The Nation March 28, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Carrington pays tribute to Achebe

Court stops Maina’s arrest

NEWS

NEWS

Page 4

Page 2

•Senate’s warrant dumped

•Ex-ambassador mourns writer

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2441 THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Tukur: Nigeria under attack Police recover arms, explosives From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

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IGERIA is under attack, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Bamanga Tukur said yesterday.

It was a day security remained on the front burner, with senators and the Service Chiefs meeting and the police making a haul of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Kano.

Fielding questions from reporters in Abuja on sundry national issues, Tukur pleaded with opposition political parties, organised labour, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to confront the insecurity which is now threatening the nation’s peaceful co-existence.

Tukur said: “Today, there is fear everywhere. Churches are being burnt. Mosques are being attacked. United Nations building bombed; motor parks are being bombed. People cannot go to motor parks again to travel for the fear of being attacked. Security installations, such as police stations, prisons are being burnt down and inmates released at will. Nobody knows the next target of attack.”

Many critics, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, have blamed the PDP and the President for not tackling the Boko Haram crisis well. To Tukur, neither the party nor the President should carry the can.

He said: “It is not about the PDP or President Goodluck Jonathan; this is a matter that Continued on page 2

•The Golf car stuffed with explosives, guns, ammunition impounded by the Kano Police…yesterday.

•The explosives, arms and ammunition on display...yesterday. STORY ON PAGE 2

Oluwole Awolowo dies in London hospital at 70

O •The late Oluwole Awolowo

LUWOLE Awolowo, son of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, died last night in London. He was 70.

The Vice Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, died at 7.40pm (Nigerian time) in Wellington Hospital, St. Johnswood, London.

Senate, Service Chiefs strategise on security

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HE Senate yesterday mandated Service Chiefs to tackle security challenges threatening Nigeria’s unity.

The matching order was handed down to the Service Chiefs at a marathon meeting the lawmakers held with head of security organisations.

The meeting held in the Senate Chamber lasted over six hours.

Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sa’ad Ola Ibrahim led

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

the Service Chiefs to the meeting, which was attended by Chief of Army Staff Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Alex Barde.

Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), Administration, Suleiman Fakai.

Continued on page 2

•Amosun, Afenifere, Tinubu mourn From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

The company confirmed his death in a statement signed by its Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Mr Edward Dickson, last night.

The statement reads: “We announce the final home call of the Publisher/ Vice Chair-

man of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, Chief Oluwole Awolowo. He was 70 years old.

“Chief Awolowo died this evening at Wellington Hospital, St Johnswood, London, following complications aris-

ing from a car crash that occurred on September 30, 2006.

“He had been in and out of hospital, home and abroad, since he was involved in the ghastly accident seven years ago on the Lagos- Ibadan Expressway.

“Despite his health challenges following the accident, the late Awolowo de-

voted his life to the service of God and was deeply involved in evangelical activities. In the past four years. He authored a Christian column, OBA’S LECTERN, in the Sunday Tribune.

“He fought a good fight and has gone to rest with his Maker.

Continued on page 2 •DONE DEAL: President/CEO NESTOIL Plc, Dr. Ernest AzudialuObiejesi and Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria, Wolfgang Goetsch (right) shaking hands after the signing of a N24 billion Nestoil’s Victoria Island, Lagos new headquarters contract in Abuja …yesterday

•DIAMOND BANK OPENS UK BRANCH P11 •ACCORD: WHY WE EXPELLED LADOJA P9

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

NEWS Nigeria may reduce troops as UN rolls out condition for intervention

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HERE were strong indications yesterday that Nigeria might reduce its 900-man team in Mali when the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Force takes over in the Francophone country.

The troops may be cut down to 800 to take care of internal insurgency being posed by Boko Haram.

This disclosure was made by the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ibrahim Ola Sa’ad, at a session of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff, which was held in Yamoussoukro, Cote D’Ivoire.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

According to a source, the reduction of Nigerian troops is based on the UN ceiling for troops participating in its peace-keeping mission.

The source said: “Nigeria is leading multilateral arrangements to transform African-led International Support for Mali into United Nations Field Mission.

“The multilateral talks on this matter, which are yet to be finalised, engaged the attention of ECOWAS Committee Continued on page 63

Court stops Maina’s arrest •From left: Chief Executive Officer, Euro Trend, Czech Republic, Mr Jiri Nekovar; Commissioner-General, Ghana Tax Authority, Mr George Blankson; representative of ECOWAS President, Mr Salifou Tiemtore and President, West African Union of Tax Institutes, Mr PHOTO: NAN Rasaq Quadri, at the second International Tax conference in Lagos…yesterday

Bamanga Tukur: Nigeria under attack Continued from page 1

should be of concern to everybody, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliations.

The opposition, the labour movement, religious leaders, traditional rulers, name it; we all have to come to fight the evil that is now manifesting everywhere in our land. Those perpetuating this evil are within us in the society. It is not a matter of Mr President or the PDP-led Federal Government alone.”

Tukur, who expressed sadness over the security situation in the country, cited the recent attack on the prisons at Ganye, his country home in Adamawa State where over 100 inmates were set free while 25 were killed after which the prison was set ablaze, said

“This nation must come together to fight the common evil. There is fear everywhere.

In my village, Ganye in Adamawa, they invaded the place, burnt down the police station, attacked the policemen on duty, raided the bank, privately-owned houses, moved down to the prisons, set the inmates free and burnt down the building. Where are we heading to? Nobody can even explain what is happening now”.

He expressed the optimism that once the nation was united against the manifesting evil, darkness would be phased out and light would prevail in the land, which would in turn bring the most needed peace, unity, progress and stability for the people to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Speaking on his findings during his just concluded tours of the six geo-political sones as part of efforts to reconcile the aggrieved members of his party, Tukur said his team discovered that there was fear of insecurity in the land, ravaging hunger, poverty and unemployment of young men and women which needed to be addressed head-on in the overall interest of the nation.

He assured that as a responsible ruling party, its National Working Committee (NWC), would look into all the collated views, review them and pass its recommendations to the appropriate quarters for action.

Alhaji Tukur equally dismissed the growing speculations making the round that

there was a rift between him and the governors elected on the platform of the PDP, saying: “there is no rift between me and our governors, the governors are the commanders of our party in their respective states working along with the chairmen for the progress of the party. There is no competition between me and them; our common goal is to win the next general elections.”

While applauding the successes recorded by the recent tour of the zones by the leadership of the party ahead of the 2015 elections, Tukur said that he along with his team in the NWC would embark on the tour of all the States of the federation for the total reconciliation of the entire PDP family for the task ahead.

Oluwole Awolowo dies in London at 70 Continued from page 1

“We ask for prayers at this most trying time for the Awolowo family and for the ANN Plc.” The news shocked many prominent citizens.

The National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun de-

scribed the death as a sad and painful loss.

In his reaction through his media aide, Mr. Sunday Dare, Tinubu prayed God to grant Mama HID Awolowo the strength to bear the irreparable loss in her old age.

The statement said: “Oluwole was a gentle personality and a brilliant man, who loved people and affected his

environment positively. He was from a great family of excellent political tradition and his life and contributions would not be forgotten in a hurry.”

Praying that God should grant the Awolowo clan the fortitude to bear “this painful loss”, the ACN leader said: “They must not despair, but must be strong for Mama and,

above take solace in the fact that he lived a memorable and fulfilled life.”

Amosun described Awolowo’s death as a sad occurrence.

The governor said: “We are surprised to hear about the sudden departure of the publisher of Tribune titles, who was not only the son of our Continued on page 63

F

ORMER Pension Reform Task Force Chairman Abdulrasheed Maina may soon come out of hiding.

A Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja yesterday granted a perpetual injunction against his arrest by security agencies.

The court also vacated an earlier warrant of arrest issued on Maina by the Senate.

Justice Adamu Bello, who delivered the judgement in the enforcement of a fundamental human right suit instituted by Maina, hinged his verdict on the ground that the Senate did not follow due process in issuing the warrant.

The judge noted that the upper chamber of the National Assembly failed to annex all necessary documents to aid the dismissal of Maina’s request before his court.

Bello, however, cautioned against misreading his judgement as an affirmation that the Senate lacks the powers to investigate or summon any person to give evidence regarding any subject matter under investigation, stressing that the injunction is about the warrant of arrest being set aside.

Maina sued the Senate President and the Clerk of the Senate before the court.

Joined in the suit are the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service; Senate Committee on State and Local Government Administration; the Inspector-General of Police; Senator Alloysius Etuk, Chairman, Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service; Senator Kabiru Gaya, Chairman, Senate Com-

From Austine Ehikioya, Abuja

mittee on State and Local Government Administration.

Maina urged the court to quash the purported report of the Senate Committee’s resolutions and declare the warrant issued for his arrest as unconstitutional, null and void.

Justice Bello said: “From the reliefs sought by the applicant, the application is challenging the powers of the Senate to issue a warrant of arrest, a careful perusal of Section 35(1) shows clearly the right of liberty guaranteed the applicant by the Constitution, but however the right is absolute.

“Going by this, the applicant is entitled to a fair hearing. The issue now is to determine whether the applicant’s case falls on the exceptional clauses.

“Section 88(2) of the 1999 Constitution gives the National Assembly the power to invite or summon an individual for questioning in order to expose corruption and inefficiency among others.

“However, the power of the Senate is subjected to the provision of Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution, which highlighted the conditions to follow before an individual will be summoned.

“This power of the Senate should be free from abuse and the term of reference should be clear. Any invitation by the Senate outside the purpose highlighted in Section 88(2) is illegal and unconstitutional.

“The Senate ought not to Continued on page 63

Senate to Service Chiefs: stop security threats now Continued from page 1

Security Service (SSS) Director-General Ita Ekpeyong also attended the secret meeting.

The Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi, led the Service Chiefs into the Senate chamber after the Senate had adopted a motion to admit them.

The Service Chiefs, who were also led out of the Senate chamber by Senator Emodi, declined comments on the session.

Reporters who targeted the Service Chief as they approched their cars were prevented from talking to them by their aides.

Our correspondents gathered that the lawmakers referred the Service Chiefs to the civil war and urged them to do their all to prevent a recurrence of such an ugly incident.

It was also learnt that Senators recalled the recent arrest of some suspected terrorist in parts of Lagos State and sought to know to what extent such people have penetrated the

Bombs, rifles, ammunition-laden vehicle seized in Kano

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BOMB-LADEN VolksWagon Golf 3 car abandoned by fleeing gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram sect members was yesterday recovered by the police in Kano.

Police Commissioner Musa Daura said the fleeing suspects engaged his men in a gun duel on the outskirts of the city – the North’s commercial capital.

According to Daura, the suspects opened fire immediately they sighted a police patrol van. But, according to him, they beat a retreat, with bullet wounds.

The items recovered from the car include: AK 47 rifle; assault rifle; 238 live ammunition of various calibers; rocket launcher; AK 47 magazines; seven Turkey Oil cans —stuffed with recountry.

The session was said to have been convened to appraise the security situation.

It was said to have been informed by the desire of the Senate leadership to formulate a template that could be for-

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano and Duku Joel, Damaturu

mote-control bombs; two cylinders with remote-control devices; 14 hand grenades; four rolls of wire connector; and 12 power source.

“On Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at about 213 hours, based on a tip-off, our men intercepted a Golf 3 vehicle marked AG 701 KTN in a village on the outskirts of Kano.

“The occupants of the vehicle, on sighting the patrol vehicle, opened fire and immediately, our men responded with superior power, which made the occupants to abandon their vehicle and escape with bullet wounds.

“The intention of these hoodlums was to cause havoc and destabilise peace, which will subsequently lead to economic and social sabotage in Kano State.

“However, my men sealed off the whole

warded to President Goodluck Jonathan as “ways and means to address the worsening security problems in the country”.

Senators were particularly said to have been alarmed that despite the huge monetary

area with a view to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects. We are urging members of the public to continue supporting the Command and other security agencies in the state to restore the peace and tranquility we had been enjoying in the state for decades.

“We also have to contribute in whatever capacity to unmask the criminals in the state and reduce all sorts of crimes to the barest minimum.”

In Yobe State, a renewed clash between Joint Task Force (JTF) operatives and suspected members of the Boko Haram sect claimed the lives of four insurgents.

The clash was in Geidam, about 180 kilometres North of Damaturu, the state capital.

Geidam shares a common border

vote to address security challenges, “much success has not been recorded especially in the area of addressing the Boko Haram insurgency”.

A source confided in one of our reporters that the leadership of the Senate was dis-

Continued on page 63

turbed that security agencies seemed to be on top of the situation.

He noted that some senators felt that security agencies were losing grip of security challenges, “thereby exposing NiContinued on page 63

•Daura...yesterday

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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NEWS CHINUALUMOGU ACHEBE (1930 -2013)

Achebe as Nobel

•House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal (right), receiving a document from the President, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Dr Michael Olawale-Cole, when the NIM executive visited the Speaker at the National Assembly Abuja... yesterday. With them is the NIM’s Chairman, North Central Zone, Raymond Ihenacho.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson (right), his deputy, John Jonah (left) and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, when Ezeoba visited Yenagoa... on Tuesday.

•From left: Corporate Media/Public Relations Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Edem Vindah, Marketing Director, Walter Drenth and the Senior Brand Manager Star, Ita Bassey at the unveiling of Star League text and play consumer promo in Lagos... yesterday.

Ambassador Walter Carrington, a former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, pays tribute to the late Prof. Chinua Achebe

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RESE and I, like all Nigerians have been deeply saddened by the passing here in my home town of Boston of one of the world’s greatest men of letters.

The death of Chinua Achebe is a loss not only to Nigeria and the whole continent but also to the African Diaspora and especially to African Americans. Things Fall Apart is probably read by more school children in the United States than in any country outside Achebe’s homeland.

When I first came to Nigeria in 1959, leading a group of students on a two month stay with Nigerian families, I urged them all to read his newly published masterpiece if they wanted to understand, on the eve of Independence, a Nigerian viewpoint on the tensions of the colonial past. Achebe was celebrated, then, by my fellow black American anti-colonialists as the herald of an African literary Renaissance in which African perspectives on their history and culture would provide an antidote to those of Westerners whose often condescending viewpoints had dominated the literature.

But he was a herald of much more than that. His next two novels, No Longer at Ease and A Man of the People were prophetic. It is an indictment of the land he so loved that more than half a century later, the cancer of corruption he warned about is not cured or even in remission.

Chinua Achebe’s bountiful body of work rivals that of any writer of my lifetime. It is the Nobel Prize Committee’s most grievous oversight that they never included him among their laureates.

Of how many octogenarians can it be said that they were cut down in their prime? Neither age nor physical infirmity could dull Chinua Achebe’s creative mind or his passion for social change in Nigeria. I last saw

•The late Prof. Achebe

him but three months ago when he invited me, as he had each time, to speak at the Colloquium he first organised four years earlier at Brown University in Rhode Island where he taught. It had become one of the foremost forums on Nigeria and Africa held in the United

University where Achebe Chinua Achebe was Africa’s most famous novelist and professor, the founding father of African fiction. His 1958 novel “Things Fall Apart” challenged traditional Western thought and assumptions of colonial rule in Africa, and remains the most widely read book in African literature

F •From left: Service Head, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Raymond Olatokun, acting Director-General, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mr. Emmanuel Amlai and the Managing Director, Samsung Electronic West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, at the launch of the Samsung Smart Care Centre in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

OR Dr. Jamaine Abidogan and her students, Chinua Achebe’s novels provide a context that history textbooks cannot. They convey a first person perspective of life in Africa under colonial rule, and the repercussions of the interaction of African and Western cultures.

Abidogan is an associate professor of history at Missouri State University and teaches two African studies courses: Women in Africa and

African Civilisations. She has even worked with and briefly met one of Achebe’s daughters, Nwando Achebe, a history professor at Michigan State University.

“I think he was one of those people that spearheaded the introduction of real African literature from an African perspective during the era where colonization was ending and independent African nation states were emerging.

That’s his true importance in history,

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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NEWS CHINUALUMOGU ACHEBE (1930-2013)

Committee’s most grievous oversight The Economist pays tribute to Achebe

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• Carrington

‘

Chinua Achebe’s bountiful body of work rivals that of any writer of my lifetime. It is the Nobel Prize Committee’s most grievous oversight that they never included him among their laureates

States. He had plans to make it even greater and, I suspect, to continue using his pen to prod Nigerians to transform their and his native land.

The change Achebe hoped to live to see may yet be achieved through a reversal of two lines in the poem which in-

spired the title of his first book.

Things do indeed fall apart. William Butler Yeats reminded us because: The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.

It is time for Nigeria’s best, especially among its youth, to raise high

‘

the torch which Chinua Achebe has handed off to them. It is the best who must now show unwavering conviction and demonstrate the passionate intensity necessary to make their country a beacon of hope and progress.

lives on in African Studies courses as well as literature,” Abidogan said.

Abidogan says Achebe’s writings help her students understand the structure of traditional African religions, and how they’re entwined with the political and educational systems within African civilizations, specifically Achebe’s native Igbo ethno nation. She says his writings allow for talking points amongst her students, ones that help erase what she says are condensed and simplistic stereotypes Westerners have of African civilisations.

“To a large extent they really become interested in the people there, and their cultures, not what we can do to those people or for those people, but what their politics are, what their religious beliefs are, what their arts are, et cetera,” Abidogan said.

She says Achebe’s writings also help her students understand Britain’s role during colonization, which she says can be misunderstood as conquer. She says it was more an indirect rule, and the Brit-

ish goal was to profit off of African civilizations, not dismantle them.

But she admits colonisation did twist the social and political systems of these African nation-states, and today people are trying to reclaim those structures so they’re once again controlled by the people.

“You can see that interaction that African civilisations were on par with Western Civilisations, and that they (the British) really did have to negotiate when they were there on the ground, and even now, today,” Abidogan said.

For anyone interested in picking up an Achebe book, Abidogan recommends to start with his 1964 novel “Arrow of God,” a book that focuses on the interaction between traditional Igbo religion and Christianity.

“And how Africans viewed both the conversion experience, but also what that meant to their own tradi-

tional religion, as an Igbo. Again, Igbo is only one group out of 1,500.

But it helps bring perspective and balance to that experience,” Abidogan said.

When asked what lesson Achebe’s writing imparts on her students, Abidogan says it is that they learn to understand how similar human beings are to one another.

“There are often more similarities to bring us together than to keep us apart, but allowing for difference within those similarities is what allows people to survive and prosper for the greater good. Not just one group over another, but for the greater good. And I think that comes across in most of his work,” Abidogan said.

And it’s the ones who resist those differences, she says, are the ones that “fall apart.”

•Culled from http://ksmu.org

S A boy Chinua Achebe so loved reading that his friends called him “Dictionary”. He lived in the library at Government College in Umuahia, in south-eastern Nigeria, devouring Robert Louis Stevenson, Charles Dickens, Joseph Conrad, W.B. Yeats. “They were not about us or people like us,” he would say later in his soft, measured voice.

But even John Buchan’s stories, in which heroic white men battled and worsted repulsive natives, excited rather than troubled him. It was all “wonderful preparation” for the day when he would start reading between the lines and asking questions.

That day came quickly. His first novel, “Things Fall Apart”, published in 1958 when he was 28, told the story of European colonialism in Nigeria from the African point of view. Its hero, Okwonko, was a man who came, like him, from the Ibo south-east: a warrior and wrestler, a man of wisdom. The book was rich with the proverbs and parables Mr Achebe, too, remembered, all rendered in stately English. Poor boy Okwonko grew up to have three wives, eight children and two barns full of yams. Yet the book ended with the discovery of his body, a suicide, showing how completely Ibo culture had been destroyed by the arrival of Christian missionaries and the district commissioner.

“Things Fall Apart” sold more than 12m copies and has never been out of print. Because of it, said Mr Achebe’s best-known literary protegé, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, “I realised that people like me, girls with skin the colour of chocolate, whose kinky hair could not form ponytails, could also exist in literature.” Young authors like her sought him out, leaning in close when he talked about Africa and writing.

A small man with an impish smile under his floppy berets, he teased and spoke in riddles, in part to mask a growing rage. Then, in his mid-40s, he let rip, with an essay about Conrad in the Massachusetts Review that shocked American academics.

“The real question”, he wrote, “is the dehumanisation of Africa and Africans which [an] age-long attitude has fostered and continues to foster in the world.”

Re-reading “Heart of Darkness”, he explained, it became clear that he would never be on Marlow’s boat steaming up the Congo. He was one of the Africans Conrad described jumping up and down on the river bank, pulling faces. He realised how wrong it was—”terribly, terribly wrong”— to portray his people, any people, from that superior floatingpast point of view. His essay changed Conrad’s place in English literature.

Henceforth they were often taught, European and African, side by side.

Mr Achebe began writing stories at university, but went to work for the Nigerian Broadcasting Service in the late 1950s. His fourth novel, “A Man of the People”, about a military coup, was prophetic: it was published just days before the Nigerian army seized control of the country in 1966, as the Ibos threatened to secede in their own republic of Biafra.

In the years that followed he became increasingly politicised, joining the Biafran war effort. When the conflict ended he returned to teaching, much of it in America. From afar, he watched Nigeria succumb to military rule.

“Worshipping a dictator is such a pain in the ass,” he wrote in his 1987

‘

Worshipping a dictator is such a pain in the ass...They threaten all champions of control, they frighten usurpers of the right-to-freedom of the human spirit—in state, in church or mosque, in party congress, in the university

‘

novel, “Anthills of the Savannah”, a comic satire (written partly in Nigerian pidgin) about three friends living under a military strongman. To such rulers, storytellers like him were an active danger. “They threaten all champions of control, they frighten usurpers of the right-to-freedom of the human spirit—in state, in church or mosque, in party congress, in the university…” Literature, he liked to say, was his weapon.

His exile became permanent after a car accident in 1990 left him paralysed from the waist down. He settled in America and taught there. For more than a quarter-century, until he won the Man Booker International Prize in 2007, he stopped publishing.

The award seemed to spur him on, and he brought out two books in quick succession: one a collection of essays, the other, in 2012, a memoir of the Biafran war. Both books reinforced his protest against dehumanising Africa.

As a novelist, though, he saw himself as part of the great Western canon. The titles of his books saluted his heroes: “Things Fall Apart”, from Yeats, and “No Longer at Ease”, in homage to T.S. Eliot. At school he had once been punished for asking a boy, in Ibo, to pass the soap. Despite that humiliation, he liked writing in English. “I feel the English language will be able to carry the weight of my Africa experience,” he declared in 1965. It would have to be a different English, though, “still in full communion with its ancestral home, but altered to suit its new African surroundings.”

The hunter and the lions One measure of his influence is that contemporary African literature is now taught throughout America, where it was once thought marginal.

Another is that modern African writers now sell their books worldwide.

Mr Achebe was widely hailed as the father of African literature; but, smiling over his heavy bifocals, he rejected that. Instead, he repeated his favourite proverb: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” Small though he was, he turned out to be the African lions’ earliest and most important historian.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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CITYBEATS Two dead, five injured in Police, Civil Defence clash T WO Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) died early yesterday in a clash with the police in Ikorodu, on the outskirts of Lagos.

Trouble, it was learnt, began around 3am over what was called "operational disagreement".

Five other Civil Defence officials were said to have sustained gunshot injuries.

The dead, Gabriel Adaji and Innocent Akegbe, were said to be on duty with their colleagues before the clash with the police. It was gathered that the NSCDC officials had arrested some pipeline vandals with their exhibit when the police intervened.

Sources said as the Civil Defence officials were taking the suspects to their Alausa, Ikeja office, one of them made a call. "It was not long after the call that they encountered the policemen that opened fire on them," a source said.

Deputy National spokesman of NSCDC, Sola Odumosu, told The Nation that his colleagues were killed by the police. The police, he claimed are collaborators in pipeline vandalism.

He said: "In what could be described as a commando attack, policemen ambushed and opened fire on men of the anti-vandalism squad of the Lagos State Command of NSCDC, killing two of them on the spot while others escaped with gunshot wounds in Ikorodu area.

"The incident occurred at about 3am. The officers and men of the corps were returning from a successful anti-vandalism operation

By Jude Isiguzo and Miriam Ekene-Okoro

where vandals were arrested with their exhibit. However, as the suspects were being transported back to the state headquarters of the Corps, an eyewitness said the vandals made calls to their police collaborators for support since they could not overwhelm the Corps officials.

"Immediately the police got wind of the information, they laid ambush for the Corps operatives and opened fire on their patrol vehicles, killing two operatives instantly. Others made desperate efforts to escape but they were also hit by police bullets. The vandals were released immediately by the police".

Another senior NSCDC official recalled: "Around midnight, a team of NSCDC officials had arrested some suspected vandals during a raid. After the raid, the officials were driving along the Expressway when they were accosted by a team of mobile policemen. An argument ensued as one of the policemen said we had no right to operate in the area.

"Our men explained that it was their duty to protect all government facilities, including oil pipelines. After sometime, our men left, but unknown to them, a team of policemen laid ambush ahead.

The policemen opened fire on our men, killing two and injuring five.

The policemen then fled."

Hours after the incident, pandemonium broke out about 8 am in Alausa as the police and Civil Defence men clashed.

Civil servants who were resum-

•Kamara

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33-year-old Senegalese woman has informed narcotics investigators that she smuggled drugs for the love she had for her Nigerian boyfriend.

The suspect, Kamara Oumou, with Senegal’s international passport number, 400680371, was found with 680 grammes of narcotics that tested positive to heroin and cocaine.

She was apprehended by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

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By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos, while attempting to board an Arik flight to Dakar.

NDLEA Airport Commander Mr Hamza Umar, said the suspect taped three parcels of cocaine weighing 515 grammes on her waist while six wraps of heroin weighing 165 grammes were inserted in her private part.

"It was a carefully concealed method but not intelligent

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

ing for work at the state Secretariat ran for safety as sporadic gunshots were fired into the air.

Angered by the loss of their colleagues, some men of the Civil Defence pounced on two policemen in front of their office.

Other policemen rushed to the scene to rescue their colleagues, leading to sporadic gun shots.

The assaulted policemen were forced into the NSCDC premises.

Officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) were quickly drafted to the scene to quell the clash.

Fully armed RRS officers stood in front of the NSCDC office apparently to prevent the police from storming the place to free their men.

A vehicle marked CD 15 A01 allegedly used by the police during the Ikorodu clash was parked on the Alausa premises of the NSCDC yesterday.

NSCDC's spokesperson Kehinde Dada, said his colleagues’ bodies had been taken to the Military Hospital Mortuary, Yaba.

In a statement, spokesperson to the police Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said: "At about 0145hrs, there was a distress call from DM Security PPMC, Mosimi that they were experiencing drop in pressure on the pipeline. The Unit Commander in charge of Konu immediately pulled out his men on Konu axis under Inspector Sunday Gabriel to proceed to the scene.

"As they were approaching, they heard sound of serious gun firing, the Inspector instructed his men to proceed to the direction where it was coming from as it could be vandals. Upon arrival, they saw a

group of Civil Defence Corp members coming out from the area where the shooting was earlier heard.

"The NSCDC men challenged the policemen who were about four in number on what their mission was in the area; saying that it was their sole responsibility (Civil Defence) to guard and protect pipelines. At this juncture, there was an argument between the NSCDC and the police and the most senior NSCDC officer, DSC Olufemi ordered his men who were about 14 to disarm, arrest and handcuff the police team leader and other members of the team. The NSCDC disarmed Inspector Sunday Gabriel, handcuffed him, collected his service pistol, walkie-talkie, and Police I.D card. As they were about dragging •Items recovered from the scene of the clash him into one of their standby Hilux vehicles, a phone taken to their heels, abandoning the call was put to the Police Unit handcuffed police Inspector with one Commander reporting the situa- of their colleagues. tion. The three other officers reShe said it was shocking that at sisted the arrest and this infuri- about 4am, the Civil Defence Corp ated the Civil Defence officials Commander called the Police Comwho started shooting sporadi- mander, Mosimi to say that he lost cally to intimidate and subdue two of his men and their bodies had the police officers". been deposited at the hospital.

Braide noted that before the po"Up till now, the pistol of Inspeclice commander's arrival the tor Sunday Gabriel who was badly scene, the NSCDC officials had beaten and stabbed by the NSCDC

I smuggled drugs for love, says suspect

Akiolu to testify before explosion tribunal

enough to escape our detection," Umar said.

The boyfriend simply identified as Hakeem reportedly invited Kamara to Lagos from Dakar and lodged her in a hotel where they spent a week and made necessary arrangements for Kamara to go back with the drugs.

In her statement, Kamara said: "I smuggled the drugs for the love I have for my Nigerian boyfriend. I have a good relationship with Hakeem until my arrest. The day he brought the drugs to the hotel room was my first time ever of seeing drugs.

"Hakeem taught me how to pack the drugs and also took care of my travel arrangements.

He said that he lives in the East, but he took good care of me in the hotel in Lagos. We were to travel together to Dakar, but he suddenly changed the arrangement. Hakeem travelled to Dakar a day before my trip."

Preliminary investigation shows that they both met in Dakar where Hakeem is believed to have lived for 11 years.

Their relationship lasted only six mo nths before Hakeem left Dakar in December, last year.

Chairman/Chief Executive, NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade advised the public to be careful of the tricks employed by drug trafficking syndicates. The suspect, he said, would soon be charged to court.

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HE Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, yesterday backed the Lagos State government’s plan to unravel the cause of the banger explosions of December 26, last year.

One person died and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in the explosions which rocked Ojo-Giwa and Okoya streets in Jankara, Lagos Island. There were speculations that the blasts may have been caused by terrorists, who were working to destabilise the country.

Oba Akiolu spoke when members of the Tribunal of Enquiry on Fire and Explosion Incidents set up by Governor Babatunde Fashola visited him in his IgaIdugaran Palace, Lagos Island.

The royal father said: "I am happy that the tribunal is made up of people, who are knowledgeable and committed to the security and progress of Lagos.

I have no doubt in my mind that the tribunal will get to the root of the matter and make recommendations that will proffer lasting solution to the problem of the so-called mystery fire in our state."

The monarch promised to appear before the tribunal to give evidence and submit his memorandum to help the government in its findings. He urged anyone, who has evidence to help the tribunal's assignment, to come forward.

The tribunal chairman, Justice Sunday Ishola (rtd), said the panel visited the monarch to in-

By Wale Ajetunmobi

form him of its sitting expected to begin next Thursday at the Council Chamber, third floor of City Hall, Lagos Island.

The Tribunal urged Oba Akiolu to inform his subjects, stakeholders and victims of the inferno of the sitting. It said witnesses would be protected, adding that their evidences would not be used against them.

The Tribunal, which has three months to submit its findings, is to inquire into the immediate and remote causes of the inferno.

At the meeting were the white-cap chiefs, officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and other members of the Tribunal including Mrs Olubunmi Fagbayi, Secretary, Chief Richard Ahonaruogho and Mr. Wasiu Olokunola.

•Oba Akiolu

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

7

C ITYBEATS Slain Editor's mother seeks justice

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

MRS Felicia Udendu, the octogenarian mother of late Editor of Anambra News Newspaper, late Donatus Ikechukwu Udendu, has cried out for justice, asking the Police to produce and bring the killers of his late son to book.

Donatus was assassinated by yet unidentified gunmen on January 12. He was 51.

Mrs Udendu, 83, said she has no regret having two of his children as journalists because it was through them that she

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

discovered that journalism is a noble profession.

She, however, regretted that Donatus who, according to her, would not hurt a fly, could be killed at such a tender age.

She placed a curse on the head of his killers and added: "I want to know those who killed my son so that I can ask them what we did to them. Donatus played with everybody, including children."

Principal sacked over illegal fees

• Abolurin officials including his other accoutrements are still with NSCDC. Subsequently, far away in Alausa, Ikeja, at about 0800hrs today, the NSCDC officials abducted and assaulted t h r e e p o l i c e m e n - S g t C h a r l e s I g i e b o r , C orporal E k u n Julius and Cpl Okoro Charles - who went for National I.D Card registration exercise. They also started attacking policemen on sight in other parts of the state.

"The Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, immediately went on air to warn policemen not to engage in any form of confrontation with the NSCDC officials.

However, investigation into the matter has commenced while Lagosians are advised to maintain peace and remain calm," Braide added.

The Commandant General of the

•Manko NSCDC, Dr. Ade Abolurin urged his men to continue to work with sister security agencies in order to curb vandalism and oil theft.

While briefing the anti-vandalism squad in Abuja yesterday, Abolurin also cautioned Corps personnel, especially the Lagos State Command, to be calm, law-abiding and not carry out any reprisal attack or transfer aggression, but to maintain the status quo of friendship with other agencies.

He urged the personnel to be resolute and dogged in fighting vandalism.

The Federal Government, he said, through an Enabling Act, mandated the Corps to carry out the function of mounting surveillance, protecting critical infrastructure of Government, ar-

rest and prosecute anyone caught in the act of vandalism as well as those suspected to be collaborators.

He said though the Corps might be facing teething challenges in terms of cooperation and assistance from some quarters, his men should not be deterred from discharging their duties with honesty of purpose and integrity.

Abolurin charged his men to ensure that anytime they want to embark on any operation, they should liaise with the military formation within their locality so as to do it jointly to avoid what happened yesterday.

He said the military had agreed to collaborate with the Corps in stamping out vandalism, illegal bunkering and oil theft.

Lagos trains workers for improved service

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FFICIALS of the Lagos State Government will today conclude three-day training on advanced procurement planning for effective budget implementation to prepare an enabling ground for more foreign investors.

The training, which was organised by the Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions, in collaboration with Solid Vision Global Resources, has for the three days prepared procurement officers in the state for improved discharge of their duties in line with international practices.

The training team, led by a former Permanent Secretary in the state, now Managing Director of Solid Vision, Mr Babatunde Oshodi, told the trainees: "The state has invested heavily in passing the procurement law and

By Nneka Nwaneri

building capacity process. This training is to further prepare them for full implementation of the procurement law in 2014, which will eventually reduce opportunities for competition and malpractices in awarding government contracts.

"This is a good time to expose the officers to real life situation in procurement planning according to international best practices. It is also to ensure transparency, economy and value for money."

He said that after the seminar, government officials would be able to discharge their duties diligently and prevent wastages so that funds could be used effectively.

Oshodi observed that investors are now scouting for African countries with investment potentials, adding: "They want a country where transparency is evident.

Procurement process is a tool to make Lagos a force to reckon with.

South Africa and Ghana have also been practising procurement process. Thus, we have to be competitive."

One of the resource persons, Wole Afuye, said implementing procurement processes ought to be in line with standard practices. He added that projects must have a procurement plan since implementation is time-based to avoid emergency acquisitions, reduce administrative bottlenecks and ensure value for money.

Council kicks off debate contest

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FAKO-Ijaiye Local Government, Lagos State, yesterday flagged off the maiden edition of the Chairman's Quiz and Debate Competition, an initiative of the council's chairman, aimed at promoting the educational development of all youths in the area.

At a press conference held in the council's area office, the Chairman,

By Yinka Aderibigbe

Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, said the competition is aimed at bringing together over 50 public and private primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools in the council to compete with one another and exhibit their hidden literary talents.

He said: "The competition is aimed

Major remanded for 'fraud'

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retired Army Major, John Ehigie-Jacob, has been remanded in prison by a Benin Magistrate’s Court for alleged fraud.

The 65-year-old Major was arraigned on a two-count charge of unlawfully defrauding by false pretence, and obtaining N2 million from Dr Emmanuel Igiebor.

The offence contravened Section 1(3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other related offences Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2006).

Prosecuting police Inspector Fatai Amuda told the court that EhigieJacob and others at large defrauded Igiebor by false

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

pretences through First Bank Account No: 1113010060266 for the purchase of a Skida caterpillar, knowing same to be false.

The offence, he said, was committed between October and December 2009.

Chief Magistrate Endurance Osemweghe declined jurisdiction to entertain the matter, directing that the suspect be remanded in prison.

He also directed that the case file be forwarded to the Director for Public Prosecution for legal advice.The case was adjourned till April 3 for mention.

at fostering greater understanding, unity and scholarship. We intend through the competition to encourage scholarship in the students, as any one of them who would be representing their schools must read widely."

Oke, who said the council was partnering with Ostrich Entertainment Ltd to put the programme together, praised the sponsors which include Diamond Bank Plc, Dufil Foods Manufacturing Ltd, makers of Indomie Noodles and Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd., for supporting the council in adding value to grassroots governance He said the competition which would run for six weeks and would have as judges, notable educationists and officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

Diamond Bank's Regional Manager for Ikeja Region, Mr. Benson Oraelosi praised the council for its ambitious attempt to raise the standard of education through the competition.

He said the bank partnered with the council because if its commitment to the promotion of youth-focused projects in line with the principle of the bank.

EDO State Commissioner for Education Ekpenisi Omorotiomwan has ordered the removal of the Principal of Ugiomo Secondary School, Mrs. Magaret Akhamaku, for allegedly collecting illegal levy from students.

Mrs. Akhamaku was said to have collected N2, 500 as examination fee from Junior Secondary School students.

The commissioner learnt of the levy during a routine monitoring of schools in the locality. The vice-principal has been asked to take over in the interim.

The commissioner restated that education is free in junior and secondary schools, adding that the government had paid for examination expenses in all public schools.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

He said it was illegal for any school head to collect levies from students in public primary and secondary schools, warning that any head-teacher caught would be sanctioned.

He ordered the principal to refund the collected funds within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has renovated over 138 primary schools and distributed 5,050 desks to schools.

The Commissioner for Basic Education, Patrick Agwinede said the state government had also liaised with the Neighbourhood Watch Committee and the Nigeria Legion to beef up security around public schools.

Kings College holds Cultural Day THE lucky winner of a draw being organised by Kings College, Lagos, will today smile home with a new Hyundai car, which will be unveiled today at the main campus of the school.

Pastor Timi Ajayi, treasurer of the school's Parents Teachers Association (PTA), said: "The idea behind the draw is simply to raise fund for the five-story hostel we are constructing for the school and also to look for other avenues of raising funds through our parents, students, old boys, stakeholders, friends and family members of the school."

He said raffle tickets had been

By Sampson Unamka

distributed to all stakeholders with various prizes "as a way of appreciating our stakeholders."

The chairman, Mr Emmanueal Oriakhi added that besides the star prize, other consolation prizes will be won, including ten generators, ten refrigerators, and 20 electric irons among others.

The school's principal, Otunba Dele Olapeju, also added that the school will celebrate the late renowned African writer Chinua Achebe "because any writer is a living legend."

Youths urged to shun social vices THE Rector of Otefe Polytechnic, Oghara, Delta State, Dr Evorhovwo Clara Sogaike has advised students of the institution and the youth in general, to shun social vices that can affect their lives.

Sogaike, who spoke at the school's recent matriculation ceremony, warned against cultism, examination malpractices and indecent dressing.

She said "provocative" dresses are not acceptable in line with the school's approved dress code.

She cited the instance Blessing Okagbare, a former student of the institution who is excelling in sports, noting that students who desire excellence in life must be focus-driven in their field of endeavour The Rector said the institution presently has nine National Diploma courses and eight Higher National Diploma courses accredited by the National Board for Technical Education while more courses are

By Akatakpo Frank, Sapele,

undergoing accreditation process.

While declaring that the institution has zero tolerance for examination malpractice, she said the offence attracts severe penalty. Ten HND 1 students were expelled in the 2011/2012 academic session by the academic board for examination malpractice.

She called for discipline and good conduct, noting that discipline and good conduct are necessary factors for effective learning. She said certificates are awarded to students found worthy in character and learning, adding: "You are expected to observe to the letter, all regulations relating to your registration as students, attendance of classes, use of library, using computer centre, good conduct during examination and general attitude towards the polytechnic environment."

Kogi monarch for burial THE final burial rites of Oba Patrick O. Owoleke, Obadofin Okin 1 of Oweland, Kabba, Kogi State, will begin on April 12 with a wake keep at his Obadofin Palace, Kajola, Kabba.

A lying-in-state at his residence on April 13 will be followed by church service at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Kabba. A reception will be held later at his residence.

8

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

NEWS Dubai to host Africa Global Business Forum

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HE Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Segun Aganga; the President, Dangote Group of Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and former Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Hakeem Bello-Osagie, are among top Nigerians expected to speak at the Africa Global Business Forum on May 1 and 2.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in conjunction with the COMESA Regional Investment Agency (RIA), is organising the forum.

The forum, with the theme, Dubai-COMESA: Bridging the Continent to the World, is expected to be attended by over 2,000 delegates from African bloc countries.

It will explore investment opportunities in 56 African countries as well as highlight the strategic role of Dubai as a world-class hub for connecting to Africa. The forum will also provide a better understanding of the investment opportunities and advantages associated with doing business in Africa.

Participants are expected to identify the frameworks which drive growth and contribute to a favourable business environment, while they also network with key industry peers.

Reps seek national policy on diabetes From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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HE House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Health to convene a stakeholders’ meeting on the impact of diabetes and make recommendations on how to combat it.

This followed the adoption of a motion on the urgent need for a National Policy on Diabetics in Nigeria moved by Michael Abayomi Ogunnusi (ACN, Lagos).

Ogunnusi explained that diabetes is a chronic condition that arises when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin produced.

He said diabetes is a lifethreatening medical disorder that is on the rise in the country.

The lawmaker noted that over 1.5 million Nigerians are infected with the disease, adding that majority of them are ignorant of the disorder and its consequences.

According to him, available data from the International Diabetic Foundation indicates that diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death of three million people worldwide.

Ogunnusi said an estimated 195 million people around the world have diabetes and that by 2025, the figure will rise to 333 million, amounting to 6.3 per cent of the world’s population.

He said: “Nigeria, being the most populous nation in Africa, has the highest number of people with diabetes, with approximately 1,218,000 people affected. Nigeria also has the highest number of people with impaired glucose tolerance, with an estimated 3.8 million people.”

Fed Govt approves N47.8b roads contracts

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HE Federal Government yesterday ratified the contracts for the construction and rehabilitation of 13 roads across the country for N47.8 billion.

The Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, broke the news in Abuja when he addressed State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, coordinated the briefing. The Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd) and his Mines and Solid Minerals counterpart, Muhammad Sada, presented their ministries’ perfor-

•N3.6b for satellite mapping From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

mance and challenges in 2012 to the FEC. Onolememen said work levels on the 13 roads varied between one per cent and seven per cent.

He explained that the contracts were awarded at the end of last year while the contractors were mobilised to sites in January this year.

According to him, FEC also approved a N3.6 billion contract for the acquisition of multi-user licence and multi-spectral satellite map imagery equipment

for major towns and cities across the country.

He said: “The council approved the ratification of the President’s anticipatory approval for the award of contracts for the construction/rehabilitation of 13 roads nationwide. This followed a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, who sought the council’s ratification of the President’s anticipatory approval for the contract awards, worth N47,813,407,007.35.

“The contracts, which are in two categories, include the contract for the rehabilitation

of Vandeikia-Obudu-Obodu Cattle Ranch road, Phase 1 in Benue State, in favour of Messrs CCECC (Nigeria Limited) for N3,296,177,230.50 with a completion period of 12 months.

“The construction of MbaiseNgwa road in Imo/Abia states, with bridges at Imo River Phase 1, in favour of Messrs Mangroveech and Engineering (Nigeria) Limited, for N2,943,534,543.18 with a completion period of 30 months.

“The construction of AbribaArochukwu-Ohafia road, in Abia State Phase 1, in favour

Messrs Beks Kimse (Nigeria) Limited, for N2,265,982,372.50 with a completion period of 24 months.

“Also awarded was the contract for the rehabilitation of Makurdi-Gboko road Phase 1; Wannune-Yandev section, in Benue State, in favour of Messrs Jam Services Construction Limited, for N3,297,761,006.93 with a completion period of 24 months.

“The contract for the construction of Ohafia Abia StateOso Ebonyi State road in favour of Messrs Uniglobe Construction Engineering Limited, for N2,293,965,030 with a completion period of 18 months...”

APC best idea for Nigeria, says ex-APGA chief From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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•Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan (left) consecrating the Oil of Chrism at the Chrism Mass in Abuja...yesterday.

2015: Kenyan High Commissioner, CODER advocate biometric system

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HE Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER) and the Kenyan High Commission in Nigeria yesterday in Abuja advocated the use of Biometric system for the 2015 general elections.

The Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Thomas Amolo, highlighted the success of the system, which was adopted during the last election in his country.

He said the use of the Biometric system would improve Nigeria’s electoral system.

CODER’s Director of Operation Olusegun Bada said the system should be used in Nigeria for the 2015 polls.

Amolo, who was represented by the Kenyan Second Chancellor Michael Mwiti, spoke at the inaugural conversation series

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

of CODER. The High Commissioner faulted Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for describing the system as slow and cumbersome, adding that it worked in Kenya because of the centralisation of government there.

He said: “The Biometric system was used in the registration of voters, casting of votes as well as in the compilation of results. The voters register was widely accepted.

“Kenyans have absolute belief in the system; they believe their leaders must emerge through the ballot box, although there were few hitches and lapses. Howeve, the system worked very well.

“Once people have confi-

dence in the electoral process, they will always accept the result of the election. The system reposes great confidence in the Kenyan Electoral body.”

Amolo said the election recorded 86 per cent voter turnout.

He added: “There were many independent bodies that were formed for people to have confidence in the governance process. After the political crisis, which took place five years ago, we decided to plant a new tree to usher a new democratic process. The election was significant in two ways. First, our governance system has changed.

“The women representatives represent each of the groups in the country. There are many women activists in Kenya; that informed the participation of

women in the election. It was the first time we were using Biometrics in our electoral system.

That was the highest turnout of voters in the political history of Kenya.”

The High Commissioner explained that the biometric system of conducting election should be introduced in countries which are yet to adopt them because it improves the credibility of the elections and the electoral process.

“There is nothing wrong in Nigeria and other countries imbibing this system,” Amolo said.

Jaiye Gaskiya, the Executive Secretary, Civil Society for the Eradication of Poverty, noted that part of the challenge of electoral reform process in Nigeria is that it is not holistic.

Daily Times: Court orders retrial of HE Court of Appeal, ownership suit Lagos Division, yester-

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day ordered a retrial of a suit on the ownership of Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN) by another judge of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi.

In a judgment delivered by presiding Justice Amina Augie, the appellate court faulted an earlier judgment delivered by Justice Okechukwu Okeke of the Federal High Court, which led to the appeal.

Folio Communications Limited and four others had challenged Justice Okeke’s nullification of their acquisition of majority shares of Daily Times.

The judge had held that Folio Communications, owned by Fidelis Anosike, did not pay for

By Joseph Jibueze

the newspaper’s majority shares and that it was unlawful for the company to still parade itself as a shareholder.

The judge declared the acquisition null, void and of no effect. He returned the shares acquired by Folio Communications to Daily Times.

But Justice Augie faulted Justice Okeke’s verdict for not considering the issue of locus standi, which the appellants sought to raise during the hearing.

She said the lower court should have considered whether or not to grant the ap-

pellants leave to raise the issue.

According to her, the fact that a High Court is very busy with a lot of suits does not mean a judge should overlook legitimate prayers of a litigant in the interest of justice.

“The lower court did not even consider it at all. That prayer became a stumbling block that the lower court should have climbed upon and resolved,” Justice Augie said.

The judge averred that the nature of the appeal meant it could neither be upheld nor dismissed. She said it had to be struck out.

“The matter has to go back to the High Court before another

•Anosike

judge. There shall be no order as to cost. When you don’t have jurisdiction, you cannot dismiss or allow an appeal. Therefore, the appeal is struck out.

“Everything will have to be sent back to the High Court for trial de-novo (fresh trial) before another judge,” she held.

HE Kwara State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2011 election, Alhaji Bala Mohammed Lade, has said the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the best idea for the country.

The politician noted that the formation of the mega party has dashed the hope of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rule Nigeria for 60 years.

Lade told The Nation that the merger of major opposition parties into APC is a welcome development.

He said: “I want to say the coming on board of APC is a welcome development. Welcome development in the sense that where there is no strong opposition people take governance for liberty. They take people for granted. I consider the merger as a blessing for the state and the nation in general.

For those that are not performing now they have to wake up to do more and for those that have been performing they have to do more so that people will not change to other parties.

As an individual I consider it as a very good development for the country...”

Orji: PDP governors didn’t boycott Tukur’s anniversary From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

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BIA State Governor Theodore Orji has said Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors did not boycott the first anniversary of the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led executive.

The governor said the PDP did not have any internal problem, adding that the party was only experiencing the dynamism of politics that should be expected in every democratic set-up like Nigeria.

He said there could have been a communication gap on the celebration, which some people apparently misinterpreted.

Addressing reporters in Umuahia, the state capital, on his return from the United States, Orji insisted that PDP governors did not boycott the anniversary of the party’s leadership.

He said: “It is not correct to say that PDP governors boycotted the ceremony. The notice did not go round. It is also not correct to say that the governors are running away from PDP. The governors are still strong members of the PDP and PDP is still very strong. PDP has no problem within its house.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

9

NEWS

Osun ACN: Tinubu is a visionary leader

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State has praised the leadership style of the party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who will turn 61 tomorrow.

The party urged him to remain committed to freeing Nigeria from the stranglehold of corruption and ineffective leadership.

In a congratulatory message by its Chairman, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi and the Director of Publicity, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, the party praised Tinubu for giving the ACN “visionary and dynamic leadership”.

It said: “We expect the exemplary leadership of Asiwaju Tinubu to move to

Gunmen kill ex-Oyo SSG’s guard

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From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

the next level in the political struggle by Nigerians to free the country of corruption and ineffective leadership at the centre, which is almost reducing it to the status of a failed state.

“It takes a leader endowed with determination, focus and wisdom to creditably discharge such burdensome responsibilities as Asiwaju has done over the last decade since democracy was restored to Nigeria.

“We hope that as Asiwaju advances in age, he would gain more experiences that would help him give greater service, especially now that Nigeria needs it

•Tinubu

most.”

The party wished Tinubu a happy birthday and God’s grace for a healthier and longer life of service to his fatherland.

HE Ibadan home of a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG), Mr. Ayodele Adigun, was on Tuesday invaded by gunmen.

The gunmen killed Adigun’s night guard, simply identified as Pa Olapade. They reportedly stormed the house in Akobo at night.

The former SSG, who is a chieftain of the Accord in the state, was away in Ekiti State.

The body of the guard was discovered yesterday morning by the day guard, Mr. Wasiu Adeniran, when he resumed duty. He said the late Olapade was blindfolded and gagged.

Adeniran said: “My shift is from 7am to 7pm. When I resumed yesterday, I knocked the gate for about 30 minutes, but there was no answer.

There was no sound coming

Kaadi Igbe Ayo a deceit, says Ondo ACN

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State yesterday said the Kaadi Igbe Ayo inaugurated by the state government is a deceit.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Agbede, ACN said: “At a time when the government

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

cannot pay its workers and is laying off thousands of civil servants, this extraordinary display of financial recklessness is nothing but an act of insensitivity to the plight of the poor in the society.

“This showiness at the det-

Ekiti road contractors get 30-day ultimatum

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OAD contractors in Ekiti State with uncompleted projects awarded by the administration of ousted “Governor” Segun Oni have been given 30 days to complete them.

Governor Kayode Fayemi gave the ultimatum on Tuesday during a meeting with the contractors at the Governor’s Office in AdoEkiti, the state capital.

He also gave an October deadline to contractors whose contracts were awarded by his administration.

Fayemi decried the slow pace of work on some projects and urged the contractors to buckle up.

He said they have no excuse not to deliver the projects at the scheduled time because the government is always honouring its part of the deal.

The governor said the people would take the government up on its promise to fix major roads by 2014 and he would not disappoint them.

He praised some contractors for constructing quality roads and completing them on time.

riment of the common people is not expected from a government that claims to be working for the people.

“The state is challenged with a leadership that lacks the capacity to deliver and engages in frivolities.

“This card project is certainly another chapter in a series of absurdities of this clueless administration.

“What is the usefulness of a card that captures the data of only people of voting age, if not for the dual purposes of draining the state’s resources and creating a data base for the injection of ghost

voters into the voter’ register as revealed at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

“The inauguration of the card and its attendant fanfare is an attempt to cover their tracks and divert the attention of the people from the original reason behind the project.

“We are consoled by the fact that the reign of the Labour Party (LP) is a passing phase and would soon be consigned to the dustbin of history to pave way for a new government devoid of vices in the interest of the common man.”

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from Baba’s radio, which he normally leaves on. A neighbour’s guard, Usman, saw me there and told me to knock harder. That was when I used my hands to pry the gate open and was Baba’s body lying near the entrance.

He was tied. I raised the alarm and called Oga’s secretary and special assistant.”

Adeniran said the assailants must have jumped over

leged.

The lawmaker said he had provided eight boreholes and built two blocks of three classrooms each and an headmaster’s office in the constituency.

He assured the people of qualitative and responsive

representation.

Sikiru said: “This empowerment programme is expected to rub on every member of this constituency directly or indirectly. It is a delight that many past beneficiaries are now economically viable and are sustaining their

families from the proceeds of the empowerment.”

The beneficiaries thanked Sikiru and urged other politicians to emulate him.

The Speaker, Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu; Chief Bayo Oyero and some lawmakers were present at the event.

Boko Haram: Police, SSS, others meet in Ogun

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HE police in Ogun State yesterday met with the heads of the State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday to map out ways to effectively secure lives and property.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

The meeting was held at the Command Headquarters in Eleweran at the instance of the Police Commissioner, Ikemefuna Okoye.

The agencies resolved to work in synergy to tighten

security.

Also at the meeting were the Comptrollers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the State Traffic Unit (TRACE) and the State Vigilance Service.

the fence, adding that a ladder was found by the fence.

Adigun said he must have been the target of the gunmen because nothing was stolen from the house. He said they did not break into the main building.

Adigun said he had no clue why anyone would be after his life, but suspected it might be political.

“I do not have deals. I owe no one and no one owes me any money”, he added.

Alao-Akala’s case suffers setback

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HE trial of former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday suffered a setback because a new judge is yet to be assigned to the case.

The former judge, Justice Akintunde Boade, has retired.

Alao-Akala, who arrived at the court with his supporters, left when it became apparent that the case would not be heard.

Yinka Bolanle, who stood in for the EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Godwin Obla, said: “The case file is still with the Chief Judge.

A new judge is yet to be assigned to the case. When we got here this morning, we went to Court 2 where the case was supposed to be heard but the judge there said the case had not been assigned to him.

The trial will continue when the case is re-assigned.”

The EFCC is prosecuting Alao-Akala; former Commissioner for Local Government

•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi flanked by the Chairman of the State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Ranti Adebisi (left) and the Head of Service, Mr. Bunmi Famosaya, at the one year remembrance service for the former President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the state, Comrade Ayo Afolalu, and three union members, who died in a road accident last year ... yesterday.

Oyo lawmaker empowers constituents with N10m HE member representing Ibadan North East II in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Alli Akinola Sikiru, has empowered about 350 traders and unemployed youths in his constituency with items worth over N10 million.

The items include 20 sewing machines, seven motorcycles, 20 grinding machines, 15 hair dryers, 15 power generating sets, 13,000 exercise books and 2 KVA power generating sets, among others.

Distributing the items at St. Annes Secondary School in Molete, Ibadan, Sikiru said his gesture was to alleviate the suffering of the less-privi-

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

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HE National Secretary of the Accord, Dr. Samson Isibor, yesterday explained why former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja was expelled from the party.

He said it was to make the party “transparent, disciplined, non-tribal and acceptable to all members”.

In a statement in Benin, the Edo State capital, Isibor said the Accord is “weeding out corrupt members to make the party untainted and undiluted”. He advised Ladoja to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and stop parading himself as Accord’s national leader.

Isibor described as “illegal” a National Executive Coun-

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

and Chieftaincy Affairs Hosea Agboola; and an Ibadan contractor, Mr. Femi Babalola, for an 11-count charge of conspiracy, contract scam and illegal conversion of public funds worth N25 billion to private use.

Lawyer to sue Mimiko over sacked lecturers

By Joseph Jibueze

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CTIVIST lawyer Morakinyo Ogele has threatened to sue the Ondo State Government, if sacked lecturers of state-owned tertiary institutions are not recalled in seven days.

Ogele said besides the legal action, he would organise a mass protest against the government’s action .

He said lecturers of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo; and several civil servants were sacked for “flimsy reasons.”

In a letter to Governor Olusegun Mimiko yesterday, Ogele said over 16,000 workers have been sacked.

He said: “The state is stagnant. Virtually all sectors are in chaos. All is not well. People are suffering in silence.

“Sir, it is no longer news that the state has become a banana republic and everybody is on his own.

“The people have been neglected and the government has no welfare package for them.

“It is imperative for me to write this letter so that things can be corrected.

“If the sacked workers are not reinstated in seven days, I will organise a mass protest and seek redress in court.”

Accord: why we expelled Ladoja From Osagie Otabor, Benin

cil (NEC) meeting of the party held in Abuja by some members.

He said: “Article 16 (A) of the party’s constitution empowers only the national chairman to mandate the secretary to call a meeting of the NEC or the National Working Committee (NWC).

“Therefore, the meeting called by a commissioner in Oyo State was illegal and any communiqué emanating from such illegal gathering is of no effect to Accord nationwide.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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NEWS Fayemi eulogises ex-NULGE president, three others

Appeal Court rules on Ondo ACN’s petition today

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HE Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, will today rule on the appeal filed by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and its candidate in last October’s governorship election.

The ACN candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), and his party appealed the dismissal of some parts of their petition by the Election Petition Tribunal during the pre-hearing session.

The tribunal struck out some paragraphs of the petition on the grounds that they were “general allegations”.

It ruled that since the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in Okitipupa Local Government, ACN cannot sue

E

•Accord candidate seeks retrial From Damisi Ojo, Akure

the Labour Party (LP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the result declared in the council.

ACN said the fact that PDP won in an area does not deny it the right to challenge the “irregularity” that characterised the election and the “manipulation” of the voters’ register in all local governments in the state.

ACN urged the court to invalidate the reply to its petition by Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s counsel, Prof. O. Egbewole, who is an employee of the University of

Ilorin (UNILORIN).

It said as a public officer, Egbewole cannot defend Mimiko at the tribunal.

ACN argued that all documents signed by Egbewole on behalf of Mimiko at the tribunal are illegal.

One of the party’s counsel, Akin Olujimi (SAN), told the Appeal Court that the tribunal’s decision that no court except the Code of Conduct Tribunal can sanction public officers, who contravene the constitution, has been overruled by recent court decisions.

ACN said the tribunal breached the principle of consolidation when it dismissed two of the four petitions before it, filed by the Accord candidate and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

The party and Akeredolu urged the Appeal Court to reverse the decision of the Justice Andover Kaka’n-led tribunal.

The Accord candidate, Mr. Olawale Ojo James, is praying the Court of Appeal to rule in his favour based on INEC’s admission that it excluded him from partici-

•Akeredolu

pating in the election.

He urged the court to set aside the dismissal of his petition and order a retrial.

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday shelved the weekly Executive Council meeting scheduled for 10am to pay tribute to the late President of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ekiti chapter, Comrade Ayo Afolalu and three union members, who died in an accident on the Benin-Owo road last year.

The others are Comrades Olukayode Afolalu, Akinyemi Lucas and Ojo Ojomu.

The governor attended the first year remembrance service organised by NULGE for the deceased around 10am.

He urged workers to emulate the diligence, passion and “extra-ordinary commitment” of Afolalu, whose death he described as a great loss to the state.

Party re-affirms expulsion of 13 members in Oyo

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HE Action Alliance (AA) in Oyo State has re-affirmed the expulsion of 13 members for antiparty activities.

The party re-affirmed this at a congress held in Ibadan,

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

the state capital.

The expelled members were found guilty of antiparty activities by the state congress held on November, 19, 2011 and were recommended for expulsion to the party’s National Secretariat.

The approval of the expulsion was conveyed in a December 12, 2011, letter by AA’s National Chairman, Senator Suleiman Salawu, to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State.

The State Chapter, in a March 20, 2013 letter to the State Security Service (SaSS) and another letter dated March 23 to the REC, alleged that the expelled members were impersonating the Executive.

AA urged the SSS to stop the former members from misinforming the public.

At its congress at the weekend, the party produced a new Executive Committee.

Fayemi said the late Afolalu rendered quality service to local government workers and the state.

He praised the NULGE leadership for remembering the deceased and assured their families of the government’s support.

Fayemi urged the union members to support the bereaved families.

The Head of Service, Mr. Bunmi Famosaya; Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission Chief Ranti Adebisi and workers of the State and Local Government Service were also present at the event.

Easter: Osun offers free train rides From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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HE Osun State Government will today begin free train rides for its indigenes and people in its environs from Lagos and other cities in the Southwest to Osogbo and vice-versa.

The Omoluabi Free Train Rides are to ease transportation as the people travel for the Easter celebration.

The first train will take off today at 11am from the Ido Terminus in Lagos to Osogbo. Another one will take off from Lagos on Friday at 11am.

On Easter Monday, a train will leave Osogbo for Lagos at 10am. Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment Ismail Jayeola Alagbada said the gesture was in line with Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s commitment to making life better for the people.

He said: “The Aregbesola administration is peoplefriendly and committed to unlocking the latent potentials in our people. For the second year running, free train rides have become a tradition in Osun during festive periods. I urge our people to grab this unique opportunity to spend their Easter holiday in Osun, the most endowed tourist land in the Southwest.”

Stay away from politicians, Ajimobi warns civil servants

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has warned newly-recruited administrative officers and social welfare officers against hobnobbing with politicians.

He said anybody who does so would be shown the way out of the Civil Service.

The governor spoke in Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday during the threeday induction course for the new employees.

He said they should be apolitical in all their dealings.

The employees comprise 40 administrative officers and 18 welfare officers. They include fresh graduates and eight civil servants, who passed the examination for administrative officers.

Ajimobi, who was represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Tajudeen Aremu, said the civil service is a call to serve one’s fatherland.

He said: “The civil service is not a place for those with the `get-rich-quick syndrome’. So if you are looking for undue riches, this is not an ideal place for you.

But if what you want to make maximum impact in life through selfless service, you are welcome on board.

“I believe in the saying of a wise man that `Life is in phases, but men are in sizes’.

If you pattern your life along this philosophy, you will realise your potentials in the civil service.”

The governor said the government would soon recruit 120 fresh graduates as education officers.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

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

Diamond Bank opens UK subsidiary

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• From left: Manager, Publications & Conferences, FirstBank Plc, Oze K. Oze, Group Head, Peculiar People Management (PPM), Delia Omatsola, Guest Speaker, Willie Jolley, Resource Executive, Marketing & Corporate Communication, FirstBank Plc, Chidinma A. Igbokwe and Chief Executive Officer, PPM, & Project Consultant, Ghandi Olaoye, at the Youth Excel Series programe, tagged, ‘Inspired to Excel Against All Odds’, hosted by First Bank Plc at Oriental Hotel, Victoroa Island, Lagos.

Arik Air raises capacity for Easter

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RIK Air, West and Cen tral Africa’s largest air line, has assured that it has the capacity to cope with demands of air travelers this Easter season.

The Acting Senior Vice President, Operations/ Deputy Managing Director, Captain Ado Sanusi, said the airline has added extra flights to key domestic destinations to enable Nigerians celebrate the festive season with their families and loved ones.

In a statement, he dispeled rumour making the rounds that the airline has increased fares.

“We have at no time increased our fares to any of our destinations. Instead, we have introduced low fares on all the routes and even lower fares when booking on line,” he explained.

He cautioned passengers against patronising touts and enjoined them to buy their tickets in advance from any airport or Arik Air city ticketing offices, or on line at arikair.com

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

Reps probe NNPC’s pipeline protection contracts T

HE House of Repre sentatives yesterday ordered a probe of the N5.6 billion the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation of Nigeria (NNPC) spends yearly on oil pipeline protection, saying the deal is in violation of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) Act. The House gave the directive in a resolution following a motion moved by Robinson Uwak, member reprsenting (PDP-Akwa Ibom), which was adopted without debate.

The three committees charged with the investigations are those of Petroleum Resources (Upstream); Interior; National Security and Intelligence.

The report of the investigation is expected to be presented to the House within four weeks.

Uwak, said the NNPC spends N5.6 billion yearly

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

on the protection of oil pipelines in violation of the NSCDC Act, which empowers the Corps to protect the pipelines.

Section 3 (1) of the Act, states: “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps shall maintain 24 hours surveillance over infrastructure, sites and projects of the federal, states and local governments; “The NSCDC has powers to arrest without a warrant, detain, investigate and institute legal proceedings against any person who is reasonably suspected to have committed an offence under this Act. “Or is involved in any power transmission lines,

or oil pipelines, Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) cables, equipment, water board pipes and equipment vandalism.” Uwak insisted that the amount of money being spent on pipeline contract could be further invested in the corps.

“The huge sums of money spent in servicing the pipeline contract could be invested in funding the NSCDC to enable it carry out its statutory function rather than giving it to a private firm in violation of the law,” he stated.

The legislator said that the mobilisation of officers of the corps to locations and operations not covered by its Act violated the provisions of the Act.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) 2013 budget of N259.6 billion has passed second reading at the floor of the House of Representatives.

The budget appropriated N48 billion for personnel costs, while N55.9 billion was for overhead costs and N155.7 billion for capital projects.

The Chairman of the Committee on FCT, Rep. Emmanuel Jime, (PDPBenue), said that the budget was critical to the execution of the Abuja Lighter Rail project and completion of some health facilities within the territory.

He urged members to support the passage of the budget for a second reading.

Nigerian equities get N416b from pension assets

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BOUT N416 billion out of current total pen sion assets of N3.2 trillion are to be invested in quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Director general, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Ms. Arunma Oteh, disclosed this yesterday at a media briefing after the Capital Market Committee (CMC)’s first quarter meeting in Lagos.

She said that the proportionate level of domestic investors in the market had risen to 61 per cent while foreign investors account for 31 per cent of turnover at the stock market.

The DG noted that the increase in percentage share of equities from 10 per cent to 13 per cent of the total assets of pension funds un-

• Fed Govt to sell 70% stake in Abuja Exchange Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

derscored the improving confidence of Nigerian investors in the stock market.

According to her, the reforms over the past three years have made the stock market to be more attractive to individual and institutional investors, hence the growth in the level of pension assets.

She disclosed that as part of efforts to widen the capital market, the Federal Government would revamp the Abuja Securities and Commodities Exchange (ASCE) and sell 70 per cent equity stake to private investors.

Oteh said the impending launch of two new trading platforms by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) and Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA) would foster transparency and liquidity in the market.

According to her, the new platforms would broaden the capital market coverage and allow bond transactions and securities traded on the Over the Counter to become more transparent while providing a medium for long term financing for infrastructure development and Small and Medium Enterprise growth.

She added that an Alternative Securities Exchange Market (Asem), which would be launched next month, will attract more companies to the market as the listing requirements have been made to be less stringent than those for the main board of the NSE. She noted that companies on Asem would later be listed on the Exchange, providing a sort of grooming for companies.

Oteh said the Commission would work to complete the dematerialisation of the stock market, pointing out that the SEC had started to review the report put forward by a committee set up last year on dematerialisation.

IAMOND Bank Plc, has secured the ap proval of the Financial Services Authority (FSA), UK to own and operate a bank in the United Kingdom.

In a statement, the Group Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Dr. Alex Otti, said that the bank was pleased with the approval as it signals the conclusion of a process that started months ago.

He said the bank was delighted to secure the affirmation of the FSA for its bid to set up a UK subsidiary to enable it offer wholesale financial services, including facilitating international trade to new and existing clients, adding that the approval also provides a unique opportunity for Diamond Bank to establish its presence in London, which is a hub for finance and banking activities in Europe.

Following the approval given by shareholders at the last Annual General Meeting in May 2012, Otti had hinted during the bank’s investors conference call in July, 2012, that the bank was determined to leverage on its international banking license with the acquisition of a niche bank in Europe.

Petrobras divests stakes in Nigeria’s oil assets • Eyes $5b proceeds

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RAZILIAN state oil company, Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras), which commenced operation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry in 1998, said it is divesting from the nation’s oil and gas sector.

The divestment is expected to fetch Petrobas about $5 billion.

According to Reuters, the decision to sell the Nigeria assets marks a retreat away from foreign markets to enable the company concentrate in oil assets development in Brazil in order to realise the government’s goal for Brazil to become self-sufficient in energy.

It said: “Petrobras is divesting assets and redirecting investment towards higher-return activities such as exploration and production to finance a five-year, $237 billion capital spending plan, the world’s largest corporate investment programme, which it hopes to more than double current oil and gas production by the start of the next decade to about 5.2 million barrels of oil equivalent a day and also help Brazil become self-sufficient in refined products as well.

“Therefore, it has started the process to auction off its stakes in Nigerian oil fields to raise cash for domestic projects, a deal that may fetch up to $5 billion (£3.3 billion pounds).

The state-controlled company has hired Standard Chartered to run the process, which will kick off in the next two months.”

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INDUSTRY

Planned fuel price hike not in public interest, says OPS T HE Organised Private Sector (OPS) has warned the Federal Government against the planed increase the price of petrol.

It said the planned hike is in not in the common man’s interest.

Last week, President Goodluck Jonathan, hinted that the government may increase the fuel price after consultation with people.

Speaking with reporters in Lagos, the National President, Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Herbert Ademola Ajayi, said the plan would further increase the cost of doing business and would be a disincentive to manufacturers and local industries.

He said the OPS had in January warned the government against taking such decision, adding that as the issue is coming up again,

Stories by Toba Agboola

they (OPS) will continue to speak against it.

Ajayi said: “At this time that the transformation train is moving towards the realisation of tangible achievements, it is not advisable that President Jonathan compounds the woes of Nigerians and manufacturers. That is the angle I feel the public is worried about.”

President Jonathan had at the Nigerian Summit on Tuesday, said the Federal Government would remove fuel subsidy, but noted that the government would first discuss the proposal with Nigerians before the removal.

On January 1, last year, the government without prior notice removed fuel subsidy, shooting fuel

price to N141 per litre.

Following protests, the government reduced the price to N97 a litre.

According to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), the landing cost of a litre of petrol is N131.10, with total distribution margins of N15.49, thus bringing the total cost to N146.59. This means that if the government eventually removes the subsidy, Nigerians will be paying a minimum of N146.59 for a litre of petrol.

The NACCIMA chief said the

cost of governance at the three tiers of public government remains among the highest in the world.

“This is one delicate area that NACCIMA plans to address in its forthcoming conference, where it will reel out facts and information,” he said.

He said: “Meanwhile the issue of corruption cannot be ignored at the conference, as the health and well being of the citizens and the economy have been seriously infected with the virus of corruption, to the extent that for transformation to succeed, some form of therapy and anti-virus for discouraging further worsening of and gradual elimination of corruption at all levels of governance must

be provided for.”

Ajayi said the recent increases in electricity tariff, despite the inefficient situation of electricity supply is unacceptable to the majority of Nigerians and said it needed to be reviewed in order not to further increase the already high cost of living.

He said the economy has not grown as expected in spite of ongoing laudable reforms, saying that the business community continues to grapple with the usual age-long challenging operating environment, policy inconsistencies and infrastructural constraints, particularly the almost over flogged issue of power and energy.

SON promises to reduce substandard products by 30%

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HE Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) will reduce substandard products by 30 per cent, SON Director-General, Joseph Odumodu has said.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on the New SONCAP guidelines, Odumodu said the strengthening of SONCAP was critical to the campaign of zero tolerance for substandard products.

To achieve the target of reducing substandard products by 30 per cent, he said the agency would maintain the rules guiding the new SONCAP, adding that it would not tolerate lapses on the part of the importers, who are not ready to obey the country’s import guidelines.

According to him, these lapses are undermining the integrity and essence of SON and its mandatory roles.

“As a matter of fact, through that, the importers are ensuring that we would not deliver on our promise to Nigerians and the Federal Government. So, we want to state equivocally in this meeting, that we would not tolerate such lapses again,” he said.

Odumodu noted that under the new regime of scheme , importers are expected to undergo verifica-

tion and testing at country of supply and a SONCAP certificate (SC) issued, demonstrating that the product met the applicable standards and regulations.

According to him, the conformity assessment elements undertaken in SONCAP, includes but not limited to physical inspection prior to shipment, sampling, testing and analysis in accredited laboratories, audit of product processes and systems.

He said SON needs a SONCAP programme that would serve its purpose, a programme that would be dynamic, where all identified loopholes would be effectively plugged, thereby making it difficult for the plague of substandard products to continue to dominate the Nigerian business space.

“It is as a result of this that we have reviewed the SONCAP to serve this purpose. You will agree with me that the society we live in is dynamic, always embracing new things and improving on previous standards.

The same way, we needn’t have to review SONCAP if everything was perfect with it,” he said.

He said under this new regime, importers are expected to undergo verification and testing at

•Odumodu (left) and NACCIMA President Dr Ademola Ajayi at the event.

country of origin and a SONCAP certification and be sure that the products meet the applicable standards and regulations or a Non-Conformity Report (NCR), where the goods do not comply.

The SON boss pointed out that as far as the organisation is concerned, the scheme itself has entered a critical stage due to the increasing expectation of Nigerians.

“So, we are here to see what we could contribute to ensure that this programme meets the expectation of Nigerians, that it

From left: President of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Mr Victor Famuyibo; the out-going President, Abiola Popoola and Chairman, institute’s Electoral Committee, Dr. Oladimeji Alo, shortly after the group’s Presidential election in Lagos.

actually contributes its quota to the realisation of the broad economic programmes of the Federal Government,” he stressed.

He noted that SONCAP has scope to cover all imported goods with

the exemption of food products, drugs (medicines), medicals other than equipment and machines, chemicals used as raw material by bona fide manufacturers and military wares and equipment.

ITF to train 1.2million youths yearly

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NY employer that refuses to remit one per cent of its workers’ yearly salaries to the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), risks three-year jail term, DirectorGeneral Prof. Sambo Wapmuk, has said.

In a paper he delivered at the ITF –Port stakeholders forum in Lagos, he said the penalty was prescribed by the law establishing the ITF. He charged firm’s to ensure remittance to enable his organisation to build at least four skills training centres yearly, provide direct employment and empower the youth with employable skills.

According to him, remittance will help in providing the necessary skills for industrialisation and development, as well as reduce unemployment, youth restiveness and insecurity.

ITF, Wapmuk said, is not resting on its oars to narrow the unemployment gap and boost industrialisation.

He said through its National Industrial Skills Development Programme, ITF seeks to train 1.2 million youths yearly in various trade areas, such as manufacturing, agro-allied business and construction.

He said the programme is a response to the dire skills shortages identified through studies by the ITF, in conjunction with the Nige-

ria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), in 2006,and also the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) last year.

“The thrust of the programme is, therefore, to shore up the skills gap in the economy by building the capacity of youths so that they can be employed by others or be self-employed’’.

He also said to escalate skills acquisition for the nation’s industrialisation, the ITF has among other things, identified training needs with NECA and UNIDO. According to Wapmuk, the agency is also floating a skilled manpower development programme initiated under a collaborative association with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

The project, he said, is tagged: “Technical Skills Development Project” (TSDP). He said the fund is also developing job specification documents and at the moment, training 110 staff of the Dangote Cement Group for one year.

According to him, the agency is also coordinating and sponsoring a National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP), which has taken off in 10 states under its first phase.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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INDUSTRY How to improve economy, productivity, by UAC chief

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From left: Chairman Publicity Committee, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Chukwuemeka Eze receiving a souvenir from Secretary, Joint Tax Board (JTB), Lawal Abubakar during CITN’s visit to the JTB headquarters in Abuja.

Govt urged to encourage investors F ORMER United Bank of Africa (UBA) Managing Director Tony Elumelu has asked the Federal Government to encourage entrepreneurs to make sustainable investments in the economy.

Such investments, he said, would form a new approach towards building competitive industries in Nigeria and Africa, he said.

Speaking at a lecture in honour of 50 entrepreneurs,under The Nigeria50 initiative, Elumelu said Africa remained the world’s investment destination, despite several challenges, especially in infrastructure.

He said the government should make the business environment conducive for local and foreign investors, to enhance the competitiveness of indigenous goods and services at home and abroad.

According to him, investors need to be asking the question: what does Africa have to offer? This is the opportunities are tremendous in terms of return on investment, abundance of mineral resources and availability of big markets.

Envoy seeks patronage of Nigerian goods

Stories by Toba Agboola

“We are committed to developing the future leaders of industry in Africa. The Tony Elumelu Foundation has dedicated itself to the promotion of entrepreneurship, and the creation of an enabling environment for business leaders to reach their maximum potential and transform their communities. This is how economic prosperity for all will be achieved; this is what adds social value to the people of Africa,” Elumelu said.

World’s foremost expert on business strategy and co-founder, AllWorld Network, Prof. Michael Porter, said: “It is entrepreneurs who are going to change the developing world, not governments. The Nigeria 50 companies represent the leading edge of a new approach to the region’s competitiveness.

“All 50 companies demonstrate Nigeria’s capacity for dynamic growth and investment,” said Elumelu.

He added: “These are African en-

trepreneurs investing for the long term in Africa, driving Nigeria and Africa’s economic development,a key pillar of ‘Africapitalism.’ They are showing that the private sector has what it takes to turn economies around dramatically.”

In fulfilment of its mandate to promote entrepreneurship and competitiveness in Africa, the Tony Elumelu Foundation hosted its founding patron, the world’s foremost expert on business strategy and competitiveness, Prof Porter, at lectures and events intended to inspire and improve business leaders from around the country.

Porter also met with members of the recently-inaugurated National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria (NCCN), which is chaired by the Minister for Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga.

He delivered the lecture on how to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the Nigerian business environment. Improved performance in this area, he said, would help Nigeria’s private sector become more productive and competitive.

OW can productivity be enhanced? It is by paying attention to infrastructure, security, law and order, investment, consistent policy, incentives and corruption, says Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UAC of Nigeria Plc Larry Ettah.

Ettah, who is first Vice President, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), was delivering an address entitled: Strategic perspectives for promoting enterprise competitiveness and enterprise rights, during the NECA Annual Retreat in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Ettah said the country has made some improvement having moved up 12 places from the previous year rating.

Ettah, however, said there were still challenges in infrastructure, security, health and primary education and institutional environment and undue influence.

He urged the government and private sector to close ranks in tackling the intractable security problem which perhaps contributed to the one per cent decline in gross deomestice product (GDP) growth, suggesting better funding and decentralisation of security services as viable options.

He said human capital deficiencies in education and health were significant factors in Nigeria’s

Firm empowers Nigerians

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O reduce unemployment, Elance, an online work platform, has introduced an avenue where Nigerians can work in a freelance arrangement and be paid.

It is an opportunity where Nigerians can be employed part time, through outsourcing of their skills to interested firms worldwide on a short term basis, while being paid.

At a summit in Lagos for freelancers tagged “Work Differently”, Elance Chief Marketing

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ATRONAGE of made-in-Nigeria products will impact positively on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Consul-General, South African High Commission in Lagos, Mr Mokgheti Monaisa, has said.

The envoy, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, urged the Federal Government to encourage and support local manufacturers.

He said: “We see a lot of South African products on the shelves of Nigerian markets. We also want to see more made-in-Nigeria goods in South Africa.

“We have been encouraging Nigerian fashion designers in South Africa. What we want to start is to advance exports of consumer goods from Nigeria to my country,” he said.

He said Nigerian manufacturers, including small scale ones, lacked basic facilities and which was hampering their progress.

The consul-general also advised the Federal Government to address the problem of smuggling and importation of banned and substandard goods.

He said it was imperative that locally made goods should not compete with foreign ones, especially where Nigeria had comparative advantage in the production of such goods.

Monaisa said the promotion of the manufacturing sector would attract more foreign investors and assured that “South African businessmen will continue to do business with Nigeria”.

low competitiveness.

He advocated Improvements in public education and health services through increased funding, public-private partnerships, investments in training and welfare of teachers and doctors, enhancing infrastructure and equipment which in turn would enhance the quality of human capital and business competitiveness.

“Current efforts to improve the quality of services in critical government institutions, particularly Customs, Immigration, Ports, Corporate Affairs Commission, NIPC, FIRS and MDAs and regulatory institutions in Nigeria must be accelerated. Anti-corruption efforts and enforcement must also be stepped up if business competitiveness must be improved. This is so because corruption is a major negative factor in business competitiveness as it introduces higher costs, uncertainty, capriciousness and market distortions into the operations of businesses,” he stated.

He called for special attention to be focused on the industrial sector in terms of policy and incentives to improve sector competitiveness.

The incentives, he maintained, must be sector specific rather than to individual companies as this is susceptible to abuse.

By Ajose Sehindemi

Officer Rich Pearson said people could be their own boss as only knowledge of the internet is required Pearson said it is an online work marketplace where freelancers and employers connect with each other, as Elance offers online collaboration tools that enable employers hire, pay, rate workers online and manage remote teams effectively.

On how the marketplace works, he said: ‘’Freelancers are called contractors and Elance promotes their skills, as it submits proposals for freelancers’ jobs posted by clients or employers, who, satisfied with the proposal, hire the freelancer and pay him or her through Elance, who holds the payment in trust for the client and remit it to the freelancer if the task is completed.

Customers rewarded

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•From left: Oyetayo, one of the Tantalizers' 25th Customer Promotion winners, Mr Ken Obi being congratulated by the Satellite Town Outlet Manager, Mrs. Doyin Eqwakide.

Nigeria, France trade volume hits $7b

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RADE between Nigeria and France stands at $7 billion, Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Ambassador Akin Fayomi, has said.

Fayomi told reporters that the figure represented the volume of trade last year.

“As at 2012, the volume of trade was about $7 billion which translates to about 4.5 billion euro. It is a lot of money considering the economic recession, though given the potentials of Nigeria, we feel it is

not enough.

“We are France’s second largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, and the trade is in favour of Nigeria as oil is our main export,” he said.

The envoy, however, said French investors were keen on exploring other areas of investment.

“Already, there is a lot of involvement in other sectors like construction, manufacturing and others. The oil sector is saturated; Total has been operating in the country for many years.

“Also in Pharmaceuticals, there are some companies that manufacture drugs in partnership with some Nigerian companies,’’ Fayomi said.

He added: “Similarly, in waste management and maintenance culture, some state governments are in partnership with French companies.”

Fayomi further said the embassy was liaising with some French institutions for exchange programmes for Nigerian students and teachers in order to encourage the study of French as a language.

ANTALIZERS Plc is rewarding its teeming customers with free meals as part of a promotion package tagged: ‘the 25th Customer Promo.’

The first part of the promo was held last week during which some customers were rewarded.

Justifying the need for the promo, its Advert and Promotions Manager, Mr Toluwa Oyetayo, said this is one of Tantalizers’ ways of showing appreciation to its loyal customers.

“Winning is instantaneous. Every 25th customer gets whatsoever he/ she buys free in all Tantalizers outlets nationwide from now until April 25, this year. This is applicable to the 25th, 50th, 75th, 100th … customer as the case maybe.”

Oyetayo stressed that, the counting of the winner is system generated.

He advised Tantalizers customers to always demand their receipts, stressing that the free meal winner receipt bears zero naira.

He said it was the belief of Tantalizers that this 25th Customer Promotion would re-emphasise the brand’s passion towards ensuring total customer delight.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

In Cyprus, making up a euro solution on the fly

Brewing row • United States is right to support war against corruption in Nigeria

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HE ripples generated by the reaction of the United States of America to the pardon granted former governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, and former Bank of the North Managing Director, Shettima Bulama, appears to be threatening the cordial relations between Nigeria and the US. In the wake of the presidential pardon by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, an official twitter account of the American embassy in Nigeria described it as a setback in the fight against corruption and expressed the disappointment of the United States over the action.

The presidency responded by dismissing the American tweet as an insult to the sovereign status of Nigeria and accused Washington of meddlesomeness. The American Deputy Chief of Mission in Abuja was summoned by the foreign affairs ministry to receive Nigeria’s formal complaint and, since then, there has been disquiet in diplomatic circles over the turn of events in the relationship between the two friendly countries.

Two events that quickly followed the rift appear to underscore the importance that Washington accords the development. First, it has been reported that a proposed July visit

by President Barack Obama may be shelved.

Second, American billionaire Bill Gates who was expected to tour Nigeria to promote activities of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that has been involved in funding the battle to eradicate polio in Nigeria since 2009 was suddenly cancelled. It was a rude shock to the Nigeria Governors Forum and the Federal Ministry of Health that had been working to put the visit together.

Third, there are suggestions that official restrictions could be slammed on Nigerian government officials who intend to visit the United States. Washington is also believed

to be considering cutting grants and aid to the country in 2013. Last year, the United States committed about 226 million dollars to aid the health sector in Nigeria. This year, the Nigerian government has requested for an increase to $600 million.

We restate our position on the ill-advised pardon granted Messrs Alamiey eseigha and Bulama. It sent the wrong signals to Nigerians and the international community. We find nothing wrong with friends of Nigeria aligning with the opinion of majority of Nigerians that the pardon was misguided and misplaced.

On one of the first major international outings of President Jonathan after he assumed full presidential power, he assured the international community of his commitment to fight corruption. He was specifically advised by President Obama to tackle the evil. It is therefore not strange that the United States government is expressing concern over the recent turn of events in the most populous African country.

In taking this position, however, we admit that Nigeria, as an independent country, has a duty to defend its sovereignty. It must also be said that the American mission in Nigeria has no right to treat our country with such disdain by addressing such a sensitive issue through the social media. There are established diplomatic channels to make the American position known. It is equally unacceptable that a country as endowed as Nigeria could be threatened with a cut in aid. It is an indication of how low the country has sunk in the past four decades.

Incidentally, on two previous occasions that the American government decided

to slam sanctions on Nigeria, the measures were widely applauded. Following the annulment of the result of the 1993 presidential election won by Chief Moshood Abiola, the Ameri cans responded to the protests in Nigeria by applying the noose on the Ibrahim Babangida regime. This was repeated and taken further, following wide-ranging corruption charges and serial human rights abuses by the Sani Abacha regime.

The steps being taken by the Jonathan administration now call for concern and concerted action by Nigerians and friends of the country all over the world. We do not consider visa restrictions on Nigerian officials as an affront to the Nigerian state but a step to illustrate the interdependence that defines the current global political order.

‘The steps being taken by the Jonathan administration now call for concern and concerted action by Nigerians and friends of the country all over the world. We do not consider visa restrictions on Nigerian officials as an affront to the Nigerian state but a step to illustrate the interdependence that defines the current global political order’

Unsafe voyage • The deaths of about 166 persons in a boat mishap were avoidable

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T was nothing less than a sorry tragedy, despite the uncertainty over the death toll. Alarming media reports initially put the figure of fatalities in the boat accident at 166 or 168, but the picture became clearer following accounts by two survivors rescued after two days of neardeath experience in the water. They clung desperately to an oil installation before help came.

The vessel set sail for Gabon from Oron in Akwa Ibom State, but never made it beyond a spot of disaster off the coast of Calabar, Cross River State, where it developed engine trouble. At that critical moment, said Kive Sani, 27, a Togolese who lived to tell the tale, the captain sensed doom and called for prayers.

According to him, “The Muslims prayed

‘However, it is not enough to analyse the situation without working to arrest such illegal operations. To start with, where is the take-off point for such trips? How does NIMASA perform its regulation and monitoring functions? What moves has the agency made since the accident to ensure that people do not deliberately flout marine operation and safety standards?’

first, then the Christians; and he told us our life is at the end. Some were shouting Allah; others were shouting Jesus. Ten minutes later, water was still entering the boat and people started to jump into the water.” This dramatic account was corroborated by Hafsat Zakari, the 13year-old girl from Benin Republic who was also saved from drowning. Sani estimated that there were 128 passengers, in addition to five crew members of Nigerian origin aboard. “Most of the people were from Ghana, Togo, Niger, and Benin. Not many Nigerians,” he stated.

These survivors probably owe their lives to prompt action by Addax Petroleum workers who brought them to Calabar aboard a drilling vessel. It is commendable that these workers, who also recovered nine bodies from the water, responded to the emergency with a sense of duty, and sent word to the authorities on the mishap.

All nine bodies recovered were women, and one was “heavily pregnant”. There are speculations that other survivors could have swum to the shore. The sunken boat, allegedly unregistered, is yet to be found, so its actual features remain unclear. But Sani described it as “fabricated with planks”, and added that the passengers boarded it “in the middle of water surrounded by bushes.”

In other words, it was a wooden boat, and a sneaky voyage. Clearly, this was organised illegality. It is astonishing that this happened right under the watch of officials responsible for maritime administration and safety. Was there some

compromise somewhere, an unholy alliance? This question is relevant because, from the evidence, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) cannot claim to be ignorant of the irregularities. Concerning the mishap, a NIMASA source reportedly said: “Apart from the fact that the transport fare charged by operators of the wooden boat might be cheaper than that of the normal vessels, those using the boat do not have valid travel documents. They enter illegally because the operators manoeuvre their ways and do not use the normal jetty when they get to Gabon.”

However, it is not enough to analyse the situation without working to arrest such illegal operations. To start with, where is the take-off point for such trips? How does NIMASA perform its regulation and monitoring functions?

What moves has the agency made since the accident to ensure that people do not deliberately flout marine operation and safety standards? In this regard, the failure of institutional oversight is not only condemnable but also inexcusable.

Surely, with proper vessels equipped with life jackets, this sort of disaster can be avoided. It is evident that the boat in question was below standard, both in construction and equipment, which led to pathetic consequences. It goes without saying that, given the area’s marine environment, it is not only logical but also vital that water transport be well organised and better managed by the authorities.

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HIS MUCH can be said fairly certainly about the new bailout plan for Cyprus: It’s a big improvement on the previous plan. Last week, the International Monetary Fund, the European Union and Cyprus’s own government concocted a scheme that would have propped up two of the island’s largest insolvent banks, partly by confiscating the supposedly insured deposits of small savers. The Cypriot parliament rejected it in the face of amply justified public protests. Plan B winds up the two banks, puts a de facto end to Cyprus’s days as an unsustainable offshore bank center and imposes the costs on big depositors — who include a disproportionate number of Russian tax avoiders and similar folk.

Beyond that, however, the implications are much harder to determine. Has Europe set a precedent, according to which big bank creditors, from uninsured depositors to bondholders, must henceforth assume that their funds are at risk? Who knows? Jeroen Dijsselbloem of the Netherlands, who heads the “Eurogroup” of finance ministers, suggested that such a precedent had indeed been set — whereupon a top official of the European Central Bank, Benoit Coeure, declared that Mr. Dijsselbloem was “wrong.” In his view, Cyprus is a “unique” case.

Wouldn’t it be healthy for Europe if bank creditors did get the idea that their funds were at risk, so that shaky banks would find it harder to get funded in the first place? Yes, according to those who say Europe’s problem has always been a “too big to fail” mentality. No, according to those who say that the Cyprus deal fatally undermined depositor confidence, thus making bank runs in other countries more likely.

Certainly Cyprus and its paymasters in the European Central Bank have broken a taboo of the common European currency by imposing controls on the flow of capital into and out of the country, albeit “temporarily.” As long as those controls last, a euro held in Cyprus is no longer as valuable as those deposited elsewhere. But even that measure can be justified by the greater threat of a bank run; to save the euro, it was necessary to destroy it, partially, in one place, for a while.

Cyprus is a template; Cyprus is a one-off situation. Deposits are susceptible to confiscation; deposits are sacrosanct. Capital controls are inconsistent with currency union — except when they are necessary. Maybe the real problem in Europe is that all of these statements are true, or might be true, depending on who’s talking, and where, and what particular interest — financial or national — the speaker represents.

The Cyprus experience confirms that the powers that be in Brussels and Berlin are improvising to meet the crisis du jour, which is what they must do to hold together a currency union absent the usual political, legal and regulatory infrastructure. Until that inherently confusing and unstable situation changes, Europe’s policymakers will continue to make it up as they go along. For better or worse, investor confidence will develop accordingly.

- Washington Post

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) Yomi Odunuga •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu • Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge •Advert Manager Robinson Osirike •IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: I refer to the mudslinging that has characterized the appointment of a Vice Chancellor for the Osun State University spearheaded by the Justice and Integrity Group within the university.

It would appear as if the sense of decency associated with academic community has taken its flight from this university. Otherwise how would you explain a situation where the group went to the extent of making reference to the fact that the daughter of one of the contestants for the position was already 40 years old?

This to me is not a strong reason to buttress the fact that the female contestant is above 60 years. If the lady in question became pregnant at the age of 18 years, is it not possible for her to be a grandmother at the age of 58 years?

Everybody is aware that nearly all Federal Government policies are replicated at the state universities. So as of today, it is no longer a secret that retirement age of a professor is 70 years. Why this crisis over the issue of age for God’s sake?

What I can deduce from the intrigues among academics in this university is that Nigerian universities are fast losing the academic culture that characterized the university system in the sixties and early seventies. Unfortunately, those who upheld the standard then are now old thereby paving the way for inexperienced academics. Majority of the present crop of academics were not fortunate to be mentored by highly experienced academics who left the shores of Nigeria immediately the economic depression in the late 70s set in. This created a big vacuum to such an extent that those unqualified for certain positions were promoted if only to fill the vacuum. This practice has constrained quality in the

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Universities as towers of intrigues Nigerian university system. In some universities you have Lecturer 2 as Head of Departments while there are professors in Nigerian universities today that have not supervised a single PhD holder. Some lecturers cannot even distinguish the role of the senate of a university from that of the council. Otherwise how could a group within the academic commu-

nity approach the House of Assembly to meddle in the simple process such as the appointment of a vice chancellor? Nigerian universities have become citadel of political intrigues that prevent them from consummating their principal functions.

Until the academic community is able to appoint principal officers and fill other positions with little or no

rancour, its clamour for autonomy would remain elusive. Government on its part must ensure that appointment of vice chancellor and other principal officers in the universities are highly transparent to reduce the tension that is associated with appointment into such positions. That is why the composition of Council members must be tilted in favour of

Tinubu @ 61: The tasks ahead

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IR: I refer to a speech credited to a prominent American citizen to a graduating class of engineering students in the United States: “Even at the pinnacle of your career your task is not done yet because new challenges will always await you as citizen engineers”.

At 61, encomiums will be pouring in for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from all nooks and crannies of Nigeria and abroad. His millions of associates, friends, well-wishers, his foot soldiers, and hangers on will be fighting for spaces on the pages of newspapers, magazines, TV and radio stations to celebrate their leader. His achievements will be posted on every wall for the world to see. Parties will be organized by his great followers in some areas to get attention. Colloquium and public lectures will be put in place by his admirers in honour of

BAT. Street drummers and dancers will not want to be left out in the big show. Singers will not want their voices to be left out. What of writers and newspaper columnists?

Conversely, his adversaries especially those whose political fortunes have nosedived as Asiwaju’s rose will sneer and offer uncomplimentary tributes. Those that fear his rising political profile, those that are so woven to the present decadent order will hiss and jeer. These are normal flipsides to a life like Asiwaju’s and conforms to the life of a great man.

However, in the midst of these huge celebrations which are not only imperative but necessary, I want to chart another form of celebration as I want to challenge the leader, Asiwaju BAT that the task to reclaim Nigeria’s stolen future still awaits him as a ‘Citizen Engi-

neer’. Asiwaju has received laurels both in Nigeria and abroad. He has shown leadership even when rocked in the cradle of difficulties and pillowed pains and hardships.

He has shown remarkable and tremendous courage and perseverance in the midst of persecution.

He has shown huge capacity to lead even in the face of challenges. To make things happen, Asiwaju has dared to drill the deepest well in Nigeria. Through dint of hard work, he has restored leadership and glory in the South-west and Edo State.

But all these ground breaking achievements will be nothing if Nigeria goes under. In nearly 16 years, PDP has systematically grounded Nigeria, bringing to ruins a promising country that needs to show the way forward for Africa. In our own very eyes the party

Re: Bad maths or bad faith

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IR: Sincere thanks to Sanya Oni for his write-up with the above title in The Nation of March 26. Thank you for arguing in favour of de-energised, de-humanised and traumatised Nigerians on the vexed issue of fuel or petrol subsidy.

One thing I do not understand is whether the petroleum subsidy

those within the university system.

The decision of the council on the choice of a vice chancellor must be binding on the government. A situation whereby somebody in a third is approved by the governor as the vice chancellor portends great danger for the future of academia in this country.

It is therefore important that necessary steps must be taken by both the government and the academic community to restore the lost glory of Nigerian universities. It is unfortunate that as of today, Nigerian universities have lost their previous status of ivory tower in the 70s and acquired a present status of intrigue tower.

• Abayomi Akintokun, Essex, London

grows. I ask this because since the Abacha regime set up the now demised Petroleum Trust Fund which ran with proceeds of petroleum subsidy withdrawal, there has been periodic removal of the same subsidy leading to increase in pump price of petrol each time by subsequent regimes including that of President Obasanjo.

In addition, the government has

been unable to tell Nigerians the actual level of subsidy on petrol and monies doled out to friends and cronies via the so called subsidy. How does the subsidy return after its removal?

One is worried that the government would deliberately transfer the burden of illegal payments to some well heeled people that “must be settled” in the guise of

fuel subsidy reimbursement.

Kindly continue with your fight for us if they will hear for we are already at a tight corner and would be unable to take more under any guise including subsidy withdrawal and increase in electricity tariff.

• E. U. A. Enwereuzo, Okose Road, Uromi

and its 40 thieves have squandered our future, our children’s future.

PDP has purloined off Nigerian resources and future to coded accounts while Nigerians continue a life of pain and misery. A country blessed with a vast preponderance of human and material resources is lying prostrate because our good men had done nothing.

At 61 Asiwaju BAT must be in battle gear now, he must wear the armour. The five-star General must lead his troops to war to reclaim Nigeria. Asiwaju should throw his doors wide open for Nigerians who desire change to come in. He should use his long undefeatable and unstoppable legs to go to them if they fail to come. He should use his golden voice to beckon on them to join the human race. Asiwaju should use his hands that are more than handy to drive the great handshake across Nigeria in order to stop the drift in the land.

With his international connections, Asiwaju should reach out to the international community and seek help. With its brazen deep pockets, oil wells, and contractors with stolen money, to unseat PDP will be no tea party. Asiwaju must lead the onslaught against these people.

None but honest and wise men must rule under this roof henceforth. This is duty Asiwaju owes us at 61.

• Joe Igbokwe Lagos

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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COMMENTS

A hegemon in a peripheral region: Future of Nigeria’s foreign policy -1

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HEN one discusses world politics and which country has power and influence, the United States as a global hegemon comes to mind. The United Nations recognises regional integration as part of the building blocks for global peace and development. In this regard, depending on which region of the world one is looking at, one can identify regional hegemons in different parts of the world. In Western Europe, Germany is definitely a big force in the European Union because of its economic dominance. In South America, Brazil is an emergent regional power. China, Japan and India are dominant countries on the Asian continent, whilst among the ASEAN countries; Indonesia is certainly recognised for its future potentials. South Africa and Nigeria would be for the foreseeable future the giants among the constellation of states surrounding them. In North Africa and the Middle East, Egypt remains the dominant Arab country because of its population and size, in spite of the military dominance of Israel in the region; and in Eastern Europe and Eurasia generally, Russia in spite of the collapse of the Soviet Union would always remain a force to be reckoned with because of its military power and advanced technology.

Not all regional hegemonic powers command the same influence. In any case, the powers of these regional powers are relative to the powers of the countries in their regions of predominance. Power confers influence on countries that have it. A country could have influence without power, but in most cases, most powerful countries have influence. There’s also a price to pay for being a regional power. Neighbours do not usually love powerful countries in their neighbourhood, there is always some element of resentment and envy and sometimes this is extended to nationals of regional powers. The image of the “ugly Americans” as an expression of hostility not necessarily to individual Americans but to their country because of its pre-eminence and domineering presence can also be seen in the way West Europeans partly for historic reasons resent the Germans and people in Asia generally resent the Chinese. In South Asia partly for historical and religious reasons, Pakistanis do not like Indians and Sri Lankans are wary of Indian influence. In the Pacific Rim, the two Koreas are united in their dislike of Japan. The same feeling can be observed in the treatment of Nigerians in West Africa, if not in Africa, south of the Sahara, as a whole. It does not really matter whether a hegemon or nationals of a hegemonic country throw their weight around, their domi-

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HE three of them came out of Dodan Barracks that day looking not too worried. It was a reassuring look for the millions watching them on television. Their looks may have been informed by the promise they extracted from former military president Gen Ibrahim Babangida. They had come to see Babangida over the death sentence passed on Maj Gen Mamman Vatsa and others by the Maj Gen Charles Ndiomuled Special Military Tribunal for coup plotting. The literary giants had risen as one to plead for the condemned men, especially Vatsa, who was also a man of letters.

As the trio left Babangida’s presence and headed for their car (they rode together in one), reporters ran after them to get a gist of what transpired at their meeting with the former ruler.

Although their visit was unannounced, by the time they were leaving Dodan Barracks, the world had known that the country’s leading literary minds had come visiting. So, we were all hanging on every word that poured forth from their mouths as they answered reporters’ questions. Will the men be executed or not? That was the question to which we wanted an answer. We waited with bated breath for them to provide that answer.

Although, they did not give a yes or no answer, they were somehow sure that the men would not be executed. They and the nation which had expected that their intervention would save the men were disappointed because the men were executed that day. The time of execution remains a mystery till today. The Babangida regime executed the men shortly after Prof John Pepper-Clark, Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka and the late Prof Chinua Achebe

nation is assumed. This preamble is necessary to situate our topic in its right context and perspective.

Current political and economic reality All countries in West Africa, the area of Nigeria’s domineering power and influence belong to the Economic Community of West African States. The ECOWAS which is made up of the Republics of Benin, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Mali, Cape Verde, Niger, Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, Togo, and The Gambia was formed in 1975. One of its founding members, Mauritania has had to withdraw because it felt it was not gaining anything from the Economic Union and also possibly because of criticism by members against its racist policy in which the Moors oppressed the blacks (haratin) who by some estimates are the majority.

The current population of Nigeria is estimated at 170,123,747 and the population of the remaining 14 ECOWAS countries put together is 144,589,549. The nominal GDP of Nigeria is currently put at 238.920 billion dollars; whilst the total nominal GDP of the other 14 countries put together is 133.222 billion dollars. The closest to Nigeria in population and GDP is the Republic of Ghana with an estimated current population of 24,200,000 with a nominal GDP of 46.7billion dollars. This means that the Nigerian economy is over five times that of Ghana, while its population is about seven times that of Ghana.

There is a remarkable decline in Ivory Coast GDP, obviously because of the war and instability in that country.

For cultural, linguistic and colonial historical relations with France and Great Britain by countries in West Africa, there is a noticeable dichotomy between Anglophone and Francophone West Africa.

This sometimes led to sharp political and economic differences and consequent clash of interest sometimes between Nigeria and some of these Francophone countries acting as surrogates of France.

This was most noticeable during the fratricidal civil war in Nigeria from 1967 to 1970. The dominance of Nigeria can be captured by a cursory look at the Gross nominal GDP of all the Francophone countries and their population compared with that of Nigeria.

The nominal GDP of the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo and Guinea added together is 81.289 billion dollars and their population is 106, 270,874, compared to Nigeria’s GDP of 238.920 billion Dollars and population of 170,123,103.

Even when the Lusophone countries of Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde are added to the Francophone’s figures, the overwhelming Nigeria’s figures are still staggering. Of course population alone

is not the only index of power but it is an important one. In the future politics among nations, any country with less than 100million people is not likely to amount to much.

This is why countries Jide like France and now Osuntokun the Russian Federation are paying their women to have more children. Of course overpopulation could be a drag on a country’s economic development and consequent power. But population that is educated and that can be easily mobilised is a factor of power. This was captured graphically in the 1960s when Premier Chou en Lai said in the event of war with the United States, China would be ready to lose 100million people and would still have one billion people standing. He added that if all the then 1.1billion Chinese people jumped from a certain height and the same time to a spot, the force would precipitate an earthquake that would have global consequence.

The dominance of Nigeria is therefore clear and this dominance is obviously reflected in the weight at which Nigeria punches in the West African sub-region. This has led to some writers to describe the situation as that of Gulliver and the Lilliputians. This of course is not a good diplomatic expression and if used by Nigerians can bring a lot of hostility rather than friendship to the country.

Leadership of course, carries its own burden. In the past, Nigeria has always followed a policy of self-abnegation in dealing with other African countries whether in ECOWAS or in the OAU now AU. This is why Nigeria deliberately removes itself from competition for the post of Secretary-General of the two organisations. But for the fact that the ECOWAS Secretariat is located in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja and the moribund scientific commission of the AU was located in Lagos, Nigeria in spite of its huge budgetary support for these two organisations was not getting much that was commensurate with its contribution. Critics of Nigeria’s foreign policy in recent times have argued that this past policy needs to change and that Nigeria needs to make its presence felt in relation to its financial support for these two organisations. Even though this policy of selfabnegation is not cast in iron, it is not likely to change soon.

The man died left Dodan Barracks. Or was it before they left? Nobody seems to be sure of the time, but what is certain is that they were executed despite Babangida’s assurance to these eminent men that he would see what could be done to save Vatsa and co.

The trio had even not left the hallowed ground of Dodan Barracks when news broke of the execution.

Till today, these intercessors have not got over this shocking development. The late Achebe is likely to have died last Thursday without forgetting that sad event of March 6, 1986. The late Achebe hit the limelight when he was barely 28, with his award winning first book, Things Fall Apart.

Although, he wrote many other books after that, Things Fall Apart is his magnum opus.When you mention the name Achebe anywhere, people are likely to say the author of Things Fall Apart.

It is as if the late Achebe was a one-novel author the way he had come to be associated with his famous book. What seems to endear the book to many is the simple manner it is written and its locale, which focus mainly on the culture and norms of his people. It is a book that can be associated with different cultures. All you need do is to change the original setting and relate it to the culture you have in mind and before you know it you have your own Things Fall Apart. This is, however, not to detract from the ingenuity of the late Achebe.

He was a master story teller and this reflected in all his other works like No Longer At Ease, which is the sequel to Things Fall Apart; Arrow of God, A Man of The People, Anthills of The Savannah, Morning Yet on Creation Day, The Trouble With Nigeria and There Was A

Country, among others. The late Achebe’s generation was somehow blessed. They were born in a Nigeria which gave everybody an equal opportunity to utilise his God-given talents. A Nigeria where no matter where you come from, you stand head and shoulders with others. It was a great period for our country.

Talents were allowed to blossom. The likes of Soyinka, Pepper-Clark and the late Achebe flourished. With their talents, they soared as they excelled among their peers. “Reading”, Francis Bacon says, “makes a man and writing, a complete man”. These were complete men, who bested the white man in his own language. We are happy that they are Nigerians because wherever they are in the world they are our worthy ambassadors.

With them, our flags are always flown high. Through their writings, they became citizens of the world. Their faces spark instant recognition anywhere they are in the world.

Ha, that’s Soyinka; ha, that’s Pepper-Clark; ha, that’s Achebe, people say when they see them, and the door opens instantly, a departure from the shabby manner in which many of us are treated when we travel abroad.

The late Achebe was a writerfighter to the end. Never a man to call a spade a farming implement, he showed the stuff he was made of in his last controversial book : There Was A Country where he

opened old wounds over the 1967-70 civil war. He made some assertions in the book, which many consider damaging. But that had always been the style of Achebe, the man whose chi broke palm kernels for to eat.

At 82, Achebe died at a ripe old age. In our culture, such deaths are not mourned but celebrated. he outpouring of grief over his death is to show that we are saddened by his passage and also thank God for a life well spent. This is why I find the tribute paid to him by Pepper-Clark and Soyinka in their joint statement on his death fitting. They said : ‘’For us, the loss of Chinua Achebe is, above all else, intensely personal. We have lost a brother, a colleague, a trailblazer and a doughty fighter. Of the ‘’pioneer quartet’’ of contemporary Nigerian literature, two voices have been silenced - one, of the poet Christopher Okigbo, and now, the novelist Chinua Achebe. ‘’It is perhaps difficult for outsiders of that intimate circle to appreciate this sense of depletion, but we take consolation in the young generation of writers to whom the baton has been passed, those who have already creatively ensured that there is no break in the continuation of the literary vocation. We need to stress this at a critical time of Nigerian history, where the forces of darkness appear to overshadow the illumination of ex-

T

‘The man died, to borrow the title of Soyinka’s novel, yet the man lives. Men like Achebe don’t die because they have left works that will outlive them’

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

istence that literature represents.

These are the forces that arrogantly pride themselves implacable and brutal enemies of what Chinua and his pen represented, not merely for the African continent, but for humanity. Indeed, we cannot help wondering if the recent insensate massacre of Chinua’s people in Kano, only a few days ago, hastened the fatal undermining of that resilient will that had sustained him so many years after his crippling accident.

“No matter the reality, after the initial shock, and sense of abandonment, we confidently assert that Chinua lives. His works provide their enduring testimony to the domination of the human spirit over the forces of repression, bigotry and retrogression”.

Yes, the man died, to borrow the title of Soyinka’s novel, yet the man lives. Men like Achebe don’t die because they have left works that will outlive them. Whenever we pick a copy of Things Fall Apart, we see him; whenever we pick a copy of There Was A Country, we see him. Adieu, Achebe.

May you find rest in the bosom of God.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

22

COMMENTS

I

T is not difficult to dismiss the claim by ACN that Attahiru Jega’s INEC has merged with PDP as an over exaggeration. Jega’s last Saturday’s outing and pronouncements while speaking on a live audience participation Radio Nigeria Hausa programme, Hanu Dayawa, on the then raging APC acronym war however seemed to give further credence to Muhammadu Buharis’s often repeated claim that there is only a thin line separating INEC and PDP. Curiously, Jega’s tone, choice of words and body language, seemed to be in tandem with both PDP and the phantom APC. As expected, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, also called attention to INEC seeming support for what it describes as ignoble and subversive role of PDP in an attempt to register a proxy “African People’s Congress “to forestall the registration of the authentic APC. Before Monday’s INEC announcement of the rejection of African People’s Congress’ application for breaching Section 222(a) of the 1999 Constitution (As amended), the only thing the proposed party, PDP and INEC seemed to have in abundance for the opposition was contempt. For instance, while Kingsley Nnadi, of the phantom APC spoke of “just one APC (African People’s Congress)”, insisting, “the other APC only did mere negotiation”, PDP claimed “the APC and its component parties—the ACN, CPC, ANPP and others—only advertised their boastful and deceitful…” which is not markedly different from Jega’s “only one group came... saying they want to form a political party with a particular name and while this was going on, some people started making noise saying that they wanted to merge with so, so name”.

Neither can we find something more parallel than Nnadi’s “the unveiling of our party today has finally put to rest the contention over APC, which one is authentic or not” and the INEC chairman’s “Somebody first

‘Our frustrated jobless youths ask us daily the way forward. The only answer we have for them is election of credible people who are ready to put the interest of the people before their own’

C

The APC acronym war came with the name and ...if you want your application to be considered, go and change your name because it is not possible to register three groups with the same name”.

PDP’s description of the opposition as engaging “in leaping jamboree and propaganda , the hallmark of political naivety, painlessness” is not dissimilar to Jega’s “We only read in the newspapers that they have the intension of merging ...If anybody wants to register a political party, you are expected to tell INEC of your intention”.

But while Jega played the ostrich, Nigerians knew all along that Ugochinyere Ikenga, the secret promoter of the now rejected phantom APC, apart from being a card carrying member of the PDP, was known to have been involved in such hatchet jobs within the ruling party. It was reported he once tried to stop the emergence of a former national chairman of the party, Okwesiliezi Nwodo from assuming office, and in another instance, precisely on March 10, 2012, went to court in an attempt to stop Bamanga Tukur from vying for the position of PDP national chairman.

And in spite of Jega’s body language, what was not lost on Nigerians, was the parallel between PDP/ presidency’s alleged sponsored proxy APC whose public face was Ikenga and Babangida’s secretly sponsored Arthur Nzeribe’s Association for Better Nigeria (ABN) that was used to truncate the Third Republic by desperate military politicians who ironically bred most of the current thieving members of the ruling class.

But reading in between the lines, what should be of concern to Nigerians was Jega’s apparent indifference to, or acquiescence with PDP or any other group that may wish to employ immoral approach to secure spe-

MS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos is the first secondary school to be established in Nigeria. It was established in 1859.

Methodist Boys’ High School Lagos was established in 1878, Methodist Girls’ High School Yaba in 1879, Baptist Academy Lagos in 1885, Hope Waddel Training Institute in Calabar in 1895, Saint Annes School, Molete, Ibadan in 1896, Etinan Institute, Etinan in Akwa-Ibom state in 1902, Methodist School, Oron in 1903, Kings College, Lagos (FLOREAT) in 1909, Saint John’s School Bida in 1904, Abeokuta Grammar School in 1908, Alhuda College Zaria in 1910, Eko Boys High School Lagos in 1913, Ibadan Grammar School (Deo Et Patriae) in 1913, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School (Non nobis Domine) in 1913, Government Secondary School, Ilorin in 1914, Government College Katsina-Ala was established in 1914, Murtala Muhammed College in Yola in 1920, Barewa College in Zaria in 1922, Methodist College Uzuakoli in 1923, Government College, Ibadan in 1927, Government College Umuahia in 1927, Queens College Lagos in 1927, Aggrey Memorial College, Arochukwu in 1931, Saint Gregory’s College, Obalende (Pro Fide Et Scientia)in Lagos in 1928, Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, in 1932, Saint Theresa’s College in Ibadan in 1932 and Christ the King College, Onitsha in 1933.

Christ School Ado-Ekiti (Christus Victor) was established in 1933, Ilesha Grammar School (Ehuwa Omoluwabi) founded in 1934, Saint Patrick’s College in Calabar,1934, Dennis Memorial College Onitsha in 1935, Holy Rosary College in Enugu in 1935, Government Secondary School, Owerri in 1935,Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo in 1935, Edo College, Benin in 1937, Ibadan Boys High School in 1938, Offa Grammar School, 1943, Government College Ughelli in 1945, Remo Secondary School, Sagamu, 1946, Imade College Owo, 1946, Emmanuel College Owerri,1947, Hussey College Warri in 1947, Victory College Ikare in 1947, Stella Mary’s College, Port-Harcourt in 1948, Aquinas College, Akure (Integratis) in 1951, Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure in 1953, Gboluji Grammar in Ile-Oluji in 1954, Saint Finbarrs College in 1956, Igbo-Elerin Grammar School, Ibadan in 1957, Olofin Anglican Grammar School Idanre (illuminatio In-rupe) 1957, Edo Boys High School Benin in 1960, Government Comprehensive School, Port-Harcourt in 1962, Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro in 1963, International School, Ibadan in 1963, Federal Government College Ido-Ani in 1977 and Vivian Fowler College in 1991.

All these institutions, thousands of them which cannot be mentioned in this article for lack of space, all have history behind their establishments by communities, governments, religious bodies and individuals including Lagos City College, Yaba, Lagos established

by Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe on January 3, 1963 and Titcombe College, Egbe founded by Reverend Tommy Titcombe on behalf of Sudan Interior Mission on January 26, 1951.

I am sure that our secondary school experience must have shaped our lives either personally or collectively. And in the words of Sesan Ogunro, an ex-student of Christ School Ado-Ekiti, whom I agree with when he said, “Christ School to me was the University

cial advantage in the 2015 election.

This has been the bane of our politics dating back to the First Republic when ruling parties and electoral officers technically disqualified opposition candidates by not making application forms available until too late.

We have since graduated from there to the fourth republic when elections which Obasanjo defined as a “do or die affair” are brazenly rigged while opposition candidates are told to go to court.

Elections may have become a zero sum struggle for power here and elsewhere in Africa, but it is the responsibility of privileged individuals like Jega who swore to an oath of allegiance to Nigeria to prevent those determined to acquire power through immoral means. Our experience has shown one immoral step begets another or more immoral reactions.

Babangida’s annulment of the most credible election in our nation’s history produced Sonekan’s short lived immoral interim government which in turn produced an equally immoral Abacha regime, the most brutal in the nation’s history We hailed Obasanjo who lost election in his ward in 1999 for his political brinkmanship when he outmaneuvered the Afenifere Yoruba elders in 2003. Obasanjo’s immoral acts of 2003, led to routine removal and replacement of governors, visitation of unprecedented level of violence and political assassinations in the whole of South-west including his Ogun State where the governor chased the state’s elected law makers out of town.

Other Obasanjo’s immoral acts include forcing government contractors to make contributions towards the building of a private library and an attempt to manipulate constitutional amendment exercise to secure a

third term in office, an exercise Ken Nnamani, the then Senate President claimed cost the nation over N10b.

Today we reap the effect of our collective perfidy of supporting President Jonathan’s immoral upturning of his party’s zoning policy which first brought him into the limelight. We all, including men of God, hailed him as the scourge of the Hausa/Fulani hegemonic feudal lords. It was not too long when we started reaping what we sowed as he slapped the people with an increase in pump price of oil from N65 to N140. He has continued to keep those accused of corruption in his cabinet without giving a damn and only last week granted an amnesty to a convicted former Bayelsa State governor who is still facing charges in Britain.

As the battle for 2015 unfolds, the power of the governor’s forum is undermined while the level of corruption has assumed new proportions as funds are needed for the battle ahead. And for this ‘do or die ‘electoral battle, no promises are too sacred to break. Early this week, Edwin Clark, President Jonathan’s godfather asserted that even if there was an agreement between the president and northern state governors to serve only one term, the president is not obliged to keep it. His justification: Niger state delegates voted for Abubakar Atiku in the 2011 PDP primary.

And in any case, Clark who has nothing to teach the youths wondered if it is not on record that Niger State “voted overwhelmingly for Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) of the CPC who scored a total vote of 652,574 against President Jonathan’s 321,429 in the last Presidential election”.

The executive cannot be trusted as they do not respect even their own laws and personal undertakings; the law makers are lawless as they struggle to usurp the functions of the executive, and our judiciary that shields the powerful and their children has become the sanctuary for the depraved. Less than 20% of our people have confidence in the fourth estate of the realm that has chosen to celebrate criminals and others whose activities they are to monitor instead of protecting the people.

Our frustrated jobless youths ask us daily the way forward. The only answer we have for them is election of credible people who are ready to put the interest of the people before their own. The only group capable of rekindling hope in our youths is Jega and his privileged crew, beckoned upon by circumstances to perform an historic role at this point in our nation’s history. They will need more than legal provisions and its inherent loop holes in this arduous task.

Ondos and Bayo Akinnola (August 1, 1934-March 20)

By Eric Teniola of life, it taught me all I need to make it in life, how to laugh in the face of hardship and lack, how to be positively competitive, how to be a friend before having a friend, how to trust and love Jesus Christ as our cornerstone and more importantly how to handle success with humility. These were the lessons that prepared me for life”.

The subject matter is the first secondary to be established in the present Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta and Edo states, that is- Ondo Boys High School in 1919.

In 1917, the then Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Jimekun worried about the absence of secondary school in the town and the ordeal which his subjects experienced in sending their children outside Ondo for secondary school education, set up a six man planning committee in collaboration with Canon Moses Craig Akinpelu Adeyemi for the establishment of a secondary school in Ondo.

Members of the planning committee were Chief Logbosere Cornelius Awosika (Secretary/Treasurer), Chief Lomafe Olatunji Awosika, Daniel Rogers, Chief Seriki Akinrosotu, Chief G.O. Fajiye and Mr. J.O. Akinwotu all late. In 1918, the committee recommended the establishment of Ondo Boys High School and Canon Adeyemi who later married Miss Elizabeth Modupeola Okuseinde, became the first principal of the school. That is why today a College of Education which I understand is now a university is named after Canon Adeyemi.

Not only had the Christians contributed to the Education in Ondo. The Moslems also did. For Islam arrived in Ondo in 1888 through Alfa Abubakar Ajao who made his son Alhaji Habeeb Ajao, the first Chief Imam of Ondo Kingdom in 1885. In 1942, the late Seriki of Ondo, Alhaji Saheed Tugbobo Fawehinmi donated five acres of land for the establishment of the first Muslim Secondary School in Ondo in 1942. The Present Seriki of Ondo State Alhaji Khaleel Fawehinmi is the grandson of Saheed Tugbobo.

The Establishment of Ondo Boys High School in 1918 gave the Ondos a window of opportunity to advance in commerce, agriculture and education.

Who are the Ondos? They occupy part of the present Ondo Central Senatorial District. Most of them are farmers producing cocoa, rubber and timber.

The Ondos, Ile-Olujis and the Idanres speak identical dialect.

Traditional political authority is vested in the King (the Osemawe), who is generally considered the spiritual and political head of the Ondos. He heads the Council of senior chiefs called Eghae; these are (Lisa, Jomu, Odunwo, Sesare, Adaja, and Odofin) who with him make up what is considered a cabinet, referred to in other

Yoruba towns as Iwarefa. The Obaship is hereditary, and currently, three ruling families are recognised to produce candidates, one after the other. These are: Okuta, Foyi, and Leyo. The coral beads worn on their wrists and ankles as well as the big drum “ugbaji” which they and a few Ekule Chiefs are entitled to beat during ceremonies distinguish the Eghae.

At first the Ondos were not keen on public service; they were more interested in commerce where they excel but at the urging of the late Osemawe of Ondo, Dr. Festus Adesanoye who was Federal Permanent Secretary as far back as 1963, Professor Olu Akinkugbe and others, their interest in public service grew and so were the opportunities.

As a result of their link to education as far back as 1919 and with two universities and over 34 secondary schools, coupled with their hard work and foresight, the Ondos have produced eminent sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers.

If I may mention at the risk offending many, they include Bishop D.O. Awosika, the first Primate of the Anglican Communion Bishop Omotayo Olufosoye (1907-1992), late General Adesujo Ademulegun (1923-1966), Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), the present Osemawe, Dr. Victor Kiladejo, Chief Alex Akinyele, Chief Gbenga Akinnawo, Captain Fola Akintotu, Professor Olu Adegoke, Sunny Ade, Ope and Jimi Bademosi, Sandoye Fadojutimi, Kole and Gbenga Ademulegun, Yele Ogundipe, Bode Betiku, Feyi Famutimi, Ronke Akinsete and her dad, Dr. E.O. Akinsete, Chief Dayo Duyile, Raheem Ayo Akinkotu, Seye Ladapo, Kunle Bolodeoku, Fusi Adefusika, Mrs. Omobolanle Johnson (nee Akinnola), Engineer Akinyinka Akinnola, Mrs. Yewande Zaccheus (nee Akinnola), Mrs. Aarinola Kola-Daisi (nee Akinnola), Jise Akinmurele, Abbas Akinwande, the Akinboboyes, the Awosikas, the Ladapos and many more too numerous to mention.

But one name that stands out is Chief Oreoluwa Ilemobayo Akinnola, who answered the final call recently. He was the Mayegun of Ondo in 1978, Lotin of Ondo in 1984 and the Lisa in 1992. Tall, big and dark; he was a vibrant human being. His hobby was courting friendship and he courted the friendship of so many including mine, President Olusegun Obasanjo, Segun Agagu, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, Chief Subomi Balogun, General T.Y. Danjuma, Chief Pius Olu Akinyelure, Chief Igbinedion (the Esama of Benin), Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Chief Kunle Ojora, Chief Olu Falae, the Ooni of Ife, Kabiyesi Oba Okunnade Sijuade, the Deji of Oyemekun, Oba Biyi Adesida, General Abubakar Abdusalam, General Ibrahim Babangida and so many more.

May his soul rest in peace.

• Teniola, s former director at the Presidency lives in Lagos.

25

THE NATION

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

INSIDE

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

The late Prof Chinua Achebe’s books were a must read in secondary schools not too long ago. They were recommended texts for Literature in English, which pupils sat for in the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE). Many believe that the books should return to schools’ curriculum. KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE, ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA AND SAMPSON UNAMKA report.

MindBuilders holds Career Day OF the lot, the pair of Ope Ebetusin and Chiamela Aigbedion appeared to have stolen the show. Decked in their well-ironed police uniform and a pair of black shoes to match, the pair sauntered onto the podium, four others in tow, their toy guns carefully tucked in their left hands. They all saluted, and then waved at the excited parents who were rather dazed with their spectacle.

-Page 27

‘Suspended RSUST accreditation now’ A NON-GOVERNMENTAL Organisation - Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), has criticised the on-going accreditation tour of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Nkpolu by officials of the Nigeria Universities Commissio n (NUC).

-Page 37

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

•The late Prof Achebe

Exit of a teachers’ teacher Luck smiles on final year student THE telecommunication giant Etisalat Nigeria unveiled its plan to hold an empowerment seminar and Cliqfest promo at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Frank Umoh did not know what fate had in store for him.

-Page 29

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HE late renowned author, Prof Chinua Achebe, was a man of many parts. He was a writer, teacher, broadcaster, social critic and humanist. For years, his books were used as Literature in English texts in secondary schools.

Secondary school pupils in the 70s and 90s answered comprehension questions from passages drawn from some of his books like Things Fall Apart, No Longer at Ease, Anthills of the Savannah, and Arrow of God. Portions of the novels have also featured in many English textbooks for junior and senior secondary schools.

Many who read his books, recall

the joy they derived from the exercise. They praise the literary icon for his contribution to education.

They said the books, especially Things Fall Apart, which he wrote at 28, teaches culture, morals and

socio-political history.

By the time of Achebe’s death, the book had sold 14 million copies and had been translated into 45 languages worldwide.

Former Lagos State Deputy Gov-

‘My grouse with government is that none of his (Achebe's) books is being used in our public schools today. Look at his book, Things Fall Apart, it was published nearly 60 years ago but its message is still apt and very relevant to our present socio-economic challenges’

ernor Mrs Sarah Sosan said the late Achebe built people through his books.

"It is quite painful that at this time in our country we lost a person like that, especially somebody who holds his integrity highly and I think this is a lesson for the junior ones. They believe that it is only when you build roads but you have to build the people. I read almost all his books; Things Fall Apart was the most popular with students. How Okonkwo ended is quite something that you cannot juxtapose. You will say this is somebody that is so powerful but at the end of it all, the family separated," she said.

Mrs Alero Ayiola Otobor, the Chief Executive Officer of Incubation Africa, a firm that seeks to reform teacher training, said the late Achebe inspired a new generation of writers, who are excelling. Nigeria, she suggested, could popularise his books more by using the platform of the World Book Capital to be hosted by Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, next year.

She said: "I think for education, if we ride on that with the World Book Capital coming to Port Harcourt I think we are going to create a love for his books and a desire once again to read books in different forms."

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) Prof Godswill Obioma said he is reading Things Fall Apart again, adding that the late Achebe's books will remain relevant for a long time.

"I take delight in reading his books and as long as those books are extant which I think they are, they will always be used for schools and for those who love to read," he said.

Mr Isa Mohammed, a teacher at King's College, Lagos, said the author inspired him as a pupil.

"It is a great loss losing Chinua Achebe. When I was in secondary school it was the late Chinua Achebe's writing that inspired me, honestly speaking, because when I read his novel it was as if I was losing a lot of things, at that time I don't know East, West and South because I am from the North but through the late Chinua Achebe’s novels especially these two novels Arrow of God and Things Fall Apart. I think the man is a blessing. I am an activist and a comrade. When Chinua Achebe rejected the honour given to him saying at that moment it was not a deserving honour, I felt like God how I wish this man was of our own age group so that we can go to him, and share thoughts on how to move this nation forward. We have lost a great comrade".

Mr Emmanuel Oriakhi, Chairman, Kings College Parent Teacher Association (KCPTA), said he was surprised to find the book in other languages outside Nigeria.

"When we read Things Fall Apart it was like a standard for all of us, even our examination and our English Literature. When I travelled out of the country I saw the book • Continued on page 26

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

26

EDUCATION

UNIBEN Pro-Chancellor warns against corruption

FUTA FILE Four profs, five readers promoted THE management of the Federal University of Technology, Akure has approved the promotion of four professors and five readers.

The new professors are Dr. O.S. Ajayi of the Department of Physics; Dr. M.B. Oyun, Forestry and Wood Technology; Dr. S.O. Agele; and Dr. B.O. Akinyele both of Crop, Soil and Pest Management.

The readers are Dr. A.O. Ogudare of Microbiology; Dr. I.B. Oluwalana of Food Science and Technology; Dr. T.E. Mafimisebi of Agricultural Economics and Extension; Dr. A.E. Okoronkwo of Chemistry; and Dr. F.O. Adekayode of Crop, Soil and Pest Management.

T

HE Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Benin, Senator Effiong Bob has warned members of the council and the university authority to shun corruption Those who have come to the university ostensibly for material profit, will not succeed, Bob said.

In his inaugural speech with the authority of UNIBEN which was made availably to reporters in Abuja, Bob vowed to reposition the institution and ensure that academic excellence is sustained.

To make his vision a reality, he said everyone must put aside individual differences and embrace the

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

common goal which is that of changing what should be changed and initiating fresh moves that will ensure that this university stands out among its contemporaries.

His words: "Let me caution that any of us who has come here based on what material profit this appointment and or this university will offer him or her, is certainly in the wrong place. I want us to reflect on the Bangkok Declaration of World University President's Summit of 2006; which demands that: 'Universities must strive to be beyond politics and business interests, and serve their societies and com-

munities by providing a voice and space in which to cultivate rational, mutual and moderate dialogues that will shape intellectual, cultural and economic development on a shared basis within and across boundaries and nations."

"That is our mission. We are here to render service to this academic community and this country. In rendering this service, we may sometimes be misunderstood or criticised, we may even be condemned and accused by those with very little knowledge of what our statutory functions are. That should not bother us. As long as we work as a team; with a common goal, and

a clear conscience, at the end, we will be justified. We must above all be determined to take the academic rating of this university higher than where it is now. Let it be that at the end of our stay as Council, the university, the community and the government that appointed us will greatly miss us.

He said his appointment marked the beginning of a long fruitful friendship that will outlive this assignment. He, therefore, called on his fellow council members to team up with his vision and exhibit openness so that they can 'take the glory when we succeed and take the blame if we fail.'

No posters, please FUTA management has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the level at which lecture theatres, rooms and other university buildings are defaced by posters.

In view of this, it has become a serious offence for anybody to engage in such habit.

Buildings that are defaced with papers, posters and handbills are to be cleaned up immediately. The management has further vowed to sanction violators.

Officials to use CUG phones MANAGEMENT has directed all Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, Heads of Units and other officials of the university to use the Glo Closed User Group (CUG) official lines given to them for easy and effective communication within the university.

Affected members of staff are informed that calls and text messages to other CUG contacts are free.

Students get award TWO students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), have distinguished themselves and received awards while concluding the mandatory industrial training exercise as they were among the top 50 students who underwent the exercise in APM Terminals, Apapa Limited.

The beneficiaries are: Orji Ngozi Edith and Odemona Oluwatobi Miracle.

Presenting the awards to the students, the Managing Director, Mr. Dallas Hampton, represented by the Head of Administration Mr Kingsley Akhigbe, praised the beneficiaries not only for their academic excellence, but also for conducting themselves properly throughout the exercise.

He praised APM Terminals Limited for awarding scholarships to 50 Engineering and Technology undergraduates of universities and polytechnics and for providing industrial working experience to the top 10 of the group.

In his response, the ViceChancellor, FUTA, Prof.

Adebiyi Daramola who was represented by his Deputy (Academic), Prof. Adedayo Fasakin, promised that FUTA would find a way of partnering with APM Terminals to develop its students to enable them become self-reliant.

• Closing ceremony of NYSC 2013 Batch A orientation course in Bauchi

Exit of a teachers’ teacher •Continue from page 27

written in French and German languages and I said to my self: ‘So people all over the world are reading it?’ Its has it own morality and has a way of striking our young ones and putting them in the right direction; it is a book all young men should read".

Otunba Dele Olapeju,Principal Kings College, said the late Achebe should be celebrated.

"We do not mourn Achebe we celebrate him because any writer is a living legend. Chinua Achebe is the literary genesis of African literature in the world. In line with our school song which says service to the leaving and honour to the dead that's why we are celebrating the renowned and African writer; we want to tell our children to be like him because he is a role model for them.

Even at the corners of their room they can start writing something and then become literary scholars".

An English Literature teachers in a private school in Ojo, a Lagos suburb, Mrs Chinwe Adia, lamented none of the late Achebe’s books has been recommended by government for use in public schools.

Mrs Adia said: "My grouse with government is that none of his (Achebe's) books is being used in our public schools today. Look at his book, Things Fall Apart, it was published nearly 60 years ago but its message is still apt and very relevant to our present socio-economic challenges. It's like Achebe actually had a foresight. I see him as a seer who through the book projected the future. But unfortunately, we don't have listening leaders."

A parent, Mr Olaosebikan Sanusi 60, said though he was a science pu-

pils, he read Achebe.

“I was never an Arts student so I did not do Literature in English while in school. But I will never forget some Chinua Achebe's books, especially the Things Fall Apart. That name stuck to my memory. Despite that I rate myself poor when it comes to reading novels, I still try to read Achebe’s Things fall Apart, Arrow of God and Man of the People.

An English Language teacher at Ojo High School, Mr James Onuoha said the country owes the late Achebe a lot.

Onuoha said: "What Nigeria can do to appreciate this distinguished African son is to single handedly fund and publish Things Fall Apart, a book that launched Achebe into limelight and give it free to all secondary school pupils. This will help pupils to appreciate the untiring efforts of our literary giants like Achebe and Soyinka and the lofty ideas they projected.”

F

INAL year students of the University of Jos have donated 40 podiums to the authorities of the university as parting gift to the institution by the outgoing students.

The outgoing students said the gift is in line with the "leave a legacy program" initiated by past students of the school since 2011.

President of the student Union, David Ojah Igbang who led his set for the presentation said: 'Leave a legacy program is an opportunity provided for students to contribute their widows might to the school and as a way of saying 'thank you' to the school that trained us.'

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Haward Babale Mafuyai while receiving the podiums on behalf of the authority said, "The

‘It then means that the more we continue to produce quality graduates, the better for the school because if our students do well they always come back to show appreciation to the school’

UNIJOS students give back to alma mater From Yusufu Aminu Idegu

greatest assets of the institution are its alumni trained by the school over the years.

Mafuyai added: "Our alumni begins with our final year students because when outgoing students decided to donate such items to the school as parting gift, the school has hope that its alumni will never forget the school when they left.

"This is why I will always ensure that the school produces quality graduates. Our students remain our assets in the society and we are so proud of them because they are contributing meaningfully to economic development and excelling wherever they are.

"It then means that the more we continue to produce quality graduates, the better for the school because if our students do well they always come back to show appreciation to the school.

Similarly, The Advancement Office of Unijos has organised a leave a legacy workshop for the final year students. Chairman of the occasion and alumni of the institution Justice Yergata Nimpar, admonished the students to always remember their alma mater which trained them and learn how to sho appreciation. Nimpar also called on the final year students to remain good ambassadors of the institution.

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

EDUCATION

Career Day at MindBuilders

O

F the lot, the pair of Ope Ebetusin and Chiamela Aigbedion appeared to have stolen the show. Decked in their wellironed police uniform and a pair of black shoes to match, the pair sauntered onto the podium, four others in tow, their toy guns carefully tucked in their left hands. They all saluted, and then waved at the excited parents who were rather dazed with their spectacle.

"My name is Ope Ebetusin. I am a police officer; my duty is to protect lives and properties."

The hall vibrated with cheers.

"My name is Chiamela Aigbedion, her female 'colleague' interrupted. I am a police officer. My role is to save citizens' lives and enforce law and order,' the hall became more boisterous.

And next on stage were the journalists. Aside their formal dressing, the pen and a mock midget tapes each of them displayed, marked their distinguishing features.

“I want to be a journalist because journalists are good writers,” said Ebube Anyoha, a Nursery 1 Alpha pupils of the school’s Omole arm.

“For me,” said Chiamaka Madu from the same class, “I want to be a journalist because journalists advise governments and tell truth to the public.'

But at the maiden Career Day of Mind Builders Schools, Alausa, Lagos, last Saturday, it was not only the quartet that

By Adegunle Olugbamila

flaunted their careers. Other children also put on various uniforms, clutching tools that connotted varying professionsbankers, lawyers, pilots, firefighters, horticulturists, sailors, dieticians, dentists, cobblers, laboratory technologists, musicians, estate managers, opticians, accountants, chefs, theatre artists, journalists, footballers, just name it.

"What do you have for me for breakfast?' This reporter had asked two-year-old Seth Dernbriggs who looked resplendent in her rather white apparel and cap at the chefs stand. "I will cook you Indomie,” the little girl replied excitedly.

And their parents were happy to go round the various stands, taking pictures with their cameras and i-pads, and listening to the 'young technocrats' and wooing them on the supremacy of their profession over the others.

"I feel emotional with what I'm seeing today," said a parent, Mr Augustin Nwagbe, who has three children in the school. It simply means the school is doing its duty well in giving the children the right orientation. I am a civil engineer and my wife is an accountant. What I used to have in mind before is that my children will take after our professions.

But what I'm seeing today convinces me to allow them follow the career of their minds.

•...And the future chefs take a bow

It's an exciting and educative experience," said another parent, Mrs Ajibola Bola with two children in MindBuilders. "It is to broaden the minds of the children and enlighten them on their choice careers.

“In those days, we used to have certain careers that were elevated, such as Law, Medicine, and what have you. But through this Career Day, the message for us parents is to understand the fact that one profession is as important as the other."

Earlier, MindBuilders Education Director Mrs Bola Falore said the maiden edition followed a rather endless pressure parents put on their children when it comes to career choice.

•Mrs Otukelu presenting a prize to students from Reverend Payne Memorial College

School holds maiden senior debate

T

HE Reverend Payne Memorial College, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, has held its maiden senior secondary schools Literary and Debating Group Day. Various activities ranging from debate, dance session, news casting, quiz and many other competitions featured.

The debate was between the host school represented by Deborah Payne, Akinlosotu Ronke, Abdul Akorede, and Salami Oyinkesola, while Teens International School was represented by Ogunpitan Festus, Oladele Lekan, Adefulu Ahmed and Jaiyeola Precious.

At the end of the competition, Reverend Payne Memorial College emerged winner in the former. In the latter, however, both shared 55 points but the host conceded the victory to the

By Medinat Kanabe

visiting school for honouring the invitation.

Contestants were asked to show their creativity on the motion: The Menace of Corruption in Nigeria: Who is to blame without speaking either in support or against the motion.

Speaking during the debate, Festus said the government is responsible for the menace in the country.

He said: "They (governments) use public funds for personal purchases, and increase tax thereby pushing people into corruption. They are also responsible for the incompetence in our electoral processes."

Ronke said parents are responsible for the corruption in the society. "They buy their children's way to school, when

the children get to school they also rely on buying their way through school."

She didn't leave lecturers out of it. Ronke accused them of failing students who refuse to buy their textbooks or handouts. "The menace of corruption can be traced to every single individual," she argued.

Speaking at the event, President, Academic of Letters Prof Segun Odunuga, told the pupils to always participate in debates and quiz competitions, as it will help them develop their confidence, and perform well in exams. Speaking on the topic of the debate, Odunuga said the society is responsible for the corruption.

The proprietor of the twoyear old school led Mr Babatunde Payne, counsel the participants on tips to academic success.

PHOTO: ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

EDUCATION

Naval Engineering College to be upgraded to university

T

HE Nigerian Naval Engineering College NNEC Sapele, Delta State is to be upgraded to university status.

The Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral Akinjola Johnson stated this in Abuja when he paid a courtesy call on the President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Ibikunle Ogunbayo.

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

Rear Admiral Johnson said the main purpose of the visit was to seek possible ways of collaborating with COREN as a regulatory body for its professional advice since the Nigerian Naval Engineering College is an engineering-based institution.

He said, "As part of the Navy's efforts to localise overseas training, the

Nigerian Navy established the Nigerian Navy Technical Training centre at a temporary site in Port Harcourt in 1982.

"The base which was renamed Nigerian Naval Engineering College in 2003, has seven schools namely, marine engineering, automobile, nuclear, and biological. Others are chemical defence school which includes damage control, fire fighting

training, and air engineering schools. The accreditation process for Higher National Diploma (HND) electrical electronics technology and for ND and HND in Marine Engineering technology was in progress and had reached an advanced stage.

Responding, Ogunbayo, an engineer, pointed out that the Act establishing COREN mandated it to regulate the practice and training of en-

gineering personnel.

Ogunbayo made it clear that COREN would not compromise in ensuring the standard and quality of engineering programmes run in the nation's tertiary institutions.

He expressed the need for a previsitation of the institution to ascertain the level of preparedness of the college before embarking on full accreditation.

Oil firm partners ABUAD on internship scheme

A

• Mrs Mabel Ogaraku Head Of School Imperial Gate School Lekki (left), Mr .Wellington Okotobie Special Guest Of Honour (right) Celebrating With The Red House (House of Emperor) winners of The Imperial Gate School Lekki 5th Inter House Sports Day in Lekki, Lagos

FE Babalola University, AdoEkiti, (ABUAD) has been selected as one of the universities that will participate in the Pan Ocean University Intership programme.

The Chairman/ Managing Director of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation (Nigeria) Ltd, Dr Festus Fadeyi, announced this during his fact finding visit to ABUAD. Dr Fadeyi, who moved round some parts of ABUAD to assess its facilities, was overwhelmed with what he saw. This prompted him to publicly announce plans by his organisation to kick start the internship programme with the award of scholarships to 10 students of ABUAD this year.

This award, according to Fadeyi, "will be done annually and in line with Pan Ocean Scholarship policy."

Deputy Governor urges students on greatness

D

EPUTY Governor of Lagos State, Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire has urged students to dedicate themselves and challenge life to bring out the talent God has given them.

Mrs Orelope-Adefulire gave the advice during her motivational speech at the programme organised by the Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun for senior secondary students in his Surulere 11 Constituency to mark his 43rd birthday. The event tagged: Bringing legislature and mentorship to the classroom' and held at Aguda was to mark Balogun's 43rd birthday.

Mrs Orelope-Adefulire said: "Your parents have nurtured you and the government has created

By Oziegbe Okoeki

opportunities for you to take advantage of and become great in life.

Nothing stops you from getting to the highest height but you must dedicate yourselves to your studies, be determined, have a focus today, start reading your books, ask questions if you don't understand, that is the only way to get it right.

"You must have passion for education and you must have ambition and work towards achieving your ambition. You must not nag or be proud. Be humble, responsible and abide by rules. Do not keep bad company; respect yourselves, parents, teachers and elders," she said.

Balogun told the students that it is only education, and not poverty al-

leviation programmes that can take one out of poverty.

He advised them to stay focused and not be discouraged no matter the challenges confronting them today and that they should be ready to participate actively in the political process in the future so that good leaders can emerge.

"You must continue to be obedient, our role is to continue to give you the best and ensure that the education sector continues to thrive," he said.

"I strongly believe it is only education that can take them to greater height. It is an opportunity to inspire and encourage them, talk to them about life so that they can excel in future and also drive it home to them the importance of exercis-

ing their civic responsibility in future", he said.

The lawmaker who assured that the event would henceforth be annual, used the occasion to give out prizes which included cash, books and school bags to two students each from three secondary schools who came first, second and third in the quiz competition he organised the previous day for the five senior secondary schools in the constituency.

While Sanya Senior Grammar School, Ijesha Tedo came first, Jubilee Senior Model College came second and Ijesha Tedo Senior Secondary School came third. The other schools that participated in the competition are: Coker Senior Secondary School, Orile Iganmu and Aguda Senior Grammar School, Aguda.

•Aare Babalola

The internship programme, he stressed, is to "support the development of young talents coming out of tertiary institutions in Nigeria" adding that students would be drawn from top -rated universities within and outside the country.

Fadeyi said the programme will provide a vehicle for involving university students in various disciplines in previous years into Pan Ocean to carry out real work with clear objectives and deliverables. He added that the selected students will have the opportunity to work on projects that have real business impact and expose them to behavioural skills required to succeed in the work place.

"The interns will be supervised, mentored and assessed throughout their internship period, giving them the opportunity towards securing long-term job placements in the company."

In his assessment of ABUAD, he said: "Having heard and read so much about your progress, I came to visit the university and see things for myself. I stand here to confirm that I'm indeed impressed with what I have seen."

In his response, the founder of the university, Aare Babalola said with the efforts being made by Pan Ocean, which he described as one of the leading indigenous oil exploration companies in Nigeria, the standard of education in Nigeria would be further improved.

Fashola: WASSCE pass rate moved from 7 to 39% in six years

W

HILE Lagos State seeks to improve performance in public examination, Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola said the government is also aiming to equip products of also aims skills to function in the labour market.

Speaking at an awards programme to reward private sector partners of the Support our Schools initiative last Thursday, Fashola praised their intervention, which he said have complemented government's efforts to revive the dwindling fortunes of the education sector.

With the government's investment in infrastructural development of schools, teacher training, provision of grants directly to school through the Eko Secondary Education Project, in addition to private sector endowments, Fashola said performance in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) has increased from seven per cent in 2007 to 39 in 2012.

He said: "We have walked quite a useful distance and the impact is there for all to see. It pleases me to be here every year and the hall is filled even when there is no food and music from Sunny Ade. It is a

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

testament to our commitment.

"I am happy to report to you that the impact is already being felt. And if we take the base measurement for determining whether or not we are doing well, the WAEC result shows we are making progress. In 2007, seven per cent of our students made five credits in the WASSCE. In 2008, it was 11 per cent; 2009, 18; 2010, 21; 2011, 19 and 2012, 39 per cent.

"We are not where we want to be but if we can double our performance this year, we can heave that sigh of relief that we are back to where we were before."

However, beyond good grades, Fashola said students must have skills that satisfy employers and can earn them incomes if they choose to be self employed.

"It is important now that we must produce graduates with economical skills in areas where they are needed. That is why we are reviewing the curriculum," he said.

In her welcome address, Education Commissioner, Mrs Olayinka Oludunjoye said the five-year old initiative has grown into a veritable partnership between the

• From left: Mrs Oladunjoye, Chairman Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Honourable Wahab Alawiye-King and Governor Fashola presenting an award to the Marketing Director, Nigerite, Mr Toyin Gbede for the Construction of Nigerite Centre for Excellence in Building Component Solutions at the Government Technical College, Ikorodu.

government and the private sector.

She thanked the various partners for their support.

"This partnership, which started five years ago, has grown to become an enduring one. When we brought the Support Our Schools initiative

before you as a vehicle for you to support the sector, we knew that we were towing the right path. You did not only respond, you have done so overwhelmingly. I thank you for all your support," she said.

Institutions, individuals and

organisations rewarded in three categories included: House on the Rock, Access Bank, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Nigeria Breweries Plc, Julius Berger, Nigerite, Chief Kessington Adebutu and Samsung Engineering Academy among others.

29

Our memories of Achebe, by students

First among equals Page 31

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

For two days, the University of Calabar (UNICAL) campus was agog. The students had fun as Etisalat Nigeria held an empowerment seminar and a Cliqfest raffle draw.

EMMANUEL SHEBBS (Political Science) and STANLEY UCHEGBU (500-Level Accounting) report that a final year student went home with a new car.

Luck smiles on final year student •Education major wins car in Etisalat promo

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*NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS

Page 31

HEN telecommunication giant Etisalat Nigeria unveiled its plan to hold an empowerment seminar and Cliqfest promo at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Frank Umoh did not know what fate had in store for him.

Like every student, Frank prepared to participate in the seminar and bought a ticket to take part in the sweepstake.

When the raffle draw was held, Frank won a new Hyundai car.

In his excitement, the 400Level Curriculum and Teaching student almost disrupted the programme held at Malabo Square, as he walked up to the stage to receive his prize.

On the first day, Etisalat brought 10 public speakers to inspire the students on entrepreneurship and ways to achieve their dreams. The seminar was held in the university’s expansive International Conference Centre. An author and president of Fifth Gear Plus Consulting, Mr Niyi Adesanya, led the speakers to the event. Bash, a Lagos-based comedian, compered the programme.

In his address, the Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Prof Eyong Eyong, praised Etisalat for delivering a responsible generation by preparing students for the future. He told the students to apply values they would acquire during the seminar to improve their academic performance and lives, stressing that such values could also be explored a for self-employment after leaving school.

Speaking on New thinking, new possibilities, Adesanya said one out of 10 graduates

*CAMPUSES

got a job after graduation. He said of the 400,000 members that pass out yearly from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), only 40,000 get employed; the rest roam the streets for white-collar jobs.

He said jobs were not being created by larger organisations, adding that the jobs available are created by small businesses. Unemployment could be significantly higher given the youth population vis-a-vis available jobs.

On ways to tackle unemployment, Adesanya said youths could tap into the emerging business in the agro-allied industry, technology, services and creative sector, which cut across comedy, fashion, acting and music.

He advised the participants to always attend entrepreneurship seminars and buy motivational and inspirational books that could improve their knowledge in business and self-employment.

Others spoke on skill management, marketing communication, financial management and interpersonal skills.

On the second day, the Malabo Square was draped in Etisalat colours as students trooped in to participate in the Cliqfest raffle draw.

Earlier, there was a novelty football match between four teams of students that jostled for the Etisalat Golden Cup. The teams played for 10 minutes and each player was presented with a new phone, vacuum flask and medal.

Students won Blackberry smart phones and branded Tshirts when the raffle wheel was turned twice. During the draw for the grand prize, there was tension in the hall. Hearts

beat at a faster rate amid deafening silence.

After shuffling the tickets severally, the Director of Socials of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Josiah Eghrudje, was called to randomly pick the winning ticket.

Frank, who sat on the back row, was the lucky winner. In disbelief, the final year student of the Faculty of Education, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, asked his friend sitting next to him to reconfirm if it was his name that was announced as the winner. When the name was called again, Frank jumped up and ran to the podium.

The long paper-dummy car key was presented to the winner by Prof Eyong, who was assisted by Etisalat officials.

Thanking Etisalat for making him a car owner, Frank, who said he was reluctant to buy the raffle draw ticket, advised his fellow students, who participated in the sweepstake, to hold on to God and be prayerful. One day, he said, they would receive their own blessing.

Elvis Daniels, Head of Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, thanked the management and students for making the programme a success. He said it was the second time the firm would be visiting the campus, adding that Etisalat had hosted the programme in 17 tertiary institutions including polytechnics to foster economic development.

He advised the students not to forget their primary aim on campus, urging them to see Etisalat as a partner in their academic pursuit.

After the raffle draw, a popular Nigerian hip-hop artiste, Terry G, came on stage.

•A rare gift for the police -P34

*GRANTS

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Pushing Out

Is all well with the house of NANS? (3)

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with

Agbo Agbo 08052959489 (SMS only)

HEN I started out writing this series about NANS two weeks ago, my major concern was the dwindling platform of responsible student unionism on our campuses. As I conclude today, it never occurred to me that the NANS I’m writing about has been hijacked, first by cultists and later by politicians in the march toward 2015. It was in the process of trying to sift the ‘wheat from the chaff’ and write a balanced informed commentary that this fact stared me straight in the face. I got series of calls and SMS from former officials of NANS who have already graduated and undergraduates from various campuses across the country on this issue; this goes to show the importance the students attach to their umbrella national body.

I also got calls and correspondence from Prince Miaphen and Yinka Gbadebo, both of whom are on familiarization tours of campuses; Miaphen called from ATBU, Bauchi and Gbadebo from the Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State. But one issue that still bothers me is that Miaphen and Gbadebo are standing their grounds on the presidency of NANS and are crisscrossing campuses to sell their respective agenda. In essence, we have a divided NANS. This break, as I deduced is based on principles and policies. While I was able to get a clear-cut direction and policy thrust from Miaphen, I was unable to get any from Gbadebo save he is the authentic candidate that won NANS presidency at Uyo last year.

This, in my opinion, is not the best approach for someone that intends to lead an association of student intellectuals.

What actually transpired in Uyo is quite contentious as each group gives different versions. But one thing is clear, all the candidates met with the SSS before the convention. Did

•aagboa@gmail.com the SSS conducted its own investigations into the allegations made and if they did, were they satisfied with their investigations or were there other powers pulling the strings from behind?

Whichever way we look at it whatever is unraveling now could portend well for Nigerian students’ if they are able to rise to the occasion, take the bull by the horn and actually cause the type of nation they envision to come to being, and they can do this peacefully.

In a bid to try and see if I could bring the contenders toward a common ground, I asked them what their agenda or plans for Nigerian students were. Gbadebo promised to send me some materials, but as at the time of writing this concluding series I never got the materials. But Miaphen sent me his inaugural press conference during his inauguration where he laid out his plans. He said NANS has lost touch with its “grassroots” because it has become an Abuja affair doing the biddings of the political elites. “It is said that a river that loses its course is bound to dry up with time, and the only way to rejuvenate such a river is to re-direct it to its original course”.

He also added that the detachment of NANS from campuses created a leeway for campus cultism and other social vices to thrive eroding the gains made when the association was fully on ground on campuses. He also added that he wants students and authorities to focus on the deteriorating state of infrastructures on campuses and the fact that no Nigerian university is mentioned in the first 500 list in global university ranking. “If our universities cannot measure up to the universities of other countries –even some impoverished African countries – then how do we expect our graduates to miraculously measure up to the graduates of

‘I see my future in catering’ Since her admission into the Delta State University (DELSU), Stella Omogbo has carved a niche for herself in catering. The 400-Level Library and Information Science student’s dream is to be the best baker in the world. She told PHILIP OKORODUDU (500-Level Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering) her plans for her cake business.

C

AN you tell us about your background?

I am the sixth child in a family of nine children and a native of Okpara Island in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. I love cooking and singing. When I was admitted into the university, I explored my talent in cooking and baking and started making snacks and small chops. I have the ambition to become the world’s best baker in a few years.

Can you let us know a few things about your catering business?

I named my business Milkychaw Varieties because every bite of my snacks is delicious and milky. I cook for occasions like wedding, birthdays and anniversaries. I also do decoration at events. I bake cakes and snacks of different varieties. I am generally into event management with a goal to leave a lasting impression not just on the minds of my clients but also to leave good memories of the events on the minds of those that attend parties.

How big is your business?

I can say the size but in terms of finance, it is a small-scale business. I would have grown the business but my academic pursuit and finance have been the reason why I am still operating on small scale.

When I am done with school, I will definitely expand it and operate on a bigger level. I see a future in the business.

How do you combine your catering business and academic work?

Everything centres on proper planning. I create time for each of them.

I plan for both school and my business; one does not disturb the other.

You have been the coordinator of your class since 100-Level. How challenging has it been?

Of course, it has been very challenging. It is not easy to manage human beings, especially students from different backgrounds. They are difficult to handle. But God has been very helpful to me.

As a female class governor, have you experienced discrimination from your male colleagues or possibly lecturers?

Gender discrimination from my lecturers? No. But from male colleagues? I will say yes. Because they felt a female student should lead them, some of them have questioned my leadership style and in the process, they say all kinds of unprintable things that shouldn’t not be used to describe a human being. But I overlooked them because I believe that leadership comes with such challenge.

What do you think about skills acquisition in schools?

Skill acquisition should be taking seriously just like the way we take our semester examination. This is because white-collar jobs are rarely available these days and we have seen that the major cause of unemployment today is because many students just pass through the school without allowing the school to pass through them. Then they come out of school, looking for jobs. If students acquire skills while still in school, nobody will be willing to search for job but to work for himself.

other countries”? He also addressed national issues like terrorism and flooding in the nation last year.

Right from my secondary school days I’d often admired the undergraduates that were bold enough to confront the military authorities of that era despite threats, rustications and outright expulsions from the university, I knew of some whose future ended with their expulsion from the university for daring to stand up to the military authority. What these student heroes did in the past remained in my consciousness right through my own time in the university and I erroneously assumed that this is what is obtained today. This is the fundamental reason I’m concerned about NANS. But unfortunately, the fight for the jugular of responsible unionism is now between politicians and cultists and not responsible undergraduates. To the politicians because of the mass appeal of students, and to the cultists because of the power it commands.

I believe some readers might be wondering why politicians would want to dabble into student affairs. The answer is simple; the association holds a special place for politicians because with the advent of mobile technology the brazen acts of barefaced rigging would gradually wane and as we move closer to higher voters’ literacy and the manipulation of technology, students would have a critical role to play and definitely come in handy.

Let’s rewind to 2011 to clarify the point I’m trying to make here. President Goodluck Jonathan spin doctors did an excellent job positioning their candidate in the 2011 election.

They positioned him as Nigeria’s first “facebook president” and in the process millions of the country’s disillusioned youths campaigned and actually voted for him. They made the other contenders “old” and out of tune with “current realities.” But it is doubtful if they can pull this string and put the wool in the eyes of the youths in 2015 as it will be a different Jonathan from the one who contested in 2011 as his popularity rating has dropped to an alltime low. It will be a man who squandered the exceptional goodwill of 2011 – the sort of goodwill that led to the publication of a Facebookinspired book titled, ‘My Friends & I’. The 2011 goodwill was unprecedented in Nigerian politics. So what is happening in NANS today, according to some students, is the subtle struggle for relevance.

M

ANAGEMENT of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has inaugurated a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the Students’ Union Government (SUG). The committee took over from the interim committee, which was constituted nine months ago after the tenure of SUG officials expired.

The union election was initially slated to hold when this session began but it was later cancelled by the management, which sworn in interim management committee to run the union

One of the contenders told me that a particular candidate is fronting for “powerful forces in Abuja”. He threw a poser to me: “Where does all the money to move around campuses come from, who foots the bill? So we will stand our ground and fight those with anti-people policies who do not want anything good for Nigeria. We will go about this peacefully and through enlightenment. That is our goal and responsibility”. He told me.

Those of us that have the opportunity to interact and interface with youths’ regularly know too well that they are disillusioned and will always ask if this is the way things will remain. This disillusionment has driven most of them to start to become politically conscious, thanks to the internet which has really made the world a global village. They can now see youths in other countries fighting for their rights and questioning authoritarian regimes and demanding accountability.

It will be downright foolhardy for anyone to think that things like that can never happen in Nigeria. If you interact with youths - like I do regularly - you’d know that it is just a matter of time.

Late Chief MKO Abiola’s success in 1993 was largely because he was able to capture the youth’s imagination with his “Hope 93” campaigns but he was also able to keep them in rewarding engagements during his campaigns. He didn’t share money like politicians usually do but he employed young people and many were just happy to work for him.

Some of us did. For any politician to think he can ride roughshod over the youths this time around, he should have a rethink.

In the past, student unionism in Nigeria was known to be a force to be reckoned with. Between the 1970s-90s students, through their unions, were known to stand firm in criticizing the injustices of our leaders thereby effecting major changes. There were instances when the authorities clashed with students when diplomatic precautions failed to work; the 1978 ABU students riots quickly comes to mind. During the uprising many students’ lives were lost while agitating for the ouster of the then education minister, Colonel Ahmadu Ali; yes the same Ahmadu Ali that was the chairman of PDP. The “Ali Must Go” demonstrations, like many in those days, were a landmarks achievement by student unionism in Nigeria: it dawned on our leaders that students knew their rights and can fight oppression no matter the intimidation.

Union gets caretaker committee From Taiwo Isola UNIMAID

offices.

Though members of the new committee were those in the dissolved interim committee, but the caretakers were given the responsibility to manage the affairs of the union until new

election is conducted.

While commending students for maintain peace on the campus, the chairman of the caretaker committee, Suleiman Abubakar, urged students to support his committee’s drive to midwife a free and fair election. He advised them to direct their complaints and ideas to the SUG office.

ESSAY CONTEST FOR UNDERGRADS The Nation CAMPUSLIFE in collaboration with Blantyre newspaper, Malawi, AfricanLiberty.org and Network for a Free Society, is calling for entries into an essay competition. Details are as follows: Topics: Nations which are economically free outperform non-free nations in all indicators of wellbeing. Discuss.

Eligibility: All students in any tertiary institutions (university, polytechnic, college of education and vocational school) in Africa.

Note: Applicants are expected to choose one of the topics above. The format of the text should be in MS word and not more than 1,500 words.

Interested student should please request for the background material from

Adedayo Thomas at adedayo.thomas@gmail.com, Wale at campusbeat@yahoo.com and Brian Ligomeka at bligomeka@bnltimes.com.

On the first page of the completed essay, please write your full name, department, year of study and name of institution. Also include your email address and GSM line.

Send your entries to adedayo.thomas@gmail.com.

Entries will be received between March 28 and June 11, 2013. Entry sent after the deadline will not be accepted.

Announcement of winners: July 18, 2013. All participants will get a free CD of “Ideas for a free society”, which contains 100 textbooks on various field of studies.

Prizes: 1 st - $1,000 and scholarship to 2013 Student and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Kenya from August 8- 11, 2013 2nd - $700 and scholarship to 2013 Student and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Kenya from August 8- 11, 2013 3rd - $500 and scholarship to 2013 Student and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Kenya from August 8- 11, 2013 4th - $300 and scholarship to 2013 Student and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Kenya from August 8- 11, 2013 5th - $100 We have eight consolidation prizes of $50 each.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE Tributes have been pouring in for the late Prof Chinua Achebe. He died last Friday in the United States (US). He was 82.

Students are also mourning the literary legend. They spoke to DAVID OSU (400-Level Urban and Regional Planning, Federal University of Technology, Minna).

•Immanuel

•Rasaq

•Uche

Our memories of Achebe, by students L

IKE many others in the society, students are also mourning the late Prof Chinua Achebe. His death, they said, has created a vacumn. They described his death as an arrow through the heart of the literary community.

One of them, Steven Adebola, a sophomore student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), said: “I was shocked when I received a broadcast message on my Blackberry that Prof Chinua Achebe is dead.”

Rasaq Malik, 300-Level English, University of Ibadan (UI), described the late Achebe as a rare gem whose death would be felt in the education system.

“We have lost a great writer, who contributed in no small measure to the development of Nigerian and world literature. The nation’s education is worst hit by the death of Achebe because many literature students still have a lot to draw from the bank of his knowledge. But then, I don’t believe he is dead, rather his works have made him to continue to live.”

Immanuel Galadima, 400Level Urban and Regional Planning, Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA), said Nigeria has lost its literary conscience. “We should ask ourselves how much we valued the late Achebe when he was alive. Despite his grouse with successive governments, the late Achebe never ceased to be a Nigerian; a patriotic one at that. I hope his legacy inspires a new crop of Nigerian writers, who will tell Africa’s story to the world as it is.”

His works signposted a watershed in the history of African literature.

Uche Anichebe, 500-Level Law student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), said: “Prof Achebe left an indelible mark in our literature. By his death, a sharp spear has pierced through the heart of African literature. But we should be consoled by the fact that he left behind immortal works that many generations will read. He will never be forgotten.”

Williams Onogu, 500Level Physics, FUT MINNA, said the writer gave Nigeria and its citizens the hope to dream of a better future.

“Although, I never met

‘We have lost a great writer, who contributed in no small measure to the development of Nigerian and world literature. The nation’s education is worst hit by the death of Achebe because many literature students still have a lot to draw from the bank of his knowledge. But then, I don’t believe he is dead, rather his works have made him to continue to live’ him physically, but through his works, some of which I have read, I felt like I had physical contact with Achebe,” Daniel Tsado, a 500-Level Chemistry student, said.

He added: “I came across the late Achebe’s Things Fall Apart when I was in SSS 2. As I read through the book, I was captivated by his prowess and the accuracy with which he narrated the whole story. His creativity and ability to stitch events together made his stories electrifying.

I read a few of his poems too, and these encouraged me to pen a few of mine.”

Chisom Madu said literature has lost one of its finest grandmasters.

Opeoluwa Sonuga, 400Level Law, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, said: “The demise of Chinua Achebe once again reminds us of the painful reality that derivativa potestas non potest esse major primitiva (the power which is derived cannot be greater than that from which it is derived).

This implies that the resourcefulness of our lives does not stop it against the commands of the source of life itself, which is God.” Born in Ogidi, Anambra State on November 16, 1930, the late Achebe, who was regarded as the father of modern African literature, came to the limelight in 1958 with his first novel, Things Fall Apart. The work depicts the dehumanising condition and division created among Africans by British colonialists.

A recipient of over 40 honorary degrees and several international awards, the late Achebe’s subsequent novels, No Longer at Ease (1960), Arrow of God (1964), A Man of the

People (1966), Anthills of the Savannah (1987), described the struggles of individuals to survive in Africa under Western imperialism.

The late Achebe also published books of essays, short stories and poems, which include Beware, Soul Brother (1971), Christmas in Biafra (1973), Girls at War (1972), How the Leopard Got His Claws (1972), Morning Yet on Creation Day (1975), Hopes and Impediments (1988) and Home and Exile (2000).

Last October, the late Achebe released his last book, There was a Country, which stirred controversy following his assertion that the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo masterminded the policy of starvation of the Igbo during the 19671970 civil war.

The late Achebe used his last work to emphasise the role of modern African writers. “What I can say is that it was clear to many of us that an indigenous African literary renaissance was overdue. A major objective was to challenge stereotype, myths and the image of ourselves and our continent, and to recast them through stories – prose, poetry, essays and books for our children. That was my overall goal,” he wrote in There was a Country.

Twice he turned down offers of national awards from the government on the grounds that such honours are often bestowed on thieves and corrupt politicians.

Until his death last Friday, Achebe was a professor at David and Marianna Fisher University and scholar of African Studies at the Brown University, both in United States.

•The late Achebe....while speaking on Things Fall Apart

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE History was made when the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Jos (UNIJOS), graduated 47 pharmacists. Five of the inductees graduated with First Class honours. ESTHER MARK (Mass Communication) reports.

First among equals T

HE ceremony had been on for a while. Every other thing had been done with, remaining the highlight of the event. The Master of ceremony’s voice stirred many back to life. He said:“This is the moment we all have been waiting for…please, give it up for the people of the moment, the newest pharmacists, who have proven themselves worthy of their calling and have distinguished themselves amongst their peers. Please, can we all rise for the First Class graduands…”

Before the compere could finish talking, the hall rose in excitement as five graduating students of Pharmacy of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), who made First Class, stepped out for their awards.

Their names were called out amidst chants from the crowd. One after the other, the valedictorians marched forward to receive their prizes. Some of them shed tears of joy; others beamed with smile.

Jude Ogunsakin, Jamilat Yakub, Lilian Nnamonu, Francis Agwom and Kenneth Onuh stood tall among their peers as they stepped forward

•The valedictorians. From left: Jude, Jamilat, Francis, Lilian and Kenneth displaying their awards

to be honoured.

The multipurpose auditorium of the university, the venue of the 32nd Induction and Oath-taking was filled to the brim. Students, staff and family members of the inductees filled the expansive hall to witness the epochal event.

It was the first time the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences would produce multiple First Class graduates in pharmacy. Forty-seven graduates were inducted.

Jude, the best graduating student,

graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.78 to beat other valedictorians. For Lilian, it was a perfect match of beauty and brain. Two years ago, Lilian was crowned the beauty queen of Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS).

The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Hayward Mafuyai, said the First Class graduates would be retained as Graduate Assistant lecturers if they wished. Charging them to live above expectations, the VC said: “To whom

much is given, much is expected”. He said that the university was committed to producing qualitative graduates, who would not only excel in their fields but also contribute to national development wherever they may find themselves.

Conducting the swearing in, the Acting Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Gloria Abumere, congratulated the graduands and called on them to stick to the ethics of the profession.

Maintaining that UNIJOS is among

the best schools for pharmaceutical training, Abumere urged the graduands to strive for excellence in their future endeavours.

The previous day, the graduands had been engaged by PCN officials, who drilled them on the dos and don’ts of the profession. The interaction was conducted during the dinner and awards night held for the graduands.

In a show of appreciation to the faculty, the graduating students donated five high-power projectors to promote e-learning. The projectors, valued at about N400,000, would be mounted permanently in the lecture halls.

In an interview with CAMPUSLIFE, Jude said his “sheer determination” and “hard work” crowned his efforts to make First Class.

“I thank God that my five years of sleepless nights and rigorous reading has paid off. Even after graduation, I find myself waking up at night to read, as if I was still in school. This is just a clear manifestation of God’s power backed with hard work,” he said.

Also, the Faculty of Education held its first induction for its graduating students. Officials of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) graced the ceremony, during which over 400 graduates took the oath as teachers.

Prof Mafuyai, represented by his deputy on Administration, Prof Benjamin Ugwa, said the event was aimed at highlighting the uniqueness of the teaching profession.

The Registrar of TRCN, Prof Mark Nwokocha, while administering the oath, urged the inductees to stick to professionalism.

A graduating student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) surprised police officers at Modakeke Divisional Police Station when he donated materials to mark his birthday. DAYO OJERINDE (NYSC Keffi) writes.

A rare goft for the the police police gift for

•Olusola presenting certificate to the respresentatives of the Divisional Police Officer

•Some of the materials donated to the police

I

climbed the historic 200 metre prayer mountain on Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) campus. After offering prayers at the top of the summit, the mountaineers descended; they were treated to sumptuous refreshment.

Olusola and his friends also visited Modakeke High School and Foresight Group of Schools in Modakeke. They taught SSS 3 pupils on some subjects before giving them careers talks. He donate writing materials to the pupils.

He also visited the physicallychallenged homes in the town annd donated gifts.

T was an unusual day at the Modakeke Police Station in Osun State last Monday. The policemen on duty were stunned when some students arrived at the station with gifts. One of the students, Olusola Amusan, who recently graduated from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), was marking his birthday.

Olusola donated food items, bales of clothes, cartons of drinks and accessories to appreciate the police. He also presented a certificate of performance, which he personally signed, to the police.

The birthday boy, who tagged the visit as Police Appreciation, said

he used the gesture to laud policemen for the peace in Modakeke town.

“We would be hypocrites if we all pretend not to see the efforts being made by the police to secure our lives and property. I admit there are bad eggs in the Police Force just like we have in other public institutions and private organisations alike. I believe the scourge of corruption does not have to do with black uniform alone; it is a general problem.

There are still many good policemen, who carry out their duty with honesty, patriotism and diligence,” Olusola said.

Stunned by the gesture, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Yusuf Lateef, Modakeke Divisional Police Officer, was emotional. He praised the students for appreciating the police’s efforts to make the country safe. He said Olusola’s appreciation was rare given the public condemnation and criticism of the police.

He said his station would do more to ensure law and order in the town.

Olusola also donated materials to the Osun State School for the Handicapped in Modakeke.

He started his birthday celebration with mountain climbing.

Joined by his friends, Olusola

The week-long birthday celebrations ended with the launch of his book, Are you branded or stranded? The book launch, which was held at Cameron Hotel, Ile-Ife, was attended by Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Mr Ehile Manasseh. The governor advised Olusola to continue to be a change agent.

The caretaker chairman of Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Wale Amusan, challenged other youths to emulate Olusola by finding solution to the country’s problems.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

Another look at Jonathan’s scholarship scheme AST year, President Goodluck Jonathan registered his displeasure over the statistics of the National Universities Commission (NUC), which stated that 60 per cent of lecturers in Nigerian universities have no doctorate degree. The President, in his wisdom, decided to work out a scholarship scheme for the lecturers to make them obtain their doctorate degrees.

Furthermore, the President decided to send about 25 graduates of universities, who made First Class, these “best brains”, as he called them, to top class 25 universities abroad. This suggests that the President admitted that our own universities are not equipped to impact the kind of knowledge he desires for the young intelligent men.

To some of us, the idea is laudable and innovative, considering that these First Class graduates achieved such feat under harsh conditions, such as archaic libraries and unsupportive learning environment and literature badly lifted from the internet.

However, it should be emphasised that the trend of lecturers teaching without doctorate degrees is not good for our universities.

There is an urgent need to improve the quality of teaching and research. Given the hurried manner the scheme was packaged, I began to doubt the raison d’etre of the president’s intention to send First

L

Class graduates abroad as the critical way out.

Sending these geniuses outside the country for further studies is not bad after all. But the idea has raised questions that are begging for answers.

From the data obtained from the Secretary-General, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Prof Michael Faborode, in a published article in a national daily entitled The trouble with Nigeria universities, the don stated categorically that Nigeria had 15,000 students studying in the United Kingdom and the figure may likely increase to 30,000 by 2015.

Some 7,000 are in the United States and 1,500 in Canadian universities. With the revelation of the number of Nigerians studying in renowned universities abroad, in addition to others in developed countries, one would wonder what will become of these foreigntrained graduates after the completion of their studies abroad.

Already, there are many foreigntrained graduates still looking for jobs.

Why have these graduates not gainfully employed with their expertise? Is it that the environment they find themselves in Nigeria is not conducive in relation to the one they were exposed abroad? What noticeable difference have they made to the academic sector that makes them different from their

lies in the report. It has been reported by the committee that less than 10 per cent of our public universities have video conferencing facility, less than 20 per cent use interactive boards while more than 50 per cent do not use public address systems in their lecture halls.

In as much this type of decay still persists, we do not expect any miracle from the “best brains” when they come back with their loaded brain.

Aside the prestige, it is needless to say that these graduates will be frustrated at the end of the day and may eventually take an exit route out of the system at the completion of the five years mandate to work as a researcher. Well, the president has even made it crystal clear to them that they could opt out for a different career after the expiration of the mandate. Now, another question: what then is the usefulness, relevance or value of the scholarship scheme when the trained graduates will be sent out of the system after five years?

In a nutshell, the scholarship scheme looks more or less like a wasteful adventure that lacks purpose and significance. Mind you, it is a good idea but it is ill-conceived by the president. After all, I do not expect these “best brains” to grumble over incessant strikes associated with Nigerian universities when they join their colleagues back home, since these same universities produced them.

By Taiwo Adebulu The difference is that they have seen the world outside their home country and they must adjust to it as some have done before them.

They must be ready to carry the banners of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to embark on solidarity missions even against their benefactor who sent them abroad. If I may ask once again, what will be the fate of locally produced doctorate degree holders when their foreign trained colleagues are rated above them?

Sadly, the president has demonstrated to parents, through the scheme, that they must work hard to send their wards outside the country if they yearn for a qualitative education.

Taiwo, a Corps member, NYSC IBADAN

Skimpy dresses on campus

Improving dental care awareness

I

T

HE 2011 United Nations Political Declaration on Non-communicable Diseases recognised that oral health diseases have the same risk factors as the main lethal chronic diseases such as cancers, diabetes and heart ailments.

March 20 is set aside every year by the World Dental Federation to improve awareness on oral health and its impact on general health and well being. Healthy teeth, gums and mouth play a crucial role in our ability to work or study without constant nagging or painful toothache. It also goes a long way to boost our self-confidence and the health of our whole body. It is, therefore, important to maintain a good oral hygiene.

Oral hygiene is the practise of keeping the mouth clean. It involves adhering to a healthy programme to prevent cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath (halitosis) and other dental disorders. It is imperative for us to brush our teeth twice daily - first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

We must visit dentists at least twice in a year for oral check up as dental diseases are best resolved when detected early.

Also, scaling and polishing may be done to give whiter and healthier teeth; this enhances a better health and a more beautiful smile!

Furthermore, fixing cavities can be expensive in terms of cost of treatment. The major predispos-

locally produced colleagues?

But the reality is that most of them are back in the country and the question to ask is whether the federal government has made any considerable attempt to employ those with a doctorate degree except the multinationals who exploit their potentials in a non-academic environment. It didn’t come as surprise to me when Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikechukwu Aduba, announced last year that the most wanted kidnapper in the state is a doctorate degree holder in Mechanical Engineering.

The poser for the government is: what difference would the “best brains” make when they come back home? Methinks sending graduates abroad for study is not the best when their counterparts who were also trained abroad have not been usefully engaged.

In another words, sending first class graduates abroad to acquire more knowledge to improve the quality of teaching and research in our universities without addressing the rot in the system will ultimately produce no significant result. Come to think of it, what meaningful step has the federal government made of the Needs Assessment Panel it set up to evaluate the problems and challenges facing public universities?

The Prof Mahmood Yakubu –led committee came out with its findings and it is still obvious nothing has been done to tackle the anoma-

By Samuel Iwegbu ing factor for caries formation is the frequent consumption of sugar and sugar products especially the sticky ones like chocolate, sweets and suchlike. Hence, it is better to avoid these products or better still, we brush our teeth immediately after we consumed the candies.

The importance of toothpaste, sugarless chewing gum, and mouth washes cannot be overemphasised in maintaining healthy teeth. However, it is worthy to note that there are some of these products that are dangerous to our health, especially the ones not approved by the World Dental Federation and the Nigeria Dental Association.

These products should only be taken if they are either approved by the appropriate organisations or more preferably, recommended by Dentists.

Readers, you must know that a healthy tooth is sine qua non to a healthy life. So, let us spend some quality time on our teeth and make life more productive. I arrears, I wish all Nigerians a Happy World Oral Health Day! Samuel, 500-Level Dentistry, OAU Ile-Ife

N many higher institutions, fashion styles, such as colour rioting and colour squashing, have been the trend, especially among the female students. The fad of colour blocking started some years back in the United States when celebrities donned various combinations of colour for red carpet events.

American celebrities like Kim Kardashian made appeared in the public wearing orange and purple.

Soon, many began to catch the bug and it spread across continents like a wild fire.

One-time American editor of Vogue, Liz Tilberis, said: “A love of fashion makes the economy go round.”

Perhaps, there is an iota of truth in the aphorism given the sophisticated level Nigerian girls have taken colour blocking to.

At the University of Calabar (UNICAL), for instance, a female hand bag that costs between N4,500 and N6,000 is matched with a pair of jean and expensive tops of varying colours. Girls can go wrong if the colours are too much, or else they end up looking like a rainbow.

Wearing different colour in a way that will not be offensive brings attention by making one look colourful and cheerful. Some wear it because it is trendy. Colour blocking, to me, is creativity because it expresses oneself in whatever colour one can combine. It is the trend that commands people’s attention. But the ugly part of it is that some abuse the trend, wearing colours that make the face blanch.

For instance, this writer was invited by a friend to a fellowship sometime ago. Suddenly, a lady, wearing a sleeveless V-neck black gown with a white scarf, walked in.

The attire hardly buried her cleav-

age. As she walked, she tried to pull the gown down as though she was forced to wear it.

Perhaps, she noticed the attention on her, her handkerchief dropped.

Instead of bending down to pick it, she opted to squat and picked it in order not to further expose some sensitive parts of her body. It took her minutes to do this and obviously it was stressful for her. She was not comfortable in what she was wearing.

As she walked to sit in one of the seats at the extreme of the hall, every eye was on her. The male students at the event were all disappointed because the young lady did not cause to happen, the entertainment they had expected.

Then my question: why are girls putting discomforting clothes when there is nothing to gain in them?

From experience, the reason may have been to gain “attention” and “attraction”. Once they dress shabbily and revealed their sensitive organs, men start to fall over themselves to “watch film”. When skimpily dressed ladies notice glances from men, they try to cover their body. But who forced them to dress provocatively?

A few days ago, I was discussing about fashion trend with a female student in my department, the girl told me that ladies ought to dress for their own comfort. But the kind of dresses female students put on nowadays shows the opposite. I believe that majority of girls wear skimpy dresses just to feel among.

They feel like ‘this is in vogue’ and ‘I must not be counted out’.

There are times when girls put on a low-waist clothes and struggle to cover their back waist as they walk or when they want to ride on motorcycle or in the class. Some wear miniskirts and try to pull it to cover their thigh as they walk. Others

By Stanley Uchegbu wear transparent clothes that reveal their sex organs. To me, such dresses are needless in academic environment.

In the rainy season, instead of wearing long sleeves or sweat shirts, some ladies will put on sleeveless clothes trying to imitate what they saw on television. Recently, I observed a girl at the Faculty of Education, who likes to wears high-heel shoes to school. After sometime, she brought out a pair of slippers from her handbag. When I asked why she wanted to change the high-heel shoes, she said: “I like wearing high heels because it brings up my hips and makes me more attractive to guys. But shoes always hurt my toe; that is why I changed to flat sandals.”

I don’t have problem with new trend in fashion but I consider indecent dressing as inappropriate because it often leads to rape and sexual harassment. If a girl dresses indecently and calls it fashion, it means she is tempting men to look at her direction, the end result of which may not be palatable for her.

Stanley, 500-Level Accounting, UNICAL

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CAMPUS LIFE

•The new tricycles bought by the union leader

UNILORIN union in crisis •Parliament suspends three leaders

F

RESH crisis has hit the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) following the suspension of key members of the union by members of the parliament.

Last session, the tenure of the union leaders caved in under the weight of internal crisis, which resulted into suspension of president and some members of the executive council.

The union seems to be toeing the same path

From Wale Bakare UNILORIN

in the current dispensation.

During the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) sitting held penultimate Saturday, the union president, Abdulamalik Aremu, Speaker, Taiwo Olubiyi, and Financial Secretary, Ibrahim Adegboyega, were asked to stop performing the function of their office pending the time the house would conclude investigation into fund misapplication scandal in which the trio were involved.

When the parliament members convened for sitting, Taiwo was asked to step down while his deputy, Isaac Olorunfemi, presided.

The suspended officials were signatories to the union account.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the union appropriated N2.09 million for the purchase of eight fairly-used tricycles know as Keke NAPEP at the rate of N250,000 each. But the president flouted the directive and opted for the purchase of five brand new tricycles at the rate of N400,000 each.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

Reacting to the development, members of the SRC concluded that executive had deliberately disregarded letters of the appropriation Bill passed by the house and called for the sacking of the signatories to union account.

Abdulmalik, 400-Level Physics, said the executive council acted in interest of the students, adding that fairly-used tricycles were unbefitting for transportation on the campus. He added that the tricycles were purchased from a known dealer in Lagos and brought to campus to break the monopoly of commercial tricycle operators whose high fares could not afforded by students. The union’s tricycles charge N10 for withincampus destinations compare to N30 being charged by commercial operators.

To investigate the alleged misapplication, the SRC set up a five-man enquiry committee headed by Joshua Omotoso, a congress member. Other members of the committee are Nicodemus Igho, Enoch Babatunde, Oluwatomiyosi Ayorinde and Sunday Adewale. They were given 10 days to submit their findings.

The parliament warned the suspended

Anambra Law students demand bursary

S

TUDENTS of Anambra State origin studying in the University of Jos (UNIJOS) have called on their state government to speed up the payment of bursary for the Law students in tertiary institutions to prevent them from dropping out of school.

The called was made when the National Association of Anambra State Law Students (NAALS), UNIJOS chapter, visited Prof Nnamdi Aduba, an indigene of the state and Law lecturer in the institution, in his office at the main campus of the university.

Speaking to the students, Prof Aduba criticised Anambra State government for “not

•Abdulmalik

officials not parade or address themselves with their titles pending the outcome of the findings.

The Vice President, Lola Abiola, has since been sworn as acting president of the union.

The Social Director, Kehinde Abiola, 300Level Human Kinetic, said the parliament was wrong in its decision to suspend the officials.

A member of the parliament, Mumeen Alawaye, 400-Level Law, said the house acted in the interest of the entire student.

Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, 500-Level Law and General Secretary, said: “In the history of unionism in the University of Ilorin, the present union has been the best as we have championed different causes with the school management. I don’t understand the reasons why the SRC have to take such a wrong decision.”

From Esther Mark UNIJOS

doing well educationally”, saying the state had highest number of young men in business rather than in school among the southeastern state.

He said: “It is nothing new to assist students through human capital development as this is very important to youth employment in order to reduce the rate of unemployment and kidnapping amongst young people in the state.

“I want to lend my voice to appeal to the Anambra State government to alleviate the suffering of the students through the prompt payment of their bursary as is obtainable in other states.”

Earlier, the president of the association, Obinna Ofodile, said they were in his office to commend him for his continuous support to the association as the patron and to complain the non-payment of their bursary by the state government.

•Outgoing members of the Church of Christ fellowship, University of Calabar (UNICAL),during a send off ceremony held for them by the church...recently.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

37

EDUCATION

NGO seeks suspension of RSUST accreditation

EKSU FILE NDLEA supports transformation THE Nigerian Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has promised to partner with Ekiti State University (EKSU) in its transformation agenda and make the institution a drug-free zone.

The NDLEA team made the promise during a visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick Oladipo Aina. The leader of the team Mr. Dele Akingbade, promised the presence of its members during the orientation programme for fresh students who would be enlightened on dangers of taking hard drugs.

The leader of the team further stressed that the NDLEA was interested in sensitizing youths on the dangers of drug abuse.

Mr. Akingbade revealed that over 1,000 Indian hemp plantations had been destroyed in Ekiti State while 69 suspects had been prosecuted in the last one year.

The Vice-Chancellor praised the NDLEA team and approved its partnership with EKSU in the transformation agenda of his administration.

NON-GOVERNMENTAL Organisation - Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), has criticised the on-going accreditation tour of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Nkpolu by officials of Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC).

A statement issued in Port Harcourt, by Livingstone Wechie, the CLO Director, Research and Publicity, Rivers State branch,

A

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

called for the discontinuation of the tour immediately pending the resolution of the on-going strike by lecturers of RSUST. Since July last year, some members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), embarked on an indefinite strike to protest the re-appointment of Prof Barineme B.Fakae as Vice Chancellor (VC) by the state government.

They alleged that the VC's re-instatement did not follow due process, and insisted that he be removed.

Wechie said the move by NUC to accredit courses of an institution that is neck-deep in crisis suggests their supports for the on-going problems in the school.

He said, "We are accusing NUC of complicity in the crisis in Rivers State University of Science & Technology Port Harcourt.

ASUU-OAU demands implementation of panel report From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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18th convocation for April ACTIVITIES marking the 18th convocation of Ekiti State University (EKSU) will begin April 2, with a press conference to be addressed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Oladipo Aina.

During the period, the Governor of Ekiti State and Visitor to the University, Dr. Kayode Fayemi will turn the sod of a building complex for the Institute of Governance while a convocation lecture to be delivered by Director, United Nation Institute for Development and Planning, Dakar, Senegal, Prof.

Adebayo Olukoshi, will hold on April 4.

The lecture is entitled "Africa: Meeting the Challenges of Leadership for a Changing World." A statement issued by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Ajibade Olubunmi, indicates that the award of first degrees and prizes will hold April 5, while the award of higher degrees will be on April 6.

Tai Solarin admits 900 From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

TAI Solarin College of Education (TASCE) Omu-Ijebu, has matriculated over 900 new students into the NCE) programmes for the 2012/2013 academic session.

The college Provost, Dr. Abiodun Ojo advised the students to take the vocational training they would be exposed to seriously.

He noted that vocational training is the only antidote to the perennial unemployment in Nigeria since no government or organised private sector could employ all school graduates.

Ojo also blamed both leadership and followership on Nigeria's current predicament, particularly the tendencies of negative behaviours by the former.

He said: "No sooner would a leader emerge either at the executive appointment or legislative cadre, than the enormous demands placed on them by followership are usually beyond what their legitimate earnings could accommodate."

More complicating, Ojo stressed, is the tendency of Nigerians to crucify any public office holder who choose not to help himself with the nation's s resources at the end of his tenure in office.

"NUC is aware of the crisis rocking RSUST and yet it went ahead to begin a process to accredit courses and programmes of the university, whose Lecturers are on strike. "the Minister of Education Prof.

Rukayyatu Rufai had in a statement this year said that until the Law is followed and the questions and concerns raised in the appointment of the VC resolved, NUC will not accredit the courses in that institution." he recalled

• Judge Bola Ajibola Kickstarting a march between Crescent University, Abeokuta and Fountain University, Osogbo

OAU gets advancement board

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ITH business magnate, Mr Victor Osibodu and other distinguished alumni managing the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Advancement Board, the institution is hoping to catch up with the Ivy League institutions in the world in the nearest future.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Bamitale Omole inaugurated the board Friday at the Vigeo Heirs Holdings, Ikoyi to help attract private sector funding to the university like has been successfully done by renowned institutions of the world.

In universities like Cambridge, Harvard and Yale, Omole said endowments run into billions of dollars which provides critical funds for research and provision of facilities.

He said: "For our university to survive and for it to continue to invest in infrastructural development and maintenance, the university had to find out the practices in other top ranking universities in the world, especially on the issue of what these universities had done to attract the kind of global attention they are enjoying in terms of research and funding. For example the University of Oxford has £3.9 billion as endowment (2011), University of Cambridge has £4.3 billion (2011), Harvard $30.435 billion (2012), Yale $19.3 billion (2012), Stanford $17.036 billion.

"It is this attempt at adopting the modalities and methodologies of what these great universities are doing to sustain, and even improve their leadership positions in the comity of world universities that led us to the adoption of what is referred to as Institutional Advancement/Development Office model as is done in very successful universities abroad where the synergy between the university, alumni, philanthropists, friends of the university and donors is very dynamic and very close."

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

In his acceptance speech as chairman of the board, Osibodu demonstrated the business acumen that has made his conglomerate of companies successful by stating how the board expects to achieve the set objectives. He said it would build a platform to operate independent of university funds and operations; build a network by connecting with all members of the alumni and sustaining their interest; build value for donors by rewarding their efforts; set goals among others.

Other distinguished alumni inaugurated joining Osibodu who chairs Vigeo, are: Mr Isola Awodehin, SAN, Mr Gboyega Fatimilehin, founder of Diya Fatimilehin Estate Surveryors, Mrs Gloria Essien-Danner, retired Executive Director, Exxon Mobil,

Alhaji Adeola Shokunbi, President, Great Ife Alumni Association, Mr Isaac Orolugbagbe, and the VC, Prof Omole who will act as ViceChairman.

Thanking the university for finding him worthy to serve, Orolugbagbe said in support for Osibodu's plans, the board would ensure that process of using funds would remain transparent.

"We need to come out clearly to know how to use this money and render account to the people who give us the money," he said.

Another member of the board, Mr Awodehin, said the board would work hard to defend the confidence the management of the university has in its members.

"We will work hard, we will work conscientiously. We know it is a service and we will do all it take to make you feel justified that you chose us," he said.

CADEMIC Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has condemned in its entirety corruption cover up in high places in Nigeria.

The Chairman Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Chapter Prof Peter Akinola stated this in Ibadan while briefing journalists over the weekend on the Industrial crisis at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T).

All the unions at the Institute including Senior Staff Associations, Non-Academic Staff union and Academic Staff Union have been on strike for nine months over allegations of funds misappropriation running into 192.5billion, levelled against the management of the institute.

Akinola noted that only the Vice Chancellor of OAU, Prof Tale Omole is constitutionally empowered to appoint and remove the embattled Director of the institute Prof Benjamin Ogunbodede so as to restore peace to the Institute.

The ASUU boss who lamented that many corrupt individuals in Nigeria are being shielded by the powers-that-be called on Omole to ensure full implementation of the fact-finding panel earlier set up to investigate management of the institute.

"This further demonstrates that it is possible to be corrupt and still remain in office once you are connected to people in power. This is indeed a sad story in Nigeria of today where corruption eats deep into the fabrics of every aspect of our national life. For progress there must be justice, equity, and transparency at all levels in Nigeria including higher institutions."

The three unions had last week, jointly staged a peaceful protest demanding the removal of the Executive Director over the mismanagement of aforementioned amount.

Judges assess candidates for awards

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UFIL Prima Foods Plc, makers of Nigeria's most popular noodles, Indomie Instant Noodles, has announced the seating of the panel of judges for the sixth edition of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative on education-Indomie MSc nutrition scholarship awards.

This has resulted in the selection and adjudication of 12 qualified candidates from the numerous entries collated from different parts of the nation.

The members of the panel for this year include; Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, D.A Ameh; Dr. (Mrs.) Onot Ekpe, Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar; Professor , Chairperson Admissions Committee, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB); and Dr. Oluseye Onabanjo of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, FUNAAB.

Commenting on this development, the Public Relations Manager, Dufil Prima Foods, Mr Tope Ashiwaju said the panel of judges are credible people with proven integrity and their level of proficiency in the field of Dietetics and Nutrition and other related fields has brought about ideas to reach informed decisions that has led to the selection of the 12 awardees.

"I am pleased to announce once again that another creed of veteran scholars have sat to ascertain the 12 deserving Nigerians for the 2012/ 2013 session on the Indomie MSc Nutrition Scholarship Awards. It is also worthy of note that the scope has been expanded to achieve more national coverage.

Ashiwaju revealed that the selection phase of the 2013 edition by the Dufil-Nutrition Awards Committee recorded over 200 entries, out of which 62 candidates were carefully selected having met the

initial requirements before undergoing the last stage of screening in which the judges selected 12 finalists in consonance with the set criteria for selection.

Also speaking on the Scholarship Award, Co-ordinator of the programme, Professor Babatunde Oguntona, testified to the fair and eligible process in which the committee of judges arrived at the 12 finalists. He further stressed that the criteria for this selection was strictly adhered to, and it was through this means that the 12 finalists emerged.

"The panel of judges for the 2012/ 2013 Indomie MSc Nutrition Scholarship Award selected these 12 finalists using certain specified criteria. As part of the criteria for eligibility, the candidate must be a Nigerian with qualification in any nutrition related course at the degree or post graduate level within the age range of 20 to 35years.”

38

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

EDUCATION FEDPOFFA FILE Presidency lauds crisis management THE Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Youth Development and Student Matters, Comrade Jude Imague, has praised the efforts of the management of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, under its Provost, Dr Mufutau Olatinwo for instilling quality academic culture and high standard of morality in the students.

Imagwe said the gesture is in line with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.

He made this statement during his two-day visit to the institution, to assess the situation following the recent communal clash between neighbouring communities of Offa and Erin Ile. Comrade Imagwe praised the students for being non-partisan in the crisis. He also praised the provost for ensuring that students were not majorly affected by the crisis. Imagwe also praised the infrastructural development of the institution. He promised to make a case with the President on full relocation of the polytechnic to its permanent site.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Olatinwo, who thanked Imagwe for the visit, said if given the approval, the institution is set to commence Bachelor's degrees programmes given its current infrastructural development.

'STEPB project in order' THE National Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the Science and Technology Education Post Basic (STEP B) Mrs Sheyi Agunbiade has praised the management for showing key interest in the project and providing needed support for its sustainability.

Agunbiade spoke in the Rector's office as part of her monitoring and evaluation visit. She praised the rector for demonstrating adequate knowledge of the implementation of the programme which demonstrates a considerable interest in the project.

In his remarks, Dr. Olatinwo urged the STEPB national office to consider the institution for additional support by approving the two new proposals it submitted before the programme finally closes.

Earlier, Mrs Agunbiade had met with the national implementation team and visited the upgraded instrumentation laboratory where she advised that the equipment be decentralised to ensure more effective utilisation.

Ministry to partner Omatek on power

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HE problem of inadequate power supply to schools may soon end thanks to a 24-hour hybrid solar power solution by Omatek Ventures Plc. Education Minister Prof Ruqayyat Ahmed Rufai inaugurated the alternative power solution at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where it has been deployed to power lights on the walkways and reading rooms of the New Hall hostel.

This was followed by a tour of the Omatek factory in Oregun, Lagos, where its CEO, Mrs Florence Seriki showed how the firm has been able to solve problems of power supply and consumption with its hybrid solutions and bulbs that consume far less energy than the popular 60 watts bulbs.

The minister also learnt about the firm's e-learning scheme which marries the latest hardware technology with content relevant to the school curriculum; as well as its internship programme for undergraduates to learn practical lessons assembling computers. Mrs Seriki said universities send students to Omatek who are involved in hands on training.

"When we say we are doing elearning, all these computers are already being used in schools. We are not just producing hardware; we have integrated their curriculum into it," Mrs Seriki said of the e-learning

•Executive Secretary, Nigerian University Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, Dr, Timoth Farinre, chairman of Omatek Ventures Plc and minister of education, Prof. Rukkayat Rufa'i at the commissioning of the solar Omatek's 24 hour lighting solution for hostels and schools in University of Lagos at the weekend

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

platform.

Praising Omatek for the various solutions, Prof Rufai said the alternative power solutions would improve students' performance.

"This is going to be a very good way forward in terms of research and development and in terms of our students to have constant supply of power to enable them study to enhance education performance and also increase our capacity for research."

The minister added that Omatek's efforts in providing practical training for the youths is in line with the president's transformation agenda for Technical and Vocational Education (TVE). To this end, she

said a new committee to be headed

by Chief Aliko Dangote would be established to address skills deficit.

“We have seen that the way we partner with the private sector should be more practical. The issue of producing graduates that will be looking for jobs will soon be history," she said.

On his part, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Julius Okojie said more needs to be done to strengthen the relationship between tertiary institutions and the industry.

"In the tripartite relationship between government, universities and industry, the weakest link is the university. We need an interface between industry and the university

Council chair challenges academics to publish books

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HE Chairman, Governing Council of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Prof Shehu Jimoh, has challenged academics to publish books.

The retired professor of Psychology spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the launch of a book written by the Registrar of the polytechnic, Moses Salami.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

The book is entitled Developing a career in the registry of a tertiary institution.

He also urged academics to inculcate in their students reading culture to make them all round students. In his remark, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulFatah

Ahmed stressed the imperative of enriching public knowledge through educative books. The governor, who launched the book with N500, 000, tasked academics to write and publish more books to arrest shortage of materials in Nigeria.

He added that the book would immensely assist those in the

•Prof Ayeni (left), receiving his plaque from Prof Etinagbedia

Poly subsidises students' medical bill THE management of The Polytechnic Ife, Osun State, has offered to subsidise the medical bill of the students of the institution.

The gesture was made known to the students during the opening of Maye Medical Centre, established to cater for the medical needs of the students of the institution.

The resident doctor of the centre, Dr Okunade, praised the kind gesture exhibited by the management. According to him, the centre will run 24-hour service for students.

It will also cater for maternity services, family planning, ante natal, child welfare clinic, immunisation and laboratory services. Okunade appealed to students to avoid self medication and never hesitate to visit the clinic in the event of any symptom or emergencies.

system," he said.

Speaking with The Nation, some of the students in the assembly plant said they had gained a lot of practical experience that gave meaning to what they learnt in school.

Saiuy Zion, a 400-Level Electrical/ Electronics Engineering student of Covenant University, Ota, said: " Before I came, here I didn't know they assembled parts and computers in Nigeria. But now I can dismantle and assemble a CPU, laptop or printer. I just started last week but I have gained a lot of experience."

Another student, Shola Adesiyan, who is studying Computer Science at Bowen University, Iwo, said in addition to practical, the students get tutorials as well.

‘Let’s wage intellectual war against corruption’

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ICE-CHANCELLOR, Littoral University (Institut D'Enseignement Superiur De Littoral) Porto-Novo, Republic of Benin, Prof Olabode Reuben Ayeni, has roused his colleagues on the part of intellectual wayfaring as a veritable instrument of battling corruption.

"It is high time corruption in Nigeria is confronted intellectually through groundbreaking research rather than mere strength or street protests which I think has done little to convince the leadership to do the rightful. I, therefore, urge all intellectuals on

By Adegunle Olugbamila

more concerted efforts in this direction.

Ayeni noted that many Nigerians particularly in the intellectual circle are being eulogised and offered red carpet reception around the world.

In view of this, he said those at the home front should step up the campaign to reduce corruption to its barest minimum.

Prof Ayeni spoke at the induction/ lecture of the Institute of Administrators and Researchers of

Nigeria (IARN) held at the University of Lagos Conference Hall last Thursday.

"We intellectuals have to put our heads together because a tree cannot make a forest. Intellectually, we must come up with groundbreaking research on how to move the country forward. The Research must touch on all aspects of our lives-education, religion, tribe, economy, social and psychological, and what have you?

Sadly, the virus called corruption has spread to our churches, mosques and other institutions. It is unfortunate

registry department of tertiary institutions.

The Rector of the institution described the book as most appropriate, appreciating the efforts and sacrifice of the author.

Mr. Salami said the 93-page book was part of his contribution towards building an effective registry in tertiary institutions. that as Nigerians, anywhere you go they see you as a corrupt person. We must make sure that corruption is battled headlong."

Ayeni, who was also among 13 personalities that were conferred fellows of the institute, expressed his desire for a symbiotic relationship between Littoral University and the institute particularly in the areas of administration and research.

He said the unblemished records of many eminent Nigerians worldwide are still opening doors of success, wondering why there are seemingly insurmountable challenges at the home front.

"I am a Nigerian but living in the Republic of Benin. The authority of that country wouldn't have given me a licence to set up a university if I do not demonstrate some level of integrity in a French country. I didn't have to go through any stress or pay a bribe. But they just look at integrity, and sincerity and the personality involved. That is to say Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion, are still doing great in the country and we can replicate same at home.

Other fellows include Chairman Brilla FM, Dr Larry Izamuje; Registrar Redeemers' University Ogun State Mrs Bolatito Oloketuyi; and a senior staff of the National Assembly, Mrs Abiola Helen.

Earlier the Director-General of the institute Prof Jacob Etinagbedia congratulated the new fellows. He said as ambassadors of the institute, they must carry themselves with gait.

He urged them to remain more committed to research and while also contributing to the nation's development,-two key factors Etinagbedia said earned them the award.

39

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

EDUCATION SCHOOL SPORTS

SCHOOL SPORTS

SCHOOL SPORTS

SCHOOL SPORTS

Wellspring grooms athletes

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• Head of Finance, Management Science Centre, owners of Wellspring College Mrs Ewere Akwukweagbu presenting trophies to the winners

Kings College holds 93rd sport meet

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TSOSIME Francis a senior student of Kings College was the attraction at the 93rd edition of the school’s inter-house sport.

Though, Francis was not the only winner in over 15 sporting activities featured during the sports meet, but he appeared an 'anointed' winner emerging first in the 100 and 200 metres Senior Boys category. His victory at the 400 metres Relay Senior Boys race was another spectacle. In the High Jump category, Francis who represented Yellow House (McKee Wrights) was another player to beat edging three other contenders - Green house(Harman's), Red house Hyde Johnson and Blue house(Panes) to the plaque.

But for his elder brother, Francis wouldn't have considered himself fit for a sporting activity he said runs in the family blood.

"He told me that I could do it and that it runs in the family. He always told me to aim for the top and at every high jump competition I meet myself, I should always aim the highest jump and that's always my target, to be the best."

Although Blue House emerged the overall winner with 21 gold, 12 silver 10 bronze, Francis, including efforts of other athletes in his House saw them coming close with 12 gold, nine silver and 15 bronze, trailing the winner. Red House emerged second runner up with 11 gold, 13 silver, 16 bronze and Green House came fourth with eigth gold, 18 silver and 11 bronze.

Otunba Dele Olapeju, Principal Kings College while giving his speech, said the sporting sprit of Kings College has been rekindled

UDDING athletes showed off their emerging skills at the seventh annual inter-house sports competition of Wellspring College, Ogba, held at the sports centre of the University of Lagos.

The sprint and relay races, as well as the fun sack and lime and spoon races, elicited a lot of excited from pupils, teachers and parents, who cheered their house representatives.

The Invited Schools relay races for senior boys and girls were no less interesting.

Speaking on the importance of sports to the wellbeing of the pupils, Principal of the College, Mrs Oluwayemisi Oloriade, canvassed for comprehensive teaching and practice of sporting events in schools as part of the process towards grooming complete students.

She decried the gradual abandonment of sports in basic schools probably as a result of the dearth of facilities or available land space. She called to mind the recent triumph of the country's Super

Eagles in the Africa Cup of Nations football meet. She noted that the encomiums and monetary gifts showered on the team should encourage parents and school owners to organises sporting activities for their pupils.

"Apart from the material value, it is undeniable that the best form of education for a child is one that not only develops his cognitive and emotional domains but also tends to his psychomotor domain. The three ensure a thoroughly bred youth, who is not only knowledgeable, and disciplined; but also healthy; a youth who will, in the future be able to steer the course of a country," she said.

At the end of the competition, Favour house topped the medals table with 15 gold medals, 12 silver and six bronze; Goodness House followed with 14 gold medals, 12 silver medals and eight bronze; while Praise House came third with eight gold, nine silver, and 16 bronze medals.

By Sampson Unamka

with the formation of the Lagos First Generation Heritage Colleges Association (LAFGHECA), (formerly called Association of the House of Lords), which comprised colleges that pioneered secondary education in Nigeria.

He said: "For instance, at the first Inter-Collegiate athletics meet of LAFGHECA held on its sports field last year, Kings College came first by narrowly beating our arch-rival St. Gregory's Lagos, while at the Federal Unity Colleges Games (FEDCOL) games held in Calabar in November, last year, the college placed third among 104 Unity Colleges in the male category .

Olapeju told excited guests and parents that Kings College has moved to the semi final stage of this year's Heritage Cup, hoping the school's team would be good replacements for the Super and Flying eagles squad.

He urged the parents to invest heavily towards the sports development initiative of the institution.

Otunba Olapeju said the cooperation he has so far enjoyed from all since his assumption in January 2010, has also given him the opportunity to present the fourth sporting competition.

He assured parents that talents discovered at the event would be involved in the second edition of LAFGHECA, as well as the International Bilateral Games between Nigeria and Ghana which is to be co-hosted by Kings College and Queens College in May.

•Blue House during its march past

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Pomp at Kingdom Heritage, Makurdi T was arguably one of the best to the excited parents, sports meet waved and most colourful school ushering in the contest.

competitions in the history of Benue State primary and nursery schools; it was also a combination of education and culture.

Kingdom Heritage School Makurdi, owned by Living Faith Church, aka Winners Chapel, organised an inter-house sports competition. The children put up a brilliant performance in all fields.

The colourful ceremony began with a march past by the four

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

houses- Honour, Glory, Power and Blessing. The provincial pastor, Paul Magbadebh led others in prayers for a successful occasion.

Another side attraction that held parents and guests spellbound was a spectacular parade by pupils in reception class, who were dressed in various traditional attires, representing each ethnic group in Nigeria. They stole the show as they went round the venue and

At the end of the competition which showcased various sporting activities, Power House was adjudged the overall best, followed

by Glory House which came second while Hour and Blessing houses emerged third and fourth respectively.

Head Teacher of the school, Deacon Abang Francis, described sports as a veritable tool for economic emancipation. She urged parents to support their children to take to sporting activities.

Principals host students/parents

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• • From left: House Master, Comrade Arigbede Kola, Bassey Felix, Oladapo Sodiq and Mr Oriade Adefola

OMMUNITY School, Mushin has held its annual inter-house sport. The event was co-hosted by Mr Lasisi Akintola and Mrs Amosun Lydiaprincipals of the senior and junior arms of the school respectively.

Mr Akintola spoke at the event held at the school complex playing ground, which also serves same purpose for other adjoining schools in the premises.

He said sport contributes immensely to health, hence the need for the school to take the students out of the classrooms so as to observe their learning outcome particularly the psychomotor domain.

He said: "It is an undeniable fact that sports has gone beyond mere entertainment.

Many are millionaires today as a result of their gifts in sports. This occasion, therefore, is not a waste of time, energy and resources, but to

By Sampson Unamka

encourage the students and bring out the best in them," he said.

He enjoined participants to cultivate the spirit of sportsmanship during the contest.

The inter-house sport comprised four houses-Blue, Red, Yellow and Green. In the senior cadre, Blue House dwarfed others with seven gold, three silver, three bronze medals; Red House came second with five gold, four silver, and seven bronze medals. Yellow was third with one gold, four silver and three bronze medals.

Similarly in the junior cadre, Blue House humbled three others with an outstanding eight gold, five silver, and four bronze medals.

Yellow trailed behind with four gold, seven silver, and three bronze medals. Red was last with three gold, five silver, and three bronze.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

40

EDUCATION EDUTALK

with

In light of Ghana's dominance

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MONG the five-member countries that make up the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), SS3 candidates from Nigerian secondary schools outnumber those from Kofoworola Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia by about five to one.

For the 2012 May/June West Kofosagie@yahoo.com African Senior School 08054503077 (SMS only) Certificate Examination (WASSCE) there were 1,545,004 Nigerians and 391,724 from the four other countries combined yet the top three candidates did not come from here. They were all Ghanaians, namely: Miss Yvette Yeboah-Kordieh (1st), Master Josbert Abaasa Ayambire (2nd) and Master Bright Seyram Tsevi (3rd).

In the said examination, only 38.81 per cent of Nigeria's candidates made up to five credits and above in English, Mathematics and three other subjects, which is the minimum benchmark for admission into tertiary institutions.

It did not used to be so. Many years ago Nigerian candidates used to dominate the performance table, clinching the International Excellence Award for the top three slots and the Augustus Bandele Oyediran Award for the best candidate. For many years we took it for granted that the awards belonged to us.

Given that we provide the lion share of the candidates and the funding to run the international headquarters of the Council in Accra, Ghana, we thought we should always expect to be the best.

But this is not about expectations; it is about input; it is about performance. Ghana has decided that presenting a much smaller number of candidates should not be an excuse for mediocre performance. It upped its game and now, to our shame, we are trailing behind like overweight spoilt brat.

Though the 38.81 per cent is the best in recent times (because we posted between 18 and 29 per cent in the past seven year), we cannot accept it as good news in its totality. It is work in progress. It is likely the improved performance is from states where the governments are making concerted efforts to remedy the situation by investing in infrastructure, teacher training, extra coaching for examination classes, and monitoring to ensure that teaching and learning takes place in schools.

To restore Nigeria to the top, the Federal Government must be involved. We know secondary education is the responsibility of the states but we cannot afford to have some states make efforts to improve while others are nonchalant. We need the Federal Government to coordinate a national roadmap to the Promise Land of good performance. We need the Federal Ministry of Education to coordinate and the process for achieving national objectives regarding learning outcomes' performance and skills. We must put an end to the politics that makes it a taboo for WAEC to publish performances of candidates on state basis so we can identify those states not doing well and why. In such cooperation we will find strength to excel. The attempt to protect those not doing well is the reason pupils are completing primary and secondary education without literacy, numeracy and life skills to survive in the labour market.

The report on Nigeria's inability to meet the 2015 Education For All goal should be a wake up call for us to do what is right. We are producing non-functional graduates, people without skills - with the bulk of them from poor backgrounds. If we have battled militants and terrorists groups today unsuccessfully, we cannot hope to eradicate them in future with the present education template.

We need to act fast or we will not have a future to look forward to.

Belo-Osagie

• A cross section of students from Divine International Schools, in Yenizue - Gene, Yenagoa, in Bayelsa State, preparing for check in and departure at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. Twenty one students and staff of the school are travelling to London , in the United Kingdom for a two-week excursion on globalisation, oneness and culture.

P

Nigerian-owned UK College gets accreditation

EACOCK College, United Kingdom has received the International Student Association accreditation to deliver professional and academic degrees and postgraduate programmes.

The UK-based college, which was started by a Nigerian, Chief Segun Phillips, in 2012, has also been approved as a candidate for accreditation by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education.

Consequently, the institution is now qualified to offer certificate, diploma and degree programmes in its main campus in London.

The college Principal, Mr Zenon Adamek, a Briton, in an online statement, said the feat was as a result of the institution's hard work and willingness for development.

"The college team is drawing upon the experience and expertise of academics, professionals working in the pertinent industries and colleagues with wealth of practice and knowledge to deliver professional

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

academic programmes in Business Management, Health and Social Care, Hospitality Travel and Tours and Information Technology," he stated.

He added that these programmes would be delivered as certificate, diploma and extended diploma all at level 4 to 7 of UK National Occupation Standards.

Level 4 to 7 certificate of the UK NOS is an equivalent of first and second degrees in Nigeria. The implication of ISA accreditation, Phillips said, was that the college could now award first degrees and professional degrees at postgraduate level.

On the importance of the ISA accreditation, Adamek stated that ISA qualifications, which are accepted in UK universities, would give a pathway to students to progress to

Master's degree programmes in British institutions.

He added that the college was set up to enable students to gain new knowledge and skills that are crucial to professional and academic success.

"Peacock College, UK will start delivering these programmes from March, this year from our campus in UK but plans are underway to have centres in Nigeria or to start online delivery for those who cannot travel to the UK," he stated.

Asked whether the college has sought the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the programmes in the country, Phillips said that would not be a problem since both the ISA and BAC accreditation enjoy global acceptability.

"But as a responsible institution, I'm sure that if we have been able to pass the strict accreditation guidelines in the UK, doing so here, I believe, should not be a problem," Phillips said.

UDUS vows to maintain standards at matriculation V ICE-CHANCELLOR of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Prof Riskuwa Arabu Shehu said the university will not compromise standards for academic excellence.

Prof Shehu emphasised the institution's commitment to the country's desire for rapid advances in science and technology.

Professor Shehu who spoke at the university's 34th matriculation exercise for the 3,833 newly admitted students for various courses across its faculties, said the institution has repositioned and strengthened its School of Matriculation Studies in

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

readiness for continued preparation of science and science-based programmes. Shehu also warned students to steer clear of any form of extremism and intolerance especially ethnic and religious matters.

He reminded both new and old students that to be conscious of the academic challenges before them, adding, "these hurdles include hardwork, strict adherence to university rules and regulations, high moral standards and respect for constituted au-

thority among others.

Shehu continued: "The increasing incidence of examination misconduct, poor attendance of lectures, massive failures in a number of courses and request for inter-faculty transfer show that some of you have still not got the message. " You must allow the oath and its ceremony to help you develop self discipline, resistance against any temptation for indulging in undesirable behaviours and practices such as cultism, drug abuse, examination misconduct, poor attendance of lectures and related offences", he enumerated.

Anti-corruption unit for IAUE

R

IVERS State's Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) Port Harcourt has inaugurated a five man Anti- Corruption, Transparency and Monitoring Unit (ACTU).

The inauguration of the institution's anti graft unit was witnessed by members of Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).

The members of the committee include: Dr. Apele Iyagba, who is the director, School of Continuing Education as Chairman, Ngozi Okiridu, the Public Relations Officer of the institution as secretary, Dr. Joseph Kinanee, Mr. Ordua George and Mrs. Peter-Kio OpiriteBoma as members.

Speaking at the inauguration, the secretary of ICPC, Mr. Elvis Oglafa who was represented by the head

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

of Monitory Unit and Evaluation of ICPC, Mr. Gaji Banabas said they are interested in transparency of the institution.

Mr. Banabas said: "I want to inform that the Abuja office of this commission saw this event as an important one and directed me to be here today. We are inaugurating members of the anti-corruption, transparency and monitory unit of this campus because of how important we attach to anti corruption crusade.

"We want the support of the school, especially the lecturers and the students, I want to state clearly that we are not here to witch hunt anyone but for the transparency purpose and the growth of the intuition.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor,

Prof. Rosemund Dienye Green Osahogulu thanked members of the ICPC for establishing a monitoring unit at the university and said there are a lot of corrupt practices within the system which the university under his administration is kicking against.

She said: "When I assumed office few years ago, I discovered several cases of corrupt practices committed by both students and lectures, we had a case where somebody came in with forged PhD certificate, there is also a situation where staff forge receipts, to be frank there was no due process.

"I am happy for this event, by establishing this ICPC unit, it will assist us in sanitizing the system and helping us to continue with our achievement without hindrance," she said.

‘We need the Federal Government to coordinate a national roadmap to the Promise Land of good performance. We need the Federal Ministry of Education to coordinate and the process for achieving national objectives regarding learning outcomes' performance and skills.

We must put an end to the politics that makes it a taboo for WAEC to publish performances of candidates on state basis so we can identify those states not doing well and why. In such cooperation we will find strength to excel’

43

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

ASIWAJU’S 61ST BIRTHDAY Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Senator Bola Tinubu is 61 years old this week.

Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the political battles, struggles and ideas of the acclaimed opposition leader.

H

E has come to fulfill a mission. In democracy, the role of the opposition is indispensable. For 13 years, he had fired shots to the centre due to the inability of the powers that be to run the federal country, based on the principles of true federalism. Today, he and his colleagues in the mega party are now gazing at the centre. What they are offering are credible alternative ideas and manifestos that have been tested in 11 states.

Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu believes that it is important that power should shift to the progressive bloc in 2015. In his view, this is critical to the survival of the fledgling federation.

As the associates, friends and disciples of the former Lagos State governor celebrate his 61st birthday in the Centre of Excellence this week, what is on the front burner is the incisive and convincing argument for power shift from those that have misused power for a decade to a bloc that had been handicapped by colossal electoral malpractices. Observers argue that Tinubu’s towering struggles and his compatriots’ battles for a better society can only be worthwhile, if there is a paradigm shift in national administration.

The sustaining asset, so far, is courage. As a soldier of democracy, Tinubu is a rare leader endowed with mega capabilities to spearhead the popular legitimate agitations and canvass the unexplored alternative route to solutions to the fundamental questions. In this challenging moment, that resolve, resilience and determination must never fail the consummate politician.

At 61, the ‘Jagaban Borgu’ is on the weighing scale. As the oak tree offering shades to a vast progressive followership, eyes are on the colourful politician. Expectedly, obstacles would be thrown on his path to divert his attention. Media wars would be sponsored against his platform by spin doctors. But he and his colleagues in the All Progressives Congress (APC) would always be vindicated by the non-performance of the Jonathan Administration.

Indisputably, Tinubu has been building on his feats in the Southwest. He is not a prophet without honour at home. In 2003, the restoration of the Southwest’s lost glory became his preoccupation. He successfully coordinated the battle for the return of the stolen mandates in the five states. PDP hawks, who had penetrated the AD, crippled the platform. The anti-Obasanjo leaders of AC were heart-broken. The old party in ruins, Tinubu, a man of foresight, working in concert with like minds, spearheaded the establishment of another masses-oriented party, The Action Congress (AC), which later metamorphosed into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). In 2010, the party reclaimed Ekiti and Osun States from the PDP interlopers. A year later, it dislodged the PDP from power in Ogun and Oyo states. The epic battle served as the bridge that connected the past to the present. As the progressives bounced back in the Southwest, the dream and vision of the illustrious pathfinders -The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Adekunle Ajasin, Abraham Adesanya and Bola Ige-that only a rational government

•Asiwaju Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi, at a ceremony.

Tinubu: An indomitable opposition leader bubbling with progressive tendencies should steer the affairs of the Southwest, was fulfilled.

The wise men who discovered Tinubu during the long military interregnum and advised him to play an active role are today justified. As he crossed the bridge from board room to politics, the promising auditor was set to seize the polity by storm. He emerged on the scene, without political experience, as professional accountant and financial surgeon, who had paid his dues in the competitive private sector; a shrewd businessman and core investor, manager of men and resources; a benevolent capitalist. But when he entered politics, be became a consummate activist, prolific analyst, strategic thinker, humanist, philanthropist, astute administrator, visionary leader, man of foresight, courageous fighter, and a peoples’ politician.

Tinubu fought for power at the top, although he may have indirectly been exposed to subtle politicking through the activities of his mother, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, who was a prominent chieftain of the proscribed Action Group (AG) and Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). But he appreciated the fact that politics is a vocation and the scramble for power is only meaningful, if power, which is never served ala cart, is employed to usher in a new lease of life for the generality of the people. If his sojourn in the corridor of power laid the premise for his political fame, his antecedent as a private sector operator actually prepared him for the

future endeavour.

His professional colleagues and co-employees at Mobil Nigeria, especially Chief Pius Akinyelure, recalled that Tinubu was workaholic treasurer, who never compromised organisational goals of efficiency, productivity, office ethics and other fine arts of excellence at work. Akinyelure, his boss, was said to have initially discouraged him from leaving his lucrative job at Mobil. But when he could not persuade him from staying on, he assured him that he was free to return to the company, if the political field proves to be hot.

Since 1989, when Tinubu had placed his hands on the plough, he has not looked back.

His senatorial form was obtained for him by his cousin, Alhaji Kola Oseni. He changed the politics of the Lagos West District within that short time by his political prowess, mobilisation acumen, organisational ability, power of foresight and masterful logic. During the senatorial screening, Tinubu, a green horn, scored the highest mark. He answered highly technical questions with immensurable wit from the panel headed by Chief Lanre Rasak. Old politicians on the panel, who had written off the new breed have to change their mind. They contented that the Lagos West senatorial candidate of SDP would definitely shake Lagos in the future. On the day he was screened, he became a leader to watch.

Tinubu defeated the National Republican Convention (NRC) candidate, Mrs. Kemi

‘He emerged on the scene, without political experience, as professional accountant and financial surgeon, who had paid his dues in the competitive private sector; a shrewd businessman and core investor, manager of men and resources; a benevolent capitalist.

But when he entered politics, be became a consummate activist, prolific analyst, strategic thinker, humanist, philanthropist, astute administrator, visionary leader, man of foresight, courageous fighter, and a peoples’ politician’

Nelson, with a wide margin. He scored the highest number of senatorial votes in the country to represent the largest senatorial district. His compatriots in the turbulent Senate of Dr Iyorcha Ayu and Ameh Ebute often marveled at his sagacity. Tinubu was a high flyer, tactician, and thorn in the flesh of Babangida Administration. As the military regime wobbled on in deceit and decay, the likes of Tinubu challenged the junta to a duel. He was on the fire line; consistent and adamant. Ironically, the fall of the regime led to chain of events, which consequently aborted his career in the senate.

The military had conducted a free and fair presidential election on June 12, 1993. Then, the poll won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola, was suddenly annulled. Among the senators who decried the criminal annulment was Tinubu, who joined the pro-democracy crusaders in their demand for the de-annulment of the credible election. It was an inspiring and principled fighter for justice. Members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), of which he was an arrowhead abroad, would speak glowingly about his dedication, courage of conviction, untiring fighting spirit and financial backing for a noble cause. The battle was not totally won. The annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election was not reversed. But the military was forced out of power.

In 1998, the former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, announced a transition programme. Initially, the radical wing of the political class was skeptic. Initially, Tinubu wanted to return to the Senate. But the Lagos-based Afenifere leaders of Ogun State origin preferred Tinubu to the late Mr. Funso Williams of the Network Alliance, who had the support the late Chief Ganiyu Dawodu.

The Third Republic senator emerged as the AD governorship candidate and defeated the PDP contender, Chief Dapo Sarunmi, as the governorship election.

As governor of the ‘Centre of Excellence’, for •Continued on page 44

44

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

POLITICS ASIWAJU’S 61ST BIRTHDAY

Tinubu’s colloquium holds today in Lagos

Human rights activist and politician Comrade Joe Igbokwe highlights the challenges that will confront the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, as the country prepares for the 2015 elections.

Tinubu and challenges ahead S

I

REMEMBER few years back when a prominent American citizen was speaking to a graduating class of engineering students from a particular university in the United States . I remember that he told them that: “Even at the pinnacle of your career your task is not done yet because new challenges will always await you as citizen Engineers”.

At 61, encomiums will be pouring in for our own Bola Ahmed Tinubu from all nooks and crannies of Nigeria and abroad. His millions of associates, friends, well-wishers, his foot soldiers, and hangers on will be fighting for spaces on the pages of newspapers, magazines, TV stations and radio stations to celebrate their leader.

His achievements will be posted on every wall for the world to see. Parties will be organised by his great followers in some areas to get attention.

Colloquium and public lectures will be put in place by his admirers in honour of BAT. Street drummers and dancers will not want to be left out in the big show for Asiwaju. Singers will not want their voices to be left out.

What of writers and newspaper columnists? Ah! Ah!! A million words will be printed on the pages of our print and electronic media including this one.

Conversely, his adversaries especially those whose political fortunes have nose dived as Asiwaju’s rose will sneer and offer uncomplimentary tributes. Those that fear his rising political profile, those that are so woven to the present decadent order will hiss and jeer. These are normal flipsides to a life like Asiwaju’s and conforms to the life of a great man.

However, in the midst of these huge celebrations which are not only imperative but necessary. I want to chart another form of celebration as I want to challenge the leader, Asiwaju BAT that the task to reclaim Nigeria ’s stolen future still awaits him as a ‘Citizen Engineer’. Asiwaju has received laurels both in Nigeria and abroad.

He has been celebrated here and abroad. He has shown leadership even when rocked in the cradle of difficulties and pillowed pains and hardships.

He has shown remarkable and tremendous courage and perseverance in the midst of persecution. Asiwaju has shown huge capacity to lead even in the face of challenges. In his drive

• Igbokwe

to make things happen Asiwaju BAT has dared to drill the deepest well in Nigeria . Through dint of hard work Asiwaju has restored leadership and glory in the South West and Edo State , Nigeria . I can go on and on!

But all these ground breaking achievements will be nothing if Nigeria goes under. In near 16 years PDP has systematically grounded Nigerian, bringing to ruins a promising country that needs to show the way forward for Africa. In our own very eyes this useless party and its forty thieves have squandered our future, our children’s future and even our grand children’s future if I wanted to be strict. PDP has purloined off Nigerian resources and future to respective coded accounts while Nigerians continue a life of pain and misery. A country blessed with a vast preponderance of human and material resources is lying prostrate because our good men had done nothing. A nation perishes when good men do nothing!

At 61 Asiwaju BAT must be in battle gear now, he must wear the armour now and the five stars General must lead his troops to war to reclaim Nigeria . Using the most successful South West and Edo State as a platform for lessons in good leadership, Asiwaju should reach out to other Nigerians from the East and the North to provide leadership the country needs ur-

gently now. There are thousands of incontrovertible compelling reasons to show the emptiness, unseriousness, incapacition, unpreparedness and unreasonableness of the ruling Party to drive progress in this country and we keep quiet to our peril. Wise men suffer the rules of idiots if they do nothing!

Asiwaju should throw his doors wide open for Nigerians who desire change to come in. Asiwaju should use his long undefeatable and unstoppable legs to go to them if they fail to come. Asiwaju should use his golden voice to beckon on them to join the human race.

Asiwaju should use his hands that are more than handy to drive the great handshake across Nigeria in order to stop the drift in the land.

PDP and its corrupt leaders will not go down without a fight but it must go down for Nigeria to go up. In the past they talked about do or die elections and got away with it and now one of their own, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur says 2015 elections is war for PDP. The leadership of PDP is jittery, desperate and terribly disturbed. Today the fear of losing power in 2015 is the beginning of wisdom for PDP. From body language, utterances, actions and deeds, PDP is prepared to destroy Nigeria than losing power in 2015. They are even prepared to hand over to military than handing over power to APC and this is the real danger. A school of thought is suggesting that the upsurge in Boko Haram insurgence in recent times is part of the written script to create confusion sufficient enough to prove that it will be dangerous to hold elections. This will lead to the postponement of elections and PDP will remain in power because there cannot be a vacuum.

With his international connections, Asiwaju should reach out to the international community and seek help.

With brazen deep pockets, oil wells, and contractors with stolen money, to unseat PDP will be no tea party.

Asiwaju must lead the onslaught against these people. None but honest and wise men must rule under this roof henceforth. This is duty Asiwaju owes us @ 61.

Happy Birthday Asiwaju of Lagos, Aare of Ile-Oluji kingdom, Aare Ago of Abeokuta kingdom, Omenife of Awka, Eze Obaludike Egwu of Oko, Jagaban Borgu etc.

• Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha in a handshake with the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, during his courtesy visit to Government House, Owerri.

TATESMEN, politicians, and top government officials will join the associates and friends of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu today in Lagos for the yearly ‘Bola Tinubu Colloquium’ at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan at 3pm.

A statement by the organisers signed by the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), said the intellectual discourse is part of the activities marking the 61st birthday of the former governor.

The theme of the colloquium is: “Beyond the merger: a national movement for change”. Tinubu, a Third Republic senator, National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain, electoral reform crusader and the national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) is a key figure in the merger of the likeminded opposition political parties.

Since the advent of party politics in the country, it is the first time that the virile parties outside government would rise above their differences and decide to fuse together into a formidable platform that has ignited the fierce agitation for power shift from the conservative bloc to the progressives.

The decision to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the ACN, All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and a section of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has changed the political calculus and gradually paved the way for the return of the to-party system.

Also, the move has jolted th e ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the illusion of holding on to power for the next 60 years.

Osinbajo said the colloquium will permit a cross fertilisation of ideas on how to resolve the presing challenges of nation-building, democracy and good governance.

His battles, struggles and triumphs •Continued from page 43

eight years, Tinubu showed that he was an experienced and excellent administrator. Through his giant strides, he laid the foundation for a prosperous Lagos. The former governor jerked the internally generated revenue from the N6000 monthly to billions of naira. He constructed roads, built hospitals and schools, created opportunities for employment and sanitised the transport sector. The judiciary reforms he introduced were legendary. When his term was about to expire, he was nit indifferent to the nature of his successor.

Tinubu ensured that the continuity of the development agenda was important. He is today perceived by the governors of the Southwest as a role model and pride of the region.

Others citizens would salute his large heart as a cheerful giver, benefactor and godfather to the oppressed, like his friend and associate, MKO Abiola.

But more than that, Tinubu is a national property and detribalised apostle of national unity.

Paying tribute to Tinubu, Lagos State Special Duties Commissioner Dr. Wale Ahmed, described him as the gift of the Southwest to Nigeria. “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu arose out of the necessity for the progressives to get out of the PDP shackles and for this nation to move forward, so that Nigeria can begin to actually enjoy the dividends of democracy according to the will of God”, he said.

Ahmed, a former state legislator, also hailed Tinubu’s hunt for talents. He recalled that, as the governor, he had set up a cabinet of talent in Lagos State, which was second to none in the country. He also said that his administration laid the solid foundation upon which the actualiser, Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has successfully built.

Tinubu has proved himself as a nationalist fighting for true federalism and entrenchment of due process. Ahmed urged him to continue in this vocation, noting that the national question cannot be resolved without social and political agitation.

For the House of representatives member from Ikorodu, Tinubu deserves applause for political mentoring. Mrs. Abike Erewa noted that the ACN leader had raised and nurtured a generation of leaders in the Southwest, who are assiduously working for the transformation of the region. She paid tribute to the leader for springing the idea of regional integration, which may return the region to its glorious days. “ I remembered when I signified my intention to go to the federal parliament, there were still opposition to my bid. But he was discreet as a leader. He observed that, if I had been able to perform well as a broadcaster, I would surely do well on the House. I am happy that I have not disappointed him and other leaders”, said the legislator, who also described Tinubu as a caring and compassionate leader.

Delta State politician Navy Commander Uche Onabu hailed Tinubu’s national outlook, saying that he is a true national leader. He ob served that his vision is to ensure that the 36 states of the federation have credible leaders who can work for the happiness of the people. “I have not met him before, but when I contacted him about my federal parliamentary ambition in 2011, he lent a hand of help”, he recalled. “He is a detribalised leader who means well for Nigeria”, he added.

To Senator Joel Ikenya, the ACN leader in Taraba State, Tinubu is a great mobiliser for rational causes. He said the Asiwaju of Lagos led the battle for electoral reforms, shortly after the 2007 failed polls. He observed that, though all is not totally well with the ballot box in Nigeria, things are gradually changing.

“Many people follow Asiwaju because he has the qualities of a leader. He is forthright, sincere, dedicated and committed to the cause of the common man”, added the former governorship candidate who wished him well in the years to come.

A rights activist and chairman of Amuwo Odofin local government area of lagos State praised Tinubu for his interest in the younger generation. “Our leader and father, Tinubu, has given youths and women opportunities to participate in politics and public service. He is a leader who is building other leaders for the purpose of the future”, he said.

Another activist, Comrade Joe Igbokwe, described Tinubu is a political Field Marshall, stressing that his battalion is loyal to his command. The Lagos State ACN Publicity Secretary described Tinubu as the most colourful Southwest politician in post-Bola Ige era. “Our great leader, national icon and political bulldozer is one man that is difficult to describe. I cannot find enough adjectives to describe Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Words will not be enough to tell the full story of this widely cherished man of the people, a Field Marshall, builder of men, friend of the poor, logistician, orator and a political colossus”, he added.

45

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Poor diagnosis ‘bane of medical practice’

P

OOR diagnosis has been identified as the reason for poor treatment outcomes, an iridologist, Dr Gilbert Ezengige, has said.

An iridologist is an alternative medicine practitioner who specialises in examining the patterns, colours and other characteristics of the iris of the eyes to obtain information about a patient’s systemic health.

According to him, poor diagnoses lead to wrong therapies and treatments.

He said wrong treatment often complicates a patient’s overall health condition thereby creating series of false and misleading ‘causative factors’.

Ezengige, who is also the General Secretary of Natural Integrative Medicine Practitioners Association (NIMPA), said the rate of iatrogenic diseases among the people is increasing alarmingly.

He described iatrogenic diseases as diseases acquired from the former disease for which a patient is being treated, or injury sustained due to the services provided by a medical provider.

By Wale Adepoju

This, he said, may result during diagnosis or treatment, adding that they may be physical, mental or emotional problems.

“The cycle of misdiagnoses and mal therapeutics repeats itself over and again and takes its toll on patients and their loved ones who pay the doctors’ bills. They also bear the disease-induced emotional trauma,” he added.

He said accurate diagnoses connote a totally different meaning in the field of natural medicine. “It does not imply knowing the exact offending pathogens, chemicals or physiological anomalies but is geared towards getting to the root cause of an ailment.

“This root cause may be physical, emotional, mental or spiritual as the case may be. It is a question of tracing the genesis of that problem rather than relying on the current snapshot of a patient’s physical health status.

The role of pathogens is also given its due place; germs invariably enter the scene at later stages of unwholesomeness,” he said.

Ezengige said insomnia also

known as sleeplessness could be caused by many factors such as worry, anxiety, stress, and over excitement.

Others are spiritual problems, phobias, lack of some vitamins, minerals and other nutriments, underlying illness such as high blood pressure and hormonal imbalance and wrong life styles among others.

Naturopaths, he said, combat sleeplessness by administering relaxing herbs such as mistletoe known botanically as Viscum album, vervain (Verbena officinalis) and lemon balm (Melisa officinalis). Also, foods such as honey, cashew nuts, banana, oat meal and milk are helpful. Colour therapy could be equally used to treat the condition, he added.

He said: “Shades of blue rays (from light blue to deep blue like indigo) is most applicable.” Nutritional substances such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin B complex, Kali Phos and Mag Phos are indicated.

“Counseling and prayers are also useful naturopathic tools utilised in the treatment of this condition. Light body massage and warm bath at

night encourages sound sleep also.

There are also many sedative acupoints on the body that can be stimulated with finger pressure to induce sleep. Utilising gem stones such as sodalite and lapis lazuli are very beneficial too. Placing a low gauss strength magnet under the pillow such that the head rest on the north pole of the magnet promotes recuperative sleep. Orientating your bed so that your head faces the North Pole as you sleep is highly recommended, it brings your magnetic field to synchronise with the earth’s magnetic field.”

Ezengige said the root cause should be determined so that the most appropriate naturopathic tool can be adopted.

He said: “That the inexplicability of some medical practices (Diagnostics and Therapeutics) does not invalidate their usefulness in the health care delivery system. In fact medicine acknowledges some hidden factors that could result to illnesses too; they are usually classified as medically unexplained symptoms (MUS).

“That limiting diagnostic modalities to only physically identifiable parameters is equivalent to equating man to

•Ezengige

a mechanical device.

“That the psychic, mental and emotional aspects of man must be given appropriate attention in the diagnostic fields if any meaningful and lasting headway is to be made in the healing business. In other words, psychology and physiology is an inseparable pair in fathoming the entity called man and the diseases he is predisposed to.

“Great advances have been made in traditional, alternative and complementary medicine in the area of diagnosis. However, a lot of bias hinders some health workers from making an objective assessment of these methods.”

Natural food fit for expectant mothers

E

ATING for two can be a nerve-wracking responsibility, especially with all the conflicting information floating around. Is fish important or does it contain too much mercury? Do you need meat for protein or is it too fatty? Are eggs okay or do they have too much cholesterol?

It’s enough to make you want to throw your hands up and dive into the nearest bag of candy bars. But don’t or at least, read this first. There are lots of ways to ensure that you and your baby are getting the nutrients you need. Here, experts discuss some of their top pregnancy foods.

You don’t need to like or eat them all, but pick and choose your favorites to give your pregnancy a nutritional boost.

Eggs “It’s amazing what you get in one egg, and for only about 90 calories,” says Elizabeth Ward, dietitian and author of Expect the Best, Your Guide to Healthy Eating Before, During, and After Pregnancy.

In addition to more than 12 vitamins and minerals, eggs contain lots of quality protein, which is essential for pregnancy. “Your baby’s cells are growing at an exponential rate, and every cell is made of protein,” Ward explains. “Plus, as a pregnant woman, you have your own protein needs.”

Eggs are also rich in choline, which promotes your baby’s overall growth and brain health, while helping prevent neural tube defects.

Some even contain omega-3 fats, important for both brain and vision development.

Salmon Not only is salmon brimming with high-quality protein, says Ward, but it’s an exceptionally good

source of omega-3 fats. And unlike swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and shark, salmon has low amounts of methylmercury, a compound that can be harmful to your baby’s developing nervous system.

Just remember that even for salmon and other low-mercury fish, such as canned light tuna and pollock, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends eating no more than 12 ounces per week to avoid ingesting too much mercury.

•Varieties of fruits

•Dark green vegetables

•Barries

•Carrots, tomatoes and vegetables

Beans Navy beans, lentils, black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas…..there are so many to choose from. “Beans contain the most fiber and protein of all the vegetables,” says Ward.

You already know protein is important during pregnancy, but you may not yet realise that fibre could become your new best friend during the nine-month wait. In pregnancy, the gastrointestinal tract slows down, putting you at risk for constipation and haemorrhoids. Fibre can help prevent and relieve these problems.

In addition, says Ward, food that contains fiber tends to be nutrientrich. This is certainly true of beans, which are good sources of iron, folate, calcium, and zinc.

Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes get their orange colour from carotenoids, plant pigments that are converted to vitamin A in our bodies, says Ward.

Although consuming too much “preformed” vitamin A (found in animal sources, such as liver, milk, and eggs) can be dangerous, carotenoids are a different story.

They’re converted to vitamin A only as needed, so there’s no need to restrict your consumption of vitamin A-rich fruits and veggies.

Sweet potatoes are also a great source of vitamin C, folate, and fiber,” Ward suggests.

Walnuts Don’t like fish or eggs, but still want to get those omega-3s which are so important for your baby’s brain growth? Try walnuts, suggests dietitian Kate Geagan, author of Go Green, Stay Lean. “Walnuts are one of the richest sources of plant-based omega3s,” she says. “A handful of walnuts is a great choice for an on-the-run snack or an addition to a salad.”

Greek yogurt Greek yogurt typically has twice the protein of regular yogurt, making it one of Geagan’s favorite pregnancy foods. And any kind of yogurt is a great source of calcium, which is vital in a pregnancy diet. If you don’t take in enough calcium, the limited amount you have will go to your baby, says Geagan, depleting the calcium in your bones and teeth.

“The goal during pregnancy is to make sure you provide everything your baby needs without sacrificing your own health and nutrition,” she explains. “Calcium will help keep your own bones intact while laying down a healthy skeleton for your baby.”

Dark green, leafy vegetables Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and other green leafy vegetables are loaded with vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as the all-important folate.

They’ve also been found to promote eye health, Geagan says.

Lean meats Meat is an excellent source of highquality protein, says dietitian Karin Hosenfeld of North Dallas Nutrition.

“Look for lean meats with the fat trimmed off,” she says. “When buying red meat in particular, look for cuts that are around 95 to 98 per cent

fat-free.” Beef and pork stand out among meats because in addition to protein, they contain choline, says Ward.

Don’t eat deli meats or hot dogs, though, unless they’re heating until steaming hot. There’s a small risk of passing on bacteria and parasites from the meat such as Listeria monocytogenes toxoplasma, or salmonella to your baby, says Mayo Clinic obstetrician Mary Marnach.

Colourful fruits and veggies Eating a variety of green, red, orange, yellow, purple, and white fruits and vegetables will ensure that you and your baby get a variety of nutrients. “Each colour group provides different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants,” explains dietitian Jodi Greebel, owner of Citrition, a nutrition counseling service in New York.

•Culled from www.babycenter.com

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

46

NATURAL HEALTH

Good Friday….. the crucifixion, blood and meat “T

OMORROW is "Good Friday", one day in the year during which many Christians do not eat beef or any animal meat in which blood flows. Thus, meat sellers go on holiday on a "Good Friday" which, spiritually speaking, is anything but a good day, and the snail, market takes the centre stage.

But whoever thinks the snail is bloodless? What is blood, anyway? Is it the red blood cells which colour the plasma, the grayish white fluid in which every component of the blood, including, the red cell, is suspended? Is blood the plasma and everything else its passenger (s)? Is it the lymph, that fine, almost colourless fluid in which there are no red cells?

The lymph flows in the lymphatic system, a network of blood vessels in which the white bloodstream flows.

This network is finer and longer than the network of the red bloodstream put together. It flows in one direction to return the lymph to the red bloodstream. It would appear to have some basic functions including…

(1) To keep all the body fluids …. i.e. the blood fluid and the cerebrospinal fluid in good health. (2) This includes absorption of emulsified fat and its release to the body via the red blood in small sizes, and.

(3) The production of antibodies against foreign bodies. In the lymph are wandering immune cells called lymphocytes. Their job is to destroy any foreign entity in this fluid. For the purpose of lymphatic circulation, the body is divided into four equal parts, like an equalarm Cross. This information gives me some kicks, because, as one who shows interest in Creation, I have been privileged to learn about its four pillars, the forces at play in this square and how these gave rise in geometry to the concept of the quardrature of the circle.

As a high schoolboy, I hated mathematics. I hated Pythagoras theorem, Parallelogram, Triangles and all that. There were many children like me. We always prayed for the maths class to be over or spiked it. Perhaps we didn't have good teachers who could awaken our intuition and make us see those concepts of mathematics in pictorial form. The spirit sees in pictures. It is the spirit, not the intellect, that should be educated. The reversal of this process in the educational system has led to the country producing a large flood of university graduates every year who cannot do anything with their "prized" education, and have to wander in the streets for many years in search of someone who would empty them, often ending up with employers who did not go to the university!

Mr. Oye Igbemo, are you listening? This is a gentleman in his mid 70s who, like many people of his generation, always wonders why today's society is crashing downhill.

The answer, simply, is that the educators of today have been educating only the brain that is sharpening the intellect, a mere tool, and not the man himself!

E must quickly return to the division of the body into four equal parts for the purpose of lymphatic or white blood circulation, as Dr. H.C. Vogel describes it in his book, THE NATURE DOCTOR, a good companion in any family health library. Dr. Vogel, who writes as one steeped in the knowledge of Creation, advises against the eating of anything steeped in blood. This is a good "Good Friday" Message. He says: "The body can be divided schematically into four parts in the form of a cross, starting at the navel. Each of these four fields more or less corresponds to a lymphatic network with a centre located at the right and left of the groin area and in each of the armpit regions. Similar centres are also located in the lower jaw, at the right and left side. Leading to these centres, the lymph glands form little nodes, which reach their maximum size in the centre itself".

Small animals like the snail may not have the complex configuration of blood circulation and blood cleansing mechanisms as man does. But they have adaptations of these systems. In other words, will it be right for people who will abstain from meat and blood tomorrow in remembrance of the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ during His crucifixion to consider the snail to be bloodless and not flesh?

I haven't asked this question from a religious perspective? I am looking purely at the logic. And a scrutiny of the logic begins with calling what, intuitively to us is a "bad" Friday a "Good" Friday. If we didn't spiritually know it was bad, we wouldn't intellectually say it is good, to hide from our shadow. Even Mother Nature attested to the unwholesomeness of the crucifixtion, pure murder. Didn't the sun refuse to shine?

Didn't thunder roar? Didn't the wind rush? Didn't the earth quake? Didn't luminous hands tear to shreds the curtain of the "Holy of Holies" where the Ark of Covenant was kept, to leave it unprotected, thereby signifying something ominous? It was like asking "what covenant do you expect God to keep with you when you dare to slay His son? Other than man, there are beings on this earth who produce what we call Nature. Didn't Baalam see some of them? Didn't the gullible multitude who, only a short while before were incited by priests to

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the mother's blood circulation for existence. But at incarnation in the middle of pregnancy, which is when the first kicks of pregnancy are felt by the pregnant woman, foetal circulation is established. And this is what brings these kicks about. At physical death when the soul departs, blood circulation ceases again!

Y Muslim friends tell me Prophet Mohammed (May the peace of Allah be upon him), advised that meat can be eaten only if the blood of the animal was drained off. I wonder if they know that, in the chicken abattoir, this may not be possible. There, live chickens are hung legs up in racks rotating above electrified water in tanks. At the press of a button, the racks come down, dipping the live chicken in the electrified water for their electrocution. The blood literally dries up!

But it is only the liquid aspect of the blood. The solute is crystallised. And that's what we ear with the flesh. It is worse when the chickens died in the poultry, and are sold to the abattoirs for peanuts just so the chicken farmer can recoup some of the loss. The blood does not drain, and such an animal can be detected through reddish (not pinkish) blood pigmentation under the skin.

After tomorrow's "Good Friday" abstinence from meat, there is going to be a food jamboree in many Christian homes. And the revelry will, most likely, continue on Monday. This suggests that the lymphatic system will have a lot of work to do, clearing a lot of mess and producing antibodies against foreign bodies. For the blood of animals is as congested with micro-organisms, chemical pollutants toxins and heavy metals as human blood. Most of these escape scrutiny of the liver and digestive enzymes, and many people do not have enough systemic enzymes to deal with them. In this condition, these micro-organisms escape from the red blood to the plasma, and, from there latter, to places only certain herbal extract can reach them.

The women challenged with breast cancer are familiar with lymphatic circulation problems. The breast elongates to the armpit region where it joins the lymphatic drainage.

When breast cancer throws up large amounts of toxins, the lymph nodes in the armpit may enlarge. It means they have been filtering large amounts of poisons from the system and have themselves become poisoned. With the nodes knocked out of action, congestion develops and the arm begins to swell. That means lymphatic cleansing and drainage are dwindling, and the end may be in sight. The lymphatic system may also suffer from cancer of these nodes as in Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma disease.

Sometimes, the lymphatics are bedeviled with systemic Candida, a yeast infection which has gone out of hand, well beyond the intestines and the red blood, unchecked by the lymphatic system and, therefore, left unhindered to unleash itself on every organ of the body, devitalise them and make a vegetable of the sufferer.

OR lymphatic system health, Maria Treber, the legendary Austrian herbalist of our time, suggests horseradish juice. Dr. Vogel suggests Calcium and Vitamin D. She does perhaps because Calcium is alkalinizing. Many authorities today suggest Vitamin D3 for immune boosting. Boosting immunity will call, also for plant, sterols and sterolins. Many studies done on Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract have determined. That it is well positioned for this function. In particular, the brands named Kyolic Candida and Kyolic D3 appear to be most relevant for this challenge. Among other plant extracts on the market, one may look up to eliminating bacteria and yeasts, including candida, from the system are Amazon AF Amazon, CF, Bellaco Capsie, PauD' Arco,which goes well, also, for Leukemia (cancer of the blood). Where flat worms are involved, such as the ones which damage the liver or the pancreas, or those two dead ones one woman told me last week a scan discovered in her spleen, Amazon AP is it. Amazon AV helps out with Viruses.

Abandoning red meat for fish doesn't eliminate parasites we ingest with the flesh (and blood) of animals. In high school, we learned that some fish are lusts to tape worms! All animals are hosts to their peculiar parasites.

We cannot turn away suddenly from animal flesh without harm to our bodies. My faith teaches me that it has been fed to the genes from which the genes of my body were derived, and therefore, to the genes of my body for thousands of years. Accordingly, my genes are used to it, and may suffer from sudden withdrawal.

So, we can only gradually withdraw, first to White or Lean meat, or interchanging them until, finally, we make a healthy break. Meanwhile, as we trudge on with meat and blood food, we should learn to regularly detoxify and empower our immune systems. Doing so, may we come to the recognition that the care of our bodies is not an end in itself, but a means of enabling us to be able to use these bodies for as long as is possible in healthy states for the purpose of fulfilling the purpose of our existence on earth. As Christians, this calls for understanding, aright, the entire milestones in the history of human spiritual development on earth, including the High Mission to this earth, of our Lord Jesus Christ, His crucifixion and ascension. Amen.

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demand Christ's crucifixion, not appreciate the significance of these events and then turn around to exclaim: Truly, He is the Son of God? Didn't the priests, fighting to keep their power and authority over the people, not then invent a reason for this dastardly act; that Christ came to take sins away? In the Parable of the Vineyard in which Christ clearly explained His Mission I did this idea feature? Isn't it a sign of gullibility today that the question is not asked: where were the sins taken to? To Paradise, where there cannot be sin, or far, far, and far beyond it, the Abode of God, where the Lord told us He would be, where even the purest of the Archangels cannot behold?

R Oye Igbemo, here we go again. An avid reader of this column he always pops up questions of spiritual content. Last Saturday, he spoke with me for about one hour on some questions and to say I would be guilty of negligence if I had no time and he had to go away from here someday, as surely we all will, with some questions unanswered. That charge I rejected immediately and stated why. Everyone has primary responsibility for himself, although there is immense profit in sharing experiences and knowledge.

In any case, experiencing and learning continue beyond the earth although, on earth, it is most intense, most rewarding, which is why earth-life is most valuable for the biggest yield in terms of spiritual maturity. The questioning spirit never fails to be led to people, places and events which provide answers to their burning questions. They are the human spirits with oil in the lamps of their souls of whom Christ spoke in the parable of the Ten Virgins, five of whom, foolish, had no oil in their lamps when the Bridegroom arrived. Many Christians erroneously see this Parable as referring to some wedding reception. They do not realise that it relates even to many pure concepts which early and present Christian leaders have distorted and that, having oil in the lamp (of the soul), involves dusting, cleaning up these concepts of the cross which has enveloped them over time.

One of these questions is: should we eat meat or not?

Dr. Vogel asks: "How could we possibly know all the secrets of blood, not having had a part in its formation? But to Him who made it, blood is no mystery. He, the caring God and Father who knows what is best, strictly prohibited the consumption of blood to the survivors of the great flood.

Eventually, this commandment was incorporated into the code of law of God's chosen people. Later still, the governing body of the early Christian Church in the Apostle Paul's time choose not to cancel this law, but retained it as being valid and binding upon the members.

The law regarding the abstinence from blood has remained valid and applicable for the Christian era right down to our own time. Sexual immorality is another divine commandment laid down in the Bible and those who respect it are assured of great protection from AIDS. "If we look closely at these laws, we should find that they are beneficial to our health, whether we realise this or not. The obedient observation of the divine can act only for the protection and good of the individual. The person who refuses to take blood in any form into his body, whether for the sake of his obedience to God's command or for reasons of health, will receive an increasing amount of support and recognition as time goes on and research progresses, confirming the validity of his conviction."

Thanks, Dr. Vogel. Need we be reminded of Daniel in the court of the king? I'd like to add that, based on revealed spiritual knowledge on earth today, man participates in the forming of his blood, and that this is why, in future, it would be recognised that every person's blood, like the fingerprint, is different from the other. Until the soul hanging around a pregnant woman for incarnation in the body growing in the womb does so, the foetus depends on

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e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

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Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

47

THE NATION

e-Business 08111813065 e-mail: lukajanaku02@yahoo.com

The idea of a national data base was mooted about 35 years,But the Federal Government is yet to create it despite the hugeallocation for the project. LUCAS AJANAKU writes.

Waiting for a national database?

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BOUT 35 years after then military head of state Gen Olusegun Obasanjo first morted the idea of a national database, Nigeria is still searching for a reliable identity for its citizens.

Although a national identity card was re-introduced after several years of trial by error, the project failed to deliver cards to millions of Nigerians, who did all they could to be registered.

The first attempt at implementing the project landed some politicians in police net 23 years ago and in 2002, some other politicians were tried for alleged corrupt enrichment through the scheme.

From the ashes of all these failed attempts emerged the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007, which was enacted towards the end of the Obasanjo administration in 2009. The Act provides for the establishment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), National Identity Database, assignment and use of General Multipurpose Cards (GMC), the National Identity Number (NIN) and harmonisation and integration of existing identity database.

It repealed the law that created the Department for National Civic Registration (DNCR), a conduit pipe through which government officials lined their pockets.

The need for a national identity for Nigerians cannot be over-emphasised as most countries, including Pakistan have a computerised identity card system with bar coding to make details of the holder available to all the intelligence, police and civil departments. The residential details of the holder would easily be ascertained if these computerised cards are issued to the people.

The absence of this compelled the Bankers’ Committee to take a decision last year to approach the Pensions’Board for its harmonised customer identification management. This is because the Pension Board’s biometric scheme is adjudged full-proof. The Independent National Election Commission (INEC) is also seeking to use information at its database to issue permanent voters card.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said the electoral umpire is embarking on the purchase of ‘card readers’ that will be placed at each polling unit to display each voter’s finger prints and photographs. Therefore, with a legitimate card carrying voter, the issue of card buying and stealing will be eliminated at the 2015 general elections in the country.

Similarly, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is also doing SIM registration, an exercise that got more than N6 billion budgetary approval from the Federal Government. The exercise has been described as a waste of resources as the biometric data collection

•Mrs Omobola Johnason, Minister, Communications Techonology

•Eugene Juwah, Executive vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC

•Onyemenam

by the adhoc staff employed by both the operators and the firms commissioned by the NCC to carry out the national assignment have messed it up.

“For instance, your name is either misspelt, your head-to-shoulder facial photograph taken haphazardly with all manners of objects as background or you are even pre-registered. So, to me, ongoing SIM registration cannot handover a reliable database to Nigeria,” said a security expert spoke on condition of anonymity.

Founder, Nigeria4BetterRule, Levine Arizona-Ogwu, said the last attempt at bequeathing a national identity card to the nation failed woefully. “The National ID card has little or no value.

Those who conceptualised it did not have any serious good intention for it, nor had the creativity and imagination as to the myriad of uses a secure and fully electronic National ID card could be put to. A proper chip-based card would enable the card to carry lots of information such as tax payment records, basic medical information, biometric identification information, credit rating,” he said.

But the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, NIMC, Chris Onyemenam, said the agency is prepared to hand over a dependable, fool-proof national database to the country. He said work on the NIMS started in the third quarter of 2009 after the commission had ascertained that it could not re-use most of the assets inherited from the defunct DNCR. Speaking after a facility tour of the NIMC facilities in Minna, Niger State and Abuja, the director-general said by the time NIMS becomes operational, it would provide a convenient and simplified process for enrolment into the National Identity Database for the issuance and use of the NIN and the National Identity (smart) Card and help protect the owner from identity theft and fraud by providing a simple, reliable, sustainable and universally acceptable means of confirming the owners

identity.

According to him, it will also make life easier by providing the owner with an easy and convenient means of providing identity in and outside the country. He added that it would also help reform the political process by facilitating the work of the managers of the electoral process.

“It will make it harder for criminals to use false or multiple/duplicate/ghost identities. This will help the government, through he enhanced performance of the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to protect us all from crimes, especially advance fee fraud and terrorism,” the diretor-general said, adding that it would also reassure all that civil/public servants are who they say they are and banish the phenomenon of ghost workers.

He said it would help the nation to better manage its national currency, achieve the financial inclusion drive of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and deepen the Consumer Credit System, which would help to grow the economy, create employment opportunities and raise the standard of living of the citizens.

For government agencies and private sector, he explained that it would help to harmonise and integrate identity database in the government agencies and optimise use of government resources: so that service delivery is enhanced across the country. According to him, it will also assist the government to generate revenue through taxation.

Shedding more light on the NIN, the Assistant Director, Operations, NIMC, Mrs Uche Chigbo, said NIN is a non-intelligent set of numbers assigned to an individual on successful enrolment. According to her, enrolment consists of the recording of an individual’s demogarphic data and capture of the 10 finger prints, head-to-shouder facial picture and digital signature, which are used to crosscheck data in the NID to confirm that there is no previous entry of the same data.

Once this (duplication) process is com-

pleted, the data is then stored with a unique NIN that was assigned to it.

“The NIN once issued to a person cannot be used again; that is, it cannot be issued to another person even if the previous person is dead. It is the NIN that helps to tie all the records about a person in the database and is used to check the identity verified,” she said.

According to her, every citizen from the 16 years and above and a legal resident will be able to enrol for the NIN, adding that the process will be the same if one chooses self-service option (enrolment form will be filled online through NIMC website) or assisted service (which will require physical visit of the persons to registration centres where executive assistants or support officers will be on ground to carry out the registration).

Unlike the previous failed exercise, she said staff of NIMC will be on ground permanently in their offices nationwide so that should there be need for update to data already captured, it will be done by the officers.

The Director, IT/Identity Database, Aliyu Aziz, says the electronic ID card that will be issued is 100 per cent polycarbonate card with 18 different security features, arguing that the card will either check or outrightly eliminate the issuance of other cards in the country.

But this programme is beset with an avalanche of challenges. Some of these challenges are connectvity, geographical reach, insecurity in the northern part of the country, capacity and funding.

For the project to sail through, there must be a seamless inter-connectivity with the over 5,500 permanent enrolment centres nationwide and the data centres of the NIMC. With the power challenge bedeviling the nation, so much money will be required to purchase generators and fuel to provide power to enrolment centres across the country.

With a population of 167 million having peculiar geographical challenges, such as those in the Niger Delta region, getting people to register is not easy. Experts said it would require huge funding too, but NIMC said it has plans to deploy mobile registration officers to complement the officers at the registration centres.

The director-general, however, said it has made provision for mobile registration of people, adding that there was no need to fret over that.

With a total of N30.066 billion budget approved so far for the back-end components of the project, analysts said Nigerians are expected results from the NIMC.

‘For the project to sail through, there must be a seamless inter-connectivity with the over 5,500 permanent enrolment centres nationwide and the data centres of the NIMC. With the power challenge bedeviling the nation, so much money will be required to purchase generators and fuel to provide power to enrolment centres across the country’

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

e-Business

Stakeholders disagree on interconnection rate S

TAKEHOLDERS in the telecommunication industry have disagreed on the reduction of interconnection rate among operators by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The Association of Licensed Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ALTON) decired NCC’s action while the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) and Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) praised it.

ALTON said said it was not clear why the regulator took the decision when the industry was experiencing a recession.

Chairman of the group, Gbenga Adebayo, said the operators were

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

losing revenue in some areas.

“Well, the objective of the NCC in carrying out that review wasn’t particularly clear, but since it is within their legal responsibility to do so, one will not raise any objection to it. But the (secret) behind it appears to be that they are not in touch with the reality of the industry and the market as it is today. That is how it looks like and I don’t think that rate will allow for competition, which is not healthy for the industry now,” Adebayo said.

“Considering that there are so many areas of losses for the operators, it will be very difficult

for us to continue the way things are going. I cannot promise any review in end user tariff because tariff is purely a commercial issue all the time, it is better left to market forces, “ he added.

President of NATCOMS, Deolu Ogunbanjo, praised the NCC for the review. According to him, the development will usher in an era of healthy competition in the industry.

“The good thing about this new development (interconnection rate drop) is that the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) operators are N1.50 cheaper than the GSM (global system for mobile communication) operators. Don’t mind whatever they say. Do you

know that a lot of them are coming to N3 on net SMS as against N4 offnet?

“Initially, they were reluctant to do it but now, some of them are doing N3 on net SMS. Give them the next four weeks, by say April ending, competition will force them to drop call tariffs. For the first time in about six or seven years, you are now seeing a responsive NCC that has reduced the interconnection rate of CDMA and ultimately, CDMA will be the choice of the subscribers. It will be used in the place of landline.

“The health of the CDMA notwithstanding, the other three that are merging will come on stream soon and you will see

competition. With this interconnect rate, the stage is set for a robust competition in the industry and we thank the NCC for heeding our cry.

We however, want the NCC to reduce the tariff price cap from N50 to N20,” he said.

For ATCON, the development would give opportunity to operators to lower their tariff if they so desire to do so.

Lanre Ajayi, president of the body, explained that lower interconnection rate actually translated to operators paying less but argued that it may not automatically translate to lower tariff because there are other cost elements embodied in arriving at tariff rates.

MTN, NIBSS partner on cash-less policy TN Business, a division of MTN Nigeria, is partnering with Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to implement the cash-less policy.

In a statement, MTN’s Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer, Bob Osho, said tests were carried out in a Lagos market. He added that the success of the tests informed the decision of the telco. ”Several tests were conducted with different PoS terminals at the market, and they were all successful. And this is just the beginning as we have resolved most of the connectivity issues. In all, we have provided 80,000 SIMs to NIBSS, and we are empowering PoS merchants by giving them options for service delivery in the malls. We will also provide prompt and topclass after sales support and

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•From left: Director Retail Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Charles Ogunwuyi; Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Steven Evans; General Manager, Marketing, Total Nigeria Plc, Mr. Yahaya Yunusa and Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Wael Ammar, at the launch of Etisalat Mini Experience Centre, held in, Lagos.

No going back on mobile number portability, says govt T HE Federal Government has said there is going back on the proposed mobile number portability (MNP). It said it would not stop the proposal despite the lingering poor telecoms services. Speaking in Lagos, the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, said the MNP would lead to efficiency in the sector, adding that it would foster competition.

“We are going ahead with Mobile Number Portability, because it is going to give subscribers lots of choice and freedom. MNP will bring new dimension to the competition in the industry. All network operators will have to work harder to earn the trust of subscribers, because they will now have choices,” she said.

Though she said the MNP

would not stop the quality of service problem because it is a national issue, she said the government was working to get some things in place to make the operating environment more business-friendly.

“However, MNP does not stop the quality of service issues. This is because we have a nationwide issue around service improvement. What we are doing presently is working on so many things that will ensure that telecoms services improved tremendously. We are working to ensure that network operators are able to roll-out infrastructures without hitches including bottlenecks of multiple taxation and regulations; right of ways challenges; kicking against

vandalism of ICT infrastructure among others,” she said.

According to her, the ministry is working with other stakeholders to surmount the problems facing the sector. “We are working on this with the state authorities, agencies of government, the ministry, NCC and the telecoms operators to ensure that we have improved services in 2013.

“MNP will definitely give consumer varieties of choice.

However, it is the best of bad situation kind of thing, but the major issue is for us to improve on our infrastructure and improve services, so that we don’t have to be moving from network to network,” she said.

‘Local content will aid telecoms growth’

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HE Federal Government will implement local content in the information communication telecommunication (ICT) sector to ensure development and drive the growth of indigenous original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

To achieve this, the government is working on a framework to push the policy.

Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Prof Sergeant Cleopas-Angaye, who made this known to The Nation in Lagos, said when the government completes the framework, local content development will form a

major part of the ICT sector.

According to him, to come out with a good framework, there is need for research to explore how best to use what is available in the country for economic development, adding that it is only by so doing that the nation could move forward technologically.

He said: “We have a whole research going on local content.

Research on how we can use our facilities to actually improve our economy. If we continuue to import, we cannot achieve anything meaningful. We need to encourage our people to use the materials we have and use it maximally.”

“We are committed (to promoting local content). We are coming out with a framework for local content. We are coming out with the framework so that whatever we do, we will actually include local content,” he said.

According to him, since no nation is an island, the ICT firms that have been doing business in the country have also helped to grow the economy. This, he said, is reflected in outsourcing and cloud computing business that is fast gaining grounds in the country.

“We are collaborating with other people. We have to share.

We have to partner; we have to collaborate,” he added.

proactively work together to ensure network quality is desirable where necessary,” he added.

Apart from Oke-Arin, network quality optimisation has been completed at the Silverbird Mall, while work is on-going at Alaba, ASPAMDA, Ikota and Computer Village in Ikeja.

According to Osho, apart from MTN’s extensive fibre network, the company has perfected its local processing power, local data storage, networking, and graphical user interface which made it possible to develop flexible and highly functional PoS systems.

“The key requirements that must be met by modern PoS systems include high and consistent operating speed, reliability, ease of use, remote supportability, low cost, and rich functionality all of which have been perfected by MTN Business,” he said.

Parents urged to educate kids on dangers of Internet

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N expert has called on parents to educate their children on the dangers of the Internet.

Norton’s Internet Safety Advocate, Ms. Marian Merritt, made the call during the Safer Internet Day. She urged parents to ensure their kids surf the web knowing they are protected from the threats of cyberspace.

She said: “The increasing accessibility of the Internet on mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones, mostly among the younger generations across the world calls for safer and more responsible use of online technology.”

Meritt also said cyberbullying has been identified as one of the main issues of online safety, which is increasingly becoming a serious concern and happens online or on

mobile phones, adding that parents need to educate children on online etiquette.

“This includes cautioning them to avoid talking to strangers or accepting friend requests from people they do not know, limiting their time allowed online or by restricting the apps they download on their mobile phones,” she said Other tips provided include not putting out personal information, such as home address, phone numbers or parents’work address online as cybercriminals could use same to create a fake profile with your details.

She urged parents should ensure that their children’s social network, privacy settings are secured so that only their friends could see their information and use their privacy settings to restrict who could see their posts, videos and photos.

Smart learning makes debut in school

S

AMSUNG Electronics West Africa has deployed smart learning solution to a school in Lagos to boost teaching and learning.

Known as Smart School solution, it is a platform that empowers teachers. It is also designed to improve the learning of students.

It uses Samsung e-boards and devices, such as tablets and PCs, among others to facilitate learning.

According to a statement, the solution was first adopted by Greensprings School, Lagos, the first in sub-Saharan Africa.

Managing Director of the firm, Mr Bravo Kim, described the initiative as an important part of Samsung’s drive to aid schools’ transition towards a purposeful smart learning environment in the country.

“The deployment of Samsung’s Smart School solution in Greensprings School represents an important part of our continued

effort to deliver the classroom of the future today. This innovative solution frees educators from the confines of standing at a chalkboard or projector and allows them to move about the classroom, conducting interactive lessons and activities through their touch screen tablet or notebook computer.

“We’re confident that the school will find it to be a powerful and effective platform for engaging students, elevating learning, and fostering a truly interactive classroom learning environment,” he said.

The Samsung Smart Classroom solution is a three-pronged converged digital education package that provides students and teachers with access to 65-inch interactive e-boards and Samsung tablet devices: the interactive management solution delivers content to students and allows for the sharing of screens inside the classroom, aiding teachers’ monitoring of student progress.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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50

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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52

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

ORIADE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IJEBU-JESA, STATE OF OSUN

TENDER NOTICE Interested members of the public are hereby invited to put Tenders/bids for the sales of the under-listed unserviceable vehicles of Oriade Local Government, Ijebu-Jesa.

S/NO LOT 01.

LOT 02.

LOT 03.

LOT 04.

LOT 05.

LOT 06.

LOT 07.

LOT 08.

LOT 09.

LOT 10.

LOT 11.

NAMES OF VEHICLES TOYOTA HAIRCE TIPPER LORRY NISSAN CABSTER GEELY 1.6 HONDA LAUREL (NAVY BLUE) LAUREL (BROWN) PEUGEOT 504 C&K GRADER CAT GRADER KOMATZU GRADER.

2.

Each prospective bidder is to pay a non refundable fee of Ten Thousand Naira (N10,000.00) only to the Finance department of the Local Government and present same for physical inspection of the items. However, interested bidders are not allowed to bid for more than an item on payment of Ten thousand Naira (N10,000.00) tender fees.

3.

Tender bids quoting specific amount for each item must be sealed in an envelope and addressed to the THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, ORIADE LOCAL GOVERNMENT. P.M.B. 5044, IJEBU-JESA, STATE OF OSUN The bids are expected to be submitted to the undersigned not later than two weeks (14 days) from the date of this publication between office hours of 8.00am – 4.00pm daily.

4.

The results of the bids will be announced after the closing date of the submission of the tender.

Signed by

EL-HADJ BISI YUSUF (Ag. Head of Local Government Administration) Oriade Local Government, Ijebu-Jesa

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

53

NEWS

•Senate President David Mark (middle); Anambra State Governor Peter Obi (second left); his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Godswill Akpabio (second right); Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mrs Viola Onwuliri (third right); Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe (right), Akpabio’s wife, Ekaeette and Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, John Kennedy Opara, at the inauguration of Pope Francis I at the Vatican.

Doctors threaten strike after colleague is slapped

R

ESIDENT doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State, have threatened to go on strike.

Reason: the alleged assault of two doctors by a patient.

Members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) have started a workto-rule as a prelude to the impending strike.

The Nation gathered that the two doctors, who were on duty at the emergency department, had a long queue of patients to attend to.

One of the doctors sought the permission of his colleague to have his dinner, a

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

permission that was granted.

It was gathered that the other doctor also said he needed to attend to other duties.

Apparently angry about the decision, a female patient attacked him.

The patient allegedly attempted to grab the doctor’s private parts. He was said to have remained calm, despite the attack.

Another version has it that while the doctor, who went to eat was returning, a patient attempted to take his photograph as evidence that doctors

at the institution were not working.

According to the source, the doctor attempted to snatch the camera, which resulted in a brawl.

“It was at this point that one of the female patients slapped the doctor twice and dragged him.

“When the other doctor came out, the woman also descended on him but the doctors did not retaliate,” the source said.

The Medical Director, Dr. Leo Erhunmwunsee, said the management had intervened in the matter.

“We have been meeting since Monday and we are

holding talks to resolve the crisis.

“Something provokes something; you can’t just sit down and somebody will slap you.

“We are looking at it so that if we are blaming the assailant, we will also be looking at what the victim did before the slap.

“We are appealing to them to be patient because strike is not the solution,” he said.

Erhunmwunsee said the assailant “is not in Asaba; she is based in Port Harcourt.

“She came to Asaba during that weekend for a wedding and she has since returned.”

Orubebe to Amaechi: let’s develop Niger Delta

T

HE perceived rift between the Niger Delta Affairs Minister Godsday Orubebe and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi may have ended.

Orubebe has sought Amaechi’s cooperation in the development of the Niger Delta, through what he called the “Niger Delta Action Plan.”

The minister spoke yesterday when he visited the governor at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

He said over 80 per cent of the nation’s resources come from the Niger Delta and that there is need to fast track development to improve the standard of living.

“We were in Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Imo states before coming to Rivers. And as I go round, I understand the feelings of the governors and their people.

“So, our visit today is to handover the Niger Delta Action plan to you and to appeal that you work together with us as a team to do those things that should be done for our people.

“You have been in government for some time, and so you have gotten some experience

‘ never We can have this kind of opportunity again, even though nobody knows the future –it is our chance

’

to add value to our thoughts and processes, so that collectively we can move forward.

“The Niger Delta Action plan will take care of abandoned projects so there is continuity.

“And I share a lot of this thought with our governors and stakeholders and so if we collectively agree on the pathway; it will also tackle duplication of projects and save funds for us to do the things we need to do,” Orubebe said.

On the East-West road, the minister said the project was awarded at N234 billion in 2006 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo but expressed regrets that there were set backs due to lack of proper designs and drawings.

He assured that the road would be completed by December 2014.

Orubebe told Amaechi that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the setting up of a council on the Niger Delta to allow stakeholders meet yearly to discuss about the region.

He said a conference had been fixed for April 21–26, where President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to declare the council open on April 25.

“So that, even if it is two or three projects that we have, we can collaborate together and ensure that these projects are done, but it cannot be done by one individual alone.

“We believe that, if we are on the right path, we will be able to transform the Niger Delta,” he added.

The governor opined that the Niger Delta Master plan would be a signature project that will promote speedy development and progress in the region.

“Any development that is not planned will be chaotic and will not achieve its objectives.

“You talked about the 50year development plan you got from Denmark, we, in Riv-

Bayelsa commissioner’s mum kidnapped

M

RS. Comfort Dugo, the 68-year-old mother of the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, James Dugo, has been kidnapped.

The incident occurred in Odi Community on Tuesday.

A source said: “Some gunmen stormed Madam Dugo’s home and knocked on the door. The commissioner’s younger brother answered the door and a gun was pointed in his face.

“The young Dugo was pushed down by the gunman, who went for the mother inside the room.

“She was whisked out to a waiting vehicle. They threw her into the boot of the car and sped off to an unknown destination.”

The commissioner said the kidnappers are yet to contact the family.

Benin monarch to NDDC: do more

B

ENIN Monarch Oba Erediauwa has urged the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) “to do more for the people in the region.”

Oba Erediauwa said there has been improved performance of the commission since the Christian Oboh-led administration took over.

He spoke when the state

T

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

stead of the Boko Haram sect, of complicity in the bombings.

But Information Minister Labaran Maku lashed out at the former governor, saying his allegation was outlandish and irresponsible.

Maku told reporters at the State House, Abuja, that Ka-

lu’s allegation was unbecoming of a highly paced public official whose words could dampen the enthusiasm of security personnel, who stake their lives for the country.

He said: “On the alleged accusation by the former governor of Abia State, I have been in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting since morning. I have

Commissioner, Henry Okhuarobo, visited him on his 34th coronation anniversary.

The Benin Monarch, who spoke through the Nobabor of Benin Kingdom, Osemwengie Otegheken, urged the NDDC to improve the living condition of the people in the region.

Kidnapped driver yet to be released From Osagie Otabor, Benin

A

•Orubebe

ers, also have a similar thingthe Greater Port Harcourt 50year master plan.

“I must say that, you and I are from the Niger Delta; this is the best chance that we have.

“We can never have this kind of opportunity again, even though nobody knows the future –it is our chance.

“We have been complaining that we are oppressed, exploited and underdeveloped; Nigerians now said take that power and develop yourselves; we can’t complain and we can’t afford to fail.

“So I think you are right on the Action plan. Whenever we meet at the stakeholders meeting, I will support the plan, because time is not on our side.

We shall also use the opportunity to discuss our feelings,” Amaechi said.

DRIVER of a lawmaker in the Edo State House of Assembly, Victor Igbinovia, who was abducted on February 3 by eight armed men, is yet to be released.

Igbinovia was kidnapped at Irrua alongside his boss, Victor Edoror, who represents Esan Central Constituency.

Edoror was released two weeks later but the driver is yet to be found and the kidnappers are not demanding any ransom.

The Speaker, Uyi Igbe, yesterday said the incident has caused apprehension among the lawmakers and members of the driver’s family.

Igbe appealed to the abductors to release the driver and urged security agencies to intensify efforts in their investigations.

He said the House received 18 petitions and passed one bill in the third quarter of the second session of the fifth assembly.

The Speaker said three bills and three motions are pending before the lawmakers.

T

Book launch for Sunday

HE launch of the book: “You are born to win,” authored by Reverend Lekan Adeleke, Associate Pastor, The Shepherd’s Flock International Church (SFIC) will hold on Sunday.

The event scheduled for 12.30 pm at the SFIC 18 Shogunle street (behind Etiebet’s Place) Abule Onigbagbo, Bank Anthony way, Ikeja, will be chaired by the Managing Director, Vintage Press Limited (publishers of The Nation), Mr

Fed Govt berates Kalu over comments on bombings HE Federal Government yesterday criticised former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu for his comments on the bombings in parts of the North.

The former governor, who spoke in Abuja when he hosted the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of Sports Writers Association (SWAN), accused security agents, in-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

not read the papers. I reviewed the papers but did not see this particular story. But if it is true that he said so, you know that the former governor is a highly placed former public officer.

“Let me say that for quite a while we have been hearing people saying all sorts of things relating to our security agencies. I have had cause in

the past to explain to Nigerians that but for the sacrifices of our security agencies and the great job they have been doing for this country, particularly at this critical times, the situation in the country would have been worse. And I think we must learn to appreciate what our armed forces, security personnel and the police are doing for this country.

Victor Ifijeh.

Chairman, Misty Kay Ventures Limited (Oil and Gas),Dayo Adegbite, an architect is the special guest of honour. The Chief Executive Officer, Goshen BDC, Sola Awoleye is expected as the chief launcher.

A statement by the event organisers, described Rev Adeleke - pastor of SFIC the headquarter parish as “a man of great depth and unusual insight in the ministry of the word and prayer.”

According to the statement, the cleric pioneered and nurtured many branches of New Covenant Church and rose to become the co-ordinator of the church’s branches in Ghana before being led to serve under Rev Tony Akinyemi (the health coach).

“He loves God with passion and hates seeing people feel helpless when God is there to help them,” the statement said.

54

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-03-13

Good earnings rally equities •ETI, Lafarge Wapco, others report strong performance

T

HE stock market snapped a two-day successive decline yesterday as full-year earnings reports of more large-cap companies showed a robust performance.

Equities, which had been on the downtrend since Monday, rode on the back of several earnings reports with largely positive outlook to add N13 billion in new capital gains.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities inched up from N10.697 trillion to N10.710 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI), the common value-based index that tracks prices of all equities, recovered to 33,468.89 points as against its opening index of 33,429.46 points.

The rally came on the heels of the release yesterday of the full-year reports by Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) Plc, Lafarge Wapco Cement Nigeria, Julius Berger Nigeria, Cadbury Nigeria, Forte Oil and Courtevill Business Solutions.

The audited reports and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2012 largely showed impressive performance, with the exception of Cadbury Nigeria, which witnessed a contraction.

Julius Berger Nigeria nearly doubled its net earnings as profit after tax rose by 81 per cent from N4.41 billion in 2011 to N8.01 billion in 2012. Profit before tax increased from N9.93 billion to N12.34 billion while turnover had rose from N169.41 billion to N201.57 billion. Julius Berger Nigeria had earlier announced a dividend per share of N2.50.

ETI announced a dividend per share of 0.4 cents as profit after tax rose from N32.27 billion in 2011 to N45.59 billion in 2012. Profit before tax stood at N55.21 billion in 2012 compared with N43.28 billion in

By Taofik Salako & Tonia Osundolire

2011. Total income increased from N235.97 billion to N362.14 billion.

Lafarge Wapco Cement Nigeria’s turnover jumped to N87.97 billion in 2012 as against N62.50 billion in 2011.

Profit before tax doubled to N21.26 billion as against N10.35 billion, while profit after tax leapt to N14.71 billion in contrast with N8.64 billion in 2011. The board of directors of the cement company has recommended a dividend per share of N1.20.

Courtevill, which owns and operates the ‘autoreg’ franchise, increased turnover from N855.60 million to N1.06 billion. Profit before tax improved to N374.2 million compared with N303.6 million in previous year. Profit after tax also trended upward from N245.4 million in 2011 to N298.3 million in 2012.

Forte Oil recorded its first full-year net profit in 2012 as the petroleum-marketing company mitigated decline in total sales with improved cost management. While total sales dropped from N117 billion in 2011 to N90.98 billion in 2012, the company replaced pre-tax loss of N19.95 billion posted in 2011 with pre-tax profit of N1.15 billion in 2012. It also recovered from net loss of N19.54 billion to a net profit of N1.01 billion. Both Courtevill and Forte Oil have not announced any dividend payment.

Cadbury Nigeria’s performance appeared to be an anti-climax, although its long-awaited dividend payment signaled a recovery for the food and beverages giant. Cadbury Nigeria’s turnover dropped from N34.11 billion to N33.55 billion. Profit before tax inched up to N5.51 billion as against N5.01 billion but

profit after tax slipped from N3.67 billion to N3.45 billion. The Atedo Peterside-led board of directors has recommended a dividend per share of 50 kobo.

Commenting on the performance of the pan-African bankholding company, group chief executive, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Thierry Tanoh said the impressive performance reflects the successful integration of the group’s two major acquisitions in Ghana and Nigeria as well as strong demand for retail banking services across its 33 country platform.

He added that increased trade and commercial flows between Middle Africa and the rest of the world together with a strong performance of dedicated staff also contributed to the bottom-line.

“We are closely focused on delivering cost efficiencies, whilst maintaining high levels of service and innovation. Overall, we are confident that 2013 will be another year of progress as we further strengthen and develop the Group to the benefit of all of our stakeholders,” Tanoh said.

Further analysis of the stock market yesterday showed a largely bullish pricing trend with 33 advancers to 26 decliners.

Nestle Nigeria led the gainers with N24 to close at N940. Lafarge Wapco followed with a gain of N4.29 to close at N74.29. Okomu Oil Palm placed third with addition of N3.36 to close at N70.60.

UAC of Nigeria chalked up N1.95 to close at N55 while Seven-Up Bottling Company gathered N1 to close at N48.50.

On the downside, Dangote Cement led the losers with a loss of N2.69 to close at N149.21. PZ Cussons Nigeria dropped by N2.30 to close at N36.70. Enamelware lost N1.69 to close at N32.27. Cement Company of Northern Nigeria dropped 89 kobo to close at N10 while Forte Oil lost 68 kobo to close at N13.65.

Total turnover stood at 305.32 million shares worth N3.39 billion in 5,472 deals. Banking subsector accounted for 165.49 million shares valued at N1.59 billion in 2,497 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-03-13

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

55

MONEY LINK

LCCI to Govt: Tax consumption not individuals T T

HE three fiers of government in their bid to raise Internally Generated Reveneue (IGR) should tax consumption not individuals, president, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Goodie Ibru has said.

He made this call yesterday at the West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI) conference held in Lagos. The LCCI boss said that by focusing on consumption, government would be able to generate enough IGRs for the development of the key sectors of the economy.

He said that when citizens pay their taxes promptly, they will be able to make demands on government on what social

Stories by Collins Nweze

amenities they need.

Also speaking during the event attended by representatives from 10 African countries, WAUTI President, Prince Kunle Quadri, said tax payers should be satisfied with developmental projects being carried out by government to strengthen mutual trust between both parties.

He said that capacity and technology are two principal tools that tax institutes should take seriously to achieve the desired result in tax matters.

Quadri said there is need to

sure the country benefited from these investments and attendant taxes accruing to the relevant government agencies.

Acting Director of Customs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Salifou Tiemtore, said there is need to harmonise tax practice in Africa in order to achieve the desired developmental goals that come with improved revenues.

He explained that efficient and reliable tax system will assist the government in realizing its transformation agenda in key sectors of the economy. He said resources from taxation will complement oil revenue, to solve critical problems confronting the country.

align governance with taxation, as it remains a viable means of generating fund for running the economy. The theme of the conference was: “Role of Taxation in Good Governance”.

According to him, an efficient and reliable tax policy will also encourage foreign direct investment (FDI), which is needful in helping the economy to grow. He said taxes realised will equally boost the national revenue base.

He said that Nigeria has enough incentives in place to attract foreign investors and there are laws in place to en-

Keystone Bank adopts IBM smart technology

K

EYSTONE Bank yesterday said it had successfully transformed its business as a result of the acquisition of state-of-the art technology from IBM. This has ushered in a new era of innovative service delivery culture, and customer-centric operations for the bank.

Speaking in Lagos, managing director and chief executive officer of the bank, Philip Ikeazor, said the development has led to the reduction of operating cost of Keystone Bank by 60 per cent.

The CEO, who was represented by Mrs Yvonne Isichei, executive director, Lagos and West Directorate, at a forum

By Lucas Ajanaku

jointly organised by the lender and IBM, said a range of IBM software and hardware systems and technology solutions were deployed to enable the bank to significantly upgrade its computing and service delivery capabilities.

She said the bank’s backend operational processes have significantly improved to higher efficiency levels hitherto unseen in the history of the bank. The system’s ability to provide service to internal and external stakeholders has also been strengthened. Besides, it also delivers over 100 per cent

increase in process performance and have achieved significant reduction in operating costs for the bank.

She said within the first month of implementing the IBM solution, the bank’s endof-day processing time for its daily customer transactions reduced from between seven to eight hours to less than three hours. Its IBM-enabled ‘computing capacity’ has also resulted in faster turnaround times for interdepartmental transactions, and boosted its ability to meet and exceed regulatory and customer obligations.

“Our decision to go with IBM’s technology offering has paid off handsomely for the bank.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

•Ikeazor

Almost overnight, we experienced very significant cost savings and improvements in our data and transactions processing times, she added.

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

WAPCO WEMABANK OKOMUOIL LIVESTOCK IKEJAHOTEL MCNICHOLS UNITYBNK UAC-PROP FTNCOCOA UACN

O/PRICE 70.00 1.65 67.24 2.43 0.86 1.10 0.76 14.24 0.53 53.05

C/PRICE 74.29 1.74 70.60 2.55 0.90 1.15 0.79 14.80 0.55 55.00

CHANGE 4.29 0.09 3.36 0.12 0.04 0.05 0.03 0.56 0.02 1.95

CCNN PRESTIGE PZ TRANSCORP ENAMELWA ETERNA FO UBCAP PAINTCOM IPWA

O/PRICE 10.89 0.77 39.00 1.49 33.96 3.46 14.33 1.29 1.52 0.74

C/PRICE 10.00 0.71 36.70 1.41 32.27 3.29 13.65 1.23 1.45 0.71

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

350m

150m

150m

155.2

2-7-12

350m 350m

138m 113m

138m 113m

155.8 155.7

27-6-12 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

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

(S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

Parallel Market

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

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%

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

LOSERS AS AT 27-03-13

SYMBOL

Amount

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 27-03-13

SYMBOL

She said the campaign will be anchored through radio, television, advertising, press, and outdoor, the central theme of the campaign is a promise by the institution to help individuals and businesses achieve their goals via actions, products and services that deliver exceptional value. The campaign, which breaks on April 2, will run for six months.

She said a few months after the Stanbic IBTC Group consummated a holding company structure; the bank is poised to deliver a memorable customer experience that is consistent, deliberate and differentiated, one that both delights and surprises.

TANBIC IBTC Bank yesterday launched a nationwide integrated brand repositioning campaign through, which it seeks to showcase how both existing and potential customers can benefit from a new world of opportunities in banking.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mrs. Sola DavidBorha said the campaign seeks to deepen the bank’s presence in the market place by reinforcing its availability to a greater number of people, and providing them with products and services that impact positively on their lives and businesses.

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Stanbic unveils brand campaign

Amount

Currency

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

a 10-month window for implementation.

NESG said: “ Undue elongation of the budget has become a recurring theme in Nigeria.

While the economic impact of such extensive delays may have been empirically tested, it goes without saying that a timebased spending plan of the economy, which starts late into its projected term would have adverse consequence on the economy as a whole and individual economic agents including the government,” It said Nigeria’s budget has a two-way review lag involving the legislature and the executive, adding that the issue has helped in delaying implementation.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

By Akinola Ajibade

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

HE Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has said that the usual delay in implementation of budget is having untold effects on economy.

NESG, in a report entitled: “ Troubleshooting Nigeria’s Budgeting Processes,” said the process of submission, debating, amending, approving and implementation of budget has been delayed unduly in the past 13 years ( 2000-2013), with resultant effects on the economy.

The NESG said that 2012 budget was delayed for four months ( 122 days), while that of 2013 was ( two months) 71 days, arguing that the development has affected fiscal planning of the government.

It said the 2013 was assented to in February, leaving behind

S

FGN BONDS

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

‘Budget delay will hamper growth’

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 138.34 147.76 0.80 1.14 1.10 100.00 1,000.00 1,783.73 15.58 1.39 1.87 10,855.53

9.08 1.00 137.92 147.18 0.78 1.14 1.09 100.00 1,000.00 1,779.06 14.82 1.33 1.80 10,528.92

• KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.89 0.06 2.30 0.08 1.69 0.17 0.68 0.06 0.07 0.03

• 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 Previous

Current

04 July, 2012

07, Aug, 2012

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

56

NEWS Chairman of the Tribunal of Enquiry on Lagos Explosions, Justice Sunday Ishola (right) presenting a gift to Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu , when members of the tribunal visited his Iga Iduganran palace in Lagos ...yesterday.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (second right); his deputy, Prince Segun Adesegun (middle); Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Muyiwa Oladapo (right); Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Michael Sonariwo (left) and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, at the inauguration of Sonariwo as the Chairman of Ogun State Council of Traditional Rulers in Abeokuta... on Tuesday

•Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (middle); Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Sani Sidi (left) and Minister of Environment, Hajia Adiza Mailafia (right) after Uduaghan’s and Mailafia’s decoration as NEMA’s Executive Volunteer Corps at the National Consultative workshop on 2013 Food Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness and Response in Abuja... on Tuesday

•L-R: President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi; Lead Consultant-PR Adetokunbo Abayomi Associates, Mr. DD West; Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri and member, NIPR Education Committee, Hajiya Lantana Ahmed, at the orientation and Induction of NIPR members in Lagos... on Tuesday

•Chairman, Northern Economic Summit Group (G20), Prof. Jerry Gana (left) addressing a news conference on the group’s coming summit in Abuja... on Tuesday. With him are members: Senators Ibrahim Ida and Barnabas Gemade

•Lagos State Governor’s wife, Dame Abimbola Fashola (left); Chairman, DEJLAD Group, Hajia Bintu Tinubu; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Lola Akande and Chairman of the occasion/patron, Africa by Initiative, Chief Molade Okoya Thomas –– all with kids at the sixth pre-Easter Baby Care and Mother Care Expo in Lagos... on Tuesday.

•Secretary-General, Africa Public Relations Association, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya (middle) addressing a news conference on the association’s summit coming up at the First All Africa PR and Strategic Communication in Addis Ababa, in Lagos... yesterday.

With him are Country Representative Nigeria, the Banker Financial Times Group, UK, Mr. Kunle Ogedengbe (left) and Summit Coordinator, Mr. Kayode Yeku.

•L-R: Director, Indirect Channels and Corporate Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Ken Ogujiofor; Distribution Partner/CEO, Correspondence Limited, Abuja, Mike Ojiakor; Head, Sales Distribution, Sina Adegoke and Director, Procurement, Etisalat Nigeria, Jamal Trache, at the 2013 Etisalat Heroes’ at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

•Final year students of the Niger Delta University, Yenagoa after the launch of Nigeria’s first Internship Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

THE NATION THURSDAY MARCH 28, 2013

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NEWS

N382b fuel subsidy fraud: EFCC collaborates with UK to repatriate looted funds •How Nigeria can witness industrial revolution, by British High Commissioner

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HE Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, yesterday said the commission is collaborating with the United Kingdom to repatriate the funds looted by oil subsidy racket suspects.

He said the EFCC has secured a restraining order on the United Kingdom (UK) accounts of fraudsters of fuel subsidy regime.

Lamorde spoke when he received the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Pocock, in his office in Abuja.

The Presidential Committee on Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel Subsidy Payments had indicted 21 firms for fraudulent claims that cost the nation N382 billion, but the list was later increased to 25 by the Federal Ministry of Finance, based on a fresh evidence.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede, said of the N422 billion scrutinised, N18 billion was found to be duplication and N21 billion was cleared.

He also confirmed that of the 116 oil marketing and trading companies (OM&T) invited, 107 honoured the invitation.

But the EFCC chairman yesterday said there was no hiding place for the oil subsidy thieves.

Lamorde said the restraining order secured by the commission in the UK was as a result of the “wonderful relationship” the commission enjoyed and is still enjoying from the UK in recent times.

He said: “We use this opportunity to thank your workers for the relationship we have enjoyed. Recently, we have had support in respect of the fuel subsidy investigation.

“The UK-sponsored Justice 4 All (J4ALL) paid for forensic accountant that assisted the commission on the investigation that nailed those accused in the fuel subsidy fraud.

“The UK authorities helped to restrain some funds belonging to the fuel subsidy suspects in the UK. We are formalising ways to get the funds forfeited and repatriated to Nigeria. We want the support to continue.”

He said the commission appreciated the support and assistance from the UK through DFID and other agencies.

Lamorde said the EFCC’s Academy in Karu, Abuja , was “largely funded with funds

from the UK.” He added: “Your coming here says a lot about the relationship between the EFCC and the UK. We appreciate your visit and the kind of support and assistance we have been receiving from the UK. If there is any country that has identified with the EFCC, it is the UK .

“From the inception of the EFCC, if there is any country that has supported EFCC, it’s the UK. The EFCC has benefited not only in terms of joint tactical and operational activities like collaboration with the Interpol, City of London Police, Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), but also in the area of capacity building.

“I also remember that six years ago, we had a joint operation at the Lagos airport with SOCA, the agency funded the purchase of a scanner to check fraudulent mail across the ports.

“Last year we received support from SOCA for acquisition of forensic equipment for analysis of mobile phone and other devices.”

He said six EFCC officers would soon begin a SOCAsponsored foreign training in London.

Earlier, Dr. Pocock, who was accompanied on the visit

by Hooman Nouruzi, Steve Foster and Catherine Weiss, lamented the prevalent corruption in the country.

He said corruption impacted negatively on the lives of Nigerians, government and economy of the country on a daily basis.

He said because of corruption in the tendering and delivery process, the cost of infrastructure in Nigeria had been three times higher than it ought to be.

Pocock said: “This is responsible for the poor service delivery to the Nigerian people. Projects are also not delivered to the taste of Nigerians.

“The UK has been working with the anti-corruption agencies for many years. In 2011 when Prime Minister David Cameron came to Nigeria and had audience with President Goodluck Jonathan, they drew a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which covered a wide range of issues. One of the areas is the anti-corruption campaign.

“After 30 years, Nigeria has not improved on the 5,000 megawatts generation of electricity supply. Nigeria is still generating the quantum of electricity it generated 30 years ago. You can see the

direct consequences of the impact of corruption in the Nigerian economy and the Nigeria state.”

Pocock explained why the UK is interested in Nigeria.

He said: “The interest of the UK government in the affairs of Nigeria is not just because the UK is a friend of Nigeria or partners of Nigeria, but because the UK sees a future in Nigeria.

“This interest in Nigeria is not only because we are friends of Nigeria, partners of Nigeria, but we see a future in this country that is extra ordinary; Nigeria is one of those countries with great potential.

“When we talk of emerging powers, we think Nigeria is one of those countries.”

Pocock, however, said if Nigeria gets it right on the privatisation of the power sector, it may witness industrial revolution.

He added: “If Nigeria privatises its power sector in a transparent way, it is going to be on the verge of an industrial revolution because it is going to boost its productivity and GDP to at least 40 per cent.

“If you do it in a way that does not involve government, it will be a boost to the daily lives of Nigerians.”

Army updates information on terrorism From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

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HE Nigerian Army has updated its public information processing system, to enable its formations respond to distress calls anywhere in the country within 15 minutes.

Its Chief of Transformation and Innovation Centre, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Sani, spoke at the inauguration of the facility in Abuja yesterday.

He was accompanied by the Director, Military Intelligence, Brig.-Gen. Letam Wiwa.

According to Gen. Sani, the contemporary challenge confronting Nigeria is insecurity. This, he said, has engendered a situation where military affairs have dovetailed into police matters.

He said: “A new generation of adversaries, both within and outside Nigeria, are pursuing innovations as a result of information revolution.

“For example, the insurgents/terrorists we are facing today are organised into a loose, transnational network that allow for increased coordination and cooperation among dispersed groups and individuals.

“Thus, the security challenges facing the nation require a proactive information system that must be ahead of the dark network operating in Nigeria.”

Sani said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, facilitated the setting up of the facility, in line with the Federal Government’s transformation agenda.

UBA uses mini-marathon to fight cancer UNITED Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, through its corporate social responsibility vehicle, UBA Foundation, has restated its commitment to raising awareness on the scourge of prostate cancer among men.

Speaking during the beginnning of the UBA Foundation Mini-Marathon for Prostate Cancer Awareness, the bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, said the lender, through UBA Foundation, is encouraged to propagate the crusade, noting that despite the deadly nature of prostate cancer, it can be cured when detected and treated.

Glo brings biggest singing Reality TV show THE world’s number one music singing talent reality TV show, “The X Factor”, has berthed in Africa, for the first time on the shores of Nigeria, courtesy of the leading telecommunications company, Globacom.

The show was unveiled last night at the GET Arena, Lekki, Lagos, confirming Globacom as the leading force that connects youths to their entertainment passion.

The ultimate winner of the spectacular show will cart home $150,000 (N24million), the biggest purse among current reality TV shows. He will also win a recording contract with the internationally-acclaimed Sony Music for the recording of an album and professional management of the winning individual.

CIPM elects president

By Sampson Unamka

•Ministers (of State, Foreign Affairs), Mrs Viola Onwuliri; her Federal Capital Territory (FCT) counterpart, Mrs. Olajumoke Akinjide; Chukwemeka Wogu, (Labour); and Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu at the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN

Why NEC meeting is delayed, by Tukur •’Congresses to replace Oyinlola, others on the way’

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HE NATIONAL Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has explained why the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting is being delayed.

He said the leadership of the party would soon fix dates for congresses to elect a new national secretary to replace Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who was sacked a few weeks ago.

According to him, the congresses would throw up replacements for the leadership of the party in the Southwest, including its erstwhile Vice-Chairman, Mr. Segun

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

Oni and Auditor, Mr. Bode Mustapha, who were also removed from office.

The party chair, however, did not give a time frame for the congresses.

Tukur, who addressed reporters at his home in Abuja yesterday, said certain things would have to be put in place before the meeting could hold.

Said he: “You don’t just go into NEC meeting without having the necessary things in place. There must be things and issues to be presented before the NEC. “There must be something

to put on the table for the NEC. For instance, we need to prepare reports on our activities, particularly our reconciliation efforts since we came to office.

“We also need to make suggestions and recommendations on a wide range of issues as they relate to the party at all levels.

“All these are being put in place and the NEC meeting will be convened as soon as these things are put in place.

“I want to make it clear that nobody can deliberately delay the NEC meeting because we are mindful of the fact that the NEC is the supreme organ of the party.”

The party’s constitution stipulates that the NEC meeting should be convened every quarter, at the instance of the party chairman. The meeting was last held in July 2012.

Key stakeholders, particularly governors elected on the platform of the PDP, have been at daggers drawn with the party chairman over his reluctance to convene the meeting in the last eight months.

A section of the leadership of the party has cited mutual mistrust as reason for the chairman’s ambivalence over the NEC meeting, despite the popular agitation by the various stakeholders.

THE Human Resources Director of Nigeria Breweries Plc, Mr. Victor Famuyibo, has emerged the 16th President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM).

The election was held at the 44th Annual General Meeting of the institute at the NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja Lagos.

Mr. Famuyibo takes over from Mr. Abiola Popoola whose three-year tenure has ended.

He has over three decades of Human Resources experience. He was the Chairman, Strategic Planning Implementation Committee (SPIC) of CIPM and has contributed to the growth of the institute through involvement in its committees.

Famuyibo won with 190 votes against Mr. Sunday Funsho, who polled 146 votes.

He said he would build on the transformation drive of his predecessor and align the institute with global standards through collaboration with other global human resources bodies.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28 , 2013

NEWS Kogi SIEC dispels rumour

Kano: NYSC redeploys 900 From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

From Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

NINE hundred National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members of the 2,413 posted to Kano State have been redeployed.

This followed the recent bomb blast, which rocked the New Road terminus at Sabongari in Kano city.

Many people died in the incident and belongings were destroyed.

Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has assured the remaining corps members of security.

He urged them to respect the norms and culture of their hosts.

Speaking with reporters after the passing out parade of the ‘Batch A’, held at Karaye camp, the Coordinator, Alhaji Bashir Yakasai, said prior to last Monday’s incident at Sabongari, few corps members indicated interest to be redeployed after orientation.

OGI State Independent National Electoral Commission (SIEC) has dispelled a rumour making the rounds that candidates in the forthcoming local government chairmanship election will pay N500,000 to the commission.

One of the electoral commissioners, Mr. Adejoh Jacob Idachaba, said whatever business the commission had with any candidate was in line with the electoral guidelines, adding that the collection of the money could never emanate from the commission.

Said he: “This is funny. Where do you expect them to get such money from when some of them are still battling to fund their campaigns? It is not true because whatever business we have with the candidates is in line with the electoral guidelines.”

Idachaba said the coming poll would be transparent and credible.

Election in the 21 councils is scheduled to hold on May 4.

Police rescue six-year-old boy •Arrest two kidnappers From Johny Danjuma, Lafia

THE Nasarawa Police Command has rescued a six-year-old boy kidnapped at Mararaba in Karu Local Government, near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Joseph Akpan was reportedly abducted from his home when his father, Mr. Thompson Akpan, returned from church.

A five-man armed gang was said to have stormed the house, robbed the inhabitants and kidnapped the minor.

Police spokesman Michael Ada, who confirmed the incident, said two of the suspects had been arrested and three were at large.

A statement he issued confirmed that Police Commissioner Abayomi Akeremale had paraded the suspects.

Rainstorm destroys 50 houses in Kwara From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

RAINSTORM has destroyed 50 houses at OmuAran in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Belongings worth over N100 million were damaged.

Some of the affected buildings include Winners Chapel, ECWA Primary School, ECWA Hospital, houses near GRA and Landmark University.

The palace of the Olomu of Omu-Aran was also affected.

A source said the rainstorm began about 5pm.

One of the victims, the family head of Ile-Nla Compound, Alhaji Yusuf Adeoye, appealed to the government for assistance.

Adeoye, 95, said the victims were not financially buoyant to solve the problems caused by the disaster.

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•The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih (second left), greeting Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu when members of the BoT visited Minna on reconciliation moves in the party...yesterday. With them is former chairman of the party, Senator Barnabas Gemade (left) and the party Chairman in the state, Abdulrahaman Enagi.

EFCC arraigns four for attempting to defraud Suswam T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned four suspects before Justice E.N. Kpojime of the Benue State High Court, Makurdi, for allegedly conspiring to obtain $3million (US) from Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam.

The suspects are Mark Gbaa (alias Nasiru Nasamu), Ezekiel Ajik Azi, Bulus Ashom Agwom and Nuhu Bawa Atangs.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the suspects were put on trial on a six-count charge of impersonation, forgery and criminal conspiracy to obtain $3m (US) from Governor Suswam.

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

The statement said: “The accused, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, were alleged to have conspired to falsely present themselves as officers of EFCC, who are investigating the accounts of Benue State local government and had sought for $3million to ‘kill’ the case.

“In a bid to actualise the scheme, one of them, Bulus Ashom Agom, who was dismissed from the Nigeria Police in June 2012, was alleged to have forged a Nigeria Police warrant of arrest card No 35231, which he presented to

the governor.

“Thereafter, Governor Suswam alerted the Department of State Security (DSS), which arrested and handed them to the EFCC. “It was at the EFCC office that Bulus and Nuhu Bawa Attangs made statements that led to the arrest of others.

“Count one of the charges reads: ‘That you Mark Gbaa, alias Nasiru Nasamu, Ezekiel Ajik Azi, Bulus Ashom Awom and Nuhu Bawa Atangs between January and February 2013, at Makurdi, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Benue State with intent to defraud,

conspired to obtain the sum of three million United States Dollars ($3,000,000) from one Hon. Gabriel Suswam, the Executive Governor of Benue State, when you falsely presented yourselves as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, who were investigating the Benue State Local Government Account and other pending cases, which representation you knew were false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and other related offences Act no 14 of 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same act’.

Court remands self-confessed Boko Haram suspect in SSS custody

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MAKURDI Magistrate’s Court in Benue State yesterday ordered a 24-year-old man, Mohammed Isah, to be remanded in the State Security Service (SSS) custody following his alleged confession of being a member of the Boko Haram sect.

The accused was arraigned over a theft charge.

During the trial, he confessed to being a member of the sect.

The Magistrate, Theresa Shija, said the accused should be remanded pending the outcome of investigation.

She said: “This order is made in the interest of justice to ensure that the accused does not commit any other offence, so that he is not used by anyone to commit any offence and does not escape from justice until investigation is completed.”

The prosecutor, Mr. Collins Terfa, told the court: “Isah

said he is a member of the Boko Haram sect. He said he was in Benue for no specific reason but in transit to Bayelsa State.”

Terfa alleged that Emmanuel Uchenna of 1, Old Lafia Road, North Bank, Makurdi, reported the matter.

He said the accused, of Gwantu Shangan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, went to his shop and stole a carton of biscuit.

The prosecution said the offence contravened the Penal Code.

Terfa further told the court that investigation into the matter was ongoing.

The accused, however, denied the allegation, saying although he was hungry, he did not steal anything from the shop.

Shija adjourned the case till April 30 for hearing.

Offa/Erin-Ile: Kwara relaxes curfew

Shake-up in FCTA

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HE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, has approved the redeployment of management workers.

He said this is to ensure effective service delivery to the residents of the FCT and reposition the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Mohammed said the redeployment was aimed at placing officers in positions where their optimum contribution would impact positively on the performance of the FCTA. The first phase of staff

From Grace Obike, Abuja

movement involves the posting of a broadcaster, Hajiya Jamilah Tangaza, formerly a Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Information Management Systems, to head the Abuja Geographic Information Services (AGIS).

A statement issued by the Assistant Director and Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Muhammad Hazat Sule, said other officers affected by the redeployment were Dr. Isa Jalo, a former Director of AGIS, now Director, FCT Archives and History Bureau; while Mr.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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•Mohammed

Charles Irodi Nnodim of the FCT Archives and History Bureau is to take over in the Health and Human Services Secretariat as the Director of Admin & Finance.

WARA State Govern ment has relaxed the nine-hour curfew imposed on Offa and Erin-Ile communities to between 11pm and 6am.

This is to allow the people celebrate the Easter festivities.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Isiaka Gold in a statement said Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed gave the directive following an inspection of the ongoing projects in Offa and Oyun local governments.

Police warn vehicle owners

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HE Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of accident and abandoned vehicles parked at Surulere, Anthony, Ebute Ero, Ogombo and Trade Fair Police stations and the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction after 21 days of this publication.

The vehicles are, Volkswagen Golf with registration number DF590LSR; Vanagon bus unregistered, Vanagon bus XG771AKR, Honda Civic,BR434KSF and Nissan Primera XU 25EKY. Others are Cherokee Jeep CW891SMK, Mazda RX845KJA Volkswagen Bus EKY245XA; KIA car FW904EKY; Toyota Camry DD454GGE; Derelicted Daf Tanker lorry EW559EKY; Toyota 4 runner JeepFJ10JJJ, Toyota Camry unregistered, Toyota CamryPJ534KJA, Isuzu bus XJ979AKD and Nissan Vanette bus XY319FKJ.

Balarabe Musa, Sani launch group for 2015 From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

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ORMER Kaduna State governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and civil rights activist, Mallam Shehu Sani, have launched an organisation with the aim of edging President Goodluck Jonathan out of office in 2015.

They said the group, Majalisar Talakawa (Peoples Parliament), was formed because of the neglect suffered by the masses, who formed the bulk of the electorate.

They said 14 years after the return to democracy, the condition of the common man had worsen.

Speaking at a rally to mark the inauguration of the group in Kaduna, the former governor said it would embark on the sensitisation of Nigerians on the need to ensure that credible politicians were elected in 2015.

Mallam Sani said there was need for Nigerians to protect the values of true democracy. He said: “We formed this organisation to provide a platform for the masses to express their grievances against the people in power.”

THE NATION THURSDAY MARCH 28, 2013

59

FOREIGN NEWS Syrian opposition opens first SYRIAN opposition embassy bloc recognized by the

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Arab League as the sole representative for Syria opened its first embassy in Qatar on Wednesday in a diplomatic blow to President Bashar al-Assad.

But opposition leader Moaz Alkhatib, who took Syria’s seat at an Arab summit in Doha on Tuesday, used the ribbon-cutting ceremony to voice his frustration with world powers for failing to do more to help in the two-yearold struggle to topple Assad.

“There is an international willingness for the revolution not to triumph,” he told reporters at the embassy, which was festooned with balloons in the red, green, white and black of Syria’s national flag.

Alkhatib, a Sunni Muslim cleric who resigned this week as leader of the Syrian National Coalition, but who is staying on as a caretaker, also alluded to internal differenc-

es plaguing the opposition umbrella group formed in Qatar in November.

Damascus raged against summit host Qatar for helping the opposition into Syria’s seat at the League, while Russia and Iran also criticized the move to delegitimize Assad’s rule.

Yet although the 22-member Arab bloc lent its support to giving weapons to Syrian rebels, it is unclear how much impact the opposition’s diplomatic advances will have inside Syria.

Alkhatib told Reuters in an interview he was surprised by a rebuff from the United States and NATO to his request for Patriot missiles based in Turkey to help protect rebel-held parts of northern Syria from Assad’s helicopters and warplanes.

UK govt loses cleric’s deportation appeal

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OME Secretary Theresa May has lost her appeal against a ruling preventing the deportation of preacher Abu Qatada.

She acted after the Special Immigration Appeals Commission said the radical cleric could not be returned to Jordan.

Judges say he could face an unfair trial involving evidence obtained by torturing others.

The Home Office said it would further appeal, adding: “This is not the end of the road. The government remains determined to deport Abu Qatada.”

A spokesman added: “In the meantime we continue to work with the Jordanians to address the outstanding legal issues preventing deportation.”

In their judgement, Lord Dyson, sitting with Lord Justice Richards and Lord Justice Elias, said the appeals commission was entitled to think there was a risk that the “impugned statements” would be admitted in evidence at a retrial.

“In consequence, there is a real risk of a flagrant denial of justice,” they said.

The judges said the court accepted that Qatada “is regarded as a very dangerous person”, but that was not “a relevant consideration” under human rights laws.

LENTEN TALK

Theme: Father, take away my buts

By Rev. Henry Adelegan

Text: 2 Kings 5:1, 14

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AAMAN was a great man in the society. He had a record of gallantry and was a confidant of the King of Syria because through him many victories had been won by Syria. One day however, he was struck by a ‘but’. He became an outcast in the society where he was being honored and celebrated before the ‘but’ rendered him an object of ridicule and shame.

The Bible said that “when men are asleep, the enemy comes in the night and sows tares in the field” ( Matthew 13:25). The tares grow to manifest as ‘buts’. A ‘but’ reflects in incidents of shame and ridicule; it is a problem that takes off God’s glory from the life of a person, gives reasons for sadness or regret concerning decisions that had been made years back or a good working or marital relationship suddenly turned sour or a mountain that has refused to move. This can manifest in barrenness after a glamorous wedding, unemployment after a grandiose University convocation or enviable degree, a sickness or bad habit that is seemingly incurable or a child that is giving parents lots of challenges etc.

The good news however is that “it is for this purpose that the Son of man was manifested so that He can destroy the works of the devil’ (1 John 3:8b). Whenever the Son of man intervenes, He comes in with an axe that goes to the root of any satanic plantation, cuts off every unproductive tree and throws them into the fire. (Matthew 3:10). When He intervened at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, the obvious shame and ridicule was turned to joy, amazement and celebrations ( John 2:1-11).

The day that Naaman had an encounter with the anointing, his story changed. After he obeyed by dipping his body inside the River Jordan seven times, the ‘but’ in his life was removed, all he had lost were restored and his body became like that a little baby (2 Kings 5:14; Jeremiah 32:27).

Brethren, God has power to remove any ‘but’ that the enemy has introduced into the life of any of your close family or church member. What you need to do, during this time of Lent, is to ask Him to pardon you of all sins (John 6:37; Isaiah 1:18) and make a commitment to obey Him in all things like Naaman ( Isaiah 1:19). I can assure you that God will open a new chapter of peace, love and joy for you, and all that you have lost to physical and spiritual warfares shall be restored to you in Jesus’ name.

Prayers: Almighty God, I come to you during this season, forgive my sins, pardon all my shortcomings and I promise to obey you in all things. Father, touch the foundation of my life and uproot every ‘but’ from my life in the name of Jesus.

•South Africa’s First Lady Bongi Ngema (left) proposes a toast to China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan as South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma looks on during an official lunch hosted by Zuma and his wife in honour of China’s President Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan in Pretoria, Tuesday.

REUTERS/SIPHIWE SIBEKO

North Korea cuts military hotline with South

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ORTH Korea says it is cutting a military hotline with South Korea, amid high tension on the peninsula.

The hotline is used to facilitate the travel of South Korean workers to a joint industrial complex in Kaesong.

Pyongyang has been angered by fresh UN sanctions following its 12 February nuclear test and US-South Korea military drills.

In recent weeks its habitually fiery rhetoric has escalated, with multiple warnings issued.

On Tuesday, it said it had

ordered artillery and rocket units into “combat posture” to prepare to target US bases in Hawaii, Guam and the US mainland.

It has also threatened a “pre-emptive” nuclear strike against the US in recent days and told the South it has scrapped the Korean War armistice agreement.

While the situation is currently unpredictable, some analysts believe Pyongyang may be trying to force the US and others into negotiations, with all-out war unlikely, says the BBC’s Lucy Williamson in Seoul.

North Korea has already cut both a Red Cross hotline and another used to communicate with the UN Command at Panmunjom in the Demilitarised Zone that divides the two Koreas.

The military hotline is used by the two sides to communicate over travel to the Kaesong joint industrial zone, inside North Korea.

“Under the situation where a war may break out any moment, there is no need to keep up North-South military communications,” a senior North Korean military official was quoted by KCNA

news agency as telling the South before the line was severed.

South Korea’s Ministry of Unification confirmed that the North was no longer answering calls to the hotline, reports Yonhap news agency.

When the North also previously cut the military hotline in 2009, operations at the joint complex continued because other channels of communication were used, Yonhap adds. An inter-Korean air-traffic hotline still exists between the two sides, according to reports.

Mali needs 11,000 peacekeepers, says UN chief

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BOUT 11,000 peacekeepers may be needed in Mali to help curb threats posed by militant Islamists, UN chief Ban Ki-moon has said.

The peacekeepers may have to be backed up by a second force that will focus on combat operations, he said.

France sent troops to Mali in January to wrest control of the north from militant Islamists.

It aims to start withdrawing its 4,000strong force next month and hand over to an African force.

French troops, backed by Malian and Chadian forces, have been attacking the militants in desert and mountain hideouts after they fled the major northern cities, including Timbuktu and Gao. The Islamists have responded to the

French-led campaign by launching guerrilla-style attacks. A suicide bomber killed a Malian soldier at a checkpoint in Timbuktu last week.

In a report to the 15-member UN Security Council on Tuesday, Mr Ban proposed that African troops in Mali should operate under a UN mandate.

The force should be made up of some 11,200 troops, he said.

It would “operate under robust rules of engagement, with a mandate to use all necessary means to address threats to the implementation of its mandate, which would include protection of civilians,” Mr Ban said, Reuters news agency reports.

He said there may also be a need for a second “parallel force” that would “con-

duct major combat and counter-terrorism operations and provide specialist support beyond the scope of the United Nations mandate and capability”.

Diplomats have said France is likely to provide troops for the smaller parallel force, which could be based in Mali or elsewhere in the West Africa region, Reuters reports.

Mr Ban also said that with Mali’s government weak and no sign of reconciliation between northerners and southerners “elections could provoke further instability or even violence”.

The army seized power in a coup in Mali last year, but it has since put in place an interim civilian government that has promised to hold elections in July.

Egypt court overturns Morsi sacking of top prosecutor

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N Egypt appeal court has ordered the reinstatement of the country’s top prosecutor, sacked by President Mohammed Morsi in November.

The court also cancelled Mr Morsi’s decision to appoint a new prosecutor general, Talat Ibrahim.

Mr Morsi’s removal of Abdel Maguid Mahmoud angered senior judges, who saw it as an attack on their authority.

The sacking was one of his first moves after issuing a decree granting himself sweeping new powers.

The decree took away judicial powers to reverse decisions made by the president.

But Mr Morsi eventually retracted it after a rising tide of protest.

However, he kept in place his new appointment as prosecutor general.

The incumbent prosecutor, Mr Mahmoud, had been appointed by ousted former President Hosni Mubarak.

In December, amid outrage over his appointment, Mr

Ibrahim made, and then retracted, an offer to resign.

Former public prosecutor Talaat Ibrahim in a file image from November Unless the appeal court verdict itself is overturned, Mr Ibrahim will be compelled to resign and Mr Mahmoud will be returned to his post.

A senior official in the office of the Attorney General told BBC Arabic the government would appeal to Egypt’s highest court, the Court of Cassation, before the matter was settled.

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Mr Morsi has faced a range of problems since he took office in June 2012 after the country’s first post-Mubarak presidential election.

As well as a simmering feud with the judiciary, proreform protests in Cairo have continued, with deaths during anti-Morsi protests to mark two years since the fall of Mubarak.

The president has also been accused of failing to hold officials accountable for alleged crimes carried out during the Mubarak years.

There was a wave of violence in January 2013 following the imposition of death sentences on 21 people over football violence.

Political progress has been slow in Egypt, with parliamentary elections scheduled for this spring now postponed with no new date set.

According to a report by Egypt’s official news agency, Mena, Mr Morsi - currently in Qatar for a meeting of the Arab League - now estimates the polls will be held as late as October.

China jails 20 on terror charges

HINA has sentenced 20 men to jail terms of up to life imprisonment on charges of terrorism and inciting secession in Xinjiang, state media say.

Some of the men, who are all thought to be members of the ethnic Uighur group who live in the region, were accused of plotting to assassinate local police.

An exiled Uighur group described the sentences as “repressive”.

It said the men had been persecuted for listening to foreign radio broadcasts and forwarding video clips.

The men were convicted of a number of crimes, the local state-run news agency reported. These include circulating extremist religious material and attempting to promote ethnic separatism on the internet.

It is not known whether the 20 accused men pleaded guilty or not. Regardless of their

plea, acquittals in China’s party-run court system are rare, says the BBC’s John Sudworth in Shanghai. Xinjiang is home to about nine million mainly Muslim Uighurs.

But as a result of inward migration over past decades, that number is now almost matched by residents from the Han Chinese majority.

Tensions between the two groups have been high since riots in 2009, China’s deadliest ethnic violence in decades.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

60

NEWS

Agbaso: Judge promises fair hearing J USTICE Florence Duruohaigwe of an Owerri High Court, yesterday, assured all parties in the motion by the embattled Imo State Deputy Governor, Jude Agbaso, to stop his impeachment by the House of Assembly that she will ensure justice prevails.

But she warned that she will not be intimidated by counsels to the parties, who are incidentally Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) in the course of discharging her duties.

The judge spoke while listening to the argument of the House’s counsel, Niyi Akintola (SAN).

Justice Duruohaigwe said since the beginning of the case, both counsel had been

Anyaoku marks 80th birthday, 50th wedding anniversary

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•Cautions counsel From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

threatening her in their submissions.

According to her, she has raised children who would take care of her even if she loses her job.

“I cannot be intimidated even if I lose my job but I will carry out my duty without fear or favour,” she assured.

Agbaso’s counsel Patrick Ikweto (SAN) told the court that the respondent infringed on his client’s rights by investigating and indicting him in its report.

Ikweto argued that the House ought not to have dabbled into the investigation of the alleged N458 million contract scam, because that was the role of security agencies.

But Akintola told the court to disregard the argument since the court lacked jurisdiction in the matter, which is the responsibility of the House to carry out.

In his argument, the counsel to the Chief Judge, Soronadi Njoku, who also is the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, told

•Agbaso

the court to dismiss the suit because the applicant wanted to hide under the fundamental human rights to truncate the impeachment proceeding against him.

The court adjourned till today for ruling on the issue of jurisdiction.

•The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, David MacRae (left) and Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, when the governor visited the EU in Abuja...yesterday

Babalakin gets leave to travel abroad

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N Ikeja High Court yesterday, again granted permission to the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Ltd., Wale Babalakin, to travel to South Africa for continuation of his medical treatment.

Babalakin is standing trial for allegedly transferring N4.7 billion on behalf of convicted former Delta State Governor, James Ibori.

Babalakin was arraigned on January 17 alongside Alex Okoh and their companies — Stabilini Visioni Ltd., BiCourtney Ltd. and Renix Nigeria Ltd. The defendants are facing a 27-count charge bordering on conspiracy, retention of proceeds of a criminal conduct and corruptly conferring benefit on account of public action.

By Bisi Onanuga

Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo had earlier on February 28, granted Babalakin leave to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Ruling on another application filed by his counsel, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the judge ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release his travelling documents.

Justice Onigbanjo ordered that Babalakin, after coming back to Nigeria, should return the international passport to the custody of EFCC before the date of his trial would be fixed.

Meanwhile, Bi-Courtney Ltd., yesterday, filed an application asking the court to quash the charges against all

the defendants.

The firm’s counsel, Dr Joseph Nwobike (SAN), said Babalakin had filed an appeal against the judgement of a Federal High Court in Lagos, which dismissed his suit against the EFCC. Nwobike said:” The prohibition suit was dismissed by Justice Okon Abang for the failure of the first defendant (Babalakin) to file an affidavit of compliance.

“There is already a notice of appeal against the judgement at the Court of Appeal.

“The EFCC has also filed a cross-appeal, which makes it impossible for them to continue the prosecution of this matter before this court.”

He said the legal effect of the success of the appeal would bring the proceedings

before Onigbanjo to an end.

“The fourth defendant (BiCourtney) will be a beleaguered beneficiary, if the appeal succeeds,” Nwobike said.

EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), however, urged the court to dismiss the application because it was frivolous and an abuse of court process.

Jacobs said:” This is the most ridiculous application I have ever heard; the fourth defendant is not a party to the proceedings at the Court of Appeal.

“It is purely to waste the time of the court, because there is no relief at the appellate court that the charge should be dismissed.”

The judge, after listening to the submissions of both counsel, adjourned the matter to May 7 for ruling.

IGNITARIES will on Saturday converge on Orimili, Okpuno Ire Obosi, Anambra State, home of former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku as he and his family celebrate two landmark events: his 50th wedding anniversary and his 80th birthday.

The double event will start with a thanksgiving service at St Andrews Anglican Church, Obosi, to be presided by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rev Nicolas Okoh.

The Anyaokus have asked guests, who want to give presents, to make donations to Iyi Enu Mission Hospital, Ogidi, which needs a dialysis and diagnostic centre.

The hospital, which was established in 1907, was for many years the leading hospital in the former Eastern region of Nigeria.

EFCC: Why we’ve not complied with court order on Ibru’s assets From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it is yet to comply with a court order to release the list of assets seized from a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oceanic Bank, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, because it has filed an appeal against the ruling.

It claimed that Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court Lagos, who gave the order, erred in law because the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) is in charge of managing assets seized from Mrs. Ibru.

The commission made the clarification in a statement last night by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren.

The statement said: “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has been drawn to media reports, alleging that the Commission failed to comply with an order by court to disclose the extent of assets recovered from Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, former Managing Director of Oceanic Bank Plc. “ Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court Lagos, had on February 22, 2013 given the Commission a 72-hour ultimatum to make the disclosure following an application by President of the Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Boniface Okezie, on the strength of the Freedom of Information Act 2011.

“While the Commission has no problem with individuals and organisations seeking information under the Freedom of Information Act, it is necessary to state that the EFCC has already appealed against the said order.

“The appeal was informed by the Commission’s belief that the order was unwarranted; just as the request which informed it was misdirected.

“By the judgement of Justice Dan Abutu delivered on October 8, 2010, the EFCC had ceased to be the custodian of the forfeited Ibru assets’’.

Saraki creates job portal for first-class graduates From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

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HE Chairman, Senate, Committee on Environment and Ecology, Bukola Saraki, has opened an employment portal to assist first-class graduates to get jobs.

In a statement in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media and Advocacy, Bamikole Omishore, the senator urged such graduates in any discipline from Nigerian universities, who are looking for jobs, to submit their documents.

The senator representing Kwara Central said the move was part of his effort to reduce unemployment in Nigeria.

According to him, candidates with first-class certificates will be given jobs in various sectors of the economy.

Each qualified candidate, he added, should send a copy of his or her curriculum vitae (CV), degree certificate and a cover letter stating the duration of previous employment, if any, and how long he or she has been unemployed.

Saraki also urged such graduates to send their documents to 1st@abubakarbukolasaraki.com or ABS Constituency office, Mandate Building, Ilorin, Kwara State, not later than April 12.

He directed them to fill the contact form on www.abubakarbukolasaraki.com.

Mark canvasses death penalty for oil theft

•Mark

S

ENATE President David Mark yesterday canvassed death penalty

for those found guilty of stealing the nation’s oil.

It was during the inauguration of the Joint Committee on Petrolum Industry Bill (PIB) in Abuja.

Mark said the menace deserves capital punishment to reduce the unwholesome practice to it’s barest minimum.

He said: “At the end of the day, the Bill must ensure that the current rate of oil theft in the country is minimised to the barest minimum.

“It seems we are having a bad name internationally because of the rate of oil theft in the country.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

“Oil theft deserves capital punishment; the law must have a huge punishment for those that steal our oil to serve as a deterrent to other people who plan to steal our oil.

“If it is the public wish, I will endorse a death penalty for oil thieves if it will stop oil theft and bunkering.

“It is an unusual situation, so it deserves an unusual remedy and drastic punishment.

“The PIB is a bill to unite the country and not divide it,

it will open up the industry so that we can attract new investors.”

He said the Senate is taking the PIB “seriously”.

He added: “We are taking this Bill seriously, the world is changing so fast and so is the petroleum industry. So, this is not a new bill but a review of the bill to meet with international best practices.

“Nigerians are patriotic enough to know that what we are doing is in the best interest of all Nigerians, we have to update the Bill so that we can encourage investors.

“The Bill is a win-win situation for all the parties

involved. We are aware of the competition involved in the oil industry in the world.”

Mark called for greater transparency in the operations of the oil industry so as to guarantee investors’ confidence.

At the end of the day, this Bill must show transparency in the oil industry so that investors will come and get a return on their investment.

He also said the bill must ensure that exploration activities are extended to other parts of the country.

“We also want to explore oil in some other parts of the country and not only in the Niger Delta as we are doing

now, there is no reason why we cannot find oil in the northern part of the country.”

Chairman, Senate Committee on Upstream and lead chairman of the Joint committee, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, said the entire oil industry is waiting patiently for the passage of the PIB. “So, many financial investment decisions are awaiting this Bill and the leadership has done the right thing by fast-tracking the process for the passage of the Bill in setting up and inaugurating this joint committee so quickly,” Paulker said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

62

SPORT EXTRA

Reuben, Idris join Kilmarnock

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ANO Pillars' duo of Papa Idris and Gabriel Reuben will sign for Scottish Premier League (SPL) side, Kilmarnock FC, supersport.com can report.

Reuben has already made the trip to Scotland this week while Idris is expected to arrive in Ayrshire in a matter of days.

English manager, Tony Harris, who secured the move for the two players informed supersport.com that the transfer is more or less completed for both Nigerian internationals and also rubbished reports suggesting that Idris will undergo trials at Rugby Park.

"Everything is more or less finalised, both players have agreed a long-term contract at Kilmarnock. Regarding Papa Idris going on trials, that of course, is incorrect information, utter rubbish," said Harris to supersport.com on Wednesday.

Details of the contract for both players remain undisclosed as Harris did not want to comment further on this.

"Let's leave it there for now and perhaps you will learn more in due course," said Harris, when asked to disclose details of the agreed contract.

Both players have been key figures in the Nigerian national team since Stephen Keshi took charge as head coach in November 2011.

Reuben was a member of the team that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations though he did not play a game at the tournament owing to his suffering from chicken pox.

The midfielder was Man-ofthe-Match in two of Nigeria's games in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2013 AFCON qualifying against Malawi and Rwanda respectively.

His goal in Blantyre last year, secured a 1-1 draw for Nigeria against Malawi in a World Cup qualifying game.

Reuben also scooped two individual awards at the 2012 League Bloggers Awards (LBA) in Lagos as Player of the Season and Best National Team Player in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

He was also named in Goal.com's Top Five Nigerian Players in 2012 in second place behind Chelsea's John Obi Mikel.

Idris, a centre-back, missed this year's Afcon due to injury but has made a handful of appearances for the Nigeria's Super Eagles.

The defender captained Kaduna United to win the Federation Cup (formerly known as the Coca-Cola FA Cup) in 2010.

And last season, Idris helped Kano Pillars to win the top flight in Nigeria.

Kilmarnock are bolstering their playing personnel to help them challenge in the SPL. In February, they underscored their ambition by signing Kris Boyd, who is the highest

goalscorer in the history of Scotland's top flight with 164 goals.

The SPL club already have Nigerian midfielder, Rabiu Ibrahim in their squad.

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EAK Man-of-the-Match award winner, Kenneth Omeruo, whose performance was adjudged the best in Saturday’s Brazil 2014

•Super Eagles’ Defender Kenneth Omeruo (Center), receiving his Man-of-The-Match Award from Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke on Saturday. With them is a representative of Peak.

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•Gabriel Reuben

gradually finding his feet in the Super Eagles. He said this would spur him to perform better in subsequent matches.

The defender, whose sterling form during the match ensured he stemmed the incursions of the Kenyan captain, Dennis Oliech, won $5000 for his efforts courtesy of Peak, the Official Milk of the Nigerian national football teams and was presented with his prize shortly after the match.

Omeruo was selected Peak Man-of-the-Match by the accredited Nigerian journalists who covered the match live in Calabar on Saturday.

The 19-year-old Chelsea player who is on loan to ADO Den Haag of Holland explained that he is dedicating the award to his mother for the role she has continued to play in his career.

The match, characterised by tense moments, saw the Super Eagles waste many scoring chances as they struggled to

•NSB holds 18th annual Inter-House Sports

By Aluko-Olokun Abolaji and Babatunde Jeremiah also show the sporting talents inherent in them.

She said: “Sport therefore becomes even more important to a visually impaired person because it opens an avenue to do something more than the restricted mobility that loss of sight can cause.

“We have been encouraged over the years by the enthusiasm and the abilities of our students who have in the past been selected to join the Lagos state sports teams in different competitions,” she declared.

She further expressed her gratitude to the vice chancellor of UNILAG for subsidising the use of their facilities and called for massive support and sponsorship from individuals, organisations, and the government.

The former Nigerian international winger said he was not surprised that the four players made a seamless transition in training, since they were under his strict supervision back in Abuja.

“Of course, the four players that came along with me from Abuja had been training even while we were sorting out their travel arrangements, he said.

“Their arrival would boost competition amongst the players, which is a healthy development to the team.

Last Wednesday, the Golden Eaglets opened their account in Doha when they thrashed the Under-18 team of the Aspire Soccer Academy 7-1 in a friendly match.

Sale of tickets closes today

Nigerian disabled are talented, says Agbaje voluntary organisation, Nigerian Society for the Blind will hold its 18th Annual Inter House Sports competition for its students come April 4 at University of Lagos (UNILAG) Sporting Complex, Yaba Lagos.

The orgainisation, which has been in existence for 58 years, aims at assisting and promoting the general well-being of the blind and visually impaired, in order to rehabilitate them into the community.

The voluntary training centre which teaches mobility, braille, computer skills, Vocational subjects and Sporting activities, is embarking on the sporting activities to showcase talent in the physically challenged.

According to the Chairman of NSB; Biola Agbaje, while addressing the press at the training center in Lagos, the competition has become important for the students to have a feel of recreation and to

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HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised the coaching crew of the Golden Eaglets led

by Manu Garba, following the improvement in the team since their arrival at the Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar.

The team is finalising arrangement ahead of the Africa Junior Championship billed for April in Morocco.

Siji Lagunju of the Nigeria’s Football Federation (NFF) Technical Department, who accompanied the four players to Doha, admitted that the team has really improved technically.

“Nigerians are really expecting much from this team and I want to commend the technical crew.

FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP

Peak Man of the Match award excites Omeruo World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, has said the award is an indication that he is

NFF hails Garba Manu

“We also hope that individuals and organisations will sponsor promising students in sports training, both locally and abroad”.

“The consequent success of our Para-Olympians at the London games last year has proved that Nigeria has a contingent of talents in our disabled. It’s time to tap and harness these assets, 2016 is around the corner!” She exclaimed The two houses (Blue and Red) will participate in a total of 15 events which include; march past, 50 meters, 3-legged race, Shot put, Tug of war, Skittle game, walking race.

It will be recalled that four of the students were last year selected to represent Lagos State at the National Sports Festival in Port-Harcourt. The students are: Joshua Adekoya, Ope Adewale, Damilola Olawoyin, Sarah Omesah.

unlock the defence of their Kenyan counterparts. Nigeria, sharing a point each with Kenya at the end of 90 minutes, now has 5 points and still leads the group ahead of Malawi, Namibia and Kenya who are slugging it out with the country for the group’s sole ticket.

Oluwafemi Adeniba, Media Manager, Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, makers of Peak, in a statement shortly after the match, urged Nigerians not to entertain any fear as their darling team would return to its streak and surely qualify for the World Cup. He charged the Super Eagles to reach for their innermost strength and show to the world why they are the African Champions by winning the group’s ticket, stressing that the team would not lack support of any kind as Peak, their number one fan, will not waver in rallying behind them, to ensure they perform at their peak all the time and achieve favourable results.

“We are confident that the team will deliver the World Cup ticket and we will go all the way to support the team in its quest to do so. I say to the Eagles that it’s in you to excel.

The brand will continue to motivate all the national teams to perform well and win trophies for the country. Peak introduced the Man-of-theMatch award, among other initiatives, to promote competition among the players and stimulate them to put in their best to ensure success in all their games,” he said.

Peak, a long time sponsor of the national teams, has motivated them through different initiatives and rallied fans behind them to win their matches. The brand has reaffirmed its commitment to make the various teams fly the country’s flag high in all their engagements and also enrich the game passionately loved

by Nigerians.

IGERIA’S football family, government officials, NFF partners and other stakeholders interested in tickets and hospitality packages for FIFA Confederations Cup tournament in Brazil, have only until Thursday, March 28 to indicate their interest.

Last weekend, NFF’s director of marketing, Idris Adama said the NFF had long written to members of the football family in the country, as well as government institutions, its partners and other stakeholders to indicate their interest in these packages.

“We earnestly call on these persons and institutions to quickly indicate interest before the windows close on Thursday.

Once the windows close, they would not be re-opened, because we made FIFA to re-open in the first place, as a result of the circumstances that made our team the last to qualify for the tournament,” Adama reiterated onWednesday.

The NFF is collaborating with FIFA MATCH and Pamodzi Sports Marketing (PSM) the official Hospitality Agent of FIFA in Nigeria, with regards to providing excellent service delivery in

•Maigari

the areas of match tickets, accommodation, hospitality suites, local transportation, airport reception and official Nigeria T-shirts for interested Nigerians.

“By Thursday night, we will look at the number of individuals and institutions that have indicated interest and forward to them, the cost implication of the various services,” Adama stated.

Nigeria, champions of Africa, play Oceanian champions Tahiti, South American champions Uruguay and World and European champions Spain in that order, at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup that opens in Brazil on June 15.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

NEWS Court stops Pension Task Force chief Maina’s arrest Continued from page 2

have invited the applicant in the first place. A proper investigative committee must have been constituted in accordance with constitution.

The power to call for investigation by the Senate under Section 88(2) is predicated on a published resolution. The respondents have failed to produce or annex vital documents to their counter affidavit; they only exhibited the warrant of

arrest signed by the Senate President. The implication of not producing such vital documents means there is no evidence before me to show that investigation is going on the subject matter.

“The warrant of arrest was not validly issued. It is, therefore, set aside. Relief one is hereby granted, the respondents are perpetually restrained from arresting the applicant on account of the war-

rant arrest being set aside. I will only advise the applicant to submit himself to the Senate.”

Reacting to the judgement, Maina’s counsel, Mahmud Magaji, SAN, said the rule of law has prevailed.

He said: “We are not in any way challenging the powers of the Senate; neither are we encouraging anyone to be disrespectful to them. All we are saying is that, in the course of exercising their powers, the

rule of law must be allowed to prevail. We are only saying that the right thing should be done rightly”.

Asked if Maina’s absence in court was a confirmation of the news that he had fled the country, Magaji said Maina had only gone underground due to what he called the threat to his life. The lawyer said he was ready to produce the International passport of his client to prove that he never left the country.

Oluwole Awolowo dies in London at 70 Continued from page 2

late sage but was himself a major political figure, going by the prominent role he played in the Second Republic when he served meritoriously as a legislator in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“The entire people of Ogun State mourn the departure of

this illustrious son of our dear state. Our condolences go to the entire Awolowo family, particularly our dear mama, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo.

We pray that God Almighty will console and strengthen them at this time of grief. We also pray that God should grant the dead eternal rest.”

The pan-Yoruba socio-political group - Afenifere also mourned.

It described the death as a big pain and loss to followers of the late Chief Awolowo.

Afenifere, in a statement by its spokesman Mr Yinka Odumakin said: “The entire Afenifere family mourns the passing away of the scion of

our illustrious leader’s family,Chief Oluwole Awolowo.

“His death is a big pain and loss to all of us who are followers of the late sage. We pray that the Almighty will strengthen our Mama and the entire family in this difficult moment. May his amiable soul rest in perfect peace.”

Senate to Service Chiefs: stop security threats now Continued from page 2

gerians to danger”.

The source went on: “We wanted to know the challenges of the security agencies.

“We also wanted to know why despite huge appropriation of funds, insecurity and wanton destruction of lives and property continue every day.

“We had frank and fruitful interaction and in the days ahead, we expect some positive changes.”

After the meeting, Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba, moved that Senate President David Mark should report the progress.

The motion was promptly seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Ganiyu Solomon.

Mark simply said that the Senate was briefed on the security situation by Service

Chiefs.

He added that after the briefing, the Service Chiefs took questions from Senators.

Mark asked whether what he reported was a true reflection of what transpired at the closed door meeting.

The Senators chorused “yes”.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who was mandated by Mark to brief the press on what transpired at the meeting, said: “The Senate today devoted the entire plenary session and few other hours, a total of about six hours, to an interaction with the Service Chiefs and heads of other security agencies.

“The intention was to be able to find out what the problems are and also to be able to work with the security agencies to

bring the very serious security problems we have to a possible resolution.

“We are satisfied with the level of interaction and the commitment of the security agencies to making Nigeria a far safer nation.

“We are also calling on all Nigerians to cooperate with the security agencies in order to help us to resolve the issue.

“We promised that we will continue to have regular interactions with security agencies.

This is one of those interactions.”

Asked whether they reached some resolutions with the security agencies, Abaribe said that what they had was briefing from different security agencies without any resolutions reached.

He said it was not in the place of Senate agencies to reach resolutions with securi-

ty agencies.

“But we are satisfied with the level of interaction we had with the security agencies,” he said.

On whether they discussed policy changes, such as amnesty and change of tactics, the Senate spokesman said what they got was a briefing.

He insisted that any other option is a policy decision that should be made by the Presidency.

Abaribe noted that policy decisions are not made at briefing sessions.

On the lengthy session, he said it was informed by the issues involved.

He said the interaction was aimed at ensuring that at the “shortest possible time the security challenges facing the country would be resolved”.

The Senate adjourned plenary till April 16.

Nigeria may reduce troops as UN rolls out condition for intervention Continued from page 2

of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Yamoussoukro, Cote D’Ivoire where Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ibrahim Ola Sa’ad, led the debate on the conditions set by the United Nations before taking over.

“The stringent conditions include a battalion of 850 troops to be deployed by each contributing nation to which the CDS concurred.

“He, however, said that the correct status and standing of the Nigerian troops put at 900 has surpassed the UN ceiling.

“The permission of President Goodluck Jonathan will be sought to downsize with some logistics reduced to the UN requirements. He said those human capital and logistics will be handy to prosecute the internal security operations.

“The CDS said when the UN eventually takes over the mandate of the field operations of AFISMA, it will be a great relief to Nigeria in terms of funding of the operation in Mali.

Since the rebels struck in Northern Mali, over 412,000 Malians have fled the country and about five million are displaced.

The Security Council on December 20, 2012 authorised the deployment of an African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) for an initial period of one year.

Based on Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the UN Security Council mandated AFISMA to assist Mali in “recovering the areas in the North under the control of terrorists, extremists and armed groups and in reducing the threat posed by terrorist groups.”

But on Tuesday, the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon proposed a UN peacekeeping force for Mali.

He also recommended a “parallel” military force which would confront the radical Islamic sect in Northern Mali.

About 11,200 troops may be in the latest peacekeeping, which would cover major towns “assessed to be at highest risk,” Within the last three months of the engagement in Mali, AFISMA’s Command and Control Structure has changed twice from ECOWAS Mandate to African Union, which stipulated 650 as number of troops per contributing nation.

Bombs, rifles seized in Kano Continued from page 2

with Meine-Soroa, a town in Niger Republic.

Spokesman for the JTF in Yobe, Lt. Lazarus Eli disclosed in a statement that the incident occurred at about 5pm yesterday when the gunmen attacked a JTF location in Geidam town.

He stated that the attackers were sufficiently repelled by the JTF men who killed four of them.

The statement also revealed that three AK47 rifles, five rifles magazines and 72

rounds of 7.62 mm ammunitions were recovered from the insurgents.

The JTF statement assures all law abiding and peaceloving people of its unflinching commitment to restore peace in the state.

The renewed attack came two days after some unknown gunmen attacked the Bara Divisional Police Station in Gulani Local Government Area.

A police corporal was killed in the attack which left two telecom masts destroyed.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

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ello Uche, my wife and I have a great sex life. Infact, our sex life is a bit too good to be real. We have sex every day, sometimes up to three or four times a day.

But I cannot help but wonder if too much sex can negatively affect someone’s health? Thanks – James Dear James, most people will want to be in your shoes. For as long as there is proper lubrication and you and your wife take breaks between sexual sessions, then you are fine. There are no risks at all infact on the contrary, there are a whole lot of benefits to regular sexual intercourse and here are some of them: 1.

Reduction of Anxiety: A 2010 study published in the science journal Plus One, showed that regular sexual intercourse relaxes the body and reduces anxiety. In this study, the people who had the most sexual intercourse had lower blood pressure when performing stressful tasks.

2.

Increase in happiness: A 2004 study published in the American Economic review found that the happiest people were usually the ones who had the most sex. This is due to the happiness hormones endorphins, dopamine and serotonin released into the body during sexual activity to make us happy.

Considering how stressful our world is, happiness is a really big deal and hard to come by.

3.

Boosts Immunity: Studies have also shown that people who had regular sex had higher levels of the anti-body immunoglobulin A, a chemical which is one of the body’s first defences against infections.

4.

Soothes Your Pain: During orgasms, females are capable of much greater pain tolerance than at any other time in their daily lives. So sex is indeed a way to escape from mental and physical pain.

5.

Reduces Prostrate Cancer Risks: Studies have also shown that men with very active sex lives will benefit greatly when they get older because they stand a much lower risk of developing prostate cancer, a diseases quite common among older men.

So James, you have every reason to be happy with the regular sex you are having. It seems like you have a truck load of benefits coming your way both in the long and short term – Uche I have been married for 14years now and my husband and I hardly have sex anymore. I suspect he has a girlfriend. I know I am getting older but I want my husband to desire me again – Felicia Dear Felicia, he may or may not have a girlfriend. But let us focus on the things you can do to improve your love life. If you no longer have sex because you hardly feel like it, then you will need a libido booster like Cockstar For Women. If he is the one with libido problems, then he needs the Explosive Thunder supplement for men. If excitement is what is lacking in your relationship, movies can help you. Look for educational adult films such as Advanced Sexual Techniques and Positions and Great Sex for a Life Time. Having sex in unusual places and wearing the right Lingerie can also help revive sexual excitement in a relationship. Visit www.zeevirtualmedia.com for more sexual ideas – Uche I am a regular reader of your column and until recently, I could not perform for more than one round of intercourse. I heard about Explosive Thunder and tried it. Right now, I perform as many times as my wife wants and my erections are harder too. Keep it up Uche - Stanley I have never had an orgasm and that is why I don’t enjoy sex – Martha Martha with a Vibrator and an Orgasm Gel, an orgasm is the easiest thing in the world. Get these two and your sexual experiences will never be the same again – Uche That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/ novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

TODAY IN THE NATION

‘The man died, to borrow the title of Soyinka’s novel, yet the man lives. Men like Achebe don’t die because they have left works that will outlive them’

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 8 NO.2,441

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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HERE was a massive intellectual uproar in 1990s when Professor Samuel P. Huntington, a Harvard University Professor, in a lecture at The American Enterprise Institute first propounded a theory that the post-Cold War conflicts were going to be characterised by a clash of civilisations where people’s cultural and religious identities will be the primary source of conflicts. The lecture was in 1992. In 1993, he expanded the lecture in an article in FOREIGN AFFAIRS titled “THE CLASH OF CIVILISATIONS?” as if he was no longer sure of the applicability of the concept.

Finally in 1996, he further gave the concept a book-length treatment when he published a book titled: THE CLASH OF CIVILISATION AND THE REMAKING OF WORLD ORDER. Two preliminary points should be made at this point. The first is that academics don’t just wake up to start propounding theories out of idleness. Usually, it is in response to a stimulus, whether external or internal. In this particular case, Huntington was reacting to the end of the cold war, a war marked by ideological conflicts between capitalism and communism. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of Russian nationalism and other nationalism in Eastern Europe, scholars were divided into two camps.

There were those like Francis Fukuyama who saw this as the end of conflicts and others like Huntington who thought conflicts would simply find other sources.

It was in an attempt to find an intellectual basis to explain future conflicts that Huntington came up with the concept. As mentioned earlier, there were other scholars who were also involved in seeking to provide an explanation for what to expect. Francis Fukuyama’s concept was embodied in his own book titled, THE END OF HISTORY AND THE LAST MAN. His own point of view was that with the decisive defeat of communism by Western capitalism, the whole world was bound to embrace the tenets of Western capitalism and we would all sleep facing the same direction.

In a 20-minute lecture, I cannot do justice to an analysis of Fukuyama’s thesis. That would have to be for another day and another audience.

Huntington would not be the first person or scholar to use the phraseology. In 1990, Bernard Lewis had applied the phrase in his own article titled “THE ROOTS OF MOSLEM RAGE.” Even as far back as 1926, Basil Mathews had written a book titled “YOUNG ISLAM ON TREK: A STUDY IN THE CLASH OF CIVILISATIONS”.

Therefore as you can see, the phrase has an ancient pedigree. But that does not mean that it was and still is an accurate rendition of world history, then and now.

I decided to share my own views about the concept with you because I am fascinated by his classification of the world along civilisational lines and also because I believe it is a useful tool in understanding present-day conflicts in the world and in Nigeria.

What is a civilisation? A people with their belief system. It is that simple. Even though Huntington defines a civilisation as a cultural identity, I want to avoid the narrow connotation of the use of the term, culture, by preferring the elastic meaning implied in a belief system.

As its ancient pedigree implies, there has always been a clash or clashes of civilisations from when homo erectus transmitted into homo sapiens. As I have argued in a previous lecture, the first case of genocide resulted in homo sapiens wiping out homo erectus even though we know so little about the belief systems of both, whether they were compatible, the same or antagonistic. If you read the Bible as a historical document, you cannot but come to

OPEN FORUM By BOLAJI AKINYEMI

The clash of civilisations revisited

•Huntington

the conclusion that the wars between ancient Israel and the Philistines, Amorites, Assyrians etc were as a result of clashes of civilisations.

The wars between the British and the Benin kingdom, between the British and the Fulani Emirates, between the Oyo and Fulani empires were all manifestations of clashes of civilisations.

This is not to imply that all wars are civilisational wars. Civil wars by definition cannot and are not civilisational. This also does not mean that every war between two different civilisations deserves to be categorised as a clash of civilisation. The wars of Alexander the Great did not seek to impose Greek value system on conquered territories, neither did Ghenkis Khan seek to impose Mongolian value system on the territories he conquered.

What then is a war of civilisations? It is a war driven by the desire to impose a different system of cultural and religious values on others who hold on to a different system.

Therefore as a concept, it is sound.

According to Huntingdon, there are five major civilisations: 1.Western civilisation comprising the United States, Canada, Western and Central Europe, Australia and Oceania.

2.The Orthodox civilisation of the former Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece and Romania.

3The Eastern civilisation made up of Buddhist, Chinese, Hindu and Japonic civilizations.

4.The Muslim Civilisation of the Greater Middle East extending to Northern West Africa, Albania, Bangladesh, Brunei, Comoros, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan and Maldives.

5.The civilisation of Sub-Saharan Africa located in Southern Africa, Middle Africa (excluding Chad), East Africa (excluding Ethiopia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius and Tanzania), Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Then there are other groupings which are contentious: 1.Latin America which includes Central America, South America, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. They regard themselves as part of the Western civilisation although there

are slight variations in social and political structures from Europe.

2.The Anglo-Caribbean is regarded as an emerging quasi-civilisation.

3.Ethiopia and Haiti are regarded as cellular civilisations in the sense that they are lone countries.

4.Israel is another cellular civilisation even though embedded in western civilisation because of the attachment of the diaspora Jews.

There is another group of countries regarded as “cleft” because large portions of the population identify with different civilisations.

Examples are India (Hindu-Muslim), Ukraine (Eastern-rite Catholic-dominate western section versus Orthodox-dominated east), Benin, Chad, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Togo (Islam/SubSaharan Africa), Guyana and Surinanme (Hindu and sub-Saharan Africa), China (cleft between Sinic, Bhuddist, and the West in the case of Hong Kong and Macau) etc.

These are Huntingdon’s classifications which I endorse by and large because like any attempt to make order out of chaos, there are bound to be rough edges and imprecise classifications. I should add that I regard the Roman Catholic Church as a special specie of civilisation. It is only Roman Catholic countries like Ireland, like countries in Eastern Europe and in Latin America where the Church has clashed with governments, and where it is the governments who have been battered and bruised who will easily understand why I classify the Roman Catholic Church as a civilisation.

But much more important is the fact that mutations and fluctuations are the hallmark of human history. Right now, Huntingdon has identified five major civilisations. But Arnold Toynbee, that master historian of the world who wrote history in broad strokes as master painters like Dale, Van Gogh or Gaugin paint on broad canvasses, in his A Study of History, identified 21 major civilisations at that time. A Study of History is the 12-volume magnum opus of British historian Arnold J. Toynbee, which he started in 1934 and finished in 1961.The author traces the development and decay of all of the major world civilisations in the historical record. Toynbee applies his model to each of these civilisations, detailing the stages through which they all pass: genesis, growth, time of troubles, universal state, and disintegration.

The major civilisations, as Toynbee sees them, are: Egyptian, Andean, Sinic, Minoan, Sumerian, Mayan, Indic, Hittite, Hellenic, Western, Orthodox Christian (Russia), Far Eastern, Orthodox Christian (main body), Persian, Arabic, Hindu, Mexican, Yucatec and Babylonic. There are four ‘abortive civilisations’ (Abortive Far Western Christian, Abortive Far Eastern Christian, Abortive Scandinavian, Abortive

HARDBALL

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AST Saturday, rebels of the Seleka Coalition led by Michel Djotodia poured into Bangui, capital city of Central African Republic (CAR) to overthrow the government of President Francois Bozize. In the process, some 13 South African soldiers, members of a peacekeeping contingent, were killed. In announcing a takeover, however, Djotodia promised he would uphold a semblance of the power sharing deal under the Libreville Accord and ensure a three-year transition programme. In the interim, he said, he would rule by decree. But in spite of the massive rebel presence in Bangui, the Seleka Coalition has not been able to restore order or prevent looting and fighting in and around the capital city. Meanwhile, sources say that South Africa, miffed by the killing of its

AU apathetical to the CAR rebellion soldiers, is sending reinforcement to pacify the restive country of about five million people once governed by the notorious Emperor JeanBedel Bokassa between 1965 and 1979. Evidently, the problem of the beleaguered country, said to be one of the poorest in the world, is far from over.

In spite of the restoration of democracy in the country since 1993, CAR has never really enjoyed peace. Nearly right from its independence from France in August 1960, the country found itself reeling from one mutiny to the other or seething interminably with ethnic tension. The instability has gone on for decades

without the African Union (AU) proactively engaging the country to find a lasting solution to its crises. Instead, depending on the government in power, foreign forces had been invited to intervene. The foreign troops included the French, who are now guarding Bangui’s International Airport, Libyans, when Muammar Gaddafi was still in office, Chadians, and now South Africans. With a GDP (nominal) of $2.165bn and a per capita income of $456, CAR seems primed for a permanent crisis without a massive continental help to manage its problems, chief among which is its rollicking and unstable ethnic pastiche.

LAWAL OGIENAGBON

Syriac) and five ‘arrested civilisations’ (Polynesian, Eskimo, Nomadic, Ottoman, Spartan).

You will immediately notice that Tonybee’s work is deficient in his total ignorance of, and hence non-inclusion of African civilisations. In any case, his work shows that civilisations are not frozen in concrete but are in a state of flux.

Some will die out, some will be absorbed by more vibrant ones and some will absorb others.

On reflection, one obvious fact jumps out and that is that there is nothing actually new about the events crystallised under the rubric Clash of Civilisation. Those were precisely the clash called the Crusades at that time. That also confirms another Arnold Toynbee eternal truth that human history is marked by a cyclical pattern. What goes round, comes round.

Does that imply that there is an inevitability of conflicts or wars because of the existence of different civilisations? The answer has to be in the negative. For different civilisations to breed conflict, at least one of the civilisations must be driven by a global mission to achieve superiority over others, to deny others the legitimacy of existence and must possess a belief system that is not subject to change or mutation.

There are two ways to change a course of action.

It is either through superior force or through superior argument. Neither works against suicide bombing.

Boko Haram did not introduce the Clash of Civilisation into the Nigerian politics. This was done by the Dan Fodio incursion into Nigeria and the attendant Jihad. Nigerian politics since then has been coloured by this Clash of Civilisation. This clash cannot be resolved by western type elections. It can only be resolved by a GRAND CONSENSUS WORKED OUT BY THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, RELIGIOUS, CULTURAL, AND INTELLECTUAL ELITE ON THE PLATFORM OF A NATIONAL CONFERENCE It is this frightening possibility of a world crisis that cannot be subjected to the usual diplomatic processes of carrot-and-stick that underlay the intellectual criticism of Huntington’s work.

A more problematic issue is to what extent can we ascribe to the whole the belief system of the fundamentalist fringes? Does Al-Qaeda reflect the moslem faith? Do the Christian fundamentalist sects reflect the Christian faith? Or have these fundamentalist sects occupied the available space that the mainstream has become captives of the fringes.?

The answers have public policy implications.

We should not be complacent or panic. Somehow the world manages to survive it all.

(As an aside, in 2011, Mr. Jim O’Neili an outgoing Chairman of Goldman Sachs coined the term BRIC as the new global economic power. It was later amended to read BRICS —Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

There was a lot of wailing and gnashing of the teeth all over Nigeria as to the omission of Nigeria from the list. We were all determined to get into that group or go burst in the process.

Now we are told that we did not need to go through that flagellation. Mr. Michael Andrew, the global chairman of KPMG International says there is a new economic kid on the block that is making waves called MINT (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey).

•Akinyemi, a former External Affairs Minister, delivered this speech at the Metropolitan Club lunch in Lagos on March 19.

•Dapo Fafowora returns in a fortnight •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above It is time for the AU to redeem itself, notwithstanding decades of inaction in crises spots on the continent. The case of CAR is particularly delicate. It must not be allowed to deteriorate further. After watching Mali virtually disintegrate before something was done, and other parts of the continent such as Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, among others, bleed almost to death, could we hope that a few leaders would emerge in Africa to end the madness? The prospects are, however, not too good. Nigeria and South Africa, who are best placed to do something about the continent’s crises, are themselves hobbled by misrule and poor and visionless leadership. But in spite of these, it is time the AU ended its apathy to save CAR from destruction.

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