October 03, 2014

Kwara gets panel on new councils •‘We’ll bring govt closer’

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TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

•Some of the soldiers arriving at the trial in Abuja...yesterday

STORY ON PAGE 2

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Brig.- Gen. Musa Sain Yusuf

15 officers, 82 soldiers on trial for alleged mutiny, assault, AWOL •INSIDE: MIMIKO JOINS PDP P8 EBOLA: NIGERIA TO ASSIST LIBERIA, OTHERS P59

Shekau: I’m not dead It’s all lies, says military

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Ex- presidential aide Remi Oyo dies at 61 From Augustine Ehikioya,

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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OKO Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has shown up again in a video, boasting and yelling as usual.

He said he was not killed, contrary to what the military said.

But the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said it was all lies and propaganda.

It insisted that the impostor claiming to be Shekau had been killed in the battle of Konduga in Borno State.

The DHQ, in a statement issued in Abuja, said it was still studying the video.

It said: “The Defence Headquarters is studying the claims made in the video purportedly released by the terrorists showing their leader Abubakar Shekau as dismissing his death.

“From immediate observation and what some online news outlets claimed to have seen, the video did not indicate when it was shot, neither did it show any proof of life or currency such as screen time or date.

“The video also did not make any reference to anything that has happened since the impostor’s reported death.

Abuja

OURNALISM has lost one of its jewels, with the death in Britain of former presidential aide Mrs Oluremi Oyo. She was 61.

The immediate past Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) passed on Wednesday while receiving treatment for cancer-related ailment.

Oyo was the media adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo between

SEE ALSO PAGE 6 2003 and 2007.

Her death was announced in a statement by her husband, Mr. Vincent Oyo yesterday.

Continued on page 2

? NJC: Fayose’s case to go on Continued on page 2

WHEN WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 BE FREED?

•‘Shekau’ in the video

PHOTO: AFP

ON •Police to fish out judges’ attackers •Tribunal may move STORY PAGE 2

•The late Mrs. Oyo

•SPORTS P16 •POLITICS P17 •BRAND P26 •AGRIC P38 •SOCIETY P41 •FOREIGN P58

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THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

15 officers, 82 soldiers on trial for alleged mutiny, assault, AWOL

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•Travellers boarding the Omoluabi Free Train Ride offered by Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration at Iddo Terminus, Lagos…yesterday.

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Fayose’s case to go on, says NJC

EMBERS of the National Judicial Council (NJC) yesterday condemned attacks on judges in Ekiti State.

The members faulted the Governor-elect, Mr. Ayo Fayose, for not controlling his supporters.

The Council also mandated President of the Court of Appeal Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa to relocate the Ekiti Election Petition Tribunal to Abuja if the situation in the state does not guarantee security of its members.

The NJC directed that all courts in Ekiti State be reopened and mandated the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, to provide adequate security for all judges in the state.

With the development, Justice Isaac Ogunyemi, who is handling the ineligibility case against Fayose will sit unhindered.

The NJC asked the IGP to unmask the thugs who assaulted judges and bring them to trial immediately.

It was gathered that all the NJC members were unhappy that thugs loyal to Fayose assaulted judges.

A source said: “Technically, the Ekiti High Court hearing the application on Fayose’s ineligibility will continue to sit.

APC insists governor-elect must be prosecuted

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has reiterated its earlier call for the arrest and prosecution of Ekiti Governor-elect Ayodele Fayose for leading a band of thugs to attack Justice Adeyeye on the premises of the State High Court on September 25th, warning that failure to act decisively now would spell danger for Judges and democracy.

In a statement issued in London by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said security of Judges and the unfettered administration of justice transcend politics, hence no politician, no matter his status, must be allowed to go scot-free after attacking judges.

It said any delay in taking action will see Fayose assume office, meaning he can no longer be arrested and prosecuted for what is an egregious contempt of court.

APC said the attack on judges in Ekiti has also reinforced the call in some quarters, on the basis of constitutional provisions, to subject candidates seeking political offices to psychiatric tests.

The party said those who are trivialising the issue and trying to play dirty politics with it FromYusuf Alli, Eric Ikhilae, Abuja and Adebisi Onanuga

“By its tradition and precedents, the Council would not interfere in a judicial process which has to do with purely legal issues. That case will run its full cycle because there are still appellate courts, up to the Supreme Court, for redress.

should take a moment to think of what Fayose will do to the judges whom he led thugs to beat up, when he assumes office as governor. ‘’Now that the Chief Judge of Ekiti has confirmed, in a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC), that Fayose was complicit in the attack, the NJC should treat the issue expeditiously by taking a decisive action that will make it very costly for anyone to ever attack a judge again. The need to act is urgent so that no judge gets killed simply because some powerful personality does not like his or her ruling. ‘’Had the relevant authorities acted with dispatch when another court in the same state was invaded by pro-Fayose thugs earlier the same week, the attack on Justice Adeyeye would have been averted,’’ it said.

APC said no decent society will tolerate attack on judges, which is not just a threat to the administration of justice but also a clear and present danger to democracy itself.

The party recalled that not even during the chaotic political crisis in the then Western Re-

“ The NJC only mandated the IGP to provide adequate security for all judges in Ekiti State and all judicial workers irrespective of the cases they are handling.

“We also resolved that the IGP should investigate the assault on judges in the state and bring all those behind it whether supporters or thugs to justice.”

Asked why the NJC did not

Continued on page 57

provide details in its statement, another NJC member added: “This is a case involving politicians. We do not want to be seen as biased in any manner.”

The NJC’s resolutions at its emergency meeting presided over by Chairman Justice Aloma Mukhtar, signed by NJC’s Acting Director, Information, Continued on page 57

IFTEEN army officers and 82 soldiers are facing trial for offences ranging from mutiny, assault and Absence Without Official Leave (AWOL).

Other offences preferred against the officers and men include house breaking; conduct prejudicial to good orders and service discipline; and offences relating to service propriety, among others.

The military last month sentenced 12 soldiers to death for mutiny. The sentence has continued to generate controversy across the land, with prominent individuals and rights activists calling for it to be commuted to imprisonment.

In his inaugural address at the court’s sitting in Abuja yesterday, President of the General Court Martial (GCM), Brig.-Gen. Musa Yusuf, said the trial would be guided by the principles of justice and fair hearing.

He said: “In line with the provisions of Section 35(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), all of you shall be presumed innocent by the court until it is proved otherwise.

“Let me further assure you

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

that the GCM will base its decisions and findings only on the facts presented before it”, he said, adding that the court would not be influenced by extraneous forces.

“In consonance with the desire of this GCM to do justice in this case, we shall take cognisance of the postulation of Justice (Chukwudifu) Oputa that justice is a three-way traffic. . .

“That is justice for the accused persons, justice for the victim and justice for the state. We intend to patiently and painstakingly listen to all evidence that will be brought before this court to ensure that no innocent person is convicted, as it is better for nine guilty persons to go free than for one innocent person to suffer”.

Among the accused persons are four Lieutenant-Colonels: SS Tilawan, DB Danzang, IC Ogamanya and SU Abubakar.

Others are: Major II Sakaba; Captains. M Hamadikko, Z Alhaji, MB Abdullahi and SY Musa.

There are also Lieutenants T Garba, F Ogunleke, A AbdullaContinued on page 57

Ex- presidential aide Remi Oyo dies Continued from page 1

It reads: “With gratitude to God for a life well spent, I re-

gret to announce the death of my dear wife, Dame Felicia Oluwaremilekun Oyo. She died p e a c e f u l l y o n Wednesday (October 1, 2014) in the United Kingdom where she was receiving treatment for a cancer-related ailment.

“Dame Oyo was a seasoned journalist who began her journalism career in 1973 in the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation now known as the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

“She joined the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as a Desk Editor in 1981, and left in 1985 as Editor, the first woman to attain such a high position in the Agency.

“After leaving NAN, she joined the Inter Press Service News Agency (IPS) as the Nigerian Bureau Chief. She later became the international news agency’s West African Bureau Chief.

“Having first served as Secre-

tary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Dame Oyo was elected President of the Guild for two consecutive tenures from 1999 to 2003. She was the first woman to be so honoured.

“As President of the Guild, she set up a functional secretariat which still exists today at the NAN complex in Iganmu, Lagos. She also ensured capacity building for Editors through regular training which she pioneered for the Guild.

“She was appointed Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003 and served in that capacity until the end of the President’s tenure in May 2007.

“This appointment was also a first as she was the first woman to hold that position in the history of the country. Dame Oyo was thereafter appointed the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria in July 2007.

During her tenure, she improved the fortunes of the Agency and increased its clientele.

Continued on page 57

It’s all lies, says DHQ as Shekau declares: I’m alive Continued from page 1

“It is also noteworthy that the air plane said to be mentioned in the video had been missing before he was killed.

“It should not surprise anybody if the terrorists decide to manipulate pictures, clone another Shekau or upload a prerecorded video, all in a bid to prove invincible.

“As far as we are concerned, the individual who was appearing in video and claiming to be the leader of the terrorist group was killed in the Kondunga battle in September.

“The resemblance of the corpse and that of the eccentric character was incontrovertible.

His identity was equally corroborated by people who knew him before we announced his death.”

While still conducting thorough investigation into the new claims in the purprted video, the military promised that justice will be served to whoever bears that name or designation and whoever engages in act.”

In the 36-minute video, a man claiming to be Shekau appeared, contradicting the military’s reports that he was killed.

Screen grabs of the video, seen

by Reuters, show a figure in boots

and combat fatigues who looks similar to the man claiming to be Shekau in previous videos.

“Here I am, alive. I will only die the day Allah takes my breath,” he says in Hausa language, reported the French News Agency (AFP), which normally receives Boko Haram tapes first, before they are distributed online.

The military said last week that the man who had been posing as Shekau in the group’s growing number of videos had been killed in clashes over the town of Konduga.

The military announced the death of Shekau himself a year ago, saying he had died in battle.

After that, the man appearing in videos as Shekau did look different from before, with a wider nose, less defined bridge and a rounder face.

In the most recent video, Shekau says “nothing will kill me until my days are over ... Some people asked you if Shekau has two souls. No, I have one soul,

by Allah,” AFP said.

Boko Haram, whose violent five-year campaign for an Islamic state has killed thousands, has in the past two months progressed from bombings, raids

and kidnappings to trying to seize territory.

In the video, the Shekau figure declared the remote areas they control near Cameroon as “Muslim territory”, echoing the declaration of a caliphate by militants in Iraq and Syria.

Bellicose as ever, Shekau stands on the back of a pick-up truck, firing an anti-aircraft gun into the air. The video also shows people being stoned to death and being given lashes, both traditional Islamic punishments.

The video also shows Boko Haram fighters picking through the wreckage of an aircraft they claim to have shot down. The DHQ is still looking for a an Air Force jet that went missing more than two weeks ago.

“Standing in front of three camouflaged vans and flanked by four heavily armed, masked fighters, he then speaks for 16 minutes in Arabic and the Hausa language widely spoken in Northern Nigeria.

“There was no indication of where or when the video was shot. Shekau appears in separate images from the violence.

“The heavily bearded Shekau, who appeared to be the same man as those in previous clips,

said the military’s claim that he was dead was propaganda.

AFP said: “Boko Haram has shown images of extreme violence before but the latest video shows at length graphic scenes of an amputation and a stoning to death as well as a beheading.

“It also purports to show the wreckage of a Nigerian Air Force jet that went missing in the northeast on September 11. Boko Haram said its fighters shot it down but the military denied the claim.

“Elsewhere in the new video, the militant leader said the group had implemented strict Islamic law in the towns that it had captured in the northeast in recent weeks.

“We are running our caliphate, our Islamic caliphate. We follow the Koran... We now practise the injunctions of the Koran in the land of Allah,” he said.

“The video showed footage of a man being stoned to death for adultery, another having his right hand cut off at the wrist for theft and a man and a woman receiving 100 lashes for sex out of wedlock.

“Crowds of men, women and children are seen watching the punishments.

There was again no indication of when or where the images were shot but on August 21, residents who fled the Borno town of Buni Yadi reported that the group had carried out summary executions.

“The scenes of graphic violence are not unprecedented but come as other groups in the wider jihadi network, particularly Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq, have issued similar footage.

“In a Boko Haram video obtained on August 24, footage showed the apparent execution of about 20 men captured in the Borno town of Gwoza and two others beaten to death with rocks and pick-axes.

“On the Air Force jet, Boko Haram fighters are seen apparently picking through the wreckage of the downed Alpha aircraft and the military’s green and white logo is clearly visible.

But Air Force spokesman, air Commodore Dele Alonge told AFP: “Our plane went missing some weeks back and we are still looking for it.

“For any group to claim they shot it down is mere propaganda and rubbish.”

It was gathered yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan

convened a meeting of the Security Council.

It was learnt that the session was to “re-appraise the security situation in the country, including the North-East, Nasarawa, Plateau and Ekiti states”.

An hour before the meeting started, Shekau’s video was released.

A top source said: “With the release of the video by Boko Haram, there was no way the council will not discuss the latest development.

“All I know is that immediately the video was released, intelligence and military experts started analysing it vis-a-vis the information at the disposal of the military about two weeks ago when Shekau was declared killed in encounters with troops.

“We are studying the clip, we will not rush into judgment. At the appropriate time, the military will react to Shekau’s latest claim through our usual channels.”

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UN Ebola chief: di

• Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (left), Executive Secretary, Lagos State Mortgage Board, Mr. Akinola Kojo-Sageo (2nd left), and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Nike Animasaun (2nd right) being welcomed by the Chief Executive Officer, 3INVEST, Ruth Obih during the third edition of the Real Estate Unite 2014 Conference in Lagos...yesterday . PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

•Banbury

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•From right: United States Ambassador to Nigeria James Entwistle; Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria Mustafa Pulat; Director-General , Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mrs. Sally Mbanefo and the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria Uriel Palti during the Bobby Ricketts live in Concert programme in Abuja.

HE longer the Ebola outbreak continues the higher the chances it will mutate and become airborne, the United Nations’ Ebola response chief warned yesterday.

Anthony Banbury, the Secretary General’s Special Representative, has said there is a prospect the deadly disease will become airborne if it continues infecting new hosts.

Banbury told the Telegraph that aid workers were fighting a race against time amid fears the disease will begin to mutate.

He said: “The longer it moves around in human hosts in the virulent melting pot that is West Africa, the more chances increase that it could mutate.

“It is a nightmare scenario, and unlikely, but it can’t be ruled out.”

He also admitted the international community had been late to respond to what was the worst disaster he had ever witnessed.

He said: “In a career working in these kinds of situations, wars, natural disasters – I have never seen anything as serious or dangerous or high risk as this one.”

Last month in a piece for the New York Times, Michael Osterholm, the

director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, said experts are loath to discuss their concerns in public, for fear of whipping up hysteria.

Discussing the possible future course of the current outbreak, he warned: “The second possibility is one that virologists are loath to discuss openly but are definitely considering in private: that an Ebola virus could mutate to become transmissible through the air.”

Dr Osterholm warned viruses similar to Ebola are notorious for replicating and reinventing. The virus can currently only be transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, including blood, of an infected patient.

It means the virus that first broke out in Guinea in February may be very different to the one now terrorizing West Africa.

Pointing to the example of the H1N1 influenza virus that saw bird flu sweep the globe in 2009, Dr Osterholm said: ‘If certain mutations occurred, it would mean that just breathing would put one at risk of contracting Ebola.’

In 2012, Canadian researchers found the virus could be passed via

One year after As •From left: Friesland Campina Wamco Nig. Plc Marketing Director Tarrang Guptar, Managing Director Peter Eshikena, CEO, Opeyemi Stores Risikatu Aweda and the Company Sales Director Ademola Arikawe during the company’s launch of it Peak 850g in Lagos.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

One year after the Magbamawo Industrial Company (MIC) boss Tunji Okusanya and his son Olatunji Okunsanya Jnr died in the ill-fated Associated Airlines conveying the body of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Agagu, the pains inflicted by the accident is yet to subside, MIRIAM EKENE-OKORO reports

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•From left: Association of Fast Food Confectioners of Nigeria (AFFCON) Chairman Conference Planning Committee Mrs Lolade Adeniyi, Financial Secretary, Mr Oye Famoriyo, President, Mrs Bose Ayeni, Mrs Kehinde Kamson and Legal Consultant, Prince Yemi Adetiba during the media launch of the association’s membership stickerin Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO NIYI ADENIRAN

ODAY is a sad day for Dame Mobola Erogbogbo, the mother of the late Olatunji Okunsanya Jnr who died with his father, Olatunji Okusanya, in the Associated Airline which crashed near the Lagos Airport terminal a year ago.

Erogbogbo had lived and showed her son motherly love until the cold hands of death snatched him away.

She told our reporter at her office situated in Shomolu, Lagos mainland that for the grace of God and support of people, losing her son has been a terrible experience that she is still fighting hard to cope with.

She explained that the late Olatunji Jnr on October 2, last year dropped

her off at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on her way to London for an exhibition.

Right after checking her in, Junior, fondly called Jay, insisted that the mother must take a photograph with him before departing.

“On October 2, last year, Tunji Junior was the one that took me to the airport. I was going to England for an exhibition. He took me to the airport and we checked in. As I was about to go in, he said: ‘Mummy come back. I want us to take photograph together’ and I jokingly said to him: ‘Jay, what do you mean by photograph? I hope you want me to get to this London safely because we have never taken photograph at the airport

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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NEWS

ef: disease could mutate and become airborne

•Duncan..First Ebola case in America

the respiratory system between pigs and monkeys - both of which have similar lungs to humans.

It was the same virus as that which is responsible for the current death toll in West Africa.

However, other experts said it was unlikely that the disease could become airborne.

“The chances of Ebola becoming airborne are extremely small,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, a director at Wellcome Trust.

“I am not aware of any viral infection changing its mode of transmission. This is not to say it would be impossible, but it’s important we retain a sense of proportion and not exaggerate the risks for it changing and becoming airborne. There is already enough fear and panic surrounding this epidemic.

“Of more concern is that the virus could become endemic in Western Africa, so unlike big outbreaks like this, we could have smaller numbers of cases but circulating continuously.

This is where we need to focus our efforts and attention – on trying to stop this outbreak before it establishes itself in Western African countries.”

A Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the London School

•A burial team carrying a victim in Sierra Leone

of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Prof David Heymann, said: “No one can predict what will happen with the mutation of the virus, and there is no evidence to suggest that it will become a respiratory virus. Its epidemiology is consistent with transmission via blood, bodily secretions and excretions, which is exactly the same as other past epidemics.

“Other viruses that transmit in a similar manner by blood, such as Hepatitis B and HIV, have not mutated in this manner. In order for Ebola to change, the virus would have to develop the capacity to attach to receptors in the respiratory system.”

Banbury’s comments come as organisations battling the crisis in West Africa warned the international community has just four weeks to stop its spread before it spirals ‘completely out of control’.

The number of new Ebola infections is growing exponentially. Officials believe the number of new cases is doubling every few weeks. More than 3,300 people in West Africa have died.

Save the Children have also warned five more people are infected with the virus every hour.

The British nurse, who survived the

disease, said the ‘horror and misery’ of watching young children die from the disease must be avoided ‘at all costs’.

Addressing the Defeating Ebola conference in London yesterday, British nurse Will Pooley, 29, pleaded with the world’s governments to do all they could to stop children dying from the disease.

Visibly upset and at times overwhelmed by his emotions, Pooley retold the case of a brother and sister, aged four and two, who he cared for in Sierra Leone.

He described the ‘squalid’ conditions they were treated in, telling how the young boy died with a pained grimace on his face lying naked in a pool of his own diarrhoea.

The little girl, described by Mr Pooley as ‘beautiful’, died a day after her brother, a puzzled look on her tiny face as she lay covered in her own blood.

Mr Pooley, said: “My specific fear is the horror and the misery of these deaths.

“And I just don’t know what happens if that is repeated one million times and so I say, at all costs we can’t let that happen.”

Pooley, from Suffolk, has just re-

turned from a life-saving mission to the U.S. where he gave blood to try and help a victim of the virus, a friend he worked with in Sierra Leone helping victims.

He became the first Briton to contract the virus after working as a volunteer nurse in Sierra Leone, which is one of the worst-hit countries of the current outbreak.

He was flown back to Britain on August 24 and recovered after being treated at an isolation unit at London’s Royal Free Hospital.

This week the first case of Ebola on U.S. soil was diagnosed after Thomas Eric Duncan flew into Dallas, Texas from Liberia, touching down in Brussels and Washington en route.

He is now being treated at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital and is said to be in a serious but stable condition.

Details of his treatment have not been revealed but Mr Duncan is reportedly not being treated with the experimental serum ZMapp used to treat aid workers with the disease, including Mr Pooley - because stocks have run out.

As many as 100 people in Texas are feared to have come into contact with

42-year-old Duncan and are being contacted by health officials.

Authorities earlier put the figure at 18, including five children prompting parents to remove their sons and daughters from schools in Dallas.

School administrators urged calm as none of the children have shown symptoms and are being monitored at home, where they will likely remain for three weeks.

The Texas Department of State Health Services, in a statement yesterday, said four members of Duncan’s family have been legally ordered to stay home as a precaution even though they are not showing symptoms. Violating the order could result in criminal charges.

However, his quarantined girlfriend Louise, said she has not been told what to do with Duncan’s sweatsoaked bedclothes which remain in her home.

She told CNN that she has been legally ordered to stay inside her Dallas apartment with her 13-year-old child and two nephews, who are both in their twenties, as they came in direct contact with the patient while he was contagious.

None of the four people quarantined are showing Ebola symptoms but Louise, who works as a home help, has been taking the group’s temperature every hour.

The CDC has not told the mother what to do with Duncan’s sweatsoaked sheets and pillows which remain in the home. She has placed the towels he used in plastic bags and cleaned up with bleach.

The U.S. Department of Health has confirmed that a patient in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been placed in isolation with suspected Ebola.

The unnamed patient, who is being treated at the Queen’s Medical Centre, has not yet been tested for the disease, but is displaying some symptoms.

Experts from the WHO and Imperial College, London, predict numbers will continue to climb and more than 20,000 people will have been infected by early next month.

So far, around 6,500 cases have been officially recorded, though the number of victims is thought to be under reported.

However, fears the disease may become airborne are not new.

ter Associated Airline’s crash, mother relives life without son before’. I asked him why he wanted the photo. He said: ‘Mummy, let’s just take it’ and an employee who accompanied us to the airport took the photograph and he immediately sent it to the sister in London, even before I got there.

“While we were on board, there was a little turbulence and my mind flashed back to the photograph and it created anxiety in me but I had no clue that it had nothing to do with me but was all about my dear son.

“When I arrived in the UK, I tried his father’s line to inform him that I had arrived safely but his line did not go through. I called his line and luckily it rang and we spoke extensively.

I even told him about the turbulence we experienced on air and my fear about the picture. We laughed about it and he told me about the publication that Thisday did on him and he was so excited about it and wanted me to see it. I had no clue that it was going to be my last discussion with him.

“In the morning, I woke up and my grandson came to my room and appealed that I should put on the computer for him for 10 minutes because his parents won’t allow him to watch TV during the week, and when they

all left home, I decided to go and sleep but I could not sleep. I tried to put on the TV but could not until my daughter came back and put the TV on Sky News and I saw the news highlight: ‘Associated Airline crashed in Nigeria, two dead”. I shouted and informed my daughter that it was Junior’s plane because I was aware of the arrangement for the company to convey Agagu’s body to Akure before I left Nigeria. “ It was about 9.45am and we called Junior’s phone and it rang but no response. We started calling Nigeria, but nobody was willing to tell us anything, and people I had not spoken to for a long time were all calling me and my daughter and it was at that time I knew something had gone wrong.

“All of them refused to tell us the true situation until a family friend called and I asked him not to lie to us about what had happened. He said ‘Mummy, it’s all about you’ and I know that the worst had happened.

“It was like a dream and it has not been an easy experience. I had to cancel my booking for the exhibition and come back to Nigeria.

“I was very fond of him. We were living together and he was supposed

•MO MOTHER MO THER AND SON: The picture they took at the airport a day before his death

to get married this year, and each time I teased him about scattering things, he would say it was only for a while that when he got married, I would be the one missing and sending for him.

I did not know that it was not going to be.”

She said the late Junior loved birds

and the environment, adding that it was in preserving his memory that Jay’s Garden would be launched today to promote the preservation of garden birds and the environment.

“Jay’s Garden is basically a section of Merry Maid Water Garden. He was a bird lover, just like me, but he was

more of a fanatic and these things just evolved while we were cleaning up this place. When the idea came, we decided to call it Jay Garden’s because apart from my son being called Jay, there is a bird also called Jay. “He got the love for birds from me and his dad who was a bird lover too.

They had some bird cages with all sort of birds in their office at MIC Funeral Undertakers. But he was more into it than us.

“On Saturday morning in the house, he would just sit down, even with his last kobo, he would buy food for birds.

“Jay’s Garden is far beyond this space. It is all encompassing; we are going to have competition and we will have talk for school children. It will be a foundation that will continually get young people involved in looking and respecting garden birds.

Some children just stand on the road and they start stoning birds; part of what Jay’s Garden stands for will be to discourage children from doing that and educating them that the birds that they don’t care about are very important in our lives because these birds eat up insects that could affect our food crop, bugs as well.”

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THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

NEWS REMI OYO (1952-2014)

How Remi Oyo died on her daughter’s laps

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HE curtain fell on Wednesday for Dame Oluremi Felicia Oyo, a woman of many firsts.

She was the first woman president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE). She was the first woman presidential spokesperson. She was the first woman managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

She died of cancer in London. Her husband, Vincent Oyo, said she battled the disease for about six years.

When this reporter got to her home at Rasaki Shittu Street in Ijegun, a Lagos suburb, a prayer session was on. Mr. Oyo thereafter ushered this reporter to the left wing of their living room. A family frame and two other photo frames of her children hung on the wall. All was quiet.

Mr. Oyo received telephone calls intermittently, looking calm. He barely left his phone. At some point, he received calls from NAN and kept saying: “Oh, thank you.”

In a quick interview, Mr. Oyo said: “What else do you want me to tell you, besides the news statement I’d already sent out?”

Impulsively, he collected the reporter’s email address and forwarded the statement. But the reporter pleaded for an interview. So, he sat down and obliged.

Said he: “Remi would have been 62 on October 12, but she died on the laps of her only daughter in a London hospital in the United

•Husband relives six-year battle with cancer

By Joke Kujenya, Assistant Editor

Kingdom (UK). You can now record what I want to say, but it is difficult for me. But, I know she’s a media personality and you all won’t let me rest. She had been ill of cancerrelated ailment. “...But I don’t want to go into all that. However, she’d been ill for quite some time. She’d been battling it for upward of about six years. “ In between, his phone kept ringing and he said softly: “We’ve been surrounded by families and friends, who have been praying, visiting and encouraging us. So, I can’t ignore them now.”

Back to the interview, Oyo said: “My daughter, Okiemute, 29 plus, was with her till she breathed her last. We have only two children, one male and a female. Our son is married and he and his wife have given us three grandchildren, two boys and a girl. We’re preparing to bring her body home from Redington in the UK. “Another hard truth is that because she’d been ill for a while, the benefit of that is that the family had time to discuss the inevitable; her death and post-burial. We had talked as a close-knit family. We resolved all issues. We had prayed.

She was a strong Catholic and had the opportunity to make all her confessions, many of which we

She was a trailblazer, says Jonathan

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ESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has described Dame Felicia Remi Oyo as a trailblazer in journalism.

He expressed sadness on the death of Mrs. Oyo, who he said was one of the most eminent Nigerian female journalists.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan extended condolences to her husband, Vincent, her children, Otome and Okiemuote, her siblings and other relatives.

He also commiserated with the Nigerian Guild of Editors, who Dame Oyo served as a two-term President in the course of her trail-blazing journalism career, the management and workers of NAN as well as the colleagues, friends and protégés she garnered in her life.

President Jonathan joined them in mourning Dame Oyo,

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

who having attained great success in a profession hitherto dominated by men, entered national service as the Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003 and served with great distinction as the first female press secretary to a head of state until 2007.

The President believed that although she was already much honoured in life with accolades and awards, including Officer of the Order of the Niger, Dame Oyo would always be remembered and honoured in posterity for her exemplary professional life, her inspiring leadership qualities, motherliness and generosity, her immense patriotism and her remarkable transformation of the News Agency of Nigeria during her tenure

Mark, Senate mourn From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

S

ENATE President David Mark mourned yesterday the death of a foremost journalist and a former managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs. Remi Oyo. Mark in a statement in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary Paul Mumeh, noted that Mrs. Oyo distinguished herself as a professional and a successful administrator of very high repute.

Also yesterday, the Senate through a statement by its Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, described as shocking, the sudden death of Mrs. Oyo. Abaribe said the Senate recalls her contributions to media development, “particularly her pivotal role in revolutionising news gathering through wire services as exemplified in her sterling performance in NAN as its managing director.”

‘Remi Oyo’s death a great loss’

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KITI State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has described the death of former presidential spokesperson Mrs. Oluremi Oyo as a great loss to the country.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said Mrs. Oyo’s death was a bitter pill to swallow “at this critical period in the history of the state and the country.”

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laughed and cried over, to the reverend fathers that went to see her in hospital.

“She had continuous access to the priests until she died on October 1st. It has been painful. But in all of the painful period, I think we all had the opportunity to bond and relate more strongly as a family that is conscious of the inevitable.

As the matriarch of our family, she was a strong family person.”

He paused to introduce a family friend, Mr. Tony Igho. He said: “This is one of the people who have been with us all through, over 20 years of our lives. I started missing her before she died.”

Sudden shouts and wailing interrupted the interview. But there was general calm in the house. “Before she died, she told us that she missed us all. Those were the times we really wept and felt the gravity of our plight. But we had prepared ourselves mentally and emotionally before her death. She was not afraid at all because there was always a point of time that you can’t avoid what would be. She had accepted the painful reality long before now.

In any case, it is difficult for both sides. You were in a system where they told you exactly what would be.

“So, we braced ourselves for it. It wasn’t easy that we were waiting for the day she would pass on. I was there with her in the last five months of her life. I returned last

Obasanjo laments her death

ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo lamented yesterday the death of ex-managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Mrs. Remi Oyo, saying it has “left a very sour taste in the mouth.”

Obasanjo, in a condolence message to the family of his former senior special assistant on media, said he received the news of her demise with “sadness and heaviness of heart.” He noted that the late Mrs. Oyo

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Sunday. That’s why I said to you that we’ve had an opportunity to stay together and await her passage. All the children and grandchildren also came to see her in the UK. But please don’t ask me to give graphic details of her state. You said you saw her picture at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) graduation. Well, use your imagination. It was a touching moment when the grandchildren came to see her. Their young minds could not comprehend that was their grandmother, weak and looking frail.

“Remi was a strong woman for us all. Her voice still echoes. She, as woman and a wife, was a binding force. She was a true team player both within the family and in her professional life. I’m sure your colleagues would tell you who she was, a team player, I repeat and the most wonderful wife any man could desire.”

Asked by the family about 3pm to eat, he said: “No, we have a routine I don’t want to break as quickly.

In the last one year or more, we had lived fasting for her. So, I’ve been used to that. I could take something later, but not yet. She never left her role as a wife and mother in our 37 years of marriage since 1977. She was a lovable, adorable wife.”

Now wiping tears from his eyes, Oyo said: “If I were to have a second chance to marry again, I will still choose Remi, my beloved wife.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

was a “thoroughbred professional in journalism.”

Obasanjo, who also described Mrs. Oyo’s death as quite “painful,” said the nation’s media industry remained largely dominated by those, who had been positively influenced directly and indirectly by her.

The former President rued that Remi’s passage was painful, especially as she still had a lot to contribute to her family, community and country.

Tinubu mourns

HE National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has described the death of Mrs. Oluremi Oyo as one death too many and indeed another sad day for journalism.

He said: “She was an icon, a leader among women, a pacesetter and one who touched many lives. Her charismatic personality stood her out and earned her respect among all.

“My condolences to her husband and family. Most importantly, to the media, an institution she was a part and parcel of. She was a senior member. Journalism suffers yet another blow less than a month when another veteran passed on.

“Because of Remi’s stewardship as a journalist and news manager, the media stands tall on the world stage. Her legacy endures. Though dead, the candle will still burn in her honour.

“As we mourn her demise, we must offer supplication for many who face similar health challenges that they will receive healing. May her soul rest in peace.”

Her death a huge loss, says Maku

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From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

NFORMATION Minister Mr. Labaran Maku has described the death of Mrs. Remi Oyo as a huge loss.

Maku, who said he received the news of her death with shock and sadness, said she would be missed greatly by her family, the media industry, the womenfolk and the nation in general.

Atiku: she was a role model

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From Tony Akowe, Abuja

FORMER vice president and a presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has described the exmanaging director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Oluremi Oyo, as a role model to women.

He said her death was not only a loss to journalism, but also to the country.

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•The late Mrs Oyo

I had true peace with her. More so, her level of humility, love and the fact that when I said she was a team player, not just in professionalism, but practically in other spheres. She touched people’s lives.

“We’re staunch Catholics. We must await her remains, meet with the families, the church and so on before the decisions.”

About 5pm, a Nollywood star, Gloria Young, came in and burst into tears. Over 30 people had signed the register by then and they all attested to the fact that journalism and Nigeria had lost a great voice.

Amosun: I’m shocked by her sudden death

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has expressed sadness on the death of a top female journalist and former presidential spokesperson, Dame Felicia Oluwaremilekun Oyo. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun said he was shocked by the sudden death of the veteran journalist, describing it as a big loss to the media industry.

He said: “Dame Oyo was not only an icon in journalism, but also a trailblazer in the pen profession, who was well respected in the media world. I recall those days at the Villa, when I was a senator. I used to marvel at her energy and dedication to duty as the senior special assistant on media and publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo between 2003 and 2007.”

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Guild’s chair mourns

HE Chairman of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NDE), Mr. Femi Adesina, has described the death of the ex-News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) boss, Mrs. Remi Oyo, as a great loss to the industry. He

By Nneka Nwaneri

lamented that in the last four months, the Guild had lost three Fellows- Mike Akpan, the late Vice Chairman of The Sun, Dimba Igwe and Remi Oyo.

Uduaghan: she left indelible footprints

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ELTA State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has expressed regrets on the death of Mrs. Oluremi Oyo. He said she left indelible footprints in Nigeria’s history.

In a statement by his Press

Secretary Felix Ofou, the governor said the late Mrs. Oyo would be remembered for her pioneering role as a journalist, editor, media manager, community leader and a spokeswoman for former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Another blow to the media, says IPC

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HE International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, Nigeria has expressed sadness on the demise of Mrs. Oluremi Oyo. The Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said yesterday that the late Mrs. Oyo would be remembered for the prominent role she played as the president of the Nigeria Guild of Editors in the campaigns and advocacy, which led to the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

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Oshiomhole commiserates

DO State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has commiserated with the President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, on the death of Mrs. Remi Oyo. In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, Oshiomhole said: “Mrs. Oyo’s death is a loss not only to her family, the Guild of Editors, the media industry, but also to the nation, which she served with vigour and forthrightness.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

7

NEWS

AMCON urges court to restrain Bi-Courtney, others from executing ruling

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HE Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has prayed the Federal High Court in Lagos for an order restraining Bi-Courtney Ltd and its Chairman, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), from executing the September 29 ruling by Justice Ibrahim Buba.

In an application with Notice for Injunction Pending Appeal, AMCON is seeking an order of injunction restraining the respondents, their agents or subsidiaries “from giving effect to the order”.

Justice Buba made an order nullifying and discharging the ex-parte order of receivership, possession and freezing granted to AMCON by Justice Okon Abang on September 22.

Justice Abang had appointed a former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), as AMCON’s receiver/manager over the assets of BiCourtney, Chartered Investment Ltd, Resort International Ltd, Roygate Properties Ltd and their Chairman, Babalakin, for allegedly owing AMCON

By Joseph Jibueze, Senior Correspondent

N50billion.

AMCON is urging the court to grant the injunction to stop the companies from “dissipating their assets.”

It said if they are not restrained, they can manage the assets in a way that can adversely affect its case at the appellate court.

The applicant’s grounds are that after Justice Abang made the order, Justice Buba, based on oral application by the respondents’ counsel, vacated it.

AMCON said being dissatisfied with Justice Buba’s ruling, it filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal seeking to set it aside.

It added: “The present application is necessary to restrain the respondents from dissipating their assets and rendering nugatory the possible outcome of the appeal at the Court of Appeal.

“This court has a duty to stay further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of the appeal to avoid foisting a fait accompli (a state of helplessness because a thing has already been done) on the Court of Appeal or rendering nuga-

tory the applicant’s right of appeal guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.”

The application, dated September 30, was filed on AMCON’s behalf by Messrs Babatunde Ogungbamila, Adebola Sobowale and Olusola Abiloye, of the law firm of Olisa Agbakoba & Associates.

In its appeal, AMCON said Justice Buba erred in law and misdirected himself when he discharged Justice Abang’s order on the grounds that AMCON and Agbakoba suppressed materials facts.

The appellant said there were pending cases between the appellant and the respondents over disputed, admitted and compromised debts.

It said the cause of action filed before Justice Abang was different from the other cases and therefore was not an abuse of court process.

Urging the appellate court to overrule Justice Buba, AMCON said the judge was legally wrong to arrive at the conclusion that Justice Abang was misled.

It further averred that Justice Buba’s ruling setting aside Justice Abang’s orders was made without jurisdiction, adding that a court

could not grant prayers not sought by any of the parties before it.

Nullifying Justice Abang’s order, Justice Buba held: “This court has no doubt its process has been abused. It has been misled on the issue of settlement breaking down and obtaining orders ex-parte while cases are pending in court, with orders subsisting.

“Where a court of law feels its orders are irregularly obtained, or its process abused, it shall deal with the process instantaneously, without any formality, to protect its integrity.

“The order is a nullity, having been obtained ex-parte in the face of subsisting orders already made by this court and also which constitute an abuse of the court process.

This court will not suspend it (the order).

“The court has inherent jurisdiction to deal with abuse of its process and any conduct that impugns its integrity.

“I so deem and set aside the orders of September 22 made by my brother Abang J. The court was misled. It is within the issues this court can deal with.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of AMCON’s application.

‘INEC may review decision on new polling units’ From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may review, if necessary, its decision on the creation of an additional 30,000 polling units across the country.

The National Commissioner, in-charge of Southwest, Prof.

Lai Olurode, spoke yesterday at a media interaction organised by the Osun State chapter of the Association of Veteran Journalists, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Osogbo.

He said the creation of the new polling units was done with good intention.

Olurode said the decision was made to make it easier for voters to cast their votes and avoid unnecessary waste of time at the polling centres.

He also said that the decision was meant to decongest the existing polling units.

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Jega seeks credible poll

HE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has urged parties to cooperate with the commission to ensure a free and fair election.

He said the commission and the parties “must work to make our elections free, fair and credible and to deepen democracy.”

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Jega said henceforth, the quarterly meeting of the commission with the leadership of the parties would hold on a monthly basis.

He said as the general elections drew near, it was necessary to hold meetings on a monthly basis to deliberate on important matters.

‘Nigeria a force to reckon with’

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From Tony Akowe, Abuja

HE Minister of National Planning and Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission, Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman, has said Nigeria remains a force to reckon with across the globe despite the challenges facing it.

In his message to Nigerians on the nation’s 54th Independence anniversary, the minister said the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan was the tonic, which made it possible for the country to endure.

Noting the significance of strategic planning to a nation, Sulaiman said: “A nation without the right planning will get no where. This is why we will identify with our vision and mission of providing the right data based on planning for the development of our great country.”

Wishing the country many years of peace, political and economic stability, the minister said the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), explained the mission and vision of the Jonathan administration.

PDP insists on October 30 for sale of forms

T •From left: IGP Suleiman Abba; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosun; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Usman Jibrin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah and Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, at the Security Council meeting in Abuja…yesterday PHOTO:NAN

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted on the October 30 deadline for the sale of nomination forms.

The National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said in a statement yesterday: “Following the release of our detailed guidelines for congresses and primaries for the 2015 general elections, the National Working Committee (NWC) of our party wishes to inform aspirants that the closing date for the sale of nomination forms is October 30.

“Aspirants are, therefore, advised to adhere to this directive, as the party shall not extend the sale beyond this date.

“The NWC urges aspirants to study the guidelines and party’s code of conduct for elections and ensure that they conduct their campaigns accordingly, as the PDP shall not condone any aberration or abuse of its internal electoral process.”

EFCC appeals Lagos Assembly Speaker Ikuforiji’s acquittal

HE Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC) has appealed the Federal High Court’s acquittal of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji of money laundering charges.

Justice Ibrahim Buba on September 26 upheld Ikuforiji’s no-case submission and held that the prosecution did not prove the allegations.

The commission is urging the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos to nullify the verdict and order Ikuforiji’s retrial before another judge.

Justice Buba held that EFCC prosecuted Ikuforiji and his aide, Oyebode Atoyebi, “by trial and error” and that the “entire prosecution, with respect, can be described as a joke taken too far.”

According to the judge,

By Joseph Jibueze

the commission “misconceived and misinterpreted the provisions of the Money Laundering Act.” But EFCC, through its lawyer, Chief Godwin Obla (SAN), appealed on nine grounds.

It said Justice Buba erred in law when he concluded that counts two to 48 were “incompetent” because they were filed under Section 1(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004, which was repealed by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

EFCC said the counts were alleged offences committed by the respondents before June 3, 2011 when the 2011 Act came into effect.

According to the commission, Section 24 of the 2011 Act and Section 6 of the Interpretation Act provide that the

•Seeks re-trial before new judge repeal of the 2004 Act does not affect any offence committed during the existence of the 2004 Act. EFCC claimed the lower court also erred in law in holding that the Acts only apply to natural persons and corporate bodies, and not government offices.

It said the law applies to artificial and natural persons, which include the government and Ikuforiji.

“Cash payments involving government entities are not excluded from the operations of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004 and 2011,” the commission said.

EFCC said contrary to the judge’s view, money laundering must not be connected to terrorism, illicit narcotic, or kidnapping, but

that the laws forbid cash payments beyond a certain threshold, which do not go through a financial institution.

On the judge’s finding that the prosecution witnesses’ testimonies supported the defendants’ innocence, EFCC said none of the witnesses testified that the payments went through a financial institution.

The appellant said there were exhibits showing that Atoyebi collected 57 cash payments on Ikuforiji’s behalf, of which only one – a payment to the House – passed through a financial institution.

EFCC said cash payment above the threshold set in Section One of the Money Laundering Acts is only ex-

empted if it goes through a financial institution.

It also faulted Justice Buba’s understanding of what a no-case submission really means.

“A no-case submission is for the lower court to determine whether there is any evidence in the prosecution’s case, which

shows a prima facie case against the respondent.

“At the stage of the nocase, the lower court is not expected to determine whether the case against the respondent is proved beyond reasonable doubt,” EFCC said.

It, therefore, urged the Appeal Court to uphold the appeal, set aside Justice Buba’s verdict and order a trial de novo (fresh trial).

NLC opposes NYSC’s online registration

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From Tony Akowe, Abuja

HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to withdraw the online registration policy, which tends to charge prospective corps members about N4,000.

It said the policy was unacceptable.

A statement titled: “We are opposed to this policy”, by the General-Secretary, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, said while NLC hailed NYSC for the initiative to reduce the cost and risk associated with travelling, it was morally wrong to turn it into a money-making venture.

THE NATION FRIDAY OCTOBER 3, 2014

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NEWS ‘Ibadan State ’ll be created’ From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

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HE Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes’ (CCII) President, Chief Adebayo Oyero, has assured that the creation of Ibadan State has reached an advanced stage, adding that any moment from now, a referendum will be conducted for its eventual creation.

He said together with the other four zones in the state, the CCII had submitted three different memorandums to the National Assembly in line with other requirements of the 1999 Constitution for state creation and has fulfilled all the requirements needed for Ibadan State creation.

Oyero, who spoke yesterday at the unveiling ceremony of Ibadan Annual Festival 2014 under the Chairmanship of Seyi Makinde, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, said a lot of people have been asking questions on whether or not the Ibadan State was still visible.

“That is the outcome of the National Conference where 18 states were recommended for creation and within that 18 states, Ibadan State was omitted. So, many people have had cause to ask me anywhere I am; some even come to my office to ask whether Ibadan State is no longer visible.

“But I have taken time to explain that what we have is New Oyo State. And if we have New Oyo State, the remaining part is Ibadan State. So, is either you call it New Oyo State or Ibadan State,” he said.

While hailing the contributions of Makinde to Ibadanland in the last one year, especially his singular effort in ensuring that Ibadan House was painted, the CCII President stated that all the necessary procedures for state creation had been done on the proposed Ibadan State.

He praised members of the CCII for working for the progress and development of Ibadanland.

He also lauded indigenes of Ibadanland for exhibiting political maturity wherever they are called upon to assist in the development of Ibadanland.

Makinde, in his remarks, noted that contributing to development of Ibadanland had nothing to do with political leanings whether PDP, APC or Accord Party, saying that service delivery was key to developing the people and the state.

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•Senator Ayo Adeseun (right) commiserating with some family members of the late Brig.-Gen. Benjamin Adekunle at his lying-in-state at Abatti Barracks in PHOTO: BIODUN WILLAIAMS Lagos..yesterday.

Fayose kicks as Fayemi appoints eight perm secs From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

•Governor Fayemi

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has appointed eight permanent secretaries to fill existing vacancies.

While details of the appoint-

ment were still sketchy as at press time yesterday, it was gathered that their appointment took immediate effect.

But the Governor-Elect, Mr. Ayo Fayose, faulted the appointment, saying Fayemi was playing politics with issues that have serious consequences on the state’s welfare.

Fayose, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, said recent actions by Fayemi showed that he was desperate and playing politics of vendetta and putting stumbling

blocks on the way of the incoming administration.

The statement reads: “As much as we are not opposed to people progressing in their chosen careers, one finds the recent appointments questionable. The questions the people of the state should help ask Fayemi include which ministries the new PS (permanent secretaries) will be attached?

Will two PS man a ministry? Are there vacancies that the new PS will fill?

“It is very ridiculous for

Fayemi, who has less than two weeks to leave office to appoint permanent secretaries for the incoming administration. It shows how evil the APC is.

“In the last four months, the outgoing government has created 19 new LCDAs (local council development areas), employed 3,000 workers without following due process and right now backlog of salaries of workers are yet to be paid and workers are currently on strike.

“It is evidence that Fayemi does not love Ekiti State. His

activities are not statesmanlike and honourable. Nigerians should now know that his activities are to put stumbling blocks on the path of the incoming government.”

Adelusi wondered why all the actions were taking place in the twilight of Fayemi’s departure from office.

He added that the incoming government would review most of the policies taken in the twilight of the Fayemi’s administration.

Ekiti promises to pay striking workers within 48 hours

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KITI State has directed its Head of Service, Mr. Bunmi Famosaya, to meet the leadership of the striking workers’ Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and convey the readiness of the Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration to pay their salaries within 48 hours.

The administration’s directive came yesterday after the workers, in a statement, announced the beginning of an

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

indefinite strike to demand for the payment of two months’ arrears of salaries and allowances.

The workers’ unions, through the JNC, blamed the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for what they called its lacklustre disposition to their plight.

The JNC Chairman, Comrade Oladipupo Johnson, in

an interview with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, noted that the August and September salaries as well as the June and July deductions have not been paid.

Oladipupo said the workers have been in dialogue with the governor in the last three months to resolve the issue, adding the matter went out of hand following the governor’s alleged unwillingness to pay after receiving two alloca-

tions.

But the governor, who responded through the Information Commissioner, Mr. Tayo Ekundayo, said: “You recalled that Ekiti has been paying as and when due before the present situation and we have a template by which we used to meet up. We used to take facilities from banks to pay salary before the arrival of the state’s allocations.

“But unfortunately, because

of the transition, opposition went to stop the banks and we have explained the situation to union leaders. Delay in payment has never been our character. But discussion has been concluded to ensure that the money is paid with 48 hours.

“We expect the workers to reciprocate the gesture by calling off the strike and report to work immediately in the interest of the state.”

Sambo, Mark, others welcome Mimiko back into PDP

NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko defected yesterday to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Labour Party (LP).

He and his supporters were received back to the fold by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, Deputy National Chairman Uche Secondus and other top party men at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

Mimiko said he left the party eight years ago when internal democracy within the party shrank.

Noting that he has no particular office to run for in 2015, he said that he returned to the PDP to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election next year.

Narrating what warranted his leaving the PDP, Mimiko said: “Unfortunately at some point in the party’s history, that room for democracy got greatly conscripted. Thus some eight years ago, when we needed to run for office and the space for internal democracy within PDP had considerably shrank, we chose to

•Ondo PDP heads for court From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja and Damisi Ojo, Akure

leave. But then, not to align with the then emergent opposition party in the land, the ACN. “Rather, we chose to move away from both and pick up Labour Party (LP), a party that was quite modest in its aspirations for national elective offices and completely unknown in Ondo State where we wanted to run for office.

“Precisely on December 14, 2006, we publicly announced LP as our choice of platform. To the glory of God, four months later, in the April 14, 2007 election, we got the mandate of our people to govern Ondo State.

Although our election was stolen by the political tendency in power in Abuja at the time.

Thanks to a judiciary that continues to be profoundly alert to its duty in a democracy, we managed to retrieve our mandate two years later.

“Today, just barely one year into our second term in office, it is obvious that we do not have any office to run for either now or in 2015.”

He said he therefore decided to help in getting President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan elected.

The Vice President, in his reaction, said: “Your coming back home is highly and deeply appreciated. I have no word to truly describe our feelings of your homecoming. We are confident that with your coming, the issues in the Southwest have been concluded.”

He directed the Deputy National Chairman to put machinery in place for PDP rally in Akure, Ondo State, to receive more members to the party.

The Senate President was confident that Mimiko’s return to the party would add value to the party at all level.

He urged Mimiko to reconcile every party member in the area to eliminate factional camps, even as he tasked all PDP members to receive him with open hand.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State PDP approached the Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday to restrain the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) from dissolving the state’s existing party structure.

The application was brought

through an originating summon applied to by the State Working Committee (SWC).

Already, the NWC has been served with the court summons.

Also served is the Senate President, who is the Chairman, Southwest Reconciliation Committee.

The party maintained that Mimiko should keep the structure of his government while the party structure remains.

•Governor Mimiko

Gunmen abduct Ogun lawmaker’s mother

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UNMEN suspected to be kidnappers last Wednesday stormed the business premises of Madam Rachael Hazzan, mother of an Ogun House of Assembly lawmaker, Remmy Hassan and whisked her away to an unknown location.

The 69-year-old woman, whose shop is located near Tai Solarin College of Education, OmuIjebu, has since not been found.

The abductors have neither contacted the victim’s family nor given conditions for her release.

Remmy Hazzan, who represents Odogbolu

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

State Constituency, confirmed to reporters that his mother has been abducted.

Hazzan said: “I saw my mum’s missed calls when I came back from the church last night and decided to call back. We spoke till around 8p.m in the night, only to receive a call some minutes later from her neighbours that she has been abducted.”

Hazzan added that he has notified the police and the Department of Security Service (DSS) about the incident.

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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NEWS Umar to equip NBA library

By Joseph Jibueze

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•Former Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi (middle) after addressing members of the World Bank Youths’ Forum at the Office of the World Bank in Abuja... yesterday.

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Court clears Ogbulafor of fraud charges

FEDERAL Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, discharged and acquitted yesterday a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Vincent Ogbulafor, of fraud charges.

His co-accused, Emeka Ebila, who was Secretary of the National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC), was found guilty and jailed five years for the offences.

Ogbulafor and Ebila were prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a 17-count charge involving N170 million fraud.

Justice Ishaq Bello held that the prosecution, represented

by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), failed to prove its case against Ogbulafor.

The judge said the sentence against Ebila would run concurrently.

He held that from the prosecution's evidence, there was no nexus between Ogbulafor and the alleged crimes.

•Co-accused gets five-year jail From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

But he held that Ebila's confessional statement, which was tendered before the court without objection from his lawyer, Awa Kalu (SAN), corroborated the allegations levelled against him.

Justice Bello said Ebila, during the trial, confessed to being the owner of the companies with which the fraud was allegedly committed, adding that there was no evidence that part of the proceeds of the crime accrued to Ogbulafor.

Although Ogbulafor admitted in the course of trial that he nominated Ebila for the appointment as NEIC Secretary, he denied receiving money from him, except the N2 million he (Ebila) donated to his campaign after he resigned as the Minister for Special Duties. The former PDP chairman also denied knowing any of the alleged proxies through who he allegedly received the money.

Justice Bello said: "It is clear

medical report before the court showing his true state of health.

Ogbulafor was the Minister of Special Duties supervising the activities of the NEIC, which was set up in 2001 for the verification and payment of debts owed to local contractors by the Federal Government.

The ICPC accused both men, among others, of conferring corrupt advantage on themselves by using the Contract Desk Verification Panel of the NEIC to fraudulently approve payments of over N176 million to fictitious contractors and non-existing contracts.

Ogbulafor, as the supervising minister over NEIC, allegedly received money from Ebila through proxies, knowing that the money was part of the proceeds of a fraudulent payment for contracts that were not executed.

The ICPC also accused both men of contravening, among others, Sections 19 and 26(1)(c) of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Eze: I’m not quarrelling with Chime

Enugu East PDP backs Ugwuanyi

•PDP denies senator’s allegation From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sani Onogu, Abuja, From Chris Oji, Enugu

From Chris Oji, Enugu

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu East Senatorial District has endorsed House of Representatives member and the party’s candidate, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for next year’s governorship election.

The Enugu State chapter of the PDP zoned the governorship ticket to the North Senatorial District because it had not had a shot at it since 1992, when Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo was governor.

Ugwuanyi has one senatorial district to endorse him to become the consensus candidate.

Governor Sullivan Chime and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu hail from Enugu West.

Chime, who was in company of the party’s State Chairman Vita Abba, briefed members of the caucus on the emergence of Ugwuanyi at last Friday’s meeting.

The governor said the meeting was meant to present the candidate to the caucus for their assessment and possible endorsement.

from the evidence of the defence, vis-a-vis the prosecution witnesses' evidence that the first accused (Ogbulafor) was not given any money. Indeed, the PW1 (first prosecution witness), being the IPO (Investigative Police Officer) said that the money was given to Chris Nwoke as an alleged proxy of the first accused. He was only told about it by the second accused. This I have earlier discountenanced as a non-legal evidence.

"In fact, even the second accused, in his evidence before the court - under cross-examination by the first accused person counsel and the prosecution - clearly stated that he never gave the first accused any money. He reiterated the fact h never gave the first accused any money.

"The prosecution has not tendered any bank account showing the lodgements of any money to the credit or advantage of the first accused.

"Consequently and conclu-

sively, it is my considered judgment that the prosecution has proved reasonable doubt the charge against the second accused, who is hereby pronounced guilty and convicted as charged. The testimony in his defence attracts less than any belief or credibility. Indeed, I have watched the second accused generally, from his demeanour, he does not appear to me as a witness of truth.

"On the other hand, the prosecution has failed to prove any of the count charges against the first accused, who is hereby discharged and acquitted."

Ebila, whose absence from court on three occasions stalled the judgment, was wheeled into the courtroom with a neck brace.

The judge refused the plea

by Mrs A. A Nwogu (Ebila's lawyer) for mercy and for the suspension of the sentence on the account of her client's illhealth.

Justice Bello held that although the accused could see Ebila on the wheelchair (on which he sat), there was no

•Eze

A

N aspirant for Enugu State governorship seat in next year’s election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ayogu Eze, has said there is no rift between him and Governor Sullivan Chime.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the senator described Chime as his old friend.

He debunked insinuations that his rejection of a consensus candidate on the state as PDP’s choice might have created a gap between him and the governor.

Eze said he had been “very close to Chime for nearly 15 years”.

The senator dismissed insinuations in some quarters

that the relationship between them was strained because of the political developments in that state.

According to him, his disagreement with the governor was only on the principle and procedure for choosing the PDP candidate for next year’s election.

Eze stressed that he held the governor “in very high esteem, as always”.

The senator was confident that “the governor will realise that those pushing him to take some of the steps he is taking now do not mean well for him and the state”.

He likened the political developments in Enugu State to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, which nearly undermined the achievements of the Ibrahim Babangida military government.

Eze noted that it was necessary for the process to be returned to track so that the PDP could unite for the elections.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu North Senatorial District has denied the allegation by Senator Ayogu Eze that some

party members planned to use thugs to demonstrate against him for opposing the endorsement of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as its consensus candidate.

The party described the allegation as unfounded and mischievous.

In a statement by its Chairman Mike Ejinima, the party wondered why Eze had become desperate by whipping up sentiments over the matter.

Eze, who is one of the governorship aspirants from Enugu North Senatorial District, where the state PDP zoned the governorship slot to, pointed fingers at some unnamed politicians for allegedly planning to hire thugs to demonstrate against him for opposing the consensus arrangement.

In a statement on Wednesday, his campaign organisation alleged that the planned use of thugs was aimed at denying him the chance to participate in the party's primary.

But PDP's Zonal Chairman Ejinima said: "The party, by its unanimous endorsement of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the consensus candidate for the governorship position, has

not closed its doors against any aspirant who has a contrary position to the party's decision on the matter to participate in the governorship primary election."

The chairman said the party would "welcome Senator Eze to the primary to test his strength, if he insists on contesting against the popular choice of the party".

But he reminded the senator "of the grave consequences of his actions and inactions against the interest of the party".

Ejinima admitted that he was aware of a proposal by the party's youths from the six local government areas in the zone that they planned to organise a solidarity rally on the emergence of Ugwuanyi as the consensus governorship candidate.

The chairman noted that such a grassroots movement was in consonant with the norms of any political organisation worldwide.

He wondered why Eze was "blackmailing" the party by his allegation.

Ejinima urged Eze and his team to abide by the party's decision and desist from acts that could undermine the PDP or heat up the polity.

He added that this was superior to any other decision.

ARABA State Acting Governor Garba Umar has promised to equip the Bar Centre Library of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Jalingo.

The governor made the promise yesterday when he inaugurated the library in the state capital.

He hailed lawyers for renovating a nearby mosque.

Umar said: “This is an excellent display of social responsibility by the Bar. It is neither sectarian nor faithbased. The Bar in Taraba, just like our beloved state, is multi-ethnic and multi-religious.

“I sincerely look forward to when Muslims would build places of worship for Christians and Christians will also build places of worship for Muslims. We must embrace love and unity as a state, nation and business groups.”

The governor praised the Chief Judge, Justice Josephine Tuktur, for giving a part of the Judiciary’s land to the NBA for the centre.

“This synergy shows beyond every shadow of doubt that the Bench and the Bar are truly partners in progress in the pursuit of justice… We shall further support the Bar by assisting in equipping the library,” he added.

•Umar

MTN-sponsored pilgrims for Arafat Day

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WENTY pilgrims sponsored by Nigeria’s leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) company, MTN, will join other Muslims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to observe the Arafat Day today.

The Arafat Day is a key Hajj rite in Islam.

The pilgrims, who departed the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, last Friday to the holy land, were excited for having the rare privilege that MTN gave them.

They hailed the leading ICT operator for sponsoring them on the all-expense-paid trip and giving them the opportunity to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam.

The General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Kola Oyeyemi, explained that the focus of the initiative was to show appreciation to the company’s customers He said: “We are committed to the well-being of our customers as we drive to make their lives brighter and better through our unique propositions (products and value-added services). This is one of such initiatives aimed at uplifting and encouraging our subscribers to get closer to their faith.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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NEWS Electricity pensioners protest

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HE Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Electricity Sector, Rivers/Bayelsa Chapter, has protested the non-payment of their nine months’ allowances.

The union called on President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in the matter.

The union president, Ufeme Tuka, said the union was ready to take proactive measures to ensure that the government pays them.

He said the Ministry of Finance and Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO) Board should apologise to the families of members, who died while waiting for their

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

pension.

“For a long time now, our gratuity and pension have not been paid by NELMCO. “Many of our members have died as a result of the non-payment.

“Our entitlements are the only means by which we make ends meet in our families.

“We are facing so many challenges. As I talk now, so many of our members have nothing to eat and cannot take care of their families.

We are calling on the government to come to our aid.”

Edo Speaker for National Assembly From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

S

PEAKER of theEdo State House of Assembly Uyi Igbe has declared his intention to represent Oredo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Igbe announced this to the leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oredo Local Government Area yesterday.

The ceremony, attended by APC chieftains and supporters, took place at the party secretariat on Uwa Street, Off 2nd and 3rd East Circular Road, Benin City.

The Speaker said: “I want to go to the House of Representatives to bring federal presence to Benin City. I have been in the business of lawmaking for seven years, so I can do it.

I am not going there as a novice.”

Anyanya endorsed for governor From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

M

ONARCHS, chiefs and elders of Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have endorsed Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd) as their governorship can-

didate.

Anyanya’s adoption took place yesterday at the Delta Hotels, Port Harcourt, the state capital.

A monarch, J. W. Okuruket-Nnabiget, said the kings, chiefs and elders were glad that Anyanya would be vying for governor.

The monarch assured that Andoni people would support any politician from the area, but noted that first come, first accepted principle would be strongly applied.

He said: “We are here to identify with the aspiration of Major Anyanya, who will contest on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Though we are not politicians, but we will support any politician who wants to aspire to the exalted office.

“This is the first time that an Andoni man is aspiring and for that reason, we are greatly impressed.”

Anyanya pledged his commitment to the overall interest of Obolo people and Rivers State.

“We are not where we should be. Rivers State is destined to be the leader in the comity of states. The reality is that we have not achieved greatness. We have also not achieved the peak of our excellence.

“We have come to give our people a new direction, whether you choose to live in the fishing port or city, you can be great.”

Ochei: I’m committed to good governance

A

PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, has said the essence of his ambition is to provide good governance, accountability, unity and peace.

Ochei said this when he addressed the State Leader and Elders Forum in Warri during a consultative session.

He said his agenda will be the cornerstone of viable development with the ultimate aim of making the state one that all would be proud of.

The former Speaker said: “I desire a state devoid of ethnicity as a divisive force but rather the diversity should be the driving force in strengthening the bond of brotherhood amongst Deltans.

“This dream can be actualised through the forum

•Ochei

which is a formidable voice that can immensely accentuate the message of hope which the group had always advocated for Delta State.

“I pledge to ensure participatory governance, based on the core principles of accountability and synergising development programmes across the state, whereby the abundant human and material resources are properly harnessed.”

•President Goodluck Jonathan flanked by his wife, Patience and Minister of Culture Edem Duke at the Independence Anniverssary Dinner at the Banquet Hall Presidential Villa in Abuja.

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

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Edo shifts retirement age to 60

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has abolished the 35-year retirement policy for workers in Edo State.

Workers are now to retire at 60, regardless of whether they have put in 35 years in the civil service.

Delivering the “Independence anniversary gift” to the workers at a meeting with labour leaders at the Government House, yesterday, Oshiomhole described the compulsory 35 years as obnoxious.

The governor said: “Our own anniversary gift to Edo workers, especially those in the public service, has to do with pension.

“Over the years, while I was in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), I had wondered why we have a unique policy in the public sector in which we appear to punish experience.

•No more 35-year retirement policy “We are compelled to retire because you have put in X number of years.

“Having taken the pains to clean up our records and carry out appropriate biometrics of our public servants and made corrections where errors were discovered, I believe that about 90 to 95 per cent of our records as regards to age can now be said to be correct.

“That being so, there is no reason for us to continue to use our obnoxious policy of 35 years as a basis to determine one’s years of service in the public service.

“Therefore, the government has decided to abolish this policy and uphold only that aspect of retirement that has to do with age.

“So in Edo State with effect

from today, I will sign an executive order to abolish the federal circular, which imposes 35 years as a condition for retirement.

“Henceforth, public servants shall retire only when they have reached 60. However, if any public official chooses to retire earlier, that will be seen as a voluntary retirement.

“In other climes, number of years of experience is something to be rewarded. It is not a basis for termination or forced retirement but I do understand that some other aspects of our national life, we have evolved policies on seeking the easiest escape route to a complex problem because government could not cope with the issues of falsification of age.

“We have reflected on all

this. This year, I have seen a lot of young people, still strong and hardworking, and we have lost them because they had to retire because they have put in 35 years even when they were not 60 years old.

“I have seen some people retire at 55, some at 44 because they started working at 20.

“Consistent with our commitment to reforms, and interrogating every public policy that we inherited, I am convinced that this policy is no longer in the interest of the people and certainly not in the interest of workers and employees in the public service.”

The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Shaka Otoide and the NLC state Chairman, Emmanuel Ademokun, thanked the governor for the gesture, adding that this has brought another innovation to the service.

Dickson warns against intimidation

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AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has advised politicians to play by the rules ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The governor’s comments followed the alleged summons of his key supporters by the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The senator representing the Bayelsa Central, Emmanuel Paulker, who was said to be aspiring for governor, was accused of influencing the summons, owing to his closeness to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Dickson spoke in Yenagoa yesterday at a state banquet to mark the 54th Independence celebration and the state’s 18th anniversary.

He advised persons seeking elective positions to win the heart of the people, instead of

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

deploying what he described as, “politics of thuggery and intimidation”.

Dickson said: “I enjoin all those who are aspiring for one office or the other to play the game according to the rules. We have always won election without even buying any ammunition.

“This state has no room for that anymore. I, working closely with the President, our leader, am determined to keep Bayelsa safe, so that Bayelsa will not be turned into what our detractors would want us to be.

“As I said on the day of my inauguration, we will not play politics with your development at all, we will not play politics with security is-

sues; we will not play politics with issues that have to do with the protection of the Ijaw national interest.”

The governor said his administration had worked hard, in collaboration with the Federal Government, to keep the state peaceful and stable.

He said government would not condone any form of violence or act capable of destabilising the state.

He paid tributes to the founding fathers and past military administrators as well as governors for their contributions to the development of the state.

The governor also praised security agencies for their selfless efforts at sustaining peace in the state.

He said: “You can see the benefits of the creation of this

•Dickson

great state. From the first military administrator, right down to my humble self, everyone is contributing his bit to the Bayelsa success story that we are all witnessing.

“So, let me also pay tribute

Rector orders Rivers Poly shut indefinitely

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HE Rector of the Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori, Obianko Nwolu-Elechi, has ordered the indefinite closure of the institution, following a protest by the students.

The rector, who denied any casualty, said the protest was triggered by Wednesday’s election of the executives of the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students.

The Commissioner of Police, Dan Bature, said calm had been restored to the polytech-

•Police: there’s calm now From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

nic by his men, who were called to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

Bature said some students had an altercation with the Chief Security Officer (CSO) over their detained colleague, who was rumoured to have died.

He said: “As soon as I received the information, I ordered that the student be re-

leased. There is no report of death or casualty in the polytechnic.

“There is calm now, because my men are there to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.”

It was gathered that there was a face-off between some students and security personnel attached to the institution.

The trouble, according to sources, started on Wednesday afternoon, when security

operatives responded to the report at the venue of an election by members of the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students.

It was learnt that the poll to elect new executive was on, when a student, simply identified as Effiong, was accosted by some members of the institution’s security team.

Effiong was taken away to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Bori.

It was rumoured that he had passed on, which led to yesterday’s protest.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

NEWS

‘Why suspects were not condemned’

By Adebisi Onanuga

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AGOS State AttorneyGeneral Ade Ipaye yesterday explained why three Boko Haram suspects were not sentenced to death by a Federal High Court, Lagos.

Addressing reporters at the State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, Ipaye said it was because they had not carried out any act of terrorism.

Seventeen suspects were arraigned at a Federal High Court in March, last year, but by November, they reduced to four.

Ipaye said 13 suspects were released because there was no sufficient evidence to prosecute them.

Three of the remaining four are Ali Mohammed, Adamu Karumi, Ibrahim Usman The fourth suspect, Bala Haruna, was discharged and acquitted.

They were convicted for conspiracy, terrorism, concealing information and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Ipaye said the law prescribes maximum penalty of a death sentence for the charges, adding: “For this, the judge had to consider whether the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were detonated, caused grievous bodily harm or death, among others, before coming down heavily with the law.

The attorney-general said the convicts were caught while preparing to commit terrorist acts.

He said: “Investigation revealed that they were caught with the IEDs in their rooms at Ijora Oloye, fully primed and ready to be deployed.”

The convicts will spend 25 years each in prison.

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Defeating PDP is as simple as ABC, says el-Rufai

ORMER Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nasir el-Rufai yesterday said defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State will be “as simple as ABCD”.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant said PDP had nothing to show for governing Kaduna State.

He spoke in Kaduna after donating 15 cars to APC state executives.

El-Rufai said Kaduna State was being run by an incompetent administration, adding: “Defeating the incum-

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

bent government will not be difficult because the PDP did not win the last election; it was rigged. The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) won the last election in Kaduna State and we all know what happened and we are going to resist it this time.

“I have no doubt that the PDP in Kaduna is gone; it is history. It is just a matter of time and in February, 2015, we will prove that. The nonperforming government is

making people poor and insecurity is growing.”

On whether the APC was not threatened by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, elRufai said: “The vice-president has never won election in his polling unit, so forget about him and money politics. Kaduna people will not vote for the PDP. “I don’t have godfather.

My only godfather is God Almighty. I have never had godfathers in my life but I have mentors who I respect, like General Muhammadu Buhari, the leader of our party. I have same for Gen-

Yobe spends N10b on insurgency From Duku Joel, Damaturu

Y •el-Rufai

eral Olusegun Obasanjo. I worked for him, but even Obasanjo cannot force me to do what is not right. I am not designed so.”

Sanga killings: Chief begs Christians against reprisal attacks

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HRISTIANS in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where scores of people were killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen, have been advised against carrying out reprisal attacks on their Muslim neighbours.

The council has been under attacks since May. The Chief of Ninzo, Alhaji Ibrahim Yakubu, gave the advice yesterday while re-

A

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

ceiving Mr Isa Ashiru, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, in his palace.

He said Christians and Muslims had been living together peacefully in the area for a long time and celebrated festivities together, regretting that the attacks have strained that relationship.

Yakubu said the call became necessary because Christians had been threatening reprisal attacks.

He said because the perpetrators of the attacks on Christians were suspected Fulani herdsmen, Christians now regard Muslims as their enemies.

Yakubu said it was sad that his people now live in fear, adding that he had adherents of both religions in

his family.

Ashiru said his visit was to commiserate with the people, noting that the attackers were from outside the area.

He urged Sanga people to be united and collaborate with security agents in apprehend their attackers.

Alhaji Yaro Rigachukun urged the people to be security conscious.

Taraba group kicks against Ishaku

GROUP in Southern Taraba, the DSK Project 2015, is protesting the endorsement of Minister of State for the Niger Delta Darius Ishaku as the zone’s “consensus governorship candidate” by former Minister of Defence Gen.

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

Theophilus Danjuma.

It said Taraba South had not produced the governor since the state’s creation in 1991, adding that indigenes of Northern and Central Taraba

had ruled for about 18 years.

Danjuma’s endorsement of Ishaku does not go well with the people of Southern Taraba, who feel they should produce the next governor.

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, the Director General of the DSK Project 2015, Senator Abdulaziz Ibrahim, said Chief David Kente was the zone’s consensus candidate.

He said: “Danjuma was misinformed by Abuja politicians into endorsing Ishaku as against the earlier decision of Southern Taraba, which chose Kente as the zone’s consensus candidate.

“While we respect Danjuma as an elder-statesman and distinguished military general from Taraba State, he has allowed himself to be misdirected and mis-

informed by a group of politicians based in Abuja, who have no direct contact with the grassroots people.

“It is unfortunate that Danjuma, who had earlier accepted the outcome of the Southern Senate’s Committee on Kente as the consensus candidate, turned around to endorse another person.”

Ibrahim said Kente was endorsed because of his knowledge of the state, salability, credibility, community development efforts, political history and societal acceptance, among other qualities.

Ishaku said he emerged as the consensus candidate after a series of “interactive sessions by a high powered Stakeholders’ Committee”, led by elder statesman, Chief Seth Ikaa.

OBE State Deputy Governor Abubakar Aliyu said yesterday that the state government had spent over N10 billion on tackling the Boko Haram insurgency.

Speaking while hosting Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Abdul Bulama, Aliyu lamented that the state’s meagre allocation was spent on fighting the insurgency.

He said the state spends approximately N300 million monthly on logistics for soldiers and has spent N430 million on relief materials for internally displaced people.

Aliyu urged the Federal Government to allocate a special grant to the state.

Bulama said his visit was to distribute relief materials to displaced persons under the Presidential Committee on Procurement and Distribution of Relief Materials.

He said the Federal Government approved N1.5 billion for internally displaced people in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states.

The materials were later distributed at the Government Primary School on Gujba Road, Damaturu.

Two held with cannabis

By Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

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HE police in Gombe State arrested yesterday two young men with 300 wraps of cannabis (Indian hemp).

The suspects were riding in an Atlas 100 model Nissan Canter, numbered AKD 21 SG, when they were stopped and searched by the police.

Commissioner of Police Kudu Abdullahi Nma said the men travelled from Kogi State and concealed the illicit drug in the roof of the vehicle.

Nma warned criminals to stay away from the state.

LCDAs’ll facilitate growth, says Ahmed •Governor sets up council creation committee

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WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed inaugurated yesterday a 14-man committee for the creation of Local Government Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The committee is chaired

by All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje. Alhaji A. Yusuf is the secretary.

Members are Alhaji Saidu Issa, Alhaji Khaleel Bolaji, Mr. Tunde Umar, AbdulWahab Issa, Mr. Joshua Ogunlowo, Alhaji Rasaq Umar, Prof Halidu Abubakar, Chief Wole Oke, Chief of Staff to the Governor Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi, Dr Abubakar Ishola and Alhaji AbdulKadir Salihu.

The committee has eight weeks to submit its report.

The governor said: “As presently constituted, the local government structure remains largely inadequate, considering our population,

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

land mass and other demographic features. For instance, Asa, Moro and Ifelodun Local Government Councils, created by the 1976 reforms have retained their structure to date, while several other local government councils have been created out of the others.

“Consequently, the said local government councils remain unnecessarily large, resulting in avoidable administrative bottlenecks. Furthermore, our people’s clamour for more councils remains unfulfilled due to the stringent and time consuming constitutional process required for the creation of new local government councils. Consequently, we have received requests from across the senatorial districts and the 16 local government areas for the creation of LCDAs.

•Ahmed

“In response, therefore, I am pleased to inaugurate this 14-member committee on the creation of LCDAs in the state.

The creation of new LCDAs is expected to bring government closer to the people and assist the people in bringing their aspirations to fruition.

LCDAs will also help our people to realise their socioeconomic goals, expand access to basic amenities and accelerate development.”

Baraje assured the governor that the committee would discharge its responsibilities effectively.

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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POLITICS

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 3, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

ABIA POLITICS No fewer than 10 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants are warming up for primaries in Abia State.

Governor Theodore Orji is pushing for power shift to Ukwa Ngwa, Abia South Senatorial District. But, some stakeholders are calling for a level-playing field for contenders. Who becomes the flag bearer? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the scramble for power in the Southeast state.

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2015: Battle for Abia Government House

HE succession battle started last year. At the ceremony marking the 22nd anniversary of the creation of Abia State, Governor Theodore Orji reflected on governance and peoples’ expectations. He told stakeholders in Umuahia, the state capital, that the next governor would inherit some challenges. He highlighted some of the virtues expected of his successor.

Orji said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate would be a credible politician worthy of peoples’ vote. The governor said he would not impose any aspirant. He was also emphatic that he would not permit any imposition by any stakeholder.

Few weeks ago, the governor maintained that his views had not changed. When critics alleged that he had already anointed a candidate, he dispelled the rumour. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, the governor said the candidate would emerge in a democratic primaries. Orji said no aspirant would be excluded from the process, adding that the state would not be under any family domination and idol worship.

“There was a time in the history of Abia State that nobody could become an ordinary councilor without worshiping an idol. After worshiping an idol, you then worship an individual and his family.

Abia people may not have known what I did for them; my major achievement is the liberation of Abia State from idol worship and family domination,” he stressed.

However, the governor said the ruling party will adopt zoning for next year’s poll. This statement has implications for the contest. In fact, it has polarised the state into prozoning and anti-zoning forces.

In the last one month, the contest has assumed a new dimension. Aspirants have embarked on last minute consultations with stakeholders across the 17 councils areas. Some of them have been endorsed by various individuals and groups. Keen watchers of the Abia politics have described the state as a potential flashpoint, owing to the interplay of forces.

Sources said former Governor Orji Kalu and his supporters are challenging the governor to a duel.

There is a plot to weaken him, ahead of the exercise. But, the governor is also gathering supporters to resist the onslaught. The entire South District is backing the governor, following his support for the rotational principle.

Haling the adoption of zoning, the leader of the Abia Democratic Movement, Prince Sonny Aku, said: “Let no none take Abia for granted. Power must shift and the next governor must come from Ukwa Ngwa.

“Those who had rule the state cannot come back through the back door through their crony. It will not work.

The governor must not be disturbed or distracted. He must complete all his projects and be allowed to hand over to an Ukwa Ngua man. We will not sit down and fold our arms. We will not allow anybody to rubbish

• Orji

the governor. Any attack on the governor is an attack on Abias.”

Aku, a prominent businessman and community leader, added: “We will do everything legally to stop the attack on the governor and the confusion they want to create to deny the people of Nkwa Ngwa their right. Abia will go where the governor will go. Governor Orji has followers and Abia people are with him. In 2015, power shift to Ukwa Ngwa is non-negotiable. Anybody who wants to truncate this agenda should wait and see what will happen. Those who have skeletons in their pocket will be exposed. Abia people know the source of their wealth.”

But, apart from zoning, there are other factors that will shape the contest. These include the quality of aspirants, their popularity among stakeholders and delegates, financial strength and the influence of the governor, who is expected to hand over to a successor who has the ability to continue with the modest foundation laid by his administra-

•Abaribe

•Nwosu

• Nwaogu

• Aku

ASPIRANTS • • • • • • •

Enyinnaya Abaribe Friday Nwosu Nkechi Nwaogu Marc Wabara Okey Emuchay Uche Ogah Acho Nwakanma

tion.

Close associates of the governor insist that it would be a great disservice to the state, if any aspirant who has a link with past retrogressive forces succeeds him. In their view, another retrogressive successor may reverse the gains of the last seven and half years.

A PDP chieftain from Ohafia Council, Chief Kalu Asiegbu, said Abia cannot afford to return to another period of doom. “If I have my way, I will call on delegates to the primaries to shun any aspirant who

held positions during the last administration between 1999 and 2007,” he said.

Also, the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Sunday Agwu, said the state must not return to what he described as the years of locust. At a thanksgiving service organised for the Secretary to the Government (SSG), Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, at the Wesley Methodist Church, Umuahia, the cleric also reflected on zoning, saying that it is only meaningful, if it throws up a competent person. Turning to the governor, he said: “We have heard that your party has a zoning system. So, you intend to hand over to Ukwa/Ngwa indigenes. Your Excellency, our plea is that you should be careful about the person you are handing over to.

“We will not want to have a governor who is selfish, inaccessible, an idol worshipper, not compassionate, parochial, clannish and inhumane, or a governor who does not like to support the work of God.” Aspirants eyeing Orji’s job in-

‘Those who had rule the state cannot come back through the back door through their crony. In 2015, power shift to Nkwa Ngwa is non-negotiable. Anybody who wants to truncate this agenda should wait and see what will happen’

clude Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Mr. Friday Nwosu, a lawyer, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Mr. Marc Wabara, Mr. Okey Emuchay, Mr. Uche Ogah, Chief Acho Nwakanma and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank Plc, Dr. Alex Otti.

Nwosu has been endorsed by party chieftains, monarchs, religious leaders, businessmen, women groups, youths and non-indigenes, who are fascinated by his hard work, accomplishments and integrity.

Nwosu hails from Obingwa Council. He is popular across the three districts. He is a staunch supporter of the governor. Observers see him as a front runner, a bridge builder, who is not in the race to settle scores, a loyal party man and an aspirant who does not have links with previous rulers of the state. Nwosu is also perceived as a non-controversial figure.

Declaring his ambition in Umuahia, he said: “I’m in the race for the governorship position in Abia State, not just to run, but to build on the foundation laid by Governor Theodore Orji, who has laid a solid foundation for the State. As a legal practitioner of 22 years standing, I have the capacity, vision and commitment to take the state to the next level.

“I offer my wealth of experience to serve and assure you I will not disappoint the people of Abia State. If I have any plans to deceive Abia people when I become governor, let God stop me, but if I have good intentions for the people of the state better than other aspirants, let God make me governor to the glory of His name. I vow to serve God and humanity selflessly.”

Nwosu urged the people to support Orji. “Abia state has witnessed several administrations in the past, yet, it has no secretariat, conference centre and other structures. Ministries were scattered around the state capital while the Government House is rented. It was only during Governor Orji’s tenure that things began to change for the state.”

Abaribe, who is in the race for the second time, is a former deputy governor. He was shoved aside as the number two citizen under former Governor Kalu. He went to the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). When he returned to the PDP, he bounced back as a senator. In the Upper Chamber, he is the spokesman.

Like Nwosu, the senator is favoured by zoning. Besides, he said that he is the most qualified for the front seat, having served as the deputy governor. Many groups and associations have also endorsed Abaribe.

Nwaogu is the only woman in the race. She is an Amazon. She is popular in her district. But, she is not favoured by zoning.

The senator is active in the Senate.

He is also in touch with the grassroots.

On regular occasions, he has organised empowerment programmes for constituents, who have applauded her kind gestures. Nwaogwu has supporters. But, it appears that she may not be favoured, owing to gender consideration.

Nwakanma is a seasoned banker. He is popular in the financial sector. He is also perceived as a man of integrity.

But, he is new in politics.

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THE NATION FRIDAY OCTOBER 3, 2014

POLITICS Hon. Ranti Adebisi is the Chairman of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission. The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial aspirant in Ekiti North District spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU and RAYMOND MORDI on his ambition, the transition in Ekiti and implications for the APC’s future.

‘There is nothing like bandwagon effect in Ekiti politics.

The politics in Ekiti now is the politics of personality. Ayodele Fayose won the election not because he belonged to the PDP. He supposedly won the election because he could identify with the grassroots’

‘Ekiti APC ‘ll bounce back’ W

HY do you want to go to the Senate?

Ekiti North Senatorial District comprises of 11 councils. It used to be five local governments, but with the creation of additional Local Council Development Areas, the number has increased to 11. Ekiti North Senatorial District also comprises of two federal constituencies-the Oye-Ikole Federal Constituency I and Moba-Ido/ Osi-Ilejemeje Federal constituency II. Currently, the incumbent senator is from Ido/Osi Local Government and we have never had a senator from Ikole Local Government, which is where I come from. Ikole local Government is the largest the local governments in the senatorial district. The last senator from that area was in the 1950s, which was before I was born.

Apart from the fact it is our turn to produce the next senator, I believe that I am a grassroots person and I have worked diligently well. I have been a progressive since I came into politics.

I was once a governorship aspirant in the state; I contested for the governorship with the incumbent governor at the primary level. The moment Dr. Kayode Fayemi was picked as the party’s candidate, other aspirants defected to other political parties. I was the only governorship aspirant that remained in the party, out of the 16 of us that contested.

What is the greatest problem facing the people of your constituency?

It is lack of good representation. In spite of the various levels of representation, Tip O’Neill, former United States Speaker, said all politics are local. That is, you have to come down to the grassroots. What we have now, is what I would call an elitist representation that does not really work with

the people. We have a senator in the Red Chamber that is very articulate, like an average Ekiti man. When you have a senator representing the people who only appears during the electioneering season, then, it is no longer representation.

We are lacking a lot of federal presence in our senatorial district. I’m hoping that with my exposure, and with the level of interaction that I would be able to create at the national level, I would be able to bring federal presence.

The result of the June 21 governorship election shocked many Nigerians. Are you not afraid of a bandwagon effect in next year’s elections?

There is nothing like bandwagon effect in Ekiti right now. Yes, the result was very shocking, but I’m on ground.

That is one of the reasons why we’re asking for a level-playing field for all aspirants to come out, if they are sure of themselves. For me, my popularity cuts across political parties. I’m a household name in Ekiti State. When it comes to what happened on June 21, many people are thinking it was against our party, the APC. But, it is not necessarily so. Governor Kayode Fayemi has performed creditably well, in terms of infrastructural development. We were hearing all these new coinages such as stomach infrastructure.

It’s an insult to Ekiti people and those of us in the APC believe that we still have a firm grip of the political terrain in that state and we are not afraid of contesting. There is nothing like bandwagon effect in Ekiti politics. The politics in Ekiti now is the politics of personality. Ayodele Fayose won the election not because he belonged to the PDP. He supposedly won the election because he could identify with

• Adebisi

the grassroots. Many people have been questioning why our governor conceded the election. We are actually working on our party congress right now. You will be surprised to see the overwhelming enthusiasm from our members. You may be forced to ask, is this a party that just lost an election? But, I would tell you that we never believed we lost an election. We lost the election on technical grounds, which we are going to unravel in the next few weeks.

How would APC members, including those holding offices, work harmoniously with a governor who is from another party?

We are all stakeholders in Ekiti project. Our political system is evolving. Gradually, we would start maturing in our democratic process. For instance, the office that I hold presently, the chairman, Ekiti Local Government Service Commission, has tenure. That means I’m not going with the governor on October 16. Don’t forget, we have a majority in the House of Assembly, which has 25 APC members to one PDP member. So, it might be an opportunity for us to test the constitution. For those of us in the various commissions in Ekiti State, whose tenure has not expired, I believe we can work with the incoming administration because what matters is Ekiti; we are all stakeholders. We would have to work with each other, whether we like it or not.

What is the assurance that some

members of the House of Assembly would not defect to the PDP? Well, I will give them the benefit of doubt. It is true, even when there is no crisis; people are defecting on daily basis in Nigeria. It is part of the teething problems we are having in our democratic process. Gradually, things would start changing, but the various parties in the country need to start working on ideological principles.

That way, we would begin to see the difference between the APC and the PDP, and the progressives and the conservatives. The way things are now, you will see many progressives in the PDP and many conservative elements in the APC. Very soon, water would find its level.

What have you done to deserve the position of a senator?

Well, in my senatorial district, even beyond my senatorial district, I have done so much, working with the grassroots, helping the jobless people and assisting those people who have problem paying their tuition fees. I’m a software engineer by profession. I have trained many people in the areas of developing software programmes. With my performance in the local government system, I have made a mark. When I came on board, the whole system was in shambles.

My workers see me as the man who has come to revive the system. I pride myself as the only chairman since the creation of Ekiti State that has always been in his office every day. Most of

the previous chairmen were coming on part-time basis, even though they were full-time chairmen. Within 15 months, I have been able to clear the backlog of promotion arrears for 10 years. I conducted promotion examinations that people refused to participate in before I came in. Now, when I call for promotion examinations, my workers are happy. Do you know what I did to accomplish that? Before I set the promotion examination, I usually give them what I would call a seminar, prepare materials for them.

The essence of the examination is not to fail them. It is test their ability to understand what is going on, the changes that are taking place within the system. Today, we have conducted more than three promotion exams within a span of 15 months, to clear the backlog. You know, Ekiti is a civil service state. We have also been able to clear the backlog of people waiting for advancement; you know when go for further studies, they expect to be elevated after their studies. We had serious crisis with the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), but today we have cordial relationship with them because of my intervention. Even with the meagre resources available to us, I introduced in-house trainings; on a monthly basis, we conduct two trainings. We have sent some of them on overseas training, which is something that has not happened before. So, we have built the confidence of the workers; people now come to work. We have eradicated ghost workers in the local government system in the state. Currently, what we are working on after the creation of the new LCDAs is the deployment of staff. Within two/three weeks of their creation, we have been able to deploy staff to the new councils. This is because we want it to stay because it is the yearnings and aspirations of Ekiti people. We have equally reached out to the communities, to make sure that these councils survive because the local government system is the closest to the people. We have made sure that the communities have taken ownership of these councils, by donating buildings, materials and money, so that they can augment whatever resources the government has for the take-off of these councils. These are some of the things that I have been able to do that has given me the confidence that I can give a good representation to my people and my party at the national level.

Akintoye Branco-Rhodes is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant in Lagos. In this interview with Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI, he speaks on his mission in politics and chances at the primaries.

‘I’ll reposition Lagos to realise its potential’

• Branco-Rhodes

W

HY do you want to serve as the governor?

I am trying to free Lagos to release its potential and to reposition Lagos for its very great potentials in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. This is the reason why I’ve come forward to bring out the best of Lagos and Lagosians.

If you are given the opportunity, what would you do differently from what Governor Fashola has been doing?

The credentials that I have is that I am an energy expert and I know that Lagos State requires electricity for transformation; it requires patriotic service to the people. Lagos State re-

quires clarity of vision and purpose.

These are the things I would be bringing on the table.

Why are you running under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?

Even the best has to give way for others to push the frontiers forward.

The APC has overstayed its welcome in Lagos. They’ve been here in the last 16 years and as you know, absolute power corrupts absolutely. By their total dominance of the space for the 16 years, they have become anti-people in the kind of policies they’ve been implementing. That is why I feel very strongly that the PDP holds the potentials to dislodge the APC and reposition Lagos for the next phase of development.

What are some of the anti-people policies you are talking about?

Everybody that lives in Lagos is under one oppressive law or the other.

One, multiple taxation; two, multiple levies; three, they’ve turned all agencies of government into revenue generators. It’s not bad, if they are just mere revenue generators, but they go to the extreme of taking this revenue from the people and that has left a sour taste in the mouth of the people. It is that yearning for freedom that I am bringing to the table.

Lagos is not an oil-producing state yet and it derives much of its revenue

from taxation. If you become governor and you do away with taxation, how would you get the money to run the state?

Our plans are to enlarge the economy. If we enlarge the economy, there would be enough income tax to run the state; that’s where they failed.

Their approach actually stifles the economy and when the economy is stifled, you will require force to bring in income. We are looking at enlarging the economy to empower more people to participate in the economy.

Lagos is a megacity and has the mass of the people in place already. But what needs to be done is to increase the earning power of the people, to bring in the youths, which is a vibrant engine room of any economy. We also intend to reposition existing businesses in Lagos for expansion, to enable them participate in the general welfare of the state.

What makes you think that the electorate would vote for the PDP this time?

The PDP has not governed Lagos because, as you know, there is a time for everything under heaven.That is why we believe we would accomplish that goal this time around in 2015.

What previous experience do you have that qualifies you to govern Lagos?

I’ve been in politics for the last 23

years. I’ve always stood for the people in my entire political sojourn. I’ve been in business for the last 30 years and during that time, I’ve seen the tremendous potential of Lagos. I have proposed several solutions to Lagos State Government, but they were rejected. We must stamp out corruption.

We must build a state that would cater for everybody, from the young to the old.

There is this perception that the PDP at the centre has neglected Lagos. What is your own take on it?

What I know is that we would bring the Transformation Agenda of the President to every Lagosian.

Do you think it’s a good policy?

The Transformation Agenda…

No, trying to discriminate against states that are not governed by the PDP? I don’t think there’s been a disconnect between the Presidency and the Lagos State; if there is, I don’t think it is deliberate because I believe the interest of the Presidency is the success of every state in the country. I don’t see any move to negate the state because it is not a PDP state.

Is the PDP going to consider zoning and religion in picking a candidate for the Lagos governorship election in 2015?

Well, I don’t know about zoning or

religion. I think they are just going to consider the best candidate for the job.

To what extent do you think stomach infrastructure is going to affect the governorship election in Lagos in 2015?

It’s sad and very sad that lives of Nigerians meaning well for a better life would be reduced to temporary stomach needs. That is a very sad commentary and a reflection of the state of affairs in Nigeria. I believe that we should have gone beyond stomach infrastructure, by talking about a Nigeria where everybody has a sense of belonging; where patriotic leadership is meted out to the ordinary Nigerian citizens and where the aspirations of the ordinary Nigerians is captured in good governance. I think when we build a democracy where Nigerians can connect with the issues, then we would have built a democracy of our dreams.

To what extent do you think the PDP is going to use the federal might or the resources available to it from the centre to prosecute the governorship election in Lagos?

We are working very hard to make it an issue-based contest. We are presenting the issues, we are presenting our score cards and we are saying mark us based on what we say and what we do for the improvement of the lot of the people.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

COMMENTARY LETTER

EDITORIAL

The real honourees •Four outstanding Nigerians whose values should educate our political elite

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N spite of its glaring imperfections, this year’s National Honours bestowed on 305 Nigerians on Monday has a few redeeming features. Four of the beneficiaries particularly deserve mention. They are Mr Michael Akinkunmi, the man who designed the National Flag; a taxi driver, Imeh Usuah; Mr Isaac Michael Onuh, a presidential steward, and a traffic warden, Corporal Solomon Dauda.

The four stand out because they represent the usually unsung in a country that has made award of the country’s honours an exclusive preserve of the privileged, and all shades of characters, including murder suspects, political jobbers, awaiting-conviction robbers, etc.

While Onuh and Dauda bagged Member of Order of the Niger, Usuah received the award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Mr. Akinkunmi designed the country’s green-white-green flag in 1959 but successive governments had refused to honour him. It is gratifying that at 77, Mr Akinkunmi is still lucky to have personally received his reward; many others who contributed immensely to the country’s development in diverse ways have died unsung while many others were rewarded post-humously. Pa Akinkunmi’s award of Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), and appointment as a special assistant to the president on lifetime salary are commendable.

The appointment may only be symbolic because at his age, Pa Akinkunmi cannot function efficiently in that capacity (even if he had been in the civil service, he would have retired a long time ago), but it is still something to cheer for a man who must have lost hope that any good could

ever come his way from any Nigerian government. At least the question of what he would eat and where to lay his head has been settled with the president’s proclamation. Of course, many other things are to be added unto him in his official capacity.

Also worthy of commendation is Usuah, who displayed uncommon honesty in a country where values have taken flight and honesty is no longer the best policy.

Usuah returned N18 million forgotten by a passenger in his vehicle in 2007. Many people in his shoes would have regarded the money as manna from heaven and appropriated it. That a taxi driver would take the kind of pains that Usuah took in locating the owner of the money dismisses any causation or even correlation between status and stealing; it shows that people often steal due to inordinate greed. Usuah has also proved that all is not lost for the country in its search for honest men and women. It is significant too that time was not a factor between Usuah’s deed and his reward; the most important thing is that the reward came after all.

In the case of Onuh, President Jonathan succinctly justified his award thus: “A very dedicated steward who has served every head of state loyally since President Shehu Shagari …” As the president observed, Onuh must be a great man indeed, because the nine presidents he had served included military dictators and their wives.

To have remained on his job for more than three decades in the nation’s seat of power sufficiently commends Onuh for his award.

If ever a man loved his work, Corporal Dauda is it. “For many of you in Abuja or who visit our nation’s capital, you must have seen a hard-working traffic warden

who does his job with great dexterity, glee and happiness ...” President Jonathan spoke glowingly of this traffic warden whose sense of duty differs from that associated with many policemen in Nigeria.

It is gratifying that in addition to the national honours bestowed on them, Usuah, Onuh and Dauda are also to get a one-bedroom flat each in Abuja. The president did well by bringing out these Nigerians for national honours. He has sent the appropriate signal that the honours are not only for the elite but indeed for all categories of Nigerians. It is also a way of encouraging many Nigerians down there to aspire to greater heights in whatever areas of life they find themselves.

However, as human beings have a lot to learn from soldier ants; Nigeria’s ruling elite also have a lot to learn from these worthy Nigerians. If only they can take a cue from these men and lead the country along that path, Nigeria would obviously be a better place for all.

‘However, as human beings have a lot to learn from soldier ants; Nigeria’s ruling elite also have a lot to learn from these worthy Nigerians. If only they can take a cue from these men and lead the country along that path, Nigeria would obviously be a better place for all’

Institutional cruelty • A study reveals how vulnerable Nigerians suffer indignity from persons in authority

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ATIONS desire the global appellation of being civilised. Yet, the civility of a nation is best appraised by the manner in which people within her territory are treated. Nigeria obviously desires being tagged as a civilised country, but is she living up to that status? Amnesty International (AI) gave a hint in the negative through Netsanet Belay, its Research and Advocacy Director in Africa in a report titled, “Welcome to hell fire: Torture and other ill-treatment in Nigeria.” Belay describes the brutality going in the land as “medieval witch-hunt.”

Through that 2014 report released in Abuja, Amnesty derided the thumping and sexual mugging that men, women and children - some as young as 12 - are being subjected to by state’s institutions of coercion, including the police and the military.

‘The Nigerian government must show its readiness to discharge the nation’s obligations under international human rights law by ensuring that no detainee is subject to torture or inhuman and degrading treatment by members of the security forces. In this regard, there is the need for institutional checks to remedy these barbaric acts.’

The report was purportedly based on interviews and testimonies of 500 torture survivors and evidence gathered over a decade. It depicts the military and especially the police force as having institutionalised torture through designated informal torture officers in police stations and military detention camps across the country. The report further reveals that the military, since 2009 when it rose against Boko Haram, had detained not less than 5,000 persons for terrorism, with most being tortured and illtreated. We are aware that the United Kingdom-based human rights group has over time been engaging the African Commission on human and people’s rights to investigate cases of torture by the police and the military in Nigeria.

The nation cannot afford to ignore inhuman police and military’s torture methods, including routine beatings, shootings, rape and the deployment of electric shock to extract confessions. Quite shockingly too, Amnesty reveals that several victims alleged that they were subjected to nail and tooth extractions as well as sexual violence aside from denying victims access to courts, family and lawyers.

We concur with the group on the need for criminalisation of torture as a tool of investigations by state’s institutions. This becomes pertinent in view of the fact that Nigeria currently outlawed torture and other forms of ill-treatment in its constitution and, as equally underscored by the various international human rights protocols/instruments banning the violation of rights that she was signatory to. We still wonder why previous reports of rights abuses have received cold shudder from official quarters.

The promises from government to investigate such barbarity have been fostered with even greater barbarity against the right to dignity and decent treatment of Nigerians.

We cannot exculpate the Nigerian judicial system from the present debilitating human rights conditions in the country. This important arm of government has not been particularly outstanding in its protection of human rights abuses.

Although the victims also shared in the blame for shying away from approaching and seeking redress in the court of law when their rights are trampled upon - partly due to high cost of litigation and poverty and; more importantly due to delay in the nation’s justice system.

Henceforth, the Nigerian government must show its readiness to discharge the nation’s obligations under international human rights law by ensuring that no detainee is subject to torture or inhuman and degrading treatment by members of the security forces. In this regard, there is the need for institutional checks to remedy these barbaric acts. We call on the federal lawmakers to ensure speedy passage of the two bills on criminalisation of torture pending before the National Assembly for over two years.

The government needs to respect its laws and other civilised legal obligations if she truly wants to be seen as belonging to the committee of civilised nations.

Doing this will demonstrate commitment of purpose that the country’s systems is determined to protect the rights of the citizenry.

Limping on at 54

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IR: It is clear that our country faces a big choice: We can either have a hard decade or a bad century. We can either roll up our sleeves and do what’s needed to overcome our postcolonial excesses and adapt to the demands of the 21st century or we can just keep limping into the future. Given those stark choices, one would hope that our politicians would rise to the challenge by putting forth fair and credible recovery proposals that match the scale of our economic, political and social problems.

But that, alas, is not what we’re getting today.

While we accuse the military leaders of leaving behind, a political morass and socio-economic mess, nepotism, mismanagement and corruption, the civilian leaders, even in the presence of anti graft agencies such as the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the ICPC continue to bribe, steal, smuggle and speculate; accumulating vast illicit fortunes and displaying them lavishly in stunning disregard for public sensitivities. In this regard, political activity is seen by ambitious Nigerians as the most direct way of securing wealth and social standing, as a result, post independent Nigeria has become an orgy of power being turned into profit.

In the words of one of the Nigeria founding fathers, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in 1959 –”When we have our citizenship, our national flag and our national anthem, we shall find that the flame of national unity will burn bright and strong”. Nigeria, pre-independence was a country of equal men and women who came together for a common goal whereas today, Nigeria is a country made up of gathering of divided people along religion, ethnic and political lines.

The founding fathers of this great country never envisaged a Nigeria where tradition of autocratic governance and paternalism are all embedded in the institution of governance; they never envisaged a country where massive culture of impunity and total failure of accountability will overwhelmingly thrive unchecked.

At 54, government has not been able to do anything to break the mould of poverty and to move the nation towards sustainable growth. After 54 years, our political leaders are not bold enough to access our hospitals for their own health needs due to high level of decay they know they have brought to the sector. Our healthcare delivery system is still comatose as a result of massive brain-drain of medical experts due to poor welfare and poor working conditions. Our hospitals can best be described as corridors of death just as Nigerian children are still dying of preventable diseases such as cholera and malaria and high level of infant and maternal mortality.

At 54, our farmers are still using the same crude agricultural implements used by our forefathers – a reflection of how much our agricultural experts have failed us. It is practically the case that almost all other areas of our national life are equally sick.

Today in Nigeria, governments at all levels have disowned primary education; public primary schools in many states of Nigeria have been closed down for periods ranging from four months to 11 moths in some states as governments are being wilfully indifferent to the plights of primary schools’ teachers hence their resort to downing tools.

Despite the esoteric rebasing which placed Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, over 65% of the population have no access to basic amenities such as clean water, good healthcare system, motorable roads, quality education and so on.

At 54, Nigeria remains politically, economically and socially malnourished nation.

• Onogwu Isah Muhammed, Lokoja, Kogi State.

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

• Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

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THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Eighteen years ago, Ekiti State was inaugurated by the Federal Military Government. Our journey has been like a perennial river running through a long route which involves the waters moving fast in one area, sluggish in other parts and virtually at a stand still at others, all along its path.

Ekiti being a typical unit in the federation shares some of tumultuous journey of the ‘River Nigeria’ (note, not Niger). The political climate, happenings, convulsions, implosions and apparent instability have a multiplier effect throughout the components of our great country. In fact, in some areas, our state has had more than its fair share of the turmoil that is fast becoming a natural feature of our national life. Some of these can be identified here; political instability, unemployment of the educated youth, capital flight especially of industries and businesses, narrow ethnicity, even nature’s intervention in form of climate change with its devastating effect on geography, agriculture and the environment.

The above negative forces notwithstanding, Nigeria our beloved country, still stands high in Africa, and with it, Ekiti State. There is considerable improvement in the development of our social infrastructure, (no, not stomach infrastructure!), our roads network are improving everyday, health facilities are showing marginal improvement. But there are also so-

S

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Ekiti, at 18, totters on children who are qualified ‘ipso facto’, for higher education. This is in spite of the efforts of the government at enhancing the capacity of teachers. I think future administrators of our state will have to take a serious look at the welfare and sensitivities of teachers. If government has done what it could in this area, it has not reflected in the result of public examination. As of now, school children especially in the upper classes in the secondary schools are drifting away to pri-

vately owned institutions which provide basic inputs into the educational process.

Secondly, the issue of poverty is getting worse in Nigeria especially in Ekiti where the only employer of labour seems to be, as of now, government. Naturally, unemployment of the able-bodied leads to poverty. Nigeria as a nation has progressively retrogressed from having about 54% of the population under the poverty line till today’s 70 per cent. This means

IR: I refer to comments published at page 21 of The Nation of Friday, September 26, written by C. Don Adinuba, wherein he wondered about the illogical, blind and uncommon support by Ndigbo to Goodluck Jonathan without reciprocal return

by Jonathan and his brothers to Ndigbo.

I wholly adopt the said write up

by Adinuba and by way of amplification, I add that how can Jonathan take Ndigbo and their leaders seriously when leaders like

Peter Obi, Sullivan Chime, T.A. Orji, Orji Uzor Kalu and others are outdoing each other in their struggle to mount canopies and beg Jonathan to run in 2015?

When Jonathan finally accepts to run, who then will he go to in Igbo land to beg for votes and made to pledge what he will do for Ndigbo in return?

It has not bothered these socalled Igbo leaders that except the civil war, the only thing Ndigbo did with one mind, in totality, commitment and as a block was

voting for Jonathan in 2011.The percentage of votes Ndigbo gave to Jonathan in 2011, they have never given to any Igbo man either dead or alive. Not even the Great Zik of Africa or Dim Odimegwu Ojukwu.

Yet, what do we have in return?

Aba – Ikot- Ekpene (Federal Road) has been completely closed for three years now. Umuahia – Ikot – Ekpene road is as good as condemned. The Enugu- Port Harcourt Express road is today a death trap; ditto for Enugu- Onitsha Express road – condemned.

available power some months back was a meagre 2,400 megawatts. This is in spite of the several billions of dollars spent; the new generating plants said to have been built and commissioned and renovation of old ones.

Countries like China, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates and others that have transformed their countries from backwaters of development to World class economies appreciate that corruption retards development and threaten their survival and sustainability; here in Nigeria, corruption has been allowed to eat deep

into the fabric of the Nigerian system. Fifty-four years down the line, we celebrate independence and other anniversaries in an environment of impunity.

A measure of the mismanagement of resources is the current situation in which less than 15 out of about 460 forest reserves are effectively functioning. The question is what has happened to the others?

Employment which should be based on merit are now hijacked and shared by politicians among their cronies. In a country where youths are said to constitute 65-70% of the

population, they are excluded from participation in decision-making including those that concerns their future; ironically, they are still regarded as the future of the nation.

Insecurity and insurgency threatens to bring the country to its knees.

If it is not Boko Haram, it is Fulani herdsmen on rampage.

The only thing left for us to do is to keep hoping for a messiah to emerge to save the country before it falls apart.

ber issues still confronting our state, in some cases, more and in others less than what obtains elsewhere in the country. The three most outstanding negative phenomena in our society today are; lack of improvement in the standard of education especially as it relates to public examinations. Today, despite government efforts at improving physical features of our schools especially at secondary and tertiary levels, we have sunk to a miserable low in the number of our

S

Re: Ndigbo and Jonathan

Nigeria @ 54: Waiting for the messiah

IR: When British colonial administrators lowered the union jack on October 1st, 1960, Nigeria was Africa’s faith and hope for economic transformation. However, despite the vast wealth of the nation and those early promises, it has continued to struggle to provide basic necessities for its citizenry.

In 1999, when President Obasanjo took office, Nigerians were told that with the massive investment in building generating plants, Nigeria by 2003 would have at least 10,000 megawatts installed capacity.

Eleven years down the line, the

• Temitayo Taylor Abeokuta.

that with a population of about 170 million in Nigeria, 70% million in Nigeria, 70 percent are on the poverty line.

Finally, one cannot but mention the growing political intolerance in our state. Ekiti, before the present democratic dispensation, was known as homogeneous, even monolithic. As part of the old Western Region and later of old Ondo State, we were known to be our brother’s keeper. With your car carrying the WP plate in the West or ODE in Ondo State, you were safe and welcome to any Ekiti forum throughout the land. With the growing political intolerance leading to inter-personal bad blood, no meaningful development can occur in our land. As we enter a new year of our statehood, let us pray?

• Deji Fasuan, Ekiti State

Aside the general epileptic power supply situation, what about the abandonment of Isi- AlaNgwa dry port approved by former President Obasanjo?

All travellers who used Port Harcourt-Enugu Express road who got near Osisioma portion of the road on Friday September 26, slept at Osisioma Junction because of the terrible state of the road yet, Ndigbo are supporting Jonathan blindly.

The systematic neglect of all federal roads in Igbo land is deliberate by the Jonathan’s administration as an extension of abandoned property policy to frustrate the economic growth of Ndigbo which is predominantly based on movement of persons and goods in and out of Igbo land. When nobody comes into Igbo land to buy our goods, how then will Igbo land develop? When there are so access roads into Igbo land, who will invest there?

The so-called Igbo leaders are only concerned about their stomach infrastructure rather than developmental projects that will open Ala- Igbo for an in-look from the outside world.

• Victor C.Nwaugo. Esq. 174 Hospital Road, Aba.

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 16

21

COMMENTS

The poverty of hope Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

H

OPE is never enough to salvage our ship of state from the tempest of the world’s wind. Yesterday, we taunted hope, today we shame it. Tomorrow, hope will desert us and we shall become the nation for whom nothing prospers; save gluttony and cheek; save cowardice, doublespeak, ill-bliss – and all our twisted lusts and perversions by the gods we make.

Today, we stand on the bight of history to murder whatever hope survives, again. Despite our rant for progress and clamour for change wrought in the interest of the collective good, see…see what politics we advocate. See what candidates we celebrate.

Like a mixed economy, men of mixed politics touting philosophies of mixed premises assault our psyche with debilitating mathematic and skill. They have led us from the epoch of gloomy realities to that where geometry of military vigour and feeble rebellion dissipates in their own ruined world.

The consequences of our politics bear down on us as the enfant terrible eagle, death-activated, on stray

chicks. But we choose to see what we would like to see. We choose to appreciate what is convenient for us to appreciate.

Being that you possess such inalienable right to root for and project the politics and humanity of whichever candidate appeals to your philosophy of socio-political correctness, I do not seek to deny you such inalienable privilege rather I ask that you exercise great tact and meticulousness, if you could manage to do so, in casting your vote at the forthcoming general elections in 2015.

I ask that you be wary of everybody and everything…even your subconscious; for certain questions which you will frequently hear and certain apologies which you would be forced or lured to accommodate are hardly progressive philosophical queries or rhetoric. They are rather psychological confessions and expositions of the treachery and chaos within our preferred candidates, their apologists and the innate voice in you and me.

More often than not, every touted good reveals a deeper evil; like the enormity of the extent to which al-

‘Let us not be deceived by the promises of modern and affordable housing, true federalism, fiscal prudence, quality education and so on tirelessly regurgitated by our preferred candidates. Let us begin to ask how they would pay for these things and at what cost to you and me’

F

IFTY-four years since Nigeria attained independence from the British colonialists, if a thorough assessment of the situation on ground is anything to go by, it would not be out of place to say that we are still far from the dreams our founding fathers craved and tirelessly laboured to achieve. Succeeding administrations have contributed their quotas in one way or the other to the development of the country, the negative appears to overshadow the positives.

Thus, the country is rather retrogressing than progressing and gradually sliding to a state of confusion and uncertainties as to what the future holds. The vigour, patriotic zeal and commitments which were some of the guiding principles of our leaders in the pre-independence era have since vanished to be replaced with selfishness, corruption, greed, mediocrity and a host of other ills. Expectedly, the country is now plagued by all sorts of societal vices as a result of these factors.

There is hardly any sector of the polity that has not been infected with large scale problems. However, a critical evaluation of all these problems reveals that they are offshoots of bad governance and or the unpatriotic tendencies of majority of the citizenry. Today, corruption has eaten deep into the system; infrastructures have decayed to the extent that most roads are so terribly bad that they are being painted with human blood on a daily basis; a good number of manufacturing industries and small scale businesses have been grounded because of lack of power supply and the cut-throat interest and other charges that the financial institutions place on credit facilities; the youths have resorted to armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings, cultism, election malpractices and violence, terrorism and other criminal activities because of the alarming rate of unemployment. Good food and decent shelter have become like a mirage to millions of people and the much expected dividends of democracy are not forthcoming and the future seems bleak for the generations to come because of the callousness of some people. Ironically, the country is blessed with adequate manpower and natural resources that could make her compete with most of the western countries in terms of development.

From the aforementioned, you will agree with me that the situation is very unfortunate and worrisome which requires urgent attention before it finally gets out of hand. Pointing accusing fingers or trading blames at this point will be futile because we are all in it together and should be prepared to take up the gauntlet to rights the wrongs with the aim of making the country the pride of the black race.

Nigerians should begin to see themselves as one. It is high time we shun tribal, religious, gender and class sentiments and focus more on coming together to tackle our problems as one indivisible family. All hands must be on deck to sup-

truism erodes a man’s capacity to grasp the concept of rights or the actual value of human life. It reveals the extent to which the reality of humanity has being wiped out.

I ask that you be wary of the extremely humble and patronising candidate who is desperate to serve as the means to the end of others; for such character will necessarily regard others – including you and me – as the means to achieving his ends, usually at all costs.

The more neurotic he is or the more conscientious he gets in his practice of altruism –the more he will, as usual, devise schemes “for the love of the collective good,” “for the love of the common man,” or “posterity” and “leaders of tomorrow.” Every effort of such candidate will be geared at reinforcing all manners of sentiments and sound bites – he will seek to fulfil every need except of actual human beings, like you and me.

Hence my heartfelt proposition of a debate, and multiple debates to serve as the looking glasses through which we shall view and analyse the politics and humanity of our preferred candidate in order to trust his soul or impeach him.

I earnestly plead that we scorn the politics of unblemished altruism and its advocates for such altruism oftentimes promises automatic and wholly magical solutions to problems of poverty, security, sub-standard education and healthcare to mention a few. It promises success and survival to anyone and everyone offering basically “life-boat” solutions as lifelines from which to derive the benefits of such philosophy of governance and moral conduct while our social realities negate any such benefit.

Let us not be deceived by the promises of modern and affordable housing, true federalism, fiscal prudence, quality education and so on

tirelessly regurgitated by our preferred candidates. Let us begin to ask how they would pay for these things and at what cost to you and me.

Thus the beauty of a platform by which we would make each candidate define his philosophy of social reform, welfare governance and the psychology of his noble experiments in the interest of our most basic necessities. The appalling recklessness with which our candidates propose, justify and project “government with a human face” may be discernible, measured and disclaimed through the lookingglass of well organised political debates and frank-talk. Thus we could begin to identify and abstain from such candidates and their philosophy of bogus realities.

Thus we may get to know, in the nick of time, that the hallmark of their “humanitarian” mentalities is the advocacy of some limitless grand scale public goal or initiative, without regard to context, costs or means of achieving it. Then we would get to know and wholly understand their modus operandi: for such a goal or initiative to be desirable to you and me, it has to be made public and glamorised because the costs are not to be earned, but to be expropriated; and a dense patch of venomous fog has to enshroud such vital issues as the means of achieving it – because the means are to be human lives. Human lives like yours and mine; battered, bruised, browbeaten and easy to fleece.

Healthcare appropriately illustrates a modicum of their life-boat ventures. “Isn’t it desirable that the government subsidizes treatment of compatriots living with HIV/ AIDS?” clamours an average citizen. The preferable answer would be “Yes, it is desirable.” Who would have a reason to say no anyway?

It is at this point that both mental and moral processes of a collectivised brain are wholly cut off; the rest is fog. Only the desire remains in sight of our “altruistic” candidate. “It’s for the greater good. It’s hardly in my interest but the interest of others. It’s for the public, a helpless, ailing public,” seeks the candidate for justification. Consequently, the fog hides such facts as the embezzlement of public fund, unbridled looting of the public till, compromise and sacrifice of medical science, professional integrity and the careers and happiness of those who are to administer such care, the medical doctors; and those who are to enjoy it, the patients.

The examples of such projects are innumerable as daily our favoured candidates whip up more altruistic hogwash to bait us, draw us in and enslave us. Therefore, be wary of the candidate promising to clean up our slums while avoiding questions about what happens to the victims of such cleansing and those in the next income bracket.

Be wary of the candidate who seeks to educate the public while avoiding crucial issues as the quality and welfare of staff to anchor such educational project, what will be taught, and what back-up measures to be adopted in the event that the initiative fails. Be wary of the candidate who seeks that Nigeria too gets to do the moonwalk and conquer space even as he avoids the crucial issues of government and private sector neglect and discrimination against the nation’s polytechnics and technological training schools.

Be conscious of the essence of their unreality – their blind, savage, ghastly elegant unreality that inspires them to prevaricate and if possible, avoid the usually unanswered and unanswerable question to all their “popular” and “altruistic” goals: “Who really gets to enjoy the benefits?” You? Me?

Nigeria at 54: So far so…

By Raymond Oise-Oghaede port the government in forging ways forward. We should all start imbibing the principle of assisting one another at every given opportunity because this will give succor and hope to the less privileged and help in no little way to reduce crime and other vices in our society. We should not always wait for election periods before knowing that the people are hungry and disgruntled to deserve temporary reprieve because of their votes.

The people in power should embrace patriotic and committed approaches in the execution of their responsibilities.

They should desist from using their tenure to repay their ‘godfathers’ and cronies rather, they should try as much as possible to embark on programmes that will alleviate the sufferings of the masses and thereby making the dividends of democracy to go round. We should discourage a situation where a good percentage of budgets meant for development are diverted into private accounts. We should always allow ourselves to be guided by the fact that it is only God Almighty that made it possible for us to be wherever we are and use the opportunity to judiciously appreciate His goodness, mercies and kindness over us. If we continue to play by our wrong doings without giving a hoot, then His wrath is definitely hanging over our heads and ready to confirm that we are nothing but ordinary mortals. His judgments will surely come when we least expected.

The politicians should also have the interest of the citizenry at heart. In as much as we know that it is very rare to have 100% in an election (most especially in a heterogeneous and complex society like ours), the elected office holders should always execute their programmes for the benefits of all and not just for a particular sets of people or group of party loyalists. The best hands /materials should be given appointments so that they will use their wealth of experiences and skills to do those things that are expected of them rather than appointing novices to positions based on sentiments. In this situation, the interests of the generality of the people will be made sacrosanct. In the same vein, members of the opposition should also desist from the ‘pull him/them down tactics and also stretch the hands of friendship to support the efforts of the people in government for the good of all and sundry.

The practice whereby the people in opposition are unjustly criticizing and doing everything possible to make the ruling authorities unpopular will only compound the woes of the masses. The proponents of ‘do or die politics’ should have a

rethink and desist from the practice so that the country would start experiencing the benefits of playing politics without bitterness because there are no permanent friends or foes but, permanent interest so the overall aim should be to judiciously uphold the national interests regardless of political affiliations.

Another important factor is the impoverishment of our youths by the privileged few who have turned the wealth of the nation to their family inheritances. This act has pushed majority of the youths to crimes and other vices. It is high time these enemies of progress should lose their grips on our common-wealth before the spirits of our founding fathers and the wrath of God catch up with them because they are gaining from the pains of the masses. The time is ‘NOW’ when our youths should also liberate themselves from the evil manipulations and influences of these self-acclaimed movers and shakers of the country by saying ‘NO’ to criminal activities. We should resolve to explore all available avenues to contributing our quotas to the development of Nigeria and making her great again.

To those who have turned corruption to their surnames and have continuously enriched themselves to the detriment of the country’s progress; this is also the time to desist from fraudulent practices so that the common-wealth will be used for the common-good of the people.

If all the above mentioned areas are addressed, it will be a matter of little time when the country will start experiencing rapid development. It is a known fact that habits or are difficult to change but if we accept the popular saying that ‘the only permanent thing in life is change’, then we should be prepared to change for the better.

Oise-Oghaede writes from Lagos.

‘To those who have turned corruption to their surnames and have continuously enriched themselves to the detriment of the country’s progress, this is also the time to desist from fraudulent practices so that the common-wealth will be used for the common-good’

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

22

COMMENTS “Great leadership isn’t shaped in the absence of opposition but in the presence of it. Great leaders draw us together by our universal humanity; they galvanize the wills of the willing; they draw clarity from the spigot of chaos.” ¯ Charles M. Blow

N

IGERIA clocked 54 over two days ago but the search for that great leader with the capacity to inspire the country to greatness continues. To this column, the pertinent questions are:Where in Nigeria is the opposition that is the blaze that tempers the rapier and the frost that calms fiery rage? Where is effective opposition of the mould that the nation could learn from?

These questions are what political opposition in year 2015 should provide answers for as subtle planning for next year being one when fresh general elections will be conducted.

It is important for the opposition to rally support to uproot the current go-slow government from Aso-Rock. The opposition needs to rally by providing leadership option that would throw up a presidential candidate that can inspire us to be what we know we could be.

However, this is achievable provided the opposition will not submit to covert and overt official attempts to decimate them.

President Goodluck Jonathan, like his predecessors in office, seems not to appreciate the existence of the opposition. He seems to have forgotten that the opposition is indispensable in any system. His political henchmen will be machinating on how to pocket the opposition before the next elections but if he allows this rather than good governance as his score card, then he will be acting un-statesmanly.

Walter Lippmann has some words for Jonathan when he said: ‘A good statesman, like any other sensible human being, always learns more from his opponents than from his fervent supporters. Perhaps the current direction is that his supporters may push him to disaster unless his opponents show him where the dangers are. So if he is wise, he will often pray to be delivered from his friends who had already endorsed his sole candidacy for the ruling People’s Democratic Party(PDP), because they will ruin him. But though it hurts, he ought also to pray never to be left without opponents; for they keep him on the path of reason and good sense.’

This should act as food for though for the president in as 2015 approaches.

Again what does the nation’s political opposition have in stock for Nigerians in 2015?

Whenever one thinks of the current opposition politics in Nigeria, what readily comes

O

N Wednesday, October 1, Nigeria was 54. And many of us were asking “What’s wrong with Nigeria?”

Many years ago I came to the rude awakening that I was what was really wrong with Nigeria! For many years I complained, griped, grumbled and blamed our leaders, government and every other person but myself for the state of affairs of our nation. I was tired of the way things were and were going in Nigeria but did nothing to change things. I did nothing to sow the seeds for change! I did nothing to take ownership of the runaway train called Nigeria! I did nothing to stop our nation from derailing! I did nothing to step up to the plate of responsibility and take charge of the situation! And I was calling myself a woman of goodwill! Really!!!

I was angry about the chaos, crisis and confusion going on in my nation but I wasn’t angry enough to change it!

I was hungry for positive change in Nigeria but I wasn’t hungry enough to pay the price and feed that passion until it created a critical mass of change!

I constantly and continuously spoke about my nation Nigeria with no sense of ownership saying things like “Nigeria is this…”, “Nigeria is that….” and so on and so forth!

I spoke about fellow Nigerians as if I wasn’t a Nigerian too! I would make sweeping blanket statements like “Nige-

‘For many years I complained, griped, grumbled and blamed our leaders, government and every other person but myself for the state of affairs of our nation. I was tired’

08110000117

Fortifying frontiers of opposition politics

• Odigie-Oyegun

• Jonathan

to mind is the statement of that British statesman, Benjamin Disraeli when he said: ‘Circumstances are beyond human control, but our conduct is in our own power.’ The statement becomes apt in view of the fact that President Jonathan’s ascension to power was a fait accompli, but his retention of power should not be viewed as such by Nigerians and especially the opposition. The president assumes power not by popular ballot but upon the death of his boss, late President Umaru Yar’Adua, despite high wired intrigues by grovellers of the late president against his constitutional choice. The opposition at this time should do everything to ensure that the president’s re-election bid in 2015 is truly determined by the people. But so far, what is the opposition doing to make sure the process is not hijacked from them? Is the opposition currently doing enough to stop Jonathan by making the votes count in less than six months time? What about the electoral tyranny from the centre government?

How can it be stopped?

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former gov-

ernor of Lagos state and national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), unarguably Nigeria’s largest opposition party, in July 2011, delivered a lecture at London’s Royal Institute of International Affairs on “Democracy and the Rebirth of the Opposition in Nigeria” where he gave a dour admonition: “Our country’s democracy remains a parody of true democracies. Ours has mimicked some essential aspects of military and authoritarian rule.” While one agrees with this realistic submission, it will be opportune to equally ask what the opposition in the Nigeria’s political firmament has done to erase all traces of tyranny and authoritarianism in the polity. Are they not complicit in this oppressive game?

Yes, we might say that the opposition under this democratic dispensation has made remarkable onslaughts in some areas, rising glowingly to the occasion by saving the nation from avoidable periodic tyrannical blows. Let’s have a peep into two of such occasions. One was the attempt by former president Olusegun Obasanjo, a master in the game of tyranny, to elongate his tenure that has now been commonly referred to as the Third Term Agenda, even when the 1999 Constitution (as amended) allows for two terms of four years each. The opposition with the support of some conservatives vanquished the idea. Another was when the opposition party in the south-west mobilised the people to route out of power the oppressively conservative PDP administrations in virtually all the Yoruba speaking states.

Despite these notable landmarks however, one could still not fathom why the opposition, especially in the south-west, refused to field a presidential candidate in 2003 Presi-

What is wrong with Nigeria?

By Olaboludele Simoyan rians are always...”, “Nigerians are never…” “Nigerians don’t…” etc.

I am sure you get the message!

I was totally and completely disconnected to my nation Nigeria and my people Nigerians. I kept asking to myself “Why is that”? And I kept wondering “Why is that”? I kept looking for a time a messiah would come and fix up Nigeria for good.

After looking, searching and waiting “forever” I came to the stark realization that I was what was wrong with Nigeria! That realization was my wake-up call!

My turning point was when I met with a friend and mentor whose name is Dr. Hayshgee. He said to me “The good are not good enough! The hungry are not hungry enough for change! The angry are not angry enough to create and force a critical mass of positive change to occur! And the good are so focused on the problems they can’t see the solutions! Only a paradigm shift in thinking can create the change the men and women of goodwill desire! “ He added saying to me almost sarcastically, “And by the way, lest you forget you are a member of Team Goodwill!”

And that’s when it hit me that I am what is wrong with Nigeria!

My mentor also said “They are not enough dedicated and committed players in ‘Team Goodwill’. And they have been playing to play but they must learn to play to win. That is the way positive change occurs and remains in any society! Unlike ‘Team Evil, Corrupt and Bad will’ they understand the game! And they play really hard to win! And when they win, I must be honest and say it is a well-deserved victory on their part because they PLAYED TO WIN! They just have a STRONGER DESIRE to

WIN!!!”

Dr. Hayshgee shared some quotations with me which I will share with you to help put things in proper perspective.

“In doing good, we are generally cold, and languid, and sluggish; and of all things afraid of being too much in the right. But the works of malice and injustice are quite in another style. They finish with a bold mastery hand”– Edmund Burke. “Evil unchecked grows; evil tolerated poisons the whole system.”– Jawaharlal Nehru “Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.” – Haile Selassie.

“Tolerating evil leads only to more evil. And when good people stand by and do nothing while wickedness reigns, their communities will be consumed.” – Bob Riley My discussion with Dr. Hayshgee and these quotations he shared with me got me thinking real hard! And I had a paradigm shift. This is the paradigm shift I had - to stop being what is wrong with Nigeria and become everything that is RIGHT with Nigeria!

These are the decisions I made as a result of my encounter with Dr. Hayshgee.

First, I made up my mind to work harder on myself than I do on Nigeria! I made up my mind to become everything that is RIGHT about Nigeria by working on myself and becoming a better citizen of Nigeria. If I become better, then I can make things better! If I add value to myself by working on myself through personal development, I will invariably end up adding more value to the society and Nigeria

dential election while surreptitiously rooting for the candidate of the centre party? It still remains baffling why and how ‘go slow’ President Jonathan cleared the entire votes in south-west, except Osun state, in the 2011 presidential election when the ruling progressive Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN) party, presumably the most popular party in those areas had its own presidential candidate. This I consider to be a gaffe and do hope such will not repeat itself in 2015 because the partisan and the non partisan are now regretting the 2011 electoral choice of Jonathan.

As we begin the race towards 2015, no rapprochement between the centre party and opposition political parties will foster any good result that could be of common benefit in the end. The fact that something has not been achieved before does not mean it would not be achieved one day. Some might allude to the fact that in the First and Second Republics, efforts geared towards upstaging ruling parties through mergers failed. Fingers will be pointed to the First Republic when the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) comprising the National Council for Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) and the Action Group failed to upstage then ruling centre party – the Northern People’s Congress (NPC). Also in the Second Republic- the National Party of Nigerian (NPN) remained the central ruling party, despite the alliance under the namePeople’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) by the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and Great Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP). Since the advent of democratic rule in1999, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has forcefully sustained this curious tradition that led those two Republics to nowhere.

It is a good thing that the All Progressives Congress is soon to present its own presidential candidate that will face President Jonathan next February but the leadership must ensure that the process leading to that do not lead to the decimation of the leading opposition party. The need for the opposition party to be truthful, sincere and steadfast in pursuit of the priced political position is now. This is necessary so as to upstage the ruling PDP centre government. In 2015 expectedly, the opposition will have no excuse for failure because Nigerians eagerly look forward to seeing it lay the foundation for a formidable front necessary for achieving meaningful political re-orientation and desired democratic change.

NOTE: This piece was first published in this column on January 4, 2013 but reproduced here for its continuing relevance to prevailing situations, with slight modifications.

at large. Second, I made up my mind to purposefully, deliberately and consciously sow seeds of goodness daily into the Nigerian society. Third, I made up my mind to set myself up as an EXAMPLE of what a NEW NIGERIAN should act like, talk like and be like in every area of life and nation building Fourth, I made a decision to be hungry and angry enough to get out of my COMFORT ZONE to create change every day and in whichever way I can.

Fifth, I decided to produce a vision that will be used as a blueprint for creating a generational change. I have done this and put the ideas and concepts in two books which are titled “THE 8TH WONDER of the world – Made in NIGERIA” and “THE 8TH WONDER of the world – Made in Naiga”.

Sixth, I made a resolution to take up ownership of Nigeria by becoming SOLUTION-OREINTED in my thinking thereby enabling me to steer our nation aright and in the direction of the promised land of GREATNESS! Seventh, I made up my mind to grow our “Team Goodwill” by recruiting and empowering fellow Nigerians (especially the youth) to become good and great citizens of Nigeria!

Eighth, “Team Goodwill” needs to stop the winning spree that “Team Evil, Corrupt and Bad will” have had for too many years in Nigeria! So, I purposed in my heart to design some information that will help, encourage and empower other team members of “Team Goodwill” to have a better understanding of the game so that we can start playing the game to WIN! I now am recruiting you into active service of TEAM GOODWILL of Nigeria!

Let’s have FUN building a GREAT NEW NIGERIA by equipping ourselves, then getting into the game and playing to WIN! God bless NIGERIA! • Ms Simoyan writes from Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

25

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net Stories by Taofik Salako

NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

Professionals charged on ethical credibility

‘Don’t interfere in NCAA’s affairs’

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

PROFESSIONAL group, Aviation Media, has urged the Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka not to interfere in the affairs of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Its Chairman, Comrade Chukuemeke Iwelumo, in a statement in Lagos, said previous interference affected the sector’s oversight.

Speaking against the background of the clearance of the new NCAA’s director-general, Captain Mukhtar Usman by the National Assembly, Iwelumo urged the minister to surpass his predecessors’ records.

While congratulating Captain Usman, the group commended the immediate past acting director-general, Engr Benedict Adeyileka for bridging the gap and ensuring that there was no vacuum in the retention of United States (US) Category one status.

Iwelunmo said there is no doubt that Captain Muhktar, having worked in various capacities, especially at the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), will discharge his functions effectively.

He, however, cautioned him to be wary of sycophants, who will surround him as soon as he assumes office, warning that such people have pulled most helmsmen down in the sector.

“We are looking forward to seeing a new director-general who will surpass the achievements of Dr Harold Demuren and take decisions no matter who is involved in order to sanitise the sector.

“We want a director-general, who will certify our airports and give the nation’s aviation a face lift; total overhaul of the airlines. Someone, who will look into debts owed by airlines in order to continue ensuring safety.

Training of workers should be given priority as aviation is dynamic,” he said.

Since aviation was guided by one international document, he said, Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind by not continuing abiding by the international best practices.

He noted that as police of the industry, the new director-

A

By Nneka Nwaneri

P

• From Left: Nollywood star and Keystone Bank Brand Ambassador, Ms. Rita Dominic; Keystone Bank Director, Mrs. Maria Teju Phillips; Executive Director, Corporate Bank and Treasury, Mr. Hafiz Bakare and Divisional Head, Lagos and West Mr. Omotayo Ajani during the inauguration of the first ever wheelchair-friendly Automated Teller Machine(ATM) Gallery at the bank’s Maryland Branch, Ikeja, Lagos.

Arik Air boss advocates reduction in borrowing costs to airlines

T

HE Managing Director, Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue has appealed to the government to ensure reduction in the borrowing cost to Nigerian airlines by 50 to 75 per cent.

Ndulue said that the borrowing cost in Nigeria is on the high side, noting that the trend impacts negatively on the operations of the airlines especially when seeking funds to acquire aircrafts abroad.

Speaking at the unveiling of its frequent flyer programme, Arik Affinity Wings at the airline’s headquarters in Lagos, Ndulue said that if the borrowing cost is reduced, it would enable the country’s airlines to compete favourably with its counterparts anywhere in the world.

Ndulue also condemned multiple taxations on the country’s airlines, maintaining that as one of the key sectors necessary for national development, it was wrong for the govern-

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

ment or its agencies to continue to impose high tax regime or multiple taxations on the operating carriers.

He emphasised that the country’s aviation industry should not be mapped out as a source of revenue for the government even when the government was not able to support its agencies 100 per cent. Rather, the operating airlines should be supported by the government to continue to create employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.

He said: “We keep saying that what we expect from the government is just the environment for doing business, as long as this environment is good, everybody is happy including Arik Air. I’m not asking for specifics or things out of the world, we are only expecting that the business environment should be good.

“One of the biggest challenges we have especially as an airline that acquires

aircraft for operations is borrowing cost. If you don’t have an aircraft, you may not have this problem of borrowing cost, which is very high and this is one of the biggest problems that needs to be solved.

“If the cost of borrowing is reduced, especially in Nigerian situation, it has to be reduced by as much as 50 per cent or 75 per cent because the cost of borrowing is extremely high here. If that happens, it puts the airlines in a better position to be able to compete with other airlines from outside Nigeria.

“We have also spoken about multiple taxations on Nigerian airlines and I think that government realises that aviation industry is something that requires special support and that was why some time ago, there was something called aviation intervention funds. Just like we have had in similar industries that government has considered as key to na-

tional development. What this means is that it is an industry the government should be supporting.”

Speaking on its new flyer programme, Arik Affinity Wings, Ndulue said that the programme was designed to reward guests for their loyalty by giving them the opportunity to earn miles on domestic, regional and longhaul flights.

He noted that customers could join the programme by logging on to arikaffinitywings.com and completing an online enrolment form where they would receive 1000 bonus affinity miles along with a personal affinity wings membership number.

He said: “Once redeemed, miles can be used to fly to any destination on Arik Air’s roster, upgrade tickets and make payments for excess baggage allowance, access to Arik Air’s business lounges and priority check-in at the airport.”

Economy’s biggest problem is overdependence on oil, says LCCI The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (LCCI) Director-General, Mr. Muda Yusuf has said that the nation’s economy’s biggest shortcoming is its dependence on oil. This, according to him, makes the economy weak and vulnerable to global shocks.

Yusuf, who spoke in Lagos, observed that the 15 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in the country has earned it enormous goodwill as one of the few stable democracies making it an investor’s delight.

He, however, regretted that core democratic values are yet to take firm root in our democracy, especially in accountability and transparency in the management of public finance.

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

He called for seperation of powers and the inherent checks and balances, quality and independence of democratic institutions, federalism and citizen engagement in the democratic process.

“The LCCI recognises that Nigerian democracy is still work in progress, but it is crucial to recognise the importance of these democratic ideals in the sustenance of our democracy,” he said.

On economic growth performance in the last 54 years, Yusuf said the economic trend measured by the performance of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), has been positive over the last two decades, averag-

ing about six per cent.

This development, according to him, is good compared to growth conditions in most economies around the world.

He, however, said it remained a major worry that the economy is still structurally defective because it’s too dependent on the oil and gas sector, creating serious vulnerability risks.

He frowned at the lack of political will to reform the oil and gas sector, which he argued, has remained a major shortcoming of governance over the past two decades.

He commended the transformation in the telecommunications sector, which stands out as the most successful reform story in the economy.

He said: “We note the progress being made in the agricultural sector. But it is important to note that the sector cannot be transformed in isolation of infrastructure development and industrialisation.

“The financial services sector has also shown significant transformation since independence, especially with regards to leveraging technology to enhance service delivery. The sophistication of the industry can compare with its counterparts even in the advanced economies.”

On the weak impact of the growth performance on private sector productivity and the welfare of the Nigerian people, he said the quality

of the business environment remained a source of concern to investors, especially in the real sector.

He further underscored the fact that weak infrastructures and institutions had adverse effects on efficiency, productivity and competiveness of enterprises in the economy. According to him, these conditions pose a major risk to inclusiveness and job creation in the economy.

Concerning challenges in the economy the LCCI boss said: “Following the GDP rebasing of the economy, the economy is now the 26th largest globally and the biggest in Africa with a GDP of $510 billion in 2013. It is also one of the largest consumer markets globally.

ROFESSIONALS have been charged to aid leaders in achieving its vision and to pilot the affairs of the country.

A transformation strategist and planner, Dr Lugard Aimiuwu gave the charge when he delivered a lecture at the Annual General Assembly of the Association of Professional Bodies (APBN), in Lagos. He said that Nigeria is yet to have either a statement or a clear vision of where it is going, while professionals lack the credibility needed to move the country forward.

He however, said the journey of the country to greatness is still far and involves strategic work in articulating vision.

He stressed the importance of leaders knowing where they are going and people believing and accepting such vision as their own vision.

The people’s acceptance, he added and their willingness to make sacrifices to achieve goals will make a difference in the global competitive world.

“We have to get clear plans and strategies based on vision, and have processed integrity where the leadership must connect with the people and have a passion for excellence.

“The simple mathematics is that each of us ought to have carved out our own little piece of Nigeria, in our work, in our home, and at play and shaped it to the ideals of our dreams as an integral model for transformation and a fellowship model, before we address the leadership calculus.

“To those who argue that each one’s contribution amounts to no more than a drop in the ocean, take note that the ocean is made of drops! Let each of us ensure that ours are quality, globally competitive drops.”

The former President of the Nigerian Institute of Management gave the role of professional as one based on knowledge components of where, when, why, what and who; built on skills and driven by competences shaped by universal basic practices within the framework of rules and regulations.

This he said, will be the beginning of taking Nigeria from where it is to where it should be.

President of APBN, Bawa Bala Ka’oje said the challenges of the body is that it is yet to have the kind of recognition it deserve as professionals, who are drivers of the economy, and should be able to advise government in matters of policy and implementation of such policies.

The body, he noted, is willing to partner with government to achieve more and quicken the pace of development in the country.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS BRANDS & MARKETING

e-mail: adedejiademigbuji@yahoo.com /mobile line: 08131075667

With the reported drop in beer sales and consumption, the wine and spirit market is booming, raking in over $350 million, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

Beer’s loss wine’s gain B

Y October 23, Nigeria will host 30 wine and spirit exhibitors from over 10 countries, including Spain, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, United States (US), Argentina, Chile, Italy and France, at an international fair.

For Nigeria, the event is expected to bring investors willing to operate in the liquor market, valued at over N280 billion.

Besides coming for the exhibition, the global players are expected to tap directly into the Nigerian market against the usual back door importation which is believed to be aiding importers and producers of fake foreign wines, and killing the local liquor market.

The efforts by global wine and spirit producers to play in the fast growing sector are coming at a time the beer industry is struggling with sales. Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), a diversified financial institution, said the nation’s beer market has seen a decline in the super-premium and mainstream brands.

“From our analysis, we conclude that the industry is attractive. We note that though the barriers to entry are high, the bargaining power of suppliers is moderate, while the bargaining power of buyers is low. There is little threat of substitutes for the products produced in the industry and favourable complements for the products,” FDC said.

This appears to be a gain to the wine and spirit market in Nigeria.

According to Euromonitor International, a global market intelligence organisation, Nigeria spends an average of N41.41 billion on champagne yearly and was rated the second fastest growing market in the world for champagne. It noted that between 2006 and 2011, it achieved a compound annual growth of 22 per cent.

Accordingly, the total champagne consumption reached 752,879 bottles (75cl) in 2011, higher than consumption in Russia and Mexico, thereby placing Nigeria among the top 20 champagne markets in the world.

Further investigation showed that the country, in 2010, consumed about 593,000 bottles, the highest in Africa. The closest to this figure was South Africa, another country that has been identified as an emerging market for luxury goods, besides Nigeria. South Africa’s champagne consumption was 384,000 bottles in 2010.

The markets are also expected to be among the countries to post the strongest gains in total champagne volume. France topped the list followed by the United Kingdom.

Brazil, China, United States and Australia, are in toe.

According to the Senior alcoholic

• Bottles of wine

drinks analyst at Euromonitor International, Spiros Malandrakis, during a keynote presentation at the 2012 Champagne Assembly held in London, “ what did come as a surprise was Nigeria’s second place in these global rankings.”

Apart from Champaign, the country is becoming the target of Europe’s wine and spirit makers. According to the Euromonitor International data, wine consumption in Nigeria grew from 18.8 million litres in 2006 to 44.3 million litres in 2011. This is expected to increase by 80.4 per cent, that is, 79.9 million litres by 2016.

As it plans to host about 30 global wine and spirit makers later in the year, the Managing Director, Spronks Creations Limited, the organiser International Wine & Spirit Fair (NIWSF) of the wine and spirit fair in Nigeria, Aderonke Sobodu, said: “The growth and acceptance of wine and spirit into our social lifestyle has made the country one of the fast-emerging mar-

kets in the world, which in turn offers great opportunity for tourism, trade and commerce.

This also created the need to expose indigenous wine and spirit producers to the global trade environment, with Nigeria ranking as a fast growing market. Currently consumption figure of wine and spirit in the country is valued at over $350 million based on export figures.

She said: “The team of the Nigeria International Wine and Spirit Fair, in partnership with the International Oenologists, is exploring the possibility of growing and producing the first commercial wine range in West Africa. Obudu Plateau, found on the Oshie Ridge of the Sankwala Mountain range has been identified as a potential location to explore wine production based on the landscape and altitude of this region. We are seeking the help of the Cross River State Government to achieve this feat.”

With the growth of the industry,

the activities of illegal importers have come under hammer of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE). With an estimated N700 million loss annually to influx of illegal wine, spirits and alcoholic beverages, distillers and blenders are afraid of another dangerous signal that saw textile industries income to Gross Domestic Product out of the nation’s trade balance sheet.

The group believed that the illegal influx of alcoholic beverages, wines and spirits into the country is an ominous threat to the market.

Currently, Nigeria’s wine imports are increasing by 16 per cent annually. A new report from New Zealand’s Rabobank, said Nigeria has the potential to become a lucrative export market for wine, but some New Zealand winemakers are yet to be convinced.

The report, titled, ‘A new wine frontier,’ said that while China and

‘The growth and acceptance of wine and spirit into our social lifestyle has made the country one of the fast-emerging markets in the world, which in turn offers great opportunity for tourism, trade and commerce’

South Korea are probably the most attractive emerging wine markets, Mexico, Poland, Brazil and Nigeria are “hidden gems” that could offer rich rewards, over the medium to long-term, to ambitious exporters.

Early exposure to these nascent markets would give firms hardwon experience and a head-start on their competition, said Rabobank Food and Agribusiness Analyst, Stephen Rannekleiv.

Meanwhile, Industry analysts say the burgeoning Nigerian market has been the attraction for foreign labels which are flocking into the country. Reports showed that Hennessy is trying its best to exploit the market, as it has increased its global revenues from $24.23 billion in 2008 to $37.14 billion in 2012, while net profit increased from $3.27 billion to $4.52 billion.

The Marketing Manager, Moet Hennessy, Nigeria, Lere Awokoya, said Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing markets for whiskey and champagne, as the Hennessy brand has experienced a 12 per cent growth in the Nigerian market year-on-year since 2011.

“The figure is about right,” saidAwokoya, while responding to Hennessy’s champagne market share. “We estimated about a 12 per cent yearly increase in growth since 2011. This just means to us that the relationship between Nigeria and our brands is becoming more meaningful. We are very aware of that and consequently, we are doing what we can to maintain this growing relationship and make it a lasting one,” Awokoya, said.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

Brandnews

Why we are sponsoring ‘Facetime’ on CNN, by Dangote

D

ANGOTE Industries Limited has said its sponsorship of ‘Facetime’ on the Cable News Network (CNN) offers it a unique window into African business.

The programme, which made its debut on September 19, would feature Dangote’s expansion drive across the continent.

‘Facetime’ is a high-profile segment within CNN Marketplace Africa, where each week a major player from the continent’s business community is interviewed. CNN Marketplace Africa is the destination for access to movers and shakers at the forefront of African business.

The show goes beyond bringing

Stories by Adedeji Ademigbuji

viewers the new business solutions and industry trends redefining African business. On-air content is complemented by distinctive online editorial at a CNN Marketplace Africa micro site, where popular and innovative content is shared across social channels.

While announcing the deal, Vice President, Regional Ad Sales, EMEA, CNN International, Antonio Canto, said: “We are delighted that Dangote Industries Limited is working with CNN to promote its brand internationally in a TV sponsorship across all CNN International global feeds. The ‘Facetime’ segment in CNN Market-

place Africa is an important programming strand to be associated with because the content reflects the dynamic nature of African business.

Dangote’s expansion, underpinned by this bespoke advertising campaign with CNN, is a brand-builder for African business as a whole,” he added.

Explaining the group’s decision to sponsor the programme, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, said his company was supporting the programme to clear the misconception about Africa. Besides, the lack of information on Africa was holding back foreign investment, he added.

“Africa also offers one of the high-

• A billboard

Confusion in indigenous languages’ adverts

T

HE bedrock of ads in languages is translation. As the copywriter writes the copy in English, the translator writes the copy in Nigerian languages. Suffice to say: what a copywriter is to the English-Nigerian audience, is what a translator is to the non-English Nigerian audience. For emphasis, what a copywriter is to the English-Nigerian audience, glish Nigerian audience.

Moreover, a translator “must, therefore, have a mastery of the two languages and of the subject matter of the work, thus expressing his own personality in it. It follows that to translate is to create,” Translation Rights and Translators’ Rights by The World Intellectual Property Organisation et al. It is the expression of “his own personality” that equates him with a copywriter.

And the icing on the cake, as postulated by Tsehai Wada of the Addis Ababa University (AAU), is: “Translators as mediators between cultures have much responsibilities than authors (copywriters) (bracket added).” It is the dearth of this understanding that ruins ads in Nigerian languages. Such ruins are the translations of ‘SIM’ as ‘phone’, ‘registration of SIM’ as ‘registration of name’, ‘scratch’ as ‘peel’ etc. by the telecom operators.

Another of such ruin is the translation of a popular brand of phone slogan - Be Original, Buy Original.

A Yoruba radio ad of the phone simply translates and renders the slogan as an-an la n rin, Ra Ojulowo. The first thing to note is the inconsistency in the translation of the word ‘original’ as an-an la n rin and Ojulowo. While Ojulowo is apt translation of the word ‘original’, an-an la n rin is ‘to walk in a straight direction’. In context, the translation

As the world celebrates International Languages Day, a lead translator at XML Language Services Limited, Olugboyega Adebanjo, examines the use and misuse of indigenous languages in advert copies. reads ‘Walk in a Straight Direction, Buy Original’.

Absolutely, no correlation, and it is sheer confusion – no clarity. Besides, would J Ojulowo be apt translation of Be Original? But that would be the Yoruba of a non-Yoruba stock. Be Original is best translated as Fran Nnkan Ojulowo which means ‘to like something original’. If you like something original, then you can be said to Be Original. Absurdity of this nature is bounteous in ads in Nigerian languages. The absurdity is in sync with Fred Allen’s (a late American humourist) witticism that “An advertising agency is 85 per cent confusion and 15 per cent commission.” Indeed, the agencies (in connivance with the advertisers) sell 85 per cent confusion to us in order to line their pockets with 15 per cent commission.

Why the confusion?

Deliberate evasion of translation process by advertisers and advertising agencies. Proof reading – a second person and independent perspective to translation – completes the cycle of the process. The process would remain detracted, just as it is today, if the services of mavens are not employed. A voice over artist, a radio or TV presenter, or a Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa orator is not a translator.

A translator is first a linguist, and native speaker of a language. It is only a linguist who has the knowledge and depth on the grammar and stylistic usage of a language. Native speaker? Yes! A Yoruba or Edo man who speaks Hausa is inapt to

do Hausa voice over. If anything, his pronunciations will betray him.

Could the N20,000 (or less in some cases) being paid as the price of translation of a script in the advertising sector be justifiable? Based on my earlier assertion, if translation is seen as a copy in another language, and that is what it is, the question is: Would N20,000 be paid for a copy of any sort in English?

The price defies economic logic in relation to the Advertising Standard Panel’s vetting approval of a script at N20,000 – the least. Come to think of it, you never know when you will be paid the money (for translation).

Based on comments from at least two different A-rating agencies, it takes between three months and one year.

The disinclination of the Nigerian state to regulate and protect this form of art remains a concern.

Who is vetting what?

I really find it difficult to believe that Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) – Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) statutory committee – empower to vet ads do vet ads in Nigerian languages. If it does, one thing is clear: the linguistic incompetence of its members in Nigerian languages.

Page 3 of the Vetting Guideline says, “The Vetting Guidelines apply to the entire contents of an advertisement, including words....”

There is an urgent need for ASP to employ the service of experienced linguists and translators to help them take ‘care of words’ in Nigerian languages.

est rates of return on investment in the world, a fact that discerning foreign investors have since acknowledged. Indeed, Africa has turned the corner and is catching up with the rest of the world in the race for development. Dangote Industries Limited is delighted to sponsor the ‘Facetime’ segment in CNN’s Marketplace Africa because it tells compelling success stories about Africa.

Such content can, ultimately, position Africa as an attractive investment destination and foster development that lift communities and nations into prosperity. This is Africa’s time,” he said.

According to him, some investors still have stereotypical images of Africa etched on their minds. A new Africa is emerging from the ashes of her dark past, and is fast rising and is gaining accelerated speed, in all indices of human development.

Many appear to have taken little notice of this silent revolution that is sweeping across Africa like a tornado. There is growing optimism everywhere about Africa, on a scale never before imagined.

“For instance, Rwanda, which was only two decades ago, devastated by war, is one of the success stories of this African renaissance. Rwanda is fast becoming Africa’s investors’ delight, and currently ranks 45th in the World Bank’s ease of doing business. Similarly, the economy of Ethiopia, once a global metaphor for famine, has been growing at a double-digit for the past five years. This growth has attracted Ethiopians abroad, who are coming home with expertise and capital to develop their country currently ranked the 10th largest livestock producer in the world.

Dangote said there is growth in the middle class, with increased purchasing power, across Africa.

This has provided an incentive for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) firms, which are scrambling to invest in Africa. The increase in population growth of Africa (estimated at one billion), abundance of natural resources, and clement weather, also make Africa a viable proposition for investors.

“The Chinese, who have been smart to move in early enough, are reaping the fruits, especially in the construction industry, in which they possess considerable expertise.

They are building factories, roads and railway lines across Africa. In the last eight years alone, foreign direct investment (FDI) has helped create 1.6 million new jobs in Africa. Capital investments are projected to reach $150 billion in 2015.

Determined not to be outdone by the Chinese, Western companies are now taking more interest in Africa.

General Electric (GE), the world’s largest infrastructure company, recently declared its intention to invest in Africa.

African companies are not sitting back idly as they are behind a growing percentage of FDI, which has been going to sectors such as manufacturing and services, in recent years. South African big retail shops, such as Shoprite, Massmart and Spar, and telecoms company, MTN Group; Etisalat of the Middle East; and Airtel of India, have all gained a foothold in Nigeria, which has witnessed an unprecedented growth in number of subscriber base from 500,000 fixed lines in 2001 to 98.4 million as at October 2011.

“This growth is the fastest anywhere in the world! African markets must re-position themselves to key into this economic revolution.

In 2010, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) of the United States named 40 African Companies that have the potential to rival Fortune 500 Companies based on their size, geographical spread and turnover.

Dangote Group is one of them.

Dangote Cement Plc is also the only Nigerian Company on Forbes Global 2000 Companies.

In the last few years, we have invested close to $4 billion in various projects across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We are setting up new cement plants in eight African countries, namely: Senegal, Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Benin Republic. We are also developing import terminals in the following African countries: Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote D’Ivoire, Benin Republic, Togo and Guinea (Conakry).

“All these projects, which are largely driven by huge deficit in local supply of cement in the countries listed, are at different stages of progress, and will be completed between 2012 and 2014. Our ultimate goal is to rank among the top eight cement producers in the world by 2014. Our aspiration to be the leading cement producer in Africa is a logical step after we have achieved domestic dominance and have become self-sufficient in cement production as a nation. In Nigeria, Dangote cement accounts for more than 60 per cent of market share. We will start exporting cement to neighbouring countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote D Ívoire, as from this year.’’

Firm unveils online portal

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O infuse new standards into shopping, a fashion e-commerce platform, Traclist, has upgraded its portal to provide its customers with unique online experiences.

The platform, designed to ease fashion shopping, would create seamless connections between merchants and buyers of local and international labels.

The portal shows customers can register and log into personal accounts with opportunities to add various products from diverse fashion merchants into one shopping cart. The e-commerce platform also provides customers with an all-in-one comprehensive two to five days’ delivery service via its logistics partners to destinations nationwide.

Traclist’s Managing Director, Traclist, Mr. Emotu Balogun, said: “We are introducing a unique and superior customer experience to

lovers of fashion, which will deliver a proper online marketplace with a guaranteed return policy like never before.”

It provides a rounded service where customers, subscribers and followers of the brand can access a self-styled fashion professional for tips on mixing colors and dress combinations.

The portal is a niche online fashion marketplace, which supports local and international products from Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) in the industry.

Other offerings on Traclist include products ranging from sport gears to fragrances, shoes and flats, shirts, accessories, fashion adjacent in men and women clothing among others.

Adolescents and children also have colourful varieties of casuals and sport collections provided on the Traclist e-commerce platform.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

28

THE NATION

BUSINESS SHOPPING

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

Sms : 07035302326 Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

The past week has seen a rise in the demand for food commodities preparatory to tomorrow’s Eid-el-Kabir Muslim festival. It has indeed been a good time for traders across the country, reports TONIA ‘DIYAN.

•Baskets of fresh tomatoes on sale

•Sallah rams waiting for buyers

‘But even as Nigerians continue to do their last minute shopping for tomorrow’s celebration, the best icing on the cake would be the announcement of the release of the over 200 Chibok secondary schoolgirls abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents about six months ago’

•The busy Oshodi market

Eid-el-Kabir’s market rush T

HE frenzy.The mega sales. And the extra profits. This is indeed, the highpoint of this year’s shopping for the yearly Muslim festival, Eid-el-Kabir.

Although there has been a huge build up to this, the trend will continue into the early hours of tomorrow as Muslim faithful go into last-minute shopping to mark the special occasion. This season offers Muslims the opportunity to reflect on God’s fulfilment of his covenant through the Prophet Mohammed (SAW), hence, the reason for the celebration, which is usually observed with pomp and pageantry.

From the ram market to clothing and food ingredients, business has boomed all the way. And while the traders are smiling to the bank, making extra money, the shoppers are groaning, parting with more money for commodities at this time. Expectedly, there has also been an upsurge in economic activities in and around major markets across the Lagos Metropolis where items for the celebration are being displayed.

Market places are thronged more by people, who have their eyes on getting the best Sallah deal, looking for relatively cheap items to buy. They are rqually characterised by customers and traders haggling for the best deals to strike.

Consequent upon this upsurge, there has been an upward adjustment of prices of consumer goods and other gift items.

Already, there has been intense compe-

tition among shopping malls and gift shops. To these outlets, festive periods such as Sallah is an opportunity to make more money.

Ram, the most important item for the celebration, has had a sharp increase in its price. A market survey conducted by The Nation Shopping revealed that ram prices range from N25, 000 to N150, 000. These are rams, which ordinarily would have sold for between N8, 000 and N40, 000.

A small basket of pepper goes for between N700 and N800 each, while the big ones sell for N6000. Other categories of pepper range from N1, 000, N2, 000 to N2, 500. Yam flour (Elubo’ in Yoruba) sells for N3, 000 per container, while Garri retains at its usual price of N250 and N300 respectively for a four litre container, while a bag of same sells for N4,500. 1Kg of Semovita costs N2000 and a carton of tin tomato paste sells for N1, 300. A 25kg bag of rice goes for N8,000, five-litre vegetable oil sells for N1,400 and 25-litre for N6,000.

“All these prices were before the rush for sallah shopping,” said a woamn who wished for anonymity, adding: “From the market survey, the commodities have increased in prices by about 75 per cent at this period.”

A buyer, Ibrahim Musa, lamented this year’s cost of rams. Although, according him, it is a yearly ritual to have prices inflated at sallah period, but he was stunned that prices went over the roof top.

For instance, an average ram, which he said cost him about N35, 000 last year, sells

for N68, 000.

In a similar vein, a housewife, Mrs. Sherrifatu Alimi, who spoke with The Nation, at the popular Mile 12 market in Lagos, lamented that cost of cooking ingredients such as pepper and tomatoes have doubled their original cost.

Some traders said this year’s commodities are slightly higher than usual and blamed it on the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeastern part of the country. The excuse appeared plausible, considering the fact that they are brought from the region, Niger and Chad Republics.

The implication of this, according to a ram trader, Mallam Rabiu, is that traders have had to device other more expensive means and routes to bring the rams and other food items to be sold for the sallah to the southern markets. “We now take other routes to bring these rams; and they are more expensive because of the risk involved. Even the trailers we use to bring them have increased their charges, so the customers have to bare the extra cost as well,” Rabiu explained in a passable English.

Observers said those who are yet to make purchases, may be delaying till the last minute in order to get cheap bargains.

This is because the prices of rams usually crash on sallah days, as the sellers get agitated , realising that the cost of feeding the rams would be borne by them if they are not sold. Besides, the overhead to be incurred by them from ground rent to keep the rams would erode their profit. And

since some people have realised this, they usually capitalise on getting good bargains, but not without a tough price haggling with the sellers.

Noticeable was the slow start in the shopping spree, a situation that has been blamed on the reality of the economic downturn. However, it has still not taken away the hustle and bustle, which characterise markets at times like this.

Most markets experience several shovings by prospective buyers to get through crowdy markets where sellers display items that attract shoppers attention.

Oshodi market, for instance during festivities, gets busier by the minute. Teeming shoppers walk on the pavements outside the shops or try to cross the express way in search of what to buy. The blaring horns from cars and taxis can be deafening. Indeed, the usual upsurge in human and vehicular traffic in major markets and shopping places at festivite period, can hardly go unnoticed. Such increased tempo of activities makes the celebration tick.

“As Nigerians continue to do their last minute shopping in preparation for tomorrow’s festivity, the best icing on the cake would be the announcement of the release of the over 200 Chibok Secondary School girls abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents about six months ago,” said an anonymous Muslim faithful.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

CHARITY

IKWERRE WOMAN

Modupe Ozolua’s programme, through which no fewer than 5,000 peole benefitted, shows how endemic poverty is in Owan Local Government Area of Edo State and elsewhere in the country, as people fought to have a piece of the action.

It was a celebration of life at Rumuorlumeni community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State last Saturday, as bid the late Mrs Wordu Grace Wamanda, who at a reported age of 145 was the oldest surviving woman in Ikwerre land, was buried .

•PAGE 31

•Ms Ozolua

•PAGE 35

•The late Wamanda

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

AR OGBO D AY AROGBO DA For several reasons, including the presence of dignitaries, including Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson and Minister of Culture Edem Dukethis year Arogbo Day will linger in the minds of sons and daughters of the Ijaw town for a long time to come.

•PAGE 33

•Kuku

A future they never dreamt of From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

I

T won’t be out of place to describe them as women of uneasy virtues. They had dreams.

Dreams of who they wanted to become. These dreams were in different proportions: small, medium or big. They were dreams their sojourn in the world of Niger Delta militancy could not bring to reality.

Though more men played the lead role in the militancy that almost brought the Niger Delta to its knees, these women were also in the thick of it. Some were combatants; some were wives or girlfriends of militant leaders; and others were domestic hands in the militant camps. They were there, with their dreams withering away.

Their story took a turn for the better in 2009 when they were offered amnesty by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. These women embraced the offer and decided to do something more productive with their lives.

Enter the Centre for Creative Arts Education (CREATE), which was established in 2004 by a frontline actress, Ms Hilda Dokubo, who hails from Buguma-Kalabari, the headquarters of Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The centre’s main aim is to fully equip and empower the ex-Niger Delta warlords, thereby making them better citizens. Last week, 50 of these female ex-militants graduated at the fourth graduation and exhibition of the centre in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Uchechi Williams emerged the best graduating student in the programme. She said it was not easy to stay in a place for one year, but admitted that all the 50 women learnt a lot, with their efforts not in vain.

While also speaking, another woman, Orune Felix, who could not speak good English when she got to CREATE, but won the award as the “Most Improved Student,” said it was good to be determined, put God first and never lose hope in life.

• Continued on page 30

PAGE 29

•Buru-ere Abbey receiving the swift change award from Mrs Alagoa at CREATE’s graduation ceremony.

Rivers communities protest demolition From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

L

ANDLORDS and tenants in Umuebule 2, Umuebule 4 Etche, Diamond Estate, Saipem Road, Umuebule in Etche Local Government Area and those in Satellite Village in Obigbo, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi to save them from being rendered homeless following the decision by the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) to demolish their houses to pave way for gas pipelines.

Speaking at a protest march, they said the NGC has marked their houses for demolition.

Some of the messages on their placards read: “President Goodluck, please hear us; Governor Amaechi, governor of all governors, help us”; “Please compensate us for our properties” and “No compensation, No demolition.”

Speaking through their lawyer, Mr Victor Ogwomo and their leader, Mr Samuel Durugo, the protesters complained that on August 14, some persons from the Pipeline Right of Way (PPROW) committee made up of some government agencies and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment came and marked their houses for demolition.

The committee gave them only 14 days notice to move out.

The demolition has begun. They said four houses were demolished before they were prevailed upon to stop.

Ogwomo and Durugo said: “We are not against the Federal Government laying pipes for its gas project but they should give the people adequate notice and compensate them adequately to enable them re-locate.”

They claimed that the houses have government approved building plans and are outside the oil and gas right of way.

“So, if you are pushing us out, where do you want us to go to?” they said.

They said they should be given the same treatment their counterparts in parts of Galaxy Estate, Location 15 and Okpulor areas received from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

SPDC, they claimed, “demolished about 500 houses in these areas but the house owners were paid adequate compensation before they moved.”

However, an employee of NGC, who spoke on grounds of anonymity, said the company would pay compensation “but let them move out first so that the gas pipeline can go on.”

• YOU HAVE STORIES FOR US? PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07066954441 OR 08123521990

30

35

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

A future they never dreamt of •Continued from page 29 Ms Dokubo, the Executive Director of CREATE, is a former Special Adviser on Youth Matters to ex-Rivers State Governor Dr. Peter Odili.

Odili, while speaking at the ceremony, said these women have shown that the former warlords should not be written off, but encouraged.

The women, according to Ms Dokubo, found themselves in a situation wherea they had no money, no jobs and no assets.

The 50 women were drawn from the Presidential Amnesty Programme and sponsored by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Committee.

CREATE places emphasis on molding lives and crafting the future. It also focuses on training, consulting and advocacy.

CREATE’s certificate and diploma programmes are licensed by the Federal Ministry of Education and accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). CREATE is also included in the brochure of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). In 2008, CREATE was ranked as the best creativity education centre.

The graduation of the 50 women, which took place at The Arena, a highbrow event centre at the new Government Reservation Area (GRA), Port Harcourt, was witnessed by eminent personalities, with the joyous women beautifully dressed and hopeful of a better tomorrow, while the various creative and well-designed items on display during their graduation were made by them.

The CREATE’s executive director said: “All they had were dreams.

Dreams of who they wanted to become, but were afraid to walk the work towards actualising those dreams. All I needed to give birth to great marketable ideas and skills were these dreams and it did not matter to me in what proportion these dreams were: small, medium or big.

“If they dared to dream, I was willing to work with them to ensure they actualise those dreams. My drive is in my conviction that if education is the key to success, then applied skills are the key to sustainable wealth.”

Ms Dokubo said most of the women arrived her academy a year earlier with shattered hopes, but worked hard to redefine and rebuild the hope, their families, businesses and personalities.

She noted that members of the CREATE team also learnt valuable lessons in building trust, understanding and patience, stressing that the fifty women worked extremely hard in the last twelve months, in spite of the fact that they faced various challenges, ranging from family needs to community de-

mands, especially keeping the home front, while being trained.

The executive director said: “Looking at my skilled women, my pride as a Nigerian is heightened, as my faith is rekindled. Hope rises in me, knowing that a pool of women, who will not roam the streets begging and accepting handouts, has been trained.

“The 50 women have beaten all odds, through determination and discipline and are set to not just becoming self reliant, but also becoming employers of labour. I am pleased to inform you all that fifty female entrepreneurs have been created. Fifty employers of labour and wealth creators are here, ready to create their future.”

Ms Dokubo also lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for remaining committed to the development of the nation’s human resource and the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Committee, for placing emphasis on excellence and empowerment of Niger Deltans.

Upon Kuku’s appointment, Ms Dokubo noted that the former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly (Kuku) engaged the services of CREATE and four principal consultants: Ibiba Don-Pedro, a renowned journalist; Hilda Dokubo; Beena Yuodowei and Ebikeduomene Gbafade, with their findings providing the platform for the development of the NGO’s (CREATE’s) course curricula, to meet the learners’ needs, assets and industry requirements.

The executive director, who said nobody should be written off, revealed that in the last three years, members of her team had worked as consultants, evaluators, trainers and mentors, stressing that skills would amount to nothing, without discipline and that training in skills and character makes CREATE different, with the certificates indicating proficiency and character.

The NGO’s programmes focus on women and youths, with the aim of ending poverty, discrimination and bad leadership, employing the use of skills’ training, talents’ enhancement, effective communication, mentoring and advocacy.

CREATE works with the vulnerable, the usually-excluded persons and at risk, but talented young people, in identifying issues, designing and providing interventions, while enhancing human capacity.

The organisation’s strategies for achieving its objectives are hinged on four programmes: street2star project, youth power network, global hands and the academy.

One of the discoveries of the street2star project is Timaya, a popular musician, who is an indigene of Odi in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and now

•A cross section of the graduands

making waves globally.

At CREATE academy, learning is participatory, interactive, experimental and industry based, with a repertoire of highly-reputable professionals, with many years of teaching experience, while the use of acceptable national and international curricula, teaching methods and best practices are employed.

There are three entry points in CREATE: National Innovative Diploma, for students with five credits, including English Language and Literature in English from WAEC or NECO, while the candidate will have a pass in any of the national entrance admission examinations into tertiary institutions (JAMB or Poly JAMB) and the candidate must also pass the school’s entrance examination and audition.

The second entry point is Direct Career, where the student is expected to have at least three years working experience as a performing artiste or media practitioner, with the candidate to have a certificate, diploma or B.A./B.Sc. in related course, but wanting a change of career.

The third is CREATE Certified, which is for a special group. The candidates should also be talented and able to pass all oral and practical entrance examination, but may not necessarily have any basic education or knowledge of the art..

CREATE’s Director of Studies Soki Edmond Dokubo the women have become better individuals in character and learning.

The director of studies said: “I remember vividly, when in their (fifty women’s) first few months of arrival, when most of them were after were their weekly allowances and show of power, which resulted to a lot of misunderstanding between them, when attending classes was more of a punishment than running ten kilometres.

“As time went by, through the grace of God, the Executive Director of the institution and the concerted efforts and dedication of the teaching staff, it is now a different story for the better. We have been able to train our students in Literacy, Personal Development, Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Craftsmanship.

“They are now far better than they came into CREATE. Indeed, we have moulded lives and crafted a positive future, by God’s grace. For in ignorance they came, but in enlightenment, selfreliance and believing in a better tomorrow they are leaving.”

Kuku, who was represented by Mr. Mologe Tamarabebe, described the graduation of the women as laudable and one of the dividends of the amnesty offer to the repentant Niger Delta militants.

Kuku assured that the Amnesty Of-

fice would continue to support CREATE and similar initiatives in the Niger Delta.

The special guest of honour on the occasion, Nimi WalsonJack, a Kalabari from Rivers State and one of the governorship aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noted that the exhibition of items produced by the women confirmed that they were adequately trained.

Walson-Jack, a former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), stated that the problems on the Niger Delta could be solved through empowerment of the people, who would subsequently become employers of labour.

An octogenarian, Madam Mercy Alagoa, from Nembe in Bayelsa State, urged parents •Ms Dokubo and guardians to always show love and encourage their children and wards.

Mrs Alagoa said: “Make sure you youths, adding: “I am very proud of communicate in good English. Teach you.”

As CREATE is planning to move children how to cook. I have trained over 25 known and unknown persons.” from a rented apartment at No. 2A, The fashion expert (Alagoa) also NdahBros Close, Off Trans-Amadi praised Hilda for her immense contri- Road, Port Harcourt, to its world-class butions to the growth and development permanent site in the Rivers State capiof Niger Delta, as well as the training tal, efforts must continue to be made to and empowerment of the women and ensure that the dream does not die.

Day Clark had a change of mind on Uduaghan’s successor

E

LDER statesman Chief Edwin Clark has explained why he believes someone of Ijaw extraction should succeed Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2015.

Clark clarified his position when Dr. Andrew Warri, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in the state visited him at his Abuja home.

The Second Republic minister gave Dr. Warri his blessings, describing him as an exceptional governorship aspirant.

During the short meeting, the host said his guest who is of Ijaw stock, is not only the youngest to seek the office of governor of Delta State, but is also said to be the most credible aspirant with fresh ideas among the numerous candidates vying for the office.

Said Clark, “Yes, I once said it’s not right for President Jonathan as an Ijaw man to be running for re-election as President of Nigeria and still has an Ijaw man to be Governor in Delta State. But today, I hereby declare that there is an exception to the rule, as I found in my son here, Dr. Andrew Foubiri Warri, all the qualities Delta State needs to get to the next level”.

Clark further added: “I give you (Dr Warri) my blessing and God’s guidance to achieve your goal as the next governor of Delta State.”

Dr Warri in his speech said, “I stand for unity because I do not have any political sin, no political enemy and I do not belong to any political block.

So as a consensus candidate, the unity my candidacy will usher in in Delta state is a pre-requisite for sustainable development. We may have our different languages, different tribal marks, different ways of worship and diverse cultural heritage, but I know of a truth these differences are far too small compared to what we have in common. We have a shared destiny as Deltans. The youth, the women and the elders will be carried along in an all-inclusive Government policy. In every major decision, we will revert to you and other elders for guidance direction.

“If you elect me Governor, I will bring the much-needed unity because I represent the link between the Youths and the Elders. I will transform the state in the area of health care delivery including provision of riverine Mobile boat clinics as evidenced by my antecedent. I will connect the villages, towns and urban centres with good road networks including the

•Chief Clark (left) welcoming Dr. Warri

riverine communities. I promise human capacity building, infrastructural development and uninterrupted power supply and industrialisation of the state. Good quality education will be a front burner.”

Drama as Ozolua fed 5, 000 families in Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin

I

T was a purely charity event.

But, since many are used to potential public office seekers engaging in empowerment programme, it was almost mistaken as having political undertone.

Princess Modupe Ozolua, through Body Enhancement Foundation, just chose to touch the lives of the ordinary folks in Owan Local Government of Edo State.

September 25 was the day. The event witnessed a lot of drama which Ozolua never envisaged, but gave her a better understanding of the poverty level in the area.

Prior to the foundation’s arrival for the distribution ceremony, some mischievous people had tried to hijack the programme by announcing to the villagers that a political party was donating the items.

During her speech at the programme in Sabongidda-Ora, Ozolua said she is not a politician, does not belong to any political party and is not interested in running for any political office. She was also clear that the programme was not sponsored by any political party.

Her announcement was received with loud cheers, clapping and dancing by the crowd of over 5,000 men and women.

Ms Ozolua said she only carried the Owan West Local Government Council along since the event was holding in the area.

The ceremony was well attended by traditional rulers and high chiefs from all parts of the local government.

The foundation made a donation of 800 50kg bags of rice, 660 bottles of vegetable oil, 4,000 packs of salt, 2,400 packs of Indomie donated by Dufil Group and medication donated by DANA Group.

Princess Ozolua also announced that the food and drugs scheme was not exclusive to Edo State. The foundation conducts the programme every two months in different parts of Nigeria. The process of selecting the location to go is done by putting names of all the states in a bowl and holding an in-house raffle draw among members of the foundation’s staff.

According to Ms Ozolua, her father was from Sabongidda-Ora and the maiden edition of the food and drugs was held in her local government. She said the foundation would not be returning to Edo again for food donations until all other states have benefited.

Over 5,000 families benefited from the donations. They came from all over the local government.

Ms Ozolua was very active in the distribution and was seen standing on a huge pile of bags of rice with a microphone coordinating the distribution. Each clan came forward with representatives to collect 100 bags of rice, 25 cartons of Indomie, and so on, which they proceeded to share among their people.

Significantly, despite heavy security at the venue, there was a near stampede at the event, a development which shows how hungry and desperate people are.

According to witnesses, all was going smoothly before lack of trust, desperation and hunger turned clan members against one another.

Before long, a row over sharing ratio broke out and fights erupted.

In the struggle for food, men and women tossed one another aside like toys. Women started beating weaker men to take the items from

•Ozolua (middle), with a family with triplets at the event

•People struggling for food items

•Three women fighting over a bag of rice

them. Women abandoned their children in the crowd so they could fight over bottles of oil.

Men punched women as though they were in the

wrestling ring. Women bit men. Old women given bags of rice were waylaid on their way home by young ones and their foods taken away from them.

Heavily expectant women fought men and other women over bags of rice and salt. Bags of rice were ripped with bare hands and people got on their knees struggling to pack rice mixed with sand, stones and grass to take home and cook. It was a sad struggle for survival.

Suddenly, the crowd lunged at the remaining stacks of foods to be donated that were surrounded by members of the foundation and Ms Ozolua. Stacks of rice she was standing on were pulled from under her feet, almost knocking her over. She sustained a cut on her thigh. Her Personal Assistant was knocked flat to the ground. Some of her male employees were thrown over stacks of rice, while others were busy trying to protect her and separate people fighting.

A source said: “The security agents were torn between keeping order and fighting for food! It is said that even when the mob stampeded the food, they were shouting prayers of gratitude for the foundation and its president.”

Eventually, the mob was subdued, distribution continued, and fortunately no one sustained any serious injury. Witnesses said Ms Ozolua and her staff handled the incident professionally and with understanding.

A source said Ms Ozolua at a point laughed and said she was thankful the foundation was able to help those they sought out to help.

“Long before the brief disruption to the distribution process, the physically handicapped, widows, orphans and elderly had received their share of the donations,” said a source.

Although she was shocked at how people fought one another for food, she was not upset because it simply showed there was hunger in the land.

30

35

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

A future they never dreamt of •Continued from page 29 Ms Dokubo, the Executive Director of CREATE, is a former Special Adviser on Youth Matters to ex-Rivers State Governor Dr. Peter Odili.

Odili, while speaking at the ceremony, said these women have shown that the former warlords should not be written off, but encouraged.

The women, according to Ms Dokubo, found themselves in a situation wherea they had no money, no jobs and no assets.

The 50 women were drawn from the Presidential Amnesty Programme and sponsored by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Committee.

CREATE places emphasis on molding lives and crafting the future. It also focuses on training, consulting and advocacy.

CREATE’s certificate and diploma programmes are licensed by the Federal Ministry of Education and accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). CREATE is also included in the brochure of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). In 2008, CREATE was ranked as the best creativity education centre.

The graduation of the 50 women, which took place at The Arena, a highbrow event centre at the new Government Reservation Area (GRA), Port Harcourt, was witnessed by eminent personalities, with the joyous women beautifully dressed and hopeful of a better tomorrow, while the various creative and well-designed items on display during their graduation were made by them.

The CREATE’s executive director said: “All they had were dreams.

Dreams of who they wanted to become, but were afraid to walk the work towards actualising those dreams. All I needed to give birth to great marketable ideas and skills were these dreams and it did not matter to me in what proportion these dreams were: small, medium or big.

“If they dared to dream, I was willing to work with them to ensure they actualise those dreams. My drive is in my conviction that if education is the key to success, then applied skills are the key to sustainable wealth.”

Ms Dokubo said most of the women arrived her academy a year earlier with shattered hopes, but worked hard to redefine and rebuild the hope, their families, businesses and personalities.

She noted that members of the CREATE team also learnt valuable lessons in building trust, understanding and patience, stressing that the fifty women worked extremely hard in the last twelve months, in spite of the fact that they faced various challenges, ranging from family needs to community de-

mands, especially keeping the home front, while being trained.

The executive director said: “Looking at my skilled women, my pride as a Nigerian is heightened, as my faith is rekindled. Hope rises in me, knowing that a pool of women, who will not roam the streets begging and accepting handouts, has been trained.

“The 50 women have beaten all odds, through determination and discipline and are set to not just becoming self reliant, but also becoming employers of labour. I am pleased to inform you all that fifty female entrepreneurs have been created. Fifty employers of labour and wealth creators are here, ready to create their future.”

Ms Dokubo also lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for remaining committed to the development of the nation’s human resource and the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Committee, for placing emphasis on excellence and empowerment of Niger Deltans.

Upon Kuku’s appointment, Ms Dokubo noted that the former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly (Kuku) engaged the services of CREATE and four principal consultants: Ibiba Don-Pedro, a renowned journalist; Hilda Dokubo; Beena Yuodowei and Ebikeduomene Gbafade, with their findings providing the platform for the development of the NGO’s (CREATE’s) course curricula, to meet the learners’ needs, assets and industry requirements.

The executive director, who said nobody should be written off, revealed that in the last three years, members of her team had worked as consultants, evaluators, trainers and mentors, stressing that skills would amount to nothing, without discipline and that training in skills and character makes CREATE different, with the certificates indicating proficiency and character.

The NGO’s programmes focus on women and youths, with the aim of ending poverty, discrimination and bad leadership, employing the use of skills’ training, talents’ enhancement, effective communication, mentoring and advocacy.

CREATE works with the vulnerable, the usually-excluded persons and at risk, but talented young people, in identifying issues, designing and providing interventions, while enhancing human capacity.

The organisation’s strategies for achieving its objectives are hinged on four programmes: street2star project, youth power network, global hands and the academy.

One of the discoveries of the street2star project is Timaya, a popular musician, who is an indigene of Odi in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and now

•A cross section of the graduands

making waves globally.

At CREATE academy, learning is participatory, interactive, experimental and industry based, with a repertoire of highly-reputable professionals, with many years of teaching experience, while the use of acceptable national and international curricula, teaching methods and best practices are employed.

There are three entry points in CREATE: National Innovative Diploma, for students with five credits, including English Language and Literature in English from WAEC or NECO, while the candidate will have a pass in any of the national entrance admission examinations into tertiary institutions (JAMB or Poly JAMB) and the candidate must also pass the school’s entrance examination and audition.

The second entry point is Direct Career, where the student is expected to have at least three years working experience as a performing artiste or media practitioner, with the candidate to have a certificate, diploma or B.A./B.Sc. in related course, but wanting a change of career.

The third is CREATE Certified, which is for a special group. The candidates should also be talented and able to pass all oral and practical entrance examination, but may not necessarily have any basic education or knowledge of the art..

CREATE’s Director of Studies Soki Edmond Dokubo the women have become better individuals in character and learning.

The director of studies said: “I remember vividly, when in their (fifty women’s) first few months of arrival, when most of them were after were their weekly allowances and show of power, which resulted to a lot of misunderstanding between them, when attending classes was more of a punishment than running ten kilometres.

“As time went by, through the grace of God, the Executive Director of the institution and the concerted efforts and dedication of the teaching staff, it is now a different story for the better. We have been able to train our students in Literacy, Personal Development, Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Craftsmanship.

“They are now far better than they came into CREATE. Indeed, we have moulded lives and crafted a positive future, by God’s grace. For in ignorance they came, but in enlightenment, selfreliance and believing in a better tomorrow they are leaving.”

Kuku, who was represented by Mr. Mologe Tamarabebe, described the graduation of the women as laudable and one of the dividends of the amnesty offer to the repentant Niger Delta militants.

Kuku assured that the Amnesty Of-

fice would continue to support CREATE and similar initiatives in the Niger Delta.

The special guest of honour on the occasion, Nimi WalsonJack, a Kalabari from Rivers State and one of the governorship aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noted that the exhibition of items produced by the women confirmed that they were adequately trained.

Walson-Jack, a former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), stated that the problems on the Niger Delta could be solved through empowerment of the people, who would subsequently become employers of labour.

An octogenarian, Madam Mercy Alagoa, from Nembe in Bayelsa State, urged parents •Ms Dokubo and guardians to always show love and encourage their children and wards.

Mrs Alagoa said: “Make sure you youths, adding: “I am very proud of communicate in good English. Teach you.”

As CREATE is planning to move children how to cook. I have trained over 25 known and unknown persons.” from a rented apartment at No. 2A, The fashion expert (Alagoa) also NdahBros Close, Off Trans-Amadi praised Hilda for her immense contri- Road, Port Harcourt, to its world-class butions to the growth and development permanent site in the Rivers State capiof Niger Delta, as well as the training tal, efforts must continue to be made to and empowerment of the women and ensure that the dream does not die.

Day Clark had a change of mind on Uduaghan’s successor

E

LDER statesman Chief Edwin Clark has explained why he believes someone of Ijaw extraction should succeed Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2015.

Clark clarified his position when Dr. Andrew Warri, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in the state visited him at his Abuja home.

The Second Republic minister gave Dr. Warri his blessings, describing him as an exceptional governorship aspirant.

During the short meeting, the host said his guest who is of Ijaw stock, is not only the youngest to seek the office of governor of Delta State, but is also said to be the most credible aspirant with fresh ideas among the numerous candidates vying for the office.

Said Clark, “Yes, I once said it’s not right for President Jonathan as an Ijaw man to be running for re-election as President of Nigeria and still has an Ijaw man to be Governor in Delta State. But today, I hereby declare that there is an exception to the rule, as I found in my son here, Dr. Andrew Foubiri Warri, all the qualities Delta State needs to get to the next level”.

Clark further added: “I give you (Dr Warri) my blessing and God’s guidance to achieve your goal as the next governor of Delta State.”

Dr Warri in his speech said, “I stand for unity because I do not have any political sin, no political enemy and I do not belong to any political block.

So as a consensus candidate, the unity my candidacy will usher in in Delta state is a pre-requisite for sustainable development. We may have our different languages, different tribal marks, different ways of worship and diverse cultural heritage, but I know of a truth these differences are far too small compared to what we have in common. We have a shared destiny as Deltans. The youth, the women and the elders will be carried along in an all-inclusive Government policy. In every major decision, we will revert to you and other elders for guidance direction.

“If you elect me Governor, I will bring the much-needed unity because I represent the link between the Youths and the Elders. I will transform the state in the area of health care delivery including provision of riverine Mobile boat clinics as evidenced by my antecedent. I will connect the villages, towns and urban centres with good road networks including the

•Chief Clark (left) welcoming Dr. Warri

riverine communities. I promise human capacity building, infrastructural development and uninterrupted power supply and industrialisation of the state. Good quality education will be a front burner.”

Drama as Ozolua fed 5, 000 families in Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin

I

T was a purely charity event.

But, since many are used to potential public office seekers engaging in empowerment programme, it was almost mistaken as having political undertone.

Princess Modupe Ozolua, through Body Enhancement Foundation, just chose to touch the lives of the ordinary folks in Owan Local Government of Edo State.

September 25 was the day. The event witnessed a lot of drama which Ozolua never envisaged, but gave her a better understanding of the poverty level in the area.

Prior to the foundation’s arrival for the distribution ceremony, some mischievous people had tried to hijack the programme by announcing to the villagers that a political party was donating the items.

During her speech at the programme in Sabongidda-Ora, Ozolua said she is not a politician, does not belong to any political party and is not interested in running for any political office. She was also clear that the programme was not sponsored by any political party.

Her announcement was received with loud cheers, clapping and dancing by the crowd of over 5,000 men and women.

Ms Ozolua said she only carried the Owan West Local Government Council along since the event was holding in the area.

The ceremony was well attended by traditional rulers and high chiefs from all parts of the local government.

The foundation made a donation of 800 50kg bags of rice, 660 bottles of vegetable oil, 4,000 packs of salt, 2,400 packs of Indomie donated by Dufil Group and medication donated by DANA Group.

Princess Ozolua also announced that the food and drugs scheme was not exclusive to Edo State. The foundation conducts the programme every two months in different parts of Nigeria. The process of selecting the location to go is done by putting names of all the states in a bowl and holding an in-house raffle draw among members of the foundation’s staff.

According to Ms Ozolua, her father was from Sabongidda-Ora and the maiden edition of the food and drugs was held in her local government. She said the foundation would not be returning to Edo again for food donations until all other states have benefited.

Over 5,000 families benefited from the donations. They came from all over the local government.

Ms Ozolua was very active in the distribution and was seen standing on a huge pile of bags of rice with a microphone coordinating the distribution. Each clan came forward with representatives to collect 100 bags of rice, 25 cartons of Indomie, and so on, which they proceeded to share among their people.

Significantly, despite heavy security at the venue, there was a near stampede at the event, a development which shows how hungry and desperate people are.

According to witnesses, all was going smoothly before lack of trust, desperation and hunger turned clan members against one another.

Before long, a row over sharing ratio broke out and fights erupted.

In the struggle for food, men and women tossed one another aside like toys. Women started beating weaker men to take the items from

•Ozolua (middle), with a family with triplets at the event

•People struggling for food items

•Three women fighting over a bag of rice

them. Women abandoned their children in the crowd so they could fight over bottles of oil.

Men punched women as though they were in the

wrestling ring. Women bit men. Old women given bags of rice were waylaid on their way home by young ones and their foods taken away from them.

Heavily expectant women fought men and other women over bags of rice and salt. Bags of rice were ripped with bare hands and people got on their knees struggling to pack rice mixed with sand, stones and grass to take home and cook. It was a sad struggle for survival.

Suddenly, the crowd lunged at the remaining stacks of foods to be donated that were surrounded by members of the foundation and Ms Ozolua. Stacks of rice she was standing on were pulled from under her feet, almost knocking her over. She sustained a cut on her thigh. Her Personal Assistant was knocked flat to the ground. Some of her male employees were thrown over stacks of rice, while others were busy trying to protect her and separate people fighting.

A source said: “The security agents were torn between keeping order and fighting for food! It is said that even when the mob stampeded the food, they were shouting prayers of gratitude for the foundation and its president.”

Eventually, the mob was subdued, distribution continued, and fortunately no one sustained any serious injury. Witnesses said Ms Ozolua and her staff handled the incident professionally and with understanding.

A source said Ms Ozolua at a point laughed and said she was thankful the foundation was able to help those they sought out to help.

“Long before the brief disruption to the distribution process, the physically handicapped, widows, orphans and elderly had received their share of the donations,” said a source.

Although she was shocked at how people fought one another for food, she was not upset because it simply showed there was hunger in the land.

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

31

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Ikwerre buries ‘world’ oldest woman

I

T was a celebration of life at Rumuorlumeni community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state last Saturday as Ikwerre sons and daughter gathered

From Shola O’Neil and Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

to bid farewell to late Mrs Wordu Grace Wamanda, who at a reported

age of 145 years was the oldest surviving woman in Ikwerre land before her death.

Five months ago families and relatives of the Late Mrs. Wordu rolled out the drum to celebrate her record breaking 145th birthday. She had already surpassed the age of any living woman in her clan and the ceremony was marked with fanfare and various traditional and religious rites a day prayers for ageless woman.

However, Niger Delta Report investigation revealed that members of the late woman’s family were unhappy about perceived non-recognition of her feat by both the local and state authorities.

Some elders in Ikwerre land who spoke with our reporter argue that Mrs Wordu was not only the oldest woman in Ikwerre, but in Rivers State and probably in the world.

It was gathered that the debate on whether Mama Grace Wamanda had broken the world record for longevity resurfaced shortly after her death two weeks earlier.

Sources within the family agreed that it was indeed difficult to ascertain the accurate account of her age due to the fact that she had outlived traditional historians and her contemporaries who are the custodians of her family records.

“Most of those who are elders in the various families said they could not give good account of mama because they met her in the family at her old age, that means those who could give a detail account of Mama are no longer living. It is difficult to meet anybody who knew her as a young lady,” a member of the family told our reporter.

Consequently, it was learnt that the age of 145 was unanimously adopted based on the oral accounts of her

younger relatives, who have clocked 100 years and their memories of how older she was based on other historical events such as eclipses and natural events and disasters.

But some of the elder members of the family, especially the women folks maintained that Mama is above 145.

They lamented that the Ikwerre nation had been robbed of record of producing the world’s oldest woman because of lack accurate and verifiable records.

Mrs. Chinyere Nchelem Manuyewhor Wordu, one of the family’s daughters-in-law, who spoke to Niger Delta Report said. “I was married into the family at the age of 25 years with the approval of Mama.

But I met her as a very old woman.

She was already using walking stick; she was very old and today I am above 50 years and we are still taking about 145th as her age it can’t be, mama was more than that.”

Speaking further, Mrs Wordu revealed that longevity ran in the family, recalling that, “Mama’s father died at the age of 130 years. I will say that is part of her family’s grace. Mama was a very nice woman who cared for everyone in the family she took us all like her sons and daughters. She never antagonized anybody to the extent of being push to the wall. She was discipline, courageous and hard working woman.”

Chief Sunday Wahunoro, 88, who is the current head of the family and kindred also averred that the late Mrs Wordu’s age could be over 145, adding that the family merely relied on the fact available to them.

“She is older than the age they calculated because my own mother died at the age of 135 years. Mrs. Grace was among the pioneer member of Evo-nuApara women meeting of

Rumuolumeni in the 70s and 80s. She was the President of Evo-nu-Apara Women’s meeting in Rumuorlumeni and she was a member of Rinya Ohna Rumuorlumeni group.”

Another member of the family, Dr. Agwnu Justice Oduchi, a media consultant said, “Mama should be celebrated as Ikwerre world’s oldest woman, I think it sounds unbelievable to many people but it is rea. The world should know that people in Ikwerre ethnic national are living with the grace of God. If what happen to us was to be other part of the country the news would have been everywhere but here it looks as if we don’t appreciate God. Mama was a peace loving woman she made a lot of sacrifice in pursuing peace in the family and the entire community.”

The Biography of Late Mrs. Wordu, which the family presented to NDR, showed that she had no biological children of her own, but she ‘adopted’ her stepchildren and all the children around her, who she treated with love and care as she would her own children.

Manuyewhor Samuel Wordu, one of those she took as her children said.

“Mama Grace got married as the first wife (Ogbotu) to the Late Chief Wordu Wawhnunoro in Mgbu-Iriata of Rumuorlumeni in Akpor Kingdom.

Mama was very supportive to her husband who was a teacher at the time of their marriage. Despite the fact that the marriage was not blessed with a child, her husband loved her. Being a well groomed woman she understood what friends may say to her husband, so she advised her husband to take another wife on her behalf like Sarah in the bible. The second wife died after giving birth to two children and they became hers.”

Institute kicks off to tackle gap in middle level man power A

FTER being delayed for about a year, the Institute of Technology and Management (ITM) located in Ugep, Yakurr in the central senatorial district of Cross River State has kicked off to the delight of people of the area and the state.

The institution the first of its kind in the country is an extension of the Highbury College, Portsmouth, United Kingdom.

The Polytechnic in Calabar before it was transformed to a university did well to provide much needed middle level manpower to drive the system.

With the polytechnic transforming into the Cross River University of Technology, this appeared to be lost.

The new institute according to the state government intends to restore this and offer much more in terms of quality, especially as it moves towards becoming more industrial.

According to Governor Liyel Imoke, the partnership a partnership with Highbury is to design a demanddriven curriculum for the institution.

He said the curriculum would ensure that its graduates are employable.

He said the state was partnering the college because it is the best vocational institution in the United Kingdom.

The governor said the quality of education in the country has nosedived, thus making it compelling for the kind of partnership the state was entering into with Highbury College if the trend is to be arrested.

The school which offers international standard facilities has just kicked off with about 60 students offering courses in Business Manage-

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

ment and Entrepreneurship, Information Technology and Computer Management as well as Leisure and Tourism.

Rector of the institution, William Pedley, said they decided to kick off with these three courses, because they were not capital intensive in terms of infrastructure. This he said was the first phase of the institution.

Courses such as physics, chemistry and biology, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering and other practical heavy duty automotive courses, he said will commence in September next year, which would be the second phase.

Work on a signature building which would contain all these is on-going, he said.

A third phase would be flexible to introduce courses that would be in line with the demands of the time.

The number of students were limited in this instance because they only had so much facilities to accommodate them. About 150 students were expected but the delay in the opening also affected the situation. When fully operational it would accommodate a maximum of 2000 students.

What made the school unique, Pedely said, is that they are student oriented.

“The students are going to be privileged. They are going to have fantastic student/teacher ratios. Student teacher ratio is never going to be more than one to thirty in any case. Often classes are team taught, so the student/teacher relationship is actually

one to fifteen. So each teacher starts from a group of 15 students that they not only teach but see outside those lectures to deal with personal issues.

Again and every student is going to have a personal learning plan tailored to their personal needs.

“The student is at the heart of everything we do. We only exist here to answer to the needs of these individual students. So whatever they need to be successful, we would provide that for them. We are not just saying, learn this shut up and go away. We want to find out who they are and work with them.

What they are telling me is that this is new in Nigeria. So that is what makes us unique.

“We take students who have the appropriate JAMB scores and we also have an entry test. When people apply for different courses, they don’t necessarily have to get to those courses, because we look at what they are best at. And then when they come we give them further test to check that those scores match their capabilities and if we detect that there are stronger in other areas, then we would talk to them to maybe consider something else. But that depends on the individual.”

He said the institute was implanted with Highbury’s vision and expertise in terms of curriculum delivery. “But of course at the same time we would not be here without Cross River State government and the Yakurr people. So it is a partnership,” he noted.

Saying more about the ITM, he said, “Here we don’t use black boards or chalk boards. What we have here are a series of different rooms

equipped differently according to what we intend to happen in those different rooms. Some are conference rooms for business meeting classes.

They all have IT facilities in them. We have IT laboratories and the teaching is with the use of smart boards. Lecturers with their laptops deliver information through the internet or materials created by the students themselves in association with the lecturers.

“The teachers teach beyond the classroom. Not just theories. It is not monotonous transfer of knowledge.

The primary motivation here is to see your son or daughter acquire skills which are directly transferrable and which would get them a job. When you send them here, they are going to be employable straight away. Also you will know that we would make the most of every individual. We want everybody to pass. We are not here to set impossibly high standards and only a tiny percentage pass. We are going to give them international class qualifications and competencies which should enable them to get a job anywhere in the world. We are going to make the most of the children.

“We certainly intend work with leading companies to provide them with a future workforce. We intend to place the students to work with them on projects and apprenticeships. We also would welcome companies sending us their employees for training and so on. We would be looking to work with major companies to open the doors to our students to show them the real world and what companies need and prove to those companies as

•Mr Pedley

well that if you are looking for people, we have them.”

The coordinator of the project, Prof Patrick Ukaka, said the institute was a manifestation of the vision of the governor to establish a first class, state of the art institution to take vocational training to the next level.

Chairman of the Implementation Committee and former Vice-Chancellor of the Univeristy of Calabar, Prof Ivara Esu, added that the courses include: Business Management and Entrepreneurship; Information Technology and Computer Management; and Leisure and Tourism. He said they were chosen after an industry survey of the state.

He explained that the state was a flagship in tourism, ICT was the order of the day and there was need to pep up the economy through building entrepreneurial studies to emphasise encourage businesses.

32

33

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

•Dickson (left) speaking at the palace of the Regent of Arogbo Kingdom. Listening are his HRH Sofiyea and his wife Mary.

•Duke (middle) speaking during the award night

•Arogbo youths during the Ogele procession

•Nollywood stars and Kuku (right) at the award night

•Eperetei (right) with one of the guest traditional rulers at the event PHOTOS: GEORGE ESIRI

•One of the township concrete-slab road facilitated by Kuku, with street lights

Arogbo-Ibe Day... Ijaw festival of colour, music, dance and talks I

T is day two. Friday was the first day of festivity. Time is some minutes past ten in the morning. It is Saturday, September 27. The speed boat berths at the jetty in Arogbo. It is a five-minute ride from Agadagba. The vegetaion and aura tell you this is simply Niger Delta in Ondo State.

A first time visitor cannot but notice the floating NNPC filling station, which services the needs of boat engines.

An old woman sprinkles water on those willing with palm front. It is said to be a purification exercise for people coming into the town. It makes you clean and whole! Nonindigenes dodge it though.

It is immediately obvious the riverine Ijaw town is in festive mood.

It is the Arogbo Day. Men, women, boys and girls are dressed specially. The town square is extra busy because of visitors that are expected to come in from other Ijaw enclaves in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and so on.

It is soon obvious the town is a typical riverside community: few cars brought in through the sea; houses made of woods; a chunk of modern structures scattered like china wares; and women selling fresh or fried fishes.

Solar-powered street lights line the concrete roads, which only came to be some months ago courtesy of the town’s most influential son, Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku (K3),

For several reasons, including the presence of dignitaries, including Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, Minister of Culture Edem Duke, Amnesty Programme Chairman Kingsley Kuku, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari and Nollywood stars, this year’s ArogboIbe Day will linger in the minds of sons and daughters of the Ijaw town for a long time to come, reports OLUKOREDE YISHAU who is President Goodluck Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Some years back, the nice shoes on feet would have been booths because the roads were marshy then.

The concrete-slab roads are complete with culverts. The jetty also looks better than before. Few Niger Delta communities boast of these infrastructure. It is just unprecedented.

Walls bear allegiance to the fact that the 2015 elections are here. Aspirants’ posters for House of Assembly and sundry positions adorn painted and unpainted walls.

Ijaw songs blare out from giant speakers in a number of outstanding edifices. A floating hotel also supplies music for whoever cares to listen.

In a part of the town, canopies take over sizeable space on a road complete with chairs and a live band.

On another street, hip hop songs blare out of giant speakers, with boys dancing their hearts out.

At the river bank, the boat regatta starts around 1pm. Many gather to look at the regatta teams dressed in native attires singing and dancing

to drums beaten by experienced Arogbo drummers. Women bear their kids to the river bank to witness the colourful display. Traditional rulers are not left out. They are here with their entourage to see the display by the regatta teams.

Cheers break out from time to time when any of the team is seen to have performed spectacularly. The rain comes from time to time. But, the show continues.

The regent and Tarabiritorhu of Arogbo Kingdom, His Highness Amos Sofiyea, takes a break from a programme to bear his mind about the festival. He says it is an opportunity for the people to come together and remember their culture and traditions. He adds that it affords them the opportunity to chart the way forward for the Ijaw Nation.

His words: “It is a great day for Arogbo kingdom and its people. We come together to merry and also display our culture.”

The views of the chairman of the Organising Committee, Kennedy Eperetei, are not so different.

He says:”It is a day for our people to come together for us to remind ourselves about our culture and tra-

ditions. It also affords us the opportunity to meet people we have not seen for a long time.”

It is soon time to talk about the ‘environmental terrorism’ afflicting the Niger Delta. A lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof Didi Moro, gives a lecture on “Nigeria and the Question of Development in Coastal Niger Delta Areas”.

He takes the place of Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari. He has harsh words for the government which, he says, has failed to address the Niger Delta question over the years. He likens the failure to address this question as man’s inhumanity to man.

Moro says efforts to develop the Niger Delta have fallen short of the people’s expectations, adding that interventionist efforts, such as Niger Delta River Basin Authority and the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), have all failed. He urges the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to be more proactive, adding that until the Niger Delta is given its due, development remains a mirage.

He wonders how development will come to the coastal communi-

ties when there are no roads and electricity.

Moro queries why the coastal road that will link Lagos to the coastal areas of the Niger Delta in record time is not receiving the required attention.

The Environmental Biology expert says the people drink water that can harm their health. He adds that diseases, such as cancer, can be contracted by drinking the water in almost all the coastal communities.

Moro also says coastal communities lack tertiary institutions and have to go elsewhere to get educated.

“The Niger Delta has not got its due from anybody. It has suffered enough alienation, enough deprivation and it is time for us to ask for what belongs to us without fear. We must ask for our right. Posterity will not be fair to us if we refuse to ask for our rights,” he concludes.

After the lecture, the rain assume a frightening dimension. It pours on and on. But, the shows continues.

As it rains, speakers react to the points in the lecture. Many dance to the Ijaw band’s rendition. One or two even dance inside the rain as if

daring it to do its worst.

One thing that keeps coming up during the ceremony is Kuku’s name. Speaker after speaker praise him for his efforts in developing the town.

It all appears all has come to an end after the regent gives a closing remark.

Asari’s arrival at some minutes to 5pm increases the tempo of the dance in the rain. Dressed in all white buba and sokoto and white slippers, he participates in the vigorous dance after exchanging pleasantries with a few on the high table and waving at others. His presence seems to encourage more to dare the rain. At this time, the rain means almost nothing again. It can as well go on for all they care. And then music goes on. Dance. Dance. Dance.

And more dance. It seems no end in sight again. Then an all-night show in honour of a late Ijaw music icon, Bozimo, ensures day two rolls into day three, with music and dance and merriment.

Last day The festival’s programme starts at 6am. Not even church can stop many

from basking in the last day’s glory.

The people are not in their Sunday best, but in their ceremonial best.

Like at some point the day before, fireworks boom. You can mistake it for guns booming. It is all part of the celebration.

The ogele procession sees women, men, boys and girls marked with white chalk on their faces and white scarfs on their foreheads circling the town. Others wear blue dresses and tie blue scarfs on their foreheads for the ogele procession. Some just do it with no specific kind of uniform, but with painted face. Another group even adds a band singing Christian hymns to their procession.

The crowd the day before soon becomes a child’s play. Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson arrives with his entourage. Kuku receives them at the jetty and leads them through the water from Agadagba to Arogbo. He visits the palace of the regent and speaks about the Ijaw people.

His words: “This Arogbo day celebration is very unique and I am here to underscore the importance of our culture, the need to continue to strive and uphold our culture and preserve our land. I am happy with

what is happening in Arogbo. I came here to express our appreciation of what Arogbo kingdom is doing, ensuring that the tradition of our land is preserved even in this environment that they have been staying for 100 of years. This is a fast developing community and as I said earlier, Arogbo-Ibe needs more support from all levels of government. “ I shall take it up with my friend and brother, the governor of Ondo state, Governor Olusegun Mimiko and I can assure the people of Arogbo that other government agencies will also come in. There are lots of things that Arogbo-Ibe can do better. There is a lot of determination on their part, a lot of good things are happening here and with what my younger brother, Kingsley Kuku is doing, I believe working with him, I think we can do better. Arogbo-Ibe needs more support and we will surely live up to expectation whenever we are called upon.”

Minister of Culture Edem Duke soon comes in and stays till the night to participate in the award night.

Duke says: “Warm greetings

from President Jonathan who would have loved to be in Arogbo personally but for the 54th independence anniversary church service holding in Abuja today. He wanted me to represent him here not only because I'm the Minister of Culture or because I am going to a territory where tradition has become a lasting heritage of a proud Arogbo Nation. For me, more importantly, it is a home coming because as some of you will know, thirty six years ago, I was a teacher in Ondo State. Therefore, for me to come to this wonderful kingdom and meet these wonderful people and faces, in fact, in the whole of Nigeria, I don't think we can have as many beautiful women as much as I have seen in Arogbo today. I salute the women, mothers and youths. Let me reiterate that the president of the biggest black nation of the face of the earth is an Ijaw man. Upon becoming President, the biggest problem confronting him was solving the problem of the Niger Delta youths and of all the 170 million Nigerians that are resident in Nigeria and over 20 million that are resident outside Nigeria, he found a worthy son from

Arogbo kingdom to perform this onerous task. I think it is a matter of pride to Arogbo. Mr President has equally asked me to tell you people that one of the greatest success this administration has recorded is to have used Kuku to solve the challenges of the Niger Delta. Today, many youths of the Ijaw nation have traveled far and wide to places, such as U.S.A, Japan, Britain, Malaysia courtesy of the Amnesty Office headed by Kingsley Kuku. There is no where on the face of the earth that Kingsley Kuku has not facilitated the visitation of the Niger Delta people. Therefore, it is proper that we celebrate this young man. A man of dignity, courage, passion and a humble Arogbo young man. I salute you on behalf of Nigeria and on behalf of the Mr President on the historic recognition by your community.”

The award night also sees Nollywood stars, such as the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ibinabo Fiberesima, Victor Osuagwu, Patience Ozokwo and others, identifying with the Arogbo people. Ace comedian Julius Agwu also witnesses the event.

By the people’s admission, this year’s festival is one like no other and will forever linger in their memories. But, with a son like Kuku, next year’s festival may even be better. Who knows what magic in terms of infrastructure will be added by then?

34

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT INTERVIEW

‘Cross River’s N40 billion bond not a parting gift’ Cross River State Commissioner for Information Mr Akin Ricketts, in this session with reporters, talks about some controversial issues raging in the state. He speaks on the N40 billion bond floated by the state, which has received so much criticism as well on the concessioning of general hospitals in the state, among others. NICHOLAS KALU was there.

A

LTHOUGH the governor has explained why the state needs the bond there is still a lot of controversy surrounding it. The state government has even been dragged to court over it. What are your thought on this?

I know that bond is in response to our critical financial situation. We have got some projects that are about to be completed. There is a need for us to infuse the resources to bring those projects to completion. That is why those bonds were taken for the betterment and the upliftment of the living standards and livelihood of our people in the state. So for me I would want to advise those who have gone to court or those who do not have a full understanding of the issues at stake to come for further clarification. The bond is premised on good intention for our people. There people that are saying because we are going we want to raise a bond so we can do all sorts of things to accommodate ourselves and all that kind of rubbish. That is not true. I think it is time people start talking. We have projects that need to be funded as at when due so that they would come to conclusion. That is why this bond was raised. You know something, if you are not credit worthy, and if those who are going to accede to this bond don’t have faith in us, I don’t think it will come to fruition. So I want to use this medium also to appeal to our brothers to understand what we are trying to do. It is easy to throw stones from a distance but if you come close to interface with us, the papers are there. We are a very transparent administration. We have a few months to go and so much to do. That is why we are taking this bond. Not as a parting gift to anybody but to accomplish all our very important projects.

So, are you saying this is not a new bond?

We are not taking a new N40 billion bond from the Capital Market as currently being misconstrued by a section of Cross Riverians and the general public. The State government is only approaching the Capital Market for the restructuring and refinancing of a part of an existing commercial banks' loan with bonds.

This option would ease the pressure on the State's cash-inflow, elongate the loan tenor and increase the State's liquidity, to enhance the total completion of •Ricketts some legacy projects of the Governor Liyel Imoke-led administration as well as to service other pressing State financial obligations.

Inspite of the challenges of the State's lean finances and debt obligations, Governor Imoke had for a long time been reluctant to approach the capital market option. The administration's successes in getting AMCON to take over control of stakes in Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort and a part of the State's debt obligations, ignited the new spirit to adopt the option of re-financing the State's outstanding loans through the First Bank of Nigeria Capital Limited.

What Governor Imoke is doing now is very futuristic as the next State administration stands to benefit more from the loan re-structuring and refinancing. More funds will be available to Government to undertake other critical projects with ease. Those harbouring such misgivings should seek clarifications from relevant government officials, rather than rush to hasty conclusions.

Governor Imoke has been one of the most prudent Chief Executive in recent times. Governor Imoke does not indulge in frivolities. He justifies every kobo spent on any project and I am convinced that the re-financing of the loans will do us much good and add value to our overall wellbeing

as a state.

Some are saying it is ill timed, given the few months left for the present administration. Why should it be collected now?

I think I can appreciate where they are coming from, but you see, projects cannot wait just because an administration is on its last spin. We cannot afford to stall these projects. They must come to fruition. Do you know for instance what we stand to benefit when the convention centre is completed.

Over time the state has been clamouring for compensation for Bakassi, and late last year, the federal government reportedly gave about N6 billion to the state and subsequently the state has been getting N400 million monthly since June last year. Now nothing seems to be done and people are worried the money is being diverted. Can you tell us why this is so?

In Cross River State, we do not divert funds. Monies that were received for the purposes of the Bakassi situation are being applied accordingly and that is all I can say at this time in that regards. As far as I am concerned, funds that are being received are being applied.

How are the displaced persons faring?

How would you fare if you are displaced? Of course they would be more comfortable if they are in their natural habitat, but I am sure as a human being we can understand their plight. They were displaced for no fault of theirs and were not really consulted in that regards. But be that as it may, the federal and state governments are doing all they can to make them as comfortable as can be.

The state government recently concessioned public hospitals. Some are saying it is not ethical and that the government is selling of its hospitals. Also many are afraid it would create an unemployment crisis as many workers would be dropped?

The intention of the administration is to ensure our people get effective healthcare delivery. That is the bottom line. These hospitals were not sold as being purported. They were given to professionals to run.

In a layman’s term, they were given to people with capacity to run them. The state would gain two fold. The people would have effective healthcare service. The state itself would benefit from this arrangement. It is a PPP arrangement. We are not in the business of selling what we have built and what we stand for. The interest of the populace is at the mind of the government. These institutions have not been sold. They have only being leased. On the part of the civil servants, the government staff there, it would also enhance their capacity. I want to believe that we have capable hands in the government service. I don’t want to believe that they will be laid off. If you are effective in what you do you will only add value to what there is.

In a few months it will be elections. Is it true some members of the exco, which you are part of, are boxing the governor to a corner to supporting one of you to succeed him?

You amuse me with this question, because I believe all of you know my principal. Is he the kind of man you can box to a corner? I don’t think anyone in the exco has the capacity to box the governor to a corner. He has said over and over that we will all sit down and decide who becomes the next governor of Cross River State. There is no way he can be boxed.

Outrageous electricity bills in Akwa Ibom

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HE Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Power, Dr. Victor Udo, has urged Electricity Consumer Committees in Akwa Ibom State to cooperate with industry stakeholders to sustain the improved power supply across the state.

He spoke when the Chairmen of Electricity Consumers Committee (ECC) from communities across the 3 senatorial districts of the state met with him at his office.

The ECC delegation acknowledged improvements in power supply across the State but they decried the outrageous bills being issued by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).

It was alleged that excessive electricity bills were issued to communities in Uyo, Eket and Ikot Ekpene senatorial districts on a monthly basis.They attributed this to estimated billing and appealed to the SSA on Power for urgent intervention.

The SSA on Power said: “Power is being supplied to communities across the State because transformers have been installed in the various communities along with Low Tension and High Tension lines.

“Since power is being supplied and consumed, an effective billing system needs to be implemented to pay for the energy consumed through proper metering.”

He therefore urged the ECC to cooperate with the Business Managers of PHEDC to implement a more effective revenue collection process.

Dr. Udo appealed to the ECC to discourage members of the community from tampering with power installationsin the communities. He said: “People should not endanger their lives by tampering with power infrastructure in the community.”

The SSA invited the delegation to join the power sector stakeholders meeting held monthly in his office. He urged them to nominate 3 persons to represent each senatorial district at the meeting to work on billing and other power related issues across the state.

Sagbama, Ekeremor defy rain, forego churches for Jonathan, Dickson

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HE rain initially drizzled.

Eventually, it got to a torrential level pounding roofs and drenching whatever and whoever stood in its way. Most people in Sagbama, the local government area of Governor Seriake Dickson in Bayelsa State ran helter-skelter scrambling for shelter.

But many others were not afraid of the rain. They trudged along the streets and roads that criss-crossed the ancient city in search of the venue for the grand endorsement rally organised on Sunday by the Bayelsa West Senatorial District.

The district comprising Ekeremor and Sagbama local government areas organised what it called the mother of all rallies to drum support for President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 and Governor Seriake Dickson in 2016.

The party faithful apparently forego their churches and other worship centres to be counted among persons who gathered at the Sagbama Council Park for the event.

Perhaps viewing the inclement weather as a shower of blessing, the political juggernauts, women of influence, youth leaders and masses from

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

the district trooped to the event centre to take a stand for Jonathan and Dickson.

They danced in the rains. Women dressed in Ijaw wrappers and blouses with headgears to match and different colours of beads hanging round their necks and festooned to their wrists danced in excitement.

The district boasts of many political heavyweights and opinion leaders. Many of them were on parade that day. The Chairman, Ekeremor LGA Restoration Caucus, Chief Thompson Okorotie took the centre stage as one of the brains behind the ceremony.

The former Acting Governor in the state and member of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Nestor Binabo; Governor’s Special Representatives, Sagbama, Mr. Collins Cocodia; his counterpart from Ekeremor, Mr. Pius Jonah and the pioneer state Chairman, PDP, Sir. Charles Dorgu, who is also the Chairman of Sagbama LGA Restoration Caucus, were in attendance.

A member representing Sagbama/ Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Dr. Stella Dorgu who replaced Governor Seriake Dickson in the House of Representatives after his election as governor of the state in 2012 was also there. The chairmen of Ekeremor and Sagbama local government areas, Mr. Billy Tobiyei and Mr. Willy Oyadongha, we’re also present.

It was, indeed, a gathering of whois-who in the senatorial district as the list was endless. The youths swarm like bees around the venue as they held many placards declaring support for their candidates.

Okorotie who is also the Chairman, Organising Committee, Bayelsa West Senatorial District Grand Rally, went spiritual in his address. He said leaders are chosen by God and that the people are divine vessels for the actualisation of God’s will.

“The choice of President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Seriake Dickson are products of God and we are the divine vessels for His purpose.

“During the campaign for the first term of our son, father and leader, we told Nigerians that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan whom we are presenting to

Nigeria is a good product”, he said.

He said Jonathan’s achievements in governance bore eloquent testimony to he veracity of that statement.

He said that President Jonathan had recorded landmark achievements in different sectors of the economy especially in agriculture, education, road infrastructure, investment promotion, railway transportation and power.

He claimed that Jonathan surpassed the achievements of past presidents in all the areas he mentioned. He gave Jonathan kudos in his war against insurgency.

Speaking about Governor Dickson, he said the governor was a special gift to the state just as he described him as a man of uncommon courage and a restoration giant.

He said: “A man who came on board on February 14, 2011 with a development storm that has been persistent, robust and vigorous. In only two and a half years, our son father and leader has achieved much more than has been done by any previous administrations in the state”.

He commended the people of the district for their political sagacity and

vibrancy saying they have always shown such qualities right from their days in the old Rivers State. He said their consistent support to other parts of the state was rewarded by the emergence of Dickson as the governor.

So, the speeches rang on. The Commissioner for Education, Mr. Salo Adikumo, mounted the podium. He said Jonathan and Dickson had performed and deserved a second chance. For instance, he said Dickson had shown strength of character in education and infrastructural revolution.

The former Deputy Governor, Mr. Peremobowei Ebebi; the Paramount Ruler of Ebedebiri Federated Communities, King Anderson Esemokumo and many other speakers took turns to mobilise support for Jonathan and Dickson.

The highpoint of the ceremony was when Okorotie and some leaders mounted the podium and moved a motion endorsing Jonathan and Dickson for a second term. The motion was unanimously supported by everybody in attendance.

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

36

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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IOLATED. Left to bleed. And now at the mercy of a son. These are my take aways from Arogbo-Ibe, the headquarters of the Ijaw in Ondo State.

Until my visit to this community last weekend, I had always resisted the classification of any part of the Southwest as Niger Delta. For me, oil should not be a criteria for defining where is Niger Delta and where is not. I just refused to see Ondo as Niger Delta. Arogbo changed my mind. The vegatation, the aura, the language, the food, the mannerism, the dress code and the difficult terrain in Arogbo bear no semblance to other parts of Ondo State. Once you enter Agadagba, which is the upland part of the Ijawspeaking area of Ondo State, you just have this feeling that you are in the Niger Delta.

The people eat a lot of fresh fishes they get from the water after dipping their hooks. They swim like feral beings and have mastered the art of dodging crocodiles and other dangerous beings in the water. They love their shrimps, tilapias and croaker.

Like their kinsmen in the Southsouth, the people of Arogbo led simple life. Comfort simply meant having a roof, good fishes and the very basic necesities of life. They did not want too much. Living on water was comfort to them.

The story of Arogbo and other Ijaw enclaves scattered in the Southsouth geopolitical zones changed when Europeans mistakenly stumbled on many coastal communities. They came with guns and the Bible. The people had to choose between the two. Despite all the gods they were worshipping, they had no antidote that could suppress the powers of the long guns and pistles of the whiteman. So, they chose the Bible. Somehow they also did not forget their gods, even though they could not help them get rid of the whiteman.

In no time, the whiteman established companies. First they were just interested in trading.

Trade by barter was very common then. Slaves were exchanged for ephemeral things, such as mirror. The story got messsier when oil was discovered. The drillers were moved in and happiness was moved out. The people first smiled thinking oil meant blessing. It did not take time before they knew it was a curse. Waterways became polluted; farms became barren; and in no time, they had water, water everywhere but none to drink. They landlords became slaves.

Independence soon came for Nigeria in which the Ijaw nation occupies the fourth position in terms of population. It did not improve their lot.

Enter the late Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, who lived between September 10, 1938 and May 9, 1968. He was fondly called Boro and was a celebrated Niger Delta nationalist. He later became a Nigerian civil war hero. He was the pioneer of minority rights activism in Nigeria. He led a twelve-day revolution (through his Niger Delta Volunteer Force, an armed militia with members mainly Ijaw men) seeking better life for the people of the Niger Delta and earned a jail term

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

‘

We are not taking a new N40 billion bond from the Capital Market as being misconstrued by a section of Cross Riverians and the general public. The government is only approaching the Capital Market for the restructuring and refinancing of a part of an existing commercial banks' loan with bonds __

‘

Cross River Information Commissioner Akin Ricketts

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people and matters

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

Arogbo and Niger Delta

‘

Arogbo and other parts of the Niger Delta will be better for it if all play their roles with the fear of God. All those with obligations to the NDDC, such as the Federal Government, Southsouth state governments, Southsouth local government areas and the oil giants, should fulfil them. Before that is done, the little the commission has should be used for deprived communities, such as Arogbo. Then, life can begin to be better for all •Arogbo regent, HRH Amos Sofiyea

from the Gen. Yakubu Gowon administration.

He was freed on the eve of the civil war and made a Major in the Army. I met a classmate of his in Arogbo and he had nice things to say about him.

Like this classmate, he would have been alive had death not come in mysterious circumstances in 1968 at Ogu (near Okrika) in Rivers State. The late Ken Saro-Wiwa saw him as an inspiration.

Unlike Boro, Saro-Wiwa's agitation was all about intellectual militiasm.

Boro gave an insight into his life in his autobiography, The Twelve-Day Revolution. He wrote: "I am reliably informed that I was born at the zero hour of twelve midnight on 10 September 1938, in the oil town of Oloibiri along humid creeks of the Niger Delta. My father was the

LAST WORD

‘

headmaster of the only mission school there.

Before I was old enough to know my surroundings, I was already in a city called Port Harcourt where my father was again the headmaster of another mission school. This was in the early forties. The next environment where I found myself was in my home town, Kaiama. My father had been sent there to head a school yet again."

Arogbo's most influential son, Kingsley Kuku who deserves the credit for the few good things in the town, such as concrete-slab roads, drainages and solar-powered street lights, adores Boro and has been involved in keeping his memory alive. Early this year, Kuku, in his capacity as the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Amnesty

Programme, inaugurated the Isaac Boro Energy Training College in Grenoble, France. It is a collaboration between the Federal Government and Schneider Electric. It has trained many ex-militants.

This is what Kuku said about Boro at the inauguration of the centre: "While he was alive, Major Isaac Adaka Boro showed direction to our people. He remains a legend who showed light to the people. Boro fought for a unified Nigeria during the very unfortunate Nigerian civil war and died in the process and it is only fitting that he is duly immortalised with a befitting edifice that will aid all efforts to bring light, development and progress to not just his beloved Niger Delta but Nigeria as a whole. Wherever he may be today, I know, Major Isaac Adaka Boro will be very happy with us all."

Boro may be happy, but certainly not fully happy. There are still many holes unplugged in Arogbo and many Ijaw communities. There are still gaps begging to be filled in the Niger Delta.

Show me anyone in the Niger Delta who believes the region has got its due and I don't need to search further for a liar.

If only the Willink Commmission report had been implemented, if only the Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission (OMPADEC) and other intervention efforts had been implemented sincerely, the story could have been different. I dare say the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has not done much. It has also not got all it is entitled to from government and other stakeholders. But the token it has got has also been wasted. Largely.

We all remeber the millions an ex-chairman of the board wasted on a juju priest. How can we forget the insider abuses in which contractors were encouraged by people within to sue the commision just for the purpose of extorting money through out-of-court settlement? As at the last time I checked, the commission had over 400 court cases pending. Or have we forgotten instances where money was spent on projects with no direct bearing on the lives of the people?

What on earth was NDDC doing renovating Port Harcourt Club and commissioning a study on the generation of electric power from gully erosion sites? How can we forget that the quality of some of the infrastructure projects fall below acceptable standards?

In the commission, contracts, we are told, were awarded with no design and no specific location but with the sole purpose of collecting advance payments. I will rest my case with my final take: Arogbo and other parts of the Niger Delta will be better for it if all play their roles with the fear of God. All those with obligations to the NDDC, such as the Federal Government, Southsouth state governments, Southsouth local government areas and the oil giants, should fulfil them. Before that is done, the little the commission has should be used for deprived communities, such as Arogbo. Then, life can begin to be better for all.

BY KAZEEM IBRAHYM

Who will hear the cry of Oron traders?

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HEIR market remains closed. Now, the road has become outlet to display their wares, mainly fishes and crayfish. This is the fate of the Assang Crayfish Market in Oron, Akwa Ibom State. They blamed the Navy for their woes.

The market is just by the Oron beach and it is the economic nerve centre of Oro nation. It also surrounded by the office of the National Commission for Museum and Monuments. Crisis is brewing between the traders and the security operatives following the closure of the crayfish market.

Not only the market was affected, even those in the business of water transport are currently counting their losses as their boats are not allowed to berth at the Oron beach.

According to the Family Head of Idua Assang in Oron, where the Beach Market is located, Obong Edet Ekpong, the occupation of Oron waters by the Navy began on September 9, after a Navy official travelling from Oron to Calabar by boat was attacked and probably killed by sea pirates.

Ekpong said: "I was in my house that morning when we learnt that the pirates attacked the boat conveying the naval official and took him away. I don't know if he was killed but the driver of the boat jumped into water and escaped. Since then, we have not known peace."

The chief explained that after the attack

on the boat conveying the Naval officer, Navy official arrived at the market shooting sporadically into the air while stopping all forms of business in the market and at the beach.

He added: "We cannot be made to suffer for the failure of the security agencies and government of the day. This beach is the only source of livelihood of our people. So, we challenge the Navy to go and arrest the pirates and allow us do our business in peace. When our people were killed nobody did anything about it."

The traders claimed that after the closure of the market, they lodged complaint with the local government chairman Omar Esin but he has failed to come to the rescue of the traders by looking into the matter.

"For instance during last week market, some of our people displayed their fish, crayfish and other items on the road, but we were not fortunate to conclude the business peacefully as rain came to destroy the goods.

Those of us who have frozen food lost everything completely; so this is very sad and we want government at all levels to intervene so that we can continue our business."

The traders lamented.

The traders urged government not to neglect the pirates attack because in their view the pirates are stealing so much money and could use that to acquire guns to attack the

country.

One of the traders said: "Don't forget that not too long ago the pirates attacked the Police Marine Headquarters in Oron, carts away all the weapons and up till date no single ammunition has been recovered. This was how Boko Haram started and it was neglected. If this pirates who are cultists continue like this they may have so much money to buy weapons, train more cultists and become a threat to security in Nigeria."

When contacted, the Commander of the NNS-Jubilee, Commodore Joel Ogazi, declined to comment on the development, but directed our correspondent to visit him in the office.

He said: "If you want to ask me anything about Oron. Please, come to my office."

One of the traders, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, condemned the Navy for the untold hardship.

A source alleged that: "Initially, some people who claimed to be Navy personnel agents asked us to pay between N1, 000 and N500 because they had orders to give the Navy personnel N200, 000 if they would allow us to do business there. We paid the money and we were allowed to stay last week but this week they stopped us again."

The traders’ prayer is simply: allow us use the market withour fear or favour. It is not too much to ask.

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

37

PTV wins mobile phones dealer award

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EACE Tiding Ventures (PTV) Ltd, has won the mobile phones dealer award category at the recently held Nigerian Telecoms Award. The award, according to Secretary-General of the Nigerian Telecom Award, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, was in recognition of PTV’s strength in building a strong and virile company. This was also evident in the course of market monitoring, product usage and emotive/value interest seen in every aspect of social strata.

The Chief Executive Officer, PTV Ltd, Mr. Banji Adesanmi said the award is a further attestation to the company’s strategic business goal. This is based on the recent re-engineering, which led to the diversification of business for the company. Adesanmi said PTV has evolved from a cell phone marketing company to a full technology and electronics company leveraging its unique offerings to deepen brand equity. PTV strives to provide quality and genuine phones to meet the needs of Nigerian consumers.

PTV, according to him, is leveraging its competencies and capabilities to gain strategic advantage in the market place.

By Tonia ‘Diyan

The PTV franchise network recently unveiled is also an avenue to develop entrepreneurial abilities amongst Nigerians and expand business opportunities for PTV. Meanwhile, integrity has been described as basic fundamental to succeed in business.

Without integrity, an entrepreneur cannot go far in life. The Chief Executive Officer, PTV Ltd, Mr. Banji Adesanmi said this during the PTV franchise conference. Adesanmi said the company has consistently focused on integrity, quality and value for 14 years of business operations.

PTV according to him has been a reputable player in the nations ICT sector as it metmorphosed into a full fleged one stop ICT company.

Adesanmi, who unveiled the mechanics of the PTV brand to the participants, said integrity was paramount and it explained the reason why the brand was looking for trustworthy entrepreneurs to expand its retail channels network.

He emphasised that PTV has ensured that the process and structure for the franchise business model are well through-

•From left: Senior Manager, Accenture, Mr. Tunde Adebola; Chief Executive Officer, Peace Tiding Venture (PTV) Ltd, Mr. Banji Adesanmi and PTV Chief Consulting Officer, Mr. Patrick Egbulife during the maiden Franchise Conference organised by PTV held at Ikeja, Lagos.

out to achieve desired results.

PTV, according to him, adopted the franchise business model in order to expand its business from wholesale to complete retail environment Pan Nigeria.

The franchise will enable the entrepreneurs carry out specific commercial sales regarding PTV products. It is an important strategy to increases

share of business in the market.

The franchise network will afford the franchisees to retail quality phone, ICT and electronic brands. The Senior Manager, Accenture, Mr. Tunde Adebola said franchising is a business model where many owners share a single brand name. He said franchise can work in Nigeria as the oppor-

tunities about in all sectors of economy. He urged all aspiring entrepreneurs to make it work due to its enormous benefits. It is the responsibility of the franchises to tap into the business model appropriately in order to grow their business. PTV, according to him has a good track record as a reputable business which entrepreneurs can leverage on.

Drinks.ng records 105% profit IGERIA’S first one-stop shop for beverages and alcoholic drinks: www.drinks.ng has said that it has recorded a 100 per cent growth within one year of operation.

Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Drinks.ng, Lanre Akinlagun stated this while speaking on the logistics of the online drinks’ portal and the state of e-commerce in Nigeria.

According to him, “we have generated over N65 million in online sales alone so far this year.

This represents about 105 per cent of our growth and the festive period is yet to come. This has been achieved through key partnerships with the likes of Diageo, Guinness, Pernod Ricard

N

By Lucas Ajanaku

and Moet Hennessy. Our next day delivery service has also proved popular with consumers”.

Akinlagun explained that Drinks.ng is an innovative techsolution, which helps beverage owners who are introducing new drinks to the market; giving them easy and accessible platform to market their products and facilitate visibility to a large number of people all at once.

“We have also provided a platform which offers consumers an easy way to find transparency while searching for products.

People may know of many different drinks, but they don’t know their prices or where they

can buy these products. With Drinks.ng, you don’t need to worry about that. You just let us know what you want and they will deliver it for you,” he said.

Explaining further: “The opportunity is really there for all the three tiers of the beverage and alcohol business. The consumers are given an accessible way to make choices from a variety of products. We have over 1,300 drinks and they get to make their selections from an exhaustive list of all of categories.

“On the other hand, the manufacturers and the importers are given an opportunity to display their products in the biggest arena, where more

•Marketing Manager of Ikeja City Mall, Eniola Ositelu with winners of raffle draw at the just concluded Independence event held inside the Mall on Wednesday

people can see them. If you go to the market, the problem that you have is that everybody displays the common drinks, the ones that they think everyone wants. These include the likes of Red Label, Hennessy, Jack Daniels, Remy Martins etc. The smaller and obscure drinks are not seen, and that is where we come in. So, the opportunity is really a partnership between the manufacturers, importers, and also a social agreement between us and the consumers, to help them get what they want.”

Akinlagun said the opportunity in the online drinks market is huge as its value runs into billions of dollars, adding that with the necessary support, e-commerce should ac-

quire a reasonable stake of the industry.

“The complete value of the beverage industry in Nigeria is $12.8 billion a year. The alcohol industry alone is about $5.9 billion and the soft drinks industry is about $3.8 billion. The sky is the limit for e-commerce’s stake in the industry. On our part, we have a target within our first five years of business which we hope to gain between one and five per cent. We can’t say for sure until we try. The industry is very fragmented and we are focusing on consolidation, ease of purchasing and delivery. Once we can consolidate that fragmentation, we will see how we can proceed then,” he said.

•The Independence cake at Ikeja City Mall on Wednesday

38

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

AGRICBUSINESS

e-mail: agrobusiness@thenationonlineng.net

Nurturing the next generation of agro exporters J

ERIEDAYARO Uwheraka, Chief Executive, Frijay Consult Inc, is an agro exporter. She began her exports business in 2005, with smoked fish production.

She later grew a variety of vegetable crops for export.

Today, Mrs Uwheraka has turned vegetable export into a multi-million naira business. As a profitable venture, some Nigerians are taking up vegetable export as business.

In Lagos, alone, vegetables and other agro exports have transformed the standard of living of many entrepreneurs who depend on staple crops for food and income.

Uwheraka‘s experience is an example of how export is improving the income and productivity of small farmers. Every week, tonnes of vegetables are dispatched for export to Europe and the United States. Farmers diligence and timely harvestm help to produce premium crops of high quality.

Vegetables have generated higher and more reliable profits than staple crops. The profits from the exports, according to these farmers, have helped them to solve their financial needs including payment for their children’s education and medical bills. Some said they have built houses and made a number of investments in their farms.

Uwheraka explained that vegetables and horticultural production is cumbersome especially when done for the export market. Strict international standards relating to vegetables and agro exports, she said, compounds the challenges.

For this reason, she said small farmers have to learn how to produce specific crops in accordance with international best practices.

The concern of the Lagos State government is that there are very few smallholders involved in the nation’s fruit and vegetable exports.

Besides, very few smallholders are experienced in growing vegetables and horticultural crops for exports.

A lot of them don’t know how to meet the requirements of exporters.

Addressing a stakeholders workshop on agricultural produce export organised by the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, its Programme Manager, Mr. Kayode Ashafa said Kenyan vegetables and horticultural exports are cited as a success story in African agriculture when Nigerian farmers can do better . With the natural potential of the land to support cultivation of exportable fruit and vegetable, Nigerians can do better, he said.

He said that in Kenya, vegetables and horticulture export is a big business with produce transported overnight in aircraft to reach Europe in the morning.

His account describes the serial feats of coordination, discipline, productivity and manual labour, which make Kenyan horticulture competitive in global markets.

Many of the lessons of Kenyan agro exports success can be applied here, he said.

For him, Nigeria has an advantage because fruits and vegetables can be grown on a wide range of different types of conditions, from small farms with less than two hectares using family labour to largescalecommercial farms with over 100 hectares and advanced technology.

He observed that the number of smallholders producing for export is relatively small, adding that Lagos State is ready to support more farmers to explore the Euro-

A strong agro exports sector has both economic and social benefits. For this reason, stakeholders met in Lagos to discuss ways to boost farmers’ income through agro exports.

DANIEL ESSIET reports.

• Agro produce.

pean markets.

According to him, agro exports is an industry that if well developed can transform the livelihoods of rural populations in Lagos.

His conviction is based on the fact that flowers, fruit and vegetables from Africa occupy a big place in Europe and the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of small farmers could be transformed by their hard-won stake in a such emerging global trade.

He believes that thousands of farming families can been lifted out of poverty if Lagos emerged as a major player in the booming world trade in high-qualitycut flowers, vegetables and agro exports.

According to him, Lagos State has a strong long-term interest in ensuring that agro exporters meet international standards by playing a pivotal role in supporting the growth of the export industry, and enabling local companies and producing households to sell the ever increasing volumes of agro exports abroad. To achieve that objective, he said the state would want farmers to increase production of high value produce but added that such activity should be done in full respect of the environment.

He highlighted the challenges of the local export sector, which include: insufficient understanding of the domestic and international markets; logistical issues; and technical challenges such as application of new varieties.

According to him, exports to highly demanding markets where insistence on high-quality is paramount, have increased worldwide. He reiterated the readiness of the government to work with stakeholders to develop an export strategy that will benefit stakeholders across the sector, assist local farmers develop top-quality produce; improve support services - such as customs, quarantines, quality inspection, cooling systems, air and rail transportation and establishing a core group of model farmers and firms.

Ashafa said the state wants to work with stakeholders to map out the next phase of the industry’s development. This involves finding ways to overcome several new challenges.

He said the state government is ready to train smallholders who can produce a reliable supply of fresh vegetables to meet the stringent quality standards and short inventory period of supermarkets in Europe.

Ashafa stressed the need for small farmers to increase their bargaining position by organising themselves through groups.

Farming groups enable smallholders to negotiate with a single voice, improving their bargaining position, he added. If one exporter does not offer a fair price, they can try another. Exporters negotiate directly with farming groups to agree on the exact quantities farmers will pro-

duce and the price per kilo.

According to The Technical Adviser, Operations (Value Chain) Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Toyin Adetunji, the market opportunities offered growers by the European and United States buyers are some of the most financially attractive but most exacting. However, to access the opportunity requires compliance with a strict regulatory framework of measures designed to ensure human and plant health. The measures, she noted, goes beyond the international requirements set under the sanitary phytosanitary and technical barriers to trade agreements.

Mrs Adetunji said many farmers are ill-equipped to take advantage of the opportunities provided by export trade. These include weak infrastructure, lack of capacity and the inability to meet technical product specifications and stringent requirements in terms of quality, safety, health and the environment. These impede their integration into global markets.

She said farmers and agro exporters need to enhance compliance with technical standards to heighten consumer confidence and gain access to regional and global value chains.

With the globalisation of production, supply and retailer chains, Adetunji noted that ensuring the safety and quality of agro produce is vital. Recent health concerns arising from bo-

Nigeria has an advantage because fruits and vegetables can be grown on a wide range of different types of conditions, from small farms with less than two hectares using family labour to largescalecommercial farms with over 100 hectares and advanced technology.

vine diseases, bird flu and various toxins entering the food chain, have led to stringent standards and conformity procedures, particularly in the area of agrofood exports.

According to her, exporting countries must acquire the capability to conform to requirements in terms of quality, safety, health and the environment if they are to participate fully in global markets.

Adetunji said developing business in agro commodities represents great potential for growth and employment. The challenge, she noted, however, lies in effective and efficient exporting to the right markets. Capacity building, she stressed, is required along the value chain, from production to export.

She said challenges are principally operational and practical.

The importers want produce delivered in the agreed quality, quantity and price, on time, and to the agreed destination. These requirements have become more complex for producers and exporters over time and they now face additional criteria.

Domestic challenges for producers include insufficient infrastructure from roads to collection centres, to packing houses and insufficient access to finance. The main difficulties lie with the quality and scarcity of inputs, postharvest techniques, and pest control, with fruit fly control requiring effective regional cooperation.

She said while farmers have shown increasing interest in exploring opportunities in the export markets, it is important, they be encouraged to deepen their understanding of issues that characterise specific market demands.

She said exporters have very specific quality requirements for crops variety and so farmers need to work hard to meet international expectations.

She stressed the need to have agronomists to provide on-farm training to help smallholders to meet international norms.

The technical standards apply to processors and the rest of the food supply chain to farmers.

Adetunji said that there are significant costs to be borne for such market access and these are usually paid by the supply chain participants.

On the whole, it makes sense for more Nigerians to grow crops for export, she said but noted that farmers have to be trained in good agricultural practices, adapting their farming methods to European standards.

The Head, Component Rural Institution Development, Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, Mrs Eunice Adewale said the authority was established to improve agricultural productivity, increase the standard of living of farmers and promote sustainable food production in a healthy environment through efficient extension service delivery.

According to her, the technical service component of the authority links with research institute and universities for improved technologies on crop protection, livestock, fisheries, farm mechanisation, agro processing and women in agriculture for value addition.

She said the Lagos State Government is ready to work with farmers to boost exports but want them to register with the cooperative department of the Ministry of Agriculture.

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

AGRICBUSINESS Plant breeders to boost Africa’s indigenous crops

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WO hundred and fifty plant breeders from different African countries are currently at the newly opened African Plant Breeding Academy in Nairobi, Kenya, to examine the nutritional and productivity levels of about a hundred African crops.

Upon completion of the project, which is set to last five years, these breeders will be able to advise smallholder farmers in their respective countries on the crops with high yields and nutrition.

Crop yields and nutrition are boosted when farmers cultivate the right crops, says HowardYana Shapiro, an assistant professor at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of California–Davis, US, which is involved in this project. “What we are trying to do is help correct the lack of nutritional content in many indigenous African food crops.”

Under the umbrella of the African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC), the University of California is collaborating with the African Union through the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), the International Livestock Research Institute, the World Agroforestry Center and others to implement this high-tech initiative.

The consortium launched the plant-breeding academy, the first of its kind in Africa, last December. Ngozi Abu, one of the trainees and also a senior lecturer in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology at the University of Nigeria, emphasises that African researchers should take the lead in research on African crops. Only African scientists or those working in Africa know the desires of African farmers and consumers, she said. Ms. Abu believes thatAfrican crops such as “cocoyam and plantains could become the nutritious crops of the world tomorrow.”

The 250 plant breeders will use new equipment and techniques to “genetically sequence, assemble and annotate the genomes” of the hundred African crops, explains Margaret Kroma, an assistant director general at the World Agroforestry Centre. It’s about getting the DNA of crops, Allen Van Deynze of the University of California Seed Biotechnology Center told Africa Renewal in an interview. He maintains that if breeders understand the DNA of crops, farmers could even get information on crops with strong resistance to climate change, in addition to being able to select those with higher nutritional content and yields.

Throwing his weight behind the academy, Ibrahim Mayaki, the head of the NEPAD, says, “Malnutrition is a direct product of food insecurity. A large number of Africans suffer deficiencies of micronutrients such as minerals, iron and vitamin A, with devastating effect on the population.” According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), malnutrition is responsible for more than half of child deaths in developing countries.

Deynze likened this initiative to using a smart cell phone instead of an analogue landline phone. African breeders will “take advantage of the latest technologies to rapidly advance development of crops that are important to African diets and health,” he says, adding that farmers easily double their yields when they plant the right seeds.

One of the first crops to be examined is the baobab. The fruit can be made into a powder for consumer products. Agricultural scientists refer to the baobab as a “wonder tree” because it has 10 times the antioxidants of oranges, twice the calcium of spinach, three times the vitamin C of oranges and four times the potassium of bananas.

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Govt urged to support sugar producers to end import

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ONSULTANT to the World Bank, Prof Abel Ogunwale, has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to implement the national sugar master plan to end importation of the commodity.

Speaking with The Nation, Ogunwale said, the sector is still under-performing in terms of meeting the needs of the country.

Consequently, sugar is still imported into the country.

According to him, the development and performance of the sugar sector is constrained by many factors, which include weak technical capacity, poor market mechanisms, insufficient capital investment and low utilisation of innovations.

In response to these , he said the

Stories by Daniel Essiet

government has announced some interventions within the master plan.

According to him, the government needs to reform the incentives regime and encourage Nigerians to get into sugar exports with the prospect of becoming an important hard currency earner.

He said government support would enable sugar industries to expand their production by importing machinery and repair parts, which play a significant role in boosting production.

As the nation is expected to up sugar production, he called for reforms to create a freer sugar market.

The initiative, he stressed , should be implemented to boost capacity

for community-based production of sugar cane.

He called on the government to provide fund to to enhance its capacity to develop resources for sugar cane research and development.

The solutions, he added should be multi-pronged to address poverty alleviation and private sector interests.

Ogunwale urged government to reduce import to motivate local farmers to increase the cultivation of sugar cane and boost annual production volume.

According to him, sugarcane can become a leading sector in terms of exports and share of gross domestic product (GDP) and that Nigeria has the potential to grow sugarcane tremendously.

Nigeria may not double cocoa output by next year, IGERIA may not be on track were unable to spray their pods. says expert to increase cocoa output to No official figures for the 2013/2014

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500,000 tonnes next year,the Chief Executive, Centre for Cocoa Initiative, Mr Robo Adhuze, has said.

This follows the inability of farmers to receive enough higher-yielding seeds, low level of rejuvenation of old farms and poor improvements in agricultural practices.

Though heavy rainfall and poor sunshine have been reported across cocoa-growing region of the country, Adhuze said this may not affect farmers.

His concern, however is lack of enough inputs to boost local production.

Reports said earlier that farmers are getting increasingly worried about bean quality and black pod disease

in the wake of heavier rains. Besides preventing mould, sunny weather is also needed for bigger bean size.

Farmgate prices in Cross Rivers has fallen around eight per cent to 440,000 naira ($2,700) per tonne compared with 480,000 naira at the end of July due to mould with levels as high as 18-21 per cent, compared with the three per cent that is considered acceptable. The Cross River region produces about 75,000 tons of cocoa annually, out of a national output of 300,000 tonnes.

The Cocoa Association of Nigeria noted that farmers had put off the harvest to September and that heavy rains had brought fungal black pod disease, because farmers

cocoa output have been released. The International Cocoa Organisation has estimated the 2013/14 crop at 250,000 tonnes. Cocoa exports from Nigeria rose 41 per cent to 8,990 tons in July compared with a month earlier, the nation’s Federal Produce Inspection Service, which certifies exports noted.

The Cocoa Research Institute [CRI] said The Nation is on track to increase cocoa output to 500,000 tonnes next year after distribution of new, higheryielding seeds, rejuvenation of old farms and improvements in agricultural practices. In 2012, the government announced plans to double output by 2015 from 250,000 tonnes in an effort to diversify exports away from oil.

‘Pest arrivals a concern for agriculture’

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UNDREDS of unwanted pests making it into the country as a result of climate change could present an unacceptable risk to farming, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof Abiodun Adeloye has said .

According to him, the nation’s agriculture could be crawling with pests and diseases introduced from other countries.

Approximately 500 insects are serious pests in crops and millions of naira are be lost annually, in part, from lost crop production and greater management expenses that often follow pest invasion.

Recognising the risks posed by pests, the don stressed the need for stiff regulation of trade to limit new arrivals.

According to him, pests such as insects, snakes, frogs and spiders made it through border checks each year.

Adeloye said any lax security could potentially be disastrous to the agriculture industry.

With climate change and insects migration across the borders, the don said Nigeria could become a breeding ground for invading pests, which could be disastrous for the ecosystem.

He said staff at borders has to work hard to try to weed out unwanted pests, but passengers also needed to do their part by declaring risk items at borders.

The problem of alien or exotic species, he noted, borders on their costs to agriculture, forestry, and industry. The price they exert on the nation’s forests, grasslands,

and waterways, however, is at least as great.

Containing these invasions, he said, requires shared commitment and action,calling for prompt attention and action to safeguard nation’s agricultural sector.

The potential impact of insects, on native plants, animals, watersheds, and farmlands, according to him, are enormous. He said the ministry needs vigilant inspectors to watch them before they escape into the wild.

Raising public awareness and concern about the problem on plants and animals, he noted, would help state and federal agencies to deal effectively with the issue.

According to him, the sector needs a good public service that uses education and social network research to ensure that farmers are supported to learn from an evidence-based source.

He noted that it takes a long time for farmers to adopt new technologies and that they require complex changes to their farm systems, which requires understanding of the science behind them.

He explained that extension officers are providers of advice to farmers.

He said the way to improve the uptake of new technologies is to make use of extension officers to ensure farmers access information that can make them better farmers.

He said farmers must use up-todate research to make the stepchange and meet profitability targets set by the industry.

Biotechnology Society of Nigeria honoured the Director, African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE), Professor Diran Makinde with a Biotechnology Achievers’ Award. Picture shows (left) the Commissioner for Science and Technology of Kaduna State, Dr David Audu Chatjok presenting the plaque to Makinde during the society’s conference in Kaduna.

Govt approves introduction of new fertiliser input

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HE Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has approved the introduction of Urea Super Granule (USG) fertilisers as one of the agro-inputs to be distributed under the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme.

According to the Communications Coordinator, the International Fertilizer Distribution Centre (IFDC), Mrs. Feyikemi Adurogbanga, the new fertilizer input will be distributed in Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Niger, and Sokoto on a pilot base.

She said the technology, which is mainly practiced under irrigated system enables farmers to minimize production costs, use less quantity of fertilizer, increase yield and reduces runoff and volatilization rate of urea.

“The urea briquettes are produced

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

using briquetting machines. USAIDMARKETS II project is partnering with the Federal Government to increase awareness and develop a robust market demand for the UDP technology amongst smallholder farmers.

“The USG fertilizer is a component of the Urea Deep Placement (UDP) technology introduced in Nigeria by IFDC. It is currently being promoted by the United States Agency of International Development (USAID USAID-MarketsII, maximizing agricultural revenue in key Enterprises and Targeted Sites II (Markets II) project.

“The UDP technology is a one-time application of urea (briquettes) 5-7cm deep into the soil in between four transplanted rice stands,” she said in a

statement in Abuja.

According to her, since the inception of the project in 2012, about 200,000 farmers have been trained on the UDP technology.

She added that the partnership will cause an increase in farmers trained because targeted farmers will receive training from USAID-MARKETS II project in the various redemption centers across the five states.

Director of the Federal Fertilizer Department, the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Akinbolawa Osho,explained that the introduction of the input into GES will increase the robustness of the scheme as well as develop a new input supply chain that will create jobs for various actors.

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

40

BUSINESS NEWS For so long, the banking sector conducted banking services in the manner of ‘business as usual.’ But the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Ladi Balogun said the time has come “to shift the narrative to the impact” the sector has had on the community. This was the focus of a media parley on Sustainable Banking in Nigeria: The Role of the Media. LUCAS AJANAKU reports.

Sustainability core to our business, says FCMB chief

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ROUP Managing Director/Chief Executive, FCMB, Mr. Ladi Balogun, struck the nail on the head when he spoke at the forum the lender organised for the media at the Southern Sun Hotels, Ikoyi. According to him, the music has changed on the global stage as not many people are interested in the mega profit banks declare annually or their strategy to dominate the market.

He said rather, what people are interested in is the impacts the banking sector has been able to make on its host community, insisting that the narrative has to change.

He restated the commitment FCMB to continually engage and impact on the people and environment in line with its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable banking principles.

He said: ‘’Given the importance of sustainability and sustainable development, this session presents a platform to empower the media, in their role as key influencers, with the requisite knowledge to promote the values of sustainability in the society and also to hold organisations accountable to global best practices.

“As a financial institution that has sustainability as one of its core values, we believe that our success as an organisation is hinged on our ability to ensure the long term success of all our stakeholders. This also includes the protection and development of the environment in which we do business.’’ He added that considering the dynamics of the society, corporate organisations should pursue activities, products and services that would impact more on the environment and its people.

“Banks should focus and talk more about their impacts on their communities. We need to talk more about what we are doing to empower the people, we need to talk more about how we are helping small and medium enterprises, we need to talk more about financial inclusion, we need to talk about gender balancing. These would endear banks to the people, because those things that interest the people also interest banks,’’ Mr. Balogun stated.

In line with the principle of sustainability, he said the bank has developed an agenda, policy and procedures that have been incorporated in its business activities and operations. ‘’We have built robust Sustainability and Environmental Management Systems (SEMs) policy which drives the bank’s sustainability agenda. This policy covers all aspects of the operations and services of FCMB internally and externally. In 2012, we commenced the reporting of our SEMS activities to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) using the Annual Environmental Performance Report (AEPR) template as required by the IFC,’’ Mr Balogun said.

He listed some of the activities implemented by FCMB in this regard to include; automation of the bank’s credit and account opening processes thereby reducing the paper usage, increased loan provision to businesses with an average of 200,000 annually and at least six per cent of the bank’s total loan given to the agricultural sector.

Mr. Balogun added that FCMB has equally instituted an annual community empowerment campaign across Nigeria, working with reputable non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to imple-

•Balogun ment these initiatives.

He said: ‘’Noteworthy is the Babangona project in partnership with Doreo Partners, an initiative targeted at lifting over one million farmers above poverty by the year 2020. We provided subsidised funding to facilitate the achievement of this objective. We are also committed to work-life balance for our employees and encourages flexible working hours’.’

Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director, United Kingdom (UK)-based Sustainable Finance Advisory Limited, Carey Bohjanen, urged banks to make sustainability an important part of their operations. ‘“Implementing the principles will help banks to assess and manage the environmental and social risks associated with investment decisions,” she said.

She also stressed the need for lenders to embark on due diligence to against running into reputational risk. “Investments

have environmental impact, which may adversely affect the banks financing them. That is why due diligence is required,” she warned.

While commending FCMB for taking sustainable banking principles as a key component of its activities, she called on the media to collaborate more with banks to ensure that, “the importance and message of sustainability is effectively passed across and understood by the public as well as other stakeholders.”

Speaking on some of the initiatives of the bank, an official of the bank said the lender has automated credit and other forms of intensive applications and invested in innovative e-products that help reduce the need for paper usage.

“Our e-savings account for example does not require customers to fill out paper forms Our electronic banking, online and mobile banking platforms also enable vast reduction in paper usage.

“We have a suite of products that are both environmentally friendly, in terms of vast reduction in paper usage, while and financially inclusive.

“The bank is focused on financial inclusion and as a helpful bank has simplified its processes to ensure more people have access to ints financial services. Some of our products in this respect include the Nairawise Account, Flashmecash and of course the Agent Banking model which in in line with the CBN’s agenda. FCMB provides over 200,000 loans annually to SMEs who would otherwise not have access to finance to grow their businesses, with Agriculture taking at least 6% of the total number.

“We explore our social media and online platforms to obtain feedback from our esteemed customers. Us-

ing the Net Promoter Score (NPS) system, we have conducted and obtained not less than a total of 200,000 responses via electronic survey this year alone. This is literarily a total of 200,000 sheets of paper and a vast number of trees saved in line with our commitment to environmental sustainability,” the bank said.

The bank said it has a well-defined CSR strategy that guides our community development initiatives with our main pillars being environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation, and economic empowerment which takes the largest portion of our budget.

It added that it had instituted an annual community empowerment campaign across Nigeria, working with reputable NGOs to carry out these initiatives, adding that it is committed to work-life balance for its employees and encourages flexible working hours.

The parley was organised to further connect with and enhance the capacity of practitioners on the issue of sustainability. It also provided an avenue for the bank to deepen its relationship with the media as well as appreciate their role in the dissemination of fair and balanced communication to the Nigerian populace and beyond.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) is a member of FCMB Group Plc, which is one of the leading financial services institutions in Nigeria with subsidiaries that are market leaders in their respective segments. Having successfully transformed to a retail and commercial banking-led group, FCMB expects to continue to distinguish itself by delivering exceptional services, while enhancing the growth and achievement of personal and business aspirations of its customers.

Cat 1 rating: NCAA commends Ortom

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•From left: Deputy Governor Economic Policy, Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Sarah Alade; Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla; President/Chairman of Council, The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Mrs. Debola Osibogun, and Minister of Communication and Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson during the opening Ceremony of the 8th Banking & Finance Conference held in Abuja.

Multichoice engages customers

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ROVIDER of pay-TV content on DStv and GOtv platforms, Multichoice, has stepped up its consumer engagement drive in with its DStv open house initiative.

In furtherance of its commitment to enriching lives, the open house will provide consumers with instant access to a range of services, including customer care, subscription payment, self-help channels, technical support and much more.

The activation is scheduled to hold in residential estates across selected areas in Lagos State between September 27 and November 1.

Speaking during the first leg of the initiative at Victoria Garden City, Ajah, Lagos, its spokesperson, Caroline Oghuma, reiterated the company’s commitment to deepening its engagement with its subscribers and providing them with platforms to access sound and convenient sales and service infrastructure.

“Given the overwhelming support that we have received from our customers, we have decided to bring our services to their doorsteps. This initiative amplifies our customer-centric approach to business. With us, the customer comes first.

Our customers in Ikeja, Egbeda, Ikoyi, Festac Town, Mafoluku and many more can look forward to the road show in their neighbourhoods in the weeks ahead,” she said.

HE Acting Director General, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Engr.

Benedict Adeyileka has commended Chief Samuel Ortom for providing the leadership and support that cumulated into Nigeria’s retention of the Category One (Cat 1) status from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) of the United States.

He stated this in Lagos on Nigeria’s category one recertification last week.

The Cat 1 safety status, is issued by the FAA only given to countries that have complied with a rigorous safety audit, in terms of technical capacity, manpower capability and regulatory oversight. It’s after this tasking process that the US will consider those airlines safe enough to fly into its country.

Chief Ortom was the supervising minister of aviation throughout the period the safety audit was conducted on Nigeria by the FAA. FAA had first awarded Nigeria Category One safety status in 2010, after it was confirmed that the country had met the international aviation safety assessment standards.

Recall in March, 2014 the FAA visited Nigeria and had carried out an intensive safety assessment of the Nigerian aviation industry to ascertain if the status will be withdrawn or not.

The eight critical elements the US FAA team looked at were, primary aviation legislation, specific operating regulations, state civil aviation system and safety oversight functions and technical personnel

qualification and training.

Other critical elements include, technical guidance and tools, licensing and certification obligations, surveillance obligations and resolution of safety concerns.

During that process some open areas were identified which needed to be closed within a specified period of time or Nigeria will lose the certification.

The NCAA DG confirmed that Chief Samuel Ortom, who was the acting minister of aviation at the provided support and leadership which saw the National Assembly and the Presidency grant all the necessary funding and support in record time to beat the deadline set by the FAA. He said Chief Ortom indeed deserves commendation for the support and he public praised him.

“We recognized our deficiencies and we took our challenges to the then supervising minister for aviation, Chief Samuel Ortom” and he promptly acted on our concerns adding that the NCAA got the necessary support from Chirf Ortom.

Engr. Adeyileka also used the opportunity to thank all other stakeholders in the aviation industry who worked tirelessly to ensure Nigeria retained the certificate.

He also announced government support to airlines who would want to take advantage of the Category One status to service the US route.

With this success, Arik Air has announced it will expands its routes to the US to include Hous.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

PEOPLE THE NATION

A SIX-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

As part of activities marking his 70th birthday, the University of Lagos held a Festschrift to honour its one-time Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olayide Abass, a distinguished professor of Computer Science, at the Afe Babalola Auditorium, Akoka, Lagos, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

Celebrating an achiever •Oba Lawal flanked by Prof Abass and wife, Jolaade. With them is Prof HOD Longe

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E was the Vice-Chairman of the Waterloo Caucus in the University of Lagos (UNILAG), an influential group that caters for the interest of its members.

The caucus power transcends the political activities of the citadel of learning – It sometimes dictates who gets what, and those who dared the group in the past met their waterloo.

On Tuesday, some members of the group led by respected Professor of Chemical Engineering Ayodele Francis Ogunye, joined the Prof Rahamon Bello-led management of the institution to honour him.

He is Mojeed Olayide Abass, a Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and one-time Unilag Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

A Festschrift was organised by UNILAG to honour Prof Abass for his scholarly contribution to the growth of the institution.

Festschrift, according to the MerriamWebster dictionary originated from German language, from fest – celebration, and Schrift writing. First used in 1898, it is a volume of writings by different authors presented as a tribute or memorial especially to a scholar.

Abass became the fourth retired UNILAG scholar to be honoured with the book entitled: Olayide Abass: On the dynamics of an Evolving Knowledge Society.

The Afe Babalola Auditorium was the place to be for those that matter in the institution.

The celebrator came in with his delectable wife of 41 years, Jolaade Titiloye (nee Oyetunde), a princess from Oyefi Ruling House in Ede, Osun State.

Prof Abass, also a native of Ede, is one of the progenies of Adekilekun dynasty in the popular Ile Imole (Household of Islam), situated at Olusokun Ward in Ede North Local Government.

He shone in a black suit, a white shirt, red tie, eye glasses and matching pair of shoes. His wife was decked in traditional iro and buba bright peach lace with butter-coloured headgear, necklace and rings dangling on her ears and fingers.

The event, anchored by Dr Aderonke Samuel featured a welcome address by UNILAG ViceChancellor Prof Rahamon Bello before former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Chief Oladele Sanusi who chaired the occasion gave his remarks.

Prof Bello, who first met Prof Abass in 1978 when the latter visited University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada on a Research Fellowship in the company Prof Ogunye and former UNILAG VC Prof Oye Ibidapo-Obe – all alumni of the University of Waterloo and members of the Waterloo Caucus, described him as a great strategist.

“He is a realist, simple but sophisticated in all facets of life, a strategist with wide experience and exposure and a compendium of knowledge on contemporary issues, including history particularly Yoruba mythology,” he said.

Under Prof Abass’ leadership as the national president of the UNILAG Alumni Association, Prof Bello said the association mobilised bigwigs to chart the course of retaining the university’s name and saw to the completion of the iconic ‘Jubilee House’ now housing the headquarters of the alumni association.

“Baba Tayo, as we call him, paid his dues to the extended family like a typical Yoruba man… I count myself extremely lucky to have come across the personality in Prof Abass. I have learnt from him and keep learning… all I can wish for him is good health and peace of mind to enjoy this stage of his life,” the Unilag VC said.

Prof Ogunye, who presented the rationale

‘

He is everything UNILAG; his talking is UNILAG; his eating is UNILAG; his drinking is UNILAG; his sleeping is UNILAG. I wish him long life and prosperity

’

for Festschrifts, described Abass as a fearless friend in need and indeed.

“He is a dependable ally,” he said.

The duo first met in 1969 at the University of Waterloo. Their paths crossed again at UNILAG. Ogunye said: “We had been close allies and friends since this reunion. We went into the university politics but Layide was a member of the dreaded society, The Speaker Society, comprising the likes of Ebenezer Babatope, Akin Oyebode and a fearless group that exposed the ills of the society at large.”

Prof Ogunye told the gathering how Prof Abass defied the school authority during the Kwaku Adadevoh-led administration crisis to give evidence against the school in support of him in the court.

“The news went out like wild fire that Layide had gone to give evidence against the university in my favour and that his career in the university was in jeopardy. They forgot that Layide got his PhD in Computing Science from University of

Waterloo, adjudged the best in computing science in North America. Shortly afterwards, Layide was appointed associate professor and later professor. He later became the Dean of his faculty and a deputy vice-chancellor of the university,” Prof Ogunye recalled.

Prof Ibidapo-Obe, who reviewed the book in a chat with The Nation, said, Waterloo Caucus is a rallying point of a group that insists on doing the right things and supports members and associates to move up in their careers.

During the presentation of the book by the founder of the Adeleke University, Ede, Dr Deji Adeleke described Prof Abass as a dynamic icon.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Ibikunle Tijani, Dr Adeleke said Prof Abass humility is worth emulating.

He hailed the celebrator for producing many scholars who are now doing well in various tertiary institutions.

Prof Ralph Akinfeleye from the Department of Mass Communication, who threw up the Waterloo Caucus issues during his brief comedy-like remarks, congratulated Prof Abass for excellent service to Unilag.

“He is everything UNILAG; his talking is UNILAG; his eating is UNILAG; his drinking is UNILAG; his sleeping is UNILAG. I wish him long life and prosperity,” Prof Akinfeleye said in a chat with The Nation.

One of the celebrator’s students, Dr Mumuni Amadu whose PhD thesis was supervised by Prof Abass, described him as hardworking and a good person.”

He urged people to emulate his honesty.

The Timi of Ede, Oba Muniru Lawal, thanked Prof Abass for making him who he is today.

“I give him credit for everything I achieve today,” he said.

The celebration continued outside the auditorium with snacks and choice drinks. There was light music as well.

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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SOCIETY CELEBRATING AN ACHIEVER

•From left: Prof Bello; Prof Tijani and Prof Ogunye

•Prof Akinfeleye (left) and Dr Ismail Ibraheem of Mass Communication department

•Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe and Dr Taiwo Ipaye

•Prof Bello Joseph (left) and Dr Sadiq Sanusi

•Dr Khalid Adekoya (right) and Dr Zaid Aderolu

•Prof Ibidapo-Obe and his wife, Sola

•Dr Teslim Sanusi

• Aare Kola Oyefeso

•Chief Adebisi Oreagba and his wife, Ayodele

•From left: Prof Olusoji Ilori; Prof Oluwole Familoni and Dr Adamu

•Keji Olajide (left) and Femi Aderibigbe

PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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SOCIETY General Manager (Corporate Services), Vintage Press Limited, Pastor Soji Omotunde has celebrated his 60th birthday at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Complete Sanctuary, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

The ‘limping editor’ at 60

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E was destined for a position of an editor in a newly established newspaper but as faith would have it, someone convinced the publisher not to make him the editor.

“Why? The publisher inquired.

“How can you make someone limping as an editor of the paper,” he replied.

The publisher who was out of the country at that time agreed and he was instead made the head of the Editorial Board.

He took it in his stride, believing that position comes from God, after all “I have edited Timesweek and African Concord before the accident that only made me to be limping because of hip dislocation while I still remain alive and well.”

After a while, God’s plan came to manifest in his life as he was apologized and made the Editor after the latter decided to leave the position.

“The management even gave me a better package than the former editor,” he disclosed.

Such is the story of Pastor Soji Omotunde, the General Manager (Corporate Services), Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation newspaper.

Pastor Omotunde, who celebrated 60th birthday last Sunday at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Complete Sanctuary, Dominion Area Headquarters, IjuIshaga, Lagos outskirt told the gathering how he had close shave with death when he had an accident that occurred along Akure-Iju road in January 1996.

An incident that made him unconscious for three days before he was brought to Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital, Lagos, but for God’s grace, he came out alive, was down for about eight months, and then arose, limping but not wrecked. It was that occurrence that made him to surrender his life to Jesus. “I might be limping, but I keep rejoicing in the Lord for sustaining me to move forward,” he said. Even when thereafter he was arrested as Editor of African Concord by the Sani Abacha regime, the threats to assassinate him while in detention for several months could not manifest.

His story touched the church auditorium-filled guests that came to felicitate with him on the occasion.

The pensive mood that followed the celebrator’s heart-touching story was dissuaded, courtesy of spectacular performance by a singer and drummer, Funmi Ayan Jesu, the church’s youth drama group and the choir.

Pastor Omotunde took to the dance floor to celebrate God’s mercies and grace in his life.

Surrounded by his wife Florence Emiede and family members, the celebrator acknowledged cheers from friends and colleagues who mounted the dance floor to thank God for him.

The ornately decorated auditorium of the newly-built church erupted in celebrations.

The event featured praise and worship, opening prayer, hymns, Bible readings by two of the celebrant’s children, Tolulope and Mrs. Ibiyemi Nwenearizi and guests’ tributes and testimonies in abundance.

The Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG, Anambra Province 2, Pastor Paschal Udah, who ministered congratulated the celebrator. He prayed he fulfils his mission on earth.

“You did not come to this world for nothing; God sent you to do something special. I pray you accomplish it and do more because you have many more years on earth,” he said.

Pastor Udah enjoined the gathering to make impact in peoples’ lives every day.

•Pastor Omotunde and wife, Emiede (middle) assisted by children (from right): Tolulope, Moyosore, Mrs. Ibiyemi Nwenearizi with her husband Ifeanyi to cut the cake

•Hon Dabiri-Erewa (right) and Pastor Maryam Hassan

•Dr Niran Malaolu flanked by his wife and daughter

• Pastor David Omunagbe and his wife, Christiana

• From left: Mr Omotunde, his wife Lilian and Mr Olubunmi Omotunde

• Pastor Tunde Orundami and wife

• Pastor Udah and wife

“The value of man’s life is to contribute to another man’s life; if you live a million years on earth and never impacted on the planet earth, you have not live anything, but if it’s just few years and impactful, the whole world will not forget you,” he said.

He prayed for the celebrator alongside his family members – all on kneels.

Afterwards, Pastors Udah and Omotunde shook hands and hugged.

Prayers were also said for Mr John Omotunde, an engineer and his wife, Barrister Lilian who marked 36th

wedding anniversary on that day.

Pastor Kola Odesanmi presented two books – Crossover to Perfection and As It Is written by Pastor Omotunde.

The duo of Pastor Sanya Oni, Editorial Page Editor of The Nation and Deacon Kayode Oyawa reviewed the books.

The Omotundes afterwards moved towards the cake. Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diasporas, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa was given the task to supervise the cutting of the cake.

With J-E-S-U-S, the cake was cut.

Dabiri-Erewa, a former journalist at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) described Pastor Omotunde as a friend, brother and senior colleague in journalism.

“I have known him for as many years I have been in journalism; we have worked together as journalists – he, is newspaper and I, in television; he is an erudite journalist. He is fair, straight forward and has passion for what he does; a gentleman per excellence,” she said.

The celebrator’s wife, Emiede, in her tributes, described him as won-

PHOTOS: RAHMAN SANUSI

derful.

“As you celebrate your 60th birthday, the beauty of the Lord will be upon you, may He set you on high and honour you with longer life, good health and not lack in anything good,” Mrs. Omotunde wrote.

In his response, Pastor Omotunde thanked all for coming.

He enjoined the gathering never to be wailed down by challenges, saying “even though you might fall, you can rise higher.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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SOCIETY 60TH BIRTHDAY OF OSUN STATE GOVERNOR’S CHIEF OF STAFF ALHAJI GBOYEGA OYETOLA AT HIS IRAGBIJI RESIDENCE, OSUN STATE

•From left: Osun State House of Assembly, Speaker Najeem Salam; the celebrator and Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; his wife, Alhaja Kafayat; Deputy Speaker Akintunde Adegboye and Hon Kamil Oyedele cutting the cake

•The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Olabomi, chatting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Alhaji Fatai Diekola

•Osun APC Chairman Elder Adelowo Adebiyi and Hon Ayo Omidiran

ANNIVERSARY

•From left: Nasrul-Lah-Fatih Society (NASFAT) National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Nofisat Arogundade; Reprensatative of the wife Vice President, Hajia Aishatu Tukur-Bello and Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Dr Idiat Adebule at the NASFAT 15th Annual Women's Week in Mowe, Ogun State

•Chief Moshood Adekunle

AWARD Imam Abdullahi Shuaib, receiving the plaque of fellow from the President, Board/ Council CPANigeria, Dr Samson Ugwoke (left) at the University of Lagos Conference Centre, Akoka, Lagos

SEMINAR

WEDDING

• From left: Chairman and President of University of Lagos Muslim ALUMNI (UMA), Alhaji Lere Alimi, Country Managing Director, Accenture Nigeria Ltd. Mr Niyi Yusuf and Managing Director Optiedge Nig. Ltd., Mr Goke Adeyemi, during the 5th Capacity Building Workshop at University Campus, Akoka, Lagos.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

•The couple, Jibola and Mobola Olatoto with National Pilot Newspaper Managing Director , Billy Adedamola his wife, Oluwaseyi (left) and former Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Mas’ud Adebimpe at the wedding of Olatotos in Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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SOCIETY Nigerians have crowned the Utere family from Port-Harcourt, Rivers State winners of the 2014 edition of Family Dance TV show, Maltina Dance All 8 (MDA), at a colourful ceremony, NNEKA NWANERI writes.

COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS Just Listen

T

•Marketing Director Nigerian Breweries Plc, Walter Drenth (middle); host of the show, Osas Ighodaro at the presentation of 10million cheque to the Utere Family winners of the Maltina Dance All 8 in Lagos

•Deputy Managing Director, Synthesis Communications Limited, Agbo Agbo; Co-host of the show, Segun Ogundipe and Senior Brand Manager Maltina, Wole Adedeji

A

FTER weeks of suspense, drama and excitement which kept millions of Nigerians glued to their television screens, the Utere’s went home with the star prize of a whopping N10 million after securing the largest number of votes in the keenly contested competition. The show which is reputed for promoting family values, bonding and happiness and sponsored by Maltina, a premium malt drink from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc took place at the Eko Hotels & Suites Victoria Island, Lagos.

Apart from the grand prize of N10million, the family also earned the title of Nigeria’s number one dance family while the Uzodinma family who claimed second position went home with N3m. The Odigie family, who came third, were rewarded with N1m.

It would be recalled that 10 families were initially admitted into the famed Maltina dance academy after which they were subsequently whittled down to the four families – Utere, Uzodinma, Odigie and Unanka - that took part in the grand finale. As antici-

Dance champions pated, the show which was beamed live across select TV stations was filled with excitement. The four families that made it to the grand finale competed in two dance styles – Rhythm of Naija and Hip-hop.

The families first competed in the “Rhythm of Naija” dance style. The Utere family, who were first on stage, set the tone for an awesome night with a dazzling performance to Shake Bodi by Skales much to the delight of the audience. The Unanka family who were next also impressed with their performance to Mavin’s Dorobucci hit song. Their performance was followed by that of the Uzodima family who danced to Lil Kesh’s Shoki and Odigie family who performed last, danced to Ukwu by Timaya.

The next dance style performed by the families was the hip-hop style. The order of performance saw the Uzodinma family perform first while Utere, Unanka and Odigie followed suit respec-

tively.

At the end of the entertaining displays showcased by the families, tension in the hall was palpable as the final votes were awaited. After the voting process ended and the results certified authentic, Utere family was announced winner as voted by Nigerians while the Uzodima and Odigie families came second and third respectively.

Speaking at the event, Senior Brand Manager, Maltina, Mr. Adewole Adedeji, stated that the Maltina Dance All platform has been very effective in audience engagement.

He said “the MDA platform has been sustained over the past 8 years because we are a consumer-centric organisation. We will continue to invest in the things that create positive experiences for consumers to connect with each other and also with our brand. The reason why we have sustained it this far is majorly because it connects with consumers”. He also described this year’s MDA as the best ever and revealed

that next year’s edition would be more exciting.

Wilfred Utere, the family representative of Utere family, who was visibly filled with joy, expressed his excitement for winning this year’s MDA competition. He said, “My family and I are short of words to describe how we feel now. It is so overwhelming to be crowned winners tonight. We have really worked hard to be here today.

I want to thank all those who have supported us all the way. I want to also thank Maltina for giving us a platform to showcase our talents and to also be rewarded with this huge amount of money.”

On what the family plans to do with the N10 million, Wilfred stated that amongst other things, he would open a dance studio as well as further his education abroad.

As Nigerians wait for what next the brand has up its sleeve, they will not forget in a hurry the fun and excitement that was the hallmark of the 2014 edition of the MDA tagged “Rhythm of Happiness.”

AYO sat on the visitor's chair in his hospital room. He was about to be discharged and he was excited. He couldn't wait to rejoin his football club after being missing in action for four months due to an injury.

Though the doctor felt he needed more rest, Tayo managed to convince her that he could get along just fine. After AMODU LANRE OLAOLU the doctor had examined him (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. for a last time, he was handed 07034737394 over to a nurse who explained @lanreamodu how to use his prescription drugs. Tayo nodded vigorously to show he was paying attention, while keeping his eyes on his timepiece because he wanted to watch his teammates train. Later that evening, after being exhausted by watching the training, it was time to take his drugs.

At that point, Tayo became a little confused. "Yea, I know this one is two tablets to be taken twice a day," he said to himself.

"But…is it the one I should take after a week of recovery or should I take it immediately?" Just listen.

A lecturer paced back and forth explaining the Agenda Setting Theory of the mass media to the students. After two hours of intensive explanation of how the mass media suggest what people think about, he asked the students, "Any question?" and they chorused, "No." Thus, the class was concluded. Later that week, Peggy and her friends were revising for a test. One of her friends asked her, "Peggy, can you please explain the Agenda Setting Theory, I didn't get a word of what that lecturer said." "I don't understand it either. I can't even remember I heard what he said," Peggy responded. Just listen.

Uche was on his way to Ikeja for a job interview. He lived in Sango Ota, so he had to leave home pretty early. He could hear the conductor saying something but he wasn't interested; all he cared about was his last-minute preparation for the interview.

After a while, he said, "Conductor, I'm alighting at Ikeja." He was not prepared for the responses he got from the conductor and almost all the passengers. They all shouted at him, "We passed Ikeja a long time ago", "Were you sleeping?" "Didn't you hear the conductor call your bus stop?" "Mumu. Why you no say you no know where you dey go?" Uche was stunned and dismayed because he could already picture himself missing his interview. Just listen.

Adamu's mind was preoccupied. He couldn't just imagine why Arsenal had to draw that match with Tottenham. He was expecting a clear victory. How on earth would he face his friends now?

Suddenly, he heard his name and tried to focus. To his surprise, everyone in the boardroom was staring at him, as if expecting him to say something. The last thing he remembered hearing was "Marketing Strategy" and that was almost 15 minutes ago.

How would he explain to the CEO of the company that he hadn't a clue of what he was expected to respond to? Just listen.

It is very interesting how most people assume listening is a natural action. As a matter of fact, some people become offended anytime they are accused of not listening. However, there is a great difference between hearing and listening. While hearing is a physiological process through which our hearing apparatus pick up signals, listening involves paying attention. The distinction between these two will be examined later in this series.

Listening is a lot of work. I thought I was really good at listening until I had a funny experience. I visited one of my cousins for an event several years ago and I decided to spend some time with his children. There were a few other children present too so we decided to have some fun. One way or the other, I was persuaded into telling them stories. After exhausting the stories I could remember, I had a brilliant idea (or so I thought at the moment). "Why don't you tell me stories instead," I said, and they loved the idea. So, I started listening to them one after the other.

While some told stories revolving around movies they had watched, some others told stories of Tortoise and Elephant. Then finally, the youngest girl insisted that it was her turn, and of course we gave her the floor. At the beginning of the story, Tortoise was driving a car- what I couldn't figure out from the story was how the car got to the top of a tree. Then suddenly, the car was inside a swimming pool. After about 10 minutes, it became obvious it was a never ending story. I couldn't bear another minute of it so I called for a recess, which I ensured we did not resume from.

Listening requires sorting information in your mind. How much attention do you pay to people when they talk to you?

As a public speaker, the only reason you are speaking is that people are listening. If you have no audience, there is nothing public about your speaking. At the same time, what is the value of having a hall full of people without any one listening to what you have to say? Hence, it has become very important for us, not only to concentrate on the art of speaking, but to also learn what it takes to listen.

As a public speaker, you have to learn about listening on two levels. First, you must learn that to be a successful speaker, you have to be a great listener. Your preoccupation should not be making people to listen to you but you learning what they need so that you can make it available. You must have learnt about your audience through listening before they learn from you by listening. While speaking, it is also important that you listen to their feedback. The second level of listening is the art of making your audience listen to you. In the next few weeks, by the grace of God, we shall be exploring this all important topic of listening.

Please feel free to suggest aspects of it you want us to explore. I wish you a Happy New Month and Happy Independence.

Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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SOCIETY Olayinka Olanrewaju Ogunbiyi, a principal manager with the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), has celebrated his 60th birthday and retirement from service. The event was held at the Jubilee Hall of the Lagos Country Club in Ikeja, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

60 cheers to a good man

• Otunba Gboyega Odunuga (left) and Dr Bode Ogunbanjo

• Aare Bisi Lawal (left) and Chief Olatunde Oyeshola

•Mr Ogunbiyi assisted by his wife, Omokehinde to cut the cake

I

T was an afternoon of celebration and an occasion to share in the joy of a good man. Members of the Lagos Country Club and some staff of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), family and friends came to the venue in choice traditional attires. Many used the silver head gears/caps chosen for the occasion.

They came to rejoice with an engineer, Mr Olayinka Ogunbiyi, on the occasion of his 60th birthday and retirement from service. He retired as the principal manager in the distribution department of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) after serving for about 32 years.

The Jubilee Hall of the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, was decorated with pink and white fabrics and lightings all over.

Divine Muzik, a life band, entertained guests.

Pastor Oluwole Olatimehin of the True Divine Evangelical Ministry in Lagos said the opening prayer.

The celebrator and his wife, Omokehinde, entered the hall in the company of friends and family members dancing to the music supplied by the band. Ogunbiyi wore blue linen Agbada and a pink cap. His male children wore the same linen but in different styles. His wife wore blue lace blouse and wrapper with pink head gear, ipele, a pair of shoes and bag to match. Her female children also wore the same blue lace but made in choice beautiful styles.

Pastor Olatimehin, in his short sermon, said it was good to celebrate one's birthday because it would help you number your days and compare your life with God's standard and requirement.

He urged the gathering to live their lives in accordance to the purpose of God. "Be guided by God on a daily basis, follow His direction, fear Him and seek His wisdom. Let your treasure be

in God and not in money, sex, power, houses, cars, corruption and all other fleshy desire," he said.

The chairman on the occasion, the Otunba of Igboholand in Oyo State, Otunba Olawuwo Oni, congratulated the celebrator and welcomed him to the 'age of those getting younger.' He described retirement from service as a life-time achievement, wishing him well on his journey.

He said the celebrator is a loyal and committed friend.

"He is a brilliant professional and a good man on his job," he said.

Some of the guests were also called to talk about the celebrator.

A chartered accountant, Adeleke Elujoba, urged the celebrator to continue his good works, saying he has touched many lives.

A retired engineer from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Channel

10, Mr Titus Adedeji, described the celebrator as humble, reliable, and transparent.

Ogunbiyi, he said, is a man that has helped and is still helping so many people in diverse ways.

Mr Babatunde Okunuga, a friend to the celebrator, described him as a complete gentle man.

"He is quiet to a fault; he does not want to offend anyone and would therefore go out to all the way he can to ensure everyone is comfortable. He makes sure he attends to whatever problem people have anywhere," he said.

The celebrator and his wife, Omokehinde, took to the stage to cut cake. The three- step white cake with pink design was cut at the spelling of J-E-S-U-S. A session of photographs followed, during which guests dropped their

• Funmi Ajibulu (left) and Nike Feijembola

gifts for the celebrator.

The party continued with dance as family, friends, colleague and club members were called one after the other.

The celebrator said the day was his happiest.

"I thank God for sparing my life till today. I won't say I am fulfilled yet, but I thank God for what he has done today and I am hopeful that things will continue to be fine," he said.

Ogunbiyi added: "I am the Chairman in Brilliant Esteem Private School, I want to go into agriculture and I am

PHOTOS: DAVID ADEJO

still a consultant in PHCN. Life till 60 has taught me to be humble and diligent and I thank God because I never had a day of sickness."

His wife Omokehinde, the Proprietress of Brilliant Esteem Private School, gave God thanks on the life of her husband.

"My husband is a good man to me; he is a nice father to the children, younger and elder brother to his family and he is a good in-law. He is a friend indeed; I wish him sound health and that he will not be tired as he is retiring," she said.

BIRTHDAY •All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Hon Adekanye Oladele (A.k.a Lado) and his wife, Anike with APC members during Oladele’s 50th birthday in Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 2014

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COMMENTARY

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HIS article was published in this column at about this time last year during the Eidul Adha festival. It is being repeated here today due to popular demand by readers of ‘The Message’ who believe that it remains as relevant as it was last year. Here it goes: “Were it possible for the dead to wake at will, Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), the great son of Prophet Ya‘qub (Jacob), would have resurrected in Nigeria at the request of wretched Nigerians. And his mission would have been the interpretation of a dream like that of a Pharaoh of centuries ago which saved Egypt of yore from the scourge of a looming hunger.

But alas! The absence of a dreaming Yusuf has rendered the situation in this country hopeless. Despite unlimited human and material resources available in this so-called ‘Giant of Africa’ Nigeria continues to wallow helplessly under a jaundiced economy like a centipede drowning in a poisoned brook. The claim by the government that the country’s economy is growing geometrically in an unprecedented manner has no proof. Concocted theories are not the same as manifest practice.

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 4, 2014, Muslims all over the world will be celebrating ‘Idul Adha subsequent to today’s Arafah day. But unlike their brothers and sisters in other parts of the world, overwhelming majority of Nigerian Muslims will celebrate the festival without any festivity. At the instance of injustice based on avarice and aggrandisement on the part of the ruling class, the ingredients of festivity had long been banished in this country. Thus, many worshippers will spend the festival season in hunger as usual.

This iron period in which the government is at once promising to emancipate the masses from the scourge of hunger, starvation and abject poverty, while at the same time threatening to guillotine the same masses through the instrumentality of scarcity, is an indicator of indefinite despair.

Nostalgia

Generally, there is nostalgia in the land, not only for the days of oil boom when life was relatively comfortable for all and sundry but also for the era of abundant farm crops when the thought of feeding was not much of a concern to most citizens. Nigerian Muslims and non-Muslims alike are today yearning for the return of those days when wives could confidently ask their husbands for festival gifts and children could demand for new dresses, shoes and wrist watches from their parents. Those were the days when festival seasons were really festive and the graph of marriage carried some indices of value.

Those were the days of friendliness among neighbours, good wishes among colleagues, mutual confidence among spouses as well as general peace and tranquility in the society.

Now, those days are gone. And they seem to have gone forever. Today, we have found ourselves in a situation against which we had long been warned in a poetic stanza rendered by an Arab poet quoting two disciples of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) i. e. Ubayyi Bn Ka’b and Abdullah Bn Mas’ud. It goes thus: “This is the period in which truth is rejected in its totality while falsehood, corruption and betrayal of trust are held aloft; should this period linger with its woes and tribulations, the world, may soon assume a situation where no one will grieve over the demise of a dear relative or rejoice over the birth of a new baby”.

Sensible questions

Nigeria is fast becoming a dramatic entity mysteriously coded in parables. It will take an unprecedented revolution to decode it and dislodge the insensitive actors who are monopolizing the stage with insensitive callousness. In ordinary circumstances, a forward-looking country should encourage her citizenry to ask some probing questions such as: Who are we? Where are we coming from? And where are we going from here? Those are some of the questions which all rational human beings should ask themselves constantly.

But such questions have been rendered irrelevant in Nigeria because the circum-

FEMI ABBAS ON femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

Festival without festivity

•Minister of Agriculture Akinwumi Adesina

stances of life here have changed the priorities of ordinary citizens. The only question now in vogue, which everybody in government seems to be answering tacitly, is this: ‘what am I getting personally from being in this office?

That very question is the real drama that permanently engages the attention of Nigerian civil servants and politicians. It is the question that robes Nigerian Police in a garment of shamelessness with a banished conscience. It is the question that crowns money as a demigod which forbids human feeling. It is the question that fosters greed and fetters Nigeria to the stake of endemic corruption. It is the question that presents mirage to Nigerians as the only substance worthy of pursuit.

What can we say of a man who fixes his eyes on the sun but does not see it? Instead, he sees a chorus of flaming seraphim announcing a paroxysm of despair. That is the parable of the country called Nigeria.

Like the Israelis of Moses’ time, Nigerians have become gypsies wandering aimlessly and wallowing in abject poverty in the midst of abundance. What else do we expect from Allah beyond the invaluable bounties with which He has blessed us?

Nigeria is not lacking in forest and arable savannah. She is rich in rivers and mountains all of which are great resources for people who are seeking reasonable comfort and are not self-deceptive. What she lacks is a responsible and patriotic leadership that can sincerely highlight its priorities according to the yearnings of the ordinary people. That food is becoming a threat to Nigerians today is an irony emanating from naivety and massive corruption in our government quarters especially since 1999 when the current democracy first beamed a ray of hope to the people.

Cost of governance

In Nigeria today, the cost of running the government alone is enough to render the country bankrupt. The retinue of federal ministers and a galaxy of Presidential Advisers are major causes of poverty in the country today. Even America with her huge economic resources, large population and financial wherewithal has only substantive ten ministers? Why must we have a Minister from each of the 36 States of the federation? Why must we have separate ministers for agriculture and water resources?

Where is the Federal Government’s farm to justify this? Why must we retain an obnoxious immunity clause in our constitution which facilitates monumental corruption for the serving governors who are hypocritically chased around but never

‘To ignore the rule of law and shun justice in a land blessed with milk and honey is to cultivate trouble with insecurity in all its ramifications’ caught for trial on the allegation of embezzlement after they might have left office?

Besides, what informs the idea of the socalled constituency allowances for legislators, which run into billions of naira without anything to show for it at a time when innocent women and children are crying for food? No one would have thought in 1999 that artificial hunger could be added to the abysmal level of poverty in Nigeria despite the unprecedented rise of the price of oil in the international market. The ubiquity of beggars and lunatics in our cities and towns is a confirmation of this assertion.

Governance in Nigeria has become an artful trick adopted by a cabal to bamboozle the populace into blind submission.

The propaganda in the 1980s was almost hypnotising: ‘food and shelter for all in year 2000!’

That slogan was changed in the 1990s to: ‘Vision 2010!’ And when year 2010 began to approach, the slogan again changed to: ‘Vision 202020!’

Self-deception

Now, without roads, without electricity, without functional rail transportation system, without jobs for majority of the ablebodied citizens and even without food on our tables, we are still being cajoled into believing that Nigeria, a country without coins, would become one of the 20 biggest economies in the world in year 2020.

Isn’t that a deliberate and audacious deception? No country in history has ever been known to have achieved economic vibrancy by magic. Nigeria cannot be an exception.

In an FAO report in 2008, about 300 Nigerians were said to be dying of hunger daily in their own country.

The government needs to be told that no miracle can yield any success based on the ramshackle foundation laid down by one man (from the prison) who, as President, could hardly reason beyond the siege mentality of a prisoner. A fire brigade approach to food crisis in a country like Nigeria is a shameful reaction to an avoidable melancholy.

Egyptian experience

Yusuf (Joseph), the son of Ya’qub (Jacob), did not know that he could have any solution to a fundamental problem of a country other than his own. Neither did his brothers who sold him into slavery know that he could be a solution to a major problem in another land. But the accident of

history never ceases to play itself out. Without Yusuf, only Allah knows what the history of Egypt would have been today. And without a Pharaoh’s dream of drought, the story of Yusuf would have been totally different from what we now know it to be.

If Egypt had any major plight when Yusuf was in prison in that country, it was Pharaoh’s dream. It turned out that Yusuf’s imprisonment in Egypt was a blessing, not only for Egypt but also for Yusuf and his family. What could have been a repeat of that episode here in Nigeria, turned out to be a regrettable bizarre. The rest is left to history.

I was a student in Egypt in the 1970s when the hostility between that country and Israel was fierce. Egypt was then an ally of the (now defunct) Soviet Union while Israel was virtually a satellite of the United States. Not only did Egypt suffer isolation from NATO member countries of Europe and America but the Soviet Union which was supposed to be her main ally was also not forthcoming with any meaningful assistance beyond the supply of scanty weapons. Thus, the Egyptian government had to take its destiny in its own hand by buckling up firmly in other to fend for its people at that critical time.

Realising the importance of food supply especially in a war situation, Egypt mobilised all her agricultural resources around River Nile and forgot about any food importation. The result was tremendous and thus, the fear of food insecurity was averted.

In the mid 1990s, Uganda, a sub-Sahara African country, found herself in the position of ancient Egypt. A colossal drought broke out in that country killing thousands of people and virtually wiping out the entire cattle in the country. No Pharaoh had any dreamed premonition and no Yusuf was in a prison to translate any dream into a solution.

Ugandan experience

What the Ugandans did to find a solution was to reset the country’s agricultural focus. Rather than concentrating on tilling the land and rearing the cattle, which drought had eroded, a new focus was brought to bear. Uganda took to ‘bee farming’ as a relieving alternative. The seriousness which the government of that country paid to the new focus was such that Uganda today is a country to reckon with in the production and supply of honey and other bee products to the European communities. A substantial amount of honey consumed in Europe is currently supplied by Uganda as well as Kenya and Tanzania. And those products have become the second biggest foreign exchange earner for Uganda after coffee.

Today, Nigeria is not afflicted by drought or famine. Neither is she engaged in a war.

Yet, the Nigerian government has learnt no lesson from any of the above named countries simply because there is oil in large deposit. Now, the general fear in the land is that of hunger even in times of festivals.

How Nigeria arrived at such a deadly scourge is irrelevant for now. What is relevant is how to get out of it. Like Egypt of yore, Nigeria will need a Yusuf to unravel the mystery surrounding the dream that brought this scourge about.

Irony

It is ironic that people who live by the river bank can’t get water to drink when those living in the desert can find a reliable oasis to combat any drought. Given all the resources with which we are endowed, Nigerians should have no business with poverty let alone food crisis.

Capitalism, which was once an economic ideology propelling mercantilism, has moved a step ahead, especially in Nigeria where official theft has become a profession. Capitalism is now a religion through which its adherents worship money. To such adherents, accountability is a mere riddle which only the poor may wish to unravel.

It is only in the interest of those in government, especially those in the executive and legislative arms who are most active in sharing public funds, to let the national wealth spread across board legitimately if only to avoid the current Nigerian elite situation where every house has become a prison in which the occupants are voluntarily jailed. To ignore the rule of law and shun justice in a land blessed with milk and honey is to cultivate trouble with insecurity in all its ramifications.

50

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

51

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

52

BUSINESS EXTRA

‘We’re building sustainable returns for shareholders’ Guinness Nigeria Plc has is confident that it will return to years of bountiful dividend payout to its shareholders.

Speaking during an interview in Lagos, its Director, Corporate Relations, Sesan Sobowale said the company gives priority to rewarding shareholders with good dividend and is taking steps to boost sales volume and profitability.

COLLINS NWEZE was there.

E

VERY investor expects bountiful returns on investment.

For years, Guinness Nigeria Plc kept investors’ hopes alive, rewarding them with good dividend payout, sometimes, in excess of 90 per cent of its profitability.

The Guinness Nigeria Director, Corporate Relations, Sesan Sobowale said the company’s robust divided payout will be sustained in the years ahead. He however explained that this year, ongoing expansion projects prompted it to reduce dividend payout, a step he said, was in the long term interest of investors.

“We said, given ongoing expansion project, it is in the long term interest of shareholders that we reduce the dividend payout. The dividend we pay today is not a reflection of our profitability, but a lower payout. Last two years, we paid out about 88 per cent, this year, we paid out about 50 per cent of our profit, because we deliberately wanted to reduce our finance charges,” he said.

Explaining further, Sobowale said the firm has one of the highest payout in the industry. “In fact, in 2008, apart from the normal distribution we did, we paid out a special dividend. We just looked at the reserves, and said, what we doing with all these money? We held extra-ordinary general meeting where we decided to payout the fund as special dividend to our shareholders. In fact, that year, we paid out two dividends,” he said.

Sobowale added that some of the company’s shareholders have actually queried its dividend policy.

“Three years ago, when we started capacity expansion project, some shareholders argued that when you are actually investing, you should pay out lower dividend so that you use your own money to invest, rather than paying out dividend and borrowing money from banks to reinvest. Still, we paid out all the money. Our dividend payout rate up until this year was around 80 to 90 per cent,” he stated.

Continuing, he said that for some of its competitors, dividend payout is around 50 to 60 per cent but added that in taking a dividend decision, one has to strike a balance between paying plenty of money and making shareholders happy and ensur-

ing sustainable growth on that dividend.

“If you take your whole money and give them to all your shareholders and you go to the bank to borrow, you are going to payout interest charges. But having done that, the board aligned with what they thought was in the best interest of shareholders. The intension was to increase the dividend overtime to the rate that shareholders were used to seeing again. So, in conclusion, it was in the overall interest of shareholders and the company that we moderate the payout ratio,” he said.

Performance indicators The director admitted that this year, the firm’s full year revenue was down 11 per cent and profit went down 19 per cent. He explained that pricing disadvantage and several other factors led to the decline in profitability.

“Now, what were the main drivers of that performance? A couple of things happened. One was a pricing disadvantage. In October 2013, we increased the prices of most of our brands, which is something that we do once in a year, to account for inflation.

Now, it is a decision, that as an industry, each of the players will do once in a year. Typically, it has been historically done by each of the players for the past 10 years. In each of those 10 years, we either lead by one price point, which is usually around N10 because of the issue of change. If we increase by N15 for instance, off course, retail will round it up for you.

Each time we increased our prices, other players in the industry followed. Now, for the first time, since I got here in 2004, we took pricing on most of our brands, and our biggest competitor didn’t increase price,” he explained.

Sobowale said the company thought that competitors will still increase prices but that did not happen. “And we thought, alright, may be they wanted to do it close to Christmas, but October came and went, November came and went and they didn’t increase price. And obviously, because these are discretionary products, it is not school fees, it is not rent, and it is not transport.

Before you go and drink in the bar, you would have taken care of all the

•Sobowale

essentials, and if there is change left, you drink. It is an industry that we have found out in recent years, is price sensitive. This is why the fastest growing brands in the industry today, are the cheaper brands,” he said.

Speaking further, he explained that it was when the consumers saw that Guinness products cost higher than comparable products that they moved to other brands. He however said that with the benefit of hindsight, the firm has discovered that the price increase was not in line with the mood of the moment. Hence in January, all the prices for Guinness brands were reduced to their previous positions and sales gradually began to pick up.

“We reduced the price that we are were selling to distributors, and somehow, we tried to monitor to ensure that they reduced the prices they sell to wholesalers. By the time it got to the bar, it took a long while before the bars adjusted the price to where it was,” he explained.

• From left: Senior Manager, Ecobank Nigeria, Ehizojie Ohiowele; Executive Director, Ms Foluke Aboderin and Manager, Afeez Onafuwa displaying the ‘Infrastructure Financing Bank of the Year Award’ won by the bank at the 10th anniversary of Nigerian Telecom Awards, held in Lagos.

Secondly, Sobowale said that cheaper beer brands remain fasted growing segment in the industry because of the pricing. “Also, for the last three years, cheaper brands were growing in double digits, and have been stable. We are a bit disadvantaged in this segment,” he said.

Route to market He also attributed the earnings decline to distribution challenges around its route to market. “If you take our market share today, it is probably around 25 to 26 per cent. That’s national market share. But in Lagos, our market share is around 40 per cent. So, if the national average is 26 per cent and in Lagos, we are 40 per cent that means, in some parts of Nigeria we are 10 or eight. Our products are adored by consumers where they can find them. That means you can’t find our products in many areas as you can find competitors brands,” he explained.

Lastly, he said the company also faced rising finance cost. “The final reason, especially on the decline in the bottom line, is finance cost. Our finance cost has increased because in the last few years, we have obviously been investing in expanding capacity, trade assets, more trailers, more chairs, and redistribution vehicles to our distributors,” he said.

The Guinness Nigeria director said the company has taken positive steps aimed at boosting sales volume and profitability. “On pricing, for instance, we have reversed it to where we were before on Harp, Smirnoff, Malta among others. Even though the reduced price was slow to be reflected in the retail prices in bar, but now, they are more compliant. You now see what we call parity pricing,” he said.

Inflation Vs price The director added that the simple reason why the prices were increased was because the firm’s input cost was going up due to inflation. “Inflation is a cost you have to pay in this market. Since the price has been reduced, what that means is reduced profitability overall, but we are hoping that if as a result of price correction, we get more volume; ultimately, we will not be worse off especially if we sell more of the high margin brands.

By the time you put everything on

the portfolio, N30 profit per bottle, and the one that makes N5 profit per bottle, and all that, and you sell more of the ones with N30 profit, by the time you hedge it out, you will probably have N20 profit per bottle,” he explained.

To address the distribution challenge,, he said Guinness Nigeria Plc now has a route to consumer project, currently ongoing. The project, he said, is supported by executives from its head office. Also, the firm is working with consultants to improve its route to consumer around Nigeria.

“We just finished a pilot in Lagos, which resulted in a slight increase in our market share in the Lagos area.

Our expectation is that if we roll that out nationally, that will also improve performance. Finally, on finance cost, we are managing our financing better. If you are looking at our full year result, and if you break it down into quarters, you will find that in the fourth quarter, April 1 to June 30, the performance improved rapidly across all indicators,” he said.

According to him, sales volume picked up during the fourth quarter.

The beer industry comes second after the telecom industry on advertising and promotion spend. So, obviously, Guinness Nigeria has been carrying out new campaigns and rebranding its bottles to stimulate demand.

He said consumers are interested in innovation and the firm has been playing its part in that. “You see that we are quite bullish around innovation, with products like Origin. That’s the levers I think we can use to improve overall production and growth in the industry,” he said.

Marketing strategy Defending the company’s strategy he said: “I don’t think we have a broken marketing strategy. I think what has happened is that we sell brands that have been around for quite a while. Our flagship brand is the Guinness Stout. You can almost say that you can sell Guinness without advertising. However, the problem is that while old brands or established brands have their advantages, the disadvantage, is if you don’t constantly innovate, the people who are loyal to your brand, when they get older, will become more careful about discretionary spending.

Innovation is one of our strongest strength. About a year ago, we made a research about our consumers; the fact is that consumers are more conscious about their lifestyles, health and are inspirational. Origin was introduced based on research. We are struggling to meet the supply demand, but we will get there.

You will find out that our parents and grand parents are the ones that drink Guinness. What we found out was that, that base was aging. The consumer base that has money in their pockets is 18 to 35 years old.

Today, they don’t want to drink what their fathers drank. In short, they don’t want to try it. If their father took one door, they will take another door, just to say, I am young, you are old,” he said.

He explained that one of the challenges facing Guinness is how to make it meaningful to the youthful population who are the ones with the money. “We are now doing, in our campaigns, some exciting things that we don’t use to do before. The young people want to dance, they want music, so, we have changed the label, done new advertising like Made of More Campaign; More Black Campaign; popular Nigerian artiste playing and all that, to make the product relevant to the younger population who are the majority,” he said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

53

BUSINESS EXTRA

BPE seeks presidential, NCP’s approval for airports’ privatisation •’Payment deadline for Afam, Kaduna DISCos may be extended’ •Mega Finance Development Bank coming

T

HE Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), would approach the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) and get the consent of the President to commence the process leading to the privatisation of national airports, its DirectorGeneral, Benjamin Dikki has said.

Dikki told stakeholders at the ongoing Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA) Trade Fair, that he has already tabled the matter before the Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, adding that the minister is keen about ceding the management of the airports to private operators.

He said although BPE has

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

not developed a timeline for the concession, it would soon commence a six-month due diligence on the airports.

He said: “Like I mentioned, I said we have already held the discussion with the Minister of Aviation, and he is agreeable and very keen that we handover the management of our airports to the private sector.

“We have agreed in principle, and we are developing the concept paper and the timeline, which we will discuss with the minister and then seek the necessary approval of the NCP and the President before we commence the privatisation.”

He also said the Minister of

Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, is spearheading the establishment of a Mega DevelopmentFinance Bank, similar to that of Germany and Brazil.

The whole idea, he explained, “is to be able to provide long-term financing for the private sector to ensure greater risk taking in ventures that have long gestation period.”

Asked whether BPE would heed the advice of the President of ABUCCIMA, Solomon Nyagba, who urged decisive action regarding the privatisation of the four national refineries, Dikki replied that the Senate has vowed to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

He said once the Bill becomes law, investors will

come for the refineries.

He recalled his meeting with the Minister of Power, and his Mines and Steel Development counterpart, on how to actualise the concept of coal to power.

He said plans are underway to privatise the coal blocks and the remaining non-core assets of the Nigeria Railway Corporation and the Nigerian Mining Corporation, adding that BPE is working with the Enugu State government and the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to ensure that obstacles are removed on the way to achieving the privatisation of the coal blocks in Enugu.

According to the Director General, the Federal Government is to conclude the arbi-

Govt summons Shell MD over Bonga oil spill •Reps issue two-week deadline on palliatives From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

• MD Shell, Mutiu Sumonu

T

HE new Managing Di rector of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Tony Attah, has been summoned by the Federal Government over the Bonga oil spill of 20th December, 2011.

This was sequel to a meeting of the Uche Ekwunifeled House of Representatives Committee on Environment with stakeholders at the National Assembly.

The Committee issued a two-week ultimatum to SNEPCo to come up with report on the palliative measures taken to cushion the effects of the spill which destroyed the means of livelihood of people living along the coast line.

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) said about 40,000 barrels of oil spilled into the Atlantic Ocean following equipment failure during oil exploration from the Bonga offshore facility owned by SNEPCo. About 350 coastal communities were adversely affected, NOSDRA said.

The Minister of Environment, Mrs Lawrencia Laraba-Mallam and SNEPCo Managing Director are to meet “to set up an in-house

team to look into how to assuage all feelings about Bonga oil spill.”

According to NOSDRA , the meeting would address “the adoption of multi stakeholder Committee (MSC) to resolve all issues involved on the Bonga oil spill incident,” Its Director of Assessment, Idris Musa, who spoke during the tripartite meeting noted that “it was established that it (oil spill) was not as a result of third party intervention or sabotage but resulted from equipment failure during the loading on the platform.”

He said: “We expected that as at that time some pallative that would have been given to the affected communities but nothing has been done.”

Ekwunife expressed concern over the attitude of

Glo launches Prive for high networth customers

G

LOBACOM yesterday launched Glo Prive, saying it has raised the bar in the High Networth Individual (HNI) segment of the telecoms market.

The telco said Prive is an exclusive club for top Glo customers on the prepaid and postpaid platforms and contained packages with massive benefits and privileges attached to the customers within the club.

Speaking during on the occasion, its Chief Commercial Director, Mr. Prabhat Aggarwal said:”Prive represents privilege, differentiation and exclusivity. With Glo Prive, members are treated to privileges provided by the Globacom network, and other benefits in the form of unique experiences, savings and offers by premium suppliers, merchants and service providers.

It is our own way of appreciating these niche subscribers in novel ways like no one else in the Nigerian telecoms market.”

He said the idea was to treat the telco’s high-end subscribers like the kings and queens they are. “We are welcoming them into a new era of exclusive privileges, distinctive treatment, premium attention and luxurious care. We have taken time to create the ultimate expe-

By Lucas Ajanaku

rience for our very valuable, loyal, premium and important personalities who are behind all of Globacom’s giant strides by offering the unique gamut of rewards.

“The benefits of the elite club include a free accident insurance cover of up to N20m payable against accidental death, free access to VIP lounges with the Glo Privé Card at International Airports nationwide, preferential treatment at 5-star hotels, restaurants, spas, fitness and beauty parlours, healthcare givers and special telephone numbers for spouses of Glo Prive members with the option of registering an existing Glo spouse line,” he said.

He added that the benefits also include automatic international direct dialing (IDD) and Roaming Access. According to him, “This means that wherever they go in the world, they can keep using their Glo subscriber identity module (SIM) to talk, text, browse and do much more,” adding that they will also get special invitation to Privé Business Networking platforms and Glo high profile events.

He explained that dedicated Account Managers have been made available for

effective round-the clock (24/7) exceptional care for Glo Privé members. There is an exclusive hotline for quick and expert help to resolve any issues a Prive member may have with his or her line.

“We have also created a special Glo Privé lounge at major Gloworld shops to attend exclusively to Prive members.

Members who visit these shops are welcomed to the special Privé corner by welltrained Privé staff and given priority and express service.

It is an exclusive world of preferential treatments that these customers will enjoy from now on,” he stated.

Glo Privé members will also enjoy exclusive offers, privileges, incentives and savings from Partners who have been signed up in 10 cities across Nigeria. “To ensure optimum benefits for our customers, we are partnering with the top three businesses in travel and tourism, hospitality, Shopping, beauty, healthcare and fitness, automobile, fashion and other related industries,” he explained.

There is also ‘AA Rescue’ cover for Glo Privé members.

This means that they will enjoy free towing service for their vehicles, free parking at designated areas and exemption from towing by traffic officials.

SNEPCo to the issue three years after, and consequently issued a two-week ultimatum to it to come out with a report on its palliative measures desinged to cushion the effects of the spill.

She said it was disgusting that the laws of the country were being broken flagrantly by the oil major and consequently directed it to forward relevant reports signed by all the parties to the Committee on or before 14th October this year.

tration with the Global Infrastructure ( Nig) Limited and develop strategies for the privatisation of Ajaokuta Steel Limited.

Meanwhile, indications emerged yesterday that the BPE may extend the deadline for the final payment for the Afam Power station and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) also known as Kaduna DISCo. The deadline for the payment were billed for October but according to Dikki, the public holidays in the same month may lead to the extension of the date.

Dikki who spoke in Abuja, said the Federal Government is yet to seal the Gas Purchase Agreement for Afam Power Station with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

He insisted that BPE cannot conclude the sale of the power plant without the agreement in place.

He said: “They are due this month as you are aware. But we also have to take into cognisance the fact that three days of holidays have intervened when you cannot do any banking business in Nigeria. So, we will also look at that and also look at other circumstances.

“For example, for Afam, we have still not been able to sign the Gas Agreement with SPDC. And once you cannot sign the gas agreement, you cannot conclude the sale. So, we are trying to see what will happen before the expiration

• Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka

date and then we will advise the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) and know what action to take on that.”

On the privatisation of the Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), he said the BPE has obtained a court confirmation for the appointment of a guided liquidator for the telecommunications assets.

He recalled that the NCP had approved the appointment of a liquidator for the guided liquidation of NITEL/MTEL pending court confirmation.

Dikki said: “The process is continuing and the prospective bidders are currently conducting Data Room due diligence on the assets.

“Prior to the data room exercise, a Pre-bidders’ conference was held to adequately brief and provide the bidders with all necessary documentation for the exercise.”

54

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 02-10-14

25-07-14 DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 02-10-14

Market capitalisation declines

by N29b T HE NSE All Share Index (ASI) shed18bps yesterday close at 41,135.56 points after three days of consecutive gains.

Market capitalisation equally declined N29.0bnto close at N13.6tn.

The decline in the market was attributable to profit taking in Nestle 3.7per cent , Dangote Cement 0.5 per cent, Guinness 5.0 per cent and PZ Cussons 5.0 per cent, even as market activity levels measured by aggregate volume and value traded also closed weaker at 674.0m and N6.3bn a 37.6 per cent and 21.8 per cent decline.

Most sector indices within

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

our coverage closed in the red with the exception of the Banking Index advancing 1.0 per cent due to the rally in Fidelity Bank 4.5 per cent Union Bank 3.0 per cent and Skye Bank 2.3 per cent. On the flip side, the NSE Consumer Goods Index shed 1.1 per cent amidst profit taking in Guinness 5.0 per cent, National Salt 4.0 per cent and Nestle 3.7 per cent.

Similarly, the Oil and Gas Index retreated, shedding 0.7 per cent. Notably, the Index was pressured by the decline

in Oando 0.9 per cent, Seplat 0.8 per cent and Eterna 0.5 per cent. The Insurance and Industrial Goods indices also both traded downwards — each shedding 70bps and 7bps respectively.

The Market breadth closed marginally below the border line today at 0.9x advancers/ decliners ratio: 32 gainers vs 33 losers.

At the close of trading, Champions Breweries 10.1 per cent, Ikeja Hotel 9.6 per cent and Beta Glass 6.1 per cent topped the gainers list, while Guinness 5.0 per cent, PZ Cussons 5.0 per cent and Custody in 4.9 per cent topped the losers chart.

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

55

MONEYLINK

Access Bank’s N68b Rights Issue targets lending, IT upgrade

T

HE Access Bank Nigeria Plc Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Seyi Kumapayi, has said the lender will deploy the N68 billion it plans to raise through Rights Issue on its working capital to boost lending and support Information Technology (IT) upgrade.

The CFO who disclosed this yesterday at a media briefing held in Lagos, said part of the funds will also be deployed on branch expansion, renovation and facility upgrade, as well as replacement of obsolete equipment.

Kumapayi, said Nigeria with 170 million people, enjoys stable political and economic environment as well as excellent demographics, making the business environment exciting. He said the lender has overtime, consistently delivered superior returns to its sharehold-

Stories by Collins Nweze

ers.

“We have shown that we can integrate and add value to institutions based on our successful acquisition of Intercontinental Bank,” he said.

Kumapayi said the lender has Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) bonds worth N65 billion, which will mature and be retired this month.

He described Access Bank as a Tier 1 bank with robust financial indicators, enlarged resource base with strong upside potentials, credible leadership with a clear focus on value creation for shareholders.

The bank, he added, also enjoys strong returns for investors –capital appreciation and dividend payout. The bank is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange.

On timing for the Rights Issue, the CFO said the timing is right. He said shareholders have been contacted and they approved the time frame for the Rights Issue. “Our shareholders have approved the Rights Issue. We have been on it for a long time during which we engaged both local and international investors,” he said.

The bank’s shareholders are expected to vote on October 13 on the proposal to sell shares to existing investors.

Banks are preparing to sell equity and debt after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) changed the way lenders calculate capital buffers.

The CBN is seeking to increase banks’ ability to withstand losses five years after the AMCON bought bad debt from banks to save the industry from collapse.

The regulator removed some as-

Afrinvest introduces online trading solution

A

• Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe

sets lenders can count as capital in preparation for the implementation of Basel II and III, while limiting Tier 2 capital to 33 per cent of higher-quality Tier 1 capital, according to an August 5 circular.

The lender announced in April that it had received shareholders’ approval to raise $1 billion, including through debt and equity to fund lending targeted to rise to 20 per cent this year.

FirstBank empowers women-led SMEs

F

IRSTBANK of Nigeria Limited has reiterated its commitment to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) run by women, its Head, Corporate Responsibility Marketing, Ismail Omamegbe has said.

Speaking during a workshop organised by the lender for women entrepreneurs at the Pan African University, Lagos, he said the bank has a corporate responsibility strategy built around four strategic pillars namely: sustainable finance, people empowerment, community support and environmental sustainability.

He explained that Sustainable fi-

nance, covers financial inclusion, women empowerment, developing special products, like FirstMonie, among others.

Omamegbe said the lender also engages on responsible lending, ensuring that in granting credit to customers, environmental, social and governance management system are put in place.

He said the workshop was designed to discuss challenges faced by women-led SMEs with the aim of finding solutions. “We have what we call SMEs financing. We focus on women empowerment, including supporting women-led SMEs. The SMEs is an engine of any economy,

Name

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,676.09 1,118.84 121.30 121.16 1,117.51 1.2381 1.2875 0.8705 1.0829

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

DATA BANK RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 29/09/2014 24/09/2014 22/09/2014 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Inflation: August

8.5%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

CHAMPION

10.18

11.21

1.03

IKEJAHOTEL

1.66

1.82

0.16

18.85

20.00

1.15

3.91

4.10

0.19

Credit to private Sector (CPS) Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

BETAGLAS HONYFLOUR FIDELITYBK

1.99

2.08

0.09

33.60

35.00

1.40

NPFMCRFBK

0.98

1.02

0.04

INTENEGINS

0.53

0.55

0.02

CONTINSURE

0.95

0.98

0.03

UBN

8.69

8.95

0.26

STANBIC

LOSERS AS AT 02-10-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

GUINNESS

214.98

204.24

-10.74

35.00

33.25

-1.75

CUSTODYINS

4.30

4.09

-0.21

VONO

1.49

1.42

-0.07

PZ

C/PRICE

like finding a successor, staff training, writing business plan, staff recruitment, sourcing for capital among others.

One of the facilitators, Delia Nzekwu said the workshop with theme: ‘Sustainability-The New Growth Strategy for Womenowned SMEs’ was meant to train the participants on how to address the above challenges.

Mrs Adebiyi Olubunmi, Strategy Co-ordination Office, CBN, said there is need for women to be actively involved in the financial system, adding that the apex bank is committed to supporting women-led businesses.

Bid Price 167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,676.09 1,118.03 120.45 120.30 1,116.70 1,2298 1,2875 0.8539 1.0829

GAINERS AS AT 02-10-14

SYMBOL

some of the women are in disadvantage position and needed to be supported. We need to build capacity for SMEs led by women,” he told The Nation.

Continuing, he said: “We have special considerations for womenled business. We are putting processes in place that will allow women have easy access to loans or lending to them without collateral.

We are also collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria on SMEs funding”.

He said women-led SMEs face several challenges, which was why the lender organized the programme to address some of those challenges

CHANGE

Money Supply (M2)

Amount Sold in ($) 499.95m 349.96m 349.96m

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$39.5b

US Dollar

154.70

155.71

$97.9

Pounds Sterling

250.7724

252.3929

Euro

200.3394

201.634

Swiss Franc

165.7385

166.8095

Yen

1.445

1.4544

CFA

0.286

0.306

231.3531

232.8481

25.1773

25.3409

N16.42 trillion.

N17.2 trillion 16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 350m 350m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES September 29, 2014

19-09-14 Rate (%) Rate (%) 29-09-14

WAUA Yuan/Renminbi

Overnight (O/N)

11.00

10.917

Riyal

41.259

41.5256

1M

12.464

12.393

SDR

232.156

233.6562

3M

13.281

13.201

6M

14.205

14.110

FOREX RATES

CUTIX

1.90

1.82

-0.08

REDSTAREX

4.59

4.40

-0.19

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

NASCON

9.70

9.31

-0.39

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

1,090.00

1,050.03

-39.97

MANSARD

3.00

2.90

-0.10

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

NEM

0.79

0.77

-0.02

NESTLE

FRINVESt Securities Limited, has announced the launch of Afrinvestor.com, a portal that enables individual investors and institutional clients to trade Nigerian stocks and other investment products online, using their personal computers and other smart devices.

Managing Director, Afrinvest Securities Limited, Charles Egbunonwo, said the firm has always placed a premium on the use of technology as a business enabler, adding that the product would empower clients to take more control of their investments, supported by sound investment advice and professional guidance.

“With Afrinvestor.com, our clients and investors will not only be able to initiate and execute trade online, they can also view their account information and portfolio performance, access a wealth of in-depth equity research as well as market data and intelligence on companies, key sectors and the broader Nigerian economy, all from the comfort of their homes or offices,” he said.

He said the move to electronic trading compared to floor trading continues to increase with many of the major exchanges the world over now doing all their business online. Benefits to investors include reduced cost of transactions, greater liquidity, greater competition, increased transparency and tighter spreads, especially for commoditised, exchange-traded instruments.

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Sept. 29, 2014

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.10

T-bills - 182

10.22

T-bills - 364

10.30

Bond - 3yrs

11.52

Bond - 5yrs

11.55

Bond - 7yrs

12.13

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

56

SHOWBIZ

Celebrities at war with Google •Threaten $100 million lawsuit for “facilitating” hacked nude photos

•Jennifer

M

ARTY Singer, a l a w y e r representing over a dozen Hollywood celebrities whose iCloud accounts were hacked and whose nude photos were stolen in late August, is excoriating Google in a letter that threatens a $100 million lawsuit.

Hollywood Reporter records that Singer, warns of the consequences in the letter that rips Google for

acting “like the NFL” and turning a blind eye to the offensive materials.

“Google’s ‘Don’t be evil’ motto is a sham,” he writes.

The letter calls out “Google’s despicable, reprehensible conduct in not only failing to act expeditiously and responsibly to remove the images, but in knowingly accommodating, facilitating and perpetuating the unlawful conduct.”

According to Singer, Google hasn’t been expeditiously removing owned work from its platforms pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The letter says that other ISPs including Twitter have accommodated takedown demands, but that “Google, one of the largest ISPs in the world, with vast resources and a huge support staff, generating multimillions of dollars in revenues on a daily basis, has recklessly allowed these blatant violations to continue in conscious disregard of our clients’ rights.”

The letter suggests Google’s responsibility to celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, Rihanna, Arianna Grande and others goes well beyond the call to scrub search engines. Google is also blamed for how it’s allegedly accommodating those using YouTube and Blogspot to post the offending images.

“If your wives, daughters or relatives were the victims of such blatant violations of basic human rights, surely you would take appropriate action,” states the letter. “But because the victims are celebrities with valuable publicity rights, you do nothing - - nothing but collect millions of dollars in advertising revenue from your co-conspirator advertising partners as you seek to capitalise on this scandal rather than quash it. Like the NFL, which turned a blind eye while its players assaulted and victimised women and children, Google has turned a blind eye while its sites repeatedly exploit and victimise these women.”

BBA: MultiChoice reminds subscribers of parental control

A

S Big Brother Africa; the biggest reality show on the continent gets set to go live on October 5, MultiChoice is reminding subscribers that they have the power to restrict viewing through the Parental Control option on their decoders.

This is the second time in a month that the pay TV company will be announcing options for subscriber to opt out of viewing the show, if they so desired.

Caroline Oghuma, Public Relations Manager for DStv, while explaining how to make use of the Parental Control option, said, “all the subscriber needs to do is press the Menu button on the DStv remote control, select the Parental Control Option, then key in the default Pin Code, which is 1234. The subscriber then has the option to change the default Pin Code by Selecting Blocking Option 1. He can then scroll using the right arrow and select Parental Control, access Parental Levels and then choose the appropriate PG Rating.

Selecting Family or PG13 will block an event rated 16 and above. He can then select accept these settings and press `Exit’ to go back to normal viewing,” she said.

Oghuma also noted that

subscribers who may not be interested in watching the reality show can opt out of viewing the programme during its duration. “To do so, all the subscriber needs to do is to text “NO” and the first 10 digits of his smartcard number to 30333.

Normal SMS c h a r g e s apply.”

She pointed out that the new season of the reality show

•Tayo

will play host to housemates who adore the spotlight and will let nothing stand in the way of their pursuit of fame and fortune.

Themed BBA Hotshots, this year’s edition is expected to have housemates start the game in two ultra-glamorous houses which are built with fun and excitement in mind.

For 64 days, they will do their best to outshine one another in the hope of convincing Africa that they are the continent’s biggest ‘Hotshot’.

“They will play hard and face formidable challenges – all the while negotiating Biggie’s famous curveballs and twists,” she remarked.

Ogbuma revealed that IK Osakioduwa will return as host of the show for the 6th year running, and will tease, comfort and dance with the housemates on the Big Brother stage.

Produced by Endemol South Africa, the social reality show will air on DStv channels 197 and 198, beginning from this Sunday. Organisers say the best of the live highlights will also show on GOtv.

T-lounge to fete Segun Arinze

I

N the spirit of giving honour to whom honour is due, TLounge is set to fete popular Nollywood actor and exnational president of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Segun Arinze, for his consistent contributions to the development of arts and entertainment in Nigeria.

By Mercy Michael

The event, which is billed to hold at De-Santos Hotel on October 4, is part of its activities to mark Nigeria’s 54 th Independence Day celebrations.

For the respected actor, it has been celebration galore in the past weeks, as he

marked his birthday last week, amidst pomp and circumstance in Abuja.

Earlier, Segun and his wife, Julie, had welcomed a baby girl on August 25, in Maryland, USA. The actor had been previously married to Nollywood actress, Ann Njemanze.

57

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

NEWS

NJC: Fayose’s case to go on Continued from page 2

Soji Oye said: “Following the recent unfortunate and worrisome incidents in Ekiti State Judiciary, particularly in the High Court Complex, Ado-Ekiti, the National Judicial Council held an emergency meeting on October 2, 2014 under the Chairmanship of Justice Aloma Mukhtar, and considered the various complaints and petitions forwarded to it.

“At the end of the Meeting, Council decided as follows: •In very strong terms condemned the attacks on the Judiciary and Judicial Officers in general across the country and in particular, the one carried out in High Court complex, AdoEkiti on 22nd and 25th September, 2014.

•Requested the InspectorGeneral of Police to take over and investigate the alleged attacks on Hon. Justices John Adeyeye and Isaac Olusegun Ogunyemi, some members of staff of the Court and vandalisation of property of the High Court of Justice, Ado-Ekiti and

bring the culprits to justice.

•Requested the InspectorGeneral of Police as a matter of urgency to provide adequate security to Judicial Officers and the Judiciary in Ekiti State.

•All petitions forwarded by all parties to the council on the matter are being looked into.”

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, said yesterday that the continuous closure of Ekiti state courts endangered democracy and rule of law.

Its chairman Yinka Farounbi stated this while reviewing a three-day fact finding mission to the state following attacks on some judges of the State High Court.

The association urged Ekiti Chief Judge Chief Judge Justice Adebisi. Daramola to re-open the courts, since substantial peace and normalcy have now returned to the state capital.

The NBA chairman held Fayose liable for the mayhem and physical assault on Justice J. O Adeyeye and others last week.

The Ikeja NBA chairman said the three-day fact finding mis-

sion to the state between September 28 and 30, indicated that Mr Fayose “did not stop” his supporters from assaulting the judges.

According to Farounbi, the PDP governor-elect watched his supporters physically assaulting the judge without any attempt to stop them.

“Hon. Justice Adeyeye was indeed assaulted with fist blows, whips and kicks by about 20 people who were with the governorelect, as he was passing by the former’s court.

“The assault on the judicial officer happened when the judge left his Chamber and went over to Mr.Ayo Fayose, asking him to control his noisy and unruly followers. This led to an argument between the duo and the assault on the judge then took place. The governor-elect ‘did not stop his followers”, he noted.

“Those that may be found to have participated in the desecration of Ekiti judiciary should be made to face the wrath of the law no matter highly placed,” he said.

Industrial Courts was also killed while lawyers were routinely beaten up. ‘’We do not want the buffoons who have found themselves in power in Ekiti and elsewhere in Nigeria to take us to those days of buffoonery, days of anarchy as witnessed in Uganda and elsewhere,’’ it said.

APC also called on the Inspector-General of Police to sanction the policemen who stood idly by as thugs were at-

tacking judges, lawyers, litigants and others, saying the police must always carry out their constitutional duties no matter which politician is flouting the law.

The party urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take the lead in ensuring that those behind the “senseless” attack on judges in Ekiti are made to face the full wrath of the law, irrespective of their status in the society.

APC insists Fayose must be arrested, prosecuted Continued from page 2

gion, which earned it the tag “Wild Wild West”, were judges beaten up like Fayose and his thugs did in Ekiti. ‘’Only in Idi Amin’s Uganda can one recall, in recent memory, that this kind of attack happened. In 1972, the Ugandan Chief Justice was murdered by Idi Amin’s agents, after the then President publicly criticised the Judge’s ruling. Later, the President of the country’s

15 officers, 82 soldiers on trial for alleged mutiny, assault, AWOL Continued from page 2

hi, IM Okoro, D Wunuji and 2nd Lt. JM Uweh. The rest are in the rank and file.

Gen. Yusuf said the trial would be conducted and concluded without undue delay, to prevent the accused persons from suffering from the psychological trauma associated with protracted litigations.

“In line with this, I wish to appeal to both the prosecution and defence counsel to prepare their cases in earnest in order to assist the accused persons and this GCM in ensuring un-delayed justice.

“I also wish to appeal to the counsel on both sides to keep to the timing of this court and avoid asking for unnecessary adjournments so that the sincere

intention of this court could be achieved.

“Finally, I wish to appeal to the members of the press that in the interest of national security, the accused persons, patriotism and justice, to be fair and objective in their reports on all issues concerning this trial,” the General stated.

The court adjourned till October 15.

rian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and the Nigerian Institute of Public Administrators.

“On January 7, 2011, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI made her a Papal Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great. Dame Oyo and I were blessed with two children, Otome and Okiemuote who are married and have given us beautiful grandchildren.

“She was born on October 12, 1952. Members of her family and her large circle of friends and well-wishers were looking forward to her 62nd birthday come October 12. She is survived by her husband, Vincent, her children, grand-children and siblings - Sunday Oke and Yomi Oke.” President Goodluck Jonathan led tributes to her. Governors, ministers and other categories of public officers and Nigerians from all walks of life joined the media in mourning Mrs Oyo The Newspapers Proprietors of Nigeria (NPAN) in a statement addressed to the Nigerian Guild of Editors President Femi Adesina titled Remi Oyo: we mourn, said the NPAN received the news of her death with shock.

The NPAN described her as “a woman of many firsts.” She was the first woman to be elected President of NGE, the first woman to be appointed presidential spokesman and the firast woman to be made Managing Director of NAN. According to the NPAN, “she accomplished the difficult tasks therein effectively with grace and professionalism.”

It regretted that her death came at a time the organisation was coming to terms with the death of The Sun Vice Chairman Dimgba Igwe.

“Her death through cancer underscores how this silent killer has eaten deep into the fabric of our healthcare system.

“It is on record that Nigerians spend aboput $200m abroad annually on medicals in their bid to fight this silent killer which four years ago overtook heart disease oa number one killer of mankind”, the statement added.

Delta State governorship aspirant Tony Obuh, expressed shock over Mrs Oyo’s death.

Obuh who described Oyo as one of the most eminent Nigerian journalists lamented that she died too soon, noting that she served the country selflessly.

“Remi Oyo was a special person who would be deeply missed and be always remembered as a hardworking and dependable professional. As we all mourn her, we should also have it at the back of our minds that she lived a purposeful life in defence of the truth and public interest as well as the promotion of the highest standards in her chosen profession of journalism,” Obuh said.

He prayed God to give her husband and her children the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“Although no words can take away the pain of the family over the loss of Remi, I want the family to know that our hearts and thoughts are with them in this moment of grief,” he said.

Obuh also commiserated with the NGE.

NPAN, Obuh mourn ex- presidential aide Oyo Continued from page 2

”A committed and patriotic Nigerian, whose friends cut across the length and breadth of the country, Mrs. Oyo put Nigeria first in her private and official activities.

“Born into a Catholic family, Dame Oyo had her primary education at the St. James’ Catholic Primary School in Ilorin, where she grew up. She attended the prestigious St. Louis Girls Secondary School, Bompai, Kano and had her higher education in Lagos and Britain.

“A devout Catholic, Dame Oyo was a former Vice Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council of SS Joachim and Anne of the Catholic Church, Ijegun, Lagos.

“Dame Oyo, who had a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Canterbury at Kent, also earned a post-graduate Diploma in International Relations from the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos.

“In recognition of her patriotism, the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, appointed her as a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee to craft the constitution that ushered in the present democratic dispensation in 1999.

“A recipient of Nigeria’s National honour, the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Dame Oyo also earned many other awards among which was the National Council of Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria merit award.

“She was Fellow of the Nige-

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

58

FOREIGN NEWS

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014

Liberia to prosecute man who brought Ebola to U.S.

Taliban blasts army bus in Kabul

A

L

IBERIA plans to prosecute the airline passenger who brought Ebola into the U.S., alleging that he lied on an airport questionnaire about not having any contact with an infected person, authorities said Thursday.

Thomas Eric Duncan filled out a series of questions about his health and activities before leaving on his journey to Dallas. On a Sept. 19 form obtained by The Associated Press, he answered no to all of them.Among other questions, the form asked whether Duncan had cared for an Ebola patient or touched the body of anyone who had died in an area affected by Ebola.

Neighbors in the Liberian capital believe Duncan become infected when he helped bundle a sick pregnant neighbour into a taxi a few weeks ago and set off with her to find treatment.

The case has raised questions about whether a disease that has killed 3,300 people in West Africa could spread in the United States. U.S. health officials say they remain confident they can keep it contained. Liberia is one of the three countries hit hardest in the epidemic, along with Sierra Leone and Guinea.

In Texas, health officials have reached out to about 80 people who may have had direct contact with Duncan or someone close to him in their efforts to stem the risk of the Ebola virus spreading.

None of the people is showing symptoms, but health authorities have educated them about Ebola and told them to notify medical workers if they begin to feel ill, Erikka Neroes, a spokeswoman for the Dallas County Health and Human Services agency, said Thursday.

•The latest bombing came less than 24 hours after another attack on an army bus in Kabul

H

Hong Kong leader refuses to quit

ONG KONG’s Chief Executive CY Leung has said he will not resign amid calls from pro-democracy protesters for him to step down.

But he said his government was willing to hold talks with the protesters.

The protesters - angry at China’s plan to vet candidates for polls in 2017, saying they want full democracy - have surrounded two key government buildings in the territory.

Mr Leung warned that they were breaking the law.

At a news conference shortly before the protesters’ midnight deadline for his resignation expired, Mr Leung warned that attempts to move on or occupy government buildings would be met with a police response.

He said the territory’s top

civil servant, Carrie Lam, would open a dialogue with student leaders as soon as possible.

“The Hong Kong government is always willing to discuss the (political) reforms,” he said.

The protesters have massed outside the Office of the Chief Executive and the Central Government Complex.

Police had earlier warned protesters not to try to breach the police cordon protecting the buildings.

Police spokesman Steve Hui told reporters: “The police will not stand by and watch. We will decisively uphold the law.”

At his news conference, Mr Leung said the protesters around government buildings had so far been “very rational and restrained”, adding: “I hope they will continue to be like that.”

EXPRESSO Buhari, Atiku and Kwankwaso: How APC can win •Continued

from Back Page

Atiku: Turakin Adamawa’s last chance? There will be ample time for this column to take a critical look at the aspirants before the December 2 primary date, but it seems this may well be Atiku’s last shot at the top job of the land. Having tried in 2003 (yes!), 2007 and 2011 without success, age, ennui and geo-political factors may work against him in 2019; but who can foretell tomorrow?

Let it be noted, however, that different dynamics govern party primaries and general elections so we are considering here the capacity to cross the first hurdle, the party primary. He has gone through this grueling, if not punishing and exorbitant road many times before; but he has deep pockets so he is likely to sweep the APC primary, especially if it is a closed delegates’ election. But if party delegates are looking beyond the primary and

if they care about victory at the general election, then it will not be such an easy ride for Atiku.

Is Buhari still a force? Yes, he still is; a strong moral, religious and geopolitical force – Mai Gaskiyya he is fondly called by die-hard followers.

But primary election in Nigeria is money election and you are lonely and indeed alone if you have no money. One wagers that it will be nigh impossible for a Buhari to win an Atiku in a closed primary election in Nigeria. Not oblivious of this fact, Buhari had let out what seemed like a yelp last Tuesday when he noted that he is the poorest presidential aspirant in the line-up. Well politics is a vicious game, isn’t it? And people are saying the forces against Buhari are still alive and well; why won’t he adopt/anoint a candidate from his camp? Debate for another day.

Would Kwankwaso pose a counterpoise to Atiku? There

is a good chance that the challenge of the Kano State governor would be formidable. His ‘movement’, Kwankwasiyya, has taken over the politically influential state and is spreading. Kwankwaso can play the ‘fresh’ card; he can raise the cash and he has impressive work in Kano to show off.

Carefully chaperoned, he could change the game both at the primary and even presidential election.

Jonathan is beatable? Yes indeed he is; and any of these three candidates could pull a surprise if APC gets its strategies right. Though it has been lax in mobilising the Southeast and Southsouth, it is never late to push in that direction and there is so much difference six months can make.

APC can indeed win, but the bigger victory lies in sustaining a virile alternative party and to understand that if it keeps at it, surely it will get the top job one day but it may also take a bit of time.

Hong Kong leader offers talks with protesters Hong Kong’s embattled leader refused to step down Thursday, as pro-democracy protesters have demanded, and instead offered talks to defuse a week of massive street demonstrations that are the biggest challenge to Beijing’s authority since China took control of the former British colony in 1997.Student leaders of the protests did not immediately respond to the announcement by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying.

A wider pro-democracy group that joined the mass protests, Occupy Central, welcomed the talks but insisted that Leung still should resign.Occupy Cen-

tral “hopes the talks can provide a turning point in the current political stalemate,” it said in a statement.

“However, we reiterate our view that Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying is the one responsible for the stalemate, and that he must step down.”Leung made his comments at a news conference just minutes before a deadline that had been set by the protesters for him to quit.Leung asked the territory’s top civil servant, Chief Secretary Carrie Lam, to arrange the talks.Lam, standing beside Leung, said she would seek to meet with student leaders of the protests as soon as possible.

T least three people were killed when a Taliban suicide bomber attacked an Afghan army bus in Kabul on Thursday, the interior ministry said.

Local media said at least seven others were injured in the attack.

The bombing is the fourth such Taliban attack since the swearing in of new President Ashraf Ghani on Monday.

At least seven Afghan soldiers died and many were injured after a suicide bomber targeted another army bus in Kabul on Wednesday.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for all four attacks, saying they were a continuation of an offensive which started in the summer.

Key deal The day after being sworn in, Mr Ghani signed a deal letting US troops stay in Afghanistan after the end of 2014.

Mr Ghani’s predecessor, Hamid Karzai, had refused to sign the deal because of a disagreement with the US. The Taliban has vowed to fight President Ghani’s new government, which it called a “US-orchestrated sham”.

Under a US-brokered unity deal Mr Ghani shares power with runner-up Abdullah Abdullah who becomes chief executive.

Meanwhile, the commanders of Afghan forces and international troops in Afghanistan say Islamic State is not operating in the country.

In his first broadcast interview since taking command of Isaf forces a month ago, Gen John Campbell said that there were no “credible military reports” of IS coming to Afghanistan.

NEWS

F

Atiku welcomes Buhari to APC race

ORMER Vice President and Presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has said that the task of rescuing the country is a duty tha leaders of the All Progressive Congress are committed to achieving.

The former Vice President who welcomed the decision of former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari to join the contest for the opposition party’s ticket for the 2015 general elections said “the more individuals ready to be part of the mission to rescue the country, the better.”

In a statement personally signed by the former Vice President, “Nigeria has floundered for far too long”, adding “people are yearning for a change and we must listen to them before they lose faith in the ability of their leaders to revive the country.

“You will recall that during my declaration speech penultimate week, I did mention that my priority, if given the chance to run and serve as the President of Nigeria is addressing the issues

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

of jobs creation and providing decent employment for Nigerians, especially the youths.

“I believe that it is only when we can provide decent jobs for our young people, that we can have a hope for the decent future for our country. It is also not in doubt that of recent, successive administrations have failed woefully in building the infrastructure that can promote a healthy economy.

“Our education system is in shambles, public health system is in virtual comatose, we have very poor network of roads totally at variance with the wealth of a country that is the seventh oil producer in the world.

“I believe that the country has failed in these areas because of the excessive centralisation of functions and resources to the government at the centre. The government that the APC plans to lead in the next few months, by the grace of God, will be fully committed to devolution of powers and resources to the state governments in line with the manifesto of our great

party.

“I also plan to march this resolve with a full commitment to ensuring transparency in all sectors of our national life. I am equally disturbed about the way our people have been divided along ethnic and religious fault lines and how we are steadily and dangerously losing a sense of community where every Nigerian can live together without mutual suspicion.

“I believe that the next president of our country, who by the grace of God will be produced by our great party, must be someone who is a unifier, bridge-builder and not someone who bears ethnoreligious bias. Above all, he must embody a vision of a Nigeria for all.”

“I have no doubt in my mind that we both share a common concern about rescuing our country from the deadly grip of the PDP and it is on this note that I do warmly welcome him on board in this very important national rescue mission. I look forward to meeting him in an open, free and fair contest for the ticket.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

59

CITYBEATS bus ride Two die, 14 rescued in boat mishap Free T in Lagos ‘ T ’

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

HE bodies of two passengers of a boat that capsized on Wednesday night in Igando, Lagos, were recovered yesterday.

The bodies are yet to be collected by their family members, who stormed the scene yesterday.

Fourteen others were rescued by local divers with the assistance of men from Igando Police Division.

The boat capsized on the way to Imoshe in Ogun State after taking off from Akesan in Lagos.

The number of passengers on board could not be ascer-

Police arrest 32 as political thugs clash

They deliberately refused to report the case to the Police because they wanted to hide the accident from us. As we speak, families of the deceased have not come to the station to report either

By Jude Isiguzo

tained.

It was gathered that on taking off, it hooked on to another boat carrying two passengers, so as to withstand the tide, but it did not work.

The panic stricken passengers were said to have jumped out of the boat before it capsized. Some swam to safety, others were res-

cued by local fishermen. It was gathered that none of the passengers was wearing life jacket.

At the scene yesterday, policemen were combing the river for victims. Sources hinted that the case was not reported by the canoe operators.

“They deliberately refused to report the case to the Police because they wanted to

hide the accident from us. As we speak, families of the deceased have not come to the station to report either”, a source said.

A relative of one of the victims, who gave her name as Omolara, said she was yet to see her brother’s body. She said she got a call from one of the boat operators about the accident but was warned not to involve the police.

“The challenge we are confronted with is how to get his body. I can’t find the person that called me on phone.

He has absconded with the body out of fear of being arrested by the police” The second victim, whose name was given as Fatima, a petty trader, was said to have gone to buy jewely which she intended to sell before Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Another person was seen wailing as he claimed he was yet to see one Michael.

Two boat operators are being grilled by the police on what happened.

By Jude Isiguzo

P

OLITICAL thugs are fighting for control of Costain/Apapa Road in Lagos Mainland.

Thirty-two of them were arrested by the police as the fight, which began on Tuesday night, raged yesterday. Scores have been injured in the clash.

Eyewitnesses said street urchins cashed in on the skirmish to loot, rob and rape.

Guns were said to have boomed since Tuesday night, with residents scampering to safety.

Commercial activities were grounded as shops and markets were shut.

Commuters trekked as commercial buses stayed off the road.

A resident, Akeem Lasis said: “They have been fighting since Tuesday with cutlasses, guns and other weapons.

People cannot move around freely as they are also robbing and molesting residents. We have not seen policemen come around to arrest anybody. We do not even know the cause of the clash. This morning they have started again. People should help us call the police”.

Lagos Police Command’s spokesman, Mr Kenneth Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), explained that the clash was between thugs of opposing parties, adding that men from Iponri and Denton Police Stations have moved to the scene to restore peace. He said Iponri Division arrested 26 suspects while Denton arrested six.

•A fallen PHCN hightension wire pole on a Voyager Family Wagon Car with Reg. No. F.C. 416 APP, along Sunday Adigun Street, Alausa, Ikeja PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

Workers protest death of colleague, maltreatment

O

VER 100 youths working for a Chinese company, Linda Manufacturing Company at Agege, Lagos State yesterday protested to Lagos State House of Assembly over the death of their colleague, Nnamdi Solomon. The protesting workers alleged he was denied medical treatment after he complained of

By Oziegbe Okoeki

stomach pain.

Vincent Victor who led the protest said the company, which is into the manufacturing of Expression Weaveon has also been maltreating its workers.

He said: “our colleague went to meet with the management complaining of stom-

ach pain but he was not allowed to go home until he died. The management kept us in darkness, trying to sweep the case under the carpet. They knew we were going to stop work if we are aware that our colleague is dead.

“Solomon remains was left inside the gutter for two days in the rain. We were looking for him before we

Ebola: Nigeria to train health workers from Liberia, Sierra leone, Guinea

N

IGERA has accepted to train 15 health workers from three West African countries affected by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Minister of health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said yesterday.

Chukwu told to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja while reacting to a recent request by the United Nations and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to offer the training as part of efforts to combat the disease.

“Nigeria will offer specialised training to the health personnel from the three severely affected West African nations of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia,’’ he said.

According to him, the trainees comprised nine field epidemiologists and six laboratory scientists selected from the affected countries.

The minister said the training, scheduled to take place in Nigeria, would last for three weeks.

Chukwu, however, did not disclose when the training would commence.

He said that the move was part of “a broader measure’’ taken by the Federal Government to assist those countries hit by the virus to contain its spread beyond their borders.

“It is our belief that unless the virus is contained in the most affected countries, Nigeria will continue to be at risk because of its policy of non-restriction of movement across the sub-region.

“I believe that Nigeria should help its neighbours to contain the scourge.

“But for now, we are focusing on helping to build the capacity of the health workers in those countries at our own cost.

“So, Nigeria will not rest until Ebola virus is completely tackled in West Africa,’’ he said.

Chukwu said that on the longrun, countries around the sub-region would be encouraged to train more of its health workers using Nigerian facilities to build a stronger network against common diseases.

The minister said that the Fed-

eral Government was also planning “a more comprehensive Masters programme for health personnel from countries in the sub-region that could last for up to two years”.

He said that the effort was geared toward building the subregion’s capacity to contain deadly diseases such as EVD, HIV and Lassa fever.

Besides, he said the federal government had procured drugs worth N50 million to be donated to Sierra Leone as part of Nigeria’s contribution to curb Ebola virus in the country.

Chukwu said that Nigeria had also outlined a comprehensive programme to help its neighbours to successfully fight the disease.

The minister expressed optimism that West Africa could stem the tide of EVD within the shortest possible time, especially if countries were committed to the sub-regional’s plan of action against the disease.

“Ebola virus in West Africa can be brought under control

within the next six to seven months, if all countries in the sub-region work in unison,” Chukwu said.

The minister also called on the countries still plagued by Ebola virus to develop a strong communication and social mobilisation network to help build public confidence.

He said that most people in the affected countries were antagonistic to their governments’ efforts toward ending the scourge because they have nothing to eat in their homes.

“We need to look at the humanitarian aspect of the problem such as food supply.

“You cannot be talking about Ebola virus when people are hungry. So, the campaign has to be a complete package, otherwise it may not yield the desired results,” he said.

The minister on September 29 drummed similar message when he received the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Social Affairs, Mr Mustapha Kaloko, in Abuja.

found him in a gutter. The company is fond of sacking workers whenever they are absent from work.

“The boy died because he did not want to forfeit his salary or be sacked”.

Hon. Bisi Yusuf representing Alimosho 1 constituency assured the protesters that the House would look into the matter. “We know what you are going through;we are going to investigate the matter and we will not spare anyone guilty no matter who he or she is”, he said.

•LASTMA pledges free flow of traffic

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

HE Lagos State Government will offer free bus ride to residents tomorrow to mark the Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Commuters along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route will enjoy free ride from Mile 12 to CMS; those on the Bus Franchise Scheme (BFS) will not pay on the IkotunIgando-Iyana-Ipaja-Ikeja route.

Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Dr. Dayo Mobereola urged Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the celebration.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has assured Lagosians of a traffic-free Sallah celebration. The agency said it would deploy more personnel in traffic prone areas to control movement during the celebration.

LASTMA’s General Manager Mr. Babatunde Edu, said the move is necessary because of the volume of traffic during the period.

Edu said more personnel would be despatched to remove road impediments for motorists’ safety.

He advised motorists to avoid excessive speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. They should obey traffic laws and officer’s directives.

Edu advised motorists to avoid the use of Eko Bridge inward Costain. Instead, they should use the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges as alternative routes to avoid delays because of the ongoing rehabilitation of Eko Bridge.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public that the following documents belonging to Alhaji Sule D. Usman are missing: 1. Original letter of offer in respect of to Block 2, (324) flat 10, Tamale Street, Wuse, Abuja issued by FCTA dated 31/ 03/2007 2. SANI Lawal Plot no. 5535 situated at FO1, Dutse Alhaji, Bwari Area Council, Abuja 3. Olajire Nig. Co. Plot No. MF4013 situated at Lugbe Extension 2, Abuja Municipal Council(AMAC) 4. EL. Goni Isa Ngala Plot No. 3338 situated at FO1 Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

PUBLIC NOTICE LOSS OF DOCUMENT

The general public is hereby notified that the Title Documents (Land Certificate LO7699, dated 20th February 1975) to property known as Plot 1392, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos and belonging to Mr. Joseph Olatunji Peters is missing.

Any transactions with respect to the said property should be disregarded.

60

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

NEWS

Mansur Lawal: Painful exit of a diligent journalist H

E was a diligent man, easy- going, cerebral, innovative and kindhearted. He was a responsible father and loving husband.

The demise of Alhaji Mansur Lawal, senior special assistant on Media and Publicity to Gombe State Governor Dankwambo, left a sour taste in the mouth of most journalists in Gombe, especially members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state.

Friday, September 26, 2014, was a black Friday that left bitter memories in the hearts of many that knew Lawal and experienced his humble and convivial nature.

The life of the late Lawal had been eventful, to say the least. He was close to former Governor Abubakar Habu Hashidu and became the special assistant on Media and Publicity in 2010 to Danjuma Goje.

He was reappointed to the same position when Dankwambo became governor in 2011.

Born in 1960 to the family of Lawal Ismail of Zaria, headquarters of the famous Zazzau Emirate in Kaduna State, the late Lawal started his education at the age of six.

He obtained a first degree in Linguistics (Hausa) in 1985 from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and a postgraduate diploma in Journalism from the same institution.

The late Lawal began journalism in 1987, as a reporter with The New Nigerian and Gaskiya Tafi Kwabo (GTK), a Hausa publication.

Lawal’s out-station assignment

By Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

as a correspondent started in the then Bauchi State in 1987.

He became the chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel. On the creation of Yobe State, he was moved to Damaturu.

The late Lawal was transferred to Gombe in 1997 to open The New Nigerian office, and became the first chair of the Correspondents’ Chapel in the state, created on October 1, 1996.

His death elicited a lot of emotion, with calls coming in from different states to verify whether or not it was true.

Condolences subsequently flowed in when shocked colleagues and well-wishers realised that the sad news was indeed true.

But why, many have asked, is it that fate plays a cruel game?

Taking good hearts that love, that cares, that add value to the lives of people?

Yet, it sounded as a cruel joke because some of us spoke with him, some saw him the previous Saturday before the trip to an Abuja health facility from which he never returned.

He sounded and acted optimistic as usual. Nobody had an inkling

the event would be his last.

But sadly, everyone came to terms with the reality that the industrious Alhaji Mansur Lawal was gone, finally to rest, from his almost two-year battle with his failing health.

Alhaji Lawal was well-groomed in his job, carving a niche for himself as a prolific writer.

The state’s Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Information, Mr. Kelmi Lazarus, described Lawal as a patient and an understanding man grounded in journalism.

He said his contribution to the development of the profession in the state was immense and would not be forgotten in a hurry.

Lazarus noted that Lawal was a big-hearted man, who received others with open arms and was always ready to assist.

Chairman of the state council of NUJ, Alhassan Mohammed Yahya said the late Lawal loved his job, people, and never looked down on old friends or friendship.

He described his death as a great loss to his immediate family, friends and the state government, adding that Kaduna, his home state and indeed his hometown, Zaria, never enjoyed him as Gombe did.

Williams Attah, secretary, NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel in Gombe

‘He was so willing to help, so much so that even when he was handicapped, he would not accept his inability to assist because he would continue to try until it becomes obvious that nothing else could be done’

Mbu detains AIT reporter for comment From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

•The late Lawal simply remembers Lawal as “a nice guy, who was always willing to help if the need arose.

“He was so willing to help, so much so that even when he was handicapped, he would not accept his inability to assist because he would continue to try until it becomes obvious that nothing else could be done. ‘’Lawal will be remembered for his joviality and never a dullmoment-around-him nature,” he added.

The late Mansur Lawal battled poor health for quite some time.

His condition deteriorated towards the end of 2013.

He died at Primus Hospital in Abuja.

Lawal was 54 . He left behind two wives, Halima Yusuf andAishatu Ibrahim and nine children.

The late journalist was buried at his hometown on September 27, 2014.

THE Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in Zone 7, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu, yesterday ordered the detention of Africa Independent Television (AIT) reporter Amaechi Anakwue.

Mbu invited Anakwue to his office for allegedly referring to him as a "controversial police officer" during a television programme.

It was learnt that on getting to the office, Mbu ordered that his men to detained Anakwue.

The management of DAAR Communications last night demanded the release of the reporter.

Mbu, who was Rivers State commissioner of Police was redeployed to Abuja, following his hostile relationship with Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In Rivers State, Mbu was accused of authorising the use of “rubber bullets” to disperse a group preparing to hold a rally, in which Senator Magnus Abe was shot.

On getting to Abuja, he authorised the use of water cannon to disperse protesting lecturers of polytechnics and colleges of education at the Eagle Square.

He described himself as a "lion", who tamed a leopard in Rivers State, apparently referring to Governor Amaechi.

But Amaechi shot back, saying Mbu “completely lacks the steel and strength of character of a lion, and is rather a shameless, corrupt puppet and toothless attack dog of a woman.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

SPORT EXTRA OKPALA’S CAS CASE

Utility Pen Boys win Independence Tournament

NFF begins defence in Zurich T N

• Amadu

IGERIA Football Federation (NFF) general secretary Musa Amadu is in Zurich, Switzerland, to defend the federation in a case brought against it by former Nigeria assistant coach Sylvanus Okpala.

AfricanFootball.com specially gathered that Amadu, fresh from the NFF elections in Warri, is accompanied by A.U. Mustapha, a lawyer.

Onigbinde: Nigerians should help Pinnick to succeed From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja ORMER FIFA and CAF Instructor, Adegboye Onigbinde has called for support for Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick who succeeded Aminu Maigari at the federation’s Elective Congress in Warri, Delta State on Tuesday.

“Amaju Pinnick has been elected as the new president of the NFF and there is nothing else anyone can do but to rally round him to succeed. It is Nigerian football that we are talking about here. So, we all need to help him in whatever way we can to move the game forward in the interest of Nigeria,” the respected football tactician said.

Onigbinde also had words of advice for the Delta State indigene. “I want him to come up with a standard that will move Nigerian football forward,” he said.

“At times we like deceiving ourselves in this country.

Many people were talking as if the last regime of the NFF was the best ever tenure in the history of football in the country. But everybody is entitled to his/her opinion.”

Onigbinde continued: “You know I am an apostle of development football and I have not witnessed any administration of football in the country that has touched or dwelled on that.

“They were only concerned about competitions and results gathered from such competitions were used to measure the success of such administration. But that is not the yardstick.

F

RESULTS EUROPA LEAGUE FC Zurich 1 - 1 Gladbach Villarreal 4 - 0 Limassol HJK 0 - 3 Brugge Torino 0 - 0 FC Koebe Tripolis 2 - 0 Partizan Tottenham 1 - 1 Besiktas Astra 1 - 2 Salzburg Celtic 1 - 0 Dinamo D. Moscow1 - 0 PSV Estoril 2 - 0 P’inaikos Inter 2- 0 Karabakh S. Etienne 0 - 0 Dnipro Feyenoord 2 - 1 Liege Rijeka 2 - 2 Sevilla Krasnodar 1 - 1 Everton Wolfsburg 1 - 1 Lille Bratislava 0 - 2 SSC Napoli Prague 3 - 1 Young Boys AaB 1 - 0 Rio Ave Kyiv 3 - 1 Steaua Minsk 0 - 3 Fiorentina Guingamp 2 - 0 PAOK Lokeren 1 - 0 M. Kharkiv Tr’nspor 0 - 1 Legia

• Onigbinde Development is the key to football successes anywhere in the world.”

Martins named MLS player of September

S

EATTLE Sounders and Nigeria striker, Obafemi Martins, beat off competition from Landon Donovan to win the Major League Soccer (MLS) player of the month of September.

A red-hot run of five goals and one assist in five games has powered Sounders star Obafemi to the award sponsored by Etihad Airways.

In the fan vote, Obagoal's 58.43 percent comfortably out-polled LA Galaxy icon, Landon Donovan, August's Player of the Month winner, who finished with 13.56 percent.

Martins' honour marks the second time a Sounder has taken home this award in 2014, with his strike partner Clint Dempsey having claimed the April edition.

Seattle presently sit top of both the MLS Western Conference and Supporters' Shield standings, level with Donovan's Galaxy.

Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league representing the sport's highest level in both the United States and Canada.

• Martins

Okpala has said he was forced to take his petition to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) after he exhausted all channels locally.

He said he was wrongly sacked soon after Nigeria won a third African Cup of Nations at South Africa 2013 and that his match bonuses and allowances were also slashed without any justification.

‘Quick Silver’ Okpala was a former international and played most of his professional football in Portugal.

In April, the NFF reduced the number of Super Eagles' backroom staff from 17 to nine, as part of an expenditure review as its finances were tight. Assistant coaches

Okpala and Valare Houandinou were the two big casualties of the exercise and head coach Stephen Keshi voiced his displeasure about the redundancies.

Okpala's case appeared to have been worsened by an incident in South Africa where the NFF leadership accused him of insubordination for daring to report the NFF's president to top official of the Nigerian Sports Commission (NSC).

It appears that in South Africa, when the allowances of some staff were slashed, Okpala called the official and reported the issue. This did not go down well with the NFF top brass who considered it as gross disrespect.

HERE was a harvest of goals in the early hours of Tuesday at the Arepo Annual Independence Tournament as The Utility Pen Boys of Journalists Estate subdued their Voera Estate counterparts by three goals to two to win the trophy.

The tournament which usually features all the estates in Arepo saw Journalists Estate facing Voera Estate in what at first looked like a repeat of what played out last year with the Pen Boys lifting the trophy by away goal decision after the 90 minutes ended 2-2.

As defending champions, The Pen Boys stepped into Tuesday’s game with a superior game plan with Ben Alaiya, the Media Officer of the Super Eagles, deploying all the strategies he has learnt from Nigeria coach, Steve Keshi.

However, against the run of play, Voera Estate savoured

By Kelvin Okunbor momentary victory as they capitalised on defensive error to register the first goal of the day.

However, the Pen Boys fought back and secured an equaliser to end the first half one goal apiece.

More pressure from the Pen Boys in the second half paid off as they got two consecutive goals to silence the home crowd.

Although Voera Estate converted one of their free kicks, it was not enough to give them a draw as the visiting team defended their last goal till the final whistle that saw the game ending 3-2 in favour of the Pen Boys of Journalists estate.

Speaking at the post-match conference, the technical adviser of Journalists’ Estate stated that he couldn’t have spent the last two years as the Media Officer of the Super Eagles for nothing.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

I

N The Better Angels of our Nature, Steven Pinker, the Harvard University professor of psychology, tells us, consistent with his subtitle, that our world has seen an increasing decline in violence over the years and we are now in an era of a long peace compared with six or seven decades ago, even compared with the prehistorical era. It is a conclusion that many find shocking and for many more, hard to accept but for the array of powerful arguments and incontestable facts marshalled in its support.

Pinker observed that it is hard for us to believe the conclusion because the past looks now to us like a foreign country which we know little about. One of the merits of his book is to open to us the elements of that foreign country which, in anthropological fashion, leads to a positive comparison with our contemporary world.

Not bad; the latter, that is.

The moral of Pinker’s research conclusion is that “the civilising process” has reduced violence in the world. Two forces combine to make up the civilising process. First, through the invention of the rule of law by the state, acting as a Hobbesian Leviathan; and second, through the evolution of reason from a partial to an impartial mode, the process has enabled the development of our human second nature, the better angels, featuring moderation and consideration for others.

Assume that Pinker is right and violence has declined in the world. It is still possible, indeed probable, that what is true for the world as a whole is false for certain of its parts. I do not have the data, but it is difficult to imagine that Africa in general could have had a more violent era than it experienced in the last two centuries, even with the ubiquitous nature of its Leviathan. But I raise this possibility only to set it aside because it is not my focus for today.

Having felt that nothing human is foreign to him, Pinker is amazed at how human minds could have devised such an “orgy of sadism” as in the practice of crucifixion. My interest in Pinker’s finding is to raise and address, from the opposite time slot, a different issue relevant to our situation 54 years after Nigeria’s flag independence.

One take-away from Pinker’s research is that the human race has experienced a steady improvement in the area of violence with the establishment of the state and this

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Foreigners to the past NIGERIA @

54 is good because after all, if we buy into the contractarian justification of the state, its main rationale is the protection of life and property. But the state is also supposed to create the basis for liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness for its members by providing good education and employment opportunities for those who take advantage of it as well as deterrence against those who selfishly exploit the state through corrupt practices, as this takes away from what is available for all to thrive.

If we are to use Pinker’s approach to violence for evaluating how we have done in the areas of liberty and the pursuit of happiness, we have to limit our focus to state actors. Non-state actors don’t promise anything. Kings and queens, as Rousseau elegantly quips, use subjects to fight their battles, with no promise of a worldly reward.

My question, then, is this. Assume that Herbert Macaulay and other fathers and mothers of Nigerian nationalism are able to look back, what would they see? Sure, they

O

PPOSITION POWER President Goodluck Jonathan is beatable in 2015; let us start from that premise. But it’s so very disheartening that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) displays a bit of dithering and unsure-footedness at this early stage of its existence and prior to a major election. While one may want to blame it all on teething stage syndrome, the unpalatable truth may well be a lack of institutional capacity, the same disease that has plagued the ruling party from the outset. There may also be the question of shortsightedness and a lack of fidelity to the party.

In the case of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former President Olusegun Obasanjo ingested the original copy and remade it in his own excrement. So what we have today is a smelly, malleable and irredeemable lump.

PDP is an amoeba that lacks both body and soul. It is a house that seems bound to implode unless a true leader comes along soon and completely remakes it from foundation.

It is sad to note that APC seems to suffer from the same PDP ailment. Why, for instance, would anyone in the APC be raising the question of adopting a consensus candidate now? That argument ought to have been rested over a year ago if not from the outset. This suggests that like PDP, there are no ground norms in APC too. We speak of basic, immutable rules that ought to have been established from the beginning and taken for granted now.

EAT THAT FROG: Let’s not despair for it is still early in the day, but APC must eat its frog and rework some assumptions. First, it has done increditably well in mid-wiving a large, alternative party. It may not know it but this is no mean task; it is indeed a historic achievement and the task now is to nurture

VOL.9 NO.2,989

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘Let us not be deceived by the promises of modern and affordable housing, true federalism, fiscal prudence, quality education and so on tirelessly regurgitated by our preferred candidates. Let us begin to ask how they would pay for these things and at what cost to you and me’ OLA TUNJI OL OLADE OLATUNJI OLOLADE

would perceive our modern bridges, network of roads and skyscrapers. But material development apart, what would be their judgment of our moral capacity in light of “the civilising process”? Would they understand the psyche of the Nigerian leadership? Or would this country appear too foreign to them to comprehend?

For all of its 54 years as a country, and for all the upheavals, the ups and downs, Nigeria, or rather the leadership cadre, has manifested a consistency in two key areas that have come to define its identity. While corruption is upbraided in public; it is privately embraced and lauded as the grease that moves the political engine. And while leaders openly assail ethnic and religious division, and appear on television screens as the most nationalistic and patriotic humans on earth; they never let go of a chance to strategically mobilise religion and ethnicity for political advantage. In at least these two areas of our national life, the present is an alien from the viewpoint of the past. Think of Herbert Macaulay and the NNDP. With eyes wide open to the next elections, political leaders flirt with corrupted minds and hands because they need them for good electoral showing in their strongholds.

There was a time, not too long ago, when politicians acting as statesmen disown their colleagues who have soiled their hands. In so doing they knew that they risked the backlash from a population that paid obeisance to the corrupt. But they didn’t mind because they believed that the integrity of the system must be maintained. In the present era of a mentality of winning at all cost, the game of number supersedes considerations of dignity.

The most unfortunate aspect of the present from the point of view of the past is

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

Buhari, Atiku and Kwankwaso: How APC can win

N

Forbes’ certificate of infamy

OW we know Forbes for what it truly is: an American public relations jobber adept at propping up unscrupulous Third World public official. Sometime ago, it was Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, Nigeria’s minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, who got awarded some worthless piece of paper called leadership certificate, which he dared not present in Nigeria.

Last week in New York, Forbes made another ‘killing’ when it handed Petroleum Minister Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke what it calls Forbes Best of Africa Award in Leadership. It is common knowledge that Diezani has grossly under-performed as a minister, having superintended over

a chaotic oil sector riddled with malfeasance in the last three years. No new facilities, inability to fix old ones, IOCs divesting with urgency, unprecedented high sea oil theft and a regime of sleaze and phantom subsidy that has left Nigeria’s economy prostrate. That is her legacy.

You would think only African concerns are involved in award scams but here is a clear case of criminal collusion with politically exposed persons by a US firm. Forbes must spare us the psychological trauma of beatifying our worst public officials who seek validation from foreign lands.

Forbes hurts itself too mortally when it dishes out dubious awards.

and sustain it into an institution. I wrote here not quite long ago that Bola Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari were our greatest democrats today and not a few readers wrote in to say “Expresso e be like say you don colo” (are you going out of your mind?) And I simply told

them to try establishing a large opposition party from the scratch.

Second, nation-building is not a short dash, it is a historical journey. APC minders must always remember that they are building an institution that will not only stand the test of

that corrupted politics has found an ally in the corrupted religiosity of prosperity. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is trapped in a can of controversy. It is not one that its millions of members have anything to do with. But it is tempting to smear them with the same dirty brush that is arguably crafted by and, to many observers, welldeserved by its leadership.

It is not just the stinking matter of the allegedly laundered $9.3 million that has been a source of embarrassment to the country in far-away South Africa. The orientation of our contemporary leaders of religion of all persuasions, but more so, Christians, is towards the gospel of prosperity. Most of them go into the ministry because churches appear to have become a cash cow, a veritable source of wealth. This is unfortunate because it detracts tragically from the gospel of the Master that the poor will inherit the earth.

Contemporary religion would definitely be an alien territory to the likes of James Johnson, Mojola Agbebi, Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther and a host of other pioneers who suffered deprivation for the sake of the gospel.

In the wake of the current self-inflicted injury, CAN issued a defensive statement in which it accused the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) of being an Islamist political party. It was an ill-advised, shockingly insensitive diatribe, the harmful consequence of which should have been foreseen. Clearly CAN knows or at least ought to know that APC has millions of genuinely spiritual Christians in its membership. Is CAN insinuating then that PDP is a Christian party?

Let me finish by going back to Pinker and his theory that the past is like a foreign country to us because much of what happened there is hidden from us. By the same token, I argue that what is going on in the present, especially in the area of politics, is alien to the past. In this area, it doesn’t appear that the “civilising process” has succeeded in the enablement of the better angels of our nature to overcome the worse demons in us. We have a great lack of moderation and consideration for others, certainly in our politics, and yes, rather painfully, even in our religion. In this, we are foreigners to the past.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080 time but will last forever. For instance, if PDP is the Republican Party, they must aim at founding an equivalent of the Democratic Party. In other words, they are the frontiersmen in a great historical epoch that will define Nigeria’s future.

Having noted these points and in order to achieve this glorious destiny, APC must always, dutifully identify all those viruses that plague the PDP and be rid of them with clinical dexterity. And this brings us to the juncture we are now: the CPC candidate in the 2015 presidential election. We expect nothing less than the great democratic tradition of a primary election to prevail in the selection of her candidates. Let this process be adopted from the outset and for always. This is internal democracy, the hallmark of participatory governance; the antidote to one-man domination.

Having said that, let all aspirants throw their hats in the primary election ring. Yes we are not entirely naïve about the role of money and personality cult in the primary poll but whoever heard of a totally flawless election.

Transparency of the process is what is important for now.

THE BEST ASPIRANT IS: Four persons have so far shown interest in the CPC’s presidential ticket viz: Isaiah Ndah; Abubakar Atiku; Muhammadu Buhari and Rabiu Kwankwaso. This is in the order they had indicated their interest in the race. Though amiable Ndah, the successful publisher of Leadership joined the fray much early on, he is far out of his league here and would have to await another opportunity or try a lower position. He is not in contest here.

•Continued

on page 58

•For comments, send SMS to 08111526725

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Editor Daily:08099365644, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO