The Nation October 20, 2011

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Govt dissolves boards of parastatals NEW – Page 8

•Sambo chairs reconstitution panel

Baba Suwe sues NDLEA for N100m NEWS

Page 4

•Actor seeks release from custody

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VOL. 7, NO. 1919 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

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Reps battle Jonathan over NNPC, CBN •Why House opposes N98b virement, by Tambuwal From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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HE House of Representatives yesterday launched a fresh onslaught against the executive on the budgets of some key federal organs.

It insisted that the budgets of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) must be submitted along with the 2012 Appropriation Bill.

The House said its demand is in line with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA).

It made the same demand before this year’s budget was considered, but the executive did not comply.

The lawmakers invited Finance Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is also the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, to appear next Thursday to defend the poor implementation of this year’s budget.

Also yesterday, the lawmakers knocked the 2012-2015 budget framework by President Goodluck Jonathan.

In its statement inviting Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, •Riot policemen and protesters in a clash during a general strike against new austerity measures in Athens, Greece ... yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

Continued on page 2

Governors make U-turn on subsidy removal Six-man panel weighs options on Wealth Fund

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•Amaechi

OVERNORS may have made a volte face on the planned fuel subsidy removal, it was learnt yesterday.

Sources said the governors, who initially endorsed the Federal Government’s plan to remove the subsidy, are rethinking their position.

They have constituted a six-man panel headed by their chairman and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to finetune their stand on subsidy and the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), which was launched on Tuesday by the Federal Government.

The panel, it was gathered, met in Abuja last night.

It is expected to submit its report to the Nigerian Governors Forum

‘

Until this six-man panel completes its assignment, it is too early to talk of our position on the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and the Sovereign Wealth Fund. The presidency has not come with concrete terms to the negotiation table on these issues.

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Abuja

(NGF) which may meet in Abuja next week.

After a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) presided over by Vice-President Namadi

’

Sambo on October 6, the governors backed the planned subsidy withdrawal.

Subsidy removal, they said then, was part of the difficult decisions that leaders must take to impact on the people.

The gains of the removal, they ar-

gued, would outweigh the pains.

“One of the most important issues that we canvassed and decision reached on was the support for the Federal Government’s move to remove subsidy because we believe it is in the interest of the country.

“We will save money for the development of the economy and at the end of the day, we will provide opportunity for the greater number of people”, they said.

They, however, did not reach consensus on the SWF, saying it was a constitutionally wrong for the Federal Government to contemplate operating the Fund with money expected to be shared by all tiers of govContinued on page 2

•SPORT P24 •EDUCATION P25 •POLITICS P43 •E-BUSINESS P49

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

NEWS Continued from page 1

ernment from the Federation Account.

The governors position on subsidy attracted condemnation nationwide, especially since many of them are claiming that they cannot pay the N18,000 minimum wage.

Workers are on strike over the wage for which the governors are seeking a review of the revenue allocation formula to enable them pay.

The governors, it was learnt, may have make a Uturn on subsidy following the public outcry against their support for its removal.

A source said: “The governors complained of being under pressure over fuel subsidy and some of them are

Governors make U-turn on subsidy removal afraid of the backlash from the condemnation of their action”.

They have, however, listed four conditions to be met before backing the SWF. The conditions are: transparency in oil revenue receipt; adjustment of revenue allocation formula to set aside a percentage for SWF savings; stoppage of deduction of shares of states from the Federation Account to fund SWF; and all sectors of the economy that benefiting from the budget should contribute to the SWF. The presidency and the governors may still meet

CONDITIONS FOR BACKING WEALTH FUND

•Transparency in oil revenue receipt •Adjustment of revenue sharing formula to set aside cash for SWF •Stoppage of deductions from Federation Account to fund SWF •All sectors of the economy to contribute to SWF again in two weeks to iron out the grey areas in the operation of the SWF. It was learnt that the decision of most of the governors not to go to court informed why the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, launched the Fund on Tuesday with a seed capital of

$1billion.

Another top source said: “Following mutual discussions between the President and the governors, all the 36 states have shelved the planned court action over the SWF. “So, a political solution is being worked out in such a

•From right: President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Head of Service of the Federation Alhaji Isa Bello and Chief of Staff Chief Mike Ogiadomhe at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House Abuja ... yesterday.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

manner that it will not hurt either the presidency or the states.

“I think in the next two weeks, the Federal Government and the states would have reached common ground on how to make the SWF work.”

Responding to a question, the highly-placed source added: “All the parties have agreed that the SWF is desirable and good for the nation’s economy.

“The states are however opposed to deductions from their monthly allocations from the Federation Account to fund the SWF. Instead, they are asking the Federal Government to allow all the sectors to contribute to the SWF. “They want the SWF to be funded like the Universal Basic Education scheme, the Education Trust Fund; Ecological Funds; and derivation funds.

A governor, who confided in our correspondent, said: “We are the SWF. Totally opposed to it. But the Federal Government begged us to part with the $1billion seed capital already deducted from the Excess Crude Account pending the time we will resolve issues around SWF. “They said if we do not allow them to use the $1billion as seed capital, it will have adverse effect on the investment climate that they are

trying to create.

“We told them that as far as the SWF is concerned, they have every right to use part of their own share of the Federation Account to do that.

“In principle, they accepted our right not to be part of the SWF. They however wanted to appear to be in control, that was why they went ahead to announce to the public that they have kick-started it.

“Until this six-man panel completes its assignment, it is too early to talk of our position on the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and the SWF. The presidency has not come with concrete terms to the negotiation table on these issues.

Another governor however said: “There is no point dissipating energy in court when we can all sit down and address grey areas in the implementation of the SWF. “We want transparency adopted for the management of the SWF. As I am talking to you, no governor can say exactly how much the nation is earning from its crude oil export.

“Our position is that we have been financially overstretched by the new minimum wage policy, it will be difficult to fund SWF from deductions from states’ shares from the Federation Account. We feel that all Nigerians should have a stake and sacrifice for the SWF. “The impression out there is that states are wasteful whereas the reverse is the case.”

Reps battle Jonathan over NNPC, CBN, NPA, CAC, others Continued from page 1

the House Committee on Appropriation chair John Enoh said: “The Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is expected to brief the committee on October 27.

“The committee is committed to the full adherence to the requirement of the FRA, that statutory corporations such as NPA, NNPC, CBN, CAC submit their budgets to the Minister of Finance and that these budgets, accompany the budget proposal that the President lays before the National Assembly.”

As the lawmakers opened debate on Jonathan’s 20122015 Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) and the 2012 Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) proposal, many expressed fears about the workability of the document. They also gave the executive the thumbs down on the proposed fuel subsidy removal.

The executive submitted the MTFF and FSP in line with section 11(3) of the FRA, which requires that the framework be presented three months before the budget presentation.

Betty Apiafi (Rivers) Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora said last year, only N1.2 trillion was budgeted for capital expenditure and that N900 billion was spent.

According to her, the MTFF did not state where funds will be sourced for specific projects. “Obviously, that is why capital budget is not funded”.

She said the MTFF lists projects in communication, power, education, construction and others with no visible outcome.

“Every year, we budget for Power and other sectors.

Why House opposes N98b virement, by Tambuwal

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HE House of Representatives has not taken a position on the planned removal of subsidy on petroleum products, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal said yesterday.

He also spoke on why the lawmakers rejected President Goodluck Jonathan’s N98.4 billion virement request.

Tambuwal spoke to reporters at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after the inauguration of the committee on the composition of the boards of government agencies. He said the subsidy issue has not been tabled before the House.

“The matter has not been formally presented to the House, so no position has been taken. I am a presiding officer and my position always aligns with that of the House, so, I cannot have my own position,” he said.

Tambuwwal also denied that the leadership of the National Assembly was invited to the Presidential Villa to be lobbied into supporting the dereguWhat is the outcome? What should be our expectation on this current projections? We spread ourselves thin by budgeting for too many things and we don’t achieve much.”

Apiafi said it would have been better if the priority projects in Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are listed and funds provided specifically for them so that projects will not always be abandoned half way.

“If this is done, there will be no need for virements for the Executive to play with,” she said.

She said removal of subsidy on petroleum products is unnecessary considering that unremitted funds in MDAs could provide the needed funds for infrastructure.

“Last year, over N200 billlion was not remitted by MDAs. So, we should know

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

lation plan. He said stressing that the meeting was on the economy including deregulation.

He said it was not out of place for the executive to “market” its programmes to the legislative arm.

“On allegation that the leadership of NASS were lobbied to tow government’s line, there was a meeting of the leadership of the national assembly and chairmen of committees with the executive arm on economic issues and of course deregulation is just one of them. So, it is not about lobbying,“ he said.

Tambuwa, who also spoke on the reason for stepping down President Jonathan’s N98.4 billion virement bid by the House, explained that the request was more of an amendment than of virement.

“Well, some members of the House felt very strongly that some provisions in the

how much MDAs are to remit in this current projections, how can MDAs be collecting their recurrent budget every year while they hold on to internally generated revenue (IGR) and the government says it wants to remove fuel subsidy?”

Enoh (Cross River) said the MTFF states that the Federal Government will save N1.2 trillion from the removal of fuel subsidy. “But the parameters do not show that the subsidy savings is imputed into the 2012 budget.”

He said the inconsistency in the document shows that the Federal Government is not adhering to the dictates of the FRA. The oil benchmark proposed by government for 2011 was adopted for 2012, he said, adding that it was also premised on the 2.4 mil-

virement were actually amendments and not just virement. You do virement if you are moving money from one subhead to another subhead in the same ministry and not moving from one ministry to another”.

The President, in a September 27 letter, sent a request to the House, seeking to move the money originally budgeted in the 2011 budget for nine Ministries, Departments and Agencies to other subheadings.

The President said certain difficulties in the implementation of the 2011 budget made the request imperative.

When the letter was debated last Thursday, majority of the lawmakers opposed it and sought to have it thrown out on the grounds that it lacks details.

The lawmakers also argued that it did not make sense for Jonathan to be asking to move funds three months to the end of the financial year.

The debate became rowdy, forcing Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihediora, who presided, to step down the proposal.

lion barrels per day production estimates given by the NNPC. Enoh said such parameters may be knocked out of sync by global trends and unforeseen circumstances “We need to look at it because of its implications,” he said.

To restore confidence in the budgetary process, budgets of statutory corporations and agencies of government must be submitted in line with the requirement of the FRA, he said.

Others who spoke were Samson Osagie, Garuba Datti Mohammed, Umar Bature, Christopher Ettah, Andrew Ochendu and Farouk Lawan.

They expressed concern over the poor implementation of previous Appropriation Acts, saying a new approach must be adopted for the budget to impact mean-

ingfully on the lives of the people.

Many of the lawmakers insisted that fuel subsidy removal must be exhaustively debated by the House and position that will be beneficial to the people taken.

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman House Committee on Diaspora spoke on the need to fast track work on the document because of its importance to the budget process. She recommended that the committees that will be involved in the consideration be given two weeks to submit their report.

House leader Mrs Mulikat

Adeola-Akande, who led the debate, said the proposal articulated government’s revenue and expenditure plans and its fiscal policy objectives for the next four years.

According to her, the documents contain the economy’s performance and the implications of the volatile oil prices and the downside risks to the global demand for oil, various reforms employed to keep the economy vibrant including the ongoing banking reform.

“The executive also went ahead to state assumptions underlying the projections for both oil and non-oil revenue for the purpose of the MTFF and the revenue and expenditure profile of the government for the next four years.

Mrs Adeola-Akande urged members to consider the framework for approval, stressing the need for input from the National Assembly.

She noted that government through fiscal consolidation intends to gradually decrease domestic debt which has been on the increase, even though the country’s debt sustainability ratio (DSR) is about 16.4 per cent and within the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommended ratio of 40 per cent.

The MTFF and FSP have been referred to the Joint committees on Appropriation, Finance, National Planning and Economic Development, and Legislative Budget and Research for consideration.

CORRECTION In the prologue to our special package on the 25th anniversary of the murder of the founding editor-in-chief of Newswatch Mr Dele Giwa, we erroneously said Africa Today published by Mr Kayode Soyinka is now rested.

The magazine is publishing

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

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NEWS

Jonathan to economic team: vet contracts before FEC meeting

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HE Nigerian Economic Management Team (NEMT) yesterday got more responsibility from President Goodluck Jonathan. It is to henceforth ensure that all contract proposals are properly scrutinised before being sent to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

The President said this would ensure that the designs are detailed and properly valued to guide the government.

He noted that the new order would also ensure that proposals make provisions for the budgetary years through which the project gestation period falls to ensure that no projects are abandoned.

The weekly Federal Executive Council also approved the contract for the construction of Oju/Loko-Oweto Bridge over

•Council approves N36.1b for Nasarawa bridge

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

River Benue to Link Loko (Nasarawa State) and Oweto (Benue State) at the sum of N36.118,910,405.94 with 48 months completion period.

The decision of the President according to the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who briefed reporters alongside the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen and Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama followed discovery by the Presidential Project Assessment Committee headed by Ibrahim Bunu, that contracts for the construction of over 200 Dams were deficient and lacked basic requirements for the award.

“We also agreed to reinforce the technical departments of some of

the key construction ministries so that we have efficient supervision of projects and that in drawing up agreements on the contracts, there is the need to critically look into the areas of protecting public as against contractors’ interests.

“Mr. President directed that these areas should be looked into to prevent future mistakes. We also agreed that these dam projects are very crucial for the nation so we would do a road map to ensure that we complete some of the ongoing dam projects. Because completing these dam projects will be very strategic for the development of Nigeria”.

The Federal Government announced the award of contract for the construction of a dual carriage way bridge to link North Central, Southeast and Southsouth

Zones.

The contract was sequel to a memo by Onolememen to the Federal Executive Council.

“Through a memo, the Minister sought Council’s approval for the construction of Oju/LokoOweto Bridge over River Benue to Link Loko (Nasarawa State) and Oweto (Benue State) The contract was awarded to Messrs Reynolds at the sum of N36.118,910,405.94 with 48 months completion period. When completed will reduce the heavy traffic on the Abuja Lokoja road.

It will cut two hours off from Abuja to Enugu. It is a strategic road for North Central, South East and South South zones,” Maku said.

He argued that when completed, it will reduce the heavy traffic on

the Abuja Lokoja road and will cut two hours off from Abuja to Enugu.

The FEC also approved the purchase of two A30 Sea Princes Boats for the Nigerian Customs Service to enhance their maritime operation.

Maku said: “The Finance Minister tabled a memo before the council to seek ratification of the President’s approval for Direct Procurement on two A30 Sea Princess Boats with back up spare parts and training of crew member for the Nigeria Customes Services (NCS).

He stated that the Marine Unit of the Nigeria Customes Services (NCS) was established to complement other Law Enforcement Agencies in checking various forms of smuggling along the Nigerian waterways and creeks.

Senate confirms Justice Ariwoola for Supreme Court From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

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HE Senate yesterday unanimously confirmed the nomination of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola for appointment as Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

This followed the adoption of the report of the Senate committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters which considered Chairman of the Committee, Senator Umaru Dahiru (Sokoto South) in his report prayed the Senate to confirm the nomination of Justice Ariwoola for his exemplary conduct in the bench.

Most Senators who spoke agreed with the committee that Ariwoola has proved his mettle in the bench.

Though Senator Chris Ngige also supported the nomination of Ariwoola, he however raised the issue of another Supreme Court Justice, Justice Mary Odili.

Ngige noted that Justice Mary Odili currently filled the slot of the South East geo-political zone in the Supreme Court whereas she was appointed Chief Judge on the platform of the South South zone.

He said that even up Justice Mary Odili’s appointment as a judge of the Appeal Court, she occupied the slot of the South South.

He wondered why the rule should suddenly change when she was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu however overruled him on the ground that women are allowed to fill any slot either on their father’s side or their husband’s side.

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi with German development partners - Karl Bruning (second left), Christian Widmann and Raymon Adagye Dangana, when they visited the governor...yesterday

First Lady seeks 50% affirmative action for women

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HE First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan on Tuesday night met with women Senators and members of the House of Representatives behind closed doors on her agenda for women.

She sought implementation of 50 per cent Affirmative Action in the country.

She also asked women to support bills that will promote the cause of women and children.

She listed her priorities as follows: Promotion of 50 per cent Affirmative Action; Enhanced Basic Education for girls; Stoppage of early marriage, the need to change inheritance law; managing widowhood.

The First Lady said: “This forum therefore provides us with the opportunity to exchange ideas on better ways to work together to enhance the living conditions of Nigerian women through effective leg-

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

islation.

“It is part of our vision in the “Women for Change and Development Initiative”, to prepare Nigerian women for effective and sustainable participation in politics and governance in our country, Nigeria .

“We have been canvassing for the implementation of the National Gender Policy on 35% affirmative action in line with the approval given by the Federal Executive Council under President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006.

“I am happy to let you know that for the first time in Nigeria , we now have 13 female ministers out of a 42 man cabinet amounting to about 31% representation in the Federal Execu-

tive Council.

“It is an improvement over the 8% women in Government before His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan made good his promise to give more opportunity to women in appointive positions.

“It is widely believed that if we form a united front, we should be able to achieve much more for the Nigerian women during this tenure.

“I will be available to play my own part anytime I am called upon. But we must get our strategies right.

“As I have always maintained, we are not by any means competing with the men. Rather, we are appealing to them to show understanding to our plight as their mothers, wives, sisters and daughters.”

The First Lady also tasked women lawmakers on bills relevant to the protection of women and children.

EFCC accuses Fayose of delaying trial

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday accused former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, who is standing trial on 80-count corruption and money laundering charges, of using delay tactics to frustrate his trial.

Counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, told a Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, and presided over by Justice E.A. Obile, that the refusal of the defence counsel to allow trial to proceed was deliberate.

Jacobs referred to an application before the court, seeking to quash the charges preferred against Fayose’s coaccused persons - Spotless Investment Limited, Fayerio Nigeria Limited and Hoff Concept Limited – as part

of the delay tactics.

At the resumed sitting yesterday, defence counsel, Abayomi Sadiku, prayed the court to hear an application he filed seeking to quash the charges preferred against Fayose’s coaccused.

But Jacobs opposed the application, saying at the last adjournment of the court, it was agreed that Fayose’s trial would be resumed and not his defence counsel’s application.

He said he was served the defence’s counsel application in court just before proceedings started.

“The motion served on me this morning (yesterday) is not in the business of the court today. The matter is for trial. I have mobilised my witnesses from Lagos. The charge he is challenging was filed in 2009. Three

years after, he is seeking to quash the charges. That application is not ripe for hearing,” Jacobs said.

He urged the court to be wary of the EFCC Act, which stipulates accelerated hearing of corruption charges.

“I urge the court to give effect to the Commission’s Act by giving accelerated hearing to the case,” Jacobs said.

He canvassed that the application can still be taken as the counts which the 2nd and 3rd accused wanted the court to drop cannot interfere with the charges against the first accused and that the witnesses he was presenting were in court because of the first accused. However counsel to Ayodele Fayose, Otunba K. Kalejaiye, SAN urged the court to dismiss the submission of Rotimi Jacobs, saying that, a matter of jurisdiction and com-

petence of the charge should be given priority.

He also said that it will be wrong to hear the case piecemeal as it was a joint trial. On his part, counsel to the 4th accused, Ahmed Tarfa also asked the court not to hear the case, alleging that he was not served all relevant court processes.

The EFCC re-arraigned Fayose and the three others on an 80-count charge before Justice Obile on July 5, 2011 at the Ekiti Federal High Court after Fayose challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court Lagos on the grounds that the alleged offences were committed in Ekiti State. The case was subsequently transferred to Ekiti State where it started denovo. Fayose was first arraigned in 2009 on charges of corruption and money laundering.

Anti-austerity protests grip Greek capital

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REECE’s parliament gave initial approval yesterday to a new round of belttightening needed to avert default, despite violent protests during the biggest rally in two years against the bitterly resented measures.

Hours after Greek police clashed with black-clad demonstrators outside parliament, all 154 of the ruling Socialist PASOK party’s lawmakers voted in favor of the measures, which must secure a second vote today before the new wave of austerity is enforced.

The view of the ancient Acropolis was obscured by smoke from burning piles of rubbish and a bank building was evacuated after being set on fire by petrol bombs as a strike called by Greece’s two main unions degenerated into violence outside parliament.

•Fayose...yesterday

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

NEWS Police corporal wins Glo’s N1m

By Adline Atili

A POLICE corporal Nasiru Adegboyega, has won N1 million in the ongoing Globacom SIM registration promo.

Adegboyega, a law graduate from the University of Ilorin, is yet to attend the Nigerian Law School due to financial constraints. At the prize presentation yesterday in Lagos, Adegboyega expressed gratitude to Globacom for the cash, saying: “Glo has secured my life; it looks like I am dreaming.

Law School Enugu, here I come.”

Twenty-eight subscribers who registered their Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards and won prizes in the promo were also presented prizes.

Bill on sickle cell scales second reading From Onyedi Ojiabor Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Baba Suwe sues NDLEA for N100m

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OPULAR comedian, Babatunde Omidina (alias Baba Suwe) has sued the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, for N100 million over his arrest and detention for suspected drug ingestion.

In a fundamental rights enforcement application, the actor sought a declaration that his arrest and detention since October 13 by the NDLEA on suspicion of drug trafficking is in gross violation of his rights.

He said the rights are guaranteed under Sections 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution and the provisions of articles 4, 5 and 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Omidina, through his lawyer, Mr Kunle Adegoke of Muis Banire and Associates, is praying the court for an order to release him immediately from the unlawful detention in which he said he is being held at the pleasure of the respondent.

He asked that N100 million be paid him as compensation from the NDLEA for alleged

By Joseph Jibueze

illegal and unconstitutional violation of his fundamental rights by the agency.

The applicant demanded a public apology from the NDLEA, to be published in conspicuous pages of two national dailies widely read in Nigeria.

He also filed an Affidavit of Urgency, sworn to by the Publicity Secretary of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda Mr Kazeem Mohammed.

According to him, it is necessary to urgently hear the application or else he will continue to languish in detention under the pretext of unending investigation.

In a affidavit in support of the application, Mohammed said: “The NDLEA arrested Mr. Omidina at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State, on his way to Paris on suspicion that he ingested substances suspected to be cocaine for the purpose of drug trafficking and has since detained him in its custody for investigation.

“The respondent (NDLEA)

has severally announced the number of times the applicant has excreted and same subjected to laboratory tests which process has not indicted the applicant of having committed the suspected offence or any other offence at all.

“The NDLEA is aware that any person arrested for having committed an offence ought to be charged to court within a reasonable time which is a period of one or two days where there is a court of competent jurisdiction within 40 kilometres radius.

“Till the time of filing this application, the respondent has continued the incarceration of the said Mr Omidina without any charge having been brought against him in any court of competent jurisdiction and the applicant is, therefore, languishing in detention.

“His children, dependants, relatives, friends and associates have been greatly worried and subjected to unnecessary trauma by the continued detention of their benefactor and associate who has

been in detention for days without any lawful charge brought against him.

“Unless restrained by this Honourable Court, the respondent will continue to harass, intimidate and detain the applicant under the pretext of unending investigation as well as violating the dignity of his person.

“The conduct of the respondent has disrupted the business interest of the said Mr. Omidina as his scheduled engagement in Paris where he was supposed to act as compere on Saturday the 15th day of October, 2011 at the naming ceremony of his friend’s child was completely disrupted.

“The applicant is in detention and hence cannot depose to this affidavit.”

The application is also backed with a written address, in which Omidina asked the court to determine whether his arrest and detention since October 13 is justified or justifiable.

Omidina’s lawyers said NDLEA has been served with the suit, which is expected to be assigned to a judge for hearing.

A BILL for an Act to provide for the prevention, control and management of sickle cell disease yesterday passed through second reading in the Senate.

Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta North), who sponsored the bill drew the Senate’s attention to the scourge of the malaise.

He said over three million Nigerians currently suffer from sickle cell with over 30 million carrying the traits.

He noted that with over 150,000 babies born with the disease yearly in Nigeria, that the Bill requires speed to stem the tide.

“A well-articulated programme of prevention and control can over time reduce the disease burden through genetic testing and counseling, which this legislation seeks to encourage,” Okowa said.

Reps tinker with capital punishment for kidnapping From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

SHOULD the bill criminalising kidnapping and hostage-taking scale through at the House of Representatives, abductors are in for a hard time. The House is tinkering with capital punishment for perpetrators.

The decision was sequel to a bill for an Act to prohibit kidnapping, hostage taking and prescribe punishment for its contravention.

The bill was presented for second reading yesterday. It was sponsored by Friday Itulah, Samson Osagie and Dickson Seriake.

Itulah regretted what started as mere agitation for resource control in the Niger Delta few years back has taken a dangerous dimension.

He said: “Now kidnapping has spread to almost all parts of the country. The most worrisome part is that current criminal and penal codes could not address this national disgrace adequately”

•Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire presenting a souvenir to the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Robin Gwynn when he visited her Alausa, Ikeja office...yesterday With them is Southwest Co-ordinator, Department For International Development (DFID), Mr. Sina Fagbenro

Court dismisses Senator Tinubu’s objection

By Eric Ikhilae and Joseph Jibueze

T

HE Labour Party (LP) and its candidate Mr Oladapo DurosinmiEtti, yesterday succeeded in their bid to extend time in their case against Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The Court of Appeal, Lagos, ruled that they could have more time to file their processes in the interest of justice.

It rejected Senator Tinubu’s objection, urging the tribunal to dismiss the appeal.

The party and its candidate are challenging the National Assembly/ legislative House Election Petition Tribunal ruling which upheld the senator’s election for the Lagos Central Senatorial District.

The appellants are praying the court to set aside the tribunal’s ruling. Tinubu won on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Her counsel, Olabode Olanipekun urged the court to strike out the appellants’ application for extension of time to file their brief and compile record of appeal.

He said the appellant was out of time and did not give any valid explanation for the request.

Justice Helen Ogunwumiju held that although the appellant was out of time, it is the court’s duty to do substantial justice to all petitions.

She added that the 60 days allowed by the Electoral Act to hear appeal arising from the tribunal has not lapsed, so the appellants should not be denied opportunity to regularise their processes.

The court, therefore, granted LP’s request for enlargement of time to file their brief of argument and ordered that everything must be in within eight days.

The Tribunal headed by Justice Maurice Eneji, had on September 5 in two separate rulings, dismissed LP and DurosinmiEtti’s petition.

It said the petitioners did not comply with paragraph 18 (1), (2) and (4) of the Electoral Act which states that application for pre-hearing notice shall be by motion and not through letter to the tribunal.

Justice Ogunwumiju adjourned till October 27 for hearing of the main appeal.

Agbakoba cautions govt against removal of fuel subsidy ORMER President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) has cautioned the Federal Government against hasty implementation of its planned withdrawal of fuel subsidy.

He urged the government to first secure the people’s consent by educating them about its intention and its attendant benefits before implementation rather than imposing the policy on the people.

Agbakoba said it was impossible for the government to predict how Nigerians would react to this policy that has the potential of raising the cost of living.

His position is contained in a letter he wrote to Senator John Okechukwu Emeka, representing Anambra North Senatorial District (where Agbakoba hails from).

In the letter dated October 17 this year, Agbakoba queried the authenticity of government’s claim that it was subsidising fuel consumed locally.

He said the general oppo-

F

Planned removal is declaration of war, says NBA

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HE Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), yesterday opposed the planned removal of fuel subsidy, saying it is like declaring war on already pauperised Nigerians.

It said Nigerians must not be made to suffer for the failure of successive administrations to be proactive and to build and maintain refineries.

At a news conference addressed by its Chairman, Mr Adebamigbe Omole, NBA urged the National Assembly not to endorse the “unpopular policy” which it said could lead to another round of strike.

“If the government however goes ahead in an attempt to test the will of the people, NigeBy Eric Ikhilae

sition to government’s plans to remove subsidy was informed by past experience where such exercise had not benefited the people.

“There is no question that subsidy is inefficient, promotes corruption, but the argument on subsidy removal is no longer logical. It is very emotional and rightly so.

“I clearly understand that government will potential-

By Joseph Jibueze

rians will have no option but to mobilise and resist this obnoxious policy of subsidy removal, which, would once again make them poorer,” it said.

According to the lawyers, underdevelopment and abysmally poor state of infrastructure cannot be linked to the meager subsidy, if any, that government provides on fuel compared to the high level of looting of the commonwealth that goes on daily in government.

“If all that an average Nigerian can benefit from the abundance of wealth that God has given to us all is the subsidy on fuel, the government should let it be and stop threatening Nigerians with its removal.

ly receive substantial revenue, but the reality or public perception is that the new income will not benefit Nigerians.

“My real worry is not that removal of subsidy does not make economic sense, rather, my concern is how it will be taken by Nigerians.

“I am concerned that notwithstanding the stated good intentions of the government, their stated objectives may not be achieved. I

have no recollection of any subsidy withdrawal in Nigeria ever boosting the interests of Nigerians,” he said.

Agbakoba wondered whether there was really a subsidy or is it that the government is funding inefficiency and corruption and labeling it subsidy?

The lawyer who said the removal of subsidy was capable of eliminating corruption, inefficiency and oil mafia from the sector, queried

•Agbakoba

the integrity of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in handling the nations funds, in view of the recent revelation that its account was last audited in 1994.

He urged Senator Emeka to help unravel who the oil mafias are, why non Nigerians are in control of the sale and transportation chain of oil business and why Nigerians are not key players in the sector.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

5

NEWS

Prosecution calls last witness in Jackson’s death trial An expert on propofol, the drug said to have contributed to Michael Jackson’s death was the last prosecution witness. Dr. Steven Shafer yesterday said the drug was safe, if rightly used

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N authority on the drug propofol testified at the trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor on Wednesday that he wants to dispel fears about the anesthetic that led to the pop star’s 2009 death.

Dr. Steven Shafer, regarded as one of the leading researchers in the use of propofol, said that propofol, which is normally used to sedate patients before surgery and not as a sleep aid as Jackson used it, had gotten a bad name since it was ruled the main cause of Jackson’s death.

But he testified it was an “outstanding drug” when administered in the right setting.

Shafer is expected to be the last prosecution witness as the involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray resumed in Los Angeles after a five-day break.

Murray, has admitted giving Jackson propofol as a sleep aid. But his attorneys have claimed Jackson gave himself an extra, fatal dose of the drug when Murray was out of the singer’s bedroom.

Medical examiners determined Jackson’s June 25, 2009, death resulted from an overdose of propofol combined with sedatives.

•Shafer

•David Walgren

•Dr. Conrad

Shafer told jurors: “I am asked every day I’m in the operating room, I tell patients what I’m going to do and I am asked the question, ‘Are you going to give me the drug that killed Michael Jackson?’”

Shafer, who teaches at Columbia University, said he is testifying without pay, in part because he wants to restore patients’ faith in propofol when it is used in the correct circumstances.

“What has happened in this case has nothing to do with

(patients’) experience when they see a doctor for a procedure,” Shafer said.

Previous prosecution witnesses have harshly criticized Murray for giving Jackson propofol at the singer’s home and without sufficient monitoring and safety equipment.

The defence is expected to begin presenting its case on Friday. Murray, who has pleaded not guilty, faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison if convicted.

Lawyers for Dr. Murray

have told jurors that the involuntary manslaughter case will hinge on the science of what killed Jackson in June 2009. They will call their own experts to counter prosecution witnesses who have repeatedly told the panel that Murray was reckless and beyond the fringes of medicine when he administered the anesthetic propofol to help Jackson sleep.

The Houston-based cardiologist has pleaded not guilty and his attorneys continue to

maintain that Jackson somehow gave himself the fatal dose of medication. They have abandoned the theory that Jackson died after swallowing propofol, but now contend he was killed after taking several pills of the sedative lorazepam and possibly giving himself a shot of propofol after Murray left the singer’s bedroom.

The defence will now lay out its case — expected to consist of 15 witnesses and last until the end of the month.

Defense attorney Nareg Gourjian declined to say Friday who Murray’s team would call to testify, but told the judge they would include police officers, experts and some character witnesses. He was not asked, nor did he mention, whether Murray would testify in his own defence.

Prosecution witnesses have acknowledged that only Jackson and Murray know what really happened, but two medical experts testified last week that Murray was grossly negligent. Even if Jackson somehow was able to give himself medication after Murray left the room, the doctor should have been closely

monitoring the singer and should have never left any medications within arms’ reach, the doctors said.

Ellyn Garofalo, who last year won an acquittal for one of Anna Nicole Smith’s doctors charged with improperly prescribing pain medications, said Murray’s team should focus on their expert testimony and not start calling character witnesses.

“If they start to call character witnesses, they don’t have a great deal of faith in their defence,” she said.

She said the experts should be able to show that the case isn’t as simple as prosecutors have claimed, and that it is filled with “all kinds of shades of gray.”

Murray’s attorneys should also try to argue that prosecutors should not be secondguessing medical decisions.

“Do we really want the DA’s office making medical decisions for doctors,” she asked.

Garofalo said Murray’s case will be harder to win, and prosecutors so far have done a solid job of showing that the doctor should not have been giving Jackson propofol as a sleep aid in his bedroom.

Support for ACN candidates

Firm fetes top clients

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DS Logistics Limited, a division of UAC Nigeria Plc, Tuesday evening rewarded its top clients at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre in Lagos.

The event, tagged a Night of Harmony, featured award presentations to its long-serving clients and those who had done business with it in large volume.

Top executives of multinationals and bluechip companies were at the event.

Clients also won prizes through a raffle draw.

A magazine on the logistics industry, The Chain, was presented at the event.

Some of the awardees are: MTN Nigeria Limited, Etisalat, Promasidor and Lacasera.

From left: Divisional Managing Director, MDS Logistics Limited, Mr. Solomon Aigbavboa, Group Managing Director, UAC of Nigeria PLC, Mr. Larry Ettah, representative of Lacasera, Mr. Gangadharan Prahlad and General Manager, Supply Chain, Promasidor, Mr. Emmanuel Shodipe.

AHEAD of Saturday’s council election in Lagos State, a socio-political group, The Progressive Likeminds, has began mobilising support for candidates of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

In a statement by its Chairman, Alhaji Babs Adebunmi and General Secretary, Kadiri Alaga, the group urged its members across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas to support all ACN candidates.

It advised its members to work for the victory of the ACN chairmanship and councillorship candidates in their domain.

The group also appealed to ACN members, who were displeased by the party leaders’ decisions on the choice of candidates, “to exercise patience, respect the party’s decision and work for its victory at the polls”.

It said if the party’s decision did not favour this time, it might in the nearest future.

PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

‘Make Oshodi-Apapa Expressway a six-way lane’

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UBLICITY Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Lagos Mr Joe Igbokwe has urged the Federal Government to make the “collapsed” OshodiApapa Expressway a six-way lane.

He said for the past 15 years, Federal Ministry of Works officials, who he accused of being clueless and moribund, sat comfortably in their offices watching primitively as the busy road continued to deteriorate.

“Today the chicken has come home to roost and our leadership irresponsibility has gone full circle, leaving motorists and commuters to suf-

By Joseph Jibueze

fer excruciating pains not only on that corridor but throughout the federal roads in Nigeria,” Igbokwe said.

According to him, the ongoing effort to fix the road amounts to scratching the problem without addressing the main source.

“Oshodi-Apapa Expressway requires creative thinking, maximum attention, and at best surgical operations to rescue it from the sordid state it is presently.

“The Federal Ministry of Works should know now that what Oshodi-Apapa expressway needs is a five or six lane way, and what is needed is

total commitment, courage, drive and political will to accomplish this great task,” Igbokwe said in a statement.

He added that the presence of diesel and petrol dealers on the busy road, with their hundreds of tankers and tank farms, and the huge activities on Tin-Can Island, are enough to tell any responsive and responsible leaders to rise up to the occasion and move back to the drawing board.

“First, we need to clear the mess on that corridor, the truck dealers, the car dealers, local traders, illegal buildings and all forms of illegal encroachment and occupation

that corridor has witnessed in the past 40 years.

“This is a huge task that must be done! No serious investor will take us serious if we don’t create easy access to Tincan Island and Apapa Ports,” Igbokwe said.

He went on: “Roads are one critical infrastructure we need to jump-start the economy and I pray that we understand this. In a leadership forum in far away Ghana, we were told if you see a dilapidated road somewhere, dysfunctional hospitals or schools, insecurity, etc. it is because somebody failed to do his job.

“The chaotic situation and man’s inhumanity to man we

see in all federal roads today is because some people failed in their responsibilities. I submit that Nigerian leaders should try and prove critics wrong or disappoint them for once by getting things right.

“I had cause to visit somebody near Tincan Island on Tuesday and what I saw Nigerians going through pricked my conscience, and at once I told myself that we do not deserve this from those managing that critical road. I have written about this road few weeks back.

“I am still at pains to figure out how we got to this sorry pass to the extent that all our Federal roads are in a total

mess in the midst of trillions of naira we hear of everyday.

As I write this, Julius Berger is trying to fix Mile 2 part of the expressway but even that has compounded the problems.

“The Murtala Muhammaed International Airport link bridge on the Mile 2 – Oshodi near The Guardian is crying for attention and very soon that link flyover will give way.

“For years I have watched the link flyover being washed away by erosion and nobody seems to be paying attention. I submit that Nigeria has no business with failure in the age of change.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

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NEWS

‘Coastal cities under threat A report released on Tuesday by the United Nations Habitat (UN-Habitat) paints a scary shape of things to come in coastal cities, such as Lagos, Port Harcourt and others, if governments and others fail to take steps to tame the effects of climate change, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

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OLPHIN and Parkview are two standard estates in Lagos. With their well-laid structures, paved roads and pleasant environments, many dream to live in these estates. Both estates are some of the exclusive areas in the coastal city of Lagos where only the wealthy can afford to live. The poor are not wanted here. But despite the scenic beauty and exquisite comfort, the rich living in Dolphin and Parkview, also cry -- especially during the rainy season.

These estates are always flooded when it rains, thus putting a burden on movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

The problem: When Dolphin and Parkview estates were developed, the developers did not take into account climate change. So they did not allow the land to fully compress before building on them. In Dolphin, they used raft foundation thinking it was enough to tame the water; every house has a step because it is floating on raft.

Unfortunately, the roads were not built on such raft foundation and they caved in to the forces of climate change. Experts say that is why the houses are never flooded, but the roads are.

The situation in Parkview is worse. In some areas, there are signs most buildings have sunk below sea level, thereby making it difficult to control flood. An expert said: “Soon, rather than water going into the lagoon, the lagoon will flow back into Parkview.”

This year, Lagos and Ibadan have experienced flood leading to deaths and damage to property worth millions of naira. Experts say these disasters are mostly results of climate change, which many areas in coastal cities in the country are facing.

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment Tunji Bello yesterday warned residents of coastal communities of possible serious flooding, as a result of rising water level caused by climate change.

In the Southsouth, there have been serious flooding in Calabar and other parts of the state. Partial floodings have also been recorded in some areas in Delta and Rivers states.

These, United Nations Habitat (UN-Habitat) Global Report on Human Settlement (GRHS) released on Tuesday, are evidences of climate change.

Director, Monitoring and Research, UN-Habitat Office in Nairobi, Kenya Prof. Oyebanji Oyeyinka, said, while presenting the report, that if steps are not taken to reduce greenhouse gases and promote environmental-friendly attitude, many will be displaced from their homes.

For a country, such as Nigeria, where little is being done in regards to the environment, experts say the future does not appear bright.

The report explains that carbonbased emissions, reliance on fuel to power vehicles and a rapidly growing slum population in coastal cities

are discouraging trends.

President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Otunba Olufemi Deru said Nigeria must harness its resources to achieve a cleaner and safer environment.

Head, Terminals and Engineering of Oando Marketing Plc Mr. Ramanath Srugavarapu said the problem in Nigeria is that the government does not seem to understand the benefits of controlling green gas emissions.

He said: “Apart from the political advantage of subsidising LPG in India, there is a reduction in health budget because the use of LPG has reduced health risks; deforestation has reduced in India because up to 26 per cent of the population no longer uses firewood but LPG.” President Goodluck Jonathan, at a recent meeting with the Atomic Energy Commission, gave a firm commitment of the country’s readiness to embrace atomic energy.

He said: “We all know the importance of atomic energy. We have plans to generate power from atomic energy and we must pursue it seriously.”

Executive Director of the Environmental Rights Action (ERA) Nnimmo Bassey, however, does not share the President’s excitement. He said government must act fast to save the environment from climate change and not compound it. Bassey said: “With all the information on the dangers of gas flares and oil spills, no serious actions are being taken to curtail the spills or to stop the flaring. Even when communities (for example in Ogoniland) are informed that their water is poisoned and capable of causing cancers, government takes no action and allows the people to continue to slake their thirst with poison. Our cities, including Kano and Kaduna, have heavily polluted rivers on which people depend; yet they are not told that the water they drink is not potable.”

He also urged Jonathan against investing in nuclear power plant, which has the capacity to worsen green gas emission. He said: “At this time of planetary crises, the direction to go is investment in renewable energy generation. This would safeguard the climate, create sustainable jobs that are not dependent on dangerous destructive extraction and help build the foundations for movement on a green path. Our President certainly does not want to foist a nuclear nightmare on Nigeria.”

There is, however, some good news from Lagos. As a way of saving the environment, the Lagos State Government, last month, began a campaign to encourage Lagosians to embrace the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly referred to as cooking gas, as an alternative to kerosene and other petroleum products. With this, the state government said there would be a clean and green environment.

Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Taofiq Tijani said the Babatunde Fashola administration, in partnership with

WHAT MUST BE DONE •Use of alternative energy sources such as solar •Less dependence on foreign countries such as China •Plan towards joining the league of countries using electric cars •Create an urban risk map to understand vulnerabilities •Reduce the bureaucratic burden on access to international support •Government needs to integrate risk prevention in urban planning •Address infrastructural challenges in the country •Initiating sound environmental policies

•Bassey

private investors, planned to introduce LPG into one million homes in five years and five million homes in 10 years.

Tijani said: “Government plans to encourage private investors to inject an estimated 2.3 million of gas cylinders/cookers into Lagos homes as a way of addressing the shortage of gas cylinders currently being experienced.

“Also, the state will facilitate the establishment of 200 auto gas conversion workshops and facilitate the establishment of 200 cylinder maintenance workshop in Lagos State.”

He added: “We have seen the Indian experience; we can translate it to Nigeria because I believe that without subsidy, we cannot go too far. I know that countries, such as Malaysia, were able to move quickly

•Orelope-Adefulire

from the ratio of 100,000 people using LPG to one million, within a short time. We can do that here, too.

“The way they did it was to massively import cylinders because without these cylinders, there is no way we can encourage people to use LPG. We can discuss how to put subsidy in place for Lagosians. If you want people using kerosene to switch to LPG, you have to support them, by putting a subsidy in place by bringing cylinders.”

Deputy Governor Mrs. Ajoke Orelope-Adefulire said the state has no choice but to join the rest of the developed world in the use of a more efficient source of energy.

She advised other states and the Federal Government to emulate Lagos in ensuring a cleaner and greener environment.

•Dr. Jonathan

The deputy governor said cooking gas is a good source of clean and potable fuel energy for millions of people around the world, which helps to protect the environment from pollution, deforestation and greenhouse gas formation.

Mrs Orelope-Adefulire said: “Nigeria, being a gas country with an estimated four million tons of cooking gas annually, has the lowest consumption rate in the sub-region and do not have access to quality modern energy services.

“In the light of this kind of situation in our state, every effort put in place to ensure that the economy of every Lagosian and, indeed the entire state economy, benefit maximally from the opportunities that are presented by gas usage should be encouraged.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

7

NEWS

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from climate change’ •From left: A flooded street during the recent torrential rainfall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital; an industry emitting carbonmonoxide on the street and promoting climate change; and a horde of vehicles using petrol and diesel believed by environmentalists to be a major cause of green gas emission.

How disaster can be prevented, by UN- Habitat T ‘

HE Director of Monitoring and Research Division (MRD) UN-Habitat, Nairobi, Kenya, Prof Oyebanji Oyeyinka, has said adoption of mitigation measures could prevent people being displaced by effects of climate change.

He spoke on Tuesday at the launch of the Global Report on Human Settlement (GRHS) at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

Oyeyinka, who presented the report, said Nigerian cities need to brace up against an assault of powerful natural forces, adding that an increased oceanic warming, melting and the rise in sea level present a threat, especially to people living in coastal areas.

The GHRS is published every two years by the UN-Habitat to inform government and partners of global human settlement conditions and trends by examining the effects of climate change on cities.

The GHRS 2011 report, which addresses cities and climate change, calls for action by cities. It stated that if steps are not taken to reduce greenhouse gases and promote more environmentally-sustainable

By Toluwani Eniola

and fairer urban development, there would be a deadly consequence.

Oyeyinka, who urged the Federal Government to address infrastructural challenges in the country, said since more than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, the growing demand of cities in terms of consumption and lifestyle would result in unprecedented disaster, wide-scale disruption and loss .

He said the effects of climate change is not only rife because of rising levels of emissions but also from lack of government’s capacity to tackle it by initiating sound environmental policies.

“The failure of the government to plan for rapid urbanisation has led to infrastructural deficit which contributes to climate change. Nigeria has recorded a huge formation of slums in the cities because of this structural shift.

Present at the launch, which attracted dignitaries and the academics, were the ViceChancellor of Covenant University, Prof Aize Obayan, Dr David

The failure of the government to plan for rapid urbanisation has led to infrastructural deficit which contributes to climate change. Nigeria has recorded a huge formation of slums in the cities because of this structural shift

‘

Oyedepo, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Prof Grace Alele-Williams. Others were the Chairman, Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors, Mr Sola Fatokio, and the Olota of Ota, Oba Olaniyi Oyede On ways to mitigate the effects, he urged the government to include climate-sensitive features in infrastruc-

tural investments. He added that besides making climate change information accessible, Nigeria needs to consider alternative energy sources and change its policies on the use fuel .

He said : “Nigeria needs to consider alternative energy sources, such as solar, and depend less on foreign countries, such as China.

We need to plan ahead. Some countries have produced electric cars. We need to adapt proven technology.

“Besides, we need to create an urban risk map to be able to understand the impacts of risk and vulnerabilities. The bureaucratic burden on local access to international support must be reduced. Besides, the government need to integrate risk prevention in urban planning by using an urban risk map.”

Oyedepo decried bad governance in Nigeria, which he said is the root of many problems. He said despite the failure of the government to provide basic facilities for the university; it expects it to pay tax and rents. He said as part of plans to reduce carbon-based emissions, the university has succeeded in building a fuel-free generator.

He warned that Nigeria faces the risk of mass protest if the problems continue without a change. His words: “Nigeria has been affected so much by bad governance and this is the cause of so many infrastructural problems. The government does not have the capacity and the morality to change the country. One solution that has stood the test of time is outsourcing. If Nigeria had relied on NITEL for now, the problem of communication would not have been solved.”

Oyedepo, who praised the UN for launching the report in Nigeria, said there must be a revolution in governance for infrastructural challenges facing the country to be tackled. He said the government has cost Covenant university a lot as it has spent N150 million on rehabilitating roads in Ota. “Our government should develop the political will to solve infrastructural problems. To tackle the problems of infrastructure, the government must consider outsourcing, and this is the fundamental law of development.”

Alele-Williams urged the UN-Habit to simplify the report and make it available to

Lagos warns communities over rising water level

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ESIDENTS of coastal communities in Lagos State were yesterday warned to avert a looming disaster. The affected communities are on the bank of Ogun River.

The warning, issued by the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, came on the heels of torrential rains in the past two weeks, leading to a rise in the water level.

The commissioner urged residents of Mile 12, Agiliti, Isheri North, Owode-Onirin, Ikorodu, Majidun, Ajegunle and other settlements within the flood plains to be vigilant.

Bello reminded them of the prediction that more rains are likely to lead to serious flooding.

By Miriam Ndikanwu

Already, those with businesses on the five-kilometre Long Bridge, on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have been sacked by flood.

The commissioner said: “This advice was subsequent upon the report from our gauging station that the Ogun River has risen by four metres due to the heavy downpour being recorded upstream western part of the Ogun and Lagos ends of Ogun River.

“The implication of the rise in the water level at the river is that, residents living in Mile 12, Ajegunle, Agiliti, Ikorodu, Majidun, Owode Onirin, Isheri North, among other communities, are likely to witness flooding.”

‘Report from our gauging station (shows) that the Ogun River has risen by four metres due to the heavy downpour being recorded... The implication of the rise in the water level at the river is that residents living in Mile 12, Ajegunle, Agiliti, Ikorodu, Majidun, Owode Onirin, Isheri North, among other communities, are likely to witness flooding’ •Bello

Bello, who stated that the situation was yet to attain a crisis level, said as a proactive and responsible government, it has a duty to inform the public about the environment, especially at this time the world is experiencing global warming as a result of climate change.

The commissioner assured that government, through its relevant agencies, would continue to monitor the river level.

“Residents are, however, advised not to panic, but rather be vigilant and be on the alert, as the state government will continue to monitor and he public will be adequately informed about further developments,”Bello said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

8

NEWS Activist alleges abduction by SSS

$60m cancer facilities coming From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

THE Federal Government has partnered the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the procurement of 10 cancer treatment facilities.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Ali Pate, yesterday said the project would cost $60 million.

Pate, who was represented at the news conference on the Third International Cancer Week by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Fatima Bamidele, said eight Nigerian specialists were sponsored for residency training to handle the equipment.

He said the Federal Government would start production of morphine syrup at the Federal Manufacturing Laboratory, Yaba, Lagos.

Lawan cautions ASUU against strike From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

THE Chairman, House Committee on Education, Farouk Lawan, yesterday urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to remain calm.

Lawan said efforts were on to ensure that ASUU do not go on strike again to prevent further challenge to the education sector.

ASUU, at an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja last Monday, said unless government implements the agreement next month, it may cripple the university system again.

The lawmaker said the House won’t rest until the executive bills from the 2009 agreement are given attention.

In an interview with The Nation in Abuja, he said: “The House is pushing towards the amendment.

We are expediting action to ensure that their yearnings are met.

“We have also told the Ministry of Education to ensure that all provisions provided in the 2009 agreement are fully implemented.”

LOSS OF DOCUMENT The general public is hereby informed of the Loss of Original Land Certificate dated 29th May, 1968 and Reg. as No. MO 7207 of the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa belonging to Alhaji Abu Akanbi Akinpelu. Lagos State Lands Registry and General public take note.

•‘We only interacted with him’ From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

A

• From right: Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu and Plateau State Deputy Governor Ignitius Longjang at a lecture to mark Gowon's 77th birthday in Jos...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Another UN House bomb blast A victim dies NOTHER victim of the United Nations (UN) House bomb blast has died.

Sunday Nwachukwu, who was flown to South Africa for special medical treatment, died on October 9.

Resident Coordinator of the UN Office in Nigeria, Daouda Toure, made this known in Abuja yesterday.

The UN House was bombed on August 26 by a suicide bomber, believed to be a member of radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

The casualty figure has risen to 24.

Last month, Toure had announced that 21 of the 23 victims were confirmed dead.

As of yesterday, UN workers who died in the blast

•Death toll hits 24 From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

were 12 and non-UN workers also 12.

In a statement, Toure said: “The United Nations is deeply saddened by the death of one more person as a result of the attack on the UN House in Abuja on August 26.

“Sunday Nwachukwu, a member of staff of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), passed on in South Africa on October 9. “ Nwachukwu was one of the first 12 critically injured

UN staff members on life support systems, who were flown to South Africa by air ambulances in August.

“He was a hard working colleague and a friendly brother.

“The United Nations Country Team in Nigeria (UNCT) once again presents its deepest condolences to the families of victims and reiterates its gratitude to the government and people of Nigeria and other partners for their support.

“The attack has taken the

lives of our colleagues and partners and maimed many people all of whom were in the building in the pursuit of service to others.

“Their sacrifice will not be in vain; we will strive to pursue our work, the work for the people of Nigeria as prescribed in the UN Charter, which says ‘we the people’.”

The Resident Coordinator said the UN system in Nigeria would continue on its mission to improve the lives of people, to conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy, and to encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedoms, while focusing on job creation, poverty alleviation, democratic governance, reproductive and maternal health for all.

N Abuja rights activist, Kayode Ajulo, has protested what he described as his “unlawful abduction and detention” by the State Security Service (SSS) for six hours on Tuesday.

Ajulo said: “On Tuesday, I became a guest of the SSS over the allegation that I was to lead a demonstration against erratic power supply, unemployment, removal of fuel subsidy, greed, corruption on October 24.

“The planned protest is to take place simultaneously in Abuja, Lagos and other major cities across the nation.

“I was cajoled to abandon the cause which I rejected and I was ‘abducted’ for close to six hours and was released to return yesterday with Femi Falana, Bamidele Aturu and others.”

But the SSS said the agency did not detain the activist as alleged.

SSS spokesperson Marylyn Ogar said operatives of the agency only interacted with Ajulo for close to six hours on Tuesday.

The spokesperson said the SSS invited Ajulo and pleaded with him to shelve the planned demonstration because of security challenges in some parts of the country.

Ogar dismissed Ajulo’s claim that he was detained for six hours, saying the law allows the security agencies to detain people for a maximum of 24 hours.

Senators oppose EFCC / ICPC planned merger

A

BILL to amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and repeal the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) Acts seems to have died on arrival, considering the mood of senators yesterday.

It was tactically withdrawn CONFIRMATION OF NAME That I am the above person, my name was mistaken written as JOHNSON TOLULOPE EVELY, instead of ALLEN EVELYN TOLUPE. The general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE IGBO CHRISTIAN ASSIOCIATION AKWA IBOM CHAPTER This is to inform the general public that the above named organization has applied to cooperate affairs commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘c’ of the company and allied matters act 1, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: Elder Raph Nnamoko- Chairman Elder Moses Egwuonku- Elder Bro. Joel Nwankwo – Vice Chairman Apostle (Barr) Njoku, Chukwuka-Fin Secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVES - To encourage and support one another spiritually, physically, financially and as need arises - To encourage a healthy relationship among the members Any objections to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar –general corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent off aguiyi ironsi street P.M.B 198 maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication Signed: Njoku chukwuka SENDER: AMODU AMANA

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

by its sponsor, Senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom North East), following the opposition of his colleagues.

The bill sought to create a unified anti-graft body and other related matters.

Enang said the bill seeks to amend the EFCC Act Cap E1(2004) by transferring to and vesting certain functions of the ICPC on EFCC. He said the purpose of the bill is to merge two or more anti-graft bodies.

The lawmaker said the bill seeks to create a one-stop agency or institution to handle, in a coordinated manner,

all corruption, financial crimes and other crimes, to give focus and direction and public confidence in the fight against corruption.

His words: “The bill has nothing to do with the assertion of failure or success of either the ICPC or the EFCC, but a genuine effort to create a unified body to fight corruption and financial crimes.”

He said a closer look at the EFCC and ICPC would reveal that both bodies were created to do the same thing.

The lawmaker also posited that the EFCC Act, Section 42 makes the commission the coordinating agency for all corruption or financial crimes cases by whatever

name called.

Hardly had Enang concluded his submission than many senators vented their opposition.

Their verdict: “Nigeria needs more anti-graft agencies to cope with increasing cases of corruption.”

Opposition started with the complaint that Enang failed to attach the compendium of the bill to what he circulated.

Senator Galadu Isa (Kebbi North) led the others.

He noted that the bill was a short cut to kill the fight against corruption in the country.

Isa said instead of a bill to merge existing anti-graft agencies, efforts should be

made to create more agencies to fight corruption and other crimes.

He noted that the United Kingdom has more than five anti-graft bodies while there are about 18 of such bodies in China.

The lawmaker said even if there was an overlap in the functions of EFCC and ICPC it is not enough reason to merge them.

The lawmaker said anything that would scuttle the fight against corruption should be resisted.

Before others could contribute, Enang, having read the mood of the Senate, quickly withdrew the bill for further legislative consideration.

Jonathan dissolves boards of agencies

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday sacked the boards of all agencies and parastatals of the Federal Government.

He said it has nothing to do with competence of members.

The President said: “It is customary that at the end of every four years, the boards of Federal Government parastatals, agencies are dissolved.

“The dissolution would have been done earlier but of course this is a continuous government that is why we

•Sambo chairs panel on reconstitution From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

were not in a hurry to dissolve boards.”

He also inaugurated the committee on the composition of new boards. Vice-President Namadi Sambo is the chairman.

Jonathan described the vice president-led committee as “the most powerful committee.

He said: “We are formally inaugurating this committee

headed by the vice-president, one of the most powerful committees because most senior people from the executive, the legislature and the party (Peoples Democratic Party) are members.

“We believe that you will do this work very quickly.

First and foremost of course the tradition is to ration it, go to the states and so on and so forth, then we will now call the governors for a meeting after that compiling of names

will take place.

“I use this opportunity to thank the chairmen and members of the various boards that have saved this country very well. We are dissolving the boards not because they are neither effective, nor efficient but it is the tradition and it had to be done.

“The experience they have acquired this past five years they will bring it to bear in any other responsibility that they are assigned and we believe they will do the best for this country.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

9

NEWS

Ondo retires 250 teachers over fraudulent records T HE Ondo State Government has retired 250 teachers, including headteachers, for presenting fraudulent records.

The teachers allegedly tampered with their records to remain in the civil service.

Also, the government has re-posted 296 head teachers and is working on that of 581 deputy school heads, under

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

its re-articulation of public secondary schools programme.

Chairman, Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mr. Fola Amure spoke with reporters yesterday in Akure, the

state capital.

Amure said the government’s action is in line with the Federal Government’s directive.

He said the retirement of the fraudulent teachers became necessary to bring sanity to the teaching profession.

Amure said: “Ordinarily, those found to have falsified their records should have been prosecuted, but in the spirit of the Caring Heart Policy of the present administration in the state, they were asked to proceed on retirement with immediate effect.”

He said all teachers due for retirement had been mandated to do so.

LASU students protest fee increment

S

TUDENTS of the Lagos State University (LASU) yesterday urged the state government to reverse the recent increase in school fees.

They spoke to reporters during a peaceful protest at the university’s main campus, Ojo, Lagos.

The Students’ Union President, Mr. Akeem Durojaiye, described the increment as “unreasonable and unjustifiable”.

Durojaiye said: “There is no rational justification for the increment and students are saying no to it.

“Many of the students, who get admission into LASU, are from less privileged homes, where people struggle to get three square meals a day.

“An increase in fees will send many out of school, thus increasing crime in the society. We are ready for a mass protest to avert this.”

He also urged the government to address the shortage of classrooms.

A 200-level law student, Suliat Subair, said: “The state government is working towards a mega-city, while its university is in shambles; if you want to have a mega-city, then, there should be a mega university.”

Another student, Toluwani Emden, said the increment would deny the masses access to education.

Ajimobi reinstates sacked Ibadan Poly ASUP chair

O

• Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Lagos for Saturday’s LGAs election …yesterday.

CNPP urges Fayemi to prosecute Daramola’s, Omojola’s killers

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HE Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Ekiti State chapter, has given Governor Kayode Fayemi 21 days to prosecute the suspected killers of Dr. Ayodeji Daramola and Mr. Tunde Omojola.

Speaking with reporters yesterday, CNNP threatened to approach the courts and compel the governor to accede to the request, if he fails to do so.

The killings of Daramola, a former World Bank Consultant, and Omojola, a Germanybased Ekiti indigene, over five years ago, was believed to be politically motivated.

CNPP Chairman Prince

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Tunji Ogunlola urged Fayemi to ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly acts do not go unpunished.

He lamented that the matter seemed to have been swept under the carpet.

The late Daramola, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in the build up to the 2007 elections, was murdered on August 12, 2006, by suspected assassins.

The late Omojola was killed during the 2005 councillorship election in Ifaki Ekiti.

Two suspects, Thaddeus Aina and Samuel Dada, were detained for over two years in connection with the

crimes.

The group also said it has confidence in the ability of the State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) to conduct a free, fair and credible local government poll on January 21.

It urged stakeholders to support the commission.

Ogunlola said 18 parties have signified their intentions to participate in the election and urged the state government to allow the –the commission’s chairman, Mrs. Cecilia Adelusi, to be independent.

CNPP scored the Fayemi administration high, saying it has lived up to the people’s expectations.

Ex-Ondo LP chair petitions Jonathan

F

ORMER Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State Dr. Olaiya Oni has petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan over alleged threat to his life.

In the petition dated October 17, Oni urged the President to ask Governor Olusegun Mimiko to discharge his duties in accordance with the law.

He said: “On August, 2010, an Ikare High Court in Ondo State removed Adegbenro Omola, who was illegally installed as the Onise of Ise (my home town).

“The governor complied with the court order and a regent was appointed according to the tradition of my people.”

But Oni said when he re-

•Alleges threat to life From Damisi Ojo, Akure signed as LP chairman, the governor organised a rally and publicly recognised Omola as the Onise.

Also, he said he bought an old bus, belonging to the LP secretariat, for N200,000 from an auction by the governor’s office last year May. Oni said the bus had no engine and he spent N1.5 million to fix it. The bus is now being used as staff bus in his packaging company.

He said he was shocked last Wednesday, when some policemen, political thugs and LP officials allegedly stormed his company to recover the bus, claiming that

it was stolen.

Oni said: “My workers were mercilessly beaten up by the political thugs, who seized the receipts I showed to the police to authenticate the transaction.

The bus was forcibly taken away and is still with the police.

“Mimiko left Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 2002 to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and in 2007 left PDP for LP. “On those occasions, nobody harassed or intimidated him, why is he now using the state apparatus to intimidate me?”

He urged the President to call Mimiko to order.

PHOTO:NAN

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has ordered the reinstatement of the sacked Chairman of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, branch of the Academic Staff

Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Mr. Babatunde Dosunmu.

Dosunmu was sacked in 2009 by former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, following a strike by the union.

Ajimobi gave the directive at a meeting with representatives of the three labour unions in the institution – ASUP, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).

He said: “Ours is a government that has respect for the rule of law. Since the court says Dosunmu is innocent and should be reinstated, he should be reinstated immediately.”

The governor also approved the payment of three months arrears of the Consolidated Tertiary Institution Salary Structure (CONTISS), which had been the subject of agitation among the polytechnic workers.

He said the payment would be spread over some months.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

10

NEWS Benue tribunal upholds PDP candidate’s election

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HE House of Assembly/National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, yesterday upheld the election of Emmanuel Jime of the People Democratic Party (PDP).

Jime is representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by tribunal Chairman, Justice Anslem Nweigwe, in the petition filed by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Nanev Uhondo, the tribunal held that the petitioners failed to seek leave of court before applying for a pretrial notice, which was brought through a motion ex parte.

The tribunal held that it

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

would have been accepted in law if the petitioners had shown the extreme cases in the defect they alleged.

It cited the case of Prof. Steve Ugbah vs Governor Gabriel Suswam, where the Appeal Court insisted on leave of court in such circumstance.

Justice Nweigwe said besides, the petitioners failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt as required by law.

He noted that though substantial evidence was produced, tendered and admitted by the tribunal, the petitioners failed to answer pertinent questions that would have furnished the tribunal with a lead into how the elec-

tions were rigged.

It awarded a N10,000 cost to each of the first and second respondents.

Counsel to the petitioners, Andrew Wombo said he would study the judgment and consult with his client to know whether or not there would be an appeal.

Counsel to Jime, Mr. Chris Agbiti, hailed the tribunal for its verdict.

He said the judgment was a synopsis of the Electoral Act. The tribunal adopted addresses in other cases, including that of G. O. Alapa of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) vs Ezekiel Adaji of the PDP (House of Reps); and Mr. Thompson Nanev Ikyum of the PDP vs Terkimbi Kyange of the ACN (House of Assembly).

It also reserved a date for ruling, saying this would be communicated to the counsel.

PDP, ACN trade words over Benue violence A MEMBER of the Benue State House of Assembly, representing Logo State Constituency, Godwin Akaan, yesterday said the violence that occurred on Monday in Logo Local Government was the result of internal crisis in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Six persons, including a top ACN chieftain and his brother, were killed in the violence.

But the state ACN Chairman, Comrade Abba Yaro, accused the lawmaker of playing politics with the dead.

Addressing reporters in Makurdi, Akaan said the PDP, his party, polled 44,000 votes to defeat the ACN can-

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

didate, who polled 11,000 votes.

He said PDP members suffered the worst loss in the clash, adding that the violence was masterminded to cause confusion in Ugba, Governor Gabriel Suswam’s area.

He alleged that during the clash, which lasted about four hours, Suswam, who was reportedly attending a funeral in the town, restrained PDP members.

Akaan said: “If it was violence between PDP and ACN supporters, it would have been a different story now.

But this is a clear case of ACN

members attacking and killing PDP members in Ugba town.”

On the alleged murder of an ACN member and his brother by suspected PDP thugs, the lawmaker said the killing could have been perpetrated by his business associates or members of his party who might have had one problem or the other with the late businessman.

Akaan noted that only houses of PDP members were attacked and set ablaze and challenge ACN to show any of their property destroyed during the crises.

Yaro described Akaan’s statement as an insult on the families of party members whose loved ones died in the clash.

He urged Akaan to stop playing politics with the dead.

The ACN Chairman accused the Chairman of Logo Local Government Area, Donald Iorzer, of instigating the killing of ACN members.

He noted that the violence that followed the killings was a reprisal attack by the aggrieved.

Yaro warned that ACN members would not fold their arms and watch PDP kill them without reacting.

Youths deny plan to disrupt Jonathan’s visit From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

Y

OUTHS from Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State, under the aegis of the Kontagora Emirate Youth Development Association (KEYODA), yesterday denied plans to disrupt President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to the state.

In a statement by the group’s Chairman, Comrade Saidu Ibrahim, the youths described the allegation as a blackmail.

They noted that it was unfair for anyone to accuse them of planning to disrupt the President’s visit when the youths were actually peaceloving.

Police arrest grandpa for alleged killing From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

T

HE Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a grandfather, Sani Hamidu, with his son for allegedly killing his grandson, Sagiru Abdullahi, of Ashura Rahama, in Toro Local Government Area.

Sani and his son reportedly removed Abdullahi’s eyes, private part, and throat for rituals and dumped his body in a well where it was discovered following a tip-off.

Police Commissioner Ikechukwu Aduba, through Deputy Commissioner of Police Abdulmajid Ali, yesterday told reporters in Bauchi that Hamidu was among the 16 suspects paraded at the command in Bauchi.

Ali said Hamidu’s son was on the run, adding that police investigations are ongoing while the grandfather has been charged to court for culpable homicide.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Vision 20:2020 as it stands today is in a great danger.

However, 2011 would determine whether we would start the journey. All the sectors of the economy are in a bad state. We need to make up for the loss time and further accelerate our journey.

-Mr Emmanuel Ijewere, former ICAN President

Better days ahead, says IMF

Naira firms in interbank market, stable at auction

T

HE International Mon etary Fund (IMF) fore cast yesterday a rosy outlook for Sub- Saharan Africa growth in 2012 but warned of significant risks from global financial volatility that could subdue demand and private inflows into the world’s poorest continent.

Economies in the region, according to Reuters news, are expected to post nearly six per cent average economic growth in 2012, rising from above five per cent this year, the IMF said, pointing to a better outlook than in advanced economies, which could experience a sharp slowdown due to global volatility.

“Growth in sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies will remain on average above five per cent in 2011. The growth rate is expected to increase in 2012 to nearly six per cent, because of one-off boosts to production in a number of countries,” the Fund said in a statement.

It urged policymakers in the continent to formulate policies that took into account the projected strong growth as well as emerging challenges from the global financial problems.

“Policies need to tread a fine line between addressing the challenges posed by strong growth and preparing to ward off the potentially adverse effects of another global downturn,” said Antoinette Sayeh, the Director of the IMF’s African Department.

At the same time, Sub-Saharan Africa needs to continue to invest in growth and employment, which are critical for sustained poverty reduction, Sayeh added.

The Washington-based fund said middle-income countries had been hit by the global crisis.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$112/barrel Cocoa -$2,856/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,161/troy ounce Rubber -¢146.37pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.747 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -9.3% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.82% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -10.23% Time Deposit -7% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $30.8b FOREX CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

-

0.281 213.2 245.00 156.91 1.5652 245.8 40.57

T

• From left: Mr Lanre Olayinka; his wife and Ekiti State Deputy Governor Funmi Olayinka; Mrs Bisi Fayemi; Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga; Governor Kayode Fayemi and his Special Adviser on MDGs and Planning, Mrs Bunmi Dipo-Salami, an Economic and Development Summit in Ado-Ekiti

CBN plans four-year petroleum imports audit T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is planning a four-year petroleum import review.

Analysts predict that the planned audit would assist the apex bank to check the movement of foreign exchange in the importation of petroleum products during the period under consideration.

CBN has designed a format for collecting data from importers of petroleum products carried out from 2008 to date. The banking watchdog expects all information to be submitted to the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Musa Batari, latest by close of work today.

In a circular, Batari urged authorised dealers to comply with the directive, failing which appropriate sanction would be imposed. Details to be supplied to the apex bank, he said, include Form ‘M’

By Collins Nweze

number, Form ‘M’ registration date, importer’s name and address, sources of funds, date of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) permit, country of supply and discharge depot, among others.

Analysts attribute the current move of the apex bank to it’s commitment to check the use of foreign exchange, especially for imports in the country.

Few days ago, the CBN said it would restrict the sale of dollars at its auctions to foreign companies taking the currency offshore, in a further measure to limit local foreign exchange demand and support the weakening naira.

The regulator, said foreign investors were guaranteed to repatriate their earnings and

proceeds of investments offshore, but they could only seek dollars for such purposes from the open market.

“All remittances in respect of dividends, capital and proceeds of investments shall be through the use of autonomous funds (interbank). For the avoidance of doubts, foreign investors are guaranteed repatriation of their earnings and or proceeds of investments through the use of autonomous funds,” Batari said in the circular.

The CBN has in its continued effort to consolidate on the policy measures taken on foreign exchange utilisation, coupled with the need to streamline petroleum products importers, authorised dealers to forward copies of the Form ‘M’ proceeds and other relevant documents to the CBN for

consideration.

Also going forward, requests for purchase of foreign exchange will be made within 48 hours to the bidding or auction day, failing, which the bid will be considered for the next auction session.

The apex bank said after negotiation of the transaction, and within 30 days of arrival of the cargo, authorised dealers shall provide the final shipping documents, including product certification report issued by the DPR among other measures to the apex bank.

A source from the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) said between January and August, this year, the agency has imported petrol worth N560 billion. In 2010, the four refineries, with a combined capacity in excess 445,000 barrels per day, could only refine a mere 80,757 metric tonnes of petroleum products.

Govt rejects settlement with concessionaire on Ajaokuta Steel T

HE Federal Govern ment has rejected an out-of-court settlement of its dispute with Global Infrastructure Holdings Limited (GHIL) over the cancellation of the concession of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCON).

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Sada, said the government would see the case through, adding that it would not withdraw from a case with an investor who he alleged cannibalised the assets of the steel company and breached the terms of the concession agreement.

He, however, said the government and GHIL that was purported to have bought the entity are in arbitration.

He said both parties met last month and are to meet again in January next year.

The meeting, he explained, “will enable Nigeria to present its counter claim,” saying, “we have already articulated our position on the issues and hope that the mat-

• Orders study of economic rate of return on firms

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

ter will be amicably resolved soon.”

On government’s plan for the firm and the Nigeria Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO), he said since the government does not want to repeat past mistakes, it has raised an economic team to carry out a study on what to do with the two entities.

He said, the team headed by the Co-ordinator of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, is to study the possible scale of return from the plants.

His words: “The government wants to transform the place. As I am talking to you, there is a study of economic rate of return on the two facilities. I think it is about to be concluded very soon. It is being co-ordinated by the Minister of the Economy

because it is not a technical thing. It is strictly business. “ All the factors will be put into consideration, as we don’t want a situation whereby a private investor will come and look at it and say I can operate it. No. We want professional managers to contact professional engineers, get the input from them and get their report so we know this is their direction. So, we will be able to advise the government on the various available options, between concession, outright sale or joint venture. This is where we are now.”

On the control of explosives, Sada said the ministry and stakeholders have agreed that explosive dealers and directors of user companies will be thoroughly screened before licences are issued.

• Sada

He said it was unanimously agreed, after a stakeholders’ conference that held in August, that a review of the Explosive Act of 1964 and the Explosive Regulations of 1967 be carried out for both instruments to address emerging needs, trends and challenges associated with explosives handling, as well as issues that border on security, manufacture and export.

HE naira strengthened against the United States’ dollar on the interbank market yesterday and held steady in the official market as inflows from some energy firms buoyed dollar liquidity.

The naira closed at N157.20 to the dollar at the interbank, firmer than the N159.85 it closed with on Tuesday, supported by dollar inflows from two energy firms.

Dealers said a unit of Exxon Mobil sold for $57 million to some lenders and the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas company about $15 million, helped to boost liquidity and support the naira.

At the official window, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold $250 million at N149.95 to the dollar, marginally short of the 266.69 million demanded at the auction. The regulator sold all the $296.91 million demanded at its biweekly forex auction on Monday at N149.95 to the dollar.

Demand for dollars at the auction has fallen by around half since measures taken by the apex bank last week to reduce speculators from participating at the official window.

‘Why World Bank denied Nigeria $80m mining loan’ From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

T

HE World Bank’s ap proval for the $80 mil lion additional funding for the Sustainable Management of Minerals Resources Project (SMMRP) has been delayed because Nigeria is not supporting the mining sector.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Sada, told reporters in Abuja, that Nigeria is yet to convince the global bank of its ability to sustain the project.

He explained that the World Bank has not suspended the implementation of the $120 million project that it started in 2005, but that the application for additional $80 million to finance the mid-tier miners scheme, is what has not been accommodated.

Sada said: “Some of the complaints that the World Bank made is that the sector was not being properly supported by the government. What they are trying to create is sustainability and there is need for the government to show that it is really serious to develop the sector after they leave. They don’t want to leave now and discover later that the project is not accomplished.

They want to leave and see some actions continuing.”

He said there are insinuations that the ministry is seeking to finance the steel sector with the $120 million credit facility, an issue, he stated, was not part of the agreement with which the Federal Government secured the loan in the first instance.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

12

BUSINESS NEWS Fed Govt to sell N108b treasury bills

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HE Federal Government plans to sell N108.11 billion ($667.14 million) in 91-, 182and 364-day treasury bills next week at its regular debt auction, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said yesterday.

The regulator said next Wednesday, it will issue N30 billion in the 91-day paper, N46.73 billion in the 182-day bill and N31.38 billion in the 364-day treasury bills, using the Dutch auction system.

“The bank reserves the right to vary the amount on offer in line with market realities prevailing as at the period of auction,” the apex bank said in a public notice.

Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa’s second biggest economy after South Africa, issues treasury bills regularly as part of measures to reduce money supply, curb inflation and help lenders manage their liquidity.

NERC remits N360m to FIRS

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

US offers $1.5b loan for power expansion N

IGERIA and the United States yesterday in Abuja signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will enable independent power producers in Nigeria to access up to $1.5billion loan to purchase equipment and services from the United States.

The facility, according to a statement made available to The Nation, is managed by the United States Export Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank), a government agency that provides export-credit insurance and financing, among other services, to help foreign buyers purchase US goods and services.

Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji, signed the MOU on behalf of the Federal Government while Mr Fred P. Hochberg, Ex-Im Bank Chairman/President, signed for the government of the United States at a brief ceremony at the ministry’s conference room.

Nnaji described the agreement as historic, as it gives investors in the power sector access to US goods and services, which will help boost

Nigerians bid to expand its electricity infrastructure.

Mr Hochberg, on his part, promised that the Ex-Im Bank would do more: “$1.5 billion is just a start ...

The bank will certainly consider additional financing if needed,” he said.

Asked when the facility would be available, he said the bank has opened for business in Nigeria and is awaiting orders from credible independent power producers.

“We want to deploy this financing as quickly as possible to help meet President Goodluck Jonathan’s goals for growing the Nigerian economy by greatly expanding the availability of power in the country,” he said.

Nnaji commended the speed with which the bank’s chief responded to the issue, which he raised with Mr Hochberg only some weeks ago in Washington when the Minister

represented President Goodluck Jonathan at an economic summit meeting.

He spoke of the government’s initiatives to expand investments that will lead to a three-fold increase in the quantum of power within three years and the incentives that are being put together to encourage private foreign and local investors to achieve the target.

Among these are government policies and programmes to assure a cost-reflective tariff, a bulk power trading company that manages a government guarantee of payment for power producers who supply to distribution companies, and the on-going privatisation of public power generation and distribution companies.

He also commended Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Ade Adefuye, who facilitated the visit and accompanied the team, for his hard work in pushing forward Nigeria’s economic diplomacy initiative.

T

HE Nigerian Electricity Regu latory Commission (NERC) has remitted N360 million to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as value added and withholding taxes collected on behalf of the Service between 2006 and 2010.

The Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, made this known yesterday at a meeting on compliance with reporting obligations.

A statement made available to The Nation said he told licencees in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry to discharge their reporting obligations.

He said NERC demonstrated its commitment to such obligations by being the first Federal Government agency to fully subscribe to the Freedom of Information Act and have a dedicated link to the Act on its website.

Amadi gave a breakdown of the amount remitted during the period under review as N206.7 million as withholding tax and N153.6 million as value added tax. He said the Commission was aware of the need to guard its integrity jealously as the most valuable asset of any regulator. “A regulator should comply with reporting obligations, especially as they relate to the integrity of public finance,” he said.

The Chairman, however, declined to join issues with the Auditor General of Federation, Mr Samuel Okura, over statement credited to him that NERC was among 41 Federal Government agencies that have not opened their books for audit and preferred to believe that that the Auditor General may have been quoted out of context.

MAN urges resuscitation of industries From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

K

ANO State Chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has urged the state government to match the current efforts of the Federal Government by introducing intervention mechanism for the resuscitation of the closed down industries in the state. MAN said, such a policy is necessary, pointing out that lack of clear intervention policy has been identified as the fundamental challenge hindering the state’s industrial development.

Its Chairman, Sani Umar, said the funding windows introduced by the Federal Government, such as, the CBN Intervention Fund, and Textile Revival Fund, have been a major moral booster to the manufacturing sector. Umar, who spoke at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association in Kano , yesterday, urged the state government to complement the effort of the Federal Government by introducing related intervention fund for the resuscitation of the shut industries in the state.

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

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• From left: Managing Director, Ratias Communications, Mr Chidi Ogazi; Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc (NB), Mr Yusuf Ageni and Project Champion, Mrs. Clementine Vervelde, at a press conference on Beyond the school programme, by NB in Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

NSE targets key sectors for listing

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HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) would target the key sectors, such as agriculture, oil and gas, telecommunications and utility in its drive to deepen the market and enhance its value as the barometer of the economy.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Oscar Onyema, said this at a dinner with the chief executives of quoted companies in Lagos. He said the Exchange would woo companies in the four sectors to list their shares.

According to him, the sectors are important in the development of the stock market as they are crucial to the economy.

Noting that agriculture accounts for more than 40 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), he said

Stories by Taofik Salako

oil and gas contributes more than 90 per cent of export earnings. Telecommunications sector, he said, has more than 80 million Global Systems for Mobile communication (GSM) subscribers and includes the fastest growing telecoms operator in sub-Saharan Africa while the emerging utility sector has strong potential.

He pointed out that in spite of recent challenges, the capital market remains an indispensable vehicle to ensure Nigeria’s continued development, adding that NSE has set a broad objective to create an African institution that competes effectively in the global market place in a manner that showcases the best of African

enterprises to the global community.

He said the NSE would be undertaking the consolidation of the 33 sectors on its Daily Official List into 12 sectors to reflect standard international industrial classifications.

“The Exchange lists equities and bonds, but the market is dominated by equities, with minimal trading in bonds. We also plan to introduce exchange traded funds, options and financial futures. Indeed, we are on course to introduce our first ETF this year. These initiatives are a vital part of increasing the vibrancy, depth and competitiveness of The Exchange. Naturally, the introduction of these products will be accompanied by extensive education of both operators and investors,” Onyema said.

Path to development, by Ekiti summit

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KITI State needs to accelerate investments in key infrastruc ture and partner with private sectors to optimise its huge potential in agriculture and solid minerals to achieve sustainable development.

Participants, at the two-day Ekiti State Economic and Development Summit held at the weekend in Ado Ekiti, said the state has abundant resources that could be harnessed to achieve its goal of a sustainable economic development, noting the commendable initiatives already taken by the Kayode-Fayemi-led government.

According to the communiqué issued at the end of the summit and signed by Summit Facilitator, Prof.

Mobolaji Aluko and Summit Co-facilitator, Dr. Grace Adebo; investment opportunities abound in arable farm-

ing, fisheries, poultry, food processing, solid minerals including granite, uranium and gold; tourism and hospitality business as well as education sector.

The summit, which was inaugurated by Governor Kayode Fayemi, noted various steps taken by the government to encourage investors in the state including several road constructions, passage of enabling laws, provision of silos for grain preservation, tax moratorium and early issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and working partnership with several international bodies including the United Nations, Department for International Development (DFID), European Union and United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The summit, however, noted that the government needs to increase investments in key infrastructure including water, power and roads, pointing out the need to refurbish water facilities to ensure they function at their installed production capacity.

According to the summit, key investments in the water sector should include the expansion of water production, distribution coverage and reticulation of Ado scheme, completion of the on-going N1 billion MDG2009 water projects covering Ado, Erijiyan, Ipole- Iloro, Efon, Ido-Ile and Okemesi, completion of the turnaround maintenance of the Ureje (Ado) Headwork and turnaround maintenance of Itapaji, Egbe, and Ero water scheme.

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

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

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

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08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

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LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

08.00 18.00

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

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Background Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV); considers it pertinent to comment on the trial of the immediate past Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). To begin with, YDV totally and unambiguously frowns at pervasive corruption and culture of impunity which constitute a huge disincentive to good governance and sustainable development in all facets of our society. However, it is our conviction that the war against corruption should be holistic and devoid of cutthroat politics of the ‘untouchables’ who preside over selective investigation and prosecution of certain individuals as it is the case in Nigeria today.

Ordinarily, prosecution of any Nigerian by the EFCC and other agencies vested with appropriate powers should not be a big deal provided such prosecution is done on the basis of fairness, equity and without instigation by self-serving personalities whose inordinate desire is to settle political scores at all cost. It is our conviction that selective investigation and prosecution would impact negatively on democratic development of our country by compromising political integrity at the whim and caprices of those who want their ego massaged. What the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies owe Nigerians is to demonstrate independence and objectivity in handling anti-corruption cases.

Travail of OGD and the politics of the PDP It is not a mere coincidence that OGD was the only Governor that survived the annihilating intrigue of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) which has become a dominant feature of the party in the Southwest. Apart from OGD who courageously served out the constitutionally allowed eight years in office out of the five Governors elected in 2003 on the platform of the PDP, four other Governors- Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Oyo could not survive the consuming tide of politics as their tenure was abruptly terminated at different times. For OGD however, surviving eight years as Governor of Ogun state meant that he would have to contend with barrage of opposition from within and outside the PDP. The array of opposition constituted so many distractions that were hatched with sole aim of derailing the government of Ogun state under the leadership of OGD. However, prior to the political gang-up against OGD, Ogun state witnessed tremendous development in the first four years. It is on record that OGD’s administration made significant contributions to socio-economic development of Ogun state with policies and programmes that transformed the state. One of the evidences of the landmark achivements of OGD’s administration is the high economic value attached to lands across the state today. It is to the credit of OGD that his administration constructed and upgraded stadia in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ilaro and Sagamu which now host important sports events today compared to other southwest states.

OGD’s visionary leadership ensured that Ogun state embarked on multi-million dollar investments such as the LNG at Olokola otherwise known as OK project, Cargo Airport, the Free Trade Zones as well as several industrial layouts intended to transform Ogun state into an investment destination of choice. Nigeria’s Premier University of Education (Tai Solarin University of Education) was established under OGD’s administration in addition to the establishment of ICT polytechnics. But rather than allow OGD fast-track his vision of development, he was bombarded on all fronts by political detractors who were determined to frustrate his progressive ideals. Once it became clear to the opposition that OGD could not be harassed out of government through organized impeachment as was the case with Ladoja and Foyose in Oyo and Ekiti states respectively, the arrow heads of the opposition exerted so much energy and passion to render Ogun State ungovernable by creating division in the House of Assembly. It is therefore not surprising that some of those that championed the plot against OGD’s administration are now lead witnesses for the EFCC. What are the Corruption Charges against OGD? We enjoin Nigerians and Yorubas in particular to pay more than casual attention to the corruption charges against OGD. We are indeed convinced that there are more to the charges than what the EFCC ordinarily would have considered cogent and concrete enough to warrant a trial. It is clear that OGD’s travail is politically motivated. Going by the charges before the court, even if we are prepared to discountenance the unnecessary media trial and conviction, it is obvious that the accusers are merely interested in political persecution than legal procedure. The charges of converting lands belonging to Ogun state are most nebulous and embarrassing to carry any heavier weight beyond the political persecution that they are designed to achieve. It is our conviction that charges related to land matters were borne out of desperation to nail OGD at all cost. Concerning the management of Local Government Joint Account in Ogun state, it is noted that there was no specific mention of the offence or offences committed by OGD. The unfolding scenario is in tandem with desire of his opponents who have sworn to rubbish him politically?

The Forces and Lies against OGD: Where are the over N50 Billion Charges?

There is no doubt that the forces against OGD are indeed formidable and coming from numerous fronts. But we are sure that the truth will emerge at the end of the day! Whereas the impression was already created that OGD embezzled N58 billion; however the plain truth is that the 16 count charge filed by the EFCC read far below N6 billion. This clearly contradicts the figure upon which the media trial of OGD is anchored. We then wonder why the media should join the chorus of falsehood without reconciling such figures with

the statement presented by the EFCC in charge reference number:DB/EFCC/O2/2011 in the High Court of Ogun State. Unfortunately, the fabrications woven around the charges by the EFCC are being misrepresented as the true picture of the situation even before commencement of trial. Nevertheless, even if the amount involved is One Naira, we are confident that OGD would defend the allegations at the appropriate time to put lie to the devilish machinations of his detractors.

The misinformation surrounding the amount involved in the allegation clearly shows that anti-OGD forces have long perfected their strategies to exploit the credulity of Nigerians.

The dubious calculation is that once allegation of embezzlement involving a large sum of money is made against OGD, he would have been dealt a terrible blow. To ensure that this agenda of hate is sustained, some groups of people would be sponsored to heckle at OGD whenever he appears in court to answer to the charges leveled against him. It is also alarming that the unfounded allegation of ‘Killer Squad’ has been smuggled into the ongoing trial in the High Court of Ogun State. This is demonstrated by the widely reported insinuation of the Judge which manifestly impugn on the character of a man standing trial on corruption charges. We therefore wish to unequivocally assert that insinuation of ‘Killer Squad’ against OGD at this stage of the trial is indeed embarrassing and in bad faith. We also wish to note that whereas this insinuation against OGD has gained so much ground, the supposed atrocities committed by the squad and the victims are yet to be proven or established. Indeed, it must be noted also that this wicked allegation is peddled against a man that refused to sign a single death warrant throughout his eight years tenure despite the fact that Ogun state hosts the only prison for condemned criminals from the Southwest who are awaiting execution.Yet, his detractors continued to paint him negatively as bloodthirsty! But we have resolved to monitor the entire process of the trial. At the end, it would be necessary for the EFCC to take up the challenge of telling Nigerians how much of Ogun state monies have been traced to OGD’s private accounts.

Conclusion: Who is Afraid of OGD? We make bold to say that OGD is an illustrious son of Oduduwa with strong progressive background; a committed Afenifere and Alajobi stalwart; an ardent supporter of JUNE 12 struggle as well as an unrepentant lover of Yoruba unity. We can NEVER forget the heroic role played by OGD in mediating the rift between the leaders of Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) to put an end to bloodletting in Yoruba land at a time some politicians refused to show interest in the crisis while the power that be wanted members of Yoruba Self Determination Groups exterminated by shoot-at-sight order. We recall today that members of the Niger Delta Self Determination Groups enjoy tremendous support and uplifting by the government led by their kinsman. OGD demonstrated strong leadership quality judging by the unprecedented number of youth and activists he brought into politics and governance in Ogun state. In the fullness of time, the laudable contributions of OGD to progressive politics in the southwest and Nigeria would be correctly documented for posterity.

Lastly, we are aware that OGD leadership ensured that accounts of Ogun state were audited up-to-date and widely published before he left office. We therefore hereby affirm our support, solidarity and continued respect for OGD and urge him to defend the corruption charges against him with facts, figures and in conformity with the virtue of omoluabi which is the legendary values of the Yorubas. Until otherwise proven by competent court of jurisdiction, we remain convinced that OGD managed the resources of Ogun state with utmost sense of responsibility and accountability. It is our conviction that certain vested interests are out to make a scapegoat of OGD and put him out of circulation for political reason. But we remain unwavering in our resolve that the truth will vindicate the just regardless of the machination of evil by political detractors!

Comrade Mrs Ola Agboola Francis Abayomi Olori Omowunmi Oni Omotayo Pastor Biodun Okanlawon Olatunde Sola Comrade Mrs Sarah Popoola Olowu Evangelist Kunle Adesokan Jubril Ogundimu Alhaja M. A. Akangbe Dele Daramola

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Recognising the racial divide

Unholy rage •NNPC spokesman’s utterances unbecoming of a public official

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ROUP General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Levi Ajuonoma, certainly took to the overdrive in his unrestrained charge at the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Samuel Orkura, over some statements credited to him on the state of the corporation’s accounts.

Admittedly, the AGF was the first to fire the salvo when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts and listed the NNPC among the agencies of government that have not had their accounts audited since inception.

In a fit of unrestrained outburst, the NNPC spokesman descended on the AGF. Using such epithets as “ridiculous, unfortunate and a dangerous advertisement of ignorance coming from a person who should know better”, he barely stopped short of accusing him of lying, since – in his words– “officers from his office completed the last periodic checks on the corporation about three weeks ago”.

He claimed: “the AGF submitted his post-mortem analysis of the corporation’s audited accounts and that of the federation for 2004, 2005 and 2006 upstream activities of the NNPC to the Public Accounts Committees of the sixth session of the National Assembly”. While debunking the claim that the NNPC has never submitted or audited its accounts since inception, he insisted that the claim “is not only false but smacks of hallucination on the part of the AGF”.

True or false, we must at once deplore the resort to abrasive language by officials charged with the conduct of govern-

ment business. It seems to us a measure of how low public discourse has sunk, that a public functionary would brazenly dish out abuses simply because he thinks his organisation was unjustifiably vilified. It is unforgiveable as it is unbecoming.

The question really is whether there is anything new in the statement credited to the AGF that other high functionaries of government have not said in one way or the other about the financial practices of the NNPC. Didn’t President Goodluck Jonathan, after firing former Group Managing Director of the corporation, Shehu Ladan, over a year ago order “a comprehensive audit of the accounts” of the corporation?

Didn’t ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo before him, commission the Hart Group to look at the operations of the NNPC (euphemism for audit)? Is the corporation’s spokesman saying that the commissioned audits were superfluous at the different points in time?

So much for the “periodic submissions of the annual audited accounts to the office of the AGF as well as the Public Accounts Committees of both the Senate and the House of Representatives”; no one is fooled by the corporation’s hollow indignation. As a matter of fact, it is absolutely fraudulent for the NNPC to advertise a transparency that it has neither worked for nor promoted in its years in business. Even more annoying is the attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of citizens on an issue that they have long demanded answers but which – no thanks to the unyielding obstinacy of the corporation – they have never got.

Perhaps, we need to ask: which account

is the NNPC spokesman showing off to the world –the one President Jonathan ordered, or the one from its “reputable and world- class auditing firms”? Does an imposed audit form part of its claim to being a responsive and responsible organisation?

Now, what does one make of the reference to 2004, 2005 and 2006 accounts in 2011 as an advertisement of good corporate responsibility?

We recall that not too long ago, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) took the corporation to task over its refusal to open its books to it to enable a more democratic/transparent determination of what it routinely deducts as costs from source before remitting the balance into the federation account. Hasn’t the corporation remained unbending to the simple request till date?

So, why the unholy rage?

‘Perhaps, we need to ask: which account is the NNPC spokesman showing off to the world –the one President Jonathan ordered, or the one from its “reputable and worldclass auditing firms”? Does an imposed audit form part of its claim to being a responsive and responsible organisation?

Now, what does one make of the reference to 2004, 2005 and 2006 accounts in 2011 as an advertisement of good corporate responsibility?’

Pensioners’ deaths •We have blood on our hands when these people die on verification queues

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T least three national newspapers carried stories and pictures that depict the cruel manner in which we treat our pensioners. On October 11, The Punch carried the screaming headline “80-year old pensioner dies in queue”.

The following day The Nation carried a related news item, “20 Pensioners collapse at Edo screening centre” while The Guardian (October 12) carried another, “Pa Ayodele’s blood in their hands”, referring to the October 11 story in The Punch.

Now, some details: On October 10, an avoidable tragedy occurred at Akure, Ondo State, where an 80-year-old man simply identified as Pa Ayodele, carried by his son, died while waiting for his turn to be screened at the rather unkind verification of Federal Government pensioners. The man, who retired from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in 1984, was a native of Akunu-Akoko in Ondo State. He felt uncomfortable before he began to vomit - an indication that he was not fit for the brutal, endless verification exercise.

Just a few days after the death of Pa Ayodele, it was reported that 20 pensioners collapsed at the federal secretariat in Benin, Edo State, while waiting on the queue for registration.

Lamentably, many pensioners slept at the secretariat until they could be verified, because only two data capturing machines were available for the screening of over 20,000 pensioners! The forms which were to be given free were sold to the pensioners at N500 each.

Last year alone, no fewer than 351

pensioners of the Nigerian Postal Services (not to mention other parastatals) died while fighting for their entitlements. Must pensioners fight before claiming their entitlements? The worst scenario is that after verification, pension arrears are never paid on time.

Bad news like the above have become routine reports in our newspapers. This raises the question whether or not the Presidency, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the civil society are ever aware of the ugly scenarios of the systematic deaths of pensioners in the country. The conspiracy of silence points to only one conclusion: we don’t care a hoot about pensioners!

We should be outraged about the attitude of the Federal Government to pensioners because they are not asking for favour. In fact, Mrs Kemi Bada, a health worker in the state, got it right when she said: “There should be shame and more shame that, for whatever reason, the words of Nigerian National Anthem “the labour of our heroes past, shall never be in vain” have become a blatant lie.” Her position was reinforced by another pensioner from the Nigerian Postal Service, Mrs Christiana Oyebanji, who had asked a year before, “who else deserves hero’s treatment than the man or woman who spent his or her youthful years serving Nigeria?”

As she rightly observed, “the shame should suffocate those who, no matter how remotely, are responsible for the unending pain pensioners have been forced to undergo in the country... The

blood of Pa Ayodele is on their hands”.

But the greater shame is that Pa Ayodele’s death was not the first, and may not be the last. This observation is crucial as our government does not learn from mistakes and consequences of evil deeds.

Yet, we must learn how to treat our pensioners in a more dignifying manner.

If the present trend continues, corruption will become even the more endemic because many people will want to provide for their old age during service by hook or by crook. In the end, the country loses. We have to streamline the many verification exercises for the pensioners and actually learn to prosecute people who make the exercises unending rituals in their bid to steal the pensioners’ funds. This is not so in many other countries. Why should Nigeria be different?

‘Just a few days after the death of Pa Ayodele, it was reported that 20 pensioners collapsed at the federal secretariat in Benin, Edo State, while waiting on the queue for registration. Lamentably, many pensioners slept at the secretariat until they could be verified, because only two data capturing machines were available for the screening of over 20,000 pensioners! The forms which were to be given free were sold to the pensioners at N500 each’

W

HY blacks in the U.S. fare worse than whites by most measures is a complex issue. Herman Cain failed to address

that.

Does racism against blacks still exist in the United States? Yes. Is it still an institutionalized evil that holds back African Americans?

Depends on where you look and what you see.

There is a sizable black middle class, more blacks go to college than ever before and — yes, you know what’s coming — a black man is president of the United States, as is his leading campaign opponent, at the moment.

On the other hand, by almost every statistical index of well-being, blacks fare worse than whites. The percentage of African Americans mired in poverty is nearly three times the percentage of whites in poverty. Blacks make less money generally and have higher unemployment levels. A study published this month by the National Education Policy Center says that, nationwide, African American students in grades K-12 are suspended three times as often as white students for nonviolent infractions of school rules.

What all these statistics mean about how and why African Americans continue to lag behind is a complicated topic. And perhaps that’s what Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain should have said Sunday in a CNN interview when asked about race. Instead, he said: “I don’t believe there is racism in this country today that holds anybody back in a big way.” Cain, who is black, is the former chief executive of the Godfather’s Pizza chain.

Academics and politicians have been arguing over the root causes of those continuing disparities for decades. As Cain noted in the interview, one reason for the continuing gap in employment statistics is education. But advocates for underserved minority students contend that one reason for the gap in academic achievement between blacks and whites is that blacks, overall, have less access to higherquality elementary and high schools.

And there are other disturbing statistics that suggest a less than level playing field.

According to a 2010 report — part of the Economic Mobility Project sponsored by the Pew Charitable Trusts — among children of black middle-class parents who remain married, the percentage who grow up to earn incomes exceeding those of their parents is significantly less than among white children from similar families (62% versus 86%).

Many economists and sociologists do not believe that opportunities are equal for all.

Even Cain qualified his remarks by saying that a level playing field existed for “many” African Americans, not all. It’s probably wiser for all of us, particularly those who want to be president, to characterize the availability of opportunity in the U.S. as Austin Nichols, an Urban Institute economist, does: “The playing field is still slanted.”

– Los Angeles Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

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• Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

“Yes, Corruption... and other members of this ‘HIGH TABLE”.

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IR: The just concluded Kogi State PDP governorship primaries that have be described as a “sham” by the people of the state, particularly people that love peace, fairness and justice.

Others who had condemned the primaries are those who are concerned by the development in PDP leadership who are urging the party to come to terms with doing the right thing that would guarantee that the party wins the governorship elections.

The dust generated by the “comedy of errors” that played itself out at the just concluded (but disputed) primaries in Kogi State is yet to settle down as it is still being discussed in political circles. No doubt, the out come has succeeded in unsettling the fragile political peace

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Kogi State primaries: matters arising in the state, and has caused division in the PDP. So, people are asking questions; what went wrong with the first primaries that held in Janaury that had Alhaji Isah Jubril (Echocho) as the clear winner? When did the governor and Jubril fall apart politically that the governor advocated fresh primaries when the state already had a flag-bearer?

In the first primaries held in January, Governor Idris along with others had sought for an extension of tenure in the court of law, praying the court to grant him tenure extension and the court ruled in his favour.

Due to the victory, INEC did not conduct governorship election in Kogi hence it fixed the election for December.

Later, the governor along with some elements in the PDP national body, ordered fresh primaries that produced Capt. Idris Wada, as flagbearer. How did the national officers of the party got convinced that fresh primaries was necessary when one was keenly contested and a victor emerged?

We believe that this is a political fraud that should not be allowed to

Giving fuel subsidy removal a human face

IR: The Federal Government wants to phase out the subsidy in the pump price of petrol. It should be noted that diesel, which is mostly used in industrial production, is not subsidized.

A high proportion of the petroleum oil that is consumed in Nigeria is imported and by the time the petrol reaches the final consumer at the fuel pump, the cost in Naira of the product, after allowing for all charges and profits along the way, exceeds the present mandatory pump price of N65 per litre. The differential is what is called subsidy since the seller would have sold it at the higher price if the price had not been controlled.

As to the petrol refined in Nigeria, it has been argued that if the refineries, which are government-owned, had been repaired, maintained and made to work and new ones established and made functional, there would be no need to import petroleum and that the true cost of the locally-refined petrol by the time it reaches the fuel pump would probably not be significantly different from the present controlled price of N65 per litre.

It is because of this line of reasoning that many people are saying that there is no subsidy to be removed, that what constitutes subsidy now is the consequence of government corruption, mismanagement and fraud which has prevented the local refinery from being functional and expanded.

Those who seem to know, go further to allege that the local refineries are being deliberately sabotaged to pave the way for continued massive importation of petroleum from which many highly placed government protégés are defrauding the country. They also argue that what is required for sanity is to expose such people, hold them to account and institute a corruption-free system.

But we have to admit that firstly

that is not yet about to happen and that in any case, government control of the system would always inevitably be riddled with corruption and nepotism.

Now, from the country’s past salutary experience of deregulation of previously government-controlled monopolies and abolition of import licensing, one wonders whether the best thing would not be to get the government out of the way.

As long as the government continues to be involved in the local refining and importation of petroleum, with all the associated inefficiencies and corruption, the economic and political tension involved in subsidy removal debates will continue to come up from time to time especially when crude oil prices rise and whenever the naira weakens against the

US dollar.

Therefore, the government must get out of the way. Refinery construction and petrol importation, storage and distribution should be thrown open, subject only to quality control. The refineries should also be privatized.

Since we know that our governments are profligate and corrupt, I propose that the extra money that will come into the hands of government from removing the subsidy on petrol should not entirely be left in the hands of the government. Onehalf (50 per cent) of it should be returned to the people through reduction of VAT, personal income tax rates and company tax rates, based on the projected 2011 revenues of the federal and state governments from these sources on one hand, and the

projected amount to be spent on subsidies in 2011, on the other.

This can be easily worked out mathematically and the consequent tax reductions agreed at the next meeting between the governors and the federal government and the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, along with their technical advisers, should also have a seat at the table to ensure that what is done is what is to be done.

I urge all concerned to examine this simple proposal as a way of resolving the problem as it does not involve the award of new contracts to cushion the effect of removal as Nigerians are fond of demanding.

• Chief Ajibola Ogunshola Lagos

stand, as it will create bad blood in the party and crisis for the people.

It is being said that the winner of the purported primaries, Capt.

Wada is a business partner of the governor and is not even a card carrying member of PDP and that he has no ground structure both in his ward, local government or the state.

We the people do not know him and he has never been of any economic value to the people or the state.

One therefore wonders what kind of development such a one would bring to the state, or the people he would represent if he is able to win the governorship elections for the party.

We are watching developments and discussing with our people to keep the peace, how long this can go on we may not know unless the right is done and justice be allowed to prevail.

We watched when the governor manipulated the delegates list for the sake of some people; but this time, we have decided to fight for our rights and for the sake of our children and the development of the state.

Enough of imposition of candidates. The party leadership should be called to order and be told that money is not everything.

We the people have also resolved that if the wrong was not corrected, the PDP might just be ready to forget the state, as we shall vote for the leader of our choice. It has happened before in some states; the memory is still fresh in our minds.

• Alhaji Ideh Icha For Concerned Kogi residents Lokoja.

Amuwo Odofin as example of model grass root governance IR: The dialectics of local government is today tilted in favour of its continuous existence as an important tier of government. It is central to meaningful and sustainable development in the society. Local government administration has witnessed giant leaps in the nooks and crannies of Lagos metropolis.

This success can be adduced to diverse factors, chief of which may include the principled leadership direction of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with a philosophy which recognises the local governments as independent extensions and development partners, so much as to jointly key into the party’s people-oriented policies and programmes.

Amuwo Odofin Local Government of Lagos State, under the leadership of Comrade Ayodele Adewale reflects a shinning example of a working grass-root government, especially, when placed on

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a scale in the last three years.

Comrade Ayodele inherited a decaying community housing a federal government estate, Festac Town. The magnanimity of his administration prompted him to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining Festac Town, a federal government property.

Comrade Adewale’s feat in the last three years has attracted resonating applause from far and wide.

Under his administration, the circular road at the Mile 2 Low Cost Housing Estate was constructed. The road, a 1,394m long by 8m wide, constructed with 50mm thick asphalt and 300mm thick stone base in tandem with the Lagos State standard on road construction, has never seen asphalt since the Jakande regime. This is in addition to other roads rehabilitated to improve road network in the area.

It is on record that the present local government administration in Amuwo Odofin has done the highest number of roads in the history

of grass root governance in the local government.

The administration’s primary health care delivery service is next to none. This is a sector that currently boasts of 21 doctors against one single doctor who then manned the council’s four health centres.

With a comprehensive health policy that supports free drugs to the vulnerable age group (0-16 and 60-above), a public/private initiative on medical diagnosis and drug dispensing at discounted rate, 24hours ambulance service, etc., a cumulative total of 64, 429 lives have been touched.

A milestone has also been covered in the area of primary education with the administration’s policy on qualitative child education. 17 out of the existing 20 primary schools have been renovated and standardised, with the construction of boreholes and provision of treatment plants, with 6 kva generators to power the plants in all the schools.

It has also employed two sweepers

and a gardener in each of the schools to discourage child labour, distributed of 1,000 GCE forms and 1,200 JAMB, 220,000 notebooks, 13,300 uniforms, 16,006 mathematical sets, and a whole lot more.

It has worked tirelessly at changing the face of Amuwo Odofin environment with continuous de-silting of drainages, engaging 300 street sweepers, planting over 400 trees of various species, creating green parks and green club, establishing a special climate change unit, etc.

The administration has also made giant stride in the area of employment and economic empowerment with a total of 843 non-pensionable staff under its pay- roll, organized several skill acquisition trainings, capacity development initiatives, improved staff welfare, sports development, etc.

What more can a people ask for from a grass root government.?

• Comrade Ogundele Adeyemi Amuwo Odofin. Lagos.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Nigeria and the curse of elections – 7

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HE elections that were speedily organised pitching the military backed candidate of General Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military head of state who had narrowly escaped death in Abacha’s gulag as a result of international intervention, against Chief Olu Falae, a former secretary to Babangida’s military government, erstwhile Minister of Finance and a retired banker, predictably resulted in Obasanjo’s victory.

Obasanjo ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) an all comers party devoid of any ideology but “the sharing of the national cake” while Chief Olu Falae ran on the combined platform of the Alliance for Democracy party which saw itself as a reincarnation of Awolowo’s philosophy and the All Peoples Party (APP) with leaning to Igbo political tradition reminiscent of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s republicanism.

As a recurring decimal, the outcome of the election was hotly disputed and Chief Falae was however prevailed upon by some Yoruba leaders to let the result be in order to avoid possible military intervention to prevent Obasanjo, one of their sons from taking over. Obasanjo was electorally not supported at home, but he seemed to have been imposed on the country by the northern political and military caucus. Peace however prevailed because the results of the election at state levels seemed to have reflected the wishes of the people. The President however felt politically diminished for having no home support and he appeared determined to reverse the situation in the subsequent election of 2003. He somehow cajoled the A.D state governments in the South-west to support his re-election promising to support their own re-election. He turned the tables against them by using state institutions of the army, police and intelligence organisation to rig them out of power in 2003. Only Lagos, perhaps for fear of a peoples rebellion survived the onslaught.

At the national level the PDP used the same method to get out of the way, the challenge of General Muhammed Buhari of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). Obasanjo’s strategy as loudly publicised was to bring the South-west into the “main stream” of

‘Buhari’s lean purse did not allow him to have an effective structure on the ground in the country or to mount a sustained media and political campaign as was apparently done by Jonathan who used state organs, particularly the media, intelligence organisation as well as police and transportation infrastructure especially the Presidential aviation fleet to outwit his opponent’

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HE Boko Haram palaver seemed to have engaged the attention of Nigerians in so much that a very important message that should have dominated public discourse at this year’s Independence anniversary was unwittingly glossed over. But thanks to the ever vigilant and vibrant Nigerian press.

Of all the messages that came from the pinnacles of power on October 1, the one from Ogun State stood out. And because the message was not lost on the Nigerian media in spite of Boko Haram, they gave the press statement from Governor Ibikunle Amosun the special attention it deserved.

All the major papers I had the opportunity to go through gave the terse but loaded statement a space. This is how the National Mirror reported it.

“Defend democracy, Amosun tells Nigerians at Independence “Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has urged all Nigerians to stand firm and defend the current civil rule, saying that democracy is about freedom, liberty, independence and prosperity.

“In a statement signed by Mrs Funmi Wakama, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, the governor acknowledged that the country was facing challenges but cautioned that democracy remains the best form of

feasting on the national cake. The rigging machine was again cranked up when the same thing but worse still happened in 2007 when Obasanjo chose to hand over power to an apparently sick man Umaru Shehu Yar’Adua. The scandal was on such a scale that Yar’Adua the beneficiary openly stated that the election that brought him to power was faulty if not fraudulent. He went ahead to set up a commission to make recommendations about how to hold proper elections in the future. Some of the recommendations of this body included a really independent electoral commission directly funded not by the presidency but by a line – budgetary vote guaranteed by the constitution. Its chairman was also to be chosen by the National Judicial Council with additional support of labour and representatives of the intelligentsia and all other stake holders.

Elections were also to hold with sufficient time lag to permit disposal of all electoral challenges and disputes before people were sworn into offices. Even though changes were made in the electoral laws by the PDP controlled legislature and the executive branches of government, but public opinion felt the entire recommendations of the Justice Muhammad Uwais report should have been enacted into law.

Suffice it to say that when Attahiru Jega, a former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano and former President of ASSU (Academic Senior Staff of University Union) was appointed chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), people were ready to give the commission, whose reputation had been ruined by the incorrigibly corrupt commission led by a Professor Maurice Iwu, a chance. At the same time Jega inherited virtually all the staff put in place by Maurice Iwu and people wondered how the same characters who had been involved in previously discredited elections could suddenly perform wonders.

Jega’s reputation made people to wait and see. A new voter’s registration was embarked upon, costing billions of naira. At the end of the exercise in which members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were largely used as electoral officials, close to 67 million voters list was compiled. Even during registration, it became obvious that fiddling with figures was indulged in by politicians who intended to use their figures to inflate results in order to ensure victory for themselves and their political parties. There were disputes over the order of elections, some wanting the presidential poll to be first while others preferred other arrangements. The ruling party wanted the presidential election first so that all other tiers of governments could coast in on the victory of whoever won the presidential poll which the party in power the PDP with advantage of incumbency hoped it would win. The PDP had however been weakened by internal problems arising from the policy of zoning.

The northern wing of the party represented by Adamu Ciroma, Abubakar Atiku and even General Ibrahim Babangida had argued that the death of Umaru Yar’Adua should not deny the

North its turn of eight years in the saddle of the presidency of Nigeria. They had argued that the holding operation of Goodluck Jonathan for one year from 2010 to 2011 should give way to a northern candidate to conclude the region’s term started by Yar’Adua in 2007. The Jide North had even anointed Abubakar Osuntokun Atiku as its consensus candidate on the PDP platform.

The Jonathan group which included former President Olusegun Obasanjo unconvincingly argued against the zoning principle.

Jonathan, using the levers of power was able to muscle in and win his party’s nomination. It was however doubtful if he would be able to command the follower-ship of members of the PDP’s rank and file. In fact some of the northern PDP leaders openly said they would make the country ungovernable. So, even before Jonathan confronted General Muhammed Buhari who had formed a new political party the Congress of Peoples Convention (CPC) after leaving his old party of All Nigerians National Party (ANPP).

The country had never seen anything like the CPC before. Some commentators likened it to the religious movement that swept Usman Dan Fodio and his Islamic reformers into power in what later became Northern Nigeria in the 19th Century. Muhammad Buhari attracted all those, who for one reason or the other, were disenchanted or disillusioned with the situation of Nigeria. The increasing level of poverty and immiseration particularly in the North turned a political party into a quasi social and religious movement. There was open and in some cases, clandestine embrace of Muhammad Buhari as the Muslim and northern candidate. This was to be the candidate’s undoing nationally. Many people in the South saw him as a northern hegemonist and a Muslim fanatic, but ironically Buhari was embraced either openly or secretly by the southern intelligentsia who felt that the problems of the country were so immense and complex that only a man of Buhari’s moral fibre could successfully tackle them.

Buhari’s lean purse did not allow him to have an effective structure on the ground in the country or to mount a sustained media and political campaign as was apparently done by Jonathan who used state organs, particularly the media, intelligence organisation as well as police and transportation infrastructure especially the Presidential aviation fleet to outwit his opponent.

Democracy: thoughts from Ogun State

By Charles Okon government.”

“According to the governor, ‘the only alternative government recognised by the constitution is within the party system, not outside it.’

“He cautioned opinion moulders in the country to be wary of comments that might suggest that our country could not be governed democratically, adding that ‘there is no democratic country in the world that has no challenges confronting it.’

“Amosun observed that the nation’s founding fathers at independence in 1960 bequeathed democracy as the compass to her greatness but the subversion led to monumental losses. “Now that we have retraced our steps and accepted democracy as an article of faith, the greatness envisaged by our founding fathers is now within reach and attainment,’ he added.

First, one must commend Governor Amosun for the accurate reading of the mood of the nation vis-a-vis the provocative statements emanating from the political class. Certainly, nobody is happy with the menace of Boko Haram, especially as it relates to the issue

‘It is also imperative to restructure Nigeria along the line of fiscal, full blown federalism. This was the heritage that was handed over to us by our founding fathers at independence. What we have today is a unitary system disguised as federalism’

of security of lives and property.

But Nigerians, in their millions, do not agree with the provocative and sometimes incendiary comments emanating from mostly political quarters which tend to suggest that democratic governance has or is failing in Nigeria.

Given what this nation had gone through, especially during the locust years of the military, I think it is only a lunatic that will imagine a reversal of the current civil rule.

As a matter of fact, I believe our snail-speed progress as a nation is a product of many lamentable years of undemocratic governance of our country. Survey the countries in Europe and North America, who are in the First World, what do you find in common? Civil rule. Do they face as many challenges as Nigeria in the area of security? Of course, they do.

I may not have all I wish to possess in Nigeria but I cherish the liberty that comes with democracy. Today, and generally, the Nigerian journalists can write, print their stories and go to sleep without the fear of government goons carting away their publications, arresting them and throwing them into jails without trial. Even the elements in the political class that are now heating up the system could hardly point to one political prisoner today. How fickle can some people be; how so easy it is to forget the road we had marched as a nation!

This is not to say that things are perfect in Nigeria. Far from that. I believe there’s the urgent need to strengthen our democratic institutions. The police and other

law enforcement agencies must be courteous and obey the law in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The arrest of journalists or any citizen in the course of their lawful duties without a warrant of arrest is inadmissible.

The state of the judiciary today calls for serious concern.

Politicians must not use that bastion of democracy to settle political scores. The executive must take the rule of law as a religion while the legislature should make laws that narrow the gap between the rich and the poor.

It is not enough to say democracy brings liberty. As H.J. Laski said in A Grammar of Politics, “If liberty means the continuous power of expansion in the human spirit, it is rarely present save in a society of equals.

Where there are rich and poor, educated and uneducated, we find always masters and servants.”

Since democracy is not about masters and servants but equal opportunities for all, it is very important for any democratic government to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor.

The obscene allowances of political office holders come to mind here. There are so many leakages and wastages in the system that needs to be stopped.

It is not enough to continue to lament the skyrocketing cost of

governance in Nigeria. The most important thing is to make it crash without any further prevarication or rhetoric.

If the news from Ogun State is true - and I sincerely hope it is that salaries of political appointees have been considerably slashed, then it’s a new dawn for civil rule in Nigeria. We have at least begun the process of building a society of equals and giving the concept of liberty a true expression.

It is also imperative to restructure Nigeria along the line of fiscal, full blown federalism.

This was the heritage that was handed over to us by our founding fathers at independence. What we have today is a unitary system disguised as federalism. Most of the items in the Exclusive List of the constitution should revert to the federating states as it is the case in other federating climes across the globe. All roads should no longer lead to Abuja.

Finally, there is the need to allow the current civil rule to grow and blossom in spite of the current challenges. The only alternative to democratic rule is anarchy. It is only democracy that can bring us the much-desired prosperity as a nation.

• Dr Okon, a freelance journalist and development consultant, writes from Port Harcourt

‘It is not enough to say democracy brings liberty.

As H.J. Laski said in A Grammar of Politics, “If liberty means the continuous power of expansion in the human spirit, it is rarely present save in a society of equals. Where there are rich and poor, educated and uneducated, we find always masters and servants.”’

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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MINU Tambuwal, the Speaker of the lower House is a man one cannot easily ignore. He is fine-looking with an arresting personality. He is polished. His face shines. His eyes sparkle. His set of white teeth glitters. And his body flesh, fresh and slippery like that of a cat fish. Tambuwal cuts the figure of one who has never known poverty. Beyond his physical endowments, the Speaker is as skillful as he is slippery in the art of pacification. In the Dimeji Bankole’s fifth assembly, he was a leading member of the committee that recommended taking a bank loan to beef up the salaries of House members. That heroic act immediately brought to an end the planned impeachment of Bankole by his colleagues. And of course, that also guaranteed Nigeria a place in the Guinness Book of Records as a nation whose legislators are the highest paid in the world, earning far more than President Obama’s $400,000 per annum.

His skills in the fifth House of intrigues must have come in very handy during the now concluded six weeks debate on the type of imported toys our legislators require to perform their oversight functions. At the end of what the lawmakers considered a critical debate, the Speaker surprised his detractors especially the PDP South-west members he outwitted to clinch the Speaker-ship. The debate from its moral tone and pretence to some high ideals, clearly set aside the sixth assembly from Dimeji Bankole‘s unruly House of devious intrigues over contracts, freely fought over, sometimes in the presence of visiting school children.

First, we have been told that unlike in the past, the decision of members of the lower house to spend N2.5billions on Toyota Camry cars was to insulate members from the corrupt tendencies of those they are to supervise. “We felt we cannot depend on MDAs that we are to supervise for vehicles to monitor them as it will amount to compromising members”, a leading member of the House recently claimed.

For the sixth assembly, the fifth assembly’s choice of Peugeot ‘407 ST Sport’ for field oversight functions, must have been hilarious.

How could those riotous guys have settled for ‘sport’ cars for a weighty national assignment as oversight functions? Their verdict was that Bankole with his childish antics and the House he presided over was as irresponsible as it was unserious. In their own case, their choice for the highest range of double

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HERE is an immortal lesson from a mirror reflection: no man can truly know everything about himself. This position is evidently supported by some philosophers. To them, no man can confirm that he exists until another’s existence is ascertained.

Put another way, no man is an island and it takes the other man to complete the credible assessment of another man.

Hence, when Wikileaks, the American whistle-blower, drew attention to Akwa Ibom State, insisting that its governor is a man to watch – in terms of good governance deliverables - the nation woke to its expected function of monitoring. For some months now, keen attention has been focused on Governor Godswill Akpabio, the man behind the current story in the state. In an unimaginable way, the result has been an undiluted and un-induced verdict. While some newspapers report him as “positively angry”, others, like The Nation newspapers associated with the opposition ACN say he is “impressive” with his projects!

In fact, it was President Goodluck Jonathan, who confirmed what many already knew, late last year. After crisscrossing the nooks and crannies of Akwa Ibom state to commission some projects, he publicly dismissed the various petitions, which had inundated his office alleging mismanagement of funds and poor governance against Akpabio. Said he: “I had been in this state when I was in OMPADEC. I had also been here twice when I was deputy governor and I want to tell you that from the projects I have seen and commissioned, your governor (Akpabio) is not playing politics with projects”.

“From what I have seen so far, it is evident that Akwa Ibom State government is driven by a singular commitment to enhancing the welfare and well-being of the people with true infrastructural development and the provision of critical social amenities, human capacity development” adding, “the pace and level of development definitely demonstrates that the governor and his team are focused and committed to transforming Akwa Ibom state”.

In other words, the performance of the governor, using public funds entrusted in his care was nothing less than excellent! Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, after going round

In defence of our legislators’ N2.5billion toys cylinder Toyota Camry was made a painstaking study. “We weighed our options very well in the last six weeks before deciding to buy Toyota Camry cars for members’ oversight function’, the chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Alhaji Zakari boasted. He did not forget to inform that “the choice of Toyota Camry was based on technical advice”.

Shame on Dimeji Bankole and his fifth House that went for ‘sport cars’ without a rigorous brain storming. Even the sworn enemies of PDP and joint godfathers of Tambuwal, Bola Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari cannot but be proud of the new Speaker’s choice of a double cylinder top of the range N7million Camry as against Peugeot 407 sport. The former by all account is tough, rugged and beautiful and befitting of our legislator’s status. We cannot say the same of the choice of Bankole and his impetuous men masquerading as legislators.

The difference did not end there. Unlike Bankole’s House of fun loving impulsive men and women that took huge loans to take care of the welfare of its members, Tambuwals House will not take loan to buy their own state of the art Camry cars. “We will not take a loan to do that. We will fund the car project from our outstanding N30Billion for capital projects”, declared the House spokes person.

Unlike Bankole fifth assembly and its N2.8 billion car scam, Tambuwal’s sixth assembly is going to be above board. In this regards, we are told “the Speaker has gone tough on

how to go about the purchase of the cars”.

According to the chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Alhaji Zakari Mohammed, Tambuwal “has directed that whatever vehicle is purchased must be handled by the management of the National Assembly and not House Committee”. This according to them will ensure “due process is followed”.

We have also been assured that unlike in the past, “the new cars will be the property of the National Assembly and not individuals members of the House”.

I can understand the position of some of our cynical compatriots who are insisting they are yet to see the difference between the fifth and sixth assemblies. Whether the cars are bought with bank loans or from outstanding capital budget, whether the deal is carried out by legislators or the civil servants that report to them, and whether they claim ownership now or at the end of their four years term, it is a question of six and half a dozen, they insisted. In both situations, tax payers will fund the purchase, the cars will be maintained with tax payer’s money and the cars in the end will be bought by the legislators at prices they jointly agreed upon.

But for me, Tambuwals’approach is more reassuring. At least there was a debate and an effort to follow the due process. And for this reason, I am prepared to stake everything in support of the Speaker and his colleagues who see themselves as servants of the people. Let us also not forget that like well fed Tambuwal, our law makers were

Akpabio and his many assessors

By Paul Ekwere the state, even canvassed for a law that would allow performing governors like Akpabio to be rotated to other less fortunate states – as a way of ensuring all round national development!

Indeed, there is hardly any visitor to Akwa Ibom either in private or public capacity that has not commended Akpabio for his undeniable transformation renaissance. Yet, this uncommon transformation seems unabated as the state is currently commissioning over 716 new projects executed through the Interministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee.

These projects which range from roads to electricity, water supply to primary health centres and schools are basically people oriented and capable of curtailing rural urban migration.

Commenting on the infrastructural transformation in the state last year, Bukola Saraki, then governor of Kwara State and chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, (NGF) had stated: “I think I have had the opportunity to go to many states, I have not seen anything like this. I am very impressed. All I can say is for the governor to keep it up…I congratulate the people of Akwa Ibom for believing in and co-operating with him. He has improved the economic activities of the state. He has particularly done massive projects. The airport, for instance, will help to open this part of the world to Nigeria and Africa”.

Sharing the Saraki’s position was Kingsley Mamabolo, South Africa High Commissioner to Nigeria who visited the state on May 23, 2010.

According to him, “It’s a bit of surprise what I have seen. I think the infrastructural development is amazing. I’ve been to a number of states and I can say this is one of the best states that we have in Nigeria. I think it is just a demonstration of the potentials and that there’s a lot that can be done if you have a committed leadership that is prepared to do work for the eradication of poverty of the people”.

Interestingly, Akpabio, in the face of vicious blackmail and character assassination, has combined deeper concentration, mental alertness and strength of character to achieve total success. In rewarding excellence in governance, the Niger Republic described Akpabio as rare. Represented by Moussa Alhadji Ibrahim, its ambassador to Nigeria, who presented the Humanitarian Services Award of Excellence to the governor on February 7, 2009 said: ‘Your leadership qualities have positive impact in realization of your mission to build a peaceful, united and infrastructurally developed state – Akwa Ibom State…your landmark achievements are also evident in every sector of economy, most especially in the free education; health and the odious traffic in children. The construction of a novel and ultra modern digital library in your state is going to improve the education sector”.

That the government of Niger Republic could bestow such an honour on Akpabio without solicitation, drowned negative thoughts and buttressed his meritorious ratings. Truly, no one can wish away the Ibom Airport; the e-library; five cottage hospitals; the free and compulsory education; five dualised federal highways; free healthcare; pipe-jacking underground drainage system; 210 urban roads; over 3,716 interministerial projects, etc.

No one can disconnect the people of Ika-Etim Ekpo- AfahaObong and Iwukem who were cut off from other parts of the state through provision of bridges and other infrastructure.

No one can truly claim that more than 2000 communities are not connected to electricity in the state; and that Enen Nsit, cut off after the war, should not be reconnected to the state.

While Akpabio’s success story may be painful to a few who expect state resources to be shared into private pockets, many Nigerians appreciate Akpabio’s exploits and successes. They include the likes of Ibrahim Babangida, former head of state and Alhaji Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu, governor of Niger State .

Commenting on Akpabio’s administration,

men of means before they offered themselves for service. Indeed by the nature of “our cash and carry democracy”, you don’t become a senator or a minister (often those who lose elections) except you are a man or woman of means.

That we are all victims of poverty mentality since 80 percent of our people are destitute living below a dollar a day, if anything, should reinforce our sense of gratitude to our lawmakers who are sacrificing their today for our tomorrow (apology to General Babangida).

Already, I can foresee a torrent of criticism trailing the decision of our legislators from all manners of people in the days ahead.

Labour unions will talk of minimum wage and removal of fuel subsidy even after our President who knows what is best for us had said there is no turning back. University teachers are going to talk of government of dishonorable men that breach signed agreements. They will not forget their empty laboratories, empty libraries, lack of infrastructure and even their low wages as if Tambuwal and his new assembly should be blamed for their perennial woes. Hungry doctors, lawyers and journalists will try to lecture our legislators on the propriety of riding expensive cars when there is poverty in the land as if they ever promised eradication of privation.

And for those who in the days ahead will canvas vigorously for the rejection of the values of our current elected lawmakers, my advice is that they should desist from creating unnecessary hysteria. To reject their values, we have to first reject them at the polls.

And that is not now.

‘The debate from its moral tone and pretence to some high ideals, clearly set aside the sixth assembly from Dimeji Bankole‘s unruly House of devious intrigues over contracts, freely fought over, sometimes in the presence of visiting school children’ Babangida said: “Unlike other states where the lamentations of poor revenue has taken supremacy, Governor Akpabio has been able to aggregate the collective aspirations of the people with programmes and policies that bear meaning and value to the ordinary people of the state…It takes a governor that has the interest of the people at heart to pursue such people-oriented programmes with their utility values. Without equivocation Governor Akpabio deserves our standing ovation and a big pat on the back”.

But in the words of Aliyu, “I had visited Akwa Ibom six times before being elected governor of Niger State and today as I landed at the Akwa Ibom International Airport, I saw that you are spending the money well and according to the rules and regulations. From what I have seen…your good projects speak for themselves...I was curious when I was invited to come and see some of the changes that I have been reading in the newspapers and believe me, I’m happy that I came. I’m happy that my friend and brother, the governor has really done well. Because I know how Uyo used to look like. And now that I have come, I’ve been able to go round and I’ve been able to see not only the development in infrastructure but also the general love that I saw coming from the people for their governor…And I noticed also that probably Akwa Ibom is one of the very few states that has allocated over 80 per cent of its budget to capital projects. Believe me, in many of the states over 50/60 percent really go on recurrent and emolument. And so to me, I feel that Akwa Ibom people are very lucky to have this young man who is doing extremely well”.

It is a principle of life, supported by the scriptures, that “in the mouth of two or more witnesses a matter is well established”. It is therefore inconceivable to think that in assessing Akpabio’s performance in office, President Jonathan, Babangida, Obasanjo, Mua’zu Aliyu, Nigerien government, the media; the academia; the religious institutions; socio-political bodies, etc, can all be wrong.

Like I once said, there is no appreciation that is too much for such a selfless leader – who has borne so much headache to achieve the uncommon transformation of his state!

• Ekwere, a political scientist wrote from Nsit Ibom, Akwa Ibom

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

23

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

24

41

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

AC Milan First Bank sponsors 50th ponders Taye edition of Lagos Amateur Taiwo’s sale

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IGERIA’S leading financial institution, First Bank of Nigeria Plc (FirstBank) and two of its subsidiaries, FBN Mortgages and FBN Registrars have concluded plans to make this year’s edition of Lagos Amateur Golf Championship a memorable one. The prestigious tournament, scheduled to tee-off on the lush green of Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos on Friday, October 21 will mark the 50th anniversary of the championship.

One of the key attractions of this year’s tournament is the participation of two Professional Golf Association (PGA) members from Sweden, Joakim Rasik and Bjorn Pettersson amongst other elite Nigerian players.

While Rasik won the biggest European Tour Prize of •14,538 in 1997, Pettersson won the biggest European Tour prize of •6,147 in 2003.

In addition to active participation in the tournament, the two players will also anchor coaching clinics for kids and adults who are interested in the game of golf.

The tournament, which made its debut 50 years ago, and has produced 33 winners, is the oldest elite golf tournaments in the country. It has also sired professional golfers like Sunday Okpe, Willy Gift, Oche Odoh and I. Ocheje among others. Till date, Samuel Amadi and J. Ajiboye hold the record title of highest winners of the trophy with five trophies each.

While Ajiboye won in 1969, 1972, 1973,

1975 and 1979, Amadi, who is the defending champion, won the trophy in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2007 and 2010.

Commenting on the sponsorship, FirstBank’s Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney said FirstBank is not concious of the need for business executives to take a keen interest in their physical and mental wellbeing, adding that the tournament will also present a golden opportunity for players to take advantage of numerous products offered by the Bank’s Private Banking.

“As new talents are nurtured through this tournament and experienced ones made stronger, FirstBank would want to assure all golf enthusiasts that we shall continue to seek and explore new ways of elevating golf and producing even better golfers, while also offering you first class private banking products”, she said.

The annual tournament is open to all amateur golfers who are members of a registered Golf Club with handicap of 14 or below. The championship is a 36-hole event to be played over two days, at 18 holes each.

Elite clubs expected at the tournament include Golf Clubs from Ikeja, Ibadan, Port-Harcourt, Ilorin, Aba, Benin, Kano, Kaduna, Calabar and Ekiti.

Others include IBB Golf & Country Club, Abuja; Air–Assault Golf Club, Makurdi; and Dolphin Golf Club of Lagos. About 260 players are expected at the tournament.

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• Taiwo

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From Tunde Liadi (Owerri) and Florence Nkem Israel ( Port Harcourt) The draw at home to the Moroccan marked a winless run of 5 matches which was started by the 0-1 losses to the Oriental brothers Heartland in the Federation Cup and Rangers International in the NPL delayed Week 28 tie. The club also failed to win in Morocco where they fell 0-1 and a mid week duel with Kwara United in another postponed NPL tie ended 1-2 to the Aba Millionaires’ disadvantage.

Speaking with journalists after the drab goalless draw which confirmed Enyimba’s exit, Chairman of the club, Felix Anyansi Agwu stressed that there was the need for the players to bounce back from their ouster from the Champions League with a victory

• Now Africa's 6th best, rated 44th in World

By Uchenna Ajah

by Pharaohs of Egypt, Ghana's Black Stars', Algeria and Senegal in that order.

Surprisingly, South Africa's Bafana Bafana who will also missing from the AFCON party moved up two places to number 49 in the world and No 8 in Africa behind Cameroon, lifting above Burkina Faso and Morocco in the continental rankings.

Rwanda were Africa's biggest

movers.

The Wasps as they are fondly called by fans and admirers moved up 31 places to occupy the 29th place in Africa and 112th globally.

The top three places in Africa remained unchanged with Egypt and Ghana second and third respectively.

The Pharaohs kept their second place by moving seven places up thanks to their 3-0 win over Niger in their Nations Cup qualifier last month.

2010/2011 Season: NPL to end league Nov.13th HE Nigeria Premier League (NPL) which has suffered series of postponements owing to the country’s clubsides involvements in continental football, will now end on November 13th the league body has announced.

The NPL will restart on October 23rd with Week 35 matches across the country while it will go on another one week recess owing to the Sunshine Stars CAF Confederations Cup semi final 2nd leg tie in Tunisia against Club Africain with the Arab club holding a 1-0 cushion got from Ijebu Ode, Nigeria. The match will be played next week.

Week 36 and 37 matches have been slated for 2nd and 9th November, 2011 with the crucial Week 38 league decider fixed for November 13th.

According to the break down made available to NationSport through the acting executive secretary of the NPL, Tunji Babalola there would be two mid week matches on the 2nd

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri (Week 36)and 9th November (Week 37) before the icing on the cake on Sunday November 13th when the curtail would fall on the 2010/2011 league season which has witnessed more postponements than any season prior to it with the Week 38 encounters.

“The league season will end on the

13th November, 2011.There will be mid week actions for Weeks 36 and 37 before the Week 38 on the 13th November. After the round of matches this weekend the league will be on a week break to allow Sunshine prosecute their second leg tie of their CAF Confederations Cup encounter in Tunisia. Thereafter there will be mid week ties on November 2nd and 9th respectively.”

The Black Stars' 2-0 away win over Sudan helped them to move up four places up and to occupy 33rd position in the global ranking.

Benin were the biggest losers as they dropped 27 places in the overall list to occupy the 199th position after losing 1-0 at home to Rwanda in their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier this month.

World Cup winners Spain retained the top spot on the global rankings.

The ranking was largely shaped by the qualifying matches for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil and various continental championships.

AFRICA STANDINGS 1. Ivory Coast (19) 2. Egypt (29) 3. Ghana (33) 4. Algeria (35) 5. Senegal (42) 6. Nigeria (44) 7. Cameroon (47) 8. South Africa (49) 9. Burkina Faso (54) 10. Morocco (56)

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against Kaduna United and chart a new course for the club in their last ditch effort to qualify for the continent.

According to Anyansi-Agwu, “Enyimba will bounce back and I have told the players that we cannot continue to dwell on this match with the fact that we have another important match during the midweek against Kaduna United. We have lost this tie and out of the Champions League but the club must look to strive to build on the latest setback to come back stronger next term.

The players know the importance of the match and I believe they will put the Wydad’s disappointment behind them and focus on the next set of matches in the NPL and see if we could still make something out of it.”

Enyimba has 51 points from 33 matches and is placed 9th on the 20 team NPL table.

By Innocent Amomoh and Stella Bamawo sets of 6-0, 6-3, while Babalola lost to number one seed, Capkovic Kamil of Slovakia in another straight sets of 6-4, 6-2. Kingsley Enosoregbe could not match number 2 seed, Karan Rastogi of India in 6-2,6-2 game. Sara Adegoke, the only surviving lady was stopped by Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in 6-0,6-0 tie.

Candy Idoko completed Nigeria's woes in the first leg of the Etisalat and FCMB sponsored two legged circuit with one sided game that ended 6-1,6-2 in favour of 8th seed Vijayant Malik of India in 6-1, 6-2.

In other matches decided in the rainfree day yesterday, Yuki Bhambri of India was a delight to watch against Greek Paris Gemouchidis as he won his game 6-2, 6-3.

3rd seed Vardhan Vishnu beat Ivorian Sylvain Anibie 6-3, 6-1, while South African Ruan Roelofse stopped Japanese Yusuke Watanuki 6-0, 4-6, 6-1.

In the Women's Singles, number 2 seed, italian Floris Anna beat Russian Magarita Lazareva 6-3,6-2, Swiss Conny Perrin retired Italian Lara Rafful, bowed in 6-3,6-0 match.

Natasha Fourouclas of South Africa beat Dalila Jakupovic of Slovakia 61, 6-1.

Black American lady, Sachia Vickery defeated Tadeja Majeric of Slovakia in straight sets of 6-4, 6-0. Number one seed, Nina Bratchikova of Russia, who is coached by his boy friend beat Croatian Silvia Njiric in 6-0,6-3 match.

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IGERIA forward Osaze Odemwingie Odemwingie feels fan criticism of his personal display in the costly 2-2 draw at home to Guinea was over the top Nigerian forward Osaze Odemwingie admits to feeling stung by the criticism he received in light of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations failure.

Many fans blamed him for missing chances in the 2-2 draw at home to Guinea, when a win was needed to qualify.

"Critics were looking for reasons and I felt a little bit over crucified for the team's failure to qualify," he said.

"It was a collective effort. I think the personal criticism was more about my relationship with the manager.

"I think that's what caused this situation. I had a little dispute with the coach and he has a lot of support in Nigeria so there was a little negative reaction to it."

In March this year, Odemwingie was dropped by Nigeria coach Samson Siasia after leaving a training camp without permission.

The striker was forced to miss June's 2-2 qualifying draw in Ethiopia, where the dropped points resulted in another hammer blow to the Super Eagles' qualifying chances.

Injury then deprived Odemwingie of contesting September's 2-0 win in Madagascar, meaning his appearance against Guinea was his first competitive international in six months.

Nonetheless, a few missed chances ensured he earned widespread vilification as Nigeria failed to qualify for the Nations Cup for the first time since the 1986 finals.

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ORMER Nigeria World Cup player Bartolomew Ogbeche has signed a season-long deal to play with English side Middlesbrough in the Football League Championship, the club announced on Tuesday.

Ogbeche has been without a club since leaving Greek side Kavala in the summer, but he seems to have impressed coach Tony Mowbray.

"He knows where the back of the net is," Mowbray told the BBC. "I don't want people to think we've signed Lionel Messi, but we've signed a footballer who has got a few assets."

Ogbeche burst into the limelight as an 18-year-old when he played for the Super Eagles at the 2002 World Cup after a few eye-catching performances during the warm up to the tournament.

Home boys Lawal, Babalola crash out HE ambition of the duo of Abdulmumini Babalola and Shehu Lawal to move on in the ongoing Governor's Cup Lagos Tennis Championship was dashed on Wednesday as they were sent out of the first leg of the ITF tournament played at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Court, Onikan.

Lawal and Babalola failed to live up to expectations of most tennis fans who watched their second round matches.

Lawal bowed to 7th seed Ranjeet Virali-Murugesan of India in straight

Nations Cup defeat humbles Odemwingie "It's been tough," Odemwingie added. "My country is so big and we didn't qualify for the African Nations Cup and football means so much to them."

• Odemwingie

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ITH N15million budgeted for secondary school basketball tournament in Lagos, chairman of First Deepwater Basketball Eng. Babatunde Babalola has promised to lift the face of basketball in Nigeria.

Babalola who said the gesture is part of his commitment of his organisation First Deepwater Discovery Limited to give back to the society said over 60 schools across Lagos are taking part in the tournament.

"We love basketball and want to give back to the society. Our aim is to take pupil off the street as well as bridge the gap between the poor and the rich kids, exchange ideas andview through basketball," he added.

He also added that his club is in good form to retain the Zenith Bank Basketball League title which enter its final phase from October 20 at the National stadium.

The club which is barely three years in the league dethroned former Africa champions, First Baank Basketball of Lagos last season.

Speaking on the preparedness of Deepwater for the defense of their title, chairman of the club Engineer Babatunde Babalola said the technical crew and the players are ready to defende the title successfully. He noted that the team has been working assudiously for the task of retaining the title.

Dream Team V defeats 3SC in friendly

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Ogbeche moves to Middlesbrough

GOVERNOR'S CUP 1ST LEG

Enyimba set to end goal drought against Kaduna Utd —Anyansi-Agwu NYIMBA International of Aba will try to pick up the pieces of what remains of their season when the Peoples Elephant play host to Kaduna United today Thursday in the last of their rescheduled Nigeria Premier League (NPL) matches brought about by the club’s progression to the semi final of the CAF Champions League which got ended last Sunday after goalless draw with Wydad Casablanca of Morocco at the Enyimba International Stadium the venue of today’s NPL clash.

The people’s Elephant amassed a total haul of 14 points from 18 during the Group Stage of the African foremost club competition but couldn’t see off Wydad which relied solely on their 1-0 first leg advantage to book a berth in the final against Esperance Sportive of Tunisia on 1-0 aggregate win.

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HE failure of Nigeria’s Super Eagles to qualify for next year's edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon and Equitorial Guinea has thrown up a domino effect in the latest monthly FIFA/Coca-Cola World rankings released Wednesday.

The October edition of rankings by FIFA showed that the Samson Siasia tutored side, slipping to 44th in the world and 6th on the African continent.

However, Cote d’Ivoire's Elephant remain Africa's best-placed side as they lead the continental list, and are placed 19th in the global rankings, followed

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From Florence Nkem Israel, Port Harcourt Ozaka encouraged the Sports Commissioner to consider leaving a legacy of an international standard auditorium for the state and the country as there is none in Nigeria, which means that the nation cannot host an international Basketball tournament due to the absence of the facilities.He also appealed that the club find it difficult in moving its players and officials to matches as they have no bus of their own to cater for their transportation needs; he did not also forget to mention to the Commissioner the need to consider the inclusion of the Club's salaries and allowances in the Ministry's recurrent expenditure.Responding, Barrister Igwe commended the Club for their achievements so far, encouraging them to bring up more players as sports can be used as an avenue to build character and discipline promising to be a part of their success story.

Eagles drop again

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C Milan are believed to be considering allowing Nigerian full back Taye Taiwo to leave the club in the winter transfer windown.

Taiwo only joined the Rossoneri in the summer from French outfit Marseille on a free transfer and was seen as a fine addition to the Italians' backline.

But the word from the San Siro is that Milan boss Massimilianon Allegri is not convinced of the 26year-old's qualities.

The Nigeria international has run into fierce competition from Italian left back Luca Antonini, who has become a firm fan favourite.

Taiwo is likely to be targedted by clubs from Ligue 1 and Milan could realise a tidy fee for the defender.

The 26-year-old has clocked up 48 caps for Nigeria since making his international debut in 2004.

Hoopers charge government over standard Basketball Auditorium HE Champions of the 2011 DSTV/NBBF Premier Basketball League Final 8, the Royal Hoopers Basketball Club of Port Harcourt has called for the building of an International Standard Basketball Auditorium for the state and Nigeria.

Making this appeal is the Team Manager of the Club, Ifie Ozaka, when they paid a courtesy call to the Rivers state Sports Boss, Barrister Fred Mbombo Igwe in his office on Tuesday afternoon.According to the Team Manager, Royal Hoopers was established in the year 2003 out of the desire to meaningfully engage youths who were jobless and to protect them from vices and ever since has yielded positive dividends as the club has won several trophies for both the state and the nation at large.

The club which was taken over by the Rivers State government in 2009 can only boast of the main Bowl of the Alfred Diette Spiff Civic Centre asthe only standard indoor Basketball court in the state.Mr.

FIFA RANKING

Babalola boosts school basketball with N15m

He, however, lost steam and has become a distant memory in the annals of Nigerian football as his club career took a nose-dive.

The former PSG forward has played in the United Arab Emirates, Spain and Greece and will hope to make a big splash at Boro, where he will wear jersey number 16.

"He's not an 18-year-old boy," Mowbray said.

"He's 27, played for his country, played in La Liga, he's played for PSG at 17 and, for whatever reason, he ended up going to the Emirates for a year and Greece.

"We saw enough talent to think, for nothing, at this stage of our season, we'll have a look and give him an opportunity.

"Whether or not he can break into the team we'll have to wait and see."

REAM TEAM V on Wednesday morning defeated Shooting stars sports club feeders 3-1 in the team’s first friendly match since camping resumed on the 5th of this Month in Ibadan.

Playing in front of a sizeable crowd inside the Liberty Stadium, the Dream team V endured a goalless first half with several missed chances.

Coach Austin Eguavoen after testing the relatively unknown players in the team in the first half, changed the entire team in the second half introducing the regular home based players.

With Femi Thomas (Ocean Boys) taking over from Dele Ajiboye who made breathe taking savings in the first half; the Dream Team V got into business five minutes into the second half with Gbolahan Salami rocketing home a 20 yard bullet to put the Olympic Eagles ahead.

Kingsley Udoh, Festus Austin, Ayo Saka and Oseni Ganiu made the 3SC B team work for the ball in the midfield while the dashing pace and silky combination of Gbolahan Salami and Heartland’s Osas Okoro saw the 2011 Federation cup winner net a brace.

Lekan Ayodeji got 3SC’s only goal from a spot kick.

WORLD WEIGHTLIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS IN FRANCE

8 Nigerian lifters to leave for Paris next week

S •Nigeria’s Abdul-Mumunin Babalola returning a stroke in the match against Capkovic Kamil of Slavakia at the ongoing Lagos State Governor’s Cup. PHOTO BY JOHN EBHOTA

TILL from their impressive outing at the just concluded African/Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in South Africa where the Nigerian lifters topped the medals table with 20 gold medals the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) boss, Chief Chimdi Ejiogu has told NationSport that the Federation has concluded plans to send about eight (8) lifters to the World Weightlifting Championships which will start on November 1st in Paris, France.

Ejiogu who spoke barely two days after the team returned from South Africa stressed that Nigerians ought to roll out drums and celebrate the athletes that represented the country in an affair which had 26 countries in attendance including powerhouses like India and South Africa which played second fiddle to Nigeria’s lifters despite parading

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri more athletes than the country did.

He enthused that the lifters have returned to Owerri, Imo state from where they were camped before their travelling to South Africa for the African/ Commonwealth Championships and opined that the country’s reps would hit France later next week as the search for slots to the Olympic Games proper intensifies in France before the decider in Kenya next year during the African Championships.

His words, “We went with very few numbers because of the perennial financial constraint. We couldn’t really come out tops as a team or unit but we were the best on individual basis. We only went with 12 athletes and these we spread to all the categories- Youth, Junior and senior categories. We were able to

compete because as a youth you can compete with junior or senior if you like while as a junior you can compete with senior but not with youth that is below you.”

Also adding to what the NWF boss has stated was the secretary of the Federation, Mrs Uche Onwumeh who praised the doggedness and the fighting spirits of the country’s reps who braved the odds to record the heartwarming outing.

She commended the early camping exercise embarked upon by the team in Owerri highlighting that over two months training had in Imo State contributed to the feat.

“The long training we had at Owerri really contributed to the fine outing. We stayed there for over two months and of course it helped us a great deal. We attributed our impressive outing to the long training exercise the team had in Imo State.” Mrs Onwumeh stated.

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THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

The new fees regime introduced by the Lagos State University(LASU) last week, is attracting criticisms from some stakeholders, particularly students who are at its receiving end.

There may be need for more dialogue between the two parties in order to avert another crisis in the state-owned institution, writes ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

S

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

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

•LASU main gate... on Monday

Parents, students tackle LASU over fees

TUDENTS of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo campus came to the insitution on Tuesday with the aim of participating in the Indigeneship Verification Exercise. That was not to be. The programme was disrupted before its take-off.

Led by the new Students Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Durojaiye Akeem Olalekan, his executives and other students, they chased away some of the new students who had come for the exercise. The students, who repeatedly sang solidarity songs had earlier on the same day, held a congress to deliberate on the new tuition fees introduced by the university management last week.

At the event, they demanded a reversal of over 700 per cent increase in tuition slammed on them by the university authorities.

As against the N25,000 tuition which cut across board, new students are to pay between N194,000 and N238,000, depending on the department or faculty.

For instance, students in the faculty of arts and education will henceforth cough out between N194,000 and N348,000, which comprise tuition fee, acceptance fee, studio fee, field trips and workshop practical. Those in the Social and Management Sciences will part with about N224,000 covering the cost of tuition, laboratory practicals, workshop, study fees and acceptance fee. Their colleagues in the Law Faculty must be prepared to part with N165,000 that covers MOOT court, examination fee, acceptance fee and development fee, while students of Medicine must pay N235,000, covering accommodation, laboratories,

practical, workshops acceptance fee and manuals as well as examination fee, among others.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Education Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye during the Teachers’ Day anniversary celebration a fortnight ago, had said there was no going back on the new fees. She expressed optimism that through government’s constructive engagement with parents and students, they would see reasons why the new fees is important.

A source in the university told The Nation on Tuesday that the students, as part of their protest, may have perfected a plot to shun the General Nigerian Studies (GNS) examinations scheduled for today.

Students of the university had last week woken up to shocking news of the new tuition fee which formed part of the recommendations of a Visitation Panel set up by Governor Babatunde Fashola, the Visitor to the university in December 2009.

The six-member panel, chaired by

Justice Olasehinde was directed to find a lasting solution to the perennial labour crises, which has been rocking the institution.

Other members of the panel include Alhaji Lateef Okunnu, erudite Law scholar, Prof Itse Sagay, Mr Kaoli Olusanya and Mrs Muri Okunola.

It is not only the students that are unhappy with the development. Parents as well as some workers in the university are miffed over the increment.

But the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has described as unnecessary the likelihood of students agitation, saying it was high time LASU stopped lifting the pages of newspapers, perhaps for wrong reasons. She said the old students need not fret or pour on to the streets in agitation since they would not be affected by the new increment.

Even then, the students are taking the acting vice-chancellor’s words with a pitch of salt. At his SUG office in the university premises last Friday,

VC

‘The fact that students currently in the system will not be affected by the increment is part of the human face we are still talking about. Any new student, who cannot afford to pay the new fees, should be ready to forfeit admission’

Olalekan had questioned the rationale behind the new tuition. He claimed that his colleagues had not enjoyed the dividends of the previous tuition the management introduced five years ago. The new increment, Olalekan argued, is aimed indirectly by the government at significantly reducing access to education by the children of the less privileged, who he said, may in the end, resort to crime and other forms of hooliganism if left without doing something.

He said: “When the tuition was increased five years ago, they told us the money will be used to improve infrastructure. But after five years, we haven’t seen any improvement.

Rather, the few infrastructure we have collapsed. If they are asking us to pay again, then we must enjoy the money we had paid over the past five years first.

“It (tuition) is an elitist theory, which will only create room for the children of the rich to be in school and continue to rule us children of the

PARENTS

‘The executive members described the whole thing like a tenant, who had been paying N25,000 now being ordered to pay N150,000 Do you think he will find it easy?’

•Prof Olatunji-Bello

poor.”

A top source at the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), LASU branch, said its members were not too happy, but had chosen to sleep on the issue.

“Many of us are not happy about the tuition. But remember, the unions had had various scruples with the government in the past, a problem which made the government to see us as enemies then. Now that the government is beginning to answer our problems, if we support the students, they would not be happy with us. They •Continued on Page 26

• RSUST HOLDS COMBINED GRADUATION AFTER FIVE YEARS - Page 27• NANS DEMANDS POST-UTME SCRAPPING - Page 37

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

26

EDUCATION

10million children out of school, says minister

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VER 10 million children of school age are out of school, the Minister of Education, Ruqqayatu Rufa’i has said.

The Minister, who spoke during an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Education, said a summary of school enrolment shows that 10.1 million children of primary and secondary school age, are not enrolled in the country.

“In 2010, there were 20.67 million pupils in primary schools, which shows that one out of every three Nigerian children of school age, is out of school,” she said.

The minister, who explained the

Poly Rector assures students

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

key challenges in the focal areas of the ministry, said the figures, which cover between 2006 and 2010, include 7.3 million and 2.8 million children of primary and secondary school age.

While admitting that there were enormous problems facing the ministry, she said the challenge of the full implementation of the Almajiri education programmes, of girlchild education, especially in the north, of boy-child education, especially in the southeastern part of the country and of enrolment in youths and adult literacy programmes, were plaguing the advancement of

the ministry’s educational targets.

She told the Reps Committee that poor funding and infrastructure failures lead to dismal enrolments and performances in schools.

According to her, the number of lecturers is short by 53 per cent and that the highest tertiary institution admission shortfalls occurred in the current year with over one million applicants above available slots.

“If we do not get the education sector right, we cannot get other sectors right because that is where we can develop the manpower the nation needs,” she said.

She said the Federal Government is planning to encourage the provision of early childhood education

through the Governors’Forum, follow-up on the national campaign on access to basic education and increase its primary enrolment from 61.5 per cent to 75 per cent by 2015.

Other measures, according to her, is the need to implement the Almajiri education programme, enhance the girl-child and boy-child education programme, as well as increase access to nomadic education.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Farouk Lawan, had earlier in his speech, lamented the poor educational situation in the country and said there was a need to overhaul the educational system to ensure that the sector does not collapse.

•Prof Rufa’i

A

UTHORITIES of The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State have assured students of the institution of improved welfare, even as they charged them to commit themselves to their studies for better future.

The institution’s Rector, Dr. Raheem O. Oloyo, who made the charge, said there is no short cut to academic accomplishments other than hard work complemented by total focus and self-discipline.

“We, on the management side of the institution, have remained married to doing the best we can to make learning easy for our students on all fronts; it is then the duty of our students to sustain their culture of decorum and dedication to their future. And with robust relationship between us and the students, we are billed for great heights,” Oloyo said in a statement signed by the school’s Deputy Registrar/Public Relations, the Revd. Lasunkanmi Bolaji.

He added that the school’s management remained committed to ensuring that the polytechnic beams its focus more on the development of skills and improving service delivery in order to prompt the students to be of eventual benefit to the growth and development of the country.

•From left: Prof Adetokunbo Sofoluwe, vice-chancellor, University of Lagos; Prof Oladapo Afolabi,immediate past Head of Service of the Federation and Mr Segun Oloketuji MD/CEO Wema Bank Plc, during the International Year of Chemisty (IYC) organised by the Chemistry Department of the institution.

PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

Parents, students tackle LASU over fees

•Continued from Page 25

would think that we want to start another crisis. But if the students start the crisis, then we can support them to at least let the government know the implication of the action it is about to embark on.”

Another don, who teaches at the Department of English, added: “The measure is like putting a final nail on the chances of poor students in this school.

Where does the university expect them or their parents to get such money?

That means admission in LASU is now simply the survival of the fittest.”

An aged woman from the Non–Academic Staff Union (NASU), said: I’ve been in this university for over 17 years. When LASU fees were increased five years ago, I can tell you about five girls that were involved in prostitution not because they like it, but because their parents are poor and so could not support them financially.

Now that the fees have been increased, I wonder how girls in such predicament can cope now.”

For the first time in the history of the 28-year-old university, its tuition was increased in 2005 under the former Vice-Chancellor Prof Lateef Akanni Hussein. From a paltry N2,500, it shot up to N25,000, a move which sparked off crisis between the students and management leading to the closure of the university for months.

Prior to the new tuition, LASU, which had for years under Prof Hussein, been involved in a running battle with universities regulatory body- National Universities Commission (NUC) over the former’s non-recognition of its external campuses, eventually caved in August by discontinuing its 11 external campuses. This was

after the government ordered that the NUC’s order be obeyed to the letter.

The campuses had, until then, been a huge money spinner for the institution. The Dean of Postgraduate Studies Prof Babajide Elemo, who spoke to The Nation on behalf of the Acting ViceChancellor Prof Ibiyemi OlatunjiBello, a week after the scrapping had hinted of a possible jerk in tuition, among other measures, as a means of making up for the loss of its external campuses.

He, nonetheless, added that the management would implement the new tuition with a milk of human kindness.

“Five years ago, when we introduced the school fees,” Elemo said, “the move was resisted by the students.

They staged a number of protests, which grounded the school, leading to its closure for several months. Despite the crisis, the tuition fees caused, I can tell you that it made our students more serious and committed to their studies. You hardly hear of cases of cultism or hooliganism on our campuses today. ‘’Unlike before, we now have more focused, serious-minded and disciplined students. We might just be looking at increasing our tuition again. But this time, we are going to do it with a human face because we realised it resulted into some crisis when it happened the first time.”

Elemo’s statement was later corroborated by Prof Ibiyemi Olatuni-Bello.

During the school’s yearly scholarships awards, the following week, the acting vice-chancellor had told reporters that the new fees was a fait accompli, noting that increased funding is the answer if LASU must attain a worldclass status. She, however, added that

the new fees regime would take effect from the 2011/2012 academic session and that current students were exempted from it.

“The fact that students currently in the system will not be affected by the increment is part of the human face we are still talking about,” Prof OlatunjiBello told our reporter on phone on Monday.

“We must be ready to invest if we must realise the world-class university we all dream of. This simply means any new student, who cannot afford to pay the new fees, should be ready to forfeit his or her admission.

“Remember, the increment was not done singlehandedly by the school. We are only implementing the recommendation of the Visitation Panel, which suggested the new fees as a direct way of improving the facilities of the university, which will, in turn, improve the lives of every individual students.”

Other ways to mitigate the effects of the increase, according to OlatunjiBello, are the continuation of the university yearly scholarship awards for poor, but brilliant students, which the university started five years ago, annual bursary awards for indigent students, as well as opening the university door to prospective corporate organisations and individuals, who may wish to offer scholarships to deserving students.”

She said the management had invited students union executives and representatives of parents to discuss the new development, adding that the two groups acknowledged the imperativeness of the new increment.

“We discussed this on separate occasions with the Students Union and also at the Parents Forum two weeks ago and both saw the reason behind our action. We even gave a copy of the page

that reflected the new fee increase to each of the students executive and they can confirm this,” Olatunji-Bello claimed.

Surprisingly, the students said such a meeting never held. ‘’It’s all a lie,” said Olalekan. “We did not hold any meeting with the management.”

But, the Chairman of the Parents Forum, Alhaji Nurudeen Calthos, confirmed the meeting with the management. He, however, said no agreement was reached.

“We spoke and concluded, but we never came to an agreement. I told them (management) that I had to con-

vey a meeting with parents’ executives first. We, eventually, met yesterday (Monday), but they kicked against the fees.

“You see, the executive members described the whole thing like a tenant, who had been paying N25,000 now being ordered to pay N150,000 Do you think he will find it easy?

“We have been trying to fix a meeting with parents of intending students into LASU. The meeting, we hope, should come up within the next four days. Whatever we arrived at, we shall communicate to the world, ” he said.

“Let’s just say we are in the Strike Session, Rain Semester ... and it’s flooding !”

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

EDUCATION Following the combined convocation of 19th to 23rd sets of graduates of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUT), Port Harcourt, who completed their studies atthe institution between 2004 and 2010, the school authorities appeared ready to move it to greater heights, writes CLARICE AZUATALAM from Port Harcourt.

Five years after, Rivers Varsity holds graduation OR five years, the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt did not issue certificates to its graduating students.

This is why last Saturday, it combined all its graduates from 2004 to 2010 for a convocation. Out of the total 25, 917 graduates, 3,552 received higher degrees while 22, 365 got first degrees.

Senate President, David Mark bagged a honorary in Law while a business mogul and political stalwart from Abonema, Rivers State, High Chief Olu Benson LuluBriggs, was conferred with a honorary doctorate in Business Administration.

RSUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Barineme Fakae, said at the event, which took place in the school premises, that the institution had laboured under “decay in both academic and administrative infrastructure, non-accreditation of 31 of its academic programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC), total breakdown of discipline, law and order and acute problem of cultism and insecurity on the campus.”

Others, Fakae, added, include laxity, truancy and entrenched ethnicity and nepotism at the ex-

F

pense of merit and excellence, low morale in workforce and students as well as admission system that undermined merit and NUC-approved carrying capacity.

This was the situation until the Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi appointed the duo of Fakae and Justice Adolphus KaribiWhyte as the vice chancellor and the Pro-Chancellor to pilot the Governing Council and lift the university from its decayed state.

Determined to achieve that mandate, Fakae who was appointed on November 14, 2007 and his team, got down to work. Four years down the line, their performance was impressive as the university witnessed tremendous transformation.

Apart from reducing cultism, rape and kidnapping to the barest minimum in the university, the vice chancellor said that the academic activities have improved as 37 out of its 39 programmes have been accredited. The remaining two, which are Architecture and Land and Survey await accreditation by NUC during its next visitation. Before Fakae’s arrival, only eight of its academic programmes had full accreditation.

Among other achievements,

Former law maker warns against ASUU strike •Cautions Fed Govt on proliferation of varsities

T

HE Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have been advised to avert another prolonged strike.

A former chairman, Senate Services Committee, Bob Effiong, who gave the advice, while presenting copies of his book to universities, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), in Abuja, said: “This is not the time to grandstand. It’s time to negotiate. The problems of Nigerian universities are not beyond solution. It requires political will and a deep sense of patriotism. If this country must produce competent leaders of tomorrow, we must today rise up and do whatever is possible to ensure smooth academic activities in Nigerian universities.”

Each of the 117 federal, state and private universities are to get five copies of the book, entitled: Independence of the Legislature in Nigeria: matters arising.

Bob described the donation as “a purely humanitarian gesture”, saying, he waited until after serving two terms in the Senate before making the donation “so that people would not read undue political meanings and suggest that I wanted to gain political capital through this act.”

He said the issues discussed in the book, such as impeachment, manipulation of state and federal agencies, revenue allocation formula, among others, are topical.

Bob cautioned the Federal Gov-

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

ernment against imminent proliferation of universities in the country, a situation, he said could undermine the quality of graduates produced by such a system.

On the threats of another strike by university teachers, he said both the Federal Government and the teachers’union should tackle the challenges of education through political will and a sense of patriotism.

He noted that “if this country must produce competent leaders of tomorrow, we must today rise up and do whatever is possible to ensure smooth academic activities in Nigerian universities.”

He added: “It is my belief that the government must exercise control in the opening of new federal universities; emphasis should rather be laid on proper funding and furnishing of the existing ones.

“In approving the establishment of new institutions, the government must ensure that the highest standards are maintained to bridge the gap between graduates of private and government universities because at this stage, we cannot afford to produce graduates that cannot compete favourably in the international labour market.”

NUC Executive Secretary, Prof Julius Okojie, who received the books on behalf of vice-chancellors, explained that the government’s creation of new universities was as result of the need to expand access to tertiary-based education.

•Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi; Pro-Chancellor, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte; Senate President David Mark and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barineme Fakae, after the Senate President was conferred with an honorary doctorate, during the convocation of RSUT in Port Harcourt, ... on Saturday.

Fakae also said the university has implemented an ICT Masterplan “with a focus on developing an interactive and enterprise-wide portal/database management tool. A world- class Information and Communication technology (ICT) centre has been developed to respond effectively to challenges of the information age with strategic partnership to ensure ICT-based education development and the development of a hub of online content and resources for staff and students.”

He said out of N1.26 billion approved for the school, arrears of promotion,mobilisation and Christmas bonuses that were outstanding since 2005 had been paid, adding that management has also implemented the 70 per cent salary increase, which was agreed upon, between the Academic Staff Union of Universities and Federal Government in 2009.

He advised the staff unions to maintain industrial harmony in the school and use dialogue to resolve conflicts.

Fakae said that with the aid of its ICT, the students have their semes-

ter results in registered courses online; access to examinations, and can obtain a school identity card and process hostel accommodation without bribing anybody.

Karibi-Whyte assured of the university’s resolve “to continue to pursue with zest the motto of this great university, which is “excellence and creativity.”

Governor Amaechi who inaugurated several projects in the school on that day including the Rotimi Amaechi Centre for Advance Manufacturing (RACAM), recalled how he dissolved the former council, a move he said irked the lecturers’ unon.

“But today, I have no regrets”, he enthused noting that RSUST is thriving in e-university which is a veritable resource and revenue earner.

The governor reiterated his earlier decision to move the university to a new site by 2014 with a new set of students. He also promised that its Law faculty would be completed and appealed to the alumni of the school to assist in research grants and endowments.

He urged the fresh graduates to “remember their alma mater and hold it in high esteem.”

He also charged graduates to bear in mind the values they had imbibed during their stay in the insitution.

He also described the Senate president as a very distinguished, legendary and renowned friend of Rivers State and a statesman.

Amaechi announced that five of the best graduating students from each of the faculties, would be given scholarships by the state government to study for their masters overseas.

On his part, Mark stated that the Federal Government was planning to give priority to technological innovation, development and research in the country to simulate the country's vision in being a strong economy by 2020.

He decried the low attention being given to technology education by the authorities and, therefore, urged the state government to ensure that its educational institutions are managed to provide maximum results.

• Chancellor, Lagos State University(LASU), Chief Molade Okoya Thomas, receiving an award presented to him

by Ms Agnes Olufunmi Sessi, chairperson, Senior Staff Association of Nigerain Universities (SSANU) LASU chapter, at his office in Ikoyi.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

EDUCATION EKSU FILE

10 EKSU students get Etisalat award TEN students of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti have won the Etisalat bursary award. Each of them will get N100,000.

The students are: Ayodele, Adebisi Mariam (Business Administration); Agoro, Ibrahim Ayoola (Banking and Finance); Ogundipe, Ayobolawale ( Accounting); Salami, Ibrahim Oluwatosin (Electrical Electronics); Obriki, Kevwe;Awelogun (Electrical Electronics); Gbenga Israel (Electrical Electronics); Babalola, Bunmi Prescious (Electrical Electronics);Tawose,Olamide, Aladelusi,Olawale Adedeji and Muyide, Ibukun Omotayo, from the Department of Computer Studies The presentation of the award was done last week.

SSANU chair advises members THE Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Mr Olaitan Akinwunmi, has urged members of the association not to shirk their responsibilities.

He spoke after they returned to work after a one week warning strike.

He said the industrial action was not targeted at the state university, but that they embarked on it in solidarity with its national body. He implored members to continue to put in their best.

The SSANU boss, however, called on all state universities not to underrate the non-academic staff at any level.

According to him, senior and junior non-academic staff in the universities are the engine room of such institutions.

Visual library coming A VISUAL library to complement the central library will soon be constructed at the Ekiti State University (EKSU).

Its Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dada Adelowo, made this known while addressing members of staff of the university.

According to him, a philanthropist has promised to construct the structure that will house the library. He said though the main library has been rated by scholars and observers as one of the best in the country, yet the proposed visual library will be an added advantage for EKSU.

T

We’ve achieved 72 % accreditation, says UNIBEN VC

HE Vice-Chancellor of University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof.

Osayuki Oshodin, has said the institution achieved 72.41 per cent accreditation of its courses.

Speaking during a retreat for members of the institution’s Governing Council and other stakeholders at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Oshodin disclosed that 22.99 per cent of the institution’s courses have interim accreditation status, while 1.15 per cent was denied accreditation by the universities regulatory body - the National Universities Commission (NUC).

At the retreat, entitled: Making University of Benin a first class university in the 21st Century, he said three academic programmes are yet to be accredited by the NUC.

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

He listed the programmes as Nursing Science, Social Work and Pharmacy.

The don assured members of the Governing Council that necessary machinery had been put in place to ensure the accreditation of the four courses soon.

His words: “I am glad to

note that the efforts of the present administration have been commended by various accreditation teams for the improvement on our facilities as against what they were during the previous visits.

“Recently, the suspension of accreditation of our College of Medical Sciences was lifted by Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), having

‘Every year, the number of applicants to the university at the undergraduate level increases, but sadly enough, our admission quota as approved by government is a restricting factor’

noted the efforts of the administration to address some of the issues earlier raised.”

Oshodin added that the UNIBEN has remained the most sought after institution in the country.

He said: “Every year, the number of applicants to the university at the undergraduate level increases, but sadly enough, our admission quota as approved by government is a restricting factor.

“The large numbers of applicants, who want to study in our university, are attracted by our academic performance and high standard as available records show our alumni blazing trails in various endeavours of life.”

The vice-chancellor, however, expressed worry that the yearly allocation by the Federal Government to the university covers only personnel cost and neglected capital

projects, adding that the fund is far below the amount needed to run a successful university system.

In his remarks, the ProChancellor/Chairman of Governing Council of the UNIBEN, Dr. Gabriel Toby, said the university cannot be a first class university in the 21st century without a strong and reliable leadership.

He explained that effective leaders must, among other qualities, be visionary, disciplined, courageous, innovative and inspirational.

He charged members of the Governing Council to chart policies and prudently manage the finances that would provide the required resources for infrastructural and physical development, as well as improve the academic programmes of the university.

Govt urged to show concern for sickle cell children

T

HE government has most care.

By Seun Olalude been urged to show She urged parents with She advised that a child with concern to the plight of sickle cell children to show SS genotype should not go them care and love. into marital relationship with sickle cell children.

A public health practitioanother SS or AS, likewise and An educationist Mrs Idowu an AS pairing another, noting stated this at the 10th Anni- ner, Ms Abosede Abodunde, that such can be deadly. versary/Prizegiving of who was also at the event, Speaking on the anniverKuntopel School at its pre- said sickle cell children should be handled with utsary, Mrs Idowu said the mises at Ipaja in Lagos.

She recalled memories of her children’s death, advising youths to know their blood group before marriage.

She said: “Sometime in 2001, after a brief sickness, my first child Oyekunle died of sickle cell. After six years, we lost the younger brother to the same disease. As saddening as these experience may be for the family members, we acknowledge the fact that God has supreme control over all creations, all situations and manner of sickness and diseases.

“We have resolved to use this anniversary to increase awareness and enlighten youths more about sickle cell disease to prevent the pains and trauma that both patients and their family members face.

“The only way to stop or minimise this pain is for our youths to know their genotype before going into mar- •Some pupils of the Police College School, Bauchi displaying riage.”

Bauchi State governor, Hajia Aisha Yuguda.

school has recorded speedy growth in spite of its challenges.

“Hurdles have come in various ways, by the help of God and support of people none has been impossible. At the beginning, we faced challenges of accommodation.

But when our pupils began to increase speedily; transportation became inevitable as parents requested for it. I had to use my private car for school bus and drive it for years before we got our school buses and teachers. Today, it has all become things of the past,” she said.

the exercise books donated to them by the wife of the

‘Our universities must be world-class’ ORMER Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof Olufemi Bamiro, has underscored the need for every tertiary institution in Nigeria to aspire to be a global player and by extension, world class institutions.

Speaking at the Third Redeemers University (RUN) Convocation lecture entitled: The Nigerian university system: the challenge of building a world-class institution, Bamiro said the university system is a sub-sector that cannot be insulated in any way, from the forces of globalisation.

He said: “The ‘universe’ that is expected to be in a ‘university’ dictates that a university is not a local entity, but rather a global entity that must seek to establish its own niche in the global knowledge space with-

F

•Prof Bamiro

By Temitope Fatuase

out sacrificing its local relevance. While it may be acting locally in pursuit of relevance to its immediate environment, a university must, however, be leveraging on its global connectivity.

This underscores the need for every institution to transform to a global player or, by extension, a world class institution. This is far from being elitist as no university can gain sustainable local relevance without a global outlook.”

On the major challenges of the University system, he enumerated overcrowding and poor quality of teaching and learning, poor funding, weak research, brain drain, almost total disconnect between the universities and industry, instability of the academic calendar in the

public universities, among others.

He added: “A university aspiring to become worldclass must be able to attract, select and retain good staff.

The scarcity of staff with doctoral degrees in most disciplines, especially the science-based, should be regarded as a challenge for staff development scheme that must look beyond the local institutions into the foreign institutions that are ready to engage in staff capacity building.”

He noted that the attributes of world-class university include: excellence in research, quality teaching, government and non-government sources of funding, international and highly talented students, academic freedom, well-defined autonomous governance structures, wellequipped facilities for teach-

ing, research, administration and student life, international reputation of the university and the university’s contribution to the society.

He stressed the need for a strong partnership among the government, academia and the business sector while the university system on its part must respond through the development and deployment of its teaching, research and innovation capacity to moving the country from a resource-based economy to a The Vice-Chancellor of Redeemers University, Prof Debo Adeyewa, said the university system is, indeed, facing challenges.

“The system is plagued with so many challenges and we, at RUN, are looking forward to being a world class university in all ramifications,” he added.

29

Kwara Poly: Melting pot of Nigeria’s cultures

*CAMPUSES

‘University education should be non-profit’

*NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS

Page 34

Page 31

*GRANTS

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: ladycampus@yahoo.com THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

•Students receiving lecture in an overcrowded classroom

Unending travails of graduates Unemployment remains the biggest challenge facing graduates. In this report, VINCENT NZEMEKE (400Level MASS COMMUNICATION, Delta State University), says some graduates have been devising alternative means of making ends meet.

B

Y next month, many universities, especially those whose academic calendar began in January, will be preparing to round off the session. Students of such institutions would have completed the second semester examination and ready to begin their holidays. For those in the final year of their programme, preparation for life-after-school will be in top gear.

Many of them will roll out the drums and invite friends and relatives members to celebrate with them. A few will hold thanksgiving in churches and fellowships on campuses where pastors will send them off with blessings and a mandate to “go, overtake and subdue.”

But when the music stops, the fresh graduates will have to contend with the stark reality of life after

school. The chain of dependence will be broken and the streams of income that flowed from parents and relatives while they were undergraduates will cease. They will join the league of Nigeria’s unemployed graduates whose endless search for jobs has become the order of the day.

While a few of them may be fortunate to secure plum jobs, many may have to settle for odd jobs that are acutely disconnected from what they studied in school to make ends meet.

For the graduates, who are obviously at the short end of the stick, life could not have been harder. Frustrated by the endless search for jobs, many have been forced to take up menial jobs, such as hotel attendants, sales representatives and driving to eke out a living. Those who feel too

big to do such jobs have either taken to crime or are busy searching for an escape route abroad.

Recently, in PortHarcourt, a fiveman gang of robbers was paraded by the Rivers State Police Command. During interrogation, three of them claimed to be university graduates who took to crime because they could not get jobs after graduation.

Similarly, in Lagos, Daniel Esisi, a graduate of Microbiology, and some other youths were swindled by a travel agent who promised to secure documents that would enable them to travel to the United States.

The agent, who is now at large, also promised to help them get jobs on their arrival in America.

“We came here prepared to go to America. We paid some money to

the agent for our passports and visas and he also promised to get us jobs when we get to America,” said Esisi.

Asked why so many graduates are desperate to go abroad, Esisi said it was due to the non-availability of jobs here in Nigeria.

“There are no jobs in this country.

So many graduates are willing to work, but what can they do when the jobs are not there? I completed my youth service in 2008 and I have attended many interviews, yet I don’t have a decent job. So, travelling abroad is the only hope for me.”

Although some graduates are not keen about going abroad, they concede that searching for jobs in any part of the country is an arduous task. Like those seeking a way out

of the country, many of them are making do with what they have and hoping they will someday get a good job.

Anthony Dibia, a 2009 graduate of the University of Calabar, said he has travelled to many major cities in search of a job that seems to elude him always. After three fruitless years of searching, he pitched his tent with a secondary school in Lagos, where he has risen to the rank of vice principal.

He said: “I studied Industrial Chemistry in school, but, today, I’m a teacher. Since I graduated I have travelled to Abuja, Port Harcourt and other cities in search of a job. I pass the aptitude test most times and the employers will promise to “get back to you”, but they never do. Al•Continued on page 30

•Varsity wins contest- PG32 •Two Nigerians shine in US- PG33

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

30

CAMPUS LIFE

How not to make ‘brisk money’

Pushing Out

N the first couple of months of this year, we were overran with stories of how students made “brisk money” during the voter registration conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the subsequent general elections. This did not happen in one place; it took place in Ado-Ekiti (Ekiti State) and Port Harcourt (Rivers State), in the Southwest and Southsouth. I’m also aware that similar things happened in Ebonyi, Ondo, Nasarawa, Gombe and Kano states. One may not be wrong then if one should conclude that it might have taken place in many other states; this is because our politicians are known to be copycats and usually always in a bid to outdo one another in crafty enterprises.

In the reports, students were wooed by politicians – through proxies (other students) – to go to remote places and bushes to register. There were free transportation to and fro, cash inducements ranging from N500 to N2,000 and, in some cases, light refreshments. In Rivers, some of the students who played ball even claimed that the proxies cheated them by offering only 50 percent of what their principals provided. Now, how could they have known that? Could it be that those who make the claim actually know who these principals are? The answer to that would be very interesting.

But my preoccupation today is not with who went where or who did not cheat who; it is with the incidence itself. I’m not shocked exactly; but I am

I

•Faith

W

HAT kind of business do you do?

I specialise in making fashion accessories, such as hats, crochets, fishnets, turbans, bow ties and bridal train materials like crown, hair facilitator and wedding fans.

How did you venture into the business?

I learnt what I am doing during the last ASUU strike which lasted about four months. I actually had the interest to learn it from a neighbour even before gaining admission but for my dad who thought I should learn computer.

When another opportunity came with the ASUU strike, I grabbed it and I can say, today, that’s one of the best decisions I’ve taken.

What motivated you?

The interest and passion I have for creativity has actually kept me going. When I started learning, I made up my mind that I won’t exceed the period of two weeks before grasping the essence.

Although it was tedious since I had to go very early and come back late at night, the soothing balm has been the satisfaction I derive seeing how beautiful my work turns out.

Do you have any plans for

is yet to enter. He is still being groomed.

Elsewhere, like the United Kingdom and the United States, the students are the ones who decide who emerges leader. Followers of events in those countries know that the emergence of David Cameron with and Nick Clegg (Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister) in the UK, and that of Barrack Obama (President) in the US – especially 08054503104 that of the latter - were made (SMS only) possible by students and other young people.

•campuslife@thenationonlineng.net Last month’s sacking of Zine El •ladycampus@yahoo.com Abidine Ben Ali from Tunisia as disappointed and really worried that well as the current pressure on Hosni students would allow themselves to be so Mubarak to step down as Egypt’s President used. The good thing though is that I have are all thanks to students. The youths of a better (if you like, updated) the North African nations are revolting understanding of the way the minds of against the status quo – something their parents could not do. And they are some of our undergraduates work.

The ones who acted as proxies to corrupt succeeding.

Here, our youths are very happy to serve and dubious pay masters see themselves as stooges whose only guarantee of a meal the perversion of old foxes who want them ticket or better tomorrow lies in satisfying to remain in the servitude in which they the depravity of crooked men. Then, those had kept their parents. It is made sadder by who accept N500 or any other amount to the argument of some of the students that go to a bush to register feel detached from it is not about where they register – it is the entire process of electing leaders in about who they vote for. Do the illiterates April, much the same way motor park touts know that one can only vote where one has who load vehicles see themselves in registered? So, if they intend to vote, how relation to the driver or passengers’ do they plan to go to the remote places and comfort. We even have an expression for vote against the candidates to be dictated that: “Wetin concern agbero with overload?” by the same persons who paid them to register? And where they do not intend to The answer: Nothing!

While I do not totally agree with that vote, how have they helped themselves and answer, I’ll limit my dissent to the their future? So, head or tail, they lose. That “nothing” in relation to the question: is the tragedy.

Then, there is the law of sowing and “Wetin concern student with where im do voter registration?” Indeed, a lot concerns reaping. You cannot collect money from a the undergraduate with the process that corrupt leader for equally doubtful reasons, produces our leaders; he is much more and expect to succeed. Whatever goes affected by this than even his parents. This around comes around. Brian Tracy calls it is because the parents are already on their the “iron law of human destiny”. It is the way out of the work force, but the student same elementary Physics which Isaac

Ngozi Agbo

Entrepreneurship is becoming a fad among students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. One of those involved, although with a difference, is Faith Olufemi, a 400 Level student of English Education.

She speaks to HANNAH OJO, (300L English) on what has kept her going.

‘Hardwork is rewarding’ expansion?

I have been able to expand my business by learning and teaching other students. I have also added tailoring which I learnt during the last school closure in February.

It may interest you to know that the woman I learnt from is even a master’s degree student at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

How rewarding has the business been?

The income varies considering certain factors. The gain I make when I sell to students is not much but it sums up to something tangible when demand is much.

Also, there are people who want to learn without paying and they even want the best deal with the most ridiculous deal. All the same, it is a rewarding venture. I believe handiwork can help fetch extra income.

Newton calls the law of “action and reaction”.

You do not fight evil with evil and really expect to succeed. Even where you seemingly do so, it is called “apparent prosperity”. Sooner or later, like a house of cards, everything will crumble.

Just months after, many are gnashing their teeth and wondering what went wrong. Nothing went wrong at all; we are simply reaping what we sowed. No matter claims to the contrary, I still believe that what we had in April is still the best compared to other elections we have had since 1999. But rather than blame an Abel Guobadia or Maurice Iwu, we have ourselves to blame for allowing silly emotions and our bellies to dictate our choices.

I dream of the day we will have a mass of “elite youths (my term for undergraduates)” who will understand that the redemption of Nigeria lies in their hands. I dream of the day when such youths will transform into champions of change (apologies to Ayodele Obajeun), break barriers of religious intolerance and tribal prejudices and say “No” to the yoke of oppression by the ruling elite. Yes, I dream of elite youths who will be wise to what Nigeria ought to do at every point in time.

I know there are many students out there who have values. They will never do what some of their colleagues have done because they know that it is a sure way not to make “brisk money” or even any money at all.

To these ones I urge: Nigeria waits for your manifestation. I look forward to the awakening of such youths who will no longer allow shallow sentiments override their better judgment.

Ciao The original article was first published on February 10, 2011. This is an edited version, to reflect current realities.

‘Tomorrow is for those who eye the top’

•Emmanuel

H

OW do you feel winning the election?

It is undeniable that every winner in all human endeavours is expected to be happy about his victory. I am excited becoming the winner and the union’s president.

What do you expect from your opponents?

My advice to my opponents is that they should come to terms with the fact that life is not all about winning but falling and rising. They should not see the contest as an end

Emmanuel Diykuk is a 300-Level English Education student at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Pankshin, Plateau State. He won the Students Union Government (SUG) presidential election, the first degree student to occupy the position. CHIDIEBERE UMEORIZU (300-Level EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING) met him. but a means to an end because tomorrow holds a lot for those who have their eyes on the top.

How do you intend to combine studies with politics?

It won’t be easy but I will do my best as a comrade and still be serious with my studies.

What are your challenges?

The major challenge is how to harmonise the vision and mission statement of my administration

with the reformation ideologies.

How far have you pursued the realisation of your promises?

It is too early to say I have achieved some of the promises I made during the campaign. Well, I may say, for now, I have submitted our agenda for the projects mentioned in my manifesto and I believe every thing would be done accordingly.

Unending travails of graduates •Continued from page 29

though I am optimistic of getting a good job someday, I had to take this job out of frustration because I was tired of staying at home without working.”

Ifeoma Okoli is another graduate, who had to adopt because of the challenges of getting a job. After graduating with a second class upper in Sociology from the Delta State University, she had to take a job as a clerical staff member in a local church to survive.

She said: “My pastor offered me this job after many months of searching for a job in Lagos. Although I completed my youth service recently, getting a job has really been frustrating. I took this with both hands because I know people who graduated long before me who are still hunting for jobs.”

The unemployment tale takes an interesting twist when one considers the activities of some agents who take advantage of desperate graduates seeking employment.

These agents who are found in various parts of the country pose as representatives of some elitist firms and lure job seekers into parting with large sums with a promise of helping them get a job.

A few have embraced entrepreneurship as a way of escaping the unemployment menace which is on the rise.

Olatunde Ogunjimi, a final year student of History at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, says his parents encouraged him to learn a trade during holidays to become self-employed once he graduates. Olatunde, who now runs a barbing salon on campus, took his

parents’ advice after his brother, who graduated in 2009, waited for more than a year to get a job in Lagos.

“My father ensures that all his children learn a trade even as undergraduates. I decided to learn this trade so that when I graduate and there is no job, I can take care of myself. I am not a pessimist but the situation in this country requires that one prepares for uncertainties,” he said.

As the number of unemployed graduates continues to grow, medium-scale entrepreneurs are optimistic that things can improve if the government takes some urgent steps to address the situation. Those who spoke with CAMPUSLIFE opined that if the power situation is improved, many graduates will be employed.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

31

CAMPUS LIFE

A new dawn at UNIBEN Students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have gone to the polls to elect officers of the Students Union Government (SUG).

GILBERT ALASA (200-Level FOREIGN LANGUAGES) and OSATOHANMWEN EDOKPAYI (300Level CROP SCIENCE) report that it was a keenly contested election.

T

HERE was tension in the air recently at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). This time, it was not the Boko Haram scare or the fear induced by the exam timetable released by the authorities.

It was this year’s 2011 Students Union elections. For many students, the memory will linger for a long time, following the intrigues that preceded the polls.

It started with debates at various faculties. Stakeholders across the 13 faculties were determined to field consensus candidates to increase

•SUG members with UNIBEN’s principal officers

their chances of success at the polls.

At the Faculty of Medicine, three aspirants initially expressed interest to run for the position of president.

But, barely a day to the primary elections, two aspirants voluntarily stepped down. Four indicated interest at the Faculty of Law but the primary election was boycotted.

However, at the Faculty of Arts, the primary election created more hurdles than expected. Disagreements ensued between a presidential aspirant, Steven Udensen, and the faculty’s executive members who failed to inform him of the date for the election. The primary election was esentially cancelled to avoid generating bad blood.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the polls, the university management set up a 13-member electoral commission. By the time the commission completed its screening, only four candidates of the 14 who bought forms for the presidency were cleared. A source said some of the aspirants were not cleared on the strength of the security issues against them. Others were disqualified due to their poor academic

standing.

As soon as the list of qualified candidates was made public, campaigns started in earnest. There were posters and handbills on notice boards and walk ways.

However, 24 hours to the manifesto day, a presidential aspirant, Agbi Lucky, was disqualified by the school management for allegedly “raising a false alarm”. He had protested in a letter pasted in various hostels that the authorities had endorsed another presidential candidate, Osahon Ogieva of Life Sciences.

Then came the manifesto day where all the aspirants were expected to convince voters on why they should be elected. Before the manifesto, Ogieva was tipped by many as the likely winner. His campaign appeared to be the best, having more students shouting and singing his name.

Orogun Eniwake from the Faculty of Agriculture also won the hearts of the students with his well cut-out programmes. His campaign centered on creating value for students by utilising their skills, passions and

knowledge of their courses. An electoral observer described his presentation as “a moving speech by a moving leader, carefully spiced with clear and practical programmes for students.”

On the election day, voting started at 9am and ended 3pm. When CAMPUSLIFE visited Hall 2, a polling unit for students of the Faculty of Arts, the elections were peaceful.

In other units, some students who had only their departmental identity cards were not allowed to vote as the electoral officers insisted that they produced the university ID card.

Collation of results began immediately after voting and dragged into the night.

At about 11: 47p.m, some students started chanting victory songs even before the results were announced at the Students Affairs Division.

With 1,164 votes, Eniwake Orogun was declared winner. He was followed by Osahon Ogieva who polled 1,118 votes.

Marian Akabudike won the vice-president seat; Daniel Ogboro (Secretary General); Chinyere Odiaka (Director of Finance); Onyinye Caleb (Director

of Sports); Innocent Okotubu (Director of Welfare); Benjamin Richard (Director of Information and Publicity) and Enuji Miracle (Director of Socials).

The new executives were sworn in at the Central Administrative Building.

The ceremony was graced by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Onibere.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Okhuoya; the Registrar, Mrs Ogboghodo and other principal officers as well as the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. George Eriyamremu; Dr. Orhue and the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, represented by the Deputy Registrar of the State Judiciary, Chief Magistrate Nosa Ehigiamusoe, who administered the oath of office.

In his inaugural speech, the new president of the SUG, Eniwake called on everyone to join hands with him to deliver the dividends of true unionism to students.

Students of Kwara State Polytechnic (KWARA POLY) have protested the proposed ‘demolition’ of cultural monuments on the campus by the management. MOHAMMED ALABI (Law School, Enugu) writes.

•A statue of Ilorin Emirate horse rider

T

HERE are striking features a first timer will notice at the Kwara State Polytechnic (KWARA POLY) and they constitute what the students sum up as “the good, the bad and the ugly”.

On the positive side are the landscape, well groomed and nurtured by horticulturists, and the “cultural centre” strategically located close to the new administrative block.

Standing out here are the various EFT funded buildings.

On the other hand, there are uncompleted buildings, dilapidated structures, over-crowded classrooms and saved kiosks in Oke-

•Igbo students statue

•Eyo masquarade statue

Kwara Poly: Melting pot of Nigeria’s cultures Oyi campus of the institution by business-minded individuals. But amidst all these, one thing stands out - the cultural centre.

Given the hustling and bustling nature of life on the campus, the KWARA POLY cultural centre provides an interventionist recreational atmosphere of sort. Students and visitors alike agreee that it should be upgraded.

Olakunmi Alabi, the outgoing president of the Ilorin Emirate Students Union, told CAMPUSLIFE that what has now become a convergence

of Nigeria’s ethnic culture started with the ‘horse rider’ statue of the Ilorin Emirate Council. “For years, the horse rider statue used to be the lone monument at the spot until recently when other associations deemed it imperative to have a symbol of their ethnic nationalities positioned near that of the Ilorin group as a form of representation,” Olakunmi said.

However, the development has created an explosion of cultural statues as more monuments are being

erected, the latest being that of the Erin-Ile Students Union, a womanwith a baby strapped to her back upside-down . The line-up of the monuments has continued to attract the attention of students who joyfully take photos of them and transmit same to their colleagues. According to Bolaji Abdurauf, a graduate of the school, the centre has become a source of pride to the students of KWARA POLY. The students see the centre as an avenue to relax with their “ances-

tors.” This popular perception may well account for the opposition of the students rumoured decision of the Mashood Elelu-led management to dismantle the structures based on the notion that the ethnic monuments are indiscriminately erected.

The students argue that instead of dismantling the monuments, the authorities should positively channel their energy to discover the tourism potential of the centre and generate revenue for the school.

32

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

CAMPUS LIFE

Radio station pushes for equipment

C

RYSTAL FM (107.5), the campus radio at the Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko (AAUA), has run into hard times after rain damaged some of its cables. The Studio Manager, Teniola Bature, told CAMPUSLIFE it has been difficult to transmit since then.

He said: “On several occasions we have had to climb trees to locate faults each time it rains and we are losing our audience. We have strained every nerve but all we have seen are mere promises.

We need a licence, a transmitter, a befitting studio, generating set, •Alaroye vendor (second left) being congratulated by Olaoluwa (left)

Rotaract donates kiosk to vendor

A

S part of activities marking the end of the first quarter of the Rotary year, the Rotaract Club, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) chapter, has donated a kiosk to a campus newspaper vendor, popularly called Alaroye by the students.

The event also witnessed the launching of song books, and magazine containing the report of the first quarter of the Rotary Year.

Speaking at the occasion, Deji Akinwalere, who is the president of the Rotary Club, Akure, praised the club for its achievements in the first quarter of the Rotary year.

He said: “We have had reports

From Dayo Ojerinde AAUA

about your efforts on the fight against polio. Rotary club has a great passion for polio eradication and there is no amount of work that could be enough on that, it could only be applauded.”

The Assistant District Representative (ADR), Ayo Olowoyeye, advised members not to relent in their service to humanity, saying “you have a good standing in the zone now. If you continue like this you will be duly rewarded.”

Appreciating the gesture, the vendor said: “I have been doing this newspaper business for a long

time and I used to hawk in the sun without having a designated stand. But with this stand, my work will now be easier. May God bless Rotaract Club.”

Speaking on the motive behind the gesture, the president of the club in AAUA, Olaoluwa Olugbodi, said: “Rotaract is a humanitarian club and our service is to humanity. We do not take pleasure in people suffering or people being sidelined because they do not have money to take care of themselves. This is just the first quarter of the Rotaract year, we expect to do more to help improve our immediate environment.”

Drama unfolds in OAU

T

HE Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife community, has been in a festive mood since last week.

This followed the commencement of the festival of plays kicked off on October 10, with the plays: Our Spiritual Inheritance and Draw the Line by the Jesus People Drama.

•A scene in Draw the Line From Opeoluwa Sonuga OAU

The celebration continued with Oronsen, an inspiring play written

by Akin Olorunsola which was

held on October 18 to 20. Despite the ongoing tedious academic schedules, CAMPUSLIFE observed a good turnout at all the stage plays.

Students register for carry-over courses

A

T the senate meeting held on August 25, 2011, the management of Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH) Yola, agreed to organise re-sit of examinations for students, called summer semester.

News of the development first filtered into the campus the following day, but was dismissed as a rumour by the students until a school circular came out last month to confirm it.

Jubilation broke out among the students, but some staff who spoke under the condition of anonymity denounced the move, saying it will encourage laziness among students.

The students praised the Vice-

T

HE Prima Strata club of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has held its annual National Law Students debate. It was held at the institution’s Amphitheatre.

The participating institutions included University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Ekiti State University (EKSU), Lagos State University (LASU) and OAU. Other schools billed to participate could not make it to the event.

From Silas Edet MAUTECH

Chancellor of the university, Prof.

Bashir Haruna, for the move.

Nurudeen Bashar, a member of the Students’ Union, applauded the idea of summer semester. He said: “It shows the VC has the interest of students at heart.”

Paul Onougba, 300-Level Agric and Environmental Engineering, said: “Summer semester is the greatest decision made by the present VC apart from expulsion.

It should be a continuous process.”

David Balogun, 300-Level Statistic and Operation Research, said:

“The summer semester idea is very good one for once, the school authority is considering the students. I pray it stays for a long time”.

The university dropped its former name-Federal Univeristy of Technology on October 1 This was in line with a directive from the presidency last August to change the name of the school. Most students say they are not happy with the change of name. According to them, it is not what the school needs at this point. Some are indifferent to the change of name. They say they are interested only in the degree certificate not thethe name on the certificate.

Varsity wins contest From Caleb Adebayo OAU

Justice Bola Ademola, of the High Court of Ondo State, chaired the event. The debate began with LASU students speaking on Non interest banking: A blessing or a doom for the banking sector vis- a-vis the Nigerian economy.

OAU followed with the topic The call

for removal of oil subsidy in Nigerian petroleum industry: A blessing or a curse for the sector.

Speakers from UNILORIN and UNAD also spoke on their respective topics.

OAU was, however, declared winner and was awarded N100,000 while UNAD came second with N80,000 and LASU came third, winning N70,000.

From Babatunde Alao AAUA

among others”.

The 400-Level student of Banking and Finance said the university management was supposed to foot the bill of the broadcast station and how the station has placed itself at the service of the university community. “During the last armed robbery in Ikare, it was on this station we informed everybody and told everyone to be careful,” he said.

Another staff member, Henry Olukayode, of Educational Management, lamented. “It is unfortunate, despite our talent, we are being treated this way.”

He urged the management and the Ondo State government to help, saying, “with the 21st century university being preached, we ought to have a transmitter, even if it is a mini one. I believe they can do it.”

‘On several occasions we have had to climb trees to locate faults each time it rains and we are losing our audience’

Freshmen receive orientation

T

HE 2010/2011 intakes of the University of Maiduguri have completed an orientation programme on the campus.

The event, which took place at the El-Kanemi Hall, had in attendance the representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof M V U Gaya, Chairman of the occasion, Prof Frank Carew, deans of faculties, principal officers of the university and Students Union leaders.

In his opening remarks, Prof Gaya explained that the purpose of the orientation was to familiarise students with activities and to educate them on life on campus.

The students’ excitement heightened when they were each presented with a book titled Readings in Study Habits and Examination Taking Techniques. According to the chairman of the occasion, the book which addressed time

From Taiwo Isola UNIMAID

management, study, reading and learning skills, use of library and resource materials and examination taking techniques was to help the students have a successful sail.

Mrs. I. Mbahi of the Counselling and Human Development Centre encouraged the students to visit the centre if they need attention and solutions to pressing issues. She advised them not to take laws into their hands. She warned of the danger and risks associated with seeking solutions to their problems from friends as they might get the worst of the bargain.

The orientation was brought to a close by closing remarks from the Acting SUG President after which the students were treated to refreshments.

Students’ night of events

L

AST Friday was a night of events at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

It was a night for all classes of people-party freaks, lovers of theatre and music lovers.

On parade were: the Sophomore and Freshers award night held at City Hotel, Ijebu-Ode; the Chemical Science Award night; a stage performance of The Enslaved Virgin Girl (a play), the Performing Arts initiation ceremony; and music at Winners Chapel.

The City Hotel party started with the national anthem. The event was anchored by a local but popular comedian, Baffy, who thrilled the audience with rib cracking jokes.

Awards were given in between performances by Bush Boy, Double F and Brain. The award category

From Modestus Diko OOU

included Most Popular, Most Attractive, Face of Sophomore, and Personality of the Year. Mr Personality was given to Ayodele Jaiyesimi, while Tesola Oshoboke became the New Face of Sophomore.

The stage performance and the Performing Art initiation took place at the Lecture Theatre Mini-campus.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, a Biochemistry student, Toluwani Odusina, who attended the initiation and stage performance, said: “I wish I could divide myself into five so I could have a glimpse of other events but I love theatre that is why I chose to be in the theatre event. Tonight is indeed a night to remember”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

33

CAMPUS LIFE Two Nigerians shine in US

T

•Members of Unilorin SRC with some lecturers

T

HE University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Students’ Union Government (SUG) has organised a one-day orientation for the members of the Students Representative Council (SRC). The event took place at the Geology Lecture Theatre (GLT).

Speaker of the students parliament, Abass Adeniyi, in his address of welcome, urged the SRC members to “work in unity to achieve our common goal.” Dr. A.O. Oniye, a lecturer in the university, delivered a lecture entitled: The role of peaceful inter-relationship between the students’ union and the University administration.

Union orientates members From Wale Bakare UNILORIN

He urged the students to ensure that the welfare of students remain their cardinal goal. He said: “The students union and the university have a mandate you must obey; that is the constitution. No university wants to go below its standard to please the students. As students’ representatives, you must know the rules and regulations so that you will not be working as ignorant.”

Mr Aliyu Abdulwasiu, ex-

speaker, urged the students to do their best. “You are not allowed to use the old means of Aluta by disobeying the university rules. Different students’ union government in the past have made impacts, so I urge you to also ensure that your own tenure is successful,” Mr Aliyu said.

Dignitaries who graced the event included Prof Sunday Umoh, Dean of Students Affairs who was represented by his Sub-dean, Dr A.O. Oniye, Counsellor Education Department and Mr Dare Akanbi, Director, Legal Unit.

Student marries six days after final exams From Folajimi Orintunsin and Faith Olaniran FUT MINNA

“I

AM the happiest person on the earth today” were the words of Oluwatosin Makinwa, a graduating student of Biochemistry from the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA), who was overwhelmed with joy after exchanging marital vows with his long-time friend. The event took place at the Eagles’ Assembly Prophetic Mission, Minna, Niger State and was anchored by Prophet Femi Elijah.

The classmates of the groom, who came in their numbers to be part of the celebration, six days after their final paper, were seen in their colourful Aso Ebi. Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, the bride, who could not hold back her joy, said: “I knew from the onset that our relationship will go far.

Despite the fact that he was on campus throughout the courtship, God helped us to solidify our love.”

Oluwatosin advised his classmates to equally prepare for marriage, saying life is all about challenges and responsibilities.

•The couple, Oluwatosin and Sarah

Students urged to learn the ropes

M

ASS Communication students in tertiary institutions have been urged to imbibe the habit of reading to gain vast knowledge and succeed as a journalists in future.

A media aide to the Ogun State Governor, Mr Babs Daramola, stated this at the annual ‘Career talk show’ organised by the graduating students of the Mass Communication department of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State.

Mr Daramola advised the students to learn the ethics of the profession and be ready for the hazardous nature of the job, stating that there is no profession without ups and downs. He described journalism as a most challenging job. Daramola also advised

From ‘Tosin Ajuwon OOU

the students to polish their English to be sellable when searching for job in the media. He said: “If your English is bad, you have no business in journalism except in a situation where your uncle knows the General Manager of a media house.”

Head of Presentation, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Metro FM, Mrs. Funke Durodola, highlighted the need to tell Nigerian stories in a more sensitive and mature manner. “Let us speak the truth about the Nigerian stories. BBC and VOA will come and tell our story in a wrong way from their own perspectives and keep talking down on

us. You have the responsibilities to tell the Nigerian stories and speak the burden of your generation as a story teller”.

While advising the youth to shun divisive tendencies, Mrs. Durodola said telling the story of Nigeria starts from identity. She berated some Nigerian youths who now found themselves with the habit of anglicising their names.

In his remarks, the Head of the Mass Communication department, Dr. Gbenga Daly, commended the two guest lecturers for their assistance in producing quality broadcasters from the institution.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to Mrs. Durodola and Mr Daramola.

WO students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), who represented Nigeria at a global contest, came second behind t h e i r c o u n t e r p a r t s f r o m the U n i t e d S t a t e s . Ten teams participated.

It was at the international exhibition and 81st yearly meeting of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) in San Antonio, Texas, between September 18 and 22.

During the competition tagged “The challenge bowl”, postgraduate and undergraduate students were asked classroom and field questions on the discipline. At the finals, the US representatives from Brigham Young University (BYU) came first while the Nigerian team from FUTO came second. Other institutions that participated in the contest were the University of Houston, US; Jomo Kenyatta University, Kenya; Kwame Nkrumah University, Ghana; University of Mining and Geology, Bulgaria; University of Stanger, Norway; University of Oklahoma, US; University of

From Stanley Ejike FUTO

Colorado, US; University of Naples and the University of Calgary.

Philip Ajaebili, a First Class student, and Eric Ezemobi, of Geology department represented Nigeria. The students were given a plaque, certificates of participation and some money.

Before the finals in the US, the FUTO team beat other participating schools in the inaugural challenge bowl to emerge as the country’s representatives.

Philip told CAMPUSLIFE his experience. He said: “The experience was remarkable, especially travelling abroad for the first time and meeting professionals from across the globe. I really want to thank the SEG foundation for the sponsorship, FUTO management, Geology department, and my parents.”

The students attributed their victory to the exposure they had during their industrial training and summer school, all at Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).

Students dialogue for peace

T

HE Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG) has conclued negotiation over the crisis which led to the closure of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (FEDPONEK).

The negotiation which lasted two weeks was rounded off with a press conference.

In a two-week tour round some crises-torn institutions in the Niger Delta area, NIDSUG met with the managements of the schools. Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka, University of Calabar (UNICAL), and FEDPONEK. In Calabar, the students met with the Assistant Director of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr Bassey Ntewo. He expressed concern over declining security in institutions of higher learning and called for more attention to be placed on the security of lives and property. He condemned the behaviour of UNICAL students who destroyed property in August.

Efforts by the delegates to meet with the Vice-Chancellor were not successful. NIDSUG was told that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof James was not in town.

At FEDPONEK, the students met with the Rector, Dr. Celestine Njoku who condemned the riots by the students of the school. She expressed pity over the death of a student, Prince Nwolu, who died

From Emmanuel Shebbs FEDPONEK

as a result of the crisis.

As part of the negotiation process with the management, NIDSUG organised a stakeholders meeting which was well-attended. It also had a representative of the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, in the person of Mr. Dike U. Dike in attendance.

At the end of the meeting, NIDSUG President, Jeremiah Genesis, read the communiqué. Part of the 11point agreement included the need for the management of FEDPONEK to visit the parents of the late Nwolu.

He also called for the replacement of the Dean of Students Affairs, who he accused of not managing the crisis well.

Some FEDPONEK students spoke. Victor Eze said: “Negotiation is the answer in this case. The students union should see the need to liaise with the management at all times. I’m happy to have attended this meeting.”

Another student, Chidimma Ukanwa, said: “NIDSUG has given me the opportunity to hear from the management’s side. Now I have heard the truth from my Rector and the school officials and I know they mean well for us”.

‘Negotiation is the answer in this case.

The students union should see the need to liaise with the management at all times.

I’m happy to have attended this meeting”

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

34

CAMPUS LIFE Penultimate Thursday, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), Dr. Sarah Alade, was the guest lecturer at the commencement lecture of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State. MARIAM ADEYEMI (400-Level EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT University of Ilorin) reports.

A

GAINST the backdrop of commercialisation of university education and the skyrocketing fees students pay to acquire knowledge in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) deputy governor in charge of Economic Policy, Dr. Sarah Alade, has advocated a non-profit making education system.

She equally urged faith-based universities to be mindful of their charges in the process of dispensing knowledge.

That was the message students, parents, guardians and management of Bowen University took home penultimate Thursday when the institution held its fifth Commencement lecture series – a programme to usher in the 2011/ 2012 set of students.

In her paper entitled Tough choices: The challenges of educating Nigeria’s future leaders, Dr. Alade said: “In order to achieve the primary aim of producing young men and women of high integrity and good character, I want to appeal to the authorities of private universities not to run their institutions as profit-making ventures but focus on producing graduates who can compete favourably with their counterparts globally.”

Dr. Alade noted that in line with the rapid expansion of tertiary institutions, students enrollment in various disciplines increased dur-

‘University education should be non-profit’ ing the period of 1999-2010.

Enrollment into Nigerian universities increased from 358,758 in 2001 to peak at 1,096,059 in 2007 but declined to 605,068 in 2010.

She added that the enrollment into polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education followed a similar pattern, having increased during the period of 2000 to 2010.

She said: “The decline in the enrollment of students in tertiary institutions in the period 2008 to 2010 is traceable to the high tuition fees charged by institutions in Nigeria coupled with the poor state of the country’s educational system.”

She maintained that the challenges of coping with the future rests solely on the youths who are being groomed as future leaders, saying the choices they make today will definitely determine their ability to adequately address their future challenges.

“The government, academic institutions, parents and the students have roles to play in building the future leaders we desire,” she said.

Welcoming guests and students, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Timothy Olagbenro, said Bowen University had set the

•From left: CBN Osogbo Controller Joseph Atteh; Bowen VC, Prof Timothy Olagbenro; Visitor to Bowen University, Visitor, Dr Samson Ayokunle; Guest speaker, Dr Sarah Alade and her husband, Dr Alade

pace by being the first institution in Nigeria to inaugurate a commencement lecture series to formally mark the beginning of a new academic year.

Highlighting the aims of the lec-

ture, Prof Olagbenro said: “The commencement lecture series is to set intellectual and spiritual tone for a new academic session and to promote interaction among academia in order to facilitate a

Following a change of the administrative baton at the Lagos State University (LASU) students of the institution have also set their expectations. Some of them spoke with NURUDEEN YUSUF (100-Level ISLAMIC AND COMMON LAW) on what they expect from the new Vice-Chancellor.

better understanding and appreciation of the vision, mission and the philosophy of Bowen University.”

Dignitaries at the event included Osun State Branch Controller of the CBN, Mr. Joseph Atteh

Man O’ War organises group survival From Caleb Adebayo OAU

•Olateju

•Prof Obafunwa

•Lai

O

Students want more from new VC

NE of the major problems facing the Lagos State University (LASU) is its leadership crisis. The crisis has led to a string of strikes that paralysed academic activities in the university for months.

After a long leadership tussle, Prof. John Obafunwa was appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor last month. Prof. Obafunwa, a forensic pathologist at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) and a consultant pathologist to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital has also served as a two term Provost of Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Ikeja.

As expected, students have reacted to his appointment. Although a few are indifferent, many are optimistic that the new VC can deliver the goods judging from his background. Those who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE highlighted areas where the VC must act.

A former Secretary General of

the Students Union Government (SUG), Keye Ewebiyi, said the appointment is a welcome development. He asked the new VC to replicate some of his achievements in LASUCOM in LASU. “We have had an acting Vice-Chancellor for more than seven months and expect his appointment will go a long way in solving the multifarious problem of LASU. We want him to sanitise the system. We heard that he did a lot as the provost of the College of Medicine and we want him to replicate that here in the main campus and other external campuses” For Adewale Ajogbeje, a first year student, putting hostel facilities in place should be a priority for the new VC. He said: “LASU has come of age. Hostel accommodation should be provided so that students can live on campus instead of paying exorbitant amounts to

•Mojeed

landlords in town.”

Registration and the compilation of resulst is also another area where most students of the institution seek urgent intervention.

They want the VC to ensure that examination results are released promptly and the website is updated to make online registration system less stressful.

“Our primary reason for coming here is to read, understand and pass our exams. This purpose is being jeopardised by missing results and other problems which are not the fault of students. We want the new VC to take drastic action to arrest the ugly situation and give students a good result computation software that will hasten the release of results,” said Olateju Aziz, the PRO of the Students’ Union Government.

Lai Adebayo, a 400 level student of History and International Stud-

ies and the immediate past president of the (SUG) said: “He needs to build a good staff relation so that we will continue to have hitch-free academic sessions in times to come. To ensure that, he will need to be at least 90 per cent democratic in decision making and carry everyone in the management along.”

President of the Faculty of Management Science, Abdul Mojeed Adaramola, said the fact that his appointment did not raise any eye brow shows he is loved by all. He said: “We saw how he turned around the College of Medicine using Private Public Partnership (PPP). If that is what all faculty Deans are doing, you will find out that the faculties will be growing at their own pace. With the crisis I think he is experienced enough knowing where the shoe pinches.”

THE Man’O War club of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has organised its annual group survival. The event began with a trek.

The ‘survivors’, who moved from Anglomoz car park to an undisclosed place, walked through bush paths and took instructions from the commanding officer. The march lasted about four hours.

After taking a brief rest, the students were summoned to the parade ground where they performed paramilitary exercises as instructed by their commandant. The ‘survivors’ equally played football matches and ended the event with bon fire night.

They were all awarded with certificates of participation. Some of the students who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE said the experience was worth remembering even though it was streneous.

Faculty of Law battles Pharmacy From Caleb Adebayo OAU

STUDENTS of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) last Tuesday organised an inter faculty debate as part of events marking their week. The first stage of the competition, which had as its topic as Nigerian problems: A product of faulty foundation, had been held earlier and faculties of Medical Sciences and Education lost out in the competition.

The Faculties of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Law made it to the finals but the latter carried the day and was awarded the sum of N10, 000 winning prize.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

35

CAMPUS LIFE

Boko Haram in all of us

By Olawale Ajetunmobi ridwane_4@yahoo.com

M

Y heart bleeds for my country. Though endowed with natural resources, acute poverty seems to have gained permanent license to co-habit with man-made despair and contrived tribulation inherent in the Nigerian state. How about the strength of humanity habiting the geographical space that prides itself as the heart and soul of the black race? The Nigerian story is a classic tale of profligacy in human, material resources and capabilities.

I dare say, I am a Nigerian without loyalty to my country! Yes, many readers would pick offence in the preceding sentence and deem it unpatriotic and could even use it against this writer in future if he finds itself in public leadership position. But I must add that I have no regret to have reasoned the way I have done because Nigeria itself parades leaders without loyalty to its cause and patriotism to its ideals.

My black skin colour would have been a blessing if I had found myself in countries like South Africa or Ghana or other black nations that are doing well

in terms of welfare of the citizenry, justice and security. But one seems to be disadvantaged to have been a citizen of Nigeria, which is perhaps the most perfect counterfoil of Zimbabwe - a country seen as another Siberia for the black race! The record, which the two nation-states have set in poverty development and bad leadership despite being endowed with natural and human resources, has remained unparalleled.

My heart mind blew hot as I read The Nation newspaper of September 14, 2011 edition, which published the photographs of Boko Haram suspects, who were accused of masterminding series of bomb blasts in places of worship across the northern Nigeria. My heart effused dry air not because I was shocked to have seen our Muslim brothers in the dock answering charges bordering on genocide, but because I could see the grimaces of poverty, expression of frustration and countenance of discontentment in the faces of the so-called Boko Haram members.

Prior to the arraignment, many a Nigerian had expected to see in court, chubby faces of affluent bloodthirsty murderers, whose scale of genocide can only derive its impetus from Slobodan Milosevic’s creed of mass murder or from murderous Adolf Hitler’s Final Solution campaign. But nay, the nation saw the unattractive faces of poverty-ridden vagabonds in court room and everybody seems confused whether the nomads, who could not even speak English to answer charges, could unilaterally possess an ideology of human destruction against the nation and its citi-

W

HO are the youths? They are the people whose age is above the teenage limit but not more than 30 years.

People that fall within this age bracket have a great role to play in building a society but alas, the reverse has been the case in my country Nigeria. The youth responsibility towards national development cannot be overemphasised given the fact that they are the backbone of any society that wishes to prosper in terms of economy and culture. The energy, the agility, the swiftness of thought and indeed, the physical manpower are the characteristics that make the youthful age more interesting than any stage of human existence. Youth population is the life wire of any society and the force behind a developed nation. Culturally, the youth are the inheritors of the society heritage and custom. Therefore, if the skill of this agile population is positively harnessed, a nation can be said to be on the path of greatness and development.

However, my heart bleeds seeing the negative image our youths

zenry. This piece is not to argue in favour of the accused persons, but to unravel the very reason why the illiterate mullahs would continue to throw explosives at the defenseless citizens with slight or no provocation.

In seeking an answer, one needs to examine the premise under which the country came to existence. It is true that a journey that begins with false steps is an odyssey ill-fated to end up in precipice. A nation groping in the darkness it created will ever remain in delusion until it is rescued by internal revolution or external crusade. In the case of Nigeria, our journey started on bogus move, and while still in transit to another phase in the tortuous odyssey, the nation is wobbled by the spectre of unanswered questions that preceded the voyage it began several years ago.

While chafing impatiently under the oppression of the Britain, the citizens of United States of America (USA), for instance, had gathered to forge a common front and put a stop to the tyranny of their British oppressors. After the proverbial bull was let out of the China’s shop, all diverse regions that make up the US went back to the roundtable to discuss the future and philosophy of the then emerging country. Each group argued what it wanted in American project and it was agreed upon, which is why the states still cluster up till today, despite apocalyptic civil war that almost torn the North and South apart.

Coming back to Nigeria, on what basis did the North and South agree to co-exist as single entity? Our founding fathers fought our liberty from the ex-

ploitative grip of colonialism but did not fight themselves to enthrone the philosophy of the independent nation. Nigeria won the war for independence but lost its soul to the enemy within.

Since inception, egalitarian society our founding father projected is far from reality just as class injustice remains the bane of our nation.

A section of the country arrogates power to its faintly-literate elite. Another prides itself as the proverbial ostrich that lays the golden eggs, from which the nation derives its nourishment. Yet another claimed to be the Ivy column while the other plays the economic games that traverse the length and breadth of the nation’s geography. However, the Nigeria has failed to harness the potentials despite many opportunities that came its way to be the nirvana for the black race. Our leaders squander resources and waste time on frivolities. The questions of federalism, sovereign national conference, ethnicity, citizen welfare and emancipation, infrastructure, economy and political reforms remain in doldrums.

Surely, if there is evidence that points to the culpability of successive Nigerian leaderships towards the cause of acute poverty blowing like a sirocco across the country, it is the monumental profligacy and primitive diversion of collective resources that characterized the five decades of independence. The country is underdeveloped despite unquantifiable fortunes that accrued to it, yet the likes of Babangida, Obasanjo, Anenih and their cohorts claimed to be clean.

Where then is the fortune running

have created in the area of organised crime and other vices, which have contributed to the bad press Nigeria has been given among the comity of nations.

The Internet, which is one of the greatest inventions in human history, has been converted to an avenue to scam unwary people of their hard-earned fortunes. It is no news that Nigeria’s unemployed youths have found solace in internet fraud. Our youths have talents but the skills were channeled to bad ventures. The youths may not have been blamed for the low in which they are found, though. When bad leaders are (s)elected into public office, the end results would always be calamitous for this otherwise promising population. The years of maladministration from successive government has a direct result in poor management of youth population, which in turn resulted into a low intelligence quotient for which our youths

I

By Oladele Oge

Olawale, is a corps member, NYSC Lagos

Role of youths in nation building are known when it comes to national building. The future of suppose tomorrow’s leadership occupants could not even be predicted anymore. The youths are supposed to be the bright and excellent ideas of our society, but they have been employed by our public officers to commit atrocities against their opponents in order to remain in office. Politics which suppose to be the vehicle for social engineering has given birth to new set of destructive generation that sees bombing, kidnapping, advanced fee fraud, robbery, raping and hooliganism as virtues. Politicians with character and ideology like Sir Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, all of blessed memory, have disappeared on the surface of the Nigerian landscape. What we have today is a political class being driven by personal gain, avarice, personal aggrandizement and destructive principles. Having said

that, I think all hands must be on deck in sensitising our youths towards a more profitable enterprise, because we are the parents for better tomorrow. The up-bottom approach which the government has employed to tackle the youth restiveness in Nigeria should be change if it wants to proffer a lasting solution to the problem. Education should be best vehicle to drive the youth population to the Promise Land. A child who grows up to be a youth must be made to get educated on his role towards development of our land. Nigerian tertiary institutions should not just be degree awarding houses but be prepared to develop the youths in morals and discipline. Also, politicians must engage the youths constructively in political process. Government should therefore evolve a system where political office is seen as service to humanity and not an avenue to siphon resources.

Toward restoring reading culture

oladeleoge@yahoo.com

into billions (or is it zillions?) of dollars accrued to the country since discovery of oil till date?

We have the resources to move each family in Nigeria out of poverty, yet substantial percentage of Nigeria’s citizens live in penury.

The impoverished people at the lowest rung of the societal ladder remain the butt of an unkind treatment from the Nigeria’s overzealous security agencies.

Judges prise justice away from the poor and shamelessly dispense same to the highest negotiator.

Now, who says frustrated citizens won’t take up arms against their oppressors just the way the haggard-looking Boko Haram members did?

We need no prediction of Octopus Paul to remind us Nigeria is on a reverse ride. The driver has lost focus, the passengers cannot agree on which way to way and yet the rickety vehicle is traveling on rough road to an uncertain destination. Sovereign national conference is the solution.

This way, every ethnic group would come out to present what it wants in the Nigerian project and the agreement shall be binding on all ethnic families that make up the country.

The present arrangement where power and resources are shared among a clique members, and majority of the country men wallow in want, can only give a vent to Boko Haram traits in our blood. This is what is happening now and those men were only bolder than the rest of us. If the machinery of government is changed towards the betterment of all, let us see who will carry arms against the state.

N May this year, major cities across the country witnessed an awareness campaign on promoting good reading culture among Nigerian youths. At the end of the programme, the group that facilitated the campaign took a decisive step in building diverse ways to arouse the interest of the youths towards restoring reading habit.

Regrettably, a few weeks after the campaign the concept became past tense. Only few Nigerians took the matter serious and saw it as one of the challenges leading in our education sector. Reading culture de-

cline did not start today and it must be noted that the malaise started when the military hijacked the education system during the military era. This resulted in churning out of half-baked graduates by tertiary institutions, which in turn accounted for the rate of employment in the country today.

Alas, Nigerian undergraduates have chosen to be distracted by the new innovations in information technology. Rather than find time to read novels and other books, Nigerian youths take delight in spending time on facebook, 2go, Baddo, and other social network

websites.

The coming of globalisation and its attendant advantages have not been fully utilised by our youths.

The question is: are Nigerian youths ready to imbibe the reading culture? There is a need to check the type of teachers employed both in our primary and secondary schools; their qualification should be strictly examined.

The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) must help the government to ensure that teachers are competent to be trusted with the lives of students from primary school to tertiary institutions.

By Zeenat Ibrahim blackqueen0110n@yahoo.com

Through this, youths would be equipped to engage the future of the nation with developmental zeal and see honour in service of society.

Zeenat, 400-Level Mass Comm., BUK The Federal Government must be aware that part of the problem of the education sector is lack of funds, and therefore, all effort should be made at providing proper fund for education. Quality education is the bedrock to nation building.

Parents are not left out in this campaign of promoting reading culture among students; they should curtail hours their wards spend watching films and other distracting programmes on TV. Readers are always leaders. As a result, the ideal of reading culture should be strictly adhered to achieve positive development.

Oladele, 300-Level Mass Comm., UNN

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

36

CAMPUS LIFE

Building a new campus community through student-based CSR

C

ORPORATE social responsibility is becoming an increasing concern amongst organisations who want to give back to the community they find themselves, outside the statutory requirements of the law, and usually with the underlying intent of making their community a much better place than they met it.

It is defined as the deliberate inclusion of public interest in corporate decision making with the aim of making a positive impact through their management, operations, products and their engagement with stakeholders including employees ,customers, investors, communities and suppliers. In CSR four critical aspects are usually covered •Employee •Environment •Governance and management •Education Organisations giving back to the society can create programs that make it better by affecting one of the aspects detailed above. This article, will cover how the organisation can give back to the society via improving the lives of students on campus and, and consequently improve the campus community.

The campus community is characterised by so many needs and a lot of potential that ought to be exploited for the betterment of the society.

Organisations will find this environment one that will provide them with an ample opportunity to give back to the society. Students end up being the ones to pilot the affairs of the society, and any investment made in enhancing them has a good karma on the society.

One such need, is in the building up of the marketable skills of students. Most youths today are not equipped with the required entrepreneurial tact for facing the world. The educational curriculum does not teach the skills necessary, for survival and relevance in the outer world today.

Visibly, most times students are not motivated but this can be corrected by organising seminars, which aim to empower them with the knowhow’s necessary for survival in the outer world; this could also be suffixed by bringing successful professionals in their field of study to share their success story thus, encouraging them and giving them an out-of-classroom experience of what the world out there is really like as well as what is expected of them.

On and Off Campus

By Christopher Dennis marketingcommunication@fidelitybankplc.com 07030106200/08023368374

A popular saying goes thus:“Health is Wealth” and if a close look is taken at the living conditions with specific attention to the environmental quality of students on campus, an appalling and highly neglected environment will be seen as compared to their peers in other countries around the world. Organisations could also tailor their CSR programs to improving the aesthetics around campuses in the country. They can provide large waste baskets and waste pickup vehicles, facilitate planting of beautiful flowers around the environment of the school, organise workshops specifically aimed at enlightening people on the benefits of a healthy and clean environment and award prizes to students who maintain clean environment around them as an incentive to them to maintain a habitable environment.

Organisations can invest in the development of other external skills, not native to the students’ training like art, writing ability,and public speaking skills. This can come in form of competitions organised on the campus, looking for talent in these fields and sponsoring them to be the best in what they do. This fosters a competitive mindset amongst students as well as encouraging an inward examination of one’s self to know what other talent one is endowed with and can use in the advancement of the society tomorrow.

Financing studies is another massive point of entry into the terrain of aiding to build a new campus community. Scholarship programs can be designed to offer financial relief to outstanding students on campus. This should be awarded based on academic performance as it will encourage students to take their studies and will position the organisation in the minds of the students as one with a heart for educational development and student empowerment.

The above stated mechanisms are not an exhaustive list of how organisations can step in and make the lives of students and the educational environment around the country, better. The need of a student based CSR programme cannot be overstressed as it is one with a lot of gains both for the present and the future. Every organisation should consider it, look for a way to get involved and make the campus an ideal environment for students.

Corps members to teach in Kano HE Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to post corps members to schools across the state.

He said corps members should be posted to teach if the falling standard of education must be arrested.

The governor spoke through the Director General, Kano State Secondary Schools Management Board (KSSMB), Hon. Habibu elYakubu, when he paid a courtesy call on the Kano State NYSC coordinator, Mallam Zariya Lawal, last week. The governor said, issues of insecurity, accommodation welfare of corps members will be adequately taken care of.

Responding, Mallam Zariya urged the board to organise a one week workshop for corps members posted to teach, in order to improve on their teaching skills. He also

T

•Zariya From Nosakhare Uwadiae KANO NYSC

urged corps members to dress decently to meet the cultural need of their host communities.

Associations hold election

S

TUDENTS of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto elected officers of various departments and faculties last week. In a statement posted by the Dean of Student’s Affairs, Dr Ibrahim Magawata all registered associations were given two weeks to elect their new executives. He said those contesting for any position in the Student union must have a CGPA of 3.0 and 2.0 for departmental associations.

Elections came after the warning strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff

From Mubarak Ibrahim UDUS

Union of Universities (ASUU). However, only few associations have conducted their elections. They include the National Association of Science Students (NASS), Junior Collegiate International (JCI), National Association of Katsina State Students (NAKATSS), Students Chemical Society of Nigeria (SCSN), Kaduna State Students Union (KADSSU). The elections were generally free and fair.

By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

•The students at the clearance venue

Delta students get bursary TUDENTS of Delta State extraction in University of Benin (UNIBEN) under the aegis of National Association of Delta State Students (NADETSU) have expressed delight over the disbursement of N19,500 bursary to be paid by the Delta State Government. The clearance exercise has begun in the institution.

The exercise kicked off on October 14 and students have thronged to the Students Affairs Division in their numbers to participate. Students, who spoke to our correspondent, said they are happy with the gesture and commended the government for

S

From Iduh Valor UNIBEN

the feat.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, the SecretaryGeneral of NADETSU, said: “I want to appreciate the Delta State Government for seeing to the welfare of the students. Before now, there were speculations that the 2011 bursary would not be paid owing to the political situations in the state. I want them to continue to make the welfare of Delta students a priority.” However, the bursary allowance is expected to be paid at the end of October.

37

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

EDUCATION IBBUL FILE

Ondo NYSC chief seeks CDS’ revival

T

HE Ondo State National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Co-ordinator, Mr Jaye Ojumu, has appealed to stakeholders to support the revival of the Community Development Scheme (CDS).

Ojumu said the scheme is focused on improving the quality of life of various communities.He spoke at the community development planning workshop in Akure, the state capital.

He emphasised that the sensitisation programme was aimed at informing stakeholders that for any meaningful change to occur in any community, CDS must be effective.

Ojumu said: “The community development joint planning meeting is aimed at reversing the ugly trends noticed in the community development activities in all our local governments.

"To achieve this, we must shun all

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

actions that constitute impediments to the smooth operation of the scheme's activities in community development, such as lukewarm approach to issues, poor guidance and monitoring of corps members, lack of clear direction on issues, wrong perceptions on collaboration, and improper documentation of CDS activities."

Ojumu said corps members through their resourcefulness and ingenuity, have impacted positively

IBBUL dismisses four students

in all communities in education, health, agriculture, public enlightenment campaigns.

He added that despite the achievements of the corps members in all sectors, they have been getting poor support on CDS activities from local government chiefs.

His words: "For any community development activity to achieve the desired result, local government areas must be positively involved and interested. However, the major reason CDS activities in the local government areas are not perform-

‘To achieve this, we must shun all actions that constitute impediments to the smooth operation of the scheme's activities in community development’

•Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko

ing as expected is due to lack of support from local government councils.”

He, however, appealed to CDS officers to return to the drawing board and initiate new ideas that will rebrand the scheme.

LSUBEB, IBM unveil learning computers

T

HE Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB) has launched kidsmart computers in 38 primary schools in the state. They were donated by the International Business Machine (West Africa). The programme held at the Lagos Model Nursery and Primary School, Ikeja.

LSUBEB Executive Chairman, Mrs Gbolahan Daodu, said the computer system will enhance cognitive and social development.

"Kidsmart early learning programme is aimed at promoting and supporting the effective use of new technologies in the cognitive and social development of children in Early Childcare Development (ECCDE) by increasing access to and skills in using Information Technology. The incorporation of computer into the early stages of the education process is a relatively recent phenomenon in early learning settings.

"The donation of the first set of 38 units including speakers, suitable educational software and teachers guide pre-installed on the computer, marks the beginning of a three-year partnership between International Business Machine (IBM) (West-Africa) and the Lagos State SUBEB that will boost the introduction and effective use of computers by our pupils at an early age and provide many interesting opportunities to support children’s learning processes both in the cognitive and social area."

She said the state has provided power supply to make the learning

• SUBEB officials with some pupils at the launch.

By Seun Olalude

a success.

“There will be a generator to run the programme and as we go along and the power supply is stabilised definitely, we would not have power challenges," she promised.

Mrs Daodu asked for more from the firm.

“We have 101 primary schools in this state. Like Oliver Twist, we are requesting for more of this in our primary schools,” she said.

She urged alumni associations and corporate bodies to support the drive.

IBM West Africa Director, Mr Taiwo Atiti, said IBM is focusing on

the education of pupils at a tender age.

His words:"We are in 16 countries. . We are going into 24 by the end of the year. We are focusing on education in Africa because if we can catch them young then the sky is the limit and that is why we are focusing more on education. Not only this, we are doing much more as time goes on. We are working on Lagos State and Abuja as we go on we will invest more. We are involved in this for three years but we will still continue. The company will strive to make education much better than it used to be.

LSUBEB, Director ICT, Mrs Abosede Adeogun, praised IBM and

the state government for partnering to make public education enviable.

A pupil of Lagos State Model Nursery and Primary School, Miss Eniola Adekambi, who spoke for the pupils, praised IBM and the state government for the initiative.

The kidsmart teacher, Mrs Ebun Ayanleke, said the materials make learning easier.

IBM, it will be recalled, showed interest in one out of the Save Our Soul (SOS) programmes introduced by the Lagos State government through the kidsmart computers project is a partnership between the Lagos State government and IBM. It will last for three years.

NANS demands scrapping of post-UTME

T

HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Ministry of Education and other educational agencies to stop the postUnified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) being conducted by tertiary institutions.

According to a statement signed by the NANS President, Comrade Dauda Mohammed, the continuous conduct of the UTME examinations by various tertiary institutions is an attempt to further extort poor admission seekers who are forced to pass through the undue process of paying an extra fee all in the name of seeking an admission that is not even guaranteed after such examination.

“We condemn the tertiary institutions in Nigeria for carrying out the ‘illegality’, in which they only

charge fees and subject candidates to tests and interviews, which most often take several days to conclude.

This is a clear violation of the JAMB Act as the post-UME examination is at grave cost to our parents and guardians coupled with the avoidable inconveniences and risks. It is our strong view that since JAMB has

remained consistent in its responsibilities , there no reason whatsoever to subject candidates to another round of illegal test at grave cost and its other attendant consequences. ‘’We, therefore, call on the Federal Ministry of Education and every other relevant agency to put a stop to this as we are determined to use

‘We condemn the tertiary institutions in Nigeria for carrying out the ‘illegality’, in which they only charge fees and subject candidates to tests and interviews, which most often take several days to conclude. This is a clear violation of the JAMB Act as the post-UME examination is at a grave cost to our parents’

•Dauda

every available legal means to stop this illegality and injustice against the students,” the statement read.

THE Management of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) has approved the expulsion of four students of 100 and 300 levels for acts of gross indiscipline and misconducts.

Those affected were: Abubakar Ahmed Wushishi (U10/FMS/BUS/ 109), Idris Aliyu (UO8/ADED/ 10047), Yusuf Habeeb Oladapo (U10/FMS/BUS/098), and Bodomosi A. Jibrin (U10/F/CHE/ 010).

The university said they have been ordered to hand over all the university’s property in their possession to the security unit and that appropriate measures have been taken to check their re-admission into the university.

Dept hands over Internet café IBBUL, Lapai has handed over the management of the Internet Café constructed by a former member House of Representatives, representing Agaie/Lapai Federal Constituency, Hon. Baba Shehu Agaie.

It was constructed under the 2009 Quick-Win Millennium Development Goals Projects for the Department of Development and Consultancy Services.

The Internet Café was released for effective management by the consultancy services to enable it to generate additional revenue for the up-keep of the university.

While handing over the keys of the centre to the Director, Department of D & CS of the University, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Adamu Kolo, stated that the Internet Café was released for effective management by the consultancy services to enable it to generate additional revenue for the up-keep of the university.

He stressed that it has become imperative for the institution to explore all viable means of revenue generation if her vision and mission is to be realised, adding that a viable internet centre of that magnitude should not be allowed to waste, considering the huge resources expended on it.

Varsity woos investors THE authorities of IBBUL, Lapai, have initiated a development plan aimed at attracting genuine private investors in their desire to build up world class standard infrastructural facilities at the Institution.

Its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Kolo, said the development of institutions of higher learning the world over was no longer the sole responsibility of the government or their proprietors, if the desired quality research and teaching mandates are to be met.

He said IBBUL is already collaborating with the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, for the introduction of Off-Shore Business and Policy Development Programme at Suleja and finalising linkages with universities of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, (USA), Germany, as well as South Korea on Biotechnology, Food Science Technology, Information & Communication Technology and Engineering.

Prof. Kolo also disclosed that the Department of Development and Consultancy Services of the University is offering ample opportunities for interested private developers that would develop some revenue yielding infrastructure, such as an International Conference Centre at the Institution’s Guest-House in Minna, and the field base in Suleja, Shopping Mall and some blocks of Students Hostels on the campuses of the university.

38

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

EDUCATION ACE FILE

SCHOLARSHIP

Study centre matriculates 76 A TOTAL of 76 students of Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo Part- Times NCE have taken their matriculation oaths at Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Registrar of the College, Mr Felix Aderinboye, administered the oaths on the students who were the maiden set of the off campus students that would be matriculating outside the college.

Addressing the gathering the college’s Provost, Prof Adeyemi Idowu, commended the students for directing their energy and attention to acquiring education.

He urged them to obey all rules and avoid all anti-social activities particularly examination malpractices that could truncate their studentship.

Dept wins competition THE Department of Biology in the School of Science has emerged the winner of the ACE, Ondo, Wembley Soccer competition.

The Department of Biology and Mathematics emerged finalists in the competition, which started two weeks ago.

However, Biology emerged the winner with one goal from the team Mathematics.

Presenting the trophy, the Deputy Provost of the College, Dr. Olufemi Olajuyigbe, congratulated the team, noting that since the commencement of the games the students exhibited high level of discipline.

He, however, admonished them to extend the same zeal and discipline to their studies.

Besides presenting gifts and certificates to the second and third place winners – Mathematics and History, gifts were also presented to the Most Well-Behaved team, which is Integrated Science Department.

APPROACHING DEADLINES Read more: 2012 Scholarship for International Students for PhD and Master’s Studies at Pavement Engineering Laboratory, Sejong University, South Korea : College Scholarships, PhD Scholarships, Postdoctoral, Graduate International Scholarships Fellowships http://scholarship-positions.com Fellow position is available in the group of Dr. Daniele Catalucci at the National Research Council (CNR) located at the Humanitas Research Center Study Subject(s): Cardiology Course Level: Research Scholarship Provider: Istituto Clinico Humanitas Scholarship can be taken at: Italy Eligibility: The candidate should have completed a Masters and possess basic laboratory experience as well as good verbal and written English communication skills. He/she should be highly motivated, display initiative and independence. A background in molecular and cellular biology is preferred. Salary will be based on experience.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: The laboratory is studying the functional role of microRNAs and signaling pathways in cardiac function and disease by utilizing genetically engineered mouse models, miniaturised physiological technology, imaging, and a range of molecular and cell biological techniques.

How to Apply: By Email Read more: Research Fellowship in Cardiology at Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Italy : College Scholarships, PhD Scholarships, Postdoctoral, Graduate International Scholarships Fellowships http://scholarship-positions.com NC Community Foundation offers Scholarships to Moore County Middle and High School students in Arts at USA 2012 Study Subject(s):Arts Course Level:Middle or High School Scholarship Provider: NC Community Foundation Scholarship can be taken at: USA Eligibility: • Applicant must have a demonstrated interest and talent in at least one arts discipline.

• Applicant must be registered, or in the process of registering, to attend an arts program or to take private lessons. These funds are NOT for college attendance or tuition.

• Applicant must be in grades 6–12 and attending a middle or high school in Moore County, N.C. • Applicant must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: The Barnes-Travis Arts Scholarship, a program of the Arts Council of Moore County, was established in 2000 as a component fund of the NC Community Foundation to

provide scholarships to Moore County middle and high school students with a demonstrated talent and interest in the arts. Created in memory of Harry Barnes and Vaud Ancil Travis, III, the funds may be used to attend a special arts program or for private arts instruction in any arts genre (visual art, music, dance, drama, literature, film, etc.). Two additional funds have been created in memory of local artist Carol Lawson Rouhier to award scholarships for any visual arts applicants, and in memory of actor Sara Schrock to award scholarships for theatre programs.

How to Apply: Post Scholarship Application Deadline: March 9, 2012 Read more: 2012 Barnes-Travis Arts Scholarship for Middle and High School Students, USA : College Scholarships, PhD Scholarships, Postdoctoral, Graduate International Scholarships Fellowships http://scholarship-positions.com Merit Scholarships for International Students in Canada Merit Scholarship Program for International Students (Foreign Students) in Canada, All countries scholarships Doctoral research scholarships(V1), Postdoctoral fellowship scholarships (V2) , Short-term research or professional development scholarships(V3) Study Subject(s):Various Course Level:Various Scholarship Provider: Canadian Govt, Québec Govt Scholarship can be taken at: Canada Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: The objective of the Merit scholarship program for foreign students is to support the internationalization of research activities in Québec’s institutions of higher learning, to attract the best foreign researchers and students, and to promote Québec universities and Centres collégiaux de transfert de technologie (CCTTs), or college technology transfer centres, abroad.

These scholarships are intended for foreign students or researchers from all research sectors (health, humanities and social sciences, arts and letters, natural sciences, and engineering) preselected by a Québec university establishment, a CCTT, the China Scholarship Council,TERI University, The Department of External Relations of Mexico (DER) or the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT) to begin or continue studies or research activities in Québec. There is no privileged research sector.

How to Apply: Online/Post Scholarship Application Deadline: Various Read more: Merit Scholarships for International Students in Canada : College Scholarships, PhD Scholarships, Postdoctoral, Graduate International Scholarships Fellowships http://scholarship-positions.com

UI alumni to meet Oct 22

By Sampson Unamka

T

•Vice-Chancellor Covenant University, Ota Ogun State, Prof. Aize Obayan; DVC (Academics), University of Ibadan, Prof. Olayinka; DVC, CU, Prof.

Charles Ogbulogo and Prof. Adebowale of UI, after the NYA workshop at Covenant University.

UNILORIN to spend N336.5m on WAUG facilities

T

HE University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) will expend over N336.5million on the

provision of sporting facilities during the West African Universites Games (WAUG).

Giving the breakdown of the facilities to be provided, the ViceChancellor of the university, Prof Ish-aq Oloyede, said the institution had awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of its old pavilion and the construction of an office com-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

plex for N24.5million.

The universities games slated for January next year would be hosted

by UNILORIN. He added that another contract had also been awarded for the construction of a new pavilion for N71million, adding that the refurbishment of the institution’s indoor sports hall and the fitness centre would cost N33million.

He said that the construction of

three tartan tracks would cost the institution over N163million, while construction of four synthetic tracks and purchase of sports equipment would cost N45million.

Oloyede, who addressed reporters in Ilorin, on the institution’s preparedness for the WAUG competition, said a luxury bus would also be purchased for N52million.

Oloyede added: “By mid-December 2011 when all the contracts would have been executed, it will

be very clear to those who do not appreciate yet the huge investment the university is making in improving its sporting infrastructure using WAUG as a source of inspiration.

Our efforts towards hosting the West African youth will definitely foster inter- university and regional co-operation and assist Nigeria and its neighbours in working together better to assure a brighter and better future for the youth of the participating countries.”

HE alumni association of the University of Ibadan (Lagos branch) is to hold a meeting on the recent flood disaster that ravaged the university, destroying properties worth billions of naira.

The meeting will hold at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on Saturday, at 3pm, according to a statement by the association’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Idowu Sowunmi.

Sowunmi said the meeting will also host the former chairman of the association and the immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Felix Ohiwerei, who will share his experience both as an alumnus of UI as well as a top-rated management guru in the country.

The statement added that the Chairman of UI Alumni Association, Lagos Branch, Mr Sola Oyetayo, enjoined members to turn out en masse for the meeting in view of the urgent issues on the agenda.

He said the meeting would provide a good opportunity for members of the branch to collectively deliberate on the way forward in mitigating the effects of the flood disaster on their alma mater, noting that all members of the alumni are expected to attend the meeting.

39

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

EDUCATION

Corona School inaugurates pupils, teachers into Red Cross

T

HE second investiture of 15 pupils of Corona Secondary School (CSS) Agbara in Ogun State into the Red Cross Society (RCS) has been described as the continuation of the humanitarian work of its proprietors, Corona Schools Trust Council.

The event followed the one held mid last year where 15 pupils were also inducted into the the group.

The event, which held at the school premises also had about members of staff inducted. The pupils resplendent in their white RCS uniforms, took salutes from a superior officer of the RCS who conducted a parade before the pupils were officially awarded their certificates.

It was momentous from a cross section of teachers and parents who savoured the spectacles, which included, among other things, a lecture, decorations of patrons and matrons, presentation of certificates to members, a playlet and parade segment the last two segments, being performed by the pupils.

Mr Adesina Okunubi CSS VicePrincipal (Pastoral), offered an insight into the inauguration.

“Here at Corona, we don’t just concentrate on academics of the child alone, but their total education, which include their mind and brain.

It’s one of our Co-curricular activities. Corona Secondary School is a not for profit. So, there is no financial gain in joining the Red Cross Society, but we are more concerned about the capital development of the mind.

“At CSTC, we realised that service to humanity is what is lacking in Nigeria and this is part of the reasons we introduced Red Cross because we want to encourage our pupils to join so that they know what it takes to serve humanity.

“You know, when pupils are in school, injuries and other accidents happen within and outside. We don’t know when there will be an emergency especially outside the school, but oftentimes (when it happens) there is nobody to handle the situation. Here at Corona, we have a tradition that every child who passes

By Adegunle Olugbamila

out should be able to give back to the community, which is still in line with our community service,” he said.

Mr Suraju Kehinde, an NRC trainer, Ogun State branch, lauded the 15 pupils who underwent the training, saying they all performed well’ in both theory and practical exams.

Mr Kehinde likened CSS’s gesture to a ‘revolutionary’, adding that the children could be co-opted into the organisation at a much tender age.

“For the school,” Kehinde stressed, ”it is a good thing that we start catching them young and imparting in them the training on rescue operation and rescue mission from the foundation level to ginger their interest. The society is a voluntary organisation and it’s all about humanitarian. But the only thing you can gain is experience which will help in saving lives.

“Those among them who dream to be lawyers, doctors, teachers or what have you can now have confidence wherever they are in future that in the event of any emergency, they are capable of handling it. They can also serve as inspiration to others pupils who are yet to join.”

In future, the RCS, Taiwo added, anticipates a more robust working relationship where it can also partners with motherless and abandoned babies, a part of RCS’s humanitarian work.

Similarly, the CSS RCS Coordinator Mr Musa Adekunle Rasheed, described the event as a dream come true.

“Being in the medical line, I’ve been looking forward to making all the pupils know about first aid. So, when the Red Cross came up and I was made the co-ordinator, I felt it was a challenge that if we start this from the grassroots, we can inculcate the art of kindness and humanity into our pupils.”

Precious Enahoro,Veronica Obodozie and Omotola Alase, were also rewarded for performing outstanding during the training.

•The pupils being decorated after the parade

•Mr Adekunle (left) and Mr Okunubi being decorated by Mr Kehinde

Messrs Okunnubi, Raheed and Adewale Akinwumi were also decorated and honoured as patrons.

On their plans Okunnubi added:

Okebukola urges teachers to improve on knowledge

F

ORMER Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Peter Okebukola has asked techers to improve on the knowledge of their subjects for their pupils to excel and to be at par with their colleagues in other parts of the world.

He gave the advice at a lecture he delivered at King’s College, Lagos to mark World Teachers’ Day. The event is coming at a time the 102-year-old school is executing a 25-year transformation plan.

The five-prong transformation agenda, muted by the school’s Principal, Otunba Dele Olapeju, focuses on students learning and curriculum implementation; physical infrastructure and development; staff development; value and traditions of the college and cost and financing of education in King’s College.

Okebukola, now Pro-Chancellor, Osun State University (UNIOSUN), recommended goals the college could pursue and how they could be achieved.

Okebukola said King’s College should aim to groom its pupils such that in five years, 20 per cent of those who write the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) would make distinction grades in all subjects, 80 per cent of the boys would be admitted to the top institutions in Nigeria, and 70 per cent would win academic awards, competition and scholarships offered by govern-

T

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

ments, corporate organisations and individuals.

For the pupils to be that good, Okebukola, who spoke on The Teacher factor in King’s College transformation roadmap, said the teachers must improve the knowledge of the subjects they teach through judicious use of Information Communications Technology (ICT), improve their pedagogical skills, network with the best of their peers worldwide, and undergo training.

“We expect a gradient of knowledge between the teacher and his students. You can improve your content knowledge by looking for the latest information on the topic you want to teach on the internet. Do a google search. No textbook will give you the latest information on a topic because the textbook is as good as the day it was published. Use the information you get as the basis of your lesson plan. Relate with teachers in your discipline outside the country and exchange resources with them,” he said.

Okebukola also advised schools to invite professors, experts in various fields to teach difficult concepts to the pupils from time to time.

Prior to the programme, he spent 45 minutes teaching SS3 pupils Transportation in Plants in Biology.

He said he would return to the college again to teach them a difficult topic in Genetics.

“In the next one year, I expect more pupils to join. This is the second batch.

“We now have about 30 pupils.

•Prof Okebukola

The event also served as platform to reward teachers and non-academic members of staff of the college, who had put in two decades of service, had been transferred to other schools after serving meritoriously, and had retired. Some workers were also rewarded.

They were presented with plaques and gifts, such as flat screen television sets, refrigerators, water dispensers and others. About 69 people were rewarded.

On the significance of the event, Olapeju said the aim was to motivate teachers and other workers , saying they play very important roles in the success of the college.

We have just attended a national workshop. We are hoping that we will push the membership up to 50.”

Institute inspects labs

O improve the state of science laboratories in the country, the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT)has embarked on an inventory of all science equipment in some selected secondary, tertiary and research institutions.

This is also to ensure that accurate and reliable results emanate from the laboratories and for them to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard.

According to the institute’s Public Relations Officer Mr Chris Adeyanjie, the institute will do the certification of private laboratories in the country.

He said: “We visited some laboratories and they are far from the WHO standard and what we want to achieve is to ensure all private laboratories meet the standard. And if they do, we certify them. We do not visit medical laboratories but all other laboratories fall under our mandate.”

While inspecting a science lab in Mushin, Lagos, the team checked the laboratory equipment, structure and competence of staff.

According to statement by the institute, which Adayanjie made available to our reporter, the NISLT main-

By Temitope Fatuase

tains a register of certified laboratory scientists and technologists in institutional, industrial and private laboratories in the country. The practices and performances of members are routinely monitored to enhance productivity among them in their places of work and ensure good laboratory practice. The institute is involved in the procurement, installation, application and maintenance of laboratory and medical equipment; laboratory testing, standardisation and quality assurance of chemicals and reagents; laboratory testing and analysis of samples.

One of the mandates of the institute, according to the Act that established it, is the inspection and accreditation of science programmes and laboratories in the country to maintain best practices. In fulfilling this, the Institute undertakes periodic visitations to educational institutions and laboratories in the country to maintain standards and assist in rectifying any shortcomings.

The inspection team consisted of the Director of Inspectorate, Mr Jackson Osuh; Mr Babajide Alalade, Mrs Kemi Babasesin, Mr Jonathan Eidangbe and Mr Levi Uche.

‘This is also to ensure that accurate and reliable results emanate from the laboratories and for them to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard’

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

40

EDUCATION EDUTALK

with

Productivity of govt funding

I

•Adeyemi (middle wearing native white) with the head teachers after the event

Council chair warns against illegal fees

H

EAD teachers in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State have been warned to stop the collection of illegal fees in their schools or face the music. The Chairman of Transition Committee of the local government, Chief Samiu Adeyemi, gave the warning at an event to mark his 100 days in office.

He said:“The state government frowns at the illegal collection of fees apart from those agreed upon by the Parent-Teacher Association of individual schools which must not involve coercion in any way.

Both state and local governments are quite aware of various anomalies in this wise and they are not happy with the development. The officials involved in such despicable actions should change for the better before the law takes its toll on them.”

Although the occasion was meant to mark Adeyemi’s 100 days in office, the head teachers interests took the centre stage as they crowded the hall used as the venue. They included them with representatives from zonal education office, Local Government Education Secretary

By Adegunle Olugbamila

(LGEA) Authority a as well as the Association of Primary School head teachers of Nigeria (APSHON) Adeyemi commended them for living up to their callings as foundation builders of children.

He urged them to always remember that as head teachers, if they train their pupils well before graduating, then they would have reduced the burden of their secondary school teachers who may have to saddle themselves rebuilding pupils with shaky start.

He reminded the head teachers that the council is toeing the same line with the state government led

by Senator Ibikunle Amosun to put more life into primary schools and

revamp their decaying infrastructure.

“It is my joy to to announce to you that this administration will do all within its powers to revamp primary school education in the local government,” he assured.

He said the newly completed project, the construction of a new block of classrooms with an office at Odan Aje is just the beginning of the revamping, adding that more will be provided by the council.

In their responses, the zonal education officers Sunday Babalola and Acting Education Secretary LGEA Prince Femi Olubiyi praised Adeyemi for his transformational agenda of the council chair, urging him to do more to improve infrastructure in the schools to cope with overpopulated classrooms.

‘It is my joy to to announce to you that this administration will do all within its powers to revamp primary school education in the local government’

Ondo suspends principals’postings

T

HE Ondo State government has suspended the transfer of principals and their depu-

ties.

The exercise in the recent past had pictched the state government against teachers who were aggrieved with its handling.

At his maiden briefing in Akure, the state capital, the new Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Fola Amure, however, said the re-articulation policy of the government was in progress.

He said the affected teachers who are less than 2,000 in the 296 secondary schools should go back to their former schools to correct the anomally.

Amure, who until his recent appointment was a member of the state Law Commission, said the

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

state government had taken the lead on the implementation of re-articulation of public secondary schools.

This, according to him, was in compliance with the directive of the Federal Ministry of Education, which led to the merger of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) with the Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) under one principal.

"The re-articulation policy is to restore the lost glory of education and for optimal utilisation of teachers as well as eliminate bickering among principals within the same environmment".

"The posting of all principals and vice principals is now put on hold and will be reviewed as appropriate in due course, the re-articulation

policy is on course and will be vigorously pursued in the best interest of the teachers and other stakeholders”, he said.

Amure directed all principals of former SSS to take over as principals of both sections and that they would be assisted by principals of the SSS. He added that all teachers already posted as principals and vice-principals should return to their former schools and await further directives.

On his mission, the TESCOM chair said the re-engineering of secondary education for better performance in public examinations would be his focus, and that constant consultation with relevant stakeholders in education sector would be prioritised.

Chess league postponed

A

SPORTING session of the Nigerian International School Chess League scheduled for Avicenna International School GRA Ikeja, on Saturday has been postponed.

It will now hold on Saturday, November 19 at Bellina College Akoka the league Co-ordinator Mr Kunle Fasan has announced.

The alteration in date, Fasan explained, was due to the local government elections fixed for Saturday.

While regretting the inconvenience the development may have caused participating pupils, Fasan

assured of a more exciting moments for participants as the league continues.

He recalled that as usual, the league started on October 8, this year with 410 players cutting across 25 schools. He said opportunity is still available for intervened schools since the league will nd in June.

Similarly, Fasan canvassed sponsorship from corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals.

“We want corporate bodies and individuals to support us in the current league. The league in the past had produced starlets who had represented Nigerian in international contests and made her proud,” he said.

T is easy to blame government for every problem in the education system. Usually, poor funding is the first culprit we present when nothing is working.

We happily attribute almost every challenge in the system to inadequate funds and attack government for not making enough available.

However, the misappropriation or wastage of budgetary allocations by officials and their failure to carry out their responsibilities get less attention. Even when highlighted, little is done to check waste or ensure that people given responsibilities do what they are employed to do. It is therefore no surprise that public sector workers are not as productive as their private counterparts because the bureaucracy in the system allows them to get away with a lot of things without being punished for their ineptitude.

While education definitely needs more funding, I think before any government commits money to areas of need, it should assess how what was given before was spent.

If thoroughly done, I am sure cases of waste would be discovered.

It is common for managers to complain that there is no money to do anything tangible. However, during the past week, I met with a manager who thought differently.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), Dr Ighodalo Ijagbone is actually one of the few public servants I have interacted with who has acknowledged that what government provides his agency with actually achieves something because it is well utilized.

Dr Ijagbone said despite getting the least allocation from the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, NISLT has deployed its funds to such good uses, including the commercialization of a multipurpose science laboratory, research and training, that when the minister visited them, he said the institute was the only one he had been to where the laboratories were working.

If all education-related institutions would use what they are given judiciously, we will have better equipped and maintained schools and better trained teachers which would bear positively on the quality of education our

Kofoworola

Belo-Osagie Kofosagie@yahoo.com 08054503077 (SMS only)

children receive.

Unity Schools should wake up Also, if in addition to appropriate utilisation of funds, principal, teachers, and ministry officials would be dedicated to their duties, the country as a whole would be more productive. It is disheartening that when schools are given opportunity to improve, their managers don’t jump at it. For instance, I was disappointed to learn that questionnaires the NISLT sent out since July to the 104 Federal Government Colleges (Unity Schools) to assess their laboratories as part of an intervention to improve teaching and learning of science and technology in schools, have only been returned by 17 schools.

Under the Science and Technology Education Post-Basic (STEP-B) project, each college has a coordinator saddled with the responsibility of overseeing procurement and utilisation of laboratory facilities and training of science teachers. It beats imagination comprehending why it has taken so long for 87 schools to provide data about what they have in their science laboratories, how regularly they conduct practical, what difficulties teachers face teaching the subjects, and the like, when it is not rocket science. It only entails taking inventory of what is on ground.

When I discussed with the officer liaising with the schools on the project, she expressed her frustration with the situation, which she said is delaying the intervention by the Institute. She said when she complained to a director at the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, the person said the ministry has the same problem with Unity Schools’ principals not sending in required information on time.

This is not good. Unity Schools’ principals, please be alive to your responsibilities.

A word on the late Stephen Enyinnaya Nwosu I want to use this platform to add my voice to those ca lling on the Federal Government, the military and the NYSC to bring the soldiers who killed a corps member, Stephen Enyinnaya Nwosu, to book. I was heartbroken when I read how he was murdered by bloodthirsty men in military garb not fit to represent this country anywhere.

Since there are laws dealing with how suspected criminals are tried until proven guilty, there was no reason on earth for the soldiers to kill Nwosu who was said to have gone to use the ATM of a bank shortly after a robbery he did not witness had taken place. Despite showing them his NYSC ID card, the soldiers heartlessly shot him in the leg, then asked him to call his mother and tell her he was about to die – and went ahead to riddle him with bullets. How long will uniformed men continue to get away with atrocities like this? Were they not supposed to hand Nwosu over to the relevant authorities to prove him guilty instead of taking laws into their hands? We hope this matter will not just die down without every soldier that partook in the bloodbath paying for his misdeeds.

From my Inbox

•Fasan

Re: Mr President, create an education hub (Thursday, October 13) I read your beautiful write up on education hub. I have an associate who can raise large funds to build a first class university in Lagos. How do we approach government? 0803400--Your piece in The Nation was very okay. The problem we have in this nation is corruption, both the rich and the poor, the literate and the illiterate. Unless all of us are ready to change for better, otherwise all our knowledge will continue to decay.

42

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

43

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Is Alhaji Namadi Sambo in the race to succeed President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015?

While the Vice President has denied nursing such ambition, his opponents have drawn attention to recent moves that seem to suggest that he is already putting a structure in place. TONY AKOWE reports from Kaduna.

‘In 2009, there were reports of the Vice President’s move to take over from late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua due to his failing health.

It was believed then that there were extensive deliberations and consultations across all levels of the party to have Sambo succeed Yar’adua’

Questions over Sambo’s 2015 ‘ambition’ C

HIEFTAINS of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Northwest gathered at the indoor hall of the General Hassan Usman Katsina House, Kaduna to discuss party affairs. It had in attendance, Vice President, Namadi Sambo and governors or their deputies from the six PDP controlled states in the zone. But, it was devoid of the usual fanfare associated with such meetings.

Praise singers were absent, but not political opportunists campaigning for recognition. Soon, word fittered out from the ornate hall that they came to lay the foundation for what might be the long road to the 2015 Presidential election. Already, President Goodluck Jonathan has given indication that he would vacate office in 2015.

Security operatives drafted to keep watch at the venue of the meeting did not make any move to prevent them from spreading the gospel of a Sambo 2015 presidential ambition. With a campaign van with the inscription “The Promise, Namadi Project”prominently placed at the entrance to the venue of the meeting, there was no denying the fact that the campaign for the 2015 presidential election had started.

Sambo’s media aides quickly swung into action, denying the presidential ambition of the Vice President. However, an online publication, alleged that two former Executive Secretaries of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) are behind the Sambo project. The publication named Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, the pioneer Executive Secretary of PTDF during the Obasanjo regime, his successor, Husseini Jallo, Sambo’s media aide, Umar Sani and one of his political associate, Umar Gana as those behind the project. The site said: “It was finally revealed in Kaduna today those two former Executive Secretaries of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) who were sent packing from office Alhajis Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar alias Mairago, and Husseini Mamman Jallo, and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Umar Sani, Umar Gana and other cronies of his. Jallo is a staunch politician who is now Political Adviser to Sambo. Husseini Jallo and Umar Sani were said to have spearheaded the unveiling of what looked like Sambo’s presidential ambition. The situation was said to have sent strange signals to the Presidency and his close associates from the North who are

against presidential ambition of Sambo.

At the meeting Sambo’s loyalists and their cronies showcased his readiness to run for the presidency. Hundreds of youths wore his T-shirts, and face caps with inscriptions like “Namadi Project”, Namadi for 2015", and “From Jonathan to Namadi”.

Ironically, journalists were not given the opportunity after the meeting to ask the Vice President to confirm or deny the campaign mounted at the venue of the meeting.

But Umar Sani, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity spoke on the issue. He said “The insinuations making the rounds in the media that Vice President Namadi Sambo may be preparing to contest for the presidency in 2015 smacks of mischief and is the figment of the imagination of the writers.

“It should be noted that the Vice President is resolutely committed to the transformation agenda, assisting President Goodluck Jonathan to deliver on their campaign promises. Therefore no amount of falsehood or mischief will distract the VP and make him succumb to such cheap blackmail.

The communiqué of the meeting was very explicit on the purpose and outcome of the zonal meeting. It should be on record that the VP has not mandated anyone to promote his cause as Mr. President and himself are working assiduously to deliver quality service to the people. We implore our fellow citizens to disregard the contents of such publications.”

A group of PDP youths who claimed to be supporters of the Vice President have also denied the reported ambition. Their leader, Abdullahi Kaloma, in a press statement in Kaduna, said: “I want to put it on notice that the reports is not only false but a calculated attempt to pitch the VP against his Boss but unknown to mischief makers the Vice President is committed to the joint ticket given to him and president Goodluck Jonathan by Nigerians.

Namadi is a gentle and loyal personality committed to working in collective agreement with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to achieve his transformation agenda and wish to let Nigerians know that there is nothing of such. The National Executive Committee meeting of the PDP North West Zone as the Communiqué shows was a normal meeting of the party

• Sambo

aimed at appraising the performance of the party in the last polls and also strategise for the Sokoto and Katsina polls as the committee set up for the elections shows.

“Therefore, I wish to reiterate that such reports are not only mischievous but aimed at tarnishing the good reputation of the vice president and also to create enmity between him and his Boss. I therefore call on the general public to disregard such reports which is also aimed at disrupting the good working relationship that exists between the Vice President and the President.”

Critics of the Vice President are however quick to point to his earlier claim in 2010 that he was the leader of the north. In an interview with the BBC Hausa service in October 2010 and published by an Abuja daily newspaper, Sambo was quoted as saying that he was the political leader of the North based on his current position as the Vice President, the highest office being occupied by a Northerner.

He was quoted as saying that, “it is surprising to us, but you know we do not talk much. The Almighty Allah has told us as Muslims, even as Christians, that leadership is given by Him at the time He wants and He is the only one that withdraws it. Today, no doubt, everyone knows that Allah has already made me, Architect Namadi Sambo, as the leader politically of this region (North).”

The recent moves have lent credence to comments of the Senator Muhammed Abba Aji, who was then the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters that Sambo would step into Jonathan’s shoes in 2015. When asked what the presidential race will be in 2015, Abba Aji had replied: “What will happen is very clear; Vice President Sambo will step in as soon as Jonathan finishes his tenure. We need an institutional memory in the running of government. We don’t always want to start from the beginning; we don’t always want to return to the drawing board. The court has determined that there is zoning and we

have agreed, only that this time we zoned it to South-South. So in 2015, will zone it to the Northwest and give it to Sambo. You see, it is like this, it goes to the North and goes to the South. Then in the North, it goes to the Northeast, North central, and Northwest.

Same thing when it goes to the South. Now, Jonathan is serving the southern term. It will come to the north. When it comes, we want the institutional memory to be there. We don’t want too many dislocations or distortions that will set us one step forward, two steps backward.”

The move has attracted widespread reactions despite the Vice President’s denial. Former governor of the old Kaduna State, Alhaji Lawal Kaita said the Vice President lacks the qualities to lead the country. On his part, Mohammed Musa Soba, the Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Kaduna State said: “Sambo is too much in haste and he doesn’t even have the capacity to lead the country. From the totality of his achievements as the Kaduna State Governor, he is too weak to rule a State, not to talk of the whole country. “It is too early for him to express the ambition, let him drop the ambition”.

Another group of Sambo’s supporters, Victory Forum, denied that the Vice President has any ambition, but confirmed that there exist those they called, “faceless group (Namadi Project).” According to a statement signed by Shehu Aminu, the Patron of the Forum, “this faceless group uses cars, motorcycles without number plate but uses the name of the name of the Vice President in place of the plate number which is a criminal act and should not be allowed by the law enforcement agents. Finally, we wish to categorically state that these mischief makers are being sponsored by enemies of progress who are not happy with the development strides of Goodluck Sambo since they assumed office and as such, they are bent on destabilising the good working relationship that exists between President Goodluck

Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo”.

In 2009, there were reports of the Vice President’s move to take over from late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua due to his failing health.

It was believed then that there were extensive deliberations and consultations across all levels of the party to have Sambo succeed Yar’adua.

But the governor as he then was denied such reports. One of his aide said then that they were not “aware of the development and as a loyal member of the PDP, Governor Mohammed Namadi Sambo is not in a position to object when asked to serve the nation at a higher level.

His nomination for that position is certainly informed by the level of development he has brought to Kaduna within the short period he has been in office as governor and he is sure to replicate the achievement as President.”

Reacting to the development, the Arewa Youth Forum asked the Vice President to jettison any ambition for 2015 for now and face the task of development in the North.

The National President of the AYF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gujungu, said “unless Namadi takes proactive steps and ensures that development spreads across the entire Northern states, the Vice President’s image would be diminished and he may likely lose acceptability within the political class, traditional institutions, women, peasants and youth groups across the 19 Northern States and Abuja. It must be noted that virtually all the respected traditional rulers, the clergy, political class and others in the region have attested to this fact.

We are mindful of our region, considering the outright waywardness and insensitivity of governance as it is being practiced with impunity.

“There is more than meets the eye on the so-called presidential ambition of Vice President Namadi Sambo. We say more than meets the eyes, in the sense that it is was combination of mischief and “semblance” of goodwill to plunder political crises in the country, starting from the North but riding on the back of mobilizing support for the Vice President. The political feud between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his Vice, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar started from issues of this kind and the rest is today history.”

The Vice President, considering his being the most senior public office holder from the region, must as a matter of urgency stand up and brace up to the reality of events in the North. His image is dwindling and also losing acceptability within the political class, traditional institutions, women and youth groups and also the peasants across the whole 19 Northern States. It must be noted that virtually all the respected traditional rulers, clergy, political class and others in the region have attested this fact.”

“From the foregoing, it is glaring that the Vice President is in short supply of thinkers and running out of expertise on how to manage the ongoing political intricacies and those of the future which are certain but in dire need of deciphers to carry on the challenge for the Vice President’s unflinching support to his principal President Goodluck Jonathan, which evidences shown that he is truly committed to.”

Whether the purported ambition of Sambo is real or not, unfolding events ahead the 2015 elections will tell. Now, Nigerians have to wait.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

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THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

‘How diseases can be treated through the eyes’ The eye is the window to the body. In Iridology and Sclerology, the state of one’s health can be ascertained through the eye. An expert in the field, Dr Gilbert Ezengige, tells WALE ADEPOJU more on the importance of the profession.

B

Y merely looking into the eye, a weak or sick organ of the body can be detected and corrected. These and more are done by either an iridologist or sclerologist.

Iridology is the study of the iris to assess the health status of vital organs of the body. While sclerology is the study of the sclera - the hard, firm, foibrosis outer coat of the eye, to assess the health status of vital organs of the body.

This practice offers practitioners the platform in early detection of diseased organs and proffer sustainable cure. The practice is one of the helpful alternative methods in preventive medicine.

According to an expert in both fields, Dr Gilbert Ezengige, a diagnosis can start on a patient with the use of simple tools, such as magnifying lens, iridology and sclerology charts and pen light to detect a sick organ or debilitating diseases hiding in the body.

Surprise as it may seem, this ancient practice, is offering healing to the sick, said Ezengige “By examining the eyes, iridologists and sclerologists can pinpoint stressed organs that need treatment before they manifest in either symptoms and signs that can

be picked by other care givers,” he added.

The method, he said, provides an overview ‘snapshot’ of the state of body’s organs and its non-invasive and painless procedure. “All that is needed to be done is to identify hypo and hyper functions of various organs of the body,” he added.

And for doubting Thomases on the effectiveness of the condition, he said: “The practice does not concern itself with the high sounding names of disease names but rather shows the root causes of health imbalances. This is because it shows the stages of a disease process, which could be at acute, chronic or degenerative stages. It is a holistic approach to treatment because it evaluates the body, mind and soul. It also helps nutritionally minded doctor to know the nutrients that should be supplied to his patients,” said Ezengige.

Another benefit of the practice is that the procedure could assist a practitioner to zero in to a particular extra laboratory, radiographic or sonographic test that may be required of a patient to undergo, “As it could be used to pinpoint patients’ inherent weaknesses and disease predis-

• Iridology chart

• Ezengige

positions. An expert who knows his onions would easily interpret simples things, such as the radii solaris indicative of the parasitic lines, toxic colon indicative of high enema or colonic irrigation and the patient’s health requirements.

“In the same vein, a nerve rings shows the nervous tension in the body of an edgy, tensed individual and cramp conditions in the body.

The arcus senilis shows poor blood circulation in the brain region and

• Sclerology chart

poor memory of patient. Through the sclera diagams, congestion in the colon (Large Intestine) is detected

while fork line in the heart region signify heart problem in the patient under investigation.”

Benefits of ginger

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HE rains are yet to subside.

So are the ailments that come with it. But the Chief Executive Officer, Pax Herbal Research and Laboratory, Ewu, Edo State, Fr Anselm Adodo, said there are many benefits that can be derived from ginger (Zingiber officinale), especially in the treatment of cold related diseases.

Ginger is one of about 1,400 species in the Zingiberaceae family of herbs.

A native of Asia, ginger grows well in the tropical countries. Ginger is widely cultivated in West Africa, especially in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Of species of aromatic herbs, ginger is the most powerful and the most well-known. The perennial tuberous rhizome is mistakenly referred to as root. Just as one does not call yam tuber root, so also one should not call the ginger rhizome ‘root’. Because of differing climatic conditions, each variety of Zingiber has its unique aroma and flavour.

Ginger grown in China is often mild in flavour while ginger in Africa is hot and peppery. Jamaican ginger often has very strong aroma.

According to Adodo, “Ginger contains Phenols, resins and many volatile oils, such as borneol, camphere, citral, eucalyptol, linaol, and zingiberol. It is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins. In middle-age Europe, it was an important food and medicine.

Ginger’s warming, aromatic

• Adodo

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

properties have long been used to treat colds and flu. It promotes a beneficial sweating that helps to eliminate toxins from the system and may be taken as a tea with honey and lemon at the first sign of a chill.

The fresh or dried also stimulates the circulation and is helpful for cold

• Ginger

hands and feet. It aids the digestion of food. It has a calming effect on the digestive system.

“It is not possible to list all the medicinal effects of the herb on the body, because it affects most of the body’s organs. It acts on the musculoskeletal system by reducing inflammation. This is why it is useful for treating rheumatism, arthritis,

‘Ginger’s warming, aromatic properties have long been used to treat colds and flu. It promotes a beneficial sweating that helps to eliminate toxins from the system and may be taken as a tea with honey and lemon at the first sign of a chill’

gouts and appendicitis. In the digestive system, ginger inhibits the growth of toxic micro-organism while allowing the useful bacteria to grow. This is a quality which is never present in synthetic drugs. It acts on the circulatory system preventing the formation of thromboxanes, a substance that causes blood platelets to aggregate, which eventually forms blood clots that leads to hypertension, heart attack and stroke.

It is scientifically proven that ginger is as effective as aspirin in preventing formation of blood clots in the arteries, with the added advantage of having no side effect,” he said.

Other uses of the product, according to Adodo, are: It has been an ancient African remedy for fever. It stimulates the body to perspire, lowering the body’s temperature. Simply soak one teaspoon of ginger powder into a glass of hot water, then drink.

It is an excellent remedy for jaundice and hepatitis, especially when combined with bitter kola. Mix five or 10 tablespoons of powdered ginger with an equal quantity of powdered bitter kola. Pour one teaspoonful into a glass of hot water and allow it to infuse for five minutes before adding two tablespoonfuls of honey. Take a glass every day. Do not exceed the dosage, because it may lead to over stimulation of the liver, which is dangerous in hepatitis. Some herbal scientists have even suggested

that those who suffer from hepatitis should not take ginger at all. But there is no need for such extreme caution.

Follow the dosage above and you will be safe.

It is also one of the most active herbs against cough and sore throat.

In this case the fresh, raw ginger is more effective. Simply tear off a finger of ginger and chew, then swallow the juice. Do this twice daily.

You may not like the taste at the beginning, but you will soon get used to it. Taste is simply a matter of choice.

To those who are not used to it, beer and stout taste awful. But to those who are addicted to it, it is either beer or nothing at.

It is good for hypertension and stroke.

This is due to the presence of gingerol, an antiplatelet chemical that has inhibits the formation of thromboxane.

Add a teaspoon of dried, ginger powder to a cup of hot water and allow it to infuse for ten minutes. Take a glass twice daily. You need to take this preparation for as long as three months to be able to experience its full benefit.

For the treatment of cancer, one should adopt the same recipe as for hypertension as described above and take a glass three times daily. Ginger has an important role to play in the fight against cancer.

The most important quality of ginger is the fact that it is beneficial for the body. It is, therefore, recommended that everybody makes a habit of taking ginger regularly.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

NATURAL HEALTH

Nigeria coming up with own tradomedicines (2) W HAT is poverty? Mr Olaniyi Abiodun asked me to answer this question last month at a seminar on Climate Change and Poverty which was organised in Lagos by Building Better Africa Foundation, a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) of which he is president.

I asked the questions: Is poverty having no money to take care of one’s basic needs, such as good nutrition, clothing, housing, working in comfort, leisure, holiday, and travel? Can all the money in the world buy happiness? Or, is poverty a lack of knowledge about whom one is, why one exists, what one’s environment is all about and, proceeding from this state of affairs, lack of skills, intellectual or spiritual, to obtain from the environment what one requires to exist healthfully and in comfortably?

Not many Nigerians are aware that the world’s climate is changing and that there is nothing anyone can do about that. The climate we have observed on earth since our birth is an interplay of forces deep in the bowels of the earth, in the rivers, seas, planets, comets, and stars, some of which are dead. All the planets, solar systems, galaxies and universes hang out in space, and are on the move, to where no one knows, in obedience to the Law of Motion, every one affecting all others and being affected by them. On October 4, the Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded this year’s second Nobel Prize for Physics to American Saul Perlmutter, American-Australian Brian Schmitt and American Scientist Adam Riess for discovering, through an exploding star, that the universe was still expanding. An expanding universe, of course, means new gravitational and climatic scenarios in that huge space we all hang out in, from the farthest point of the Observable Limit, that is the farthest point in the universe that the most powerful microscope can see, to the Earth, no bigger than a grain of sand in this wonderful cosmic phenomenom. Man is not left without suggestions or predictions about what the future holds in this mobile world.

What is going on is already explained in a great spiritual work existing on the face of the earth today. To the extent that he is ignorant of what is going on is to be poverty stricken. Isn’t it said that “my people perish in ignorance?”.

What is said here simply is that, the Spiritual is the Architype of the material, and that spiritual blindness begets material blindness and peril.

The Atlas of World Mysteries tells us plainly we are not the first to inhabit this earth. What looks like a huge airstrip from where aeroplanes probably flew and landed has been found, with what appeared to be a control tower, in a VIRGIN forest in Peru! The book Doomsday 1999 reveals what looks like harbours or sea docks on mountain tops. Previously flourishing settlements have been dug up by archaeologists to let people who now live in such places realise theirs is not the first civilisation on earth.

Nostradamus warned hundreds of years ago that a huge lake will surface in the Sahara desert when a second sun appears in our solar system, several times bigger and brighter than our sun, to re-arrange the solar system so that the poles of the earth would reverse, with cold countries becoming tropical and Africa inheriting the snowy climate of Europe. He says, also, that coastal regions worldwide would sink, as the ice cap melts. The earth is 75 per cent water. Plants and the human body are about 75 per cent water by the same token, as they are derived from the earth. But there is far more water in the earth than there is on earth, and the ice caps probably has more water stored as ice mountain that both the earth’s surface and the earth’s bowels combined. What would happen, I sometimes wonder, if the ice caps were to melt, as we are told is inevitable because of increased temperature on earth, and probably the energy influx of a second, bigger, brighter star. More water would fill the oceans, no doubt, and the oceans in turn would spill into lands below sea level, such as Lagos Island and Lekki in Nigeria. The rivers, too, would spill beyond their banks. Nostradamus suggests that countries like Japan would go under water as would parts of Britain and Western American Technology, product of the human intellect, would crumble before the forces of Nature. If car producing countries lie buried in the earth, where will cars come from? Municipal water supplies would be disarranged. So, I learned as a young man on learning about this, to dream of a dream home with no fewer than one borehole and one deep well. Who knows what the future would bring. American journalist Tom Kay captures graphically these possible future events in his book, WHEN THE COMET RUNS (please check on the internet), a compendium of frightening prophesies on the same subject by Prophet Ezekiel, Mother Shiptom, Edgar Caycee and Nostradamus, to mention a few of the mankind’s greatest seers. Perhaps concern for these matters in the search for knowledge may even open gateways to the Lost Continent of Atlantis and the land of the Lemurias, mystery of the Bermuda Triangle and the links of all these to unfolding events in Nigeria today which may be intended to nurture her for leadership of the New Earth (Don’t doubt it!).

I will quickly hurry away from here before Akin, from Lokoja 08035901667, ever so inquisitive about things such as these, ties the column down to them. But let me quickly add that the coastlines are already going, perhaps in a quiet instalmental fulfillment of these prophesies.

The floods of July 10 , 2011 in Lagos and, later, in Ibadan are not just about blocked drainages. The Lagos Bar Beach stretched kilometers into the sea when I was a boy. Now, you can almost spit into the sea from your car on Ahmadu Bello Way!

Medicine Where I am going is what climate change or the cosmic transformations in an ever-expanding universe obeying the Law of Motion portend for medicine and health. As a young man, I learned at the feet of a great spiritual teacher, who helped me to mould my mind, that WHATEVER IS FALSE WILL COLLAPSE and that EVERYTHING MUST BECOME NEW. Service is a cardinal principle of Creation. The stars, sun, moon and earth do nothing but render service for the development of the human spirit. Any concept or work or idea not founded on service, that is LOVE for the other, therefore, will crumble. Marriage, for example, is meant to be an institution in which the spouses not only help each other survive the strains of earth-life with minimal wear and tear, but also fulfill the primary objective of earth life. That is, to be like the seed sown in the soil, struggle out of it, sprout, flower and fruit – spiritually – to become admissible to PARADISE. Marriages are collapsing because they are false. Businesses, like political systems, crumble likewise. Today’s foundation of medicine, founded on man-made INORGANIC substances trying to maintain God-made ORGANIC substances is false, and must crumble. It is perhaps because the time has come for Mother Nature to sweep away the falsehood in medicine that a revolution that is sweeping us back to natural medicine has been sprung upon us. Nothing happens by accident. Even in world events, the world here meaning the cosmos and not the earth, there is an unseen but felt hand which gently rocks the cradle. Let us imagine that Climate Change will so seriously affect the countries which make today’s great technology driven pharmaceuticals such that, as technology crumbles before the mightier forces of Nature, they too would have to go, what would be the soft landing for humanity other than a return to herbal and natural medicine? Is this why the World Health Organisation was guided to instruct all countries 11 years ago to elevate Traditional Medicine to the level of Orthodox medicine through funding, product research and development, regulation, and education of practitioners and consumers alike? Are the countries which have obliged, such as China, and those doing so the Biblical Five Wise Virgins, and the foot draggers, such as Nigeria, the Five Foolish Virgins? Wouldn’t the positioning, now, of Hajia Zainab Sharrif, as managing director of the Ministry of Agriculture’s pharmaceutical company to produce four Nigerian herbs at this time a “hand of destiny?”

Thanks, my Press shy friend whose eyes caught this though these three words in last week’s column.

T

HANKS, also, everyone who felt so excited by the news that they called immediately for more information or gave useful advice.

Mr Eke 08037109777, happy to read about Nigeria’s own herbs and not of those from the Amazon Basin made by Raintree Nutrition company said: “Thank you for today’s (October 13) column on natural health. You are now at home. Let’s know our plants that can help us. We are not living at Amazon Basin”.

That’s true in a sense, Sir. In another sense, we live today in a global village and some herbs grow in many countries in the rain forest belt. I learned of Mormodica charantia (Yoruba, Ejinrin) from a Chinese website. It is antimalarial, anti-diabetes, anti-hypertensive. Nigeria doesn’t grow it in plantations for sustainable business. We still gather it in the wild.

Yet we need it for these health troubles. So, we patronise the Chinese and other vending nations until, seeing, we comprehend.

Comprehending, means our inner eyes open. Investments in plantation farming will create jobs on the farms, producing this herbs in capsules or as bulk herb will create yet more jobs in factories, health food shops which will spring up to sell it will create still more jobs. We would make money all round, challenging poverty, and not making money for some other lands by not drinking their non-herbal, non medicinal teas which add no dime to health. In the Law of Nature by which the strong overcomes the weak, or which takes from the one who hath not and gives to the one who has, we were bound to be overwhelmed or enslaved until, eyes wide open, we pull ourselves up by the shoe strings as we pray Hajia

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

Zainab Sharrif will now do.

Manesseh Katsa, the co-ordinator of ANAMED in Nasarawa 08036589180 said in a text message.

“I have just read your article on Morings Oleifera. It is found in every household in Nasarawa State and it is eaten as salad and in soup. HIV positive persons who are on it on daily basis have benefited greatly. The seed powder can be used for water purification We need to educate people and carry out sustained advocacy to relevant authorities for integration of natural medicine for effective health care delivery.”

Thanks for the information on Moringa Oleifera relevance in HIV therapy. It really works. In Southern African countries ravaged by HIV, mortality is lowered perhaps because Moringa is a staple in the diet. I understand it has even found its way into cosmetics for skin problems. Mr. Olajuwon Okubena, producer of Jobelyn, and Dr. Akin Adewo, former director-general of the federal natural medicine college in Victoria Island, Lagos, who are partnering with Bishop Magnus Atilade in revamping advocacy for passage of the Nigerian Traditional Medicine Law, should be gladdened by the news. Together, should we all pull.

I wouldn’t feel easy calling it a day on Moringa today without thanking, also, my good friend, Gboyega Ige (aka Sammy Sparkle) 08037221814, my 1964 – 1968 ‘O’ Level classmate at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo who called to say he gets leaves, pods, seeds and bark of Moringa Oleifera every day to make tea from the home of one of our juniors who lived near him in Ibadan. Sparkle, I am letting you off the hook because of this Good Samaritan. Otherwise, I’d have asked the city to get it supplies from you!

Worm wood

Like Devil’s claw, wormwood strikes terror in the hearts of the uninitiated. By the uninitiated I mean people who know of them only from their historical backgrounds, which may have psychic origins, and may not be familiar with their pharmacological actions and healing potential. When I wrote about Devil’s claw a few years ago, Christian Pentecostalism was deeply against traditional medicine. Pastors of that time hardly realised that literate herbal practitioners had elevated the practice beyond the reaches of the medicine man of old who was moored more in sacrifices and other ‘infidel’ practices. Today, following the lead of Dr. George Malkmus, the American Baptist Pastor, who cured his cancer with fasting an organic carrot juice for months, the church emphasises healthy lifestyles and use of herbal medicines. Herbal practitioners are often invited to speak with the congregation on health.

Rev. Father Adodo, of the Pax Herbal Centre, blazed the trail in the Catholic Church nationwide. Dr. Malkmus opened the eyes of the church with his book on why Christians continued to fall ill needlessly and die despite their prayers.

Today, even if a Christian would not like to dine with the devil, they take Devil’s Claw as a nutritional supplement for cancer, inflammation, pain, arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes, kidney, liver and gallbladder problems and other health challenges, such as backache. This is a herb the Germans took from Western Nigeria and researched for 10 years under government funding through Commission Q, the German equivalent of Nigeria’s NAFDAC, according to the Gothic Institute in Lagos. Now, the Germans cultivate it in plantations and sell it worldwide. Now in Nigeria, hardly does anyone quiver at the prescription of this herb. I guess the same will happen with WORMWOOD, one of the four herbs, as reported last week, that Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture, through its parastatal pharmaceutical company aims to cultivate and mass produce as a Nigerian herb.

Wormwood is widely known as ARTEMISA or, better still, botanically as ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM, one of today’s most potent antimalarials. With chloroquine becoming ineffective against malaria, the world turned towards wormwood. In the PRESCRIPTIONS FOR NUTRITIONAL HEALING, James and Phylis Balch, say of wormwood: “Acts as a mild sedative, eliminates worms, increases stomach acidity, and lowers fever. Useful for loss of appetite and liver, gallbladder, gastric and vascular disorders, including migraine. Applied topically, good for healing wounds, skin ulcers and blemishes and insect bites. Often used with Black walnut for removal of parasites. CAUTION: should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause abortion. Can be habit forming with long-term use”.

Robert Rister says in JAPANESE HERBAL MEDICINE that artemisia or wormwood, bitter and cooling, promotes bodily secretions, heals gallbladder ailments, infections hepatitis, dizziness, nausea, appetite loss, stimulates bile production in the liver, among other capabilities. He says that, in one study, 32 patients of infections hepatitis took between 30 and 45 grammes of wormwood three times daily. “In all cases”, he reports, “fever subsided quickly, jaundice disappeared and the liver returned to normal size. The average length of treatment was seven days, and there were no reports of side effects or relapses”.

In another study, lister reports 13 infections hepatitis patients who took wormwood, licorice, jajabe fruit and sugar recovered from fever in three days, regained appetite in four days, jaundice cleared in seven and a half days, and the liver returned to normal size in 10 days.

He concludes: “Artemesia is an important treatment for malaria, a disease common in tropical areas. It contains a chemical, artemisine, that acts against plasmodium falciparum a serious form of malaria for which artemisine is one of a very few treatments. Artemisine is also effective against the organisms that cause river blindness. Finally, artemisine treats urinary tract infections causes by Klebsiella.

Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

PUBLIC NOTICE Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI)

Alhaji Magaji Samke

Mrs. Rose D. Gyer

The following persons whose pictures appear above are no longer Executives of the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI).

The General public, particularly Federal Ministry of Trade & Investment, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, The Presidency, all State Governments, all Federal Institutions, Embassies, Financial Institutions and International Organisations are hereby cautioned that dealing with the above persons is at their own risk as they do not represent NASSI. ALL CORRESPONDENCES FROM THE ABOVE PERSONS SHOULD BE DISREGARDED For further information contact: National Secretariat NASSI WAEC Building, Wing ‘A’ 4th Floor No. 10 Zambezi Crescent Maitama, Abuja.

Or any of the National Zonal Vice Presidents: Chief Duro Kuteyi HRH Igwe Ralph Okolo Engr. Ezekiel Essien Alhaji Mohammed Ghazzali Mr. Solomon D Vongfa Elder (Mrs.) Mary Aniebe Mr. Segun Dada

South West South East South South North West North East North Central National Treasurer

Signed on behalf of the National Executive Council members above by:

CHIEF CHUKU WACHUKU National President, NASSI

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

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THE NATION THURSDAY,OCTOBER 20, 2011

e-Business Despite service outage, Nigerians still prefer BlackBerry Last week could best be described as a horrible one for Canadian technology giant and developer of BlackBerry (BB) devices, Research In Motion (RIM). It was even worse for BlackBerry users across the world who rely heavily on BlackBerry Internet Services. A service disruption which lasted about four days caused blackout in many parts of Europe, the Middle-East, Africa and the Americas. Although affected subscribers are calling for the head of RIM and planning to dump their BBs for rival handsets, Nigerian subscribers are in no hurry to do so, describing the incident as 'one of the sore points of technology,' writes ADLINE ATILI

D

ANIEL Attah is a Lagosbased software design consultant. He relies on his Research In Motion BlackBerry daily to manage his contacts database, store important documents and keep his information secure.

"I use my BB essentially as a mobile office," he says. "Nearly, everything I need to do in the office, I can do from my phone."

Mary Emmanuel, on the other hand, is a journalist in one of the national dailies. She owns a BlackBerry, which she uses to chat with friends, get access to e-mail on-the-go, browse the Internet and perform other activities related to her profession.

According to her, "The BB is a real godsend. With it I can send my stories and pictures from any location. I can also have access to news as it breaks. It has really helped me to carry out my job as a journalist efficiently. I subscribe to Google Alert and other sites that are helpful for my beat.

"BlackBerry ensures I get my mail promptly and effortlessly. With its secure, encrypted 'push' e-mail facility, my mails are delivered to my handset as soon as they are sent, relieving me of the burden of repeatedly pressing 'check mail'".

Attah and Emmanuel are two of millions of users of RIM products worldwide who have remained loyal to the BlackBerry brand -despite the growing popularity of other handsets.

To them, there is no mobile phone like a BlackBerry. The company has about 70 million subscribers worldwide, and its user base is growing explosively overseas in regions such as Western Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and South East Asia.

BlackBerry's international popularity is said to be due in part to a demand for powerful smartphones, its unique service offering and RIM's aggressive carrier distribution strategy.

Regional trends such as prepaid device offerings and tiered pricing plans have also helped to put more BlackBerrys in more hands. Consumers, businesses, and government agencies around the world depend on BlackBerry.

But last week, users experienced server outages that clogged message traffic and made accessing the Internet nearly impossible. This caused disruption to e-mail, Web browsing and instant messaging and has been reported as the biggest blackout in the company's history.

Cause of blackout

It began on Monday October 10, affecting Europe, the Middle East, Africa,

India, Brazil, Chile and Argentina, before spreading on Wednesday to the United States and Canada . According to RIM, the event was caused by failure of a core switch at one of the Network Operations Centres in Europe.

After that switch failed, the backup system was supposed to take over, but it didn't go as planned. This created a pile-up of data on the servers and left millions of BlackBerry users with slow or no service. The company has ruled out hacking or sabotage at the data centre and revealed that the failure occurred in a 'core switch' computer system, which receives and redirects millions of e-mails and messages every minute.

Despite the fact that e-mail has been restored and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) is back online in all regions, users in Nigeria confirm they still experience occasional service disruption.

RIM, however, said it will take some time for the backlog of accumulated data to be cleared through its systems.

Co-Chief Executive of RIM, Mike Lazaridis, said: "We are now approaching normal service levels in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa. We expect to see continued progress and possibly some instability as service levels come up to normal levels everywhere. I would like to give you an estimated time of full recovery around the world, but I cannot do this with certainty at this time."

Consumers mull brand shift Though RIM has offered an explanation of the problem and apologised, it's going to take more than a simple 'We're sorry' for RIM to regain the faith of loyal customers around the world.

BlackBerry's biggest fans, particularly in the developed countries of the world, are casting about for alternatives. In these countries, while BlackBerrys are still considered most secure smartphone, the brand is swiftly moving from 'must have' to 'must I have?'

Meanwhile, consumers in these countries contemplating their next smartphone purchase are looking increasingly at Android handsets, the iPhone, and even Microsoft's newcomer, the Windows Phone 7 before considering a BlackBerry, according to a recent NPD survey.

"This outage couldn't have come at a worse time," Research Manager at IDC, a research firm, Francisco Jeronimo said. "It harms BlackBerry's brand.

Corporations, users and mobile operators are now asking themselves: how reliable is RIM?"

•Service disruption or not, the BlackBerry remains a powerful tool for communication

Meanwhile, RIM's competitive advantage is slipping away.

In 2007, Nokia and RIM held the market between them. Now the field is more evenly spread, with innovation led by Apple and Google's Android Operating System, in partnership with Motorola and East Asian manufacturers like HTC and Samsung.

Subscribers in Nigeria However, BlackBerry subscribers in Nigeria see nothing to holler about the service blackout. To them, BlackBerry has provided a fantastic service to them for some years and so they are willing to forgive "just this one lapse."

"Even with the disruptions, I prefer a BlackBerry for work because it's easier to type e-mails. I'm not going to change my view because of BlackBerry's outage, but it has taught me to have a contingency plan. I'll need to have another brand for Internet connectivity, as a fallback," a subscriber, Tayo Adeniji said.

Another subscriber, Olumide said: "All companies have problems but I believe RIM will never have this prob-

lem again, ever. With the amount I heard they'll spend to compensate aggrieved customers and the confidence some people have lost in the BlackBerry brand, their platform will be hyper-resilient because if anything like this happens again it is bye-bye to BlackBerry.

"If the customers do not look for alternatives, competitors will. Services go down, I know and most people will have forgotten about it in a month or so. But as this has been such a global issue and affected businesses to such a degree that I foresee many companies looking for more robust alternatives."

Attah noted that: "Downtime is an inevitable part of the Information Technology industry. But systems must be designed so that, if one bit fails, another bit takes over straightaway. But there could be further outages if they don't fix the infrastructure for resilience purpose. An outage of service in and of itself is not necessarily fatal for a company; Facebook and Gmail have suffered them in the past, for example.

"From my experience, what is annoying is the time taken to recover the service. This particular outage was measured in days rather than hours

and this could be damaging for RIM. But I don't think people would ditch their BBs because of a mere outage when they can't quantify the benefits they get from the service. I for one won’t ditch mine.

"If people were willing to ditch services and products whenever something bad happened, most of us would still not be patronising some of the banks in this country. Yes, BB crashed and we lost three days of BB use. We did not lose three days of e-mails or other data.

"So what if we had to wait an hour or so to get to our laptops or desktops to access e-mails? We could still make phone calls or send texts. For businesses that are saying they couldn't run properly because of this outage, when there was no BB in Nigeria didn't they survive?”

But Emmanuel thinks the fact that consumers can't ditch a service or product should not give the manufacturers leeway to mess up people's businesses.

"Consumers probably won't walk away because of a couple of collapses; people can deal with that. But if the problem persists, well, that could spell even more trouble for the company.

Of course many of us can access emails on our computer, but we've all become reliant on having access to them immediately so it's confusing when the BlackBerry doesn't work.

"Because of the nature of my work, I have a large influx of e-mails from clients that all need answering and they have no idea that I'm not even receiving them. I'm a BlackBerry addict so you can imagine how I felt at that period. It is clear from this failure and the one in 2009 that they don't know how to create a modern fail-safe system.

"It is unarguable that there is no other phone but BlackBerry that can offer instantaneous email and messaging service. Yes, other handheld devices have email. But what makes BlackBerry stand out? The BlackBerry, like a wireless connection, is always there. No connecting needed. BB ensures that email is running at all times; by making it impossible to exit the push email software by accident.

"But the manufacturers shouldn't bank on the fact that BlackBerrys cannot be dumped. A rival may even come up with a better phone tomorrow with even more beneficial features and trust Nigerians, ardent fans of new technologies, they would embrace it and dump their BBs."

RIM's compensation Meanwhile, RIM has announced a compensation package for BlackBerry customers following last week's protracted outage.

The company, however, stopped short of financially compensating users affected by the issue. The company said it will provide customers with more than $100 worth of free premium applications, as an "expression of appreciation for their patience" during the period.

It is also offering enterprise customers one month of free technical support, either in the form of a one-month extension to existing contracts or via a trial of the service. They will be made available from BlackBerry App World over the coming weeks, and the proContinued on page 50

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THE NATION THURSDAY,OCTOBER 20, 2011

e-Business

Airtel earmarks $1b for service improvement IRTEL Nigeria has disclosed it will be raising its investments in network and Information Technology infrastructure to $1 billion by the end of March next year.

Its chairman, Oba Otudeko said this at a dinner organised by the company in honour of the Group Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank Plc, Dr Alex Otti.

According to him, the investment is to enhance coverage, capacity and quality of the Airtel network.

He said: “By the end of March next year, Airtel would have invested $1 billion in networks and IT infrastructure to enhance coverage, capacity and quality of the network.”

Persistent drop in quality of service delivery in the telecom sector has led to calls by stakeholders and the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for upgrade and continuous investment in

A

Stories by Adline Atili telecommunications network infrastructure.

Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah, in an interview with reporters, specifically identified congestion in the telecom networks as responsible for the poor quality of service in the sector.

Juwah said the only solution to the problem was massive investment in the sector by the telecom operators.

According to Juwah, poor quality of service had been with the market for a long time, adding that the situation became worsened by the promotional campaigns operators engage in and tariff cuts, without corresponding investment in network upgrade.

The tariff cuts, he noted, prompted subscribers to make more call, leading to congestion in the networks.

He stressed that existing telecom facilities were not enough to cope with the demand of the subscribers, since the subscribers could make more calls as a result of lower tariffs.

“NCC did not force prices down.

Subscribers demanded that the prices should come down and they did. I have always said that competition will force price to come down.

“So, having forced down prices, more people are making calls.

The demand on the network has been increased. So, people get dropped calls because of congestion.

“This problem can only be solved by extra investments in the network. It is not an overnight issue.

You cannot improve quality of service without investing more in the network. You have to build new base stations. You have to build new transmission facilities to be able to carry calls. You have to also build new switching centres.”

GADGET TREND

Huawei forays into mobile market

C

HINESE network equipment maker, Huawei, is making news nowadays with the moves that it makes in the market. It has been concentrating very lately in bringing out some very efficient handsets into the Nigerian mobile phone market.

Explaining the rationale behind its foray into the mobile market, Managing Director, Devices, Huawei Technologies West Africa, Mr Jacky Lee said: “The rapid development of mobile devices and more complex application interfaces have created a significant challenge for consumers: the user experience is no longer as simple as it once was. Huawei devices hopes to achieve the goals of delivering an outstanding user-experience to realise its philosophy of Smart Device, Simple World.”

The company’s recent device is an addup to its smartphones assembly line.

The new smartphone from Huawei is the U8520 Android dual-SIM phone.

Huawei U8520 at a glance The first look of the handset gives a casual expression resembling some of the common handsets that are available in the market; but it’s definitely main-

tained well.

The phone runs Android 2.2 Operating System and features a capacitive touchscreen display that measures 3.2inches and offers a resolution of 320×480 pixels. It is loaded with features like advanced connectivity options like updated Bluetooth and a modern WiFi. According to Lee, this WiFi makes data transfer and file management with the system much easier. The micro USB port in the handset is provided to synchronise it with other supported external hardware.

The device’s GPRS services and other attributes make it capable of offering a faster browsing and quicker access to online Web pages. Camera in the device is a 3.1 MP with a 1X optical zoom.

Other features include being lightweight at 110 grams; email, FM radio, 1GHz processor plus a 1500mAh battery pack and MP3 playback.

Thehandset is definitely a 3G compatible and can offer the exciting features of a 3G network to a great extent.

MTN is Africa’s Most Valued Brand

M

•From left: Specialist Assistant to the Minister of Communications Technology, Mr Ayoola Oke; Head of Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Obinnia Abajue and Customer Relations Executive, MTN, Akin Braithwaite at a summit in Lagos.

TN has been named most admired and valued brand in Africa. The continent’s leading Telco received top honours in all three categories at last week’s inaugural Brand Africa 100 Awards held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In a statement by the MTN Group, MTN was ranked Most Valued Brand in Africa and Most Valued African Brand in two categories, outshining iconic global brands such as Shell, Coca-Cola, South African banking giant, Absa and NNPC of Nigeria.

This means MTN is the most admired brand by consumers on the continent.

The company also bagged Most Valued Telecom Brand in Africa award.

“We are humbled by the strong admiration that Africa has for the MTN brand. We will continue to seek innovative solutions to improve our customers and communities’ experience of the MTN brand,” Group Chief Commercial Officer, Christian de Faria

said.

Earlier this year, MTN was recognised as Africa’s most valuable brand and the only African global brand in the 2011 Brand Finance Global 500.

Chairman of the Brand Africa Initiative, Thebe Ikalafeng, noted: “MTN’s ranking ahead of iconic brands such as Shell, Coca-Cola and Toyota is testament to Africa’s capability to build enduring and global brands that are inspired and driven

by Africa.”

Managing Director for South Africa at Brand Finance, Oliver Schmitz added: “By brand value, MTN is the star of Africa. It was the only African brand to make our Global 500 survey. The prominence of MTN is further testament to how people are more interested in technology that empowers them to drive their own businesses.”

Conference on software holds Oct 27 Despite service outage, Nigerians

T

HE Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have concluded plans to host a software development conference and competition.

According to the organisers, the event scheduled for October 27 and 28 in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, is aimed at addressing the challenges of sustainable development and na-

tional survivability.

The competition, which is for students of tertiary institutions, is to create awareness on the need to develop Nigeria’s indigenous software potentials, resources and capacity.

President of ISPON, Dr Chris Uwaje, said: “Today, software is, undoubtedly, the backbone for 21 st century national development and wealth creation as well as national peace, security and

global competitiveness.

“It is the key to responding to the complex challenges of sustainable development in the emerging information society.

This conference is aimed at promoting the prioritisation of software development in addressing the challenges of global competitiveness, empower the citizenry and enthrone sustainable development,” he said.

Starcomms launches S-Credit

S

TARCOMMS has launched a value-added service, SCredit, to ease subscribers of difficulties of recharging their phones in emergency situations.

Chief Executive Officer, Mr Logan Pather, said the service allows prepaid subscribers a postpaid lifestyle where airtime can be accessed when recharge cards are difficult to purchase.

This, according to him, will be paid back the next time a customer recharges.

Pather said: “Today the telecom industry needs reliable solutions for prepaid recharge. Traditional recharge card purchase and distribution is cost-intensive and lacks flexibility in terms of intelligent sales support. Also, airtime can get exhausted as subscribers make calls. Alternative top-up solutions and simple airtime credit borrowing systems are thus desirable. That is why we are introducing the S-Credit solution.

“With S-Credit, customers can

top up their airtime anytime, make calls at critical periods and also initiate calls even when their balance is zero naira. However, VPN and postpaid customers cannot use the service.

“To use the service a customer dials *411# and will instantly receives airtime worth N80. However, on next recharge, N100 will be deducted from the customer’s account, that being the cost of airtime borrowed and N20 for the cost of the service.”

still prefer BlackBerry

Continued from page 49 motion will continue until 31 December 2011 .

Away from RIM's compensation packages, some operators have already stated that they will reimburse customers. Middle East operators like Etisalat and Qtel, for example, have said they will offer customers three days worth of free BlackBerry services.

Airtel Nigeria Airtel Nigeria has also announced that it will offer its BlackBerry customers a three-day service waiver.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Rajan Swaroop said: "We remain concerned about the inconvenience the service disruption caused to all our BlackBerry users earlier this week and we would like to compensate both our prepaid and postpaid customers for the inconvenience as best we can.

"For our prepaid customers, we will extend the subscription of the services for October by three days. We are communicating this to the affected customers through SMS.

"For our postpaid customers, who are customers paying their bills at the end of every month; we will waive three days off the BlackBerry monthly rental for the month of October. The three-day waiver will be reflected in the monthly bill sent to all our postpaid BlackBerry users for the month of October."

Some subscribers are, however, not moved by the gesture. To them, no amount of compensation can make up for the loss they suffered during the period.

A subscriber, Collins, said: "No amount of compensation can make up for the loss I suffered during the period. Here you have the networks offering poor quality service that we are trying to cope with and BB outage as icing on the cake; it was too much to bear.

"I felt sad that I could not get value for money. I believe there is something the Consumer Protection Council can do about the issue. Compensation is not really the issue but the eroded trust and confidence in the service, I believe henceforth, they should improve their service delivery and upgrade their network."

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

54

EQUITIES

Blue chips rally NSE as investors gain N59b

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-10-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 2

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 7.33 11,500 85,970.00 11,500 85,970.00

AIR SERVICES Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 8 15 23

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1.95 128,480 259,360.00 5.80 32,974 191,084.54 161,454 450,444.54

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 16 16

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1.70 74,628 121,557.43 74,628 121,557.43

BANKING Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC SKYE BANK PLC. STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 138 15 27 21 75 384 362 33 112 23 192 20 19 283 1,704

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5.25 47,815,758 242,402,846.61 3.38 79,405 260,438.65 2.20 3,794,826 8,132,886.90 4.00 2,727,539 10,917,029.37 1.80 3,493,456 6,113,819.21 9.66 16,542,057 158,733,434.71 13.50 6,790,539 90,636,618.10 9.36 57,014,720 541,594,487.10 4.70 7,676,889 35,956,552.23 1.39 1,651,220 2,279,209.50 3.44 6,787,572 23,357,683.79 0.66 895,956 593,980.96 0.64 1,179,314 751,946.64 12.81 18,049,336 220,603,768.21 174,498,587 1,342,334,701.98

BREWERIES Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 49 1 110 160

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 200.00 1,110,416 222,083,350.81 6.00 12,000 68,400.00 88.05 735,898 64,497,428.24 1,858,314 286,649,179.05

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 50 9 11 27 97

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 13.39 235,464 3,160,273.56 5.59 144,511 785,601.87 97.51 5,718,738 557,580,006.95 40.01 137,324 5,428,800.60 6,236,037 566,954,682.98

I

NVESTORS’ value at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) improved by N59 billion yesterday as bullish transactions on highly capitalised stocks coloured the overall market situation.

The two major value-based indices that measure the overall performance of the Nigerian stock market, the All Share Index (ASI)and aggregate market capitalisation increased by 0.93 per cent and 0.94 per cent, indicating that the increase in market value was driven by capital gains.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities rose from N6.343 trillion to N6.402 trillion while the ASI increased from 20,011.72 points to 20,197.15 points.

Other sectoral indices showed widespread positive transactions within the food and beverages sector, oil and gas sector, banking and the group of 30 most capitalised companies.

However, insurance sector suffered a marginal decline.

No of Deals 9 16 25

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 8.90 62,100 552,690.00 18.91 73,858 1,344,622.28 135,958 1,897,312.28

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 7

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2.29 76,000 171,080.00 76,000 171,080.00

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Company Name NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. OMATEK VENTURES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1 2

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5.48 666 3,829.50 0.50 10,000 5,000.00 10,666 8,829.50

CONGLOMERATES Company Name PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC SCOA NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 34 1 45 44 42 166

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 31.09 207,246 6,266,226.75 6.11 4,950 28,759.50 0.75 2,648,820 1,912,824.20 29.06 402,299 11,718,727.82 26.00 270,116 7,048,522.91 3,533,431 26,975,061.18

Oando, the second most capitalised oil and gas company, led the 23-stock rally with a gain of 130 kobo to close at N27.30. Nigerian Breweries, the second most capitalised company, trailed with a gain of 104 kobo to close at N88.05. Zenith Bank ranked third with a gain of 61 kobo to close at N12.81 per share.

Other top gainers were Guaranty Trust Bank, which gained 48 kobo to close at N13.50; PZ Cussons Nigeria added 44 kobo to close at N31.09, First Bank of Ni-

‘Banking sector topped the activity chart with 174.5 million shares worth N1.34 billion in 1,704 deals’

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-10-11 AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE CO. PLC. CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. STACO INSURANCE PLC UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 7

47 1 2 3 6 1 1 1 1 1 2 9 1 2 78

No of Deals 70 70

No of Deals 7 1 8

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 40.45 28,022 1,089,005.46 28,022 1,089,005.46

No of Deals 7 7

No of Deals 45 23 83 59 45 12 1 8 33 1 310

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1.78 27,455 50,425.60 0.50 113,587 56,793.50 141,042 107,219.10

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 48.00 163,707 7,657,277.01 14.00 179,283 2,501,279.56 6.25 1,567,863 9,893,308.79 6.19 2,142,800 12,938,043.00 58.25 204,061 12,192,167.50 2.75 60,923 165,072.25 1.54 10,000 14,700.00 4.10 30,500 127,975.00 401.56 34,151 13,682,574.32 0.50 40,000 20,000.00 4,433,288 59,192,397.43

HEALTHCARE Company Name EVANS MEDICALPLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 3 4 5 24 1 39

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 0.91 15,100 13,741.00 1.04 22,751 23,573.53 27.00 32,290 829,198.50 2.85 540,849 1,541,419.65 1.45 688,145 946,098.26 3.68 5,500 19,250.00 1,304,635 3,373,280.94

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name CAPITAL HOTEL PLC IKEJA HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 5 18 23

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 7.50 157,553 1,179,147.35 2.16 2,153,500 4,664,355.00 2,311,053 5,843,502.35

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION INDUSTRIES PLC B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 2 6 9

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 11.15 2,900 32,567.00 6.95 5,500 38,450.00 5.75 21,900 126,237.72 30,300 197,254.72

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name CHAMS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 0.50 500 250.00 500 250.00

INSURANCE Company Name

No of Deals

3,179,686.00 525,000.00 11,500.00 774,970.00 144,650.22 13,500.00 6,000,000.00 12,500.00 45,050.00 1,342.50 250,250.00 1,079,130.00 500.00 1,000.00 12,039,078.72

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 0.81 4,654,285 3,721,418.17 4,654,285 3,721,418.17

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N)

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 0.50 10,060,000 5,030,000.00 10,060,000 5,030,000.00

PACKAGING Company Name AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS PLC. NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 18 19

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 6.25 1,500 8,910.00 1.81 453,560 823,684.50 455,060 832,594.50

PETROLEUM(MARKETING)

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

5,327,486 500,000 23,000 339,250 111,962 27,000 12,000,000 25,000 90,100 2,685 500,500 2,085,500 1,000 2,000 21,035,483

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name RESORT SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Sector Totals

0.61 1.05 0.50 2.24 1.27 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.52 0.50 0.50

MARITIME Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

CONSTRUCTION Company Name JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

geria raked in 36 kobo to close at N9.66, Dangote Sugar Refinery added 29 kobo to close at N6.19, Access Bank gained 25 kobo to close at N5.25, Eterna Oil chalked up 15 kobo to close at N4.50 while Ecobank Nigeria added 10 kobo to close at N2.20 per share.

However, 14 stocks suffered depreciation with Unilever Nigeria leading the decliners with a loss of 100 kobo to close at N26. UAC of Nigeria followed with a loss of 74 kobo to close at N29.06. Berger Paints lost 46 kobo to close at N8.90. First City Monument Bank dropped by 15 kobo to close at N4 while Continental Reinsurance lost five kobo to close at N1.05 per share.

Turnover stood at 237.18 million shares valued at N2.44 billion in 3,082 deals.

Banking sector topped the activity chart with 174.5 million shares worth N1.34 billion in 1,704 deals. Insurance sector recorded a turnover of 21.04 million shares valued at N12.04 million in 78 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC Sector Totals

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Company Name BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 3 15 60 14 12 167 3 275

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 0.50 3,000 1,500.00 63.86 1,721 105,288.00 35.00 37,137 1,237,930.25 4.50 1,197,720 5,207,832.17 9.12 453,187 4,156,296.30 140.00 19,867 2,816,277.93 27.30 3,946,623 103,007,338.33 200.00 5,000 950,000.00 5,664,255 117,482,462.98

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name ACADEMY PRESS PLC. UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 2 6

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2.47 4,946 12,115.10 3.80 44,000 162,480.00 48,946 174,595.10

REAL ESTATE Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 9 9

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 12.99 88,000 1,141,357.85 88,000 1,141,357.85

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Company Name UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRU Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 4

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 50.00 9,000 450,000.00 9,000 450,000.00

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 4

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 0.52 250,000 128,870.00 250,000 128,870.00

TEXTILES Company Name UNITED NIGERIAN TEXTILES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 0.97 20,000 20,200.00 20,000 20,200.00

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 10 10

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 11.68 50,626 581,916.00 50,626 581,916.00 3,082 237,181,070

2,437,054,222.26

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

55

MONEY LINK

Nigeria can easily reach double-digit growth, says CBN

N

IGERIA can easily achieve dou ble-digit Gross Domestic Prod uct (GDP) growth if planned economic reforms are implemented and tough decisions are made by government policy makers, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Lamido Sanusi said yesterday.

Nigeria's GDP is expected to grow by around seven per cent this year.

Sanusi according to Reuters, said Nigeria now had the right policy makers pushing forward reforms which would ensure Nigeria achieved a significant rise in growth in the coming years.

"The real risk in Nigeria is a policy risk. We have achieved an average of 7 per cent growth for the last decade and this is without steady electricity supply or adequate infrastructure," Sanusi said at an industry conference in Abuja.

"GDP can easily move into doubledigits ... If we implement all the things planned ... there will be a major step change in growth rates in the next two to three years."

Finance minister and coordinator of the economy Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has announced a roadmap for a Nigerian sovereign wealth fund to be launched by the end of they year.

The government has announced plans to remove costly fuel subsidies and privatise much of the failing power sector, while plans to unlock largely untapped gas reserves and reforms to its agriculture sector are in the planning stages.

But previous reform efforts have often fallen flat and Nigeria is still overreliant on revenue from oil exports, while political wrangling and corruption are still major brakes on growth in sub-Saharan Africa's second-largest economy.

The mainstay oil and gas industry is stalling because wide-ranging reforms have been stuck in parliament for years.

Sanusi said government recurrent spending was too high and questioned whether there was a need for so many costly ministries. Nigeria's laws mean FGN BONDS

By Collins Nweze

it has to have a government ministry for each of its 36 states.

He said there was a need to make tough decisions about the laws governing Nigeria if its potential was to be achieved.

Nigeria currently spends more than 70 per cent of its budget on recurrent expenditure, meaning most of its money goes on keeping government running rather than on much needed

infrastructure projects.

Sanusi said if reforms can be pushed through and properly implemented to spread the wealth generated from Africa's largest crude oil export business to a wider sections of society it would help solve a growing security problem.

A radical Islamist sect has been behind near daily attacks in the remote northeast of Africa's most populous nation. It also took responsibility for Nigeria's first known suicide bomb-

ing when a car full of explosives crashed into the side of UN headquarters in the capital in August, killing 24 people.

Boko Haram, whose name means "Western education is forbidden", says it wants sharia law more widely applied across Nigeria and officials believe it has strengthening ties with al Qaeda's north African wing.

A report commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan said many of the problems in the northeast are rooted in the government's failure to improve

NEXIM Bank to finance exports with N37b

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HE Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) is financ ing export oriented industries with N37 billion this fiscal year, the Chief Executive Officer NEXIM Bank, Robert Orya, has said.

He listed two cement plants under construction in Gombe and Kebbi, as well as other firms exporting granite, rubber, furniture and processed foods, as beneficiaries.

“The companies, by the impact of our credit, are expected to generate foreign exchange earnings of $150 million this year and also create 8,000 jobs,” Orya told Bloomberg in an interview.

He said NEXIM’s mandate is to promote non-oil exports in manufacturing, agriculture, solid minerals and the services sectors, adding that the bank’s support for imports is only in critical areas of inputs and machinery needed

ary and August, he said.

Meanwhile, United Bank for Africa (UBA) is exploring fresh opportunities with the United States Export – Import Bank (USEXIM) on ways of enhancing economic development and bridging the infrastructure gaps in Nigeria.

The management of both institutions met yesterday in Lagos to discuss ways of addressing the problem.

The visit to UBA was aimed at exploring ways of intervening in critical sectors of the economy in partnership with local financial institutions.

The Group Managing Director/ CEO, Phillips Oduoza, said the meeting discussed financing opportunities in the area of infrastructural development, manufacturing and processing, agriculture and agro-allied businesses, construction, oil and gas as well as the power sectors of the economy.

for export-oriented production.

The Federal Government under a 2012-2015 plan, is seeking to reduce the country’s dependence on oil by diversifying its sources of export income. “NEXIM is more than doubling its credit disbursements this year at single-digit interest rates to companies in export- oriented industries to boost the country’s foreign income,” he stated.

Though he did not give the names of the benefiting cement companies, Orya said they will start producing before the end of the first quarter of next year, with target capacity of 900 metric tonnes per day. Five other companies involved in mining, rubberprocessing, furniture manufacture and food production received a total of N7.6 billion in credit between Janu-

T

HE Nigeria Export Promo tion Council NEPC, said 2011 bilateral statistic has shown that non-oil export is approaching $10 billion.

It said between 2009-2010, nonoil export grew by 35 per cent, while in January to June, this year, it jumped to 40 per cent.

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

ports.’ He said the conference is an advocacy for non-oil export growth in Nigeria.

He said: “The programme is for intense dialogue with the Public Private Partnership (PPP) to thrive, it is actually an initiative of the private sector.

“The NEPC is partnering with

The Director, Special Service, Adejide Ibrahim, disclosed this at its 2nd Nigerian Non-Oil Export Conference, Exhibition and Awards (NNECEA), 2011, in Abuja.

The theme of the conference was ‘Getting it right with non-oil ex-

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 19-14-11 SYMBOL ZENITHBANK OANDO ACCESS WEMABANK DANGSUGAR ECOBANK FIDELITYBK STERLNBANK ABCTRANS NIGERINS

O/PRICE 12.20 26.00 5.00 0.61 5.90 2.10 1.72 1.33 0.50 0.50

C/PRICE 12.81 27.30 5.25 0.64 6.19 2.20 1.80 1.39 0.52 0.52

CHANGE 0.61 1.30 0.25 0.03 0.29 0.10 0.08 0.06 0.02 0.02

LOSER AS AT 19-10-11 SYMBOL BERGER BAGCO MAYBAKER CONTINSURE IKEJAHOTEL UNITYBNK NIWICABLE UNILEVER FCMB UACN

O/PRICE 9.36 1.90 2.99 1.10 2.26 0.69 0.52 27.00 4.15 29.80

C/PRICE 8.90 1.81 2.85 1.05 2.16 0.66 0.50 26.00 4.00 29.06

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Koinonia Ventures Limited to ensure the growth of non-oil export in Nigeria.

“The non- oil export holds the key to the achievement of vision 20:2020. This event is now an annual event. The idea is to have it fit into the transformation agenda of the government.”

DATA BANK

Amount N

OBB Rate Call Rate

Vice Chairperson, EXIM Bank, Wanda Felton, said, “US EXIM is ready to expand and deepen its business relationship/partnership with UBA. He since inception, the bank’s interventions have resulted in investments in excess of $456 billion of US exports, primarily to developing markets worldwide, covering key industrial sectors such as oil and gas, mining, agribusiness, renewable energy, construction equipment and services, among others.

“US EXIM Bank also supports longterm financing for transactions or projects that are over $10million.

The repayment terms are typically up to 10 years, but can be up to 12 years for large civil aircraft and up to 18 years for nuclear power plants and certain renewable energy and water sector exports,” she stated.

Non-oil exports hit $10b in 2011

Tenor

NIDF NESF

unemployment and poverty.

Sanusi said United Nations advice back in 2000 warned that the northeast faced worrying poverty problems.

"Boko Haram's headquarters are supposed to be in Maiduguri, which is Borno state. By every human development indicator ... show Borno is the poorest state in the country. If Borno were a country on its own it would be poorer than Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon. This was (known) in 2000."

Sanusi said.

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m

313.5m

250m

150.8

03-8-11

400m

443m

400m

150.7

01-8-11

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

13-09-11 N6.7026tr 21,018.52

14-09-11 N6.760tr 21,199.16

% Change -0.87% -0.86%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 118.15 100.28 0.77 1.02 0.91 1,639.36 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,118,33 193.00

9.08 1.00 117.96 99.71 0.74 1.02 0.90 1,634.12 7.84 1.33 1.80 6,917.31 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.46 0.09 0.14 0.05 0.10 0.03 0.02 1.00 0.15 0.74

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 24 Aug, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 26, Aug, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

56

NEWS

35 polio cases reported in six northern states

15,000 DPP, ACPN, PDP members defect to ACN in Kwara

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BOUT 15,000 members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) and Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) yesterday defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Kwara State.

Scores of members of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) also joined the ACN. ACN Chairman Kayode Olawepo; the running mate to the party’s governorship candidate in the April election, Joshua Adeyinka; ACN top officials, party chieftains and hundreds of supporters received the defectors at the party’s secretariat on Asa Dam Road, Ilorin, the state capital.

Olawepo noted that the defection into ACN was a manifestation of the growing unpopularity and mass discontent for the PDP. He said: “You have come at a time when nobody can ac-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

cuse you of opportunism. You know that we are not yet in government and you still, by this declaration, actualise the intention to join the party.

Certainly, you have demonstrated, by this open declaration for the party, that you are not selfish politicians.

“The normal scenario in politics is that events would gravitate towards the winner.

It is curious that even with questionable mandate to rule in the hands of PDP, people still leave that party en masse.

If a purported ‘winner’ is losing membership to a purported ‘loser,’ we should question the authenticity of the mandate in the custody of the PDP. We of ACN believe the PDP has a stolen mandate, which we are challenging through judicial process.

“In our party, opportunities are available to people, not when you become a member of the party but on how effective you are in pro-

moting the ideals of our organisation and mobilising people and materials for the advancement of the party and the communal good...”

Former DPP Assistant Secretary Oniwara Babatunde said over 7,000 former members of the party from Kwara Central, South and North were defecting to ACN. In a speech, entitled: DPP is dead in Kwara, Babatunde hinged members’ decision to join ACN on ideology.

He said: “It is germane to tell all and sundry that we were in DPP, the party formed by late Governor Mohammed Lawal. Our decision to pitch tent with the ACN rests on the fact that the party’s ideological leaning is in line with what the late Lawal stood for.”

The former Coordinator of ACPN in Oko-Erin Ward, Ilorin, Mallam Ibrahim Oladele said the members were happy to join the progressives in ACN.

•Aliyu: North has lost integrity •Aliyu

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HAIRMAN of Northern Governors’ Forum and Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu yesterday said 35 polio cases have been reported in six northern states.

The states are Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Sokoto and Kebbi.

The discovery is coming on the heels of efforts by the North to eradicate the Wild Polio Virus (WPV) from the region.

The governor spoke in Minna, the Niger State capital, at the launch of the Polio Free Touch Campaign.

He directed the release of N50million for weekly immu-

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

nisation of children in the state.

Aliyu said when the world celebrates the Olympics next year, Nigerians should celebrate the eradication of polio from the land.

The governor lamented that many negative tendencies are currently attributed to the North, whereas the region was known for positive attributes few years ago.

Aliyu said: “It is a shame that whenever anything bad happens in the country, it usually happens in the North. In those days, the North had respect and integrity. People from other parts respected us for these virtues; they respected us for our honesty and loyalty and they strove to emulate us.

But today, we are being known and recognised for the negative things that happen in the country. We have to work and do our best to ensure that we, in the North, are recognised for positive things.”

The governor said though Niger State has not recorded

any case of polio in the past two years, he advised that there should be emergency response strategies to deal with any outbreak.

He said: “It is gladdening that Niger State has not recorded any case of polio in the past two years. But we will not begin to celebrate yet because polio outbreaks have continued to occur in some northern states. So, we need to be very attentive and have emergency response strategies on ground to deal with any outbreak.”

The Acting Executive Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Emmanuel Abanida said Niger State is at 62 per cent polio immunity coverage.

He noted that the state would need 80 per cent to ensure full immunity from the polio virus.

According to him, six local governments in the state Wushishi, Mariga, Lavun, Tafa, Gbako and Katcha - have less than 50 per cent polio immunity coverage and are the vulnerable to polio outbreak.

Doma granted bail

F

ORMER Nasarawa State Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma, who has been in the custody of the Economic and Crimes Commission (EFCC), was yesterday granted bail by a High Court sitting in Lafia, the state capital.

Justice Marcel Awokulehin garnted the former governor’s counsel application for bail.

Doma and nine others, including the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Timothy Anjide; a serving House of Representatives member from Kano, Abdulmumin Jibrin; and seven others; are facing trial for alleged financial crimes.

Efforts to grant the accused bail on Tuesday failed as counsel to the prosecution and defence were unable to harmonise their documents.

This made Justice Awokulehin to adjourn the matter till yesterday for the bail application to be determined.

Making a case for the bail, counsel to the former governor, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), argued that the offence com-

From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

mitted by the accused were bailable.

He submitted that the accused voluntarily submitted himself to the EFCC and would, therefore, not jump bail.

The lawyer noted that Doma’s ill-health would be jeopardised if he was incarcerated for a long time, adding that the bail would enable him get medical attention.

Though counsel to the EFCC, Henry Pinheiro (SAN), objected to the bail application on grounds that the accused might jump bail because of the money, Justice Awokulehin said their offences were bailable.

Granting them bail, Justice Awokulehin said: “The first accused (Doma) is granted bail in the sum of N300 million and two sureties in like sum.

“Each of the other accused persons is hereby granted bail in the sum of N200 million and two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties of each of the accused must own landed property within the jurisdiction of this court.”

Woman convicted for selling community’s house From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

A

54-year-old woman, Mrs Bolajoko Alabi, was yesterday convicted by a Nomansland Chief Magistrate’s Court for unlawful sale of the Kano Yoruba Community House.

Mrs Alabi, a resident of 27, Sanusi Street, Sabon Gari, Kano, was arraigned for selling the community house to the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Movement.

The prosecution said her action amounted to cheating.

Mrs Alabi denied the allegation, saying she was the landlady and the authentic owner of the property.

She added that she resided within the premises and not at Goron Dutse, which the prosecuting police officer, Insp. Sunday Dennis, gave as her address during cross-examination.

Mrs Alabi said her family resolved at a meeting that she should sell the house and that her sister was at the meeting when the decision was taken.

Chief Magistrate Hajiya Mariam Ahmed Sabo sentenced the accused to two years in prison with an option to refund the money she collected.

57

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

58

NEWS

Dele Giwa: Falana, others set Oct 19 date for annual remembrance

T

WENTY five years after the murder of pioneer Editor-InChief of Newswatch Magazine, Dele Giwa, eminent Nigerians are calling that investigations into his murder be reopened.

Journalists, lawyers and other eminent personalities gathered yesterday at a symposium marking the 25th anniversary of his death, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council.

The theme of the symposium was: “Hazards of the journalism profession and challenges of the FoI Law.” Human rights lawyer Femi Falana said it was not enough to mourn the late Giwa. He urged journalists to ensure that government reopens the case, saying: “it is never too late to find the killers.”

Falana praised the NUJ for celebrating Giwa’s courage and commitment to journalism. He urged journalists to make good use of the FoI Law.

By Dupe OlaoyeOsinkolu

The right lawyer suggested that all slain journalists should be remembered annually on October 19, Giwa’s death anniversary.

NUJ National President Mohammed Garba seconded Falana’s suggestion and urged security agencies to stand up to their responsibilities.

Garba said: “The high level of insecurity in Nigeria is worrisome. Unfortunately, the way the police are discharging their duties is not good enough. There is need for them to be more proactive and address necessary issues, instead of embarrassing those who are carrying out their lawful duties.

Citing the example of the arrest of journalists at The Nation , he said: “We are not arguing whether the letter in question was forged or not, our primary concern is the way and manner the arrests were made.

“At a time when our democracy is gradually con-

Garba (left) greeting Mr. Fred Agbaje at the event... yesterday. With them is the President, Guild of Editors, Mr. Gbenga Adefuye .

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

solidating, for the police to have behaved as if we were in a military era is quite unfortunate.”

Deputy Managing Director, The Sun, Mr. Femi Adesina called for an amendment of the FoI Law, arguing that it does not protect the rights of journalists and is too protective of public office holders.

He also called for a special court for the trial of cases where the law is

breached.

Director, Media Rights Agenda Mr. Edetaen Ojo urged Nigerians to make the state accountable for every journalist that has been killed in the country.

Lagos NUJ Chairman Mr. Deji Elumoye lamented the government’s inability to bring Giwa’s killers to book.

Urging journalists not to be intimidated, Elumoye said: “While we accept the reality of the hazard of our profession, we are bold to say that one of the hallmarks of a civilised society is its commitment to the ideals of truth, justice and fair-play, which offer the basis for prosecution and sentencing of criminals in

our midst.

“Today, we join all those committed to the course of justice, to call on the authorities of the Nigerian Police to reopen investigations into the murder of Dele Giwa, with a view to bringing his murderers to book. We will not relent on this call until justice is seen to have been done.”

Tribunal upholds Edo Rep’s election HE Edo State National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin yesterday upheld the election of Isaac Osahon as the representative of Ovia Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.

Osahon contested the election on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

His election was challenged by Mr. Charity

T

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Amayaenvbo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Amayaenvbo alleged that the election was marred by malpractices and did not follow the provisions of the Electoral Act. Chairman of the tribunal Justice Paul Elechi held that the petitioner failed to prove his case that invalid votes were added to that of Osahon.

Elechi said: “I hold that the ballot papers are not fakes.

Osahon gave the petitioner a big margin of defeat.

Osahon scored the majority of valid votes and so we hold.

“We do not have any reasons to nullify the election as the petitioner has failed to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt. Subsequently, we refuse to grant any of the prayers of the petitioner. Parties are to remain in no cost.”

Akwa Ibom releases N5.5b to avert planned strike •Labour insists on industrial action

T

HE Akwa Ibom State Government yesterday released N5.5 billion for the payment of the new minimum wage to workers.

Commissioner for Information Aniekan Umanah said the amount covers September salary and arrears from April to August.

Umanah said the government and Labour agreed on the payment of 69 per cent increment to workers on grade levels 1-6, 65 per cent to those on levels 7-13 and 60 per cent to those on levels 14-17.

He said the government

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

had paid leave grant to workers, retained the 50 per cent tax rebate and approved five domestic workers for those on levels 15-17.

State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Unyime Usoro said the 21-day ultimatum given to the government to correct the salary defect still stands.

Usoro said: “At last, the government has found its voice on the minimum wage issue. I’m surprised that the commissioner said N5.5 bil-

lion has been released for September salary & arrears of five months. Did the government not claim that it would cost it N1.5 billion to implement the minimum wage monthly? Who is fooling who?

“Is the commissioner sure that workers on Grade Levels 15-17 have five domestic servants? I doubt if he has the mandate of the governor to speak on this matter.

“Labour stands on embarking on an indefinite strike, if government does not review and correct the defective salary table by October 28.”

Edo Assembly suspends varsity Registrar, Bursar

T

HE Edo State House of Assembly yesterday suspended the Registrar and Bursar of the stateowned Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.

The Registrar, Mrs. Ofure Omole, and Bursar Mr. Pius Ufuah were suspended by the House after it adopted the nine-point recommendation of its Committee on Education and Public Account.

The committee had recommended the suspension of the duo, pending the determina-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

tion of the probe into the school’s finances.

Chairman of the Commit-

tee Folly Ogedengbe said the Bursar and Registrar frustrated activities of the committee by not providing relevant documents.

Delta CJ frees 13 inmates From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

D

ELTA State Chief Judge Justice Abiodun Smith has freed 13 inmates at Warri Central Prisons. They were awaiting trial.

Justice Smith visited the prisons yesterday and reviewed over 488 cases.

The inmates freed were those without case files and cases that lacked evidence or witnesses.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

59

NEWS Enugu Assembly holds public hearing on dispute resolution From Chris Oji, Enugu

E

NUGU State House of Assembly has held a public hearing on a law aimed at providing alternative dispute resolution.

The law will ensure that disputes are resolved speedily and peacefully.

Speaker Eugene Odo said the law would ensure peaceful co-existence.

Represented by Leader of the House, Ude Okoye, the Speaker said the bill entitled: ‘A law to provide for resolution of dispute in Enugu State through arbitration’, is intended to reduce cost of litigation.

He said: ‘In Africa, we are aware that once you take somebody to court, things can never be the same again. So, at the end of the day, even the person that obtained judgement has not obtained peace in such situation. But in the area of arbitration, issues are resolved to the delight of the parties”.

While saying that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has been in existence over the years, Odo said the bill would give it a legal backing.

Chairman of House Committee on Judiciary Mrs. Cecelia Ezilo said arbitration was in the best interest of the people.

She said the public hearing would enable stakeholders to make their input on the bill and urged the people to support the bill.

Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters Emeka Abugu hailed the arbitration law.

Jakande’ son backs candidate

M

USHIN-OJUWOYE Local Council Development Authourity (LCDA) chairmanship aspirant Seji Jakande, son of former Governor Lateef Jakande of Lagos State, yesterday led a houseto-house campaign in support of Yemi Ali, who was endorsed by ACN for a second term.

He said he took the step as a loyal and disciplined party member, adding that the party is supreme. Jakande urged the people to vote for Ali on Saturday. He described Ali as a good material and pride of the party.

He said: “I contested for the chairmanship and party leaders and elders asked me

By Emmanuel Oladesu

to hold on. I have no choice than to toe the party line.

Coming from a political background, I believe in the party ethos, methods and approach. The party is supreme. We must forget individual interest and work for the promotion of the collective interest of the party so that ACN can succeed in Ojuwoye council.

This is what I am doing”.

“The best party for us is ACN and we must spread the message that PDP has no place in Mushin. I urge our people to vote for ACN for continuity of development and progress in our LCDA”.

The Nation reporter to be interred

T

HE remains of The Nation man Adekunle Johnson will be buried in Ibadan tomorrow.

Johnson, 58, died on October 1, in Calabar, Cross River State, where he was the regional correspondent.

The funeral ceremonies commenced last Friday with a lying -in -state at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Calabar. The remains were flown to Lagos and driven to Ibadan. There will also be a lying- in -state at the NUJ Secretariat, Iyanganku Press Centre, Ibadan, before interment tomorrow.

Johnson’s remains will be laid to rest at the Sango Cemetery.

Church holds event he Fountain of Life Church (DFM)will hold a rally on Sunday at 12,Industrial Estate Road, Ilupeju, Lagos. DFM President, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, is expected to minister on how heroes make legacies. Gospel singer, Tim Godfrey, will thrill the participants.

T

Pa Isiguzo for burial

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HE Isiguzo family of Umule, Umuokegwu in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State has announced the transition of their father, grandfather, brother, uncle Mr. Hilary Nmerengwa Isiguzo. He was aged 82.

Mr. Isiguzo retired from Mobil Nigeria Limited in 1988 after serving in Enugu, Makurdi, Jos, Zaria, Kano, and Port Harcourt. He returned home at the outbreak of the Civil War. After the war, he continued working for Mobil in Lagos and Eket until he retired to the village where he became a church and community leader.

Before his Mobil days, he was a teacher.

His wife, Mrs. Rosemary Isiguzo, seven children, 17

•The late Isiguzo

grand children, and one great grand child survived him. Among his children are Ikeddy Isiguzo, Chairman Editorial Board, Vanguard, and Jude Isiguzo, Head of the Crime Desk of The Nation. He will be buried on Umuokegwu in November 18.

Robbers shoot man, steal N16m in Onitsha

A

N armed robbery gang yesterday attacked an Onitsha main market bank.They reportedly snatched about N16 million from a customer.

The gunmen allegedly shot the victim on his leg before snatching the money.

It was learnt that five persons were injured during the

From Adimike George, Onitsha

operation.

A source said the robbers, who acted on a tip off, trailed the victim to Nimek plaza.

It was gathered that the customer, whose identity was not immediately known, had just come out from the bank before the hoodlums attacked him. They shot him on the leg

and dispossessed him of the N16million stashed in a bag.

After snatching the money, the robbers shot sporadically to safety through Nottidge Street.

Some policemen were said to have trailed them in about five vehicles, but could not catch up with them.

Onitsha Police Area Commander Larry Osita, an As-

sistant Commissioner of Police, could not confirm the incident.

But Anambra police spokesman, Emeka Chukwuemeka, confirmed the incident. He assured that the police would arrest the robbers and urged the people to volunteer information to the police.

Ebonyi to shut down 328 private schools From Adimike George, Onitsha

•Elechi

T

HE Ebonyi State government is to shut down 328 illegal and

substandard private schools in the state.

The committee set up by the state government to identify illegal and substandard private schools in the state has recommended the closure of the 328 schools.

Chairman of the committee Prof Mike Otuma spoke yesterday in Abakaliki. He said the state government would shut down the schools as part of efforts to sanitise the education sector.

Otuma, who is also the personal assistant to the gover-

nor on Higher Education, said the state government would reposition the education sector. He added that the committee was above board in the discharge of its responsibilities.

Otuma said this while submitting the report of the committee to the Commissioner for Education, Ndubuisi Chibueze Agbo, said the objective of the exercise as contained in the committee terms of reference was to ensure that all privately owned institutions complied with the standard prescribed by the government.

Otuma said the committee recommended the closure of nursery, primary and secondary schools, adding that the state government would adopt a national formula in ensuring that all schools in the state are approved.

Receiving the report, the commissioner hailed the committee for discharging its duties creditably and pledged to present the report to the State Executive Council.

The commissioner also reaffirmed government’s determination to provide quality education.

APGA interim national chair suspended

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HE Interim National Executive Committee of the factional All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has suspended the Interim National Chairman of the party Hajia Rabia Cengiz.

The Interim National Secretary of the party,Mic Adams,addressed reporters in Owerri yesterday.

He said the suspension of

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

Cengiz followed a motion moved by Casmir Ihegworo.

Adams said the former Interim National Chairman was relived of her duty because of gross misconduct.

“National Executive Committee also approved the immediate suspension of Hajia Rabia Cengiz Rakad as Inter-

im National Chairman through a motion moved by Casmir Ihegworo and seconded by Okpannachi B.M. The weighty gross misconduct raised in the motion created doubt about her intergrity and reputation. Her recent nocturnal meetings, negotiations and compromises with Chief Victor Umeh leave no iota of trust and confidence in her leadership.”

The National Executive Committee, at the meeting,approved the immediate appointment of Frank Ojiako as the interim national chairman of the party. Dogara Kabams was appointed the Deputy National Chairman (North).

He listed the other issues resolved at the meeting to include restructuring of the party structures in the 36 states.

‘Igbo’ll continue to support Nigeria’s unity’

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TOP politician and business man Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has said Igbo would continue to work for the unity of the country.

He said the Ndigbo have decided to take the destiny of the nation as a collective responsibility.

Iwuanyanwu, who also is a chieftain of Ohaneze Ndigbo, spoke yesterday when leaders of the National Working

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party visited him over the death his wife, Eudora.

The business magnet condemned the activities of Boko Haram sect and other militias threatening the nation’s unity.

He said the Ndigbo have resolved to remain in Nigeria for good.

The Igbo, he said, have con-

tributed to the development of the country and would therefore resist any attempt to destabilise the country.

“Ndigbo, after the civil war, realised that they would be better-off in Nigeria and resolved to remain in Nigeria.

Igbo will fight to resist any threat to the unity of Nigeria.

Igbo people have invested immensely in the Nigerian Project, much more than any other group.We will not

watch any group destroy the nation,” he said.

Iwuanyanwu, who described his late wife as a strong pillar, hailed the PDP leadership for the condolence visit.

The publisher of Champion urged the Federal Government to actualise the construction of the second Niger Bridge, promised the zone by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

60

NICON NOW WORLD CLASS, SAYS JIMOH IBRAHIM Group Managing Director of NICON Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim recently spoke with a group of select editors in Abuja on the Senate inquiry into the privatisation of public corporations and described the sale of NICON to the Global Fleet Group What state was the NICON Group when the BPE handed it over to you six years ago?

The company was insolvent then. The liability BPE handed of over to us was over N25bn. The shareholders fund was just about N74 m. You can see the wide gap. At that time, I was very young and fresh from Harvard and felt I could do some magic at NICON and turn around the place. It was an opportunity to put to practice the management theory from Harvard. What I did with the NICON deal was simply to purchase Nigeria’s liability.

It was not an asset because the company was insolvent. By the time we took over the management of the company, NICON lacked even the shareholders fund required by law to operate as an insurance company. Six years after, we give all the glory to God. By the last approved accounts by the regulator, shareholders fund is now about N14bn outside of its liabilities. The account has been approved. So, with this result, you will realise that a lot has been done in terms of returning NICON to where it should be, that is to be a legacy of our company. It is no longer a company owned by the nation because some people still make the mistake of saying that it is their father’s asset. It is not anybody’s father’s asset. It is my asset, the asset of our group Global Fleet. We paid money for it. We paid $48m to the Federal Government. As long as we are not asking government questions about what it did with the money we paid, nobody should be disturbing us.

of the company were suspended. Minority shareholders went in, in flagrant violation of the laws of the land and appointed KPMG to audit the company. How can minority shareholders audit the company without the owner? Management was also not around. When the auditor finished its job, the surprising thing I saw in the report was that NICON was indebted to me to the tune of N2.3bn. I just laughed. I will love to have that money in my pocket today. What the auditor also said was that NICON invested in certain companies that are directly or indirectly owned by me. What is the crime in that? If NICON for instance takes 10 per cent of Air Nigeria, is that a crime? Would that not be good for NICON? Should NICON go and be investing in buildings across the nation that will not bring any returns? NICON has so many buildings all over the states that are unoccupied. Some of the buildings were offered to state governments for free and they refused to use them. So, which assets are they talking about?

Again, under the shares purchase agreement that we signed with the Federal Government, the new owner has a right to use all assets to borrow from banks after six months of operations without BPE’s approval. This was clearly stated in the share purchase agreement under section 8, sub-section 6. It says after six months, the new owners can take loans using its asset. It is now over six years. The new owner can do anything he wishes to do with the firms. It is my own company. In fact, the purchase agreement’s life span is five years. So, after five years, one can even sell one’s shareholding and transfer the ownership to another person without the knowledge or approval of anybody, the BPE inclusive. We have been operating in conformity with the agreement we signed with the BPE. I don’t know where the asset stripping thing is coming from. The companies are my own, according to the laws of the land. I can do anything I like with them. We don’t have any debenture. I don’t think anybody can come up with anything to the contrary. NICON and Nigerian-Re are not indebted to any bank and we don’t have any of our assets used for any loan.

Is NICON now a profitable company?

It is marginally on the profit side. We are expecting it to be profitable in the next five years. This is because we have been making huge provisions for the liabilities inherited. Imagine giving a cover to Power Holding Company of Nigeria at N4bn and not a single kobo paid as premium. When it was sold, the premium from PHCN was recorded in the balance sheet as asset. So, how do you take care of this? It means that the shareholders fund has to be increased in order to tackle problems like this. As long as PHCN is not paying, then of course, you can not take the premium as an asset. So, you have to make provision for it. This kind of problem made the Global Fleet Group to inject over N17bn into NICON in 2008. Then, we had issues with the Federal Government over NICON. It was settled out of court as consent judgement. The injection of fresh funds was expected to be done by all the shareholders but the federal government did not come up with one Kobo. That diluted the shares of the company and reduced what the FG owns.

What is NICON’s share structure now?

I don’t know the exact figure, but I know that Global Fleet is quite heavy in terms of the number of shares we own. It is now more than the 70 percent we initially bought. I think our control should be over 80 per cent now.

What about the clients, are they still mainly government agencies?

Things have changed greatly. Most of the clients we have now are mainly from the private sector. We also have the general public. It is expensive and risky doing business with government departments. Collecting premiums from them is usually difficult.

You also need to do a lot of public relations to get your premiums from them. No businessman would be interested in this kind of a thing. Today’s NICON is very strict and organised. No premium, no cover. This is why we now enjoy more patronage from members of the public. We are now building a realistic balance sheet and not the bogus one in which the government said NICON is capable of making N17bn from premium. These premiums are usually not paid. When they are added as part of a company’s asset, they become bogus.

What’s NICON’s income from premium as at today?

It should be around N5bn. This is okay for a company that we are just bringing back to life after years of decay. The income from premium has moved from the initial N2bn to N3bn and now N5bn. We are moving and making progress. In the next five years, we are looking at about N20bn income from premium.

But you see, we also have to look at the quality of risks we underwrite. We don’t just take any risk. What we discovered is that some risk would have occurred, after which the owner would quickly rush to the bank to pay the premium. You know they can go to any bank and take get our account number to make payments. They often think we would not investigate. This is a big problem in the insurance industry.

What about Nigerian-Re? Was it also in a very bad state when you took over?

Let me first correct the misconception about how I purchased Nigeria-Re. I did not buy Nigeria-Re from the BPE. It is so sad that some people said I bought Nigeria-Re for N1bn from government and used it to get loans running into several billions.

•JIMOH IBRAHIM That’s so sad. We did not buy Nigeria from the BPE. We bought it from the people who bought it from BPE. After running it for five years, they could not make progress and also owed Union Bank. So, Union Bank put it up for sale and we bought from the bank. Union Bank did not give us any loan to buy it.

Is Nigeria-Re now 100 per cent owned by Global Fleet?0 No, not at all. When N7.5bn was injected into the company sometime ago, our group put in N4.5 billion. The Federal Government that still partly owns it, did not come up with any money. We own about 70 per cent of the company. The Federal Government now owns about 13 per cent because of their failure to take up the fresh shares when it was ordered by court that N7.5bn be injected into NigeriaRe. They consented to the judgement but did not come up with any money. When we took over Nigeria-Re two years ago, the company was unable to meet the capital requirement for operations as a reinsurance company. Unfortunately for us, when we bought it, the regulators increased the capital requirement for re-insurance to N10bn.

Nobody would have touched it, if this had been obvious. I suspect that the former owners had a good knowledge of this and did not disclose it. When had paid for it before this new capital requirement was introduced. So, we had to tackle the challenge with all our might and we succeeded. Today, the shareholders’ fund of Nigeria-Re is over N10bn based on the last approved account. The company is doing incredibly well. We are hoping to start paying dividends from next year.

One of the allegations against you at the last public hearing on privatised companies was that of asset stripping at NICON. What’s your take on this?

I don’t think they know what they are talking about. We have injected N17bn into a company and somebody out there is talking about asset stripping. By this injection of funds, is the investor adding to the asset or reducing it? That aside, which asset are they talking about? I know some of the critics kept referring to one KPMG report. The KPMG report is illegal. This is because when government intervened in NICON in 2008, the board and management

Somebody at the public hearing also accused you of illegally taking all the cash in the London account of NICON. What is your take on this?

I don’t know where the cash is, in the London account of NICON. I hope they will come and help me locate the cash so that I can quickly go and take it. I have not taken any money from the London account of NICON. It’s all lies. Let’s assume that there were indeed cash in the London account of NICON. That cash will be part of the assets of the company. If you are selling an insurance company, the seller has to leave the policy holders’ money as well as the pensioners’ money. That’s the kind of money we met at NICON. For example, three months after we took over NICON, Sosoliso Airline’s plane crashed. Three months after, AOS airline’s plane also crashed and we paid N151m as claims. How would we have paid claims, if policy holders’ money had been taken away? You see, people ought to be appreciating us for turning around NICON and Nigeria-Re. They are now world class companies. You can check our approved accounts with the regulators. Because of the high failure rates in Nigeria, people are not even aware when things are being turned around by some patriotic Nigerians.

Some stakeholders alleged that you have, over the years, sacked thousands of people at NICON and Nigerian-Re because the companies are not doing well?

Under the purchase agreement, after six months, we can sack workers. The staff strength of NICON when I took over was around 1,200. Right now, it is about 1,300. So, you can see that it has increased. We are not compelled to keep inherited staff.

The key staff at NICON now are not those I inherited. Most of those we inherited walked out after collecting millions of naira from the BPE. The BPE caused a big problem in all the companies they privatised and this has been responsible for some of the failures recorded. At NICON, many workers resigned after we took over because of the huge money paid to then as gratuity/ pension by the BPE. BPE had a pact with the workers that once government firms are sold, they will be paid their pensions and gratuity. So, the moment they sold, BPE paid everybody. Many of them simply resigned after collecting their millions. My secretary then at NICON simply called and told me she was leaving after collecting about N26m from the BPE. Some at the management level, collected up to N85m. The truth is that pensions and gratuity are supposed to be paid after retirement.

Many of them with several more years left to serve were paid pensions and gratuity and they simply resigned. We could not control the others who stayed behind because the money BPE paid them got into their heads. So, if you tell a staff with N85m in his account to come for a management meeting by 8a.m the next day, he would not show up. We did not sack workers at NICON. BPE by that policy technically sacked the workers. I had to start recruiting and transferring people from our group

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

61

NEWS Tinubu, Ikuforiji, Ajomale urge ACN members to mobilise for victory

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EADERS of the Lagos State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday asked members of the party to mobilise for total victory at the local government elections scheduled for Saturday. They spoke on the danger of permitting an incursion into the 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which they said, opposed their creation in 2004.

Speaker of House of Assembly, Hon. Yemi Ikuforiji, party chairman, Chief Oladele Ajomale, his deputy, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, and Ikeja ACN leader, Chief Kemi Nelson, enjoined Lagosians to attach value to the exercise, noting that local governments are the closest to the masses.

The national leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, who spoke at the ACN stakeholders’ meeting at the Acme, Ogba office of the party, urged vigilance on poll day, charging party agents at the polling booths to be at alert.

He also called for unity, harmony and reconciliation among aggrieved members, assuring that no ACN member would lose out in the scheme of things after the poll. Urging party faithful to demonstrate commitment and utmost loyalty, he emphasised that the success of ACN on Saturday is their success.

Also, the Lagos State Secretariat of ACN alerted Lagosians to plans by some opposition politicians led by the PDP to destroy the credibility of the poll by withdraw-

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor and Jeremiah Oke

Oloro (Ojodu), Yemi Ali (Odiolowo/Ojuwoye), Kehinde Bamgbetan (Ejigbo), his

runnning mate, Bello Oke, Wale Odunlami (Ikeja), Benjamin Olabinjo (Ojokoro), his

running mate, Mrs Fausat Hassan Olajokun, Babatunde Adepitan (Mushin), Taofeek

Adaranijo (Orile-Agege), Jubreel Abdulkarim (Agege), Shamsideen Olaleye (Isolo), and Bolaji Ariyoh (Osodi-Isolo).

ing from the exercise. The Publicity Secretary, Chief Funso Ologunde, said PDP plans to announce the withdrawal of its candidates at a press conference slated for today in Lagos.

He also alleged that the opposition party was planning to instigate pockets of crises across the state during the election.

Ologunde, who is also the chairman of the party’s Campaign Publicity Committee, said PDP thugs are also planning to invade the remaining rally of the ACN at Mile 11, Amuwo Odofin by attacking ACN members with dangerous weapons.

He added: “We hereby call on all the security agencies to stand up to this challenge and reinforce every part of Lagos State against those who are bent on causing disharmony and unrest. We enjoin all members of ACN, our lovers and indeed, all Lagosians, to increase security consciousness, avoid provocation of all sorts and swiftly report all trouble makers to the police.

“We shall collectively overcome all challenges and contraptions against the march of Lagos State to greater glory”.

Ikuforiji, Mrs. Nelson, the Yeyesewa of Lagos, and Odunmbaku addressed a large crowd of party followers from 12 local governments at a rally held in Ikeja, where Ajomale presented flags to chairmanship candidates. The candidates are Oloruntoba Oke (Ifako Ijaye), Babatunde Oke (Onigbongbo), his running mate, Abiodun Ayoleke, Muyiwa

into NICON so that we could make progress. We did very well because it is an insurance company. Now, assuming it is a steel company requiring highly skilled manpower, how would they have been immediately replaced? This is the problem BPE’s action has caused in many highly technical privatised companies like automobile, cement and steel. The skilled staff simply left after collecting millions of naira from BPE. I think this is the reason why the highly technical companies like the steel mills are going down after privatisation. Their highly skilled staff resigned after BPE’s big pay.

0 In the case of Nigeria-Re, the staff strength was alleged to have gone down to 200 from about 2,000. Were they sacked?

Re-insurance is a technical business. In re-insurance, we deal only with insurance companies and not the general public. So, the customers available to re-insurance firms are the existing insurance companies. So, re-insurance companies don’t need huge staff to operate. There is no any re-insurance company in the whole world that runs with 2,000 work force as was the case with Nigeria-Re before privatisation. If there is any one like that in the world, let the critics mention it. We have fully computerised our operations at Nigeria-Re to meet global challenges. That is how it is done in developed countries. What we discovered at Nigeria-Re was that government used political considerations to load the staff strength and we had to quickly correct it. You can’t operate with huge staff in re-insurance companies. There are only two re-insurance companies in Nigeria. Go and ask the second one - Continental-Re - about the number of staff it operates with. With the situation of things now, we don’t need more than 100 staff to run a re-insurance company. It means we still need to reduce further our staff strength at Nigeria-Re. Again, the laws have changed. Insurance companies in Nigeria can now do their re-insurance anywhere in the world, unlike before when Nigeria-Re enjoyed a monopoly. That amendment is enough to kill a re-insurance company. Nigeria-Re would have gone under after this but for our re-engineering strategy. The BPE gave us an indemnity that that monopoly will remain. Now that the lawmakers have removed the monopoly clause, can the BPE pay the damages incurred by Nigeria-Re? The company is over 47 years are we don’t want it to go under.

Some stakeholders have suggested that the sales of NICON should be revoked. Would you be happy to take back your money and return NICON if such an offer comes?

Which NICON? That is not possible. I can tell you that when that kind of move comes, they will meet me in court. They have tried it once, when they sacked the management and board of the company in 2008. What happened at the end of the day? We got it back. It is not possible to retrieve NICON because what we

have invested is unquantifiable. Are they going to pay the principal and interest on the $44m payment I made six years ago? What about the N17bn I have injected into the company? What about all the efforts I have put into it all these years? Where will they get the money and what will they do with the company. It is not possible.

Anybody recommending that is just wasting his time. When they tried it with the firm that bought Ajaokuta, the firm went to court abroad and won. I was not in any way worried by the public hearing.

I have gone through all these before. The public hearing itself is questionable. They invited the seller but did not invite the buyers.

Obviously, they have violated the doctrine of fair play. They only wrote to the managing director of NICON and not to the managing director of the company that acquired NICON. Some critics at the public hearing claimed the law setting up NICON had not been repealed and that technically, NICON still belongs to the government of Nigeria. What is your response?

That’s not true. It was repealed and published in government Gazette No 6 of 2006, which says that the percentage to be offered to the core investor is 70 per cent. It was signed by Atiku Abubakar who was the chairman of the privatization council at that time. I am an experienced lawyer. There is no way I will go and buy what I know was not being genuinely sold. Critics should be looking at what we are doing at NICON and Nigeria-Re and using them to turn around other companies.

What is your message to those saying that NICON and NigeriaRe are not doing well?

If the companies are not doing well, how come NICON was given the National Productivity Award by President Goodluck Jonathan last year? Productivity award was established by an act of parliament.

It is the highest award that can be given to an enterprise. It was not given to Jimoh Ibrahim. What I have is OFR. I think the masquerade dancing at the back of NICON should come out so that we can see him. NICON is about 15 per cent of our group asset structure. We are ready to fight anybody trying to distract us.

Do you see yourself giving up NICON in the future if the pressure continues as was seen during the public hearing?

That is not possible. We were initially thinking of selling it after some few more years of running it. But that is no longer on the card.

I am a Nigerian and I am entitled to my rights. The money I used to buy NICON was not borrowed in this country. It was an inflow from Israel. Go and ask BPE. I heard one man at the public hearing saying that we borrowed money from Nigerian banks and used it to buy Nigerian assets. That not true. The money I used to buy NICON came from an Israeli bank. That’s an inflow of almost $50m. If anybody is thinking that we can be intimidated into selling NICON, that person is just wasting his time.

For the senators probing, I wish them the best of luck as long as they are not probing my family affairs. But some of the statements I heard some of them making were bad. I had some making conclusive remarks even before probing. I had them saying that 80 per cent of the companies privatized were not doing well.

Whereas, the BPE told them that over 70 per cent of the companies are performing. It was supposed to be investigative, but some of them took a position before it took off. Their conclusive remarks were embarrassing. We were probed by the last Senate. This Senate has also probed us. All these should stop. They should look at the agreements reached with the buyers before making statements.

We should concentrate our efforts on things that will bring about development instead of probing and probing. There was a time we paid about N400m as tax for NICON alone and some people are still saying the company is not performing.

There was also the allegation that NICON was not sold to Global Fleet Group but that you hijacked it?

Assurance Acquisition Limited that purchased NICON was a special purpose vehicle. The shareholders of AAL were also clearly defined under the shares purchase agreement. The purchaser is the special purpose vehicle, created by the following entity – Global Fleet Oil and Gas (30 per cent); Great Nigeria Insurance (20 per cent); Energy Destination (25 per cent); Broad Field (10 per cent); Oceanic Bank (five per cent); N-Glory (five per cent) and Niger Insurance (five per cent). Companies that are fully owned by me controlled over 85 per cent of the special vehicle.

The agreement binding us, on the payment for the purchase of NICON was that who ever fails to pay, his shares would be taken over by those who paid. About three of us paid; all owned

by Global Fleet and we took over the company according to the agreement. The payment to BPE was time-bound.

First, 10 per cent must be paid after winning and the rest within 90 days. If we fail, we will forfeit the 10 per cent to BPE. There was no way we could wait for them. In the SPA, I, Jimoh Ibrahim signed as the chairman of AAL. The Federal Government subsequently handed over •JIMOH IBRAHIM NICON to me.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

62

SPORT EXTRA

Super Falcons off to Cameroon T

HE Senior National Women’s Team, also known as the Super Falcons, will fly out of the country this morning for Saturday’s London 2012 Olympics Women’s Football Tournament final qualifier against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses.

The fixture is delicately poised after the Falcons could only edge their opponents 21 in the first leg played at the National Stadium, Abuja in August. Both teams were to

have squared off in the return leg last month but Cameroon appealed to Nigeria through world football-governing body, FIFA as their women’s team was involved in the 10th All-Africa Games in Mozambique.

Africa has two slots at the Women’s Football Tournament of the London 2012 Olympics, and one has been grabbed by South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, which edged Ethiopia in the other final qualifying fixture.

The delegation of 20 players and 11 technical officials will be led by the NFF’s Director of Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme. NFF President Aminu Maigari will join the contingent on Friday.

On Tuesday, Head Coach Eucharia Uche picked 20 players she believes will fly the country’s flag high inside the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Nigeria Football Federation has promised the players double of their normal

win-bonus, in order to ginger them to go all out and get a win in Yaounde.

PLAYERS ON THE TRIP: Precious Dede, Tochukwu Oluehi, Helen Ukaonu, Rita Chikwelu, Perpetua Nkwocha, Faith Ikidi, Onome Ebi, Osinachi Ohale, Francesca Ordega, Uchechi Sunday, Desire Oparanozie, Ebere Orji, Rose Umeh, Amenze Aighewi, Gloria Ofoegbu, Asisat Oshoala, Augusta Egwim, Glory Iroka, Cecilia Nku, Martina Ohadugha

Chelsea rout Genk 5-0 in CL • As Ramsey secures win for Arsenal

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Eucharia

ERNANDO Torres ended his Champions League goal drought in emphatic fashion as the Chelsea striker's double inspired a 5-0 demolition of Genk at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Torres had gone 875 minutes without scoring in Europe's elite club competition, a miserable run that dated back to April 2009 when he scored for Liverpool against Chelsea.

But the Spaniard finally got back on track with two clinical finishes against the woeful Belgian champions.

Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles opened the scoring with his first goal for the club, but it was Torres who took centre-stage with his brace.

Branislav Ivanovic added the fourth goal just before half-time and Salomon Kalou completed the rout in the second half.

Torres, who now has four goals in his last four appearances, will be back on the sidelines on Sunday as he serves the final game of his domestic suspension when Chelsea face QPR. But the much-maligned forward has done all he can to

ensure he returns to the team after that ban.

His efforts ensured Chelsea remain top of Group E, one point ahead of second placed Bayer Leverkusen, after the biggest win of boss Andre Villas-Boas's reign which equalled the club's largest ever Champions League victory.

Meanwhile, Substitute Aaron Ramsey struck in stoppage time to secure Arsenal a 1-0 victory over Olympique Marseille in an uninspiring Champions League Group F encounter on Wednesday.

Welsh international Ramsey fired home in the second minute of stoppage time in a disappointing game at the Stade Velodrome to leave Arsenal well placed to reach the knockout stage.

Arsenal have seven points from three games, one more than Marseille. Olympiakos have three with Borussis Dortmund on one.

Neither side created many chances. The hosts wasted their best chance when Lucho Gonzalez met Mathieu Valbuena's low cross but could only direct his effort wide across goal in the first half.

AC MILAN 2-0 BATE

Taye Taiwo plays for 90 minutes

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IGERIA'S left-back Taye Taiwo played for all 90 minutes in AC Milan 2-0 win over Bate in UEFA Champions League tie last night at the San Siro.

The Nigerian international who has faced alot of criticsm since joining the Milan outfit from Olympique Marseille at the close of last season, gave a good account of himself as AC Milan maintained their great start in the Champions League group stages at the San Siro, with a well de-

By Uchenna Ajah served result.

The home side missed a host of chances but still emerged the victors courtesy of two great goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kevin Prince Boateng.

The Italian champions started the match brightly putting the visitors under heavy pressure early in the game, and in the fourth minute Alberto Aquilani was handed a great chance to open the scoring but the midfielders close range effort sailed just over the bar.

Iniesta, Villa fire Barca A to victory spot of Andres Iniesta magic and a late David Villa strike lifted wasteful Barcelona to a 2-0 home win over competition newcomers Viktoria Plzen in Champions League Group H on Wednesday.

Spain playmaker Iniesta netted for the holders in the 10th minute at their Nou Camp arena but in the face of near-constant pressure on their goal the Czech side somehow managed to hold firm until Villa scored eight minutes from time.

World Player of the Year Lionel Messi had a frustrating night, twice hitting the post and several times being denied by last-ditch tackles.

The Argentine, competition top scorer the past three seasons, curled a long-range free kick on to the inside of an upright in first-half stoppage time and flicked the ball on to the post after a dazzling run early in the second

half.

Iniesta's goal came after a trademark quickfire passing move that left the visiting defenders in disarray.

He twice exchanged passes with Messi before dinking the ball around his marker and sidefooting narrowly inside the near post from close range.

Villa made sure of the three points when he followed up after a Messi effort and swept the ball high into the net.

Plzen, the Czech champions who are making their first appearance in Europe's elite club competition, barely threatened the home goal.

With three of six games played, Barca and AC Milan both have seven points after the Italian side beat BATE Borisov of Belarus 2-0. Plzen and BATE, who lost 5-0 at home to Barca, each have one point.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

63

TOMORROW

www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 7, NO. 1,919

‘But we have not yet gotten a hang of the process of choosing an outlook and creditable character – which serves to reinforce that sincere and passionate belief that somewhere between men and cattle, God created a tertium quid and called it ‘Nigerian.’ Apology to God’

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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HERE was no sign of the gloomy note on which the week closed. The usual cocktail of troubling events was there quite alright, but nothing suggested that any danger was on the way.

The Super (?) Eagles were shot down to earth by a less skillful but more determined Guinean side who taught our boys the bitter lesson that soccer is not all about big names. When the chips are down, the game is not just an exhibition of brawn and brains, but fighting spirit.

Sheer grit. But the postmortem was more mendacious than the shambolic performance on the pitch. Instead of being sober and apologetic in defeat, the boys launched into a nauseating blame game. In a Lagos preacher’s doomsday prediction that the crucial game would be lost was found an excuse for the loss. In fact, an official was said to have regretted not visiting the preacher for prayers to avert the looming tragedy.

This reporter saw it all on television in London. What a sad evening for a soccer loving nation. Many shunned dinner. The idea of Nigeria missing in action at the African Cup of Nations – the continent’s biggest soccer festival - was too much to imagine. Why mourn?

Isn’t the soccer tragedy a mere reflection of the grim situation into which the nation has been freely rolled by those who claim to be patriots? Besides, can a spiritually sick nation excel in anything, including soccer?

In Kaduna, where the Northwest zone of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held a meeting, some fellows mounted a campaign for Vice President Namadi Sambo’s candidature in the 2015 election. Many were wondering what was going on. President Goodluck Jonathan was busy in Abuja, battling to sell his seven-year single tenure agenda, a hard sell by all standards. Here was a group asking Sambo to drop his hat in the ring. But before much damage could be done, Sambo disowned the group.

Just a word, dear VP: this is just the beginning; more and more of such groups will rise to carry on this kind of gerrymandering so long as the government cannot separate governance from politics.

The problem is not just the failure of governance or the governance of failure going on in the name of governance. Nigeria is said to have dropped from 87 to 101 in the Forbes Best Countries for Business report. Nigeria, the ailing giant of Africa – by size only - is not among the best 10 countries in Africa. She is beaten by South Africa, Zambia and Ghana, our better organised neighbour.

The report did not surprise Nigerians. The human and material cost of doing business keeps going up. Electricity remains a big problem. Haulage is a nightmare. The roads are bad. The ports are hostile. Security has elbowed its way onto the front burner, propelled by the Boko Haram attacks, kidnappings, daylight robberies and assassinations. Factories are closing down, their warehouses now worship houses. For years, we have been talking about a huge textile revival fund, but Nigerians still import Ankara and other fabrics. Where is the

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

A distressful week

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If Obasanjo had any case against this newspaper, he should have gone to court. That is the civilised way to go.

Instead, he stampeded the Presidency into unleashing state terrorism on an innocent company doing legitimate business •Adoke

•Ringim

cash?

Before experts could finish analysing the report, it was announced that a massive sevenday power cut was on the way because gas suppliers would shut down for routine maintenance. If the authorities expected the announcement to shake the citizenry, they surely got it all wrong. Why? Many are tired of hearing that electricity generation has gone up by some megawatts, even as their homes remain in darkness. Businesses spend a fortune running electricity generating machines to power their factories. Many are barely surviving.

Making profits remains a mirage. Isn’t the Forbes report a tip of the iceberg?

University teachers reiterated their warning to go on strike. Apparently, the government was, as usual, waiting for the strike to happen before searching desperately for a way to stop it.

Amid the tension, the government revived its old threat of withdrawing petroleum subsidy. The plan is to stop a few individuals, who remain so powerful that they can’t even be named, from stealing the cash that should have gone into making life easier for us all and pulling the brakes on smuggling. Labour kicked.

Is the subsidy real? Isn’t this a mere euphemism for higher fuel prices? Get ready for a massive strike, the government was told.

RIPPLES I SHED TEARS WHEN BOMBS EXPLODED IN SULEJA–Gov Aliyu

and any EYEWITNESS sir?

I

F Nigerians expect the police to renew their vigour in combating crime anytime soon, they will have to wait for much longer. According to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr Parry Osayande, a former policeman himself who rose to the rank of Deputy InspectorGeneral (DIG) before retiring, the demons afflicting the police are so many that he did not seem confident they can be put in subjection quickly. Some of those demons, he said, were made by the police themselves, while the rest were the handiwork of an unreflective Federal Government. We now know that contrary to our wishes, redemption is neither near for the police, nor is the future of law enforcement bright in spite of Osayande’s great expectations.

Osayande offered his candid perspectives during the visit two days ago of Senator Paulinus Nwogu-led Senate Committee on Police Affairs to the Commission’s office in Abuja. It must be puzzling that the commission chairman said many harsh

IN THE NATION

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OLATUNJI OLOLADE

a forged letter; it was a deliberate attempt, rude and crude, to paralyse our operations.

The shocking event was by no means a local tragedy. The screeching effects of an invasion of a newspaper house was heard all over the world – in Austria where the World Editors Forum was holding; in Britain – the second home of many Nigerians where television stations broadcast the news – and America where it was seen as a terrible flashback to those heady days of military tyranny.

Why were the police so swift in their fiendish action? What scientific steps did they take before deciding that the letter was forged?

Obasanjo was said to have complained to the President who asked Attorney-General Bello Adoke to handle the matter. Adoke, easily excitable and irascible, called in Police chief Hafiz Ringim, who ordered the siege to this newspaper’s offices. If any other citizen had been the complainant, would Ringim have moved so fast?

There have been suggestions that we did not do enough checks before we ran the controversial correspondent. We did. No story gets published in this newspaper without going through strict tests of integrity to ensure conformity with the best traditions of the trade.

All Obasanjo wanted to know, as it has turned out, was the source of the letter. He and the police were looking the wrong direction. No reporter worth his pen would disclose the source of his information.

If Obasanjo had any case against this newspaper, he should have gone to court. That is the civilised way to go. Instead, he stampeded the Presidency into unleashing state terrorism on an innocent company doing legitimate business. After buckling under the weight of criticisms that trailed its action, the government released the detained journalists. But, the drama would not end. All of a sudden, a letter said to have been written by an invisible man who claimed to be the author of the letter we published was dumped on newspaper houses. The scam failed. No newspaper found it credible enough to run.

The other day when a Boko Haram bomb almost killed Ringim, the press rose in condemning the terrorist act. It is a wicked irony of fate that Ringim sent in his men to terrorise journalists. When the late dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha, threw Obasanjo into detention and death stared him in the face, the media did not wait to write his obituary. The world’s attention was drawn to his perilous fate. Now, he is full of bile against the media.

By allowing itself to be used as a tool in this devilish venture, the Presidency has further depleted its account in the bank of credibility; it was already in the red. Those who insist that the Jonathan presidency will be remembered for the string of controversies it ignited, rather than its use of power to better the lot of the citizenry, may well be proven right. But, why is the government so agile in proving them right?

These distressful events would have sent any serious government into deep reflections. Not so ours.

It was on this sobering note that I left Lagos on Friday on a 10-day break – the second in about six years. Then I was told of a letter sent to our Abuja office by the police, who invited me to help them in a case of alleged forgery they were investigating. From London, I called the officer in charge of the investigation who assured me that any senior member of the staff could assist them in the matter. The officer confirmed that the matter was in respect of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter which this newspaper published.

“Who is complaining?” “Everybody is complaining,” the officer said. “Who is everybody?” “Obasanjo, Presidency, IG; everybody,” he replied. I then got back to my colleagues who felt there was no need aborting my trip to face what was seen as a routine challenge. But, as it turned out, that was the beginning of a traumatic experience for us.

The police in Abuja detained Managing Editor Yusuf Alli and Head of Bureau Yomi Odunuga. In Lagos, a platoon stormed our office and snatched away seven members of the staff, including Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon. It then became obvious that the matter was more than a mere investigation of

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HARDBALL

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The police on the police

for candour, he also left the Police Force with an even solider reputation, which is probably why he is still relevant today. But while it is in the powers of the police establishment to correct many of their own ills, and they have strangely been remiss in doing it, it is harder to understand why they should complain about the other quasipolice organisations excised from them and designed to fill the gap left by police dereliction of duty over the years.

Indeed, the main dilemma that will confront friends of the police is whether to support the scrapping of the quasi-police organisations in order to prepare them for incorporation into the police; or to first get the police reinvented as a responsible, patriotic and effective law enforcement organisation. It would be easier for the police to help resolve that dilemma. For if they lost some powers in the past few decades or so to other agencies, there is nothing that says a few more cannot be taken from them and given to their better neighbours.

things about the police leadership, including their administrative inertia, indefensible and inexplicable corruption, and woeful deployment methods. For instance, out of 321,250 policemen, claimed Osayande, about 100,000 catered to private individuals, leaving the vast majority of Nigerians policed by constables. He also scathingly dismissed the Federal Government’s disruptive creation of competing agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, NSCDC and FRSC, all of which he said had bled the police of attention and funding. These other organisations, he surmised, were even better funded than the police.

It is difficult to fault Osayande’s appreciation of the problems confronting the Nigeria Police. He not only has a reputation

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