The Nation May 26 2011

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VOL. 6, NO. 1771 THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

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ESPITE yesterday’s passage of the N4.485 trillion 2011 Budget by the National Assembly, the controversy surrounding the 2011 Appropriation Amendment Bill may not be over yet.

Against President Goodluck Jonathan’s request after signing the bill – that in an amendment the projected expenditure of N4.971 trillion be slashed

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

Lawmakers pass N4.47tr amended budget From Onyedi Ojiabor and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

by N564 billion – the Senate and the House of Representatives raised the bar by N77.7 billion, reducing the estimate by N487 billion.

Both chambers passed a harmonised Appropriation

Amendment Bill of N4.485 trillion, thereby raising the presidential proposal by N77.68 billion.

The Senate gave the Amendment Bill a speedy passage.

The Bill went through the first, second and third reading quickly.

The N4.485 trillion budget comprises N417.8 billion for statutory transfer, N495 billion for debt servicing, N2.4 trillion for recurrent (non debt) expenditure and N1.147 trillion for capital expenditure.

The statutory transfer of N387.8 billion was increased

by N30 billion, recurrent expenditure of N2.4 trillion rose

by N23.7 billion, capital expenditure of N1.122 trillion went up by N23.9 billion.

A breakdown of the budget passed by the Senate yesterday also showed that the increment of the Statutory Transfer by N30 billion is ac-

N150.00 counted for by the increase of National Assembly fund to N150 billion against the N120 billion proposed by the President in the Amendment Bill.

The figure excludes the N1.59 billion provided in lieu of accommodation for the Seventh Session of the National Assembly under Service Wide Votes.

Continued on page 2

BATTLE FOR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP

ACN, CPC to stop Mark, Obasanjo’s man Ajibola W

ITH the inauguration of the new National Assembly just 13 days away, the battle for leadership is getting tougher.

Senate President David Mark is interested in keeping the seat. Some interests, including the Presidency, are believed to be pushing Muraina Saubana Ajibola, who is from Oyo State, for Speaker. Mark and Ajibola are of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ajibola is also seen as the

Anenih leads PDP’s push for ‘Jonathan’s candidate’ From Yusuf Alli, Gbenga Omokhunu and Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

candidate of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

But Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) hinted yesterday of a grand plan by opposition parties to

stop the PDP from foisting its candidates on the Assembly.

CPC chair Tony Momoh spoke in Abuja of an alliance of parties, such as the Action Congress of Nigeria (AC N), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and others, even as some PDP chiefs launched a sales drive for its agenda.

Momoh, who spoke to re-

Senate President explains his ambition

porters shortly after opening a one-day workshop for the party’s elected candidates, also dismissed insinuations that the CPC was against President Goodluck Jonathan’s inauguration on Sunday.

He said: “May 29th is an occasion that must come and go. Elections have been held,

results have been declared and Jonathan has been declared as President and CPC has gone to court to challenge it. But that does not mean that there would not be a swearing-in. We have nothing against the inauguration of the President.”

Momoh said the CPC believes in the rule of law and

would allow due process to prevail on its protest against the result of the presidential election.

“CPC is in court to challenge the result of the presidential election and if the court deems it fit to annul the polls, well Jonathan would be asked to go. The due process is that the elected president is sworn in and then if the court finds out that it was a flawed election, he would be removed,” Continued on page 2

Jonathan asks ministers to carry on From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

T

HE Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday held its last session but President Gooduck Jonathan did not dissolve the cabinet as widely expected.

He asked ministers to remain at their desks, until otherwise decided, even if “till last minute”.

The President is due to take another oath of office on Sunday after which he will reconstitute the cabinet.

Jonathan also held a valedictory session with his personal staff, praising them for their sacrifice to the nation while working with him.

The FEC session, which was presided over by Jonathan, reviewed the four years of the Yar’Adua/Jonathan administration.

Information and Communication Minister Labaran Maku told reporters what tranContinued on page 2

•Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesol (middle), his wife, Alhaja Serifat Aregbesola (third right), the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran (third left), wife of former Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu (second right), Deputy Governor Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (second left), ACN National Legal Adviser Muiz Banire and Prof. Siyan Oyeweso at the launch of a book, “Ijesa Icons and the making of Modern Nigeria” to mark Aregbesola’s 54th birthday at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, Osun State ... yesterday

•BUSINESS P15 •INDUSTRY P17 •EDUCATION P25 •N/HEALTH P47

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

NEWS Lawmakers pass N4.47tr amended budget Continued from page 1

•Calesthenic display by the school children during the reharsal ahead of Presidential Inauguration at Eagle Square, Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

The combined capital and recurrent expenditures showed that Education will get the highest allocation of N356.5 billion, defence (N348 billion), Police formation and commands (N295.7 billion).

The Health sector came fourth on the combined expenditures with N257.9 billion, Works (N182 billion), Interior (N142 billion).

On recurrent expenditure, Presidency is to get N27.3 billion, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) (N62.8 billion) and Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) (N50.9 billion).

Under capital expenditure, transport is to get N53 billion, Niger Delta (N51.9 billion)

ACN, CPC to stop Mark, Obasanjo’s man Ajibola Continued from page 1

Momoh said.

When asked to comment on the raging debate over the ranking procedure adopted by the PDP-dominated National Assembly to choose principal officers, Momoh flayed the idea, saying CPC would work to stop the plan.

“What I can tell you is that CPC will co-operate with other members of the opposition in the National Assembly to decide on the way forward. On the day of voting, opposition will decide where to go. We are working together with other opposition parties to decide who the principal officers will be,” he said.

Speaking in a similar vein, newly elected House member, representing Nasarawa Federal Constituency in Kano state, Mallam Narisu Ali Ahmed, said the argument behind the ranking procedure was untenable. Among the new lawmakers are highly experienced technocrats and persons with proven integrity who can perform any function assigned to them creditably, he said.

Speaking to the party’s elected members, Momoh enjoined them to ensure the supremacy of the constitution in all that they do.

Describing the elected members as “Storm troopers” of CPC, Momoh urged them to work for real change in governance and not to be part of the ills of the society.

Also in Abuja, a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, the party’s acting National Chairman, Dr. Haliru Bello Mohammed, and some members of the

Senate President explains his ambition

S

ENATE President David Mark yesterday spoke on his ambition to keep his job, saying his aspiration is due to popular demand.

He spoke at the conferment of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) national award of Most Outstanding Performance on Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Mark’s deputy.

Mark said he was in the race to consolidate the gains of his achievements and promote people-oriented legislations.

He promised to use the next four years, if elected senate president, to promote legislations that would further stabilise Nigeria’s democracy and improve on the living conditions of Nigerians.

According to him, the seventh senate will continue with constitution amendment under the chairmanship of the deputy senate president.

Mark explained that the Senate enjoyed stability in the last four years as a result of the good working relationship between him and Ekweremadu.

He called for support for the “joint ticket” with Senator Ekweremadu to carry on at the helm of Senate affairs during the inauguration of the seventh Senate for June 7.

Mark said: “When I indicated my interest to contest for the presidency of the Senate, this time around, I did not hesitate to ask him to come again as the Deputy President

National Working Committee (NWC) last night met with members-elect of the House.

The meeting was part of steps by the Presidency to woo the members-elect to support Ajibola.

Another group, which is opposed to Ajibola’s ambition, met with some members-elect at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, seeking support for a candidate from the Northwest.

The session with the Anenih group recorded a low turnout; but the Luxury Hotel meeting was well-at-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

of the Senate and I believe that with the joint ticket, we will succeed.

“I worked very closely with Senator Ekweremadu from 2003 when he first came into the Senate and I recognised him as a very brilliant young man. He was a committee chairman on and off, but he was never discouraged even when he was not in a very important committee or when it appeared as if he was not being given a chance he still maintained that calmness. A very courageous person anytime he spoke on the floor of the Senate, it was obvious he was very conversant with the rules and was a very knowledgeable, articulate and an erudite speaker.”

Ekweremadu promised faster amendment to the 1999 Constitution.

He said “The National Assembly is not yet done with the Constitution review. It is work in progress. We only concentrate on certain areas such as provisions regulating the electoral system to put them in order in accordance with the popular wish of Nigerians before the elections.”

The Chairman of the NUJ, Organising Committee, Mr Amos Dunia, in an opening remark said the nomination of the deputy senate president for the award came after wide consultations. He said Ekweremadu’s role as the chairman of the review committee was most outstanding.

tended.

The PDP leaders met with the House members-elect in Maitama District.

Anenih and Mohammed rode in the same SUV to the meeting at about 8.20pm.

It was gathered that the session, which was attended by Ajibola, was aimed at urging PDP members-elect to back President Jonathan’s candidate.

There were indications that Anenih was also using the opportunity to seek support for his political godson, Hon. Friday Itulah, who is believed to be interested in becoming

the House Leader.

A member of the House at the meeting said: “The meeting was all in support of zoning; we want zoning to be respected.

“The party leaders have told us that Ajibola is the official candidate of the President and the PDP. They said we must do everything to abide by the party’s decision to concede the speakership to the Southwest.

“They asked us, especially returning members, to ensure that the Open-Secret Voting System in electing a new Speaker is reversed by the

House.

“We have already set up state co-ordinators to mobilise members-elect for Ajibola. That is what the President wants.”

Also yesterday, Speaker Dimeji Bankole told new members-elect to be wise in their choice of his successor.

Bankole spoke to the members-elect when they visited him. He said: “The next thing to do is to elect your new leadership. Be wise about it; at the end of the four years; the end matters.”

The spokesman of the new members-elect, Abdul Mumuni Jubril, said the visit was to share the Speaker’s experience and learn how best to work in the 7th National Assembly.

He said they expected the leadership to have organised an interactive session between the new members and the principal officers, but they took the initiative in the absence of such an arrangement.

The new members’ meeting with the Speaker lasted for over an hour.

Also yesterday, the ambition of Deputy Whip of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, to become speaker suffered a setback. The lawmakers from the Northeast rejected his ambition.

Speaking with reporters yesterday, the Northeast Zonal Caucus in the House said they were standing by the arrangement of political offices at the national level, which puts deputy speaker in their zone.

Chairman of the Northeast zonal caucus Hon. Anthony Madwattte said the caucus met on Tuesday and resolved to maintain the status quo.

and Power (N87 billion).

While pensions and gratuities will get N154.7 billion, N98 billion is for Presidential Amnesty Programme. Increase in pension rates (N25 billion). Increase in Minimum Wage for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) (N5b).

Presenting the report to the Senate yesterday, the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, Senator Iyiola Omisore said: “The President assented to the bill. However, the executive observed that the deficits projected in the budget proposal submitted to the National Assembly needs to be reduced by minimising the domestic borrowing components to give the economy a breathing space.”

“In response to the above, the Senate Committee on Appropriation in collaboration with the House counterpart and the Federal Ministry of Finance reviewed the budget downwards in line with its agreed benchmark,” he added.

Senate President David Mark said: “I will tell the executive arm that as we have passed the amended budget, they should be able to implement it in full.”

The House of Representatives also raised the Appropriation Amendment Bill by N77 billion.

Jonathan had on Tuesday sent the bill of N4,407,052, 300,582 to the House for consideration and passage.

But the House passed the sum of N4,484,736, 684, 992 as the total budget for the country.

The Budget passed by the National Assembly in March was deserted by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, as not implementable.

The President prevaricated over signing the Appropriated passed by the National Assembly but eventually endorsed it on Monday.

Continued from page 4

•Dr Jonathan

Jonathan asks ministers to carry on after valedictory session Continued from page 1

spired at the session.

Maku said: “The last council meeting has been held but the Federal Executive Council remains. It has not been dissolved.” He said the meeting was exciting and showed a unity of purpose.

Maku said ministers expressed gratitude to the President for giving them the opportunity to serve the nation. He said they spoke in

turn, praising the President for his “legendary humility and patience” and for steering the ship of nation aright since he assumed office last year.

He said ministers also spoke about Jonathan’s leadership and the actions he took one of which was the recent internationally-acclaimed credible general elections which has restored the honour and dignity of Nigeria at home and abroad.

“One after other, council members took turns to point out the sterling qualities of President Jonathan particularly his legendary humility and patience and yet his deep judgement and wisdom when the nation was in crisis. Everybody admitted that this President has been acknowledged for less than his worth and service to the nation, but all of us believe in him and we believe also that this nation has not made a

mistake by giving him their unanimous national mandate.”

He said the ministers advised the President on key national issues. “Council members believe that our country is standing at the threshold of history, a moment for it to move forward as a nation.”

While hosting his aides, Jonathan expressed heartfelt appreciation to them and their spouses for their sacri-

fice, dedication and service in the past four years.

The President gave them a “thank you” lunch at the State House. He said, “the primary reason for hosting you all here is to express my appreciation to you for the dedicated service you rendered in the past four years.

I want to specially thank your spouses who endured your long absence during the long hours we work here.”

The President said the

shared experiences of the past four years united them into one family, “till death do us part”.

Chief of Staff to the President Mike Oghiadomhe said the privilege of serving the nation in different capacities enabled them all to see “the simplicity, patience, humility, diligence, strong character and desire for perfection of the President and learn a new focus in public service and good governance.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

3

NEWS Badejo seeks review of NYSC

By Seun Olalude

THE immediate past General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Pastor Wilson Badejo, has called for a review of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, following the killings of Corps members in the North.

Badejo said the scheme should be overhauled.

He spoke at a press briefing ahead of his 64th birthday.

The cleric also spoke about the Wilson Badejo Foundation (WBF), which he lauched in May 2007.

He said teh foundation was started to improve the lot of the less privileged.

Pastor Badejo, who said he was one of the first set of Corps members, lamented that Corps members no longer enjoyed the pecks aassociated with it in his time.

His words: “In my time, I served between the Nigeria and Cameroun borders, which I enjoyed. But today, corps members are no longer enjoying, instead their lives are a ransom.The post election period has become a period of mourning as a result of the wanton killing of 10 youth Corps members during their national service. This is a personal loss to me, having belonged to the first set of graduates that served in the National Youth Service Corps in 1974.

My heart goes out to all the families of these national heroes. It is my fervent prayer that our expectations of all our youths shall never be cut off again.”

He urged the Federal Government to provide security for Corps members.

He said the WBF has awarded scholarships to two categories of peopleundergraduates in tertiary institutions and students of thoelogical seminary. Badejo added that the organisation has also sponsored 46 students in vocational training .

Badejo urged government to support organisations in eradicating poverty from the country.

The foundation’s fourth annual lecture, according to Pastor Badejo, comes up tomorrow at the Lecture Hall, Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, Prof. Adebowale Adefuye as guest speaker.

COUNT DOWN TO MAY 29 He planned to commence the inauguration of his projects immediately after the swearing in on May 29. But, fate played a fast one on Governor Aliyu Akue Doma on April 26 when he lost his come-back bid, writes JOHNNY DANJUMA, LAFIA

Doma’s unfulfilled dreams in Nasarawa ‘ W HEN Alhaji Tanko Almakura indicated interest in becoming the governor of Nasarawa State, not a few thought the hotelier was out to waste his money.

Reason: he was up against a sitting governor, who needed not worry about campaign funds.

Almakura later pitched his tent with the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Not a few expected him to burn his finger.

Expectedly, the 2011 governorship election left a scar, but not on Almakura. Instead, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bore the brunt.

The scar will remain with the party for a long time.

The big loser is no other than the second governor of the state, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma.

He believed that his second term was as sure as the sun rising from the east to the west. But, he lost.

The man has realised that everything that he put into the fight has gone with the wind and is reeling in pains of the aftermath of his defeat in the hands of an opposition party that was barely seven months old in a state that he ruled for four years.

He has filed a petition before the tribunal, seeking to nullify Almakura’s election.

This step is seen as wrong by many people because the governor had initially accepted defeat and congratulated the governor-elect.

Next Sunday, Almakura will be sworn in as governor. There are speculations that Doma may not attend the inaugural ceremony of his successor.

Sources close to the Government House said security reports indicate that youths may embarrass him at the occasion because of what they termed his under performance.

It is, indeed, not a good ending for a governor who had the opportunity to make a difference.

He worked with a House of Assembly that was not ready to rock the boat. The lawmakers were ever willing to “work” with Baba, as some called him.

He also did not have a problem with party men. His was largely a peacefuul reign. Doma is, however, believed not to be a happy man, not because he is leaving, but because he left

Throughout his tenure, he did not inaugurate any project. Not that he did no projects, but he did not commission any. No project in the state bears any sign that it was commissioned by Akwe Doma.

Believing that he will return to office, the governor had lined up some projects which he planned to complete and commission in the first few months of his planned second term

‘

many things undone.

Throughout his tenure, he did not inaugurate any project. Not that he did no projects, but he did not commission any. No project in the state bears any sign that it was commissioned by Akwe Doma.

Believing that he will return to office, the governor had lined up some projects which he planned to complete and commission in his first few months of his planned second term.

One of such projects is the Lafia Market, which was started by his predecessor, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu. The market is almost completed. It only remains landscaping and access roads around the market located at Lafia East Central School for it to be ready for commissioning.

Another project, which Doma loooked forward to commissioning is the Lafia Roundabout.

Doma also planned to commission the surfacedressing of some rural roads, which he started

• Doma

early in his administration. Some of the roads are nearing completion.

The House of Assembly Complex is almost completed.

Most likely, the projects will be commissioned

by Almakura, who has promised better years ahead for the people. He said the last four years had been one of misgovernance. Dividends, he said, will come in abundance.

For Doma, his petition at the tribunal will keep him in the news beyond May 29, but, the fact is: he is leaving with regrets.

AU: Falana wrong to approach African Court

•Falana

T

HE African Union (AU) has told the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, Tanzania that human

rights lawyer Femi Falana was wrong to have approached it over violation of his human rights.

The AU was responding to the Application brought against it by Falana.

Falana had argued in his Application that he was denied “access to the African Court due to the failure of Nigeria to make a declaration accepting the competence of the Court to accept individual cases against Nigeria.”

He also alleged violation of his right to participate in the government of his coun-

try; right to the public services, and freedom from discrimination.”

The African Union (AU) said: “The applicant fails to state a claim against the African Union either in law or in fact upon which any relief may be granted. The AU is not a party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights nor the protocol establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”

The AU also argued that “no case can be brought against it for obligations of Member States under the Af-

rican Charter and the African Court protocol. Besides, the Applicant has not shown any traceable causal connection whatsoever between the AU and his lack of access to the African Court. There is, therefore, no case between the applicant and the AU to be decided by the Court.”

The AU said it is “not entitled to submit cases to the Court. We submit that it is the sovereign right of its member states to make declaration at the time of the ratification of the African Court Protocol accepting the com-

petence of the Court to receive cases from NGOs with observer status and individuals before the Commission.”

The AU said:“The Applicant’s right to participate in the government of his country, to equal access to the public service and to access to public property and services has nothing to do with the AU. Even if the applicant has a right of access to the Court, (which is denied), he should have exhausted the local remedies in Nigeria as required by the African Court Protocol.”

Court grants ex-BankPHB MD Atuche, associates bail

A

LAGOS State High Court, Ikeja, yesterday granted former Managing Director of BankPHB Mr Francis Atuche bail.

He was accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of stealing the bank’s N11 billion.

Also allowed temporary freedom are Mr Funmi Ademosun and Mr Lekan Kasali, separately arraigned with Atuche on conspiracy to commit felony and stealing changes.

Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo granted Atuche bail on the existing conditions upon which he was temporarily freed by a Federal High Court (FHC)

By Joseph Jibueze

on another charge by the EFCC. The judge said he was satisfied that Atuche fulfilled the conditions of bail granted him by the court, that he did not jump bail, that he continued to attend trial, and that there was no evidence that he interfered with witnesses to warrant denying him bail.

“I hereby order that the applicant should continue on the bail granted him at the FHC on the 9th of November 2009. I see no reason to impose fresh conditions except to add that

he should deposit his international passport with the EFCC if he has not done so.

“The document must under no circumstances be released to him without the express permission of this court,” Justice Onigbanjo ruled. Atuche is also to report to the EFCC on every first working day of the month.

The judge fixed June 13 for argument on the Notice of Preliminary Objection filed by the former bank chief in which he is challenging the court’s jurisdiction to try him.

Justice Onigbanjo also granted Ademosun and Kasali bail in the sum of

N50million each, with two sureties in like sum. They were ordered to deposit their international passports with the EFCC. One of their sureties must own substantial landed assets valued at N50million in Lagos or Abuja, must be a public servant in the employment of the Federal or Lagos State Government and must show evidence of three years’ tax payment clearance.

Both are to be remanded in Ikoyi Prison until they perfect their bail conditions. Ademosun’s application urging the court to quash the charges (information) against him has been fixed for hearing on June

13.

Justice Onigbanjo held that EFCC did not furnish it with evidence to show that the defendants would interfere with witnesses, adding that they did not jump the administrative bail EFCC granted them.

There was a mild drama when Ademosun’s lawyer, Mr O. A. Fasugba, asked the court to order the EFCC to keep the defendant in its custody for at least one more week until he fulfils his bail conditions.

But EFCC counsel, Deacon Dele Adesina (SAN) objected, saying: “I don’t think the complainant (EFCC) should continue to be saddled with this

additional responsibility. The EFCC has no intention of keeping them. I see no reason why they cannot fulfill their bail conditions today if they hurry.

“We’re not interested in keeping them. It is costly. It is expensive.” It was at this point that court said the Ademosun should be kept at the prison instead.

Adesina also refused to accept Atuche’s International Passport being handed him by the defendant’s counsel, Mr Rickey Tarfa (SAN). Adesina said EFCC did not authorise him to receive it. He said Atuche should personally take it to EFCC’s office.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

4

NEWS

Army, police disagree over Badagry killings F

RESH facts emerged yesterday on how two senior police officers were killed in Badagry, Lagos. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Badagry Police Station, Mr Suliman Samuel, a Chief Superintendent and the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), Mr Samson Okedusi, were killed by people suspected to be soldiers on Tuesday.

But the Army spokesman Brig-Gen.

Raphael Isa said no soldier was involved in the killings.

It was gathered that the incident that led to the deaths began around 5am after they reportedly received reports that some soldiers were attacking policemen on their way to work.

The deceased DPO was said to have called the Commanding Officer of the 242 Battalion Barracks, Lt.Col. Labasa to report the matter to him and he promised to look into it.

But by 9am on that fateful day, a police Inspector , who used to work as an armourer at the Badagry Division, but on deployment to another police station, was allegedlyattacked by soldiers at the Round-about while returning home from a night duty shift.

Though badly wounded, he was reportedly saved by some residents who told the DPO what happened.

The DPO called the Commanding Officer to inform him. He was invited to the barracks so that they could go on a fact-finding mission together.

Obviously to avoid attention, the late Samuel decided to go to the barracks in his private car with his DCO and the Operation Officer, Mr Afolabi Taofeek, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

It was the DCO that drove the DPO’s car. According to a police source, when they were approaching the barracks, they saw that a police patrol vehicle had been set ablaze in front of the barracks.

Sensing danger, they decided to make a detour, but they were sighted by some soldiers in mufti who pursued their vehicle and opened fire on them.

In the ensuing confusion, the DCO was hit by a bullet on the chest. He lost control of the vehicle which ended up in a ditch, a source said.

The source added that the DPO and the Ops Officer were struggling to escape when the soldiers seized them and shot sporadically at the DPO. They even inflicted matchete cuts on his head. While the Ops Officer managed to escape with wounds, the DPO and his DCO died on the spot.

Investigation revealed that the soldiers that killed the police officers prevented the people from taking

ACN slams police, military

F

OR the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the policemen and the military personnel involved in the Badagry inter forces face-off have behaved like mere militia groups, rather than the disciplined forces they are supposed to be when some policemen killed a soldier and the soldiers avenged by killing two senior police officers.

In a statement yesterday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also slammed the leadership of both forces for their failure to ensure their men are disciplined enough not to engage in such extra-judicial killings and lawless acts, which have disgraced Nigeria before the comity of nations.

Specifically, the party criticised the Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, for opting not to visit the scene where the killings took place, even though he was in Lagos when they occurred. ‘’The police boss should have taken time off to visit the scene where three of his men, including two senior officers, were killed in cold blood after they were lured into a supposed peace meeting. For the IGP, no assignment can be more important than the well-being of the men and women who serve in the force.”

The party traced the disgraceful behaviour and classic cases of indiscipline by some men of the police and the military, which led to the Badagry killings, to the fact that policemen and soldiers have become used to turning their guns against innocent civilians, with little or no consequences for the killers.

It said: “Hundreds of Nigerians have been killed or maimed by policemen and soldiers, with most of them getting away with murder. This is why they are now emboldened to turn the guns, given to them by taxpayers to protect the people, against themselves. ‘’Had the leadership of these forces taken concrete measures to stop extra-judicial killings by their men, the incident in Badagry would not have happened. The latest killings have been played up because policemen and soldiers are involved. We must do everything possible to stop extra-judicial killings, whether the victim is a (popular Lagos urban buss) driver or an army General.”

The party challenged the leadership of the police and the military to act urgently to ensure that the senseless killings in Badagry are never repeated and to also take measures to ensure that their men behave like their counterparts, who would not take innocent lives in other dimes for whatever reason. ‘’If the only thing that comes out of the Badagry killings is that innocent Nigerians will never again be mowed down in cold blood by trigger-happy policemen and soldiers, those who were killed in that moment of madness will not have died in vain,’’ the party said.

•The late Okedusi From Dele Anofi Abuja and Jude Isiguzo

away their bodies.

The bodies were, however, removed and taken to the mortuary at the Ikeja General Hospital around midnight by some policemen.

An report said the incident that led to the Sunday shooting was caused by the soldier, who was later identified as a Staff Sergeant. It was gathered that he refused to stop when the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) policemen tried to stop him.

One of the policemen was reported to have hit him with a baton as he rode on his motorcycle The soldier put a call through to his colleagues and minutes later, two OP MESSA vehicles arrived at the scene and in a commando style,the soldiers attempted to attack the policemen who were also battle-ready with their corked guns.

It was learnt that the said soldier walked up to one of the policemen and tried to disarm him. It was while they were struggling for the riffle that the trigger went off and hit the soldier on the leg.

Amilitary officer, who came to the scene with the commanding officer after the incident, threatened to order his men to kill all policemen in the area, but his boss stopped him.

Since the incident occurred on Sunday, the Army has taken control of security in the area.

“The soldiers have three of the policemen who were involved in the shooting in their custody. Why would they go ahead to kill innocent police officers?, some police officers asked.

But the Army has absolved its men of complicity in the killings.

Lawmakers pass N4.47tr amended budget

Tribunal to rule on Jonathan’s inauguration

T

HE Presidential Election Petition Tribunal will tomorrow rule on whether President Goodluck Jonathan will be sworn-in on Sunday for a fresh term in office.

It will hear a petition filed by Hope Democratic Party (HDP) seeking the stoppage of the swearing –in ceremony pending the determination of its petition.

Already,an elaborate programme of activities that will culminate in the swearing in of the President on Sunday has begun.

About 40 Heads of States and Governments have been invited and no fewer than N850 million will be spent on the events. Monday has also been declared a public holiday to enable Nigerians celebrate the installation of the new administration.

The HDP wants the election quashed on the grounds that the

From Kamarudeen Ogundele and Fatima Abubakar, Abuja

April 16 presidential election did not comply with the Electoral Act 2010 as amended and the 1999 Constitution.

The party asked the Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, to stop the swearingin of Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo pending when the petition against them will be determined.

Jonathan, who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the election with over 22 million votes to his closest rival, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s around 12 million votes.

Chief Ambrose Owuru contested on the platform of the HDP. The HDP which made the request in an application filed yesterday also

It was before the commencement of the joint investigative panel constituted on the directive of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Onyeabo Ihejirika to unravel the circumstances leading to the death of the two officers.

The Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen. Raphael Isa, said in Abuja yesterday that no soldier, was involved in the killings.

Inventory of ammunition would have exposed the culprit by now, he added.

He said: “Let me state categorically clear that no Nigerian soldier was involved in that incidence in Badagary.

“As a follow up to a preliminary investigation conducted yesterday by the Commander Brigade at Ikeja and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, we are aware now that the preliminary investigation has not been able to reveal the perpetrators of that heinous act, so a joint investigation has been ordered by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in conjunction with Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to probe the incidence”.

On the non-involvement of the soldiers, the DAPR said records would have revealed the suspect, if it were to be a soldier. “Again, all soldiers were confined to the barracks as at the time the incident was reported, that is, they were being addressed by the Commanding Officer at that time. So, there was no case of having a soldier outside the

barracks at that time let alone accusing him of shooting someone.

He said: “Soldiers of the NA do not have ammunition to waste unaccounted for and so if a soldier shoots anybody outside, he must account for that ammunition when he goes back. We don’t waste our ammunition, they are accounted for.

“That is to say, truly, if a soldier did the shooting, then the soldier must be known by now. It means there will be shortfall in the allocation of his ammunition.”

He also faulted the manner of the killings, saying, “soldiers do not go matcheting after shooting somebody dead. Reports we got was that the bodies of the deceased were matcheted. It is not our training”.

Besides, he pointed out that there was also a report of bloody civil unrest that morning in Badagry by truck drivers association and the police around Gbagi Police check point on Badagary-Seme express way which the police handled that morning.”

Though he refused to divulge the terms of reference and timeline for the conclusion of the investigation, the spokesman assured that the information would be made available soon.

Underscoring the fact the Nigerian Army has always been professional in its conduct within and outside the barracks, the army spokesman noted that it was not characteristic of the Army to carry our reprisal attack on account of an earlier killing of an army Sergeant at a check point by the police.

His words: “Such would never happen as a matter of fact; there are over 160 police families living in the barracks. Our relationships have always been cordial and it will remain cordial.

“When the staff sergeant was shot by a policeman around Badagry roundabout some days ago, it will interest you to know that the men of Operation MESA, mostly Nigeria Army personnel, were at a very close range and rather than taking laws into their hands, they only arrested those who opened fire and killed the soldier.

“As event unfolds, it will also interest you to know that those suspects were still being held, they are safe, the suspects are still there.

The late DPO enlisted into the Nigerian Police Force as a Cadet ASP 21 years ago after graduating from the University of Sokoto with a degree in English Language. He also had a Masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos.

•Dr. Jonathan

asked the tribunal to issue an order of mandatory injunction directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend and withdraw the certificate of return already issued to Jonathan and Sambo as President elect and Vice President elect.

Continued from page 2 He, however, forwarded the Appropriation Amendment Bill which reduced the figure from N4.971 trillion to N4.407 trillion.

He specifically slashed the National Assembly vote which the lawmakers fixed at N232 billion to N120 billion, a reduction of N112 billion.

The House also jerked up the National Assembly vote from N120 billion to N150 billion as it was down at the Senate.

The House also awarded additional N1 billion to the Presidency bringing the total to N27.283 billion instead of N26.583 billion contained in the amendment bill.

In the same vein, the lawmakers gave additional N4 billion to the Office of the SGF bringing the total to N62.750 billion instead of N57.604 billion contained in the amendment bill.

The Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Ayo Adeseun presented the report of the House Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance.

He said: “This House do receive the report of the Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance on a Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N4,484,736,684,992 only of which the sum of N417,824,288,743 only is for statutory transfer and the sum of N495,096,682,115 only is for Debt Service while the sum of N2,425,065,124,967 only is for recurrent (Non Debt) expenditure and the balance of N1,146,750,553,167 only is for Development Fund for capital expenditure for the year ending on 31st December 2011.”

There was not much debate as the money bill received accelerated treatment and was passed without further amendment.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

5

NEWS

My ordeal in the hands of Oyinlola’s men, by Aregbesola

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OVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola yesterday narrated his ordeal in the hands of his predecessor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, at the public sitting of the Osun State Truth and Reconcilation Commission.

Chairman of the eight-man panel Justice Samson Uwaifo chided Oyinlola for refusing to appear before the commission to testify on series of allegations bordering on human right abuses against him.

Aregbesola accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of imposing his “agents on the Southwest through do or die politics.”

Describing Obasanjo as “irresponsible, reckless and intolerant,” Aregbesola said: “it is madness for any political leader to sponsor or engineer violence of any kind against the people.”

He said Oyinlola lacks respect for humanity and is intolerant of opposition, which is lawful in a democracy and should be allowed.

Aregbesola narrated his travails from the moment he began consulting leaders across the 30 local governments in 2005 on his plan to contest the 2007 Governorship Election.

He said series of coordinated and state-sponsored attacks were launched against him and his supporters.

Aregbesola said: “My movement became a subject of intensive surveillance, while unfriendly attacks were launched at my person physically, psychologically and verbally. They include the following: “April 16, 2005: The failed attempt to abort the launch of Oranmiyan, our campaign organisation in Osogbo, the state capital.

The venue was fixed for Osogbo Township Stadium, but as soon as our programmes were put in place, the Oyinlola government deployed brute force, through the police, to stop the event from taking place.

“Many of our supporters were prevented from entering Osogbo.

As the news spread rapidly, more people amassed for the programme and a major confrontation almost ensued.

“As the leader of the movement, I was to be prevented from entering Osogbo. But for a smart decoy, the police, acting on Oyinlola’s orders, would have arrested me as

•Panel sees video of ex-governor’s driver stoning convoy From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

soon as I entered Osogbo. The Oyinlola-led administration undeservedly aborted our rally.

Were it not for sheer determination, our democratic rights would have been curtailed under the guise of state security.”

Aregbesola also testified that opposition members were verbal assaulted during Oyinlola’s administration, saying: “it is important to call your attention to the undignified use of language by Oyinlola since he became Governor in 2003.

His conduct and utterances can easily provoke even the docile to anger and revolt.

“Take for example our campaign organisation, Oranmiyan, which means ‘I am triumphant’ in english. Oyinlola, on the State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) network, referred to us as ‘Oranmiran,’ meaning ‘another calamity.’

“While you may want to consider this as a simple inter-play of politics and sarcasm, it was an unrefined use of an unbecoming one-liner laced with crude abuse of the cultural heritage of our people by a man, who was supposed to be the epitome of cultural strength of the people of Osun State.

“Oyinlola’s attempt to vulgarise it was an attempt in self-immolation. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade II, chided him for that.

“Oyinlola also punned the name of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) candidate in the rigged 2004 local government election in Iwo, Alhaji Razaak Salinsile, as ‘Sanasile,’ meaning ‘set the house on fire,’ a coinage that gave an entirely different meaning to the cherished Yoruba name.

“There are several instances showing that Oyinlola had no respect for other people, or in any case, not sensitive enough to their feelings. “Oyinlola was clearly intolerant of the opposition, which in a democracy is lawfully nurtured and allowed to fledge in the overall interest of the governed.”

Aregbesola mentioned the assassination of Sulaimon HassanOlakojo, on May 16, 2005, a major financier of his campaign. He also

spoke on the first attempt on his life on May 25, 2005, when his friends organised a birthday rally at an open ground opposite International Breweries, Ilesa, to commemorate his 48th birthday.

Aregbesola said: “As we were going to the venue in a convoy, Wale Oni, a well known rough neck on Oyinlola’s pay roll and exDeputy Governor Erelu Olusola Obada led a gang of dare-devil men, wielding guns, pick axes and other deadly weapons and attacked our convoy.

“Using the axes, the thugs ripped off a section of my campaign bus at the exact side I used to sit. The clear intention of the murderous gang was to scythe me to death.

“When they discovered I was not on the bus, the thugs went berserk and pounced on occupants of the vehicle.

“The leader of the gang, Oni, was arrested and handed over to the police. He was released shortly after on the order of Erelu Obada.

Needless to say Oni has since then become the ‘Lord of the Manor’ at his Irojo Quarters residence in Ilesa. He is untouchable, feared, loathed, ruthless and above the law. Not a whimper of this dastardly act was heard again.”

On Oroki Day, 2006, Aregbesola testified that another attempt was made to assassinate him.

He said: “The Osogbo Progressive Union (OPU), under the leadership of Alhaji Adekilekun Badmus, invited me as a Special Guest of Honour to the 2006 edition of Osogbo Oroki Day. Oyinlola’s security details prevented me from taking my seat. I decided to leave, but on my way to my car, the security details opened fire on me. My Mercedes Benz jeep was hit with several bullets, fired by professionally trained snipers.

“Miraculously, I managed to escape, but my supporters were not so lucky as they were stripped naked, badly assaulted and attacked by thugs under the notorious banner of “14 MOPOL,” trained and led

by Liadi Gbadamosi, known to be close to Oyinlola.

“Within hours of the incident, Police Commissioner Sulaimon Fakai appended his signature to a full page advert sponsored by

Oyinlola and published in all national newspapers the following day, accusing me of sponsoring the attack. The Police poured unmerited and unprofessional invectives on me as he heaped all blames on me for the attack which I suffered.

“We have indestructible video evidence to tell the story as it was.

From the running of events under Oyinlola’s scheme, the stage was set to confine me, my campaign organisation and my party into the dungeon.

“His utterances and barefaced lies after the botched assassination attempt fell flat at the production of the video recording of the event.

Oyinlola watched how his snipers rained bullets on my car, while Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs descend heavily on branded Oranmiyan vehicles.

“They yanked off doors, smashing glasses and windscreens, during the Oroki Day crisis. As if that was not enough, Oyinlola sent a falsely grounded petition to the Police, which served as the basis for my arrest and incarceration for three weeks by men of the Lagos State Police Command.

“Freedom did not come my way until I approached a Lagos High Court, which ruled in my favour and awarded a N5 million cost against the police for illegal arrest and detention. It is instructive to note that in flagrant disregard for the Rule of Law, the cost has not been paid till now.”

Aregbesola spoke about the vandalisation of his campaign billboards since 2006 and the attack on his father’s house in Ilesa on March 26, 2007.

He narrated how his octogenarian mother was forced to leave Ilesa for Lagos.

Aregbesola said: “Oyinlola and the PDP were unrelenting in their onslaught against me and members of my family. My mother is a kola nut trader at the popular but ancient Atakunmosa market. Prior to this time, the old woman had spent her entire adult life in Ilesa, never residing outside the ancient city.

The story changed when I decided to engage in a lawful democratic contest for the governorship seat.

“Realising that her life was un-

der threat, my mother had to forcefully run for her dear life by relocating to Lagos.”

Oyinlola,Acting PDP State Chairman Sunday Ojo-Williams and former Registrar of the Osun State High Court, now Judge, Mrs. Olamide Oloyede, failed to apply before the panel.

A mild drama played out when Oyinlola’s chief driver, Rasaq Oyetunji, was confronted with the video clip of the attack on Aregbesola during the Oroki Day celebration.

Oyetunji denied involvement in the attack, saying: “I was never a thug, and if there is any video clip that shows where I stoned Aregbesola during Oroki Day celebration, bring it out.”

People started laughing when they sighted Oyetunji in the 30 minutes video clip stoning Aregbesola’s convoy and instigating people to attack his supporters.

In another petition, Oyetunji, Yaya Muthairu and others were accused of burning Owonikoko House in Oba- Ile. The petitioner, Hon. Kadri Owoniko, alleged that Oyetunji led thugs to burn his 18-room bungalow in Oba-Ile on September 11, 2007.

Owonikoko said after his house was burnt, the Officer in Charge of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, simply identified as Jude, threatened to kill him if he did not leave the town.

He said he was later arrested on Oyetunji’s order and remanded in prison custody for two months along with the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Alhaji Sule Aderemi; among others.

Owonikokok said he was forced to leave Osogbo in 2007 and only returned when Aregbesola was declared Governor last year November.

The petitioner’s counsel, Yinka Okedara, tendered the photographs and the video clip of the burnt house, which was shown publicly.

Wife of the petitioner, Mrs. Sherifat Owoniko, testified that she saw Oyetunji, Muthairu and others burning the house and reported them to the police, who arrested some of them. But she said they were later released.

Ajimobi: Akala refuses to release documents

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HE 30-man Transition Committee set up by the Oyo State governor-elect, Senator

Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday lamented the alleged refusal of Governor Adebayo Alao Akala to release necessary documents on the state of affairs.

The committee, headed by a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Busari Adebisi, said the counterpart committee set up by Alao-Akala said the governor did not give it permission to release the documents or give such information.

Adebisi said his committee requested data on the staff strength of ministries and the state’s account, but was yet to get any information.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

He said: “We have only met once.

We were told at the meeting that all the documents we requested for could not be made available because they did not receive such mandate from the governor.

“They asked us to write a letter itemising all we need, but the response was a disappointment. The Head of Service, Mr. Tajudeen Aremu, made it clear that his principal did not give him permission to disclose such documents about his administration. The only document we have gotten from them is about the inauguration ceremony.

“This is not fair to the incoming government, because we need to know the position of the state in the

areas of agriculture, education (number of schools and teachers), health (number of doctors, nurses, para-medical staff, why they have been on strike for about six months, what we can do to settle the situation, contracts awarded and their state of completion, how much has been paid and how much is outstanding, the position of roads and so on.

“We learnt that when the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) came on Tuesday to request for files from some Ministries, the governor’s spokesman, Dotun Oyelade, told them that the files had been handed over to the transition committee. We say without any equivocation that no document of such was handed over to us.”

Monarch accused of raping corps member can’t travel

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HE Alowa of Ilowa in Obokun Local Government of Osun State, Oba Adebukola Alli, alleged to have raped a female corps member, has been barred from travelling out of the country by an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court, pending the determination of the case.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

At the resumed sitting yesterday, Defence Counsel Tewo Lamuye sought the abridgment of the trial to allow his client travel abroad for medical check up.

Prosecution Counsel Olufemi Adedokun also said the victim had limited time to spend in the state

and prayed the court to speed up trial.

Magistrate Adewumi Makanjuola granted the abridgment from August 11, the previous adjournment date, to tomorrow, May 27.

He ordered the accused to remain in the country until the case is concluded.

•From left: Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola inaugurating the Island Power Project in Marina, Lagos...yesterday. With him are his wife, Abimbola and the Managing Director, First Bank Plc, Mr.Bisi Onasanya PHOTO:OMOSEHIN MOSES

6

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

NEWS

123456789012345 123456789012345 NAFDAC appeals 123456789012345 123456789012345 123456789012345 judgment on 123456789012345 fake insecticide 123456789012345 123456789012345 123456789012345 From Kolade Adeyemi, 123456789012345 Kano 123456789012345 THE National Agency for 123456789012345 Food and Drug Adminis123456789012345 123456789012345 tration and Control 123456789012345 (NAFDAC) has appealed the verdict of Kano Feder- 123456789012345 123456789012345 al High Court, acquitting 123456789012345 an Indian Vijay Lawalni, 123456789012345 of drug counterfeiting.

123456789012345 123456789012345 In an appeal filed at the 123456789012345 Court of Appeal, Kaduna, 123456789012345 NAFDAC contends that 123456789012345 the lower court erred in 123456789012345 freeing the Indian.

NAFDAC charged the Indian with alleged faking and importing a Nigerian product, Rambo insecticide, from China.

The Police reportedly arrested the Nigeriabased Indian businessman in Kano for allegedly importing 1,500 cartons of the insecticide valued at about N8 million.

But he was discharged and acquitted on March 4

by Justice Shehu Yahaya.

During hearing last December 14, his counsel, Maxwell Duru, argued that the case was not properly filed.

He prayed the court to discharge the accused because of the duplicity in the charges against him.

Duru said: “The accused is facing both criminal and civil charges at the same time over one case.”

NAFDAC’s counsel Ejiofor Kingsley disagreed with Duru, insisting that all legal procedures were followed in arraigning the accused.

He averred that the matter was between the Federal Government and the accused, adding: “The charges preferred against him are known to the law, while the accused has full knowledge of the charges against him.”

Ruling on the motion on March 4, Justice Yahaya said the pursuit of the criminal and civil matters against Lawalni would amount to oppression.

He then freed him of the criminal charges.

In the notice of appeal brought under Order 6, Rule 2 of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2007, NAFDAC insisted that the ruling was a miscarriage of justice.

NAFDAC insisted that the judge erred when he held that prosecuting the criminal charges against the accused alongside the civil suit was oppressive.

NAFDAC’s counsel Dr. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) said the judge erred when he struck out the charges against the accused.

•Aliyu

N

IGER State Government will no longer pay the examination fee of candidates for the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations

Niger to stop paying for senior secondary examinations •Religious Affairs Ministry under way From Jide Orintunsin and Justina Asishana, Minna

(WASSCE) because of lack of seriousness, Governor Babangida Aliyu has said.

Aliyu said the government would only pay the fees for the National Examination Council (NECO), urging parents who wanted their children to write the WASSCE to pay for them.

The state, he said would establish a Ministry of Religious Affairs to enable followers of the major religions to understand one an-

other better.

The government began paying for WASSCE and NECO three years ago.

Aliyu spoke in Minna, the state capital, at the presentation of this year’s Christian pilgrims report.

He said the government took the action because students were no longer serious since the government was paying for the WASSCE. Aliyu said: “We are reviewing the payment of examination fees in the state, the state has decided to only continue the payment of NECO fees for our students

while any parent who wants his child to write WAEC will have to pay for it.

“If you want your child to sit for WAEC, you will have to pay for it. You will have to prepare his mind that he is sitting for an examination.

Henceforth, Niger State Government will only continue the payment of one examination fee which is NECO.” The government said it would establish the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to deal with religious matters and

reduce poverty.

Aliyu said the ministry would be for Christians and Muslims and check those who used religion for selfish purposes.

He noted that some people used religion to exploit others and say things that are not in their holy books to mislead their followers.

The governor said the ministry would ensure that the security of the state remained tight.

Aliyu said every resident must have a sense of belonging, urging them not run away because of threats from some quarters.

Another bomb scare in Yobe From Duku Joel, Damaturu

F

•From left: Senior Vice-President, Operations, Arik Air, Mr Rob Thomas; Vice-Chairman, General Electric Global, Mr John Rice; and Chairman, Arik Air, Mr. Ikhide Arumemi Ikhide during an inspection of the airline’s facilities by General Electric’s delegation in Lagos…yesterday.

T

PEF to workers: no basis for strike

HE Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) yesterday said there is no basis for its workers to go on strike when due.

It said they were always promoted at due periods.

The management said since it was open to dialogue, workers should take advantage of its openness and shelve the strike.

The workers had early yesterday served the management a notice of an indefinite strike over accumulated promotions.

The workers’ union also alleged that the management is favouring and victimising others.

But the management, in a statement by its Head of

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Corporate Communications, Hajiya Aisha Jalingo, said the allegations were baseless.

It claimed that promotion was done regularly in the last three years, adding that no worker was ever victimised or favoured.

PEF noted that instead of allowing the management to address their grievances, the workers gave a 24hour strike notice.

The statement said: “As far as this management is concerned, no one has been victimised, favoured or denied promotion.

“This promotion is the third in the last three years.

If there is any issue, there should be mutual talks and negotiation before giving an ultimatum. There is no basis for the proposed strike.”

The statement said based on the performance agreement, 70 per cent of the workers was promoted leaving 30 per cent who did not meet the performance criteria.

“The approval for promotion came from the Minister of Petroleum Resources, and this was duly communicated to the officers promoted.

“A letter was sent to the Executive Secretary by the

PEF (M) B branch of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) requesting that the promotion list be pasted on the notice boards by the Human Resource Department within 24 hours in order for them to deliberate on the issues surrounding the processes.

“The letter was received 24 hours after the expiration of the ultimatum.

“The management does not understand how such a request will result into industrial action, more so for the fact that the management is always open to dialogue, a conviction that is the only way forward.”

ORTY-EIGHT HOURS after a bomb was found at the Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, two locally manufactured bombs have been recovered by the Police Anti-Bomb Squad.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Damaturu, Police Commissioner Suleiman Lawal said the bombs were planted to disrupt Governor Ibrahim Gaidam’s swearing-in ceremony on May 29.

He said the bombs were recovered in a bush on Gashua road, adding that the Police acted on intelligence report.

Lawal urged the public to be careful with people suspected to carry such items, noting that everyone should be involved in fighting crime.

Eight suspected Boko Haram members arraigned

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IGHT suspected Boko Haram members have been arraigned before a Magistrate Grade 1 Court in Maiduguri by the Borno State Police Command.

They were accused of rioting and promoting unlawful assembly within and outside Maiduguri, the state capital.

According to the police First Information Report (FIR) they were arrested for unlawful assembly and intention to cause disturbances under section 106 and 109 of the Penal Code.

When the FIR was read, the accused who have been in police custody for 10 months before they were arraigned pleaded not guilty to the charges.

ACN asks Kwara to account for N300b allocations

K

WARA State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has asked outgoing Governor Bukola Saraki to explain how his administration spent the over N300billion it received as statutory allocations in the past eight years.

Two days ago, ACN demanded that the government make public the cost of the projects President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated during his visit

•Govt: our achievements speak for us From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

last week.

In a statement, ACN Chairman Kayode Olawepo said the residents deserved an explanation on how their money was spent and how they were governed.

The party asked the Saraki administration to make public Kwara’s debt profile,

since most of the projects were said to have been financed with loans.

The statement reads: “Since these projects were financed with loans, we demand to know how the outgoing Saraki-led administration spent the over N300billion statutory allocations to the state in the past eight years: funds from

statutory allocation; Internally Generated Revenue (IGR); Ecological Fund; Excess Crude Accounts; proceeds from government-owned shares and numerous grants from foreign organisations.

“Clearly, what is on the ground, in terms of social and infrastructural development, falls short of the expectations of Kwarans. We demand explanations from the

government. We call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to thoroughly investigate how these huge allocations were spent by the outgoing administration because failure to do so will only encourage corruption and abuse of public office.

But in a statement, the

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Masu’d Adebimpe said the Saraki administration used the state’s resources judiciously.

The statement reads: “The achievements recorded in the last eight years by the PDP-led administration justified the resources available in the period under review as the administration remains a leading prudent management of resources.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

7

NEWS Bank manager kidnapped From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

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ESIDENTS of Ughelli community in Delta State on Tuesday woke up to the news of the kidnap of a bank manager, Innocent Izi. A source said Izi was kidnapped in his home by suspected kidnappers, who were believed to have been hanging around the building.

The source said the four suspects came in a Toyota Camry car. They were in T-shirts, black shorts and tied red pieces of cloths around their arms.

The police in the Ughelli ‘A’ Division, who were alerted, went after the suspects.

They, however, did not meet up with them.

Four held for arms From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

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HE police in Delta State yesterday arrested four suspects, including a woman, for alleged gun-running.

They were alleged to be in possession of 11 cut-to-size guns.

Police spokesman Charles Muka said a Special Anti-Robbery team on a routine stopand-search intercepted a Mazda car and discovered a cache of weapons tucked under the back seat.

The suspects were identified as Gbenga Anifuje; Oladuni Kayode; Walton Elebiri and Blessing Oba. The suspects, according to Muka, will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

In a related development, the police have arrested Henry Okonkwo; a brother of Azuka Okonkwo, one of the dead robbers involved in the recent multiple bank robberies in the state.

Also arrested was another accomplice, Chuks Egbo (alias IBB).

Muka said a Toyota Camry car bought by the late Azuka with proceeds from a previous robbery at Umunede, Aniocha North Local Government was recovered from Henry.

Delta appointees sacked From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

D

ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday sacked all political appointees.

The Political Adviser to the Governor, Omeni Sobot, was sacked recently.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Beatrice Omeni, the government said the affected persons should return all government properties in their possession before tomorrow.

Uduaghan thanked them for serving the state.

More controversy as Togo’s T ‘remains’ are exhumed HE controversy over the whereabouts of renegade militant John Togo took a new turn yesterday.

A decomposed body said to be that of the militant was ferried into Warri, Delta State, by soldiers of the Joint Task Force (JTF).

It was deposited at the Warri General Hospital morgue, which was immediately cordoned off by soldiers of the Task Force.

Only the top echelon of JTF, State Security Service (SSS) officials and the police were allowed near the morgue.

It could not be immediately confirmed if the remains were actually Togo’s.

But, a security source said: “The body was decomposed but we know that he has a scar on his face and the body we brought also has a scar.”

Our correspondent gathered that a former “lieutenant” in the Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF), who was arrested last week, led detectives to the secret burial site in the creeks of Burutu

•Lawyer: He is not dead

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

Local Government.

It was gathered that Togo’s remains were exhumed and brought to Warri amidst tight security yesterday.

JTF’s Media Coordinator Lt-Colonel Timothy Antigha could not be reached for comments.

But it was learnt that the top hierarchy of the force would address the press today at the Effurun Barracks.

A military source said the JTF was treading softly, until it has identified the body as Togo’s.

“You can imagine the embarrassment, if we come out and say we have the remains of Togo and he re-surfaces.

“We will become a laughing stock,” the source added.

But Togo’s lawyer Casely Omon-Irabor denied that his client was dead.

He said his client’s family

members gave him a telephone number through which he reached him and spoke with him after the report that Togo’s remains were brought to Warri, He said: “I spoke with the family and they said it was not true; they came to meet me this evening; I invited them over a matter they consulted me about.

“I also got through to his boys. They (boys) said it is a lie that it is the body of another soldier that was flown in.

“They gave me a number through which to reach him and I called and actually spoke with him. Togo is not dead.”

But when asked if he was willing to stick his neck out on Togo being alive, the lawyer said: “I can’t say for sure, but the person I spoke with said he is Togo.

“You know I have never met him; all the times he was consulting me we only did it through the phone and email.”

It was also gathered that Togo’s second in command simply identified as “Weapon Man” has been killed.

He reportedly died from injuries sustained during the May 13 to May 16 aerial attacks on the Israel Camp of the group.

Sources from Ogodobiri, Togo’s hometown, said “Weapon Man” died before Togo’s remains were exhumed.

“The group is now in disarray; Togo is dead, his second in command is now dead; the NDLF has exhausted his short life.

“Even the boys that are left are running from pillar to post because those arrested are singing like pigeons and there is nothing hidden to the Task Force again,” a source said.

20,000 men for inauguration From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

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•Amb Babagana Kingibe (left) congratulating Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio after presenting a Godswill Akpabio Golf Tournament plaque to him at the Goverment House, Uyo

HEAD of Sunday’s Presidential inauguration, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 20,000 officers and 300 sniffer dogs to ensure security of lives and property.

NSCDC Commandant General (CG) Prof. Ade Abolurin, who ordered the deployment yesterday in Abuja, vowed that no bombing will be allowed within and outside the inauguration venue.

Abolurin dispelled rumours that security operatives were not in alliance.

He said some officers of the NSCDC are training with the police and other security operatives.

One dead, 50 injured in Warri

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FESTIVAL has turned awry in Warri, Delta State, where armed youths unleashed mayhem on residents.

At least one person was killed and over 50 others injured in the fracas that turned the Agbassa Festival into a fiasco.

It was gathered that the victim, said to be an okada rider, was killed, following an encounter with armed hoodlums and cultists.

A female victim, who was hacked, also had her necklace and handsets snatched at Ginuwa Junction. She is said to be in a coma.

Dozens of youths, armed with cutlasses and wearing

•Benin musician shot From Shola O’Neil, Warri and Osagie Otabor, Benin

the red regalia of the feast, invaded major streets in Agbassa, a suburb of Warri, stealing and attacking residents, especially women passengers riding on okada.

A resident blamed the incident on foreigners and cultists, who infiltrated the ceremony.

The worst-hit spots are Warri Garage, Hausa Quarters and McDermott Road, among others.

A journalist, Ambrose Ologide, was also attacked.

His camera, telephone and

recorder were stolen.

One of the hoodlums was shot in the foot by a plain cloth policemen deployed by the Area Commander (Delta South), Mr. Abuto Yaro.

Sources said nemesis caught up with the suspect, who claimed to be a final year student of the State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, shortly after he snatched a handbag at Hausa Quarters.

Yaro, who confirmed the report, said he was compelled to deploy his men to the area, following reports of the activities of the youths.

In Edo State, a popular Benin musician, Wilson Ehigiator

alias Akobeghian, was yesterday shot by suspected cultists.

Ehigiator was said to have been trailed from the Government Reservation Area to Murtala Muhammed Way where he was shot.

He is receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

A rival cult group stormed the residence of another popular musician, Agbakpan Olita, but he was said to have escaped.

Two popular Benin actors, Erhauyi Ogbeide (alias Ukeke) and Eghosa Idehen (alias Erejiro) were last year murdered when two rival cult groups clashed.

Police spokesman Peter Ogboi could not be reached for comments.

Igbeke charged with forgery From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

HE Federal Government has charged Senator Alphonsus Igbeke, representing Anambra North Federal Constituency, before a Federal High Court for allegedly forging the result of the senatorial primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] in the zone.

An Abuja Magistrate’s Court had earlier issued a warrant for the arrest of the Senator over the alleged crime.

The warrant was set aside by the court, following an order of a Federal High Court.

The two-count charge dated May 24 was filed by Mrs. O.O. Fatunde, who is a Director in the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke Bello (SAN).

No date has been fixed for the arraignment.

‘Rivers council polls free’ THIRTY eight international and local Civil Society Organisations involved in the monitoring of last Saturday’s local government elections in Rivers State have declared them free, fair and credible.

The groups, under the umbrella of the Coalition of Accredited Civil Society Organisations for Rivers State Local Government Elections, came up with this stance in a communiqué presented in Port Harcourt.

Chairman of the Coalition Dr. Chibuzor Gabriel said the group observed that the electoral law and due process were adequately adhered to, especially in the accreditation, voting, counting and announcement of results in the election.

“We inspected both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters before their dispatch to various Local Government Areas.” He said.

Commending the State electoral body for conducting a free, fair and credible election, the coalition advised winners to extend hands of fellowship to those who lost in the elections, while the losers are advised to show a good spirit of sportsmanship.

Two dead in Sapele pipeline explosion

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WO persons have been killed and 15 others missing in Amukpe, Sapele Local Government of Delta State, when a pipeline belonging to the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian Nation-

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

al Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), exploded.

One of the victims was killed when he attempted to rescue his relative from the early morning explosion.

The pipeline conveys petroleum products from the

Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company to other parts of the country.

The explosion occurred a few kilometers from Jesse, where an explosion killed no fewer than 1,000 persons in 1998.

Huge plumes of smoke

covered the sky at the time of this report yesterday.

Firefighters were battling to contain the fire.

The explosion is the second major disaster at the facilities of PPMC after the Warri Depot was razed earlier in the month, when two tankers col-

lided.

The resulting inferno destroyed three loading islands.

Sources said the explosion was sparked off by suspected vandals, who had punctured the pipeline to steal petroleum products.

They said prior to the explosion, the smell of petroleum products from the damaged pipelines filled the entire area.

They said: “Before we went to sleep, there was a strong choking smell of petroleum products around the area.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

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NEWS Wamakkoberates commissioners for absenteeism

Lagos Assembly passes tenancy bill, five others

From Adamu Suleiman,

By Oziegbe Okoeki

Sokoto

SOKOTO State Governor Aliyu Wamakko yesterday at the state’s bi-weekly executive council meeting lashed out at some of his commissioners for allegedly absconding from their desks whenever he travelled.

He warned the commissioners to desist from such attitude, saying: “If members of the public cannot reach you, God will judge you.”

Wamakko expressed disappointment about the commissioners’ attitude to work in his absence, saying they did not show the fear of God in the discharge of their duties.

He said: “There is this public outcry that some of you do not even come to the office anytime I travel out of Sokoto. It is absolute betrayal of your oath of office and the Almighty Allah will judge you for that.”

Wamako said the public deserved to get the best services from the government, adding: “You are the symbol and component framework for good service delivery. Therefore, the public looks up to you as pathfinders of good governance.”

Man jailed for multiple electoral offences From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

THE Chief Magistrate’s Court Two in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, has sentenced a man, Idrisu Jibrilla, to three years’ imprisonment for multiple electoral offences during the April 9 senatorial elections.

His offence is contrary to Section 129, Sub-sections 1 of the Electoral Act, 2010.

Jibrilla was arrested on the April 19 at Mubi, Adamawa State, by the Area Commander in charge of the town with an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) official jacket and a Sienna bus marked ‘Bindowo for Senator 2011’.

He was said to have Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) posters; N70,000 cash and hundreds of INEC ballot papers as he moved from polling uunits.

The prosecution said Jibrilla illegally paraded himself as an INEC official by wearing the commission’s official jacket and carrying posters of Senator Jibrilla, adding that he rigged the National Assembly polls with INEC ballot papers.

When the charge sheet was read to Jibrilla, he pleaded guilty to the charges.

Chief Magistrate Hindatu Lamorde jailed him for three years with an option of N60,000, which the convict paid with a receipt number 003008413 dated May 18.

Bindowo Jibrilla was declared the winner of the election by INEC under the

L

•Members of Healthcare Professional Associations and Unions protesting the passage of Health Bill by the National PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN Assembly in Abuja…yesterday.

Panel uncovers Kano’s N77b liabilities, $209m foreign loan

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HE Transition Committee constituted by the Kano State Governor-elect Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has reportedly u n c o v e r e d N77,418,638,297.02 liabilities and $209,635,334 foreign loan.

These were said to pose a threat to the incoming administration’s finances and programmes.

In a statement yesterday in Kano, Kwankwaso’s spokesman Malam Jaafar Jaafar said the documents tendered before the

P

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

transition committee by the Accountant-General indicated that the outgoing administration incurred those liabilities and foreign loan, alleging that the government spent about N420 billion in eight years without leaving anything to justify the expenditure.

Jaafar said: “It gives us concern that despite the N420 billion they squandered, the incoming government will inherit N77 billion liabilities.”

He noted that there was disparity between the statutory allocation figures tendered before the transition committee and the one obtained from the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja.

Jaafar said the Office of the Head of Service and that of the state Accountant-General gave conflicting figures on the wage bill of the civil servants in the state.

He said: “While a certain office puts the figure of the workers at 40,000, the other office puts it at 42,000. This is an indication that some-

thing is wrong somewhere.”

Jaafar said some projects like healthcare delivery, education, Independent Power Plant (IPP), among others, for which the foreign loan was allegedly obtained, were yet to take off.

The statement reads in part: “When Kwankwaso left office in 2003, he left over N4.3 billion in the state coffers, with which Shekarau awarded the infamous fertiliser contract. Kwankwaso left this amount despite the fact that he received only N76 billion in four years.”

‘Destruction of militants’ weapons ends Niger Delta unrest’

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said the destruction of the weapons recovered from repentant militants in the Niger Delta region had ended militancy in the region and other parts of Nigeria.

He said militancy was no longer fashionable among Niger Delta communities, adding that anyone who carried arms for agitation would be regarded as bearing “crime arms”.

Jonathan, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku, at Lokpanta, Abia State, said: “We see the destruction of the weapons as the end of militancy. It is the

From Chris Oji, Enugu

end of the first ‘D’ of the ‘DDR’ - Disarmament, Demolition and Reintegration programme. The ‘DDR’ programme began with disarmament. There is destruction of those arms that were collected or received or recovered from the ex-agitators. That phase of the DDR has been finally put to rest today.

“From what the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Enugu, said in a next three days ago, that will finally come to an end.

“We are in the phase of demobilisation. We have joined the demobilisation phase with reintergration.

We are battling with that and it’s quite hectic. This is what we are on with. For now, it’s bye-bye to militancy in Niger Delta. Mr. President frowns very seriously at it. He is part of that place; he knows and understands the plight of the people of the Niger Delta. Even the issue of resource control, you can’t have it more than what we have today. S, what is happening today is practically an end to militancy in the Niger Delta.”

But Chairman of the Amnesty Committee, Maj-Gen. Godwin Abbe (rtd) praised the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua whom he said did not only initiate the amnesty programme but also gave the Niger Delta agitators the opportunity to express themselves.

Abbey said: “I think he (Yar’Adua) too was a major instrument of peace in the region, and when the history of the making of modern Nigeria is to be written, I have no doubt in my mind that the late Yar’Adua and indeed President Jonathan and all of us who had the privilege of serving under them will have the right place in that record.”

Why they are after me, by Petroleum Minister

M

INISTER of Petroleum Resources Deziani AlisonMadueke yesterday refuted allegations of non-permformance levelled against her.

She said those working on her exclusion from the next cabinet were those who had lost the opportunity to continue with “business as usual” in the oil and gas sector of the economy.

She said Nigerians and the government would not allow the return of the age-long cartel in the country’s oil and gas sector which had hitherto deprived Nigerians the benefits of adequate and timely supply of petroleum products.

The minister said despite the unjustified criticisms and unfounded allegations, her greatest joy since she came on

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

board is that “a vast majority of Nigerians are happy with President Goodluck Jonathan for the far- reaching decisions the government has taken to stabilise the sector”.

According to her, “this explains why they voted massively for Mr. President in the just-concluded general election”.

She said the ministry under her leadership had performed well in the up- and downstream sector of the economy.

Addressing State House Correspondents against the backdrop of criticisms against her nomination as a minister in the next dispensation, Mrs Alison-Madueke insisted that

there was no going back on ongoing reforms of the sector by Mr. President.

She said: “They are fighting President Jonathan because since assuming duties as president of this country, he has taken the uncharacteristic step to break the cartel in the petroleum sector that had almost strangulated the economy for over a decade. That is why the frenzied and sudden campaign of calumny by the cartel, all in a bid to deter me from carrying out Mr. President’s reform agenda.”

The minister said those fighting her “are doing so because we have been able to frustrate their efforts at strangulating the economy through their devilish black market and questionable profiteering

at the expense of Nigerians”.

She said: “I would not want to take up issues with those criticising me because they are crying foul that through us Mr. President has broken the old order where the common man had to spend nights on queues at filling stations and pay higher prices for products.

“We have also ensured that the business in the entire oil and gas industry of the economy is no longer business as usual. They can no longer undermine government’s good intentions for the sector and cause untold hardship for millions of our people.”

The minsirter said the Petroleum Ministry had initiated a 24-month rehabilitation programme for the three refineries in the country.

AGOS State House of Assembly yesterday passed the Tenancy Bill and five others at its plenary after the third reading.

The bill will become law when Governor Babatunde Fashola assents to it.

With the assent, it will become illegal for a landlord or his agent to demand or receive from a sitting tenant any rent in excess of six months for a monthly tenant on any premises without prejudice to the nature of tenancy.

It will also be illegal for any landlord to receive more than a year rent from a new tenant and it will be unlawful for a new tenant to offer to pay more than a year’s rent, as this will attract N100,000 fine or three years’ imprisonment.

The House has sent the bill to the governor for his assent.

The bill is tagged: “A bill for a law to regulate rights and obligations under tenancy agreement and the relationship between landlord and the tenant, including the procedure for the recovery of premises and for other connected purposes in Lagos State”.

The bill states that it is unlawful for a sitting tenant to offer or pay rent in excess of one year for a yearly tenant in respect of any premises and any person who receives or pays rent in excess of what is prescribed by the law shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to a fine of N100,000.

CAN urges credible appointments in Lagos

By Sunday Ogundugba

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HE Lagos State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state to ensure the appointment of credible persons as commissioners for equity.

It also advised that no twoterm governor or thoise who failed in their second term bid should be appointed as minister.

CAN said its position was to ensure that the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and other anti-corruption agencies have a free hand in assessing the performance of past public officers.

“Apart from helping to prevent the recycling of old, ineffective and corrupt officers, we feel this will assist in no small measure in making aspirants to state and federal offices to be cautious in involving themselves in corrupt practices,” it said.

Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, Lagos CAN Chairman Apostle Adebayo Abiola said it was time to “remind political leaders of their priorities so that there would be success in governance in 2015”.

He said: “We wish to appeal to incoming administrations throughout Nigeria to examine ongoing projects.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

NEWS

EFCC raises five-man panel to grill Bankole today

Ringim assures of adequate security on May 29

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NSPECTOR General of Police Hafiz Ringim yesterday said adequate preprations have been made to ensure safety during the May 29 inauguration.

Ringim, in a statement by the Force Public Relation Officer, Mr. Olusola Amore in Abuja, said: ‘’The attention of the Police High Command has been drawn to one of the national dailies publication entitled US, Israel Anti-Terrorist Squads besiege Abuja ahead of May 29 inauguration of the President. ‘’There is no iota of truth in the publication as the Police and other security agencies are equal to the task of the Nigerian security challenges and have put

Engineering graduate missing

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HE police are battling to find Mr Abdulqadir Olasunkanmi Olaigbe, a Mechanical Engineering graduate of the Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Olaigbe, said to be awaiting call-up to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, left home at about 1.00pm on May 13 to buy a phone at the Computer Village, Ikeja and is yet to return.

His family said effort to find him has been unsuccessful. He was born on January 20, 1987, is fair in complexion, about 5ft 4inches in height, and speaks Yoruba and English.

•Olasunkanmi

AMORC holds seminar on unity

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HE Lagos Zone of the Rosicrucian Order (AMORC) has concluded plans for a public seminar to set a national agenda for peace and stability.

The event, which has the theme National Unity, Peace and Progress through Service, will hold on May 28 at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi, Lagos, by 12noon.

A statement by the media coordinator, Monday Evawomaha, said speakers, including eminent scholars, will also address the subject of corporate Nigeria and national progress through service.

Car stolen

A

TOYOTA Camry (2000 Model) belonging to Mr Olumuyiwa Orogun has been stolen.

The car, with registration number Lagos PX 611 KJA was stolen where it was parked at the Akobo area of Ibada. Its engine number as at the time it was stolen was 5S714SS22 and chassis number 4T1bg22cxyu700641.

If found, please contact the owner on 08033772737 or the nearest police station.

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From Fatima Abubakar, Abuja

in place adequate security arrangement that will effectively guarantee safety of life and property of all and sundry before, during and after inauguration ceremony. ‘’There is no US, Israel or foreign anti-terrorists squads in Abuja or anywhere in the country in the name of May 29 inauguration. ‘’The Inspector-General of Police is urging Nigerians to be security conscious and to report any suspected movement of person or group of persons to the nearest Police station nationwide.’’

•Ringim

Ringim advised the people to go about their duties without fear.

He said his men would leave no stone unturned to see that there would be no breach of peace during and after the presidential inauguration next Sunday.

CONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair Mrs. Farida Waziri yesterday raised a five-man team to grill the Speaker Dimeji Bankole today.

Some former senators and ex-members of the House of Representatives yesterday met with Senate President David Mark to avert what they perceived as alleged plot to humiliate Bankole.

The ex-lawmakers said the humiliation of Bankole will rub off on the entire leadership of the National Assembly.

The EFCC is investigating Bankole’s role in some financial transactions.

They are: alleged use of the House accounts as collaterals to secure a private loan; the

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

controversial N10billion loan; the N2.3billion car scam; and purchase of the NET building in Lagos for N4billion.

The team of interrogators being led by the Head of Operations.

“It is not as if the Speaker is guilty of any of the allegations yet but we cannot receive petitions against him and just gloss over these,” a source at the commission said yesterday.

The source said Bankole’s invitation brought about pressure on the commission, but the EFCC chairman, who is away on an official trip abroad, has given a “firm instruction” to the team to go

ahead with its work.

The source added: “In fact, it has been difficult for some of these lobbyists to reach the EFCC chairman as all her lines have been switched off.”

The ex-lawmakers are urging Mark to assert “the independence of the Legislature and prevent any attempt to ridicule the House leadership”.

A source said: “They queried why the issue of N10billion loan by the House should now be a subject of probe by the EFCC when the Speaker does not handle money directly. They explained that under any circumstance, the bureaucratic arm in the National Assembly should account for financial transactions and records of the House.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Aregbesola: My travails in the hands of Oyinlola and his goons’ Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola recounts his ordeal while struggling to reclaim his stolen mandate before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission sitting in Osogbo, the state capital.

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HE moment I began consulting leaders of thought across the 30 Local Governments of Osun State in year 2005 as part of plans to seek to serve as Governor of Osun State through the 2007 general elections, series of coordinated and state-sponsored attacks were planned and launched against my person and supporters.

My movements soon became a subject of intensive surveillance while unfriendly attacks were launched at my person physically, psychologically and verbally. They include but not limited to the following:

April 16, 2005: The failed attempt to abort the launch of ORANMIYAN As part of our plans to seek the office of Governor of Osun State, we set out to launch ORANMIYAN; our campaign mobilisation organ in Osogbo. April 16, 2005 was set as the launch day. The venue was fixed for Osogbo Township Stadium. But as soon as our programmes were put in place, the Oyinlola government deployed brute force, through the instrumentality of the police, to stop the event from taking place.

Many of our supporters were turned back from entering Osogbo, the state capital. As the news rapidly spread, more and more people were massing for the programme. A major confrontation was, therefore, about to ensue. As the leader of the movement, I was to have been prevented from entering Osogbo. But for a smart decoy that prevented security agencies from knowing my movements, the police, then acting in concert with Oyinlola, would have arrested me as soon as I entered Osogbo, the state capital. The Oyinlola government undeservedly aborted our rally. Were it not for sheer determination, our democratic rights would have been curtailed under the guise of state security.

Verbal Assault on the Opposition It is important to call your distinguished attention to the undignified use of language

by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, since his assumption of the exalted office of governor in 2003. His conduct and utterances can easily provoke even the docile to anger and revolt.

Take our organisation, ORANMIYAN [Yoruba for “I am triumphant”], for example. But Governor Oyinlola, on the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) network, referred to us as “ORANMIRAN” [Yoruba for “another calamity”].

While you may want to consider this as a simple inter-play of politics and sarcasm, it was an unrefined use of an unbecoming oneliner laced with crude abuse of the cultural heritage of our people by one man who was supposed to be the epitome of cultural strength of the people of Osun State. The former Governor’s attempt to vulgarize it was an attempt in self-immolation. Indeed, the Ooni of Ife,Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II who was normally a friendly monarch to Oyinlola chided my predecessor for that Alhaji Razaak Salinsile was the candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the rigged local government election in 2004. But the governor, on the hustling at Iwo, Salinsile’s base, derisively punned his name as “Sanasile” [Yoruba for “Set the house on fire”], a coinage that gave an entirely different meaning to the name, as cherished by the Yoruba.

There are several instances, showing that Oyinlola had no respect for other people – or, in any case, not sensitive enough to their

• Governor Aregbesola; (right) Oyinlola’s counsel, Tope Elusogbon (left); Aregbesola’s counsel, Bashir Ajibola (second left) and Wale Afolabi, at the commission’s sitting.

feelings. Oyinlola was clearly intolerant of the opposition which, in a democracy is lawful, nurtured and allowed to fledge in the overall interest of the governed.

Assassination of my major financier-Sulaimon Hassan-Olajoku On Sunday May 16, 2005, a major financier of my campaign, Alhaji Sulaimon Hassan-Olajoku was brutally assassinated at Gbongan Junction on his way back to Lagos, after attending a series of political events that we organised to mobilise support for my governorship ambition. Hassan-Olajoku was passionate and left no one in doubt as to his support for and loyalty to our cause.

To demonstrate his total commitment, he fixed his turbanning as Baba Adeen of Ilobuland for April 16, 2005, the historic day on which ORANMIYAN was launched.

To underscore his belief in the effort of the democratic forces symbolized by me, Hassan-Olajoku again organised a ceremony in Ifon-Osun on Saturday May 14, 2005 to be able to market our governorship material to the people.

Hassan-Olajoku personally redeemed all donations at the ceremony before everyone departed. This obviously was the reason he was, the following day, Sunday May 15, 2005, trailed to Gbongan junction where he was gunned down and murdered in the most gruesome manner in the presence of his teenage daughters and wife.

The first direct attempt on my life in Ilesa On May 25, 2005, my friends organised a birthday rally inside an enclosed open ground opposite International Breweries, Ilesa, to commemorate my 48th birthday in Ilesa. As we were going to the venue of the ceremony in a convoy, one Wale Oni, a well known rough neck on the pay roll of Governor Oyinlola and his Deputy, Erelu Olusola Obada, led a gang of dare-devil men, wielding guns, pick axes and other deadly weapons and attacked our convoy. Using pick axes, the thugs ripped through a section of a bus that I was using for mobilisation activities exactly at the side where I used to sit. The clear intention of the murderous gang was to scythe me to death. When they discovered that I was not in the bus and that I had escaped their ploy to eliminate me, the thugs went berserk, pounced on everyone in the vehicle.

The leader of the gang, Wale Oni, was arrested and handed over to the police. He was soon released into freedom shortly after the incident was reported to the police on a direct order of the Deputy Governor, Erelu Olusola Obada.

Needless to say, Wale Oni has since then become the lord of the manor at his Irojo Quarters residence in Ilesa – untouchable, feared, loathed, ruthless and above the law. Not a whimper of this dastardly act was heard again.

Oroki Day, 2006: The second ATTEMPT TO KILL ME The Osogbo Progressive Union (OPU), under the leadership of Alhaji Adekilekun Badmus,

‘Security details of Governor Oyinlola prevented me from taking my seat. I decided to leave and as I was leaving for my car, Oyinlola’s security details opened fire on me. My Mercedes Benz jeep was hit with several bullets, fired by professionally trained snipers. Miraculously, I managed to escape but my supporters were not so lucky as they were stripped naked, badly assaulted and attacked by thugs under the notorious banner of “14 MOPOL” trained and led by Liadi Gbadamosi known to be close to ex-Governor Oyinlola’

invited me as a Special Guests of Honour to the 2006 edition of Osogbo Oroki Day. Security details of Governor Oyinlola prevented me from taking my seat. I decided to leave and as I was leaving for my car, Oyinlola’s security details opened fire on me. My Mercedes Benz jeep was hit with several bullets, fired by professionally trained snipers.

Miraculously, I managed to escape but my supporters were not so lucky as they were stripped naked, badly assaulted and attacked by thugs under the notorious banner of “14 MOPOL” trained and led by Liadi Gbadamosi known to be close to ex-Governor Oyinlola.

Within hours of this incident, the state police Commissioner, Alhaji Sulaimon D. Fakai appended his signature to full page adverts sponsored by Oyinlola and published in all national newspapers the following day where in he accused, tried and convicted me for being the brain behind the attack. The Police poured unmerited and unprofessional invectives on me as he heaped all blames on me for the attack which I suffered.

We have indestructible video evidence to tell the story as it was. From the runnings of events under the scheme of Oyinlola, the stage was set to confine me, my campaign organisation and my party into the dungeon.

His utterances and the barefaced lies he told after the botched assassination attempt fell flat, at the production of the video recording of the event. Former Governor Oyinlola not only watched, unperturbed, how his snipers rained bullets on my car while PDP thugs descend heavily on branded ORANMIYAN vehicles. They yanked off doors and smashing glasses and windscreens during the contrived Oroki Day crisis. As if this was not enough, Oyinlola caused a falsely grounded petition to be sent to the Police that served as the basis for my subsequent arrest and incarceration for three weeks by men of the Lagos State Police Command.

Freedom did not come my way until I had to approach a Lagos High Court which ruled in my favour and awarded a N5 million cost against the police for illegal arrest and detention. It is instructive to note that in flagrant disregard for the rule of law, the cost has not been paid till now.

•To be continued

14

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

15

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira falls at auction, interbank

T

HE naira weakened against the US dollar on the interbank market yesterday after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) allowed a slight depreciation of the currency at its biweekly auction, traders said.

The naira closed at N157.50 to the dollar on the interbank compared to N156.90 per dollar its Tuesday’s close.

The CBN, according to Bloomberg, sold $400 million at N153.59 to the dollar at its auction of yesterday, less than the $467.69 million demanded and equal to $400 million sold at N153.38 to the dollar at the last auction on Monday.

“We have limited dollar inflow into the market and coupled with the fact that the CBN has consistently allowed the naira to depreciate at its forex auction, the market will have to adjust to the trend at the official window,” one dealer said.

Traders said most banks are now going long on dollar due to strong demand, lack of dollar inflow and the consistent depreciation of the local currency at the official window.

The banking watchdog raised its benchmark interest rate to 8.0 per cent from 7.50 per cent on Tuesday, citing a need to rein in inflation and control surging liquidity that pile pressure on domestic demand for hard currency.

“If we see significant dollar inflows from the energy companies in the next couple of days, the naira would surely appreciate, otherwise it will trend up,” another currency dealer said.

Basically, we get confused a bit about what retail is. It is really just buying things, putting them on a floor and selling them.

- Gerry Harvey

Mining: Fed Govt removes barriers for banks, investors •Unveils new regulations T

HE longstanding barrier, which hindered commercial banks and investors from investing their funds in the mining sector was removed yesterday as the Federal Government presented the 2011 Mining regulations.

While presenting the document in Abuja, the minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Musa Sada, said the regulation would ensure that indiscriminate decisions are not taken.

He urged the stakeholders not to blame the banks and investors who had been reluctant to invest their money in the industry as absence of regulations make the industry uncertain.

“This regulation is to ensure indiscriminate decisions does exist . Thus the regulation is a requirement. Thus, you cannot blame investors and banks for

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

developing cold feet because the rule of the games are not clear,” he said.

Sada said this will make investors confident enough to put their money in the industry, adding that the issues of illegal mining were largely due to absence of the mining regulations, which explains what to do.

Sada explained that although “we have had the Minerals and Metal Act since 2007, there was no instrument of implementation. We have realised that the regulations was one of the things the investors were clamouring for.”

He said there is a fierce international competition among

nations, especially developing countries for investment fund required to grow their respective mining industries to optimal level.

This competition, said Sada, offers investors the luxury of investing their funds only in countries having conducive environment that can guarantee the security of investment and enable business to flourish without hindrance.

Speaking on the advantage of having the 2011 Mining Regulations, the President of Association of Miners and Processors of Barite, Chief Stephen Alao, noted: “Any industry without rules and regulations will just be going blindly. We have been expecting it as the

only vehicle that tells you what to do and what not to do.”

He said no foreign investor would bring his money to Nigeria without the regulations, adding that even the banks were scared because there were no regulation.

Alao however, said “this will certainly attract the investors and banks to put their money into the industry.”

He urged government to set up and empower a reliable funding base for the mining sector.

The chairman, Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Sanni Shehu also lauded the 2011 Regulation, which he said would encourage his members to grow.

He noted that the association would educate miners on the regulations and even translate it to their different languages.

MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N8.1 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -11.3% Treasury Bills -2.64% Normal lending -24% Prime lending -18% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -6.99% Time Deposit - 6% MPR -7.50% Foreign Reserve -$33.86bn FOREX CFA 0.281 • 216.9 £ 248.4 $ 153.05 ¥ 1.5652 SDR 245.85 RIYAL 39.3

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) index of bank stocks fell to the lowest in more than six weeks after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increased lenders’ cash-reserve requirements and raised its benchmark interest rate for the third time this year.

The Bloomberg NSE Banking Index of the 10 biggest and most liquid lenders dropped for the sixth day, retreating 0.9 per cent to 393.15, the lowest intraday level since April 8.

The banking watchdog increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by half a percentage point to eight per cent Tuesday as it tries to stabilise the naira and bring inflation below 10 per cent.

Five of six economists surveyed by Bloomberg had forecast the rate would be left unchanged. The reserve requirement increased to four per cent from two per cent.

“The policy decision will probably put some pressure on bank margins, but their loanto-deposit ratios are not very high,” the London-based chief investment officer at Duet Asset Management Limited, Ayo Salami, said by phone yesterday. “Overall it’s not great news for the banking sector, but they will recover. The way the MPC is behaving is quite aggressive, but I think the Nigerian economy needs it.”

‘Fed Govt resolving Exxon oil licence dispute’

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DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$115.9/barrel Cocoa - $2,856/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢78.07.pound Gold -$1,161/troy ounce Rubber - ¢146.37/pound

Banking stocks decline on reserve ratio, interest rate increase

•From left: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) e.Tel Gadgets Shop, Tolu Ojo and Consulting Executive e.Tel, Peter PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU Lee at the Media Parley to announce the formal opening of the e.Tel Gadgets Shop in Lagos.

Nigeria woos India for Vision 20:2020

V

ICE-PRESIDENT Namadi Sambo has said Nigeria will take advantage of its partnership with India in the pursuit of its economic development agenda reflected in the blueprint known as Vision 20:2020.

Sambo made this known yesterday in Addis Ababa while addressing the Forum of the Africa-India Summit.

Vision 20:2020 is Nigeria’s economic plan to make the country one of the 20 biggest economies in the world by 2020.

The vice-president noted that India, as an emerging economic power, had a lot of experiences to share with Nigeria in its transformation

and development agenda.

“We are, therefore, set to take advantage of the partnership in the pursuit of our economic development agenda reflected in the blueprint known as Vision 20:2020.

“We count on our Indian partners in the attainment of the goals articulated in that blueprint.

“Specific areas we will require urgent support from India include the need for the development of our energy sector with specific interest in the development of multipurpose dams to generate hydro power, irrigation schemes and potable water supply as an economic corridor for socio-economic transformation.

“Also of critical importance is the development of coalto-power projects, development of agricultural infrastructure and other agricultural value chains.’’

On transportation, Sambo noted the collaboration with India in the development of Nigerian Railways and the nation’s inland water transportation system.

“Similar collaboration will be needed in the upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors that will include the development of new refineries, petrochemicals and fertilisers plant as well as chains of gas processing and pipeline programmes.

“Additional support will also be needed in the en-

hancement of science education to develop the human capacity for the management of the above developmental plans.’’

Sambo said Nigeria was developing nine new special universities with specific focus to address national developmental needs, which would require partnership with similar Indian universities.

He observed that Indian teachers and medical personnel had been part of Nigeria’s developmental process.

Sambo was optimistic that the India-Africa Forum would take a step closer to evolving a more equitable, stable, secure and prosperous world through the sharing of experience and best practices.

ROGRESS is being made towards resolving the dispute with US energy giant Exxon Mobil over oil licensing renewals covering fields producing more than 500,000 barrels per day, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said yesterday.

Exxon said last week it signed agreements in 2009 with the Federal Government for the long-term renewal of licences OML 67, 68 and 70, which it operates as part of a joint venture with the NNPC. The Federal Government has said these licences are invalid and Exxon needs to express a new interest in acquiring leases for these valuable oil blocks. An NNPC spokesman said the oil major had now done this.

Exxon, however, declined to comment.

“We are on track,” the spokesman told Reuters when asked about resolving the dispute.

The disputed blocks are situated in the shallow water creeks of the Niger Delta and are some of the largest oil-producing assets in Africa’s largest energy industry.

16

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40 1.

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LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1.

2.

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Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

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LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

1.

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Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.15 12.50 12.55 15.55

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LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 11.15 13.15 15.50 18.00

LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

of Nigeria (CITN), said that voluntary tax compliance would boost the nation’s revenue.

“This will also help to reduce the country’s dependence on oil revenue and increase the contribution of non-oil sector to nation’s economy,’’ he said.

He said statistics from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on non- oil contribution to nation’s revenue showed that it has fallen from 57 per cent in 2009 to 48 per cent in 2010.

President of National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), Mathias Umeh, called for transparency, openness and accountability in the process of acquisition and management of external loans.

12.15 12.45

1.

2.

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1. IRS 2. Arik

was not appropriate for the country.

If not checked, he said external indebtedness can mortgage “the prospects of this good country in the future.

“Our advice, among others, is that government should engage the services of professional accountants to manage some of the expenses incurred by the government,” he said.

President of West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI), Mr Kunle Quadri, said that instead of relying on external borrowing, the government should implement fully the national tax policy.

Quadri, who is also the President of Chartered Institute of Taxation

08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20

LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 Arik 07.30 Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

1. Dana

OME financial experts yesterday warned the Federal Government against further external borrowing so as not to compound the nation’s external indebtedness.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the nation was steadily sliding into external indebtedness with the rising foreign debt profile.

The external debt stock is currently about $5.2 billion, according to statistics from the Debt Management Office.

President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Retired Maj- Gen. Sebastian Owuama, said that continuous acquisition of foreign debts

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik

for External borrowing: ‘Demand Nigerian debt rise on Experts warn Fed Govt could political stability’ S D

08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

•From left: Staff of Sterling Bank, Morenike Sanni; Adewumi Oluremi; Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Prof. Longmas S. Wapmuk; Group Head, Human Resources, Chinedum Orisakwe; Motunrayo Ajayi; Olawale PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES Banjo, at ITF Special Interactive Forum/Award held at Southern Sun, Ikoyi, Lagos.

France’s Lagarde launches IMF bid as BRICs complain

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RENCH Finance Minister Christine Lagarde joined the race to head the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday despite anger in big emerging economies over Europe’s “obsolete” lock on the job.

Lagarde according to Reuters, announced her candidacy on the eve of a G8 summit after securing the unanimous backing of the 27-nation European Union and, diplomats said, support from the United States and China, making her the overwhelming favorite to clinch the top job in global finance next month.

At a news conference in Paris, she promised to serve a full five-year term if chosen, unlike her three predecessors, and to give top priority to completing reform of the IMF to give greater weight

to emerging economies.

“The emergence of a number of big players like China, India, Brazil and Russia, for example, just to cite a few, forces us to ask ourselves about their representation at the heart of the institution,” Lagarde said.

The 55-year-old former corporate lawyer, who speaks fluent English, has won plaudits for her deft chairing of the G20 finance ministers and communications skills.

But unlike Dominique StraussKahn, who resigned last week after being charged with attempted rape, she is not an economist and may struggle to match his thought leadership over the management of the world economy.

European Commission chief Jose

Manuel Barroso said Lagarde had the “indispensable qualities to ensure the IMF’s mission and its vital contribution to international economic stability.”

The only other declared candidate is Mexican central bank governor Augustin Carstens, but he has not gathered the backing of the main emerging economies.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said both Lagarde and Carstens were very talented, credible candidates.

Mexican Finance Minister Ernesto Cordero said Lagarde had “all the merits to be appointed at the top of the IMF,” but Carstens’ best credential was the strength of the Mexican economy, which is growing at 5.5 per cent a year.

Conoil posts N2.7b profit

P

RODUCTS marketer, Conoil Plc recorded a profit before tax of N2,789,977,000 for the financial year ended December 31, 2010, indicating a leap of 21 percent over the N2,312,367,000 in 2009.

According to the company’s financial report submitted to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), there was also an increase of 13 per cent in the Net Assets from N13,511,103,000 to N15,260,152,000. Turnover recorded a marginal growth from N101,853,173,000 in 2009 to N102,878,494,000; while the Operating Profit on ordinary activities before taxation and exceptional items grew by 6.2 per cent from

N3,784,963,000 to N4,020,931,000.

An analysis of its five-year financial projections shows that turnover will rise to N118.8 billion in 2012, N127.5 billion in 2013, N136.43 in 2014 and N145.6 billion in 2015. PBT is estimated to peak at N4.75 billion in 2012, N5.09 in 2013, N5.5 billion in 2014 and N5.83 billion in 2015; while PAT is expected to increase to N3.23 billion in 2012, N3.5 billion in 2013, N3.71 billion in 2014 and N3.96 billion in 2015.

A major pointer to the promising fortunes of the oil marketing firm is the substantial leap it recorded in profit and turnover in the first quarter of 2011. The unaudited trading

results for the period between January and March 31, 2011, which was submitted to the NSE showed that the company posted N1,742,945 billion profit before tax, a 713.53 per cent increase over the N214,245 million recorded in the corresponding period last year.

Also, the profit after tax witnessed a similar trend with a sharp rise from N145,687 million in 2010 to N1,185,203 billion this quarter; while the turnover, which was N21,071,554 billion between January and March 2010, appreciated by 77.02 per cent to peak at N37,301,786 billion during the same period this year.

EMAND for debt from Nigeria, which has outperformed an average of emerging-market notes, will rise as political stability improves following April’s elections, said Richard Cookson, global chief investment officer for Citi Private Bank, a unit of Citigroup Incorporation.

Nigeria raised $500 million from its debut sale of Eurobonds on January 21, with orders equaling more than two times the amount of debt sold. Citibank acted as joint bookrunner on the bond offer. The 6.75 percent debt due 2021 has returned 6.2 percent since being issued, compared with a 5.2 percent average return for emerging-market notes, according to JP Morgan Chase & Co. emerging-market indexes.

“Given the demand for the country’s bond offer, and given the deteriorating quality of debt in the rest of the world, there should be more demand for the country’s debt,” Cookson said in an interview on May 23 in Lagos.

“The political system is getting better and if all continues to go according to expectations, the overall credit rating of the country is likely to go up, not down.”

Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the oil-rich Niger River delta region, defeated former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, a northern Muslim, for a second term in office. Jonathan’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has won all the presidential elections since 1999, when the West African nation returned to civilian rule.

'Why Oceanic Bank is divesting from subsidiaries'

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ROUP Managing Director, Oceanic Bank, John Aboh, has said the bank is divesting from its foreign subsidiaries to operate in accordance with its new status as a national bank.

Aboh, said in a statement, explained: “The Sao Tome divestment is a continuation of our policy to divest from our international banking subsidiaries as a way of implementing the Board’s decision to opt for a National Banking Licence."

The Nigerian operations, he said, constitutes more than 95 per cent of the bank’s business and " we believe we can extract far more value by concentrating our resources in the local market,” he stated, adding, ‘’our recent strong performance has been as a result of a combination of debt recoveries, business growth and efficient cost management. This has been aided by good corporate governance practices nurtured by the Board through its provision of strategic direction and its oversight function.’’

He said in line with its strategy of opting for a National Banking licence, the Oceanic Bank Group has fully divested from its operations in Sao Tome and Principe.

The Sao Tome operations was sold to Global Fleet UK Limited at a Completion Board Meeting held last week.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

17

INDUSTRY

Why cement price is high, by group W

HAT should be the appro priate price of cement?

Not more than N700 per bag, says a group, Cement New Entrants Forum (CNEF), which blamed local manufacturers for the rising cost of the product.

CNEF Chairman Prince David Iweta, asked President Goodluck Jonathan for an opportunity to discuss the modalities to reduce the price.

In an open letter to the President, Iweta, the Chief Executive Officer, Madewell Portland Cement, said the crisis in the sector started in 2008, when the government cancelled the import permit granted

•Cartel behind soaring cost’ Stories by Toba Agboola

to some importers.

Iweta said the high cost of the product was caused by the activities of local manufacturers, who recommended increased duty and levy by 25 per cent of imported cement, even at the same price of the product in the market.

He said the local manufacturers declared three months profit of N28 billion at the expense of innocent dealers and consumers.

He said the new entrants in the cement sector like Madewell,

Reagan, Magen ROI and Gateway Portland cement companies sustained the price of the product at N1,600 from 2008 to 2010, wondering why the Federal Government should kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.

Jonathan last week gave cement manufacturers 30 days ultimatum to bring down the price.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ima Niboro, told journalists that the manufacturers had agreed to comply with the directive within the

stipulated time.

The President had summoned the meeting due to the soaring prices of cement.

The meeting was attended by the top five manufacturers in the country, including the President of Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN), Chief Joseph Makoju; the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu and the Country Manager of Lafarge Cement, Jean-Christophe Barbant.

The manufacturers, who spoke after the meeting, assured that the prices would come down before the deadline.

Dangote said the major problems the industry is facing include, supply of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) consumed by the industry and the loss of 6, 000 trucks by his group recently, adding that the recent post-election crisis in the North, which caused a shutdown of production for weeks, was partly responsible for the hike in price.

“We are doing all we can to try and bring down the cost of transportation but we will do it in such a way that it will not affect other transporters because we also need them in the business to survive,” Dangote added

Africa needs N4.08b for infrastructure

A

FRICA will require N4.08 billion to address its infrastructural problem in the next 10 years, according to Mr Ferdinand Gunn of Ernst and Young.

According to him, if Africa can address the problem in 10 years, it will outpace the Asian economies.

He said African entrepreneurs should be encouraged to continue to invest in the continent, adding that Africa, most especially Nigeria, has the highest rate of return on investment.

He said efforts had been made by different governments to create a conducive environment to the entrepreneurs.

The Regional Managing Partner, Ernst & Young West Africa, Mr. Henry Egbiki, said: “As Africa enters a new decade, and joins China and India in crossing the billion person mark, business and government leaders have more reason than ever to be optimistic about future growth prospects.”

Egbiki added that with the natural resources available in the region, sustained infrastructure and a desire to be part of the global economy, it was no surprise that Africa was seen by many overseas investors as the land of opportunity.

He noted that other sectors that would have significant amounts of FDI included communications, real estate and tourism.

Egbiki said the projection was based on a survey, “Africa Attractiveness Survey: It’s Time for Africa,” which combined an analysis

•From left: Egbiki; Mrs Xaba and Past President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Otunba Femi Deru, at the event.

of investment into Africa over the last decade with a survey of over 562 global executives on their views on how and where investment would take in the next decade.

EOY Programme Director for Africa, Mrs. Zanele Xaba, said the rec-

ognition of individuals, who had contributed to the region’s economy and social progress and the recent political progress made in the West African region had strengthened the fact that “its time has come.”

She said: “Entrepreneurs create

many of the world’s most dynamic and successful companies. That is the reason Ernst & Young’s EOY is considered the world’s most prestigious business award - because it goes to the most exceptional from among a unique group of people.”

On the purpose of the award, Xaba said: “We are looking for those visionaries who have demonstrated strong entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and whose ingenuity, hard work, perseverance, strength and agility have created a successful and growing business.”

Urging the West African community to participate in the award programme, she said the West Africa regional winner of the Master Entrepreneur category would be inducted into the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame in Monte Carlo next year.

“This Ernst & Young EOY is run in over 50 countries and 140 cities across the world. EOY has become widely acknowledged as the world’ leading business award for entrepreneurs,” Xaba added Meanwhile, the global consulting giant has said Nigeria’ oil reserves will continue to sustain foreign direct investment in the next decade.

Ernst & Young, leading global consultants on tax, insurance and advisory services, has extended its outstanding global award in entrepreneurship, ‘Entrepreneur of The Year Award’ to the West African region for the time.

The World Entrepreneur of the Year Award was created by Ernst & Young to recognise the significant accomplishments of entrepreneurs across the world. The programme builds on Ernst & Young‘s over 20 years experience and success in running “Entrepreneur Of The Year Award” programmes in many countries

Women to Jonathan: ‘Fulfill your promise to us’

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HE Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, In dustry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Business Women Group (NAWORG) , has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to fulfill his promise of allocating 35 per cent ministerial positions to women in his about-to-be reconstituted cabinet.

Addressing a press conference in Ikeja, on the unveiling plans for the second Nigerian Women Entrepreneur Exhibition (NIWEX 2011), Chairperson of the Group, Mrs Alaba Lawson, said Federal Government should allow women to participate more in economic development of the country, adding that this could be achieved by putting more women in key areas of the economy.

Mrs Lawson contended that women are known to be meticulous anywhere they find themselves.

The NAWORG leader, who expressed displeasure with the poor showing of women in last month’s general elections, said allowing more women in governance would assist in alleviating poverty as

women are known to be “better managers than men.”

On the NIWEX 2011 Trade Fair, she said this is put together to allow women from Nigeria, Africa and the entire globe come together to showcase their various skills of achievements adding that in most nations’ of the world women participation in economic development have not been accorded the proper recognition.

According to her ‘’ the aims and objectives of NIWEX 2011 Trade fair is to promote global investment in women businesses to ensure the continued development of women in the market place and to increase

‘The fair is scheduled to hold from July 1 to 10 and between 50 to 70 women entrepreneurs both local and international will exhibit at the fair’

•From right:Former President, Kaduna Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hajia Saratu Aliyu, Project Coordinator, Mrs. Afolake Jimoh, at the event.

foreign direct investment not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and the world at large.’’

She also said that this year’s theme tagged ‘Women! the world’s biggest untapped resource’ is opened to all sectors of the economy in which women have their businesses including federal and state ministries of women

affairs, business associations, international trade offices, NGO’s and other chambers of commerce both local and international.

Mrs Lawson said NIWEX is organised by the NACCIMA business women group to empower women to exchange their talents as well as showcase their contribution towards

Mrs Lawson and

economic development of the country.

The fair is scheduled to hold from July 1 to 10 and between 50 to 70 women entrepreneurs both local and international will exhibit at the fair.

It will be held at the prestigious Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

18

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

19

EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Blowup with Israel

Towards May 29

Education and social infrastructure (4) • Talk must be replaced by action

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F all the challenges facing the incoming Jonathan administration, perhaps few are more pressing than the monumental problems that it will be confronting in the areas of education and social infrastructure. Both subsectors constitute a vital component of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which will shape the nature of social and economic progress in many developing countries for the foreseeable future.

Put simply, Nigeria’s education and social infrastructure are in a mess, having suffered from sustained neglect over the years by successive federal and state governments. The country’s educational and health institutions are beset by inadequate funding, poorly-motivated and unqualified staff, and decrepit infrastructure. This has resulted in steep declines in educational performance, growing illiteracy levels and increased vulnerability to disease.

These challenges have resulted in very unflattering estimates of the quality of life in the country. The 2011 International Human Development Indicators (HDI)

‘To achieve this, the Jonathan administration must work closely with the state and local governments to ensure the uniformity of standards, the maintenance of adequate funding and the co-ordination of strategies.

The administration must avoid the temptation to throw money at the problem’

compiled by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) puts life expectancy in Nigeria at 48.4 per cent and states that eight per cent of the population is undernourished. According to the Index, a meagre 0.9 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is spent on education.

The effectiveness of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration will depend heavily on the progress he is able to make in improving the country’s education and social infrastructure. The weight of public expectation is especially high, given the widespread perception of him as a more empathetic leader than most of his predecessors.

An important first step would be that of clearly understanding the way in which different aspects of social infrastructure are closely interwoven.

Nigeria’s educational institutions, for example, cannot be improved without commensurate progress in healthcare, nutrition and youth development. Also, the constitutional provisions which make specific areas like primary and secondary education the responsibility of the local and state governments make it vital that the different tiers of government co-ordinate their activities in a seamless fashion. It is therefore vital for the Jonathan administration to develop holistic strategies which take this interrelatedness into consideration.

In the area of educational development, the incoming administration must work to improve both the quality of education and expand access to it by more Nigerians. An unacceptably wide gulf has developed between private and public education in the country, entrenching a two-tier system of learning

which is tilted heavily against the majority of citizens. This must be bridged by a comprehensive programme designed to turn failing public schools around, and ensure that Nigerians are guaranteed high-quality schooling, regardless of whether they are in private or public school.

To achieve this, the Jonathan administration must work closely with the state and local governments to ensure the uniformity of standards, the maintenance of adequate funding and the co-ordination of strategies. The administration must avoid the temptation to throw money at the problem: this failed tactic is the bane of educational development, and is responsible for much of the corruption which has pervaded the sub-sector.

Similar approaches should be adopted in meeting the challenges of the healthcare system. A primary target must be that of increasing the country’s ability to combat diseases like malaria, cholera, cerebro-spinal meningitis and polio which are major killers. In addition, more attention should be paid to enhancing child immunisation and other forms of preventive medicine: again, co-ordination with other tiers of government will be vital.

The clearest demonstration of the Jonathan administration’s readiness to face the challenges of improving the country’s social infrastructure will be seen in those who will be appointed to head the relevant ministries like those of Agriculture, Environment, Health, and Youth Development. The habit of appointing failed politicians and colourless personalities to such vital ministries must stop if the president is to live up to his promises.

Election hangover •The arrest of ACN governorship candidate in Benue casts Gov Suswan and the PDP in desperate light

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HIS year’s elections might have come and gone, but its acrimony, rivalry and bitterness linger. At least this is what the arrest and detention of the Action Congress of Nigeria’s (ACN) governorship candidate in Benue State, Prof Steve Ugba, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, seems to suggest. The state governor, Gabriel Suswam had petitioned the police that Prof Ugba and Senator George Akume are planning to cause mayhem in the state. Only a few days ago, the governor had complained of a threat to his life. As a matter of fact, Mr Adaa Maagbe, an ACN chieftain in the state, was earlier arrested and detained.

We may not know who the aggressor is in this matter. But it is instructive to note that Prof Ugba himself was the target of an assassination attempt on March 13.

He survived but his media strategist, Charles Ayede, was killed by the suspected assassins. Prof Ugba’s saving grace was that he was travelling in a separate car from that of his media aide when the attackers struck. But we note the many actions of the governor since he was declared winner of the governorship election in the state. He appears to be going for all his perceived enemies that do not favour his reelection.

There is bound to be a winner and loser in an election as in any contest. But there is also an avenue for redress for anyone who felt he was cheated to legally seek

redress. This is what the ACN has done in the state. The party believed that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Nasir Ayinlara, awarded the victory to the governor at the poll, and is determined to prove this at the election petition tribunal.

This is why many people are suspecting that Prof Ugba’s arrest and detention is all about weakening his resolve and that of the party to challenge Governor Suswam’s purported victory. Yet, what he and the party have done is the civilised thing to do.

We can only hope that Governor Suswam is not being pushed to the edge by desperation. We recall that Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State used the same strategy of keeping the main opposition figure in the governorship election in the state, James John Akpanudoedehe, also of the ACN, out of circulation shortly before the election last month. Yet, it was clear that the governor triggered the crises that claimed lives and property in the state when he declared his hometown a ‘no-go’ area for any other party’s candidate except those of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which he belongs.

Unfortunately, the police did not discharge their role as an impartial law enforcer in that matter. Rather, they acted as if in cohort with Governor Akpabio.

But for the court that granted

Akpanudoedehe bail, he probably would have been in detention at the time the election was conducted, which was part of Governor Akpabio’s political castration plan for him.

We hope the police would not tread the same path this time around. The laws of the land are clear on the length of time someone can be lawfully detained. Only the court has the power to sentence law breakers. If Prof Ugba has broken any known laws, he should be arraigned for the court to make the appropriate decision. It is improper for anyone, no matter how highly placed, to usurp that responsibility. The police should not be seen to be aiding and abetting a chief executive who might, by subterfuge, want to take away the people’s right to freely choose their leaders.

‘The laws of the land are clear on the length of time someone can be lawfully detained. Only the court has the power to sentence law breakers. If Prof Ugba has broken any known laws, he should be arraigned for the court to make the appropriate decision. It is improper for anyone, no matter how highly placed, to usurp that responsibility’

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RESIDENT OBAMA and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu have a powerful and urgent common interest. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has turned his back on both Israel and the United States; he is seeking accommodation with the extremist Hamas movement and has announced that he will seek a declaration of Palestinian statehood from the U.N. General Assembly in September. The result could be what Mr. Netanyahu’s defense minister calls “a diplomatic tsunami” against Israel and possibly the eruption of another Israeli-Palestinian war.

As for the United States, the U.N. vote could isolate it in support of Israel, undermine the ambitious strategy that Mr. Obama has just announced to promote democracy in the Arab world — and maybe derail the Arab Spring itself.

Now, of all times, the Israeli and U.S. governments ought to be working closely together; they should be trying to defuse the U.N. threat, induce Mr. Abbas to change course, and above all prevent a resumption of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. Instead, Friday found Mr. Obama and Mr. Netanyahu once again publicly and poisonously at odds with each other, thanks to a handful of lines added by Mr. Obama to his Middle East speech on Thursday. The president’s decision to publicly endorse terms for a peace settlement seemingly calculated to appeal to Mr. Abbas, over the strong objections of Mr. Netanyahu, has had the effect of distracting attention from the new U.S. agenda for the region.

Mr. Obama’s intention is to persuade Mr. Abbas to give up his U.N. bid and return to negotiations with Israel. To do so, he endorsed one of the conditions Palestinians have tried to set for talks: that they be based on Israel’s 1967 border lines, with swaps of land to accommodate large Jewish settlements in the West Bank. This is not a big change in U.S. policy. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, along with previous Israeli governments, have supported the approach.

But Mr. Netanyahu has not yet signed on, and so Mr. Obama’s decision to confront him with a formal U.S. embrace of the idea, with only a few hours’ warning, ensured a blowup. Israeli bad feeling was exacerbated by Mr. Obama’s failure to repeat past U.S. positions — in particular, an explicit stance against the return of Palestinian refugees to Israel.

Mr. Obama should have learned from his past diplomatic failures — including his attempt to force a freeze on Jewish settlements in the West Bank — that initiating a conflict with Israel will thwart rather than advance peace negotiations. He may also be giving short shrift to what Mr. Netanyahu called “some basic realities.” The president appears to assume that Mr. Abbas is open to a peace deal despite growing evidence to the contrary. And while he acknowledges that it is “very difficult” to expect Israel “to negotiate in a serious way” with a party — Hamas — that rejects its existence, Mr. Obama has been vague about what the Palestinians must do to resolve this concern.

The renewed peace process that Mr. Obama seeks could, at best, have the effect of curbing the Palestinian campaign against Israel or at least depriving it of major European support. The idea that it could lead to a peace settlement under the current Israeli and Palestinian leaders strikes us as unrealistic. This president likes to portray himself as a pragmatist in foreign policy. In this case, pragmatism would suggest that restoring trust with Israel, rather than courting a feckless Palestinian leader, would be the precondition to any diplomatic success.

– 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

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

IR: All is now set for the swearing-in of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for a-four year tenure.

At this time, the questions that many Nigerians are asking are, “what manner of President would Dr. Goodluck Jonathan be? Would he leave Nigeria and Nigerians better at the end of his tenure? Would he pander to the dictates and interests of his political associates and acolytes, especially in the Peoples Democratic Party on which platform he gained ascendancy to the presidency? Or would our president be willing to step on toes and brace the odds, to side with the generality of Nigerians who jettisoned ethnic and religious sentiments, and freely gave him the mandate to be president?”

Nigerians voted for the President because they believed he could make a difference in governance. But would he? The answer to this million-dollar question will be known the end of his tenure by May 2015.

At a time like this, lobbyists, friends, relatives, associates and godfathers are busy putting pressure on the president-elect for appointments, either for themselves or for their cronies. The President will soon constitute his cabinet and appoint people to fill different political and administrative positions.

This task of getting this done as a first step in charting a direction for his government is by no means an easy one for him and members of his think-tank.

Nevertheless, Nigerians expect

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IR: Thanks for your editorial opinion of Friday, May 13, on MFM largesse. The truth is that there are many first class brains or graduates in MFM and others ministries who were not awarded such first class degrees but given second class or even third class degrees because they had to struggle to eat and accommodate themselves in the university.

Also, corruption has crept into the university system whereby some of

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Agenda for President Jonathan that the president will put national interest above the selfish and parochial interests of a few. President Jonathan may come up with whatever number of points as agenda for his administration, but he cannot but make few issues his priorities.

One of such is the issue of public power supply. A significant improvement in public power supply will doubtless, have a multiplier effect on the social lives of the citizenry, and much more contribute in no small measure to taking our economy out of the woods.

Can anyone imagine the positive impact that a resuscitation of the

many textile industries across the nation, especially those in the northern parts of the country will have?

It will definitely take many unemployed youths, who usually make themselves available to do the devil’s bidding, out of the streets.

Improved electricity supply will get many artisans and other small and medium scale business folks back on their feet, thus revitalizing, once again, the informal sector of our economy.

Nigerians expect President Jonathan to use his good offices to ensure that not just those who killed the corps members are brought to

face the consequence of their crime, but that every other senseless and unwarranted taking of innocent lives in any part of the country is visited with the full weight of the law.

Nigerians yearn for a President who is ready to take hard, but necessary decisions that will make for the good of the greater number of citizens. It is in so doing that Mr. President can prove himself a good and purposeful leader who can be a man of his own when the chips are down.

2015 when President Jonathan’s tenure will expire also happens to

be the same year set for the Millennium Development Goals. Does anyone foresee an end to extreme poverty in Nigeria by 2015? Universal primary education; gender equality and women empowerment; reduction of child mortality and improved maternal health, are other targets of the MDGs. The truth is, we may not achieve all of the goals by 2015, we can however, lead the way in Africa in the efforts to make life better for our own people.

The leadership rests upon President Jonathan. By 2015, it will also be five years away from the vision 20:20-20, aimed at making Nigeria one of the top 20 economies in the world. If we do not measure up to the MDGs, how do we expect to be anywhere near our vision 20:20-20?

The president should realise that in voting for him, Nigerians voted to have a change; they voted to have a fresh breathe and nothing less should he give.

• Idris A. Mabadeje Uyo, Akwa Ibom State .

Re: Warrant chiefs reborn in Igboland

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IR: The summary of the write-up by Sam Omatseye is that Igbo’s divisiveness,

backstabbing and individual ascendancy are major obstacles to their occupying the biggest post at the centre.

I am glad that you acknowledged, “the Igbos have potential, perhaps more than any ethnic group in the

country. They have energy and resourcefulness...”(12th paragraph).

Your latter opinion above, I believe, made the Igbos to be number one in terms econo-political leadership in Nigeria until the ill-fated civil war which was consequent on Awolowo’s betrayal of the agreement he reached with Ojukwu.

It was this same Awolowo who

said “starvation is a weapon of war” as he told Gowon while he was there as Finance Minister. Awolowo reduced the richest Igbo men after the civil was to owning only £20.

Coming from four years war, starvation, no schooling, no commerce, and delibrate penury created by Awolowo, what else did you expect but a survival of the fittest amongst

... and MFM largesse these holders of first class degrees do not merit their grading because they bribed lecturers to obtain their grades. Again, there are lots of universities whose internal systems are rather satanic, in that they are not ready to produce or easily make their students to graduate with a first class.

It should be of interest to note that some universities have started to subject applicants to their postgraduate programmes to tests to

determine the worth of their first degree gradings for eligibility into higher degree programmes.

The issue here is that the paper grading, as now being used to get a car gift from MFM, is very wrong.

MFM should assist all her university undergraduates with money while they are in their universities so that they can eat well, dress fine, pay for part of their tuitions and defray part of their other expenses.

It is in so doing that God can re-

ward MFM in respect of general higher education. God cannot reward MFM for giving a cars to some graduates because of their grades whereas many MFM undergraduates are hungry in their universities and those that have graduated in their fold have no work to do and no food to eat.

• I. O. Eruotor-Eferobome Esq. Warri.

the Igbo? A hungry man who has no hope of feeding would do anything to survive. Normally, after a war, there is reconstruction and rehabilitation. Federal government never did any of these, after four years of war and destruction in the east.

It was these woes that bred the percieved “divisiveness, backstabbing and individual ascendancy” among the Igbos. At least, let’s thank God that era is gradually going away because socio-economic events are turning around for the better. Actually, the Igbos are the only tribe in Nigeria that could have such self recovery from devastation after the war. Well, Igbos no doubt came together during the last election.

This you pointed out. Now, don’t you think this type of oneness could continue or take place sometime in the future for the purpose of actualising Igbo presidency?

• Chukwuma Michael Lagos

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

Colonial & Post Colonial Culture of Nigeria -5

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IGERIANS are credited to be one of the happiest people on earth. Whether this is deserved will always remain a moot question. The fact however remains that Nigerians generally speaking are “happy-go-lucky” people. This probably applies more to southern Nigerians who celebrate virtually every important landmark in life, particularly child birth, birthdays, marriages, graduation, promotions and eventually death.

A study was conducted in the city of Ibadan recently on this culture of celebration and it was found that billions of naira was wasted annually on one kind of celebration or the other. This culture was originally unique to the more affluent Yoruba people but over time it has spread to every cranny of Nigeria. The Muslims only avoid joining in lavish burial ceremonies but when it comes to marriage ceremonies they are right at the front. Many families have been bankrupted by ostentatious and lavish parties thrown at marriages especially of the children of the rich.

Weekends are usually reserved for these wild parties and it is common to find streets in towns blocked for the purpose of sitting guests along city streets! Nigerians are

‘Our women look better clad in African prints and Iro and buba or in “up and down” that is long skirts and blouses. The Nigerian women look remarkably attractive in their traditional attire and even the western educated women in Nigeria invariably come to admire this mode of dressing sooner than later especially after giving birth to one or two children when their western attire becomes ridiculously inappropriate on their traditional African large frames’ AVING led us for over a year now it is expected that you must be familiar with s ome of the country’s problems.

Even though you are president-elect you are a president-elect with a difference because you also double as a sitting president. When you contested election last month you were already aware of what ails Nigeria.

The solutions to our problems are what we expect from you as you take the oath of office on Sunday.

Mr President-elect, so much is expected from you because you have been given so much. You can only justify the confidence Nigerians repose in you by giving of your best.

And how do you do that? It can only be done by ensuring good governance; a departure from the old ways of doing things that led us to nowhere; providing basic amenities of life for the people; equality before the law and promoting accountability and probity in the management of the nation’s resources.

You can do these and more if you are determined to leave your footprints in the sands of time. I am writing this letter because I want you to succeed. My belief is that your success will be for the glory of our country. Moreover, what will I or anybody for that matter gain if you don’t succeed. Nothing, absolutely nothing. It will be to our collective shame as a country if you fail. To avoid failure you have to avoid some people like the plague. By now you will be surrounded by such people, many of whom do not love you or have the love of the nation at heart.

They are merely after what they can get from you after working, they believe, for you to become president. Your Excellency, if the truth

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a hopeful people and it is sometimes difficult to explain the basis of this hope. Perhaps it is rooted in their religion or even in the two monotheistic religions of Islam and Christianity which between them share followership almost equally. Every Nigerian hopes things will be better. One hears it said in Pidgin English “He go better” or even in Christian lullabies “things are getting better” to indicate that it is only a matter of time before their material condition improves. So when there is any reason to celebrate they go at it with gusto and panache. In this regard it is probably true that Nigerians embrace the culture of “women, wine and song”. Their musicians sing praise songs to elicit gifts of money pasted on their foreheads while their women gyrate before pulsating beats of drums some of which are “talking drums”.

The various dancing styles found all over Nigeria celebrate the female anatomy with special emphasis on their behind. The culture of admiration for women with fat behinds and for generally fat women contrasts markedly with western culture of “thin is beautiful”. This is perhaps an area in which Nigerian culture is facing serious challenge of western concept of beauty because young women who read cosmopolitan magazine published in the West are struggling to be like “twiggy”. The way our women dress however allows them to hide the extra weight that would have been embarrassing to western women. Our women look better clad in African prints and Iro and buba or in “up and down” that is long skirts and blouses. The Nigerian women look remarkably attractive in their traditional attire and even the western educated women in Nigeria invariably come to admire this mode of dressing sooner than later especially after giving birth to one or two children when their western attire becomes ridiculously inappropriate on their traditional African large frames.

Culture is dynamic and a living culture must necessarily welcome accretions from other cultures. Before the coming of colonialism Nigerian cultural plurality was also not static. There were contacts among the people brought together in the Nigerian state. The pace of acculturation was of course slow but there is no doubt that Islam in the North provided a unifying culture. There were also cultural contacts among Hausa, Yoruba, Kanuri, Nupe and Bini people. The Igbo were influenced

by the Igalla and Bini and there are other examples of such cultural contact and borrowing as seen in Jukun’s relation with the Tivs. What is obvious is that the spatial distribution of the various ethnic groups has been Jide bridged by modern Osuntokun means of communication and transportation and by an increasingly centralized state. The result of this is a developing national culture.

Nigerians usually stand out among Africans as aggressive, confident and clever people. There are of course negative traits which can be attributed to Nigerians and which are traceable to the Nigerian environment. The post colonial state with its emphasis on individualism and capitalism has also thrown up the desire to be successful by all means this is a feeling that is antithetical to the pre-colonial culture of communalism and everybody being everybody’s keeper, a feeling which has been amply demonstrated in the saying that it takes a village to train a child. This is no longer the case. This has been replaced by one being the architect of one’s destiny and God for us all and the devil takes the behind.

The sense of individualism has also been exacerbated by the homogenizing tendencies of globalization. Young Nigerians are increasingly found all over the world as economic migrants and those at home ape western culture. But the beauty of it is that wherever Nigerians are found, they maintain their dynamic culture in their cuisine, food, dress, religious practices, language and comportment with the result that it is not too difficult to identify Nigerians and their culture warts and all. However to keen observers the differences in the plurality of Nigerian cultures are apparent, but to a casual observer, Nigerian culture is one and the same and uniquely different from other African cultures.

Letter to the President-elect must be told, such is expected. But it is left to you to draw the line. You alone know those who can work for you based on your vision for our country. If those you see by your side everyday now can drive your vision for the nation go ahead and work with them. But if they cannot help you in anyway then don’t hesitate before distancing yourself from them. The greatest harm you can do to yourself is to allow anybody to foist people on you. If you allow that, then you are not prepared to be our president.

As you must have known by now the task ahead is not easy. It is onerous. What you have seen in the past year may be child’s play compared to what lays ahead. Your task is, however, made easier because you have millions of Nigerians behind you. These are the people you must strive not to disappoint. Even though they are in the majority but voiceless, their vote is their power. It is this power they used in getting you into office. They have spoken with their votes; it is now your turn to be their voice by ensuring that their votes are not in vain. The only way to do this, is to provide good governance.

Sir, good governance starts with you. It is how you portray yourself that others will treat you. That is what a Yoruba proverb says. If you show that you are in it to better the people’s lot, your lieutenants will fall in line, but if you discard the people in the scheme of things you would have unwittingly prepared

‘We all know your passion for power. Just concentrate on it and let there be light throughout the country during your time. If you can do that before the expiration of your tenure in 2015, you would have written your name in gold’

the ground for the massive looting of the treasury. Something tells me that you mean well for the country.

With your kind of background you cannot but be pro-people in your approach. Governance is about people. A government that wishes to succeed must have the love of the people at heart. It must care about them by providing basic infrastructure.

What are these infrastructure?

They are what we all know. Road, power, hospitals, schools, potable water. Like many of us you come from a rural area. I must be honest with you sir, some people come from villages which chances of seeing development, at least in our life time, are nil. That is how remote their villages are to civilisation. But if Nigeria can be developed to world standard, they will be happy. Countries like the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK) have their own slums too, but we don’t often see them, what we see are their beautifil capital cities.

What stops Nigeria from being like that? Nothing. What is needed is the right person and the will to do the job.

S a nation we have put our fate in your hands. Whether we all voted for you or not is immaterial now. We have gone past that stage. It is left for you to prove cynics wrong that you can do the job. Many believe that you are a good man with a good heart, but there is more to leadership than those attributes. It is good to have these attributes, but it is better to be strongwilled and ruthless, if need be, to be able to run a country. There are many who will test your will because they perceive you as too weak to take ruthless decisions.

They may like to do that to show people that ‘see didn’t we tell you that he is weak’. You have to act swiftly and put such people in their proper place before they desecrate

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your office.

You must not allow your meekness to be taken for stupidity. You must stand firm from the outset. This firmness must be reflected in the calibre of people you appoint into your cabinet.Then what is your own priority as a leader? Whatever it is, hold on to it from day one and let it be known that, that is the passion that will drive your administration.

Do not fall into what I call the Jimmy Carter trap.According to former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in her book: Memo to the President elect, ‘’Taking office in 1977, Jimmy Carter was bursting with ideas, most of them good ones. The enthusiasm prompted his administration to move ahead in too many areas simultaneously. Within the first months, the new president adopted zero-based budgeting, promised every taxpayer a fifty-dollar tax rebate, tried to kill pork barrel water projects, proposed campaign finance reform, announced a comprehensive energy programme, offered plans for hospital cost containment. ’’Hosted eight heads of government, pardoned Vietnam-era draft evaders, unveiled a new human rights policy, called for a ban on nuclear tests, floated the idea of normalising relations with Cuba,

•Jonathan

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net

approved Vietnam’s entry into the UN, spoke in favour of a Palestinian homeland, and sent Cyrus Vance to Russsia with a drastically revised arms-control scheme. Columnist David Broder observed that Carter was governing less like the captain of a ship of state than a ’frantic... white-water canoeist’. All this activity produced a monstrous jam-up that obscured priorities, gave Congress more than it could handle, and ignored an elementary rule of public perception: if you propose three ideas and prevail on two, you will be thought a success; if you propose ten and chalk up wins on four, you will be judged a failure, even though you have accomplished twice as much’’.

Your Excellency, that is the secret to success for you. If you apply this formula. you will achieve success in quick time. Pick yor priority, be focused on it and you are on your way to success. We all know your passion for power. Just concentrate on it and let there be light throughout the country during your time. If you can do that before the expiration of your tenure in 2015, you would have written your name in gold. May you lead us to the promised land of uninterrupted power supply and the good things of life.

SMS ONLY: 08056504763

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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FEW days after losing his reelection bid, Governor Christopher Alao Akala of Oyo State, with his characteristic sardonic humour, enacted a law ostensibly to liberalise the leadership of Oyo State Council of Traditional Rulers. The hidden motive was to create disharmony between the Soun of Ogbomosho, the Olubadan of Ibadan, both of whom he had been at war and the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, with whom he equally maintains a no love lost relationship following the latter’s open campaign against his reelection. But the Obas saw through Akala’s mischief. They rejected his Greek gift.

To discerning observers of Alao Akala’s motor park brand of politics, Oba Adeyemi, a veteran of many wars, was a wrong choice as adversary especially by a governor who has had all his past battles fought by others. His first emergence as Governor following illegal impeachment of his boss, Rasheed Ladoja was the outcome of a web of intrigues by his god fathers, Lamidi Adedibu, and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. He similarly played little or no role in his own electoral victory through a flawed election in 2007. Lamidi Adedibu, the garrison commander of Ibadan politics and his gang, masquerading as members of road transport workers union ensured that.

He was similarly not privy to the behind the scene arrangements that got him off the EFCC hook in 2006 long after the organisation’s interim report had indicted him for alleged corrupt practices. Clumsy governor Akala, in picking on Oba Adeyemi has lost more than his last political battle.

Last Wednesday, the monarch who has never been afraid to fight alone, as long as it is on behalf of his people, attacked clueless and exhausted Akala at his weakest –corruption and underhand methods of handling state affairs. He alerted the incoming Governor of Oyo State of the ongoing culture of looting of the people’s patrimony. He as the custodian of the people’s values is troubled by Akala administration’s alleged sales of government quarters in the Government Reservation Areas {GRA}, the housing estates and District Officers residences to those in government with access to government money. He therefore wants the incoming government to probe the source of the outrageous amounts expended in purchasing appropriated government buildings.

If we were looking for reason to confirm

Akala and the looting of patrimony Akala’s inept handling of affairs of the state in the last four years as alleged by his political foes, his indiscreet answer to the Oba’s weighty allegation provided just that. His reckless response was a self righteous defense of a squalid behaviour unbecoming of a true representative of the people. Speaking through his spokesman, Dotun Oyelade, he admitted that ‘a body of senior civil servants headed by the Head of Service oversaw the bidding exercise’ in which about 30 percent of civil servants are beneficiaries’ As for the proceeds from the sales, he added that ‘the N36 billion collected from the exercise is intact in the bank for the Contributory Pension Scheme’.

But that was not the issue that troubled the Oba. He had raised a moral issue as to the propriety of selling national patrimony to transient temporary power holders. Unfortunately, Governor Akala’s impulsive response evaded this. But even at that, the governor has not told us why Oyo State had to sell the people’s patrimony in order to meet its obligation to workers whose salaries he has increased on the eve of his departure from office.

But to be fair to Governor Alao-Akala, the culture of looting the national patrimony by those saddled with the responsibility of holding them in trust for the people did not start with him. It did not even start with the new emergent post colonial leaders who inherited

not only political power but also the perquisites of office of the departing civil servants.

Without clear appreciation of the policy thrust of colonial administration’s decision to provide furnished apartments in Government Reservation Areas for colonial civil servants who were birds of passage as they moved around an empire, covering such far and wide places like Canada, India, Ceylon and elsewhere in Africa, our new emergent leaders saw them as perquisites of office .They suddenly discovered it was unsafe for them to live among those they were employed to serve.

The post colonial Nigerian new emergent leaders abandoned their houses and moved to the mansions vacated by the departing expatriates. Many of the emerging new political leaders experienced for the first time in their lives, luxuries they never dreamt off.

Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa for instance claimed his first flush toilet was in his official District Officers residence in Bauchi. But Balewa along with our other founding fathers were not national looters. It is to their great credit that their official mansions were never converted to personal houses. We have no information of private houses belonging to Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa.

Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe or Obafemi Awolowo in Ikoyi or Victoria Island. They left intact all they acquired on our behalf as national patrimony.

The culture of looting started with the military especially General Babangida regime.

Then it became a fad for retiring top civil servants, judges, military administrators and ministers to approve huge expenditures towards renovation of their official houses only to be bought at an amount much below the cost of renovation. Many of these men reemerged in the Fourth Republic as National Assembly leaders. As part of the greed, Babangida signed a retroactive decree to confiscate the Osborne privately reclaimed land, which was later, shared out as parting gift to his transitional ministers. It is also on record that this economic policy was adopted by his military administrators to sell state owned economic concerns to themselves by proxy at the expense of the people.

With the emergence of Obasanjo, who as a soldier, shares with Babangida, a common military culture of looting conquered territories, sharing of our national patrimony among PDP buccaneers became brazen. With its privatization policies anchored by Vice President Abubakar Atiku; (1999-2003) nearly all viable government concerns were sold to PDP members and their sympathizers. With little left to sell to themselves, the ever resourceful parasitic elite came up with monetization policy ostensibly to check corruption. But not even the corruption chief crusader cared to find out how civil servants raised millions to purchase choice properties that belong to all in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ikoyi, Lagos.

Governor Fashola of Lagos is already in court trying to frustrate collaborators in the theft of our national patrimony through the judicial process. We expect the Ajimobi administration in Oyo and indeed the new governors of the Southwest states to revisit all the illegal sales carried out under Babangida regime and Obasnjo PDP administration. And at the national level, if President Jonathan has his eyes on history, he must probe the sharing of our national patrimony by greedy military leaders who fraudulently proclaimed ‘for their future we sacrifice our present’ and their new breed PDP politicians. If he fails to do so, our nation will one day rediscover itself and our children will revisit the looting of our national patrimony.

• joluwajuyitan@gmail.com 08087852000 (sms only)

VIEW FROM THE FOREIGN PRESS

F

EW weeks leading to the just concluded governorship election, Governor Godswill Akpabio was summoned before a tough court by his kids. ”Daddy”, the last girl was the prosecuting counsel. “Is it true you are seeking a second term?” Shocked by the direct question, he momentarily lost his oratory. Eventually, he said, “yes!”.

“But I put it to you that you have built the airport; the e-library; first-in-Africa drainage system”, the little girl continued. “You have instituted free-and-compulsory education; pregnant women, children and the elderly receive free medicare. Mr Governor, you have built 205 roads; three flyovers; Ibom Power Plant; brand new Government House; completed Le’Meridien Hotel; built Banquet Hall; Ibom Tropicana and 1,400 communities are now linked to national grid. Currently, you have done over 3000 live-changing projects across the 31 local government areas. So, Daddy, if you go back, what else would you do?”

It wasn’t really the question but the thoughtfulness of the questioner. Coming from a little girl barely seven years old, it demanded a deeper introspection. For the governor, it must have been rewarding because his children acknowledged his industry. Despite attempts to demonise his sincere efforts at transforming the state, even the babies have internalized the truth. Yet, it must also have been a moment to firm up his programmes so that like he did in 2007, on re-election, he could hit the ground running.

Akpabio’s focus as a leader, even his opponents have admitted, has been on one unwavering course. No wonder he has been able to achieve so much despite attempts to derail his vision. Indeed, Akpabio has done much in four years; but he still has much more to do.

According to Socrates, after the storm comes the rain. For Akwa Ibom, the campaign and election periods were much like a stormy weather. But now that the storm is over, development and democracy dividends would pour like rain on the people. Those who have tasted his promise-keeping feat know that his words can be taken to any bank worldwide!

To start with, he has repeatedly talked about industrialization of all the local government areas as a key tool to job creation and em-

Fast-tracking Akwa Ibom’s development

By Uduak Edward powerment. “One of the main problems of the Niger Delta is unemployment; we have a lot of graduates roaming the streets without jobs. We have to provide jobs for our children”, he said, in a recent interview. Those industries are expected to be private sector driven. And with their flourish would come security, peace and growth.

With the power infrastructure in place, which Akpabio intends to expand from 191 mega watts to 685 mega watts of electricity; even the hitherto moribund industries like Qua Steel, battery industry, etc are to be revamped. Gladly, the absence of necessary facilities like roads, which made access to the industries impossible are now a thing of the past. Already, the governor has attracted an international group from the United Arab Emirate with a one billion dollars investment to the state.

One of Akpabio’s pet plans for optimum economic transformation of his state is the Deep Sea Port at Ibaka; in partnership with the federal government. The Ibaka deep sea port has one of the best water draughts in the country and it will compliment the port in Apapa, which is always congested. Combine that with the MRO facility at the airport and the state shall be ever on the economic rise!

Similarly, with a Strategic Food Reserves in Abak , Akpabio’s blueprints include a robust plan to encourage farmers to produce excess. “We will buy food stuff and store them away to avoid glut and stabilize prices; then we will release them intermittently into the market. Where there’s need, some of these will be used as raw materials in the new emerging industries”, he said. In fact, following shortly, some consumables are to be assembled and produced in the state.

In the words of President Goodluck Jonathan, Akpabio is one governor who

doesn’t play politics with development. In fact, he derives pleasure in beautifying the landscape with futuristic but enduring and sustainable infrastructure. In his second term, therefore, it is not envisaged that the governor intends to slack on his acclaimed infrastructural development, particularly the construction of urban and access roads.

Thus, even before his inauguration, construction on the 3rd ring road, expected to consist of 12 lanes in Uyo, has started.

On housing, Akpabio has started the construction of 2,000 units of houses; just after the completion of 31 security villages in each of the local government areas. Now, helmsmen in each Local government area - the chairman, the deputy chairman, the DPO, and SSS officials are to be accommodated in one location. Still, with careful planning and management of the lean resources, he also focuses on building an international stadium. “When you have an international airport and a deep sea port, you also have to think of leisure”, he said. Hence, the second phase of Ibom Tropicana is to be tackled to conclusion. When completed, tourism, which has started flourishing in the state since the commissioning of the six viewing centres at the Cineplex in Uyo is expected to reach its zenith.

Today, over 1,400 villages have been linked to national grid and the benefits are unquantifiable. “In the next one year we are looking at electrifying all the villages in Akwa Ibom. At the moment we only have 201 villages to complete. I want to believe that within one year, Akwa Ibom will be the first state in Nigeria to have 100% electricity coverage. That is why a lot people call it uncommon transformation!”. True, until now, nobody believed that it was possible to move a state from 39% to 85% of electricity coverage.

Political analysts have opined that Akpabio achieved so much because he is never afraid of opposition. “I cannot be afraid, as long as I focus on why I came; which was to change the life of the people”, he said. For instance he says: “you build a dualized road and put in a flyover and all they are interested in is the cost”. Akpabio is aware that they are not interested in development; all they want to do is criticize. So, not wanting to be distracted, he doesn’t waste time listening to them. “I want to focus on what I came to do, knowing that there is no permanent governor. I want to be able to hit my chest at the end of the day and say I did my best with the available resources”, he said.

Contrary to expectation, he believes opposition is important in a democracy. “The Bible tells us woe to that leader that does not have opposition. Opposition strengthens and deepens democracy, it also helps to test the will of the people and at the end of the elections the people are able to distinguish between propaganda and achievement”.

One other attribute that would help Akpabio in fast-tracking the state to the future is his humility even in victory. He is accommodating and welcomes partnership in development. “If anybody has good ideas then this is the time for the person to come and join the government and work with us. I have extended a hand of friendship”, he submitted.

• Miss Edward, a journalist, writes from Lagos.

‘The absence of necessary facilities like roads, which made access to the industries impossible are now a thing of the past. Already, the governor has attracted an international group from the United Arab Emirate with a one billion dollars investment to the state’.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

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

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

Nine out of 10 of the world’s population of 1.2 billion adolescents live in developing countries. UNICEF projects that sub-Saharan Africa will have the largest number of adolescents in 39 years. KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE and ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA report on educational investments that must be made to prepare them for leadership roles.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

•Pupils of Immaculate Hearts Senior Comprehensive High School, Maryland on the assembly ground

What hope for the young?

•UNICEF worried over adolescents’ education

M

ANY parents usually moan about the teen years – the period after childhood when their darling sons and daughters are no longer the sweet little children they used to know.

The teenage years, referred to as the adolescence stage of human development is the transitional stage when Junior is neither a child nor an adult. It is a period of physical and mental development between the ages of 10 and 19.

Physical development that takes place makes girls to develop breasts and pubic hair, and boys, beards, cracked voices and become taller.

Both sexes become aware of their sexuality more as their reproductive systems develop during the period.

It is the period that they are meant to develop critical thinking and analytical skills that would aid their decision making process later in life.

While they grow physically and mentally, they experience a rollercoaster of emotions that makes them act impulsively as they seek to understand their identities.

Experts agree that during this period, the children need support of adults to gain the right kind of education – academically and otherwise to develop properly for future re-

sponsibilities.

However, a report on “The State of the World’s Children 2011: Adolescence – An Age of Opportunity” done by UNICEF reveals that not enough is being invested in adolescents today, despite the fact that many regions of the world have up to 20 per cent of their population in this age category.

According to the report, nine out of 10 of the world’s 1.2 billion adolescents live in developing countries. In 2009, 94 million adolescents lived in West and Central Africa. And the world body projects that in 2050 there would be more adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa than in any other part of the world. Asia currently holds this record.

“More than half of the world’s adolescents live in either South Asia or the East Asia and Pacific region, each of which contains roughly 330 million adolescents. On current trends, however, the regional composition of adolescents is set to alter by midcentury. In 2050, sub-Saharan Africa is projected to have more adolescents than any other region,” the report said.

Despite this being true, the report said not enough resources is devoted to empowering adolescents,

‘This group is a special group.

The adolescence is a period which if they fail to learn the vital lessons they won’t be able to adjust in adulthood’ •Prof Olukoju

more of whom have survived because of successes of projects focused on reducing maternal and infant mortality, as well as primary education enrolments in the past two decades.

The report said: “Investing in adolescence is the most effective way to consolidate the historic global gains achieved in early and middle childhood since 1990. The 33 per cent reduction in the global under-five mortality rate, the near-elimination of gender gaps in primary school en-

rolment in several developing regions, and the considerable gains achieved in improving access to primary schooling, safe water and critical medicines such as routine immunisation and anti-retroviral drugs – all are testament to the tremendous recent progress achieved for children in early and middle childhood.

“But the paucity of attention and resources devoted to adolescents is threatening to limit the impact of these efforts. Evidence from around

the world show how precarious this period can be. Global net attendance for secondary school is roughly one third lower than for primary school.”

According to the report, the statistics on enrolment for Nigeria revealed while the net primary school attendance ratio between 2005 and 2009 was 65 million for males and 60 million for females, net secondary school enrolment for the same period was 45 million for males and 43 million for females.

Adolescents face myriads of problems including falling for peer pressure, unwanted pregnancies, drug abuse, contracting sexually-transmitted diseases, among others.

To tackle the issues of adolescent development, Education Secretary of Agege Local Education Authority, Hon Olamilekan Majiyabe said all hands must be on deck as the responsibility is not for government alone.

In an interview with The Nation, Majiyagbe said if not properly handled, many adolescents become maladjusted adults.

“This group is a special group. The adolescence is a period which if they •Continued on page 26

• UNIONS FAST AS STRIKE HITS SEVEN MONTHS IN PLATEAU - Page 38 •HOW KADUNA RIOTERS BURNT PRIMARY SCHOOLS - Page 39

RUN FILE THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

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EDUCATION UNILORIN FILE

Student wins contest A 500-LEVEL student of Electrical Engineering of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Mr Hafiz Akinde, has emerged the overall best essayist at a national writing competition organised by a Lagos-based Non-Governmental Organisation at the 1004 Estate Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Akinde won the star prize which is an international travel ticket to a choice destination for his essay on Leadership and Good Governance.

Co-incidentally, the first runner-up of the competition, Mr Abdul Hafeez Dawud, is an alumnus of the UNILORIN who graduated from the Department of Arabic in 2007.

Some other winners at the competition also smiled home with laptops, generators, refrigerators, digital Qur’an and many more.

O

OOU clears certificate backlog

LABISI Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye has ordered the printing of 50,000 copies of its certificates to clear the backlog of graduates on a waiting list that dates back to 10 years ago.

While 25,000 copies of the certificates would be for those who graduated from the university between 2000 and 2008, the rest will cater for those in the last

•Orders printing of 50,000 certificates From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

three years.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wale Olaitan, made this known to journalists last Saturday during the matriculation of 3,500 fresh intakes at its main campus in AgoIwoye, Ogun State.

Olaitan said the university was overwhelmed by the number of graduands demanding for their certificates after completing their education. He explained that this informed the need to print such a large number.

He said the job had been given to the “security printing press of

the nation,” adding that copies of the certificates will soon be ready for collection from the printer.

The Vice-Chancellor advised the new students to take their studies seriously and shun acts that could jeopardise their academic pursuit.

He, however, warned that expulsion awaits whoever secures admission into OOU with fake and forged documents.

94th Inaugural Lecture today PROF KAYODE Carroll Oni of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering will deliver UNILORIN’s 94th inaugural lecture today.

The theme of lecture which will hold at the New Science Lecture Theatre of the university, is: Man, Machine and Food Insecurity

Alumni bodies sign MoU THE alumni associations of the UNILORIN, and the University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to consolidate on the friendship and collaboration between the two universities.

According to the document, dated May 4, and signed by the national secretaries of UNILORIN and University of Cape Coast alumni associations, Dr. L. A. Yahaya, and Mr. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, the associations agreed to: “hold annual alumni public lectures that would be delivered by prominent alumni from the two universities”; “exchange ideas and research studies on how best the universities can diversify their programmes to meet changing needs of the time”; “work on modalities of enhancing the welfare of alumni in both universities”; “jointly conduct research in areas of common interest to uplift the standard of education in both universities and map out strategies to raise funds to help alumni activities”, among others.

Director promises steady power THE Director of Works, Mobolaji Sanni, has assured that poor electricity supply on campus would soon be rectified.

In a statement, Sanni said the irregular power supply was due to a technical fault.

“The disruption to power supply on the campus is as a result of a fault with the power transformers at the central power station. While concerted efforts are being made to repair the transformers, power is being supplied through the university generators. Other options are also being considered with a view to ensuring that power is restored to the campus.”

Sanni, therefore, urged the university’s community to use power responsibly and avoid leaving electrical appliances switched on when not in use.

•Chancellor, Covenant University (CU) Ota Ogun State, Bishop David Oyedepo (fifth from right) flanked by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aize Obayan (left) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Ogbulogo with other participants at the opening of an international workshop on Mathematical Modeling, Neural Network, Data Mining and Scientific Computing with Maple&Matlab, held at the university premises on Monday PHOTO ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

What hope for the young?

•Continued from page 25

fail to learn the vital lessons they won’t be able to adjust in adulthood,” he said.

To successfully prepare this age group – during which period they are meant to be in primary, secondary and probably tertiary institutions, Majiyagbe said counselling units in schools must be up and doing to bridge the gap created at home by parents who fail to devote attention to their development.

“Counselling provides complimentary services for psychological education as a back up to encourage them to be morally upright and prevent maladjustment,” he said.

He recounted an experience where a JSS2 pupil stopped his car to ask for a lift to school and he had to call her school to counsel pupils on the dangers of asking for such favours.

“I told the girl that does she want me to kidnap her since I did not know her before. I immediately called the principal of her school to direct counsellors to speak on the dangers asking strangers for favours.

Also I do not blame the girl. She was innocent. It is either her parents did not give her transport fare or she felt she could not trek such long distance from Oko-Oba to her school at IyanaIpaja, or she was trying to save money,” he said.

He said his LGEA did this and, has introduced programmes to help meet the needs of adolescents in public primary and junior secondary schools in Agege.

“Under the local content, we have accommodated things missing in the curriculum. During the valentine day celebration, we were the only local government that visited schools to enlighten the pupils on the essence of valentine and the dangers of doing the wrong things. We also did so during the World Aids Day,” he said.

In addition to counselling, Prof Ayodeji Olukoju, Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Imota, Ikorodu said adolescents need good academic and moral education, and opportunities for skills acquisition to empower them. He fears that they would be lost if nothing is done to help them.

“My humble submission is that this group needs sound secular and moral education, involvement of all stakeholders, skills acquisition, civic education for responsible citizenship, focus on obligations that accompany rights; leadership orientation and assumption of responsibilities. Future leadership starts now,” he said.

He advocated early vocational skills training right from primary school as waiting until they gained admission into tertiary institutions may be too late.

“They need education in terms of empowerment for life. Not all of them will go to the university. We don’t have to wait until then before teaching them vocational and entrepreneurial skills. We need to go back to our curriculum because they should be taught certain skills early,” he said.

To keep them out of trouble, Majiyagbe said adolescents should be engaged in meaningful programmes that would help them develop live skills.

“It is important for adolescents to be occupied. Once they are idle, there is danger,” he said.

Mr Kunle Fasan, Coordinator Nigeria/International Schools Chess League said Chess could be used to develop adolescents.

Fasan maintains that introducing chess in schools nationwide may be one antidote that will reduce maximally adolescents’ indulgence in frivolous activities, especially on the internet. Aside the entertainment derivable from chess, he argues that the game is also capable of imparting in them reading culture.

“Chess encourages reading! There is no way a person can be good in chess without reading chess text textbooks. So, without telling a child to read, he or she picks up chess books to read; and the more they develop interest in chess textbooks, the more they do to other books relevant to their studies.

“In the UK, Chess is even recommended for slow learners since it can improve intellectual quotient of the child. It is also recommended for the physically challenged who can’t engage in athletics or other strenuous activities because chess only tasks the brain and not the body.

“Since the tournament started seven years ago, parents schools, teachers pupils and participant have always looked forward to it especially the participants who equally

experience more exposure since the chess league sees them rotating from one participating school to another.

“Internet is dissuading our youths especially in secondary school from focusing on their studies. Chess can engage many of them massively while re-introducing excellence and brilliance the Nigerian pupils are noted for.”

The media has an important role to play in re-enforcing good behaviour in adolescents. Majiyagbe said media organisations should recognise this and project programmes that would help adolescents adopt good values.

“Even the media has a role to play.

Actors and actresses need to be conscious of their programmes. Is it reenforcing abnormal behaviour or encouraging them towards academic excellence? This is not a responsibility for government alone.

It is for all of us,” he said.

“Weather forecast for the year ... RIGGING at first, CORRUPTION at the centre, and STRIKE in the end!”

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

27

EDUCATION

KADPOLY Council rejects plea to unban ASUP HE Governing Council of the Kaduna Polytechnic (KADPOLY) has rejected the appeal by the management of the institution and other stakeholders to de-proscribe the local Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) as part of efforts to resolve the fivemonth-old crisis that has disrupted academic activities in the institution.

In a statement at the end of its meeting in Kaduna last Monday and signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Alhaji Mamoon Abubakar, the council said it would only rescind its decision if members of the union end

T

From Tony Akowe , Kaduna

their strike and return to work.

But the lecturers have accused the Council and Management of corruption, insisting that the government must sack them as a condition for their returning to work.

They have also taken their fight to the National Assembly and got a promise from the lawmakers that the issues would be investigated.

The statement made available to The Nation in Kaduna reads: “The representative of Management had pleaded with Council to de-proscribe the union (ASUP) activities and pay the withheld salaries of

striking workers for the month of April, 2011 as a way to end the current impasse.

“Council unanimously resolved that the suspension of the proscription order and payment of April, 2011 salaries would only commence upon resumption of academic activities.

“However, this decision was earlier taken because of ASUP’s refusal to heed to several appeals by well meaning and highly placed personalities of whom are the Minister of Education, the Emir of Zazzau and recently the public appeal by the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon.

Faruk Lawan and several stakeholders including the parents of students of Kaduna Polytechnic, under the aegis of Parents and Community Leaders Forum on the need for the resumption of academic activities.

“Council wishes to use this medium to express appreciation to all stakeholders who had, in various ways, expressed concern and intervened towards the amicable resolution of the impasse. Council would like to assure all and sundry that the decision taken, even though painful, is necessary in the overall interest of youths looking for quality education.”

‘Amosun should lift education in Ado-Odo’ A

N alumnus of the Lagos State University (LASU) and one time Social Director of its Students Union, Comrade Saeed Olabisi Alagbe, has called on the Ogun State governor-elect, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to pay more attention to education in Ado-OdoOta Local Government Area.

In a chat with The Nation, Alagbe who hails from the council, argued that the natives of the Ado-Odo community contributed to Amosun’s election success, and therefore deserve better attention in the new government.

Despite the poverty prevalent in the council, Alagbe said it has not diminished the intellectual deposits in its youths. He, however, lamented that many brilliant youths are getting frustrated funding their education due to little or no assistance from the government.

Alagbe said: “In Ado-Odo community, we are already losing the drive for people to be educated owing to lack of basic infrastructure and qualified teachers. The fact that those that have graduated from several universities and colleges of higher education are seen roaming our streets is another problem that has dropped the zeal in the young ones from furthering their educa-

By Adegunle Olugbamila

tion. One would expect assistance and encouragement to be given to indigent students to access scholarship scheme and bursary awards.

Not less 25 indigent and exceptionally good students across board in medicine, engineering, law, accounting and other professional courses could be selected for sponsorship in tertiary institutions annually.”

Alagbe added that the community is endowed with large expanse of land to accommodate more technical schools, which he said would encourage more people to gain skills needed to develop the economy.

“For instance we have started employing labour from neighboring countries. In construction we pre-

fer a tiler (person who fits floor tiles) from either Ghana or Togo.

This is as a result of the collapse of our technical education,” he said.

He appealed to the governorelect to boost ICT in primary and secondary schools in Ado-Odo - in addition to rehabilitating public schools, providing instructional materials, providing free UTME and WASSCE forms for candidates and scholarships for students.

To develop co-curricula among the pupils, Alagbe canvassed the re-introduction of quiz, debate, dance competition, sports, Boys Scout, Girls Guide, Man ‘O’ War, Press Club etc into the school system in Ado-Odo to bring back the values and determine the future of upcoming generation.

“Talent hunt competition could regularly be organised for secondary schools in the community to get the best out of the students to be trained for national and Interna-

‘In Ado Odo community, we are already losing the drive for people to be educated owing to lack of basic infrastructures and qualified teachers’

•Alagbe

tional events in sports, drama and other competitions. Scholarship and prizes could be considered for the best performing and indigent students in the primary and secondary schools.

“I was an active member of the literary and debating society during my days as a student in Alamuwa Grammar School, Ado Odo. This is where I started my political career, as a JSS1 Student, I contested to be the president of the society. I had to prepare and present a manifesto to the congress of students. All these are activities that impacted a lot of values into us as students, today these have faded away from the school system,” he said.

Federal Govt ICT initiative reaches Bayelsa

T

HE Federal Government ICT initiative of distributing laptops to female pupils in select junior secondary schools (JSS) has reached Bayelsa State.

Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi was in Yenagoa, the state capital on Monday to present 360 laptops to girls from eight junior secondary schools.

Gbagi said the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration approved the project funded by the MDGs Office in recognition of the critical role ICT plays and has made it a priority.

The Minister said the attainment of the National Vision and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), spurred President Jonathan to approve the implementation of the initiative for the girl-child nationwide.

The programme will also involve the training of teachers from benefiting schools on the use of the technologies and this was carried out through the MDG debt relief fund.

The programme, he hopes, would fast track the achievement of Universal Basic Education (UBE) and gender quality by attracting more girls to schools towards the attainment of the vision and MDGs. “Our goal is to see the education sector embrace the use of new technologies to meet the human resource requirement of the nation for attaining sustaining socio-economic development, global contemporary environ”, he said, while appealing to all stakeholders in the education sector to partner with the ministry to imple-

From Isaac Ombe,Yenagoa

ment the programme.

In his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, said the programme was in line with the state’s vision for ICT development.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr.

Gideon Ekeuwei, Sylva said his administration has sent over 260 students for ICT training in various schools abroad including India.

Education Commissioner, Dr Josephine Ezonbodor, in her speech also praise the Federal Gov-

ernment for the scheme which she said would promote gender equality and empowerment of women.

“As we all know, ICT will not only impact on the developmental stage of the economy but will also influence the direction of that development at all stages,” she said.

UNAAB FILE Varsity gets poultry THE Chairman of Eleshin Farms Ltd, Alhaji Adebayo Muideen Allinson, has donated a 1,000-bird poultry experimental house to the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB).

Handing over the poultry, Allinson said the donation was his contribution to poultry science of UNAAB. Allinson showed appreciation for the opportunity given him to contribute to the development of the university. He expressed his passion for community service as an avenue to serve humanity and also please God. Earlier in his remarks, the ViceChancellor, Prof Olufemi Olaiya Balogun, while praising Allinson, added that the donor’s son graduated from the university, for his bachelor and master’s programmes, and is currently pursuing his Ph. D. He added that Allison in such a way, has immortalised his name in the annals of the university.

“When record is being taken for those who contributed in one way or the other to the lives of Nigerians, to the enhancement of agricultural development in the country, the name of Alhaji Allinson will not be missing in our book,” he said.

‘Pensioners not owed’ THE Vice-Chancellor, who also doubles as the Chairman, UNAAB’s Board of Trustees for Pension Administration, has said the university is not indebted to any of its pensioners.

Balogun said this while delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop on Pre-retirement Plan for staff held at the university’s premises.

The VC reiterated that UNAAB has ensured regular payment of pension allowances by adopting the procedure of processing them alongside the monthly salaries. He said his administration is very passionate of the welfare of retirees.

According to him, “One of the hallmarks of the present administration is to promote the welfare of the generality of staff of the university. Let me assure you all that, we will not fail in this regard.

Not only are we interested in the well-being of the serving staff, but it is also our concern that pensioners of the university are well taken care of. That is why the university pays the monthly pension at the same time that salaries are paid to the serving staff.”

PR Head counsels students

•From left: Head of Corporate Communications, Airtel Nigeria, Emeka Oparah; Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, Deepak Srivastava, presenting text books and school uniforms to a pupil of Oremeji Primary School 2, Chinansa Emmanuel and her Head Teacher, Mrs Adunni Risikatu Animashaun on behalf of the school.

With them is Director of Regulatory Affairs, Osondu Nwokoro

THE Assistant Director and Head of the Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. ‘Lasun Somoye, has urged students to always be abreast of global information as a basic tool of empowerment.

Somoye gave the advice at the annual symposium of the National Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS), UNAAB chapter, held at the College of Veterinary Medicine auditorium.

Somoye said: “The forefathers of our immediate society developed the art of transportation that enabled them to move from one location to another through magical power, but was termed ‘wizardry’ while the Europeans fly airplane as ‘science’.”

He attributed the break in the chain of information from the African ancestors to the present generation, occasioned by illiteracy, to be largely responsible for the technological backwardness in Africa.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

EDUCATION ACE FILE Library holds workshop MEMBERS of Library staff of the College have completed a one-day workshop to update their knowledge and enhance performance.

The Librarian of the Lagos State University (LASU), Dr Adetoun Idowu and a lecturer from the Department of Library Studies, University of Ibadan, Mr J.K. Apotiade, delivered papers at the workshop which had as theme: Effective Library Services Delivery.

All members of staff of the Library were in attendance at the workshop which was declared open by the Provost, Prof Adeyemi Idowu.

Retirees prepare for pensions MEMBERS of staff due to retire between January and December 2012 will on June 28 and 29 join their counterparts nationwide in an enrolment exercise scheduled to hold at the Polytechnic, Ibadan.

The exercise is being organised by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) for employees in the service of the Federal Government that are due to retire between January and December, 2012 by virtue of attaining the age of 60/65 years or 35 years in service.

The affected staff will also submit the photocopies of letters of appointment, birth certificates, promotion, retirement letters, past records of service, pay slips and evidence of registration with a pension fund administrator.

Languages students host freshmen STUDENTS of the ACE School of Languages have hosted new students to a welcome party.

The School comprising the departments of English, French, Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa, held the party at the Babatunde Ipaye Hall in the college.

In his address, a former president of Students Union of the College, Mr Ayo Ologun, warned the students not to involve in any form of examination malpractices, adding that the palpable state of education in the country is as a result of examinations malpractices perpetrated during examinations at different levels.

The event was attended by lecturers in the School of Languages and the President of the Students Union, Saadu Taofiq.

The event featured the delivery of speeches in all the Languages under the School by the President of Language Students Association, Mr. Adedokun Olalekan Smart, and a dancing competition.

Students resume STUDENTS on mid-semester break will resume academic activities on Monday.

The college’s Academic Board had two weeks ago approved three weeks mid-semester break for all categories of students in the college.

Students are, howeve, expected to resume for lectures with effect from Monday, May 30.

UNIOSUN turns out its first graduates HERE was festivity in the air last Saturday as the Osun State University (UNIOSUN) bade farewell to its first set of 362 graduates after spending four years gaining knowledge in various fields.

The graduands, especially the females, were gaily dressed in welltailored skirt suits and towering heels over which they donned the institution’s navy blue and yellow academic gowns.

Proud parents and family members strutted round the venue, posing for photographs with their beloved wards for successfully completing their education. Considering that not all the 571 admitted at inception in 2007 graduated last Saturday, the parents had cause to be happy about the performance of their wards.

They were in high spirits, despite the event starting almost three hours behind schedule due to the late arrival of the Visitor, Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Members of the university’s governing council, top government functionaries, royal fathers as well as visiting Vice-Chancellors from 49 federal, state and private universities across the country witnessed the event under an expansive tent pitched by the main auditorium at the university’s main campus in Osogbo.

The graduands graduated from the Colleges of Education (24), Human Resource Development and Lifelong Learning (5), Humanities and Culture (92), Management and Social Sciences (191), and College of Science, Engineering and Technology (50).

Nine of the lot graduated with First Class Honours; 167 with Second Class Upper; 176 with Second Class Lower, and 10 with Third Class.

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•From Left: Aregbesola with Adejoke and Prof Akinrinade at the ceremony

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

There was no graduand with a Pass.

During the presentation of special prizes to high achievers, the females dominated the honours roll and were praised by Aregbesola who said: “I doff my hat to the female students for performing so well.

They have dominated the special prizes.”

Overall best graduand, Adejoke Omosile Salami, was the cynosure of all eyes as she repeatedly visited the podium to claim prizes for graduating with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.76. The pretty Osun-born Microbiologist claimed the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, College and Departmental prizes for being the most outstanding student of the year. She and other prize winners got the opportunity to shake hands with the Chancellor, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Ooni of Ife, Aregbesola and other dignitaries.

The elated Adejoke, who had earned a National Diploma (ND) in

Science Laboratory Technology from the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) before gaining admission into UNIOSUN, praised the university management for providing an environment conducive for learning. She also commended her lecturers for providing high quality tuition and support for herself and peers.

“All my lecturers impacted my life positively. UNIOSUN has some of the best lecturers in the world. They pushed us to the limits because they believed in us,” she said.

In his speech, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Sola Akinrinade, praised the students and their parents for believing in the institution enough to start out with it.

“I must say a word about this pioneer class. They have contributed in no small measure to ensure that Osun State University is the institution that we are today. They are the individuals who decided to take a chance with us when we had practically nothing on ground except the good will and reputation of the

founding fathers. They were ready to break the norm and invest in the future of their children. Along with the pioneer students, these parents have passed a vote of confidence in us,” he said.

In four short years, Akinrinade said the university has been able to develop its six campuses to an appreciable level – providing purposed-built physical infrastructure and requisite facilities to aid teaching and learning through the judicious use of resources. The university has also made efforts to develop through collaboration with reputable local and international tertiary institutions as well as out researches.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Prof Peter Okebukola, also expressed satisfaction with the university’s achievements. He said this has been possible because the institution has been managed by professionals, especially the council, and hoped it would remain so.

UNIBEN alumni praise alma mater

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•Junior Secondary School(JSS) Three pupils writing the first stage of the examination at Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin.

Cowbell Maths contest in second stage

R

ESULTS of the first stage of the 2011 Cowbell National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC), which took place on March 19 across the country, have been posted online.

The competition which has been on for 11 years, had over 30,000 junior and senior secondary school pupils participating in the first stage examination that was written in 200 centres across the country.

With a score of 96 per cent, Mardhiyah Sanni, a 12-year old pu-

pil of Ota Total Academy, Ogun State, was the best in the junior category Pan Nigeria, while three pupils got the highest score of 86 per cent in the senior category. They are 15-year old Akindele Oyetobi (Iganmode Grammar School, Ogun State), 13-year-old Charles Nwokotubo (Graceland International School, Port Harcourt), and 14year-old Anioke Vincent (Nigerian Turkish International School, Abuja).

However, the competition is not over as they still have to prove their

supremacy in the second stage of the competition which they will join other state winners to write on June 4 in four centres (Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Port-Harcourt).

Arrangements are already in advanced stage to contact and reward 222 pupils that emerged as the top three winners in each state in the first stage examination. The first prize winner will get N25, 000, while the second and third prize winners will receive N20, 000 and N15, 000 respectively.

HE University of Benin Alumni Association (UBAA) has praised the management of the institution for regaining accreditation for its medical school from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

In a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s 67 th National Council meeting held at the Abraka River Resort, Delta State, and signed by the UBAA President, Dr Clement Kayode Oghene and the Secretary General, Dr Emmanuel Oghre, the alumni praised the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Godwin Oshodin and other stakeholders for the efforts made to restore the accreditation.

The university also got commendations for the successful hosting of the 23rd Nigeria University Games (NUGA) last month.

With regards to last month’s general elections, the UBAA praised the Federal Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for conducting credible polls.

The UBAA Council, however, condemned the post-election crisis that claimed the lives of 10 corps members and many others.

“Council condemns the riots, destruction and wanton killings particularly of the National Youth Service Corps members which trailed the result of the Presidential elections in some Northern state. Council commiserates with the families of the deceased, while congratulating all those elected, and urges all dissatisfied with the results to follow due process in challenging the elections,” the communiqué read.

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‘That Igbo culture may thrive’

*CAMPUSES

Reading to ‘catch up’

*NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 31

Page 31

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE

0805-450-3104 email: ladycampus@yahoo.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

As President Goodluck Jonathan is sworn in on Sunday, students have asked him not to disappoint them. They spoke to GILBERT ALASA (200-Level Foreign Languages, University of Benin), OLUSEGUN ADEGBENRO (Accountancy, University of Ado-Ekiti) and TOSIN AJUWON (HND I Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State).

•Students at a National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) rally in Lagos.

‘Our parents need help; we want change’ O

N Sunday, President Goodluck Jonathan will be sworn in for a four-year tenure. The people’s expectations are high. Students across the country also have their wish-list.

Kehinde Okunuga is a graduating student of Biochemistry and the outgoing president of the University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD) Student Union Government (SUG). His view: “While I congratulate President Jonathan on his well deserved victory at the April 16 polls, he must know that we elected hm. In that case, our confidence should be rewarded through an emergency increase in budgetary allocation to education, provision of

employment for our youths, construction of the death traps called roads to reduce accidents, provision of stable power supply and water. We also demand representation in government – someone like an assistant or SSA to the President on Youth/ Students. I tell you, if he does these, students and, indeed, all Nigerians will never forget him for good”.

Valour Iduh is a 200-Level student of Foreign Languages at the University of Benin. He charged the president-elect to increase funding to education as it its votes has remained low over the years.

“It is regrettable that the education sector attracted a paltry nine percent

in the last national budget. President Goodluck Jonathan must reverse this ugly development and place education on the path to real progress.”

An HNDII student of Estate Management at the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), David Dada, wants the President to create an effective youth employment scheme that would stem the tide of unemployment. He also wants a business school created “so that young people with a knack for business can realise their dreams.”

But for a 300-Level student of Political Science at the Osun State University, Bayo Omoniyi, Goodluck Jonathan must promote entrepre-

neurship by solving the power problem which has crippled many businesses even before take off.

“Today, there is a general awareness on the role of entrepreneurship in promoting the economic fortunes of a nation. Young graduates are anxious to get their life going by setting up businesses. But power has continued to be the hindrance. If companies like Michelin could not cope, what do you expect of small businesses?

The President must take drastic measures to resolve this.”

With robbery, militancy, kidnapping, bombing, prostitution and cultism on the rise, Nigerians can no longer sleep with their eyes closed.

This is the concern of the National Coordinator of Nigerian League of Unemployed Graduates, Paul Okungbowa. The UNIBEN Microbiology graduate said the government has not been sincere. “How do you expect crime rate to reduce when ablebodied Nigerians are roaming hopelessly on the streets? The government must realise that any meaningful engagement, no matter how small, will go a long way in stopping the next man from the next crime.”

Modupe Arowolo, a student of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Ondo State, decried what she called the over•Continued on page 30

• Poly sends student abroad - Pg32 •BUK expels ex SUG President, others - Pg33

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Religion on Pushing our campuses Out

O

N the over 270 campuses of our higher institutions, the place of religion is as rock-solid as it is on the outside. Who does not know that Nigeria is about the most religio-secular (my word) country in the world? A few years back, we even won an unsolicited award as the happiest – courtesy of our religiosity.

Those who were students in the 60s and 70s remember that there were only the Christian and Muslim places of worship on the campus.

Then, the Protestants (where Anglicans, Methodists and other churches apart from the Catholics were grouped) were given recognition as well. By the 80s and 90s, more Christian groups have emerged and each wanted a campus presence. At the turn of the century, no institution had less than 20 Christian groups now called “campus fellowships (CF)”.

Thus, anyone with foresight would have seen the crisis we have today coming. The Students’ Affairs unit, responsible for registering and overseeing student groups and affairs generally on campuses, is hard-pressed to decide when and how to say “enough!”

From responses from my students across campuses, I understand that some institutions have as much as 50 such fellowships.

A leader of one of them at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, who did not want to be named, said while he was still seeking admission, his pastor made him promise to start the church’s campus arm as soon as he got the admission. Today, the fellowship has over 50 members.

This leader, like others in his shoes, is addressed as “Papa”, just like members of

union officials once in office is earlier classes”; then the students are “not discussion for another day. really reading”. These dismissals beat me!

I’m not about to write an epistle Members of the CF are also students. on the merits and demerits of the They seem to forget that the university is CF. My concern is with the first and foremost for academic purposes. I prevailing scenario at the University am a Christian, one who is very proud of of Port Harcourt where some CF my heritage in Christ. That aside, I shudder members are calling for the head of at how some of us have turned with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joseph Pentecostalism to “pente-rascalism”.

Ajienka. The man’s “crime” is that If Prof Ajienka had banned fellowships he decreed that lectures must take entirely, I’d have understood the rage as precedence over CFs in the use of we cannot separate the ethos of the com08054503104 classrooms. munity even from our ivory towers. But (SMS only) The fellowships have each the man has only tried to bring some orcommandeered the use of certain der. I also learnt he has proposed to build •campuslife@thenationonlineng.net classrooms to themselves. Lecturers a Students’ Centre where groups can have •ladycampus@yahoo.com who for some reason could not hold their events and let the classrooms be.

The university cannot fold its arms while their classes earlier in the day or week and a congregation on the outside address their then reschedule it and students who wanted its original objective is being relegated. pastors. The fellowships usually have lead- to read in such classrooms were practically The fellowships should realise this and ers for the girls; such ladies are also ad- barred from them by the CFs. They argue learn to operate within the rules. dressed as “Mummy”. The responsibilities that such lecturers are “lazy” and usually Ciao placed on these leaders can be overwhelm- “have no genuine reason for cancelling the ing sometimes. They fast, pray, visit members, share food and everything they have with them.

Essay Competition for Undergrads The “mummy” is expected to have food at all times; it should not be heard that a member HE Nation CAMPUSLIFE, in collabora- include your email address and GSM line. visited her and was not given food. And you can Send to adedayo.thomas@gmail.com and tion with AfricanLiberty.org and Nettrust members not to visit when fasting is on.

The CF takes itself as seriously as an individual work for a Free Society, is calling for entries copy ladycampus@yahoo.com.

Entries will be received between June and church on the outside does. Members pay tithes, into an essay completion. Details are as folJuly 2, 2011. “sow” into the life of “papa” or “mummy”, buy lows: Prizes: 1st - N50, 000; 2nd - N30, 000; 3rd - N20, Topic: Free Enterprise: The Precursor to buses, go soul-fishing. They also do other things 000; 4th - N15, 000; 5th - N10, 000 that are peculiar to the campus like hold tutorials, Economic Prosperity There will also be five N5, 000 honorary For Who: Students in Nigeria’s tertiary inpicnics and so on. mentions.

On individual campuses, there is some- stitutions All entries will get a free CD “Ideas for a Format: MS Word, not more than 1,500 thing like a joint union of campus fellowFree Society” containing 100 textbooks on ships. Getting on the leadership of these words.

Interested students should please request for various fields of studies. larger bodies is not without the politicking Announcement of Winners: July 28. we see in the PFN (Pentecostal Fellowship the background material from Adedayo at Presentation of prizes: August 4, 2011. of Nigeria) and CAN (Christian Association adedayo.thomas@gmail.com and copy Ngozi First to Third winners will be presented their at ladycampus@yahoo.com. of Nigeria). And they wield such powers!

On the first page of the completed essay, prizes at the Corporate Headquarters of The In the last three Student Union elections at the University of Calabar, this body had please write your full names, department, Nation Newspapers in Lagos. Others will be practically decided who emerged into the year of study and name of institution. Also routed through the Deans of Student Affairs or HOD of winners’ departments. key positions. The performance of these

Ngozi Nwozor

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Sunday Ajiroghene is president and founder of Focus Engineering Students (FES), a group dedicated to teaching the practical aspects of engineering to students. The 400-Level student of Electrical/Electronics and Computer Engineering at the Delta State University (DELSU), Oleh, shares his inspiration with PHILIP OKORODUDU (300-L Computer Engineering).

‘We bridge the gap between theory and practice’

•Sunday

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HAT is FES? Focus Engineering Students – FES - is about developing engineering students’ mindset technologically, so that they can take advantage of entrepreneurial opportunities. Engineers are already concerned with creating things but most often this attitude of looking for job after graduation has become the order of the day even for engineers. Thus, FES aims to teach students how to create and develop things that will make them employers of labour on graduation.

In this vein, our objectives include to get students involved in practical aspects - transforming theory into

T

heir courses are similar but there is intense rivalry between them. They are students of Economics and Economics Education at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State. It is all about supremacy.

They are contesting on all fronts.

In academics,sport and other pursuits. They took their academic tussle to the football pitch recently when a novelty match was organised for them by the Department of Educa-

practice; to develop their entrepreneurial skills; and to share ideas, innovations and creativity amongst members What prompted the formation of FES? It is the desire to reduce the rate of dependency on non-existent jobs at graduation. These days, you see an engineer working in the bank or selling already-produced software when he is supposed to be producing better softwares. So, the desire for this to change is what prompted FES. Has FES been able to showcase any products so far?

Yes. Though we have many but we have been able to showcase them just once. This was during the Engineering Week here in DELSU. Our major one then was a product we called “Softtouch”.

We are also preparing to make a show at the upcoming Engineer Technology and Innovation Award billed for December 2.

Tell us more about the Softtouch?

Softtouch helps to switch on high

power appliance. It is segmented into four units —the sensor, amplifier, memory and power source. The sensor uses a single bipolar transistor connected in a common emmiter mode, the amplifier uses a 555 timer connected in a monostable state which is sensitive to a small signal difference whose input is connected to the output of the transistor. The memory is made up of sequential logic of the D-type flip-flop mode, it stores every last information it receives and remains in that state until its state is changed. The power switch is being controlled by the memory.

Is FES restricted to only students of Elect/Elect and Computer Engineering?

Broadly, no, it is an idea that is meant to encompass all the engineering disciplines; but presently in DELSU, we are constrained due to limited number of volunteers from other departments. All the same, our secretary is a student of Mechanical Engineering.

Battle for supremacy at OAU From Samson Ademola OAU

tional Foundation and Counselling (EFC). The match, played at OAU stadium complex, witnessed a large turnout of spectators from the opposing departments.

In a chat with CAMPUSLIFE, EFC President, Yusuf Shogbesan said:

“The rationale behind the match is to further promote friendship and unity among students of both faculties”.

Economics beat Economics Education, with Yemi Azeez scoring a hat trick. The captain for the Economics team, Osowade Goke told CAMPUSLIFE after the game that the match was “first of its kind”.

‘Our parents need help; we want change’ •Continued from page 29

crowded nature of the hostels. “Here in Rufus Giwa our hostel is filled with too many students. On a bunk space allocated to one student, you will see two or more bedmates. Schools should be funded so that more hostels will be built and existing ones rehabilitated.”

A student at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Temitope Adeyanju, said: “Our parents are paying heavy taxes, despite their meagre salaries. Some of them are in petty trades. Parents are crying for help while their children are weeping for change; we want to learn but the fees are drawing us back.

Jonathan should make education free or at least very affordable.”

Again, students want an end to what they termed “indiscriminate strikes by staff unions”. Students at Kaduna Polytechnic the Plateau State Polytechnic have been at home for the past five and six months. Mohammed Kadiri, in HND Mass Communication at KadPoly, said: “We have been at home, and as I talk to you, there is no hope from any angle, various meetings have been held. The national body of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has visited; nothing happened.”

Florence Amagele, a 100-Level student of Kogi State University (KASU), wants lecturers to be trained on “how to treat students like human beings.”

She narrated how it took her father’s intervention to deliver her from a lecturer who was sexually harassing her.

“And I escaped because my dad is a military man; imagine if I had had no one,” she moaned.

Florence is lucky, not so Dupe

Durotoye, studying in one of the polytechnics in the Southwest. Her case is still pending at the institution’s disciplinary committee where she went to complain about a lecturer who was sexually harassing her. “My phone is bombarded with love and sex messages from this man. After reporting him, I didn’t know he had friends in the committee; now they have turned it round that I was the one harassing the man.

Can you imagine that? I wish the President, through the Ministry of Education or the National Universities Commission (NUC), will set up something to stop this ugly trend.”

Chris Chekelu is an HND II, Mass Communication student at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State.

He wants Jonathan to ensure that administrators are “checkmated.”

“The President must see a way to ensure that administrators, such as Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, and others, are checkmated so that all the corrupt ones can be flushed out. We need Jonathan to visit institutions, not by sending funds alone.

Let him ensure that the funds are used well. The issue of post-UTME needs to be re-addressed. Then, vocational education should be given attention as well,” Chris submitted.

Sola Arifayan is in 300-Level Computer Science and SUG President, College of Education, Ikere Ekiti. He demands of President Jonathan: “I tell him the same thing we told Governor (Kayode) Fayemi of Ekiti on his inauguration. As the youth make up a large chunk of the population, there is the need to give students some recognition in government positions.

Secondly, education is more important than security, it’s a responsibility of the government. It should be qualitative and affordable.”

‘We have been at home, and as I talk to you, there is no hope from any angle, various meetings have been held. The national body of NANS has visited; nothing happened’

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

31

CAMPUS LIFE Igbo culture and language have been given a boost by students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). CHISOM OJUKWU (400-L Chemical Engineering) writes.

‘That Igbo culture may thrive’

C

ULTURE has been defined as a fundamental spice without which life tastes awry. Students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, had, for long, eaten their sauce that way – awry and indeed sour.

This was until the Ndi Otu Nze n’Ozo, a group of student-kings (Igwes), decided otherwise.

They hosted the first-ever “Igbo Day” at the popular Hostel Field.

Before the event, there were awareness campaigns all over the campus.

The awareness promised interesting aspects of the Igbo life which many Igbo students had lost touch with.

On the day, hordes of students, Igbo and non-Igbo alike, gathered.

It started on a somewhat wrong footing as the programme which was scheduled to begin at 10am started after noon. When it eventually took off, the excited guests readily forgave the tardiness as Lafin Gas, a popular FUTO comedian and the MC, kicked off on a jocal note thus “this is after all an African-culture programme, thus we must therefore start with African time lest we annoy the gods of the land”.

Igbo language, everyone was warned, was the language of the day; English was referred to as “asusu ndi iti” (language of the illiterate) and therefore banned for the duration of the ceremony.

The event was graced by the wife of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Viola Onwuliri; Hon. Chris Asoluka; Eze Lucky Okoro, the traditional ruler of Eziobodo, one of the FUTO host communities. Also present were traditional rulers of the Igbo student community: Eze Emmanuel Ezenwafor who doubled as Eze of Anambra and Eze ndi Eze I of FUTO; Eze Chinedu, Onwa of Enugu; Eze O.C.Onuoha, Eze Udo of Mbaitoli; Ezem C. Ugochukwu, Ohamadike of Mbaiseland.

After the opening prayer had been said and oji (kolanut) broken, Eze Okoro of Eziobodo, who was represented, expressed pride over what the students had achieved. As he gave royal blessings, the students hailed Ise! (in agreement).

The Eze ndi Eze (king of kings) of FUTO, on behalf of the Igbo student community, thanked the guests for honouring the invitation. Soon as the dignitaries took their leave, students settled down to the activities of the

day.

First was the Ada Igbo (for girls) and Okpara Igbo (for boys) pageant.

There were six ladies. They all had to waltz into the arena, adorned in beautiful traditional attires, arms waving regally and faces dazzling with smiles. Then each answered questions aimed at testing her knowledge and mastery of the Igbo culture and language.

It was an eye-opening moment for the contestants and the audience too as the Igbo translations of words like sweater, umbrella, fridge and air conditioner were demanded. Every time a contestant slipped up by using an occasional “so”, “but”, “that” or “the”, the audience chorused chei! (abomination) in lighthearted mockery.

Laughter resounded across the whole arena when a hassled Uju Nwachukwu, contestant no 3, who had been asked for the Igbo way of saying “I miss you”, blurted out “Ana m echezo gi” (I forget you).

After the ladies came the guys for the Okpara Igbo; there were four of them. All went as it had during the ladies’ until Godwin Udeagwu, contestant no 3 came up. When asked his intention for contesting, he answered that he intended to use the position to expunge the fast-rising trend of “sagging” among young Igbo men. Loud applause and cheers greeted him until he turned to prance off the stage and alas! His trouser was sagging! The students really enjoyed that one.

While the results for the pageant were being compiled, Eze Ezenwafor led others to confer traditional titles on a select group of students.

Soon, it was time to announce the pageant’s results.

Lois Ukachukwu, contestant no 2, was proclaimed Ada Igbo; but in an interesting development, majority of the audience rejected the result.

Popular opinion was that contestant no 5 had done better than Lois and shouts of “Asi!” (lies!) rent the air.

Seeing as things were getting out of hand, Eze Ezenwafor stepped up and took the result sheet from the judges. After perusing the sheets awhile, he went ahead to declare Lois winner.

After some murmuring, all conceded that the king of kings of FUTO had spoken.

Daniel Mbadiwe, contestant no

•Eze Ezenwafor (middle) and other student-ezes at the event.

•Some of the girls who vied for Ada Igbo.

•Lois, the new Ada Igbo (kneeling) crowned by the Lolo (wife) of Eze Ezenwafor.

4, was declared Okpara Igbo. Everyone seemed to agree with the verdict this time. While the newlycrowned were led away amidst cheers and applause, the committee of Lolos, traditional wives of the kings, brought in coolers of locally-prepared Igbo delicacies.

There were plenty ugba, mpataka,

and other local yummies.

Traditional music was provided by the Oziomachi Cultural Troupe; a couple who couldn’t resist got up to dance in the famous waist-twisting moves.

Many students declared the day a worthy one and commended the organisers.

Eze Ezenwafor, in a chat with CAMPUSLIFE, promised that more was coming. “We will do more next semester as we have made plans to bring the Igba ofala and Iri ji ohuru festivals to FUTO. This is because at the Otu Nze n’Ozo, we have agreed that omenala Igbo ga-adi (Igbo culture will thrive).”

Students must make certain points in their academic record to graduate, and even have hope of getting good jobs. FAITH YAHAYA (HND II Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State) reports that some go to absurd lengths to meet the target.

Reading to ‘catch up’

H

IGHER institutions pride themselves on their ability to produce graduates “worthy in learning and character”. Thus, students are expected to show themselves deserving in both areas.

However, some students do not seem to be particular about the character part. They are mainly concerned about getting the grades – often at the expense of character.

On a typical campus, there are

•Some students reading.

categories of students when it comes to reading habits: the ones who read daily; the ones who read at night; those who read because their friends are reading and those who wait until test or exam is an-

nounced before they read. Then, there are those who give the impression they are reading.

In the last class are the students who, just to be addressed as very serious or “efikos”, take their

books and leave their lodges for the class once it is dark. They usually don’t return till the early hours of the next day. Unknown to their roommates, all they do in class is to sleep. Others do not go to class or library; they go to their places of worship (churches and mosques) with the argument that the presence of God will aid quick assimilation.

Some of those who do not sleep in class engage in midnight calls; with the latest Blackberry craze, another distraction has been added.

Once such students are through with calls and pinging which are free, the next thing is sleep.

Not all who sleep are guiltless.

But, to ward off sleep, some students devised a means. They use caffeine, certain substances and drugs, though they claim “not hard drugs.”

Our correspondent discovered

that some of the substances used to fight sleep are high energy drinks, some tea, kolanut, chewing gum and bitter kola. One student who didn’t want to be named said he “sometimes combine these things for quick results.”

Other students spoke. Mirabel Osamede is in HND II Mass Communication at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State. According to her, she does not use any substance but could stay awake for long.

“I don’t believe in drugs so I don’t use it. I have seen what it does to students. You will discover that the drug will do what you want it to do for you but the side effect is bad, as one would become weak and, sometimes, useless. As for me, as soon as I feel sleepy, I sleep maybe for 20 or 30 minutes.

Afterwards, I feel refreshed,” she added.

•Continued on page 34

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

32

CAMPUS LIFE

Campus writers meet VC

S

•Prof Jegede, second left, and others singing the national anthem to declare the workshop open.

Don advises Fed Govt on e-learning

“T

O actualise positive result on e-learning in higher institutions and overcome the challenges facing the education sector’s growth, one of the first steps is for government to ensure adequate attention is given to the foundation in all levels of education.”

This were the thoughts of Prof Olugbemiro Jegede, former vicechancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), at

From Oladele Oge UNN

a workshop organised by the Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Speaking on the topic Optimising e-learning opportunities for effective education services delivery, he noted that a major challenge of teaching today was capacity building in technological trends that would help lecturers compete with their

peers across the globe.

Prof Jegede urged universities to create an environment for the growth of e-learning as a way to help government in the actualisation of tits Vision 20 20-20.

Reacting, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Barth Okolo, said the institution was “working tirelessly to ensure e-learning takes a pride of place in the teaching method”.

T h e w o r k s h o p w a s well attended by staff and students.

TUDENT-JOURNALISTS at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) have held an interactive session with the ViceChancellor, Prof James Epoke. It was held last Friday at the Conference Room of the VC’s office. The meeting, which lasted for about an hour, began at 3.45pm.

Among those in attendance were CAMPUSLIFE correspondents led

by Emmanuel Shebbs. Other members were Chinenye Okonkwo, Eyo Bassey, Obianuju Asuozo, Uju Obi and Israel Aggary.

Emmanuel Ogar led the UNICAL campus journalists union.

The journalists spoke mainly on issues bothering the larger student populace. These include poor power supply, delay in release of exam results, non inclusion of the CES (Continuing Education Students), also called part-time students, for the National Youth Service, the non performance of the current SUG executive, and the bad condition of the students’ refectory.

Prof Epoke promised that the exam result delay will soon be a thing of the past as plans and modalities are on to ensure that every faculty is connected to the Internet.

“This way, results will be assessed online, just the same way management has successed in making online registration of students possible.”

He said this would be possible because lecturers have been given deadlines on when to submit

Students laud INEC at public lecture

F

•A cross section of the new students.

SUG orientates freshers

A

WEEK-LONG orientation programme for new students of the Lagos State University (LASU) was held last week. The venue, MBA Hall Ojo Campus, was filled to capacity while many jostled to gain access.

The Student Union put it together.

Addressing students, the SUG President, Olayiwola Adebayo, popularly called Lai, said the programme was to orientate fresh students and re-orientate the returning ones.

Among speakers of the day was Mrs. Abiola Akinyode, the Executive Director of Women Right and Research Organisation and first lady Public Relations Officer of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Students’ Union in her day.

She encouraged students to participate in the student union.

Her words: “In the past, we had maimings and killings of students which discouraged participation in the union. Don’t be discouraged by this; it is just a reflection of the outer world. If youth corps members can help INEC conduct free and fair election, it means this generation of youths is not wasted.”

Mr. Ajibola Bashir, a lawyer with Banire and Associates, told the students that the essence of being undergraduates was to be better individuals, irrespective of one’s discipline. “Don’t allow the jamboree to take precedent over

•Lai, the union President.

From Nurudeen Yusuf and Adeyemi Onikoro LASU

why you are in LASU. Take your academics serious because the first impression you will have in any employer is your certificate.

Remember that all your activities from now will culminate in your grade,” he said.

Mr. Peter Obinna, CEO of Commit Technology Consult, taught them on how ICT can be used as a complement to their study. According to him, a right person goes through the right process. “To fit into the labour market of the 21st century, you need the knowledge of ICT and as a student, you can survive as an entrepreneur with the knowledge of the computer”.

He promised to partner with the SUG to teach the students at a convenient time.

A drama was staged by students of Theatre Arts to teach the students on the need to face their studies.

Thereafter, Taiwo Ibijoke, a first class graduate of Geography in the

•Mrs. Abiola.

2009/2010 session had a pep talk with the students on secrets of a first class student. He told the freshers that there were three categories of students on campus. The first are those who are determined to succeed, the second are failures because they do not care, and the third group are those that are not determined but fall anywhere.

She affirmed the fact that if a student does not graduate with a good result, at a point in time the person will forever feel it even if he succeeded in all other endeavours.

Other days featured environmental awareness, an oratory competition and a novelty match between the legislative and executive arms of the SUG. The executive won with penalty on a 5-4 aggregate.

The week was wrapped up with the freshers’ orientation party at the pavilion ground. The party featured performances from upcoming stars in LASU ranging from comedians to musicians.

OR conducting an election mostly adjudged free and fair, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been praised by the Student Union Government (SUG) of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

This was through a public lecture the students organised in INEC’s honour.

Themed 2011 Elections: A critical appraisal, the lecture looked at the challenges before and after the election and sought ways to eliminate the challenges experienced before another election is held.

The lecture, which attracted participants from neighbouring institutions, was held at the Multipurpose Hall with AAUA students and staff in attendance.

In his speech, the SUG President, Kehinde Ademakinwa, said: “The

From Charles Udenze and Chinenye Okonkwo UNICAL

results.

The VC equally promised that Internet services will soon be assessed anywhere on the campus.

On poor power supply, the VC reinstated that what distinguishes world class universities was the ability to use resources within ones disposal to achieve results.

Thus, he promised that the Qua River at the back of the school would be used to generate electricity with the assistance of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Ten mega watt of electricity is expected to be generated from the river and this will help to give not only UNICAL light but its environs.

Speaking on the poor attitude of some staff towards students, the VC blamed students for not having the courage to report such staff. “They prefer to carry it as rumors and as such there is little the management can do where there is no evidence to persecute such staff,” he posited.

On the non performance of the SUG, Prof Epoke blamed the students and advised that as future leaders they should learn to be good leaders. He equally reminded the journalists that even in secondary school, there were senior prefects who report back to the principal on the problems of students.

Prof Epoke reiterated that it is the responsibility of the Students’ Affairs to handle students’ matters.

From Babatunde Alao AAUA

topic of the lecture was chosen to evaluate and seek necessary mechanisms to avert the inadequacies that resulted in the process.”

The guest speaker, Hon. Akin Orebiyi, Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, described Prof Attahiru Jega, INEC chairman, as a distinguished academic and intellectual who knew how to manage the over 65 million eligible voters during the elections.

According to him, some of the problems encountered during the 2011 elections included the non-enlightenment of voters due to illiteracy, deliberate inducement of voters by politicians, transmission and transportation of results from polling units to collation centres, among others. He promised that the commission would do everything within its capacity to prevent occurrence of such in subsequent elections.

Reacting to questions asked by the students, Orebiyi described the students as being “politically sensitised”. He thanked them for their peaceful conduct during the elections.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olufemi Mimiko, was represented by his deputy, Prof Isaac Ajayi.

Poly sends student abroad

W

HEN the seed of the affiliation of The Polytechnic, Ibadan and the Ferris State University, United States, was sown, not many believed the result of the accord would come fast.

Muheez Opeyemi, a Mechanical Engineering student at the Ibadan poly, has been offered admission by the US university to complete his B.Sc in the same discipline.

This was confirmed by the Director of Continuing Education Centre of the Ibadan institution, Mr. Ismail Oyetunji.

Muheez had since resumed on May 13 and the programme will run for one year. Afterwards, he will have a two and half years working permit before returning back to Nigeria.

Mr. Oyetunji admonished him to

From Jeremiah Oke THE POLY IBADAN

be a good ambassador of his home, his institution as well as his country at large. He also urged him not to forget where he is coming from and face his studies squarely in the US. An elated Muheez spoke to CAMPUSLIFE before he left. He said he was “very happy to be the first person to benefit from this exchange of staff and students by the two institutions”.

According to him, he didn’t believe the application would be fruitful but “when I received a text message to go and see the consular at the US embassy, and later was invited for visa, I knew it was no longer a joke”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

33

CAMPUS LIFE Dental students hold week

I

T was an exciting recently at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), as the Dental Association (BUDSA) held its health week.

The event was opened with a marathon that saw many students jostling for the first place. The race started from the Anatomy Gate through Hall 4 and Faculty of Engineering. A team from the UNIBEN Health Centre was on hand to render first aid services.

At the end, winners were presented with prizes and souvenirs.

In what many students described as “exemplary”, the popular Hall 2 Car Park was jam-packed with scores of students who took turns to enjoy the free dental check up and treatment rendered by the Committee on Dental Health, an affiliation of BUDSA.

•Exterior of the Suleiman Hall. Inset is a student using the renovated bathroom.

Students excited as hostel is renovated

T

HE 5,000-capacity Umar Suleiman Hostel at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has been renovated. It was done by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, who was appointed last year.

Since the renovation, students have been happy. They described the VC’s achievement as unique.

The hostel, built since institution was founded school, had not undergone a significant renovation

From Dayo Ibitoye and Maliki Andas ABU

until recently.

Tunde Adekeye, 300-Level Chemical Engineering, said: “I never believed showers could run in the hostel. Even the toilets are in good condition and there is adequate security provided for students. I give big kudos to the new

VC.” Meanwhile, life is gradually returning back to the ABU two campuses as students resume. The school, which was deserted for almost a month due to the post-election violence in some northern cities, has fully resumed and has commenced academic activities. But many students fear that the late resumption might further prolong the session by a month.

BUK expels ex-SUG president, 49 others

T

HERE was drama as the Bayero University Kano (BUK) expelled former SUG president Garba Ibrahim Kunya; some of his executive members received warning letters. This was contained in a bulletin dated May 20, 2011. It added that the action was approved by the principal officers on April 4.

Kunya was expelled for alleged involvement in forgery and unauthorised spending of union’s funds when he served as president in the 2008/2009 session.

Some members of the Garba SUG were instructed to refund the union’s money in their possession.

Its financial secretary, Alhassan Usman, is to account for N89,500; Abubakar Shu’aibu Maigogul, the speaker, is warned for negligence of duty;Aisha Ummi Ali , the treasurer is to refund N21,000.

TUDENTS of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Presco campus, Abakaliki, have held a one-day seminar with the theme Cyber safety and security. It was organised in response to the Internet fraud perpetrated by youths.

One of the keynote speakers, Mr O. Joshua, enjoined students to

S

From Idris Abdullahi BUK

Kasim Baba Abdulkadir, the sport director, is to repay N30,000 (money he collected as loan). The other official charged to refund money is AuwaluAminuZubairu, the deputy parliamentary secretary, who is to refund N40,000.

However when CAMPUSLIFE spoke to Kunya, he said he was only given a warning letter at the date the said expulsion meeting took place. ‘’I got a call from a friend telling me I have been expelled. So I rushed to my department where my lecturers told me that they were not aware of it.

Now from where did the story of expulsion spring up? It is unconstitutional and unjust. I was not even given the right to a fair hearing

and I am ready to follow all the necessary steps to justice”.

He showed our correspondent a copy of the warning letter with ref. no: BUK/SA/VIII; it was signed by the Dean Students’ Affairs, Muhammad O. Badmus. ‘’How can a student be warned and expelled at the same meeting? ‘’ Kunya wondered. “According to both the warning letter I received and the story of my so-called expulsion, both happened at the 12th university’s principal officers’ meeting which held April 4. Which one am I to take, the warning or expulsion?”

We could not reach the DSA as at the time of filing this report.

In a related development, 49 other students were also expelled. This was announced in an earlier bulletin of May 13. The statement said the students were found guilty of examination malpractices.

Seminar on cyber security From Emeka Ugwu EBSU

maximise the opportunities the internet presents and shun illegal activities. He said internet presents huge resources for mass mobilisation for the youth.

Mr Joshua said he was happy people were realising the importance of the Internet.

The organiser, Ernest Ezema, in 300-Level Computer Science, said majority of youths were yet to catch up with their counterparts in other countries.

A student, who identified himself as Emmanuel, told our correspondent that the days of his shame resulting from a germ-infested dentition had gone. “I can now smile with all the confidence in the world,” he quipped.

Aside the lecture held at the Medical Complex, there was a cultural night tagged “Africanna Night” where various cultural foods were cooked as guests had a field day sampling the cuisine.

President of the association, Michael Okon, told CAMPUSLIFE that the essence of the celebration went beyond the excitement. “It is our desire to impact value to mankind through enduring community projects. This is just one of them,” he said.

Ekiti students elect leaders

M

EMBERS of the Federation of Ekiti State Students Union (FESSU) have voted in new leaders. On the day of the election the venue of the election was heavy with human traffic. Election was preceded by the manifesto speech by various candidates; this was followed by screening. Sensational quotes from Barack Obama’s speech and age-long rhetoric of Martin Luther King were used freely in Ekiti as students engaged in battle of wits.

The three presidential candidates mentioned the revival of bursary scheme and scholarship cancelled by ousted Governor Segun Oni. At the end of the exercise, Adebayo Ayiti, a UNAD student, emerged National President. Ibiwunmi Owolabi was returned as VicePresident 1 while Abiodun Anjorin became VP 2.

Others are Segun Famuyibo (General Secretary), Owolabi Oluwafemi (Assistant General Secretary), Oluwadamilare Obisesan (Financial Secretary), Adeolu Adeyeye (Treasurer), Omotayo Agbetuyi

UNIZIK checkmates fees offenders

•Kunya, flanked by Alhassan (left) and Auwalu.

From Gilbert Alasa UNIBEN

T

O curb the increasing rate of school fee receipt forgery by students, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has put in place a new method.

This was disclosed by the Bursar, Mr U.J. Agu when CAMPUSLIFE. According to him, apart from sending print out containing names of those who have paid to deans and

•Adebayo, the new FESSU president From Olusegun Adegbenro UNAD

(Welfare Secretary), Bunmi Daramola (Auditor), Owolabi Ojo (PRO) 1 and Bunmi Bewaji, PRO 2.

Speaking after the election, new AGS, Owolabi Oluwafemi, 300-Level Microbiology, University of Abuja, commended the peaceful atmosphere the election was conducted.

From Emeka Attah UNIZIK

departmental heads, his unit has decided to introduce a strict penalty by charging defaulters N10,000 with one year extension of their year of study. He added that many are in the habit of not paying their school fees even when funds have been provided by their parents, adding that some of them go as far as forging school fees receipts.

The Bursar advised students to ensure regular payment of their school fees immediately they return from holidays to avoid embarrassment and distraction during the examination period.

Group wants slain corps members immortalised STUDENT group at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has begun action to immortalise two of the 10 corps members killed in Bauchi State during the post-election violence that rocked some states in northern Nigeria. They are Kehinde Adeniji and Gbenjo Ayotunde, both hailed from Gbongan, Osun State.

The eight-man team, headed by Oluwalosheyi Babaeko, Director of Intra-communication, True Friendship International Nigeria, during a visit to the Olufi of Gbongan, Dr. Adetoyese Oyeniyi, said the killers succeeded in killing the dreams of the murdered youths.

The group is planning to build a library in memory of the fallen corps members.

Oluwalosheyi said: “We deem it fit to strive for a presidential attention

A

From Samson Ademola OAU

to immortalise the fallen heroes, especially now that President Jonathan is bent on reviving the reading culture of Nigerians.”

Gabriel Ogunlana, another member of the team said: “For a town like Gbongan to have lost two sons, it is indeed a great loss”.

Reacting, the Olufin said: “When I was with the family of the bereaved, I told them to be philosophical about the loss. Getting children is even a gift from God and those who have no children are not worse sinners than those who have. Where all other compensations are momentary, the library stands forever. The government can even build 10 libraries, one in each of the communities where the slain corps members originated from.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

34

CAMPUS LIFE Over 1,000 members of the Igbona community, Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State, were beneficiaries of the free medicare organised by Benji Dakum, a doctor and Batch “B” Corps member. SAM AJANI (Corps member) was there.

•Cross section of the old among the patients waiting to be attended.

•Dr. Benji (in NYSC uniform) attending to some of the patients.

Corps member provides free medical service to community

“I

MMORTALITY is keeping others moving when you have stopped moving yourself. This, for me, means that wherever one finds oneself, one must strive to bequeath an enduring legacy to humanity.”

This was how Dr. Benji Dakum, a Batch ‘B’ Corps member serving in Osun State, described his motivation to offer free medical service to some members of Olorunda community.

The young doctor attached to the Government House Clinic, OkeOfia, Osogbo, equally distributed 100 fully-equipped first aid boxes to schools, churches, mosques and some organisations.

The programme was part of Dakum’s community development

project. Tagged Ilera Loro (health is wealth), it held at NULGE House, Olorunda Local Government Secretariat, Igbona. The 1,000-capacity hall was filled while many thronged the corridors. Though it was meant to be a two-day programme, it had to be extended to three to cater for all who came.

Declaring the event open, Chairman of the council Alhaji Hakeem Okunde-Samanja commended Dakum whom, he said, the people will “continue to remember for good, for long”. The chairman added that it was a “great way to complement the efforts of the government to provide health care service to the people”.

He added: “I believe that God will heal all the illness of those who are

going to benefit from this free health care through Dr. Dakum. He is a very good example for other corps members to emulate and he had left an imperishable legacy in the area”.

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) who was represented by the Head of Community Development Service (CDS), Mr. Patrick Onyolu, appreciated the people for accommodating the corps members.

He said: “Despite what happened recently to your children in the northern part of the country (Osun had two of the 10 corps members killed in last month’s election violence), your hands of fellowship remains extended to serving corps

members in the various localities of Osun State”.

The NYSC official further stated: “When the organiser brought the project to the NYSC state secretariat, we scrutinised it. We also thought that since he had earlier de-wormed over 1,000 children of the community, this would succeed. Today, we have been proven right”.

In a goodwill message, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. A. Ajewole, expressed appreciation to the council boss for supporting Dakum to succeed. Commending the initiator, Ajewole added that no corps member has done such a thing in the last 10 years.

A 70-year-old woman, Mrs. Abibat Aduke, a beneficiary of the

The Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG) has ended a two-day gig for members, with the crowning of the first “Miss NIDSUG”. EMMANUEL SHEBBS (400-L Political Science, University of Calabar) was there.

Niger Delta students chart course

Reading to ‘catch up’ •Continued from page 31

T

HEY came from the six states in the South-south, as well as Abia, Imo and Ondo. They gathered under the aegis of the Niger Delta Students Union (NIDSUG) for national summit at Owerri, the Imo capital, with the theme The fate of Niger Delta Students and their future hope.

More than 3,000 students were in attendance. The first day was a rally by the students round tertiary institutions in Owerri and environs.

The turnout was large; chanting aluta songs, they started from the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (FEDPONEK). The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. U. Okafor, received them, urging them to remain focussed in their fight for good education.

On behalf of the students, the NIDSUG President, Comrade Genesis Jeremiah, delivered a gift to the PRO. The rally proceeded to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), where the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Onyebuchi Ogoma, welcomed the students. He commended the spirit of unionism among the students and advised them to cooperate with their leaders. He too got a gift.

The third port was the Imo Government House, where the head of the state Orientation Agency, Mr. Angus Oguike, welcomed the students on behalf of Governor Ohakim.

In a plea to the state, Jeremiah described the recent hike in school fees

programme, said it was God-sent as she had been experiencing back pain for months, “but I could not visit hospital for treatment due to lack of money’’.

A driver, Mr. Moses Ajewole, said he was happy that the low income earners were benefiting from the programme.

Earlier in his welcome address, Dakum gave glory to God for helping him to realise his dream of helping the less-privileged.

He appreciated the state NYSC for giving him the platform to execute the project. He was also grateful to Mr. Siji Olujimi, a pharmacist and Director, Akol Pharmaceutical Company, Osogbo, for providing the drugs dispensed freely to the people.

•Jeremiah (middle) and some members of the NIDSUG.

at the Evan Enwerem University (EEU) as a sign of underfunding in the education sector. He condemned the “maltreatment” of some state governors “who would not pay our parents their salaries and yet increase our school fees and expect us to pay”.

Another highlight of the day was the presentation of awards. Introducing the awards, Jeremiah pointed out that “NIDSUG does not give awards to incredible politicians who do not have anything to do with education; who sit on the UNESCO decreed 26 percent minimum budgetary allocation to education and send their children abroad to study”.

Also featured in the day was the adoption of the body’s constitution.

The document was earlier reviewed by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC).

An aspect of the summit was a beauty pagean tagged “Miss Niger Delta”. It was the first to be organised by the union. It held at

Bush Bar, River Side Hotel, Owerri.

During the contest, nine contestants were selected, each representing a state in the Niger Delta.

Thereafter, they displayed their talents in dancing, singing, and so on. Members of the audience were equally encouraged to tear out a sheet of paper to grade each contestant just as the judges were doing.

The beauties mounted the stage the second time, in traditional costumes, displaying different cultures of peoples of the Niger Delta. Each contestant was asked to explain the various fancies of the attire like the hair combs, earrings, waist bands, body marks, neck flowers and others.

On the third stage appearance, the girls were in evening gowns. Each was asked the question she picked from a list numbering one to 11.

All questions were related to the Niger Delta phenomena.

After this exercise, five contes-

tants were struck off, leaving four.

These were asked oral questions on modelling, glamour and pageantry. This process saw the emergence of Chinwendu Opara from Alvan Ikoku Collage of Education as the winner and the first NIDSUG Queen. Paula Obiajuru and Okonkwo Akuoma emerged first and second runners-up.

The three were crowned by Genesis who also presented them with gifts and consolation prizes.

For Paula, the event was a good platform. “Though we were told to expect to win or lose, that it’s not a do-or-die contest, it is still tough for one to sacrifice and lose at last. All the same, I thank the national president for organising the contest in a transparent manner “.

Comrade Jackson Surges, host and Imo coordinator of the union, said the success of the event was God’s doing. He thanked the participants from various schools and states.

Sunday Olaoye, another student, said he combined three anti-sleep substances.

“For me, no matter how busy I was during the day, when I take Lipton, Power Horse and Nescafe within five minutes’ interval, I can go for about six hours without sleep. I take them like that because when I take only one, it’d only last me for two hours.”

No side effect? “Not much really.

I just have minor headache afterwards, but I would have achieved my aim.”

Like Sunday, Ibrahim Baba who admitted to taking substances to keep awake said it was the “only way” he could cover the syllabus.

According to him, “the thing is this, the time is usually short and to cover the syllabus effectively, I use high energy drinks that usually make me stay awake and read for as long as I desire”.

The extent of the body’s response to a drug depends on the amount administered, called the dose. At a low dose, no response may be apparent. A higher dose, however, may produce the desired effect. An even higher dose may produce an undesirable or harmful response.

For example, to relieve a headache most adults require two tablets of aspirin. A half tablet may provide no relief from pain while ten tablets may cause burning pain in the stomach or nausea.

According to health practitioners, substances perform different functions in human beings because of the difference in body systems.

That it worked for XYZ does not mean it will work for ABC.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

35

CAMPUS LIFE

K

NOWLEDGE or skills gained through studying or being taught defines learning in a broad sense. Be that as it may, learning requires some basics: conducive environment, facilities and amenities, amongst others. As much as the University of Jos has tried to turn over every stone, it’s very unfortunate that the political and religious misconceptions in Plateau State continue to adversely affect the learning environment.

It has become common for students to be, daily, disturbed as fear has becomes the order of the day.

The mentality of staff and student has become “survivalist” and selfpreservation” first. It is common now to hear students say that only the living attend classes or read.

UNIJOS: Trudging on For even non-existent reasons, students rush back to the campus hostels from the lecture hall and this in a mighty hurry. Members of staff are too ready to leave for their homes at the whiff of trouble, even if a rumour.

Sadly, cases abound of those who called the bluff and are nowhere today to tell the story. Cases of students who went for lectures or shopping and never returned have also contributed a lot in building tension.

This is not to forget the shoot at night order that is not ready to free students from panic.

Just last semester, exam dates were

even postponed and readjusted so much, not minding the inconveniencies students faced. But they could not blame the authorities; what with the fact of the armoured tank stationed in front of the main gate, no thank to the state government. A lot of students in various levels have opted to rewrite JAMB start all over in different institutions.

Some had to leave against their wish, but what can a child say when the parents adamantly refuse to continue to gamble the lives of the children?

But despite the chaos and tension Great UNIJOS has tried to continue

with normal activities. Social life of students was never brought to a standstill, thanks to the SUG Director of Social. Campus politics and the inherent intrigues and drama have not ceased to captivate the attention of even residents in neighbouring university communities. Preparations for exams and writing of the exams still come with their normal apprehension and “seizures of reading”. At such times, cafeterias and libraries have note ceased to host Great Jossites for 24 hours.

Omah, 300-L Geography and Planning, UNIJOS

By Omah Agbo agboomah@yahoo.com

Letter to my Governor-elect Ajimobi

By Musliudeen Adebayo uniquemusliudeen@gmail.com

L

ET me start by congratulating the newly elected representatives both at the state and the national levels. Winners must be aware that it is not the strength of their campaigns but by the grace of God. Elected representatives in Oyo State in particular - 32 members of the state assembly, 14 members of the House of Representatives, three senators and

Governor-elect Isiaka Ajimobi should bear in mind that the 2011 elections is a big lesson to show that bad performance will be rewarded by the people’s rejection. Such, each must defend the trust reposed in him.

History since the creation of the state in 1976 have shown that we have never had a two-term governor, even the most celebrated Chief Bola Ige (1979-1983) could not return to the Many of those who have failed did so because of their poor performance.

Mr. Governor-elect will remember that a statement credited to the late Ige that Ibadan does not have a qualified son to become a governor provoked Ibadans to produce Chief Omololu Olunloyo in 1983. The inability of Alhaji Lamidi Adeshina (1999-2003) to pay teachers’ salaries on time paved way for the emergence of Senator Rashidi Ladoja. Ladoja versus Adedibu and hard-tocomprehend PDP politics swept that one away, bringing in outgoing Adebayo Alao-Akala.

The ousted Alao-Akala’s inability to win the April 26 election was not

because he did not embark on some developmental projects; it is because of many other factors. They include the illegal impeachment of his former boss, Ladoja, running battles with traditional rulers, LAUTECH crisis, increment in school fess of The Polytechnic Ibadan and LAUTECH, delay in payment of salaries, Ibadan factor, NURTW factor, attacks on opponents among others.

These, sir, are major eye-openers for you to study so as to avoid them.

You should be able to involve competent hands to implement people-oriented policies and make Oyo a true pace setter state in the areas of education, rural and urban renewal, transportation, employment opportunities, housing, etc.

In education: there is need to, as a matter of urgency, address the lingering LAUTECH crisis and drastically reduce the fees. What is needed is a dialogue with the Osun governor, Engineer Rauf Aregbesola, to review the laws of the institution. Reduction of the school fees of The Polytechnic

Corporate identity in marketing

unemployed youths to be fully engaged.

Security. He needs to get serious and determined to rid the state, especially the capital – Ibadan – of the menace of members of the NURTW. After all it is not the NURTW who voted him in; it is the people. Other areas one expects to read great dividends are in agriculture, road construction and beautification of Ibadan city, prompt payment of all workers, not just teachers. There should be adequate social amenities in the areas of water and rural electrification, construction of modern day markets among others.

Now there is no gainsaying that the affairs of the state will be in Senator Ajimobi’s domain from this Sunday (May 29), by God’s grace; the major news in the next four years will be his ability to change the lifestyle of the people for good. This way, he would definitely break the jinx and come back as a two-term governor.

Musliudeen, graduated from Social Work and Administration

Letter to my ex Vice-Chancellor

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HERE is an increasingly dwindling standard in the organisational structure of marketing companies in Nigeria.

This has been largely blamed on poor corporate identity. Many companies, having underscored the potentials of their corporate identity, are now redefining their image and identity to reposition themselves.

This is amidst staunch competition.

In marketing, the corporate identity is the persona of the corporation which is its marketing technique; it is designed to promote and improve corporate culture. Corporate identity takes the form of branding, trademark, logo, colour, dress code, etc. It plays a significant role in repositioning the organisation packaging for both internal and external stakeholders. Such identities express the core values which characterize the company.

Rhetorically, corporate personality helps the organisation to answer questions like “who are we?”, “where are we going?” and “with what effect?”

It is worthy to note that the initial step of corporate identity is to deal with branding. Thus, every effort towards building the organizational name and colour combination is very crucial in crafting a positive identity. A well designed and developed identity can give clear idea of the organisation, its services and products. The company’s vision will help customers identify the organisational

Ibadan to affordable rates. This will allow children of the poor to have access to higher education.

Establishment of a university of Oyo as the state is the only one in the Southwest without its own university. There is also need to resuscitate the proscribed Student Union of the polytechnic.

The State Scholarships and Bursary Board needs to be restructured to provide financial assistance to thousands of indigents students.

Sadly, in 2009, Akala collected N500 each from over 20,000 students and paid scholarship to less than 800 students in October 2010.

Healthcare. There is need for the construction of much more hospitals, rehabilitation of the existing ones and provision of drugs, personnel and other materials to make them functional.

Employment generation. Mr. Governor-elect must also liaise with indigenes of the state both at home and in the Diaspora, as well as multinationals, to establish companies in the state for the teeming

By Oladele Oge oladeleoge@gmail.com

strengths and weaknesses as well as identify specific markets and establish a proper image of customer’s expectation.

The above parameter underscores the essence of a strategic corporate culture. Beyond doubt, firms have embarked on massive improvement of company’s design. For instance, the banking industry makes use of this technique to reposition against competition.

Most banks have constantly changed their logo to reflect current organisational structure.

It is usually easier to identify with an organisation which has crystallised corporate identity especially using colours and smart, innovative logo. The logo has been defined as a magical icon that characterises a company and delivers the kind of prestige no other in the industry can provide. Therefore, a well defined corporate ID is the bane of service delivery, relationship management, and the execution of organisational business strategy.

Companies use this ID to represent clarity of focus, integrity and

Onyekachi Okali oladeleoge@gmail.com

professionalism as well as best practices. In some organisations, the philosophy which forms its core values could include humility – the ability to relate with customers as the essence of corporate being, empathy – ability to feel the pulse of your customers, integrity – being transparent in your dealings/relationship with the customer, resilience – evoking the organisation’s entrepreneurial spirit to excel in challenging situations.

Corporate ID is not just about perception; efforts should be made to structure the organisation to truly reflect this culture. Managing corporate identity is servicing business, especially when you are surrounded with big competitors. It means updating one’s brochures, banners and billboard designs as new products/ branches/factories/subsidiaries are added into the organisation.

Remember, an organisation’s logo must be such that can be easily recognised in the marketplace.

Oladele and Onyekachi, 200-L Mass Comm., UNN. Nsukka

EAR Sir, We, the majority of students of the University of Ado-Ekiti, are using this medium to say “Thank you, sir”. You have really proven to be a good leader.

You have shown us that you are a great political scientist.

Within just two years of your administration, you have bequeathed onto us a world class UNAD. Some may snidely remark that what we have is not yet world class. But truth is that you taught us to dream because of the reality you brought in two short years. Because of you, UNAD, in terms of structures and academic excellence, cannot be dismissed anymore in the midst of state and even many federal universities.

You will never be forgotten be-

By Olanrewaju Awe awe.olanrewaju@yahoo.com

cause your good works live in the heart of many. Even when we graduate, your good deeds will continue to linger on in our hearts.

Our dear Prof Dipo Kolawole, you are truly the Moses and the miracle-worker of our time. Students and staff protested and cried and wished that you could come back, but I believe God is taking you to a higher place. The Political–Science Department students and entire UNADITES say “we love you and we are proud of you”.

Yours sincerely Olanrewaju, 100-L Political science, UNAD Ado-Ekiti

Student-leaders meet VC

S

TUDENT-LEADERS at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, have met with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olufemi Mimiko. The interactive session, which was the second of its kind, was held at the Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall.

Prof Mimiko told the students that leadership was about courage and also about being informed by reading wide. “It is about saying something and standing by it. A leader should therefore see beyond his subjects.”

From Dayo Ojerinde

AAUA The VC however said issues discussed in the first edition of the interactive session had been addressed. Some of the issues according to him were renovation of buildings in the university, provision of campus shuttle by the management and incorporation of the work-study scheme.

Present at the interactive session were the Dean, Students’ Affair, Dr. Nireti Duyilemi, and SUG leaders led by its President, Kehinde Ademakinwa.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

36

CAMPUS LIFE

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The brand to beat is me!

By Uche Ogbonna (uche.ogbonna@fidelitybankplc.com)

A

TRUTH every student must never forget is that he or she has a limited number of years on the campus; could be four, five or even seven years, barring any untoward event. That said, the next agenda should be how to become “the brand to beat” within that time frame you have!

Okay, let us not get ahead of ourselves…after all, some readers may not even know what a brand is? (duh!).

A brand to a lay person is simply an identity that separates one thing (product, service etc) from another. Its origin is traced to cattle herders who use iron branding rods to mark and differentiate their cattle or steed from those belonging to others.

So a brand, in essence, differentiates one service, company, person or product from another and represents so much to the community in which it operates. Brands use colour, registered names, slogans, and logos to enhance themselves further. For instance, Fidelity Bank Plc is known with the slanting green F, the slogan “True to you” and characteristic shades of green on fascia on its paraphernalia.

Though the bank does a lot to promote and sustain the brand, the truth is that it is the perception of the consuming public that actually tests the quality of the brand.

Now back to you! You are your own brand and our goal is to show you a few things you can do to ensure that you become the brand to beat right there on your campus!

Your name is important. Every top flight company, like Fidelity Bank, takes extreme care to preserve the integrity of their name.

Note the word “integrity”. If you will become the brand to beat in your department or faculty, you must ensure that your name does not get entangled in dirt. Dirt here refers not only to actual crimes and punishable offenses like exam malpractice and cultism, but also scandals that may tarnish your image. You must be concerned about the emotions the mention of your name evokes in the ears of those who hear it.

Never compromises with results. You cannot have recognition other than what your results

say about you. You will not be taken more seriously than your performance, so do not compromise on this. Ensure that you do not get engaged in too many things other than your studies but if you do, ensure that you associate only with projects of excellence.

Never be a part of failed projects, so think about it well before you venture into it. This is a guiding principle of the Fidelity Brand.

Impact your community. Like I said earlier, the brand perception is actually determined by the people around where the brand operates. Now it is not enough to keep your name untainted and not enough to excel academically. It is also good to do something charitable for the community. Your faculty, department, hostel or classroom is your community. You have to think about something good to do there. Selfless leadership adhere people to a brand. Don’t forget that people do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. So do something good for someone else. Touch a life, help a less privileged student, come together as a group and do something selfless.

It will help make you the brand to beat!

Fidelity Bank has a very vibrant CSR desk and daily the bank is touching lives and impacting its community.

Be a friendly and findable brand. I am sure if you look around you will find some excellent students with very clean names but who are simply inaccessible. Simply put…they ain’t nice! If you want to be an unforgettable brand, or the brand to beat on campus, then you have to work hard at your people skills. You have to learn how to smile, stay friendly, laugh a bit and generally give people around you a good feeling. This is key. This in Fidelity Bank is the Customer Care mantra. It is a huge asset when customers find that every business unit and staff is radiant and friendly. This access is the gateway to the experience that keeps them coming again and again. So learn to smile.

Say “hello” and “howdy” to as many as you can and see how firmly your name will be rooted in their minds.

So, your name is important; be an excellent person, impact your community and be friendly.

Of course this is not an absolute list so feel free to buzz back and let me know what you think on other ways to becoming the brand to beat.

Ultimately you will come out of the campus into the business community. If you imbibe this already, then integrating into the business world will be easy. We are daily growing our brand at Fidelity …. Join us.

•The upturned car after the accident.

PG students in crash

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HERE was a car crash, last week, involving some students of the Postgraduate College of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. The white Ford mini-bus, KF 514-EKY Lagos number, a Windstar model, got upturned on the university’s Road 1, between the junction leading to the Religious Centre and the Department of Local Government Studies.

From Samson Ademola

OAU The sound of the crash attracted many passersby (drivers and passengers), who displayed bewilderment at the scene.

A report from the Security Unit showed that the accident occurred at about 2pm, and that one of the passengers was in the university’s Health Centre receiving treatment.

Luckily, no one died.

N the last two weeks, the world has been awashed with lurid details of the personal lives of three powerful men - Dominique Straus-Khan, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ryan Giggs.

Dominique Strauss- By Atinuke Badejo Kahn (DSK as he’s popu- e-mail:atinuke@badejo.com larly known) was until last week head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and was poised to become the president of France at the next election. Already leading incumbent President Nicolas Sarkozy by 10 points, he was only a few more months away from occupying the Élysée Palace. DSK was not an ordinary man but a very intelligent, successful and savvy economist who brokered the deals that rescued Ireland, Portugal and Greece from the brinks of financial collapse. He is also a lawyer, is filing for divorce. His four children would professor and politician.

Anyone who has followed the news knows also certainly be in distress as the ugly details that this man was arrested from his first class of their father’s behaviour are splashed on aircraft seat 10 minutes before take-off in New newspapers.

Mr Schwarzenegger had completed his term York on May 14, on his way to Germany to meet the Chancellor Angela Merkel and as governor before this news became public.

European finance ministers. DSK had been No one knows what opportunities tomorrow staying at the $3,000 a night Sofitel hotel suite could bring him and what his indiscretion may in New York when he allegedly attempted to have scuppered.

The story of Ryan Giggs is also making the rape a maid who was cleaning his room. He is now facing a seven-count charge which could rounds despite his attempt to cover up his track land him a 25-year jail term. He was by seeking a gagging order to prevent the press handcuffed, detained at one of the most from naming him publicly as the footballer notorious jails in America and his photographs who had an affair with a TV reality star. Sadly, his money was only able to buy him the were splashed across the world.

This is a story with a paradox as anyone privacy he so much wanted for only a limited would wonder why on earth - if the allega- period of time. He was publicly named on tions were true - would a man who had the Twitter and in the British House of Commons ears of almost any president in the world in the same week when he was celebrated as descend to such a bad behaviour particularly the most decorated player in the English when there is so much at stake and very much premiership. His wife and children are now in to lose. This seems to be the fate of anyone the know and he has been publicly disgraced bound by a quick-fix-habit that gives no because he was reckless in his behaviour.

This is not an article in moralising, but one thought to the repercussions of their actions. It is now common knowledge that there were intended to show that it is possible to destroy a several extramarital affairs and previous simi- whole career by a moment of recklessness. DSK lar allegations levelled against DSK. The issue was dining with presidents one day and in cuffs in many cases like this is that the principal had the next. One of the most powerful economists got away with their actions for so long that the and politicians in the world suddenly became ability to reason and apply caution - which the object of ridicule.

Everyone has the need to follow the path of you would expect of such an intellectually sound and politically astute man – was not discipline and to seek restraint in areas where they may have a weakness. The time of youth there at a time he needed it most.

On the heels of DSK’s scandal was the rev- and obscurity are times to learn to walk the elation that Arnold Schwarzenegger, the actor painful path of discipline, to train one’s mind turned Governor of California was separating and body to obey the voice of reason and not from his wife. Apparently he had fathered a to choose the easy path that may end in child with his housekeeper of 20 years and kept destruction. The actions of today certainly have this from his wife for well over a decade. an effect on one’s tomorrow. Had any of these Schwarzenegger had been married for 25 years men learnt to master their weakness, they to a woman from the highly respected Kennedy would not have traded so much for so little.

Ponder these points: a minute of recklessness family. Not only is this a case of cheating on his spouse, but also deception and a serious can destroy the career and opportunities of a breach of trust. The deception in this case is lifetime. Discipline with one’s mind and body almost more serious than the case of infidelity. starts from when you are young. Faithfulness Again, this man has become discredited across to a spouse is commendable. If you do not the world because he was unable to restrain master your weaknesses, it could cost you your himself. He is now facing the destruction of future.

We all benefit when we do things right! his close family built over 25 years as his wife

Indiscretions and your future

On and Off Campus

By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

37

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

EDUCATION

Scholarship for brilliant students

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TUDENTS of the Federal College of Fishery and Marine Technology Victoria Island, Lagos, who excel will henceforth, be rewarded with N50,000 scholarship.

Also, they will be elevated into the institution’s ‘Roll of Honour’, the Provost, Prof Samuel Zelibe, said during the matriculation of fresh students.

The trio of Ogedengbe Susan, a Fishery Technology student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.82; Oveyan Obakpororo (Marine Engineering) 3.30, and Ajaegbu Basil (Nautical Science) 3.52, are the first beneficiaries of the new scheme, which Zelibe said would be given yearly.

“This will be an annual event to celebrate and reward excellent students, while challenging others to be more focussed in their education,” he said.

The provost advised students aspiring for union positions. He said they must do well in their studies to convince the management that they can be potential leaders who can manage the union’s affairs effectively.

Zelibe said: “For the avoidance of doubt, GPA of 3.00 is the minimum qualification for aspirants to any SUG office. If you do not understand your primary objective of coming to the college, you will have no business in administration. The era of mediocrity is gone.”

Congratulating the 246 matriculating students, Zelibe, a professor of Hydrobiology, encouraged them to be good ambassadors of the college, show dedication to their studies, identify and unwrap the innate ability within them.

Except for Marine Engineering courses, most of the programmes, Zelibe said, have been accredited by the National Board for Techni-

•Some of the students during oath taking

By Adegunle Olugbamila

cal Education (NBTE). He said the college was equipping its Foundry workshop with grants obtained from the World Bank to meet one of the conditions for accreditation by its regulatory body.

As a plus, Zelibe said the attention and approval of NIMASA has also been drawn to the college for the first time since it was established in 1942. This, according to him, is to further accelerate and ensure full accreditation of Marine Engineering programmes before the end of the year.

He said the management has also made presentation to the National Assembly on the need to have training vessels, adding that it also approached the Nigerian Navy on the same issue.

Zelibe stated that new programmes, such as Naval Architecture and Food and Science Technology, have been approved by the Governing Council.

In compliance with the diversification directive of the Federal Government, Zelibe said the college was developing programmes for Agricultural Science, Marine

and Environmental Sciences and Skills Development.

“The current administration along with the Governing Council is striving to upgrade lecture rooms and provide adequate hostel accommodation. Presently, a campus is being developed at Igbolomi in Ibeju LGA, with funds provided by the Federal Government, ETF and World Bank,” he said.

He said the town and gown committee has been reaching out to well- meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to bankroll some of the ongoing projects.

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

T

T

•Prof Adelowo

Results committee coming THE Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Adelowo has promised to set up a committee to ease the job of the Senate particularly in the approval of students’ results and other academic matters.

He will also ensure that deans are comfortable to enable them carry out their duties properly.

Adelowo spoke when the deans visited him.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Provost, Prof Gbenga Aribisala, said they would co-operate with Adelowo to uplift the university.

Co-op EXCO gets warning

•Graduate students at the Leadmode Resource Centre, Lagos, during their induction into leading universities in the United Kingdom. Thirty students will be studying for their MSC and MBA programmes in the 2011/2012 academic session

NBC hires 150 ND graduates in new jobs scheme

HE Nigerian Bottling Company Plc (NBC) has employed 150 National Diploma graduates under its new recruitment programme.

The company designed the programme to strengthen local engineering competence. Under the programme, young electrical and mechanical engineering talents will display their engineering knowledge while pursuing a career with the company.

The programme will also en-

Ag VC reveals plans THE Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD), Prof Emmanuel Dada Adelowo has pledged to uplift the institution by focusing on human and academic development.

Adelowo spoke when he was formally welcomed to his office by members of staff and students.

The Professor of Comparative Religions, who described his appointment as the will of God, said he would make welfare one of his priorities. He added that when members of staff are happy and students have the facilities to study, there would be harmony in the institution.

According to him, his administration would not tolerate gossips or discord.

“I don’t listen to gossips or rumours. I want suggestions that will make the university greater than it is now”, he said.

INEC lauds NYSC for April polls HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has praised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the success of last month’s elections.

In a letter sent to NYSC DirectorGeneral, Brig Gen Maharazu Tsiga, INEC appreaciated what it called the uncommon patriotism and exemplary leadership which helped to sustain the collaboration between it and NYSC. It described corps members, who served as INEC’s advoc stagy during the elections a heroes of democracy.

The letter signed by INEC Chairman Prof Attahiru Jega, reads: “The corps members are the true heroes of our collective national aspiration for credible and enduring democracy and it is noteworthy that their courage and diligence has elicited fabulous commendations from domestic and international observers of the 2011 elections.”

UNAD FILE

able them pursue their Higher National Diploma.

Speaking on the initiative, NBC Director of Human Resources, Mr Femi Oke, said the company was confident that the pilot programme would be successful and become an integral part of the company’s strategy of recruiting young talents that will be nurtured into top-flight engineers.

“We are confident that the programme will, in the very near

future, contribute to increasing the depth of engineering capability available in the country,” he said.

The 150 ND graduates were those that graduated from top federal and state polytechnics between 2007 and 2009. They were selected after an intensive process which included aptitude test, skill test and interview.

Upon acceptance of the offer of employment as Technical Operators, the new employees, who

have no previous bottling experience, received an intensive two weeks training at the NBC Technical Training School before deployment to the various bottling plants across the country.

In addition, at each of the plants some experienced hands have been appointed to mentor them.

The mentors will monitor individual performance and progress and regularly give feedbacks to further help them master their jobs.

LEADERS of the UNAD MultiPurpose Co-Operative Society have been warned against embezzlement and mismanagement of funds.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Adelowo gave the warning during the foundation laying of the society’s secretariat.

Adelowo who laid the foundation stone which was his first official assignment on assumption of office, promise that soon electricity supply on campus would be extended to make the campus lively in the night.

He commended the society for embarking on the project.

The President of the co-operative society, Mr Olaofe Ajayi said that the construction of the secretariat was in pursuit of his goal to make his mark while in office. He urged all members to support the project.

At the occasion, were the Registrar, Dr. Omojola Awosusi, the University Librarian, Mr. G. O Ogunleye, Prof Gbenga Aribisala, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof, J.G.F Sean, deans, directors, and Co-odinators among others.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

38

EDUCATION IBBUL FILE Workers’ certificates for scrutiny THE Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) has constituted a committee to verify original certificates of members of staff.

The exercise is aimed at ensuring that quality personnel with genuine academic certificates that can add value to the development of the university are employed. It is to cover academic and non-academic staff.

The verification is expected to last for three months. It will begin this month. The committee is to verify certificates from issuing institutions.

Members of staff have been directed to be physically present and get their original copies of their academic certificates ready to ensure the success of the exercise.

They were also warned that any fraudulent submission would be sanctioned.

VC warns against laziness THE IBBUL Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Kolo, has warned that promotion will be based on diligence and dedication to duty.

He spoke at an orientation organised by the SERVICOM Unit of the university for all the units in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.

Kolo counselled the workers to always discharge their functions with commitment and precision, advising them to live up to expectation.

He commended the SERVICOM Unit for organising the orientation and assured of his support at ensuring that effectiveness and efficiency remained the watch words at the university.

SERVICOM Chairman, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Alhaji Yahaya Suleiman, said the orientation was organised to instill discipline and commitment in workers.

Similarly, in his address, the SERVICOM Nodal Officer of the University, Mr. Ebenezer Olusegun Ogungbe enjoined staff to always conduct themselves in accordance with the rules and regulations of the University and urged them to learn to be humble so as to benefit from the wealth of experience of their bosses.

T

Unions fast as strike hits seven months in Plateau

HE seven-month old strike by the Joint Unions of Plateau State-owned tertiary institutions, has entered a new phase. The unions have resorted to fasting and praying for their demands to be met.

The prayer session was organised to seek divine intervention in ending the face-off between the unions and the government.

The strike, which started on October 28, last year, has defied solutions hence the resort to divine intervention.

Speaking with The Nation in his office in Jos, the Chairman, Plateau State Polytechnic Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Mr Victor Dawurung said the unions decided to fast and pray to beseech God to give them wisdom to solve the problem.

He decried the seeming insensitivity of the government towards the plight of the workers as according to him, “government has not even come up to make an offer despite the series of meetings with the union leaders”.

Dawurung said: “Since the faceoff started last October, some meetings have been held but

From Marie-Theresa Peter, Jos

there is no headway. We have made our demand for the implementation of the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), a salary structure approved since July, 2009 for Polytechnics and Colleges of Education known as CONPCASS which neighbouring States of Kogi, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Benue and Taraba have implemented.

“Our case is that government should be bold enough to make an offer to us, out of the 53.37 per cent, let them say, this is what we can pay. The governor should invite the Unions leaders for discussion and make categorical statement on the issues raised.

As he has not said anything, it is possible he has been misled by the delegations he had been sending to us.

“Let an offer be made, let government say we cannot pay 100 per cent; this is what we can pay.

Even if it is an offer of one per cent, it is a negotiation and we will consider it in our meeting so

that we can all move forward”.

On the issue of the “unlawful tax” imposed on the workers, Dawurung said, “Staff have always paid their taxes but in this case, new salaries have not been collected but new taxes have been introduced even on untaxed allowances. We hired a tax consultant to look into this issue and the report submitted to government. But till now, nothing is happening”.

However, after a meeting held on the April 13 between the Unions, their Governing Councils, managements and government representatives, government issued a letter the next day saying that some of the demands would be met based on certain conditions.

Part of the letter signed by the Director, Labour Relations, Moses Nwan on behalf of the State Head of Service, Mr. Moses Gwom read: “I am directed to convey to you government acceptance of the issues discussed as follow: “That the implementation of the new salary award (CONTEDISS/ CONPCASS) by the Federal Gov-

ernment to her workers and the adoption or adaption of same by the government to her stateowned tertiary institutions shall be considered after the submission of the report of the high-powered Committee and subsequent government white paper on same.

We will be back to you within 10 weeks.

“That payment of three months’ salary (January to March 2011) will commence immediately you suspend the strike and resume work.

It is hopeful that you will find this useful in addressing the issues at stake and hasten the return of your members to work, please”.

Reacting to this, Dawurung said, “We are not even comfortable with the term ‘adoption or adaption’, besides, we did not go on strike because of our normal salaries but the implementation of the new salary structure among other things”.

Meanwhile, the Rector of the Plateau State Polytechnic, Mr. Dauda Gyemang has appealed to the unions’ leaders to reconsider their stance and the future of the youths who are at home due to the prolonged strike actions and call their members to return to work.

Schools need CCTVs, others THE Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Prof Femi Mimiko, has called for the use of electronic security devices to complement the traditional way of curbing crime in tertiary institutions.

He spoke while delivering a keynote address at the Biennial Conference and Workshop of the Association of Heads of Security and Tertiary Institutions hosted by the university.

Mimiko said: “With the everincreasing number of student population on our campuses and the high level of sophistication campus crime has assumed in the country, there is a need for all the tertiary institutions in the country to complement traditional security keeping with electronics security in line with international standard.

“The nation’s security chiefs must strive to procure electronic security devices to match the high rate of sophistication. Central monitoring of students’ activities through the Close Circuit Television will complement human effort and make effective security operations achievable”.

•The students leaders during the training

FUTASU officials undergo leadership training

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HE Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof Adebisi Balogun, has said a brighter future awaits Nigeria if students of higher institutions are given leadership training.

Speaking at a three-day retreat organised for the recently-elected Students Union (SU) officials of the university at the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Ondo, Balogun enjoined politicians to take a cue from the hitch-free electoral system that produces FUTASU officials yearly.

He said the 2011 edition of the retreat carefully packaged to properly induct the new set of leaders to function efficiently.

Balogun, who commended the

Students Electoral Committee members and the Dean, Students’ Affairs, Prof Adedayo Fasakin, for ensuring a peaceful transition of Student Union leadership, charging them to continue to manage the challenges of students unionism.

He said the university has been sponsoring students to reputable local and international programmes among which is the annual leadership training organised by Worldview International, London.

He added that the FUTA management has approved the participation of another set of student leaders for the 2011 edition of the training in South Africa next month.

Balogun urged the students leaders to be more concerned with quality assurance, academic break-

through, harmonious/peaceful coexistence and financial prudence as well as cult-free environment.

Fasakin counselled that good student leaders must be knowledgeable, well trained and see beyond those they are to lead so that they can direct fellow students safely.

On his part, the guest lecturer at the opening of the retreat, Prof Olatunde Oduleye, in his paper entitled Leadership in a crisis-ridden institution, said Students Union executive should give room for roundtable discussions to address problems facing students in higher institutions.

Oduleye said high moral values are expected of student leaders, saying it is only through this that society can be uplifted and humanity elevated.

He admonished the participants to add to the good image of the university in terms of academic excellence and peaceful atmosphere.

The President of the Students Union (FUTASU), Comrade Salami Ismail, commended the management for exposing the student leaders to training which, he said, will take them beyond the boundaries of the institution.

Ismail appealed to the management to keep tolerating the Students’ Union in all ramifications in presenting and representing students’ issues extensively for critical analysis.

At the opening of the retreat were principal officers, deans, directors, Heads of departments and the Students Union executive.

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EDUCATION

How Kaduna rioters burnt primary schools

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OHAMMED Sani is a Primary Five pupil of the Ungwan Muazu 1 LEA Primary school in the Ungwan Muazu area of Kaduna metropolis. He had looked forward to writing his promotional exams when the school reopened from the Easter break. But that hope was dashed because the school was burnt down during the violence that trailed the outcome of the April 16 Presidential election.

Ironically, Ungwan Muazu is a Muslim-dominated area and most of the pupils in the school are supposed to be Muslims. But it was not immediately clear who led the mob that burnt the school which has a population of 1,876 . The school was not the only one affected. A private primary school nearby was not spared.

As at the time of this report, there were plans to relocate the children to other schools so that they don’t lose out in the third term academic work. But there were fears that the move might affect the promotion examinations of the children, especially primary six pupils who are preparing to take their school certificate examination.

There are two versions to the burning of the schools. Even though there are two primary schools in the same place, LEA I and II, each of them is believed to take care of children from Kabala West and Ungwan Muazu.

One version of the story has it that the burnt LEA school had children from the Christian-dominated Kabala West and was therefore burnt by the Muslims in whose midst the school is located.

Another version said a group of people led by the daughter of a retired police officer stormed the school from Kabala West to destroy the school. Sources told The Nation that some people allegedly hid inside the classrooms, using them as a shield while shooting at others.

“Those who hid there used it as a base and, through that place, they burnt a place of worship close to the school and that was when some armed youths stormed the place and set it on fire”, the source said.

However, there are those who believe that the school was merely a target of neigbouring communities

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

who felt aggrieved that that no school was cited in their areas.

The Nation could not find a motivation for the burning of the private school. But eyewitnesses claimed it was burnt by a mob led a woman said to have terrorised the area during the crisis.

The mob first attacked the office of the District Education Officer in the school before looting and burning the library with learning aids worth over N5 million.

The Education Secretary in charge of Kaduna South Local Government, Mallam Sanusi Sirajo, told The Nation that vital documents were lost.

He said religious bodies, such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) and the headquarters of the State Universal Basic Education Board have all visited the school to assess the extent of the damage. He added that the religious bodies have since distanced themselves from such unfortunate act, while calling on the government to ensure that perpetrators are punished.

The Education Secretary blamed the vandalism on the lack of perimeter fencing around the school which, he said, is a major cause of insecurity. He called on the state and local governments to consider constructing a primary school for the Kabala West Community and replacing the burnt building and providing a fence for Ungwan Muazu Primary School.

Sirajo said: “I want to also call on the government to hasten the repairs of the school because we are in third term and most of those affected are the 420 Primary Six pupils who are expected to benefit from the lessons that would have prepared them for the School Certificate examinations.

The government should as well assist in fencing the entire Ungwan Muazu 1&2 Primary Schools to provide security against miscreants and future attack which cost government huge amount and time to fix”.

Mordecai Sunday Ibrahim who contested the House of Assembly elections on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) described the burning of the school as misdirected anger since primary

•The burnt Ungwan Muazu Primary School building

schools are already in a very bad shape and in need of attention.

“It is not wise burning any school for whatever reason and I must add that it is not good because our primary schools are already in a very bad shape and unkempt. They have been begging for attention for a long time and yet, people will go and destroy the little state of functionality they have because of crisis. That is a misdirected anger because the pupils who are the users of those schools are innocent and have nothing to do with the elections. They have not even reached the age of voting let alone to be voted for,” he said.

On his part, Senator-Elect for Kaduna Central under whose constituency the school is, Major General Mohammad Saleh (rtd) blamed such action on the high level of illiteracy and poverty in the society, adding that the government should be held responsible for the problem.

“The fact that people will think of attacking schools shows the thoughtlessness of the people who don’t know the value of education either to themselves or the society. It is only an illiterate that would burn

down a school for whatever reason.

“To me all this reoccurrences of violence are caused by poverty which had led to the loss of personal and national values. The primary cause of poverty is injustice and inequality caused by government at all levels. I accuse government also of not showing enough capacity to address the reoccurrence of violence in the country. I also accuse the security agencies of inefficiency and demonstration of lack of self appraisal to evolve new ways and methods of addressing reoccurring issues just like armed robbery which they still use the fire brigade approach,” he said.

Religious leaders have also condemned the acts. The Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, Revd Yunusa Nmadu and the Administrative Secretary of JNI Mallam Ibrahim Kufena told The Nation in separate interviews that schools are places where children of both faiths are trained and, therefore, should not be destroyed for whatever reason and no matter the provocation.

“We had gone to most refugee camps irrespective of religion to talk with people and give some relief for

distribution to those affected by the unfortunate violence. If we really want progress we must promote peace and admit that God gives leadership to whomever he wants just as we have agreed that it is contained in both religions. Having witnessed what happened in Kaduna State and in most states of the north, we feel that we should share our concern with people who share the same opinion on how we can foster peace and live peacefully amongst ourselves, particularly, between the two major religions,” CAN and JNI said.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Buhari told The Nation that the state government was taking stock of the destruction during the violence with a view to taking a position on how to assist in rehabilitating them.

Describing the burning of the schools as unfortunate and uncalled for, Buhari said government had constituted a committee that will look into issues of displaced persons during the crisis, pointing out that the issue of the burnt school will be adequately addressed by the government.

Indomie seeks child heroes for scholarship

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HE search is on for five to 15-year-olds who have displayed acts of bravery in the past to be rewarded with cash prizes to support their education.

Dufil Prima Foods, makers of Indomie Noodles, will present cash prizes of N2,250,000 to three young persons whose stories convince a panel of judges that they took the action not to earn a reward but to save lives – sometimes at the risk of losing theirs-displayed leadership qualities, gained remarkable skills, and showed exceptional courage.

The firm’s Public Relations Manager, Mr Tope Asiwaju, said at a briefing in Lagos, that the winners would receive their rewards at a colourful ceremony on October 8 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.

He said Dufil Prima Foods initiated the Independence Day Award for Heroes of Nigeria three years ago to celebrate heroic acts of children and teenagers, which usually go unnoticed, to encourage others to emulate them.

“The project was started based on the fact that majority of those celebrated in Nigeria are people we expect them to celebrate. But we forget the heroic deeds of kids. Putting up such acts is not an everyday event. It is something you need to reward so that other children can

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

emulate those acts,” he said.

Asiwaju shared the intriguing stories of some past winners including Kali Bala, who suffered burns to his chest and legs when he returned to rescue his younger sister from a burning house; Dimetir who saved the lives of five generals from a plane crash, and last year’s winner, Mariam Umar, a teenager who, despite being born without arms, has mastered using her legs to carry out everyday activities with amazing dexterity.

Mr Tola Bademosi, Managing Director, BD Consult, the public relations firm that manages Dufil programmes, said in addition to prizes presented by the sponsors, guests invited for past events have also rewarded the winners.

Last year, he said Mariam, who as the star prize winner got N1 million from Indomie, also got an extra N1 million from Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora. Second placed Treasure Obasi, a 12-year- old who beat adults to earn a place as presenter on a television show, got full scholarship to university level from Pastor Tunde Bakare in addition to her N750,000 cash prize; while third placed Sarah Oladele got N250,000 on top of her N500,000 prize from banker, Bolaji Balogun for saving the life of a hit-and-run victim.

•A pupil drawing during an art competition organised by Indomie in Lagos.

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EDUCATION EDUTALK

with

You and your teenager

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•From left: Mrs Shokoya Mariam, Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Ministry of Health; Mrs Moyosore Adejumo, Secretary, Lagos State Drug Abuse Control Committee; Mrs Elujulo Jadesola, Private Education and Special Programmes, Ministry of Education; Mrs Solabomi Abiola Fadola, Principal, Immaculate Heart Comprehensive Senior High School, Maryland; Okuwobi Mutiat Adetola and a pupil, during the presentation of books on drug abuse awareness by Lagos State International Drug Abuse Control Committee to the school.

PHOTO SOLOMON ADEOLA

Deputy governor urges pupils to seek greatness T HE Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Adebisi Sarah Sosan, has challenged pupils to seek greatness no matter the odds.

She gave this advice during the inauguration of two new blocks of 12 and 17 classrooms at the Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, Ajegunle, Lagos, her alma mater.

The buildings bear no semblance with the ramshackled structures the school had for many years.

Princess Sosan told the pupils of her days in the school.

She said: “I started my journey here as a pupil in this school. My mother’s friend insisted that I must school here instead of Apapa, which was closer to my home. But, today, I thank God that I finished from here. Dear pupils, if I am a deputy

By Seun Olalude

governor and I started from this school without toilets (then you needed to run home before you excrete but now it has become a past story), then you can be greater than I because you have better chances if only you will work hard.”

Princess Sosan urged teachers to assist the pupils in making proper use of the toilet facilities that have been provided with the new structures.

The Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs Gbolahan Dawodu, praised the Lagos State government for making education a priority, especially for rehabilitating infrastruc-

ture.

“The state schools have witnessed tremendous changes since the inception of this government. There was a serious decay in almost all our schools becasue of neglect by past administrations, especially during the military era. But within the last four years there has been changes in our state schools,” she said.

Education Secretaries from the 20 Local Government Education Area in Lagos also presented their monitoring buses for inauguration at the event.

Parents from the community expressed gratitude to the government for the good work done in the school.

Parents, pupils, teachers were all happy to behold the new school buildings.

Varsity matriculates 3,933 freshers

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O fewer than 3,933 students have taken the matriculation oaths of Usuman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).

The students were admitted into 10 faculties for the 2011/2011 academic session at its 32nd matriculation.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, said at the event that took place at the permanent site that the Faculty of Science has the highest number of students; the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences has only 53 students.

He said the students were admitted from about 13,000 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry applicants who sat for the screening examination.

He said priority was given to can-

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

didates who applied to study science-related programmes.

“It is in line with our commitment and to ensure response to the desire of the country for rapid advances in science and technology.

To further guarantee this, for the past six years, we have repositioned and strengthened our school of matriculation studies to prepare science students for eventual placement into our various science-based courses ,’’ he said.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the students to be dedicated, disciplined and hardworking, admonishing them to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations, while shunning cultism, drug abuse and examination misconduct.

“Students are enjoined to steer

clear of extremism and intolerance, especially in ethnic and religious matters,’’ Shehu said.

Assuring them of the commitment of the authorities to ensuring their comfort and welfare, Shehu urged them not to betray the confidence of their parents who have and are investing huge resources in their education.

“We are not prepared to compromise standards and you should be mindful of the fact that there are no sacred cows in this university.

Any student who is unserious about his or her studies will surely be shown the way out ‘’ Shehu warned.

He acknowledged the support the university was receiving from the governments of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and other catchment area states.

‘Why pupils fail mathematics’

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HO is to blame for the failure in Mathematics in the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO)?

This question was answered at a children’s programme organised by the Africana First Publishers as part of the 2011 Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) held at the Multipurpose Hall of the University of Lagos.

Pupils from various schools within Lagos gathered to debate the

By Queen Akatu

topic: “Who gets the blame for Mathematics failure?”

“Government should be blamed for the failure,” said Chiamaka Erugo of Logos International School because “government policies affect the school calendar.” She argued that there was insufficient time to cover the scheme of work and flayed the government for poor funding of education and congested classrooms that are not conducive for effective learning.

On the other hand, Animashaun Jamiu, a pupil of Abdek Private

School, blamed parents. “Charity begins at home like they say and has a great impact on learning,” he said, blaming parents for their failure to make the academic welfare of their wards a priority. For him, parents do not make arrangement for tutorials for their children.

But Jaduolu Tomi of Topmost School, Surulere, blamed pupils for keeping bad company. “Show me your friend and I will tell who you are is the secret of failure”. She further said pupils from good backgrounds always excelled wherever they go.

tories abound of parents shocked by the double lives their children live, especially when trouble strikes.

Kofoworola They find it difficult to believe that their children can commit Belo-Osagie hideous crimes such as robbery, murder or rape, or in case of suiKofosagie@yahoo.com cide, cannot understand why 08054503077 (SMS only) their very happy children would take their own lives.

Almost always, the children at the centre of such stories are adolescents. Adolescence is that mysterious stage during which things are not necessarily as they seem. This means parents have to be extra vigilant or their lovely children would metamorphose into beasts under their roofs.

At the age of 10, when the average child should be in the final year of primary school, he or she is already aware about feelings that develop between the opposite sexes and may be discussing it with classmates and friends.

This sexuality awareness grows in secondary school. This is so for girls, especially when their breasts and figures begin to develop.

They become conscious about their bodies – what they have that others don’t, and vice versa. They share stories with friends, who may have heard the stories from others or adults living around them, and are susceptible to temptations to jump on the bandwagon if they feel insecure. They usually want to belong, be fashionable, use the latest slangs, know what is happening on television or the Internet, and generally be in tune with what is trendy in the world around them.

During this period of their lives, they prefer the company of their peers to boring parents. When they hang out with friends, they learn so much about life and try to make a meaning out of the myriads of information they get by experimenting. The Internet is increasingly becoming popular among youths locally because cost of owning personal laptops and Internet access is reducing so they get to satisfy their hunger for information and entertainment.

Unfortunately, they do not always get the right information from the right sources and if parents or trusted adults are not there to guide them, and they do not keep good friends, then things are almost certain to go awry for them. They either clash with their parents over values, or live almost unnoticed if adults are too busy to attend to them.

Somebody shared a story about a woman’s discovery of porn websites on her husband’s laptop lately. The man could not convince his wife he knew nothing about it, no matter what he said.

When told, the person who shared this story with me and some colleagues said he immediately discerned that his friend’s teenage son was responsible. With his friend’s permission, he took the son for a ride during which the lad confessed he visited the sites.

The best way to know what is happening in your child’s life is to leave lines of communication open between you such that they can raise any issue bothering them with you. Encouraging them to share stories about how they spent their time in school and with friends will provide opportunities for you to point them towards the right direction as you review their decision making process.

It is also important that parents help develop their ward’s self esteem and teach them the right values so that they do not bow to pressure because of inferiority complex. This does not mean parents should bar their children from making friends. On the contrary, friends should be allowed to visit so that parents can monitor who their children relate with. Doing so would provide them with insight on what their wards could do behind theim.

Considering that a large percentage of the total population of people living in sub-Saharan Africa are adolescents, it is important that they are not neglected. Unfortunately, the 2011 UNICEF report on the State of the World’s Children which focuses on adolescents, says this segment of the population do not receive as much care and attention as the children.

If well catered for, I am sure we will benefit from the energies of these young ones. Their optimistic outlook to life and penchant for adventure means we can look forward to a developed world that is as interesting as it is varied.

‘The best way to know what is happening in your child’s life is to leave lines of communication open between you such that they can raise any issue bothering them with you. Encouraging them to share stories about how they spent their time in school and with friends will provide opportunities for you to point them towards the right direction as you review their decision making process’

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NATURAL HEALTH

Why foreign herbal medicines flood Nigerian market

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NOTHER resuscitating oxygen bag was offered last Tuesday to Nigeria’s vibrant but slumbering and ailing Traditional Medicine. It came from about 25 orthodox doctors, Alternative and Traditional Medicine practitioners who are some of the leading lamps of Nigeria’s Traditional Medicine (NTM). Their meeting at the Lagos Airport Hotel declared their mission to be an unfloundering pursuit, this time, of the government’s implementation of NTM policy.

For the uninitiated, Nigeria’s Traditional Medicine Policy (NTMP) are all those things Nigeria should have done with her Traditional Medicine (TM), if the country’s traditional medicine is not to be colonised by those of other countries, as the handwriting on the wall is now warning.

To start with, Nigeria’s TM policy is not an entirely Nigerian initiative. It is even doubtful if Nigeria, without prodding by the rest of the world, would have seen any need for it. The prodding to do anything about it came from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the African Union (AU) and the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), a specialised agency of ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States.

The WHO had discovered that, in many parts of the world, many people were denied their constitutional rights to healthcare choices by official recognition of, and an almost exclusive promotion of orthodox medicine which suppressed and disempowered other forms of medicine. Yet, of about a world population of 6.3 billion people about two years ago, about four billion people depended on plants for their primary health care (PHC) needs. Even in the industrial nations now, about half of the population relies on Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). And this has led to an avalanche of TM and CAM health care products from the smarter countries swamping the health care markets of slumbering or sleepy nations such as Nigeria. Political colonisation took away TM from the hands of these sleepy nations and gave them pharmaceutical drugs such as Codeine and APC, for example.

Political colonisation trained and brainwashed a new generation of health care givers who would not, with their acquired Western skills, upgrade the TM of their countries.

They would, for self preservation and other purposes, brand TM as crude, voodoo, of no proven curative properties and so on. But to deliver health care from their clutches, WHO had first to define TM as “… the healing art of a people, explicable or inexplicable,” and direct that all member states not only revive it but integrate it into mainstream healthcare delivery systems of their countries. The deadline for this was 2010, one year ago by August 31st this year. All member states of W H O, including Nigeria, signed a treaty to do so. Not to sign or to do little or nothing about it afterwards is to lie prostrate, while the world moves on, becoming dependent later on the smarter, active nations, and seen internationally as the sick nation of the world. To help all willing nations along WHO set u regional committees to localise global strategies for achieving its 2010 dream.

IT is time wasting to get involved in arguments about whether Nigeria is slow or serious or not. Some of us who attended the Accra A-SNAP conference in 2002 know the truth. And the fact that South Africa, which began the journey at the same time as Nigeria, has crossed the tape is a testimonial to where Nigeria is in the race. Roibos tea, from South Africa, launched at that time as an anti-aging antioxidant tea, is now sold world-wide, even in Nigeria. Which government-developed Nigerian herbal medicine is selling anywhere? It was to get Nigeria moving that the stakeholders meeting in Lagos two Tuesdays ago was called. Mr Olajuwon Okubena, CEO of Health Forever Ltd, producers of the well reseended and well known Jobelyn, an antioxidant herbal remedy for blood-related problems, sponsored the meeting. It was co-ordinated by Prof Yemisi Akinadewo, former director-general of the Nigerian College of Natural Medicine at 9, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, through his HUMAN WELLNESS INTERNATIONAL, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). The gathering assembled under the name NATIONAL EXPERT COMMITTEE FOR RESEACH and DEVELOPNMENT IN NATURAL MEDICINE, NIGERIA, incorporating “Traditional and Alternative Medicine”. Prof Bukunola Adefule- Oshitelu, ophthalmic surgeon and Dean of Clinical Services of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, moderated the discussions.

If you wonder what business she had with such a gathering, you may not have known of bitter kola eye drops, which she developed for people challenged with glaucoma and other eye problems in which the medicinal properties of this product are useful.

Mr Okubena explained the purpose of the meeting after general remarks by Prof Akinadewo. Mr Okubena invited attention to two documents he wanted the gathering to study and act upon as a model for Nigeria’s TM policy. One was the WHO HEALTH MONITOR journal which reviewed the WHO TM objective and the response of member states by August 31, 2010. The other was a South African Government Gazatte which invited the general public to debate the country’s TM policy before it became law.

Before the discussion of these documents, many observations were made by the members.

• Dr Ojei, of Iris Foundation, suggested that the venture be protected against wreckage by stakeholders themselves. Many speakers mentioned previous efforts destabilised by petty rivalries and inordinate ambition unmindful of the “bigger picture”. In other words, “government people’ alone are not to blame for the slumber of Nigeria and of her TM in a world fast-moving towards TM. By “government people” is meant all those government functionaries (civil servants, lawmakers and even the President) who knowingly or mistakenly have played official roles which still hold TM down in Nigeria.

the South African Government Gazette, as Mr. Okubena suggested, and, through public advocacy, encouragement of the new National Assembly to subject the Nigerian TM draft policy to that process. There is no shame in doing that. Afterall, the NIPR representatives informed the Committee that South Africa sent representatives to NIPR to study Nigeria’s process before that country launched out on its own.

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• The name under which the stakeholders assembled is, legally speaking, beyond the role they could play. Dr Omoseindemi, chairman of Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, an orthodox doctor with a long association with TM which, I understood from whispers has culminated in a Ph.D. in Nigeria’s TM, pointed out discrepancies here. There was a TM policy, he said, awaiting passage into law, which is all about TM and not Natural Medicine, and only gives the research function to some other agency. It was clear, thereafter, that the group could function thereby in advocacy and public and government lobby which, happily, it agreed to do, breaking later into such committees for this purpose. Public lobby would create awareness among members of the public of what is going on in the world and of how their country is dragging its feet. It would win orthodox doctors over, by letting them know this is their playing field as well, informing them of Nigerian and European and American doctors who have incorporated TM into their practice, and letting them know of the warning of Dr Emerson, long ago, that “the nutritionist of today, is the doctor of tomorrow.” Government lobby will involve digging the ground under the feet of lawmakers who are dragging their feet by letting their constituents know their representatives in parliament are not taking seriously enough what is important for their lives, their health. When Reps and Senators are pulled by the ear every day, and the President has, by the day, to tell his wife what he’s doing about it, the boat will move faster. The press is an indispensable factor in the public and government lobby sphere. There are at least two persons in this field I wish were involved in this sphere of the work: MR. TAIWO OBE and DR YEMI OGUNBIYI. Taiwo Obe is deeply immersed in work on why Nigerian newspapers are failing. Dr. Ogunbiyi is an ebullient government and public affairs person. Taiwo Obe will tell any editor or newspaper proprietor who cares to listen that many newspapers are disconnected from the readership. They are all virtually outdoing one another in the PUBLIC NEWS arena, forgetting that it is what touches the reader that makes him or her buy a newspaper. Many people, young and old, are sick know of people very dear to them who are sick who can profit from the new medicines which TM modernisation and revolution can bring. Besides, Plantation cultivation of plants, harvesting, processing, packaging, dispensing and marketing would create jobs and wealth… and health. This is the realm of CRUSADING JOURNALISM or of PERSONAL HUMAN or SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM, which calls for NEW USES OF NEWS, a field in which many newspapers are either ignorant, have no interest or lack capacity to explore. As for Dr. Ogunbiyi, I have been drumming up his name since the hey days of the National Council of Physians of Natural Medicine, as someone who can help create a wide access through the cold, thorny, and narrow passages of officialdom.

•The Committee agreed, also, at the request of Dr Omoseindemi, to operate within the ambit of a mission statement which was distilled to be… pursuit of implementation by government of Nigeria’s TM policy. Thus, advocacy will lead to enactment of TM law. Part of the pursuit would be liaison… (with the Nigerian Institute of Pharmaceutical Research (NIPR), which was represented, and with the National Universities Commission (NUC), as examples, to accredit institutions keen on running degree programmes on TM. It was pleasing to many people to learn that a Nigerian TM Policy, indeed, exists, lying for about eight years with lawmakers, and that, someday, it would become law, to legally free TM from official suppression and disempowerment in favour of allopathic medicine. But it was chilling news that perhaps not more than four or five of the 25member Committee has seen a copy of the TM draft they are to work to make become law. What if, for them all, it becomes an unpleasant law? I, too, have not seen this draft. The closest I got to it was through someone who claimed to have been close to someone who claimed to have seen it, who said that, to be registered as a practitioner, the registering authority would require, among other things, a certification from the traditional ruler of the local government area of one’s birth place that one, indeed, was a competent practioner. We both wondered, in the Nigerian context, if this would not create unforeseen trends in the process. That was why I considered appropriate a study of

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

HAT did South Africa do? Simple. It set up a Presidential Task Force on African Traditional Medicine in 2006 to design a national TM policy and a regulatory legal framework. The task force consulted with some stakeholders. Legal draughtsmen put their thoughts together. And, finally, the Health Minister released the draft to the public for public scrutiny. The draft provides a law for the (“registration and regulation of South Africa’s Traditional Medicines and Medicinal products (“Protection of African Traditional Medicine knowledge and Intellectual property rights, and (“the protection of the rights of person involved in the disciple of African Traditional Medicine in South Africa”.)

There are provision, too, for the education of practitioners, their training and retraining, research and development of safe and effective products, a National Ethics Committee, a national pharmacopoeia of South African TM and an interministerial committee chaired by the Ministry of Health.

It is intriguing that a review by the South African draft of how other countries have transformed their TM as suggested

by WHO hardly mentioned Nigeria. To understand how the nations have faired, the WHO HEALTH MONITOR on page 19 published the following data.

National TM policy Burkina Fasso complied in 2004; Cape Verde has not; Coted’ Ivoire 2007; The Gambia 2005; Ghana 2000; Guinea Bissan (No); Guinea Conakry 1994; Liberia (No); Niger 2002; Nigeria 2004; Senegal (No); Togo 1996.

Law and registration Burkina Fasso 1994; Ghana 2000; Guinea Conakry 1997; Mali 1994; Niger 1997; Nigeria 2007; Togo 2001.

Some people believe Nigeria has no law as yet in this area, although NAFDAC has assumed responsibility for the registration of TM products, a role being challenged in court by some stakeholders.

Registration of practioners Benin 1999 ; Burkina Fasso 2007; Cote d’ Ivoire 2007; The Gambia 2001; Guinea Conakry 1996; Mali 1994; Niger 2007; Nigeria No; Senegal 2003 None of these countries offers health insurance coverage for TM. In terms of education, perhaps only Kwame Nkurumah University offers instructions at Master’s and Ph.D degree levels. In Nigeria, TM “is illegal”, according to the South African Government Gazette, but it is “tolerated by law (although some aspects, such as herbal remedies, may be promoted through laws, regulations or interim measures” It is in this regard that NAFDAC is seen by many people as an interim measure to fill a vacuum. Thus, when Okubena says NAFDAC is not the legal authority to regulate TM because TM law has not been enacted, Dr. Omosendemi would say “the law is the law until amended,” referring to NAFDAC’S defacto influence in the public sphere. The question of the location of authority for research beckons on the expert committee for resolution. I guess Dr Omosendemi prefers that the research institutions such as NIPRI do the Job. Prof Akinadewo would like to see the expert committee transform into a national organisation with control centers in the states. But this, in my view, would conflict with the WHO and AU prescriptions, backed by the WAHO, requesting member states to legally organise all TM practitioners (TMPs) into a national association. That was achieved in the Obasanjo Administration with the fusion of all rival professional bodies into the NATMP… National Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners which has branches in every state. Mr. Okubena did not see NPRI or any other research institute “inventing the wheel” as it were.

And that is why, he ventured, NIPRI in its 30 years or so existence has been able to translate only one research finding into a product, NIPRISAN. To him, our forefathers had all the blueprints for the TM revolution of today. What we need do is only to invite the custodians to bring them out from their closets. With the law protecting their intellectual proprietary rights, NIPRI and other agencies can then scientifically validate or discard them. But there would have to be transparency and the law hard on intellectual or knowledge thieves in research corridors. Mr. Okubena almost lost the proprietary secrets of his Jobelyn to government and private sector researchers. Prof Ojei said he knew better to always hold something back in the equation.

Okubena’s suggestion should be welcome to any government which doesn’t wish to waste money on unnecessary research.

From Nigeria’s TM folklore, do we need expensive research to prove that lemon grass cures malaria or that basil ocinum (efinrin, Yoruba) stops diarrhea? Or that vervain (Panle, Yoruba) helps gum and liver problems and insomnia?

I agree with Dr Omoseindemi that the law will sort out the frills. I agree with Mr Okubena that we needn’t seek to re-invent the wheel. I go along with those who are nauseated by odious, self-awarded degrees such as professorships. Regulation through the law will address all of that. Meanwhile can we settle down to the business of public enlightenment and government lobby, to let the public know what is going on worldwide while Nigeria slumbers, and to help the government free itself of red tape chains and do what it has to do so that Nigeria can become a respectable participant in the new trillion dollar TM world market? That way, as the world moves officially from drug medicine, after about 200 years separation from Mother Nature, Nigeria would not risk another economic enslavement through the colonisation of its Traditional Medicines.

Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

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Space for Sale PUBLIC NOTICE OGUNRINDE:

I formerly known and addressed as Olufunmilola Fausat Aduke Ogunrinde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs BraimohIgbo Olufunmilola Fausat Aduke.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

FLAT TO LET To let units of serviced 3 Bedroom flats within Alhaji Abayomi Adelaja Estate at Alhaji Abayomi Adelaja drive off Kudirat Abiola way, Olusosun Bus-Stop, Oregun - Ikeja Facilities & Service include: 3 Bedroom with 2 toilets/Bathroom 24hrs Power Supply, 24hrs Security and facility management, ample parking space round the clock water supply, Intercom and Dedicated Transformer.

For further inquiries call DARANUKA PROPERTIES Uche on 08023053042 Wale on 08056612472

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

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NEWS Ijesha monarch relives ordeals during Oyinlola’s administration

F

OR the first time in the public, the Owo Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran yesterday narrated his ordeals on the hands of former Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

The monarch, at the launch of a book “Ijesha Icons And Making of Mod-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

ern Nigeria Essays” in honour of Governor Rauf Aregbesola held at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, lamented the harrassment and humiliation he suffered for being the

monarch of Aregbesola’s hometown.

He said:”We together with him suffered so much from the immediate past administration of Oyinlola.

But thank God that today we are celebrating because God gave us the victory.

Today my joy knows no bounds,” he said.

Activist seeks arrest of governor’s aide

P

ROMINENT Niger Delta activist Mrs Rita-Lori Ogbebor has urged the police to arrest an aide of Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for allegedly leading thugs to invade her Warri home.

Briefing reporters yesterday in Lagos, she said: ‘’He has not appeared before the police to answer questions on how he unleashed mayhem on my private residence.

“We must not condone this because, the failure to inves-

tigate his past lawless activities in the state is responsible for this lawless attitude. My appeal is that the authorities should ensure that he is investigated and brought to book.

With or without him, the governor will be sworn in.’‘

Group raises awareness on children’s plight

T

O draw attention to the plight of the less privileged, a Lagos-based firm, Caprice Creations, will host stakeholders at an interactive session on Children’s Day. The event is billed to hold at the Sandfilled Layout in Ogudu Ojota, Kosofe Local Government. Singer Benita Okogie is billed to perform.

The coordinator, Mrs Prisca Lawson, said the thrust of the event is give less privileged children equal opportunity to be celebrated along other children in their community.

Some organisations have pledged their support, she said, adding: “The govern-

By Nneka Nwaneri and Tonia Dunia

ment cannot do it alone. So we, as responsible citizens also need to contribute our quota in line with our belief in being our brother’s keepers.

“We have taken time out to make this day not just a memorable one for the children but a worthy investment for the schools and parents. We envisage the participation of over 20 schools, both public and private, as well as over two less privileged homes in the community.

“It promises to be a highly interactive, educative and fun-filled timeout. The choice of the location is very strategic as it will give the children an ample opportunity to

have quality fun within their locality without necessarily having to face logistics problems.

“The event will also serve as a community development outreach to some notable charity and less privileged homes, as their children and wards will be present.”

Also, Kiddies’ Heritage Entertainment Network, in collaboration with Daar Communications are organising the Abuja Mask Party for schools. The party is coming up tomorrow. The event will feature dance, music competitions among schools, talents hunts and a fashion show. The event will take place at ‘A’ Class Park on Kassimi Ibrahim Way, Maitama, Abuja.

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 25-05-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name CAPITAL OIL PLC JULI PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1 2

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.90

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 78,000 39,000.00 120 331.20 78,120 39,331.20

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Company Name LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 18 19

Quotation(N) 0.50 7.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 8,125 4,062.50 233,548 1,790,481.76 241,673 1,794,544.26

Quotation(N) 8.71

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 423,619 3,700,474.90 423,619 3,700,474.90

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.59

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,600 1,800.00 88,093 227,287.64 91,693 229,087.64

Quotation(N) 8.00 1.71 5.92 4.00 7.41 2.60 13.51 0.68 15.95 9.95 1.37 1.91 1.34 8.25 1.09 2.02 6.08 2.71 1.07 1.15 14.90

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 11,362,325 90,915,232.32 746,636 1,276,867.56 3,502,927 21,044,091.06 1,465,174 5,836,151.40 635,294 4,706,037.55 1,483,054 3,864,248.80 15,060,458 203,725,120.70 3,893,658 2,612,407.90 11,792,494 189,013,192.30 440,241 4,393,171.00 1,709,648 2,308,579.86 5,220,735 9,965,264.50 2,108,818 2,744,903.40 2,219,162 18,200,091.47 2,127 2,212.08 1,074,924 2,190,538.08 9,820,647 59,943,166.79 9,247,084 25,285,306.98 5,385,700 5,571,502.00 698,457 787,065.70 13,243,267 201,371,089.05 101,112,830 855,756,240.50

Quotation(N) 239.50 6.17 2.49 85.12

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 80,430 19,138,832.08 271,895 1,639,046.00 1,000 2,370.00 1,115,299 95,000,464.27 1,468,624 115,780,712.35

Quotation(N) 24.00 11.17 131.10 43.40

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 375,372 8,989,592.34 356,180 3,994,365.60 50,186 6,577,212.50 161,650 6,945,425.00 943,388 26,506,595.44

Quotation(N) 11.73 24.28 1.68

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 531,313 6,232,301.49 2,100 53,529.00 3,625 5,800.00 537,038 6,291,630.49

AIR SERVICES Company Name NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 96 96 AUTOMOBILE & TYRE

Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 9 10 BANKING

Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC AFRIBANK NIGERIA PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC FINBANK PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC INTERCONTINENTAL BANK PLC. OCEANIC BANK INTERNATIONAL PLC BANK PHB PLC SKYE BANK PLC. SPRING BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 140 23 91 47 52 84 576 42 485 35 55 98 33 104 2 35 278 164 39 40 321 2,744 BREWERIES

Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC JOS INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 65 14 1 128 208 BUILDING MATERIALS

Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 50 20 22 25 117

Unity Bank proposes dividend, bonus •Market Cap sheds 0.7%

U

NITY Bank yesterday notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) of its proposed five kobo dividend and bonus of one new share for every 20 shares already held.

The bank, which fixed its Annual General Meeting for June, said the payment date for its dividend would be announced later.

Meanwhile, the bears consolidated their hold on the market yesterday, as more highly capitalised companies joined the league of losers, causing key market indicators to depreciate by 0.67 per cent each in three consecutive trading days.

Market capitalisation dropped by N55 billion to close mid-week at N8.186 trillion, while the All-Share-Index dropped 172.11 points to close at 25,618.53 points.

The slide witnessed in the key indicators was premised on the performances of the banking stocks where most highly capitalised stocks are.

The drop recorded by the banking stocks were described as overriding losses by market operators.

Activities opened low. This was maintained all through the trading hours. Positive corporate actions from National Salt, Unity Bank and Smart Products had no im-

By Tonia Osundolire and Eshiet Uyoatta

mediate impact on the market. In fact, only National Salt recorded a value gain.

However, 36 stocks recorded price depreciation compared to 15 that constituted the gainers chart.

Conoil topped the day’s gainers table with five per cent to close at N39.90 per share.

The performance of the stock was attributed to the full year report of the company presented to the exchange yesterday.

According to the report for the year ended December 31, 2010, the profit before tax rose by 20.7 per cent from N2.312 billion in 2009 to N2.790 billion.

There was also an increase of 13 per cent in the Net Assets from N13.511 billion to N15.260 billion.

Turnover recorded a marginal increase from N101.853 billion in 2009 to N102.878 billion in the review period; while the Operating Profit on ordinary activities before taxation and exceptional items, grew by 6.2 per cent from N3.785 billion in 2009 to N4.020 billion, 2010.

Others on the gainers ta-

ble were Julius Berger, with 4.99 per cent to close at N55.71 per share, UTC added 4.76 per cent to close at N0.66per share, National Salt Company of Nigeria added 4.55 per cent to close at N5.75 per share.

On the losers table, United Bank for Africa, led others with five per cent to close at N6.08 per share followed by Diamond Bank with 4.98 per cent to close at N5.92 per share.

In all, investors traded 161.194 million shares worth N1.503 billion across 4,791 deals.

The banking sub-sector dominated trading with 101.113 million shares, followed by the insurance subsector with 14.190 million units.

Others with significant volume were Information Technology, Food Beverages & Tobacco and Conglomerates sub-sectors with 9.834 million shares, 8.000 million shares and 5.667 million shares respectively Transactions in the shares of First Bank and Zenith boosted activities in the banking sub-sector, while the insurance was buoyed by activities in the shares of NEM insurance.

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC DN MEYER PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 28 2 1 31

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 25-05-11

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name COURTVILLE INVESTMENTS PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 6 10

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.83

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 561,500 280,750.00 24,000 71,280.00 585,500 352,030.00

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Company Name TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 2

Quotation(N) 3.42

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,019 3,311.75 1,019 3,311.75

CONGLOMERATES Company Name A. G. LEVENTIS (NIGERIA) PLC JOHN HOLT PLC PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC SCOA NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 1 42 1 79 50 55 231

Quotation(N) 2.00 7.21 36.35 7.48 1.00 38.00 27.20

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 9,062 17,317.80 270 1,849.50 438,362 15,937,962.30 250 1,777.50 3,650,510 3,721,831.30 703,971 26,808,482.99 865,029 23,514,963.60 5,667,454 70,004,184.99

CONSTRUCTION Company Name COSTAIN (WA) PLC JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC MULTIVERSE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 9 7 1 17

Quotation(N) 5.22 55.71 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 104,500 521,628.25 119,411 6,652,386.81 1,000 500.00 224,911 7,174,515.06

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN BOTTLING COMPANY PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC NORTHERN NIGERIA FLOUR MILLS PLC TANTALIZERS PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 14 58 108 52 81 17 37 20 32 2 13 11 445

Quotation(N) 46.00 20.00 18.50 13.35 90.00 4.80 5.75 36.00 400.00 29.20 0.50 0.66

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 15,995 739,537.40 1,124,978 22,563,179.30 2,398,481 44,454,758.98 384,354 5,150,274.24 1,513,846 136,002,646.15 329,300 1,585,500.00 1,068,850 5,889,642.00 61,440 2,174,449.14 24,786 9,769,955.67 8,513 236,150.62 697,478 349,331.30 371,821 229,492.60 7,999,842 229,144,917.40

Quotation(N) 1.26 2.06 27.00 4.27 1.96

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,000 1,250.00 171,360 352,934.60 159,851 4,303,906.73 650 2,639.00 10,500 19,635.00 343,361 4,680,365.33

Quotation(N) 1.38

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,397,984 2,045,358.03 1,397,984 2,045,358.03

HEALTHCARE Company Name EVANS MEDICALPLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 16 11 2 3 33

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name IKEJA HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 28 28

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 11 13

Quotation(N) 8.20 5.88

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 4,650 36,223.50 67,986 381,129.96 72,636 417,353.46

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name CHAMS PLC STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 53 55

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.60

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 15,000 7,500.00 9,818,500 5,857,940.00 9,833,500 5,865,440.00

INSURANCE Company Name AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE CO. PLC. CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC.

No of Deals 66 12 1 22 1 3 16 1 2 3 22 1 1 27

Quotation(N) 0.83 1.04 0.50 3.03 0.50 0.50 1.62 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.56 0.50 0.50 0.52

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,399,101 2,839,191.21 1,715,577 1,784,215.08 20,000 10,000.00 145,589 442,112.46 1,000 500.00 747,377 373,728.50 763,071 1,217,584.44 500 250.00 51,000 25,500.00 48,300 24,150.00 1,681,076 926,960.88 100 50.00 3,500 1,750.00 4,080,010 2,120,637.00

OASIS INSURANCE PLC PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STACO INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Sector Totals

3 4 9 2 3 8 207

0.50 2.10 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51

101,650 9,500 1,281,000 21,099 21,000 99,636 14,190,086

50,825.00 19,000.00 640,500.00 10,549.50 10,500.00 50,474.96 10,548,479.03

Quotation(N) 1.24

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 223,245 276,823.80 223,245 276,823.80

Quotation(N) 1.29

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,347,108 4,374,652.53 3,347,108 4,374,652.53

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 117,926 58,963.00 117,926 58,963.00

LEASING Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 4 MARITIME

Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 85 85 MEDIA

Company Name DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 10 10

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name ASO SAVINGS AND LOAND PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 12 21 33

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.63

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 388,000 194,000.00 796,177 497,630.81 1,184,177 691,630.81

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name CRUSADER NIGERIA PLC. NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 1 2 6

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.21 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,400 1,200.00 300 345.00 66,402 33,201.00 69,102 34,746.00

Quotation(N) 2.55 3.60 1.39 13.97

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 870,718 2,200,895.33 2,507 8,573.94 50,000 69,500.00 50,000 698,500.00 973,225 2,977,469.27

PACKAGING Company Name NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC NAMPAK NIGERIA PLC POLY PRODUCTS (NIGERIA) PLC. GREIF NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 53 3 1 1 58

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name AFRICAN PETROLEUM PLC. BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 37 3 20 27 16 11 108 17 239

Quotation(N) 20.50 0.50 72.00 39.90 5.59 163.50 52.05 195.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 130,477 2,598,326.63 150,500 75,250.00 66,209 4,677,298.00 146,522 5,846,227.80 89,095 473,985.40 23,837 3,791,246.00 508,929 26,540,633.64 74,271 14,520,370.30 1,189,840 58,523,337.77

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name LONGMAN NIGERIA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 9 11

Quotation(N) 6.84 4.99

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,500 9,750.00 49,920 245,419.76 51,420 255,169.76

Quotation(N) 17.96

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 501,375 9,072,402.50 501,375 9,072,402.50

REAL ESTATE Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 22 22

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 24 24

Quotation(N) 0.73

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,695,500 2,035,977.60 2,695,500 2,035,977.60

Quotation(N) 0.65

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 4,969 3,289.85 4,969 3,289.85

TEXTILES Company Name UNITED NIGERIA TEXTILES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 4

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 27 27

Quotation(N) 15.40

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5,622,472 84,245,379.30 5,622,472 84,245,379.30

4,791

161,193,637

1,502,884,414.02

60

FOREIGN NEWS

NEWS

ACN to Obi: conduct council polls

Obama says now is time for US, West to lead P

•Party rejects caretaker committees

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has urged Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State to conduct local government elections. The party warned against the planned constitution of caretaker committees in the 21 councils by the Obiled administration. It described the move as illegal and undemocratic.

Chairman of ACN Amechi Obidike said in Awka yesterday that a caretaker administration is an aberration under democratic governance.

But Obi’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mike Udah, dismissed the allegation.

Chairman of the All Pro-

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

gressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mike Kwentoh, urged the ACN to challenge any move it considered unconstitutional in the court.

He said: “ACN should challenge things that are not reasonable in the court, rather than spreading rumour.”

Obidike said: “It has come to the notice of our great party that the Obi-led administration has concluded plans to impose undemocratic and illegal administrations on the 21 local government areas.

“We, therefore, wish to emphasise that such moves are

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

•Obi

unacceptable to us. Caretaker administration is an aberration under democratic governance. It is not in the nation’s Constitution.

“The ACN and all lovers of democracy in Anambra urge Obi to conduct council election. That is the only way to guarantee democracy at the grassroots.”

Council election was last held in the state in 1998.

RESIDENT Obama has told British politicians that, despite the rise of new global superpowers, the time for United States and European leadership “is now”.

He said the influence of the US, UK and allies would remain “indispensable,” in a speech in Parliament on the second day of his UK state visit.

But he said that leadership would need to “change with the times” to reflect economic, security and more challenges.

He is the first US president to address Members of Parliament and peers in Westminster Hall.

Former British Prime ministers Sir John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown sat next to each other in the packed hall - the oldest part of the Houses of Parliament - which fell silent as the US president began his 35minute speech.

As he began, Mr Obama joked that with an “especially active press corps”, the relationship between the UK and US was forever being “over analysed”.

But he he added: “There are few nations that stand firmer, speak louder and fight harder to defend dem-

ocratic values around the world than the United States and the United Kingdom.”

He said the two countries had “arrived at a pivotal moment once more” following global recession and years of conflict.

Even as more nations take on the responsibilities of global leadership, our alliance will remain indispensable to the goal of a century that is more peaceful, more prosperous and more just” President Obama said it was time to enter a “new chapter in our shared history” with new challenges.

Nato planes target Gaddafi’s Governor won’t retrench workers A Tripoli compound

T

HE Anambra State Government will not retrench its workers, Governor Peter Obi has said.

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism Maja Umeh, reacting to media reports that the government would sack about 200 Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), described the allegation as baseless and

A

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

frivolous.

On the minimum wage, he said the state would require an additional N3 billion to meet up.

Umeh added that the state would require an improvement in its internally generated revenue (IGR) and federal allocation to pay the minimum wage (N18,000).

He reassured the workers that the government would not retrench any of them.

According to him, the government has set up a committee to streamline the workforce of ABS. The committee is headed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Dike Ndulue. Other members of the committee are F.N. Nwabue, C.O. Okanmelu, Ofole V.C and C.N. Nwajiani.

Tax incentives in Abia

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji has promised tax incentives to boost the economy.

“Our state is known for its industry and commerce; we shall encourage businessmen with tax incentives,” the governor said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ben Onyechere.

He urged Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to lower the interest rate further to encourage

•Governor faults CBN on economy borrowing. He added that this would in turn boost productivity and employment opportunities.

He urged Sanusi to formulate enduring economic policies that would lift the nation from the doldrums.

Orji said Sanusi’s claim that the economy is liquid is “incorrect” because “majority of the people are poor.”

He said: “What may seem

as liquid is the hoarding of funds by individuals and companies because of uncertainties on what to expect.

The tension generated by the sanitisation of financial institutions has lingered for too long. The economic policies have not generated employment opportunity, which is the only means of measuring economic growth.”

T least five large explosions rocked the Libyan capital Tripoli overnight, as the Nato military campaign continued.

For a second night, the air strikes targeted the area around Col Muammar Gaddafi’s Bab al-Aziziya compound.

Nato is enforcing a UN resolution to protect Libyan civilians, following the uprising against Col Gaddafi’s rule.

But Russia has said the raids were a “gross violation” of the resolution, which Moscow did not vote for.

The BBC correspondent in Tripoli said Tuesday night’s strikes were not as large as

T

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

two others.

They were reportedly involved in extortion of motorists, possession of fake identity cards and revenue receipts.

Deputy Governor, Emeka Sibeudu, urged the people to be wary of fake revenue collectors.

He advised the people to

confirm the authenticity of identity cards presented by those claiming to be government agents.

Sibeudu assured that the suspects would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

One of the suspects, Uzoma, said they were recruited

by Ifechukwu Ekwegbaru.

Another suspect, Ejikonye, said they were employed by Onodugo.

•Obama

U

NITED States President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron have urged the Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi to stand down, saying they would “turn up the heat on the Gaddafi regime”.

T

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

that any oil company has paid that penalty, this is supposed to be a task before the DPR.” “The last time we invited DPR we were not able to get

a comprehensive answer on why oil companies are not paying gas flare penalty as approved by the Federal Executive Council. And the gas flare penalty as approved has not been withdrawn by the federal government that approved it.”

Anambra communal crisis: Police arrest 18 suspects

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EMBERS of Yemen’s most powerful tribal group have taken control of several public buildings in Sanaa, say reports.

Witnesses say hundreds of people are fleeing the capital on the third day of violence between the Hashid tribal

T

Libya to the Libyan people.”

Cameron joined the US President in urging Col Gaddafi to quit, saying: “It is impossible to imagine a future for Libya with Gaddafi still in power. He must go...we want to turn up the heat on the Gaddafi Regime.”

The Prime Minister added that they had held “excellent discussions” and described the relationship between the two countries as “essential”.

The Prime Minister said: “I feel everyday just how important this partnership is.

“It is a living, working partnership and it is essential to our security and it is essential to our prosperity.”

fighters and security forces.

At least 44 people have died in the clashes, which began after forces loyal to President Ali Abdullah Saleh moved against the tribal leader’s compound.

Mr Saleh refuses to stand down, despite growing international pressure.

US President Barack Obama has said he should “move immediately on his commitment to transfer power”.

Reports say forces loyal to Hashid leader Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar had seized several buildings close to his compound in the Hassaba district.

Bodies exhumed in Benue

From Adimike George, Onitsha

HE Anambra State Police command has arrested 18 persons over last week’s communal clash in Idemili local government. Two people were feared dead and properties worth millions of naira torched.

Commissioner of Police Muktari Ibrahim yesterday confirmed the incident. He said all those involved in the Obosi mayhem would be prosecuted.

Ibrahim urged the people to volunteer information to the Police.

He attributed the reduction of crime in Onitsha to “the cooperation of the people and ingenuity of his men.

The two leaders held a joint news conference in London yesterday after discussions at Downing Street Obama said: “We will continue to strongly oppose the use of violence against protesters and any efforts to silence those who yearn for freedom and dignity and basic human rights - that’s one of the reasons we are working together in Libya alongside our Nato allies and partners to protect the Libyan people.

“We will continue those operations until Gaddafi’s attacks on civilians cease.

Time is working against Gaddafi and he must step down from power and leave

Yemeni rebels seize public buildings

Senate panel queries DPR over gas flaring HE Senate Committee on Gas yesterday blamed the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for the failure of oil companies to pay penalty for gas flaring.

Speaking during a meeting with stakeholders in the oil sector at the National Assembly complex, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Osita Izunaso urged the Presidency to immediately carry out a comprehensive study of gas volume across the country.

He said “One issue that is very disturbing is that sometimes April 2010, the Federal Executive Council approved penalty to about $3, 50cent per a 1000 standard cubic feet of gas flared, but up till today I am not aware

the country.

A senior Nato official said the regime had become “very apathetic” in the last fortnight.

“It has lost the military initiative and appears on the defensive, which is a sign that we are on the right path,” the unnamed official was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe also insisted on Tuesday that the strikes were having an effect, with resistance to Col Gaddafi growing in western Libya and an increase in the number of defections from the army.

Obama, Cameron urge Libyan leader Gaddafi to stand down

Anambra parades fake revenue collectors HE Anambra State Government yesterday paraded suspected revenue fraudsters at the Government House, Awka.

The seven suspects were arrested by the Anambra State Task Force on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

They are Ephraim Adieri, Osita Ejikonye, Humphery Ogbuenu, Onyeka Udogaranyaa, Vitus Uzoma, and

those on Monday night, but still shook buildings over a wide area.

Large plumes of smoke could be seen drifting over the city.

Nato says the large Bab alAziziya compound has been used by the regime as a base for troops and vehicles used to carry out attacks on civilians.

But Libyan authorities say Nato is trying to kill Col Gaddafi and that the nighttime strikes are terrorising Tripoli residents.

Rebels control much of Libya’s east, but Col Gaddafi’s forces are still in control of most of the west of

B

ENUE State Police Command last Tuesday in Guma Local Government area, exhumed the bodies of three Fulani herdsmen killed during the Tiv-Fulani crisis in Yelawata.

Crisis broke out between Tiv and Fulani herdsmen last Monday.

The three Fulani herdsmen were allegedly killed by Tiv people and their bodies buried in a shallow grave.

The Fulani too allegedly retaliated,

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

killing some Tiv at their farm.

Police investigation however discovered the grave of the decomposing bodies of the Fulani while that of Tiv victims were yet to be found.

Police spokesman Alaribe Ejike said the bodies had been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre for autopsy while investigations continue.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

61

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

62

SPORT EXTRA AHEAD FIFA WOMEN WORLD CUP

Mini T/Tennis tourney kicks off at Ikoyi Club

Falcons depart for training camp T T HE National Women’s football team, Super Falcons on Wednesday departed for Saalfelden, Austria, venue of a four-week training camp that will usher the African champions into the 6th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals starting in Germany next month.

A team of 16 players and the full technical and administrative crew flew out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Wednesday night aboard a Lufthansa Airline flight, with intensive drills and quality friendly matches to look ahead to.

There will be 26 players at the training camp, with nine foreign-based professionals set to join up from different parts of Europe and midfielder Evelyn Nwabuoku billed to reunite with the group in Europe whenever she gets her visa.

Nigeria play France in their first match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in

Sinsheim on 26th June, with games against hosts Germany in Frankfurt on 30th June and against Canada in Dresden to follow in Group A. Shock defeat in the hands of Ghana’s Black Queens that meant elimination from the 10th All-Africa Games scheduled for Mozambique in September has been a sort of rude awakening, and NFF President Aminu Maigari on Wednesday instructed officials to ensure everything that is necessary is done to prepare the team adequately for the global showpiece.

Those who travelled from Abuja on Wednesday night included goalkeepers Precious Dede, Alaba Jonathan, Tochukwu Oluehi and Ogochukwu Kenechukwu, defenders Josephine Chukwunonye, Onome Ebi, Blessing Edoho, Osinachi Ohale, midfielders Esther Sunday, Francisca Ordega, Ebere Orji, Rebecca Kalu and Glory Iroka, and forwards

Amenze Aighewi, Stella Mbachu and Desire Oparanozie.

Defenders Faith Ikidi, Ulunma Jerome and Helen Ukaonu, midfielders Uchechi Sunday, Emueje Ogbiagbevha, Ogonna Chukwudi and Rita Chikwelu and forwards Sarah Michael and Perpetua Nkwocha will join the squad

in Austria.

The officials are: Eucharia Uche (Head Coach), Bala Nikyu (Asst. Coach), Bala Mohammed (Asst. Coach), Thomas Obliers (Technical Assistant), Omoye Akhigbe (Team Doctor), Chichi Okere (Physiotherapist), Ruth David (Secretary) and Mary Oboduku (Equipment Manager).

NIGERIA VS ARGENTINA FRIENDLY

Tickets on sale in Abuja

T

ICKETS sale for the international friendly between the Super Eagles and Argentina begun yesterday, at the offices of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and a few other outlets in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Officials confirmed on Tuesday that only 25 000 tickets (Category A) will be sold for the high-profile friendly at the 60 000-capacity venue, one of the most maginificent football stadiums in Africa.

A good number of the remaining seats would be won through ongoing promotions by sponsors, Guinness, while the rest would be reserved for Government officials, dignitaries and other guests.

The tickets are going for N2 500. VIP tickets are not be for sale.

Apart from the offices of the NFF tickets can be purchased at Old Parade Ground, Paradise Restaurant (opposite AP Plaza, Wuse II), Mr Biggs

Restaurant (Kubwa, Gwarimpa), Assets Garden (opposite Garki hospital), Bridge-Hart Solution (opposite Court, Kubwa), Stop Over Spot, Durumi and Drum Stix.

In other States of the federation, tickets can be purchased at the Zenith Bank branches. NFF officials have also confirmed that a number of tickets would be sent to the offices of the Football Association in the States for easier reach of fans.

Four members of the Argentine delegation are expected in Abuja on Saturday while the delegation from Argentina will arrive on Sunday. 10 players of the Argentine team will fly into Abuja on Monday.

Members of the Nigeria senior team, Super Eagles have been handed a deadline of 1pm on Monday to report to the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

A pre-match press conference will hold at the Transcorp Hilton hotel on Tuesday.

Yobo dreams glory with Eagles

H

•Taye Taiwo

AVING just won his first ever club silverware with Fenerbahce, Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo has turned his focus on winning laurels with the national team.

Speaking from his Turkey base, Yobo revealed a burning desire to excel in the green and white colours.

“It has taken me this long to win something at the club level.

Now I have spent 10 years in the national team yet I have not won anything big at international level. I don’t want to end my international career without winning the Nations Cup. I have played in five Nations Cup as a regular and I have not won more than bronze. As the captain now, I need the gold. I need to get my

Afolabi eyes Germany, England

N

IGERIA defender Rabiu Afolabi has told MTNFootball.com he will not extend his time at Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg because he wants to feature in Champions League action next season.

Afolabi’s contract runs out next month and the central defender disclosed he is only too happy to move on with Germany and England his preferred destinations.

“One of the considerations behind my not extending my contract at Red Bull is that they will not be playing in the Champions League next season,” Afolabi told MTNFootball.com.

“I would really want to be part of the Champions League again and at the moment my target is

to do that playing for a club either in Germany or England.”

Defending champions Red Bull are currently third on the table with 60 points from 35 matches.

There is still a round of matches to be played in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Afolabi will therefore be a free agent in the summer as he was two years ago when he quit French club Sochaux.

This season he featured in over 40 matches for Red Bull, missing out only a handful of games as a result of a red card.

hands on that trophy”, he said.

Yobo believes the current generation of Eagles can take Nigeria to greater heights.

His words; “There is a new spirit in the team under the new chief coach, Samson Siasia. We are building a new team and there is this ‘yes, we can’ disposition.

I am there to provide the guidance and support to the younger ones. Gradually and steadily we will get there”.

In a season which saw him play 30 out of 34 matches for Fenerbachce, being on the pitch in 2623 minutes of the possible 2700 minutes of those 30 matches, Yobo marshaled a Fenerbahce defence that set a new European record going 853 minutes without conceding a goal. He crowned the sterling season scoring the last goal in the 4-2 defeat of Sivasspor on last day.

Now, he intends to take his rich vein of form to the national team.

“I have had arguably my best season ever in Europe. I feel as fit as a fiddle and I hope to carry this form over to the national team this summer. We have two important matches against Argentina and Ethiopia and I will do my best to ensure we win both matches”, he concluded.

Under-23 invitation thrills Dimaku

A

FTER he was an unused substitute against the Junior Leone Star of Liberia Under 23 side, Hapoel Acre of Israel player, Tochukwu Dimaku has told NationSport exclusively that his fresh invitation to the Dream Team V double header games late this month and early June has provided another platform for him to show his relevant to the

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri team’s selectors.

Dimaku, an indigene of Imo State in a chat with NationSport Monday afternoon disclosed that even though he never tasted action against The West African which was pummeled 5-0 by the rampaging Dream Team, he never doubted his potential and noting that he knew that another call up would be extended to him.

“I thank God for this invitation and like I told you when we discussed before I travelled down, I would honour any call up from my country and will not let the fact that I didn’t play against Liberia demoralize me and now that the coaches have deemed it fit to give a fresh chance I will grab it with both hands this time around.

It is always a special feeling playing for ones’ country.”

HE Maiden edition of the Mini-Table Tennis competition, a grass root development initiative, kicked-off at the popular Ikoyi Club.

Hosted by the Ikoyi Club 1938, in conjunction with the Value Sports One (VSone), the table tennis section was filled to capacity, with foremost Fuji artiste, Adewale Ayuba trilling the crowed all through the event.

The competition sponsored

by Arre Rotimi Ishola, is the first of its kind in both Nigeria and Africa in general, an initiative directed at discovering budding talents from a tender age, but launched at the club.

To emerge winner, Engineer Bola Ayorinde defeated Teju Ogunwomoju 4-2 in the best of seven, while Soji Aladesuru and Sumbo Ileyemi locked horns for the third place prize.

The winner will embark on a two-week holiday in Ghana after receiving a return ticket with provisions for hotel accommodation and feeding for two weeks, while the runners up and other participants got expensive prizes for their efforts.

By Innocent Amomoh Meanwhile, the initiative has earlier been embraced by the head coach of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA), Dele Olasumbo and other members of the association.

Representing the brain behind the initiative, VSOne, Laja George Ijaodola said for the idea to thrive in Nigeria, the private sector must be ready to sponsor competitions to support the game.

He said: “Philanthropists and lovers of the game should rise up and encourage its development across the country, especially with the Mini- Table Tennis board initiative. If others can emulate the kind of support by Ikoyi Club, then the game will be fully developed.”

Earlier, the patron of VSone, Femi Folorunsho has ordered that the mini table tennis boards should be made available and distributed to schools freely.

But if the promise by the Director Planning and Logistics, VSone, who also doubles as a member of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Sports Science department, the mini boards will soon flood the nooks and craning of the country.

33RD CBN SENIOR OPEN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP

NTF to select 8 for AAG •As sponsor earmarks N6.4m

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HE Vice-President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation(NTF), Yemi Owoseni has stated that the 33rd edition of the CBN Senior Open Tennis championship which has been fixed for May 27 to June 4 at the National Stadium Surulere, will be an avenue to select eight players that would represent the country at the All Africa Games slated for Mozambique later in the year.

Owoseni revealed that the eight players for selection for the championship will comprise four ladies and four men just as he informed that ten players would be called to camp immediately for preparations towards the All Africa Games after the CBN Senior Open Tennis Championship.

In the same vein, a total cash prize money of Six million eight hundred and forty thousand naira is in the offing for players who excel at the championship.

According to one of the Directors in the CBN's governor's office, Faruk Garko, he said: " In order to make participation in the senior category more competitive and attractive even to foreign-based players, the total prize

By Stella Bamawo money for winners in the 2011 edition has been reviewed upwards from N6.01m to N6.8m with the reintroduction of the mixed doubles in the championship after a long period of about fifteen years. As it was last year, the Men's singles winner is collecting a sum of six hundred thousand while the winner in the Ladies singles will go home with four hundred thousand naira.

Meanwhile, the CBN has given a hint that it might sponsor another set of players on training tour outside the country going by the initiative of the NTF which was meant to expose the two best players, (Emmanuel Sunday and Fatima Abinu) in last year's edition to top international tennis tournaments in a bid to garner points on the ITF ranking and ultimately make them aspire to play in the Grand Slams.

The liaison officer of the National Sports Commission(NSC), Tayo Oreweme has thrown open the gates of the National Stadium Surulere. She said this was to avail tennis fans an opportunity to watch their favourite players in action at the stadium’s tennis courts.

Copa Coca-Cola Inter-State Tournament begins

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AGOS, May 25th, 2011: Copa Coca-CoIa, the grass root Youth Football Championship for Under 16 is kicking off with Inter-State tournament after the registration exercise which has attracted participants across the country. This exciting first phase of the championship will run for the duration of two days, simultaneously in 18 major cities across the nation from 25th to 26th of May 2011.

The Inter State tournament will see a grand display of raw talent from 12 schools, communities and teams who had been registered and shortlisted for the competition. There will be 6-8 knock out matches played 30 minutes aside. The winners of the match would go ahead to compete in the Zonal matches being played in the four zones – Ibadan-Enugu-Calabar-Kaduna respectively. Y.S.F.O.N coaches would be present to aid the coordination of the matches.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

63

Tomorrow in THE NATION

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 6, NO.1,771

‘These ACN governors-elect must not behave like Daniel, Obasanjo, Akala, Olagunsoye, Oni and Agagu that behaved as if there was no tomorrow; as if they would die in power. If this is their thought, who will they be emulating? Mobutu? Bokasa?

Idi Amin, Hosni Mubarak or…?’

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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HE current global economic and financial crises have led to the search for new economic perspectives in virtually every country. National adjustment to the crises has become increasingly imperative. The search is intended to prevent the global recession from leading to a depression. Currently, three European countries– Greece, Portugal and Ireland– have asked the EU for a financial bailout to avoid falling into an economic depression. The British coalition government has introduced savage cuts in public expenditure to reduce its huge budget deficits. So far, Nigeria has been able to ward off a depression. This was made possible by the surge in the oil income.

But the future of the oil industry is by no means certain. The danger signs are still there and these require urgent attention. Nigeria remains highly vulnerable to the vagaries of oil in the world market. It needs to spend less at home and earn more abroad to achieve fiscal balance.

My views on Nigeria’s economic perspectives and strategy should be well known by now. For more than three decades and in varying capacities I have written extensively on the causes of the failure of successive Nigerian governments, civilian and military, to reduce mass poverty and unemployment in our nation. There is a single theme running through all these essays; namely, willful mismanagement of Nigeria’s huge economic resources and massive corruption at all levels of government. My argument has always been that Nigeria’s real economic potential will not be realised, unless there is a leadership more determined to end the decades of colossal economic mismanagement. Whether this needed economic transformation will be achieved preferably through a gradual and evolutionary process, or through a violent revolution is by no means certain.

Ideology has never really been a central issue in public discussion of Nigeria’s economy. The Marxist approach to economic development has had little or no public support in Nigeria. The social conditions necessary for a communist strategy have been absent from the country, still largely conservative with very strong underlying spiritual beliefs and cultural constraints. But everyone agrees that there should be a change of strategy or practice in the management of the domestic economy such that Nigeria will begin to realise its full economic potential. The greatest challenge facing President Jonathan is how to harness Nigeria’s vast economic resources to achieve sustainable and rapid economic growth that will focus more on the poor and reduce mass poverty in our country. Definitely, we need new economic perspectives in the management of our economy.

I had not given much thought to the consistency of my general economic thesis until recently when I read a two-part article in The Guardian of March 24 and March 31 by Dr. Edwin Madunagu, the well known and

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FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Searching for new economic perspectives

•Dr. Jonathan

highly respected columnist, mathematician, and self professed Marxist. I had been away on vacation and could not react to it promptly. I decided to read the article before making any comments on it. In the article, Dr. Madunagu took pains to read and analyse a series of articles by me on the state of our economy from December, 2010 to March, 2011 in The Nation where I run a column every fortnight. Those articles spelt out in some details the strategies I believe we needed to modernise the economy and attract foreign investments. Of course, my essays covered a large spectrum of economic issues from public corruption to the huge cost of general administration in our country. In his column, Dr. Madunagu said, while he agreed with much of what I had been saying over the years about the Nigerian economy, he could not agree with the ideas I had put forward to achieve the desirable economic transformation of Nigeria. Instead, he argued that the strategy I had proposed amounted to what he called “neo liberal capitalism with a populist passion”, and that this prescription by the global economic centres, which was being urged on developing countries like Nigeria was bound to fail.

According to Dr. Madunagu, the adoption of this neo liberal capitalism ‘has not led to the radical reduction of poverty anywhere. It is ultimately enslaving, whether it exists in its crude form-as it exists now in Nigeria- or in its more refined form- as proposed by Dr. Fafowora”. In conclusion, Dr. Madunagu argues that “the package has to be dismantled- some of its contents —will then be put together as elements of a new liberating package”. Regrettably, Dr. Madunagu omitted to define the elements of this new economic strategy. I think he needs to be more specific about his alternative prescription.

Dr. Madunagu had concluded his article by

calling for a national debate on new economic perspectives for the country.

Surprisingly, his well written and well argued article did not elicit any response from the Nigerian media or public. I think this is regrettable as the economic situation in Nigeria really calls for a serious debate on new strategies in our economic thinking.

But beyond criticising what he called the neo liberal capitalist mode in Nigeria, and calling for a major transformation and restructuring of the Nigerian economy, he says very little about his own prescription and perspectives for the Nigerian economy.

Knowing Dr. Madunagu as well as I do, having sat with him for years on the editorial board of The Guardian in the 1990s, I believe his preference is for a socialist model of economic planning, one that will give the state a far greater role in economic planning. One inherent limitation in this strategy is that the Nigerian state is neither strong nor disciplined enough to even implement a socialist style economy.

At the theoretical level, I have little or no quarrel with Dr. Madunagu’s model. In the 1970s and 1980s, disillusionment with the neo liberal capitalist approach and its seemingly massive failure, particularly in the developing countries, led many intellectuals across the world, even in the advanced industrial countries, to begin to look at the Marxist model as a possible alternative to the capitalist model. At one stage or the other, I was attracted at the intellectual level myself to the Marxist model. I thought it could work for the developing countries. I had paid an official visit to Cuba in 1982 while serving at the United Nations and came away with the impression that Communism had worked for Cuba. Under the leadership of Fidel Castro Cuba had made significant economic progress. Mass poverty had been virtually wiped out and there was a great sense of social justice. But I also realised that the objective social conditions that made this phenomenal development possible in Cuba under communist rule were not present in many other developing countries, including Nigeria, and that any comparison between the two countries would be invidious. Cuba is not Nigeria. What worked for Cuba may not work for Nigeria.

Equally, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Communist system called into question the efficacy of the socialist model as a tool for planning or for bringing about social justice in any society. True, under communist rule, the Soviet Union emerged as a major military power in a bipolar world.

But even though its domestic economy had expanded enormously, it was not able to satisfy the material needs of its people and their desire for a better life. Instead of guns,

‘The involvement of the private sector in the development of infrastructure will enhance greater accountability in the manner in which public funds are managed and will compel the government to adhere more to international financial practices’

MOBOLAJI SANUSI

the peoples of the Soviet Union wanted bread.

Even in China after decades of strict communist rule, the Chinese people fell behind the capitalist world in terms of the quality of life of its people. The response of the Chinese leaders to this situation was to pursue an outward looking economic strategy while maintaining strong communist rule. Since the change of economic strategy China’s economy has grown by leaps and bounds, making it the second largest economy in the world today.

In India, the socialist approach of the late Pundit Nehru was replaced by a liberal economic approach that gave the private sector a leading role in the Indian economy.

This approach has paid off as India has witnessed unparalled growth in its economy in recent years. It is this liberal economic strategy that is at the heart of the economic policies of the so-called BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) all of which have achieved unprecedented economic growth in recent years. It is a model I would like to see applied to the Nigerian economy.

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been severely blamed by the developing countries for imposing stringent economic conditions and prescriptions on them. Some of these criticisms are justified. For instance, the demand of the IMF and the WB on the poor countries to reduce expenditure on social services as a means of reducing their budget deficits is unjustified as is the prescription on the devaluation of their currencies to tackle balance of payments problems. These are global problems requiring global solutions. But even these global monetary authorities have admitted that, in some cases, their prescriptions have done more harm than good for the poor countries. They have begun a massive review of their economic prescriptions for the poor countries to take account of the underlying structural inadequacies in their economies.

The point being made here is that the socialist model is outdated and that Nigeria should pursue an economic strategy in which the private sector must play a key role in partnership with the public sector. It is the means by which foreign investment can be attracted to Nigeria to close the financing gap that remains a major constraint on Nigeria’s rapid economic growth. The state still has a significant role to play in this strategy. It needs to upgrade infrastructure development in the country. But even this can be done in partnership with the private sector and partnership with the private sector will reduce the scope for public corruption in Nigeria. One of the reasons for such brazen corruption in Nigeria is the vast sums of money available to the various governments at all levels and the total absence of public accountability. The involvement of the private sector in the development of infrastructure will enhance greater accountability in the manner in which public funds are managed and will compel the government to adhere more to international financial practices.

As President Jonathan settles down to business after his inauguration on Sunday these are some of the issues he will have to contend with. Yes, the domestic economy requires massive restructuring to reduce the cost of governance and do more for the poorest section of our country. There is no serious danger of the government pursuing the socialist model in Nigeria. The social conditions in Nigeria will make this difficult, if not impossible. But if, like his predecessors in office, his government is not able to give the people the so-called dividends of democracy, then the country can be driven into a social and political upheaval that will make a socialist approach look like a better alternative to the current liberal economic strategy. The source of the current uprising in the Maghreb and the Arab world is the long neglect and abuse of the people by their leaders. Unless our leaders show a greater commitment to the need to create jobs Nigeria could find itself in this situation with disastrous social consequences.

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