of our ability’

By Olugbenga J. Kuye what polio virus has done to my family. Never! No one will do such an ignoble and obnoxious thing. You will wail and cry with great lamentation and curse the day polio virus entered the shore of this country. That is what every one of us should do even now that we have three cases.

Why do we talk so much about corruption in Nigeria? Corruption is still with us as a cankerworm; attacking and destroying our sense of values. Why on earth don’t we cease to make debate on electricity and power a national issue? It is simply because we grope under the burden of the failure of power and electricity in our homes and offices every day.

These are topical discussions on daily basis because of the devastating effects on our socio-economic life.

Poliomyelitis or polio, in the same vein has destructive tendency on our present and has the capacity to also ruin our future if we do not take calculated steps to curtail its evil work by stopping it NOW. I think we all know that the greatest asset any country possesses lies in the ability of her young people. But polio robs us of our ability. Food for thought!

In 2013, so much noise was made in this direction and I was so delighted. The media blew the trumpet so loudly that even the deaf heard it and the blind saw the signals everywhere. It was a massive campaign. The conglomeration of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with Dangote Foundation aroused global interest and sparked off conflagrations that would have incinerated the last polio virus here in Nigeria. But unfortunately the fire died out because it was not fuelled with consistent publicity and relevant campaign strategies. The resultant effect is that wild polio virus is still with us till today.

Because polio is still with us in its rage against our children, we need to continue our fight and be more violent against its existence in our society now than ever. I am very sure that if we deplore all the weapons in our arsenal, it will not be long; we will sing the victor’s song. And when that time comes we will then re-strategize on how to maintain a polio-free state.

We will beef up our campaigns against resurgence of polio cases after declaration of a polio-free status. Meanwhile, our primary responsibility now is exiting the endemic status.

We have recorded two cases as at the time of writing this article. This threatens our target of 2015. We can only be de-

clared free in 2015 if and only if we do not have any cases in 12 months or so. Now, I am afraid that if we do not raise the bar of our campaign to an unprecedented level, next year, 2015, the federal government target for exiting the endemic club may be another mirage.

The question now is - how do we raise the bar? I may have to bring our memory back to 2013 as I draw my answer from the statement of Mr. Babatunde R. Fashola SAN, the governor of Lagos when Bill Gates and Aliko Dangote paid him a courtesy visit in his Lagos House office, Alausa Ikeja on November 12, 2013. In his address, the governor said, “…that is one thing that I wish to work with and with Dangote Foundation to look at how many survivors that are here and let them lead the campaign as a physical demonstration of what can and what could have been, in addition, of course to doing all of the things we really need to do”.

This excerpt from Governor Fashola cannot be discountenanced. In my own estimation, this is the next level of aggressive campaign that we have not explored. This is the new ground that we have to break if we must be free in 2015 and afterwards maintain that level of freedom.

Placing polio survivors to lead the campaign does not mean leadership abdicating its role. He said, “…in addition, of course to doing all of the things we really need to do. This is the most critical stage in this crusade and the way we handle it will determine the eventual outcome. If we do it right, never again shall we lose the strength of our young ones and our dear country to the cruel grip of polio”.

• Olugbenga, a polio survivor and Lagos Polio Ambassador writes from Lagos.

‘Because polio is still with us in its rage against our children, we need to continue our fight and be more violent against its existence in our society now than ever. I am very sure that if we deplore all the weapons in our arsenal, it will not be long; we will sing the victor’s song’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

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Is Nigeria’s dissolution near?

‘How can we feel confident or comfortable to be Nigerians when we now find, as we are finding from various writings, that prominent citizens among us are at the bottom of the terror outrage, some prominent citizens who armed and funded terrorist gangs and sent some youths abroad for terrorist training – for the purpose of hurting the rest of us Nigerians, all because they want to control the country we all call ours?’

matically changing the face of Africa from the mid-19th century on. Mission churches and schools were sprouting in the Yoruba towns by the 1850s. By the late 1860s, ambitious Yoruba families were sending their children for higher education abroad, and by the 1870s a Yoruba literate professional elite (of lawyers, doctors, engineers, architects, writers, journalists, teachers, pastors, merchants, etc) were emerging. The first newspaper (ambitiously written in the Yoruba language) started publishing in a Yoruba city in 1859, and others soon followed in various Yoruba towns and cities. By the time the British created their Nigeria in 1914, the Yoruba southwest was already far ahead of the rest of the new country in all facets of modernization.

In the rest of Southern Nigeria, Western education did not begin to take off until the 1920s. The Igbo and Ibibio peoples, the first after the Yoruba to produce university graduates, did not do so until the mid-1930s.

By and by, Christianity spread in all of Southern Nigeria. In Yorubaland, which had been a terminus of the ancient trade across the Sahara Desert from the Middle East for centuries, Islam had long had some presence, and it began to expand greatly in the course of the 19th century. By the 1880s, Christianity and Islam were locked in serious rivalry among Yoruba people. Happily, the traditional Yoruba religious tolerance and accommodation kicked in, and Yoruba folks of different religions lived on harmoniously, not only in Yoruba towns, but even in Yoruba households and families – thereby building what many observers now regard as perhaps the most religiously harmonious society in the world.

In the large, sprawling, Northern Nigeria, Christianity and Western education trickled ininto the homelands of the small peoples of the Middle Belt. Some of the peoples here even became predominantly Christian. But further north, in the homeland of the large Hausa-Fulani nation, where a radical brand of Islam held sway under Fulani rulers whose forebears had carried out a successful jihad in the 19 th century, Christianity had little chance, though some localities accepted Christianity. Moreover, the British officials

OR Nigeria, breaking up has always been a probability. From day one in 1914, the composition of Nigeria was starkly unreasonable. The British ought to have taken cognizance of the fact that their own country, Great Britain, was not much larger than each of the Hausa-Fulani, Igbo and Yoruba nations in population – and in land area was only about the size of the Yoruba homeland in Nigeria, and less than half of the Hausa-Fulani homeland. How could they have decided that it made sense to strap together into one country these three largest nations of Black Africa? Separation hovered over the destiny of Nigeria from the very beginning.

And virtually everything that has happened in Nigeria and to Nigeria since the beginning has carried the banner of ultimate separation. For over 40 years (until 1949), the British simply didn’t know how to make Nigeria a country. The Southern and Northern Protectorates went their separate ways in almost all things.

But the separation was even deeper than the north-south dichotomy. Each of the three major peoples went their separate ways. The Yoruba, who had been living increasingly in towns and cities since about the 10th century, and who were therefore the owners of the only urban civilization in Black Africa, enjoyed, because of their towns and cities, a big head-start in attracting and absorbing the formative foreign influences that were dra-

I

BUY into the Spirit of Lagos initiative because I believe life is about people. The Spirit of Lagos states that Lagos is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people who live life to the fullest at work and at play.

The challenge is how best can we burnish and evolve the Spirit of Lagos? Should it be allowed to go in its natural tributaries or are the peoples, nation, and creation best served by a Lagos whose Spirit is articulated and propelled in the right direction? In today’s ultra-competitive globe, is there room for a Lagos (or indeed any other city) stunted in the throes of grappling with its own diffused clarity, contradictions and subsequent suboptimal competitiveness in the global economy?

The Spirit of Lagos posits four cardinal dimensions: social justice, citizenship, good neighbourliness and civic responsibility. The social justice platform says everyone deserves the same set of rules and fairness: rich or poor, educated or literate, adult or child.

Citizenship speaks to the need for everyone to play by the rules, obey the laws and carry his responsibilities to self, others and the entire community. Good neighbourliness?

We are our brothers’ keepers. Family is where we live and work.

Take care of the neighbour and his family, he will take care of you and your family. In other words, taking care of your neighbour is ultimately taking care of yourself. Civic responsibility is a way of life. Get involved in the community, volunteer, get involved, drive your areas of interest and make a change. Roads and lights are good but people make the difference: how they live, where they live, what they live for, and what they die for. Where the people respect themselves, love each other, obey the laws, contribute to the community that gives them breathe and bread, there you find a great people and great progress.

How did Winston Churchill inspire the English people while they were under frequent air bombardments from the mighty German forces? What magic did the legendary J. F. Kennedy utilize to produce the quantum leap that got the Americans into space within a short time after the Russians outshone them? How did Lee Kuan Yew get land-locked, tiny, uncelebrated Singapore

made the situation worse here by urging that the Christian missions should limit their activities to the homelands of the “pagans” and leave the Islamized peoples alone. Both Christianity and Western education were thus mostly denied to the large Hausa-Fulani homeland.

In short, though Nigeria was legally one “protectorate” ruled by the British, the most important developments had only reinforced the pre-British lines of cleavage. There was no direction towards, and no sense of, ONE COUNTRY. By 1946 when the British at last began to attend seriously to Nigeria, the logic of the realities of the situation pointed more towards separation into a number of different countries than towards the evolution of one country.

Many prominent persons in the Nigerian situation of the time voiced out these truths.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo, then a rising leader among the Yoruba people of the Southwest, wrote in 1947: “Nigeria is not a nation. It is a mere geographical expression. .. The word “Nigerian” is merely a distinctive appellation to distinguish those who live within the boundaries of Nigeria from those who do not”.

In 1953, Sir Ahmadu Bello, leader of the Northern political elite, said: “Sixty years ago there was no country called Nigeria. What is now Nigeria consisted of a number of large and small communities all of which were different in their outlooks and beliefs. The advent of the British and of Western education has not materially altered the situation - - -”.

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who was to be the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, said that “the southern tribes who are now pouring into the North in ever increasing numbers are not welcome…. We . . . look upon them as invaders. Since 1914 the British government has been trying to make Nigeria into one country, but the Nigerian people themselves are historically different in their backgrounds, in their religious beliefs and customs, and do not show themselves any sign of willingness to unite. So what it comes to is that Nigerian unity is only a British intention in the country.”

Gbogun gboro Today, for good reasons, lots of Nigerians regret that the wisdom of these leading men of our race was ignored, and that the people in control of our corporate life went on to concoct a Nigeria for us. That that Nigeria has not worked is almost too trite to be repeated. But, the events of the past few years have brought the pains of Nigeria’s failure to levels of unbearable intensity. How can we get rid of the nagging pain and fear about the unknown fate of the Chibok school girls, or about the hundreds of other Nigerians who are being killed, maimed, and burnt alive, or about threats by Boko Haram that they will spread their terror to wherever we live, or about the total destruction of our country’s effectiveness by the crooked interplays of our differences?

How can we feel confident or comfortable to be Nigerians when we now find, as we are finding from various writings, that prominent citizens among us are at the bottom of the terror outrage, some prominent citizens who armed and funded terrorist gangs and sent some youths abroad for terrorist training – for the purpose of hurting the rest of us Nigerians, all because they want to control the country we all call ours?

Now, after learning of these horrendous breaches of confidence by men at the highest peaks of our country’s political life, how can the rest of us happily choose to continue to be citizens of this country? Surely, it does feel as if Nigeria’s dissolution is near.

Fashola and Spirit of Lagos

By Anthony Ajero from Third to First World? What is the secret of the Japanese and the Chinese in leapfrogging the generations-old economic stranglehold of Europe and the Americas while retaining and indeed utilizing the quintessential aspects of their culture and attitude? How did the ANC and Nelson Mandela overcome the seemingly insurmountable forces of the Apartheid regime?

It is the people. Infrastructural development is needful. The economy is vital but it is about the people. Get the people thinking, relating and working right, and the rest will be easier done than said. I speak as a Lagosian. I must confess: First, I do not know Governor Babatunde Fashola beyond the average Lagosian. The closest I have seen him was at my son’s primary school prize-giving day ceremony during his first term in office – he apparently attended the same school. He came in unannounced, without fanfare and devoid of any sirens, and that struck me as a mark of a man who defines the office rather than the opposite. Second, I am of Igbo extractions and have lived in Lagos since 1972. My father was here, my son is here. My parents thought I had become so much of a Lagos boy, they ‘conspired’ to bundle me to the East to be better acquainted with my roots. God bless their kind souls. Third, I am convinced that Fashola is probably the most intelligent, visionary and hardworking governor Nigeria has ever produced. Why do I believe this?

The first evidence is the amount of grey hairs he has developed since he took office.

Sometime ago, an international news magazine did a study to show how the best leaders age beyond their years while in office. The second is the almost strange fact that he has not added any weight since assuming office seven whole years ago. I term this strange because in these climes, the leanest political aspirant balloons in weight as soon as he gets into office. His wives and children seem to yearn for the “most obese in the land” title.

If in doubt, just compare the photographs of

the various governors and elected officials when they were seeking for office, a few months into office, and a few years afterwards. It is the same all over the world: those who truly serve the people do not only fail to gain weight, they actually lose. The converse is also true: those who serve themselves on the office develop multiple chins and ‘pregnant’ stomachs for obvious reasons. Pray, if a man is busy day and night; burning the midnight oil; carrying millions of peoples’ burdens; how does he put on weight?

My admiration of, and respect for, Fashola jumped notches during the televised debate among the governorship candidates in the 2007 elections. Not only did he speak most eloquently and clearly about his vision, he blew me away with his detailed knowledge of the numerous streets in Aguda, Surulere, where I live. In describing how each street was being linked to the other, my wife and I marvelled at the man’s brilliance. By the way, I have lived in Surulere, Lagos, virtually all of my almost 50 years, yet, I was astonished at his enormous knowledge.

Stories abound from various individuals of how he traverses Lagos at night incognito inspecting on-going projects; how he visits General Hospitals and other government facilities without warning to see things for himself; and how he still hangs out with his childhood friends after work. Have you noticed how his wife has remained in the background without the farce that has enveloped the socalled “First Lady” charade? What about their children? Am yet to sight them at any event or on the pages of newspapers. I am yet to be assaulted with the now traditional colossal propaganda racket of wasteful publicity to ‘celebrate’ work for which a man was elected to do in the first place?

In doing away with many of the unnecessary, myopic, archaic, pedestrian and unenlightened behaviour of most of our political leaders, Fashola has shown that the black man is not a dim-wit. He has shown that with will and wisdom, it is possible to make Lagos - and indeed any part of Africa a global model for positive things and

Lagosians proud of their habitat. Lagos has always been a centre of excellence. Its peoples from diverse backgrounds are drawn into its melting pot of success, wealth, fame and fulfilment in droves.

In ruminating on the Spirit of Lagos, I find myself asking: where are the models for this spirit. Fashola is an excellent one. And then a deluge of names, men and women in various walks of life who exemplify the can-do spirit, the spirit of excellence, the spirit of civic responsibility, spirit of gratitude to a land that has provided terra firma and needs be taken care of for the coming generations.

What sort of Lagos will we bequeath to our children? A Lagos akin to the 40s, 50s, 60s or a Lagos more of the roughshod decades or indeed a Lagos that can compete with the world’s best? The challenge is shall we stand up and stand together for Lagos? Evil, they see, thrives where good people keep quiet. Will the good people of Lagos stand up and drive the community on the four cardinal points of citizenship, civic responsibility, social justice and good neighbourliness? As we appreciate God and the men and women who have struck the light anew; as we all hopefully stand to ensure – not leave it to the politicians alone whoever governs Lagos next will do better than Fashola; may God grant us the grace to stand up and make the difference in our little corners but more importantly as a collective.

That is the Spirit of Lagos I have known, lived in and love.

• Rev. Ajero lives in Lagos.

‘What sort of Lagos will we bequeath to our children? A Lagos akin to the 40s, 50s, 60s or a Lagos more of the roughshod decades or indeed a Lagos that can compete with the world’s best?’

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THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

Orphans are usually not given a chance in life. For those who grew up in orphanages, it is only by God’s grace that they can rise. Such is the story of Akinyemi Ephraim George, who grew up at the Little Saints Orphanage in Lagos. His fellow corps members stumbled on his story when they visited the orphanage for their Community Development Service. To George, it was a home-coming and a reminder of how he became a graduate, reports KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE.

• George with donations by corps members.

An orphan-graduate’s return to his ‘roots’ W

HO are the parents of Akinyemi Ephraim George?

Are they still alive? Do they know that their son is now a graduate of Accounting from the Crawford University in Igbesa, Ogun State?

George does not sell provisions as depicted by the heap of food and household items behind him in this photograph. He is passing out with thousands of other 2013/2014 Batch B corps members today after completing the

mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The items were given by the Batch B corps members serving in Lagos State to the Little Saints Orphanage Home, in Akowonjo, a Lagos suburb, where he grew up with hundreds of

other abandoned children, last Friday.

The stories of the abandoned children touched the hearts of the corps members who visited the home as part of their Community Development Service. They sighed in disbelief as they watched a documentary on how the orphan-

INSIDE

Kogi grapples with unpaid teachers’ salary -Page 27

FOR teachers in Kogi State, this is not their best moment as they are grappling with backlog of unpaid teachers' salaries owed by various local governments...

Poor facilities hamper DELSU’s growth, says VC

-Page 45

CAMPUS LIFE Rainstorm rage at UNIMAID

-Page 29

age rescued abandoned babies who came to the home emaciated, sick or near death. They marvelled at the before and after photos of the children which showed marked difference in their well being weeks after receiving adequate care. The most touching of the stories was that of baby Mary who was found with three stab wounds inflicted by her frustrated mother a few weeks after her birth. She miraculously survived and has been adopted by • Continued on Page 26

•A 10-page section on campus news, people etc

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

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EDUCATION • Continued from Page 27

foster parents.

It was therefore a great joy to the corps members when Mrs Mayen Famous, a member of the Board of Trustees in charge of boys' hostel announced that George was one of such abandoned children. They cheered loudly as the quiet 25-year old was called forward to share the stage with the NYSC Coordinator for Lagos State, Mrs Adenike Adeyemi who led the corps members to the home.

Mrs Adeyemi said the choice of Little Saints Orphanage was made by the corps members, not because they were aware one of them grew up there but to give back to the society in fulfilment of one of the cardinal programmes of the NYSC. "NYSC is here because we want to impact on the orphanage community.

NYSC has four cardinal programmes - the orientation, primary assignment, community development and passing out parade. The corps members here are rounding up their service Thursday. They decided to use the visit to cap all the CDS activities they have done all year including constructing classrooms, toilets, embarking on HIV/AIDS peer education and the like. We want to thank the orphanage for the privilege," she said.

The visit may just have been routine for others but for George, it was nostalgic. Had he not been brought to Little Saints Orphanage about 15 years ago, he may not be a graduate today.

The young man remembers little of his biological family. "I came to the orphanage when I was 10. I learnt my mother got pregnant for my dad and she abandoned me. But my father picked me up and took me to his home and my step mother brought me up. Because of the way she maltreated me, I was pushed out. I left home at six. My step mother sent me to hawk. I lost some money and she told me to go and look for it. I lost my way and could not go back. I roamed the streets for about two years before the police brought me here," he said.

George, whose surname is George, like every other child in the orphanage after the founder, Mrs Dele George, described growing up at the home as perfect.

"Everything has been given to me

by Rev Mrs Dele George. I did not lack anything. When I was in primary school and a teacher used to refer to me and others as orphans derogatorily, Mrs George went to the school to warn them that we have been adopted by her so should not be called orphans. I am doing well.

The orphanage has done enough for me," he said.

However, George admitted that he

• Mrs Adeyemi (in brown suit), Mrs Famous (second left), with other NYSC officials and corps member at the orphanage.

An orphan-graduate’s return to his ‘roots’

sometimes felt emotional when he saw other parents visiting their wards during his university days.

Would he like to be reunited with his parents despite the neglect he experienced as a child? "Yes," he said.

"Because of the love of God, I will forgive and accept them. But I don't know if they are alive or not."

Now that he has been educated, George wants to give back to the orphanage that gave him so much.

"During my NYSC, I was able to acquire some skills. I learnt to make cocktail, small chops and Chapman.

After service, I want to do my ICAN so I can become chartered, and my

masters. Before then, I hope to get a job so I can give back to the orphanage," he said.

George already has a job waiting and may only be learning of it now he has completed his NYSC. Mrs George, founder of the orphanage said the offer was made by visitors to the home.

"He already has a job waiting for him so we are very happy about it. It came from some people who visited the orphanage and saw him. It is a very good job," she said.

Mrs Famous thanked the NYSC for pitching in to support the orphanage in a big way this time around. They

donated items such as bags of rice, cooking oil, toiletries, cereals, beverages, milk, diapers, noodles, drinks, biscuits, stationeries, clothes, and others.

Despite the cost, she said the home seeks admission for the children in either public or private tertiary institutions.

"He is among the second batch of children from the home to graduate from the university. We have them in various universities. Because we do not want them waiting at home for admission for a long time, we enroll them in private universities. We have tried getting admission for them

We are appealing to more Nigerians to join us and other ‘ orphanages to give these children good education. If the

orphanages did not pick them up, where would they be today? Nigerians have a big heart, but few are helping us

TRCN launches probe panel

’

T

HE Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has established Teachers Investigating Panels (TIP) nationwide.

Its Registrar, Prof Addison Wokocha, said TIP will ensure adherence to ethics, to restore the lost glory of the 'chalk profession.' "'In exercising this mandate, we direct our vision to regulate teacher education, training and practice at all levels and sectors of the Nigerian education system in order to match teacher quality, discipline, professionalism, reward and dignity by promoting excellence in education through effective registration and licensing of teachers," he said Wokocha spoke at the matriculation/graduation and induction for National Certificate in Education (NCE), Bachelors of Education (B.Ed) and Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) of about 300 students of Topmost College of Education (TOPCOED), Ipaja, Lagos.

The Registrar said the TRCN has been empowered to do this through Act 31 of 1993 CAP T3 of 2004, which, among other things, recommends certain benchmarks for teacher qualification, including determining who are

•Some of the teachers taking their oath.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

ideal teachers; what standards of knowledge and skills are to be attained by persons seeking to become one, as well as raising those standards from time to time.

He said as the regulatory agency for the profession, TRCN is further empowered by the Act, to mount, monitor and supervise mandatory continuing professional development

programmes and maintain discipline among teachers at all levels.

For the graduands who took the oath of practice, Wokocha urged them to take the exercise with the highest level of seriousness and commitment to professionalism.

Similarly, Provost of Topmost, Mabel Odunayo, also counselled the matriculating students to be serious as teaching is not for the indolent but indomitable minds.

Dr Odunayo also urged the government to address the insecurity in the country.

"Most worrisome is the incident of April 14, 2014 where over 230 female students of the Federal Girls College, Chibok,Borno State were abducted and have since not been found. This new dimension of wickedness must be resisted otherwise it is a slap to the nation and the world at large," she said.

to the University of Lagos, but it has not worked out. However, Yaba College of Technology admitted two of them last year. We took seven and they admitted two, which we consider a success. We have some of them in Babcock and other universities," she said.

When asked whether any of the universities has offered to help by waiving fees, she said no.

"The only thing they have done is to give us time to pay up but none has offered to waive the fees because we are an orphanage," she said.

So far, Mrs George said the home has produced 25 graduates - with three more joining them before the end of the year.

"At present, we have produced 25.

We have three of them coming out this year to bring the total to 28," she said.

Mrs George said the vision of the orphanage is to the give the children the best - the reason why they do not restrict them to public institutions.

While grateful that many Nigerians have helped out, she urged more Nigerians to support the Little Saints Orphanage and others to take vulnerable children off the streets.

"This is vision God gave us; so we must give them the best. We have a few sponsors that help us with their education at different leves. Some individuals sponsor nursery education, some secondary, while others sponsor tertiary. But just a few are doing it. We are appealing to more Nigerians to join us and other orphanages to give these children good education. If the orphanages did not pick them up, where would they be today? Nigerians have a big heart, but few are helping us," she said.

The visit to the Little Saints Orphanage changed the outlook of many corps members who condemned the habit of abandoning or maltreating children.

Egwu Friday, a graduate of English Education from the Lagos State University (LASU), described the practice as embarrassing.

"The situation of the children was embarrassing. It is wonderful how they were transformed. It is a good thing we came. It will encourage us that when we have something, we know we should give," he said.

Another graduate Lynda Efidol, who studied Health Information Management at the University of Lagos, said the visit was a first for her but would not be the last.

"When watching the documentary, I felt bad that a woman who gave birth to a baby could harm her. It is good that we came here. I have never visited an orphanage before. This is the first time. But I will be coming back," she said.

Business school partners Regent varsity THE Revival Christian Academy (RCA) School of Business, a faithbased institution focused on capital development, will launch a partnership with Regent University on Saturday at the Revival Assembly Church Headquarters in, Ogba, Lagos.

The deal is expected to boost RCA Business School’s profile in training managers, entrepreneurs, and leaders, as well as those seeking personal and career development.

Assistant Vice President of Professional and Continuous Education, Regent University, Dr Julianne Cenac, Program Manager, Gladys Dark are expected to be received by the president of the RCA School of Business, Apostle Anselm Madubuko.

Apostle Madubuko, who is the General Overseer of the Revival Assembly Ministry, said the partnership would offer extraordinary opportunities for individuals to climb the corporate ladder and also improve in the quality of their services to the economy.

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

EDUCATION CHILDREN’S DAY EVENTS

T

Women society prays for Chibok girls

HE Nigeria National Council of Women Society (NCWS) have prayed for the release of the over 200 girls abducted by the Boko Haram sect from Chibok on April 15.

The prayers held at the society's office on Victoria Island, Lagos, was graced by over 15 local government executive members who prayed for the quick rescue of the girls.

The President, Mrs Iyabo Osifeso, said the security situation in the country is poor and has given room for the abduction of the girls. She warned that children are the special gift from God

By Oluwatosin Olawale

and should be protected.

"We should protect the child from all forms of abuse. This should be the yardstick against which all decisions concerning the child should be measured," she said.

She added that the sad feeling of the abduction has spread across the country.

"The abduction has affected the families and environment to the extent that it is restricting access to development and hindering the enjoyment of other human beings," she said.

‘We are celebrating in sadness’

•Pupils waiting for snacks at the event organised by Loving Gaze NGO to mark the Children’s Day.

Kogi grapples with unpaid teachers’ salary

F

OR teachers in Kogi State, this is not their best moment as they are grappling with backlog of unpaid teachers' salaries owed by various local governments.

The development led to the sack of the Alhaji Usman Jibrin-led State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) by Governor Idris Wada.

"They (SUBEB Board) were sacked because their cup was full. The unfortunate thing is that having given them enough time to sort things out they failed to do so. Quality education, especially at the basic level, is not possible without quality teachers, and you cannot get quality teachers without payment of teachers' salary. What went on at SUBEB was not acceptable and hopefully those that will be put in place will reposition basic education in the state and move it forward," he said.

Perhaps when the new SUBEB board is inaugurated, there would be a solution to the problem which has made hundreds of primary school

From James Azania, Lokoja

teachers to stay away from the classroom.

Though Wada has assured the teachers the problem would soon be resolved, and the striking teachers agreed in principle to return to the classroom, The Nation found that they have kept away because money has not been lodged in their accounts.

‘

What went on at SUBEB was not acceptable and, hopefully, those that will be put in place will reposition basic education in the state and move it forward

The state chapter of Basic Education Staff Association of Nigeria (BESAN) has appealed to the governor to appoint a seasoned educationist to replace the sacked SUBEB chairman.

Making the call in Lokoja, the chairman of BESAN, Adomu Sule, said sacking Jibrin and other members of the board was a step in the right direction. He lamented that teachers were yet to receive their March and April salaries even though the money had been deducted from the local government allocation.

He also said promotion was done without cash backing, leaving the teachers poorly motivated despite their willingness to give their best.

Sule also urged the governor to appoint competent hands as education secretaries across the 21 local governments and end the politics associated with such appointments.

’

School owners remember Chibok girls

A

S part of this year's Children's Day, the Association for Formidable Education Development (AFED), an umbrella group of school owners, in conjunction with D,groove Entertainment hosted primary school pupils in Isheri Osun of Lagos State.

AFED Assistant Chairman, Isheri Osun Chapter, Mr Olowu Adeyinka said the event was organised to remind the government of the girls abducted by Boko Haram on April 14.

"This event today is organised to join the global call reminding the

A

By Sampson Unamka

government of the need for security referring to Chibok girls that were kidnapped, and some other areas of insecurity all over the country,” he said.

He pleaded with the government and those in power to ensure that everything is put in place to rescue the girls.

Proprietress of Omoye International Schools and member of AFET, Princess Ikero Omoye, explained that though the day was meant to celebrate children across the world, say-

ing the reverse is the case here due to insecurity situation.

The event, which held at the Local Government Primary School Isheri Osun, witnessed special prayers, march past, choreography, cultural dance, among other performances.

Assistant Manager Chellarams Plc and Co-sponsor of the event, Mr Okezie Iheduru, said the company graced the event as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Chellarams provided some of its products including milk, bicycle among others.

Group donates sandals to pupils

MISSIONARY/concerned group, Project Care of Bible Baptist Church, Egbeda, has presented 571 pairs of school sandals to Primary I to Primary III pupils of Ebenezer Primary School and Egbeda Primary School, both at Egbeda, an outskirts of Lagos State.

Initiator, Project Care, Rev. Beatrice Omolayo Egunleti, said no child should be without a pair of shoes in a community blessed with so much.

The cleric spoke during the Children's Day Celebration organised by her organisation for the pupils of Ebenezer Primary School and Egbeda Primary School, Egbeda, Lagos. It had as the theme: 'Lend a hand for the less-privileged’.

The missionary said there are dangers that come from walking

By Wale Adepoju

the streets barefooted, stressing that children are at risk of injury and exposure to disease vectors such as bacteria and parasite, which live in the soil and dirty water.

This, she said, was the motivation that endeared the non-governmental organisation to the children. "I talk with my people and we came up with a plan to provide school sandals for the children," she said.

Explaining how the programe came about, Mrs Egunleti said: "As I stood outside my home, watching several eager and bright eyed students hurrying off to school, my heart was filled with joy at this sight until I looked at their feet and saw many of them barefooted, which was replaced with a determination to do something about it."

She said the gesture would have

been impossible without the permission of the school authorities.

The cleric thanked donors who supported the project for their generosity. Besides, the volunteers gave their time and money to ensure the shoes match the children.

Mrs Egunleti said the organisation donated the shoes with the hope that the society would one day create opportunities for everybody that no family will send children to school barefooted. "Until then, we must not wait for others to help us, or think that 'I buy shoes for my children, so I have done my duty'.

We must remember that we are our brothers' keeper," she said.

Responding on behalf both school, head mistress, Ebenezer Primary School, Egbeda, Mrs Juliana Asu, thanked the organisation for its kindness and hands of fellowship extended to the schools.

T

HE National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has urged the Federal Government not to exchange the captured Chibok girls for Boko Haram prisoners.

NAPPS Ajeromi Ifelodun (AJIF) chapter seized the opportunity of the Children's Day to remind the Federal Government to commit every effort to freeing the over 200 girls abducted by the Islamic sect Boko Haram on April 15.

NAPPS Chairman, AJIF chapter, Mrs Rosemary Omaghomi, said at the event held at the Kirikiri Prisons training ground, Kirikiri Town, Lagos that the children should not be involved in politics.

"What are we celebrating? Our children should be left out of political trauma. We appeal to the government to settle their scores with this people and the children should return unconditionally. What we are saying as school proprietors is that our children should neither be used for any exchange nor any political reason," she added.

She added that the abduction dampened the excitement that is usually the hallmark of the Children's Day, noting that the nation celebrated the day in 'sadness.'

The theme of the event was "The challenge of the Nigerian child in the attainment of qualitative education and the role of stakeholders".

A

NGO fetes pupils

S part of activities marking this year's Children's Day, Loving Gaze, a not-for-profit organisation with 25 years’ experience in Nigeria, celebrated with over 300 children from the Ikate Elegushi, Lekki, Jakande and Ikorodu communities at SS. Peter & Paul School with Ferrero's support.

The outfit’s Manager, Barbara Pepoli, said the event was to help the pupils relax.

"This year's Children’s Day for the first time gave us the opportunity to bring together children from across these communities to socialise and share a full day together. We believe that giving these children the opportunity to meet each other is the best seed for a future of harmony and cooperation," she said.

Loving Gaze has served the unprivileged community in Lagos and Taraba

T

By Ibrahim Adam

NAPPS National President, Chief Abayomi Otedola, represented by the National Secretary-General, Deacon Lawrins Oke urged stakeholders to ensure the security system is beefed up for pupils to learn without threat of insurgency. He also urged the government to subsidize private schools.

"It is indeed a wonderful experience to have you all gathered to celebrate the rights of our beloved children and to make these children have a sense of belonging in our society. It is quite saddening that the Nigeria child today is faced with a myriad challenges and obstacles in their quest for qualitative education.

"Challenges facing the Nigerian child include poor state of insecurity in the country, nonchalant attitude of teachers, parental negligence and quest for materialism," he said.

The event featured a march past with schools displaying placards with varying inscriptions appealing the release for of the abducted girls, and a prayer session led by Deacon Oke. The head teacher of Goodage Nursery and Primary School, Ms Okoligwe Obianuju, advised the government to be careful in their strategies over the rescue of the abducted school girls.

Anthonia Okezie, a pupil of Cardoso Catholic Secondary School, also enjoined the government to have faith in God in their attempt to bring the girls.

O meet the yearnings of parents for expansion, the management of Tender Loving Child Care (TLC), Ikoyi, Lagos has changed its name to Tender Loving School (TLS).

The change necessitated the unveiling of a new school logo last week at the school premises situated at Osborne Phase 11 Estate in Ikoyi.

Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Olubunmi Egbeyemi, said TLS started in 2007 as a preschool for children aged one to five but saw the need for expansion to continue training the children in the school's culture.

Despite her 12 years training from her parent, who are owners of May-

By Adegunle Olugbamila

states, through educational activities, basic health care service, women empowerment and vocational training. It comprises 150 Nigerian who are professionals in varying fields, including Italian expatriates and international volunteers.

"We have been taking care of these unprivileged kids in these communities for over 25 years through various educational activities in addition to basic health care services through the St Kizito Clinics in Jakande, Idi-Araba and Ikorodu. Our clinics run ante and postnatal services, two malnutrition centers and provide immunisation services," Barbara added.

She thanked individual and corporate bodies both local and international for their donation and support which she said has helped the organisation to cater for over 1,500 children in Lagos alone.

School changes name

day Schools, Lagos, Mrs. Egbeyemi said her vision was a preschool.

The expansion therefore brought about the need for a name that is more matured. To them the transition has been a success as most of the pupil stayed back for basic making the number of student 100 from 2 they started with in 2007.

When asked what makes TLS different from other schools, she said they conduct trainings (in-house and abroad) for staff, the school also engage the children in all forms of extracurricular activities.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

EDUCATION FUNAAB FILE

Director counsels trainers THE Director, Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS), Prof Femi Onifade, has called on trainers of the various vocational skills to give in their best while imparting knowledge on the trainees under the centre's skills acquisition scheme.

Onifade made the call during a two-day Train-the-Trainers Workshop tagged, Trainers, Assessors and Verifier (TAV) in Vocation, Entrepreneurship and Skills (VES), organised by CENTS. He noted that the programme was developed because of the need to put quality into the Centre's activities.

The Resource Person for the workshop, Mr. Olaosebikan Olayide, stated that the main objective of the TAV programme was to create an alternative curriculum in Vocations Entrepreneurship and Skills (VES), as well as the Trainers, Assessors and Verifiers (TAS) applications in the various industries.

At the end of the workshop, Mr. Destiny Onyeamasiefe, Chief Executive Officer of Derric Photography, said it was highly educative, informative and interesting. He described photography as a vocation that demands creativity and capable of reducing unemployment.

Another participant, Mrs. Chi Olajide, who runs Cakeville, a confectionary outfit, lauded the University for organising the workshop, which she acknowledged as having gone a long way in preparing them for a successful entrepreneurial life.

Nigeria should exploit Biotech THE first Nigerian female Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics and Director, FUNAAB's Biotechnology Centre, Mrs Olufunmilayo Adebambo, has lamented the advantages Nigeria is losing from not exploiting its biotechnological potentials.

She blamed the challenge on inadequate funding not available to biotechnological experts who must travel frequently around the country to analyse animal samples to ascertain their productivity, a process that may take about four and five years to complete.

She said the United States of America and South Africa are examples of countries that are enjoying the benefits of embracing biotechnology.

Adebambo, the first Ph.D holder in Animal Breeding in Nigeria, said FUNAAB's Biotechnology Centre was fully equipped to provide an array of services on animal biotechnology, plant biotechnology, protein analysis, bio-informatics, among others.

The Director advised members of the university community to seize the training opportunities offered by the Centre to learn about biotechnology at 50 per cent discount, courtesy of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole.

Olukoju for Convocation Lecture THE Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Lagos, Prof Ayodeji Olukoju, will deliver the Convocation Lecture during the 21st and 22nd combined Convocation of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) on June 20 Olukoju, will speak on the topic: "Leadership, economic nationalism and development: Nigeria and the Challenge from the Global South" at the new FUNAAB Ceremonial Building.

Two pupils of Air Force Comprehensive School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital, who represented Nigeria at the 2014 edition of Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in the United States, are back. They share their experience with The Nation's KAZEEM IBRAHYM.

Nigeria is backward, say NAFESS winners

C

OMING second in the 2014 National Festival of School Sciences (NAFESS) competition earlier in the year got Jeffery Jude and Miss Glory Ibanga of Air Force Comprehensive School, Uyo the ticket to attend the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

They were happy their project, called the Nonapiece, would get international exposure at the fair. They had hopes that the invention, which is a piece of furniture that performs nine different functions using the principle of attachment, would probably win an award on the world stage.

The piece is designed to solve the problem of room space management in the world. Explaining its functions, Glory said it could serve as a seat, ironing board, computer table, writing table, dining table, ladder, lamp stand, storage unit and hanger.

"We thought of building furniture that could perform different functions thereby saving the space other furniture would have occupied. We encountered a lot of challenges in the course of making the piece. Challenges like combining the making of the piece with our academic works. It was difficult for us. The first time we constructed the Nonapiece it took us two months but as we kept producing the piece the number of time reduced gradually," she said.

However, when they got to the U.S., they were in for a surprise. Jeffery said though the experience was enriching for both of them, it was also an eye opener to how Nigeria seemed to have been left behind in the area of technology.

By the time he saw what his peers from other climes had produced Jeffery was convinced that even the best project from Nigeria, A 2 WP Tripowered Generator invented by Doregos Private Academy, Ipaja, Lagos, could not compete.

"Nigeria was nowhere to be found among the technological-driven advanced countries of the world," he said.

Jeffery pleaded with the government to assist pupils by improving laboratories so that pupils can get practical learning rather than memorising theories.

He said: "It was a very interesting experience for us. When we got to the

P

•Jeffery and Glory with their nonapiece.

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

USA, what we saw in terms of the projects presented by others students showed us that Nigeria still has long way to go in terms of technology.

"At the international level, a lot of technologically-driven projects were presented by students of developed

countries. Even the project that came first in Nigeria was not able to compete at the international level.

"The government should encourage the students by improving the state of laboratories in the school. By doing so, it will make our work to be more practical and little emphasis will be on theories.

"It is from the practical work you can think further and expand your thinking faculty. It is from the practical work you build more projects. The government should also encourage other students that go to competitions in that way more students would also be pushed towards doing same."

But back at home, Jeffery and Glory are heroes. The pupils were celebrated when the Chief of Administration, Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Christian Chukwu, visited their school.

Chukwu presented cash prizes to the duo, urging other pupils to emulate them.

He also pledged the continued support of the Nigerian Air Force to diligent pupils who excel in their studies.

Apart from the cash prize, the pupils also won medals at the international level. At the national level, they were presented with a Tecno P5 handset each. Mr. Hassan, the teacher, who supervised the project received a laptop, while the school got a desktop computer.

The Commandant, Air Force Comprehensive, Uyo, Squadron Leader, Nasiru Danjuma thanked the pupils for doing the country and the school proud.

He said: "It is great seeing our students excelling in the National Festival of School Sciences here in Nigeria and later represented the country at the 2014 edition of Intel International Science and Engineering fair competition in the USA. "It is not easy task supporting the project right from the scratch. I want to use this opportunity to thank teacher Mr. Friday Assan because he was the brain behind the project though the school supported the project through out from state to national and international level. We supported it from our local resources.

"I want to use this opportunity to thank the headquarters of Nigerian Air Force because without their support I will not be able to render assistance to the project."

• From left: Former Justice of Nigeria/Chairman of the occasion, Justice Alfa Belgore , Chairman, ICPC, Nta Ekpo and Board Member ICPC, Olu Aina at the event.

Fed Govt urges tertiary institutions to claim grants

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has called on tertiary institutions nationwide to take urgent steps to access intervention funds provided by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

The president said this in Abuja at National Conference on Transparency, Accountability and Ethical Values in tertiary institutions for sustainable development organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with TETFund and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Ethics and Values.

Jonathan, represented by Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said delay by some institutions to access the funds was not in the interest of the nation's educational system.

He said: "Under my watch, the tertiary education sector will continue

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

to be supported in terms of incentives and supportive financing so that our dream of effective and result oriented educational system can be achieved.

"I have received reports from the TETFUND that a good number of our tertiary institutions have failed to access the funds which runs into billions of naira allocated to them.

"I urge the respective institutions to do the needful in this regards because we must fast forward the development of our tertiary institutions and we cannot allow nonchalance to slow us down."

The president called for transparency and accountability in dispensing funds entrusted to managers of the nation's tertiary institutions.

He urged the conference participants to come up with innovative and bold strategy that would enhance development in the

country.

"I also urge you to put in place, a mechanism for monitoring the implementation of the decisions and outcome of this conference.

"The yardstick for measuring the success of this conference is how much of our intervention funds were accessed for the purpose it was assigned," he added.

Mr Ekpo Nta, Chairman of ICPC said the goal of the conference was to entrench the culture of transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in tertiary institution in the country.

He said the ICPC in collaboration with the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) had in 2012 conducted a pilot system study of corruption prone processes in the operation of Nigerian universities.

Nta said the intention was borne out of the desire to help the universities identify and deal with some unethical and criminal practices that were

inimical to the smooth running of universities.

He identified admission racketeering, poor recordkeeping, poor examinations management, improper management of funds and facilities as some of the unethical and criminal practices.

The ICPC boss said the conference was in line with the commission's commitment to corruption prevention.

According to him, investigations arising from petitions and intelligence gathering have shown that lack of transparency and accountability is one of the major factors at the root of the endemic corruption in the tertiary institutions.

In a related development, Dr Musa Babayo, chairman, Board of Trustees of TETFUND said the conference was timely considering the boggling situation in the nation's tertiary institutions.

29

‘Democracy Day our foot’

*CAMPUSES

Wealth creation tips for students

Page 31

*NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 42

CAMPUS LIFE

THE NATION

0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) last Monday when rainstorm hit the Borno State capital. TAIWO ISOLA (300-Level Human Anatomy) reports.

•Rubbles of shops at the commercial market after the rainstorm

A

PHOTO: TAIWO ISOLA

Rainstorm rage at UNIMAID

RAINSTORM hit the beleaguered Maiduguri, Borno State capital, last Monday, sweeping away properties

worth millions of naira. The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) was affected.

The rainstorm raged for two hours. It swept through the campus when many students were in the examination halls.

Some were in their hostels; others were buying food stuff at

the commercial areas of the campus.

A student, Tola Bamigboye, who was washing clothes in the hostel, said: “We noticed the cloud became thick and the wind started blowing everything in different directions. The storm blew sand everywhere; it was a terrible scene.”

Fatima Suleiman, who was in the examination hall, said the hall “vibrated continuously” while the storm lasted. She

•#BringBackOurGirls campaign hits AAUA -P32

said: “The ceiling was blown off. Everybody was scared. We wrote the paper, despite that the rainstorm blew sand into the hall. Our answer booklets were covered in dust.”

Students and lecturers ran helter-skelter in the midst of the storm to avoid being hit by objects. The storm uprooted some trees, blew off roofs and destroyed window louvres.

•Continued on page 30

•Faculty loses lecturer, student -P41

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Nigeria and the pains of education tourism

L

ATE last year, Mr. Brian Wilson, Programmes Director at British Council, revealed at an education exhibition that 18,000 Nigerians were pursuing various undergraduate and post-graduate courses in Britain. I believe that the figure will have risen since he made this revelation. Apart from the British Council, education exhibition, education fairs - or whatever name we may choose to call it - has become a regular feature in Nigeria because of the near total collapse of our system.

This may be mere figures until we do the maths then we will realise how dare our situation is. Remember also that we are talking here about just one country out of a host of others that Nigerians go in search of education. Let’s take £30,000 as the average amount spent by a Nigerian studying in the UK. The figure in Naira at an exchange rate of N250 would be N7.5million. If we multiply £30,000 by 18,000, it boils down to £540,000,000. Convert £540,000,000 to naira and you get N135billion. However, it is worth pointing out that this figure does not include money spent on training countless Nigerian children enrolled in secondary schools in the UK. Apart from the UK, more Nigerians are also studying at various institutions in virtually every country across the world. Collectively, hundreds of thousands of Nigerians are also studying in Canada, Germany, US and elsewhere.

To me, the irony of the whole situation is this: Nigerians lampoon their country as a place where nothing works and a country without a future. But it is from this same country that the funds to sponsor students abroad come from. I know quite a couple of Nigerians who fund their home mortgages abroad from the money they earn in Nigeria, some even have families doing nothing abroad who are catered for with money earned from the home front. Can you imagine what would happen if this fund is injected into our local economy? However, this

Pushing Out with

Agbo Agbo 08116759750 (SMS only)

•aagboa@gmail.com is issue for another day.

A combination of factors lead to this precarious position we find ourselves in. Brian Wilson echoed the minds of millions of Nigerians, when he advised the Federal Government to do more toward improving the standard of education in Nigeria. With more than 129 Universities offering less than 300,000 slots in a country where over one million candidates seek placements every year, many anxious parents with enough funds have been persuaded to seek alternative placements for their wards in foreign Universities. Some, after many years’ attempt to gain admission to a local university proved futile choose this option while others migrated because they could not scale the UME, and post UME hurdle.

However, where a particular parent sends his or her wards to depends on a combination of factors. While Universities in the United States of America (USA), Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) are considered relatively safer for Nigerian students, the required fees are beyond the reach of many.

Many American Universities charge foreign students about $40,000 (N6.2million @ N155:$1) yearly, while foreign students in United Kingdom’s Universities cough out about £30,000 (N7.86 million) annually, depending on the course of study.

The cost is far less in countries like Malaysia, UAE, India, Ukraine, Cyprus and Ghana among others, where foreign students get to pay about half of what they would have coughed out in western tertiary institutions.

This attraction, coupled with the relentless education fairs organised by Asian and East European countries, with the help of Nigerian “partner” firms always generate huge interests. In such fairs, many parents are hoodwinked about security, social and other is-

sues in the respective countries thereby leading them into taking poorly informed decisions that in some sad cases has led to the loss of their loved ones.

Education tourism – which has grown in the last couple of years - is the marketing and sale of a product or service which main purpose is to disseminate knowledge, in one form or another. It involves the collection of knowledge, both local and specialised, from which a well-defined product is created, which is then developed and marketed. Even the most casual observer would have noticed how Nigeria is now one huge ‘untapped market’ for education marketers.

Mr. Iain Stewart, a conservative member of the British parliament, was quoted by a British Council Report published a few years ago as saying that by 2015 the number of Nigerian students studying in British universities will reach 30, 000 and would constitute seven per cent of the entire university student population in the United Kingdom. Stewart went on to say that this is significant and, that Britain should make the most of the opportunity.

The report said: “Calculations are based on a number of factors including the poor quality of Nigerian universities and the rapid growth in the number of families that can afford to send a child overseas to study.” Britain, for one knows this and they did their homework thoroughly. They knew that the growth and prominence of both tourism and education as key industries over the past few decades has led to growing recognition of these sectors from both an economic and social perspective.

It may also be argued that developments in the tourism industry during this time, allied to changes in education, have seen the convergence of these two industries. Education increasingly enables or facilitates travel mobility and learning has become an important part of the contemporary tourist experience.

In this unprecedented global economic time, the Tourism Alliance - comprising 50 Tourism Industry Organisations that together represent some 200,000 businesses of all sizes throughout the UK - highlighted the fact that the UK will be faced with two crucial issues: ‘maintaining employment and generating sustainable economic growth’. This proclamation comes at the same time as the Government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) published its higher education blueprint document - Higher Ambitions.

As is well known, most European countries are passing through difficult economic times with unemployment rate soaring and this framework for universities acknowledges that higher education has been a success story and sets out the important role universities must play in securing the country’s economic recovery and long-term prosperity.

For instance, total spending by international students on all types of course in the UK - from English language to doctoral degrees - was estimated to be a whopping £14 billion with the potential to grow to £21 billion by 2020. The industry is seen as one of the keys for rebuilding the UK economy and for generating employment, especially where it is most needed such as in rural communities or among young school-leavers.

In 2011, inbound tourism revenue grew at over five times the rate of the economy as a whole while domestic tourism revenue ended the year 14 per cent higher than 2010.

In total, this is additional expenditure in the sector of £3.8billion – enough to generate 76,000 new jobs in 2011 alone! Did you get that? We were instrumental in creating jobs for British citizens while we have millions roaming our streets in search of elusive jobs.

The British are a very smart people; they know that as the global landscape changes more students would travel and study abroad, boosting their tourist industries. Not only will friends and family come to visit them while studying, but students are likely to spread the news of their positive tourism experience to other travelers and return for future visits. In essence, they become “brand ambassadors” for Britain to the detriment of their home countries.

Is it only Britain that is cashing in on our woes? Certainly not, our neighbours; Ghana, Benin Republic and Togo are also jubilating wildly because of the failure to get our act together.

Don’t get me wrong, studying abroad undoubtedly has its own merits, including opportunity to attend top-class universities in different cultural settings and, of course, brighter international career opportunities, but what about our home front? Unfortunately, much of the resources of the universities, which should have been used to rectify these anomalies end up as recurrent expenditure – payment of salaries and spending on non-capital projects. The precarious situation is ever bogged down by poor funding as well as ill-conceived, inconsistent and outright failure of government policies. What happens after we milk the cow (Nigeria) dry?

ESSAY CONTEST FOR UNDERGRADS THE Nation CAMPUSLIFE, in collaboration with AfricanLiberty.org and Network for a Free Society, is calling for entries into an essay competition.

Details are as follows: Question: Freedom creates prosperity. It unleashes human talent, invention and innovation, creating wealth where none existed before. Discuss.

Eligibility: All African Students in any tertiary institutions (university, polytechnic, college of education and technical schools) in Africa. The format of the text should be in Microsoft word and not more than 1,500 words.

Interested students can visit www.africanliberty.org for background materials. Note that plagiarism is not allowed; any text or sentences copied from other people works must be indicated in quotation marks and credit must be given at the bottom of the paper to the author. Any entry that contains plagiarised work will be disqualified.

On the first page of the completed essay, please write your full names, department, level of study and name of institution. Also include your email address and mobile phone number. Send your entries to adedayo.thomas@gmail.com Entries will be received between March 6 and June 6, 2014. Late entries will not be accepted. Winners will be announced on July 3 , 2014. All entries will get a free book titled Why Liberty by Tom G. Palmer OR Foundation of a Free Society by Eamonn Butler. Please be sure you include your postal address if different from your school address.

Prizes: 1st - George Ayittey (Platinum Prize): $1,000 and scholarship to 2014 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA)/ASFL at the University of Cape Town Business School, South Africa, from August 14-17, 2014 2nd - Anthony Fisher (Gold Prize): $700 and scholarship to 2014 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA)/ASFL at the University of Cape Town Business School, South Africa, from August 14- 17, 2014 3rd - Derenle Edun (Silver Prize): $500 and scholarship to 2014 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA)/ASFL at University of Cape Town Business School.

South Africa, from August 14- 17, 2014 4th – The Nation CAMPUSLIFE Media Prize (Bronze): $300 and scholarship to 2014 Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA)/ASFL at the University of Cape Town Business School, South Africa, from August 14- 17, 2014.

We also have eight consolation prizes of $50 each.

•The affected section of the Geology Department building

Rainstorm rage at UNIMAID

•Continued from page 29

A section of the roof of the Faculty of Education building was blown off, exposing documents and furniture in lecturers’ offices to the elements. The Department of Geology was worse hit as its roof was blown off.

Abdulwahab Abdulahi, a student, who was in Modibbo Lecture Theatre during the storm, said: “I testified to the greatness of God when trees were uprooted right before my eyes. I have never witnessed such.”

The College of Medical Sciences and Faculty of Pharmacy were not spared by the raging storm. A lecturer, who did not give his name, said: “I was in my office when the storm started. I watched my car being hit by fallen tree branches. When the storm was over, I discovered the car hood was badly damaged.”

At the university staff quarters, tree branches de-

stroyed buildings and vehicles. Electricity poles were uprooted, leaving the campus in darkness after the incident. Power was restored in some areas days after.

At the commercial area and the Ecumenical Centre, shops were reduced to rubbles; many traders lost their goods. When the rainstorm subsided, those who fled returned to meet their shops in ruins. They wore gloomy faces, standing in groups to count their losses.

Some traders wailed on seeing that their investments had gone with the wind. Some were seen salvaging what was left of their goods in the rubbles. A fish trader whose kiosk was destroyed said: “All glory be to God. Though I lost everything but I did not lose my life. I know it will be tough, but I will rise again.”

Students’ fellowship tents around the Ecumenical Centre were blown away. When CAMPUSLIFE visited the site in the evening, students, who always gathered to worship there, were nohwre to be found.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

31

CAMPUS LIFE To polytechnic and college of education students, there is nothing to cheer about 15 years of democratic rule, which was celebrated last week. For 10 months, they have been at home because of their lecturers’ strike.

Some spoke of their agony to OLUWAFEMI OGUNJOBI (Language Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State).

‘Democracy Day our foot’

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AST Thursday, the nation celebrated 15 years of democratic rule. It was a low-key celebration because of the prevailing insecurity in the land.

The 15-minute Democracy Day address by President Goodluck Jonathan underscored that all was not well, given the security challenges facing the nation. Despite the sombre mood, some believed the day called for celebration.

But what does Democracy Day mean to polytechnic and college of education students, who have been away from school for 10 months because of the face-off between the Federal Government and their lecturers?

To the students, there is nothing to cheer about the day. The leaders have done nothing to improve the lot of citizens, they reasoned. The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) accused the government of abandoning polytechnic education, but the government said it has done its best for the lecturers.

While the face-off goes on, the fate of thousands of polytechnic and college of education students hangs in the balance.

Whether Democracy Day is worth celebrating or not does not concern the students; all they want is to go back to school.

• Adegbola Michael

•Inumidun

•Simon Benjamin

Marking Democracy Day while campuses are closed for academics was the height of insensitivity on the part of the government, Michael Adegbola, a Marketing student of The Polytechnic, Ibadan (IBADAN POLY), said.

“What else should have made the Democracy Day memorable if it is not education? It is this education that they have been labouring to kill. If polytechnic students, who are seeking good education, can be held hos-

tage by the government and Supervising Minister of Education, what future does the democracy have in the country?” Michael quizzed.

Rosemary Adedoyin, a student of the Federal Polytechnic in Ede (EDE POLY), Osun State, said: “It is time the government grappled with the realities of good governance and how it affects education. Students have been at home for almost a year, with little or no efforts by the gov-

ernment to re-open our schools. Sincerely, this is bad signal and a shame on our democracy.”

The Federal Government may have been trying its best to end the ASUP strike, but if the efforts have not yielded results, there should be no reason for celebration on Democracy Day, Jennifer Umeh, ND II Mass Communication student of the Federal Polytechnic in Offa (OFFA POLY), Kwara State, said.

“Democracy in Nigeria itself is a sham, Simon Benjamin, a student, said, adding: “Anyone that celebrated is an enemy of democracy because there can be no democracy without education.”

To Folashade Ajayi, a 300-Level student of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, Democracy Day has no meaning because there is no plan for students’ future.

Folashade said the ASUP strike has delayed submission of her project and certificates 10 months after she wrote her final examination.

Inumidun Obisanya, a HND Business Administration student of the EDE POLY, likened the students’ travail to the biblical story of Israelites. He said: “Despite trial of education, it is sad that some people still considered it necessary to celebrate.

Our story is an illustration of the biblical story of waiting for the consolation of Israel.”

Some university students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, believe there was nothing to celebrate about democracy in Nigeria because education has fared badly.

Aderemi Ojekunle, a graduating student of Public Administration of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, said: “What is the state of education in 15 years of so-called democracy in Nigeria? Bad governance and maladministration have ruined the gains we have recorded in the past. I hope politicians find time to wake up the giant of Africa from slumber.”

Rendering free legal services The Lagos State Ministry of Justice collaborated with Nigerian Law School (NLS) students and some legal firms to render free services to some indigent residents at the Pro Bono Week organised by the ministry. UCHE ANICHEBE (Lagos Law School) reports.

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ITH pains and difficulty, they explained their predicaments, one after the other. They are indigent Lagos residents seeking justice but could not afford the lawyers’ fee. Hence, they resigned to fate.

The listeners, students of the Nigerian Law School (Lagos Campus), were moved by their gripping story and promised to help them pro bono (free of charge).

It was during the Law Clinic and Pro bono Week organised by the Lagos Public Interest Law Partnership (LPILP), an arm of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.

The event was held in partnership with Pilnet Global Network for Public Interest Law, Justice Research Institute, Office of the Public Defenders (OPD) and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa.

The event, which was held on the Law School campus, was aimed at promoting a culture of pro bono and public interest law in the country, especially among students.

Prior to the event, the students were shortlisted after writing an examination on human rights, which was followed by an interview. The successful students were assigned to some law firms with bias for public interest law. They were given a task to research on cases, which bordered on infringement on human rights, under the supervision of legal practitioners.

The exercise started at 9am and the clients, with whom the students

had been in touch, legal practitioners and walk-in clients met in cubicles, where they interacted and solutions to the problems of the clients proffered.

The Dining Hall of the Law School was a beehive as several clients, lawyers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on human rights and journalists listened to cases of the indigent residents.

A client, who simply identified himself as Olakunle, said: “I am happy about this programme organised by the government of Lagos State. The students have been calling me since last week and I was able to see them today. They patiently listened to my problem; the lawyer with us explained how to solve it. My car was stolen by robbers, whom I identified later. But the Investigative Police Officer (IPO) refused to do anything about it; instead, he threatened me and told me never to come to the station again. The lawyer assured me that he would write a petition to the ISP and deploy his legal skills to help me recover my car from the robbers.”

Another client, who did not want his name in print, said: “I boarded a commercial transport with my family to Lagos, and because the bus was over loaded, an accident occurred midway, which led to the death of my daughter. My wife sustained terrible injuries. The managers of the transport company never deemed it fit to pay compen-

Some of the law students who participated in the event

•Sessions with the indigent complainants

sation to the passengers, who suffered losses. They have refused to do anything because they think that we are poor men. I am here so that the lawyer can help to bring the case to the fore. I heard that the government is involved in this programme, and that the law chambers that are involved are wellknown. I am hopeful that the lawyers would help me without any fee.”

At the close of student-client interface, the students and lawyers returned to the school auditorium, where a programme on the role of lawyers in bridging the justice gap was taking place. It was moderated by a panel of discussants, who in-

cluded the Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Ayotunde Philips; Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr Ade Ipaye and NLS Deputy Director Mrs Toun Adebiyi.

Others were Adjunct Professor of Columbia University in New York Prof Edwin Rekosh; General Counsel of International Media Networks Mr Roger James and Managing Partner of Simmons Cooper Partners (law firm) Mr Tunde Irukera.

During the discussion, Justice Philips said there should be a policy exempting pro bono lawyers from paying filing fees when they file pro bono cases in court. She said this would encourage pro bono services

in the state.

Prof Rekosh said: “There is no better place to talk about pro bono than in Nigeria, which is the most significant country in Africa. What we need in Nigeria is a new approach to pro bono being that it is a practice that has been in existence for a long time. However, there is at present no structure for its development.

Today, we have seen students and legal practitioners who are enthusiastic about pro bono and this is an indication that, there is hope for the flourishing of pro bono in Nigeria.”

The students interacted with the discussant and asked questions about conflicting areas in law. This was followed by an evening cocktail held in premises.

A student, who participated in the exercise, Evaristus Asuzu, said the exercise was demanding because it involved real life experiences of the people and a legal solution must be offered to solve the problems.

“So far, it has been a rewarding exercise,” he said.

Another student, Richard Abe, said: “With the help of the law firm I am attached, I engaged in alternative dispute resolution, specifically, mediation. I feel fulfilled helping a couple to settle their marital dispute and reaching an agreement on the custody of their three children.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

32

CAMPUS LIFE

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JAMB conducts trial e-test in OFFA POLY

FFICIALS of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have held a sensitisation campaign in Offa, Kwara State to enlighten prospective candidates on its computerbased test.

A trial test was conducted in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY).

Five pupils from selected secondary schools in the community, including Offa Grammar School, St. Claire Anglican Girls’ School, Oyun Baptist High School and Government Secondary School, participated in the trial test.

Zonal Co-ordinator of the Board, Dr Rahimot Oloyede, said five tertiary institutions within the state were selected for the campaign.

S

She said the examination body was phasing out the paper-pencil test (PPT) for the computer-based test (CBT), adding that the campaign was aimed at educating candidates on the modalities of the exercise.

She assured that the CBT would be devoid of server hitches.

One of the participants who recorded the highest score, Damilola Mustapha from Adeola College, said the CBT exam was simple to use.

Present at the exercise were the Registrar of the polytechnic, Alhaji Abdulamid Raji; Admission Officer, Mr Olayinka Iroye and principal officers of the institution.

•The students’ leaders after they were sworn in

#BringBackOurGirls campaign hits AAUA

TUDENTS of the Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko (AAUA) have joined the nationwide campaign to make the government double its efforts in rescuing the abducted schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents.

The students held a rally on the campus, carrying placards to support the campaign.

Presidents of the faculty of Education, Social and Management Sciences, Smith Ikumapayi and Gbenga Olawale, led the protest.

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From Jennifer Umeh OFFA POLY

From Segun Odunayo AAUA One of the protesters, Alex Akinnibosun, a 400-Level student of Economics, said: “It is a proper thing for us to do to show the world that AAUA is also concerned about the abduction of the girls.”

Oladimeji Ayodele, a 400-Level History and International Relations student, said: “We are simply lending our voices to the global rescue efforts to free the abducted girls.”

NANS leaders sworn in

EMBERS of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Zone B have inaugurates newly-elected executive.

The ceremony had students and stakeholders from within and outside the zone in attendance.

The chairman of the inaugural committee, E. E. Zadock, attributed the success of the election to God and the cooperation among members.

He said: “It was God who made everything possible today. That things are moving as planned is not by our own making, members did a whole lot to ensure things went the way they did.”

He praised the Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Bonniface Egboka, for giving the association support.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Prof Chigozie Asiabaka, who was represented by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof M.T. Offor, advised the new executive to be focused and diligent in service delivery, which, according to him, would go a long way in

From Sunny Ibeh Jnr. UNIZIK moving the association to a greater height. The VC urged the students to embrace culture of service.

Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, who was represented by Senior Special Assistant on Youths and Students Matters, Chinedu Obidigwe, urged the students’ leaders to work for students and promote unity.

He affirmed the governor’s readiness to attend to various challenges confronting youths and students in the state.

Members of executive sworn in included Ikechukwu Okorie, coordinator, Richard Ekutu, Deputy co-ordinator and Chuks Okafor, Secretary General.

Others are Chibuzor Pedro, Public Relations Officer, Mercy Ogar, Financial Secretary, Rodny Okwusi, Assistant Financial Secretary, Anietie Inyang, Director of Special Duties, Aliyu Enadamen, Director of External Affairs, Victor Ezenagu, Director of Action and Mobilisation and Paul Eze, Director of Sport.

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Live by example, HOD urges students’ leaders

HE Head of the Department of Business Administration of the Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Dr Timothy Ihinmoyan, has advised students’ leaders in the department to live by example and provide good leadership for their fellow students.

Dr Ihinmoyan, who was represented by Mr Idowu Owoeye, gave the advice at the swearing-in ceremony of the elected officials of the National Association of Business Administration Students (NABAMS).

From Lanre Okulaja AAUA He said: “I enjoin you to exhibit great leadership qualities as students’ leaders. You must be of good conduct and embrace the ethical values, including transparency, probity, honesty and integrity.

These values are sacrosanct to have a successful tenure.”

The incoming president, Ifeoluwa Osanyintuyi, thanked students for electing him, promising to take the association to a greater height. He

solicited for the support of members to actualise his promises.

Other members of the executive included Funmilola Animasaun, Vice-President, Taiwo Otiko, General Secretary, Oluwatobi Olufodun, Treasurer, Opeyemi Akinyode, Sport Director, Oluwakemi Akinmoju, Social Director, Babatunde Akindeji, Welfare Director, Bukola Ojodun, Financial Secretary, Tope Ologunore, Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Arogbokun, Librarian and Idowu Akinyosoye, Assistant General Secretary.

‘Create special funds for young entrepreneurs’ ORMER Minister of Sports, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, has urged the Federal Government to create a special fund for young entrepreneurs to boost the economy. He said the youth should be trained on how to use the funds judiciously.

Abdullahi said the move would address the problem of unemployment in the country.

He stated this while delivering a paper at the annual public lecture of the Association of Business and Social Sciences Students (ABSSS), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), with the theme: Menace of youth unemployment in Nigeria: Is there really no way out?

He said: “For us to tackle the menace of unemployment, we must tackle the problem of lack of fund for entrepreneurship. This is why the Federal Government should create a special fund to be dedicated for young entrepreneurs.’’

He lamented the growing rate of

F

From Hameed Muritala UNILORIN unemployment, advising students to embrace vocational and entrepreneurial skills. This, according to him, would solve unemployment riddle.

The ex-Minister encouraged students to identify and develop their unique ability to help them overcome poverty, stressing that the youth have responsibilities to make their lives better.

“You have to take responsibilities for your live and don’t look for excuses. I know what poverty means because I grew up with it. I worked as a bus conductor in Ilorin to see myself through school. We must stop pretending about our problems,” he said.

He decried the poor system of education in the country, saying that it failed to adequately train the students to meet the market requirements.

Abdullahi noted that 80 per cent of students are in the higher institutions not because they felt the conscious need, but because they considered it as the next thing in their lives after secondary education.

He said that the essence of going to school was for students to become change agents and contribute to the growth of the society.

Sub-Dean, Students’ Affairs Unit, Dr Abdulraheem Yusuf, said the country was faced with the problem of corruption that must first be addressed for the issue of unemployment to be tackled.

He said: “Youth of this generation now face new challenges that require new thinking with various opportunities that they must be harnessed.’’

The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of award of leadership excellence to Abdullahi, ViceChancellor, Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali and a lecturer in the department of Political Science, Prof Mojeed Alabi.

Free medicare for Jos residents

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•One of the students checking the blood pressure of a resident during the event.

E were all excited and the atmosphere was encouraging as we met our colleagues from different universities.” These were the words of Faith Ogbena, Music Director of National Fellowship of Christian Pharmacy Students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) during the just concluded 21st Annual National Convention of the National Fellowship of Christian Pharmacy Students held at the University of Jos, Plateau State.

The event was attended by Prof Israel Ogboru, a lecturer in the department of Economics, Adeniyi Emmanuella, Superintendent Pharmacist and Managing Director of Micony Pharmacy Limited,

From Ezekiel Efeobhokhan UNIBEN amongst others.

Highlights of the programme included medical outreaches to villages, free distribution of drugs to sick residents and medical counselling.

The event also witnessed a picnic held behind the institution’s chaplaincy.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, National Secretary-General, Ezekiel Akinola, said: “The convention was a huge success and we give God the praise. For all schools that were represented, it was the best of time for everyone. I wish the next hosting school greater grace.”

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

Innoson donates hall to ESUT •PAGE 35

Shelter for Enugu residents •PAGE 36

PAGE 33

Robbery survivor builds parsonage •PAGE 36

•Madam Maryann expressing her joy

Succour for the needy in Anambra

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OST of them are aged and weak, others poor and lonely. An organisation, Amazing Grace Foundation, has lifted them out of their despair.

The beneficiaries hail from various communities in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. Their benefactor is Mrs Ifeyinwa Obegolu, a lawyer and founder of Amazing Grace.

What did she give to the needy women? They got bags of rice, beans, tomatoes, clothing and toiletries, among others.

What inspired her? Obegolu told the Nation that she felt obliged to reach out to the old women and widows because they are often long neglected and abandoned.

Most of the women are aged over 70 years, others widows.

The communities whose indigent ones shared the foundation’s goodies are Obeledu, Adazi-Ani and Adazi Nnukwu, among others.

The foundation which began in 2012 has reached out to people in Oyo, Abuja, Osun, Anambra; it has

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

branches in 18 local government areas in the country.

The foundation also takes care of victims of family violence and the physically challenged, and is funded by embassies, individuals and corporate organisations.

Also, the foundation has 1,850 persons in the communities in Anambra but according to its founder, those people could not be accommodated in the first phase of the outreach; only 250 old people have been reached this time, while the second phase will take off come anytime soon.

Ninety-three-year-old Maryann Obiachusi told the Nation that it was the first time she was benefitting from such gesture.

The foundation also has a committee in each of the communities, that determines those who need help.

Obegolu said she studied how to take care of the aged in the United States of America, adding that in Nigeria, old people are not taken

‘The foundation, which began in 2012, has reached out to people in Oyo, Abuja, Osun, Anambra; it has branches in 18 local government areas in the country. It also takes care of victims of family violence and the physically challenged’ care of the way it happens overseas.

The aged, widows and the less privileged who gathered at Obeledu to receive some of the items were prayed for by the parish priest of Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in the area, Fr. Ephraim Udoye and Anthony Mbonu.

Not only that the people were

given items including foods, the Nigeria Bar Association in Anaocha Local Government Area, led by Mr Chris Adimora, a lawyer, pledged to render free legal service to them.

The NBA branch also gave financial assistance to the people to compliment the efforts of the foundation.

Again, the chairman of the local

government Area, Ikeobi Ejiofor, told the people that the Council Area under his leadership provides walking aids for the Amazing Grace Foundation.

He also said that the council will equally give support to the foundation, adding that Obegolu had been known for doing such a thing for a long time, not only in the area but throughout the country.

Mrs. Rebecca Onwuegbusi, a 71year-old bed-ridden woman, prayed that only God will reward the founder of the foundation.

For 88-year-old Regina Onyeme, who sat on the chair dancing and praising God for the gesture, told the Nation that the foundation has brought peace in their communities.

Some of the beneficiaries have one ailment or the other, and some were ferried to the ground where the gifts were shared by their relatives.

Seventy-eight-year-old Jude •Continued on page 34

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

34

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT Like former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, he is simply Mr Okey Ezeh. And like Obi, he is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the vehicle with which he wants to drive into the Government House, Owerri, Imo State. Ezeh, the Chief Executive of a Lagos-based firm and Okechukwu Theodore Ezeh Foundation, speaks on his quest to govern Imo, philanthropy, among other issues, in this interview with OLUKOREDE YISHAU. Excerpts:

‘If you look at the demography of Imo, you would find that it’s an agrarian state. Nigeria is an agrarian country. Anybody that says he has the magic wand for development and does not include agriculture is just dreaming. If we were to get power in Imo State by the grace of God come May 29, we would go back to our agrarian roots’

‘Why I want to govern Imo’ W

HY are you in politics?

It is something that came about because of the little experiment we had done, in what we call “tokenism”. When I left University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1991, I happened to be a product of the graduate recruitment system, which was in place at that point in time and it used to be that if you can make 1st class or a 2.1, you can go to the Guidance and Counseling department and companies such as Citi Bank, Lever Brothers, UAC and the rest would employ you… If you look at a state like Imo, for instance, it is just a typical state in Nigeria and it is like a microcosm of the whole country if you talk about unemployment trap . Now you see tens of thousands of young people working the streets daily, with no future, no hope, no means of sustenance and at the end of the day, you are telling them that they are the leaders of tomorrow and they begin to wonder what kind of slogan that is and some of them have formal education, degrees, diplomas and they are all roaming all over the place.

So, my mission is simple, we think things can be done differently, we think the time has come for a thorough breed professional who has record of personal achievements, professional pedigree, who has antecedence you can quantify to lay claims to the reign of government. If you look around the world , young people are in charge. We don’t have to go far; if you look at all the states that have made progress in Nigeria under the current dispensation, they are led by young people with professional pedigree. These are people who are conversant with global best practices in governance.

Governor Rochas Okorocha is known to be spending his first term

•Ezeh

in the office. He has not declared that he will seek second term but there are possibilities he would.

What are the things he is doing now that you will do differently?

Let me start by saying that the issue should not even be whether Rochas Okorocha should be talking about a second term. And why do I say this? It is because it is high time we started taking people by their words in Nigeria. Politics shouldn’t just be about experience. All over the world in countries that are serious, leaders should be accountable for what they say and do. When Rochas came into government or before he came into office, one of the first things he said was that he was stooping to become the governor of Imo State. As a matter of fact, he said he ought to be the president of Nigeria, that he came second to the late Yar’Adua during the primaries and that he already thought he

was above that level. He said he was on a rescue mission. We all know what a rescue mission is, we know the most famous rescue mission in the world. We know where it was done and it wasn’t in Europe after the World War II. Rescue missions are supposed to be short-lived. In Uganda, it lasted 90 minutes. In Imo, it is three years and counting. So, he shouldn’t be talking about a rescue mission and be talking about a second term. Moreover, we have not seen the Marshal Plan that he has.

We just hear about the rescue mission like a slogan. So, the question shouldn’t be if Rochas should run for second term. He has a bond with the people, he wasn’t under any inducement to make that commitment but he looked the people in the face and said ‘I don’t want to be your governor but if things are in such a sorry situation I can just come in and rescue’. So, four years for a rescue is

good enough; so, anything longer than that is no longer a rescue but an occupation mission.

So, what is your Marshal Plan for Imo? If you look at the demography of Imo, you would find that it’s an agrarian state. Nigeria is an agrarian country. Anybody that says he has the magic wand for development and does not include agriculture is just dreaming. If we were to get power in Imo State by the grace of God come May 29, we would go back to our agrarian roots. We have lots of young people who are looking for jobs; we are going to bring back the farm settlements in Imo State like in the east during the Michael Okpara days. Agro-based industrialisation, that is our plan for Imo State. Imo has a young ,vibrant and educated workforce. All we need to do is to harness this workforce and polish it and chan-

nel them to that sector. We will provide opportunities for young people. The thing that most people neglect is that it is not rocket science to come about development.

Even if you do have some revolutionary ideas, you can actually get you results by doing the basic things. I can tell that if you have accountable people, people who have conscience , such people if you give them governance, we can actually make progress. They may not be rocket scientists, because vast majority of our resources are not used to serve the people. They are used for white elephant projects. Let’s cut out the politics, let’ go down to the art of business like empowering people and also having the resources work for the people using the best talents to re-engineer things. If we start with those basics, we would have gotten to 50 per cent of our destination.

Don’t you think you are talking like this because you are not there?

As a matter of fact, you cannot plant an apple and harvest lemon.

The problem with people not delivering on promises is that we have not gotten to the level where we hold our political actors to a very high standard. Remember I talked about credibility when we started; if somebody makes a pronouncement, that person should be held accountable. If people are electing leaders, or considering some people in sensitive offices, we must look at their pedigree, where they have been. How have they fared with their private life, for instance? That is why we are looking for self-made men, people who have succeeded in their private lives as well as other spheres, who have had some level of accomplishment. They are not political jobbers. They are not people who are propelled by political godfathers; they are men of conviction with principles. If imo people understand that there is a young man who fits into this field and he is coming to ask them to give him the opportunity to serve them, to reposition the state, I am sure they will be in a good position to say that scenario is not going to happen.

Have you taken time to know what the state needs?

It is a systematic thin. For instance, if you go to the Ministry of Finance in Owerri tomorrow and say to •Continued on page 40

Succour for the needy in Anambra •Continued from page 33 Amaduche, who found it difficult to speak because of the joy, said that he would talk another day on the issue.

They celebrated not only with the items by the foundation, they were equally hosted by Rev. Sister Marian Patrick Nwankwo with a gigantic cake.

Speaking with the Nation Mrs. Obegolu said that when the initiative came to her, she took it to the then President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who refused to listen to her.

Instead, she was chased out of the government House by the military men, this according to her, made her to take the battle to God. The work of the foundation Obegolu said had been speaking for itself since it began two years ago while it took off in Anambra in 2013.

She said that the foundation takes care of women being maltreated by hoodlums, while it has

‘I began this outreach because Nigeria has not done anything for the old people or taken care of them but abroad, the government will put them in a home and be caring for them and this exactly what to do in Nigeria’ call centres all over the place for contacts.

According to her, “I began this outreach because Nigeria has not done anything for the old people or taken care of them but abroad, the government will put them in a home and be caring for them and this exactly what to do in Nigeria” Obegolu said.

The foundation, the Nation gathered has six medical Doctors that take care of the old persons in

Abuja and the same thing has been planned for the ones in Anambra and other states.

“It is founded in convenant with God and man which means anybody who short changes the sick, the aged, widows and the needy must surely get his or her repercussion”.

The foundation, she said preaches forgiveness, adding that every medical treatment for the people are free including the dispensation of drugs.

•Amazing Grace Foundation committee members

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Innoson donates hall to ESUT

Imo, three years after From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

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D

AYS like that are rare at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). For the first time in its life, the university was receiving an edifice built and donated by an individual.

The Chief Executive of Innoson Group of Companies, Chief Innocent Chukwuma handed over the structure to the university, a multi-million naira bock built for the General Studies department of the institution. Chukwuma, who is a beneficiary of an honorary doctorate degree from the university, made the promise of building the edifice in 2011.

Last week he handed the building to the university. At the occasion, Chukwuma said: “It is a promise I made to the university. Thank God that the promise I made in 2011has been fulfilled today.”

Chukwuma said the gesture towards the university has not ended with the building of the General Studies building.

“This is the beginning of the many things I will do for the university. I am happy that the students will now study under good atmosphere devoid of hassles.”

The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Cyprian Onyishi could not hide his joy as he told the audience comprising of staff, lecturers and members of the public that for the first time “we are having a building through an individual.”

Onyishi said that he was very proud to be associated with Chukwuma, adding: “There are very few of his kind in Nigeria.

He has done a lot for humanity.

In terms of employment, he has touched so many homes. Chief Chukwuma has made significant contributions to industry in Nigeria.”

•Umeh cutting the tape flanked by Chukwuma (left) and Onyishi (right)

‘This is the beginning of the many things I will do for the university. I am happy that the students will now study under good atmosphere devoid of hassles’ •The donated building From Chris Oji, Enugu

While thanking him for the gesture, Onyishi said the building would go a long way in immortalising Chukwuma whom he said “had extended such gestures to other institutions of higher learning.”

The national chairman of All Progressives Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh who chaired

the occasion and cut the tape, described Chukwuma as one shining star in a million.

He praised the businessman for his kindness, urging him not to relent in giving back to the society the blessings given to him

by God. Umeh expressed optimism that the GS building would go a long way in improving the quality of education in the university.

•Some wrappers for the widows and aged

“One thing is certain, all the students who will pass through this university must study under this roof because the General Studies is compulsory in all universities,” Umeh posited.

He enjoined both the lecturers at the general studies department of the university and the students to take advantage of the building and provisions there to enhance their knowledge.

HREE years after he was elected governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha stood before the people and presented his scorecard. The crowd seemed to like it, some climbing over others to catch a glimpse of their governor.

Accompanied by his Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere, his wife Nneoma, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Benjamin Uwajumogu, members of the Executive Council, Okorocha gave his audience an in-depth account of his ‘Rescue Mission Agenda’ which he initiated on assumption of office.

As early as 7.30 in the morning Imo residents across all political and social divide had converged at the newly built International Conference Centre, where they waited patiently for several hours to hear what the governor had to say, most importantly if he was going to recontest.

Appearing later, the governor, clad in a white safari, had a hectic time wading through the charged crowd as he stopped to acknowledge greetings from various groups who competed to be noticed.

Speaking in an emotion-laden voice; the Imo Governor recalled the circumstances that brought him to power in 2011 describing it as “unusual circumstances”.

He said that his emergence was made possible by the poor masses of the State who were yearning for a godly leader to deliver them from the evil leadership of the past.

The governor said, “I took an oath to touch the lives of the people of my state with the help of God; and I do what I do not for monetary gain nor to be re-elected but to have my name written in the history of the state as a leader who had great impact on the lives of the people and development of Imo State. I remain indebted to you”.

He explained that the state in the last three years had received the sum of N168,495.00 billion as statutory allocation from the Federal Government, which he said was prudently managed to fund the free education programme from primary to university level as well as provided the much needed dividends of democracy to Imo people.

Okorocha who was intermittently interrupted by thunderous ovations from the crowd, pointed out that his administration was able to record the unprecedented achievements within the short period due to sacrifices made by him and members of his team.

He said, “the first thing I did after I was sworn-in as Governor was to forfeit my security vote, which was over N2 billion annually so that we can fund the free education programme and other development projects. I did all that because I believe that you have no business in leadership if you can’t make sacrifices.

“Another thing I did that brought us this far was to get a four-year budget from the state House of Assembly which allowed to implement a four year action plan without running into any kind of hitches.

“Again, because I was in a hurry to develop the state, we shelved what people call due process, which in the actual sense is an enhanced form of corruption that slows down and frustrates development projects. We also blocked all loopholes where public funds were previously siphoned and this helped us to save a lot of money for capital projects”.

The governor listed some of the achievements made within three years in office to include; over •Continued on page ??

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Imo, three years after •Continued from page ??

1,000km asphalted rural roads, construction and dualisation of city roads, construction of five inland bridges to link the old and new Owerri and the reconstruction of the Government House.

Others were the construction of Owerri City School, 305 primary school buildings in the rural areas and the degree awarding College of Health Technology at Orlu, the Odenigbo Guest House, Akachi Towers, the Imo European University, Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies, 27 new General Hospitals, Young Scientist College, and the Centenary Towers, among others.

He added further that the state government has transformed Okigwe and Orlu into new cities as well as developed more new cities to make Imo a one-city State.

The governor maintained that one of the greatest achievements of his administration was the establishment of the Community Government Council (CGC) which he said will unlock the hidden potentials in the rural communities.

He pointed out that with the cooperation of all security agencies in the state, kidnapping and other criminal activities have reduced drastically, adding that the daily 12 noon prayer has attracted the presence of God to make these achievements possible.

On whether he was to contest for second term as governor or run for the presidential position under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, the governor declared that his decision would depend on the wishes of the masses in both the state and in the nation.

He re-stated that he has no intentions of leaving APC as alleged by the opposition and urged Nigerians to continue to support the Party that assures needed changes in Nigerian leadership.

In his speech, the Deputy Governor said that the Okorocha’s administration had delivered beyond its campaign promises, adding that the achievements recorded within the last three years was a mockery of the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) 12 years administration in the state.

He said, “Today I can beat my chest and walk tall in the state because the Rescue Mission Agenda is a huge success, which had returned the state to the part of greatness. Governor Okorocha had broken the enviable records set by late Dee Sam Mbakwe just under three years. It sounds impossible that over 1000 projects were initiated by this administration and almost all of them are completed”.

In his contribution, the Speaker commended Governor Okorocha for the giant strides made within the three years of his administration, attributing it to the cooperation and cordial relationship that existed between the Legislature and the Executive.

He thanked Imo people for making the needed sacrifice to ensure that Imo is put on the part of progress, while appealing to all the political parties in the State to work towards the common good of the Imo masses, as he assured the continuous support of the Legislators.

The Speaker also enjoined the governor to consider a secondterm bid in order to consolidate on the achievements made in the areas of free education and infrastructural transformation of the State, adding that, “the reward for good work is more work”.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. Theodore Ekechi, hailed Okorocha’s prudent

•Okorocha

‘The people of the state indeed have something to celebrate because this administration has done so much to deliver the dividends of democracy.

Even though the government is not making noise about its achievements, the evidence is there; the projects are verifiable unlike during the PDP era when projects only existed on billboards, pages of newspapers and the internet’ management of the state resources, which he said had been deployed to better the lot of the poor masses of the state.

Ekechi pointed out that most of the critical projects including the inland bridges were executed at a far lesser amount than what was obtained during the PDP administration.

He said, “the people of the state indeed have something to celebrate because this administration has done so much to deliver the dividends of democracy, even though the government is not making noise about its achievements, the evidence are there, the projects are verifiable unlike during the PDP era when projects only existed on billboards, pages of newspapers and internet”.

An octogenarian, Sir Michael Emelumba, who was at the conference centre, declared that, “since after the administration of Mbakwe, this is the only time Imo State is having a responsible government.

I came out today to show support for the Rescue Mission Agenda, which had woken the patriotic spirit in all of us.

“What has happened in Imo State in the last three years has justified the people’s decision to throw out the PDP’s administration, which had mismanaged the state resources for 12 years. I and other likeminded senior citizens are urging the Governor to seek reelection to consolidate on his achievements”.

Present at the occasion were national leaders of the APC including, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Alhaji Bello Masari, Chief Audu Ogbe, Chief Tom Ikimi, Chief Timipre Sylva, Chief Lawal and APC National Women Leader, Sharon Ikeazu.

•Chime cutting the tape to launch the new estate

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HERE is one more thing to cheer in Enugu State: shelter.

The state government has continued to make steady progress in the implementation of its four point agenda a road map produced to guide it in the committed efforts to serve the people of the state better.

Apart from roads and urban beautification, one other area the administration of Governor Sullivan Chime has made a difference in the provision of affordable houses for residents of the state.

Chime commissioned the 384 flat Maryland Estate in Enugu comprising two and three bed rooms built by the State Housing Development Corporation. The estate is for low income and middle level workers in the state. It consists of 324 two bedroom and 60 three bedroom.

The Maryland Estate is one among the many estates developed and being developed in Enugu to meet the demand for shelter from Enugu residents. The administration had developed such estates like the Coal City Garden, Greenland and Ekulu East, popularly known as Zoo estates. The Palm Beach Estate, near Nsukka is almost coming to completion and it was the first suburban estate. The buildings included thirty and fifty units of self contained bungalows.

•The estate

Shelter for Enugu residents From Chris Oji, Enugu

And in line with the governor’s determination to provide affordable and decent accommodation to workers in the state, the state government had approved a N2 billion loan offer from the Federal Mortgage Bank for the development of the Enugu State Workers Estate at Ogbeke Nike, Enugu East local government area.

The project which will be executed by two Estate developers, Ceebt World Development and Kayllods Limited, will consist of two bedroom, 3-bedroom bungalow, 4-bedroom duplex and 2-bedroom block of flats.

The Maryland Estate was started by the administration of former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani but the project was abandoned by the same administration after putting up only two blocks. Nnamani christened the estate Loma Linda after his school in the United States. But upon taking over the completion of the estate, Governor Chime returned its original name of Maryland.

Chime while commissioning the

‘I am delighted to commission one project that is so dear to our heart, in fulfillment of our part of obligations to our people. We are here essentially here today to commission this laudable project which was commenced by the past administration’ Maryland Estate has this to say: “I am delighted to be here to commission one project that is so dear to our heart, in fulfillment of our part of obligations to our people.

We are here essentially here today to commission this laudable project which was commenced by the past administration. We have been attacked severally for abandoning projects started by the past administration.

“I believe all those attacking us will today realise that it has been long all these while, that it has been the policy of this administration to

continue with projects that will endure to the benefit of the people of Enugu state, “When we came in, we saw a project that was started, although no serious effort had been put in to realise that project. The contract was then awarded to a not too serious contractor. The whole concept of it was wrong. And we took it over, and today, we have this to show for our efforts.

“The same thing happened at the Ekulu East Estate, popularly known as Zoo Estate. That was what happened there. We came newly, we

met a beautifully conceived estate but the machinery that was put in place to build the estate was so poorly executed. What was intended for that estate was not fully realised. We took it over. People who were given free plots, who were not actually intending to develop those plots; we have to revoke and distribute them to more serious people who immediately developed that place.

“If you go there, it is about the best estate we have, not just in Enugu but in the country. So in developing estate, it has to go with passion and you must be serious about it. It is not just about dashing people or giving people plots. If you want to develop an estate for the use and benefit of our people, you have to do so seriously.”

He poured encomiums on the the managing director of the Enugu Housing Development Corporation saying: :We want to thank the Managing Director of the Enugu Housing Corporation, Ikeji Asogwa, who had already told us what we have been able to do in the past two years. I will not repeat them. All the accolades that we have in the housing sector, we can easily say thanks to you. You have been a shining star. You have shown that your appointment was not a mistake. If given the oppor-

tunity, I will appoint you a million times over.”

He expressed hope that the incoming administration would “continue in this aspect to ensure that our people are fully accommodated. In Enugu we have this policy of not saying no to any application for land. Some people, when they get their approvals for land, they will say thank you. They believe it is a right. We all have a right to own land in Enugu if you can afford it. So a matter of policy, we have been giving approvals, but the problem has been availability of land.

“But recently, we have been able to earmark a place to be able to meet the demand for lands. All the efforts we made in the past, once upon a time, we acquired some thousands of hectares of lads to meet the demand of our people in respect of lands. But one big project took it over. We have recently also, dezoned an area and in a very short while, we should we should be able to meet all the demands of already approved applications for land to ensure that our people explain themselves and do what they want to do. But at the same time, I encourage the Housing Corporation in this area of developing, and letting people buy developed properties.”

‘We have been able to earmark a place to be able to meet the demand for lands. Once upon a time, we acquired some thousands of hectares of lads to meet the demand of our people in respect of lands.

But one big project took it over. We have recently also dezoned an area and in a very short while, we should we should be able to meet all the demands of already approved applications for land to ensure that our people explain themselves and do what they want to do’ Also speaking at the occasion, the state commissioner for Housing, Mr. Victor Okolo said th intention of the government was to ensure that the teeming people of Enugu state can say at least, ‘we can have a roof of our own.”

He said the essential thing about Enugu was that Enugu had been the capital of everything viz the capital of the Southern Protectorates, capital of Eastern Region, capital of East Central state, Capital of aol Anambra state and Old Enugu state regretting: “And our people, the indigenes of this state kept catching up, but not as fast our colleagues who were there before us.”

According to him, the situation made it that “most of our people are still under other peoples roof.”

Enugu community cries out over T vigilance group HE Neighbourhood Watch of an Enugu State community is under intense scrutiny following allegations of victimisation levelled against the outfit, a development that has shaken up the entire community.

The vigilance outfit, Aji Community Neighbourhood Watch in Igboeze North Local Government Area has been accused of masterminding the killing of some innocent citizens of the Aji community “purely on the grounds of vendetta and not on grounds of commission of any crime.”

As a result of a petition to the Inspector-General of Police by a section of the community, men from the Force Headquarters Abuja, penultimate week stormed Aji and whisked away the chairman of the Aji Community Neighbourhood Watch and two others believed to have been masterminds of the series of killings that bedevilled the community in the past three months.

In the month of March 2014, the Aji Community witnessed the assassination of two persons named Oforma

‘Our sons are being killed under mysterious circumstances. The killings were as a result of the dissolution of the previous vigilance group: we lost three of our young men last year and again two of them have also been killed recently.

Before this crisis, Aji community has been relatively peaceful’ From Chris Oji, Enugu

Itodo four days after he buried his mother and Obinna Onoja one week later.

It was learnt that prior to the death of Itodo, he raised an alarm in a written petition to the Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar over

a threat to his life in which the I-G, in turn, forwarded the petition to the Enugu State Police Commissioner for prompt investigation.

Narrating to our correspondent on the alleged killings in Aji, a source from the community who pleaded anonymity for security reasons, said Obinna Onoja was gruesomely killed

by the Aji Neighbourhood Watch after alleging that he stole some undisclosed items from the compound of a top Enugu State Government official.

The source narrated: “Before the Enugu State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) could arrive in the scene where Obinna Onoja was killed, the Neighbourhood Watch group tortured him severely, using axe and machetes to chop off his toes.”

While confirming that his group arrested Obinna Onoja over some criminal activities in the community for interrogation, the Chairman of Aji Neighbourhood Watch, Mr. Joseph Azegba denied their involvement in his death, adding that they only interrogated him after which he was handed over to the police for further questioning.

“We did not kill Obinna Onoja.

We only contacted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Igbo-Eze North and the SARS and handed him over for further investigation into his case,” he said.

•Aji women protest

In the case of Oforma Itodo who was also allegedly killed by the same Aji Neighbourhood Watch few days after burying his mother, a family member who narrated the act, said they were about 50 who stormed their compound with axe, guns and machetes and refused to listen to appeals made

by those who were still mourning.

He said: “The assailants went straight for Oforma who was carrying his little baby and started assaulting him after which they dragged him out of the compound to an undisclosed location where they butchered him and abandoned his lifeless body.

“We are still in the dark over the barbaric act of the vigilance group.

This is why we decided to petition the Inspector-General of Police to help us unravel the reason behind their actions and bring to book the killers of our •Continued on page 39

Group backs Orji’s power shift plan From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

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O one knows who will succeed Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, but there is no doubt as to where he will want the successor to come from: the Ukwa-Ngwa axis.

To boot, a group, the Association of Former Special Assistants to the governor has hailed their erstwhile principal for insisting that power move to the zone.

The former aides drawn from Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South and Osisoma Ngwa council areas said Orji’s powershift plan is the best for the state.

Chairman of the group, Hon. Obinna Nwachukwu, speaking at a general meeting of the group at Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area described Gov. Orji as a detribalized leader whose sense for justice and peace is unequalled.

“We, the Former Special Assistants for Gov. Theodore Orji, 2011 Batch, commend the governor for insisting that power will shift to Ukwa/Ngwa zone in 2015.We salute his courage because he succeeded where others feared to tread. This is something the Ukwa/Ngwa people has fought for with guns and machete over the years but could not succeed. We are grateful to Gov. Theodore Orji for giving it to Ukwa/ Ngwa people free of charge. He is leader who is greatly concerned about the peaceful co-existence of component units of the state.”

Nwachukwu said that the group also commended the governor for his empowerment and skill acquisition programmes which it said have brought succor to the people of the state.

“A certain administration in Abia State empowered people with wheel barrows and shovels during its tenure but Gov. Theodore Orji has been given out cars and buses to empower the people and make them truly self reliant. We have lost count of bungalows built by the First Lady, Chief Mrs Mercy Orji for the less privileged people across the state. We also commend the efforts of the leader of the youths in the state, Engr.

Chinedum Orji for his love for the youths of the state.

He added that they were set to throw their support behind any governorship aspirant who gets Gov. Orji’s blessings as such person would continue with the legacy projects of the present administration.

In their separate speeches at the meeting, Mrs Rose Onuiri and Mr. Emeka Ikenyi who hails from Isiala Ngwa South and Isiala Ngwa North local councils respectively described the senatorial ambition of the governor as worthwhile as they stated that it was going to attract more democratic dividend to the people of the state.

They further disclosed that the group had begun the mobilizing the people of Abia Central zone for Gov. Orji if he accepts the calls to run for the senate in 2015.

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Robbery survivor builds parsonage

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WICE he faced men of the underworld, and twice he survived. So what better way to say thank you to God than building a parsonage and handing it over to Him. That was exactly what Mr Aham Uko did.

On the day of the dedication, Uko gathered his family and friends and they rejoiced in the grace of God. He built a parsonage for his local church in Nkwoegwu in Ohuhu clan of Umuahia North council area of Abia state to thank God for saving his life in two armed robbery attacks some years ago.

Uko said he had every reason to thank God because surviving two armed attacks is not common.

“It was obvious that my end was near, but God who is the giver of life said no, that it is not my time to die yet,” he said.

He said that maybe God wanted him to be alive to teach him a lesson since he had not been paying his tithe in the church for many years. After calculating the tithe he decided to pay it by building the parsonage, and also to thank God for His numerous mercies for him and his entire family.

Uko gave a testimony of all his travails in the church during the dedication and handing over of the building.

“Two things prompted me to do something for the Lord,” he said.

“In 2007, as a Regional Director of UBA, two vehicles, Prado Jeep and Honda Accord, were given to me by my employers. I used the cars only on Sundays as I had other cars.

One day, I was returning from the airport and stopped to do some shopping at Psychiatric Road in Port Harcourt. It was about 7 pm.

“After shopping and I was about to enter the Jeep, two people standing around there held me up with AK-47 rifles and ordered me into the back seat with the one holding the gun to my head while the other took over the steering.

“The driver asked me in Igbo language if the car will stop on the road. I then responded in Igbo, telling him, “My brother, how can such a car stop, that it was loaded with

•Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Aba, Most Rev. Ikechi Nwosu (left) dedicating the parsonage at St. Michael's Anglican Church, Nkwegwu. With him are, from right, Governor Theodore Orji; Sir Ahamefula Uko and his wife Lady Ugonma Uko in Umuahia

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

fuel.

“When the car veered off Psychiatric Road, the one at the back with me, holding the gun, collected all I had on me, including cell phones, wristwatch and cash.

“After that, the driver asked me what else was in the car, and I told him that there was N300,000 in the pigeonhole. He asked me what again, I told him that office computer was in the boot as well as a car DVD I wanted to install in my car.

“After about five minutes, the driver told the one with the gun to allow me to go. The one with the gun said no, that they have to finish me off and asked the driver why I must be allowed to go.

“An argument ensued between them and I pleaded with them that I am an only son. The driver started quarrelling with the one sitting with me and after about five minutes, he

‘After about five minutes, the driver told the one with the gun to allow me to go. The one with the gun said no, that they have to finish me off and asked the driver why I must be allowed to go’ asked my companion to allow me to go, telling him that I was a gentleman. The man with me had bloodshot eyes.

“After the argument, I told the driver in Igbo language not to argue with him. He then stopped and parked and a Hiace bus that had been moving before us stopped also.

After a while he moved and the bus in front later stopped with a man in caftan coming towards us.

It dawned on me that the men were four. The man in caftan consulted with the driver in a low tone, while

I was praying to God silently and after about two minutes, he said “allow him to go”.

“The one with me did not find this order comfortable. He ordered me to pull of my shoes, my shirt, trousers and pants before allowing me to go naked. The first person and the second one I saw ran way on sighting me as I shouted that I was not mad, but a victim of armed robbery.

“A short man, fair in complexion, clad with a wrapper and clutching a bible in one hand, did not run away when he sighted me. I told

Ebonyi community tense over mining •Minister, DSS, CP petitioned

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INING lead has brought more than joy to the community. Blood and tears have also come with it.

There is appreciable tension in Umuobii Ekka community in Ebonyi State following the stoppage of work at a lead mining site in the village by some angry youths protesting discrimination, neglect and violation of their rights.

Some stakeholders allegedly sent thugs to disperse the youths to enable the miners resume their business but the community would rather the youths’ demands were addressed.

The community petitioned the Minister for Mining and Steel Development through the mining officer in Abakaliki, and the traditional ruler of Ekka community calling for a review of agreement entered into before the mining started.

Umuobii Ekka Development Union in a petition to the Minister, the police and the State Security Service (SSS) signed by the chairman of the community,

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

Nwaka Felix and the youth president, Nworie Sunday, said only their intervention could save the situation.

They appealed to the minister in a petition entitled “Report of violation and discrimination of our rights,” lamenting that they have been assaulted, humiliated and dehumanised even in their own land since mining of lead for commercial use started there.

The petition reads: ‘We, the people of Umuobii wish to express our grief and neglect based on how we are being treated since the issue of mining project came up.

We have been humiliated, assaulted and dehumanised. The kind of discrimination bestowed on us has intoxication and difficulties which is the arrangement and plans of the stake holder and our traditional rule in particular.

“Therefore, the initial arrangement before commencement of the work was violated and abandoned which brought about this informa-

‘The initial arrangement before commencement of the work was violated and abandoned which brought about this information.

There was no proper negotiation between the host village and the community at large; we have never being given official consultation or called for dialogue’ tion. There was no proper negotiation between the host village and the community at large, we have never being given official consultation or called for dialogue. Besides, the strategic way they put the project made it to have the tendency of individual interest, which the village disagreed with, for its incompatibility, inducement, and of undue influence which might lead to oppositions.

“And the people of Umuobii have such perception and decided

to disagree with such inhuman arrangement as it lacked mutual coexistence, no compromise, no consensus and iota of relationship of trust between the host village and stake-holders.

Umuobii people lamented that they were not carried along and were disengaged by the stakeholders during the negotiation of agreement between the mining team and the community when •Continued on page 40

him that I was not mad, but a victim of robbery.

“The man said the place is dangerous and offered me the wrapper to tie around my waist, stating that he was going for a night vigil and had only N50 with him. He offered me his slippers, but my feet could not entre it. So I gave it back to him and walked barefoot. He then took me to his house and found one large shirt and trouser which couldn’t button well, as well as slippers.

“The man searched his house and could only find N200 and which was not enough to transport me home.

He said he will take me to the road and put me in a taxi that will take me home.

“Once we reached the main road, the first taxi he flagged down stopped and was told what happened, and he offered to take me home free of charge.

“On reaching home, after severe searching, I could not find a small piece of paper on which the man who helped me wrote his name.

The cloth he gave me was drycleaned and is still in my wardrobe till now.

The next day, I went to the exact spot I met him and traced our movement back to see him and return his clothes, but I could not find such a man or anyone who knew him, even after describing him.

I made several attempts, going back and forth to locate the one room the man was living with rubber buckets at the front of the house.

But each time I tried, I could not trace the house.

The next thing that happened was when I was returning from somewhere when I met a checkpoint mounted by armed robbers and was lucky to escape because I had the glass of my car all locked.

When I sought to reverse on sighting them, one of the robbers came from a nearby bush and pointed a gun on me, but God gave me the courage to drive away with reverse gear, not minding deep gutters that bounded the road and the robber did not shoot.

I decided to complete the parsonage by re-designing and completing it after consulting with my wife.

This started in 2012 with the belief that God would provide the resources after I challenged Him and He did.

God reminded me that I had not been paying my tithes and after calculating it, it was enormous”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Enugu community cries out over vigilance group

•Oforma Itodo

•Continued from page 36 brother.”

The family source made reference to the earlier petition written by the deceased to the Inspector-General of Police where he raised an alarm that his life was no longer safe in the community.

According to him, the matter was surprisingly charged to court and Oforma, who initially was the complainant, suddenly became the accused.

“What we discovered in the court was a total contrast to what my brother complained in his petition.

They completely twisted the matter and surprisingly my brother became the accused but to God be the glory the High Court in Enugu discovered the truth and discharged him.

“But ever since his discharge from court, the same set of people whom we know have the backing of a top government official in the community have been terrorising the entire community hiding under Aji Neighbourhood Watch to carry out their evil acts. They kept on trailing Oforma until they finally made sure they hacked him to death.

“We know the killers of our brother and can identify some of them because they came in the day time.

They didn’t wear any mask. You know this is an era of rule of law and democracy; if actually Oforma committed any offence, what any right think-

Philanthropist’s N1.2m scholarship for Imo children

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•Obinna Onoja

‘Our sons are being killed under mysterious circumstances. The killings were as a result of the dissolution of the previous vigilance group. We lost three of our young men last year and again two of them have also been killed recently’ ing person should do is to hand him over to the security agency for prosecution and not taking laws into their own hands.

“What we later understood was that there has been a parallel Neighbourhood Watch group in the community and that the killing of Oforma was to permanently seal the confession made by a member of the other group which they claimed Oforma was privy to,” he said.

Women of the community, under the aegis of Aji Women Forum (AWF) with Mrs. Amaka Uramah as leader, had cried out to relevant authorities to disband the Neighbourhood Watch before the community becomes a war zone.

The women leader lamented bitterly on the spate of killings in the community.

She said: “Our sons are being killed under mysterious circumstances. The killings were as a result of the dissolution of the previ-

ous vigilance group: we lost three of our young men last year and again two of them have also been killed recently.

“Before this crisis, Aji community has been relatively peaceful to the extent that our traditional ruler, Igwe Simeon Osisi Itodo was honoured as the most security conscious traditional ruler in the entire Southeast geo-political zone.

“As mothers, who carried these children in our wombs for nine months, we are tired of seeing horrible things and we want an end to it now,” she said.

Uramah, a teacher and chairperson of the Catholic Women Organisation in Aji recounted how body parts of their sons were mutilated.

According to her, last year, one Festus Idoko and Ndubuisi were slaughtered and their body parts mutilated while another, Uche Nwaossai’s decomposed body was found in his father’s water tank.

HE Group Managing Director of integrated Oil and Gas Limited, Lagos Mr. Tony Iheanacho has announced a N1.2 million scholarship scheme for 24 Imo children resident in Lagos.

The Imo State-born philanthropist disclosed this during the second edition of Imo State Towns Development Association, Lagos (ISTDAL) Children’s Day ceremony held penultimate Tuesday at the Basket Ball Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The lucky recipients of the scholarship emerged through a transparent process and selection. Through a lucky dip, the 24 winners emerged. They were subsequently awarded scholarships for the 2013/ 2014 academic session.

Each of the students received a cheque for N50, 000. Eight children were selected from each of the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

The philanthropist said the annual Imo State Towns Development Association, Lagos (ISTDAL) Children’s Day ceremony has incorporated educational aid aimed at helping Imo State children. He said “the children should endeavour to discover who they are, where they are, who they are going to be and where they are going.”

Several lectures were delivered, one of which was on the advantages and disadvantages of the internet and the role of parents to their children. Two other resource persons delivered lectures on how to guard and guide the children towards future development.

Mr. Iheancho thanked the organisers of the event and the president of ISTDAL Pastor Okey Anorue for a successful outing, urging the children to take advantage of the lectures, the scholarship and other trainings received on the occasion in order to be better citizens and leaders of tomorrow.

In his address, Pastor Anorue thanked the guests for being present, even as he promised that the group will strive to ensure that the purpose of the Geneva Convention of 1925 on children’s total development is achieved in Imo State.

This year’s theme was “Kwadoo

‘The children should endeavour to discover who they are, where they are, who they are going to be and where they are going…The group will strive to ensure that the purpose of the Geneva Convention of 1925 on children’s total development is achieved in Imo State’ Asusu Igbo.”

The children and their parents expressed their joy over the success of the event. They also prayed for the organisers and Captain Emmanuel Iheancho for the scholarship.

Some of the corporate bodies present at the occasion were Integrated Oil and Gas Limited, Fidelity Bank, MTN Foundation, Golden Noodle, Beloxxi Industry and Diamond Bank, among others. They also presented the children with gifts and education materials.

The chairman of the publicity sub-committee Mr. Chima Davis Ukwandu thanked the media houses for partnering with the association, stressing that their collaboration has made the event a successful one.

While handing the cheques over to the beneficiaries, Ukwandu urged them to be good ambassadors of Imo State.

Highlights of the event included the singing of the National Anthem in the Igbo language by the children; Igbo cultural display; quiz in Igbo language and contest to choose best dressed child.

‘We’ll overcome insecurity’

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•Members of Bring Back Our Girls Group in front of National Human Rights Commission shortly after challenging police ban on public protest at Abuja High Court yesterday photo Abayomi Fayese

By Uyoatta Eshiet

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

IGERIANS have been told not to despair and that the country will soon overcome insecurity and even thrive. The Rev. Chris Nwakanma of Open Heaven Movement for Christ Millennial Kingdom, speaking in Umuahia, Abia State capital, said that the insecurity challenges in the country will not overwhelm it and that Nigeria will soon become an economic giant.

Rev. Nwakanma attributed Nigeria’s current economic hardship to human and spiritual forces. He warned anyone planning to break up the country to desist or be consumed.

“I want to tell you that the things Nigeria as a country is going through today are all man-made and demonically engineered. The problem (insecurity challenges) at the moment will not consume Nigeria. The people behind it are workers and agents of antichrist. Nigeria must not be broken and he that wants to break Nigeria must be broken in the breakage.”

Responding to questions from reporters on the abduction of the Chibok girls, the preacher insisted it was not yet time for him to comment on the issue. But he wondered how the girls would be ferried across various military checkpoints in the area without being spotted by the army. The cleric believes the military ought to have done much better.

The preacher who claimed to have predicted the flood that ravaged some parts of Bayelsa State before it happened, also predicted an imminent change, which, according to him, would come in form of what he described as a great revival that will shake all religion, nations and organizations, added “as God punished the people of the old because of their idolatry, so will He punish the people of this generation because of their irreverence to God, idolatry, wickedness and occultism.

All those who visit shrines, idols and occult centres, and those who depend on charms, concoctions, sorceries and occult powers will be disappointed because those things will no longer work. Such people would then be distressed because what they depend upon cannot work again.

God is the owner and He is taking total control over all things, all persons and all nations. His hand is raised up to stop everything that is not consistent with His purposes. These things would mean that occult men and women in politics, religion and public service will be disappointed, frustrated and knocked out of position because their negative spiritual supports have failed.”

Nwakanma who is also a professor in theology insisted that Nigeria was in the plan of God assured that God was not going to make the country a world economic fortress in no distant time.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

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HE 63rd edition of Consumer Outreach Programme organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Aba, Abia State has given GSM service providers something to think about, and work on.

Participants at the event, mainly business men and traders called on GSM network operators to address issues of perennial network failure and general poor service delivery usually experienced by telecommunication subscribers in the commercial nerve of the state.

They called for improved service delivery by the network providers, alleging that inconsistency in network signals and poor service delivery by majority of the network providers in the commercial city have adversely affected their business.

Some of the stakeholders including the chairman, Ariaria International Market, Elder Lucky Akubueze lamented that congestion and inability of traders in Ariaria and other markets in Aba to communicate easily with their customers and suppliers of goods and products remains a threat to their businesses.

Akubueze thanked NCC for providing mobile phone users the opportunity to meet their operators and expressed hope that the meeting would yield to better services as it has as well provided the operators firsthand information on the areas where they needed to improve their services to the Aba business community.

Earlier in a welcome address, Mrs. Maryam Bayi, Director Consumer Affairs Bureau represented by her deputy Mr. Joseph Atoyobi described the theme “Customer Care Help Lines: A Veritable Platform For Effective Service Delivery” said that the aim of the stakeholders’ meeting was to provide a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on topical communication issues as it affects the interest of consumers, adding “to address this concern, the Commission decided to host this consumer forum today at Aba to deliberate and proffer solution on ways of improving the accessibility of the service providers’ customer-care help lines by the consumers.”

Atoyobi, blaming network operators of self-centered said “The industry growth shows that there is incredible emphasis by the service providers to connect new consumers because of the available untapped markets in the country. However, the same level of emphasis not seen in the provision of after sales support to existing consumers” and further alleged “Report from survey conducted by the Commission on the accessibility of Service Providers Customer Care help lines and complaints received from Consumers via NCC Call center and Consumer

Tension in Ebonyi Community Over Mining •Continued from page 34

•Some of the participants

Aba traders tell GSM operators to shape up From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

Outreach Programmes revealed that the Service Providers’ Customer Care help lines that we expected to be the first call for a Consumer in distress are either not easily accessible or not dysfunctional.”

NCC deputy director stressing the need for more rural service center outreach lamented “Even in situations where the help lines are accessible, the waiting time for a consumer who opted to speak to a live agent remained unending and most often results into drop call and more worrisome are the difficulties experienced by the rural consumers who reside in remote locations where there are no provisions for walk-in customer contact centres by the service providers. This is not acceptable to the

‘The industry growth shows that there is incredible emphasis by the service providers to connect new consumers because of the available untapped markets in the country’ Commission and has to be addressed with a great sense of urgency.”

Various service providers’ representatives who spoke in turns at the event explained how they have

been able to tackle some of the problems raised by consumers and assured of improved and quality services for their customers not only in Aba, but the country as a whole.

‘Why I want to govern Imo’

•Ezeh

•Continued from page 34 them that you would like see the allocation, I think there is a Public Information Act but I think that is more or less on the pages of newspapers. We run an opaque system.

Most people who mean to do well, who are aspiring to be effective, will just tell themselves that they have

‘Government taking funds from the capital market is not a bad thing because we know that all those capital market instruments are used for long-term development. But implementation is always the problem.

How viable are these projects? For instance, in Imo, somebody has decided that we are going to have 27 general hospitals, one general hospital in each local government’ to reinvent the state from an economic view point. This is the assumption that we are making, and we are assuming Imo is broke. And we need to build up the revenue base from the scratch, which is why we are saying if we come in, these are the areas we will look into. We are not just looking at allocations.

We are looking at how can we bake

the cake, not share it?

What’s your view on the government taking funds from the capital market?

Government taking funds from the capital market is not a bad thing because we know that all those capital market instruments are used for long-term development. But long term development, the implemen-

tation is always the problem. How viable are these projects? For instance, in Imo, somebody has decided that we are going to have 27 general hospitals, one general hospital in each local government, but then you look around and say before this time how many general hospitals existed and what is the state of these hospitals? Are they centers of excellence? If you make them referral centers or there are certain centres of excellence, then you decide that given the growth in population that we are projecting in another 10 years, the population will have grown to a certain figure and we will need to have feeder outlets to cater for more people; then you can say this is for Phase 2, this can support this, but you have hospitals that are mere consulting clinics, nothing to speak of apart from the designation that they are hospitals and now you are beginning to expend scarce resources on constructing 27 hospitals.

they supposed to be carried along.

“However, the people of Umuobii were disengaged during the preparation of agreement that will drive the mining project. God is not foolish when he planted such mineral there, we need strategies that are essential to positive approach, and we need to be carried along. We need opportunities for transformation and development.

We believe that these means are to develop procedure for identifying conflict that are yet to come and put a stop to it.

Meanwhile, it is the duty of the host village to choose somebody that has no questionable character and as well allowed to hear their view in the new agreement that are yet to come because the last one lacked good representation of the host village.

“So the village Umuobii has suffered neglect: since creation of the earth by the community leaders, there has never being any dividend we have ever receive our share ,we have never received any portion of the community communal land, no allocation of government appointment that has ever reached our us. And we always agitate for it, and we have being struggling to be part of, and our agitation is to be allowed to be part of the decision and as to receive our percentage.

“In addition, the only preventive approach to combat this potential conflict is divine intervention, resolution and proper mediation at this pre-conflict stage as planned by the stake holders and not by deploying thugs in the arena of the mining. And right now we the Umuobii do not believe in crisis which shows that we are peacemakers. We are crying because our rights have been breached, we have been embarrassed, during the bargaining process, and we have being consciously oppressed. And this is the fact that sufficient ground for us to put our bargaining power was not given to us...

“We believe the principle of equality before the law. We believe in the principle of social value, substantive and distributive justice which states that one should be allowed to earn his due.

The community appealed to Senator Paulinus Igwe, Senate Committee Chairman on Police representing their senatorial zone and Hon Ede representing IsienuEzza federal constituency to call the people trying to undermine the villagers to order. They said only Senator Igwe built a hospital in Ndiagu which is the only government presence there.

The community in another letter to the traditional ruler of Ekka community, Igwe Fidelis Ekechi Chukwu further said that the people of Umuobii have agreed and stated that this sharing formula should be observed and the host village of the mining land has to be treated as required if this mining project should succeed.

The community said it is unthinkable for anyone to deny them the benefits of a mining field in their backyard. They insist that Umuobii village must be given 50 per cent as hosts of the mining field.

The Umuobii village also demanded that their residents should get 60 per cent of any scholarship coming to the area.

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CAMPUS LIFE Fanfare as DELSU VC is honoured

Rector urges peace and tolerance

From Philip Okorodudu and Ese Okoduwa DELSU

From Temitope Yakubu ADO POLY

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HE Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) has launched a book in honour its Vice-Chancellor, Prof Eric Arubayi. It was chaired by the Deputy Governor of the State, Prof Amos Utuama.

The event was held at the 1000capacity lecture theatre at Site III of the main campus.

The 16-chapter book was compiled by the faculty of Education to celebrate his developmental strides over the four and a half year period of leading the institution.

The book titled: Above the Ivory Tower, was reviewed by J.N. Omatseye, a professor of Philosophy of Education at the University of Benin. The launch was attended by members of the academia, traditional rulers, friends and well wishes of the university don.

The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof Peter Okowa, stated that the achievements of the VC motivated the publication, noting that the achievements of the Vice-Chancellor were commendable.

While lauding Prof Arubayi for his visionary leadership qualities, Prof Utuama described him as an educationist who has succeeded in reaching the pinnacle of his career both as a scholar and an administrator.

He also commended the VC for his administrative wealth of experience in bringing transformation to the university.

Prof Arubayi thanked persons who made his administration a successful one, thanking the Deputy Governor for finding time to be part of the celebration.

•Participants at the training

College retrains professionals

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HE Ogun State College of Health Technology, (OSCOTECH) in Ilese, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, has held a three-day workshop for oral health professionals and dental therapists in the Southwest.

The event, with the theme: “Ethics of oral healthcare providers/ dental aerosols’ new threats and challenges,” was organised by the Dental Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria (DTRBN). The programme also witnessed the induction of the college’s graduates of dental therapy.

The Registrar of the board, Mrs A. Keshinro, said the training was to acquaint practitioners with best practices and solutions to challenges facing professionals.

She said: “Improving and maintaining excellence in the practice of all professions under the board is

By Kunle Akinrinade OSCOTECH our vision. For some time now, we have been committed to educating and preparing our professionals to lead and serve well. As oral health providers, you engage in lifesaving assignments every day. You are the ones to create the changes that will move the profession, the country and the world at large, to a better tomorrow.”

She added that the board was committed to helping the inductees to make progress in the profession.

The Provost, Dr Tunji Dawodu, urged the graduands to abide by the ethics of the profession, saying: “Every profession has binding rules and regulations to guide practitioners. Therefore, I want to urge you

to avoid any form of professional misconduct that could necessitate the withdrawal of your licence and hinder professional success.”

A senior lecturer from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Dr Olusegun Nwhator, spoke on the dangers involved in the treatment of dental defects on health practitioners, urging them to embrace precautions and safety guidelines.

“Get immunised against Hepatitis B virus because Hepatitis B and C viruses are present in saliva as well as blood and are of major concern in the dental cavity. While it is good to take care of people’s health, it would be uncalled for to be infected with life threatening diseases through unprotected exposure in the discharge of our duties,” he stated.

TAKEHOLDERS and students of Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti (ADO POLY), have been urged to embrace peace and eschew violence, victimisation and religious intolerance in order to ensure harmony and adequate security of lives on campus. The Rector, Dr Taiwo Akande, gave the charge during an interactive meeting held with religious leaders.

She called for the need to sustain the peace on the campus, observing that there was no room for religious intolerance since the polytechnic, which was an agency of the Federal Government, was a secular society.

He assured that a designated area had been set aside for major religious groups to worship, warning that all illegal structures around the campus outside the approved place of worship would be removed.

Dr Akande cautioned that classrooms should not be used for religious activities while any group involved in causing religious conflict would face the full wrath of the law.

She charged students to abide by the laid-down rules and regulations guiding religious activities in the Institution and ensure that necessary approvals were obtained before embarking on any open crusade.

The Deputy Registrar, Mr Oyawoye, urged all fellowships, in addition to other requirements, to have patrons who are senior management staff of the polytechnic.

‘Parasites are burden to human development’

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•The mourning students chanting dirges at the faculty entrance.

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Faculty loses lecturer, student

HE Faculty of Education at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has mourned a lecturer, Dr Maureen Ogwokhademhe at the Department of Counselling Education, who died at 41 from a protracted ailment.

Penultimate Sunday, the faculty also lost a female undergraduate who died in an accident on the campus. It was reported that she was the only one that died in the

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From Ibrahim Alamu UNILORIN incident, while others sustained serious injuries.

The students, decked in black attire, have held a rally round the different faculties of the university.

The students described the late lecturer as amiable, saying she was a diligent lecturer. One of them said:

“She was indeed a great lecturer and her impact will forever be indelible in the department and the faculty at large.”

There was a flurry of tears as president of the department was reading a farewell message in honour of the deceased lecturer and student. The students prayed that God should avert such tragedy in the department.

LECTURER in the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology at the Delta State University, (DELSU) Prof Andy Egwunyenga, has said burden of parasites posed greatest challenges to development in the tropics.

Prof Egwunyenga said this while delivering the 35th inaugural lecture of the university held at the Pre-degree Auditorium.

In the lecture titled: Monsters inside us: killing and eating us alive, Egwunyenga noted that even though malaria parasite was the most important human parasite, it was not visible to the eyes as it was fifty times less than the size of the smallest sand particle, adding that it kills over two million people every year.

He said parasites were real life monsters, saying all infections were products of parasitic presence.

Egwunyenga, a professor of Parasitology, said parasites were more prevalent in the tropics where people are less equipped to deal with problems as a result of mass poverty, high infertility rate, slow economic growth, deforestation, rapid urbanisation and increased migration, war and natural disasters which contribute to increased

From Philip Okorodudu and Ese Okoduwa DELSU transmission and distribution of diseases caused by tropical parasites in developing countries.

He noted that in Africa, 30 million women living in malaria-prone regions got pregnant each year. According to him, malaria remained the greatest threat to women and their babies.

Prof Egwunyenga said the burden of tropical parasites on their victims were mainly those of the menace and threat to public health posed by the vectors that transmitted the parasite from one person to another.

He advocated the need for innovative pest management system such as insecticide-treated nets and mass drug administration and general hygiene as some of the ways to fight the prevalence of parasites.

He recommended the establishment of a Centre for Tropical Disease Research and Control (CTDRC), Laboratory Skill Improvement Training (LSIT), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) law and increased funding focused on Basic Sciences and Arts as panacea towards winning the war against parasites.

Don’t be party to malpractice, freshers told

ANAGEMENT of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA) has held orientation for freshers. The event was held at the Main Auditorium of the Gidan Kwano campus and was graced by principal officers of the univer-

From Success Shaibu and Charles Okenson, FUT MINNA sity.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Musbau Akanji, congratulated the freshers, urging them not to be

party in examination malpractice, indecent dressing and other vices.

He advised off-campus residents to live peacefully with the host community and respect the community values.

Of the 10,000 candidates that applied to the institution, only 3,400

students were admitted.

Esther Eloim admitted into Department of Chemistry, said: “I am overwhelmed with joy for finally being admitted after a few years of seeking admission. I thank God for the opportunity to study here and I hope to make an

excellent result at the end of my stay here.”

Chidera Uneakuji, 100-Level Biochemistry, said: “It is always a feeling to be admitted into university of this calibre. For me, it is a dream come true and I am grateful to God for the privilege.”

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CAMPUS LIFE A firm, Investment One Wealth Financial Services Limited, in collaboration with the Council of Faculty Presidents of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has organised a Young Investors’ Forum, where students learnt tips on how to generate wealth. MODIU OLAGURO (400-Level Biology Education) reports.

Wealth creation tips for students S HOULD students, irrespective of discipline, be literate in capital market? Yes! A firm, Investment One Wealth Financial Services Limited, says every student should be knowledgeable about the workings of the capital market to create wealth.

Last Wednesday, hundreds of students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) converged on the Multipurpose Hall C to learn how they can generate wealth as undergraduates.

It was at the maiden Young Investors’ Forum, organised by the firm in conjunction with the Council of Faculty Presidents of the university.

Tagged: Promoting capital market literacy and participation amongst undergraduates, the programme had top financial experts in attendance, including the Managing Director of the firm, Mrs Abimbola AfolabiAjayi; an official of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr John Briggs; Managing Director, GTB Asset Management (Pension Division), Mr Azubuike Okonkwo, and the reigning Miss Nigeria, Anna Banner.

Others included the Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Prof Olukayode Amund; Dr Ore Sofokun and the General Manager of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, represented by Mrs Taba Peterside, General Manager, Listing Sales and

Detention.

Mrs Afolabi-Ajayi encouraged Nigerians to invest in short and long-term securities, saying the responsibility of Investment One was to equip them with information through investment education.

She said: “We have been making efforts to encourage students of higher institutions to generate wealth and prepare them for the lifetime investment that can make them independent after school. We want to create a veritable platform that will impact positively on the lives of students through wealth creation and guide them in the quest to develop entrepreneurial spirit that our nation craves.”

Mrs Peterside, who spoke on Capital market investment and its inherent opportunities for wealth creation early in life, listed benefits of investing in the capital market.

She said: “The core functions of the capital market include to authorise and monitor market operators, provide a platform for capital raising, provide a pricing mechanism between supply and demand for listed securities, protect investors and provide market data transparency.”

She urged the participants to start investing in the stock market, noting that there is no age limit to being an investor in capital market.

•Cross section of graduands taking the oath

•Mrs Afolabi-Ajayi (left) and Miss Banner presenting cheque to Nwachukwu

Briggs, who spoke on Collective Investment Scheme (CIS): The future of the capital market, highlighted advantages of CIS, which include provision of professional expertise, diversification, reduction of dealing cost and regulatory oversight among others.

According to him, the scheme would contribute to the future growth and development of the capital market by promoting liquidity, encouraging foreign investments, bringing capital markets activities to the grassroots and strengthening demand for securities

by deepening the market.

Miss Banner took the participants round Virtual Investor Simulator, a contest that tested participants’ investment wisdom. Oyelade Oke won the contest and got a cash prize of N300,000 to invest in capital market.

The runners up are Phillip Esi and Ugo Nwachukwu, who won N150 000 and N50 000 respectively. The participants had the opportunity to open Investment One accounts with a startup deposit of N5,000 for the first 50 students that arrive early for the seminar.

Dr Sofokun urged the participants

to explore the opportunity learnt from the seminar.

Lydia Kofoworola, a student, praised the organisers, saying: “I have been educated on several financial terms I barely knew of. I guess it’s high time I started investing in stocks beginning with Investments One.” Another student, Tosin Oyebola, said: “If students in all campuses can have this knowledge opportunity given to us by Investment One, I have no doubt that unemployment would reduce because many would have been generating wealth before they leave school.”

•From left: Mrs Abumere, Prof Odukoya, Prof Folasade Ogunsola and Prof Afolabi Lesi

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has inducted graduating students of Pharmacy at its College of Medical Sciences in Idi-Araba. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA reports.

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HE College of Medical Sciences of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in Idi-Araba came alive last Thursday. Guests and well-wishers thronged the college to witness the induction and oath-taking of the graduating students of the Faculty of Pharmacy.

Clad in blue academic gowns, the graduands were the cynosure of all eyes as they filed into the Old Great Hall of the college, beaming with smiles.

Prior to the exercise, Managing Director of Cipla Evans Nigeria Limited and the guest lecturer, Mr Wale Oyenuga, advised them to “strive not to be a man of success” but “a man of value.”

It was the first alumni lecture to be held at such ceremony. Speaking on the theme: Successful Pharmacy Practice: Priming the new graduate, Oyenuga said the challenge before the graduands was how to unlock their potential for greatness on the professional terrain.

He said: “You must navigate to the top with the right attitude and

Newest pharmacists in town your psychological well-being coupled with being focused.This will ensure a good pharmacy practice and success.”

The lecturer urged the graduating students not to measure their success with material wealth, noting that such elevates mediocrity and promotes corruption. He said what should drive their choice to unlock their potential greatness must be genuine interest and passion.

Oyenuga said the graduands’ career choice was a journey of many years with various decisions to be taken at different stages.

He added: “It is not a one-step action; many choices will be open to you as you progress. You must dream and aspire with passion. You must also seek a career path and counselling from role models and mentors.

Pharmacy, he said, deals with the

study of the function of drugs’ interaction with human body and pathogens to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases.

“You already have what it takes to succeed in this career because as a graduating pharmacist, you are brilliant individuals, trained to deliver accurately under pressure with high capacity to learn new things based on repository of medical information,” he said.

The lecturer urged the graduands not to be swayed by wrong definition of success, adding: “There are different branches of pharmacy in which you can take up career, such as hospital practice; distribution and marketing; quality assurance and production; public health; regulatory affairs; research and development (R &D); community practice; pharmacy ambassador teaching and research,” he said.

He continued: “Choosing career

is not a one-step action. Don’t fill your career with abandoned projects. Make purposeful changes to compliment your experience and be focused on your targets. Engage in skill and knowledge gap analysis regularly. Fill knowledge gaps and be ahead of your contemporaries. Luck is when an opportunity comes and you are prepared for it.”

Using a personal experience, Oyenuga urged the graduates to take a cue from his professional life.

He said he chose sales and marketing aspect of pharmacy without regrets.

Propelled by self-motivation Oyenuga said hardwork and selfdiscipline are his godfather. “I persevere for 16 years in the circle of conspiracy and finally, all material things were eventually taken care of. I have exceeded my initial goals and aspirations and fulfilled my career as a Pharmacist. You too can

repeat this,” he said.

The Registrar, Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN), Mrs Gloria Abumere, who administered the oaths said she was proud of their feat.

The Faculty Dean, Prof Olukemi Odukoya, was all smiles as she spoke of the good conducts of the students and how they were ready to explore the profession to benefit humanity.

She said: “This class of 2013 is distinguished by being the faculty’s 29th anniversary class since inception and the 10th as an independent faculty in the university. I will encourage the students that they should not be discouraged in all their activities. Their characters, resilience and determination will make them to withstand any challenge.”

A total of 141 students graduated, with eight having distinctions. They are Kofoworola Onagbola; Nkem Ogundipe; Chinonso Osuala; Olubusayo Olusetire; Jeniffer Onwumere; Rita Ezem; Olabimpe Adeleke and Obianuju Oragwu.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

43

CAMPUS LIFE

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HEN I heard the clarion call to serve my fatherland, I galloped to my alma mater, the Obafemi Awolowo University, to check the posting. It was Oyo State. I marvelled at the choice of the ancient state but I never knew there was much to be learnt than to be seen.

The odyssey started from the ancient town of Iseyin where the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Camp is located, and it terminated at Ibadan.

Serving in the City of Brown Roofs, as Ibadan is fondly called, was a memorable one. Apart from the training I underwent as a Development Knowledge Facilitator, preaching the gospel of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) across the length and breadth of the seven hills surrounding the ancient city of the Yoruba warlords, I had a vivid experience of the glitz, glam and gloss associated with the indigenous people.

More importantly was the impressive ironic phrase of the state’s slogan that often strikes my imagination. The Pacesetter State, be that as it may, seemed paradoxical from the onset when I set my feet in the state capital. But for the urban renewal programme of the Senator Abiola

The pacesetters Ajimobi-led administration, the slogan might remain, till date, a figment of the creator’s imagination.

But still, J.P. Clark’s poetic admission of Ibadan as a city “running splash of rust and gold” is another mishmash of that ironic slogan visà-vis the former rust-like look of the state and the present urban renewal programme plaited in gold. Thanks to a governor’s bid to set a pace.

Beyond that, this brings into limelight the concept of a pacesetter, as it often cuts across my mind whenever I come in contact with the slogan. In his poem, Collins Njemjika sees a pacesetter as a “Confirmed last man standing/ The epitome of acceptable manner”. In the eighth and ninth line, the poet postulated: “Even in the dark/ One sees him as light.

To further elucidate the poet’s assertion, I see a pacesetter as a leader who sets an interminable legacy in any field and whose example others may follow. Definitely, he or she has carved a niche for him/herself.

Talking about African literature, Prof. Wole Soyinka has set the pace for young aspiring writers. In 1986,

he became the first African writer and the first black writer to win the Nobel Prize for literature. His literary foray and scholarship inspires a new generation of writers who seek to tap from his wealth of experience.

In doing Justice to this discourse, however, no other man could have set a better pace in the struggle against White domination of Africa, other than Nelson Mandela. He was a worldwide symbol of antiapartheid struggle. As captured in Athol Frugard’s masterpiece, Sizwe Bansi is Dead, the condition of black South Africans was so dehumanizing such that movement and employment opportunities was restrained to those without an identity card.

At the end, Nelson Mandela won the battle and he was elected the First Black President in South Africa. He set the pace and paid the price of eternal freedom for South African posterity.

Maria Montessori was an Italian educator and psychiatric physician whose method in teaching young children became a plus to pedagogy.

Her love for children, no matter the latter’s physical status, was immea-

surable. To a large extent, her teaching method of child initiative and self-reliance triggered my love affair for teaching. Montessori influenced Europe and the United States of America with her method. Today, we have Montessori schools scattered across the country.

Student journalism across universities was restricted to the corridors of the ivory towers they emerge from, although the urge to be heard was burning within undergraduates who crave to tread the media path.

Then, CAMPUSLIFE came on board as a platform for Nigerian undergraduates to spew forth the burning urge. The stage was set for young writers to write on campus issues on a national medium. This unique concept, which has been cloned by other national dailies, was birthed by Late Ngozi Agbo. She is, undoubtedly, even in death, a pacesetter. Aunty Ngozi, the Nigerian Maria Montessori, bred undergraduates not only to be passionate about the pen trade but to be outstanding entrepreneurs. That sums up the concluding lines of Collins Njemjika’s poem. “At your back flocks walk your step/ The pacesetter.”

However, life could be likened to a stage. When you are through act-

By Taiwo Adebulu ing your role, you take a bow and leave the stage. That thing you will be remembered for is your acting skills either good or bad.

On this note, therefore, let me end this piece with the words of an American actress, Mae West. “You only have once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

Taiwo just finished National Youth Service, NYSC IBADAN

Godfatherism: The Achilles heel of growth

By Usman Haruna

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HE effects of godfatherism on our struggle to progress as a nation cannot be overemphasised. Godfatherism has done serious damage to our country’s political structure and its fragile unity.

Godfathers are people who expend money and material resources to influence the victory of those vying for election. After electoral victory, they

I

T is over four years now that I was admitted into the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). When the list of admitted students came out, my dad called me and advised me on how to behave in school.

He told me never to play with my studies. I still remember those words: “Suffer for four years and enjoy forever.” I could understand the mood of my father; I know he wanted me to study hard so that I can come off in flying colours at the end of four years. He wanted me to get good grades and graduate with a first class or a second class (Upper Division).

Each time I went home for holiday, my father would always remind me of his admonition. He would say whatever inconvenience one faces during a sojourn should be borne gallantly, because inconvenience would be compensated in the end. He would say when one gets a good grade, he would be rewarded by lucrative employment, which would make him enjoy good things of life.

The current situation in the country is discouraging to assert that my fathers’ advice isn’t genuine, given the fate of millions of youths still roaming the street with First Class

become an albatross on the public officer’s (godson) neck and dictate what should be done and what should not - whether good or bad.

Even in terms of resource allocation and good governance, they want to call the shot and want their opinion to override that of the person elected by the people. The excesses of the godfathers usually place cog in the wheel of governance because they believe their opinions must always prevail.

Undoubtedly, this practice has hindered the progress of this country.

The fact that their personal interests usually surpass the interest of the masses often resulted in crisis, which overheats the polity. These individuals have positioned themselves as movers and shakers of the society, thereby playing with human and material resources that are supposed to be harnessed for the benefit of the generality of the society.

Since 1999, when Nigeria returned to democracy, reader would agree with me that godfatherism syndrome has become part and parcel

of our political dynamics; it has found its way into the system and metamorphosed to a norm in every arm of the government.

Jobs are not readily made available to job seekers based on merit; godfathers have the exclusive right to provide personnel for public jobs. Even to secure an admission into the public schools, a candidate must have a strong backing even if it has the highest scores in Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

This situation has become a common phenomenon in public offices where promotions are based on connections.

This trend is fast becoming part of our national life, yet nobody, not even the leadership of the country has shown concern to arrest the development. Individuals in pubic office have continued to misuse resources that are meant for the development of our society. They plunder the public till to satisfy the whim and caprice of their godfathers.

How can democracy grow with

Agony of the youth and Second Class is a case study.

The other day, I came across an advert in Lagos, requesting for a sales boy or girl. But to the surprise of many, the advert requested a university degree as the minimum qualification for applicants. Then, it dawned on me the decline of university certificate.

More nauseating is the ordeal of some graduates, who graduated five year before I gained admission. No job; they roam the street to look for their daily bread. They are yet to ‘enjoy’ the product of their good grades. Should I say my father read the situation wrongly?

A lot of brilliant, smart, hardworking and ambitious youths abound in this country but the nation does not give them opportunity to unleash their potentials.

What is their crime? The extreme corruption in the country has not only weakened their resolve to aim for the best, it has also changed their mentality and destroyed their hopes.

The $20 billion allegedly disappeared from the coffers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corpora-

tion (NNPC) can provide millions of jobs for the youth with great return. The funds could help graduates to access loan to start medium scale businesses to become Michael Zuckerbergs of this world. But do the people who knew one thing or the other about the missing funds concern?

Many young people have lofty dreams and aspirations to conquer the world of innovation and become the next Bill Gate in accomplishing something that would affect the world and perhaps put the country on the world map.

As a student of Zoology, I wished to conquer the animal world, explore the world of parasites causing illness to human being. I dreamt to proffer lasting solution spread of endemic parasitic infection such as malaria, onchocariasis, trypanosomiasis and the likes but my country does not support the dream.

There is totally absence of advance technology to make me excel if I had embarked on the research. In fact, I never operate an electron microscope as students of Zoology. My hope of becoming a world-class re-

this anti-progress phenomenon?

Godfathers have been granted freedom to act on behalf of public officers, to the extent that they impose on anyone their wishes with the backing of authority. Nobody dares question their action, not even the public officer elected by the people.

Is it that we have no sense of reasoning? Our silence on issues like this has resulted to the retrogression being witnessed in our politics. A few individuals cannot continue to play the music that we don’t like and force us to dance to the tune.

Another effect of godfatherism is political crisis as being witnessed in Rivers State and other areas where disagreement between godfathers and godsons has resulted in tension. This is responsible for disunity among the various ethnic and religious groups in Nigeria.

Each time a fight breaks out between godfathers and their sons, people suffer and process of governance slows down. All these result in political instability, which has negative implications on the searcher is slim.

Today, I wonder what a 20-yearold Nigerian can create. From all indications, particularly from our decayed education system and defected governance system, it appears to me that Nigeria is the Siberia for the genius. It has resources to be the dreamland of academics and researchers, but its leadership has failed to create a viable environment to promote innovation and enterprise.

Despite criticism of young people in Nigeria, most of them are hardworking, but they are rarely getting reward for their effort. What makes the situation in Nigeria sadder and pitiful is the constant and seemingly endless report of corruption from high places; leaders siphoning public funds and getting away with it. This is killing the spirit of hard work in young people.

A former governor stole billions and was handed a two years sentence. He received a state pardon and return to government. A serving minister was alleged to have used billions of taxpayers’ money to purchase private jet in a country where millions live below $1 per day. She still sits magisterially and bark out orders.

Young people can just groan like

nation’s democratic development, because it often put the country on social, political and economic stagnancy. Godfatherism has taken a ludicrous dimension in the polity.

National development is the first victim. It breeds bad governance and diversion of public funds for personal use.

Public office holders have become stooge in one way or the other to their godfathers because, as the saying goes, he who plays the viper dictates the tune.

Development will continue to be a mirage until citizens realise and take action against this menace. Nigeria will remain a backward society until our leaders separate themselves from the apron of godfatherism. These people have for long time denied us the dividends of democracy. Until we are able to do away with this ailment, Nigeria will not achieve political development it craves.

Usman, 300-Level Mass Comm., IBBU Lapai

By Ibrahim Jatto a toothless dog. It appears we don’t even have a voice to challenge these people. More painful is the fact that we don’t have trust in getting justice from a lopsided judicial system.

Who will help young people of Nigeria from this cycle of corrupt leaders?

Ibrahim, 400-Level Zoology, UDUS

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

44

CAMPUS LIFE CAMPUSLIFE man is dept’s president From Chikezie Mbegbu UNN

•Kingsley

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EMBERS of the National Association of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Students (NAMMES), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), have elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the association.

Before the exercise, the two presidential candidates, Kingsley Amatanweze and Hilary Ogbonna, both in 500-Level, met students to unveil their programmes.

Kingsley pledged to make the association vibrant by organising excursions, career summit and public lectures, fund raising for library and laboratory needs and the establishment of an online community platform to promote academic excellence.

Hillary promised to install airconditioners and cooling systems in the class rooms, start up a business centre for cheap photocopying and printing services in the department, provide ultramodern waste bins and erect facilities for students’ use. The manifesto also featured questions from students of the department who inquired from the candidates how they intended to achieve their respective agenda if elected.

The following day, accreditation of voters started by 10am and lasted for two hours. The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Ikenna Anioji, a 500-Level student, urged students to be decorous to ensure smooth process.

Voting commenced at 12:30pm after the electoral committee had announced modalities for the exercise. Kingsley garnered a total of 48 votes to defeat Hillary, who got 39 votes.

Others elected include Nelson Obiegbusi, Vice President, Dumebi Chukwuemeka, General Secretary, Nathaniel Nwagbara, Librarian, Jane Njoku, Treasurer, David Isaac, Public Relations Officer, Henry Eya, Financial Secretary, Solomon Nnadi, Director of Social, Chika Ibeneme, Assistant Librarian and Praise Igwe, Assistant General Secretary.

A student urged the elected president to keep to his manifesto. He also commended the level of transparency in the election.

Another student, Chigozie Ifenatuora, said: “During the manifesto, I was visualising a new NAMMES and I urge the new president to work hard so that he can achieve his vision for the department.”

Kingsley is a CAMPUSLIFE correspondent in the school. He expressed joy over his victory, thanking his colleagues for giving him their mandates.

•Graduating Mass Communication students in a group photograph after the event.

Final year students hold luncheon

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INAL year students of the department of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) have held a valedictory luncheon as part of activities to celebrate their Final Year Week.

Edith Madu, who chaired the organising committee, said the event was put together to engender knowledge transfer and sharing of experience between the students and lecturers.

She described the event as the first of its kind in the history of the department.

In his address entitled: “Life after graduation”, a journalist and senior research fellow in the department, Alhaji Liad Tella, advised the students to reflect on their life journey and make good decisions on what to do after graduation.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

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From Femi Ogundele IBBU sity this year. Be warned that IBBUL is not a place to play or party around. It a place to compete for the best grades possible. Your ability to persist in the face of daunting obstacles is a virtue you can’t afford not tp have,” he said.

Patron of the association, Dr Abideen Olojede, warned that the association would not tolerate students who involve in examination malpractices or other vices.

In his remark, Dean of Faculty Of Art and Education, Dr Ayo Garuba, warned the students to desist from activities that could breach the

peace of the university, noting that the association would not hesitate to expel any defaulter.

The University Director of SERVICOM, Dr Ebenezer Ogungbe: “In the last nine years of the university existence, those from Oyo State cannot be set aside if history was to be checked. Others want to emulate the standard your predecessors have set in recent times because it is commendable.”

He urged the freshers to set new records and demonstrate excellence all the time.

Highlights of the event included drama presentation, Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) calculation, among others.

Freshers get mini I-pad

O promote academic excellence through information and Communication technology (ICT), the Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali-led administration at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has introduced the use of I-pads and other ICT gadgets to students. This, CAMPUSLIFE gathered, was aimed at enhancing quality education and boosting research among students.

The new initiative was criticised because of the controversies

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He urged them to sharpen their skills and put into practice all they have been taught in class, noting that it was their acquired skills that could make them to scale the hurdles of the labour market.

“You are going into a difficult world; a world of competition where there are thousands of graduates, but limited job opportunities.

Your acquired skills are very vital to succeed,” he stated.

A lecturer in the department, Dr Saudat AbdulBaaqi, spoke to the students on character formation. She encouraged them to build a positive character, noting that this would form what people think of them.

“The way you do your things tells a lot about you. In all situations, be

truthful because it will determine the trust and confidence people will repose in you,” she said.

The Head of Department, Mr Mahmud AbdulRaheem, advised them to be prayerful, honest and diligent with whatever they do.

“You are our ambassadors and you are graduating into a world that is unknown to you. May God continue to be your guide,” he added.

The Course Adviser, Mr Patrick Udende, told the students to equip themselves with relevant information that would aid their self-development.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of gift to the department by the finalists. The gift was received by the former Head of Department, Dr Azeez Lukman, who commended the students for putting up the programme.

Oyo students welcome freshers

HE Federation Of Oyo State Students (FOSSU) at the Ibrahim Badamsi Babangida University, Lapai has held orientation for its new students at the university’s Twin Lecture Theatre.

In his opening remark, president of the association, Yinka Olatunbosun, expressed joy over the increasing rate at which students from the state were admitted into the institution. He urged the new students not to allow themselves to be used by any person to break the university rules and regulation.

“I congratulate you for being among the few lucky successful candidates who made it to this univer-

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From Hameed Muritala UNILORIN

From Toyin Ali UNILORIN surrounding its late take-off. Students were happy when the management distributed the items to them.

When CAMPUSLIFE visited the venue, freshers were seen in queue to get the gadgets.

Adewale Shoneye, a 100-Level Law student, said: “I really appreciate the school for this wonderful initiative. It will further

assist me in my academic pursuit”.

Another student, Kolapo Sodiq Abidemi described the initiative as a performance booster for any serious minded student.

In a remark, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) Director of Publicity, Anifowose Titilope, commended the university management for its sterling leadership and urged students to make good use of the products.

Muslim corps members visit FUTO

HE Muslim Corpers’ Association of Nigeria (MCAN), Imo State branch, has visited the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) last week to see members of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN).

The visit was part of the MCAN’s efforts to propagate Islam in the state.

MSSN’s Amir, Nura Haliru, a 500Level Public Health student, welcome the visitors, urging members to live

From Muhammed Sani FUTO according to the teachings of Islam.

He noted that the challenge facing the group was the problem of land for erecting a mosque.

The Amir of MCAN, Isa Isa, described the visit as significant, memorable and needful, considering the high number of muslkims they interacted with during the tour. He told the stu-

dents that Islam was a religion of majority but faithfulness to serving Allah and making impact on the society.

He urged the students to strive hard in their studies and excel, relate well with others, and participates in university activities by showing the beauty of Islam.

In his closing remark, the Imam of MSSN FUTO, Taiwo Olawale Mohammed, 500Level Polymer and Textile Engineering, thanked MCAN for the visit.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

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CAMPUS LIFE

Poor facilities hamper DELSU’s growth, says VC

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AST Saturday 10,215 persons were awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

The event was epochal, using the language of the school’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Eric Arubayi, in many ways, specifically because it was the first convocation holding in shortest space of time after the previous one, which held in September, 2012, during which five sessions were merged in one ceremony.

The Vice Chancellor used the occasion to do a some assignments, which included expressing the institution’s gratitude to all that have contributed to the development of its four campuses, particularly the state government, under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

He also gave a score card of his administration, especially from the last convocation in 2012. He said the university recorded a number of achievements during the period under review, despite industrial action.

However, despite being very attractive to many youths who apply for admission yearly, Arubayi lamented that the university’s inadequate facilities have limited its progress. As a result, he said the National Universities’ Commission’s (NUC) restricts its admission quota to the adequacy of infrastructure available.

He appealed to other stakeholders to support the university to overcome its infrastructural deficit and surpass its current capacity.

“A sizable portion of the population of young Deltans prefer this university to any other one in the country. This, in addition to National Universities’ Commission’s policy of tying admission quota to carrying-capacity based on available structure in the university has made the procurement of admis-

•From Left: Governor Uduaghan, Elumelu, and Arubayi at the convocation.

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

sions a nightmare to many who ordinarily should have been considered. As a way of increasing our admission capacity, therefore, all stakeholders should not only compliment the efforts of the state government, and the institution, but must also, as a premium, synergise all efforts in this regard,” he said.

Governor Uduaghan addressed the concerns of the vice chancellor, urging private sector organisations and the influential personalities from the state to help out. He represented these classes with the ProChancellor of the university, Mr Tony Elumelu, who he charged to bring foreign aids from his many connections to build infrastructure for the institution.

According to him, he had planned to mount pressure on Elumelu and the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to bring aids for

the university using their international connections.

On job creation, the governor said his administration is diversifying the state’s economy from being dependent on oil and gas alone, explaining that the Delta Beyond Oil approach is to open up the state’s economy and provide jobs for indigenes who are qualified, like the graduands.

The governor said: “For those who are not working, I want to say there is hope, there’s a bright future and Delta Beyond Oil strategy is to ensure that you have work and also to ensure that those who are in school now, when they come out they don’t have to wait for too long before they get employed.”

Elumelu, challenged the corporate class to see to it that the emerging generation of professionals is provided with the needed infrastructure and enabling environ-

ment.

“We should encourage our young graduates to go out and take risks, find technological solutions to everyday challenges and source for endorsements to build on your dreams. But As leaders in both government and private sectors, we must create the enabling and predisposing environment that can lead to successful entrepreneurship in our environment,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to outstanding students of the sessions, especially the valedictorian of the convocation, Joy Onyemechi, who won some prizes. The graduate of Economics used her valedictory message to challenge her fellow graduands to be ready for the challenges ahead of them. She said her next target is to go abroad to study further.

American Varsity woos Nigerians

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DMISSION counsellors from the American University of Sharjah (AUS), based in the Middle East, were in Nigeria last week to engage high school counsellors, students and parents who are interested in affordable foreign education that offers quality.

The institution's Acting Chancellor, Dr Thomas Hochstettler, said the university offers a wide range of grants, scholarships and work-study opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to help them finance their education.

Hochstettler said highly qualified undergraduate students with limited financial resources may be awarded a financial grant, while students with exceptional high school performance may receive a merit scholarship. He also said qualified graduate students can be offered assistantships and work-study opportunities.

"Our quality of education and student life is unmatched in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and we offer a platform for bright students to fulfil their ambitions in the most multicultural and advanced economies in the world today," he said.

The Vice Chancellor for Enrolment Management, Ali Shuhaimy, said students of AUS will also gain soft skills.

"Our educational environment challenges and encourages students to develop their critical thinking, leadership and communication skills. A majority of our faculty members hold the highest degrees in their respective fields and we offer a fully self-sustained campus, unmatched in the MENA region," he said.

Christian Momah, a Nigerian student who joined AUS in September 2011 to study Chemical Engineering, said he has learnt a lot at the university.

•Prof Daramola congratulating one of the winners

UNILORIN FILE

E-voting for students THE students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) elected new leaders using the electronic voting (e-voting) system last week.

The new Executive Committee, led by Ahmed YakubIshowo, a 300-Level Mathematics student, will pilot the affairs of the Students' Union for the 2014/2015 session. Ishowo won with 919 votes to defeat five opponents, Aweda Jeremy (505 votes), Alao Idris (322), Agboola Jolayemi (175), Olayemi Michael (147) and Akanbi Damilare (86).

The Chairman, Independent Student Electoral Commission (ISEC), Sulaimon Funsho, said the union adopted the e-voting system, in which students voted through the University portal, to check corruption.

He added that the system made it convenient for students to vote without necessarily having to leave the confines of their classrooms or hostels.

Before the Election Day, the students were required to complete their voter's registration through the University portal. On the d-day, voting started 7a.m. and ended 6p.m.

Physical Sciences wins Cup THE Faculty of Physical Sciences won the 2013/2014 UNILORIN Vice-Chancellor's Cup after defeating the Engine Boys of the Faculty of Engineering 4 - 1 on penalties last Wednesday.

This is the second time the team, which has been under the management of Dr. O. O. Ige of the Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences for the last 10 years, is winning the cup.

The team defeated the Faculties of Arts and Education en-route to the final match.

Also in the Third place match, the Faculty of Education defeated the Faculty of Agriculture by two goals to one to claim the Bronze medal.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Yisa Fakunle, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof AbdulGaniyu Ambali, said that the University is proud of the age-long competition and will continue to support its sustenance. ''It is an excellent idea and I am very happy; I am sure the ViceChancellor is delighted that we are able to sustain that tradition,'' Fakunle said.

Dean praises corps member creativity

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HE Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has praised its contingent to the National Mathematics competition held recently in Abuja for winning four medals (one silver and three bronze).

The award winners are: Adenipekun Olatunde, Obideyi Boluwaji, Adara Emmanuel and Afolabi Opeyemi, while Dr Olusegun Olotu, Head of Department, Dr. T.O. Awodola and Mr. A.S. Afolabi, acted as team leaders.

Addressing the team, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Adebiyi Daramola, praised them for doing FUTA proud.

"I am proud FUTA has done it again. You are the Chike Obis of our time. You have proven to the world again that our institution is great.

On the part of management we will

FUTA, FUL celebrate award continue to support you," he said.

Similarly, the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) is celebrating the success of its students in an international inter-tertiary debate competition that took place in the Republic of Benin.

The contingent of the two-year old university came third in the debate, organised by Impact Africa International in Cotonou. Lupane University, Zimbabwe came first while the University of Lagos was second.

The participants for the debate which is the sixth edition were drawn from 10 universities from three African countries comprising four from Nigeria, two, Zimbabwe, and three from Benin Republic.

The debate titled: "The post-2015

United Nations Development Agenda is Achievable" tested the research capability and ingenuity of students.

FUL was represented by George Ayo a 200-Level student of History and International Studies and Miss Amadi Maryann, a 200-Level student of English and Literary Studies. The team was led by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Suleiman Audu.

Dignitaries from the participating countries on the occasion included Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Dr. Lawrence Obisakin who presented a lecture titled "Youth and unemployment in the post-2015 Development Agenda of the United Nations."

THE Dean, Faculty of Education, UNILORIN, Prof. Solomon Olorundare, has lauded Ikechukwu Unegbu, a corps member serving in the Department of Educational Technology, for staging an art exhibition at the Auditorium Basement. Olorundare, who spoke at the opening of the five-day event, described it as a mark of excellence.

"I believe what we have seen this morning are great expressions of art work and for our friend, Mr Unegbu, who is able to have done this excellent work on various formats, I think it is a mark of excellence; we want to congratulate you," he said.

The Acting Head of the Department of Educational Technology, Dr S. Onasanya, also praised Unegbu.

"For quite a long time now, we have not had an exhibition by a youth corps member in this institution. The effort is commendable.

Going through the exhibition items, I discover that they are great works of art, done under very creative mind and hard work. The artist is very resilient and hardworking; if not so, this kind of artwork will not have actually surfaced," he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

46

CAMPUS LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS

EKSU FILE

New Librarian resumes A NEW Librarian Mr Nathaniel Akinola Ajayi. has assumed duty at the Ekiti State University (EKSU).

Ajayi’s appointment took effect from March 26 this year.

The Governing Council of the university had approved his appointment at its recent meeting.

Prior to his appointment Ajayi was a deputy Librarian at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. Ajayi was born in Otun -Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He holds a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines in 1983.

Earlier, Ajayi had obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing from the Arellano University, Manila Philippines in 1981.

His Librarianship experience spanned over 20 years. Ajayi is a member of several associations including Medical Library Association of Nigeria, Association of Health Information and Libraries in Africa among others.He is married to Mrs. F. A. Ajayi and blessed with Children.

38th inaugural Tuesday STAKEHOLDERS graced the EKSU’s 38th inaugural lecture which held on Tuesday, at the university main auditorium.

Prof Isaac Abiodun Ajayi spoke on the topic:’Managing the education system in a poverty-ridden economy: The unhealthy rivalry between efficiency and effectiveness.’ EKSU ViceChancellor, Prof Patrick Oladipo Aina presided at the event.

T

APPROACHING DEADLINES International Postgraduate Scholarships at Queen's University Belfast in UK, 2014 QUEEN'S University Belfast is awarding two full fees postgraduate scholarships for talented international students who will be starting their Masters degree programme at Queen’s in September 2014. Scholarships cover tuition fees for the duration of their full-time postgraduate taught course at Queen’s. To be eligible for this scholarship applicant must have accepted an offer of a study place online starting in September 2014. The University will award the scholarships on the basis of academic merit and personal statement. The application deadline is 27th June 2014.

Study Subject (s): Scholarships are awarded for any available course at Queen's University Belfast.

Course Level: Scholarships are available for master course at Queen’s University Belfast except EdD TESOL, MSc in Pharmacy, MTh Theology, Distance Learning, nonstandard fee courses.

Scholarship Provider: Queen's University Belfast, UK Scholarship can be taken at: UK Eligibility: -Be self-funded and classified as overseas for fees purposes.

•Be able to finance the remainder of tuition fees and living expenses.

•Hold and have firmly accepted an offer of a study place starting in September 2014.

Scholarship Open for International Students: International students can apply for these full fee scholarships.

Scholarship Description: Two full fee scholarships are now available to exceptionally talented interna-

tional students who will be starting their Masters degree programme at Queen’s in September 2014. The two Queen's International Scholars will study free of tuition fees for the duration of their full-time postgraduate taught course at Queen’s and will be expected to undertake ambassadorial duties from time to time during their studies at Queen’s.

Number of award(s): Two full fee scholarships will be awarded.

Duration of award(s): Scholarships will be awarded for the duration of full-time postgraduate course.

What does it cover? The two Queen’s International Scholars will study free of tuition fees for the duration of their full-time postgraduate taught course at Queen’s and will be expected to undertake ambassadorial duties from time to time during their studies at Queen's.

Selection criteria: The University

will award the scholarships on the basis of academic merit and personal statement, as follows: •Meet or exceed all criteria as set out in their Offer Letter •Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate exceptional extra-curricular abilities with a particular focus on leadership, enterprise and social responsibility.

Queen’s International Scholars will be expected to have notable achievements outside academic life and be able to demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills to match their desires and ambitions for the future.

Notification: Successful candidates will be notified by 11 July 2014.

How to Apply: Complete and return application form to international-at-qub.ac.uk.

Scholarship Application Deadline: The application deadline is 27th June 2014.

ICPC inaugurates Anti-Corruption Unit at RIVPOLY

T

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), has inaugurated a six-member committee to head the Anti-Corruption Monitoring and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the Rivers State Polytechnic (RIVPOLY), Bori.

Speaking during the inauguration at RIVPOLY auditorium, the Secretary to the commission Mr. Elvis Oglafa who was represented by the Head of Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Mr. Banabas Gaji, said the committee should use the power vested in ACTU to eradi-

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

cate the cankerworm called corruption.

Oglafa maintained that the anticorruption crusade needs a holistic approach, stressing that ACTURIVPOLY has a heavy task which "requires a lot of sincerity, sacrifice and dedication."

He noted that ACTU was borne out of the ICPC'S belief that members of an organisation are in a better position to understand or identify the loopholes through which corruption thrives.

He said: "It is the belief of the ICPC that, those that are directly involved in the operation of each organisation activities, should easily understand their organisation better and be able to identify the cause and fertilising agents.

"The crippled economy, the incessant price hikes, the ever widening gap between the rich and poor are all products of corruption. To reverse this trend, all hands must be on deck to tackle It." he asserted."

Mr. Gaji who decried the high prevalence of corruption in the country, which has informed abject pov-

erty, hunger, disease and debt, further called on all and sundry to rise up against the miasma of corruption in the country.

Replying, RIVPOLY Rector, Bori, Mr. Nwolu Elechi thanked the ICPC for the visit, saying it was most timely and a welcomed development.

Mr. Elechi who regretted the slow pace of development in the institution, attributed it to dearth of funds.

"I pledged to maintain a zero tolerance level for corruption in the polytechnic, but we need fund for infrastructural development," Elechi vowed.

LAUTECH female lecturers protest abduction of Chibok girls

HE Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso branch of the National Association of Women Academics (NAWACS), has joined other voices calling for the immediate rescue of the Chibok girls abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents on April 14.

At a rally staged at the institution in Ogbomoso, the female lecturers described further incarceration of the girls as ungodly and a clear blot on the future of the Ni-

B

EYOND transferring knowledge and skills, President of the Lagos City Polytechnic, Mr Babatunde Odufuwa, has said schools should teach students to think.

Odufuwa, who said this at the eighth commencement of the institution held at the LTV8 Blue Roof, Agidingbi, last Friday, said if schools can produce thinkers,

•Cross section of the graduands.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

gerian nation.

Speaking at the rally, President of the association, Prof. Akin Akintunde said the abduction of the girls was a confrontation on the injunction of the holy books which provides for protection of the female folk, adding that it also negates the dictates of moral value in the area of taking people forcefully into any form of slavery.

She said: "We in NAWACS feel

so strongly that our future mothers are being inhumanly treated, subjected to dehumanising conditions and be made to live under strange environment without any form of dignity that every woman deserves. We say this is the highest level of abuse and that it further denigrates all of us as a people.

"While not blaming anybody, our concern is for our girls to be brought back to reunite with their families and properly rehabilitated, compensated to continue to

live a decent life that they have always been prepared for before the very rude incursion."

Responding to the group when the rally moved to his office, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin, condemned situations where businesses of individuals are truncated due to security laxity.

Gbadegesin, who called for concerted efforts of all well-meaning Nigerians towards rescuing the missing girls, explained that nothing

short of adequate security for all citizens was enough if the nation must truly attain greatness. "I do not think we are committed to becoming great as a nation if security of individuals cannot be guaranteed.

"At this point, we in LAUTECH officially record our objection to the continued detention of these girls, who are our future. We are opposed to any form of impediments to the freedom of individuals; girls or boys, or even the aged," he said.

Schools should produce thinkers, says founder

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

then more problems would be solved in the society.

He said: "Before now literacy used to be defined using three indicators- ability to read, ability to write, and ability to do arithmetic.

Now literacy has gone beyond learning. Schools now should be designed not only for ‘learning’ but for thinking. More and more insistently, today’s schools and colleges are being asked to produce men and women who can think, who can make new scien-

tific discoveries, who can find more adequate solutions to impending world problems, who cannot be brainwashed; men and women who can adapt to change and maintain sanity in this age of acceleration. This is a creative challenge to education."

Addressing the 816 graduands from the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 academic sessions that collected their scrolls at the event, Odufuwa urged them to create value for their future employers by solving problems.

"It is only by adding value that you can justify your being in an organisation. Think of and do things that can promote the interest of the organisation as no employer will tolerate liabilities.

Your fruit is your contribution to life," he said.

Delivering the convocation lecture entitled: Enhancing the standard of tertiary education in Nigeria, Michael Olulenu, an Abuja-based tax analyst, counseled the Federal Government to eliminate all forms of dichotomy in tertiary education.

Olulenu, who was represented

by Mr Olaniyi Azeez, argued that if Auchi Polytechnic could be ranked the second best tertiary institution in Nigeria by Webometric ranking of world universities, then all tertiary in-

stitutions can succeed if given equal opportunities by the government.

"The dichotomy in some tertiary certification should be eliminated at the national level. If a polytechnic can be rated second among tertiary institutions in Nigeria, it means that according polytechnics the same status as the universities may be more fruitful," he said.

The convocation lecturer also warned against the negative impact of strike on Nigeria's education system, urging unions to seek alternative measures to get government attention.

"Industrial action as a tool for getting government attention should be instrument of last resort; it should not be used as often as it is currently being used. The effect of long school closure on the life and psyche of the students and their parents and guardians cannot be quantified," he said.

Special prizes were awarded to students who excelled in the six programmes run by the institution at National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels. Omowunmi Oloyede shone brightest among all the scholars, finishing with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.86 in Business Administration and Management.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

47

EDUCATION

Sultan urges Muslims to invest in education

S

ULTAN of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, has called on wealthy Muslims to commit their wealth in educating younger adherents as a way of propagation Islam.

Sultan Abubakar, who spoke at the graduation of Qur'anic students at Iman International Schools, Arkilla, Sokoto, said there is no gain for a Muslim who expends his wealth in a course other than Islam.

Ninety-six students comprising 69 males and 27 females graduated from the school established for both conventional and Qur'anic studies.

"Instead of expending your wealth on artists, praise singers and sponsoring of political or individual songs on CDs, invest in the

Exchange teachers praise schools

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

propagation of Islam," said the revered monarch who expressed satisfaction with the graduands' knowledge of the Holy Qur'an, sermons, songs and drama presentations.

"This will surely fetch you an everlasting positive rewards from Allah against that which will not profit you," he added.

He described education especially Islamic education as weapon and strength for survival on earth and the hereafter.

"This is the kind of foundation our children should be built upon as future leaders for an egalitarian and God fearing society," he said.

Abubakar, who also noted the morals, quality and standard of

both learning and structural innovations put in place by the schools, urged the management not to compromise its quality which he said reflects in the students.

The Sultan presented Shadda and textile materials to each of the graduands and cash prizes of N50,000 each to Tahir and the drama group, while N100, 000 went to the group that presented Islamic songs in his honour.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Sokoto North Local Government Chairman and Proprietor of the school, Abdullahi Hassan, said thought of establishing the schools in 2008 after visiting a private school in Egypt.

"I was impressed with the in and out structural design and beauty

of the school which has numerous modern facilities. This motivated my curiosity to develop and establish the schools in 2010.

"Today, the school has the capacity of serving its over 200 staff, 966 (day and boarding) students with adequate learning, hostel and recreational facilities as well as modern library, mosque, classes, electricity, ICT network facility, water, among others."

He praised the state government, which donated N1 million at the event, for sponsoring the Qur'anic education of 70 per cent of the pupils.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Sahabi Isah Gada,

•Sultan Abubakar

Speaker Of the House of Assembly, Lawal M. Zayyana, Commissioners, Council chairmen, among other top government functionaries.

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WO teachers who are on a week exchange programme in the country have praised their host schools.

The teachers - Ms Alice Player, who teaches English&Literature, and her counterpart, Mr Daniel Kenway, a Technology teacher from DepFortgreen School, Lewinsham London - are part of the DFID Global School Partnerships (DGSP).

On the programme, one of them said: “There are things you can't learn from the textbook. You can't relate the experience on paper. I am a teacher of English & Literature and for me, it is a fascinating experience trying to integrate Uganda culture and Nigerian culture to literature. Well, the fact is: there is no one way that is right.

It’s a platform like this that gives a child early form of education.

Don't forget that as teachers, our main concern is the child; we want to inspire and engage them. We want them to realise that learning is for every aspect of their lives.

There is something that you just cannot learn by reading books but you have to go and live it."

They said they would return home with fond memories of their experience in Nigeria and what their host Rainbow College in Asese-Maba, Ogun State offered them.

The DGSP aims to raise young people's awareness of global development and equip them with the skills and knowledge to be-

• From left: Administrator Rainbow College, Dr Olu Ajayi; Mrs Ebai, Ms Alice, Rainbow Director of Studies DrAbioye Laoye, Human Resources Manager Pampers Group of Schools Mrs Banke Odejayi, Rainbow Vice Principal (Senior) Mr Anietie Ikon; Vice Principal (Junior) Mrs Jumoke Babarinsa and Vice Princapal (Pastoral) Mrs Kemi Odumosu at the event.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

come active global citizens.

The programme supports mutual beneficial learning partnerships between schools in the UK and Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America, which seek to embed a global dimension in the curriculum. Under the deal, DepFortgreen School, St Kizito Kampala, Uganda and Rainbow College Nigeria encourage openness and access to partner schools.

"It's my first time here and everybody has been fantastic and wonderfully generous. For our one week stay, we visited various schools under Rainbow College and are amazed by the love, the diligence, respectfulness, inquisitiveness the teachers and particularly the students demonstrated," said Kenway while expressing his gratitude for Rainbow's hospital-

ity.

Rainbow College Senior Principal, Mrs. Christiana Ebai, thanked the British Council, which initiated the DGSP and from which the trio have collaborated on projects, staff/student as well as curriculum exchange, exhibition, among others.

The partnership, Ebai said, promotes teacher and student exchanges, curriculums and cultural exchanges. However most fascinating to Rainbow, is the window of access the college has to relate with East Africa, a practice she said is not too common as most commercial and educational issues are often done by Africans within their region.

The three schools, Ebai said, have partnered on projects is various subjects, such as arts, geography science and English, to climax in a 'face-to-face' session, where

• Pupils of Gloryland School, Aguda, Lagos carrying placards during their peaceful demonstration at Lagos State House of Assembly calling for the release of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram sect. With them are (left): Principal Olufemi, Oladipo, Hon.Segun Olulade and others.

the schools would engage in a comparative analysis of their experiences.

She said: "We did a project in the UK where we visited varying market within our country to do comparative analysis of changes in food prices. We eventually met in our usual 'face to face session' where each school shared its experience; and we found that rates of food prices were not so different anywhere in the world.

“Last session, we did a project on HIV where the three schools looked at the impact of virus on the world and sensitised youths on the scourge. We also did another one in Geography where each school looked at the three key

O

areas of geography- physical, human and regional.

“Last year, we had a joint arts exhibition showcasing artworks from the three schools which were brought together for a week-long art exhibition. On English, our theme was Africa with a select number of students that wrote poems on Africa which we co- published."

Rainbow Director of Studies Dr Abioye Laoye said the projects the school embarked on are submitted to the British Council in London which assesses it and if one is qualified, gives 15000 pounds grants to each school to cushion the effect of facilitating teachers on exchange programmes.

Chevron inaugurates project in school

PERATOR of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)/CNL Joint Venture and the company’s management, have rebuilt, furnished and inaugurated a block of six-classrooms at Ilasan Secondary School, Lekki, Lagos. The project, which was executed under the company’s Employee Volunteer Programme (EVP), was handed over to the school on Tuesday, May 20.

Under this programme, the company has put a scheme in place for employees to give their time and money towards a worthy project and then the company will match the funds raised by the employees to ensure that the project is executed.

The building was an existing dilapidated school block, which was reconstructed and equipped with classroom furniture. Additionally, concrete flooring was provided to a section of the school compound, the school's outstanding electricity

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

bills were offset and the entire school compound was hooked-up to the national electricity supply grid.

In his remarks at the ceremony, CNL Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Andrew Fawthrop, represented by Mr. Sam Otuonye, Manager, Policy, Government & Public Affairs, Lagos, praised the CNL employees for raising a substantial amount of money from their own personal income and the Government of Lagos State for supporting the gesture. He said: “Today’s event is another demonstration of the value which the company places on partnership, as stated in what we call the Chevron Way™, a set of sound ethics that directs all we do and the way we do things at CNL. " He also appreciated the students and staff of Ilasan Secondary School for their efforts in ensuring the successful completion of the project.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

48

EDUCATION EDUTALK

with

Trailing the leaders

H

OW can we ever catch up with the advanced countries? Is the Vision 2020, the hope that Nigeria would be named among the top 20 economies of the world by Year 2020 really achievable at this point?

If we really hope that the Vision 2020 will not go the way of Vision 2000 and the other development plans then we should be concerned about what is happening today. Already, there are many reasons that show we may

• A cross section of the participants

A

Pupils have fun learning

BOUT 1,219 pupils from 104 secondary schools in Lagos State have attended the 18th career counseling and industry awareness programme. The programme was organised by the Youth Empowerment Restoration Initiative of Lonadek Oil and Gas last week.

The Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan was packed full with excited pupils, who listened to the General Manager Supply, Addax Petroleum Mr Valentine Iwu lamenting that despite exploiting Nigeria’s oil wealth for over five decades, the country is still underdeveloped.

The pupils learnt about capacity building, competence and capability in the oil and gas industry from experts in the sector. They were also taught the importance of local innovations from the Director-General, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr Umar Bindir and how to study better from Mrs C.O. Agwu of West African Examination Council (WAEC).

They equally learnt the importance of good character and attitude from Mr Soji Oyawoye and how to excel in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) from Mr Chima Akanno of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

W

Dr Bindir challenged them to be innovative for Nigeria to export her products to other countries. According to him, that is the only way the country can be among the top 20 economies of the world by year 2020.

"I hope one day the new inventors and producers will make this Vision 2020 a reality, which will make irresponsibility evaporate in the Nigeria system," he said.

Mr Biyi Awotiku of Chevron advised the pupils to channel their energy into things that will enlighten them, while Mrs Seyi Afolabi, Executive Director, Mobil Nigeria Limited, told them they could be whoever they want if they are determined, prepared and ready to work hard.

Speaking on how to prepare for examinations, Mrs Agwu advised the students to discover themselves, set goals, avoid distractions and develop good study skills.

"It is true that intelligence genes are sometimes inherited, but real intelligence comes from putting extra work to your already stored knowledge. And academic excellence has a price that can only be paid only by those who understand it," she said.

On his part, Mr Oyawoye advised the pupils to have positive attitudes.

"The foundation of success is attitude and without the right attitude, progress will not be forthcoming but

with the right attitude, things will change positively," he said.

In her goodwill message via the video, initiator of the programme, Dr Ibilola Amao urged the pupils to take whatever they learnt seriously to make the country proud.

Commenting on the programme, Chidera Agbasiere, an SS2 pupil of Satellite Senior Secondary School, Amuwo Odofin, said she learnt the importance of having the right attitude.

"The right attitude is one of the key things needed to succeed because attitude keeps you going, but the right character sustains you in your journey," she said.

Another pupil, Dehinbo Ebenezer of Bellina College, Akoka, said he learnt to be a change agent.

"I have learnt to be the change I want to see around me and I have learnt to be more focused," he said.

The workshop featured an exhibition of science and technological devices from the schools in attendance.

The Four-way Intruder Detector of the Lagos State Senior Model College, Kankon, Badagry won with 75 per cent; Laureates College, Mafoluku's Ariel Surveillance Balloon came second with 70.1; while the Sound-activated Audio Amplifier invented by the Federal Government College, Ijanikin, was adjudged the third best with 70 per cent.

Space science excites pupils

ITH the recent inauguration of space science clubs in 23 primary schools in Lagos, pupils have been counseled to find joy in seeking new knowledge.

The launch, which held at MD School, Oko-Oba, featured film show, reading session (Max goes to the Moon), quiz competition and robotic display.

The Managing Director, UAC, Dr Tawanda Mushuku, who chaired the occasion, shared his experience while growing up with the pupils telling them how his love for experimenting helped him to develop a passion for the sciences. He urged them to begin to prepare themselves for successful adult lives.

“I found passion in experimentation. I did my Masters in Biotechnology and Chemistry. Science is a study that deals with facts, processes, methods and it seeks to explain the processes the natural world uses in the disciplines of astronomy, biol-

‘

By Mojisola Clement

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

ogy, chemistry and physics. It explains how things work and helps us to control the environment.

"Remember five things: love to create things; understand the basics; build on the basics; be disciplined; excel in all subjects; and love and appreciate nature," he said.

Proprietress of the school, Mrs Omolara Adedugbe, said despite spending a lot to host the event at the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology (English), she was happy that the activities of the club would spread knowledge to many children who would become professionals in future.

She said: "When we found out that the centre would not give us a dime (to host the programme), we thought as a school that we should reach out to other children. We decided we would not limit it to MD School. We want children that are

The school-based space clubs is one of such ways that is geared towards sustaining efforts in sensitising, educating and informing our young school children and students at all levels

’

well informed," she said.

The Chief Scientific Officer of the centre, Dr Wunmi Alabi, said the space clubs would introduce children to how rockets are used to launch satellites in orbits, in outer space, robotics and Global Positioning System (GPS) as a tool to monitor criminal activities around the country and how to collect data with hand-held GPS units.

"The school-based space clubs is one of such ways that is geared towards sustaining efforts in sensitising, educating and informing our young school children and students at all levels," she said.

She urged governments at all levels to encourage space technology in the school curriculum.

Mrs Mildred Anabraba, a parent whose child attends MD School facilitated the relationship between the centre and the school.

She told The Nation that she was inspired to introduce her son's school to the centre's activities because of what she learnt while serving at ARCSSTE as a corps member.

"I think it provides a different way for children to learn. When you expose them to something different, they can learn a lot. Science is not difficult, in fact, it is engaging," he said.

The pupils enjoyed the reading session, which led to a short quiz of 10 questions about space technology.

Kofoworola

Belo-Osagie Kofosagie@yahoo.com 08054503077 (SMS only)

likely not get there: We have not been able to deploy local solutions to problems such as poor power supply, dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate housing, waste management, inadequate food and insecurity.

Two pupils who represented Nigeria at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in the United States, recently, understood how far Nigeria is from this vision when they returned home recently. They saw that though we are only six years away from the deadline, our journey is farther than what we can cover in that period.

When Jeffery Jude and Glory Ibanga of Air Force Comprehensive School, Uyo saw the projects their peers from other countries presented at the competition, their Nonapiece, a multi-purpose furniture item which can perform nine different functions, paled in comparison. Their invention won second place in the 2014 National Festival of School Sciences (NAFESS) competition earlier this year.

However, when they travelled to the U.S., they saw the youngsters they competed with on the world stage in future had produced futuristic devices using technology. Jeffery concluded thus: Nigeria is nowhere to be found in the league of technologically-developed nations. He suggested that the government should invest in revamping the laboratories in schools so that learning can be more practical.

What else can the youth tell our leaders? They are asking for opportunities to learn. They are asking to be prepared and empowered for the challenges ahead. In six years, Jeffery and Glory will be in their early 20s, and hopefully, in the university. What kind of institutions will they learn in? Will their schools be shut for months because of strike? Will their laboratories be with filled with obsolete equipment? Will they be forced to postpone laboratory sessions because there is no power? Will they be told to write alternative to practical because there are no equipment to test their skills in the workshops? These are the questions that need to be addressed now.

It is what we do now that will determine how the future will be for Jeffery and other youngsters. If they are not well trained today, they will not be able to take care of us tomorrow.

Let us remember that while we are trying to meet the Vision 2020 mark (if indeed we are trying), the countries currently among the top 20 are not napping. We should not expect to wake up in six years time and find ourselves among them. We may wake up and find we are still many many spots behind - perhaps not far from where we are now.

Presently, we are not among the top 100 of the highly competitive countries though Nigeria was declared the largest economy in Africa only last month. If it is really true, because the common man on the street does not believe the economy is healthy, then there may be light at the end of our tunnel. It means, we must really begin to live up to our potential to be the true giants of Africa.

Let us check corruption and waste by plugging the loopholes through which government officials and civil servants fritter away public funds. Let us invest that money in equipping our schools and laboratories, training our teachers, and creating an environment for innovative learning. When we begin to do this, then we can say we have joined the Vision 2020 race. However, if we are only talking about it now, and it has not become as fervent a passion as engulfed the United States of America to launch the first man on the moon in the 60s, then we are only dreaming and would be in for a rude shock when we wake up in the Year 2020.

‘What kind of institutions will they learn in?

Will their schools be shut for months because of strike? Will their laboratories be with filled with obsolete equipment? Will they be forced to postpone laboratory sessions because there is no power? Will they be told to write alternative to practical because there are no equipment to test their skills in the workshops? These are the questions that need to be addressed now. It is what we do now that will determine how the future will be for Jeffery and other youngsters’

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 5, 2014

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POLITICS Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Senator Ganiyu Solomon spoke with reporters in Lagos on his ambition, zoning, the agitation for a Christian governor and the fate of the party in the next general elections. EMMANUEL OLADESU was there.

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‘With internal democracy, APC ‘ll survive’

HAT are your expectations about the next governorship poll in Lagos State?

Democracy translates to participatory governance, which means everybody gets involved; you participate. And that differentiates it from a dictatorial government. Dictatorial government is just about a few people, and that was what we had during the military era. There was the accusation that, ‘all these parties, you’re not allowing internal democracy.’ And they kept saying, ‘yes, we’re guaranteeing internal democracy.’

I remember when Chief Akande spoke on this, because he was the first person to give something close to a manifesto, of sorts, before the official launch of the party. And part of what he said, apart from fighting corruption, is that in this our party, we are going to make sure we imbibe the culture of internal democracy. So, anything that will make the party look at another direction, instead of a particular direction, will make it short on internal democracy. So, to me, it’s about perception. Some people may say the body language of the leadership is tilting towards this person; at the end of the day, it’s about perception.

I say this because I relate with the leadership; none of the leaders have said, ‘I don’t think you can go,’ or ‘you’re not going,’ or has sent somebody to me to say ‘you’re going back to the senate.’ As far as I am concerned, any way, the issue of the Senate is closed; I am not going back to the Senate. Maybe, we should start with that: I am not going back to the Senate; that is settled.

What is your reaction to the endorsement of Mr. Akin Ambode for the governorship election by the Olowo-Eko, Oba Rilwan Akiolu?

Let me say that, in making the pronouncement, Kabiyesi was expressing his preference. He has also expressed his personal opinion. We’re talking of a party now; I don’t know which part or provision of the constitution of the party says a traditional ruler endorses or can endorse.

Whatever he says is his personal wish, which is not the same thing as the wish of the generality of the people.

At the end of the day, we have a party structure.

Let me also tell you that he made the pronouncement at a time when we had not even concluded putting party structures in place. So, it couldn’t have been in consultation, with who?

Is it with the political leadership? Is it with the traditional leadership? We’ve had different opinions since then. We deliberately did not come out to say anything about it because we felt it was a political statement. And what do you do with political statements?

You either respond or you leave it. In this case, we decided to leave it. It has happened a number of times when a traditional ruler in one state would say, ‘this is the person we want.’ At the end of the day, the man would not go anywhere.

It has happened several times. I don’t want to cite instances. Even in Lagos, it has happened. In our own case, such statements would not deter us. It will not deter the party man. What is the weight of a vote? Every vote carries the same weight, regardless of the status of the individual.

So, what anybody can do is to go behind his chosen, preferred, aspirant, mobilise people behind him, and provide a level playing field. It is not even for them to do that, that is the provision of the constitution; that is the tenet of democracy – provide a level playing field. And there must be transparency. Whoever wins becomes the party’s candidate, every other person queues behind him. It is not by pronouncement it is not by proclamation;, yes, they were using proclamation years ago to annex, to cede, land , to cede society, to cede

T

•Chime

‘Whatever you do, you must make sure it can stand the test of time. What is that test of time? The election.

What I will recommend is to have primaries. It will put everybody’s mind at rest’ •Solomon

country, but not now. That is now out of vogue; this is democracy, you can’t do that. So, we’ll just leave it at that – it is political and we, politicians, take as political, and consign to its proper place.

Consensus or primaries, which would you recommend to your party?

Now, we have a much more bigger party; that means it has also increased our stakeholders.

And let me also remind you recently, we had a very aggressive membership mobilisation drive which brought a lot of people into this political party. These people now are interested; how do you do consensus? Do you do consultation down to the grassroots level? Do you do consultation up to various sectors of the political parties?

Because you need to do that. Then, how do you now aggregate their opinions? If you meet a particular group, they would have somebody. If you meet another group, they would have a different person. So, you have to meet various groups at different levels, up to the lowest rung of the ladder, from the top to the bottom. How do you now aggregate their preferences? You have to do it; it has to be very scientific. Whatever you do, you must make sure it can stand the test of time. What is that test of time? The election.

What I will recommend is to have primaries. It will put everybody’s mind at rest.

We believe you’ve been consulting with political leaders in the state. Have you consulted with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and what did he tell you?

Yes, I’ve consulted with him. There’s no way you’d want to run for governorship, or any serious political office and you don’t meet your leaders. I met him and he said, ‘well, you can go ahead with your ambition; at the right time we’ll roll out the party programmes and so on, but right now we are busy putting up the party structures.’ We agreed that putting up party structures will not stop me from meeting people, going ahead with my plans. That is it.

There are some issues that may shape the primaries-zoning and religion. We want your opinion on these issues, zoning and religion.

I always try not to go into discussing religion, because people can be very emotional about religion and, given what is also going on round the country, it is a very sensitive issue. In this particular part of the country, we don’t discuss religion when it comes to governance. This is the very first time some people are bringing it up. And I can tell you that they are bringing it up

because of their own selfish interests. I don’t want to go further, but look at the average family here, you have them muslims, you have them Christians. I have a cousin who is a reverend; my sister is a deaconess; go to Methodist Church, Palm Avenue, that is the church our grandparents attended. That is where they had their burial. So, how will I do anything against a Christian community, for instance? It has never been an issue. Some people have come out to say governance is not about religion. Religion will not put food on your table. You’d have to look at people you believe have integrity, who have what it takes to govern. And I will not also want to go into comparison, as some people would want to do. The moment they succeed in bringing this, and somebody comes on board, and the only credential he’s waving is ‘I am a Christian,’ or ‘I am a muslim,’ his royalty, whether we like it or not, will go to that group, first and foremost.

And it will now exert a big influence on his policies, on his roles, on anything he does, because he would now think he’s obliged to that community. That is about religion – like I said, it is very very sensitive, people can be very emotional about it. Now, about zoning. Again, in the history of Lagos – I challenge anybody to prove me wrong – this would be the first time that anybody would sit down and say ‘we’re zoning to this particular person’, and they made a mistake of it. Those people that were doing it made a mistake of saying they were zoning to a particular town. You can only zone to a senatorial district, because that particular town does not constitute the whole district. And when eventually they said, ‘Ok, Epe.’ Its part of the East. We have some other towns, some other divisions, as part of the East. The other divisions rose up and said, ‘no, it’s our turn, because Epe has done it before.’ These are things that are avoidable, if we ourselves had not inadvertently brought it up.

However, in my own case, if they think that would be a deterrent, no. I also have a roof in the East. And also because they’ve made it possible to move from one senatorial district to another, or ven move across – move from a senatorial district, jump over to another senatorial district. So, it’s all well and good.

Whatever I am saying is not new to Lagos politics; there are precedents. It is accepted, it has become a norm, so we do it.

You said you’re also from the East, where?

Ikorodu.

How? My dad was from Ipakodo. You go to the palace, they will tell you. They will tell you also his role in upgrading the Obaship. My mum is from Ituwolo, and my maternal grand mum is from Ibeshe. So, whatever way you want to push it, I am there. They can’t talk of zoning as a way of stopping anybody. It is also not a provision of the party, which means anybody, even from the Central, can run. It is the party members that would say, ‘no, we prefer this person.’

It depends on who the individual is. You go ahead, just leave party members to their thing, that again would promote democracy. It would make the candidates to talk to people, to talk to people across the other senatorial districts.

You just don’t fold your arms and say because somebody has zoned it to your area, that is the end. You also need the other districts. At the end of the day, you’re not going to be governor of Lagos East only; you’re supposed to be the governor of Lagos State.

What are your chances of getting the party ticket, given the possibility that you’re believed to be independent-minded, which is probably one of your undoing?

I’d gone through this root before, and I know what it requires, I know what it takes. And I have also said that it would be foolhardy of anybody to join a political race without doing self-assessment. In Lagos State, anybody from our party throwing his heart in the ring in 2011 would have been foolish, because there was no way he would have defeated the incumbent. In the same way, I think I have done my own assessment, and, with respect to members of my own party, I know their thinking, I know where they are leaning towards. And I know that they are agitating very strongly that this time around, they should be allowed to indicate their preference.

With that in place, I stand more than a good chance of clinching the ticket, and finally by the grace of God. Have you also talked to Governor Fashola?

I said any serious contender will do a far and wide consultation with the leadership of the party, and when you’re talking of the leadership of this political party – I don’t know how you read – by the time you mention a few names, and you’ve not mentioned the governor, you still don’t know where you’re going, you’re joking. He’s a leader of the party, both at the national and state levels. Definitely, he’s one of those I’ve consulted.

What would you do if there is a free and fair primary election and you did not win?

A free and fair primary election? Oh, I’ll queue behind whoever wins. If there was none – we ‘ll leave that to that time. We will act accordingly.

What happens, if you lose in a flawed primary election? There are speculations that you would move out of the APC. We still need to sell our party; we still need to sell our party to the general populace, which is much more important, and that is why I will not engage in a bitter fight, because at the end of the day we still need to come together to fighter a greater ‘devil’. The second option, where there’s a close margin, where there is free, fair transparent primary election, the people would have spoken and there is nothing you can do; it becomes our party issue. You rally round whoever emerges, and try to work out things together. As for the last scenario, where some people think they can outsmart the others, we’ll act accordingly.

There is zoning in Enugu, says group

HE people of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Enugu State have called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP and Governor Sullivan Chime to respect the zoning agreement in Enugu State in the interest of fairness and justice.

A community leader, Ignatius Onodugo, said the neglect of the pact would lead to the political marginaliation of the area.

He said the agreement on the rotation of the House of Representatives slot between Uzo-Uwani and IgboEtiti councils in the Nsukka Constituency is sacrosant, adding that it is the turn of the former to enjoy the slot in the next year’s election.

The community leader said the fed-

By Musa Odoshimokhe

eral legislator from the constituency is trying to tamper with the agreement by mooting a second term agenda.

Onodugbo said: “In recognition of the historical and brotherly affinity and the need to foster peace and unity between Igbo-Etiti and Uzo-Uwani Local Government Areas, some wise men from both areas met in February, 1998 and entered into an agreement that the House of Representatives seat would rotate among the two brotherly local governments.

“They further agreed that Igbo-Etiti would produce the first candidate for the seat and this led to the emergence of Hon. Mathias Ozor in 1998 under the platform of the UNCP. However,

his tenure was short lived because of the truncation of the Abacha transition programme due to his demise,” he said.

He added: “Again, in January, 1999, by a broader representation, another agreement was entered into by political leaders from the areas reiterating the need to foster a harmonious coexistence between the two areas by rotating the seat.

“It was further agreed that UzoUwani LGA shall take the first shot this time around having conceded the position to Igbo-Etiti the previous year but for the truncation of the transition programme.

“This agreement led to the emergence of Dr. Romanus Ezike from

Uzo-Uwani whose election was upturned by the electoral tribunal . He spent only three months in the office and was replaced by Hon. Chris Nnadi from Igbo-Etiti, who now stayed from September 1999 to 2007.”

“It is instructive to note that, since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999 till date, Uzo-Uwani has served only four years out of the 16 years by 2015 when the incumbent might have completed her tenure making IgboEtiti to occupy the position for 12 years leaving Uzo-Uwani with only four years.

“It is in the interest of the foregoing that we call on all men of goodwill to see the need for an Uzo-Uwani to take the next turn’’.

THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 5, 2014

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NEWS •Olomu of Omu-Aran,Oba Charles Ibitoye (left) presenting a Souvenir to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara state during the inauguration of the renovated and equipped OmuAran General Hospital in Omu-Aran, Kwara State •Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (right) addressing Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (middle); Special Adviser to the governor on Federal Matters Mrs Idia Babalola (left); Commissioner for Physical Planning and Environment, Mr Muyiwa Ige (second left) and Managing Director, Osun State Investment Company Limited, Mr Bola Oyebamiji at the sendforth of 31 indigents graduates to Germany for Mechatronics in Osogbo The Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Ecclesiastical Province, Dr. Anthony Obinna (left,) praying for Mr. Peter Obi former Anambra State Governor during the thanksgiving Mass by the Archdiocese to thank God for Obi’s successful completion of his tenure at the Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri

•Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido (right) greeting Chief Judge Aminu Sambo Ringim, outgoing chairman, Conference of 19 Northern States Chief Justices, Kadis and Presidents of Customary Courts Justice Jibrin Ndatsu at the 40th meeting of the conference in Dutse.

•Chairman, Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Bolaji Kayode Robert (third left) being presented with the Best Local Government Chairman of Badagry Division award by the representative of Akran of Badagry, Chief Gogan Pijan at Voice Median Group’s Seventh year anniversary. With them are: Miss Yinka Johnson (left); Mrs Tope George; Chief Ayejeto (Hungbo Yinvo Akere); Supervisory Councillor for the Environment, Hon Basiru Sanni; Special Assistant, on Staff Matters, Mrs Funmi Badmus.

•Chairman Ilorin West Local Government Area, Alhaji Tajudeen Sulu Oloje (second right) cutting the tape to inaugurate a water project done by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba (third right) during the CPS’s empowerment programme at Ajikobi Ward, Ilorin. With them is Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Yusuf Kayode Maja

•Caretaker Chairman of Ibadan North East Local Government, Mr Ladi Oluokun (in white) being welcomed by members of staff and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the council secretariat in Iwo Road.

•Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Ahmed laying a wreath in memory of Dana Plane crash victims at the second year anniversary of the air crash at Iju Ishaga memorial Arcade in Ifako.

With him are the Permanent Secretary, Dr Aderemi Desalu (right); Director-General, Lagos Safety Commission Mrs Dominga Odebunmi and General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Mr Oke Osanyintolu PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

•Headmistress, Opebi Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos, Mrs Esther Oyesile (second left) receiving a First Aid Box from Chairman, Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Babatunde Oke in Lagos.

With them are Mrs Theresa Okafor (a teacher) left; the council’s Administrative Officer, Mr Oludayo Taiwo; (behind the chairman); Supervisory Councillor for Education; Mr Adejuwon, Head of Department, Education Mr Samsudeen Oloyede; Mr Eniayewu, Pastor Otolorin Ogunlana, Executive Secretary, Hajia Bola Shitu New Time Officer, Mr Agander Parasher and Oba of Onigbongbo, Munirudeen Olatunji Yusuff.

•Artiste, Dr Sid presenting the winner of the Project Smile, Tosin Adekoya with a free Smile makeover in Lagos. With them are Initiator of Project Smile, Dr Army Binta Shumbushe (left) and one of the judges, Dr Bola Soyombo.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

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NATURAL HEALTH

How much sex upsets the apple cart?

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HILE I was away from work last weekend, I received two cell phone text message enquiries I’d like to address here. One was from a 48-year-old man who wished to know how often in one month it was safe for him to relate sexually with his wife, and if there was any herb or nutritional supplement which supported male sexual vitality. The other enquiry, made also by a man, was about HIV (Human Immune deficiency Virus) disease. His wife was diagnosed HIV positive when she went to a hospital to have their last baby, and she was advised not to breastfeed the baby.

Limit of Sex This is a dicey question as sexual appetite varies in men, and one person’s biochemical constitution varies from another’s. But there are some common grounds.

First, sex, like food, air, rest and exercise, is a requirement of a healthy, adult human body. The healthy, adult body in reference is not only one in a state of mental and physical balance but, also, one in which the sexual instinct has not been artificially stimulated. As it is now known, this natural demand facilitates the exchange of radiations between male and female bodies and thereby helps to balance the positive and negative forces oscillating within them.

This natural demand of the body is not a license for sexual frivolities or escapades which characterise today’s sexual misbehavior as an “incurable disease”.

As a matter of fact, sex, as a gift from Mother Nature, is offered on the basis of both parties being in a state of spiritual harmony tending towards physical union as well. Anything short of this is a drain on generative power, which is crucial for healthy spiritual activity, wellbeing and growth or advancement if wantonly dissipate their adult sperm count.

At the mundane, physical level it is also clear that sexual indiscipline can, indeed, be a minesfield. First, about 80 percent of the Zinc in a man’s body is stored in the prostate gland. Frequent ejaculations cause a rapid depletion of this store. Zinc deficiency has been associated with prostate enlargement, skin, hair and nail disorders, immune dysfunction and vision problems, among other ailments.

Secondly, the energy lost in a single ejaculation has been estimated to amount to about as much as is needed by a marathon runner to fulfill his task. This explains why a man pants almost breathlessly after a series of ejaculations. To worsen matters, the sperm cells discharged in these events take about three months from their production to maturation. Thus, men in the procreative years run the risk of carrying a high load of immature sperm cells or a low sperm count.

Degradation As the body has a duty to procreate itself, it always tries to make a quantum of these cells adequate for that purpose. Sperm cells are made from high grade proteins, the finest of the proteins the body can offer. Our bodies are made of proteins and maintained by them.

When the sperm is frittered, and the demand for high grade protein increases, and there is not enough high grade protein source in the diet, the body becomes farmished, degraded or worn out. That is why men who cannot take their eyes off anything in skirts look terribly worn out, exhausted.

Enhancers LL over the world, men feel embarrassed if they have to resort to story telling in the bedroom, simply because they are not booting. And in response to this inadequacy the sex industry has responded with many single plant substances or proprietary blends which accommodate as many of them as possible. Thus , we have male sex enhancers as Ginseng, Damiana, Damiana – Ginseng, Ashwangheda, Orchid, the hormone DHEA, Zinc Steel Libido, Libido Max, Adam’s Apple, and Roots, to mention a few of them. The mention of Roots will light up the faces of some of my friends who use it. Through its own mechanisms, it brings up turgidity in record time and increases the span of staying power. It must be remembered, however, that sexual vitality is a combined function of many factors. First, the heart must be healthy. Hypertensives who take pharmaceutical anti-hypertension drugs have their heart rates reduced by these drugs. This reduces the quantum of blood which flows into the penile shaft.

And this is bad news for turgidity or staying power.

Such people may help their hearts with a number of nutritional supplements which may overpower or reverse the hypertension. Primary hypertension improves with increase in dietary potassium intake. The sources of potassium may be fruits (orange, Avocado pear, water melon, banana etc and vegetable juices) or proprietary beet root capsules of Blackstrap molasses.

Hawthorn berries helps to dilate coronary arteries, get more blood to flow through and improve the mechanical pumping action of the heart.

Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) energises the heart and all cells of the body. Magnesium Vitamin E, Selenium Vitamin C and Vitamin B Complex are also important for healthy heart function in terms of its energy output. If cholesterol and Homocystein threaten to block the

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phos which masterminds metabolism and Kali Mar which repairs mangled nerves. Where there is more need to work on the nerves with reinforcement of plasma salts, the phosphate cell salts may be added to plasma salts. There are fine phosphates salts among the 12 plasma salts. These phosphate salts also come separately as a group of theirs.

Adding them to the plasma increases their load in the plasma. They are- Cal Phos, Mag phos, Ferrum phos, Natrum phos and Kali phos.

When these steps are taken, early morning turgidity improves, as does sexual stamina.

Women ANY young and middle age women no longer come clean nowadays. They suffer from many problems downstairs. Candida, Vaginitis (In-

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blood vessels, Kyolic Cardio Vascular is a helpful proprietary agent. So are Speedwell herb, Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) Lecithin.

The nerves What are we without our nerves? If the nerves of the eyes are weak, vision dims. If nerves are lazy in the intestine, constipation occurs. Over stimulated nerves here may cause diarrhoea, people who are easily forgetful have nerve problems in the brain. In people who cannot easily fall asleep or maintain sound sleep, nerves are most probably agitated in the brain. For people who cannot move one limb or the other, or, as in the case of a woman who spoke to me last week about one of her eye lids which closed on its own without her being able to open the eye, there may have been an impairment to nerves which control the muscles which, in turn, control these affected parts of the body.

In erectile dysfunction, the nerves are not functioning properly. They ought to begin their work by relaying sexual touch or visual exposure to the brain which, in turn, through the nerves, instructs the various organs to set the plough to work. The heart begins to pound.

The adrenal glands provide the necessary hormones.

The skin is more responsive to touch. The penile shaft enlarges and becomes turgid if blood fills it. Thus is also assuming that its spongy tissues which will hold the blood for a while are not blocked by cholesterol and other substances.

The nerves need good protein and all the 23 amino acids must be present. They need calcium to contract and magnesium to relax. Coral calcium offers these with about 40 other substances in addition. Lion’s mane is no less important, it stimulates the brain to produce Nerve Growth Hormone (NGH) or Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) which repairs nerve damage, increases nerve flow and nerve energy. For their biochemic needs, they require tissue salts like other parts of the body. Plasma tissue salts contain all the 12 biochemic/homeopathic cell salts, including Mag

flammation of the Vagina), erosion of the vaginal wall, awful, foul smelling odors, lower abdominal pain, Pelvic Inflammation Disease (PID) are some of the problems they suffer from. One woman told me last week her menstrual discharge comes in heavy, blackened clots, and she has to stay indoors until it is all over. While these are challenges that may have other origins, it may not be out of place to seek their antecedent in overindulgence in sex. One leading Euro-American hypothesis advanced by some doctors is as follows…

•The vagina pH is meant to be slightly acidic as a mode of defence against germs.

•The sperm and the seminal fluid are highly alkaline, to enable the sperm overcome the acidic environment in its journey to the fallopian tubes.

Occasional sperm ingress may not disturb this arrangement. But when it becomes too often, even from only one mate, frequent alkalinity of the sperm may alkalize the vault to the point that the natural acid defence breaks down and germs begin to have a field day. Couples who do not understand this may become distrustful and quarrel, the man assuming his spouse is seeing other men, the woman believing he has cheated, become infected and infected her.

One of the latest devices for cleaning up the vagina and adjourning regions in Nigeria today is GUIFELBAO. Best used two days after menstruation, it is inserted into the vagina for between three and six days. It is said to suck up toxins and effect such health adjustments in the pelvis region that may impact favorably on uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. It is also reported to help restore menstruation which may have ceased due to toxin interferences.

Given what I have heard, it has the features of PURE VIRGIN, which I helped to name, when Alternative Medicine manufacturer, Dr. Olawale Tusin produced. It is a product which cleared and tightened flatty vaginal wall.

Guifelbao tightens the wall as well. Users of Guifelbao may add to the regimen cranberry to clean up the urinary tract, and any product with Golden Seal root, such as Echinacea Supreme, or Grape Seed Extract or parasite formula to destroy unfriendly bacteria. Thereafter they may insert PROBIOTIC (friendly bacteria) capsules to repopulate the secret place with natural flora bacteria. These bacteria inhibit population growth of unfriendly bacteria, keeping the place fresh and clean. The vagina is, like the mouth, an open part of the body. You should clean the mouth at least two times a day, what about the vagina which does not have as much access to fresh air as the mouth?

Happy Pentecost….. Beware, Lucifer still at work

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LTHOUGH memories of Pentecost 2014 have faded in many feeble Christian souls, the peak of it was observed in several countries by men and women, Christians and Muslims alike, who have elevated themselves beyond the confines or shackles of religion. I remember engineer John Oluyemi. He has a hard copy of the authorised Koran and the electronic version. During a discussion among friends on the messages the creator once willed be brought to different people in various parts of the earth, each message adapted to the nature and needs of a people at a point in their history of their spiritual development, he referred to two interesting verses in the Koran. One is chapter 2 verse 62, the other 5:69. These verses clear up the question of whether one religion is superior to another or if, adherents of religions should live in enmity.

These verses speak of the minimum requirement for SALVATION, irrespective of whether one is a ‘Jew, Christian or Convert’ to Islam. Chapter 2:62 says: ‘Unity of All submitters and Minimum Requirements for Salvation: “Surely those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, the converts; anyone who (1) believes in God and (2) believes in the hereafter and (3) leads a righteous life will receive the recompense from the Lord; they have nothing to fear; nor will they grieve”.

For Nigerian Christians who, through their verses may be seeing Islam as a religion of peace for the first time, and would then wonder why the Jihad was characterised with violence, why Christians in the north of Nigeria are made by Muslims to live in “fear” and to “grieve”, or why Christians are loathed and killed in the north, sometimes inside churches, the answer may be found in the bloody culture of Arabian people before

the advent of the Prophet. In pre-Prophet Mohammed Arabia, the culture was such that, as an example, a father may have his daughter slaughtered during the visit of a dear friend, as proof to the guest that he is greatly valued. Thus cultural blood-letting, which has nothing to do with Prophet Mohammed’s message of Peace to sanitise Arabia, is evident, also, in the violent struggles for power by those followers of the Prophet who wished to succeed him even before his earthly departure.

My friends and I couldn’t help reflecting on such matters as this during own May-end retreat to observe Pentecost when the news came of the murder of one emir and the capture of two others who managed to escape.

We prayed that the violence in North-Eastern Nigeria come to an end soon. But we recognised, too, the possible influence of the furies at work. The furies are a class of phantoms and demons, dark and evil thought forms of human origin. Their job is destruction. They destroy the targets of their authors, and turn around after the job to vanquish. It is not for nothing that many societies abhor bloodshed, and institute traditional cleansing rites, of which the modern Nigerian man and woman know little or nothing. As Christians we remember that generation which asked that the Blood of Jesus be upon them and their children. Human blood has been flowing unabatedly in the north of Nigeria for a long time. Take the mass killing of Igbos in 1966 as an example. If those disembodied souls were not mature spiritually to turn their backs on this earth and were vengeance seeking, their volition, congregated, may unite with similar thought forms. These similar thought forms could emanate from people who think and tack carelessly. Thoughts and the spoken word are not free.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

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A new policy by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) restricting certain categories of cement to specific uses has set cement manufacturers on a war path. Dangote Cement Plc endorsed the new classification, insisting that adopting the higher 42.5 grade cement as the standard product will reduce buildings collapse. But other manufacturers are literally up in arms against the policy. CHIKODI OKEREOCHA and OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE write on the raging controversy.

Cement war gets messier I

S THERE any yet link between poor quality cement and the increasing menace of buildings collapse in Nigeria? The answer is neither here nor there. But experts and stakeholders in the industry believe that making the higher 42.5 grade of cement the standard product in Nigeria would, at least, narrow the search for the causes of building collapse to other factors. However, attempts by the regulatory authorities to do so by coming out with a policy that reviewed the standard of cement, classified it into three grades and stipulated their exclusive uses, has pitched cement manufacturers against one another.

The new policy classified cement into three grades: 32.5, 42.5 and 52.5. Essentially, the policy announced recently by the government, through the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), restricted the use of the 32.5 grade cement to plastering of structures only while 42.5 grade is recommended for the construction of buildings, beams, load bearing columns, pillars, block moulding and others. The 52.5 grade cement, on the other hand, is recommended for the construction of bigger projects, such as bridges, flyovers, and high-rise buildings.

But, the classification has become a subject of controversy and litigation among cement manufacturers.

While Dangote Cement Plc, citing patriotism and the need to halt the rising incidence of structure collapse, endorsed the policy and even went a notch higher to produce the product to specification, the policy has not gone down well with other manufacturers.

Dangote Cement, at a briefing, said the review and the classification were over delayed. Citing the harrowing experience of loss of lives and property that has trailed the country following the rising cases of collapsed structures, the company urged the regulatory body to enforce the implementation of the new standard.

As a Director in the company, Ekanem Etim, put it: “It is only

economic saboteurs and profiteers that would kick against the new standard for cement production as other countries of the world have moved up beyond the level and the low grade cement being canvassed by some of the manufacturers opposed to the new standard.”

He said the Technical Committee of SON, which comprised all stakeholders in the building and construction industry and cement manufacturers, had in the wake of wide-spread protests against the collapse of structures across the country, fingered low quality of cement as a key factor According to him, the committee at the end of the meeting came up with a review of the standard and classified cement into three grade, stipulating their exclusive uses to guide against misapplication and adulteration.

“A report on the reviewed standard was adopted and forwarded to the SON Governing Council, which looked at the reviewed standard approved it before sending it to the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry for final approval for implementation,” he said.

Etim argued that several countries had phased out the 32.5 grade of cement, pointing out that what Dangote Cement has done is to set a minimum standard of 42.5 and will educate the people on the uses of the different grades of cement.

“If any manufacturer wants to continue to produce 32.5 grade or even below and canvassing it as being for multi-purpose use, that is their problem with the authorities. As for Dangote, we have already complied even before the authorities came out to set the new standard. We are committed to the SON standard, which is in line with global best practices and we call on SON to begin enforcement immediately. We hold the lives of the people so dear, the more we delay, the more we endanger the lives of the people,” he said.

Etim said the company was insisting on the 42.5 cement grade

for altruistic reasons. Hear him: “We can’t open our eyes as indigenous company to allow economic saboteurs to put the lives of our people at risk.”

He noted that SON had always set 42.5 as the minimum standard when the preponderance of cement consumption was being serviced with imports and all were importing 42.5 grade, with the little local production being 32.5 grade.

“Now that production has been domesticated, what SON has only done is to extend the 42.5 to cover local production and we wonder why any manufacturer would find it difficult to switch to 42.5,” he said, adding that though the switch to 42.5 might cost more, it is in the interest of the people and the country.

By insisting on the new grade of cement, experts said Dangote was only trying to be in tune with the changing dynamics in the global cement industry with most of the advanced countries migrating from the lower 32.5 grade of cement to the higher 42.5 specification and even 52.5, with a uniform standard set by the government, manufacturers and importers. For instance, 92 per cent of Portland cement produced in the United States (US) is in 52.5 and 42.5 grades, while other imported cement from China, Japan, Denmark and Paris are all 42.5 grade.

Also, China, the number one producer of cement in the world, will phase out the entire 32.5 grade by July, India, the second largest producer of cement phased out 32.5 grade cement 12 years ago.

SON recognises this much, and as the standard enforcement agency, urged manufacturers to commence the production of the high-grade 42.5. It pointed out that those who continue to produce 32.5 low grade do so for profiteering. SON also warned members of the public to adhere strictly to the stipulated application of cement types and save the nation the embarrassment of incessant structure failures.

Its Director-General, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, was, however, quick to

•Dangote Cement Chairman, Aliko Dangote

•Palka

clarify that although there are no substandard cement in the country, the challenge was more of misapplication rather than the quality of cement.

But some cement manufacturers are not impressed by SON’s classification, insisting that the move would not only lead to increase in the price of cement, but also result in its scarcity. Some of them argue that it would be difficult for some manufacturers meet the new requirement in the production lines. Those advancing this position include Lafarge WAPCO, United Cement Company of Nigeria (UNICEM) and Ashaka Cement.

They are kicking that restricting the use of 32.5 grade of cement to plastering amounts to an indirect ban on the product, adding that this is unacceptable.

For instance, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lafarge WAPCO, Mr. Joe Hudson, argued that the 32.5 grade cement is not the cause of building collapse in Nigeria. He said the grade is the best multipurpose cement, which has been in use in many counties for many years. “The new policy to restrict the 32.5 grade will affect investment on cement. There will be a big impact on the capacity because it will reduce the production of cement. The policy is capable of causing confusion,” he argued, adding that the 32.5 grade has served serving manufacturers, builders and corporate organisations well.

As far as Hudson is concerned, placing the blame of building collapse at the doorstep of the inferior quality of 32.5 grade of cement is tantamount to throwing punches in the wrong direction. He said SON

should instead focus on how to implement the building code of 2006, deal with cement application and the use of unqualified engineers, among others. He described the argument that the 32.5 grade of cement is being produced for profiteering as untrue and unfair. “We have been in this business for more than 40 years and for someone to now come and tell us that 32.5 are of less grade is unprofessional. The claim that the grade has been banned in some countries, or that it is the cause of building collapse is absurd,” the Managing Director, Ashaka Cement, Leonard Palka, said.

However, argument being advanced by the trio that restricting the 32.5 grade cement to specific uses will lead to increase in the price of cement does not stand. Despite the high quality 42.5 grade, which Dangote Cement churns out from its three production plants, the price of the products remain the same.

Dangote Cement had not increased its price for the product.The hike in price of cement, The Nation learnt, is the handiwork of middlemen. For instance, from the factory gate to the retailers’ shops, there is a chain that soar the price of cement from N1, 545 to over N2, 000. Already, Dangote Cement has commenced the recruitment of more distributors across the country to cut down on the number of middlemen whose activities result to hike in the price of cement.

However, as the claims and counter claims continue, it remains to be seen how far the regulatory authorities would go in putting their foot down and compel compliance on the new cement standard.

CPC shuts firm for adulteration

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•Cement bags

HE Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has shut a paint manufacturing company in Kano State for alleged adulteration and illegal operation.

Its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Nuhu Bello, led the council’s team to the company at Dausayi in Gezawa Local Government Area of the state.

He said a consumer, who purchased a large quantity of the company’s product and discovered that it was adulterated, reported the matter to the Hisbah Board.

Hisbah is the enforcement arm of the Shariah law.

Bello said the board referred the case to the council, which investigated and found the company guilty.

According to him, the company is a local factory which has no licence and has no name.

Bello advised consumers to have knowledge of any product they wish to buy to avoid being cheated.

He urged consumers, who were victims of adulterated products to report such cases to relevant authorities.

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e-Business

How to secure Chibok girls release, by ICT expert

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HE Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has faulted the the Federal Government’s strategy in combating insurgents. The government, it said, has failed to utilise information communication technology (ICT) tools to fight the its surgents.

NCS President Prof David Adewumi said satellite technology and geographical mapping of areas the insurgents laid siege could secure the release of the over 200 abducted Chibok school girls.

He said what should have been done had been left undone by the government.

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Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

Adewunmi said: “When you talk about satellite technology, it can be used to find out or locate or colocate objects in very long distance.

There is the Sat 3 that is in orbit.

This satellite facility is not being fully utilised because it has the capacity to locate to the minutest details where ever those insurgents might be in the forest. It can also be used for agric purpose.

“One thing that is clear is that we have not deployed enough technology to fight insecurity in the country.”

Adewumi who spoke with The Nation said there is need for accurate data gathering in the country because if the available data is not dependable, it will not yield any positive results.

According to him, the entire Sambisa Forest in Bornu State where the insurgents have been operating from could also be mapped for computer simulation.

“The Sambisa Forest, as large as it may be, could be mapped and simulated using computer simulation technology. The NCS therefore recommends the immediate and appropriate use of ICT tools to

NITEL: BPE opts for guided sale

FTER three botched attempts to sell the Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has resorted to guided liquidation to avoid selling the firm as scraps.

It said the government owed it a duty to the people to ensure that NITEL is not sold in bits and pieces.

BPE Director-General, Benjamin Dikki, in an interview with The Nation, said it was opting for guided liquidation because the option worked in the privatisation of the Nigeria Fertiliser Company (NAFCOM), which is now operating as Notore. It was also used in Jebba Paper Mill and Savannah Sugar and these firms are flourishing.

He said: “With the reforms and with the liberalisation of the sec-

tor, nobody remembers that there was a NITEL. We are not missing Nitel because the sector has been liberalised and competition has been introduced and there are players who are playing in the telecom sector.

“Number two, the issue of mode of privatisation of NITEL is purely a legal matter. Nitel is owing over N400million in debts. If this company is to be run by government as some people have suggested, it means that government has to cough out money to resolve those liabilities. Why should government put down money to revive NITEL when NITEL is no longer a critical infrastructure in the Nigerian economy? If Nitel doesn’t come up again at all, Nigerians will still survive in terms of access to telecommunications. So, NITEL has ceased to be a critical asset. So

government looked at all the options.

“What are the benefits of putting money, the option of public private partnership (PPP), and other options resuscitating NITEL but all of them have investment implications for the government. Telecom is not a priority area for government now. It is better taken care of by the private sector. We now decided to take advantage of the Company and Allied Matters Act. What the Americans call Chapter 11. You go and file for the liquidation of NITEL. We didn’t want it to be liquidation, the typical liquidation style, where you sell one building, one cable to different parties.

We call it guided liquidation because we want whoever buys NITEL and Mtel to still continue to run the telecom and not to extinguish NITEL from business.

tackle the insecurity in the land.

Federal Government must as a matter of priority establish a National Biometric Database Programme. There is a need to address and extract functional information from the present databases maintained by Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Police, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the banks and others. Furthermore, other ICT devices such as surveillance cameras, social network analysis, biometric surveillance data mining, satellite imagery, internet protocol (IP) devices should be employed professionally to checkmate insecurity in the country.

“With the highest professional regard, NCS is ready and willing to partner with the Federal Government to actualise this.”

The president recalled that after the September 11 terrorists’ attacks on the twin-towers of the World Trade Centre in the United States (US), no such attacks has been successful in that country because the government has deployed technology tools massively to prevent a re-occurrence.

“Government has not lived up to its responsibility of funding the development of the ICT sector in the country by providing the basic infrastructure. There are quite a number of ICT facilities that are supposed to be used even by local government areas and state government. There is need to deploy the simplest technology such as the Wireless Hidden Surveillance Camera. I don’t think government is deploying enough of ICT tools to tackle the security challenges in the country,” Prof Adewumi said.

Nigeria, South Africa win Ericsson’s awards

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IGERIA and South Africa have emerged winners of this year’s edition of the annual Ericsson Application Awards.

The grand finale of the awards was held at the Ericsson Studio, Kista, Sweden.

According to a statement by the technology giants, the student category was won by Team WorkMode from South Africa for their collaboration app, with the company category being won by Team SOP from Nigeria with their app that monitors electricity supply.

Taking home the honours in the student category, Team WorkMode from South Africa created an app that helps workers collaborate by allowing them to see the real-time work context and tasks of colleagues.

“We felt that Team WorkMode showed a strong business potential, and their focus on design and

usability helped them when it came to innovation and addressing the theme of Apps for working life,” the jury said.

Jacques Marais of Team WorkMode said:”This award will help us to build our business and allow us to develop not only this app but also some ideas we have around education in South Africa.

It will also enable us to purchase hardware so we can expand to different platforms. It’s a real boost.”

The company category was won

by Team SOP from Nigeria, who created an app that analyses the availability of electricity in a given area.

“Team SOP presented a strong case of using technology in a way that anyone could understand value and would invest in. They cleverly combined consumer, society and business benefits around lifting transparency of power delivery in a well designed package,” the jury said.

MainOne showcases optic fibre cables

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•From left: President Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Lanre Ajayi, Chief Executive Officer, Teledon Group Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem and President, Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), Emma Okonji during the inauguration of the body in Lagos.

NIMC, NOA partner on data base enrolment

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HE National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have partnered to ensure that more Nigerians are enrolled in the National Identity Database and issued their National Identification Number (NIN).

NIMC Director General, Chris Onyemenam said the importance of getting the biometric data of all Nigerians captured cannot be overemphasised as it has both socio-economic and security importance.

At the flag-off of an enrolment centre at NOA Headquarters, in Abuja, thanked the Director-General of NOA, Mr Mike Omeni for his support and cooperation towards making the NIMC mandate a reality.

Omeri appealed to Nigerians to ensure that they get enrolled in the NID and issued their unique (NIN. NIMC Director, Corporate Communications, Anthony Okwudiafor, said while expressing gratitude to NIMC for deploying enrolment facility to the NOA office premises, the NOA chief said: “With the current state of unrest in the country, the NIMS project has become an urgent quest which must be supported and keyed into by all Nigerians.”

He therefore called on all eligible applicants to get enrolled, adding that creating a unique national database and means of identity verification and authentication will provide a platform for verifying people’s identity which will in turn boost national security and

economic development.

He said: “The collaboration and partnership between the two institutions is necessary and must be emulated by other organisations, as it abides by the Federal Government policy of recognising and keeping citizens identity records.”

He commended his NIMC counterpart and workers for their hard work and diligence and restated his commitment to work in partnership with NIMC. He reiterated the importance of having an identity database, noting that the security challenges in the country were enough reasons for everyone to ensure that the commission’s mandate is met. He also thanked the President, Goodluck Jonathan for his support towards the implementation of the NIMS project.

AINONE has hosted businesses in Lagos to a breakfast forum aimed at showcasing its metro fiber connectivity solutions for increased, productivity and improved business profitability.

The session tagged “Powering business with Reliable connectivity: The MainOne Advantage”, was aimed at major Enterprises to showcase the superior metro connectivity services and network solutions engineered by MainOne. Speaking at the forum, the Head, Enterprise Sales, Mr. Kelechukwu Nsofor, stated that “it is necessary to have premium broadband internet available to business concerns and this requires the capacity that MainOne brings to Nigeria, and West African enterprises”.

He added that the Breakfast session is in line with MainOne’s commitment to assisting businesses in their stride for growth and profitability, expediting broadband penetration across Nigeria. Speaking further, Kelechukwu stated that by connecting to MainOne’s new expanded metro fiber network, customers have access to improved business networking, efficiency, reliability and scalability across various business locations. He also noted that MainOne will continuously expand its reach and bring innovative services to more customers, especially with the completion of its Tier 3 Data Centre, the largest commercial data center in West Africa, with 600-rack capacity expected to be commissioned in third quarter, 2014.

Vodacom hosts students on facility tour

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ODACOM Business Nigeria has hosted Senior Secondary School (SSS) students of Children’s International School, Lekki. The students were on a one-day field trip to its facility in Lagos. They were taken on a tour of the firm’s Data Centre, exposing the students to the technology behind cloud computing, online gaming and other applications like Facebook and Instagram used on a daily basis while encouraging the students to develop skills required in ICT innovation.

Its Managing Director, Mr Guy Clarke said the firm realises the place of early exposure of students to technology, arguing that it could spur them to be innovative.

He said: “Giving the youths early access to ICT tends to make them become early adopters of new technologies, developing skills, spur-

ring innovation required for economic growth.

“Our goal is that bringing these students to our environment will afford them the access to required exposure and entrepreneurial skills to help them excel in an ICTdriven environment.”

Head ICT Academics, Children’s International School, Mr Chidi Nwankwo, who led the students to the data centre said the school believes in early practical exposure of students to ICT. He said: “We believe in practical learning for our students and field trips such as this affords our students the opportunity to be cognitively engaged and challenged. They explore areas of personal interest and curiosity, engaging in multi-dimensional communication with each other and the adult facilitators.”

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THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

Group tackles NEITI over N1.7b fund

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CIVIL society group, Civil Society Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has expressed worries over the continued funding of the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITTI) to the tune of N1.7 billion without corresponding remediation over the years.

Its Senior Programme Officer, Mr. Kolawole Banwo, said the group was concerned that NEITI process had been reduced to churning out various forms of reports while remediation action, which entailed the implementation of recommendations from the reports to correct the deficiencies identified had remained elusive.

He noted that beyond NEITI audit reports, there had been several other reports, which have only served to confirm and reinforce the NEITI reports. Kolawole said: “The Harts Group was contracted for the 1999-2004 audits at the cost of $2.3 million (about N345 million). The two audits for 2009-2011 cost about N364 million. By the end of the ongoing 2012 audits, we would have expended well over N1 billion on NEITI audits alone.

“This is without the costs of the KPMG report commissioned by the Ministry of Finance and the several

Stories by Toba Agboola

presidential probe panels and the National Assembly panels set up post-2012 fuel subsidy crisis,” Banwo said, recalling that some major outcome of NEITI reports, aside winning laurels, also uncovered $9.7 billion loss to the nation out of which $2.4 billion had been recovered.

Besides, it provided detailed report that gave Nigerians information on events in the oil and gas sector that was hitherto unknown and increased revenue to government since the commencement of the transparency body’s implementation. In spite of this feat, he said the group was concerned that Nicholas Shaxson’s rhetorical remarks about NEITI reports being just glorious audits as far back as 2009, may have been confirmed to be true five years after.

On the position of the group, he said it was time to move beyond reports to remediation, stressing that in the group’s previous shadow reports of NEITI process, CISLAC had insisted that it was time to go beyond validation and move from audit to action.

While insisting that remediation is the missing gap in the implementation of NEITI in the country and it is

the ultimate goal, he asked, “Of what use are reports if all they do is reveal scandalous losses and corruption of monumental proportion?

“How useful is it for Nigerians to know that over $7 million are unaccounted for? That there are no metering facilities and we depend on buyers to determine how much resources are extracted from our shores?

“That the NNPC sells crude oil under terms set by it and using interest rates set by it as though it is above the law?”

Banwo also blamed the awkward process on the docility of the InterMinisterial Task Team, arguing that the body, which should have taken the responsibility to ensure things were properly done was docile due to lack of commitment.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly has expressed its determination to ensure that findings in the annual oil and gas industry audit report of NEITI are extensively implemented.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Account, Senator Ahmed Lawan, disclosed this in Abuja at a round-table meeting on remediation issues raised in various oil and gas industry audit reports of NEITI. The lawmakers say the move had become necessary following the

• Banwo (left) andNEITI Outreach Team Leader, Obiageli Onuora, at the briefing in Lagos.

need to enthrone good governance in the management of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources. “All of us, regardless of our political persuasion, must support the full implementation of the NEITI reports. I believe in NEITI reports. It is a fact that our oil wells have not brought the desired good and wellbeing for our citizens,” Lawan said.

He explained that for the fact that the country’s oil wells have not serviced the wellbeing of the people; the full implementation of NEITI’s audit report should be considered an instrument to bring the full benefits

Pay our terminal benefits, steel workers tell govt

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INE years after the privatisation of Delta Steel Company Limited, workers in the steel sector have condemned Federal Government’s inability to pay the N5.2billion terminal benefits of the disengaged workers of the company. The workers also called on government and the company to expedite the negotiation processes that will allow the core investors jump start the company to enable over four thousand workers resume their normal duties.

The workers acting under the aegis of Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSSAN) at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos urged President Goodluck Jonathan and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to as a • From left: Chairman, Auto Nation Africa, Senator Hope Uzodima; Representative of President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Ugochukwu Nsofor; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga and United States’ Consul-General in Nigeria, Jeffry Hawkins, during the inauguration of Precision Auto Care in Lagos.

Labour urges repeal of Akpabio’s pension law T HE Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has urged Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, to bow to public opinion and abrogate its new pension law instead of seeking its review.

ASCSN Secretary-General, Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal, regretted that majority of the citizens live below poverty line.

“We demand that the pension law should be repealed entirely because the whopping pension benefits for the government officials would wreck the economy of the state,” he said in a statement.

The ASCSN contended that it was bad enough that the law is designed for the benefit of few privileged individuals.

ASCSN posited that Akpabio’s

pension law is not only obscene but offends the sensibility of rightthinking members of the society.

According to the union, record from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that Akwa Ibom State generates about N1 billion internally monthly and wondered where Governor Akpabio would expect the state to generate funds to pay the huge benefits and meet other financial commitment of the state if there is a drop in federal allocation to the state.

“The main argument for jumbo pay of political office holders was that they are not entitled to pension. Now, they award to themselves whopping gratuity and pen-

that are embedded in the country’s oil and gas industry.

“If the statistics say the Nigerian economy is the fastest growing economy or whatever, the fact remains that we are performing very poorly in terms of governance,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “If good governance were to exist and deliver to Nigerians what is right to us in oil and gas then NEITI reports must be taken very serious. We want a better accountability, better probity and transparency in oil and gas industry particularly.”

sion designed to massage their insatiable greed. The worse part of it is that these are the same set of individuals complaining that N18,000 minimum wage per month is on the high side, “ the union lamented.

While urging the governor to repeal and not review the law, the workers advised other state governments such as Rivers, Lagos, Borno, Gombe, Kano, that had passed similar legislations to abrogate them without further delay.

The group also enjoined the trade union movement, civil society groups, prominent citizens, religious leaders, and all men and women of goodwill to stand up against the emerging pension laws in the states which are designed to hand over the entire budgets to the governors, their deputies and their cronies.

matter of urgency, order the settlement of the outstanding benefits so as to save lives.

In a communique jointly signed by its National President, Comrade Maliki Otori and General Secretary, Comrade Titus Orimijupa, the union expressed sadness over the continued closure of the company nine years after its privatisation.

The union however commended the president’s developmental programme for Ajaokuta Steel Company, the National Iron Ore Mining Company, National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency, Kaduna, and the Metallurgical Training Institute, Onistha.

“We call on the Federal Government to improve on these companies’ budgetary provisions to enable them step up activities on their statutory responsibilities”, the communique read.

NDE programme offers 740 permanent jobs

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HE Graduate Attachment Programme (GAP) of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) will provide 740 permanent jobs for graduates, its Director-General, Abubakar Mohammed has said.

Mohammed, who spoke at the flag off of the programme in Abuja, urged employers of labour to take advantage of the opportunities it provides by employing trained graduates to reduce rising unemployment in the country.

He recalled that GAP was conceived in 2006, adding that employers of labour were invited to provide opportunities of attachment for fresh graduates in their companies as a way of fighting unemployment.

“GAP has a life of its own and means a lot to the Nigerian gradu-

ates who are victims of unemployment. To them, it symbolises the feature that characterises the unemployed graduates’ world – the interval between the world of school and the world of work, empty interval between the world of unemployment and employment and that void that separates frustration and fulfillment,” he said.

According to him, the programme provides an opportunity for beneficiaries to make themselves indispensable to the employer through their contributions to the value chain.

Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolomemen lauded the initiative, describing it as a vehicle through which beneficiaries can acquire necessary work skills and become useful to themselves and the entire society.

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MONEYLINK

IBM chief urges banks on efficient software

Jonathan, Emefiele meet

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday met behind closed doors with the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emifele at the Presidential Villa.

Emifele’s visit yesterday was the first since he resumed duty as the chief executive of the country’s apex bank.

He however declined to speak

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting that lasted for about one hour.

It was gathered that his visit was to discuss with the President his new agenda for the economy and the banking sector, which he plans to unveil today.

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Ecobank, Akwa Ibom partner on fund disbursement

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COBANK has partnered the Federal Government and Akwa Ibom State on the disbursement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)/Family Life Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme.

Its Managing Director, Jibril Aku made this known while delivering a goodwill message at the disbursement of a total sum of N375 million to 2,275 benefiting households in Uyo. He said the bank will consolidate on its existing partnership with the federal and state governments in all parts of the country.

According to him, the scheme allows beneficiaries to have equal opportunity to financial services such as micro-savings and microloans.

Represented by the Executive Director, Southsouth/Southeast, Mr. Kingsley Umadia, he further stated that ‘the partnership is clearly in line with the mission of the lender to provide customers with financial products and services that are convenient, reliable and accessible.

He said the bank is running the programme on the Ecobank

MobileMoney platform, noting that wallets have been created for the beneficiaries and disbursement of funds into their wallets monthly on instructions from the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs will be effected.

The state’s Deputy Governor, Valerie Ebe, said the participation of the state in the scheme was targeted at eradicating poverty.

She restated the state

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government’s commitment and determination to improve maternal health and reduce child mortality rate in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr. Precious Gbeneol, said the scheme is a component of the social safety net of the Federal Government that is aimed at improving the lives of the extreme poor in the country.

ing of cash can be reduced significantly leveraging on the adoption of Teasy Mobile Money services; the government and CBN can also invest the savings into alternative economic projects that will impact the average Nigerian,” he said The Tap n Pay service allows fast payments from mobile wallets at Point of Sale (POS) when an near field communication (NFC) compatible mobile device is brought within a few centimetres of another NFC POS enabled device.

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

Mr. Agbolade Odunyemi said the service is consistent with the firm’s desire to facilitate not just financial inclusion in the state but also leverage on the huge mobile phone penetration to drive cashless commerce in the country.

He said the country will benefit from ensuring that the cashless policy of the apex bank succeeds. “As the huge cost associated with the printing and mov-

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but data storage is also very important. Buying software is relatively inexpensive compared to the benefit one gets,” he said.

He said banks should have several layers of security and authentication so that should one layer fail, the other can continue.

Wojtowwecz said fraud prevention and detection can be for different reasons. “There are many mechanisms a bank can implement to limit fraud, because preventing it is very difficult.

Limiting fraud is the best case option at the moment. What they are trying to do is that there is authentication, taking the multifunctional applications to where you can. Anything from fingerprints, to extremely strong password are very important,” he said.

He said: “I think banks change their applications because as the business changes, the software has to change to support the users. So, it might be because of the person working in the bank, or the person who is putting his money inside the bank.”

He explained that a change of application can also be to support a bank employee, the consumer of the commercial bank, or maybe financial institutions for real estate, or stock exchange. “So, when companies change their applications, they do so for the user to meet a particular need. Despite the reason for such action, I know it is very hard to throw away an application,” he said.

Ingul said when developing banking software, it is important to think of certain things.

He said companies can sometimes create a level of software, with many smaller software, depending on the level of virtualisation needed.

Mobile money firm unveils service

EASY International Company Limited, a Mobile Money Operator licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched a contactless payment service named “Tap n Pay”. The product was officially unveiled in Sokoto State.

Its Managing Director, Musa Ali Baba who spoke on the service in Abuja, said with the positive response to “Tap n Pay”, more outlets in the state will be rolled out.

Its chief commercial officer,

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33

Stories by Colins Nweze

HE Vice President IBM Tivoli Storage Software Development, Software Group, Steve Wojtoweecz has advised banks to adopt efficient and quality banking software despite high cost of acquisition.

Wojtowwecz, who spoke on the benefits of the Edge 2014 conference held in Las Vegas, said the event was meant to show the clients and associates, IBM’s technological inputs in today’s world. He said banks should ensure that people responsible for data applications are highly efficient to achieve maximum protection.

He said the cost for acquiring software will be upset in a matter of months from efficiency adding that securing efficient and seamless software remains the best option for banks, telecommunication firms and other operators remains the best way to maximise output.

“Efficient banking software is costly

Price Loss 2754.67

Amount Sold ($) 399.9m 399.9m 399.9m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.75 155.8 155.7

Date 2-5-14 2-3-14 1-29-14

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency OBB Rate

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day

Amount 30m 46.7m

Rate % 10.96 9.62

Date 28-04-2012 “

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 04-06-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

WAPCO ASHAKACEM CCNN MRS CUSTODYINS EVANSMED NAHCO OASISINS CORNERST AIRSERVICE

112.50 25.99 10.00 44.16 3.32 2.33 4.75 0.50 0.50 2.37

124.02 28.64 10.50 46.35 3.48 2.44 4.96 0.52 0.52 2.45

11.52 2.65 0.50 2.19 0.16 0.11 0.21 0.02 0.02 0.08

DISCOUNT WINDOWx Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00%

SYMBOL

O/PRICE 21.98 5.00 9.30 4.89 0.85 3.20 0.52 0.61 61.83 0.76

C/PRICE 20.34 4.75 8.84 4.65 0.81 3.07 0.50 0.59 60.00 0.74

CHANGE -1.64 -0.25 -0.46 -0.24 -0.04 -0.13 -0.02 -0.02 -1.83 -0.02

6-2-14

28-10-11

% Change

CAP Index

N13.07tr 40,766.16

N6.617tr 20,903.16

-1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGET FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIGFUND INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND KAKAWA GUARANTEED INCOME FUND

Offer Price Bid Price 157.99 157.07 9.17 9.08 1.09 1.08 1.18 1.18 0.73 0.71 1.39 1.33 1,653.49 1,656.44 1,084.91 1,084.42 117.11 116.59 1,087.30 1,087.00 1.67 1.62 1.05 1.03

LEGACY FUND NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND STANBIC IBTC ETHICAL FUND • • • •

LOSERS AS AT 04-06-14

OANDO PORTPAINT BERGER CAVERTON ABCTRANS LIVESTOCK IPWA COUTVILLE UACN WAPIC

NSE

UBA BALANCED FUND UBA BOND FUND UBA EQUITY FUND UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

143.11

142.62

0.78 1,944.64 13.62 1.07

0.76 1,936.31 13.28 1.05

1.3331 1.3540 1.0102 1.1764

1.3222 1.3540 0.9924 1.1764

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000

8.5000

Movement

62

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 04-06-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 04-06-14

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

63

EQUITIES

L

Lafarge Wapco seeks N100b as investors scramble for shares

AFARGE Cement Wapco Plc was the toast of investors yesterday at the Nigerian stock market, a day after its parent company, Lafarge Group, announced plan to merge its businesses in Nigeria and South Africa to create a new company to be known as Lafarge Africa Plc. Lafarge Wapco’s share price rose by 10.24 per cent or N11.52 to close at N124.02, the highest gain at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Also, Ashaka Cement Plc, another quoted subsidiary of Lafarge involved in the merger, also recorded the highest daily allowable price change of 10 per cent with addition of N2.65 to close at N28.64 per share.

Lafarge Wapco also yesterday indicated that it plans to raise some N100 billion in new capital, through debt or equity. In a notice to shareholders, the company stated that it would raise some N100 billion through the Nigerian and global capital markets.

The consolidation of the South Africa and Nigeria’s businesses will

•Merger of Lafarge’s South African, Nigerian businesses creates 6th biggest company on NSE

By Taofik Salako and Muyiwa Lucas

be done through Lafarge Wapco, which will subsequently be renamed Lafarge Africa while sustaining its listing on the NSE. Under the proposed terms, Lafarge Group will transfer its direct and indirect shareholdings in Lafarge South Africa Holding Limited of 72.4 per cent and its equity stakes in three other cement companies in Nigeria-United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited, 35 per cent; Ashaka Cement Plc, 58.61 per cent and Atlas Cement Company Limited, 100 per cent; to Lafarge Wapco.

The transaction will be concluded through a cash consideration of $200 million and the issuance of about 1.40 billion ordinary shares of Lafarge Africa to Lafarge Group.

The transaction is expected to be concluded in the second half of this

year, subject shareholders’ approvals and regulatory and other customary authorizations.

Chairman, Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, said that the new company will create the platform for strong growth as the transaction allows the company to consolidate its Nigerian operation with that of South Africa.

“I am proud to be part of the creation of this leading African building materials platform. It will provide access to growth in two of the largest economies on the continent.

It will mean that our shareholders are invested in a larger and more geographically diverse business; and it will contribute significantly to the economic growth of both our nations,” Osunkeye said.

Managing director, Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc, Joe Hudson, noted that the transaction is valued at $1.35 billion while the

market value is over $3 billion.

Briefing select newsmen In Lagos yesterday, Lafarge executive Vice President and country chief executive officer, Nigeria and Benin Republic, Guillaume Roux said the new platform would strongly position to benefit the two countries and Africa as the company cement capacity currently at 5.5 million metric tonnes will increase to 12 million tones.

He said the strong operational track record and management skills within the combined businesses as well as continued support and expertise from Lafarge group would position Lafarge Africa to offer a full range of value added solutions to meet customers’ needs.

“Today’s announcement marks a key milestone. It adds momentum to our push for differentiation in order to deliver innovation that increases and improves our product portfolio. Our objective is to bring more housing and even better solution to contribute to building better cities that are more beautiful, more compact, more connected and more durable,” Roux said.

Learn Africa predicts better performance S shareholders meet in Abeokuta today for the annual general meeting, the management of Learn Africa Plc has assured that recent restructuring and repositioning of the company’s business would lead to better performance and improved returns in the years ahead.

Speaking at the pre-annual general meeting briefing in Lagos, managing director, Learn Africa Plc, Mr. Olusegun Oladipo, said the company has restructured its entire business activities in a way that would add consistent value to

A

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

shareholders’ returns.

According to him, while the divestment of its majority shareholder and the insurgence in the Northern region had impacted negatively on the company’s bottom-line in recent period, a thorough repositioning o the company’s business has started generating returns and showing good prospects for improved profit.

He assured shareholders that there would be improved perfor-

mance and enhanced profitability in the next financial year.

He added that the company has completely restructured the contents and aesthetics of the books in order to make them the preferred choice in the industry.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel. We successfully introduced new titles as replacement of Pearson titles and we have carried out thorough revision of our titles to align it to the new curriculum to enhance market acceptance. Our inventory has also improved to service bulk orders,” Oladipo said.

According to him, the company has increased its sales team from 61 to 137 persons in order to consolidate its market position and grow its sales across the titles.

He said the company would continue to raise the bar in book publishing while generating optimal returns to shareholders.

“Within one year, we have established our titles and have promoted them vigourously. Many schools and educational bodies have adopted these books. W e will achieve higher sales and profitability this year,” Oladipo said.

Five stockbrokers account for 56.4% of NSE’s turnover

F

IVE stockbrokers accounted for more than half of turnover on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in May, underlining the concentration of transactions among few stockbrokers out of some 200 dealers at the stock market.

Trading summary showed that Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, CSL Stockbrokers Limited, Recap Securities (Nigeria) Limited and Cordros Capital Limited dominated the transaction table, in terms of value.

Stanbic IBTC led the overall table with transactions worth N30.1 billion or 15.11 per cent. CSL Stockbrokers followed with N27.465 billion or 13.8 per cent.

Rencap Securities sold N22.301 billion or 11.2 per cent while Cordros Capital accounted for N22 billion or 11 per cent. FBN Securities Limited occupied the fifth position, transacting N10.6 billion or 5.3 per cent.

Greenwich Trust Limited sold N8.627 billion worth of shares which is about 4.3 per cent of the value of transactions for the month.

African Alliance Stockbrokers Limited accounted for N6.584 billion or 3.3 per cent while Meristem Securities Limited accounted for N6.12 billion or 3.0 per cent.

Other top -10 stockbroking firms included Investment One Stockbrokers International Limited, N5.35 billion, 2.6 per cent and Chapel Hill Denham Management Limited, N4.271 billion or 2.15 per cent.

In all the top 10 brokers accounted for N143.464 billion or 72.1 per cent of the total value of transactions recorded in the month of May. In volume terms, Stanbic IBTC maintained the number one spot, accounting for 1.581 billion shares of 10.48 per cent of trading volume.

CSL Stockbrokers traded 1.336 billion shares or 8.8 per cent.

Marina Securities Stockbroking Services Limited sold 894 million shares or 5.9 per cent to occupy the third position, while Rencap accounted for 829 million shares or 5.9 per cent. Cordros Capital sold 692.905 million shares or 4.5 per cent, just as BGL Securities Limited traded 513.541 million shares or 3.4 per cent.

Also, FBN Securities Limited accounted for 501 million shares, 3.32 per cent; SFC Securities Limited traded 440 million shares, 2.91 per cent; Capital Express Securities Limited pooled 429.304 million shares, 2.84 per cent while Cashcraft Asset Management Limited traded 406.373 million shares, representing 2.69 per cent of total turnover volume.

Overall, the top-10 stockbroking firms accounted for 7.687 billion shares or 50.92 per cent of the transactions for the month.

UPDC distributes N1.13b to shareholders

S

HAREHOLDERS of UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc yesterday got a two-in-one dividend as the real estate company distributed more than N1.13 billion as dividends for the 2013 business year.

UPDC will start distributing the dividends today. At the annual general meeting yesterday in Lagos, shareholders approved payment of N962.5 million as cash dividends, representing a dividend per share of 70 kobo, alongside distribution of N171.88 million in bonus issue of one share for every four shares held as at May 12, 2014.

Shareholders commended the performance of the company noting that the distribution of cash

•To reduce UPDC REIT’s holding to 40% and scrip dividends would further reinforced shareholders’ confidence in the company.

Speaking at the meeting, chairman, UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc, Mr. Larry Ettah, said there is reason to be optimistic about the future performance of the company as it has increased its growth momentum and reinforced its leading position in the real estate industry.

He noted that in spite of the challenging operating environment, the company’s profit before tax rose from N2.45 billion in 2012 to N3.71 billion in 2013.

He outlined that the company successfully completed the floata-

tion of the UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust (UPDC REIT) in 2013 on a capital value of N26.7 billion.

Ettah said UPDC, which currently holds 62.2 per cent in UPDC REIT, will reduce its shareholding in the UPDC REIT to 40 per cent.

According to him, the company was able to complete several projects in 2013 including the prestigious 32-unit ‘Cameron Green’ Ikoyi and Phase 1 of Metro City, Abuja comprising of 88 units of mixed residential apartments.

He added that the company also took advantage of the lack of a formal retail channel in the Festac axis of Lagos State by undertaking the ongoing Festival Mall development, which is expected to open to customers by end of 2014.

“The hotel arm of the business,

Golden Tulip Festac, also performed well in 2013, with room occupancy averaging 44%, an increase of 91% over 2012. With five international airlines currently utilizing the hotel’s facilities and continuing upward trend in residential conferences by blue chip corporate customers, the hotel is set for improved performance from 2014. We plan to develop the adjoining Block B of the hotel into residential apartments in 2014,” Ettah said.

He pointed out that the outlook for the real estate sector is promising as the revised guidelines for Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) and a fully operational National Mortgage Refinance Company will provide a wider scope of activities and opportunities for estate devel-

opers and ultimately result in affordable mortgages and increased home ownership for middle and lower income earners.

According to him, with the huge housing deficit of 17.45 million units estimated in 2013 and emerging opportunities in the commercial and retail categories as well as partnership opportunities in the areas of housing technology and finance, the real estate sector continues to hold exciting promise for the future.

“For UPDC, there is a good reason for optimism against this backdrop and given the capability and zeal of our business to surmount challenges, mitigate risks, take advantage of profitable opportunities, sustain our pedigree and in fact, surpass achievements year-on-year,” Ettah said.

64

THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 5, 2014

NEWS

Fraudsters hack Yero’s phone KADUNA State Governor Mukhtar Yero yesterday raised the alarm over the use of his phone number by fraudsters to extort money from the public.

A statement by his DirectorGeneral on Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki, said: “Governor Yero has not asked people to make deposit into certain bank accounts. “ Suspected fraudsters have obviously hacked the governor’s phone number and are using it to defraud unsuspecting people.” Maiyaki said.

BAT advises WHO, others on tobacco harm reduction

B

RITISH American Tobacco has urged the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Governments around the world of its desire to see progressive approach to tobacco regulation by adopting a policy of tobacco harm reduction.

BAT made this call to commemorate this year’s World No Tobacco Day (WNTD).

British American Tobacco’s Director of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs, Kingsley Wheaton said: “For governments seeking to reduce tobacco use, we believe it’s time for new, more progressive approaches to be considered. One such solution is to offer adult smokers a choice of substantially less risky products such as ecigarettes. “This approach is what many refer to as ‘Tobacco Harm Reduction’. However, for this to work, Governments and the public health community needs to embrace this concept and the products that support it.”

Recent reports suggest that less risky nicotine products such as e-cigarettes could be classified as tobacco products by the WHO. This could see governments eventually subjecting ecigarettes to hefty excise duty, public smoking bans and severe marketing restrictions, all of which would hamper their growth and development.

“If e-cigarettes are classified as tobacco products, then the associated regulatory hurdles will mean smokers will find it harder to access less risky alternatives - this can only be a bad thing for public health.

“We hope the arguments being made by the scientific community, the industry and public health campaigners will demonstrate the need for policy makers to carefully consider the benefits of tobacco harm reduction and give it their full support,” Wheaton reiterated.

British American Tobacco invests approximately £170million per year in research and development which is enabling it to develop an expanding range of alternative tobacco and nicotine products including the launch of its first e-cigarette, Vype.

Wheaton added: “We believe we can and should be a part of this debate and possible solutions, given our knowledge of consumers and our global reach.

“Tobacco harm reduction provides a progressive public health policy direction. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate on making this policy a global reality.”

According to WHO’s estimates, there are now one billion smokers across the globe and by 2050 this number could increase to 2.2billion.

Plateau Assembly in rowdy session over Jang

T

HERE was a stormy session in the Plateau State House of Assembly yesterday over a petition on alleged financial misconduct against Governor Jonah Jang.

The session became stormy when Speaker Titus Alam reportedly tried to frustrate the mentioning of the petition.

A group, Plateau Patriotic Front, petitioned the House, alleging gross financial misconduct of over N20 billion.

A copy of the petition, obtained by The Nation, titled: “Allegation of gross misconduct against Governor Jonah David Jang of Plateau State” contains allegations of extra budgetary spending, misappropriation, inflated contract sum and unauthorised bank loan.

The group copied all the lawmakers.

Alam, who started the de-

•House petitioned over missing N20b From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

bate, informed members about the petition.

Wokdung Abbas (Dengi) said: “Having carefully read through the petition, the contents are too weighty to be ignored.

“In the entire petition, the House was hit because the petitioner called us names and also alleged that we have been bribed by the governor not to check the executive.

“The House must get to the bottom of this petition in the interest of the people. We also need to probe the allegations to clear our names, the petitioners said we are clueless, docile, bootlickers and praise singers, so we

need to clear our names.”

He was obstructed by the member from Jos South, Dalyop Mancha, who came up with a point of order.

The Speaker recognised him but his action kicked off a storm.

Hurriedly adjourning sitting, he said: “It is obvious from the point of order raised that some members have not been served copies of the petition and it will not be fair to talk about it, we have to adjourn sitting.”

But some members insisted the petition must be mentioned even if the discussion does not take place.

Istifanus Muansat (Pankshin North) said: “This attempt is not to discuss the petition against the gover-

nor, but at least let the House read the petition formally and we can postpone the discussion.”

But Alam insisted the petition cannot be mentioned, until all members are served copies.

Some lawmakers, who spoke after plenary, wondered why the Speaker adjourned.

Abduallhi Ladan Garkuwa (Mangu South) said: “This petition is already a public document.

Why is the Speaker frustrating our attempt to discuss it?

The claims that some members were not served copies are attempts to frustrate the discussion of the issue.”

Hassan Baba Ahmed (Jos North) said: “The missing N10 billion SURE-P fund mentioned in the petition is real.

•Gen. Buhari (rtd) (right) being welcomed by Dankwambo…yesterday

Start playing your roles, IBB tells Nigerians

F

ORMER military president General Ibrahim Babangida has said the prevailing security challenges require the collective efforts of all Nigerians.

Gen Babangida spoke in Gombe yesterday after commiserating with the government and the family of the late Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar.

He said Nigerians should see the insurgency scourge

T

From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

as “our problem” in which every Nigerian has a role to play, irrespective of religion, tribe and age.

“This problem is our problem. Everybody who is called a Nigerian irrespective of religion, tribe, age has a role to play and the sooner we begin to play those roles, the better for Nigerians, the better for the country,” Babangi-

da said.

He said the death of the Emir of Gombe was a loss to the country because of the good life he led.

Gen Babangida called on Nigerians to emulate the late Emir, pledging to stand by the government and the bereaved family.

He described the killing of the Emir of Gwoza as sad.

Former military Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu

Buhari, also visited the state to condole with the people.

Gen Buhari, who spoke at the emir’s palace, said he had cordial relationship with the late emir, and prayed that God should grant the people the fortitude to bear the loss.

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo thanked the former leaders for identifying with the state.

Ahmed: we got N38.7b from Federation Account

HE Kwara State Government received N38.7billion from the Federation Account last year, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said yesterday.

He described the state as one of the least benefiting states from the Federation Account.

His administration, Ahmed said, had succeeded in sustaining its infrastructure and human capital development programmes by being resourceful and continuing the programme of the past administration.

Ahmed spoke when the leadership of the All

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Progressives Congress (APC) visited him at the Government House in Ilorin.

He added that the continuity programme ensured the completion of the International Diagnostic Centre, Share township road, Offa/ Ira, Ganmo/Afon, IjaraIsin/Isin, Omu-Aran-Landmark University and Tsaragi market roads, among others in Kwara Central.

The governor advised the opposition to criticise constructively rather than its current posture of being manifestly against progressive policies of government to gain undeserved relevance.

He said it was obvious from its membership registration and its convention that APC has shown it is the major party in the state.

The APC Chairman, Ishola Balogun Fulani praised the government on its various developmental

•Ahmed

programmes, especially in health, education and development of infrastructure.

Alao-Akala warms up for governorship race From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

F

ORMER Oyo State Governor Adebayo AlaoAkala has said he may contest next year’s governorship election.

He said the contest is for experienced politicians, not neophytes.

With the likes of Governor Abiola Ajimobi and former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, AlaoAkala said it would be dangerous for his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to field a less-experienced candidate.

He said: “The situation we find ourselves now has shown us that iron should be used in cutting iron. If a big masquerade is used against a big masquerade, then we are getting it right. Everyone is important but we should not leave anything to chance or gamble at this moment.”

Addressing reporters in Ogbomoso as part of activities marking his 64th birthday, the former governor clarified that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola-Alao, were not instrumental to the PDP’s defeat in the last election.

He was optimistic that PDP would win the 2015 election.

Urging members to unite so that they can unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alao-Akala said: “Politics is not all about the number of people you can gather. We know ourselves in Oyo State. We know who is who and how to go about it when the time comes. What I am sure of is that nothing can stop PDP in 2015 from winning the state.

“Yes, we want to capture power and we will capture it because we have all it takes to capture power. It is a matter of time and everybody will line up behind the person in front.

That I assure you.”

On the division in Oyo PDP, Akala said: “There is nothing wrong with our executive. What is wrong is that some people felt disenfranchised and they want to be part of what is happening in the party. Yes, I agree that they are aggrieved and all we have to do is address their grievances and move forward.

We will address that. We just have to address the imbalances but that does not mean we will dissolve the executives of the party. If we dissolve the executives, then we will create another problem.”

The former governor absolved the PDP national secretariat of fueling the crises, saying: “They are helping us. We are carrying our problem to them. If we do not carry it to them, nobody will disturb us. It is because those people called Abuja politicians think they can go to the Wadata Office of the PDP and talk to the officials there to come and destabilise us here. We should put our house in order. Do they know us more than we know ourselves? It is not possible. If we say we are good, then we should talk and put our house in order, so that we can move forward.”

On his ambition, Alao-Akala said: “There has been intensive consultation as to my coming back as governor and if you look at it very well, you will agree with me that the time is not ripe. When it is appropriate, I will come out. I am very old in this game and I know how to play it. Experience is the best teacher.

THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 5, 2014

65

NEWS

Rivers judiciary workers ‘confused’ From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

W

ORKERS in the Rivers State judiciary said yesterday that they are confused because of a circular from the government, ordering them to ignore directives from Justice Daisy Okocha.

Justice Okocha was appointed Administrative Chief Judge by the National Judicial Commission (NJC).

Chairman of the state chapter of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) George Sokari, who read a portion of the circular to reporters, said judicial workers are confused with the conflicting development.

Sokari said the union would address the media after its meetings slated for the week.

The state’s chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has said it welcomed the NJC’s directive.

NBA spokesman Angus Chukwuka said as a body all they wanted was for the judiciary to function effectively as an arm of government in a popular democracy.

“I am aware that the association is working seriously to solve all these problems. We are meeting stakeholders and we have not taken sides.

“The NBA’s position is that justice needs to move on as the world is moving on.”

‘Stay away from NECO exam centres’ From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

T

HE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bayelsa State has warned intruders to stay away from the centres of the exams conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO).

The State Commandant, Desmond Agu, said in Yenagoa that trespassers caught in exam centres would be prosecuted.

Agu said NSCDC operatives had been ordered to secure the areas and not to compromise the security requirements of the examination.

The State Commandant advised teachers not to compromise the standard of the examination.

He urged them to desist from promoting examination malpractices by collecting bribes from candidates.

Mama Elekwachi for burial

A

COMMUNITY leader, Mama Helen Onyekwere Elekwachi, is dead. She died on May 10

at 90.

There will be a Christian wake today at Umuohia Amatta, Ikeduru, Imo State, by 2 pm.

The body will leave Aladinma hospital tomorrow for her hometown, Umuohia Amatta by 7am.

There will be a lying in state at Elekwachi’s compound, Umuohia Amatta by 8am.

A funeral service will hold at St Michael’s Anglican Church, Amatta at 11am. Interment follows immediately.

There will be an outing service at the same church on Sunday by 9 am.

She is survived by children, grand children and great-grand children.

•The late Madam Elekwachi

Akpabio’s N100m medicare pension for amendment T HE Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly may on Tuesday expunge some contentious clause in the 2014 Former Governors and Deputy Governors’ Pension Law. The contentious clause that sparked public outrage was the N100million and N50million medical expenses for former governors, deputy governors and their spouses.

Following the controversy that greeted the signing of the bill, Governor Godswill Akpabio wrote to the House on the need to remove the controversial N100million and N50million medical expenses clause.

What is not clear is if the House would reduce the cost of the medical care or leave the law open with no price tag.

A lawmaker, who pleaded for anonymity, said the House only considered the amendment of the local government law which passed through the second reading during its sitting on Tuesday.

He said: “On the issue of the letter, you can confirm from the clerk or the speaker. I don’t want to say the letter has not come when the letter is in the House already.

•NLC blasts Akwa Ibom lawmakers From Kazeek Ibrahym, Uyo and John Ofikhenua, Abuja

“We sat on Tuesday. We didn’t get it then but we are resuming next Tuesday.

“When we met on Tuesday, we adjourned till next Tuesday. What we looked at yesterday was the amendment of the local government law. The bill has passed through second reading.”

Governor Akpabio had in a statement said former governors and deputy governors pension law was first enacted in 1998 and that the law did not place a limit on the amount that would be spent for the treatment of former governors and their deputies annually.

The governor, however, insisted that the latest amendment was to protect the law from abuse by limiting the amount that could be spent.

Akpabio said: “Let it revert to the open-ended situation inherent in the law, before the amendment.”

Fake Dangote agent, visa racketeer arrested

He promised to institute, through extant circulars, a medical insurance scheme for the management of former governors, deputy governors and their spouses, to ensure that the open-ended nature of the law was not abused.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday described the law as absurd and shocking.

Its President, Abdulwahed Omar, warned the lawmakers not to legalise waste of public resources, saying the law was a perfect example of how not to make law.

NLC said the law showed that the lawmakers are Akpabio’s stooges.

Omar urged the National Assembly to use its extant power to overrule the House of Assembly, if it fails to overrule itself.

His words: “The recent passage within 11 days of the bill which makes it possible for ex-governors to draw a pension allowance of N140 million annually is as shocking as it is absurd.

“We at the NLC believe it is a perfect example of how not to make a law and a clear demonstration of what the electorate has always feared, that most Houses of Assembly are in the pockets of governors.”

The NLC president said the fact that the state has witnessed infrastructural improvement under Akpabio’s watch was no justification for this level of waste.

“Accordingly, rather than seek to waste state’s resources on frivolities, Governor Akpabio is advised to demonstrate his commitment to people-driven projects or services.”

Omar urged Akpabio to submit himself to the law that empowers only the National Wages, Incomes and Salaries Commission to fix salaries and allowances for modification by the National Assembly.

The statement said: “The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has clearly set a bad precedent that will surely become a burden on the economy. This must not be allowed to stand.

“In the light of the foregoing, we urge the National Assembly to use its extant powers to overrule the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, if it fails to overrule itself.”

•Abductors of Oshiomhole aide’s kids paraded •Kidnappers’ den for demolition

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FINAL year student of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, ThankGod Itepu, has been arrested for duping people while posing as an agent of Dangote Group of Companies.

He was said to have through the Internet informed people that Dangote is selling cement at a giveaway price of N1,200. He always disappeared after payment has been made.

Itepu, who was among suspects paraded by the Directorate of State Security (DSS), was arrested while trying to collect N30,000 paid into an account belonging to his girlfriend’s sister.

DSS State Director Bakori Tukur said Itepu and his gang used another person’s bank account to conduct the illegal transactions.

The suspect denied being a fake Dangote agent, saying he is a newspaper vendor.

The DSS also paraded Micheal Onyekachi, who allegedly specialised in procuring fake visa for unsuspecting travellers.

Onyekachi was arrested follow-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

ing a petition to the DSS that he collected N1.5million from a victim to secure a Germany visa.

He, however, said he collected N950,000 from the victim and not the amount stated in the petition.

Onyekachi told reporters that he •Joshua igbinovia •Micheal Onyekachi •ThankGod Itepu used to procure visas for people, adding that some were successful They are Sunday Okperame, dren of Oshiomhole’s aide would in the trip.

Joshua Igbinovia, Ibende Ibrahim be demolished this week.

His words: “We were told at the and Christian David.

This will be the first time housEnugu Airport that they have canOkperame said they owned one es used by kidnappers would be celled the visa and some persons gun which was kept by one of demolished, since the anti-kidnapdemanded for $1000 each if they their leaders called Ejiro. ping law was passed last year. were to board with the visa. I don’t Three of the suspects said they Oshiomhole, who was present at collect cash, people pay into my were only looking after the vic- the parade, said he would personaccount. tims at a house rented by the gang ally supervise the demolition of “They are six in number, some leaders. the building. made it to Turkey and others said I They said the house is located at His words: “I am obliged to obey should change it to other countries Osajie Street, off Sapele Road in the directives of the law which is before I was arrested at Abuja.”

Ikpoba Okha Local Government that any property use for kidnapFour kidnap suspects, who were Area. ping has to be brought down. involved in the abduction of an hoDavid denied being a member of “With the narratives I have got telier, three children of an aide to the gang and said he allowed the from them those properties that Governor Adams Oshiomhole, a gang members to sleep over at his they have used for these heinous pastor, a doctor and a female stu- house on the day he was arrested. crimes they will be demolished dent of the Benson Idahosa UniverA storey building of four flats under my supervision and we are sity, were paraded. used by the kidnappers of the chil- doing it this week.”

Oshiomhole: PDP wants to use Abuja money to impeach me E

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday confirmed reports of a plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to induce lawmakers to impeach him.

Oshiomhole mentioned former lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who recently joined the PDP, as those the PDP want to use to create confusion and chaos.

The governor spoke when youths under the aegis of Initiative for Youth Awareness, Migration, Immigration, Development and Integration, visited him.

Oshiomhole said Edo people would soon understand the real issues behind the defection of some APC members.

He noted that the lawmakers rode on his back to the Assembly as according to him, they were not known in their neighbourhood.

The governor said Nigeria would change and made up for deficit in the past when a government elected

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

by the people is working for the people and applying resources for the good of the people.

He lamented that the bane of Nigeria politics was such that those who never struggled for democracy took over the nation’s political structure.

His words: “They have brought a lot of money from Abuja, paying lawmakers who we campaigned for.

We marketed some of these people who are not known in their neighbourhood. They rode on my back to get to the House of Assembly.

“Some of them cannot walk on their streets. They collected, as I read in the papers, huge sums of money for them to defect, to mortgage, to put on sale the mandate that you all, in your respective areas, gave them on the basis of their promise that they will work with me to deliver the state.

“They have become merchants of mandates. And I hear they want to bring more money to buy more people. Let them bring, but the day the devil rises to say that he will dare what God has willed, they will increase the fire power in hell.

“That was the promise. Unfortunately, those who grabbed power have chosen to mistake their personal welfare for the welfare of the masses. This government is pro-masses, this government is pro-people, this government is pro-youth and this government is pro-development.

“These people had the guts to say to me face to face, ‘yes you are building roads, are we going to feed on roads’? Yes, you are building hospitals, you are building schools, are these what we will eat you are changing the state, why not change us first.’ One day, Edo people will understand what the issues are.”

UNICAL lecturer’s ‘killer’ arrested From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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HE suspected killer of a lecturer at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Dr Godwin Iwatt, has been arrested.

Iwatt, a lecturer in the department of Microbiology, was shot in his office about a month ago by an unknown gunman. He died a few days later in the hospital.

A source told The Nation yesterday that suspect, a final year student in the same department, was traced through threat text messages he sent to the deceased.

He was arrested last Saturday in Calabar.

The source said the student had confessed that he fired the shot and that he worked with two other students, who are still at large.

Police spokesman Hogan Bassey confirmed the arrest.

THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 5, 2014

66

NEWS

Tribunal upholds Obiano’s election

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HE Anambra State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Awka yesterday upheld Governor Willie Obiano’s election. It dismissed the four petitions filed against him by other candidates.

The tribunal Chairman, Justice Ishaq Bello, held that the petitions of Chike Obidigbo, belonging to a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Senator Chris Ngige of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Nwoye of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the party lacked merit.

Justice Bello, in four judgments, held that Obiano’s election complied with the Electoral Act 2010 and the 1999 Constitution.

He held that Obidigbo lacked the locus standi under Section 137 of the Electoral Act to file the petition because it dwelt on an intra-party matter.

“It is highly illogical, inconceivable and injurious for APGA, which won an election to petition itself at the tribunal.

“The failure of the petitioner to produce forms CF001 and CF002 cast a doubt on his claim of nomination as a candidate in the election,” Bello said.

The judge discountenanced the allegation of multiple registration against Obiano for lack of evidence by the petitioner.

On Ngige’s petition, he held that the petitioner’s witnesses failed to produce the voters’ register to explain or demonstrate

•Ngige, Nwoye, Obidigbo head for Appeal Court From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

how they were disenfranchised.

“The petitioner failed to prove that the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) workers to swear an oath of neutrality affected the validity of the poll.

“In our view, the case of multiple registration is baseless; the submission that Obiano’s voter’s card is a forged document is misconceived.

“We are, therefore, unable to hold that Obiano was not qualified to contest the election,” the tribunal held.

The judge said only INEC could prove the falsification of its document, adding that the petitioner’s failure to call INEC to give evidence was fatal to the case.

Ngige alleged disenfranchisement of voters, invalid voters’ register, multiple registration by Obiano and corrupt practices as some of the electoral malpractices, which affected the poll.

On Nwoye’s petition seeking nullification of the election for alleged irregularities and disenfranchisement, Bello held that the petitioner failed to prove the case.

Nwoye contended that the alleged removal of his name from the voters’ register formed part of the irregularities noticed during the

poll.

Bello, however, said the petitioner failed to prove the allegation that dead persons voted, saying Nwoye’s evidence fell short of electoral standard.

He held that PDP’s petition, which alleged corrupt practices in four polling units of the 4,608 polling units, was not substantial to nullify the election.

The judge noted that the PDP failed to prove the allegation of multiple registration, missing names in the voters’ register and voting by dead persons.

Bello hailed the cooperation and maturity displayed by parties and urged them to sustain the attitude.

INEC declared Obiano of

APGA winner of the November 16, 2013, November 17, 2013 and November 30, 2013 governorship election after polling 180,178 votes, on December 1, 2013.

Nwoye came second with 97, 700 votes, Ngige came third with 95,963 votes, while Mr. Patrick Ubah of the Labour Party (LP) polled 36, 495 votes.

Ngige, Nwoye and Obidigbo said they would head for the Appeal Court in Enugu to challenge the judgment.

Although the petitioners and the respondents were not at the tribunal, except Umeh, their lawyers said they would challenge the verdict.

INEC counsel, Mrs. Odinaka Ikoroha, told The Nation that the commission had been vindicated.

The woman, who led other INEC lawyers, described the judgment as a landmark.

Counsel to APC and Ngige, who represented Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Emeka Ngige (SAN), Ngozi Udodi, has applied to the tribunal for the release of the comprehensive judgment.

She told The Nation that they must appeal the judgment, which was also the view of Mr. J.O. Onwujekwu, who made oral application for Obidigbo.

He said the essence was to prepare themselves for the appeal, describing the judgment as lopsided.

Senator Ajayi Boroffice (left) presenting a bus to All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Ondo State Mr Isaacs Kekemeke, for the use of the party.

Obiano, APGA, commissioner stall suit seeking governor’s sack

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ROCEEDINGS were stalled yesterday in a suit challenging Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano ‘s competence to contest the November 16 last year’s election, following his lawyer’s request for

PUBLIC NOTICE ILODIGWE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Chiechetam Joyce Ilodigwe now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs Chiechetam Joyce Kanu. all former document remain valid. General public please take note.

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

time..

Justice Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) sought time to study all the applications filed in the suit at an Abuja Federal High Court.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed on Tuesday, after refusing Sports Commissioner Tony Nnacheta’s application to be made a plaintiff, said he would hear the pending applications along with the substatitive case to prevent delay.

Yesterday, parties were expected to argue their pending applications and the substantive suit, only for counsel to Nnacheta, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Obiano to stall the proceedings through what seemed a well-planned strategy.

Shortly after lawyers announced their appearances, counsel to Nnacheta, Smart Iheanzor, told the court that he had filed an affidavit of facts intended to inform the court about the steps he had taken in respect of the court’s decision the previous day.

He told the court that the affidavit contained information that his client appealed the court’s refusal to make him a party in the case and that he also filed an application for stay of proceedings pending an appeal. He said the application was filed shortly before the court began proceedings.

APGA’s lawyer, C. T. Mbaeri, equally informed the court about an application filed by his client, shortly before the court sat, urging it to reverse its earlier decision to hear pending applications in the substantive suit.

Sensing that the applications

by Nnacheta and APGA were intended to stall the court’s busi-

ness for the day, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Olusola Oke, urged the court to allow him reply orally if the applicants were ready to proceed with the applications they filed shortly before the court began sitting.

When asked if he was also ready for the hearing of the fresh applications, Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), said he needed time to study the new applications.

He urged the court to adjourn the case.

The judge later discovered that the applications referred to

by Iheanzor and Mbaeri were not yet in the court’s file. He, however, agreed to hear the applications since parties did not dispute that they have been filed.

He adjourned till June 11.

The plaintiffs, Ugochukwu Ikegwuonu and Keneth Moneke, filed the suit before the governorship election held on November 16 last year asking the court to disqualify Obiano as a candidate in the poll for being in possession of two valid voter registration cards.

Before hearing began, Nnacheta, who claimed to have participated in the governorship primaries as an aspirant and lost to Obiano, sought to be added

as a plaintiff.

Ruling on Tuesday, Justice Mohammed upheld the argument by Oke, who opposed Nnacheta’s application, on the grounds that the case had nothing to do with APGA’s primary election.

The judge held that there was “an apparent conflict of interest” between the existing plaintiffs and the party seeking to be joined as a plaintiff.

“Conflict of interest with the plaintiffs on record is being played out in this suit. A plaintiff seeking to be joined as a plaintiff must not have conflicting interests with the plaintiff on record,” he further held.

Justice Mohammed noted that Nnacheta would become “a strange bedfellow” with the existing plaintiffs if his application to be made a co-plaintiff was granted.

“I am of the view that the application for joinder, if granted, will only make the plaintiffs strange bedfellows. They are being represented by different counsel and the causes of action or interests are fundamentally different.

“I find no merit in the application for joinder dated May 6 and same is accordingly dismissed,” the judge held.

Magistrate dies in prison

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MAGISTRATE in Enugu State, Mrs. Ifeoma Nneji, yesterday reportedly died inside a cell in Enugu prison.

The deceased was said to have died of complications arising from shock.

She was remanded in prison with her husband, Mr. Ifeanyi Nneji, on Monday after they were arraigned for “conspiracy, false information and attempted murder.”

The deceased served at the Oji River Magisterial District before she was suspended by the Judi-

From Chris Oji, Enugu

cial Service Commission for alleged involvement in the abduction of a nine-year-old girl.

Prison sources said she became ill about 24 hours after she arrived at the prison following her remand by an Enugu Magistrate’s Court for allegedly assaulting a female tenant living in her husband’s house.

The woman, her husband and another unnamed person living with them were said to have allegedly beaten and injured the tenant over an undis-

closed quarrel, which resulted in the arraignment and remand of the couple.

The Comptroller of Enugu Prison, Mr. Alloy Uchenna, confirmed the death of the magistrate, but said the Deputy Comptroller in-charge of the prison was yet to brief him on what happened.

Police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said Mrs. Nneji and her husband were re-arraigned for another case of conspiracy, false information and attempted murder on Monday and were later remanded.

My fears for national conference, by APC chieftain

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HE Chairman, Ijebu North East Local Government, Ogun State, Chief Femi Odufowokan, has expressed reservation on the outcome of the national conference.

He said: “There is no harm in talking particularly in a country like Nigeria. Before now, many people and interest groups have called for national dialogue. This is due to lack-lustre performance of Nigeria as a nation in many respects. If things are going on well, nobody will be calling for dialogue. It is because of the defects in the existing system that make people to be disenchanted and that is why they are calling for discussions to address various issues that are germane to the existence of the nation. But the question now is; will the national conference qualify for the national conference envisaged by various individuals and groups calling for it? Put differently, is it the type of conference being agitated for that we are offered by the Federal Government? To my mind the answer is No. The signs, indications and of course, timing, is suggesting that the entire thing is a mere talk shop. I therefore align myself with the position of my party All Progressive Congress (APC).”

“To my mind, it cannot. Eventhough it is good to jaw-jaw only if it will bring desire results.

I do know that a vast majority of Nigerians sees it as mere jamboree as an opinion poll conducted by one national newspaper recently put it that 71 percent of Nigerians believe that it is a mere waste of time , efforts and tax payers money; in any case for government policies, actions and programmes to be successful, you need people’s confidence. Once, government programme lack people’s confidence that is the end of such programme,” he added.

On leadership, the local goverment boss, who urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, noted that there could not be leadership if there is no followership.

Okurounmu for GCI lecture

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HE Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference, Dr. Femi Okuroumu, will deliver the Keynote Address Lecture at the 2014 Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA) Annual Week Luncheon, Lecture and Merit Award Ceremony.

The event holds on June 8 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to a statement from the office of Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN, who is the Chairman of the association’s Lagos branch, the theme of the lecture this year is ‘After the National Conference, wither the Nation’.

Dr. Okurounmu, who was in the 1952 GCI Class Set, is an Engineering and Applied Physics graduate of Harvard University, Cambridge (1963). He also holds a D.sc (Mechanical Engineering) from MIT, Cambridge in 1967.

Sunday’s lecture will be chaired by a former governor of Old Oyo State, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, who was of the 1948 GCI Class Set and graduated with a First Class honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from St. Andrews University, Fife, Scotland in 1957.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

67

NEWS House directs NCAA to return N255m bulletproof cars Continued from page 4

The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to media reports that the Ministry of Aviation under the immediate past Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah incurred a staggering debt of N174billion under the aviation Master Plan. Nothing can be further from the truth. ”While we commend the National Assembly, especially the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation for supporting and keying into the aviation Master Plan, it is however, imperative to put the records straight on the alleged indebtedness, the loans obtained during that period and the mode of repayment. ”The agenda for the transformation of the aviation sector which warranted the con-

ceptualization of the Master Plan was for the industry to be fully self sustaining by 2016; and begin to yield additional revenue for government through improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“In order to achieve the above objectives, we embarked on the upgrade and rehabilitation of the 22 federallyowned airports across the country under the Airport Remodelling Programme (ARP).

“As part of measures to effectively implement the Master Plan, several sources of funding were identified. These include, (i) Annual budgetary allocations; (ii) Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), including airport development levy and security surcharge; (iii) Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) funds; (iv) Low interest loans, amongst others. ”Besides the statutory ap-

provals, the ministry designed the projects with in-built capacities to generate funds without having to place any further financial burden on the Federal Government within the period.”

She said the projects under the Master Plan were not meant for 2013 alone.

She added: “It must also be stressed that these projects were not designed to start and end in 2013, and so, were not tied to the 2013 budget alone.

“The Master Plan, it must be noted again, wasn’t designed with only the 2013 budget cycle in mind. It was conceptualized to be implemented as a process and not a destination.

“Therefore, the projection of revenue streams within the life span of the Master Plan are such that all projects would be adequately financed from bud-

getary allocations and the identified revenue sources; with the high possibility of surpluses that can subsequently be deployed for the repayment of the loans on maturity after the period of moratorium.

The question of liabilities therefore, do not arise. ”We are convinced that an efficient and effective implementation of the Master Plan would guarantee the realisation of these revenue projections, facilitate the seamless implementation of the projects and ensure the rapid development of the sector into a net revenue earner for the government within the next three years. ”We therefore implore the current managers of the sector to exploit these well-laid foundations that were left behind by the former minister and her team.”

Gunmen in uniform kill scores in Borno

Continued from page 4

edly safe village is attacked, they run again to another village. For how long shall we continue running away from these criminals who have no respect for religion or tribe or region?” he asked.

He said most villages along the highway from Maiduguri to Askira/Uba have all been wiped out.

“We have security but they cannot come to our aid because they too are humans and have their own problems that, they would not come to rescue villages that are being attacked.

The attacks on six villages over the last few days have been near the Mandara Mountains - a known Boko Haram hideout by the border with Cameroon.

Residents who managed to flee Attagara said their village church first came under attack on Sunday when 20 people

were reported dead.

Villagers retaliated and some militants were allegedly killed.

This seemed to prompt a revenge attack on Tuesday when militants dressed as soldiers pretended they had come to protect the village, Mr Peter Biye, a lawmaker, said.

“They came en masse in military uniform with about 200 motorcycles… they said they came to rescue them [and] they should not run away,” he told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

Villagers were urged to come to the church, and people gathered believing it was the military, he said.

“They surrounded them they started shooting them,” Mr Biye said, adding that the gunmen then burnt many buildings.

Those who had fled into nearby hills reported seeing many dead bodies, he said.

When troops were based in nearby Chinene village, the area was calm but since their withdrawal three months ago the area had become the insur-

gents’ “base”, Mr Biye said.

The government has been facing growing pressure both at home and abroad to do more to tackle the group and bring about the release of more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by the group in April.

The insurgents who abducted the Chibok schoolgirls almost two months ago, also wore military uniforms and deceived the girls that they were around to rescue them from those setting houses ablaze in the town.

Girls: Cameroon, Chad to block Boko Haram routes Continued from page 4

“Experts say that proactive steps taken within the first 24 hours of abduction increase the probability of rescue. After five days, it is harder.

“For the sake of the Chibok girls, one pleads that embracing the truth, no matter how

hard it is, will help the Federal Government to BringBackOurGirls.

On the allegation that the campaigners had been crying more than the bereaved, the former Vice President of the World Bank said those saying so were ignorant.

She added: “Some say we

cry more than the bereaved.

Well, what do they know? If only they have seen or heard as I have some of the mums and dads of the girls.

“So, those of you that have voice, never cease to use it for the Chibok girls. They need you and I keep demanding BringBackOurGirls.”

Military dislodges another Islamic sect in Niger Continued from page 4

of 300 persons grew to 7000 in three years’” the SSG said.

Five years ago, another group - Darul Islam Sect- was dislodged from a village near Mokwa also in the state.

Efforts to get Abubakar to react failed. But a member, Sheik Usman, debunked all the allegations, saying the group never engaged in illegal activities; “we have confined ourselves to the teachings and propagation of Islam as stipulated by the Qur’an”.

Usman distanced the group from Boko Haram’s.

“We have nothing to do with Boko Haram. We don’t share the same belief and have nothing in common.

Boko Haram has its agenda of destruction. We are peaceful Islamic scholars and farmers.

“When the military men came this morning, we were in the mosque, we did not move and when they searched our rooms, nothing incriminating was found, except they (military men) planted one. We are peaceloving people and our Sheik has impressed it on us the need to ensure peace,” Usman said.

Secretary to Lapai Local Government Alhaji Mohammed Evuti said the action was necessary because the sect members were causing havoc and gradually becoming security threats.

Amaechi warns against impunity Continued from page 4

two other states in the country having similar experience like Rivers State but said the NJC did not impose Chief Judges on those states, adding that because of the “political interest of some people,” a Chief Judge not appointed by the Governor was foisted on Rivers people.

He said: “It is in the Constitution that the governor should be the one to appoint the chief judge, but this was not the case in Rivers. It was the National Judicial Council that appointed the chief judge. This is unconstitutional.”

He challenged the form of federalism being practiced in Nigeria, saying a situation whereby the federal government apportions what allocation should accrue to the federating units must be looked into.

“We are a proper Republic of Nigeria, therefore the federal government lacks the power to sit as a Prefect. What kind of country that claims to be federalism yet money are deduct-

ed from the source in Abuja without recourse to state governors?

“Somebody would sit in Abuja and deduct money at will, spend it at will and chooses to be a Prefect over the states. It is actually a relationship of the equals. Equals come together and chose to be parts of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We are not a confederal system, we are not a military government. We are a federal system. With all these observations, ask yourself, how can we be dealing with the leadership question if those who ought to be leaders do not have a clue of what the constitution says of what they can do and what they cannot do?”

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun who was represented by Commissioner for Information and strategy, Yusuph Olaniyonu, urged Nigerians to elect only credible, honest, transparent and corruption free persons into elective offices in future elections.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

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FOREIGN NEWS

Obama decries Russian 'dark tactics' in Ukraine

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NITED STATES President Barack Obama has condemned Russian "aggression" in Ukraine.

Speaking in Warsaw to mark 25 years since the fall of communism in Poland, he hailed Polish democracy as a beacon for neighbouring Ukraine.

"How can we allow the dark tactics of the 20th Century to define the 21st?" he said.

Earlier Obama met Ukraine President-elect Petro Poroshenko and pledged support for plans to restore peace to the country.

Obama called Poroshenko a "wise selection" to lead Ukraine, and said the nation could become a vibrant, thriving democracy if the world community stood behind it.

Poroshenko, a billionaire sweet manufacturer, was elected in May. Obama pledged $5m (£3m) of military assistance to Kiev including body armour and night-vision goggles.

The aid follows $18m promised since early March for food, clothes, radios and other equipment.

Obama has now arrived in Brussels for a meeting of the G7 major industrial nations, the first since Russia was removed from the G8 in protest over its annexation of Crimea in March.

He is expected to attend the 70th anniversary commemorations of the D-Day landings in Normandy on Friday. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be at the ceremony but the two leaders have no meeting scheduled.

Poroshenko will be at the commemorations ahead of his inauguration on Saturday. He said he did not rule out meeting Putin.

He said he was working on a peace plan involving decentralisation of power, a wide amnesty and local elections, Reuters news agency reported.

The BBC's Adam Easton in

Warsaw says Obama chose to come to Poland for its symbolic value.

In his speech, the US president said that Poland's long struggle against occupation and tyranny was mirrored in the plight of Ukraine today.

"We will not accept Russia's occupation of Crimea or its violations of Ukraine's sovereignty," Obama said.

"As we've been reminded

by Russia's aggression in Ukraine, our free nations cannot be complacent in pursuit of the vision we share - a Europe that is whole and free and at peace."

Later German Chancellor Angela Merkel threatened Russia with further sanctions if Moscow failed to rein in separatists in eastern Ukraine.

"It is decisive that President Putin use his influence to get the separatists to refrain from violence and intimidation, hand over their weapons and stop the occupations," she said

Ebola death toll hits 208 in Guinea

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•President Obama

in a speech to parliament.

Meanwhile, on the ground in Ukraine, separatist rebels have taken two military bases in the eastern region of Luhansk.

Separatists seized a border guard base after days of fierce combat, and a National Guard base after an attack which began on Tuesday.

Fighting continues near the towns of Krasny Liman and Sloviansk in neighbouring Donetsk region.

Ukrainian sources say rebels are trying to break out of encirclements by government forces.

Central African Republic bans phone text messages

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UTHORITIES in the Central African Republic (CAR) have banned the use of mobile phone text messages.

The move is aimed at helping to restore security after more than a year of deadly ethnic and religious violence.

The ban comes after days of violent demonstrations in the capital, Bangui, and a mass text

campaign calling for a general strike.

The protesters want the transitional government that came to power in January to resign.

The CAR conflictbegan last year as mainly Muslim Seleka rebels, led by Michel Djotodia, seized power in the majority Christian country.

Djotodia resigned as president in January under diplo-

matic pressure, but a interim government and French and African peacekeepers have failed to stop the violence between Christian and Muslim militia groups.

Mobile phone users in CAR now get a message in French saying "SMS not allowed".

"On the instruction of the prime minister... in order to contribute to the restoration of

security in the country, the use of SMS by all mobile phone subscribers is suspended," Reuters news agency quotes the telecommunications ministry statement as saying.

According to the French news website Jeune Afrique, a letter was sent to CAR's four phone mobile operators ordering them to suspend their SMS texting service until further notice.

OME 208 people have now died from the Ebola virus in Guinea after a deadly spike in recent days, world health officials say.

At least 21 people died and 37 new cases of suspected Ebola were found between 29 May and 1 June, bringing the total number of cases in the West African country to 328.

Of these, 193 have been confirmed by laboratory tests.

There is no cure or vaccine for Ebola - one of the world's deadliest viruses.

More than half of the new deaths were in the southern Guekedou region, where the outbreak is centred.

Three confirmed and 10 suspected new cases were recorded in neighbouring Sierra Leone over the same period.

Six people are believed to

have died there, as well as 10 in Liberia.

Medical charities say one reason for the increase is that some people are refusing to go to hospital for treatment, preferring to seek help from traditional healers.

Ebola, a haemorrhagic fever, can kill up to 90% of those infected and is passed on through contact with the fluids of infected people or animals, such as urine, sweat and blood.

But people have a better chance of surviving if it is identified early and they receive medical attention.

Experts from the World Health Organisation and the Doctors Without Borders charity are in the region, and about 600 people are under observation after having possible contact with Ebola.

Kerry defends US recognition of new Palestinian cabinet

U

NITED STATES Secretary of State John Kerry has rejected Israeli criticism of his recognition of the new Palestinian government formed by Fatah and Hamas.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that he was "deeply troubled" by the decision.

But during a visit to Lebanon, Kerry noted the ministers were independent technocrats and insisted that they would be watched "very closely". The Islamist movement is considered a terrorist group by Israel and the US. After swearing in the unity government on Monday, Abbas stressed that no ministers were affiliated to Hamas.

Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said his cabinet was committed to all previous agreements with Israel and would continue "programmes of peace" aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state. Such assertions were rejected by Netanyahu, who urged Washington to "make it absolutely clear to the Palestinian president that his pact with Hamas, a terrorist organisation that seeks Israel's liquidation, is simply unacceptable".

"I'm deeply troubled by the announcement that the United States will work with the Palestinian government backed by Hamas," he told the Associated Press.

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

•Obiagwu flanked by Tuface and Iyanya

Organisers unveil nominees for AFRIMMA 2014

O

•Nigeria’s Flavour, Davido, Jimmy Jatt, Don Jazzy, Chidinma, others make list

RGANISERS of African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), have released nominations into the 26 categories of the reward scheme, which has been promoting Texas, United States as the next stop for African stars in the month of July.

The nominations revealed strength of dominance by Nigeria, which has three nods from Flavour, Davido and Wizkid, who are contenders in the Artiste of the Year category. The trio, who will be battling one another in that category, will also have artistes such as Diamond (Tanzania), Sarkodie (Ghana), Mafikizolo (South Africa), Anselmo Ralph - A Dor do Cupido (Angola) and Jaguar (Kenya) to contend with.

Released by Big A Entertainment, an event’s company, the highly competitive list also has four Nigerian acts: Wizkid, Iyanya, Davido and Flavour;

two Ghanaian acts, Sarkodie and Shatta Wale, and an Ivorian act, DJ Arafat, competing in the Best Male West Africa category.

In the Best Female West Africa category, the battle will be among Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage and Chidimma, Senegal’s Viviane Chidid, Ivory Coast’s Teeyah, Benin Republic’s Sessima and Ghana’sEfya.

The show, according to Mr. Anderson Obiagwu, Founder/ CEO of Big A Entertainment, will also feature spectacular performances from top artistes from Africa, including a duet from Hip hop act, Tuface Idibia and Grammy award-winning rapper, Faheem Najm, alias Tpain.

During the award show scheduled to take place on July 26, at the Eisemann Centre, Richardson, Texas, the two singing sensations will be thrilling the crowd individually and jointly. Their duet will be the remix of Tuface’s song,

Rainbow, which features the American star. The song is Tuface’s popular single on his 2012 album, Away & Beyond.

Obiagwu said his company was determined to sustain the drive towards a world-class African awards show through what he described as its “crossing boundaries with music.”

“This event will not only celebrate the music of Africa, but celebrate the unique sounds, culture and artistes who tell the stories of our continent as a whole.

“AFRIMMA represents growth, celebration and pushing the culture and music of Africa continuously forward for the better. It will be an amazing night while celebrating the artistes who have influenced and impacted the culture as well as the pioneers who laid the framework for the music of today,” he said.

Other categories of the award include: Best Male East Africa

to be contested by Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Ben Pol (Tanzania), Bebe Cool (Uganda), Wyre (Kenya), Navio (Uganda) and Jackie Gosee (Ethiopia); Best Male Central Africa with Fally Ipupa (DR Congo), Stanley Enow (Cameroon), Ferre Gola (Congo), Privato “Lill’P” Niyintunze (Burundi), Anselmo Ralph (Angola) and Sine (Cameroon).

It will be recalled that international airline carrier, Arik Air, has signed on as the sponsor of the AFRIMMA. Also, Laura Maczka, Mayor of Richardson, has issued an official proclamation from the city endorsing its support of AFRIMMA. According to Obiagwu, the event, which will be hosted by comedian Basket Mouth and actress Juliet Ibrahim, is expected to attract guests from the United States as well as over 17 African countries.

Lupita Nyong’o bags role in Star W a r s movie

K

ENYAN actress, Lupita Nyong’o, who recently won Oscar’s Best Supporting Actress diadem, has been listed for a role in the 7 th episode of Star Wars, the American epic space opera franchise created by George Lucas.

Nyong’o won the Academy award for her role as ‘Patsey’ in 12 Years a Slave, the movie, which also fetched Nigerian-British actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor, the Best Actor nomination.

Evidently, Lupita’s profile will go a notch higher, as she joins the cast of Star Wars 7, alongside Gwendoline Christie, who is currently starring in the hit television series, Game of Thrones.

“I could not be more excited about Lupita and Gwendoline joining the cast of Episode 7,” said Walt Disney Co.’s Lucasfilm president, Kathleen Kennedy. “It’s thrilling to see this extraordinarily talented

ensemble taking shape,”he added.

The movie, which is already scheduled for worldwide release on December 18, 2015, is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams.

Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing and John Williams returns as the composer.

However, Lucasfilm is yet to reveal which character Nyong’o will play, but they have already committed to making Star Wars into a six-film saga, with a number of standalone spin-offs.

Nyong’o’s name has remained on the who-is-who list of the hottest actresses. Just a few months ago, makeup institution, Lancome, made her the face of its brand. Shortly afterward, she was named People Magazine’s “Most Beautiful”. The actress, it was also gathered, will join actor Idris Elba in the Jungle Book.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

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www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

RIPPLES

Ban on protest: IG DISOWNS MBU -News

Good move...TRANSFER him to ‘SAMBISA AREA COMMAND’

VOL. 9, NO. 2,868

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

I

T is my great honour and privilege to pay the following tribute to Amb. Gabriel Oyaletor Ijewere, one of our departed former colleagues being remembered today, as always, with a profound sense of loss. Amb. Ijewere and I first became acquainted in 1965 when he entered the Foreign Service as a middle level officer, a counsellor. I had entered the Foreign Service the year before on graduating from the University College, Ibadan.

Though he was a senior colleague, we soon developed a good personal relationship.

He was one of the few senior colleagues in the Foreign Service for whom I had a great professional admiration and genuine respect. It was he who encouraged me to go to Oxford. After we had both left the Foreign Service several years later, we had more time to socialise, visiting each other at home, and became really good friends.

We met often at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club and dined regularly at the Metropolitan Club. We had a similar academic background and the wide range of social, professional and intellectual interests we shared drew us closer to each other. I found him to be a very engaging personality with a liberal world view.

Amb. Ijewere was born on April 24, 1931, at Ubiaja, now in Edo State, and died in Lagos on 4th January, 2004. He was one of the finest and ablest career diplomats our country has ever produced. Until he retired in 1984 he served with distinction in various capacities, both in the Foreign Ministry and in some of our major diplomatic missions abroad. He started his public service career in the civil service of the old Western Region on graduating from Oxford University in 1959. He served there for three years as an Administrative Officer, and later as the Assistant Registrar (Academic) at the then University College, Ibadan, for two years. It was from the university that he joined the Foreign Service.

Amb. Ijewere entered the Foreign Service with a highly impressive academic background, certainly one of the most formidable among the senior diplomatic staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He had his secondary school education at the famous Abeokuta Grammar School from 1943 to 1948, where his principal was the legendary Revd. I.O. Ransome-Kuti. Of him Amb. Ijewere wrote several years later that the Revd. Ransome-Kuti taught accountability in the school by example. Amb. Ijewere left the school as head boy in 1948 at 17, remarkably young in those days, coming out with flying colours in his Cambridge School Certificate Examinations. Because of his brilliance, he was retained as a teacher in the school and studied privately for his GCE A levels. It was from Abeokuta that in 1953 he was admitted to the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) to read Economics on the scholarship of the old Western Region government.

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

‘I wonder if any police commissioner, no matter how connected he may be, can authorise such a ban, without, as we say in the Nigerian parlance, ''order from above''. If nothing is done to Mbu, we can only conclude that he was not acting alone’ LAWAL OGIENAGBON

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Remembering Amb. Gabriel Oyaletor Ijewere

‘

An outstanding public servant, Amb. Ijewere was one of the most versatile, professional, diligent, inspiring and committed officers it was my good fortune to have worked with in the ministry. His solid academic background was a tremendous asset to the departments in which he served in the ministry

’

After graduating from the LSE in 1956 at 25, he proceeded to St. Catherine’s College, Oxford, where he obtained the Oxford postgraduate degree of B. Litt. in 1959. Later, from 1961-62, while serving in the Western Region civil service, he went to Harvard for his MPA. Subsequently, Amb. Ijewere obtained a Ph.D by thesis from the University of London in Economics. Obviously, Amb. Ijewere had prepared himself for an academic career, but found himself instead in the diplomatic service which he grew to love and enjoy. He exemplified professional rectitude and integrity and embodied the best traditions of the old school of diplomacy.

In the Foreign Service he held many sensitive and important positions. From 196566 he served as head of the Economic Division in the ministry and later, from 1970-

72, as the Director of Africa Department. It was my distinct pleasure and privilege to have worked with him in both departments.

An outstanding public servant, Amb. Ijewere was one of the most versatile, professional, diligent, inspiring and committed officers it was my good fortune to have worked with in the ministry. His solid academic background was a tremendous asset to the departments in which he served in the ministry. He achieved much effortlessly. His analysis of foreign policy issues and international economic relations was very professional. His advice and recommendations to the government were consistently sound and in the best interest of the country. He had a great sense of duty and fully embraced the virtues of probity, honour, restraint, friendship, humility and generosity that are essential for a good diplomat.

As the head of the International Economic Relations Department in the Foreign Ministry from 1978-1981, Amb. Ijewere played a major role in the development of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its major economic institutions. Equally under his leadership, the Africa Department acquired a reputation as an outstanding department in the Foreign Ministry. He was head of the department soon after the civil war when, under General Yakubu Gowon, the country began redefining its African policy and strategic interests in Africa. Amb. Ijewere was at the centre of that review process. He worked very closely with General Gowon in the efforts to reassess and review Nigeria’s African policy. General Gowon once told me that he thought very highly of him as a fine and dedicated officer. In many ways, he was one of the unsung heroes of Nigeria’s new African policy. He took his official responsibilities very seriously.

HARDBALL

T

ARTAN Army is Scotland’s equivalent of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, chief supporters of the Super Eagles.

But the team the Tartan Army supports is rather tattered, having never gone beyond the first round in the FIFA World Cup, despite qualifying for five consecutive championships between 1974 and 1990. Even in the UEFA European Championships, Scotland has never gone beyond the first round, the two times (1992 and 1996) it had qualified.

But the Nigerian Army, flagship of the Nigerian military, ripples with stellar records in international peace keeping campaigns and admirable muscles in imposing democracy in both Liberia and Sierra Leone, even if it almost always sabotaged democracy at home. A concrete piece of exporting what you yourself don’t have? But those were the halcyon days of political power as institutional poison.

So, it is absolutely understandable if, no thanks to the Chibok girls kidnap crisis, Nigerian “bloody civilians”, the merciless foreign media and just about everyone now suggests the once-upon-a-time gung-ho Nigerian military is now so tattered, to even become jelly. Tu fia kwa!.

Tattered army?

Tu fia kwa!

The other day, Air Marshall Alex Badeh, chief of defence staff (CDS), the bloke who while assuming duty as CDS was so upbeat he boasted Boko Haram would be history

by April, was near-hysterical while appealing to protesting women calling for the Chibok girls’ freedom from Boko Haram’s den.

Good news: the Nigerian military now knows where the girls are! But not so good: they couldn’t go in there with force, except the protesters wanted the girls to return in body bags. So, came the martial lecture, everyone should stay calm and allow the military to do their work — for which they were able and capable.

Sounds, doesn’t it, like a tiger proclaiming its ‘tigeritude’ (apologies to Prof. Wole Soyinka)?

Nigerians, he warned, must be wary of insulting or putting down their military: for on them rests the country’s security. True.

But about the same time, a hitherto unknown group, Citizens’ Initiative for Security Aware-

In the course of his diplomatic career, he served from 1967-68 as Counsellor and Head of Chancery in our Embassy in Washington and from 1968-70 in a similar capacity in our OAU Mission in Addis Ababa. From 1973-76 he was our High Commissioner in Ghana, and from 1976-78 he served as Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EEC. His last diplomatic posting from 198184 was as Permanent Representative (PR) and Ambassador to our UN office in Geneva. In all these positions he stood out as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished diplomats. After his retirement in 1984 he was appointed a member of the National Electoral Commission and continued to work as a Consultant to several UN agencies where he was highly regarded and held in high esteem.

In the Foreign Service he was friendly with all his colleagues, fair-minded, decent and righteous, without being self-righteous.

He stood above the petty bureaucratic intrigues in the ministry. Though a brilliant officer, he was not intellectually snobbish.

He had a hearty laughter which drew all his colleagues to him. Amb. Ijewere was not simply a great technocrat and an outstanding public servant. He was also a great patriot and scholar who cared deeply about Nigeria’s future as a united, democratic, stable and prosperous country. A few years before his death, he published in 1999 his seminal book on “Accountability, Politics and Development in Colonial and Post-Colonial Africa’, in which he made a strong case for public accountability, democracy and federalism in Sub-Saharan Africa. I had the privilege of reviewing the book and consider it as one of the most impressive studies on post-colonial African politics in recent years. It deserves better public attention.

We, his former colleagues in the Foreign Service, will always remember him with great affection, admiration and respect for his great sense of humour, his sincere friendship and his immense contribution to the development of the Foreign Service and Nigeria’s foreign policy.

Amb. Ijewere was a good and devoted family man. He gave all his children the best education possible in public schools in England.

May his soul and those of our other departed colleagues continue to rest in perfect peace.

A speech delivered by Amb. Fafowora at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, on May 28 at a memorial service for deceased members of the Association of Retired Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARAN).

• For comments, send SMS to 08054503031

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above ness (CISA), well-kitted, well-bannered and well-armed with their own hash tag, #we trust the Nigerian military, bring back our girls#, did their own thing: dancing, strutting and singing, insisting the Nigerian military can and will bring back our girls — whoever said they couldn’t or wouldn’t?

CISA could be patriot-citizens drumming support for the embattled military. They could also be economically distressed citizens hustling for the odd coin. Either is no crime, given the democratic space and the mass hunger in the land. And if the cowardly “Fellow Nigerians, I Col ...” is so glaringly out of fashion, nobody in all good conscience should blame a lobby, trying to shield the military from battery, in an evolving democratic culture.

Yet, if the military were true to themselves, they would admit the present institutional battery as fair comeuppance for what a few rascals, among them, had done in the past — painful payback time!

But the military need not play the hurt comic tiger, proclaiming its own ‘tigeritude’.

It should rather go get our girls. That feat should proclaim it the tiger — and Nigerians are bound to affirm.

A tattered military? Tu fia kwa!

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