The Nation November 25, 2011

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

News Court awards Baba Suwe N25m compensation P4 Sport Newcastle set for Man United’s test, says Ameobi P24 Business CBN drills SEC on corporate governance compliance P11 www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 1955 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•INEC releases non-sensitive materials •AND MORE •PDP fails to stop suit against Wada •Audu: Jega restored my confidence in politics

KOGI 2011

•PAGE 5

•COUNTDOWN TO THE DECEMBER 3 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION IN THE CONFLUENCE STATE

Waziri gets sack letter from Anyim

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ARELY 24 hours after her sack, the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, yesterday got a letter from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

But Mrs Waziri has shed the pangs of her removal by going ahead with preparations to receive the honorary doctorate degree to be awarded to her on Saturday by the Benue State University, Makurdi.

There is anxiety in government circles over her plans to talk about her chal-

From Yusuf Alli and Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

lenges in office, with some officials asking her to shelve the idea “in her own interest”.

Mrs. Waziri is to hand over to the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, on Monday.

Mrs. Waziri was served her sack letter early yesterday.

A copy of the three-paragraph letter from the OSGF reads: “I write to inform you that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has relieved you of your appointment as the Chairman of Continued on page 2

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola addressing a news conference to mark his one year in office at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, Osun State ... yesterday

I aided Boko Haram to bomb INEC, says witness SEE ALSO PAGE 2

Detained Senator’s supporters protest Jonathan in Paris: sect will fizzle out

Firms may buy back 15% of shares

By Taofik Salako

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From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

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COURT heard yesterday how a man assisted the Boko Haram group to bomb the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Suleja, Niger State on April 8.

Ahmed Ezimakor told a Federal High Court, Abuja that he helped the sect to get detonators and cables that were used in the INEC bombing and the attack on the Christian Fellowship Mission, also in Suleja.

Ezimakor, whose parents are Igbo, was born in Niger Republic, where he grew up.

He said he was approached because he is a trained miner. But he denied knowing the tools were to be used for mass murder.

The witness gave the testimony at the ongoing trial of six suspected members of the group before Justice Bilikisu Aliyu.

Continued on page 2

•From left: Managing Director/CEO, Afri-Pay Ltd, Mr. Adeyinka Adedeji; Chairman, Afri-Pay Ltd, Mr. Obinna Ufudo; and Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, during the official launch of the first mobile payment service; U-Mo in Lagos … yesterday

OMPANIES with large outstanding shares and those that feel theirs have been unduly underpriced due to the number issued can buy back up to 15 per cent, it was learnt yesterday.

This is part of new rules on share buyback due to come into effect soon.

A source at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) confirmed that the new rules on share buyback have been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and will soon become effective.

Continued on page 11

•AGRIC P15 •SPORT P24 •SOCIETY P29 •POLITICS P43 •MONEYLINK P55

2

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

NEWS

Waziri gets sack letter from Anyim Continued from page 1

•From left: 1st Vice President, Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Mr. Emeka Eleh; Chairman, Faculty of Land Administration and Information System, NIESV, Mr. Victor Alonge and the National President of NIESV, Mr. Bode Adediji, at a summit on Land Administration and Management in FCT, Abuja ... yesterday

Jonathan: Boko Haram will fizzle out

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HE security challenge posed by Boko Haram will soon be a thing of the past, President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday.

“Very shortly, the tide of Boko Haram will be stemmed,” Dr Jonathan stated in France while declaring open the biennial Honourary International Investors Council Meeting (HIIC).

He assured members of the council and the international community that the government is on top of the security situation in the country.

Jonathan said arrests have been made which led to the wiping out of a cell of the group from Niger State. He added that Nigerian security operatives are working round the clock to rid Borno State of

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

the notorious extremist group.

He said in addition to ensuring the safety of lives and property, the Federal Government is committed to ensuring food security for the country’s growing population, and the transformation of the national economy.

“I am happy to inform you that despite the general shrinking of the global economy by two per cent in year 2010 and a not too favourable outlook for 2012, Nigeria remains a growing economy, achieving an average growth rate of about six per cent in the last three years.

Indeed, the economy recorded an average GDP growth rate of 7.85 per cent in

2010 and 7.72 per cent in the second quarter of 2011.

“To further demonstrate our resolve to transform the economy, the newly created Ministry of Trade and Investment is an attempt to show government’s commitment and recognition of the strategic importance of private capital in economic development.”, he said.

The co-ordinator of HIIC, Baroness Lynda Chalker, urged international investors to take maximum advantage of the quality leadership of President Jonathan to show more interest in doing business in Nigeria.

President Jonathan on arrival in Paris on Wednesday, addressed African envoys at a cocktail reception.

the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission with effect from Wednesday, November 23, 2011.

“Consequently, you are to handover to the Director of Operations of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde.

“I wish to express the appreciation of the President to you for the services you have rendered to the commission and indeed the country.”

Neither Mrs. Waziri nor any official of the EFCC was willing to comment on the receipt of the letter.

But a source in the Office of the SGF said: “Contrary to insinuations going round, the government has notified Mrs. Waziri of her sack.

“I think it is officially settled that she is no longer the chairman of the commission.”

Mrs Waziri was said to have cleared her desk and met with Lamorde and other management staff.

She is believed to be preparing to speak on her turbulent tenure.

It was learnt that Mrs. Waziri is unhappy over the alleged “plot” by some hawks in the Presidency to brand her as “corrupt and inept”.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Following attempts to rubbish her, the exEFCC chairman has made up her mind to open up to avoid Nigerians believing stories being peddled about.

“She took exception to the ‘corruption tag’ being put on her and may reveal all at her disposal so that Nigerians can judge.

“I can assure you that she will certainly not keep quiet

because she has a reputation to protect. She does not want the image of her family rubbished.

“Some top government officials have been prevailing on her to adopt a wait-andsee attitude as she won’t be the first Nigerian to be thrown out in such a manner.

“Some are saying she should not talk at all and leave everything to posterity.”

To prove that she has nothing to hide, it was learnt that Mrs. Waziri will go ahead to receive the doctorate degree being conferred on her by the Benue State University, Makurdi tomorrow.

“She is not shaken at all. As I am talking to you, she is preparing for the conferment of the degree on her. She is relocating to her village in Benue State this evening to show that her spirit is not down.

“She might use the occasion to reply her critics and defend her integrity,” a relation said.

Also, it was learnt that the EFCC may overhaul its prosecution team, with the likely loss of brief by Lagos lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, whom most chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) resented.

Another source said: “Some counsel like Keyamo and others involved in plea bargain process might be dropped any moment from now.

“During her tenure, some PDP chieftains have always questioned Mrs. Waziri’s preference for Keyamo and other counsel suspected to have sympathy for the opposition.”

The Senate yesterday said

it is not yet in a position to comment on Wednesday’s removal of Waziri.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said it is the prerogative of President Goodluck Jonathan to make changes where he feels the need to do so.

Abaribe said the Senate could only comment on development in the EFCC when Waziri’s replacement is presented to it for confirmation.

“Any decision that the President takes within his powers is not our duty to make any comment regarding that. The only time we will make comment is when he presents to us the person who will take over from her (Waziri).

“But of course we have always said that any thing that will make Nigeria work efficiently, reduce corruption and ensure that Nigerians get the full benefit of this democracy, the Senate will support.”

The Senate, he said, will support Jonathan in taking actions that are within his constitutional powers.

•Mrs Waziri

I aided Boko Haram to bomb INEC office, says witness Protest in Borno over Ndume’s detention

Continued from page 1

The suspects are Shuaibu Abubakar, Salisu Ahmed, Umar Babagana, Mohammed Ali, Umar Ibrahim and a spiritualist, Musa Adam.

They have pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge of criminal conspiracy and voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous means slammed against them by the State Security Service (SSS).

The alleged offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 97 and 248(1) of the Penal Code Law, and Section 15 (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Establishment Act 2004.

Led in evidence-in-chief by the prosecution counsel, Thompson Olatigbe, Ezimakor said members of the group were trained in an uncompleted building in a market in Madalla, Niger State. He disclosed that he first met with the late leader of the group, Mohammed Yusuf, in Kuje prisons, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“When I first encountered him, he preached the philosophy of Boko Haram to me and I was convinced. Boko Haram was initially not conceived to be a violent group.

It was meant to preach peace, the teachings of Prophet Mohammed and the Qur’an,” he said, adding: “I believed Yusuf especially when I watched his debate

B

OKO Haram, the dreaded Islamic sect, yesterday protested the arraignment of Senator Ali Ndume and its self-styled spokesman, Ali Sanda Konduga, over their relationship with the sect.

Besides, the group denied being sponsored by politicians and served notice of renewed bombings and gun attacks.

Boko Haram (Western education is sin) spokesman Abu Quqa spoke to reporters on telephone in Maiduguri yesterday. He spoke in Hausa.

He said the group plans to bomb offices of political parties and target top politicians and top government officials.

Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the suicide attacks on the Police Headquarters and the United Nations building in Abuja, among others, including the co-ordinated attacks in Yobe State in which over 60 people were killed in one fell swoop.

Quqa said yesterday that the group is now targeting political party officers to debunk the insinuation that it is being sponsored by politicians.

He advised members of the public and organisations that might have leased out their premises to political parties to revoke their tenancy immediately because no party secretariat will with one of our leaders in Bauchi. It was a video debate and that changed my thinking and I became his apostle.

I took an oath to remain loyal to him, but after his death, I broke the oath.”

According to him, the

From Abiodun Joseph, Maiduguri

be spared in the attacks.

The group urged the media to continue to do their job within the confines of their ethics as they are mere messengers conveying vital information to the public.

“It is true we have links with alQaeda,” Qaqa said. “They assist us and we assist them.”

He did not provide further details on the supposed link.

He said “any Muslim group that is struggling to establish an Islamic state can get support from Al-Qaeda if they reach out to them”.

There has long been speculation, particularly among Western nations, over whether Boko Haram has formed links with outside extremist groups, including Al-Qaeda’s North African branch.

The purported spokesman said Boko Haram had two conditions for dialogue with the government, describing them as “implementation of sharia in Nigeria and the withdrawal of troops from Maiduguri.”

Also yesterday in Maiduguri, supporters of Sen. Ndume (Borno South), thronged the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre to protest his detention over what they termed as “not only criminal accusation, but a political blasphemy master minded by

group turned violent, following the murder of Yusuf. He said members were illegally trained in weapons handling and using AK 47 assault rifle

by Ibrahim Bashir Madalla, who is still at large.

“After the Maiduguri crisis

a cartel”.

Mr. Ibrahim Usman Makeri, who spoke on their behalf, expressed disgust over Ndume’s arraignment based on allegations by Konduga.

Makeri said: “Those allegations are unsubstantiated, untrue and contain classical set up and contradictions. He was unfairly subjected to trial by the media.”

He wondered why an entire Outside Broadcasting (OB) van usually used for national events was mobilised to hurriedly cover the proceedings at the Magistrate’s Court in Abuja.

He said: “Sen. Ndume has been and is always a humble, honest, kind and law abiding citizen. He is a dedicated citizen who has never been and will not be a member of any organisation or group against the laws of the country”.

What is happening to him, he added, “is not criminal accusation, but a political blasphemy masterminded by a cartel”.

Makeri said Ndume’s problem could be “from the highest level of decision making, administrative, political and security in Nigeria “.

“As members of his immediate constituency, Borno South Senatorial District, “we are solidly behind him and support all of his good positions and the struggle will be intensified,” he said.

in 2009, we were called by one Bashiru Madalla in Madalla that there was a message for us and that the message was from our new leader, Mallam Abubakar Shikau. I declined because I was no longer a member of

the sect because I broke the oath I took with Yusuf, but the first accused person whom I know in Niger Republic where I was born led other members to Madalla.

“The message was to give them training so as to re-

venge what happened to their fellow members. So after the training at Madalla, we parted ways.”

In his own testimony, another witness, Mohammed Dalhatu, said he procured the detonators and delivered them to Abubakar (first accused).

Under cross examination by the defence counsel, Emeka Okoro and Nureini Suleiman, he told the court that he did not know the purpose for which the detonators and the cortex wire were bought by the accused persons.

The accused persons are alleged to be the brains behind the April bombing at the INEC office in Suleja, Niger State, where 16 persons including serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members died on the eve of the rescheduled National Assembly elections.

The accused persons also allegedly conspired with others at large to cause grievous bodily harm by unlawfully planting deadly substances which led to the death of another three persons at a political rally in Suleja.

They also allegedly detonated explosives which resulted in the deaths of three police officers in Dakna Village, Bwari.

The alleged offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 97 and 248(1) of the Penal Code Law.

ADVERT HOTLINES: 01-280668, 08070591302, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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NEWS

•IN SEARCH OF INVESTORS IN PARIS From left: Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, President Goodluck Jonathan, co-ordinator HIIC, Baroness Lynda Chalker of Wallasey and Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga

•Gov. Peter Obi (right) and Alhaji Aliko Dangote (left) at the meeting of the a Honorary International Investor Council, Paris, France... yesterday

Managing Director, KDI Oil and Gas, Keniebi Okoko and MD Oando Oil, Wale Tinubu

•MD Forte Oil, Femi Otedola, a business tycoon, Bola Shagaya and CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Army warns politicians against dividing Nigeria

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HE Army has urged politicians against acts capable of dividing the country.

It said it has made huge sacrifices with other agencies to keep Nigeria one and united.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika spoke with reporters at the end of a three-day Chief of Army Staff Conference in Benin City.

Ihejirika said it would be a wasted effort for anyone to think of dis-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

membering Nigeria, saying: “Such politicians should rather discard that idea altogether”.

“The Army is determined to pay the supreme sacrifice at any point in time to keep the country united.

There is no other country but Nigeria. It is because Nigeria exists at all that they (politicians) are able to aspire to positions.”

He assured that the Army would remain apolitical at all times. Lt. Gen. Ihejirika said the Army has come up with new principles to manage terrorism.

He noted that such principles included: commitment, patriotism, resilience among others.

The army boss said the Army now has a better understanding of the challenges of terrorism and therefore better positioned to deal with it.

He said: “In fighting terrorism, one way to reduce collateral damage and save the lives of innocent people was to improve in intelligence gathering. Because Army cannot fight terrorism alone, it has established Department of CivilMilitary relations.

“At the end of the conference, we were able to review all our activities in the areas of operations, training, logistics and general administration.”

Senate to get cars for 54 standing committees

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HE Senate may have concluded arrangements to acquire exotic cars for its 54 standing committees for oversight functions.

The Senators are contemplating choosing from three options: Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), Toyota Camry or the 2012 Peugeot model.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the purchase of the cars is the exclusive preserve of the National Assembly Service Commission.

In the sixth Senate, 120 units of Toyota Camry sedan were purchased for the same purpose at a

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

unit price of N9 million.

Each of the 54 Standing Committees got two cars, one for the chairman of the committee and another for the vice chairman in the sixth Senate.

After four year of usage, the level of depreciation of the cars was put at 20 per cent and the cars were sold off to senators.

The source said that opening of the bids for pre-qualification for contractors for the purchase of the cars was conducted on October 19 at the National Assembly Com-

plex.

He noted that apart from the purchase of vehicles, contractors are also to supply television sets, computers and other sundry items.

Abaribe insisted at a news conference that Senators have nothing to do with the purchase of the cars.

He noted that the 45 minutes closed-door session held by the Senate yesterday “discuss matters of welfare of senators, smooth running of the Senate and issues of national interest.”

He said the purchase of cars was not part of the discussion “because Senate does not buy vehicles for

members.”

He said: “The Senate does not buy vehicles for Senators. What normally happens is that every legislative session, the management usually has to provide the means of transportation for committees to work effectively.

“So that (buying cars) is just a management function and I think it is the job of the National Assembly Service Commission (to buy cars) to ensure that committees work effectively.”

The House of Representatives has already concluded plans to buy Toyota Camry for its 360 members.

Amosun seeks removal of power from exclusive list

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday urged the Federal Government to remove power from the exclusive list in order to increase investment in the sector.

Ajimobi spoke at the second Nigeria Energy and Power Summit (NEPS) in Abuja.

He said there is need to break the monopoly in the sector in order to

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

encourage privatisation.

Amosun suggested an amendment of the constitution to enable states and private organisations contribute to power generation, transmission and distribution.

The governor, who was represented by his Senior Assistant, Bode Fagbemi, said: “There is need to break the monopoly in the energy and

power sector, since findings from more advanced economies have shown the cost-effectiveness and practicality of this initiative. Energy should be freed from the monopoly of a single company or corporation, thus, encouraging privatisation.

“Energy should be removed from the exclusive list of the Nigerian constitution, so that state governments and private organisations can

contribute meaningfully to the generation, transmission and distribution of power to meet the aspiration of Nigerians and boost socio-economic development in the country.”

He said although the Federal Government has acknowledged the problems in the electricity industry and adopted a holistic approach towards making changes in the sector with the reform, there is need for the nation to identify the grey areas.

Ondo ACN, govt bicker over Adaba FM road

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HE Ondo State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday joined issues with Messrs Cornerstone Construction Company (CCC), over the firm’s handling of the road leading on Akure-based private radio station, Adaba FM. Chairman of the party in the state, Mrs Jumoke Anifowose, alleged that the state governorment was behind the contractor’s action.

Mrs Anifowose spoke when she led other officials of the party on a solidarity visit to the management of the radio station.

She said the contractor has for more than three weeks, made the station inaccessible to members of the public, with no sign to return to the sight to fix the bad portions created on the road.

But an official source within the government wondered why the state should be dragged into an unnecessary controversy over its efforts to upgrade the environemnt.

The source wondered why the opposition party picked on the government over a particular road at a time the entire state capital has turned to a construction site, saying that contractors have been working on Arakale and Fiwasaye roads.

“It is not the only road given out to contractors to fix,” the source said, adding that developments should not be compromised on the altar of politics.

Mrs. Anifowose said: “We are calling on the people of the state to call Governor Olusegun Mimiko to order. He is behind the action of the contractor because of the uncompromised stance of the station”, she said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

4

NEWS UN approves $4 million for Nigeria’ From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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N order to assist Nigeria to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, the United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD) has approved $4 million for the country.

Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Mailafia spoke at a press conference in Abuja on the preparation for the UN Conference on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP 17).

According to her, the fund’s approval will assist Nigeria prepare and implement the REDD strategies with active involvement of local stakeholders.

She said: “I am happy to inform you that after intensive work, series of stakeholder consultations and technical reviews, the UN-REDD Programme has approved Nigeria’s REDD Readiness Programme with a funding allocation of $4 million.”

“The Nigeria REDD Readiness Programme is expected to be implemented in two and half years, beginning in January 2012.”

Court awards Baba Suwe N25 million compensation

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LAGOS High Court , Ikeja has awarded N25 million as compensation to Nollywood actor, Mr. Babatunde Omidina for illegal arrest, detention and violation of his fundamental rights by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Justice Yetunde Idowu of Lagos High Court, Ikeja awarded the cost yesterday while delivering judgment in the suit instituted by Omidina to challenge his arrest and detention by the agency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja on October 12, 2011 while on his way to Paris.

Justice Idowu, who described the arrest and detention of Omidina as gross abuse and violation of his fundamental rights as guaranteed in the constitution and Afrcan Charter of Human Rights, also ordered the NDLEA to tender a public apology to the comedian and that the apology must be published conspicuously in two national newspapers.

She directed that the counsel to Omidina and the NDLEA must jointly agree on the two national dailies in which the public apology would be published not later than 21 days after the judgment.

Justice Idowu said she had

NDLEA to appeal judgment

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HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) saidit will appeal the judgment of Justice Idowu asking it to pay 25 million naira to popular actor and comedian, Babatunde Omidina, also known as Baba Suwe.

The agency’s director of prosecution and legal services, Mr. Femi Oloruntoba said the judgement did not reflect the facts before the court.

According to Oloruntoba, “the judgment is not a reflection of the facts before the court.

It is a misapprehension of the law as it relates to power of law enforcement agencies and the liberty of citizens. We shall appeal as the judgement cannot stand the test of time.”

The agency said: “The position of the Agency is that Omidina was treated fairly and professionally while in the Agency’s custody. It also described claims by the comedian that he was treated like a common criminal as untrue.

“It is on record that he was treated in accordance with the law, particularly with respect to the observance of his right to human dignity, presumption of innocence, search and other investigative processes in line with best international practices.

“He acknowledged same in court before the public on Tuesday November 1, 2011.

Omidina told the court that he was never

By Adebisi Onanuga

studied carefully the applications of the appellant and the defendant and several counter affidavits filed by both parties in arriving at her decision in the matter.

She said that any Nigeri-

By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

harassed in any form by officers and that he was allowed to use his medication regularly.

“He however added that his breakfast was served late. He was not chained and treated as a common criminal as alleged. The use of hand-cuff or leg chain is to control suspects that are violent and belligerent.

“Omidina was calm, friendly and cooperative while he was under observation. There is no justification for him to have been chained. It is not true that he was chained.

Having agreed in the open court that he was treated fairly and was not harassed, the sudden volte-face by the actor is therefore shocking.

“NDLEA as a refined security Agency has a track record of qualitative care for suspects.

The anti-drug agency also stated that screening of passengers is a normal process to prevent illicit drug trafficking in the country.

All passengers are treated equally without bias or discrimination.

“The agency is committed to effective drug control, protection of lives and promotion of the image of the country. This is a statutory responsibility that we are committed to discharge conscientiously in the interest of the country. The support and goodwill of members of the public is highly appreciated.”

an who is deprieved of his liberty unjustifiably is entitled to compensation and a public apology by the agency concerned.

She cited several precedents and instances at which damages and apologies are tendered and posited that

the arrest and detention of Omidina falls under this category adding that the suit filed by Omidina against the NDLEA challenging the violation of his fundamental rights succeeded and that he is therefore entitled to compensation.

Youths urged to be productive

Obasanjo, Olurin urged to unite Ogun PDP

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

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IFE of Osun State governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, has challenged youths to help build the state.

She spoke while interacting with youths and people with special needs as part of activities marking the oneyear anniversary of her husband, Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration.

The First Lady urged youths to join in developing the state she said the governor is passionate about their (youths) plight.

This, according to her, is reflected in the OYES programme, which is youthoriented and the new OYES TECH, which is meant to create more job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the state.

She said: “It is imperative for youths to understand that they have roles to play to achieve the dream of taking our state to enviable height among Comity of states in the country. It is not about the able bodied persons, but also those with special need.

“As youths, we must cultivate the habit of leaving a purposeful life so that government could tap into the innate potentials in everyone and we would be able to contribute to the task of building not only a viable state, but also a formidable nation.”

She said gainfully engaging the youths would not only give them a sense of belonging, but also boost the socio-economic activi-

Justice Idowu said the NDLEA failed to account for the nine days during which the ace comedian was in its detention after which the agency rushed to a Federal High Court to get an order to continue to detain him.

“A man cannot be condemned in anticipation of a conviction,” she said, pointing out that the agency was not justified in detaining the comedian.

She said she studied the NDLEA Act and Sections 35 1c, 4 and 5 of the constitution of the country under which the agency claimed to be acting in detaining Omidina. She said she did not find a place where the laws said the agency could hold him in perpetuity.

The High Court Judge said the agency‘s action contravened the provisions of the constitution for failing to arraign Omidina 24 hours after his arrest and that there are courts of competence jurisdiction less than 10 kilometers from the MMIA, Ikeja where he was arrested.

Reacting to the judgment yesterday, Omidina thanked God for vindicating him and for his freedom from the detention of the agency. He also thanked his fans and colleagues in the Nollywood.

•Mrs. Aregbesola presenting a mobility aid to a disabled person. With her are: Mrs Oyebola and some government functionaries

•Firm donates appliances to 400 disabled persons ties of the state.

Mrs Aregbesola said: “You must imbibe the culture of self restrain in all situations and ensure that we all eliminate or reduce to minimum level social vices by making ourselves useful to our families, communities, state and the country in general.”

Mrs. Aregbesola also distributed the walking aids that would reduce mobility

difficulty among people with disability.

About 400 persons benefitted from thewalking aids, which include: wheel chairs, tricycles, walking sticks, guide canes, Braille machines, hearing aids, crutches and Braille watches.

The appliances were donated by the MTN Foundation.

She lauded the effort of the organisation for extend-

ing hand of friendship to the people living with disability.

MTN’s representative, Mrs Feyisola Oyebola, lauded the effort of the state government at making life durable for the people, saying the reason MTN brings the distribution is to enhance the people’s standard of living.

She lauded the Commissioner for Sport, Youths and

Special Needs, Stephen Kola-Balogun and the Assistant Director, Community Forums, Office of the governor, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye for facilitating the distribution of the appliances.

The interactive session was attended by youths from all the local government council areas of the state as well as party faithful, women leaders among others.

CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Prince Buruji Kashamu, has urged former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the party’s governorship candidate in the April general elections, Gen. Adetunji Olurin, to unite party members.

He urged Obasanjo to, in consultation with other notable PDP leaders, choose a “listening and accommodating leader” for the party before “things get out of hand”.

In a statement yesterday in Lagos, Kashamu said since Gen. Olurin was picked to play the role of the state PDP leader shortly after he lost the governorship election, he has not called any meeting of the state PDP leaders and stakeholders.

His words: “Perhaps, there is a sense in the insinuations that he is carrying on the way he has done because he got the party’s governorship ticket on a platter of gold. He does not know how PDP candidates are going about their various cases at the Election Petitions Tribunals.”

He said Gen. Olurin was fencing off notable PDP leaders, such as Senator Ayo Otegbola, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Apampa, Alhaja Salmot Badru and Alhaji Aliu Ajibode.

The party chieftain described the subversive roles being played by some estranged members of the party as a subtle protest against “Gen. Olurin’s leadership”.

Kashamu challenged Olurin to name anyone he has attracted to the PDP.

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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NEWS KOGI 2011

Kogi: PDP fails to stop case against Wada’s nomination A FEDERAL High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday refused to stay proceedings in the suit filed by Umar Lawal challenging the nomination of Captain Idris Wada as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State.

Justice Bilikisu Aliyu said there was no evidence before the court to show that an appeal had been entered at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, as claimed by the PDP. The court had fixed yesterday for hearing of the Preliminary Objection and the Originating Summons.

But the National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Olusola Oke, informed the court that the party has filed an appeal against the ruling which joined Jibrin Isah Echocho as the second plaintiff in the suit.

The court had on that day also joined Wada as the fourth re-

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

spondent.

Opposing the application for stay of proceedings, Counsel to Echocho, Paul Sule, cited Order 7 Rule 4 of the Court of Appeal rules. He argued that an appeal does not stop a lower court from proceeding with a suit.

Besides, he said the application

by PDP is not dated and that there was no notice of hearing.

Urging the court to discountenance the request, Sule said the ruling PDP is challenging is irrelevant as the court could join any party which will be affected by its decision.

Justice Aliyu held that a court can only be informed that an application has been filed in anoth-

er court through an affidavit or certified true copies of such processes, which was not done in this case.

The implication, she noted, is that no application was before her and it would be impossible to act otherwise.

Consequently, the Judge refused the application for stay of proceeding and adjourned the matter till November 30 to hear the Originating Summons and Preliminary Objection.

Earlier, the court had granted the application brought by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through its counsel, I.K Bawa, to enter appearance and extension of time to file its processes.

Echocho had won the PDP governorship primary in January be-

fore INEC postponed elections in five states, including Kogi.

The action followed an Abuja Federal High Court’s verdict, which held that the tenure of the five governors will extend beyond May 29, 2011 as they had won re-run elections.

When the commission released a new date for the election, Kogi PDP conducted another primary in September in which Wada emerged as the winner.

In the suit, the plaintiffs are asking the court to declare that the January primary won by Echocho is still valid and therefore the September primary election should be cancelled.

They are contending that it is only in case of death or voluntary withdrawal that a candidate can be changed.

Other respondents in the suit are INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kogi and the PDP.

Thugs attack ACN campaign train

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USPECTED thugs yesterday attacked the campaign train of the Action Congress of

Nigeria (ACN) governor candidate in Kogi State, Abubakar Audu.

The incident occurred at about 7pm in Ajaka, the headquarters of Igalamela Local Government Area.

A mammoth crowd attended the rallies held at Ibagi and Idah, but Audu’s convoy was attacked after a campaign in Ajaka.

As the ACN chieftains were leaving the town to Ugwolawo in Ofu Local Government, burning sticks were thrown at the convoy.

The policemen attached to the convoy succeeded in scaring the hoodlums away.

The vehicle of Audu’s Media Officer, Mr Sanni Onogun was severely dented from the attack.

Confirming the incident, Onogun said it must have been masterminded by thugs of a major political party which felt intimidated by the large turnout of supporters.

He said: “No amount of intimidation will stop the imminent change that is about to happen in Kogi.

“Audu’s campaign will go on, and we’re confident that the enthusiasm of the supporters will translate into victory for the ACN

INEC calls for violence-free poll in Kogi

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•Jega restored my confidence in politics, says Audu From Joseph Jibueze, Lokoja

come December 3. We will not be deterred.”

Audu said his decision to run was owing to his belief that the

election would be credible.

He said electoral reform and the appointment of Prof. Attahiru Jega as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman restored his confidence in

•Governor Jonah Jang administering oral polio vaccine on a baby...yesterday

From Mohammed Bashir, Lokoja

G

OVERNORSHIP candidate of the Justice Party (JP) in Kogi State, Hajiya Aisha Audu Emeje, has urged the electorate to shun monetary inducement.

Ejeme, who spoke at a rally to flag off her campaign for the December 3 poll, promised that if voted into power, she would re-invent the administration of Kogi State.

Hajiya Emeje said the spate of political violence and criminal activities in the country is caused by poverty and lack of qualitative education.

She said injustice being perpetrated by the leaders contributed to crime in the society.

“Unless the less privileged in society, such as women,youths and the aged are adequately taken care of in policies and programmes of government, the nation will still have a long way to go.”

She regretted the neglect of agriculture, adding that the sector would have engaged millions of unemployed persons who could constitute threat to peace.

Police: we are set

From Joseph Jibueze, Lokoja

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is mounting a violence-free campaign ahead of the December 3 governorship election in Kogi State.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Alhaji Ahmad Makama, is on tour of the local government areas to enlighten community leaders on the need to vote.

He led other officials on an advocacy visit to the Obaro of Kabba, the Attah of Igalaland, and the Maigari of Lokoja.

Makama urged them to prevail on their subjects to avoid violence during the election.

A visit to the Ohinoyi of Ibiraland is billed for today.

The REC told them that soft copies of the voters register had been sent to political parties, while non-sensitive electoral materials have been transported to the local government areas.

He said efforts would be made to ensure that voting materials get to remote polling units on time; a concern raised by some of the traditional rulers.

According to the REC, a clean copy of voters register has been produced, which he said is devoid of multiple registration.

He said those who registered more than once have denied themselves the opportunity to vote.

Makama urged the royal fathers to inform their subjects that election violence gives room for the emergence of an incredible candidate.

‘Shun monetary inducement’

Mohammed Bashir, Lokoja

T •Audu

politics after previous umpires “disappointed” him.

Speaking to reporters in Lokoja, Audu vowed to end what he called nine years of “total failure” in Kogi under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“I have implicit confidence in Prof Attahiru Jega. If it were not to be because of his appointment, some of us, especially somebody like me, will not be in politics today.

“This is because I have been disappointed by the electoral umpire several times.

“I was completely fed up until the Federal Government promised electoral reform, and the reform brought Prof Jega into INEC as chairman, and there was a reorganisation.

“So, with the kind of election conducted in April this year, I think we’re hopeful that the electoral reform promised by the Federal Government will come to pass.

“Having said that, it does not mean that the reform has reached its pinnacle. It is yet to get to its destination.

“I believe that with concerted effort from all parties concerned, we will arrive there and Nigeria will be taken to the next level in our electoral system,” he said.

He decried the state of roads in the state, saying he would carry out massive repairs and reconstruction because he is not called “Audu the Caterpillar” for nothing.

Audu said: “You know my antecedents: People call me ‘Audu the caterpillar’. As soon as I win the election and my administration is ushered in, all these bad roads will be fixed.

“I feel very happy that everybody in Kogi State is supporting me because they are fed up with the failed administration of the PDP and it is time for a change.

“We have endured nine years of total failure; nine years of economic devastation; nine years of infrastructural decay; nine years of underdevelopment; nine years of hunger; nine years of disease; nine years of penury. Enough is enough of PDP in Kogi State.”

HE Kogi State Police Command yesterday said it is prepared to ensure a peaceful governorship election next Saturday.

Police Commissioner Mr. Amana Abakasanga assured that his command will protect the people.

He commended politicians in the state for their peaceful campaign.

Abakasanga said the command would prosecute anyone found instigating and fomenting trouble.

The commissioner said the command would treat anyone involved in thuggery as an armed robber.

Vote with your conscience, says CPC candidate From Joseph Jibueze, Lokoja

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HE Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) governorship candidate in Kogi State, Mr James Ocholi (SAN) has urged voters to vote with their conscience and not be bought over with money.

Describing himself as the best for the job, Ocholi said a vote for him is a vote for change “I urge the electorate to purge their conscience and eschew unnecessary money politics.

“Where stolen money is brought on the eve of election to buy up the voters card, it is an insult on the sensibilities of the electorate. The people must reject it.

“I am saying this with pain in my heart because all other states created about the same time have left us behind.”

Ocholi said he would ensure that the general hospitals in the 21 local government areas are wellequipped.

He said he would build intra-city roads, public schools and repair those in a deplorable state.

The governorship candidate said he would increase internally-generated revenue and revive agriculture.

“I have looked around me and I concluded that in 20 years of existence, Kogi is still struggling, teachers are on strike, local government workers are on strike and health workers are more on strike than at work.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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NEWS Jonathan urges Senate to confirm five RECs From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

THE Senate yesterday referred the names of five nominees forwarded to it by President Goodluck Jonathan for confirmation as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to its Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This followed the adoption of the President’s request for the Senate to consider and approve the nominees in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.

Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba listed Prof Jacob Shekwonudu Jatau (Nasarawa); Baba Abba Yusuf (Borno); Segun Agbaje (Ekiti); Nasir Ayilara (Kwara) and Barrister Austine Okojie (Edo) as the nominees.

The nominees from Nasarawa, Borno and Ekiti states are for fresh appointments.

Edo nominees have been recommended for reappointment.

Four killed in Tiv/Fulani clash in Nasarawa From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

FOUR persons were killed yesterday in a renewed hostility between Tiv communities and Fulani herdsmen in a boundary area between Nasarawa and Benue states.

The Nation learnt that the clash started in Benue State between Tiv and Fulani last week and spread to Nasarawa State.

Some residents of Nasarawa State were said to have fled their homes.

A similar incident in June, last year, led to the death of about 50 persons, including a police Inspector and an Army officer.

It was learnt that the military had to be drafted to the area to restore peace.

A source, who spoke in confidence, told The Nation that two Mada tribesmen were allegedly killed last week while the death of two Tivs occurred on Wednesday.

NECO: Sanitation tomorrow without restriction THE Lagos State government yesterday announced that there would be no restriction of movement during tomorrow’s environmental sanitation between 7am and 10am.

Through the Ministry of Environment, the government said the decision was taken to enable pupils, invigilators and officials of the National Examination Council (NECO) to participate in the nationwide Senior Secondary (SSS) 3 examinations.

The Commissioner Tunji Bello, announced the suspension of restriction of movement.

He said this is to allow easy movement of candidates and distribution of examination materials to examination centres across the state.

•Members of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Mushin Zone, during their visit to The Nation Head Office in Matori, Mushin, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

‘Perpetrators of violence can’t be Muslims’

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THE National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) yesterday said any group perpetrating violence cannot claim genuine link to Islam.

The Coordinator of its Mushin zone, Abdul-Wasiu Olasupo, spoke in Lagos when he led a delegation to the corporate headquatres of The Nation as part of activities marking the Islamic year, Hijra 1432.

Olasupo said: “We condemn the spate of bombings, which has brought insecurity in the country. The religion of Islam stands for peace in its entirety and any individual or group which claims to be its adherent must act in conformity with peace. Islam condemns all forms of aggression, transgression and attacks on fellow human beings and other creatures.

“Almighty Allah (SWT) says: “If the enemy inclines towards peace, do also incline towards peace, and trust in Allah, for He is the One that bears and knows all things.’

By Yusuf Sanusi

“We call on those behind this dastardly act, especially those who claim to be Muslims, to, in the spirit of Hijrah, desist from this self-serving and destructive attitude. They are hereby reminded that Islam is better practised in a convivial, friendly and peaceful environment. Any act contrary to peace is un-Islamic and perpetrators of such cannot claim to be Muslims or fighting any Islamic cause.”

Olasupo said the group rejected the planned removal of subsidy, adding: “The dire consequences of this intended action on the citizens and the economic hardship it bounds to bring on the people have been highlighted at different forums. But the government seems adamant on the removal of subsidy. We like to state unequivocally and unambiguously ...that we are not in support of this unpopular measure.”

Nation without sound education has no ambition, says Jonathan P RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said any nation that lacks a sound and strong educational base has no ambition to match the development of its peers.

He said the quality of university education remains the bedrock for national development and integration.

The President lamented that a large section of the nation’s youths is disillusioned with the society because those they expect to turn around their fortunes and find solutions to their challenges fail to do so.

According to him, as the nation grapples with building an economy that can meet the employment challenges of its youths, it is also building institutions, such as Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to proffer solutions to the yearnings of the youths.

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Dr Jonathan said this is to enure that the nation does not lose the youths to those who would use them for negative purposes.

The President spoke through the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqqayat Ahmed Rufai, at the 35th convocation ceremony of ABU. He lamented the state of the nation’s university education, noting that it is disturbing that no Nigerian university is placed among the first 300 in the world.

According to him, the situation is not acceptable to his administration, saying the Federal Government would collaborate with the management of the nation’s universities to address the problem.

Jonathan said: “We realise that the quality of university education is the bedrock for national development and integration. A nation without a strong educational base is one without any ambition to match its peers. My administration has elevated education as one of its top priorities in our Transformation Agenda.

“Recently, we established nine new federal universities; we are in the process of establishing the remaining three in different parts of the country, to improve access to education for our youths.

Many of these institutions will benefit from Ahmadu Bello University’s established tradition of mentorship.

“Our goal is not to improve access alone. We are concerned that no Nigerian uni-

versity is among the first 300 in the world. This is unacceptable to this administration, and we are determined to work with the management of our universities to turn around this situation.

“Let me point out here that Ahmadu Bello University needs to improve on its post-graduate training capacity. I am happy that the management of the university is not unaware of this and has shown the commitment to make the institution a place of academics worthy of your calling.

“This great institution must join hands with the Federal Government in introducing the Brazilian education to the students as we seek to turn out graduates who are creators of jobs instead of seekers of jobs...”

Jonathan, Ihedioha greet HID Awolowo at 96

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha yesterday congratulated (Mrs.) Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo, wife of the late Premier of Western Region Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as she celebrates her 96th birthday today.

In a letter, the President noted that Mrs Awolowo has over the years epitomised noble ideals which her late husband stood for and deservedly revered.

He said she has remained a respected voice of vision and an unwavering believer in the peace, unity and prosperity of the country, adding that

From Vincent Ikuomola and Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

her experiences would be needed now that the nation needs men and women of her stature.

Dr Jonathan prayed God to bless Mrs Awolowo with robust health and many more years of enduring happiness and fulfilment.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of of Nigeria, I write to felicitate with you on the noteworthy occasion of your 96th birthday anniversary which comes up on November 25.

“Over the years, you have continued to epitomise those noble ideals for which Papa

Awolowo stood and for which he was deservedly revered.

“At this point in our national developmental history, when Nigeria needs the patriotic recommitment of men and women of goodwill, you have remained a respected voice of vision and an unwavering believer in the peace, unity and prosperity of our dear nation.“As you celebrate this glorious milestone, I congratulate you and pray that Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health, even as He blesses you with many more years of enduring happiness and fulfilment.”

Ihedioha noted that Mrs Awolowo, the Yeye Oodua of Yoruba land, has continued to

•Mrs Awolowo

deploy the benefits of her age, political experience and maternal kindness to nurture generations of politicians and business leaders throughout the country.

Widow, hospital deny report on ‘dead’ man’s return to life

By Adegunle Olugbamila

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HE widow of a man, who reportedly regained consciousness after three days in a hospital mortuary in Badagry, Lagos State, has denied the report.

The deceased, identified simply as Agosu, was reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday to have woken up on Sunday.

But Mrs Agosu, some residents of Oremeji, Aradagun community in Badagry area, where the deceased lived, and a senior official of the Badagry General Hospital, denied the report.

Speaking with The Nation on phone, the deceased’s wife, who declined to give her first name, said: “I have been hearing the rumour since yesterday. I can only wish the story was true.”

Some residents of Aradagun said there was no time a dead man returned to life in the community, though they acknowledged that Agosu died and was yet to be buried.

A senior official of Badagry General Hospital, who pleaded not to be named, said Agosu’s remains were not brought to the hospital.

He denied that the hospital’s Deputy Medical Director, Dr Tunji Olabuntu, made any statement on Agosu’s death or his regaining consciuosness, as reported.

“We don’t even know how our hospital was brought into the story. Until his death, the deceased was never a patient here.

We have checked our records and I can authoritatively tell you we don’t have any name like Agosu.

“We only heard that the man once worked in Lagos and lived with his family in Aradagun, Badagry. We did not even know how he died.

“We also learnt that when he died, his remains were taken to a hospital in Lagos. His company uses the hospital. We have already briefed the state Ministry of Health on our position,” the official said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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NEWS ‘Africa lacks good radiographers’

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O African nation has met the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) standard on Radiography, the President of the Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN), Dr. Mark Okeji, said yesterday.

He said the WHO standard on radiography cannot be met in Africa because of the lack of enabling environment for radiography practice and shortage of radiographers in Africa.

Okeji lamented that Nigeria has less than 1,500 radiographers to cater for its 160 million citizens.

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

He called on government to address the shortage of radiographers in the country.

“There are presently less than 1,500 radiographers in Nigeria to carter for the health needs of 150 million citizens.

With this situation, Nigeria cannot meet the WHO standard of radiography because there is no enabling environment for the practice. There is dearth of equipment, no adequate training for radiographers to enable them meet up with the changes in radiography.”

‘Human rights violation on the increase’

By Adebisi Onanuga

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HE Centre for Constitutionalism and Demilitarisation (CENCOD) has decried human rights abuse and violation despite Nigeria’s attainment of democracy.

It said the fate of the country now hangs in the balance except steps are taken to address the weighty social problems.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees, CENCOD , Sylvester Odion Akhaine, made the observation yesterday in Lagos at the public presentation of the publication, “2011 Annual Report on State of Human Rights in Nigeria”.

He argued that if Nigeria was to be rated on the basis of its respect for civil and political rights, “we would say without fear of contradiction that the country is not free.”

Akhaine urged the security forces to respect and protect the rights of the citizens and not to turn themselves to tormentors.

He said the rule of law was sufficient to guide them in their operations.

Tinubu calls for Sovereign National Conference

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CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has said only a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) would save the weakening pillars of Nigeria as a federal entity.

He spoke at the first Anthony Enahoro Memorial Lecture at the Benin Club, Benin City, Edo State, yesterday.

Represented by Ekiti State Deputy Governor Mrs Funmi Olayinka, Tinubu said: “I submit to you today that because of the multiple issues surrounding our skewed federalism and constitutional flaws, the Nigerian nation is weak.

“Unless we move to strengthen it through dialogue and equity, we will remain a nation in mere words.”

The ACN leader said fixing the national pillar would entail a robust people-driven

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

debate, insisting that any artificial tinkering of the present constitution would fall short.

He said: “The 21-member Presidential Committee on the Review of Outstanding Constitutional Issues (PCROCI) recently set up by President Goodluck Jonathan falls short.

“It is a backdoor approach to the issue of national conference. In memory of Chief Enahoro we must convoke a national conference. It would provide a platform to address our pressing concerns.”

He said it was ironic that Nigeria once a product of dialogue at independence now has leaders who avoid robust dialogue state policy. But he stated that free and unfettered dialogue holds the key to Nigeria’s rebirth.

“The people ought to be

consulted on the issue of subsidy. We ought to have a referendum on the question, not only of oil subsidy but also on sovereign wealth fund as well as the proposed one-term of seven years proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.

Tinubu said federalism as a development paradigm for a multi-national country was no mere labelling, adding that it assures both economic and political fairness.

“Our economic system is supposed to be open and fair.

But it is even more slanted and biased than the political system,” he told the audience.

“We do not operate a free and fair merit-based economy.

We operate a feudal economy, where those in power decide by the whim of the moment who becomes rich and who stays poor.”

He regretted, however, that the military’s over-centralisa-

•Tinubu

tion had arrested growth and stunted development.

“This has not only stalled development, it has affected recurrent and capital expenditure.

“This fuels corruption at the centre and makes the system a mockery of development.

“It gives a winner-takes-all quality to the presidential election. This is wrong. That is why progressives have been calling for fiscal federalism,” Tinubu said

Govt officials shun subsidy parley From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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T was another failed attempt by the Initiative for Peace and Industrial Harmony (IPIH) to get Federal Government officials to discuss the proposed fuel subsidy removal in Abuja yesterday.

Some government officials who were invited failed to appear and did not send a representative.

They include Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke; Minister of Labour Emeka Wogu; Minister of Finance Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Austen Oniwon and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

This same officials did not show up at the first stakeholders’ round table meeting convened by the group last month in Abuja.

IPIH called the dialogue to get the positions of the government, labour and trade union, civil society, organised private sector. Besides the group sought to discuss the consequences of the removal of the subsidy on the masses.

Speaking at the forum yesterday, the National Coordinator of IPIH, Dr Timiebi Koripamo-Agary wondered why the government is shying away from discussions on the planned removal of fuel subsidy.

She said: “We invited government and we are still expecting them. We are very concerned that government is not engaging because in order to avoid the pending crisis, the government must show the willingness to engage.

“But it is not happening. We are still expecting some agencies of government. We invited everybody concerned with this issue from government.”

NBA opposes removal of fuel subsidy

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HE Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) yesterday opposed the proposed withdrawal of petroleum subsidy by the Federal Government.

The NBA took this resolution at its quarterly National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which ended yesterday in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

The NBA took this position after weighing the arguments in favour and against the withdrawal of the subsidy.

The lawyers urged the Federal Government to create an environment which would allow licensed companies to refine crude oil locally.

The NBA said: “Govern-

By John Austin Unachukwu

ment must evolve or design a seven-year phased removal of petroleum subsidy “It must implement the deregulation of the downstream sector as conceptualised by the Obasanjo administration.

“Government must reactivate or turn around the four refineries in the country.

“When they start production to their optimum capacity, their yields will be deducted from the total volume of imported petroleum products.

“Government will then reduce commensurately the volume no longer needed that has been displaced by internal production.”

•Mrs. Koripamo-Agary speaking at the event ...yesterday. With her are Chairman of the session, Bassey Ewa-Henshaw (left) and former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)Pascal Bafyau.

Why Bankole, Nafada obtained loan, by witness

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WITNESS of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Bukoye Azeez, yesterday explained why the controversial N38 billion loan was obtained by the leadership of the sixth House with the consent of all members.

He said Bankole gave approval for the loan allegedly obtained from two banks to fund the rising running cost of members from N17million to N42million each per quarter.

Azeez, who is the Director of Finance and Accounts in the National Assembly, said the approvals were given following persistent demand by members for an increase.

The lawmakers reportedly threatened to impeach the Speaker.

Bankole and his deputy, Usman Bayero Nafada are facing a 17-count charge of criminal breach of trust, dishonest use of House of Representatives bank account to obtain loan slammed on them by the EFCC. They allegedly shared the loan to members without the consent and approval of

•Court summons National Assembly Clerk From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the extant Revised Financial Regulations of the Federal Government of Nigeria, 2009.

The witness said neither Bankole nor Nafada benefitted from the loans.

He added that his department and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation did not object to the loans because there was no law forbidding it.

Azeez, who tendered the document on how the money was disbursed, claimed that the ex-Speaker and the Deputy Speaker were ordered to be excluded from benefiting by the closed door session of the House.

However, Justice Suleiman Belgore refused to admit as exhibit, computer generated statement of the House account by UBA on the grounds that it was not signed nor certified by the bank.

The bank’s National As-

sembly Branch Manager, Abdullahi Nma , confirmed that the House took the loans and not the accused, adding that they were not signatories to the account.

He also told the court that he never had dealings with the accused in respect of the loans and that the loans have been fully liquidated with the grant of the House from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation as

agreed in the loan agreement.

The Clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, has been summoned by the court to appear as a witness on Tuesday.

Although he was supposed to appear in court yesterday, the prosecution said Maikasuwa could not be reached because he was not in the country.

Hearing has been adjourned till Tuesday.

‘Make PHCN biometric capturing public ’ From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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HE House of Representatives yesterday urged the Ministry of Power to ensure that the Biometric Data Capturing of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) workers is made public.

It said those found to have been milking the system through ghost worker syndrome should be punished.

Also to be made public “must be the number of ghost workers, who had been collecting their salaries all these years and how much they had defrauded the system.

The House Committee on Power, led by its Chairman, Patrick Ikhariele, who visited the Ministry of Power yesterday, insisted that “laws are not necessary if they are not to be obeyed.”

The Minister of State for Power,Darius Ishaku, said the Federal Government has resolved that the controversial tariff regime would be in phases to reduce the burden on consumers.

He assured the legislators that the outcome of the biometric data verification would be made public.

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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NEWS

Mimiko gets SOGON award rd

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NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko was yesterday decorated as a Honourary Fellow of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

SOGON President Dr. Tinuola Abiola-Oshodi said the award is an appreciation of Mimiko’s achievements in the health sector.

She said the Ondo State’s Safe Motherhood Project, called Abiye, has reduced infant and maternal mortality rate.

Dr. Abiola-Oshodi said: “Our society counts you worthy of this prestigious award as a result of your valuable contributions to safe motherhood in Nigeria.”

Wife of the President Mrs. Patience Jonathan also got the society’s award.

Mimiko thanked members of the society for considering him worthy of the award. He said it would spur him to do more in the service of God and •From left: SOGON President-elect Dr. Fred Achem; Dr. Abiola-Oshodi; Mimiko; Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Prof. Oladapo Ladipo (OON); and SOGON Secretary-General Prof. Innocent Ujah, (MNI) ...yesterday. humanity.

Six killed in Ogun bank robberies

Eyo: Lagos restricts movement on Third Mainland Bridge, others

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HE Lagos State Government has restricted the movement of vehicules on the Third Mainland Bridge and some other routes on Saturday.

In a statement yesterday, Commissioner for Transportation Kayode Opeifa said this is to ensure easy movement during the Eyo festival.

This year’s edition is in honour of the late Pa Yesufu Abiodun Oniru. It will hold at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).

Opeifa said the Third Mainland Bridge exit to Adeniji Adele road/ Idumagbo exit to Bamgbose Street/Lafiaji through Simpson Street

by Sangrouse market and the exit to Obalende/Five Cowrie Bridge to Onikan roundabout would be blocked.

Traffic to TBS through Onikan roundabout and the exit to Force Road from Onikan/ Obalende Bridge/Five Cowrie Bridge will also be restricted.

The road to TBS from Awolowo Road, King George V Road and Island Club Road will be blocked at Onikan roundabout.

For motorists going to TBS through Carter Bridge (Idumota), Idumota/ Ereko/ Nnamdi Azikwe Street will be blocked, while movement

By Miriam Ndikanwu

to Dosunmu Street from Ebute-Ero will be restricted

by Ebute Ero Police Station and traffic will be diverted to the Third Mainland Bridge.

From Outer Marina, movement to Odunlami Street by Tantalisers and the exit to TBS through Force Road will be blocked. From Inner Marina, all junctions leading to Broad Street will be blocked.

The road from Igbosere to TBS through Hawley Street will also be blocked. TBS/ Moloney Street/Araromi road will be closed at the roundabout as well as from Obalende to Lafiaji by Turton Street.

Motorists coming to TBS are to connect car parks on Inner Marina Road through Marina Bridge and descend at UBA, while those from Carter Bridge/ Idumota Bridge are to connect the car parks through Leventis Bus Stop to UBA. Those from Eko Bridge are to go through Apongbon and UBA or through Leventis Bus Stop to UBA, while motorists from Ozunba Mbadiwe/Ahmadu Bello Way are to connect car parks on Inner Marina through Marina Bridge and descend at the Cathedral Church or UBA.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of the original copy of the land certificate with title No. 1579 dated 8th April 1960 in respect of property at Itapeju Avenue, Apapa Lagos. If found, please contact Mr. B. Ogboye at No. 3, Lalupon Close, SW Ikoyi, Lagos.

Signed: Mr. B. Ogboye

S

IX persons, including a student of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago–Iwoye, were killed in robberies at three banks in Sagamu, Ogun State, yesterday. The police said only two died Five of the victims were killed in Sagamu during the operations at the banks.

The 400 level Chemical Engineering student was shot in Ago–Iwoye when the hoodlums robbed a filling station near the university campus.

Over 20 gunmen attacked the banks with explosives and other weapons. They shot indiscriminately and stole an unspecified amount of money.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Residents of Akarigbo Street in Sabo–Ajegunle, bank staff and customers were injured by the bullets.

Other banks hurriedly closed for the day.

Eyewitnesses said the robbers arrived around 11am in a white Toyota ‘Hummer’ and operated for about 40 minutes.

Among those killed was a member of the State Vigilance Group, Akanni Amusa, who engaged the robbers in a gun duel.

Others are two commercial motorcyclists, a woman and a man. Sagamu Commander of the Vigi-

lance Group Musibau Araokanmi was injured and taken to the OOU Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu.

A car wash attendant, Muyiwa Ogunade, who was shot in the head, is on admission at a private hospital.

The Toyota pick-up van of an eyewitness, who narrowly escaped being shot, was riddled with bullets.

The witness said the robbers were daring members of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) to come out and stop them.

He said: “I had just left the bank, when I started hearing shooting every where. I was already on the road. There

was nothing I could do but abandon the vehicle. I ran out of the vehicle and the robbers started shooting at my vehicle.”

While escaping through the Ijebu–Ode/Ibadan road, before making a detour to Ago–Iwoye/Iperu road, the robbers caused a stampede at the mini campus of the OOU. Students fled in various directions. A bank hurriedly closed and its workers ran into the bush.

The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), OOU chapter, Dr. Nassir Adesola, had a hard time keeping some students in the lecture room, to prevent them from being hit by stray bullets.

Ajimobi assures workers of prompt payment

O

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has reiterated his administration’s commitment to paying salaries on time.

Ajimobi spoke in Ibadan, the state capital, on the electronic payment system for the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).

He said his vision is to make the state stand out in terms of salary payment and workers’ welfare.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Communication Technology

•CCB chief hails governor’s team Mr. Adetayo Koleoso said N250 million is yet to be claimed by SUBEB and N300 million by TESCOM owing to the failure by some teachers to comply with the e-payment system.

Commissioner for Finance Mr. Adedeji Adelabu said only 11 of the 33 local governments had submitted data for teachers’ salaries as at Wednesday.

He said the governor had signed the salary vouchers since last week and urged the councils to always submit

them on time to enable teachers access their salaries on the 25th of every month.

Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) Mr. Toyin Babatunde and the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Bashir Olanrewaju, praised the e-payment initiative.

Also, the Southwest Federal Commissioner of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr. Ademola Adebo, has praised Ajimobi on the quality of political appointees and top

civil servants in the state.

Adebo said the qualification and pedigree of the present appointees in Oyo and Ekiti states is remarkable.

He spoke in Ibadan during the verification of assets declared by public office holders.

The commissioner said with the quality of appointees assembled by Ajimobi, there is hope that the administration would reposition the state.

He called for cooperation between the bureau and the state government.

Fayemi urges doctors to be productive

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has urged doctors to be productive.

Fayemi regretted that the 293 basic health centres across the state are grounded by insufficient doctors, despite the presence of 40 con-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

sultants at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).

He spoke during a Town Hall meeting in Ijero and Ido/Osi local government areas.

The governor is on a tour of local governments to seek the opinion of people on the 2012 budget.

Fayemi decried the poor performance in the Primary Healthcare Centres. He said the Ministry of Health has

started recruiting health workers to make up for the shortfall in the sector.

The governor said: “I see no reason why the 293 health centres in the state are begging for attention when we have 40 consultants at the UTH in Ado-Ekiti.

“I believe these experts are under-utilised at UTH. They are not just medical doctors, but specialists in their fields.

“From now on, the Commissioner for Health will have to prepare a roster for these consultants to be visiting the neglected health centres.”

Fayemi also flagged off the construction of the 17km Ijero/Ipoti/Iloro road.

He assured the people of Ijero local government of constant water supply and the construction of township roads in the 14 towns that make up the council.

Fayemi directed the Council Chairman, Mr. Jonathan Atibioke, to begin the grading of roads leading to the villages and farms to ease transportation of agricultural produce.

He also flagged off the construction of the 24km Ido/ Awo/Igede road.

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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NEWS

Uwazurike: I’m disappointed with Onitsha traders From Adimike George, Onitsha

•Uwazurike

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EADER of the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) Chief Ralph Uwazurike yesterday said he is disappointed with traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, over a statement credited to them that MASSOB does not exist.

The Movement had said shortly after the robbery where it lost members that its security men foiled the robbery, not the police.

Two members of the fourman robbery gang reportedly died.

Group to hold cultural festival From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

A

N Igbo group, Nzuko Arochukwu of Abia State, will organise a cultural festival in Abuja on Saturday. The annual event is scheduled to hold at River Plate Park.

Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank Dr. Alex Otti (Ugwu Aro) is expected to be the special guest.

The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, Eze Vincent Okoro said the event will promote Arochukwu’s cultural heritage and tradition.

He solicited the support of the government to the development of the kingdom.

Award for distinguished Christians

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HE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos chapter, will honour selected members at a ceremony tagged: “1st Merit Award in Excellence and Christ-like Integrity”.

The award is to recognise genuine Christians with high integrity and sound ethical standard.

CAN’s Secretary Archbishop George Amu said 15 persons would be honoured at the ceremony on November 28.

Church holds crusade

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HE Word Bible Church, Ajelogo, Lagos, will hold its monthly prayer crusade this weekend.

The church spokesman, Mr. Adebola Adekoya, said there would be salvation, healing and deliverance at the crusade.

“Businessmen, singles, married couples, students and professionals are enjoined to be at the three-day prayer meeting,” he said.

Reacting to the claim, the state police command reportedly invited the leadership of the traders to Awka, where they were allegedly forced to issue a statement discrediting MASSOB. Uwazurike, who sent some delegates to the leadership of the traders, said their denial that MASSOB foiled the robbery is irresponsible.

Among the delegates were MASSOB’s National Director of Information Comrade Uchenna Madu; Vin Muoneke, Stephen Ahaneku and Vincent Iloh.

Uwazurike queried the rationale behind the trad-

ers request to pay compensation of N300,000 to the Movement for the death of two of its members, if the traders were convinced that MASSOB did not foil the robbery.

He warned that the Movement may stop protecting the traders.

Vice-Chairman of the traders, under the aegis of Millennium Merchant and Importers Association, Valentine Ezechukwu, said they made the rebuttal under duress and apologised to the leadership of MASSOB. According to him, the Commissioner of Police threatened to charge them to court for murder and treason if they did not refute MASSOB’s claims.

Enugu gets N1b loan for SMEs

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HE Bank of Industry (BOI) has granted Enugu State Government N1 billion loan to fund the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the state.

Announcing this shortly after the State Executive Council meeting in Enugu, Information Commissioner Chuks Ugwoke said the Bank would provide a grant of N500 million. The state and the 17 local governments would each contribute N250 million.

The commissioner explained that with the payment of the counterpart contribution, Small and Medium Enterprises in the state would have better access to the bank

•hosts cultural fiesta credit.

The Council also approved the hosting of Enugu Cultural and Tourism fiesta next month.

He stated that the fiesta would attract tourists to the state, revive and showcase the state’s tourism and cultural potentials to the outside world.

According to the commissioner, the fiesta would feature Igbo Language, City Walk, School Debate, Christmas tree lighting, fireworks, Children’s funfair and Carol of Nine Lessons.

The masquerade and cultural dances will be sponsored by government.

Fuel Subsidy: JAF calls for strike

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GROUP, Joint Action Front (JAF), in collaboration with Labour Civil Society Coalition (LASCO) has called for a strike to protest the planned removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

Chair of the group Dr. Dipo Fashina said Nigerians should prepare for a protracted struggle to stop corrupt politicians and looters and replace them with a government of the people.

“As far as JAF is concerned, there is nothing like fuel subsidy. The argument being canvassed by the Federal Government and its rented spokesmen, that only a cabal of profiteers benefit from the subsidy is meaningless.

“The government and the so-called cabals are the

By Yusuf Sanusi

looters, so they cannot prosecute themselves for bleeding the country through naked looting,” he said.

He said the government is pushing Nigerians into the belly of the imperial shark, adding: “The sharks are IMF and the World Bank, which the rulers of Nigeria serve.”

He lamented the deployment of soldiers to take over the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) premises and demanded for a withdrawal of the military from the PHCN facilities.

“JAF demands that government and the management of the PHCN should respect the collective agreement reached with the workers.

PAC to partner SSS on security

T

HE Police Assistance Committee (PAC) is to collaborate with the State Security Service (SSS) and the police in information gathering and dissemination.

At a national workshop in Lagos, Director-General of PAC Dr. Martins Oni, enjoined members to see the present security situation in the country as a challenge to every citizen.

He called for support for security agencies and urged the public to volunteer information to them.

Oni directed the partici-

pants to pass useful information and intelligence gathering to security agencies.

Founder of United Berger Motors Dealers Association Sunday Akibor enjoined members to maintain the secrecy of PAC in gathering and disseminating information to the SSS, the police and other security agencies.

Other speakers at the workshop are Uzoh Vickson, Chairman, Odunade Plumbing Dealers Association and Sam Okpara, Secretary, Ladipo Auto Dealers Association.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

NEWS Abia reabsorbs disengaged non-indigenes

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HE Abia State Government has reabsorbed the non-indigenes disengaged from the state’s civil service.

The workers were dismissed from the state civil service in compliance with the state’s indigenisation policy.

The government also recalled the corps members that were employed after their primary assignments but were affected by the exercise.

Governor Theodore Orji’s Chief Press Secretary Ugochukwu Emezue said the decision was taken after consultation with stakeholders.

Emezue noted that the state government’s action was condemned by many

Ebonyi, Cross River resolve boundary dispute

T

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

individuals and groups.

He said: “Following the public outcry, the governor inaugurated a committee, headed by the AttorneyGeneral to look into some of the issues raised.

“The committee is working, but the governor has decided to recall those corps members who were given automatic employment by the state after performing well during their service year”.

The spokesman said the committee’s recommendation on the non-indigenes is being awaited.

Emezue explained that the governor has also directed the disengaged non-indi-

•Orji

genes from outside the Southeast to return to their duty posts.

He said the indigenes who were,” mistakenly sent packing have been asked to resume work”.

Emezue explained that Orji has always said the decision to disengage non-indigenes was painful but that it was taken because of the high wage bill caused by the implementation of the new minimum wage.

HE Igbagu community in Ebonyi State and Ukelle community in Cross River State engaged in boundary dispute have embraced peace, Coordinator of Igbagu Development Centre Philip Alieze has said.

Alieze stated that the boundary crisis between the two communities has led to the destruction of lives and properties

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

worth several millions of naira.

Worried by the non-demarcation of the boundary between the troubled communities, he urged the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to quickly resolve the dispute.

Alieze said: “The two communities cannot accom-

modate each other again and that is why the call for the demarcation of the boundary is getting intense.”

“Yes, despite the situation, the communities have laid down their arms and they have also accepted the NBC’s decision in good faith. Our centre would permanently resolve the problem as we have met the state governor on the issue.

Imo indigenes urge Okorocha to create jobs

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MO State indigenes in Kano have enjoined the Imo State Government to create jobs for citizens of the state.

They spoke while reacting to the disengagement of indigenes of the state from the Abia State civil service by Governor Theodore Orji.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

They urged Governor Rochas Okorocha to see the action of the Abia State Government as a challenge to create more jobs to accommodate the sacked workers.

Addressing reporters shortly after his election as the President-General of Imo State Indigenes Association, Kano branch, Chief C.U. Osuji advised Okorocha to remain focused and absorb the affected workers in the state civil service.

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Mr President is concerned that in spite of all the measures taken so far, the government still has not arrived at what it considers to be a universally appropriate valuation of projects in the public sector in Nigeria.

-Labaran Maku, Minister of Information

Nigeria sells N111b T-bills

Marketing boards to be scrapped

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HE Federal Govern ment sold N110.85 bil lion ($693.90 million) in short-dated treasury bills at an auction yesterday, with yields falling sharply compared to the trend at the previous auction, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said.

The apex bank sold N29.64 billion of 91-day treasury bills at 13.90 per cent, down from a 15 per cent marginal rate at the previous auction, and N40.68 billion in 182day paper at 15.10 per cent, against 16.20 per cent last week.

The regulator according to Reuters News, sold N40.53 billion naira in 364day bills at 15.49 per cent, compared with 16.34 per cent last week.

Nigeria retained its benchmark interest rate at 12 per cent last Monday at its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, surprising expectations.

India firm buys Nigeria, DRC crude oil

I

NDIA’s Mangalore Refin ery and Petrochemicals (MRPL) has bought 1.3 million barrels of West African crude oil for loading in January and February via tender, trade sources said yesterday.

MRPL according to Reuters News, bought 650,000 barrels of Nigerian Escravos crude oil for January lifting from Chevron at a premium of about $3.00 over dated Brent on an fob basis, they said.

The Indian refiner also bought 650,000 barrels of Coco, a crude oil produced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, from Shell for lifting in February at a premium of about $5.00 over dated Brent on a cost plus freight basis, they said.

MRPL operates a 236,400barrel-per-day (bpd) coastal refinery in southern India

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$115.3/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.3% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $32.820b FOREX CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

-

0.2958 206.9 242.1 151.8 1.9179 238 40.472

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

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• From left: Dairy Category Manager, Obinna Anyalebechi, Head Legal and Public Relations, Andrew Enahoro, Manager Logistics, Thelma Opoku-Abunyewa and General Manager, Marketing, Kachi Onubogu, all of Promasidor Nigeria Limited at the third Indulge Wellness Award Dinner held in Lagos recently.

CBN drills SEC on corporate governance compliance T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yes terday, came down hard on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for not enforcing its code of corporate governance for quoted companies. It said though the primary responsibility of enforcement rest on the board of directors of quoted companies, but SEC has to do much more to ensure that the prudential guidelines set on corporate governance are observed by these boards.

Speaking at the annual roundtable on corporate governance with the theme,’ Taking Responsibility for the new Code Corporate Governance,’ CBN Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Kingsley Moghalu, said there

By Collins Nweze, Snr Finance Correspondent

is a much higher standard to be attained by both SEC and shareholders, to ensure that the banking crises, which arose because of breach of governance principles by boards do not repeat itself.

“SEC has to be much more robust, proactive and committed to the enforcement of corporate governance principles,” he said.

He said besides the SEC, shareholders need to rise to take a new position that is anchored more on activism to ensure that corporate governance principles are adhered to.

The Deputy Governor said that companies need to disclose in their annual reports, whether they have complied with code of corporate gover-

nance or not.

He said that unlike in other quoted companies, the CBN code of corporate governance for banks is mandatory because of the stringent measures banks pass through in getting banking licence.

He advised SEC to ensure that quoted companies do what they ought to do, otherwise, they should be sanctioned.

The regulator noted that part of reforms carried out in the banking sector was to ensure compliance of banks to its code of corporate governance prepared in 2006.

He said there is need for SEC to be more robust in its enforcement of compliance with its corporate governance code.

Daisy Ekine, SEC director of operations, who represented the director-general, Arunma Oteh, said no penalty was

stated for non compliance because the code is not mandatory, adding that it was made as part of listing requirement for companies to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

She said that directors of quoted companies should take direct responsibility of their members. According to her, there is need for boards of quoted companies to set up risk management committees, audit committees, and abide by the codes contained in the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). “Companies need these committees to assist board to run effectively. The boards should meet at least once on quarterly basis and must make transparency and integrity their virtue,” he said.

Firms may buy back 15% of issued shares • Continued from page 1 The rules are supplementary to rules and regulations of SEC and apply mainly to quoted companies.

With the approval of share buyback, a quoted company can acquire up to 15 per cent of its outstanding shares on the secondary market, thus providing window to companies to effectively manage their shares and hedge against unfavourable market.

The 2004-2005 banking sector reform and subsequent huge capital raising have left several financial services companies with large outstanding shares. Billions of shares were later discovered to be related to bubble capital, implying they were not value-adding units but rather liabilities to the companies.

Firms with largest out-

By Taofik Salako

standing shares on the NSE included United Bank for Africa, which has 32.33 billion shares; Firstbank of Nigeria, 32.63 billion shares; Unity Bank, 33.68 billion shares; Zenith Bank, 31.04 billion shares; Investment and Allied Insurance, 28 billion shares; African Alliance Insurance, 20.59 billion shares and Transcorp, which has 25.81 billion shares.

While the unyielding recession at the stock market has significantly undervalued most shares, the absence of share buyback mechanism frustrates active corporate managers with genuine concerns about their valuations and share management to tap into the opportunity to reduce their shares.

Reduction of outstanding shares could lead to signifi-

cant revaluation of a company as it tends to increase fundamental earnings and secondary market variables, especially when such shares were purchased at lowerthan-fundamental values.

Firms with large retained earnings or reserves can deploy these to lock in values for shareholders, especially those that had raised significant genuine capital at high prices during a bullish period and find the shares at ridiculously low prices during a bearish period.

However, the rules forbid any company from purchasing its own shares within 15 days prior to the publication of its yearly or interim results and any company which has bought back securities cannot make any issue of the same kind of securities in any manner whether by way of public issue, rights issue or bonus issue within one year from the

date of completion of buyback.

According to the rules, where a firm buys back its shares, it shall cancel the repurchased shares within 10 working days of the last date of completion of buyback and shall notify the NSE on completion of the buyback.

The company that undertook a buyback is also expected to maintain a register of the securities, which have been cancelled.

Besides, the board of the company intending a share buyback is expected to inform on the proposed source of funds for making the proposed purchase and the funds shall be out of the profits of the company, which would otherwise be available for dividend or the proceeds of a fresh issue made for the purpose of the purchase,” he said.

HE Federal Govern ment is putting finish ing touches to its plan to scrap marketing boards across the country and replace them with marketing corporations.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, disclosed this in his address at the convocation ceremony of the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, yesterday.

Adesina, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, Agriculture Research Council of Nigeria, Prof. B. Y. Abubakar, also said the government has concluded plans to transform the council to a national agricultural transformation agency akin to EMPRAPA that transformed Brazilian agriculture. He assured that there would also be guaranteed minimum price for food crops and review of the Land Use Act to enable easier access to land for investors in agriculture.

He said the initiatives represent the new steps being taken by the ministry of agriculture with the backing of the government to develop the agric sector in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda. The minister said the new thinking by government is that agriculture should be treated as a business, and no longer as a development project, adding that there would no longer be isolated projects without strategic focus to drive agricultural growth and food security in a clear and measurable way.

Reps to probe foreign grants From: Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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HE House of Repre sentatives has ex pressed its dissatisfaction over the manner foreign donation and grants are being managed by receiving organisations in the country.

The lawmakers said lack of a national policy on foreign grant was responsible for the trend.

Consequently, the House has directed an investigation of all grants and assistance received from donor agencies with a view to identifying if they have been judiciously managed.

The decision of the House was sequel to a motion by Eseme Eyiboh, who emphasised that there was a need for the probe as several billions of dollars made available to the Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) has over the years failed impact positively on Nigerians.

Eyiboh said grants and donations by donor agencies should henceforth be monitored with the receipts harmonised.

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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BUSINESS NEWS

Subsidy removal will choke economy, says David-West

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HE planned removal of fuel subsidy will strangle the economy, stoke up inflation, hurt businesses and the public, former Petroleum Minister Professor Tam David – West, has said.

Speaking on “Oil ‘Subsidy’: Facts, Fiction and fraud” at a business lecture series of Lagos Country Club, he said subsidy removal is “insane and could tip the economy towards recession.”

He said high fuel prices are putting the brakes on the quality of life of Nigerians.

David -West cautioned the government to desist from the increasing the fuel prices because of its adverse effects on

By Daniel Essiet

the country’s economy and its impoverished people, who live on barely a dollar per day.

He urged the government to announce measures to bring down and stabilise the cost of fuel.

David -West said the cost of filling a car in Nigeria is one of the highest among oil producing countries.

At $1.62 cents a gallon, the cost is still not cheap for a number of Nigerians who want to fill their vehicles, he said.

David-West, who argued that the cost of production

of petroleum products in Nigeria is one of the cheapest in the world, challenged the government to provide statistics to back up its claim to the contrary.

He said the government was misleading Nigerians on the deregulation of the sector because its real intention is to hike fuel prices.

He challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to first combat corruption in the industry before forging ahead with the controversial policy.

According to him, contrary to government’s claim that the subsidy on products discourages private investment in refineries, it was corrup-

tion that is the bane of the industry.

The former minister during his time as Petroleum Minister under Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, was wrongly accused of corruption by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida regime and clamped into detention.

He said that Nigeria was supposed to have had at least five refineries by 1986 if the Ibibio and Efik in the Old Cross River State had resolved their differences over the location of the refinery, which Second Republic President Shehu Shagari had planned to build in the state.

Govt orders PHCN to issue salary increase circular

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HE Federal Govern ment yesterday di rected the Power Holding Company (PHCN) to issue a circular on the 50 per cent salary increase for the firms’ staff.

It also told Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to insist on technical viabilities of contractors before awarding any job.

A document jointly statement signed by the Managing Director of PHCN, Engr.

Hassan Labo and Engr. L.U. Grema on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, said the increase should take effect from June 1, this year.

The document, however, noted that the directive followed an agreement from

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

the meeting held by the Minister of Power, Prof Bath Nnaji, PHCN management, and Labour Unions of the company last Wednesday.

According to the document, the Management of PHCN shall also issue letters informing all staff of their new salaries reflecting the 50 per cent increment.

Meanwhile, Nnaji gave the directive on technical viabilities of contractors yesterday while reviewing the Gombe Dadin Kowa hydro power station with the project handlers and

other stakeholders in his office. He noted that the alarming number of abandoned and uncompleted projects that litter the country was because financial capability had been placed above sound technical knowledge. In a statement from the minster’s Head, Media and Public Relations, Mr. Greyne Anosike, Nnaji, described as embarrassing that a critical project, which civil work was commissioned in 1988 was yet to take off in 2011. “We don’t want to terminate contracts for projects of this type with its multi-use concepts but due to lapses in contract awards by past administrations, the present adminis-

tration places premium more on technical competence of job bidders than on their financial liability.

Senate begins consideration of BPE probe report

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HE Senate yesterday began consideration of the report of its ad-hoc committee on the investigation of the Privatisation and commercialisation activities of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

Senate President, Senator David Mark, forewarned that the Senate should expect enormous pressure as the proceedings progress.

Though he assured that no amount of politics could stop the Senate from doing what is right, he described the 177 page report as “very sensitive,” saying he decided to fast-track consideration of the report to avoid the “usual blackmail.”

He said: “I am sure if we didn’t take the report today, there will be all kinds of blackmail, insinuations and innuendoes. This is a very sensitive report, there will be a lot of pressure. But there will be no ethnicity, no politics will stop us from doing

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

what is right. We will take our time to look at the recommendations one after the other.”

Chairman of the committee, Senator Ahmed Lawan, gave synopsis of how the controversial investigation was conducted.

Before reading 45 recommendations of the committee, Lawan noted that close to 60 companies and individuals appeared before the committee.

He also said members of the committee visited the privatised enterprises for an on the spot assessment.

Also speaking at a press conference, Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, clarified the ‘pressure’ Mark referred to, explaining that the Senate President did not say that Senators are “under pressure in any way.”

USAID to raise lending to Nigerian HE United States and projects. Besides, she Agency for Interna power firms said her office intends to assist

T

tional Development (USAID) yesterday unfolded plans to increase lending to power companies and projects to tackle the financial challenges in private sector participation in the Nigeria’s power sector reform.

The Director of Economic Growth and Environment Office, Mrs. Shalom Pauling, disclosed this yesterday at the 2nd Annual Nigeria Energy and

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Power Summit in Abuja.

She said the agency has planned to apply the partial risk guarantee as an instrument to focus on renewable energy.

Pauling said that the USAID will partner the local commercial banks to develop micro funding and institution to increase lending to energy firms

Nigeria in building a renewable energy efficiency market in order to curb climate change and support developing nations to develop a low power emission system.

She said: “In responding to the financial challenges facing the private sector participation as it relates to renewable energy, USAID is designing judicious application of resources.

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

AGRO-BUSINESS The Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Dr Foluke Oluwatoyinbo, in this interview with BISI OLADELE and TAYO JOHNSON, speaks on how the regional economic integration being planned by the Southwest can be accomplished through the development of agriculture. She also identifies ways by which the Federal Government can make agriculture attractive to citizens and achieve food security.

Agric revolution coming in Southwest T

HE governors in the Southwest are revamping and re-opening their farm settlements. What advice do you have for them?

It makes one very glad that we have governments at the state level ready to revive agriculture by revamping the farm settlements. It is a right step in the right direction .We are glad that governors have taken it upon themselves to revamp farming. If this happens, it is going to solve a lot of problems such as food insecurity and unemployment. Many jobless youths causing trouble across the country will be occupied.

It is going to solve the problem of unemployment and boost their economies. We will have the capacity to produce a wide range of agricultural produce. We can export; we don’t have to live just on oil. My advice for our leaders who have faith in agriculture is that they should not allow anything to discourage them. They should make sure they put the right people in the right place, especially people who have the right skills and the right passion. Also, people that are going to be posted to work on government-established farms should be sent to us. Training is our basic mandate. We can train, monitor and establish farms for them.

We produce machines. We have a standard engineering department where we teach students to fabricate farm tools and machines.

How can the government restore the lost glory of the sector ?

We are all aware that agriculture was our main source of economy in the past. We are richly endowed as a country. From the North to the South, our climate is good for one aspect of agriculture or the other. But one problem people fail to realise is that agriculture is a painstaking venture. You don’t expect to get rich quick. It doesn’t give you overnight wealth. Most Nigerians are not ready to be patient to have a good foundation and then to grow from there. This was the view of many of our students in the past. Up to about four to five years ago, our students would just come here for the purpose of having the certificate- to have an HND or ND and go wherever they want to go and I discovered that they graduate into ventures other than agriculture. Some opened shops and start selling textiles and cars when Tokunbo business was booming.

They will dump our certificates and cross the border to buy cars and so on. On the balance, what is happening to our students is also happening to a larger proportion of our populace of this country. Everybody needs quick money; people love to get rich quick but we, on our part in this college have been working on our students ,telling

•Dr Oluwatoyinbo

‘We are improving on our activities to make career as a farmer worthwhile. The government on its own part is also doing well because I have listened to the Minister of Agriculture on a few occasions. The man is passionate about revamping the sector. He has put in place a lot of programmes to bring back the glory of agriculture and the interest of the people in establishing agro-businesses’ them that whatever venture that is going to endure takes time and energy. We are improving on our activities to make career as a farmer worthwhile. The government on its own part is also doing well because I have listened to the Minister of Agriculture on a few occasions. The man is passionate about revamping the sector. He has put in place a lot of programmes to bring back the glory of agriculture and the interest of the people in establishing agro-businesses. So, I have a very high expectation that in another two to three years, the story of agri-

culture in Nigeria will begin to change.

Do you get the government to see all these Agricultural Engineering innovations you are talking about and are they in use in our farms?

Yes, of course we have our supervisory agencies. We are directly supervised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. We have the Agriculture Research Council of Nigeria. We are also supervised by the Committees on Agriculture both in the Senate and House of Representatives. They come to see what we are do-

How Nigeria can develop non-oil sector, by Saraki

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ORMER Governor of Kwara State, Dr Bukola Saraki, has listed increasing value, strengthening of institutions, creation of market and introduction of appropriate policies as the ways by which Nigeria can use agriculture to develop the non-oil sector.

Saraki, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, stated this at the 90th anniversary Lecture of the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan on Wednesday.

He spoke on the topic: Towards national transformation: The role of agriculture in youth empowerment, economic development and nation building.

He lamented that though former leaders in the country took giant steps, such as Operation Feed the Nation, the Green Revolution and establishment of the River Basin Development Authorities and the Directorate for Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure

Ondo re-assures on improved farming productivity

T

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

(DFRRI), they failed to midwife a rebirth of the agric sector of the economy.

He stated that the agriculture sector employs more people than any other sector, contributing about 42 per cent of the yearly Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He said Nigeria is ranked 11th in the world in terms of cultivated arable land, adding that the use of fertiliser of just about six kilogrammes per hectre pushed Nigeria to 116th position out of 138 farming nations.

Confronted with myriads of challenges, including limited access to land, credit and post-harvest handling of farm produce, the former governor, said Nigeria could still get her economy right by putting agriculture first.

Aside its large youthful population, Saraki also pointed out that agriculture has demonstrated the potential to solve unemployment

ing. As to whether our products are in use, yes, they are in use. Most farmers come here and say I saw your machines exhibited in so and so places and they ask how much it will cost us to produce it for them.

In what ways are you servicing big farms?

Our college is a recruitment ground.

Many of them come to ask whether our graduates can work on their farms. Can five people come and manage our enterprises?

From time to time, they send us their workers to participate in our National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes.

Others come for short term training in specific areas where they are working. Some of them approach us to come to their farms and help in solving one problem or the other.

What are the problems farmers are facing and what are the solutions?

One of the problems is land clearing. The government should acquire the necessary equipment and tools, not just tractors alone, everything that will make farming work easier. They can establish centres where farmers can come and pay a token for the equipment, use and return them. This is basic if we are serious. Another area is land.

It is only a few farmers whose fathers are wealthy or are chiefs in their villages that have access to land. If the government wants to solve the problem of land, it should make land available, may be, on lease to people wanting to set up farms. There should be adequate monitoring to ensure they use the land for what it is intended for. Then provision of inputs, agro chemicals and good seeds. if farmers have all these things at their disposal, I am sure it will not be difficult for them to produce.

How do you think Nigeria can overcome storage problem for its farm produce?

That is one of the major problems in our agricultural sector. If the farmers are able to store and preserve the little that remains, it will be better. There is no reason the government cannot establish storage centres in each local government, put men there to man these activities and let the farmers bring their farm produce.

In fact, there is nothing bad if the government can buy a large percentage of what each farmer produces. If we put in place good storage facilities , there will be assurance of quality. The government will have the confidence to push out the products and the farmers can then take the proportion they do not like to the market. We can export a lot of them. A long time ago, many farmers were encouraged to produce cassava.

•Saraki

as witnessed in the North Central states where unemployment is kept low through agriculture.

Telling the story of his agriculture projects in Kwara State, he said the potential in the sector has been undermined by under-cultivation, low yield, limited scale and little or no value addition, until he launched the Back-to-Farm scheme, which was also unable to accomplish the dream at the end.

HE Ondo State government has reassured farmers of its commitment to enhance improved annual productivity.

It urged the farmers associations to unite to maximise government’s support.

Disclosing this during an interactive session with representatives of various agricultural groups, the state Governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko said farmers play a critical role in nation building.

He urged the farmers to be ready to work together, saying a united farmers’group gives room for proper and timely government intervention for sustainable growth.

Mimiko asked the farmers to concentrate more on agricultural production to improve the economy of the country. He called on interested private farmers to partner the state government in the development of the sector.

“Government has a fundamental responsibility to support agri-

From Ojo Damisi, Akure

culture to make the sector more attractive and achieve food security in the country, as there is no place in the world where agriculture is not subsidised one way or the other. We want farmers in the state to come out with proposals that can improve farm yields which can be imbedded in next year’s budget,” he said.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the state Chapter of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Pastor Akinola Olotu, praised the governor for ensuring that the sector is on top of his administration’s list of priorities.

Noting that the number of farmers in the field is reducing daily, Olotu praised the state government for making the sector attractive to the younger generation through the establishment of agricultural villages in different parts of the state.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Exit Waziri • The sack of Mrs Farida Waziri, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is a mere splash in the puddle

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T’S neither here nor there. This must be the reaction of most Nigerians to the news of the military-style sacking of Mrs. Farida Mzamber Waziri about 48 hours ago. Her tumble from the helms of the ponderous graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been long in the cauldron of the Goodluck Jonathan administration as she had come under heavy fire immediately after the inauguration of the new president in June. Indeed, for keen watchers of the agency and this administration, her survival so far must be due more to public outcry against her sack than the fact that she was still welcome in the new setup.

Ordinarily, change like this in any new government and in a major institution of state like the EFCC often signals a radical departure from the past and signposts a

‘What is the great hurry to throw Mrs Waziri out before she had served out her term which expires next year? Why has the Presidency not deemed it fit to give reasons, if there were any, in such a sensitive issue as this?

While the populace continues to conjecture, we dare to proffer that the Jonathan administration would have no choice than to comprehensively tame the monster called corruption’

new approach to the running of the affairs of state. But clearly, this is not what is about to unravel at the EFCC. The commission is not about to be restructured to carry out its duties as stipulated by the law, nor is the government more determined to tackle corruption with fresh vigour or integrity.

Instead, we fear that the graft war may have been further recessed into the darker corners of the administration where not much light shines. Surely, nobody would score Mrs. Waziri excellent in her three and half-year tenure for showing much character or diligence in the fight against Nigeria’s biggest ogre – corruption. But her best efforts, from the look of things, may be far better than what is ahead. She was appointed by a President (Umaru Musa Yar’Adua) who held up a shimmer of the rule of law mantra and who made a public declaration of his assets. Mrs. Waziri therefore, came on board on the wings of Yar’Adua’s naïve sincerity, determined to make a mark in the fight against graft.

The Jonathan Presidency on the other hand, has shown more naivety than sincerity in tackling what has been described as the greatest challenge to Nigeria’s development and indeed, her existence. Since inauguration, the current administration has not shown any sign it wants to rein in the monster of corruption by any token. As vice-president to Yar’Adua in 2007, Jonathan reluctantly made his assets public as required by law even after his boss had done so. Now at the helms, one would have expected he

continued that token example of Yar’Adua’s. But no such gesture would be afforded Nigerians.

Unfortunately, it is such small gestures, declarations and body languages that give fillip to social campaigns such as the fight against graft and social vices.

Recall that not a few governors and other high officials of government followed the Yar’Adua example to make public their assets in 2007; something not remembered to have happened in the annals of Nigeria’s public service.

It has become apparent that President Jonathan is either not keen about tackling corruption in Nigeria or has no will to do so. Perhaps both. He has replaced Waziri with Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, a dyed-in-the-wool insider, although in acting capacity. He is perhaps lining a pliant planting to replace Waziri.

Shortly before now, the EFCC had been hobbled by the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice under Mohammed Adoke. Most remarkable for shielding corrupt government officials from the law, Mr. Adoke under the new dispensation won the fight to put the EFCC under his belt.

What is the great hurry to throw Mrs Waziri out before she had served out her term which expires next year? Why has the Presidency not deemed it fit to give reasons, if there were any, in such a sensitive issue as this? While the populace continues to conjecture, we dare to proffer that the Jonathan administration would have no choice than to comprehensively tame the monster called corruption.

Alex Ibru: 1945-2011 • The pre-eminent publisher and philanthropist passes on

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HE death of Alex Uruemu Ibru on November 20 marks the passage of an individual who managed to combine several outstanding virtues which came together to constitute a truly outstanding personality. Ibru’s life and times positioned him at the nexus of very significant aspects in entrepreneurship, philanthropy, religious tolerance and media development.

Born in 1945 as the youngest of the renowned Ibru family, he underwent an educational career which encompassed schools in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. After spending a few years learning the ropes in the family business, he launched out on his own, setting up successful business concerns in several subsectors of the national economy.

His characteristically understated ge-

‘Where most people would have succumbed to feelings of anger, hatred or self-pity, Ibru confronted the neartragedy of this shocking assassination attempt with the studied calm that had come to define him. Rather than make political or other capital out of the situation, he concentrated on making a full recovery, and focused on enhancing his contributions to his society’

nius was to reveal itself in the establishment of The Guardian in 1983. In setting the newspaper up, he had the ambitious objective of making it one of the top five English-language newspapers in the world. The breathtaking audacity of this aim is better appreciated when it is realised that he was venturing into a highly-competitive market dominated by the venerable Daily Times, alongside a host of regional heavyweights based in different parts of the country.

To make his goals even more difficult to realise was his intention of producing a newspaper that would be markedly different to what was currently on offer: a high-brow title which would not sacrifice intellectual rigour on the altar of populism, “acceptability” or reduced standards.

The courage with which Ibru faced these daunting challenges and overcame them is typical of his nature and personality. He first ensured that he assembled a team of seasoned administrators and journalists who were to become the core of the finest newspaper team ever seen in Nigeria. In addition, he refrained from displaying the dictatorial tendencies that are so prevalent in the attitudes of newspaper owners. The paper was given the freedom to flourish, and it did so spectacularly.

Alex Ibru handled the enormous prestige and influence that came with being the publisher of one of Nigeria’s most admired newspapers with typical humility and grace. Never one to throw his weight around, he became even more self-effacing the more influential the pa-

per became. He continued to respect the professional advice of administrators and editors, ensuring that The Guardian and its sister titles continued to manifest His humility in the face of outstanding success was complemented by his forbearance when confronted with life’s trials. Perhaps the most intense manifestation of the latter was the attempt on his life in February 1996, when his car was riddled with bullets. He was severely injured and lost an eye.

Where most people would have succumbed to feelings of anger, hatred or self-pity, Ibru confronted the near-tragedy of this shocking assassination attempt with the studied calm that had come to define him. Rather than make political or other capital out of the situation, he concentrated on making a full recovery, and focused on enhancing his contributions to his society.

Those contributions soon assumed an overtly philanthropic dimension, and they were undertaken with the comprehensive thoughtfulness that had characterised all of his actions. Instead of the attention-seeking donations that have come to define much philanthropy in Nigeria, Alex Ibru sought to establish structures that would facilitate the critical alterations in attitude that are so vital to the country’s progress. This was why he set up the Trinity Foundation and the Ibru Centre.

Alex Ibru’s 66 years on earth were full of purposeful activity, much of which was to the benefit of his country and his society. May his soul rest in peace.

More half-measures from Obama administration on Iran

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HE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION pledged that Iran would suffer painful consequences for plotting to assassinate the Saudi ambassador in Washington and for refusing to freeze its nuclear program. Key European allies and Congress — not to mention Israel — are ready for decisive action. But on Monday the administration unveiled another series of half-steps. Sanctions were toughened on Iran’s oil industry, but there was no move to block its exports. The Iranian banking system was designated “a primary money laundering concern,” a step U.S. officials said could prompt banks and companies around the world to cease doing business with the country.

But the administration declined to directly sanction the central bank.

The result is that President Obama is not even leading from behind on Iran; he is simply behind. At the forefront of the Western effort to pressure Tehran is French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who issued a statement Monday calling on the European Union, the United States, Japan, Canada and “other willing countries” to “immediately freeze the assets of Iran’s central bank” and suspend purchases of Iranian oil. France rejects the Obama administration’s view that these steps would cause a counterproductive spike in oil prices.

In any case, higher oil prices are preferable to allowing an Iranian bomb — or having to take military action to stop it.

Congress is ahead of Mr. Obama, too. It’s likely that large bipartisan majorities will support legislation mandating sanctions against the central bank; in the Senate’s case it could be attached to the defense authorization bill. Another comprehensive sanctions bill, targeting both Iran and its ally Syria, could be brought to the Senate floor within a couple of weeks.

The administration’s slowness to embrace crippling sanctions is one of several persistent flaws in its Iran policy. Another is its continued insistence on the possibility of “engagement” with a regime that has repeatedly rejected it while plotting murder in Washington. “The United States is committed to engagement,” Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton asserted Monday. Some European officials say they are concerned by the concessions the administration appears prepared to offer Tehran if there are new talks.

By now it should be obvious that only regime change will stop the Iranian nuclear program.

That means, at a minimum, the departure of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has repeatedly blocked efforts by other Iranian leaders to talk to the West. Sanctions that stop Iran from exporting oil and importing gasoline could deal a decisive blow to his dictatorship, which already faced an Arab Spring-like popular revolt two years ago. By holding back on such measures, the Obama administration merely makes it more likely that drastic action, such as a military attack, eventually will be taken by Israel, or forced on the United States.

– Washington Post.

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

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THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: As I listened to Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, during the visit of the latter to the Governor’s Office recently, my mind raced back and forth on the vicissitudes of our nation.

This was what the Governor said on the occasion: “Agriculture is our mainstay; that’s where our strength lies in Ogun State.

Our forefathers used agriculture to define the landscape of Western Region.Where our strength lies, we have to exploit completely.”

Growing up in the ‘village’ in those days, I must confess, was not exactly exciting. I remember the horror and sadness of having to be woken up at dawn by my father for an excruciating journey (in Bolekaja or Olopon) from our hometown, Isara, to our village at Imagbon; then trekking many kilometers from our farmhouses with baskets of farm produce on our heads to the market; the danger of perishing in the river once there was any misstep while climbing/ walking on the wooden bridge built by our fathers, especially during the rainy season.

That was in the 70s and early 80s when oil proceeds should have been invested in opening up the rural areas.

Indeed, the present state of our nation is a reflection of the trajectory of the agriculture sector. In Ogun, agriculture was not just the chief support of our economy, the Nigerian nation was largely an agrarian society. Statistics shows that agriculture contributed 92.7 per cent of our foreign earnings and 59 per cent of the GDP at independence.What the crude oil has done is to supplant agriculturecocoa, groundnut, palm produce, cotton, etc.

I believethe economic managers of the oil era should have expended the petro-dollars on mechanized farming and in opening up the rural areas. Roads, railway, etc should have been constructed (expanded) so that my generation of that time should have been saved the heart-

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As Ogun returns to farm ache of having to carry heavy baskets of cocoa and trek many kilometers to get them to the market.

(Why should our fathers continue to climb palm trees with ropes in order to harvest palm seeds - a couple of them injuring their arms, limbs or spines upon falling from the trees?)

Investments should have been made in agro-processing machinery, through which hands displaced, perhaps, courtesy of mechanized farming, could have been gainfully employed. It remains a shame that five decades after independence, farm products such as pineapples, plantain, banana, tangerines, oranges, pepper, etc, still rot away, especially during their seasons, because we have

no means of preserving or processing them into finished products that can be used locally and the excess sent abroad for foreign currencies.

Again, the Udoji jumbo salary awards of 1974 did, of course, engender hyper inflation such that even goods produced in Nigeria became more expensive than imported ones. It simply then made no sense to produce. Indeed, crude oil became a disincentive to agriculture… And cocoa trees gradually became firewood as farmers retired to towns… and youths began to abandon farms for the cities to have a share of the oil comfort.

And so, decades ago, Nigeria blew the opportunity of an agrarian revolution that would have made the present generation live in abun-

dance. Why were the petro-dollars not invested in an area where we had comparative advantage – agriculture?

The N1bn spent daily on importation of rice from the strategic reserves of India and Thailand is to be reversed through partnerships between the Federal Government and Ogun State in the production of the highly nutritious Ofada rice.

The 33 cassava processing small scale enterprises (SMEs) in Ogun are to be supported by the federal government as part of the overall strategy of increasing the local content so that N635bn will no longer be spent on importation of wheat, and the price of bread will ultimately crash to the benefit of all Nigerians.

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• Soyombo Opeyemi, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Why I returned schools to the missions

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IR: My government’s commitment to delivering quality education for the good people of Anambra State is total. But I will only be committed to quality education. That is why I have decided that our state shall henceforth be speaking only of “acceptable global standards in education”, instead of “minimum standards”. By the same token, we are saying good bye to the low quality education that this state has suffered because of the takeover of our schools by government.

The collapse of education in Anambra State is directly connected with the takeover of schools owned by the missionaries, churches and voluntary organizations in 1970. That singular exercise signaled the disappearance of morality and the building of character from our school system. This

can no longer be allowed to continue.

By returning the schools to their owners, we return to the point from where we turned into the wrong road.

We are hopeful that by returning schools to their owners, a progressive cleansing of that sector will begin. This is a demonstration of good faith and also of our determination to turn around the education sector, because of its crucial role as the bedrock of development.

We must always ask ourselves where the rest of the world is going in all that we do pertaining to the life of our people. Just recently, in Port Harcourt, the former Prime Minister of Britain, Mr. Gordon Brown, said that one of the major ingredients of prosperity is education. He went further to describe it as the biggest asset for providing

skill for the future.

The implication of this is that society that deliberately allows its educational institutions to fall into stupor is in serious trouble. The only remedy is to take serious, radical actions, even if they are unpopular in order to bring renewal and re-birth. In returning these schools, government is expecting the type of dramatic improvement in discipline, academic performance and overall profile of the schools already handed over.

But this handover must be understood not to mean abandonment of the schools. Government will continue to pay the salaries of teachers, but the new owners shall be in charge of the day to day running of the schools and general administration.

I want to be on record to have said, again and again, that we are

Oil subsidy removal portends danger IR: President Goodluck Jonathan should please weigh critically the proposal on the oil subsidy removal. It will further pauperise the masses that are already down trodden. The President should please reciprocate the kind gesture that all Nigerians showed to him in the last presidential election by voting for him massively.

Already there is poverty in the land, people cannot eat three square meals a day. The only thing that goes round

Just one week ago, the governor trekked several kilometers inspecting some abandoned/ moribund Farm Settlements in the state with a view to reviving them. 1,000 hectares of land is to be acquired in each of the three senatorial districts in the state to construct, in partnership with private investors,modern farm settlements. This will engage our teeming youths productively and bring down the cost of living.

I also hope to journey with the governor to Imagbon to renew the interest of my generation - who abandoned hectares of cocoa, colanut, etc plantations -in farming.

Interestingly, while the constitution (Paragraph 2 (a)(b) of the Fifth Schedule) forbids a full time public officer from any private business, it states unequivocally that “nothing in this sub-paragraph shall prevent a public officer from engaging in farming.”

Yes, Omo Ogun IseYa!

the entire nation is this fuel. To remove the subsidy will further aggravate the living condition of our people. People will not be able to move. Everything will come to a standstill. Dangers inherent will be very grave to bear.

Let us look back and learn some lessons from the Arab world. The mistakes their leaders made are lessons to learn from.

In Egypt, it is only price of bread that skyrocketed, Egyptians didn’t

take it kindly with their leader, Hosni Mubarak’s. Today, his presidency is now history.

In Syria, it was a young man that lost his, job on getting home he committed suicide and the youths did not take it kindly, today Syria is burning. The uprising accompanying these two incidents had opened the eyes of the Arabs. What is happening in Yemen is there for people to loan from before introducing any antipeople policy.

Anybody that have ears should hear. Prevention is better than cure.

We are already enjoying the benefits of the oil subsidy, it is already going round. To now remove and say one will use the proceeds to establish better amenities for the people will be retrogressive. The money realized will go to few hands. A word is enough for the wise.

• Ishola – Jabita M. B. Igando, Lagos State.

handing over these school because we want to see them return to what they used to be, as centres of academic excellence; as well as strongholds for character and citizenship development.

Being mindful of the urgent need to turn around the education sector, and in line with our commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, the government has made a special provision to distribute to the churches, whose schools will be handed over to them today, the sum of six billion naira (N6 billion) in the next 15 months, and on pro rata basis (based on the number of schools each group owns.

The money will be shared in four installments thus: first installment N1.7b; second, N1.25b; third N1,25b and the fourth installment, N1.75b.

For the first installment, the Catholic Church with 453 schools will get N762, 259,615.38 while the Anglican Church with 296 schools will get N498,076,923.07. Government owned schools, 291 in number, will get N489,663,461.53.

This money will be released to the churches once they submit their work plans in the next 30 days.

We shall continue to work together with institutions that have the capacity to complement the efforts of government for the good of our society.

• Governor Peter Obi Awka, Anambra State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011 16

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

Reality Bites V

Olatunji Ololade

ERY soon, we shall get to the breaking point. When we do, our land could become such stuff Nigerian dreams are made of. It wouldn’t; our land shall become the stuff gluttonous will is made of. The Nigeria of our will shall remain a far cry from the Nigeria of our dreams. Within such fitful reality, our lies shall become official histories and our truths shall be doctored into officialese.

But our records shall speak for itself. So let all our lies evolve into truths and our truths develop into half-truths; the beaming brightness of good shall pilot our course and all our falsehood shall be total to naught. But we couldn’t appreciate this much even if we tried; we are too blinded by dishonesty and greed to do that.

Thus our descent: as you read, the grotesqueness we swore to end has begun to thrive irresistibly and quite devastatingly, on the watch of President Goodluck Jonathan and company. In spite of their sophistry and trite banalities, nothing will improve…fuel subsidy shall be removed by deceit or plunder; plea bargaining shall be furnished to service the wiles of our light fingered leadership and technocrats

– put more precisely, our lives shan’t get better. But we shall continue to sit back to watch the television, read the papers and curse the times.

And when self-pity and deceit can no longer serve us, we shall grope through the lattices of personal disaster into the ruins of national disaster. We shall be puzzled how genocide found its perch past corruption and greed, in our hearts – even as we burn and blaze in the name of tribe, mammon and God. The language of our madness will still not be understood by all although our madness will be patronized and enabled by all. By our madness, our vanishing neighbours in the ‘first world’ shall nourish and thrive. Nigeria shall become that perfect prey for the ‘first world’ to rip off.

We who should be aid-givers shall tirelessly scream and plead for aid. In the name of aid, more weaponry shall arrive our shores than the exaggerated glucose and rice rations. Every Nigerian, a revolutionary soldier; every Nigerian, a gun-totter.

In the spirit of the revolt, the Nigerian working class and breadlines shall descend on one

‘It will no longer do to excuse our idiocy and greed as pertinent elements of political and socio-economic expediencies; everybody knows that every one of us is playing his own card’

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HE clarion calls by Nigerians for the amendments of the country’s electoral laws to give time limits for adjudication in elections cases or matters paid off during the last amendments of both the 2010 Electoral Act and the 1999 constitution by the National Assembly.

Before the amendments, election cases and appeals have taken several years before conclusion. In most cases, the respondents (mostly the incumbents) would almost have served out their tenures before final judgments are delivered, as witnessed in Ekiti, Anambra, Osun and others.

In the amendments, the legislature in their wisdom introduced Section 285(6) and (7) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The subsections provides as follows: (6) “An election tribunal shall deliver its judgment in writing within 180 days from the date of the filing of the petition.

A similar restriction placed by subsection (7) of Section 285 of the Constitution provides that: “An appeal from a decision of the election tribunal or court shall be heard and disposed off within 60 days from the date of the delivery of judgment”.

The above provisions of the constitution is also adopted verbatim by Section 134(2) and (3) of the Electoral Act 2010. An interpretation of the foregoing provisions of the law no doubt assumes on a petition the following meanings: - An election tribunal has no power whatsoever to sit beyond 180 days from the date of the filing of the petition.

- Appeal Court in an election matter has no jurisdiction to entertain an appeal beyond 60 days from the date of the delivery of judgment of the tribunal appealed against.

Thus by implication, once an election petition is filed, or an appeal is lodged against the decision of an election tribunal, both the petitioner/appellant, the respondents themselves as well as the tribunal itself would be counting days and dates because the matter should be determined on or before the expiration of the duration prescribed by, Sections 285 (6) and (7) of the Constitution and 134(2) and (3) of the Electoral Act. One unique factor about these sections of

The end (2) another, brandishing steel upon steel, bayonet against bayonet, shooting, maiming and decapitating our lavish spirits in the interests of the ruling class; until we become too tired to go on.

Every national treasure and cashcow shall become principal targets of assault. Every personal asset shall become a spoil of war. Cars, houses, certificates, jewelry, enviable marriages, homes, careers and everything that everybody has ever labored to achieve shall vanish in pillage and devastating bomb blasts.

Within such stew and stink, President Jonathan and company will be nowhere near the scenes of ravage nor would every technocrat or industry leader on whose watch Nigeria depletes by pilferage and sabotage. As they are in our state of prewar, they would be comfortably tucked away in their safe houses abroad, while they monitor and direct the carnage back at the home front.

And after the bloodbath is over, they shall emerge from their safe havens abroad to continue excitedly where they left off; knowing that there would be greater chances for consequencefree pillage, murder and fraud.

It wouldn’t matter if we are forced to reassemble to rebuild a more broken and battered Nigeria nor would it ever matter if every tribe eventually secedes and attain its nirvana; we all shall be forced to endure the same brutes at the reins of power.

We do not for instance foresee that terrible thing called betrayal, and chaos, do we? We do not prevision that this heady fantasy of ours could become an everlasting nightmare. When we get to breaking point, fat shall thin on our bones and our skin shall hang loosely on our sketchy skeletons.

We all shall become bonier than the Tilapia; with the exception of our elder statesmen who shall continue to feed and get fat like the fabled hog, off the hides of us commoners.

And if perchance we achieve our tribal nirvana, corruption and death shall eclipse the rising sun of Biafra; it shall bury hope in the Federal Republic of Oodua; make more militants in the Niger Delta and silence dissent among the Arewa.

After our battles have been fought and won, we shall live at a loss about how to manage the prize for which we ruined our lives, back when we used to be Nigeria. Our people shall go hungry and since we dare not denounce the oligarchy, we shall vent our venom on one another. The middle class would have died with this era; and all we would have shall be the haves and have-nots. Trust me; there shall be nothing in between.

Our children shall stop schooling.

They would ask: “what use is education that makes our lives no better?” Brandishing revolutionary guns, cutlasses and bombs, every youth shall become more streetwise and self-reliant. They will grow weary of timeless platitudes our rulers shall continue to utter.

Unemployment will worsen. The plum jobs shall only be for the children of the ruling class and their thug-associates. We will not have our affairs well thought out. We will not have a police to be proud of. The political thug shall usurp state police. Those urchins we treat with disdain today, we dare not treat them with contempt tomorrow.

Today, our local government chairman is a park-thug.

Tomorrow, our Senate President will be an outlaw – a professional cultist, arsonist, robber and assassin to be precise – and Mr. President

Election Petitions: where Appeal Court is getting it wrong

By Isiegbor Ogebor the law is that they use the word “shall” which connotes an obligation, compulsory and hence same is mandatory and must be strictly complied with. (See Onochie v Odogwu (2006) 6 NWLR (975)65SC, Ngige v Obi (2006)14NWLR (PT999)1CA, Vibelko (Nig) Limited v NDIC (2006) 12 NWLR (PT994) 280CA. Another Constitutional provision worthy of note herein is Section 285(8). It provides thus: “The Court in all final appeals from election tribunal may adopt the practice of first giving its decision and reserving the reasons therefore to a later date.” But did not give the Court power to refer case back to tribunal under any circumstances after the mandatory and stipulated 180 days.

In the first instance, Section 285(8) of the constitution only avails the court of last instance. Thus in governorship appeal, it applies only to the Supreme Court and in the case of the national and state Houses of Assembly, at the court of Appeal which is the final terminus.

This provision did not give any further time to an election tribunal since the limitation rule enshrined in Section 285(6) and (7) of the constitution, and Section 134(2) and (3) of the Electoral Act, requires the delivery of judgment “in writing” within the stipulated time. A “judgment in writing” presupposes a written and concluded judgment.

Furthermore, a court that gives its decision and adjourns to another date to give reasons for its decision cannot be said to have concluded that matter until such reasons are given.

Therefore it is submitted that in an election matter where the final court of appeal decides to deliver its decision and fixes another date to give the reasons for that deci-

sion, it must perform that task within the stipulated time of 90 days allowed by law.

Now, the question is whether the election tribunal or Appeal Court can extend the time for its sittings in the interest of justice beyond the time prescribed by law?

The answer is NO because such extension is unconstitutional and illegal in the eye of the law. Besides ignorance, sentiment and emotion are no excuses in law.

That is why it behoves on the petitioners and their counsels to get their acts right before filing petitions against election results to make their case watertight and strong. Such acts include having correct witnesses, incontrovertible evidences, and following due processes as enshrined in the law to avert losing out on technicalities.

Though, Paragraph 45(1) of Schedule 1 to the Electoral Act empowers the tribunal to enlarge time for doing any act or taking any proceedings on such terms as the justice of the case may require. This provision, however, did not avail a tribunal which finds itself running out time as this paragraph is made subject to Section 134 of the Electoral Act which fixes the time limit of the tribunal.

Besides, Paragraph 45(1) of Schedule 1 of the Electoral Act is inferior to Section 285 of the Constitution and thus cannot override the Constitutional provision (See Section 1 of the Constitution).

In the same vein, the said paragraph 45 of the First Schedule of the Electoral Act is inferior to Section 134 of the Electoral Act and thus cannot alter, override, supersede or amend it. Besides, it is not a known legal norm that a court should extend its own lifespan in matters which have been fixed by law neither would an appellate court have such power either to grant such extension to

shall be puppet to the worst of thugfathers as he is now.

We should be inching towards freedom but we aren’t. We should have attained freedom, but we haven’t; makes it a wonder what manner of patriots we have become. Destiny is what you experience by the fabrication of your own hand. It’s about time we desisted from excusing our evilness and stupidity in the name of fate.

It is our so-called intellectuals, labour leaders, radicals and human rights activists that amaze me; add to the mix every mercantile journalist, ‘columnist of note and substance’ and you have a perfect blend of Nigeria’s worst enemies.

It will no longer do to excuse our idiocy and greed as pertinent elements of political and socioeconomic expediencies; everybody knows that every one of us is playing his own card. We are enjoying a great deal by selling out.

It’s what one prominent activist called exhibition of “good table manners.” According to him, “when you are eating, you don’t talk.”

Funny how every journalist, labour leader and activist have developed excellent “table manners.” If we could excuse the labour leader and activist for his deceit and greed, should we also excuse the journalist? Should we conveniently argue that they are also mere human elements in a state of rot?

By the journalist’s calling and selfimposed responsibility as the people’s watchdog, he inadvertently subjects himself to the demands of such unimpeachable character that he demands of others – and even greater. But for all his self-righteousness and bluster, even he fails woefully at that.

To be continued…

For SMS only 08038551123

a tribunal.

Therefore, it is obvious that extension of time is not in the contemplation of both Section 285(6) and (7) of the Constitution and Section 134 (2) and (3) of the Electoral Act. So, it is worrisome and baffling where the Justices of Appeal Court in some states especially as regard to cases emanating from Anambra tribunals derived the constitutional power to order for retrial of such cases at the tribunals after the constitutional 180 days provided in the constitution for such have elapsed.

Such decisions are against the constitution that created the Appeal Court in the first instance. It is obvious in law that every judgment must be based on the provisions of the law and judicial precedents which are lacking in this case.

There is urgent need for proper interpretation of the Section 285 of the constitution by the Supreme Court, even though it is unambiguous. But it appeared the justices of the Appeal Court have lost their bearing legally.

No matter what informed their decision, such decisions for retrial of cases at the tribunals after the stipulated 180 days were illegal; null and void as far the amended 1999 constitution is concerned.

It is obvious that if some petitioners are given one year, they will still not prove their cases beyond reasonable doubt, those with good and watertight petitions could prove their cases within 180 and 60 days at the Tribunal and Court of Appeal respectively.

The actions of the Appeal Court call for concern and investigation before they plunge the judiciary into another round of crisis, especially with the prevailing crisis of confidence in the sector already.

• Ogebor, a legal practitioner wrote from Warri, Delta State.

‘The question is whether the election tribunal or Appeal Court can extend the time for its sittings in the interest of justice beyond the time prescribed by law?

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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EDITORIAL/OPINION ‘The strongest poison ever known came from Caesar's laurel crown.’

---------William Blake (1757 - 1827) British poet in: “Auguries of Innocence" YPICAL of the Nigerian state, the sudden but expected removal of Mrs Farida Waziri by President Goodluck Jonathan definitely elicited mixed reactions from different quarters. Depending on where one stands, some people are happy that their time has come for them to holdsway in the affairs of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Others will be sad that their era of relevance and authority within the commission had ended with the removal of Waziri.

Both camps are suffering from one disease and that could be diagnosed as corruption of the mind because being in or out of the commission will not ordinarily serve the essence for creating the commission or the interest of Nigerians. What will make the country happy is for EFCC to be perceived by the public as effectively achieving the essence of its creation. Whether under Nuhu Ribadu, pioneer chairman of EFCC or under Waziri when witch-hunting was so prevalent, can it be justifiably said that the commission has to a large extent succeeded in fighting graft in the country? The answer is No! The most pertinent question to ask at this juncture is whether the country can ever overcome the problem of endemic graft that has eaten deep into all spheres of human endeavours in the nation. To start with, the problem of corruption is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. It is on record that many other nations that we covet today have passed through the budding pains in the course of their advancement. But today, such countries have been able to reduce corruption to the barest minimum through conscious official efforts and largely the embrace of right attitude/orientation by their citizens.

Why is corruption in Nigeria more ingrained and looters more daring? The answer to this is because when those involved in corrupt practices are caught, the law is not allowed to take its due course before the matter is frustrated or made to die a natural death.

The truth is that the nation has not been serious about its much touted anti-corruption war because conviction is difficult to secure and in few situations, less than ten in all, that convictions are gotten, the alien doctrine of plea bar-

not too impressive/inspiring approach to fighting corruption while still at the commission. She had the same weakness of selective justice like Ribadu. None of them is the messiah that we need to put things right in that commission. Yes, Farida Waziri is out but will that be an end to the ineptitude of EFCC? Only time will tell.

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NE hundred and sixty-eight million people in Nigeria and multiplying ferociously by the seconds…tick, tock it goes quietly like a time bomb hidden away in a far corner of our lives. But unlike an explosive which would go off in one bang and bring instant devastation with it, our population explosion is, and will kill us in installments. This may explain why nobody seems to be paying much attention to the latent scourge. Just late October, the world tried to call attention to this all-important matter by announcing with fanfare that we are now 7 billion people on earth with Nigeria’s share of this being 168 million. This is scary.

The population of Nigeria, much like her economics, is majorly under the vagaries of the penis. Just like our national affairs are largely unplanned, uncoordinated and haphazard, the same way our communities are dotted with young girls heaving unwanted pregnancies, doing backyard abortion and littering ill-begotten babies everywhere as if they were refuse. Men, mostly unenlightened and ill- educated just stick their phalluses anywhere they find comfort without a thought about the consequence of their action. And that is when they are not raping or forcibly taking advantage of womanhood.

We have been both primitive and primordial in our response to our population questions. To most of us, even those directly in charge of our planning and development, it is treated as a non-issue which we must not lose any sleep over. But that must be the worst form of fallacy if not denial. Population is at the root of modern civilization and no country will become modernized if it is not in full control of this key index of development. The population of a country, a community, a company or even a family is like its face in the mirror: you cannot make up your face without a mirror; you cannot run even your fam-

‘You would be crazy to challenge any state governor to give you the number pupils in his state primary schools today and a projected estimate five years hence’

EFCC: Is Waziri’s removal solution to corruption?

•Farida Waziri

gaining usually erode the impact and lessons the law sets out to make ab initio. Corruption will continue to escalate with or without a change of baton at EFCC because Nigeria is a nation where one set of rules is for politicians/ powerful men and another set is for the ordinary citizens.

In well focussed countries like China among others, those that decide to loot must be ready for the harsh consequences when caught. However, in Nigeria, those that get caught, instead of setting precedent out of them, we elevate them to higher offices. Thus, rewarding corruption like we have today in the land is to

me, the basic inherent dilemma that must be stopped. Nigeria should emulate China by making corruption and embezzlement risks that are not worth taking- a fatal adventure.

The genesis of corruption in the country could be traced to leadership greed and the harsh consequences of this is reflected in poor infrastructure and prohibitive high cost of doing business and that of prices of goods and services which defy sensible economic indices. Nobody is immune from corruption in Nigeria. Corruption percolates through the presidency, States Government Houses, the judiciary, legislature, among pastors/imams in the church/mosque, among the political class, the civil service, in the industry, the police, armed forces, SSS, journalism, in the legal profession and the society at large. Nigerians irrespective of status are now sycophantic errand citizens to looters of our collective patrimony. This degenerating scenario underscores the reason why our nation creates shameless thieves across societal strata that celebrate looting of the treasury or bribe taking knowing for sure that they will never encounter any retribution whether from the law or the citizenry.

Like his predecessor in office, President Jonathan is not serious about combating graft in the country because the process that made him vice-president and later president is embedded in corruption. I am no fan of Waziri because of her alleged squalid past and her

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8055001684 email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

Population: the bomb next time ily well if you don’t know your number and the attendant specific needs.

The first tragedy assailing our beloved country, Nigeria, is that we have from the outset, got our population mired in politics.

Because we have untutoredly tied our population around the sharing of what has become our national booty (or Federal Allocation if you like), we have ceased to have any sane census and will never have one until we begin to count ourselves only for the purposes of planning and development. We do not know our number. We do not have a reliable working estimate. What we have are assumed figures. We all are in the population racket.

Government officials and leaders across the country make sure their hamlets, wards and local government areas get sizeable numbers by any means possible for the purposes of allocation and elections.

Even at that, I think Nigeria’s population is grossly underestimated and under-reported.

There is nothing like poverty and idleness in aiding procreation. If you ever lived in rural Nigeria or our urban slums you will see this truism in bold relief. These places are populated by people whose main form of recreation is coital and whose mainly locus in life is rigged between the laps of their spouse. In these outer fringes of life, not many births are recorded, nor deaths for that matter. Ironically it is in these places that most babies are made. Traditional birth attendants and local maternities are still very much with us here.

So are the ‘specialist D and C’ doctors as well

as quacks.

Tragically, nobody has any figures to work with today, tomorrow or 10 years hence.

Nobody seems to care or even think about it.

We are so very comfortable groping in the dark. Challenge your local council chairman to furnish you with the number of five yearolds in his council and you would be branded a trouble maker being instigated by his political opponents. You would be crazy to challenge any state governor to give you the number pupils in his state primary schools today and a projected estimate five years hence. Hardly anyone at any level is planning or working with any population figures. We only use those contrived figure for mischief and politics.

But as we play the ostrich with this crucial matter, couples in every nook and cranny of the land are not playing chicken with their copulation. They are hard at work day and night and at least five out of 10 are getting results – babies! Babies are great, a large population has great uses; but the consequences of unplanned babies and unmanaged population are dire. Consider that about 50 million Nigerian youths are either without jobs or underemployed. Think of a 50 million strong ‘army’ of frustrated, broken and angry youths rampaging through a country!

It is estimated that about 70% of Nigerians are living below poverty lines existing on less that two hundred naira per day. Think of such people in your villages. About 60% of Nigerians living in our cities are living in

Akin Osuntokun @ 50 It is unbelievable to note that tomorrow will precisely be ten years that yours sincerely joined others somewhere in Victoria Island to celeberate the 40th birthday of Akin Osuntokun, the high chief from Oke-Imesi.

Most of the then Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors from the south-west were physically present to add colour to that ceremony that was attended by notable Nigerians.

Tomorrow’s event will not be different.

In just a decade, this amiable man has really done well for himself. From journalism, he became the GM, Corporate Affairs of Dangote Group. Later, he became the Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and later SSA on Political Matters to former President Olusegun Obasanjo during his reign. By tomorrow, this Oke-Imesi son from the popular Osuntokun family of Imesi Ile will be celebrating his 50th years of existence on earth at one of the halls in the University of Lagos.

Egbon, let me say a warm happy 50th birthday to you. By the grace of God, may you live to tell more good stories. Expect me at the venue to celebrate the occasion with you.

Congrats! ……..Also Mutiu Bello clocks 50 I am equally seizing this opportunity to wish Mr Mutiu Bello of LASAA a belated 50th birthday. He clocked 50 on October 3 and has promised to organise a get-together for us very soon. We look forward to that Mr Bello. This promise must be kept for being 50 calls for celebration.

‘What will make the country happy is for EFCC to be perceived by the public as effectively achieving the essence of its creation’ the slum with wretched housing, poor sanitary conditions, and a stark lack of amenities.

At least 10 million children of primary school age fail to enroll every year; another two million who are eligible for admission into tertiary institutions miss the opportunity every year. These are grave prospects for any one country to live with year-on-year. It is worse than a time bomb.

The time is now to radically reorganize the National Population Commission (NPC) to begin to do more than organizing those improbable censuses and start managing our population. There is need for a complete change of template. NPC must be able to determine the population needs of the country, today, tomorrow and far into the future and work towards that. It’s no mean task but we must start immediately if we lay any claim to being part of this planet.

LAST MUG: A ‘pandemic of violence’ against women Today is UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon has asked that people around the world should harness energy to end what he describes as, “this pandemic of violence” against women.

Just as in the population question raised above, the female folk seems to bear all the brunt of our inefficiencies. She is the one who gets the least education, who gets harassed or lured into sex, who gets the most diseases, who deals with pregnancies (wanted and unwanted), who is worsted by abortions both in the short and long term, she is the subject and object of maternal mortality, she bears the wait of nurturing the baby and even that abandoning it… In the daily drudgery of life, she is the one who has to give sex in exchange for marks in school, who has to give to get a job, who has to give, even in extreme conditions, for rations in war zones and refugee camps; she is the one who has to be wooed to get a spouse or who has to be given away in marriage at a tender age, she is the one who gets jilted often and the one who gets bathed with acid for spurning a lover’s advances, she is the sacrificial widow … the ugly list is long.

In Nigeria especially, rape has suddenly become the scourge of our womanhood and the shame of our nation. Our governments at all levels have remained insensitive; seeming rather clueless as to what is to be done.

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

Imoke to flag off Obudu race, prize money unchanged

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ROSS River state Governor,Senator Liyel Imoke, Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) will flag off the 7th edition of the Obudu international mountain race and the third African Nations Mountain Running Championships on Monday at the Obudu Ranch resort in Obudu, Cross River state.

Governor Imoke, according to William Archibong, chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the race has accepted to once again flag off this year's race which will witness the staging of the third edition of the African Nations Mountain Running Championships for both men and women.

'His Excellency, the executive Governor of Cross River state,Senator Liyel Imoke (CON) will flag off Monday's race at the mountain resort in Obudu.He will be assisted by Bruno Gozzelino, the president of the world mountain running association', revealed Archibong who has been at the helm of Obudu affairs since the inaugural edition of the race in 2005.

Archibong WHO did not fail to acknowledge that the Governor's support has been the pillar behind the monumental succeeses the race has recorded over the years has called on corporate organisations to join the Governor in helping to develop the sport of mountain running in Nigeria.

Top stars including the defending men and women champions, Ethiopia's Abebe Dinkesa (men) and Meselech Haileyesus (women) have arrived for the race.

Meanwhile, the LOC has revealed an unchanged prize money outlay for this year's edition.Last year the total prize money for the 6th edition of the race was increased by over $35,000 by the organisers following the introduction of the women's version of the African Nations Mountain Running Championship.

The total prize money which went up from $245,500 to $278,000 has been retained for this year's edition.The prize money for the first to the 10th position for this year's race remains the same with the winners in each gender category going home with $50,000 each while $20,000 and $9,000 respectively will go to the second and third placed finishers.The prizes for 4th -10th placed finishers in each category also remains at $4,500, $4,000, $3,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 respectively.

William Archibong,the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee explains the reason for the retention of last year's prize money structure for the 7th edition which holds at the Obudu Ranch Resort in Obudu, Cross River state.

"His Excellency,the executive governor of Cross River state wants the race to maintain its status as the highest paying mountain race in the world.He is happy with the way the competition has been organised since its maiden edition in 2005 and wants us to make this year's event even bigger and better in terms of the technical organisation of the race as well as the quality of athletes who will participate',he said.

Ngo Okafor plans big for boxing in Nigeria

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N a bid to give back to the society and help Nigerian boxers get to the height in their chosen career, Nigerian born United State of America based boxer, Ngo Okafor has reveled plans to set up a boxing academy in Nigeria.

NationSport learnt that the academy will provide the plate form for young boxers, who are dreaming to pursue a career in the pugilist sport.

•Ngo Okafor

•US based athlete to establish academy

By Innocent Amomoh Okafor, who also doubles as a super model, has carved a niche for himself as the most talented boxers and black male model in the world is determined to with the proposed academy improve the state of the sports in the country.

The amateur pugilist, who has won back to back the Golden Gloves, says he wants to give back to Nigeria and contribute his own quota to the development of boxing in the country.

"I am very passionate about Nigeria because it's my home; it’s where I belong. I am returning back home after achieving so much to give back to my roots. I am Igbo by descent," said Okafor.

In partnership with Deluxe Media Plus, a media relation outfit, Okafor has put in place mechanism that would culminate in the launch of his NGO, the Ngo Okafor Foundation and the objective of the NGO is to give back to society especially underprivileged kids.

Though he started boxing at the late age of 31, Okafor in 3 years won two heavyweight Golden Gloves Boxing championships. He also made known his determination to build boxing gyms and develop a strong amateur boxing program in Nigeria.

AA Gent officials storm Morocco for Aneke

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REAM Team V of Nigeria striking sensation, Jude Aneke has informed NationSport exclusively that the officials of Belgian side, A A Gent have told his club representatives that they would be in Morocco to watch him against the hosts with a view to signing him.

Aneke in a brief chat from Tangier, Morocco the venue of the CAF Under 23 Championships stated that top echelons of the club have earmarked plan to storm Morocco on Saturday in time for the Dream Team V opening match against Morocco.

Reacting to the reports in the media about Gent denial, the new NPL All Time Highest Goal Scorer with 20 goals enthused that the Belgian Jupiler side was only trying to be cautious in giving out the true nature of event regarding him but noted that discussion between him and the club was yet to be complete.

He emphasized that he remains

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world mountain running association council member from Turkey,Erhan Basoglu is in Nigeria to inspect the 11km race course at the Obudu ranch resort towards preparation for the 30th WMRA world Championships which Nigeria will likely bid to host in 2014.

The WMRA council member, according to Patrick Ugbe, the Commissioner for Information in Cross River state, is in the country to ensure a new course longer than the present 11km is mapped out in compliance with the regulations set by the international governing body for countries aspiring to host the prestigious WMRA world mountain running championships.

"The WMRA has told the local organising committee headed by Sir William Archibong that its official will come for an inspection of the Obudu Ranch with a view to mapping out a new course that will be used possibly from 2012 with a view to meeting the requirements for hosting the world championships in 2014'',, revealed Ugbe who clarified that the new course that will be mapped out will not be used for this year's 7th Obudu international mountain race and the third African championships.

Ugbe also revealed some of the requirements the LOC must comply with in marking the new course.

"The LOC has been told that the course must not contain any dangerous sections

focussed on the Olympics Qualifiers and does not want to be distracted with contract negotiations now that Nigeria needs him and the rest of the Dream Team V to secure a berth at the next Olympics.

“I can tell you authoritatively that the officials of Begian Side AA Gent will be in Morocco by Saturday to watch me play against Morocco in the Olympics Qualifiers. There is also an ongoing discussion between my representatives and a Spanish side. I was told all these by my manager.

“I want to however state categorically that my mind is on the Olympics qualifiers and not on these contract negotiations. I want to help my ountry to qualify and any other thing besides this is bonus for me.” Aneke, who plied his trade with Kaduna United in the just concluded season, told SportingLife from Morocco.

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WMRA official arrives to inspect Obudu race course and that it must be marked throughout, suchthat complete strangers to the course can follow without difficulty.You know mountain races take place across country which is mainly off-road and involves considerable amount of ascent for mainly uphill races like we have in Obudu'', he said and promised that the LOC will ensure the recommended approximate distances and total amount of ascent for international races as contained in IAAF Rule 250.10 are met.

Ugbe also revealed the LOC's preparedness to also meet all the requirements contained in the technical regulations for hosting the biggest championships in the calendar of the WMRA.

Dream Team V full of hope

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri

Ameobi set for Man Utd test HOLA AMEOBI insists that Newcastle United’s mood has not been soured ahead of Saturday’s trip to Manchester United.

The long-serving Toon striker is fully fit again after a hamstring injury decimated his campaign last month and, after sitting through the 3-1 defeat at Manchester City as an unused sub, the physical Academy product will be keen for a slice of action against the Red Devils.

Manchster United’s not-so- noisy neighbours City endured a painful defeat in Naples this week with their Champions League hopes dangling by a thread, but incredibly both Manchester clubs could bow out at the group stages with Sir Alex Ferguson – who stormed out of a press conference after being asked about a potential exit against Basle in the final group game – under a little bit of extra pressure.

United’s loss in the north west against City inflicted their first defeat of the season.

However, Ameobi told the Chronicle: “Our mood is not soured.

“As players we knew and the management knew it would come to an end at some stage. We now focus on picking up results again. In the next game at Man United we hope to start picking up points again.”

United go into a match looking to bounce back from a Premier League defeat for the first time since May. The last experience of defeat in the top flight came in a 3-0 loss at Liverpool at Anfield, and the Magpies responded with a 2-1 win at home to Birmingham City – a game that Ameobi netted from the spot in.

Now though, he is focused on Old Trafford and believes there are plenty of positives to take into the clash with the Red Devils.

The one time Stoke City loanee said: “The first defeat was always going to come at some stage. We knew going to Manchester City was going to be a tough proposition and trying to pick up a result.

“The good thing is we had chances to score and get something out of it.”

United were always going to be up

2012 LONDON OLYMPIC FINAL QUALIFIERS

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LAYERS of the Nigeria Under-23 National team, otherwise called the “Dream team V” have called on Nigerians to pray for the team’s success as the inaugural edition of the Africa CAF U-23 championship gets underway this weekend.

Team Captain, Obiora Nwankwo, said the team will be banking on the prayers of Nigerians for victory when they file out against Morocco in the opening match of the tournament.

“Victory of course, God willing.

We will be really banking on the prayers of all Nigerians back at home

and in Diaspora, so we can come out victorious on Saturday. On our part, we are going to do our best and come out victorious” he said.

Re-echoing the voice of his captain, Victoria Setubal of Portugal defender, Terna Suswam maintained that the team must stay focused as a unit and play to the referees’ whistle.

“I just say we are playing home away.

We just have to keep our heads up, play to the referee’s whistle, and take our minds away from the crowd. We just have to work for the victory” On his part, Kano Pillars goal keeper, Afelokhai Theophilus, stressed that the team spirit in camp whentransferred

Women On The Ball special this weekend

T •Shola Ameobi against it in the clash with City against a squad worth £816million.

Ameobi, though, refuses to do anything but look forward.

He said: “We knew it was a tough ask at Eastlands. We hopefully can move on from this.

“We have been beaten now , so all we can do is focus on trying to stay as high up the table as we can.”

•Dream Team V in training

HE most authentic English premier League TV programme, Women On The Ball comes your way again this weekend with a special package.

Women on the ball is a soccer programme which dissects, analyze and discuss football matters as it happens in the English premiership. The soccer show anchored by seasoned Journalist and presenter, Aisha Falode alongside football encyclopedia, Kibati Bankole and Ex-Super Falcons goal keeper, Ann Chijine as guest analysts, comes up with a

special package on Yakubu Aiyegbeni as the big burly striker joins the league of a 100 and more goals scorers in the English premier league.

The MTN sponsored programme, Women on the ball, also has a live audience participation as well as a quiz segment tagged “know your club” to test the audience knowledge of the English premeiership.

The show comes up every Saturday on Silver bird television between 1010.30am, Galaxy television between 11.30-12 noon and AIT between 12.30-1pm.

into the pitch of player would yield results.

“I have watched the tapes of the Moroccan side and I don’t see anything fantastic about the team. If we can play out our hearts on Saturday, by the grace of God we will come out victorious on Saturday” The Dream team V, begins their runs in the championship against Morocco with kickoff at 5.30GMT; which is 6pm Nigeria time.

Agent: Moses waiting on new Wigan deal

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HE agent of Wigan's Victor Moses says his client is still waiting to hear from the club following initial discussions over a new contract.

The agent of Wigan's Victor Moses says his client is still waiting to hear from the club following initial discussions over a new contract.

Tony Finnigan said Moses is happy at the DW Stadium and ready to agree new terms, but revealed that the 20-year old had not been contacted about further negotiations for over a month.

"We had a chat with Wigan over a month ago, and we're still waiting for them to get back to us," Finnigan told Wigan Today.

"They said they had been impressed with the way he'd started the season and they wanted to reward that. We thought that initial meeting had gone well but, since then, nothing else has happened."

"Obviously their run of form hasn’t been great, and that has to take precedence

over things like contract talks. But the ball remains in Wigan's court - 100 percent."

Finnigan dismissed suggestions that talks had broken down due to Moses' excessive wage demands, and said the former Crystal Palace man was not seeking a move away.

"I don't know where that came from, I really don't," he said.

"As far as we're concerned nothing has broken down - we're just waiting to hear back from Wigan. He's not asking for the earth, he's not being unrealistic. We're not looking for a move, not looking for a fight. Vic's happy at Wigan, he's doing his bit and once we get the call we'll be happy to sit down again."

"All he wants to do now is keep his head down, keep his place in the team, keep playing well and try to help Wigan up the league. We know he's at a good club, and we're hoping we can agree to an extension to benefit everyone."

CAF UNDER 23 CHAMPIONSHIPS PARTICIPATION

Igiebor’s fate to be decided today

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LL permutations about the release of Hapoel Tel Aviv of Israel midfieder, Nosa Igiebor for the CAF Under Championships in Morocco shall be known today NationSport can reveal.

The media officer of the team, Arafat Aliu stated that club officials of the Isreali side are still being beckoned on release the Dream Team V highest goals scorer but with no solution yet in sight as at Thursday night.

He disclosed that the technical crew of the country’s Under 23 side would today make a last ditch effort to see if Hapoel would softpedal on their initial stance not to allow the recently capped Super Eagles international attend the tourney.

“My brother, there is no latest information on Igiebor as I speak to you. The latest on him shall be known

tomorrow (today). We are still begging Hapoel to allow Igiebor come and represent him fatherland since his heart is with the team.

Stephen Worgu is arriving camp today (yesterday) and is already on his

way. We are in high spirits and are raring to go. We do not have any injury worries at all and in fact we just finished our training and are about to take our flight back to our base,” Aliu stated.

NATIONAL SCHOOL SPORTS FESTIVAL

Lagos surrenders title to C/River

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ESPITE dominating proceeding for most part of the 4th National School Sports Festival tagged Calabar 2011, Team Lagos finally surrendered the overall title to Cross River on final day of the championship.

The host ensured that they swept medals in the athletics event by winning 43 out of 67 gold medals at stake in the track and field event.

The Cross River team was tutored by one of the world's greatest athlete, Lee Evans who won double gold medals for United States at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico and they really proved their worth with 114 gold medals to emerge as the overall winner compared to the 89 won by Lagos.

However, Team Ondo, which took part in 10 events out of the 17 medal hauling events finished third with 62 gold medals.

The head coach of the Ondo State team, Henry Ogunmakinju told journalists that they were not really prepared well for the championship, saying, "If we had prepared well, I don't think any state can rival us in the overall medals table."

He lauded Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State for showing passionate interest in sports development from the grassroots, while urging other governors to emulate the state.

I am not surprised that Cross River was crowned the overall winner. I think they deserved it because they really prepared very well for the championship unlike us which did not really prepare well.

WAFU CLUB COMPETITION

Rangers move camp to Otta Saturday From Tunde Liadi, Owerri

T

HE Flying Antelopes, Enugu Rangers will on Saturday proceed to Otta, Ogun State for the final part of their build up to the WAFU Club Cup semi final billed for Lome, Togo next month.

Making this known to NationSport, the media officer of the club, Foster Chime explained that the club would not leave any stone unturned in their preparation for the sub-regional competition.

“We are going to Togo to win the WAFU Cup having gone thus far. We shall be camping in Otta, Ogun State as we finalise our preparation for the competition. The State Government deserved a trophy based on what the Governor has done for the club.”

It would be recalled that Nigeria’s Sharks of Port Harcourt won the competition last year after beating their counterpart from Togo in the final, while on their part, Rangers have been ruthless in the competition this term without any defeat in the competition.

Brazil ready for Copa Lagos

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HE four-time Beach Soccer World Cup Champions have confirmed their squad for Copa Lagos 2011, the tournament is due to take place between 16th-18th December 2011. The Brazilian squad coached by Gustavo Henrique Zloccowick Silva include: Jenilson Brito Rodrigues, William Ferreira de Oliveira, Antonio Carlos Guimarães Damasio, Venicius Ribeiro Mariani Frambe, Anderson Tavares da Costa, Benjamin Pereira da Silva, Rafael Stocoo dos Santos, Bruno Malias Mendes, Nelito Oliveira da Silva Júnior, Serjo Roberto Andrade Soares, Gustavo Henrique Zloccowick Silva, Joelson Correia dos Santos, Ricardo Fonseca Ribeiro.

One to Watch BURU Many would argue that Buru is the perfect beach Soccer player. The Vitoriaborn is an unstoppable force on the sand, but, when he touches the ball, he adds magic to this physical power house.

Besides, he knows how to perfectly read the game to become an infuriating marker at thesame time he is extremely dangerous in the opposition area.

Individual Awards Adidas Golden Ball-FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2007 Adidas Golden Shoe- FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2007 Adidas Bronze Ball-FIFA Baech Soccer World Cup 2009

Golfers vie for honours at Transcorp Hilton Amateur Tourney

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HE yearly Transcorp Hilton Golf Tournament will tee-off this weekend November 26 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja with over 180 golfers ready to jostle for honours at the event.

The 18-holes tournament will be judged on gross score of the playersafter the day's round but winners will also emerge with in net category across the ladies, guests, veterans and gentlemen class that are expected to tee-off at the event.

Funds are expected to be raised for a charity project during the 2-day event.

General Manager of the Hotel Andre Herrenschmidt informs that 'the hotel'sconsistent sponsorship of the tournament over the years demonstrates the Hilton Brand's vision of leisure and sports as catalysts to telling our story of global travel and style'.

"We have been at this for more than a decade and it is one of the most

consistent amateur events in the country and I believe that we still have a lot of years ahead for the event."

"More than anything else" he continues "this is also a social responsibility project for us and it is a way of partnering to develop our immediate business environment".

Top amateur players expected at the one day event include the senate president, Senator David Mark, former Secretaries to the federal government, Babangana Kingide and Yayale Ahmed. Also on the cards to tee-off at the event are General (rtd) IBM Haruna, President of the Nigerian Golf Federation and former governor of Lagos and Osun state Brig Gen (rtd) Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Director General of theNigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe among others.

Other honours to be contested for at the event include longest drive, best net ladies, veteran best prize, nearest to the pin and other range of gifts that wopuld be raffled away.

PROJECT

ADVOCACY

CRIME

Lawmaker to repair collapsed bridge

Elechi’s wife urges rape laws review

Man stabs neighour to death

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Imo

Ebonyi

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2011

Lagos

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Page 25

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Okorocha moves to firm up Imo economy

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•Okorocha

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has initiated steps to revamp the state economy in order to make it viable and independent.

Speaking at a business meeting with entrepreneurs and businessmen of Imo State origin in Lagos, he explained that government ministries, departments and agencies are being strengthened to function independently as part of measures to make the state commercially viable.

The governor affirmed that his administration has embarked on massive infrastructural development to create the enabling environment that will attract investors to the state.

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Warri

“On assumption of office, we met a state that lacked the basic infrastructures that are supposed to drive economic activities,” the governor said. “As I am speaking, we have commenced total reconstruction of roads in Owerri capital city, Orlu and Okigwe towns towards making Imo attractive for investment.

“All abandoned projects initiated by the late Sam Mbakwe have been revived in our move to repackage, re-brand and make Imo the best state in Nigeria.”

He further explained that his administration has resolved to part-

ner with the people of Imo under public-private partnership (PPP) in its drive to industrialise the state in order to create more jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.

“The doors of this administration are open for partnership in all aspects. We are ready to give government’s support to whoever that has good business concept that will contribute in the rapid development of the state. This is because we are in a hurry to develop Imo State as well as make it the economic hub of the Southeast and South-South states,” he said.

He enjoined wealthy Imo sons and daughters who are entrepreneurs to consider establishing their businesses in Imo State as govern-

A lift for the handicapped Oshiomhole approves N3.5m for artificial limbs Recipient grateful From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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HE Prayer of a cheerful but physically challenged girl, Queen Onwunaje, has been answered, thanks to the Comrade Governor of Edo State Adams Oshiomhole.

She was born with one leg and one arm, in 1991. This ordinarily would have placed a heavy burden on her and her parents, who hail from Anambra State. But Queen Onwunaje is made of sterner stuff. Her spirit was not dampened.

She braced for life’s challenges. She hopped to school, initially shunning the wheelchair which she said was demeaning. Queen washes her clothes and does other household chores. She does not brood about her predicament, nor does she brook pity from anyone.

At Idia College in Benin-City where she schools, the 21-yearold participates actively in academic activities. But that does not mean that she is free of pain. She longed for artificial limbs to be fitted abroad.

But who will make that possible?

Oshiomhole just has. And that lifted Queen’s spirits. The governor ordered the release of

N3.5m to facilitate her trip abroad for the treatment.

Queen’s predicament was worsened by the fact that her only hand and leg were on the left side of her body which made it impossible for her to use crutches to aid her movement.

She had to resort to hopping on her only remaining leg. Her movement became quite impossible as she increased in size and weight.

The principal of Idia College, Mrs. Dorothy Igbinovia told Newsextra that she felt pity for Queen whenever she saw her hopping to her class after she resumed duty at the school in 2009.

She said she quickly wrote to the Ministry of Education on the need to provide her with wheelchair.

Mrs. Igbinovia said Queen rejected the wheelchair on the ground that she was not crippled and does not want to be seen as a beggar.

“We had to beg her to use the wheelchair before she accepted.

I saw Queen as a wonderful girl who is braving the odds to study.

I was surprised that she rejected the wheelchair. She wasn’t coming to the assembly ground before the wheelchair was given to •Continued on Page 26

•Governor Adams Oshiomhole giving hope to Queen

ment has provided the enabling environment that will guarantee safety and profitability.

Okorocha announced the creation of committees that will facilitate joint businesses between government and private partners as well actualise the establishment of International Electronics/Electrical Auto-parts Market (INTEMARK) in Naze, in the Owerri North Local Government Area of the state.

He also disclosed that government has revoked the certificate of occupancy of lands in Onitsha Road Industrial Layout whose owners have not shown serious•Continued on Page 26

THE NATION

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

‘Why we celebrate Eyo’

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NE of the organisers of this year’s Eyo festival, Hon Abayomi Daramola has disclosed that the feast is held to recognise and appreciate the positive roles played by prominent indigenes and non-indigenes in the development of the state.

Daramola, the chairman of Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area, also said the festival is equally being used to immortalise those that have contributed to the well-being of Lagos State.

“The festival has a great significance,” he said. “Apart from using it to honour eminent personalities, it also showcases the rich culture of the Lagosians,” he said.

“In most cases, the personalities must have died before they can organise Eyo for them and that is why I said it is always done to recognise and to appreciate many good things that the person must have done. He is no more living and cannot generate any good thing from it but the deceased’s family will generate good things from it,” he added.

He described the late Pa Abiodun Oniru for whom the festival is being organised as a great man.

“If you go into the archives and find out what this great man has done for Lagos State and many families in Lagos here, you will see that it is a good thing to have an Eyo to recognise him and to say thank you him.

“We need to immortalise him to really appreciate the many good things that he has done for the progress of Lagos State both traditionally and economically,” he said.

On his involvement in the festival, Daramola stated that aside being the council chairman, he also belongs to about four chieftaincy families in Lagos that own Eyo. “One of them is Olorogun Atebo and Olorogun Agan. These are the custodians of the Orisa (deity) Adamu which is perceived as the chief of all the Eyos because in the Adimu Orisa set-up, we have five Orisas (deities) and all the recognised chieftaincy fami-

•A cross-section of Eyo Okolaba Ekun group during a courtesy call on Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on the forthcoming Eyo Festival in honour of late Oba Yesufu Oniru of Iruland slated for tomorrow

In most cases, the personalities must have died before they can organise Eyo for them and that is why I said it is always done to recognise and to appreciate many good things that the person must have done

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

lies in Lagos State have their own Eyo; but out of so many of them, we have leading five namely Adimu Orisa which is the chief

of all Orisas and then we have the Laba, Oniko, Ologede and Alagere. These are the five recognised Orisas,” he explained.

“On the other side, I belong to the Oniru royal family where we have our great grand-

father that we are celebrating now that is Pa Yesufu Abiodun Oniru,” he said.

He promised the people coming within the country and overseas a spectacular outing.

“A lot of security has to be put in place to ensure the security of the people that are coming to watch. My message is that the participants should try to make sure that they do not make the play a violent one. On the side of the people that are coming to watch, there are laid down regulations. If you follow the laid down regulation it will be difficult for any Eyo to beat you. You don’t have to put on shoes; you don’t have to put on a cap or a hat. Once all these guidelines are followed, the Adimu Orisa will be something that you will really enjoy,” Daramola said.

A lift for the handicapped •Continued from page 25

•Mrs Igbinovia

her,” she said.

Succour came the way of Queen in July, 2010 when Governor Adams Oshiomhole visited the college to inaugurate some buildings that were renovated and reconstructed by his administration.

The Principal said Queen sat in her wheelchair at a corner while the celebration was going on, adding that she decided to tell the Governor about Queen’s plight.

“I told the governor that there

was somebody who could not join us to celebrate. I stressed the need for the governor to see her.

The governor went with us to see the young lady. I narrated the story of Queen to the governor.

He asked me to find out the cost.

We worked it out and he told us that it was not included in that year’s budget. We pursued it and followed it with text messages.

“Today, the governor has given approval and they are looking at India, Dubai or any other country where Queen would receive treatment,” she said.

Queen stated that she was in

Okorocha moves to firm up Imo economy •Continued from page 25 ness in developing them, adding that government is willing to reallocate them to whoever that is ready to establish his/her industry within three months.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Damian Odenigbo re-affirmed that those who are indigenous to Imo State and who are into electrical and electrical business have shown enough willingness to build an international market in Naze.

He also requested government to build a lighter terminal in Oguta to boost economic activities in the state.

The Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, Chief Economic Adviser, Hon. Nick Oparandudu, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Chioma Ogoke also had

the opportunity to explain government’s policies and programmes as well as its achievements so far.

In a related development, Governor Rochas Okorocha has stated that his recent triumph at the Election Petition Tribunal that sat in Owerri is a clear indication that God has liberated the state from the grip of corrupt leaders.

Speaking at the Imo Day Cultural Carnival organised by Imo State Towns Development Association Lagos (ISTDAL) held at National Stadium, Lagos, Governor Okorocha reiterated that his victory was divine and has been designed to rescue the state.

He re-affirmed that his administration will be corruption-free, even as he disclosed that all the leakages through which the state’s funds were drained by the past administration had been closed up to

pave way for meaningful development in the state.

The governor, who seized the opportunity to give account of his stewardship, added that his administration will always thrive to ensure that dividends of democracy are spread to all the nook and cranny of the state.

He commended Imo people who are resident in Lagos for displaying the rich cultural heritage of the state and Igbo nation. He further enjoined them to be part of the forthcoming Imo Cultural Carnival.

Earlier in his address, the President-General, Imo State Towns Development Association (ISTDAL) said time has come for the people to embrace the public-private partnership to give opportunities for the people to participate in the development of the state.

SSS 3 when Governor Oshiomhole visited the school and made the promise to help her.

She said she hails from Anambra State and was born with just an arm and a leg.

Queen told Newsextra that: “Learning was not difficult for me. Before I had the wheelchair, I had to hop long distances. I refused to use the wheel chair because I just didn’t want to see myself as a cripple and didn’t want

people to see me as a beggar. I wash my clothes myself and most times, my people help me.

“My parents made me to believe that I can always do things myself. It was my upbringing that gave me hope and courage.

My friends were always there to assist me and push me to the gate.

“I feel happy now that I will be going to get an artificial arm and legs. I don’t have a boyfriend for now even though boys showed interest in me. I hope to study Law at the university. I did 21 days fasting and prayers for God’s will to be done in my life.”

Learning was not difficult for me.

Before I had the wheelchair, I had to hop long distances. I refused to use the wheelchair because I just didn’t want to see myself as a cripple and didn’t want people to see me as a beggar

THE NATION

27

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

Lawmaker pledges to repair collapsed bridge

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UCCOUR came the way of the people of Ugbawka and their neghbouring communities in Nkanu East Local Government Area as Senator Gilbert Nnaji representing them has undertaken to repair the collapsed bridge linking them with the outside world.

The bridge called AmaforUgbawka Bridge which collapsed for years had remained unattended to.

But Senator Gilbert Nnaji representing Enugu East senatorial zone that was on constituency visit to the area put smiles on the faces of the people by announcing that he would repair the bridge. The community was full of jubilation.

He assured them that henceforth they would begin to enjoy Federal Government’s basic amenities, starting with roads.

Nnaji, who is also the chairman Senate Committee on Communications told the people that he was making an on-the-spot assessment of the collapsed Amafor-Ugbawka Bridge with a view to reconstructing it.

He announced to the jubilant crowd that in keeping faith with his electoral promises to them and also in recognition of the fact that Ugbawka and its environs constitute a very large agrarian

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HE Federal Government has been advised not to give the jobs of Resident Electoral Commissioner to people who do not have the capacity to interpret the electoral laws.

The advice was given by a former Resident Electoral Commissioner in the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mr Josiah Uwazuruonye while addressing reporters in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

According to him, the work of a resident electoral commissioner is a very technical one and care should be taken on the calibre of individuals that should be appointed into such a sensitive position.

He disclosed that ability to read and understand the law should be the first consideration; warning

From Chris Oji, Enugu

area, he had undertaken to build the bridge among others as well as to boost economic activities through agriculture and revenue generation within the local government area.

He said: “During my electioneering campaigns, I promised to complement the efforts of state and local governments in taking governance to your door steps.

Today, I am here to see the collapsed bridge which I learnt has been causing you series of hardship more especially in the area of transportation.

“I know that your major occupation here is farming and when there is no means of evacuating your agricultural produce to where they should be sold, they will spoil and expose you to huge loss.

“Again, when you don’t exchange visits with your neighbouring villages, life will not be sweet again, especially as this bridge connects three local governments of Awgu, Aninri and our own Nkanu-East. You can see that the bridge is very strategic to the economy of this state.

Therefore, work is commencing on it before December this year.”

Earlier in his remark, the Chairman of Nkanu-East Local Government Area, Hon. Ejike Ani, had expressed his satisfaction

•Nnaji (third left) and some member of the community inspecting the bridge

that “permanent federal might” was coming the way of Ugbawka, noting that throughout his almost four years in office, that day was the first time a serving Senator would be visiting the local government area.

He also noted that it was not in doubt that Ugbawka had

benefitted immensely from his administration more than other communities. He specially praised the lawmaker for his kind gesture and promised to provide all the necessary support as the project lasted.

On behalf of the community, Hon. Chima Nwodo, the Admin-

istrator of Asu Nkanu Development Area, Hon. Patty Oko, Governor’s Liaison Officer and Mrs. Gloria Nworji, described the visit as “unprecedented,” “relief” and “new beginning.”

The event attracted several dignitaries and government functionaries.

Fed govt advised on electoral commissioners From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

that “if this is not done, a lot of mistakes would be made and before one knows it, a lot of damage would have been done in the system.”

Mr Uwazuruonye revealed that rigging is not limited to a particular group, adding that all the stakeholders in the political process are involved in the mess.

His words: “Some politicians rig, some members of the independent electoral commission rig election through the instrumentality of the politicians. Rigging is not done by a particular set; everybody par-

takes in the act.”

Speaking in respect of the necessity for the employment of Ad-Hoc staff by INEC, the former REC submitted that the enormous work in INEC needs a lot of hands so as to carry out the needed functions of the commission. He however, admonished that only capable hands should be employed.

He advocated the abolition of joint account system between the state and local governments as this would usher in meaningful development in the local government system.

He stressed that the money which was supposed to get to the local governments do not reach them as the state government

across the states short change the local governments, a situation which he said has a negative effect in terms of the development at the grassroots level.

“People are calling for the eradication of the joint account system because the total amount of money that is due to the local governments do not get to them. There is nothing on ground to reflect the huge amount allocated to the system,” he said.

Elaborating that security is the fundamental responsibility of the state, local governments and individuals, he said that “you don’t fight insecurity without looking at the cause.”

He advised that the private sector should be revitalised, indicating that this sector is almost dead and lamented that professionals such as doctors, nurses, and lawyers have all left their various pro-

fessions in search of greener pastures.

Revealing that the private sector is no longer viable, he submitted that the people who are unemployed would now look elsewhere and as a result would likely take to crime.

He further disclosed that in the National Youth Service Corps, you have batches A to Z and after the service, jobs are not available to for them, even as he stated that people may not have criminal intentions but lack of jobs could push then to criminal acts.

While stating that unless the education system is revived, the society may remain stagnant, even as he harped on the need for the right people to be appointed for positions of authority.

“It is a matter of governance and not that of patronage,” he added.

People are calling for the eradication of the joint account system because the total amount of money that is due to the local governments do not get to them. There is nothing on ground to reflect the huge amount allocated to the system

•Secretary to the Lagos State Government Mrs Idiat Adebule receiving a report from the national chairman, Northern Nigerian Observer Group, Comrade Ali Abacha, at the State Secretariat, Alausa. With them is a member of the group.

s

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

28

Workers express mixed feelings over minimum wage

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HE approval of N20,100 minimum wage for workers in Abia civil service by Governor Theodore Orji has elicited mixed reactions from a cross section of workers.

Government officials and labour leaders on Tuesday in Umuahia signed the minimum wage agreement.

Government statement revealed that implementation would start December 1, payable from January, while the arrears effective from April 1 would be spread over a period of 12 months.

It will be recalled that Abia was the only state in the South East where workers did not embark on strike to demand the implementation of the new wage.

Mr Sylvester Eyeh, Chairman , Abia chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said that the

•Orji

Obi lauds Anambra indigenes in Cross River A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi says the peaceful co-existence of indigenes of the state living in Cross River with their host communities is heart warming.

Obi stated this in Calabar during the celebration of Anambra Day 2011 and launch of N100 million school building project.

“I appreciate what you are doing here today, and I also commend you for the peaceful co-existence between you and your host state (Cross River), ‘’he said.

He said the administration was working hard to make Anambra State better particularly in terms of infrastructure development.

He called on the indigenes residing in the state to return home during this year’s Christmas to see for themselves how fast the state was developing under his administration.

Obi, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Michael Ogbebuike called on the indigenes to invest at home for the rapid development of the state.

Earlier, the President of Anambra Community in Calabar, Mr Obi Oyeka, said the proposed school project was part of their effort to foster unity with the people of the state.

He said the project was aimed at building capacity and providing job opportunities for both Anambra indigenes and their host communities.

He appealed for the support of the Cross River Government particularly in the acquisition of Land and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the projects.

He called on the government and people of the state to see the project as a support for education and tourism drive.

“Anambra indigenes fully identify with the aspiration of the government and people of Cross River and this project is to further foster our cordial relationship with our host state, ‘’ he said.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Celebrating the people, building the future. ’’ The occasion featured traditional dances from the various local governments showcasing the culture of the people.

•From left: Igwes Goddy Ekoh; Chris Ogakwu and Desmond Eziama, at the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council meeting in Enugu

Imo begins demolition of illegal structures HE Imo State government has begun the demolition of structures within 10 metres radius of the main roads in Orlu Local Government Area. Governor Rochas Okorocha told stakeholders in the area while explaining the essence of the demolition that Orlu would be one of the new

T

Expert laments poverty level in Niger Delta

R Edidiong Ebitu of the University of Calabar, says abject poverty is still plaguing the Niger Delta years after the establishment of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Ebitu, who spoke to journalists in Uyo, said the previous board members of NDDC were not sincere and committed to reduction of unemployment in the area.

The don, who is the Head, Department of Marketing, advised the newly constituted board of NDDC to be diligent in tackling poverty in the area.

“We should not allow this opportunity to elude us; we should be committed to alleviating the suffering of the rural riverine communities.

“NDDC should be sincere in the award of contracts for road construction, provision of potable water, healthcare facilities and economic empowerment of the people,” he said.

He further added that, “over the years, we have not really seen what NDDC has done in

D

Anambra

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•From left: Wives of the Chairmen of Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area, Mrs Adebayo Abiola; Iru/Victoria Island Local Council Development Area, Alhaja Funmi Daramola and Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, Alhaja Abiodun Bamgbola at the launch of Petty Traders Empowermennt Scheme for Lagos Central Senatorial District in Yaba,Lagos

Imo From Adimike George, Onitsha

states to be created by the Federal Government.

He added that the criteria for becoming a new state included the presence of good roads and other facilities.

Okorocha said the Orlu Local Government would be the capital territory of the new state if created, adding that: “he is committed to making the ambition realisable”.

The governor promised to create a double lane out of the major roads in Orlu main town to attract the Federal Government during its consideration of state creation.

He, however, pleaded with the victims of the demolition to be patient and promised to make alternative arrangement for them.

Rivers lawmakers decry non-enforcement of traffic laws From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

R

IVERS State House of Assembly members have decried non-implementation of laws passed for the benefit of residents especially those with traffic regulation in the state.

The reaction followed a motion presented before the House by a member representing Ahoada East Constituency II, Hon. Ibiso Nwuche, who noted that “despite the ban on the indiscriminate use of siren in the state, people still blare siren the way they like which contributes to the traffic problems in the state.”

Contributing to the debate, the House Leader, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, fingered the local government chairmen as the chief culprits of the illegal use of siren because they use security guards and siren at will.

Describing the situation as very worrisome, Llyod said that unlawful use of siren contributes significantly to traffic gridlock.

The House Leader, however, suggested that the Commissioner of Police in the state should be directed to arrest, impound and sell off illegal siren users’ vehicles to serve as a deterrent.

Similarly, Hon. Onari Brown who represents Akuku-Toru Constituency 1, said it was worrisome that people spend huge amount of money on security guards and siren which causes grave hazards on the road.

NEMA to partner Armed Forces on disaster management

Delta our rural communities.

“We want to see projects awarded and supervised from the start to the end; we want to see projects executed according to specification.

“Our representatives in the commission should not let us down again, projects should be given to competent contractors. NDDC should be able to give us new lease of life in the Niger Delta Region”.

Ebitu said that he was pleased with the order given to the new board by Senate President, David Mark during the screening of the nominees.

He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to be serious with the issue of tackling corruption in the country.

Elechi’s wife urges rape law review

HE wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs Josephine Elechi, has urged the National Assembly and well-meaning stakeholders to review the laws on rape in the country.

Elechi spoke at Obiozara , headquarters of Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state, while launching the campaign against maternal mortality and morbidity.

She noted that extant laws on rape in the country had failed to protect women, especially the minors, adding that a review of the laws would check rape, which she described as a dehumanising act against women.

“I, therefore, call on our lawmakers to review the laws and enact the ones that would stipu-

Abia signing of the agreement was a landmark achievement by labour after months of painstaking negotiation.

While some workers applauded government, others expressed scepticism on the genuineness of the agreement.

A worker, who pleaded anonymity, said that it was too early to celebrate until the agreement table was made public.

“I don’t have anything to be happy for until I see the table,” the worker said.

The worker described some government gestures to workers as ‘ Greek gift’, which government gave with one hand and took back with the other .

The worker urged workers to resist any form of ‘Abia formula’ which the source said characterised monetary relations between government and workers in the state.

The worker cited an example where the state governor promoted some workers to the next grade level shortly after he was sworn in as governor in 2007.

“This promotion was only in principle as it did not affect our salaries. The salary I earned in my last level was even higher than what I earn now,” the worker said.

Mrs Tina Ikwuegbu said that it was a thing of joy that the minimum wage had been signed in the state as in adjoining states.

“I am also happy that the governor exceeded the N18, 000 minimum wage and my expectation is that the increment will cut across all grade levels.

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•From left: Mr Saheed Ibikunle, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Education; Hon Adebimpe Akinsola, member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, former SSG, Lagos State and Hon S. O. B. Agunbiade Esq, member Lagos State House of Assembly at the first Hon Adebimpe Akinsola Educational Award for Excellence at Senior Model College, Igbogbo,Lagos

Southsouth governors urge revival of agric sector

T

HE South-South Governors’ Forum has called on the entire region to revitalise the agricultural sector.The call was made in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, `at the end of the forum’s meeting.

The Chairman of the forum, Senator Liyel Imoke who read a communiqué at the end of the meeting, said the council has examined the communiqué of BRACED comprising (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta States) Commission, directing that an agriculture summit be held on October 18 next year.

Senator Imoke, who is also the Cross River State Governor, re-affirmed the determination of the forum to work collectively to improve education sector in the South-South Region, saying such was necessary to generate the required skilled for sustainable development in the region.

According to him, the forum plans to host a summit next year in Port Harcourt, Rivers State involving all stakeholders with a view to finding lasting solution to the problem of education in the region.

He used the occasion to explain that the meeting was held to review the development in the region especially the circumstances that led to the postponement of the South-South Economic Summit, saying that the council has decided that the postponed summit would be held from March 15 to 17, 2012 at Asaba, Delta State capital.

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

The chairman further directed BRACED to take feasibility studies from the cropping value to the marking including cost implication to guide the states to make contributions to agriculture funds.

‘Politicians should emulate Lions Club’

A

HEAD of the official commissioning of the Ikeja Pearl Lions Club pet project 2010 in Oba, Anambra State on November 25, under the presidency of Lion Chinyere Annie Okonkwo, Nigerian politicians and public servants have been advised to emulate the sportsmanship and commitment to service of the Lions Club International.

Okonkwo, who was speaking during her valedictory remarks in Lagos last weekend, noted that “If our politics is guided by selfless commitment and easy transition as evident in Lions Club International, our quest for rapid development would have been assured”.

She maintained that “the necessity for selfless service must be seen and visible in the character content of all honest patriots of our country who occupy positions of trust and leadership, because that will easily free our great natural endowments”.

HE National Emergency Management Agency is developing a partnership with the Nigerian Armed Forces to ensure prompt and efficient response to disaster management in the country.

The Director-General of the agency, Mohammed Sani Sidi who disclosed this at a simulation exercise at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, near Kaduna, said that the agency recognises the role of the military in disaster management globally and was collaborating with the Nigerian Armed Forces in this regard.

Sidi said there was the need for collaboration between NEMA and other emergency service providers in the country to ensure effective and efficient response to human induced hazards,

A

Briefly Police warn vehicle owners The Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of vehicles parked at Mosafejo Divisional Police, Oshodi to remove them or forfeit same through auction.

The vehicles are: 1 Honda Accord – CZ2GEKY 2 Volkswagen bus – QM673SF

late stringent punishment for rapists so as to serve as a deterrent to others,” Elechi said.

She educated pregnant women and nursing mothers from Okposi, Uburu and Ugwulangwu communities on the dangers of cervical cancer, female genital mutilation, HIV and AIDS, teenage pregnancy and abortion.

“You should take advantage of the free antenatal programme of the state government and shun quack maternity homes, spiritual homes and patent medicine dealers,” she said.

Elechi noted that girl-child education would help in reducing most of the gender-related health issues, such as maternal mortality and morbidity.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the council, Chief Enekwachi Akpa, praised Elechi for uplifting the women and children in the state.

“Through your pet project, the Mother and Child Care Initiative, you have given succour to women and children in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”

such terrorism, civil conflicts, collapse buildings as well as road and air crashes.

While noting that the country was passing through a phase in its national development, he noted that the situation has brought about increased and complex human induced hazards in the country.

The NEMA DG noted that there was the need to build the capacity of disaster management personnel in the country to face such challenges, pointing out that the simulation exercise was part of efforts aimed at strengthening the capacity of stakeholders for efficient disaster management.

to add to the suffering of the Nigerian masses.”

The group reminded the President that “he promised to reduce hunger, poverty, diseases and hardship in the land before we voted for him,” warning that “any attempt to increase the suffering of the masses would not be welcome and would be vehemently resisted.”

The group wondered why an oil producing country like Nigeria should have about twothird of its population as poor as the proverbial church rat, regretting that “a country that is supposed to be a pride for its citizenry, has ironically made the people to suffer amidst plenty!”

While expressing preparedness to team up with the trade unions and other civil society groups to resist the duo plan it descried as “satanic,” COSEG seized the opportunity to warn any labour leader that might attempt to sabotage the resistance to have a rethink.”

The group, which blamed corruption in high places for plans to remove subsidy and reerection of tollgates, lamented that “it is a plan to get more money to share and siphon abroad for their families,” asking “what have they done with the public funds they have cornered so far?”.

•Governor Elechi He said that the council had complemented Elechi’s efforts by sponsoring some Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients to receive free treatment and repairs at the National Fistula Centre, Abakaliki.

Akpa said that the council was able to do this with the support of Coordinators of the Development Centres under it.

•From left: Chief Finance Officer, First Deepwater Discovery Limited, Mr Femi Adekoya; MD/CEO, First Deepwater Discovery Limited, Mr Babatunde Babalola and Mrs Chima Ekeleda at the media briefing on the hosting of 17th ACCW and Finals of Secondary Schools Championship in Lagos

Edo lawmakers pass rural water supply agency bill

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Group warns Labour against compromise PAN Yoruba socio-cultural pressure on subsidy, others organisation, Coalition of Oodua Self

Determination Group (COSEG), has warned the organised Labour not to back down in its resolve to resist the Federal Government plan to remove fuel subsidy and re-erect the demolished tollgates.

In a statement jointly signed by its President and General Secretary, Dayo Ogunlana and Razaq Oloko-Oba respectively, the group vowed to resist the “two anti-people moves with the last drop of our blood,” saying: “President Jonathan should not make any further attempt

Ebonyi

T

HE Edo House of Assembly has passed a bill that sought to establish Edo State Rural Water Supply and Hygiene Agency into law.

Presenting the report for consideration, the Chairman, House Standing Committee on Energy and Water Resources, Health and Environment/Transport, Micheal Ezeomo, (Owan West), said that the bill, if passed into law, would generate employment opportunities for the citizenry.

Ezeomo said the bill would address the problem of shortage of water to rural dwellers.

The House started the clause by clause

consideration of the bill on November 21, and deleted one clause at section 11 while the numbering was altered.

Section 12 of the bill was created afresh to show the secretariat of the agency, Section 13, 14 and 16 of the bill were amended while sections 15, 17, 18 , 19, 20 and 21 were adopted.

The speaker, Uyigue Ibe, said that instead of having a 20-section bill, the bill now contains 21 sections with the creation of the secretariat of the agency.

Uyigue, after the House unanimously adopted the bill, directed that clean copies of the bill be sent to Governor Adams Oshiomhole for his assent.

•From left: Gen. Abiodun Role (rtd); Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed; Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aderemi Desalu and Mr. Joseph Abolude during a one-day seminar on Fundamentals of Starting a business for corps members at CMD, Magodo, Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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PEOPLE THE NATION

A FIVE-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

It was a reunion of old school mates last Thursday when the Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Professor Gabriel Bamitale Omole was treated to a dinner by friends at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi, Lagos. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there.

•From right: Mr Fatimileyin; the Celebrator Prof Omole; his wife Olubola and Mrs Fatimileyin

All the VC's friends T

HEY met as students at the then University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Though they did different courses, they were brought together by activism. They were all active in student politics.

The Aluta (struggle) that brought them together 48 years ago has kept them together till today. They were Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko; Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Senator Olorunimbe Mamora; Prof Femi Ajibola; Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Olusegun Efuntayo and OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Gabriel Bamitale Omole. The friends gathered in Lagos last Thursday to honour one of their own, Omole, who was recently made OAU VC. At the dinner, they relived fond memories of their university days to the admiration of other guests.

It was, indeed, a night of reunion spiced with success stories.

The dinner, organised by another alumnus, Gboyega Fatimileyin, was well attended.

Other guests included the Oore of OtunEkiti, Oba Adedapo Popoola; Oloye of OyeEkiti, Oba Oluwole Adebolaju; National Chairman, Labour Party , Dan Inwanyanwu; Head of Service, Lagos State Mr Adesegun Ogunlewe; his wife Adenike; Dr Kola Adewunmi; Lagos Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr Waheed Ishola; Hon Kofo Williams; Chief Dele Akinyele; City People Publisher, Seye Kehinde; Chief Olu Falomo and Chief Tayo Ogunsanya.

Ace comedian 'Tee A' ensured there was no dull moment all through.

Omole decked in black suit, white shirt, black bow tie, and a pair of eye glasses, was flanked by his wife, Olubola and wife of Ondo State Governor Mrs Kemi Mimiko. Oba Abolarin, who delivered a goodwill message after the opening prayer by Mrs Fatimileyin said: "Tale as the celebrator is fondly called is my brother."

The monarch described Omole as a loyal friend. Apparently referring to their

struggle in the past to eke out a living.

The Monarch said: "He was part of us.We became friends when we were nobody; it was unthinkable then that we would ever stay at the Chancellor's Lodge where the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo occupied. God is wonderful," he said.

Oba Abolarin described Prof Omole as a man of character.

"Just like it is difficult for me to address him as professor, I know it is difficult for him to call me kabiyesi. May the good Lord continue to be with you," the monarch said.

Mimiko expressed joy at being part of the reception which he described as "excellent celebration."

Kabiyesi has said it all. I attest to the fact that 'Tale is a man of character, reliable and loyal friend. He is an excellent product of excellent institution. His experience has been very broad - starting from civil service to the private sector and now ends up in an academic environment. He has no doubt many loyal friends in politics, the private

sector and public service," the governor said.

Mimiko believed that Omole's would be a golden era in the university.

He congratulated him and pledged the support of the Ondo State Government for his administration.

The governor hailed Fatimileyin for hosting the event.

Omole's wife, Olubola, described him as a wonderful husband, loving and devoted family man since their marriage in 1981.

"He is a very good friend, who takes good care of the family. He does not want me to do anything. I thank God for bringing him into the leadership of OAU," she said.

The celebrator thanked his friends for playing positive roles in his life.

"In different ways, the Lord has made you do good things in my life. God has made up come to the top," he said.

Omole prayed God to continue to elevate them.

Continued on page 30

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

30

SOCIETY

All the VC's friends Continued from page 29

•Governor Mimiko flanked by his wife Kemi and Iwnwanyanwu

•From left: Oba Abolarin; Oba Adebolaju and Oba Popoola

•Dr Adedeji and his wife, Fola

•Prof Ajibola and his wife Ronke

•Hon Williams (left) and Akinyele •Mr Ogunlewe and his wife Adenike

•Chief Olu Falomo (left) and Akin Akintayo •Dr Kola Adewunmi

•Mr Ishola

•Kehinde

•Mr Adeyeye

•Chief Tayo Ogunsanya

•Mr Gbolade Osibodu

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

31

SOCIETY On November 17, publishing giant Macmillan held the Ninth edition of its literary night in Lagos, with playwrights and actors in attendance. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

A night of Blazing Hope

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HE stage was colorfully lit and tastefully decorated. The hosts took pains to decorate the stage with their logo of two opposing Ife Bronze heads with a big capital letter ‘M’ in the middle. The ‘M’ stands for Macmillan, the publishing giant, which brought the guests together at an event tagged: Liberty Night.

The guests thronged the Agip Recital Hall of the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos with some arriving very early to sit at a vantage position.

Renowned poet and writer Odia Ofeimum was the compere.

The Chairman of the Events’ Committee, Mrs Yemisi Emmanuel, said the company went for a theme that would make Nigerians proud. The theme was Blazing Hope.

She said: “This year, we thought of a theme that will make every Nigerian to be hopeful of having a country to be proud of. Tonight, you will see that there is an inherent way to overcome obstacles and co-operate and make necessary sacrifices for the country. Tonight, listen to what the poets have to say of our past, present and future, as they are the spokesmen of our time,” The Chairman, Macmillan Publishers, Mr Bode Emmanuel, spoke of an informative, instructive and comic night. True to his words, guests were not disappointed.

He said the theme was selected to reinforce the momentum of blazing hope and inspire Nigerians to be courageous in the face of challenges.

Emmanuel acknowledged writers, such as Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and Niyi Osundare, who have used their pens and talents to bare their minds and X-ray the

society. “It is obvious that the role of writers and literature as worthy hope of the Nigeria project is vital, especially in championing social change for the common good and reflecting the true aspirations of the generality of the people,” he said.

He added: “Despite the multifaceted challenges Nigerians face as a people, we cannot afford to discard vision and hope.”

The special guest of honour, Governor Babatunde Fashola, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye described the event as well organised.

He said Macmillan has over the years promoted reading culture among the youth.

According to him, the company’s gesture was informed by the decadence in the value system.

“The theme is good coming at this time, as it is a wind of change blowing in the country, where the youth have engaged in descriptive style for communication and writing, promising that the government will join in promoting reading culture campaign.”

The high point of the event was the presentation of dance dramas and poetry by award winning Nollywood actors such as Norbert Young, Joke Silva and Tina Mba. Others were Udoka Njoku; the Crown Troupe of Africa and Foot Prints of David; Ihiria Enakhimio and Nefertiti.

There were poems from authors, such as Segun Adefila; Christopher Okigbo; Femi Fatoba; Chido Onumah; Ofeimun; Ayisha Osori; Jumoke Verissimo; Pius Babatunde Fafunwa; Amatoritsero Ede; Pius Adesanmi; Unma Azua; Ogochukwu Promise; Tanure Ojaide; Mabel Segun and Okimba Launko.

•Managing Director, Dr Adesanya Adelekan and Erelu Abiola Dosumu

•Chief Tayo Akpata and Chief Femi Okunnu (SAN)

• Mr Emmanuel (left) and Prof Kole Omotoso PHOTOS SOLOMON ADEOLA

•Mrs Oladunjoye (left) and former President Women Writers Association, Mrs Mobolaji Adenubi

INDUCTION

•From left: Registrar/CEO, Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN) Director, Food and Drugs, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs Mary Okpeseyi and President, IPAN, Ganiyu Sanni, during the institute’s induction/luncheon at Welcome and Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

WORKSHOP

•From left: 1st Vice President, Institute of Public Analysts (IPAN), Dr Patrick Ojechi and former Health Secretary, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, at IPAN’s workshop at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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SOCIETY Members of Lions Club, Somolu, Lagos, last Sunday gathered to instal their new president, Lion Joseph Obi. Nneka Nwaneri was there.

Crowning a lion King

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T was their special day; a day to crown the Lion’s king. Expectedly, all members of the Lions Club International, District 404A Nigeria, Somolu chapter, Lagos, turned out last Sunday for the ceremony, which held at the Brigade Officers. Mess, Ikeja Military Cantonment. They came with their families, friends and colleagues to celebrate with their new king, Joseph Obi, who will serve as president for the 2011 /2012 Lions’ year.

Their well-dressed guests gleamed with joy during the event, which doubled as fund raiser and honours’ day for deserving members of the club. There were also auction sales to raise funds for projects.

The event began with the District Governor for Nigeria, Mr Kola Ramon Oyekanmi, thanking the Shomolu Chapter for service delivery and membership drive. “Your District with 404A has won an international award, 44 out of more than 700 to win that award in Nigeria, indeed, in Africa. You are the only recipient of that award.”

He said Lions International is among the best in the world, adding that the club participated in the rescue mission after the United Nations (UN) House in Abuja was bombed.

Chairman of the occasion, Senator Anthony Adefuye, described a lion as a fearless animal,

• Senator Adefuye

• Mr Ugwonwu decorating Mr Obi

the pride of the jungle and one that prides itself in all.

He urged Obi to take pride in performing his duty and rule the jungle with wisdom and tact.

A documentary on the clubs’ projects, was shown following which Obi received the baton of leadership from his predecessor, Mr Ikechukwu Ugwonwu. Other officers were later sworn in.

Obi said he was humbled by his elevation,

describing Shomolu as a grassroots area yearning for development. The tasks ahead, according to him, need physical, moral and financial sacrifice. He noted the clubs’plan to build a permanent eye screening centre for residents of Shomolu, while encouraging members to key into the motto of the club: “I believe.”

The club’s distinguished service, outstanding and friendship awards were presented to some members. The high point of the event

PHOTOS: NNEKA NWANERI

was when a music producer, Marins Okey Justice, aka J Martins, was presented with the friendship award. As he stepped out to receive the award from one of the founders of the club in Shomolu, Mrs Tope Tychus, one of his songs: Jupa, began to play in the background to the admiration of all.

Others who bagged awards were EziafaAmaka of Asaba, Sir Nath Okechukwu; Dim Ogbukagu Awka-Etiti, Chief Hyman Okpala; Eze Osisioma 1, Eze Ndigbo, Somolu, Gabriel Maduwuba Obi, among others.

ICSAN’S night of honour The 35th yearly Conference and Awards’ night of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSAN) has held in Lagos. BIODUN-THOMAS DAVIDS witnessed the event

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HE 35th yearly Conference and awards’ night of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSAN) recently held in Lagos, might have come and gone, but the fanfare, verves, feasts and exchange of banters that characterised the event remained alive.

By 6:00 pm, members of the Nigeria Police Band were already on stage playing good music to the listening pleasure of dignitaries decked in different colourful apparels, streaming into the Banquet Hall of the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja. And barely an hour later, was the exquisite hall literarily filled to the roof.

Aside listening to stirring and solemn songs that got the guests wriggling impulsively on their seats, Gboyega Ogunosun, who anchored the event gave the guests nerve-calming jokes.

Those who arrived early included the President, Nigeria Bar Association, Joseph Daudu, SAN; the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and the guest of honour, Supo Sashore; Equiniti Group Compiance and Risk Director and past International President, ICSA, United Kingdom, Gavin Downs.

Amid ovation, the erudte professor of Finance and Business Administration, Prof wole Adewunmi, was conferred with Distin-

•Mr Jim Obisee (left) and Mr Gavin downs

guished Chartered Secretary Award.

While extolling the virtue of Adewunmi, ICSAN President, Teslim Olatunde Busari, described him as “an esteemed Chartered Secretary and Administrator, who has been very helpful with the commencement of the ICSAN Professional Examination Scheme,” Reacting to the award, Downs said Adewunmi was well qualified for the award being an international and public scholar. He added that the professor has a breathtaking history of excellence in his contribution to economic redevelopment.

Speaking to The Nation on the award, ICSAN Registrar, Dele Togunde, described Adewunmi as a man of ingenuity, and someone given to service. He deserved the award because he has been doing it and is still doing it,” he further submitted.

In his reaction to the conferment Adewunmi thanked the entire members of ICSAN for recognising his contribution to the organisation.

He promised to “continue to support them.

In the words of Busari, ICSAN Dinner and Awards Night is an opportunity to celebrate professionalism and integrity which are the hallmarks of all true chartered Secretaries and Administrators.”

•From left: Mr Busari, Prof Wole Adewunmi and Sasore

•ICSAN former President Mr Dele Aloba (left) and Chief Ogunoye

•ICSAN immediate past president Deacon Moses Adisa (left) chatting with the Registrar of the institute, Mr Tunde Togunde

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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SOCIETY

A Rosette for Wazirin Gwantu Sunday, November 13, Gwantu town, headquarters of Sanga Local Governormet of Kaduna State was alive when the traditional of the town, Mai Gwantu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar Abdullahi, turbaned a veteran Journalist and former Daily Trust Newspaper correspondent in Kaduna State, Malam Waziri Isa Gwantu, as the Wazzirin of Gwantu.

Family members, friends and members of Inner Wheel Club gathered onThursday, November 17, at the Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, to celebrate with Mrs Olamide Dacosta, who marked her 60th birthday. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

• Dacosta flanked by Pastor Abasilimi (right) and his wife Ify

‘Life begins at 60’

•Gwantu being decorated with the turban

W

HEN Mallam Waziri Isa Gwantu was appointed the Waziri of Gwantu III, in Gwantu town of Sanga Local Government Council of Kaduna State, every member of the community praised the choice of the monarch. To them, the appointment was apt and in line with tradition. He has just been called to wear his late uncle’s shoes. Isa Gwantu’s uncle, Malam Ali Ali Gbongbong, died recently after spending almost 20 years as the Waziri of the town.

The community in showing their support for the choice turned out their best attires to witness the colourful and peaceful event, which took place on Sunday, November 13, in the town. Prominent sons and daughters of Gwantu came from all walks of life to be part of history as the ceremony was the first of its kind in the Kingdom.

The new Waziri of Gwantu III, now a lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a Doctoral student of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, is the 12th and youngest son of the first Waziri of Gwantu, late Malam Waziri Adam Ali Gbongbong.

Born on September 21, 1968 in Gwantu town, Isa Gwantu attended L.E.A. Primary School Gwantu “B,” between 1975 and 1980.

He proceeded to Government Secondary

School Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State in 1980 and graduated in 1985.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2004 and later proceeded to the University of Lagos where he obtained his Masters’ in Mass communication in 2008.

He began his career in journalism with the New Nigerian Newspaper as a reporter in 1991 where he served for about 12 years after which he joined the defunct Daily Times and Third Eye Newspapers, spending about three years in both places. He was to later join the Daily Trust Newspaper as one of its pioneer reporters/correspondents.

In 1997, he was appointed Personal Assistant to the Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) under the then National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON). He was also appointed the pioneer Public Relations Officer of Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), where he served for only one year before joining the Mass Communication Department of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 2006.

The Wazirin Gwantu is a member of several academic and professional bodies, such as Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU); Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ); Network of West African Journalists Against Drugs (NEWAJAD), among several others.

T

HE birthday ‘girl’ was over the place.

It was her day and she was on top of the world that she has clocked 60. Her home at the Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, was packed full of family, friends and associates who came to rejoice with her. Mrs Olamide Dacosta was full of praises to God for sparing her life in a country where in life exectancy is said to be 45.

The celebrators opened with prayers by Pastor Emma Abasilim, wheo asked guests to be thankful to God for His help and protection over the years. He urged the celebrator not to give up thankging God for His blessing.

A board member of the International Inner Wheel Club, Mrs Yemisi Alatise, led other members to the event.

The celebrator’s children Adeola Dacosta and Olujuwon Olusanya, ensured that guests were well taken care of.

Adeola described her mother as loving and caring, a mother who would never allow her children to suffer or lack anything.

She said her mother took her education and those of her other siblings serious by ensuring that they attended schools of their choice.

“My mum is such a caring and loving mother who will not allow any of is, her children to suffer. She loves all of us equally,” she said.

When she was called to thank God, Mrs Dacosta only sang songs of praises to appreciate God. They are: Ope mi ko’ito ojojumo niuno ma dupe, ope me ko’ito ojojumo ni un o ma yo. Meaning: My thanks are not enough; I will daily thank Him and rejoice.

Others are: Ma la’nu ma korin, mafi gboluwa ga, ma la ‘nu makorin mafi gbe jesu ga,..., “I will open my mouth to sing and praise the Lord...”

The birthday ‘girl’, attributed her young looks to God’s favour and help. “God is my secret. It has not been easy, but God has been doing it for me,” she said.

Her life, she said, has just begun at 60. she also described the day as one of her happiest. “Today is one of the happiest days in my life, my happiest was when I got married and this is the second,” she said she described her children as her joy, adding that they always caring for her.

“It is not easy, but I thank God. All my children have been my joy. They keep me me going, “ she said.

She urged the youth to be patient in life and not to rush into making money.

“They should not be in a hurry to get rich. You have to crawl before you begin to walk,” she advised.

Olujuwon described her mother as loving and caring.

The people of Ayepe Akirikan land, an Owu community in Ewekoro Local Government of Ogun State witnessed the coronation of their Baale, the traditional head of the town recently. KUNLE AKINRINADE reports

Pomp as Ogun community gets monarch

E

VERYWHERE in Ayepe, Akirikan land, Ogun State was recently, agog with the coronation of the town’s traditional ruler, High Chief Johnson Olusegun Akinrinade, as the Baale.

The event, which took place on a Saturday at the Local Government Primary School, Ayepe, attracted high profile personalities and traditional rulers who thronged the venue in AsoEbi to felicitate with the new Baale.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was represented by his Special Assistant on Political Matters, Prince Adeniyi Adesanya, while the Olori Igbimo of Owu, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Chief Olufemi Shodeinde, led other chiefs of Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, to the event.

Guests defied the heavy rain to witness the occasion replete with outpouring of encomiums on the new monarch, who hails from the Obamogbo family of Owu, Abeokuta.

The high point of the ceremony was the installation of Baale by the Ashipa of Owu Kingdom, Chief Akin Obimakinde, ably assisted by the Ajiroba of Owu Kingdom,Chief

•From left: Dr Elemo; Prof Michael Faborode and Mr Tunde Thompson PHOTOS: NIYI ADENIRAN

Saheed Salako; Amona Oba of Owu; Chief Bola Yusuff and Obamaja of Owu, Chief Chief Ebenezer Odeyemi.

Obimakinde admonished the Baale to carry everyone in the community along in his onerous task of leadership for him to accomplish the tasks ahead.

He said: “As a leader you are duty bound to carry everyone along in your day to day activities without any parochial sentiment.

Therefore, be receptive to good ideas or suggestions from your subjects and lieutenants because you need the support of the people to reign very well.”

In his acceptance speech, the Baale said: “If anyone had said that I would become the traditional ruler of this town many years ago, I would have dismissed such speculation with a wave of the hand. But when the challenge came along with the memory of a revelation I had about 14 years ago and repeatedly about four years ago, it dawned on me that God wanted to use me as agent of transformation for my community.

The occasion, according to the Baale, marked the beginning of the assignment which he has accepted to prosecute and accomplish. “I supplicate for divine guidance, long life, wisdom and unity, which are required to lead this town into a glorious dawn that God had promised,” he said.

Delivering Governor Amosun’s goodwill message, Prince Adesanya said: “Our administration is more than committed to the development of rural areas and traditional institutions and we shall continue to provide enabling environment for our traditional rulers to reign in their respective domains.

“Personally, as an in-law of the family of the new traditional ruler, I feel a sense of commitment to be here to deliver a good will message on behalf of Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who is unavoidably absent due to pressing state assignments.

I want to assure the people of this community that our government will continue to assist them, especially in the areas of infrastructural development among others, he said.

34 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

Vol 3 No. 152

Dell has introduced Compellent, a fluid data solution, to cut costs and boost performance. Its Storage Solutions Director, Middle East & Africa, Mr Ossama El Samadoni, in this interview with JIMI DAVID, speaks on this new method and more. Excerpts:

‘Why we adopted new data management strategy’ The Beginning

E

ARLY this year, leading global ICT brand, Dell, completed its acquisition of Compellent Technologies, Inc., a rapidly-growing provider of highly-virtualised storage solutions with automated data management features, including tiering and thin provisioning, for enterprise and cloud-computing environments. The Compellent acquisition is Dell’s latest strategic investment to expand its award-winning, enterprise storage portfolio which includes EqualLogic and PowerVault. The combination of Compellent technology with Dell storage solutions significantly advances the Dell strategy to help customers better manage data growth, reduce storage costs and simplify the management of IT infrastructure.

Compellent Fluid Data technology combines a powerful data movement engine, intelligent software and modular hardware that can help cut costs up to 80 per cent. The Fluid Data architecture provides blocklevel intelligence to automatically place data on the right storage tier to optimise performance and maximise cost savings. Compellent’s open, future-ready design integrates seamlessly with applications and infrastructure, enables customers to scale on a single platform and add capabilities without forklift upgrades.

Defining Compellent as a product The product, Compellent, is a management strategy that will reduce waste and cost. It is intended to improve manageability and service levels as well as mitigate risks. It has been in the market with lots of innovation, and the software for the last eight years. It has been serving customers for the last eight years and our roadmap on the Compellent extends beyond the five years. It is a data protection built for the satisfaction of customers. Right now, we have more than 16 employees in theNigerian office. A year ago, we started with just one staff member and I think that this is significant enough about how Dell is investing in the economy.

Dell as core business Basically, Dell is a core business company before anything and our customers enjoy the services of Dell as well as its corporate functions on our personal computers (PCs). We have been doing servers long before our PCs started working. We are enterprising in what we are doing and what we have done is to expand the Dell enterprise solution range in the mar-

‘The product, Compellent, is a management strategy that will reduce waste and cost. It is intended to improve manageability and service levels as well as mitigate risks. It has been in the market with lots of innovation, and the software for the last eight years. It has been serving customers for the last eight years and our roadmap on the Compellent extends beyond the five years. It is a data protection built for the satisfaction of customers’ ket. We have looked more into details of the enterprise solution and personal computers .We are still a company that is providing computers either in form of PCs, servers and computing capacity in the cloud.

That is what Dell is all about.

Target customers Basically, all customers with data requirements are meant to enjoy the features and functionalities of the Dell services and its protection. However, from a customer’s perspective, the Dell storage and usually promoted to enterprise customers and with a 500 KPE turn - over has requirement on storage or technology

Impact of Dell Compellent What we have done is using a highly virtualised and storage technology that can provide a 50 per cent reduction on the storage platform compared to the traditional storage platform.

The Dell Compellent architecture A Dell Fluid Data architecture enables Dell

•Samadoni Compellent network storage to manage enterprise data at a more granular level. Details about each block are captured in action, providing real-time system intelligence. A powerful data management and movement engine uses this information to actively store, migrate and protect data efficiently and cost effectively.

With a Dell Fluid Data architecture, Dell Compellent breaks through the boundaries of traditional storage systems to deliver solutions with the future built in.

Business applications are implemented faster, information to make decisions is available when it’s needed, new technologies are readily adopted and deployed, and data is protected against downtime and disaster.

Only a Dell Fluid Data Architecture can deliver breakthrough efficiency buy fewer drives and use more Tier 3 storage, saving on power and space Intelligent storage automationsimplify your IT infrastructure with zero-touch management single platform scalability scale on demand on a persistent, technology-independent platform continuous data protection protect data with space-efficient snapshots and multi-site replication Real-time responsivenessrely on storage that performs as promised from day one.

Onga cooking competition: Star prize winner emerges

A

N undergraduate of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Miss Ossai Josephine, is the star prize winner of the Onga Cooking competition.

The grand finale held at its National Campus Cooking Competition at the University of Lagos.

She won a brand new Kia Rio car, after a keenly contested competition involving 14 others.

The competition, which took off about four months ago, cut across 14 institutions of higher learning with one winner emerging from each to participate in the grand finale.

The second, third and fourth position winners were Idiaro Kikelomo Baliqis of the Bayero University, Kano; Emma Edwin of the University of Calabar and Nkechi Chioma, a

student of the host institution.

Josephine expressed gratitude to Promasidor for creating programmes that assist youths to develop their culinary skills through the use of Onga seasoning powder, adding that the competition had afforded her the privilege of meeting others and learning how to cook their cuisines.

She said: “A big thank you to Onga, and thanks to my fellow contestants. With this, I know that many students will go for Onga because it is trying to let us know that apart from the normal food we cook, Onga can be used to cook big soup because what I prepared was a very big soup and I used Onga soup flavor. I have met with friends, 14 of us. We stayed in the same hotel. We mingled and for the first time in the University of Lagos and am so happy.”

“This is not the end; other people should keep trying to win.

“I got to know I could cook well since I was a kid.”

The Manager, Brands Group, Food Enhancement and Beverages, Mrs. Abiola Inawo, noted that the students are future mothers, and the campus is one of the places where one can meet them. However, we hold competitions among different groups of women too.

She said: “We hold competitions among women too because the brand is women-oriented. We’ve held cooking competitions in churches, Asalatus (muslim gatherings), Societies (Ogoja women). Earlier this year, we were in Kaduna with the commissioners’ wives. We did women empowerment programmes.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

35

Again, DDB shines at LAIF

I

T was yet another historic feat for DDB Lagos at the recently held Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) as the Nigerian office of the global marketing communications giant and its clientele carted home no fewer than 15 outstanding creative awards in different categories.

The agency, a renowned creative power house in the country, was the cynosure of all eyes as its representatives were called to the podium at intervals to collect awards spanning telecoms, financial services, FMCGI Government, food and personal care at a well-attended event by industry chieftains and advertising professionals.

LAIF awards instituted in 2006, to inspire practitioners in the development and execution of original, novel and awesome ideas also aims to enhance healthy competition amongst Nigerian advertising agency.

At the event held in the cozy ambience of Civic Centre penultimate Saturday, DDB won an impressive total of 15 awards -three gold, seven silver and five bronze.

The awards win followed shortlisted works done in the press, outdoor, TV and radio categories; thereby reinforcing its reputation in building corporate image, growing household brands and a clear understanding of the telecoms and financial services sector.

In response to this amazing feat that appears to have become a tradition, the Managing Director of DDB, Ikechi Odigbo, said: “Our determination to succeed is solid and unwavering; it is pivotal and evidently consistent too. We have a corporate mandate to become the creative business solutions provider of choice and the biggest and best among builders of brands in Nigeria. We would stop at nothing in our bid to help our clients attain and sustain leadership in their respective industries. We remain deeply humbled by this achievement.”

The selection process for the awards is managed by a group of international and local jurors with the following as criteria – originality, strong idea, excellent execution and relevance of brief. DDB and MTN Nigeria continue to remain the most awarded agency and brand at LAIF awards since inception.

DDB Lagos is a full-service marketing

communications firm and a member of DDB worldwide, part of the Omnicom Group. The firm manages a rich array of local and global brands spanning all major categories.

Speaking at an event preceding this year’s edition of LAIF, the AAAN President, Rufai Ladipo, said: “LAIF awards has over these years gained noteworthy recognition within and outside advertising circles such that when we step out for pitches these days, we get questions about if we ever won LAIF Awards or how many LAIF Awards we’ve won so far. This is encouraging and is intended to encourage the local industry, especially for those who are getting it right to do more.” He added that very soon, LAIF awards will earn global recognition like the Cannes awards.

Enyi Odigbo, the current Chairman of DDB has an illustrious career in brand management, product development, research and sales policy development.

Starting off with a stint with Beecham Limited managing brands like Horlicks, Lucozade and Ribena. He moved to Nigerian Breweries where he managed Green Sands Shandy and Maltina as Product Manager and later rose to Account Director. He founded Casers Ltd in 1987 which became affiliated to DDB Worldwide in 200 Odigbo studied Political Science at the University of Calabar where he graduated in 1986. He is also a 2007 General Management alumnus of Harvard Business School. He began his advertising career over 20 years ago as a copywriter.

Showing immense versatility, Ike has successfully combined both creative and account management functions working in a professional and executive capacity for such leading brands as Glo Mobile, Carnco Foods, McVities, LG Electronics, Pfizer, MTN, Diamond Bank, Mercedes Benz, WWF, Sony and Mimee Noodles.

Following his elevation as Chief Operating Officer in 2007, Ike was the main driver of a new business model that would help reposition DDB from just an Ad agency to a strategic brand partner.

Ike heads the agency with a mandate to transform DDB into the best and biggest builder of brands in Nigeria. He also seats on the board of the Casers Group.

Zero customer service

N

O water. No courtesy. Up in the sky, among the clouds, 25ft above sea level, what could you have done? The airhostess was discourteous all the way from Calabar en route Lagos. How could she have served you with pre-used disposable paper cups?

In addition, she was unapologetic about it. The cups were smeared with lipsticks.

How could she have harboured such a thought before acting it, beats your imaginations? However, it raised several questions. Did she think you would take it lie low? Did she think because you were thirsty, you would not check the health of the cups?

Did she know the state of the cups? Are you sure she was unaware of the state of the cups? Ok. Chill. Give her the benefit of the doubt. Hypothesis A: She was unaware that the paper cups had been used previously by the former passengers on the flight from Lagos. Hypothesis B: She was just carrying out an order without checking whether those paper cups were unclean or clean. Hypothesis C: She was tired and needed a place to place her head and steal a nap before the plane touches down.

These hypotheses may be right or wrong.

It all depends. It depends on what? It depends on two facts. One, were you the air hostess who has been serving unthankful passengers for God knows how many hours, you have the licence to be absentminded and not double ‘check’ to ascertain if those cups were ‘certified’ clean to be used by the passengers. Two, were you a paying air passenger whose flight was delayed for over three hours without an explanation, on the edge, angry; as such, you were not in the mood for cold snacks you got. What you needed was something to calm your fray nerves. No, not sugar water! Clean, colourless water, at least, to ensure you maximise the value of the fare.However, the hostess served the water quite right, a big bottle. She also indicated it was meant for the three passengers on each seat. No problems.

Then, she provided one paper cup! Catch the scenario? One big, bottle water. One white paper cup. These were meant for three passengers, three adults, three strangers, three non-speaking foreigners. Now, one woman was forcing them to share a cup! Why, why? The elderly and articulate woman in the middle seat was deranged.

•From left, Art Director Awosanma Olaniyi; Division Director Igbo Amadi-Obi; Managing Director Iyke Ikechi Odigbo and Creative Director Babatunde Sule, all of DDB Lagos, during the Sixth Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival.

Her voice rising, nerves on fire, she demanded to know how ‘mother air hostess’ wanted her ‘children’ to use the water: To drink straight from the bottle by taking turn?

Or to pour the content into the water closet?

As an answer, the airhostess hissed like a snake and cat-walked away. However, she returned with another set of two ‘new’ cups.

Except that, this time, the cups had lipstick stains on the edges. Then, your ‘advocate’ commanded the airhostess to take away the water, the cups and the untouched cold snacks, which were placed on the in-tray.

This is the summary of the drama. The three passengers (and others who did not raise their objections) disembarked the plane with no cup, no water, and no apology from the ‘angry’ airhostess.

That is one of the ordeals customers endure every day either you are shopping at a roadside shop or dining at a five star hotel or paying premium for a telecommunications service at a service outlet in the heart of Lagos. A friend said that the customer service delivery in Nigeria has been raised a notch by the advent of the telcos. He is a highly placed fellow and most times, he gets red carpet treatment. Why? He is a top executive in one of the telcos. Therefore, why would he not get more than red carpet treatment? He could have even been doused with confetti each time he shows up at any of the service centres. Anyway, several experiences and the latest one had proved that the customers are in for hard times in this part of the world. Yes, the women who operate the various service centres are pretty.

They are attractively attired. They wear bright smiles. They are well-educated. They are as bright as buttons. They have good command of the English language. They can attract customers. That is where the encomium ends. Some of these women and men do not think beyond their jobs. They have a five-to-nine`` mentality, and that is why they lack the ability to retain discerning customers. From MTN Friendship Centres to Visafone Service Centre, from Airtel, Zoom Mobile to Glo service outlets, all the customers get is cold treatment. If the security guard is not harassing you, he is molesting you. Where the security is not that strict and you are allowed access to the counter, those behind it would treat you like a pawn on a chessboard. For a minor complaint that could be handled by one staff member, you would be tossed back and forth between three employees before such could be achieved.

Meanwhile, these women and men in the class ‘house’ are very oblivious of the fact that they earn their salary from your patronage! However, this goes to our executive friend: The telcos have not raised the bar of customer service delivery; no, not one bit; no, they have not! Let us repeat that. The telcos have not raised the bar of customer service delivery, no, not one bit, no they have not! Instead, they have installed bright lights. They have hired attractive women. They have built expensive façade. They have introduced calming ambience. They have brought overpriced branding. They have employed menacing security guards. One wish those in the customer care department of these telcos are as attractive inside as they are outside.

However, they are not. One wish their bright smiles are genuine. But they are not.

One wish they understand what the customer really needs. But they do not. One wish they would deliver their brands’ promises. But they have not! All you get is cold water from their branded water dispensers, and cold treatment from the equally branded staff!

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Human Relations Executive - Owolabi Afolabi *Operations Executive - Isiaka Hassan *Creative - Oluwaseyi Sulaimon*Front Office Executive - Blessing Nkeanya * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Drumbeat Media and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper. Corporate Suite: 20 Akinremi Street, off Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, , e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

36

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

COMMENTARY

T

HE ability to speak or write is a gift from Allah which grows into a skill over time. Speaking, no matter how eloquently, cannot be as important as getting audience. So is writing. A speaker becomes an orator only through the reaction of his audience. Radio and television broadcasters can attest to this.

And, an author or columnist can only be celebrated or denigrated by his readers.

Any writer who takes his readers for granted can only do so at his own peril.

Such a writer may not be qualified for an author or a columnist.

Column writing is like pregnancy in the womb of a woman. The experience garnered by the columnist in the weekly process of conceiving an idea as well as delivering it can hardly be fully recounted. As once expressed in this column, the problem of a genuine columnist is not a dearth of ideas but a deluge of them. Choosing a theme alone out of the many throwing themselves to you vigorously and competitively is enough a problem.

Besides, a columnist is like a bull’s eye targeted by every desperate hunter. And a participatory column like THE ‘MESSAGE’ is not dissimilar from a refuse bin where all sorts of rubbish are dumped in the name of reactions. The same article in a column that fetches accolades and commendations from certain quarters may also attract serious criticisms or outright condemnations from others. Every reader seems to expect his favourite column to reflect his or her line of thinking. Where this fails to happen, disappointment is bitterly expressed.

The principle of reader’s participation adopted by ‘THE MESSAGE’ from its inception in 2006 has not waned a bit. If reactions were not published in recent times it was due to certain irresistible issues wrought by expediency. Reactions to this column come in various forms either as comments, questions, observations, corrections or advice through phone calls, text messages and e-mail, thanks to technology. What is unique about ‘THE MESSAGE’ as an Islamic column is its readership which cuts across religions, ideologies, tribes, callings, genders and age strata even as readers’ reactions come accordingly.

As a reminder however, it is necessary to emphasise here, once again, that only reactions which meet the standard already set in this column in terms of relevance, reason, logic and language will see the light of the day.

Nevertheless, any reactions published in this column should not be seen as superior to those not published. Since all reactions cannot be possibly published at once, random selection based on geographical spread and quality becomes the rule.

For the first time ever since this column started five years ago, all the reactions to last Friday’s article in this column were unanimous. The title of that article was ‘LETTER TO MR. PRESIDENT’. And the issue therein was mostly about the removal of oil subsidy being proposed by the Federal Government. Of about 218 reactions received in respect of that article, no single one expressed an opinion different from those of others. It was like a referendum on a national issue.

REACTIONS: Mr. Femi Abbas, I am an ardent reader of your column. Reading the topical issues you often address so deeply in that column cannot be resisted. Today’s letter to Mr. President is particularly captivating. You really captured the thought of most Nigerians on the so called subsidy removal. It was a summary of people’s opinions on the issue. My problem however is whether or not the President will read it. If he doesn’t it is his own palaver. As a president, he is expected to know how to monitor people’s opinions about his government. His image makers alone should not be blamed. On this highly volatile issue, Mr. President has spoken and the public have spoken. Removal of oil subsidy which President Jonathan never promised in his election campaign may be the first major test for the current republic in Nigeria. God bless you.

Magnus Ezekiel, Lafia, Nasarawa.

Femi, how are we sure that his (the

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08051101861

Readers’ comments the electricity tariff has been spirally increased without the consent of the people in anticipation of when electricity will become stable in Nigeria. The government’s slogan this time should be ‘death for all in year 2012’. Good night.

Innocent Obi, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Dear Femi, May God bless you for your letter to Mr. President yesterday. You said it all. My only problem is that Jonathan and co may refuse to hear the voice of reason. Thanks.

Lawrence Nwahiri.

•Dr. Jonathan President’s) so-called advisers will allow him to see this your letter?

Papa Igbafe, Otuo Owan East LG, Edo State Alhaji Abbas, if you noticed the discordant statements coming from the government quarters on the controversial removal of oil subsidy, you would not have been surprised by the attitude of this government. While the President was telling us that the money to be realised from the removed subsidy would be spent on revamping the moribund refineries and provision of new ones, his ministers were singing a different tune. The Minister of Petroleum in particular laid emphasis on provision of jobs, hospitals, schools and roads. And her propaganda regarding these formed the contents of the insulting adverts now regularly reaching us through our national radio and television networks.

What else are we talking about?

Tunde Morondiya, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Mr. Abbas, I have always flipped over your column in The Nation. But your letter to the President published on Friday is out of this world. My prayer is that the President and each governor recites that article as a poem daily may be they will receive the wisdom which their party manifestoes cannot give them.

Marshal, Lagos.

Mr. Femi Abbas, if the subsidy on oil alone can provide all the mentioned amenities as we are told, then, what does the government want to do with over four trillion naira budget for year 2012?

Zainab Gambo, Yola, Adamawa State.

Femi, you said it all in your column.

The government wants to make year 2012 a year of Armageddon for all Nigerians. That is the year in which the 36 toll gates that were built at the cost of 36 million naira and demolished with N360 million will be rebuilt with N1.5 billion. And we do not know yet how much will each vehicle driver pay at every toll gate. It is the year in which new vehicle number plates and other vehicle particulars will be rolled to be purchased by force at exorbitant amount.

It is the year in which new driver’s licence and new vehicle particulars will be forced on us. It is also the year of removal of oil subsidy when most Nigerians will become moving corpses.

Already, as you stated in your column,

Abbas, I think the mistake of the Federal Government is its ignorance about the advantage of referendum in governance. Have you noticed that no Nigerian government since independence about 51 years ago has ever subjected any national issue to a referendum? The fear of defeat will never allow them to do that. They will rather capitalise on the ignorance of Nigerians to rule them forever by fiat in the name of democracy. One day we shall get there.

Nasir Abubakar, Bauchi.

I appreciate you a lot for the incisive, down to earth message which appeared on page 36 of The Nation of Friday, November 18, 2011 to President Jonathan. No advice can be more sincere and timely. But the crux of the matter is this: will he heed this God-inspired advice? A President who is neither a Goliath nor a Pharaoh but daily manifesting the attributes of a deaf Czar; a President who forgets his rustic root so fast and akin to the temptation of power. “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”..... May God save Naija.

Priye.

Yes, you have written a sensible letter with good logic and fine presentation, but to which government? Please, know that your letter is out of tune for a government that could not provide simple certificates and medals for only 365 Nigerians purportedly granted national awards despite the huge amount voted for it. Remember that those certificates and medals were imported from China as if there are no companies in Nigeria that can supply same. Remember also that the same shameful act occurred on the Independence Day on October 1, last year. And what national awards are we talking about anyway? Have some of the awardees not gone to prisons with the awards? Femi, what kind of government will keep repeating such a shameful act if seriousness is really involved in governance? Your letter was timely and inspiring but that type of letter should have been directed to the State Governors where some elements of seriousness are more manifest. There is nothing called federation here in Nigeria.

Ayodele Mabinuori, Lagos.

Femi, from the N50 billion waiver on rice importation surreptitiously granted some foreign crooks operating in Nigeria alone, at a time when hunger is almost at its peak and the drum of anticorruption is loudest in our country, you should have known that the focus of this government is far away from what can benefit the people. When it is time, the

situation will take care of itself.

Jacob Agbaso, Asaba, Delta State.

Femi, our priority now as a government is how to make money to provide needed facilities for you these ungrateful masses. Or where do you expect us to get money from for the provision of good roads, well equipped hospitals, standard schools and jobs for our youths all of which you are demanding? Without the removal of oil subsidy how can we provide all these?

Whether you like it or not the subsidy on oil will go. Period! And anybody who opposes our well intended plan for the good people of Nigeria on this issue is a renegade and he or she will be treated as such. The alternative for you is to migrate to Libya or Egypt.

Yunusa Okekwu, Makurdi, Benue State.

Mr. Abbas, can you imagine our President telling the visiting French team the other time that they should ignore Boko Haram menace and come to Nigeria to invest their money. Wasn’t that ridiculous? I think this President came into office long after he ought to have come. Or how do you see that?

Safinat Muhammad, Guzau, Zamfara State.

Alhaji Femi, if you want to dispel a disturbing smoke in the environment, the best way is to search for the fire from which the smoke is coming and quench it. You will waste months if not years dispelling a smoke which source you do not know. That is the problem of our government. Insecurity cannot be stopped by the gun. Insecurity should be expected in any society where people are jobless, hungry and wretched. What a well-meaning government should do in such a society is to solve those social problems and the problem of insecurity will automatically be solved. An idle hand is said to be the devil’s workshop.

But who will tell our government this without being labelled an enemy?

Suraju Onokaba, Okene, Kogi State.

Femi, thanks for your article. At least for once, the government has now told us that the cost of one litre of oil without subsidy is N142. This is what the same government had refused to tell us for years. And now, that we know the amount of subsidy on a litre of oil if that is the truth, can we ask the government to tell us what it has done with the much amount realised from the sale of about four million barrel of oil daily.

Okey Ndubusi, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

I think we should ask the Federal Government to tell us point blank how much is our national debt today? When the sum of $32 billion was paid off in 2006, every Nigerian had a sigh of relief not only because we thought we would be better off in our living standard henceforth but also because our children would not inherit our debt. But what does our debt record say today? We are now hearing that between 2006 and now we are indebted to the tune of $39 billion. The question is: what project led us to that? We don’t have roads. We don’t have electricity. We don’t have functional refineries. No jobs for majority of our youths. Yet, we are so much indebted? Please, we need to know.

The government should confirm or deny that figure with evidence. We have a right to know. We cannot continue to be kept in the dark.

Abimbola Odusile, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Femi, it would have been a different matter if President Jonathan had not been a Vice-President and an Acting President before becoming a substantive President. That long experience is enough for him to understand Nigeria and Nigerians enough. But it seems you can only give what you have.

Bilkisu Sanda, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Mr. Abbas, I see our Finance Minister as an active agent of IMF. She is ready to sell us into a new slavery. Why must she be bent on removal of fuel subsidy at this very hard time? Besides the reason of wanting to provide better facilities, what justification does she have for this murderous venture? Na wa o!

Buki Salami, Akure, Ondo State.

THE NATION

38

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

CRIME WATCH

Man held over neighbour’s death LETUS Nweke, a hairstylist has been arrested by the police for the alleged murder of a 27-year-old driver, Mr Paul Michael.

Nweke allegedly killed Michael at about 5.40am on November 9, 2011 at the Ikota Housing Estate, Ajah, Lagos. Prior to the incident, the two men were said to have been neighbours.

Nweke said his house was burgled and his television, video player, shoes and other belongings stolen on November 7, 2011, adding that he went to Michael in a bid to get to the root of the theft.

“Michael was the closest neighbour to me

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Stories by Titilayo Banjoko

and so I felt he must have seen whoever broke into my room,” Nweke said. “To my greatest surprise, when I asked him, Michael and his friends started making fun of me.

They were very nonchalant about the issue and that made me feel really bad and hurt,” he said.

Instead of reporting the case to the police, Nweke accused Michael of the burglary and a fight ensued.

“I listened to the suggestion of my friends that Michael should have an explanation for the burglary or he should have known who

I listened to the suggestion of my friends that Michael should have an explanation for the burglary or he should have known who was responsible. I went to approach him in the compound while he was brushing his teeth around 3:00 am •Cletus

was responsible. I went to approach him in the compound while he was brushing his teeth around 3:00am while other tenants were still sleeping,” Nweke said.

Continuing, he said: “I asked him why he had a nonchalant attitude about the theft in my room. Michael started insulting me, calling me a fool for not protecting my belongings. His insults became unbearable and we started quarrelling and a fight ensued. Michael was the person who tried to stab me with a broken bottle. In my struggle to collect the broken bottle from him, the bottle fell and Michael landed on it with his shoulder.”

Michael was rushed to the nearest hospital but he had lost so much blood and was said to have died shortly after.

Nweke was then arrested and taken to the Ilaje Police Station at Ajah. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at Panti, Yaba.

A police source, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said Nweke had attempted to escape from the Ilaje police cell.

“This guy is a hardened criminal. He tried to escape from the Ilaje police cell by opening the ceiling of the cell and he was arrested and transferred to Panti,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Yakubu Alkali said the suspect will soon be charged to court.

‘Why I buried my one-day-old baby alive’

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HY will a woman kill her one-dayold child after nine months of pain?

That is the question Charity Obi Ikechukwu, 23, mother of two, who recently did the unthinkable by burying her one-day-old baby alive, has found no genuine answers to.

Charity, who hails from Kwale in Delta State, lives in Olowotedo Quarters, near Mowe, Ogun State. She is being interrogated by homicide detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Ogun State. She narrated her experience to Newsextra.

“It was out of ignorance and also a mistake. It was the devil that provoked me and pushed me to bury her alive. I didn’t want to carry an illegitimate child because the man who impregnated me had bluntly said he was not the father,” she cried.

Continuing, she said: “I was married to Sheriff with whom I had two daughters. Unfortunately, my husband died two years ago. After his death, I came across one Kehinde Abeeb with whom I started another relationship. But when he realised that I was pregnant, he left me. If I had money, I would have gotten rid of the pregnancy a long time ago.

“To raise money and cater for the two other girls was a problem, let alone raising as much as N5,000 to carry out an abortion.

“Three months ago, I went to a nurse, Adedeji, (aka Iyabeji) and told her I wanted to terminate the pregnancy. It was then she said it would cost me N5, 000. Since then, she had been calling me particularly on my intention to get rid of the pregnancy.

“Consequently, on September 8, I went to her based on our previous arrangement and she gave me an injection. I thereafter gave her N5, 000. When I was going home with

my friend, Modinat, who went with me to the nurse, told me there was a stain on my dress.

“I thought the pregnancy would automatically come down with the injection she gave me. But, on getting home, I started having serious stomach ache and had to visit another nurse Mrs. Ishola in my area.

She told me it was time to put to bed. I ignored her and went back home.

“On reaching home, the stomach ache persisted, forcing me to rush back to the nurse. I pleaded with her to help with the delivery, even though I had no money. I told her as a resident of the area, I had nowhere to run to and that I would definitely pay her once I had money. So, the nurse did everything for me, including baby items I needed to have taken to the clinic.”

She went on: “I was delivered of the baby. We were to go home; Modinat strapped the baby on her back. When we got home, I was worried, especially on how to cater for my three children. The one that touched me was the shameful aspect of nurturing a fatherless baby.

“It was based on that that I told Modinat that I would kill the baby.

She did not give any comment.

When I was to carry out the act, she was the one that got me a digger. I dug the ground and threw the baby inside. Before I covered her with the earth, the baby was crying but I did not mind her. I covered her and went inside the room. It was later that Chairman sent for me,” Charity said.

It was gathered that Modinat, her friend reported the burial of the child to a community leader in the area who alerted the police from Mowe Police Station.

It was out of ignorance and also a mistake. It was the devil that provoked me and pushed me to bury her alive.

I didn’t want to carry an illegitimate child; because the man who impregnated me had bluntly said he was not the father…I was married to Sheriff with whom I had two daughters. Unfortunately, my husband died two years ago

The detectives swung into action and arrested all that were connected with the incident, including Modinat and the two nurses, Mrs. Omolara Ishola and Adeola Adedeji.

The four suspects are being interrogated by homicide detectives of the Ogun State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Narrating her experience, Modinat Rasaq said: “I am 21 years old and a trader. I live with Aunty Charity at Olowotedo Quarters, near Mowe in her one-room apartment she inherited from her late husband.

“On that fateful September 8, at about 11.00 in the morning, I felt like sleeping but Aunty Charity called me to come with her to Adesan bus stop, also within Mowe. I decided to go with her because I would be the only one left at home should I not yield to her request.

On getting to Adesan, we branched off and entered a building. The woman we went to see (Mrs. Adeola Adedeji) happened to be a nurse who uses a rented apartment as her residence and clinic. We all were in the sitting room. Having stayed for too long, Aunty Charity called the nurse to attend to her and that she had to

leave. It was based on that, she gave her injection and Aunty Charity gave her five pieces of N500 notes and we left the place.

“While we were waiting to take okada, I informed her that her cloth had some stains at the back and she told me it was as a result of the injection she took. On getting home, she lay on bare floor and began to writhe in pains. She then went to a nurse in our area (Mrs. Omolara Ishola) whom she said examined her and told her to go and bring her baby materials, more so that it was time to be delivered of the baby. She was delivered of the baby without paying kobo. After the nurse had dressed the baby up, I strapped her on my back and we went home.

“When we got home and the baby was crying, I placed her on a shawl and asked Aunty Charity to clothe her. She responded that there was no clothe. I then looked for her twoyear-old daughter’s, Rokibat, and wore it on her. She shocked me by saying she would kill the baby.

“Almost immediately, she gave me N200 to go and buy bleach for her. I suspected that Aunty Charity had the intention of poisoning the baby. I went back home and told her

that I didn’t see any bleach to buy.

“When I got home, the baby was still on the floor, crying. Her countenance showed that she was not satisfied with the reply I gave concerning the bleach and she also knew that I would not allow her to carry out the act. So, she sent me to the first nurse who injected her. She actually forgot her handset there and asked me to go and get it for her.

“Before I came back, she had dug a hole and buried the baby in it. I was sad about that development and I had to report to our quarter chairman, Chief Lateef Bashorun.

“The chairman hid me at the back of the door while she was invited into his office. On interrogation about her baby, she referred to me as her sister-in-law and said I had killed and buried the baby. That was how policemen were invited and arrested us.

However, Mrs. Adedeji, 33, the nurse who injected her claimed Charity came to complain of malaria; hence she gave her Paracetamol and Chloroquine injections. She denied giving her inductive injection.

She said: “I only treated her for malaria by injecting her with Paracetamol and Chloroquine. I am a trained and certificated nurse. I had my training at The Light Clinic and Maternity Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State between late 2001 and early

•Drugs seized by the NDLEA being burnt by officials of the agency and other agencies in Ekiti State at Ilokun area of Ado- Ekiti, capital of Ekiti State

THE NATION

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

Nigeria Breweries donates N10m equipment to OAU

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IGERIAN Breweries Plc has donated laboratory microscopes worth ten million naira to the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IleIfe. The presentation of the laboratory equipment held at the Faculty of Agric was witnessed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Bamitale Omole who described the NB Plc’s gesture as an “example of the kind of co-operation and collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions that OAU is seeking.”

The equipment, which was specifically donated to the Department of Crop Production and Protection in the Faculty of Agric consists of 12 Leica compound Microscopes and 13 Leica dissecting Microscopes respectively.

While handing over the equipment to the VC on behalf of the Managing Director of NB Plc, Mr. Eugene Odikanwa, the Brewery Manager of Ibadan office, said the company places high premium on education and have over the years and through various initiatives executed numerous programmes geared towards

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OR the economic transformation agenda of the Federal Government to be accomplished, successful agricultural transformation must be put in place, the Director-General Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Prof. Israel Taiwo has said.

Taiwo revealed stated this during a one-day workshop on “Agricultural Commodity Marketing and Transformation in Nigeria organised by NISER in Abuja.

•From left: Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, NB Plc, Mr Vivian Ikem, Dr Salami, Prof. Omole, Odikanwa and Dean, Faculty of Agric,

Prof. Simisola Odeyinka, during the presentation

uplifting the quality of learning and scholarship. “ We want to see more collaboration between corporate organisations and the academia because we believe that such partnerships are essential for the development of a functional educational system” said Odikanwa.

In her speech, the acting head of the department Mrs Abiodun Salami noted that the

microscopes in the department were obsolete and it was purchased in 1977. She described the kind gesture of NB Plc as a welcome development.

“This unparallel kind gesture of good Corporate Social Responsibility CSR, is what we are acknowledging today. We are receiving the microscopes formally for the use of the department and the university at large” she said.

How to revive the economy, says NISER boss From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

He said the sector accounts for about two-fifths of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and a larger share of employment than any other sector.

“The Nigerian economy has largely been driven by agriculture

and crude oil. The agricultural sector has, in fact, driven the Nigerian economy far longer than any other sector. It is against this backdrop that one is tempted to argue that if the economic transformation agenda of the Federal Government is to be accomplished, successful agricultural transformation is a necessary

Lagos chief denies leadership tussle

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HE Olumegbon of Lagos Chief Abiodun Lawal Olumegbon has denied there is crisis in the leadership of the Idejo ruling class.

Chief Olumegbon who heads the Idejo class of chiefs told reporters that the state tradition is clear on how to appoint a successor to the leadership of the ruling class.

“It is in the Obas and Chiefs law; once you are a king or chief in a place or kingdom, there can never be any other head of the family again. That king or chief automatically assumes the headship of that family,” he said.

With his appointment in 2002 as the new Olumegbon of Lagos, he said, “I automatically assume the leadership of the Idejo class of chiefs.”

He wondered how someone who understands tradition and regulations guiding the appointment of successor in the ruling class would believe there is another head of the family outside the selected chief from the family.

“I’m the present Olumegbon of Lagos and by that appointment, there can never be any head of the

We want to see more collaboration between corporate organisations and the academia because we believe that such partnerships are essential for the development of a functional educational system

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

family besides the chief who is the custodian of the people and the resources. So there can never be any other head of the family again and anybody laying claim to the headship of Olumegbon just want to create a scenario which I think is unnecessary,” he said.

Asked whether there is crisis within the family over the headship of the ruling class, Chief Olumegbon said “no.”

“We have a united Olumegbon even the paramount ruler of Lagos Oba Oba Rilwan Akiolu did not dispute the fact that a new leadership of the clan that emerged in 2002 has been representing the family in the palace.

It’s unheard of for someone who was nowhere to be found to surface after nine years of my installation as the Olumegbon of Lagos and still claim he is the head of the family,” he added.

“Where was he during the crisis in Ajah? He is just an ordinary member of the family. Maybe the culture and tradition of the chieftaincy affairs is alien to him.

•Olumegbon

By customs and tradition, he is my son because I’m the head of the family home and abroad. You do not ascend the throne by age.

You ascend the throne through spiritual intervention; so I was selected and since I have been approved by the Lagos State government as the Olumegbon of Lagos and Ajah, all other siblings of Olumegbons are under me,” he noted.

He urged the people of Ajah people to maintain peace and tolerate one another.

condition,” he said.

Prof. Taiwo, however, regretted that with the impressive contribution of the agricultural sector to the Nigerian economy, it has been contended that full potential of the agricultural sector has not been realised.

He enumerated the challenges of both the upstream and downstream activities of the sector to include mechanisation, irrigation and institutional arrangements for agricultural production, storage and marketing.

“The issue of Agricultural Commodity Board has generated considerable interest and intense debate both in the public and private sectors since its inception in 1954. This is particularly so because of the abrupt manner in which the boards were abolished in 1986.

“With the benefit of hindsight, many observers and analysts are of the view that the boards were scrapped in error. If indeed this was the case, the question is where we should go from here, given the institutional arrangements that have taken place since 1986.

“In other words, which frameworks for agricultural commodity marketing are most appropri-

ate at this point in time?

“We know we are yet to get it right because of the prevalence of a number of experiences farmers face. The heavy post-harvest losses that character the agriculture sector and the observed decline in the quality of agricultural produce due to price and nonprice factors are some of the problems, “ he said.

Corroborating Prof. Taiwo’s views, Minister of National Planning, Shamsudeen Usman, said any government that wants to succeed must take agriculture serious.

Usman, who was represented by the Secretary, National Planning Commission, Tunde Lawal said for the attainment of the creation of 3.5 million jobs by 2015 by the Federal Government through agriculture, right things must be put in place.

Among the necessary incentives to be put in place, according to the minister, are improvement of food expansion and marketing, transformation of marketing board, diversification of agricultural development, as well as strengthening of commodity system. is to be accomplished, successful agricultural transformation is a necessary condition

The Nigerian economy has largely been driven by agriculture and crude oil. The agricultural sector has, in fact, driven the Nigerian economy far longer than any other sector. It is against this backdrop that one is tempted to argue that if the economic transformation agenda of the Federal Government

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

40

As a politician, I like addressing people. On this occasion, I am dumb-founded. As I look at the physically challenged persons seated, full of expectations, I prayed for Senator Izunaso for the sustenance of this project… This is a situation confronting everybody who should feel the need to encourage the people

‘Give empolyment to the physically challenged’ IGERIANS have been urged to show love for one another, and compassion for the less privileged.

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko gave the advice in an address he presented at a conference held for the physically challenged persons which was organised by Kpakpando Foundation at Concorde Hotel, Owerri, the Imo State capital.

He stressed that Nigeria would be a better place for all if the citizens emulate the kind gesture of the Senator Osita Izunaso , the progenitor of the foundation for the physically challenged persons in the society.

His words: “As a politician, I like addressing people. On this occasion, I am dumb-founded.

As I look at the physically challenged persons seated, full of expectations, I prayed for Senator Izunaso for the sustenance of this project.”

According to him, this is a situation confronting everybody who should feel the need to encourage the people.

“This is a challenge to all and sundry. I feel greatly challenged in the spirit with the sight of what is on ground.”

Governor Mimiko, moved by the enormous challenge facing the foundation, made a huge do-

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•Some of the physically challenged at the event From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

nation to the foundation while promising that he would continue to support the organisation so as to enable the promoters continue to fund the project.

Speaking at the event Senator Chris Ngige highlighted the need for the physically challenged to be courageous in their predicament.

He called on the federal and

state governments to create a law that would make it compulsory for the physically challenged persons to be offered automatic employment by government, individuals and going concerns.

In his address, Governor Okorocha submitted that the state government has made up its mind to build a school for the less-privileged in the society.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Jude Agbaso, revealed that what the

less-privileged people require is empowerment not empathy, indicating that with this, they would be able to contribute meaningfully to the upliftment of society.

In his comment, the originator of the project, Senator Izunaso commended the physically challenged persons, even as he urged them to always call on him for assistance any time.

He used the opportunity to award scholarships to 10 physically challenged persons in insti-

tutions of higher learning.

The Senator further disclosed that the people of the state are privileged to have a governor who feels for the less-privileged in the society.

Senator Izunaso commended the wife of the governor, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha for giving the project a world outlook by bringing reputable personalities such as the wife of the Vice-President of Sera Leone to the occasion.

‘No plans to retrench Edo civil servants’

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DO State government has From Osagie Otabor, debunked rumours making Benin the rounds that it is planworkforce contrary to rumours ning to retrench civil servants.

It said it has rather approved being peddled around.

The state’s Head of Service, the 2010 promotion exercise of its

Princess (Mrs.) Ekiuwa Inneh who gave the assurance when members of Edo State Joint Public Service Negotiating Council paid her a courtesy visit, said the state government never intended to retrench workers.

Princess Inneh noted that Governor Adams Oshiomhole has demonstrated, beyond all doubts, that he is labour-friendly.

She said: “If there is any rumour about workers being sacked, the union leaders should be free to come for clarifications.

“We can always work out any differences between government and workers, if we go to the negotiating table first. I encourage you to feel free to call me and reach me as soon as possible when there are issues,” she noted.

The Head of Service also disclosed that the state government had approved the 2010 promotion exercise in the state, and urged state ministries to expedite

action towards completing the 2010 promotion exercise.

The chairman, Edo State Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, (Trade Union Side) Comrade Shaka Otoede said the members of the council were on a courtesy visit to congratulate the Head of Service on her appointment and to assure her that they will cooperate with the government to promote industrial peace and harmony in the state.

“On our part, we shall endeavour to promote the workability of the JNC in the state; as that is the only thing that will make us to address workers’ problems before they assume unmanageable proportion.

If there is any rumour about workers being sacked, the union leaders should be free to come for clarifications…We can always work out any differences between government and workers, if we go to the negotiating table first. I encourage you to feel free to call me and reach me as soon as possible when there are issues •Wife of chairman, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, Alhaja Ashabi Bamgbola with members of the legislative council of the LCDA during their inauguration at the council secretariat, Ijeshatedo, Lagos.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

One of the major surprises of the April senatorial election was the defeat of Senator Ahmed Makarfi, who sought to retain his mandate to represent Kaduna North Senatorial District. The matter is now before the judiciary to determine who actually won- Peoples Democratic Party’s Makarfi or Congress for Progressive Change’s Yusuf Baba-Ahmed. Correspondent TONY AKOWE reports the ripples generated by the tribunal’s ruling that Makarfi won. The case is now before the Court of Appeal.

Is Makarfi back in contention?

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HEN Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, the former governor of Kaduna State, lost his bid to return to the upper legislative chamber, many people in Kaduna felt both disappointed and surprised. Makarfi was about the only Senator from the state in the sixth Senate whose voice was constantly heard within and outside the National Assembly. He had built a formidable political empire for himself back home and many believed that defeating him would be a herculean task.

Immediately the result of the election was announced, almost three clear days after the election was conducted, Makarfi congratulated the declared winner, Yusuf Datti BabaAhmed of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). With that, many believed that he had conceded defeat and would not challenge the result at the tribunal. Those who believed so were proved wrong when the former governor filed a petition at the tribunal challenging the conduct of the election. Makarfi, through his team of lawyers led by Yunus Ustaz Usman, alleged non compliance with provisions of the 2010 Electoral Act and the manipulation of the electoral process through ballot stuffing, the use of fake, unsigned and unstamped ballot papers which were counted in favour of his opponent.

Apart from the wave of change brought about by the new CPC spirit blowing across the North, Makarfi’s loss at the poll was attributed to many factors, especially the dissension among stakeholders in the party. One school of thought has it that a senior member of the party in the state actually sponsored Baba-Ahmed against Makarfi in a bid to stop his return to the Senate. Another school of thought contends that the former governor entered into an agreement with the CPC to ensure that he was returned to the Senate while working for the party to win other elections.

Those who held this view however believe that his arrangement worked against him. But aides of the former governor dismiss this claim, adding that Makarfi has always been a party man and will always remain loyal to the party at all levels. This was displayed throughout the proceedings at the tribunal as PDP loyalists constantly take over the tribunal whenever the petition was being mentioned.

But his petition suffered an early setback as Baba-Ahmed became a problem. When it was clear to him that his petition would suffer if nothing was done, he applied to the tribunal for substituted service and it was granted. He was permitted to paste the petition at the last known address of Baba-Ahmed and the CPC, an order which was promptly carried out This brought his lawyers running to the tribunal to file a reply. But before they could do that, the time frame allowed for that had expired, necessitating their application to the tribunal for leave to file their reply out of time.

Even though Makarfi, through his counsel opposed the application, they opted for the petition being tried on merit. The tribunal ruled them out of order and allowed the respondent time to file his reply out of time.

That set the time for the pre-trial of the main petition with the Senator Makarfi taking the witness stand as the principal witness in his petition. He told the court that he was adopting his written statement and the entire petition as his evidence. But adopting certain documents from some of the local government areas complained about became contentious as counsel to Baba-Ahmed, Abbas Ibrahim vehemently contested the adopting insisting that some of the documents being tendered were not pleaded in the original petition or in the witness

‘The tribunal and the petitioner appeared surprised at the opposition to the recount. For the tribunal, the question was, having admitted the ballot boxes and their content in evidence, how can they go ahead to determine the case without opening them to know their content and their relevance to the merit of the case’ • Makarfi

statement. The tribunal ruled against him and allowed the document, especially original ballot papers used for the election were admitted in evidence. After admitting the ballot boxes, Yunus Ustaz Usman, lead counsel to Senator Makarfi applied to the tribunal for a recount, but again, agreeing not to contest any original document from INEC, Abbas opposed the counting of the ballot papers.

The tribunal and the petitioner appeared surprised at the opposition to the recount.

For the tribunal, the question was having admitted the ballot boxes and their content in evidence, how can they go ahead to determine the case without opening them to know their content and their relevance to the merit of the case? On the other hand, Makarfi’s counsel could not believe the opposition to

the recount because, according to him, the respondent’s counsel had earlier agreed at the pre-trial hearing that they will not oppose any original document brought before the tribunal. But Abass Ibrahim, counsel to the respondent, argued that they were opposing the counting the content of the ballot boxes because the boxes were not pleaded in the original petition or the witness statement. But the tribunal disagreed with this assertion and ordered a recount of the content of the boxes, adding that the outcome of the recount will form part of the judgement of the tribunal.

While the drama lasted, the former governor sat patiently in court to observe proceedings.

However, there was a mild drama at the tribunal when Senator Baba-Ahmed could not tell the exact number of wards in one of the local government areas that supposedly elected him as senator. One of his supporters

present in court came to his rescue, mentioning the number of wards from the background and was promptly sent out of the courtroom. However, the recounting paved the way for Makarfi to return to the National Assembly with the deduction of over 9,000 votes from the Baba-Ahmed’s votes. The Senator was declared winner for reportedly polling about 1000 votes more than Makarfi.

According to Justice Kalio, about 300 exhibits, including Certified True Copies of Forms EC8A and ballot boxes, were tendered and admitted in evidence during the trial while about 97 were rejected because they were not pleaded by the petitioner in his petition and witness statement. He noted that the counting of the ballot papers at the tribunal by INEC as ordered by the tribunal lasted from October 7 to 20, pointing out that the genuineness of the ballot papers brought to the tribunal by INEC officials was not in doubt. He noted that the contentious issue regarding the ballot papers was the different signatures on them, describing it as “red herring.”

Justice Kalio explained that since they were unsigned documents and have no evidential value, the tribunal was duty bound to deduct such unsigned ballot papers from the votes of any of the candidates. He noted that after sorting and recounting of the votes and deducting the number of the unsigned and unstamped votes from the total votes recorded for the two candidates, Makarfi emerged winner with majority of lawful votes of 364, 801 against Datti Baba-Ahmed’s 356, 579 votes. “Makarfi scored the majority votes. Accordingly, the victory of the first respondent is set aside; the certificate of return should be withdrawn and be given to Senator Makarfi as the duly elected senator for Kaduna North Senatorial Zone.”

The tribunal ruled in accordance with the powers conferred on him by the Electoral Act. But that is hardly the last on the matter. BabaAhmed has continued to trudge ahead exploring the window still open to him by the same Electoral Act by seeking solace at the Appeal Tribunal. Until the final verdict comes, the status quo is maintained.

From left: Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, Deputy Governor of Ekiti State; Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Governor Adams Oshiomhole at the posthumous 80th birthday anniversary celebratio of late Chief Anthony Enahoro at Benin Club in Benin City, yesterday.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

POLITICS

Letter to Nigerian parliamentarians Dear Nigerians Lawmakers

P

ERMIT me to have this dialogue with you in an unusual way. It is the import of the subject matter that necessitated this unorthodox resolve.

Historically, there is no doubt that the legislative arm of Nigeria has suffered regular and severe institutional assaults, disruptions, and annihilation by the successive military junta that forcefully took over the Nigerian state since the advent of military incursion into governance in 1966.

The Nigerian legislative arm of government is usually the first casualty of army insurrection against the state. The usual maiden statements of the military rulers was always and forcefully to prohibit further sitting of the parliament.

The first of such decrees was titled: Decree No.1, 1966 of the Constitution (Suspension and Modification) decree was promulgated by the Federal Military Government to ensure that their powers were unfettered. When the Senate of Babangida’s transition under the then Acting President Senator Ameh Ebute issued notice for the resumption of the senate in 1994, the core leaders of the senate were promptly arrested and detained.

The military strongmen could not envisage a situation where their treasonable conducts could be challenged and pronounced illegal.

Again, part of the military structure of governance is that the highest ruling body (Supreme Military Council/Armed Forces Ruling Council) is usually invested with both executive and legislative powers. In fact they also constitute the judiciary under some decrees.

But there is no doubt that while the judiciary is even tolerated to some extent as long there was no judicial pronouncements that tended to challenge their conduct in office, they left the judiciary to deal with normal trival matters.

They found an ingenious technical way to include ouster clauses into some of their decrees to oust the judicial powers of the court, particularly when the citizens wanted to enforce their fundamental human rights. And to prohibit such challenges to the military powers and authority as witnessed in the Lakanmi Kikelomo’s case in Western Region, they promulgated the Decree No.28, Federal Military Government (Supremacy and Enforcement) of Powers Decree of 1970 to totally establish that the military regime was not subject to any law or authority except as it was so decreed by the military government itself.

Dear Parliamentarians The strong arm tactics of the military has been invested in most of the succeeding civilian executives since 1999. They are mostly unwilling to help the legislature to act independently as expected in the constitution.

The most significant challenge before Nigeria today is how to strengthen the parliament. Part of our national misfortune is that most of those who found their way into the legislatures were agents of power brokers and or buccaneers, whose interests were ordinarily opposite to that of the general public. In fact, it was noticed that they usually instigated the assemblies to issue notices of impeachments against the president and governors occasionally to score some points or to forcefully won some advantages.

That was why the issue of third term for Obasanjo divided the members of the Nigerian Senate into about three powerful enclaves, namely, the Vice President Atiku Abubakar, General Ibrahim Babangida and President Olusegun Obasanjo platforms respectively.

The Executive Presidential system of government provides for an independent, but complEmentary, three arms of government where each arm provides for a check and balance on the others.

Dear Lawmakers I know that you can also appreciate that corruption and lack of transparency can only remain significant in any executive presidential system whenever the legislature has failed to adequately perform it’s constitutional role. In the parliamentary system, the fact that the executive are also part of the legislature, ensure that they have to defend their conduct regularly in the parliament. Sometimes, vote of confidence is taken which can always lead to government retaining his power as the ruling party or the government falls if it looses the vote of confidence. Certainly the hallowed platform ensures that the executive is kept on its toes.

• Opadokun

Under Section 59 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, titled “Mode of exercising Federal Legislative power” money bills states that: The provisions of this section shall apply to: (a) An appropriation bill or a supplementary appropriation bill, including any other bill for the payment, issue or withdrawal from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of the Federation of any money charged thereon or any alteration in the amount of such a payment, issue or withdrawal; and (b) A bill for the imposition of or increase in any tax, duty or fee or any reduction, withdrawal or cancellation thereof.

Governance has not delivered efficient services to Nigerians in most matters since the return to democracy which Nigerians fought for under grave circumstances, with activists paying the sacrifices with their sweat, blood and even their lives. Yet, since 1999, Nigeria has earned extremely huge petro dollars more than $300 billion because of various conficts around the globe. But as the external earnings improved, so the living standard of our people has been deteriorating. There is the usual weekly theatre of the absurd called Federal Executive Council, FEC meeting where they normally exchange banters for robbing each others back on contracts and ratify many over inflated contract awards, yet their annual performances were usually below 30 per cent as the National Assembly had infact condemned. So the beat goes on as the citizens don’t find any positive change to their fortunes. Our social services, education, medical services, etc remain prostrate and morally unconscionable, our infrastructure remain decayed and disproportionate to the huge fortune petrol dollars had brought our way. In fact, some consider the discovery of petroleum in Nigeria as a course rather than a blessing.

Our national image and fortune cannot improve from what it has been since 1999 except there is a fundamental turn around in the manner you, our law makers handle your constitutional responsibilities.

For example the latest UNDP Human Development Index (HDI) report as carried by two Nigerian dailies revealed as follows.

“Nigeria has surfaced again as the country which ranked 156 out of 187 countries in the latest United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Index (HDI) report.

The HDI is a comparative measure of life expectancy, literacy level, education and standard of living for nations of the world. It is also a standard means of measuring people’s

well-being, especially in child welfare. The overall outcome of the HDI is used to classify nations according to the ranks of developed, developing or underdeveloped. In the 2010 HDI report Nigeria was ranked 142 out of 169 countries. For Nigeria to have slipped to 156 from 142 is, to say the least, worrisome. It is a clear indictment of the nation’s leadership that between 2010 and 2011 nothing was done to alleviate the sufferings, and uplift the standard of living of the nation’s distraught and over-burdened populace”.

However, our experience has been that rather than our law makers independently ensuring diligent performance for projects for which they have appropriated public fund most of the committee chairmen and members have collaborated with the executives and the contractors to pay most of these contractors public money for contracts that were overinflated, abandoned or poorly executed.

For example, if you, the legislature, appropriated funds for road construction and housing, etc and yet no road was constructed, not to talk of being declared open, it can only remain unchallenged so because of gross criminal neglect and or criminal collaboration among you, the law makers with the executive and the contractors.

The Nigerian constitution grants you, the lawmakers OVERSIGHT function and responsibility over the various government services. It is the expectation of the law and the public that the law makers will be alive to their constitutional responsibility by over-sighting the various projects for which you have appropriated public funds so as to ensure that you follow up the progress of execution of such projects and that the projects are executed in accordance with the specified standard and quality.

For the greater part of the existence of the National Assembly before the current 2011 session the Nigerian Parliament has significantly failed to perform their real constitutional duties and have been much more interested in the pursuit of trivals and personal interests.

Otherwise, President Obasanjo could not have gone away with numerous infractions, misuse of public fund that were not even appropriated for by the parliament. For example, with over N200billion appropriated for road construction under Obasanjo and Tony Annenihs Ministry of Works and Housing, No road was delivered.

Neither the President or his ally, Annenih has been questioned nor brought to book. The public should be reminded of the gross misuse of public funds in the holding of the Commonwealth Games where among other illegitimate things that happened, President Obasanjo was reportedly to have approved double payments for two different contracts for the supply of the electronic gadgets when in fact they needed just one network.

Dear Nigerian Lawmakers Your immediate collegues surrendered to blackmail, threats and inducements to probe the NNPC and there was no account for all money confiscated from General Abacha’s loot. The Nigerian earnings have been stolen, misused, misapplied, and misallocated by the ruling class and their agents and representatives in government. Another avenue for gross misuse of public funds is the usually undisclosed security votes, which are not subject to any scrutiny either by the parliament or the government auditors.

Again, Nigeria contracts are usually inflated, abandoned, and poorly executed yet the contractors always find their ways to collect the contract sum in full.

And the criminal partitioning of the Common national patrimony among themselves is the rule rather than an aberration. Yet, the ordinary person appears helpless in the face of glaring cases of official corruption and perversion of their oath of office. An example of recent occurrences of such is the unreasonably inflated cost of building another runway at the Abuja airport

‘There is no doubt that the active agents of military dictatorship who in the recent past collaborated to annul electoral victory in 1993 have manipulated themselves into important position of the leadership of the National Assembly. They remain discredited inspite of the greatly flawed election that brought them to high office. You, the agent of public goodwill should think out of the box as you strategies for productive legislative duties’

which was found to be higher than the current globally approved cost of building a totally new airport with all complimentary facilities.

We cannot forget in hurry that some officials of the Electricity Commission of Nigeria along with the Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on power were about 2009/2010 charged to court for stealing over #5billion naira in a contract bazaar without complying with due process. The law makers rather than perform their constitutional duties of oversight criminally compromised with the executive and the contractors to rip-off Nigerians of hard earned national resources. The prosecution has stalled for undisclosed reason(s) even though rumour in the media indicated that some of the contractors were in fact nominees of the highest authority of the National Assembly.

There are today many abandoned projects throughout the country because you, the member of the legitimate institution, charged with ensuring that the executive is not allowed to misbehave in it’s usage of appropriated resources have overwhelmingly failed to do their public duty for which you were so elected.

In the states, the story is similar or are not too different. Most Governors have pocketed the State Assemblies. Intransigent Speakers are usually booted out by their collegues who are usually acting the script of the executive.

Sometimes, minority group that could not form quorum have successfully sacked sitting speaker with majority in the most illegal and unconstitutional way as we have witnessed in some states of the country. The law expects that the legislature and the executive will collaborate to provide effective governance and credible delivery of services. So one is not suggesting that the lawmakers should be on regular war path with the executive arms since they are jointly running the same government. It is just that the legislature has a very unique and critical duties to perform in other that the executive arm of government performs reasonably to expectation in the interest of the public.

Dear National Parliamentarians One is not unmindful that the April 2011 National Assembly elections have brought into your hallowed chambers, an appreciable number of highly credible, trustworthy, competent and ethically compliant set of legislators both in the House of Representatives and the Senate. One is confident that though the opposition is still small in number particularly in the Senate, but with some significant representation in the House, the new law makers will individually and collectively hopefully make great positive impact on the way the National Assembly does it’s business henceforth. Some of the fresh faces have been part of the popular struggle to redeem Nigeria. We have jointly fought in the trenches.

There is no doubt that the active agents of military dictatorship who in the recent past collaborated to annul electoral victory in 1993 have manipulated themselves into important position of the leadership of the National Assembly. They remain discredited inspite of the greatly flawed election that brought them to high office. You, the agent of public goodwill should think out of the box as you strategies for productive legislative duties The import of this correspondence is to ask you, the parliamentarians to appreciate the all important constitutional duties you are expected to perform in other to justify peoples trust and mandate given to you as their agents who should always strive to protect, defend and promote the interests of the voters. Our unfortunate situation, I dare say will even get worse except and until you, our representatives, at the centre join the battle to enforce accountable and productive governance.

Let me make this clarion call to the voters generally. There is a need for the voters to note that henceforth, they have a duty to screen the contestants to the legislatures much more critically having regard to their very important constitutional responsibilities. As the principal of an elected lawmaker, henceforth, the voters should be much more painstaking, deliberately considering the past records of candidates before investing their trust and confidence in any lawmaker. You would in the process have assisted to prevent Nigeria from going under as Nigeria is not immune from the manifestations of the current Arab Spring.

Once again, accept the assurances of my highest regard.

• Mr Opadokun is the Convener of the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER)

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

45

POLITICS The Aregbesola administration will be one year old tomorrow. Since he took office, the governor has insisted that he would ensure that governance takes a new meaning in the state. Key officials of the government review activities and operations in the state. MUSA ODOSHIMOKE speaks with key officials on the government.

‘The stage is set for Osun’s rapid development’ A

S the Aregbesola, government in Osun State takes stock of its one year in office, those who are directly involved in policy implementation had the privilege to render accounts on the strides so far made.

At the centre of it all is the team leader of the Osun Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Programme (O’REAP), Dr. Diji Akinola. He gave detailed explanation on the programme and how the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) government led by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is concentrating on agricultural development as the “key engine” of economic transformation.

According to Dr Akinola, the new administration has, “done much in the area of agriculture and food production in the state. We started in February this year and let me say O’REAP is focused on food production with much interest in food crops. Osun State strategy is to capture 10 percent of the food bill of Lagos State; by that I mean the foods that are sold and bought in Lagos State which by today is estimated at N3.5 billion. In other words, Osun wants to be in a position to produce at least 10 percent of the food supply to the market in Lagos State. That is the goal of O’REAP. The strategy will focus on food crops production.

Farmers as agent of change “It is important to note that Osun is an agrarian state. It is also to be noted that the present administration has made agriculture the basis for economic transformation of the state.

That is what the Governor is focusing on.

Governor Aregbesola said agriculture is over 50 percent of his promise to the people of the state. All the six-point Integral Action Plan of Governor Aregbesola centre on Agriculture. “ We have fertile land in Osun, we have commodity areas where we can build national competitiveness and one of those areas is rice.

Research has shown that the state can actually become a market leader in the production of lowland rice and not even upland rice.

We also have competitive advantage on cassava, vegetable and Okro and even livestock, because if you look at Iwo, you will see that there are livestock development opportunities in that area.”

Akinola indicated that a lot of planning had gone into the project design and implementation strategy to ensure integrated execution.

“All the programmes of the government,” he said, “are handled by a good number of agencies and ministries of government. Take, for instance, the O’REAP project is being implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the ministry has a very critical role to play. All the programmes have been shared under the ministry through its various departments and agencies.

“This year alone, we have done about 7,500 acres of land prepared. I don’t think there is any other state in the southwest that has done that. We are 90 per cent through with 49 kilometers rural access roads. We have had over 300 co-operative societies registering for the O’REAP programme because the governor believes we must use co-operative as the major driver for the agricultural transformation of the state. “Now, we have farmers gathering together to form co-operatives for food production and marketing. O’REAP programme is a business of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Commerce and other ministries.

“We have also made farmers the centrepiece of the O’REAP programme. Roads are constructed to the farm settlements and we are making life meaningful and comfortable for farmers. The road to Mokore farm settlement is now under construction and this road has been abandoned in the last 40 years. So, farmers are to benefit more than any other people in the O’REAP programme of the state government.”

Tourism agenda Apart from the huge investment going into agriculture and agro-based industrial development that are growing rapidly in the new Osun State, the new government is also putting good money into the development of tourism in the state. Abimbola Daniyan, who is Team Leader of O’TOURS gives an

• From left: Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salami; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, during a seven hour of night interactive session with the Governor in commemoration of the first year anniversary of the administration in Osun State, at the Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, Osun State ... yesterday.

fore.

“The attempt to rehabilitate and remodel our schools right from the primary level to the tertiary level is something commendable. I believe that if the plans that have been put in place are aggressively pursued it will change the education sector totally. The impacts of these laudable efforts may not be seen in the next two years but in the long run, the people of Osun State will see that a solid foundation has been laid for the educational sector in the state.

“The model schools that are being built courtesy of the present administration at the primary and secondary levels are efforts aimed at transforming the education sector in the state.

They are attempts to put facilities and infrastructures that will match the aspiration to create administrative system that could serve the purpose of the 21st century. If you are a teacher and you are teaching in a dilapidated environment without the requisite infrastructure, it doesn’t matter how good the teacher may be, students cannot learn well.

“A government needs to provide the necessary infrastructures that will aid the work of a teacher and all these we have seen in the last one year or there about.

The government has also done much for the secondary schools with the introduction of elearning scheme. The government has shown an attempt to aggressively address the problem of poor infrastructural learning in the secEducation: Bedrock of progress ondary schools in the state. All these have shown that this is a government that knows Aggressive development and transforma- what it is doing and is ready to do it well.” tion of the education sector is another key Why retreat? component of the revolution Aregbesola’s government effecting in Osun. And in assessTo demonstrate the importance that the ing the progress so far, Professor Sola Akinrinade, vice Chancellor Osun State Uni- Aregbesola government places on planning and versity has this to say: “During the last one implementation, it organised a four-day retreat year of the Rauf Aregbesola’s administration between November 3 and 6 (which had to hold we have seen an aggressive turn around in in Offa, Kwara State for strategic convenience) the education sector in the state and the pur- to streamline its plans and how they can be pose is to reengineer the education sector like most effectively implemented. Says Dr. it has never been done before. We must com- Akinola, one of the drivers of the implementamend the intervention of the present gov- tion process; “the retreat delivered more than ernment in the education sector, because we the organisers even thought. We had the things have never been done this way be- opportunity to share the vision of the governor in a very robust manner. It created a robust ‘During the last one year of the Rauf Aregbesola’s administra- opportunity for people in government as we left the retreat fired up.” tion we have seen an aggressive turn around in the education sec- allOverall, as Professor Akinrinade put it, “the tor in the state and the purpose is to reengineer the education major agenda of the retreat was aimed at driving Osun State forward; and I am sure, if what sector like it has never been done before. We must commend the we learnt at the retreat could be aggressively and monitored, Osun State will intervention of the present government in the education sector, implemented move forward faster than any other state in because things have never been done this way before’ this country.” It was an apt summary of the journey of one year.

overview of the vision and life benefits: “Basically, O’TOURS is about tourism. Our mantra simply says “Tourism, Heritage, and Treasure”. This means, from the historical past, we have opportunity and treasures to make from the exploits of our forefathers and also wealth from the heritage. That encapsulates the story of O’TOURS. It is built on the strategy of drawing people to our natural heritage in the traditional festivals like the Osun, Osogbo festival in Osogbo and the Olojo festival in Ile-Ife, among others. We are ancient people and we work on history. Osun State is the centre of gravity of Yoruba history. All Yoruba in all parts of the world, either in Brazil, Cuba or America cannot do away with Osun State because of its rich cultural heritage. Wherever we go, Osun State is a magnet that anyone who wants to be a tourist must not undermine. Every Yoruba in all parts of the world is traceable to the state.

“For over 10,000 years, people have lived in this part of the world. If you go to Lafogido which is the symbol of where Ori-Olokun came from, you will see the work of the crafts men of those days. Actually, they did not believe that the craft and work of art came from here until acumetalogical dating revealed that it was exhumed from Lafogido in Ile-Ife, and that they are 4,000 years old; earlier than the Romans who actually brought bronze to Europe.

“We are people with history and that history is what we have done. Who we are is what we are selling. Who are we? We are connecting with our past, relating it with where we are and recognising that with the past we could have a greater future, provided we have leadership that understands that we are at a juncture in history when a change needs to be made, and here comes a man with the vision in the personality of Governor Aregbesola. He has lived and sold the vision through the journey of his life and it has become part of a coherent strategy for tapping into the opportunities that are natural to where we are.

“Everywhere in the world, culture has its custodians, but it is the duty of the government to expand the economic and social space such that the benefits of the culture can translate to eco-

nomic benefits to a very large segment of the society. Don’t forget that democracy has only one simple objective and that is the greatest good for the greatest number of people. During the last Osun, Osogbo festival, the state government introduced toilets for sanitation.

Government provided security at the groove and in all parts of Osogbo, Government brought in an award winning musician to entertain people. The government also produced a film from the Osun, Osogbo culture which is called Ebun Osun and which is now on sale all over the country with over 30,000 copies sold. We are also building tourism information centres for the first time. We will make sure that as people enter Osogbo, the capital of Osun they will see the tourism potentials in the state.

“We have tourist centres like Jalumi and Kiriji war sites which are the results of our history and we are going to develop these sites to make them attractive to tourists. We also have Ayikunnugba water fall in Oke-Ila. These are wonderful natural settings that already draw in people, but the point is to make it draw more people to the state, so we are going to develop them to international standard. We have the duty to satisfy our tourists and we have to be careful so that we don’t send wrong information to them, hence the need to develop them well.”

46

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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

S/N

S/N

NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

1. Garba Abubakar Yaroson (Otherwise known as Yaroson Garba Abubakar,) late of No. 2A, Raymond Njoku Road, Ikoyi , deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of July, 2002 at Chasel Hospital.

2. Engr Ferdinard Ezem Oparah late of 6, Akinpelu Close, Mebamu Ijanikin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of November, 2010 at Columbia Hospital, Lagos.

3. Akin Ibiwumi Watson (Otherwise known as Watson Akin) late of 122 Road, Block 36, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of July, 2010 at Lagos.

4. Mrs Ladi Dazeine Isa (Otherwise known as Mrs Isa Dazeine Ladi) late of 33A, Ivy Close, M.K.O. Abiola Garden Alausa , Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

5. Abdul Kareem A. Sulaimon, late of Block 450, Flat 1, Abesan Estate, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of November, 2007 at Lagos.

6. Mr Rasak Oludare Nosiru (Otherwise known as Norisu Rasak) late of No. 14, Kayode Street, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of March, 2008 at Lagos (General Hospital Ikeja) 7. Mr Joseph Bolanle Awujoola (Otherwise known as Mr Awujoola Bolanle and Mr J.B.Awujoola) late of Topo Badagry, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of May, 2010 at Ascon Clinic 8. Aiyetigbo Funmilayo late of No. 8, Onileyan Street, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of February, 2009 at Bariga, Lagos.

9. Sekoni Oluwamuyiwa Abioye (Otherwise known as Sekoni Olumuyiwa) late of 10, Fagbemi Street, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of November, 2006 at Ibadan.

10. Mr Ntuka Augustine, late of Block 53, Flat 3, Ijaiye Medium Estate, Ogba, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of February, 2009 at Geo Medical Centre Oshodi.

11. Matthew Shittu (Otherwise known as Mathew Shittu) late of 72B, Agbado Station Road, Ijaiye Ojokoro Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of May, 2011 at Shagamu ,Ogun State.

12. Chief Salisu Osho Alashe (Otherwise known as Salisu Osho Alashe) late of 3, Alashe Close, Off Tos Benson Road, Ojogbe, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of August, 2008 at Ikorodu.

13. Mr Olofinlayi Isaac Odeleye (Otherwise known as Mr Isaac Odeleye Olofinlayi) late of No. 11, Abu Street, Off Ogo Oluwa Street, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of October, 2009 at Lagos.

14. Mrs Adebola Rose Korkoe (Otherwise known as Adebola Rose (Mrs) late of Block 9, Flat 5, Diary Farm Estate,Agege Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of March, 2008 at Lagos.

15. Mrs Mosunmolu Apinke Lawrence (Otherwise known as Mosunmolu Lawrence) late of 22, Aba Johnston Crescent, Ikeja, Lagos State, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of February, 2009 at New Jersey USA. 16. Richard Adebola Adenuga (Otherwise known as Adenuga Adebola) late of 1, Adenuga Street, Ifako, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

17. Yinusa Subair Kuyinu (Otherwise known as Yinusa Subair) late of 18, Owolowo Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of October, 1995 at General Hospital Lagos.

18. Lewis Obioha Udeagha late of Rd 47, House 23, Lekki Housing Estate, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of May, 2009 at Lagos.

19. Mr Olusegun Abiodun Odunsi (Otherwise known as Olusegun Odunsi) late of 12, Sofunwa Apelehin Street, Bariga, Lagos State, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of September, 2011 at Ogijo ,Ogun State.

20. Mr Jonathan Ejaeta Oyibo late of 10, Emilious Close, Amukoko, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of April, 2010 at Ikire 21. Onuah Paulinus Chukwuma late of 112 Road, A Close, House 1, Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of September, 2009 at Lagos.

22. Benjain Effiong S. Attih (Otherwise known as Attih Benjami) late of Plot 864, Festac Extention Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of September, 2009 at Lagos.

23. Mr Daniel Eniosada (Otherwise known as Eniosada Daniel) late of 15, Sadiku Street, Orile Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of April, 2010 at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (Luth) 24. Mr Gabriel Adeyemi (Otherwise known as Adeyemi Gabriel) late of No. 87, Old Abeokuta Motor Road, Agege, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of May, 1992 at Agege, Lagos State.

25. Owodunni Suraju Adewale late of 8, Adeniyi Street, Off Olowu Street, Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of April,2011 at University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan 26. Awolaja Dorcas Olabisi (Otherwise known as Awolaja Olabisi Dorcas ) late of 68, Arowojobe Street, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of December, 2010 .

27. Alhaji Abdulsalam Jubril late of Idowu Ajibola Street, Ije Ododo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of June, 2011 at Ije Ododo Lagos.

28. RTD MWO Ajonu Daniel Ndubisi (Otherwise known as Ajuonu Daniel Ndubuisi) late of 37, Salvation Avenue, Ikotun, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of December, 2010 at Abuja.

29. Mr Agidih Stephen Oluwasegun (Otherwise known as Mr Agidih Olusegun Stephen) late of Block 475, Flat 5, Amuwo Odofin Mile 2, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of March, 2009 at Lagos.

30. Mr Oseni Musediq Olajide (Otherwise known as Olajide Musediq Oseni) late of 4, Ashiata Street, Iloro Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of October, 2008 at Sango Ota, Ogun State.

31. Abu Adams late of Flat 1, Block 165, Iba Housing Estate, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of September, 2008 at University of Ibadan.

32. Ukorigho Efe Daniel (Otherwise known as Pastor Ukorigho Efe Daniel) late of 39, Ogudu Road, Ojota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May, 2011 at Edo State.

33. Mr Nathaniel Akinlabi Akinpelu late of 1, Joe Onabanjo Close, Ire Akari Estate, Deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of June, 2001 at Lagos.

34. Mary Olawunmi Olajide (Otherwise known as Mary Olajide, Mary Olawunmi Olajide Ajose) late of Block 6A, Kudirat Abiola Estate, Iju Ishaga, Lagos State, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of October, 2009 at Enfield London.

35. Fetuga Emmanuel Oladipupo (Otherwise known as Mr Oladipo Y. Fetuga) late of 2B, Adebowale Close, Mende Maryland, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of June, 2009 at Ibadan.

36. Charity Nwachukwu (Otherwise known as Miss Nwachukwu Charity) late of 13, Omilani Street, Ijesha, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of March, 2009 at Lagos.

37. Mr Goriola Johnson (Otherwise known as Mr Johnson Goriola) late of 11, Ogedengbe Street, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

38. Avoseh Taiwo (Otherwise known as Inspector Tetede Joseph Avoseh) late of 15, Ijaodola Street, Sogunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of April, 2011 at Olutunu Medical Centre, Agosasa.

39. Joseph Napoleon Okpu late of By Texaco Filing Station , Mbami Okoko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of March, 2006 at Lagos.

40. Dorathy Ukaoha late of 97, Finbers College Road, Akoka, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of December, 2002 at Lagos.

41. Mohammed Busari (Otherwise known as Bashiru Mohammed) late of 5, Folare Street, Magodo Isheri Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of March, 2011 at Ogun State.

42. Mr Ephraim Olusoji Fajebe ,late of 10, Asorobi Street, Ifako, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

43. Jeremiah Ali late of Police Barrack Ikorodu, Igbogbo Road, Block No. 3, Deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

44. Mrs Joy C. Uwazie, (Otherwise known as Uwazie C. Joy) late of 35, Masebenu Street, Igbede, Ajangbadi, Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

45. Mr Albert Kolawole Akinniyi late of 89, College Road, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of June, 2007 at Ogun State.

46. Atabule Gilbert late of 401 Road G Close, Block 4, Flat 2, Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of October, 2010 at Luth, Lagos.

47. Francis Sunday Olanrewaju, late of 5B, Peace Avenue Ipaja Ayobo, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of January, 2011 at Veta Hosptal Iyana Ipaja.

48. Alhaji Mohammed Raji Akangbe Salami late of 35, Abina Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of August, 1996 at Lagos.

49. Mrs Akpan Mary Etim late of 8, Ogunsola Street, Akute Ajuwon Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of November, 2009 at Lagos.

50. Mr Chukwuma Onyekwelu Ogbueli late of No. 3, Ebun Street, Abule Oja Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of October, 2007 at Awka Anambra State.

51. Obodo Felix Alozie (Otherwise known as Obodo Felix) late of House 6, F Close, 21 Road, Festac, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of July, 2007 at Lagos.

52. Omowunmi Ikuejamoye late of 180, Sagamu Road, Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of August, 2010 at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

53. Adeyemi Yemi (Otherwise known as Oluwayemi Alaba, Adeyemi Olu and Oluwayemi Alaba Taiwo) late of Ajaa Badore Road, Folarin Bus Stop Ejirin deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of March, 2010 at UCH Ibadan.

54. Olumide Francisco Pereira (Otherwise known as Pereira Olumide Francisco) late of 52, Olonode Street, Alagomeji Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of August, 2006 at Luth 55. Oladele Micheal Ihemia (Otherwise known as Oladele Micheal Oyekanmi Ihemia) late of 7A, Naputo Lane Crown Estate, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

56. Adegboyega Falana (Otherwise known as Falana Adegboyega) late of 19, Flat 7 Alhaji Masha Road, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of September, 2008 at Lagos.

57. Mr Asiriuwa Cousin Noghowan (Otherwise known as Cousin Nogbiwuwan Asiriuwa) late of 2, Mafokun Street, Fadeyi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

58. Salami Lasisi Olagunju (Otherwise known as Lasisi Olagunju Salami) late of 19, Adeyeri Crescent, Ifako Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of August, 2003 at Lagos.

59. Mrs Biliaminu Mosurat (Otherwise known as Biliaminu Mosura) late of 28, Ajewole Street, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

60. Mr David Babatunde Glouster late of 123, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of June, 1989 at General Hospital, Lagos.

61. Mrs Agnes Abu (Otherwise known as Abu Agnes) late of 22 Umba Street, Ajegunle deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of April, 2009 at Lagos.

62. Ndianefo Ngozi late of 18, Ilesanmi Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of November, 2009 at Luth 63. Bala Saleh late of 23, Onigbongbo Maryland Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of January, 2011 at Kogi State.

64. Mrs Anthonia Ngozi Moses (Otherwise known as Mrs Ngozi Moses ) late of STD Police Barracks Blk 7 Flat 3, Ikeja deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of October, 2009 at Lasuth.

65. Galadima Sani (Otherwise known as Galadima Sani Shada) late of Blk 501, Flat II Odofin Housing Estate, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of January, 2011 at River State.

66. Udoekpo Micheal (Otherwise known as Micheal Udoekpo) late of 19, Atunwase Street, Olowora Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of March, 2011 at Ikot Okoro.

67. Mr Wilson Odhegba late of Blk 55, Flat 1, Meiran Estate, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of February, 2010 at Lagos.

68. Mr Olutola Olawale late of 2, Oseoluwa Street, Abule Ijede Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of May, 2011 at Lagos.

69. Chief E.A.Mojekwu (Otherwise known as Chief Eugene Adinnu Mojekwu) late of 60, Babaponmile Street, Idi Mangoro Onipetesi Ikeja, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of February, 2007 at Ilorin 70. Fasasi Sikiru (Otherwise known as Sikiru Alabi) late of 10, Woashayi Street, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of May, 2010 at Ibadan.

71. Mr Momoh Ojatuho David (Otherwise known as Momoh David) late of Blk B14, Flat 9, Arakan Barracks Mobil Road Apapa deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of January, 2011 at Kogi State.

72. Mrs Risikat Akinnubi late of 2, Onilude Compound Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

73. Mrs Elizabeth Adefolami Fejemisin (Otherwise known as Fajemisin Elizabeth Adefolami) late of 53A, Lawson Street, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of August, 1998 at General Hospital Lagos.

74. Benson Micheal (Otherwise known as Sgt. Benson Michael) late of 2, Alimi Close, Ijanikin Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of June, 2007 at Lagos.

75. Ojerinde Adedoyin A. (Otherwise known as Ojerinde Adedoyin) late of 39, Akinsanya Street, Ojodu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of May, 2011 at Lasuth.

76. Lawrence Adeyemi Adelekan (Otherwise known as Adelekan Adeyemi Lawrence) late of 5th Avenue, 91 Close, Blk 4, Flat 5, Festac Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of August, 2003 77. Mr Aguonye Thomas Obodoiwe (Otherwise known as Agunonye Thomas) late of 33, Babani Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of January, 2009 at Lagos.

78. Felix Isidore Abara late of 41, Charity Road, Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of October, 2008 at Ikorodu Hospital.

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

1. Musa Balarabe Yaroson and Haruna Balarabe Yaroson both of No. 1B, Aliyu Turaki Road, Off IOsa Kaita Road, Kaduna, two of the children of the said deceased.

2. Mrs Mary Jone Oparah, Miss Kelechi Oparah and Mr Ogechi Oparah all of 6, Akinpelu Close, Mebanu Ijanikin, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

3. Mrs Iyabo Watson, Abosede Watson, Miss Yetunde Watson and Chief Solomon Watson all of 5, Dapo Fafiade Street, Shomolu, Lagos, widow ,two of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

4. Col. Ayuba Kerma Isa Rtd, Miss Hajara Awabe Isa and Miss Aisha Aize Isa all of 33A, Ivy Close, M.K.O. Abiola Garden Alausa Ikeja, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

5. Ganiyat Sulaiman and Mrs Shukuratu A.Ajayi both of Block 450, Flat 1, Abesan Estate, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

6. Mrs Opeyemi Florence Nosiru and Mr Babatunde Emmanuel Nosiru both of 14, Kayode Street, Ijaiye Ogba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

7. Awujoola Oluwasegun and Awujoola Taiwo both of Topo Badagry Lagos State, two of the children of the said deceased.

8. Olubunmi Aiyetigbo of No. 8, Onileyan Street, Bariga, Lagos and Oreoluwa Victor Fagbemi of 23, Ilaje Road, Bariga, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

9. Sekoni, Oluwabukola Omolola and Sekoni Oluwatobi Omolara both of 10, Fagbemi Street, Ipaja, Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

10. Ntuka Margaret Obiajulu and Ntuka Patrick Chinedu both of Block 53, Flat 3, Ijaiye Medium Estate, Ogba, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

11. Mr Lekan Shittu and Miss Bukola Shittu both of 72B, Agbado Station Road, Ijaiye Ojokoro, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

12. Abiodun Osho Alashe, Wakilu Osho Alashe, Iyabo Osho Alashe and Aina Osho Alashe all of 3, Alashe Close, Ojogbe Ikorodu, Lagos four of the children of the said deceased.

13. Mrs Hammed Taiwo Olayinka and Miss Olofinlayi Taiwo Mary both of 3, Onipe Street, Bariga, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

14.Nwachukwu Chioma Helen and Nwachukwu Chukwuma Godwin both of Block 9, Flat 5, Diary Farm Estate, Agege, Ogba, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

15.Chief Akin Lawrence and Mrs Subuola Abraham both of 22, Aba Johnston Crescent, Ikeja, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

16. Christiana Oluremi Adesunbo Carew, Aderinola Olusola Olayiwola, Adebosola Abayomi Adenuga and Ademilola Oluwatoyin Adenuga all of 1, Adenuga Street, Ifako Gbagada, Lagos. four children of the said deceased.

17. Mrs jemilat Adebayo (Nee Yinusa) of 2, Kaliyadu Kolejo Street, Igbe Ikorodu, Lagos, Mrs Toyin Bangbala (Nee Yinusa), Mr Shakirudeen Yinusa and Mr Mukaila Yinusa all of 1, Adesegun Olusanya Street, Igbe Ikorodu, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

18. Emeka Udeagha of 26, Ajibodu Street, Kariole Estate, Ogba, Ikeja, and Obioha Udeagha of 2, Ajibodu Street, Otta, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

19. Odunsi Bunmi and Odunsi Temitope both of 1, Odunsi Street, Ogijo Ogun State, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

20. Esther Oyibo and Faith Oyibo both of 10, Emilious Close, Amukoko, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

21. Rosemary Ebere Onuah and Christian Okeke both of 112 Road, A Close, House 1, Festac Town, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

22. Victoria Nnene Attih and Rita Atim Effiong both of Plot 864, Festac Extention two of the children of the said deceased.

23. Mrs Rebecca Eniosada and Oluwaseun Eniosada both of 15, Sadiku Street, Orile Oshodi, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

24. Madam Adenike Adeyemi and Mr Adeoye Adeyemi both of No. 87, Old Agege, Motor Road, Agege, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

25. Owodunni Mary Omobola, Owodunni Oluremi Sholape, Owodunni Temiloluwa Joel and Owodunni Wemimo Adetutu all of 8, Adeniyi Street, Off Olowu Street, Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

26. Mrs Grace O. Iroko, Mrs Esther O. Ona-ola and Mr Jacob O. Awolaja all of Flat 1, Block 74, Phase 4, Adeniyi Adele Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

27. Mrs Muslimat Abdusalam, Wahab Abdusalam, Sikiru Abdusalam and Kehinde Abdusalam all of of Idowu Ajibola Street, Ije Ododo Lagos State widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

28. Mrs Ajonu Florence Chinyere and Mr Ajuonu Joseph Ojimadu both of No. 37, Salvation Avenue, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

29. Agidih Margret Abutu and Agidih Samuel Oghenekewve both of Block 475, Flat 3, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

30. Mrs Faizat Olajide Funmilayo and Mr Sadeeq Olajide Olamide both of 45, Musediq Olajide Street, Sango Ogun State, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

31. Lukman Abu and Sherifat Oladokun both of Flat 1, Block 165, Iba Housing Estate, two of the children of the said deceased.

32. Mrs Ukorigho Peace and Miss Ukorigho Ejiro both of 39, Ogudu Road, Ojota, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

33. Ms Julianah O. Akinpelu and Mrs Esther O. Oyebolu both of 1, Joe Onabanjo Close, Ire Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

34. Abayomi Ajose and Oladapo Olajide both of Block 6A, Kudirat Abiola Estate, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

35. Fetuga Abayomi and Fetuga Abiola both of 2B, Adebowale Close, Mende Maryland, Lagos, two brother of the said deceased.

36. Mrs Edna Nwachukwu and Mr Goodman Nwachukwu both fo 13, Omilani Street, Ijesha ,Surulere, Lagos, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

37. Mrs Abibatu Elizabeth Johnson and Olakunle Johnson both of 11, Ogedengbe Street, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

38. Deborah Toyin Avoseh and Victoria Avoseh both of 15, Ijaodola Street, Sogunle, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

39. Mrs Victoria Okpu and Mr Joseph Okpu both of 12, Osirhire Street, Ughelli Delta State, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

40. Godwin Ukaoha and Nelson Ukaoha both of 97, Finbers College Road, Akoka two children of the said deceased.

41. Esther Mohammed, Suleiman Ijeh and Daniel Adem all of 4, Mosque Street, Sabogari Maraba Nasarawa Olukpo Benue State and John Edo of Federal Ministry Abuja, widow and three brothers respectively of the said deceased.

42. Mr Joseph Kolawole Fajebe of No. 10, Asorobi Street, Ifako Agege, Lagos, and Mrs Comfort Omotunde Ajibola of No. 46, Fagbemi Street, Ipaja, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

43. Ibrahim Musa Mhya and Bitrus Ibrahim both of Police Barrack Ikorodu Igbogbo Road, Block No. 3 , Father and brother respectively of the said deceased.

44. Mr Jonas C. Uwazie and Mr Augustine Uwazie both of No. 35, Masebienu Street, Igbede Ajangbadi Ojo, Lagos widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

45. Mrs Selena Adunni Akinniyi and Mr Adebowale Akinniyi both of 89, College Road, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

46. Atabule Michael Maduakor, Atabule Ebifenadi Edwin and Atabule Oweka Robert all of 401 Road, G Close, Block 4, Flat 2, Festac Town, Lagos three of the children of the said deceased.

47. Mrs Cecilia Francis and Miss Eunice Francis both of No. 5B, Peace Avenue Ipaja, Ayobo , Lagos, mother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

48. Dr Musiliu Salami, Mr Shamusideen Salami, Mr Sahfiu Salami and Mrs Odusanya Bukola Oduneye all of 35, Abina Street, Surulere, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

49. Mr Edidiong Akpan and Ekaete Akpan both of 8, Ogunsola Street, Akute Ajuwon Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

50. Rosemary Ifi Ogbueli of No. 3, Ebun Street, Abule Oja, Yaba, and Obiefuna Ogbueli of No. 50, Efam Street, Powerline Aba ,widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

51. Cyrina Nkechinyere Obodo, Nkechi Obodo and Chimaoke Obodo all of House 6, F Close, 21 Road, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

52. Olu Titus Ikuejamoye and Olusola Joseph Ikuejamoye both of 180, Sagamu Road, Odogunyan Ikorodu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

53. Mrs Adeyemi Taiwo of 15, Alao Street, Olanikan Bus Stop Ishawo Ikorodu, Lagos and Babatunde Adeyemi of Ajaa Badore Road, Folarin Bus Stop ,widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

54. Miss Abiola Pereira, Mr Sobowale Pereira and Mrs Jumoke Asiodu all of 52, Olonode Street, Alagomeji Yaba, two children and sister respectively of the said deceased.

55. Mrs Adebisi O. Ilemia, Mr Olugbenga Ilemia , Mr Oladele A. Ilemia and Mrs Kikelomo O. Manti all of 7A, Maputo Lane, Crown Estate Ibeju Lekki Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

56. Alhaja S.A.Falana and Falana Oladimeji both of 19, Alhaji Masha Road, Surulere, Lagos, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

57. Mrs Victoria Asiriuwa and Miss Imeutinyanosa Asiriuwa both of 2, Mafokun Street, Fadeyi Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

58. Mr Femi Salami and Mr Lateef Salami both of 19, Adeyeri Crescent, Ifako Ogba, two of the children of the said deceased.

59. Mrs Saidat Onakoya and Mrs Kehinde Olabode both of 28, Ajewole Street, Ikotun Lagos, mother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

60. Mr Bolaji Glouster and Mrs Olufunke Awolade (Nee Glouster) both of 123, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

61. Abu Obemeata Yaminu of 18, Ogunneye Street, Ikorodu, lagos and Mrs Vero Ibi of 12, Osemuga Street, Ikorodu, two children of the said deceased.

62. Chima Ndianefo and Stella Okoro both of 10, Ramond Mustafa Street, Fagbile Ijegun ,Lagos, one of the children and sister respectively of the said deceased.

63. Mrs Mariam Saleh and Saleh Mohammed both of 23, Onigbongbo Maryland, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

64. Mr Emmanuel Moses Igim and Micheal Moses Igim both of Omotayo Ojo Off Allen Ikeja, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

65. Galadima Hofsatu and Galadima Almie both of 501 Flat II Odofin Housing Estate, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

66. Margaret Micheal Udoekpo and Ezekiel Udokpo both of 19, Atunise Street, Olowora ,widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

67. Patricia Odhegba and Rose Ajayi both of Block 55, Flat 1, Meiran Estate, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

68. Mrs Olutola Abosede and Mrs Aluko Gbemisola both of 2, Ose Oluwa Street, Abule Ijede Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

69. Mrs Rebecca Mojekwu and Hon. Nikky Nwabueze both of 60, Babaponmile Street, Idi Mangoro Onpetesi Ikeja, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

70. Mrs Sikiru E. Sakirat and Mr Sikiru O. Nurudeen both of 10, Imashayi Street, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

71. Momoh Abosede Lydia of New layout Felele Lokoja Kogi and Momoh Otuoze of Blk 27, Flat 15, Ashqantu Barrack ,Apapa, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

72. Mrs Bose Ombe and Miss Bukola Akinnubi both of 2, Onilude Comp, Badagry Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

73. Mrs A.A.Johnson of 53A, Lawson Street, Lagos , Mr A.O. Fajemisin and Mr O.A. Ogundero both of 36, Ogunlana Street, Off Adekunle Kuye Aguda, three of the children of the said deceased.

74. Mrs Onyechi Augustina Micheal of 2, Alimi Close, Ijanikin, Lagos and Mr Isaac Moses Agyo of Km 26, Lagos Badagry Express way, Teju Farms Ketu Ijanikin , Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

75. Mrs Adejoke I. Ojerinde and Olurotimi A. Ojerinde both of 39, Akinsanya Street, Ojodu ,mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

76. Mrs Florence Kehinde Adelekan, Funmilayo Adenike Adelekan and Oluwaseye Adeyemi Adelekan all of 5, Avenue, 91 Close, Block 4, Flat 5, Festac , Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

77. Mr Fredrick Aguonye and Mrs Omenebele Patricia (Nee Aguonye) both of 33, Babani Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

78. Jeffrey Akaniyere Abara and Ubong Austine Abara both of 41, Charity Road, Abule Egba, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

47

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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

S/N

S/N

NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

1. Peter Ojeka (Otherwise known as Ojeka Peter) late of Ajah Victoria Island deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of August, 2010 at Lasuth 2. Mrs Nkiru Bene Chukwunyere (Otherwise known as Chukwuyere Bene Nkiru) late of 8, Amusan Street, Ishaga Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of March, 2008 at Lagos.

3. Babatunde Adeyinka Osinloye late of Block 8, Flat 4, Progressive Estate Ebute Metta West, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of July, 1999 at Surulere, Lagos.

4. Daniel Chukwuanugo Okoye (Otherwise known as Daniel C. Okoye) late of 12, Wamon Taofeek Avenue Abule Egba Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of October, 1978 at Uku Delta State.

5. Samuel Ayodele Alabi (Otherwise known as Alabi Samuel) late of 4, Ifateludo Street, Sawmill Ifako Gbagada, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of April, 2009 at General Hospital , Lagos.

6. Fatoyinbo Felix Femi late of 16, Basanya Street, Iyana Odo Bus Stop Iyana Ipaja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of May , 2010 at Orile Agege General Hospital.

7. Mrs Victoria Towobola Onabule late of 18, Adesue Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of April, 2003 at Lagos.

8. Joseph Oluwadare Stephen late of 54, Ugbawankwo Street, Ajegunle, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of December, 2006 at Lagos.

9. Sunday Aidebama Ukokobili (Otherwise known as Ukokobili Sunday) late of 16, Fadahunsi Yusuf Street, Ikotun , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of May, 2011 at Luth.

10. Emmanuel Kayode Oyinloye (Otherwise known as Mr Oyinloye Emmanuel Kayode) late of 17, Pinoka Street, Morogbo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

11. Kehinde Ganiu Kasumu (Otherwise known as Kasumu Kehinde Ganiu) late of Blk A, IDH Quarter Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of April, 2009 at Lagos.

12. Mrs Adenike Omowumi Oduwaiye (Otherwise known as Oduwaiye Adenike) late of 3, Aderibigbe Sokunbi Egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

13. Alhaji Yekinni Omotayo Dawodu late of No. 8, Omotayo Dawodu Street, Ikorodu, Off Benson Bus Stop, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of March, 1981 at Lagos.

14. Olajide Akanbi late of 46, Lawal Street, Igando Road, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of June, 2011 at Lagos.

15. Olukemi Mojisola Akintunde late of 7, Fagbemi Street, Meiran Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

16. Mr Wasiu Olabanji Tijani late of No. 73, Ashafa Street, Ajegunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of October, 2007 at Lagos.

17. Samuel Adesokan (Otherwise known as Adesokan Samuel) late of 34, Mba Street, Ajegunle , Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of May, 1990 at Lagos.

18. Saibu Tunde Lasisi (Otherwise known as Saibu Babatunde Lasisi) late of 1, Bisiriyu Street, Off pacific Road, Ijede Ikorodu, Local Government, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of September, 2010 at Shomolu, Lagos.

19. Mr Godwin Nnaji (Otherwise known as Nnaji Godwin) late of No. 148, Abaranje Road, Ikotun, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of October, 2010 at Army Hospital ,Yaba, Lagos.

20. Benard Babatunde Mosebolatan (Otherwise known as Mosebolatan Babatunde) late of No. 20, Old Yaba Road, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of January, 2011 at General Hospital Ikorodu.

21. Mr Adeniyi Akinboyewa Sikiru (Otherwise known as Stephen A. Adeniyi Sikiru ) late of 5, Awojobi Street, Shasha Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of November, 2010 at Maiduguri, Borno State.

22. Heavenknowns Edet (Otherwise known as Heavenknown Edet) late of CCJ Street, Igbogbo Ikorodu, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of March, 2010 at General Hospital, Ikeja.

23. Mr Fabian Ibuaka (DSP) (Otherwise known as Mr Fabian Ibuaka) late of B12, Manila Estate, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of February, 2010 at Prime Clinics Ejigbo.

24. Anaba Onyekwe Mathew (Otherwise known as Anaba Mathew Onyekwe) late of 11, Odunbaku Street, Oshodi, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of December, 2007 at Lagos.

25. Mr Abdul Kadiri Mustapha (Otherwise known as Abdul Kadiri Mustapha and Abdul Quadir Mustapha) late of Flat 6, Block 1, A Close, 201 Road, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of October, 1995 at Ilorin Kwara State.

26. Nauretu Saliu ,late of 94, Akute Ajuwon Road, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of May, 2009 at Lagos.

27. Uwaoma Peter late of Radio Nigeria Compound Ijede Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

28. Miss Titilayo Bolaji Adeyinka late of 5, Badejo Street, Bariga, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

29. Mrs Sanusi Folake Abeke , late of 7, Odebiyi Close, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of September, 2009 at Lagos.

30. Justina Abazu Onyemaechi, late of 5th Avenue, 512 Road, Blk 4, Flat 5, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of January, 2010 at LASUTH , Lagos.

31. Mrs Ruth Toyin Adepoju, late of 11, Jogbodo Street, Isanwo Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of June, 2008 at Lagos.

32. Michael Madu Onyelonu late of 11, Adesanya Street, Ijeshatedo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of December, 2009 at General Hospital, Imo State.

33. Mr Anoruo Chukwudi Anoruo (Otherwise known as Mr Anoruo Chukwudi Aworuo ) late of 64, Wole Boyle Street, Ajangbadi, Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of August, 2010 at Ojo, Lagos.

34. Chief Amos Omoyiola (Otherwise known as Amos A. Omoyiola ) late of 19, Ibitoye Street, Off Ojo Road, Ajegunle, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of July, 2005 at Lagos.

35. Wasiu Onifade(Otherwise known as Mr Wasiu Onifade), late of 7, Abdulllahi Close, Off Balogun Road, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of September, 2009 at Lagos.

36. Babatunde A. Agboola (Otherwise known as Tunde Agboola ) late of 8, Opeloyeru Street, orile Iganmu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of April, 2011 at Apapa.

37. Bisi Meshioye Mrs. late of 10, New Oloyede Street, Ayobo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

38. Mrs Mobolaji Anike Rahaman (Otherwise known as Mrs Rahaman Mobolaji) late of 17, Assoland Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of March, 2009 at Lagos.

39. Iguobadia Samuel, late of 8C, Boundry Road, Apapa, Ajegunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of January, 2002 at General Hospital Lagos.

40. Johnson Shogbamu,(Otherwise known as Mr Shogbamu Johnson) late of 15, Igbehin Adun Street, Ikotun Egbe, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of January, 2007 at Lagos.

41. Mr Mark Onoyom Bassey (Otherwise known as Mr Bassey Mark) late of No. 253, Ijora Close, PHCN Quarters Ijede , Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of August, 2011 at Eko Hospital, Ikeja.

42. Mr Nzelu Godwin Nmekaowulu late of 1, Oba Close, Kirikiri Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of January, 1991 at Lagos.

43. Abel Njinkoye Ugenyi (Otherwise known as Abel N. Ngenyi) late of 5, Maybin Road, Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of January, 1978 at Lagos.

44. Metuiwe Hellen late of 25A, Adeoye Adeyemi Wasimi Maryland, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of January, 2009 at Lagos.

45. Mr Rapheal Aladetoyinbo (Otherwise known as Rapheal Aladetoyinbo) late of 14, Olu Adetokunbo Street, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of June, 2009 at Lagos.

46. Pastor (Mrs) Sanni Kehinde Olufisayo Olufunmilayo (Otherwise known as Sanni Kehinde Olufisayo Olufumilayo (Nee Kawonise) late of No. 36, DFRRI Road, Ikotun, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of March, 2009 at Ikeja Lagos State.

47. Fasasi Adekunle Onasanya (Chief Alhaji) (Otherwise known as Alhaji Onasanya Fasasi Adekunle) late of Block 4, Flat 1, Millenium Estate, Abattiur Oko Oba Agege, Lagos , deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of July, 2009 at Ogun State.

48. Mrs Benardeth Onuchukwu (Otherwise known as Mrs B.Onuchukwu and Mrs Benedeth Onuchukwu ) late of Ascon Topo Badagry deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of April,2011 at Lagos.

49. Betram Nwafor Chukwuma (Otherwise known as Bertram Chukwuma) late of 6, Akinsojo Fadeyi Yaba, Lagos, deceaed who died intestate on the 14th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

50. David Akintola Adepegba (Otherwise known as Prince D.A.Adepegba) late of 16, Kajola Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of March, 2011 at Agege, Lagos.

51. Mr Wasiu Oguntola (Otherwise known as Mr Oguntola Wasiu) late of No. 12, Ayeni Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of May, 2010 at Betta Hospital, Ltd Agege.

52. Adebisi Ademilua (Otherwise known as Ademilua Adebisi ) late of 4, Dosu Ogundele Street, Egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

53. Mr Okesola Adeniyi (Otherwise known as Okeshola Adeniyi) late of 17, Godwin Way, Ire Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May, 2011 at Lagos.

54. Basil Mbakwe late of 2A, Mosholashi Street, Alaba Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th dayof July, 2010 at Primcare Hospital, Lagos.

55. Daniel Makinde Akinola (Otherwise known as Daniel Makinde) late of 28, Eletu Odibo Street, Abule Ijesha, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of August, 2001 at General Hospital, Lagos.

56. Mr Agbaoye Titilayo Tajudeen (Otherwise known as Agbaoye Titilayo T.) late of Plot 48, Majiyagbe Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, deceaed who died intestate on the 1st day of August, 2009 at Lagos.

57. Moses Ewelaike Oghidi (Otherwise known as Oghidi Ewelaike Moses) late of 21, Douglas Street, Oke Odan, Isashi Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of April, 2009.

58. Dr John Obiora Egbuji John (Otherwise known as Dr Egbuji John) late of 6, Idowu Ajao Street, Ajao Estate, Anthony Village, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

59. Bisi (Olabisi) Valentine (Otherwise known as Valentine Bisi) late of 22, Akijufe Street, Otto Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of June, 2004 at Lagos.

60. Alhaja Kehinde Ibironke Banmeke (Otherwise known as Banmeke Ibironke and Bameke Kehinde Ibironke) late of 4, Agbonyin Avenue, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of December, 2008 at University College Hospital Ibadan.

61. Chief Numa Hyacinth Uzoh (Otherwise known as Chief Numa H. Uzoh) late of 21 Road C Close, House 11, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

62. Mrs Susan Abolade (Otherwise known as Mrs Abolade Susan) late of 7, Odusami Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of February, 2006 at Luth 63. Mrs Comfort Adebukunola Odubanjo late of 3, Akinwunmi Avenue, Ajegunle, Ikorodu Road, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of January,2008 at Promise Medical Centre Agege.

64. Stella Oseghale (Otherwise known as Oseghale Stella) late of 41/43 Chris Idowu Street, Ori Oke Bus Stop Ejigbo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of January,2009 at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

65. Akotun Mutiatu (Otherwise known as Oluwatoyin Bala and Adejumo Oluwatoyin M.) late of 23, Pipeline Street, Alagbole Akute Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of August, 2011.

66. Kadiri Aminat A.J. (Otherwise known as Kadiri Aminat) late of 21, Omotade Oshinowo Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of June,2011 at University Teaching Hospital Benin.

67. Edward Olusola Awoniyi (Otherwise known as Pa Otunba Edward Olusola Awoniyi and Pa Otunba Awoniyi E.O. ) late of 8, Kernel Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of September, 2006 at Lagos.

68. Okeafor Ernest (Otherwise known as Mr Okeafor Ernest) late of No. 9, Tawaliu Ajaju Street, Akesan Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of May, 2010 at Akesan Lagos State.

69. Mr Aliu Eric Abiola (Otherwise known as E.A.Aliu) late of 27, Okubote Street, Alakuko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of December, 2005 at Ondo State.

70. Chief Patrick Adewale Dawodu (Otherwise known as Dawodu Adewale) late of Block 120, Flat 4, Alaka Housing Estate, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

71. Ibrahim Musa Oyibo (Otherwise known as Oyibo Ibrahim Musa) late of Low Cost Estate Odogunyan Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

72. Sule Sebiatu Iyabo (Otherwise known as Sebinatu and Sule Sebinatu Iyabo) late of 15, Akinrino Street, Bajulaiye Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

73. Mr Okon Udoh Ekpo (Otherwise known as Mr Okon E.U.) late of 51, Ilogbo Road, Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of January, 2011 at Delta Medical Centre.

74. Mr Michael Robert Eshiet (Otherwise known as Michael Eshiet) late of 162, Lawanson Road, Itire Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of October, 2009 at Lagos (Luth) 75. Dr Abul Karimu Idowu Makanju (Otherwise known as A.K.I.) late of 11, Oshinkalu Close, Off Randle Avenue, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of October, 1978 at Lagos.

76. Mr Sonubi Michael Adebayo (Otherwise known as Sonubi Adebayo) late of 62, Oguntola Street, Somolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of October, 2001 at Sagamu.

77. Alhaji Akanbi Ibrahim Mustapha (Otherwise known as Alhaji Akanbi Ibrahim ) late of No. 1, Alh. Akanbi Street, New Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of October, 2011 at New Merit Hospital.

78. Mr Sadiq Mohammed (Otherwise known as Mr Sodiq Mohamed ) late of New Laoyout Adamo Village Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of November,2009 at Ikorodu.

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

1. Victoria Ojeka (Mrs) and Okereke Genesisi both of Musibau Otun Close, Aja Ikota ,Lagos, widow and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

2. Mr Precious I. Chukwunyere and Mrs Chiemelu Nzube both of 8, Amusan Street, Ishaga, Lagos, the only surviving child and sister respectively of the said deceased.

3. Mrs Janet Folusho Osinloye and Mr Olumide Osinloye both of Blk 8, Flat 4, Progressive Estate Ebute Metta, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

4. Chief (Dr) Henry Umeadi Okoye of 12, Wamon Taofeek Avenue, Abule Egba, Lagos, the only surviving brother of the said deceased.

5. Mrs Funmilayo Alabi, Temitope Alabi and Olusegun Alabi all of 4, Ifateludo Street, Sawmill Ifako Gbagada, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

6. Fatoyinbo Gabriel and Fatoyinbo Eunice both of 16, Basanya Street, Iyana Odo Bus Stop Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

7. Mrs Mosunmola Adekemi O. of 3, Mobile Barrack Road, Car Wash Egbeda, Lagos, and Ms Modupe Adebimpe O. of Education District Agboju , Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

8. Mrs Oluwasola Stephen and Emmanuel Stephen both of 8, Olusesan Adetula Street, Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

9. Imelda Patience Ukokobili of 16, Fadahunsi Yusuf Street, Ikotun Lagos, and Tony Obot of 4, Adebola Jubril Close, Magodo, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

10. Mrs Esther Toyin Oyinloye, Samuel Oluseyi Oyinloye and Damilola Bose Oyinloye all of 17, Pinoka Street, Morogbo Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

11. Mrs Idowu Kuburat Kasumu and Mr Rasak Olanrewaju Kasumu both of Blk A. IDH Quarters Yaba, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

12. Mr Tajudeen A.Oduwaiye and Miss Olufunke Oduwaiye both fo 3,Aderibigbe Shokunbi Street, Egbeda, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

13. Adewale Abioye Dawodu and Omokinwa Yewande Ayobola (Mrs) (Nee Dawodu) both of No. 8, Omotayo Dawodu Street, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

14. Mrs Christiana Akanbi of No. 20, Oladejo Street, and Oluseyi Akanbi of No. 20 Prince Adeyemi Street, Igando Road, Ikotun, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

15. Mr Adeniyi Akintunde of 7, Fagbemi Street, Meiran, Lagos, the only child of the said deceased.

16. Mrs Ramota Tijani, Miss Tawakalitu Bello and Miss Shakirat Bello all of 9, Araromi Street, Mushin, Lagos, mother and two sisters respectively of the said deceased.

17. Arinade Adesokan Adegunle, Akinlolu Adesokan and Oluwasola Adesokan all of 34, Mba Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

18. Mrs Yemisi Saibu and Mr Oluwatobi Saibu both of 1, Bisiriyu Street, Off Pacific Road, Ijede, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

19. Mrs ifeoma M. Nnaji and Mr Jeremiah Igwe both fo 148, Abaranje Ikotun, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

20. Morenikeji Mosebolatan and Boladiro Mosebolatan both fo 14, Unity Street, Ogijo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

21. Mrs Yemisi E. Adeniyi and Master Samuel O. Adeniyi both fo 5, Awojobi Street, Shasha, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

22. Enoh Heavenknowns Edet , Christian Heavenknowns Edet and Prince Heavenknowns Edet all of No. 41, Arinko Street, Sango Otta, Ogun State ,widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

23. Miss Rosemary Ibuaka of B12, Adebakin Street, Manilla Estate, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, the only child of the said deceased.

24. Anaba Martins of 11, Odunbaku Street, Oshodi, Lagos, only surviving child of the said deceased.

25. Saka Mustapha, Taofiq Mustapha, Tunde Mustapha and Bolakale Idris Mustapha all of Flat 6, Blk 1, A Close, 201 Road, Festac Town, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

26. Saliu Alasa, Rianetu Saliu and Adamu Saliu all of 94, Akute Ajuwon Road, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

27. Patrick Uwaoma of No. 4, Ajike Falaye Egbeda, Abule Odu Lagos, and Mrs Elizabeth Akinola of 4, Alapere Street, Ketu, Alapere, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

28. Abosede V. Adeyinka of 2, Kola Jola Osho Street, Agbado, Oke Aro Ogun State and Olufunke M. Sogbefun of 5, Badejo Street, Bariga, Lagos, mother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

29. Sanusi Muritala and Sanusi Modupe both fo 7, Odebiyi Close, Ipaja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

30. Lambert Abazu and Elizabeth Abazu both of 5th Ave. 512 Road, Blk 4, Flat 5, Festac Town, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

31. Mr Abel Adeyemi Adepoju and Mr Adebiyi Adepoju both of 11, Jogbodo Street, Isanwo Ikorodu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

32. Isaac Onyelonu of 11, Adesanya Street, Ijeshatedo Lagos, the only surviving child of the said deceased.

33. Mrs Maria Ihuoma Anoruo of 64, Wole Boyle Street, Ajagbandi , Ojo, Lagos, and Mr Dominic Ofoegbu C.E, of 24, Duala Rd, Apapa, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

34. Mr Timothy Omoyiola, Mrs Racheal Adeyemi and Mr Sunday O. Omoyiola, all of 19, Ibitoye Street, off Ojo Road, Ajegunle, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

35. Onifade Omobolaji (Mrs) of 7, Abdullahi Close, Off Balogun Road, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, and Shakiru Ayinla Onifade of 14, Ashiatu Street, Iloro, Idimangoro, Agege, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

36. Omolayo Agboola and Kamoru Akeem both of 8, Opeloyeru Street, orile Iganmu Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

37. Mr Oladimeji Meshioye of 10, New Oloyede Street, Ayobo Lagos, and Afolabi Soetan of 6, Femi Adebule Street, Fola Agoro Shomolu, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

38. Mrs Titilayo Olowoyeye and Mrs Yemisi Oyagbola both fo 14, Ibiwoye Oba Street, Palmgrove, Lagos, sister and niece respectively of the said deceasd.

39. Iguobadia Bayo of Blk 125, Flat 2, J.H.E Abesan Ipaja, Lagos and Bose Iguobadia of 1, Idowu Close, Egan Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

40. Felicia Oluremi Shogbamu and Olusayo Shogamu both of 15, Igbehin adun Street, Ikotun Egbe, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

41. Mr Bassey Onoyom Bassey and Miss Affiong Bassey both of No. 253, Ijora Close, PHCN Quarters Egbin , Ijede Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

42. Mrs Eugena Nnolue and Miss Chika Nzelu both of No. 1, Oba Close, Kirikiri Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

43. Maureen Ugenyi and Emmanuel Ugenyi both of 19, Tayo Oyefeko Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

44. Berbara Jemide and Christopher Metuiwe both of 25A, Adeoye Adeyemi Wasimi, Maryland, lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

45. Mrs Oluwabunmi Aladetoyinbo and Mr Joseph Fola Odedina both of 14, Olu Adetokunbo Street, Iju Ishaga Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

46. Mrs Titilope Ojewusi, Sanni Taofiq Efunkoredele , Mrs Dolapo Fatima Ajao and Sanni Doyinsola Kazeem all of No. 36, DFRRI Road, Ikotun, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

47. Onasanya Abiodun Jamiu and Onasanya Abosede Fatimoh both of Block 4, Flat 1, Millenium Estate, Abattiur Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

48. Mr Watter Onuchukwu, Mr Nonso Onuchukwu and Miss Ifeoma Onuchukwu all of Ascon Topo Badagry, lagos, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

49. Mrs Chinelo Chukwuma, and Ekene Victor Chukwuma both of 6, Akinsoji Street, Fadeyi Yaba, Lagos , widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

50. Mr Adedamola Abimbola Adepegba, Mrs Abimbola Adesola Oshioke and Mrs Adenike Abosede Ayeni (Nee Adepegba) three of the children of the said deceased.

51. Mrs Latifat Oguntola and Miss Victoria O. Oguntola both of 12, Ayeni Street, Agege, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

52. Dr Bosede Funke Afolayan and Victor Aderemi Ademilua both of 4, Dosu Ogundele Street, Egbeda, Lagos, sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

53. Mrs Adebowale Okesola and Mr Adekunle O. Okesola both of 17, Godwin Way, Ire Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

54. Miss Victoria Mbakwe and Mr Joseph Mbakwe both of 2A, Mosholashi Street, Alaba Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

55. Oluwashola Esther Olaleye and Isaac Akinola Makinde both of 47, Ondo Street, Ebute Metta (East) Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

56. Alhaja Remilekun Agbaoye and Miss Victoria Agbaoye both of Plot 48, Majiyagbe Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

57. Roseline Abaye Oghidi and Paul Asekhamhe Oghidi both of 21, Douglas Street, Oke Odan Isashi , Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

58. Mrs Amelia Asis Egbuji, Dr John Uchenna Egbuji and Dr Valentine Onyeka Ibekwe all of 6, Idowu Ajao Street, Ajao Estate, Anthony Village, Lagos, widow, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

59. Omolabake O. Valentine and Folashade O. Sogbesan both fo 40, Agidi Road, Alapere Ketu, Lagos, the only child and sister respectively of the said deceased.

60. Mrs Ibilola O. Adeyemo of Plot 508, Wuse District, Abuja FCT and Mr Akinola I. Sokunbi Off Aliyu Animashaun Avenue, Lekki Phase I, Lagos, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

61. Esther N. Numa –Uzoh and Okwudili F. Numa Uzoh both of 21, Road C Close, House 11 Festac Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

62. Olusola Abolade of 32, Omolara Papa Ajao, Mobolaji Abolade of 20, Olu Aina Street, Oye Mushin, Adeyemi Abolade of Bayelsa River State and Akintunde Abolade of Jaiye Street, Adetola Ijaiye.

63. Mr Oluseun Ayodeji Odubanjo and Mr Odunuga Ayodele Odubanjo both of 3, Odubanjo Street, Somolu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

64. Ellis Oseghale of 41/43, Chris Idowu Street, Orioke Bus Stop Ejigbo, Lagos and Ayomide Sunday of 15, Church Street, Oworonshoki Lagos, the only child and brothe respectively of the said deceased.

65. Adejumo Mayowa and Akotun Yekini both of 23, Pipeline Off Alagbole Akute , Lagos, the only child and brother respectively of the said deceased.

66. Okpeahtor Esele Catherine and Momoh Kadiri both of 18, Ajewole Street, Baruwa Ipaja, Lagos, the only child and brother respectively of the said deceased.

67. Adeleke Olubunmi Awoniyi and Oludare Abosede Cole both of 8, Kernel Street, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

68. Mrs Stella Ernest Okeafor and Mr Francis Okere both of No. 9, Tawaliu Ajaju Street, Akesan, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

69. Mrs Janet Aliu and Mr Aliu Olawale Odunayo both of 27, Okubote Street, Alakuko, lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

70. Dawodu Babatunde Michael and Dawodu Adewunmi Magaret both of Block 120, Flat 4, Alaka Housing Estate, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

71. Aishat Oyibo and Taiye Oyibo both of Low Cost Estate Odogunyan Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and mother respectively of the said deceased.

72. Tawakalitu Ajide of 12, Funsho Ajayi Street, Aguda, Lagos, the only surviving child of the said deceased.

73. Mrs Arit Okon and Mr Godwin Okon both of 51, Ilogbo Road, Ojo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

74. Mrs Atim Michael Eshiet and Mrs Imabong Michael Eshiet both of 162, Lawanson Road, Itire, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

75. Dr W.O.Makanju, Mrs Iyabo Dosunmu Makanju, Mr Bankole Makanju and Mr Toyin Makanju all of 11, Oshinkalu Close, Off Randle Avenue, Surulere, Lagos. four children of the said deceased.

76. Sonubi Adedeji Oludayo , Obafemi Sonubi and Buraimo Ogundeko all of No. 62, Oguntola Street, Somolu, Lagos, two of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

77. Mrs Modinat Ibrahim Mustapha and Mr Latifat Abiodun Williams both of 1, Alh. Akanbi Street, New Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

78. Mrs Bolanle Mohammed and Mr Abiodun Mohammed all of New Layout, Adamo Village , Ikorodu, Lagos State, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

48

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

SHOPPING

49

THE NATION

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

• Plastic mat and stepper

• Plastic shoes in a plastic case

• Knitted plastic and bag

Doing wonders with plastics

Plastics are threats to the environment. So it was thought until experts came up with the idea of recycling them. The outcome is a spectacle to behold.

Go for plastics the next time you go shopping.

JANICE NKOLI IFEME writes.

•STORY ON PAGE 50

Look younger with almond nuts

Page 50

Shopping for kitchen lighting ‘Doing wonders with plastics Page 51

Page 50

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

50

SHOPPING

Doing wonders with plastics T

HE Emporio Armani Spring/Summer 2012 collection by Giorgio Armani is bringing back the plastic trend. It features clear plastic handbags, bracelets, wedges, sandals as well as striking big black or white flower-like accessories worn as headpieces, on the shoulder or around the neck. That is the power of creativity in reusing plastics.

Many have been shopping on-line for these plastic wears.

Plastic bags are often disregarded, seen as disposable throwaway items, which end up in landfills or polluting the landscape.

Yet, they are often made in beautiful and bright colours. Rather than being left to litter the environment, they could be celebrated in many ways, such as using them to create contemporary art works and functional handbags.

Love it or hate it, use it or lose it, plastic bags are everywhere around you and an easy way to make good use of them without depleting your wallet is capitalising on the concept of reuse.

Whether you are new to the sustainability scene or consider yourself a green savvy consumer, one thing is sure: If you do it the right way, being green can save you money in the long run.

So, do right by your plastic bags reuse them and recycle when you are done. Here are some basic ideas: Reuse it Since a typical plastic bag weighs approximately 4 to 5 grams and can hold up to 17 pounds of product – nearly 2,000 times its own weight – they are perfect for multiple uses as a carrying device. Pack your lunch or use them to bring home groceries a few times before recycling them.

There are some really fun ways to reuse a plastic bag that add flair to your home’s decor. And what

more? They are cheap.

Footwear You can equally take your bags for a walk and try them out as a brand new pair of kicks. Waterproof shoes could be from discarded plastic bags, although nobody would be able to tell that from looking at them. The bags are melted together, generating a thicker sheet that is both waterproof and flexible. The sheets can then be manipulated to show whatever design the owner desires.

Take a pair of clear Lucite shoes for instance. Lucite comes from the plastic, poly (methyl methacrylate), also known as Plexiglas.

This is the closest you are going to get to a Cinderella glass slipperlike prom or wedding shoe. It is a fairy tale addition to any closet.

No matter what you do with your plastics, there are always easy ways to save money utilising this inexpensive, durable material. Just do not forget the important step of recycling them whenever possible to eliminate an extra cost to the environment in the end.

Accessories Rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, bangles and more. Bold and bulky or distinguished and delicate, plastic made jewellery and other accessories serve as the finishing touches to every great outfit. How about a woven floral necklace to add to your jewellery collection and a crocheted wallet for your necessary items?.

Bags A stylish weakness for many ladies, handbags are available in a variety of plastic-made materials.

Nylon, vinyl (PVC) and rayon are just a few plastics available on the tote shelves.

Jeans Spandex (a combination of polyurethane and polyurea) enables the denim material to cling to the wearer. If you can manage to get

them on, skinny jeans are a great wardrobe indulgence for the punk rocker.

Travelling Wrap bottles of shampoo, lotion and the like in an old plastic bag.

This is also an easy trick for dirty shoes or any other item in your suitcase with the potential to ruin your silk skirt or fancy tie en route to the next big meeting or family vacation.

Trash can liners This may seem like a no-brainer, but why buy small plastic bags to line your wastebaskets in your bathroom or home office when you are already bringing home grocery bags that fit these smaller bins? Do not spend money on a redundant product and prevent the need to manufacture more bags as well with this simple idea.

Packing materials Whether you are shipping a box to someone or simply putting an old purse or pair of shoes in storage, plastic bags offer an easy-touse material to keep your items safe and in working order. Simply ball them up to use as cushion or filler as needed. The benefit? Keeping your items pristine, of course!

Floormat Floormat from recycled plastic bags looks good. Or, if you are feeling philanthropic, expand your floormat project to a sleeping mat that can be donated to a local homeless shelter.

Furniture Plastic bags can be reused in a more durable fashion, such as a chair. It may be one of the most time-consuming projects, but if you have the desire it is well worth trying.

Flowers Plastic bags could be transformed into flora. The good thing about it is they look lovely and fresh and do not need any watering.

• Plastics mug

• Plastics for your food

Look younger with almond nuts With its high nutritional value, almond nuts are reputed for boosting the brain and giving younger look. Pick up some almond nuts, while shopping in order to improve your mental health and stabilise your mood. TONIA’DIYAN writes.

W

• Plastics necklace

HITE and covered by a thin brown skin in a hard shell, almond is available throughout the year and always fresh. It helps in the development of the brain and enhances stability. You might want to incorporate almond into your diet as often as possible.

When buying almonds, look for shells that are not split, moldy or stained. It should smell sweet and nutty. Their odour should not be sharp or taste bitter. It is packed with compounds that help boost memory, concentration, motor skills and mental clarity. It helps to prevent brain degenerative diseases.

They can be found in various supermarkets. To store them, the shelled ones should be kept in a tightly sealed container, in a cool dry place away from exposure of sunlight. Keeping them cold will further protect them and prolong their freshness. Refrigerated ones could be kept for several months and could last up to a year if stored in the freezer. It can be found in chocolates and skin care products.

Speaking on the importance of the nuts, a major distributor, Mr Moses Daniel, advised people to include it in their everyday meal.

He said: “It is one of the oldest fertility symbols. It is mentioned in the Bible. Samson courted Delilah with fragrant almond branches”.

• Almond nuts

Popularly known as moses.daniel24@yahoo.com, he sells them, well labelled, sealed in different sizes and very affordable.

It is high in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. It can be eaten as a quick healthy snack; it makes a detoxifying drink when mixed with fresh fruits and vegetables. It fights against heart attack, reducing it by 50 per cent with its huge amount of vitamin E deposit. It aids blood circulation and keeps your blood pressure in check.

It also contains magnesium, which helps to ensure regular blood flow to the heart and potassium, which regulates normal

functioning of the muscles.

So, next time you experience muscle cramps, almonds might just be what you need.

They are very good source of calcium, strengthening the bones, teeth and muscles while preventing osteoporosis. A hand full of Almond everyday also reduces cholesterol level by eight to 12 per cent. It has high fibre content which satisfies the appetite soon, so one is less likely to overeat, thereby loosing weight. The high fibre also reduces the risk of cancer and can relieve constipation too.

It helps to reduce rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals. Eating at least five almonds daily lowers the risk of developing gallstones by 25 per cent.

It forms good snacks while travelling, for picnics and when you are stuck in traffic or stranded in rains.

It stops premature aging, preventing pimples, black head and acne. It treats dandruff and prevents hair loss, graying, thinning and dry skin.

It is a great snack for women expectant and breastfeeding mothers.

Its nutrients, such as protein, manganese, copper and riboflavin are used to generate energy.

Almonds are a nutritious and healthy, so grab a handful for a healthy body and mind.

51

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

SHOPPING

Shopping for kitchen lighting

Shopping Right with

Buy Nothing Day

I

•Rustic lighting

Proper lighting of the kitchen is necessary to enhance its look and feel. It does not have to involve big, expensive fixtures, writes FUNMI AYODELE. HE kitchen is one of the most used places in the home. It serves, other functions apart from cooking. It serves as a favourite room for talking, laughing and sharing. Thus, a good lighting becomes one of its most important features.

Types of kitchen lighting Contemporary lighting: This type of lighting gives a very simple and trendy look to the kitchen.

Decorative lighting: This is meant for attractive purpose, to impart a specific look to your kitchen.

Pendant kitchen lighting: This serves same function as the chandelier and finds its way to homes having higher ceilings.

Rustic kitchen lighting: It is light equipment decorated with pinecones, fishing rods or trees. This type of lighting can be found in the country kitchen.

Functional lighting: This type of lighting

T

is aimed at helping you find things at the back of the sink, in the drawer, as well as move around the rooms safely. It is also used to get tasks accomplished in the kitchen.

When shopping for kitchen lighting, it is necessary to take the size of the room into consideration in other to enhance the beauty of the kitchen.

Most kitchen activities are done on the table, so it is necessary to light it up properly and pendant lighting can serve this purpose.

The work area in the kitchen like the sink, stove, over and below the cabinet should be properly lit and functional lighting can serve this purpose.

It is also advisable to stick to same colour for all the kitchen lighting when shopping for coloured lights.

Also, emphasis should be made to ceiling light in the kitchen because ceiling light can be used or coloured lights which can give your kitchen a cool look.

• Decorative lighting

• Contemporary lighting

• Kitchen light

S it possible for you to spend any day without spending? Have you ever tried it? Well here is an opportunity. Tomorrow happens to be the International Buy Nothing Day. It is observed every November 26 internationally and on November 25 in North America.

It is a global holiday from consumerism; spend a day without spending! Lock up your wallet, ignore your credit cards and dump the love of your life - shopping. It is a day where you challenge yourself, family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life.

The rules are simple, for 24 hours you will deter from shopping. Anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending.

People around the United Kingdom and different parts of the world will make a pact with themselves to take a break from consumption as a personal experiment or public stateJANICE NKOLI IFEME ment.

Everything we buy has an impact on the environment. Buy Nothing Day highlights the environmental and ethical consequences of extortionate interest rates with one simple cut. consumerism. The developed countries - only Zombie Walk: Participant ‘zombies’ wan20 per cent of the world population are con- der around shopping malls or other consumer suming over 80 per cent of the earth’s natural havens with a blank stare. When asked what resources, causing a disproportionate level of they are doing explain through gesticulations. environmental damage, and an unfair distriWhirl-mart: Participants silently steer their bution of wealth. shopping carts around a shopping mall or As consumers, we need to question the prod- store in a long, baffling conga line without ucts we buy and challenge the companies who putting anything in the carts or actually makproduce them. What are the true risks to the ing any purchases. environment and developing countries? It is Public protests generally believed that recycling is okay for Wildcat general strike: A strategy used for the environment, but consuming less is bet- the 2009 Buy Nothing Day where participants ter and Buy Nothing Day is a great way to not only do not buy anything for 24 hours but start. also keep their lights, televisions, computers According to its proponents, it is not about and other non-essential appliances turned off, changing your lifestyle for just one day - it is their cars parked, expected to be a lasting and their phones relationship with your turned off or unconsumer conscience plugged from sunmaybe a life changing rise to sunset.

Lock up your wallet, ignore experience. People are Criticism: While encouraged to make a your credit cards and dump the critics of the day commitment to conthat it simply love of your life - shopping. It charge suming less, recycling causes participants more and challenging is a day where you challenge to buy the next day, companies to clean up busters state that yourself, family and friends to Ad and be fair. The superit “isn’t just about market or shopping switch off from shopping and changing your habmall might offer great its for one day” but tune into life. The rules are “about starting a choice, but this should not be at the cost of the lifestyle simple, for 24 hours you will lasting environment or develcommitment to conoping countries. deter from shopping. Anyone suming less and A day of internaless can take part provided they producing tional protest against waste.” consumerism obA c t i v i s t s spend a day without spending. served by social activcommended a store ists, it was founded in in Ottawa for doing Vancouver by artist, something to celTed Dave. His idea of ebrate the day. The getting people to say no to shopping for one store stayed closed, a poster of the Internaday has spread around the world. This year as tional Buy Nothing Day was placed in the every year since 1991, The Media Foundation window and the employees had a paid holiand Adbusters (from British Columbia) are day. The year after that, they opened the shop inviting consumers to give their desire to buy and served cookies and coffee to the customand buy and buy a rest, at least for 24 hours. ers, but refused to make a sale. That sounded The first Buy Nothing Day was organised in cool didn’t it?

Mexico in September 1992 as a day for society A statement from the activists stated: to examine the issue of over-consumption.

“Come on, take the challenge! The last FriIn 1997, it was moved to the Friday after day in November is “International Buy NothAmerican Thanksgiving, also called Black Fri- ing Day”. People come on, show Mother day, which is one of the 10 busiest shopping Earth some respect! Don’t buy anything on days in the United States. Participation now that day, instead sit down in a chair and think includes more than 65 nations. to yourself, “Do I actually need this stuff I In observing the day, various gatherings, am buying?” You’ll be helping yourself as shenanigans and other forms of protest have you help the planet”. been used to draw attention to the problem of To them being a consumer hero is all about over-consumption. standing up against the pressure to buy! Buy! One of such is where participants stand in a Buy. shopping mall or store with a pair of scissors So, if you had a shop would you close down and a poster that advertises help for people for the day? And as a consumer, would you sit who want to put an end to mounting debt and still just for one day?

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com SMS - 08033349992

52

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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

S/N

S/N

NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

1. Aniekwe Raphael (Otherwise known as Raphael Nkencho Aniekwe) late of 15, Abejoye Road, Majidun Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of January, 2010 at Abimbola Awoliyi Memorial Hospital, Lagos.

2. Mr Lazarus Okocha late of No. 2, Haruna Street, Fadeyi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of August, 2009.

3. Sylvan Onyeukwu Onyenso late of 33, Ogunlowo Street,Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January, 2005 at Central Middlesex Hospital.

4. Akpan Sabath Patience , late of 16, Oremerin Street, Itire Mushin, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of February, 2009.

5. Mrs Janet Iyabo Orire (Otherwise known as Orire Iyabode) late of 5, Adelere Sulaimon Close, Shasha, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of August, 2007 at Lagos.

6. Mr Adebayo Lamidi Olayiwola late of Plot 2, Anjorin Odeh Estate, Abule Eko, Ijede, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of June, 2010 at Ikorodu Hospital.

7. Mr Sunday Christopher Adeyemi (Otherwise known as Mr Adeyemi Sunday Christo) late of No. 14, Zone 5, Ajegunle, Off Maye Ikorodu, Ijebu Ode Road, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of January, 2011 at Adeyemi Hospital, Isolo, Lagos.

8. Mrs Folashade Alice Awolesi (Otherwise known as Mrs Awolesi Folashade) late of 401 Road, A Close, Block 3, Flat 2, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of May, 2011 at Ikeja Medical Centre.

9. Mr Adekunle AbdulRafiu Ajenise (Otherwise known as Mr Ajenise A.A.) late of No. 7, Abule Eko Road, Ijede Ikroodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May, 2010 at Aruna Ogun Memorial Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos.

10. Mr Patrick Idam (Otherwise known as P.E.Idam) late of No. 79, Ogunsanmi Street, Itire, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of March, 2005 at New day Specialist Hospital Surulere, Lagos.

11. Mr Joseph Abiodun Komolafe (Otherwise known as known as Chief Joseph Abiodun Komolafe ) late of Plot 5, Olufemi Kolawole Street, Okota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of May, 2010.

12. Mrs Bernice Ayoka Bankole late of 8, Oshitelu Street, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of February , 2010 at Ikeja Medical Centre.

13. Mr Charles Iyama (Otherwise known as Nyama Charles) late of No. 7, Awka Street, Okota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of August, 2008.

14. Azubuke Christopher (Otherwise known as Azubike Christopher Ozo) late of 158, Idewu Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of May, 2007 at Hilton Hospital.

15. Ogunsola Kolawole Y. (Otherwise known as Mr Ogunsola Kolawole Yekinni) late of House A38, Alafia Crescent, Ajasa Command Deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of November, 2009 16. Mr Oluyadi Ayinde Samuel (Otherwise known as Oluyadi Ayinde) late of 47A, Jebba Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of January, 2004 at Ogun State.

17. Mr Makinde Rilwan Adisa late of No. 13, Kewulere Street, Oko Odo Alimosho deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of November, 2010 at Delta.

18. Mr Sunday Idowu late of 5, Odunsanya Street, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of March, 2009 at State Hospital Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

19. Suberu Isiaka (Otherwise known as Isiaka Suberu) late of 41, Powerline Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

20. Mr Edet Joshua Eyo Oyosoro (Otherwise known as Edet Joshua Oyosoro) late of 16, Shonibare Street, Ojodu, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of February, 2009 at Ojodu, Lagos.

21. Ehizode Stephen Uwas (Otherwise known as Mr Stephen Uwas Ehizode) late of No. 17, Shasha Road, Olukosi Bus Stop, Akowonjo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

22. Hamed Olayinka Olanrewaju (Otherwise known as Olayinka Olanrewaju) late of 16, Fatai Animashaun Street, Magodo GRA, Ketu, Shangisha, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of March, 2008 at Federal Medical Centre, Keffi.

23. Mr Bakare Nurudeen Akanbi (Otherwise known as Nurudeen Akanbi Balogun) late of No. 4, Kofoworola Kolaru Street, Owode Ajah, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of November, 2010 at General Hospital, Lagos.

24. Oyaigbevwen Agufure Omatsola (Otherwise known as Oyaigbevwen Agofure) late of No. 2, Unity Close, Off Akinlogun Street, Ibereko Badagry, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2011 at Badagry.

25. Adekunle Sesan Emmanuel late of 7 Olu Adetokun Street, Oke Aro, Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of November, 2010 at Canaan land Ota. 26. Mrs Jane Francis Amara Onyeagba (Otherwise known as Miss Jane Amara Agba and Onyeagba Jane) late of 192, Old Ojo Road, Agboju, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of August, 2011 at Luth 27. Mr Tajudeen Tiamiyu (Otherwise known as Tiamiyu Tajudeen Adewale) late of No. 1, Ayandeji Street, Idi Araba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of October, 2010 at Mac Medical Centre.

28. Mohammed Abdullahi late of No. 27, Okita Street, Onigbongbo Maryland deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of September, 1999.

29. Mr Adelowo Adebayo Sadiq late of 8, Idowu Adelowo Crescent, Lemode Agbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of September, 2011 at Lagos.

30. Mr Festus Adebola Adebonojo late of 321 Road, G Close, House 13, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of August, 1986 at Lagos.

31. Felicia Amalu (Otherwise known as Uzo and Felicia Amalu Uzo) late of 35, Ajayi Road, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of September, 1996 .

32. Adewale Wasiu A. (Otherwise known as Adewale Wasiu Adegboyega and Adewale Wasiu) late of No. 21, Adealu Street, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of July, 2009 at Lagos.

33. Anthony Odumah (Otherwise known as Anthony O. Odumah and Tonny Oduniah) late of 1, Yisa Omotunde Street, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of September, 2006 at NAF Medical Services Lagos.

34. Mallam Musa Mohammed (Otherwise known as Musa Mohammed ) late of 40/41 Johnson Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of March, 2010 at UMTH, Maiduguri, Bornu State.

35. Mr Titus Isaac Amalime late of 25, Tiwalade Street, Ladipo Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of March, 2011 at Jarah Hospital, Garki 2, Abuja.

36. Pius Njokanma Mekwunye (Otherwise known as Pius Mekwunye) late of Block 194, Flat 192, and 194 Iba Housing Estate, Ojo Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of December, 1997 at Lagos.

37. Ayodele Wahab (Otherwise known as Ayodele Wahaab) late of 79, Agboyi Road, Alapere Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of April,2010 at Cross River.

38. Ogodo Glory Mummy (Otherwise known as Ogodo Glory) late of No. 2, Abule Adaloko Road, Iyana Era, Ijanikin deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of January, 2011 at Badagry General Hospital.

39. Mazi Emeto Edward Iwuoha (Otherwise known as Emeto I. Edward) late of No. 15, Mystic Fellowship Avenue, Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

40. Olojo Josephine (Mrs) late of 1, Stella Osholanke Street, Off Muritala Mohammed International Airport Road, Ajao Estate, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of September, 2010 at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (Luth).

41. Mrs Silifat Anike Tubo (Otherwise known as Mrs Tubo Silifat Anike) late of 11, Odunlade Street, Shomolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd dya of June, 2010 at Lagos.

42. Emily Ireti Odunsina (Otherwise known as Madam Emily Ireti Odusina) late of Flat 4, Block N 13, Low Cost Housing Estate, Jakande Oke Afa, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of January, 1996 at Ayo Clinic Ikorodu.

43. Shitta-Bey Rabiu (Otherwise known as Shitta-Bey Rabiu Bodunrin) late of 4, Ola Street, Itire,Ijesha , Surulere, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of October, 2009 at Lagos.

44. Inspector Adenekan A. Olusesan (Otherwise known as Olusesan Adeniyi Adenekan) late of 2, Sesan Adenekan Street, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of April, 2011 at Kogi State.

45. Chief (Hon.) Vincent C. Agwuncha (Otherwise known as Chief Vincent C. Agwuncha) late of 15, Bello Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of June, 2002 at Havana Hospital, Lagos.

46. Mr Wilfred Eze (Otherwise known as Eze Wilfred) late of Block 4, Flat 6, Rabiat Thompson Shitta, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of June, 2006 at Lagos.

47. Tajudeen Salami (Otherwise known as Abdul Salam Tajudeen) late of 173, Kirikiri Road Apapa, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of February, 2010 at Ilorin.

48. Mr J.A.Sulaimon (Otherwise known as Jamiu Jimoh Agoro) late of No. 22, Ojogun Town B.L.G. deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of January, 2011 at Oju-Ale Ojogun Compound.

49. Mrs Florence Nwoko (Nee Ndih) late of 21, Oshiyemi Street, Ladipo, Shogunle, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of October, 2008 at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.

50. Mr Saheed Olanrewaju Ajagbe (Otherwise known as Mr Saidi Olanrewaju Ajagbe) late of 4, Iwalesin Street, Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of April, 2009 at Lagos.

51. Adepoju Adeyinka Moses (Otherwise known as Mr Adeyinka Adepoju) late of No. 2 Agboola Akintunde Street, Pleasure Oke Odo deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of July, 2010 at Luth.

52. Pa Jacob Adekahunsi (Otherwise known as Pa Jacob Taiwo Adekahunsi) late of 3, Fashoro Lane, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of July, 2009 at Lagos.

53. Ukeh Micheal Onyemaechi, late of 17, Idowu Ibiyemi Street, Egan, Igando, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of July, 2010 at New Mayor Hospital and Marternity Onitsha.

54. Elder Matthias Ekundayo Daniels (Otherwise known as Elder Matthias Ekundayo Fashoba) late of 3A, Aderoju Adewuyi Street, Awuse Estate, Opebi Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of June, 2007.

55. Alhaji Musafau Safariyu (Otherwise known as Musafau Safariyu Oloyede) late of Plot 8, Flat 2, Finance Road, Mardge Wood Estate, Oko Oba, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of July, 2011 at Ifako Lagos.

56. Alhaji Adams Fadipe late of 41, Alasia Compound, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of May, 2010 at Alexander Hospital Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.

57. Mr Waheed Kolawole Tinubu (Otherwise known as Tinubu Kolawole Waheed) late of 5, Emmanuel Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of October, 1997 at Lagos.

58. Mr Abideen Opeyemi Aransiola late of No. 4, Opeyemi Street, Owode, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of March, 2011 at State Hospital, Ota. 59. Gladstone Peter I. Omiunu late of 46, Alawode Street, Ikate Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of October, 1989.

60. Mr Tochukwu Okeleke Nwajei Onwuemene (Otherwise known as Tochukwu O.N. Onwuemene and Mr Tochukwu Onwumere) late of 10, Opaleye Street, Ajegunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of February, 2001 at Lagos.

61. Mr Lateef Salami late of 49A, Oluwaleyimu Street, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of February, 2009 at Lagos.

62. Mr Akeem Agbaje late of No. 24, Okeho Street, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

63. Innocent Obasi (Otherwise known as Obasi Innocent) late of 46A, Apapa Expressway Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of June, 2006 at Lagos.

64. Ndejito Grace Nwabuogor (Nee Eke) (Otherwise known as Ndejito Grace) late of 51, Apapa Road, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of January, 2011 at Federal Medical Centre Ebute Metta West.

65. Mrs Ojo Oluremi late of No. 1, Aro Baba Street, Pipeline Idimu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of June, 2010 at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

66. Mr Ireh Vincent late of No. 20, Godwin Iseyemi , Ojo Igbede Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of August, 2009 at Lagos.

67. Namchi Hussaini (Otherwise known as Namchi Husseini) late of Block Q2, Flat 9, Sam Ethnam Airforce Base, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of June, 2011 at NAF Hospital, Ikeja.

68. Mr Kareem Tajudeen Adio (Otherwise known as Mr Tajudeen Kareem) late of 13, Amodu Street, Odi Olowo Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of October, 2011 at Ogun State.

69. Mrs Florence O. Okogbe (Otherwise known as Okogbe Florence ) late of 9, Adigun Owolabi Street, Oke Ota, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of July, 2010 at University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

70. Prince Oyedokun Darkwah Abidoye (Otherwise known as Prince Dokun Abidoye) late of 20/22 Alfred Olaiya Street, Opebi Ikeja, Lagos State, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of December, 2004.

71. Mr Okereke Anthony Madumere (Otherwise known as Mr Okereke Anthony ) late of 7th Avenue “N� Close, House 17, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of May, 2010 at Golden Cross Hospital 22 Road Festac.

72. Elijah Ogbodo , late of 14, Zamba Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died in testate on the 23rd day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

73. Mrs Stella Bankole (Otherwise known as Omonigho ) late of 1, Aghaomi Street, Igbo Elerin Okoko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6thd ay of December,2009 at Ibadan.

74. Ogungbade Tajudeen CPL (Otherwise known as Ogungbade Tajudeen) late of Block 3, 401 Road Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of March, 2011.

75. Ajayi Emmanuel Ayodeji (Otherwise known as Ajayi Ayodeji Emmanuel and Ajayi Emmanuel) late of 52, Campbell Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of May, 2009 at Lagos.

76. Felicia Modupe Oyekusi (Otherwise known as Mrs F.Modupe Oyekusi) late of 512 Road, A Close Block 3, Flat 11, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of November,2010 at Jibod Specialist Hospital, Lagos.

77. Mr Emmanuel Madu (Otherwise known as Emmanuel O. Madu) late of 61, Agboyi Road, Ogudu Ojota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of September,2008 at General Hospital, Lagos.

78. Johnson Emmanuel Oluseye late of 1, Irewolede Street, Shasha, Dopemu, Akowonjo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of November,2008 at University College Hospital, Ibadan.

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

1. Professional Executors Trustees and Investment Ltd (Trust Coy) of 30, Ibezim Obiajulu Street, Surulere, Lagos, the trust company appointed by the said deceased.

2. Mrs Stella Okocha, of No. 2, Haruna Street, Fadeyi Lagos, Michael Okocha of Block 26, Room 25 Obalende Police Barracks, Mr Amechi Okocha of No. 20, Adegboyega Street, Idi Oro Mushin and Mr Ifeanyi Okocha of No. 2, Haruna Street, Fadeyi Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

3. Obinna Onyeukwu Onyenso and Nnamdi Onyeukwu Onyenso both of 33, Ogunlowo Street, Ikeja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

4. Mrs Glory Okon Edem of 16, Oremeji Street, Itire, Surulere, Lagos, and Mr Udoh Jonah of 49, Oluwasina Street, Itire, Surulere, Lagos, sister and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

5. Elder Femi Orire of 5, Adelere Sulaimon and Mrs Tayo Edohen of 21, Ajayi Aina Street, Ifako, Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said decased.

6. Mrs Musili Bola Adebayo, Mr Tunde Adebayo, Mr Seun Adebayo and Mr Abayomi Adebayo all of Plot 2, Anjorin Odeh Estate, Abule Eko Ijede Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

7. Mrs Felicia Feyisara Adeyemi and Mrs Oluwatoyin Abosede Towolawi (Nee Adeyemi) both of 14, Zone 5, Ajegunle Off Maye Ikorodu, /Ijebu Ode Road, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

8. Mr Adewale Babatunde Awolesi and Mrs Oluwatoyin Otegbaye both of 401, Road A Close, Block 3, Flat 2, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

9. Mrs Sukuratu Adebimpe Ajenise and Mr Hammed Rabiu both of No. 7, Abule Eko Road, Ijede Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

10. Mrs Ojii Mercy Okala and Miss Ngozi Etu Okala both of No. 79, Ogunsanmi Street, Itire Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

11. Mrs Mojisola Aduke Komolafe, Mrs Oluyemi Quadri, Mr Olumide Komolafe, Mrs Olusola Akinrinade, Mr Olufemi Komolafe and Opeoluwa Komolafe all of Plot 5, Olufemi Kolawole Street , Okota, Lagos, widow and five children respectively of the said deceased.

12. Mr Oladipo Bankole and Mr Ajibola Bankole both of 8, Oshitelu Street, Ikeja, two of the children of the said deceasd.

13. Mrs Edith Iyama and Mr Ifeanyi Iyama both of No. 7, Awka Street, Okota, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

14. Azubike Christiana and Azubike Blessing N. both of 158, Idewu Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

15. Ogunsola Rasheed, Ogunsola Bashiru Ogunsola Olayinka and Ogunsola Blessing all of House A38/24 Alafia Crescent, Ajasa, four children of the said deceased.

16. Mr Olumide Oluyadi, Mr Kunle Samuel and Mr Remi Oluyadi all of 47A, Jebba Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

17. Mrs Makinde Aweni and Mr Makinde Ganiu Alani both of 13, Kewulere Street, Oke Odo Alimosho Lagos, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

18. Mr Obafemi Idowu of 5, Odusanya Street, Bariga, Lagos, Miss Omowunmi Idowu of 19, Molade Okoya Thomas Street, Ikeja Lagos, Mr Abayomi Idowu of Ayegbami Quarter Ijebu Ife, Ogun State and Mrs Olasumbo Osinowo of 5, Gbadebo Street, Ojota, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

19. Ganiu Suberu of 41, Powerline Oko Oba Agege, Lagos and Ajara Suberu of 10, Ebun Street, Papa Ashafa Agege, Lagos , two children of the said deceased.

20. Emanuel Koko Edet and Victor Edet both of 16, Shonibare Street, Ojodu, Ikeja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

21. Ehizode Thomas and Owaeremi Monday both of No. 17, Shasha Road, Olukosi Bus Stop, Akowonjo, Lagos, brother and cousin r espectively of the said deceased.

22. Adewale Surajudeen Olanrewaju and Afis Olanrewaju both of 16, Fatai Animashaun Street, Magodo GRA, Shagisha, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

23. Mrs Omowunmi Chrsitiana Bakare , Mrs Fatima Bakare, Mr Ahmed Olatunji Balogun and Mr Yusuf Oladimeji Balogun all of No. 4, Kofoworola Kolaru Street, Owode Ajah ,two widows and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

24. Oyaigbevwen Rose E., Agofure Edesiri and Mrs Ifijeh Eguono all of No. 2, Unity Close, Off Akinlogun Street, Ibereko , widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

25. PST Kayode Adekunle and Lekan Adekunle both of 7, Olu Adetoun Street, Oke Aro father and brother respectively of the said deceased.

26. Mr Aloysius C. Onyeagba of 192, Old Ojo Road, Agboju and Mrs Amaka Akugbe of 24, Awoniyi Elemo Street, Ajao Estate, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

27. Mr Gafaru Taiamiyu of No. 18, Ogunmefun Street, Shomolu, Lagos, Mr Ademuyiwa Tiamiyu, Mr Adefolahan Tiamiyu and Mr Adetoro Tiamiyu all of NO. 1, Ayandeji Street, Idi Araba Lagos , four of the children of the said deceased.

28. Ishalaa Abdullahi, Salisu Abdullahi and Ayara Abdullahi all of No. 11, Ayodele Owodeyin Mile 12, Midor Road, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

29. Mr Adelowo Aderemi , Mr Adelowo Bolade and MrsAdelowo Oluseyi all of 8, Idowu Adelowo Crescent, Agbado, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

30. Mrs Funke Sofoluwe, Dr Babatunde Feyi Adebonojo and Mr Femi Ademola Adebonojo all of 321, Road G Close, House 13, Festac Town, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

31. Anthony Amalu and Viola Ansa both of 35, Ajayi Road, Ogba, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

32. Adewale Segun and Miss Adewale Ayisat both of 15, Abologun Estate, Sango Otta, two children of the said deceased.

33. Professional Executors, Trustees and Invest Ltd (Trust Coy) of 30, Ibezim Obiajulu Street, Surulere, the trust company appointed by the beneficiaries.

34. Professional Executors Trustees and Invest ltd (Trust Coy) of 30, Ibezim Obiajulu Street, Surulere, Lagos, the trust company appointed by the beneficiaries.

35. Mrs Sylvia Olayinka-Olaniyi of 5, Marcathy Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, Mr Nduka Smith Amalime and Miss Konye Francis Amalime both of 25, Tiwalade Street, Ladipo Oshodi, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

36. Elizath Olufunmilayo Mekwunye (Mrs) and Donald Ife Mekwunye both of Block 194, Flat 192, and 194, Iba Housing Estate Ojo, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

37. Oluwatoyin Oluwabunmi Ayodele and Ismaila Ganiyu both of 79, Agboyi Road, Alapere Ketu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

38. Thomas Amama Ogodo of No. 2, Abule Adaloko Ijanikin, the only surviving brother of the said deceased.

39. Esther Emeto and Justina Emeto Madumere both of No. 15, Mystic Fellowship Avenue Abule Egba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

40. Prophet Gabriel Ayodele Olojo and Titilayo Margaret Olojo both of 1, Stella Osholanke Street, off Muritala Mohammed Airport, Ajao Estate, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

41. Olayinka Alice Adelaja of 11, Shobayo Street, Ilupeju and Folashade Oladimeji of 4, Falola Lane Bajulaiye , two children of the said deceased.

42. Mrs Adefunke Olatunji of Idera Community Estate Odogunyan Ikorodu, Lagos, Mr Adelaja Odusina of 9, Igbehin Adun Street, Gbagada Pedro, Lagos State and Dr Adegboyega Odusina of Okada Park Orile Okuta Ikorodu, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

43. Sherifat Abolanle Shitta-Bey and Idris Kolawole Shitta-Bey both of 4, Ola Street, Adedeji Bus Stop, Itire Ijesha Road Surulere, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

44. Mrs Oluyemisi A. Adenekan and Mrs Omotayo A. Adenekan both of No. 2, Sesan Adenekan Street, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

45. Mrs Catherine Agwuncha and Engr. Tochukwu Agwuncha both of 15, Bello Street, Orile Iganmu Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

46. Mrs Anna Eze and Chima Eze both of Block 4, Flat 6, Rabiat Thompson Shitta, Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

47. Alhaji Ganiyu Salami and Alhaji Ayinla Salami both of 173, Kirikiri Road, Apapa, Lagos, father and brother respectively of the said deceased.

48. Agoro Adekunle of No. 4, Alfa Omega Street, and Agoro Adediran of No. 22, Ojogun Town, B.L.G. Two of the children of the said deceased.

49. Mr Christopher Nwoko of No. 15, Jolaosho Street, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos and Mr Augustine Ndih of No Moshood Close, Shasha ,widower and brother respectively of the said deceased 50. Mrs Omowunmi Ajagbe of No. 4, Iwalesin Street, Alagbado, Lagos, and Mr Yusuf Olafadehan of 17, Oke Ijaiye Street, Alagbado, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

51. Adepoju Odunola Esther of No. 2, Agboola Akintunde Street, Pleasure Oke Odo Lagos and Adepoju Kemisola of Oke Sarowo Street, Ondo Town, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

52. Mrs Oyenike Olusola Oyelakin of 40, Agoro Street, Okerube Ikotun and Mrs Bender Modupe Abimbola of 17, Omiyale Street, Ejigbo, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

53. Ukeh Ogochukwu M. of 17, Idowu Ibiyemi Street, Igando and Grace I. Ukaegbu of Block 21, Road 18, Diamond Estate, Isheri, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

54. Mrs Goodness Oluwatoyin Daniels, David Oladoyin Daniels, Oladele Oluwole Daniels and Oladipupo Oluwatayo Daniels all of 3A, Aderoju Adewuyi Street, Awuse Estate, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

55. Hajia Rilwat Olayemi Safariyu, Ibrahim M. Safariyu, Lukmon M. Safariyu all of Plot 8, Flat 2, Finance Road, Marhe Wood Estate, Oko Oba, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

56. Fadipe Olugbenga Tajudeen and Fadipe Samsideen Babatunde both of 41, AlasiaCompound, Oshodi, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

57. Mrs Oyeyemi Elizabeth Tinubu, Mrs Gbemisola Oyebola Tinubu Pratt and Miss Oluwadamilola Tinubu all of 7th Avenue, 721 Road, E Close, House 10, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

58. Miss Rukayat Aransiola and Mrs Fasilat Aransiola both of No. 4, Opeyemi Street, Owode, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

59. Omiunu Emmanuel Ejere, Omiunu Charles Omouan both of 46, Alawode Street, Ikate Surulere, Lagos and Ebeida Akpanako of 3, Lawani Street, Benin City, three of the children of the said deceased.

60. Mrs Theresa Onwuemene and Mr Chizite Onwuemene both of 10, Opaleye Street, Ajegunle Lagos, widow and one of the children r espectively of the said deceased.

61. Mr Adewale Salami and Miss Fadeke Salami both of 49A, Oluwaleyimu Street, Ikeja, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

62. Mrs Adijat Agbaje, Mrs Olanike Agbaje and Mr Agbaje Lateef all of No. 24, Okeho Street, Dopemu Agege, Lagos, widow ,one of the children and sister respectively of the said deceased.

63. Mrs Obasi Patricia and Mr Chibueze Obasi both of 46A, Apapa Expressway Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

64. Emmanuel Ndejito and Nathaniel Ndejito both of 51, Apapa Road, Ebute Metta, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

65. Foluso Ojo and Biola Ojo both of No. 1 Arobaba Street, Pipeline Idimu, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

66. Precelia Ireh Vincent, Ireh Bridget and Benedict Okafor all of No. 20, Godwin Iseyemi, Ojo Igbede, Lagos, widow, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

67. ACM Namchi Hassaini and Helen Namchi both of Block 2, Flat 9, Sam Ethnam Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

68. Mr Kareem Aliu, Mr Kareem Ahmed and Miss Kareem Saidat all of 13, Amodu Street, Odi Olowo Mushin, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

69. Mrs Olorode Efemena and Mr Okogbe Sylvester both fo 9, Adigun Owolabi Street, Oke Ota Est. two of the children of the said deceased.

70. Mrs Kikelomo Abidoye, Miss Temitope Abidoye and Temitayo Oyedokun Abidoye all of 20/22 Alfred Olaiya Street, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

71. Mrs Florence A.M.Okereke, Miss Chinwendu A.M.Okereke and Miss Chigozie A.M. Okereke all of 7th Avenue, N Close House 17, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

72. Ogochukwu Ogbodo and Patrick Ogbodo both of 14, Zamba Street, Surulere, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

73. Rasheed Jimoh Bankole of 1, Aghaomi Street, Igbo Elerin and Irene Ayigbe of 70, Olasanloye Street, Ijegun, Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

74. Mrs Ogungbade Sherifat Ajoke, Ogungbade Lukman Adekunle, Ogungbade Kazeem Adebayo and Ogungbade Adeniyi Taoreed all of Block 3, 401 Road, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

75. Ajayi Oluwaseun David and Ajayi Adesegun Josiah both of 52, Campbell Street, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

76. Godwin Oluseun Oso of 11, Godwin Oso Avenue, Ashipa, Lagos, and Emmanuel Olayinka Oso of 15, Old Ketu Road, Atan Otta, Ogun State ,two brothers of the said deceased.

77. Mrs Roseline Ijeoma Madu and Mr Boniface Madu both of 61, Agboyi Road, Ogudu Ojota, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

78. Mrs Dorcas Gbemisola Johnson and Miss Christianah Omowunmi Johnson both fo 1, Irewolede Street, Shasha, Dopemu, Akowonjo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

53

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-11-11

Stock market downtrend puts ROI at -29% T HE downtrend at the Nigerian stock market continued yesterday with benchmark indices slipping below the psychological line of resistance, pushing the year-to-date return to -19.42 per cent. With inflation rate at 10.5 per cent, the real return on investments stood at a -29.92 per cent.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities shrank by N35 billion to N6.282 trillion as against the N6.317 trillion recorded as opening value. The All Share Index (ASI) also reflected the depreciation in value with a corresponding drop of 0.55 per cent from 20,070.63 points to 19,961.18 points.

With the decline, investors have lost N110 billion in the four-day trading session.

The bearishness became more rampant yesterday with 82 per cent of all price changes on the downtrend.

Besides insurance sector, all other sectoral indices closed on the negative as bears rattled banks, manufacturers, oil and gas and services companies.

The NSE 30 Index, which tracks the 30 most capitalised stocks, dwindled to 890.95

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

points as against its opening index of 895.35 points.

The NSE Food and Beverages Index, which measures food and beverages companies, dropped from 566.75 points to 565.39 points. The NSE Banking Index shrank to 278.36 points compared with index on board of 282.87 points. The NSE Oil and Gas Index dropped from 244.79 points to 244.13 points. But, the NSE Insurance Index improved from 143.96 points to 144.05 points.

Stanbic IBTC Bank topped the 31-stock losers’ list with a loss of 40 kobo to close at N7.60 per share. UAC of Nigeria followed with a drop of 38 kobo to close at N29.32.

Oando and Nigerian Breweries dropped by 25 kobo each to close at N25.75 and N91.75 respectively.

Vitafoam Nigeria lost 24 kobo to close at N4.82. Skye Bank fell by 22 kobo to close at N4.37, while University Press Plc declined by 18 kobo to N3.52 per share.

Meanwhile, NCR led the

handful of seven gainers with a gain of 42 kobo to close at N8.87 per share. Cement Company of Northern Nigeria followed with a gain of 23 kobo to close at N4.98. GT Assurance gained six kobo to close at N1.45. Premier Breweries, Zenith Bank and Lafarge Cement Wapco, added four kobo each to close at N1.01, N11.95 and N39.04 respectively. Sterling Bank gained two kobo to close at N1.05 per share.

Investors however, increased their stakes on equities with total turnover of 465.3 million shares valued at N3.45 billion in 3,042 deals compared with turnover of 258.48 million shares worth N1.67 billion in 3,303 deals recorded in previous day.

Breweries subsector was the most active with a turnover of 353.85 million shares valued at N2.57 billion in 171 deals. Banking subsector followed with 81.29 million shares valued at N609.37 million in 1,564 deals. Insurance subsector ranked third with a turnover of 14.13 million shares worth N10.55 million in 122 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-11-11

55

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

MONEY LINK

NAICOM releases IFRS guidelines December T

HE guidelines to regulate the implementation of the insurance industry International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) will be released by December, Acting Director Supervision, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) Mr Opara Nicholas, has said.

He disclosed this at a workshop organised by NAICOM for journalists in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Nicholas said the commission is putting finishing touches to ensure that the guidelines are issued to

By Chuks Udo Okonta

enable insurers adopt the IFRS to aid their next year accounts preparations.

He said: “We are close to releasing the guidelines; we are presently engaging the operators, when we are through with the sorting out of some identified challenges that may stall the implementation of the initiative we will issue the guidelines. We are hopeful that by December the guidelines will be issued to enable

operators use them in their next year operations.

“Under the existing financial reporting, we have what we call uniform financial reporting standard. We have looked at the basis of accounting presentations and have prepared a format, which would be followed by all the operators in preparing and presenting their financial statements.

The same thing we are trying to achieve under the IFRS. We are also working to ensure that the accounting system of insurance companies

will be uniform. The way we hope to achieve this, is by looking at options that are available in the IFRS. The IFRS gives provisions for options, if the companies are allowed to choose their options, without harmonising them; it is possible that the financial statements they would prepare will be different from others.”

Nicholas said that the insurance industry is ahead of other sectors in the quest to meet the government’s deadline on the

Mobile money: UBA unveils U-Mo

T

HE United Bank for Africa (UBA) yesterday launched its mobile banking flagship product, U-Mo, to capture over 80 million mobile phone users in both rural areas and urban towns across the country. This came after the bank secured the regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make available the product to mobile phone subscribers.

The mobile payment service known as U-Mo is among the 11 licenses granted by CBN, and had earlier been granted approval-in-principle, enabling the UBA Group to deploy and commence full operations with the establishment of Afripay, its mobile banking subsidiary.( ( The Group Managing Director, UBA, Phillips Oduoza said U-Mo is for everybody that has mobile phones and will enable them transfer and receive money on their phones. He said the product is meant to enhance the CBN ‘Cash-lite’ banking initiative and reduce cost of banking operations in the country. He said the whole essence is to store money in a telephone at a cheaper rate; sending and receiving such funds in any part of the country.

Collins Nweze and Adline Atili

He said: “With this service, a subscriber does not have to have a bank account before performing banking and other financial services; people can store money in their phones and use it to do business. This is a major step towards realising the ‘cash-lite’ initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Today, banking penetration still remains low.

“We have over 80 million connected telephone lines while only 25 million Nigerians have bank account, leaving a major gap of about 55 million. U-Mo is going to address that by providing banking services to unbanked Nigerians. They can also transfer money to any mobile number, spend the money directly from their mobile phones to pay for goods and services.” According to him, level of required documentation is so low that the ‘mobile bank account’ can be opened in five minutes Dr. Yinka Adedeji, Chief Executive Officer, Afripay, revealed that U-Mo provides higher level of security than cards, given that it only requires your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) and possession

F

FCMB restores sight to 6,500 people

IRST City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB) in collaboration with the Mission for Vision - Tulsi Chanrai has commenced the free restoration of sight to visually impaired Nigerians in three different geographical zones in the country, for the third year running.

Surgeries according to a statement from the bank, commenced in the three designated centres in Calabar in Cross River; Yola in Adamawa State and Brinin-Kebbi, Kebbi State on November 1, 2011, and will run all through December.

Owerri, Imo State and Abuja benefitted from the programme in 2009 and 2010.

The bank said that the intervention activity was part of its yearly Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative tagged Priceless Gift of Sight, which is aimed at restoring sight of visually impaired people.

For three years running, the intervention has focused on the promotion of free restoration of sight to underprivileged adults and children in selected communities across the country, taking advantage of the December festive season and Children’s Day celebration in May of every year.

Kenny Aliu, FCMB’s Group Head,

of your mobile phone to perform any operation.

Adedeji said that U-Mo Mobile money is available to all mobile subscribers irrespective of their mobile service provider. He also said it can be used by people with or without bank accounts in UBA. Adedeji, disclosed that in in order to ensure that all customer segments are covered, a number of products have been introduced by Afri-Pay. These products include U-Mo Silver for customers with very little information. It allows them to spend or pay up to N3,000.00 per transaction and up to N30,000.00 per day. U-Mo Gold, for customers with contact information and details.

A U-Mo Gold customer is allowed to spend or pay up to N10, 000 per transaction and up to N100, 000.00 per day. U-Mo Platinum for the more sophisticated customers who are allowed to spend or pay up to N100, 000 per transaction and up to N1, 000,000 per day.

To qualify for U-Mo Platinum, you have to provide detailed information including a verified address and a reference.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 24-11-11 SYMBOL

NCR CCNN GTASSURE PREMBREW STERLNBANK ZENITHBANK WAPCO

O/PRICE

8.45 4.75 1.39 0.97 1.03 11.91 39.00

C/PRICE

8.87 4.98 1.45 1.01 1.05 11.95 39.04

CHANGE

0.42 0.23 0.06 0.04 0.02 0.04 0.04

LOSER AS AT 24-11-11 SYMBOL

IBTC IKEJAHOTEL UBA UPL AIRSERVICE SKYEBANK TRANSCORP VITAFOAM CUSTODYINS FIDELITYBK MAYBAKER MULTITREX FIDSON NEIMETH JAPAULOIL

O/PRICE

8.00 3.06 2.67 3.70 2.08 4.59 0.63 5.06 2.32 1.50 2.17 1.33 1.12 1.36 0.73

C/PRICE

7.60 2.91 2.54 3.52 1.98 4.37 0.60 4.82 2.21 1.43 2.07 1.27 1.07 1.30 0.70

CHANGE

0.40 0.15 0.13 0.18 0.10 0.22 0.03 0.24 0.11 0.07 0.10 0.06 0.05 0.06 0.03

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

Corporate Communications, said the aim of this year’s activity is to once again help in reducing avoidable blindness, by providing high quality free surgeries for cataract treatment among the poor in Nigeria.

The FCMB initiative will also raise awareness on the magnitude of the problems associated with cataract in Nigerian communities and help to improve the economic independence of the respective beneficiaries. Surgeries and the entire treatment are performed free of charge while real time training of local medical and Para-medical personnel are conducted to facilitate capacity building.

The surgeries focus on surgical treatment of cataract with interocular lens implantation to those who would otherwise be unable to access quality free surgeries.

Modern surgical techniques using state of the art equipments are in use in all the hospitals, while Tulsi Chanrai Foundation ensures maximum utilization of existing government infrastructure thus saving unnecessary duplication and expense.

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

compliance of the new standard, adding that insurers have been enjoined to produce dual accounts this year to enable them transit smoothly to the IFRS next year.

He said : “The Commission is working towards choice of options, right now, we have identified all the options that are available under the various guidelines and we would work with the operators and consultants in choosing that best options.”

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m

313.5m

250m

150.8

03-8-11

400m

443m

400m

150.7

01-8-11

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 118.85 98.43 0.77 1.04 0.88 1,642.73 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,251.90 193.00

9.08 1.00 118.69 97.65 0.74 1.04 0.87 1,635.25 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,149.37 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 24 Aug, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 26, Aug, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

56

NEWS Job visas for 170 ex-militants

T

HE post-amnesty programme received a boost yesterday as the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) gave three years employment visas to 170 ex-militants.

They are to undergo a sixmonth vocational training in crane operations, pipeline welding, electrical installations; health safety and environment at the International Centre for Non-Violence and Peace Development.

Those sent to the UAE are in addition to the 50 undergoing a six-month vocational training in crane operations at the Ghana Port and Har-

By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

bour Authority.

The visa grant is part of the collaboration between the governments of the UAE and Nigeria.

Speaking yesterday at the pre-departure briefing, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Matters, Kingsley Kuku said this is the first time any country would grant three years employment visa to ex-militants.

Kuku said the programme would end in 2015 and urged participants to explore the opportunities the programme offers.

Father, son burnt in Delta

Navy parades 13 suspected illegal bunkerers T

HE Navy yesterday said it would ensure free movement of vessels and human beings in the creeks of the Niger Delta.

It warned that illegal activities in the region would not be condoned.

The Officer in charge of Forward Operating Base, Formoso, in Bayelsa State, Navy Capt Aminu Hassan, spoke when parading 13 suspects, three ships and two wooden boats held for illegal bunkering in the area.

The suspects and ships were handed over to the police and the Economic and

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

LADJA community in Udu Local Government of Delta State is mourning the death of Obukohwo Puke and his two-year old son.

The duo were burnt to death when Puke was refuelling a running generator.

His wife, Chovwen, was injured and is being treated at an undisclosed private hospital in Udu. The source said neighbours helped to put out the fire before rushing the family to the hospital.

“The boy died as we got to the hospital, his father died on Wednesday morning. The wife is in intensive care,” the source said.

A member of the Aladja Community Council (ACC), Julius Tibor, confirmed the incident.

A

Osun PDP dissolves exco From Adesoji Adeniyi, Warri

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State yesterday dissolved its executive council, led by Mr. Sunday Ojo-Williams.

In a statement, the party’s National Vice-Chairman (Southwest), Tajudeen Oladipo, said a nine-member caretaker committee has been set-up, pending the inauguration of a new working committee.

Former House of Assembly Speaker Rafiu Bello is the chairman of the committee, Shina Muhammed is secretary.

Other members are Teslim Igbalaye, Bakare Akomola, Funmi Olasehinde, Sunday Adewole, Alafe Aluko and Funmi Lamuye.

•Hands them over to EFCC

From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The ships are MT.BesKid, Mv RAAH, Mv Victor 1, and two wooden boats, Mv. FEAR God and Mv Lover Marine.

Over 200 tonnes of AGO was found in the vessels, which were apprehended along the River Nun. Hassan said: “Besides the

absence of genuine documentation, the AGO found in the vessels were suspected to be locally refined as discovered by laboratory tests.

“Eleven suspects from Beskid Vessel were handed over to the EFCC and the other, including the wooden boats, were handed over to the police.

“In addition, 55 illegal re-

fining camps were destroyed in the last one month in the area.

“Similarly, 18 large wooden boats, more than 400 drums containing AGO and crude oil were destroyed.”

Leader of the EFCC operatives Ade Haastrup said the suspects and the vessels are now in the commission’s custody.

He said: “Investigations won’t take time, at least one week and we will charge them to court.”

But some of the crew members said they were on their way to Lagos from Calabar.

Amaechi: we’ll fight crime

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IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has reaffirmed his commitment to fight criminals, especially bank robbers.

Amaechi gave the assurance during the second Port Harcourt Diocesan Synod of the Catholic Church at the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) in Port Harcourt.

He said: “When we found out that some of the robbers were from the state, they did not know that we had prepared for them.

“As soon as they entered GRA, the police cornered them and they had a shootout with the police.

“Two died, two escaped and we are looking for the remaining two. Inside their

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

vehicles, ammunition, explosives, AK47s and pistols were recovered.

“Of the two who escaped, one is a woman and she was the one who shot a policeman at Rukpokwu, when the same gang attempted to rob a bullion van conveying cash for a bank.

“The security agencies are on their trail and by the grace of God, we are going to get them, government will hunt them down.”

He, however, lamented that people have forgotten how much his administration has tried to protect them.

AMaechi said with the cooperation of the people, his administration would not relent in its responsibilities.

“I’m sure if they ask you to assess the government now, you may be very critical. You would say no roads, no jobs. In the past you were not even looking

‘You have forgotten that by the time I became governor there was a 6pm to 6am curfew. ‘ for roads. You’ve forgotten that before, for you to take your phone and make a call on the road, you see a young boy with a gun waiting for you by the side and you would just hand over your phone out of fear.

“You have forgotten that by the time I became governor there was a 6pm to 6am curfew.

“But we did everything to bring back peace and security to the state.

“So the state tries to provide security for you, in such a way that you have the confidence to go about your

•Amaechi

business.”

The governor also urged members of the church to ensure they fulfil their civic responsibility by paying their tax.

“You pay your tax, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also to satisfy your conscience.

“We discover that some of you do not pay all your taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due and honour to whom honour is due,” he said.

‘Edo PDP has no solid candidate’ HIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Ogbebor Ekowenren Oghowan yesterday said the PDP has no solid candidate for the June 14 governorship election.

He said: “Those presently in the race are either merely visible in newspapers or they have the financial war chest without credibility.

“If those in the trenches now are our best 11, then we are not ready for the election.

“Let’s start with Prof Oserheimen Osunbor as far as the PDP is concerned, he is not going anywhere. Remember the role Osunbor played during his 18-month rule in government; how he destroyed the party, factionalised it and almost brought the leader to his knees.

“We cannot forget so soon, how Osunbor mesmerised the national leader. He was foisted on the people during the primaries by former President Olusegun Obasanjo against the preferred aspirant, Senator

C

Odion Ugbesia.

“We also saw the role Isaiah Osifo played in that government and how he fuelled the crisis in the party and destroyed Osunbor’s political career.

“How do you expect us to brush that aside in the spirit of reconciliation? Let me tell you a secret today. Osunbor only exists on the pages of the newspapers trying to massage the ego of Chief Tony Anenih, showcasing his achievements in government and making us believe that he is the alternative; how can we trust him?

“As for Kenneth Imansuangbon, we all know he is a political joker, he is not in contention.

“For the recent entrant, Gen Charles Airhiavbere,no sooner than he declared interest that we understand he has a lot of issues that could weigh him down. I hear he has a lot of questions to answer with the antigraft agencies over some issues when he was in service as Director, Army Finance Corps.”

Anti-graft agencies visit polys

O

FFICIALS of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Anti Corruption Transparency Monitoring Unit (ACTU) have been visiting federal polytechnics in the Southeast and Southsouth.

The visits were not unconnected with allegations of corruption against some persons.

The ACTU hailed the pru-

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

dent management of resources and development of infrastructure in Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government of Anambra State.

Speaking yesterday in Oko during an awareness campaign, the leader of the National Board for Technical Education Anti Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit (NBTE-ACTU), Jauru Jibrin, said he was satisfied

with the level of development in the institution.

He commended the Rector, Prof. Godwin Onu, on his efforts at checking indiscipline and sharp practices in the polytechnic.

Jibrin said the visit, which was in its second phase, covers federal polytechnics in the Southeast and Southsouth, namely: Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwanna; Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi; Federal Polytechnics, Ekowe, Nekede and Oko.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

NEWS

10 killed, 20 houses burnt in Plateau violence •Residents flee •STF imposes 24-hour curfew •Council chief decries killings see them and count them

T

EN people have been killed in a fresh violence in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The violence, which began early in the week, has not abated.

Over 20 houses were allegedly razed by warring groups, mainly youths.

The Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crises, codenamed Operation Safe Haven, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the local government.

STF spokesman Capt Charlse Ekeocha said: “The STF, in agreement with the Plateau State Government, has seen reason to and agreed to impose the curfew to prevent the violence from escalating and to curtail the casualties and the damage to property.

“As for the casualties, I’m not sure for now because our immediate effort was to stop the violence and restore calm

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu and Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

in the area. We have succeeded in restoring the calm.

But, for the casualties, we will release the figures later when we shall be parading the suspects.”

The STF confirmed the arrest of some suspects but could not give the figures. But Information Commissioner Abraham Yiljap put the figures at over 60.

He said the suspects were being detained at the STF headquarters in Jos, adding that they would be handed over to the police after investigation.

Addressing reporters yesterday Ekeocha said: “The troops made some arrests; we have not counted the suspects.

We are going to parade them as soon as we are done and, by then, we will not only tell you the figures, you will also

yourselves. We will give you all the facts. But for now, we are concerned with saving lives; we don’t want more casualties.”

The Chairman of BarkinLadi Local Government Area Emmanuel Loman yesterday condemned the renewed violence in the area.

The council chief, who expressed anger over the killings and destruction of property, said: “I am getting frustrated over this violence because peace had been restored in the local government in the past three months.

“I can now confirm that some residents in the area are not interested in peace in this local government. Everyone had promised they would heed my appeal by not indulging in violence. But here we are: the peace we have laboured for has been sabotaged in this renewed violence...”

Jonathan, ACF greet Atiku at 65

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have congratulated former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar who clocks 65 today.

In a letter, the President prayed for divine blessings for the former Vice-President, wishing him many more years of fulfilment.

He also wished Atiku God’s guidance and prosperity.

In statement in Kaduna, the ACF wished the Turaki Adamawa well on his birthday.

The statement by Secretary of the forum, Anthony Sani, noted that the day is worth

celebrating because of the former VicePresident’s contributions to socio-economic and political development of Nigeria.

According to the ACF, the former Vice President’s commitment to self reliance accounts for his vast experiences in public and private practices.

“The Turaki Adamawa is a man of God who panders to Sarduana’s (the late Sir Ahmadu Bello’s) philosophy that success comes from capacity to make compromises and make friends of former foes. We see this trait in his daily life to date,” the statement said.

Police parade four suspected cult HE Kwara State Pomembers in Kwara lice Command yes-

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terday paraded four suspected members of a cult group as it clamped down on those allegedly behind insecurity in the state.

The suspects were reportedly arrested in Gaa-Odota, Ilorin, the state capital.

The police noted that with the arrests, they have achieved a major breakthrough in their effort to track down members of a group suspected to be behind the recent attacks in Ilorin.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Police Commissioner Peter Gana told reporters that the suspects were arrested in a bush “where they were holding a clandestine meeting”.

Gana noted that the suspects might be connected with the attacks on Ilorin residents because “where they were holding their meeting looks like a shrine”.

He gave the names of the suspects as Babatunde Iyanda, Sanni Tunde, Femi Ajadi and Ade Falade.

The police chief said two other suspected members of the cult escaped, adding that the police are on their trail.

Gana said the suspects claimed to be members of an ethnic cult group, adding that items recovered from them include cutlasses, hoes, assorted charms, snail, iron rod, and black pots.

Customs seizes military uniforms in Kano

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HE Kano/Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), yesterday, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, impounded some military uniforms allegedly brought from Saudi Arabia.

The command’s Customs

Comptroller Sanusi Umar told reporters in Kano that the items comprised Nigerian Army and Air Force uniforms.

Umar said there were 20 shirts and 21 pairs of trousers of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) uniforms as well as two shirts and a pair of trousers

Al-Makura swears in 18 commissioners From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

F

OR the first time since assuming office six months ago, Nasarawa State Governor Umaru Tanko AlMakura yesterday swore in 18 commissioners.

He swore them in at the Township Hall on Shendam road.

The governor urged them not betray the confidence reposed in them by the people.

He noted that their appointment is aimed at ensuring the rapid socio-economic development of the state, saying he is determined to fulfil his campaign promises to the residents.

Al-Makura urged the commissioners to ensure the fear of God and deliver service to the people.

He thanked the House of Assembly Speaker Musa Ahmed Mohammed and other lawmakers for their diligence in the screening that led to the appointment.

of the Nigerian Army in the consignment.

He said two suspects have been arrested and are being interrogated.

According to him, the items were in a luggage that arrived the airport last Saturday through Trade Craft, an international airline.

Umar said a big box was found to be loaded with military uniforms during a routine inspection at the baggage hall of the airport.

He said: “From the inscription and telephone number on the gab, we were able to get the first suspect, Magaji Mohammed. He is a returnee pilgrim who claimed the luggage was given to him by one Suleiman, whom he reportedly met during pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. He said he was asked to deliver the consignment to his brother, Mohammed Auwal.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

58

NEWS ALEX IBRU (1945 -2011)

•Mr Guy Murray-Bruce and Mr Ray-Murray...yesterday •Special Adviser to Kastina State Governor Ibrahim Dabkaba signing the condolence register...yesterday

•Widow of Alex Ibru Maiden with Brig-Gen Mobolaji Johnson in a discussion.yesterday

•Hadj Odunewu signing the condolence register...yesterday

•Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd) and wife Amina

•Group Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank Dr Alex Otti signing the condolence register...yesterday

Odunewu, Ekpu, others, urge emulation of Ibru T

•From left: Ekpu, Akinrinade, Agbese and Muhammed...yesterday

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

HE Ikoyi home of the Ibrus hosted notable media practitioners yesterday. They were visiting to condole with the family over the demise of the publisher of The Guradian, Mr Alex Ibru.

Hadj Alade Odunewu described the late Ibru as a decent man by every standard.

He told reporters that the deceased provided a place for others to excel.

Odunewu noted that the late publisher was a rare breed because of the dynamism he brought into media practice.

His words: “He was a decent man who provided a place for others to shine and was such a rare breed because

By Musa Odoshimoke

of the legacy he left in journalism. His footsteps will remain indelible for a very long time.”

Mr Ray Ekpu, who led the Newswatch team , minced no words in restating the need for journalists to remain focused on their job. With Ekpu were Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed and Soji Akinrinade.

He described the late Ibru as a publisher who had an eye for merit because of the calibre of people who practice on

the platform he provided.

Ekpu said: “The Guardian is one of the most authoritative media in the country; it took a brilliant mind like that of the late Ibru to operate such a medium. He ensured that only the best hands who could deliver were recruited into the establishment.”

A member of the House of Representatives, Mrs.Abike Dabiri-Erewa, also eulogised the late publisher, saying he had already immortalised himself by the legacy he left behind.

Environmental law offenders to wash public toilets in Lagos AGOS street traders and other environmental law breakers got a stern warning from the government yesterday.

Such offenders will henceforth be committed to non custodian sentences to wash public toilets, trim over-grown verges and cart refuse to dump sites, among other punishments.

Two Commissioners - Tunji Bello (Environment) and Kayode Opeifa (Transportation) dropped the hint yesterday at a press conference at the Alausa State Secretariat.

They expressed displeasure over the present state of the environment, especially the violation of sanitation laws by residents.

The officials said offenders, under the newly signed environmental law, would be summarily tried and be made to sweep the streets and do other community services to serve as deterrent.

Bello said there would be no room for sacred cows as all violators would be subjected to carry out the punishment, irrespective of their status. He said: “We will ensure that every violator carry out this sentence under the watchful eyes of the media. It does not matter whether the individual is going to work or a party. Once you are caught littering the street without using the appropriate refuse bin, our law enforcement officers will

L

By Miriam Ndikanwu

arrest you and make sure you serve this punishment.”

He advised residents to comply with the government directives, stressing that Close Circuit Televisions (CCTV) would be installed in strategic locations across the state for effective monitoring.

The commissioner also spoke on the menace of commercial motorcycle operators (also known as Okada riders), stressing that their excesses had become worrisome. The operators, he noted, have failed to comply with the restriction placed on their operation in some designated areas.

He listed the sins to include “riding without using crash helmets; riding on road medians/kerbs and pedestrian walkways, disobedience to traffic rules and regulations, disrespect for traffic signal lights, plying the highways and operating in prohibited areas even at restricted time.

“The operators have not changed from these illegal acts”.

Bello noted that many motorists and Okada riders had cultivated the habit of driving against the traffic, exhibiting in the process, wanton disobedience of traffic light/signals.

Besides, Bello noted that the shameless act of defecation and urination in public places

•Bello speaking yesterday. He is flanked on the right by Opeifa and the Permanent Secretary PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA in the Office of the Environment, Dr Titi Anibaba.

had become the order of the day.

He explained that the state environment has also been distorted through indiscriminate erection of bill boards, callous act of littering and trampling on beautification sites by the commercial motorcyclits.

He said: “We wish to emphatically state that motorcycles popularly known as okada is not an approved means of commercial public

transportation in the state.

“Lagos, more than any other state, has been very tolerant of the menace posed by these excesses for socioeconomic reasons.”

To this end, he warned that any Okada rider caught carrying pregnant women; children; women with babies strapped on their backs and under-aged school pupils, will be prosecuted, as the state government was ready to apply the non-cus-

todian sentences.

“Law enforcement agents like the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority ( LASTMA), the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) outfit and the police have been directed to ensure zero tolerance. “Government is seriously disturbed with the rate at which motorcyclists flagrantly disobey the law and have no regard for the safety of other road users,” Bello said

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THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

FOREIGN NEWS Madagascar’s ex-president Ratsiraka returns from exile

•Ratsiraka

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ADAGASCAR’S former President, Didier Ratsiraka, has returned to the island after nine years in exile in France.

Mr Ratsiraka, who seized power as a young naval officer in 1975, governed Madagascar until 1991 and again from 1996 to 2002.

He left the country after losing disputed elections.

His return comes three

days after a unity government was unveiled to try to end the political deadlock in Madagascar.

In 2003, a Madagascan court sentenced Mr Ratsiraka in his absence to 10 years’ hard labour for corruption. However, the current President, Andry Rajoelina, who seized power two years ago, has said that the 75 year old is free to return home.

The former president has refused to sign the deal brokered by the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) which aims to resolve Madagascar’s long-running political crisis.

Journalist Tim Healy told the BBC hundreds of supporters gathered at the airport in the capital, Antananarivo, to

welcome Mr Ratsiraka.

In a speech, he said he was opposed to the unity government as he believes it is not consensual.

“There should be a conference not just by the four main political leaders, but all the other parties and civil society groups must be involved,” AFP news agency quotes Mr Ratsiraka as saying.

“There’s need for reconciliation. I will shake everybody’s hands in the overall interest of the nation. The government says it wants to reach out, I’m reaching out in return.”

But Mr Rajoelina, who is unelected, has already refused the proposal of the so-called “conference of four presidents”, reports Mr Healy.

Egypt’s military apologises for protest deaths

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GYPT’S ruling military has apologised for the deaths of about 38 protesters in clashes with police, as protests continue in Cairo and other cities.

The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (Scaf) said it regretted “the deaths of martyrs from among Egypt’s loyal sons”.

The violence, which began on Saturday, is the worst since President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February.

Scaf also said elections would start as scheduled on Monday. There had been speculation that they might be delayed.

In an announcement yesterday, council member Maj Gen Mukhtar al-Mouallah said the parliamentary elec-

Cameroon jails men for homosexual acts

T

HREE men in Cameroon have been sentenced to five years in prison for homosexual acts, which are illegal in the central African nation.

Two of the accused were in court in the capital, Yaounde, but a third man was sentenced in absentia as he had jumped bail.

Police said the men were arrested for having oral sex in a car.

They denied the allegations and their lawyer Alice Nkom told the BBC they were arrested for looking feminine.

“How can people be jailed just for dressing like women?” she said, adding that her clients would appeal.

Four killed in Saudi Arabia clashes

F

OUR people were killed and nine people were injured in clashes in Saudi Arabia, an Interior Ministry spokesman said yesterday.

Two of them were killed in protests while the remaining two died when gunfire broke out during a funeral procession, Interior Ministry spokesman Mansur al-Turki said.

The fighting occurred in the Qatif region of Eastern Province, where many Shiites in the predominantly Sunni country live.

Al-Turki blamed “unknown criminal sources” for the casualties.

tions would be held on schedule. A presidential poll is to take place by June next year.

He said those responsible for deaths and injuries would be held to account, and that protesters arrested since Saturday would be released immediately.

Compensation would be paid to the families of the dead, Gen Mouallah added.

For some days, doctors and protesters have claimed that a new type of tear gas, or nerve agent, is being used against demonstrators.

One theory is that security forces have been using CR gas, or CN gas, much stronger than the usual CS gas,

commonly known as tear gas.

CR gas is banned in the US because it can cause cancer.

So far no evidence has been produced to back up that claim.

On Tahrir Square, protesters regularly assail you with used cans of tear gas, complaining they are made in the United States.

None of the cans we saw had evidence they were the more poisonous CR or CN gas.

What is certainly true is that tear gas is being used in much greater quantities than earlier this year, over a prolonged period of time, within the relatively narrow confines of one street on the edge of the square.

PLATEAU STATE UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION BOARD

NOTICE OF RELEASE OF QUALIFICATION RESULT Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board wishes to request all contractors who applied for pre- qualification that was opened on the 24th October, 2011 to check their names on the Board’s notice board as from Friday 25th November, 2011.

Signed: MRS. LYOP G. MANG Executive Chairman

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THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

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THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

62

SPORT EXTRA

Bendel Insurance gets new head coach

AHEAD OF 2012 OLYMPICS:

NOC unveils new institutional logo F T HE Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has unveiled a new institutional logo ahead of the 2012 Olympics in a starstudded ceremony at the Muson, centre Lagos on Thursday.

By Stella Bamawo

According to the President of the NOC, Sanni Ndanusa, the new logo is, as a result of the effort of the NOC to reposition the Committee for better achievement. The emblem

which will come in a shade of Green and white bird, will depict a new character which embraces the spirit of the Olympic of sportsmanship.

It also got the approval of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after series

2011 FIFA SAMSUNG BEACH

Nigeria, Mexico secure victories

M •Ndanusa

EXICO and Nigeria secured consolation wins on the third day of the 2011 FIFA Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup being played at The Walk JBR late yesterday.

The eight-team competition that pits champions from all continents joining World Cup winners and the hosts is being held under the patronage of

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC).

Mexico scored in the first and third periods to secure a 3-2 win against Asian runners-up Oman in the final Group B encounter, while Nigeria confirmed their third position in Group A with a 61 drubbing of Tahiti in the second match of the night.

of presentation with due consultations from wakanow.com, a reputable sports marketing and consultancy firm.

However, Ndanusa noted that the IOC states that emblems are integrated design associating the Olympic regions with another distinguished elements in this case Nigeria just as he declared that the emblem will appear on all official communications and materials in pursuance of excellence, while it also extends a hand of partnership to improve sports in the country.

Among those who commended the new innovation were the Deputy British High Commissioner of Nigeria, Peter West, the erstwhile NOC President who is presently a member of the IOC, Habu Gumel, Presidents of all sports federation in the country and other stakeholders which cut across sports and the educational sectors.

ORMER Super Eagles’ star, Bright Omokaro has been appointed the new chief coach of Bendel Insurance Football Club by the Edo state government.

His appointment, according to a press statement signed by Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Youths and Sports, Miss Precious Igbonwelundu, followed the recommendation of the Management Committee of Bendel Insurance Football Club.

The statement said Omokaro would be unveiled today by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Iziegbe Anita Evbuomwan.

Meanwhile, the final phase of the Edo State Grassroots Football Development Programme will hold between Novermber 28 and December 2nd, 2011 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The Consultant/Technical Adviser on Edo State Football Development Programme, Coach Amodu Shaibu said six teams for both U-13 and U-17

From Osagie Otabor, Benin categories, who were finalists during their inter-local government competition are expected to arrive Benin on Sunday, November 27, 2011.

According to coach Amodu “this competition is essentially for talents discovery, therefore all identified talents during the preliminary stages of intra and inter local government football competitions without prejudice to the school of the child, formed part of the local government team for the state finals in Benin.”

•Omokaro

THE NATION FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

63

SPORT EXTRA NISStudents honour Fashola

LONDON 2012 FINAL QUALIERS

Eguavoen targets great start S N

IGERIA’S Olympic team coach Austin Eguavoen has said he is looking forward to a great start in Saturday’s opening game of the 2012 qualifiers against host nation Morocco.

“We must start well because

the opening game in any competition is very important,” said Eguavoen, whose team accounted for Equatorial Guinea, Liberia and Tanzania to get to this stage of the qualifying series.

“The boys are in high spirits

and we are building more confidence into them for them to be ready for the battle ahead.

“The target is a top-three finish to begin with, but we will take it a step at a time.”

The match against the hosts

Sunshine chases Pillars Cameroonian ace

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NE of Nigeria’s CAF Champions League flag bearers next year Sunshine Stars are close to signing the Cameroonian defender of Kano Pillars Isaac Hele.

MTNFootball.com has specially gathered that Hele has been offered twice his salary by the Akure club as well as a signingon fee of four million Naira.

It is believed that the right back caught the eye of the big-

spending Sunshine during their final NPL game at Kano Pillars, which they lost 1-0 and so lost the title to closest rivals Dolphin.

“He was picked by Sunshine as the best player of the match and they thereafter did not waste time to make him an offer he could not refuse.”

Should he join up with the NPL runners-up, he would become the second Cameroonian at the club after playmaker Teman

Medrano, who has been one of the top performers of the team since his arrival from Tiko United of Cameroon.

Sunshine have already signed former JS Kabylie of Algeria forward Izu Azuka on a year’s deal.

Executive director Mike Idoko said Azuka impressed with his performance for Al Ittihad of Libya against Enyimba in a CAF champions League play-off recently.

Oyo may lose Women professional teams •As their owners allege govt. neglect

I

F no succour comes the way of the two Ibadan-based women professional teams, Tewo Queens and NITO Queens, Oyo State might be on the verge of losing these teams to other states who have been pestering their distressed owners to buy them over.

The proprietors of the 2 female club-sides while speaking with

newsmen after a football stakeholders meeting held in Ibadan lamented neglect by the Oyo government and are now contemplating giving up and selling the slot to other buoyant states who are yearning to have a female team representing them in the apex league of women football in Nigeria.

Tewo Queens that qualified

from the amateur league in 2008/2009 season to campaign in the Nigerian Women Professional League had won many laurels for Oyo State in national and regional championships, while its counterpart, NITO Queens with the support from the Ibadan based legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola has been campaigning at the women’s top league in the past 6 soccer seasons.

at what is expected to be a sellout Stade de Tanger will set the ball rolling for an eightnation tournament that will produce three automatic qualifiers for the football event of London 2012.

Goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai said the team have watched the Moroccans on tape and they are not fantastic.

“I have watched the tapes of the Moroccan side and I don’t see anything fantastic about the team. If we can play out our hearts on Saturday, we will come out victorious on Saturday,” said Afelokhai, whose heroics two years ago ensured Kano Pillars reached the last four of the CAF Champions League.

Skipper Obiora Nwankwo has equally expressed confidence for victory on Saturday.

“We will be banking on the prayers of all Nigerians so that we could come out victorious.

On our part, we are going to do our best,” promised the Parma of Italy defensive midfielder.

“We just have to keep our heads up, play to the referee’s whistle, and take our minds away from the crowd. We just have to work for the victory”, added defender Terna Suswan, who was in the team that reached the last eight at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia in July.

President of the Nigeria

Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari, has promised the team “a special package” for them to win on Saturday, and national team coach, Stephen Keshi, will also be in the stands to follow the team in an advisory capacity.

The Dream Team V suffered hitches to their training in Casablanca, while also battling the harsh wintry conditions in Morocco.

Several top stars, from Joel Obi of Inter Milan to Ahmed Musa of Dutch club VVV Venlo, will not feature at this tournament after their European clubs refused to release them.

However, the Moroccans appear to have been a lot more successful in this respect as they have 14 overseasbased pros for coach Pim Verbeek to choose from.

•Eguavoen

TUDENTS of the Nigeria Institute for Sports (NIS) yesterday gave an award to the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN).

The award was received on behalf of the governor by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Sports, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development,Adepoju Adelano-Conde at the conference room of the Ministry.

While receiving the award presented by the Governor General of the NIS El-Amin Aratumi, Adepoju-Conde stated that the Governor is a pillar of sports in the State, a sportsman of repute and a great supporter of the Ministry’s successful sporting activities, example is the winning streak currently enjoyed by Lagos State at the National Schools Sports Festival (NSF) which took place in Calabar, Cross Rivers State.

Adepoju-Conde further said that the State would be hosting the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) in November 2012 and enjoined the support of the Students of NIS towards the successful hosting of the Games. The activities of the Governor in the area of sports have been attracting International, Continental, National and Local recognition in recent times. Lagos State is solidly moving towards being the “Sports destination of Nigeria” where the country will be drawing its pool of athletes for National, Continental and International honours.

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TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7,

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

T

HE human condition brings to light some of the most agonising and enduring questions of existence. Why are we born to die? What is the meaning of life if after all is said and done, we end up in an underground apartment? Why does a loving God allow bad things to happen to innocent beings? And why are we unfree to do whatever we want since we are supposed to be born free of fetters? These are questions that must constantly agitate the minds of thinking people. They are questions that the humanities, a group of disciplines in the liberal arts tradition of learning, embrace and explore.

Let me make a bold and justifiable claim: if the humanities disciplines did not exist, we would have to invent them. Imagine what life would be without literature, or the languages, or classics, or philosophy, or history and the rest of those disciplines that are traditionally included in the humanities.

Now even without the benefit of the formal disciplines, we know that meaningful human life presupposes the capacity for intelligent probing of the issues that the formal humanities disciplines have made the focus of scholarly pursuit. Human life is social; it is cultural; it is moral; it is metaphysical; and as philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein observed not too long ago, the limit of our language is the limit of our world; hence, the need to expand our world by expanding our capacity for language acquisition.

A people cannot survive if they did not have the means of examining themselves visà-vis the world around them and their relationship to it. They have to establish institutions of morality and they have to educate their offspring in the unique outlook they bring to the world. Human immortality simply means the actualisation of the potential for indefinite existence through offspring that are sure to continue the legacy of the culture. This explains why, out of the three goods of life that the Yoruba people embrace and seek, including the good of wealth, the good of children, and the good of immortality, the last is the most enduring and most cherished.

In the academy, the humanities are simply the disciplines that take seriously this engrained human need for self-knowledge and self-perpetuation.

The humanities deal with us humans; with the conditions of our being, past, present, and future, primarily through the instrumentalities of the mind, one of the most fundamentally unique endowments of human beings. This is what First Lady Michelle Obama means when she says that “the arts and humanities define who we are as a people. That is their power—to remind us of what we each have in common. To help us understand our history and imagine our future. To give us hope in the moments of struggle and to bring us

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

The Humanities and the human condition

‘

The question for us then must be how to build on this heritage of our forebears and bequest an enduring future for it to the future generation. This is the responsibility of our governments and the intelligentsia working together to promote the humanities instead of relegating them to the background of knowledge •Mrs. Obama

together when nothing else will.” (Statement to the Presidential Commission on the Arts and the Humanities) First Lady Michelle’s statement conveys very poignantly the message of the humanities even as it is articulated by Martha Nussbaum in Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities. If in fact this is what the humanities do, then the case is already made why democracy cannot survive without the humanities. And we see that in many climes without a passion for democracy, the humanities have not thrived. Whether it is military dictatorship, theocratic regimes, repressive monarchies, or colonial administrations for that matter, philosophy, culture, and the arts are the first victims of repression. So are the disciplines that seek to

RIPPLES

advance their understanding.

Nussbaum observes with satisfaction that “one of the reasons people have insisted on giving all undergraduates a set of courses in philosophy and other subjects in the humanities is that they believe such courses, through both content and pedagogy, will stimulate students to think and argue for themselves, rather than defer to tradition and authority—and they believe that the ability to argue in this Socratic way is…valuable for democracy.

What is there to argue about this? If we really are committed to advancing our democratic norms, then we know what to do is promote the humanities and endow them with resources to do well what democracy needs them to do for its sake.

HARDBALL

KESHI CONSIDERS RECALLING YAKUBU, UTAKA–News

But as Nussbaum also observed, it appears that some advanced democracies, such as the United States, and the not so advanced democracies, such as Nigeria, now have other ideas about how to advance, and it is through economic growth: “The ability to think and argue for oneself looks to many people like something dispensable if what we want are marketable outputs of a quantifiable nature.” This is what we may refer to as growth without thought.

Indeed if the latter is what we want, we might also see the need to dispense with human participants as active contributors.

We could decide to create robots as more effective agents in our commitment to “marketable outputs of a quantifiable nature” Then, of course, we won’t have to worry about an intelligent exchange of ideas about our policy initiatives because there will be none coming from human robots.

But is this the kind of “a brave new world” that we crave?

There are implications for the future we seek for our children and grandchildren.

First, we want to bring them up in a world that understands itself and if they are going to be the inhabitants of that world, it behooves us to create in them the urge and inclination to deep thought. Our forebears without the benefit of formal education were preeminent in the skill of thinking and productive meditation. If they weren’t we would not inherit from them the complex linguistic heritage that astounds. Think for a moment of the poetry of the Ifa Divination language, and the various tongue twisters in our ewi poetry.

Second, we want to rein in recklessness and abuse of power on the part of those who ride on our backs to rule over us. Robots don’t challenge the authority of their creators; they only proceed to do what they are created to do. That certainly is not what we want our children to become. In contemporary idiom, we want them to “occupy” the conscience of the oppressors and every nook and cranny that serves them as a haven. Therefore it is imperative that we give them the tool to probe intelligently into the activities of those in positions of authority. They can only be fully invested in such a life if they have the training.

The question for us then must be how to build on this heritage of our forebears and bequest an enduring future for it to the future generation. This is the responsibility of our governments and the intelligentsia working together to promote the humanities instead of relegating them to the background of knowledge. Surely, we need the sciences and the technologies; but advancing them at the expense of the humanities can only endanger our humanity.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Boko Haram: Before the celebrations begin

I

T is hard to understand the euphoria surrounding the arrest of a supposed spokesman of the extremist Boko Haram sect, Ali

...and YEKINI TOO!

NO. 1955

‘If the former czar of the anti-graft body had truly crossed the line in the discharge of her responsibilities, it is in the interest of the public to know. It will be interesting to witness a former chief of an anti-graft body standing trial for filling her bags with filthy lucre.’ YOMI ODUNUGA

‘

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

Sanda Umar Konduga alias Usman AlZahawiri. Perhaps it is down to the fact that he named a couple of prominent politicians as financiers of the group.

Among those fingered are Senator Ali Ndume of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the late Nigerian Ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe, Saidu Pindar and former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff.

But this is not the first time such a “high profile” arrest would be made.

Following the uprising that led to the demise of Mohammed Yusuf, the sect’s erstwhile leader, hundreds of his followers were jailed. One day while we slept the well-coordinated Boko Haram executed a jailbreak at the Kaduna Prison that emptied all the cells.

In the process, hundreds of hardcore militants were reinserted into the society to carry on from where they had stopped.

A couple of months ago, the Nigeria Police were embarrassed following the escape from their custody of another supposed kingpin of the sect, Aliyu Tishau.

Before Tishau’s mysterious disappearance he had given interesting insight to the security agencies about the workings of the group. We must assume that the recent successes by way of arrests have something to do with what was gleaned from such interactions.

The arrest of Konduga must have come like a refreshing shower of rain for a security establishment desperate for something to show for its exertions.

But before we start dancing a jig, there are signals that should worry the discerning. The accused have been arraigned on the lesser charges of criminal breach of trust, criminal intimidation and making anonymous calls.

This manoeuver is to allow the police to legally hold the suspects while trying to conclude their investigations.

This suggests that what the authorities may have by way of evidence is not enough to

secure a conviction right now. This whole Holden charge business was recently condemned by Chief Justice of the Federation, Dahiru Musdapher, who pointed out the injustice in denying a man his freedom while still looking for evidence to nail him.

While the security agencies must be applauded for whatever they have achieved so far, we remind them that they would need to do better than trawling through the cell phone call records of the suspects. Following the Abuja Independence Day bombings last year, security announced the arrest of some high profile suspects with much fanfare.

We were regaled with tales of how these “big names” had been in phone contact with the suspected bombers. Less than 72 hours after all the hype, those whose arrest, or “invitation for interaction”, was so widely celebrated walked away as free men.

This time around we should only celebrate when there is an actual conviction of a high profile Boko Haram sponsor; not because of some sensational arrest – no matter how promising.

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E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO