THE NATION MARCH 22, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

PHCN winners to shop for $1.7b

Fed Govt, states to share $2b Excess Crude cash

BUSEINESS

NEWS

Page 11

Page 4

•NIPP shares go to states

•Money to boost development projects

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VOL. 8, NO. 2435 FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

I SUPPORT AMNESTY FOR BOKO HARAM WITH CONDITIONS, SAYS TINUBU •P4

Prophet Obadare dies at 85 R

ENOWNED evangelist and founder of the World Soul Winning Evangelical Mission (WOSEM), Prophet Timothy Obadare, is dead.

Obadare, an Akure, Ondo State evangelist noted for the monthly Koseunti Crusade, died yesterday at an undisclosed private hospital in Akure, the state capital.

He was 85.

The late cleric was of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) before the ministry fell inot a crisis over certain issues.

From Bisi Oladele Ibadan and Damisi Ojo, Akure

Obadare’s death was confirmed by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ondo State branch, Bishop Joshua Ketiku, who said it came “as a rude shock”.

The CAN chairman said the deceased lived a good life and had gone to rest, adding: “Baba is happier where he is now.”

The media aide to the late cleric, SEE ALSO Michael dePAGE 62 Awe, scribed

him as a great evangelist, who travelled wide within and outside the country on rigorous evangelism.

Awe, who said there was no faction in the CAC Worldwide, added that WOSEM had always been an evangelical arm of the church.

The Publicity Secretary of the CAC Worldwide, Pastor Adeemisoye Alawode, said the entire CAC was shocked by the news of Prophet Obadare’s death.

Alawode said the President of the CAC Worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akioso, had con-

doled with the Church and the family of the deceased.

According to him, the late Prophet Obadare worked like a ‘General’ in the Jesus Army, saying he did his best for the Church.

One of the children of the late prophet, Mr Joseph Obadare, said his father lived a fulfilled life, adding that the family was waiting for the eldest son before making further comments.

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko described the death of Pastor Obadare, as Continued on page 4

•Prophet Obadare

Fear of terrorists as nine suspects are held in Lagos Chadian, soldiers arrested in raid on hideout Guns, ammunition seized

S

ECURITY agents raided yesterday a “terrorists’ hideout run by a Chadian” in Ijora-Badia – a Lagos mainland suburb.

Ijora-Badia is heavily populated by people from various ethnic groups and

By Jude Isiguzo, Police Affairs Reporter

foreigners.

Two AK 47 rifles and other kinds of ammunition were recovered.

Eight other suspects, among them two soldiers, were also arrested.

Soldiers attached to Operation MESA – a Lagos security outfit made up of members of the armed forces – carried out the raid.

Sources said the suspects moved into Ijora Badia about a month ago. Their arrests raised the fear of terrorits

among residents.

The raid was said to have been carried out in a strict military fashion, with security agents storming the area.

The spokesperson of 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Kingsley Umoh,

confirmed the raid but declined to state if the suspects were Boko Haram —the Islamic fundamentalist sect — members or not.

Col. Umoh described the raid as “routine”, adding that it is similar to those carried out intermittently in

Mushin, Agege and other parts of the state.

“The raid is a routine thing and we are only being proactive and also reacting to the security situation in the country. We do not want to have an isContinued on page 4

Why bombers struck in Kano, by SSS •Governor urges Igbo to leave North if insecurity persists

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HE State Security Service (SSS) yesterday blamed Monday’s bombing of vehicles at a motor park in Kano on the lowering of guard by Nigerians as a result of the improved security situation in the North.

SSS spokesperson Ms Marilyn Ogar, on Channels television yesterday said: “Maybe Nigerians became too relaxed because there was a little bit of respite.”

She claimed that operatives had taken out the leadership of the fundamentalist sect, Boko Haram, and that some loose cannons, who are trying to “find their feet”, are stag-

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

ing these new attacks.

Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero said the strike was a calculated attempt to spark a civil war among peace loving ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Abia State Governor Theodore Orji suggested a return home to the Igbo living in the North to forestall further killings.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) urged the government to tackle the security challenge headlong.

Continued on page 4

•Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Zenith Bank Plc., Godwin Emefiele and Head, Primary Market, London Stock Exchange, Alastair Walmsley, at the listing of the bank’s Global Depository Receipts (GDR) in London, United Kingdom…yesterday

•SPORTS P23 •SOCIETY P25 •BRAND P29 •POLITICS P43 •AGRIC P51

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

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NEWS WAR IN MALI

•President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice- President Namadi Sambo (right), during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

•From left: Bauchi State Govenor Isa Yuguda, Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwanbo and Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, during the NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa , Abuja...yesterday.

•From left: Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Minister of FCT Bala Mohammed and Ebonyi State Governor Martin Elechi, during the NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa , Abuja. ..yesterday.

•From left: Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwanbo, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godwill Akpabio, Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Special Adviser to the Prersident on Millennium Development Goals, Dr Precious Gbeneol , during the NEC meeting at the Presidential Villaa, Abuja.

PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN.

U.S., UNt A

NSAR al-Dine, the rebel group trying to topple the government in Mali, is a terrorist organisation subject to sanctions, the State Department said yesterday.

The designation of Ansar al-Dine as a foreign terrorist organization makes it illegal to support the group financially, prohibits U.S. citizens from any transactions with the group and allows the federal government to freeze any of its U.S. assets.

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday listed the group as a terrorist organization, which requires all U.N. member countries to freeze the group’s assets and institutes an arms embargo.

Ansar al-Dine, established in late 2011 and led by Iyad ag Ghali, cooperates closely with al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, another terrorist group operating in North Africa, the State Department said. That al-Qaeda group has helped Ansar al-Dine fight Malian and French troops in the capture of several strategic towns in Mali, including Gao, Timbuktu and Aguelhok, the State Department said.

The group seeks to impose strict Islamic law in Mali.

Edmond Mulet, U.N. assistant secretary-general for peacekeeping operations, said last week that U.N. peacekeepers could arrive in Mali by July. Such a mission would require approval from the government of Mali and the U.N. Security Council.

The statement declaring the group a terror organization reads: “The Department of State has designated Ansar al-Dine (AAD) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism. As a result of the designation, U.S. persons are prohibited from knowingly providing material support or resources to AAD, and all property subject to U.S. jurisdiction in which AAD has any interest is blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with the organization or to its benefit.

“AAD has also been listed by the United Nations 1267/1989 al-Qa’ida Sanctions Committee. The UN listing requires all member states to implement an assets freeze, a travel ban, and an arms embargo against AAD. The UN action demonstrates international resolve to eliminate AAD’s violent activities in Mali and the surrounding region.

“Ansar al-Dine is an organisation operating in Mali which cooperates closely with al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation. AAD was created in late 2011 after AAD’s leader, Iyad ag Ghali, failed in an attempt to take over a secular Tuareg organization due to his extremist views. Ghali was designated by the Department of State under E.O. 13224 on February 26, 2013.

“AAD has received support from AQIM since its inception in late 2011, and continues to maintain close ties to the group. AAD has received backing from AQIM in its fight against Malian and French forces, most notably in the capture of the Malian towns of Agulhok, Tessalit, Kidal, Gao, and Timbuktu, between January and April 2012. In AAD’s March 2012 attack against the town of Aguelhok, the group executed 82 Malian soldiers and kidnapped 30 more. Before the French intervention in January 2013, Malian citizens in towns under AAD’s control who did

•French General Bernard Barrera (right) speaking with Chadian General Deby Muhammad near Tessalit in northern Mali. With them are other soldiers.

PHOTO: AFP.

‘

Ansar al-Dine is an organisation operating in Mali which cooperates closely with alQa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation.

AAD was created in late 2011 after AAD’s leader, Iyad ag Ghali, failed in an attempt to take over a secular Tuareg organization due to his extremist views

‘

not comply with AAD’s laws faced harassment, torture, or execution.”

Malian farmers and livestock, forced south by conflict, put pressure on land and water resources in the borderlands The movement of hundreds of thousands of cattle from Mali is threatening peace across the border in Burkina Faso, where tensions are mounting as Malian refugee pastoralists come head to head with local agricultural farmers.

“They don’t even say hello, they don’t ask but they just take things,” said Hamidou Tamboura from Djibo, near the site of the refugees.

“They are hot blooded, and when their animals come on your land you cannot chase them away, as they receive protection from international organisations.

We share the same vegetation and the water resources, but they get extra support.”

Nomadic tribes have crossed the porous borders of these large territories for centuries in search of pastures to graze their cattle, a phenomenon known as transhumance.

Farmers from Niger normally go to the Gao region in Mali between December and February for a special herb called bourgou. However, the security situation has prevented them accessing the region, and they remain stuck in Burkina Faso.

Meanwhile, cattle farmers from Mali, who are not usually part of the transhu-

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

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NEWS WAR IN MALI

tighten noose on Malian rebels

•Malians fleeing the troubled spot as a result of the coup

mance, are being forced south to Burkina Faso by the conflict, putting additional pressure on the same land occupied by the nomadic tribes from Niger. Many are afraid to return.

“Even though the Islamists have been defeated, we still cannot go back. The Malian army are killing the civilian population and many are being accused of sympathising with the Islamists,” said Idoual Ag-Bala, a refugee from Gao. “We know there is not enough food and water for the animals in Burkina Faso. We’re hopeful for peace. As soon as there is peace we will go back.”

According to the UN high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR), about 47,000 refugees have crossed the border since Islamists took control of northern Mali in early 2012, some of them bringing their livestock with them.

Latest figures from Oxfam (pdf) estimate that between 100,000 and 200,000 animals have entered Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Niger. In one camp in Burkina Faso there are three animals for every person, said the report.

The large influx of animals has put considerable pressure on both land and water resources still recovering from the shock of the 2011 drought and the resulting Sahel crisis in 2012.

A May 2012 report by Réseau Billital Maroobé (pdf), a network of pastoral farmers across Africa, had already warned of the potential challenges posed by increasing refugee numbers.

‘Thing are slowly falling in place in Mali’ One year after the coup in Mali, coup leader Captain Amadou Haya Sanogo has a positive view of the country’s progress. He told DW he is not planning to run for the presidency in elections planned for July 2013.

A

YEAR ago you headed a military coup against the Malian government. Why? We had an ideal and that was first of all to recapture enemy-occupied territory, then to send professionally trained security personnel to re-establish order there and guarantee safety for the Malian people. And finally, to provide a new impetus in a country where the economy, the justice system and the education system simply weren’t working anymore. Nothing was working anymore; there was looting, fraud and social deterioration. And so we wanted to give the people new hope, so that things could move forward again.

How do you see developments today, one year later?

I believe that now, one year later, things are slowly falling into place. And they are doing so in the way we had hoped. Of course not everything can be done immediately. A state that has been broken for the last 20 years cannot be rebuilt in a single year. That’s logical. But we should remember that the occupied territory is only now being retaken. The current political system is working “There is a big risk that we will run out of food and water. We need an early warning system so we can see where shortages might arise,” said Boubacar Cissé, director of Conseil Régional des Unions du Sahel (Crus),

well. And what is more, the Malian people are beginning to understand what went wrong and to realise that this is the chance to start over.

What is your role now? You have been asked repeatedly to leave the political stage. How do you want to influence future developments?

As a citizen of this country, its welfare is close to my heart. I dream of nothing else. We are independent, we aren’t living according to anyone else’s narrative. If things go wrong, this has to be acknowledged. You can’t hide behind a newspaper or sit back with your cup of tea to avoid facing up to the truth. That is the drama of the situation. Regarding external criticism and talk about my stepping down, I think that such considerations are slowing progress.

Will you be a candidate in the elections planned for July in order to pursue the ideas you said were the driving force behind your coup in March 2012?

I won’t be a candidate in the coming elections. That much is clear.

a farmer’s organisation that works in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso.

“The Ecowas [Economic Community of West African States] countries know that this needs a regional response. The Burkina Faso govern-

ment said they will try and mobilise food for the cattle,” he said. “At the same time, we need to raise the awareness of the security forces in Mali so that they can distinguish between farmers and rebels.”

•Sanogo

Crus has started to put out “antennas” around the region to monitor the migration of pastoralists, but little else has been done from the Ecowas side. “It’s almost like we need a UNHCR

Mali soldier killed in Timbuktu suicide bomb attack

A

•Traore

SUICIDE attack has killed a Malian soldier in the historic city of Timbuktu, the army

says.

The attacker set off an explosive belt inside a car which had been stopped at a checkpoint near the airport, a military source said.

This is the first suicide attack in Timbuktu since French-led forces ousted Islamist militants from the city in January.

The French army says it also killed at least 10 militants in a later attack.

The French government says it is still trying to verify claims by alQaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) that it had executed French hostage Philippe Verdon on 10 March, in retaliation for France’s intervention in Mali.

France sent troops in January to regain the north from a loose coalition

of militant Islamist groups, saying they threatened to turn the whole of Mali into a “terrorist state”.

“A booby-trapped car exploded during the night [Wednesday] near the Timbuktu airport,” a military source told the AFP news agency.

“The jihadist who set off his belt was killed instantly and one of the soldiers injured in the explosion died in hospital.”

The BBC’s Alex Duval Smith in Mali’s capital, Bamako, says the attack is a setback to French claims that it is winning the war against jihadist forces in Mali.

On Wednesday President Francois Hollande said the military operation was in its last phase and that Mali was ‘’days away’’ from regaining its territorial integrity.

However, thousands of ordinary Malians have remained sceptical

about assurances that the north of the country is safe, our correspondent says.

The Timbuktu car bombing is likely to vindicate their view and further delay the return of civil servants who are needed if schools, town halls and clinics are to reopen, she says.

Malian army spokesman Capt Samba Coulibaly said the suicide bombing took place at a road block manned by Malian soldiers, just before a French checkpoint, Reuters news agency reports.

“We are mopping up to see if there are any other attackers in the area,” he is quoted as saying.

French army spokesman Colonel Thierry Burkhard said French and Malian forces had repelled an attempt by militants to infiltrate Timbuktu’s airport on Thursday morning, Reuters reports.

There were no French casualties, he added.

France currently has 4,000 troops in Mali, backed by thousands of Malian, Chadian and other African forces.

Their military campaign has focused in recent weeks on the remote Ifoghas mountains near the Algeria border, where the militants are believed to have fled after losing control of the main cities.

However, there were two suicide bombings in the city of Gao last month.

On Tuesday the French army said 15 Islamist fighters had been killed in recent days in Gao, and a large cache of weapons seized.

At least 26 Chadian and five French soldiers had died in combat in Mali since their deployment, AFP reports.

France hopes to begin withdrawing its forces from Mali at the end of April.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

NEWS I support amnesty for Boko Haram with conditions, says Tinubu

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CTION Congress of Nigeria National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said his support for amnesty for Boko Haram members is conditional.

According to a statement

by Tinubu Media Office, the former governor made the submission during a condolence visit to the Emir of Kano, HRH Alhaji Dr. Ado Bayero and the Governor and People of Kano State over the bomb attacks that have rocked the ancient city of Kano He spoke to reporters at the Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano while responding to a question on whether or not the govern-

•Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello (second right) with Mr. Dayo Erinle, an engineer (left); Resident Engineer, Mr. Fasina Olanrewaju (second left) and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Service, Mr. Muyideen Akinsanya when the commissioner inspected projects on Lagos Island axis…yesterday.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

A

Boko Haram issues threat in new video

VIDEO of a French family of seven kidnapped last month in Cameroon and which also purported to show the acclaimed leader Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, was yesterday obtained by AFP. The AFP had earlier in the week reported the audio clips.

In the video, Shekau and the seven French hostages were not together in the same location.

Shekau, who spoke in Arabic in the nearly 11-minute video, said the French tourists were abducted because of the arrest of Boko Haram members and their family members in Nigeria and Came-

roon.

The screen is split during part of the time he speaks, with one half showing him and the other a photograph of the family.

“God sent us the French hostages …,” he said in what Shekau described as a message to the presidents of Nigeria, Cameroon and France.

“The proof that we are holding them is that our brothers and sisters were captured in Nigeria and Cameroon … We seek no money but the release of our brothers.”

The father of the French family, which includes four children, the couple and an uncle, later reads a statement from a piece of paper.

NEC approves sharing of $2b Excess Crude cash

T

HE National Economic Council (NEC) yesterday approved the sharing of $2 billion from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) among the three tiers of government.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the 49th NEC meeting at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio said the Council received an update on the status of the Excess Crude Account from the Minister of State for Finance, Alhaji Yerima Ngama.

He attended the briefing along with Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo and Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema.

Akpabio said the Minister told the Council that $7.82b

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

was left in the account after the sharing of $1b by the three tiers of government earlier in the year and payment of fuel subsidy commitments.

He said the Council was told how “the plan to share between $1b and $2 billion next month to facilitate various development projects being executed by the different tiers of government across the country”.

NEC, which comprises the 36 governors and chaired by Vice President Namadi Sambo, put pressure on President Goodluck Jonathan last December 2012, to approve sharing of $1 billion to pay contractors by the state governments. The $1 billion was released and shared in January.

Dankwambo said the Coun-

cil also approved collaboration between the federal and state governments on broadband infrastructure.

He said: “NEC gave its blessing to the recommendations of the Gombe Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwamboled Sub Committee, which reviewed a recent presentation by the Minister of Information Technology, Mrs. Mobolaji Johnson, on a proposed improved broadband roadmap for the country.

“To the effect that telecoms service providers should partner with the Federal Government and state governments, to ensure proper harmonisation and integration of development projects with ICT infrastructure in the country.”

He added: “The following are the key recommendations meant to provide the requisite

stimulus for accelerated ICT infrastructure roll out across the country: •All identified impediments such as multiple levies, charges, illegal taxes should be addressed to allow accelerated growth and development of ICT infrastructure; •Harmonisation of all rightof-way processes and administration between the States and the Federal Ministry of Works guidelines for the granting of Federal Highway Right of Way, with agreed prescription by the ICT Ministry; •The operators to make additional commitment to the host communities/States with respect to Right-of-way Grant”; •“Implementation of standardised fees payable in reContinued on page 59

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ment should grant amnesty to Boko Haram.

The statement said: “Here is Governor Tinubu’s response.”I support the granting of amnesty to the sect but with some conditions which includes justice for those people with blood in their hands because it will go along way in discouraging such dastardly acts in future.

“If you called Boko Haram ghosts, what of their members that were arrested and are in various prisons?

These people are human beings and through them, their colleagues can be known and talked to...”

Fear of terrorists as nine suspects are held in Lagos Continued from page 1

sue before we start running round in a circle,” he said.

Col. Umoh added: “The Op MESA, as you know, is a joint security body and they carried out their routine raids today and made some arrests. The raids are simply a part of those that are carried out everyday based on information at our disposal.

“The raids give the public confidence that we, security bodies, are working. It is the way the OP Mesa was designed and once our sources give us the tip off we swing into action. Our sources have proven to be credible.”

When asked about the claims that the military group recovered some devices suspected to be explosives, Col. Umoh said he did not have such details.

Col. Umoh urged members of the public to go about their activities without fear as all security agencies were on top of the situation.

A source, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “Security agents got information about a month ago that there was a hideout in Seven-Up area, Ijora. Although we were not sure if they were Boko Haram members or not, we did not want to take any chances. So, we decided to go and raid the place.

“It was discovered that the

place was being run by a Chadian and arms, including AK 47 rifles, were recovered. Investigations are ongoing and those who are found not culpable will be released.”

Lagos State Director of the State Security Service (SSS) Mr. Achu Olayi confirmed the raid but said it was too soon to say if the suspects were Boko Haram members or not.

The SSS boss declined comments on the ammunition recovered.

“We usually carry out routine raids in that area. So, it is not really a big deal. The suspects are still being interrogated and we will disclose more details to you later,” he said.

Police spokesman Ms. Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, debunked claims that explosives were recovered.

“No explosives were recovered as being speculated by members of the public,” she said, adding that if explosives were recovered, the Police Anti-Bomb Squad would have been called in to detonate the devices.

She said: “The police did not carry out any raid in Ijora and we cannot hold brief for the OP MESA, but whatever it is, we have called the area and everything is said to be calm.”

Why suicide bombers struck in Kano, by SSS

Continued from page 1

But President Goodluck Jonathan said the government would no longer tolerate “wanton destructions of lives and property”.

He expressed regret that “the destruction of valuable and critical infrastructure in recent times had depleted Kano, known for its huge commercial activities.

Dr. Jonathan’s message was delivered by a Federal Government delegation led

by Minister of Interior Abba Moro, which visited the Emir of Kano.

In the team were Police Affairs Minister Caleb Olubolade, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar.

They also visited Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso .

Governor Orji urged the Igbo living in the North to

return to the East, should their lives continue to be in danger.

Orji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Public Communication, Ben Onyechere, said: “In view of incessant massacre unreservedly perpetrated against the Igbo, it has become urgent and needful for Igbo in the North to take a decision that will forestall further killings, one of which is to come home because life is more precious than silver and gold.

“Nobody can restore one’s life that is lost, no matter the amount of money or property; so, it has become pertinent that since you are targets of unjustifiable attacks, you may have little or no option than to relocate, if necessary.

“I painfully send my heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost loved ones, just as much as I condole

myself because I feel the pain as much as everyone else. A dead man has no enemy.

“In as much as the Federal Government is taking steps to put a stop to the murderous acts of insecurity, we as citizens and leaders have the onerous task of assisting in every way so that collectively we can find a solution to this precarious and condemnable situation which is certainly alien to this country.

“At this point, therefore, no one should consider the option of reprisal attacks because, just as the President has said, we are yet to identify the sources of these attacks which is the reason we must give unflinching support to our security agencies who are also incurring loss of lives on daily basis.”

The president of a foremost Igbo socio-political group, the C21, Senator Annie Okonkwo, described the sui-

cide attack as senseless.

Okonkwo urged Nigerians to confront the challenge.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Collins Steve Ugwu, Okonkwo said: “If western education is sin’ as Boko Haram wants to force down our throats, does mass murder of dissenting Nigerians edify their brand of Islamic bigotry?”

He added that “speculative politics must be put aside to secure the supremacy of our corporate indivisible entity as a nation, because a nation that cannot stem this variant of extremism in peace time is a nation that has surrendered to anarchy without a fight. When routine murderous killings of innocent citizens of our country by Boko Haram is tolerated, the abiding faith of the people is severely weakened and their resolve as one entity fatally eroded.”

The Emir of Kano said that the sinister motive behind the bombing of a motor park in a predominantly Christian quarters in Kano was a calculated attempt to spark a civil war among peace loving ethnic groups in Nigeria.

The 19th Fulani emir of Kano told the visiting Federal Government delegation in his palace that there was no other reason behind this ungodly act rather than to create tension and cause chaos in the country.

The monarch said: “I feel saddened to hear everyday that somebody is being killed here or there, yet we can’t figure out what is happening, and who is behind this. I feel the Federal Government should do more to fish out the perpetrators of these heinous acts to free Nigeria and indeed our state from the festering mess.”

Continued on page 59

•Orji

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

NEWS Police warn motorists on tinted windshields

Why insecurity ‘ll persist, by Falana

A

CTIVIST-LAWYER Mr Femi Falana (SAN) yesterday blamed Nigeria’s rising insecurity on impunity in public offices.

He said the state pardon granted former Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who was convicted and jailed, does not really deserve the intense condemnation it is getting.

To Falana, Nigerians should rather be angry that the government has been in the habit of “pardoning” corrupt persons by shielding them from trial.

Nothing could be worse than that, he said.

He cited the instance of a former governor who obtained a perpetual injunction against his trial for corruption; the government’s failure to try those named in high-profile bribery scandals when their accomplices have been jailed abroad, and the fact no one has been brought to book for corruption in the oil sector.

But the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, blamed the judiciary, saying something in the justice system must change.

“If it is the laws that allow people to seek perpetual injunctions against their trials, maybe we should revisit those laws,” Maku said.

They spoke in Lagos at a launch of a book: The Nigeria of our dream, written by an Edo State Traditional Prime Minister, the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Sam O. U. Igbe, who retired as a Commissioner of Police.

•Jonathan, Fashola, Tinubu speak on corruption at Benin chief’s book launch

By Joseph Jibueze

Falana, who delivered a lecture entitled: Policing the Nigeria of our dream, said of all the former governors charged with corruption in 2007, none has been tried or jailed.

Most of them, he said, have been on one form of appeal or the other. He said by the time they finish the appeal process up to the Supreme Court, evidence may have been weakened, or judges may have retired or transferred.

“Those who have committed more serious offences have been pardoned,” Falana said, adding that no official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), an organisation he said was notorious for corruption, has been prosecuted for graft.

The consequence is that youths are disenchanted. Widespread poverty, caused by a few individuals pocketing the nation’s wealth, fuels insecurity, Falana said.

“Our country has been ruined by a small group who appropriated the resources to themselves,” he said. He wondered why the government has not declared wanted 197 drug convicts who never saw the walls of a prison.

Falana said the Boko Haram sect don’t deserve amnesty, adding that the situation is not comparable to the militancy in

the Niger Delta.

He also warned against increment in petroleum prices in the name of removing fuel subsidy, saying he hoped the government would not disregard the judgment of a Federal High Court, Abuja, which declared deregulation illegal.

“If this regime will not improve the lives of Nigerians, let it stop adding to their punishment and suffering,” Falana said.

Former Lagos State Governor and Action Congress of Nigeria National (ACN) Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, represented by former Minister of State for Defence, Demola Seriki, said 100 years after amalgamation, Nigeria was still grappling with teething problems.

Confidence in governance, he said, is at an all time low.

“Unless urgent steps are taken, the labours of our heroes past shall be in vain.”

He said aside insecurity, the government has failed in nurturing and educating the youth, while the leadership does not inspire them to greatness.

Tinubu added that leaders owe it to their consciences and their maker to achieve a country of Nigerians’ dreams where there would be peace, prosperity, growth, equity and justice.

“All of us must do our own part of the work that must be done beyond lamenting,”

Tinubu said.

Maku said the government welcomes criticisms, but that President Jonathan could not address in two years problems that had existed for 30 years.

He said the judiciary needs further reform. “We are trying to look at the legal system. Why would someone be taken to court for corruption and for seven years, there is no judgment?”

He recalled that President had suggested the creation of special courts for corruption, saying that needed to be revisited.

On amnesty for Boko Haram, Maku said a blanket pardon for people who kill others “simply because they are different” was not ideal, even though President Jonathan had not foreclosed the dialogue option.

“If any one of them comes out and lays his arm, then we’ll begin to talk. But what kind of country will we be to grant blanket amnesty to them? Does it mean the difference between night and day is completely forgotten?

“We must keep the search for votes in 2015 away from Boko Haram. President Jonathan has not ruled out the option of forgiveness, but that cannot be the first condition,” Maku said.

The 279-page book, divided into nine chapters, discusses

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

T •Falana

the scramble for Africa, Nigeria’s colonisation and the evolution of its ethnic groups.

It contains history of the Benin Kingdom, as well as recaps of military interventions and role of youth in nation building, among other subjects.

Igbe said the police, if properly organsed, would “do a lot towards achieving the Nigeria of our dream.” He called for a new people-oriented Constitution, as well as administrative structures that do not discriminate against ethnic groups.

Among guests were Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), represented

by Secretary to the State Government Mrs Oluranti Adegbule; and the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, represented by AIG Mamman Tsafe.

Others were the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Gabriel Igbinedion; Edo’s Deputy Governor Dr Pius Odubu who represented Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and Speaker Edo House of Assembly Hon. Uyi Igbe, who is the author’s son.

•General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Maj. Gen. Abel Umahi (fourth left); Chairman, Lagos State chapter of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (LAANI), Mr Victor Banjo (third right); Publicity Secretary, Prof Yemi Olatunji-Bello (third right) and other members of the Executive Council after a meeting in Lagos.

Goni replaces Sali as Head of Civil Service

A

NEW Head of Civil Service of the Federation has been named by the President.

He is Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji. He takes over from Alhaji Isa Bello Sali, who will attain the mandatory retirement age of 60 tomorrow.

The appointment is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.

The statement said: Alhaji Goni was the Permanent Secretary of Common Services Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The statement reads: “Alhaji Goni hails from Yobe State and was born on January 13, 1959.

He attended Government College, Maiduguri, Borno College of Basic Studies, Maiduguri and graduated from the University of Maiduguri in 1984.”

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

“A career civil servant, Alhaji Goni has held several key positions at the state and federal levels including Chief Administrative Officer, Governor’s Office, Maiduguri (1989-1991), Principal Secretary to the Military Administrator of Yobe State (1991-1992), Principal Secretary to the First Civilian Governor of Yobe State (1992-1993) and Principal Secretary to the 2nd Military Administrator of Yobe State (19931995).”

“Alhaji Goni was appointed Director, Planning, Research and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in 1995 and moved to the Federal Ministry of Defence in the year 2000 as Director of Personnel Management. He headed various departments in the Ministry of Defence until his posting

‘Alhaji Goni hails from Yobe State and was born on January 13, 1959’ to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in 2008 as Director, International Organisations.”

“He was appointed Permanent Secretary in 2009 and posted to the Ministry of Defence. He later served as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Police Affairs (August, 2009 – August, 2010) and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works (September, 2011 – November,

T

HE police authorities yesterday warned motorists against the use of tinted windshields, saying the practice breeds crime.

A statement by Deputy Force spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba said the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has warned security personnel including members of the Armed Forces and politicians against the practice.

Stressing that the rule banning the use of tinted shields is still in force, Abubakar said anyone caught would be arrested and prosecuted.

The statement said: “This unbecoming attitude has the capacity, not only to heighten criminal activities, but to place unnecessary pressure on security agencies and law-abiding citizens.

“Criminal elements, including suspected terrorists, now hide under the cover of the use of the afore mentioned types of vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles to execute their nefarious trade.

“The IGP wishes to remind Nigerians from all walks of life, including politicians, military and security personnel, that the ban on unlawful and indiscriminate use of tinted glasses and legislations forbidding the plying of unregistered vehicles on our highways, are still very much in force.

“The IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and state Command Commissioners of Police to arrest and bring to book, in line with extant laws, all defaulters. He wishes to clearly state that the Nigeria Police Force will no longer tolerate the habit of a few misguided Nigerians who wantonly abuse the use of tinted glasses and unregistered/unlicensed vehicles, thereby complicating the challenge of effectively policing the country and equally endangering the lives and property of law abiding citizens.

“It is the strong advice of the IGP that all persons having vehicles still unlawfully fitted to remove them immediately.

Similarly, owners of unregistered/unlicensed vehicles are advised to immediately register them and obtain appropriate licenses or withdraw them forthwith from public roads.

“Police officers nationwide have been directed to commence a massive operation aimed at enforcing all existing laws bordering on tinted glasses and the use of unregistered/ unlicensed vehicles”

Why Jonathan can’t take action on Boko Haram insurgency, by Kuku

HE Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku, yesterday said the seeming reluctance by President Goodluck Jonathan to take drastic action in combating the Boko Haram menace can be traced to his desire to tread on the path of caution.

Describing Jonathan as a leader with a strong respect for democratic principles, Kuku said what is required is a strategic approach in resolving the security challenges facing the country instead of adopting any method that may lead to the death of innocent lives who have no link with those behind the spate of terror attacks in some parts of the country.

Kuku, who spoke yesterday when members of the Niger Delta Young Professionals visited the Presidential Amnesty Office in Abuja, also called on Nigerians to support the President in his effort to transform the country and restore peace in the troubled region.

He said: “Because, over the years, Nigerians are not used to a very calm, meticulous and nondictatorial leader, many Nigerians do not understand this President. Some of them have called on him to take a drastic action against those fomenting trouble in some parts of the country as it was

From Yomi Odunuga, Deputy Editor, Nation’s Capital

done by some other leaders before him. But that is not the way to go.

“Let us remember that this is democracy and we have a President who has high regards for democratic principles. Education is a very wonderful asset and you cannot buy a Doctorate degree. Are we saying that he should move troops to Borno or Yobe states and wipe the whole people there just because some persons in those areas have chosen to foment trouble?

No, that is not what this President is all about.

He is going about it the right way and we should support him to realise the objective of restoring peace in the land. We are in a democracy and those are principles the President hold dearly and he would not trample on the rights of Nigerians arbitrarily.”

Kuku, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Office, advised the youth from the region to eschew what he called “a life of gratis”, noting that “there is a need for the Niger Delta people to do the jobs in the region by ourselves instead of selling our birthright to other people.’’

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

6

C ITYBEATS Black Heritage

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Festival holds

By Jeremiah Oke

CHAIRMAN of Badagry Local Government area of Lagos State, Hon. Moses Dosu yesterday explained the council's involvement in this year's edition of the annual Black Heritage Festival which begins next week. He said it is aimed at boosting tourism in the area.

He said the masquerade of Cultural Heritage in Badagry would be among those that will perform at the Freedom Park, Lagos venue of the festival.

The chairman, who disclosed this at a press briefing in his office, unveiled the official tourism logo of the council, described tourism as the main export of the town.

He disclosed that the new logo represents the seal of people's authority and the entire Badagry division at all tourism events.

Dosu maintained that his administration would sponsor various students to this year's festival, adding: "We make bold to say that we are fully prepared for this year's Black Heritage Festival. Its organising coordinator for the Lagos State Government, Professor Wole Soyinka is cooperating with us in ensuring that Badagry is not left behind this year.

"Students from Badagry council area are going to feature in arts competition during the festival. Our administration has sponsored 55 children from 20 schools in our locality. We are the only council out of the 20 others and 37 Local council development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State to participate in the contest tagged, Vision of the Child Competition."

Ikere indigenes meet LEGAL luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) will tomorrow interact with his Lagos-based kinsmen from Ikere, the Gateway to Ekiti State, at a forum tagged, 'Lagos Interactive Meeting' billed to hold at Best Western Plus-Lagos Ikeja Hotel, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

At the event being put together by the Ikere Development Forum (IDF) under the chairmanship of Dr Kola Adeyina, Chief Medical Director, Legus Hospital, Lagos, Olanipekun will speak on 'Restoring the glory of Ikere within the Nigeria project.'

'Repair our road, bridge'

By Muyiwa Omobulejo

THE Iken-Ogbo Ijebu community and some adjoining towns in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, have cried to the state government for help as the only link bridge to the area has collapsed. The bridge gave way under the heavy rains of July 16, 2012.

The has nearly paralysed socioeconomic activities in the area as pupils in the area find it difficult to attend classes and farmers and women face uphill task transporting farm produce and wares. Iken-OgboIjebu is the gateway to such towns as Okelamuren-Ogbo, Ibido-Ogbo, Isanya- Ogbo and Ijagun-Ogbo.

The chairman Community Development Association (CDA) of Iken-Ogbo, Comrade Gabriel Adenrele Odulaja with the Alawunren of Okelamuren, Oba Lawrence Oguntayo and Baale of the town, High Chief Olalekan Odunfejo, were said to have complained to the state commissioner of works.

Also, the only transformer in the town has stopped working, throwing the area into darkness. The road from Iken-Ogbo to Okelamuren-Ogbo and Ibido Ogbo-Ijebu is equally bad. ExGovernor Segun Osoba started the road project which terminates at Isanya-Ogbo-Ijebu while in office, but has since abandoned.

The community therefore wants Governor Ibikunle Amosun to extend the good works he is doing across the state to it by repairing the roads and bridge.

•Mrs Taiwo Kolawole

•Mrs Risikat Ajemifuja ... a victim

O

NE person was killed and 13 others injured when gunmen invaded Aiyetoro community, an Island in Ijede-Ikorodu, a Lagos suburb.

The peace of the town was shattered for hours as guns boomed and people ran helter-skelter.

The gunmen, described as land grabbers, were said to be after a choice land at Aiyetoro. It was a sunny day and villagers were going about their activities when the gunmen struck.

Head of the Adasofunjo Descendants in the community, Mr. Babatunde Adelakun, expressed concern over the matter yester-

•Mr Olamiji Sh

One killed, 13 injured as gun

By Adebisi Onanuga

day. Speaking through the family's lawyer, Idris Thani, Adelakun alleged that the land grabbers were brought into the community by a family in Igbogbo Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the state.

Adelakun accused the family of planning to forcefully take over the Adasofunjo's family's choice

land in Aiyetoro.

He said when the people heard the gun shots, they ran helterskelter to avoid being hit.

Several people, he said, were shot, including a woman, Mrs. Taiwo Kolawole, a sister to the head of Adasofunjo Family. She was shot in the left eye; one person reportedly died.

The residents claimed that the invaders took away the body of the person.

Policemen attached to the Igbogbo Police Station, led by their Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Superintendent Remi Adesoye, in response to a distress call, arrested nine suspects.

Ten women and three men, with gunshot wounds, were treated at Ikorodu General Hospital.

Among those arrested are Mr. Yaya Ajibode, Shafideen Bisiriyu a.k.a Yowuyowu; Morufu Alao, Muyideen OPC, and Gafari Ajibode a.k.a Sampon.

Five jailed for assaulting LASTMA officials

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AGOS State Special Offences Court, sitting at Alausa, Ikeja, has sentenced five of the 12 people arraigned for assaulting officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) at Empire Junction, Jibowu, to 150day imprisonment without an option of fines.

Twelve people committed the offence; seven were arrested while five were at large. Those arraigned include: Ejike Obuke; Amos Philips; Eyo Edem; Abrah Sunday; Daniel Obigwe; Destiny Koseide and Ramsey Akpan.

They were charged with unlawfully obstructing the LASTMA officers from carrying out their duties, assaulting the trio of Jimoh Yusuf, Ojabodu Jaiyeola and Adenuga Yusuf of LASTMA and breach of public peace.

Two of the suspects, Obigwe and Phillips who pleaded not guilty to the charges were granted bail by Magistrate Jade Adeyemi in the sum of N100, 000

I

N its efforts to put a stop to the rate of piracy in the country, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has intercepted and impounded a 40-foot container of films at the Apapa Ports in Lagos.

The Director-General of the NCC, Mr Afam Ezekude, made the disclosure at a consultative meeting with the stakeholders of the Nigerian movie industry in Lagos.

The seized container, according

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

each with two sureties each in the like sum. Adeyemi said the sureties must be gainfully employed with proof of employment evidence for seven years.

The case was adjourned till April 18.

Obuke confirmed to the police at the LASTMA headquarters that the assault was a vendetta against LASTMA officials. He mentioned five other members of the gang who, according to him, include: Emeka, Sunday, Monday, Chinedu and Tochukwu who were at large.

Reacting to the judgment, the General Manager of LASTMA in the state, Mr Babatunde Edu, recalled that the patrol team of the agency arrested a commercial bus that contravened traffic law at Ojuelegba and in the process of taking the bus to the LASTMA office, no fewer than 12 men appeared and unleashed terror on the officers.

•Amos Philip and Ejike Obuke According to him, they used sharp objects such as broken bottles, machetes and screw drivers to stab the officers. It was during this chaotic situation that the bus was driven away from

the scene by the offender.

Edu said it took the effort of the Rapid Respond Squad (RRS) officers and some LASTMA officials to bring the situation under control.

He expressed the readiness of the

Commission impounds pirated films

By Amidu Arije

to Ezekude, carried Nollywood movies imported from China.

"In our effort to ensure a piracyfree nation, we intercepted and impounded the 40-foot container containing DVDs, VCDs of Nollywood works. The container was from China. We are still working to apprehend the pirates; so, whoever is into piracy should

stop," he said.

He stated further that the commission seized about 30 containers last year with pirated books and movies from different parts of the world.

Speaking on the essence of the reform of the commission, Ezekude stated that the commission, when reformed, would transform the nation's literary work and pave the

way for the economic, social and cultural development of the country.

He further stated: "The film industry in Nigeria is particularly strategic to the formation of any copyright policy. Although the industry has in the last 20 years witnessed exponential growth in terms of volume of production, ranking it the third largest in the world; it is yet to maximize the economic benefit that truly reflects these

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

7

C ITYBEATS Monarch celebrates coronation

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

iji Sharafa

•Mrs Fausat Rasaq

men invade Lagos community As at noon yesterday, a detachment of combat-ready policemen was still in the community The case file and the arrested suspects, The Nation learnt, were transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba yesterday.

A police source said the matter was handled with dispatch because it involved murder.

The disputed land has been a subject of litigation between the Adasofunjo family and Aniyere family of Ijede before Justice O.A. Dabiri of the Lagos State High Court, Lagos since 2009.

In the course of the proceeding, of the matter was going, the Ajibode Family of Igbogbo was alleged to

have appeared in court and asked to be joined as an interested party.

The land matter is also said to have been under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Police Headquarters, Abuja since 2011.

Parties were said to have been asked to sign an undertaking to allow peace

Lagos distributes wheeler bins

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agency to prosecute its aggressors who take laws into their hands by attacking or vandalising government property with little or no provocation. potentials. This is due to primarily to the wanton exploitation of Nigerian films without recompense to the right owners.

"This reform process therefore offers an opportunity to reinvigorate the industry to make it globally competitive and economically rewarding for investors and practitioners, by among others, building an effective system of registration and online licensing of Nigerian films."

HE Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has begun another phase of the distribution of free wheeler bins to tenements to ensure cleaner environment.

A statement from the authority said the bins are for tenements that possess receipts for the payment of their LandUse Charge.

Distribution of bins started in 2009 as part of the State Government's resolve to make all tenements imbibe the culture of waste containerisation as stipulated by the Sanitation Law (Section 12 of Lagos State of Nigeria Official Gazette). The law states that "Every owner or occupier of a tenement shall provide a covered dustbin as may be specified by the Authority outside the tenement for the disposal of waste".

The bins are expected to institutionalise global best practices in urban solid waste management, containerisation of wastes, preservation of the environment from the hazardous effects of indiscriminate refuse dumping, and prevention of flooding in the state.

The statement further disclosed that the wheeler bins

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, Assistant Editor

will be distributed through various registered sanitation outfits, the Local Government and Land Use Charge offices across the state.

LAWMA also appealed to all residents to take advantage of the wheeler bins, reiterating the ban on cart pushers; using refuse for land reclamation; burning of waste and other illegal means of waste disposal.

In a related development it called on residents, especially those living along the railcorridors, to desist from using the axis as dumping ground.

It warned that the unwholesome practice is capable of spreading diseases, defacing the environment and endangering the lives and property of residents along the corridor.

While stressing the determination of government to ensure effective waste management, it warned that anyone caught violating environmental laws will face the full wrath of the law.

LAWMA restated its earlier call on owners of properties and shops on major roads and highways in the state to comply with government's directive to make provision for containers for proper waste disposal.

Muslim body holds conference THE 97th Annual Conference of Anwar-ul Islam Movement of Nigeria begins today at the Jibril Martin Memorial Grammar School, Iponri, Lagos at 9 am. It will end on Sunday, The theme of the conference's lecture, according to a statement signed by the body's national secretary, Daud Abdul

Azeez, is: "Challenges of Violence, Crime, Corruption and Insecurity in Nigeria: Issues and Solutions From Islamic Perspectives."

The lecture, it said, would be delivered by Alhaji Nosiru Onibon of the Department of Religious Studies, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, who is the guest lecturer.

reign.

Lagos police spokesperson Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said yesterday that one person died in the crisis, adding that the situation was under control.

She said those arrested had been moved to the SCID, Panti, Yaba for further interrogation.

TODAY, Ibeju Land in Lagos State will host dignitaries from all walks of life as the Onibeju of Ibeju Land, Oba Rafiu Olusegun Salami, who was enthroned five years ago by the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, celebrates his anniversary.

Five years gone, Oba Salami said he had cause to give glory to the Almighty because under his leadership, the land has witnessed “tremendous i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l development”, which gave him a measure of fulfillment as a royal father.

Speaking to The Nation yesterday in his palace, Oba Salami thanked Tinubu for having the love of the kingdom at heart. Describing the National Leader of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as a great man, the monarch said he had personal reasons to appreciate Tinubu’s efforts in the development of the town.

While thanking Governor Babatunde Fashola for bringing investors and creating jobs for the youth in the town, Oba Salami said: “If I have to compare Ibeju Lekki five years ago when I ascended the throne with what I see today, I will give glory to God and thank His Excellency, Babatunde Fashola. I lack words to describe him at the moment.”

“Today, this kingdom boasts the presence of Eleganza conglomerates, which are building no fewer than six industries in our land. There is also the Lekki Free Trade Zone undergoing construction here too.

“Other industrialists are equally moving in. And we believe, very soon, that

By Wale Ajetunmobi

airport and seaport of international standard will be established here as well.”

The monarch extended invitation to would-be investors to create more jobs, saying Ibeju-Lekki does not identify with crisis of Omo onile (land speculators). The king assured his subjects and chiefs that the influx of investors won’t affect the general wellbeing of the people, stating that everybody would benefit in terms of improved commerce and employment to the youth.

The royal father said that despite his achievements, there were still challenges especially in the area of social amenities. He said the influx of people to the town was becoming overwhelming, as he called on the Lagos State government to do more to bring amenities to the area.

On how he had maintained peace in his domain, Oba Salami said: “If you are with God, you will have peace of mind. I do justice to my subjects and I must say that King David in the Bible inspired me to do justice to all.”

He appreciated political leaders in the kingdom, among who included the chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Hon. Kemi Surakat and former Health Commissioner, Dr Tola Kasali.

Part of today’s ceremony will be the commissioning of the new Oba’s palace, which was built by Ibeju-Lekki Local Government.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

8

NEWS Terrorists must retrace their steps, say ex-militant leaders From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

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•Chairman, Daar Communication Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi (left), Company Secretary, Anopuo Donatus and Group Managing Director, Mr. Tony Akiotu (right), at the 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Daar Communication in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

Unemployment: Nigeria sitting on tinderbox, says Obasanjo F ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday decried the soaring rate of unemployment in the country.

He said the situation is capable of consuming the country.

Obasanjo spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital at a lecture organised by the Africultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI).

The lecture was entitled “Managing Agriculture as a Business to unlock Nigeria’s Agricultural Potentials”.

He said: “The number of Nigerian universities is going to about 150 now without corresponding job opportunities; we have a problem. The students coming out of the universities do not have hope of getting employment. This means we are sitting on a keg of gun powder. An idle hand is the devil’s workshop. But a hopeless idle hand is a tinder box.”

The former president added that “in Nigeria, the development of agriculture and its ability to become the lifeline of the economy are threatened by the low capacity in agribusiness practitioners to manage their enterprises on a sustainable basis due to cost of finance, inadequate skill, inadequate government support and dumping into Nigeria.”

His words: “This trend can

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

be reversed if agribusiness operators and government will work in close collaboration and partnership realising that their collective objective should be food self-sufficiency and security, foreign exchange earning and job creation. For agribusiness to be embraced and upheld, a consistent and predictable policy is needed from government, in addition to a clear support in all areas of the value chain.

“In less than four decades from now, world population is expected to grow to over 9 billion, significantly increasing the demand for food and other agricultural products. Some projections show that global food production will need to jump by 70 percent to feed a population of nine billion in 2050.

“The World Economic Forum recognises that in order to achieve this, the world will need a new vision for agriculturedelivering food security, environmental sustainability and economic opportunity through agriculture.

“In essence, the task of meeting the world’s food demand now and in the future rests on the shoulders of farmers- small,

medium and large scale farmers all over the world, but especially in Africa.

“The question now is how seriously are African or to be specific Nigerian farmers taking this challenge. If the success of our agro enterprise depends on how efficient we are as managers, what management strategies are we adopting to reduce costs and increase yields? What training and input do we have to be efficient producers and to be scientific and effective business managers?

“African governments and agro-businesses have failed to take full advantage of the opportunities agriculture presents the continent. For decades since 1960 when most African states gained independence from colonial rule, the continent has witnessed stagnating or declining per capita incomes and agricultural output.

“Between 1960 and 2000, while labour productivity in agriculture grew at an average annual rate of three per cent across the developing countries it grew at an average annual rate of only 0.6 percent in Sub-Saharan Africa. The implications of this dilemma are huge- with roughly 60 percent of the re-

gion’s labour and 90 percent of the region’s poor currently working directly in agriculture, it is difficult to imagine how significant poverty reduction in Africa can occur without increased productivity and efficient management of agriculture thriving business.”

He listed violent conflict and political instability, poor leadership and global trade imbalance as some of the factors that account for the stagnation of slow growth witnessed in Nigeria’s agriculture.

Obasanjo said: “While Africa can boast of huge human capital engagement in agriculture, with some figures as high as 70 percent most farmers engage only in subsistence farming and therefore lack the required business skills for managing farms as a business.”

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said: “The issue of cassava bread is not a political but economic one.

“Nigeria spends N635billion every year importing wheat but substituting cassava for wheat the country will spend N254billion at 20 percent substitution. That will put N127 billion in the hands.”

AMCON accuses Ogboru of refusal HE Assets Management to repay loan Corporation of Nigeria

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(AMCON) has accused a former governorship candidate in Delta State, Great Ogboru, of being a chronic debtor, who is always unwilling to pay his debt.

AMCON made the assertion yesterday before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos, at the resumed hearing of a suit it instituted against Ogboru’s company, Fiogret Limited.

Its lawyer, Kunle Ogunba (SAN), while reacting to Ogboru and his company’s motion, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit, alleged that Ogboru and Fiogret take delight in accepting loans from banks without paying back.

The alleged practice by Ogboru and his company, Ogunba allaged, they reason they always run to court to get injunction to stop debt recovery processes.

The court had is the earlier

By Eric Ikhilae

granted AMCON an order, affirming Ogunba’s appointment as receiver/manager over Fiogret’s assets purportedly pledged by Ogboru as security for a loan obtained by the company from Equitorial Trust Bank (now part of Sterling Bank), a development that prompted Ogboru and his company’s motions.

The first motion seeks an order vacating the earlier order affirming Ogunba’s appointment as receiver/manager over Fiogret’s property situated on Plot 43, Norma Williams street, Ikoyi; Plot 230-234, Owotu-Ikorodu and Plot 15, Layi Ajayi-Bembe Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.The second motion challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.

Upon the court’s permission, Ogboru’s lawyer, Professor McCarthy Mbadugha ar-

gued the second application.

He contended that the suit was an abuse of court process because there was a pending suit before Justice Adamu of the Federal High Court, Abuja on the same subject matter.

Mbadugha said the Abuja court had earlier issued a perpetual order, restraining AMCON from taking over Ogboru’s property. He also faulted Ogunba’s appearance in the case, saying the lawyer already has financial interest in it, having been appointed as receiver/manager.

Mbadugha urged the court to dismiss the suit.

Ogunba, while responding, recalled that Ogboru once agreed that N33 million, which formed the principal of the loan was outstanding.

“He (Ogboru) has not paid, but wants the court to determine the interest. The action of people like Ogboru wrecked some banks in Niger-

ORMER militant leaders in the Niger Delta have asked the Boko Haram sect to stop further disruption of the peace of the country.

They also condemned “in very strong terms,” the bombing of luxury buses in Kano, which led to the death of many innocent people and loss of valuable property.

Niger Delta’s former warlords, under the aegis of Leadership Forum for Peace Building, yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, noted that the Boko Haram terrorists were driving investors away from Nigeria, especially the North.

The forum, through its National President, Reuben Wilson, urged Boko Haram to sheathe it sword and give peace a chance.

The ex-militant leaders said: “What they have continued doing is not good at all. Their (Boko Haram suicide bombers) main motive is to see how they can distract President Goodluck Jonathan. We will like to inform them that they are making a serious mistake.

“Our message is simple: let them realise that this path leads to nowhere. They should embrace peace, like we did and turn a new leaf. So that Nigeria can make progress. We do not have any other country, other than Nigeria.”

The ex-militants said the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to pardon a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, was in the interest of Nigeria.

The ex-militant leaders said: “The decision to pardon Chief Alamieyeseigha would not have come at a better time than now, when Nigeria needs to consolidate on the gains of the amnesty programme.”

Traders lament increase in bomb attacks

By Nneka Nwaneri

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GBO traders, under the aegis of the Association of Igbo in Commerce, have lamented the incessant bomb attacks in the North. They said the Igbo race had been the worse hit by the blasts.

The body urged the government to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book, failing which they threatened to call all Igbo traders on a national strike.

Leaders of the group took the decision after members and executives of the association met in the wee-hours of yesterday to deliberate on security issues and how it affects them.

They believe that the killings in the North were a deliberate attempt to frustrate Easterners out of the region due to the heavy presence of Igbo in big markets across the country.

The group president, Sir Nnamdi Nwigwe, said the traders’ rights have been abused over time.

He said:“We are not being remembered when national honours are given, we are not being consulted either despite our contributions to the growth of the country. “ During the recession of the Abacha era, when all nations boycotted Nigeria, we the Igbo traders were going all out to source for funds to buy things to bring into the country and make sure our markets are not dried up.

“Now, we can’t do our businesses in peace anymore. Every two to three traders are being killed by Boko Haram on a daily basis, yet, none of their families is being compensated.

Most of them that are relocating to Lagos are becoming a big burden to us, Nwigwe added.

Expert urges transporters to invest in security

F

•Ogboru

ia,” Ogunba said.

He also faulted Mbadugha’s argument that he was not qualified to appear for AMCON in the case, saying there was no specific prayer to that effect by the defendant in the motion paper. Ogunba argued that Ogboru’s motion was misconceived, and ought to be dismissed.

Justice Abang adjourned the case to March 22 .

OLLOWING Monday’s suicide bomb attack on a luxury bus in Kano, a security expert, Dr. Ena Ekhomu, has urged transporters to invest in security gadgets.

He said these gadgets would help ward off the terrorist threats.

Ekhomu called for robust security measures at land transport facilities, including bus stations, inter-state taxi parks and stateowned transport corporations.

He also called for proper protection of railway terminals, river transport jetties and airports.

Ekhomu said since transportation infrastructure has been targeted by Boko Haram terrorists, there is a need to strengthen the security of these terminals to arrest future terrorist bombings.

Analysing the delivery of the bombs at the luxury bus park on New Road, Sabon Gari, Kano, Ekhomu said there were obvious security lapses, which the terrorists cashed in on. He called for a robust risk-mitigation strategy to save lives. He added that target-hardening the facility would deter some of the attackers.

Some of his suggestions are: passenger identification card enforcement, body search, use of hand-held metal detectors, use of bomb-sniffing dogs and hand search of luggage.

The security consultant also called for the application of CPTED principles, such as structural barriers, speed brakes, concrete bollards and blast curtains in order to defend transportation infrastructure against terrorist attacks.

Ekhomu, who is also President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), commiserated with families that lost loved ones in the multiple suicide bombings in Kano. He said although most of the victims were southerners, there is no need to fan the embers of disunity by hinting at reprisal attacks.

He said: “Boko Haram is a merciless, equal-opportunity killer. It is the duty of all patriotic Nigerians to fight terrorism.”

THE NATION FRIDAY MARCH 22, 2013

9

NEWS

Osun Assembly to invite CAN leaders HE Osun State House of Assembly will soon invite the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state following its allegation that the governor was planning to Islamise the state.

Mr. Ajibola Akinloye (OlaOluwa Constituency) raised the matter under Matter of Urgency at plenary yesterday.

He said issues, such as education reform, wearing of hijab by pupils in schools and the inauguration of projects on Sundays, were aimed at destroying the peaceful coexistence of Muslims and Christians.

Akinloye, a Christian, said the CAN leadership should be invited for an interactive session and he was supported by all members.

The Speaker, Najeem Salaam, said the Assembly would invite CAN’s leadership for talks soon.

Reacting to the allegation, the Speaker said: “I have my reservations on the statement credited to CAN. If a governor with a Christian deputy, 10 Christians of 14 commissioners, nine Christians of 10 Special Advisers and 16 Christians of 26 lawmakers is accused of having

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•Council secretaries urge religious leaders to be wary of politicians

Osun Muslims in court over hijab

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USLIM pupils in Osun State yesterday approached a State High Court, seeking an order compelling the state government and the Ministry of Education to allow Muslim pupils use hijab in public primary and secondary schools.

By 9am, the court, presided over by Justice Oyejide Falola, had been filled up with Christian and Muslim leaders, making it difficult for many lawyers and journalists to come in.

A few minutes after 11am, when the hearing started, there was a verbal exchange of words between some Christian and Muslim youths on the court premises, but security agents intervened.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) applied to be joined in the suit and the court granted the application.

The lead counsel to the applicant, Mr. K. From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

an ‘Islamisation agenda’, then the argument is illogical. It is obvious that the issues raised were politically, manufactured, ill-conceived and quite unfortunate.”

Osun Local Government Secretaries, under the aegis

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

B. Odedeji, said “although CAN had no interest in the suit”, his clients decided not to oppose the application in the interest of justice and brotherhood.

He said his clients are after peace and truth.

Leading 10 other lawyers to represent CAN, Mr. Femi Ayandokun said his client is interested in the case to ensure peace and harmony among Muslims and Christians.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Afolabi, who represented the state government, said: “The state government has no interest in the matter, but we are after peace and justice.”

Justice Falola called for peace among Christians and Muslims and adjourned the case till May 13 for hearing.

of Mandate 31, urged religious leaders to be wary of “unscrupulous politicians”, who want to use them to destabilise the state.

Rising from an emergency meeting, they said CAN’s allegation was not true.

The Chairman of the forum, Omooba Kunle Ayantoye, said: “Those of us who

are Christians in this administration feel highly embarrassed that this is coming from CAN, which has been known over the years for truth and sincerity.

“Today, the number of Christians managing local government councils in Osun is more than Muslims and this has never been an

Jonathan, Mimiko mourn Akinnola

HE Lisa (Prime Minister) of Ondo Kingdom, Chief Ilemobayo Akinnola, is dead. He died on Wednesday in a private hospital at Lagos.

President Goodluck Jonathan and Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko yesterday commiserated with the people of the state and the deceased's family.

In a statement by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President described Akinnola's death as a national loss.

He said: "On behalf of myself and the Federal Government, I commiserate with the deceased's daughter, who is the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Mrs. Omobola Johnson, other members of the Akinnola family as well as the Government and people of Ondo

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja and Damisi Ojo, Akure

State.

"I join them in mourning the illustrious Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, who distinguished himself in life as a renowned educationist, administrator, entrepreneur, industrialist and leader of his people.

"I urge his family, friends, associates, dependant and admirers to be consoled by the knowledge that he lived a fulfilled life and has left a legacy of notable achievements in various fields of human endeavour for his offspring and others to build upon.

"I pray that God Almighty will console the bereaved and grant Akinnola's soul

eternal peace."

Mimiko described Akinnola's death as "the passage of an icon".

In a statement, the governor said: "Chief Akinnola was an icon of tradition, grace, elegance and leadership. He established his presence anywhere he found himself.

"He was a politician, who became a commissioner at a very young age in the old Western Region. He was a leader in Ondo as exemplified by his title of Prime Minister of Ondo Kingdom and a business man of repute, as obvious from his interest in net worth business enterprises.

"He was known as a colourful and tasteful man in social circles and committed his time and resources to philanthropy. Many people have benefited from his

•The late Akinnola

milk of kindness.

"I commiserate with the ICT Minister, Mrs. Johnson, her siblings and the rest of the family and pray that the good Lord will grant them the fortitude to bear the loss."

P

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

teachers.

NALGRT said: "While we do not intend to join issues with this faceless group, the need to set the record straight in view of the blatant distortions, misrepresentations of facts and deliberate falsehood contained in the text of the press conference under reference is one that cannot be overlooked.

"We are constrained as leaders of primary school pensioners, who are abreast of facts in this case, to cor-

rect the deliberate attempt by this group to whip up sentiments and poison the minds of the public on this issue.

"This is because we believe every act of omission in this regard would some day receive a just reward."

"The group claimed in its statement that the Chairman of the Local Government Staff Pension Fund, Alhaji Lasisi Ayankojo, reported the fraud to the public for the first time on August 2, 2012, whereas it claimed in the last paragraph of page two that the

scam was uncovered in 2010.

By who? Ayankojo was appointed in November, 2011.

"The group's insistence that a fraud of between N5.5 to N5.7 billion was perpetrated during the payment of gratuity to pensioners in 2010, when the total fund released by the government for the payment was N3.6 billion, is capable of jeopardising the collective interests of pensioners.

"Our members were paid gratuities and other retirement benefits up to year 2009 and monthly pension was paid as at when due until April 2011."

Tribunal okays ACN man’s election

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HE Lagos State Election Appeal Tribunal, sitting at Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, yesterday upheld the election of Mr. Augustine Arogundade of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as the Chairman of Agbado Oke-odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

The Justice Mrs. Opeyemi Oke-led panel

By Jeremiah Oke

nullified the judgment of the lower tribunal, which declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Busari Ayinde, winner of the election.

Justice Oke said Arogundade won the 2011 election and would remain in office until his tenure expires.

HE Federal High Court sitting in AdoEkiti, the Ekiti State capital, yesterday adjourned hearing in the application for the “limitation of power of prosecution” filed by former Governor Ayodele Fayose.

Fayose is facing allegations of fraud levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC).

The motion seeks to limit the prosecution’s power.

The lead counsel to the accused, Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), said: “The motion is very important because the Attorney-General of the Federation and any other Attorney-General will not delegate this sacred power to just anybody.”

He told the court that he was coming into the matter for the first time and sought an adjournment to enable him prepare properly.

The prosecutor, Mr. Adebisi Adeniyi, opposed the application for adjournment, saying it would delay the hearing of the matter.

Justice Adamu Hobon adjourned hearing till April 15 Fasoye is on trial for alleged fraud.

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Aregbesola okayed for second term

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N1.6b pension fraud: Oyo pensioners urged to be calm ENSIONERS in Oyo State, under the aegis of the Nigeria Association of Local Government Retired Teachers (NALGRT), yesterday urged their colleagues to refrain from doing anything that can jeopardise the on-going trial of some workers of the State Pension Board, who were accused of misappropriating N1.6 billion.

NALGRT condemned the "unguarded activities" of some pensioners and dissociated itself from a group led by Mr. Aderemi Babatunde and Mr. Tunji Ogunwale, which addressed the press recently on the matter.

In a statement by its Chairman, Alhaji Gbadegesin Raji and Secretary Elder Gbolagade Olarinde, NALGRT, an affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), said it is the only association recognised to speak on matters affecting retired

issue since we assumed office. Whose interest is CAN serving? We have a governor who never gave religion or ethnicity any consideration in his decisions.

“Since Governor Rauf Aregbesola assumed office, prayers at public functions are always led by a Christian, a Muslim and a traditionalist.

“Over three leading Christian leaders have visited the governor and none of them, either subtly or frontally, accused him of being a bigot. The governor personally attended the foundation stone-laying of the Redeemer University at Ede last year.

“We must be cautious of what we use religion to achieve. The monster shaking the country now to its foundation began this way.

Who is benefiting from the violence in the North? Are Muslims spared from the violence that is bedevilling the northern region? The seed for the violent attacks was sown this way.”

Court adjourns Fayose’s case

EMBERS of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State have endorsed Governor Rauf Aregbesola for a second term.

The decision was made at a meeting of the ACN held at Aregbesola’s Campaign Office in Ibokun, the headquarters of Obokun Local Government Area.

The party’s Assistant Financial Secretary, who represents Obokun at the state level, Alhaji Oladiran Asaolu, hailed the achievements of the Aregbesola administration.

He said the party supports all policies and programmes of the administration, stressing that they would speed up the state’s growth.

Asaolu urged members to uphold the principles of commitment, steadfastness and sincerity, which he said endears the people to the ACN. Speaking on behalf of the ACN Chairman in Obokun Local Government, the ViceChairman, Prince Isaac Coker, said: “We are one and we

are speaking with one voice that Aregbesola should go for a second term.”

The Assistant Director on Community Forum, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Olatubosun Oyintiloye, who facilitated the meeting, urged members to resist attempts by the opposition to use disunity in the ACN. Oyintilo said: “Many people are yet to understand the benefit of the projects of this administration and it is the duty of party members to educate them.

“The truth is that Aregbesola’s achievements in the last two years cannot be quantified. That is why the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is jittery and determined to discredit our programmes, but they would not succeed.

“To witness more development, it is not enough for us to endorse Aregbesola for the second term, we need to go out and tell the people what we have done and what we will still do for them.”

10

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

NEWS Ondo ARG intact From Damisi Ojo, Akure

THE Ondo State chapter of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) yesterday decried the security challenges in the country, particularly the recent bombing of a motor park in Kano.

In a statement by its Coordinator, Dr. Bayonile Ademodi, after the group’s caucus meeting yesterday in Akure, the state capital, ARG reaffirmed its commitment to the progress and welfare of the Yoruba.

It said: “We are planning to embark on a massive membership drive across the state.

Ondo ARG continues to operate as a chapter of the national ARG under the Chairmanship of Hon. Wale Osun.

“Ondo ARG has neither joined nor dissolved into any other group. ARG is a highly focused movement and has more than enough people to champion the cause of the Yoruba.”

The group supported calls for regional integration in the Southwest and hailed the take-off of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) commission, a body charged with the monitoring of integrative initiative in the Southwest.

It praised the invitation given to Governor Olusegun Mimiko to key into the agenda.

Oyo council polls stalled by court case, says Attorney-General T HE Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ojo Mutalubi Adebayo, has said legal, rather than political considerations, was responsible for the delay in the conduct of local government polls.

Speaking with reporters yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital, Adebayo said the legal constraints hindering the constitution of the State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) have put the conduct of council polls on hold until a court rules on the matter.

He said: “In 2007, former Governor Adebayo AlaoAkala unconstitutionally sacked OYSIEC members appointed by his former boss, former Governor

Rashidi Ladoja and replaced them with his protégées.

“Chief Oyemomilara Okunola and others appointed by Ladoja, who were sacked by Alao-Akala, filed a suit at the High Court, Ibadan, challenging their unlawful removal, because the constitution guaranteed them a fixed term of five years from 2003 to 2008.

“The Oyo State High Court President then, Justice P.O.Ige, who is now at the Court of Appeal, gave judgement in favour of Ladoja’s appointees . The court and held that they were illegally sacked and declared their sack null and void. It ordered

that their entitlements up to 2008 be paid.”

The Attorney-General said OYSIEC members appointed by Alao-Akala in 2007 also went to court in 2011 to challenge their removal by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, He said the High Court, presided over by Justice M.O. Bolaji-Yussuff, ruled in favour of tAlao-Akala’s men and ordered the state to pay them entitlements.

The Attorney-General said: “The state government is confronted with two sets of judgments from the StateHigh Court, with each of them validating the appoint-

ment of the claimants.

“It will amount to contempt of court if the state government urges the House of Assembly to proceed with the screening and clearance of the nominees forwarded to it for OYSIEC in view of the court judgments.

“The state government chose the path of honour and constitutionalism by subjecting the latter judgment to the Court of Appeal for determination, while the state also settled all the entitlements of the OYSIEC men from 2003 to 2008.”

He said the appeal on the case is yet to be heard by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan.

Painter jailed for stealing baby

A

N Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, the state capital, yesterday sentenced a 36year-old painter, Akinsoji Goyea, to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour for kidnapping an 11-month old baby without an option of fine.

Police prosecutor Abiodun Olurebi said Goyea stole the

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

baby of Mr. and Mrs. Moshood Lawal from their home on Ajegunle Street, Abeokuta, in 2010.

He said Goyea confessed to the crime.

Olurebi said: “Goyea admitted stealing the baby through the window while the parents were in the sitting

room and put him in a sack.

He also said the baby died due to suffocation when he was taking to him to Lagos to sell.

“Goyea said he took the baby’s remains to one Baba Vero at an uncompleted building in Ikoyi, Lagos, who told him he needed the blood of a baby for a ritual. He said he was only paid N40,000 of

the N300,000 agreed upon.”

Goyea pleaded guilty, saying he did not need legal representation.

He said: “I have spent two years in prison custody and I have really learnt my lesson.

Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje sentenced him to a seven-year jail term with hard labour and without an option of fine.

UNIOSUN VC: Group alleges attempt to impose candidate From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

A

PRESSURE group in the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), the Justice and Integrity Forum, has alleged an attempt by the institution’s Governing Council to impose one of its candidates as ViceChancellor.

In a letter to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the Comrade Adelani Dada-led group said: “This is to bring to your attention, sir, the surreptitious attempts by some vested interests to install either Prof. Oladiran Famurewa or Prof Funmi Togonu-Bikersteth as Vice-Chancellor.”

Speaking with our correspondent on the phone yesterday, the Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Prof. Gabriel Olawoyin, declined comments, saying posterity will judge.

Dada said the group informed the governor because of consequences of the plot, saying: “Be informed that Famurewa was born on January 14, 1950 and Mrs. Togonu-Bickersteth April 16, 1949.

“Famurewa was 63 on January 14 and Mrs. Togonu-Bickersteth will be 64 in April. Her eldest child is 40 years old. At 63 and 64 both of them are not appointable candidates for the VC’s post in this university.

“How can the council issue a letter of appointment on a fiveyear tenure basis to a successful candidate, who is about 63/64 and who cannot stay in office beyond 65 years in view of the Osun State University Law, 2006?

“Why should a House of Assembly that has not considered any bill raising the retirement age of professors to 70 be foisted with a fait accompli by the appointment of a VC that is 63/64 years old?

“Why should the Visitor be advised to approve the appointment of a 63/64-year-old professor as VC when he has not assented to any bill raising the retiring age of university professors and principal officers to 70?

“These are questions begging for answers and we believe the just shall live by faith. The whole world is watching. Let us all uphold the rule of law and justice. Justice is the first condition of humanity.”

Accord chief alleges threat to life From Osagie Otabor, Benin •Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (fourth left) flanked by the Dean of the Lagos Business School (LBS), Mrs. Inase Okonedo and Ogun House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Tola Banjo. With them are the Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle (second left) and MBA students after the Fourth LBS Lecture in Lagos…..on Monday.

18 pupils held for ‘cultism’ in Ogun Osun saves N1b on payment

O

PERATIVES of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ogun State yesterday arrested 18 pupils for alleged cultism and breach of peace in schools.

NSCDC spokesman Mr. Kareem Olanrewaju said seven of the pupils were arrested at the Nazareth High School, Imeko, while allegedly initiating recruits into cultism.

Olanrewaju said 11 pupils were arrested at Lisabi High School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, for allegedly disturb-

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

ing the peace in the school.

He said: “Seven pupils of Nazareth High School were arrested on the school premises while initiating new members into cultism by making incisions on their bodies.

“We also arrested 11 pupils of Lisabi High School for conducting themselves in a way that breached peace in the school.

“We will not charge them to court because of their age. They are minors and cannot be prosecuted. The

command will meet with the Ministry of Education to decide what to do to the students.

“We observed that they have been misguided and there is need to guide them on the right path. We want the government to introduce civic education in secondary schools to reduce immorality amongst our children.

“We discovered in our investigation that parents are not contributing enough to better the future of their children. They devote most of their time to other things.”

of pension arrears From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

T

HE Osun State Government has saved N1 billion on the payment of the 142 per cent pension arrears through the use of the biometric payment system.

Speaking with reporters yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, the Commissioner for Finance, Economic Development and Budget, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, said the money would have been paid to ghost retirees, if the old system of payment was used.

He said: “The pension arrears of N3.9 billion was left unpaid by the administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Governor Rauf Aregbesola agreed to pay it because of his concern for the welfare of senior citizens of Osun in last October.

Bolorunduro said the Aregbesola administration will continue to cater for the welfare of residents.

T

HE National Secretary of the Accord, Mr. Samson Isibor, yesterday said some national officers of the party were being harassed over a petition sent to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) on the disappearance of N91.8 million from the party’s coffers.

Isibor said officials of the State Security Services (SSS) from Abuja were in Benin, the Edo State capital, to arrest him, an action he alleged was orchestrated to prevent him from investigating the missing fund.

In a statement in Benin, Isibor said his life was in danger and that he has gone into hiding.

Isibor urged party members to be steadfast and not be discouraged by the “antics of money bags that want to hijack the party for their selfish interests”.

11

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Glo unveils new strapline

By Lucas Ajanaku

T

O mark its 10 th anni versary, Nigeria’s sec ond national operator, Globacom, on Wednesday in Lagos, unveiled a new strapline to reaffirm its brand promise to consumers.

Tagged ‘Unlimited,’ the new strap line encapsulates Glo’s commitment to enabling the subscribers achieve their dreams and desires.

Speaking at the launch of the logo, Globacom’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Mohamed Jameel, said the new pay-off line marks a progression in the growth of the Glo brand identity and represents the unparalleled commitment of the company to its subscribers.

“Glo will offer subscribers the power to achieve and excel. It means that with Glo, they can realise their dreams and achieve infinite possibilities. To do this, Glo will give them unfettered access to the best tools that will enhance their productivity and energise their professional and social connections,” Jameel said. “ ‘Unlimited’ underscores the essence of the brand’s belief in the consumer in the sense that our subscribers are operating without boundaries in their attitude and altitude towards what they can achieve in life. It means that consumers can, therefore, go all out, pulling out all the stops in the drive towards achieving their objectives because Glo is always there to make it happen,” he said.

He added that the new pay-off line also represents Glo’s attitude to its management, staff and, indeed, stakeholders because anything positive they seek is possible and Glo should be there for them, facilitating the achievement of their desires.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa-$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N10.6 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -9% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $48b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

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

- Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

14 winners of PHCN assets to shop for $1.7b T

HE hurdle is not yet over for the winners of the generation and distribution firms unbundled from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

They will be required to pay $1.6678billion being the balance of 75 per cent value of the assets for which they submitted bids, before the assets will be handed over to them. They have six months to do so.

Besides, even if a preferred bidder pays before six months, the asset will not be handed over to the bidder until the Federal Government settles its liabilities, such as payment of severance package to PHCN workers.

The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) yesterday said the preferred bidders for the 15 PHCN successor companies have met the deadline for the payment of the mandatory 25 per cent of the offer value of their bids. It added that as at the March 21, 2013 deadline, it had received $559,445,573.96 from 14 bid-

• Jonathan presents NIPP share certificates to governors

By Emeka Ugwuanyi & Augustine Ehikioya from Abuja

ders for the 15 successor companies.

The BPE said it received $31million from 4Power Consortium yesterday; being the mandatory 25 percent of the bid value for PortHarcourt Distribution Company; $31.5 million from Interstate Electrics Limited; being the mandatory 25 percent of the bid value for Enugu Distribution Company; and $27,913,633.50 from North-South Power Company; being the mandatory 25 per cent of the bid value for Shiroro Power Plc. These were the three remaining consortia whose payments were outstanding.

Earlier, Vigeo Consortium,

the preferred bidder for Benin Distribution Company, had paid $32.25million; Transcorp/Woodrock Consortium, the preferred bidder for Ughelli Power Plc, paid $75 million; CMEC/EUAFRIC Energy JV, the preferred bidder for Sapele Power Plc, paid $50,249,965; Kann Consortium, the preferred bidder for Abuja Distribution Company, paid $41 million; Aura Energy, the preferred bidder for Jos Distribution Company, paid $20,464,968.15; Mainstream Energy Limited, the preferred bidder for Kainji Power Plc, paid $59,467,500; and Sahelian Power SPV, the preferred bidder for Kano Distribution Company, paid $34.25million.

Other bidders are: Amperion Power Company Limited, the preferred bidder for Geregu Power Plc, which paid $33 million; Integrated Energy Distribution & Marketing Company, the preferred bidder for Ibadan and Yola Distribution Companies, which paid $42.25 million and $14.75 million for Ibadan and Yola Discos respectively; NEDC/KEPCO, the preferred bidder for Ikeja Distribution Company, which paid $ 32.75 million; and West Power & Gas, the preferred bidder for Eko Distribution Company, which paid $33.75 million.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday presented share certificates to governors and the six area councils of the FCT for their contributions to the National Independent Power Plant (NIPP) project.

Jonathan attended the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting to make the presentation, saying the funds were from the Excess Crude Account.

‘PPP is answer to infrastructure deficit’ From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

T

HE Public-Private Part nership (PPP) model is the way out of Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, the Acting Director-General, Infrastructural Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr. Ghaji Bello, has said.

Bello, who spoke at the inauguration of PPP units for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and the opening of a two-day workshop in Abuja, yesterday, said it was important to build capacity in the MDAs. He said: “ICRC and, indeed, many Nigerians agree that it is not only vital, but also strategic to build capacity within MDAs on a sustainable basis, as this would not only help in addressing the skills gap in MDAs. ‘’Also, it ensure that parties to a contract are aware of their duties and obligations and the potential benefits to Nigerians, of a well structured PPP transaction.”

He said event meant that the vision of the ICRC was being pursued. He said the government’s National Transformation Agenda could only succeed there was a strong, viable and sustainable programme for infrastructure development in our country.

Oando opens ‘mega’ station

O • From left: Marketing Media Manager, Wasiu Ola Abiola; Customer Account Manager, Dauda Tijani; Commercial Business Controller, Ogochukwu Agu and Trade Marketing Manager, South, Mr Biodun Okanlawon, at the Nigerian Breweries Distributors’ Award at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

NCC cuts interconnection rates for phone calls

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EGULATOR of the telecoms sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday announced a reduction in interconnection rates for voice calls. The rates have been slashed from N8.20 to N6.40, N5.20 and N3.90.

Some subscribers have hailed the new regime. They, however, want the regulator to reduce costs of voice calls, saying this cannot be left to the operators’ whims and caprices.

President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), Deolu Ogunbanjo, praised NCC for the action.

“We welcome the development, but NCC should put a cap of N15 per minute call across the networks. Like it did with the short message

By Lucas Ajanaku

service (SMS), it should do same with voice calls as it should not be left to operators,” he said.

The NCC explained that the decision to reduce the interconnection rate was taken after consultations with stakeholders.

“After comprehensive consultations with various stakeholders, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released a new set of interconnection rates determination for voice services for the country’s telecommunications industry, commencing April 1, 2013.

“The new determination rates which significantly reviewed prices downwards, are informed by the depth of competition in the industry,

while taking into consideration the position of new entrants and small operators,” NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo, said.

He said termination rates for voice services provided by new entrants (defined as newly licensed operator entering an existing or new market within zero to three years) and small operators (defined as an existing operator with a market share of 0 – 7.5 per cent in terms of subscriber base in Nigeria irrespective of the originating network, shall be: N6.40 from April 1, this year; N5.20 from April 1, 2014; and N3.

90 from April 1, 2015.

According to the NCC, the termination rates for voice services provided by other operators in Nigeria, irrespective of the originating network shall be: N4.90

from April 1, 2013; N4.40 from April 1,, 2014 and N3.90 from April 1, 2015.

This determination shall take effect from April 1, last year and remain valid and binding on licensees for the next three years until further review by the Commission.

Ojobo explained that the interconnection rate regulation was implemented through the NCC’s Interconnection Rate Determination issued on December 21, 2009, adding that since then, the market had seen tremendous growth in both subscriber numbers as well as traffic volumes and available technologies, such as 3G. In June, last year, the Commission appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to undertake a cost study for voice interconnection.

ANDO Marketing has opened a mega sta tion at Berger on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

This brings to 600 its stations nationwide.

Other mega stations owned by the company are in Marina, Maryland, Lekki and Abuja The station according to a statement offers customers a modern and friendly environment that will engender delivery of optimal service to customers. The station will also be a major attraction to motorists as it is the last filling station before leaving Lagos.

“It will provide customers a wide range of product and service offerings. For fuel, customers will be served from any of the eight modern fuel dispensing pumps installed at the station.

“These pumps are fitted with e-payment terminals that enable customers to buy fuel using their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) debit and credit. Furthermore, customers can dispense fuel into their tanks 24 hours a day and all year round using their cards,” it added.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

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NEWS •Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi (middle); Head of Operations, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, Ekiti State, Mr. Garba Daya (left) and Commandant, Mr. Augustine Obiekewe, at the presentation of arms to the governor in Ado-Ekiti... on Tuesday.

•L-R: Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Acting Executive Director, Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, Mr. Samuel Afoloyan at the 16th ARMTI Annual Lecture titled: Managing Agriculture as a Business to Unlock Nigeria’s Agricultural Potential, delivered by Chief Obasanjo in Ilorin... yesterday.

•L-R: Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Prince Lanre Tejuoso, Consul General, France Embassy, Mr. Fancois Sostourne, Ogun State Governor’s wife, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, CEO of Schneider Electric & President of Franco Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Marcel Hochet and Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology, Mr. Segun Odubela, at a strategy session at the Embassy Office in Lagos...on Tuesday.

•Managing Director, Adgenda Media Limited, Mr. Ladi Arowa (left), Managing Director, Intenciti Media, Mr. Yinka Johnson, Managing Director, Mediamore Ltd, Mr. Feyi Olukoya and Managing Director, Maximedia Global Limited, Mr. Femi Adefowokan at a Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN)’s induction of media agencies in Lagos.

•Dean of School of Education, Africa Church College of Education, Ifako, Agege, Lagos, Mrs. J. Obayan (left); Registrar, Mr. Olusola Arowolo; Deputy Provost, Mrs. Folashade Erinla and Dean, School of Vocational and Technical Education Mrs. Eunice Babajide, at the school’s 2012/2013 matriculation... in Lagos.

•Vice-Chancellor, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof. Riskuwa Shehu (left) speaking at the matriculation of 3,833 students for the 2012/2013 academic session... on Wednesday.

•L-R: Executive Director, Rural Electrification Agency, Mr Kenneth Achugbu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Dr Godknows Igali and Director, Electrical Inspectorate Services, Mr Abayomi Adebisi, at the launch of the Nigerian Energy Support programme in Abuja...on Wednesday.

•L-R: Managing Director, UNIBIND, Mr. Eddy Okeke; Managing Director, Barowa Nig Ltd, Chief Peter Okpegbuo; Head, Admin, UNIBIND, Confidence Nwayanwu and UNIBIND’s Executive-Director, Operations, Lagos office, Linda Okeke, at the opening of the Lagos branch of UNIBIND...yesterday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

•L-R: Mr Joseph Ghoul, representative of Medentech Aquatabs, Chief Zau Muyiwa, Baale of Ago Egun Community, Aisha Bello-Tukur (CEO ORBUS GLOBAL SOLUTIONS), Michel Ghoul, another representative of Medentech Aquatabs and Taizir Ajala, CEO of Gordon Barrett at an Orbus Global Solutions visit to Ago Egun community in Bariga, Lagos where Bello-Tukur donated purification tablets after delivering a talk on the importance of clean water and hygiene titled: Water for Life in celebration of the World Water Day.

•Members of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) celebrating after their release from Bauchi Prison in Bauchi ... on Wednesday.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Environmental vigilance • Other states should emulate Lagos in addressing the challenges of climate change

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HE fifth Lagos State Climate Change Summit has come and gone but its significance to the drive towards mitigating the injurious impact of climate change cannot be lost. The summit,with the theme: ‘Vulnerability and Adaptability to Climate Change in Nigeria- Lagos State Transport, Housing and Infrastructure in Focus’ held for three days at the Eko Hotel and Suites, and provided a platform for reviewing how far Lagos State and Nigeria have gone in tackling the dangerous impact of climate change.

It also reminds governments and the people that the challenge posed by climate change is real and that something drastic at the policy and communal levels must be done to arrest the situation.

The climate change converge, an annual ritual, underscores the fact that the issue has metamorphosed from being a mere hoax to becoming the greatest challenge facing mankind. Scientists across the world have affirmed its hurtful consequences on the human race, if not curtailed. This explains why there have been global conventions, coalitions and conferences held in its name.

No wonder attendance at the summit was encouraging. A reported turnout of not less than 1,000 stakeholders, comprising members of the national and state legislatures, university teachers, political appointees from the centre, state and local levels of government, big shots in the private sector, global/national experts on climate change, members of the diplomatic corps, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), traditional rulers and senior civil servants from all strata of government across the federation, among

others, attended.

We recognise that no state or country is an island in the combat against climate change. The country needs environmental survival and this annual summit on the subject is showing right concern in the right direction. It is thus not surprising that Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) of Lagos State acknowledged climate change-induced problems as mankind’s biggest war that must be fought and won at whatever cost. We cannot agree less with him that for the nation, nay continent to survive, we need to change the way we do some things, slow down the way we do some others and where necessary, stop doing others altogether – in the collective interest of the human race.

More importantly too, it has been empirically proved that though Africa contributes only 3.8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, it stands to suffer most from the impact of such injurious natural pervasions. And Lagos, being the commercial nerve-centre and the second most populous city in Africa with high industrial presence cannot be immune from these negative impacts.

Without doubt, urban congestion, soaring industrial emissions and high vehicular traffic constitute some of the contributing avenues of obnoxious gases into the state’s atmosphere.

But Lagos, as reportedly enunciated at the summit, has through legislative enforcement, proper policy planning and focused plan implementation in industrial, transportation, urban renewal and the adoption of other environmentalfriendly initiatives including beautification, is succeeding in its reduction drive

of carbon emissions into its atmosphere.

Despite the laudable moves of the state, we know that there is more to be done to alleviate the climate change status of Lagos. The interesting thing is that the state government, particularly through its Ministry of the Environment, is making efforts to reduce the effect of climate change in the state to the barest minimum.

This initiative that is in its fifth edition is commendable. But it would be more beneficial if other states in the country emulate Lagos by creating similar platform for ventilating ideas on climate change. This is necessary so as to create national awareness on the challenge and to come up with appropriate mitigating and adaptation measures that can serve the interests of Nigerians.

‘This initiative that is in its fifth edition is commendable.

But it would be more beneficial if other states in the country emulate Lagos by creating similar platform for ventilating ideas on climate change. This is necessary so as to create national awareness on the challenge and to come up with appropriate mitigating and adaptation measures that can serve the interests of Nigerians’

Pope of hope •New Catholic Pontiff starts on a good note

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HE formal inauguration of the new Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis 1, on Tuesday, signalled the commencement of a new era in the history of the church at a most critical period. The galaxy of world leaders who graced the occasion as well as the global attraction it elicited indicate that so much is expected of the new spiritual head of the 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide, both within and beyond the Catholic communion. Pope Francis is the first Jesuit priest to become Pope.

An Argentine, he is the first Pope from outside Europe. He is the first Pope in living memory to occupy the seat when his predecessor is still alive as Pope Emeritus. He assumes office at a time of

‘These words of compassion have a special resonance for us in Nigeria, where society worships at the altar of crass materialism and man is no longer his brother’s keeper.

Pope Francis is showing a worthy example to the Nigerian church, where the size of a person’s bank account has become the measure of the salvation of his soul and men of God fly private jets in the name of God, even as millions of their members wallow in hunger and deprivation’

grave moral crisis in the church and critical socio-economic challenges confronting humanity. The new Pope’s early gestures indicate that he has the spiritual grace, humility and wisdom to help guide the church to a higher moral pedestal.

Francis is in many ways a Pope of hope.

It is significant that the Pope has assumed the name of St. Francis of Assisi, a monk whose commitment to the poor was demonstrated by a life-long vow of chastity, humility and poverty. This is an indication of his identification with the ‘wretched of the earth’ that still constitute the vast majority of humanity in a world that has, ironically, evolved the technology and expertise to make poverty history.

As it is well known, poverty is at the root of many of the problems – religious extremism, terrorism, rampant criminality and gross moral degeneration - that threaten the very existence of humanity today. The current economic crisis that afflicts most parts of the world today also underscores the gulf of inequality that separates a microscopic proportion of the opulent from the less fortunate rest of mankind.

Pope Francis was thus right on target in emphasising the need to protect the poor and the environment in his inaugural homily. He called on Christians “to protect the whole of creation, to protect each person especially the poorest, to protect ourselves” saying further that “This is a service that the Bishop of Rome is called to carry out, yet one to which all of us are called …The vocation of being a protec-

tor, however, is not just something involving us Christians alone; it also has a prior dimension which is simply human, involving everyone. It means protecting the people, showing concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about”.

These words of compassion have a special resonance for us in Nigeria, where society worships at the altar of crass materialism and man is no longer his brother’s keeper. Pope Francis is showing a worthy example to the Nigerian church, where the size of a person’s bank account has become the measure of the salvation of his soul and men of God fly private jets in the name of God, even as millions of their members wallow in hunger and deprivation.

Pope Francis has shown signs that his will not be an imperial, distant papacy.

He reached out beyond the shield of security to touch and empathise with the ordinary people who came to witness his inauguration. He asked the people to reach out their hands and pray for him first before he pronounced his papal blessings on them. This truly is an exemplar of the humble Nazarene whose vicar he is on earth – at least to Catholics.

We pray that the Pope meets the great expectations his elevation has engendered, especially now that the church is beset by a lot of challenges that require tact and divine wisdom to asddress.

Cubans are losing their fear of Castro regime

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HEN YOANI Sánchez talks about “alternative means of communication” in Cuba, she speaks with authority. Her blog Generación Y has become a beacon of democracy and freedom on the island, where the news media are still held in the tight grip of the Castro regime. Producing a blog hasn’t been easy; Internet access is spotty.

But she reports that alternate networks are throbbing with information that the government wants to suppress.

When the dissident Oswaldo Payá and activist Harold Cepero were killed in a car wreck in Cuba’s eastern province of Granma on July 22, Cubans learned of it through these alternative channels. Ms. Sánchez, visiting Washington this week, told us that Cubans sense that “the government seems to be hiding something” about the Payá and Cepero deaths and there has been a “manipulation of facts.”

The suspicions are well founded. On these pages recently, Ángel Carromero, a Spanish politician, said that the car he was driving and in which Mr. Payá and Mr. Cepero were riding was hit from behind by a vehicle with Cuban government plates and that he was threatened and intimidated by the authorities in an attempted coverup. Ms. Sánchez said that an independent, international investigation should be carried out as soon as possible, before the government manages to erase every last bit of evidence. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) has just written to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, asking him to appoint a panel for such a probe, saying that Mr. Payá’s family, the Cuban people and the international community “all deserve to have the truth.”

Truth is not a currency well respected by Fidel and Raul Castro. Ten years ago this month, they launched a crackdown known as the “Black Spring,” in which 75 dissidents, independent journalists and human rights activists were imprisoned. The authorities also crushed the Varela Project, Mr. Payá’s 2002 petition drive for guarantees of freedom; many of his colleagues were jailed. But Mr. Payá was not imprisoned.

Ms. Sánchez reminded us that such arbitrariness is characteristic of authoritarianism. “It is hard to think like a repressor, if you have never been one,” she said. “They have their own logic. One of the most paralyzing elements of the Cuban repression is its illogical nature.”

While not in jail, Mr. Payá had no peace. According to family members, he was threatened repeatedly with death. The threats were often quite direct: You will die before the Cuban revolution does.

Cuba has lately seen some economic reforms and liberalizations; one of them allowed Ms. Sánchez to travel freely abroad for the first time.

But she told us the real change in Cuba today is not from the top but rather from below. “People are losing their fear, moving from silent to open, from wearing a mask to showing their real face in public,” she said. Ms. Sánchez stands at the cutting edge of this change yet sees a long road still to be traveled. Cuba has not yet relinquished a stranglehold on individual liberties.

- Washington Post

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: There has been such a hue and cry about the pardon of Chief Diepriye Alamieyeseigha, a lot of it unnecessary. Even the US was a bit hypocritical in its condemnation of the pardon considering that the country has a history of controversial pardons.

For one, the popular President Clinton was roundly criticised for his pardon of Marc Rich whose ex – wife had contributed significant sums of money to Clinton’s campaign and his presidential library.

Earlier in his career, Clinton had criticized President Gerald Ford for granting President Nixon a pardon in relation to the Watergate scandal. Clinton later tendered something of an apology to President Ford admitting that Ford was right.

Clinton himself was to stumble later in his career.

There is something to be learnt from the Clinton story. Who is to say that those crying the loudest now are not themselves in need of the pardon. Although nothing has been proved against him, the Farouk Lawan story should teach us a lesson how tables turn so eas-

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Much ado about a pardon ily in life. More than anything else, Alamieyeseigha is the beneficiary of some good luck, why sit in judgment over him?

In a country where amnesty is granted to those who commit serious crimes, where revered leaders call for amnesty to be granted to religious extremists who daily blow up unarmed citizens, what moral authority do we have as a nation to condemn a pardon?

Maybe we should pardon everyone and begin afresh as a nation.

I wish that the amount of energy citizens put into condemning a pardon could be put into initiatives for reforming the justice system, particularly the criminal justice and penal systems. We have people who spend their whole lives

awaiting trial, young men and women locked up for years on end for bogus charges preferred by prosecutors who have no intention whatsoever of prosecuting the matter. We have a prison system that is not designed to reform anyone but that ensures that the convict for drug offences becomes a murderer tomorrow; a system that hardens those who pass through it.

Can we, by legislation, fashion a system that makes it difficult for a governor to steal even if he wants to? A system that makes all of the the state’s financial information and records as accessible to the janitor as they are to the governor? A system that plugs loopholes in public procurement laws, that reduces profligacy in government? Let

more citizens come together to sponsor more bills like the Freedom of Information Act. Let’s propose ideas to make our court system more efficient, let’s demand that more judges who are worth their salt are appointed, that the Police Force be totally reformed.

Let those who have finances sponsor those who have the knowledge and motivation and let’s work towards these goals. Let’s please stop wasting so much energy on just one case of pardon. Let’s quit being a reactionary citizenry.

We talk about corruption and abuse of power but even in the private sector I see so much of these.

From the clerk who demands or expects a tip to do his job to the bank teller who encourages friends

‘Holding charge’ has no place under the law

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IR: The intolerable high proportion of prisoners awaiting trial in prolonged prison confinement is a cause of concern. It is well known that well over 60 percent of prison population in Nigeria falls within the class of awaiting trial. Any person that is conversant with Nigeria prison knows that this class of people suffer more than convicts because they are subjected to unimaginable indignity, even when they have not been convicted of any offence.

One then begin to wonder whether the presumption of innocence of the accused is tenable in Nigeria because it seems that in Nigeria the accused is presumed guilty until he or she proves his innocence.

It is however important to note that most detainees are held on a

‘holding charge’ which is a system of bringing an accused before an inferior court that lacks jurisdiction to try him or her for the primary purpose of securing a remand order and thereafter abandon him or her in prison under the pretence of awaiting trial. The primary aim of the police is however, to obtain a remand order from an incompetent court and then keep the accused in prison on the pretence of awaiting trial. It is pretence because the accused cannot be said to be awaiting trial when he has not been arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction and his/her plea has not been taken.

Stakeholders in the legal sphere have made a case for an effective criminal justice system that will tackle the menace of holding charge to decongest the prison and ad-

dress the rights of the victims.

However, little or nothing has been done in respect of this even in the face of several Court of Appeal judgments especially the resent case of AGUNDI V COP All FWLR (2013) PT 660 PG 1243, Where the court of appeal held that it is unconstitutional for a Magistrate court to take cognizance of an offence, remand a suspect into prison custody and make binding orders when the court lacks the requisite jurisdiction to entertain such matters.

Although some state laws provides for this outrageous concept of “holding Charge”, it is worthy to affirm that those laws are void as they are inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution and Court of Appeal decisions which has guaranteed the personal liberty and fair hearing of an accused

person.

The lack of political will has robbed us of proper enforcement of landmark decisions of courts that primarily targets the reform of Nigeria prison and in fact the reform of our failing criminal justice system. Majority of inmates awaiting trial are accused of capital offences, yet their cases are still in magistrate courts that lacks requisite jurisdiction to entertain such matters.

I submit that the three cardinal institutions in the Criminal Justice System – Police, Court and Prison should work toward the total eradication of the unconstitutional concept called “Holding Charge” as Justice Delayed is Justice Denied.

• Tolulope Adekola Ilorin, Kwara State

and acquaintances to beat the queue, one experiences little doses of corruption and abuse of power almost on a daily basis. So before we shout ourselves hoarse condemning a pardon, let’s ask ourselves: are we really free of guilt?

Does anyone really believe that Alamieyeseigha’s conviction was part of a war against corruption?

That it was a deterrent to greedy governors? I believe it was more of a warning to governors not to get on the wrong side of the ‘oga at the top’.

Let no one begrudge Diepriye Alamieyeseigha. Pardon is a beautiful thing. Should I stand in need of it, I hope to get one one day. I wonder if you don’t.

• Soala Jumbo Port Harcourt

Where is the room for youths?

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IR: Youths of today do not have hope for tomorrow as we do not know where we are going from here. We have heard from our teachers that we are the leaders of tomorrow, but it’s hard to see the tomorrow on the horizon.

Ibrahim Babangida and Muhammadu Buhari are still contesting for the presidency nearly three decades after leaving office. Governor Murtala Nyako, former Governor of Niger State in 1976, is governor of Adamawa State 36 years after. David Mark who was the military Governor of Niger State in 1984, 28 years after is the Senate President.

Let us come together to do away with all these. Let the youths stand up and fight for our rights. Let us fight for the generation unborn.

We cannot continue like this.

• Muhammad Zainab Gulu.

IBB University, Lapai, Niger State.

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COMMENTS

Celebrity trash, trashy journalism and everyone (3)

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E could not have a better society even if we tried.

We could not have a better nation too. We cannot be the land of the free inhabited by free people. Every day, we are reborn into the anguish of what we are desperate to forget.

One can never make the words too strong; we are captives now other than before 1960. We are independent although we are yet to be free. Freedom too should be a fount from the heart. It isn’t. It desecrates our hearts and corrupts us. It stacks up profanities like fancy bricks in you and me till we become outstanding perfections of wantonness and ruin.

Our cries are of insecurity, unemployment, epileptic power supply, selective justice, dwindling economy, hospital corridors of death among others but a greater ruin subsists in you and me, particularly in the Fourth Estate. One should not make the truth seem forced – Nigeria ruins because journalism has failed us. And journalism devastates on the strength of our failures.

Thus journalism and the society remain opposite faces of a rusted coin.

It has become the way of the Nigerian press to inform, educate and entertain with the clarity of an ice-blur or sootsmutch. No more is the media the vanguard of truth, justice and accountability. No more does it seek to understand our painful silences in order to scream them.

Currency style is still politically and economically correct in newsrooms nationwide, and relative truths and half-truths hang stock-still, like bad philosophy, where the mint-blaze of advertisements, electronic money transfers and brown envelopes suc-

I

cessfully domesticate even our most hardnosed critics and newshounds.

Everybody insists that Nigerian journalists are crappy and lost; some claim we are maddened by poverty and greed but I would say we have simply realized delusion to be our favoured pattern of truth. I would say, we are only responding to the archetypal syndrome perverting our psyche – driving us to lay to waste, humanity and our most treasured industries.

Our degeneration began no sooner than we destroyed every crucial appendage of our social bedrock. As it does to every other crucial sector, the Nigerian society provides the worst of simpletons to serve as conscience to the nation. Scholarship we extol produces the citizenship that corrupts and sets us back in abominable leaps.

In our Fourth Estate, the few good hands are still keeping faith halfheartedly. They are shamelessly underpaid, persistently disrespected and denied of even their meagre income.

But the middling second-rate and third-rate smile home from the banks.

Their garages flaunt automobiles and hand-outs that dwarf the principles and achievements of the few good hands. Thus is our vision for Nigerian journalism: to perpetuate a litter of men so grossly employed beneath the faculties of a humane mind, that a little money, fame and other paltry inducements quite cheaply buys them off the fabled press’s most principled pursuits.

Like every one of us, the Nigerian journalist answers to different prices.

He is as perverted as the social system that produces him and conditions him to serve as a reluctant watch – dog, rambling lap-dog, obsequious stunt-dog, dung-dog, junk-yard dog

T was wholly predictable that the list of names for state pardon would generate uproar. And the protesters are not in a reflective mood, apparently blinded by a passion for hitting a straw man. It shows how emotion can overcome reason, as the President is subjected to name-calling, and his character is messed up on account of some ill-perceived wrong.

Response to the news that President Goodluck Jonathan decided to forgive the sins of certain public figures, some deceased, has once again exposed the human tendency to be sanctimonious. The reaction in some quarters gives the impression that Jonathan committed a cardinal sin. There is no doubt that the redeemed man at the centre of the storm, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, a former governor of oil-rich Bayelsa State from 1999 to 2005, was stained by official corruption.

This crooked character, while still in office, had a cool one million British pounds stashed in his London residence; the loot was discovered during a search by London Metropolitan Police and another hefty sum of almost two million British pounds was found in his bank account in the UK. His dramatic and mysterious escape from London where he was facing money laundering charges in 2005 has become the stuff of legend, and it is believed that he fled the city disguised as a woman while on bail.

Back home, he lost his position following his impeachment by an outraged Bayelsa State House of Assembly, and was subsequently prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, under the

among others – as circumstances and his vanities dictate.

An efficient journalist and wholly conscientious one at that do what he can whether his employer and the society appropriately reward him or not.

The inefficient journalist on the other hand offers his inefficiency to any bidder with a wad of cash; he is forever lusting for political office or “Corporate Affairs” spot. He is rarely disappointed however.

Hence the average journalist’s inclination to report the shameful shenanigans and delusions of grandeur of every constituent of the Nigerian society flaunting a wad of cash. This frantic posturing of the journalist to serve the interests of every actor, politician, musician, reality show contestant and business executive for the paltriest gratification is merely a manifestation in the journalist of the fetters of indignity holding the Nigerian society captive.

Our maddening lust for wealth and tireless celebration of it without doubt epitomizes the greatest disgrace of our kind. That so many are ready to live by luck in a mad dash for affluence and the frills of enterprise without appropriately earning it perpetuates the startling immorality of our kind and the most indecent culture of enterprise.

The philosophy, poetry and religion

of our kind are not worth the dust of a destitute puffball. Hence today, we stir in mind the worrisome notion that God created our kind in jest. Burning with our inordinate yearnings, we make God out to be a mischievous moneybag scattering a handful of currency in order to see us scramble for it amusingly.

Our world’s a raffle. From stardom, power, sudden wealth and chances to our base necessities, everything is on a sweepstake. Yet it worries us not to foster such satire on our social institutions. The reality show contestant is as much a gambler as his fellow in the underground casinos and dangerous crannies of Lagos. The only difference is that one shakes duplicity and the other shakes dice.

And we have journalism to celebrate them both as it does our criminallyminded thug-fathers, god-fathers, clerics, drug barons, park-thugs, business leaders and aristocracy to mention a few. If this isn’t the nastiest distortion to the media’s esteemed “Status-Conferrer” theory, what is?

The lure of affluence is truly great that withers the grains of wisdom in even in its most dependable repositories in the Nigerian society. How can the journalist not cultivate such rot?

Despite his purported depth and candour, he is essentially, a luminescent mirror into the soul of the Nigerian so-

‘Our world’s a raffle. From stardom, power, sudden wealth and chances to our base necessities, everything is on a sweepstake. Yet it worries us not to foster such satire on our social institutions.

The reality show contestant is as much a gambler as his fellow in the underground casinos and dangerous crannies of Lagos. The only difference is that one shakes duplicity and the other shakes dice’

ciety.

It is remarkable that of all our media, there are so few moral teachers, “Agenda-setters” and “Status-Conferrers” we could tip as beacons of a better tomorrow and a better society.

Most are shamelessly employed in excusing our misdemeanors while brazenly extolling the insanity of our infinite perversions.

The best journalists that have been we hardly get to know because this paltry band choose not to grovel before misguided celebrities and impart into our insufficiently tasked minds, trivial affairs of pop-idols, spoilt rich trash and their over-celebrated kids.

“But we are only human!” we rationalize. We claim that it’s due to human nature that we want to know who’s sleeping with whom and why somebody’s so upset about it. The same applies to the world of celebrity.

With the latter, we are hopelessly curious because we do not know them personally and it never hurts anyone to obsess about them, right?

Actually, it does hurt everyone and someone. It perverts our minds and pushes back the boundaries of public and private lives into the binds of distorted reality. And yet our uncontainable fervor for such trifling reports. Celebrity news may be cheap, easy and relaxing to read.

But therein subsists the reason for our hurtful realities. Celebrity trash journalism hardly reflects our reality. But faced with the burgeoning thirst for such content, more publishers are giving over more of their column inches to such debris ignoring the real subjects that matter for a profit.

Overdosing on gossip isn’t a good idea but like pathetic junkies eternally in need of a fix, we grovel and lust for the next best decadent pinch.

‘Alams’ and Jonathan’s forgiving spirit

By Femi Macaulay zealous Nuhu Ribadu. Alams, as the ex-governor is known to many who consider his name a tongue twister, pleaded guilty to theft of public funds and money laundering, forfeited humongous money and property to the government, and got a two-year jail sentence.

It is interesting that, on account of his plea bargain, he reportedly spent no more than two days in the cage post-sentence, having been held in detention for two years since his apprehension. It is this dark background that has come back to haunt the man, and it might likely do so for years to come despite his pardon, given the signals from the protesters. However, the Alams affair indeed raises questions in the realm of moral philosophy. What constitutes sufficient punishment for a crime? When is pardon acceptable or condemnable? Was Alams, 61, expected to go to his grave in ignominy, no matter how long he lived after his fall?

Alams should thank his lucky stars that Jonathan, who was his deputy and, in line with the 1999 Constitution, succeeded him as governor following his impeachment, is the President. His controversial pardon flows from Jonathan’s exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 175 of the

‘Apart from his record of nauseating corruption for which he has been punished according to the law, he is from the President’s ethnic base, was his former boss, and remains close to him. So, it is easy for the critics to cry foul. However, these facts do not, in and of themselves, constitute grounds to discredit his pardon’

1999 Constitution. Even if Jonathan acted out of a sense of indebtedness to his former political boss, he did so without flouting the constitution. Furthermore, he conformed to the constitution by involving the Council of State in the decision-making process that led to the pardon. In this matter, if Jonathan cannot be faulted for constitutional disobedience, it remains subjective whether his action was morally right or wrong.

In the circumstances, criticizing the inclusion of Alams in the pardon list on the basis of a one-sided morality actually amounts to questioning Jonathan’s right to his discretion. The truth is that the constitution is silent on whether there are crimes that are beyond pardon. In the absence of such clear-cut framework for the exercise of presidential pardon, should Jonathan be blamed for his seeming opportunistic interpretation of the law as it is?

It is possible that those who framed the constitution did not picture the Alams scenario. Or perhaps, the textual silence was deliberate, leaving the resolution of such development not only to the discretion of the President, but also to his sense of ethics.

This is the sort of controversy that plays up the importance of character in the business of political leadership.

It is not clear whether Jonathan’s action was informed by any insight into Alams’ state of mind concerning his inglorious past. Is the man penitent? Is he reformed? Is it conceivable that Jonathan would grant pardon to an unreconstructed ex-convict? Again, the constitution gives no clue on whether evidence of remorse and reformation should count in the consideration of pardon. As things are, it is left to the President, backed by the Council of State, to have mercy on whosoever he considers deserving of it. It is interesting that the Council of State endorsed the contentious pardon. Could it have acted otherwise, if the

President was unconvincing?

Now that Alams presumably has his honour back, it remains to be seen what he will do with it. In truth, such a man actually deserves to be pitied. What was the motive for his senseless accumulation of such mindboggling wealth stolen from the very people he was elected to serve? What unconscionable greed controlled his mind? Reports say he is still under investigation for alleged ill-gotten wealth in some Western countries and risks arrest should he step out of Nigeria. So, even with his pardon, he is in chains. What a mockery!

It is perhaps understandable that Alams became the focus of protest in a list that also included, among others, the names of a high-profile soldier-turned-politician and some military officers implicated in the 1995 and 1997 coup plots against the late military head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha; a former bank chief convicted of fraud; armed robbers on death row and awaiting-trial suspects who have overstayed in prison.

Apart from his record of nauseating corruption, for which he has been punished according to the law, he is from the President’s ethnic base, was his former boss, and remains close to him. So, it is easy for the critics to cry foul. However, these facts do not, in and of themselves, constitute grounds to discredit his pardon. Although Jonathan’s display of a forgiving spirit, even if supposedly self-serving, does not necessarily dilute the anti-corruption campaign, it throws into question the instrument for its exercise.

Since there is no art to find a leader’s moral complexion in the face, the law could help in defining acceptable standards that should govern the exercise of discretion.

• Macaulay is on the editorial board of The Nation

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

22

COMMENTS ‘Many bad policies are simply good policies taken too far’—— Thomas Sowell N eerie air of deluding power now overwhelms Nigeria’s President – and it is sad. From being a ‘lame duck’ vice-president at inception, President Goodluck Jonathan later proceeded to benefit from immense public sympathies at a point that the late President Umaru YarÁdua’s cabal was hell-bent on circumventing his ascension to power. He was voiceless and vulnerable. But God gave him voice through the people - and the opposition that rallied against the move to pervert the nation’s constitution.

Perhaps, there is something spiritual about the Latin aphorism, vox populi, vox dei. This dictum, meaning, ‘voice of the people is the voice of God,’ has remained as constant as ever. Indeed, the wish of God as typified by the deafening opinion of the Nigerian people that justice must be done even if heavens would fall at that period prevailed over the evil few that would have preferred a dead president to continue to rule by proxy.

As at the time Jonathan got to power, he was very popular. Most Nigerians thought he would deliver the much-sought dividends of democracy, despite being a product of a debauched political party. He was given a chance but to the consternation of the people, he has proved, so far, to be the weakest and most clueless man that ever ruled the country. Mr President promised us, on assumption of office, peace, but violence and insecurity dominate today’s national discourse. He assured us that the economy would bloom, but it is regrettably receding at an alarming rate. What about power that has remained unsteady since he assumed office. Nigerians rely on generators powered by petrol to provide their individual homes electricity on a daily basis. Even in Otuoke, the President’s village in Bayelsa State, it is predictable that over 90 per cent of domestic and commercial activities there rely on generator for power supply most of the time.

He promised Nigerians a new lease of life but unleashed high per-litre price of petroleum products, especially petrol, on Nigerians. Now that the president has said that he would completely remove fuel subsidy, it seems to me that he daily steeps into the abyss of undue self-importance that ruined previous occupiers of Aso-Rock Presidential Villa, the country’s seat of power.

President Jonathan, in his keynote address at the Nigerian Summit 2013, organised by The Economic Conference, insisted that his

A

I

T was a professional job. It was meticulously planned, carefully executed and the result was perfect. I bet they are still clinking glasses now, celebrating the willful massacre of Ndigbo, the expendable factor in the Nigerian equation. They chose the new Luxury Bus Park in Sabon Gari, kano, the hub of Igbo transport businessmen and traders who commute therefrom to different parts of Nigeria, moving goods to and fro the large commercial city of Kano.

They chose the right time, about 4.30pm last Monday, March 18, 2013. It was peak period for Igbo traders who are wont to travel by night to different parts of Nigeria to buy and sell. The murderers must have kept their surveillance at the park waiting until a few of the luxury buses were fully loaded and ready to depart. The signal must have gone out that the hour of slaughter had come; and the killers drove into the park, purporting to be passengers and with their vehicles right in front of the luxury buses, they detonated not one, but two massive explosions.

And the luxury buses, about six of them, were pulverized with their human cargo – mainly Ndigbo. They were blown to pieces and roasted like rams right in their seats where a few minutes earlier they waited patiently and made prayers for a safe trip. Some of them had been travelling this way for over a decade trying hard to make meaning of their ill-fated Nigerianness. Yes they knew they could die in their struggle but not by a sudden, ghastly Armageddon.

One of the buses was said to be fully loaded and ready to leave: that is a 52-sitter capacity plus about a dozen ‘attachments’. This totals over 60 passengers in just one bus. If we add the casualties in other buses and the usual bus park crowd, we begin to have an idea of the overall carnage which may not be less than 75 deaths as some newspapers have reported and about twice as much injured. Who is to talk about the goods, cash and property damage? Some of the luxury buses in the fleet of Gobison, Ezenwata, blessed Chimezie and New Tarzan are said to be brand new.

The second ‘pogrom’: this bombing of the luxury bus park is reminiscent of the pogrom against the Igbo race in Northern Nigeria in 1966; that orgy of killing of innocent Igbo civilian men, women and children following a failed military coup. But today, nobody has planned any coup,

Fuel subsidy: Mr President, test your popularity

• Jonathan administration would remove the entire subsidy ‘after consultation with the people’. To Mr. President, the existing erroneous subsidy on petroleum products constitutes waste of resources that should be channelled elsewhere. In his deluding view and that of his reactionary economic team, the main beneficiaries of fuel subsidy are the wealthy because majority of poor Nigerians are unduly made to bear the brunt of ‘consumptive excesses of the well-heeled middle class’.

He laughably hinted that since his decision to remove the phantom ‘fuel subsidy’ has become a foregone conclusion, his ‘government would engage the public on the modality for… and to continue to enlighten Nigerians on the need to remove fuel subsidy’ in possibly the months ahead. Jonathan maintained

this position because his entire team are very far from the people that they claim to govern. Otherwise, they ought to have known that there is no middle class in the country again. The two classes in Nigeria today are: The rich and the poor. And the former group is dominated by members of the ruling class, their cronies, family members, big contractors of government and mostly those in the private sector that conspire with those in power to pilfer public treasury. The most thriving business entrenched by the current administration is corruption. After all, the president recently granted presidential pardon to his boss and mentor, Dieprieye Alamieseigha. This matter, though one of digression in today’s discourse, will be a topic for another day.

The president should recall how he assumed the presidency for the first time. It was not through his power, but that of the people.

The Nigerian people spoke and rose against the feudal aristocracy from a particular section of the country that still think that to rule Nigeria is their birth right. It was at that point in history that the relevance of section 14(2a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that sovereignty belongs to the people really came to the fore. The people also spoke when they gave him the panNigerian mandate in the 2011 presidential elections. The president now bubbles with confounding self-esteem acquired through regrettable confidence reposed in him by Nigerians.

If the president still believes that he is popular because of his so called ‘giant strides,’ he

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8181624757, email:steve.osuji@yahoo.com

Kano blast: the second ‘pogrom’ at least not these hapless Igbo traders whose only offence is that they are Ndigbo doing their buying and selling in Kano. They have been premeditatedly slaughtered because they are Ndigbo and they are dispensable. It is apparent that the Islamist terrorists and their elite thinkers want to make more impact in their fight against the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Their calculation is that by using Ndigbo as cannon fodder, Ndigbo would react spontaneously, fighting back and escalating the crisis. This must be the callous calculation of the masterminds of the Islamists. But they are disappointed, Ndigbo are not cowardly murderers of innocent, defenseless people.

This is not the first time Ndigbo have been savaged so tauntingly. Luxury buses bearing Ndigbo have been torched many times. Igbo clusters like the Catholic churches and some markets have been callously targeted to vicariously push Ndigbo into violence and blood letting. Since all previous efforts to score a point by slaughtering Ndigbo failed, and emboldened by the fact that they got away with such murders, they did it on a much larger scale this time.

And of course, there won’t be a whimper from any quarter this time either. As far as the president is concerned, it is just another explosion.

His media aides have sent out their now proforma condolence news release which they must have used over a hundred times in the last two years: “ President Goodluck Jonathan has con-

demned in strong terms, yesterday’s bomb blast in…. Blah, blah, blah.” Everyone else follows suit in the ensuing chorus of puerile condemnations.

The day after the blast, the president was seen doing what he loves best: receiving so gleefully, some foreign ‘dignitries’. By the third day, he was threatening Nigerians that the so-called fuel subsidy must be removed. Such was the importance attached to the life of a Nigerian especially of Igbo stock.

Nobody spares a thought for tens of families who have been thrown into mourning; who have lost their fathers, mothers, children; people who have lost their entire livelihood and whose lives have been damaged forever for no fault of theirs.

While body parts still litter the Kano motor park some people are begging for amnesty for the murderers. What about bringing some succor to the victims of the blast? We have canvassed several times on this page that a committee be set up to cater for the victims of the burgeoning terrorist activities and ameliorate their pains but nobody cares. We have said on this page that southeast governors should create a databank of the victims of this madness, but nobody is doing anything. Since Ndigbo seem the major casualties of this crisis what are the southeast governors doing? Why have they become brain dead on this serious matter? It is most confounding that while the criminals are canvassing and are about to be compensated by way of amnesty, the real victims – Ndigbo, cannot articulate a coherent po-

should come out now and set the tone for how the 2015 presidential elections will look like for him and his People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Mr. President should come out and take time to ‘enlighten’ Nigerians on his reasons for planning to remove fuel subsidy. Subsequently, he should organise a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ referendum to determine whether Nigerians agree to his infamous plan to remove fuel subsidy.

Not until when Mr. Jonathan approves and conducts a referendum on this issue will he realise that Nigerians are not only weary of his clueless governance style but also repulsive of his incessant moves to always impoverish them through his thoughtless moves on fuel subsidy. Nigerians showed him a bit of this revulsion when they revolted against his initial plan on fuel subsidy removal of January 2012. The one that will come if he attempts to increase fuel price will assume an unimaginable proportion. This President must be compelled to conduct a referendum on this issue.

Those whispering the wrong things for selfish reasons in to his ears will leave him to his fate when the chips are down. Like other leaders of the country before him, Jonathan except he turns a new leaf which is very unlikely, will live to regret most of his inactions and incongruous actions after leaving that exalted seat.

Members of the opposition in the country have two tasks in their hands: First is to compel Jonathan to truly engage Nigerians, through a referendum, on whether or not fuel subsidy should be removed. Two, the opposition should endeavour to make it a political sloganeering tool in the months preceding the 2015 elections that Nigerians should not vote for Jonathan and his party that are hell-bent on compounding their impoverishment and melancholy through his planned removal of fuel subsidy.

The people should be made to understand that if for deft political strategy, he deferred the move, he will definitely do it after 2015 when he will not need their votes again.

Thence, Nigerians must be mobilised now to say no to the inhuman move of the President to remove fuel subsidy that his party’s henchmen and top government officials have turned into conduit pipes for depleting public funds meant to develop the country. The day of Jonathan’s waterloo is around the corner and that will be the day Nigerians turn him down if he agrees to this referendum challenge. The voice of the people is that of God in case he has forgotten. sition or response on this matter even now that it has become a pogrom of sort. There is even a design to bury the evidence quickly and cover the material facts.

Solution to Boko Haram menace Meanwhile, same Monday after the senseless murder of Ndigbo in Kano, Muslim umbrella body, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) insists on amnesty for the Boko Haram terrorists. How much more insensitive can a people be in the face of the bodies of fellow compatriots still smouldering in a kano motor garage. The call for amnesty which was made by the secretary-general of the JNI, Dr. Khalid Aliyu was coming on the wings of the recent call by the Sultan of Sokoto for dialogue with the sect.

Since President Jonathan has indicated that he would not dialogue with ‘ghosts’ and rightly so, here is EXPRESSO’s simple solution: let the federal government empanel the Sultan, the JNI and some northern governors to dialogue with the Boko Haram and present their report/demands in four weeks. The rest of Nigerians would gladly consider the demands and take it from there. If they need an ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN NIGERIA, so be it, so long as the Sultan and the JNI elite sanction it, I don’t think the rest of us would mind. We would simply have streamlined the debate to the question of boundary adjustment. And there are precedents to cite: North and South Korea; North and South Vietnam and recently, North and South Sudan. Nigeria as constituted is not sacrosanct.

LAST MUG: Jonathan and his fuel subsidy: our dear president has threatened us that the ‘subsidy’ we the elite enjoy must be removed otherwise Nigeria will fail. He and his economists are one-track-minded about this matter but they refuse to accept that we are trapped in this cycle of ‘subsidy’ because we do not have refineries; they refuse to see the point that all other oil producing countries refine their own products and export more of refined products; they refuse to see the failure of NNPC not being able to work out our refining system the way other national oil firms like Petrobras, etc, have done. Why don’t we subsidise local refining instead of foreign refineries? If Jonathan was a visionary leader, he would have ended petrol product importation in this last two years. Yes, he ought to have solved the ‘subsidy’ problem by now.

25

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

PEOPLE THE NATION

A SEVEN-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

His motto was: ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child.’ Because he didn't want his students to become spoilt, he didn't spare the rod. Today, these 'students' are thanking him for that. On March 9, they gathered at their alma mater, Hope Waddell Training Institution (HWTI) in Calabar, Cross River State, for the funeral of their principal, Elder Effiong Ukpong Aye. For many of them, it was a home coming.NICHOLAS KALU reports

•From left: Mr Duke; Deputy Governor Cobham, his wife Gloria; Ekpo Okon and Prof Offiong

Ode to a legend H

OPE Waddell, the third secondary school in Nigeria, was the first to be established in the East by the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland in 1895.

Some of its notable alumni include Nigeria's first President Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe; first ViceChancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Prof Eni Njoku; Nigerian-American anthropologist and Professor John Ogbu; politician, poet, journalist and premier of the defunct Mid-Western Region Dennis Osadebay; and former Governor of Eastern Region Akanu Ibiam, among a host of others.

The 118-year-old institution played host to some visitors on March 9 when the remains of an old student, teacher, house master, viceprincipal and two-time principal, Elder Efiong Ukpong Aye, fondly called Ete Aye, were buried.

The old students and the dignitaries spoke glowingly of the late teacher who gave his life to developing the society through education.

It was a homecoming of sorts for the old students who converged on Calabar, from far and near, to pay their last respects to their ex-principal.

For the old boys, who had not seen for long, it was an opportunity to reestablish contact and also make new ones. It was an emotional reunion of sorts as they recalled the old school days, especially "peppered strokes of the cane" from the late Ete Aye, which helped shape their lives.

Ete Aye died on November 28, last year, seven months after he lost his wife, Miranda.

He was 94.

The late Aye was an author of many books and a great historian of the Efik Kingdom and the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.

In their tributes, many hailed the late Aye for his contribution to human development.

The late Aye’s casket was carried in a hearse from his house along the Parliamentary Vil-

•Aye's daughter Pamela Ededem and his son Effiong Aye Jnr

•The late Aye

lage to the Eleven-eleven Roundabout from where students escorted it to the school. A few metres away from the institution, old students took over the casket and led it into the school where Aye’s remains laid in-state for 30 minutes. The body was then carried by the old students again into the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Hope Waddell Parish, for the funeral service. From there, it was carried to the old chapel where it was laid to rest.

The funeral was more of a celebration as everyone felt.

President of the Hope Waddell Old Students Association (HWOSA), Calabar Branch, Mr Bassey Mensah said the late Aye deserved such a worthy burial.

Mensah, who had organised the celebration of the late Aye's 94th birthday last year, said: "No sacrifice will be too much to honour this man who lived a life of service to make many of us what we are today."

He said it was the late Aye's wish that he be buried in the institution, having given most

of his life to it as a student, teacher housemaster, vice principal and principal.

"It was his wish that when he died, he should be buried there since his life was about the school. So, he wanted to be buried in the school. He could as well be buried in his house since he was a chief, but he did not want that.

He wanted Hope Waddell. Everything about him was Hope Waddell. So, that was his wish," Mensah said.

He said other principals, especially foreign missionaries, were also buried in the school.

"The man had impacted on us. He was completely disciplined. His philosophy was spare the rod and spoil the child. Then we did not appreciate it. We thought he hated us. But now we are most grateful to him. The man did not joke with his cane. No matter who you are, the man would flog you. He would always buy bunches of canes," he said.

Deputy Governor of Cross River State Efiok Cobham, who conveyed the condolences of the state government, described the late Aye as a man who lived a worthy, amiable and fulfilled life and left lasting impressions.

Former Governor Donald Duke described the late Aye as a “quintessential gentleman, strict disciplinarian, an astute administrator and, indeed, an erudite scholar of renown,” whose calling was sustaining the legacies of his forbears.

The Principal of the school, Mr Edet Inyang, said the late Aye stood for quality education

and discipline.

"He was a man whose deeds were loved and cherished by all around him. He was a rare gem and an icon for generations yet to come.

Your legacies shall certainly stand the test of time," Inyang said.

An old student of the class of 1960, Offiong Orok Asuquo, an architect, described the late Aye as one of the greatest black men in West Africa, who trained a lot of students.

Another old student, Mr David Edem, said: "We are humbled and very appreciative of the yester-years’ hard and painful strokes of the cane which to all intents and purposes could be likened to vanilla ice cream of today, which, honestly, made us whom we are today."

Justice Michael Edem, another alumnus, said: "The fulfilment of being moulded under the feet of a legend like Ete Aye is itself legendary. Never in the history of adulation had so much endearment been given by old students to one teacher.

We cannot sufficiently thank him."

Elder Emmanuel Ewa, another old boy, said: "Prof Aye was a disciplinarian, always truthful. He directed his students towards future development. I remember his words: 'My boy don't blame or greet me when you will be a drop out and become a truck pusher so read your books'.

Elder Aye was also a simple man. You do not overspend for him over luxury things. His training contributed to the success of all old students today in various professions.”

•More pictures on page 26

26

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

SOCIETY Midas Hotel, the first four-star hotel in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, has opened for bussiness, reports SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN

A Midas touch

I

T has the distinction of being the first of its type in Ekiti State. Hotels have sprung up in different parts of the state in the past, but it stands in its own class. And it comes with an enchanting name: Midas Hotel. The 56room four-star hotel in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital is the first of such facility in the Fountain of knowledge. It was commissioned on February 9, by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The hotel occupies nearly 5,000 square metres of land on Midas Avenue close to Ayemi Motorpark. It is almost 270 metres off AdoIworoko road, Opopogbooro, Ado-Ekiti.

The hotel is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Its immediate conveniences include its 56 luxury rooms/suites and a presidential luxury apartment of four bedrooms, all fitted with plasma LCD TVs. Also accessible in all rooms are therapeutic mattresses, weighing scales, bathrooms fitted with functional Jacuzzi and safe boxes for the keeping of valuables.

The classical finishing of the outdoor fixtures is a statement of the taste of the initiators; its iron fence opens to a sprawling parking space large enough to accommodate more than 100 vehicles.

The opening which attracted indigenes and non indigenes coincided with the birthday of the governor who saw it as a special “birthday gift.”

The host community presented a gift to the hotel management, saying the facility has brought blessings to the community.

Fayemi came with his wife, Erelu Bisi, Chief of Staff, Mr Yemi Adaramodu, and other personalities.

The Chairman of the hotel, Prof Clement Olowokande, relived the experience of some of the directors of the hotel which led to its establishment.

Olowokande said the hotel is a child of necessity.

“It is borne out of a genuine desire to create a first class hospitality haven in Ado where hotel buyers can derive maximum comfort, excellent and quality service and also have value for their money,” he said.

“What we are offering at Midas is a com-

•Governor Fayemi assisted by Erelu Bisi; Oba Adejuyigbe (right) and Prof Olowokande to open the hotel

plete hospitality service of international standards with the bench mark of utmost satisfaction, without compromising the desire and expectation of buyers. We have here a hi-tech hardware in terms of facilities and software in terms of tested, trusted and polished personnel.

“Our niche here, apart from the facilities, lies in our unique personalised services unobtainable elsewhere in the state. We are more after a relationship with the customers than their hard earned money,” he boasted.

Governor Fayemi expressed appreciation for the great gift of yet another hotel which he saw as a befitting addition to about four others he had earlier inaugurated since he assumed office.

The governor briefly outlined efforts so far taken by his administration to make the state a haven of investment, assuring that efforts would be sustained in making sure that more businesses are attracted to the state through initiatives in agriculture, tourism and small scale industrial ventures.

Fayemi said: “I can confirm that in the hospitality segment alone, this state has witnessed investment in the region of about 3 billion naira in the last two years. In the last two years, we have commissioned three other hotels and this is another one and I know that very soon, another big one will be inaugurated.”

Noting that Ikogosi resort is another home for tourists and investors, the governor asserted that business succeeds in a conducive environment where people get comfort and are equally assured of their safety.

“We have tagged this year a year of empowerment and consolidation. I will like to assure the management of Midas Hotel of the full cooperation of the state government in fulfilment of our deliberate policy of promoting trade and investment in the state by providing a very favourable condition for genuine investors.”

In his goodwill message, Director General of Ekiti Enterprise Development Agency (EEDA) Mr. Oscar Ayeleso said the coming of the hotel

would consolidate the investment status of the state.

The hotel, Ayeleso said, will surely promote investment and economic growth in the state.

Thanking the investors for the great move, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejuyigbe invited other investors to come to the state.

“We are willing to have as many investors as possible in Ekiti. The government is trying to fix everything that will attract investors to the state. There is a good road network, stable water and electricity supply and other amenities,” Oba Adejuyigbe said.

Others in attendance at the event included the Olukoro of Ikoro, Oba Adebamji Adeleye; Oniropora of Iropora, Oba Joel Ajayi; the Alaakene of Ikenne, in Ogun State, Oba Adeyinka Onatade.

The Onikoro of Ikoro-Ekiti, the town of origin of the founders of the hotel, Oba Adeleye expressed joy for witnessing a great idea which was the brainchild of his own town’s people.

ODE TO A LEGEND

•Mensah (right) and Bella Effiong

•Mr Ekpo Okon (left) and Commissioner for Education, Prof Offiong Offiong

•From left: President HWOSA Uyo branch, Don Ukpe; Cobham, and the late Aye's classmate in school, Chief Itu Ukpong

•From left: former Cross River State Chief Judge Dorothy Eyamba Ide; Chief Magistrate and Justice Michael Edem

27

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

SOCIETY The old boys of St Patrick’s College (SPACO), Ikot Ansa, Calabar, Cross River State, have celebrated their patron, Saint Patrick, at the Catholic Church of Assumption, Ikoyi, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

‘Our school made us’ A

S students, they slept on a long wooden plank supported by two blocks. Any student who brought a mattress to school faced expulsion. Then, their only means of transportation were bicycles. These bicycles had first class front seats which cost six pence. The second class back seats cost three pence.

They left all they had at home and made use of what the school provided.

Today, these ‘boys’ looked back and smiled at what their alma mater shaped them into: hardworking, humble and diligent men.

They are the old boys of St Patrick’s College (SPACO), Ikot Ansa, Calabar. Cross River State.

Last Sunday was the feast of St Patrick, their patron saint. The Lagos State branch of the Old Students Association gathered that morning at the Catholic Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, for a thanksgiving mass to celebrate the day.

All St Patrick’s alumni associations in diaspora also celebrated the day. Though it is the Lent season, it didn’t allow that to stop them from marking the day.

Soon after the mass, they swarmed into the Ball Room of the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, for a reception.

The new grey haired ‘boys’ came with their wives. They had a swell time. Yellow and green fabric and leaves ran through the hall.

The chairs and tables were decorated in white. In the middle of each table was a long glass vase of flowers with fresh green leaves.

To the left of the hall were food stands stocked with varieties of continental and African dishes.

The setting was more like that of a picnic in a garden. The ambience of the hall reflected the patriotic thinking of the ‘students’.

The ‘Patricians, as they are called, sang their college anthem and songs of praise with pride. They wore their school blazers and ties bearing the school logo. Complementing it with white shirts, they looked more like the pupils they once were. Many of those present left the school more than 60 years ago.

Their wives wore a uniform headgears; other guests were in their Sunday best: red Igbo caps, Yoruba caps and various styles and shapes of headgears.

SPACO Alumni Association National President Chief Charles Ifeanyi, in an address, said the members were proud to have attended the school, adding that they had a solid foundation which led to their success in life. He paid tribute to the late members of the association.

He condemned the government for taking over missionary schools.

“Catholic missionary schools have been known to inculcate traits of loyalty and hard work in the young ones that have kept us where we are today. Those who leave from missionary schools are moral catalysts that spread around; but there has been a decadence since the government took the schools from them,” Ifeanyi said.

The Lagos branch President, Mr Sigsimond Fernandez, in his welcome speech, said the reunion on the feast day has come to stay as a yearly ritual.

He talked about the 80-year-old school.

“The St Patrick Missionary Society founded it. The motto of the college is: COR MUNDUN MANUS FIRMA VERBUM CONSTANS. The type of education we received in this college is anchored on these six Latin words. The type of education given to us not only exposed us to open and broadmindedness of heart, it strengthened our hands through the dignity of labour and above all, it made us honest Christian gentlemen whose words can be trusted at all times without equivocation.”

Fernandez also spoke of the association’s plan to rehabilitate the college’s kitchen and dormitories which are in bad shape. This, he said, will give the new generation students an institution with physical structures conducive to learning.

Some benefactors were given awards for their support in giving the college a new lease of life. They were Mr Ibe Kachukwu and Mr Sylvanus Edet aka Old Major. His name was then changed to Old General by the old students for doing what generals do.

An alumnus of the school, Mr Dennis Okoro, in telling their story, praised the students who passed through the school as men who can survive in any condition they find themselves.

He recalled that the college in Okoransa Local Government, Area of Cross River State catered for the rich and the poor under Reverend Fathers who served as the college’s principal officers.

He narrated how he, an 11-year-old boy, would trek to a five-mile camp to get fresh water from a stream. After fetching it, on return to the dormitory, the seniors take it all.

“Back then, we knew who we were and we could never go wrong. We are forever grateful because now, many years later, the bond of what we passed through as boarding students is more stronger than the bond of blood,” Okoro said.

•From left: Mr Fernandez; Mr Okoro and Chief Ifeanyi

• Justice Charles Archibong flanked by his wife Juliet and Chief Chris Enuke

•From left: Mr Ernest Ebi; Chief George Opara and Mrs Lizzy Ebi

‘Catholic missionary schools have been known to inculcate traits of loyalty and hard work in the young ones that have kept us where we are today. Those who leave from missionary schools are moral catalysts that spread around; but there has been a decadence since the government took the schools from them’ •Sir Edet and wife Margaret

BIRTHDAY

• From left: Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Asiwaju Tinubu; Mrs Bisola Osibajo; Governor Babatunde Fashola and his wife Dame Abimbola during the 80th birthday of Mrs Osibajo at Cathedral of St Jude Church, Ebute-Metta, Lagos PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

PHOTOS: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

WEDDING

•The couple Akinyemi and Titilayo Akande flanked by bride’s parents Pastor and Mrs Ebenezer Ibijoju (left) and Mr and Mrs Bayonle Akande during their wedding at Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ogudu, Lagos PHOTO: OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAFA

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

28

SOCIETY The Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN) inducted new members and honoured its fellows for their contributions to the institute.

MIRIAM EKENEOKORO writes.

A glorious honour

I

T was a two-in-one event: an induction of new members and a luncheon for fellows. It was organised by the Institute of Public Analysts (IPAN).

The event featured some of those who contributed to the country’s socio-economi growth.

Guests began arriving at the Ogun Hall of the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, venue of the event, in exotic cars. They were decked in colourful attires. The recipients came with their family members and well wishers.

Many IPAN members, who had lost contact on seeing themselves again shout for joy. Soft tunes from a live band entertained guests as they settled down for the business of the day.

The event was chaired by the Managing Director of MOPSON Pharmaceutical Limited, Mr

•Cross-section of guests and inductees

Michael Paul. He said the occasion was a platform to examine some of the issues affecting public analysts urged members to collaborate with fellow practitioners to maintain standard in the practice.

He advocated the creation of a standard national laboratory for certified public analysts, saying a national analytical facility was long

overdue for the profession and a country faced with severe health challenges.

He praised IPAN for producing quality laboratory scientists for the public and private sector, saying an analyst institute without a national public laboratory open to qualified professionals was incomplete.

His words:“We all know the issue of counterfeit, faked and expired products in our public places, covering all areas - food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals and medical equipment. These are issues that public analysts can help resolve with quality laboratory services, if they are given necessary facility to work

with.”

IPAN Registrar and Chief Executive Professor David Oluleye, who responded to the chairman’s remarks, assured that the project was on course, adding that the institute aimed to expand existing laboratory.

A ‘good man’ at 70 Alhaji Ganiyu Mohammed, elder brother of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), has marked his 70th birthday in Lagos.

Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN reports.

H

E had every reason to throw a lavish party to celebrate the grace of Allah in his life, having spent seven decades on earth. But no; he opted for a low-key celebration. From the planning to the execution, it was a display of the celebrator’s trademark modesty.

The Kewu Lere Street, ItireIjesha, Surulere, Lagos home of Alhaji Ganiyu Mohammed, elder brother of the National Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, was the place to be.

It was a moment to showcase Allah’s goodness to his family.

At 70, the celebrator is still agile. He was on his feet, pumping hands with guests, with a warm smile.

His first son, Alhaji Saheed Mohammed, joined him to welcome guests. His wives and other

• The celebrator’s son, Saheed

• The Mohammeds: Lai (left) and the celebrator

children were not left out. They were all over the place to ensure that the guests are comfortable.

Chief Imam of Oroland in Kwara State, the celebrator’s hometown, Alhaji Mukaila Jamiu Onitan, led some of his friends, relations and well-wishers to the event.

“One thing I like in this family is the fact that humility runs there; look at Alhaji Lai,” a guest told her friend, pointing at Alhaji Lai Mohammed when he got to the venue. Rather than wear a toga of pride as a celebrated politician, he stooped to shake hands with virtually all who rose to welcome him.

Besides Lai, other members of the ACN, especially in the locality, stepped out to be counted.

Chairman, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon Hakeem Bamgbola, expressed his love for the celebrator, by spending the weekend with the “good man”.

So did his Ifelodun counterpart, Alhaji Fatai Ajidagba.

•Hon Bamgbola

Alhaji Onitan kick started the the event with soul-lifting prayers in appreciation of Allah’s goodness to the celebrator and his family.

Earlier he had admonished those in attendance to imbibe the virtue

of humility that many had seen as the guiding principle of the celebrator, noting that it is a virtue appreciated by Allah.

The highpoint of the occasion, after the cake-cutting was when guests rose to praise Alhaji Mohammed. Guests jostled to have their turns to talk about the man that many described as a community leader and a father among fathers.”

Lai described his elder brother as a blessing to the family. The ACN spokesman said: “He is very compassionate. He is unbelievably contented and he leads a life of Spartan self-discipline. He bears no grudge against anyone. And with his little resources, he would always want to touch everyone positively, especially in the family. He never covets and would always not want to hurt anyone. In fact, my brother is an example of all known positive virtues.

“He is a worthy family head who will never leave any family matter unattended to, even if he has to

make sacrifices. We can’t have a better family head than him. We in the family can only wish him many more years in good health so that we all can continue to enjoy his selfless services.”

Saheed said of his father: “Every positive adjective aptly describes my father. He taught us to lead a life of contentment and that has remained our guiding light. If I have to live this life again, I won’t wish for another father; I will jump at him. I believe he’s is just beginning his life.”

To say that food, drinks and other consumables were enough for satisfy guests is perhaps an understatement as the Mohammeds actually begged everyone to eat and drink to satisfaction.

But how did the celebrator feel on the occasion? Hear him: “I feel good. It is an opportunity for me and my family to thank Allah for His grace. He has been more than good to us. I thank Him and everyone that shared the day with me.”

29 FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

Vol 4. No. 1794

Y

EARS ago, Albert SzentGyorgyi, described water as “…life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.”

Way back then little did Gyorgyi know that one day, the United Nations’ General Assembly would designate March 22 as International World Water Day as a way of focusing on the importance of freshwater and advocating sustainable management of freshwater resources. Undoubtedly, the UN General Assembly task into consideration water’s inportance in coming up with.

The UN’s initiative has not solved the problems that accessing potable water still pose to people.

Many rural communities across the globe still suffer untold hardship in their search for water. The problem is worse in third world countries, especially Africa, including Nigeria and remote communities in Asia.

The prevalence of water borne diseases is a fallout of the lack of fresh water in several communities in the world. It is ironic that such diseases have become history in developed worlds, but they remain an issue in many African countries.

More worrisome is that it has continued to cause avoidable deaths and in some cases deformities in some countries.

It continues to generate discourse among concerned stakeholders.

Some blame the problem on lack of visionary leadership and sometimes too, poor urban planning and other factors. This has caused many communities to be without pipeborne water, despited being hugely populated areas where governments generate huge revenues. Since water is indispensable, those affected have devised ways of meeting their water need.

One of such devices is the borehole. Often initiated by individuals for commercial purposes, the quality of such water has over and over again fallen short of being described as fresh. Even at that, people go for it to meet their washing need while they depend on sachet and bottle water for their drinking needs. This has led to the prevalence of all forms of ‘pure’ water products and brands. In other settlements, well water suffices.

Given this scenario, some corporate organisations have adopted water provision as their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It became the trend at a time as multinational and local companies latched on to it. The motley crowd of brands and companies trying to leverage on the platform that the concept provides as their CSR initiative at a time made brand differentiation difficult.

Adopting the strategy makes good sense. For one, it helps to address the problem of rapid and urban water systems. In part, it also addresses the theme of the year 2011 celebration of the World Water Day - ‘Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge, aimed to spotlight and encourage governments, organisations, communities, and individuals to actively engage in addressing the challenges of urban water management.

As stated by the Department of

Playing the water game Today is World Water Day. The day is set aside by the United Nations to address the water needs of many people worldwide.

As the ancient mariner observed many years ago ,“water water everywhere, but none to drink”. WALE ALABI highlights the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts of Guinness in providing water to the needy.

•A water treatment filter

Trade and Industry in the United Kingdom, CSR represents “the integrity with which a company governs itself, fulfills its mission, lives by its values, engages with its stakeholders, measure its impact and reports on its activities”. Although most people appreciate the recent advancement of CSR, some argue that corporations are still not doing enough or are only acting in self interest.

But while the serious ones get it right and go about it professionally, evidence of having thought through the whole idea; others go about it haphazardly. It is easy to know those who thought through the concept. Those who did, among other considerations, followed and addressed the key decision points: Needs Assessment, Selecting Alternatives, Project preparation, Project Implementation and Project Operation. Besides, while some companies and brands only focus on provision of water within their host communities, the more committed ones spread it across the country and, in places far away from their host communities.

And this is where the debate that borders on maintenance and sustenance comes up. The sustainability and maintenance question has further called into question the role or otherwise of the beneficiary community. Put differently, does a beneficiary community have any role to play in the sustainability of a corporate social responsibility project? Especially water projects since it is agreed that water is essential to human survival.

With businesses having to focus on generating profits, CSR was not a popular concern among companies until recently. So, the question does become, should the companies be saddled with the monitoring and running of such projects?

Should Guinness then be saddled like the Water of Life Projects instituted in Agbor, Delta State, Lantoro, Abeokuta, Ogun,; IjoraBadia, Ajegunle and Mafoloku all in Lagos State by Guinness Nigeria?

A school of thought feels otherwise and canvasses that the communities should take ownership of such projects. This school argues

that managing social responsibility is like any other aspect of managing the business. Well managed CSR supports the business objectives of the company, builds relationships with key stakeholders whose opinion will be most valuable when times are hard, and should reduce business costs and maximise its effectiveness.

Part of a successful CSR initiative is to empower and allow the communities take ownership of the project after it is instituted. By doing so, the beneficiary communities monitor and operate it in the best way possible. This ensures the projects are not vandalised and serve the community for a long time.

The Ijora-Badia and Mafoluku Water of Life projects lend credence to this school.

David Hampshire, then Managing Director of Diageo Africa inaugurated it in 2004. Before then, sourcing water was problematic and residents sometime go as far as Marine Beach, about three kilometres away to fetch water. Those who could not go the distance were forced to pay through their

nose to buy water from local water merchants. All that changed when Guinness Nigeria Plc built and inaugurated the water project.

The project serves about 10 streets in the neighbourhood. They include Ireti Owoseni, Giwa, Akorede, Church and Amusu streets as well as some residents of nearby Sari Iganmu community.

When our correspondent visited the community, residents spoke of how much the project has ameliorated their water needs. Despite their joy over the development, the ingenious way they queue for water tells the story.

To queue, they place sundry items including old plastic buckets, old cooking pots and interlocking blocks from the construction site of Ireti and Badia Primary School before each fetching points to represent their positions on the line.

Those that spoke insisted that that way everybody falls in line and knows his or her place before any of the 20 taps that dispense water from the 50,000 gallon over head tanker.

Sikiru Aweda, who runs the project on behalf of the community, said a lot goes into making the water fresh. He showed our correspondent alum, chlorine and soda with which he treats the water. He was full of praise for the donor organisation adding that “This school, Ireti/Badia Primary School was built with water from here.

Initially, the contractors tried to construct a borehole but it didn’t work and they had to resort to our water.”

Another resident, Mrs. Fatimota Olaniyi corroborated Aweda and thanked the donors of the project.

For her, the donors are God sent.

She reiterated the suffering that they used to go through to get water and added that since the water was inaugurated in 2004, it has been serving the community and residents have been guarding it jealously because allowing it spoil or vandalised means a return to the hardships of the past.

“We used to suffer to get water before Guinness came and built this water project for us. The water that we fetch from the Guinness water project is fresh and drinkable, unlike what we used to fetch from Marine Beach,” said Mrs. Fatimoh Olaniyi, a resident of Ireti Owoseni Street and added that “our representatives have been keeping it in good shape because we feel it would be asking for too much if we expect Guinness do the dat-today running.”

The story is the same at Mafoluku before Guinness extended the gesture to the community in 2009.

“Before this water project was built there was always scarcity of water in the community but as soon as it was built it became a thing of the past,” Chairman, Mafoluku Community Development Association, Alhaji Adegemi said.

Ahead of this year’s edition of World Water Day, Guinness Nigeria Plc has thus come under the klieg lights as a corporate citizen that identifies with the UN General Assembly that set March 22 as the World Water Day. However, it is hoped that the project is further spread to other remote communities in dire need of fresh water.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

30

Brandnews

Etisalat partners Total Nigeria

E

TISALAT Nigeria has unveiled its state-of-the-art mini experience centres at Total Nigeria’s Sura Service Station on Lagos Island.

The centre, which is one of 45 launched is the result of a partnership deal between Etisalat Nigeria and Total Nigeria Plc. The two companies had in June 2012 formally signed a Master Lease Agreement to establish retail sales outlets in select Total service stations nationwide.

The agreement was signed in Lagos between the Chairman of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Hakeem BelloOsagie and a team of Total Nigeria staff, led by its Managing Director, Mr Francois Boussagol.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Steven Evans said the mini experience centre concept has further reinforced that the customer is at the heart of every-

Stories by Raji Rotimi Solomon

thing the company does. “For us at Etisalat, customer focus simply means putting customers at the centre of all business decisions, ensuring that our customers can access our products easily and can easily deal with any issue that they have experienced with our service.

“It has always been our strategic objective to deliver world class telecommunications services that are relevant and aligned to the needs and lifestyles of our respective customers. It is for this reason that Etisalat has decided to partner with a global and reputable organisation like Total with the relevant expertise and experience in delivering world class products and services. Choosing the right partner is important, and we feel that both brands represent quality and will reinforce each other’s values,” he said.

The Managing Director, Total Petroleum Nigeria, Mr Francois Boussagol, who was represented at the occasion by the company’s General Manager, Marketing, Mr Yahaya Yunusa, said his company couldn’t have chosen a better telecom partner for such an initiative. According to him, apart from being the fastest growing telecom operator in Nigeria, Etisalat has so far displayed dynamism, ambition and customer focus in the course of its relatively short time in the country.

Boussagol said: “Our partnership with Etisalat is to further enhance our customers’ experience. We strive to build and sustain trust, so our passion for quality is unyielding, and we could not resist the chance to partner with Nigeria’s fastest growing and most innovative telecommunications network to further enhance our customers’ experience.”

Airtel confirms speed to market with launch of Blackberry Z10

L

EADING telecommunications services provider Airtel Ni geria on confirmed its standing as a customer-centric organisation with speed to market and fastest ability to respond to the needs of customers.

High-end customers in the Nigerian telecoms market had waited alongside others in the global community for release of the latest offering from RIM Corporation’s Blackberry. RIM as well as analysts and the telecoms firms publicized the launch of the BBZ10 across the world. The launch attracted rave reviews.

Thus began a race in Nigeria to provide the smartest of smart phones of the day to Nigerian customers. Telcos asked customers to pre-order, an indication they were either testing the capacity of the market or that they had no stock.

Airtel then pulled a joker, using the elite Ikoyi Club 1938 platform to be the first provider to make the

highly desired phone available to customers.

The BBZ10 launch continues an Airtel tradition of fast response to the needs of the market since its entry three years ago. Chief Marketing Officer Olu Akanmu underlined this point in his remarks at the high profile event featuring officials of the Lagos State Government and executives of Nigeria’s foremost social club.

Akanmu stated, “Airtel would continuously increase its efforts in consolidation of its position as a pioneer of innovation in the telecoms landscape, in line with its vision of being the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians. Our superior and widest 3.75G capacity is up to 42 megabytes per second coverage across the country would further complement the distinctive computing features of the smartphone to provide customers with a delightful internet experience round-the-clock, irrespective of their location”.

CAP Plc unveils colour of the year

C

• From left: Alagodo of Agodo, Oba Dr Mudashiru Odejobi; Supervisor for Health, Egbe-Idimu LCDA, Mr. Jimmy Bello; Managing Director, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mohammed Fouani and General Manager, Air Conditioning and Energy Solutions, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Junhwa Jeong during the presentation of Anti-Mosquito Air Conditioners and treated mosquito nets to Agodo Health Centre in Egbe, Lagos.

PHOTO: GBENGA KUTELU

Firms in strategic partnership

V

IRAL Impressions, the world’s most comprehen sive social media marketing and management platform, has entered into partnership with Cihan, a leading indigenous brand marketing agency.

With the partnership, Cihan will be marketing and distributing Viral Impressions’ social media marketing suite to brands in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

Commenting on the partnership, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Celestine Achi, said: “Working with Viral Impres-

S

sions will help us achieve our brand promise of scaled human engagement.”

He further said the partnership allows Cihan Group the opportunity to provide best-in-class service to leading brands and have a competitive advantage in the Nigerian and West Africa market.

“We’re excited to be selected by Viral Impressions for Nigerian and the West African markets.

“This partnership will enable Cihan Group to expand its offerings and provide brands with more

comprehensive solutions to meet their social media marketing needs. As a Viral Impressions partner, Cihan is now integrated with Viral Impressions’s socal media marketing suite.

The social media marketing suite provides a complete set of integrated applications that enable brands of any size to manage their social presence across multiple social networks. The suite’s easy-touse tools are built using leading edge technologies on robust and scalable social media marketing platform.”

Samsung celebrates Mothers’ Day with Ecobubble

AMSUNG Electronics West Africa, celebrated Mothers’ Day by hosting its customers to a home appliances giveaway at its Ikeja City Mall store in Lagos, with two customers carting away grand prizes of two Samsung Ecobubble washing machines at the event.

Highlighting the features and benefits of Samsung’s Ecobubble to customers at the event, Samsung Electronics’ West Africa’s Managing Director, Mr Brovo Kim, reit-

erated the importance of family and mothers in particular to the organisation.

“At Samsung, family is extremely important to us. We organised this event this year so that families can have the opportunity to honour their mothers, and also have a chance to win exciting prizes, including our unique and innovative Ecobubble washing machine, making washing easier.

Ecobubble derived inspiration from historical washing practices.

In previous generations of handwashing, people used to create large quantities of rich and soapy foam for their laundry, helping the detergent to penetrate and get absorbed deeply. We have applied this traditional wisdom in our bubble based washing system, to make the tiresome chore of cleaning clothes much easier and more convenient for our customers, without wasting energy,” he said.

HEMICAL and Allied Products (CAP) Plc, a subsidiary of UACN Plc and the technological licensee of AkzoNobel, world’s largest paints and coatings company and manufacturers of Dulux premium brand of paint has unveiled the 2013 Colour of the Year tagged ‘Indigo Night’.

The 2013 colour of the year was unveiled at an elaborate ceremony which was held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac Town, Lagos on March 19. The event was attended by the company’s stakeholders including distributors and dealers, top echelon of the UACN group as well as members of the press.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director, UACN Plc, Mr Larry Ettah disclosed that the celebration of the Dulux colour of the year has become a global trend which is adding colours and values to lives. He noted that the Colour of the Year is a concept that reinforces Dulux as a global authority in colour.

Ettah stressed further that with over 12,000 colours, Dulux is established as the custodian of knowledge in the area of colours with the objective of helping customers realise their wellbeing; it has consistently and innovatively introduced

different colours to its customers worldwide over the years.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director, Chemical and Allied Products (CAP) Plc Mrs. Omolara Elemide revealed that ‘Indigo Night’ emerged the Dulux 2013 Colour of the Year after the annual meeting of the Aesthetic Centre of AkzoNobel with an international group of creative experts from the fields of colour, design, architecture and fashion, who deliberated and decided that the colour shade will be dominantly used globally during the year based on trends in colour.

Elemide explained that ‘Indigo Night’ has a purplish edge, giving it a soothing, honest and relaxing feel which is easier to live with than more green based hues, making it feel warmer in our cool northern light. As a paint colour, Indigo adds a surprising, elegant strength and shows you are quietly confident with colour.

“The 2013 Dulux Colour of the Year has an intriguing connection with the past, the present and the future.

The colour shade has always been part of our lives and will continue to play a major role in our existence: It is indeed, a colour of our heritage and the future,” she noted.

Panabiz, NEC collaborate

P

ANABIZ International Limited, leading provider in of fice automation solutions has entered into partnership with NEC Unified Solutions - a division of NEC, the world’s leading provider of telecom, video conferencing, PABX, IP telephony, call centre & enterprise business solutions. Together, they will deliver integrated communications solutions to medium and large organisations in Nigeria.

NEC Unified Solutions specialises in providing communications solutions to small, medium and large enterprises in the private and public sectors. These solutions incorporate the latest voice, data and video technologies, using both desktop and mobile endpoints, and enable real-time, collaborative working, increased productivity and significantly improved customer satisfaction.

According to Diwakar Yadavalli, General Manager, Panabiz International Limited, the partnership with NEC is a logical step towards their ambitious growth strategy

and would give further credence to the company’s vision of being the best Office Automation Solutions provider in Nigeria.

Yadavalli explained that the partnership affords Panabiz the opportunity to grow and expand its business in Nigeria especially in the large enterprise market segment where NEC also plays a significant position. He stated that the telecom portfolio of NEC provides an exceptionally strong offering in the area of Unified Communications and mobility.

“This partnership is a convergence of two leaders for a strong and revolutionary business relationship. It is a strategic partnership that would provide great business opportunities for both companies as Panabiz would introduce a major global player ‘NEC’ into Nigeria and would be its sole representative in the country; and NEC can bank upon the brand equity that Panabiz has established for being the No. 1 Office Automation Solutions provider in Nigeria for over two decades,” he said.

31

SHOPPING THE NATION

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net •Send suggestions and comments to: shopping@thenationonlineng.net

•China Town

China Town: A shoppers’ delight There used to be a misconception about Chinese products being inferior.

Today, that view seems to have changed as Nigerians troop to China Town at Ojota, Lagos Mainland, to shop. TONIA DIYAN reports.

•STORY ON PAGE 32 Where to get musical instruments

Mr Bigg’s out with Naija meal

Page 33

Page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

32

SHOPPING

China Town: A shoppers’ delight T

HE flooding of Nigerian markets with various Chinese products has proved irresistible to shoppers. The trend appears organised and well coordinated. A visit to the main outlet, the popular China Town in Lagos, will dazzle any doubting Thomas.

Apart from the China Town market, the Chinese go round markets, such as Alaba International market, autoparts and Balogun markets trade fairs, looking for new channels to displaying goods.

The popular Computer Village in Ikeja is almost like a Chinese colony, an annex of the China Town of sorts. Computer accessories and mobile phones from China have become traders’ major sources of income.

Mr Chinedu Okoro, a trader, told The Nation Shopping why Nigerians now prefer Chinese products, especially handsets, saying: “Their phones have many features and come very, very cheap.”

Mr Tosin Shonuga, the Administrative Manager of China Town, said made-inChina products have been found to be best choice for Nigerians because of their affordability and multi-functionality. Such products are mobile phones and electrical gadgets.

Other traders who spoke with The Nation Shopping in China Town and Computer Village also confirmed that Chinese goods are affordable. But some traders as well as shoppers said their durability depends on how well they are used. A mobile phone seller, Mr Okey Maduka, said they come in flashy, colourful forms with lots of added functions as in the case of mobile sets - two sim-cards, recording function and camera functions.

Same, he claimed, is true of many other Chinese products in Nigeria today.

China has been hailed as the “World Factory” with its products reaching every corner of the earth. Behind the success of the Chinese manufacturing industry and the popularity of made-in-China products, lies the great importance that China has attached to the quality of the products, so say observers, including stakeholders like Sun Gvo Ping, Chairman, Chinese community.

They are also quick to ascribe the rising popularity to the rate of quality improvement of the products, in addition to fair-quality products targeted at the medium and lowearning shoppers.

The fair and low quality products sneak through different channels into the international market, where Africa has become the preferable destination.

Shonuga said: ”The Chinese community is very accessible because of where it is situated. Products here are not substandard; they are commonly used products among Nigerians today. The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has being a friend of the market because they stock quality and affordable products for comfort. Chinese products will always offer to an individual what he /she can afford per time.”

According to him, the market has contributed immensely to the economy of the country and it has created job opportunities for Nigerians. The community also owns a charity organisation, which they use to help the less privileged and government public schools in Lagos. We are doing this from the little we make here, to show our appreciation and love for Lagos State. The Lagos State government has been very supportive,” he said.

The life of a Chinese man is circled around this community; they transact their business and reside here. China Town is a residential place for the Chinese citizens.

Mrs Oluwaseun Kalejaiye is a Nigerian trader selling wears inside the chinese community. She said she attends to customers daily, most of who are Nigerians patronizing Chinese products.

•Inside China Town

•Shoppers at China Town

A shopper, Mrs Funsho Balogun told The Nation Shopping that she visits the market to buy goods and resell when she returns to her shop because things are cheap at the market.

Mrs Okoro Ngozi said she visits the market to buy fabrics mainly Ankara. There is a wide range to choose from and they are also affordable.

Mrs Abimbola Dairo is a civil servant who visits the market to buy readymade office clothes. “My colleagues admire the clothes on me and ask me where I bought

them because they come in flamboyant designs to suit all shapes and sizes.

Mrs Abosede Ibikunle is a student who loves to buy cheap things so she can save her pocket money. Female clothes are cheaper here compared to any other market. There are retail and wholesale shops where you have a wide range to choose from.

Mr Friday Aghelibe sells made-in-China ladies hand bags. Students and workers are his major customers. “Chinese bags have come to stay whether we like it or not.

‘Nigerians now prefer Chinese products, especially handsets, saying: “Their phones have many features and come very, very cheap ... The popular Computer Village in Ikeja is almost like a Chinese colony, an annex of the China Town of sorts. Computer accessories and mobile phones from China have become traders’ major sources of income’

My customers want to get the best while spending little that is why my bags are their favourites.”

Nigerians prefer cheap products which propel some businessmen to import low price products from China. Some importers, when making orders of products from Chinese manufacturers, always press for a lower price, which leaves little room of profit for the manufacturers and sometimes, low guarantee of quality for some products.

Thirdly, relevant authorities of African countries, where smuggling and gray Customs clearance are quite common, have not conducted effective supervision against the low quality products. What is also worth mentioning here is that, some of the inferior products in Africa though labeled “made in China”, are actually not Chinese products, but have been mistakenly categorised into the low quality made-inChina0 products. Although inferior products only take a minimum proportion of the total volume of Chinese exports, they have a very adverse effect not only on the interests of the consumers, but also on the image of made-in-China products.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

SHOPPING

Where to get musical instruments Some stores stock a variety of musical instruments, which come in various designs, colours and prices, writes MOJISOLA OKUNEYE.

T

Go for cream that suits you When choosing a cream for your skin, you must know the component you desire, writes TAIBAT IDOWU.

B

UYING body cream needs series caution. Especially for a first timer.

A good cream can be identified through its make and price. If a cream is good, it will be creamy while applying it, if not it will be watery. The fragrance can also be used to identify the original from the fake.

Stores like Mama Tega store at Yaba, Kel Signature at Lawanson, Mushin Shopping Complex, Kudie Stores, Lagos Island and many others stock assorted creams.

There are varities such as Jergens sold for N1,500. Coco butter N1,000. Niviea N500. Nitrogen N 1,000 for dark complexioned people. While for fear skin are Silka N1800. Fair and white N2,500.

Fashion fair N500. Carol White N450, Mary Kay N1500, Q7 N350 etc.

Mr Bisi Akande, a cream trader said: “We get our product from Trade fair along badagry or we go out of the country to get it. Is either me or my brother or any of us can go we have our own customers there.

According to Mrs. Fausat Lai –machado , a cream can be identified through its make and price. “For instance, I use skin light it is made from Abidjan Cotonou. It is sold for N300, 150, 500 depending on the size. Some times the price of the cream does not necessarily determine its effectiveness.

Miss Seun Adedeji, a makeup artist, believes a cream that contains fruits extracts is better.

For Mrs. Chioma Nzeribe, if you want a good cream meet a cosmetologist and get enlightened.

If you choose to buy the Olay cream, it

has the various types for different ages.

Olay’s total effect reduces seven signs of old age like obvious vain, wrinkles, lines, dryness, face marks etc. Olay’s replenishing, and Olay’s facial cream, cost N5,000. While for young people depending on their skin type, there is Olay’s Ultra moisturizing, Olay’s advance healing, Olay’s dry, and moisturizing, these are sold for N1,500, 1,700, 2,500, depending on their sizes.

The use of finger tip is helpful in guiding how much a cream is required to cover different parts of the body. It has different names, purposes, categories, and prices.

Creams have soap, gel ,tube, which are used in toning the skin. It has the one for blacks and fair skin. There are varieties such as Jergens sold for N1,500. Coco butter N1,000. Niviea N500. These are for dark complexion. For fair skin, Silka N1,800. Fair and White N2,500. Fashion fair N500, Carol white N450, Mary Kay N1,500, Q7 N350.

HERE are various kinds of musical instruments such as guitar, piano, clarinet, violin, xylophone, trumpet, drums, flutes, gongs e.t.c. They can be gotten from different stores in Lagos like the finest entertainment 152 Isawo Road Ikorodu, Lagos, Victoria Island, no 3 Shop 42 Idimu Road a Step Plus Plaza, Ikotun round about Alimosho, Lagos. It can also be gotten from Anose Investment Limited, no 60 Olatunji Street, Kosofe, Lagos.

There are modern and traditional musical instruments, the history of musical instruments date back to the beginning of human culture. Cultures later developed the processes of composing and performing melodies from entertainment. The classification of musical instrument is a discipline in its own right and many systems have been used over the years. One may classify musical instruments by their effective range or their material composition.

Every musician considering buying a piano, guitar, or other type of instrument, should define his budget. Your budget will be a critical factor that will determine which instrument you can consider. Also, identify your needs. It may be a guitar or another instrument today, you likely have a specific need in mind for buying it. Some people truly want to buy an instrument just to have one, but most will use it to start beginner lessons to play in a band or even earn a living as a professional musician. The quality of instruments can vary considerably and the quality needed for a beginner’s lesson is far different from the quality needed by a professional musician.

•Guita

•Drum set

By Taibat Idowu and Mojisola Okuneye

There are numerous designs and models of musical instruments that you can buy, but it’s imperative that you find the right option. Finding a convenient way to explore selection is critical after taking a few minutes to consider your specific and budgets.

Having the right kitchen gadgets can make cooking more enjoyable. MOJISOLA OKUNEYE writes

Buying kitchen gadgets

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GADGET is a small tool such as a machine that has a particular function but is often thought as part of novelty.

Kitchen gadgets make work easier and faster.

Although not essential for everyday cooking, this time saving tools make cooking more efficient and enjoyable Kitchen gadgets are sold in places like, royal united Nigeria, plot 9/11 Morrison Crescent, off Oregun Road, Ikeja. Elephant Associates Limited, 18, Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos, Folani Nigeria Limited, distributors of LG Electronics, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria. Qlink consumer goods brand, No 14, Simbiat Abiola Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

If budget is not a problem for you, then quality should be your first priority. It doesn’t matter if you are going to buy major appliances like refrigerator. You must go from the well known brands to get the best value for your price. Respected manufacturers certainly have some factors that will also be an added advantage. However, you still can have quality kitchen appliances by compromising with size, maybe opting smaller versions of appliances.

Best appliances for kitchen must have functions that are widely asked for by the consumers and those too that are not being asked but will give some added advantage for the product. However, considering an appliance with thousand features will only be feasible when the issues discussed above will be fulfilled. There may be

a wide range of kitchen appliance requirement such as food processors, juicers, toasters, coffee market, blender and many more. But if you can be a lot trickier you can have two or more multiple features in one appliance. It will be cost effective and at the same time will save a lot of your kitchen spaces.

Best appliances for kitchen are not easy to select among the wide range of kitchen appliances available around. When searching, you should consider your budget. Match the price tag with tour budget, the amount you are willing to spend for the piece would play an important role when choosing an item. Since you are definitely looking for the best deal, you should determine a price range before getting to the market; otherwise you may end up spending a lot more than you are actually willing to.

Balance your kitchen space with the appliance size. Space efficiency is another vital factor to be considered when buying best appliances for kitchen. Your buying urge may push you to a giant refrigerator when you are living in a two bed room flat. Well, it’s pretty okay to buy large appliances if they can fit in your house. But compact appliances are always appreciated due to their mobility, convenience and use of storage. The aesthetics of kitchen appliances must be matched with the interior for making them prominent but notable in a sense that it is quite unmatched with other kitchen gadgets and tools of the kitchen.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

34

SHOPPING A fast foods company, Mr Bigg’s, has unveiled a meal deal called Naija Meal at its Ilupeju, Lagos outlet. TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

Mr Bigg’s out with Naija meal L

OYAL shoppers at Mr Bigg’s, a leading fast food restaurant can now enjoy a better deal. The restaurant has started offering an innovative well packed ‘Naija Meal’ to its numerous customers since March 20th.

The new meal has not replaced the current ¼ chicken rice meals. It is available in jollof/fried rice meal options and would be extended to other meals.

Consumers stand a chance of winning free meal vouchers and other exciting gifts on Mr Bigg’s online platform through face book.

There is also an opportunity to add-on a drink or bottle water at highly discounted rates. Unlike other market players, the brand has not downsized the whole meal which consumers are used to; it is still large enough to satisfy an adult at N600.

The meal is a combination of the same great taste, the Mr Bigg’s rice meal plus a sizeable chicken chunk made from Mr Bigg’s tested and trusted recipe debut.

Speaking at the unveiling, Marketing Manager, Mrs Nnenna Azuka Onwuka said: “This is a dream come true for us as a brand and for our loyal consumers who have asked for this.”

According to the Managing Director, UAC Restaurants, Mr Derrick van Houten, it is not a new formulation; be-

•Naija meal

By Tonia ‘Diyan

cause the same great tasting meal is offered for which customers voted the brand their most trusted QRS brand for the last three consecutive years. It is the normal portion of rice but with a smaller sizeable chicken piece made from the same trusted

peppered and barbecue recipe that is currently offered.

Innovation remains the watchword of the brand and it will continue to respond to the changing needs of consumers. As the name aptly describes (Naija Meal) was specifically developed with the naija man in mind. The everyday Nige-

rian is stuck with the challenge of meeting up with his numerous financial obligations from his shrinking disposable income and the need to grab a wholesome and satisfying meal out of home, which is off course hygienically prepared at a very affordable price.

Want tyres? Check these markets

Firm rewards shoppers

Some markets in Lagos specialise in selling tyres, ranging from tokunbo (used) to new ones, TAIBAT IDOWU writes.

HOPPERS have benefited from the Scratch and Win Promo of Eko Supreme Resources Nigeria Limited, makers of So Klin detergent. The promo, which is in its fourth year, runs till May 31, with the firm doling out N50 million, 45 winners of N1 million each will emerge while one lucky individual will smile home with N5 million.

In Abeokuta, Ogun State, a petty trader, Mr Emmanuel Ame, won N1 million, while in Keffi market, Adamawa State, a house wife, Mrs Elizabeth Dauda, won N1 million.

She said, she did not believe the promo was real and she only went to the market to purchase sachets of So Klin to stock the house but some neighbours convinced her to scratch the foil. When she did she was so shocked to see that she won the money.

Divisional Manager, Northern Nigeria, Eko Supreme Resources Nigeria, Gilbert Bernados said: “The promo is targeted at loyal consumers who have patronised the company over the year.

The promo has produced 13 winners of N25,000 cash prizes and increased patronage of So Klin and Good Mama detergent.

Bernados said: “You will notice that we are in the heart of a busy market. You will find housewives, artisans and wheelbarrow pushers here. We want the common consumer to be a winner.”

He said aside the need to increase sales of the products, the firm wants the ordinary man to be a winner. “We are confident in the strength of So Klin detergent and its colour guard to protect coloured clothes. Good Mama detergent also comes specially formulated to give your garments good laundry, keeping them smelling good,” he said.

Tyres for SUVs

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YRES can either be new or fairly used.

They come in different sizes, quality and prices. The higher the quality the higher the price.

They are sold in places like, Akilo Motor Spare Part at Ogba, Ladipo spare parts market at Mushin, Ajayi farm at Ikeja, Lagos Island at Enuowa Street, Aspanda at Trade Fair along Badagry expressway, Clegy towards Ojuelegba, and Palm Avenue, Mangoro Cement spare part at Agbado Ijaye, Alakuko motor spare part along Sango road, General filling station at Mafoluku, Oshodi, Alaba International market, Moroko bus/stop at Ilupeju, and other places in Lagos state.

Only the new ones that are branded and because they are branded, they are more expensive. For instance 205/65/R15 of G.T Radiant cost N11,000; Winda cost N10,000; Achelless cost N11,500;. But for this size fairly used cost N4,500, and 5,000. For 185 R14, of Winda cost N10,000, Double King cost N10,000, Wanli cost N11,000. While fairly use

of this same size cost N6,000, 7,000 respectively depending on its grade or quality. For 195/65/15 of Winda N11,000, G.T Radian cost N11,000 and Achelless cost N11,000. size 14 or rhyme (R) 14 is the most common one among tyres. Its cost N7,000 if it is fairly use while the new one s cost N14,000 upward depending on the brand and sizes. This R14 is suitable for all cars.

According to a tyre seller, Mr Okechuku Okeke said sizes of tyres are many its started from size R13 to R22. “We have 165R13, 175 and 185 cost N3,000, 3,500, 4,000 respectively.

Size 185 direct of R14 cost N7,000, or 7,500, 8,000, depending on the grade. This one is commonly use among commercial buses.

185/65/R15, 195/65/R15, 205/65/R15, cost N3,000, 3,500, 4,000 respectively.

Another dealers, Mr. Oyenbalulu Daniel also make his own list and prices. “205/60/ R16 cost N3, 500 to 4000; 215/60/R16 cost N4,000; 225/50/R17 cost N5000; 235/65/R16 cost N18, 500 this one is used by Murano SUV,”

he said.

Shoppers spoke with The Nation Shopping.

Mr. Olajide Sadare a commercial driver at ogba said “ I get my tyre at Akilo market in Ogba, I used R14 and R16. R14 cost N7000 for tokunbo while its new one is sold for N14,000; R16 is sold for N4000, and its New one cost N8000. The R 16 was fixed at back rhyme because of bad road to avoid less of tyres at all time,” he said.

Mr. Olaboboye Adigun who uses Jeep said “ I use to buy tyre R14 at Ladipo Marker at the rate of N7500. Out of 100% of tyres used by people R14 is 75 per cent,” he said.

A vulcanizer at Mr. Abdulahi Folorunsho said “I do buy tyres from General filling station at Mafoluku Oshodi. R14 is sold at the rate of N7000, R16 sold for N3500, 4000. Depending on period because its prices doesn’t used to regular.” He further by listing names of tyres he said “ there are Fulder, Triangle, Dunlop, Hankook, Michelin, Syroky and Hurnate,” he said.

By Ajose Sehindemi

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

A

S the lights beamed on the stage, the effect of the varying contrasts of colours was simply magical. The ambience was resplendent, as were the attires adorned by the carefully assembled A-list guests; specially invited to attend the awards ceremony. Many attendees compared the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards to the Oscars staged annually in the United States of America. The reason for the comparison could not be far-fetched.

Africa Magic - in collaboration with M-Net Africa – left no stones in organising one of the best TV and movie awards ceremony, witnessed in this part of the country. The organisation had an able ally in Amstel Malta, Nigeria’s low sugar malt drink, from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, which was the headline sponsor for the event.

So why does Saturday, March 9, deserve a special position in the annals of the African movie industry? White flags, bearing the Amstel Malta and AMVCA insignia, lined up the surroundings of the Eko Hotel venue.

Attendees were treated like royalty, as they passed through a specially created walkway where they were taken through a breathtaking red carpet experience. From there, they were taken to an Amstel Malta stand which served as the holding area.

By 7pm, the event went live on national television. On hand to thrill the musical audience were established acts like Femi Kuti, Tiwa Savage and Iyanya.

Also in attendance were Mr Edem Duke, Minister of Culture and Tourism and Mr. Olusegun Aganga, Minister of Trade and Investment. Speaking at the event, Duke thanked African movie practitioners for creating imaginations that were turned into film.

He said: “I’m proud to be part of the first Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. Tonight, I salute men and women who have made this industry truly a great one. Part of the greatest treasures of Nigeria is in the creative minds of our young men and young women. Nollywood has become the greatest contributor to creativity. It has catapulted our continent from being ill perceived to projecting the good of our people. Our film industry will continue to redefine creativity.”

Aganga also expressed his delight at being part of the ceremony. He declared: “This is our own Oscars. I congratulate the sponsors.

Today it’s about entertainment. It’s about celebrating the best in Africa. It’s about celebrating quality, it’s about celebrating Africa.

“I’m delighted to be part of the first ever Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards as Minister. The entertainment industry is close to my heart. President Jonathan has been an advocate of Nollywood since he was a governor. It’s an industry we want to nurture and grow. I thank all the guests that came from over 20 African countries represented.

You are playing in a market that has almost one billion people. You are playing in the continent that has the 10 fastest growing economies in the world. There’s no industry that does it better than your industry. The Bank Of Industry is working to find out how to solve funding of Nollywood. This award will contribute to improving the film sector. Multichoice and Africa Magic are making history. You and I are part of this history.”

However, Okechukwu Chukwudi Ukeje and Ivie Okujaye shone brightly among the galaxy of movie and TV stars that converged at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel for the first edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. While Okeje carted home the highly coveted ‘Best Actor In a Drama’ plaque for his role in the movie Two Brides And A Baby, Okujaye was bestowed the ‘Industry Trial Blazer’ award.

Incidentally the two fledging thespians were past winners of the now rested Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality TV show.

Okeje attained national prominence when he emerged winner of the 2007 edition of

35

Why Amstel Malta endorsed J AMVCA AMBO. This earned him a lead role in the movie, White Waters, for which he won the highly coveted ‘Best Upcoming Actor’ award at the 2008 edition of the African Movie Academy Awards.

Okujaye emerged the AMBO winner in 2009. As part of her prize, she played the lead role in the movie, Alero’s Symphony.

Ukeje edged out Fabian Adeoye Lojede (Jacob’s Cross), Kenneth Uphopho (Down & Out), Edward Kagutuzi (Mirror Boy) and Jafta Mamabolo (Otelo Burning) to emerge the best actor in drama.

A highly elated Ukeje showered encomiums on the Amstel Malta brand in his acceptance speech. “I’d like to thank Amstel Malta for giving me the platform to be on this stage accepting this prestigious award today. It means a lot to me because the fans actually voted for the winners in this category. I won Amstel Malta Box Office in 2007; and I am grateful for that platform.”

Okujaye was also short of words when she was announced as the winner of the ‘Industry Trial Blazer’ of the inaugural AMVCA. The category is a special recognition category. She commented that she did not realise her efforts in film making were being noticed. According to her, two of her films have been directed by popular actor, Desmond Elliot, while she was currently working on a short film.

Amstel Malta, the premium low sugar malt drink from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, is the headline sponsor of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. Speaking at the post-event press conference, Mr Walter Drenth, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, described the inaugural edition of the AMVCA as one of a kind. He lauded the efforts of the African television and movie practitioners for the immense growth and development witnessed in the sector.

On Amstel Malta’s decision to sponsor the AMVCA, Drenth said: “The industry is developing; you can say that it is the time to celebrate the efforts of the practitioners. We are deeply pleased to be at the forefront of this spectacular event that celebrates truly talented individuals whose valuable contribution to the African film and television landscape is immeasurable. When we heard about AMVCA at Nigerian Breweries Plc, we said this is something that we want to associate with and this is something we would like to support. And we chose Amstel Malta as the brand to support the AMVCA because a lot of the values which have been reflected tonight are also the values shared by the Amstel Malta brand.”

Drenth added: “The Amstel Malta brand’s pay-off is Be The Best You Can Be. Over the years, Amstel Malta has provided a platform for budding talents to leverage on for growth in key areas of entertainment. So as a brand, it is very important that we celebrate, recognise and give support to talented individuals because we believe they deserve the platform. What we’ve seen tonight is a fantastic show and we are very happy just to be a part of it.”

Mr. Drenth added that the Nigerian Breweries would also support the 2nd edition of the AMVCA. Other winners of the AMVCA were Nigeria’s Mercy Johnson, who emerged Best Actress In A Comedy for her role in Dumebi – The Dirty Girl; Ghana’s Jackie Appiah who won Best Actress In A Drama for the movie Perfect Picture and Nigeria’s Hafiz Oyetoro who carted the Best Actor In A Comedy for his part in House Apart.

Olu Jacobs was also recognised for his contributions to the African movie industry and was presented with the Industry Merit award.

What technology minister should do

EAN is in the lab. He wears his lab coat and surgeon’s gloves. He is preparing for the task ahead. Instead of a stethoscope, he has diagnostic tools. Instead of sermonising about what to do and how to do it, he has rolled-up his sleeves. Instead of pushing out seminar papers, he is gunning for the real deal in practical terms. Instead of talking about building ICT incubators, he is incubating something quite interesting.

What is Jean doing and what can we learn from him?

Jean Philbert Nsengimana is Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and ICT. He is the equivalent of our Minster of communication technology, Mobolaji Johnson. What Jean is incubating is a huge-fund campaign to raise ICT awareness in government. The campaign aims to boost productivity, social media use, IT security and e-Government in Rwanda. He believes using ICT would help Rwanda to speed up its work and deliver quick and better service to the citizens and within government circle. The thrust of the campaign is a series of training sessions for the Ministry of Internal Security, its attached institutions, Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Correctional Services. They would be trained on how to use ICT tools effectively.

It is quite certain that the sessions would focus on how to send email, SMS, MMS and how to use Wireless Area Network (WAN), Local Area Network (LAN) and search engines.

Surely, it would include how to send and download attachment and make presentation using Power Point presentation as well as chat tools. How to communicate with the citizen through Twitter handle and how to open a Facebook account and regularly updated it would be part of the training; I am sure.

Jean strongly believes that the drive would help civil servants in Rwanda to be more competitive, as “ICT is a key driver of national development”. He says the Rwandan ICT literacy campaign aims to see over 50 per cent of people become IT literate and to achieve mobile penetration of over 80 per cent by 2015. He aims to use the ICT literacy campaign in government to increase efficiency and effectiveness of civil servants in “service delivery, increase public performance and productivity”. To achieve this, he would use social media to create awareness on existing cyber threats and risks.

The campaign would spread to other government entities. Nice one, Jean. Fast forward.

Let us focus on what is happening in Nigeria.

Forget the numerous governments’ website that has remained un-updated. Let us go to the Mobolaji Johnson’s ministry. Encomium and plaudits were showered on her for achieving so much since she hit the ground one over a year ago. However, there is still so much work to be done and so much ground to cover. She acknowledged this recently at the Social Media Week in Lagos. She was one of the guest speakers, and several industry stakeholders were present when she presented her paper on, ‘Technology in Governance’.

She revealed so much. Part of her revelation is that her ministry had created about 65,000 email addresses for public officers in federal government establishments so that they can use dot ng emails for their official engagements. As if she is winking in the dark, the civil servants do not know what she is doing. Why? Of the 65,000 email addresses, there is only 4 per cent usage. Math is not my strength. However, 4 per cent of 65,000 comes to 2,600 email addresses. What is happening to the remaining 62,400? Are they dormant, inactive or what? What has Johnson done with these email addresses?

Of the 2,600 active email addresses, does Mr. President have one? On the other hand, is Mr. President using yahoo email? Are the ministers, senators, senior special advisers, and retinue of special advisers part of the 2,600 people using dot ng email addresses?

Or are they sticking with Yahoo mail and Gmail? It would be good to know. However, it is because Johnson has not perceived it as a personal battle to ensure civil servants embrace dot ng email addresses that is why

we are experiencing this logjam.

By extension, that is why several civil servants, senior special assistants, senior special advisers and director generals and others still use generic email addresses such as Gmail.com and Yahoo.com to conduct government businesses. Don’t they have dot ng email addresses? Search me! Perhaps they do.

Perhaps they do not. Perhaps they have ignorantly refused to use it. Perhaps, they do not know how to use it? Perhaps, they do not appreciate the negative implications of promoting Yahoo and Gmail, instead of dot ng.

If they do, it is quite certain they would drop these generic emails, as continued usage would definitely create huge avenue for dubious characters to perpetrate fraudulent acts, you know.

Johnson seemingly has challenges in convincing the civil servants to adopt dot ng email addresses. When I asked her what effort she had made in the past to ensure that the 65,000 created email addresses are used. Her answer was simply not convincing. Yes, government is big. Yes, she does not have a hand in what all of them do.

Yes, internet strength coming from Galaxy Backbone is poor most of the time. Yes, you cannot punish a civil servant for not using dot ng email.

Yes, you are right. No, you are wrong. Do you not think that because the civil servants do not understand the difference between an email emanating from yahoo.com and the one from dot ng is the reason they have jettisoned dot ng?

Do you not think it is a mindset issue?

Like everything that has to do with the mind, circular does not work. Awareness does not work. However, persuasion works. Education works. Therefore, the onus lies on Johnson to educate the civil servants on the big difference. She needs to show them the advantages over the disadvantages. With her experience and background, she should not find it difficult to achieve this single-minded proposition.

On the other hand, would it be cumbersome for her to educate the civil servants in her ministry or the ones under her direct guidance?

However, she has not educated them. She has not educated because that is not her brief.

She has not educated them because she does not believe the civil servants can embrace technology. If she cannot do it while she in the driver’s seat when would she do it? She does not have to take on the entire civil servants. She could narrow it down to the ministers, commissioners and the senior personal advisers and assistants. That way, it would be a manageable affair.

That is what she should do. However, she has not done it. Granted, changing mind-set is a challenge. Granted, getting civil servants to adopt electronic platform for government services is a Herculean task. Dot ng is Nigeria’s domain registration on the internet. Using dot com cannot and will never represent Nigeria. Johnson understands this. She can work with Nigeria Internet Registration Agency (NIRA) to achieve her objectives. If Jean can do it in Rwanda, Mobolaji can do it in Nigeria.

This is what he should do: She should take civil servants back to ICT school. She should entrenching sound ICT literacy within the service. This would be a major step towards bringing governance closer to the people as civil servants would have the capability and opportunity to communicate seamlessly with citizens. There would be efficiency and effectiveness in government business. That way everybody, Johnson, civil servants and citizens, would be reading the same script.

The opportunity this would attract to MDAs and other government parastatal would be limitless. Ministers, commissioners, most senior special advisers would cease to advertise @yahoo.com or @gmail.com on their call cards or communicate through such generic mailers again. Dot ng domain name would have become a household name. To get to that level, civil servants, and other people in the government payroll should embrace dot ng domain.

If this is not done now, when will it be done?

If the civil servants do not embrace it, who will? If Johnson does not do it, who will?

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Brandz Republic Consulting and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

36

COMMENTARY

FEMI ABBAS ON

T

HIS article is a deliberate diversion of readers’ attention from the madness of the moment in Nigeria. Such diversion becomes necessary as a relief from the current overwhelming tension in a country where every news item is sad and every hope turns forlorn. A worthy columnist must know when to bite and when to blow editorially if only to sustain the readership of his/her column.

This is the time of mental, physical and psychological sicknesses. And there must be a medicament. The most appropriate medicament for all diseases is the one prescribed by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) bout 1,500 years ago which still remains potent and will keep remaining relevant for the rest period of human existence on earth. Please, read on: Adam, the primogenitor of mankind, was hardly one hour old when he started prescribing medicine against ailments.

He was commanded by Allah to teach the Angels the names of all things which they (the Angels) had confessed not to know. By teaching the Angels, Adam could be said to have carried out the duty of a teacher which suggests that teaching was probably his first profession.

But, those in the information sector could as well, argue that what Adam did was more of information dissemination than teaching.

Thus, for the purpose of academic exercise, a fierce debate might ensue between teachers and journalists over what can be called the first profession of the first human being. But the truth is that both professionals are right. By teaching, a teacher informs. And by informing, a journalist teaches. Thus, the two professions are mutually complimentary.

What Adam actually did by teaching the Angels was to cure the worst disease in them as well as in man. That disease is ignorance. Shortly before the creation of Adam, Allah informed the Angels that He was going to create a new living being and put him in charge of the garden to be called the earth. But, feigning knowledge, the Angels kicked against the plan and advised their Lord not to do it. Allah then told them in a tone of finality that “I know what you do not know”. (Q.2:31). It eventually took Adam, by Allah’s command, to heal those Angels of their disease (ignorance).

If Adam had not taught them the names of all things on earth, as revealed in the Qur’an, the Angels would have remained ignorant forever. And, Allah’s messages to mankind, as contained in the divinely Revealed Books, would not have come through them.

In ordinary man’s view, medicine is the substance required to cure an ailment.

Such substance may be natural or artificial. It may also be as crude as herbs or as sophisticated as surgery. However, it is generally believed that a person does not need medicine unless he is ill. That is why the Western conventional medicine is rather curative than preventive.

Illness resides in the body just as ignorance makes the mind its abode. Today, in most cases, people neither go to the hospitals nor take medicine unless they are sick.

Though unlettered, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had known this before he diagnosed two basic ailments and prescribed two fundamental medicines for them. The first of these ailments is ignorance. The second is poverty. And poverty in this case is not lack of material wealth alone as many people erroneously believe. It is lack of many things including health and conscience. Thus, in Islam, ailment is basically of two classes: ignorance and poverty. Many people are victims of one. Many more are victims of both.

A person is said to be poor-sighted when he cannot see well without artificial aid. He is deemed poor in memory when his remembering ability becomes weak. He is also pronounced poor in health when some of his organs malfunction or he lacks some active enzymes or minerals or vitamins. Thus, man may be poor, not in terms of money or material needs but despite his possession of both.

As an antidote for ignorance, the Prophet prescribed the Qur’an. And for body ailment, he prescribed honey.

Qur’an is the encyclopaedia of life which personifies knowledge in all its ramifications. There is nothing about knowl-

Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

The Prophet’s medicine

•A bee

edge whether spiritual or mundane, in this world or the hereafter, that is not contained in the Qur’an.

By recommending the Qur’an as medicine for ignorance, the Prophet simply provided cure for the ailment of the mind.

And by prescribing honey for body ailments he encouraged prolongation of life expectancy through a boost to the immune system. It is not by accident that a whole chapter in the Qur’an (chapter 16) is named after the insect that produces honey. Verse 68 of that chapter reads thus: “And your Lord revealed to the bee (saying): Build your homes in the mountains, in the trees and in the hives which men shall make for you. Feed on every kind of fruit and follow the trodden path of your Lord’.

“From its belly comes forth a fluid of many hues as healing (drink) for mankind.

Surely in this, there is a sign for those who can reason....” And, in the Bible, references are made to the use and efficacy of honey in more than 25 places.

Contrary to general belief, honey is not the only product of the bee. There are six others so far known to man. These are: propolis; pollen; royal jelly; bees wax; bee venom and bee bread. More can be discovered as research continues in line with the Qur’anic challenge. Each of these products has specific functions in maintaining and immunising the human hormone system.

To produce honey alone, the bees make contact with at least 250,000 plants picking and metabolising their flower nectars. It is possible for them to contact more plants depending on the richness of the vegetation in which they dwell. ( Nectar is the main raw material which the bees use to produce honey). Propolis, on the other hand, is produced by the bees from the resin of certain specific trees.

Through research, propolis has come to be known as the strongest anti-biotic ever discovered by man. This product is used not to protect the living alone but to preserve the remains of the dead as well. At least it is on record that the famous historic Egyptian mammies were embalmed with propolis several millennia ago. This same propolis is the product used by the bees, themselves, to sterilise their bodies against bacteria and secure their hives against viruses brought in by predators. Whenever they sting such

‘If most people were knowledgeable about the efficacy of the bee products in preventing and healing diseases, hospitals would have been less congested and substantial percentage of their incomes would have been saved to enhance the quality of their lives. The world of bees is a wonderful world ’ predator to death, it is propolis they use to embalm it to prevent its decaying body from polluting the hive.

Pollen is the secret of longevity. It heals almost all the old age diseases like prostate, arthritis, pneumonia and bronchitis. It rejuvenates the nerves and reinvigorates the hormonal glands especially in the aged.

Royal jelly on the other hand solves the problem of infertility in men and women.

It is the exclusive food of the queen bee which enables her to lay an average of 2000 eggs every day. And bee venom is a natural vaccine which strengthens human immunity against all diseases. It works like magic in the human system especially when applied through the natural acupunctural points in the body.

Bees wax, as distinct from other products, is used to produce non-chemical cosmetics and to coat pharmaceutical tablets and capsules while bee bread is used to prevent or heal children’s diseases.

The use of each of these products to heal human ailments depends on the extent of knowledge of apitherapy possessed by the user. (Apitherapy is the use of bee products to prevent or heal human or animal ailments). A specialist in this field is called apitherapist.

The uniqueness of using these products for healing or prevention of diseases is in the fact that they do not entail any negative side effect. And that is a major sharp difference between them and the synthetic drugs manufactured chemically by the conventional pharmacists.

Honey is the only known product in the world that serves as both food and medicine. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, once reportedly told his patients while prescribing honey for them thus: “let your food be your medicine and your medicine your food”. There is no known nutritional value in terms of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that is not proportionally present in honey.

Raw honey, for instance, contains about 80 different substances that are most important for human nutrition. Besides glucose and fructose, honey contains all of the B-complex minerals like vitamins A, C, D, E and K as well as trace elements such as magnesium, sulphur, phosphorus, iron, calcium, chlorine, potassium, iodine, sodium, copper and manganese. The live

enzyme content of honey is one of the highest of all existing foods. Honey also contains hormones and antimicrobial and antibacterial factors.

The composition and nutritional value of honey differ in relation to the floral sources honeybees have visited. For example, recent research supports the claim that dark coloured honeys have larger amounts of antioxidants. The inorganic contents of honey, minerals and other trace elements, play a significant role in human metabolism and nutrition. Owing to its chlorine content, honey is appreciated as an excellent tonic and helps people to overcome suffering from constipation and other enteric problems.

(38.2% fructose, 31.0% glucose,17.1% water, 7.2% maltose, 4.2% tri-saccharine & other carbohydrates, 1.5% sucrose, 0.5% minerals, vitamins, enzymes).

Whereas no synthetic medicine can and should be taken by any ill person without doctor’s prescription, honey requires no such prescription for anybody who is not allergic to it. Honey is a multipurpose food and medicine. It can be taken along with other foods or alone.

And, as an antiviral and antibiotic substance, honey is the best medicine for the eye and the ear diseases, tooth ache, insomnia, staphylococcus, constipation and whitlow as well as for burns and wounds. After many centuries of disputing these facts ignorantly, conventional doctors have finally come to realise that no medicine is as effective in sealing up surgical wounds and healing sores as honey. Today, honey is used for these purposes in most public hospitals in various parts of the world, including Nigeria.

Besides the above medicaments, the bees also assist mankind in producing foods by pollinating their crops. At least, these wonderful insects are responsible for pollinating about 80 per cent of the crops anywhere in the world. It is, therefore, an understatement to say that without the bees, humanity would starve to death.

Bees are a vital part of our environment.

Killing them is like killing oneself.

If most people were knowledgeable about the efficacy of the bee products in preventing and healing diseases, hospitals would have been less congested and substantial percentage of their incomes would have been saved to enhance the quality of their lives. The world of bees is a wonderful world. It takes only those who know it to appreciate it and benefit from its healing miracle.

Through divine instinct, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had known this almost one and a half millennia ago and he had recommended it to humanity accordingly. The fact that honey is still a subject of scientific research today is a further confirmation that the unlettered Prophet from Arabia was a divine genius.

The case of bee and honey is like that of hen and egg. No one can tell which first came into existence. Without bee there can be no honey. And without honey, the bees cannot exist since honey is the food upon which they depend for survival.

But, how can one recognise genuine honey in this era of rampant adulteration? That is one of many questions to be answered in this column in the future God willing.

The story of the insect called bee is inexhaustible despite centuries of research on it. It is therefore impossible to tell it all in a one page column of this type.

Much, more will be said on this subject subsequently if only to assist Nigerians in safeguarding their health matters thereby enhancing the quality of their lives.

That Prophet Muhammad (SAW) knew this much even as an unlettered person at a time when the world was assailed by blatant ignorance and primitivism is a further confirmation of Michael Hart’s classification of him as the greatest human being that ever lived on earth. But then, what makes the difference between the bees and other insects? What type of life do the bees live vis a vis other insects? What is the relationship between the bees, the plants and human beings?

How do the bees conduct their communal life and how do they make honey?

Besides honey, how do they produce other substances useful for human health? These and other relevant questions about the insect called BEE will be answered in this column next Friday in sha’Allah.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

37

SOCIETY OPENING OF OCEAN PAVILION HOTELS, LEKKI, LAGOS

•Ogun State governor’s wife Mrs Olufunso Amosun (second right); Managing Director Ocean Pavilion Hotels, Tunde Agbabiaka (second left ); his wife Esosa (right) and father Chief Gabriel Agbabiaka during the inauguration of Ocean Pavilion Hotels.

•Former Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Joko Pelumi and Alhaja Folake Olaide

W

HENEVER members of Lions Club come together, problems get smaller and communities get better because they render help where it's needed with zeal.

The club that started in 1917, today ranks among the world's largest service organisation.

The founder, Melvin Jones, told members of his local business club then to reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world.

After contacting similar groups in the United States, an organisational meeting was held on June 7, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois, United States (US). The new group took the name of one of the invited groups, the "Association of Lions Clubs," and a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas, US in October same year. A constitution, by-laws, objects and a code of ethics were approved.

Within three years, Lions became a respected international organisation for integrity and transparency.

With over 46,000 clubs and 1.35 million members across the globe, the club is now a force to reckon with as far as humanitarian activities are concerned.

The club recently honoured an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain Mayor Abiodun Mafe with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for his humanitarian services.

The event was held at the renovated hall of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ipaja, Lagos.

The Lions were led by their Dis-

•Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Kuforiji

•Hon Segun Olulade

•Head of Service Lagos State, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe

•Wale Mogaji

The Lions Club International has conferred the exalted Melvin Jones Fellowship Award on Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain Mayor Abiodun Mafe for his contribution to the development of society, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.

Mayor of of philanthropy philanthropy Mayor

•Mayor Mafe displaying his plaque to the admiration of guests. With him is Lion Agbogun

trict Governor, Lion Stella Agbogun. She was clad in a white top, yellow head gear, eye glasses

and matching pair of shoes The event featured the creation of the club at Mosan-Okunola

LCDA. For Mafe, it was another feather on his cap. He was recently appointed a member of the Board of

Directors of the World Conference of Mayors during the International Leadership Conference in Equatorial Guinea.

The event began with the National Anthem. Mafe was asked to read the club's mission.

Lion Agbogun who spoke on behalf of the club's international leader, hailed the ACN chieftain for his humanitarian gestures.

After educating the gathering on the mission and programmes of the club, she decorated the awardee with the apron and the lapel pin.

She also gave Mafe a certificate before handing a plaque to him.

There was a thunderous applause followed by the song "For he is a jolly good fellow".

Lion Agbogun said anyone who received the award would have his name written on the Melvin Jones Awards' list at the national headquarters.

She congratulated Mafe for the achievement.

"Anytime you travel to the United States, visit our headquarters to see your name on the list.

Congratulations once again," she said.

Mafe thanked the club for the honour.

The award, he said, will spur him to do more for the society.

He promised to assist the organisation in its quest to impact on the society.

Present at the occasion included President Ipaja Lions Club Lion Kolade Afun; his counterparts in Agege, Ojo, Abule-Egba, Ikeja, Lions Aderonke Adebode; John Oluwakayode; Akibu Amusa Oyekunle and Bukola Owatemi

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

38

SOCIETY A send-forth was held for the Chairman, Publicity Committee of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Prince Henry Olukayode Odukomaiya at the church last Sunday. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

Honour for the Editor of editors

I

N the newspaper world, his name rings bell. He had been Editor, General Manager and Managing Director of many papers and served diligently, leaving his marks.

Henry Olukayode Odukomaiya, a prince, has since retired, but he is not tired. Once in a while, he contacts his ‘boys’ still in the profession, to advise them on how to improve their work.

Odukomaiya was born in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State in 1934. He got a job in 1957 in Lagos as a teacher, and developed interest in writing. His first port of call was the now defunct Daily Times, where he retired as the Editor.

Daily Times sent him to the School of Journalism in Glasgow Royal Polytechnic in Scotland. He also trained at the Scottish Daily Record (a tabloid) for six months.

From Daily Times, he moved to Concord at its inception in 1979. He left in 1982. Five years later, he set up Champion for Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. He retired as the Managing Director in 1994.

His passion for journalism made the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral to invite him to head its publicity committee in 1997.

He was also the Editor-in-Chief of the church’s magazine "The Outlook". He held the position for 16 years until he retired this year.

Odukomaiya was honoured last Sunday at the Adetiloye Hall of the church for his meritorious service.

The sendoff marked the end of his active pen profession, his retirement

• Prof Omole (right) presenting a gift to Odukomaiya and his wife, Lydia

as the chairman publicity committee of Archbishop Vining Church.

The event began after the day’s service, Rev Babatunde Ogunbanwo said the opening prayer.

The event was chaired by the former Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Wale Omole.

Thanking the committee for honouring the Odukomaiya, Omole said: “He is a great achiever, more than anything else highly, committed to excellence. A number of people said he is rigid; in this country, people run away from rigidity; to be rigid what they called rigidity is simply doggedness, what is doggedness, standing for excellence all the time, not bending the rules, be-

ing proper all the time and that is the only way we can achieve excellence; a lot of people want to bend the rules, they want it half ways and they want you to pass over. He wouldn't do that; he is diligent and that has helped him over time," he said.

Omole advised the church's publicity committee to live up to the standards Odukomaiya has set for them.

He added: "All those that will take over must be diligent, hard working and they must go for excellence and more so for perfection.Our country needs that all the time at all levels, this is what we are missing and this is the man who stands for that. This committee should stand for that,

and as a committee we should make sure the church stands for that, the church is the hope of the mind, it is the builder of the mind," he said.

To a member of the church, Mrs Frances Adebajo, Baba Odukomaiya is a disciplinarian who is self controlled and straightforward.

“I have known him as a disciplined person, self controlled, when he says yes, he means yes and when he says no, he means no. I like people who are forthright, you may like him or may not but in the end you are going to admire him," she said.

Minister of Information Mr Labaran Maku was represented by the Registrar and Chief Executive

Officer of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Alhaji Garuba Bello Kankarofi and the Zonal Director of NTA, Mrs Elizabeth Aina Scott.

Alhaji Kankarofi described the celebrator as a father and mentor.

He congratulated him on his retirement and prayed for good health and long life for him.

For his excellent performance in office, Odukomaiya was presented with awards, plaques and gifts by the chairman and members of the church.

Rev Abraham Ogunmuyiwa, who presented the retiree with gifts on behalf of the church said: "We cannot reward you for your services. We only appreciate you, it is only God that can reward you for your meritorious service to God and mankind," he said The Reverend described Odukomaiya as a committed servant of God who is well known in his home town and Lagos where he is based.

Rev Ogunbanwo urged the members of the publicity committee to keep up the standards Odukomaiya has set.

More eulogies came from Prof Idowu Shobowale, who described Odukomaiya as the Editor of Editors who will never take any story lightly except thoroughly done.

“He was my Editor at the Daily Times, he always said I should still do the job as thorough as I should do, he is Editor of Editors," he said.

Mrs Comfort Ubosi said of Odukomaiya: "He is a man of integrity, he is a sincere man and he is very humble".

The celebrator, Odukomaiya was happy for the honour done him.

He said: “I am a principled and simple person and I am a go getter. Once I set my target I pray to God to help me. "It is like witnessing ones burial because if all these could happen while I am still alive then I don't know how much differene there will be between now and then," he said.

The Jakande Estate Playing Ground, Isolo, Lagos, was filled to capacity when a businesswoman, Madam Roseline Oluleke (A.k.a Mama Shalom), celebrated her 60th birthday. MEDINAT KANABE was there.

‘The yoke has been broken’ HE never thought she would live up to 60. Reason: her parents, brother and husband died before clocking 60.

So when Madam Roseline Oluleke clocked 60, she rolled out the drums to celebrate.

She said: “I am happy the yoke has been broken, I never thought I would live to be 60. I thank God for this opportunity. I can now rest knowing that it is no longer a normal thing for my loved ones to die before 60.

“My father did not live up to 60 years, neither did not my mum live to see 60 as she died a week after child birth from convulsion. My elder brother who brought me from the village to Lagos also did live not up to 60. He was burnt to death with his wife and children in a fire in their home at 42. My husband also died before 60. So, when I thought about it and saw that God has given me the opportunity to live to this age, I decided to give him all the glory and celebrate for being alive.”

So, it was no surprise that the venue of a birthday party that was supposed to start by 3pm was filled.

Friends and associates came from far and near to celebrate with the businesswoman.

Mama Oluleke, fondly called Mama Shalom, was all smiles, exchanging pleasantries with guests.

S

The party started on time with prayer from Pastor Afolabi Ojo of Mount of Salvation Apostolic Church, Isolo, a Lagos suburb. The church band was on stage, playing songs of praises whenever the pastor needed their support.

Pastor Ojo later said a special prayer for the celebrator.

Mama Shalom looked younger in her green lace, yellow headgear and matching pair of shoes.

The celebrator used the occasion to raise fund for the church.

There were goodwill messages.

Disk Jockey (DJ) Ranks opened the floor for dancing after the prayers.

Mrs. Idowu Oyawale, a fellow businesswoman, eulogised Mama Shalom Mrs. Oyawale described Mama Shalom as a jovial and accommodating person.

“She laughs with everyone and never gets angry to an extreme. She is called Mama Shalom because of this trait,” she said.

Mrs Oluleke told The Nation that growing up was a very terrible experience.

“I was about 10 years when both my parents died. My elder sister got married and brought me with her to Lagos where I met my hubby. His parents refused to let us marry because I am Ibo and he is a Yoruba.

My people also refused, saying

•From left: Mrs Oduntan Abeni; Mama Shalom; Mrs Oyawoye and Mrs Nwanbara Toyin cutting the cake

Yoruba use people for money making rituals but we persisted even though he was not wealthy and got

married,” she said.

Asked what life has taught her, she said: “It has taught me to be pa-

tient. No matter what. If you are patient, you shall make it in life.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

39

SOCIETY COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS

The founder of the Melototah Church of Zion, Baba Aladura Abel Babatunde George Durojaiye, has celebrated 45 years in God’s vineyard in Lagos. BODE MONOGBE was there.

So You are Scared of Public Speaking? Good…

So am I! (3) •Deal with your fear of speaking

D

•The celebrator Durojaiye with members of his church

From carpentry to His Vineyard

“I

was on the other side of the divide. I attended church services but didn’t grasp the whole essence of God’s intimate relationship. I was into charms to make ends meet as my furniture and joinery work did not flourish.

As I encountered God on March 8, 1968, He instructed me to empty all my charms in a pool of water beside my house or suffer paralysis. I eventually obeyed.”

These were the reminiscences of Baba Aladura, Abel Babatunde Durojaiye, as he marked his 45 years in the vineyard last week.

The cleric, who said the hallmark of his ministry was the salvation of souls, stated that “prosperity is a natural consequence for a true believer, but you must first accept God and the gospel. You must manifest Him in your thought and actions, and then He will bless you. That is the order, it cannot be other way round, No!” The cleric, who is still vibrant at 88, said he had his prophetic tutelage under the late Most Rev Apostle Elisha Ogunfeyimi of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Zion in Ugbonla, Ondo State for 28 years. God instructed him to establish his own ministry in 1998 to bear the name Melototah Church of Zion.

The church has been growing by leaps and bounds with branches

across the country.

The ceremony was electric: members and guests were in a joyful mood; they looked resplendent in their white flowing garments. Choristers rendered soul-lifting songs with drummers in their element. It was as if, for once, the heavens were in one accord with humans. They danced, danced and danced.

To the octogenarian cleric, who walked briskly without the aid o f a walking stick, it was a day to celebrate God’s fulfilled promises in his life. He said he was particularly happy that God has been directing his path ever since, speaking to him daily.

The man of God advised the nation’s leaders to do the will of God, saying that is the only panacea to the nation’s problems. “My advice to our leaders is to do the will of God, they should know that God wants the best from them and to Him, they and all of us would return. They should be serious about their fight against corruption.

They should equally work harder to provide for all particularly they youth,” he said.

He urged churches to be more involved in saving souls than preaching prosperity which encourages get-rich-quick syndrome. “ There is no church again, when I started ministering everything was

free and it is still free till today and will be free for ever. It is regrettable that the present day churches preach prosperity indiscriminately, if you don’t have money now, nobody will pray for you, which is bad.

They should do the will of God first, it is God that gives money. I built my church within three months. It was God that provided the money, not me. The new generation church should believe in this and wait for God’s intervention in their lives,” he said.

He urged the youth to be hardworking and believe in themselves. They should reject crime and embrace discipline and self employment.

The Chairman of the church Executive Committee, Most Superior Senior Apostle Solomon Akinjeji attested to his dedication to the work of the gospel, saying that he learnt a lot from him since he became a member of his church.

He said: “He has been a father indeed. He has weathered many storms for me. He gives me advice from time to time that had been of immense benefit. I can only pray God to prolong his days.”

The head of the youth group, Apostle Idowu Akinyomi equally showered encomiums on the cleric, saying he has led well and will continue to be a reference point for the youth.

COURTESY VISIT

•From right: Minister of Aviation Princess Stella Oduah receiving Atr African Vice President, Sales, Mr Guido Di Paolo and Manager, Airline and Product Marketing, Mr Othman Chaoui during courtesy visit of Atr, manufacturers of Atr-42 and Atr-72 Aircraft to the minister in Abuja.

EALING with the fear of speaking requires the willingness of the person concerned. By now, we have learnt AMODU LANRE OLAOLU that we are not alone in our fear of (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. speaking and that there is a need 07034737394 to renew our minds. Now, we must take deliberate steps to deal with the fear. Some of those steps are: •Know what you want to talk about: when you talk about something you don’t know so much about, you will lack confidence. You should be so familiar with your subject matter that you won’t have to think (or try to recall) while speaking. If you are good at what you do, then you need not fear speaking about it.

•Know your audience: if you don’t know the people you are talking to, you will find communication difficult. Do a detailed analysis of the people you intend to speak to; who are they? What do they want to know? What do they need to know? How do they prefer to learn? If you can answer some of these questions, you will feel familiar with them enough to be comfortable. Remember that familiarity eliminates animosity; if you are comfortable with your audience, not only will you enjoy speaking with them, they will also enjoy responding.

•Prepare adequately: don’t leave anything to chance. Prepare for your presentation diligently. Remember, you must be worth listening to before people do. One of the major rules of public speaking is that you can never prepare enough. Till the moment you deliver the speech, you must be preparing. We shall dwell on the subject of preparation later in the column.

•Be passionate: if you talk about something you are passionate about, you will quickly forget your fear. The excitement of your topic will take you through the speech before you remember your nervousness.

Have you ever seen a group of young men discussing premiership football? The energy with which they defend their clubs may force a passerby to wait and listen. That is the power of passion.

•Be yourself: the worst mistake you can make is to try to be someone else while speaking. The only way you can be at ease is to be yourself.

If you try to speak like someone else, your audience will judge you by the standards of that person and you will fall short. Who can be better than you in playing you? I attended a speech competition and a young man did a fantastic rendition of Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech. It was so good that the ovation was resounding. But the question on my mind was this, “If he has to present his own speech, will he be as successful?” Dr. King’s persona may not be appropriate all the time. So, it is important for you to develop yourself, not to mimic others (though it may be needed in some contexts), but to be yourself to your audience.

•Stay in your comfort zone: find out what works for you and do it. If, due to your nervousness, you prefer to stand at the podium, do so without looking stiff. If, on the other hand, you prefer to walk around, try not to be clumsy and do not distract your audience. The posture you adopt will say a lot about you to your audience (we will deal more on that later).

•Know that your audience will listen anyway: once you stand to speak, know that people are listening to you. If you are confident, they will listen, and if you are fearful, they will still listen (of course with a different reaction). So, forget about the fear and focus on your presentation.

•Focus on being a showman instead of being a mind reader: whenever you are speaking, know that your main concern is to satisfy your listeners instead of reading their minds. You cannot worry and speak at the same time. Leave the minds of your listeners to them and you keep your mind on your speech. What they think may be useful to you later in preparation for future speeches, but while your current speech lasts, you don’t need that distraction.

•See multitudes as one person: I have heard some people recommend that when you stand before a crowd, look over their heads so as to avoid anxiety. Some others say that you must look into their eyes.

We will leave arguments on that for another day. But this is what I recommend; treat the crowd like you will treat an individual. I don’t mean that you pick out one person from the crowd and focus on him/ her; I mean that you should adjust your mind to be comfortable with all as though they are but one. Will you look over the head of one person when having a conversation? Will you be scared of communicating with one person? If your answer is no, then transfer the same mentality to your audience; after all, every crowd is a collection of individuals.

Fear of public speaking is not new. As you are sacred of it, so am I. But I will not let that keep me from speaking when next I have the opportunity to. When you are afraid, you are underestimating yourself. Fear is not strong enough to prevent you from speaking; only you can do that! If you don’t stop yourself, no one else can! This concludes our three part exploration of dealing with the fear of public speaking

Dr. Amodu lectures at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

40

SOCIETY The late Pa Babafemi Akilo, a retired school administrator, politician and community leader, have been laid to rest in a grand style at his Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State country home. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

Farewell to a ‘man of the people’

P

A Akilo, a staunch philantrophist and one of the founding members of the Action Congress Chairman Elder’s Forum in Ido-Osi, Ekiti State died on January 23, 2013. He was 81.

Like the morning of swarm bees, members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) stormed the streets of Ido -Ekiti, the home town of the deceased to pay their last respects to one of their own.

A large crowd were decked out in white t-shirts with the portrait of the deceased printed on them. They danced from IdoEkiti Medical Centre’s morgue, where the deceased was embalmed to his residence for the wake-keep procession.

The broom-wielding ACN members chanted the slogan of the party intermittently to the admiration of the on – lookers.

They were also out as early as possible on Friday to usher the remains of the late Pa Akilo’s to Saint John’s Anglican Communion (Palace of Healing), Ijemu, Ido-Ekiti for the funeral service.

The ceremony was also attended by top politicians across party lines, top civil servants and members of Ido-Ekiti community, Governor Kayode Fayemi who was represented by her wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.

Delivering his short sermon, the Vicar of

•From left: Erelu Fayemi; Otunba Adebayo; Prince Tunde Akilo and Omolara Akilo

Anglican Church, Ikere-Ekiti, Rev. Bode Otenaike, described the late Pa Akilo as a strict person, who believed in transparency, accountability and probity in all his dealings.

The cleric, who was full of praises for Pa Akilo, said the “no-nonsense” former school principal, was a strong believer of good governance and selfless service, urging that politicians and those in positions of authorities to emulate his good gestures.

In his condolence message to the family of the late politician, Governor Fayemi described the

late Pa Akilo as a man who would forever be remembered for his humility, selfless service and ultimately, for his stickler for rule disposition.

“We really thank God for his life. I recall his logged and principled fight against injustice and your consistent support for the party and government. He lived well and served our people with diligence and love.” Fayemi said.

Another chieftain of the ACN Prince Akin Olayisade described the deceased Akilo as an upright politician, a working father and leader whose political blue prints were eternal time interest.

The late Akilo’s son, Tunde, a Permanent Secretary in the Ekiti State Ministry of Works, said that he would miss his father’s caring attitude and affection towards his children, urging that the virtues his father was noted for during his life time be sustained.

In attendance were: former Governor Niyi Adebayo; ACN State Chairman, Chief Jide Awe; Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Akin–Fasae; Ekiti State Chief of Staff, Mr Yemi Adaramodu, members of the National Assembly, members of State House of Assembly, among others.

RECEPTION ORGANISED FOR SECRETARY TO THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT DR IDIAT ADEBULE IN LAGOS

•From right: The celebrator, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule and her husband, Alhaji Saheed Adegbule

•Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly Dr Dayo Adeyeye

•Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Hon Lateef Ibirogba

•Alhaji Musbau Oyefeso and his wife, Alhaja Fatimat

•From left: Lagos State Commissioner for Education Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye; Member House of Reps, Hon Toyin Suarau; Chairman, Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area Hon AbdulRasheed Mafe and Member, Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Segun Olulade

•Chief whip, Lagos State House of Assembly Dr Rasaq Balogun

•Deputy whip, Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Rotimi Abiru

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

43

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

OYO POLITICS The three major political parties-Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party (AP) - are warming up for the local government elections in Oyo State. Correspondent OSEHEYE OKWUOFU examines the strengths and weaknesses of the platforms.

Scramble for grassroots power W

HEN Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi assumed office on May 29, 2011, he promised to ensure effective grassrooots governance in the Pacesetter State.

The governor sacked the members of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) set up by his predecessor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and appointed caretaker committee chairmen to administer the councils.

The governor also hinted that plans were underway to set in motion the machinery for the conduct of democratic elections in the 33 councils in the state.

This however, did not go down well with the major opposition party. The PDP leaders, who lost their deposits at the governorship election, have been critical of the activities of the governor since then. They claimed that he was using a delay tactics.

However, observers contended that this was not new. They recalled that AlaoAkala, who took over from former Governor Ladoja in 2007, dissolved the previous electoral commission. But this did not stop the opposition from wiping sentiments against the administration.

Last week, the Oyo State ACN leadership was fed up with the virulent attacks.

It said the character assassination, tissue of lies, and incitement of the public against the government were unacceptable, stressing that the governor was not avoiding the council polls.

The PDP had taken some steps to mount pressure on Ajimobi. The first step was to encourage the sacked members of the electoral body to institute legal action aganist the ACN government , challenging their removal from office. The aggrieved OYSIEC members’ argument bordered on the issue of tenure of office, which , according to their sworn affidavit in court, should lapse on September 2012 , whereas they were forcefully removed in 2011 .

Now, that event has overtaken the matter in court, the applicants’ demand is the payment of salaries and other entitlements covering the time they were removed from office.

The is not the only legal hurdle. The leadership of the PDP has dragged Ajimobi to court , praying the court to order an immediate conduct of local government elections. They complained that the government deliberately decided to put the election on hold in the last two years.

However, the administration had explained that, as a law abiding government, which has respect for the rule of law, it would be a breach of the law to circumvent an order of the court.

Undisputably , once a matter is before the court , the law stipulates that the status quo must be maintained, until the matter is resolved by the court. Observers wondered why the PDP has refused to withdraw the cases in the court, knowing fully well that the polls cannot take place, until the resolution of the cases.

The ACN chairman, Chief Akin Oke, has declared that the party is not afraid of local election, but the only problem was the fact that the PDP chieftains would not like the election to hold because they know its not going to be business as usual .

The ACN scribe, Hon. Kolawole Dauda, corroborated the views of Chief Oke , saying that the party is fully prepared for the council poll . He blamed the delay in conducting the election on the PDP which ,

• Senator Ajimobi

• Ladoja

‘The ruling party has alot to do to win the majority of the councils . To begin with, the party’s leadership must pacify aggrieved members, who are complaining of politics of exclusion. No doubt, there is crisis in the party and the way it is handled will determine the success of the party in the forth- coming election’

ACN

• Jumoke-Akinjide

according to him, had bluntly objected to what the governor is doing to reposition the local electoral process. “ Some cores issues have remained unresolved”, he stressed.

Dauda said that, when the coast is clear, ACN is ready for the elections. The party official boasted that the ruling party will win the polls in all the councils.

In the last two years, caretaker committees have been administering the local governments. This is against the constitutional provision that democratically elected councils are fully guaranteed.

Having spent two terms of six months each , the 33 caretaker chairmen may likely be spending their last tenure in office, going by the renewed agitations for the elections by the opposition parties.

The ACN is not indifferent to these agitations. Last week, the party commenced the re-registration of its members in the state , an indication that the court is likely to resolve the knotty issues very soon.

Besides, a section of the PDP has been mounting pressures on their members

lessons from its 2011 electoral defeat. The party is still a disunited fold rocked by the protracted intra-party crisis.

The party is still battling with the leadership crisis and other internal wranglings among members, inspite of efforts made by the concerned leaders and the National Working Committee to mediate and bring all the warring factions to amicable settlement of their differences.

The situation has remained so since the demise of the strongman of Ibadan politics, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, who has been the uniting force. With his absence, everyone wants to be a leader ,and has left members floating in different direction.

Many reconciliation committees have come and gone , yet the centre has cannot hold. Consequently, many members have defected to the ruling ACN and Accord Party in search of a viable platform, which the PDP cannot provide. Although efforts were being made to reconcile the members, it seems that the problem has to do more with sincerity , trust and forgiveness . A good attempt at uniting the warring factions was made at the Jogor Centre with a measure of success. Many boycotted the forum, which was ostencibly meant to unite the fueding leaders .

According to observers, the only panacea to the leadership crisis in the party is for all the warring leaders, including Akala,Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Senator Lekan Balogun,Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, and others to relinguish their ambitions and allow the youger generations to hold sway . If leaders like Adeojo, Balogun, Oyelese, and Alao-Akala can mobilise their followers and work assiduosly for the good of the party, PDP has the chance of winning some of the local government areas.

who had gone to court over the council election. PDP wants the elections to hold now, so that it can profit from the sentiments generated by urban renewal exercise going on in Ibadan, the state capital.

The opposition has been misinforming the public that the governor’s uncaring attitude had led him to the demolition of some structures, including markets, with severe consequences on their owners.

Last week, PDP leaders met at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, to rub minds on how to wrest power from the ruling ACN. Alao-Akala, who was at the meeting, fiegned ignorance of the suit challenging the government on the delayed polls, when he criticised Ajimobi for running the local governments with caretaker committees for almost two years.

How the parties stand PDP It is evident that the PDP has not learnt

The ruling party has alot to do to win the majority of the councils . To begin with, the party’s leadership must pacify aggrieved members, who are complaining of politics of exclusion.

No doubt, there is crisis in the party and the way it is handled will determine the success of the party in the forth- coming election. The popularity of the party in the Southwest, bouyed by the sterling performances of the ACN governors, will definitely contribute to the success of the party. But the power of incumbency and the performance of the governor in the last two years are important success factors.

Accord The party, unlike PDP and ACN, enjoys cohesion and unity among members. Its presence only in Ibadanland (11 councils) is not good enough. However, going by the personality of the leader, Senator Rashidi Ladoja,it is likely the party will win more support from other zones, including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun .

There is the need for the members to reach out , and not to rely only on the feat recorded during the April 2011 general elections . Besides, Accord Party is a party to beat in Ibadanland in the forth-coming council poll.

44

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

POLITICS The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Terrence McCulley, incurred the wrath of the Federal Government last week over a statement he made about the way the country is handling the Boko Haram menace. Foreign Editor DAYO FABORODE was at the session where McCulley spoke on Mali and its connection to the dreadful sect.

Anambra not for highest bidder, says CPC aspirant

By Jemeriah Oke

How Nigeria should handle A Boko Haram, by McCulley

I

S there a link between the mili tary operation in Mali and the terrorist activities of Boko Haram. Can we say the military operation in Mali has reduced the terrorist activities for Boko Haram in Nigeria?

I would say that, as my colleague pointed out, this issue has a regional dimension. And clearly the government of Nigeria is very concerned about the situation in northern Mali.

We are all concerned with the influx, after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, of weapons and extremists.

We have seen reports for years of Boko Haram extremists travelling to Northern Mali for training and then returning to Nigeria. The Boko Haram phenomena has not stopped in Northern Mali. I do believe that Nigerians feel there is a link between terrorist activity in the Sahel and their internal extremist insurgency.

The government of Nigeria clearly needs to address this issue with what we called for, a multi-pronged approach that focuses generally on the security threat that Boko Haram represents, but also in addressing the economic and social conditions that exist in the North. 2,000 people have been killed since 2009. A comprehensive strategy that goes after extremists without injuring innocent civilians, without killing innocent civilians, respecting human rights and respecting the rule of law is required. But clearly, the crisis affecting Mali and the region in general has an effect upon the insurgency in Northern Nigeria.

Does the U.S. have any plans for drones to be used in Nigeria? Have Nigerian authorities asked any questions diplomatically about the use of these drones and how do you address mounting concerns about the US opening a drone base in Africa after some drone strikes have killed civilians in other parts of the world?

I think that question is probably best addressed by the Department of Defence or my colleague Ambassador Bisa Williams. The issue will still come up in the Nigerian press and it has been addressed by the Department of Defence. I don’t really think this is an appropriate forum to comment on that. The Nigerians have not raised this issue with us formally.

How do you see ECOWAS’s handling of the Mali war?

I am speaking also in my capacity as the United States Permanent Representative to the Economic Community of West African States.

ECOWAS has a long and proud tradition of engagement in matters of peace and security in the West African region, going back to the crisis in Liberia and Sierra Leone and more recently the crisis in Guinea Bissau and Cote d’Ivoire. Since the beginning of the crisis in Mali last year, ECOWAS once again has shown great leadership and I would like to use this occasion to commend the leadership of the sitting President of ECOWAS, the Ivorian President, Alassane Ouattara, as well as the President of the ECOWAS commission, Ambassador Ouédraogo. Both of them have shown great engagement in bringing together ECOWAS for a quick consensus in condemning the coup, calling for the restoration of legitimate rule and calling for the deployment of force to ensure the territorial integrity of Mali.

Throughout this process the United States has been a strong supporter

• McCulley

‘2,000 people have been killed since 2009. A comprehensive strategy that goes after extremists without injuring innocent civilians, without killing innocent civilians, respecting human rights and respecting the rule of law is required’ of ECOWAS and of the efforts of President Ouattara and President Ouédraogo and their fellow heads of states throughout the West Africa region. We will continue to provide support to ECOWAS. My colleague Ambassador Leonard has outlined the material support that the United States is providing to AFISMA to the end of the fiscal year. I expect that that support will continue going forward. We look forward to working closely with ECOWAS, with the African Union, to restore peace in Mali, to bring about restoration of the country’s territorial integrity and to ensuring that countries of the ECOWAS zone have what they need to get the job done, and beyond that, other countries that have been associated with this mission, notably Chad, beyond the ECOWAS zone.

Let me stop there so that we can have time for questions, but again I would like to thank you all for coming.

Can you speak more on French and other nations’ involvement in Mali?

In the first place, the French forces remain in Mali and remain actively engaged in so far I can tell from reading the news reports. With regards to U.S. support to AFISMA, we are providing training through our Africa contingency operations training, which is our peacekeeping package, which is managed by the Department of State. Traditionally, we are providing lifts to the some of the troop-contributing countries. Certainly we do not envisage having U.S. forces on the ground. We are looking at training in-country, whether it be in Togo or Niger. The Nigerian contingent that is part of AFISMA, the 333rd, has just finished the training in Jaji up in Kaduna, before they were deployed to Mali. So,

from the U.S. side we very much look at this as a train and equip package and a sustainment package, which will provide life support to the troops on the ground in Mali and pre-deployment training.

Sure, I think as Ambassador Leonard pointed out in her opening remarks, the United States has already committed $96 million this fiscal year alone to help train, equip and provide life support to AFISMA and I would say that the response of ECOWAS and countries beyond the ECOWAS zone line, like Chad, has been quite impressive. In fact, according to the last count, there are already over 6,200 AFISMA troops deployed. I believe that the U.S. has a plan to provide additional training to troops that are going to be deployed to AFISMA. It is clearly a challenging environment. And from what we see, the Chadians and French in the north are really carrying the fight, but the expectation is that as we transition to a fully operational AFISMA, that it is going to effectively play the role that ECOWAS and the African Union has set out for it and I think the expectation is that AFISMA will also transition to a UN peacekeeping operation. So I think that there has been a robust response from ECOWAS thus far, given that we are really only 12 months from the outset of the crisis.

The political reaction from ECOWAS was timely and once the decision was made to deploy AFISMA it was deployed with alacrity and there are many troops on the ground now.

The funding for AFISMA has been very slow in coming. How effective do you think they will operate without funds?

I would say that the funding for AFISMA has not been slow in coming. We committed very early on and provided already, an initial $34 million has been notified to Congress, $52 million is in the pipeline to provide support for equipment training and logistics. We believe that this is an international effort though, and as Ambassador Leonard pointed out in her statement, there are gaps which we hope that other donors will step up and provide support for AFISMA. We have ongoing training, we have a contract underway to provide life support to AFISMA so I would say that the money has not been slow in coming and the United States will continue to do what we can to provide support for this important mission.

NAMBRA State Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) governorship aspirant Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Igwebuike has said that the governorship is not for the highest bidder.

He said the power of money will fail during the poll, urging the people to brace up for change.

Speaking to The Nation in Lagos, Igwebuike said no amount of money by any contender will entice the electorate in the next year’s election.

He said that, though the race may be highly monetized, the people are now wiser. The politician said that integrity, service and patriotism will appeal to the masses more than money.

Igwebuike said the reactions of the people has shown that they will not vote for money, but for credible and competent candidate.

The retired soldier, who lamented the absence of an airport and recreational centre in the state, said his mission is to change the face of the commercial centre to a mega city. He noted that tourism, which would have been a high income source for the state, has not been adequately explored.Igwebuike said he would have prefered to contest the election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC),if the merger works out before the election.

He said: “Our people are now wiser than before. They will not vote for money, but the personality of the candidate, his credibility and competence.

The mantra now in Anambra is collect, chop and vote for the man with integrity. Despite the money in Anambra, the state is behind in infrastructure development. Tourism, which would have been a means of income for the state, is in shambles . The roads in major cities of the state are in bad shape.

“By the time the CPC wins the election next year, you will see rapid development in Anambra State. I want to bring succour to the generality of the people of the state and that is the primary objective of my involvement because it is God’s assignment, which needs to be accomplish”.

‘Ali should apologise to Yoruba’

A

PAN Yoruba socio-political and cultural organisation, the Coalitition of Oodua Self Determination Groups (COSEG), has flayed the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ahmadu Ali, for making derogatory remarks abou Yoruba.

The group said that Ali’s description of Yoruba as an “ungrateful people”, was unfortunate.

Also, the President of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, has also dismissed Ali’s statement, describing it as “a symptom of verbal diarrhoea”. He said: “The former Education Minister, whose mishandling of a students’ crisis led to the death of several youths in 1978, was as insensitive, reckless and narcissistic as ever.”

In a statement in Lagos, COSEG chairman, Dayo Ogunlana, and secretary, Rasaq Olokoba, expressed disappointment over Ali’s comment, describing it as “uninformed, off the target and mischievous.”

The group lamented that the politician had disrespected the race that has produced legenda, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Professor Wole Soyinka, and the late Professor Ayodele Awojobi.

COSEG said: “Ali’s recent failure in the contest for the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman might have been pushing him to seek relevance in order to warm himself back into the corridor of power for political salvation and rehabilitation.”

The group said that the Third Republic senator had come up with that “ignorant assessment of Yoruba,” urging him to liberate himself from the phobia for a first class race in the black world.

It added: “Ali and others in his shoes should weigh their utterances before vomiting them. The foul comment was least expected of a former Minister of Education, whose role in the 1978 “ALI MUST GO” sad episode resulted in the death of over 10 university students nationwide.”

‘APC will dislodge PDP’

E

KITI State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain Chief Folorunso Alake has enjoined Nigerians to embrace the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a credible alternative to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The politician spoke at the meeting of the ACN stakeholders in Efon local government area, where he explained the mission of the new party to the party faithful.

Alake lauded the decision by the four parties-ACN, All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-to establish the new platform.

He said: “APC is a mega progressive party. We want to replicate the feats of the ACN, ANPP, CPC and APGA governors at the centre. Nigerians are tired of the PDP, which has failed to give a credible leadership to the country.

“The suffering of 14 years must end in 2015. The progressives cannot fold their arms. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, there is the determination to join forces to liberate Nigeria. I urge Nigerians to sustain the support they have been giving to the new party so that they can begin to reap the dividends of democracy as from 2015.”

• Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson flanked by the newly appointed Chairman of the Public Information Management Committee Chief Boma Jack (left) and the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Edmund Oguru, shortly after inaugurating the Committee at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.

RESOLUTION

POLICY

CONFRONTATION

Youths rise against thuggery, money politics

Akpabio to employ 1,000 health workers

I was chased out of Ladipo Market, says council chief

Anambra

47

Akwa Ibom

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

A

S leaders in the Niger Delta keep lamenting the harm youths’ restiveness has done to the region, a council chief has identified education as one of the key factors that will bring about the much-needed peace.

The chairman of Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Tamuno Williams made the observation in Port Harcourt during the lecture at the inauguration of the Rivers State chapter of Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP).

He said government should design educational system that would enable the youth to acquire skills that would make them useful both to themselves

46

Lagos

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Page 45

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

How to curb youths’ restiveness in Niger Delta, by council chair From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

and the society.

Williams, who spoke on the theme, “Youth Restiveness in the Niger Delta: Challenges and the Way Forward,” also said that if government would make any effort to curb restiveness in the region, then they should design skilful educational system that would enable the youth to be useful to the society after they graduate.

The council chief regretted that corruption and unemployment are

some of the causes of youth restiveness in the society, even as he stressed that the Federal Government should ensure that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria addresses the needs of the people.

He further stated that to fight against youth restiveness which has become somewhat a menace in the society; it demands genuine commitment from all Nigerians.

In his address, the National President of SPSP, Dr Willie Eselebor said that Nigeria is seriously experiencing high rate of insecurity, which he attributed to the inabil-

ity of various levels of government to adopt conventional approach to solving restiveness as a destabilising phenomenon.

Eselebor also said that re-orientation of the people on the issue of violence would go a long way in proffering solution to the problem.

“Violence is violence in any form or shape. Unless both victims and perpetrators are transformed, there will be no end to violence,” he stated.

In his address, Professor Olawale Albert urged members of the newly inaugurated chapter of the organisation to promote the cul-

ture of peace through practice of peace, education and advocacy.

He also advised them to collaborate and build relationship with identifiable key stakeholders in peace-building.

Those inaugurated as members of the state executive were Senibo Godwin, chairman; Philip Kalio, 1st Vice-Chairman; Raleigh Joe, 2nd Vice-Chairman; Amagbor Johnson, Secertary; and Nemi Tamuno, Assistant Secretary.

Others were Ebioboere Ake; Ruth Arijovwode; Vero Iboroma; Godwin Amadi and Charles Ikalama.

B

OTHERED by the increasing rate at which students lack interest in reading, the wife of the Kwara State governor, Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed, has said that one of the ways through which the ugly trend could be reversed is genuine commitment, on the part of parents and teachers. They are to ensure the revival of reading culture in schools, she said.

Describing reading as the gateway to learning without which children cannot access a broad and balanced education; Mrs Ahmed noted that in today’s literate world, academic success, securing employment and personal autonomy depend on reading and writing proficiency.

“Reading is a skill that begets many other skills because it constitutes a key part of our capability to increase our capacity,” she said.

Mrs. Ahmed spoke while addressing secondary school students from 64 public schools in Kwara State who converged on Ilorin, the state capital, for the inauguration of “LEAH Reading Club.”

About 640 students, with 10 from each school, were drawn from the 16 local government areas.

While inaugurating the LEAH Reading Club, Mrs. Ahmed said that the education desk of her pet project-LEAH Charity Foundation-would not relent in ensuring that students in the state make reading their hobby.

Continuing, she said: “The LEAH Reading Club has a vision of building the capacity of our children to read, enjoy reading and apply what they learnt from every book they read to the challenges of everyday life.”

Represented by her Special Assistant, Administration and Strategy, Mr. Lanre Bello, Mrs. Ahmed said that reading would boost intellectual empowerment of the students, saying that it was a collective responsibility of government and stakeholders to ensure its workability.

She noted that a good instructional approach will not produce

•Cross section of pupils at the event

Boost for reading culture in Kwara Governor’s wife inaugurates reading club 640 students participate “We have a joint responsibility to From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

the desired result without a knowledgeable teacher. Teaching reading is a job for experts. Learning to read is a complex linguistic task which is, in itself taxing. For many children, it requires efforts and incremental skill development.

“Teaching reading requires thor-

ough knowledge or skill acquired through focused study and supervised practice. It is indisputable that classroom instruction works more than any other factor towards ameliorating reading problems.

“Therefore, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive re-design of reading instruction for the teacher.

It is very vital to improve classroom reading instruction.

nurture them into responsible adulthood, to help them open up their minds and hearts to new ideas through books,” she said.

Mrs Ahmed appealed to the principals of the pilot schools to collaborate with her foundation in ensuring the success of the programme.

Her words: “It is on this background that I urge all principals and teachers who are in charge of the pilot schools to kindly work with

the foundation in ensuring that we lay a proper foundation for the future of our children.

“We shall discover in due course that this investment is worth every sacrifice that we have made on it.

We will work with schools and the ministry of education to ensure proper monitoring of the activities of the club in order to fulfill the goals with which we set them up. I would also like to advise our children to be good representatives of the mission, showing all their peers why they must join the club.

•Continued on Page 46

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

46

Honour for Ihedioha

D

EPUTY Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has become the proverbial gold fish that has no hiding place. At home and abroad, he is being sought out for recognition and honour in acknowledgement of the good works he has been doing; especially in public office.

The latest of such honours came from Kenya where he bagged the 2013 African Achievers’ Award in Leadership and Good Governance.

It is instructive to note that past recipients of the award of this category include World-famous Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.

The African Achievers’ Award is geared towards recognising African individuals and organisations that have excelled and distinguished themselves in their contributions to the growth and development of Africa.

On February 23, 2013 at the prestigious Hilton Hotel in the capital city of Nairobi Kenya, an elite multi-cultural audience gathered to witness the conferment of the award on the Deputy Speaker.

Though there were other recipients of the award, it is significant to note that the applause that greeted

By Chibuike Onyeukwu

the arrival and recognition of Hon. Ihedioha remained the major highlight of the ceremony. He was the cynosure of all eyes at the colourful event which featured a red carpet, traditional Kenyan dances and some entertaining renditions, among others.

The organisers of the event said in a citation: “Emeka Ihedioha was nominated as a highly deserving recipient of this year’s award in recognition of his rare and unique people-centric leadership qualities, which he has displayed as Deputy Speaker of the House from June 6, 2011 till date. The people of Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency and, indeed, Imo State have witnessed unprecedented development and infrastructural renaissance since 2003 when he was elected to the House of Representatives.

“By his dint of hard work, selfless service to humanity and uncommon commitment to his people, his constituency is currently the cynosure of all eyes within Imo State and beyond.

“We therefore join the good people of Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency, Imo State and Nigeria in general to com-

•Ihedioha (right) receiving the award for Leadership and Good Governance from Dr Lukman (left).

With them is S a v a n a h Nightingale.

mend your exceptional strides as a way of encouraging you to do more for your people, the entire country Nigeria and Africa in general.”

The award plaque was presented to the Deputy Speaker by Dr. Rilwan Lukman, former Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources and Secretary-General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

He was assisted by hosts of the evening, Mr. Bob-Manuel Udokwu and Savahna Nightingale, a BBC Broadcaster and Columnist.

The award confirms Hon.

Akwa Ibom to employ 1,000 health workers

T

HE Akwa Ibom State government has promised to recruit additional 200 doctors and 800 nurses, to strengthen the healthcare delivery system in the state.

The chairman of the state Hospital Management Board, Dr Valentine Attah, announced this at a meeting with medical superintendents and matrons from government owned hospitals in Uyo, the state capital.

According to Attah, the state

government is doing its best to ensure that there is effective and efficient service delivery in the hospitals, adding that “this is why we have to employ more hands”.

The board chairman charged the medical personnel to discharge their duties without laxity, to enable the system to be functional in addressing the needs of the people.

He also urged hospitals in the state to establish public health units to screen diseases, as measures of preventing death rate in

the state.

He said it was important for people to check their health status, to enable deal promptly with any medical problem.

“This approach will go a long way to save lives, reduce disease burden and put an end to superstitious beliefs that some death cases or sicknesses are results of spiritual attacks.”

Directors and the Permanent Secretary of the board, Dr Iniobong Awak, were present at the meeting.

Ihedioha’s approach to the business of government which can be viewed from the point of people-centrism.

The Deputy Speaker was accompanied to the event by Hon. Buba Umar Jibril, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Information while other guests included Mrs. Yemisi Suswan, wife of the governor of Benue State (who also received an award) as well as Chief Celestine Omehia, former governor of Rivers State, among others.

In his remark after receiving the award, Ihedioha described the honour “as a humbling experience” and dedicated it to lawmakers across Africa.

While commending the organisers of the event for finding him worthy of the honour, he said: “I am dedicating this award to the legislators all over Africa especially in Nigeria for their commitment and diligence to the business of lawmaking.”

He further said: “I urge all my colleague lawmakers to rise up and get their job done so that Africa can have a stronger democracy. This is because if we don’t defend and promote good governance, dictatorship will set in.

Therefore, it is our responsibility to continue towards contributing very positively to the business of govern-

ance. We must therefore rise up and take responsibility to realise the Africa of our dream.”

The Deputy Speaker has received several awards and recognitions in acknowledgement of his depth, humility, leadership skills and commitment to service. The country has bestowed on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), among several other awards by groups, corporate and social organisations, churches, among many others.

Tagging with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, the duo have brought greater vibe and innovations in the 7th House that has redefined legislative democracy as it applies to separation of powers, rule of law and due process which has been the bane of the legislature in the past.

Democracy and posterity will, indeed, remember very positively, the selfless efforts of Ihedioha towards making democracy more deepened and entrenched in Nigeria and Africa.

•Onyeukwu is a media aide of the Deputy Speaker

Senator empowers constituents

By Joseph Ayalo

•Senator Adokwe

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HE member representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District of Nasarawa State in the Senate, Senator Suleiman Adokwe, has, among several dividends of purposeful representation, prioritised educational development in his senatorial district.

Believing that knowledge remains the best legacy any parent or society can bequeath to later generations, Senator Adokwe opines that above all forms of human empowerment, education frees man from all manner of bondage or negative tendencies, even as it enriches man’s understanding

of various variables. The sum total of the knowledge acquired through sound education is the transformation in all facets of human endeavours worldwide.

To the Senator, education is a magic bullet for knowledge, wisdom and unity; it is also a quick pointer to power and sovereignty.

The need for every society to do away with all forms of limitation that has prevented man from attaining immeasurable academic heights cannot be over-emphasised in the 21st Century.

The present-day society has assumed an unprecedented level of sophistication. The revolution, innovation and breakthrough recorded in medical science, information technology; economy; defence and good governance globally, among others, have become feasible with the potency of education.

John Dewey, an American philosopher, in furtherance to this fact, gives philosophy a social function when he argued that “philosophy is a vision whose main function is to free men’s minds from bias and prejudices and to enlarge their per-

ception of the world around them.”

If the social function of philosophy is vision and freedom of men’s minds and enlarge their perception of the world around them, then Senator Suleiman Adokwe’s vision for good governance and purposeful representation at the National Assembly has enlarged the perception of the people and broken the jinx of bad representation, mistrust and under-development of some critical aspects of human endeavours.

Recognising that education is the bedrock of any society and in his bid to complement parents’ efforts, Senator Suleiman Adokwe, has,

Recognising that education is the bedrock of any society and in his bid to complement parents’ efforts, Senator Suleiman Adokwe has, among several dividends of purposeful representation, prioritised educational development in his senatorial district

Boost for reading culture in Kwara •Continued from Page 45 “The LEAH Reading Club has a vision of building the capacity of our children to read, enjoy reading and apply what they learnt from every book they read to the challenges of everyday life. We want them to see the reading club as a safe place to learn, exchange ideas as well as nur-

ture their public speaking skills.”

Earlier, the Administrator of LEAH Charity Foundation, Mrs. Bukola Akinleye said the foundation was resolved to endear “our young ones to reading at this early stage so that it will be part of them as they grow up.

“As it is known the world over, the basic contents of knowledge are best kept in durable archive books.

among several dividends of purposeful representation, prioritised educational development in his senatorial district.

Senator Adokwe has taken another significant approach to boost the educational base of his people, particularly those aspiring to acquire higher education through payment of registration fees of 2012/2013 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination JAMB/UTMES for 500 applicants.

Apart from the 500 applicants drawn from the local councils in his senatorial district, he has equally taken the responsibility of picking every financial bills or ex-

This underscores the importance of books in the pursuit of life.

“During the reading camp and competition, the foundation hosted school students. The admirable performance of the participants made it imperative for the foundation to make books accessible to schools as the foundation can afford, so as to endear students to reading and stimulate reading interest in them,” she said.

penses incured by these applicants.

This is aside the additional 500 direct entry applicants he is catering for.

Senator Adokwe’s style of representation right from his days in the state civil service has been resultoriented.

The drive of this amiable Senator is propelled by vision for a better society. It is against this backdrop that he had, in the past, renovated and constructed classrooms of primary and post-primary schools, constructed science laboratories in schools in the rural areas to complement government’s efforts, attracted federal government’s projects through budgetary provisions, and granted scholarships to some indigent students in his senatorial district.

To the Senator, education is critical to human and societal advancement as clearly demonstrated by his commitment in this direction.

Again, it is worthy to note that the Senator has also provided succour to the people of his senatorial district through various empowerment programmes.

•Ayalo is Lafia-based public commentator and analyst

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

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Youths rise against thuggery, money politics From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

•Governor Obi N their resolve to create an enabling environment that would engender free, fair and credible election, youths in Anambra State gathered in Awka, the state capital recently to deliberate on ways to consolidate on the existing peace and political

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stability in the state.

During their deliberations, they realised that money politics and political thuggery had been the bane of the state since its creation.

They, therefore, expressed their willingness to kick against these hideous phenomena in the forthcoming governorship election slated for later part of the year.

The gathering, the second in a week, brought together youths from the 21 local government areas.

The event took place at King David’s Hotel in Awka. The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr Edozie Aroh represented Governor Peter Obi at the event which was organised by Golden Morning International (GMI). Its theme was “Youth against Thuggery and Money Politics in Anambra 2013.”

Speaking at the event, the Director of GMI, Anthony Aniegbue regretted that those

whose dead bodies floated in Ezu River were youths and not the aged, adding that if what happened in Anambra State was to be in a civilised world, security agents would have resigned en masse.

He added that the governorship election which will take place later in the year would be violence-free as the youth would be seriously involved.

Prof. Mercy Anagbogu, in her speech, said it was a pity that in the past 21 years, youths of the state had not been given the opportunity to participate actively

in governance.

“2013 is the year the youth in Anambra State will rise up against all evils; and if this opportunity slips from them, then, there will be problem. We pray that such a thing will never happen,” she said.

Governor Peter Obi, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Dr Edozie Aroh, stated that it was not the youth who had been involved in thuggery and money politics, rather the adults who pay them to perpetrate such ugly acts.

He opined that stopping such act

The youth, who are hungry, unemployed, and have no skills for self-sufficiency are likely to engage in political thuggery, kidnapping, shooting and snatching of ballot boxes during elections as these have become their sources of livelihood

would be through legislation, adding that the youth should be mindful of the politicians who use and dump them after elections.

A governorship hopeful, Dr Chike Obidigbo said that 80 per cent of this group lives in communities where economic, civic and social opportunities are insufficient to address their diverse needs.

He said: “What makes the youth prone to thuggery and money politics can easily be changed through genuine initiative like what we are having today. Such initiative, I believe, stems from that love and faith for sustainable good governance which brings us to the theory of change.

“The youth, who are hungry, unemployed, and have no skills for self-sufficiency are likely to engage in political thuggery, kidnapping, shooting and snatching of ballot boxes during elections as these have become their sources of livelihood,” Obidigbo said.

Okorocha inaugurates community liaison officers

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•Lt.-Commodore Yusuf Taylor of the Western Naval Command (left) receiving the golden trophy from Rear Admiral Babalola at the event.

Winner emerges in Navy chess T championship HE Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy has emerged winner of the 2013 Inter-Command Chess Championship which held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The command scored 10 points to beat the National Headquarters and Naval Training Command that scored six points each to secure second position while Logistics Command took the third position.

The participating commands included the hosts, the Eastern Naval Command; the defending champions, Western Naval Com-

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

mand; Nigerian Navy Headquarters; Naval Training Command; Logistics Command and Central Naval Command.

Flag Officer commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Joseph Aikhomu, who stood in for the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral D. J. Ezeoba congratulated the winners and

In an effort to enhance the recreational therapy, healthy mind and optimise the memory of the Nigerian Navy personnel at all times, the Naval headquarters deemed it fit to organise the championship as the first sporting event of the year

urged others to work harder next time.

He said chess, as a sport, is gaining international popularity. He said that some of the benefits of the chess game that has been in existence for about 1, 500 years are that it increases the mathematical and scientific skills of the individual, even as he said that it challenges the intellectual ability of the participant in terms of its problemsolving skills which the participant acquires.

Aikhomu, who was represented by the Chief Staff Officer of the Command, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola, said: “In an effort to enhance the recreational therapy, healthy mind and optimise the memory of the Nigerian Navy personnel at all times, the Naval headquarters deemed it fit to organise the championship as the first sporting event of the year.”

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has inaugurated 637 Government Liaison Officers (GLOs) for the Community Government Council (CGC), urging them to go home and develop their communities.

During the inauguration, Governor Okorocha said the officers were appointed in to deploy their potential to the development of their communities, adding that life is meaningless if it cannot help those in need or contribute to better the society.

Governor Okorocha asserted that we are stronger in the communities than in the local government areas. “We are stronger in the communities than we are at the state and federal levels. If the economy is strong in the communities, the economy of the country would be stronger,” he said.

He said that the community which has been long neglected was the base upon which we all operate.

Governor Okorocha further said that the liaison officers are responsible citizens of the communities who have excelled in life and who can transform their communities into urban cities.

He advised them to work hard to better their communities, stressing that they are simply representing the governor and the government in ensuring that all policies and programmes of government are properly implemented.

He directed them to ensure that in the next one or two years, every community must have its own cottage industry to create employment for members of the communities.

Governor Okorocha further urged them to kick-start the community government with the tra-

ditional rulers and the executive secretaries, stressing that they should resist the temptation of trying to usurp the positions of the traditional rulers or the PresidentsGeneral (PGs).

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Community Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Ugochi Nnanna Okoro said that the meeting was a very important one as it brings together the major drivers of the community government council who would ensure that the dream of the government in this direction is realised.

She enumerated the roles of the liaison officers to include encouraging and stimulating development in the communities and to provide avenue for cooperation between the communities, the government and donor agencies concerned with grassroots development.

They are saddled with the promotion of cultural heritage and establishment of channels of communication between themselves and the government and encourage public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations to show interest in the investment and development of the communities.

She warned against struggle for supremacy and selfish interest associated with the rural communities.

Ugochi Okoro appealed to them to ensure that the community government is nurtured to maturity.

Present at the occasion were the Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, the Chief of Staff Government House, Prince Eze Madumere, members of the state House of Assembly, members of the state executive council, executive secretaries and traditional rulers.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

The trouble there has been affecting our internally-generated revenue (IGR). Okolie does not allow Paramo to operate in order to pay us our money. So, you do not expect us to fold our arms when our interest is affected. All we were interested in is that elections should be conducted so that peace will reign and everyone will be happy

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HAIRMAN, Mushin Local Government Area, Hon. Babatunde Adepitan, has said he was chased out of the Ladipo Market on various occasions in his bid to ensure peace at the market.

He further said the Aguiyi Ironsi Market had to meet certain conditions for it to be re-opened because it was very problematic.

“Out of the 36 units in Ladipo Market, others are law-abiding and very coordinated except for environmental nuisance. But Aguiyi Ironsi had issues we had to address before it was re-opened. The leadership of the market had some issues that bothered on power tussle which; if not properly addressed, could lead to perpetual chaos which could also degenerate to a serious problem. So, that was why it was shut down,” he said.

On allegations that he was using his powers to intimidate the traders, Adepitan said such claims were unfounded, adding that he was even helpless in handling the situation, just as he alleged that the embattled market leader, Jonathan Okolie was the cause of the problems.”

The council chief also disclosed that there were instances of breakdown of law and order because the chairman of the traders’ association was alleged to be hell-bent on being in power forever.

He said: “A market where there is no peace; where we have ‘Bakassi Boys’; where a leader imposes himself on the people as he allegedly refused to conduct elections or handover power after his tenure had elapsed in 2009; where people are allegedly killed and maimed is very uncomplimentary. The market being within my local government, do you expect me to go to sleep? I think that gentleman’s intention was to make himself a life president. That was why he was ready to go after anyone who opposes his ambition.

“The way he was going, Okolie wanted to take Aguiyi Ironsi Market from the local government. Imagine an individual having the intention of taking over government’s property by force? And the worst part of it all was that he allegedly went about dishing out false propaganda that the market belongs to the Igbo and that the Yoruba wanted to take it away.

“The issue remains that Okolie had allegedly chased a lot of the traders out of their shops with the help of his ‘Bakassi Boys,’ who he stationed in the market. There are so many aggrieved parties there. And anyone who says I use my office or powers

•Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello (third left); Mushin Local Government Area, Hon. Olatunde Babatunde Adepitan (second right) and members of the executive of Ladipo Market.

I was chased out of Ladipo Market, says council chief

By Precious Igbonwelundu

to intimidate him must be a joker.

This is because, as the chairman, there were instances I went to the market and I was almost chased out by the hoodlums Okolie stationed there.

“During one of my visits to the market, he mobilised people to be singing ‘we don’t want you; you want to steal our market.’ “ The question here is who owns the market if the local government that is the real owner is now labelled the thief? All documents to show that Aguiyi Ironsi is owned by Mushin Local Government are available.

“Another problem is that the ‘Bakassi Boys’ that Okolie brought in to foment trouble allegedly slept inside the market, which is against the law. A market place is not a residential place. But he believes that once those boys are there, nobody can overthrow him because they are fully armed. It was also alleged that he has a shrine in that market. If it is true, that indicates that he was using

every power to remain as the traders’ leader.

“If you cast your mind back, you will recall that it took the courage of the chairman of the Special Taskforce to enter into that market before those boys were arrested. The ‘Bakassi Boys’ were alleged to have threatened even the police. They were always dressed on red T-shirts with red caps and were always armed.”

He said the local government was not able to handle the situation because the situation needed the deployment of massive security apparatus, which no local government can afford.

“The local government is a third tier government which does not have the machinery to enforce certain level of order. We only have power in the paper and I can show you copies of letters I have written to the law enforcement agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

The security apparatus the state government deployed the day the market was shut could not be mustered by any local government.

On the cause of the crisis at Aguiyi Ironsi, Adepitan said the crisis that rocked the market started before his tenure, “even though it became worse following some clandestine ploys by some unscrupulous individuals to hijack Aguiyi Ironsi Market, which is the sole property of Mushin Local Government Area.

“That land was allocated to Mushin Local Government Area by the former governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Since markets are under the purview of the local government areas, the state handed over the land to Mushin Local Government Area.

The local government at that time was said to have entered into a 25year lease agreement with a developer, the late Alhaji Hassan Olajoku, who represented Paramo Company, to develop and manage the place. It was agreed that he must remit a certain percentage of the revenue to the local government on monthly basis.

“Along the line, Paramo allegedly could not develop the place and he was said to have invited some trad-

ers in the market to participate in the development of the area. Paramo had a separate agreement with them which was to build and manage for 12 years. We were not party to the agreement but from my understanding, it appears both parties agreed that the traders will build, manage and pay a certain monthly percentage to Paramo for 12 years. Paramo will, in turn, remit some money to the local government on monthly basis.

“The trouble there has been affecting our internally-generated revenue (IGR). It was alleged that Okolie did not allow Paramo to operate in order to pay us our money. In such situation, you do not expect us to fold our arms when our interest is affected. All we were interested in was that elections should be conducted so that peace will reign and everyone will be happy.”

On how he intends to ensure peace and security, Adepitan said all the stakeholders have signed an agreement, adding that he was consulting with stakeholders at the Aguiyi Ironsi

Community urges completion of dam

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•Wife of chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Lagos State Mrs Fatimah Bamigbetan, presenting a prize to Miss Omotola Michael of Ejigbo Senior High School, who came first in the council’s Spelling Bee competition.

HE Isalu Council of Indigenes (ICI) of Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State has appealed to the state and Federal governments to render urgent assistance to the community over an alleged abandonment of a dam project in their community.

The council said the abandoned dam project poses grave dangers to the residents of the community as well as their farms and other resources.

In a letter signed by the chairman of the council Waheed Shittu and Public Relations Officer (PRO), Rafiu Afuku, the natives alleged that Ikere Gorge Dam that was abandoned 32 years ago had reached 90 per cent completion stage, adding that the road leading to the project is also in a terrible state.

“There is need to quicken the completion of this project and construct the 28km road that leads from Iseyin to the dam site. The road has been in bad condition.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

“This appeal became necessary because it is the biggest dam in Southwest Nigeria.

“We would have benefited immensely had the project been completed. Such benefits include hydroelectricity. The project can be the basis for hydropower generation of over 260 megawatts which can serve the whole of Southwest zone.

“It will also enhance agricultural production as it will be used for irrigation purposes. This, in effect, will boost food production,” the letter read in part.

The council pointed to the possibility of the dam overflowing and wreaking havoc on the area.

To save the people and their property from being eroded by any kind of tsunami, the Isalu Council of Indigenes (ICI) appeals to the Federal Government to hasten the completion of the project.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

AGRO-BUSINESS

Farmers face hard times as feeds’ prices rise M

ANY farmers are facing hard times following a rise in the prices of feeds, it has been learnt.

Their incomes, sources said, have dropped following cash flow problems.

The Chief Executive of Talon Group, Dr. Lanre Talabi, said: “The heavy hike in feed bills is responsible for fall in incomes.”

According to him, input costs for livestock farms have risen, particularly for bought-in concentrate, forage feeds and fuel.

He said rising production costs and harsh weather conditions affected on grain harvest potential, leading to increases in

Stories by Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

grain and animal feed prices.

He said livestock farmers will have to pay higher prices for animal feed and high rainfall levels meaning that the volume of feed used on dairy and beef farms will increase.

Thinner profit margins have forced the farmers to downsize their planting acreage. With the wettest year on record, likely to drive down farm profit, there are fears of a drastic decline in farm income.

Weather-impactedoutput, coupled with increased input costs

had hit the industry over the last year.Livestock producers have been among the hardest hit, with higher feed costs and an increased feed use eating into profit margins.

The Lagos Chapter Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Adedotin Agbojo, said the industry is facing uncertainty and is on the verge of collapse because of high cost of feeds, which has reduced returns on investment.

Because of the shortage of grains, by-products, oil cakes, prices of animal feeds have been on the rise necessitating an increase in the cost of animal feeds to a point where most farmers are not able

to sustain their products.

Farmers, he said, are managing their chickens at a loss and as a result, many have already started to reduce numbers, especially in poultry. Poultry feeds by their quality and price, he said, are some of the the major factors in determining the cost of poultry products such as eggs, broilers and profitability of the poultry farm.

He added that the prices of major raw materials used to make the feed have gone up tremendously.

Farmers, he noted, have had to absorb the increases without being able to increase the price of a crate of eggs or chicken.

He warned that if the trend persists most if not all poultry farms would have to reduce their operations or close shop.

Poultry feeds produced by commercial feed mills, he said, are handicapped on account of raw materials, which are transported from the north. He added that the increase in diesel cost by about 70 per cent has added to the problem.

Given the increased demand for Soya beans by China and other producing countries, there are indications that the trend may lead to a significant change in buying patterns and cause a tight supply probloem for local poultry producers.

Farmers’registration begins

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HE Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture has begun the registration of farmers in the 381 wards in the state with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

A Director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Adegbola Olusi, said in Lagos the registration was being done through the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme.

According to Olusi, 20 supervisors have been positioned in 20 local government areas in the state.

“We have one supervisor at each local government area and several enumerators in the ward to achieve the best results.

“I urge farmers to come out and register because in 2011, Lagos State was poorly repre-

sented and it was believed that there were farmers in Lagos State.”

He reiterated the ministry’s drive to empower farmers with information about market index, fertilisers and seedlings to boost the sector.

The Head of the Agriculture Department, Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of the state, Mrs Adeyinka Solo, pledged the council’s support to the ministry during the period of the registration.

Solo said farmers in the area would register because they were willing to embrace new ideas that would increase their income.

Farmers were required to provide either their association’s identification card, national identity card or international passport and passport photographs.

Sanitation vital to food safety

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• Harvesting of rice in Bauchi

Land tenure review must boost food production, says expert

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REVIEW of the land tenure system must promote food production,an expert, Dr Kola Adebayo, has said.

Adebayo, who is Deputy Director, Directorate of Grant Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUUNAB), said a large chunk of the land in Nigeria is with the government and few landlords and their land agents. He said sustainable farming development was often stymied by the power that they wielded.

Calling for land tenure review, the don said it will present an opportunity for the government to carry out a more holistic overview for the future of food production by removing tenancy matters from the land tenure equation.

He said tenancies provide just

about the only entry into farming for new entrants, adding that new thinking and innovative ideas are required to expand entry routes. At present the odds are stacked against new entrants.

He stressed that agriculture needed constant investment, and that in turn required security of tenure. While some tenancies were still secure and heritable, that number was steadily falling, and as farms become vacant they are either being let on short-term tenancies to existing farmers who can offer high rents or are being taken back in hand.

According to him, the inevitable consequence of this is the trend towards ever larger agri-industrial operations at the expense of traditional family size farms and the

consequent decline in the rural population and the downstream rural economy.

He said competition for rented farms is fierce and existing tenants will invariably outbid a new entrant. He said starter farms will provide an entry for the select few, but a way must be found to allow more fresh blood into the industry.

He said there are still too many areas where the fundamental flaws of the tenanted system create frustrations and dissatisfaction, particularly in terms of rent reviews, investment, succession and access to land.

Adebayo stressed the need to create a bridge between short term tenancies and a tenure system that offers lifetime security.

HE Federal Government has been urged to penalise food manufacturing firms for poor sanitation.

Speaking with The Nation, Prof Stephen Fapohunda, of the Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo,Ogun State, said observance of sanitation regulations was an important and effective food safety initiative.

He said companies where inspectors direct consistently unsanitary conditions, poor sanitation practices by employees, pest infestations and a general failure to protect food products from contamination should be fined or their licences withdrawn.

According to him, improvements in food safety standards are attributes of enhanced sanitation.

Despite the importance of sanitation within the food processing environment, he said food borne illness outbreaks linked to products produced under unsanitary conditions persists.

He said there are poor sanitation practices almost every section of food processing, according to a statement, from large food

Plateau to invest more in poultry

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OULTRY farmers in Plateau State have marked the first yearly poultry show tagged: ‘Poultry transformation on the Plateau’.

The Chairman, Plateau chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Mr Julius Gusan, said the objective was to take poultry business to greater heights on the Plateau.

Gusan said March 19 was set aside by the United States Government for its poultry farmers to celebratethe National Poultry Day. The association, he said, adopted the day to celebrate its annual poultry day in its quest to put the poultry industry in its rightful place as one of the foremost states in poultry business in the country.

‘’The poultry show is to serve as a platform for all stakeholders in the industry to interact and exchange ideas on how to positively move the industry forward. ‘’Poultry business in Nigeria has continued to play a major role to the growth of the nation’s economy, being one of the largest employers of labour in the agricultural sub-sector.’’

The chairman said the association would continue to ensure that all stakeholders, irrespective of their investment, were well protected to ensure sustenance, growth and profit. ‘’This covers the value chain from the grain and oil seed growers, feed millers, hatchery operators, drug and additive suppliers, veterinary

services, poultry farmers, processors, marketers and to the consumers. ‘’Together, we will move the industry to greater heights. We will also sustain the cordial relationship established with the Plateau Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources for support in creating the needed awareness for egg and chicken consumption in the state. ‘’This will go a long way in stabilising poultry market in Plateau,’’ he said.

He called on the stakeholders and the government to continue to be active partners in educating the citizens of Plateau on egg consumption.

Prof. Longmas Sambo, the Director-General, Industrial Training

Fund (ITF), reiterated the fund’s commitment to the sustainability of poultry business in the state.

Represented by Mr Simon Zamba, the ITF Deputy Director of Training, Sambo explained that the mission of the fund was to help train the farmers to attain best practices to meet international standard.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association in Plateau, Dr Sati Ngulukun,urged farmers to seek advice from the council of experts in the industry for standard and quality assurance.

Ngulukun, who promised the association’s support for the industry, said his members were ready to render all kinds of services to assist the farmers.

processing operations down to the small businesses selling their products in local markets.

Fapohunda said poor sanitation is the leading violation encountered in processing plants and food service establishments.

He stressed the need for increased attention to developing and implementing more effective sanitation plans at all levels of the food industry.

He said effective sanitation programme is an essential part of running any food production facility as it brings cost benefits, enhances motivation in the workplace and provides a microbiologically safe and stable product.

Fapohunda urged the government to work with businesses to correct problems when violation of the state food and handling requirements are discovered.

He said continued violations of food processing standards and the failure to fully pay earlier fines associated with previous violations should warrant the revocation of food processing licences.

He called on authorities to conduct testing of meat products and publish the results “to provide a clearer picture of standards in the food chain.

• Fapohunda

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

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AGRO-BUSINESS

How to make Nigeria’s cocoa more attractive N IGERIAN farmers have been urged to key into certification schemes to improve the country’s foreign exchange forex earnings.

Chief Operating Officer at the Centre for Cocoa Development Initiative, Robo Adhuze, said certification creates standards against which cocoa farming can be measured.

Intense efforts to promote certification, he said, would give a competitive edge to cocoa from Nigeria, which is being displaced by exports from other countries.

Adhuze said certification programmes have helped farmers make good profits through in-

Stories by Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

creased yields and improved bean quality.

He said farmers across certified cooperatives receive sustainable cocoa premiums payments ,making them high earners in the export market.

Adhuze said premium payments recognise farmers for their efforts to increase yields and improve the quality of the beans by decreasing moisture and mold content, which helps to raise the quality of cocoa beans.

Through certification, he said, farmers benefitted from comprehensive training programmes

via third party organisations andare checked by independent auditors.

According to him, certification gives farmers a better organisational structure within which to work and improve access to markets to help them build viable farms and increase their income.

In turn, the buyers get a traceable, safe supply of quality and sustainably produced cocoa.

To this, he said there is effort to scale up the amount of certified cocoa available for export.

The challenge, Adhuze noted is that it is very expensive for farmers to acquire certification.

Because of the cost, he said the

sector relies on foreign organisations to finance , training and support to the cocoa community to maintain and strengthen the sustainable cocoa supply chain.

He said the sector has partnered with certification organisations, which have developed advanced standards for organising, training and auditing farmers. As result, Adhuze said a number of farmers in Nigeria have been certified.

Adhuze said the farmers are trained on how to reduce their use of pesticides, curb soil erosion and better protect their water supplies.

The practices boost their yields and income, and the certification

scheme makes their cocoa more attractive to foreign buyers.

The impact on farmers ,he said is positive, with certified farmers seeing both higher yields and higher revenue from their cocoa crops compared with similar oncertified small-scale farmers, although thenon-certified group is closing the gap.

He said Ghana has been a leading producer of certified cocoa beans because the country retains full control on the marketing system. Adhuze said Ghana has earned a good reputation for cocoa quality and timely delivery within the industry.

Fadama: Council chief praises Fed Govt, World Bank

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HE Management Committee Chairman, Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, Simon Tangni, has praised the World Bank and Federal Government’s poverty reduction campaign via the Fadama III projects.

Tangni gave the commendation at a meeting of the Plateau Federated Fadama Community Association (FCA), in Pankshin. He said the programme had transformed the lives of farmers across the country, noting that many of them had hitherto wallowed in abject penury.

“Until the advent of Fadama programme, our farmers had always viewed agriculture as a tradition and its practices had remained at the subsistence level.This had made it very difficult for farmers to make a living out of it, which is why poverty was their lot.

“But the Fadama project has changed that. Our farmers have now understood the magic of viewing agriculture as a business and currently, a new class of agro-business men and women is emerging.

“The crop farmers, the vegetable

farmers, livestock farmers, fish farmers, agro-processors and the beekeepers, among others, funded, trained and supported by Fadama III across the country, are now smiling to the bank.“The World Bank and the Federal Government deserve a commendation for this wonderful initiative,’’ he said.

Tangni, who was represented by the council’s Secretary, Mr Joshua Barde, said the programme had financially empowered rural dwellers through its numerous wealth creation projects. He called on the Fadama beneficiaries to maintain, sustain and expand their various projects to stand the test of time so that the aim of the programme would be fully achieved.

Earlier, Mr Gideon Dandam, the Plateau Fadama III Co-ordinator, represented by the Public Affairs officer, Mr Raphael Jahkim, charged the Fadama Community Association officials to be committed in the discharge of their duties to ensure the survival of the sub-projects under their associations.

Cattle breeders seek vet clinics •A fisherman with recovered fishing nets from a suspected oil spill site.

Farmers demand demonstration farms

F

ARMERS in Enugu State have called on the government to establish demonstration farms in the three senatorial zones in the state to show farmers the right way to apply the just introduced liquid fertilisers.

The farmers made the call during a workshop organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in conjunction with Global West Company to introduce foliar blend micro-nutrient and micro mix liquid fertilisers.

The farmers noted that such farms would not only act as referral farms but authenticate the effectiveness and efficiency of such products.

Declaring open the workshop, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Martin Anikwe, noted that since agriculture was moving from subsistence to commercial, improved and fast growing inputs were required to boost production and increase income generation for the practitioners.

Anikwe re-stated the need for the farmers to register in the ongoing exercise as it was the only way to procure cheap and improved input, tractors and other agro allied benefits through the growth enhancement scheme of the Federal Government.

He said Enugu State was targeting the registration of one million farmers during the exercise and urged the farmers to form cooperative societies to enable them to access agric loans and

grants easily.

Introducing the product, the Distribution Manager of the firm, Mr Tunde Ajayi, said the product had 16 essential elements required by plants to grow well which the regular NPK did not have.

He said the liquid fertiliser would increase the quantity and quality of farm yields as well as sustain soil nutrients during and after harvest.

Ajayi explained that the product was not injurious to human health and one bottle would be

sold to farmers at N2,500 under the growth enhancement scheme but sold in the open market at N7,000.

According to him, the product is all crop friendly except for fishery and animal husbandry.

Some of the farmers expressed their misgivings about the new product which they said was more technical than the normal fertilisers they were used to.

The participants were urged to educate their colleagues who were unable to attend the training.

T

HE Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has called for the establishment of more veterinary clinics in the country to arrest livestock diseases.

The Benue chapter Chairman of the association, Mr Samuel Utov, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi on Monday.

Utov expressed concern that the issue of veterinary clinics was not being given as much attention as the human healthcare services.

He advised that the clinics should be fully equipped with modern equipment and facilities of international standards so that the health needs of cattle and other animals would be adequately taken care of.

“If the clinics were established, the rate at which animals die would

be greatly reduced and they would be preserved for posterity.”

He equally appealed to the three tiers of government to employ qualified veterinary personnel that who would handle the health needs of livestock to prevent them from extinction.

He observed that the “gross” dearth of livestock personnel in the country was a manifestation of the neglect of livestock production in the country.

He charged cattle breeders not to graze their animals in farmlands or allow them to roam the streets, causing destruction and nuisance.

Utov said the association would liaise with the state government to ensure that herdsmen strictly adhered to the grazing reserves.

Foundation hails Obi on agric policy

A

NON-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Ebube Foundation, has praised Anambra State Governor Peter Obi’s administration for his investment in agriculture, especially the payment of the state’s counterpart funding, which has attracted investment in agriculture from the United States (US).

The foundation’s founder Mr John Nwosu said at a sensitisation seminar organised by the Foundation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development that Obi’s policies had changed the face of agriculture.

He said the event was to educate the populace on the new Federal

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

Government policy on the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) of the Federal Agriculture Ministry.

He said Obi’s investment in agriculture was outstanding and necessitated the American Government to include Anambra in the five states, the US government would be investing in agriculture this year.

The seminar organised for farmers, youths and other segments of the society had speakers from all segments of the agricultural sector commendation speaking on the best ways to empower the youths and farmers.

Ebube foundation, according to

Nwosu, is over three years old and has unconditional investments on youths and women especially widows in educational scholarship, business, entrepreneurial development and empowerment as well as food and cash apostolate.

He announced that the event training was empower the beneficiaries on agro dealings and its benefits. He said youth empowerment goes beyond giving money without any proper training. He added that funds with adequate training makes the difference.

The foundation hemlsman pointed out that government alone could not do the empowerment hence his group is reaching out to assist.

•Gov Obi

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

53

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 21-3-13

Nestle, Dancem, Guinness add N50b to market cap

S

UBSTANTIAL gains by three highly capitalised stocks-Nestle Nigeria Plc, Dangote Cement Plc and Guinness Nigeria Plc, braced the market at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), lifting market capitalisation by N50 billion.

Against the background of negative opening position, the three highly capitalised stocks mitigated losses by several stocks and orchestrated gains by several others to return the market position to the positive.

Large-cap manufacturing companies led the bullish rally with banks caught between apprehensions and expectations on their earnings reports. Banking stocks, though still the most active, were evenly spread between gainers and losers, indicating the tightness of the market in the subsector.

Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Nestle Nigeria, stock market’s highest-priced stock, led the advancers with a gain of N36 to close at N870. Dangote Cement, market’s most capitalised stock, followed with a gain of N2.89 to close at N150.

Guinness Nigeria placed third with a gain of N2 to close at N267. Three other stocks- Presco, PZ Cussons Nigeria and Unilever Nigeria, gathered N1.20, 60 kobo and 49 kobo to close at N25, N40.50 and N53.50 respectively.

With these and sundry gains by 20 other stocks, aggregate market capitalisation of all equities recovered to N10.676 trillion from its opening value of N10.626 trillion. The main common value-based index at the NSE - the All

Share Index (ASI), inched by 0.47 per cent, from 33,207.21 points to 33,361.96 points.

Investors showed keen interests in Access Bank Plc with almost a third of the turnover value staked on the bank’s shares. Access Bank recorded a turnover of 141.98 million shares worth N1.46 billion in 334 deals. The bank’s market consideration firmed up on strong demand to N10.34, indicating increase of 4.0 kobo.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) was the second most active stock with a turnover of 31.70 million shares valued at N443.68 million in 71 deals. Zenith Bank placed third with a turnover of 29.57 million shares worth N631.22 million in 332 deals.

Banking subsector altogether accounted for 289.99 million shares valued at N3.24 billion in 2,214 deals.

Insurance subgroup staged a distant second with a turnover of 38.97 million shares worth N43.02 million in 173 deals.

Total turnover stood at 409.81 million shares worth N4.71 billion in 5,311 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 21-3-13

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

55

MONEY LINK Osun saves N1.4b from pension arrears

O

SUN State has saved N1.4 billion from the payments of the 142 per cent pension arrears due to retirees.

In a statement, the state government said the feat was achieved through the use of Biometric Database created by the Administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

The total pension arrears, N4 billion debt, was left unpaid by the previous administration of Brigadier Olagunsoye Oyinlola. It said Governor Aregbesola accepted to pay this debt last October out of his concerns for the welfare of the senior citizens of the state.

“The first installmental payment (15 per cent), totaling N599 million resulted into a saving of N213 million. The same biometric database system created by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will be used to pay the balance, which will result into additional savings totaling N1.2 billion. The total savings of N1.4 billion would have been paid to un-identified retirees assuming manual system had been used,” the statement said.

Commissioner of Finance, Dr Wale Bolorunduro congratulated the 142 per cent pension arrears recipients, who are senior citizens of the state and promised that the current administration will continue to cater for the welfare of the citizens and residents.

CBN introduces fees on e-Form ‘M’ A LL Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs) will henceforth, pay N1, 500 per declaration of eForm ‘M’, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

In circular to all authorized dealers, CBN Director, Trade and Exchange, W.D Gotring, said this became exigent following the successful deployment of the e-Form ‘M’ on the Nigerian Single Window Trade portal and the commencement of on-line submission of the of the Form ‘M’ by the banking watchdog.

Form ‘M’ should be separated from other bank charges.

The e-Form ‘M’ is completed by importers while bidding for foreign exchange for importation of goods.

Before now, Form ‘M’ was manual, which made it difficult for banks to process forex transactions for their customers. “Prior to the automation, there were delays in handling forex transactions.

Stories by Collins Nweze

He said a charge of N1, 500 as fee per declaration for eForms ‘M’ became effective last December. He said there should be a direct debit of the processing bank’s current account for each declaration, which should be recovered from the customer of the bank. However, the charge on the customer for the e-

Z

ENITH Bank yesterday listed $850 million worth of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) as global depository receipts (GDRs).

The shares were listed at $6.80 apiece, Bloomberg report said. The report said GDR represents 50 ordinary shares, adding that JP Morgan is the depository bank,

N

IGERIA remains an investor’s delight and the next economic giant of Africa, Ecobank Group Chairman, Kolapo Lawson has said.

Speaking at a ‘CEOs Brainstorming Session’ organised

by Ecobank and the World

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

more than $4 billion.

“The GDR will allow us to raise money cheaply in the future,” Emefiele, told CNBC Africa television, adding that Zenith was well capitalised with a capital ratio of 30 per cent.

He said the bank’s operations were focused on Nigeria and he expected plenty of financing opportunities to come from developments in

while Citi is the custodian.

The bank listed 125,000,000 units of the receipts.

Zenith Bank Chief Executive Godwin Emefiele said the listing will allow foreign investors to buy their shares on the LSE and improve liquidity rather than to raise capital immediately.

The lender has a primary listing in Nigeria with a market capitalisation of

Economic Forum on Africa, 2013, he said opening of trade activities and continuous privatization of government assets will result in increased economic efficiency for the country.

He said the event, which was also attended by the Ni-

gerian Economic Submit Group, opened the window for dialogue on the growth prospect for Africa ahead of the 2013 summit in May. According to Mr. Lawson, activities in the power sector coupled with the Petroleum Industry Bill will no

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 21-3-13

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

WEMABANK ROYALEX PRESCO UNITYBNK NESTLE CILEASING UTC NEM CORNERST DANGCEM

1.22 0.79 23.80 0.80 834.00 0.57 0.76 0.88 0.50 147.11

1.34 0.84 25.00 0.84 870.00 0.59 0.78 0.90 0.51 150.00

0.12 0.05 1.20 0.04 36.00 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.01 2.89

AIRSERVICE WAPIC JOHNHOLT MAYBAKER IPWA JAPAULOIL UAC-PROP NEIMETH NAHCO FTNCOCOA

5.00 1.41 1.64 2.50 0.89 0.67 14.90 0.94 7.98 0.57

C/PRICE 4.61 1.34 1.56 2.38 0.85 0.64 14.24 0.90 7.69 0.55

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

350m

150m

150m

155.2

2-7-12

350m

138m

138m

155.8

27-6-12

350m

113m

113m

155.7

22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP NGN EUR

239.4810 212.4997

244.0123 207.9023

245.6422 209.2910

-2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

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) (S/N)

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

Parallel Market

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

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% 11.8%

LOSERS AS AT 21-3-13

O/PRICE

Amount

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

(S/N)

SYMBOL

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

said many CEOs who have succeeded despite some setbacks need to be praised. He warned that the new leadership context in Africa requires successful Global leaders to master strategic agility and build risk resilience.

doubt empower local players and allow effective and optimal utilisation of foreign capital inflow, which have no other optimal investment outlets as at today.

He acknowledged the complexity of the Nigerian business environment, but

Amount

Currency

SYMBOL

the infrastructure and power sectors in Africa’s secondbiggest economy.

Also, a statement from the lender said its listing means that the largest Nigerian bank by tier-1 capital Zenith Bank is now listed in London. The bank joins a vibrant community of 58 emerging market banks listed in London, valued collectively at just under $75 billion.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

There were lots of challenges in tracking transactions done by banks, audit trail.

DATA BANK

Amount N

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

• CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

‘Nigeria remains investor’s delight’

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

K

EYSTONE Bank Limited has partnered School of Media and Communication (SMC), PanAfrican University on the development of Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills course.

The course, the bank said in a statement, would not only improve writing skills but also facilitate proficiency in research as well as critical and skills.

It said: “Seeing the need to help Nigerians make progress in this critical skill area, Keystone Bank Limited is partnering with SMC to promote writing skills among Nigerians. The support by Keystone Bank in 2013 has helped to bring the fee for the course down by 50 per cent so as to make the programme affordable by many more Nigerians.”

The lender added that Nigerians are encouraged to take advantage of the good gesture by the bank to improve their writing skills.

It said challenges in the sector can be overcome with proper attention paid to the teaching and learning of English language in the country, which can greatly enhance writing skills and creativity.

Zenith lists on London Exchange

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

Keystone partners SMC

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 137.90 146.54 0.80 1.14 1.11 100.00 1,000.00 1,780.91 14.66 1.39 1.87 10,695.04

9.08 1.00 137.47 146.06 0.78 1.14 1.09 100.00 1,000.00 1,777.05 13.95 1.33 1.80 10,397.87

• KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.39 0.07 0.08 0.12 0.04 0.03 0.66 0.04 0.29 0.02

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY MARCH 22, 2013

56

NEWS Oyinlola knows fate Tuesday From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

T

HE sacked National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Osun Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, will know his fate on Tuesday at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The scheduled ruling in the application by Oyinlola seeking to stay the January 11 judgment that sacked him by Justice Abdul Kafarati could not hold yesterday.

At the last sitting, the PDP opposed the application seeking to stay the judgment.

Justice Kafarati had voided the nomination of Oyinlola as the candidate of the Southwest zonal chapter of the PDP and his consequent election to the office of the National Secretary at the National Convention in March 2012.

Relying on the order and two separate judgments of the Federal High Court, Lagos that nullified the Southwest zonal congress that produced Oyinlola as candidate, Justice Kafarati held that his nomination and subsequent election were invalid, null and void.

Dissatisfied, Oyinlola approached the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

He also filed a stay of the execution of the judgment at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Moving his application, Oyinlola’s counsel, Awa Kalu (SAN), said his client could no longer be removed as the secretary since the order of the court directing the Southwest zone to conduct a new congress to replace Oyinlola within 21 days was not obeyed.

Kalu said an order, which is “spent is of no legal force and is discharged and made void by effluxion of time.”

Besides, the Senior Advocate argued that Oyinlola could not be guilty of contempt since the suit that led to his removal was not based on contempt but the validity of his nomination.

But the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) maintained a neutral stance.

Its counsel, Wilson Iorshe, urged the court to determine the case on its merit by exercising its “discretion judicially and judiciously.”

However, counsel to the Ogun PDP, Ajibola Oluyede, prayed the court to dismiss the application with cost.

He argued that “it is not in controversy that the applicant (Oyinlola) is no longer the National Secretary. The appellant is a contemnor, until your lordship determines the contempt proceedings he cannot be heard. That application precludes the applicant from making this application he is seeking to move.”

Justice Kafarati adjourned the matter till March 21.

We’ve arrested ‘gang rapists’, say police

T

HE police have unravelled the mystery of the gang rape case, which was alleged to have taken place at the Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) , it was learnt yesterday.

Four men defiled a girl and posted the act on social media.

A report, which was contained in the police newspaper, The Dawn of March 11-24, said policemen have identified the perpetrators of the act, which was committed in 2010.

The act was alleged to have taken place in ABSU and posted online in 2011.

The police said on September 7, last year, detectives from the Rivers State

•Govt: we’ve been vindicated From Ugochukwu UgojiEke, Umuahia

Criminal Investigation Department traced the husband of the victim, whom they identified as Mr. S, to Obite town in Etche Local Government.

The report said Mr. S confirmed that the victim was his wife and that the suspects were from his community.

“After painstakingly tracing the identities of the suspects, they were arrested.

“They are Uchenna Ukulor, Chizoba Nwosu and Nwazuo Nmezi. The fourth is on the run.”

The police said the sus-

pects and the victim’s husband were invited and the video clip was played.

“It was clearly established that three of them with another at large committed the crime. The suspects are Mr. S’ cousins.

“They have been charged to Magistrate’s Court 9, Port Harcourt.”

The Abia State Government said the state has been vindicated by the report.

The chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ugochukwu Emezue, said detractors were behind the castigation of the state.

Emezue said: “They wanted to run both the university and the state down.

“Even when the school and the government said it never took place in the state.

“We should always get our facts right before making any allegation.

“I recall that the coordinator of a rights group said she had spoken with the victim and her mother.

“Some members of the National Assembly are also guilty of this.

“They had castigated both the school and the state and jumped to conclusions.

“Thank God, the government and the university have been vindicated.”

The aide praised the police for the investigation that led to the unravelling of the allegation.

Protest over Ekweremadu’s posters

T

HERE was uproar in Nsukka, Enugu State, yesterday over the posters of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, for the 2015 governorship election.

A group, Leaders of Thought, said it was the turn of Nsukka to produce the governor.

The group said it was surprising that Ekweremadu was nursing the ambition to rule the state, even when his zone would have ruled for 16 years by 2015.

“It was a mindless calculation for political jobbers in their warped imagination to craft the possibility of the governorship seat still remaining in Enugu zone beyond 2015.”

In a statement, entitled: ‘’2015 Campaign Posters of Senator Ike Ekweremadu” by the Chairman of the group’s Elders Committee, Nsukka zone, Maximus

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

Ukuta, the group said: “Nsukka Cultural Zone Elders’ Forum has just met to review the recent political developments in Enugu State, especially as it affects our cultural zone.

“The appearance of the campaign posters of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremmadu, signifying his interest in the governorship race in Enugu State in 2015 engaged our attention.

“Even though these posters were cleared from the streets ; their appearance generated some concern in political circles in the state.

“Nsukka Cultural Zone, which is 52 percent of the voting population in the state, has been held down for the two senatorial zones of old Enugu Zone to have their turn of eight-year tenure each. We want a shot at the governorship seat too.”

Final rites for Pa Durojaye

T

HE final rites for Pa Oseni Adisa Durojaye will hold tomorrow at St. George’s Primary School, Ofatedo, Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State by noon. He was 98 .

He died on August 26, last year and was buried on the same day according to Islamic injunction .

He was a community leader and is survived by children, grand children and great grand children.

Pa. Durojaye was a trader and later a full substantial farmer.

His grandson, Yinka Adebayo, of the Auditing De-

•Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Dave Umahi flanked by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Ifeanyi Ikeh (right) and the state’s Trade Promotion Officer Linus Otubo at the state’s pavilion during the Enugu-International Trade Fair……yesterday

Seven shortlisted for Imo deputy governor’s job EVEN names have been shortlisted as possible successors to embattled Imo State Deputy Governor Jude Agbaso.

A source said besides the Chief of Staff, Eze Madumere, six other persons from Owerri Zone have also been tipped to get the governor’s nod.

Others on the favoured list include the Commissioner for Works, Nick Oparandudu, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Jude Ejiogu and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Soronnadi Njoku.

Others are the Political Adviser to the Governor, P.C Onuoha, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social

S

Group calls for Okorocha’s impeachment

A

GROUP, Save Imo, has submitted a petition to the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Benjamin Uwajumogu, requesting the impeachment of Governor Rochas Okorocha, for alleged misappropriation of public fund and abuse of office.

The group’s National Coordinator, Nze Ebubagu Ekenulo, threatened to sue the Assembly, if it fails to carry out the process, just as it did in the case of Deputy Governor Jude Agbaso.

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

Development Mrs. Ann Dozie and Uche Onyeagocha.

The source said the list of nominees was influenced by assessment of their pedigree and antecedent in the private

“The governor is not above the law; neither is he untouchable for breach of the law and the constitution.

“The House of Assembly owes it as a duty to the people to proceed on the impeachment of the governor.

“We, therefore, rely on your prompt action in this regard to save the Imo people from this monumental abuse of office.”

Okorocha‘s Special Assistant on Media Ebere Uzoukwa said he was not aware of the petition against his boss.

and public sectors.

He said it became imperative to ensure that there was no vacuum in case the deputy governor is removed by the House.

The source said none of the nominees have got the gov-

ernor’s endorsement.

“Although the governor is aware of these likely successors he has not concluded yet but I can authoritatively assure you that the next deputy will come from among these seven people.”

Son seeks out-of-court settlement of Ojukwu’s Will battle

E •The late Durojaye

partment of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Osun State, said his grandfather lived a fulfilled life and will be missed by the family.

MEKA Ojukwu Jnr, the son of the late Biafran w a r l o r d , Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu, yesterday expressed his willingness for an out-ofcourt settlement of the battle for his father’s Will.

The Will has been a subject of controversy among family members since it was read last December.

Ojukwu made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nnewi.

He said: “I strongly believe that this is a matter that can be settled privately. It is not really what can be resolved by talking about it in the public.

“Every day you pick up a newspaper and you read the so-called Ojukwu’s Will feud, it is a blow to my father’s image.

“It brings shame to his name and I am not happy about it. If you love and respect the man Ojukwu, then you should respect his

wishes.

“I had never wanted to go to court at all, but when the other parties went to court we had to respond.

“What we are talking about now in court is not about money as people think.

“We are talking about a man who sacrificed everything for the love of his people and then we come now to argue what seem mundane issues in the public. Things that Eze Igbo Gburugburu

never even cared about.

“My father gave out most of what he had which made the people to love him.

“It is just that there are things that are right and things that are wrong; and a man has to stand for principles and what is right.

“If there are other ways to resolve this amicably, it will be better because at the end of the day we cannot separate ourselves from each other.

We have all been joined together by my father.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

57

NEWS

T

Gunmen kill 20 in Plateau

WENTY people have been killed by gunmen in Jos, Plateau State, when people suspected to be Fulani invaded two villages in Riyom Local Government.

A member representing Riyom Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Daniel Dem, who confirmed the attack, said: “Some armed Fulani have just launched an attack on two villages in my constituency, killing at least 20 people and burning several houses.”

The Chairman of Riyom Local Government, Mr. Sam Gyang Audu, an engineer, who also confirmed the incident, said: “From the figures made available to me by my people, the casualties could be more than 20 because the area under attack is divided

•Nobody died, says CP •Riyom council boss: withdraw soldiers, give us police From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

between Plateau and Kaduna states.”

Police Commissioner Chris Olakpe confirmed the incident, but said no life was lost.

He said: “I am in charge here and I am telling you that no life was lost in Riyom. My men are on ground there, led by the DPO of Riyom. They have restored peace.”

The Chairman of Riyom Local Government has asked the Federal Government to withdraw soldiers from the peacekeeping operation in the area and replace them with police.

He spoke at a news conference in Jos.

The council boss alleged that peace would have been restored to the local government long ago, but for the activities of the soldiers attached to the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis code-named ‘Operation safe haven’.

Audu said: “Having carefully followed the activities of the STF members in Riyom Local Government, the council and its people believe the STF has overstayed its usefulness.

“The call is arising from the unpatriotic activities of some of its personnel in the course of performing their duties.

“We appeal to the Federal Government to set up a machinery to ensure the gradual with-

drawal of soldiers from our locality, replacing them with police and other security agents.

“We believe peace between the Fulani and the Berom can be achieved through dialogue and not by peace enforcement.

“We have enough facts to prove that the STF is not interested in promoting peace between the Fulani and the Berom. It is rather fuelling the conflict, to enable them remain in the state.

“Soldiers should be returned to the barracks to ensure peace in our communities. They are fuelling conflicts, they are behind the protracted crisis between the Fulani and the Berom.”

Alleged forgery: Akume appears without service

F

ORMER Benue State Governor Senator George Akume yesterday appeared before the Federal High Court, Abuja in the case of alleged forgery against him. But he was not served any court service.

The plaintiff, Philip Agbese, accused Akume, the Senate Minority Leader, of forging his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates.

Akume’s counsel Sebastine Hon (SAN), who made a conditional appearance, told Justice Mohammed that the plaintiff did not serve his cli-

Almakura hails Alago, others on peace effort

Abuja

ent with the court processes, but went ahead, making comments in the media.

“The plaintiff has decided not to serve the first defendant. He went to the press and was making comments, so we decided to go to the chief registrar, who gave us today’s (yesterday’s) date.

The plaintiff is granting interviews everywhere without serving the defendants.

“However, we have entered a conditional appearance. We undertake to accept service on behalf of the first defendant because it seems the plaintiff wants to abandon the matter”, Hon told the court.

R •Akume

Other defendants in the suit are the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The judge adjourned the matter till May 7 for mention.

Court remands 11 in prison

From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

GOVERNOR Umaru Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State has hailed the Alago and other ethnic groups for the peaceful co-existence between them.

He urged them not to relent in championing peace.

The governor, who said this when a 23-member Alago Consultative Committee on Peace and Unity, constituted by the Alago Development Association (ADA), visited him at the Government House, Lafia, described them as industrious people, who have been conducting themselves in a peaceful manner.

Almakura, who noted that the Alago have had their fair share of the crisis that engulfed the Nasarawa South Senatorial District recently, lauded them for not taking the law into their hands by launching reprisals.

A statement by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Danjuma Joseph, said the governor further described the Alago as a political force and an instrument of peace in the state, adding: “Peace cannot be enforced by force. If you use force to bring peace, you are bound to fail.”

The controversial lawyer, Nwokorie Samuel Chinedu, who attempted to register African Peoples Congress (APC), appeared for Agbese yesterday.

There was silence in court when the judge asked him if he is the same Chinedu Samuel, which he confirmed.

He said he had just been briefed on the matter.

“The counsel, who is supposed to appear (Amobi Nzelu) is ill and has travelled to the village. He could not come to court, so he called me and asked if I could hold brief for him. I’ve just got to know of the case today and I have not even study the case file,” he told the court.

A

KOGI State Magistrate’s Court yesterday remanded 11 persons in prison custody for alleged criminal conspiracy and thuggery, contrary to sections 97 and 217 of the Penal Code.

Other offences are alleged kidnapping and thuggery, contrary to Section 11 of the Kogi State Act and Prohibition Law of 2010.

The accused are Shaibu Abubakar, Bala Yusuf, Leke Alhaji Shehu, Salihu Ibrahim, Onuche Onoja, Musa Audu, Mark Sunday, Monday Adejoh, Christopher Otuwe, Femi Adebisi and Ojonugwa Daniel.

The prosecutor, Samuel

From Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

Ikutanwa, told the court that on March 20, the accused were arrested by the police following a tip-off that some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who were dissatisfied with the party’s primaries for the chairmanship election in Olamaboro Local Government, were storming Lokoja with weapons to cause disorder.

He said three single barrel guns, one short double barrel gun, three live cartridges, one screw driver and one sword iron were recovered from the accused.

They pleaded not guilty when the content of the FIR

was read to them. Their counsel Mr. Samuel Momoh urged the court to grant them bail.

The prosecutor objected to the bail application on the grounds that investigation was still ongoing and that one of the offences attracted 20 years imprisonment.

He urged the court to remand the accused in prison custody, saying if granted bail, they would interfere in investigation and cause more crisis as the chairmanship election was near.

After listening to the arguments, the Magistrate, Suleiman Abdullahi, remanded the accused in prison custody and adjourned the case till April 18 for hearing.

PDP accused of sponsoring APC factions

G

OVERNOR Umaru Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of sponsoring two factions in the newly-created All Progressive Congress (APC).

The governor, who said this when speaking with reporters in his office in Lafia, accused the PDP of masterminding the controversy over the adoption of the party’s name.

He said four political parties,

From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

namely the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) had written the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of their intention to merge into a mega party, adopting the name, All Progressives Congress (APC).

Almakura said: “The efforts of those behind the formation

of the new mega party cannot be frustrated. Nothing can stop the merger as there is no going back on the name of APC.” On who would emerge as the party’s presidential candidate, he said they are not after that. According to him, the focus of the new party is to ensure that they conclude the merger processes and the party is registered, after which a consensus will be reached on how the presidential candidate will emerge.

Summit Brothers boosts Jumia with •26m

S

UMMIT Brothers, a growth equity firm that invests in rapidly growing companies, has invested • 26million euros in the Jumia brand across Nigeria, Egypt and Morocco, with new funds tailored for setting up more

By Tonia ‘Diyan

ventures across Africa.

The Managing Director and Head of the Summit Partners London, Mr. Scott Collins, said this in a statement.

He said: “We seek to invest in companies around the

world that build long-term value. Jumia had established itself as a fast-growing company, and we are pleased to partner its management team.”

We are excited to be joined

by Summit Partners, a new

Pay NNN workers, says NUJ From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Mohammed Namadi Sambo for facilitating the release of the money, which was part of the government liabilities to the company that were not settled before it was handed over to the 19 northern states in 2006.

Although the management is yet to give any reason for the delay in disbursing the money to the beneficiaries, it was learnt that some old workers of the company had gone to court to restrain the management from using the money to pay salaries and liabilities, insisting that it was meant for pensions and gratuity.

Workers of the NNN have been on an indefinite strike over the non-payment of their salaries.

Rainstorm destroys 50 houses in Kwara

•Controversial APC lawyer in court From Kamarudeen Ogundele,

T

HE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) yesterday urged the management of the Kadunabased New Nigeria Newspapers (NNN) to disburse about N420 million it received from the Federal Government to pay liability, pension and gratuity of its workers.

The union, in a statement signed by the Secretary of the Kaduna State Council of the NUJ, Mr. Dominic Uzu, said it would no longer accept any delay by the management in disbursing the money to the workers, as doing so would be counterproductive.

The union lamented that four weeks after the money was paid into the company’s account with Unity Bank, the management had refused to disburse it to the beneficiaries.

It hailed Vice-President

investor that shares our aspirations for Africa’s e-commerce. This investment allows us to offer new categories of products, strengthen our operations, deliver to our customers even faster and recruit the best talent.”

AINSTORM on Wednesday destroyed 50 houses at OmuAran in Kwara State and rendered some residents homeless.

The heavy rain, which began some minutes after 6pm and lasted about an hour, left some of the houses with either their roofs blown off or walls partially pulled down.

Eyewitnesses said a middle-aged man was injured when the wall of his house gave way.

The man, whose name was not given, was reportedly taken to a nearby private hospital for treatment.

Also affected by the storm were schools, hospitals, churches and filling stations.

Some of the affected residents were forced to seek refuge in the houses of relatives not affected by the storm.

The majority of the victims, who were seen making frantic efforts to salvage their belongings, regretted the incident and appealed to the government for assistance.

The problem was compounded by an outage in the area.

The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, described the incident as unfortunate and appealed to the government to assist the people to cushion the effects of the rainstorm.

“We are particularly saddened by this unfortunate incident and we take it as an act of God. Our appeal is for the

government to come to our aid and assist the people in alleviating the effects of the destruction,” the monarch said.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Razak Adebayo, said the command was taking stock of the incident.

The Secretary, Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), Mr. Bidemi Olawuyi, urged the residents to be calm and render assistance to those affected by the incident.

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PUBLIC NOTICE THE ROYAL APOSTOLIC RESTORATION OUTREACH The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja under part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act N0 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EVANGELIST STEVEN I. AMADI 2. PASTOR OKECHUKWU IGWE 3. BROTHER EZE GRAHAM 4. ELDER AUGUSTINE N. IROHA 5. ELDER VINCENT B. OTTO 6. DEACONESS MARYANNE F. I. ASO 7. ELDER PRINCE BENNETT O. NDU OBJECTIVES 1. To propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Any Objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Evangelist Steven I. Amadi (07039669380)

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22 , 2013

58

NEWS Troops swoop on Benin River From Shola O’Neil, Warri

T

ROOPS suspected to be members of the Joint Task Force (JTF), code-named ‘Operation Pulo Shield’, yesterday swooped on the Benin River area of Delta State as tension grows between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups.

The Egbema Ijaw are locked in a war of words with their Itsekiri neighbours in Warri North Local Government over the allocation of political offices.

A similar conflict between the age-long neighbours in Warri South West Local Government led to the seven-year Warri crisis in 1997.

Sources said gunboats and troops were patrolling the waterways, a development that fuelled fears of violence in the oil-rich area.

The JTF spokesman, Lt. Colonel Onyeama Ugochukwu could not be reached for comments.

But a JTF source said the troops are after criminals.

“We are determined to ensure that there is no hiding place for criminals hiding under any guise. We are searching for criminals; law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear. They should go about their business.”

4,130 policemen for Bayelsa council polls

F

OUR thousand, one hundred and thirty policemen will be deployed in tomorrow’s council polls in Bayelsa State.

The Commissioner of Police, Linus Omire, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa that the command will provide security for the council polls.

“The Inspector-General of Police called me yesterday and he said “CP Omire, are you prepared for the elections? I hope you have put things in place? My answer was yes.

“We are prepared for the elections; we have enough materials to work with, the only area we have challenges is inadequate manpower but the IG has ordered several units of the mobile police to come from other states.

“They will arrive today. So, I am not expecting any challenge, even the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of the zone is also coming to assist.

“We have a little over 5,000 men and of this 5,000 , I expect at least 3,500 men to carry arms.”

Youths stop project inauguration

O

FFICIALS of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) were on Wednesday chased away from the inauguration of the ObazogbeAbudu road project at Orhiomwon Local Government Area of Edo State.

Youths from several communities in the locality stormed the venue with placards, saying the project was not completed.

The youths, led by Felix Oshodin, said the 24km project terminated at Abudu and not Obagie, where the contractor stopped work.

Canopies and seats were arranged for the entourage of the NDDC Managing Director while musicians and cultural troupe from Benin were entertaining guests,

•NDDC: they may have been sponsored From Osagie Otabor, Benin

when the protesters stormed the venue.

The refreshments to be served were taken back to Benin by NDDC officials and the protesters waited till the canopies were brought down.

Inscriptions on the placards read: “No to commissioning of roads”; “Our road is yet to be completed”; “The 24km road ends in Abudu”; ”We will not allow the commissioning of half road”; “Federal Government should come to our aid”; “We say no to embezzlement of public funds”; “We will not allow cheating again”; “The contractor should do a good job”.

The monarch of Obazagbon, Moses Omobude, said a borehole and electricity projects being executed by NDDC for the past seven years are yet to be completed.

“How can they inaugurate a road yet to be completed? The slabs on the gutter leading to our houses are yet to be covered,” he said.

The Enogie of Ugboko, Solomon Ojiomade, urged the NDDC to complete the project before inauguration.

He said, “The era of deceit is over. If we allow them to inaugurate the half job, they might not come to complete the job again.”

Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG) Julius Ihonvbere welcoming District Governor, Lions Club, Samuel Ekpuk to the Governor’s Office...yesterday

‘Re-visit Inheritance bill’ From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

M

EMBERS of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Rivers State have called on the House of Assembly to revisit the bill on Women’s Inheritance Right dropped since last year.

The Chairperson, Eucharia Somieari-Pepple, made the call at an event to mark the group’s Silver Jubilee celebration in Port Harcourt, the state capital, yesterday.

Mrs. Pepple said the bill would reposition women and foster national progress and development in politics, education and economy.

The representative of Obio/Akpor Constituency 2, Okechukwu Chinda, last year, sponsored a bill to give women rights to inherit property from their fathers even after marriage.

The bill was set aside by the lawmakers after the public hearing.

School launches Internship Centre

T

HE Niger Delta University (NDU) has launched Nigeria’s first Internship Centre at a seminar titled: “Blending Academic Pursuits with Career, Entrepreneurship and Workplace Development”.

The Centre, based at the University’s Entrepreneurship facility, will provide on-campus internship to all final-year students in entrepreneurship and vocational skills.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof Humphrey Ogoni said the goal of the Centre was to ensure that students graduate with two certificates; one in the chosen field of study and the other in entrepreneurship. The Internship Centre will also equip them for the competitive job market.

The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Science, Technology and Manpower Development, Dame Didi Walson Jack, said the centre was an important platform for ensuring that graduates are employable and become employers of labour.

The Internship Centre is supported by Afrigrants Resources and will be implemented as a Public Private Partnership initiative.

‘Don’t name school after monarch’

W

OMAN activist Rita Lori Ogbebor yesterday chided the Delta State Government for attempting to name the school it built on a disputed land after the Olu of

Warri.

She said naming the school after the monarch would amount to dragging the monarch into the dispute over the land between Okere Community and the Delta State Government.

Ms Ogbebor made her position known in a letter to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 11 yesterday.

The government and the community are in a legal battle over a landed property, which the Itsekiri want for their cultural centre but the government prefers for a model school project.

The activist argued that the attempt to name the school built by the government on the disputed land was a calculated ploy to blackmail the Okere people.

She warned that naming the school after the monarch would make it an open sore that would continue to hurt the Okere people.

She wrote: “If Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is really patriotic, he should imitate what ex-Governor James Ibori did in his village (Oghara), where he built a secondary school, a polytechnic, a university and a teaching hospital.

“He should do the same and put the name of the Olu. That is what befits your name-not a controversial model school.”

A NDDC bill board on the road showed that the project was Obazogbe-Abudu road but the commission’s Director, Project Monitoring and Supervision, Alexander Okenwa, said the scope of the project awarded has been completed.

Okenwa, who spoke in Benin City, yesterday said the first phase terminated at 24km.

He said he wanted to use the opportunity to appeal to the MD to consider awarding the remaining few kilometres.

“The project was done to specification. I think the protesters might have been sponsored to stop us.”

Cross River, Kogi, five others hailed for polio eradication

R

ECEIVING the final report of the Nigeria Immunisation Leadership Challenge on governors’ commitment to polio eradication, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) yesterday named seven states that have done very well towards eradicating the disease.

According to the Forum, one winner emerged from each of the geo-political zone on the ‘Best performing category’.

They are: Southwest (Ondo), Southsouth (Cross River), North Central (Kogi), Southeast (Anambra), Northeast (Borno), Northwest (Zamfara).

Niger State emerged as the winner of the ‘Most improved category’.

The governors also received the Peer Review Reports of Anambra and Ekiti states from the Steering Committee, headed by Justice Muhammed Uwais(rtd) Reading the communiqué at the end of the meeting, NGF Chairman and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi said: “We, the governors of the 36 states, at our fourth meeting of the year held on March 20 at the Rivers State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja, deliberated over a number of policy issues and resolved as follows: “Forum received the final report of the Nigeria Immunisation Leadership Chal-

•122 cases reported last year, says Panel From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

lenge on Governors’ commitment to polio eradication, which involved recognition of the best performing state in each geo-political zone and the overall most improved state in the campaign for the eradication of polio in Nigeria.

“Best performing categories are Southwest (Ondo), Southsouth (Cross River), North Central (Kogi), Southeast (Anambra), Northeast (Borno), Northwest (Zamfara). The most improved category is Niger.

“Forum received the Peer Review Reports of Anambra and Ekiti states. The main findings were presented by the Steering Committee, led by the Chairperson, Justice Muhammed Uwais (rtd) during which many key findings and commendable practices were highlighted.

The steering committee also outlined few areas that require improvements.”

“Finally, members renewed their commitment to the State Peer Review Mechanism process and directed the Secretariat to make reports of these states available to the public.”

Two members of the in-

dependent judging panel of the Polio Challenge, Dr. Oyewale Tomori of Redeemer’s University and Mr. Shehu Sule, a retired Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health had earlier briefed the Forum.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado Mohammad, was also with the team.

According to them, the scores of the leading states are Ondo (91 per cent), Cross River (83 per cent), Kogi (81 per cent), Anambra (76 per cent), Borno (72 per cent), Zamfara (60 per cent) and Niger (58 per cent).

Each of them is to get $500,000 for the award.

“Ondo State demonstrated the highest performance nationally, achieving 91per cent of the maximum possible score.

Four of the six top performing states in this category did not report any wild poliovirus cases last year.

Although Borno reported eight wild poliovirus cases last year, the state’s high level of performance despite facing significant security challenges in 2012 was particularly commendable.

“All of the highest performing states reported over 70 per cent measles coverage last year and many showed significant improvement over 2011 coverage rates.

“Commendable best practices were evident in the high performing states as well as in Imo, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Lagos and Ogun states.

“There were 122 cases of wild poliovirus reported in Nigeria last year, up from 62 in 2011 and just 21 in 2010.

“So far, eight cases have been reported in Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.”

Speaking on the reports at the end of the meeting, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi said: “They are positive reports. One says there has been a cut in the increase in polio affected- people in the country and that all states are doing very well, even though there is room for improvement.

“With respect to the Peer Review process, Anambra and Ekiti put themselves forward.

“The Steering Committee, led by Justice Uwais, came to brief us on the result of that exercise which has taken them one year to compile.”

“It clearly indicates that there are a number of commendable practices that are worthy of emulation in those two states just as there are areas of improvement.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

59

NEWS

ACN: Fed Govt must tame Boko Haram “

I

T is time for stakeholders in the country to act decisively to stem an impending national catastrophe,” the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) advised yesterday when condemning Monday’s suicide bombing in Kano in which innocent citizens were killed and maimed.

In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said it would be futile to expect that the Federal Government could end the crisis.

According to the ACN spokesman, developments have shown that the Federal Government has neither the vision nor the capacity to tackle terrorism.

The statement reads: “As we commiserate with the victims of this senseless act and their families, we will like to say that this is the time for sober reflection and restraint, and that leaders of thought must come together, formally or informally,

‘There are two kinds of war that a nation can hardly survive: religious and ethnic war’

By Precious Igbonwelundu

to avert a national calamity that will not spare anyone.”

The ACN urged religious, ethnic and political leaders to call for restraint in their domains, “especially when the end-gamers behind these senseless killings are bent on setting Nigerians against themselves.”

It went on: “There are two kinds of war that a nation can hardly survive: religious and ethnic war. A combination of both can only spell doom for any country, hence we must move today to prevent our nation from being plunged into religious and ethnic war, which seems to be the intention of the anarchists behind the worsening orgy of killings in our country.

“We also call on our leaders at all levels to exercise caution in their statements, so as not to incite one group against the other. This is because we have heard the drums of war being beaten by some easily excitable leaders, at a time that requires utmost restraint.

“We noted with gross disappointment that the recent escalation in the senseless attacks in the North follows the unstatesman-like display by President Goodluck Jonathan when he paid a belated visit to the states that have now become the epicentre of the Boko Haram crisis.

“We have said this before and we hereby repeat it. The President’s display of anger, instead of temperance, at his testy meeting with communi-

ty leaders during his visit, is like pouring petrol on a naked fire.

It will definitely result in conflagration, the type of which we are now witnessing.

“The President, forgetting that he is the father of the nation, chose to talk down on people, who are themselves victims of the Boko Haram violence as anyone else.

“Where soothing words were required, he chose to inflame passion with unnecessary vituperation. Here we are!

“We have also warned, as many are now doing, that it is time for the government to explore other options, including engagement, instead of the outright use of force in ending the crisis.

“This is because the use of force in itself has never resolved any crisis. Even parties that have gone to war must still come back and talk! It is not too late to change tactics, unless some folk’s are benefitting from these senseless killings.”

Reps insist Oteh must go

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HE House of Representatives yesterday stuck to its guns on its resolution that the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh, should be sacked.

This is coming three days after President Goodluck Jonathan expressed dissatisfaction at the non-inclusion of the appropriation for SEC in the 2013 budget.

The resolution of the House followed the passage of a motion of urgent importance raised

by Garba Datti, who flayed what he called “blatant disre-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

gard of the resolutions of the House by the Executive.”

The House first took the stance last year when it adopted the report and recommendations of the Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi-headed Adhoc Committee, which probed the near collapse of the capital market.

The lawmakers had asked President Jonathan time to sack the SEC boss because she did not possess requisite qualifications to head the regulatory commission.

But, the President has ignored the resolution and faulted the decision of the National Assembly not to allocate funds to SEC in the 2013 appropriation, adding that it would have a negative impact on the capital market operations.

The House went a step further yesterday by mandating its Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure the Executive’s compliance with the resolution and report within three weeks.

Datti, while moving the motion, said: “Most of these resolutions, though products of

motions, hinge on fundamental public duty placed on public officers by the Constitution under the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy.”

According to him, the motion “urging the removal of Ms Oteh, for instance, was hinged on the fact that her appointment as the director-general of the Securities Exchange Commission was a gross violation of the Commission’s Act, as she does not possess the minimum professional qualification prescribed for appointment to that position.”

NEC approves sharing of $2b Excess Crude cash Continued from page 4

spect of agreed list of levies/ charges, *A proper template for the implementation of the recommendations to be designed by the National Planning Commission in conjunction with the relevant agencies.”

The Council also considered a report on multiple taxation and its effects on the Nigerian economy presented by Dankwambo as Chairman of a Technical Committee on review of multiple taxation.

The key recommendations of the report included: “Review and amendment of the taxes and levies; outlawing of

the use of unorthodox means to collect taxes and levies; automation of tax operations by relevant tax authorities to eliminate leakages and ensure ease of collection.”

Other are that “tax authorities are to respect the provisions of the law on the use of consultants for tax assessment and collection; and to publish the approved list of taxes and levies within the states and local governments to educate the public and facilitate compliance.”

The Council adopted the recommendations and mandated the National Planning Commission to work with the proposed committee to work

out a blueprint for implementation.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Mr James Olotu, also briefed the Council on the power projects.

The Council then endorsed the recommendation for more investment in the sector to address transmission capacity needed for effective evacuation of generated power and harness the 20,000MW hydro power capacity, which remains largely untapped.

It also set up a committee headed by Cross River Governor Mr. Liyel Imoke, which is saddled with the final recommendations to be present-

Senate shut as Mark, Ekweremadu lead Fed Govt delegation on foreign trip From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

T

HE Senate did not sit yesterday following the absence of Senate President David Mark and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.

While Mark travelled to Ecuador as head of the Nigerian delegation to the 128 Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Ekweremadu went to the United Kingdom to represent President Goodluck Jonathan at the inauguration of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Ekweremadu was reported to have been nominated by President Jonathan to represent him at the inauguration.

Before the Senate adjourned on Wednesday, Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba announced that the Senate would not sit on Thursday because Ekweremadu would lead the Federal Government delegation to the inauguration of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Following the absence of the two principal officers, the Senate adjourned plenary on Wednesday to reconvene on March 26.

Mark reportedly travelled on March 19, leading Nigerian lawmakers to participate in the 128th IPU Assembly holding in Quito, Ecuador.

The 128th IPU is said to focus on economic and social situation in the world under the theme: ‘Unrelenting growth to purposeful development, new approaches, new solutions’.

Defence training school now Defence Intelligence College

T

HE Defence Headquarters has approved the renaming of the Defence Training College as the Defence Intelligence College, with effect from March 1, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Sanni Audu, has said.

He spoke yesterday in Abuja at the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the National Security Training Seminar and the Advanced Defence Intelligence Officers Course at the college.

Maj-Gen. Audu said approval had also been given to establish the Medical Intelligence Unit and Joint Military Attaché School to prepare potential Defence Advisers and Attachés for diplomatic duties before they report to their mission.

He said the agency was determined to ensure that the Defence Intelligence College fulfilled its mandate as being the apex institution for defence intelligence training not only in Nigeria but Africa.

Maj.-Gen. Audu said for intelligence officials to function effectively, those saddled with the responsibility should have the requisite knowledge and skill acquired through qualitative education and training.

“It is for this reason that the Defence Intelligence College is transforming into a full-fledged educational institution.

“The agency is poised more than ever, to provide qualitative education and transform the fortunes of the entire intelligence community,’’ Maj.-Gen. Audu said.

Prophet Obadare dies at 85 Continued from page 1

•Akpabio

ed at the next NEC meeting.

Other members of the committee included the Governors of Gombe, Katsina, Kaduna, Ekiti, Benue, Anambra and Ministers of Finance, Power, Water Resources, National Planning and the Chief Executive of NDPHC.

an example of the marching on of a saint.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Eni Akinsola, Mimiko likened Obadare’s life, ministry and influence to those of saints.

“In his way of life, concern for the lost soul and uplifting of the name of God, Obadare stands tall among the prophets of his generation and broke barriers that health attempted to place on his way.

He was consistent and controlled, aggressive yet unobstructive and had no pretensions about his faith and God. It reads: “Prophet Obadare made the life of the poor and the down trodden his and helped many re-discover their connections to God His strident cries against sin and

warnings to those departing from what is right and just will be sorely missed.”

In Ibadan, news of his death filtered threw numbers of the CAC and his followers.

He succeeded the founder, Prophet Ayo Babalola, having served under him faithfully for years before he (Babalola) died.

He held the position of the General Evangelist of the church until his death.

Baba liked standing for the truth. He was generous and offered purposeful leadership.

He reached out to the poor. We are really going to miss him,” a church leader said.

The cleric relocated five years ago to the United States of America (USA)to attend to his health only to return to his Akure base late last year.

Why suicide bombers struck in Kano, by SSS Continued from page 4

Alhaji Ado Bayero, who himself was a victim of the insurgent group, stressed that “something is missing in this whole cycle of violence, and feel that government should do more to fish out the real people behind the orgy of violence. Nigerians are living harmoniously both in Kano and, I believe, all over the federation, regardless of tribe and religion but all of a sudden we find ourselves in this. As a matter of fact, government should wake up and confront the challenge.”

The revered emir added: “In my fair assessment, Ni-

geria is in a serious situation.

The killings everyday of citizenry will certainly not auger well with the nation and that is why I believe strongly that somebody is behind this, which demand that government must fish out whoever is behind it now’.

The Emir, however, expressed concern over the non implementation of position paper submitted to the Presidency by the Northern Elders some eight months ago despite the assurance to do so.

The Northern Elders Forum, through Alhaji Yusif Maitama Sule, had earlier complained to the emir over

non implementation of a position paper the Forum submitted to the Presidency on effective way to resolve the crisis in the North.

The elders who had earlier visited emir included Justice Mustahpa Akanbi, Yahya Kwande, Sheik Lemu, Paul Unongo, Airmarshal Lamis Dagash, John Washfam, Sani Zangon Daura, General ABDUrAHAMN Dambazau and many others.

Moro told Governor Kwankwaso: “We are here as a delegation of the Federal Government at the instance of President Goodluck Jonathan to commiserate with you, government and people of

Kano State over the unfortunate bomb blast that shook the foundation of this state and claimed so many lives and property.

“I am to convey to you the heartfelt condolences of Mr. President and the people of Nigeria over this unfortunate incident and to say that Mr President is saddened by the fact that in spite of spirited and determined efforts by government to contend the security challenges, this conflict continues to rear its ugly head occasionally’.

The Minister also told Kwankwaso that the President ‘particularly has asked him to request that this sin-

gular incident should still be resolved by the Nigerian people to ensure that we mitigate the consequences of this crisis and take steps to stamp them out.

“He added that cases of wanton destruction of lives and properties, which took years to put in place would no longer be acceptable and called on “all of us, government at all tiers and levels, Nigerians and friends of Nigerians to accept the reality that security is a joint responsibility of everybody and that he would want to seek your support and assistance in ensuring that this violence is addressed.”

Kwankwaso expressed dismay over the tribal sentiment attached to the incident, saying that from the list of 25 victims at the hospitals, majority were natives.

Kwankwaso said both Christians and Muslims have been praying for the return of peace and unity in the state.

He said it is regrettable that Politicians in Abuja have started politicising the issue for cheap political goals, adding that it is a wrong thing to do.

“We are already collecting names of those who died in the attack and from what we see, they may comprise of mostly natives and people from this part of the country.”

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22 , 2013

FOREIGN NEWS Australia apologises for forced adoptions

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USTRALIAN Prime Minister Julia Gillard has delivered a historic national apology in parliament to the thousands of unwed mothers who were forced by government policies to give up their babies for adoption over several decades.

More than 800 people cried and cheered as they listened to the apology in the Great Hall of Parliament House on Thursday. They responded with a standing ovation when it was finished.

A national apology was recommended a year ago by a senate committee that investigated the impacts of the nowdiscredited policies.

Unwed mothers were pressured, deceived and threatened into giving up their babies from World War II until the early 1970s so they could be adopted by married couples, which was perceived to be in the children’s best interests, the committee report found.

“Today this Parliament on behalf of the Australian people takes responsibility and apologises for the policies and practises that forced the separation of mothers from their babies, which created a lifelong legacy of pain and suffering,’’ Gillard told the audience.

“We acknowledge the profound effects of these policies and practises on fathers and we recognise the hurt these actions caused to brothers and sisters, grandparents, partners and extended family members,” she said.

“We deplore the shameful practises that denied you, the mothers, your fundamental rights and responsibilities to love and care for your children,’’ she added.

Gillard committed $5m to support services for affected families and to help biological families reunite.

Iran will destroy Israeli cities if attacked, says Khamenei

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RAN’s most powerful authority said the Islamic Republic would destroy the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa if Israel launched a military attack against it.

“At times the officials of the Zionist regime (Israel) threaten to launch a military invasion but they themselves know that if they make the slightest mistake the Islamic Republic will raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said during an address, broadcast live on state television.

Obama urges Palestinians to drop settlement precondition

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RESIDENT Barack Obama has urged Palestinians to drop their demands for a freeze in Israeli settlement building as a precondition for peace talks.

Speaking in Ramallah after talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Mr Obama said settlement activity was “not appropriate for peace”.

He stressed his commitment to a two-state solution, but said both sides may have to “push through” disagreements.

Later, he told Israelis they had a “partner for peace” in Mr Abbas.

In a speech to students in Jerusalem, he said Israel was “at a crossroads”, but must “reverse an undertow of isolation” and recognise that compromise was necessary for peace.

“Just as Israelis built a state in their homeland, Palestinians have a right to be a free people in their own •Obama and Mahmoud Abbas at a joint press conference in Ramallah, West Bank...yesterday land,” he said, urging the audience to “look at the Thursday that “we do not con- on both sides”, such prob- minder of how complex the world through their eyes”. sider continued settlement ac- lems could not be used “as region’s most intractable conThe building of Israeli tivity to be constructive, to be an excuse to do nothing”, he flict is and also of how Mr settlements on Palestinian appropriate, to be something said.

Abbas does not speak for all land has been the major that can advance the cause of After several hours of Palestinians. Militants fired stumbling block in the peace peace”. talks Mr Obama told report- rockets into Israel from process, with Palestinians But he added: “If the expec- ers that he remained deeply Gaza where Mr Abbas’ rilong insisting it must stop tation is that we can only have committed to an indepen- vals Hamas are in power. Mr completely before stalled direct negotiations when ev- dent state of Palestine. But Obama is spending just a talks can restart. erything is settled ahead of Palestinians will be sceptical. few hours in the West Bank Mr Obama has previously time, then there is no point Such words have been ut- before heading back to Isbacked that view and told refor negotiations.” tered before. rael. Gaza is not on the itinporters in Ramallah on While there were “irritants Today there was a re- erary.

LENTEN TALK Rev. Henry O. Adelegan

Theme: Going to the other side Text: Mark 4:35

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HE word of God is law. It can never be contradicted or hindered (Ezekiel 12:25a). “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.” ( Numbers 23:19-20) From our text, Jesus Christ informed His disciples of their transition to the other side. The main reason for going was to go and free a great Evangelist that was bound by the devil and debarred from fulfilling life’s purpose as a minister to Decapolis, a district of 10 cities east of Jordan and south of the sea of Galilee. ( Mark 5:1-20).

On their way there however, a great storm arose to debar them from this great assignment and the disciples were affrighted ostensibly because they knew they were face to face with death but they were also livid with rage that Jesus Christ was sleeping and seemed to care less about what was about to befall them.

When they woke Jesus up, He rebuked the wind and followed it up by rebuking the disciples for their lack of faith. He rebuked them because having stayed with him for years, they ought to have known that whatever He has said must surely come to pass. If He had told them that they were going to the other side, there would have been no storm, witches, wizards, familiar spirits that would have had the capacity to over-rule Him ( Colossians 1:1617).

Brethren, has God made a promise to you directly this year about going to the other side in terms of promotion, good health, abundance, favor, open doors and open heavens or has a word been revealed to you from the Scriptures that a storm is trying to mess around with? Please have faith in God ( Hebrews 11:6) and all that He promised will come to pass (2 Corinthians 1:20). Though the promise tarry, yet it shall surely come to pass. You are unstoppable by any power in heaven, earth or below the earth (Philippians 2:10). You are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37) and great shall your end be in Jesus’ name.

As the Lord lives and during this season of Lent, all His promises for your life shall come to fruition, where He is taking you, you shall get there and no power shall hinder you. You shall transit to the other side in relation to blessings and by the first half of this year, you will say of a truth that the Lord is good.

Prayers: Father, I come to you in faith this day. I am looking up to you and not the prevailing storm that is challenging my testimonies. Oh Lord, speak a word to my situation and take me to the other side to bear numerous testimonies in Jesus’ name.

• Queen Elizabeth with Mike Brown, managing director of London Underground, as she inspects a tube train during her visit to Baker Street underground station in London to mark the 150th anniversary of the London Underground.

PHOTO: REUTERS

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African leaders invited to White House are reducing poverty through HE four African leadmembers of MCC sustainable economic ers invited by United

States President Barack Obama for a meeting are members of the American government-established Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

MCC is a partnership between U.S. government and some of the world’s poorest countries.

The corporation was established by the U.S. Congress in January 2004 with strong bipartisan support.

MCC is a prime example of smart U.S. government assistance in action, benefitting both developing countries and U.S. taxpayers through competitive selec-

tion, country-led solutions and country-led implementation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the leaders, who were from Sierra Leone, Senegal, Malawi and Cape Verde are expected to meet Obama March 28.

In Africa the members, among others, are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Malawi and Liberia. Nigeria is not a member of MCC. Other members of the MCC are Albania, Armenia, El Salvador, Georgia, Guyana, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova and Mongolia.

NAN learnt that the discussions for the four African Presidents invited to see Obama are likely to centre on MCC projects and other related issues.

Reacting to media reports that Nigeria had been excluded from the list of four countries for the meeting, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the U.S., Prof.

Ade Adefuye said MCC formed partnership with some of the world’s poorest countries.

According to him, MCC provides countries with large-scale grants to fund country-led solutions for

growth.

He added that MCC grants complement other U.S. and international development programmes.

The envoy, however, said that the proposed meeting had been planned and agreed months ago, adding that the four countries have one thing or the other in common.

“They had just concluded elections and processes involving smooth transfer of power. All these happened within the last four months.

In the case of Cape Verde and Senegal, it involved defeat of the ruling party.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22 , 2013

62

NEWS

INEC invites ACN,CPC, ANPP leaders for talks on APC

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has invited merger parties for talks today on the controversy surrounding the formation of proxy African Peoples Congress (APC) and the All Patriotic Citizens.

But the merger parties yesterday wrote INEC on why they cannot honour the invitation.

They claimed that all their leaders cannot be immediately available for the meeting due to what was attributed to “logistic challenge of calling all the leaders to converge on Abuja.”

The merger parties are Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC); the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a part of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

The three main opposition parties on February 6, merged into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But two groups, allegedly sponsored by some members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emerged to file applications for registration of proxy African Peoples Congress and All Patriotic Citizens with the acronym APC. The merger parties however insisted that APC remains their “Intellectual property”.

It was gathered that the merger parties last week sought audience with INEC on the alleged “fraud” and official fraud trailing the proxy APCs. But the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, was said to be away in

South Africa on official assignment.

But as part of moves to resolve the crisis, investigation revealed that INEC on Wednesday sent a letter of invitation to the merger parties for talks.

A highly-placed source said: “INEC has written the merger parties for an audience on Friday. The letter of invitation was actually sent on Wednesday. The essence is to interact with these parties on observations they had made on the use of the acronym APC. “But in a reply to INEC, the merger parties said they cannot honour the invitation because most of its leaders are not around.

“So, as at 9pm on Thursday, it was apparent that the meeting might not hold.”

Another source said: “ I think the merger parties are uncomfortable with the

Rep Suleiman replaces Lawan as education committee chairman

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•Prof Jega

short notice given by INEC on such a sensitive matter like this.

“These parties are also unsure if the INEC meeting would be attended by the so-called representatives of the proxy APCs because the invitation letter was inexplicit.

“These opposition leaders do not want to confer legitimacy on usurpers, who are trying to abuse the nation’s party system.”

Civil society groups ask Jonathan to protect Maina

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IVIL Society Groups yesterday in Abuja protested outside the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja, against alleged witch-hunt of the embattled Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Mr. Abdul-Rasheed Maina.

Operating under the aegis of the Civil Society Action Coalition, they accused the Senate and the security agencies of undue intimidation and harassment of Maina.

They urged President Goodluck Jonathan to protect Maina so as to continue with the good job he had done in the pension reform.

They carried placards with various inscriptions, such as “the Senate is silent on the pension thieves, yet they hound Maina. Leave Maina

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

alone”.

“Where are the pension thieves in your office? Tell Nigerians.”

“Senate, please do not embrace corruption, leave Maina alone.”

The convener of the protest, Abdul Mahmud, in a statement made available to reporters called on patriotic Nigerians to look at Maina’s travails beyond the claims of corruption levelled against him by the Senate and locate the basis of the harassments and hounding within the context of the war that corruption wages against those who fight it.

“For those who doubt the legacies of Abdulrasheed

Maina, we can only ask them to cast their minds back to where we were four years ago. We can also ask them to remember that senior citizens of our country, otherwise known as pensioners, no longer die on the endless verification queues designed by the syndicate of thieves.

“Today, senior citizens receive their pension as at when due and paid directly into their various bank accounts as put in place by the Maina Task Team on Pension Reform,” the statement added.

Mahmud told reporters that Maina had shown tremendous capacity for doing what is right and working for the good of the Nigerian

public and appealed that those who are aggrieved over Maina’s action should stop vilifying and instigating his arrest for no just cause.

Also speaking at the rally, the Chairman of the Arewa Integrity Groups, Comrade Abdulahi Ladan, dismissed the condemnation of Maina by the Senate, adding also that the condemnation has no basis because Maina used his clout to recover over N250 billion that would have gone down the drain.

He told newsmen that the Senate allegation that N195 billion could not be accounted for by Maina’s Task Force was spurious, baseless and unwarranted because Maina was not with the task team then.

HE embattled Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Education, Far ouk Lawan (PDPBagwai/Shanono) was yesterday replaced by Rep Aminu Suleiman (PDPKano).

House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal announced this yesterday in Abuja.

No reason was given for the replacement of Lawan who had headed the committee for more than 12 years, having been a ranking member since1999.

The House suspended Lawan last year in the wake of the 620 million dollars alleged bribery between him and a Nigerian business man Chief Femi

Otedola.

Mr Boniface Emenalo, the Secretary of the ad hoc committee investigating the fuel subsidy regime and Lawan have since been arraigned before a court.

The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Rose Oko (PDPCross River), took over as acting chairman after the suspension of Lawan.

Meanwhile, the house has urged the Federal Government to make a supplementary budget for the Nigeria Police Force.

It also urged the government to begin the construction and expansion of police barracks, to take care of the accommodation needs of the personnel in the FCT.

Tambuwal, Reps to raise N10m for girl without skull

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UCCOUR is coming the way of little Okikioluwa Olawuyi, who was born without a skull. House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal has promised to to raise the N10m for the surgical post surgery upkeep.

Another N35.1m ($234,000) required for the surgery has been raised by the Global Initiative for Peace, Love and Care. The child is expected to be in the hospital for a year.

The Speaker spoke yesterday while receiving the delegation of Global Initiative for Peace, Love and Care led by its Coordinator, Mr. Nuhu Kwajafa, which is championing the cause of the little child since birth.

“Tambuwal said: We are commending the Embassy of the US for issuing the visa and Mr. Kwajafa for his efforts and we want Nigerian youths to emulate him. I will

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

consult with the leadership of the House and other members and we will pick the remaining parts of the bill.”

Tambuwal said the gesture would be coming from personal and individual contributions of the members, and not from the coffers of the National Assembly.

Kwajafa said his organization has raised the cost of the surgery.

“She will be there in the USA for one year and will required additional N10m for other costs of her going to the US and staying for the operation,” he said.

According to Kwajafa, the parents of little Okikioluwa, Mr and Mrs. Caleb Olawuyi, were evicted from their house in Ibadan, Oyo State due to the stigmatisation of the baby.

PROPHET TIMOTHY OBADARE (1928 - 2013)

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HE Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) worldwide is bereaved.

Death sneaked into the vineyard of God, snatching a legendary labourer, Prophet Timothy Obadare. The Ijesaborn founder of the World Soul Winning Evangelistic Ministry (WOSEM) and disciple of the late foremost evangelist, Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola, died yesterday He was 85. The late prophet was a renowned radio and television preacher, revivalist and spiritually fulfilled priest.

Prophet Obadare left without a legacy of scandals.

For over 60 years, he was a travelling evangelist; winning souls for Christ, feeding the faithful with the bread of life, preaching the word of God, baptising people and founding churches in the nooks and crannies of Yorubaland.

Throughout his life time, he lived by example, shunning ostentatious lifestyles, opulence and pursuits of transient worldliness.

Every Sunday night, at 7.30 pm, people usually gather around the radio sets to listen to his weekly sermon. The late Obadare was a blind man, but he knew the Bible chapters and verses,

Obadare: Exit of a religious colossus

By Emmanuel Oladesu

and if a wrong chapter or verse is read, he would instantly correct the reader, to the amusement of the listeners.

The man God usually hosted a huge congregation for the monthly Ipade Oluwa Olorun Koseunti at the WOSEM Headquarter, Agbala Itura, Akure. Nigerians from the 36 states, and with different ailments and problems, would throng the revival centre for three days, before returning home with their faces lit up with smiles.

Unlike modern aristocrat-churchmen and spiritual entrepreneurs, who perceive the pulpit as another avenue for private accumulation, the great pastor never departed from the path of his mentor and role model, Apostle Babalola. It is a common saying in the C.A.C circle that Apostle Babalola literarily handed the evangelistic baton to Prophet Obadare, shortly before he died in 1959 at the age of 55 years. During the great apostle’s last outing, he was said to have directed Obadare to sit on his

seat when he rose up to deliver the sermon and conduct the prayers. He never returned to the seat.

However, the C.A.C of old was a conservative church nurtured on the code of succession based on seniority.

Thus, following the death of the pioneer C.A.C General Evangelist, Babalola, the church founder who had refused to become the church’s President, Pastor D.O. Babajide became the second General Evangelist. In the evangelical wing, the late Pastor S.O. Akande (Baba Abiye of Ede), Obadare, and the late Pastor Olukayode, were next in rank to Babajide as the Assistant General Evangelist.

Prophet Obadare was not a nominal pastor in the C.A.C from the onset. He had a calling. A vocal Bible teacher and orator on the pulpit, he was destined to be a roving evangelist. He fulfilled his spiritual destiny when, through God’s inspiration, he founded WOSEM for the sole purpose of expanding the horizon of evangelism in the C.A.C. Obadare was endowed with

the gifts of the spirit. In various towns and villages, after preaching and prayers, witches and wizards would voluntarily step out to confess their sins and embrace Jesus publicly. Idol worshippers would dump their idols and join the fold in holy communion.

The late evangelist achieved fame through the dint of hard work in God’s House. In the eighties, he founded the WOSEM braches in United States, Canada and United Kingdom. Europeans and Americans marveled at the rare gifts bestowed on a blind man quoting the Bible copiously and healing the sick at revivals. In numerous interviews to both local and foreign media, he also used the media as a platform for evangelism.

WOSEM, his initiative, is a registered entity, although Obadare submitted to the C.A.C rules as one of its leaders. The church hierarchy could not perceive any tension between the mother C.A.C and its evangelical extension, WOSEM, under Obadare when Pastor Elijah Latunde and Pastor J.B.

Orogun were the Presidents of the church. However, when Orogun was shoved aside as the President, there arose an inexplicable feud between the Supreme Council of the C.A.C and WOSEM over the basis for its corporate existence and financial status.

Pastor Orogun, his deputy, the C.A.C. General Superintendent, Pastor Joseph Olutimehin, the National Secretary, Pastor N. Udofia, Pastor Babajide, Pastor Joseph Olu Asaju, Pastor Adegoroye, and Obadare were men of the old order who objected to the move to ease them out of office as members of the C.A.C Supreme Council and Executive Council. To them, retirement for priests was alien.

They believed that the nonprofit missionary work, which they had embraced since the days of Babalola, must continue, until they die.

Orogun, Olutimehin, Asaju and Babajide later accepted their fate when they were retired.

When Pastor Elijah, a reformist, became the C.A.C President, Obadare’s juniors in the church hierarchy, Pastor Alokan and Pastor S.O. Abiara,

who became the General Evangelist, still paid respect to him.

However, Udofia, Adegoroye and Obadare resisted the move to impose retirement on them. They insisted on the succession patter, urging younger elements to wait for their turn.

This disagreement led to the split in the C.A.C and protracted litigation that followed. Until the resolution of the court case, C.A.C had two factions.

The crisis that engulfed the church did not slow down Obadare. Although he did not accept the leadership of Pastor Elijah Oluseye, who recently stepped down as the church President, he did nothing to pull down the edifice erected by the patriarch, Babalola. Before his demise, he took the title of an apostle, which the church did not dispute because of his contributions to the growth of the organisation.

Obadare’s death will, no doubt, create a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

With his death, Nigeria has lost a pious priest, a charismatic church leader and great revivalist who left his footprints on the sand of time.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

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SPORT EXTRA

‘Injuries can't stop my Eagles' dream’

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ESPITE having several injury concerns in the previous invitations to the Super Eagles, Varese of Italy's midfielder, Nnamdi Oduamadi has expressed his willingness to stick to his playing pattern and make more sacrifices for the rest

From Tunde Liadi in Calabar of his team mates to ensure Nigeria defeat Kenya on Saturday, if the coaches consider him for the game.

Oduamadi has not made his

debut for senior national team after his last attempt to do so ended disappointedly when he picked up a ankle complaints few days to the game against Namibia.

The AC Milan of Italy player who has spent the last two seasons

OPERATION CRUSH KENYA

Eagles practise shooting, free-kicks

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IGERIA’s Super Eagles’ training session at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar took a more serious approach as they the squad continued their preparations for Saturday’s 2014 world cup qualifying match against Kenya’s Harambee Stars.

The session which witnessed a heavy presence of Calabar fans in the stands, had all the invited players in action, saw Head Coach, Stephen Keshi directing affairs as the boys embarked on tactical training that also witnessed free-kick and shooting exercises.

Interestingly, while the likes of Victor Moses, Ogenyi Onazi , John Ogu converted their shots easily, the likes of Godfrey Oboabona, Brown Ideye, Uwa Echiejile found it tough to beat Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agim and later Vincent Enyeama.

Nigerian side is expected to return to the U.J.Esuene Stadium by 8.00am this morning after observing a time off from training on Thursday evening.

•To train 8.00am today •Harambee Stars session holds 4.00pm From Uchenna Ajah and Tunde Liadi in Calabar However, the Keshi-led technical crew will attempt to put finishing touches to their preparation ahead of

Saturday’s encounter during this morning session.

Meanwhile, the Harambee Stars of Kenya who arrived the Cross River state capital yesterday, will be having their first feel of the match venue by 4.00pm today.

in the less fancied Serie B with AC Torino and now Varese explained that the injuries he copped in the past had no connection with the way he plays.

He said injuries are part and parcel of the game called football like other sports and whenever they come players must find ways to blend with it and not get distracted by negative thoughts.

Oduamadi said:"I can't change the way I play at all. I am used to it. My injuries are not uncommon to the football and changing my playing pattern could worsen my case.

"I am done with injury problems and I hope to concentrate on my club and national team career for a very long time to come.

"My desire is to help the Eagles secure maximum points against Kenya on Saturday. We can do it."

AFRICA YOUTH ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP

Team Nigeria storms Warri Monday

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EAM Nigeria’s contingent to next week's First African Youth Championships in Athletics in Warri,Delta state is confident of emerging winners of the inaugural edition of the championships.

The team,comprising of 59 athletes and 15 officials will arrive Warri Monday morning from their training camp in Port Harcourt and president of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria,Evangelist Solomon Ogba says Nigeria is hosting to win.

'We are not only going to give Africa an event they will be talking about for a long,long time and which will serve as the benchmark for future championships,we are also hosting to win.We have a good

team that we believe will not only win the African Youth Championships in Athletics but also one that can produce many future stars for Nigeria'',says Ogba.

The AFN president says his federation has done everything possible in terms of preparing the team for the competition and is confident the 59 boys and girls selected will not disappoint Nigerians.

'Last year we won the senior African Championships in Athletics in Port Novo,Republic of Benin and I believe our policy of exposing our young athletes to international competitions and good training has started yielding the desired results''.

Serghi Porbeni,one of the team's officials is also confident Nigeria

will win the championships.

'Nigeria has always been a force to reckon with in track and field in the continent.We want to use this competition to reassert the authority we started in Port Novo last year.We have selected a very strong squad for this championships and I believe the bright future that awaits track and field in Nigeria starts with this event in Warri',said Porbeni,echoing the sentiments of former African queen of the track, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi who believes the Warri championships will throw up a lot of potentials who can be groomed to become the new O n y a l i s , F a l i l a t Ogunkoyas,Chioma Ajunwas and a host of other great exNigeria track and field stars.

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to move on.

Following the Three Lions' 2-1 win over Brazil last month, boss Roy Hodgson admitted it would "complicate things" if Lampard moved across the Atlantic, but the 34-year-old is convinced his international career could continue.

“England will always be a

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HE permanent Secretary, ministry of education, Lagos state, Omolara Erogbogbo has commended the initiators of the annual Principal’s Cup being sponsored by one of the banks in the country.

Erogbogbo who represented the Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Olayinka Oladunjoye, told the NationSports at the this year's draws held at the Teslim Balogun stadium, on Tuesday that the grassroots tournament has been able to curb social vices amongst youths in the state.

“We are impressed with the positive results achieved at the tournament every year. Most of the participating students have been able to combine sports effectively with education," she said.

By Stella Bamawo It could be recalled that last year, the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, has presented cheques of various sums totalling N3 million to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th position winners of the male and female categories.she refered to the students as great and worthy ambassadors who had made the state proud.

Last year's winner in the male category, Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Agege, District I got N1million; Sango Senior High School, Agege District I got N750,000; Angus Memorial Senior High School, Bariga District 2 got N500,000 and Oshodi Senior High School, Tolu District 5 received N250,000 for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions in the male category.

Oyo FA to inform NFF of Jossy HE Oyo State Football Lad’s ailment Association (OSFA) has

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promised to inform the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the ailment of the former Super Falcons’ coach, Joseph Ladipo, popularly known as ``Jossy Lad.’’ OSFA chairman, Leye Adepoju, made the remark on Wednesday when he led the association’s threeman delegation to Jossy Lad on his sick bed at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jossy Lad, also a former coach of the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, is currently receiving treatment at UCH for heart related ailment.

Adepoju stated that OSFA decided to inform the NFF for its possible contribution and assistance to ensure quick recovery for the former national coach. ‘‘Oyo FA is concerned about your current state of health and we wish you a quick recovery.

``However, we need to let the NFF know about your present health condition for the federation’s necessary assistance,’’ Adepoju said.

Other members on the chairman’s delegation were the secretary, Ojelowo Kehinde, and the chairman, technical committee, Idowu Oloyede.

NAN reports that Jossy Lad, a former 3SC player, is currently on life support at the emergency unit of UCH. Other associates who had earlier visited the coach at the hospital included former 3SC Team Manager, Kayode Awobajo and the Chairman, Ibadan Football Association (IFA), Alhaji Banli Akintayo.

NAN also reports that the Oyo State Government had also released some money for his treatment.

PREMIERSHIP

‘MLS move won’t end my England career ‘ RANK LAMPARD insists a summer move to MLS would not necessarily spell the end of his England career.

Lampard has yet to agree an extension to his current Chelsea contract, which expires this summer, and LA Galaxy have been widely touted as the likeliest destination should he decide

Lagos State hails Principal’s Cup

big part of any decision I make," he told reporters.

“While I’m available for England - and I certainly am now and in the future - I want to do my best to try to put myself in the squad.

“I don’t think it rules out anything, including America.

"I haven’t had the conversation with the manager about it. I’ve seen players get picked before, playing all over the world.

“If there’s ever a time, whenever it is, where there’s an option of going outside Europe, I’m sure me and Roy would have the conversation about that.

“I wouldn’t set my sights past Brazil, but if I’m playing and in good enough form, I’d like to be included.

"I’ll always try to give my all and try to show my form.

If that gets me in there, I’ll be quite happy.”

Lampard has been capped 94 times by England, and admits he is driven on by the prospect of joining team-

mate Ashley Cole and Liverpool star Steven Gerrard among England's group of centurions.

Frank Lampard is 6/4 to start England's first game of World Cup 2014 with Coral “I won’t lie to you, I watched Steven and Ashley do it, deservedly so, and reach 100 caps and it’s a fantastic achievement," he added.

“I grew up on tales of Bobby Moore from my dad.

He’s the ultimate England player.

"So, if I could get into the bracket of 100 caps, I’d be very proud.

“I sometimes look at the scoring list as well. I remember looking at the list a few years back and seeing David Platt and Bryan Robson, people I really respect, and the caps and goal record they had.

“Now I have crept up on them and thought about it, so I’m pleased to be amongst those names. I’ll try and get there.”

Bale won’t go part-time for Wales, insists Ledley

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HE Tottenham star's blistering campaign has led to speculation he will prioritise his club career, but the Celtic man cannot see his team-mate picking and choosing his games Bale did not train with the rest of Chris Coleman's squad on Monday due to concerns about an ankle problem, but he is expected to be fit to face Scotland on Friday.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a blistering season so far, notching 25 goals in 42 appearances for club and country and once again attracting the attention of Europe's biggest clubs.

As his club career takes off there are fears that Bale, like Manchester United star Ryan Giggs before him, may miss friendly matches for Wales in order to keep himself fresh for club football.

But Ledley believes this is unlikely. "I can’t see him picking and choosing his games," he told reporters. "He

likes meeting up, being with the lads, the training and the games."

Bale scored two goals the last time Wales and Scotland met in October, including a sensational last-minute winner, and Ledley believes the Spurs star will inspire fear every time he gets the ball.

•Bale

Carragher pays tribute to retiring Owen

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•Lampard

HE 35-year-old admits he is dismayed at the way his former teammate's career has fizzled out, insisting his formidable talent in the penalty area is too easily forgotten Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has hailed Michael Owen as a "supreme goalscorer" after the Stoke striker announced he is set to retire at the end of the

season.

Owen played alongside Carragher from 1997 to 2004 at Anfield, scoring 158 goals in 297 appearances in all competitions and winning the FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup with the Reds.

And Carragher, who is also set to hang up his boots this summer, believes his former team-mate's talent is not fully appreciated by English

football fans.

Michael Owen is 13/8 not to start for Stoke again this season with William Hill "It still annoys me that people forget what a top player he was," the 35-yearold wrote in his column in the Daily Mail.

"Michael had this unshakable belief that he was the best and wasn’t bothered about trying to

usurp Robbie Fowler and Stan Collymore to get into Liverpool’s starting line-up.

"The best strikers are single-minded and I saw at first hand how he was able to put disappointments to one side and bounce back when it really mattered.

"He used to take knocks in his career but he always came back with an answer."

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘The day of Jonathan’s waterloo is around the corner and that will be the day Nigerians turn him down if he agrees to this referendum challenge. The voice of the people is that of God in case he has forgotten.’ MOBOLAJI SANUSI

VOL 8 NO.2,435

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

C

ONSIDER the following situations if you will: In 2012, Jose Dirceu, Chief of Staff of former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva (popularly known as “Lula”) was sentenced to almost 11 years imprisonment for masterminding a cash-for-votes bribery scheme to win support from legislators for the government’s programmes. At the time, he was the most powerful man in Lula’s government.

In the Philippines, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is facing criminal charges for electoral fraud. The allegation is that she ordered the tampering of electoral returns in favour of a supporter to enable him win a Senate seat in the 2007 election.

Three-time former Prime Minister, multibillionaire and one of the most powerful men in Italy (even without political office), Silvio Berlusconi, was convicted for tax fraud, fined the equivalent of about N1.6 billion, sentenced to prison and banned for life from holding public office (the conviction doesn’t take effect until an appeal court confirms it).Berlusconi’s trial started in 1996, but was put on hold because he enjoyed immunity from prosecution while he was Prime Minister.

In Great Britain, George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer (their Minister of Finance), sat in a first class compartment on the train when he only held a standard class ticket. The ticket inspector insisted that he must pay the £160 upgrade for the first class seat. A scandal “ticket gate” broke out and was a major embarrassment to the Conservative government and almost cost Osborne his political career.

All the foregoing situations show clearly the supremacy of the law in those countries.

Numerous other examples from other parts of the world can be cited. The great jurist Lord Denning puts it “Be you ever so high, the law is above you”.

Is this the case in Nigeria? Cash-for-votes schemes are allegedly commonplace but who has ever been prosecuted for it? Allegations of tampering and manipulation of electoral results are made in almost every election petition and even where such petitions have succeeded, has anyone that matters in INEC or in government ever been prosecuted?

Would a Silvio Berlusconi in Nigeria not have used his position as Prime Minister to sack all the officers investigating him, sent them to unwanted “promotion’ courses or even have them imprisoned? He would most definitely

OPEN FORUM By MOHAMMED DELE BELGORE

Where lies the rule of law in Nigeria?

•Berlusconi

have destroyed the evidence against him making any prosecution after his immunity has lapsed impossible. We don’t have an efficient public railway system in Nigeria so we need not waste any time situating George Osborne in Nigeria.

The rule of law hardly exists in Nigeria today. Law enforcement agencies and government officers are the biggest violators of the law and they do so openly, shamelessly and with impunity such that law-abiding citizens are made to look either stupid or weak. The

Yes MORE EFFICIENTLY ‘CLEANING OUT’

OUR POCKETS

highest office in the land appointed INEC Commissioners some of who included persons who are known prominent members of a political party contrary to the dictates of the law, which disqualifies such persons for appointment. Despite protests to this flagrant violation of the law, the appointees remain in place. Treasury looters are either walking freely or are given slap in the wrist fines.

Government officials and the rich and powerful have police orderlies and escort, not necessarily for protection but to keep them

HARDBALL

RIPPLES

STUDY: WOMEN HAVE SMALLER BRAINS BUT USE THEM MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN MEN

‘Yet those very people who openly violate the law know its value.

They treat the law with disdain while in office.

They undermine and obstruct it, but once they are out of office or have fallen from grace, they turn to that same legal process for redress’

above the law. These policemen ensure that they beat traffic by driving everyone else off the road in clear violation of traffic laws; gain access to privileged places they would not otherwise be entitled; avoid queuing at airports when they arrive late; park their vehicles in no parking zones and so on.

Yet those very people who openly violate the law know its value. They treat the law with disdain while in office. They undermine and obstruct it, but once they are out of office or have fallen from grace, they turn to that same legal process for redress. If the law and our institutions are to be robust, independent and just for all and sundry at all times, public officials must learn to respect those institutions, in and out of office.

It does not require a sociologist or criminologist to figure out that where the law is not supreme, there can be no proper and orderly society. Without order, there can be no peace and certainly without peace, there can be no progress. Martin Luther King jnr had said it - “without justice there can be no peace” No nation can be great unless its institutions are bigger than its individuals no matter how high and powerful those individuals are. History should rightly judge President Umaru Yar Adua for his attempts to make the observance of the rule of law one of the cornerstones of his administration’s programmes. We must start strengthening our institutions by adherence to the rule of law instead of weakening them by strengthening individuals. From the poorest economies and weakest political systems to the strongest and most advanced, for proper functioning of society, the rule of law must prevail and infractions to it must be punished no matter who the offender is. The final say here goes to President Obama who said when he visited Ghana in July 2009 that “ Africa does not need the strong man, but it needs strong institutions”. We need to heed those words in this country.

•Belgore (SAN) was the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN ) Governorship Candidate in Kwara State in the 2011 elections.

•Segun Gbadegesin returns next week •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

US drones in Niger Republic, Burkina Faso•

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HE United States has reportedly signed a “status of forces” agreement with Niger Republic, Nigeria’s neighbour to the north, to deploy surveillance drones in that country to carry out spying and monitoring missions on Islamist militants in the Sahel. A similar agreement had been signed with Burkina Faso, and US drones are already in operation there feeding French forces in Mali with information on Tuareg rebels and Islamist militants affiliated to al-Qaeda. It requires no clairvoyance to know that there would be a very limited sharing of intelligence gathered by the drones with the host countries. The agreement with Niger is said to impose no constraints on military-to-military cooperation. This means that the deployment of surveillance drones could easily graduate to deployment of armed drones.

Ethiopia and Djibouti in the Horn of Africa preceded the West African sub-region in accepting US drones on their soils.

It will be recalled that the use of American drones in countries such as Pakistan, Yemen, Afghanistan and Somalia have become so controversial that they have generated resentment among the local populace and civil liberties groups. The danger is how to draw the line between gathering intelligence on militants and attacking the militants on one hand, and gathering other kinds of intelligence on the host countries. In 1962, the Action Group political party sensitised Nigerians to the dangers of an Anglo-Nigerian defence pact, leading to massive demonstrations and the eventual collapse of the deal. Such sensitivity is lacking today. Apart from the

secrecy that surrounds the operation of armed drones, there is also the unacceptably high incidence of civilian casualties. According to a foreign newspaper report, “The London-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism has monitored American drone strikes all around the world and calculates that in Pakistan alone there have been some 362 strikes since 2004. They are estimated to have killed up to 3,461 suspected militants in the country and as many as 891 civilians.”

President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic has regrettably already given permission for the deployment of the drones.

However, as in all the countries where drones have been deployed, there is no telling how far things can go or get out of hand. Meanwhile, Nigeria is just next door, and drones are extremely difficult to shoot down or to compromise. Only yesterday, this column deprecated the inability of ECOWAS leaders to be proactive on Mali, thereby allowing the situation to degenerate to the point of triggering French intervention. France was Mali’s former colonial master. It is evident that the quality of leadership in the region, nay, in Africa as a whole has declined horribly. There are no brilliant and perceptive leaders conversant with their countries’ histories, nor even keenly aware of the dangers of neocolonialism and neo-imperialism. These mediocre leaders rule their countries badly, and embrace desperate methods, including opening up their countries to harmful external influences, to mitigate the effects of their misrule.

It is not surprising that between 2009 and

2010, and also in 2012, the prestigious and most expensive leadership prize in the world, the Mo Ibrahim prize for good governance, was not awarded to any African leader. According to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, “The $5m prize is supposed to be awarded each year to a democratically elected leader who governed well, raised living standards and then voluntarily left office. The $5m prize is spread over 10 years and is followed by $200,000 a year for life.” In 2011, Cape Verde President Pedro Verona Pires won the prize.

The dearth of sound leaders should worry everyone, while the paucity of good leaders is nowhere more evident than in West Africa.

A tragedy is befalling Africa – the tragedy of insensitive, retrogressive and unintelligent leaders. It is almost as if it is not the same Africa that produced the likes of Julius Nyerere, Kenneth Kaunda, Kwame Nkurumah, Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Nelson Mandela, among others. With the turmoil in Mali, the deployment of drones in Niger Republic and Burkina Faso, the likelihood of US-Africa Command, and the collapse of state economies, the continent, or at least West Africa, is being opened up for recolonisation.

Sadly, African leaders, whose poor judgement led them to recently accept the new $200m African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa as a gift from China, have become inured to the dangers of external control which their incompetence and lack of foresight are engendering.

•First published January 31

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