The Nation March 15, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

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VOL. 7, NO. 2064 THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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SSS parades suspected killers of Briton, Italian hostages

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•Some of the suspects paraded in Abuja ... yesterday

HE State Security Service (SSS) yesterday in Abuja gave a blowby-blow account of how two foreign hostages - Christopher McManus (Briton) and Franco Lamolinara (Italian) - were abducted and killed by the Abu Mohammed faction of the Boko Haram sect.

The SSS, parading eight

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

sect members who were arrested in connection with the incident, said the hostages were killed when it was apparent that security forces were closing in on their abductors.

Three of those paraded were said to have been car-

rying out surveillance on the hostages in Kebbi State before they were abducted.

Five others were said to be directly involved in the operation, which was carried out by the Shura Council – the highest decision making body of the sect, led by Abu Mohammed, who the Continued on page 2

Police chief, three others die in helicopter crash N346.4b debts cripple states

DIG Haruna dies 20 days after promotion

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

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FTER a long lull, the row over the financial state of the states resurfaced yesterday.

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) said most of the 36 states are under financial stress; others are bankrupt.

RMAFC boss Elias Mbam, an engineer, stated this in his presentation at a public hearing on the “Looming danger of bankruptcy in states – the need for fiscal evaluation”, organised by the Senate Joint Committee on National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Finance, Appropriation and States and Local Governments in Abuja.

Mbam said the dangerous trend could only be stemmed, if the National and State Assemblies enact appropriate legislation to peg the power of states to borrow from external sources.

He noted that if the states must be allowed to borrow, it should not exceed 20 per cent of their monthly allocations.

The total external debt

From Gbade Ogunwale (Abuja), Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Marie-Therese Nanlong (Jos) and Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

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HE police lost a star officer yesterday.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) John Haruna died in a chopper crash in Jos, the Plateau State capital – some 20 days after he was promoted.

The late Haruna was in charge of operations at the Police Headquarters in Abuja.

He died along with the other three occupants of the police owned chopper, which crashed into a house in Kabang village in Jos North Local Government Area.

Residents spoke of hearing a loud noise and seeing the aircraft crash into a home, bursting into a huge ball of fire.

All the occupants were burnt beyond recognition.

SEE ALSO The dead are: Garba Yalwa, an Assistant

PAGES 6&7

Continued on page 2

‘

The incident occurred at about 11:45am. I saw the helicopter crashing into the building.

This is a terrible loss and I hope this alone should make people sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign as the victims of the crash came to Jos in the interest of peace.

’ •SOUTHSOUTH GOVERNORS DEMAND MORE CASH, RESOURCE CONTROL P60 •The engine of the helicopter ... yesterday. INSET: •A file picture of the late DIG Haruna taken at the memorial for victims of the UN House hombing last year

Continued on page 2

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

NEWS N346.4b debts cripple states Continued from page 1

•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi presenting a laptop to Master Sulaiman Maitu, during the distribution of free laptop computers to teachers and students in public schools and specialised computers and instructional materials to Special Schools, in Ikere Ekiti ... yesterday. Among those watching is Deputy Governor Mrs Funmi Olayinka. STORY ON PAGE 10

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi signing the 2012 Appropriation Bill in Ibadan ... yesterday. STORY ON PAGE 10 PHOTO: NAN

stock of all the states, as at December 2011, is $2.165billion (about N346.4billion).

The Federal Government’s debt profile at the same period was $3.501billion, in addition to a domestic stock of N5.622trillion.

The RMAFC considers the debt profile as high.

According to Mbam, there have been various signs of distress in the finances of the states over the past few years.

He said: “Before and after the passage of the National Minimum Wage Act in 2011, there were series of outcries by the states and local governments over their lack of financial capacity to pay the new workers’ wage and at the same time provide minimum services to the citizenry.

“This is a critical sign that the finances of most states and local governments were unhealthy.

“Today, most states have not been able to implement the new minimum wage.

Continued on page 62

Police chief Haruna, three others die in Jos helicopter crash Continued from page 1

Commissioner of Police (ACP), co-pilot Alexander Pwol-Ja, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and an orderly to the DIG, Mr Sonatian Shirunam, a sergeant.

The late DIG was in Jos following Sunday’s suicide bombing of St. Finbarr’s Catholic Church in Rayfield.

He was returning to Abuja before the crash occurred.

It was gathered that the helicopter crashed barely three minutes after taking off from the Nigeria Prisons Service field.

The Police in a statement announced the accident.

Signed by its spokesman Olusola Amore, the statement said: “The tragic incident occurred at about 11.30am on Wednesday 14th March, 2012 in Jos, Plateau State. The officers were on routine aerial patrol aboard a police helicopter before the unfortunate mishap. The Force, in conjunction with other relevant government agencies has since commenced investigation into the incident.

“DIG Haruna John was born on the 16th August, 1956, in Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Taraba State. He enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on 5th

Widow dumbfounded

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IDOW of the late Deputy Inspector General of Police John Haruna was too shocked to speak yesterday on her husband’s sudden death in a helicopter crash.

Mrs. Haruna sat huddled between two women in the family’s living room.

She could hardly respond to condo-

June, 1978 as a Cadet Inspector and rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Inspector-General of Police.

He was former Commissioner of Police in-charge of Anambra, Niger, FCT Abuja and Benue State Police Commands.

“While in service, he attended several professional courses both within and outside the country. He was at Wakefield UK for General Investigation Course, where he passed out as the best Commonwealth student. He was also in China in 2009 and 2010 for Professional Police Leadership Trainings.”

Described by the police as a “versatile, courageous and an operationally-sound police officer”, Haruna would be “remembered for his kind heartedness, generosity, humility and, above all, his exemplary leadership qualities in crime prevention and detection. The late DIG Haruna

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

lences from relations and neighbours who thronged the family’s Sigma Estate home in the Jabi District of the Federal Capital Territory.

Wearing a skirt and blouse made of Ankara, the distraught widow propped with a pillow on her seat.

John is survived by wife and children.”

Burial arrangements for all the deceased officers are expected to be announced after due consultation with their families.

A police source said: “I went in company of the Police Commissioner to see off the DIG, and the helicopter took off in our presence. We barely returned to the office just across the road when we heard the sound of the crash.”

Residents of Kabong said the helicopter was flying very low and was seen shaking in motion and sounding unusually louder shortly before it crashed.

A resident of one of the buildings was said to have been seriously injured and rushed to a hospital.

Another resident, Gabriel Adzi, who assisted in the rescue operation, said: “I live in Jenta Adamu and was just passing around GSS, Kabong,

Her eyes were bloodshot, obviously due to prolonged weeping. She stared into empty space at frequent intervals, apparently struggling to come to terms with the reality of her husband’s death.

Friends, colleagues, neighbours and relations were trooping in last night into the house to pay their condolences.

when I saw the helicopter flying very low. I saw the helicopter fall, but before I rushed to the scene, the helicopter had gone up in flames and we were making efforts to pull out the people from the fire”.

Adzi praised fire fighters for responding promptly to the residents’ distress call.

His words: “We should really thank the fire fighters for their efforts because if not for the prompt response, many houses would have been burnt. They put out the fire on time.”

Another resident, Emmanuel Samuel, said: “The incident occurred at about 11:45am. I saw the helicopter crashing into the building. This is a terrible loss and I hope this alone should make people sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign in this state as the victims of the crash came to Jos in the interest of peace.”

All was moody at the Pla-

teau Police Headquarters. Security chiefs and residents visited Police Commissioner Emmanuel Dipo Ayeni to register their condolences.

Ayeni, in tears, said: “The death of the officers is a monumental loss to the police in particular and the nation in general. This is an unquantifiable loss, I’ m short of words.”

The cause of the crash could not be immediately ascertained. Security experts were picking the pieces of the helicopter. They recovered the black box – the device that records events which may help in unraveling why the aircraft went down.

The owner of one of the residential houses into which the helicopter crashed, Mali Waziri, 35, stood in the ruins of his building.

According to him, none of the 10 members of his family was around when the chopped crashed.

His words: “I went out

early to work. I am a carpenter. My wife went to the market and the children were in school. Only one of my six children was around when the chopper crashed into the house and nothing happened to her. So, it’s something to thank God for, but my major problem now is where will I accommodate my family, considering the weather in Jos. Government should come to my aid.”

The accident threw the aviation industry into mourning in Lagos.

Yesterday’s chopper crash brings to three the number of helicopter that have crashed in the last few years. An AOS Helicopter crashed at the boundary between Kwara and Oyo states killing the chief executive officer of a sugar company last year. Another chopper had earlier crashed into an electric power-line in Effurun, near Warri, Delta State.

The Accident and Investigation Bureau (AIB) has sent its men to the crash site.

AIB spokesman Tunji Oketunbi said: “We are handling the investigation into the Police Bell helicopter crash in Jos. Our investigators have been dispatched to the accident site.

“It is a registered aircraft and we will give you update as we get more information.”

SSS parades suspected killers •‘Boko Haram leader Abu Mohammed is dead’ Continued from page 1

SSS said died on March 9. he was wounded in a gun duel in Zaria on March 7, the SSS said.

A statemenr signed by Mr. Doyin Adetuberu of the SSS Public Ralations Department said security forces would catch up with terrorists wherever they may be.

The statement reads: “Recall that two expatriate employees of Stabilni Visinoni Construction Company, namely Christopher

McManus, a Briton and Franco Lamolinara, an Italian, were abducted from their residence in Birnin Kebbi on 12th of May, 2011 by Boko Haram elements. As a result, the service and other security agencies commenced action to rescue them.

“After a painstaking investigation process, the service made a number of arrests in Adamawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kebbi states. The following youths aged between 19 and 20 years, who were discovered to have con-

ducted surveillance on the victims before their abduction, were subsequently arrested. They are: •Bashir Ibrahim (aka Adda’u); •Ibrahim A. Habibu; and •Gambo Maiborodi.

“Further investigation recealed that the plot was masterminded by the Abu Mohammed led faction of Boko Haram in Nigeria.

“Following a raid on Abu Mohammed’s hideout at Layin Hanwa area of Zaria on 7th of March, 2012, Abu

•Five of the suspects paraded by the SSS ... yesterday

Mohammed and five (5) others were arrested while holding a Shura Council (the sect’s highest decision making body) meeting. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, a soldier was killed and his

throat slashed while one service personnel was seriously injured by members of the Boko Haram sect. Abu Mohammed and the other suspects sustained various degrees of bullet wounds.

“Preliminary interrogation of the arrested suspects revealed that the guards protecting the two (2) foreign hostages in Sokoto had been directed to kill them in the Continued on page 62

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

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NEWS

Nigeria’s Smooth Operator shocks the world

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HE sleepy part of Gloucestershire where Eighties singer Sade has maintained a reclusive existence since 2005 is not exactly known for its celebrities. But that is just the way the reticent singer likes it.

Preferring days spent weeding, planting and lugging a wheelbarrow around her immaculate garden, few notice her as she browses for bulbs and seeds in her local garden centre, without a scrap of make-up and dressed in scruffy baggy cords, a fleece and a headscarf.

Yet, although to some Sade’s brand of cool jazz might seem as Eighties as brick-sized mobile phones and frizzy perms, she has quietly established herself as our most recognisable and money-spinning musical export — bagging a new breed of adoring and powerful acolytes such as rappers Kanye West and Jay-Z who appeared on her latest album, The Ultimate Collection.

The extent of her enduring international success is revealed by new figures from America, which show that the Essex-raised singer, who had her first hit with Your Love Is King more than a quarter of a century ago, raked in an astonishing $16.4million (£10.5million) last year in the U.S. Across the pond, Sade has even outearned the likes of fellow Brits Adele, Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney.

Coming in at number six on the Billboard list of the most profitable artists of the past year, she is just two places lower than Lady Gaga.

For the irony is that although she remains this country’s most successful female singer ever — having sold more than 50 million records worldwide — most Britons may only fondly recall her debut album Diamond Life and its hit singles Smooth Operator and When Am I Going To Make A Living?.

Meanwhile, Sade and other British bands from her era, such as Depeche Mode and The Cure, remain huge crowd-pullers in America where a younger generation has never tired of their brand of Eighties nostalgia and whose moody tracks are constantly used in popular TV shows such as The Vampire Diaries and Smallville.

For the better part of the past 20 years, however, Sade has spent her days cooking at her secluded home, away from the intense glare of the media spotlight.

• Sade on stage at the O2 World in Berlin, Germany, last year

Her former boyfriend, British radio presenter Robert Elms, says of her: ‘She never wanted to be famous, just to write and sing good songs.

She finds celebrity very vulgar.’

Her need for rooted security can perhaps be pinned on an unorthodox upbringing. Sade’s mother Anne was an English district nurse who met and married her Nigerian father Adebisi Adu in 1955 in Britain, then followed him back to his Nigerian homeland.

The couple had a son, Banji, and their second child, Helen Folasade Adu, was born in Ibadan in January 1959. Soon, however, her Christian name was dropped and she became known to her family simply by the nickname Sade.

By the time she was four, with her father now working as an economics lecturer in Nigeria, her parents’ marriage began to crumble and her mother returned to the UK with her children.

They moved into Anne’s mother’s house near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, although Sade stayed in touch with her father, who remained in Nigeria and died of cancer several years ago.

Unsure about what she wanted to do with her life, a teenage Sade drifted into a fashion course at London’s prestigious Central St Martins College of Art and Design and dabbled with modelling. Money was perilously short, and she ended up squatting in houses in Tottenham, North London.

The pop singer was highly successful in the 80s and appeared on

stage at the legendary Live Aid charity concert at Wembley in 1985 Her big break came by chance. In the early Eighties, friends who were starting a band and had never heard her sing asked her to join as a backing vocalist because they thought her exotic looks would attract male fans.

But an early manager pronounced she could not sing, and she and three other members of the group splintered away to form their own band.

A few months later, Sade was given her solo role in front of the microphone.

Despite her inexperience, she showed an early shrewdness that would stand her in good stead in the cutthroat world of the music business. In 1983, when she recorded a demo of her first single Smooth Operator, it was originally rejected by every major label. But she persuaded Elms, who worked in the media, to drum up publicity in fashion and style magazines based on her stunning looks, trademark black poloneck sweater and slicked-back hair.

By the time she performed her first gig at London’s legendary club Heaven in 1984, she had become so popular that 1,000 people were turned away at the door. Equally astutely, the then 25 year-old Sade hired a sharp music lawyer called Brian Carr and insisted that Epic Records, who led the queue to sign her, paid a generous 14.75 per cent royalties rather than the cash advance most new acts settled for.

But by 1988, however, her success in the UK had dwindled and she re-

South Korea to increase investment in education

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HE President of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Mr Park Dae Won, yesterday said the agency would scale up its interventions in Nigeria’s technical and vocational education sub-sector.

Park spoke at the KOICA headquartres during a meeting with the Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike.

Park urged the minister to work towards removing the obstacles that KOICA experienced in clearing materials for the execution of projects.

He said Korea overcame poverty through education and not by any form of natural resource.

Wike said the government was committed to ensuring that all equip-

By Wale Ajetunmobi

ment and materials meant for the execution of KOICA’s projects in Nigeria would get accelerated clearance.

He said: “We appreciate the efforts of KOICA at the development of technical education in Nigeria. We are here to deepen our relationship with this agency and to seek that you scale up you intervention in Nigeria. We are asking for four new vocational and technical colleges in four different states in Nigeria. ” Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Dr Ahmed Modibo Mohammed also attended the meeting.

•Wike and Won…yesterday

sorted to remixing one of her old tracks, Paradise. Her singles struggled to reach the Top 30 and her third album, Stronger Than Pride, was mauled by the critics.

Meanwhile, there were rumours that she had paralysing stage fright.

A year later, she had all but disappeared from the music business. After splitting from Elms, she dated struggling nightclub owner Spike Denton. But her newfound wealth drove a wedge between them. When they separated, Denton complained: ‘It’s a nightmare for men like me when we fall in love with a rich and famous woman.’

She then fell for Spanish filmmaker Carlos Pliego. The couple married in 1989 and the singer moved to Madrid to be with him.

But the marriage lasted less than three years. Later, in a rare interview, she admitted it took her five years to get over it.

In the 20 years that have followed, she produced only three studio albums: Love Deluxe in 1992 and Lovers Rock in 2000 before a comeback in 2010 with Soldier of Love.

During her long absences, she has quietly been bringing up her daughter Ila, now 15, from her relationship with Jamaican music producer Bob Morgan. She moved briefly to the Caribbean to live with him in the late Nineties, but they separated.

Making only a rare public appearance in 2002 to accept an OBE at Buckingham Palace for services to music, she settled for near obscurity in the Gloucestershire countryside where, in 2005, she bought a rundown, stone-built cottage to renovate near Stroud.

Neighbours now speak of her trundling around in a ten-year-old Mercedes to visit the local garden centre.

Nonetheless, with a reputed fortune of £40million, she is known as a canny investor, with a property portfolio that includes a £3.5million townhouse in Islington, North London, a West End penthouse that she generously lets friends use, as well as houses in New York and Switzerland.

She has also fallen for a local man, Ian Watts, a former Royal Marine and fireman-turned-scientist, with whom she and her daughter now live, along with Mr Watts’s 20-yearold son Jack.

Perhaps in a sign of her domestic happiness, the singer, who seems barely to have aged since her Eighties heyday, has even been slightly more forthcoming of late about her personal life, recently describing Watts in her local paper as ‘The One’.

In a rare recent insight into her unstarry home life, she joked: ‘I always said that if I could just find a guy who could chop wood and had a nice smile, it didn’t bother me if he was an aristocrat or a thug as long as he was a good guy. And I’ve ended up with an educated thug. I have a lovely stepson who lives with us and I feel lucky, like I’ve won the lottery, finally.’

•Culled from www.dailymail.co.uk

Fed Govt uncovers ghost workers

By Olukorede Yishau

THE phase II of the Federal Government Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information Systems (IPPIS) project has uncovered ghost workers in ministries, departments and agencies, it was learnt yesterday.

In one ministry, of about 500 staff, 350 were discovered to be ghost workers. In another, 11,000 workers of the 14,000 on the ministry’s payroll were discovered to be real.

A source close to the firm handling the project said: “The IPPIS project was initiated by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to stem the tide of inflated public service nominal roll which has led to increasing demand for budgetary allocation for personnel cost yearly.

“The project actually commenced in 2006 with the pilot scheme implemented by a Nigerian IT company, Systemspec.

The pilot scheme captured some 55,000 workers in its database as at April 2007, when the pilot phase was concluded. This figure was later made to pass through the more credible exercise of the phase II service provider.”

The source added: “When bidding was opened for the second phase in 2008, the inadequacies of the pilot scheme was addressed, as another Nigerian IT company, SoftAlliance was chosen in December 2010 after a rigorous selection process, beating othersSystemspec and SAP. SoftAlliance commenced work on the project in May 2011, and went live in September of the same year; armed with its oracle software, SoftAlliance has been able to capture over 47,000 workers in 58 MDAS so far covered, it has also moved the 55,000 earlier captured in the pilot scheme into the more reliable oracle application-driven databank, thereby addressing effectively, both issues of the payroll processing and human capital management function.”

The Nation was told that “Federal Permanent Secretaries at their recent retreat in Calabar, lauded the IPPIS project, emphasising that it will be of immense benefit to both the government and the public servants. They said money saved from the exercise could be channeled to other processing areas of their needs. They urged the Federal Government to ensure its conclusion and sustainability by providing necessary funds and training for the civil servants who will run the installed system after its eventual completion.”

It was learnt that the Federal Government is keeping the discovery secret to allow the exercise to be completed before making it public.

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NEWS CRASH OF POLICE CHOPPER

Jonathan, governors, Tinubu,

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday mourned the death of Police Chief John Haruna.

A statement by Presidential spokesman Reuben Abati said:“President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received with utmost sadness the tragic news of the death of senior police officers in a helicopter crash in Jos, Plateau State.

“The President described the accident as unfortunate and a temporary setback especially at this time that all security forces are making concerted efforts to guarantee security throughout the country.

“President Jonathan commiserated with the families of the bereaved and the Police High Command, urging them to take consolation in the fact that these fine officers died in the course of national assignment.

“The President prayed that Almighty God will accept the souls of the deceased and grant the nation the fortitude to bear this national loss.

Plateau State Governor Jonah David Jang expressed sadness.

According to a statement by Plateau State Director of Press James Mannok, Jang said: “The governor who recalled his last meeting with the DIG two days ago in his office in Jos, said, the late DIG was an officer with high professional conduct and has earned his steady rise

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi and Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

in a career he remained proud of.

“The commitment of late John Haruna to peace and security will remain indelible”.

The Plateau State government cancelled its State Executive Council meeting following the crash.

In a tribute released by his media office in Abuja, former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar said Haruna was one of the most dedicated police officers he ever knew and admired.

The statement read: “The former Vice-President said he was particularly touched by the fact the late DIG Haruna was directly responsible for his security whenever he (Atiku) visited Lagos when he was Nigeria’s Vice President.

“As a Deputy Police Commissioner in Lagos at that time, Atiku noted that the late Haruna had always discharged his duties diligently. “There are people who come into your life and touch it immediately. (John) Haruna was one of such people.

“The late DIG John Haruna died at a critical time when his services were most needed. At the time he lost his life, John Haruna was on an official mission to Jos as the Head of Police Operations activities. His death couldn’t have come at a worse time when Nigeria needed his skills and services to

tackle the current grim security challenges.”

Atiku noted that even in death, the late DIG Haruna would remain a fountain of inspiration to many police officers and men in Nigeria.

He condoled with Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar and the families of the late Haruna and others who died along with him in the accident and prayed to God to grant them eternal rest in peace.

In a special condolence, former Governor of Lagos State Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, called on the Federal Government to do everything possible to surmount the nation’s present security challenges, and bring succour to the families of the dead, adding that it was the only way to do justice to their memory.

He said: “DIG Haruna and the three others died in active service, protecting their dear country and our fellow citizens.

“To do honour to their memory, we must do everything to improve the dicey security situation in our country. We must also do everything to comfort the families they left behind, so as to encourage others to do their best for their country.”

Condoling with President Goodluck Jonathan, Tinubu called on the president to take heart on the crash but to further resolve to fix the present security challenges,

Sympathisers storm Haruna’s Lagos home •Uduaghan, Obi mourn

By Jude Isiguzo

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YMPATHISERS yesterday besieged the Okota, Lagos home of the late Deputy Inspector General of Police John Haruna, who died in a helicopter crash in Jos. Haruna and three other officers died in the crash.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police Umar Mano also visited to condole with the widow. Mrs. Haruna was not home when the CP and his team visited.

In the entourage of the CP were the Divisional Police Officers of Ago and Okota.

Governors Peter Obi and Emmanuel Uduaghan mourned the four police officers who died in the crash, describing it as regrettable.

Obi said: “They made themselves available for the task of keeping the country safe and peaceful and therefore died gallantly on active service to the nation.”

The governor said the late Deputy Inspector General of Police John Haruna served in Anambra State as Commissioner of Police. He said: “He was a fine officer who exemplified professionalism in the discharge of his duties.”

Uduaghan said: “This is really tragic and sorrowful … for them to die at their prime and in active service is painful to bear. This is actually the time that the nation needs their inputs more, it is a great loss to our country.”

He condoled the Police Force and the families of the deceased officers, praying that God Almighty will grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

adding that Nigerians looked forward to him in this moment of national grief.

“The president must plough on.

He must involve everybody that can render a help to halt these needless bloodletting in our country. Together, I am sure, we can join hands and triumph over the present challenges,” he said.

Also condoling with Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, the acting

Inspector General of Police, Tinubu urged him to take the death of DIG Haruna as a motivation to stem the security crisis, adding that Nigerians were behind the IGP, the police and other security agencies as they battle to make Nigeria safer.

He called on the family of the dead to comfort themselves in the knowledge that their dear ones died, working for the safety and

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

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NEWS CRASH OF POLICE CHOPPER

Atiku mourn fallen heroes

CLOCKWISE from top left •Security agencies and sympathisers at the scene •Mali Waziri standing in the ruins of his house after the crash •Police squad vehicle conveying the bodies of the victims to the hospital •Sympathisers at the scene of teh crash •A policewoman with the black box of the crashed heliocpter •Policemen and residents picking the remains of the helicopter •Policemen with the remains of the helicopter • PHOTOS: YUSUF AMINU IDEGU

‘

To do honour to their memory, we must do everything to improve the dicey security situation in our country.

We must also do everything to comfort the families they left behind, so as to encourage others to do their best for their country

‘

security of fellow Nigerians.

“We feel your pains, losing loved ones. But we commend the patriotism of these dead heroes.

We honour their cherished memory,” Tinubu said. “By the time this era has passed into history, their supreme sacrifice would be written in gold.”

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the late DIG

epitomised the new face of the police force being midwifed by the Inspector General of Police but whose contributions were cut short by his untimely death.

While commiserating with the late Haruna's family and the police, Ajimobi waxed philosophical, stating that death will come when it will and that it was only consequent on man to live a worthy life while on earth.

He urged the family of the late top cop to take solace in the worthy life he lived, stating that his short but eventful life was more worthy than a life lived to the fullest but which had no impact on the lives of others.

Benue State Police Command yesterday expressed shock over the death of its immediate past Commissioner John Haruna.

Haruna was barely two months in office as Commissioner of Benue before he was promoted to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and transferred to Police headquarters.

Spokesman of Benue Police Ejike Alaribe said: “I’m short of words, what else can I say on the death of the fine officer and gentlemen”.

Former Lagos Police Commissioner Abubarka Tsav described the death of Haruna as sad and tragic.

Tsav said: “He was energetic, frank, honest hard working, loyal, dutiful and a professional in discharge of his duties.”

TIMELINE OF AIR CRASHES •November 20, 1969: Nigeria Airways BAC VC10 crashes on landing killing 87 on board.

•January 22, 1973: Royal Jordanian Airlines flight 707 carrying 171 Nigerian Muslims returning from Mecca and 5 crewmen died in crash in Kano, Nigeria.

•March 1, 1978: Nigeria Airways F28-1000 crashes in Kano killing 16.

•November 28, 1983: Nigeria Airways F28-1000 crashes on approach in Enugu killing 53 on board.

•July 11, 1991: Nigeria Airways DC-8-61 crashes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from system failure killing 261 on board.

•September 26, 1992: Nigerian Air Force A C-130 plane crashes minutes after take-off from Lagos.

All 200 on board killed.

•June 24, 1995: Harka Air Services Tupolev 34 crashes on landing in Lagos killing 16.

•November 13, 1995: Nigeria Airways Boeing 737-2F9 crashes on landing in Kaduna killing 9.

•November 7, 1996: A Nigerian ADC (Aviation Development Corporation ) Airline Boeing 727231 flying from Port Harcourt to Lagos with 142 passengers and 9 crew members crashed on landing, plunging into a lagoon with all on board killed.

•January 31, 1997: SkyPower Express Airways Embraer 110PIA crashes on landing in Yola killing

5.

•January 5, 2000: SkyPower Express Airways Bandeirante 110P1A crashes on landing in Abuja killing 17.

•May 4, 2002: EAS Airlines’ BAC 1-11-500 with 105 people on board crashed and burst into flames in a poor, densely populated suburb of Kano. 76 on board killed, including 72 on the ground bringing it to a total 148 dead.

•November 30, 2003, a Cargo aircraft of Hydro Cargo, Brussels, Belgium, crash landed.

•March 6, 2004: An aenail spray aircraft with registration number 5NBEF belonging to Berfieex Nigeria Ltd, crashed at the Bauchi Airport.

•July 26, 2004: Pan African Airlines’ helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean in Eacraros, Delta State, 4 people on board died.

•January 28, 2005: A Nigeria Air Force fighter plane crashed into a farmland in Yar Kanya, Kano State.

•October 22, 2005: A Bellview Airlines Boeing 737 airl iner with 117 people on board crashes and disintegrates in flames shortly after take-off from Lagos. All on board killed.

•December 10, 2005: A Sosoliso Airlines DC-9 crashes in Port Harcourt, killing all 103 on board.

Most on board were for schoolchildren going home for Christmas.

•September 17, 2006: A 18-seater Dornier 228 Air Force transport plane, carrying 15 senior army officers and three crew members crashed leaving only three survivors that sustained serious injuries. The plane with registration number 228-212 crashed in northern part of the country at Oko village in Vandeikya local government area of Benue State at about 10:30 a.m.

•October 29, 2006: Aviation Development Corporation Airline Boeing 737 with 104 on board crashes minutes after take-off from Abuja’s airport during a rain storm. All but 6 perished in the disaster. The spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Sunni Muslims, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido was among the dead.

•November 10, 2006: OAS Service Helicopter crashed in Warri, Delta state killing 4 on board.

•August 2, 2007: Bristow-owned helicopter crashed inside ExxonMobil facility in Port Harcout.

•March 15, 2008: Beechcraft 1900D plane marked 5N-JAH, belonging to Wing Aviation crashed in the mountainous forest of Busi in Cross River State on its way to Obudu airstrip. The wreakage was not found until 6 months after the disappearance of the aircraft. All 4 man crew on board died.

8

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

NEWS Man imprisoned From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

A THIRTY-YEAR old man, Mohammed Adamu, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment with hard labour for attempted murder.

Delta State Chief Judge Abiodun Smith said the convict was not granted leniency because he was found guilty.

The prosecutor, Ms Tosan Eko, told the court that the accused committed the offence on January 20.

Ms. Eko said the accused attempted to murder his employer’s wife, Mrs. Uche Nwosa, by inflicting matchet cuts on her head and other parts of her body.

Priest robbed in Delta From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

THE parish priest of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ovu Inland in Ethiope East Local Government of Delta State was robbed on Monday.

His Nissan Pathfinder vehicle was stolen.

Rev. Peter Awharemuaire was said to have been returning from a programme in Warri when he ran into some suspected hoodlums at the Okan junction on the Warri Abraka road.

A source said the priest saw several vehicles at the junction, thinking it was an accident, but was surprised they belonged to robbers.

He said: “The reverend was taken out of his vehicle. His phones and money were stolen.”

•GOVERNORS ALL: From left: Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Liyel Imoke (Cross River); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) at the BRACED Commission Governors’ Council meeting in Calabar….yesterday

11 die in kerosene explosions in Edo, Delta E

LEVEN persons were confirmed dead in kerosene explosions that occurred between February 1 and March 14 in Edo and Delta states.

Nine of the victims died at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

Two others died in other hospitals.

National Coordinator of Save Accident Victim of Nigeria (SAVAN) Dr. Eddy Ehikhamenor said 11 victims are on admission at the UBTH. The explosions were said to have occurred in boundary villages between Edo and Delta while others happened in Warri and

•Five in road accident

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Irrua.

Ehikhamenor said the casualty figures could be higher.

He said: “They were brought since February but we did not take notice because of the hospital policy that fire victims should be taken to the plaster unit immediately.

“Nigerians should know how to test kerosene and NNPC should take respon-

sibility for these explosions.”

Some of the victims said the explosion occurred when they attempted to pour kerosene into their lanterns.

A victim, Mrs. Kolade Mufaidat, said she was saved by a woman who poured water on her when fire engulfed her.

She said: “Mixing kerosene with fuel is bad. Tanker drivers should be held responsible for this. We need compensation. “

Also, five persons were killed in an accident at Okokhuo village on the Benin-Auchi road.

The accident involved two vehicles, a Toyota Hiace bus and a Mercedes Benz truck.

Among the dead were the bus driver and a mother and her baby.

Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) spokesman John Aniegi said 11 others were injured.

Aniegi said the bus, which belongs to Big Joe Motors, ran into the truck which was obstructing the road.

He said the bodies have been deposited at a mortuary and the injured taken to Central Hospital on Sapele Road.

Navy donates life jackets From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

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HE Navy yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, gave life jackets to the people of Rumuolumeni, where a boat capsized three months ago.

Over 35 persons died in the accident at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government, with many persons injured.

The Commander of the Naval Ship (NNS) , Pathfinder, Cmdr Oyetunji Fadeyi, made the donation at the community town hall.

Fadeyi said the donation was in fulfillment of his promise to the people last December.

The commander said if the victims wore life jackets, the casualty figure would have reduced.

He declared that the naval personnel would ensure strict compliance on the use of the life jackets by passengers.

More cash for Edo YES workers

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has approved an up-

ward review of salaries of employees of the State’s Youth Employment Scheme (YES).

The least paid worker now gets N18,000 and the highest N30,000.

The governor announced this yesterday in Benin at a meeting with members of the executive committee of the scheme.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Simon Imuekemhe, Oshiomhole said the upward

review of the salaries will cost the government an additional N30 million monthly.

He said the scheme, which is solely funded by the state, has over 7,000 youths in its employ.

Oshiomhole urged the youths to remain focused and committed to their jobs.

President of the scheme's executive committee Victor Idonijie thanked the government for employing them and for the upward review of their salaries.

He pledged their support for the governor in his reelection bid.

Police trail man over school demolition From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

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HE Delta State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a businessman who allegedly ordered the demolition of a public primary school in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government.

The accused owns a hotel, a school and is a prominent politician in the state.

It was learnt he ordered some persons with a bulldozer to demolish the New Era Primary School, Ogboami.

Sources said he claimed that the land on which the school was built belonged to him.

The school was totally demolished, with furniture and instructional materials littering the compound.

Eyewitnesses told reporters that the team which demolished the school came with armed escorts in a police patrol van marked “022”.

According to them, the policemen watched while the school was being destroyed.

Police spokesman Charles Muka said the accused has gone into hiding.

He said detectives were on the trail of the policemen involved in the demolition.

His words:” We have swung into action and everybody involved in the act, including the policemen, will be apprehended.”

In a twist, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education yesterday withdrew the operating licences of Lumen Christi Schools, Asaba.

A statement by Mrs. R.E Ohwevwo for the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof Patrick Muoboghare, said the documentation leading to the approval of the school was dishonestly done.

But Muoboghare denied that the withdrawal of the licences had anything to do with the demolition of the school.

Security strengthened in Calabar OLLOWING cult clashes in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, security has been strengthened in the city, especially at night.

The Nation observed several truck loads of armed policemen patrolling the city at night, especially flashpoints in Calabar South.

Two people have been killed in hostilities

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From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

involving rival cult groups last weekend.

Innocent citizens have been harassed and vehicles vandalised.

Police spokesman Hogan Bassey said they would do everything they can to run the cultists out of town.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

10

NEWS OOU unions rise against ‘selective’ recruitments HREE unions in the

Amosun gets Chief of Staff

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•Governor appoints SA on Agric

Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, yesterday deplored what they described as “selective” recruitment and promotions by the management.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non - Academic (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) rejected the arbitrary and secret staff recruitment.

Their rejection was contained in a statement jointly signed by the unions’ representatives.

The spokesman for the unions, Mr Taiwo Egberongbe, who is the OOU chapter chairman of SSANU, told reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, that no fewer than 28 non academic workers had been secretly recruited in the past 24 months by the university authority. Many were promoted in similar circum-

T

EN months after he assumed office, the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday named a former envoy to Singapore, Ambassador Emmanuel Ademola Ogunnaike, as his Chief of Staff (COS).

In a statement signed by his media spokesperson, Mrs Funmi Wakama, Amosun described Ogunnaike as “an accomplished administrator who has distinguished himself in the service of his fatherland.”

A career foreign service officer, Ogunnaike, who is a graduate of Psychology from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), also holds a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Ibadan (UI).

He was a member of the Senior Executive Course 28 of the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

Ogunnaike served in Germany, Poland, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Sweden and Zambia.

The governor also named Mrs. Tinuola Shopeju, a graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan and the University of Iowa, United States (U.S.) as his Special Adviser (SA) on Agriculture.

Mrs. Sobajo, who began her career as a correspondent with the Ogun State Television (OGTV), joined the Gateway Bank and Intercontinental Bank, where she rose to become a regional director, Southwest, until her appointment.

E

•Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen Nnamdi Okore Affia receiving flowers from a Corps member in Ekiti State recently

W

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

cision because the ruling party was no more conducive for them.

Leading the defectors in Arogbo Ward I was Mr. Kingdom Denwari, who debunked a report credited to the former caretaker committee chair in the council, Mr. Kennedy Perete, that the ACN was in crisis.

Rather, Denwari said the LP, and not the ACN is sinking deeper into crisis because two of its members have been laying claim to its chair-

manship.

The ACN has been waxing stronger in Ese-Odo, he said, noting that three years into the Mimiko administration, people are yet to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

He noted that the state Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), which was created by a former governor, the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, has derailed from its mandate under the present administration.

Denwari said people in

Ese-Odo community would never forget the late Adefarati for establishing the commission, despite the fact that they did not vote for him.

While handing over the defectors to the former Special Adviser to Governor Olusegun Mimiko on Planning and Strategy, Saka Lawal, Denwari described the governorship aspirant as an accomplished and credible politician.

Other defectors are: Eduh Bright, Mathew Felicia, Adele Iji, Iwapele Iji, Ebere George and Adewale Olowo, Jide Warri, Ajele Omotayo, Oyinbo Kirimmi and Mike Oluwa, among others.

Ajimobi signs N172.5b ‘Restoration Budget’

ITH a promise to aggressively pursue a tax administration and management that will enhance service delivery, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday signed the 2012 Appropriation Bill into Law. The N172.5 billion Budget, made up of N77.5 billion recurrent expenditure and N95 billion capital expenditure, was signed at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in the presence of House Speaker Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu, lawmakers and members of the executive council.

Ajimobi promised to effectively monitor and evaluate all ongoing projects through effective cost-control.

According to the speaker, the budget is N8.9 billion higher than the N163.6 billion proposal presented to the Assembly by the executive.

She said the House raised the proposal because of its conviction that the varied

stances, he said.

Egberongbe said: “The management’s attitude of employing through the back door is totally rejected. This has been made known to them by us without a change or response.

The promotion of staff members was done arbitrarily without following the due process.

“Also, some workers were selectively promoted while those in the majority were not.

We observed that the promotion process did not follow due process.

“The unions hereby use this medium to once again reject the promotion exercise in its totality and call for a revisit of the entire process of promotion from 2009 till date.”

According to him, the SSANU, NAAT and NASU also distanced themselves from all “forms of appointments carried out within the same period” by the management.

Ekiti students, teachers get DUCATION got a sig33,000 laptops nificant boost yester-

Arogbo, Apoi LP leaders, others join Ondo ACN T

HE Ondo State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) continued yesterday to deplete the membership of the ruling Labour Party (LP) whose leaders in Arogbo and Apoi, Ese-Odo Local Government Area, joined the ACN. Their declaration for the ‘Broom Revolution party came on a day the LP Leader (Ward 5), Akure South Constituency I, Festus Aregbesola, Tax Force on Produce Coordinator, Olugbenga Omolore and the immediate past supervisor for Women Affairs in Akure South resigned their membership of the LP. They said they took the de-

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

with the support of the executive and the masses.’’

The governor commended the Assembly for a job well done, stressing that the support which his administration had received from the lawmakers was wonderful.

Ajimobi said: “Our government is a government of a rainbow coalition; it is a government that, even in the House of Assembly, you can see that coalition and it has been working very well, both intellectually and governmentally.

“We believe that the House of Assembly is an Assembly that we are all proud of. I say this without any equivocation because I have received tremendous support from the House. And this is not surprising. When you have a class of

•Fayemi flags off e-School project The governor noted that many people, including politicians and members of the public, doubted the possibility of achieving the feat, given the limited resources available to the state. He said the promise “is now a dream come true.”

Fayemi, assisted by his deputy, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka and Speaker of the House of Assembly Dr. Adewale Omirin to distribute the items, urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the various instructional materials and the conducive learning environment being offered by his administration to excel in their academic pursuit.

He said: “The future is in your hands, I urge you to take it, be the best that you can be.

On our part as government, we will continue to provide you with the necessary support to ensure you realise your dreams.”

The three-year programme is to cost N6 billion (N2 billion yearly).

Many of the recipients were excited, smiling and praising the government for putting ICT on front burner in schools.

‘Fake’ lawyer arraigned in Ibadan

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•Promises aggressive tax administration votes would be needed to provide critical services to the people.

Ajimobi said the budget was aimed at restoring Oyo to its old glory of a Pacesetter State.

He said: “This is a budget of restoration. When we came in, Oyo State had lost substantially its position – education, health, infrastructural development, industrial base – virtually everything had deteriorated.

“Therefore, we decided to have a budget of restoration, restoring Oyo to its old glory of a pacesetting state. We not only want to restore but also want to transform the state into a new level that will be the envy of all.

“We believe we are capable of doing this with the support of the House of Assembly,

day in Ekiti.

Governor Kayode Fayemi distributed 11,000 units of laptop computers to students and teachers in public secondary schools.

The laptops were handed out to excited pupils and teachers at an impressive ceremony held at the African Church Comprehensive High School, Ikere-Ekiti. It is the first phase of the Fayemi administration’s e-School project.

In all, 33,000 units of laptop computers are to be given to the target beneficiaries under the scheme, which is being driven by the state government, in collaboration with electronics giants Samsung West Africa Limited and MicroSoft, a global trademark in software technology.

Besides the laptops, Fayemi also flagged off the distribution of 100,000 school bags to students and special computers to the physically-challenged students to enable them enjoy the benefits of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Fayemi explained that the gesture was in fulfillment of his campaign promise to make laptops available on the desk of every student in public secondary schools in the state before 2014.

•Ajimobi

people who are well-educated and are very patriotic, you cannot expect less.

“So I commend the Assembly. Even when people say that ACN has only 15 members and that other parties have 17 members, it does not matter how many members we have.

“It is the patriotism and the willingness of the people to make a difference that matter.

In the end, it is one nation, one state and one people; and our House of Assembly has reflected this in their deliberations.”

OR allegedly posing as a lawyer to dupe people in various transactions, a 57-year-old man was yesterday arraigned at a Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Isaac Adebayo was arraigned on a two-count charge of impersonation and falsification of a document in a land agreement between Mr. Sunday Aborisade and Mr. Kayode Ajayi at 7UP, Monatan, Ibadan.

He was arrested last Saturday in a crackdown by the standing committee on AntiTouting and Ethics, set up by the Ibadan chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The accused was said to have posed for a long time as a lawyer in several deals involving residents for a long time.

The committee, which was re-inaugurated early this month, has a mandate to fish

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

out fake lawyers and enforce ethics among lawyers.

Committee Secretary Adekola Kareem said it acted on a tip-off from concerned cictizens.

He said: “We sent two lawyers (Mr. Ajayi and Mr. Aborisade) to Isaac Adebayo’s firm to present themselves as clients.

They told him to do an agreement on a landed property for them.

“So, he charged them N15, 000 and they gave him N2, 000 as part payment with a promise to pay the balance same day.

They later returned with policemen who arrested him at the scene.”

The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Duro Adekunle, while reading the two-count charge, said Adebayo’s action was contrary to and punishable under the criminal laws of Oyo State, 2000.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

There are many anomalies with the management of pension funds and the transfer of accounts. We need to sanitise the system .

-Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Minister of Finance

FEC approves N15.4b contracts

Goldman Sachs’ director quits

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OLDMAN Sachs Ex ecutive Director, Greg Smith, has quit the global financial firm in an open letter to the New York Times, citing negligence to its clients in preference to cash.

Smith, who has worked for 12 years for the New Yorkbased investment bank, criticised the working environment as “toxic and destructive,” saying “staff have so little respect for clients, they call them ‘muppets’ and talk of ‘ripping eyeballs out.”

He said: ‘’I can honestly say that the environment now is as toxic and destructive as I have ever seen it. To put the problem in the simplest terms, the interests of the client continue to be sidelined in the way the firm operates and thinks about making money,’’ writes Smith, who headed the firm’s US equity derivatives business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Smith, a Stanford graduate who worked in the New York office before moving to London,complained about how employees measure success on how well they can take advantage of their clients’ trust.

“It makes me ill how callously people talk about ripping their clients off. He observed, stating that over the last 12 months, “I have seen five different managing directors refer to their own clients as “muppets”, sometimes over internal e-mail.”

He added that in sale meetings, his colleagues spend every minute talking about how to make money off people, rather than how to help them, warning that the money-obsessed attitude will be the downfall of the investment bank.

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

MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N6.503 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -12.6% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -14.18% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $34.6b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 245 $ 156.4 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 241 RIYAL 40.472

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

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•From left: Mr Richard Shittu, Director (Operation), Lanre Shittu Motors Ltd; Mr Lars Erik, President, Mack Operations, Northern Africa and Middle East; Alhaji Lanre Shittu, MD/CEO, Lanre Shittu Motors Nig Ltd; Mr. Larbi H. Bil, VicePresident, Mack Operations, Africa and Middle East and Mr Taiwo Shittu, Director, Business Development, Lanre Shittu Group, during the visit of Erik to Lanre Shittu Motors in Lagos ... on Tuesday.

Reps to Jonathan: don’t involve World Bank in contract awards

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HE House of Repre sentatives has con demned President Goodluck Jonathan’s plan to involve the World Bank in vetting Federal Government’s contracts. Such a move amounts to surrendering the sovereignty of the country to foreigners, the House said.

The lawmakers have not only directed the President to drop the idea, they have also advised the global bank to desist from interfering in the country’s public procurement system.

The President was quoted to have said in a magazine interview: “The process of procurement in the MDA is also another area we have corruption. We have set up various committees to look into it.

“We have the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), but that has not completely stopped corruption in procurement. We still hear sto-

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From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

ries. Not long ago, I had to redeploy some directors. We are doing everything to reduce corruption.

“Very soon, we will get people from the World Bank to be at my office. For every contract we want to award, irrespective of the structures we have on the ground, they will assess it, so that if a job is supposed to cost N10, 000 and it’s awarded for N10, 000, the likelihood of that contractor bribing anybody will be reduced. Even if he wants to do public relations, it will be minimal. It will not be like the scandalous thing we have now.”

The decision of the lower Chamber of the National Assembly followed a motion sponsored by Abiodun Abudu-Balogun (ACN, Ogun), who regretted the President Jonathan’s in-

ability to inaugurate the National Council of Public Procurement (NCPP) in contravention of Section 1 (4) of the Public Procurement Act 2007.

He said the hint by President Jonathan in a magazine to invite officials of World Bank to set up a desk in his office to vet and review public procurement before contracts are awarded is a violation of the Public Procurement Act. “This is because there is no section of the law which made provision for extraneous party like World Bank to vet procurement contracts of a sovereign nation. It is disturbing because bringing the World Bank to vet our procurement process is tantamount to surrendering out integrity, national pride and above all, our sovereignty,” he said.

Besides, Abudu-Balogun raised objections to the scenario in Greece as cited by the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, which made the World Bank to demand for an office at the seat of government Saying that this does not apply to Nigeria, the lawmaker noted: “There are provisions in the Public Procurement Act (PPA) for the role of Accounting Officers in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA), supported and reinforced by the Procurement Planning Committee, technical and Evaluation Committees, where necessary, Tenders Boards, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and National Council of Public Procurement (NCPP) but none for World bank or third party agencies”

Court frowns at EFCC’s conduct in case against Adigwe, others

USTICE Olabisi Akinlade of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja has frowned at the inability of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce its witnesses in the case against former Managing Director of Afribank Nigeria Plc Sebastian Adigwe and five others.

The EFCC’s failure to produce its witnesses yesterday frustrated the planned commencement of trial, a development that angered the defence team, whose application for stay of proceedings the court refused to pave way for the commencement of trial.

Adigwe, Osa Osunde, Isa Zailani, Chinedu Onyia, Henry Arogundade (all directors of the bank) and Peter Ololo (a stock broker) are standing trial before Justice

By Eric Ikhilae

Olabisi Akinlade on alleged charges of conspiracy, stealing and receipt of stolen property.

At yesterday’s proceedings, the court refused an application from Adigwe for stay of proceedings pending the determination of his interlocutory appeal.

Justice Akinlade, in a bench ruling after listening to arguments from lawyer to Adigwe, N. K. Oragwu and K. U. K. Ekweme (for the EFCC) on the application, also described it as a ploy to delay proceedings.

The judge, consequently, called on the prosecution, led by Ekweme, to call its first witness to open trial.

Ekweme told the court that his witness was not in court.

He said the witness who, was in court the previous day, sent words that he was ill. He prayed the court for an adjournment.

Responding, defence lawyers, Oragwu and E. Maduabuchi, described the prosecution’s explanation as an indication of the EFCC’s unwillingness to prosecute the case.Maduabuchi, representing Ololo, objected to Ekweme’s application.

He wondered why the prosecution failed to invite its witness knowing that the court’s resort to bench ruling was to ensure that trial started as scheduled.

Justice Akinlade agreed

with Maduabuchi that her decision to give a bench ruling on the application for stay of proceedings was to prevent undue delay and ensure that trial commenced in the case as scheduled.

“You can observe that my decision to give a bench ruling was because I wanted us to open trial today. At least, for us to begin I would have adjourned for ruling after taking arguments on the application.

“If you say your first witness is not in court, what about the other ones? The court can only accommodate you again in May. This court is a very busy court,” the judge said.

She observed that the intention was defeated by the failure of the EFCC to produce any of its witnesses despite.

She later adjourned to May 21 for trial.

HE Federal Govern ment yesterday ap proved contracts worth about N15.4billion.

More than half of the amount goes into the construction of five new powersubstations costing $21,400,650.42, 5,148, 815 euro, and N3, 675,786,105.87.

The sub-stations are to be sited in five states,. They are Enugu, Ondo, Kogi, Kaduna and Jigawa.

The government said this would, ultimately, improve power supply in the country.

The other contract is on water transportation.

These were parts of the decisions reached at yesterday’s weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Meanwhile, barely two weeks to the end of the first quarter when the implementation of the 2011 Appropriation Act is expected to end, the Federal Government said it has recorded 83 per cent implementation.

Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, announced this to members of the council.

Briefing reporters, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, assured that the government is determined to do better in the subsequent budgets.

‘Dangote plant row will be resolved’

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LAND dispute that has halted the con struction of Dangote Group’s $115 million cement plant in Cameroon will be resolved amicably and the project completed on time, a government official said on yesterday.

Dangote started work on the 1.5 million tonnes-peryear plant in the financial capital Douala in September, last year with the hope to finish the project within 18 months, but construction was halted after residents filed an injunction arguing the land belonged to the ethnic Sawa people.

“The Prime Minister and the government are very keen that the project should go on as planned, given the growing demand for cement in the country,” an aide to Prime Minister Philemon Yang told Reuters, asking not to be named.

“So the Prime Minister has already held a meeting with the Sawa chiefs and will be sending an official delegation of very senior government personalities to the city one of these days so that the problem can be solved amicably and construction work on the plant site (is) completed as scheduled,” he said.

“We cannot afford to miss this opportunity,” he said, adding talks would likely be held this week or early next week.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

14

INDUSTRY

Fed Govt gives conditions for granting export incentive

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HE Federal Government will, henceforth, disburse the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) only if there is commensurate growth between exporters’ claims and export earnings.

Minister of Trade and Investment Olusegun Aganga made this known in Abuja at an interactive session with exporters.

He said the ministry had started the process of reviewing EEG disbursement to ensure that as the claims rise, export earnings will also increase.

He said the review of the exercise was to make it transparent, accountable and effective towards more value added exports rather than just the primary produce.

The minister said: “We want to make sure that as the claims are going up as they have gone up in the last four to five years, we are seeing the same increase in export earnings. If I see that the claims are going up and I am not seeing the same increase in export earnings, then there is a problem and if there

• To raise non-oil exports by 20% Stories by Toba Agboola

is a problem, we will look into it in detail and that is the whole part of the exercise.”

At a stakeholdrs meeting with top importers of non-oil products also in Abuja, Aganga said the government plans to increase the contribution of non-oil export to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the current 4.5 cent to 20 per cent in three years.

The objective of the meeting was to identify problems militating against the effective implementation of the Export Expansion Grant Scheme and chart the way forward for its effective implementation.

Present at the one day meeting were the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council(NEPC), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN), Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises(NASME),

Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists(NACCIMA), exporters in the textile, agribusiness and processing; leather and tannery sectors, among others.

Aganga said the ministry is ready to work with all exporters to ensure transparency and accountability , adding that the ministry was committed to successfully driving the implementation of the nation’s economic diversification policies and programmes by in-

creasing the contribution of nonoil export to GDP. In a related development, the chairman, Interim Management Committee of Ajaokuta Iron and Steel Company, Mr Philip Umunnakwe, has attributed the lack of investment in the company to poor understanding of the importance of steel to the technological development of the nation.

Speaking with journalists, WHEN? WHERE?, Umunnakwe said poor understanding has made

people to see investment in the company as a wasteful venture.

He said the Ajaokuta Integrated Steel Complex was conceived and developed with the vision of erecting a metallurgical process plantcum engineering complex that could generate upstream and downstream industrial and economic activities to diversify the economy into an industrial one.

He said the project was embarked upon as a strategic industry and foreign exchange earner, adding that the plant was tagged the bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialisation.

Mismanagement, high cost of governance bane of economy

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HE Chairman, Viatfoam Nigeria Plc, Chief Samuel Bolarinde, has blamed the poor economic performance on resource mismanagement and bad leadership.

Addressing shareholders at the company’s 2011 Annual General Meeting in Lagos, Bolarinde said the economic doldrums could be partly traced to the kind of political structures in the country.

He cited the disparity between salaries and allowances of legislators and members of the Executive , and their counterparts in the United States as an illustration of how not to run a country.

He said: “It is no longer a secret that the cost of governance has remained unnecessarily

high in Nigeria, in comparison to other nations of the world.

Government structures at the three tiers are rather unwieldy and out of tune with the country’s economic realities.

“The US, which has a population of 308 million, has a Congress of 100-member Senate and a 435-member House of Representatives; Nigeria, with a population of less than half of the US, has a National Assembly of 109member Senate and a 360-member House of Representatives.”

Bolarinde added: “The per capital income in the US is $47,701 agains Nigeria’s $2,249.

But while an American senator earns $174,000 annually, his Nigerian counterpart is believed to cost taxpayers about $1.7 million annually.

•From left: Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Muda Yusuf, Deputy President, LCCI Mr Knut Ulvmoen, and Head of delegation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan, Mr Hideharu Sasaki, at a meeting in Lagos.

Online firm to promote Nigerian businesses in US

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UNITED States-based Nigerian-owned online firm, Africa Infomedia, is using its platform to promote Nigerian hospitability businesses in the US market.

The President, Net Video Media, the parent company of Africa Infomedia, Mr Akin Akanji, who told reporters in Lagos, that the company sells services and video contents to black communities in the US, especially Nigerians in Disapora.

Akanji said the company was targeting the Nigerian hospitality industry with the aim of using its robust online platform to advertise their products and services.

The online portal, set up in 2010, went live in the second quarter of last year, and has attracted over 30,000 subscribers.

He added that the platform’s target is over 80,000 subscribers by the end of this year.

According to him, the company hopes to leverage its growing subscriber base to build an audience for the Nigerian hospitality companies it will advertise in due course.

He said: “We want the hospitality industry in Nigeria to be aware that we exist. That is why we are providing advertising

platforms for companies in Nigeria for the black and Nigerian communities in the US. We have over 30,000 subscribers and that means you can advertise your products to 30,000 subscribers in the US.” Akanji explained that the company also hoped to use the platform to close job search gaps between the country and the US. This, he said, would be valuable to companies willing to recruit Nigerians in Diaspora, adding that they could do so via the online platform by putting their information on the website.

The digital platform, he said feature a large number of Nigerian movies and news, adding that the black community was always kept abreast of happenings in Nigeria at every point in time via Africa Infomedia portal.

On how the company sources its video content, Akanji said: “We talk to individual producers separately. Most of the movie marketers providing the content produce about 17 movies annually which the company leverages on.”

Aside the online platform, Akanji said its over 30,000 subscribers also see Nigerian content such as movies and news on television via the Roku Box.

•From right: President , Jericho Businessmen Club (JBC), Chief Olutunde Aboderin; Vice-Chairman , Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alhaji Aderemi Bello and Group Head, Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc, Chief Ola Azeez, during his induction as a member of the club at Premier Hotel, Ibadan.

Netherlands targets N3.3t investment inflows HE government of the Nethfor its ongoing efforts at into Nigeria ernment erlands will increase its intransforming the country’s

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vestment inflow into Nigeria by 100 per cent from the current •8 billion (about N1.656 trillion) to •16 billion (N3.3 trillion) , its ViceMinister, Foreign Trade, Mr Simon Smits , has said.

Smits, confirmed the plan to double his country’s investments during a meeting with the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga in Abuja.

Smits said: “Many of our businesses have been active and committed to Nigeria for over 50 years.

What I have observed during the past few days of my visit to Nigeria is that when I spoke with both business people from Nigeria and Netherlands, they said the opportunities in Nigeria outweigh the challenges.

“That is what I think is the right way to do business. Investments

from the Netherlands to Nigeria now total about •8 billion. However, there is always room for improvement.

“So, we hope to see the doubling of this investment in the coming years, and also in the balance of trade between the two countries.

“A number of our businesses have been into various sectors of the Nigerian economy for many decades. Obviously, they would not have still been here if Nigeria is not profitable for them because business is a two-way thing. And the fact that we are still around in Nigeria shows that some of our businesses have found the right place to do business. This is good for te two countries.”

Commending the Federal Gov-

economy and improving the welfare of its citizens, Smits said his home government would partner with Nigeria to improve the bilateral trade relationship between the countries.

“Nobody expects change to take place overnight, but I think certainly that there is a right track that the the Federal, State and Local government have found it out in order to improve the welfare of the Nigerian people. We, as the Dutch, stand ready to assist Nigeria in this regard,” he said.

Speaking during the meeting, Aganga said the Federal Government would collaborate with the government and investors from the Netherlands to attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country.

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Expensive waste •A botched hostage rescue operation underscores the yet wonky state of our security

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HE Sokoto hostages rescue operation last Thursday must be one of the most bungled in the annals of such covert missions, if the various reports emanating from the scene of action were correct. And surely, it must be cold comfort now for those who thought that Nigeria’s security agencies had put some handle on the Boko Haram challenge.

Consider some of the glitches: the invasion was carried out in broad daylight, at about noon. Armoured tanks were deployed, two helicopters hovered overhead and troops were mobilised in full view of the world; gunshots were fired sporadically and mortar assaults were unleashed on the fence of the target enclave. One report quoting eyewitnesses claimed that tyres were lit and lobbed into the building where hostages were kept!

‘Why would they be expected to spare their victims when they are under such heavy overt attack; people who are well known to carry out routine suicide bombings and self-annihilations?

While we don’t have all the facts, people will continue to wonder why the operation had to be a broad daylight frontal assault, why the kidnappers were not demobilised by other means (like putting them to sleep; keeping them on 24-hour surveillance and infiltrating their enclave as decoy negotiations and even ransom payments went on)’

While we do not claim any expertise in security matters, this is not the stuff of covert intelligence rescue mission as the world knows it.

As the story goes, a terrorist group believed to be a splinter of the Boko Haram had kidnapped two white persons – a British and an Italian – in Birnin Kebbi, capital of Kebbi State since May last year. The group had made contacts with various authorities including British and Nigerian, it had made some demands including asking for ransom and some initial payments had been reportedly paid. The Nigerian and British intelligence corps had been on the trail of the kidnappers, eventually establishing their exact location last month in Mabera, a suburb of Sokoto, the capital of Sokoto State, Northeast Nigeria.

How then could the operation have gone so thoroughly wrong? The bungled rescue of the Briton, Chris McManus and the Italian, Franco Lamolinara has too many lacunae which leave many wondering whether the true story has been told. First and particularly intriguing, is the true identity and mission of the kidnapped duo, Chris and Franco. While the story goes that they were engineers working for the construction firm of Stabilini Visinoni which were in turn engaged by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Italian firm has reportedly disclaimed it, saying that no such people were on their payroll.

Another critical point: why would the Nigerian government elect to involve the British government so deeply in this matter and neglect their Italian counterpart?

The involvement and decision to invade the enclave of the kidnappers went as far up as the British Prime Minister who au-

thorised the deployment of the British Special Boat Squad (SBS), while the Italians were kept almost in the dark. Now that the operation ended fatally, a diplomatic row has ensued, the Italians are asking critical questions, they want a reconstruction of the operation, and justifiably so.

Just like the Italians, Nigerians too are wondering what really transpired and whether the invading operatives really wanted the hostages alive. The Nigerian military and security high command which planned and executed the operations will have a lot of explanations to make in the days ahead. Being their terrain, they carry the burden of making sure that the rescue mission succeeded.

What was to be achieved in a broad day frontal assault of Boko Haram kidnap enclave? Why would they be expected to spare their victims when they are under such heavy overt attack; people who are well known to carry out routine suicide bombings and selfannihilations? While we don’t have all the facts, people will continue to wonder why the operation had to be a broad daylight frontal assault, why the kidnappers were not demobilised by other means (like putting them to sleep; keeping them on 24-hour surveillance and infiltrating their enclave as decoy negotiations and even ransom payments went on). There are so much more explanations Nigerians and even the world would like to have made by Nigeria’s security agencies on this national embarrassment.

The failure mirrors the deeper fissures of failures in many areas of our national life.

Lunatic on the tarmac!

• Mad man beats security at MMA? We should know how

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HO is a lunatic? This question came up last week when a man dramatically beat all security points and gained access to the restricted area of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. After getting to the tarmac, he was said to have started shouting, “I want to go abroad; I want to go to Europe. Please give way for me to go.”

Intending passengers feared that the man was a terrorist and ran for safety, before security operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) came to the scene and overpowered him.

A spokesman for FAAN stated that if the man was confirmed mad after investigation, he would be taken to a rehabilitation centre.

Airports are gateways that are supposed to be maximum security areas with zero

‘The entire incident reflects the security deficiency in the nation in general. The news failed to shock many Nigerians who have grown used to insecurity as a way of life.

However, the outcome of the investigation must not be swept under the carpet like most of the other investigations ... We shouldn’t wait to record loss of lives or until we are thoroughly embarrassed on a global scale before we address security lapses in our airports, and the nation at large’

tolerance for intruders. The man was said to have broken the glass at the boarding gate at the nation’s flagship airport. It is an irony that a place where security is of utmost importance was so easily violated. The incident underlined the porous state of the nation’s airports.

But was the intruder truly mad?

Suppose it is discovered that he isn’t? His wild desperation could also be interpreted to mean that he was fed up with the state of things in the country and wanted to leave. In that case, his action could be a commentary on the Nigerian situation. Perhaps the country had failed him. Many Nigerians feel deeply frustrated by their country and desire to leave.

A few years ago, a herd of cows strayed on to the tarmac of the airport, and a former president of the country had a sensational encounter with a lunatic at the same airport. These are signs that security is lax where it should be strict.

These days, with terrorism gaining ground in the country, there can be no excuse for slack security.

The man’s mental state has yet to be determined. He could have been dangerous to the security of passengers at the airport. What if he had been a suicide bomber pretending to be a lunatic? What do we expect the rest of the world to think of us? How did the man beat all security checks at the airport?

This kind of incident is bad for the country’s image. How many times have we heard that mad men found their way

to the tarmac of airports in other countries, including even African countries? This is the kind of negative news that is a disadvantage to Nigeria as a tourism destination or an investor’s haven.

There should be a thorough investigation of the incident with a view to correcting the security lapses at the airport. How much is the airport’s security budget and how is it spent?

What is the security arrangement at the airport? What is the state of modern airport security management? How does Nigeria rank in airport security management? These are questions that should concern us in the aftermath of the incident. How many more supposed mad men are going to surface on the tarmac in our airports before we wake up to the challenges of airport security management? The security of our airports is critical to our development, and the security agencies cannot afford to operate with their eyes shut.

The entire incident reflects the security deficiency in the nation in general. The news failed to shock many Nigerians who have grown used to insecurity as a way of life. However, tThe outcome of the investigation must not be swept under the carpet like most of the other investigations. We hope this incident will open our eyes to the importance of security. We shouldn’t wait to record loss of lives or until we are thoroughly embarrassed on a global scale before we address security lapses in our airports, and the nation at large.

Horror in Kandahar

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HE massacre of at least 16 civilians in three Afghan villages by an American soldier on Sunday was an unspeakable horror. The United States said Monday that an investigation is under way. It must be fast, transparent and conclusive so that Afghans can see that America is committed to justice and responsive to their outrage. The punishment must be swift.

According to American and Afghan officials, the soldier shot the civilians execution-style, including nine children, after methodically breaking into three separate houses in a district of Kandahar Province.

After killing the civilians, he set some of their bodies on fire. The soldier’s name has not been disclosed, but, according to The Times, he is a 38-year-old Army staff sergeant and a married father of two children based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Wash. He had three tours in Iraq and was on his first tour in Afghanistan.

This atrocity appears to be the act of one individual. No one has suggested a motive.

But if the investigation reveals that the sergeant showed signs of mental illness or other forms of distress, then this tragedy clearly has significant implications for how the military identifies, monitors and treats troubled service members. The Pentagon needs to make that issue part of a thorough inquiry.

Sunday’s massacre is another dangerous setback for the United States as it tries to adhere to a plan for drawing down its forces in Afghanistan by the end of 2014 and reaching a peace agreement with the Taliban.

This is the third recent incident to enrage Afghans and provoke ever more forceful demands that American troops leave immediately. Last month, American personnel inadvertently burned some Korans, and, in January, American Marines were shown on video urinating on the corpses of dead Taliban militants. Anti-American tensions are running so high that an agreement with Afghanistan now being negotiated to authorize the longterm stationing of American special operations forces could be in jeopardy. And there are growing concerns that any Americans, military or civilian, could be subject to retaliation.

There are roughly 90,000 American troops in Afghanistan now, with 22,000 scheduled to leave by this fall. The Obama administration is now considering reducing troop levels in Afghanistan by at least 20,000 by 2013, and possibly even deeper, according to Helene Cooper and Eric Schmitt of The Times. The United States has a vital interest in ensuring Afghanistan doesn’t again become a launching pad for terrorist attacks. It has to keep moving forward with negotiations on an American presence after 2014, while continuing to review whether there are prudent ways to speed the process for withdrawal.

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: Penultimate Saturday, former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih orchestrated a hurriedly packaged rally to douse the political tension in his domain, Edo Central Senatorial District owing to an earlier visit by Governor Adams Oshiomhole to former Governor, Oserheimen Osunbor in his Iruekpen country home.

Unfortunately for Anenih, this was the same day Action Congress of Nigeria harvested over 5,000 loyalists of the defeated aspirant in the just concluded PDP primaries, Oserheimen Osunbor.

The ‘Leader’ was said to have invited Osunbor, Kenneth Imansuagbon, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and Prof. Julius

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Anenih’s emergency Edo rally Ihonvbere to address a hurriedly assembled crowd at the emergency rally but they were reported to have turned down the invitation.

None of the aspirants showed up at least to assure the people that all was well hence the arrangement crashed like a pack of card. The ‘leader’ is apparently losing political grip even in his own political cocoon: in Esan West;

Iruekpen and Ekpoma.

What was more shocking to the Leader was Osunbor’s endorsement of Oshiomhole. They reportedly watched the tape over and over again. The way Osunbor spoke glowingly of Oshiomhole’s style of governance was another mystery the Iyasele and his remnant members are yet to fathom. It was debilitating. What about the

embrace; the balmy embrace Oshiomhole and Osunbor expressed to one another?

I remembered when Oshiomhole visited Iruekpen last year to inspect the water project he had embarked on.

Characteristic of an Oshiomhole, the people, without promptings would naturally troop in, waving their hands to welcome the emerging political gladiator

When JFK spoke to Balewa on satellite phone

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IR: Recently the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library opened its vaults with huge trove of information about the Kennedy administration. One of the most salient is the transcript and audio of the first satellite telephone conversation between an American president and the head of government of Nigeria-Sir Tafawa Balewa. This historic conversation happened during the launch of the satellite telecommunication system in the United States. The audio conversation was not only saved by the Kennedy White House staff, they also made diligent efforts to transcribe and save the transcript of the conversation.

Few things jumped at me as I listened to the conversation and read the transcript. One is the diligence with which those who transcribed the telephone conversation took in ensuring the accuracy of the information. Second is the confidence and erudition of the Nigerian Prime Minister, Sir Tafawa Balewa.

This was clearly different from the caricatures portrayed by the Nigerian media, north and south of the prime minister. Most of the post independence press in the North often portrayed Sir Balewa as a stooge of the Sardauna of Sokoto, while the southern press viewed him as an irredentist, ethnic jingoist who

is totally disinterested in ruling Nigeria and as such was ignorant of current affairs in any other part of Nigeria. The late Prime Minister, not only spoke in a clear and convincing manner about his interest in satellite telecommunication, but went further to celebrate the exploits of Dick Tiger, the Nigerian boxer who beat an American boxer.

He reminded President Kennedy that it was a very great day for all Nigerians when Tiger defeated the American to win the title.

This goes to show that many of the myth Nigerians have about their leadership could be exploded by bold efforts to enforce the Freedom of Information Act, recently

signed into law. Our country needs to start taking information dissemination seriously. Many polls show that Nigerians do not trust their leaders. Many more believed that Nigerian leadership is riddled with corruption and hardly think about policies before they announce them. It is hard to blame them for such conclusion as we have had presidents who announced many policies with much fanfare only to roll same policies back when they are suddenly confronted with the negative impact on the public; most of which would have been apparent by a little bit of scrutiny.

It is incumbent on Nigerian political leaders to analyze every pub-

lic policy before they announce such. The Freedom of Information Act will help us learn from our mistakes as it has more upside than downside. The days of making decisions with little or no regards to its impact on the people should be a thing of the past. I doubt that the National Archives have a recording of Balewa’s conversation with President Kennedy and even if they do, it may be unreachable to mortals like us. Our presidential system of government needs an extreme makeover with its information management.

•Francis Adewale Tioluwanimi@yahoo.com

but in this case, it was not to be.

The people didn’t move an inch.

They stayed put in their homes without putting on smile or a wave of the hands.

There is another event to recall, when the governor, before the elections last year visited Iruepken for the commissioning of the water project before the election of the former Speaker, Bright Omokhodion who was later defeated in the poll, they never showed up as they also vented their anger on their son who is in the ACN. But, what I saw in Iruekpen on Saturday is better watched on television than described on the pages of newspapers. It was historic and heroic. It was a major outing and harvest time for the ACN. It was natural. No hiring of mixed multitude. No gimmicks. It was an unhindered flow of joy and grabbing of the broom to sweep out Anenih and his autocratic tendencies.

I want to appreciate the effort and courage of Osunbor, Imansuangbon, Iduoriyekemwen and Ihonvbere for taking bold steps to condemn the predetermined primary of the party. At least, we all cannot sleep facing one direction at the same time, every day. We expect to see more as the election gets nearer and the result would be known before we cast the first ballot. Day must break, no matter how lenghty the night seems.

• Chief Eromosele Thompson (Jr) Benin City, Edo State

Ondo ACN: look before you leap

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IR: I congratulate the people of Ondo State for their determination to use their voting power for positive change when the need arises. The rush by foresighted people of the state into ACN party is to my mind the result of the people looking for a credible platform to effect the change especially when other existing parties have been tested and also with the believe that Ondo State must not be an exemption to where other Yoruba states belong.

Fortune has been smiling on the

party with lots of achievements through their serious underground mobilization, culminating in lots of decamping of ordinary and prominent members of PDP, Labour Party including serving appointees and electives that show clearly that ACN may have an edge in the coming election. But my greatest concern is that the party hierarchy at the national level should not be weary and must be very careful in the choice of candidate that will eventually fly the flag of the party in the coming November poll.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko has promised that he has 1,000 strategies and he has only used 20% of it during the last election where he won all the seats both in the Senate, House of Representatives and the House of Assembly. Everybody knows that the strategies were rigging, victimization and inducement of voters with money being a government in power. This is where ACN needs to be extra careful in the choice of candidate. Something is telling me that most of these decampees from the Labour Party

should be seriously scrutinized so that we will not fall prey to Mimiko’s tricks.

We have thousands of credible people in Ondo State even among those who are with ACN from inception. The fact should be known that the people have made up their minds that there must be a change.

We want to join the progressive train of ACN where our fellow brothers are.

• Olukayode Balogun Arakale, Akure.

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

The Arab spring: what spring?

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PRING comes after winter. Winter represents some kind of death, all trees shed their leaves in winter and the earth is usually frozen and hard as stone.

Winter is a period of darkness. The sun sets in the afternoon and even in the land of the midnight sun in Northern Europe, darkness covers the whole place for 24 hours. Winter is a period of rampant suicide in the Scandinavia. So when spring comes, it is usually a period of birth and regeneration, it is a period of life and joy; plants begin to flower and trees begin to have leaves again.

So when people talk about Arab Spring, the impression conveyed is that everything was dead in the Arab countries before the so called revolutions beginning in Tunisia, spreading to Egypt and before NATO imposed its kind of revolution on Libya. The few signs of rebellion in the Gulf region, particularly in Bahrain where the Sunni Minority dynasty rules over the majority Shia and in largely Sunni Oman and the Sudan, were put down without much problem by the governments of those countries.

There was an attempt by the Salafist in Algeria to stir up opposition to the long running FLN regime represented

by Abdelaziz Buteflika. This was quickly put down. The Sharifian dynasty in Morocco was able to beat off any challenge to its authority, by imposing reforms from above.

In Mauritania, the land of eternal coup d’états and a country which still practices slavery and harasses its black citizens, the so called “Haratin” rebellion there is nothing new.

In Egypt, the Effendiyah, that is to say, the middle class educated elite has lost the struggle for democratization to the Muslim Brotherhood and the army which today are in control of affairs. The condition in the country at least

‘What does one make of all this?

My readers should not get me wrong. I am a liberal democrat with socialist of the Fabian brand tendency. I am also a realist and I like to see the world as it truly is.

It would be wonderful if all countries embrace democratic rule.

But this is unrealistic’

economically is worse than it ever was, the economy has collapsed and tourism which used to be the backbone of the economy is not likely to recover for a long time to come. In the meantime, people are disoriented and because there are no jobs, the young people are disillusioned and the situation is growing worse every day with the likelihood of full blown military dictatorship.

Muslim fundamentalist and a party of reaction have gained power in Tunisia. In Libya, after Muamar Ghadafi, there is a strident call for federalism and regional autonomy and for the revival of three regions namely; the Fezzan, Tripolitania and Cyrenaica. These were the regions that existed in the 1950s and were only united by their allegiance to King Idris al Senussi. It is remarkable that one of the cousins of the old king overthrown by Ghadafi, Sheikh Ahmed Zubair al Senussi is heading the movement calling for autonomy if not outright secession of Cyrenaica the oil rich part of eastern Libya.

In Syria, there seems to be a determined effort to overthrow the Alawite regime represented by President Bashar al-Assad. Unfortunately, this has not been easy in spite of Western propaganda in support of the rebellion largely championed by the Sunni majority in Syria. Bashar is not without his defenders. I was in the United Nations General Assembly in October 2010 and listened carefully to the speech of the Foreign Minister of Syria in the plenary session. He was able to convince most of us that if President Bashar goes, the Sunni majority in Syria would slaughter the Shiites, the Christian and the Armenian minorities cohabiting there. Those who want Bashar to go cannot easily dismiss the fact that this oppressive regime has provided some security and safe haven for the various minorities in Syria. There can be no development without stability. Rather than calling for outright overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, I believe the international community should help him to reform.

Imposing democracy from outside has not worked in Iraq.

The USA has merely succeeded in replacing Sunni minority oppression with Shia Majority oppression. Is it not significant that Saudi Arabia which is a Sunni dynastic dictatorship is backing reforms in Syria where a Shia Alawite minority is in control? Things are not what they seem to be and those who are calling for a revolution in the Arab lands should have a rethink because democracy as practiced in the West may not be the solution in the Arab society.

Events in Yemen are not different except that the situation is hopeless. The rebellion there only succeeded in replacing the vicious regime of President Muhammed

Saleh with his vice President Sanni Maubayed, while the country descends into chaos and terrorism.

Oman remains stable in spite of absence of democracy. The same is the situation in the emirates where people are so rich and comfortable that they just cannot be bothered by any ideology of governance.

What does one make of all this? My Jide readers should not Osuntokun get me wrong. I am a liberal democrat with socialist of the Fabian brand tendency. I am also a realist and I like to see the world as it truly is. It would be wonderful if all countries embrace democratic rule. But this is unrealistic. This is why I find it futile when China the most successful economy is constantly derided by the West which later goes to the regime to beg for economic assistance. The world should accept that what works for the USA may not work for Mexico and that each country’s environment would at the end of the day shape its mode of government. Having said that, there are universal norms such as the sanctity of life and avoidance of cruel and unusual punishment that should bind all humanity.

That said, we should avoid any universal or homogenised system of government especially dictated by the West.

The Arab spring may yet fail because the environment is hostile and unfriendly.

‘We should avoid any universal or homogenised system of government especially dictated by the West. The Arab spring may yet fail because the environment is hostile and unfriendly’

Pension Fraud Unlimited

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VERY worker looks forward to a blissful retirement. That time of life when they can sit back and reap the fruits of their labour. It is natural for a pensioner to look forward to a rosy life after service. Having toiled in the service of their fatherland, what the country owes pensioners is the prompt payment of their pensions. But in many instances, the money does not come in time.

At times, these senior citizens do not get their pensions for years. To make matters worse they are directed to report daily to some funny places where they are kept waiting for hours. Instances abound of pensioners spending days in the open just to collect their meagre pensions.

Many have died in the process of going and coming from the pension office or the place so designated for payment, yet the system has not been sanitised. Rather, things are getting worse by the day.

To be a pensioner is not a sin because whether we like it or not, all of us will retire from whatever work we are doing today when our bones become feeble and can no longer carry us as they used to. This is why I am pained when I see pensioners being shabbily

treated as we are doing in this country. From time immemorial, the pension scheme has been a huge racket. Those who are expected to manage the scheme see it as an opportunity to get rick quick. So, instead of putting in place a smooth process to facilitate payment, they devise evil ways of denying the elderly the fruits of their labour.

Yet, a line in our National Anthem says : ‘’the labour of our heroes’ past shall never be in vain...’’ Why then are some public officers doing the opposite of this? Why do they derive joy from making people old enough to be their fathers and mothers suffer?

If these senior citizens were their parents will they treat them like this? Why steal pension funds knowing full well that it is the only means for many pensioners to keep body and soul together after retirement?

The ongoing Senate probe of the pension scheme is quite revealing. It is an eye-opener and it shows the extent some public officers can go in their desperation to become rich. My heart aches over how men and women saddled with the responsibility of protecting funds meant for the future use of retirees went on a

‘Why do they derive joy from making people old enough to be their fathers and mothers suffer? If these senior citizens were their parents will they treat them like this? Why steal pension funds knowing full well that it is the only means for many pensioners to keep body and soul together after retirement?’

stealing binge without a care in the world. This stealing did not start today. It has been on for long, with rogues in the Pension Office smiling to the bank, while owners of the money gnash their teeth to the grave. It is sad.

The pension fraud is perpetrated in high places such as the Office of the Head of Service and the Police Pension Office. These two offices and the Military Pension Office have become notorious for the mismanagement of pension funds. Is mismanagement even the right word? No, I don’t think so; it should be stealing. These offices have a reputation for not paying their pensioners regularly, leading to the untimely death of many. Isn’t it a shame that these offices which should be the epitome of decency and honesty are the ones stealing public funds?

The figures coming out of the Senate Committee on Establishment, Public Service, States and Local Government Administration’s probe of management and administration of pension funds and payment of pensioners is mindboggling. Yet, many of the pensioners are dying for as little as N500, which they cannot afford to buy common analgesics when they are ill, while some rogues are stealing funds meant for their upkeep. Do such people pray to grow old? Do they pray to enjoy their retirement? If they do, they won’t resort to stealing pension funds.

The sheer audacity exhibited in stealing the money shows that the rogues are well connected. I believe they have some godfathers somewhere with whose support they are committing these atrocities. If not, why will

some people use the names of former Head of Service Prof Oladapo Afolabi and Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Lamorde to perpetrate pension frauds. The duo were listed among those said to have collected estacodes to travel to the United States (US) to verify some pension claims. They were not aware of this until their appearance before the probe panel last Friday. There are many of such instances.

Billions of naira are voted yearly for the payment of pensions in the public service, with many of the beneficiaries not getting a kobo because of the antics of the pension racketeers many of whom are high up in the system. What Prof Afolabi told the panel is instructive. He said: ‘’I met a situation whether it was a perception or in deed true that anybody, just anybody who had anything to do with pension from Permanent Secretary, was compromised’’.

Is our public service cursed?

Why is it that no good thing comes from there? Rather every attempt to make things work in the country is scuttled by these pests called public servants.

Must we continue to watch while they drag the country down? No, we cannot continue to watch them. This is why after this probe those indicted must be brought to book no matter how highly placed they are. If we don’t do this, the probe will amount to an exercise in futility.

The issues are: can we afford to over look this monumental fraud? What is the essence of the Pension Task Force? Can the task force be said to be discharging its

Lawal Ogienagbon

lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net

mandate the way it should? Has the Abdulrasheed Maina- led task force not become part of the problem it was created to solve?

It is a shame that rather than unveil the fraud going on in the scheme, the task force also joined in the grand larceny. Last Friday, it took an arrest threat to get Maina out of his ‘sick bed’ to reappear before the panel.

For years, the nation was paying pension to 141,790 pensioners when there are only 70,657 pensioners as discovered during a biometric exercise. N74billion was also saved from the biometrics. But before these discoveries, the nation was losing N1 billion monthly at the Police Pensions Office and another N900 million monthly in death benefits. Yet, another N24billion was said to have been ‘kept’ as harmonisation arrears.

Where is the said ‘kept’ N24billion harmonisation arrears? Wait for this shocker. It is in the accounts of teachers used by some pension staff to siphon the funds. For how long will we continue like this? If it is not fuel subsidy fraud, it is pension fraud.

Haba!

SMS ONLY: 08056504763

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION

T

HE howling headlines of most newspapers late last week revolved around the meeting of the northern elite held to map the way forward for the north and by implication for Nigeria. This was coming at the heels of the just-concluded launch of DAWN, the development agenda for the South-west by its elite. That the small privileged elite groups of both geopolitical zones who live on the sweat and blood of others have accepted to fulfill their historic role is worthy of celebration. Their self-serving constitution has remained our laws and source of our nightmares in the last 13 years. For the greater part of the period, the rest of us have been reduced to periodic participants in selection ritual whimsically called election, producing those a British court recently described as “thieves in state house’ and legislators who have done everything but serve the people.

But it is a new dawn for the nation. The aggrieved PDP owners who threatened to make the country ungovernable for President Jonathan for usurping what by their party’s zoning arrangement belongs to the north; the once powerful but slippery heads of state, retired military Generals and proud owners of oil blocks, past governors, all agreed to put an end to hostility. They have also jointly told Boko Haram that has hitherto operated unchallenged, picking and killing at will that enough is enough. It was not too long ago these respected northern leaders told Nigerians that Boko Haram was faceless and leaderless. In fact except for Babangida Aliyu who insisted nothing happens within any community without the knowledge of the traditional and community leaders, his colleagues went as far as challenging Jonathan government to use the awesome apparatus of state power at his disposal.

But the good news today, is that they have not only resolved to put an end to mindless killings by the sect; they have also as part of their agenda decided to ‘focus on insecurity and instability in the country’; ‘spearhead a peace initiative in the North with all aggrieved groups’, with hope of returning the ‘North to its past glory where every Nigerian felt safe and had a sense of belonging’. The agenda also covers how to address ‘the high unemployment rate and increasing poverty in the North by designing ways to tackle the socio-economic problems in the region which have made the youths willing tools in the hands of manipulators’.

The current reawakening started with exploratory talks by a Coalition of Concerned

T

HE time is getting close when Edo people would repeat their 2007 feat by re-electing their beloved governor and put a final nail on the casket of godfatherism in the state. Come July 14, Edo people would finally dismantle the oldfashioned rigging machines of the godfathers.

That day, Edo voters would put a permanent end to ethno-religious politics as all would speak with one loud voice in support of Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole.

Interestingly, the so-called Edo PDP primaries has come and gone and the abracadabra has shown that the Uromi godfather has gone digital in rigging.

Concerned Women and Youths of Edo PDP in an advertisement in Vanguard of March 1, have rubbished the charade which produced General Charles Arhiavbere as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP. The youths noted among others that “despite the promises that the leadership of our party in the state led by Chief Dan Orbih made to ensure a free and fair primary but reverse was the case as we experienced. The situation is even more shocking that it happened in the glaring eyes of the National Leader, Chief Tony Anenih... Having investigated what went wrong in the PDP governorship primary, we discovered that the godfather again instructed his stooges to ensure that Esan delegates voted against their own sons, Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor and Barr. Kenneth Imasuagbon... We want to warn that this injustice will be fought with the last drop of our blood.”

The youth maintained that Imasuagbon or Iduoriyekemwen would have been better candidates if not for the shameless exchange of cash for accreditation cards by the party leadership.

In the same vein, Hon. Mathew Iduoriyekemwen Campaign Organisation in a statement published in the Vanguard of February 29 and signed by its Director General, Jarret Tenebe, noted; “ By your votes, you defied the intimidations and threats from the leadership of the party that had passed strict directives to you to vote for a choice aspirant as you were handed delegate tags and … money in the houses of elected party officials of Edo State PDP instead of the state

North: ruling caste’s old answer to an old problem Northerners led by Second Republic member of the House of Representatives, Dr.Junaid Muhammad. It set up 10 committees on security and Borno dialogue, constitutional amendments, revenue and fiscal systems and structure of federalism and how to reposition the region in the rising demand for the restructuring of Nigeria. Others include committees on, Education, Economic Policy Framework, and Inter-faith and Intercommunity Harmony.

These are to be anchored by illustrious northern elite members such as Governors Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, Sule Lamido of Jigawa and Kashim Shettima of Borno. We also have Prof. Nur Alkali, Abubakar Mustapha, David Garnva and Kalli Ghazali; Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed , Sen. John Wash Pam, Dr. Shettima Mustapha, Prof.

Ignatius Ayua , Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, Mr. Timaus Mathias, Dr. Ladi Hamalai;and Solomon Dalung. Others include Commodore Isa Tijani, Chief Audu Ogbe, Mohammed Haruna, Mohammed Hayatuddeen, Sen. John Shagaya, Prof. Idris Mohammed, Lawal Batagarawa and Malam Yusuf Abba. These men whose deafening silence has shocked Nigerians have all spread out to form the Borno Dialogue Committee, the Economic Committee and the Monitoring Committee.

Just as the northern elite has assembled its best professionals for the expected national dialogue and possible restructuring of our country, as it is typical of the Fulani noble men, to whom politics is an art and science, they have also provided political cover for the

professionals through the northern elders meeting chaired by Justice Mamman Nasir.

Other highly respected northern opinion leaders include Maitama Sule, Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative at the United Nations, former military rulersIbrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, John Wash Pam, respected Adamu Ciroma, Alhaji Sule Katagum, Gen. Paul Tarfa, Gen. Abba Kyari, Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, Prof.

Ango Abdullahi, AVM A Daggash among many others yet to be mobilized.

Alhaji Maitama Sule opened the meeting by first stating all the right things. “The Christians in Nigeria are more than any Christendom”.

Their Nigerian Muslims brothers “are more religious than any Muslim in any part of the world.” “If there is justice, the people in power will be concerned and create jobs, look after the people. It is not force that will make the people obey”. But then the highly experienced and respected Maitama Sule introduced the politics of the Fulani overlords by asserting that the problems assailing the North and the country are “tribalism and religion” and that the solution lies in “the unity of the north”.

The truth of the matter is that tribalism and religion are not the problems of Nigeria. It is their exploitation by the selfish and greedy elite that is the problem. And the unity being preached is borne out of aristocratic hypocrisy.

It is the unity where about 38% minority will lord it over a majority of about 62% of diverse cultural groups struggling for self actualization.

Edo 2012: PDP fails the primary test

By Dan Owegie secretariat where such delegates tags ought to have been collected.”

Barrister Kenneth Imasuagbon on his part, rejected the gubernatorial primary and described it as a “scientific and environmental rigging, tailored by the leadership of the party, screwed by the leadership of the party under the direction of Chief Dan Osi Orbih and it is not acceptable.”

All these point to one fact: General Charles Airhiavbere emerged from a tainted primary.

It shows the desperation within the PDP. It shows that the old pussy cat, like the leopard, will never change its spots. He is not even known in Edo State and it is obvious for the signals on ground that Oshiomhole would beat Airhiavbere silly come July 14.

One would have discountenanced Ihimekpen’s vituperations published in the Sunday Vanguard of February 19, but for the naked lies, padded tales and boot - licking all to attract crumbs from Charles Airhiavbere’s table.

He started his rejoinder,” Re: Airhiavbere’s logic and ACN’s theory of Illogicalities” with an impossible claim. Can Airhiavbere withstand Oshiomhole to an election in Edo State? Airhiavbere should first test his popularity by contesting for the councillorship of his ward. I doubt if he can win his ward in a free and fair contest. In spite of the threats to the delegates to vote for him, from the cries within, it was obvious from the results of the Edo PDP charade that Imasuagbon defeated Airhiavbere in Egor, Ikpoba Okha, Ovia North East and Uhumwode Local Government Areas.

Oshimhole is a man loaded with ideas on how to govern people, he does not need to dub a retired Army General’s manifesto to make

his mark in government.

But more importantly, Okharedia Ihimekpen should stop laying claims to free education, free health care and infrastructural development as the original idea of General Charles Airhiavbere and accuse anyone implementing the programmes as having plagiarized Airhiavbere’s manifesto.

Ihimekpen may be a small boy when Chief Obafemi Awololo introduced free education in Western region but ought to have been an adult when Prof. Ambrose Alli introduced free education and free health care in the defunct Bendel State. Why the folly of attributing originality of these policies to General Airhiavbere? Nigerians are reading these lies that Ihimekpen and his ex-soldier friend bandy.

Again, the so-called Airhiavbere campaign organisation did not raise any issue that deserve the response of people who are busy developing Edo State. If Oshiomhole has implemented all what Airhiavbere is calling his covenant with Edo people, then he does not have any manifesto and as such no need to contest. He simply just has to go and sit down and watch the people’s Governor develop the state. It is obvious he has no superior idea from what Oshiomhole is doing in the state, so he should go and play golf.

Again, one is pleased to note that Ihimekpen could see one area that Oshiomhole has performed well. He says it’s the environmental sector. Thank God for that realization. In all his previous diatribes against the Governor, Ihimekpen never acknowledged that Oshiomhole did well in any sector. That is how blind the man is.

When all Edos are pleading with Oshiomhole to continue his good works after July 14, some

In a heterogeneous society like ours, the tribe and religion are the major building blocks for state formation; it is no less the same elsewhere including Europe with no disability of diversity we are saddled with by the accident of our colonial antecedent. But what he did not admit is that religious intolerance thrives in the North because it is used as instrument to perpetuate the injustice he now wants attribute to less than one-year old administration of Jonathan for no other reason than that he outwitted the North in its own game.

But we must give it to the northern ruling class. They surely know their onions. The amiable Tafawa Balewa was the face of the ruling caste of the North in the First Republic.

But Balewa once publicly declared he was neither Hausa nor Fulani but belonged to one of the smallest minority groups in southern Bauchi. Gowon was the face of the North after the vengeance coup of the July 1966 when the military representative of the ruling caste voted for secession and the sinking of Lagos until the intervention of Britain. Gowon was not just a minority and non Muslim; he was son of a pastor. The war itself was fought more by foot soldiers from the minority of the North to preserve the hegemony of ruling class.

In our peculiar circumstances, it was the forced unity in the First Republic, motivated solely by desire for exploitation of the minority that has resulted in the crisis in Jos, Sango Kataf, southern Zaria and Bauchi. The minority of the North never preached secession but freedom to manage their own affairs and “develop at their own pace without interference from others” as once advocated in 1943, by Oliver Stanley, the then Colonial Secretary of State.

‘The aggrieved PDP owners who threatened to make the country ungovernable for President Jonathan for usurping what by their party’s zoning arrangement belongs to the north; the once powerful but slippery heads of state, retired military Generals and proud owners of oil blocks, past governors, all agreed to put an end to hostility’ urchins are hiding in one corner, out of sheer envy that they are not the ones in power talking nonsense.

The busy body again says, “Edo Line, Bendel Breweries, Edo Cement Factory, Ewu Flour Mill, which the Oshiomhole administration inherited are all grounded”. The question is: what state did Oshiomhole inherit these institutions? Were they operating optimally from the Oserhiemen Osunbor interregnum?

What Oshiomhole is doing is putting the tax payer’s money into good use for them.

Anywhere you go in Edo, Oshiomhole’s hand is working and the people are seeing it and appreciating it. PDP is spending money on Billboards, newspaper advertisements, trying to launder their battered image but Oshiomhole’s work is speaking for him.

Anywhere in the world, taxes, rates and rents are used for development. Any aspirant who mean well will not deceive the people that he will abolish tax as Airhiavbere is doing through Ihimekpen. All those who pay taxes and school fees are having a feel of what their money is being collected to do.

July 14 is only a few months from now.

Airhiavbere and Ihimekpen will soon know the difference between a popular candidate and the one handpicked by a few godfathers.

• Owegie is the Publicity Secretary of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Edo State.

‘What Oshiomhole is doing is putting the tax payer’s money into good use for them. Anywhere you go in Edo, Oshiomhole’s hand is working and the people are seeing it and appreciating it. used for development’

NFF must keep to peace terms — Jaja

Pg. 24

Keshi gets Omeruo alert Pg. 24

Nation PAGE 23

Thursday, March 15, 2012

YOBO injured, Pg. 24

•Yobo

misses training Obiefule eyes three awards

Pg. 24

EUROPA CUP •Obiefule

OBASI returns

•Obasi

Pg. 41

against

TWENTE

25

THE NATION

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

Signs of a new Lagos State University (LASU) are gradually emerging. The Lagos State Government and the management have described the university’s infrastructural challenges as temporary, promising to consolidate on the new tuition fees by giving students value for their money. ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA and MEDINAT KANABE report

• The Faculty of Science complex under construction

A new day at LASU I

T’S a new day at the Lagos State University (LASU), after the students’ protest over the hike in tuition fees.

When the institution increased fees of incoming students last year from N25,000 to between N200,000 and N400,000, it put a lot of pressure on parents and the new students.

Governor Babatunde Fashola, who is the institution’s visitor, however, justified the hike. He argued that it was necessary if LASU is to regain its glory and become a worldclass institution.

At the Government College, Ughelli’s annual luncheon party in Lagos in December, Fashola told reporters that the old fees were not sustainable.

“Where in the world have we seen tuition fee of N25,000 in a university? You cannot find this anywhere. Even the nations that are developed and wealthy do not give education for N25,000.”

Fashola continued: “LASU started very well; and, over the years, the population grew beyond the available facilities and the school began to deteriorate. We are determined to rescue LASU and we will not make it a school for the poor.

“Several people in this country pay so much for education abroad while the schools here continue to deteriorate. It is only in the university that the children of the rich and children of the poor can sit in the same classroom.”

Before he asssumed office in the heat of the fee crisis, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof John Oladapo Obafunwa, had promised to give the students.

Now, the university has started wearing a new look. A visitor will see some reorganisation, though subtle. The major road into the university through main gate, stretching to the Faculty of Management and

INSIDE • LAGOS

HAS

• The new students taking oath. Inset: Prof. Obafunwa

Social Sciences and beyond, is being rehabilitated by the Lagos State Department of Works. The open field to the left after the main gate has been cordoned off to enhance its aesthetics. Besides, the Faculty of Sciences complex, now at an advanced stage, some new but massive structures at the foundational stage, are sprouting in all parts of the nearly 30-year-decade-old university.

But are these pointers to a new LASU? The students are against the fee hike because they were not carried along before it was effected. Though the new fee regime does not affect old students, they took up the fight, arguing that the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof Lateef Akanni Hussain, did the same when, shortly after assuming office in 2005, he increased tuition fees from N250 to N25,000, a move that resulted in protests which climaxed with the

12,000 PRIVATE SCHOOLS - Page 28

closure of the school for months.

“But what we saw after five years were worsening infrastructure, low morale of academic and non-academic staff, corruption, nepotism, high-handedness and disaffection among the staff,” an old student told The Nation.

Parents also joined in the agitation, describing the fees as outrageous. They appealed to the Lagos State Government to consider the financial implications of the new fees in the face of economic hardship.

At the close of the 2011/2012 admission, new students admitted into various faculties – Law, Social and Management Sciences, Arts and Education,Communication and Transport, Engineering, Science and College of Medicine –paid between N190,000 and N350,000.

The fees covered accommodation, field trip

and teaching practice, among others.

Students are allowed to pay by instalments.

But, until they complete payment, they would not be issued matriculation numbers.

Speaking at the matriculation of new students on Monday, Obafunwa said they would get matriculation numbers once they satisfied registration requirements.

“I want to assure those among you who are yet to obtain their matriculation numbers that they will do so after having satisfied all the registration requirements,” he said.

He said of the 4,903 candidates offered admission, only 1,951 matriculated.

“A total of 4,903 candidates was offered admission for the 2011/2012 academic session. However, 1,951 candidates have been cleared for matriculation. The breakdown is as follows: Faculty of Arts, 322; • Continued on page 26

• GOOD SCHOOLS DON’T ACCEPT EXTERNAL CANDIDATES - Page 39

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

26

EDUCATION

T

HOUGH the Kwara State government has voted N80 million in this year's budget for National Examination Council (NECO) and Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees, many SS3 pupils may miss the government's largesse.

Mass failure in the mock examination by most pupils has put a hurdle on their path, said the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Raji Mohammed.

In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Mohammed said candidates who didn’t make up to three credits cannot benefit from the fund.

"The yardstick for accessing the money is a minimum of three credits with English Language and Mathematics. I know that N80 million has been set aside for that in this year's budget. But the rate of failure in the mock examination does not qualify many of them to access the bonus," he said.

Mohammed added that "the state had in the last few years maintained a bursary system but the government was tinkering with the idea of introducing scholarships in some subjects rather than giving out N150 million yearly for bursary.

"We are looking at some core subjects that are very necessary in today's education system. For instance, we know quite well that medical personnel are required, therefore, it is necessary to support anyone reading medicine.

"Government is looking at sponsoring students reading subjects that are very critical to the society. It does not have to be medicine only. These days, we all know that students are no more studying mathematics so we want to encourage students in that area.

"We are looking at it together with the parents and students so

Mass failure: Kwara students may miss NECO bonus From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

that all of us will agree on the same page for them to buy in into our policy."

Mohmmed said his ministry has gone tough on illegal private schools.

"Before any school is established, the proprietor just has to register with the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.

During registration, the facilities will be inspected.

"Inthelasttwoweeks,weclosedsixillegal schools. But we want to tarry a while in that regards as we are in the middle of the term.

We are contemplating either the end of the term or beginning of next term.

"Many private schools are sacrificing quality through their staff strength. They capitalise on the problem of the society to establish schools indiscriminately. I can tell you that I saw schools in the mosques; in some places you see schools in dilapidated buildings.

These are not acceptable to us that is why we went out and closed most of these schools."

On teachers' performance, he said: "I want to say that there is an improvement in the quality of our teachers as we have teachers that have been trained to train others at the local level.

"With this method a lot of improvement has crept into teaching at the primary and secondary levels. We quite appreciate what is happening in the teaching profession with SSOs, SSITs and ESSPIN monitoring teachers. We have seen an improvement in teachers.

"We have introduced internal assessment mechanism by which teachers are to be assessed. With that teachers are now held responsible for the performance of their students. Also, principals account for the resources given to them. It is not business as usual," he said.

Mohammed also said the state would not tolerate illegal fees in schools.

"I want assure you that we are

Management Sciences, 349; Social Sciences, 24; Science, 391; Education, 477; Law, 31; School of Communication, 231; College of Medicine, 68; Engineering, 41; and Transport, 17,” Obafunwa said.

He did not clarify whether those whose names are not on the matriculation list failed to get in because they could not afford the fees. Obafunwa also announced that brilliant students who make a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.5 each session would get 25 per cent rebate on school fees.

To support the institution’s development, Obafunwa said the government has promised it N20 billion.

Despite the planned infrastructure renovation, the scenario in LASU still appears the same. Some new students who spoke with our reporter, appealed to the university management to fulfil its promises. They described the infrastructure as an eyesore, while the environment is not too conducive for learning.

Though happy about their admission, the students recounted what their parents and relatives went through to raise the new fees.

Segun and Foluke (not real names) who are of the same parents relive what they went through to pay the new fees.

Segun is in 100-Level History and International Relations; his sister is International Relations and Personnel Management.

Segun said: “When both of us secured admission, our parents were anxious over where to get the money to pay the fees. At a point they agreed I should go first while my sister stayed until next year. But because this is the first time

Foluke’s admission would sail through, having missed admission three times in the past, our parents had to appeal to family members for financial assistance before her case was sorted out.”

Foluke on her part said she was not enjoying her new experience.

“Since we resumed, our lecturers have not been coming to class regularly. The first time rain fell, our classroom became waterlogged and lecture was suspended. The environment is not too conducive for learning.

‘I attended LASU Foundation School where my parents paid N250,000. Now I’m paying N198,000 which excludes books and accommodation and all that; yet nothing to show for the money,” Foluke lamented.

Another new student,who pleaded not to be mentioned, recounted how her parents went out of their way to source for the money.

“I’ve been looking for admission for the past four years and when this came through, my parents didn’t have any choice than look for the money. It was initially a bit difficult because they are civil servants. But, with determination, the issue was resolved.

For Tola in the Fishery Department, her younger sister who also secured admission had to wait because their single mother

• Mohammed

• Pupils of Mushin public schools and their co-ordinators during a visit to Olumo Rock, Abeokuta on the bill of Hon. Kako-Are, member representing Mushin 1 Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives

A new day at Lagos Varsity • Continued from page 25

monitoring the schools on the abolition of fees and levies. The only money allowed in Kwara State today is PTA levy. And that levy is on the parents' volition to support the schools.

"Any teacher or principal that violates this rule will be held responsible for trying to sabotage the efforts of government; and appropriate sanctions will be meted out to such a person," he said.

who now caters for them, could only afford to pay their fees.

“Our father is late and the family has not been too supportive,” Tola said. “Aside that my younger sister forfeited admission, the most painful thing for her and even my mum is that the possibility of her securing admission next year is remote.

Everybody knows admission in any Nigerian university today is not easy to come by. So, people try to jump at any opportunity because you don’t know when another will beckon.”

Nevertheless, LASU’s Head, Centre for Information, Press and PR, Dr Sola Fosudo, told The Nation that the current development drive would not be limited to infrastructure as the governor has approved funds for equipment to aid teaching and learning.

“The Faculty of Science complex which has been approved is already at an advanced stage. As I’m talking to you, several structures such as the Faculty of Arts, the new Law Library and Senate Building have been approved. The massive law library, when completed, will be a combination of conventional and e-library. The materials for the library are being imported and the university will take the delivery very soon.”

According to him, arrangements

The new tuition fees LASU collected from fresh students totalled between N350 and N400 million. But I can tell you categorically that the budget of one of the projects I earlier mentioned to you is more than N400 million

have also been made with private investors to build five hostels that will accommodate 500 students each within the university premises. The arrangement, which Fosudo said would be on PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) basis, will see the builder as facility manager providing separate security for residents to complement the university’s.

The Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Kabir Akinyemi, said within two weeks incoming and returning students would have their identity cards, students’ handbook and General Nigerian Studies (GNS) textbook both in hard and soft copies, in addition to new chairs and teaching aids.

“During the previous administration, students from 100 to 500 levels did not have ID cards, but the current administration is determined to reverse the trend.”

Appealing to the new students to be patient, Akinyemi said ongoing projects would be completed within a year.

He debunked claims that it is the fees that would be used for the infrastructure.

“There is no link between what the students paid and the current infrastructural drive by the university. The new tuition fees LASU collected from fresh students totalled between N350 and N400 million. But I can tell you categorically that the budget of one of the projects I earlier mentioned to you is more than N400 million. These projects are directly being commissioned from the Governor’s Office in Alausa. Both the old and new students will surely get value for their money in terms of real value for all students,” Akinyemi said.

“The government deserves credit for a new idiomatic expression ... ‘the sword is mightier than the pen’!”

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

EDUCATION

Maths competition begins Sat.

T

HE first stage examination of the Cowbell National Secondary School Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC) will hold in 200 centres on Saturday, Mr Kachi Onubogu, marketing director of Cowbell, has said.

Speaking at a media brand academy organised by the company last Saturday, at the Peninsula Resort, Lekki, Onubogu urged other corporate organisations to invest in various aspects of education.

He said such investment was cru-

cial if the decay in the education system is to be reversed.

"Everyone in Nigeria should be worried about poor performance.

As a corporate organisation, what we can constantly do is to create initiative to drive performance. If every firm takes one aspect of education and invests, we will see marked improvement. And if we don't invest, what we see is what we get because the government cannot do everything.

"There are companies that spend billions of naira to sponsor danc-

ing competition. It is our responsibility to drive development. If such companies invest 10 per cent of what they spend on such programmes to build laboratories in the local government areas where they have their factories, it will go a long way," he said.

Onubogu added that though security in the north is a concern this

year, the organisation has made efforts to boost security in centres.

Meanwhile, 50,000 junior and senior secondary school pupils aged between 10 and 18 are expected to write the first stage of the examination on Saturday.

Pupils with the highest scores in both the junior and senior categories from each state will be invited for the second and final stage examination from where the national prize winners shall emerge.

OSPOLY student wins maths award

• Ayinde

A

NATIONAL Diploma (ND) II student of the Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree, Mr Prosper Ayinde, has won a National Award of Excellence in Mathematics for coming third in a competition organised for poly-

technics by the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja.

The 25-year-old student was presented with the award at the Shehu Musa Yar 'Adua Conference Centre, Abuja, by the Director-General of the centre, Prof Sam Ale, on behalf of the Federal Government.

Speaking at the award ceremony, OSSPOLY Rector Dr Sola Agboola said it was a laudable achievement for the institution.

He reiterated his commitment to uplifting the standard of education, saying the victory of the ND student was a testimony to moral and academic standing of the students.

Rivers garners awards for investing in education • Dr Lawal

FirstBank, TETF bosses are LASPOTECH Fellows

M

R Steven Onasanya, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank Nigeria Plc. and Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), are now Fellows of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH).

They were conferred with felowship at the 20th convocation of the polytechnic last Thursday.

Onasanya, who is the first alumnus to be honoured with the fellowship, was represented by Mrs Shade Omoniyi, Head, Public Sector, FirstBank Lagos.

Yakubu attended the event. He thanked LASPOTECH for the honour.

He said: "The polytechnic occupies a special place among other polytechnics. If you are part of a proud tradition, you are part of it for life. I am proud of the school, and I cherish the honour."

Speaking at the event, the Rector, Dr Abdulazeez Lawal, advised the graduands not to see graduation as an end in itself, but a basic requirement to build upon for success in life.

He said their sojourn into the labour market would make lessons they have learnt become clearer to them, urging them to be good ambassadors of their alma mater.

"Remember that your actions and inactions will be viewed as representing the ideals of the polytech-

nic. You must, therefore, through your activities portray your alma mater in a positive light," he said.

Speaking on developments in LASPOTECH, he said its Eduportal was being worked on to to support lecturers and students integrate ICT into innovative ways of teaching. He added that the school recently took delivery of mechatronics equipment donated by the National Automotive Council, Abuja, which would enable students to acquire new technological skills to compete in the global environment.

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga, said education is important to human and social development and also serves as a vehicle for political development.

He commended the students for maintaining peace as he advised the graduands to reach into the depth of their imagination and do their best.

Given the current global challenge, he urged the graduands to develop ideas and skills that will move the country forward.

"Don't lose the enormous opportunities before you. Put in the skills that you have been taught during your stay at school," he said, He urged all Fellows to attend events organised by the institution.

Germans donate equipment THE Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, has received scientific equipment from a German Academic Exchange Service, Deutscher Academichor Austausch Dients (DAAD) from Bonn.

The multi-million naira equipment include: Height Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), printer, a set of computer and repairing tools, which would be of great value for scientific research.

While receiving the donation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Patrick Oladipo Aina, noted the need for the academic bench to draw more assistance and support from international organisations to the university through their academic performance.

He described the donation, which was at the instance of a scholarship given to an academic staff, Dr Mayowa Akeem Azeez, for his doctoral programme at the University of Hamburg, as timely.

Students expected at prayers

• Mrs Solomon, displaying the award

• Onasanya

ACE FILE EKSU FILE

T

HE Rivers State Ministry of Education has received several awards from within and outside Nigeria for Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s huge investments in sector.

The Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice LawrenceNemi, disclosed this at an awards ceremony organised by Mides Global Associates to recognise excellence in education by governments, institutions, students and journalists.

It held at the Protea Hotel, Lagos.

Mrs Lawrence-Nemi, who was represented by the Director of Higher Education, Mrs. Mae Solomon, thanked the governor for giving her the opportunity to prove herself by serving the state.

The state was presented with the Babs Fafunwa Education Prize for Service Delivery.

The presentation was made by Captain Oluseyi Sosan, who represented his wife, Princess Sarah Sosan, the former deputy governor of Lagos State.

Mrs Lawrence-Nemi said the award, which came on the heels of the ‘Super Dad 2011’ award, given to the governor by an educational organisation, Spellbound Africa, was a testimony of his giant strides in reviving the state’s education sector.

“Education in Rivers State is the number one priority of this political dispensation. The state government has succeeded in making education free and compulsory for Rivers people. The aim of the free education policy is to ensure that every Rivers child of school age has access to education, because education is the key to national

development,” she said.

The commissioner said the government’s investment which has won it recognition include over 200 model primary schools which boast of state-of-the-art ICT facilities, libraries and sports facilities.

At the secondary level, she said the construction of 24 model schools with full boarding facilities, is currently under way in each local government area.

In addition to improving facilities, she said the government is also paying attention to training of teachers. To this end it has trained 5,000 teachers in partnership with British Council, another 40 English Language teachers, in collaboration with Etisalat, among others.

Mrs Lawrence-Nemi said the governor’s efforts have restored faith in public schools, resulting in increased patronage by parents.

She said: “Currently, parents are now withdrawing their children and wards from private schools to the public schools because of the conducive learning environment provided by the state government.

The state has succeeded in changing the face of education in the country. Rivers State is now a model for other states to follow in terms of education.”

She advised all citizens to rise up to the challenge of reviving the fallen standard of education in the country. “Education is a sector we cannot ignore because the future of our country lies in it. If we are to attain the vision 2020, we have to reposition our education system for us to be among the 20 top economies in the world.”

STUDENTS have been urged to attend the monthly prayer that holds on first Tuesday of every month at the EKSU main auditorium.

They have also been advised to complete their registration for the semester on time.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aina, who gave the directive after noting the low turn out of students during the March prayer session last Tuesday, said students are an integral part of the university community and must participate.

He also admonished them to attend lectures as they must record 75 per cent attendance as a requirement to pass. He warned workers against extortion, urging them to be student-friendly always.

During the prayer session, emphasis was placed on positive thinking and speaking right of the university at all times.

Pastor Tiamiyu Kolade who gave words of exhortation told the congregation "to always learn to speak right and stop speaking evil of the university"

VC advises freshers FRESH students of EKSU have been told to shun anti-social acts such as examination malpractice, cultism, drugs, arms, violence and other unwholesome activities on campus.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Patrick Aina, gave the charge during the opening of the 2011/ 2012 orientation for new students on Thursday last week at the main auditorium.

He told them to be tolerant, live at peace with others and have respect for life and human dignity, warning that "contravening the university laws attract penalty that will be uncompromisingly administered to quick dispense justice".

Aina reeled out some of the welfare plans put in place by the university to make the students comfortable including: provision of basic public/municipal utilities: such as potable water and electricity; intervention in offcampus accommodation rents, establishment of work-study and scholarship schemes among others.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

EDUCATION

Learn Africa launches new maths text

ACE FILE 2012 calendar out ADEYEMI College of Education (ACE), Ondo has released academic calendar for the 2011/ 2012 session.

Lectures and registration have since begun.

Matriculation for fresh NCE and degree students will hold on March 27 and 28; penalty for late registration will take effect April 6 for all students except those on teaching practice and NCE students.

Examination for the Harmattan semester will hold between June 11and July 6.

The Rain semester will begin on July 30 after a mid-semester break of two weeks. Rain semester examination will begin on October 29 and end November 23.

Provost wants support for new leaders THE Provost, Prof Adeyemi Idowu, has called on members of the Senior Staff Unions of Colleges of Education (SSUCOEN), ACE Chapter, to support the new executives.

He said the executives will come with new ideas but need maturity to achieve results.

Responding, the chairman, Mr Olufemi, Ladenika thanked the Provost for providing a peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of the election and promised to run his administration with single-minded commitment, passion and integrity.

He called on all members to be more diligent and responsive to their duties, adding that all grievances, hope and yearning shall be constructively presented to the appropriate quarters.

L

• From left: Mr Gasper, Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr West, Mrs Oladunjoye, Mr John Dennis and Kate Thornley, who accompanied Mr West

Lagos has 12,000 private schools

L

AGOS State has 12,000 private schools, according to a survey by the Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN).

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, made this known the State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja when the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Peter West, visited her.

She was thanked ESSPIN for its contributions to quality assurance and planning in the state.

Mrs Oladunjoye said an intervention programme initiated by the Department for International Development (DFID), and funded by the British government aided the reforms in the operations of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB).

The commissioner praised the organisation for the private school census.

She sought more support from the British government to help in grading the private schools to ensure of sanity.

Noting that the ESSPIN would soon wound up, she urged the envoy to consider partnering with the state when another intervention programme takes its place.

She said: "We want to thank you for ESSPIN. They have done so much for us. The

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

most important thing they have done is the private schools census. We found that we have 12,000 schools. We need a lot of quality assurance; we need capacity building for both workers in the ministry and teachers. I know ESSPIN is wounding up soon but whatever comes up afterwards, we want Lagos to benefit.

"Private education is one our challenge areas. I am thinking we can have graduated schools that will be graded according to their facilities without necessarily lowering standards. Schools believe that our requirements are stiff. We need capacity building to know how to grade the schools."

Mrs Oladunjoye also sought intervention in Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) which she said would take many unemployed youths off the streets.

Mr Olawumi Gasper, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), who got leave of the commissioner to giving details on plans of the state government to enhance TVE, told Mr West of plans to launch an apprenticeship scheme for school leavers, which would provide them with vocational train-

ing, attach them to industry and allow them to earn a living as well.

He said the scheme is modelled after a similar one in the United Kingdom.

Responding, Mr West, who was recently posted to Lagos, said he was impressed by the bright ideas brought forward by the ministry and assured of the British government's support, giving the role Lagos State plays as the prosperity measure of Nigeria.

"I am quite inspired by some of the ideas you are coming up with. Lagos as the economic driver for this country is important. We really attach importance to this project because the prosperity of Lagos is key to what will happen in the rest of the country," he said.

In West's team were: Mr Wale Adebajo, Communication Manager, British Deputy High Commission; Kate Thornley, Nigeria Desk Officer, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), London; and John Dennis, Head of Africa Department, FCO, London.

ONGMAN Nigeria Plc launched new Mathematicsand creative writing texts for secondary schools, following its transformation to learn Africa Plc. The New Concept Mathematics and a new creative writing series, Echo will be following soon.

Speaking at the unveiling of the book, Iwerebon said operating as Learn Africa Plc, a wholly owned Nigerian company, confers greater responsibility which demands greater accountability and expectations from the company.

“We will place greater emphasis on customer satisfaction, product quality and value addition. We would ensure prudent management of the company’s resources in order to enhance shareholder value,” he said.

He further promised that the company will renew its vision with an uncommon passion to provide products of international standard that will enable the company to sustain the confidence and patronage of its customers.

Presenting the business plans the form, its Managing Director, Mr. Fred Ijewere, said it is concluding its plan to launch the LearnAfrica Foundation, with core responsibility of providing support in developing human

We will place greater emphasis on customer satisfaction, product quality and value addition

capital and expanding educational opportunities for the under-privileged.

The firm, he said, retains 80 per cent of the titles sold under the Longman brand, while the outstanding 20 per cent would be replaced by new titles covering a wide spectrum of subjects at all levels of education.

During the event, the publishing firm also introduced an award scheme for best performers in the senior school certificate examinations conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

The scheme will reward the best three candidates in the examinations in each state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. This means that for the next five years, over 200 students will be recognised annually. A scroll of the company’s commitment to the award was presented to the representatives of the two examination bodies.

Also unveiled was a tablet computer referred to as LA Pad, a device that helps students in their quest for knowledge as the world moves into the age of digital learning.

The LA (LearnAfrica) Pad will contain maps, dictionaries and other educational and learning resources and functional computing tools.

Other innovations announced included the introduction of student and teacher help lines to guide users of LearnAfrica products and the establishment of a whollyowned subsidiary, Millennium Education Limited which would provide support for LearnAfrica products while offering teacher training, educational consulting and digital content provisioning.

Pupils visit Olumo Rock

H

ON Dauda KakoAre, who represents Mushin I Federal Constituency, Lagos at the Federal House of Representatives has taken a select pupils of public primary and secondary schools in his constituency on a tourist mission to the Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The move, according to the lawmaker, was to bridge the gap between the tourists and their peers in private schools.

The pupils, dressed in

By Wale Ajetunmobi

their school uniforms, rode in the free-school-ride buses that Hon. Kako-Are provided to convey them to and from school everyday.

Some physically-challenged pupils were also part of the trip.

Speaking to The Nation, the programme co-ordinator, Mr Afeez Salaudeen, said the excursion was part of the educational programmes of Kako-Are, who he said has also sponsored holiday classes for the pupils in the

past five years.”

On what informed the choice of Olumo Rock for the excursion, Salaudeen explained that the rock was an historical summit with a lot of hidden facts attached it.

“We want the pupils to know its story and the history of Egbaland because of some of the things about the rock and the people cannot be taught in the classroom.

This is why we chose to begin our excursion with this and later we are going to visit other place,” he said.

While they were on the rock top, a tour guide, showed the pupils, numbering about 300, various historical points on the rock, including the shrine, where the gods of the rock were said to dwell, and the cave where the families of Egba war-

• Participants at the event

Keys to success, by experts

F

ORMER Deputy Managing Director of The Sun, Mr Dimgba Igwe, has urged youths to be focused and persistent to achieve success in life.

He spoke at a seminar in Lagos on how to make it in life.

He said some people look for success in the wrong place as they are in professions and vocations because they heard of their profit from people.

"If you look for your key in the wrong place, you will search aimlessly and find nothing. You have to search in the right place if you want

By Medinat Kanabe

to succeed," he said.

He added that anything that will bring success in life has to be valuable. "If you cannot exchange value, you can never achieve success," he added.

He advised that money is not usually the first consideration in what they do but value delivery and skills.

Also, a United States certified life coach, Kelechi Anyalechi, urged fresh graduates and aspiring entrepreneurs to set goals and achieve them.

He told the 60 participants to be determined to achieve their goals.

He also urged them to learn to make money their servant, saying: "If you are sleeping and money is not entering your pocket, you are not yet a rich man."

He said his inspiration came from God and his personal challenge as he studied the wrong course in school and paid dearly for it.

He called on corporate organisations to support his effort to educate people.

29

Changing times in OAU

All for Ojukwu Page 31

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 34

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: ladycampus@yahoo.com THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Campuses are becoming the targets of robbers who operate with sophisticated weapons. WALE AJETUNMOBI writes that students are worried by the development.

•The entrance of one of the banks at OOU, Ago-Iwoye, after it was burst open by dynamites

Robbers lay siege to campuses

E

VERYWHERE was quiet. You could even cut through the silence with a knife. The reason was not far-fetched.

The students were writing an exam. It was Thursday, November 10, last year, and the scene was the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. Then, all of a sudden, all hell broke loose. Time was some minutes past noon.

It was a robbery. As guns boomed, the deafening sound shattered the campus peace. The robbers came in a Hummer Jeep and two space buses. They were armed with explosives. Within 30 minutes, they had raided five banks. They blew up the security doors at the banks’ entrances with dynamites and then rained bullets on everything and everyone on sight.

By the time peace returned to the scene, three students – two of whom were in their final year - were dead; 10 others, mostly students, were wounded. Vehicles parked within the banks were riddled with bullets.

The attack occurred when members of the OOU Senate were to meet, but the meeting was cancelled. No arrest was made, but in a bid to allay students’ fear, the police said:

•MD Abubakar, Police IG

“We are on top of the situation.”

Three weeks later, the campus was plunged into mourning again. It was the first day in December. A group of armed

robbers attacked another bank in Sagamu.

Perhaps basking in the euphoria of their successful operation, the robbers shot sporadically as they moved from Sagamu to Ago-Iwoye. They stopped at the campus gate and shot at some students. Leye Balogun, a budding hip-hop artiste and final year student of Chemical Engineering, was hit. He died on the spot.

These incidents have raised security concerns, especially on a campus that is supposed to be free of such violence. The students castigated the police for not living up to expectation. They called for an overhaul of the security system to pave the way “for fresh people who would take the matter seriously.”

Perhaps, this might have informed the students hailing the appointment of Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar as Acting Inspector General Police. Having performed creditably in Lagos and Kwara as Commissioner of Police, students said his coming was a sign that the security nightmare on campuses would disappear.

•Continued on page 31

•Mass Comm. students visit blast victims - P33• Student dies 12 days to birthday - P36

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

30

CAMPUS LIFE chance over 85 percent of them might ever have to experience life and all it has to offer. Thus, as hypocrisy and fantasy rule official behaviour, the citizens are abandoned to a life of daydreaming and failed promises. Thus, in a bid to survive, a desperate rat race (the tauwith tology is deliberate) ensues among them.

Some of my students who consider themselves smart have approached 08054503104 me, perhaps out of pity, to suggest (SMS only) “bright ideas” of things I could do •campuslife@thenationonlineng.net with the CAMPUSLIFE platform to “rake in the millions”. Ordinarily, •ladycampus@yahoo.com there is nothing wrong with raking throws them up is usually fraught with such corruption that we know it is impossible for in the millions, but it so happens that most a sane person to go through all that – with- of these ideas stink, as far as my personal out the aid of some warped, bigoted godfa- values are concerned.

“But that is the best way to get yourself in ther. Thus, when this visionary pops up, we the face of the big names and even governcall him or her a fluke.

A sitting senator, at the time, once told me ment officials,” objected one of the guys. that nothing is real in Abuja. According to He added that whatever proposal I had to him, they go to the place to play politics, come up with must make room for them grab as much as they can and then travel to (those in government) to be able to make their states to feel the real world. Thus, it is a “something good” for themselves as well.

It is not much about implementing anygilded life for our public officials.

Sadly, this was reiterated by a senior edi- thing as it is about holding seminars, contor who also told me that he planned to go to ferences and meetings. Each with the full the National Assembly to see what he could complement of venue, decoration, tea break, make for himself. He added that he didn’t lunch, etc. The more widespread across the think much of going into politics previously nation, the better. This way, travel allowbut now was regretting his decision as most ances and estacode (for even within the of the lawmakers who were making all country) will be thrown into the bargain, those monies were not half as smart as him- not to forget accommodation, transportaself. I remember feeling very disappointed tion and the rest of them. The young man and asking him what hope for the nation if mentioned some names of those “doing people like him (I actually had much regards well for themselves” in that regard. “And for him) thought of Nigeria only in terms they do not even have the platform that you of what they could grab from the treasury. do,” he wailed.

At the end, feeling quite disappointed in He smiled condescendingly, if pitifully, at me before telling me that Nigeria was not a me I believe, he left. I have not seen him in nation. When we were done with the deceit, months, but I hear of his “escapades” and I he added, we would come around and agree moan over our dear nation.

He and others like him are smart, no doubt to go our separate ways. Until then, the parabout that. They could have been helping tying continues.

If we were talking about school children this country to make great advancements playing house or other games, perhaps it but having seen that the norm favours dewould be no problem. But here, we are talk- ceit over honesty and integrity, they have ing about real life; we are talking about real quickly adapted. In other words, we have people – 160million of them - and all the conditioned them to the prevailing custom

‘Customised Pushing Out sense of hypocrisy’ Ngozi Agbo

I

S Nigeria a failed state? While many of us believe, deep down, that this country has failed, only a few will admit so.

This stems not from any sense of patriotism but from a customised sense of hypocrisy which has become our preferred way of life.

Today in Nigeria, we speak from both sides of our mouths. We’d rather be caught dead than say the right thing. This double speak permeates every facet of our lives, especially the public domain. A decade ago when I was a youth corps member serving with the then governor of Ondo State, the now late Adebayo Adefarati, one of my bosses in the office of the chief press secretary told me that the governor did not always mean to deliver on the promises he made. I was stupefied. Then, he added that the best part was that those listening to him – especially the “community leaders” – also knew that. This, according to my boss, was why, after the public address and show, the so-called leaders always had some “closed door” time with the chief executive where the real deal would take place. That practice has not changed; if anything, it has become more entrenched. It is what I call the “customised sense of hypocrisy”.

We like to gather, pray and talk. Meanwhile, we have no intention of doing what we say we would do; this is inspite of the fact that we seemingly brought God into the talk. Usually, whatever gets done is more an act of omission, than commission.

The same is the case when we “happen” on a performing governor or other public official. This is because the process that

‘Nigeria has the best idols’ Happiness Ogbonna is a 300-Level student of Environmental Education at the University of Calabar (UNICAL). She is a dancer, a model and director of KConcept, a dance group. She spoke with EMMANUEL SHEBBS (400-Level Political Science) on her recent tour to Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana and South Africa.

W

HAT has it been like in the entertainment world?

It all started when I was in JSS 2. I was a member of the dance group in my church. We had dancing competitions with some other churches. When I entered the university, I joined the Princess Abache Band, in Calabar. We did many performances and participated in the Calabar Carnival. I have also modelled, and my face was used on a billboard in Warri, Delta State. Here in UNICAL, my face has been used for student magazines and other tabloids.

I have gone for modelling competitions in various parts of the country

•Happiness

such as Abuja, Lagos, Warri. I have another contract to perform at an event which will come up soon. It is being organised by an Americanbased organisation.

What led you into modelling and dancing?

I see dancing as exercise. When I started, I never had the intention of making money from it. I enjoyed it just because I did it with my peers.

Another thing is personal fitness. My friends always applauded my body fitness. It is a natural gift. They motivated me. They often encouraged me that I have the body of a model. Rather than engaging in anti-social practices, I derive joy entertaining myself and my audience who will always cheer me when they watch me display. I see the stage life as an opportunity to learn new things, make new friends, and meet prominent men and women.

Having visited some African coun-

tries like Cameroon, Gambia and South Africa, how will you compare their models with Nigeria’s?

Sure, Nigeria is well ahead in Africa. We have abundance of naturally gifted models. Our models do not need any artificial fixtures to make them stand out. We have it all. It is not like most other countries that their models will have to be adored and mended with plastic beauty, days before each competition. Nigeria has the best idols, talented in dancing and modelling. I am proud of Nigeria. All we need is motivation and encouragement to become what we really have to become.

How do you see the modelling business in Nigeria?

Though it is not my full time job, I see it as if it is there for anyone who feels like going into it. It is more of fun, entertainment and education. If the models in Nigeria are well educated and encouraged, they will become world famous in the near future.

How do you combine the modelling business with your studies?

There is time for everything. I have a personal timetable which I try to follow all the time. I make out more time for those things that matter. The little time I make out for rehearsals, I put it to full use. Also, I inform my parents about it. I don’t do it in secrecy. My mother knows I’m a model.

She advises me on some issues. When in school, I put off every contract or appointment that will clash with my academics because that is the most important thing, now that I am young.

What is your advice for upcoming models?

When I started this business, my main interest was not the money. I focused on entertaining my audience by giving enough time for rehearsals.

I had the love and passion for the business rather than the benefits which come from it. I advise young people to deemphasise money. They should not be carried away by fame and pride.

Don’t get settled on the little initial achievements. There are heights yet unattained.

of hypocrisy.

On all the Sundays in the month of February, Pastor Sam Adeyemi of the Daystar Christian Centre preached on the topic “Honesty is the best policy”. The phrase is a very common one so the first time he mentioned it, I remember feeling somewhat déjà vu. But as the man of God expounded on his message Sunday after Sunday, I became convinced on the necessity of it at this point in time. Since then, I have had cause to ponder this: if only half of his listeners in Daystar were to determine to live by that message, Nigeria would be revolutionised in just six months.

Why do we call on God at the slightest opportunity but reject Him and His word by our very decisions, words and actions?

Why is it so hard to live the life we profess? Why do we seek praise and affirmation from religious leaders but would not want them to tell us the truth? Why do we, the Christians amongst us, condemn King Saul for his presumptuousness with God but go ahead to commit worse acts of arrogance and insolence?

Most mornings, I listen to Reverend Olusola Areogun of the Life Oasis Church, on MetroFM. This past Tuesday, he referred to something many Nigerians use to excuse their indiscipline, the allegation that “it is impossible to live a holy life in Nigeria”. I like his blunt dismissal of that spurious claim. Quoting 2 Peter 1:2-4, Areogun declared that as Christians, we have everything we need to live holy lives.

Our problem is disobedience which is fed by our own lust (greed). Though we profess to be born again, we deny the divine power freely given to enable us overcome the corruption around us.

Indeed, who makes it impossible for me to live a holy life? Only I, as I decide to feed my lust and greed, deprive myself of that blessed life. The same applies to everyone. Until we, each, tell ourselves this truth and vow to live lives devoid of schism, we would be deceiving ourselves. And it is that honesty that is the first step towards raising a generation of youths we would be proud of, not those versed in fraud and the use of sophisticated weapons to commit heinous crimes.

Ciao

‘Girl-child education a must’ Oluwaseun Oludare is Miss Ekiti. The graduating student of English Education from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, spoke with OLUSEGUN ADEGBENRO on her passion for the education of the girl-child.

S

INCE you became Miss Ekiti, you have been harping much on girl-child education. Why? I see the girl-child education in Ekiti State as a necessity. The era in which the girl-child is discriminated against is gone. In the Bible, God did not discriminate against His creation. He created Adam and Eve and gave both dominion over the earth. Therefore, the discrimination against the girlchild should be stopped.

Let us go back to pageant. What was the experience like?

It was great. It held at St Clement Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, and was put together by Gotham-City Production, in conjunction with NTA, Ado-Ekiti and the state government.

I was overwhelmed by all these. I am also filled with a sense of responsibility knowing that the pageant is a means to appreciate beauty and the cultural values of my people.

Can you tell us the different processes you went through?

The audition was tasking. We were 25 applicants but only 15 eventually made it to the finals. At the main event, after the intelligent quotient test and three rounds of fashion swirl of traditional wears, casual wears and evening wears, I was selected and crowned unanimously. I felt good.

What was your prize?

I got a flat screen colour television and some money. The cash came when I went on a courtesy visit to the First Lady of Ekiti, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi.

The great lady has remained a source of moral support after the programme.

What drove you to settle on the girlchild as your pet project?

It was an experience I had while in primary school. One of my friends

•Oluwaseun

who was the best pupil in class was suddenly withdrawn from school because her parents did not see the value of educating her. Later, we saw her hawking cola-nut and akara.

This is sad.

I will hold campaigns in the 16 local government councils. Also, I am going to create a platform for young women empowerment in the state, to be tagged “Beauty and Class”. It will help young women in capacity building by using information as a tool of transformation. The aim is to teach our young women that they also have the right to choices. This way, we’d be securing the nation.

How do you expect to achieve these?

I will be working closely with the state ministries of Health and Women Affairs, the First Lady and Governor.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

31

CAMPUS LIFE As the remains of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu were buried in Nnewi, Anambra State on March 2, students of some institutions in Calabar, Cross River State, also trooped out to honour the late Igbo leader. EMMANUEL AHANONU (300-Level Political Science, University of Calabar) reports.

All for Ojukwu T

HE Cultural Centre, Calabar, was filled with students.

They came from the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Cross River State University of Science and Technology (CRUTECH), College of Health Technology (COSIEC) and Akamkpa College of Education. Some traders from the popular Watt Market and Bedwell also came out to pay their last respects to the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu.

Though the event was packaged by the state Igbo union, in conjunction with the Cross River State Government, students virtually took over and ensured it was lively.

According to Sir Emmanuel Ezenwenyi, the Ezeigbo, Ojukwu was “a hero, mentor, commander, peace maker and, most importantly, a pacesetter who had the great ability of organising, mobilising and coordinating people”.

He added: “We are yet to get a substitute for him.”

The event was also another platform to showcase Igbo culture as many wore their native attires while others wore black shirts with the inscription: “Farewell Ojukwu”.

The mourners marched from the Cultural Centre, singing dirges.

They took the Mary Slessor Road to Calabar Road. As they approached the Watt Market, which is the biggest in Calabar metropolis, some traders whirled while others joined in singing dirges. By the time they approached Dan Archibong Street, the line had extended as many more joined. They further marched through Bedwell Street to Goldie and then to the Etim Edem Motor Park, from where they reentered Mary Slessor Road.

The over three hours’ march

didn’t only cause a traffic gridlock in most parts of Calabar, it forced some commuters to park and join the movement.

The weary mourners were welcomed back by Mr. Obi Onyeka, president of Ogbako Anambra in Calabar and Vice Chairman of the state organising committee. He thanked those who responded and attributed their quick response to the Igbo principle of mberede ka eji ama dike (emergency situations throw up the great).

In a chat with CAMPUSLIFE, he thanked the state government for its assistance. He said: “We are using this medium to show our last respects to a man who knew the truth and stood by it without prejudice.”

Kelechi Nkoroh is the president of the Federation of Igbo Students (FIS) at UNICAL; he also served on the burial organising committee.

He said: “This mass movement today is a testimony that Ikemba was a man of the people. Therefore, I advise my fellow young people to live lives that will be worth emulating so that people can also speak good of them someday.”

Another student leader and Igwe of Malabo, Igwe Ejikeme Oduigbo XII, said: “Ojukwu will forever be remembered by all Igbo for being their first governor, who made then know their place in the country’s politics, the man who stood for the oppressed and gave his life to redeem others.”

His counterpart at CRUTECH, Ugochukwu Orji Odenigbo VII, stated that students forsaking their academics to honour Ojukwu was “a sacrifice that can be given to a man who truly deserves it”.

He added: “By coming with other CRUTECH students including FISU president, we are showing the profound impact Ojukwu

•The procession

•Some of the students dressed in traditional Igbo regalia

made in our lives even when none of us was born at the time the great man led the Igbo to defend them-

selves. Our parents and grandparents eulogised him and that gives us great pride in being Igbo. Also, the fact that the management of

Suswam begs medical students

Robbers lay siege to campuses •Continued on page 31

But the spate of robberies on campuses proved them wrong.

Penultimate Wednesday, the twin attacks on the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, jolted the students. Seven heavily-armed robbers invaded the sleepy campus of Babcock. An eyewitness said though no student was hurt the robbers freely used rocket launchers, dynamites and sub-machine guns to raid new generation banks on the campus.

“It is an unbelievable sight. I don’t know how the boys came in. They carried big rocket launchers and dynamites. Before anyone knew what was happening, they swooped on us and asked all of us to lie down.

“One of them even slapped me because I wanted to look at his face. I cannot say the actual amount they carted away, but a rough estimate will be millions of naira,” a worker in one of the banks said.

On the same day, a bank in front of UNIPORT main gate was attacked. A student, who was using the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at the time of the robbery, was shot and later died in the hospital. However, the police spokesman, Ben Ugwuegbulam, said he could not confirm if any death was recorded in the incident, adding that “only one person was injured.”

For now, banks in Ogun State have remained shut even as stu-

•Leye...killed by robbers

dents continue to groan over their inability to withdraw money.

Those at OOU are worried over how to pay their school fees to beat the deadline; they usually paid through the banks. Many studying in tertiary institutions in the state now travel miles to nearby cities to withdraw cash, despite its attendant risk.

“I am too scared of the campus now,” said a student of Babcock who simply identified herself as Henrietta.

She added: “The incidence of

campus robbery is growing in Ogun State and it appears no one is safe because robbers invaded the Government House in broad day light. So, how do we say we are safe on a campus where there is no security?”

Mary Adeyemi, a final year student of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode, told CAMPUSLIFE on phone that she could not withdraw the N15,000 sent by her parents three weeks ago.

“I don’t have any money with me as I am talking to you and banks have not opened for operation in the past three weeks. I don’t want to risk my life travelling to Lagos or Ibadan to withdraw money. This is bad and government must look into this issue. Or maybe we should plead with the robbers to leave campuses out in their operations,” Mary said in anger.

Opeyemi Adenuga, a student of OOU, said: “I don’t think it is right to call on government to secure the campus because the reports of bombings in the country have shown that they cannot protect themselves against rising insecurity. Which police are we calling, the same one that cannot rein in Boko Haram?”

Oladele Akande, another student, said: “If we should wait for the police to come to our rescue, we will surely wait till the end of time because the robbers will keep on changing location and police will keep on staying at the wrong place.”

CRUTECH easily released the official bus for our use at this time points to the fact that Ojukwu is respected within and outside Igboland.”

From Msonter Anzaa BSU

•Suswam

B

ENUE State Governor Gabriel Suswam, has appealed to students of the Benue State University College of Health Sciences over the non-accreditation of the programme.

The governor, who was addressing the about 200 students at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, said he was as frustrated as the students, adding that he understood what it meant to spend additional years in school. He said the Teaching Hospital project he inherited was nothing to write home about, lamenting that efforts by his administration to fix the anomaly is being politicised.

Suswam said he wanted the College to be the best in the federation, adding that was why he assembled the best brains in Benue to participate in its development. He said the project had much because some contracts had been awarded to contractors who were not competent to handle the jobs.

His administration, he said, is working hard to get the hospital ready as fresh contracts were awarded after previous contractors failed. He assured the students that funding was no problem as he had directed the Ministry of Finance to give express attention to any request that has to do with the project.

Suswam said he visited the project every day and was aware of the consequences of failing to keep pace with time.

On accreditation, the governor said the government was communicating with the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council to make sure the years spent by the students were not in vain. He assured the students that he was committed to the project and would not let it fail. He promised the students that two weeks after the commissioning, the hospital would be completed and functional.

Earlier, the students, led by Innocent Abah, 400-Level Medicine, visited the Vice Chancellor’s office, where the Deputy Vice-Chancellor on Administration, Prof Nicholas Ada, addressed them on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Charity Angya.

Reacting, John Odejo, 400-Level Medicine, who claimed to be in the College for nine years, said he did not believe the hospital was ready for takeoff on the agreed date. He said if Suswam reneged on his promise, the students could make the governor very uncomfortable by occupying the Government House permanently.

32

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

CAMPUS LIFE Varsity gets security officer

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TUDENTS of University of Calabar resumed to meet the appointment of a new Chief Security Officer (CSO). He is Dr Adie Ingiebeh, and hails from Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State. He took over from Captain Micheal Okon (rtd) after the ugly incident that rocked the school last August, which led to the closure of the institution for six month. Dr Ingiebeh retired from the State Security Service.

On assumption of office, Dr Ingiebeh, who holds first degree in in Military Science and Administration and his Master’s degree Defence and Strategic Studies, tightened security around the campus.

He condemned torture of students by security officers in the school.

He likened the act to illiteracy, stating that modern day security system did not encourage torture but “intelligent research and investiga-

International students visit Emir

From Emmanuel Shebbs, Isaac Mensah and Uju Asuozu UNICAL

tion.”

Dr Ingiebeh disclosed that his mission was to enhance security around the campus and its members, saying he would partner with relevant security agencies to foster peace in the campus.

“We have tried to neutralise all the things that have been causing skirmishes between the students and those outside. We didn’t come into the university to fight anybody. We came so that peace shall reign. We believe that in the next six years, if this cooperation is sustained, there will be no rancour and this university will be a changed place. Students will graduate at the appropriate time,” Dr Ingiebeh said.

He advised the students to always be free to communicate their

From Hameed Muritala UNILORIN

M •Some students of UNICAL

problems to the security. “My doors are open. My phone lines are open. The students need to cooper-

ate with us. Communicate with us, whatever the problem may be,” the CSO said.

First matriculation at Adeleke O fewer than 191 students took the oath of matriculation for 2011/2012 academic session at the maiden matriculation ceremony organised by a faith-based institution, Adeleke University, Ede (AUE), Osun State. The programme was held at the Open Ground in the institution.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, told the gathering that the situation in Nigerian universities where students are taught how to be employed rather thanbe selfemployed was not feasible. He said universities should produce graduates that can stand alone.

He said: “A 21st century university must have an appreciable area of specialisation through which it makes significant contribution to human development. There are many areas yawning for attention in science, medicine, ICT, liberal arts, management sciences, agriculture etc. A jack of all trades is never a master of any.”

While saying his administration has made education one of its cardinal programmes, Aregbesola said: “Let me say, with all sense of responsibility, that the present administration in Osun State has demonstrated commitment to rehabilitate and remodell educational system from the primary to the tertiary level, and has pursued these twin objectives proactively in our relatively short time in office.”

Aregbesola expressed regret that government owned universities had not provided enough space for the

N

Ekiti to pay bursary at UNN •First semester exams begin march 17

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From Oladele Oge UNN

•A cross section of the matriculants From Rukayat Olanrewaju AUE

growing population of those yearning for learning, adding that intervention of the private sector was a welcome development. He also charged the students on discipline and character, saying their certificate would be incomplete without good behaviour.

The Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of Adeleke University, Dr Deji Adeleke, congratulated the matriculating students, charging them to remain focused because “it is not easy to be a pioneer in any field of human endeavour.”

Dr. Adeleke maintained that he developed passion, which was why he established an educational foundation where over 4,000 indigents were supported through the scholarship scheme before the founding of the university.

Poly lifts ban on unionism HE management of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), has reinstated students’ unionism in the institution.

This was contained in a release signed by the Director of Students’ Affairs, Mr S.O. Ojo, last week.

The management had proscribed unionism in the institution last January following a violent clash that erupted, last December, at the sitting of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), an arm of the Students Union Government (SUG).

The violence left a student seriously wounded before mobile policemen were drafted to contain the situation. This ban was also placed on the faculty and departmental associations.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE in his office, the Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Mr G.A. Ogundahunsi, said the proscription was to engender peace in the campus. He wondered why the students still fomented

EMBERS of the International Students Association (ISA) of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), penultimate Tuesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, at his palace.

The students were led by the Director of Centre for International Education, UNILORIN, Prof A.O. Mukuola. According to him, the purpose of the visit was to let the students know more about Nigerian culture and also to create a strong tie between Nigeria and the countries where the students came from.

During the visit, the Emir narrated his life history to the students. He also told the students about the culture and tradition of Ilorin and how Emirship came into existence after the Fulanis defeated the Yoruba and took over Ilorin.

Sule Gambari later ordered his servants to conduct the students round the palace to see some historical objects within and around the palace.

Also, the students visited Owu waterfalls, governor’s office and Dangote factory in Ilorin. Some of them that spoke to CAMPUSLIFE expressed happiness and appreciation to the UNILORIN management for taking them on such visit.

From Richard Ilesanmi RUGIPO RUGIPO

trouble after the management organised a three-day retreat for students’ leaders at the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Ondo, last April.

On the reason why the ban placed on student politics was lifted, Ogundahunsi said the management changed its mind after the concerned students’ leaders showed penitence for their action.

According to the DSA, “the parties concerned have shown remorse and they have promised not to disrupt the peace in the institution.”

Ogundahunsi, therefore, urged the students to always be of good conduct and shun acts of violence.

CAMPUSLIFE could not get the reaction of the Students’ Union president and SRC speaker as at press time as they were busy with their exams.

His words: “Adeleke University was born by the inspiration to transform lives, reawaken hope of a better tomorrow and towering on the wings of change through value placement and self-actualisation. The humble beginning of Adeleke University is traced to the Springtime Development Foundation (SDF), a chari-

table non-profit making and nongovernmental organization founded in 1996 by my humble self.”

Also speaking, the pioneer ViceChancellor, Prof Ayandiji Aina, urged governments at all levels to pay more attention to the development of education in the country.

HE management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has appealed to members of the academic staff who have not gone for their 2010/2011 annual leave to defer it so the current academic session would not suffer setback.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, said the appeal became necessary because of the complaint received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Tale Omole, staff who have been unable to go for their annual leave due to pressure of work occasioned by the grading of scripts and compilation of results.

The PRO said there was no truth in the rumour that OAU had postponed its resumption date, adding that the management appreciated all members of the academic staff for their support and will continue to rely on their cooperation and understanding in getting the university to resume for the 2011 / 2012 academic session and run the calendar smoothly.

Meanwhile, to strengthen the security in the campus, the management of the institution has equipped the security unit of the university with 10 motorcycles.

Speaking during the presentation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Tale Omole, advised the officers to be proactive and always be on the

Management pleads with lecturers

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•OAU strengthens security with motorcycles From Sikiru Akinola OAU RUGIPO

alert to foil crime attempt and forestall criminalities around the campus.

He said their prompt actions to any distress call would go a long way in protecting lives and property. Prof Omole also promised to purchase two Toyota Hilux pickup vans to further enhance the operations of the security outfit and make OAU crime-free.

Students of Ekiti State extraction attending University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) will receive bursary allowance introduced by their state government for Ekiti students across higher institutions. This was in line the resolve of Governor Kayode Fayemi to assist indigent undergraduate students from the state.

According to a statement by Mrs Philomena Ngene, an official in the UNN Registrar’s office, Ekiti students are expected to submit the requirements to their departmental secretary before the deadline given for the close of application.

UNN lecturers, who are indigene of the state, expressed their satisfaction about the new development to assist the students. One of them in faculty of Education, Prof S.O. Olaitan, praised Gov Fayemi for remembering the students of the state studying in the Southeast.

Prof Ola Oloidi, another Ekiti State indigene lecturing in UNN, said: “This scholarship will encourage the students to aim for the best and go back to the state to develop it.”

In another development, the UNN management has released the first semester examination timetable to faculties. According to a statement, the exam will begin on March 17 and students were advised to pay tuition fees and complete their registration online before the exams.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

33

CAMPUS LIFE

UNICAL graduates 8,422 HE events to mark the 26th University of Calabar (UNICAL) convocation ceremony began with a lecture on March 1, 2012. The lecture was delivered by Prof Pia Obanya, an International Education strategist, on the topic: 21st century higher education in Nigeria and skill acquisition: The issue of curriculum. It was held at the faculty of Arts auditorium.

On March 2, all roads led to the Abraham Hogan Stadium, the venue of the convocation. The university wore aesthetic outlook with exceptional décor. Nigeria’s national colour adorned the school from the main gate to the convocation ground, with security agents parading the vicinity regularly.

At the elevated stage were the principal officers of the university and invited guests.

In his convocation address, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Bassey Asuquo, said UNICAL produced over 8,422 students for the

T

•The Rotract members and some of the beneficiaries

Rotaract distributes gifts to the less privileged

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HE annual inter-district exchange between Rotaract clubs of the University of Benin and Gbagada chapter was held recently at Benin City. The event was an avenue for the two district clubs to give out mosquito nets, drugs and educational materials to the less privileged.

The event started with a visit to the Vice-Chancellor of University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof Osokan Oshodi. The Rotaract team was received by the university Public Relations Officer, Mr Osazee Osarenren, who challenged the students to continue with the humanitarian services for which the club is noted for.

At the palace of the Oba of Benin, the Rotaract members presented mosquito nets and education materials for the benefit of the indigents in the community. The monarch thanked the students and challenged

From Dayo Ojerinde AAUA

other youths to engage in productive ventures that would add value to human lives rather than social vices endangering the society.

The Rotaract team later visited the UNIBEN health centre, where they were received by the Director of Service, Dr C.O. Owo, who received the gift items that included drugs and mosquito nets, on behalf of the hospital management. Dr Owo, while thanking the students, urged the team to do more and maintain their humanitarian service.

The Rotaract members were also at Idiah College, Benin City, where they distributed books, pens and other education materials to the students. At the Edo Special School for the physically challenged students, the Rotaract team donated crutches, wheel chairs and mosquito nets to the children.

“We did this as part of our humanitarian services for which the Rotaract Club is known. This is just a token, we hope to do more to help our society,” Okadigbo Ohajunwa, the immediate past district 1940 representative said.

Gbagada Rotaract presidents, Nene Bassey, added: “We have many less privileged in our society. We have many people in our society who cannot afford mosquito nets.

Rotaract club did not want those people to die because of the preventable diseases. If we all rise to the humanitarian challenges and help the less privileged in our society, it will be good for us all.”

Temi Adelaja, UNIBEN Rotaract club president, said: “Malaria is a deadly disease that kills faster than AIDS. This is why Rotaract club is trying its best to fight against malaria by providing treated mosquito nets to those who can’t afford it.”

From Chinenye Okonkwo and Isaac Mensah UNICAL

award of diploma and degree with the faculty of education producing over 1,922. There were only six first class students from departments of Religious Studies, Mathematics and Statistics, Education and Law. Philip Obaji with Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.55 from Law was the overall best graduating student. The VC described him as “a bountiful harvest for the labour market”. Prof Asuquo added that the rich curriculum of the university had not only equipped the students for the demand of the labour market but has also made them self-reliant. He admonished the students to be good ambassadors of the university and justify the award of degree in character and in learning.

Some of the graduates who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE expressed joy.

Samuel Abang, a graduate of Economics, said: “It is a moment of happiness for me. The days of hustle and bustle are over. The journey of a thousand mile begins with a step and that step has just finished. ” The ceremony was rounded up on March 3 with convocation of post-graduate students and award of post-graduate diploma, M.Sc. and PhD certificates to over 526 people.

•Some of the new graduates at the ceremony

NYSC adopts new posting, orientation policies •Inaugurates distress call centre

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•One of the victims visited by the students, Victoria, on her hospital bed

Mass Comm. students visit blast victims

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HE February 26 bomb blast that occurred at the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) in Jos, which left no fewer than five persons dead, also injured some students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS).

No UNIJOS student was, however, among the dead. The degree of injury the students sustained varied as some of them students underwent surgical operations while others were treated and discharged immediately.

Last week, the Association of Mass Communication Students (AMCOMS), UNIJOS chapter, paid a visit to the victims in the hospital.

Among the injured are two Mass Communication students.

Victoria Gyang, 300-Level, had shrapnel wound on her skull and underwent brain surgery. She was discharged last week Tuesday.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Victoria narrated her experience.

“I took a bike from my sister’s house that Sunday morning and on

From Esther Mark UNIJOS

my way, just in front of the church, there was a heavy sound, and that was the last thing I remembered. I went blank, and the next place I found myself was the hospital. I had injuries on my legs and also had cuts and wounds on my head. I was scared when I learnt that I was fortunate to be alive. I still can’t help but thank God for my life. I could have been dead by now. A brain surgery was conducted on me and surprisingly, I recovered quickly. The doctor was even surprised at the rate with which I recovered. I just give thanks to God,” she said.

Another student of Sociology, who was injured, had an injury to his ear but has since resumed for lectures.

Though the blast partly affected his hearing, he said he would move on with life.

AMCOMS president, Richards

Maiwada, thanked God for sparing the lives of the students, saying “it could have been worse.”

While calling on the students to be security-conscious, Richards said: “The times we are in is a difficult and dangerous one. We must caution ourselves and be careful, be mindful of our movement and where we go. We should be careful both within and outside the campus. We all must be alert and security conscious.”

Jos, the capital of Plateau State, has over the years, been hit by series of ethno-religious and political crisis.

Some students have lost their lives in the series of attacks and counter attacks. Last December, some students who were watching a football match were injured when some explosives detonated while they were in the viewing centres. Again, last Sunday, another church, St Finbarr’s Catholic Church, was bombed while worshippers were inside.

HE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has adopted a new orientation course for corps members in line with the ongoing reform of the scheme. This was contained in a statement signed

by Mr Shehu Bello, the Public Relations Officer of the scheme and made available to reporters in Abuja last week.

The statement quoted the Director-General of NYSC, Brig-Gen Nnamdi Okorie-Affia, as saying, “the change is necessitated by the recent challenges being faced by corps members across the country.”

Okorie-Affia, the statement said, named such challenges to include post-service unemployment and over-crowding of orientation timetable with activities that were not beneficial to corps members.

In the new orientation programme, corps members will be taught martial arts to defend themselves in violent situations in the area they are posted. “At the end of the orientation course, corps

From Gerald Nwokocha NYSC ABUJA RUGIPO

members will be required to opt for skills that will enable them to be job creators and employers of labour, instead of roaming the streets in search of white-collar jobs that are non-existent,” OkorieAffia said.

He called on stakeholders, especially the state governments, to cooperate with the scheme in order to groom corps members, whom he described as “premium assets” and enable them play their roles in national development. OkorieAffia said the new posting policy for corps members would, henceforth, be limited to four key areas, which are agriculture, health, infrastructure and education.

In a related development, the Federal Government has inaugurated the NYSC Distress Call Centre (DCC), for corps members to alert the authorities in case they encounter dangerous situation.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

CAMPUS LIFE

Changing times in OAU Established in 1962, the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife has experienced some ups and downs.

SAMSON ADEMOLA (400Level Biology Education) and SIKIRU AKINOLA (300-Level Political Science) capture the changes.

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TUDENTS of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State are not happy . They are worried by the ranking of their school by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the International Webometrics Ranking of World Universities. While the NUC places OAU fifth. Webometrics places it 43rd in Africa.

Samson Obadofin, a 400-Level student of Physics said: “We are not moved by these recent rank. The stomach knows what will fill it. Besides, the rating in question is a quarterly thing. I guess the instability of our academic calendar was the limiting factor. We were once there. We were once rated Nigeria’s best ICT university.”

“October rush” is a term that refers to the annual traffic at the beginning of new sessions, especially with the presence of freshers, also called JAMBITES. The term is a pointer to the stability in calendars then which normally started in October (commonly called Harmattan Semester); OAU was part of that

•Main gate of the OAU, Ile-Ife

ritual. But times have changed.

A circular by the Registrar, Mr. Ayorinde Oguruku, said the Senate approved that freshmen should resume on February 26, while returning students were expected back on March 11.

This shows a clear four to five-month lag.

Reacting Ifeoluwa Oluyimide, in 200Level Social Studies, said: “So, we are five months behind schedule! That’s even the more reason why we experience rain in a semester which is branded Harmattan.”

A graduating student, who pleaded anonymity, said his set had the “October rush” experience only once, in his second year.

“We resumed as freshmen in February 2008, and were through by September that year. We had no interruption whatsoever, which earned the university an award for maintaining an uninterrupted academic session. In November of the same year we returned for our second year, but we had it extended with a four-month Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.

The row over the N20,000 acceptance fee for freshmen sent us on another two

months forced stay-at-home, last year,” he added.

Another matter that may extend the current session seems to have reared its head following reports news that the local chapter of ASUU is on a 28working day leave, which started on March 1. It will end on March 28.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bamitale Omole, in a bid to reduce the bottleneck in uploading students’ results, introduced a new method. Now, results are uploaded directly to students’ accounts. This way they by-pass advisers. It means that results are rarely rejected from departments however unsatisfactory they are.

A graduating student, name withheld, told our correspondent that he has a challenge with one of his courses as a result of the new order.

“The result of the course was posted on the notice board last semester. I had a 38F, which was upgraded and shown side-by-side the 38F as 40E. When the result was uploaded, 38F was recorded for me instead of the upgraded score. Changing it has become a Herculean task for me.”

Students are equally miffed over

what they described as the institution’s “habit of sending us out of the hostels at flimsy opportunities”.

One of them said: “I understand that the original meaning of campus is ‘camp us’. But, in recent times in OAU, we have always been given quit notice out of the hostels under the excuse of the institution being on break, despite that academic programmes, such as SIWES, SWEP and Teaching Practice, which are strictly practical courses and require that students be housed on campus, are going on.

An example of such “disturbance” of accommodation was at the Moremi Hall, a female hostel, where residents were locked behind an iron entrance gate, locking-in “rebel” students who would not leave the hall at the ordered time. Many of the girls were scantily dressed that night.

A group, Student Union Restoration, has sprang up. It is urging the university administration to restore the Student Union which was proscribed on February 23, 2011. A member of the group told CAMPUSLIFE that the lack of representation for students in running the university was

“against the universal law of administration which provides that a people who would be affected by a decision should be carried along in the process.”

In a related development, Prof Omole seems aware of the great expectations from his students as well as members of the staff. At a gathering, described by the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, as one for the VC to appreciate the support his administration has enjoyed from all, thus far, he said his vision was to make OAU “the best in Nigeria and Africa”.

According to him, however, this can only be realised when there is an atmosphere of peace with cordial relationship between the various unions and management.

It was a gathering of who-is-who at the institution as professors, scholars, administrators and students gathered at the spacious Oduduwa Hall.

Omole charged the academic staff to endeavour to do “earth-breaking researches and publish their articles and findings in journals with international tentacles.”

OAU is poised to host two major events this year. They are its 50th anniversary and the National University Games (NUGA). The VC, while enumerating the activities lined up for the evens, enjoined all to work to make them a success.

He also told the audience of the readiness of his administration to reward punctuality, diligence and hardwork, maintaining that he had no intention to divert any fund that has been specified for something else.

TOmole answered questions and listened to suggestions from members of staff on the need to enhance welfare first, before developing teaching and research; as well as infrastructure.

Present at the meeting were the deputy vice-chancellors (Academic and Administration) professors Ayobami Salami and Adejinmi Adesanya; the Registrar, Mr. Ogunruku; the Librarian, Mrs. Bukky Asubiojo; the Bursar, Mrs. Lara Odeyemi and the Chairman, Committee of Deans, Prof Samson Fadare. Others included the Provost, Postgraduate College, Prof Sunday Oladeji and the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof Solomon Ogunniyi.

The Lagos State University (LASU) was in the news last year when students moved to stop the implementation of new fees. Tensions have been doused. SUNDAY OLASUNKANMI and OLUKOREDE SAKA (200-Level Mass Communication) report that the promised upgrading has started.

LASU rebuilds P

ROF John Oladapo Obafunwa became the Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU) at a time it was recovering from a long-drawn battle with students over the hike in fees. He seems to be doing well at containing the fragile peace he met with his aggressive approach to new and old projects at the main campus, in Ojo. Ongoing projects include construction of a new Senate building, central libraries, two lecture halls; repair of the road network and reelectrification, among others.

There is also road resurfacing and the renovation of the popular 3-in1 building, opposite the institution’s second gate.

Mr Abbey Abimbade, a senior worker, said the work began four weeks ago.

Omofisayo Sanni was the vicepresident of the Students Union suspended in the wake of the violent protests that greeted the fee hike. He said of the development: “The projects might seem to be pro-

gressive ones. If that is so, good; but I say we wait until they are completed.”

Also speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, a member of the equally suspended Students’ Representative Council (SRC), Omotola Sonaike, said: “My view is that the resurfacing of roads that has begun, the renovation of 3-in-1 building that is in progress, likewise electrification is not as a result of the payment of the new fees but it is what the management ought to have done when the former school fee was increased from N250 to N25,000. I believe that no development was recorded then.”

The 400-Level Business Administration student added: “It is now that the management has increased the tuition fee from N25,000 to N323,000. Thus, if the projects were ignored then, to me there is nothing new yet not until students start to enjoy free education and amenities.”

Oyinkansola Mabeko is in 200Level Mass Communication. For

•Above and inset: completed and ongoing works at LASU, Ojo campus

him, the authorities should not expect praise “considering the amount students are paying”.

He added: “The provision and improvement of infrastructural facilities are not uncommon in tertiary institutions. They are viewed as the right of students. Therefore, in a school where the fees are higher than they should be, the school authorities have no option than to make sure necessary things are put in place.”

However, for Owolabi Ibrahim, a 300-Level student of Banking and

Finance, there is cause for joy. “These renovations and constructions represent transformation which I’m happy to witness in LASU,” he said.

Meanwhile, Obafunwa has assured the students that his “transformation agenda” would not be abandoned.

While addressing LASU Engineering students from Epe Campus, who were in Ojo Campus to complain of irregular power and water supply, Obafunwa said he understood their plight.

“I want to assure you that I am going to do everything I need to do within the shortest possible time.

Regarding water supply, as I am leaving here, I am going to call the Managing Director (MD) of the company that installed the water works to get things going.

“On power supply, I know what we inherited and what we have to deal with. I believe the issue of power supply would commence today in terms of being solved. That was what I was assured,” he stated.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15 , 2012

35

CAMPUS LIFE

T

ODAY, we are living in a drug society. Everything around us, as youths, exposes us to drug temptation.

Many victims of drug addictions are all around us. We only need to visit the psychiatric hospital to have a better understanding.

Drug addiction is one of the greatest traps that have been used to destroy youths in this generation.

Many youths, out of youthful exuberance, emotional turmoil and deceit, have cut short their lives and vision on the altar of drug addiction. The victims and the wounded abound everywhere and they are many.

Drug addiction is defined as a compulsive need for and the use of a habit-forming substance (as

T

Let us make Nigeria drug-free alcohol, heroin, and marijuana) characterised by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal. It is also a compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful.

A drug addict is someone who has devoted or surrenders himself to a substance habitually or obsessively.

From these definitions, one word stands out: habit! That is, drug addiction starts as a harmless adventure until it gradually becomes a destructive habit. Yet most youths do not realise the subtle way by which drug captures its victims. Understand that

the wrong thought with the wrong people in the wrong environment at the wrong time and for the wrong reason equals the wrong habit.

Many reasons have been given for drug addictions. Although some of these reasons may seem logical and acceptable, they are worldly excuses and destructive lies. However, let us be careful of what we believe! It affects our decision and, hence, our future.

These drugs are highly destructive and have multi-dimensional, mental and social consequences.

It breeds other social vices like rape, covetousness, violence etc.

Above all, it is a slow but sure path to destruction.

My passionate advice for every youth is to abstain from drugs.

And for those involved in drugs, I encourage you to desist from them. It ruins life. Challenges are inevitable in life. You only need to be courageous and you will overcome them. Remember, the day a man concludes that I don’t care; he starts a downward journey to the path of “Had I Known!”

Let us make Nigeria drug-free.

Taiwo, 100-Level Anatomy, UNIMAID

Human

By Taiwo Isola thelivingpurpose@yahoo.com

Lifting the veil off university education

HE typical response of the public in a trade dispute that involves the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) and the government, either at the state or federal level, is mostly unambiguous: the government ought to comply with the demands. This declaration usually presupposes that the government having mostly abdicated its responsibilities in the past is the guilty party in such disputes. The cynicism that arises from that mindset tends to obscure sincere efforts to fix the decades-long decadence in Nigerian universities.

But there are a few other challenges that blight what should, ordinarily, be centres of excellence.

It’s rather ironic that some of these may have been self-inflicted. For instance, whereas the intention behind the Federal Government’s inauguration of visitation panels to federal universities is noble, the implementation in most cases is eclipsed by excessive bureaucracy.

This was particularly evident in

By Adekunle Fatoba adekunlefatoba@yahoo.com RUGIPO

the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, where a special visitation panel was inaugurated as a reaction to the institution’s peculiar challenges.

The roots of the bureaucracy run deep. The outcome of the visitation panel is condensed into a report. Afterwards, a white paper based on that report is drawn up, pending its approval by the Federal Government and subsequent gazetting. After its entry in the gazette, it is then sent to the governing councils of tertiary institutions for implementation.

More often than not, such reports get stuck in the bureaucratic maze and one of the unpleasant consequences is that a visitation panel report could take several years before it makes an entry in the gazette. It’s sometimes difficult to comprehend change after decades of systemic aberration. That, perhaps, is the reason the fact the en-

tire process took Minister of Education Prof. Ruqhayyatu Rufa’i just six months to complete seemed to have gone unheralded. But that is the change in the air. The old order is gradually crumbling, offering a strong hint that it’s no longer business as usual in the administration of the country’s tertiary education.

To skirt the red tape that stalls progress in universities, the minister made an open presentation of the white paper to the vice chancellors of federal universities. Acting on the conviction that an open policy is often the best bulwark against sleaze, Prof Rufa’i directed that ASUU and other relevant interest groups are given copies of the report. The wind of change also entailed a publication of the report on the National Universities Commission’s website.

But despite the reformist fervor of the new order fuelled by the zeal to enthrone a culture of accountability and respect for rules, the University of Petroleum Resources was a particularly challenging case with

a tale so pathetic that it appears incredulous. Founded in 2006 as a specialised university for oil and gas, the institution has an underbelly almost seedier than that of institutions which have been longer in existence.

Whereas it would be preposterous to blame the government for any unflattering spectacle in our tertiary institutions, it would seem its officials are not altogether blameless in some instances as seen in the University of Petroleum where a supervisory agent of the Federal Government showed a brazen contempt for due process by making the spouse the institution’s deputy registrar, despite indications she did not possess the requisite qualifications. The tale of the near debacle at the institution is a lesson on how easily a public good could become compromised by selfish interest. But it’s as much a cheery tale of courage, a tribute to humanity and fidelity to one’s oath to uphold ennobling values.

These virtues are embodied by the

minister whose silent, but unrelenting, crusade helped curb the slide in the petroleum resources university and looks certain to restore the long lost dignity in federal universities. The downside is that her selfeffacing nature, coupled with the cynicism of public opinion, might leave her gallant crusade in the shadows. But soon the results will be apparent; the hope is that the little part played by Professor Rufa’i will be taken into account.

The other hope is that our universities would embrace the unmistakable reality that the complacency of the past needs to change. The frequent push for wages and allowances increase should be consistent with a commitment to scholarship and excellence. There has to be some willingness to jettison the absurd situations that yielded the possibility of a university system that lacks a credible nominal roll of staff and students as well as an inventory of learning resources.

Adekunle writes from Lagos

Redeemer’s University and Ede: A bond forever

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DE is naturally blessed with infrastructures beneficial to the socio-economic development of a people, whose yearnings for good things of life know no bounds. Edeland is a land flowing with milk and honey. The people are naturally hospitable and embrace visitors and non-native dwellers with warmth and open hands. Ede indigenes are also noted for their spontaneous support for investors, to make their investments grow in leaps and bounds.

This has been amply demonstrated in the past in the area of commerce, industry and education.

Basking in the euphoria of the hospitality and warmth of Ede people, the Baptist Mission established one of the famous and earliest Teacher Training Colleges in the town -The Baptist Teachers’ Training College which later metamorphosed into the temporary site of Osun NYSC, before it finally became home to the Federal Polytechnic, Ede. There is also the Baptist High School established in 1963. The Catholic Mission also have their Seminary at a vantage location in Ede since 1955. It is waxing stronger.

The Adventist Mission could also not have had it better. The Mission also sought and got the support of the community for the establishment of one of the best secondary schools in Nigeria – the Adventist Grammar School, which has been building souls for service for upward of 52 years, without let or hindrance. It should also be noted, that Ede was home to QUEEN’s SCHOOL, the only one in the old Western region; others been QUEEN’s COLLEGE, YABA, ENUGU and ILORIN. Looking

By Olumide Lawal ugo4now@yahoo.com RUGIPO

back, Ede has always been fortunate to be in the frontline as far as great endeavours are concerned.

When therefore the news of the establishment of the Redeemer’s University for the Nation (R.U.N) at Ede came up sometime in 2002, the people jumped for joy and were ecstatic, glorifying the Almighty God for such a wonderful blessing in their land. In Ede, there is absolute religious tolerance. There’s no religious discrimination whatsoever in the community. In Ede, it is life more abundant for indigenes and non-indigenes alike without consideration for colour, creed, tribe or religion.

We therefore consider the siting of the Redeemer’s University as a divine blessing and a reflection of God’s answer to our years of prayers and yearnings for a University, because all human factors, infrastructure and landmass, necessary for the successful take-off and nurturing to adulthood of such a university of distinction, are more than readily available in Edeland without hassles.

Telecommunication through the provision of GSM base stations, regular potable water supply from a gigantic dam at Erinle. A 132-KVA national transmitting station will soon commence operation in Ede, while one acre of land has already been acquired by the Federal Council of Ede Descendants Union for the site of the PHCN Ede Business District Office. This will effectively support the energy needs of all socio-economic ventures in Edeland, Redeemers University inclusive. A Nigerian Army Engi-

neering Construction Regiment, two divisional police formations, NDLEA, Osun headquarters, a branch of First Bank, Skye Bank and WEMA Bank are readily available.

What else could an investor look up to, more than the above facilities, in addition to an enthusiastic and friendly people, eagerly waiting for the permanent site of the Redeemer’s University for the Nations – the people’s university, our University – ‘a baby’ that we shall treasure forever like an egg.

Though the university is running presently at site in the Redemption Camp of R.C.C.G., this however should not hinder the immediate physical movement to its Ede permanent site. This is a lifetime opportunity for us at Ede and we are grabbing it with all hands of fellowship, friendship, comradeship and fraternity. It is therefore left for the RCCG, to justify our high hopes in it, by turning the first sod for the university’s physical presence in Edeland, since according to the revered Pastor Enoch Adeboye the General Overseer of RCCG, the choice of Ede for the location of Redeemer’s University, was under divine direction and guidance.

Since self-help, is the best help, the Adeleke Dynasty through our own illustrious son and a successful business mogul, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, have swung into action in elevating the educational status of Ede, with the promotion, establishment and take off of the prestigious ADELEKE UNIVERSITY- a University of yesterday, today and tomorrow, which by God’s grace, is the first private university in Edeland. Ede com-

munity shall forever be grateful to the ADELEKE DYNASTY for bringing this great honour to their fatherland. May their tribe increase. The promoters of the UNITY UNIVERSITY in Ede are not resting on their oars. They are not leaving any stone unturned in making the dream a reality and very soon the UNITY UNIVERSITY shall be licensed and take off.

We therefore see, the relocation of the permanent site of REDEEMER’S UNIVERSITY to Ede, as a goal scored in a grand style, after an epic and protracted play against concerted forces of fate. How marvelous thou hath, God Almighty, in making your words come to pass. We pay salutation to the unrelenting efforts of late Timi of Edeland, Oba Oladokun Oyewusi and the present Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal for their fatherly gestures in making Ede, the true home of REDEEMER’S UNIVERSITY. Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal Laminisa I, ensured that he built on painstaking efforts of Late Oba Oladokun Oyewusi, Agbonran II, by traversing and networking all interest groups associated with the REDEEMER’S UNIVERSITY; plugging all loopholes and effecting amicable resolution of all knotty issues, that would have created minor squabbles.

Many thanks to Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, his council of Chiefs and indeed all Ede sons and daughters at home and in diaspora, for their unparallel contributions toward the REDEEMER’S UNIVERSITY relocation to Ede as its perma-

nent site. God works in a miraculous way, His wonders to perform.

It should be stated categorically, that the coming on board of REDEEMER’S UNIVERSITY to Ede as it permanent site, shall significantly improve the socio-economic value of the area and beyond, regardless of creed, religion, tribe or colour, just as ADELEKE UNIVERSITY has majorly improved on the values of life in Edeland in all its ramifications. All supports needed shall be extended to the authorities of the REDEEMER’S UNIVERSITY to make it grow in leaps and bounds.

We are forever grateful to Daddy Enoch Adeboye and all in Redeemed Christian Church of God, for fulfilling the prophesy, weathering the storm through thick and thin with the Ede people. We are more than ready in Ede, to make REDEEMER’S UNIVERSITY a big success story and justify the confidence reposed in us as good hosts which is not by our might, but the grace of God – the Author and Finisher of Our Faith.

We thank God Almighty, for always been there for us in Ede. His mercy over us, endureth forever.

Welcome to Ede, REDEEMER’S UNIVERSITY- your home. Ede, the land of warm people and hospitality.

Everything, including the world shall pass away, except those words spoken by God to His anointed. Let us hope the divine choice of Ede, as the HOME OF REDEEMER’S UNIVERSITY for the Nation shall remain so. Let the prophecy be fulfilled.

Olumide wrote from Crystal Villa Ede, Osun State

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

36

CAMPUS LIFE It was a night of thrills put together by the Drama Club of the NTA Television College, Jos. JOHNPAUL NNAMDI (400-Level TV Journalism) reports.

•The College of Medicine, Benue State University, Makurdi

Medical students decry non-accreditation of colleges

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EDICAL students in Nigeria have lamented the non-accreditation of some medical schools in the country. The condemnation came at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA), held penultimate Friday, at Benue State University (BSU).

In attendance were delegates from about 20 medical schools in Nigeria. According to the students, the non-accreditation has prevented the progress of the medical students academically. They said many students had spent over nine years on campus because the schools did not get accreditation.

Since inception of BSU college of health sciences in 2003, no medical student has gone beyond 400Level, Odejo Omale, the pioneer president of the Benue State University Medical Students Association told CAMPUS LIFE. He said: “The pioneer class which was in 300-Level in 2005, is now in 400Level in 2012 with five other classes in 400-Level.

From Samson Ademola, Anuri Emeh and Doofan Modi BSU RUGIPO

As it is now, the pioneer class is bound to spend at least 12 years in medical school.”

Other medical students expressed their dismay. Sandra Modi, 200-Level Medicine, BSU, said: “I have spent four years on this campus and I am still in 200-Level. I don’t even know what will happen next.”The national president of NiMSA, Omobude Eilojie, promised that the association would do its best to support efforts to get the school accredited. His words: “It is not fair that medical students spend up to nine years for a six-year course. We would do our best to champion the cause of accreditation in these affected universities.”

Speaking with the acting Provost of the College of Health Sciences, BSU, Prof A. Adebisi, he assured CAMPUS LIFE that efforts were on top gear to get the college accredited soon.

Student dies 12 days to birthday

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500-LEVEL Geology student at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA), Obinna Carl Okenu, is dead. The 24-year old student, who hailed from Anambra State, was killed by a hit-and-run vehicle along the Eastern bypass near Dutse Kura, Minna, Niger State. The incident happened on February 27, 2012.

The deceased was said to have been planning for his 25th birthday, which was to come up on March 10. He was also going to start working on his final year project after resuming from his six months industrial attachment but all the activities could not be achieved as he succumbed to the cold hand of death.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that when Obinna was hit by the vehicle, there was no help immediately as he lay feebly on the road. It was

On and Off Campus

From Folajimi Orintunsin and Temi Ipinmoroti FUT MINNA RUGIPO

gathered that some minutes after the incident, he was taken to the hospital by officers of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who were on patrol around the area.

Obinna gave up the ghost at Minna General Hospital, where he was rushed to.

The deceased’s classmate, Temi Ipinmoroti, said: “Obinna was the definition of liveliness and strong character. I still can’t believe he is gone.” Another classmate, who would not want to be named, said: “His life was a perfect entertainment and we would have had much of his funny side on March 10 but Obinna is no more.”

•A scene during one of the drama presentations

Drama Club thrills college

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HE Drama Club of the NTA TV College, Jos, Plateau State, has thrilled the community with dazzling performances. The Drama Klub Night was held at the institution’s main auditorium, which was almost filled to capacity.

It was attended by principal officials of the college, led by the Rector, Dr. Ayo Fasan. There was also the Registrar, Hajiya Hadiza Lawal; the Head of Department (HOD) TV journalism, Mr. Terkimbi Manyam; and many students.

The highlight of the night included a dance performance by the High Fly crew, which came in from Abuja; a mime, dance drama and a play by the host drama club.

Earlier, the President of the club, Olubisi Olukose, promised the audience that they were going to enjoy their time as each of the performances highlights contemporary issues.

The dance drama entitle: Way to go, was written by a Diploma II student who employed some literally techniques such as symbolism, flashback to narrate the circumstances surrounding Nigerian’s pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial eras.

The part of the night that held the audience spellbound was a play entitled Dreamland; it was directed by Olubisi Olukose. Though with a blend of comedy, the play highlighted and proffered solution to critical and contemporary issues bordering on Nigeria’s security, unity and peace.

Alex Bot, a 300-Level TV Production student,

told CAMPUSLIFE that he believes that the play could have been an excellent one, save the technical and theatrical challenges such as set construction/design, sound and light effects.

In an emotional mood, Patience Ibrahim, in 300Level TV Journalism, had this to say: “The play is a replica of our national life as it currently is. At a point I got emotional because this is what is really happening today. If there were funds or opportunities for the students to go further to broadcast the play to a wider audience, it will go a long way to preach peace and unity”.

In his remark after the performance, Dr. Fasan expressed surprise that the club could put up a show of such magnitude.

He said: “I didn’t know my students could do something like this. I have always heard that students of this college are rumour mongers and gossipers. But what I have seen today is among the great things that are happening to this institution”.

He also promised to redeem some amount of money the club had earlier asked for in order to get costumes and other facilities. He also urged students to “use 90 per cent of their time to study and 10 per cent for extra-curricular activities”.

Responding on behalf of the club, Lengshak Gotodok said the performance was a “result of hard work”. He added: “Most of us missed lectures, sacrificed our personal money and other resources and time to put up this event.”

He also thanked the college for the support.

By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

•The teams before kick off.

SUG fosters unity through soccer

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HE Students’ Union Government (SUG) of University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is poised to foster unity among the arms of the union through football. The union Sport Director, Kolapo Are, organised a football competition between the Central Executive Council (CEC) and the Student Representative Council (SRC). The purpose of the match was to promote friendly relationship between both arms of government.

Speaking, Kolapo said it was the first time the event would be organised in the history of UNILORIN students’ unions. “This match is evident to the fact that there is mutual and cordial relationship between the arms of government as against the rumour that both arms of government are at loggerheads,” Kolapo said.

The executive team comprised some members of the CEC and some members of the judicial arms of the union. The SRC team was formed

From Habeeb Whyte and Wale Bakare UNILORIN RUGIPO

from its members. The match, which was played at the mini football pitch of the university last week, started with the recitation of the school anthem and the Vice President, being the only female member of the CEC, kicked off the match.

The match lasted one hour 15 minutes.

Surajudeen Musa, the president of the union, scored two goals while, Akinsanya Omotola, scored a goal for the SRC. The CEC won the match.

Speaking shortly after the match, Surajudeen said he was happy to be part of the game and to have scored two goals. “I commend the effort of the Sport Director for this initiative,” he said.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the SRC, Abass Sheriff, said his house took the defeat in good faith and promised to perform better next time.

He said the game would strengthen unity between the arms of the union.

37

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

EDUCATION

Provosts want colleges to award degrees

IBBUL FILE Varsity hires18 profs, others

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HE Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Education in Nigeria has called on the government to fund colleges of education to enable them to award degrees independent of their parent institutions.

According to a communiqué issued by the committee at the end of its second National Conference at the College of Education, Akwanga, Nasarawa State, the provosts said if the colleges are allowed to award degrees, it would encourage brilliant students to enrol for degree programmes as against the present practice where only those who failed to get into the university patronise them.

"Colleges of Education with adequate facilities and human resources should, as a matter of urgency, be allowed to award degrees autonomously without having to affiliate to any university," the communiqué said.

To address the low enrolment, the provosts are seeking the re-introduction of pre- National Certificates of Education (NCE) programmes.

"In order to beef-up the very low enrolment problem in Colleges of Education in Nigeria where only about 2.2 per cent of admissible candidates seek admission as against 28.1 per cent into polytechnics and 69.7 per cent into universities, the PreNational Certificates of Education (NCE) programme should be reinvigorated and sustained in Colleges of Education," they said.

• Rector of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Kudirat Ibiyeye-Ladipo (second left) poses with lecturers, who bagged PhD at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). From left: Dr Moruf Adebakin, Dr Emmanuel Akinwale and Dr P. Dawodu

New varsity woos freshers with scholarship • Oduduwa holds matric March 30

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HE Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State has taken off with its first set of students.

The students were urged to study hard if they want to enjoy a scholarship scheme.

They were told to score a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.49 to enjoy the scholarship.

But if the CGPA drops below 4.49, the Acting Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Bamidele Sanni, said the scholarship would be withdrawn.

Sanni spoke while administer-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

ing matriculation oath on 127 new intakes of the institution.

The VC said the National Universities Commission (NUC) accredited 12 programmes in the institution while others are due for accreditation. He also called for an amendment of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Law for private universities to enjoy from the fund.

Meanwhile, the management of Oduduwa University, Ipetunmodu in Osun State, has approved March 30 for its third

matriculation. It will take place at the RAPH Hall of the institution.

Its President/Founder, Chief Ramon Adedoyin, said in an interview that the university and its sister institution, the Polytechnic, Ile-Ife will not relent in contributing to the development of education in the country.

He said the institution’s main objective is to provide qualitative tertiary education by building a strong workforce for the country.

He said the purpose of establishing private tertiary institutions is to give access to those who have been denied because of limited space in public institutions.

Expert seeks inclusion of fire and safety service in curriculum

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HE Lagos State Fire Service has called for the introduction of fire and safety service in the curriculum of higher institutions.

Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Aderemi Ajose, made the call when students of the Lagos State Polytechnic toured the headquarters of the State Fire Service in Alausa, Ikeja.

By Miriam Ndikanwu

He lamented that no tertiary institution in the country teaches fire and safety service, adding that the profession is one of the most delicate aspects of human existence if not properly handled.

The director said training will be offered to interested students to

3, 562 join Benue Varsity

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HE Benue State University (BSU) has matriculated 3, 562 undergraduates.

At the ceremony held in the institution's Multi-Purpose Hall, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charity Angya, solicited for assistance to boost the capacity of the institution.

She said the students were lucky to be chosen out of 20, 713 admission seekers.

Angya appealed to individuals and organisation to partner with the university in the provision of lecture theatres, hostels, and office accommodation even if on Build, Operate and Transfer basis, saying an increase in these facilities would increase the carrying capacity of the school.

She charged the new students to shun cultism, drug abuse, and examination misconduct, stressing that any student who indulged in any of the vices would be expelled.

Angya urged the students to be committed to academic excellence by studying hard to succeed during their stay on campus, saying the university on its part was committed to ensuring international standards for research, teaching and learning.

She commended Governor Suswam for investing in the university by constructing a 400-bed female hostel, renovating the main male hostel, starting work on

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

the new Faculty of Law Complex as well as the completion of the teaching hospital.

The Vice-Chancellor also thanked the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Benue chapter for what she described as the firm promise to donate a classroom complex to the university.

enable them to operate fire fighting facilities effectively.

Ajose described fire as a good friend if properly managed and appealed to residents to make sure that safety precautions are observed at all times.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Adesanya Adeyemi, Omojola Vanessa and Amuno Onajite, said Governor Babatunde Fashola deserves praise for providing modern fire fighting equipments.

Adeyemi said he may consider fire fighting career after graduation.

"I think Governor Fashola deserves to be commended for his initiative in turning around the fire service stations in the state by providing them with modern equipment, he has tried in improving the service. But I want to urge him to increase the allowances of the operatives because their work is

hazardous," he said.

Vanessa said her knowledge about the operations of fire fighting operativesh has been broadened by the visit, adding that she would educate residents to change their perception about the service.

The leader of the delegation, Mr Bayo Fapohunda, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Urban Planning, explained that the visit has a lot to do with the course of the students because of its relationship with infrastructure planning.

"A fire service operation is one of the aspects of regional planning and that forms the need to bring the students for practical experience for them to appreciate it. A lot of people are ignorant like the students so they need to be educated on the operations of the fire service".

Fapohunda, who said he was impressed with the equipment at the station, praised Fashola for upgrading the service stations.

THE Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), Niger State has employed 18 professors and over 20 Ph.D holders in various fields to ensure that the required quality of faculty is provided for every programme.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ibrahim Adamu Kolo, said the institution needs to make ultramodern facilities available to be ranked among the best in the world.

To this end, he said efforts have been made to provide the university with language laboratory, ultra-modern Mass Communication studios, Information and Communication Technology centre as well as a robust library among others.

Kolo added that two additional faculties, Applied and Technology and Languages and Communication Studies, are being established to meet the required human capital needs for the state and the country.

The Vice-Chancellor stressed the need for every member of the university community to join hands with the management, assuring that suggestions that could help in the development of the university would be welcomed.

Last year, all but one of the 19 academic programmes presented for accreditation scaled the hurdle.

Seven dons off to Malaysia THE first batch of academic staff for postgraduate studies in selected universities in Malaysia has departed for the programme.

Addressing them at the valedictory meeting, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ibrahim Kolo, charged them to conduct themselves well to sustain the linkages and programmes of the university with those in Malaysia.

He added that the university expects excellence from them and warned that the Management would not hesitate to recall any of them found wanting.

The beneficiaries are Mrs Zaniab Kassim (M.Sc Medical Microbiology), Idris Rabiu (M.Sc Computer Science), Dauda Yusuf (M.Sc. Maths), Ndatsu Yakubu (Ph.D, Biochemistry), Aisha Awal (M.Sc Computer Science), Adamu Gene (M.Sc Physics), and Ismaila Musa (M.Sc Maths).

Dean urges students on goals

• From left: Director, Institute of Africa Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof Isaac Albert; Senior Research Fellow, Arabid Documentation, Dr Ismaheel Jimoh, and Chairman of the occasion, Dr Gerard Chouin, at a conference on North Africa Arab uprising: implications and significance for the future, in Ibadan

FRESH students of the Faculty of Education and Arts of the unniversity have been charged to set high academic goals to aid their absorption into the labour market.

Dean of the Faculty, Dr Mustapha Tajordeen, gave the advice at the orientation for the new students at the Conference Hall of the Kobo Campus of the university.

He urged the students to be disciplined and work hard. He warned them against indecent dressing and any behaviour contrary to the norms of the university.

The members of staff of the faculty also attended the event.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

38

EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

AAUA FILE NUC lauds development A REPRESENTATIVE of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr Ayo Bankole, has praised the management of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) for its development despite just spending few years on its present site.

He spoke at the presentation of the Revised Master Plan of the institution, at the university's Council Chamber.

He said: "The University started a few years back and I am quite impressed with the level of progress it has made in terms of physical development. And to have decided to put the Master Plan in place at this point in time is a step in the right direction. We expect that by the time the Master Plan comes to full implementation, the campus will be one of the best not only in Nigeria, but also in Africa. People will come here not only to learn but also to see how best to plan an environment."

Centre donates IBM software THE Management of SPSS IndoAfrican Technology Centre, African Region, has donated IBM Software - a 30-User Site Licence to AAUA. Presenting the software to the university, the company's representative, Mr Ubasi Torti, said it was in fulfilment of the firm’s promise to Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko.

He said the software would enhance quality education delivery in the university.

"IBM software enables educators to teach effectively, helps students gain critical analytical skills and support more accurate and insightful institutional research and decision making.

"It will help you to manage enrolment more efficiently, retain more students and guide their educational progress, strengthen ties with alumni and other donors and make your campus safer," he said.

While receiving the software on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Femi Mimiko, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rotimi Ajayi, thanked the company for the donation. He promised that the software would be put to judicious use - to enhance effective teaching and research.

Workshop for students leaders THE AAUA management has held a two-day workshop entitled: "Effective governance for good leadership" for the students’ union leaders.

Declaring open the workshop, held at the institution's MultiPurpose Hall, the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Femi Mimiko, expressed happiness at the yearly event, saying: "I am happy to be here today because we have seen the conviction that the next generation of students we are breeding in our university is a crop of men and women that will make a big impact not only here on campus but as they graduate into the larger society."

Mimiko, who noted that the achievements and successes of the Union leaders were a product of their responsive and peaceful coexistence with the Management, identified vision, confidence, courage, selflessness and leading consciousness as core elements of leadership.

APPROACHING DEADLINES 2012 ANSTI/DAAD Postgraduate Scholarship and Fellowships Award, (Kenya) Africa Master's and PhD Scholarship and Fellowships Award for applicants from Sub-Saharan African Nationals, Kenya-Africa 2012 Study Subject(s):Courses offered by the University Course Level:Master's, PhD Scholarship Provider: ANSTI/DAAD Scholarship can be taken at: (Kenya) Africa Eligibility: -Participants in the programme must be from ANSTI member institutions and may not exceed the age limit of 36 years by date of nomination.

-Applicants may not apply for studies in their home countries. Fellowships, which cover fees, subsistence and international travel, are awarded to staff of ANSTI member institutions (View ANSTI Members) for postgraduate studies (M.Sc. or Ph.D) at African universities for staff development.

-Fellowships are awarded to sub-Saharan African nationals for studies outside the applicants' home countries.

- Applicants must hold a good bachelor's degree (at least 2nd class upper division).

-Applicants must obtain official admission to the host university prior to his/her application for the fellowship.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Open for Students of Following Countries: Developing Country Scholarship Description: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) a publicly funded, self-governing oragnisation of the institutions of higher learning in Germany, promotes international academic exchange as well as educational co-operation with developing countries through a variety of funding and scholarship programmes.

DAAD cooperates with ANSTI by offering a number of in-region scholarships for Masters and Ph.D. degrees.

How to Apply: Online Scholarship Application Deadline: May 31, 2012 2012 Call for Proposals: Grant Awards for Global Environmental Change Research, Africa Research Grant Awards in the field of Global environmental change,

agriculture and food security in research institutions, 2012 Africa Study Subject(s):Global environmental change, agriculture and food security Course Level:Research Scholarship Provider: Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) research program and the US Climate Change Science Program (USGCRP) Scholarship can be taken at: Africa Eligibility:-START is committed to strengthening knowledge and communication systems on global environmental change in Africa, and is therefore pleased to announce the 2012 -Call for Proposals on global environmental change, agriculture and food security in Africa.

-The 2012 round of GEC grants will build directly on the 2011 Africa GEC grants that focused on how climatic and environmental changes potentially impact ecosystem services critical to agriculture and food and livelihood security in arid, semi-arid, sub-humid, and humid environments as well as for communities dependent on coastal marine systems.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: The theme for the 2011 GEC projects is climate change, agriculture and food security with an emphasis on the sustainability of ecosystem services. The 16 selected projects address issues related to climate change and its linkages with agriculture and food security, sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem goods and services. Both natural sciences and social sciences are being addressed. The projects are based on collaboration among multiple investigators. The Principal Investigator (PI) for each project is based at an African institution of higher learning, or at an African nongovernmental organization. Investigator teams are comprised of at least three scientists who have complementary skills and expertise.

Some of the projects are based on multi-institutional and multi-national collaborations, some of which are based outside of Africa.

How to Apply: By electronically Scholarship Application Deadline: March 28, 2012 2012 Disability Rights Scholarship Programme at University of Pretoria, South Africa

How dons can assist in national building, by expert

T

ERTIARY institutions teachers have been asked to question trends in their fields to enable them to deliver cutting edge knowledge to their students.

That way, Dean of Food Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Prof Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, said education curricular will be relevant to societal needs.

While speaking on a topic: The impact of technology innovation on economic growth: Implementation of academic curricular, during a lecture

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

organised by the School of Technology, Yaba College of Technology(YABATECH), he explained that curricular can only respond to societal challenges if teachers and their students think well.

He urged lecturers not to be lazy about updating their knowledge, adding that they should challenge their students to think of new ways of doing things.

"Our education curriculum must be such that will constantly respond to new societal challenges.There are

lecturers who have not changed their lecture notes for the past 10 years.

That is pathological laziness. There are lecturers who are not able to accept changes in technology and it will affect our education system negatively.Lecturers should challenge their students to come up with concepts and you will be surprised what they will produce. If you as a lecturer are not ready to accept change, you cannot help students improve," he said.

If lecturers and students are thinking, Ogunmoyela said, it would result in research that would benefit society. However, he said the gov-

ernment must be willing to invest in research to harness the efforts made in the academia.

"Nigeria spends 0.1 per cent on research and development; South Africa spends 1.5 per cent; Japan, three and South Korea, 2.4 per cent. All R$D spending in Nigeria is from the government. Private sector prefers to go abroad.

There is a huge correlation between a country's economic growth and knowledge base," he said.

The event was chaired by the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, who urged the academia to find solution to the country's power problem.

Olatinwo, who started his career as a teacher at Gumel Advanced College as a National Youth Service Corps member in 1977 was also at the School of Basic Studies, ABU as a Part Time/Laboratory Demonstrator between two years later. He became Graduate Assistant in the Department of Physics, ABU in 1979, an Assistant Lecturer in 1980, Lecturer II in 1983 and Lecturer I in 1991.

• Dr Olatinwo

FEDPOFFA Rector gets second term

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonahan has renewed the appointment of Dr Mufutau Olatunde Olatinwo for another four years as Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (FEDPOFFA).

In a statement, the Registrar, Alhaji AbdulHamid Omoniyi Raji, said the approval was contained in a letter signed by the Minister of Education, Prof Rukkayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i.

Olatinwo, a Geophysicist, became the Acting Rector of the polytechnic in July 2006 and was confirmed in March 2008.

He was born on September 16, 1954 into the Olatinwo family of Offa in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State. After elementary school, he proceeded to the first community secondary school in Northern Nigeria; Offa Grammar School, Offa. He was in the same school for his Higher School Certificate (HSC 'A' level) between 1973 and 1974.

He bagged BSc.( Physics) from the University of Ibadan in 1977; a Masters in Applied Geophysics from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1981. Between 1985 and 1986, he was at Uppsala University, Institute of Geophysics, Sweden where he obtained a diploma in Analytic Signal and Graphic Interpretation of Aeromagnetic Data. He also obtained Certificate of Knowledge and Experience in Analog Electronics,

Digital Electronic and Computer Environment in Research and Education.

Between 1988 and 1989, Olatinwo was in the Geophysics Department of the University of Glasgow, Scotland as a participant in Research on Seafloor Spreading Anomalies. He returned to Nigeria in 1990 for his Doctorate (PhD) in Applied Geophysics at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

•Mr Akintola Ladapo, a lawyer and his wife, Dr Dupe Ladapo with their son, Kunola during his graduation at the University of Lagos

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

39

EDUCATION

10 minutes’ grace favours word spell winner F not for the 10 minutes grace, Michael Ademola Adesanya of St Timothy’s College, Yaba, would not have won the Jago Busy Spelling Bee Competition.

The start of the competition was extended by 10 minutes after almost an hour behind schedule.

Adesanya’s school, one of the 12 from various parts of Nigeria with representatives in the final, arrived late for the competition held at the Events Centre, Agidingbi, Ikeja, last Saturday.

At the end of the contest, Adesanya lifted the trophy and carted home N300,000 and books.

The road to victory was long. It entailed competing against some of the JSS2 pupils from 500 schools in Lagos, Kwara, Ilorin, Oyo, Ogun and Ondo States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the preliminaries.

In the final, Adesanya and seven others made it to the third and toughest rounds. When there were only he and two others left, his ability to spell the word “garrulous” won him the prize after the other two, Duchess Eigbefor of Divine Mercy Secondary School, Asokoro, Abuja, and Ifunnaya Eze-Okoye of Inglewood Academy, Ikorodu, Lagos; stumbled over the words “gangrene” and “oxymoron”.

I

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Adesanya, in his post-victory interview, said he was happy that he won despite nearly missing the competition – thanks to logistics delay.

“We were waiting for the choreographers of my school who were meant to make a presentation during the event. I would have felt sad if I had missed the competition. I don’t think there are words to describe how I feel. Thank you to the organisers and please continue this so that others will have a chance as well,” said the 11-year old.

Michael’s teacher, Mrs Lilian Ataene was overjoyed about his victory.

“I am on top of the world. They gave us just three days notice. It is just God’s grace,” she said.

The first and second Runners up, Ifunnaya and Duchess, went home with cash awards of N200,000 and N100,000 each, while the other finalists were given books.

Next year, Mr Satish Nair, Managing Director of Sosaco Ltd, makers of Jago Milk and sponsors of the programme, said parents of winners would also be rewarded with prices.

In his speech, he commended the perseverance of the contestants for

• Mr Nair (right) presenting trophy and cheque to Michael who is surrounded by his teacher and other well wishers

not giving up on spelling words they were given repeatedly until they get it right.

“This competition started in 2007.

2008 was the first time I attended the programme and I saw a great spark among the students. The attitude they display is something that is very encouraging. They

have an attitude of never giving up even if they spell a word wrongly they keep on trying until they get it right. It is good,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Taiwo Adebomi, Project Coordinator and MD of KTE (Kiddies Thrills Entertainment) Activations, said the

competition has made remarkable progress since inception in 2007 which involved only secondary schools in Lagos. He added that the prices will even become more attractive from next year.

“The first prize next year will be N600,000 and there will also be a prize for parents,” he said.

‘Good schools don’t accept external candidates’

H

• A cross section of pupils at the event

14-year-old wins Quranic competition

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MIDAT Akinpelu, a 14-yearold SS2 pupil of Ansa-UdDeen Girls High School, Itire, has won the second Alhaja Nusirat Amope Sonibare QuranicIslamic Quiz Competition organised by the Duro-Emmanuel Education Foundation.

Faruq Onigemo of Ansa-Ud-Deen School, Surulere and Fawziyyah Zakariyya ofAnsa-Ud-Deen Girls High School,Itire, came second and third.

The competition, initially had 30 participants from three schools. Ten were shortlisted for the final. All the contestants went home with gifts.The 10 finalists also got scholarships; the first three were given special prizes.

Amidat went home with N100,000 paid into her school account with a package, Faruq N50,000 and a package and Fawziyya educational materials.

Chairman, Board of Governors of the foundation, Dr Waheed Smith, said the group requires assistance to take the competition to other parts of the country as it is important for children to study the

By Medinat Kanabe

hadith, Quran, and other aspects of Islam.

He said: “This will help them behave well in the society and keep away from deviant behaviour.”

In his remarks, the Special Adviser on Education to the Lagos State Governor, Dr AbdulFatai Olukoga, advised the participants to always read and revise before going for any competition as this will boost their courage and make them fluent.

Amidat’s father, Mr Abdulrazaq Akinpelu, said despite not being calm when the competition started, his daughter had made him proud.

“Her impatience has brought her to this point.

This is not the first time she is making us proud and we are very proud of her,” he said.

Weeping while speaking to this reporter on phone, Mrs. Shakirat Akinpelu, Amidat’s mother said, she was happy and proud of her daughter.

OW can the standard of a school be measured? It is by whether it accepts pupils into terminal classes, says the Prorieor of Kith and Kin Educational Schools, Ikorodu, Mr Ksali Olusanya.

According to him, School that enrol pupils into SS3 to register them for external examinations inadvertently engage in sharp practices.

In an interview with The Nation, Olusanya described such candidates as pollutants given their desperation to get relevant O Level papers in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

Olusanya, a former commissioner for Agriculture in Lagos State and lecturer at the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), also accused parents of complicity in encouraging examination malpractices.

He said: “We know some schools, what they do to impress parents. We don’t accept transfer into SS3 classes. They are pollutants. We know what they want.These are people who have tried WAEC two to three times and are looking for results.

Parents come to us to tell us they are looking for help. What type of help? Good schools don’t take external candidates anyway,” he said.

Counting Kith and Kin, established in 1997 among such good schools, Olusanya, who is the Chief Learning Officer of the school, said his pupils are

Leadership summit for Children’s Day

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O fewer than 1,500 and their teachers from more than 150 public and private schools are expected to participate in a Children’s Day leadership summit to be organised by Elderberry Integrated Resources Limited scheduled to hold at Aquatic Hall, Ikeja, Lagos.

In a statement, Mr Bosun Lasisi,

PR and Media Executive of Elderberry, said the summit, tagged INVENT 2012 (Inspiring Nigeria’s Vanguard of Exceptionally Noble Talents) is aimed at grooming youths for leadership roles.

“Our logical consideration arises from the need that every society deserves the leadership they get

and if as a society we desire for better leadership structure, it is proper to start grooming them now to build a culture of leadership that possesses the earnest purpose to serve dutifully,” he said.

During the summit, the pupils will get the opportunity to interact with 50 professionals from various fields who can mentor them.

• Olusanya

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

inducted into the art and science of hard work so they excel.

“In the last two years we presented candidates for WASSCE and we returned 100 per cent pass.

Last year, when the national average was 31 per cent, we made 100 per cent. If what parents are looking for is knowledge and morals, then we are giving it. I tell teachers not to give support to pupils during exams. I did not give support to my own children and they succeeded. I tell my students it is not by luck or chance. It is by hard work,” he said.

For schools that seek to be counted among the best, Olusanya said they should take a leaf from Kith and Kin by networking with established schools to learn best practices; providing state-of-theart facilities, and training teachers in modern teaching methods.

“What we are trying to do is create an oasis in the wilderness of Nigeria using best practices to bring out excellent services for our children, ” he added.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

40

EDUCATION Alumni association donates to alma mater

T

HE Federal Polytechnic, Oko Anambra State Alumni Association has donated sanitation and security items to the institution.

Secretary-General Nzeh Christian and Liaison Officer Ogbonna Chris, who led the national executive members to the institution, courtesy call, said the donation was to identify with the institution that trained them . The group said the management led by Prof Godwin Onu has created an enabling environment for people with genuine interest in the development of the polytechnic’s to key into.

The association donated 35 giant waste bins and 300 pieces of plastic gate pass for motor vehicles.

Nzeh, who represented the National President of the association, Sir Uchenna Udensi, lauded the efforts of the Rector in turning the polytechnic into an institution where a culture of learning and teaching has been entrenched.

He added that the association was pleased with Onu's effort in developing the institution and urged him not to relent.

Nzeh said while the waste bins will complement the management's efforts in the beautification of the polytechnic, the gate pass will help monitor vehicular movement.

Onu thanked the association for identifying with the polytechnic.

"We appreciate the kind gesture in identifying with us. As you rightly observed the institution is

headed towards perfection which as a result of management's effort in clinically creating a serene and clean environment with unpolluted air that smells pure academics for our students and staff," he said.

He also said the California branch of the alumni association has indicated interest in partner ing with the polytechnic, urging others to do same.

"We want other stakeholders to emulate such exhibition of patriotism by doing what is within their limits to improve facilities here.

We have a vision to become the best polytechnic in the country and that had reflected in our ongoing infrastructural projects dotting all around our campuses," he said.

• Majiyagbe addressing teachers during the tour

Justify your pay, teachers told ATE coming, absenteeism and lack of commitment will no longer be tolerated among primary school teachers in Agege Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Lagos State, the Education Secretary, Olalekan Majiyagbe,” he said.

He urged the teachers to be punctual and committed in appreciation of their promoting by the government.

He spoke when he visited schools in the local governemnent to inspect projects.

"Distance is not an excuse to come late.You have to be punc-

L

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

tual to school. You should not be coming by 9am or 10am. It is abnormal. You should not be absent from school without permission.

You should not be violating procedures," he said.

He also urged the teachers to be committed to their classroom work and encouraged the pupils to use the library.

Addressing the pupils, he advised them to be studious.

"Work hard and make use of the textbooks you were provided with and the library. Do not join bad

gangs," he said.

The Education Secretary also had a word for parents, who he accused of negligence.

"Parents should pay attention to their wards. Some pupils come to school looking very dirty. Teachers should not hesitate to call parents through their head teachers when pupils are not looking good," he said.

Among the 16 schools visited were Dairy Farm Primary School, Agege, Ifeoluwa Primary School, Community Primary School, and Jibril Martins Primary School.

Obi lauds state of returned schools

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NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has expressed satisfaction with the level of improvement in schools recently returned to their original owners.

He spoke at Loretto Special Secondary School, Adazi-Nnukwu, during the Founder's and Parents Day celebration.

The governor said the schools have improved while discipline has returned.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

Obi, who lamented the damage suffered by the schools when they were under the government, said there was adequate provision for rebuilding them, including establishment of functional libraries in this year’s budget.

Obi said children, as enduring and important future assets of the society, should be properly equipped

to tackle life challenges.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr Kay Onyechi, said Obi's commitment to education led to pupil’s outstanding performances and urged the old girls of the school to contribute to its repositioning.

The Principal, Mrs Chinyere Ilozumba said the school would continue to maintain high standards and distinguish itself in local, national and international competitions.

Lawmaker rewards pupils

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HREE winners have emerged in the "Best Brain Competition" sponsored by Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ikorodu 1 constituency.

He gave the winners N50, 000 each. The second and third positions got N30,000 and N20,000; 18 others received N5, 000 each as consolation prizes.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the competition, which took

By Oziegbe Okoeki

place at Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat, Agunbiade said he instituted it to motivate brilliant pupils for better performance in his constituency.

The pupils were: Nwifo Ekene a Primary five of Muslim Primary School, Oloruntade Ganiu, a JSS two pupil of Ipakodo Junior Secondary School, and Esther Omotosho Odongunyan, an SS 2 pupil.

The lawmaker congratulated the

winners and other participants in the contest.

The pupils were tested on Mathematics, English Language and General Knowledge to encourage them to cultivate the habit of reading.

"The aim of this competition is to create healthy academic competition among the schools and to discover the comparative academic performances among the brilliant students", Agunbiade said.

EDUTALK

with

The touchy issue of external candidature

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HOULD secondary schools enrol pupils into terminal Kofoworola classes? It is a practice that stakeholders, who attended the examinations summit organised by the Federal Ministry of Education, Kofosagie@yahoo.com Abuja last December, 08054503077 (SMS only) recommended should be stopped because of examination malpractices.

Many private schools encourage external candidature, especially into the SS3 classes. They register school leavers seeking to retake the examination to complete relevant papers needed for university admission. However, such students are expected to register for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted for private candidates in November/December every year. But it has become more rampant for them to seek out secondary schools other than where they had their secondary education to repeat the SSCE meant for SS3 pupils written in May/June.

The reason for this preference is the belief that school results are not usually cancelled like those of centres used for the private SSCE. More importantly, many private schools engage in sharp practices to ‘arrange’ results for their candidates. They usually woo these very desperate young men and women with hopes of getting tantalising grades once they can pay for it. Then, to deliver, they bribe supervisors posted to the schools so that they look the other way. Rather than ensure that the school does not connive with candidates to cheat, the supervisors effectively ‘disappear’ during the examination. Some schools arrange for sumptuous meals and drinks and a fat ‘thank-you-for-cooperating’ envelope as takeaway.

If the rules are to be followed strictly, schools are not meant to accept pupils into SS3 classes. Usually, part of what makes up the SSCE scores should include results of continuous assessment tests earned in classes preceding the terminal year. External candidates do not have such records but I don’t know how schools manage to cook them up.

The reason schools take external candidates is largely to make money off them by charging exorbitant fees and engaging in examination malpractice. However a few schools may argue that they do it to escape the penalty charged those who do not have up to the minimum number of candidates to be recognised as a centre, which is 50. (The West African Examinations Council charges N30,000 for low candidature).

There are other schools that do not register external candidates as a matter of policy, despite not having up to 50 candidates registered for the examinations. Such schools treasure their integrity and are more likely to ensure that their pupils are adequately prepared for the examination. Not only do they employ qualified teachers, they monitor their activities in the classrooms and make it clear to parents that they would not support fraud.

Schools that accept private candidates pander to damaging parental sentiments that erroneously regard buying good examination results for their wards as good parenting.

If integrity is to be restored into our public examinations, our regulators will stand firm on this issue and disallow secondary schools from registering external candidates for the May/June/July SSCE because the practice does more harm than good.

Belo-Osagie

‘If the rules are to be followed strictly, schools are not meant to accept pupils into SS3 classes. Usually, part of what makes up the SSCE scores should include results of continuous assessment tests earned in classes preceding the terminal year.

External candidates do not have such records but I don’t know how schools manage to cook them up’

From My Inbox Re: Should parents send thugs to school? (Thursday, March 08, 2012) On no account should a parent go to school to fight teachers. What example are you setting for your child? There are better ways to lode complaints with the school authorities and get appropriate result.

Onwukwe Ernest, educationist.

Kofo, your weekly piece is like tonic to oil our educational sector towards revamping the rot. But is the authority concerned about making any efforts to address the knotty issue? I doubt if the author of that letter is a qualified accountant or ever passed through a university.

Take it or leave it lawyer, doctor, and accountant are still noted with sound English. I think the authority needs to investigate that man and make him a good example for others to brace up. Please do not relent.

Wole Adediran.

I agree with you that the education system has problems. The truth is the problems will not go until the neo-colonial capitalist economy is eliminated and a new mode of production is created. Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna

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THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Senator: National conference inevitable Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, is the only Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) Senator. Ewherido, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Maritime, speaks on the implications of the Boko Haram insurgency, the difference between Boko Haram sect and Niger Delta militants, the need for a unicameral legislature and the clamour for a national conference. Assistant Editor ONYEDI OJIABOR captures his thoughts in this interview.

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HE country is faced with serious security challenges.

The impression of most Nigerians is that Boko Haram fundamentalists have virtually destroyed the economy of Northern Nigeria?

Of course that view is correct because nobody will invest in an atmosphere of insecurity. Recall that during the Niger Delta crisis when the militants took over the entire rivers and oil installations, investors had no option but to move away from the Niger Delta area.

Even though, then, the militants targeted only oil installations and not human beings, today the Boko Haram targets human beings. So, it is not possible for any serious investor to move into that region now and that is not good at all because we talk of the need to create employment, we talk of the need to drive away poverty, deprivation and all that. Development cannot take place in an atmosphere of insecurity just like investment cannot take place in an atmosphere of insecurity. Once there is no investment, you cannot generate employment. It is only in Nigeria that people wait on the government alone to generate employment.

Elsewhere in the world, employment is generated more by the private sector You are the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Maritime.

We heard about alleged plan by the government to concession the country’s maritime security to a private outfit.

The maritime security bill was withdrawn in the wisdom of the President. I am not aware of a private maritime security outfit.

You are from the Niger Delta area and a lot of people liken the Niger Delta militants to what Boko Haram is doing now. Do you think there is a link between the two?

Yes, there is a link to the extent that there is some violence involved, but during the Niger Delta struggle, predominantly, the militants struck only at oil installations to drive home their points. They were not really killing human beings. The second difference is that the Niger Delta struggle had clear leaders who were known; it was not as faceless as Boko Haram.

When it came for negotiations from day one the Niger Delta militants had spokesmen who were known, they had leaders who were known, names that were known and at any point in time they were required to meet with government, they were available for dialogue.

That is not exactly the case as you know today about Boko Haram.

One of the difficulties in tackling the Boko Haram thing is that their leaders have remained largely unknown. At a point, government said they wanted to discuss with their leaders to state their grievances but they were not forthcoming. I believe that for every struggle to be meaningful the leadership has to be identifiable. So, for there to be consistency and regularity , I think they should have an identifiable leadership that can discuss either with the government or security agencies as the case may be.

What is your reaction to the call by some people that government should extend amnesty to the Boko Haram sect?

You cannot even make any statement about that until you have identifiable leaders.

Do you think that the Northern Elders have done enough or taken some reasonable measures to assist in addressing Boko Haram insurgency I believe that Nigerians as a people have not even done enough to assist in terms of security because security is a general problem and the few people causing this insecurity are not spirits. During the Niger Delta struggle, in those particular areas, you would know those who were operating even though you could do nothing about it, but you knew them. I believe it is the same thing with the Boko Haram thing. So, if we have to be sincere to ourselves, these are people who live among us, they are people who are seen and known.

If we were doing enough, I am sure the security situation could have been different. Unfortunately, it is now the stock in trade for people to parry it and say oh the security agencies are not doing enough or government is not doing enough. Security is about intelligence and information and when they do not have the necessary intelligence or information how do you expect the security operatives to nip this thing in the bud?

So, we must do everything to tackle it. That is why I agree with some people who are saying there should be a national dialogue on that and many other issues because Boko Haram is not the only issue.

From place to place, there are issues and policies that Nigerians are not happy with. When we come together as a people and we place our cards on the table it becomes easier to understand because the problem in Borno State might not be the same problem in Plateau State or the problem in Delta or some other places.

• Ewherido

What form should the dialogue take; could it be Sovereign as some have suggested?

There are two ways to look at it. I am sure that the constitution we have is a federal constitution, but today we are not practising full federalism because of the hiccups in democracy. The democratic institutions that you see are not as free as you look at them. So you cannot just come up and say it should be as it is in the constitution.

The provisions in the constitution are being flouted daily and nothing is happening. Take the relationship between the states and local governments for example, they operate a joint account, after the states receive their own money, they are supposed to disburse the funds to the local governments but we have reports that the governors operate as if they should not give those funds to the local governments, and use them as if they are funds for the state governments, it should not be so.

Then, some of the issues need constitutional amendments but as you have seen constitutional amendment is not an easy process in Nigeria because a lot of stifling take place. The first time constitutional amendment was undertaken, fiscal autonomy was granted to the states

legislature but they voted against themselves. Strange things happen here, there are things you should not throw to the dynamics of a democratic system. That is the problem I have with democracy sometimes.

The issue is that some people don’t want government to coordinate it?

But the truth of the matter is that constituted authority must be recognised by that conference, otherwise, it will not make sense.

Those of us in the legislature, we are also elected by Nigerians, you cannot therefore discard the mandate freely given to elected officials by constituents, unless you want to say that those constituents are not Nigerians, they are Nigerians.

The President was elected by Nigerians, so you cannot call for a conference discarding the entire mandate handed over freely by Nigerians to their elected officials.

That will be working against what even informed the decision to convoke the national conference, which is you want the views of Nigerians reflected.

So, what are the issues you think should be addressed at such a conference?

I have always argued that I do not know what the federal government is doing with agriculture; it should be on the concurrent list. Roads for instance, I do not see what the federal government is doing with internal roads in states. I think the federal government should restrict itself to inter state roads, rails and all that. I do not see what the federal government is doing with primary education because these are localized matters. I don’t even see what the federal government is doing with secondary education.

But the problem is that going through the constitution is always a difficult one. So, I am saying that the democratic institutions have their roles, the civil society and Nigerians generally also have their roles, but it is wrong to try to discard democratic institutions because they are also elected.

In a situation where a lot of people do not trust the government and are suspicious of the National Assembly, how will this thing work out?

Nigerians should learn to trust government because if we lose

faith in government and at the end of the day we want to operate in a situation where there is no government, that is anarchy. I believe people should continue to agitate to refine the problems with government so that we can get a better government. Take for example people continue to complain about the high cost of governance, yes, I say let us see how we can streamline the parastatals, to streamline the budget demands.

I agree that we have so many parastatals and let us try and streamline them. I also agree that some of the figures in the budget are frivolous. I also look at our government and I also feel that the issue of unicameral legislature must be examined. Do we really need to have a Senate different from the House of Representatives?

Because we are talking about cost of governance and if you are to achieve a lower cost of governance I believe that we will have to streamline a lot of things in the presidency and we should look at how we can address the legislature.

I stand to be controverted, I don’t think we need a bicameral legislature. But instead of addressing the issues, Nigerians shouted and quoted some bogus figures and say that is what the legislators earn and we look at the figures and some of us wonder whether it is the same legislature we all belong to.

How would you explain resurgence of militancy in recent times in the Niger Delta?

My belief is that a lot of people no matter how good the intention of government is, must have avenues to resuscitate things that are supposed to be behind us. The recent one has to do with the Henry Okah thing. I think it is a legal matter in South Africa . I don’t know if you can hold Nigeria responsible for what transpires in South Africa. I don’t know if the government here has any powers to stop South Africa in carrying out its own judicial duties. But I do know that there was an open agreement for militants to surrender their arms and embrace amnesty.

It lasted for a very long time and several opportunities were given.

So I do not know about this new one, but I am sure the security agencies are meeting them and discussing with them.

•From right: Deputy Governor Ekiti State, Mrs Funmi Olayinka and the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaiye at Iyin Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, during the deputy governor’s inspection of some on-going road projects in the state.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

NATURAL HEALTH

For women only… and kind-hearted men I

SHOULD be speaking to women somewhere. In Lagos to day. Last Thursday was Women’s Day. But my hosts, the International Transport Workers Federation, shifted its observance of this Day. The federation unites maritime, aviation, rail and road transport workers. I have no idea of what women do on a day such as this. But I guess there’ll be a lot to say on the challenges they face in a world they believe is dominated by men and how men diminish women. But I have the assurances of my hosts that health questions won’t be off the mark.

Three fresh questions refreshed my mind for today’s talk. One came last week from a reader near Calabar. Another was from Ibadan, the last from Lagos. In a town near Calabar I last visited in 1977 is a woman who had difficulty getting pregnant. Her prolactin level was high, she had Polycystic Ovaries (PCO) and her periods were irregular, sometimes ceasing for a while. Perhaps as a consequence of a high blood prolactin level, her nipples discharge fluid. But she experienced no pain whatsoever. The case from Ibadan was one of outright cervical cancer. The one in Lagos is a summary of what many women worldwide, especially in Nigeria, go through. Hypothyroidism or low thyroid function is one of the features of this case. Other features are in the large abdominal region, heavily padded hips and thighs, irregular and sometimes painful menstruation, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS has many presentations, which, as the period approaches, may include bloating, breast enlargement, soreness and pain, craving for sweets, irritability, and headaches, even migraines, and things like that. No doubt, women would like to ask questions about breast cancer, which has hit epidemic proportions in Nigeria. I grieve when women challenged with breast cancer lose the battle and rejoice at the news of progress, however marginal, such as the one coming from Akure, where the physical doggedly follows the Johanna Budwig diet therapy approach CALABAR Last week, I received the following text message from a happy woman who experimented with suggestions in this column, especially in respect of lifestyle charges and food supplements.

The message says: “Prolactin 19.6 ng/ml Reference range 1.2-19.5 I, m so grateful. This prolactin was 54 ng/ml after one bottle of PARLODEL and one bottle of CARBOGALINE. It reduced to 48.4 ng/ml.

That means the crash while on food supplements was from 48.4 to 19.6, one decimal point above the ceiling.

If I recall well, she was advised to check her tongue in a mirror for oral thrush, that whitish coating also called candida, a fungal infection which also presents as yeast infestation. The tongue should be as clean as a dog’s… pinkish red, not coated to form a dense, sometimes slimy coat. The heavier this paint like coat, the more serious the infection. It suggests that the candida may have overgrown its population and bounds in the intestines, and crossed into the bloodstream, from where it may infect the plasma and the lymph. At this stage, the organs may be affected.

In fact, many doctors now believe that injuries in organs on which candida, like virus and bacteria, preys become cancer sites. If candida settles in the injury sites of an ovary, ovarian cysts may develop and, if care is not well taken, advance to ovarian cancer. Injuries are common in the ovary. This organ contains many follides or sacs in which eggs grow and mature.

When during ovulation a cyst releases a mature egg, the follicle may suffer a tear as does the vagina sometime during a child birth. Blood from follicular injury may trickle down to the vagina before menstruation, or flow back into the follicle. A back flow may cause infection if the blood is not reabsorbed and the infection may develop into ovarian cyst Women who suffer from polycystic ovaries (PCOs), like our friend, need to know what in going on in their bodies Polycystic Ovaries (PCO) Previously considered a disease condition, PCO is now regarded as caused by hormonal imbalances. Apple- shaped women (high waist – to - hip ratio) are thought to be more at risk because of their excessive fat carriage. High fat levels lead to “insulin resistance”, the onset of a possible diabetes challenge, and high level of insulin circulating in the bloodstream leads the body to produce abnormal high level of androgens. Androgens are hormones found in men and women, but in high level in a woman’s blood-stream prevents egg her ovaries from producing eggs, suppresses the menstrual cycle or makes the periods come irregularly. As excessive production of androgens suppresses ovarian function, egg development in the ovary is impaired as well. The consequence is a possible existence of many infantile eggs known as cysts The polycystic ovary is an ovary with lots of them.

Treatment of PCO often extends beyond the ovary to the brain and the mind. In the brain, an endocrine gland, the hypothalamus, controls goings-on in the ovary with its hormones. The hypothalamus is affected by physical stress, high dietary sugar consumption and emotional stress from psychological pain. Such pains may include deeply felt regrets about being a woman and feelings of inferiority to men. It is thought that nature responds to these feelings through self-inflicted blockages in energy flow by seeking to remove the causes of deep seated annoyance… the female organs. Our emotions tell our bodies what to do, and they obey us.

In the case in reference, the therapy was divided into three 1. Elimination of possible candida and/or other microbial linkages with the condition 2. Revival of ovarian function and healing of any injuries sustained from the condition 3. Purging negative messages about sexuality and feminism from childhood, to safeguard gains of the healing.

do not cause it sometimes, while non-virulent ones which do not cause cervical cancer sometimes do, this unpredicatabity of which strain will strike the deadly blow has led researchers to conclude that the state of immune function is what actually matters. In one study, chronic stress and negative attitude about Sex decrease blood circulation to the cervix, suggesting a link between chronic stress and cervical cancer. Researchers already know that women who undergo organ transplants and have their immune systems suppressed to avoid rejection of these organs, especially by the drug PREDNISONE, develop cervical cancer.

ANY doctors know that when a woman’s mind is disturbed, her biochemistry runs riot. Menstruation may cease or become irregular, pregnancies may abort.

Sleeplessness and weight gain may occur. But what about the effects of emotional disturbance on immunity of the second chakra where the cervix resides. Many women hate the touch of their husbands, yet oblige than sexual intercourse without inwardly participating in the act. How often do we hear in Men’s Talks of women who just lay like logs of wood? Many women feel so guilty about their sexual past that they hate their sexuality or being woman. Dr. Christiana Northrup, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, reports in her WOMEN’S BODY, WOMEN’S WISDOM, many such cases. One was sexually abused by her father when she was a girl. Until she met Dr. Northrup one had severe vaginal and uterine problem. She hated her father and her body, and could not develop sustainable relationship with men, a cause of her multiple sexual partners which, again, she vehemently detested. Another woman was abused, also as a girl, by a woman who shared home with her parents. As a girl she didn’t know why this woman exercised inexplicable control over her mother and father. She learned, as an adult, this woman was a lesbian mate of her mother! Her life seemed dirty to her, and she hated the thought of sex and of sexual organs. Undoubtedly, she was fettered by chronic fear of sex and failed to nurture her sex organs. And since nurture leads to growth and flowering, while starvation or and disuse withering or atrophl, it wasn’t surprising that, with weakened immunity and lack of nurture, these organs withered in whatever diseases.

Therapy goals appear simplified from the foregoing as 1. Elimination of HPV 2. Boosting immune function 3. Improving blood circulation to the cervix 4. Apoptosis or self-murder by cancerous cells 5. Healing cancer damage to the cervix 6. Eliminating negative childhood messages about sexuality, sex and the female human body, to defuse long-buried emotional “bombs” or blockages in the energy flow.

Deconstructing negative image, or clearing of the emotional blockages of the energy river within, from which the blood circulatory system derives its energy would appear a difficult task for many women. One woman, who suffered from cervical cancer and was trying to deconstruct, told Dr. Northrup she could live with her condition but not with a man who held her hands in the morning and some other woman’s in the afternoon. Rather than quit a marriage in which both parties no longer expressed self-respect for each other, many women stay on because of the “golden handshake” or some other factors.

The golden handshake are material benefits she would miss, such as money and self-esteem, if she did. I raised some dust at a lecture last week when I said it was possible for a man and his wife to commit adultery if, inwardly, they were no longer man and wife. Marriage is a union of complementary Souls, and sexual intercourse a physical icing on the cake. That’s why people feel demeaned, abused, loatheful after sleeping with strangers. Prince Charles and Princess Diana had the most well attended wedding ceremony last century, and, so far this one.

But, soon, or even during the ceremony, they became strangers in bed and, honourably, separated, and searchered for new partners. If, inwardly, they swung well with their new spouses, what wrong did they commit? Charles and Diana thought they were married. Why we may we may say they weren’t decent in carrying on with new spouses without terminating their marriage, wasn’t the marriage terminated in their souls, or is marriage the ring we wear? In any case, who can hold back when genuine love bekons? Dr Northrup and fellow energy medicine physcians have found that women destroy themselves when they stay on in marriages in which they are not happy.

It’s like taking up a hated job. And that’s probably why a washed –up woman who may not have been pregnant in one marriage becomes radiant and pregnant in another. From this standpoint, most marriages are not “ made in heaven “and are more prison cages for the souls.

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Thus, supplements were suggested for the first phase, namely 1.

Amazon AF 2. Myco 3.

Bellaco Capsi 4.

Zinc 5. Vitamin C 6.

Kyolic HE premise was possible candida impairment of the ovary, and lowered immune function. While Amazon AF should deal with candida occurrence in the blood, Myco carries the battle into the plasma and lymph. Bellaco is more specific to the ovary. Vitamin C at between 3,000 and 6000 mg a day, along with Zinc, boosts immunity. In the second stage of the therapy, supplements such as about five supplements will be enlisted, namely Vitex, Maharani, Wheat Germ Oil Yarrow, and Amazon Menstrual Support. Vitex has been used for centuries to stimulate and normalize female hormones produced in the ovaries by normalismg, in particular, hypothalamus function. Maharani, a proprietary product from Asia, achieves the same objective, but through different pathways. Maria Treben, the great Austrian herbalist of blessed memory, prescribed Yarrow tea, along with Calamus root, for cancer and bleeding generally, and Yarrow sitz baths, for ovarian problems, cessation of menstruation, uterine fibroids, prolapse of the uterus, and abdominal support. Made from seven South American herbs, Bellaco Capsi is designed for “endometriosis, menorrhagia, metrorhagia, amenorrhea ( absence of menstruate), water retenstim and PMS”. Researchers say it was once used to avert threatened abortion BELLACO CAPSI is spoken well for cancer of the cervix, uterus and ovaries, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and other uterine disorders. In 2001, researchers in the United States found that the bark of Bellaco Capsi tree was “cytotoxic” in the test tube to five types of cancer ... breast, colon, prostate, lung and lymphoma. In 2003, says a report, Bellaco Capsi “passed a brine shrimp assay which predicts antitumour activity ... and was shown to be active in vitro against malignant ascites at less than 20 mcg per ml.”

There is also a place for Vitamin E, essential fatly acids (EFAs), that is Omega 3,6 and 9, but more of Omega 3 to start with, which is why Flax Seed Oil is often preferred. In settled situations, two of the most well-balanced oils, UDO’s OIL and ULTIMATE OIL, come in handy. In place of Vitamin E, WHEAT GERM OIL is a good option. It has lots of Vitamin B complex, lots of Vitamin E and, of course, OCTASONOL, an ovary-friendly food fraction.

The list of helpful supplements is endless.

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Cervical cancer The cervix is the bridge which links the vagina with the uterus.

Women who attend cervical cancer clinics are told of many possible causes of this condition which, from the standpoint of energy medicine, make these women feel guilty about how they lived their lives and further plunged them downhill. Doctors should have not further led them down the gorge, but found and taught explanations for these possible causes which may heal emotional injuries beneath the cancer, as a foundation therapy for healing the physical cancer itself. For example, from the work of energy medical doctors abroad, many women with vaginal, cervical, uterine and ovarian problems. find themselves in relationships with spouses that they cannot control and which give them emotional pain. Some of the current beliefs of mainstream medicine about origin so of cervical cancer are 1. Premature sexual intercourse ... even among Nigerian illiterate population, it is be believed that the sperm is loxic and that only a mature feminine vault can stand its hurt. Thus, if a woman has sex before her body has matured well enough to withstand the “heat”, she stands the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life.

2. Multiple sexual partner ... even when a woman’s body has matured to “ take on” a man, she should have no more than one sexual partner. It is assumed that the cervix is intelligent and has recognised the consistency of the sperm it first encountered. Of course, multiple sexual partners will mean the cervix getting bombarded with sperm of different consistencies. In the lighter mood, this may be comparable to one goal keeper on the football pitch to who has protect the goal against many free kicks or penalty kicks taken at the same time.

3. Human papiloma virus (HPV) infection… some women have been exposed to HPV-infected men, such women may develop vaginal warts, cervical dysplasia (abnormal cervical cell,” or cervical cancer. PHV genes have been found in pap smears and cervical cancer.

But it isn’t all HPV exposure which ends in cervical displays or cancer. Because virulent HPV strains which cause cervical cancer

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

Breast cancer I wish to make only a brief comment on the Dr Johnna budwig diet which a physician in Akure adopts against breast cancer. After 30 years of research, Dr. Budwig concluded that lopsided imbalance between Omega 3 fatty acid and Omega 6 is the cause of many health problems, including cancer. To her, the solution to cancer was large scale Omega-3 intake. Omega 3 and Omega 6 should be in a one-to-one ratio, she says, but the modern diet provides one-or zero to 20 or 30, yet the fatty acids in Omega 3 are required by the body to extract oxygen from the blood plasma, which extracts it from the hemoglobin of the red cells, for delivery to the cells through the lymph. Oxygen enlivens healthly cells and kills weak, cancer cells. The Budwig cancer healing diet is “two-thirds cup of organic cottage cheese with six tablespoons of organic flax seed oil.” Organic, sugar free Yoghurt may be used as a substitute for cottage cheese, but in this case the amount of yoghurt is trebled.

Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

e-Business Operators caution govt on sale of NITEL

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RESIDENT of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr Titi Omo-Ettu has warned the Federal Government not to overlook the First National Operator (FNO) licence the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) holds in the execution of the ‘guided liquidation’ option of the Telco and its mobile arm, MTEL. Analysts say ‘guided liquidation’ means the company’s assets would be sold and used to service debts, while whatever is left would be allocated to shareholders.

According to Omo-Ettu, the FNO licence, is still very valuable and should not be ignored. In 2009, he estimated the licence to be worth $2.2billion; advising the Federal Government to wind up the entity, retrieve the licence

Stories by Adline Atili and auction it, but at a price that would not be at the country’s loss.

At a press conference to deliberate on the NITEL debacle, he said: “The First National Operator licence that NITEL holds should be auctioned while NITEL as a business concern should be wound up to save the country the embarrassment of a consistently-failing process.

“What I see as the retained value in NITEL all along had been the worth of the FNO license whose estimation is actually a rigorous evaluation process but which we did and found to be $2.2billion. I went into the exercise of valuating the license and came up with a figure that would guide us in knowing what the country stood to gain, or lose, if such estimation was required to guide a decision.”

He noted that the first operator licence NITEL possessed was different from the second national licence or any other licence in the country.

NITEL's licence, he stressed, has a national fibre backbone that is second to none.

He, however, said the value had depreciated since then with the coming of Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operators, which grabbed some of NITEL’s market share.

He said though the decision to resolve the NITEL/MTEL flop came three years late, it was commendable that the government is taking a decisive step towards a lasting solution.

He said: “I will advise whoever is implementing the guided liquidation that the company they are liquidating is still in custody of our First National Operator licence.”

Firm to tackle dearth of technology experts, unemployment

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N a bid to tackle dearth of technology experts in the country, as well as provide employment for youths, the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), has empowered 23 youths with technological skills, necessary for economic development.

NBC, the franchise bottler of CocaCola products in Nigeria, formally presented the graduates from its Technical Training Centre (TTC) at a ceremony in Lagos .

Speaking at the event, Managing Director of NBC, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, said the centre was established to address dearth of competent technology experts in the country, as well as respond to rapidly changing trends in technology globally.

According to him, the training centre has produced multi-skilled technicians who meet and sustain production targets efficiently and effectively in their various endeavours. He stressed that existing technical staff members also benefit from the

scheme through routine training and re-skilling sessions.

Speaking on mode of selection of participants, he said: “After going through a highly-competitive screening exercise, candidates with basic qualifications of National Technical Certificate or National Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, who are not more than 25 years old, are admitted for the two-year intensive Technical Training Certificate Programme. Over time, we have admitted over 400 school leavers and graduated about 418. Ninety per cent of them are gainfully employed by the NBC. “Participants are trained in ElectroMechanical and Equipment Maintenance; successful trainees are awarded the NBC Certificate in Basic Engineering Practices and Operations and Maintenance of Engineering Equipment. The centre also prepares and registers trainees for certified external examinations.”

Samsung launches dual-SIM smartphones

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• From left: Winner in the Glo N1Billion SIM registration promo, Faisa Yusuf receiving her cheque of N1million from Globacom ambassadors, Desmond Elliot and Funke Akindele at a presentation ceremony in Lagos.

Zoom Mobile re-enters telecoms market

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OOM Mobile , one of the nation’s Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators, has announced a comeback into Nigeria ’s telecommunications market with primary focus on data services.

Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Edwin Momife, disclosed this in Lagos at the re-launch of the brand.

He said in the telecommunications business, the voice business had become saturated, affecting revenue of operators and making data services next growth opportunity for Telcos.

He said by 2016, there will be over 80million Internet connections in Nigeria, affirming that Zoom Mobile was poised to play a leading role in the nation’s Internet revolution.

With network coverage over 17 states in the country and over 124 base stations in Lagos alone, Zoom Mobile had been off the telecoms scene for some time because “they did not pay attention to the fundamentals when it succeeded at first.

So when problems came in the CDMA space, it hit Zoom the hardest,” the CEO said.

He said: “We have, nevertheless, fixed the company and in six or seven months, we’ll start playing aggressively in the telecoms space.

A lot of people expected that by now, there’ll be no Zoom Mobile.

But we are up and ready for quality data services provisioning.

“We have the coverage, the solid network infrastructure and strong team to deliver on this promise. Our network in Lagos is already up and running and has good service. The Abuja network would be running from September 2012, while Port Harcourt and southsouth would be from June 2012.”

While restating the company’s commitment to providing quality and unrivalled Internet services to subscribers, he announced that the Telco has signed managed services deal with Huawei Technologies, MainOne Cable Company for bandwidth capacity and a number of Original Equipment Manufacturers to supply devices that would leverage the company’s data services.

He added: “In affirmation of our commitment to quality services, we have moved away from the SAT-3 cable and signed a contract with MainOne Cable Company for ample bandwidth capacity. We are also

partnering Original Equipment Manufacturers and wireless providers to bring in affordable smartphones that even the ‘common’ man can afford.

“Smartphones, very soon, will get in the hands of ‘maiguards’; it will not be the exclusive preserve of the rich forever. To this end, we have commenced procurement of smart devices that will serve as suitable alternatives to high end devices such as iPads, Androids, BlackBerrys and netbooks. We have Zoompads, Zoom PCs, ZoomBerrys and dongles, all with bundled data plans.” he he he he These devices will appeal to large demographics,” he said.

Experts advocate secure financial environment for cash-less policy

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S the nation moves towards extensive implementation of the ‘cash-less’ policy, experts are pushing for a secure financial environment, devoid of external and internal threats, risks from application flaws and configuration changes, among other failings.

They argued that recurring breaches in financial transactions as well as down time in service provisioning can cost an organisation millions in lost revenue, besides eroding confidence in the payment system.

This position was corroborated by Mr Rasaq Hanafi, the Product Manager for ArcSight SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) at Resourcery PLC, a systems integration company.

According to Hanafi, globally, organisations lose $114million yearly to financial fraud.

Hanafi, who was speaking at a media briefing in Lagos , ahead of a customer interaction forum on se-

curity intelligence, noted that organisations and government agencies’ networks in the country are exposed to threats daily. According to him, there is need for proactive measures to guard against these threats.

To this end, the company has introduced the HP ArcSight security solution to enable organisations monitor and ward off threats.

Hanafi explained that the platform was introduced in Nigeria to help organisations safeguard their businesses by giving complete visibility into activities across the Information Technology infrastructure.

“With the ArcSight SIEM platform, organisations in the country would easily see critical security reports that display suspicious activity and violations culled from hundreds of thousands of security information events on their servers.

It is a powerful compliance solution and counter-measure to the growing threat from cybercrime,” he said.

AMSUNG Electronics West Africa, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Company, has introduced the latest additions to its Galaxy smartphone series, the Samsung Galaxy Y Pro and Samsung Galaxy Y Duos dualSIM smartphones in Nigeria.

According to the company, the phones maximise communication flexibility as well as allow simultaneous data connections on the same mobile device.

To provide true smartphone capabilities and ensure consumers enjoy better performance and work on the go, the devices come with the Samsung Social Hub solution that allows set up of multiple email accounts, Samsung Apps stores for free mobile applications and Samsung ChatOn instant messaging solution. To ensure true security of device and

information, both devices come with the pCloud service, that allows consumers track and manage their lost or stolen device over the Internet.

Managing Director of the company, Mr Idorenyen Enang, explained that both devices run on the Android Operating System (OS) which includes the full range of services from Google mobile such as Gmail, Google Map, Google search, Android Market, YouTube, Google Latitude and Places. Other communications solutions include Yahoo, Twitter, Skype and Facebook.

He said: “The phones are Samsung’s first dual-SIM smartphones and are powered by Android. The devices are tailored for emerging professionals striving to keep work and social life in tandem.”

Globacom rewards more winners

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IGHT more subscribers who emerged winners in the Glo N1billion SIM registration promo have been presented cheques of N1million each.

One of the winners, Rosemary Chibuzor, according to a statement said winning N1million in the promo was like “a joke turned reality, especially as her parents did not believe that it could be true that she won money for just registering her SIM card.”

Another winner, Ore Rukayat, a student at the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin , Kwara State , said she thought

it was fraudsters who called to inform her she had won N1million in the SIM registration promo.

“I am so happy now that they have proved me wrong and I have been given the cheque. I want to thank Glo for being transparent and magnanimous,” she said.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Lagos , Globacom’s Head of Corporate Sales, Kamal Shonibare, said the promo was in furtherance of Glo’s commitment to subscribers who register their SIM cards and to thank them for their loyalty.

HP restates commitment to business efficiency

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ECHNOLOGY company, Hewlett Packard Nigeria (HP), has restated its commitment to solutions and services that help customers reduce costs, improve business efficiency, as well as increase collaboration with partners and suppliers.

At its ‘Passion for Products’ workshop in Lagos, the company demonstrated to customers how its products such as the tablets and computers, drive better business outcome across the entire retail ecosystem.

The company’s Marketing Manager, Adimogo Isiakpona, while explaining how the HP tablet drives efficiency of business and personal operations, said: “HP tablets allow users to exploit a stylus with the touch screen. The tablets open just like an HP laptop, and the screen can swivel and lay flat on the keyboard, allowing a user to write, draw and otherwise interact with the tablet via the touch screen.

These computers are especially

useful for artists and others who want more specific control over computer functions and graphics.”

Some of the HP computers on display at the workshop included the HP Compaq 82000elite AiO which comprises a sleek, space saving design; HP TouchSmart Elite 7320 business PC, which according to Isiakpona, had been redesigned to meet the discerning style requirements of customers, with added performance, expandability, speed and power; HP Pro 3420; HP TouchSmart 520 and HP TouchSmart 610.

Isiakpona said the computers come pre-loaded with numerous programmes designed to make the use of the desktop or laptop easier. According to him, they run on programmes that allow users to maintain and organise the hard drive, manage personal files and automatically evaluate the health of the computer, adding that they could be used as entertainment centres as well as desktops.

See page 50 for more on e-Business

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Nigeria pitches for investment at Mobile World Congress

- By Okoh Aihe

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he excitement around La Fira in Barcelona gives away the Mobile World Congress as mere exhibition where operators, manufacturers, equipment vendors and innovators among others go to display their wares and inventions.

This is a small truth. The real business takes place in those executive lounges, receptions, company presentations and in the main, the various Ministerial Programmes where operators and governments sit with each other to hit home some home truths.

Apart from the undying issues of multiple taxation by governments and sharp practices by operators to avoid even legitimate taxation, both parties really know they need each other and they try to pitch for businesses. It is the same issues in Spain, as in Brazil or Nigeria and even the United States.

Governments, States or Municipal Councils want more money, and they look up to a sector where business is good!

Prompting the ITU Secretary General, Dr Hamadoun Toure to caution governments against milking the sector to death even as he hailed others (Governments) who have committed to following best-practice ICT regulation by reducing or even eliminating some sectorspecific taxes. ITU would like to see all governments follow their lead, he said.

Like they say investments go to where they are most needed. It is the determination of a country to create priorities – more taxes or more investments. No matter the level of development countries across the world are ever in search of new investments in their domain. Those who want more investments would usually pave a path more conciliatory.

Nigeria was in the forefront of the league of countries looking for new investments and opportunities in Barcelona. The Minister of

Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, who spoke at high profile sessions informed the international community of the commitment of the present administration to leverage on ICT infrastructure for economic and social development in Nigeria.

Explaining that the ministry was intervening and working on a number of initiatives that would reduce the digital divide within the country and ensure that no Nigerian was excluded from ICTs, irrespective of geographical location gender or income levels, Mrs. Johnson admitted at Alcatel-Lucent roundtable discussion that what keeps her awake at night is how Nigerians can have unhindered access to internet and mobile broadband.

Waving a globally acknowledged robust telecoms market and a regulatory regime that has been hailed by the ITU as a model in the continent, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah, in his various meetings harped on Nigeria’s readiness for more investments, explaining that the atmosphere is comparable to pre-GSM era in terms of possibilities and returns.

There is so much said about the country’s telecoms market.

Competition is stiff.

Subscription number is nearing the hundred million mark and rate of uptake remains high. Yet there is noticeable lack of capacity leading to congestion in the networks, a situation that is also creating its opportunities and possibilities.

Dr Juwah was motivated by these opportunities and possibilities to canvass Nigeria as destination for telecommunications investment. At separate meetings with Huawei and ZTE, Dr Juwah stressed the need for Chinese companies to make more

* At the Mobile World Congress: From left: Honourable Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson; Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Eugene Juwah and Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund, Alhaji Abdullahi Maikano.

“The pace of growth in the telecommunications sector and a large population exceeding 155m people are two major factors that have helped position Nigeria as one of the most attractive markets in the Africa & Middle East (AME) region. meaningful investment instead of just selling their equipment and solutions.

Speaking to ZTE top officials, including Chairman of the Nigerian arm, Mr. Musa Bello, Executive Vice President, Mr. Wang and Bryan, Managing Director, Dr. Juwah said: “NCC is creating a broadband infrastructure sector in Nigeria’s telecoms industry and we want Chinese companies to take up licenses as operators.

“The problem I have is that Chinese companies only want to sell their products and solutions in Nigeria, which does not properly entrench them in the system.

“Today we are introducing a different business model where you will have incentives that would ensure adequate returns on investment for those who are interested in real investment in the sector,” he submitted.

The same call went to Alcatel-Lucent where Dr.

Juwah encouraged company officials to use their global knowledge of the industry to partake in Nigeria’s broadband vision targeted at opening up a seemingly untapped market capable of yielding more results than GSM. The Mobile World Congress is holding at a time, Pyramid Research

* ITU Secretary General, Dr Hamadoun Toure and Dr Eugene Juwah, EVC, NCC.

* From: Johnson Agogbua, Vice President, Alcatel-Lucent; unidenfied official of AlcatelLucent; Dr Eugene Juwah, EVC, NCC; and Gabrielle Gauthey, Executive Vce President, AlcatelLucent.

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* Dr Eugene Juwah, EVC, NCC (centre); Mrs Lolia Emakpore, Director, Policy Competition and Economic Analysis (left); and Vishesh Gupta, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, VNL.

* From left: Alhaji Abdullahi Maikano , Secretary, USPF; Mrs Nnena Ukoha, NCC; Mr Prince Osuagwu, Vanguard Media; Dr Eugene Juwah, EVC, NCC; Mr Steve Evans, COO, Etisalat Nigeria; Mrs Neta Nwosu, The Sun; Mr Ben Uzor, Businessday; and Mrs Chinelo Ofomata, USPF.

* Dr Eugene Juwah, EVC, at Accenture; Usen Udoh, Senior Director, Management Consulting, Accenture to his left, and Alhaji Abdullahi Maikano, USPF.

* From right: Messrs Tony Ojobo, Director, Public Affairs; Depak Srivastava, COO, Airtel, Nigeria; Hono. Oyetunde Ojo, Chairman, House Committee on Communications; and unidentified Airtel official.

has come out with a new study on Nigeria, making it all green for the telecommunications sector. Titled, Nigeria: New Ministry, Infrastructure Investments and ICT Policies Boost Market, the report under a subhead, Nigeria in a regional context, noted as follows: “The pace of growth in the telecommunications sector and a large population exceeding 155m people are two major factors that have helped position Nigeria as one of the most attractive markets in the Africa & region. At total market revenue CAGR of 4.7% projected for the period between 2011-2016, Nigeria will outperform its competitors in the region when it comes to growth potential.

“Nigeria remains the largest mobile market in the AME, with an estimated 94.3m subscriptions at year-end 2011. Like its regional counterpart Kenya, Nigeria has experienced intense price wars during the past year in the mobile sector as a result of six operator groups vying for market share and new customers. We expect this

trend to continue as Nigerian-owned Glo Mobile moves to challenge market leader MTN Nigeria.”

The report also sees broadband, infrastructure deployment and serious push by operators to reach rural areas as contributing factors that will further empower the Nigerian market in the years ahead.

However, for Dr Juwah, the direction is very clear and the message concise. Broadband is the direction to go. Apart from the plans of the Ministry of Communication Technology and the NCC, he challenged the international community to take significant advantage of the gap in fixed line infrastructure to further expand the broadband market.

According to him: “The majority of broadband we have now is through mobile networks. We have very little practical broadband on fixed networks. We cannot make appreciable progress in broadband without first of all treating our fixed line broadband infrastructure. Actually the reason why mobile broadband in Nigeria is

not working too well is because there is no fixed broadband infrastructure.

There is no in-land fibre to backhaul all this capacity back to their various switches.”

Dr Juwah assured that “my administration is really focussed on developing broadband for employment creation. I am strongly looking at this issue from a policy and implementation standpoint. We are also looking at killer applications for broadband. Essentially the development of applications and the building of infrastructure must go hand in hand in Nigeria.”

The meeting with VNL of India was also quite interesting. In trying to solve the power challenge in that country, VNL developed solar power to power base stations and other telecom facilities.

Quite fortuitously power also remains a major challenge to network operators in Nigeria.

The meeting with chairman of the company, Mr Rajiv Mehrotra and Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Vishesh Gupta, focussed on the possibility of VNL extending such technology

* From left: Mr. Musa Bello, Chairman, ZTE, Nigeria; Dr Eugene Juwah, EVC, NCC; Executive Vice President, ZTE, Mr Wang; Dr Baba Jibrin Adamu, Snr Special Assistant, Office of the Vice President; and Mr Wang, Managing Director, ZTE.

to operators in Nigeria to help in powering their facilities especially in the rural areas. An excited Gupta would later tell the Commission that “we are very keen to promote our solar powered GSM solution in Nigeria. We very strongly feel this will help the operators and benefit the people and country at large as it solves the power problem.”

Apart from getting new regulations lately and acquiring new facilities for monitoring, quality of service (QOS) still remained uppermost in Dr

Juwah’s mind as he had meetings with many organisations in search of new ideas and best practices in different parts of the world. One of such organisations was Accenture whose officials led by Mr Usen Udoh, Senior Director, Management Consulting, took Dr Juwah and his team through a tool for network planning and monitoring for regulators and operators developed

by Accenture Innovation Centre for developing economies.

The Mobile World Congress is a fertile ground

for innovations. Countries do not only go there to drink from that rich pool but they also do so in order to fire their growth and development with such new ideas. Doing the rounds in La Fira is no picnic but for Dr Juwah, the pains and long walks are usually well compensated for by fresh contacts and very rewarding ideas.

Mr Okoh Aihe works with the Nigerian Communications Commission, Abuja.

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Convergence and future of banking

Matters e-Rising Segun Oruame segun@segunoruame.com

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TN and Western Union not too long ago, formed an alliance bound to, and perhaps, ignite the biggest international mobile remittance services or mobile money transfer on the continent. The alliance is as significant for the financial/banking industry as it is for the telecoms sector in what would strengthen the argument for convergence and the erasing of traditional technology with regulatory boundaries.

The alliance also widens the vista for knowledge on the implication of the rise and rise of mega-Telcos. MTN with its home office or headquarters in South Africa is a Middle East and African operator making it a mega Telco with subscribers in about 21 countries. This is significant if you begin to see subscribers of mega-Telcos as citizens of the new universal or globalised countries. Virtually all the networks in the big league of Nigeria’s mobile phone market including Airtel, Etisalat, Globacom and MTN have a combined subscribers’ base in excess of 90 million.

Apart from Globacom which presence is still chiefly African; all the other three have operations within and outside the continent.

But it is the convergence part of the MTN/ Western Union alliance and its exciting possibilities that is important here from a technology perspective. What MTN and Western Union have demonstrated is that banking or money transfer no longer needs be within the confines of banking halls or within the exclusive ambit of what are traditionally financial/banking houses. That same gambit is already playing out itself in the new competitive frontier of mobile money where banks, technology solutions companies and Telcos, fully armed with mobile money licences from the Central Bank

of Nigeria (CBN), the country’s financial regulator, are inking partnerships to take services to millions of peoples via their mobile phones.

Convergence is making Telcos to be financial houses and with the number of subscribers pulsating on their networks, they may become the new hub of financial activities.

That has dire implications. When Telcos become financial hubs, banks will have to reinvent themselves. Regulation will do little to stop the trend. It may slow down deployment and uptake. But because it is a technology thing, ultimately regulation will collapse in the face of technology reality and people will go for services that serve them best. As for network operators, they will, of necessity, build and mobile money subscribers will come.

That scenario is already afield. MTN, Airtel and Globacom have inked partnerships with banks to deliver mobile money services in a way that should see more banking transactions originating and terminating within the window of mobile phones. The trend should bring in outstanding rewards for the CBN’s goals of a ‘cash-lite Nigeria’ with little cash in circulation for transactions and the extension of more greater level of banking services to more Nigerians – the unbanked population.

Nigeria’s untapped mobile money market is valued at some $25billion and should become the continent’s biggest mobile money market in its full steam. The factors expected to push growth include the wide unmet gaps for banking and the convenience that mobile money transfer technology brings to users in a form of branchless banking. They are the same reasons why the innovative M-Pesa became so popular in Kenya and recorded outstanding success beyond the ex-

pectation of Safaricom and regulatory authorities who didn’t see it coming. M-Pesa was first introduced in March 2007. By mid quarter of 2010, the application had over ‘2.3 million registered users with over 18billion (about $230million) Kenyan Shilling (Ksh) moved through the system, via person-to-person transfers.’

By World Bank’s estimate, Nigeria receives over $10billion in remittances every year while Uganda receives nearly $500million, making up three per cent of the country's GDP. Both markets are key to MTN operations. In Nigeria alone, MTN has nearly 30million subscribers meaning that a launch of its MTN MobileMoney service in Nigeria would definitely impact massively on Nigeria’s financial scene. For regulators, there is still no clear-cut approach to addressing the challenge and there is still no defined predictability as to what level of changes could occur with adoption of MobileMoney in a big mobile market such as Nigeria where $10billion enters the system yearly from overseas.

Regulators and mobile money In itself, the MTN alliance with Western Union poses a new level of challenge to regulators here.

The service allows users to “receive Western Union Money Transfer transactions in their mobile accounts while, MobileMoney users in certain countries will be able to send Western Union Money Transfer transactions directly from their mobile phones for payout at one of Western Union’s 386,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories around the world.”

“An MTN subscriber who receives a Western Union Money Transfer transaction in his MobileMoney account will be able to use the funds to pay bills, top-up airtime, send money

Nigeria to play prime role in global technology development

See page 47 for more on e-Business

HE recent global financial crisis has further accelerated the shift in global economic power to the emerging economies of sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria. The region is touted to be among the promising economies in the next few decades, particularly in technology, helped by improved investment as well as regulatory environment reminiscent of the BRICS countries, Chief Executive Officer of the Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), Mr Austin Okere, has said.

BRICS refers to the countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, a group of leading emerging economies.

Okere, while delivering a keynote address on the evolution of CWG, a technology solutions firm in Nigeria, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Legatum

T

Stories by Adline Atili Centre for Development and Entrepreneurship in US, noted that the economic opportunities presented by Nigeria which is targeted to surpass the South African economy by 2025, were sorely missed by global investors.

According to him, at the height of the recent global economic downturn, business growth stalled around the world, “but a group of companies grew at an annual rate of almost 30 per cent from 2006 to 2009, far outpacing their global competitors, including Standard & Poor’s 500 biggest American firms.

“These companies are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. They are the Multinational Corporations (MNCs) of sub-Saharan Africa.

“While the emphasis on the BRICS countries by global investors is justi-

fied, it cannot be gainsaid the immense opportunities offered by the sub-Saharan emerging economies. In the past decade, about nine multinational companies have emanated from East Africa and 21 from West Africa, 14 of them from Nigeria.

“This is not at all surprising, considering that Nigeria’s population constitutes almost half of that of West Africa, is the second largest economy, after South Africa, with a much higher GDP growth rate of 7.2 per cent compared to South Africa’s about 4.2 per cent, and targeted to surpass the South African economy by 2025.”

He said the companies, which include Dangote Group, Ecobank, Computer Warehouse Group, have seen dramatic growth in the past several years; expanding across the region, and thriving in markets that global multinationals may have considered unprofitable, complex and dangerous.

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domestically and internationally, or withdraw cash at MobileMoney agents or any participating ATM.”

Banks and convergence trail in mobile money In several jurisdictions, phone operators are legally bound to operate mobile money services in partnership with banks. But as convergence evolves, market dynamics is likely to make dependence on banks less strategic. This is where regulators can get involves. They must begin to peep into the future and see the likely consequences of convergence and growth on mobile money transfer. Technology cannot be stopped. Regulation will definitely not stop mobile money banking. It can only provide barriers which will steadily be erased as the market gets more sophisticated.

What is critical is that banks must wake up to the reality of convergence. Like regulators they must be prepared for change. They must be willing to reinvent themselves outside of the conservative mien of 19th and 20th century banking. Banks must see convergence coming and strive to grab the opportunities. If telcos are foraging into banking, it is because they have seen the future and the future is convergence. And banks must not wait. They have to forage outside their traditional territories and get cracking with the drivers of the new age: the age of information technology and the eternal season of convergence. The good news is that several banks are already licensed to deliver mobile money and in addition, they are inking partnerships with telcos to deliver mobile money services in a way that points to the future of banking in the age of convergence.

ECO Systems, a technology solutions firm, has been named Cisco TelePresence Authorised Technology Provider (ATP), having fulfilled the training requirements and programme prerequisites to sell, deploy and support Cisco TelePresence video products and solutions.

In a statement, the Cisco TelePresence ATP programme is focused on providing a new way of working, in which everyone everywhere can be more productive through face-to-face collaboration with TelePresence video solutions. This achievement enables Weco Systems market Cisco TelePresence video endpoints, offer targeted infrastructure solutions and offer services to customers based on its breadth of unique audiovisual integration skills.

Director, Infrastructure Solutions at Weco Systems, Mr Obinna Ekwonwa, said: “Video is the next big thing, redefining how businesses connect, communicate and collaborate. Providing this service requires the right architec-

Weco becomes Cisco technology partner ture and appropriate professional expertise; that is what this certification is about, aligning with our vision as a systems integrator to lead with architecture and professional services for the benefit of our customers.”

Senior Director, Collaboration Channels at Cisco, Richard McLeod, said: “The Cisco ATP programme is designed to enable partners take advantage of the tremendous market opportunities ahead in the overall collaboration market. As a Cisco TelePresence ATP partner, Weco Systems has made an investment in the sales, technical and life cycle services capabilities to deliver the industry’s most comprehensive and interoperable Cisco TelePresence Video portfolio.”

‘Mobile security incidents cost organisations $500,000 yearly’

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OBILE security incidents, such as lost smartphones and iPads cost organisations around the world an average of $500,000 a year as a result of direct financial expenses, loss of data and brand damage, according to a new study by security firm, Symantec Corporation.

Once shunned in the Information Technology business, smartphones are now being used by hundreds of millions of employees throughout the world to access corporate information to keep up-to-date in commerce and relationship.

Lost revenue and loss of customer trust accounted for the largest losses incurred by firms as a result their mobility strategies, Symantec reported. The figures were released as part of Symantec's State of Mobility Survey 2012 and found that, despite recognising the risks they may be exposing themselves to, firms are making major shifts towards introducing mobile devices into their enterprises.

Aware of the potential dangers mobility can pose to organisations through smartphones and tablets, in terms of losing devices, data and malware infection, Symantec has announced it is advancing its enterprise mobility strategy across Android, iOS and Windows Phone 7 platforms with new Mobile Device Management (MDM) capabilities and mobile threat protection for both companyowned devices and personally-owned mobile phones and tablets.

The expanded strategy, according to Symantec, addresses enterprises’ concerns by applying corporate security policies uniformly on all mobile devices, endpoints and applications.

The company’s Senior Vice President, Endpoint and Mobility Group, Chirantan Desai said: “Our recent State of Mobility Survey highlighted that 59 per cent of enterprises are making line-ofbusiness applications accessible from mobile devices, representing a dramatic shift in the nature of mobility from an email extension to a core business enabler.”

• •From left::Chief Sales Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Inusa Bello; Chief Executive Officer, Rajan Swaroop and Director, Corporate Communications, Emeka Oparah, at the launch of Airtel 3.75G service in Lagos.

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 14-3-12

Stock market turns red as NASS grills regulators

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HE Nigerian stock market relapsed into the negative yesterday amidst questions over the propriety and adequacy of regulatory decisions before and after the stock market meltdown.

The House of Representatives’ Committee on Capital Market yesterday entered the second day of its public hearing to identify the manifest causes of the market meltdown and find lasting solutions to the capital market crisis. The hearing continues today.

Key value-based indices at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), which have been on the upward swing since Monday, tumbled yesterday, as about 74 per cent of stocks that had price changes ended with losses.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted companies dropped by N50 billion to N6.650 trillion as against its opening value of N6.700 trillion. The benchmark index at the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI), also slipped by 0.75 per cent from 21,227.98 points to 21,072.93 points.

The atmosphere at the public hearing was charged as the chairman and members of committee grilled the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh, and other top management officials of the apex capital market regulators.

The National Assembly questioned the engagement of two

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

members of staff of Access Bank Plc to act in senior management roles at SEC, wondering how impartial SEC would be in deciding issues that relate to Access Bank, a quoted bank under the purview of SEC. Also, the committee was intimated about how certain top officials of SEC allegedly bypassed the due process to recruit some staff in spite of warnings by the commission’s legal and enforcement department that such recruitment was illegal.

Besides, the committee questioned the role of SEC in the area of investors’ protection, especially with regard to the nationalisation of three quoted banks and resolution of some other cases. The committee has directed Ms Oteh to forward all her credentials to the committee to ascertain her competence for the position of chief executive of the apex capital market regulator, in spite of earlier clearance by the National Assembly for the job.

However, Ms Oteh, said she has worked since assumption of office at SEC within the ambit of the relevant laws and rules of the capital market.

She enumerated several actions taken by the commission to restore investor’ confidence.

She said the commission has gone out of its scheduled, to engage companies which sold pri-

vate placements to seek ways of hastening their listing so as to ensure that investors who bought into such shares were given opportunity to trade on the secondary market.

She called for fairness in the quest to find solutions to the meltdown at the market.

In his presentation, the chief executive of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar Onyema, said the stock market lost approximately N1.4 trillion in market capitalization in 2011.

He expressed optimism that as the NSE reforms continue, the market would be well on its way to recovering its vibrancy by the end of this year.

President of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mike Itegboje, called for government intervention to stem the downward fluctuation and stabilise the market noting that such intervention would preserve the market while also benefitting government in the long run.

He emphasised the need to resolve the debt overhang militating against stockbrokers’ liquidity in order to restore domestic liquidity to the market.

Meanwhile, Nestle Nigeria led the losers yesterday with a loss of N24.33 to close at N462.37. Guinness Nigeria lost N4.56 to close at N225 while Ashaka Cement and Unilever Nigeria dropped by 40 kobo each to close at N10.10 and N29.

Julius Berger Nigeria led the few gainers with a gain of N1.37 to close at N28.84. Okomu Oil Palm followed with a gain of N1.04 to close at N21.96.

Oando gathered 49 kobo to close at N23 while UACN Property Development Company rose by 45 kobo to close at N10.90.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 14-3-12

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MONEY LINK

Rice, wheat imports cost Nigeria N1.7t yearly

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IGERIA spends about N1.7 trillion annually on rice and wheat imports, the Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited, Bismarck Rewane has said.

He stated in the FDC Economic Monthly report, that Nigeria continues to import subsidized rice of about three million metric tonnes valued at N468 billion and over N600 billion of wheat to the detriment of its domestic agriculture, farmers, and food security strategy.

He said government’s policy of

Stories by Collins Nweze

increasing tariffs on rice and wheat may seem protectionist but the government has limited options in the short-run to correct the current anomaly. However, it would assist government generate savings and increase its revenues from domestic taxes, he added.

Rewane, explained that the downside of these policy actions is the risk of increased smuggling activities as the demand outstrips supply in the short-run. But critics argued

mestic production continues to grow, accounting for about 60 per cent of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) output.

The Federal Government has announced an increase in both levy and duty on wheat and rice, effective from July 1st, 2012. The government imposed a 100 per cent import duty on wheat flour; 20 per cent on wheat grain, 30 per cent on husked brown rice and 50 per cent on polished rice.

The rationale behind this policy move is to expand domestic produc-

that productivity and growth rates of industrialized economies have been halved during the years of liberalized global commerce, compared with the period when trade was more regulated.

He said although the agriculture sector employs more people than any other sector in Nigeria and contributes 42 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product, it has remained largely subsistence based, adding that Nigeria is ranked 11th in the world in terms of arable land based on our fertilizer use, even as its do-

IsDB commits $470m in Nigeria

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From Nduka Chiejina Asistant Editor

HE Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), has made a total commitment of over $470 million in Nigeria.

Presidnt of the bank, Dr. Mohammed Ali who made the disclosure while briefing Journalists in Abuja yesterday on the banks two-day forum to be hosted in Nigeria, said the IsDB is signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria worth over $98

million in support of government’s education programme.

Mohammed Ali, said the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), is an international development financing institution that provides assistance through products and services that are based on Islamic principles.

Currently, IDB membership stands at 56 , with Nigeria as its 56th mem-

Access, CPC stress need for customer rights

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CCESS Bank is partnering with the Consumer Protection Council, (CPC) in celebrating this year’s World Consumer Rights Day, (WCRD) in Abuja. The partnership, confirms the bank’s commitment to consumer wellbeing.

In a statement, the bank said through its offerings and specialised products, it has empowered consumers in numerous ways, adding that it treats customers as kings. It said this has significantly redefined banking operations and has become a core tenet in the industry service-attitude.

ber country.

He said: “IsDB now offers a range of specialized, complementary and integrated services and activities to support the socio-economic development of its member countries and these include public and private sector project financing; technical assistance for project preparation and capacity building; trade financing and facilitation.”

Dimond Bank partners Foundation

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IAMOND Bank Plc is partnering with the Daniel Ogechi Akujobi Memorial (DOAM) Foundation to raise funds for the execution of the foundation’s programmes.

Speaking at a cocktail of the 2012 Charity Golf Tournament in Ikoyi Club 1938, Chairman of the Foundation, Daniel Akujobi, said the event was meant to raise funds for the foundation’s activities around the country.

These include the Daniel Ogechi

Akujobi Memorial Accident and Emergency Centre in Mowe, off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which was constructed in partnership with Diamond Bank Plc; donations of orthopaedic mattresses and pillows to equip sick bays in public schools in Lagos State; provision of scholarship to over 40 students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions nationwide, amongst others.

The chairman of the Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf section - Mr. Ebiyemi Pinnick, lauded the foundation’s ini-

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HE Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) Public Finance Lecture, would hold in Lagos this month.

The Executive Secretary/CEO, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, . Jim Obazee, is expected to deliver a lecture with the theme, ‘Lagos State Financial Management Act & IPSAS Compliance: Implications for the State, Local Governments & Agencies.’

In a statement, the Chairman, Finance Committee, Lagos State House of Assembly, Funmilayo Tejuoso, said the objective of the programme is to provide

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

JBERGER OKOMUOIL NAHCO PAINTCOM UAC-PROP DANGFLOUR FIDSON ETI OANDO STERLINBANK

Current Before

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

27.47 20.92 6.95 0.63 10.45 4.68 0.87 11.00 22.51 1.15

28.84 21.96 7.29 0.66 10.90 4.80 0.89 11.24 23.00 1.17

1.37 1.04 0.34 0.03 0.45 0.12 0.02 0.24 0.49 0.02

O/PRICE

MAYBAKER NESTLE UBN PORTPAINT IKEJAHOTEL IBTC ETERNAOIL HONYFLOUR CUSTODYINS LIVESTOCK

2.40 486.70 5.21 4.62 1.42 7.58 3.94 2.31 1.71 1.10

C/PRICE

2.28 462.37 4.95 4.39 1.35 7.21 3.75 2.20 1.63 1.05

150m

150m

150m

155.8

29-2-12

138m 113m

138m 113m

155.8 155.7

27-2-12 22-2-12

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

(S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 12.6%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 1,177.37 99.76 0.76 1.04 0.88 1,666.70 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,137.57 193.00 1.67

9.08 1.00 1,160.06 99.49 0.73 1.04 0.87 1,663.73 7.84 1.33 1.80 6,953.84 191.08 1.62

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND FIDELITY NIGFUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE

CHANGE

0.12 24.33 0.26 0.23 0.07 0.37 0.19 0.11 0.08 0.05

Date

138m 113m

LOSERS AS AT 14-3-12 SYMBOL

Rate (N)

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

Parallel Market SYMBOL

Exchange

Sold ($)

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 14-3-12

Amount

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

a forum for experts from the public and private sectors to brainstorm on contemporary and emergent issues in public finance. This would enhance the quality of public sector resource generation, allocation and utilisation towards national economic growth.

Among experts expected at the event are Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget, Ben Akabueze; Former Commissioner for Finance, Wale Edun; Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and Minister of National Planning, Shamsuddeen Usman, among others.

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

In celebrating this year’s World Consumers’ Rights Day with other customer-focussed organisations across the globe, the bank’s Group Managing Director, Aigboje AigImoukhuede, would be joining the Director-General of the Consumer Protection Council, Ify Umenyi to flag-off this year’s campaign themed ‘Our money, our rights: campaigning for real choice in financial services.’

Access Bank has pioneered a number of industry defining customeroriented initiatives aimed at ensuring that customers are treated fairly.

Lagos Assembly organises finance forum

tiative in providing facilities without the help of the government and asked others to emulate it.

Meanwhile, as part of its contribution towards economic development in Nigeria and in living up to its reputation as a frontline organisation in the provision of support for Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), Diamond Bank has announced the selection of 50 entrepreneurs for the second phase of its Building Entrepreneur Today series tagged BET 2.

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

tion of these staples, which would serve to generate employment. The extra levy is intended to put further strain on the importation of the commodities and protect the local producers.

Other fiscal policy measures to be implemented at various times during the year include, zero duty on agricultural machinery and equipment, zero duty on power sector equipment and machinery prohibition of cassava flour importation, as well as zero duty on cassava flour processing equipment.

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

• AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

58

NEWS Why we shifted venue of Ondo lawmaker’s declaration, by police From Damisi Ojo, Akure

FROM the Ondo State Police Command came yesterday an explanation for shifting the venue of the declaration of the lawmaker representing Akure North/South federal constituency, Ifedayo Abegunde.

The declaration of the House of Representatives member for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) is billed for today.

In a statement signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Garba Danjuma, the declaration should be held at ACN campaign office near Ilesa garage as against the Akure City Hall, earlier secured for the event.

The statement reads: “The venue was shifted as a result of complaint of double booking of the venue indicated, or any other place to enable me provide adequate security.”

The directive to stop the lawmaker from using the City Hall allegedly from above.

Sources said top government officials had earlier ordered those in charge of the hall’s booking not to allow any other political party except the ruling Labour Party (LP).

The command said there should be no use of firearms or explosive devices, dangerous weapons or thuggery before, during and after the declaration.

It maintained that the declaration should be organised under the ambit of the law as enshrined in Section 1-4 of the Public Order Act Cap 392, 1979.

Many observers condemned the last-minute venue shift, accusing the LP’s administration and Governor Olusegun Mimiko of intolerant of the opposition

Senate to probe failed rescue bid From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

THE Senate yesterday mandated its joint committee on National Security, Intelligence, Defence, Army and Foreign Affairs to investigate the circumstances surrounding the failed rescue attempt of British and Italian nationals, Mr. Chris Mcmanus and Franco Lamolinara respectively.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu and 22 others entitled: “Failed rescue attempt of the abducted British and Italian nationals.”

Mcmanus and Lamolinara were abducted by suspected members of Boko Haram on May 19, last year at a construction site in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

They were killed by their abductors on March 8 when a combined team of Nigeria and British forces attempted to rescue them from a hideout in Sokoto State.

Senate also observed a minute silence in honour of the two foreign nationals.

The lawmakers commiserated with their families, the people and government of Britain and Italy and their parliaments.

Senate President David Mark, who captured the essence of the failed rescue bid, said that things went really wrong in the operation.

NLC, TUC reject ‘obnoxious’ anti-strike bill

L

ABOUR yesterday said the bill to stifle strike being debated by Senators must die.

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Peter Esele spoke yesterday.

Esele said Labour was considering an alignment with a political party for the labour movement to have a voice to reject obnoxious bills in the Senate.

This consideration came on the heels of the bill which Senator Heinekken Lokpobiri recently sponsored to make it unlawful for trade unions to embark on any strike without obtaining the permission of the different unions through a ballot is political.

Esele, who spoke during a joint news conference with the NLC in Abuja, said the labour

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja and Dupe Olaoye-Osinko

movement in its bid to reject the bill has spoken with some labour-friendly senators including Senators Uche Chukwumerije, Smart Adeyemi and others, to help kill the bill.

He said: “We are totally against this bill and we think we have enough corrective measures to improve and expand our ideas and to fight for the principles of the Nigerian workers and Nigeria because if it is good for the workers, it is good for the Nigerian people.”

On the consideration of party alignment, Esele said: “Unfortunately, we don’t even have a party in Nigeria because all the political parties you have in Nigeria are all brothers or cousins and

they have all turned to something else. I think this is also a wake- up call for us to look inward and decide on where we want to take Nigeria to.

The TUC President said the unions are not threatened, saying: “We have drank so much alcohol in the past and this Heinekken will not be difficult for us to take.”

Asked what the unions would do should the bill scale through, Esele said: “If we get to the bridge we will know how to cross it.”

NLC President Omar, who read the unions’ position said they were forced to respond in view of the power behind it.

He noted that “if it is a move to punish Nigerians for the fuel price hike, or an attempt to make it difficult for Nigerians to resist a future anti-people policy of the government,

it will fail.”

According to him, such laws with fraudulent intentions which negate democratic practices and international conventions of which Nigeria is part of often suffer the shame of ignominy.

The labour movement regretted that the bill is coming up at a time when there are more serious issues confronting Nigeria as a nation.

He said: “it is mind boggling that Mr. Heinekken Lakpobiri who receives millions of Naira approximately every month from tax payers’ money would decide to waste the peoples’ time in pursuit of frivolous construct to muzzle the various signposts of the people’s conscience.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) also

•Omar

faulted the bill.

The union in a statement titled “Lokpobiri’s dance of Sisyphus” said the appropriate legislation dealing with strikes and other forms of industrial action or disputes is the Trade Disputes Act (Cap T8 LFN, 2004) and not the Trade Union Act. PENGASSAN also wondered why Sen. Ayogu Eze said “Labour had often operated beyond their bounds”.

N

O fewer than 11 vehicles, including petrol tankers went up in flames Tuesday night near the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mega Station on Ojoo road, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

But there were no casualties.

Many residents living around Ojoo, Idi-Ape, Akobo and environs were woken up by deafening sounds of multiple explosions and thick balls of fire.

An eyewitness account said as of 3.15am, residents still ran helter-skelter to escape the raging inferno, while many watched in awe.

The fire was said to have started at about 2.20am in front of the NNPC Mega station located close to General Gas Junction on Iwo-Ojoo road.

The affected vehicles included eight tankers marked: Lagos XU 39 KRD, Lagos XQ 647 MUS, Lagos XU 115 KSF and Lagos 417 FKJ. Also burnt were some electricity poles and kiosks.

Few metres away from the mega station were two filling stations - Sycams and Keemrat which, many feared would have claimed a lot of casualties if they had caught fire.

Scores of sympathisers gathered at the scene yesterday discussing the incident, while some roadside trad-

A

•The remains of the tankers...yesterday

Petrol tankers, vehicles burnt in Ibadan midnight fire From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

ers, whose kiosks were burnt counted their losses.

Also, men of the Oyo State fire service deployed five vehicles to put off the fire.

The NNPC Sales Manager in charge of Oyo and Osun Depot, Mr. Adebisi Adewale, and Station Manager, Bello Victor, disclosed that a lorry marked: XQ 717 GGE carrying coal from

•One of the tankers on fire...yesterday

Ojoo collided with an NNPC truck.

They alleged that the NNPC truck, laden with petrol and parking out of the highway, collided with a coal-laden lorry that was

trying to make a U-turn.

Adewale said: “The petrol spilled on the road and caught fire. That was how the fire spread to others. It also caught up with a lorry that was fully loaded with diesel.”

Adewale alleged that men of the fire service did not come until 3am.

He, however, praised the fire officers for putting up their best when they eventually came.

Court to rule on Salami’s motion against NJC today

N Abuja Federal High Court will today decide whether to refer some questions arising from a suit by the suspended President of Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Isa Salami, against the National Judicial Council (NJC) and 10 others to the Court of Appeal for decision.

Others are former Chief Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, the incumbent CJN and Chairman of NJC, Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher as well as members of the NJC’s Fact-Finding Committee which include Justice Umaru Abdullahi, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, Justice Dominic Edozie, Justice Michael Akpiroroh and Mrs. Rakia Sarki Ibrahim.

Also sued are Hon. Justice Ibrahim Ndahi Auta, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri and Hon. Justice Peter Umeadi, who are members of the NJC Review Committee.

In the motion brought pursuant to Section 295(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended,

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

Justice Salami, who is challenging his suspension by the NJC is asking Justice Donatus Okorowo to stay hearing in the suit.

The application followed a preliminary objection by the NJC, where it is challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

Counsel to the NJC, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) is contesting that it is the National Industrial Court (NIC) that has the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

He urged the court to give priority to his objection.

According to him, Justice Salami’s contention is “relating to or is connected with labour, employment, trade unions, industrial relations and matters arising from work place, the conditions of service including health, safety and welfare of labour employees, workers and matters

incidental thereto or connected therewith, over which only the National Industrial Court has exclusive jurisdiction by virtue of Section 254 c(1) of the constitution.

“The claims of the plaintiff are caught by the exclusivity of the jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court conferred by Section 254 c(1)(a), (j), (vii) and ii of the constitution as amended……”, he stated.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, Justice Salami’s counsel, Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN) told the court that respondents had just served him their reply in court and that he would need time to respond to it.

This forced the respondents to withdraw their counter affidavit and written address in opposition to the application.

Ozekhome, who lamented that the NJC had been vilified and portrayed as frustrating the speedy determination of the matter applied orally to withdraw his objection to the application so that the matter

could proceed.

The court consequently struck out both the counter affidavit and the written address of the respondents.

Moving his application, Olujinmi argued that none of the respondents opposed the referral, adding that such is a vital point which the court must consider before granting or rejecting the application.

Olujinmi added that the dispute relate to the interpretation and/or application of various sections which “are novel and there are no precedents of the higher courts on them”.

Although he objected to any response by the Respondents to the application, the court overruled him.

The former Attorney General and Minister of Justice contended that Order 25 Rule 6 of the rules of the Federal High Court prescribed the procedure to adopt by a party in opposing to an application.

Having withdrawn their

oppositions to the application, he submitted that the respondents are not entitled to reply on points of law.

Citing Section 36 (1) of the nation’s Constitution which guarantees parties the right to fair hearing, Ozekhome contended that the withdrawal of his opposition to Salami’s application for referral did not translate to the withdrawal of his rights to reply on points of law.

Justice Donaltus Okorowo upheld the submission of the Respondents.

Replying, the NJC contended that the issues which Justice Salami seeks for referral border on the substantive matter which requires evidence to be taken, adding that the court cannot be called upon to transfer such questions to the Court of Appeal without first considering and determining such.

He argued that it is the decision of the trial court that can then be challenged at the appellate court.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

59

NEWS

Abuja twin-bombings: Court stays proceedings in case against Okah, others

A

FEDERAL High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday stayed proceedings in the charge brought against the suspects standing trial for the October 1, 2010 twin bombings at Eagle Square Abuja.

One of the suspects, Mr. Tiemkemfa Francis Osovwo (also known as General Gbokos) died on March 2, in Kuje prison in controversial circumstances.

The remaining suspects are Charles Okah, brother of Henry; the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Edmund Ebuware and Obi Nwabueze.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole granted the application for stay filed by the defence counsel yesterday.

“The application is hereby

•As family demand coroner inquest From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

granted; the law has compelled a lower court to stay proceedings when its ruling on a matter has been challenged in the court of appeal,” Justice Kolawole said.

The trial judge ordered the third accused person (Obi Nwabueze) to file a motion for a separate trial since he is not challenging the jurisdiction of the court to try the matter as other accused persons did.

Mr. Oghonevo Otemu, counsel representing Okah and Ebuware told the court that the motion for stay of proceedings in the matter was imperative, and in the interest of justice for proceedings to be stayed at the lower court while

the Court of Appeal entertain an appeal that emanated from the trial court.

The appellate court, Otemu said has already slated April 23, for hearing in the appeal.

Okah and Ebuware are challenging the ruling of the trial court which insisted that it had jurisdiction to try the case.

The accused persons are contending that the charge did not link them to the offence as no prima facie was established against them.

The accused persons further prayed the appeal court to bar them from opening defence in the matter on the grounds that the charge did not link them to the bombing.

On the report of maltreatment of the accused persons by prison officials in

the Kuje Prison where they are being held, the Judge ordered the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Prison Service to ensure that the accused persons are given all the privileges enjoyed by other inmates.

Kolawole held that the accused persons must be allowed to attend services in the church within the prison and further directed the prison boss to ensure that the accused persons were equally allowed to perform exercises with the rest inmates, adding that such activities would reduce their complaints of ill-health.

The court adjourned further hearing in the matter till May 28, 2012 Meanwhile Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo has demanded coroner inquest into the death of Osovwo.

Obi flags off hospital, al erosion control ntrol projects

A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi yesterday flagged off the Nkisi Water Works Erosion Control Project in Onitsha.

At the ceremony, Obi urged the people to refrain from activities that can cause environmental degradation, such as indiscriminate refuse disposal.

He said the project is a collaboration between the state and the Federal Government and thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for his intervention.

Commissioner for Environment Mike Egbebuike said the state government is working on erosion sites in Adazi, Ebenebe, Amichi, Umuchu, Osumenyi, Utuh and New Tarzan.

The Nkisi project is part of Southeast erosion projects to be tackled with the N11 bil-

S

T

E

Senate bill on local govt autonomy scales second reading

V

ICE Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, yesterday argued that granting financial autonomy to local government areas will stimulate rapid growth and development at the grassroots.

Abatemi-Usman, who is representing Kogi Central, stated this in his lead debate on the Bill seeking to alter the provisions of the 1999 Constitution to provide financial autonomy for local government councils.

The senator said it was ob-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

served during the Local Government reform of 1976 that, “Local Governments have over the years suffered from the continued whittling down of their power, and state governments had continued to encroach upon what would normally have been the exclusive preserves of local government areas and consequently there has been a divorce between the people and government at their most basic levels.”

A

LAGOS State High Court in Ikeja has held that the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act can not be applied retroactively.

Justice Yetunde Idowu stated this while delivering judgment in a suit filed against Lagos House of Assembly Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

The Citizen Assistance Centre filed the suit.

The group filed the suit under the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, seeking an order of mandamus to compel the Lagos Assembly to provide it with detailed information on the overhead costs of the House between May 1999 and September 2011.

•Obi and Archbishop Okeke...yesterday From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

lion granted by the Federal Government.

Earlier, Obi laid the founda-

tion of a modern maternity ward at the Holy Rosary Hospital in Onitsha.

He said the ward is his personal contribution towards im-

proving health care and urged eminent individuals to contribute to the state’s well being.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

declared emergency rule in the affected council areas since December 31, following increasing violence by members of the Boko Haram sect.

The councils have not received any statutory allocation from the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) since then.

The Senate advice followed a motion titled: “Non-disbursement of federal statu-

tory funds to local government areas under the state of emergency” moved on the floor of the Senate by the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Senator Ahmad Lawan.

Fed Govt identifies 1,479 irregular immigration routes

HE Federal Government has identified 1,479 irregular routes through which illegal immigrants come into the country.

Minister of Internal Affairs Abba Moro announced this yesterday while speaking with State House correspondents before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

He said the government would erect 84 border plazas around the country’s 84 identified legal routes to checkmate illegal immigrants.

Moro said the government would introduce electronic surveillance at the borders.

He said: “We have, in conjunction with the National Boundary Commission, identi-

By Adebisi Onanuga

CONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operative and second prosecution witness, Nkechi Ibekaku, yesterday told a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, how the former Managing Director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr. Erastus Akingbola allegedly transferred billions of Naira out of the bank’s Nostro accounts without corresponding credit in his personal accounts.

The EFCC operative told the court presided over by Justice Habeeb Abiru there was no evidence or documents authorising all the transactions.

Ibekaku, who was led in evidence by counsel to the EFCC Mr. Emmanuel Ukala, claimed that Akingbola only gave verbal instructions for the transactions and that all the money were traced into bank accounts of companies in which Akingbola, his wife, Victoria, have interest and the duo and Bayo Lawal are signatories.

Ibekaku, who said that the commission took statements from the Chief Inspector of the bank, Mr. Abdulraheem Jimoh, also told the court that £8.5 million was transferred from the bank’s pound sterling Nostro Account into the account of United Kingdom based Fulgers Solicitors of England.

Court dismisses suit against Lagos Speaker

Senate urges Jonathan to release local govts fund ENATORS yesterday advised President Goodluck Jonathan to release all withheld statutory federal allocation to 15 local governments now under a state of emergency.

The Federal Government

EFCC: Akingbola auhtorised illegal money transfer

• 84 border plazas coming From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

fied 84 routes through which travellers come into Nigeria.

We are planning to build plazas at these 84 points.

“We have also identified 1,497 irregular routes. Securing borders is Herculean, but the government is up to the task. It is its primary responsibility to secure the life and property of citizens.

“If we are able to identify and secure the regular routes, attention can now be directed to the irregular border posts that these criminals use regularly.

“We are trying to introduce electronic surveillance at our

borders, with a central post in Abuja or any part of the country that we deem fit. I hope the combination of electronic and human surveillance will reduce, if not completely eliminate, border infiltration.

“Foreigners come into every country, but when criminally-minded foreigners come into the country without proper travel documents, it becomes a concern to government.

“More so when these foreigners are alleged to be involved in suicide bombings and other acts that jeopardise security.

“It is as a result of this that the Federal Government has start-

ed addressing border porosity.

“Recently, the government ordered the closure of some of our borders and declared a state of emergency in some local governments in some of the flash point states. Immigration officials were also drafted to the areas.”

On the amount to be spent on the plazas, the minister said: “At the moment, we are at the drawing board.”

He said the government is working on a databank for migrants.

This, according to the minister is the primary concern for Nigeria.

Moro said: “The government is working with Galaxy Backbone, a major platform for capturing this data.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

60

NEWS Shun corruption, Yuguda tells Commissioners

Baby, seven others die in Ilorin auto crash

A

N eight-month-old baby and seven others died on Monday night in an auto crash in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. Many people were injured and property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

The accident was said to have occurred near Agba Dam/CBN Quarters Road in the metropolis.

Sources said the accident was caused by brake failure.

The Police Command’s spokesman, Dabo Ezekiel, confirmed the accident.

He said the police could only confirm three deaths.

Eyewitness said the crash occurred when a lorry carrying concrete blocks lost control at a sharp bend on the Agba Dam/CBN Quarters Road.

The lorry reportedly ran into a vehicle from the opposite direction before crushing the row of shops on the adjacent road, killing three of the passengers and five occupants of the shops.

They said the young mother of the baby, an ap-

From Austine Tsenzughul Bauchi

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

prentice-seamstress in one of the affected shops, survived the crash.

The woman, who was said to have been rushed to an undisclosed hospital, has not been able to talk since the accident occurred.

Armed policemen prevented the driver of the lorry from being lynched by a mob.

•Yuguda

G

OVERNOR Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State yesterday urged

commissioners to shun corruption and maximise resources for the benefit of the people.

He said this when he swore in new commissioners at the Government House, Bauchi.

Yuguda told them that they were chosen because of their good track records of discipline, hard work, loyalty and commitment.

The governor said: “Accountability, prudence, justice, fairness, equity and

Couple found dead in Kano

A

COUPLE was yesterday found dead in a stationary car on the Maiduguri Road, Kano.

Police said the deceased were identified as Abubakar (25) and Ummah Khair Mohammed (20). They said the couple were found dead inside the car and that their bodies have been taken to the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano for autopsy.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Majiya Magajiya, who confirmed the incident, said on the

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

phone that the young man, who was on the driver’s side, was identified as Abubakar, a student of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano; while his female partner was from Area 11, Garki, Abuja.

The PPRO said the couple were found inside a Peugeot 406 saloon car, which has been towed to a police station pending the outcome of investigation.

Majiya said so far, there is no clue to what caused their death.

strict adherence to due process should be your watchword as the chief exec utives of your ministries.

“As commissioners, the people of Bauchi State will be watching your actions and conduct. You must see yourselves as servants of the people and not masters, and be mindful of the oath you have taken.”

Those assigned to ministries include the Deputy Governor Sagir Aminu Saleh, who now oversees the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; Yakubu Bello Kirfi, Power and Energy; Abdulkadir Ibrahim Muhammad, Animal Resources and Nomadic Settlement; Dr. Sani Abubakar Malami, Health and Mahmoud Maijama’a, Finance.

Salisu Ahmad Barau is in charge of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Community Relations; Isa Mohammed Wabu, Cooperatives and Poverty Allevia-

tion; Ibrahim Mohammed Aminu, Education; Umaru Saleh, Social Welfare and Community Development; Almustapha Hassan, Justice; Amina Mohammed Katagum, Commerce and Industry; Mahiru Maiwada Wundi, Environment; Talatu Mohammed Barwa, Women Affairs; Salihu Ibrahim Halilu, Tourism and Culture; Bappa Azare, Special Duties; Tasiu Mohammed, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Aminu Hamayo, Land, Survey, Budget and Planning.

Sani Mohammed Burra heads the Ministry of Water Resources; Abubakar Ahmed Faggo, Local Government Affairs; Sani Adamu Lassi, Youth and Sports; Bukar Bukata Bayaro, Works and Transport; Muhammad Ubati, Rural Development; Bala Abdullahi, Science and Technology; while Mohammad Dhamina remains in the Ministry of Information.

Tension as Tiv youths’, settlers’ clash in Makurdi

T

HERE was tension at Agboughul community, a settlement in Makurdi, yesterday, as MINDA youths( a group among

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

the Tiv) clashed with KPAREV(Tiv settlers).

The clash began at 2 pm when MINDA youths mobilised and attacked the homes of the KPAREV. An eyewitness, Tersoo Ukeyima, told The Nation that the MINDA youths, who were over 50, attacked the

KPAREV and torched their homes, calling them settlers and saying they should leave their land.

Over 20 houses were burnt down and property worth millions of naira destroyed.

Women and children fled the area, which is very close to the Makurdi Modern Market.

There has been tension between MINDA, a group of Tiv in Makurdi, Guma, Gwer and Gwer West Local Government and their kinsmen from Vandeikya, Ushongo and Kwande.

A youth, Terwase Aondokaa, described the incident as unfortunate and called for an end to the hostilities.

Nigerians in America donate solar energy TEAM of volunteers to Kaduna hospital from the America-

A

based Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) will arrive in Kaduna State next week for a solar energy project.

It was initiated by Nigerian-born US-based MRES members with interest in solar and other renewable energy systems.

“A nation unable to produce enough energy internally to meet its energy needs will likely experience prolonged underdevelopment,” said Harry Olupitan, the team leader.

The MRES is a non-profit, membership-based society, located in Minnesota, USA, chartered for the advancement of renewal energy system, such as solar, wind, geo-thermal, etc. Its International Committee’s goals include sharing MRES’ techPUBLIC NOTICE DECLARATION OF AGE I Njoku Favour Chinenye was born on the 8th of Dec.1989 in Port- Harcourt Rivers State that at the time of my birth, it was not officially registered at the aforementioned place hence this declaration. The general public please take note

PUBLIC NOTICE CLIFFE I, formerly known and addressed as MR. CLIFFE NICHOLAS FERRIGAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. CLIFFEIBIYEMI NICHOLAS FERRIGAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE OVOKO I, formerly known and addressed as MISS FATIMA AHUOIZA MOHAMMED OVOKO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JAMIU FATIMA A. MOHAMMED. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public please take note.

nical expertise in renewable energy system installation, education and business, with people in developing countries. The General Hospital, Kaduna, project is MRES’ first onthe-ground international project and first under its “Light Up Africa” programme aimed at using solar energy and other renewable energy systems as tools to address pressing developmental issues in Af-

rica.

MRES Nigerian-born members connected their organisation with Kafanchanbased Fantsuam Foundation, which has been working for two years to provide crucial on-the-ground support for the project.

The project is funded by MRES, its members and friends, who have donated equipment, materials, cash, time, services and expertise towards the project.

NASFAT urges mutual understanding

N

ASRULLAHIL Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) has appealed to religious leaders to intensify prayers on the security challenges facing the country.

The Islamic organisation also urged leaders on the need to promote religious understanding and mutual respect.

The organisation took the stand while inaugurating executive members of the Abuja branch.

They are S.O.Q. Giwa (Chairman), Dr. Nasir Raji (Vice-Chairman), Alhaji Ishaq Ajao (Secretary), Shakir Quadir-Adu (Asst. Sec.), Kamarudeen Ogundele (Publicity Sec.) and Abdurasaq Sulaiman (Empowerment Sec.).

Others are Alhaja Habeebat Babata-Sulaiman (Women leader), Kazeem D. Gbolagade (Business

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

Sec.), Alhaja Simbiat Onize Lawal (Children Affairs), Mukaila Abdul-Raheem (Welfare), Suraju Abdulmumeen (Youth Sec.) and Akeem Aderogba (Financial Sec.).

Most of them were returned for a second term of two years.

The National Missioner, Alhaji Abdullahi Akinbode and Vice-President 2, Alhaji Bolaji Wasiu, advised the executives not to betray the trust reposed in them, urging them to continue to build on the past achievements of the society.

Giwa said NASFAT has become a national brand any Muslim would be proud to identify with, adding that to sustain the organisation; members must continue to be good ambassadors.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

61

Advertorial

RE: EDO GUBER AND THE GATHERING STORM

F

rom a distance, one had always admired Sufuyan Ojeifo as a seasoned colleague (journalist) who should help shape the future of this country, particularly, our collective heritage Edo State. But his disappointing commentary serialized in the VANGUARD of Wednesday – Thursday March 7-8, 2012 shocked most of his contemporaries and admirers as he did not only give himself out as a cheap political bigot but as an apostle of godfatherism. Regrettably too, he sounded clearly as one who prefers the retrogression and traumatisation of Edo people to the lifting and succouring they are currently enjoying under the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Agreed that the gubernatorial primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has come and gone but the memory of the ‘America wonder’ perpetrated by the same forces that have held the party down since its foundation still lingers.

From his telltale, it is obvious that Sufuyan Ojiefo is not only living in the past but pitiably has a jaundiced account of the politics of Edo State. The shameless celebration of Chief Tony Anenih for winning five (5) out of twenty (20) House of Assembly seats in Edo State is most pathetic.

Today, Edo people are celebrating the fall of Chief Tony Anenih’s political dynasty because anyone who recalls his dark days, would rather give thanks to God Almighty for giving us Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who had the guts, and people’s support to throw him out of relevance for a number of reasons.

First, Anenih played God. When the Grace Group started like a Mustard seed, Chief Anthony Anenih like his errand boy Sufuyan Ojeifo, dismissed the group as inconsequential. All issues raised by the group to end the emerging conflict and strengthen the party were brushed aside by the Anenih dictatorship which operated with iron fist. When the party re-registration went underway in 2005/2006, Anenih and his cohorts used their influence at the National party secretariat to de-register all members of the Grace Group. So, they registered only themselves and removed all members of the group, including chairpersons of the party in almost all the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State. That has been the greatest undoing of the PDP and ultimately, the genesis of the PDP Harakiri in Edo. When all Grace Group members were de-registered, members of the group then aligned forces with like-minded people and groups to establish the then Action Congress in Edo State with a mission to permanently wrest power from the Anenih dictatorship and free the people from the insensitivity of the Sufuyan Ojeifo et al godfather. This we achieved with utmost precision and high sense of bravery from all our members as led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Dr. Tony Omoaghe, our founding state Chairman who led the young party to a resounding victory that ended the satanic dictatorship of Tony Anenih. Eminent Nigerians like Chief Tom Ikimi, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and many more lent their support to throw the common enemy out.

When the Grace Group pulled out, Anenih did not even repent of his evil ways. He even worsened his tyrannical grip on the party. That was what led to the splitting of the party into the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia led faction and the Chief Anthony Anenih led faction. The war has been raging in the party. When Things Fall Apart, Ojeifo should not expect the Centre to hold. So when the PDP lost to ACN at the 2007 polls, Anenih who could not stand the humiliation he had suffered from the Grace Group vide the massive votes of the electorate in Edo State for the peoples’ Governor, invited then President Olusegun Obasanjo to rush to his aid. Obasanjo flew in and did all the magic and forced the Maurice Iwu led INEC to announce a fraudulent result.

That day light robbery took us to the tribunal and Appeal Court where in a unanimous judgment, the mandate stolen by Anenih, Obasanjo and Sufuyan Ojeifo was restored to us by the judiciary. Imagine if we hadn’t had an improved justice system in Nigeria, these ballot thieves would have today been in power in Edo doing what they are best known for...stealing the people blind to accentuate their primitive accumulation of capital. All accounts to the contrary as presented by Sufuyan Ojeifo in the VANGUARD publication are false.

Sufuyan Ojeifo equally has an erroneous impression of what is going to happen come July 14, 2012. One is at a loss when he said “the governorship contest is a two-horse race”. The rumbles currently rocking the Edo State Chapter of the PDP following the digitalized rigging perpetrated by the party leadership and the Ojeifu’s deity, the Old pussy cat, tells it all.

To many in Edo, there will be no contest in the real sense of the word. Like in football, Oshiomhole will walk over the rest candidates. The PDP Candidate, Charles Airhiavbere would not believe what would have hit him post-July 14. That is when it will dawn on him that the Uromi god father has been truly buried politically by the peoples’ power.

Prior to the PDP primaries, the party leadership had promised free, fair contest among all the aspirants. Before the Port-Harcourt screening which pruned the aspirants to five, the rumour mill was rife that the Uromi god father and party leadership had settled for Charles Airhiavbere. It was clear that the leaders were milking the man dry to arrive at such a dubious decision. So, months before the primaries everyone, including those outside the party knew what the outcome would be. It was an open secret that some foul play, imposition, dictatorship, deceit, and rigging would be perpetrated. That exactly was what played out.

As at today, all four aspirants who contested the primaries with Charles Airhiavbere rejected the outcome as one which was fraudulently organised. Professor Julius Ihonvbere and Hon. Mathew Iduoriyekemwen, have since condemned the charade called PDP primary. Barr. Kenneth Imansuangbon on his part puts it this way: “we want to warn that this injustice will be fought with the last drop of our blood.” Another Group, Edo PDP Youth in a widely published statement maintained that “Imansuangbon or Iduoriyekemwen would have been better candidates if not for the shameless exchange of cash for accreditation cards by the party leadership”.

The former governor of the State, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor has joined forces with Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to floor Airhiavbere on July 14. Osunbor, in joining to throw his weight behind Oshiomhole said: “the reason I am in politics is to touch the people. My interest is service to the people and our people love you because that is what you are doing”.

So, back to the tribes listed by Sufuyan Ojeifo in his treatise: teachers, students, organised labour, market women, civil servants, artisans and the godfathers. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was the first Governor to implement the reviewed Medical Workers Salary Structure. It is also on record that Oshiomhole was among the First State Governors to Implement the Teachers Salary Structure, TSS. Oshiomhole was the first to implement the new minimum wage to workers in the country. Even when the Governors Forum was averse to the pay rise, Oshiomhole consistently maintained that he will implement it whenever the negotiations were concluded. There are many states in the county which are yet to implement all these to their workers. Why do you think these workers would not pour out in their numbers to vote for him?

Market women and self employed people are daily praying for Oshiomhole; students of Ambrose Alli University and all beneficiaries of his massive development efforts in the areas of health, education, roads, water and electricity. The Comrade buses are helping out students and the poor in the areas of transportation. The announcement of abolition of fees in primary and secondary schools across the state is a big relief to parents. The schools are all being rebuilt to international standard so that our children can learn in a very conducive atmosphere and not under trees and leaking roofs during the reign of Anenih as godfather.

It is a known fact that all over the world, for democracy to thrive, citizens must pay their taxes. Therefore, for Sufuyan and PDP to haul insults at Oshiomhole for asking citizens to observe their basic civic duty amounts to a gala of foolishness. What is important is that the taxes of the people are being put to prudent use and everyone is seeing it. It is no more business as usual when a few godfathers would go and share the state’s monthly allocation. Edo state’s revenues whether as monthly allocation, taxes, rents and rates are being judiciously applied by the Adams Oshiomhole led government for the overall development of the state.

Water that was a big problem in Edo North and Central have been effectively dealt with as most communities now have potable water, including Anenih’s home base of Uromi. The Road to Anenih’s street in Uromi was constructed by the Oshiomhole administration. So, if Sufuyan Ojeifo wants to count the number of roads constructed by the present administration, he should start from that one.

It is on record and Tony Anenih has never disputed the departure point with the Comrade Governor. Oshiomhole had prepared the 2009 budget to purchase 100 mass transit buses, dualize Airport road in Benin and turn the Dawnson –Ugbowo Road to six lane roads. Anenih objected to their inclusion in the budget but Oshiomhole who is determined to develop the state insisted on executing these lofty projects and today, Edo people are so happy that Oshiomhole was able to call the bluff and greed of the so-called god father.

Let us be a bit practical like the scientists. An acid test to Anenih and Oshiomhole popularity can be carried out in Edo State. Let both men walk on the street of Benin City, Uromi or Auchi. The people would not allow Oshiomhole to walk. They would carry him shoulder high across any streets. But let Anenih come out. The people would stone him to death! It is not an exaggeration, but a true reflection of what both men have come to represent.

So, when Sufuyan Ojeifo’s tribes gather come July 14, Oshiomhole would be reelected as the peoples’ Governor and Charles Airhiavbere, a product of fraudulent PDP god father primary, as his name truly mean would have to wait for another world (when he reincarnates) to be governor.

Signed: MR. DAN OWEGIE Publicity Secretary, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Edo State.

62

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

NEWS Cross River to bury M.T. Mbu

Southsouth governors demand more cash, resource control

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

HE Cross River State Government has said it would take responsibility for the funeral of the late elder statesman, Matthew Tawo Mbu. Addressing reporters in Calabar yesterday in the company of two sons of the late statesman, Mathew Mbu (Jnr) and Thomas Mbu, Governor Liyel Imoke described the late Mbu as an icon, a nationalist and one of the greatest leaders the country has ever produced.

He said the family and the state had officially informed the Federal Government, they would take full responsibility of the funeral, as Mbu was a “son of Cross River State.”

According to a programme read by Mbu Jnr ,the body will arrive in Lagos from Lon-

T

S •The late Mbu

don on March 27 and will liein-state at his residence in Ikoyi from 8am to 10am.

On the same day at 6pm there will be a Songs of Praise at Harbour Point, 4 Wilmont Road, Victoria Island.

On March 28, the body departs for Calabar in Cross River for a valedictory session at the High Court in Calabar.

There will be a mass at noon at St Bernard’s Catholic Church.

The programme said the body will also lie-in-state at the Cultural Centre in Calabar.

Reps vow to uncover pension fraud

T

HE House of Representatives has reiterated its determination to uncover the scam in pension administration and proffer solution.

The decision was reaffirmed yesterday during a public hearing on pension matters after a member of the Abdulrasheed Maina-led Presidential Task Force said the members of the Committee must verify all submissions presented at the public hearing with authentic documents.

The request of the Presidential Task Force was not unconnected with the disagreement over funds of the Police Pension Office that were lodged in various bank accounts and the manners of their withdrawal.

A member of the House Committee on Pension, Toby Okechukwu, who confirmed

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

that there were anomalies in the administration of police pension administration, however, stressed the committee would unravel the fraud and made it public.

He said: “The managers of the police pension scheme have muddled up the process and there is a need for certainty and clarity in the operation of the scheme. Right now, we are not too much interested in savings but in pensioners being paid as and when due.

“Though it is prudent to freeze the controversial account but there is a limit to what time that can continue because people need to be paid. We are insisting that there must be biometric verification of the pensioners to be sure of what figures to be sent to the Budget Office.”

Danjuma Foundation’s N10m grant HE Ekiti Developfor EDF ment Foundation

T

(EDF) was N10 mil-

lion richer yesterday, courtesy of the Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma Foundation (TYDF).

Wife of the Ekiti State Governor and promoter of the EDF, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, said the donation would be used on the foundation’s programmes across the 16 local government areas of the state.

Speaking yesterday at the presentation of the cheque to Erelu Fayemi in Ado-Ekiti, the Chief Executive Officer of the TYDF, Ms. Thelma Ikyor, said the foundation has disbursed N1 billion in grants and support to various groups and associations across the country in the last two years.

Ms Ikyor noted the foundation has been effective in supporting organisations involved in activities designed to enhance growth and development in the society.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Commending the EDF for its neat operations in grant making, Ms Ikyor said the EDF has blazed the trail in many regards since its establishment about eight months ago.

The TYDF CEO disclosed the support of her foundation to the EDF would also include the funding of training and capacity building workshops for the EDF employees.

Responding, Erelu Fayemi tanked the TYFD for its support, urging more well-to-do Nigerians to support needy individuals by establishing foundations and service-organisations.

Erelu Fayemi noted the continuity of the programmes of EDF after the expiration of the tenure of her husband’s administration would depend entirely on the people of the state.

Edo ACN primary for Saturday

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Edo State has said it would conduct its governorship primary according to the party’s constitutional provision.

It announced that its governorship primaries will hold on Saturday.

Its Chairman, Thomas Okosun, who spoke at a briefing yesterday, said members are to participate in the nomination of the governorship candidate across the 192 wards.

Okosun announced Governor Adams Oshiomhole as the party’s only aspirant who picked and submitted nomination form.

OUTHSOUTH governors have condemned the attempt to link the

increasing insecurity in parts of the country to 13 per cent derivation.

Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi reportedly linked the Boko Haram violence to the 13 per cent derivation fund being given to oil-producing states – a report he later denied.

In a communique issued at the end of the First Ordinary Session of the BRACED Commission Governors Council 2012, the governors described the notion as “misplaced and unfortunate”.

BRACED is the acronym

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

for the six south-south states Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta.

At the meeting were Governors Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Godswill Akpabio, (Akwa Ibom), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta).

Reading the communique at about 1:40am on Wednesday at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, the chairman of the council, Liyel Imoke, with whom were the other governors, said on the contrary, the issue is the environmental

degradation and pollution in the Niger Delta, occasioned by oil exploitation which has adversely affected fishing and farming.

This, the governors said, made it imperative for an upward review of the derivation principle and introduction of fiscal federalism.

They questioned the rationale of not exploiting other mineral resources in various parts of the country while depleting the oil and gas reserves of the Southsouth.

The governors were convinced that fiscal federalism and resource control will encourage each state of the federation to control its resources and develop in accordance with its capability.

They also reaffirmed their support for the position of the Nigerian Governors Forum that the revenue allocation formula be reviewed to give more money to states and local governments, as well as devolve more powers and responsibilities to the constituent states for rapid development.

They expressed concern at the level of insecurity in parts of the country and urged the Federal Government to explore all avenues to end the indiscriminate and unnecessary destruction of lives and property.

The second Southsouth Economic Summit, the governors said, will take place from April 26 to 28.

SSS parades suspected killers of hostages •Continued from page 2 event of any envisaged threat. The arrested suspects therefore advised that a rescue operation be immediately initiated moreso as one of them had escaped during the Zaria raid.

“Consequently, a joint security operation was launched. One of the arrested suspects, Mohammed Rabiu ADAM (aka Dan Hajiya), who killed the soldier during the Zaria raid, led the security team from Zaria about 11pm on Wednesday 7th of March, 2012 to Sokoto and arrived their destination about 0430 hours on 8th of March, 2012. Prior to their arrival, security operatives had mounted a street cordon and search operation along all routes around Mabera Estate, Sokoto to

prevent any attempt by the guards to smuggle out the hostages.

“Apparently acting on the directive of the member of the sect who escaped from Zaria, the guards murdered the hostages before the arrival of security forces.

However, the guards could not leave the building because of the heavy presence of security in the area.

“Upon arrival of security forces at the building where the hostages were being held, there was a prolonged exchange of gunfire during which three (3) of the guards were killed while the wife of one of them sustained bullet wounds and was rushed to the hospital. No lives were lost on the part of security forces though some service personnel sustained gunshot injuries.

“Altogether, the following

‘

Apparently acting on the directive of the member of the sect who escaped from Zaria, the guards murdered the hostages before the arrival of security forces

’

persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.

•Abu Mohammed; •Mohammed Rabiu Adam (aka Dan Hajiya); •Abubakar Abdulrahman Habibu; •Shittu Salihu; •Abubakar Umar; and •Ahmed Samaila.

“Meanwhile, Abu

Mohammed died on 9th of March, 2012 following severe bullet wounds sustained during the Zaria raid. While the service commiserates with the families of the murdered expatriates, it wishes to reiterate that the long arm of the law will surely catch up with terrorists and perpetrators of evil wherever they are.

“Once more, we wish to appeal to Nigerians to remain sensitive to their environment and report suspicious activities to security agencies. We also implore members of the public to partner with security agencies as we jointly restore peace and security to our dear country.”

The SSS declined reporters’ request to interrogate the paraded suspects, claiming that investigations were still ongoing.

N346.4b debts cripple states, says RMAFC boss •Continued from page 2 “From media reports, most state governments have very huge monthly wage bills, to the extent that it is being alleged that they now use the funds of the local governments to run their states.

“The challenge has made state executives to call for the review of the revenue allocation formula in favour of the states.

“Equally, they have also called for the removal of fuel subsidy, which they also believe would enhance the revenue accruing into the Federation Account and, invariably, the statutory allocations to their respective states and local governments.”

Mbam observed that there were huge deductions from the allocations of most of the states to settle their external and domestic debts and bonds.

The implication, he said, are enough indications that most of the state governments have collateralised their share of the monthly Federation Account receipts to service such debts.

The persistent nature of these deductions, according to him, “is worrisome as it portends danger for the fiscal capacity of some of the states.”

“The Commission has observed with concern the huge

• Mr Mbam

domestic debt profile of the states as most of them are highly indebted to various local banks in short-term borrowing and are substantially exposed to the Capital Market.

“Most of these loans are tied to Irrevocable Standing Payment Orders (ISPOs) issued to the Accountant-General of the Federation to deduct directly from the monthly allocations due to the states, thereby preventing them from meeting their minimum basic obligations to the citizens.

“Deficit budget has become a serious challenge for most states. Even though deficit budgeting is tolerable within an acceptable limit, its endless application has endangered and forced the state governments to resort to excessive borrowing in order to meet their basic expenditure demands even where they

have no capacity to pay back.

“The regular sharing of Excess Crude Account is an indication of the desperate financial position of the state governments to get funds in order to meet costs of governance. For instance, $1.5billion was shared in three equal instalments from the Excess Crude Account in 2011 alone out of which the states received the sum of $400.800million.

“The National/State Assemblies should consider appropriate legislations limiting the total exposure of states to external and domestic borrowing to not more than 20 per cent of their monthly allocations from the Federation account. In addition, such borrowing should be for economic projects. Furthermore, there should be strict compliance to the relevant provisions of the borrowing by Public Bodies Act (CAP.B10, LFN, 2004).”

Figures presented by the RMAFC boss shows that the highest amount of N47,608,580,436.11 was deducted from Bayelsa State’s allocation of N58,756,863,268,.89 between January 2009 and December 2011.

The deduction represents 81.03 per cent of the total allocation for the period.

Delta State followed with N14,859,658,105.28 from a

total allocation of N55,624,245,350.56, representing 26.71 per cent.

Imo State’s deduction is the third highest, with N15,982,313,156.72 out of a total allocation of a N64,766,054,092.45 allocation, representing 24.68 per cent.

Borno State has the lowest deduction - N1,273,275,887.78 of N90,310,545,138.25 representing 1.41 per cent.

Joint Committee chairman Barnabas Gemade noted that it was regrettable that instead of energies being directed towards a development agenda to free people from poverty, “resources are being wasted on populist programmes aimed at attracting cheap but transient popularity for future re-elections.

“In some cases, large resources are being misdirected outright to private interest,” Senator Gemade added.

He noted that the Senate is worried with a situation where the bulk of state revenue is used to finance the salaries of civil servants, who constitute less than 40 per cent of the total population.

“The aim of this public hearing is for us to collect and aggregate divergent views and opinions from all stakeholders… with a view to come up with far-reaching recommendations to correct the anomaly,” Gemade said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

63

www.thenationonlineng.net

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘There is too much blood bath; too many fatalities on a daily basis. The FRSC must return to the basics and embark on massive enlightenment campaigns for a start’

STEVE OSUJI

VOL. 7, NO.2065

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

•Being an address to the newly appointed ambassadors at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja on March 13

I

SHOULD like, first of all, to offer you my warmest congratulations on your appointment as the principal representatives abroad of our country. It is a great honour and privilege for you to have been so appointed. Your appointment as Nigeria’s new Ambassadors is also a demonstration of the trust and confidence reposed in you by President Jonathan. When you go abroad as Nigeria’s Ambassadors, you will face great challenges that will task your best efforts and professional skills. You will be required and expected to promote Nigeria’s global economic interests in a world that is increasingly more competitive and complex. For those of you who will find yourselves engaged in multilateral economic diplomacy the challenges are even more daunting as special negotiating skills are needed here. This is by no means an easy task. But unto whom much is given, much is also expected. I wish you all a happy tenure as Ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

From the historical perspective, you are being sent out as Ambassadors at a time when the art and skills of diplomacy have become even more challenging, sophisticated and demanding. Modern diplomacy, as distinct from the old style of diplomacy, now requires versatility in a wide range of matters that diplomats did not handle only a few decades ago when diplomacy was a more leisurely profession. You may still work from ornate chanceries, mostly in an agreeable setting.

But diplomacy is today less a socially glittering profession than it used to be. Consular and economic affairs have increasingly replaced political affairs as the main preoccupation of diplomats everywhere. Instead of interacting with your host heads of state and his Ministers, you will serve Nigeria better by interacting more with your host business community. Most countries, including the advanced industrial countries, now assess their diplomats by their success in meeting set targets for trade promotion and exports.

This trend makes diplomacy more practical, more down to earth than ever before. Many of you will be confined largely to bilateral diplomacy. Even then, you will be expected to explore the economic opportunities available in your host countries that could be beneficial to Nigeria.

Diplomats are now required to perform a range of new functions that they were not required to handle only a few years ago. The more traditional aspects of diplomacy, which involve briefing your own government on major political developments in your host country, are still very important. Governments need to be regularly briefed, confidentially and privately, about major developments around the world. But in this age of rapid global communications, some of the

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Nigeria’s Economic Diplomacy

•Foreign Affairs Minister Olugbenga Ashiru

information that you will be sending to your government will already be in its possession through the global media. This does not impair the usefulness of diplomats, or imply that there is less need for them to be sent abroad.

Having a man on the ground in the various capitals of the world is not simply a question of national prestige or symbols. Vital national interests have to be identified, defended and promoted by the man on the ground. This is why he is sent to ‘lie’ (reside) abroad as his country’s representative. Next to prostitution, diplomacy is the oldest profession in the world. It has existed since the time of the Greek city states and assumed more salience during the Roman Empire. With the emergence of new states in Europe in the 15th century diplomacy assumed new importance. It will continue to exist as long as states and governments continue to interact among themselves. Heads of state cannot on their own conduct their international affairs. Special skills are needed. They will always need diplomats to do so on their behalf. This places a lot of responsibility and a sense of duty on you.

But the traditional aspects of diplomacy are now changing. Everywhere, the emphasis now is on economic diplomacy. Increasingly, diplomats are being asked to focus more on what is now referred to as economic diplo-

macy, rather than on political matters. Now what does this involve, and what are the sources of this change in traditional diplomacy? How can you as Nigeria’s principal envoys acquire the new diplomatic skills needed in a world in which trade and investments have become the major factors and instruments in international relations?

The way the term is now being used, economic diplomacy simply means that diplomats should engage themselves and focus more on economic activities that promote the trade and foreign investments of their countries. But the idea of economic diplomacy is not entirely new, only better defined with more focus. The old slave trade, imperialism, and economic nationalism are all instruments of economic diplomacy. Though dressed in different garbs, their impulses were mainly economic. It is when economic diplomacy fails that nations are tempted to resort to the threat or use of force to achieve their economic objectives.

Of course the traditional aspects of diplomacy cannot be ignored completely. Most of you will serve at the bilateral level in which you will function basically as the political agents of the government. But diplomats are now expected to begin to pay more attention to the economic aspects of their job. Only a few weeks ago, the US Secretary of State, Mrs. Hilary Clinton, urged American diplomats abroad to look for markets for American products as the US, still the largest economy in the world, increasingly faces the prospect of economic decline. She specifically cited the case of Chinese, Indian, and Brazilian diplomats who aggressively look for new markets and contracts for their countries abroad.

Only this week, it was reported that Brazil had overtaken Britain in its GNP, through the phenomenal increase in its exports.

The conduct of foreign relations is expensive as it involves the running of many embassies abroad. Nigeria has over 100 embassies abroad. And one of the major criticisms of Nigeria’s foreign policy is that its contribution to the economic growth of the country is not so self evident. Many critics now demand that the Nigerian Foreign Service must justify its pay. Our embassies are ex-

HARDBALL

S

INCE President Goodluck Jonathan cynically dismissed other political parties as one-man shows, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a truly democratic party given to due process and collective leadership, he has taken much flak, especially from opposition parties. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has been particularly trenchant in its denunciation of the president’s sweeping statement, as if the cap hoisted by the president with engaging carefreeness fits the progressive party. Like many of Jonathan’s arguments and conclusions, his perception of PDP’s internal democracy is, however, either misplaced or an exaggeration.

The president has done his best to disguise his interest in the coming contest for the important job of the ruling party’s national chairmanship. The more he denies his interest, the more PDP faithful and other Nigerians distrust him and suspect, on strong grounds, that he is actually egging on Bamanga Tukur. The tension generated by the contest for the PDP top position, and the undisguised manner opponents and supporters line up on either side of Tukur, the leading contender, has made

Of PDP building and scaffolding many to wonder whether the party wasn’t itself confusing its scaffold for the building. It thinks it enjoys internal democracy, the argument goes, when in fact it has a history of foisting candidates, especially for the top party post.

The public must be reminded once again that the contest for the PDP top job is keen because, in all likelihood, whoever wins will organise and supervise the primaries for the all-important 2015 polls. Some, for instance, think the president might be interested in a second term, a suspicion they believe has made him to technically eliminate from the future presidential race former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who hails from the same state, Adamawa, as Tukur. Jonathan’s aides have denied Jonathan’s second term interest and his sponsorship of any candidate for the top party job. But few Nigerians believe them, and the president has himself not sounded convincing.

The best proofs that the PDP confuses the scaffolding for the building, that he confuses imposition for internal democracy, is the party’s history from 1999 till date. Recall that the party’s first chairman, Chief Solomon Lar, actually relinquished the post because of the palpable unease between him and the obtruding Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, president at the time. As proof, recall that the same Obasanjo imposed the next PDP boss, Barnabas Gemade, before going on jauntily to impose Audu Ogbeh, and then finally and dramatically bringing in Col Ahmadu Alli (retd). If foisting PDP bosses was idiosyncratic of Obasanjo, what do we say of the sanctimonious Jonathan himself who elbowed out Prince Vincent Ogbulafor for the latter’s indiscrete statement urging the party to retain the presidency in the North during the late Umaru Yar’Adua’s illness? And why, if we recall, was Dr Okwesileze Nwodo pushed out, still under Jonathan? Was it not because of his closeness

pected to justify their costs by taking practical steps to promote their country’s economic interests abroad. Without economic growth, new jobs cannot be created in the domestic economy and the appalling mass poverty in our country reduced. This places a lot of responsibility on diplomats as it requires a deep knowledge and familiarity with major global economic, trade, and financial issues.

The Nigerian Experience In the past, Nigeria paid little attention to the economic factor in the conduct of its foreign relations. It was not expected that Nigerian diplomats would be involved in economic activities or complex and highly specialized negotiations globally. When the Nigerian Foreign Service was established in 1957, very little thought was given to the importance of the economic factor in its foreign policy or diplomacy. The emphasis was on political, education, and consular affairs. None of the 12 original officers recruited into the Foreign Service in 1957 had a background in economics. At the time, this was not necessarily a limitation. One of the early recruits into the Foreign Service, late Ambassador Leslie Harriman, read Zoology at the then University College, Ibadan, but proved to have been one of Nigeria’s ablest Ambassadors, particularly when he served at the United Nations, New York. But most of these early recruits came from diverse background to a profession in which, it was thought, specials skills were not needed. Their subsequent training abroad in various institutions focused mainly on routine diplomatic and consular work and the acquisition of foreign languages.

This was not altogether surprising as the world economy was less integrated and complex then than it is now. Even before Nigeria became so dependent on its oil exports, its agricultural produce, such as cocoa, groundnut, palm oil, and cotton, was the mainstay of the economy. It found a ready market in Britain through the Commonwealth tariff preference arrangement which gave a sort of guarantee that exports from the former British colonies would gain free entry into Britain and other Commonwealth countries. Under that arrangement, Nigeria did not need to look for new markets for its products. Some level of investment also seemed assured from Britain and other European and Commonwealth countries. The level of foreign investments in the Nigerian economy was generally low. But then the structure of the economy was more balanced as it depended largely on the export of agricultural exports which accounted then for over 80 per cent of our exports. In addition, with its poor physical and social infrastructure, Nigeria lacked the absorptive capacity for a higher level of foreign investments in its domestic economy.

•To be continued • For comments, send SMS to 08054503031

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above to Atiku?

It seems everyone has reconciled himself to watching bemusedly as every president forcefully or conspiratorially determines who becomes boss of the ruling party, and more importantly to watching how that is done in a manner that leaves no one in doubt who the piper is. The party will doubtless put up a grand show in the convention coming up in less than 10 days for the impressionable to gape at. On that day, the president will wear a plastic smile or present a stone face. In reality, however, what will take place will be a coronation supposedly proceeding out of consensus.

There is obviously no party that is not on the horns of a dilemma over whether to let the party boss emerge democratically or to emerge through manipulation. If the PDP chairman emerges fairly later this month, there is no proof that he would not work against the president’s interest, nor could he be trusted to be competent, experienced and mature, as those selling the candidacy of Tukur argue. And if he is foisted, as everything suggests he will be, why would the party not be guilty of abjuring democracy?

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